How Did I Do?
March 27th, 2012 | by Ray Flowers |
As human beings we all look for affirmation. Even those of us that don’t really care can’t help but think to ourselves at times ‘should I wear these pants?’ or ‘I wonder if he really likes me or not?’ It’s human nature. However, it’s gotten totally out of control in the fantasy game. Here is what I mean.
I get, an I’m not exaggerating, at least 100 emails/calls/comments/tweets a day that all start out the same way. “I had my draft last night and I was wondering if you could tell me how I did?” There are so many problems with this line of thought that I felt the need to let it all out (I’m about ready to be my cantankerous best, as they say on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio ‘Ray is about ready to turn heel,’ so you might want to have a belt of booze before you continue reading).
(1) Asking me how you did AFTER your draft is pointless. It’s too late. The time to worry about your team is BEFORE you draft. Once the die has been cast on your team there’s only so much you can do to change it. Inevitably I get this question about ‘how did I do?’ an I send a reply. What then happens is a series of emails, rarely is it just one mind you, in which a handful of potential moves are brought up. Not to be rude, but I just don’t have the time to answer 125 emails a day. The easiest way to avoid this situation is to pick up a copy of my Baseball Guys 2012 Draft Guide (you can also follow me on Twitter where I answer questions all day and night). There are over 600 players ranked in that Guide so you know just how I think players should be evaluated. This leads to…
(2) Why are you asking me if you should drop Rafael Furcal to pick up Yunel Escobar? Clearly you haven’t picked up a copy of the Baseball Guys Draft Guide where Escobar is ranked 12 spots ahead of Furcal. I’d say a good 50 percent of the questions I get from people after drafts would be answered if they just employed the strategies and rankings that can be found in the Guide. There’s a reason I spent all the time needed to craft the 55 page PDF document, and why I continue to update it on a daily basis. If you’re going to use me a source for fantasy sports knowledge, how about trusting my rankings of players?
(3) Why are you looking to trade players three hours after your draft was completed? We’ve all been in leagues with people who have a disease that pushes them to constantly monkey around with their lineups either through trades, waiver-wire additions or by mixing and matching their lineup on a daily basis. Games haven’t even started yet and you’re already going to start messing around with your lineup? Really? That seems pretty harsh to me. Remember – most of the time what we do in fantasy sports is reactionary. You bench Yunel Escobar only after you notice he has hit .188 for the past 10 games. The problem with that is that he’ll then go out and produce seven hits in his next three games. Noticing this “hot trend,” you then activate him yet again. However, he then goes 1-for-13. Given this example you’ve basically had Escobar in your lineup hitting .145. If you had never messed around with the lineup that average would have been .250. Exercise patience, especially when games haven’t even been played yet.
(4) For goodness sakes people, why are we turning fantasy baseball into fantasy football? One of the most beautiful aspects of fantasy baseball is that 5×5 scoring accounts for about 90 percent of leagues. Moving to more involved leagues, 6×6 or 7×7 or even larger is fine with me, but keep the format the same. By that I mean starting lineups should include:
14 hitters: C,C,1B,2B,3B,SS,MI,CI,OF,OF,OF,OF,OF,UT
9 pitcher: Any mix of starters and relievers
You can jimmy-jack around with the scoring categories if you’d like, but keep the starting lineup standard. Don’t do a league with only five pitchers, or one with one catcher, or one that starts only three outfielders. Just don’t.
By the way, auctions should be $260. Not $280, not $300, but $260.
(5) Speaking of roster sizes, let me address league sizes. I realize that 10-team leagues are “standard” for some of the biggest purveyors of fantasy sports, but I’m here to tell you that’s a total joke. I do leagues where there are 12 teams in an AL-only league and 13 teams for NL-only setups. If you’re doing a 10-team mixed league the player pool penetration is so shallow it’s nearly a waste of time. For goodness sakes, if you’re going to do a 10-team league you had better at least have 14 hitters and nine pitchers in your starting lineup. If you don’t, please don’t waste my time asking me to analyze your team. If your club starts 10 hitters and seven pitchers doesn’t look like an All-Star squad in a 10-team league you need to quit playing fantasy baseball.
(6) If you are going to send me a question to rank your team, realizing you are taking your life in your own hands after the above rambling posting, please at least tell me how many teams are in your league and how many players are in your starting lineup. If you start eight hitters or 14 kind of makes a big difference.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, you can return to your normally scheduled program.
If you’re looking to do a fantasy league this year, why not give Fleaflicker a try?
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Auctions, Drafting, Rafael Furcal, Rules, Setup, Yunel Escobar
By Zach on Mar 27, 2012
Hey Ray, so, I just drafted a team and was wondering if I could get your opinion?
(Kidding. I love you. Please don’t hurt me. On behalf of those of us who have little to no idea what they’re doing, thank you for your patience, expertise, and generosity. And I bought your guide. And printed it. And followed it. And slept with it under my pillow. Honest honest.)
By Mike on Mar 27, 2012
LOL at “jimmy-jack around”. Never heard that one before Ray.
I definitely understand where you are coming from. It amazes me how many fantasy questions you do find time to answer for people. It is not something I enjoy. I’d rather spend more time updating the website which helps more people, or getting a life.
At least when you get the emails from someone that is clearly in a “this is written like a form letter that I’ve sent to 10 or more fantasy writers”, you can safely just ignore/delete those ones.
By Polka on Mar 27, 2012
Thanks for answering my Twitter question yesterday, that draft is tonight and it’s not that big of a deal, but just a end of rotation need. Cahill has a better D behind him now, and Sanchez can be a high strike out kid too…Thanks again Ray!
And tell Kay hahaha o Izzo and his crew and that sucky Ice Hockey Team of theirs too! I can’t say much more though, my Wolverines faded early in both too!
Go Tigers!!!!
By Chris on Mar 27, 2012
Dear Ray,
As one of 125 people that sent you an email to tell me how I did in my draft I am sorry. You were good enough to tell me what you thought and I appreciate it. I did use your guide and have another draft soon that I will use it again. I just figured since you were ranking … what are your thoughts on Jeff Kartsins as a keeper … kidding!!!!!! LOL
By Eric on Mar 27, 2012
Well Ray you bring up so good points. But let me remind you that if you dont like your job as a fantasy analyst I am sure your local 7/11 is looking for a grave yard cashier. If answering the question of how did I do is the worst part of your job then buddy you do need a real job.
Now guess what Ray we dont want to play in 2 C leagues. Most of your readers play in a H2H mix league of around 20 teams. Most League are any where from 7X7 to 8X8. and you know what we get tired of. Analysts such as your self passing off there draft guild which is ranked only for roto. Guess what ray in a H2H league how a player get his stats is almost as important as how many stats he gets. If a guy such as Dan Uggla who had 36 hr last year but if you look at how he got his 36 hr you would see he got most of his stats in a 4 week period. So he helped you win big in 4 match ups while being a huge hole the other 18 weeks. So remember that next time you rank your players in your guide.
Also had my draft and want to Thank You for a guy like Kyle Seager. He is a guy you are a bit high on even though he is buried below some others. He looks like he may get a lot of playing time.
By Tim on Mar 27, 2012
Ray-
These guys asking you to review their draft are the guys that stand in the corner of a bar talking about but never approaching the cute girl and her friends. Since they lack confidence, they find comfort and validation in their friends to tell them what they are doing is just fine. They go home alone, have no new numbers in their phone and then wander aimlessly in a place like NYC at 3 a.m. looking for pizza but can’t find any. They are seeking validation from you to make up for their lack of confidence in themselves.
These guys finish in the middle of the pack in their fantasy leagues and think “next time I’ll talk to her” or “next year I’m donating to Ray” and things will be different. Women rarely have these problems and hence why I think they are some of the toughest fantasy players around.
Your points are all valid and I would look into another “donate” button for line-up analysis.
By Jon on Mar 27, 2012
Message received, Ray-man. Thanks for all you do.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Eric – You wrote “Most of your readers play in a H2H mix league of around 20 teams.” Uh, no. I’ve received 2-3 questions the last three months from anyone in a 20 team lg.
Second, the only thing I charge for on this site is for a Draft Guide. If you can’t pay $8 for a year of free articles every day and 200 tweets a day, well then, sorry.
Third, and some people miss this, BBGuys and my tweeting I do for free. No one pays me to do that. I could quit both tomm. and I wouldn’t lose a penny of my salary. I do it to be a nice guy, and to help people who need it, and to get the word out.
Fourth, your example of Dan Uggla is the same as the one I gave with Escobar, and it’s the reason that H2H leagues are bad for fantasy baseball. Baseball shouldn’t be a 6 or 7 game series of competitions. It should be a 162 game season.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Chris – Jeff Karstens eh… tells me you listen to my show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio – thanks for that amigo.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Polka – Thanks for the note. You’re right about Cahill, but I’m still taking the upside play that is Sanchez.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Mike – Jimmy-jacked — everyone is doing it.
I try my best to help people when I can. I do need to sleep at times though.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Zach – Love your comment about The Guide being under your pillow. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who does that.
By Steve on Mar 27, 2012
Ray,
Wow…I am definitely one of the culprits, but did not have any idea how much this could have bugged you out. Regardless, thanks so much for being available with your insight.
Also, I am not sure I agree that 10 team mixed leagues are as “superstar laden” as you make them out to be. It depends on roster size. We need to keep an open mind that some variations of the roto style mixed league are to be expected. I would not frown upon them because they do not meet the usual standards.
Thanks again for all your great insight.
Steve
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Tim – Thoughtful reply, an I swear that wasn’t me standing in the corner of that bar all alone. lol
I’ve thought about doing that, charging for my advice, an I think I might indeed go in that direction. What would you pay for a service like that?
By FP on Mar 27, 2012
Ray,
Nice column. Well said. I’m not writign you to ask how I did since I had no control over my draft. Technical issues prevented me from participating in my draft so all of my picks were selected by the sites pre-ranked positional rankings. It is a 10 team 5×5 ML roto. I have no closers and 9 SP and no power hitters to speak of. My SP are top tier (Verlander, Felix, CC, Price, Cain, etc.) so I am confident I will do well in W, K, ERA and WHIP. the WW has Brett Myer, M. Thornton, Hollman/Broxton and Jim Johnson. I am trying to trade one of my SP for a #1 RP.
If I am not successful in getting a #1 RP, do I punt S’s as a cat rather than rostering low level RP’s and finding out I will still finish at the bottom of S’s which is where I will be at with no RP at all?
Thanks Ray.
By JDW on Mar 27, 2012
Ray,
You were very tolerant of my lenghty posts a few days back so I’m kinda looking in the mirror and feeling like a jerk.
I almost felt this honest, solid post was written directly to me. In my defense – I wasn’t really asking how my draft went, but was rather trying to make a point about experimenting with a pitching heavy strategy and that I could still come up with a serviceable offense. You shattered that dream! 
But it’s funny – when I read the endless questions you are asked and the really, really thoughtful answers you provide – one part of me is blown away and one part of me asks how can this man ENDURE this!? Hopefully you know how appreciative and grateful so many of us out here are. And, I for one, would completely understand if you, and some certain few other analysts established “no question zones”. But, yeah, the curse of the nice guy is you feel kinda like a jerk when you don’t respond. You shouldn’t I notice you take time to respond to everyone posts – even in this thread. You shouldn’t feel so obligated. I for one could never do it. That kinda effort and subsequent exhaustion isn’t any good for anyone. Many thanks, sir, for ALL the free advice. And, yeah, if I’m sucking up it’s because I am. I think what you rather selflessly for so many deserves a bit of praise. Peace, kid.
Oh, and do yourself a favor, don’t respond to this or any other messages in this thread hereafter. Just read ‘em and let ‘em slide without a response. You’ll feel a freakin’ great relief!
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
FP – Auto drafts are simply the worst. I would never do one. You end up getting hosed like you did.
Given your massive SP haul, I’d probably run them all out there for the first three months. Then, try moving then for RPs. You could also try and just move them now if you want a more balanced roster. Really depends on how active your league is with trade. I wouldn’t drop any of your SPs to add Myers or Thornton. I would find a way to add them to your team though. JJohnson ain’t a bad add either.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
JDW – The article certainly wasn’t written directly to you… it was a general post for everyone. Promise.
I do my best to help everyone, it’s just getting to the point where I’m going to have to change things. Maybe no emails any more? Maybe charging for answers? A man has to sleep after all
Had to at least give one more response…
By Tim on Mar 27, 2012
$8 is money well spent for anyone, beginner to expert, for the draft guide and you offer an update with a paid receipt. On that line of thinking and taking into account you’d need to read and dissect that persons draft; then assuming you are only focusing on basic things such as league size, type of league, categories and scoring….$5-8 is a good price range for your average visitor/reader/listener. Per league only. Disclaimer: my opinion and that is TREMENDOUS value for anyone who buys that service.
I think so long as it doesn’t stop you from your interaction via twitter, your show and this webpage (and you aren’t trying to get up-to-speed on rappers and world capitals), you’ll be fine charging something in that ballpark. I know you’d cross-promote in your twitter responses for example, and since you are doing a great service for many, might as well be a step above a panhandler and get a little spending change, right?
Obviously much more you could do, but I think the $5-$8 range is your sweet spot.
By Joebagels on Mar 27, 2012
Don’t be mad, but I refuse to tell anyone in my league I use your guide.
When Kershaw, Halladay and Verlander go for $40+ and I’m told I don’t value Pitching enough Because I only spent $78 on ….. Grienke(stolen for $20), Gallardo, Hanson, Scherzer, Morrow, Wandy, Minor, w Santos and Motte as RPs
(also pulled Carpenter and Liriano in Res draft along with Adams and Venters- since we are using SOLDS)…
…All i can do is laugh at my undervalued pitching staff and Say thanks Ray! And My Bats are stacked too!
If I win this another Donation is in order!
By BSchlitz on Mar 27, 2012
Ray…My 10 team 5X5 NL only auction draft coming up later this week. Our league has turned to studs and duds approach (stars and scrubs basically) the last few drafts. The top pitchers go in the mid 30s up to 40s which is ridiculous. I want to avoid those. i have MadBum for $13 right now. If I was able to get a couple of the following…anibal, gio, luebke, zimmerman at a mediocre price(probably in the $15-$22 range each) and add a couple of back of the rotation arms like pomerenz, minor, buerle, would that be a competitive enough staff? I would pay the big bucks to load up on hitters to add to my already being kept upton, bruce, cb young, mig montero.
Thanks
brian
By Jim on Mar 27, 2012
Ray, Charge a few bucks for the babe pics you post from time to time. Guys will pay for them. I’ll pay for them. Also, I don’t think it would be too cheezy to request donations more prominently. It wouldn’t hurt to say SOMEONE has to pay for bandwidth, display a running total of publications used to support your research and hours spent dispensing free advice, and adding a new baseballguys.com corporate tagline in blood red: DON’T MAKE ME MAKE YOU PAY!
Seriously, as it is, it’s easy for the eye to skip over the “Donate” button.
You do great work.
By dan on Mar 27, 2012
Eric,
Glad you guys don’t use a 2nd catcher in a 8×8 20 team head to head. Projecting the BABIP of the Yankees 3rd string catcher would get stressful pre draft.
Ray, I’m glad Eric posted his well thought out and beautifully spell checked rant and gave you a chance to respond. It reminded me that I had meant to send in a more serious donation. Its obvious to most of your readers that while there are some part time roto analysts who dabble in writing columns and tweeting here and there, you’ve chosen this as your profession. With the growing millions playing this game, I hope someday soon you’ll find it extremely rewarding, but until then, those of us that enjoy your site/tweets/show can help out where we can. I figure I usually spend $50 on useless magazines and draft packages – just donated that to you instead. Hopefully others will follow suit because, as Joebagels pointed out, we’re all guilty of keeping the site to ourselves.
D
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
BSchlitz – I would not pay $40 for any pitcher. Ever. Would be very happy if my NL only staff was anibal/gio/leubke/zimmerman – it would be fantastic.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Jim – Thanks for the support. I’ll take your suggestions under advisement.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Dan – Thanks SO MUCH for your wonderful donation. I don’t know if you were listening to THE DRIVE today on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, but in the last segment of the show I gave you a shout out! Thanks so much for your kind words, and donation. I do what I do for people such as yourself.
By Jay Dub on Mar 27, 2012
I’ll tell you what i dont like are experts who come on your XM show and dont want to discuss their Sleeper or stratagys..2nd..next year you should draft in a money league and discuss how you did in the draft versus average JOES..Average Joes drafts far different than Expert..as far as Im concerned..Happy 39th birthday RAY
By Nick on Mar 27, 2012
Ray,
I tweeted you earlier today about my rotation that I drafted, and was hoping, not expecting, to hear back from you. I then heard you talk about this rant on SiriusXM Drive, and came home to read the blog for myself, and then realized I was prob never going to hear back from you, lol. I read all your tweets and love the SiriusXM Drive, as well as this blog. I also have to admit that I’ve not told any of my league mates about you for fear of them gaining all my “secret” knowledge from you. Anyways, sorry for tweet earlier, but I think the reason that many are drawn to you, and all the SiriusXM cast members for that matter, is your accessibility and the ability to ask questions directly. I’ll keep listening and reading, but will probably be hesitant to try and contact you/The Drive again.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Jay Dub – You are correct. Average Joes, as you call them, do often draft totally differently than Experts. I’ve done things like NFBC before, finished 22nd overall in the main event, would have been top-10 overall if I’d taken Javier Vazquez instead of Joba Chamberlain. Always a good time there.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Nick – I just wanted to get things off my chest. I’ll be fine and willing to help moving forward. Just wanted to point out a few things. As you can imagine, at this point it’s pretty hard to answer everything. I got questions out my ears, so I’m just trying to stay above water and help as many people as I can.
THE BEST PLACE TO ASK ME A QUESTION IS ON TWITTER.
It’s pretty easy for me to rifle through those in a timely manner.
By Craig D on Mar 27, 2012
At least we all know you’re human! I was beginning to think Kay unplugs you at the end of the night.
I love fantasy baseball more than almost anyone, I sip my morning brew combing the waiver wires, rotoworld, espn, kffl, etc… The ONLY station I listen to is XM87, I come home and read baseball guys every night. I live and breathe this stuff.
BUT… Ray you bring up a great point. I always wondered if you guys (fantasy experts) get bored answering all the ridiculous trade, keeper, hows my team look, blah, blah, blah questions – because I get tired listening to it. I would rather you discuss strategy questions, or player capsules.
Keep up the great work!
Craig D
By Jason Collette on Mar 27, 2012
Well put, Ray.
By Ricky on Mar 27, 2012
What is Chris Sale’s ceiling in 2012? Is 200 K inconceivable? I want to hear your take on the best possible numbers you could see him putting up…
By big o on Mar 27, 2012
Ray :
I appreciate a good rant , probably better than most .
Honestly though , you’re probably shooting yourself in the foot , by insulting everyone and anyone who doesn’t play in leagues that conform to your ‘idealized’ set of rules …
(an increasing larger proportion of today’s fantasy players , than 10 years ago , I would add) .
For someone who has been in the “business” as long as you have , you should recognize that alienating what readership that you have is NOT going to increase your revenue .
If you want to make money at this game , my suggestion is that YOU broaden your scope …
shoot for a bigger piece of the pie .
If not , then just hang a shingle that says “if you don’t play by my rules , then go the eff away” .
I realize that this time of year for you is extremely busy .
Everyone seems to be drafting at the same time …. (shouldn’t surprise you) , and then there were you own important drafts and the big trip to the city , etc , etc .
But , in retrospect , maybe you should have gotten a good night’s sleep , instead of publishing this article .
I didn’t buy your draft guide .
I don’t listen to sirius radio .
And , I don’t do “tweets” .
AND , I don’t give two cents what you think about my teams .
What’s MORE important is what I think of YOUR teams .
While you do have some good articles , I have only been visiting your site (occasionally) since the middle of last April …. more so , since last December .
I’ve taken you for a “trial run” , and have maybe asked you one or two questions , and , perhaps have made three or four comments during that time .
Personally , I play in 14 team keepers/dynasty leagues (with only one catcher spot) , 5×5 vanillas .
Now that I understand that your draft guide is not geared towards me , I probably never will buy it .
There are plenty of other sites , that aren’t geared specifically towards ‘my’ type of leagues … most are cheaper … some are free …. but , it’s not the few bucks that matters , they just make me feel more welcome than you do .
Plus , while your content is good , you have this annoying habit of not spelling the word “and” correctly .
Really , is it so hard to add the effing “d” to the end of a three letter word ?
Good luck with your LABR and Tout Wars teams , this year .
And I mean that sincerely .
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Ricky – No way that Sales reaches 200 Ks. He’s got the stuff for it, but based on traditional usage patterns of young arms the past decade or so, he’s gonna be lucky to hit 170 innings this season making 200 Ks out of reach.
By Matt on Mar 27, 2012
Ray, I just read your rant and while I agree with most of what you said, there are a few points that I differ with you on. However, that doesn’t matter and what I wanted to say is that you are one of the most accessible “experts” out there. You almost always respond to every email, tweet, etc. and I really appreciate that. So I wanted to say, “Thank you!” Lastly, some of us get caught up in the moment and because you are so accessible sometimes send you a tweet or email with what in retrospect was a completely idiotic question. I’ve done it, you ignored it and rightfully so. Life went on. Take care.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Big O – Thanks for your well thought out note.
To each his own. That’s a motto to live by. If you want to do a four team league, have at it. If you want to start 4 catchers, more power to you. My whole point is that standardization would be best. It allows everyone to understand what is being talked about, an it also puts me in the best position to be able to accurately answer someones question.
Also, my article said you can add as many categories as you want to (you can make is 10×10 if you want to), but why not just use the standard of 14 hitters an nine pitchers? Just like in fantasy football leagues should use PPR and not non-ppr.
I don’t know how most sites you visit are “cheaper” — BBGuys is free. Sorry if you don’t feel welcome though. Can’t understand how you would feel that way, but again, to each his own.
As for the grammar thing, the general rule is to us the indefinite article an when it precedes a word that starts with a vowel (Frank went shopping and bought an umbrella). I’m no English major, but I think I usually get my point across even with the occasional grammar error.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Matt – Thanks for the support, I appreciate it. It’s fine for people to disagree, just cause I do this stuff full time certainly doesn’t mean I’m always right, but as you intimated, we should be able to disagree and still shake hands at the end of the day. Hopefully, we can all do that.
Hope you rock it in your leagues this year.
By big o on Mar 27, 2012
Ray :
You’ve always been kind to me .
Sorry for the confusion , I should have said that other sites have cheaper guides .
As for the “and” thing , here’s AN example from above “…Inevitably I get this question about ‘how did I do?’ an I send a reply.”
But , that’s just a small quibble .
Let’s end (or continue) this discussion on a positive note :
I particularly like your “ABA” idea .
That’s not something that I can find on other sites , which is one of the reasons that I keep checking in with you .
Again ,
good luck with your teams .
By Ray Flowers on Mar 27, 2012
Big O – Thanks buddy. I’m always open to a good debate, as long as both sides are civil, an even if (you like how I did that there?) we don’t agree, I’m OK with that.
Glad you like the ABA idea.
http://baseballguys.com/2012/03/20/aba-2011-a-review/
Any thoughts on SWIP?
http://baseballguys.com/2012/03/16/swip-2012-swingmen-relievers/
By Clint on Mar 28, 2012
Ray,
Thanks for all your advice over the last few seasons. Your advice helped me win $200 last year in one of my leagues. If you’re ever in KC, I owe you some BBQ and a beer.
I posted yesterday asking about keepers in an auction draft, but this morning I went and poached the FA list. All’s fair in love and fantasy, right? That said, I have a few more options.
Choo – $24
Posey – $17
Stanton – $15
Greinke – $14
Lawrie – $1
Hosmer – $1
Matt Moore – $1
Avila – $1
L. Cain – $1
I also just bought your draft guide. Can’t wait to pour over it.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Mar 28, 2012
Clint – Glad you were able to win a league last year, congrats.
Posey is too expensive for me. Others will go at least that high, but I want to see him play 130 games before I just back in.
Like Choo, but I’d let him go too.
The point is, if you are keeping Lawire and Hosmer for $2, your getting about $45 worth of “free” money. That means if you have a player ranked at $20, you can spend more to get him (go up to $25 if you really want him). Example – if you really want Choo an bidding goes up to $29, you can still afford him if you wan.
By justin on Mar 28, 2012
the oracle,
while i enjoyed your “rant” and love the advice you dole out, i couldn’t help but feel a tad slighted. i play in two twelve team H2H leagues that have a different roster than what you suggested. while i would enjoy a much deeper league; i very much enjoy the leagues i’m in. i even started my own league last year to stretch the 12 team “standard” league to add strategy and be more competitive. as i strive for fantasy glory i hope to continue to change and grow the league in future years (like going to 5 OF’ers). while it’s a far cry from what mr. okrent started way back when, it’s a whole lot of fun, and last year the best players were in it at the end.
that said, i feel bad for all the obv/idiotic questions people ask you, esp given how courteous you are with your time and knowledge. because of this i try to only ask you questions that i believe go deeper than surface level.
sorry for my rant. just felt the need to give a voice to the people that love this game; even if they don’t play it exactly the right way (format) in your eyes.
thanks again for all of your insight & accessibility via the website & twitter. keep up the great work. it’s much appreciated.
By Ray Flowers on Mar 28, 2012
Justin – Thanks for your words. I don’t have a problem with people doing things differently, I really don’t, it’s just all this craziness that likely is what gets to me. I tire of the questions from people that are in such shallow leagues.
For your kind words let me also say thanks. It’s much appreciated.
By Randy on Mar 29, 2012
Well said Ray. I admit I’ve refrained from asking you questions at times because I know you’re very busy, and like you said, don’t make a dime by giving your fantasy advice on facebook, twitter, etc. With that said, I’ll add you on twitter and use that from time to time to ask you questions if that’s easier for you. Appreciate all the advice you’ve given over the past. You’re one of the few “experts” that generally agree with me on most things (or shall I say, I agree with you on most things).
Btw I do agree that standard leagues are usually better, easier to keep up with, etc. However I just get bored with them. I created a 16 tm mixed roto (8×8!) a year ago and absolutely love it. The player pool is ridiculously shallow, but different strategies are possible, and it’s much more fun given the extra challenge. Of course, I have great owners so that’s what makes it possible.
Thanks Ray!
By Randy on Mar 29, 2012
Btw, I couldn’t log in to my paypal on the donation page. Might be on my end though (using google chrome, so..).
By Ray Flowers on Mar 29, 2012
Randy – Try a different browser. Working fine for me in IE and Mozilla.
Twitter is the best place to reach me with questions. In fact, I’m thinking about moving to a Twitter only situation moving forward. Just too many people asking for my help, an I hate leaving them hanging.
By ritch on Apr 6, 2012
Ray I have a trade offer i would love advice on.
Some league context. I am in a mixed, h2h, 10 team points league.
Hold counts. I am closer challenged with Storen on the DL.
The trade offer : Brandon Morrow, Huston Street and Mike Moustakas
For: Matt Garza, Edwin Encarncaion and Andre Ethier.
I am the team with Garza being approached.
I feel that even though I need a closer I am getting the short end of this trade. I could hang tough and bid a ton of money on Acedes the new Boston closer or bite the bullet and accept this trade. What says you ?
Drafted Team below for reference :
1b Prince Fielder, 2b dan uggla, 3b evan longoria
c availa, SS asdrubal carbrea, ci Paul Goldschmidt,
Mi, Jason Kipnis, OF Jay Bruce, OF Andre Either,
OF, Chris young, OF B.J. upton. DH Jason Kubel
PITCHERS: SP, Rickey Romero, Matt Latos, Matt Garza,
Gio Gonzales, Derek Holland, J. Chacin,
Vance Worley, Ryan Dempster, Mark Buehrle
Andy Petitte ( DL stash )
RP Drew Storen, Joe Nathan, Johnny Venters.
BENCH: Edwin Encarncion, Marco Scutero, Vernon Wells,
Kurt Suzuki, Peter Boujous, Kelly Johnson.
I know my pitching is weak.
Ritch
By Ray Flowers on Apr 6, 2012
Ritch – Guess you missed the column on RPs? In it, I explain why I’m not a fan of Aceves:
http://baseballguys.com/2012/04/05/relievers-wild-wild-west/
Garza certainly safer than Morrow, but close in 2012 in my book.
EE and Moose are close this season. I’d like to think EE will be better, but he always teases.
Ethier for Street I don’t love, but you need RP arms, and in a 10 tm lg, you simply cannot place highly enough with only one active closer.
Don’t love the deal, but it isn’t awful especially since it seems like you only start 3 OFs.
By Ritch on Apr 6, 2012
thanks Ray. We actually start 4 OF’s. Ethier was one of my
starting 4. I can offer him Kubel or Veron Wells for some HR
pop and see if he goes for it. I appreciate the input and just
read your thoughts on Aceves. So maybe I go for Joel Perelta
instead with Farnsworth not back for 4-6 weeks ?
Ritch
By Ray Flowers on Apr 6, 2012
Ritch – adding Peralta, instead of going all in on Aceves, makes a lot of sense.
By Sam on Apr 19, 2012
Jay Bruce/ Tommy Hanson for Mike Stanton/Mike Minor? Worried about Stanton’s knee and ballpark but also nervous about Hanson’s Shoulder? What’s your opinion? Thank you
By Ray Flowers on Apr 19, 2012
Sam – Hanson’s shoulder seems to be doing better than Stanton’s knee at this point.
Minor has a nice arm, bright future, but not sure he’ll be starting in two months. I think he will, but not sure.
Give me Bruce and Hanson.