Squeeze play

Think of it as your 3,000-mile oil change--only without the $50 air filter. It's time for a midseason tuneup for your fantasy roster. Maybe you're in first place; maybe you're in the middle of the pack; maybe you're stinking up the league like a dog that just ate a plateful of brownies.

Truth is, I have teams in each of those situations--and advice on how to approach them.

On top of the world: In our in-house league (12-team, mixed Rotisserie style), my second-place team is finally within striking distance of Brendan Roberts' juggernaut. It's time to analyze first half sleepers such as Michael Cuddyer, Gary Matthews and Kevin Youkilis and determine whether they can keep up their production.

This also is a great time to look at pre- and post-All-Star Game stat splits to find out which first half studs traditionally are second half duds and vice versa.

When it comes to waivers, try to hold off on minor moves. Climb the waiver priority ladder instead and wait for a big catch. With the MLB trading deadline approaching, target players who will get better roles on their new teams or ones who will benefit when someone else leaves a team.

Could be a contender: In my 10-team head-to-head league, I spent most of the first half between second and fifth places. If this is you, it's time to identify your biggest weaknesses and figure out where the most ground can be gained. Take some chances--but nothing ridiculous--and get to know your opponents. Some might be ready to pack it in, so use that to your advantage in trades.

It's also a must to know your league's scoring system and postseason setup. Because four teams in my league will make the playoffs, my goal is clear.

Better off dead: Colleague Rob Hurtt is running away with our salary cap league like Taylor Hicks' Ford ad is running away with the honor of Worst Commercial Ever. On most days, I find myself roughly 1,200 to 1,300 points behind Hurtt. Where's the motivation in such a situation? Set a new goal--perhaps vowing to finish ahead of a rival. Then, use this whuppin' as a lesson for next season; the more you play, the more you learn. Besides. just as nobody likes Nickelback songs, nobody likes a quitter. You owe it to your league to finish the game.

(S) Stay on top of your league--or get to the top--by checking out fantasysource.spotingnews.com/baseball.

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