Today’s mailbag questions are all focussed on game strategy, which can make or break your team’s fantasy performance.
Jeremy: I am currently overstocked with offense, because there was so much value dropping later in the draft. I could use more pitching, but when is the right time to start to make trades?

• Anytime is the right time to start trading players when you have a need. However, this is the time to be careful as you are trying to negotiate a trade. Do not confuse a “need” with a struggling player. If you have Verlander or Sabathia, you do not have a “need” with pitching. On the flip side, if you do not have an ace on the staff now is the time to go looking for one that has been under performing.

Tim: What are your thoughts on a team having two offensive players from the same division platooning at the same position?

• I am more than fine with the idea of platooning players in deep leagues. A good example would be platooning Matt Diaz against lefties, and Geoff Jenkins against righties in the outfield. Whether or not they are in the same division really doesn’t matter if you are doing a true platoon. However, don’t waste a platoon on the catcher position.  In a 1 catcher league, there is no reason to waste a bench spot on an additional catcher. There is greater value on the waiver wire than what that extra catcher will provide. In H2H leagues, that extra spot being used on a pitcher is even more valuable.

Max: Is there a good way to know when to insert a bench player that has speed?

• Wow… tough question. I guess the best way would be to know who has been getting the at bats, and what team they are facing. For example, Josh Bard of SD allowed the most stolen bases last year (121). Jason Kendall of MIL was next with 111. So I would make sure that your bench player is in the lineup against these guys. Oh, and you will want to avoid playing speed players against Joe Mauer, because he has thrown out 50% of the runners who tried to steal this year.

Mark: You were a big help in my draft. I am currently in 1^st, Thanks.

My catching position is weak. I don’t want to cut “Johigima” (I spelled it wrong but you know who I mean) but I think I need to sit him until he gets going. The best free agents are as follows:

Pudge
K.Suzuki
R. Doumit
Or the Toronto catcher, I can’t think of his name right now

Who would you recommend I take? Or maybe not take. The offensive category that I am weak in is runs.

• I know what you are talking about with “Johigma” I have actually dropped him in the Fantasy Gameday League. Only one of the catchers that you have listed will most likely help with runs, and that is Kurt Suzuki. He has batted in the lead off spot in 4 out of the last 5 games. The downside is that his .300 batting average will most likely not stay above .300, which could mean being removed from the lead off spot. Pudge is in the best lineup, but is the oldest of the bunch. Doumit I think would be your best fit, because of the multiple position eligibility. However, take a close look at Dioner Navarro. He had a monstrous 2nd half last year, and has just returned from an injury. So any of the catchers are good fill-ins if you bench Johjima. However I would go with Navarro or Pudge for a more long term solution if you drop him.

That finishes off our segment for today.  Remember, good luck isn’t always necessary with thoughtful strategic planning.  Please remember to e-mail your questions to the winabango link on the right side of the page.