Step up to the plate, fantasy owners, because the stretch run has arrived.
The MLB trade deadline is in the rear view. Your league standings have separated to the point where a clear-cut division between those who are competing for a title and those who have officially checked out has formed. Now it is up to you to target categories in which you can most easily move up.
If there are bottom-feeders in front of you, the chances of them maintaining that lead while ignoring their teams are slim, so your attack begins there.
Movement in the counting stats is the easiest to identify, and targeting ones that offer the greatest potential point increase should be your first order of business. If it is stolen bases, it is time to start loading up with a few extra one-trick ponies to help. Players like Orlando Arcia and Mallex Smith offer some nice speed, though they may drag down your average.
If you have room to breathe in the rate stats, add them. If not, turn your attention to more-balanced players with speed upside like Whit Merrifield or Bradley Zimmer.
If it is power you need, and you can pass a few neglected teams in home runs and RBIs, your targets may be different, but your game plan is the same. Add the bats you need to make your move, but keep tabs on how the changes in your roster will affect you in the other categories.
Because the power-hitters tend to short you in the rate stats and offer little speed, you may have to rotate in other players from week to week and chip away at the power categories a little slower. Fortunately, eight weeks affords you enough time to make it happen.
Pitching works in a relatively similar fashion, though proper use of middle relievers to augment your strikeouts and stabilize your ratios makes it easier. Proper research affords you the opportunity to stream in the right starters for wins and strikeouts, but understanding the value of a good middle reliever keeps you from taking too many chances. The right ones also have a tendency to vulture wins and saves.
Your workload over the next two months will be intense, and your diligence is of the utmost importance. Set your game plan, adjust when necessary. The brass ring is within reach and with just a little more effort, it is yours for the taking.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 4-6 p.m.
