12 team vs 15 team

[HIROLLERJR]

I see all these 12 and 15 team leagues available to play ( and may be more and I havent seen ) and in these leagues you get a randomly selected draft spot. So how or whats the best strategy to apply to these leagues? I'm guessing you dont go about each the same way as Im guessing hitters or pitchers are more important earlier in one versus the other
Thanks

[Todd Zola]

If you're talking about the NFBC, the draft pick isn't completely random. You get to set your preferences (KDS) and if you are picked first, you are awarded your top choice.

As for differences in the league size, a lot depends on the format (Draft and Hold, FAB, auction, etc.).

There is no optimal strategy for either. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses which help mold strategy.

I don't think hitters and pitchers are more or less important. The main difference is the quality of replacement level at the draft and free agent pool in season. Steals and saves are scarcer in 15 team leagues so it's more important to address them in the draft. The quality of in-season free agents is better in 12-team, so designing a roster to take advantage is important (waiting on CI, MI, UT and 1 OF spot) allows replacing a lesser player with an emerging one. For instance, if you fill MI early and one of your reserve 2B or SS or FAB pickups exceeds expectations, you may not have a spot to play him, but if you have a lower level guy at those spots, it's easier to upgrade.

Overall, the main difference is more scarcity develops in a 15-team draft depending on positional runs while in-season management (churning) is key to 12-teamers.

Experience is the best teacher. If you're looking at one versus the other, if drafting as team construction is your strength, that feeds into 15-teams. If in season management, working free agents in your thing, then 12-teamers.

If you're looking at draft and hold, all this matters less. If you're knowledge of the player pool is deep, 15-teamers are better. If it isn't as deep, 12-team is the call. There are 750 players picked in 15-team D&H compared to 600 in 12-team leagues.

[HIROLLERJR]

Thanks!