Veteran fantasy owners will recall a bittersweet relationship with Ryne Sandberg. On the surface, there’s no real good reason.  Ryno was a great fantasy producer - a middle infielder with lots of pop and speed.  He often was a high fantasy draft pick and eventually became a Hall of Famer.

It was the notorious slow start that always seemed to irk owners.

Sandberg posted a career average of .285 with 282 HRs.  But, his combined numbers for April and May over that same stellar 16-year career was a .230 AVE with only 27 HRs. 

Ryne Sandberg is the poster-child for slow starts and serves as a reminder to fantasy owners not to panic.  That doesn’t mean you should always ride it out, but owners need check off on a couple of points before cutting-bait.

*Check History

Most internet sites have a “split stats” option where owners can look back at previous April and May numbers.  If the player is historically bad in the early going, owners might want to hold off on waiving him.

*Check Injury

Perhaps a minor injury has been lingering and is due to clear up.  Or, it may be a substantial injury that foreshadows more troubles down the road.

*Check Weather

Cities such as Denver and Cleveland experience cold weather and even snow in the early going.  Hitters will struggle in poor conditions.  Additionally, ballparks in Philadelphia and Cincinnati really start to heat up the offense once summer arrives.

*Check Draft/Waiver Strategy

Owners should recall why they acquired the player in the first place.  Go back and read the commentary in your draft magazines, you may stumble on reason to stick it out.

*Check Trade Value

You might be giving up on someone off to a slow start, but other owners may see value in the player.  Shop the slow starter around in trade talks to see what type of offers to you receive.

*Check the New Player

If you are about to cut someone, you likely have to acquire a new player.  Is the new player just off to a hot start? How does he fit into your roster? What’s his spot in the lineup?, etc….There are two ends of the transaction, don’t get tunnel vision on the poor performance.