With the disk out and the cards shipping, I had this idea of writing this article on drafting in APBA Leagues . I emailed fellow IAL manager Tedd M (aka Teddy Ballgame) and asked him for some quick draft tip suggestions. By the next day, Teddy had practically written the article for me.
Take Teddy’s advice to heart. He’s drafted luminaries such as Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Jeff Bagwell, well the list goes on…
1) Watch real life baseball games, in person if possible, otherwise get the MLB package & watch as many games as possible. Look at the rookies that you’re considering drafting. You must like baseball if you’re playing in a dice baseball league, so then watch & know who you’re drafting. When a friend saw Curtis Granderson’s first at bat, Ryan Howard as a pinch hitter (he was stuck behind Jim Thome), and Brandon Webb pitch as a rookie versus the Reds, with excitement in his eyes he said, "Teddy Ballgame, These guys are gonna be something!"
2) There is so much data out there on rookie talent. It wasn’t always that way, but today there are experts on every corner. Beware there is hardly any criticism when it comes to rookie talent. Look for subtle, below the radar, comments, when reading scouting reports. The only sure thing is these young guys will get older.
3) Look at the stats. Review the minor league & major league stats, as well as collegiate statistics (there will be an adjustment from aluminum to wood bats). The stats will give you a glimpse as to the career you can expect from the rookie you’re drafting.
4) How old is the rookie? Consider age when selecting a rookie to draft. Often times younger high school & Latino prospects are competing against collegiate athletes. Sometimes younger players just need to grow into their bodies.
5) Check out walks & strikeouts, both for hitters and for pitchers. This will give you an idea of whether a pitcher will have control or a hitter will have a .400 OBP. As a rule, don’t select a pitcher without at least one strikeout letter.
6) Injuries cannot be ignored. There are many great rookie prospects that have had their careers derailed due to injuries. Also there are young players who have dealt with injuries, who gone on to stardom once their injuries are in the past.
7) Take into consideration whether the minor league stats were produced in a hitters friendly or pitchers friendly park and/or league.
8) Don’t ignore the gun, speed kills, and the best pitch is still a well located fastball with movement.
9) Don’t ignore the obvious. Many times there’s a proven youngster who gets bypassed because you know in your gut this other rookie will be great. Taking the proven commodity will pay off more often than not.
10) When all else fails, draft an Aries, my birthday is April 14th, same birthday as Pete Rose & Greg Maddux. Also Taurus pitchers seem to do quite well. Whatever you do, avoid Pisces pitchers like the plague.
Thanks, Teddy! Your advice is golden!
