Anyone in a 16 team league? Any advice?

[Cleveland Steamers]

I am probably participating in a 16 team league this year. I am wondering how many people have participated in a league this size? It is going to be a keeper league but I still am unsure on how a 16 team draft will run. Im not sure of the strategies involved. Does anyone know of a 16 team mock draft that I could see or particpate in? I would love to join a 16 team mock. Thanks for the help.

[red]

I'm in several leagues of 16+ teams; it's the same, except if you're in 5x5, then take speed and saves early. If you don't get speed and saves in the draft it's almost impossible to trade for in a big league. There won't be enough on the waiver wire to go around or pad your stats.

[Pokeyouindaeye]

Watch the waiver wire and FA list. That'll make or break your team.

[NZF]

A do and a don't.

Do ensure you know the Top 400 odd players in baseball if you're playing a 16 team league.

Don't like I did last year, draft 2 OF's with your first two picks. First year in a 16 team league and I thought I had a cunning plan.

[Cleveland Steamers]

Ive heard some say to go for 2 stud pitchers early, but it seems that would completly screw your offensive team since you wouldnt get a top 25 hitter for sure. Im having some problems on deciding on what general direction I will be taking early in the draft.

[AKhomebrewer]

Watch the waiver wire and FA list. That'll make or break your team.

Bingo. Draft for balance, but be willing to go bold on the wire later.
Sometimes you've got to gamble in order to beat other owners to a player who may be either lightning in a bottle or a pig in a poke. But after a 16-team draft, you'll usually find yourself with a couple expendable dudes.

[Niffoc4]

Something I found useful late in my 19team keeper league's draft was writing out the needs for each team... and just paying attention to who is taken before you. So if closers are going, then get a closer, with the league being bigger this is much more important than in a smaller league. Also become very acquainted with rookies, players returning from injuries and closers in waiting

[bleach168]

The thing about a 16-team league is that every team is going to have its problem spots. Even if you think you have the perfect team, injuries will occur and the waiver wire will look pretty bleak. Good quality reserve players are a must if you want to win these big leagues.

[bleach168]

Also, try to get exactly two closers. Three is overkill as no one else will have more than two and one isn't enough because you're competing against 15 other teams scouring the waiver wire for potential closers (who are going to kill you ERA and WHIP anyways).

[Absolutely Adequate]

In bigger leagues, I've found it easier to punt a category. So if you are falling way behind in speed during the draft, I just give it up. With so many teams, nobody's team will be tops in every category.