Howard Chen AKA Mr. Fantasy's Blog

So about 10 minutes ago, I'm chatting online with a high-school buddy of mine who's the commish for one of my hoops leagues this year, and well, let's start off by saying my team didn't do too well, but his made it all the way to the finals, even with the injuries to Dwayne Wade and Pau Gasol for good portions of the seasons.

Anyway, his team (named Strength 'N Honor) had a shot to win it.  Actually, he needed A shot.  A 3-point shot and a rebound.  One last player.  Brandon Roy.  One more half to play.  Victory's in his grasp.  Then Portland benches him pretty much the entire second half because it's the season's last game and there's no point really putting Roy on the floor, that is, unless you're a fantasy owner.  Such is life in the fantasy world.  Dying a close death probably feels worse than getting whupped.  Actually, I know it does.

Strong season by Strength N Honor reppin' from down south in the Htown burbs...

So... moving on to baseball, and elaborating on my recent posts...

PICK UP MILTON BRADLEY NOW.

Tonight's line... 2-3, 5 walks... batting cleanup behind Josh Hamilton, which is a good spot to be in... he now extends his hitting streak to 11 games.

That said, he hasn't hit a home run all year just yet, so that's a concern, but you know he has the talent and he's always been pretty multi-dimensional.

EVEN BETTER, PICK UP CASEY KOTCHMAN NOW.

He HAS the power.  AND average.  AND batting in a great lineup behind Vlad, Garrett Anderson, and Torii Hunter.  Pretty solid indeed.

HOW ABOUT ALEX GORDON?

Yes, he's also a good pickup.  Considered a first AND third baseman in Yahoo leagues, convincing me there's a spot for him on a fantasy roster after all.  Downside is that the Royals' offense could be inconsistent down the road, Gordon included.

OTHER RADAR DUDE:  EDINSON VOLQUEZ... if his next start is a quality one, pick him up.

OFF-THE-RADAR DUDE: EDWIN JACKSON.  Will have some good starts, but will struggle with his control and have some bad starts mixed in.

BENCH TIME:  C.C. SABATHIA.  Now that his ERA is above 13.00, with none of his starts even remotely close to being quality, it's not time to drop him, but seriously, can he stay this bad all year long?

TRADE: ROY OSWALT.  He pitched well tonight!  Wowzers!  Trust me... won't continue.  Career's spiraling downwards on a very mediocre team, and this comes from an Astros fan.  1 quality start means other owners will disagree with me.  Trade him while you can still get pretty decent value.