It's probably the oldest sports cliché around: Defense wins championships. And there is some truth to it, but not necessarily in the fantasy sports world. Here, points win championships. And who earns the points? Playmakers, that's who.
But who is a "playmaker" and what makes them so special? In short, these are the team leaders that spur on their sides, the quarterback figure that lifts those around him, the special player with the special ability to be able to change a game with a single play. It's your classic No. 10 on the soccer field.
To be clear, I'm not just talking about pure goal-scorers. Instead, I'm focused on the creative player who produces chances for both himself and others, and more often than not these are attack-minded center midfielders. When it comes to Fantasy Pro, there is no player more valuable. It's all about accumulating points, with goals (15 points) and assists (10 points) the fastest way to do that. For that reason, a solid playmaker is probably the most important cog in your Fantasy Pro machine.
Shockingly, we're already over a month into the MLS season, so now is the perfect time to take an early look at these key components. For those of you joining the game late, be sure you choose wisely, because this is the engine that will make your fantasy team go. If you've been on the train all along, perhaps now is the time to make a change.
BUY NOW:
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy) - The man means business this year. Last year was all about the hype; so far, 2008 is all about the game. In six matches, the former England captain has three goals and four assists. With Landon Donovan playing mostly as a forward, it's Beckham's ship to run, and so far he's doing a great job at it. Good thing for Galaxy fans that England isn't taking part in Euro 2008, because in his current form, Becks would likely have been in Fabio Capello's side.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew) - There's a reason he's a legend in his native Argentina. With magical passing skills and the ability to find the net on his own, he'll be a legend in Ohio too if he keeps the first-place Crew cruising. What has really helped Schelotto this season is that he has some offensive help. Don't expect the former Boca Juniors star to be slowing down any time soon.
Christian Gomez (Colorado Rapids) - Just when you think he's disappeared, the 2007 MVP brings a moment of brilliance, just as he did against his old mates D.C. United Sunday. A great passer and deadly on set pieces, Gomez so far has been worth the Designated Player slot that Colorado traded for his services. The only drawback is Colorado's lack of firepower up top to finish the chances Gomez creates.
SELL NOW:
Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo) - It's pretty unbelievable that the two-time defending champs are the worst team in the league this far into the season, and part of the problem is a lack of production from the Canadian midfielder. De Rosario is one of the most talented players in MLS, but he can't seem to get himself or his team going right now. It's unlikely that this slump will last the whole season, but right now, De Ro is not worth anywhere near the asking price.
Juan Toja (FC Dallas) - Maybe there's something in the water in Texas, but Toja, like De Ro above, is struggling a bit. He's a fine player, but with only a goal and an assist so far in 2008, it seems like you should get more than 36 points if you're spending over $100K.
Claudio Reyna (New York Red Bulls) - Even though he may not quite qualify as a true playmaker, this fact remains true: If you have Reyna, you need to sell him. His "lower leg injury" suffered in Toronto pretty much confirmed what the TFC fans near the corner flag stated quite clearly: Reyna is a has-been. Captain America was great during his prime, but it's time to walk away, my friend.
HOLD ON TO / KEEP AN EYE ON
Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA) - The youngster has started pretty strongly with three goals and two assists, but he's also temperamental and was red carded a couple of weeks back. In case you forgot, that results in a docking of five points. Kljestan has lots of potential and could be a big player for club and country, and he's a pretty nice value at around $150K.
Marcelo Gallardo (D.C. United) - He's still adjusting to life in MLS, but there have been a few flashes of his brilliance, not least of all an absolutely cracking strike against RSL that rightfully earned him Goal of the Week honors. But so far the Argentinean has been inconsistent. He did next to nothing in the Mile High City Sunday. Then again, not one player for the Black-and-Red did anything impressive. See below.
Amado Guevara (Toronto FC) - I expected more from Guevara against his former team, the New York Red Bulls. He should have come out all guns blazing, leading the home team to a Primetime Thursday victory. That didn't happen. The conditions were not good, with rain soaking the FieldTurf up north. But the Honduran still leads the team in goals with two, even though he's only played in four matches.
WOW (Worst of the Week Award) - This week the honor goes to D.C. United, 2-0 losers on the road Sunday to the Colorado Rapids. Tom Soehn's side looked like a completely different team from the one that pounded RSL 4-1 a week earlier, and not one player did anything worthy of praise. On paper this team is one of the best in the league. In reality, the four-time MLS Cup champs are at the foot of the Eastern Conference.
A few quick tips to wrap up this post:
- The Kansas City Wizards and Toronto FC are both off this week. Consider replacing players on your roster from either team at least until next week.
- Don't get caught with injured or suspended players on your roster. Keep up to date by clicking the links to Injuries and Discipline on the left of the page.
- Don't drink tequila on am empty stomach. Even on Cinco de Mayo.
Adiós!