I have probably one of the sickest offenses you can put together in a al and nl format league...if you read my blog you will realize why!!!  I am going to give you my team by position and then give you the trade I was able to pull off!

C - Kelly Shoppach 5-6 last night with 3 2b and 2 hr, and brandon inge...thank you yanks!

1b - Ryan Howard, Jorge Cantu

2b - Chase Utley, Howie Kendrick, Ramon Vazquez, Brandon Phillips

ss - Johnny Peralta, Ramon Vazquez, Jed Lowry

3b - David Wright, Ryan Braun, Ramon Vazquez, Jorge Cantu, hank blalock(DL)

Hot off the press, Mark Teixiera has been dealt to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and pitching prospect Stephen Marek.  This is just the latest of several big trades going across leagues this year, and with the trade deadline looming just 2 days away, more could come.

Here's a recap of several recent trades, and how they will impact the fantasy landscape:

There are many different types of fantasy baseball league formats out there:  AL Only, NL Only, Mixed, Roto, Points, Head-to-Head, Strat-o-Matic, Dynasty, Scoresheet, etc.  Not to mention the different draft variations such as Keeper, Re-Drafts, Auction or Snake-Drafts.

It can be mind-boggling trying to figure out what type of league to join, or form--whether you're just getting into fantasy baseball, or whether you're a seasoned vet forming a new league with some buddies.

Ladies and Gentlement, Justin Morneau is your 2008 Home Run Derby Champion!

But that's not the real story here.  Josh Hamilton SHOULD be your champion.  Hamilton stepped to the plate in the first round and belted out a record 28....yes 28!!!...home runs!  Holy cow!  No other competitor in the field (Morneau, Berkman, Braun, Uggla, Sizemore, Utley, or Longoria) hit 28 home runs in the Derby across all rounds!

So how does a guy who hit 13 more home runs than his competitor in the competition lose the home run derby?

We've already seen 2 blockbuster trades in the MLB trade market so far with CC Sabathia and Rich Harden switching teams and leagues.  And the rumor mills are a buzz with other names of players that might potentially switch teams on or before the MLB trading deadline.

In case you've missed the rumors, here's what's being whispered about in baseball circles that might impact your fantasy baseball teams:

I know that most fantasy leagues consist of 8 - 12 teams, and most do not have minor league rosters to handle...however, I honestly believe some Gm's are bumbling idiots. 

Players I believe may be on the move:

American League Pitchers I believe might be on the move:

C.C. Sabathia, Daniel Cabrera, Brian Bannister, Livan Hernandez, Boof Bonser, Joe Blanton, Justin Duscherer, Vicente Padilla, Roy Halladay, Jesse Litsch

AL - Infielders

Jose Lopez, Mark Ellis, Mike Lamb, Esteban German, Juan Uribe, Joe Crede, Julio Lugo, Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora, Aubrey Huff, Robinson Cano

AL - Outfielders

Jay Payton, Luke Scott, Coco Crisp, Brandon Inge, Mark Teahen, Jose Guillen, Melky Cabrera, Johny Gomes,

I am an avid believer that fantasy baseball is an art!  From using multi position players, to your research, to pick ups and trades...but I have found one way to expand my roster and stash players from other prospecting managers...the DL!!!  Even if you don't have any intentions of keeping the player on the DL, you keep him from other managers.  This is when you can take chances on players that may have been playing hurt, or underachieving...all the while they aren't hurting your stats because they are resting, recovering, or rehabbing.

I am so unbelievably tired and disgusted everytime I hear about who is leading the all star balloting!

National League:

2B - Mark Derosa ahead of Dan Uggla...and Brandon Phillips not even in the top 5? 

OF -  Explain to me how Alfonso Soriano(injured), Ken Griffey Jr(Popularity), and Fukudome(Popularity) over #4. Ryan Braun, #5. Matt Holliday, #6. Carlos Lee, #8. Cory Hart, and #10 Pat Burrell.

SS - Miguel Tejada and Ryan Theriot ahead of Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes.