The Snake Draft vs. The Auction Draft

By Thief
for fantasysportsthief.com

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Published: August 28, 2010

Ahhhhhhh, one of my very favorite topics to go off on. Readers who’ve been with me for awhile are all too familiar with this argument, and most (though unfortunately not all) of you, have switched over from snake style to auction style. For those people, please chime in the comments section and help me convince the rest of the fantasy world to end the awfulness that is…….snake drafts (blech).

Before we begin, some housekeeping. Fantasy Basketball is here! WOW that seems early. Have no fear ballas, once we are through the baseball playoffs (everyone should be in cruise control mode right now, so long as they don’t own that bum Tim Lincecum!) and the football drafts, I’ll be all over that Collison trade. Until then I’ll be focusing mainly on football particularly due to the heightened importance of drafting.

Also a couple quick notes. Donnie Avery is likely out for the season. I know you don’t really care, but nudge Laurent Robinson up the ranks a bit. I will add this: Madden dead called Bradford as a top notch rookie this year, and he looks to be a solid QB. There could end up being a sneaky passing game in St. Louis, especially since they have such a stud RB. I’m not suggesting you draft Robinson (or Bradford) but I am suggesting you keep Laurent on your radar. In Seattle, Leon Washington seems to have won the hearts of his coaches. Leon is an explosive runner, he’ll be worth the $1-2 you spend to get him. Clinton Portis seems fine, he didn’t even have the ankle wrapped. He is still my biggest sleeper pick this season. As for MJD, DRAFT WITH CAUTION. Same goes for Jamal Charles. With MJD, the injury scares me a ton. I dare not move him down on the ranks, but I’d just let someone else jump on that boat. With Charles, look I was a fan of this guy last year, but he is no feature back. My prediction is there’s a 60% chance he misses games due to injury this year.

Drafts

The Snake

The only benefit you get out of a snake draft is that it’s easy to do. Heck it’s so easy, you literally can use the autodraft and end up with a stellar team. Here’s my two biggest problems with the snake:

1) In fantasy football, the team that wins a week most likely did so by having one of their players score an insane amount of points in their game. This was evident last year with both Peterson and Johnson, as owners watched their horse pull in multiple huge scoring performances. Because the starting rosters are so short (usually 5-7 guys excluding kicker, TE, and DEF) a teams week is heavily skewed towards individual performances. It isn’t like baseball, where a player can have a 2 home run night but that won’t win a week. It isn’t like basketball, where a player can have a trip dub and score 40 points, but again that won’t win you the week. However in football, if your running back rushes for 150 and 3 td’s, yeah you pretty much locked up the week. It’s those first couple of draft picks that have the most ability to do this, and do it often. It simply isn’t fair to the rest of the league to have these rewards be doled out based on random luck. That’s not why we play fantasy sports, we don’t play to win by random draws out of a hat.

2) This one is really the one that gets me. It takes ZERO intelligence to snake draft. All the boob has to do is wait for his turn in the draft, then pick the next highest player on the draft board. Sure, WE add in some intellect. WE go out, do homework and try to jump the board in various places to get an edge. But just look at the last draft I had, where for the 24/25 swing pick, I’m choosing between Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald. Sure I’m putting knowledge into this pick, sure I make the move to get Marshall. The guy after me? He just has to say ‘yahoo’s ranks are telling me to take Larry next, so I’ll take Larry next’. Heck he doesn’t even need to do that, he can just let the clock run out and he’ll get Larry automatically! In a snake draft, teams do not end up with the players they scout and go after. They instead mostly end up with the players who ‘fall’ to them on their pick. Why not toss the league and just have a blind lottery to pick the winner?

Auction

The counterarguments:

1) In an auction draft, you have to bid for every player. First and foremost, this means everyone in the league has a fair shot at scoring any player. There are no random draws to get the best guy. But it goes beyond that. It extends to the fact that the team who scores Peterson or MJD or Johsnon, has to spend an outsized amount of money to get them. What this essentially does is change the form of the draft order as it relates to a snake. What I mean is, instead of the draft order being 1,2,3,4….12. It switches to 1,1,1,1,1,5,5,5,5,5,5,5. Meaning that those top players all end up costing a high price (and they tend to be close to each other) and the following picks cost a reduced price that tend to be close. This allows for more fairness, as the guys who score top players will have less money than the guys who score second tier players. I understand this isn’t the easiest argument to follow, but what I am trying to say is that an auction does a better job of handicapping the teams who take top players than a snake. Likewise, it does a better job of advantaging ALL players who do not get a top pick, fairly equally.

Now of course this does not always happen. Most of the time owners get skiddish about spending big bucks early and they don’t bid top players up high enough to account for their worth. Whatever, that’s their problem, that’s our gain. Fact is, they have the ability to do so, something that is non existent in a snake. Have I convinced you yet? Well if not, the last argument is the kicker….

Keepers

What better way to establish keepers than with an auction draft. It literally puts a price on a guys head. By allowing managers to keep a player at the price they paid for him in the auction, you are directly rewarding someone for making a smart draft decision. Unlike a snake, where some guy who had the 7th overall pick, in round 10 of last year, grabbed Matt Schaub because ‘he was the next best guy on the draft board’ and allow him to be kept there, you instead reward the guy who went after Schaub actively by bidding and snagging him at a favorable price. This is what drafting is all about. This is what keepers are all about.

One last thing here. For those of you who DO use the auction style of draft, and have implemented Keepers based on draft price, I’ve added a new twist to my league that I think you’ll like. During the offseason I now allow my managers to trade their keepers with each other. Big deal I know, everyone does that. BUT, what I’ve added to that, is allowing them to use future auction draft dollars in the trades too.

For instance, my keeper is Adrian Peterson at $62 and yours is Rashard Mendenhall at $15. You offer me Mendenhall plus $10 of your draft dollars in exchange for Peterson. Assuming we start out each season with $200 draft dollars before keeper costs, the change looks like this: You = $200 starting – $62 for Peterson = $138 – $10 you give in the trade = $128 draft dollars. Me = $200 starting – $15 for mendenhall = $185 + $10 you give me = $195 draft dollars.Plus now you have AP and I have Mendy.

It has provided a lot of action for the offseason and has given the guys some extra wheeling and dealing. Something for you to think about in your own leagues.

Alright I’m done ranting. I hope it was a convincing argument because at the end of the day, the best part about an auction draft is that it’s simply just more fun and offers more opportunity for us to be thievin.

I’ll leave you with this: I’m settled in my new job, I’m gonna have a lot of free afternoon time, and I’ve got a ton of topics in my head to write about regarding Fantasy Sports, players, buying low, selling high and straight thievin em. I’ve lost contact with my old webmaster, but I’m on the hunt for a new one so I can deliver top notch tools and updated ranks to you all as well. In the meantime I’ll do my best to get the info out any way I can and make sure we all dominate.

So get on your message boards, jump out on those facebook profiles, and shoot a message on twitter: The thief is back and playa, he’s got you covered!

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http://twitter.com/bgizzletweets Brian Gold

Dont worry about Jamaal Charles. Adam Schefter said he hurt his Funny Bone in his last game. Thats all. Draft him regularly, but handcuff with Thomas Jones is a must. And if one goes down for a long time, pick up Dexter McCluster, who can play rb/wr and will get snaps at both positions during a game.
acsparks714

Here's some hard concrete evidence that the snake just plain isn't fair. Go take a look at thief's rankings. Say your buddy got the 1st pick and you got the 12th pick.Your buddy with the 1st draft choice goes AP and Cedric Benson total rank score of 27.1137You go with Steven Jackson and Larry Fitzgerald total rank score of 19.2852. Already that total rank score is lower than Adrian Peterson's rank score alone.That just goes to show that there is such a difference between drafting first and drafting last.
Blad3

Just had my real auction draft thief 10 team league. Let me know what you think.QB: Carson Palmer – $6, Joe Flacco – $5WR: Greg Jennings – $24, DeSean Jackson – $24, Wes Welker – $3, Santonio Holmes – $3, Jabar Gafney – $1RB: Steven Jackson – $48, Ryan Matthews – $58, Jerome Harrison – $1, Clinton Portis – $13TE: Jason Witten – $11K: Garrett Hartley – $1Def: New Orlenas – $1
The_Thief

Good lookin out
The_Thief

My boy AC droppin some knowledge.
The_Thief

What do we have to do to get a top 4 guy?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_M3VFKQGQQWG3UNL2RW2AYMUNTA Drew Hittner

Well I just finished my first real draft of the season (auction style). I am a little worried about the MJD pickup also, but I figured I would share.qb-matt ryanwr-brandon marshallwr-calvin johnsonwr-dez bryantrb-adrian petersonrb-MJDte-chris cooleyk-dan carpenterdef-washingtonbn-santonio holmesbn-matt fortebn-steve breastonbn-justin forsettbn-big benbn-kevin kolb
acsparks714

Can't believe you got Adrian Peterson AND MJD. How much did they go for? Looks like a great squad. I'd like to see a better QB though. Only complaint I have.
http://twitter.com/OnodaDaisuke Daisuke

I finished my real auction draft10 team Yahoo leagueI was able to get some steals by forcing RBs on players and catching people trying to raise the price with players they didn't want. It ended up with me getting DeAngleo Williams for 21$ Want to know which players I should be moving…QP- Joe Flacco($3)RB- Adrian Peterson($66)RB- DeAngelo WIlliams($21)WR- Andre Johnson($40)WR- Randy Moss($37)WR- Donald Driver ($3)TE- Jason Witten ($11)D/ST- Philadelphia($1)K- Rob Bironas($1)Bench- Ronnie Brown($7), Ricky Williams($1), Lee Evans($3), Reggie Bush($1), LaDanian Williams($1), Heath Miller($1)I'm thinking of flipping Ronnie Brown for a WR3. I have the handcuff Ricky Williams to package as well. Is that ok?
The_Thief

Are you kidding me. Your idito boob league let u snag Peterson AND mjd?!? Son, have no fear, you're gold.
The_Thief

But AC, to drop to Ryan in exchange for that backfield is EPIC
The_Thief

Honestly, sure. You need a WR3, I guess. But be patient yo, no rush n this is an epic squad.
http://twitter.com/OnodaDaisuke Daisuke

I got a trade proposal already which wasmy Ronnie Brown and Ricky WilliamsforMiles Austin and Kolbs.I'm thinking of doing this…ink?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_M3VFKQGQQWG3UNL2RW2AYMUNTA Drew Hittner

AP for 62 and MJD for 61. After my 1st four pics I had only $14 left, which were AP,MJD, Marshal, and Johnson. I know, I feel like I'm weak at QB too. Hasselback is on the FA too. I have to win this league!! Thanks for the feedback AC.
acsparks714

I'm still amazed that after spending 60+ on AP & MJD each, you still have a pretty good squad.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_M3VFKQGQQWG3UNL2RW2AYMUNTA Drew Hittner

Envious of your flacco pickup! I wouldn't want to play against your squad..
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_M3VFKQGQQWG3UNL2RW2AYMUNTA Drew Hittner

To bad I couldn't get these noobs to play $$.My turnout is mostly thanks to this kick@#$ site!
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

How do heck do you score such great trade offers? Amazing lol!
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

You're kidding me right. You do understand that you pretty much won the league based on your drafted team right? Barring injury what stops you from getting a trophy.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

How the heck did they go for that much. Wow! CJ & Ray Ray must have went for 80 bucks lol.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

Even so. Ryan and Kolb might have solid years. Even if they stink or have average seasons he still wins each week lol.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

Damn!!! lol. Snake maybe dead after this year.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/V5JT2FFLWEQK73GZX4JQAVEEBE qwan

Pierre Thomas owners might want to take a buyer beware note. Granted this is preseason, but dang this guy looks ready for the league. http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0…..
acsparks714

Oh no doubt, I'd kill for those two, but there's still room for improvement at QB :p
acsparks714

Ink that now. You aren't even giving up a starter for a top notch WR.
TheArchDevil

Dammit Thief you just had to go and bring up Lincecum lol! This dude is seriously worrying me and I am thinking of sitting him if he does not get this straightened out. You gotta love fantasy sports though. This year I have lost Kendry Morales, Kevin Youkilis, Grady Sizemore and Jacoby Ellsbury for the season with injuries (I have also dealt with Kinsler all year) and now Lincecum looks like he is going to completely flame out on me! If you didn't laugh about the vagaries of fantasy sports you would cry.
The_Thief

Nope. This is a case where the trade is good but makes your team worse. You'd be left without a true backup RB. You should counter, take out Kolby n add a rb.
The_Thief

I dunno bro. I prefer to laugh AND cry.
acsparks714

You don't think he'd be getting enough value with miles Austin?
The_Thief

No he definitely is. It's a great deal. But if one of his rb's go down, his season would be over. That's why I suggested trying to swap kolb with a guy like beanie wells or jon Stewart. Ya feel me
Blad3

Are we talking about trying to score a better RB?
Cowan_j2002

58 bucks for ryan matthews???
Blad3

i meant to type in 48 but hit 58 by accident
Biglil

THief, do you draft, or buy, Welker in late rounds or are you avoiding him all together?
Jaysfan_44

Hey thief I need some help… I have the #2 pick in a rookie dynasty draft and wall will most likely go at #1 … Is it a no brainer to take turner even though im leaning towards drafting cousins with the pick
acsparks714

Yeah, what'd it take to get Adrian Peterson
acsparks714

Yeah that's what I figured.
Blad3

well here is AP's team. It looks like he is need of a serviceable WR.1. (3) Adrian Peterson $632. (25) Calvin Johnson $343. (32) Knowshon Moreno $294. (45) Tom Brady $225. (52) Mike Sims-Walker $116. (56) Justin Forsett $47. (59) Felix Jones $88. (62) Tony Gonzalez $79. (67) Pittsburgh $410. (73) Percy Harvin $511. (90) Arian Foster $1012. (110) Johnny Knox $113. (117) Kyle Orton $114. (124) Matt Prater $1
The_Thief

Or Moss. Yes
The_Thief

Same as Jax though right. It's tough to gauge pricing. Rb should all go in the 50's minimum.
The_Thief

I love him late (rds 8-10) an I love him cheap (less than $10).
The_Thief

?!? It's a no brainer.
The_Thief

I would target sims-walker or Harvin with a 2-2 deal.
morskie

I'm have one football league that is still snake. The commish is in my 16 team auction leage (1st time acutioner) so i'm hoping to convert him and rid my life of snakes altogether! haha
Blad3

Ryan Matthews and Jennings for AP and MSW, or Randy Moss and Bradshaw for Matthews and Djax?
Ritzi24

just finished my draft. 16 teams and i had #2 pick. 4 pts pass td, 6 for all other td, 0.5 pts/completion, 0.5 pts/rec, 1 pt/ 25 pass yds, 1 pt/ 10 rush/rec yds, 1 pt per 25 ret yds. qb, 2rb, 3wr, 1 te, 1def, 1 k, 5bnhere is my team, what does the nation think? no kicker yet, will drop either LJ or taylor before week 1 games for one. ®1. (2) Adrian Peterson2. (31) Pierre Thomas3. (34) Marques Colston4. (63) Kevin Kolb5. (66) Jeremy Maclin6. (95) Devin Hester7. (98) Brandon Jacobs8. (127) Matthew Stafford9. (130) Devin Thomas10. (159) Roy Williams11. (162) Todd Heap12. (191) Laurent Robinson13. (194) Larry Johnson14. (223) Fred Taylor15. (226) Tennessee
golfin14

Hey thief, I'm thinking of dropping Phil Hughes since he's on a innings cap, can you see if I should grab any of these for him?EJaxMark BuerhleGio GonzoDallas BradenMike PelfreyKevin CorreiaBrian DuensingBrandon MorrowTommy HunterFaustoFreddy GarciaBrett Cecil
Anonymous

I like the AP offer better. Don't forget, other people won't have Moss

rated as high as we do.
The_Thief

Obviously I love your backfield. But what's up with kolb? Was there some sick run on QB's? I think if you took a WR at the 4th rd you'd have been better off. Still, in a 16 team league, this is a good team. We need to get you another solid WR and a better QB but there's def no rush.
The_Thief

None of those guys stick out to me. The yanks are havin a tough time with Burnett, I find it hard to believe they're gonna shut down Hughes?
Ritzi24

QB's for my league went early because there was perception that they get the most points (2009 stats for best @ there position arodg = 517 pts, cj2k = 380, AJ = 290) but in reality the difference between #1 qb and top 10 qb avg is only 5 pts per game, wr difference is 3.5 pts per game, while rb actually has higher difference of about 6.5 pts per. by the time i got to pick 66 these qbs have been taken (arodg, peyton, brees, brady, schaub, romo, rivers, flacco, favre, cutler, mcnabb) and the next 2 rds ryan and big ben went. drafted stafford to be a trade chip. i want to drop either LJ, f. taylor and d. thomas and pick up either amendola, naanee, sammy morris, kevin faulk, and a kicker for week one. what do you think?
The_Thief

LJ is garbage. Naanee is the pick of that group. But u do need a K too.
Mustang8584

hey would anyone trade miles austin straight across for adrian peterson
The_Thief

i would if i were getting Peterson in the deal

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