One could easily point out who the best players are this year in baseball when looking at last years stats. But if you are someone who is trying to take every advantage, regarding fantasy baseball then you must look even deeper. For instance if you go to ESPN and look up a player, then click on splits, and then go to years, you have the ability to look up a players stats for the last 3 seasons combined. Here is an example of what I mean:http://espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=4574&type=batting3
But why does this matter you might ask yourself? Well using this information will give you a good indication of a few different things. One, it may tell you when a player is particularly good in one month over another. In this case you may be able to pick up a player who is available. Like J.D. Drew, who happens to be really good in the month of June. His stats that month are as follows: .320 AVG/.436 OBP/SLG .660, plus he has 19 HR and 54 RBI. The next best month that you could even compare, he only had 8 HR and 31 RBI.
Another benefit of this is it may tell you if a player is worth keeping or dropping after the all-star break. An example of that is a player like Dan Haren for dropping.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=5565&type=pitching3&three=1
Adam LaRoche is the opposite, as a player worth acquiring if you can.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=5879&type=batting3
This may not be for average fan of fantasy baseball, but it is something to use and that you should take advantage of, if you want the best chance of winning your league.
On another note, this is what outfielder, Milton Bradley, had to say this week to the NY Times: "Two years ago, I played, and I was good," Bradley told the newspaper. "I go to Chicago, not good. I've been good my whole career. So, obviously, it was something with Chicago, not me." Bradley was dealt from the Cubs to the Mariners in the off season. So since this must be true, get him asap if he's still available after the first round of your draft this year. Don't be the fool who misses out on the comeback player of the year folks.
As always this has been, Corey Sobel, with a special report
