Roto-Rx.....

The Doctor is now in...

Question 1: We have all been “screwed” by a player’s performance only to trade him away and watch him flourish with someone else. It seems that I can get that same player back, only to get screwed again, trade him and watch him do well again! Is Dr. Roto superstitious? Does he have a “don’t touch” list? – Andrew Miller, Massapequa, NY

Andrew: While Dr. Roto is not necessarily superstitious, he does try to stick with players he trusts. As for the "don't touch" list...Dr. Roto affectionately refers to these players as "Pigs who will never be on my team." This year's top oinkers list includes such players as: Jeff Francoeur, Jason Giambi, Daivd Bush, and David Dejesus. Avoid them all if you value winning.

Question 2: Do you have a particular analyst or writer that you follow when formulating your opinion of a player or you come to your own conclusions by the stats and what you see when you see the player play yourself? – Craig, Iona College

Craig: Dr. Roto has the utmost respect for Peter Gammons, Buster Olney, and Jayson Stark. Those guys do a fantastic job of finding good information. The Doctor also reads as many online local newspapers as possible, and calls his various friends around MLB for their inside scoop. Spring Training is another time where the Doctor usually finds at least one to two stud sleepers a year just by going to a few games.

Question 3: I’m new to a league with guys who have been playing together for quite a while. I only know one guy personally (the guy who brought me in.) What’s the best way to build a working relationship with the rest of the league? I don’t seem to be getting “in” because I haven’t made any trades with anyone yet? But there haven’t been any offers or real opportunities that peaked my interest? - Chris, Sarasota, FL

Chris: Dr. Roto is going old school here...make phone calls. Get to know your other owners on a personal level. Shmooze them for a bit, then talk trade. If a spouse answers the phone, make sure you ask about her and the kids before you talk to the owner. This way if he is not home, she will make sure he gets the message! Another piece of advice is to make a slightly losing deal to get the trade winds blowing. Now, don't go crazy on me and trade Johan Santana for Marcus Thames thinking you need power in your lineup! But a deal where you lose out 52-48 still will get a deal done and get that guy back on the phone with you again. Then, when he least expects it...you nail him!

Question 4: Please give me one example of an “Under-hyped” player and one example of an “Over-hyped” player. I’m new to this and need a reference point to somewhere to start. I need to dump, I have no chance and I want to set myself up the best I can for next year. – Carson, Dallas, TX

Carson: Dr. Roto mentioned Matt Wieters and BJ Upton is his last post as young guys who are on the rise. Other guys who are under-hyped include: Adam Lind, Brad Hawpe, Mark DeRosa, Edwin Jackson, and Matt Kemp. Some over-hyped guys include: JD Drew, Dan Uggla, Chris Young, and Roy Oswalt.

Question 5: I play in an Ultra League with $2,600 (similar to some of the attributes of UFB.) I have reached a tentative trade deal. I would get Albert Pujols in exchange for giving away Phil Hughes $30 and Tommy Hanson $60. Pujols would be $410 for me next year. That would be almost 16% of my team’s salary. Is that too much? – James, Manhasset, NY

James: No brainer here...pay for Pujols. He is the best hitter in baseball. Take him and then go find yourself some super sleepers and you are well on your way to collecting a big check.

Now about those Cleveland Indians...they are NOT DONE just yet. However, they are about 3 more Kerry Wood blown saves (in the month of June) away from receiving the DNR.

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.