I agree that it is easier to predict hitters performance than that of pitchers. That is why my strategy is to build a stable of consistent position players and then trade for the pitching you need on a yearly basis. You then restock the position players traded with the rookie and free agent drafts. This becomes a challange when in the pursuit of pitching you trade most of your high rookie/free agent picks but it can be done. In A-12 I have never missed the playoffs for all 12 full seasons played. (There was a partial season played after the formation draft in which I had the worst record in the league). In K-17 I took over an existing team that was not very good. I traded the entire roster over the course of two seasons except for two players. My first full season I had the worst record in the league. My second season I improved by 44 games and missed the playoffs by one game! I have made the playoffs four consecutive seasons since then. I am sure this is not the only strategy for success but it is one that has worked well for me. I would appreciate hearing from others on their ideas or simply to comment on mine.