Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy: Smart Moves Every Owner Must Make

Major league baseball is back, folks, and it's time to get your fantasy strategy in order.

There are a few tricks of the trade that will help you out as the long season gets underway, so pay close attention.

Don't fall in love with the big bats

Every team needs a couple of sluggers. That is a given.

More than power, though, consistency is the biggest key to long-term success in any sport, even fantasy baseball. 

Look for players who will not only hit home runs, but who will find ways to get on base, too.

Everyone knows about Matt Kemp, Albert Pujols and Jose Bautista. The way to separate yourself from the pack is to become intimately acquainted with the guys in the middle-to-late rounds who may not hit a ton of home runs but who will consistently give your team points.

Dig deep

If you really want to succeed this year, make sure you dig deep and dredge the bottom of the barrel for sleepers.

Look for players that are diverse. Don't neglect the leadoff men who will get on base and steal a few in the process. 

Most people don't pay attention to players outside the ESPN highlight reels, so if you do your due diligence and study up on the players nobody else is looking at, you are guaranteed to come out ahead.

Take risks and make projections of your own

Do you have a couple of players you hope will take the league by storm this year?

Put them on your fantasy team.

Don't be afraid to go against the grain. Most people don't take risks and fall in line with what all the "experts" say. Go the other way. 

Pick up a couple of players that most people might laugh at. In the end, you'll be the only one laughing.

All the way to the bank.

Follow @JesseReed78