Nothing - and I mean nothing - in fantasy sports hurts worse than seeing someone you traded away come back to burn you. And speaking of trades that can go haywire, it seems every other e-mail I'm getting this week is: "I got offered this deal. What should I do?" So let's get to it.

I am in the works of trading Magglio Ordonez, Adrian Beltre, Jason Schmidt and Sean Casey for Josh Beckett, Barry Bonds, David Ortiz and Miguel Cabrera. The other teams in the league keep vetoing this trade. They claim it is unfair. What would you do - allow the trade or veto the trade? - Jeremy Jones

Wow. That is a TON of fantasy talent changing hands, and overall I think it's fair. You are both giving up superstars, and when all is said and done in 2004 I'd be willing to bet all the numbers from this deal would be fairly close, barring injuries, of course. So I'd tell the teams in your league to loosen up.

I have been offered Alfonso Soriano and Javy Lopez for Vladimir Guerrero. Do I pull the trigger? On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer, but Vlad is so darn good! - John Delfosse

I'd have to agree - on the surface it does seem like a no-brainer. And the time-tested theory of "two studs for one" also makes sense. You know Lopez and Soriano will produce for you. Also, Vlad's sore legs are going to keep his steals way down, and I think it's safe to assume the combination of Lopez and Soriano can match his hitting numbers, while Soriano also will give you more steals. Plus, you fill two talent-thin positions - catcher and second base - with studs, whereas the outfield has the most talent of any position in fantasy baseball, meaning you'll probably be able to find somebody via another trade or waivers to help fill the wake left by Vlad leaving your team.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to answer the phone. It's Tony, the guy I traded Ortiz and Berkman to. He's calling to taunt me.

Again.

HOT BOX

Pick him up: Paul Wilson, SP, Reds. Wilson is 7-0 with a respectable 3.34 ERA for the hottest team in baseball. Yet earlier this week, I was able to pick him up off waivers in my 12-team league.

Sit him down: Josh Phelps, DH, Blue Jays. Yes, it's time to keep picking on Toronto's struggling offense. Last week it was Eric Hinske; this week it's Phelps, who is hitting just .233 in May and has only four homers.

Keep an eye on: Tim Redding, SP, Astros. He's turning things around after a horrendous start, going 2-0 with an ERA below 1.00 in his past three starts.

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