Fantasy Info 411

I'd like to first say hello and welcome you to the column. The topics discussed here will be a little new to some of you, but for those of you who participate in fantasy sports, it will hopefully become a great source of information.

Everywhere you look in the world of fantasy sports, there are experts. Every website, magazine and newspaper has a fantasy "expert." Fantasy Sports is a market stocked full of "experts," self-proclaimed or not. I could never and would never give myself the title of "expert," but I truly feel that I can assist in seeing to it you don't find yourself wearing the worst of all labels, fantasy league "schmuck." I am here to help make you a better, more knowledgeable fantasy owner.

Fantasy sports have been growing in popularity since their conception in the late '70s. For those of you who play fantasy sports, I would like to make myself available to you and offer any assistance I can in helping you to win your fantasy football or baseball league. Please feel free to send me emails with any questions you may have, for I could very well address the subject in future columns.

As much as I'd prefer to write about our beloved St Louis Cardinals, the football season is in full swing. In the coming weeks I hope to provide you with fantasy advice. I have been participating in fantasy leagues since 1987 and love everything about fantasy sports. It is not only fun and addictive but it is educational. Only an avid fantasy football owner can tell you a wide receiver's average yards per catch. Only a fantasy baseball owner can rattle off a pitcher's WHIP or K/9.

Today's article is really a brief introduction of what we will be talking about on a weekly basis. I will focus primarily on football until the regular season ends. I will give you weekly advice on players that are questionable plays based on match-ups, health and all around skill.

Everyone knows that starting Terrell Owens at wide receiver is a no brainer, so I will attempt to discuss players on which you have difficult decisions to make. If you are in the middle of trade talks with another owner in your league, fire me an email and ask some advice. I may address it in the column. Hopefully together, we can make sure you bring home your fantasy football league trophy.

Once the NFL regular season has concluded, we will focus on fantasy baseball. Owners will have questions regarding their upcoming drafts as well as their keeper league rosters.

Major League Baseball's hot stove league will be in full swing and players will be on the move from one team to the next, via trades, waivers and free agency. These transactions lead to unknown prospects being given opportunities to play. I will address such topics as who will be the next break-out player, come-back player, rookie of the year, or overall fantasy flop.

Well, now you know what this column will have to offer. For the remainder of the football season, I will address one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and a team defense on a weekly basis.

Remember, I will gladly accept your emails and suggestions at cardfan_yak@yahoo.com.

GOOD LUCK!