What are the issues that arise when analyzing roster construction? There is one characteristic that trumps all others.

My next RotoTimes article is on roster construction, and is still in their premium section. But here are the main points that I raised and wanted to mention here:

The “goal” of roster construction should be to have no goal! It should be to maximize flexibility and potential so that no matter what happens during the season you can respond.

In The Art of War Sun-Tzu characterized this principle thusly: Imagine a boulder on top of a mountain. It can roll down in any direction, and when it does its force will be difficult to resist, gaining momentum as it goes along until at some point it simply cannot be stopped. This is the metaphor that illustrates the “goal” of roster construction.

There are some guidelines that that illustrate how to achieve flexibility.

Try to maximize plate appearances and batting average. Players with high batting averages tend to retain their jobs as the season goes on. This is a boon to the fantasy owner, since full time players are significant trade assets come the later part of the season. If you do not trade them you will continue to accrue precious counting stats, and if you decide to trade you have a good asset. This is the epitome of Sun-Tzu’s philosophy of flexibility.

Do not necessarily look for category balance in the auction. During the auction there is no need to force your team to be balanced. You can always trade during the season. It is far more important to execute your plan and go with whatever the auction brings. The focus should be on making good decisions.

Have multiple plans. Easily the most important aspect of auction success, having multiple plans is an absolute necessity if you are facing tougher competitors. Having six or seven plans may even be needed.

Do not adhere to most fantasy “rules.” In fantasy there is no shortage of hoary dicta such as “be patient,” “try not to spend $30 on a player,” or “aim for a balanced roster.” While these maxims are useful advice and definitely have validity in a general sense, following them to the bitter end means that you will only ensure that your team will look great when measured by that standard.

Even the rule of “be patient” can sink your team very quickly in the right circumstances. In situations of high inflation and timid ownership, where everyone is patient, inflation will rear its ugly head near the end of the auction where it is most counterproductive. In this situation the owner will have been better served accruing better bargains early on.

On the topic of “rules” Ulysses S. Grant said the following:

I don’t underestimate the value of knowledge, but if men make war in slavish observance to rules they will fail.