Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Is there a doctor in the house?

How about a Doc Halladay?

The Toronto Blue Jays ace right-hander has been the talk of the Major League Baseball trade front and he's also been the talk of the fantasy town.

Yes, we all know how nasty he is from both perspectives -- 11-3 record, 2.62 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 123 Ks, 20 BB -- but all this trade talk has fantasy owners in a tizzy.

I know it doesn't matter in mixed leagues, but what about if you're in an AL only league and have Halladay leading your staff?

His numbers have just been too good to even think about trading him away, but now might be the time to roll the dice.

It might be the right thing to do if YOU think that he is going to be traded to the National League. We all know what happens if he does and you own him in an AL only league -- can you say bye-bye Doc? 

You risk the chance of losing him completely if he's dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies (that's where all the talk is centered around currently), so do you take less or even get a straight up offer for a hitter or some kind of package deal to assure yourself that you won't be stuck holding the Doc bag if he's packing for the National League?

It's a risky move, but one that could win or lose you a championship.

I may be crazy, but I think that he's going to stay in Toronto. Just a hunch because the asking price for him is crazy. But if he does get traded, I think the Phillies will pony up two top-of-the-line pitching prospects and at least one key positional player (that appears to be Toronto's asking price anyway) to get him.

At this point, flip a coin.

But if you think you can get equal value back for Halladay right now and don't want to have to worry if he's going to get traded, then do it so the worrying will vanish faster than you can say Doc.

If you're in an NL only league and you've got that No. 1 waiver claim, don't pick up anyone yet, unless you put in for Matt Holliday who was recently traded to the Cardinals from the A's this past week. But with the No. 1 slot, it assures you of whoever you want if a high profile player becomes available. No doubt save that top waiver spot for someone who gets dealt from the AL to the NL. If it's the Doc, you'll be partying like a rock star into the early morning and laughing at all your other owners.

The only line you'll have to use is, "Is there a doctor in the house?"

That'll be sure to tick everyone off.

FREE FALLING

Minnesota's Nick Blackburn is in a major tailspin and it's not looking pretty right now. In his last two stars, the right-hander has given up 19 hits and 13 earned runs in only 8 2/3 innings, including 3 homers while not striking anyone out. Maybe he has a dead arm right now? Either bench him or cut him loss. Don't start him until he shows he's coming out of his funk.

HUNGRY FOR A BIG MAC

Washinton's Mike MacDougal hasn't done anything wrong not to be owned. The default Nationals closer has got six saves and hasn't even blown one yet. While he's on the worst team in baseball and won't be picking up saves on a regular basis, he can be a nice complimentary piece to your bullpen if you're in desperate need of saves. He's only owned in 18 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He's worth a pickup.