Every season it happens. At least one player goes on such a tear through the postseason, gets so much attention that his fantasy stock soars the following season. That kind of buzz, of course, factors into a player’s value on draft day, but does a breakout playoff performance really change who that player is? The answer, in my opinion, is: sometimes.

Two types of players can grow from playoff experience to the point where a career season will immediately follow. Others can use good postseason play to cash in via free agency — Carlos Beltran, then with Houston, and Jeff Suppan, then with St. Louis, are recent examples — but they fool fantasy owners into thinking their games have changed. Read more »

October. Postseason.

Both of these words become synonymous when discussing the MLB Playoffs. Other related items include high blood pressure and the mystique of “Mr. October”, which simply can be defined as a game-changing performer during his team’s playoff run. This is true, especially when the World Series is at stake.

However, there is a bit more than meets the surface for this year’s baseball postseason. Take for instance, that on Tuesday there is still one more playoff spot to be determined. The White Sox will host the Minnesota Twins in a one-game, winner-take-all contest to determine the AL Central champion. Read more »

Before there were saves, five-man rotations, designated hitters, wild cards, steroids, multi-million dollar contracts, there was a pitcher who dominated the game of baseball like no man had ever done before. He did not tire after just 100 pitches, but pushed himself past 150 on a regular basis. In his 22-year career, Cy Young dominated Major League Baseball, setting an unbreakable record of 511 wins. While Young has long since past away, his legacy still lives on.

Major League Baseball has been awarding the Cy Young Award” since 1967 to the top pitcher in both the American and National League. Due to major midseason acquisitions, the Cy Young Award, along with MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards, have garnered much debate in 2008. Can a player acquired midseason be considered for MVP or Cy Young? Should Japanese players qualify for Rookie of the Year? Should a player win the MVP Award if his team did not make the playoffs? Where does a record breaking closer fit in the Cy Young race? Read more »