Toronto Blue Jays of fantasy

In reality and fantasy alike, this is the time of year GMs should take a good look at their squad for strengths, weaknesses and trade bait. Check out your opponents too; see what need you can fill. I’m surprised at how seldom fantasy trades actually materialize. Perhaps it’s because there are often decent alternatives on the waiver wire that don’t require making your opponents better. Or perhaps it’s because the only deals you’re offered are of the ridiculous sort you often hear from sports radio callers. Roy Halladay for Michael Bourn. Right.

In my league with Matt Jackson, we alternate between second and third place each week. I feel pretty good about that lineup and our playoff chances, especially with Raul Ibanez back and some good recent pickups – Joe Pineiro and John Lannan. But in my other league, I feel like the Toronto Blue Jays. My team is decent, even better than decent, I think. But somehow I ended up in the AL East with really strong competition. I liked it better when half my league was marred by parties and hangovers, often forgetting to start their pitchers. Those were the days.

If you’re hovering around 8th place, and contemplating coasting, stop that foolish thinking. You have seven weeks (depending on league settings) to reach your playoff potential. Consider this GM boot camp.


Shouldering the pain

The further back you are, the bigger the risks you should take. For instance, look at Pedro Martinez. But don’t look too close: he’s 37-year old, injury prone and hasn’t pitched in three months. If you look beyond that, you’ll see a three-time Cy Young award winner who is driven to make a comeback. He has maturity and discipline that could position him for surprisingly good statistics for both the Phillies and you. And again, if you’re looking up at most of your opponents, why not take a chance?

Another risky pickup with good upside potential is Jason Schmidt. Remember him? Schmidt hasn't pitched for two years while he’s recovered from shoulder surgery for his labrum tear, frayed biceps, and scarring in the bursa sac, whatever that is. The three-time All Star has looked good in his Class-A rehab assignment for the Dodgers, going 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA. His velocity is down, but should improve as he regains arm strength.

Also consider Tim Stauffer. Another pitcher. Another shoulder problem. Stauffer missed the entire 2008 season recovering from shoulder surgery. Stauffer’s return was a good one, going seven innings, surrendering only two runs against the Giants.

Rodrigo Lopez returns on Monday for the Phillies from a brief shoulder setback on July 8 when he left the game early with shoulder tightness. In two games, he gave up two runs both times in 5 and 6.1 innings respectively.


All-Stars and stripes

Earlier this month, Houston Astros Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, Chris Sampson, Jason Michaels and mascot Junction Jack made their annual stop to The Methodist Hospital for fun and games with Methodist employees and patients. Milo Hamilton served as the emcee. Photos here show Pence winning a dance competition as Lance looks on as the judge. Sampson actually won the audience vote, but Berkman quickly pointed out that his moves were not family-friendly and disqualified him. In musical chairs, a super-competitive Berkman outlasted Pence after knocking off several Methodist employees. After the contests, the players visited several patients, bringing joy to those who couldn’t attend the festivities earlier.