Newbie Question

[bc2k]

This is my first year playing fantasy baseball and I'm in a Yahoo league that's updated weekly.

 

I was perusing other rosters, and I noticed that Michael Barrett had a plus sign next to his name so I clicked on it. It meant that he was on waivers. So I obviously picked him up, and the next screen said: "If successful, this waiver claim will be reflected on your lineup for Monday, Apr 10"

 

What's the process for waivers? Can the girl who put him on the waiver list take him back? What are the situations where I won't be able to get Barrett?

[B]

If you click on league it will have a waiver number by your team. This tells what number you are in line. If nobody ahead of you claims him then he is yours. If multiple people claim someone the person that is first in line gets him.

[bc2k]

If you click on league it will have a waiver number by your team. This tells what number you are in line. If nobody ahead of you claims him then he is yours. If multiple people claim someone the person that is first in line gets him.

 

Thanks for the quick response. There are five teams with priority over me, but one of those is the girl who put Barrett on waivers.

 

I know she's a Cubs fan, so maybe she got upset with his defense Tuesday and made a rash decision to dump him. Whatever, as long as I get him.

 

Barrett and Johjima would be a nice catching combo for me. 8)

[NCCubFan]

Following up on B's reply: If one person puts in a claim, that person gets the player. If more than one person does, whichever of them is highest in the current priority gets the player. Either way, once you successfully claim a player on waivers, you then move to the back of the line in terms of priority. The initial priority order is the inverse order of the last round of the draft (continuing the snaking draft scheme). Finally, if nobody claims the player during the waiver period, the player then becomes a free agent and from then on it's first come, first served. If you claim a player as a free agent (as opposed to on waivers) you keep your current position in the waiver line rather than moving to the back.

 

The person who placed Barrett on waivers can't withdraw the action; however, I believe she could put in a claim herself and it would depend on where she is in the waiver priority relative to anybody else putting in a claim. It wouldn't make much sense to do that, however, since first she risks losing him and second, even if she can claim him back, she'd move to the end of the line for future waiver claims. This isn't like real baseball where teams can place players on waivers to guage possible interest in the players, then pull them back if claimed.

[bc2k]

Also, I want to trade for Prior. What should I offer to get him? Is offering Melvin Mora too much?

[bc2k]

Following up on B's reply: If one person puts in a claim, that person gets the player. If more than one person does, whichever of them is highest in the current priority gets the player. Either way, once you successfully claim a player on waivers, you then move to the back of the line in terms of priority. The initial priority order is the inverse order of the last round of the draft (continuing the snaking draft scheme). Finally, if nobody claims the player during the waiver period, the player then becomes a free agent and from then on it's first come, first served. If you claim a player as a free agent (as opposed to on waivers) you keep your current position in the waiver line rather than moving to the back.

 

The person who placed Barrett on waivers can't withdraw the action; however, I believe she could put in a claim herself and it would depend on where she is in the waiver priority relative to anybody else putting in a claim. It wouldn't make much sense to do that, however, since first she risks losing him and second, even if she can claim him back, she'd move to the end of the line for future waiver claims. This isn't like real baseball where teams can place players on waivers to guage possible interest in the players, then pull them back if claimed.

 

Very informative, I understand. In your opinion, would it be beneficial to me to put myself at the back of the line for Michael Barrett? My starting catcher is Johjima and I have no backup of value.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Also, I want to trade for Prior. What should I offer to get him? Is offering Melvin Mora too much?

 

If you could get Prior for Melvin Mora, I'd like to join that league.

[B]

Following up on B's reply: If one person puts in a claim, that person gets the player. If more than one person does, whichever of them is highest in the current priority gets the player. Either way, once you successfully claim a player on waivers, you then move to the back of the line in terms of priority. The initial priority order is the inverse order of the last round of the draft (continuing the snaking draft scheme). Finally, if nobody claims the player during the waiver period, the player then becomes a free agent and from then on it's first come, first served. If you claim a player as a free agent (as opposed to on waivers) you keep your current position in the waiver line rather than moving to the back.

 

The person who placed Barrett on waivers can't withdraw the action; however, I believe she could put in a claim herself and it would depend on where she is in the waiver priority relative to anybody else putting in a claim. It wouldn't make much sense to do that, however, since first she risks losing him and second, even if she can claim him back, she'd move to the end of the line for future waiver claims. This isn't like real baseball where teams can place players on waivers to guage possible interest in the players, then pull them back if claimed.

 

Very informative, I understand. In your opinion, would it be beneficial to me to put myself at the back of the line for Michael Barrett? My starting catcher is Johjima and I have no backup of value.

 

I wouldn't do it. I would wait and maybe pick him up when/if he becomes a free agent.

[bc2k]

Also, I want to trade for Prior. What should I offer to get him? Is offering Melvin Mora too much?

 

If you could get Prior for Melvin Mora, I'd like to join that league.

 

heh heh, I know. I offered him that trade in the hopes that he wants an everyday player for a pitcher who won't be back until May.

 

But he is a huge Cubs fan too and I doubt he will do anything but laugh.

 

That said, I still want to get my hands on Prior; I just need suggestions from fantasy vets about how to go about acquiring him.

Edited April 7, 2006 by bc2k

[bc2k]

Following up on B's reply: If one person puts in a claim, that person gets the player. If more than one person does, whichever of them is highest in the current priority gets the player. Either way, once you successfully claim a player on waivers, you then move to the back of the line in terms of priority. The initial priority order is the inverse order of the last round of the draft (continuing the snaking draft scheme). Finally, if nobody claims the player during the waiver period, the player then becomes a free agent and from then on it's first come, first served. If you claim a player as a free agent (as opposed to on waivers) you keep your current position in the waiver line rather than moving to the back.

 

The person who placed Barrett on waivers can't withdraw the action; however, I believe she could put in a claim herself and it would depend on where she is in the waiver priority relative to anybody else putting in a claim. It wouldn't make much sense to do that, however, since first she risks losing him and second, even if she can claim him back, she'd move to the end of the line for future waiver claims. This isn't like real baseball where teams can place players on waivers to guage possible interest in the players, then pull them back if claimed.

 

Very informative, I understand. In your opinion, would it be beneficial to me to put myself at the back of the line for Michael Barrett? My starting catcher is Johjima and I have no backup of value.

 

I wouldn't do it. I would wait and maybe pick him up when/if he becomes a free agent.

 

Ok, maybe I'll rescind my wavier request and pick him up if he makes it to FA.

 

But my thinking was that I can't imagine anybody much better than Barrett being released on waivers, so I might as well lose my place in the waiver line for him.

 

Is that thought process wrong? Why?

[bc2k]

Another newb question: I have no base stealers on my team and I don't want to concede that category every week. Any suggestions as to a FA I can pick up for this purpose while not killing me in every other offensive category?

 

Matt Lawton is the best I could come up with :oops:

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Another newb question: I have no base stealers on my team and I don't want to concede that category every week. Any suggestions as to a FA I can pick up for this purpose while not killing me in every other offensive category?

 

Matt Lawton is the best I could come up with :oops:

 

Neifi

[BigbadB]

Darned if you do and darned if you don't.

 

In this case, you have a good catcher and I'd just stick with him. If you want a back up catcher, consider one that is already a free agent and maybe got overlooked? Danny Ardoin is the starter in Colorado, and Colorado is a great hitters park. Watch some of these other young kids like Mathis in Anaheim, Willingham in Florida, Doumit in Pittsburgh, etc...

 

Once that high ranking waiver claim is gone, you'll probably never get back to that spot. There is always a good chance that Barrett doesn't get claimed. If he becomes a free agent, you can pick him up at that time without losing your waiver position.

 

Then, when someone dumps a "really" good player, you will be higher up in the pecking order. Besides, you really don't know how much playing time Blanco will get this year. He really had a spike in games caught last year, and with Dusty, you just never know.

[BigbadB]

Doumit just crushed a 2 run homer. He's got power, and he's a switch hitter.

[BigbadB]

One other thing I might point out is that a back up catcher is probably last on my list when it comes to reserves. They sit more than most regulars, and their teams off day could fall on the same day as your regular starting catcher, so you might find it rare that you ever have a need for a back up catcher.

 

How deep is your bench? I try to go with back up at every other position and carry a couple of extra pitchers, depending on how many bench spots your league allows.

[bc2k]

Darned if you do and darned if you don't.

 

In this case, you have a good catcher and I'd just stick with him. If you want a back up catcher, consider one that is already a free agent and maybe got overlooked? Danny Ardoin is the starter in Colorado, and Colorado is a great hitters park. Watch some of these other young kids like Mathis in Anaheim, Willingham in Florida, Doumit in Pittsburgh, etc...

 

Once that high ranking waiver claim is gone, you'll probably never get back to that spot. There is always a good chance that Barrett doesn't get claimed. If he becomes a free agent, you can pick him up at that time without losing your waiver position.

 

Then, when someone dumps a "really" good player, you will be higher up in the pecking order. Besides, you really don't know how much playing time Blanco will get this year. He really had a spike in games caught last year, and with Dusty, you just never know.

 

Based on your and B's suggestion, I will rescind my waiver request on Barrett but I will still try to acquire him as a FA.

 

Thanks for the insight guys.

 

 

/I researched the catchers you suggested and have just added Ryan Doumit to my team. He will be waived if I get Barrett.

Edited April 7, 2006 by bc2k

[BigbadB]

Matt Lawton is currently on suspension from the league. When he comes back, I don't believe he'll be anything more than a bench guy, and a very limited one at that. Seattle has Carl Everett at DH and he's a pinch hitter. Ibanez, Reed and Ichiro in the OF make Lawton a poor fantasy player.

 

Jeremy Reed might be available. Some of those young guys in Florida look pretty speedy, like Abercrombie. I doubt if Freel is available, but he'll likely get his regular starting job back once the Cincinnati manager realizes how bad Womack is.

 

Luis Castillo has been skipped over in many fantasy leagues. If Murton is available, he'll probably get some decent steals this year while providing a decent bat. Aaron Miles? Milton Bradley? Gathright is a speed demon in Tampa, and he's starting in CF until Baldelli comes off the DL.

[bc2k]

Matt Lawton is currently on suspension from the league. When he comes back, I don't believe he'll be anything more than a bench guy, and a very limited one at that. Seattle has Carl Everett at DH and he's a pinch hitter. Ibanez, Reed and Ichiro in the OF make Lawton a poor fantasy player.

 

Jeremy Reed might be available. Some of those young guys in Florida look pretty speedy, like Abercrombie. I doubt if Freel is available, but he'll likely get his regular starting job back once the Cincinnati manager realizes how bad Womack is.

 

Luis Castillo has been skipped over in many fantasy leagues. If Murton is available, he'll probably get some decent steals this year while providing a decent bat. Aaron Miles? Milton Bradley? Gathright is a speed demon in Tampa, and he's starting in CF until Baldelli comes off the DL.

 

You're right about Freel, he was on my wish list before the draft, and Murton, Bradley and Castillo have also been drafted.

 

I can't believe there's an MLB player named Abercrombie! :lol:

 

Is starting a SB threat who is bad in every other offensive category poor strategy if the guy whose spot he's taking is better in every other offensive category?

[NCCubFan]

Following up on B's reply: If one person puts in a claim, that person gets the player. If more than one person does, whichever of them is highest in the current priority gets the player. Either way, once you successfully claim a player on waivers, you then move to the back of the line in terms of priority. The initial priority order is the inverse order of the last round of the draft (continuing the snaking draft scheme). Finally, if nobody claims the player during the waiver period, the player then becomes a free agent and from then on it's first come, first served. If you claim a player as a free agent (as opposed to on waivers) you keep your current position in the waiver line rather than moving to the back.

 

The person who placed Barrett on waivers can't withdraw the action; however, I believe she could put in a claim herself and it would depend on where she is in the waiver priority relative to anybody else putting in a claim. It wouldn't make much sense to do that, however, since first she risks losing him and second, even if she can claim him back, she'd move to the end of the line for future waiver claims. This isn't like real baseball where teams can place players on waivers to guage possible interest in the players, then pull them back if claimed.

 

Very informative, I understand. In your opinion, would it be beneficial to me to put myself at the back of the line for Michael Barrett? My starting catcher is Johjima and I have no backup of value.

I agree with others. Barrett is definitely a good catcher (he's the catcher on my Yahoo fantasy team), but I don't think he's necessarily enough of an upgrade over Johjima to make it worth moving to the back of the waiver line for. And I don't have a backup catcher on my team; on the days Barrett doesn't play I'll just hope for enough offense from my other players.

 

I had a similar issue to consider in my Yahoo league. Somebody released Hanley Ramirez, who I like, but not enough to move from 2nd to 16th in the waiver order, so I decided not to claim him, but hope he clears waivers and becomes a free agent. A day later another owner released Torii Hunter. I think he is worth going to the back of the line for, so I put a claim in for him, and he'll be mine unless the only team ahead of me claims him. Going to the back of the line now for someone like Barrett (or, in my case, Ramirez) could easily cost you a more significant player later.

[nilodnayr]

Darned if you do and darned if you don't.

 

In this case, you have a good catcher and I'd just stick with him. If you want a back up catcher, consider one that is already a free agent and maybe got overlooked? Danny Ardoin is the starter in Colorado, and Colorado is a great hitters park. Watch some of these other young kids like Mathis in Anaheim, Willingham in Florida, Doumit in Pittsburgh, etc...

 

Once that high ranking waiver claim is gone, you'll probably never get back to that spot. There is always a good chance that Barrett doesn't get claimed. If he becomes a free agent, you can pick him up at that time without losing your waiver position.

 

Then, when someone dumps a "really" good player, you will be higher up in the pecking order. Besides, you really don't know how much playing time Blanco will get this year. He really had a spike in games caught last year, and with Dusty, you just never know.

 

Brian McCann isnt getting any love in a lot of leagues either, I'd chose him over Ardoin or Doumin, although Doumit is a fairly close second. But McCann has proved he can perform in the majors so hes a much safer bet.

[nilodnayr]

I'm bad a restraining myself on waiver claims, but if you have a deep league and/or intelligent fantasyers, its tough to get a good steal on waivers. Kinda crazy some one let Hunter go. I'm no fan of his, but hes definitely a steal for free.