On The Flip Side - With Mr. Opposite

The Art Of The Fantasy Spot Start

Many people consider it an easy way of getting points, I consider picking a good spot start to be an art form.

For those not in the fantasy loop......

Firstly, shame on you. Secondly, a spot start is when you have an extra spot on your team where you rotate players on the free agent list who will be starting the next day. By doing this, you most likely give up your era and possibly your whip, but in return you could get wins and k's. It is a fair trade off. If you are smart about it, you won't give up any category and using a spot start may lean heavily in your favour.

Please Note: All references that I make are referring to head to head leagues. In roto leagues, it isn't as important to pick a good pitcher.

Tip #1: Always make high ranked pitchers your top priority!
If, for instance, Jake Westbrook is available to start, you are going to take him over Josh Towers, but always make sure to look at the sides of the start.

Tip #2: Look at the opponent.
This is a big must. If it gets down to having to choose two "low quality" pitchers and one is facing the Cardinals and the other is facing the Expos, then obviously you would go for the pitcher facing the Expos. So, don't always go for good pitchers if they are facing offensive giants.

Tip #3: Factor in left hand/right hand combinations.
This would be used as a last resort � if you have time on your hands and you are really keen on getting a good start. If they are lefties facing a predominantly right-hand lineup, you should look else where.

Tip #4: Factor in how they have pitched the previous month.
This is one I mainly use. I look at how they have pitched the month before. I also look at how they have pitched the week before. If a pitcher is hot, they may stay on the streak, but you should always keep en eye out for a streak that may be about start.

Tip #5 (crossed into number 4): Look at the results of their previous games and look at how they have faced against different types of teams.

Tip #6: Cross-examine all tips together. You should really look at all factors of the start.

Now you may be thinking to yourself, that is just a big waste of time, and for a lot of people it is. But if you are in a serious league, with a serious prize on the line, then they are some good tips to go by.

These are especially great tips if you are in a pitchers-only league, for which these tips are heavily favoured, as there are not as many pitchers available to work with.