| HITTERS SEASON |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Standings and Stats Update
CATEGORY STANDINGS - Games Played Through Tuesday April 26
Monday, April 25, 2011
Week 4: Last place is mine!
It's taken some doing, but I've successfully sunk to the bottom of the heap. 12th in a 12-team league.
Is it time to hit the panic button? Punt on the season and start playing for next year? At this time last year, I was in first place. At the time, I was riding a hot start from SS Alex Gonzalez ($2) and SP Colby Lewis ($6). I finished 6th, mainly due to injuries such as the season-ending concussing of Justin Morneau. I made the trade for Ellsbury, but he got hurt, too. My league-mates all agreed I was torpedoed by the DL.
Now, I'm off to the opposite start. What to do? It seems 2 or 3 hot players -- or cold players -- can make all the difference a league this tight and competitive. So far, I'm all cold.
Pitching so far is my downfall. Buchholz and Lewis, who "anchored my rotation" last year, are off to tough starts. The fliers I took on Ogando ($2) and Litsch ($4) may pay off, though. Not paying for a closer seems silly now, with Papelbon, Soria, and Rivera only making mid-$20s. I've got zero saves, although so do 4 other teams. My strategy was to take power set-up guys to work the Ks, ERA, and WHIP categories, figuring one of them might end up closing at some point during the season. Daniel Bard was job 1... The bidding war got up to $14, which I'm fine with. Darren O'Day ($1), Bobby Jenks ($3), Octavio Dotel ($1), and Ryan Perry ($1) round out the bullpen. I thought Ogando was going to be part of this crew, but he's been a revelation as a starter so far.
As for hitting, is it just my imagination or are a LOT of hitters off to slow starts this year? It'sreasonable a virtual lock that hitters will warm up as the summer does. The time to buy hitting is now. And the time to not panic on hitting is now. How patient an owner is will determine what kind of trades go down. Already Adrian Gonzalez, Derek Jeter, BJ Upton, and Derrek Lee have been moved. A guy like Youkilis (.222) at an affordable $36 would be a nice target here; he'll be hitting in the middle of a killer line-up that will almost certainly put up big crooked numbers this summer when the wind starts blowing out at Fenway.
The key to my season may very well be Joe Mauer. I locked him up for 2 more years at $29. The last time I wrote him off because of weird injuries was 2009, then he came back and knocked the cover off the ball for 4 months. Getting him back may be the best trade I can make... Assuming I don't panic in the meantime.
Is it time to hit the panic button? Punt on the season and start playing for next year? At this time last year, I was in first place. At the time, I was riding a hot start from SS Alex Gonzalez ($2) and SP Colby Lewis ($6). I finished 6th, mainly due to injuries such as the season-ending concussing of Justin Morneau. I made the trade for Ellsbury, but he got hurt, too. My league-mates all agreed I was torpedoed by the DL.
Now, I'm off to the opposite start. What to do? It seems 2 or 3 hot players -- or cold players -- can make all the difference a league this tight and competitive. So far, I'm all cold.
Pitching so far is my downfall. Buchholz and Lewis, who "anchored my rotation" last year, are off to tough starts. The fliers I took on Ogando ($2) and Litsch ($4) may pay off, though. Not paying for a closer seems silly now, with Papelbon, Soria, and Rivera only making mid-$20s. I've got zero saves, although so do 4 other teams. My strategy was to take power set-up guys to work the Ks, ERA, and WHIP categories, figuring one of them might end up closing at some point during the season. Daniel Bard was job 1... The bidding war got up to $14, which I'm fine with. Darren O'Day ($1), Bobby Jenks ($3), Octavio Dotel ($1), and Ryan Perry ($1) round out the bullpen. I thought Ogando was going to be part of this crew, but he's been a revelation as a starter so far.
As for hitting, is it just my imagination or are a LOT of hitters off to slow starts this year? It's
The key to my season may very well be Joe Mauer. I locked him up for 2 more years at $29. The last time I wrote him off because of weird injuries was 2009, then he came back and knocked the cover off the ball for 4 months. Getting him back may be the best trade I can make... Assuming I don't panic in the meantime.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 3 : No Roster Moves
This is a tough situation. I always want to be making moves. I figure with guys on the DL, I can add a new player, reserve the disabled player, and end up controlling more players. Controlling players I think is huge in this AL-only league. You know how excited you get when somebody pops up on a most-added list in your regular leagues? That hot young call-up, or guy breaking out, or the guy getting a chance at saves because of an injury to the incumbent closer? Yah, well in this league, he's already gone. Disappointing and frustrating.
This week, I have Mauer and Ryan Perry on the DL. That leaves me 2 slots to add from the free agent pool -- or more appropriately, the free-agent puddle. But I wasn't particularly enthused with any of the FA pitchers right now, and who wants to add a back-up catcher to their active line-up? I'll simply wait for both guys to come off the DL, though it pains me a bit to have dead spots in the active line-up.
The one guy I did want to make a bid on was Chris Davis. Following the injury to Josh Hamilton, he got called up this past week, reward for tearing up Triple-A once again. This is the same guy who was a starting 1B just two years ago. He's got power galore, and he hits is an uber-favorable hitters park. Before the season started, I exchanged tweets with Chad Finn of the Boston Globe regarding Mitch Moreland. I said remember Chris Davis is there too! He said:
Here's the latest on Davis:
With the solid Daric Barton at 1B, promising thumper Mark Trumbo at CI, and ROY-runner-up Danny Valencia at 3B, at I simply have no roster spot available to add Davis. To date, Davis hasn't had an at-bat. His best shot at playing time is still probably a trade. So he'll end up being a missed opportunity of sorts, like the Legend of Sam Fuld. Ugh, I'm eating my heart out over here!
This week, I have Mauer and Ryan Perry on the DL. That leaves me 2 slots to add from the free agent pool -- or more appropriately, the free-agent puddle. But I wasn't particularly enthused with any of the FA pitchers right now, and who wants to add a back-up catcher to their active line-up? I'll simply wait for both guys to come off the DL, though it pains me a bit to have dead spots in the active line-up.
The one guy I did want to make a bid on was Chris Davis. Following the injury to Josh Hamilton, he got called up this past week, reward for tearing up Triple-A once again. This is the same guy who was a starting 1B just two years ago. He's got power galore, and he hits is an uber-favorable hitters park. Before the season started, I exchanged tweets with Chad Finn of the Boston Globe regarding Mitch Moreland. I said remember Chris Davis is there too! He said:
GlobeChadFinn Mar 22, 10:07pm via Web
Here's the latest on Davis:
Chris Davis - 1B - Texas Rangers
Rangers recalled INF Chris Davis from Triple-A Round Rock.
Rangers manager Ron Washington plans to give Mitch Moreland some time in the outfield, so Davis could see some time at first base if he swings the bat well enough. The 25-year-old has had numerous chances in the big leagues, but has a .248 batting average and 278 strikeouts over 806 at-bats. He's worth an add in AL-only leagues based on his power potential. Apr. 13 - 12:34 pm
Monday, April 11, 2011
What a Difference a Week Makes
OK, everybody who saw it coming that Manny would retire a week into the season, speak now.
[Crickets.]
That's what I thought.
As one of my leaguemates put it:
One positive is that it opens up the big door of opportunity potential playing time for aSam Fuld, all 5'8" 170 pounds of him. He's already made several sparkling plays in the field, where he plays with reckless abandon (his nicknames include "Wall-Magnet"). He has never been considered any kind of real prospect, no doubt due to his diminutive size. All the more reason to root for him in my book, being 5'7.75" myself. I always root for the little guy, be it Doug Flutie or Dustin Pedroia or Spud Webb. Even cooler, though, is that he's from Durham, NH, which is where I went to college (go Cats!) and a mere 8 miles from my home.
Now, last week if you'll recall, I wanted to add Fuld. But I overthought it. Although I believe he can be a productive player in real life and in fantasy (namely, providing ever-elusive steals), I didn't figure Joe Maddon shared the same enthusiasm for Fuld that I did; thus, he wouldn't get enough ABs to be worth the even the dollar bid. So I made Fuld the backup move in replacing injured Franklin Gutierrez (who can't stop his bellyachin'). I added Travis Buck, who was a much safer bet to pick up some starts in the Oakland outfield.
Let's review how that worked out for me:
Buck: 1 for 11 with 1 run scored
Fuld: 5 for 19 with 5 steals!
D'oh!
So of course, I attempted to right my wrong this week, especially now that Manny's out of the way. Unfortunately, I knew those 5 steals wouldn't go unnoticed in this savvy AL-only league. So I bumped my bid up 500% over last week, figuring that's what it would take to get him. Talk about inflation! So look how THAT worked out for me:
Moves 4/11 Posted Bids:
Fuld- Owls:6, Skwirls:5, China:4,Chaos:2, Highlanders:2
Grrrrrrrr!
In other news, I had 2 pitchers on the DL, so I attempted to scoop a potential saves guy in O's lefty Mike Gonzalez. I've owned him in previous years and have always loved his Ks (well over 9 per 9 innings). My strategy this season is to buy set-up guys with high Ks and/or low WHIPs, hoping to get lucky with an occasional save or, better yet, tapping a closer-in-waiting at a bargain price. But once again...
Gonzalez- Liefers:2, Skwirls:1
Grrrrrrrr!
This final move, a ditto on the move above, did work out for me.
Dotel- Skwirls:1, Bustinash:1 (Skwirls lower in standings)
See you in Week 3.
[Crickets.]
That's what I thought.
As one of my leaguemates put it:
One single: $27Yes, he paid too much to begin with, but it was a classic high-risk, high-reward type move in the first place. What's really interesting to me now is how this affects the Rays going forward. Desmond Jennings is the heir apparent, of course, but he's still working on things in Triple-A Durham. Plus, the cost-conscious Rays are loathe to start the clock ticking on his service time too soon. So where does that leave the Rays? With a decimated lineup... Like, one that you want to start targeting for your fantasy pitching staff.
Manny being Manny: priceless
One positive is that it opens up the big door of opportunity potential playing time for aSam Fuld, all 5'8" 170 pounds of him. He's already made several sparkling plays in the field, where he plays with reckless abandon (his nicknames include "Wall-Magnet"). He has never been considered any kind of real prospect, no doubt due to his diminutive size. All the more reason to root for him in my book, being 5'7.75" myself. I always root for the little guy, be it Doug Flutie or Dustin Pedroia or Spud Webb. Even cooler, though, is that he's from Durham, NH, which is where I went to college (go Cats!) and a mere 8 miles from my home.
Now, last week if you'll recall, I wanted to add Fuld. But I overthought it. Although I believe he can be a productive player in real life and in fantasy (namely, providing ever-elusive steals), I didn't figure Joe Maddon shared the same enthusiasm for Fuld that I did; thus, he wouldn't get enough ABs to be worth the even the dollar bid. So I made Fuld the backup move in replacing injured Franklin Gutierrez (who can't stop his bellyachin'). I added Travis Buck, who was a much safer bet to pick up some starts in the Oakland outfield.
Let's review how that worked out for me:
Buck: 1 for 11 with 1 run scored
Fuld: 5 for 19 with 5 steals!
D'oh!
So of course, I attempted to right my wrong this week, especially now that Manny's out of the way. Unfortunately, I knew those 5 steals wouldn't go unnoticed in this savvy AL-only league. So I bumped my bid up 500% over last week, figuring that's what it would take to get him. Talk about inflation! So look how THAT worked out for me:
Moves 4/11 Posted Bids:
Fuld- Owls:6, Skwirls:5, China:4,Chaos:2, Highlanders:2
Grrrrrrrr!
In other news, I had 2 pitchers on the DL, so I attempted to scoop a potential saves guy in O's lefty Mike Gonzalez. I've owned him in previous years and have always loved his Ks (well over 9 per 9 innings). My strategy this season is to buy set-up guys with high Ks and/or low WHIPs, hoping to get lucky with an occasional save or, better yet, tapping a closer-in-waiting at a bargain price. But once again...
Gonzalez- Liefers:2, Skwirls:1
Grrrrrrrr!
This final move, a ditto on the move above, did work out for me.
Dotel- Skwirls:1, Bustinash:1 (Skwirls lower in standings)
See you in Week 3.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Week 1 Roster Moves
Roster moves for Week 1.
RES OF Gutierrez and ADD T. Buck ($1)
RES OF Gutierrez and ADD S. Fuld ($1)
Skwirls added Travis Buck, who is filling in for Grady Sizemore in real life and Franklin Gutierrez for my fantasy team. Buck has nothing really to offer except at-bats at this point, so all I'm hoping for here is some additions in the counting categories and hope he doesn't hurt me in the batting average.
Here's the scoop on Buck:
News: Buck could see significant playing time early in the season until Grady Sizemore is able to return, the team's official site reports. (Sun Mar 27)
Spin: The Indians are going to have a roster decision to make when Sizemore returns and it's expected to come down to Buck and fellow reserve outfielder Shelley Duncan. "Buck is going to see a significant amount of time," manager Manny Acta said, "because we have decisions to make." Buck could make a nice short term pickup if you're looking for some Sizemore insurance.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: Buck will try to resurrect his career by winning a backup job in Cleveland. He always has had a solid line-drive stroke and a little more offensive potential than he's given credit for, but he's also had a chronic inability to stay healthy; oblique and leg issues, which cost him almost four months last season, were merely the latest woes. Even if he does earn some extended playing time, odds are that some ailment will creep up to cause him to lose it. Still, he's a player to at least have on your radar screen in AL-only leagues.
If Buck was not available, my back-up addition was Sam Fuld. Fuld, a little guy with a big heart, hails from Durham NH, where I went to college, just 8 miles from my house! Saw him hit a triple in spring training... I'm rooting for this kid!
RES OF Gutierrez and ADD T. Buck ($1)
RES OF Gutierrez and ADD S. Fuld ($1)
Skwirls added Travis Buck, who is filling in for Grady Sizemore in real life and Franklin Gutierrez for my fantasy team. Buck has nothing really to offer except at-bats at this point, so all I'm hoping for here is some additions in the counting categories and hope he doesn't hurt me in the batting average.
Here's the scoop on Buck:
News: Buck could see significant playing time early in the season until Grady Sizemore is able to return, the team's official site reports. (Sun Mar 27)
Spin: The Indians are going to have a roster decision to make when Sizemore returns and it's expected to come down to Buck and fellow reserve outfielder Shelley Duncan. "Buck is going to see a significant amount of time," manager Manny Acta said, "because we have decisions to make." Buck could make a nice short term pickup if you're looking for some Sizemore insurance.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: Buck will try to resurrect his career by winning a backup job in Cleveland. He always has had a solid line-drive stroke and a little more offensive potential than he's given credit for, but he's also had a chronic inability to stay healthy; oblique and leg issues, which cost him almost four months last season, were merely the latest woes. Even if he does earn some extended playing time, odds are that some ailment will creep up to cause him to lose it. Still, he's a player to at least have on your radar screen in AL-only leagues.
If Buck was not available, my back-up addition was Sam Fuld. Fuld, a little guy with a big heart, hails from Durham NH, where I went to college, just 8 miles from my house! Saw him hit a triple in spring training... I'm rooting for this kid!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Meet the 2011 Skiing Skwirls
My AL-only league is a highly competitive 12 team 5x5 roto now in its 20th year. I was invited to join 3 years ago. Both seasons I finished in the middle of the pack. This season I had a nice bunch of keepers (up to 10 + 2 rookies) and was looking forward to the auction. I installed myself at my brother's house in his home office -- as a stock analyst, he has a nice set-up with multiple monitors -- and entered the draft feeling confident.
I bode my time whilst others tripped over themselves to bid up the top unprotected players in the league. I would've loved to have Adrian Gonzalez, but the bidding topped out at a nose-bleed-inducing $47. Other stars went for similarly big bucks: $47 for Miggie, $45 for Dunn, $39 for Lester. By the time I started bidding, I was left with too much money in the bank and not enough good players to spend it on. To make matters worse, due to a typo on my spreadsheet, I had more money to spend than I realized; I was forced to abandon bidding wars I could've won. A recipe for disaster, right?
Well, you be the judge:
TM 9: SKWIRLS
Scott Campbell
Player TM Pos $Sal Con
*Joe Mauer MIN C 29 L3
Jake Fox BAL C 4 S2
*Daric Barton OAK 1B 6 L2
Adam Kennedy SEA 2B 3 S2
A. Cabrera CLE SS 23 S2
Danny Valencia MIN 3B 13 S2
Mark Trumbo ANA 1B/3B 6 S2
Yunel Escobar TOR 2B/SS 12 S1
F. Gutierrez SEA OF 9 S2
*J. Ellsbury BOS OF 20 L2
*J. Pierre CWS OF 35 S1
David DeJesus OAK OF 16 S2
*M. Ordonez DET OF 17 S1
*David Ortiz BOS UTIL 14 S1
Bobby Jenks BOS RP 3 S2
Darren O'Day TEX RP 1 S1
Ryan Perry DET RP 1 S2
Daniel Bard BOS RP 14 S2
Kevin Slowey MIN RP 3 S2
Jesse Litsch TOR SP 4 S2
*Clay Buchholz BOS SP 13 L2
Alexi Ogando TEX SP 2 S2
*Colby Lewis TEX SP 6 S1
*Scott Campbell TOR FARM (2B) 0
#1 J. Iglesias BOS FARM (SS) 0
*Michael Ynoa OAK FARM (SP) 0
*Keeper holdover from last season
#1 Farm player draft, first overall pick.
I kind of hated my team, I'll be honest. But when I put in my CBS projections and tabulated the results, I found I wasn't so badly off as I thought:
Skwirls 2011:
894 RUNS
150 HR
798 RBI
162 SB
.283 BA
Compare those projections to last year's winning team:
954 RUNS
191 HR
897 RBI
177 SB
.274 BA
Near as I can tell, I might only be one big bat away from contention. To that end, I'll be aggressive with FAAB early, and on the trade front. Maybe there's hope for the Skwirls yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)