Fantasy Baseball: 5 Crazy Moves That Just Might Help You Win a Title

Fantasy baseball season is just about done. Depending on how well you're doing, this could put you in line for the highly coveted trophy, as well as bragging rights for the rest of the winter.

However, how are you going to finish the deal? You have made it this far, and now you need to win. Here are five crazy moves that might just help you finish it off.

5. Do Not Start Stephen Strasburg

I am sorry if this doesn't apply to you since only one person will own him in every league.

I know that he has the potential to be amazing. I must be crazy to suggest that you bench one of the best prospects in baseball for the most important week of your season

Rotoworld is predicting that his playing time will still be limited as he has just returned from injury. They say that you might possibly want to start him in a deep rotisserie league for ERA and strikeouts.

I know that you will want to start him the final week, but in the championship, I would not even risk it in a deep rotisserie league. He is obviously on a strict pitch limit, and that means that if he even has a little bit of trouble, he might be out in two or three innings again.

4. Ride the BJ Upton Wave

Perhaps you have been turned off by his low batting average throughout the season and had put him on the bench to preserve that category. He is owned in 100% of ESPN fantasy leagues, so while it may not seem that crazy to actually start him, I bet there are some people who need to do this.

He will probably contribute in home runs and stolen bases, but he also has four multi-hit games out of the last seven. That will not hurt your team batting average any.

Again, I know that most people are already following this one, but I wanted to make sure I don't even miss out on what is shaping up to be a big week for him.

3. Grab Ian Desmond If You Can

Ian Desmond is only owned in 79.6% of ESPN leagues. That means he is available in approximately one of every five. Grab him if you can.

Since August 21st he is batting .322 with four home runs. For the record, he is hitting .244 this season with eight home runs. Half of his home runs have been in the past few weeks and his batting average has been 78 points higher.

If you need a shortstop, he very well could be available, and he is performing at a very high level.

2. Derrek Lee Will Give a Boost

Derrek Lee is available in just over half of ESPN leagues. However, since he arrived in Pittsburgh, he is hitting .347 with four home runs and 12 RBI. With that average of a substantial duration of time, it is crazy that he is available in this many leagues.

I assume that you already have a first baseman who is probably hitting a lot of home runs. However, it is worth having a backup because it's the time of year when everyday players for contenders are starting to rest. If you have Ryan Howard for example, it may be worthwhile to have a backup for those days when he is off if you have a league that allows you to change.

He has been crazy productive lately with Pittsburgh, and it is crazy that he is available in so many leagues.

1. Be Willing to Take a Risk

I know that really isn't a specific move. However, most teams that will meet in the championship are pretty solid. Therefore, you probably have about a 50-50 shot of winning just because baseball has so much variation.

That being said, all of the moves above involve risk. You would be betting on players who are riding hot streaks. BJ Upton might start striking out a lot, Stephen Strasburg may throw a gem and prove me wrong, or Ian Desmond and Derrek Lee might get cold.

However, you need to take a risk in order to win. It will probably come down to one player getting really hot. Make sure that that player is on your team.