Draft Strategy...WHIR

[doubleplay122000]

So I've been toying with the idea going into my draft this year focusing on winning 6 out of the standard 10 categories each week (I know, I know, the point is to win the majority of categories each week). Specifically speaking, Runs/SB/AVG/SV/ERA/WHIP, so I'd target offensive players who hit near the top of the lineup, have and have a ton of speed, along with closers/set up guys and cheap starters who put up good ratios.

I was wondering if anyone here has attempted this before. I've read about people trying it and have heard success stories using this strategy, but I wanted to see what the Cafe thought. Along these lines, I'm also curious to see what round you would start taking closers in (12 team league), and any guys who would work really well here that might be a little less known (ie I know Reyes, or Ichiro work well, but who else?)

WHIR if you leave a link

[wtu]

Ive tried this last year and i don't recommend it. At best you would be a slightly above .500 team and you cant predict things like injuries, other teams getting waiver players that may match yours etc. I would stick to a well rounded team that leans towards certain stats, its safer and at least you have a chance at a 1st rd bye should you make the playoffs.
Thanks for mine

[gkrake]

I don't play H2H, so I wouldn't know about the strategy, but I can speak to the closer issue. I traditionally like to snag two top Closers in rounds 5-6 (like papelbon if he falls, then Nathan/KRod/Rivera). If you can get those two with those pics, you don't have to fool with questionable closers as those guys are locks.

All speed team:
C - R. Martin
1B - D Lee
2B - B Roberts
SS - Reyes/Furcal
3B - Figgins
OF - Ichiron
OF - Victorino
OF - Crawford
OF - Ellsbury
OF - Bourn/Gomez

Help with mine? http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=370909

[eric]

Thanks for the help. I've never tried this and honestly wouldn't want to so I probably can't help you that much. I've thought about picking the strategy of "guaranteeing" wins in certain categories before, but have come to the realization that this won't always happen and you will probably just end up with a mediocre team. As far as what round to take closers, in my 12 team H2H league last year Papelbon went in the late third round and KRod in the early fourth. If you wanted to snag these guys you'd probably have to take them very early.

[asquad89]

While I'm not a fan of diving head-first into this type of strategy, I also play head-to-head and typically try to build my team around speed and average. So for instance, a guy like Reyes (duh) combined with a Crawford or Rios type guy, and you're looking at a significant advantage every week in SBs and runs, and good AVG too. I also like to target the Denard Spans of the world -- lower profile, but great speed and hit for decent average.

As for the closers, I'd be sure to lock up a guy with a for-sure starting job by round 11 or 12 -- it doesn't have to be Papelbon or Rivera, just a guy with a job, like Heath Bell or Qualls or whoever. Then I'd take a couple fliers on lower-value RPs later in the draft, and see which ones pan out.

Good luck man.

help me? viewtopic.php?f=26&t=370919

[shoelessjoetara]

I don't play in a H2H league so I wouldn't know how to answer your question but if it is like a roto league I wouldn't suggest that sort of strategy simply because it is like punting a category in roto and that is something I just don't do.

[The Artful Dodger]

First off, SB is the one stat that's the most random week to week. I wouldn't recommend winning SB for that reason. It's best to emphasize homerun hitters because of their trickle-down effect on the other countable stats besides SB.

If your league has IP minimums, a MR/CL strategy has less weight. Not only that, one blow-up or two could cost you the week. It's best to have a few starters who yield good K rates as well as a bullpen that can provide in ratios as much as they do saves (or holds).

[mj85]

First off, SB is the one stat that's the most random week to week. I wouldn't recommend winning SB for that reason. It's best to emphasize homerun hitters because of their trickle-down effect on the other countable stats besides SB.

If your league has IP minimums, a MR/CL strategy has less weight. Not only that, one blow-up or two could cost you the week. It's best to have a few starters who yield good K rates as well as a bullpen that can provide in ratios as much as they do saves (or holds).

agree 100%

I would also add that I typically do not draft a closer until after round 10. I'll try to take 2-3 of them in the 10-17 rounds. I usually load up on the best bats available for the first 4 rounds, then start to think a bit more about position. That said, I rarely take a pitcher in the first 5-6 rounds. This allows me to focus on high K rate pitchers will good upside in the 7-10 rounds, snatching up a good bat that trickles down my way as well. My teams are usually built around power and scoring, with a few guys like Victorino or Ellsbury that help to balance out the speed issue. I mostly agree with the though of "don't pay for saves" (that is unless they are cheap).