How to best the waiver wire

To keep on top of the competition you have to be able to pick the right players up from the waiver wire. The draft is very important, but picking up players off the wire is just as important. So which players do you target, and how do you research?

If you use the common sites (ESPN, Yahoo, CBS,...) it typically lets you research players by clicking on different stats (Runs, RBIs, Wins, ERA, etc.) and over different time frames (past 7, 14, and 30 days).

The first thing to do is I always look at players over the past 7 or 14 days. This way you can get the hot bat or arm.

Next look at your needs. You have to understand how to manipulate the game so that you win on a consistent basis. I told you before that speed power pitching are the best way to win. You should have addressed these needs in the draft with high draft picks. You fill in the gaps on the waiver wire. So find your needs and get the bats and pitchers you needs.

How do you find the best? There are proven statistics that can help you find the best players.

For offense this statistic is OPS - on base percentage plus slugging.

For pitching these statistics are WHIP and K:BB - That's walks and hits per innings pitched and strikeouts per walk ratio.

Keep rotating you worthless players out and get the hot bats/pitchers. Who knows, you mind find a guy that stays good for the whole year.

Good luck.

The key to winning Fantasy Baseball

Fantasy baseball enthusiasts! The purpose of this blog is to provide easy to understand strategies for fantasy baseball.

So, what is the formula to winning fantasy baseball?

The answer is simple. Find players at a good value that can help you win multiple categories on a consistent basis.

I personally play in an NL-only league, but I believe the strategy is the same for most leagues.

The key is: Speed and Power pitching.

What do I mean by speed?

I mean players that can steal bases. Speedy players can get you two offensive categories on a consistent basis: SB and Runs. Not only will you have an edge on these categories, you also are typically getting them on a consistent basis.

What do I mean by power pitching?

I mean using high draft picks to get high strikeout and and low ERA pitchers. Perfect example - Tim Lincecum or Roy Halladay. Use your high draft picks to get these guys. They will give you consistent Ks, Ws, ERA, WHIP. These guys will anchor your team.

Not much to it. Get your power pitching. Get your speed. Win your league.

So why not Homeruns? Homeruns are sexy. They give you multiple categories: HRs, RBIs, Runs. I love homeruns, but they are not typically consistent enough to win. If you make it to the playoffs with homerun hitters, you are crossing your fingers everyday for this big HRs that may or may not come. Not a good plan.

Comments welcome!