Fantasy Sports Dirt

Risk/Reward is Key in Evaluating Injured Players

by Eddie Mayrose

Stand outside the draft room of any Fantasy Baseball League and you’ll run into him when it’s all over.  He’s in every league; we all know him.  He’s the guy who selects an All Star team from two years prior but, because of injuries, starts every scouting report with, “If he stays healthy…”

Truth be told, there is room for but one or two comebacks on any successful Fantasy Baseball team.  More than that and you’re pushing the odds that are stacked against you.  And, like your buddy who’ll spend the winter telling anyone who’ll listen that, “If my guys hadn’t gotten hurt…” you’ll be at the bottom of your standings.

Here at FantasySportsDirt.com, there’s an opinion on  guys at each position that are trying to return to form.  Some, we’d stay away from at all costs while with others, we’d roll the dice.  Keeping in mind that, no matter how much we like any of them, there’s no way in the world we’d take more than two. Continue reading »

Returning Mound Stars  Don’t Really Return

by Eddie Mayrose

We’ve all been there.  Having sat down at the draft table resolved to take big bats  first and fill out our pitching staff in later rounds, we’ve been faced with the dilemma of choosing between a rising young hurler and a big name guy coming off an injury. At that point, the rationalization process kicks in regarding the veteran.

“He’s on a contending team.  If he could just give me 150 IP, he’s a steal.” “Even though he missed all of last season, he says he’ll be ready for Opening Day.” Or, “I know he’s had shoulder problems but he’s still only 28 and his K rate was awesome when he’s healthy.”

That last one is my personal favorite, as it’s the rationale by which Rich Harden has landed on my roster in two of the last three seasons.  And, of course, I was burned each time.  As were the owners that convinced themselves that Erik Bedard or Brandon Webb would somehow be rejuvenated.  All these guys really do for you is inflate your waiver wire costs.

In an effort to prevent Fantasy owners from falling down the rabbit hole, (and maybe as a personal reminder of the pitfalls involved), FantasySportsDirt presents our list of those pitchers with impressive resumes that, sadly, now include a severe injury. Continue reading »

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 »