Fantasy source

SQUEEZE PLAY

BY BRENDAN ROBERTS

In college, I learned to use the five W's when reporting: who, what, when, where and why. I was drilled to ask those questions and convey the answers to readers.

We practice that often in this space. The what is fantasy baseball. The who is you and I. The when usually refers to something timely, which keeps me from gloating about the fantasy title I won in 1999. The why is, well, because Fantasy Source knows a little something about fantasy sports. What about the where? As in, where is the best place to go for fantasy games?

It's the SPORTING NEWS' website, of course.

This year, we're bringing back Ultimate Salary Cap Baseball and Basic Salary Cap Baseball. Playing our salary cap games is like playing the stock market--as demand for a player increases, so does his value. The trick is finding low-cost players whose performances will increase their worths. Then, your team's value will increase as you sell. Eventually, you'll be able to afford a team filled with studs such as Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols.

For those wanting to start a more traditional league, we've enhanced our Fantasy Baseball Commissioner game, too. This year's version offers more commissioner controls and options, auto league live drafts, more customizable scoring categories, customizable stats displays and real-time stats.

Perhaps the best part of the game is its draft tool. A live draft can be the highlight of a fantasy season, and you're sure to enjoy your draft with us. You can incorporate your own rankings and build watch lists to keep an eye on the players you're targeting.

But don't forget to talk trash on the message board. I'm looking forward to it already, and not just because I have a new joke blasting Jose Canseco.

So, where are you going to go for fantasy baseball games? Now you know.

Learn more about our games at fantasygames.sportingnews.com.

M@IL BONDING

ROGER KUZNIA ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Is it better to wait on basestealers and get guys like the Reds' Ryan Freel and the Dodgers' Cesar Izturis late instead of using an early pick on Ichiro Suzuki, Carl Crawford or Juan Pierre?

Pat Boylan, Carmel, Ind.

Your strategy certainly sounds good, especially if you're convinced you can get those players late. However, other savvy owners will be looking for basestealers in the later rounds, too, and if there is a run on stealers, you might not get any of the players you want. You're better off securing one of the elite threats early, then adding other basestealers throughout the draft.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames:sportingnews.com/baseball

POSITION BATTLES

A look at spring's hottest competitions:

Cubs closer (Joe Borowski, Ryan Dempster, LaTroy Hawkins). This likely won't be decided until late in spring training, so if your draft is early, take a chance on Borowski. Dempster has little closing experience; Hawkins was shaky in the role in 2004. If Borowski's shoulder holds up, he could be a steal.

Indians shortstop (Jhonny Peralta, Brandon Phillips). At stake is a spot in a potent lineup. The job is Peralta's to lose, so he's the best bet for A.L.-only owners. He should provide good power and RBI numbers and score a lot of runs.

A's second baseman (Mark Ellis, Keith Ginter). Ginter's power is welcome at a weak position, making him a borderline option in mixed leagues should he win the job. But Ellis is better defensively. If Ellis wins the spot or a platoon situation develops, mixed leaguers should look elsewhere.--George Winkler

RANKINGS
Closers

 (1) Eric Gagne
     Dodgers

 (2) Mariano Rivera
     Yankees

 (3) Brad Lidge
     Astros

 (4) Keith Foulke
     Red Sox

 (5) Joe Nathan
     Twins

 (6) Francisco Cordero
     Rangers

 (7) Jason Isringhausen
     Cardinals

 (8) Francisco Rodriguez
     Angels

 (9) Armando Benitez
     Giants

(10) Trevor Hoffman
     Padres

(11) Octavio Dotel
     A's

(12) Billy Wagner
     Phillies

(13) Troy Percival
     Tigers

(14) B.J. Ryan
     Orioles

(15) Shingo Takatsu
     White Sox

(16) Dan Kolb
     Braves

(17) Danys Baez
     Devil Rays

(18) Braden Looper
     Mets

(19) Guillermo Mota
     Marlins

(20) Eddie Guardado
     Mariners

Saves are gold in 5 x 5 leagues, and drafting an elite closer early is a solid strategy. The saves category is the easiest to win, though loading up on five closers isn't recommended.

Some draft-day tips regarding relievers:

Know your promotions. B.J. Ryan, Guillermo Mota and Francisco Rodriguez are former standout setup men who are taking over as closers. They should be dependable, but an unproven guy such as Milwaukee's Mike Adams is a risk.

Beware of dogs. Justin Speier and Jeremy Affeldt are closers, but don't be desperate enough to chase them. Lower-tier closers often harm your team's ERA and WHIP and won't bring in enough saves to make it worthwhile.

Set yourself up. Even when the closers are gone, you can find value in other relievers. Setup men are great sources for WHIP and ERA and can help with wins, strikeouts and holds. And don't forget about insurance. Tim Worrell has come up big as a fill-in for Robb Nen and Billy Wagner the past two years.--Chris Bahr

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