Does It Help To Have A Co-Manager?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:53 am

In the NFBC, more than 50 percent of all teams in the main event have a co-manager with them on Draft Day. For our football event, the percentage is even higher. In many ways, having a co-manager is helpful for keeping track of the draft, analyzing each pick, roster management and in-season management.

However, it's interesting to note that all four of our NFBC overall champions have been solo owners. Ironically, our first three overall champions in the National Fantasy Football Championship have had co-managers. Is there a reason for the difference? Do baseball owners make their own decisions on prospects, pitchers, rising stars, etc. better without a partner? Or is it just a coincidence?

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions and even some stories about you and your co-manager and how you're able to co-exist. Any and all stories are welcome.

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:46 am

From my own personal experiences, it can be good/bad.

I like having a partner if the partner has a basic knowledge of the game and allows me to make ALL decisions.

With that said, I'll likely have a partner for baseball in 2008. The partner will fall into both categories, as described above.

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:10 am

In Stevieland, the partnership has been all good. I think we both have a clear understanding of our roles. I think it helps on draft day, (unless one person has clearly collected and used too many drink tickets, and gets yelled at by Captain Hook for talking too loud on his cellphone ('04)) But the real benefit is during the season, bouncing ideas back and forth from players to FAAB bids.

bluenose · Post by **bluenose** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:39 am

I think it helps most in-season, when one co-manager prevents the other from "doing something stupid" re: roster moves. It might be perfectly clear to me that we need Lincecum and we should bid $400; my co-manager will convince me that even at $250 we might be overpaying, and no we can't drop a flamethrower who has started 0-3...

viper · Post by **viper** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:30 am

It has advantages. The value of a second person is different at the draft compared to play during the season.

At the draft, I consider it critical. There is a lot to do and keep track of. Having a second fantasy knowledgeable person at the draft allows the primary owner to concentrate on things at hand. That person can keep track of things you really do not have time for - like is a team not drafting SPs or closers. He can crunch numbers. He can make sure you are filling your categories and keep you from dumb mistakes often caused by category or positional runs.

During weekly play, it is a two-way sword. On the positive side, he may recognize situations you miss. He may be aware of newly anointed starters that you missed. On the negative side, you may have disagreement on player activations or add/drops.

All and all, I feel the positives outweigh the negative but even if you plan to run the team solo, have help at the draft.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:20 am

I've drafted by myself. I've drafted with my wife, Mitzi. She knows next to nothing about fantasy baseball.She is an office manager and that's exactly how I used her at the draft. She kept track of the mundane things and carried out reminders at the appropriate times. Very helpful.

At the same time flying solo is what the draft is about. Its cool to have the brain trying to process millions of bits of information as each name is called. Exhilerating.

As for after the draft and during the season, bouncing ideas with other trustworthy and knowledgable NFBC members (thanks advisory board

) not in your league has worked best for me. Having the NFBC as our core, it is better giving each other ideas about lineups and FAAB's than trying to glean information from outside sources and making it fit into the NFBC style.

[ October 25, 2007, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:45 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I've drafted by myself. I've drafted with my wife, Mitzi. She knows next to nothing about fantasy baseball.She is an office manager and that's exactly how I used her at the draft. She kept track of the mundane things and carried out reminders at the appropriate times. Very helpful.

At the same flying solo is what the draft is about. Its cool to have the brain trying to process millions of bits of information as each name is called. Exhilerating.

As for after the draft and during the season, bouncing ideas with other trustworthy and knowledgable NFBC members (thanks advisory board

) not in your league has worked best for me. Having the NFBC as our core, it is better giving each other ideas about lineups and FAAB's than trying to glean information from outside sources and making it fit into the NFBC style. I enjoyed having a partner because it kept me more in touch with a good friend and we seldomly disagreed on strategy. I must say I enjoyed going solo more because I got to execute the exact strategies I wanted. My wife also was a trooper and helped me keep track of many things at the table in exchange for a 500 dollar shopping spree at the Tampa mall the next day.

Also since Dan left the cat out of the bag we have a little advisory board of me, him, and Stevieland. Essentially we bounce stuff off of each other all year long via email. Everything from who to start/sit, Miggy/Wright debate from last year's draft etc. That helps a lot. Maybe we will induct a 4th member in 08 send your applications to Joe Sambito and explain why you are sponge worthy.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 6:47 am

My resume sucks...but I'd love in.

On second thought...I'll be putting in much more effort this season...and should I be in a group like that...any success in 2008 would get credited 100% to the group and not to me.

I'd still like in. (...and I've been in all 3 of you guys leagues in my 2 years playing.)

~Lance

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:21 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

My resume sucks...but I'd love in.

On second thought...I'll be putting in much more effort this season...and should I be in a group like that...any success in 2008 would get credited 100% to the group and not to me.

I'd still like in. (...and I've been in all 3 of you guys leagues in my 2 years playing.)

~Lance Lance I will probably be out your way on business before the end of the year. Lets grab Oakchunas and go grab some dinner on a Warriors game. I will keep you posted.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:35 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

quote:Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

My resume sucks...but I'd love in.

On second thought...I'll be putting in much more effort this season...and should I be in a group like that...any success in 2008 would get credited 100% to the group and not to me.

I'd still like in. (...and I've been in all 3 of you guys leagues in my 2 years playing.)

~Lance Lance I will probably be out your way on business before the end of the year. Lets grab Oakchunas and go grab some dinner on a Warriors game. I will keep you posted. [/QUOTE]Sounds like a great idea, Kent!

~Lance

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:37 am

I have always been amazed at owners that can pull off being partners without a hitch.This is too much my thing to share with anyone.

My first year in vegas two guys sat next to me and they were the best of friends.Half way into the draft they were bickering back and forth.By the end it was "if that is who you **** want you take him"

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:39 am

I think having a partner can only help.I agree with Gordon i too get final say on everything.

Having a partner might catch if you miss somebody and that happen's at least once in every draft.I missed Marion Barber in the 5th round this year in WCOFF which i still cant believe, if had my son DOM there , he would have caught this, since we are big Cowboy fan's.

He also helped out big time in my baseball draft's last year.Wouldnt want to do a draft again alone in either fantasy.

Hard Heads · Post by **Hard Heads** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:48 am

I have had very successful partnerships and won with them. I have also had what I considered bad partnerships and won. I do a ton of prep work and feel no matter what I could be competitive on my own, but I wonder if I would ever do a high stakes league on my own again. For the reasons Eddie mentioned are the main reason why. There is alot of information out there and it's easy to make a very important mistake that could cost you. Having two sets of eyes and ears is just that much more benificial. Every partner I have ever had, except the one that I didn't feel was a successful marriage, have fully understand this just isn't a hobby for me, but a passion and so they respect what I say and what I wish to do with our teams. This isn't to say I do everything and they have no input, but 90% of the decisions made are made based on news I have brought up or seen or player research I have done. I do sometimes second guess things and definitely appreciate having the second opinion from someone I also respect for their knowledge. I understand the idea of living and dying with your own decisions and doing it on your own, but I am more of a team guy and doubt I would ever do it solo again, except maybe a small money local league.