Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the community forums, especially the FAQ tag, if you have any questions not addressed here. You can also contact us
What does the name mean?
The name 'Ottoneu' is derived from Otto Neu, a shortstop who played in one game in 1917 for the St. Louis Browns. In this game against the Yankees, he did not have a fielding chance or an at-bat. Check out his FanGraphs player card.
Why play Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball?
Ottoneu is better fantasy baseball. We looked at the various ways that fantasy baseball wasn't living up to the sport it was based on and we improved each one.
- Depth and Breadth With 12-team leagues, 40-man rosters, full access to the minor leagues, and competition as knowledgeable about baseball as you are, the challenge of building a winner is that much more exciting.
- Build for Today and Tomorrow The end of the regular season is just the beginning. With Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball, you have the option to keep every single player on your roster from one season to the next. Find the perfect match of stars and prospects to stay competitive for the long haul. Move expensive players for keepers if you're playing for the future, or sacrifice your future for today. The result is more options, more flexibility, and a better fantasy baseball experience.
- Auctions for Everyone Gone are the days of lamenting your pick in the draft or missing out on a free agent because you could not get to your computer in time. All players in Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball are distributed via league-wide auctions. The market dictates, and every team wins.
How much does this cost?
The base cost for one team for one season is $20. Prize leagues cost more to play, but the top teams receive cash prizes at the end of the season.
| Cost | First Place Prize | Second Place Prize | Third Place Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| $50 | $200 | $100 | $50 |
| $75 | $400 | $150 | $75 |
| $100 | $600 | $200 | $100 |
| $250 | $1500 | $750 | $250 |
| $500 | $3000 | $1250 | $750 |
Make sure to check out the terms and conditions for prizes for more information.
Can I get a refund if something doesn't work out?
A refund is available to managers who are in leagues that are canceled by their commissioners either before the season starts, or after the season starts if they are not filled. Managers can also withdraw from leagues that have not drafted with a full refund.
This is a pretty deep game! Where can I read a bit about strategy?
One of the great benefits of being aligned with FanGraphs is that there is no shortage of great writing about Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball. Start with Chad Young's columns on RotoGraphs.
How does the auction draft work?
Don't be intimidated by the auction draft! It is easier than you think. Check out this article to get a basic overview of how it works, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Where is insert player's name and why can't I add him to my team?
We are proud of having one of the deepest player universes out there. If you want to start an auction on an American professional baseball player that you can't find on Ottoneu, visit the official community thread and we will do everything we can to add this player.
Do I need 40 players on my team to accumulate stats?
No! You will always accumulate stats, though if your team is in an illegal state, you won't be able to change lineups or make trades without first resolving that.
How do cap penalties work?
If you cut a player in the off-season (after the regular season ends and before the keeper deadline), there is no penalty of any sort. However, during the season, there is a 50% penalty rounded up for any cuts. So if you cut a $50 player, he will count $25 against your cap. If you cut a $1 player, he counts a full $1 against your cap, so be careful! If another team either claims the player off of waivers for the full amount or wins the player during a 48-hour auction, your cap penalty is fully removed.
What are the different game types?
There are 4 game types for Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball. They differ in the categories used and the scoring methods:
-
Old School - Rotisserie-style 5x5. For the traditionalist
Hitting AVG HR RBI SB R Pitching W SV ERA WHIP K -
Ottoneu Classic - Rotisserie-style 4x4 sabermetric-hybrid. The stat set of the league that started it all in 2005
Hitting OBP SLG HR R Pitching ERA WHIP HR/9 K -
FanGraphs Points - Points based on Linear Weights. Based on work by Justin Merry. Read his great FAQ about the system, or read more detailed pieces behind the hitting and pitching point values. Available in H2H as well as season-long
Hitting AB -1.0 H 5.6 2B 2.9 3B 5.7 HR 9.4 BB 3.0 HBP 3.0 SB 1.9 CS -2.8 Pitching IP 7.4 K 2.0 H -2.6 BB -3.0 HBP -3.0 HR -12.3 SV 5.0 HOLDS 4.0 -
SABR Points - Like FanGraphs points, but with FIP-based pitching scoring. The original points system! Available in H2H as well as season-long
Hitting AB -1.0 H 5.6 2B 2.9 3B 5.7 HR 9.4 BB 3.0 HBP 3.0 SB 1.9 CS -2.8 Pitching IP 5.0 K 2.0 BB -3.0 HBP -3.0 HR -13.0 SV 5.0 HOLDS 4.0