Overbay Traded to Toronto!
Brewers for Sale
Whom to dump, and whom to keep
So just as I decided to dump Lyle Overbay he decides to hit a home run. It's been a tough second half for Brewers in fantasy terms. Doug Davis has been rocky, Victor Santos has had troubles, Podsednik just contributes steals, Overbay has cooled off, and even Sheets hasn't seen many wins. I'd have to say Dan Kolb has been the only player to show any returns since the All-Star break.
My most important fantasy team includes Aubrey Huff, Derek Lee, and Lyle Overbay. Either of them can play 1B and I figured I could afford to drop one. I would have kept Overbay if he was still hitting doubles and for a good average, but I thought it was time to jump ship.
And that's when he hits a home run. I knew it was going to happen, but with questionable pitching after my top 4 starters I thought it was time to bulk up for the playoffs. My team currently sits in 4th place, 1 game back of the leader.
So is Overbay worth more than Mike Hampton? Probably not. Hampton was great in July, but sucked it up before then. But I can't argue with the way Atlanta continue to win, even though the Brewers beat them tonight.
Looking forward I don't see too much value. I think Ben Sheets will still be a good 2nd or 3rd starter, but I don't see many wins. Dan Kolb will still have save chances, but that means some bats will have to come to life. Doug Davis also is on my team, but his last 4 starts have been shaky and I am worried that it is time to dump him.
So how do you make that decision? I think good teams, or good owners, know that you can't wait to long. Sidney Ponson teased me this season with a few good games, but I held on to him far too long. I should have dumped him earlier for some good wavier wire pickups.
But you also need to know when to hold on to your aces. Josh Beckett has been horrible for an early round pick. But I know I will need him in the playoffs behind Randy Johnson.
Eric Chavez was hurt for part of the season as well, less than a week before returning another team dumped him in desperation and I swooped in and picked him up. That sort of move allowed me to trade the most consistent fantasy player, and the #1 pick, you guessed it A-Rod. I sent him packing for Randy Johnson at the deadline and was only able to do that because of the waiver wire work.
So don't be afraid to improve you team, just be careful not to jump ship to early, or too late!