Bleacher Report - Articles by Grant McElroy

Week Six Fantasy Football Complaints and Ramblings

Grant McElroy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:47:04 -0400

When I awoke Monday morning, I momentarily believed it to be Sunday. Maybe all that transpired in football yesterday had merely been a brain overtaxed by a long Saturday night exacting revenge.

What else but a nightmare could explain the Ravens defense giving up a second 100 yard rushing performance in as many weeks, or the Jets allowing an anemic Bills squad to defeat them at home?

Unfortunately for me it was Monday and these seemingly improbable scenarios actually occurred. So enough with the introduction. On to the horrors of fantasy football Week Six.

In an effort to prove themselves to be the worst team in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans lost in spectacular fashion yesterday. One year removed from a 13-3 season, Tennessee was blanked in Foxboro, tying the record for largest margin of defeat in football history.

Even Patriot head coach Bill Belichick showed mercy to the Volunteer State franchise. Known for unrelentingly running up the score, Belichick pulled quarterback Tom Brady in the third quarter.

Apparently Bill was confident rookie signal caller Brian Hoyer couldn't squander a 52 point lead.

Sheesh.

Speaking of backup quarterbacks, why didn't the Titans hand the reins over to Vince Young earlier? Either play him or trade him, Tennessee.

From a fantasy standpoint the Patriots were a goldmine. Obviously the buy-low period for Brady is officially over. But with running back Sammy Morris leaving yesterday's contest with an undisclosed injury (surprise!), look for his counterpart Laurence Maroney to be the hottest pick-up of next week.

I know the Cardinals led by two touchdowns before Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck even took a snap, but this is no excuse for his abysmal performance against Arizona.

The desert Redbirds are the worst pass defense in the NFL. They surrender over 300 air yards per game. With no help from an absent offensive line, Hasselbeck mustered only 112 passing yards, throwing for no scores and one pick.

I was banking on Matt to build on last Sunday's dismantling of Jacksonville and planning on trading him while he was hot. Now I'm stuck with a superfluous quarterback on a bye next week.

Sticking with the QB theme, I will be the first to say no way Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers finishes this season. The open door policy the Packers offensive line is giving to pass rushers is painful even to watch.

Yesterday the lowly Lions sacked Rodgers five times, raising the grand total to 25 times in five games. At this rate, Aaron is on pace for 80 sacks by season's end.

I'm quickly selling on Rodgers, for no human can endure that amount of punishment.

Now for a few random ramblings...

The once reliable Matt Forte fumbled not once, but twice on consecutive rushing attempts from the one yard line last night. Meanwhile, Cedric Benson continues to be one of the best backs in the NFL.

How is it that not one member of the Eagles defense was able to catch up to Zach Miller on his 86 yard touchdown reception? It took him what seemed the entire first quarter to labor to the end zone.

So much for the Giants defense being considered an elite fantasy option.

Why is Willis McGahee still getting so many touches? He ran for a whopping three yards on seven rushes while teammate Ray Rice accumulated 77 yards on 10 attempts.

Finally, Ryan Succop received two safety insurance points from the Chiefs defense in his win over Shaun Suisham.

Fantasy Basketball 101: Injuries, Suspensions, and Draft Day Red Flags

Grant McElroy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:49:54 -0400

In order to initiate newcomers into the maddeningly addictive world of fantasy basketball, I will be composing several columns over the next two weeks designed to educate rookies of this wonderful imaginary sport.

A variety of topics will be discussed at length, including: player tiers, position expectations, free throw percentage, etc.

Today the subject matter deals with red flags in the draft room.

Many high profile names will be missing significant time due to injury or suspension. For fantasy participants who do not have their fingers on the dribbling pulse of basketball, below is a list of names which come with some draft day baggage that prospective owners need to know about.

Rashard Lewis Orlando Magic

Over the past three seasons, Rashard's stats have declined across the board. Orlando's acquisition of Vince Carter does not figure to improve the trend either.

However, Lewis did lead the league in three-point field goals in 2008-09, draining 220 shots from behind the arc.

While Carter's presence will somewhat diminish Lewis' overall numbers, his three-point totals could actually increase. Defenses will be drawn to an offensive force such as Vince, leaving Lewis unguarded and poised downtown.

Unfortunately, for Rashard and fantasy owners alike, Lewis has been suspended by the NBA for the first 10 games of the season because he tested positive for an elevated level of testosterone.

In other words, for those in head to head formats, Rashard will be unavailable for the first three scoring periods. In rotisserie leagues the impact will not be as great. Please draft him accordingly with this in mind.

Francisco Garcia Sacramento Kings

For all of the raw basketball talent Garcia possesses, it hardly seems fair he has the durability of a cardboard box in a downpour.

In 2005-06, 'Cisco sat out a dozen match-ups due to various ankle sprains. Last season, he was held out of action for the first seventeen games, and subsequently hindered thereon, by a strained calf muscle.

Yet this year, the former Louisville standout took his propensity to injury to the next level.

While working out in the weight room, Garcia and his balsa wood frame succumbed to an inflatable exercise ball. Apparently the spherical piece of equipment popped and broke Francisco's forearm.

The unlucky Garcia, who was to be a regular fixture for the Sacramento starting five, will now be out for a minimum of four months. Therefore, he should considered in only the deepest of leagues.

Yao Ming Houston Rockets

At least we don't have to wait this year for the inevitable Yao injury. Last summer the towering Sino center underwent foot surgery which will prevent him from playing in the 2009-10 season altogether.

Consider this a friendly reminder to exclude Ming from your rankings if you plan on auto-picking for he is still listed in draft pools.

Eddy Curry New York Knicks

Even after losing 40 pounds, Knicks staff members feel Curry is still nowhere near gameday shape.

Better known as fantasy basketball's longest running joke, Eddy recently suffered a calf strain. The injury furthered head coach Mike D'Antoni's anti-Curry assertions, claiming Eddy was not even ready for practice.

Please do not draft Eddy Curry. Ever. Even if he is healthy, the center position is deeper this year than it has been in recent memory.

Consider his participation in this article as a comical palette cleanser.

But no matter how much fun I have at Curry's expense, the joke is still on me. The Harvey, IL native is slated to earn $10.5 million this year and I'm scraping by at an hourly wage job.

Tracy McGrady Houston Rockets

Although T-Mac insists he is healthy and well ahead of his rehabilitation schedule, it is hard to put stock in the word of someone so injury prone.

After all, McGrady has never played a full season of 82 games. In fact, he missed almost 50 contests last year because knee surgery.

The previously mentioned rehab from said surgery is expected to keep Tracy on the sidelines until the All-Star break.

But if you are both patient and a gambler, drafting T-Mac in the last rounds could reap some second half benefits.

J.R. Smith Denver Nuggets

Smith received not only a three-week jail sentence for a pleading guilty to reckless driving, but also a seven game suspension from the NBA.

The stint behind bars was served in June while the suspension will be carried out during the first two scoring periods of head to head fantasy action.

Last year's runner up for the Sixth Man Award has seen an increase in three pointers over the past three seasons. However, until he is promoted from coach George Karl's platoon off the bench to an everyday starter, Smith remains a long ball specialist at a deep position.

Draft J.R. in the middle to later rounds, anticipating the pure scorer (he averaged 15.2 points in roughly 28 minutes per game in 2008-09) will finally come into his own.

Mike Dunleavy Indiana Pacers

Some overly optimistic reports claim Dunleavy could return from knee surgery as early as December. Yet more realistic timetables put him back in action sometime in January or February.

The Hoosier alum exploded for 19.1 points per game (PPG) in 2007-08, but only played in 18 games the following season.

Therefore, temper your offensive expectations to somewhere around 15 PPG and draft Dunleavy as a low risk, midseason option.

NHL Fantasy Hockey: Goalie Pick-Ups and Fillers

Grant McElroy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:50:17 -0400

Depending on who hosts your fantasy hockey league, goalies can account for at least one-third to one half of your total points. Yet every year I witness team after team focusing on goal scorers and ignoring the net minders.

Goalie situations in the NHL are in constant flux. Therefore, as fantasy sports are predicated on real life, you too must remain fluid.

Below is a short list of goaltenders that will—at least for the time being—take you one step closer to a championship.

Jonathan Quick Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are rapidly establishing themselves as not only an offensive juggernaut but also as a new force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. With a seemingly unstoppable power play, Los Angeles looks to continue this tear, astounding preseason pundits and fantasy owners alike.

Net minder Jonathan Quick has been the beneficiary of the upstart L.A. offense. While his defensive numbers will keep him from being an elite option, owners seeking an early source of wins need to look no further than Quick.

Ondrej Pavelec Atlanta Thrashers

As Keri Lehtonen continues to recuperate from back surgery, the Thrashers were forced to decide between veteran Johan Hedberg and the inexperienced Pavelec as their opening day goaltender.

Ultimately Atlanta went with Pavelec.

Starting in only 16 games over the past two seasons, Ondrej has been impressive with his ability to repel the puck. Coupled with a defense which has allowed the fifth fewest shots on goal, the young Czech has become a second fantasy goalie sleeper candidate.

In his first three starts, Pavelec has responded to the promotion by going 2-1-0, while putting up respectable numbers (3.01 GAA, .913 SV%).

Ondrej is definitely worth a flier if paired alongside a top tier fantasy goalie.

Ilya Bryzgalov Phoenix Coyotes

Many teams have begun the season without a number one net minder. Teams such as the Predators, the Ducks, and the Capitals are waiting to see which of their goalies emerges as the No. 1.

In Phoenix, however, no such situation exists. Bryzgalov is undoubtedly the clear cut choice to man the crease for the Coyotes.

Since not much is expected from Phoenix in 2009-10, Bryz flew under many pre-season radars. Now he looks like a draft day steal.

In Bryzgalov's second start of the young season, he delivered a 24-shot shut out against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Russian born goalie has won three of his four starts posting a 0.98 GAA with a .960 save percentage. Ilya's sizzling takeoff has caused his ownership numbers to skyrocket, but he is not yet universally owned.

Act now before it is too late for a 60-start/30-win season now appears to be the floor rather than the ceiling.

Jonas Gustavsson Toronto Maple Leafs

To the dismay of Toronto fans, Maple Leaf goalie Vesa Toskala has continued to be the easily beatable version of himself which was all too prevalent last year.

As an insurance policy in case of this exact scenario, the Toronto front office acquired in the off-season the Swedish goaltending phenom Jonas Gustavsson.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, the "Monster" has already succumbed to a groin injury, resulting in an early IR stint.

As any fantasy participant who owned Roberto Luongo last season will attest, such injuries can be devastating to goalies. Playing between the pipes requires a side to side mobility absolutely hindered by a tight groin.

Toronto trainers have predicted Gustavsson will only miss one week, but expect the Leafs to gingerly bring back the future face of their franchise.

If you are a gambler with an open IR slot on your roster, Jonas is an investment which will pay off second half dividends.

Week Five Fantasy Football Complaints and Ramblings

Grant McElroy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:43:59 -0400

I've always advocated fantasy sports are games of numbers, not names. The latest stats and current match-ups win these imaginary cyberspace contests. Thusly, monikers don't matter.

If the inverse were true, Daunte Culpepper would have been starting for many more squads yesterday.

Therefore, a successful fantasy owner remains objective, vigilantly leaving her or his biases toward an individual player out of crucial start or sit decisions.

That being said, I now despise Mike Sims-Walker.

I don't care if he's garnered at least 80 receiving yards in each of the games he has played this year. I also no longer care if Sims-Walker is among the league leaders in touchdowns or about his drool inducing match-up in Week Six versus the abysmal Rams.

His hyphenated behind is now on the trading block, and I'm taking whatever I can get.

Sunday afternoon, well after waiver wires were closed, the Jacksonville Jaguars revealed Sims-Walker, their leading reciever, would not play because he violated an unspecified team rule.

As a result, in seperate fantasy football leagues I lost two Week Five contests by a single point each.

One Point!

I don't want to sound selfish, but whatever Sims-Walker did to be benched in the middle of bye week season better have ruined the next six Christmases for all the world's orphans. Nothing less will be excusable.

If it turns out Sims-Walker was merely insubordinate, missed practices, or violated a drug policy (all of which are more likely than the orphan scenario), he will be banished to my personal realm of the unforgiven.

Along the same Jacksonville line, I am also disgusted with Sims-Walker's equally name-laden teammate Maurice Jones-Drew.

The diminutive top five fantasy back only mustered 57 total yards from scrimmage against a formerly floundering Seahawks squad.

Over the past three weeks Seattle has spotted their opponents roughly 27 points per game. Somehow MJD and the supposedly red hot Jaguars were shut out.

Speaking of Oompa Loompa-like running backs, I have officially taken all I can stand of Houston's Steve Slaton. And like Popeye, I can't stands no more.

Going into Week Five, I was well aware of a potential shoot out in Phoenix, and the Texans would have to take to the air to win. But a 50:21 pass to run ratio is a little more than I envisioned.

After yesterday, Slaton has only gained 231 yards on the ground, thereby rushing for a mere 46.2 yards per game. These stats coupled with the fact he is not a goal line back mean Slaton can no longer be considered an elite option.

Did you know the king of the Euro trash chinstrap Kyle Orton is 18-2 when starting at home?

Bear Country still misses you, buddy.

Football looks to have several bottom feeders this year. But no matter how bad St. Louis and Tampa Bay seem, they have leagues to go to reach the depths the Oakland Raiders have sunk to.

Over the past three weeks Oakland has accumulated 16 points while allowing their opponents to score a whopping 96. Even David Carr rushed for a touchdown during Sunday's blowout by the Giants.

Next week the gloomy forecast for the Raider Nation refuses to let up as Philly comes to town.

I am seriously considering package deals including my first born in order to get my hands on as many Eagles as possible.

Hopefully Green Bay's coaching staff utilizes their bye week to teach Ryan Grant he doesn't have to go down on first contact.

The helmet to helmet hit Ray Lewis put on Chad Ochocinco was unsportsmanlike and uncalled for. However, I'm sure the Cincinnati wide out will do something soon to justify it on some karmic level.

Still waiting for DeAngelo Williams to break out...

Unless you have an unwholesome kicker fetish, Sunday's clash between the Bills and the Browns became another entry in the annals of the worst NFL games ever.

Featuring 16 total punts, the only scoring was amassed by the field goal units in a 6-3 yawn contest.

For fantasy participants in two quarterback or uber deep formats who used Derek Anderson, my heart goes out to you. The Cleveland signal caller set a new low in ineptitude, completing two of 17 passing attempts en route to a 23 yard performance.

Yikes.

Unfortunately for D.A. and the Dawgs it gets worse as they travel to Pittsburgh for a divisional rivaly next week.

If you are a fantasy owner thinking about starting anyone from Cleveland in the Steel City, I've got a Mike Sims-Walker trade proposal for you.

Labor Day Fantasy Baseball Notes

Grant McElroy — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:49:21 -0400

An abbreviated article on account of Labor Day, so enjoy the bullet points.

• Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter furthered his bid for his second Cy Young Award today. Tossing a one hit complete game shut out in Milwaukee, Carp fanned 10 Brewers and allowed a mere two free passes.

The win was his 16th of the year, one win behind Major League leader and fellow Redbird Adam Wainwright.

In Carpenter's first full season since 2006, many fantasy experts were worried last spring about the durability of the 34 year old right-hander. However, he obviously had the same doctors who worked on Steve Austin.

Using his bionic control, Carpenter's fastball registered in the low to mid 90s all game while his curveball could only be described as "sick."

In fact, 64 of the 99 pitches needed to single-handedly finish off the Brew Crew were thrown for strikes.

The shutout lowered his ERA to 2.16, which leads the majors.

With the return to his former dominate form, expect Carpenter to be one of the first 10 pitchers off the draft board next year.

• American League home run leader Carlos Pena broke two fingers on his left hand after being hit by a CC Sabathia fastball. The injury occurred in the first inning this afternoon.

The Rays were informed they would not only be without the power hitting first baseman for the night installment of today's double header with the Yankees, but also learned he will be out for the season.

The loss of Pena's services is devastating news for Tampa Bay, a team which has lost five straight and is now seven games back in the Wild Card race.

Pena had been on an absolute tear recently. Last month he clubbed 12 homers and drove in 29 runs.

Fantasy owners in non-keeper leagues should drop Carlos immediately and look to the waiver wire for a replacement.

While it will be impossible to replace his power numbers, some widely available and adequate candidates include: Chris Davis, Michael Cuddyer, and Billy Butler.

• Adrian Gonzalez tied his career high total of 36 home runs with a shot off Brad Penny today.

24 of his round trippers have come on the road this season. If Gonzalez ever finds his way out of vacuous PETCO Park, his fantasy value will skyrocket.

• Joe Nathan has now pitched two perfect ninths and converted both opportunities after blowing a save in spectacular fashion last week (0.2 innings, 2 BB, 2 HR, 4 ER).

• Today's matchup between the Indians and Rangers was postponed, so a double header is slated for tomorrow. Set your lineups accordingly.

• After sitting Sunday with a swollen knee, Shane Victorino returned to the Phillies lineup Monday. He went 1 for 5 with one stolen base and one run scored.

• Josh Beckett continued his post All-Star break slide by losing to the White Sox today. Although he threw his first quality start since August 12th, Beckett was out dueled by Mark Buehrle. Buehrle had not recorded a win since his perfect game on July 23rd.

• By losing to the Cubs this afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured their 17th straight losing season. Congratulations on setting a new low in professional American sports.

Sizemore Shut Down for the Season: Fantasy Implications

Grant McElroy — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:10:21 -0400

Sitting 14 games behind the AL Central leading Tigers and a whopping 20 games back in the Wild Card race, the Cleveland Indians finally resolved to shut center fielder Grady Sizemore down for the year.

Much like Noel Gallagher recently quitting the band Oasis, the Tribe's decision is too late to have any real significance.

Sizemore, a universal top ten selection in fantasy baseball drafts last spring, is set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing left elbow next week. The nagging injury has plagued Cleveland's leadoff hitter since the second month of the season.

As a result, this year Grady has posted lows across the stat board.

Soon after his elbow goes under the knife, Sizemore is to have a second operation on his lower abdomen. This surgery hopes to alleviate groin problems which kept the two time gold glove winner out of the World Baseball Classic.

Although mired in a nightmarish season which has included his first trip to the DL, Sizemore saw somewhat of a resurgence last month. In August the All-Star outfielder scored 23 times, drove in 10 runs, and compiled a .299 BA.

Therefore, the Cleveland front office had a hard time convincing a player who only missed five games in his previous three seasons to waive the white flag.

But by having these operations in September, Grady will have the opportunity to be completely rehabbed and recuperated for the start of next year.

What ramifications, then, does an early bowing out Sizemore have on the remainder of the 2009 fantasy season?

Glad you asked.

When the imminent surgeries could not be put off any longer, the Indians promoted outfielder Michael Brantley last Tuesday.

Brantley became part of the Cleveland organization as a player to be named later stipulation in the C.C. Sabathia trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 22 year old southpaw is projected to be the Tribe's leadoff batter of the future.

Brantley is a contact hitter with a keen eye which is patient well beyond his age. In 1639 career minor league at-bats Michael has only whiffed 172 times (10.5 K%). For the sabermetrically challenged this means he only strikes out roughly once out of every ten times he steps up to the plate.

In fact, at the Triple-A level this year Brantley has a mere 48 strikeouts in 457 AB while garnering 59 walks.

Having accumulated only 12 home runs in five minor league seasons, Michael is not expected to launch many long balls in the Majors. However, Brantley possesses the speed to easily stretch a shot to the gaps into a triple.

Said speed has also made Brantley a terror on the basepaths. So far in 2009, he has swiped 46 bases in 51 attempts. Once he is established as an everyday player for the Indians, Brantley will be a perennial 30-40 stolen base threat.

Since being called up earlier in the week and replacing Sizemore atop Cleveland's lineup, Michael has been on fire. While there is no way he can continue to hit at a .400 clip, the Washington State native will receive the bulk of the starts at center for what is left for the Indians' season.

In other injury news...

B.J. Upton sprained his ankle in a defensive mishap Thursday night when he collided with fellow Tampa Bay Ray Carl Crawford.

Hopefully you have no problem, if the injury persists, finding another outfielder on the waiver wire batting below .240.

Oriole breakout Adam Jones will likely watch the rest of the season from the Baltimore bench due to a high ankle sprain.

The Denver Post reports though Colorado closer Huston Street has no structural damage in his injured bicep, he might return later than sooner.

In the meantime, Franklin Morales will assume game ending duties for the Rockies.

The Qualls Quandry: Fantasy Implications Of The New Diamondbacks Closer

Grant McElroy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:40:18 -0400

Usually when one team sweeps another in baseball it is cause for a celebration. Especially when the feat is done in front of the home crowd.

However, on Sunday after the Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Houston Astros in Phoenix, the celebrations were cut short.

As the D-backs emerged from the dugout to do the ceremonial post game handshake, they were greeted by a most unwanted sight: Arizona closer Chad Qualls lying on the ground, clutching his knee in agony.

Attempting to field a grounder hit by Astros batter Jason Michaels, Qualls spun on his left knee awkwardly. This, in turn, caused his kneecap to become dislocated.

Diamondbacks trainers were able to immediately pop the patella back into place, but Qualls had to be helped off the field.

After x-rays and a MRI, management decided to place Chad on the 15 day DL.

What significance, then, does Qualls' injury have for the fantasy community?

Waiver wire fodder is about to become relevant.

Recently, Arizona traded away their two main set up men: Tony Pena and Jon Rauch. As a result, there is no temporary heir apparent in place to assume closing duties for the Diamondbacks.

With only one month of baseball left and the D-backs well out of playoff contention, let the speculating begin.

Juan Gutierrez

According to the Arizona Republic, Gutierrez seems the most likely candidate to become the new game finisher.

This season Juan has a superb 8.63 K/9 ratio or, for the sabermetrically challenged, he is striking out roughly one batter per inning.

On the other hand, many of Gutierrez's statistics raise a caution flag. Sporting an unusually large for a reliever 4.24 ERA and an equally unflattering .340 BABIP, it is obvious Juan has some control issues.

Further evidence of this point is his frightful 4.24 BB/9.

But for adventurous owners who are starved for saves, Gutierrez is the speculative grab.

Clay Zavada

If Gutierrez is unable to handle the closer reins, 25 year old Clay Zavada would be next in line.

This year the rookie southpaw has compiled 40 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of work. Also, his 20:9 K:BB ratio is just as impressive for such a young pitcher.

But it must be noted he is allowing approximately four free passes for every nine innings he is on the mound.

Possibly the biggest factor other than Zavada's youth, which will determine his effectiveness as a closer, is his fly ball percentage.

50.9 percent of all batted balls off of Zavada result in a fly ball. Coupled with the fact that Chase Field is yielding the second most runs of any ballpark in 2009, Zavada's massive FB% appears even larger.

Daniel Schlereth

Having only 8.1 career Major League innings under his belt, Alaskan-born greenhorn Daniel Schlereth's name has somehow been mentioned in the closer mix.

Do not expect Schlereth to assume the closer duties unless all other options have been exhausted.

No matter who the Diamondbacks decided to be Qualls' successor, be ready to add whomever they name.

While Arizona has no illusions of making the playoffs, 19 of their last 31 games are against the Dodgers, Rockies, and the Giants. All three of these teams are vying for either a NL West title or a Wild Card berth.

Sometimes being the spoiler can be just as sweet.

The Biggest Fantasy Baseball Busts of 2009

Grant McElroy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:29:56 -0400

As the fantasy baseball season draws to a close, it is important to look back and analyze the stats.

Some players performed exactly as predicted while others were a pleasant surprise. A generic statement indeed, meaning Albert Pujols remains a fantasy monster. Jason Bartlett catapulted himself into the upper echelons of a position notorious for offensive statistical scarcity.

But at the other end of the spectrum lies the players who massively disappointed.

I'm not alluding to individuals whose numbers have suffered due to injury. By "underperformed," I mean those who were high on draft day cheat sheets, but have been torturing their owners since April.

So get ready, Tom Petty. Here are 10 new members of the Heartbreakers, also known as the biggest busts in fantasy baseball for 2009.

Starting Pitcher—Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins

After a brilliant second-half performance of 2008, Liriano seemed primed to finally have the breakout season the Twins and the fantasy community expected from the highly touted southpaw.

In fact, yours truly had Francisco pegged as a 200+ strikeouts lock while garnering roughly 12 to 15 wins. I was convinced Liriano would be the sleeper pick of this year's drafts and a dark horse to win the AL Cy Young Award.

Chuckle if you like, for I wasn't the only one with a springtime man-crush on the Minnesota hurler.

His average draft position (ADP) was in the high 70s, or approximately sixth-round material. That's an ADP higher than both Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke.

Since I am merely making excuses for betting on the wrong pony, allow me to digress.

Liriano's 2009 campaign was nothing short of atrocious. Compiling a career high 5.80 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP while posting a 5-12 record, the Twins have rightfully decided to shut Francisco down for the year.

By producing only 10 quality starts for Minnesota, Liriano is easily the biggest bust of the current fantasy season.

Dishonorable mention: Scott Kazmir

Relief Pitcher—Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies

Every year, fantasy gurus and meddling morons such as myself preach not to overpay for saves on draft day.

The role is too volatile and pitchers are too prone to injury to waste precious picks. But such pleas from the pulpit do not apply to the elite closers, right?

Wrong.

For your consideration, please compare Brad Lidge's following stat lines:

2008 1.95 ERA 1.23 WHIP 41 SV 92K 0 BS

2009 7.03 ERA 1.73 WHIP 27 SV 50K 9 BS

After converting every opportunity last year, Lidge leads the Majors in blown saves in 2009 and has the highest ERA among closers.

Dishonorable mention: Kevin Gregg

Catcher—Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers

Martin was the first catcher off the boards in virtually every draft room last spring.

Yet, both CBS and ESPN have at least 10 other backstops currently ranked ahead of the Canadian-born Martin.

In a position with such disparity between tiers, it is understandable why many reached for Russell early six months ago (ADP in the mid 50s). But as Martin has a comparable 2009 stat line to bottom-rung fantasy backstop Jason Kendall, can the Dodger catcher still be considered elite?

Dishonorable mention: Geovany Soto

First Base—Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles/Detroit Tigers

First base was the deepest position for talent coming into this year. So those who missed out on the premier players felt comfortable with a lesser option like Aubrey Huff, expecting him to put up above average numbers.

I doubt a .243 BA with only 13 homers are what many envisioned.

Recently dealt to Detroit, the 38-year-old Huff is now a backup to AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. Consider this a prelude to an obituary, for Aubrey's fantasy relevance is all but officially flatlined.

Dishonorable mention: Chris Davis

Second Base—Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins

It took a red-hot month of August to raise Uggla's batting average to a paltry .239.

Yes, the 23 home runs are nice. But it must be coupled with more than his meager 67 RBI and 66 Runs to choke down such a pathetic BA.

If you listen closely, you can hear all of the Aaron Hill and Jose Lopez owners mocking the Dan Uggla drafters in unison with a Nelson Muntz-like "Haw, haw."

Dishonorable mention: Placido Polanco

Third Base—Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies

In 2008, Garrett was one ribbie short of posting his third consecutive season with at least 100 RBI. In the same three season period, Atkins also clubbed 20 or more homers every year.

In 2009, he has a mere 8 roundtrippers and 39 RBI, making Atkins the biggest hot corner bust since Eddie Murphy was stopped by the police after picking up a transsexual prostitute.

Dishonorable mention: Melvin Mora

Shortstop—J.J. Hardy, Milwaukee Brewers

2007 .277 BA 26 HR 80 RBI 89 Runs

2008 .283 BA 24 HR 74 RBI 78 Runs

2009 .229 BA 11 HR 45 RBI 49 Runs

Fantasy baseball is a game of numbers. From the table above it is easy to see why the Brew Crew demoted the formerly four-tooled J.J. Hardy to the minors.

Projected for power at a position traditionally known for defense, Hardy will now be expected to play second fiddle when Milwaukee expands their roster tomorrow.

Long live the reign of Alcides Escobar!

Outfield—B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

Although Upton lost his second base eligibility this year, fantasy forecasters still predicted B.J. to be an elite standout in a Mariana Trench-deep pool of outfielders.

After all, the "Bossman Junior" did hit seven long balls in only 16 postseason games during the Rays' amazing run to the World Series last year.

However, as hindsight affords, said soothsayers were absolutely incorrect.

With one month left to play, Upton has already surpassed his strikeout total of 2008. B.J. is also on pace to set a new low in the batting average department with a mark of .241.

Furthermore, having a mere 40 runs batted in so far, the elder Upton brother stands to see a significant decrease in RBI for the third consecutive season.

But everyone drafted him for the 36 stolen bases only, correct?

Delusion is a wonderful coping mechanism.

Dishonorable mention: Alfonso Soriano

So there you have it, my list of this year's disappointments. As always, feel free to agree or, more likely, disagree in the comments section below.

Scouring The Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire

Grant McElroy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:34:39 -0400

I was driving down the main drag in town yesterday with my brother when I glanced over and noticed a new supermarket being built. To my amazement my brother told me ground was broken on this massive structure two months ago.

I must have passed the construction site 100 times but never paid attention to the change.

In fantasy baseball it is also easy to continue on a single path, especially this late in the season, without taking a look around.

As rotisserie formats wind down and head to head playoffs lurk in the near future, it is now more important than ever to be aware of our fantasy surroundings.

Below is a quick list of players making a splash in waiver wire pools.

Matt Diaz—OF—Atlanta Braves

With Nate McLouth on the DL and Ryan Church battling chronic back problems, Matt Diaz has played exceptionally well in his new role as an everyday outfielder.

After a dismal 2008 campaign (.244 BA, 2 HR) which was plagued with a nagging knee injury, it was understood in spring training this year that Diaz would be on the Braves bench.

But Diaz has slowly rebounded throughout the summer. His plate appearances have increased every month since May despite the revolving door situation which has been the Atlanta outfield.

So far this month, Diaz is batting an unbelievable .375 with five home runs and 13 RBIs. In his past 10 games he has 14 hits, including a 4-for-4 effort on Sunday where Diaz was just a long ball shy of the cycle.

While stellar play such as this is helping the Braves stick around in the Wild Card race, Diaz cannot remain on fire for the rest of the year (.372 BABIP). But continue to use Diaz while he is hot. For as the great Blood, Sweat, and Tears once sang, "Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride."

Ryan Roberts—2B/3B/OF—Arizona Diamondbacks

Going 4-for-5 with two runs scored yesterday, it is easy to see how Roberts snaked his way into the everyday Diamondbacks lineup.

Blistering in the batter's box during the month of August to a tune of a .358 BA, Roberts can be a late season fantasy asset for any team. He is eligible at second and third base as well as the outfield.

John Smoltz—SP/RP—St. Louis Cardinals

Smotlz was lights out for the Cardinals on Sunday producing a fantasy line of: 5.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 BB, 0 ER, 9K. Although the performance came thanks to an offensively challenged Padres squad in a very tosser friendly PETCO park, John did strike out seven batters in a row.

Smoltz is joining a St. Louis pitching staff which boasts the third lowest team ERA in the Majors with a 3.69 mark.

Anibel Sanchez—SP—Florida Marlins

Sanchez came back from his second DL tour of 2009 in style last week against the Braves. Compiling seven whiffs in six innings, Sanchez did not allow a hit until the fifth frame.

Although a stiff breeze could land Anibel back on the disabled list, it must be remembered that Sanchez threw a no hitter in 2006.

With his next start slated for Wednesday versus the limping Mets, Sanchez warrants some attention in deep leagues and NL only formats.

Matt LaPorta—OF—Cleveland Indians

Since being recalled from the minors last week, LaPorta has collected a hit in every game he has played. In that time span Matt has a .333 BA with four runs.

As the Indians are out of playoff contention, skipper Eric Wedge has promised to give LaPorta regular playing time, splitting his time between first base and the outfield.

Hopefully Matt garners enough games at both to be multi-position eligible next year.

Tim Hudson—SP—Atlanta Braves

Recently Hudson recorded his first win in a minor league rehabilitation stint after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In the win Hudson threw six quality innings allowing three earned runs while striking out five.

However, with only one more scheduled start in the minors before he is expected to rejoin the Braves, it is unclear what role Tim will have with Atlanta in September.

The Braves could move a current starter into a role of relief, or employ a six man rotation. Also, it has been whispered Hudson could become a member of the bullpen for the first time in his distinguished career.

No matter what scenario Atlanta chooses, not many teams have the luxury of bringing up an 146 career game winner to bolster its pitching staff.

A Fantasy Relevant John Smoltz Returns to the National League

Grant McElroy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:13:40 -0400

By the time this sentence is finished, it will probably be too late. Expect John Smoltz to already have been added en masse by a majority of every fantasy format except AL only leagues.

As of Sunday night Smoltz was owned in only 12 percent of ESPN leagues and one quarter of those on Yahoo. In CBS supported formats the 21-year veteran was rostered by almost half of the participants.

According to principal Edward R. Rooney, Ferris Bueller missed school nine times and John Lennon obviously had to go through eight revolutions to come up with a Yoko influenced Revolution No. 9. But today John proved he is a cat with nine lives.

Roughly two weeks ago Smoltz was released by the Red Sox after a largely ineffective 2-5 stint resulting in a behemoth 8.32 ERA.

Last Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals were more than happy to sign the Gwen Stefani no doubt for Cooperstown bound right-hander to bolster a seemingly playoff destined pitching staff.

The only question that loomed was whether Smoltz would be more effective as a starter or out of the bullpen.

As Smoltz is the only pitcher in Major League history to compile 200 wins and 150 saves, it seemed like a win-win situation for the Redbirds.

But so far this year, though dominate in the first and mostly second time through a lineup, Smoltz has been absolutely lit up the third time a team sees him in a game.

Therefore, it appeared the proper move was to have John participate in a role of relief. Particularly since the Cardinals do not have an established eighth inning bridge to the surprise closer of 2009 and king of all things goatee Ryan Franklin.

Yet, the under appreciated genius known as the St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan fixed the fact the heel of Smoltz was coming of the rubber and "some [other] minor things.

As a result, John fanned nine batters in five innings of work today. Granted, they came against a hapless San Diego squad. Nonetheless, Smoltz struck out seven batters in a row, a feat he had never done before in his distinguished career.

After Smoltz's performance, it is evident he will now solidify a Cardinals rotation anchored by Cy Young darkhorses Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. A fact especially evident considering the cake walk schedule St. Louis has on the docket for the month of September.

In fantasy baseball, chasing wins is always a dangerous proposition. But with the Cardinals constant potential for an absolute kinetic offense, John Smoltz is a must add for starting pitcher starved owners.

If he is still available.

In other fantasy news...

Carlos Marmol notched his first save after being named the Cubbies closer. Employ him with Gary Cherone extreme caution. Jim Johnson of the Baltimore Orioles is most likely waiting to be picked up off the waiver wire.

The Rockies are going to sign a batting-below-the-Mendoza-line Jason Giambi tomorrow.

The New York Mets former closer Billy Wagner came off the 60 day DL last Thursday and whiffed two batters in a scoreless inning of relief for his 2009 debut.

Confident no team would want to pick up his two million dollar contract and pay for a 2010 buyout, the Mets placed Billy on waivers.

However, the Red Sox had a scout in attendance and subsequently claimed Wagner, hoping to quickly secure a trade with New York.

But the former Ferrum College alum stated today he will invoke the no trade clause of his contract if no deal is made by Tuesday.

Aaron Harang recently had an appendectomy and will be shut down for the year. Apart from his 162 strikeouts, Harang has unknowingly found a way to be further irrelevant in 2009.

Unproven and overpaid power pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg will not see action this year.

Strasburg still warrants a keeper league waiver wire claim as he is supposed to be Sidd Finch personified (in pitching talent only, not for, as far as anyone knows, a bare left foot French Horn phenom).

Recent fantasy star of the last fortnight Carlos Gonzalez cut his hand with a steak knife in his home Saturday night.

The Colorado Rockies outfielder is expected to miss at least a week of action, if not more.

Feel free to make comparisons in the comments section below to Carlos Quentin breaking his wrist right before the fantasy baseball playoffs last year.

Fantasy Baseball Championships Run Through Denver and Chicago

Grant McElroy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:48:04 -0400

On Friday night I was supposed to see the 1970's rock band Styx at a county fair. Not a state fair, but a middle of nowhere Podunk county fair.

Unfortunately everyone slated to join me bailed at the last minute, mainly due to a lack of proper planning. Some forgot to request off from work while others merely spaced on the date.

I know that you, the dear reader, are asking yourself, "Seriously, guy? Styx?"

Or more importantly, "How does this have anything to do with fantasy baseball?"

Glad you asked.

First of all, rocking out at a show that I am guaranteed to be twenty to thirty years younger than the average spectator sounded like a great time. I once saw the Blue Oyster Cult at a small town festival and it was a blast.

Secondly, like the bad planning which prevented my friends from attending the show, a lack of foresight will cost you a fantasy baseball championship. Other owners are now distracted by the looming football season, so it is time to make one final push up the standings.

Most likely your trading deadline is passed. Therefore the waiver wire is the only place to address the gaps in your lineup. A simple look ahead to September reveals players on the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs are the best bet for success.

The Colorado Rockies

Matchups: NYM (3) ARI (6) CIN (3) SD (6) SF (3) STL (3) MIL (2)

At the All-Star break the Los Angeles Dodgers seemed to have an insurmountable lead in the NL West. However, as of Friday afternoon, the Rockies had chipped away that lead to only 3.5 games.

Colorado is currently one of the hottest teams in baseball winning four in a row and seven of their last ten.

Over the course of the final month of the season the Rockies play 27 games. Only nine of those contests will be played away from Coors Field. Colorado is an excellent 32-23 when taking the field in Denver.

An even more salivating statistic is a mere six of the 27 said games will be against an above .500 opponent. The Mets, D-backs, Reds, Padres, and Brewers all travel to the Mile High City to be preyed upon by the Rockies.

What Colorado players, then, are waiting to be fished out of your free agent pool?

Jorge De La Rosa SP

It is hard to imagine a starting pitcher who has won eleven games so far and has compiled 140 strikeouts in 135.2 innings could go unnoticed.

Yet Jorge De La Rosa remains rostered by less than half of Yahoo teams and only one quarter of those on ESPN (Four out of five CBS participants, on the other hand, own the young southpaw).

I, Marc Summers, Double Dare you to name another pitcher other than De La Rosa who has won nine of his last ten decisions.

Eric Young, Jr. 2B

A .298 batting average, 55 stolen bases, and 110 runs through 113 Triple A games. A must have September call-up. Enough said.

Rafael Betancourt RP

For owners in muy, muy deep leagues or ones which holds count, Betancourt is your guy.

Since joining the Rockies in late July, Rafael has yet to allow a run, both earned or unearned. That's twelve consecutive apperances the opposing team has not crossed homeplate when he takes the mound.

Betancourt is presently an eighth inning specialist, but is the prime candidate to replace closer Huston Street if he falters or suffers an injury.

Carlos Gonzalez OF

In the overcrowded situation that is known as the Colorado outfield, Carlos Gonzalez has cemented some regular playing time with his rock solid efforts as of late.

During the month of August Gonzalez has raised his batting average 47 points from .241 to .288. In the same time span he has also clubbed six of his eight 2009 homers while batting in 13 runs.

Gonzalez has 10 more games before September to further pad his excellent August stats. At this rate, Carlos is the perfect pickup to bolster any fantasy outfield.

The Chicago Cubs

Matchups: HOU (2) CWS (1) NYM (3) PIT (6) CIN (3) MIL (7) STL (3) SF (4)

As the Rockies are waxing, the Cubbies appear to be waning.

The century old mantra of "Wait 'till next year" again is gaining steam in bars throughout Chicago's Northside.

By no means, though, is the season of the Cubs over or, for that matter, the fact fantasy gold can still be panned from the easy stream that is Chicago's remaining schedule.

In September the Cubs have 28 games on the docket. Slightly over half of these games will be played in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field where the Cubs are a remarkable 35-22.

Apart from trips to St. Louis and San Francisco, the rest of Chicago's road matchups are against the detritus of the National League.

On paper, the calendar is in favor of the Cubs. However, as of Friday afternoon, they are seven games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central and six games below the previously discussed Rockies in the Wild Card race.

The seemingly early hibernating albeit not yet asleep Cubs offer many widely available fantasy options to those in need.

Jeff Baker 1B/2B/3B

Taking over second base duties from an ineffective Mike Fontenot, Baker has been the hottest thing to hit Chicago since the Windy City's namesake band released their classic 25 or 6 to 4 (another 70's rock reference).

From August 9th until now Baker is in the midst of a 10 game hitting streak and batting a robust .450. As a result his average has skyrocketed 90 points from .197 to .287.

Readers of my previous ramblings know I have a soft spot for multi-position eligible players. Owners with alike affections will be thrilled to find Baker qualifies at first, second, and third base.

Recent reports by the Chicago Tribune reveal Baker will get the bulk of starts at second for the rest of the year.

Jake Fox 3B/OF

When given the chance, this kid can rake. Fox is batting a crafty .290 through 190 sporadic at bats.

Because he is a bit of a defensive liability, Fox is currently relegated to spot starts and pinch hit duty.

However, Jake filled in admirably for Aramis Ramirez at third when he was on the DL and was even named backup catcher while Geovany Soto went down with a strained oblique.

Expect Fox to receive more playing time if the Northsiders continue their trend south.

Angel Guzman RP

Yes, Guzman allowed a grand slam last Thursday to season long slumping Russell Martin.

Yes, Kevin Gregg was recently stripped of his game ending status and Carlos Marmol, not Guzman, was handed the closer reins.

Yet anyone who has seen Marmol pitch knows he has the arsenal to strike everyone out, but is just as likely to walk home the winning run. Because the Cubbies are clutching for their postseason lives, expect skipper Lou Pinella's leash on Marmol to be short.

In 2009, Guzman has posted an exceptional 42:18 K/BB ratio and has prevented 81.6% of baserunners from scoring. Therefore Angel is a speculative add if the wild side of Marmol begins to prevail.

Micah Hoffpauir 1B/OF

Last season the Cubs organization named Hoffpauir their minor league player of the year. It was an easy decision as he batted an amazing .362 with 25 home runs to boot for Chicago's Triple A affiliate.

2009 has been a different story for Micah. His minor league dominance has not yet translated into success in the majors.

But Hoffpauir possesses serious pop in his bat and is primarily a fly ball hitter (47.9% career FB%), two ingredients for a recipe for multiple long balls in a homer friendly Wrigley Field.

Hoffpauir is set to be called up when rosters expand from 25 to 40 players.

One must liken fantasy matchups to the moon revolving around the Earth and the Earth around the sun. The smallest motions gradually fit into the grander scheme—batter versus pitcher, team versus team, team versus grinding season.

I am not advocating you to drop a fantasy stud for any of these players. But replacing dead weight with the above mentioned or any other worthy batters or pitchers from the Rockies or the Cubs will give a September edge to your team.

Fantasy Baseball: Bone Thugs and September Call-Ups

Grant McElroy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:33:03 -0400

I love holidays, especially those in which it is socially acceptable to unabashedly imbibe until the liver's content. Days such as New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, the Fourth of July, Flag Day, etc.

Yet it is not the communal intoxication which make holidays so enjoyable. The consensual mass celebration of a shared pleasure is a beautiful attribute of society.

Therefore fellow fantasy baseball fanatics, get ready to crack open a bottle of the Champagne of Beers because the date teams expand their rosters is rapidly approaching.

Consider this a friendly reminder from myself and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to wake up, wake up for the First of September when Major League teams swell from 25 players to 40.

Many minor leaguers have been raking all summer but have not had the opportunity to display their talents on a national stage. I've compiled a short list of such players who could have an immediate fantasy impact, allowing you to cash your checks and get up in the standings.

Eric Young, Jr. 2B Colorado Rockies

Son of the Colorado Rockies original second baseman, Young is the type of player who can change a game the moment he enters a lineup.

Young is a lethal combination of hitting and speed. Stolen base starved owners should drool at the 87 bases he pilfered in 2006. Granted all of them were at the Single A level, yet one has to admit 87 swipes is a daunting amount.

This year for the Rockies' Triple A affiliate, Eric has accumulated a .303 BA and 102 runs while stealing 54 bases through 102 games. Young is an absolute must-have in N.L. only and deeper mixed leagues when he finally gets his promotion.

Matt LaPorta OF Cleveland Indians

Last year LaPorta was the prize prospect the Cleveland Indians received when they traded C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee.

LaPorta got a brief shot at the bigs in May this season but was sent back down after batting a meager .190. However, in his 13-game stint he had eight hits (one of which was a homer) and scored 10 runs.

Since the demotion, LaPorta has gone back to his usual role of terrorizing minor league pitching. In 2009, the former Florida Gator is hitting .297 with 14 home runs for the Colombus Clippers.

LaPorta has a classic Billy Squier power stroke. Expect him to be a perennial 20/80 performer once he gets the call-up for good.

Tim Hudson SP Atlanta Braves

I understand Tim Hudson is not an up and coming player. Consider him the raspberry sorbet palette cleanser for this article.

Currently amidst a minor league rehab assignment for Tommy John surgery, the 146 career game winner Hudson is primed to rejoin the Braves in the near future.

However, as long as Atlanta remains in the playoff picture, he will return as a member of the bullpen.

But rostering the DL-eligible Hudson now could be a pleasant surprise later. Much like finding money in a winter coat after the first cold snap.

Mat Gamel 3B Milwaukee Brewers

Considering the success Casey McGehee has had at the hot corner for the Milwaukee, it is hard to get excited about Mat Gamel returning to the Brew Crew to be a back-up.

Couple this with the fact he has been hitting well below the Mendoza line after being sent back to Triple A Nashville in mid July, and prospective owners will avoid him like a landlord when the rent is past due.

Fear not, Gamel's future seems much brighter after the Brewers' absolute roster shake up on Wednesday.

Milwaukee designated 3B/OF Bill Hall for assignment, meaning the lefty batting Gamel could become part of an outfield platoon or at third when McGehee needs a day off.

Those playing in keeper leagues should take notice of the Brewers' top-hitting prospect, if they have not already. Gamel has a career .287 BA in the minors with a pop in his bat that will translate into serious power with age.

Hector Rondon SP Cleveland Indians

Though the name Rondon has taken a backseat to other uber-hyped pitchers, such as Porcello, Tillman or Hanson, does not mean it should be ignored.

The Venezuelan-born Rondon has been quietly dominating the minors all year. Sporting a 2.69 ERA and a 9.08 K/9 ratio, he more than deserves a September shot for the deplorable Indians.

The 21-year-old starter possesses a mid-nineties fastball, a good changeup and is currently working on a slider.

Other players I would love to discuss at length but are presently not included on their respective teams forty man roster: Justin Smoak (TEX), Madison Bumgarner (SF) and Phillipe Aumont (SEA).

Junichi Tazawa Warrants a Deep League Fantasy Look

Grant McElroy — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:57:44 -0400

As a result of Boston designating Cooperstown bound pitcher John Smoltz for assignment, the Red Sox rotation now has an open slot slated for two starts in Week 19.

Since Beantown hurlers Tim Wakfield and Daisuke Matsuzaka continue to gather dust on the DL shelf, fantasy owners starving for pitching can benefit by predicting the to-be-determined Boston starter.

Recently the Red Sox signed veteran right hander Paul Byrd to a minor league contract. However, the 39-year-old journeyman has yet to throw a pitch in 2009. The likelihood of Byrd occupying said rotation spot is along the same Vegas odds of me getting a date with Megan Fox.

Both are possible, but very, very improbable.

The safer bet is on newly promoted phenom Junichi Tazawa.

Tazawa made his major league debut last Friday in a 15 inning baseball marathon against the Yankees. In his trial by fire, Junichi induced a flyout from his idol Hideki Matsui and struck out Mark Teixeira before giving up a two out, no cause for seppuku walk off homer to Alex Rodriguez.

Tazawa is only the third Japanese player to see Major League action in the states without first playing professionally in his homeland.

Scouts report the 23 year old import throws well beyond his age. Tazawa possesses a full arsenal of pitches including a high 90's fastball and a curve which can only be described as "sick."

This year Junichi has plowed through the minors with the above mentioned arsenal, fanning batters at an excellent rate (7.75 K/9) while demonstrating superb control (2.23 BB/9). Tazawa so far has compiled nine wins, a 2.55 ERA and has limited the opposition to a paltry .219 BA.

The Red Sox return to Boston on Monday to play a four game homestand against the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers before travelling to Texas to face the Rangers in a very hitting friendly ballpark.

Thusly, those participating in shallow mixed, non-keeper fantasy formats should play the wait and see game. However, owners in AL only or 14 teams or greater leagues should add Tazawa immediately as a speculative waiver wire pick up.

Behind the Plate: Week Five Fantasy Baseball Pickups

Grant McElroy — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:32:03 -0400

Sorry for the tardiness of this week's installment, but I've been having internet connection problems lately.

So as I type this article at nasty branch library computer, I am sitting next to a man in Zubaz pants who smells like blue cheese and stale beer. Therefore, for olfactory reasons, the Week Five addition will be an abbreviated one.

Lineup Addenda: Week Five Pickups

Billy "The Big Donkey" Butler, 1B/DH, Kansas City Royals

For the first month of the season, Butler has been a little bit more of an "Eeyore" than "Big Donkey," hitting below the Mendoza Line.

Be prepared, though, because this donkey is beginning to bray.

A career .336 hitter in the minors, Butler has raised his average from .193 to .246 over the past seven days. Furthermore, in that same time frame, Billy has clubbed two homers along with five RBI.

Last season Butler connected with an amazing 93.9% of the pitches in his strike zone, evidence of an eye mature for his age. At only 23, the power stroke will soon come for the young Royal.

Dangle the pick-up carrot before it's too late.

LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Houston Astros

In 2001, Hawkins saved 28 games for the Minnesota Twins, making the Gary, Ind. native the hottest thing to come out of the town since the Jackson 5.

But LaTroy has been on a downward spiral after that year, blowing 34 saves in the past five seasons alone.

Nevertheless, this hawk is a phoenix rising from the ashes.

After being picked up off waivers by Houston last August, Hawkins has compiled a ridiculously low 1.45 ERA and averaged one strikeout for every inning pitched.

Considering resident Astro closer Jose Valverde is slated to be on the DL for the next couple of weeks, Hawkins is an "a-b-c, easy as 1-2-3" immediate waiver wire grab because he will finish games in Valverde's absence.

Mike Fontenot, 2B/3B, Chicago Cubs

So far Fontenot is batting only .250, mainly due to a freakishly unlucky .255 BABIP.

But in his last 10 games, the scrappy Cubbie infielder has a .303 BA with three home runs to boot.

With the departure of Mark DeRosa in the offseason, Fontenot was the spring favorite to start the bulk of the games at second base for Chicago. Yet Windy City skipper Lou Pinella has been employing a timeshare between the LSU alum and Aaron Miles.

While Miles is kilometers ahead of DeRosa with the glove, there is no question that Fontenot is better in the batter's box. He posted an outstanding .909 OPS in 119 games in 2008.

Eligible at both second and third base, Fontenot deserves a look by those in deep mixed or NL-only leagues.

Kendry Morales, 1B/OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Morales was one of the hottest players during spring training, collecting 11 doubles and batting a robust .400.

Such stats were no surprise from the Teixeira replacement, as Kendry was a career .344 hitter in the premier Pacific Coast League.

But an ice-cold start to the season—resulting in no home runs and four RBI—soured owners who drafted Morales in the late rounds.

Fortunately for him, Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia has shown patience with his young Padawan.

Over the last ten games, the switch hitter has caught fire, amassing three homers and 11 ribbies while batting .297.

The Cuban-defecting, double position-eligible Kendry is an excellent pickup for those in leagues utilizing corner infielders or more than three outfielders.

Bill Hall, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers

Shhh...

Don't tell Hall that it is 2009, because he is hitting like it's 2005.

In his career year four seasons ago, Hall had a .291 BA, 32 points above his lifetime average, and socked 17 round-trippers.

The veteran Brewer currently has three home runs and a .296 batting average through the first month of play.

As the 24-hour A-Rod network better known as ESPN now reports a sooner than later return by the Yankee third baseman, Hall is an excellent stop-gap solution for those looking to squeeze a few quick stats out of the hot corner.

For others not harboring Rodriguez on their rosters, ride the hot-streaking Hall through the quad and into the gymnasium.

Behind the Plate: A Fantasy Baseball Primer for Week Four

Grant McElroy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:45:01 -0400

First Pitch: Two-Start Bargain of the Week

In Week Four, a plethora of aces take the mound twice.

Thus, finding a bargain El Guapo who will maximize every pitch of his fantasy double-dip was slightly more difficult for the upcoming scoring period.

Usually, a certain number jumps off the stat page, predicting an advisable plug-and-play at pitcher. This time around, an amalgamation of factors forecast Randy Wolf as the best widely available option for Week Four.

The veteran Dodger southpaw first toes the rubber at AT&T Park, facing a Giants team to which he has not lost in two years.

Starting opposite Wolf will be fantasy succubus Barry Zito. Once dominant when he played across the bay in Oakland, Zito has accrued a horrific 8-17 record while pitching at home in San Francisco.

Wolf's second start of the week will be at home in Chavez Ravine, when the surprising Padres come to town. I say "at home" in the literal sense—Wolf is a native of the nearby San Fernando Valley.

Although the lefty has a lifetime 6.09 ERA versus San Diego, Wolf strikes out 8.36 Padres per nine innings.

That bodes well for a pitcher with 23 strikeouts in 25.1 innings thus far this year.

Furthermore, if Wolf happens to throw a subpar game, he has the No. 3 highest-scoring offense in the majors backing him up.

For these reasons, Jules and Vincent Vega can put their brain-splattered fears to rest: The Wolf is on his way in Week Four.

Princes of Thieves: Last Week's Easily Accessible Base-Stealers

3 SB: Dexter Fowler, Nyjer Morgan, Josh Anderson, Michael Bourn

2 SB: Emmanuel Burris, Chris Getz, Cesar Izturis

Power Rangers: Budget Bombers of the Past Seven Days

3 HR: Melky Cabrera

2 HR: Rod Barajas, Craig Monroe, Lyle Overbay, David DeJesus, Edgar Renteria, Jeremy Hermida

Lineup Addenda: Week Four Pick-Ups

Nyjer Morgan, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Almost a month into the season, Morgan remains widely available and waiting to contribute, but a majority of fantasy owners refuse to ask him to dance.

Why?

Is it the .319 batting average? The six stolen bases? Maybe it's the nine ribbies coupled with 10 runs scored.

Or is his unbelievable .373 BABIP with no moonshots turning off prospective suitors?

A-ha. I think we're on to something.

Such a high statistic suggests a lucky streak ready to fall back to earth. But leading off in front of a reinvented Freddy Sanchez will allow Morgan to continue to contribute fantasy-worthy numbers, especially now that fellow Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth has a slight oblique strain.

If only Morgan could improve his 2:5 BB/K ratio, though...

Scott Downs, RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Hopefully you made a preemptive strike to shock and awe all in your league by adding Downs earlier this week.

If not, Downs warrants an immediate pick-up, with troubled closer B.J. Ryan heading to the disabled list.

So far this season, Downs has 14 strikeouts in only 9.2 innings of work. He converted his first save opportunity since assuming the new role.

There are rumors flying about the YYZ that Downs could continue to close even after Ryan returns, so make a Neil Peart-like rush to cage this Blue Jay before it's too late.

Ben Zobrist, SS/OF, Tampa Bay Rays

For those participating in Mariana Trench-deep or AL-only leagues, Zobrist soon will be eligible as a shortstop and an outfielder.

Last week Zobrist started in right field three straight games. However, Tampa Bay skipper Joe Maddon has maintained that Zobrist, for the time being, will not be an everyday player.

But with three home runs, nine RBI, a .286 batting average, and multi-position qualifications, Zobrist is the perfect pick-up for the above mentioned formats.

John Baker, C, Florida Marlins

Baker has made contact with 88 percent of the pitches he has seen in 2009 en route to a healthy .295 batting average.

Although lucky in the early going (.364 BABIP), who wouldn't want a catcher who bats second in a potent Marlins lineup in front of Hanley Ramirez?

Apparently a lot of fantasy owners don't, because Baker is still swimming in an obscene number of free-agent pools.

With many other catchers around the league succumbing to a rash of injuries, Baker is not only a fantastic stopgap solution, but also is poised to join the upper echelon of the squatting half of the battery ranks.

Seventh Inning Stretch

I know popular opinion insists Led Zeppelin's greatest album is either Led Zeppelin IV or Houses of the Holy, but pound for pound, Physical Graffiti is the best Mighty Zep has to offer.

No arguments to the contrary can be made. Case closed.

Notes from the Infirmary: Recent Disabled List Additions

Brian McCann, C, Atlanta Braves

When the Braves front office learned McCann was having trouble seeing out of his left eye, they immediately resolved to have said eye replaced with a Six Million Dollar Man-like bionic version.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, such technology has yet to be perfected. Until an alternative can be found, McCann will be on the 15-day DL.

Chien-Ming Wang, SP, New York Yankees

For the lack of a better option, the Yankees have banished struggling starter Chien-Ming Wang to the DL.

The ailment officially has been labeled as "weakness in the abductor muscles." If Wang has any problems with his hips, it's because they are weighed down by a 34.50 ERA.

Ryan Doumit, C, Pittsburgh Pirates

As if the fantasy situation in Pittsburgh wasn't bleak enough, Bucs backstop Doumit recently underwent surgery to repair a broken right wrist.

Rehab from the procedure is expected to keep Doumit out for the next two months.

Let backup catcher Jason Jaramillo's reign of terror begin.

Two Outs in the Ninth: Streaming Pitcher Candidates for Week Four

Max Scherzer, Arizona Diamondbacks

Although young Mizzou alum Max Scherzer has yet to win a major league game, next Thursday could be his first victory of many when he gets the nod in Milwaukee.

Scherzer has accumulated 30 strikeouts in 29.2 innings versus NL Central squads, and is averaging 11 K/9 on the road.

Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays

In seven career starts against the Red Sox, Matt Garza has an impressive 4-1 record. He also has limited the Beantown bats to a .227 BA.

Moreover, Garza has never lost to Boston at Tropicana Field, the site of next week's contest.

Chris Volstad, Florida Marlins

While Volstad's 3.44 ERA and 1.41 WHIP at home are nothing spectacular, the numbers should be enough for a waiver-wire streaming win.

The Marlins host the Cubbies next weekend, a team on which a large contingent of the roster is nursing various injuries.

Volstad will take the mound opposite the equally green starter Sean Marshall. Marshall has a career 9.72 ERA at Dolphin Stadium.

Good luck next week. Always remember, you are playing the numbers and the matchup, not the player.

All statistics are compiled through April 24.

Behind the Plate: A Week Three Baseball Primer

Grant McElroy — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:10:12 -0400

First Pitch: Two Start Bargain of the Week

For those of you with a soft spot in their fantasy souls for a bargain pitcher who will give you twice the stats at one low price, in Week Three look no further than Andy Sonnanstine.

Depending on which site hosts your fantasy league, the back of the rotation Tampa Bay hurler is either universally unowned or rostered by roughly eight out of 10 teams.

While Sonnanstine is tenured in 83 percent of ESPN-supported clubs and 67 percent of those on CBS, the Kent State alum has been claimed by a mere eight percent of all Yahoo owners.

If everyone did their homework for the upcoming scoring period, there is no reason why Sonnanstine's residence numbers should not be at 100 percent across the board.

Luckily for the slackers, I've prepared a cheat sheet.

It is correct when naysayers note that all of the starts by Sonnanstine come on the road next week. However, said starts are both in notoriously pitcher friendly ballparks.

The first of the two will be in Seattle, the second in Oakland.

At Safeco Field, Sonnanstine has a career 1.26 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP while limiting the Mariners' offense to a paltry .224 BA.

For the sabermetric kids in the audience, Sonnanstine fans 7.66 batters per nine innings and has an obscene 6:1 K/BB ratio in the Emerald City.

On the other hand, his stats by the Bay are a bit south of those put up in the Puget Sound. But these numbers are slightly skewed by one bad day in early May last year.

Sonnanstine returned to Oakland in August to dominate the A's, becoming the quickest pitcher in Rays history to win 12 games in a season.

Other "double your pleasure" advisable candidates:

Roy Halladay, Jake Peavy, Derek Lowe, Clayton Kershaw, Rich Harden, Jered Weaver, Andy Pettitte, and Armando Galarraga.

Prince of Thieves: Last Week's Best Base Stealers

4 SB: Jason Bartlett and Ian Kinsler

3 SB: Willy Taveras, Bobby Abreu, Ryan The Riot, Chone Figgins, Brent Lillibridge, and Carl Crawford

Power Rangers: Home Run Leaders in the Past Seven Days

5 HR: Carlos Pena

4 HR: Jemaine Dye and Carlos Quentin

3 HR: 11 players tied

Lineup Addenda: Week Three Pick-Ups

Asdrubal Cabrera 2B/SS Cleveland Indians

If there is one thing all fantasy baseball owners love, it's a hot-streaking, multiple position eligible flier. For now, Asdrubal Cabrera fits these criteria.

Batting .290, 20 points above his career average, in the young 2009 season Asdrubal has already scored seven times.

Of course, this recent tear can be attributed to a .409 BABIP, but no one will blame you for rolling the dice until he craps out.

Daniel Murphy OF New York Mets

Currently ranked third in the National League with 11 runs scored, outfielder Daniel Murphy has a power and speed combination which causes my fantasy heart to flutter.

When the Mets signed Gary Sheffield, his geriatric shadow suddenly darkened the sunny outlook of the Flushing prospect. But strong play out of the gate has allowed Murphy to cement a spot in New York's lineup.

Therefore, a 15/15 season coupled with an average around .280 are reasonable expectations from the sophomore.

Kyle Lohse P St. Louis Cardinals

Dave Duncan, the St. Louis pitching coach, has the uncanny ability to transform waiver wire material into fantasy worthy hurlers. His latest pet project, Kyle Lohse, is yet another example of Duncan's genius.

Before coming to the Cardinals, Lohse could be described as mediocre at best. But with a little help from Duncan, Lohse became an All-Star caliber pitcher in 2008, posting a career-low 3.78 ERA en route to a 15-6 record.

In his brief stint as a Redbird, Lohse is 11-3 at the new Busch Stadium with an excellent 3.04 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.

Next week, Lohse will be dealt the Cubbies at home, a team which he strikes out 7.25 batters per nine innings pitched.

Kosuke Fukudome OF Chicago Cubs

It is as equally difficult to endorse Fukudome as it is not to make a R-rated joke about his name. However, Kosuke has been raking in the stats for the Windy City's north side squad.

So far, the highly paid Japanese import is batting .371 and has collected three home runs, nine RBI, eight runs, and one stolen base to boot.

Yet there is no player in the majors that may have a bigger buyer beware tag along with purchase. At this time last year, Kosuke was scorching NL pitching to the tune of a .353 BA, but by season's end that number had dwindled to .257.

Seventh-Inning Stretch

Did anyone catch the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on SNL last week? Disappointing to say the least. They are infinitely better live. Karen-O, if you somehow read this article, I am currently single and free next weekend.

Notes from the Infirmary: Recent Disabled List Additions

Chris Carpenter P St. Louis Cardinals

A recent MRI revealed a torn oblique that will keep Carpenter out for the next four to eight weeks.

Pitching in only seven games in the last three seasons, a trip to the DL was inevitable. But no soothsayer could have foreseen the injury occurring in the batter's box rather than on the mound.

Kenji Johjima C Seattle Mariners

Don't call it a comeback, LL Cool Johjima. A right hamstring pull has landed the slumping backstop on the 15 day DL.

Daisuke Matsuzaka P Boston Red Sox

Dice-K has been diagnosed with a Dr. Nick Riviera-like "right arm fatigue" prognosis.

What exactly that is, or how long it will keep Matsuzaka out, are both unknown.

Xavier Nady OF New York Yankees

Rumors from the Yankee clubhouse whisper that Nady will be going under the knife for his second Tommy John procedure.

Thanks for two weeks of pinstriped memories this year, X-man. Hopefully we see you in 2010.

Two Outs in the Ninth: Streaming Pitcher Candidates for Week Three

Randy Wolf Los Angeles Dodgers

Coming off a nine-strikeout performance last Friday, Wolf is scheduled to toe the rubber next Thursday in Houston. At Minute Maid Park, Wolf has a career record of 6-2 with a 2.98 ERA.

Anthony Reyes Cleveland Indians

Reyes has never lost to Kansas City, his opponent on Wednesday. With a lifetime 1.32 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a .216 opponent's BA versus the Royals, Reyes will be as straight as the bill of his ballcap.

Jair Jurrjens Atlanta Braves

In the 29.2 innings Jurrjens has thrown against the Nationals he has struck out 22 batters. Furthermore, in the month of April, Jair has held opponents to an unwholesome .195 BA.

Good luck next week. Always remember you are playing the numbers, not the player.

All statistics are compiled through April 17.

Glen Perkins: A Week Two Sleeper Pitcher?

Grant McElroy — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:38:19 -0400

For those of you with a soft spot in your fantasy soul for pitchers who take the mound twice in one scoring period, I am attempting this season to compose a weekly column devoted to finding the most available yet economic options.

I define an economic and available pitcher as someone who is owned in less than 50% of standard fantasy leagues who will be a beneficial plug and play for your team.

Please note that starting pitchers are at the mercy of managerial decisions, weather, and a myriad of other factors which can affect double dipping status.

In the future I will focus on several players in one article. But with my work schedule and Easter weekend, for now I will profile only one player.

Glen Perkins—Minnesota Twins

Initially raised in the farm leagues as a reliever, Perkins was promoted to the Twins rotation last May. He responded by surprising even his organization posting a 12-4 record in 2008.

While the Golden Gopher alum isn't the type of power hurler that will strikeout many batters. He is an efficient pitcher that effectively uses the defense behind him.

This was evident in Perkins' 2009 debut when he merely needed 106 pitches to cruise through eight innings. Although he took the loss, Perkins gave up only one run on five hits, striking out four, and only walking one.

When starting in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Perkins has a career 3.54 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. This is most fortuitous for him as the Twins play host to both the Blue Jays and the Angels next week.

In games versus Toronto the small sample of lifetime stats by Perkins aren't so rosy. He is slated to duel with rookie Ricky Romero, who will be making his first ever start on the road.

On the contrary, Perkins threw eight shutout innings in Los Angeles in his only start against the Angels last year. The Halos plan to give the nod to aggregate 6.41 ERA pitcher Shane Loux.

Furthermore, this week's meeting of Anaheim and Minnesota is an afternoon contest. Perkins held opponents to a .269 BA during day games in 2008, 30 points lower than his night totals.

Finally, even though the Twin City tosser has an alarming composite 40.9% flyball rate, it must be noted that the Metrodome yielded the fewest long balls of any major league park last year.

Patience, Fantasy Grasshoppers

Grant McElroy — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:05:31 -0400

Daniel Larusso was a skinny kid from Jersey who was transplanted three time zones away on the West Coast. Soon after moving to California, he was regularly beaten up by local ruffians.

Luckily for Larusso, his apartment complex handyman was a martial arts master who agreed to teach him self defense.

But much to Daniel's chagrin, the Golden State sensei was reluctant to rush his relocated pupil's training. Daniel first had to learn to wax on and off.

Like the teaching style of Mr. Miyagi, patience must be practiced in fantasy baseball. You can't expect to take down the Cobra Kai dojo in the first week of the season.

Therefore I was shocked last Monday morning when I found a rival owner in a 12-team non-keeper public league had dropped Alex Rios for Atlanta upstart Jordan Schafer.

Rios had not even played an inning yet already had been discarded.

Was this owner a forecasting genius or impulsively mad?

At the risk of again being reprimanded for showing up late to work, I immediately consulted the true baseball oracle: the stat page.

While uber-prospect Jordan Schafer was the 99th player in the history of the game to homer in his first major league at bat, he has never clubbed more than 15 round trippers in a full season of farm system play.

In fact, last year Schafer only hit 10 home runs for the Braves Double-A affiliate and compiled a pedestrian .269 average.

However, following above said owner's logic, Schafer has tattooed two moonshots in a mere five games, thereby putting him on pace to crank more than 60 home runs.

Therefore in theory, picking up the young Brave at the expense of Rios seems like a good idea. After all, Alex so far is batting slightly above the Mendoza Line and also coming off a "disappointing" 15 HR, 32 SB 2008 campaign.

But as Blood, Sweat, and Tears preaches "What goes up, must come down," Sir Isaac Newton proved the inverse to be true as well.

By this I mean baseball is a game of averages. Statistics, through both droughts and hot streaks, have a way of settling back to their natural mathematical place.

For example, the Alabama-born Rios went deep 24 times in his 2007 breakout season. Yet the next year that total dwindled to 15. Fantasy owners were somewhat placated of the Toronto outfielder's lack of the long ball by his 32 stolen bases.

A closer study of the statistics, however, reveals the power outage to be a fluke.

In the first half of 2008, Rios hit four home runs while swiping an eyebrow-raising 23 bags. But after the All-Star break, he stole only nine bases while crushing 11 homers in 70 less at bats.

Though a 20/20 season has hitherto been attained, such a milestone can reasonably be expected from Rios in 2009.

After this brief comparison of the two outfielders, was the aforementioned roster move unwise?

No, it was certifiably Arkham Asylum insane. I look forward to trouncing this owner with Rios now occupying my utility position.

As a rational follow up question, what is to be learned from such a trigger-happy mistake?

Please do not lose faith in your veterans already. I know the temptation of a shiny new rookie is always appealing, but in non-keeper shallow league formats, these urges must be fought off.

If you forecast Schafer to continue to produce at this level for the entire year, you will be sorely disappointed. But relying on Rios to be a five-tool fantasy contributor is a safe bet.

To conclude, following the previous example of dropping an universally owned player for an undrafted novice is absolutely unwarranted this early in the season. There are six months of baseball yet to be played.

Only patience will perfect the all-conquering crane style.

Fantasy Baseball: Undervalued Players and Prospects for 2009

Grant McElroy — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:00:04 -0400

Today, the fantasy baseball season finally begins.

There are many titles to be defended and even more defeats to be avenged.

For those in yearly public leagues, it is a novel chance to display their genius and shrewdness as managers.

Either way, be prepared to come out guns a-blazing and not let up until the chambers are empty in early October. This is a six-month, O.K. Corral-style fight we are voluntarily and collectively entering.

While every team has its share of the Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday caliber kind of premier fantasy studs, it is the lesser known Virgil and Morgan Earp style players that maintain teams atop the standings and assist in winning championships.

Below is a short list of such players who are undervalued or up and coming which will either help you to a title or at least be a stopgap solution.

Kenji Johjima (Seattle Mariners)

Once considered a top-tier catcher, last year Johjima had a nightmare season, hitting a paltry .227 and setting career lows in hits, runs, RBI, and home runs.

Much of this can be attributed to an extremely unlucky .233 BABIP, light years below his lifetime mark of .275.

For those uninitiated with the BABIP stat, it stands for batting average on balls in play. Simply put, it is a percentage of at bats which result in a ball in play, excluding home runs. BABIP is the essential sabermetric statistic in determining flukes.

Normally, the league BABIP mean is just above .300.

As we all know, baseball is a game of averages and in time all ships will right themselves. Therefore, rather than Johjima's 2008 campaign becoming the norm, his stats should rebound toward his previous major league numbers.

However, since Kenji will be 33 this year, do not expect the statistics he puts up in 2009 to topple those of the past.

But with the threat of prospect Jeff Clement gone and an excellent performance in the World Baseball Classic, somewhere between 375 and 400 plate appearances does not seem out of the question.

These at-bats will result in an average around .270 and yield at least 10 home runs.

David Freese (St. Louis Cardinals)

The latest report out of the Cardinal camp is that resident third baseman Troy Glaus is, at the earliest, targeting an All-Star break return date from arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

As a result, David Freese has been handed the hot corner starting gig until Glaus is ready for action.

A career .307 minor league hitter, Freese crushed 26 homers and amassed 91 RBI last year for the Redbirds Triple-A affiliate.

Jayson Werth (Philadelphia Phillies)

During the 2008 post-season, Jayson Werth batted a clutch .316. This year, the major sport sites predict the product of the Home of Lincoln to hit less than his lifetime average with a regression in both power and speed numbers.

Where's the love?

As an everyday outfielder in an offensively stacked Philadelphia lineup, I see Werth as a 20/20 lock while posting a very respectable .275 batting average.

Randy Winn (San Francisco Giants)

Yes, Randy Winn is 35 years old. Yes, he plays for the powerless Giants.

However, Winn is a leadoff hitter with a career .288 BA who will collect double-digit totals in homers and steals.

You could do a lot worse for a third outfielder.

Brad Penny (Boston Red Sox)

In 2008, Brad Penny was the Opening Day starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this spring found himself battling for a spot at the back end of a Red Sox rotation.

Bothered by shoulder problems for the duration of last season, Penny has recently stated that he now feels better than he has in a year.

Throughout Boston's 2009 preseason, the Sooner State native compiled a 3.75 earned run average, and his fastball has been gunned as high as 96 miles per hour.

Whereas many pundits have argued that Penny is merely eating innings until the mid-season return of veteran John Smoltz or the recall of minor leaguer Clay Buchholz, it must be noted that Penny's career stats show he is a markedly better pitcher before the All-Star break.

Freddy Sanchez (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Like Penny, Freddy Sanchez dealt with a sore shoulder in 2008, causing him to hit a personal low mark of .270, considering his aggregate major league totals are 30 points higher.

Not long ago, the 2006 batting champion declared himself to be fully recovered. Therefore, consider the Pittsburgh second bagger to be free agent gold for an upgrade at the middle-infield position or for those looking to balance power hitters with a low BA.

Matt Wieters (Baltimore Orioles)

There is nothing I can write about baseball's best hitting prospect that hasn't been already been hyped. But a recent demotion to the minors has caused Wieters to hit more than a few waiver wires.

Do yourself a favor and check if he's available in yours.

Baltimore's backstop salvation is coming soon, and I am psyched. Do the kids still say "psyched"?

Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson (Oakland Athletics)

Both hurlers were top ten prospects. Each has been given a spot in the Athletics starting rotation. Cahill possesses a fastball and a knee buckling curve while Anderson has four different pitches with pinpoint control.

If kept in tact, they could be the basis of the next big three in Oakland (who remembers when Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson were all still relevant?).

As each rookie is respectively bound to be a star, the major concern is that because neither has seen much action above the Single-A level, have the A's advanced them too quickly?

Phillipe Aumont (Seattle Mariners)

The vortex of despair that is the Seattle bullpen looks terrible on paper, even for a team in the AL West.

Young Brendan Morrow has been reverted to late-game duties, but he alone will not quiet the riot which will be wrought upon the Puget Sound relievers.

If the bullpen is as bad as advertised, then a second-half promotion of 20-year-old pitching phenom Phillipe Aumont could be possible. This is an organization that brought up Felix Hernandez at the same age.

Standing at 6'7" and weighing 220 pounds, Aumont has been tabbed as the right-handed Canadian version of former mullet-coiffed Mariner mound king Randy Johnson.

During the recent World Baseball Classic, Team Canada found themselves in a bases loaded with no outs situation versus the United States. In front of a sold out Toronto crowd, they handed the ball over to Aumont.

The raw Quebecois responded by inducing David Wright into a broken bat infield fly before striking out Kevin Youkilis and Curtis Granderson, thereby retiring the side without a run scored.

If Aumont makes his major league debut in 2009, he will definitely be on my keeper lists for next year.

Apu and Yahoo Fantasy Loopholes

Grant McElroy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:29:54 -0400

A bear wanders into town down from the hills.

As a result a costly Bear Patrol is formed to prevent similar future occurrences. However, it is financed by a tax increase that causes the good citizens of Springfield to form an angry mob and storm the dishonorable Mayor Quimby's office. The always sashed municipal head in turn blames the higher taxes on illegal immigrants.

If this plotline sounds familiar, congratulations, you are a Simpsons fanatic. If not, do yourself a favor and go watch the episode Much Apu About Nothing.

Local Indian-American Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is allowed to take the United States citizenship test after a proposition is introduced to deport all persons illegally residing in the cartoon city limits because of a loophole.

Like the Jolly Bengali of this classic animated chapter, those who participate in Yahoo fantasy rotisserie leagues can benefit from a loophole in the rules.

Every year as the baseball season dwindles down, one of the senior Yahoo writers composes a column dedicated to maximizing the 1250 innings allowed for your pitching staff.

The main emphasis of these articles is always that if an owner has only one eligible inning left, the stats accrued by all of the hurlers that take the mound the day the limit expires will count.

Therefore, you can reap the benefits of the efforts of seven pitchers for the cost of three measly outs.

Similarly, as both the fantasy hockey and basketball seasons are quickly coming to a conclusion, this loophole should be effectively utilized.

In basketball, Yahoo default settings allow you to play two centers and two utility cagers per day. If you find yourself with only one remaining game at either position, make sure to start two to double your statistical pleasure.

This exploitable technicality is more easily abused in fantasy hockey for standard Yahoo leagues use two centers, right wingers, left wingers, goalies, and four defensemen. Following the preceding hardcourt example, milk every second of ice time to propel yourself for one final push up the standings.

The Goonies, Happy Gilmore, and Groin Injuries: Fantasy Hockey Center Pickups

Grant McElroy — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:32:53 -0400

March 8th has been a rather significant date in history.

On this particular day Mahatma Ghandi first employed his version of civil disobediance in India. Smokin' Joe Frazier won a decision over a previously undefeated Muhammed Ali. Three time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl Kathy Ireland was born.

On a more personal level, March 8 of this year was the day that I finally lost faith in and dropped Philadelphia Flyer Daniel Briere from my main fantasy hockey team.

For four months I rostered the injured center hoping he would return to the ice with the brilliance he had displayed over the past two years.

News of possible comebacks peppered the winter months but never came to fruition. Rehabilitating free skates always seemed to end back in the trainer's room.

But at the end of February a concrete date for a return to action was finally set for Briere.

However, after learning on March 5th that Danny had once again tweaked his ever persistent groin injury, I became Goonie Chunk's impression of Popeye, right before he broke the water cooler in the Fratelli's basement: I had taken all I could stands, and I couldn't stands no more.

At the time I thought the move made sense. The Flyers are a team with two 70 point playmakers in Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Furthermore, the center position is always the deepest in the free agent pool and I was quickly losing ground in the goalie stat categories. So I dropped Briere for Buffalo netminder Patrick Lalime.

I will pause here for you to chuckle.

Not since Virginia Venit scored from mid-rink in the movie Happy Gilmore has there been a bigger all time backfire on ice.

In the past three games Briere has scored three goals, notched two assists and spent six minutes in the sin bin. He has taken 10 shots on goal and has three power play points to boot.

If you happen to be in a league where Briere remains on the waiver wire, pick him up immediately. He is now part of the red hot first power play unit for the Flyers.

If not, here are some other centers to help you down the home stretch.

Sam Gagner

This second year skater has been one of the hottest players in the NHL over the past week. The young Oiler has six points, four goals and two assists during that span. Expect him to maintain this level of intensity as Edmonton desperately holds on to one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.

Steven Stamkos

Finally Stamkos is playing like the phenom he has been touted to be. Stamkos has 11 points in his last 10 March games, netting four goals in his last three. Equally impressive, three of those goals have come on the power play. Currently skating alongside Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis on Tampa Bay's first line, consider riding the Lightning rookie while he's on fire.

Maxim Lapierre

In the constant shakeup that is the Canadien lineup, Maxim Lapierre has recently found himself centering the top line. Montreal is in danger of missing the playoffs in the centennial anniversary of their organization, so they are rolling with the hot hand. Those in deeper leagues should follow suit.

Over the past week the universally unowned Lapierre has three goals and one assist with a plus six rating.

Jaime Lundmark

In his last 14 games Jaime Lundmark has six goals and five assists. If you participate in a league deep enough to start Calgary's Lundmark, drop me a line because next season I want in.

Rod Brind'Amour

Brind'Amour has suddenly returned to his Sega Genesis NHL Live point per game form. Helping the Hurricanes to a four game win streak, the 39 year old center has five goals and eight assists in his last 10 games. Roll with this dinosaur before he again becomes extinct.

Fantasy Basketball Pickups: Guards to Get You to Your Destination

Grant McElroy — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:33:11 -0400

I've never been a proponent of using the cruise control while driving. Maybe it is because subconsciously I know it's safer to go at the flow of traffic. Most likely the reason is I have only owned one automobile on which this feature worked.

Someday I will win a new car on the Price Is Right, but until then I'll continue to roll in decade old used models.

It is that time of year that many of us in the fantasy basketball community begin to coast along with our lineups, accepting the status quo.

I am especially guilty of this offense, in one league holding on to New Orleans guard Peja Stojakovic. By continuing to roster the Belgrade-born dinosaur who has not played since the beginning of March due to back spasms, I've watched other teams once in my rearview mirror overtake me in the standings.

Absolutely inexcusable.

If you are like me and have gotten lazy or you need help at the guard position, allow me to share some of the research I've done. Below is a short list of shooting guards, all who qualify at other positions as well, that will get you back up to speed.

Rasual Butler

Peja's teammate Rasual Butler has forgotten that he has been a rather pedestrian player for the last seven seasons and begun to produce quality fantasy stat lines.

Before the All Star game in February, the former La Salle Explorer was scoring slightly less than ten points a game. However, since the break that number has skyrocketed to 17.6 points per contest.

During the month of March, Butler's stats continue to rise. In the seven games the Hornets have played, Rasual is shooting 48 percent from the field and averaging 18.9 points. As an added bonus, he is draining three shots from beyond the arc per game. (Peja who?)

Next week, New Orleans has all of their match-ups at home, hosting the Rockets, Timberwolves and Grizzlies. Look for Butler to light up Minnesota and Memphis as both of these squads allow opposing teams to score in triple digits on a nightly basis.

Matt Barnes

On February 20th, Phoenix superstar Amar'e Stoudemire underwent surgery to repair a detached retina. The procedure will keep the perennial all star out for the rest of the season.

As a result, journeyman Matt Barnes has found himself now included in the Suns starting five.

In the games he has started since the promotion, Barnes has averaged 19.3 points and 5.1 assists per game. Furthermore, he is making an incredible 55 percent of his shot attempts.

While Phoenix seems to be quickly dropping out of playoff contention, do not believe they will go without a fight. The Suns are four games out of the eighth seed for post season in the Western Conference, so if Barnes remains hot he will be a great play for the rest of the season.

Mike Conley

If no one in your league has joined the Mike Conley bandwagon, feel free to hop aboard.

Conley has posted double digit point totals in 19 of his last 20 games. The only exception occurred when Clipper guard Baron Davis broke Conley's left front tooth with an elbow to the mouth causing him to exit the game early in the first quarter.

Because the pitiful Grizzlies have won a whopping 16 games this season, there is no danger of Conley being rested for the Playoffs. His overall statistic lines are not those of a top tier guard, but he has a great deal of value as a number two option.

Conley has averaged 14.7 points and 6.2 assists per game so far in the month of March.

Fantasy Hockey Advice: Masters of the Universe and Waiver-Wire Goalies

Grant McElroy — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:19:47 -0500

The trade deadline in the NHL has passed, and in all likelihood swapping skaters is no longer allowed in your fantasy hockey league. Hopefully, particular needs were addressed before the cutoff.

Making headway in categories such as goals, assists and power play points with players off the waiver wire this late in the season is extremely difficult.

If there remains 60 point performers in your free agent pool, by the power of Grayskull, how are you not master of your fantasy hockey universe?

If not, keep combing for a miracle.

However, gaining ground in certain statistical areas can still be accomplished.

In fantasy baseball, many owners choose to plug and play unowned pitchers in a process called streaming, thereby maximizing the number of innings allowed while at the same time exploiting favorable match-ups.

In fantasy hockey, the same process can be used with goaltenders.

By no means am I advocating the releasing of stud netminders such as Niklas Backstrom or Tim Thomas.

But by dropping that roster space wasting, never used forward for one of the goalies in the short list below, your team will transform from a cowardly green Cringer into a courageous Battle Cat.

Patrick Lalime (Buffalo Sabres)

After franchise goalie Ryan Miller suffered a high ankle sprain, trade rumors quickly began to swirl about Buffalo. The Sabres supposedly were targeting veterans Manny Fernandez and Kevin Weekes to keep them in playoff contention until Miller was healthy again.

Instead, they opted to hand the reins to backup Patrick Lalime.

Many analysts believed it was an unwise decision because Lalime hasn't been a relevant goalie since leaving Ottawa four years ago.

However, Lalime has responded by going 2-2-1 after becoming the starter and posting a 1.58 goals against average (GAA) and a .949 save percentage (SV%) during that span.

Furthermore, Lalime has allowed only five goals in his last four starts.

Next week, the Sabres have tough match-ups at Philadelphia and at home vs. the Panthers and the Thrashers.

While Lalime may look like an ordinary Prince Adam against the Flyers and Florida, use Buffalo's He-Man of late with confidence when Atlanta comes to town.

Martin Gerber (Toronto Maple Leafs)

As if Toronto's situation isn't dismal enough, recently starting goalie Vesa Toskala revealed he would have season-ending hip surgery.

With nothing to lose, the Maple Leafs signed Ottawa castoff Martin Gerber to man the pipes for the remainder of a forgettable year.

In his debut in a new blue uniform, Gerber reinvented himself into a Man-at-Arms, stopping 37 of 38 shots en route to his first win of 2009. In fact, he carried a shutout until the final minute last Friday against the Capitals.

Since the Toronto goalie position is a bleak fantasy option, you must pick and choose when to play wisely. Gerber is an advisable start when the Maple Leafs host the Islanders and the Lightning next week.

Jaroslav Halak (Montreal Canadiens)

Canadien coach Guy Carbonneau has vowed to play the hot-handed Halak until he cools off. The young Czech netminder was 7-3 in his last 10 and won four starts in a row before coming down with the flu.

In his absence, former goalie prince Carey Price was given the nod but lost both games he started.

Montreal eagerly awaits the return of their own personal Skeletor, otherwise known as Halak, for he is the evil lord of destruction to their opponents.

Available in half of CBS leagues and two-thirds of those on Yahoo, Jaroslav is also ranked fourth among goaltenders by ESPN over the past two weeks.

During the upcoming scoring period, the Canadiens play all three of their games in Montreal. Halak is 11-3 this season at home and is therefore a very strong play if fully recovered.

Manny Fernandez (Boston Bruins)

Fernandez was a hot commodity before the new year, but has not won a game since early January. Coupled with a history of chronic back problems, Manny now is widely available.

With back-to-back games next weekend, you could do a lot worse on the waiver wire. After all, Fernandez is fifth in the NHL in GAA with a mark of 2.32.

Dwayne Roloson (Edmonton Oilers)

While Roloson is not a top tier goaltender, he is the constant number two who helps win fantasy championships. Next week the Oilers host the Thrashers and the Avalanche.

Roloson has never lost to Atlanta. On the other hand, his career numbers against Colorado are not so spectacular. But this year the Avalanche are horrendous, currently occupying the uncoveted position of last place in the Western Conference.

In his only start vs. Colorado this season, Dwayne posted a 1.38 GAA an a .938 SV% in an overtime loss. Roll the dice with Roloson.

Ben Wallace Suffers a Broken Fibula Thursday Night

Grant McElroy — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:54:57 -0500

Cleveland Cavalier defensive specialist Ben Wallace sustained a broken right fibula in the second quarter of Thursday night's matchup against the Houston Rockets. Originally speculated to be a strained calf muscle, tests performed later revealed a bone fracture.

The injury was the result of a collision with Houston All-Star center Yao Ming.

As a testament to the toughness of Wallace, he played through the pain into the third quarter before heading to the locker room. Wallace returned on crutches in the fourth to the Cleveland bench sporting a temporary cast.

While the injury is not considered to be season-ending, Wallace will miss a few weeks of action. Expect Cavalier big men Anderson Varejao and Lorenzen Wright to see an immediate increase in playing time.

Wallace has averaged three points and 6.6 rebounds per game this year.

The 10 Greatest Fictional Boxers of All Time

Grant McElroy — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:12:39 -0500

A couple of weeks ago, I was squandering the night away in a dive. On the television was an old boxing match with the sound switched off. Inevitably, the other patrons and I became thouroughly engrossed in a debate about legendary boxers. In turn the topic shifted from reality to fantasy, but no clear hierarchy was established. Too long has this important subject gone unresolved plaguing mankind. Finally, a list has been created putting the argument over the greatest fictitious boxer to rest.

Begin Slideshow

Dear John Letter: My Break-Up With ESPN

Grant McElroy — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:57:45 -0500

Dear ESPN,

I've been debating about this for a while, but today I can say with absolute certainty that it is time for us to break up.

We've had some good times together, memories I will always cherish, and you are a great network many would be lucky to have.

However, Tuesday morning was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

As you know, when I wake up I eat my oatmeal, and watch your SportsCenter. I suffer through the endless amount of commercial breaks. I deal with your indifference towards hockey. But I cannot endure over thirty minutes of coverage devoted to Alex Rodriguez and his recent admission of steroid use.

Seriously? Over thirty minutes?

SportsCenter is only an hour long program.

I am originally from Illinois. When I first heard of now ex-governor Rod Blagojevich trying to sell a vacant United States Senate seat, I was not surprised. That's business as usual in the Land of Lincoln.

Along the same lines, I'm not shocked by the news that a baseball player used performance enhancing drugs. For the past ten years it has been the norm. Why don't you do a story on the small number of players that did not juice up their stats?

Or better yet, how about a scathing report on the commissioner who allowed rampant steroid use to occur during his watch? That would be newsworthy.

Whatever respect I had left for you and our relationship is now gone.

Furthermore, over the past couple of years you have spread yourself too thin. I've never had a cable or satellite provider that carried ESPNU. How many quality games have I missed for this reason? Soon I fear the ESPN8, "The Ocho," joke in the movie Dodgeball will become a reality.

Please, don't cry. I'm sorry to end this so close to Valentine's Day. I still want to remain friends, but I feel we have grown too far apart to be together any longer.

Sincerely,

Grant

P.S. It is definitely you that is the problem, not me.

Carpenter, Duncan, and Zeppelin: The 2009 St. Louis Cardinals Projected Rotation

Grant McElroy — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:04:36 -0500

Path One of Projected Rotation

Chris Carpenter
Adam Wainwright
Kyle Lohse
Todd Wellemeyer
Joel Pineiro

Path Two of Projected Rotation

Adam Wainwright
Kyle Lohse
Todd Wellemeyer
Joel Pineiro
Kyle McClellan/Mitchell Boggs

It was either Plato or Plant who stated, "There are two paths you can go by...there's still time to change the road you're on."

This seems to be the approach the St. Louis Cardinals are taking with their starting pitching rotation for the upcoming 2009 baseball season.

Chris Carpenter, the oft-injured staff ace, makes a much anticipated return to the Redbird clubhouse this year. If even a semblance of his 2005 Cy Young Award winning form takes the mound, then no one in the National League can compete with the one-two punch of Carpenter and fellow starter Adam Wainwright.

On the other hand, if the injuries continue to plague Carpenter, the outlook is no longer so rosy. The Cardinals have relief pitcher Kyle McClellan training as a starter this spring as a safety net.

While Cardinal fans have a myriad of opinions about head skipper Tony La Russa, nearly all of them agree upon the genius of pitching coach Dave Duncan. Duncan is a straight shooting, superb judge of talent who once threatened to resign when the front office traded then prospect Dan Haren to the Oakland Athletics for Mark Mulder.

Want to guess who was right on that call?

Also, in 2006 Duncan shaped midseason acquisition humdrum Jeff Weaver into a World Series caliber starter with only two months of instruction.

Therefore, the Redbird nation can take a collective sigh of relief because Duncan is very optimistic about Carpenter being a part of the opening day rotation. In a recent radio interview Duncan revealed that Cardinal head trainer Barry Weinberg has cleared Carpenter for a normal spring training with no need to tread lightly.

If Carpenter is somehow not ready to perform, Adam Wainwright will once again be the top starter. In 2007, with Carpenter lost for the season due to Tommy John surgery, Wainwright responded by pitching over 200 innings en route to a 14-12 record.

As the staff ace last season he posted a 11-3 mark, but missed three months because of a dislocated middle finger.

Both Kyle Lohse and converted reliever Todd Wellemeyer got off to boiling starts in 2008, but each simmered down after the All-Star Break. Whereas the two are passably effective as the second and third men in the rotation, they are much more attractive options in the third and fourth spots.

Joel Pineiro finishes off the Cardinals succession of projected starters, but he is to the rotation what Meg White is to the White Stripes: average and interchangeable.

However, Dave Duncan expects more than last year's 7-7 performance. Pineiro is reportedly in better shape this spring, probably because he is in the last year of his contract and is pitching for a new deal.

Prospect Mitchell Boggs is next in line behind Kyle McClellan if any of these starters should falter. Boggs went 9-3 while striking out 81 batters for the Cardinals Triple A affiliate last year.

All in all, it is difficult to say that the fate of a team rests with one man's arm. But Chris Carpenter has the ability to transform a middle of the road St. Louis squad into a dark horse World Series contender.

One of Baseball's Unbreakable Records Was Set By a Hack

Grant McElroy — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:02:19 -0500

With another Super Bowl passed, it is officially time for fantasy maniacs to begin preparing for the upcoming baseball season. There are numbers to be analyzed and draft strategies to be formulated.

So in this spirit I would like to ask you, the dear reader, to compare the following stat lines:

Player One .326 BA 17 HR 83 RBI 118 Runs

Player Two .357 BA 37 HR 116 RBI 100 Runs

Player Three .356 BA 56 HR 191 RBI 146 Runs

Dustin Pedroia, the young second base phenom of the Boston Red Sox, is Player One. Player Two is the St. Louis uber slugger, Albert Pujols. These were the numbers that earned both the honor of being named the Most Valuable Player of their respective leagues last year.

The third line of stats belong to Lewis Robert Wilson in 1930. More affectionately known as "Hack," that year he had one of the greatest offensive seasons in the history of baseball.

Born on April 26, 1900 in a small steel mining town in Pennsylvania. Wilson began his major league career with the New York Giants. Fans were bowled over by his unusual frame. Wilson was 5'6" tall and had size six feet, but weighed 195 pounds.

After three somewhat mediocre seasons with the Giants, he was released by New York and signed with the Chicago Cubs.

In the Windy City, Hack quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters in baseball. He also gained a reputation for himself off the field. The only talent Wilson had that could match his magic in the batter's box was the ability to consume enough alcohol to cause Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, to become jealous.

Wilson had been known to say that he never played a game drunk, he was merely hungover. Through headaches and bloodshot eyes Hack somehow collected 191 runs batted in (RBI) in one season, a baseball record which will stand forever.

In the year 1930, the Twinkie was invented, the first World Cup was played, and the ground rule double was born. Furthermore, that year saw the live ball era come to full fruition.

A decade prior, baseball was mired in the dead ball period. It was named so because of the condition the baseball was in by the end of a game. At the time, a ball was extremely expensive, so the same one was used as long as possible. Fans had to throw foul balls back onto the field. After nine innings the baseball would be dented and covered in dirt and tobacco juice.

Under these circumstances it became very hard for batters to identify the location of pitches, especially late in the game. One player, Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman, died because he was beaned in the head by a pitch he never saw coming.

As a result, a new rule was instituted requiring the umpires to replace the ball every time it got dirty, thusly also outlawing the spitball. The scales immediately tipped in favor of the batter and baseball entered the live ball era.

This in turn allowed Hack Wilson to set the bar so high for single season RBI that his mark will forever be unattainable. In fact, no one has come within 20 RBI of the record since Lou Gehrig in 1938.

What is amazing is Wilson never hit a grand slam in 1930.

What is more astonishing is that until 10 years ago, Wilson was credited for 190 RBI. However, a baseball historian discovered that Hack was responsible for one more batted in run, raising his total to 191.

During Wilson's once in a millennium season he also hit a National League best 56 home runs. This number stood until the juiced up race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in 1998.

Even though Hack Wilson rapidly became one of baseball's elite, his plummet into obscurity was twice as fast. In 1931, his average dropped 95 points to .261. He also only hit 13 home runs and 61 RBI.

Although his numbers rebounded the next year, disagreements with his new manager and an ever growing dependence on alcohol caused Wilson to be traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was immediately shipped to the Brooklyn Dodgers without ever stepping on the field as a Redbird.

Four short years later, Wilson found himself out of the major leagues and working in a military defense factory. After that, he took odd jobs as a groundskeeper and a public pool manager. Wilson died at age 48 from internal hemorrhaging believed to be due to his alcoholism.

The career of Hack Wilson lasted a mere twelve seasons, a major factor why the Baseball Writers' Association of America never inducted him into the Hall of Fame. However, the Veterans' Committee, the other deciding body in charge of immortalizing a baseball player, voted in 1979 to include Wilson in Cooperstown.

Turn Signals and Flames: A Brief Look Ahead at Fantasy Hockey Week 18

Grant McElroy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:18:45 -0500

The right hand turn signal on my car does not work. The wiring is loose and I don't have the money to fix it, so I have to manually move the lever up and down.

But sometimes the planets align and I hit a pothole causing the wires to connect. As a result, I am able to signal hands free like every other motorist.

The cosmos smiled upon me last week and for a full day I was elated to be able to express my automated route intentions. Knowing this bliss would last only until the next pothole jars the wires loose again, I was making three right hand turns instead of one left.

I had to exploit it while it was hot.

In fantasy hockey, the astute owner does the same. Recognizing a positive streak and how to take advantage of it is a key to winning championships.

For example, anyone starting a fantasy relevant Calgary skater is more than satisfied right now. The Flames have been en fuego lately defeating the NHL best San Jose Sharks twice, contributing to an 8-3 January record.

Next week, Calgary plays four times: on the road at Colorado and Dallas before coming home to host Chicago and Anaheim.

This season the Flames have owned the Avalanche, besting them four out of the five times they have met. This is not surprising as Calgary boasts one of the highest scoring offenses in the NHL. Approximately 20 percent of their goals come on the power play.

On the other hand, the Blackhawks have already beaten the Flames three times this season. However, Chicago is stumbling into town in the middle of an eight game road trip having posted a 4-5-1 record in their last ten.

Next week look for Michael Cammalleri to continue streaking after scoring 11 goals in the month of January. Also, Dion Phaneuf has 43 penalty minutes and Jerome Iginla has 41 goals in 46 games in their respective careers versus Anaheim.

Tampa Bay Lightning

It's time to take a page out of the Metallica playbook and ride the Lightning. But with two games on the road and one of those in Pittsburgh? Am I crazy?

Hear me out.

Tampa Bay has of late begun to resemble an actual NHL team. The Lightning went 7-7 in January, which, when adjusted for hockey inflation, is rather remarkable.

In week 18 Tampa Bay visits the Penguins in between a home and away series against New York Islanders. This season the Lightning have already fallen to both teams, being shut out in late December by Pittsburgh and losing in overtime to New York.

But these matchups of three Eastern Conference basement dwelling squads, the edge goes to the one with the hot hand. Bolstered by the solid play of young netminder Mike Smith, the Lightning are a great play next week. In fact, before being pummelled by the Flyers last Friday, Smith was tied with perennial all star goalie Robert Luongo with a save percentage of .919.

The impetus of this turnaround has been the awakening of Vincent Lecavalier. He has 19 points in his last 15 games. Finally, the must start fantasy center is living up to preseason expectations.

Others to watch for:

Martin St. Louis has 11 goals and 17 assists in his career versus the Penguins. Vaclav Prospal has a lifetime 30 points in 40 games against the Islanders, 12 of those points scored on the power play.

Detroit Red Wings

It is usually a no brainer that an owner can ride the Red Wings to a fantasy victory. However, Detroit is currently mired in a serious funk.

The Red Wings have lost five in a row, a major part of a 4-4-2 record in their last ten. To add to their woes, 73 million dollar center Henrik Zetterberg was held out Saturday's game with back spasms.

Why then is Detroit a great play? Simple. They play four games next week, three of them at home. St. Louis, Phoenix and Edmonton all will travel to Motown before the Red Wings pack up for Pittsburgh. With the third ranked offense and the best power play in the NHL, all of these games are winnable for Detroit.

But this is a fantasy article and wins only count for goalies. Hopefully you are not too heavily invested in the timeshare between Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin.

Earlier this season, six different Red Wings notched goals in a loss to the Penguins. Even though veteran Marian Hossa was not one of those players (although he was responsible for two assists), he does have 41 points in 35 career games against Pittsburgh.

Another Detroit player in line to fill the stat sheet is Pavel Datsyuk. In 39 games versus the Blues the Russian center has 15 goals and 33 assists.

Now a few quick one timers to consider for next week. All of these skaters are widely available.

Jaime Langenbrunner - New Jersey Devils

Langenbrunner scored six of his 14 goals this season in his last three games. Langenbrunner is on the Devils' first line alongside Zach Parise and Travis Zajac.

Tim Connolly - Buffalo Sabres

Sabre Tim Connolly has three goals and two assists in his last two games. Buffalo plays four games next week.

Dominic Moore - Toronto Maple Leafs

First line Maple Leaf center Dominic Moore has six points in the last three games. While Toronto has a tough few games coming up, as mentioned above, you have to exploit it when it's hot.

Fantasy Basketball: Replacements For Owners Blue About Redd

Grant McElroy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:28:40 -0500

Last Saturday night Michael Redd, the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks, had his season cut short when he tore both his ACL and MCL.

Your fantasy basketball season does not have to end as well. Don't be that owner. Several measures can be taken to alleviate your pain.

First, unless you participate in a keeper league with an injured reserve, drop Redd. Check your waiver wire for Ramon Sessions, the likely recipient of minutes in a new Milwaukee playing time vacuum. This might prove difficult because the ownership of Sessions has risen fifty percent in CBS leagues alone since last weekend.

If you were not quick enough to land Sessions, try to put together a trade for Ben Gordon of the Bulls or the Kings' John Salmons. Both have nearly identical numbers to Redd.

However, I realize either of these options may not be feasible for many fantasy owners. Therefore I have compiled a short list of stop-gap replacements for Michael Redd.

Flip Murray, Atlanta Hawks

Currently the Hawks are in a bit of a funk. Losers of four of their last six, last Monday Atlanta was held to a franchise record low 27 points in the first half.

One of the only bright spots on the Hawks roster lately has been the play of reserve guard Flip Murray. During the month of January Murray has been averaging 13.1 points per game off the bench. Also, he has put up double digit scores in seven of the last eight games.

Even though he did have 23 points in 25 minutes last Friday, his statistics are still too inconsistent to be considered worthy of everyday shallow league fantasy play. Be that as it may, one could do much worse for a replacement in a deeper format.

Sasha Pavlovic, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland guard Delonte West recently suffered a fractured right wrist that will keep him out of action for the next four to six months.

In his stead Sasha Pavlovic has been promoted to the starting five of a Cleveland squad still unbeaten at home. Known more for his defensive prowess, Pavlovic has been averaging 11.7 points a game since West's injury.

For those fantasy owners involved in leagues that reward three pointers, the Serbian born shooting guard is draining 2.2 per contest.

The Cavaliers are averaging triple digit scores every time they take the court. Also for those in head to head formats, Cleveland has seven four game weeks remaining this season. Therefore, Pavlovic is an excellent stop-gap pickup.

Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz

In a season mired by injuries for the Utah Jazz, Ronnie Brewer has been the model of durability. The former Razorback has missed only one game due to a funeral.

Consistency is another matter. His scoring totals have been all over the map this year. On the other hand, his overall averages make him an acceptable replacement option. So it you are a Ron Popeil, "set it and forget it" style of owner, Brewer is your man.

It is also interesting to note Brewer has started four games at small forward this year. One more start will qualify him for multi-position eligibility in many leagues.

Raja Bell, Charlotte Bobcats

Raja Bell has been reborn after being traded to the Bobcats. In his last ten games he is scoring 15.6 points per game, five points higher than his season average.

In that same span Bell is hitting 95 percent of his free throw attempts. It will be impossible for him to keep up this pace at the charity stripe because he is a career 76 percent free throw shooter. Enjoy it while he's hot.

For these reasons Raja Bell has become one of Charlotte's top scoring threats. His point totals will only improve if Gerald Wallace misses significant time with a collapsed lung suffered Wednesday night.