Here is a sneak peek into one of my big leagues.

Is it too early to contemplate keeper options? Never, especially with my league's trade deadline looming.

What it looks like: 12 team, 5 x 5, head to head, very competitive.

The dilemma: I can keep any 2 players based on the previous year's draft position.

Example: If I drafted Justin Upton in the 14th round this year, I can keep him in the 13th round next year.

Other rules: No two players may be kept in the same round. All FA pick-ups are 15th round picks.  Any players acquired via trade may be kept based on when their original owner drafted him. Players may be kept for 3 years max. We call this a "Value Keeper" League.

The candidates:

Tim Lincecum (He would be an 8th round pick next year)
Andre Ethier    (He would be a 10th round pick next year)
Justin Upton    (He would be a 13th round pick next year)
Chris Davis        (He would be a 14th round pick next year)

Coming into this season I kept Lincecum in the 9th and Davis in the 15th.

My Fix: Tiny Tim is a lock. I will be keeping him again. Davis is a lock, NOT TO BE KEPT! Very disappointing so far. However, I seem to have a dilemma choosing between Ethier & Upton. Both players are young, productive and would prove to be a great value in next year's draft.

Currently in 4th place, I may try to ship either Upton or Ethier, to a team who would want to keep them next year, for a player or two that can help me win the money this year! Am I losing my mind?

Just like a real GM, you should never stop looking at possible moves to guarantee a win this year, or put yourself in a better position next year. Keep your eye on the waiver wire and on the trading block and be sure to "Scheme" your way to the top!

What are your thoughts?
Who would you keep if you were me?
Who might you keep for next year?
Click the comment link at the top of this article to discuss.


Tags: The Fonzy Scheme, Contemplating Keepers, The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball, Tim Lincecum, Justin Upton, Andre Ethier, Chris Davis, Fantasy Sports

The Cincinatti Reds have officially announced that they will recall Homer Bailey, due to the setbacks Edison Volquez is experiencing. In his last five starts at AAA Louisville, Homer has posted a 0.47 ERA, 38:7 K:BB while going 4-0. Homer has only allowed one run in his last 38+ innings.

Fantasy Impact: Fans and experts have been waiting for Bailey to make a major league impact for the last two seasons. However, his repulsive numbers (0-6, 7.93 ERA) during his time with the big boys may cause some fantasy owners to balk at the opportunity to add him. If you have the flexibility within your league/roster to make the add in an NL only or 12 team or greater mixed,it may be worth it. For me, I will wait to see how he chucks against the Tribe on Saturday, then reevaluate.

A Bonus "Young Gun" to Consider:

Dallas Braden (SP-OAK) - Despite the fact that his record is 5-6, Braden has been posting excellent ratios in his past seven outings while getting little run support. In his last seven trips to the hill, Dallas has lasted at least 6IP while not allowing more than 3 ER/game, 2BB/game and has only given up a total of 3 HR. Dallas has racked up 12 quality starts so far this season.

Fantasy Impact: Dallas is a low risk/high reward pitcher for those of you who don't necessarily need the wins. He will provide you with modest numbers in the ratio categories and a decent amount of K's. Braden is available in about 40% of Y! leagues and 90% of ESPN leagues. Add and start him with confidence until further notice.

What are your thoughts?
Who are some other "Young Gun" options you might consider?
Please use the comment feature at the top of this article to discuss.

Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Young Guns, Cincinnati Reds, Homer Bailey, Oakland Athletics, Dallas Braden, Fantasy Baseball, Roto

The MVP to date, Raul Ibanez, has hit the 15 Day DL today with a strained left groin. The Philles web site reports that the team is taking a proactive approach with this injury and that he will be sidelined for a few weeks.

Fantasy Impact: For those of you riding Ibanez through the 1st half of the season may be nervously scrambling to find a plug and play solution that will provide your team with similar numbers. Seriously, that's not going to happen, but here are a few players owned in less than 60% of Yahoo! leagues to look at for a temporary patch.

All statistics represent the production over the last month.

Juan Rivera (OF-LAA), owned in 55% of Y! leagues, is batting .343, 7 HR and 23 RBI

Cody Ross (OF-FLA), owned in 56% of Y! leagues,  is batting .317, 20 runs , 4 HR, 16 RBI and 2 SB.

Scott Podsednik (OF-CWS), owned in 38% of Y! leagues, is batting .333, 16 runs, 15 RBI and 8 SB.

Aaron Rowand (OF-SFG), owned in 56% of Y! leagues, is batting .343, 15 runs, 3 HR, 14 RBI and 3 SB.

What are your thoughts?
Who are some other options you might consider?
Please use the comment feature at the top of this article to discuss.

Tags: Raul Ibanez, Fantasy Baseball, Philadelphia Phillies, Waiver Wire, The Fonzy Scheme, The Fantasy Fix, Roto, MLB

Through eight games at Triple-A Gwinnett, Kris Medlen was 5-0, sported a humble 1.19 ERA and earned a start with the big boys in Atlanta.

Three innings, five runs, 2 wild pitches, a hit batter, a balk and 5 walks later, Kris Medlen's major league debut came to an abrupt end.

Those in Yahoo! leagues are probably thankful Medlen wasn't added to the player pool in time for his start tonight. He could have single-handedly destroyed your week. 

Recommendation: Medlen still deserves a look in 14 team and NL-Only leagues. However, since Kris is due to start his second game in San Francisco against Tim Lincecum on 5/26, you may want to let him ride the pine.

Tommy Hanson Update: The 2008 Arizona Fall League's MVP is waiting for his call. Some call Tommy the 2nd best pitching prospect in the minors behind Tampa Bay's David Price. Hanson is currently 3-3 with a 1.51 ERA, 73 K's and only 15 walks in 52 2/3 innings. Hanson's call could hinge on Tom Glavine's progress and success in his return to the Braves.