Dear Matthew,
I was going address this letter “Dear Fantasy Ne’er Do Well” or some other faux-condescending salutation as many of the ESPN Fantasy Focus emails begin, but it would not fit with the theme of this note. You are second guessed, criticized, and berated too often. Your Twitter followers harass and disrespect you. Retweeting those that are out of line is a great strategy, but you deserve better.
I’ve been a fan of your column for many years now, and I have been listening to the Fantasy Focus podcast since April. Recently, I’ve developed an appreciation for how difficult your job must be. I know, people would give anything to be able to make a living in fantasy sports. The thing is, you did. You earned it through hard work and dedication.
To the critics and second guessers I say this: If you don’t like Berry’s advice, don’t follow it. Unfollow him on Twitter. Stop listening to the podcast (keep downloading, though).
I firmly believe that Berry’s analysis and advice is the reason I won.
Personally, I’ve been reading and absorbing the TMR’s column for years now, and taking note of his recommendations. In the last 6 years, I have won my 10 team mixed fantasy baseball league 3 times. I firmly believe that Berry’s analysis and advice is the reason I won.
It’s all about strategy. Plot your course and then choose what bits of advice work for you. If you blindly follow fantasy analysts expecting them to advise you to a championship, you will fail. You must make some decisions for yourself. Matthew Berry’s job is to write about fantasy sports, not run your team.
Far too often do we see and hear the negative comments from the fantasy scorned. I thought a heart-felt thank you was long overdue. Keep doing what you’re doing, Mr. Roto. You’ve more than earned the ‘T’ in ‘TMR’.
