Strategy
The Mega-Challenge Trade
A version of this article was previously published at ESPN.com. In a recent ESPN piece, I wrote about how I was dealing with my under-performing pitching staff. One idea I offered was trying to trade my bad eggs for someone else’s equally bad eggs. Maybe a “change of scenery” could work for fantasy players too.…
Read MoreWhat are the odds of finishing in the money after a slow start?
Over the past week, I have been asked that question twice. “What are the odds of finishing in the money after a slow start? I recall you mentioning the odds in an article at one point, and they weren’t real good.” No, the odds are not good. But this seems like a good time to…
Read MoreNegotiating Change, part 2
In Part 1, I attempted to orchestrate some change in the free agent bidding process by working up negative backlash towards live bidding events in order to sell the idea of the Vickrey Method. The email exchange continues… JOSH PALEY, 2000 CDM Diamond Challenge Winner: As for which auction method is preferable, I suspect that if…
Read MoreNegotiating Change, part 1
The Tout Wars experts leagues made a constitutional change this season that eliminated a rule that had been in place for about a decade. After a bunch of wrangling, Tout tossed the Vickrey method for free agent bidding. There were two reasons for this change, only one of which was really valid in my mind.…
Read MoreBABS Goes to Tout Wars
AL/NL-only leagues are incredibly challenging, moreso today than when they were first introduced in 1984. The burgeoning disabled list, platooning and incessant roster turnover have diminished the importance of Draft Day. In redraft leagues, it’s particularly difficult to achieve an optimal roster structure. And if just one owner employs a strategy that skews the auction…
Read MoreBABS in Keeper Leagues
When thinking about BABS in keeper leagues, it is helpful to start by defining what makes a player protectable from one season to another. It really comes down to one broad statement: Any player that you would not be able to get back in the draft at his current price, or less, is potentially protectable.…
Read MoreBABS in Auctions
I’ve been playing in auction leagues for 30 years. And for 30 years I’ve worried about optimal budgeting, getting the best values and not overpaying for players. I’ve agonized over whether to go an extra buck, how long to stay in bidding wars and making sure I spent all my $260. BABS says I worry…
Read MoreThe Best Seed to Draft From
I thought I had it figured out. When given a choice as to what seed to draft from, there was never a decision to make. It was always crystal clear. Here is the standard advice I have been giving those who’ve asked the question (from the Baseball Forecaster): “Most drafters like mid-round so they never…
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