Trade Wood/Clemens for RJ ????

[mm92280]

Should I trade both Wood and Clemens for Randy Johnson in my 14 team Sandbox league??? Here is my current staff:

Schilling
Wood
Vasquez
Astacio
Clemens
Baez
Estes

[Arlo]

Tough call. I think this depends on several factors:

Most important: What scoring format does your league use? This trade has a completely different character in h2h leagues than it does in roto leagues, for instance. Also, do you use games or innings pitched limits, and can you make daily lineup changes?

Also: Where is your team in the standings? The closer you are to the top, the more you should consider standing pat.

Is there a pitcher on the free agent list that you like, or can you pick up Prior or Myers?

Sorry to be asking so many questions, but I think this one is too tricky to judge otherwise. If you need an on-the-spot answer, I'd probably stay put, but I'd be second-guessing that choice all season.

[mm92280]

this is a sandbox fantasy point league. I am in 3rd place, less than 100 points from 1st place. Also, the team in 1st place is the team that has RJ. We are limited to 162 starts per team, so I basically start maybe 5 guys at a time. Yes, we can make daily lineup changes.

[mm92280]

Who is Myers??? I know about Prior, but he hasnt been added to the game yet, as Sandbox waits until they play their first major league game to add them, and then they get added via the waiver wire. With Sandbox, the weaker teams have first chance at the waivers, and, since I am in 3rd place right now, I would have no chance at Prior.

[mm92280]

this is a 5x5 scoring system, as sandbox awards 1 point per strikeout

here's the rest of the scoring system for starting pitchers

1 point=1/3 inning pitched
-1 point= 1 earned run
-1 point= 1 walk
10 points= a win
-5 points= a loss

Here is a stat for RJ in Sandbox

RJ:

1999= 35 games, 932 points, 26.6 points per game, 1st place SP
2000= 35 games, 881 points, 25.2 points per game, 1st place SP
2001= 35 games, 949 points, 27.1 points per game, 1st place SP
2002= 8 games, 261 points, 32.6 points per game, 2nd place SP

Wood:

2001= 29 games, 526 points, 18.1 points per game, 25th ranked SP
2002= 7 games, 146 points, 20.9 points per game, 25th ranked SP

Clemens:

1999= 30 games, 427 points, 14.2 points per game, 37th ranked SP
2000= 32 games, 524 points, 16.4 points per game, 16th ranked SP
2001= 33 games, 675 points, 20.5 points per game, 4th ranked SP
2002= 8 games, 155 points, 19.4 points per game, 18th ranked SP

Baez would be my likely replacement as my 5th starter

He has pitched 7 games, 100 points, 14.3 average so far

[Arlo]

Thanks for the info. Given this configuration, I would definitely make this trade, and then try my best to get an upgrade over Baez, who I feel will be a bit too erratic. There is, however, a risk involved: with the Big Unit, you're putting lots of eggs in one basket, and will be in trouble if he misses time due to injuries. With Wood and the Rocket, you're much safer in that respect.

Still, with this scoring, I'd take the plunge and grab the Unit - if he remains healthy, this deal could push you over the top.

Myers, by the way, is our #2 minor league prospect at the moment (rankings coming soon to a Cafe near you - meaning tomorrow, hopefully). Here's a sneak preview:

2) Brett Myers - SP, Phillies

A wicked curve is Myers' best weapon, and the rest of his arsenal isn't far behind. He may be somewhat streaky, but he'll post excellent overall numbers. Note: The Phillies see him as a top-of-the-rotation starter, but given his cocky attitude and assortment of out pitches, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see him closing games at some point.

[mm92280]

is he expected to be brought up to the majors soon??

[Arlo]

Ah, the $10,000 question... If Person doesn't return soon, look for Myers to get a shot very soon. Otherwise, the Phillies will probably be patient. Pick up whoever looks best to you now (Tankersley, perhaps?), but keep an eye on Myers. If he gets the call, he should be worth a pick-up.