Fantasy Baseball's Reality Check on Training Equipment

Online, July 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The unsung heroes of Fantasy Baseball over the last few decades are now taking center stage and being widely recognized by Fantasy League team owners. They're starting to investigate their respective players' training routines and finding that baseball pitching machines are being used throughout the season. A number of All-Star caliber players use baseball training equipment on a year-round basis because to them-baseball isn't just a game-it's a lifestyle that requires sheer determination and dedication combined with some intestinal fortitude.

Staying in top physical shape is now enabling players to extend their careers well beyond the average window. Online baseball equipment dealer Steve Klein talks about the ups and downs of one of his seasoned veteran Fantasy Baseball players fitting the mold:

"Since the Angels acquired Albert Pujols, I've had the chance to see him in batting practice at the Big A. He's the complete physical package and is probably one of the best head-to-head Fantasy players ever. I've stayed in touch with other team owners who were disappointed with his production in April and May. I offered them a tissue and told them to get over it! Pujols will be back."

At age 32, Pujols signed a 10 year, $254 million contract with Los Angeles and fell short of all expectations. Fair-weather fans began booing him off the field while Fantasy owners kept their fingers crossed. Ironically enough, Klein's prediction turned out to be dead on:

"I can only laugh about it now," Klein added. "What's even more interesting is that I carry the Jugs Albert Pujols Backyard Baseball Package. During the months of April and May I sold only two. Now they're on back-order. It seems as though everybody loves a winner because Pujols has been tearing the cover off the ball lately. He's got 17 homers and his average is climbing as we speak. His Fantasy projections show another 100+ RBI season with 39 homers to match."

Klein also said that he wouldn't name names, but he's seen a few of Albert's teammates getting fooled by the Backyard Baseball Package's deceptive delivery. As far as baseball machine equipment and batting cages for sale rank in the world of baseball, the Pujols Package is at the top of the food chain, according to Klein.

If Pujols remains injury-free, he'll continue to be a major threat.

Team owners are always aware of the dreaded injury list; Blue Jays Fantasy League slugger Jose Bautista suffered a left wrist injury on July 17th and is expected to make a full recovery. Put on the 15 day DL, Bautista's rehab process will include light workouts and buying some pitching machines for sale that can also facilitate fielding practice. While anxiously waiting to return, Bautista's progress will be measured on a day-to-day basis. His projected Fantasy stats are similar to those of Pujols.

When asked about Fantasy player injuries, Steve Klein said, "It's something team owners have nightmares about. Guys like Bautista and Pujols are the linchpins holding the league together. I'm also glad to hear that my colleagues are taking an interest in their players from a training standpoint. The type of equipment I sell not only helps these players refine their amazing skills, it also teaches players how to train without sustaining serious injuries."