Before we get going, if you are middle of the road, it’s not too late. Pick up these guys on the wire to help you get over the playoff hump and climb into the upper tier.

1. Everyday Eddie (major saves soon)
2. Adam Lind (playing everyday)

And if you haven’t heard yet, the Johjima theory is over. Contract extension or not, you do not want him on your team. Barajas has been doing well, pick him up and give him a chance.

Now let’s get to the point, the trade deadline makes fools of us all, buyers and sellers alike. Superstars going for outrageous prices, long time keepers being sold to make a one year run, and of course the “it’s now or never deal” (your worst nightmare).

Buyers Beware: So your team is in the top 4, and you are looking to cement your place as a contender. Now finding those floundering teams with less than amazing keepers is easy, sorting through their garbage to find some tools for your title run is not. Now, their teams are either in last place because of injuries or because they’re stupid (less knowledge, bad draft, dumb trades, etc). If you see a bunch of DL guys, you may want to sift through and find some use in that pile. Don’t forget, you are in 4th place, you can afford to wait on a guy that a bubble team can’t. Snatch up Furcal, Zimmerman, and V Mart while you can. Even a guy like Billy Butler will be useful down the stretch. Of course, you won’t get these guys without offering a superstar. Throw a name like Beltran at them (maybe my least favorite player in fantasy ever, he gets the numbers from somewhere. Lord knows where, because it seems that every time I look he is in a slump). Remember, bubble teams need help NOW so don’t bother with prospects or DL guys or even future keepers (score for you).

The major downside to this is you may have to sell one of your best/favorite players. Earlier this year I parted with Granderson. The deal was heavily in my favor, and I still have regrets about it. From reading his ESPN blog to enjoying his interviews, I just can’t do it anymore. Regrets aside, I did pull the trigger, now I am in the playoffs and the Grando manager is in 14th place (of 16).

Sellers Beware: Let’s not forget the point of trading is to improve your team. If you are in a keeper league then go ahead and sell for the future. Just make sure you aren’t killing next year too. Trading for a Lars Anderson and Kyle Skipworth will NOT help you. The average fantasy keeper league stays together for less time than it’s going to take for you to see Lars and Kyle in the bigs. Guys like Maybin, maybe. Just don’t go all out and overpay for Matt Holliday.

You guys at the bottom (like the buyers) can afford to take on a DL guy if it means a brighter future. Soriano, Zim, and Furcal should be on your radar too. Bubble teams and some less experienced playoff teams will be looking to improve now and sell their future. Take advantage by offering every mid range guy on your team that will be an upgrade for them. (the Yuniesky, Betancourt, and David DeJesus type).

Bubblers Beware: You have two pools to take advantage of. Both work just as well, and you are in the best position. Without a defined roll you can field offers from both sides (rebuild or go for it), from Buyers and Sellers. All you have to do is float some names, sit back, and watch the offers pour in. The one thing you need to be careful of is ultimately not making a decision. If you need three keepers, and you deal to get 5 so you can “contend” but still sell your role players to get those five, you are in trouble now and later. When you see 2-3 great offers leading you in either direction take advantage of them and throw yourself behind the decision.