Auction drafting 06 (1 Viewer)

[BigRed]

Let's talk real drafts, none of this luckofthedraw BS.

Who you gonna target? I think I want at least one of the top RBs regardless of cost.

Last year I skimped on QBs and got mixed results (Favre and Plummer) - but others paid a lot more for similarly up n down QBs, so that might be a strat worth keeping.

 

[roadkill1292]

I have a cheap QB keeper this year so, for a change, I'm going after one of the big three as well. If I don't get one, I'll try to control the early middle rounds and load up on cheap depth.

I still don't understand the lure of drafting. The New York guys who really started the whole roto game instinctively understood that the heart of the game was salary management. Drafting only approximates that, and poorly I think. Why would you want to participate in a process where who gets LaDainian Tomlinson is a foregone conclusion?

 

[Orange Crush]

Auction is the only way to go.

My most successful strategy last year was to spend no more than 10% on any one player. Well, I didn't actually set out to make that my strategy. I just stuck with my anticipated prices and didn't let the outrageous inflation set me off. I ended up with a very good and fantastically deep roster, finished as the regular season champion.

 

[reg]

Likely the same strategy as every year.

Get a couple low priced QBs - looking at Bledsoe, Favre, Culp(depending on the value), Plummer, Warner.

Get two top 12 RB's - SJax, Ronnie, Lamont, Davis, Edge, etc most part just playing value here don't have a real preference.

Get two to three backup rb's or low end starters who could make a splash. Guys like Perry, Barber, Fred Taylor, CuMart, Addai, etc...

Get one good WR and 3 or 4 decent ones. Would like to target one of Holt, Fitz, CJ, Owens, Smith, or Moss. Then fill in the other spots with WR's ranked between 20-40.

K -

Def - VIKINGS !!! j/k. Usually just get one early and be done with it.

We have small roster sizes and this strategy has worked out for me the past 3 or 4 years.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Budget QB shopping: Brees, Plummer, Bledsoe, Volek, Rivers, Brunnell, etc.

Nominate Reggie Bush and other young and/or descending players as soon as possible. The intent is to spend other owners money or roster players that I don;t want.

Get 3 solid RBs (I have 2 RB keepers)

Buy a pair low-cost upside TEs (Watson, Cooley, Troupe...)

Try to get by with a underwhelming WR core (Kennison, R Smith, Porter, Stallworth...)

K & D are minimal investments.

 

[Warpig]

Budget QB shopping: Brees, Plummer, Bledsoe, Volek, Rivers, Brunnell, etc.

Nominate Reggie Bush and other young and/or descending players as soon as possible. The intent is to spend other owners money or roster players that I don;t want.

Get 3 solid RBs (I have 2 RB keepers)

Buy a pair low-cost upside TEs (Watson, Cooley, Troupe...)

Try to get by with a underwhelming WR core (Kennison, R Smith, Porter, Stallworth...)

K & D are minimal investments.

Were you looking over my shoulder copying from me? I love tossing out overhyped players getting other owners to overspend for rookies and big name/ low production players. While I sit back and pick up steady performers and build excellent depth/trade bait.

 

[CalBear]

My goasl going into every auction are to wind up with at least one every-week starter at QB, WR, and RB, and to pursue value at every opportunity. I don't target specific players, just see how things go in the auction and who is going for peanuts. Generally the young and hip are overpriced and the established and productiive are underpriced, but don't get married to any one guy, just take what comes to you.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Auction is the only way to go.

My most successful strategy last year was to spend no more than 10% on any one player. Well, I didn't actually set out to make that my strategy. I just stuck with my anticipated prices and didn't let the outrageous inflation set me off. I ended up with a very good and fantastically deep roster, finished as the regular season champion.

Forgive me for not understanding, but how do you get a premium RB for 10% of your cap?

 

[JSUF]

As with everyone, I love to find value, but the question is where to skimp and where to spend. My auction strategy is really just an extention of my draft strategy (just more extreme because I can spend an unlimited amount on runningbacks). I'll overpay for the top stud RBs and then look for the productive, boring old WR's that everyone passes on, and the boring 8th-12th ADP type QBs. I feel that I can mine the value WRs and QBs after spending a ton on the Tomlinson's, LJ's, etc. I'm especially keen on that strategy this season as I see many question marks on most of the RBs outside LT, LJ, SA.

 

[Snot Bubbler]

The past 3 years I've spent the lion's share (>50%) of my cap on RBs with great success.

However, this year in addition to spending most of my $$ on RBs, I'm going to try to get one of the top 3 RBs plus another RB in the top 15 and two WRs between 6-10. That should leave just about $1 or $2 left per remaining roster spot. In the past I've always found great value with middle tier players during the draft. But I play the waiver wire so much that most of those guys are gone by Week 6 anyway. If you don't lead your league in WW transactions this strategy probably isn't for you.

I've also looked back at last year's auction and determined that almost all of the RBs were underpriced, while the top 5 QBs and the top 5 WRs were overpriced. (I highly recommend looking back at last year's auction to figure out where the values might be again this year.) My initial thought was to get an elite QB, RB, and WR, but after reviewing last year's auction, I realized that this would most likely be impossible, and that my money would be better spent on RBs and 6-10 WRs.

 

[Chaos Commish]

My goasl going into every auction are to wind up with at least one every-week starter at QB, WR, and RB, and to pursue value at every opportunity. I don't target specific players, just see how things go in the auction and who is going for peanuts. Generally the young and hip are overpriced and the established and productiive are underpriced, but don't get married to any one guy, just take what comes to you.

I wish I could be so casual about who I get. I generally have four or five players I have to have (2RBS, 1WR, QB or TE). I'm more flexible on the QB and there may be a few acceptable alternates at each position, but I focus on specific targets in auctions. It's part of what makes auctions better (luck of the draw can't steal my guy). I'm also the owner willing to break the bank for a stud RB early in the auction. So, I'm generally aggressive early and on a strict budget while rosters are being filled in then nabbing the best values I can find post middle and very late. It worked beautifully last year thanks to Santana Moss and Larry Johnson (Alexander was the stud RB I won the bidding war for, Holt was the one WR I went all out for). We had our rough spells, but the finish with those guys was pure joy. I don't know who I'm targeting this year though. I like what Cleveland, Houston and Tampa Bay are doing with the OLs and the respective backs all represent value to me. Caddy and Dom are probably highest on my list this early for RB2. I may bust the bank for LJ or LT this year. Then stock up on WRs hoping to hit on someone like SMoss again. Since I'll be budgeting more than most, it's a complete mystery who will be cheap. Antonio Bryant will probably be affordable and end up on my squad; Terry Glenn, Amani Toomer, Rod Smith (always), Houshman, Keenan, Kennison, you get the idea. I'll probably stock some cheap TEs since I think the top ones are going to cost too much this year, and there's some good unexpected potential littered around the league.

This is a $300, 25 man roster, start 15 (8IDP starters) league (re-auction). By far my favorite league ever. It's local and we have a waiting list. I have to say to BigRed the "BS" and "Eunuch" stuff is lame and does nothing for the forum or the discussion. Why be so arrogant and insulting? Sure auctions are a better format. I lobbied hard for this league to convert years ago, and we're happy we did. But still, I know some very shrewd and incredibly experienced sharks who will make a strong argument for snake drafting. To each his own. Drafting is a blast. Auctions eliminate luck of the draw and create better bragging rights, but snake draft leagues are won from every draft slot. You'd probably generate a better discussion without the insults.

 

[The Ref]

All I know at this point is Reggie Bush is going to be the first player I put up.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'll overpay for the top stud RBs and then look for the productive, boring old WR's that everyone passes on, and the boring 8th-12th ADP type QBs.

The past 3 years I've spent the lion's share (>50%) of my cap on RBs with great success.

I may bust the bank for LJ or LT this year.

Every year there's fresh auction articles criticizing our (big spending) approach and promoting the idea of a deep, balanced team with good potential at every position; carefully picked players all in similar price ranges. Balance schmalance. It always seems like the guy who pays heavy for studs (who produce) and then steals some cheapies (who also produce) wins in the end. The owner with all that depth and balance makes the playoffs and loses. Some other owner who bought the wrong stud and didn't get so lucky crashes and burns. I'd rather increase my chance of both winning it all and crashing and burning than build the perfectly constructed, deep, well-rounded, overthought team that rarely comes through in the end.

 

[Chaos Commish]

All I know at this point is Reggie Bush is going to be the first player I put up.

This could be my downfall. I wub him. I must be strong!

 

[CalBear]

Every year there's fresh auction articles criticizing our (big spending) approach and promoting the idea of a deep, balanced team with good potential at every position; carefully picked players all in similar price ranges. Balance schmalance. It always seems like the guy who pays heavy for studs (who produce) and then steals some cheapies (who also produce) wins in the end. The owner with all that depth and balance makes the playoffs and loses. Some other owner who bought the wrong stud and didn't get so lucky crashes and burns. I'd rather increase my chance of both winning it all and crashing and burning than build the perfectly constructed, deep, well-rounded, overthought team that rarely comes through in the end.

The problem is, you don't know who the studs really will be. In general, the league winner is not the guy who paid 50% of cap for LT, it's the guy who paid 15% of cap for LJ (2005) or Tiki (2004). I'll buy a big stud if he falls below my value number, but I think your long-term return will generally be higher on two $30 RBs than on a $50 RB and a $10 RB.

 

[Warpig]

I'll overpay for the top stud RBs and then look for the productive, boring old WR's that everyone passes on, and the boring 8th-12th ADP type QBs. 

The past 3 years I've spent the lion's share (>50%) of my cap on RBs with great success. 

I may bust the bank for LJ or LT this year. 

Every year there's fresh auction articles criticizing our (big spending) approach and promoting the idea of a deep, balanced team with good potential at every position; carefully picked players all in similar price ranges. Balance schmalance. It always seems like the guy who pays heavy for studs (who produce) and then steals some cheapies (who also produce) wins in the end. The owner with all that depth and balance makes the playoffs and loses. Some other owner who bought the wrong stud and didn't get so lucky crashes and burns. I'd rather increase my chance of both winning it all and crashing and burning than build the perfectly constructed, deep, well-rounded, overthought team that rarely comes through in the end.

You just described my team to a 'T'. I always end up with a deep team with no real "studs". All it ever gets me is a winning record, possibly winning my division and never winning the championship. I'm getting tired of watching guys blow their entire salary on 2 stud RB's and filling out the rest of their roster with "freebies" and waiver wire guys that end up having good years. While all my players always seem to tail off towards the end of the year...during playoff time! I'm trying to convince myself to sack up this year and spend some dough on a couple of studs and just try my luck on the waiver wire.

 

[jdoggydogg]

All I know at this point is Reggie Bush is going to be the first player I put up.

This could be my downfall. I wub him. I must be strong!

My league has some sharks, but it also has enough Dynasty newbies so that Bush will go far too high for my tastes. The newbies will either bid a ton on Bush or almost nothing on the #2, 3, and 4 rookie RBs.In $100 auction I am guessing Bush will go for $25, whereas I can probably get Maroney for $15, Williams for $10, and Addai for $8.

 

[Chaos Commish]

All I know at this point is Reggie Bush is going to be the first player I put up.

This could be my downfall. I wub him. I must be strong!

My league has some sharks, but it also has enough Dynasty newbies so that Bush will go far too high for my tastes. The newbies will either bid a ton on Bush or almost nothing on the #2, 3, and 4 rookie RBs.In $100 auction I am guessing Bush will go for $25, whereas I can probably get Maroney for $15, Williams for $10, and Addai for $8.

I'm in two auctions, but both are redrafts. I would be a big sucker for Reggie in a dynasty auction (big big sucker). But in a redraft I have to be cautious. I think he's worth 10-12 TDs next year, maybe more ( ), but I'll have to follow my own projections unemotionally if someone else is in love with him too. To answer BigRed's opening question (even though 4 FBG readers are in the league)-- I am going to own Larry Johnson next year. Done deal. Try to outbid me.

 

[roadkill1292]

To answer BigRed's opening question (even though 4 FBG readers are in the league)-- I am going to own Larry Johnson next year. Done deal. Try to outbid me.

The starts already. I love auctions.

 

[Lowen1]

Hey Auction Guys - I've always been in redraft leagues, and as commish, I'm always trying new things (rules, lineups, scoring) etc. to make things more interesting. I'd love to try and move my league to an auction league.

Any suggestions on how to present this? I can probably convince a majority to try an auction - if I have some good reasons why. I need more than "because it is more fair" or "because it is more of a challenge".

The league has probably 3-4 good players, 3-4 average, and 4-6 not so good. A few don't mind change, and a few are resistant to change. The others don't really care - they just want to play.

Also, we draft live. How long should a 12 team / 16 player auction last?

One more thing - are there articles/advice anywhere about how to run an auction draft?

TIA

 

[Chaos Commish]

To answer BigRed's opening question (even though 4 FBG readers are in the league)-- I am going to own Larry Johnson next year. Done deal. Try to outbid me.

The starts already. I love auctions.

 

[uwgb96]

I wish I could be so casual about who I get. I generally have four or five players I have to have (2RBS, 1WR, QB or TE).

I think that's a recipe for disaster. I think the key to auction drafts is setting values and sticking with them. This only works of course if you have been playing in a league for a few years and have base values set.By targeting guys, you are the one who likely ends up overpaying and forced to find bargains later on which is a crapshoot.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I wish I could be so casual about who I get. I generally have four or five players I have to have (2RBS, 1WR, QB or TE).

I think that's a recipe for disaster. I think the key to auction drafts is setting values and sticking with them. This only works of course if you have been playing in a league for a few years and have base values set.By targeting guys, you are the one who likely ends up overpaying and forced to find bargains later on which is a crapshoot.

I do set values and stick to them. I just set unusually high values for certain players I have to have. See my Reggie comment. I said, "I'll have to follow my own projections unemotionally if someone else is in love with him too." The disasters occurred last year for the guys who backed down when the price got ballsy. In a league full of experienced guys who think like you do, the more aggressive stud theory is paying off nicely 2 out of the last three years for me. The other winner two years ago did the same thing. Three straight league champs have paid dearly for stud RBs and WRs and won it all. I also believe if you really have a bad FF habit then you should be able to score some quality cheapies. It's because I go to the auction packed with insights from this site that I feel okay spending the big money on the big names. I know I can round out a productive roster on the cheap. Going back 4,5,6 years, I played it more conservatively, went for the deep well rounded roster-- I never won squat, but always made the playoffs. Since spending whatever it takes for the studs I targeted I completely flamed out one year and took two titles.

 

[Joe_]

In my dynasty auction league, I've already got my whole squad that got me the #1 seed in the playoffs, so I have the ultimate luxury of waiting around for the value plays. In my position, I'm targetting guys like Michael Turner, A. Green (Packers players go cheap since the league is in Minnesota), and Andre Johnson because I can afford to have them ride the pine until they're back to where they should be.

Other than that, my goal is to make sure no one gets anybody on the cheap.

 

[The Ref]

All I know at this point is Reggie Bush is going to be the first player I put up.

This could be my downfall. I wub him. I must be strong!

I know you do. I am sure there will be many that will out bid for him. Rookie RB and Rookie WR should always be the first ones to be called up in an auction.

 

[nittanylion]

Hey Auction Guys - I've always been in redraft leagues, and as commish, I'm always trying new things (rules, lineups, scoring) etc. to make things more interesting. I'd love to try and move my league to an auction league.

Any suggestions on how to present this? I can probably convince a majority to try an auction - if I have some good reasons why. I need more than "because it is more fair" or "because it is more of a challenge".

The league has probably 3-4 good players, 3-4 average, and 4-6 not so good. A few don't mind change, and a few are resistant to change. The others don't really care - they just want to play.

Also, we draft live. How long should a 12 team / 16 player auction last?

One more thing - are there articles/advice anywhere about how to run an auction draft?

TIA

Lowen1, we're in the same boat, but I've been fighting the battle for a few years now. This helped some last year - give it a try:http://www.fantasyauctioneer.com/proxy?:in...ionDrafting.jsp

 

[Varmint]

Hey Auction Guys - I've always been in redraft leagues, and as commish, I'm always trying new things (rules, lineups, scoring) etc. to make things more interesting.  I'd love to try and move my league to an auction league.

Any suggestions on how to present this?  I can probably convince a majority to try an auction - if I have some good reasons why.  I need more than "because it is more fair" or "because it is more of a challenge". 

The league has probably 3-4 good players, 3-4 average, and 4-6 not so good.  A few don't mind change, and a few are resistant to change.  The others don't really care - they just want to play. 

Also, we draft live.  How long should a 12 team / 16 player auction last? 

One more thing - are there articles/advice anywhere about how to run an auction draft? 

TIA

Lowen1, we're in the same boat, but I've been fighting the battle for a few years now. This helped some last year - give it a try:http://www.fantasyauctioneer.com/proxy?:in...ionDrafting.jsp

This is the 11th year I've been Commissioner of our league...About 6 years ago I got the bug to try an auction format. It met with HORRENDOUS opposition. I mean, founding fathers threatened to quit if I changed it. I put it to a vote and found that the league was really split. The problem was, it was the "old salts" who #####ed the loudest.

I put it on the back burner that year but as soon as the season was finished, I went into high gear pushing my agenda....

I had everything in place but by the time the next season rolled around, the league found itself in almost the exact position....split...with the "old timers" offering up the most resistance..

Finally, I'd had enough. I explained that this league was NOT a democracy...it was a "benevolent dictatorship"...and by those means, I was TAKING this league into an auction format. If they wanted to find a new league, start looking because THIS one was pulling out of the station.

I did make ONE concession to keep everyone on board. I scheduled the auction exactly one week before our usually scheduled draft night. I explained to them that this night would be a "mock auction". Since absolutely NOBODY in our league had ever been in an auction, this would be a good chance to get some practice. IF they liked the way it played out that night, then in one week we'd have the real auction...OR...if they didn't like it, we'd have our usually scheduled draft night the next week.

We had our "Mock Auction" that night and we've NEVER looked back!

It was unanimous ...the auction stayed....and is STILL talked about as the best change the league has ever been through.

Change it...even if you have to take some members of you league, kicking and screaming.

They'll thank you for it later.

 

[The Reverend]

I'll overpay for the top stud RBs and then look for the productive, boring old WR's that everyone passes on, and the boring 8th-12th ADP type QBs. 

The past 3 years I've spent the lion's share (>50%) of my cap on RBs with great success. 

I may bust the bank for LJ or LT this year. 

Every year there's fresh auction articles criticizing our (big spending) approach and promoting the idea of a deep, balanced team with good potential at every position; carefully picked players all in similar price ranges. Balance schmalance. It always seems like the guy who pays heavy for studs (who produce) and then steals some cheapies (who also produce) wins in the end. The owner with all that depth and balance makes the playoffs and loses. Some other owner who bought the wrong stud and didn't get so lucky crashes and burns. I'd rather increase my chance of both winning it all and crashing and burning than build the perfectly constructed, deep, well-rounded, overthought team that rarely comes through in the end.

You just described my team to a 'T'. I always end up with a deep team with no real "studs". All it ever gets me is a winning record, possibly winning my division and never winning the championship. I'm getting tired of watching guys blow their entire salary on 2 stud RB's and filling out the rest of their roster with "freebies" and waiver wire guys that end up having good years. While all my players always seem to tail off towards the end of the year...during playoff time! I'm trying to convince myself to sack up this year and spend some dough on a couple of studs and just try my luck on the waiver wire.

Yes, but consistancy is king. Ever since I joined my very competitave 12 team auction league 5 years ago, I have followed the balanced approached , and made the playoffs every year, winning it all for the first time last year. It's much more fun to be feared year in and year out than be a crap shoot year in and year out. No one ever wants to play me, and everyone studies my auction draft to see how much I'll dominate again. Barring last year, I lost in within the playoffs due to poor luck and nothing else. But i made my money back or more.Oh, and BTW, I bought LJ last year for 8% of my cap. Probably couldn't have done it with out him, but will be looking for value again this year regardless...

ETA: And one more thing... who cares? Both Auctions and serpentines are fun as hell!!! Do 'em both, all the damn time!!! Neither is better, just delightfully different.

 

[roadkill1292]

Hey Auction Guys - I've always been in redraft leagues, and as commish, I'm always trying new things (rules, lineups, scoring) etc. to make things more interesting. I'd love to try and move my league to an auction league.

Any suggestions on how to present this? I can probably convince a majority to try an auction - if I have some good reasons why. I need more than "because it is more fair" or "because it is more of a challenge".

The league has probably 3-4 good players, 3-4 average, and 4-6 not so good. A few don't mind change, and a few are resistant to change. The others don't really care - they just want to play.

Also, we draft live. How long should a 12 team / 16 player auction last?

One more thing - are there articles/advice anywhere about how to run an auction draft?

TIA

Three and a half to four hours for an organized auction of that size. Explain to your owners that in an auction they'll get a crack at absolutely any player they want. Do a search on this site for commentary; there aren't many auction guys here but the numbers are growing and some of us run some pretty smooth auctions.

This is the 11th year I've been Commissioner of our league...

About 6 years ago I got the bug to try an auction format. It met with HORRENDOUS opposition. I mean, founding fathers threatened to quit if I changed it. I put it to a vote and found that the league was really split. The problem was, it was the "old salts" who #####ed the loudest.

I put it on the back burner that year but as soon as the season was finished, I went into high gear pushing my agenda....

I had everything in place but by the time the next season rolled around, the league found itself in almost the exact position....split...with the "old timers" offering up the most resistance..

Finally, I'd had enough. I explained that this league was NOT a democracy...it was a "benevolent dictatorship"...and by those means, I was TAKING this league into an auction format. If they wanted to find a new league, start looking because THIS one was pulling out of the station.

I did make ONE concession to keep everyone on board. I scheduled the auction exactly one week before our usually scheduled draft night. I explained to them that this night would be a "mock auction". Since absolutely NOBODY in our league had ever been in an auction, this would be a good chance to get some practice. IF they liked the way it played out that night, then in one week we'd have the real auction...OR...if they didn't like it, we'd have our usually scheduled draft night the next week.

We had our "Mock Auction" that night and we've NEVER looked back!

It was unanimous ...the auction stayed....and is STILL talked about as the best change the league has ever been through.

Change it...even if you have to take some members of you league, kicking and screaming.

They'll thank you for it later.

Great story. In my four years on this board I've read exactly one guy who tried an auction, disliked it and switched back. Some of my owners are in other draft leagues and, to a man, they prefer our auction league. I'd probably face a mutiny if I demanded that we start drafting.

 

[roadkill1292]

To answer BigRed's opening question (even though 4 FBG readers are in the league)-- I am going to own Larry Johnson next year.  Done deal.  Try to outbid me. 

The starts already. I love auctions.

No disrespect intended. Auctions are like poker: if you ain't lyin', you ain't tryin'.

 

[HeirCoryell]

I'd much rather have a solid, well-rounded team of players than bet my season on two studs. That's the beauty of an auction. It's like being able to trade all your early and late draft picks for a bunch of mid-round picks if you want to. For myself, it's hard to spend such a big chunk on one or two guys early and then kick myself every time I see another owner getting a bargain because my cash is gone.

 

[JSUF]

I'd much rather have a solid, well-rounded team of players than bet my season on two studs. That's the beauty of an auction. It's like being able to trade all your early and late draft picks for a bunch of mid-round picks if you want to. For myself, it's hard to spend such a big chunk on one or two guys early and then kick myself every time I see another owner getting a bargain because my cash is gone.

Vice-versa, you can cash in your middle round picks for a couple 1st rounders and a bunch of late rounders. I agree that the beauty is you can pick which strategy to employ. You will have to pass on some good middle tier bargain players using the stud spending strategy. Last year in my keeper auction league (I had Priest) and was saving the bulk of my remaining cap space after a few high priced keepers to sign LJ. Had to bite my lip and pass on a couple of incredible bargains, but it was no doubt worth it. In an auction, sometimes you have to have strong discipline to stop the trigger finger and sometimes you have to have the cajones to go all in and that is what makes the auction such a fun game of strategy.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Any suggestions on how to present this? I can probably convince a majority to try an auction - if I have some good reasons why. I need more than "because it is more fair" or "because it is more of a challenge". The league has probably 3-4 good players, 3-4 average, and 4-6 not so good. A few don't mind change, and a few are resistant to change. The others don't really care - they just want to play. Also, we draft live. How long should a 12 team / 16 player auction last? One more thing - are there articles/advice anywhere about how to run an auction draft?

Great features of an Auction Draft:- Every owner is engaged almost the entire draft. Unless you have already filled your roster, you are in on the bidding for tons of players. This feature alone makes an auction WAY more interesting.

- You have a shot at every player. Pick #1 in a serpentine draft is guaranteed Larry Johnson. Not so in an Auction. In $100 cap, he may have to spend $50 ro $60 to get Johnson.

- Strategy. In a traditional serpentine draft, there isn't as much you can do to influence other owners. In an Auction, you can drive player values up that you don't want. Furthermore, you can nominate overpriced players early to help your fellow owners overspend.

One poster mentioned a mock draft. If your owners are hesitant to change, do it. Your league will never go back to a tradtitional draft.

 

[Z-Dog]

I wish I could be so casual about who I get. I generally have four or five players I have to have (2RBS, 1WR, QB or TE).

I think that's a recipe for disaster. I think the key to auction drafts is setting values and sticking with them. This only works of course if you have been playing in a league for a few years and have base values set.By targeting guys, you are the one who likely ends up overpaying and forced to find bargains later on which is a crapshoot.

I do set values and stick to them. I just set unusually high values for certain players I have to have. See my Reggie comment. I said, "I'll have to follow my own projections unemotionally if someone else is in love with him too." The disasters occurred last year for the guys who backed down when the price got ballsy. In a league full of experienced guys who think like you do, the more aggressive stud theory is paying off nicely 2 out of the last three years for me. The other winner two years ago did the same thing. Three straight league champs have paid dearly for stud RBs and WRs and won it all. I also believe if you really have a bad FF habit then you should be able to score some quality cheapies. It's because I go to the auction packed with insights from this site that I feel okay spending the big money on the big names. I know I can round out a productive roster on the cheap. Going back 4,5,6 years, I played it more conservatively, went for the deep well rounded roster-- I never won squat, but always made the playoffs. Since spending whatever it takes for the studs I targeted I completely flamed out one year and took two titles.

I think that the overpaying vs. balance approach goes in cycles.For example, in one league I'm in, the very top RBs were undervalued - they were expensive, but they were still great buys at the price. Some owners began to construct very aggressive teams by buying those guys, b/c there was enough money left over for the other positions. In the following years, RB prices started to rise. Once they reached a certain point though, going the balance approach became a winning strategy. Part of winning your league is figuring out where the best values are likely to be, and building a coherent strategy around taking advantage of them.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I wish I could be so casual about who I get. I generally have four or five players I have to have (2RBS, 1WR, QB or TE).

I think that's a recipe for disaster. I think the key to auction drafts is setting values and sticking with them. This only works of course if you have been playing in a league for a few years and have base values set.By targeting guys, you are the one who likely ends up overpaying and forced to find bargains later on which is a crapshoot.

I do set values and stick to them. I just set unusually high values for certain players I have to have. See my Reggie comment. I said, "I'll have to follow my own projections unemotionally if someone else is in love with him too." The disasters occurred last year for the guys who backed down when the price got ballsy. In a league full of experienced guys who think like you do, the more aggressive stud theory is paying off nicely 2 out of the last three years for me. The other winner two years ago did the same thing. Three straight league champs have paid dearly for stud RBs and WRs and won it all. I also believe if you really have a bad FF habit then you should be able to score some quality cheapies. It's because I go to the auction packed with insights from this site that I feel okay spending the big money on the big names. I know I can round out a productive roster on the cheap. Going back 4,5,6 years, I played it more conservatively, went for the deep well rounded roster-- I never won squat, but always made the playoffs. Since spending whatever it takes for the studs I targeted I completely flamed out one year and took two titles.

I think that the overpaying vs. balance approach goes in cycles.For example, in one league I'm in, the very top RBs were undervalued - they were expensive, but they were still great buys at the price. Some owners began to construct very aggressive teams by buying those guys, b/c there was enough money left over for the other positions. In the following years, RB prices started to rise. Once they reached a certain point though, going the balance approach became a winning strategy. Part of winning your league is figuring out where the best values are likely to be, and building a coherent strategy around taking advantage of them.

This describes my league. The first couple auctions were met with much enthusiasm for top RBs. Many got burned by overpaying and everybody educated themselves on value and budget and now it seems the studs are worth the money again, but that cycle could quickly change on auction day.

 

[u999spf]

Auction is the only way to go.

My most successful strategy last year was to spend no more than 10% on any one player. Well, I didn't actually set out to make that my strategy. I just stuck with my anticipated prices and didn't let the outrageous inflation set me off. I ended up with a very good and fantastically deep roster, finished as the regular season champion.

I like this strategy but there is one thing I am concerned about... you say you were the regular season champion, so I have to believe you lost in the playoffs and did not win it all.This is my only concern with this type of strategy, you build a real solid team but get smoked in the playoffs when you go up against another team with a stud player or 2 and because you didn't pay to get one of these guys you don't have enough fire power unless that stud player has a below average game. That and during the season, you struggle each week with who to start because you have so much depth. (The key here is to take that depth and trade it for a stud or 2, but what if you are unable to pull off a trade?)

 

[Beaumont]

I prefer a slow message board or slow MFL style auction to a "live" auction ... it allows large leagues to have members from different locales without requiring everyone to give up a full day ... it also strings out the process and allows multiple players to be on the board at the same time ...

 

[Chaos Commish]

I prefer a slow message board or slow MFL style auction to a "live" auction ... it allows large leagues to have members from different locales without requiring everyone to give up a full day ... it also strings out the process and allows multiple players to be on the board at the same time ...

I agree online auctions have their advantages but this whole hobby developed from local leagues, and they're still the most fun. Friends and acquaintances, officemates, etc.; they make a league a lot more personal than a group meeting online (in my experience). I'm in the middle of a slow auction online at Xperts (12 nominees up for bid at a time) and it's not close to as much fun as the live auction in the middle of August. I do enjoy the dynamics of several players up for bid at a time, but give me the excitement and comaradarie of a live auction over any other form of fantasy roster building. It's just the best time you can have in this hobby, imo.

On a side note, I did accidentally bid $116 for Domanick Davis this morning - meant to bid 16!! That was kind of fun.

 

[Rovers]

What's a eunoch?

 

[20633]

What's a eunoch?

IIRC, it's a dude who has had his penis cut off....

 

[Rovers]

What's a eunoch?

IIRC, it's a dude who has had his penis cut off....

Word History: The word eunuch does not derive, as one might think, from the operation that produced a eunuch but rather from one of his functions. Eunuch goes back to the Greek word eunoukhos, “a castrated person employed to take charge of the women of a harem and act as chamberlain.” The Greek word is derived from eun, “bed,” and ekhein, “to keep.” A eunuch, of course, was ideally suited to guard the bedchamber of women.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Auction is the only way to go.

My most successful strategy last year was to spend no more than 10% on any one player. Well, I didn't actually set out to make that my strategy. I just stuck with my anticipated prices and didn't let the outrageous inflation set me off. I ended up with a very good and fantastically deep roster, finished as the regular season champion.

I like this strategy but there is one thing I am concerned about... you say you were the regular season champion, so I have to believe you lost in the playoffs and did not win it all.This is my only concern with this type of strategy, you build a real solid team but get smoked in the playoffs when you go up against another team with a stud player or 2 and because you didn't pay to get one of these guys you don't have enough fire power unless that stud player has a below average game. That and during the season, you struggle each week with who to start because you have so much depth. (The key here is to take that depth and trade it for a stud or 2, but what if you are unable to pull off a trade?)

I would like to see this league's roster requirements. Because in our league, you're going to pay 50% of your cap for a top 3 RB, 30% for RBs 4-14, and 15% to 20% for even the second tier guys. I just do not see how someone can get a premium RB for 10% of their cap.

 

[BigRed]

Likely the same strategy as every year.

Looks the same as mine. Who stole who's? Either way, it probably means you need to re-evaluate.

Get a couple low priced QBs - looking at Bledsoe, Favre, Culp(depending on the value), Plummer, Warner.

I did this and got Favre and Plummer. fn Favre. GB never having him on my team again. Once I finally wised up to Plummer as a "won't win the game but won't lose it for you either" QB, I was OK. Not great, OK.

Get two top 12 RB's - SJax, Ronnie, Lamont, Davis, Edge, etc  most part just playing value here don't have a real preference.

Get two to three backup rb's or low end starters who could make a splash.  Guys like Perry, Barber, 

Barber is low-end?I try to get one true stud (LT, etc) and one top 10ish RB (R Johnson last year). After that I try to get at least one "lots of upside" guy and one opposite, ie not much upside but not as many ? marks either.....a guy who will give me at least something.

Get one good WR and 3 or 4 decent ones.  Would like to target one of Holt, Fitz, CJ, Owens, Smith, or Moss.  Then fill in the other spots with WR's ranked between 20-40

Fargin Moss - my strat here was solid if not for his injury.K and D I will not spend more than 1 and 2% on respectively. Just too much of a crapshoot. Well, I might spend just a little more on D this year; I don't think I had one good week from a D last year. Maybe bid up CHI or some such early for $2, figuring no one will top it.

 

[BigRed]

Buy a pair low-cost upside TEs (Watson, Cooley, Troupe...)

TE strat I waffle on. I'd like to get a stud TE because it's a nice advantage to have, plus it's sort of a tradition w/my teams (admittedly started unintentionally and thx to some luck.....got Gonzo when he was just starting out back when). But in my auction league usually someone will overspend for the top guys, so I try for a mid-tier couple of TEs at bargain prices and hope.

 

[reg]

Get two top 12 RB's - SJax, Ronnie, Lamont, Davis, Edge, etc  most part just playing value here don't have a real preference.

Get two to three backup rb's or low end starters who could make a splash.  Guys like Perry, Barber, 

Barber is low-end?

Since I said backup or low end starters I thought you would know I meant Marion Barber. Forgot that BR started the thread tho.

 

[20633]

What's a eunoch?

IIRC, it's a dude who has had his penis cut off....

Word History: The word eunuch does not derive, as one might think, from the operation that produced a eunuch but rather from one of his functions. Eunuch goes back to the Greek word eunoukhos, “a castrated person employed to take charge of the women of a harem and act as chamberlain.” The Greek word is derived from eun, “bed,” and ekhein, “to keep.” A eunuch, of course, was ideally suited to guard the bedchamber of women.

I learned something today.

 

[crnerblitz]

I am a pretty fair auction drafter and like to think I can impart a few tips on auction drafting. Here goes.

1. The very first 2 or 3 players nominated will most often be undervalued. The auction is just coming to life and everyone has not come to grips with the ebb and flow yet. Supply, no matter how small, will still is greater than demand. Often times we look for value later when demand dimishes, but so too does the supply of players. Remember that this holds true only for the very first couple of players nominated. Usually by the 3rd or 4th player everyone in the auction has settled in.

2. Feel free to nominate DT and PK you are targeting early. It kinda goes hand in hand with tip #1, but it also is different by itself. It is possible you can get teams to overpay for these guys. Also it is just as likely they may go very cheap, as others are 'saving their ammo or roster spots'. There is usually an opportunity to be exploited when these guys get nominated early.

3. Don’t get married to any strategy. I already have mine all laid out for the IDP league I'm in. Right down to my last dollar. I know whom I am keeping, whom I am targeting, and which positions I want to buy depth at. A Half-hour into the auction I can expect to scrap my plan and become one with the auction. I will clear my mind, concentrate and 'Be the ball."

 

[BigRed]

Since I said backup or low end starters I thought you would know I meant Marion Barber.  Forgot that BR started the thread tho.

Thx for clarifying. fn reg.

 

[BigRed]

In $100 cap, he may have to spend $50 ro $60 to get Johnson.

What fool is going to spend half his cap on one guy? NOBODY is worth that.Re. the studs vs balance thing, there is not right answer, but lately I'm leaning to getting a top stud or 3 and praying I get good value w/the rest. Had LT last year and to a large extent he carried me while guys like R Moss and Favre were sucking. Course getting Dunn on the cheap didn't hurt.....

 

[HeirCoryell]

2. Feel free to nominate DT and PK you are targeting early. It kinda goes hand in hand with tip #1, but it also is different by itself. It is possible you can get teams to overpay for these guys. Also it is just as likely they may go very cheap, as others are 'saving their ammo or roster spots'. There is usually an opportunity to be exploited when these guys get nominated early.

I like this strategy too. Usually, I'll throw out some of the top D/ST and Kickers for $2 (2% of our cap). If nobody outbids me that's fine with me. If they do that means that they have spent at least $3 (3%) if not more on a position that you are just as likely to get similar value from for $1. It doesn't seem like much but, anyone who's done an auction knows that every little dollar counts later on.