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Bleacher Features - 'Cellar Dwellers'
CBS SportsLine Fantasy Baseball
'Meet My Friend Jack Daniels' June 4, 1998

Bill Clark plays in two NL Roto leagues and is in 4th and 10th place. He says he won them both last year!

Here are my top ten ways to climb out of the cellar.

  1. Trade players while they're hot, especially those who are playing way above their heads. Henry Rodriguez is a good example. He puts up great numbers up to the All-Star break and year after year slumps during the second half.
  2. To go along with No. 1, trade for players that traditionally put up good numbers but for one reason or another have slumped thus far. Steve Finley has barely
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    kept his batting average above the Mendoza Line, but his bat has been warm lately. He will put up similar numbers to years' past, which should mean he will have a hot streak and produce very well for the second half of the season.
  3. Determine whether or not you can legitimately finish in the top of your league. If you can, then identify your strengths and use those categories to trade. You don't have to win every category to place in your league. Try to be consistent across the board.
  4. In most leagues the guys at the bottom have first crack at free agents and players traded into the league. Don't be afraid to take a chance on a rookie like Aramis Rameriz. You don't have anything to lose and it could pay off big in the future.
  5. Try to pick up and play hitters that are in hitters' ballparks -- like Coors Field and The TED. Take pitchers on teams like L.A. and Houston. The park effect will help your numbers.
  6. Keep in touch with the other owners. There is always an owner who thinks he has to have HRs or Saves now, or he will lose out. You may be able to acquire more than you give in trading with them.
  7. Don't be afraid to "punt" a category like saves. A good closer can bring you just about anything you need.
  8. Be patient. The season is only about a third of the way through. There is still plenty of time for your players to turn it around and move you up in the standings.
  9. If all else fails and you have no chance of making up ground, start thinking about the future. Trade your overpriced players for young talent and cheap underproducing players. Position yourself this year to make a run next year.
  10. I have a friend that can help when there is no hope. Jack Daniels. Have fun.
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