Squeeze play

Working ahead--it's not just for the geek in your American literature class anymore. You remember that goof, right? He was the kid who would read far ahead, then sit there and smugly answer every question the professor asked.

Well, welcome to the world of keeper leagues. Not only do owners have to stay focused as their teams battle for position in the season's final weeks, but they also have to keep an eye toward the future. A nonkeeper owner would show brief interest in a player such as Delmon Young in September, but an excited keeper leaguer might have to change his shorts after acquiring Young.

The teeth-grinding decisions come when you have to reduce your keeper list to meet league requirements. Some tips on how to make those decisions:

Players to target

Proven studs. The strategy in a keeper league is the same as in any league: win. Great talent equals success. So, Alex Rodriguez and Roy Oswalt will provide a winning foundation.

Can't-miss prospects. Consider Mariners rookie righthander Felix Hernandez. He already is dominating opponents, and chances are he will for years. Lock him up now and reap the rewards for several seasons.

The recently promoted. The Angels' Francisco Rodriguez was valuable in a setup role, but he became an elite closer after Troy Percival signed with the Tigers. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is a great example of a player who might fill a much bigger role in 2006.

Players to avoid

The walking wounded. You can't become enamored of a player's potential stats. That means it is wise to pass on injury-prone stars such as Josh Beckett, J.D. Drew and Jose Vidro.

Graybeards. Owners who held on to Randy Johnson or Barry Bonds for 2005 can tell you all about the pitfalls of a player's golden years. Not everyone is the freak of nature Roger Clemens is.

Dime-a-dozen bats. Plenty of outfielders will hit 20 homers and drive in 90 runs--and plenty will be available in your draft after keepers are protected.

A final hit of advice: Strive for balance. If you have six keeper slots, don't tag three infielders and three outfielders while ignoring your pitching staff.

As always, you can count on the Fantasy Source for help. We'll have updated keeper rankings in September.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10.

September studs

1 SP Roy Halladay, Blue Jays. Owners should continue to be patient with this injured ace. He's the active leader among starters in September ERA (2.47).

2 OF Vladimir Guerrero, Angels.

3 1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals.

4 SP Barry Zito, As. His 2.68 ERA in September is about three-quarters of a run lower than his overall career mark.

5 SP Chris Carpenter, Cardinals.

6 OF Juan Pierre, Marlins. Another strong September could help Pierre make up for his disappointing first five months. He's the active leader in September batting average (.345).

7 OF Manny Ramirez, Red Sox.

8 SP Pedro Martinez, Mets.

9 C Javy Lopez, Orioles. He has hit .316 in September, by far his best full month (he's at .355 in 31 October at-bats).

10 OF Brian Giles, Padres.--Rob Hurtt

RELATED ARTICLE: Outside the box.

What fantasy owners look for

Red Sox at Twins, August 7

BOSTON      5 0 0   0 3 0   2 1 0   2 1 0 - 11   17   3

MINNESOTA   0 0 3   0 0 0   1 0 3   1 0 3 -  7    9   2

BOSTON             AB   R    H    RBI   BB   SO

Graffanino, 2B      5    1    1     0    0    3
Renteria, SS        5    2    3     0    0    0
Ortiz, DH           3    3    1     2    2    1
Ramirez, LF (a)     4    3    4     3    0    0
Stern, LF           1    0    0     0    0    0
Millar, RF          5    1    3     1    0    0
Petagine, 1B        5    0    1     3    0    1
Mirabelli, C (b)    4    0    1     0    1    2
Cora, 3B            4    0    0     0    0    0
Kapler, CF          4    1    3     1    0    1
Totals             40   11   17    30    3    8

MINNESOTA          AB   R    H    RBI   BB   SO

Stewart, LF         5    2    2     2    0    1
Punto, 2B           5    0    2     2    0    1
Ford, CF            3    0    0     0    2    0
LeCroy, DH          4    0    0     1    1    3
Rodriguez, PR       0    0    0     0    0    0
Jones, RF           5    0    0     0    0    4
Cuddyer, 1B (c)     3    1    1     0    0    1
Tiffee, 1B (c)      1    0    0     0    0    0
Redmond, C          4    0    0     0    0    3
Castro, 3B          3    2    2     0    1    0
Bartlett, SS        4    2    2     0    0    0
Totals             37    7    9     5    4   13

E: Cora 2, Renteria, Bartlett, Stewart. DP: Minnesota 4. LOB: Boston
5, Minnesota 7. 2B: Renteria, Ortiz, Ramirez Peta ine, Stewart. HR:
Ramirez (31), Kapler (1). SB: Kapler (1), Ford (7) (d).

BOSTON              IP    H   R   ER   BB   SO

Wakefield W,11-9   8.0    6   4    2    1   11
Delcarmen          0.2    3   3    3    2    1
Schilling, S, 9    0.1    0   0    0    1    1

MINNESOTA           IP    H   R   ER   BB   SO

Mays L, 5-7        4.2   13   8    7    1    3
Guerrier           1.1    1   0    0    0    1
Romero (e)         1.0    2   2    2    2    1
Mulholland         2.0    1   1    1    0    3

WP: Wakefield, Romero. Umpires: Chuck Meriwether, Mike Everitt, Tim
Timmons, Tim McClelland. Time: 2:54. Attendance: 40,982.