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Managing your Fantasy Trade Deadline

August 4, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, but in fantasy leagues, things are just heating up. All circuits may be busy, but you've got to find a way to get through to your fellow owners (and through their thick skulls).

First things first: Are you a buyer or a seller? If you're in the top half, you may have a realistic shot at overtaking the leader by season's end. If you're near the cellar, it may be time to reexamine things. But what do you do? If you're battling it out in a keeper league, your trade strategy won't vary much from that of a player in a single-year league. But if you're at the back in a keeper league, your approach will be a whole lot different. It's time to gauge present – and future – value for all of the players on your team.

Then ask yourself: What sort of players do I need? If you're looking to add impact players for this season, look no further than power hitters and closers. Power hitters are most likely to affect the standings in the final weeks of the season because they are most reliable and contribute in categories (homers and RBI) in which there's often some clutter. Base stealers are streaky, and it's probably a little late for a player that hits for average to affect yours. Similarly, a new closer could add 15 saves to your beleaguered total, which might alter the standings dramatically due to the usual muddle in that category. A starter has roughly 10 to 12 outings left in the season, limiting his chance at influencing the unpredictable wins column while minimizing his effect on the already entrenched ratio categories (ERA and WHIP). A strikeout pitcher is really the only type of starter that can help you.

Buyers

SINGLE-SEASON LEAGUE

You're sitting pretty in your 12-team league, and you have some depth at a couple of positions. Now is the time to offer up some players and see what you can get. Test the theories of selling high. Can Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander maintain this pace? See what you can get for him. As long as you're comfortable, you may want to deal starting pitchers or even base stealers to improve in areas where you're weak. Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome and first baseman Paul Konerko are solid buy-low candidates right now because of their current struggles and injury concerns. Maybe the owner of New York Yankees closer Mariano River, who has 26 saves but figures to really benefit if the Yankees turn it on down the stretch, could use some of what you got.

KEEPER LEAGUE

As mentioned, your approach in a keeper league won't be much different. Except in this instance you may be mortgaging the future in order to lock in the present. This is definitely the time to trade fringe prospects like New York Mets starting pitcher Brian Bannister or Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matthew Kemp. If you're willing to part with players like that, it may net you a solid veteran like Colorado Rockies closer Brian Fuentes or Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez. If your trade partner is asking for Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, you might want to think twice before pulling the trigger.

Sellers

SINGLE-SEASON LEAGUE

It's difficult to accept, but your squad isn't going anywhere. Not to the top, not up a little bit, not even sideways. It's time to take chances. Where is the real trade value on your team? See what you can get from a contending owner who's interested in the services of Detroit's overachieving starter, Kenny Rogers. What can Milwaukee Brewers infielder Bill Hall's 24 ding dongs net you from the fella sitting in third place but lacking in home runs? You never know, and you might be surprised. If you can add a couple of underachievers like Texas Rangers shortstop Michael Young (10 homers) or new Brewers closer Francisco Cordero (two saves since arriving in Milwaukee), isn't it worth it? What have you got to lose?

KEEPER LEAGUE

This is where the slyest make their living. You can't win every year, but if you aren't winning this year, you can sure win next year. Those high-priced veterans probably aren't going to be the ones to help you do it, however. A lot depends on how many players your league allows you to keep, too. For instance, it's probably not a good idea to trade Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz under any circumstances. But with all the hype, here's your chance to trade New York Yankees outfielder Bobby Abreu. Perhaps someone really needs the saves (blown or otherwise) of Mets closer Billy Wagner. See what these people are willing to give up. Go after Tampa Bay Devil Rays infielders B.J. Upton and Joel Guzman or Cleveland Indians third sacker Andy Marte. Maybe a league mate is willing to sacrifice the future dividends of Florida Marlins starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez or Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers to make sure his first championship doesn't slip through his fingers. You never know until you ask.

Fantasy baseball trade deadlines are fast approaching, so it's time for you to put your money where your mouth is. Can you smell that ring? If so, auction off some of your commodities to the highest bidder, and make your run. If possible, try to add a power hitter or closer, someone that helps you the most in such volatile categories as home runs, RBI and saves. Can you smell that ... smell? That's your team stinkin' it up, which means it's time to cut bait. In a single-year league, take some chances – it can't be any worse than it is now. In keeper leagues, swap your veteran players for youngsters who will be impact players, guys that can help you in later seasons. Fantasy championships – present and future – are won and lost at the deadline. Make sure you're a winner after yours has passed.