General Fantasy Baseball Philosophy? (1 Viewer)

[Smack Tripper]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.

And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score.

For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

 

[Your Mother]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

 

[Buckfast]

This has been a big debate for me lately. Traditionally, I've always tried to cover every 5x5 category pretty evenly in my AL-only league. I try to go after batters that I feel like will contribute in all 5 categories (this year I got Grady Sizemore, Vernon Wells, Ian Kinsler, and Gary Matthews) and try to put together a solid starting staff, middle relief, and a couple closers. Offensively, it's been working great; however, I lost my only closer this year when B.J. Ryan went down. In order to get another closer, it looks like I'm gonna have to give up a solid offensive starter. I'm torn between punting on saves and keeping my very stong yet shallow batting lineup together or trading away one of my starters for a closer. Right now, I'm in first place with a 10 point lead, with the highest number of runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, as well as strikeouts and wins. I don't know if it will stand up all season though as I have several guys off to relatively hot starts. I feel like punting saves is so risky, especially this early in the season. I don't know what to do.

 

[tommyGunZ]

This has been a big debate for me lately. Traditionally, I've always tried to cover every 5x5 category pretty evenly in my AL-only league. I try to go after batters that I feel like will contribute in all 5 categories (this year I got Grady Sizemore, Vernon Wells, Ian Kinsler, and Gary Matthews) and try to put together a solid starting staff, middle relief, and a couple closers. Offensively, it's been working great; however, I lost my only closer this year when B.J. Ryan went down. In order to get another closer, it looks like I'm gonna have to give up a solid offensive starter. I'm torn between punting on saves and keeping my very stong yet shallow batting lineup together or trading away one of my starters for a closer. Right now, I'm in first place with a 10 point lead, with the highest number of runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, as well as strikeouts and wins. I don't know if it will stand up all season though as I have several guys off to relatively hot starts. I feel like punting saves is so risky, especially this early in the season. I don't know what to do.

sounds like you already punted saves if you only had 1 closer anyway. I've never punted a category (I think your margin of error in other categories is too thin to make up the guaranteed last place finish in any category) but even the closer you trade for won't help you much.You didn't get Frasor?

 

[Smack Tripper]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

See, I DO draft closers, but I take kind of late risk upside guys. I've gotten massively lucky in the last few years, Benetiez on the Fish, Borowski last year amongst others. The only time I've spent on a big guy was on Billy Wagner at 6.1 last year, which worked out well. My thinking is, I can always find holds on the wire if I need them. I will manage week to week based on matchup. So many owners have 3 or 4 middlemen, and I refuse to clog my roster like that. I punt holds generally, but I like to have 3 closers, because while some guys will have 4, most have 2, and you can generally pick up saves. And then if you find a guy with one or no middlemen, you pick up a hold guy for the week and steal both categories. But the most important thing I do is I want bigtime starters. They are rather universally in my experience, the one thing you can never find on the wire at almost anytime. No need to pepper me with examples, I know there are a few a year, but I want the K, Whip and K/BB guys because they dominate so many categories(including W and L and ERA ideally). A closer pops up every now and then, middlemen are out there, you can plug in a slugger from time to time(Josh Hamilton is now starting for me). But top flight starters are worth overpaying for. But it is intriguing that you mention going for holds and I'll consider it next year, because it's amazing how many hold guys are now in the closer role(Wheeler and Frasor jumping to mind)

 

[Buckfast]

This has been a big debate for me lately. Traditionally, I've always tried to cover every 5x5 category pretty evenly in my AL-only league. I try to go after batters that I feel like will contribute in all 5 categories (this year I got Grady Sizemore, Vernon Wells, Ian Kinsler, and Gary Matthews) and try to put together a solid starting staff, middle relief, and a couple closers. Offensively, it's been working great; however, I lost my only closer this year when B.J. Ryan went down. In order to get another closer, it looks like I'm gonna have to give up a solid offensive starter. I'm torn between punting on saves and keeping my very stong yet shallow batting lineup together or trading away one of my starters for a closer. Right now, I'm in first place with a 10 point lead, with the highest number of runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, as well as strikeouts and wins. I don't know if it will stand up all season though as I have several guys off to relatively hot starts. I feel like punting saves is so risky, especially this early in the season. I don't know what to do.

sounds like you already punted saves if you only had 1 closer anyway. I've never punted a category (I think your margin of error in other categories is too thin to make up the guaranteed last place finish in any category) but even the closer you trade for won't help you much.You didn't get Frasor?

My league is a very shallow league. It is a 10 team Boston-based AL-only league with a "No Yankees" policy. So from draft day, that leaves 13 closers to 10 teams. Only 2 teams have more than 1 closer. Having B.J. Ryan as your one closer is hardly punting saves. Most of the solid setup guys like Frasor were drafted and unfortunately I didn't get Frasor on draft day.

 

[Buckfast]

I guess my question is if it is worth it to give up an offensive player that is going to solidly contribute in 5 categories for a closer that will contribute primarily in 1. I'm trying to swing a deal for Frasor, Reyes, or Ray, all of whom are the #2 closers on another team. In order to get them, I'll have to give up a solid offensive starter and be forced to plug either Shea Hillenbrand or Sammy Sosa into the starting lineup. And that does not excite me right now.

 

[Smack Tripper]

I guess my question is if it is worth it to give up an offensive player that is going to solidly contribute in 5 categories for a closer that will contribute primarily in 1. I'm trying to swing a deal for Frasor, Reyes, or Ray, all of whom are the #2 closers on another team. In order to get them, I'll have to give up a solid offensive starter and be forced to plug either Shea Hillenbrand or Sammy Sosa into the starting lineup. And that does not excite me right now.

I don't like the sound of it. Look, its still early, you might get a good waiver wire grab, or you might get Ryan back. You proably should have acted agressively on Frasor when BJ's return was more insight. The price goes up with him going on the 60 Day DL. If you find punting is hurting you after 3 weeks or a month, you can always break up your squad by then. Look, worst case scenario, you go 0-4 without a closer. If you are breaking up the squad, I'd need a bigger ticket return than Reyes or Frasor(unless Ryan's done, then he's fine). Chris Ray is starting to get in the right direction, but my advice is stand pat for now and see what happens. Maybe you'll get a few 9-1 or 8-2 weeks and not be forced into pulling the trigger.

 

[Your Mother]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

See, I DO draft closers, but I take kind of late risk upside guys. I've gotten massively lucky in the last few years, Benetiez on the Fish, Borowski last year amongst others. The only time I've spent on a big guy was on Billy Wagner at 6.1 last year, which worked out well. My thinking is, I can always find holds on the wire if I need them. I will manage week to week based on matchup. So many owners have 3 or 4 middlemen, and I refuse to clog my roster like that. I punt holds generally, but I like to have 3 closers, because while some guys will have 4, most have 2, and you can generally pick up saves. And then if you find a guy with one or no middlemen, you pick up a hold guy for the week and steal both categories. But the most important thing I do is I want bigtime starters. They are rather universally in my experience, the one thing you can never find on the wire at almost anytime. No need to pepper me with examples, I know there are a few a year, but I want the K, Whip and K/BB guys because they dominate so many categories(including W and L and ERA ideally). A closer pops up every now and then, middlemen are out there, you can plug in a slugger from time to time(Josh Hamilton is now starting for me). But top flight starters are worth overpaying for. But it is intriguing that you mention going for holds and I'll consider it next year, because it's amazing how many hold guys are now in the closer role(Wheeler and Frasor jumping to mind)

If you're in a league that counts both saves and holds, how can closers be demonstrably more valuable than middlemen? Does Billy Wagner really help you that much more than Scott Linebrink?I guess it's really a matter of trying to zig when the rest of your league zags. If they overvalue closers/undervalue MR's, I think it's a sound thing to do.As far as saves-only leagues, I aim to get two 2nd tier guys and skip the Riveras, Papelbons, etc. This year I think I hit pretty good with F Cordero and Saito, but we'll see.

 

[guru_007]

If you're in a league that counts both saves and holds, how can closers be demonstrably more valuable than middlemen? Does Billy Wagner really help you that much more than Scott Linebrink?

I guess it's really a matter of trying to zig when the rest of your league zags. If they overvalue closers/undervalue MR's, I think it's a sound thing to do.

As far as saves-only leagues, I aim to get two 2nd tier guys and skip the Riveras, Papelbons, etc. This year I think I hit pretty good with F Cordero and Saito, but we'll see.

I agree with Your Mother.Would like to know who's alias this is to be honest.

I bolded my general 'philosophy'. In auction leagues, when people are spending early, I save. When people are saving early, I save. In straight drafts when people are drafting SP's, I'll draft relievers, or when people are going after sluggers, I'll go after steals, etc.....

I can't really offer any suggestions off the top of my head for a 9x9 league. However, the most important facets of the game, imo are:

1-Know your league rules

2-Know your league scoring

You always want to draft a deep team, as injuries will happen. Work the waiver wire, and trade talks often. In drafts, never, EVER reach for players you like or think are sleepers. Always draft value and you'll do fine.

 

[Smack Tripper]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

See, I DO draft closers, but I take kind of late risk upside guys. I've gotten massively lucky in the last few years, Benetiez on the Fish, Borowski last year amongst others. The only time I've spent on a big guy was on Billy Wagner at 6.1 last year, which worked out well. My thinking is, I can always find holds on the wire if I need them. I will manage week to week based on matchup. So many owners have 3 or 4 middlemen, and I refuse to clog my roster like that. I punt holds generally, but I like to have 3 closers, because while some guys will have 4, most have 2, and you can generally pick up saves. And then if you find a guy with one or no middlemen, you pick up a hold guy for the week and steal both categories. But the most important thing I do is I want bigtime starters. They are rather universally in my experience, the one thing you can never find on the wire at almost anytime. No need to pepper me with examples, I know there are a few a year, but I want the K, Whip and K/BB guys because they dominate so many categories(including W and L and ERA ideally). A closer pops up every now and then, middlemen are out there, you can plug in a slugger from time to time(Josh Hamilton is now starting for me). But top flight starters are worth overpaying for. But it is intriguing that you mention going for holds and I'll consider it next year, because it's amazing how many hold guys are now in the closer role(Wheeler and Frasor jumping to mind)

If you're in a league that counts both saves and holds, how can closers be demonstrably more valuable than middlemen? Does Billy Wagner really help you that much more than Scott Linebrink?I guess it's really a matter of trying to zig when the rest of your league zags. If they overvalue closers/undervalue MR's, I think it's a sound thing to do.As far as saves-only leagues, I aim to get two 2nd tier guys and skip the Riveras, Papelbons, etc. This year I think I hit pretty good with F Cordero and Saito, but we'll see.

Because saves are finite whereas there are several more opportunties and thus pitchers who will get holds. As I said, you can always pluck a good hold guy off the wire, but it's hard to get a reliever who'll be in that upper 2/3's of the league. Just my thinking, I see intrinsically what you say, and if due to injuries or lost opportunities I were down to two closers by the final third of the season, I'd move them for value and punt saves and pursue holds. But I could always thin my bench and pick up holds, I can't just pluck saves off the wire. Sure the bottom 3 or 4 closers might kick around there, but do you even want them? There's a reason they're on the wire to begin with, they just aren't that effective.Interestingly though, as of right now, not a single closer is on our wire. I keep my strategy flexible, right now I have Okajima and Aardsma because they contribute to my pitching philosophy(high K/BB and K guys) and I might ride them the whole way, which is something I've never done before.I suppose that is somewhat zigging where the league zags, because I'm never totally locked into a philosophy post-draft. I wouldn't say I punted homers and RBI's this year, but I did prioritize speed and contact guys, because so many of the homer guys are also high K guys, which is also counted against.

 

[Your Mother]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

See, I DO draft closers, but I take kind of late risk upside guys. I've gotten massively lucky in the last few years, Benetiez on the Fish, Borowski last year amongst others. The only time I've spent on a big guy was on Billy Wagner at 6.1 last year, which worked out well. My thinking is, I can always find holds on the wire if I need them. I will manage week to week based on matchup. So many owners have 3 or 4 middlemen, and I refuse to clog my roster like that. I punt holds generally, but I like to have 3 closers, because while some guys will have 4, most have 2, and you can generally pick up saves. And then if you find a guy with one or no middlemen, you pick up a hold guy for the week and steal both categories. But the most important thing I do is I want bigtime starters. They are rather universally in my experience, the one thing you can never find on the wire at almost anytime. No need to pepper me with examples, I know there are a few a year, but I want the K, Whip and K/BB guys because they dominate so many categories(including W and L and ERA ideally). A closer pops up every now and then, middlemen are out there, you can plug in a slugger from time to time(Josh Hamilton is now starting for me). But top flight starters are worth overpaying for. But it is intriguing that you mention going for holds and I'll consider it next year, because it's amazing how many hold guys are now in the closer role(Wheeler and Frasor jumping to mind)

If you're in a league that counts both saves and holds, how can closers be demonstrably more valuable than middlemen? Does Billy Wagner really help you that much more than Scott Linebrink?I guess it's really a matter of trying to zig when the rest of your league zags. If they overvalue closers/undervalue MR's, I think it's a sound thing to do.As far as saves-only leagues, I aim to get two 2nd tier guys and skip the Riveras, Papelbons, etc. This year I think I hit pretty good with F Cordero and Saito, but we'll see.

Because saves are finite whereas there are several more opportunties and thus pitchers who will get holds. As I said, you can always pluck a good hold guy off the wire, but it's hard to get a reliever who'll be in that upper 2/3's of the league. Just my thinking, I see intrinsically what you say, and if due to injuries or lost opportunities I were down to two closers by the final third of the season, I'd move them for value and punt saves and pursue holds. But I could always thin my bench and pick up holds, I can't just pluck saves off the wire. Sure the bottom 3 or 4 closers might kick around there, but do you even want them? There's a reason they're on the wire to begin with, they just aren't that effective.Interestingly though, as of right now, not a single closer is on our wire. I keep my strategy flexible, right now I have Okajima and Aardsma because they contribute to my pitching philosophy(high K/BB and K guys) and I might ride them the whole way, which is something I've never done before.I suppose that is somewhat zigging where the league zags, because I'm never totally locked into a philosophy post-draft. I wouldn't say I punted homers and RBI's this year, but I did prioritize speed and contact guys, because so many of the homer guys are also high K guys, which is also counted against.

The problem with emphasizing saves and letting holds go is that if your closers start to stink it up is that it's hard to switch horses midstream. If you're 3rd in saves and 10th in holds and you're set to take a fall in saves, it might not be viable to gain as much ground in holds as you're going to lose in saves, because the good MR's won't be around (which might also hurt ancilliary categories). If you go all MR's and no closers and your relievers go south, it's a lot easier to rebuild and maintain through the waiver wire.Saves are a valuable category, but they're also expensive.-kurT Sucara

 

[Smack Tripper]

What do you favor as you build a team? Is there a "book" on which belief is better? Of course recognizing that league variables vary, my particular big money league has 18 categories, 9 offense, 9 pitching. You almost have to punt, though I've tried different strategies.And I guess it might be glossary question for some, by punting, I mean, do you give up altogher on a certain category and just try to be strong in the others? It's never really a situation in football, you rarely have leagues that break down by who wins a point for most recieveing yards, receptions, completions, etc. It's all going into one big final score. For that reason, I'm really begining to prefer fantasy baseball because there is much less "conventional wisdom" (ie: draft RBs the first two rounds, kicker/Defense late, etc). There is a lot more owner individuality that gets to shine, and it seems a lot of different means to an end are achievable.

I don't advise doing it in any 5x5 league. 9x9 though is a different matter.I think the most effective strategy for a larger league such as yours is to punt saves and dominate holds. In a league with holds and saves, closers will go before the middle relievers in almost all cases. I would not draft any closers and stock up on hitting and starting pitching, before snagging elite MR's in the latter rounds. The result (which I've worked to perfection a couple times) is that you get a "12" in holds, and a "1" in saves, essentially ending up in a wash.But you gain in all other categories where you weren't burning picks on closers. Also, good MR's are easier to find in case of injury, and they can even gain trade value if they become closers in the future.

See, I DO draft closers, but I take kind of late risk upside guys. I've gotten massively lucky in the last few years, Benetiez on the Fish, Borowski last year amongst others. The only time I've spent on a big guy was on Billy Wagner at 6.1 last year, which worked out well. My thinking is, I can always find holds on the wire if I need them. I will manage week to week based on matchup. So many owners have 3 or 4 middlemen, and I refuse to clog my roster like that. I punt holds generally, but I like to have 3 closers, because while some guys will have 4, most have 2, and you can generally pick up saves. And then if you find a guy with one or no middlemen, you pick up a hold guy for the week and steal both categories. But the most important thing I do is I want bigtime starters. They are rather universally in my experience, the one thing you can never find on the wire at almost anytime. No need to pepper me with examples, I know there are a few a year, but I want the K, Whip and K/BB guys because they dominate so many categories(including W and L and ERA ideally). A closer pops up every now and then, middlemen are out there, you can plug in a slugger from time to time(Josh Hamilton is now starting for me). But top flight starters are worth overpaying for. But it is intriguing that you mention going for holds and I'll consider it next year, because it's amazing how many hold guys are now in the closer role(Wheeler and Frasor jumping to mind)

If you're in a league that counts both saves and holds, how can closers be demonstrably more valuable than middlemen? Does Billy Wagner really help you that much more than Scott Linebrink?I guess it's really a matter of trying to zig when the rest of your league zags. If they overvalue closers/undervalue MR's, I think it's a sound thing to do.As far as saves-only leagues, I aim to get two 2nd tier guys and skip the Riveras, Papelbons, etc. This year I think I hit pretty good with F Cordero and Saito, but we'll see.

Because saves are finite whereas there are several more opportunties and thus pitchers who will get holds. As I said, you can always pluck a good hold guy off the wire, but it's hard to get a reliever who'll be in that upper 2/3's of the league. Just my thinking, I see intrinsically what you say, and if due to injuries or lost opportunities I were down to two closers by the final third of the season, I'd move them for value and punt saves and pursue holds. But I could always thin my bench and pick up holds, I can't just pluck saves off the wire. Sure the bottom 3 or 4 closers might kick around there, but do you even want them? There's a reason they're on the wire to begin with, they just aren't that effective.Interestingly though, as of right now, not a single closer is on our wire. I keep my strategy flexible, right now I have Okajima and Aardsma because they contribute to my pitching philosophy(high K/BB and K guys) and I might ride them the whole way, which is something I've never done before.I suppose that is somewhat zigging where the league zags, because I'm never totally locked into a philosophy post-draft. I wouldn't say I punted homers and RBI's this year, but I did prioritize speed and contact guys, because so many of the homer guys are also high K guys, which is also counted against.

The problem with emphasizing saves and letting holds go is that if your closers start to stink it up is that it's hard to switch horses midstream. If you're 3rd in saves and 10th in holds and you're set to take a fall in saves, it might not be viable to gain as much ground in holds as you're going to lose in saves, because the good MR's won't be around (which might also hurt ancilliary categories). If you go all MR's and no closers and your relievers go south, it's a lot easier to rebuild and maintain through the waiver wire.Saves are a valuable category, but they're also expensive.-kurT Sucara

Well, I could see how the philosophy might evolve for rotisserre, but playing head to head, I have to beat one man per week in holds. Very rarely is the gambit there of two middlemen. Most people have mulitple or none. And as for closers going in the tank, you could say that of any position. What if my speed guys go in the tank and I'm going to abandon triples and steals, etc. A philosophy has to assume average performance.