Off-Season must-do

Now that one of most interesting times of the year is here, namely the Hot Stove, it is time to begin thinking about the draft for next year. For those out there who think that they are smarter than everyone else, these winter months can be the best gift in the world and yet the biggest curse at the same time.
In order to prepare beyond the basics (getting accurate and precise projections, participating in mock drafts), the key to everything is knowing who your opponents will be. This is easy or those of you in leagues with friends, coworkers, or family, you know them already. However, if you are in a large league among strangers it's harder to do.
Therefore, I suggest the following in these cases.

1. Always do the opposite trend of what people are taking after the 4th round. For instance, if in round 5, you notice that people are beginning to make a run on closers. Don't take one unless you have 1 "must-have" closer that you've held in high regards forever. Instead, take a #2 OF or one of the top hitting catchers.
   
2. Unless you get a closer that also helps in K's and WHIP, wait until the later rounds. These non-elite closers simply do not last throughout the year and they also will hurt you in other categories. Therefore it is much better to get even a 2nd level hitter or SP than take a closer who will lose his job or end up hurt or demoted.
3. Look at the players that don't have the sexy 20/20, 30/30 tags. A player who has 15 HR and 30 steals will be a lot more valueable than a 20/20 guy. Even more undervalued is a 10-15 hr and 20 steal guy. Try to get a 3rd OF and at least 1 MI with these stats, while focusing on OPS on the other positions and you will be greatly relieved when you don't have to chase steals at the trading deadline.

There will be more information to follow in following posts. Hopefully you will find this information helpful and thoughtful.