Fantasy source TSNumber 54. (Insider: baseball).

The word "strike" is being mentioned louder and more often all the time. Obviously, shutting down games would have huge fantasy implications. Many fantasy owners are counting on big second halves from slumping stars, but the season could end early, and owners must play it that way as long as the possibility of a strike exists. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Ignore the injured. Sure, D.L-bound stars such as Kevin Brown and Geoff Jenkins could return and post decent September numbers. But what if there is no September? Don't waste bench spots on these guys.

Throw second-half splits in the garbage. Players such as Richie Sexson and Eric Chavez, who consistently are better after the All-Star break, should be viewed for what they are now, not for what they could be in August and September.

Doing well? Stand pat. If you're sitting at the top or near the top of your league, riding the wings of some hot players, don't start your own demise.

Doing poorly? Resurrection time Is now. There is no waiting for the stretch run. That trading flurry must begin today. With the season potentially more than halfway done, don't wait too long to boost lagging categories.

The best salary-cap game on the Web has a fresh-start round beginning July 11. Renew your fantasy aspirations: http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball.

MINOR LEAGUE UPDATE Injury report: