The Zen and Art of Fantasy Football: Smart Focus and the Discovery of a Deep League Waiver

Zen Time:

Even if they aren’t familiar with any of the ins and outs of Buddhism, most likely have heard of the Noble Eightfold Path, which actually serves as a broad guide not just to Buddhist practice but to the general concept of living and acting “wisely.” The Eightfold Path is sometimes divided into three groups:

The Paññā (often translated as Wisdom)

1. A Smart Idea

2. Smart Purpose

Sīla (translated as Ethics)

3. Wise Speech

4. Smart Action

5. Smart Living

Samadhi (translated as Concentration, often linked to Meditation)

6. The Endeavor of Wisdom

7. Intelligent Mind

8. Smart Focus

The eighth step on the path, Wise Concentration, considers what the Buddha called the four absorptions of meditation, or jhanas. I won’t go into what it is for fear that this piece will turn into a long list of explanations. In each of the four, the “absorption” of meditation is key as it helps us learn and practice quieting the mind and the ability to block distractions due to extended focus on one thing, thought, action, etc. (the main focus is to focus on the breath). Contrary to what many of us may understand at first, for most practitioners, the goal of meditation is not to reach the point where the mind is completely empty (perhaps Zen masters can do that, but I certainly cannot). The goal, for most of us at least, is to “single-point” the mind – to pay attention to one thing without distraction.

When I was first introduced to meditation, I was intimidated by the process because I thought there was no way I could focus without distraction. And, so far, that fear has proven true — but that’s also not the point. One thing I’ve learned with Wise Concentration and the meditation process is that my mind will definitely wander, but I’ve gotten significantly better at noticing my mind wandering, which allows me to refocus.

That simple process of losing “one-pointing,” noticing distractions, and refocusing on something (or breathing, etc.) has helped me in big and small ways in all aspects of my life. It’s much easier now to block out the noise – at least for a while – to focus on details I might not have noticed before. I still have a lot of work to do, but the process no longer seems daunting as much as it is an acknowledgment that mind wandering is natural and any improvement in focus is some degree of accomplishment.

How in the world does this work in fantasy baseball?

In the world of fantasy baseball, we are inundated with data. Those of us who enjoy data have the best chance of consistently competing in this game. Finally, we must learn how to predict the breakdown or collapse of players so that we can take advantage of it. Maybe instinct will allow us to make those predictions to some extent, but maybe not compete with some really good players. To do that, we may be free to share data.

As you can imagine, having a positive mindset can be very beneficial in sifting through the flood of available, potentially unhelpful metrics to find what will help you. I’m not saying I have the answers to what data is best, but I do have some favorite metrics to consider, that, so far, seem to be paying dividends, so to speak.

In this article, I decided to put one concept to work, one for pitching and another for hitting, to see if I can provide help to those who play in the deep division of the league. The figures I have chosen are not hidden in any way, so I am not doing anything special. But if those stats help me find players I didn’t know They also satisfy other requirements that I likemy interest is renewed to be sure. Here are two players who met those requirements:

One Point Pitch – K-BB%:

Findings: Bradgley Rodriguez, RP, SDP

If you’ve never heard of Rodriguez, count yourself among the many. The young Padres shortstop, who is starting to make his case for more innings in the San Diego bullpen, has pitched just under 20 major league innings thus far. To many fans, Rodriguez is simply one of the many faces that make up the bullpen depth that fills all 30 MLB programs — a group of players few of us know much about.

However, I’m starting to think we should get to know Rodriguez better. Full disclosure: My “one” dive didn’t lead me entirely to him – I was looking for him to start the year because he was so dominant in his election late last year. But my K-BB% survey confirmed my interest.

His current numbers look impressive, small sample size caveat applied: His 21.2% K-BB% certainly catches my eye, as do his 1.06 xERA and 2.64 xFIP. I’m a little concerned about the 8.64 K/9 because from last year, I expected to see him excel in his short bullpen contests. A quick review of his Statcast page quickly dispelled those concerns – there’s a lot of red in that first graph!

His velocity is down a bit this season compared to his 2025 shortstop call-up, and his HH% is up a bit. I expect both of those to be the same, as well as his K% (up) and his BB% (also up). All in all, I’m fine with that set of tools (even the BB% is finally going up), especially considering his K/9 and GB% in the minors: he strikes guys out, and the few times he doesn’t, hitters hit the ball. That’s a good combination in my book. Here are the types of math I focused on in this project:

If you look at his usage, the Padres usually put him in the game in the 6th and 7th innings, just ahead of the “big 3” of Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, and Jeremiah Estrada. To me, this means a few important things: 1) Both the catch and the W’s are mixed with him. And 2), if one of the big 3 goes down, Rodriguez steps into a key role of big upside. (Author’s Note: After this article was completed, Estrada was placed on the IL with elbow tendinitis, so Rodriguez’s turn may have come.)

Obviously, he’s not an option in shallow leagues – however, but in deep leagues where you need average help, or in active/sold out leagues, he might be worth a speculative addition at some point in the near future. I’ve already picked him up in my price as I’m hoping for K and W’s help, and maybe even a back house in save ops.

One point of call – PAs:

Findings: Chase Meidroth, 2B/SS, CWS

In a deep, competitive high-stakes league, Meidroth is widely organized even in 15 teams, but a look at the usual sites shows that there are plenty of Meidroth available in leagues where most fantasy players participate.

In fact, I haven’t paid much attention to most of the CWS list, so I’m late to the party in Meidroth. But he certainly provides some statistical help in important areas. A look at his current stat line won’t blow anyone away – until you look at it in the context of his annual stats:

If you think to yourself: “Why is this guy praising a .200 hitter?” A reasonable question. The answer is this guy isn’t a .200 hitter – he’s just a slow starter. His HH% suggests his rating will rise. That thinking is especially supported when considering his plate discipline, this year despite his career:

He doesn’t move wildly, communicates well, is very willing to take the BB, and hits the ball over 50% of the time. Such players, especially if they have a 45% HH%, tend to hit better than .208. His BABIP at first is .270, which may look good, but it’s well below his career numbers. His BA will be up soon.

His career numbers also show that he contributes to SBs. And he’s hitting as a leadoff hitter — on an admittedly bad team — but he’s getting his PAs: he’s currently tied for 85th among all hitters with his 59 PAs. Believe it or not, there is talent at the top of the CWS roster, so the Rs could be something they could add.

With Meidroth’s slow start, I would expect impatient managers to start letting him go, even in 15 teams. If I see him making a waiver call, I probably take him for SBs, R’s power, BA (will improve), and his versatility.

There is nothing about the two players I suggested that “won the league,” but I find the idea of ​​”winning the league” to be a myth. Those who win fantasy do so by grinding out every stat they can get, and I think Rodriguez and Meidroth can be a useful part of that process.

I wish you luck. And until next week. – Hamley