Open Letter to Hank Steinbrenner

Dear Mr. Steinbrenner,

Thank you thank you thank you thank you for signing AJ Burnett to the New York Yankees. Although I despise you and your team, Mr. Burnett is a key member of my fantasy baseball keeper team. For your next move that enhances both of our teams, I would suggest trading for Prince Fielder. Thanks again.

Your friend,

Justin

Where are the Big Rollers?

Recently, I looked through the auction data for the past two years and noticed that what our league lacks is a high stakes roller. In this regard, no one has ever placed a bid higher than $34 on a player. In 2008, Grady Sizemore and Albert Pujols both went for $34. In 2007, Miguel Tejada went for $33. From reading fantasy baseball paraphernalia, I understand that in other leagues with similar budgets and rules, top players can go for as much as $40, $50, or even $60. Is our league so much smarter than these other leagues that we can disregard the wisdom of the masses?

I think that having a manager who fits the role of the go-for-broke gambler would increase the entertainment value of the league for everyone. Mike took a tentative step last year to fill this role by nominating Putz for $10 at the start of the auction, but then failed to follow through on a promising start. This year, we need a person to step up to the plate, throw caution to the win, and bid up a player at least past the $40 threshold. This person will be a hero to me and/or earn a place of fame on this blog, at the very least.

On a more serious note, I do think that some brave soul could arbitrage this fact.