No matter if the stakes are high dollars or nothing but pride, competitive fire is alive in most fantasy sports leagues. As in any competition, there will always be arguments over what is fair, or what is the optimal form of competition.
Some fantasy players like to forgo the usual playoff format in which the top teams in the league get to start over and battle each other head-to-head in the same tournament style that the real-life sports leagues use. The reason for eschewing this traditional contest is that it seems unfair for a team to dominate the entire regular season, only to lose the championship because of one unlucky week.
In other words, if you are smart enough to draft a good fantasy team that racks up points all season long, those points should count for something. This logic is completely understandable.
Fantasy football is dominated by head-to-head league formats. If other formats exist, very few fantasy players know about them or are interested in trying them. Perhaps because the NFL plays their games once a week on Sundays or perhaps because of the rival nature of football fans, head-to-head leagues are here to stay in fantasy football.
In baseball, however, there is the rotisserie league option. A rotisserie league keeps a running total of all your stats for the season and matches those totals against the rest of the competitors in the league. If there are 10 teams in the league, for example, you would get 10 points for having the most home runs, another 9 points for having the second most RBI. You would get only one point for having the least amount of pitching wins.
I have played both rotisserie and head-to-head formats in fantasy baseball, and I believe the rotisserie is the most fair format. In rotisserie leagues, home runs hit in April count just as much as home runs hit in August. If your fantasy team steals 14 bases during a week in June, it does a lot more than just win you one fantasy point in a head-to-head league. Those 14 stolen bases can vault you to the top of that stat category and keep you there for a while, perhaps gaining you three or four points toward your total score.
Another drawback to head-to-head leagues is the luck of the matchup. Say your team is having a terrible week, but so is your opponent's team. Say your team had the second worst week of all teams in the league, but because your opponent had the worst week, you win more points than teams that had good weeks. Does this sound like a fair way to keep score?
There may not be any way to take luck completely out of the competitive equation, but rotisserie leagues come pretty close. A rotisserie league allows you to stack up a team of fantasy players agaisnt the rest of your league and say, "I can rack up more points than the rest of you by season's end." In head-to-head leagues, this is never the case whether you have playoffs or not.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A Frustrating Fantasy
Have you ever been watching the baseball highlights or checking the box scores to see, for example, that the Texas Rangers, a team that has two of your fantasy players on it, scored 20 runs, only to find...
You click on the box score to see how many of those runs will go toward your winning cause and find that one of your players didn't play and the other one, usually some star like Josh Hamilton, went 0 for 6?
Sometimes, fantasy sports can be quite frustrating. Yesterday, Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox hit three home runs and drove in seven. I saw this highlight on television. I rejoiced a bit, because I have Konerko on two of my fantasy baseball teams.
Then I check my totals for the day on my head-to-head league to find that my team total yesterday was three home runs and 8 RBI. Basically, my team consisted of Konerko's monster day and nothing else to speak of.
My opponent's team also hit three home runs and drove in more runs than I did, so he maintained his comfortable lead in those categories.
My only point to be made here is that fantasy sports often lack any rhyme or reason. Just when it looks like you are getting on a roll in some way, you are cut down to size.
You click on the box score to see how many of those runs will go toward your winning cause and find that one of your players didn't play and the other one, usually some star like Josh Hamilton, went 0 for 6?
Sometimes, fantasy sports can be quite frustrating. Yesterday, Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox hit three home runs and drove in seven. I saw this highlight on television. I rejoiced a bit, because I have Konerko on two of my fantasy baseball teams.
Then I check my totals for the day on my head-to-head league to find that my team total yesterday was three home runs and 8 RBI. Basically, my team consisted of Konerko's monster day and nothing else to speak of.
My opponent's team also hit three home runs and drove in more runs than I did, so he maintained his comfortable lead in those categories.
My only point to be made here is that fantasy sports often lack any rhyme or reason. Just when it looks like you are getting on a roll in some way, you are cut down to size.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Triple Play
One of the head-to-head fantasy baseball leagues I have played in for the past few years likes to include triples as one of the scoring categories. In years past, if your team could score one or two triples during the week, it was nearly a guarantee that you would win a point.
This year, things are changing. At first I thought it was just a fluke when a couple of my opponents scored four or five triples in a week, but it continues to happen and I am convinced we are seeing more and more triples than usual.
I purposely drafted guys like Curtis Granderson, Matt Kemp and Adam Jones because they have the speed to leg out triples. Last week, I scored two triples, but lost that point to a team that scored five triples, including two from Michael Cuddyer, a guy who only had four triples all of last season.
Last year, there were only five guys that reached double digit triples for the season. Those players were: Carl Crawford, Fred Lewis, Stephen Drew, Curtis Granderson and Jose Reyes. At the half way point of the 2009 season, there are 15 players with at least four triples already.
The Kansas City Royals currently lead the league in triples with 26 as of today. Last year, they only logged 28 triples.
The entire major league total, however, doesn't show signs of an increase. The grand total for triples in 2008 was 858. In 2009, the running total at the moment is 382.
So, am I the apparent victim of continual statistical flukes, or am I on to something interesting?
Are we seeing more speedy guys joining major league teams, perhaps replacing the juiced-up sluggers of the steroid era?
In all my years of watching baseball, it has been very clear that speed is the primary cause of triples. It isn't a coincidence that the top base stealers in the the league also have the most triples. However, triples can also come from perfect ball placement, such as a ball hit right into the corner of the outfield, up against the fence, where the outfielder has to take an extra three second digging the ball out. So, triples are often a result of luck.
It is certainly possible that I have been the victim of some bad luck this season where the triple is concerned, but it could also be that players and teams are adding speed and hustle to their game to make up for the lack of thump in their lineup. It will be worth watching closely the rest of the season.
This year, things are changing. At first I thought it was just a fluke when a couple of my opponents scored four or five triples in a week, but it continues to happen and I am convinced we are seeing more and more triples than usual.
I purposely drafted guys like Curtis Granderson, Matt Kemp and Adam Jones because they have the speed to leg out triples. Last week, I scored two triples, but lost that point to a team that scored five triples, including two from Michael Cuddyer, a guy who only had four triples all of last season.
Last year, there were only five guys that reached double digit triples for the season. Those players were: Carl Crawford, Fred Lewis, Stephen Drew, Curtis Granderson and Jose Reyes. At the half way point of the 2009 season, there are 15 players with at least four triples already.
The Kansas City Royals currently lead the league in triples with 26 as of today. Last year, they only logged 28 triples.
The entire major league total, however, doesn't show signs of an increase. The grand total for triples in 2008 was 858. In 2009, the running total at the moment is 382.
So, am I the apparent victim of continual statistical flukes, or am I on to something interesting?
Are we seeing more speedy guys joining major league teams, perhaps replacing the juiced-up sluggers of the steroid era?
In all my years of watching baseball, it has been very clear that speed is the primary cause of triples. It isn't a coincidence that the top base stealers in the the league also have the most triples. However, triples can also come from perfect ball placement, such as a ball hit right into the corner of the outfield, up against the fence, where the outfielder has to take an extra three second digging the ball out. So, triples are often a result of luck.
It is certainly possible that I have been the victim of some bad luck this season where the triple is concerned, but it could also be that players and teams are adding speed and hustle to their game to make up for the lack of thump in their lineup. It will be worth watching closely the rest of the season.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
From The Rise of Adam to The Fall of Zito
Fantasy football season must be getting close, because, though it is still only June, I am already starting to set up my league for the winter. Sound crazy? It really isn't when you think about it. The first game is Sep. 10th; that is less than three months away. There is a draft to get organized, players to invite including those suckers that fill out the last three spots in the league.
I just wanted to mention football and put the thought into everyone's head for a second. In the near future, I will actually start ranking some players and talking fantasy football strategy.
In the meantime, we are heading in to the hot days of summer when the baseball starts flying a little farther and the superstars of the MLB often start settling into a groove, the kind of groove that will win you your league when all is said and done.
One player to keep your eye on is Adam LaRoche of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is his time of year. He has been heating up of late with eight hits in his last four games including two homers.
If you have LaRoche or can get LaRoche, start getting him in your lineup. This is the time of year you will be watching sportscenter and will see a highlight of LaRoche hitting two bombs in one game.
I hate to say this, but I think Barry Zito may be done putting up good numbers this year. I hope I am wrong, but his last two starts have him looking very hittable. Forget the stats, though they aren't good for the last two games, and just watch the hitters at the plate against Zito. They don't looked baffled anymore like they did for the first couple months of the season. For the time being, I am not starting Zito until those hitters look a bit more confused.
I just wanted to mention football and put the thought into everyone's head for a second. In the near future, I will actually start ranking some players and talking fantasy football strategy.
In the meantime, we are heading in to the hot days of summer when the baseball starts flying a little farther and the superstars of the MLB often start settling into a groove, the kind of groove that will win you your league when all is said and done.
One player to keep your eye on is Adam LaRoche of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is his time of year. He has been heating up of late with eight hits in his last four games including two homers.
If you have LaRoche or can get LaRoche, start getting him in your lineup. This is the time of year you will be watching sportscenter and will see a highlight of LaRoche hitting two bombs in one game.
I hate to say this, but I think Barry Zito may be done putting up good numbers this year. I hope I am wrong, but his last two starts have him looking very hittable. Forget the stats, though they aren't good for the last two games, and just watch the hitters at the plate against Zito. They don't looked baffled anymore like they did for the first couple months of the season. For the time being, I am not starting Zito until those hitters look a bit more confused.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Why You Should Pick Up Tony Gwynn
My fantasy baseball team is struggling. If only I could go back in time and pick up some legendary player like Tony Gwynn. That would lift my team batting average about 50 points. You may not be able to pick up the original model, but what about the new and improved Tony Gwynn Jr.? Well, Maybe not improved.
Gwynn Jr. was a part-time player in Milwaukee for the past three seasons, and he never had much to write home to Dad about. Now that he is playing for the Padres, the same team his Hall-of-Fame Dad played for, he is tearing it up.
Gwynn Jr. is hot at the moment with eight hits in his last four games, so at the very least you are picking up a hot player for the short term. If Dad's lessons sunk in with junior over the years, you may be picking up the next Ken Griffey, Barry Bonds, or Prince Fielder. It is worth a shot.
Baseball has a history of sons coming into the league and playing better than their fathers. This is clearly due to the vast amount of baseball knowledge and baseball experience these youngsters were privy to while growing up. They know the game in ways that others cannot.
If you look at Gwynn Sr. and his stats you will see that Gwynn Jr.'s stats for the 2009 season strongly resemble those of Gwynn Sr. in his prime years, including a lot of potential stolen bases.
Gwynn Jr. was a part-time player in Milwaukee for the past three seasons, and he never had much to write home to Dad about. Now that he is playing for the Padres, the same team his Hall-of-Fame Dad played for, he is tearing it up.
Gwynn Jr. is hot at the moment with eight hits in his last four games, so at the very least you are picking up a hot player for the short term. If Dad's lessons sunk in with junior over the years, you may be picking up the next Ken Griffey, Barry Bonds, or Prince Fielder. It is worth a shot.
Baseball has a history of sons coming into the league and playing better than their fathers. This is clearly due to the vast amount of baseball knowledge and baseball experience these youngsters were privy to while growing up. They know the game in ways that others cannot.
If you look at Gwynn Sr. and his stats you will see that Gwynn Jr.'s stats for the 2009 season strongly resemble those of Gwynn Sr. in his prime years, including a lot of potential stolen bases.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Why I Traded Away My Only Closer
Chad Qualls is a great closer. The problem is, he was the only one I got through my auto draft in my fantasy baseball league. You are probably saying, "That is why you shouldn't do auto drafts." Well, it was the only option because of time constraints and that is just the way it goes.
Most of the other teams in my league have a minimum of two closers; some teams have as many as four or five. There is really only one statistic that closers help you with and that is saves. I used to think they help with ERA and WHIP and strikeouts, but they really don't.
When you consider a good closer might pitch an average of three times a week, which usually adds up to three innings a week, that only adds up to three strikeouts and three innings of scoreless baseball, and that is only if they pitch well. If they blow one of those saves, there is a good chance they will hurt your statistics more than help.
So, saves is really the only category they help with. Still, fantasy baseball players hoard closers and value closers like gold, because good ones are so hard to find. So, my only option, if I want to trade for some closers, is to give away something valuable in return, like a good hitter who helps me every day of the week in about eight different categories, potentially. There is no way I would trade away a good hitter just to improve my saves category.
Besides my closer situation, I have one other weak spot on my team and that is third base. I have tried everything to get a consistent third baseman that I can count on week in and week out; they have all failed miserably. So, I offered my only closer, Qualls, for Aubrey Huff of the Orioles. The guy snapped it up right away. So, I get Huff who will improve my Home runs, RBIs, runs, batting average, and doubles, and he gets more saves.
I think it was pretty shrewd on my part. Of course, he thinks he is getting a great deal, which makes it a great trade.
In case you think it isn't a good idea to do what is known as "punting" a category in fantasy sports, I punted the saves category last year as well and won my fantasy league.
Getting rid of closers also opens up more roster spots for more starters or more position players, making it nearly impossible for other teams to compete with you in those areas, because their team is full of closers or potential closers that may or may not even pitch in a given week. Starters and position players are easier to control because you know when they will be playing.
Of course, some leagues have scoring formats that may favor closers more than the standard scoring systems, so take that into consideration before dumping all your closers. If all you are getting is saves, however, and you need something more important on your team, closers work as great trade bait.
Most of the other teams in my league have a minimum of two closers; some teams have as many as four or five. There is really only one statistic that closers help you with and that is saves. I used to think they help with ERA and WHIP and strikeouts, but they really don't.
When you consider a good closer might pitch an average of three times a week, which usually adds up to three innings a week, that only adds up to three strikeouts and three innings of scoreless baseball, and that is only if they pitch well. If they blow one of those saves, there is a good chance they will hurt your statistics more than help.
So, saves is really the only category they help with. Still, fantasy baseball players hoard closers and value closers like gold, because good ones are so hard to find. So, my only option, if I want to trade for some closers, is to give away something valuable in return, like a good hitter who helps me every day of the week in about eight different categories, potentially. There is no way I would trade away a good hitter just to improve my saves category.
Besides my closer situation, I have one other weak spot on my team and that is third base. I have tried everything to get a consistent third baseman that I can count on week in and week out; they have all failed miserably. So, I offered my only closer, Qualls, for Aubrey Huff of the Orioles. The guy snapped it up right away. So, I get Huff who will improve my Home runs, RBIs, runs, batting average, and doubles, and he gets more saves.
I think it was pretty shrewd on my part. Of course, he thinks he is getting a great deal, which makes it a great trade.
In case you think it isn't a good idea to do what is known as "punting" a category in fantasy sports, I punted the saves category last year as well and won my fantasy league.
Getting rid of closers also opens up more roster spots for more starters or more position players, making it nearly impossible for other teams to compete with you in those areas, because their team is full of closers or potential closers that may or may not even pitch in a given week. Starters and position players are easier to control because you know when they will be playing.
Of course, some leagues have scoring formats that may favor closers more than the standard scoring systems, so take that into consideration before dumping all your closers. If all you are getting is saves, however, and you need something more important on your team, closers work as great trade bait.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Boy, Was I Wrong About Liriano
Seven earned runs including a grand slam given up to Jermaine Dye? Could that be correct. Ok, that's baseball, I guess. You never know what is going to happen, right?
The Twins have now lost six in a row, but I am still faithful. They will turn things around and turn it around really soon, maybe.
Did Orlando really just beat the Cleveland Cavs? I saw the score tick across the screen and I thought it said Cleveland was ahead by like 40 in the first quarter. I wonder how many people didn't bother watching the game because of the early score. I guess we all missed a classic comeback. Of course, that is the beauty of television these days; I'm sure they will replay it soon.
Orlando made somebody a lot of money tonight as nine-point underdogs. The money line on that game must have paid at least 4-1 odds.
Another day is in the books in the world of sports and it was a fun one. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I will talk about why I traded away Chad Qualls, my only closer on my fantasy baseball team.
The Twins have now lost six in a row, but I am still faithful. They will turn things around and turn it around really soon, maybe.
Did Orlando really just beat the Cleveland Cavs? I saw the score tick across the screen and I thought it said Cleveland was ahead by like 40 in the first quarter. I wonder how many people didn't bother watching the game because of the early score. I guess we all missed a classic comeback. Of course, that is the beauty of television these days; I'm sure they will replay it soon.
Orlando made somebody a lot of money tonight as nine-point underdogs. The money line on that game must have paid at least 4-1 odds.
Another day is in the books in the world of sports and it was a fun one. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I will talk about why I traded away Chad Qualls, my only closer on my fantasy baseball team.
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