You’re a .500 team. The playoffs are definitely a possibility, but you’re not a lock. On the other side, you have a team that’s running away with the league. They are ramping up for the playoffs and aside from a minor miracle; they’re in the big dance. Bringing up the rear is the team lacking in talent who finds eating beef jerky and watching Jefferson reruns far more exhilarating the fantasy. Whether you’re the worst or in first, it’s time to make that big trade.
It always amazes me that the worst teams in the league aren’t willing to take some chances. Shake some things up and see what happens. In these scenarios what really do you have to lose? Yes, if you’re in a keeper league there may be some use in preparing for next season, but in early June, it’s still anybody’s ball game. Make that trade.
While the logic for a shakeup is obvious with a crummy team, the same isn’t always as apparent for the first place team. While it’s fun to look up at the leaderboard and see you’re in first, the reality is that now is the time to strike and solidify your status at the top.
Yes, I’m a trading fool.
In my 5×5 (6 keepers, 12 teams) league, trades have been few and far between. In the last month, only one deal has been made that didn’t include my squad. In the process, I landed a replacement second baseman Ian Stewart (a big finish is coming for him), a big time arm in Dan Haren, and a quality, underrated closer in Chad Qualls. Yes, I had to give up a fair amount in Clayton Kerhsaw (not quite ready) and Nick Markakis (definitely overrated in 5×5 leagues), but my team definitely got better.
There are several guys that seem prime candidates for big second half surges and they can be had. Three weeks ago that guy was BJ Upton and if you look at the trades involving this future stud that have gone through, his value was brutally low. Now, he’s catching fire and the opportunity to nab him is all but gone. That’s not to say that there aren’t other guys that make for fine candidates for acquisition this week.
The spot that is inundated with buy-low candidates is at catcher right now. McCann, Martin, Iannetta, and Soto could all vault you into a different category. While I can’t imagine folks are going to give them away (although it wouldn’t stun me to see Soto starting hitting waivers), they are immensely strong candidates for solid second half finishes and should be available at a reasonable price.
Another spot with a wealth of undervalued talent is in the outfield. Alex Rios, Mags, Milton Bradley, Aubrey Huff, and especially Corey Hart are guys that could definitely help most teams.
While you may be happy with your monster squad at the moment, it’s no time to rest on what got you there. Assert yourself by nabbing Corey Hart and Russell Martin and laugh all the way to that cheesy fantasy bobblehead trophy.
{ 0 comments… add one now }
You must log in to post a comment.