One of the most maddening things about Stratomatic is that you’re never done learning. Here are a few guidelines I’ve come to value over the years:
1. Defense up the middle is key. Even if it costs runs at the plate, the defense will more than make up for it. I almost always try to have a ’1′ or ’2′ at SS and 2B. If there are any 1′s available that are under 3-4M I’d seriously consider grabbing them.
2. Platoons, if used moderately, can be a better way to maximize your lineup and efficently utilize your budget. Make sure you aren’t using too many platoons because when a reliever comes in your batting order may suffer.
3. Build your roster to your ballpark. While having a star player is beneficial, finding a hitter or pitcher with the right BPSI/BPHR for half the money could pay huge dividends.
4. When building a team, do not ignore clutch ratings, GBDP chances, and strikeout chances. Having a great hitter in the 5 hole is great, but if he has a terrible clutch rating, that can cost dearly in crunch time. Having a lineup full of hitters who frequently ground into double plays is a rally killer. Don’t have too many high strikeout hitters. You need a few batters who can put the ball into play and move runners over.
5. Have a versatile lineup. Give yourself some flexibility in the lineup and on the bench to adapt to any injury. But, be wary not to spend too much money on the bench.
6. Follow the 50/30 batting and pitching balance rule as close as possible. For 80M leagues this would mean having a pitching staff worth about 30M.
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