Sports
 

What's your strategy?

A guide to fantasy baseball

Cougar Sports Staff

It's that time of year. The boys of summer are about to take the field and that means it's time for fantasy baseball. And if you need some guidance crafting your fantasy team, the Daily Cougar sports staff is here to help.

Barrett Goldsmith, Sports editor 

Balance the equation 

The most important factor in your selecting process should be sticking to a formula. Study the formula your league uses to calculate points, and think of it as balancing an equation. 

Frequently the most successful players in fantasy baseball have very little knowledge of baseball or the MLB. This is not a coincidence -- less-informed players have no other guide than numbers, and that usually leads to mathematically stout teams.

Finally, be aware of lineup changes. A move from the first spot in the order to the second usually means about 50-60 more at bats.

Geronimo Rodriguez, senior staff writer 

What's in a name? 

Don't pick your players based on name alone. Just because a player appears on MTV's Cribs or has a million-dollar endorsement deal, doesn't mean that player is worth drafting over a no-name player. This is especially important for fantasy owners who may not have an extensive knowledge of Major League Baseball. 

And stay away from people with off-the-field problems. It's better to have someone on the bench than approaching the bench.

Christian Schmidt, managing editor 

Pitching an idea 

Don't forget your pitchers. Too often we get wrapped up in whether Alex Rodriguez or Albert Pujols will hit more home runs and forget the other half of the equation. It's tough to win a fantasy league without quality pitching, both in the starting spots and the bullpen.

Pitchers should be taken early and often, but look for some sleeper picks in later rounds. Ergo, look at some prospects like Anaheim's Bartolo Colon (should rebound from a down season a year ago) or Minnesota's Johan Santana (just keeps getting better).

Keenan Singleton, staff writer 

Don't be seduced 

If you have the first pick in your non-keeper fantasy league, like I do, you must pick for quality and quantity.

That means you are picking Vladimir Guerrero. And that means you are one step closer to winning.

With your second pick, you're going to need a staff ace. Since he is expected to miss at least one start, Chicago Cubs phenom Mark Prior may still be available. If no ace such as Pedro Martinez, Roy Halladay and Curt Schilling are still waiting for homes -- continue building your offensive juggernaut.

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