Drafting Strategies and Tips - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

Drafting Strategies, Fantasy Baseball 2009. The most intimidating fantasy baseball draft experience is typically the first one or two that a person is able to participate in. In order to help the novice; or even expert who needs to bone-up on tips, I've put together some strategies and tips to consider using for your 2009 fantasy baseball draft this year!

2009 Fantasy Baseball Draf Strategies and Tips

1. Research, research, and more research.

If you have heard of the player, there is likely little return from examining their stats from 2008 or projections from 2009. Look at the players who are lesser known to yourself since they will likely be on the board in the mid to later rounds of the 2009 fantasy baseball draft.

2. Nominate High Profile Players You Don't Want Early.

By doing this your opponents will likely spend more than they really want to on these players and as a result should have less money to compete with you later in the draft on players that you may desire more.

3. Don't Forget the Utilityman.

Many times a fantasy team is saved from injury impact because of smart selection of quality utility fielders in a fantasy baseball draft! Don't forget this and ensure you draft some talent in this position as you can in the later rounds of the 2009 fantasy baseball draft!

4. Don't Get Religious About Any One Player.

This includes players from your favorite team, local team, or the number one player on your depth chart in any position. You will spend more money than the player is worth and lose out on quality picks in later rounds in the draft. Set your maximum bids before draft day starts and simply accept you will need to go further down your depth chart in each position.

5. Pick Hitters Who Start and Consistently Play 140 Games or More.

Not all of your hitters need to be superstars. The .280 hitter who accumulates at-bats and other statistics will help you better than 2-3 superstars played with 6 utility men! I always try to keep a rank ordered list of players I want to make my life easier on draft day in case I get distracted or too emotional about a player. You should develop a similar scheme for your 2009 fantasy baseball draft plan!

6. Don't Pick Long Relievers or Relievers Who May Become Starters.

These pitchers are the ones who get left pitching on the wrong side of blow-outs amassing negative statistics for your fantasy baseball team!

7. Don't Pick Pitchers Who Play for Colorado!

Statistically pitchers in Colorado will give up more hits and runs which will negatively impact your fantasy league performance! No knock against the Rockies, just observation of facts for pitcher performance who play in Colorado at altitude!

8. Look at Drafting Players on the DL.

A number of times one can find steals in fantasy baseball drafts by taking players who are starting the season hurt, but will return to the lineup. Even if they don't come back until later in the season if you are playing in a keeper league it could be a great find for the next season! Definitely players to look at in the later rounds of the 2009 fantasy baseball draft!

9. Don't Spend a Ton of Money on Rookies!

Generally you should avoid spending 10 or more on rookies unless you are absolutely convinced the player is going to be an impact player for the season. It just doesn't happen enough to make it worth burning that much money in a fantasy baseball draft!

10. Stick to Your Plan but Leave Room to Improvise.

Kind of contradictory right? Well, not really. Structure your draft plan to be a guide for you in the heat of the fantasy baseball draft, but flexible enough so that you can react to any major curve balls the other owners may throw your way during your 2009 fantasy baseball draft!

Fantasy Baseball Draft Information Websites

There are a number of websites on the Internet devoted to providing fantasy baseball draft information for the 2009 draft for free and for membership fees. A great fantasy baseball strategy forum is located at mockdraftcentral.com! Another great place to go for baseline depth charts, discussions, information, and recommendations when planning out your 2009 fantasy baseball draft intentions is the new fantasy baseball section on ESPN! I don't necessarily agree with the insight you see on the site all the time, but you can't beat the accuracy of their statistics and arguments the writers make!

Which Fantasy Baseball Rounds to Pick Different Positions

1 - Pick a catcher in the first two rounds this year! There aren't many out there who consistently performed in scoring categories last year, and only a few real high quality prospects on the board this year!

2 - Pick up a quality closer or two in Free Agency. There will be quality available here and don't burn a good draft pick up unnecessarily!

3 - Draft starting pitching, but worry about getting your marquee players and consistent starters who hit first in the 2009 fantasy baseball draft.

4 - Know how deep each position is with quality stars who perform in the scoring categories in your league!

5 - If you're playing in a 5 x 5 or 6 x 6 league, don't forget about stolen bases when balancing which players to draft and which to leave on the board!

2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft.

That about sums up tips and strategy for this article. Two final tips to remember when you step into the draft room (virtual or real) this year: 1 - Remain calm, it is after all a 'Fantasy' Baseball Draft! 2 - No one expert is 100% correct for YOUR draft or we'd all be in Vegas winning big money. Take bits of wisdom from each expert you read or observe and form your own opinions and strategies for draft day!