Questions and answers

Fantasy Baseball Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the ins and outs of fantasy baseball is key to victory. We’ve compiled the most important questions from the fantasy community and provided expert answers. If your question isn’t covered, our support team is ready to step in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do trades work? A: You can propose trades with other managers in your league. Successful trades require negotiation and finding deals that benefit both teams. Most leagues have a trade deadline near the end of the season.

Q: Should I draft prospects? A: Drafting prospects (young players in the minor leagues) depends on your league type. In keeper or dynasty leagues where you keep players year-to-year, prospects are valuable. In redraft leagues (new teams each year), prospects usually only have value if they are expected to be called up and contribute during the current season.

Q: What’s the difference between SP and RP? A: SP stands for Starting Pitcher, who typically pitch every 5 days. RP stands for Relief Pitcher, who pitch more frequently but usually for fewer innings, often in specialized roles like closers (who get Saves) or setup men.

Q: What is the Waiver Wire and Free Agency? A: Players not on any team roster are available either as Free Agents (can be added immediately) or on Waivers. Waiver claims usually process after a set period (e.g., 1-2 days), often using a priority system or a Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) where managers bid for players.

Q: How do I manage my roster during the season? A: Daily or weekly lineup setting is crucial. You’ll need to bench players on off-days or facing tough matchups. Use the waiver wire or free agency to pick up players who are performing well or filling a short-term need. Trades with other managers are also a key way to improve your team.

Q: What are innings pitched (IP) limits or starts limits? A: Some leagues limit the number of innings your pitchers can accrue or the number of games started to prevent managers from streaming pitchers excessively. Understand these limits, as exceeding them can result in penalties or stats not counting.

Q: How does drafting work? A: Drafting is how you build your initial team. Common draft types include Snake drafts (draft order reverses each round) and Auction drafts (managers bid on players using a set budget). Preparation is key – understand player values, position scarcity, and your league’s specific settings before the draft starts.

Q: What are the common scoring formats in fantasy baseball? A: The most common formats are Rotisserie (Roto), Head-to-Head (H2H) Categories, and Points Leagues. Roto ranks teams based on cumulative stats in categories like Home Runs, RBIs, Wins, and ERA. H2H Categories pits teams against each other weekly, competing to win more categories. Points leagues assign point values to stats (e.g., Single = 1 point, Strikeout = 1 point) and the team with the most points wins.

Q: What are Injured List (IL) spots? A: IL spots allow you to temporarily remove injured players from your active roster without having to drop them. This opens up a roster spot to add a replacement player while your injured star recovers. Rules for IL eligibility vary by league.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Baseball Success

Step up your game with these essential tips:

• Pay attention to ballpark factors and player home/road splits.
• Be patient with slumping stars, but know when to cut bait on underperformers.
• Don’t neglect pitching; aim for a mix of reliable starters and potential strikeout upside.
• Utilize the waiver wire actively to find hot streaks and injury replacements.
• Balance your offense across hitting categories (Power, Speed, Average).
• Understand your league’s scoring system inside and out.
• Monitor playing time battles and lineup positions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t strike out! Avoid these common fantasy baseball pitfalls:

• Failing to understand specific league rules (e.g., transaction limits, scoring nuances).
• Chasing last week’s stats on the waiver wire.
• Making panic trades after a slow start.
• Underestimating the impact of ballpark factors on player performance.
• Overvaluing Saves and drafting closers too early.
• Drafting based on name recognition instead of current projections/stats.

Fantasy Baseball Glossary

Talk the talk with these key fantasy baseball terms:

Roto: Rotisserie scoring, where teams are ranked based on cumulative stats in set categories. H2H: Head-to-Head scoring, where teams compete against one opponent each week. IL / DL: Injured List (formerly Disabled List). A spot to stash injured players. Keeper League: A league where managers can keep a certain number of players from their previous year’s team. WHIP: Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched. A common pitching ratio statistic. Streaming: Picking up players (usually pitchers) for short-term use based on favorable matchups.

Need More Help?

We’re here to support your fantasy baseball season! Here’s how to get assistance:

Community Forums: Discuss strategy, ask questions, and interact with fellow fantasy managers.

Email Support: Get detailed answers to your questions within 24-48 hours.

Live Chat Support: Get real-time help during peak hours (check availability).

Still Have Questions?

Our support team and community forums are great resources for any other questions. Whether you’re navigating your first season or managing multiple leagues, we’re here to help you succeed. Good luck this season!