Luck is #1

It is fitting that Andrew Luck is going to be the #1 pick in the NFL draft this year because luck is the #1 thing you have to be worried about in fantasy football.

In baseball however, it is not nearly the same level of concern.  It is still there, though.  But worry not my faithful reader, there are things you can do to move luck further and further out of the equation for your league.

Here now is my list of ideas on how to have a "Less-Luck League":

1. Auction.  This list isn't necessarily in order, but the first one is definitely number one no matter how you slice it.  If you want to reduce the luck factor, draft in an auction instead of a snake draft.  Everyone has the same access to all of the same players so it becomes a question of strategy and how much you want every player you go after.

2. FAAB.  This is the auction of waiver wires.  You get a set number of dollars to spend as bids on the waiver guys.  The highest dollar figure is awarded the claim and those dollars are debited from that player's fixed annual budget.

3. Keepers.  If you draft well one year you should be rewarded next year.  Adding a number of keepers in your league carries your skill from one year into the next allowing the cream to rise to the top.

4. Big Leagues.  Go ahead and sign up for a 14, 16, 18, or even 20 team league.  There are more competitors so the best ones will be closer to the top.  Usually.  This isn't a sure-bet, but it helps.

5. Big Benches.  More reserves reduces dependency on the waiver wire and ostensibly increases the display of skill in the league.

6. DL Slots.  Some leagues don't have a DL at all.  Most have one, some have more.  I suggest having two DL slots so managers aren't faced with cutting a guy they so expertly picked up just because he is injured. 

Any other thoughts?  Chime in, we'd love to hear from you.