Rotisserie League Baseball (Rotisserie League Baseball: Official Handbook & A to Z Scouting Guide)

There is a tremendous difference between publishing statistics soon after the end of the season, as STATS does with some of their books, and publishing analysis soon after the end of the season. Because this book was published in November, the player comments apparently were written before the season ended. For instance Tyler Houston's blurb mentions his Wrigley Field advantage, even though he was traded to Cleveland late in the season. None of the early off season transactions are addressed. The player comments also suffer from terminal cuteness, as the authors try to emulate the light tone of earlier editions by Waggoner et al. The current editors are just not as consistently clever, although they occasionally get off a good one-liner or pun.

Nor are they as attentive. There are numerous typos in the book. These range from simply annoying misspellings, to transposing entire stat lines between players (Dave Veres for Billy Wagner, Chuck Knoblach for Jeff Kent to name two). This really limits the book's utility as a reference.

If you buy the book intent on using its prices for your draft you will certainly lose. Most are unrealistic, perhaps partly due to the early publishing date.

The section on minor league prospects is the most informative section of the book, and is probably a part that many readers will skim over.

Essentially all of the information in this book is also in earlier editions of the same book (the rules) or appears with minimal modification in other books written or co-written by John Benson. If you have never before played rotisserie baseball, you should buy the book once, for the rules. If you are an experienced player you should look elsewhere for helpful analysis.


Decent Beginner's Guide to Rotisserie Baseball   January 21, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Okrent and Waggoner can take credit for basically inventing Rotisserie baseball; however, their analysis of the game hasn't progressed at all since the early 80s. If you've just started a league, you could do worse than to use their rules and game structure; it's been tested by time and it works.

However, their player analysis is guaranteed to be months out of date, and their suggested prices do not -- repeat, do not -- work in any league that pays attention. It's fun to read, and a good governance guide, but look elsewhere for strategy, tactics, and pricing.


The only book you need for draft day   February 24, 1998
I've used this book to the letter the past 5 years in my league and have never finished below 2'nd place. The salary guidelines listed are excellent, and the book is well organized. It is easy to find a player immediatly during the draft, and view his statistics. The synopsis on each player is helpful, and funny. The minor league reviews are good for names, but aren't always timely. The book also fails to capture the correct team of late free agent signees, but assesses the players based on statistics. Waggoner does not project stats as a means of his rankings, rather he ranks players based on achievement. Other books try to rank the value of players based on the author's projected stats for the upcoming year. Waggoner's ratings place high value on closers. If you use his salary guidelines on draft day, and don't overpay, you are guaranteed a very competitve team.


Best Overall Rotisserie Book Available   February 11, 1998
I have bought this book for years and every year it comes in handy. A must for any commissioner who is starting their league. Rules are from the founding fathers (of Rotisseire) and probably the best available. The author adds wit to the evaluations which make it easy to read. I couldn't recommend a better book on Roto. Michael Sinco, Commisioner, Willow Creek Rotisserie League


The best rules reference available. Fair player predictions   January 5, 1998
If your a first or second year player, or you've recently started your own league, this book is a perfect rules reference guide. It's easy to read, and provides rules for drafting, and conducting business throughout the season. Glen Waggoner also gives his predictions (player value) for the upcoming season. These are fair, at best. Prior year stats are given, but there's little information given about the intangibles.