  We perform an analysis of preliminary data on strange particles yields and
fluctuations within the Statistical hadronization model. We begin by describing
the theoretical disagreements between different statistical models currently on
the market. We then show how the simultaneous analysis of yields and
fluctuations can be used to differentiate between the different models, and
determine if one of them can be connected to underlying physics. We perform a
study on a RHIC 200 GeV data sample that includes stable particles, resonances,
and the event-by-event fluctuation of the $K/\pi$ ratio. We show that the
equilibrium statistical model can not describe the fluctuation, unless an
unrealistically small volume is assumed. Such small volume then makes it
impossible to describe the total particle multiplicity. The non-equilibrium
model,on the other hand, describes both the $K/\pi$ fluctuation and yields
acceptably due to the extra boost to the $\pi$ fluctuation provided by the high
pion chemical potential. $\Lambda(1520)$ and $K^*$ abundance is described
within error bars, but the $\Sigma^*$ is under-predicted to $\sim$ 1.5 standard
deviations. We suggest further measurements that have the potential to test the
non-equilibrium model, as well as gauge the effect of re-interactions between
hadronization and freeze-out.
