How to Do an Auction Draft
February 8th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
I’ve spent a good deal of time of late talking about average draft position and snake drafts but have spent comparatively little time talking about auctions. I’ll rectify that situation today.
Auction Rules
There are, of course, a myriad of ways that one can set up an auction league, but for the sake of simplicity I’m going to set a baseline for our discussion. I’ll go with the “standard” setup in my example.
$260 budget
14 hitters: C, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, CI, MI, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, UT
9 pitchers: P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P
6 bench spots: any combination of players you like
This is the basic setup, whether you are talking about a mixed league or a league specific setup (AL or NL only).
Stars and Scrubs
Stars and Scrubs is just what it sounds like. You spend as much as you can to roster the elite talents, and then you fill in around them with cheap options. What this strategy does is enable you to roster elite level talent at key positions. However, you end up having to “hit it big late” as you’re left to fill in around your seven or eight star level players with bunch of $1 and $2 options. If you are lucky/smart and grab cheap guys who pay off you are in great shape (if you grabbed guys like Aubrey Huff, Angel Pagan and Neftali Feliz last year you would have been doing cartwheels), but if you don’t, it can be a long season. Plus, what happens if one or two of your “Stars” goes down with injury? If that happens your roster is sunk because you won’t have the depth needed to overcome that loss from the top of your roster. Basically, this is an all your eggs in one basket type approach.
Personally, I don’t like this option as I tend to go for the “Balanced Approach” which I will discuss next.
Balanced Approach
The mutual fund of auction options, the Balanced Approach allows you to evenly spread your risk over a series of assets instead of going top heavy with pyramid type setup. Instead of spending $30 on a handful of players and then filling in with cheap $1 and $2 options around them, you roster a balanced squad filled with a bunch of players in the $10-$15 range. This strategy will leave you without the top heavy stars of the previous plan, but you have more freedom to build your roster. Think about it. If you have a bunch of cheap players because you don’t have the resources to spend, then you are limited to rostering players that no one else wants. If someone goes $3 on the guy will you be able to afford going the extra dollar? Probably not in the Stars and Scrubs approach. In the Balanced Approach you have more wiggle room to fill out your roster with players you actually want. Plus, if a $12 player goes down you’ll likely be able to replace that, whereas if that $30 guy goes down you are hosed.
Tier Based Drafting
If you are new to auctions this is a solid approach to take as it gives you a blueprint of what to spend for each position at the draft. Here’s an example of how you could divvy up your cash to fill out your roster (let’s use a 70 percent offense, 30 percent pitching split for the sake of this example).
Hitters: $30, $25, $20, $20, $15, $15, $10, $10, $10, $10, $5, $5, $4, $3
Pitchers: $25, $15, $15, $10, $5, $3, $2, $2, $1
Of course, you can move the numbers around anyway you like. You can allocate more funds to pitching, or hitting, and make the necessary changes to your budget. You can also easily modify the slots during the draft. Let’s say for your last $10 offensive player you only spend $7. You can then add the “extra” $3 to your first $5 hitter meaning you’ll know have $8 to spend on that slot.
Again, this is a nice outline to follow in many cases, especially when you are new to putting a roster together through an auction.
Some final general rules…
* Don’t slavishly follow any plan. If there are bargains out there, jump on them.
* Don’t be afraid to go an extra dollar or two if you really think the guy can be a difference maker. At the same time, do not get tunnel vision. Don’t wildly overpay for a player just because he is your “guy.” Remember, your resources are limited.
* Don’t be so scared to bid early that you miss out on the best players. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of your draft with $9 still left. At the same time, don’t be afraid to wade in slowly if the players you’re targeting aren’t named or if people are overpaying early. Sooner or later that scale will tip toward you allowing you to maximize your assets.
* Mix up the players that you present for bidding. Don’t always name players that you want. Throw someone out there that you know others desire and let them spend their money. Also, don’t be afraid to zig early. You don’t have to throw out the name of Miguel Cabrera or Hanley Ramirez off the start. Why not try to sneak a ‘Chris Iannetta for $2′ out there early? You might be able to find a bargain while others are focused on the superstars.
Speaking of that, here is a pet peeve of mine. Don’t the guy who tosses Albert Pujols out there for $1. You know Pujols will go for more than $30, so even if you don’t want him at least say “Pujols for $24″ or something like that. You don’t want your draft lasting seven hours because of needless bids.
And that brings up my last point – know the player pool. If you think things go fast in snake drafts, things fly in auctions. You won’t have time to research a player to decide if he is worth going that extra dollar. You’ll need to know it — now. A knowledge of the player pool and budgets can also be helpful. Why not toss Chase Headley out there for $4 early? You might catch people off guard and end up with a bargain, or you might initiate a bidding war that will cause others to reach because they don’t really know how much they should spend on Headley.
Have fun with it. If you go the route of auction drafts, snake drafts may never seem the same again.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Auctions, Audction Draft, Balanced Approach, Stars and Scrubs, Tier Based Drafting
By Ivar Anderson on Feb 9, 2011
Excellent article. I, too, tend to follow the balanced approach to setting up an auction team. Of course, you must always target bargains, as value is important in an auction, even more so than a snake draft. You covered most of the points I made this winter in my football auction draft article published elsewhere.
Don’t know that I’d want Chris Iannetta at $2, though, even if it seems a bargain.
By Ray Flowers on Feb 9, 2011
Ivar-
Thanks for the reply.
As for Iannetta —
per 450 at-bats in his career: 20 HR, 75 RBI.
Only two catchers went 20-75 last year – McCann and VMart.
By dinordi on Feb 10, 2011
Hey Ray,
What would be a good budget amount for a 28 player 12 team league?
By Ray Flowers on Feb 10, 2011
DINORDI:
You have to stick with the $260 budget.
What you do is this.
How many starters do you have? I recommend the 23 listed in the article. That leaves 5 bench players.
Here is what you do with the $.
*** You have $260 to spend on your 23 starters.
*** The bench players are added by a simple snake draft.
That way you can stick to the $260 figure everyone uses, and then still fill out your bench.
By steve on Feb 17, 2011
My League wants to change it up to an auction keeper.
1. What site do you recommend using better? Yahoo or CBS?
2. With 9 pitchers do you have an innings limit? If so what is a good recommendation (1250)?
3. I like the idea of $260 budget for starters and snake for bench, but I don’t see how to get the league setup that way(for ex on yahoo). If we needed to stick with the regular auction for the bench players should I just change the budget to $270?
Any advice would be helpful and appreciated….
Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Feb 18, 2011
STEVE:
1- Yahoo is simple and straightforward.
2- Normally there is only a downside limit (like 700).
Really depends on how you want your league to work. Do you want to allow “streaming” of pitchers or not? If you have a FAAB budget, or if you set your lineups once a week an upper IP limit doesn’t matter.
3- Auctions on line can get tricky for the reserve rounds. In the past, this is what we have done.
Spend you $260 on starters – but given each team $1 for each bench spot, so if you have 5 reserves each team gets $265, if you have 6 bench spots, $266.
ISSUE – make sure everyone knows that (A) they have to fill out their starters in the first 23 rounds, (B) that reserve/bench picks are all a dollar. You dont want someone saying ‘well i’ve got $18 left I didnt spend, so I’m gonna go $3 on my bench guys.
Hope that helps.
By Bob on Feb 19, 2011
Hello Ray.
I enjoy listening to on the 1 hour commute home keep up the great work. I am in a 5×5 10 team keeper league im keeping Lester(7) Tulo(21) i need to decide which one of the following to keep, i lose the round i drafted them in for 2011
longoria(2) Josh Johnson (4) Cole Hammels (6) Kershaw(8) …THANKS
By Ray Flowers on Feb 19, 2011
Thanks for the kind words Bob. Glad we can keep you entertained.
Of the 3 pitchers, the best option is obviously Kershaw. 8th round with him is killer.
Still, I’d keep Longoria. Evan is going as a top-10 overall option, so he’s a fine value at #2 round. I’d keep him and then just dive back in and get one of the pitchers when you are drafting.
In a 10-team league, there is NO reason to keep two hurlers if you get only 3 keepers. Pitchers will still be everywhere.
By Jeremy on Feb 21, 2011
Nice article, Ray. I’m in a 12 team keeper league with a $260 cap. We keep 10 each season. I’ve been offered Longoria ($41) for R. Zimmerman ($29). As of now, I’m inclined to keep Zimmerman, and save the $12 to use in the auction re-draft pool. I feel Zimmerman is a better value at $29, and don’t think Longoria is worth $12 more. Is that wise? Or should I take the deal and have the top 3B in fantasy?
By Ray Flowers on Feb 21, 2011
Keep Zimmerman.
He’s not that far behind Longoria in 5×5, and certainly not worth the extra $ of about 40% – especially since that is pretty high for Longoria, though its not awful considering it’s a keeper lg. with inflation.
Hold on to the Nats third sacker.
By Steve on Feb 22, 2011
I’m in an auction league with a twist. Players are listed on 3×5 cards and come out in random order. Albert Pujols could come out first, or 250th, therefore money management is even more important. It also speeds up the action, no waiting on an owner to see who is nominated next. The next card is drawn from the pile and the bidding starts immediately.
By Ray Flowers on Feb 22, 2011
Steve-
Never heard of it done that way. I don’t know if I really like it since it takes away your autonomy to put together a club filled with exactly the players you want, but it certainly is a different way to do it.
By Paul on Feb 23, 2011
Steve- Your leagues auction style is interesting.
How do you guys draft sleepers? Or players that haven’t been written on cards?
Also what happens if a players card gets drawn and no one wants him? Does he get thrown out or does an owner have to claim him?
By Steve on Feb 28, 2011
When we’ve gone through all the cards,we revert to a snake draft (by dollars remaining) to fill the rosters with uncalled players and those called but not bid on.
By Bill on Mar 3, 2011
I am new to auction drafts. Is it normal to see the biggest names nominated first? Is it better to establish a value for the next level of players first? Is it better to nominate a player at a position that is already picked over when you still have a need, or wait for someone else? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 3, 2011
Bill-
Like I wrote in the article – I’m all about throwing out lesser known names to try and confuse people, or sneak in a guy or two you want at a cheap rate. That works great early in drafts.
YES – If I have Chase Utley at 2B, next time I get a chance to nominate I’m tossing out Dan Uggla. Next time Ian Kinlser, next time Martin Prado. Let others spend their money – leaves them less likely to overbid on your guys.
By lorenzo on Mar 4, 2011
I enjoyed your article. Brings a new point of view for my auction. Well, I’m in a NL 12 team 4×4 roto league and bidding gets out of hand (ex. H.Ramierez 55 pts / Holiday 44). What do you think about me keeping dickey 10pts, J.bruce 29 pts, benfocio 5 pts & M.Tejada 12 pts?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 4, 2011
Lorenzo, when you say pts, do you mean the same thing as dollars? Are you using a 260 pt. system?
By Tim on Mar 4, 2011
I’m looking to draft Morneau for my 1B. What are your thoughts on Morneau’s return this year?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 5, 2011
Tim- With an ADP of something like 50, I’m not touching him.
If healthy we can pretty much assume 30-100, but I have NO idea when or if he will be 100%. I think both he, and Morales, are being draft too early. At some point the value is there, but even when that occurs, I’m not likely to call out the name of either.
By lorenzo on Mar 5, 2011
Sorry about that terminology. Yes both are the same thing. By the way, I have D.Brown (phillies at 10 2s) should I reserve him and lose a year.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 6, 2011
Lorenzo –
does seem like bidding gets out of hand in that league of yours. $55 for hanley is insane.
I’d keep Brown – really good long term value.
Bruce is expensive, but if your league goes bonkers for guys, I say keep him. Tejada ain’t bad at $12 either, maybe a little high.
By Ed in DC on Mar 7, 2011
Ray, appreciate the pitching articles. I am a big believer in bats early and arms late and think this insight will help a great deal. Most guys in my league load up early on the big names and the DeLa Rosas and the Daniel Hudsons of the world will just sit there. Fine by me….that is how I won the league last year. Anyways, I do chase saves but will not pay early. I know this all could change by April 7th but do you have any thoughts on the ability for these guys to keep their closer roles based on what we are seeing this spring…Hanrahan, Lyon, Putz, and Thornton if he ends up being the guy? Thanks. Ed
By Ray Flowers on Mar 7, 2011
Ed-
Bats early, pitching late = sounds good to me.
In general, I dont worry about spring training too much. It’s such a short period of time.
Follow my mantra – target skills not role.
Hanrahan and Thornton have dominating skills.
So does Putz when healthy, and unlike first two, he has NO competition for saves in ARI.
Lyon has the role, but doesn’t have the skills. He’ll have to hope he can channel his inner Ryan Franklin.
By Kenny on Mar 8, 2011
In an auction keeper league for first time, how would you go about getting rookies or guys you would want for years to come? Im thinking about throwing strasburg and harper out early trying to get people to spend money then sneaking a guy like dustin ackley late. Are there any other up and comers to take a chance on? Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Mar 8, 2011
Kenny-
Not a bad idea. It depends how long you can protect guys. Strasburg isn’t going to help this year, and Harper maybe not even next year.
People tend to overspend on youngsters in keeper leagues. I’d almost go in the other direction and target guys with 4-6 years of big league experience. Those type of guys could very easily be undervalued as people focus only on rookies.
By Tim on Mar 11, 2011
I am looking for a kit that can imput the projected stats of players while I am drafting so I can see what I am limited on. I have done a great deal of prep work for this years draft, but am concerned about losing focus during the draft. Do you know of any free programs or kits?
By Jim on Mar 11, 2011
Ray, As my favorite analyst and as a Giants fan, you should be able to speak with some authority on this one. Who is Brian Wilson’s handcuff out there? Ramirez?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 11, 2011
Tim-
Programs like that are gold. I dont think anyone gives them away. Most major companies sell a draft tool that does exactly what you need, but I’m unaware of anyone that gives one away for free.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 11, 2011
Jim-
Hopefully the answer to your question isn’t Ramirez. he was pretty lucky last season and walks too many guys.
I’d rather see Romo in that role over Ramirez, but my guess would be that the team would mix and match romo/affeldt/lopez/ramirez if that happened.
By Dave N on Mar 11, 2011
Hi Ray, got a keeper konundrum:
12 team mixed, H2H, 6×6 (5×5 + Errors & Losses…yeah, not my choice either.)
We keep 4 as our first 4 picks, and can keep forever. I’m set on Hamilton, Halladay, & Youks. Utley was gonna be my 4th, but now not sure. Other options are Posey, Rollins, Price, Hamels…your thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 11, 2011
If you can keep a guy forever I think you likely won’t go wrong if you hold on to Posey. Provided he doesn’t get hurt, he’s gonna be a top-5 catcher every year.
Tempted with Hamels — might come down to if you start 2 catchers. If you do, keep Posey. If you don’t, take Hamels.
By Dave N on Mar 11, 2011
We only start one catcher. Is Halladay & Hamels too much pitching too early?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 11, 2011
I wouldn’t be in love with protecting pitchers – you’re correct.
I’d really want to go with Rollins, but since you can keep a guy forever, I’m leaning toward Posey.
Honestly, you cant go wrong with Hamels, Rollins or Posey – all strong options.
By Chris Larson on Mar 11, 2011
Hi Ray, thanks again for the player capsules. I’m in a home run only league, 27 teams, 12 rounds, any players you like to have a breakout home run year, especially some late rounders. Thanks for all your help.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 11, 2011
Chris – you got it.
Always tough to predict homers from lower levels, a lot of it has to do with playing time.
Some names that could be worthy of adding.
Headley, Sandoval, Morales, Ka’aihue, Raburn, Markakis, Saunders, Joyce, Bay.
By Chris on Mar 12, 2011
Thanks for your time Ray. Love the show.
By Cam on Mar 12, 2011
Ray,
Love the blog.
I just inherited a team in an AL 12 team keeper league(5X5) auction format. We can sign players for 3 year contracts and we draft 2 minor leaguers. Any tips/advice for strategy knowing that I’m starting with the worst team?
By Ray Flowers on Mar 13, 2011
If you are stuck with a bad roster, you’re probably best served to just tank the 2011 season. By that I mean, build for the future. Don’t pick up JD Drew, instead target younger players like Julio Borbon and Michael Saunders. Look toward 2012 if you keepers really leave you in a hole.
By Benny on Mar 13, 2011
Ray – love the site and the show on XM. Quick question – I’m in a dynasty league and have been offered Scherzer for Cain. Not sure what to do. Cain is rock solid consistent but I was a little worried hearing “elbow” and “inflamation” in the same sentence. Scherzer could regress or end up as injury risk of his own due to his max-effort delivery. What do you think? Im racking my brain over this!
By Cam on Mar 13, 2011
Thanks. What are your thoughts on Valbuena($7),A Hill($18),Pie(9) and J Niemann($5).
By Bruce on Mar 13, 2011
T=Ray- quick keeper help if you don’t mind.
In mixed H2H points league. Can keep Cabrera ($35) or Hanson ($11)? My guess is a thrown-back Cabrera pushes $45 and a thrown-back Hanson pushes $20. Cap is 21/$240
About 15 1B get drafted and about 60 SP.
Last year, Cabrera was even better than Pujols in this scoring system per AB. But Hanson should be right inside the top 20 SP w/ a few more wins this year.
Any input would be much appreciated.
Thx.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 13, 2011
Cam-
Only guy I like out of that group right now is Hill. I take that back, Niemann is OK. Others don’t have an easy road to at-bats from what I can tell, and only Pie really has any upside anyway.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 13, 2011
I’m not sold on Cabrera with all the off the field stuff. My inclination is just to let someone else deal with the headache. If he plays 150 games he’ll push for the AL MVP, but I just don’t get a good feeling about him given his problems. I even dropped him out of my top-10 overall. http://baseballguys.com/2011/03/11/top-300-for-2011/
By Ray Flowers on Mar 13, 2011
Cain is what he is. A rock solid option on the hill. He is safe and durable, and I’m not too worried about his hiccup.
Scherzer is unproven in direct comparison, and also more volatile. At the same time, there are few in the game that can match the upside he flashed in the 2nd half (2.47 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 8.47 K/9).
You can’t go wrong with either, but there is more upside with Scherzer because of his K potential.
By Alan on Mar 19, 2011
We conduct an auction draft going around the room, each team throwing out a player for bid. I’m assuming this is standard. However, our bidding goes in order, around the room, so that a team either has to bid or remove themselves from the bidding. This continues to go around the room until there’s no more bidding. I’ve also been in leagues that don’t do this and bidding occurs by teams yelling out bids whenever they want until there’s no more bidding; sort of a free for all. I assumed that this is the more typical method of auction bidding. What is the prevalent method of auction bidding
By Ray Flowers on Mar 19, 2011
Alan-
I’ve never been in an auction, or seen one for that matter, where bids go around the table. Every draft I’ve ever seen has been a player nominates a guy, and then all the other participants just yell out numbers until no one wants to bid any more.