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 This is a topic we addressed in some detail on the radio show, where my co-host disagreed with me on the matchup focus. Here is my explanation and thinking.
In head to head leagues the best strategies focus primarily on matchups. In fact, it is my opinion that the consideration of weekly matchups is the single most neglected factor in preparing for mixed leagues. In any head to head league the question of how one’s team will matchup up on a weekly basis is more important than any other.
This principle is true primarily because of the general strategies that most owners follow. Opponents will follow one of two basic strategies in the garden variety league:
1. The Standard Strategy- It primarily consists of eschewing pitching and closers in early rounds, focusing on offensive players. Then in later rounds one shifts the emphasis to pitching. The rationale is well documented; it is that pitchers are risky and in garden variety leagues where players are prone to errors in knowledge and judgment you can easily exploit them to full advantage.
2. The Pitching Strategy-This strategy is used by some players as an antidote to the Standard Strategy. Here, because most players pursue the Standard Strategy one hopes to exploit the under appreciated value of starting pitchers, pursuing them early and expecting to dominate the pitching categories.
In many ways I have more respect for the pursuer of the Pitching Strategy, simply because though it is more difficult to successfully execute, it shows a higher plane of thought. He or she considers the fact that the Pitching Strategy will provide difficult matchup problems for the Standard Strategy. In a given week the Pitching Strategy will provide extra points that the Standard Strategy does not, and if the practitioner can get his or her fair share of offensive points then the Pitching Strategy rates to win.
Nevertheless, the Pitching Strategy is more difficult to pull off because one must have better judgment or good luck on pitchers for it to succeed. Additionally, this strategy starts at a large disadvantage in matchups on offense. Because of this, the owner who can successfully pull off the Pitching Strategy is one to be admired for his or her skill.
The best strategy in head to head leagues is one that takes into account the types of strategies the opponents will pursue but also the matchup problems and the fact that proper exploitation of matchup difficulties is the key to success in head to head leagues of all stripes.
Sadly, I cannot tell you a distinct plan since every league has its own mix. But if you think about, when planning, how to build a roster that will matchup well on a week to week basis then you have a far better chance of success than if you ignore this consideration. An example of how to put this into practice was in my Fantasy baseball Search Expert League strategy, discussed here.
ne general way to start thinking about it is to go through your league's rules and parameters and consider how or whether there are any weaknesses to be exploited. It could be that you needn't have any relievers, or that there are no IP minimums or maximums or any other crazy rule that has been developed over time. Some leagues have little to no trading, some outlaw trading, some have an equal number of roster spots for pitchers and hitters. Each of these variations has different weaknesses that can be exploited, and it is here that the best matchup strategies can be coalesced.
It is almost a given that few owners seek to fully exploit the little imperfections in the league's setup, and often taking full advantage of this is a key to success. At a minimum when you at least make the attempt to do this it will force you to think outside the box and develop possible rosters that will pose difficult matchups.
If any readers come up with interesting ones PLEASE email me and I will post them and discuss; I think this is one of the most fascinating and under appreciated topics in fantasy and would love to hear how others deal with it.
Tags: Draft Prep Draft Strategy Why Matchups Are Key to Winning H2H
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