Be an Innings Hog (and at-bats)

Now that we are nine weeks into the fantasy season, we are starting to see some separation in the standings right? Well just because you are not in the top 3, or even the top 5 that does not mean you can quit. Ignoring the fact that it is unfair to quit if you are playing in a head-to-head league where it is your duty to put up a fight, you still have a chance to win; even if you are in last place. Bare with me as I am going to borrow some figures from the legendary Matthew Berry.

This chart indicates the percent chance someone has of finishing in a certain spot depending on where they are ranked after nine weeks. So, as you can see, your league’s current leader only has a 42.4% chance of staying in first until the end of the season. You could be in the bottom three of your league and you still have over a 2% chance of winning your league. I know that’s not a very high percentage, but that means it is possible. You just have to know how to start your comeback.

Chances are if you are near the bottom of your league it’s because some of your guys have not performed like you had hoped, and you probably have some injuries you are waiting out. Time to cut the fat, and start getting some stats!

                You do not have time to hold onto guys that are going to be out for another month or so. You cannot afford to have multiple people on the DL taking up roster spots. You need AB’s and innings if you want to get back into the race. So if you have Jonathon Broxton it’s time to cut ties. Even if he gets back the closer job sometime in July do you really want to be relying on a guy coming off of elbow problems getting you saves? If he does return to form, chances are you can swoop in and pick him back up anyway.

                A couple of New York Mets should be testing your patients by now also. How much longer can you afford to wait for Ike Davis and David Wright? Not long.  It is also time to cut ties with the chronically injured. Guys that are due back soon, but chances are they will get hurt again. I’m looking at you Jake Peavy, Travis Hafner, and Eric Chavez. You obviously wait on a guy like Matt Holliday or Hanley Ramirez, and despite no one being able to tell me WHATS GOING ON WITH JOE MAUER! I am willing to hold onto him as well.

                So there’s what you can’t afford to do. Come back tomorrow and I’ll tell you what you can do.