The past two years I have had a late draft position — 11th in 2007; 12th in 2008.
A late draft position means a high waiver position. This is an important asset. Sometime between April and June, some other owner will release a significant talent. This will likely be a high draft pick who has slumped out of the gate. If you’ve kept your high waiver slot, this player may be yours.
The important thing is not to jump too early. You’re looking for a player drafted in the first 10 rounds. Unless you’re playing with idiots, such a player will only be released after he plays so poorly for so long that your competitor drops him out of sheer frustration. Lots of “rest” days for the struggling star will help.
Sometimes it doesn’t happen. In 2007 I held off until June 14th to use my #2 waiver position to sign the unexceptional Jered Weaver, an 11th round pick.
This season looks more promising. I used my #1 waiver position to sign Paul Konerko, a 5th round pick, on April 29. When dropped he had an OPS of .685. Sadly, his two home-run game occurred while he was on waivers. Now, one game in for the Buckets he is 0 for 3 with a walk. Time will tell.
I think I might not have won a single claim last season. Nothing came along when I was at #1. This year, what happened is exactly what you described. Hello, Justin Verlander, once and future Cy Young Award candidate. Still, not quite enough to make up for the loss of Ben Sheets (dumb trade), Yovani Gallardo (knee), and Chien-Ming Wang (ankle), all gone for the season.
Posted by by Lehho on June 17, 2008 at 3:58 am