Ultimate fantasy source: baseball. (Fantasy).

ROTO RAP

by BRENDAN ROBERTS

Everyone from TSN Insider Ken Rosenthal to big-league general managers acknowledges that A's general manager Billy Beane has a certain charm about him. He's able to act friendly and flexible with most fellow G.M.s despite having ulterior motives for the discussions.

Why should fantasy G.M.s be any different? Berne is our hero. He makes great deals and always seems to be the go-to guy for other G.M.s before the trade deadline. As this year's MLB deadline approaches, fantasy owners also are approaching theirs. It's time to employ a few Beane-like tactics to find out what your opponents are plotting for the stretch run.

Build a rapport. The best thing about a league that has been around a while is that its owners usually know each other pretty well. Work to establish a positive reputation as someone with whom owners can be chummy. This includes being a good trade partner and remaining civil when league issues arise.

Be observant. You can learn a lot about fantasy owners' likes and dislikes simply by observing. For instance, an owner can have an unhealthy infatuation with Yankees, or you can determine that he tends to favor pitchers. Eyes and ears can be the best tools of all.

"Hey, ol' buddy, ol' pal." Just being friendly and chatting about fantasy baseball or teams can reveal a lot. Strategies and observations are on every fantasy owner's mind--and on the tip of his tongue. If you talk to someone long enough, he'll reveal them.