Relaunch - Sexy vs Giambino

So where were we?

Obviously, there's a bit of a gap in posts. I was chugging along pretty good and then, not so much.

Anyway, let's relight this thing.

Today's topic is especially appropriate, as both Richie Sexson and Jason Giambi have been getting a fair amount of notice in fantasyland lately, mostly for the wrong reasons. Big Sexy has been getting ferociously booed by the Mariner faithful, while Giambi has been struggling recently with a bruised heel (no truth to the rumor he injured it while putting him foot in his mouth with his recent "MLB should apologize for my steroid use" proclamation). It was reported today that the Angels might have an interest in acquiring the Giambino.

As the owner of Mr. Giambi in a keeper league, I would welcome the move out back west. Obviously, the Angels don't have quite the offensive firepower of the Yanks, but it just doesn't seem to me like Giambi ever was a good fit for New York.

I want to see less of this tool:

And more of this badass:

Of course, part of the A's look was the roid rage, but still.

Now, getting back to Big Sexy, the reason I mention him in this post is that he's involved in a good old fashioned challenge trade I've currently got proposed. I don't plan on being that guy who tells stories about his fantasy league, but I think this is a worthwhile topic of discussion.

Jason Giambi for Richie Sexson, straight up, in a keeper league. Giambi was born 1/8/71, Sexson was born 12/29/74. So clearly, the age factor favors Giambi. Giambi is performing somewhat better this season, mostly in average (.272 vs .172). The two are really quite similar, and have had similar seasons each of the last two years.

Giambi's prime years are probably better than Sexson's, the dude did win the MVP. Giambi's days of hitting over .300 are probably done, but is OBP has been consistently over .400 throughout his career (career .413 versus .348 for Sexson).

Giambi and Sexson have each had one major injury in their career (if I recall correctly). Giambi with his bizarre pituatary gland thing, and Sexson 2 shoulder surgeries. Both of those injuries are in the past and don't seem to have any lingering affects.

Basically, Sexson is a younger version of Giambi, with a little less plate discipline. Giambi's a little older, but is under contract for one more year than Sexson. Sexson's deal is up after next season, Giambi's the season after. Neither player's current team is very likely to resign them once their contract is up (hell, the Yankees have thought about trying to void Giambi's deal)

This one could go either way, which is exactly what makes for a good challenge trade.

Will I take Jose Guillen?

So I was just perusing Yahoo's preview of the AL outfielders and a name caught my eye. Yes, it's one of my original binkies, Jose Guillen. I have loved this man irrationally since his big half season with the Cincy Reds in 2003. When he came over to the AL in 2004 I was all over him, and he really came through with a big season, at least until he threw a helmet at his manager and got suspended towards the end of the year. Since then he's had one good year and one bad (injured) year. Now my boy is back in the American League, and I can snap him up again.

What is it with fantasy sports binkies? I equate them to your first crush, or any crush for that matter. Why do you have crush on someone? It could be all sorts of silly reasons (they have good hair, they have good looks, or they're easy), but you just want them. Well I just love Jose Guillen. I look at him and say, "He's ONLY 31, he's still in his prime." and "He was hurt last year, and played in the Grand Canyon of stadiums."

I guess I'm like a victim of spousal abuse. Things have turned out badly more times than not, but I just can't see it, and keep giving them another chance. All I know is that I need to trade one of my outfielders to make room for a Mr. Jose Guillen...