Live Draft. Help and tips wanted

[BrentB]

I plan to participate in a live draft league once my current series is over ( the finals start on Friday the 15th) I have never participated in the live draft but I think the concept is great and the challenge is something I will really enjoy. Now for the point of the post; Any suggestions or ideas for a rookie from some of the skilled players out there?

[RICHARDMILTER]

1. Go for best available players, first and foremost. You can tailor your stadium around your team latter.

2. Unless you can get Pujols, Texaria, Berkman, or a great 1B man, get middle of the diamond players first. Same with catchers, unless you can get Mauer, wait on a catcher. Also if you do not get a top notch catcher, research a cheap platoon before the draft.

3. Go for a CF, SS, and 2B early if you can. Also go for starting pitchers before relief pitchers. The reason for this is; relief pitchers pitch less innings and are more abundant.

4. The players are ranked by salary, and they are given their salary based on how good their cards are, so when in doubt between two players;...take the more expensive one. There is no salary cap.

5. Get backups and relief pitching last, except for maybe a closer and set up man in the middle rounds.

6. If you are nervous pre draft; do a shot of whiskey, it will help mellow you out. Just do not get drunk and pass out. Most importantly;....HAVE FUN. GOOD LUCK!

[BrentB]

Good advice, well the whiskey part could kill my efforts, but parts 1-5 are sound. Again not having done this before what prep work would you undertake prior to the draft?

[BrentB]

Thank you!

[RICHARDMILTER]

Old Tori Hunter gave you some great advice there on prep work. And I would really stress the part about once all the top players at one position are cleared out; have a list of some good platoon players. For example; guys who really bash right handed pitching, and then players who bash left handed pitching. Remember to get the player who bashes the right handed pitching 1st, because you will be facing a right handed pitcher about 75% of the time. And hitters that mash lefties are cheaper, and possibly easier to come by. This is one scenario where you do not always have to take the most expensive player. Also scope out some 2-3 million dollar (and even cheaper) relief pitchers that will probably be around in the latter rounds. Do not get backups at ANY position until late, late, unless they are going to be your DH. Get those position players ,and starting pitchers first! Especially CF, and SS. Also after the draft put in for three more players (in waivers) and max out your roster. With there not being a salary cap you want to take advantage of having a 28 man roster. This is were you can get a good pinch runner, defensive replacement, and bullpen specialty guy.