Sell High, Buy Low

April 11, 2009

Almost a week into the season, with certain all-star players struggling and several almost sure to bottom out players on fire,  it might be time to start sending trade proposals.  

Cole Hamels, who just got smacked by the Rockies, is off to a very slow start which could cause some managers to deal him at a discount.  While Hamels struggles, Emilio Bonifacio has shined in his short major league career causing some managers to over-value his talent.  

Each week, I will try to highlight players that are playing well above their potential and should be dealt.  On the flip side, players who are slumping and could be obtained for very little.

 BUY LOW:

Cole Hamels P, PHI

Last seasons World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, is off to a slow start this season.  After complaining of elbow pain, he was held out of his first start of the 2009 campaign.  Yesterday, he faced a Colorado team and surrendered eleven hits and seven earned runs.  Combine the possibility of a trip to the DL and a poor first outing, Hamels could be obtained for a bargain.  

SELL HIGH

Emilio Bonifacio 2b/3b/OF, FLA

So far the 23 year old has had a very impressive start to the season.  However, the youngster lacks power and discipline at the plate to continue hitting anywhere near +.300 avg projection.  His is without a doubt extremely fast but he has not quite mastered the art of how to steal bases.  He has a career stolen base average of about 60% success, this low rate may make Marlins weary of letting him steal on his own, drastically reducing his numbers.  If you own him in your league, sell him now while the interest is still high.

-Bobby Holt

Written by Bobby Holt · Filed Under Trade Strategy | 1 Comment 

h2h Corner ~ Awesome Team Names

April 11, 2009

So this might not be entirely safe for work (NSFW)/children (NSFC), however I thought I’d do a column on all the interesting, funny and witty/(crude) team names out there. Some of the best are longstanding inside jokes between league mates that wouldn’t make sense here, so I’ve omitted those acts of brilliance.

At the baseline, fantasy baseball is about fun – it’s an intellectual way to use sports and be competitive with friends.

One of the highlights of every fantasy league is its draft. Why do you think the NFL draft is so popular? Because everyone is equal and there is great chance for debate. As part of draft preparation, some owners like to create the most breathtaking fantasy team name possible, while others wait to see which players they get and build from that.

Simply put, great team names beget great trash talk, which begets a strong and robust league. No one wants a situation where people make roster moves sparingly, don’t trade and don’t mix it up with other owners. Team names can really bring the trash talk to a new level.

That said, I’ve cobbled together a list of the best team names I’ve seen in my leagues, around the internet and via Twitter suggestions. Please post the one’s I’ve missed or vote for your favorite. As a tip for those of you who aren’t professional writers, when dreaming up team names, avoid stereotypes and passé ideas, instead maximize upon current news items (*cough* AROD kissing himself in a mirror) and try to focus on individual players. At the baseline, it always helps to be gross and as offensive as possible.

Without further verbiage, and, in no particular order:

Roid Rangers

Fukudome? Fukudoyou! (Does this look like a man beaten by jacks)

Chien-Big-Wang

No Country for Old Mets/Nen

Saltalamacchia Homesick Blues

*

Brokebat Mountain

Citizen Cain (mostly b/c I touted Cain as a top 10 pitcher here)

I’m looking at the AROD in the mirror

Loosey Goosies

Take Maholm tonight

My Balls Won

Master Batters

Lincecum in my pants

Better Safe than Soria (from: http://twitter.com/crookedpitch)

Two Burrells one cup

No Glove, No Love

C.C. Cumbathia

The good, the Vlad and the Uggla

Coyote Uggla (lots of love for Uggla, I like him as a player, good name)

I’m Bill James Bitch!

Jeters Never Prosper

Roll it and Byrnes it

It Brynnes when I Piazza/Peavy

Victorino is mine

Don’t act like your Sheets don’t stink

Sportin’ Wood

Who Declars the Delcarmen

Honey Nut Ichiros

Putz & Schmucks

Written by Albert Lang · Filed Under H2H | 2 Comments