Introduction to Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy baseball is a game in which participants assemble virtual teams of real players from Major League Baseball (MLB) and compete based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games. Fantasy baseball has grown over the years to become one of the most popular fantasy sports.
How Many Pitchers Should I Have on My Fantasy Team?
When it comes to fantasy baseball, one of the most common questions is “how many pitchers should I have on my team?” The answer to this question can vary depending on the type of fantasy league you are in and the amount of players in your league.
Types of Fantasy Leagues
There are two main types of fantasy leagues: rotisserie and head-to-head. In rotisserie leagues, teams compete against each other based on cumulative statistics over the course of the season. In head-to-head leagues, teams compete against each other each week, and only the team with the most points at the end of the week wins.
Number of Pitchers in a League
The number of pitchers you should have on your team will depend on the size of the league. Generally, the larger the league the more pitchers you should have. For example, in a 10-team league, it is recommended to have at least 10 pitchers on your team. In a 12-team league, you should have at least 12 pitchers, and so on.
Pitcher Positions
When it comes to assembling your team, you should also consider the different pitcher positions. The three main pitcher positions are starters, relievers, and closers. It is important to have a balance of all three pitcher positions, as each position offers different levels of production.
Starters
Starters are generally the most reliable pitchers on your team. They typically provide the most innings and have the highest strikeout numbers. They are also the most consistent and reliable pitchers on your team.
Relievers
Relievers are generally the most volatile pitchers on your team. They can be streaky, and their performance can vary from week to week. They also typically provide fewer innings than starters, but can provide valuable strikeouts and wins.
Closers
Closers are generally the least reliable pitchers on your team. They typically provide the fewest innings and have the lowest strikeout numbers. But they can also provide valuable saves and wins.
Pitcher Categories
When it comes to assembling your team, you should also consider the different pitcher categories. The categories you should be aware of are strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, wins, saves, and holds.
Strikeouts
Strikeouts are an important category to consider when selecting pitchers. Pitchers who can strike out batters at a high rate can be invaluable to your team.
ERA and WHIP
ERA stands for earned run average and WHIP stands for walks and hits per inning pitched. Both categories measure the number of runs a pitcher gives up, and the fewer runs a pitcher gives up, the better their ERA and WHIP.
Wins and Saves
Wins and saves are the two most important categories for closers. Wins are earned when a pitcher pitches at least five innings and his team wins the game. Saves are earned when a pitcher enters the game with a lead of three runs or fewer and holds the lead until the end of the game.
Holds
Holds are earned by relievers who enter the game with a lead of three runs or fewer and maintain the lead until the end of the game. This category is important to consider when looking for relievers who can provide valuable innings and strikeouts.
Conclusion
When it comes to assembling your fantasy baseball team, it is important to consider the number of pitchers you should have on your team, the pitcher positions, and the pitcher categories. Depending on the size of your league and the categories your league uses, you should have a balance of starters, relievers, and closers on your team. The key is to find pitchers who can provide valuable innings, strikeouts, wins, saves, and holds. With the right combination of pitchers, you can be sure to have a competitive team.