EP 148: Fantasy Baseball Masterclass w/ Jeff Zimmerman, Tanner Bell, Phil Dussault, Steve Weimer and Toby Guevin
Jan 13, 2023
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Join Jeff Zimmerman, co-author of "The Process," and Tanner Bell, contributor to Smart Fantasy Baseball, as they dive deep into the intricacies of fantasy baseball strategy. They explore 2022's performance, discuss MLB rule changes, and share valuable insights into player valuation and common drafting mistakes. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new data, navigating recent trades, and understanding the impact of league formats. With playful banter, they tackle real-time challenges in player evaluation and auction bidding, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts.
The importance of personal passions and diverse enthusiasms is emphasized as key to achieving success in fantasy baseball.
Jeff Zimmerman and Tanner Bell discuss the collaborative journey of writing 'The Process,' highlighting its creation as a vital resource for players.
Injury management and strategic evaluations of player performance trends are critical for making informed roster decisions during the season.
Listeners are encouraged to understand player projections deeply, emphasizing the importance of aggregating data to avoid drafting mistakes.
The podcast explores the impact of MLB rule changes on player value and drafting strategies, urging adaptability to evolving league dynamics.
Deep dives
Enthusiasms and Inspirations
The podcast discusses the importance of having enthusiasms in life, particularly for those looking to excel in fields like fantasy baseball. The speaker expresses admiration for various passions, including baseball, music, and relationships, framing them as sources of joy and inspiration. This leads to a broader conversation about how personal interests can impact professional pursuits, emphasizing that a diverse range of enthusiasms can contribute to a well-rounded life and career. The speaker also highlights the connections made through shared interests, especially in the fantasy baseball community.
The Process Book Discussion
The hosts invite Jeff Zimmerman and Tanner Bell to discuss their recently published book, 'The Process,' which is positioned as essential reading for serious fantasy baseball players. Engaging in conversation, the speakers explore the labor and thought that went into writing the book, mentioning the collaborative effort and the challenges faced during the editing process. Their insights shine a light on the journey of creating a comprehensive guide full of actionable content for readers seeking to enhance their fantasy baseball strategies. The book aims to provide depth and analysis that can elevate readers' approach to the game.
Collaborative Fantasy Baseball Insights
The podcast features a dynamic conversation among the hosts and guests, characterized by a friendly and informal banter that reflects their close-knit relationships. The group shares questions and thoughts on various fantasy baseball topics, fostering an environment that encourages different perspectives and collaborative learning. With everyone contributing their knowledge and experiences, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of insights that can help them navigate the complexities of fantasy baseball. This collaborative spirit highlights the value of community in the fantasy sports realm.
Book Writing Challenges
Jeff and Tanner delve into the challenges encountered during the writing process of their book, highlighting the difficulties in editing and the need for a knowledgeable editor familiar with fantasy baseball. They share anecdotes about the evolution of their ideas and how previous disagreements helped them clarify their vision, providing insights on team dynamics in the creative process. This discussion showcases the dedication and meticulous effort that went into crafting a resource that genuinely serves its readers. Their experiences serve as a testament to the hard work required to produce quality content in the fantasy baseball space.
Managing Pitch Counts and Playing Time
The speakers address the critical importance of managing player injuries and playing time in the fantasy baseball landscape, emphasizing how in-season decision-making can significantly impact team performance. They discuss strategies for evaluating player health and performance trends over the season, which can help inform smart roster decisions. The dialogue reflects an understanding that injuries can alter the trajectory of player value and that having backup plans is essential. This focus serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring player conditions throughout the season.
Understanding Player Projections
The podcast emphasizes the significance of player projections and their impact on drafting decisions, underscoring the need for a thorough understanding of how different systems formulate these projections. Speaker insights reveal that simply trusting personal rankings without understanding their underlying logic can lead to mistakes. They stress the value of aggregating projections from various sources while being aware of their strengths and weaknesses. This approach empowers listeners to make informed decisions rather than relying on individual projections.
Handling Late Drafts and Strategies
The discussion pivots to late draft strategies, with insights on how to navigate player selections in rounds filled with potential. The hosts share their experiences and preferences for targeting players with perceived value rising throughout the draft. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a flexible approach while remaining vigilant against the potential of injuries or underperformance from targeted players. They encourage listeners to adapt strategies and remain aware of shifting player dynamics as the season progresses.
The Complexity of Saves in Fantasy Baseball
The speakers reflect on the often unpredictable nature of saves in fantasy baseball, discussing strategies for acquiring and managing closers throughout the season. Listener engagement yields insights into spending on saves in early rounds versus focusing on building a solid starting pitching staff. They recount experiences of how certain teams hoard closers, leading to varying success rates influenced by draft strategies. This conversation sheds light on the intricacies of navigating the saves landscape and the factors that affect overall success.
Analyzing Statistical Trends
The podcast wraps up with a broader examination of statistical trends in player performance, particularly regarding the impact of recent rule changes on player projections. The hosts articulate their understanding of how these trends will shape in-game strategies and roster decisions. With an emphasis on player adaptability and responsiveness to shifts in league dynamics, they encourage listeners to consider evolving player environments during the drafting process. This analysis aims to equip listeners with actionable insights that enhance their competitive edge.
I had invited Jeff Zimmerman ( @JeffZimmerman ) and Tanner Bell ( @smartfantasybb) onto the show to discuss the new edition of their wonderful book The Process ( links to the book can be found at the end of this playlist ). It had a conflict with my regularly scheduled chat session with my friends Phil Dussault (@PhilDussault27) and Steve Weimer (@steveymer). IT was an easy decision then. Have them help me host these two wonderful guests. What evolved was a fantastic discussion on all things fantasy baseball:
Looking back at 2022
Adapting to the new run environment in season
Discussing the r squared of Main Event ADP to end of season results: are we getting better at fantasy baseball?
The Process :
-How do you know what to test?
-MLB Rule Changes for 2023 and the impact on players
Looking ahead to 2023
-Positions that are deep and weak
-SP and RP strategy for 12 team leagues vs 15 team leagues
The most common mistakes of players make
Stupidest Twitter analysis
Weighing Projections in an aggregator
ADP Battles
-Jonathan India vs Vaughn Grissom
-Eric Hosmer vs Garrett Cooper vs Joey Votto vs Carlos Santana
-Nick Gordon vs Luis Rengifo
-Tyler Mahle vs Michael Kopech vs Roansy Contreras
-UTIL only Catchers : Shea Langeliers, Mitch Garver
Physical edition of The Process
https://www.amazon.com/Process-Integrating-Valuations-Winning-Baseball/dp/B0BRM1FJHG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BMAL4DH7WFVF&keywords=the+process+zimmerman&qid=1673618719&sprefix=the+process%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1
digital edition:
https://www.smartfantasybaseball.com/
Follow on Twitter @pullhitterpod @deadpullhitter
Email : pullhitterpodcast@gmail.com
Encouraging feedback and comments. Sports dialogue is the best, so tell me what's on your mind! Thanks for listening! If you feel so kind to show some support for the show that would be greatly appreciated! Ratings and reviews are much appreciated if you listen on a platform that allows that- Thanks! (send me a DM on Twitter for #pullhitterswag when you do!) If you enjoyed the remastered edition of Take Me Out To The Ballgame, that was done by my pal Mike Wrocklage and you can find his work under the name Wrack Attack on Spotify, Sound Cloud and Reverb Nation For inquiries on logo and web site design email rodeobot@gmail.com
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