Those expecting big power numbers from Aaron Hill (2B, ARI) last year were sorely disappointed. The same player who connected for 36 HRs two seasons ago managed just eight homers in 520 ABs between Toronto and Arizona. Meanwhile, he stole as many bags as he did during the previous five years combined. His average has seen wild swings over the past few seasons, too.

The player universe is a vast place, full of endless possibilities. In head-to-head formats, the player universe can also create some exciting opportunities, not only for strategy, but also for improving the overall gaming experience.

The Oakland Athletics signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year deal on February 13. If Cespedes wins a starting spot in the outfield, which player may find himself the odd man out?

This column takes a deeper dive into pens where the closers have weaker skill sets and could lose the role, giving other relievers hidden value.

2011 was a lost year for Joe Mauer (C, MIN). He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the offseason, and then missed two months of the first half with leg weakness. Signs are good that Mauer can return to his previous form.

One of the features of simulation leagues is that many formats make use of batter/pitcher platoon splits in some fashion. In Scoresheet, a platoon split factor is computed for every offensive player, based on how the player has performed against both RHP and LHP over the past two seasons. The list is here, and these factors are applied for every at-bat in the upcoming Scoresheet season, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher.

If you are reading this column, chances are you already know all the players that will go in the first few rounds or the guys that go for $20-$40 in your fantasy auctions, but seldom do they win fanalytic championships. Who does? "Sleepers." "Black Swans." "Under the Radar" players. Whatever you call them, all fantasy baseball owners are looking for players that are going to contribute to their fanalytic teams at a rate higher than their purchase price. Here are 40 names to keep on your cheat sheet.

[FREE] The chances you’ll find a diamond in the rough among NRIs are about the same as finding a box of chocolates in the garage because you forgot today is Valentine’s Day.

As fantasy baseball becomes increasingly competitive, some leagues allow owners to stash players on their roster before they’ve signed professional contracts. If that’s your league, not knowing who the top college stars are puts you at a disadvantage. Below are five players who will likely be high selections in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft—none are can’t miss prospects, but all have a chance to be impact fantasy players in the next five years.

Though an ill-advised pickup basketball game cost him a month worth of starts, Zack Greinke (RHP, MIL) bounced back and completed a fine first season in Milwaukee—16 wins and a sub-4.00 ERA. Those stats, though, didn't do justice to his phenomenal skills season of 2011.

[FREE] There is a quote by Sam Palmisano, the Chairman of IBM, that goes: "Win not by surviving the storm but by changing the game."