Fantasy source

Sporting News, The, May 31, 2004

ROTO RAP BY BRENDAN ROBERTS

I don't handle losing well. But I play in enough fantasy leagues that I'm usually stuck in eighth place in one of them by this time.

I've decided that if I'm going to strike out, it'll be after taking a mighty cut. My goal is to win, or at least finish in the money. It's early enough that I have a chance to salvage the season but late enough that I have a good idea how most of my players will perform.

It's time to make moves that could help me quickly pick up ground. Sure, a bad move could drop me from eighth to 11th, but both are losing spots, anyway.

If you're in the same boat as I am, take note of these maneuvers:

The blockbuster. Blockbuster deals are what make fantasy baseball fun. How many times in real baseball would you see Albert Pujols and Roy Halladay traded for Barry Bonds and Javier Vazquez? It wouldn't happen--unless the Yankees were involved. Blockbuster deals are risky in that you're giving away top talent. But you're also getting back players who can carry your team for stretches. And the difference in numbers between those stars can be as pronounced as the difference in any other deal.

Injured players. Any injured player, regardless of when he's due to return, is a bargain, and there still is plenty of baseball left. Get your mitts on players such as Preston Wilson, Jose Reyes, Marcus Giles and Nomar Garciaparra. If these guys come back when expected and perform the way they're capable of performing, you're in business.

Cut the fat. Don't drop established vets or chronically slow starters; instead, cut your underachievers and take chances on youngsters who might be the real deal, such as Terrmel Sledge or Lyle Overbay.

Check the waiver wire, Ever heard of the trickle-down theory? You wouldn't believe some of the players who hit the waiver wire, players who aren't good enough for a top three squad but who can really help a bottom feeder. I snatched Jose Guillen that way recently.

M@IL BONDING

CHRIS BAHR ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Has there ever been a player as soft as Shawn Green? He has all of the natural ability in the world but continues to underachieve. Will Green ever put it together?

Tony Pisicoli, Pasadena, Calif.

Tony: Soft isn't a fair label; there are other players who better fit that description. (J.D. Drew comes to mind.) I think we were fooled somewhat by Green's 91 homers in 2001-02, however. Green still is a good fantasy option--especially because he qualifies at first base and in the outfield--and his batting average will improve. But it seems his 40-homer, 120-RBI seasons are behind him, even if he stays healthy.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, dick on Daily Mail at http://fantasy.sportingnews.com.

TSN Games Tip of week

Setting a pitching rotation to take full advantage of favorable meatchups can bee tricky in Strat-O-Matic: The New Season. Your team plays a three-game series each night, so the key is to plan ahead. When facing teams that struggle against certain types of pitchers, having a spot starter who dominates either righthanded or lefthanded hitters can give you an advantage. You can insert a lefty spot starter in the rotation when you are facing a team that is weak against lefthanders, for example. You might already have a dominant lefthander in your rotation, so adding the spot starter will give you two favorable matchups in the series. And by keeping the rest of your rotation balanced, alternating between lefthanders and righthanders, your team will be less likely to be swept by teams that thrive against a certain type of pitching.--George Winkler

Start your Strat-O-Matic team at http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com

You're Outta Here!

Players on the firing line:

Strike 1--behind in the count: Terry Adams, RP, Blue Jays. Adams failed to take advantage of the chance to be the team's primary closer. Manager Carlos Tosca is going back to a committee approach, and Jason Frasor could be the one to challenge.... Adams for save opportunities.

Strike 2--deep in the hole: Jamie Moyer, LHP, Mariners. When veterans start slowly, owners should be patient. When 41-year-old pitchers who dream of hitting 85 mph struggle early, it's a sign retirement is fast approaching.

Strike 3--you're outta here: Kenny Lotion, OF/DH, Yankees. Lofton will face yet another challenger for playing time if Jason Giambi is unable to play first base.--Rob Hurtt

Injury report

The impact of several long-term injuries:

Troy Glaus, 3B, Angels. A shoulder injury has landed Glaus on the 60-day disabled list, and he could be out for the season. With Garret Anderson, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon also on the shelf, the Angels have given Chone Figgins and Jeff DaVanon extended playing time. Both could prove to be good additions to your lineup. Figgins can boost your steals, and DaVanon can add some power.

Sammy Sosa, OF, Cubs. What started as a sneeze ended with a trip to the 15-day D.L. A strained lower back is expected to keep Sosa sidelined until June. We don't recommend his replacement, Todd Hollandsworth, despite his gaudy numbers as a bench player. Hollandsworth never has produced as an everyday player, and at 31, he has had plenty of chances.