Friday, Sept. 17, 1999

The Q&A continues

Here come your fantasy prescriptions

By Trent Modglin, Associate editor

Cballiet: I had Vinny Testaverde. Who do you think I should pick up in his place? Kurt Warner, Rick Mirer, Shane Matthews?

Fantasy Doctor’s assistant: That’s a pretty easy diagnosis. Grab Warner and grab him now. Mirer hasn’t impressed since he had the luck of the Irish on his side. Matthews had a solid first season opener and is in a passing offense, but how long will Cade McNown be an onlooker? You’d hate to have Matthews as your starter and then learn in Week Five that McNown’s taking over the reins. Warner, on the other hand, is in the perfect system for quarterbacks. His stats on opening day are no fluke. He has one of the most exciting groups of wide receivers in the NFL and just has to get the ball in their hands. Heck, even the Fantasy Doctor himself could throw for 250 yards with Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Marshall Faulk. And that’s with a clipboard in his hand.

Damian: I have been hearing about the speculation of Barry Sanders repaying his signing bonus, and if he does, he will be traded or cut. What are the chances of that happening? I just signed him as a free agent. Is that a good or bad move?

Fantasy Doctor’s assistant: Neither, I suppose, as long as you’re secure with your RB situation to begin with. But don’t hold your breath on the Barry watch — it’s not healthy for you. Realistically, it’s unlikely he’ll return this year. The Lions are standing firm in their decision that if Barry returns, it will be in Detroit, and it seems clear Barry doesn’t want to come back to the Motor City. While it’s nice to dream of stealing Sanders away from your buddies, I would only do it if you’re confident in the other backs you have on your roster.

Jim: Would you say it is a risk to drop Marino and pick up Jeff Blake? I figure that with Pickens signing and Darnay Scott (in the lineup), Blake will put up big numbers this year whether they are 4-12 or 8-8. What do you think?

Fantasy Doctor’s assistant: I would say you shouldn’t drop Marino, but that depends somewhat on who your backup quarterback is. I think Marino is a safer bet by far. With a serious effort to establish a power running game in Miami to go along with a solid defense and explosive WR Tony Martin, Marino could have a nice season. The running game opens up passing lanes, Martin is a weapon the Dolphins have been lacking in recent years and the defense could put Marino & Co. in good positions to score. Blake’s receivers are good, and they will be fighting from behind a lot, but Marino is a safer prescription for success.

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