What's in a Strategy?

There are so many strategies that can take place during a fantasy baseball draft. Do you draft knowing that there are only 3 "studs" at shortstop? Or do you wait on starting pitchers til the end of the draft hoping you find a few diamonds in the rough? Or perhaps not draft any closers until your last rounds, like all the experts tell you to do with kickers in football? Well I will leave you all with another thought, how bout you take the best player available all the time.

If you are given enough knowledge about your league, you can draft the best player available in every round and end up with a superior team. Why is Dustin Pedroia drafted in the mid-2nd round? People believe the need is for a strong 2nd baseman and shortstop, the "weaker" spots in fantasy. I'm going to lead you all in another direction.

Don't reach for players if you decide to "tier it up." Just because Jose Reyes is the last shortstop in your top tier does not mean that you should fret and go after Jimmy Rollins early because you missed out on Reyes. I'm providing you some options at each position that you can rely on with your last few picks so that you have the availibility to draft the best player available.

Catchers:

Don't worry if you don't get Joe Mauer. He's completely replaceable. Go after A.J. Pierzynski 18 rounds later and get a perennial .290 hitter with power numbers even slightly better than Mauer's.

Others: Kelly Shoppach, Cleveland; Chris Snyder, Arizona.

1st Basemen:

When looking at getting players late, you must realize there will be deficiencies. At the first baseman position, it will typically be big power numbers with little else (.250 batting average).
If you miss out on elite options, go after .300 hitters like Conor Jackson, James Loney, Carlos Guillen or Casey Kotchman. If it is power you need, look towards Mike Jacobs, Jason Giambi, or Paul Konerko to provide 30 home run power late in the draft.

2nd Basemen:

While people believe this is an extremely thin position, there are options here. Players like Mark DeRosa, Kelly Johnson, and Mike Aviles can provide valuable depth at a position thought of to be shallow. Unless I'm grabbing Kinsler or Utley, I'm waiting. The difference between Dustin Pedroia and Mike Aviles is not as vast as you may believe.

Shortstops:

Let's be honest, Ramirez and Reyes are on a planet of their own with shortstops. If Rollins can get back to 2007, he will be joining their ranks. But after those guys, you can afford to wait. Players like Yunel Escobar, Ryan Theriot, and don't scoff, but Edgar Renteria, can be of valuable service at the end of the draft. Even though Renteria has lost a step, it is no surprise that he is a much better player in the NL.

3rd Basemen:

Very similar in terms of gettin production late in the draft, you will have to focus on the weaknesses of your team. 20-25 HR potential players include: Joe Crede, Jorge Cantu, Edwin Encarnacion, and a possibly healthy Troy Glaus. If you're looking for steals, it is best to look elsewhere from these bashers.

Outfielders:

Don't count out forgotten players like Eric Byrnes, Hideki Matsui and Jeff Francouer. If given an opportunity, all three of these guys could shine like they used to in fantasy leagues all around. There are so many talented outfielders that many get lost in the mix, don't forget that each of these guys have ceilings higher than many ranked ahead of them.

Starting Pitchers:

I know I've mentioned starting pitchers to target late in drafts in a previous post. Reports out of A's camp say that Trevor Cahill might capture the 5th spot in that rotation. If that is the case, this talented stud could be on the fast track to fantasy magazines. Keep track of him throughout Spring Training. Ubaldo Jimenez had an amazing WBC, and can definitely be relevant in fantasy talks.

Any pitchers worth drafting late are probably also worth picking up in the first few weeks of the season. Don't put too much into pitchers doing great or struggling in Spring Training. Keep early tabs on starters through their first round or two of the season and pick them up accordingly.

It is important to notice that you don't have to reach for catchers early if a run starts on them. You should be the person dictating the pace of your draft, not somebody else. Don't reach for players unless they are a must-have for your roster. There are comparable players at every position, you just need to stay ahead of the curve. Don't be afraid to take a risk, because it is known that there are valuable commodities on your waiver wire at every turn. How many people drafted Ryan Ludwick last season?

Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Fantasy