Fantasy source

Sporting News, The, Sept 13, 2004

ROTO RAP

BRENDAN ROBERTS

Ever have one of those nightmares in which you're trying to reach something or someplace and no matter how hard you try, you just can't get there? It's a terrible feeling.

It happens to me all the time. Not necessarily the dream, but when I'm trying to reach a target weight or attempting to get to work on time ... or while trying to get my horses to pull me into first or second place in many of my fantasy baseball leagues.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'm not satisfied with third or fourth place, so I'm going to take unconventional risks to move to the top spot, even if it means I might fall into mediocrity. If you feel the same way, consider:

Roster turnover. On most fantasy teams, about 85 percent of the active roster each week is set. No matter how bad the schedule is or recent trends have been, sitting Aubrey Huff or Jason Kendall can't be justified. But the remaining 15 percent--say, a middle infield position, a middle reliever and the No. 2 catcher--can fluctuate. Checking upcoming schedules and playing the hot hand is a good way to make up ground.

Roster grabbing: two-start pitchers.

There's a reason flee-agent pitchers are available--they aren't safe options. But history has shown that an iffy pitcher is more likely to have good days against certain teams and/or at certain venues. Owners can roll the dice and rotate in such pitchers when they have a favorable two-start week. The result might be a few extra strikeouts and perhaps an extra win.

Roster cuts: calculated risks. Normally we wouldn't advise dropping a high-profile player such as Geoff Jenkins during the season because you lose many of potential production and another team in the process. But you can't limp along with underachievers in September. Cutting a slumping Luis Castillo in favor of Omar Infante might look bad to fellow owners, but it also might pay big dividends. It's too late in the season to worry about any move helping another team.

M@IL BONDING

CHRIS BAHR ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

I can keep four hitters and two pitchers for next season. My candidates: Alex Rodriguez, Mann)/Ramirez, Edgar Renteria, Carlos Delgado, Miguel Cabrera, Paul Lo Duca, Kerry Wood, Randy Johnson and Barry Zito. Should I trade A-Rod and Wood or Ramirez and Wood for Albert Pujols?

Jason Lee, Ventura, Calif.

Jason: I wouldn't make either deal. You're giving up too much, even though Wood has injury issues. Plus, you'd be left with Zito and Johnson as keepers. The Big Unit isn't showing his age yet, but his durability has to be a concern in a keeper league. And Zito's value has taken quite a hit this season.

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

TSN Games Tip the week

You'll want to load up on starting pitching in the recently released online version of Strat-O-Matic Baseball: All-Time Greats II. Having a solid starter throw for your make-believe squad each night is priceless, and there are some great seasons from which to choose. You can pick Sandy Koufax's 1965 season (26-8 record, 0.85 WHIP, 382 strikeouts), Grover Cleveland Alexander's 1915 season (31-10, 1.22 ERA) or even Roger Clemens' 1986 season (24-4, 2.48 ERA). Although they're worth the price, these guys are expensive. There are, however, a number of cheaper options, such as Dizzy Dean, Christy Mathewson and Dwight Gooden, who also should provide excellent production.--B.R.

To sign up for your team, go to fantasygames.sportingnews. com/baseball/stratomatic/atg2.

PROSPECT WATCH

On the mound

Jeremy Guthrie, RP, Indians. Guthrie likely will work out of the bullpen the rest of the season, but the Indians might be using him as a reliever to help him adjust to the majors. If Guthrie joins the rotation, grab him. He has command of four pitches, including a low- to mid-90s fastball.

At the plate

Josh Kroeger, OF, Diamondbacks. Even if Kroeger isn't a big part of Arizona's September plans, look for him to make the club out of spring training next year. A lefthanded hitter, he could be an immediate power threat.--Mark Allen Haverty

PLAY ACTION

GEORGE WINKLER

Week 1 is the most exciting and unpredictable time of the season. For proof, look no further than last year, when an innocent-some might even say dull--matchup between the Lions and Cardinals turned the heads of fantasy owners everywhere.

In that game, Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin set a rookie record with 217 yards receiving. He ended up with 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns for the season. After going undrafted in most leagues, he quickly became a waiver-wire pickup.

Yes, the draft is done, but the fun of managing your fantasy team to greatness has just begun. A few tips for a good start:

Seeing is believing. Fantasy owners often immerse themselves in numbers, and that's great. However, nothing beats seeing players play. That's why it's important to either find a good sports bar that shows all the games or warm up your remote control trigger finger. If you don't have time to watch all the games, I'll be tracking the action in my Sunday Blitz column on Fantasy Source. We'll start to get clues about the rest of the season and see who's going to live up to the hype.