The Balk: The Hamilton Show

The Balk is half Larry's rambling thoughts on baseball and half fantasy baseball thoughts.

The Counselor is IN:

Larry's Ramblings:


Josh Hamilton had an unreal first round in the home run derby. He was too tired to win in the finals but what a great performance with 28 homers in the first round. When you mix this with his dream that he would be in the Home Run Derby in Yankees Stadium before they announced where the game would be, it becomes a surreal story. Josh appeared to be a real classy guy at the Derby and the Yankee crowd got behind him. He has come a long way since he was the first round selection for Tampa Bay and was a Cocaine Addict. My ball cap is off to you, Josh Hamilton.

Fantasy Section:

*All Star Game

The All Star Game is upon on. This gives fantasy owners a break for a few days. This is the perfect time to inspect your team. Examine where you are strong and weak. You need to know what your needs are.

Some leagues, like my AL Only League, have their trade and contract extension deadlines during the All Star Game. Re-examine your rules if you do not know when your deadlines are. If the All Star Game is your deadline, then you need to start working the phones.

* Question of the Week

Dear FSC,

My stud pitcher was traded to the National League in my American League only fantasy league. What should I do now?

Sincerely
Devastated

Dear Devastated,

Firstly, I feel your pain. If your rules allow you to pick up a free agent for the lost player, do so as soon as possible. If you are in contention, you will want to examine trade options to try to pick up a stud pitcher that is not on the MLB trading blocks. You may not get a trade that you want but you do not know until you ask. I would keep your eyes open and talk to the other owners to see what is available at what kind of price. If you are out of contention, then you have to decide if you want to trade off your other good players or not. If you are in a keeper league, you can score a lot of good young cheap players. If it is a re-draft league, then try to keep the best team possible for pride.

FSC

(For any fantasy questions, please e-mail FSC at llitle1@sbcglobal.net)

The Counselor is OUT: