Contrarian Waiver Wire Strategy

[d18Mike]

Just wondering if anyone marches to the same drummer as I do in terms of completely ignoring a high waiver wire priority as a possible competitive advantage.

I'm in a 12-team, and there is such a prevailing paranoia about making a WW claim that most of the owners are paralyzed. So much so that grabbing a good player usually come down to who has the best Internet connection the nanosecond he falls into the FA pool.

Noting this, I've just said, forget it, and just use the waiver pickup on every occasion a guy comes onto the market I'm interested in. I'm typically 11th or 12th priority, but others paranoia about "wasting a claim" has really played to my advantage. I think the short term quality pick-ups I've made by using the wire will outstrip the contribution of any big name claim.

Let's face it. How often does a must-have superstar drop onto the wire in 12-team. Once maybe twice a year. In a 10-team there are so many decent FA options, that it's not even an issue.

Well, it has worked for me.

Thoughts?

[Lofunzo]

Any time that I'm somewhere between 8-12 in a 12-team league, I will just use it. Others, I try to analyze it to see whether someone would pick up the player. I also play in a league where most use their waiver priority. It's easy when no one uses it.

[thehat]

Waiver priority has a lot more importance in AL only or NL only leagues. In a universal league, the only edge to holding a high priority is if there are quick triggered owners in the league that cast loose "buy low" talent too soon.

[slomo007]

Waiver priority has a lot more importance in AL only or NL only leagues. In a universal league, the only edge to holding a high priority is if there are quick triggered owners in the league that cast loose "buy low" talent too soon.

Agreed, however there are notable exceptions...I personally am holding out for Upton.

[BigMusky]

I got burned by that exact thing on Ben Sheets early (april). I thought he would hit the FA market and a guy grabbed him with the last pick. I am up to the #1 slot though now...so maybe it will work out that I can get another top 10 pitcher (yeah right).

[matmat]

i've done that in the past... this year, however, I "wasted" a relatively high priority on randy winn, among others...

[john gardner]

You make an excellent point. thanks,

[mikcou]

in a normal 12 team league it doesnt really mean much i usually just use it when i see a player I want

[Trazcon]

I'm usually 11th or 12th too. I could care less about high waiver priority. If I don't pick up that "superstar" that's ok. My best waiver wire pick up was Carlos Beltran a few years ago.