Trading Manny

The biggest heartbreak of my fantasy baseball career, Manny Ramirez was suspended 50 games for the use of performance enhancing drugs. Not only did it hurt me because I love Manny, but also because he was crushing the ball as my top hitting outfielder. After I initially heard the news about Manny's positive test for PED's, I tried to trade him in the most unbalanced fantasy baseball trades in my favor. Needless to say, it didn't work. I was finally offered a trade; Alfonso Soriano for Manny Ramirez, and closed my eyes while clicking accept trade. Soriano has struggled over the past week batting .083 with a ton of K's, but I'm confident he will turn it back around and sock some dingers before the season ends.

I have always been against making a trade in fantasy baseball, but I couldn't resist taking a chance this season. Manny isn't going to be playing until July 5th or so, meaning I needed a bench player to cover off days until then. After trading Manny, I was also able to open up my roster for another pitcher in the free agent market.

Free Agency

The pitching addition of Dontrelle Willis from Free Agency by dropping Kosuke Fukudome drastically added to my bullpen. Willis has had two quality starts in his last two outings and stirring up quite a buzz around the fantasy leagues for a free agency pick up. The pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers has allowed Dontrelle to keep that hitch in his wind-up where his leg comes up higher than normal. Willis' struggles previously were from the changes he made in his rotation causing his pitches to be wilder, slower and less effective. Going back to the way the D-Train pitched in Florida with that high leg kick could result in a good amount of wins and strike outs with a low ERA. Good for me!

As always, I'll continue to keep you posted with anything I've got for your fantasy team, but that's all for this week. Feel free to let me know who's possibly wavering around on the free agent market in most leagues and just maybe you could support my cause.

As I stated in my previous article, I used my theory of stacking up my fantasy baseball pitching as opposed to having five players on the bench (much like my opponent) that aren't scoring any points when they're not playing. For the week I finally dropped Brad Penny and picked up Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Scott Richmond and Brian Tallet in consecutive days to add to my pitching numbers. I picked up a win and 10 strikeouts combined between the two. In my 9-0-1 win, the tie was in strikeouts. If I hadn't picked up the extra starting pitchers, it could have easily been 9-1 or even worse.

With my style of play and the complete opposite style of my opponent, I can say that my theory is proven from that week of play. I can't say it enough; anyone can produce on offense, fantasy baseball pitching wins championships.

This week I am currently in the lead 6-2-2 against Take2, the seventh place team. After my big victory last week I am 3.5 games ahead in first place with a 26-10-4 record. I'm going to have to finish the week strong to keep the first place spot and again, by adding and dropping probable pitchers throughout the week. I also have an issue that my two bench players, Kevin Youkilis (DL) and Manny Ramirez (Suspended) can't sub in for anyone who has a day off or no game that day. This week will be an exciting test to see how I can manage to come out on top.

I'll let you know how it goes next week. Take the advice for your fantasy baseball league that pitching is the ultimate key to winning.

This weeks matchup will test my theory on fantasy baseball to it's fullest extent. With five batters on the bench, two of the best relievers in the game (Jonathan Papelbon and Jo Nathan), and a starting five rotation with no bench pitching, we will see who comes out on top. So far Rock†own™ has come out of the gates in first place with his strategy, but I plan on using free agency and my two bench players to keep up with the batting stats in this weeks match up. My whole theory is that pitching is harder to find and anyone can produce offense if you keep up with the leagueand see who's on a hot streak. Runs, RBI's and Home Runs happen every single game. Pitching no-hitters, allowing no runs, wins and saves only come from good pitching. If you have a solid nucleus in your pitching you have nothing to worry about in those areas.

This weeks matchup is going to be make or break for me. I can split the series or win it and I'll be in great standings. If this guy does to me what he did to his opponent last week, I could drop significantly and be fighting to stay alive. Let's see if this fantasy baseball guru has got the stuff to make it happen.

Tidbits

Fantasy bullpens should look into picking up Kerry Wood as the closer for the Cleveland Indians, Jose Guillen and Wille Bloomquist from Kansas City and Justin Upton (who I just picked up) from Arizona for some streaking hitters. Also, if you're like me and have Brad Pennyjust because you're a Red Sox fan, don't let your emotions get involved like me, and drop him! Especially if Zach Duke from the Pittsburgh Pirates is still available.

Charlestown Townies

If you have any suggestions for players that could help in my run for glory, I encourage you to leave your advice as well.

Week 2 landed me in a tie for third place (1 game back of first) with a 7-3-0 win over Donkey Tacos. This week I'm facing bronxbombers who I can't wait to beat simply because he's a Yankee fan. I'll keep you posted with the leagues ongoings and also be giving you more tips and hot pick ups throughout the season. When I see some big moves that could play well in your favor for your league, you'll know about it.