THIS ARTICLE WAS SUBMITTED BY BLASTER FOR THE 2004 MEMBER ARTICLE SUBMISSION CONTEST
Blaster Draft Strategy
Never Draft Starting Pitchers earlier than the third round
I have seen many drafts over the past couple years where managers are drafting pitchers in the first and second rounds only to have that stud they were relying on go down with an injury and be lost for a good portion of the season. Here are a few examples of starting pitchers that on average were chosen in the first two rounds of drafts: Mark Prior, Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson, Two years ago Schilling and Johnson were chosen early and both had dismal seasons due to injuries. Last year Mark Prior had a very disappointing season due to his injuries. Now I know it is the debating season so I am sure there are people who will say hitters get hurt just as often, but they are easier to compensate for than losing a stud SP.
Finding a consistent offensive player is a lot harder to find on the waiver wire than a Starting Pitcher for a Spot start. Think about this? An offensive player can still play hurt most of the time yet if a pitcher hurts his arm he pretty much has no value to you at all. Pitchers rely on one thing and that is there arm. Hitters on the other hand will play with sprains or pulls and still be productive for you. So why take the chance? Get those big sticks early. Stack your offense and wait until the 3rd round or later to grab a quality starter, trust me there will be plenty to choose from. Here is just few quality starting pitchers along with last years stats whom will most likely be available in later rounds of your draft.
IP W S K ERA WHIP
Roy Oswalt 237 20 0 206 3.49 1.24
Livan Hernandez 255 11 0 186 3.60 1.24
Carl Pavano 222 18 0 139 3.00 1.17
Freddie Garcia 210 13 0 184 3.81 1.22
There are quite a few other starters but this is just a sample. Now add 1 or two solid middle relief pitchers like:
Tom Gordon 89.2 9 4 96 2.21 .88
Ryan Madson 77 9 1 55 2.34 1.13
Finish off with a 2 to 3 Proven Closers and you will have a nice staff.
Note: Proven closers will go at any time in the draft, I’ve seen Gagne go in the first round a few times so pay attention to the other managers picks and don’t get short changed.
As for my thoughts, well I like to take chances. In many drafts I have waited until the 5th round to pick my first pitcher and usually it is a proven closer. This system has worked for me as last year I had 2 first place finishes and 2 second place finishes; not too bad for a guy who’s only been playing fantasy baseball for two seasons.