The moment all fantasy baseball fans have awaited for has arrived; Draft Day! Past champions are dusting off their trophies. Contenders are looking to improve from season's past. Even the Pretenders want to make a strong impression in the early goings. All great seasons are built on the foundation that is Draft Day. For the best draft experience possible, take a look at my top five “mistakes to avoid” on Draft Day.
Bonus: Strasburg will join elite aces
No. 5: Draft Players who aren't on your Favorite Team
We all have favorite teams out there. I was born and raised a Yankee fan and will remain one until the day I die. However when it comes to Fantasy Baseball, I'm not just going to pick Yankees' players or former Yankees' players. All teams (in real life and fantasy baseball) need a balance. I understand there are leagues that only pick their favorite teams' players. That's all fine and good, but those aren't real fantasy leagues. It's no different than watching baseball on television and looking for the results the next day. There's no strategic value in drafting your favorite team's players. It may seem like fun, but it puts the “fan” into fantasy and takes out the thinking.
Bonus: Fantasy baseball sleepers
Now that's to say you shouldn't draft players from your favorite team. If I have a choice between C.C. Sabathia or Bud Norris, I'm drafting Sabathia (even though Norris is still a good pitcher). In the end, you need to draft the best player you can. I just get frustrated with people who look over players like Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano because they don't play for the right team. Fantasy Baseball is about building your team, not copying a Major League team.
No. 4: You can wait on drafting a First Baseman
First Base is one of the most plentiful positions in Fantasy Baseball. Fantasy players should become mesmerized with a Paul Goldschmidt or a Chris Davis during the draft. There are other first basemen later in the draft who will give a little less, if not equal production. For instance Mike Napoli is ranked as the 162nd best player in Fantasy Baseball according to ESPN.com. He hit 23 home runs and drove in 92 RBI for the Red Sox last season. While he's not Goldschmidt (ranked 4th) or Davis (ranked 12th) numbers, Napoli is still good. Comparing the statistics are pointless, provided you don't play in a positional head-to-head league. Consistent numbers are the way to go when it comes to winning a fantasy league championship.
Mark Teixeira and Ryan Howard are both ranked in the 200s according to ESPN.com's overall fantasy rankings. Nick Swisher, who hit 22 home runs, drove in 63 RBI and walked 77 times, is ranked 242nd. There is depth at the position. For comparison's sake, don't fall “in love” with the fancy new car. Get a vehicle that will work and last you a long time.
No. 3: Team Names. Choose them with "class, not trash"
My high school history teacher had a famous phrase he used in class. He said to do things in life “with class and not trash.” I believe the same lesson can be applied to Fantasy Baseball team names. Whatever name you choose, please do show with class and honor in mind. While you may think it's cool to name your team “Jay Z's third eye” (a name I've seen in the past) or something to that effect, remember that other people can see your name. They (maybe potential jobs employers) may not think your team name is professional. Names matter, even in Fantasy Baseball.
Joe DiMaggio once said when asked why he plays hard all the time, “because there's at least one person in the stands that has never seen Joe DiMaggio play before." There's at least one person that has never met you who will see your team name. Leave them with an honorable and respectful impression of yourself. I mean unless you think “Jay Z's third eye” is respectful.
No. 2: Don't accidentally draft a “retired” player
This tip should be self explanatory, but surprisingly it isn't. I've found that some fantasy players will not do their research ahead of draft day to know which players are injured or even with a team. For instance, I was in a draft last year. One player (in the middle rounds mind you) drafted Johnny Damon. This was at the point where Damon hadn't signed with a Major League team. He didn't even play in 2013 and that fantasy player finished second to last in the league.
The draft guides don't automatically update players who haven't officially retired. Fantasy players need to know their baseball and steer clear of players who may not play during the upcoming season. For instance, please remember Ryan Dempster is not playing in 2014. He has to deal with some family issues. However he isn't officially retired and may appear on some draft boards. Be aware of who your drafting and how healthy they are.
No. 1: Don't wait when it comes to “weaker” positions
Remember when I said to wait on drafting first basemen. Well make sure you don't wait when it comes to other positions. For instance, take a look at catcher. Joe Mauer is moving to first base and may not be eligible at catcher in some leagues. Other than Buster Posey and Yadier Molina, there aren't great catchers you can build your team around.. If you have a late first-round pick (any pick past eight) and can draft Posey, do so. Only 12 catchers on ESPN.com are ranked on the Top 250 list. Waiting too long will hurt your fantasy foundation going forward.
Get the stronger players at the weaker positions first and then build around from there. Getting a good catcher and second baseman (even shortstop) is key to any Fantasy Baseball draft. Don't fall in love with the “fancy pieces.” Winning a fantasy baseball championship requires a balance of power, strength and speed. Stocking up at one position could hurt your championship stock in the long run.
What do you think of these tips? Are there any other draft day “no-no's” you want to suggest? Put them in the comments section below.
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