Fantasy Baseball Input

by Jon Shields ~ February 2nd, 2010 at 5:39 pm

It’s that time of year!

For the last two seasons we’ve had a couple fantasy baseball leagues affiliated with the site. 2008 was our first year, when we had a bizarre 16 team 10×9 H2H on Yahoo! commished by former BBT contributor Patrick, in which Grey from Razzball.com won. Last year we filled two 18 team 7×7 leagues, one Roto and one H2H. I took the gold in Roto, while our buddy Ian, who now writes at FakeTeams.com, won the H2H.

I’ve sent out a couple tweets gauging interest, and on Twitter response alone we could fill two deep leagues. I almost fear what kind of turnout we might have in the end.

Because of that, I probably won’t be doing first come first serve this time around. That’s how we filled the leagues last year, but we ended up with a bunch of people that were total duds. This year, I’m going to pick and choose. It’s not fair, but it’s my site. “Grandma’s house, Grandma’s rules.”

That said, those who chime in early will get some pull when it comes to filling out the leagues. So, everyone, let’s hear it.

Let me know if you’re interested, what type of league you’d like to be in (website, Roto or H2H, which stats to use, number of teams, etc etc etc), why I should include you and anything else that seems relevant and we’ll take it from there.

We’re very much playing this by ear at this point, so all suggestions are welcome.

200tang

I’d definitely be interested in Roto.
http://www.sodomojo.com gregrabble

I want in. I’d be down for anything, but I strongly prefer H2H. You should include me because I’m me. Also, I’m awesome at fantasy baseball.

200tang

Can you use the force or anything cool?

http://www.sodomojo.com gregrabble

Do you really think I’d reveal that to you??

ThePatton

I like ESPN’s setup and I also prefer H2H, however I think an auction league would be fun. I did my first one in fantasy football this year and it was a hit. I think in baseball it’d be even better.

I think the standard 5×5 categories is good, except replacing AVG with OBP. Holds are okay for pitchers as well.

Our starters we did: (Hitters) C, 1b, 2b, 3b, ss, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, Util
(Pitchers): RP RP P SP SP SP

This way you can only have 4 starters starting any one game. That way you don’t get people go and pickup all the SP’s week-to-week. I would also recommend having a deep bench so you also can avoid this problem.
http://proballnw.com Conor Dowley

Having done a couple auctions in recent years, I can safely say that they are FAR more entertaining to do live than remotely.

I prefer roto, personally, but I’d be cool with H2H as well.

The league I do every year runs 5×5 with OBP instead of AVG net saves and steals, and Quality Starts over Wins. We’ve found those changes make for a bit better representation of what players are doing as far as what is available for fantasy.

200tang

I like the categories you use. I’m wondering though, would SLG be better than HR? I’ve actually never tried SLG in a league before.

http://proballnw.com Conor Dowley

We use SLG over HR in our league, but it’s become a fairly contentious point. I’m fine either way myself, but the traditionalists can’t get away from HRs in their fantasy leagues.

eastcoastmariner

I definitely want in and I prefer Roto but I’m good with doing whatever the majority wants to do.
harrison

I like H2H … because … well … that’s all I’ve done. I’m willing to give anything a try. I love this blogsphere and honestly it would be a purely social thing.

I’ve used CBS Sports and Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues in the past and I have signed up for ESPN last year but never found anyone to do a league.

Out of the three I liked CBS the best. But, that was just me and maybe it just fit best what I was doing. Let me know if I made the cut.

http://proballnw.com Jon

I like roto A LOT more than H2H. I would recommend trying it some time.

http://www.sodomojo.com Nathan

I’d like in if you’ll have me. I perfer roto but am willing to give H2H a go. I usually steer clear of SBs but *shrug* they’re part of the game. Also I perfer Yahoo over ESPN.

http://www.sodomojo.com gregrabble

Ditto @Yahoo

Slurve

I don’t care really, I played H2H last year and I kidna want to see how Roto is like. If I’m in a H2H league for batting I’d like AVG/OBP/SLG/HR/RBI/SB/R pitching K/ERA/WHIP/H/SV/W/QS. I don’t know how Roto is scored so I can’t really say.

200tang

You can set up whatever categories you want for Roto.

wazzy

I’d be interested. I’ve only ever done H2H, but roto sounds like a lot of fun too. As far as scoring, a 5×5 would be ideal with OBP instead of AVG and QS instead of W.

I think I’d be a good addition because my teams have done pretty decent the past few years…not great last year, but I always keep an eye on my team and do my best to keep it up to date. Also, I prefer ESPN, but Yahoo works, too.
http://www.blog.chelsearecruiters.com elkboy3

I’d like to play Roto again this year. I finished 3rd in the roto league last year in what was a very tight race for first, and certainly hope that earns me a spot in the roto league this year.

I liked the categories last year just fine and really liked the 7×7 better than 5×5. I’m open to whatever categories arise. I prefer CBS Sportsline, but play Yahoo too. I have never played ESPN…
allenbrand

I’m interested. I usually have 2 leagues both Roto during the season. So Roto would definitely get my participation.
nerdalertrecords

I’ll play anything, any rules, whatever. If there is any interest in an in-person draft, I’d totally be down for that too.

Oh and I’ll donate a prize from my job. That’s gotta be worth something, right?

http://proballnw.com Jon

That is definitely worth something. Whatcha got?

Mariners121212

Perhaps a car. A car would be nice.

http://proballnw.com Jon

Mercury Mariner?

Mariners121212

Sounds good to me.

wannabepunktony

I own a record store in Shoreline, so it would be music-related.

http://thinkingmariner.blogspot.com carlls007

I am strongly interested and would like to apply for a spot in one Roto league. Deeper league will be great! Categories’ fine to me, I like OBP and doubt the value of wins just as much as every 6×6 fantasy players, but a 5×5 or 7×7 is all good. 10×9 sounds a lot of fun though.
PrimeTimeG

Count me in. I always played ESPN and CBSsports leagues the past few seasons. I like their setup. The scoring’s not overly statistical geek complicated. Roto, H2H are both OK, but I prefer Roto myself.
eastcoastmariner

I like playing on Yahoo as well
rm_nixon

5×5 roto is my preference. 10 or 12 teams. I don’t like H2H. I’ve also had fun doing cumulative points leagues in Yahoo.

Up to you all – I’m fairly easy.

- @michaelcbarr on Twitter.
jrmckee

I prefer ROTO with 10-12 teams. Yahoo is pretty good interface over all. I like to include the DH but a mixed league. Makes for a better “fantasy” experience in my mind.

@jrmcke on twitter
rm_nixon

whatever happens, everyone should run screaming from the interface on TSN. Worst. Ever.

CBS is ok. Yahoo is pretty slick and their draft room is pretty entertaining.
http://proballnw.com Jon

10-12 team leagues probably aren’t going to happen. You’re going to have to be okay with a deeper league. The drafts take forever, but overall I think it’s more fun anyway. Have to get creative with your lineups.
BoiseM

Off topic…Jon have you heard anything at all on the Noah Lowry session yesterday?

http://proballnw.com Jon

Last I saw Lowry had the session pushed back a ways. Don’t think it happened.

Mariners121212

Ya it was pushed back.
BoiseM

Thanks.

Mariners121212

I would love to play again this year. H2H or roto, doesn’t matter to me. I would like to see defense involved this year. And FIP or something to replace bad stats like RBI and ERA.
bill99350

I did H2H last year and liked it alot! I want in if you do it! It would be a blast!
bill99350

I havent tried any of the other options! What is roto and auction?
epeyt88

i’d be interested in the H2H league. i know i don’t have a great choice to be chosen since i haven’t participated in years past, but i LOVE fantasy baseball and would appreciate you taking a chance on an “international free agent”.
rreilly26

I’d like to participate if possible. Yahoo, H2H, stats: runs, hits, avg, HR, NetSB, Wins, NetSaves, ERA, WHIP, +1 more pitching stat, or maybe 2 more pitching stats and 1 offensive stat. 12 to 14 teams with 9 field positions (Utility instead of DH), 2 SPs, 2 RPs, 2 Ps, and 3-5 bench spots.

Stat categories are not a big deal to me, I’m open to trying new age stats I read about in the blogspear to try and get a greater understanding of them.

I’ve played casually since 1999 and would like to join a league with people who share the same interest in baseball as me as opposed to a bunch of yahoo strangers. I work in an office setting and check my teams at least daily during the week and at least once on the weekends. Let me know if you think I’d be a good fit for the league, if so I’ll be active until the end.
dmojr

im looking forward to seeing ESPN’s free agent system this year… leagues can choose to “big” for FA’s. I think it could put a fun spin on things.

I am down for whatever type of league if I am invited. Finished first in my H2H espn league last year (profile name tatupu_will_eat_you) if you want to check it out. Two 7th place finishes in private leagues on yahoo, coming off a 2nd and 3rd the year before… username davem.

Hopefully we can fill a few VERY active leagues.
CrustyJuggler

If you have any openings.. keep me in mind, Jon. I never flake on a league and besides Mariner Central, I’m only in one other tentative keeper.

http://proballnw.com Jon

Have a preference for roto or h2h?

CrustyJuggler

I’m used to Roto but either one, really.

sparky

I was part of your H2H league last year and had a blast started off horrible but finished strong taking one of the playoffs spots. I’d really like to be a part of the league again this year. I think I’m a good manager to have because I’m knowledgable about fantasy baseball and am an active manager and a huge mariners fan. stats arent that vital to me I mean what ever settings are determined I can adapt to but I’d much rather play on yahoo then any other site Ive done both CBS and espn and like yahoo far better. anyways I imagine if you can find room for me ( please try I’m sure you can find my email address from last years league thanks
thorpbrian

I’d like to play H2H. I believe I’ve played the last two years in the BBT league…
Mark_Logan

Hi Jon,

Have played fantasy baseball ever since Bob Welch won me 27 games back in 1990 (keeping stats on the highly vaunted Visicalc) and Strato/APBA since I was a wee toddler. Am a very active manager and run several leagues as well including Year 7 of a minimum 50 IP/week format that is a contentious blast.

My preferences tend towards the following:

* H2H – Hard to go back to roto format after getting bit by the H2H bug. It is twice as fun to track you and your opponent week-to-week IMHO.
* Yahoo!, as preferred to more rigid setups like ESPN, CBS, myfantasy, etc.
* Prefer deep leagues on the order of twenty teams. There is just something so rewarding about picking up Doug Fister and actually having it be impactual, at least for a little while… ☺
* Unlimited transactions so as not to incentive laziness and keep things active.
* Would be down with either year-to-year or keeper.

Thanks for the consideration!

Mark

http://proballnw.com Jon

Looks like you’re a good fit then. I’ll put you in the H2H, which is on Yahoo and should have 16-20 teams. There will likely be a weekly transaction limit to help combat over the top streaming, but it shouldn’t hinder most managers. Year to year.

Mark_Logan

Sounds great Jon! The more the merrier I always say. Don’t have a problem with a weekly transaction limit as long as we don’t put a governor on the yearly total.

4-5 sounds logicial although I could probably live with as few as 3 if push came to shove. My one $ league with limit of 40 moves/year just makes things a little too dead for my liking, if you get my drift…

http://proballnw.com Jon

Definitely, I make 70+ moves per year in most of my leagues.

seasun62

Jon,
I’m in for H2H again this year. After last year’s collapse, I need a little retribution.
Mariners121212

Yahoo fantasy 2010 is up.

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