Lack of patience is one of the hardest things to conquer in fantasy football.  That is especially true in a dynasty league.  Project players can take years to pan out.  And the investment in a roster spot, (even in a large 20 player roster league like I play in) is crucial to future success.

For instance I have spent the last two years waiting for Jerious Norwood to become a start-able player.  Or even a spot-startable player.  The first hit came when Michael Turner was signed by Atlanta.  At that point it was obvious Norwood would be limited, at least until he escaped his contract and was able to hit the open market.  But I held Norwood.  Running backs are horded mercilessly in all leagues.  I remained patient. 

 But now that he is on the verge of potential free agency, he can’t stay on the field due to injuries.  This is a classic case.  With the season half over, Norwood’s window of opportunity is closing fast.  I dumped him on the waiver wire this week when he became the most expendable player on my team.  It seems likely to me now that Norwood won’t command major free agent interest, and will probably settle for a moderate contract doing just what he has been doing.  I’m officially giving up on Norwood.  It is like having a pebble removed from my shoe.  

On the other hand I haven’t even considered dropping Leon Washington.  Leon has already proven his fantasy worth, and one would think his best days might still be ahead of him.  In any case he is not a droppable player in dynasty format, unless rosters are very short.  Leon Washington has earned my patience.

I tried to acquire Mike Thomas on waivers this week but I was a week late.  People finally took notice and he was snatched up well before my pick at 11.  Not really a tragedy for me as right now I am stacked at WR, but I definitely wanted him on my roster.  This is one of those guys that has caught my eye several weeks ago, and I actually grabbed him off waivers in a couple of my re-draft leagues to cover for week 8 byes.  This guy passes the “eyeball” test.  Watch him play.  Ideal size for the slot.  Good hands.  And good with the ball in his hands.  He just looks like a player to me.  Too bad I had so much patience in regard to grabbing him off waivers.  Wow, this blade has two edges.

I traded for Josh Morgan in a multiple player trade.  I essentially gave Lendale White for Morgan in the trade.  Crabtree coming to town and grabbing all the targets was the thing that pushed the Morgan owner over the edge.  He lost patience with Morgan at the exact same time I ran out of patience for White.  That is how trades happen.

Lendale White is in about the same spot as Norwood.  His window is closing fast and the Titans don’t figure to prop it up.  I had no problem making this trade.  All I have to do is wait for Isaac Bruce to be dragged kicking and screaming off the field and my patience will be rewarded. 

Either that or Lendale White revives his career a la’ Cedric Benson, and the 49ers hit the free agent market for another wide receiver this off-season.  Norwood comes back the same week  Turner gets injured, takes over as primary carrier and tears it up down the stretch, and Leon Washington is never heard from again.  And Mike Thomas kicks my ass in week 13 when I need a win to make the playoffs after a 4 game losing streak.   I’ve seen that movie too.