First let me say that I give you a lot of credit for asking for advice; IMO that's always the best way to get up to speed in something new.

The beauty of PB is that it's baseball, not rotisserie/fantasy. The decision results (wins,saves,RBI,runs) that players got last year don't matter at all. What matters are the skill results(BA,OBP,SLG,HR,SB,OBA,K/IP,K:BB) that a player has control of.

I look at the rookie draft as the opportunity to get good young talent and will almost never draft for need. Best player according to long-term prospects, not just how they played the previous season is my approach.

The FA draft is where you fill holes and get bullpen and backup guys. Occassionally your #1 FA will yield a player but don't count on it.

If you're taking over a weak team then my advice is go young. Trade older productive players who will be waning by the time you're ready to contend for young players with potential. In this, as in the drafts, you have to do plenty of homwork.

When you're ready to compete then you can trade in the other direction: trade prospects or picks for guys who can get you over the top. Don't get caught in the middle and always be very aware of where you are on the success cycle.

Most of all, try to enjoy the PB game and, best of all, the fun of rebuilding and structuring your team(s). It can be a great community, welcome to it.