Why Do People Play Salary Cap Fantasy Baseball?
Not everybody is playing Salary Cap Fantasy Baseball, but the ones who do play absolutely love it. While the rules may seem somewhat straightforward, it's the fascination of the diehard fans that have most people intrigued. This article tries to capture that passion from a group of Salary Cap Fantasy Baseball fans while going over some of the rules and strategies from Fantrax's Salary Cap Fantasy MLB games.
The Rules
In Salary Cap Fantasy games each MLB player is assigned a salary based on performance from previous years, and Fantasy managers must put together a team where the combined salaries of the 28 starters falls at or below a certain threshold ($60 million for Points, $30 million for Roto) for each given scoring period/week.
Salaries are fixed for the duration of the season, and the contest encompasses the entire 162-game regular season.
Using the Fantrax point-style scoring method, points are accumulated each stat week (generally consisting of games played Monday through Sunday) by all 28 players in your starting lineup.
“One of the features I like is that scores never go downward; I don't like penalties that decrease a score for any reason” – Joshua from New Jersey
Roster Construction – 41 players total (Points) or 40 players total (Roto)
Your 28 starters break down as follows: 2 Catchers, 2 First Basemen, 2 Second Basemen, 2 Shortstops, 2 Third Basemen, 6 Outfielders, 2 Utility (any Hitters), 6 Starting Pitchers and 4 Relief Pitchers for Points or 3 Relief Pitchers and 1 Swing Pitcher (any Pitcher) for Roto.
Also, you are allotted 13 bench players. Weekly roster switches of bench players for starters are allowed to compensate for injuries, slumps, hot streaks, or just to play favorable match-ups.
Why the Salary Cap Fans Love It
“The attraction for me was playing against a large group of people (hundreds) compared to my local 10-team league, and the challenge of it. Anybody who enjoys draft leagues really should try a Salary Cap game, and Fantrax makes it quite affordable, with a Salary Cap Points game for $30 and Roto for $40, neither of which will break the bank for a newbie”. -Roy from Maine
“The reason I like the Salary Cap game is the ability to use any player I want as long as my team meets the cap and if a player gets injured I can replace him as long as I have new player claims available.” - Rich from Nevada
“The attraction of the cap games for me was the level playing field against the competition. All players have the option of rostering anybody as long as you come in below the cap. Unlike draft leagues, where luck plays a bigger factor with injuries or bad years for a stud player, in duplicate player leagues, you can replace a stud player with another stud player. Everyone uses the same player pool, so, skill in managing and researching an initial roster makes the difference between a successful Fantasy season or a bust.” -Tony from Ohio
[B[COLOR="#FF0000[B[COLOR="#FF0000"]
]"]]“I love the Salary Cap games because I am in total control of who I select for my team. You don't have to be concerned with that draft league owner in front of you "stealing" your players 
... Also the ability in picking the ultimate sleeper among sleepers and managing your team with limited new player claims is often what makes the difference, and once again, not being concerned with someone outbidding you for a potential free agent or losing out because your waiver wire priority is lower than the next guy[/COLOR][/B].[/COLOR]”[/B] -Jeff from Maryland
Player Claims
The process throughout the season for acquiring or claiming new players for your roster is perhaps the most unique and tactical aspect of the game. Each team owner is allowed 17 new player claims over the course of the season and must use those pickups strategically. Those new player claims must be made with a corresponding drop from your roster. The biggest mistake first-time players make is chasing red-hot early season performers and blowing through a majority of their claims in April and May. Patience is key, and it’s important not to burn through your player claims too quickly, as they always come in handy for late-season call-ups (think Trea Turner/Gary Sanchez), injuries, or trade deadline changes.
“You can add to your team that ‘impressive new star’ of MLB anytime you want.” -Alfredo from Mexico
“The Fantrax Salary Cap games have the highest percentage payouts in the industry – which, of course, means bigger prizes for Fantasy players. The prize money is very nice, too.” -Jeff from Maryland
“I also have had a chance to chat with people from all over the world about baseball and even have had an opportunity to meet a few.” -Mike from Indiana
“The small sample size of a 1-day contest leads to a huge luck factor compared to a full-season contest. In a full season game, it feels like doing research will pay off more times than not, but in DFS luck trumps skill/research a LOT.” -Roy from Maine
“I enjoy the level of competition here at Fantrax, winning leagues or overall contests here is an accomplishment that's gratifying to anyone’s competitive nature. This goes for both Points and Roto cap games.” -Tony from Ohio
“I also really like the research leading up to opening day.” -Guy from Pennsylvania
“Salary Cap games are way different from traditional draft leagues. You can have most of the players ‘you want’ on your team.” -Alfredo from Mexico
“Salary Cap baseball combines my enjoyment of baseball and the challenge to plan and research trying to build the best team possible.” -Mike from Indiana
“Draft leagues are fun, but once you've tried Salary Cap, it's a whole new challenge.” -Roy from Maine
“Draft leagues come and go, but Salary Cap baseball is the game you will be playing every year for the rest of your life--it’s THAT much fun and very addictive!” – Joe from Alabama
