We've had Watergate. We've had Spygate. And now, fantasy baseball owners have been introduced to "Lollipopgate."
While the latest controversy surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr. may be amusing to some, savvy fantasy managers should view it as something else entirely: a buying opportunity.
Chisholm once again found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after television cameras appeared to catch him with a lollipop while playing second base, drawing the ire of Yankees manager Aaron Boone. It was another example of the flashy and sometimes controversial behavior that has followed Chisholm throughout his career.
His tenure in New York has been anything but smooth. Chisholm's confident personality, flashy style and willingness to speak his mind have often rubbed fans and media members the wrong way. The word "overrated" seems to follow him everywhere, and there have even been Yankees fans calling for him to be benched at various points this season.
For fantasy baseball purposes, however, none of that should matter.
Fantasy championships aren't won by judging personalities. They're won by accumulating statistics, and Chisholm continues to produce them.
Some fantasy managers may be frustrated by his .227 batting average. Others may remember his preseason declaration that he was aiming for a 50-home run, 50-stolen base season and feel disappointed that those lofty goals have not materialized. That's exactly why now may be the perfect time to make a trade offer.
Even in what many would consider a disappointing season, Chisholm remains on pace for roughly 80 to 90 runs scored, 70 to 80 RBIs, nearly 25 home runs and more than 40 stolen bases. Those are impact numbers in any format, and they become even more valuable when they come from a second baseman.
Too often, fantasy managers allow headlines and public perception to influence player values. Smart owners take advantage when that happens.
There is also another factor working in Chisholm's favor. He is approaching free agency and has every incentive to put together a strong second half as he positions himself for a lucrative contract. Whether fans love him or hate him is irrelevant to fantasy value.
The bottom line is simple: while everyone else is focused on the drama, focus on the production. If the Chisholm manager in your league is frustrated, now is the time to strike. Try to pry away the so-called "problem child" and enjoy the category-stuffing numbers that continue to make him one of fantasy baseball's most valuable middle infielders.