I would have to assume that to some degree, major league players are in tune to what is happening in the fantasy world. After all, I also assume that with millions of dollars invested in their daily and weekly achievements they would be interested in knowing what us "experts" think at any given moment.
Not that they don't have enough to think about....but who handles it the best?
That is the question I now think about as to the"character" of players. A factor often disregarded by fantasy players when evaluating projections. We rely on the Guru's that post these projections to help us determine our strategies.
I use these following examples from direct experience and impact....I realize players have certain challenges that affect them all uniquely. But how do you explain some of the fluctuations with certain player stats?
We all know about steroids....but for the last two to three years, I think it fair to say that the majority of players have been very aware of these pending situations and consequences.
So for instance, last year players like Bay, Hafner and A. Jones had major skids.....this year Dunn, Pena, Garko, Verlander, Zimmerman...so far...well I could go on. And I refer mostly to underachieving....
My point is...though I would like to think most clubhouses joke at this stuff and belittle it.....I would also assume that some players go to the plate or mound...thinking about the impact of their performance at a fan level...which was not even a consideration 20 years ago..and has gotten more intense in the last five....as far as the fan involvement goes. Do they try too hard or are they preoccupied with peripherals that hinder their ability to perform as expected? Based on averages....it sure calls to question a players phsyche!
The reason I think it hits MLB harder is because it is the one sport you have time to think about things..... compared to NFL, NBA or NHL where as the outcome is so reactionary and spontaneous when it comes to the statistical measures....it is hard to phathom that fantasy has nearly the impact on performance at a phsycological level.....
Any thoughts on that?
