Strategy For Draft

[Klew1986]

So I am prepping for my First-Year Player Draft in my solo fictional game. I have a rule where I always choose a starting pitcher with my 1st pick, unless there isn't one worth taking or there is a stud hitter. Well in this years draft, there happens to be a stud player that could easily go #1 (I have #1 pick due to expansion team I'm running).

However, I think I will go with a starting pitcher anyways. My question is, when you are drafting a starting pitcher and there are multiple good/very good options, what do you focus on when choosing (which ratings, stats, etc)

[Mr. Baseball]

Make sure you look at their FIP instead of their ERA. If the FIP is significantly lower than the ERA, it means the pitcher didn't receive very good defensive support and therefor doesn't look as good on paper. Another thing I look for is velocity and ground ball-ratio. High velocity is good, but I'd personally rather have a slower pitcher. Why? Because pitchers with less velocity will typically last longer than flame-throwers. They have longer careers because they rely on different pitches other than a fastball to get outs. When they get old and start to regress, the first thing that goes is their heater. If they don't have a heater to begin with, they don't lose much and can be dominant in to their early 40's. Also, a high GB% is more important than a high strikeout rate.

[Klew1986]

Here are the candidates for the #1 pick and then the last picture will be the Shortstop that is also candidate for #1 overall pick. He could be a potential stud.






Shortstop:

[BIG17EASY]

What's the size of your league? In an MLB-type world, I'd lean toward the college pitcher because he may ready to pitch in the big leagues quicker. In my smaller fictional league (18 teams with three levels of minors), I'd take one of the HS pitchers because the top prospects tend to make their MABA debut at 20 or 21 years old.

(MABA stands for Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association for anyone who may be curious. It's comprised of teams in the PA/NJ/MD area.)

[le receveur]

ah the good old days (2 months ago) without feeders, so little help from results.

any more reason why your top pitcher is listed as Bullpen Potential? i would not start a franchise on That...

would be weary about the 2 Fragile rated as a 1.1 pick

and a premium SS to start a franchise is not bad..

to me it's between Jocko and the SS. need info on the Bullpen future...

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by BIG17EASY

What's the size of your league? In an MLB-type world, I'd lean toward the college pitcher because he may ready to pitch in the big leagues quicker. In my smaller fictional league (18 teams with three levels of minors), I'd take one of the HS pitchers because the top prospects tend to make their MABA debut at 20 or 21 years old.

(MABA stands for Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association for anyone who may be curious. It's comprised of teams in the PA/NJ/MD area.)

but if this is an expension, i probably would go with long term, wasting service year early on might be a waste

[snepp]

Originally Posted by le receveur

any more reason why your top pitcher is listed as Bullpen Potential? i would not start a franchise on That...

The "suggested role" has nothing to do with potential, it's based upon current ratings.

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by snepp

The "suggested role" has nothing to do with potential, it's based upon current ratings.

ok. i never look at this screen for draft, so never noticed. thanks.

[BIG17EASY]

Originally Posted by le receveur

but if this is an expension, i probably would go with long term, wasting service year early on might be a waste

It's not a waste of a service year if the guy is good enough to pitch for the top team. I understand the thinking behind it, but I don't follow that practice.

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by snepp

The "suggested role" has nothing to do with potential, it's based upon current ratings.

ok. that being said. my reading, based on little information:

Jocko. Was not used all year as starter. Stamina ok for 7 innings. All results aligned

Killer. Movement issues with the 8 HR. Fragile, work ethic concerns. would pass at 1.1 (gamble i would take at 1.8)

Groundhog. Solid results. Good peripherals Would love him if i had 3 years of that. Not sure why he gets lower rating. . Personality looks great. without rating he would be my top pick.

Iceman. Fragile is a bit negative. again would love 3 years of no injury. result look great. Easy sign for a potential HS 1.1 is weird.


as a cornerstone franchise. a HS SS with already plus plus play at SS looks great (getting a 3/8 usually is a future AS SS) . plus basestealing.

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by BIG17EASY

It's not a waste of a service year if the guy is good enough to pitch for the top team. I understand the thinking behind it, but I don't follow that practice.

i guess it depends how quick you think you can contend.

[The Wolf]

Originally Posted by le receveur

i guess it depends how quick you think you can contend.

Every draft should take that factor into account along with positional needs.

[Klew1986]

My league right now is a 18 team league. I recently just expanded from 16 to 18 and then took over the Stockton Ports (expansion team). I plan to expand to 20 (won't happen for another 7-10 years). Then I will likely stick at 20 for the foreseeable future.

I'm torn between the SS DeMayo, SP Young, and SP Reid

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

My league right now is a 18 team league. I recently just expanded from 16 to 18 and then took over the Stockton Ports (expansion team). I plan to expand to 20 (won't happen for another 7-10 years). Then I will likely stick at 20 for the foreseeable future.

I'm torn between the SS DeMayo, SP Young, and SP Reid

Young?

[Klew1986]

I meant Stewart. Was looking at something else.

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

I meant Stewart. Was looking at something else.

don't like Fragile at 1.1

i like Reid, which i understood why your scout only has him as a 4 star guy.

but i could chicken out and go with the 5 star premium position

[tejdog1]

Originally Posted by The Wolf

Every draft should take that factor into account along with positional needs.

Is this sarcasm? You never, EVER, NEVER draft for need in baseball.

[Klew1986]

I'm debating between these two...

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by tejdog1

Is this sarcasm? You never, EVER, NEVER draft for need in baseball.

would not say Never. I usually do after the 10th round.

[le receveur]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

I'm debating between these two...

Attachment 321533

Attachment 321534

both are fine to be honest. I would likely go with the Pitcher.