Fantasy Sports Dirt

Things to Remember in March 2012

by Eddie Mayrose

Dear Moonlight,

I’m writing  from here in August, 2011 to urge you, the 2012 Moonlight Graham, to remember a few, critical points as you sit down at the draft table.  Just a few suggestions that, if taken, should spare you the misery that your 2011 self has had to endure.

I feel this letter is necessary because, had I been fortunate enough to receive the same courtesy from the 2010 Moonlight, I’d at least have been reminded to stay away from the almost irresistible temptations that pop up during a Fantasy Draft.

It happens to all of us.  No matter how much we’ve prepared, there comes a moment during a draft where we must put our money where our mouth is.  To strike boldly and grab that young player we believe to be on the cusp of stardom and resist the fading star that MIGHT have another big season left.  To ignore position scarcity and bolster the roster with the most talented player available and, most of all, know in your heart that a history of injury will likely continue. Because I was weak this year, turned my back on solid info in favor of a few pipe dreams, I’m hoping that this letter will save you from the same pitfalls. Continue reading »

As The Clock Strikes Midnight

by Eddie Mayrose

With the MLB trade deadline nearing and rumors about which players may be moved continue to dominate the headlines, Fantasy owners in championship contention must evaluate their own rosters while making sense of the ramifications of those deals made by their front office counterparts in the Major Leagues.

At this point in the season, the most direct method to upgrade one’s Fantasy team is usually via trade; as it is unlikely, except in the most shallow of leagues, that any viable free agents still live on the free agent wire.  Unlikely, that is, in mixed leagues, as there are even fewer options in AL and NL only formats.  That said, it is critical for any owner to focus on the most productive avenue to make the most valuable transaction possible.

In a previous column, we talked about the proper mechanics of a trade; that the focus should be on the statistical impact rather than equal value.  Let’s take that a step further today and offer up some names that could be helpful over the season’s final two months.

First, a quick glance of your position in the league’s categories is necessary.  Discount BA, OBP, ERA and WHIP and any other “average” statistics, as any player that you might acquire will not significantly impact those categories in such a short time.  Rather, it is the “accumulated” categories, especially SB, S and W where your new players will give you the largest return on investment. Continue reading »

Making the Right Trade

by Eddie Mayrose

With the Major League trading deadline just two weeks away, Fantasy players, especially AL or NL only owners, are following the progress of trade negotiations involving their star players.  Will Carlos Beltran continue his resurgence in New York, where he’s stated he like to finish his career? If not, will he end up in San Francisco, where home runs are as hard to come by as they are in CitiField?  The Yankees are in the market for another hurler, especially after retreads Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon threw batting practice in Toronto this weekend.  Could their failure mean a new address for Wandy Rodriguez?

As MLB general managers seek to gain equal value throughout the trade process, Fantasy owners are also approaching trade deadlines- many under the misconception that they, too, must receive compensation on a par with the players they relinquish.

Too often, Fantasy Owners use the wrong criteria to evaluate a trade.  They forget that ours is a game driven solely by statistics and with no regard for defense, contract status or a player’s ability to assimilate into his new environment.  As a result, many miss opportunities to solidify their title hopes. Continue reading »