Here are a few more tips as we get closer to the start of the season.
Keep up with the latest news - Nothing is worse than drafting a guy only to realize that he's going to start the season on the DL thanks to a off the field injury in the off season. It only takes a few minutes each week to get up to speed on the latest happenings around major league baseball. I like to check out rotoworld.com for any hot stories or breaking news.
Pay some attention to spring training action - We've all heard that spring training stats are meaningless, but there are some signs to watch for during these games. How are certain guys rebounding from last season's injury? Who is the manager using after the starting pitcher? It's not usually who gets the saves in spring training, it's usually who the manager goes to after the starter is done for the day. Is that hot rookie getting playing time? These are just a few things to watch for as the games get going.
Refine your rankings and practice drafting - After you're gone through and moved a few guys around based on your gut as well as who you'd rather draft, it's time to put it to the test. Mockdraftcentral.com is an excellent place to try out your draft strategy. They offer free mock drafting almost every half hour, with serious people and quality results. Try drafting from a few different draft positions and see what happens. Try taking a SP first. Mix things up to see how your teams ends up. It'll give you a rough idea of when you can wait on guys and when you need to jump on that guy a few rounds earlier. Obviously ever league is different, so you have to know where your league might be different, but this is a good place to start.
Get to know your league mates - This seems obvious, but unless you're in a league full of long time friends, chances are these guys you're playing with are strangers. It could be a phone call, email or an instant message, but make contact with as many league mates as you can. It'll build some kind of relationship that will come in handy down the road. After all, this is supposed to be fun. I've met people all over the world through fantasy baseball.
Next time I'll run through some of my initial thoughts on some sleepers and busts and give a little clearer definition on each.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Draft Prep - Part 1
Before you know it spring training will be here. Now is the perfect time to start getting your rankings started and prepping for your draft(s). I'll go through a few things I like to do to get ready for the season.
Know your league rules This seems like an obvious one, but you'd be surprised how many people don't realize that there are 12 teams instead of 10 or that your league starts 5 OFs instead of 3. It never hurts to run through the roster requirements as well as your scoring system. It could effect who you take in the draft or when you draft a certain position. If you've been in a league for a while, you can still check with your commissioner on any changes to the rules this year.
Start with a deep list of players at each position I like to start my draft prep by grabbing list of at least the top 30 players at each position. OF, RP and SP are obviously deeper, but it depends on what your roster requirements are. I usually just grab the list from one of the major sites (mlb.com is a good place to start). I also try and grab a list of the top prospects that have a chance to either make a roster this spring or to be called up during the year. These guys might not be draft worthy, but you'll need to familiarize yourself with the names in case you hear them later as potential call ups or if they tear up the Catcus league.
Quickly re rank players based on your gut reaction This is going to change, but I like to get my initial reaction to the rankings and adjust them by which players I'd rather draft and which I'd rather pass on. This gives you a quick run down of who you'd likely to draft if you had to.
Scan a few sleeper, bust and breakout lists Be careful when doing this that you don't get too swayed by one person's opinion. I like to get a broad range of opinions so I can form my own opinion when the draft comes around. This also gets you familiar with some of the hot names that might go earlier than they should. It could also provide a list of guys who might be bargains.
Next I'll dive into the stats and how to make sense of the numbers. It can be overwhelming, I'll try to make it a little easier. I'll be pulling for the Cardinals next Sunday as the NFL season comes to a close. That should signal that opening day isn't that far off.
Know your league rules This seems like an obvious one, but you'd be surprised how many people don't realize that there are 12 teams instead of 10 or that your league starts 5 OFs instead of 3. It never hurts to run through the roster requirements as well as your scoring system. It could effect who you take in the draft or when you draft a certain position. If you've been in a league for a while, you can still check with your commissioner on any changes to the rules this year.
Start with a deep list of players at each position I like to start my draft prep by grabbing list of at least the top 30 players at each position. OF, RP and SP are obviously deeper, but it depends on what your roster requirements are. I usually just grab the list from one of the major sites (mlb.com is a good place to start). I also try and grab a list of the top prospects that have a chance to either make a roster this spring or to be called up during the year. These guys might not be draft worthy, but you'll need to familiarize yourself with the names in case you hear them later as potential call ups or if they tear up the Catcus league.
Quickly re rank players based on your gut reaction This is going to change, but I like to get my initial reaction to the rankings and adjust them by which players I'd rather draft and which I'd rather pass on. This gives you a quick run down of who you'd likely to draft if you had to.
Scan a few sleeper, bust and breakout lists Be careful when doing this that you don't get too swayed by one person's opinion. I like to get a broad range of opinions so I can form my own opinion when the draft comes around. This also gets you familiar with some of the hot names that might go earlier than they should. It could also provide a list of guys who might be bargains.
Next I'll dive into the stats and how to make sense of the numbers. It can be overwhelming, I'll try to make it a little easier. I'll be pulling for the Cardinals next Sunday as the NFL season comes to a close. That should signal that opening day isn't that far off.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Baseball is back!!!
After a fun and wild football season, I'm back to talk fantasy baseball. With pitchers and catchers reporting in only 24 days, spring training is just around the corner. I wanted to start off the 2009 season by reviewing some of the biggest names that have changed teams and the impact that could make on their stats. New York's teams have seen most of the biggest signings, so let's start there...
C.C. Sabathia SP NYY, Mark Teixeira 1b NYY & A.J. Burnett SP NYY - We'll start with the Yankees who are back in the game with a big splash this off season. Getting arguably 2 of the best SP options, as well as one of the best free agent bats, give the Yankees a huge makeover in one fail swoop. They'll still have Arod, Jeter, Cano and the rest, but with Teixeira they get a legit power option to replace Jason Giambi and solidify the 1b position. Teixeira can hit anywhere, so this move doesn't boost his value a ton, but hitting in that lineup is bound to help his numbers. The pitchers' value should get a bigger bump because of the run support they're likely to get, as well as having Mariano Rivera closing games. Sabathia will still go as one of the top 5 SPs, while Burnett's still an injury risk, but could give you solid numbers if you're willing to take the risk.
Fransisco Rodriguez RP NYM & J.J. Putz RP NYM - The Mets made their own splash across town by adding 2 of the best bullpen arms available. KRod maintains his top position in the closer rankings but coming off a career high in saves should give you a slight pause if you're planning to draft him. Putz's value takes a huge hit as he'll set up KRod now, but he's worth grabbing later as he could fill in nicely if KRod were to get injured.
Matt Holiday OF OAK - Another of the top bats moves from the friendly confines of COL to the spacious OF in OAK. We all know the perception that Coors Field has, but we also know that Holliday can hit anywhere. It's yet to be seen how much of a hit his value will take, but I'm betting on him still putting up 1st or 2nd round numbers. He could be a steal if he falls to far.
Kerry Wood RP CLE - After a great comeback with the Cubs last year as a closer, he was shipped to CLE to take over there. He's always an injury risk, but proved he could handle the role well last year. I'd be willing to gamble on him again, but make sure you grab some insurance late.
Those are just a few of the big names that have changed teams this off season. We're still waiting for Manny Ramirez to sign, but where ever he lands he should produce, as long as he's happy.
I'll be back soon to layout my writing plan for the year as well as touch on some draft tips as we get closer to the start of spring training. Stay tuned.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to plug a couple of great sites to check out. www.fantasybaseballtrademarket.com as well as www.mockdraftcentral.com are a couple of great places to start your preparations for the 2009 season.
C.C. Sabathia SP NYY, Mark Teixeira 1b NYY & A.J. Burnett SP NYY - We'll start with the Yankees who are back in the game with a big splash this off season. Getting arguably 2 of the best SP options, as well as one of the best free agent bats, give the Yankees a huge makeover in one fail swoop. They'll still have Arod, Jeter, Cano and the rest, but with Teixeira they get a legit power option to replace Jason Giambi and solidify the 1b position. Teixeira can hit anywhere, so this move doesn't boost his value a ton, but hitting in that lineup is bound to help his numbers. The pitchers' value should get a bigger bump because of the run support they're likely to get, as well as having Mariano Rivera closing games. Sabathia will still go as one of the top 5 SPs, while Burnett's still an injury risk, but could give you solid numbers if you're willing to take the risk.
Fransisco Rodriguez RP NYM & J.J. Putz RP NYM - The Mets made their own splash across town by adding 2 of the best bullpen arms available. KRod maintains his top position in the closer rankings but coming off a career high in saves should give you a slight pause if you're planning to draft him. Putz's value takes a huge hit as he'll set up KRod now, but he's worth grabbing later as he could fill in nicely if KRod were to get injured.
Matt Holiday OF OAK - Another of the top bats moves from the friendly confines of COL to the spacious OF in OAK. We all know the perception that Coors Field has, but we also know that Holliday can hit anywhere. It's yet to be seen how much of a hit his value will take, but I'm betting on him still putting up 1st or 2nd round numbers. He could be a steal if he falls to far.
Kerry Wood RP CLE - After a great comeback with the Cubs last year as a closer, he was shipped to CLE to take over there. He's always an injury risk, but proved he could handle the role well last year. I'd be willing to gamble on him again, but make sure you grab some insurance late.
Those are just a few of the big names that have changed teams this off season. We're still waiting for Manny Ramirez to sign, but where ever he lands he should produce, as long as he's happy.
I'll be back soon to layout my writing plan for the year as well as touch on some draft tips as we get closer to the start of spring training. Stay tuned.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to plug a couple of great sites to check out. www.fantasybaseballtrademarket.com as well as www.mockdraftcentral.com are a couple of great places to start your preparations for the 2009 season.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Early look at 2009
I'm back after a vacation break and wanted to wrap up the 2008 season by looking ahead to 2009. Let's take a quick look at what could be next year's first round.
1) Adrian Peterson RB MIN - If leading the league in rushing is considered a down year, then I can't wait to see with AP does in a good year. He'll be 24 in 2009 and still has room for improvement. If MIN gets a professional QB, look out. You won't be disappointed with this #1 overall selection.
2) Micheal Turner RB ATL - What else can you say about Turner and the whole ATL team? They shocked everyone and made the playoffs this year. Turner evolved into a stud in the 2nd half after a few down weeks early on and can only build on his break out year.
3) Maurice Jones-Drew RB JAC - With Fred Taylor out of the picture, MJD is set to be a stud next year. I could see him take a huge step in production as the Jags bounce back after a disappointing season.
4) DeAngelo Williams RB CAR - Wow. He was clearly the #1 RB this year after a huge season that saw many multiple TD games and some big yardage totals as well. It's yet to be determined how much more work Jonathan Stewart might see next year, but you can't argue with the results so far.
5) Matt Forte RB CHI - Forte brought a new dimension to the Bears' offense this year and should continue to see his production increase next year. With the added value his pass catching ability brings, Forte is a solid #1 RB next year.
6) Brian Westbrook RB PHI - If not for his continuing injuries he'd be right up there with AP. No one can argue with his production, but with the uncertainty of McNabb his ranking is uncertain.
7) Frank Gore RB SF - SF is another team on the rise and if Shaun Hill can solidify the QB position, Gore's potential could still be realized. He's a great #1 option with upside.
8) Andre Johnson WR HOU - The first WR off the board really stepped up this year and finally connected with Matt Schaub at a new level. With the emergence of Slaton, Walters and Daniels, HOU finally has the weapons to keep the pressure off of Schaub and the double coverage away from AJ.
9) Marion Barber RB DAL - This stud RB slides down the list after an up-and-down year that brought some injuries and the emergence of 2 quality backs behind him. I wouldn't worry too much about Choice or Jones next year, but be sure to grab one of them. I could see a similar situation to the Giants' this year, but Barber is still the guy to own
10) Drew Brees QB NO - Brees finally showed his potential this year as the Saints offense exploded despite missing its' best WR and RB for a majority of the year. The sky is the limit next year if Colston can stay healthy and their defense doesn't get any better.
11) Steve Slaton RB HOU - Slaton had to overcome a number of obstacles this year and really showed his value for HOU. He's a dual threat that can get the tough yards inside as well. HOU is on the rise and Slaton will be a major part of it.
12) Chris Johnson RB TEN - The 3rd rookie RB to move into the first round, Johnson would be much higher if not for Lendale White. I expect his touches to increase and White's to decrease, but White should still get the goal line work. That will keep him from moving into the top 5...yet.
There you have it. You'll notice some big names that didn't make the list (LT, Addai and Jackson), but they could provide huge value in the 2nd round if you're lucky enough to have them fall in your lap.
Now onto baseball, but I'll be back to talk football around draft time.
1) Adrian Peterson RB MIN - If leading the league in rushing is considered a down year, then I can't wait to see with AP does in a good year. He'll be 24 in 2009 and still has room for improvement. If MIN gets a professional QB, look out. You won't be disappointed with this #1 overall selection.
2) Micheal Turner RB ATL - What else can you say about Turner and the whole ATL team? They shocked everyone and made the playoffs this year. Turner evolved into a stud in the 2nd half after a few down weeks early on and can only build on his break out year.
3) Maurice Jones-Drew RB JAC - With Fred Taylor out of the picture, MJD is set to be a stud next year. I could see him take a huge step in production as the Jags bounce back after a disappointing season.
4) DeAngelo Williams RB CAR - Wow. He was clearly the #1 RB this year after a huge season that saw many multiple TD games and some big yardage totals as well. It's yet to be determined how much more work Jonathan Stewart might see next year, but you can't argue with the results so far.
5) Matt Forte RB CHI - Forte brought a new dimension to the Bears' offense this year and should continue to see his production increase next year. With the added value his pass catching ability brings, Forte is a solid #1 RB next year.
6) Brian Westbrook RB PHI - If not for his continuing injuries he'd be right up there with AP. No one can argue with his production, but with the uncertainty of McNabb his ranking is uncertain.
7) Frank Gore RB SF - SF is another team on the rise and if Shaun Hill can solidify the QB position, Gore's potential could still be realized. He's a great #1 option with upside.
8) Andre Johnson WR HOU - The first WR off the board really stepped up this year and finally connected with Matt Schaub at a new level. With the emergence of Slaton, Walters and Daniels, HOU finally has the weapons to keep the pressure off of Schaub and the double coverage away from AJ.
9) Marion Barber RB DAL - This stud RB slides down the list after an up-and-down year that brought some injuries and the emergence of 2 quality backs behind him. I wouldn't worry too much about Choice or Jones next year, but be sure to grab one of them. I could see a similar situation to the Giants' this year, but Barber is still the guy to own
10) Drew Brees QB NO - Brees finally showed his potential this year as the Saints offense exploded despite missing its' best WR and RB for a majority of the year. The sky is the limit next year if Colston can stay healthy and their defense doesn't get any better.
11) Steve Slaton RB HOU - Slaton had to overcome a number of obstacles this year and really showed his value for HOU. He's a dual threat that can get the tough yards inside as well. HOU is on the rise and Slaton will be a major part of it.
12) Chris Johnson RB TEN - The 3rd rookie RB to move into the first round, Johnson would be much higher if not for Lendale White. I expect his touches to increase and White's to decrease, but White should still get the goal line work. That will keep him from moving into the top 5...yet.
There you have it. You'll notice some big names that didn't make the list (LT, Addai and Jackson), but they could provide huge value in the 2nd round if you're lucky enough to have them fall in your lap.
Now onto baseball, but I'll be back to talk football around draft time.
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