Wiesguy's Wisdom

Holiday Shopping for the Fantasy Baseball Enthusiast

Since it is the holiday season I thought I would take a stab at a gift guide for the true fantasy baseball zealot. Some of these items are actually in stores or in cyberspace, while some remain elusive even to those with wondrous means.

Subscription to Sports Weekly – I miss the old Baseball Weekly days but to me this is still the best print publication on the market.  It is loaded with stats and notifies you when speedy Chone Figgins gains eligibility at new positions.  For you scrooges out there – it is also not very expensive.

21 Inch Flat Screen Computer Monitor – Lets face it true believers spend a lot of time in front of their computers, often at odd times when our contacts aren’t in and glasses can’t be found.  A massive monitor is the key to following your team without degrading your eyesight long term.  Plus friends will ooh and ahh over it when they visit and you have a cool screensaver.

Rotation Predictor 9000 – This is a new prototype that should hit the market in March. But you should put your pre-order in now.  When working properly this gizmo takes all the guess work from predicting which starters will be getting multiple starts in a given week, improving your chances of winning and getting a decent nights sleep.

A Contract for Carlos Beltran – I wish this would result in a commission for all of his fantasy owners (including myself) but more importantly it would help determine whether to place him at the top of 2005 draft boards or not.  He is the only elite player whose status for next year is undecided and it is personally driving me crazy.  Where he ultimately lands could determine how well he produces as well.

MLB Extra Innings – This satellite service gives you access to every MLB game for the entire season.  Which could be both the best, and worst thing to happen to your team (or marriage).  Living in Toronto we get very few out of market games and it has always been very frustrating.  If you do receive this great gift, promise that you will at least still attempt to get a minimum of 5 hours asleep a night.  No one manages at their best while overtired.

And lastly…

A Trade Do Over/Waiver Non Drop Voucher – At some point in the upcoming season you will make a move you will regret (sometimes immediately).  It is bound to happen and this great gift will help you rest easy knowing you can go back and undo a poor decision.  Just remember that some of your league mates may have found the same thing under their tree as well so use it wisely.

Whether you find any or all of these gifts this holiday season I wish each and every one of you all the best for a safe and happy holidays.  I am looking forward to getting back to basics of sleeper and keeper talk in the New Year as we all buckle down and prepare for spring training.