I have to offer an apology to all those who went with my Justin Rose pick last week. You see, three times in the last eight events I've had the leader on Sunday morning as my pick in my one-and-done league and each time said golfer has imploded in impressive fashion. Go back and look at JB Holmes in Texas, Westwood at The Players, and the final round bloodbath that was composed by Rose on Sunday if you must.
For the second time all year, Tiger is in the field in an event that isn't a marquee Tour stop (though one could argue any event he shows at is a marquee event). The last time Quail Hollow brought him to his knees. What happens at the AT&T this week?
For starters, there is not going to be a more difficult tourney to handicap for the rest of the year outside of maybe Whistling Straits. The AT&T moves to a knew venue this week at Aronimink in Pennsylvania as Congressional undergoes some work in preparation for next year's U.S. Open. Therefore, we have no history at the course.
Did I say we had no course history? I lied. According to PGATOUR.com Sean O'Hair is a member at Aronimink. Now, is that a good or a bad thing? That could make him the sexpert pick. I think it does, he's out...too much pressure.
Of the top players in the world, I do like Woods this week. I think his game has gotten better since May, and he has another chance to test it on a less than extreme venue (like Pebble, for example). Furyk is here too, and since we don't have course history, talent means more. Still, I find Furyk to be the toughest of the top players to predict. He is a Pennsylvania guy though, and seems to play his best at the smaller events. He and Woods are the only ones here in the top 10 in the world.
So, who's hot? Rose (gag reflex), Fowler, Ryan Moore, Crane, Dustin Johnson (double gag), Barnes, and Van Pelt are all playing in the AT&T. These guys are the hottest guys in the field, all with multiple top 10s in the last weeks (Moore has one, but I like his ties).
For sleepers, I think Vijay (again...I had him last week and if not for the third round implosion, he wins that tournament) has a great chance this week. Also, Brendon de Jonge has been a factor in the last three events with two top 12s and a spell of contention at Pebble.
Most Talent
Woods
Furyk
Fowler
Allenby
Rose
Course History
O'Hair?
Who's Hot?
Rose
Fowler
Barnes
Crane
Van Pelt
Who's Not?
Mahan
Leonard
Toms
Watney
Yang
My Picks
Furyk
Woods
Vijay
Fowler
Moore
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A letter to my friends
Fellow Owners,
I hope this letter finds you and your fantasy squad in good health. I am writing to express concern over your apathetic behavior in our fantasy baseball league. Over the course of the last few weeks, I have sent several trade offers in the direction of many of you, yet I have received few responses. Of course, I'd love for you to accept said offers, but that isn't why I correspond. I actually just want a response either way, a conversation or a counter offer would be great, but even a simple rejection would suffice. I understand that you may take a few days to think things over, but one week is too long without any communication back in my direction.
Agreeing to participate in a fantasy league is agreeing to accpet the responsibility to manage a team in a way that is satisfactory not only to yourself, but to the other owners and the overall health of the league. If you have no interest in even setting a lineup or responding to an offer, you are showing that you really don't care about the league. If that is the case, you should consider other pursuits in 2011. If you do want to participate and do care about the league, RESPOND TO MY %$^&$ TRADE OFFER.
Cheers,
TFAM
I hope this letter finds you and your fantasy squad in good health. I am writing to express concern over your apathetic behavior in our fantasy baseball league. Over the course of the last few weeks, I have sent several trade offers in the direction of many of you, yet I have received few responses. Of course, I'd love for you to accept said offers, but that isn't why I correspond. I actually just want a response either way, a conversation or a counter offer would be great, but even a simple rejection would suffice. I understand that you may take a few days to think things over, but one week is too long without any communication back in my direction.
Agreeing to participate in a fantasy league is agreeing to accpet the responsibility to manage a team in a way that is satisfactory not only to yourself, but to the other owners and the overall health of the league. If you have no interest in even setting a lineup or responding to an offer, you are showing that you really don't care about the league. If that is the case, you should consider other pursuits in 2011. If you do want to participate and do care about the league, RESPOND TO MY %$^&$ TRADE OFFER.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Travelers Championship
If there's one thing I am figuring out about fantasy golf in 2010, it's that the wise play is to avoid the one guy that seems to be the sexy expert (sexpert) pick. That label has fallen on many golfers this year from David Toms to Henrik Stenson to Robert Allenby to Sean O'Hair to, most recently, Phil Mickelson. Now, I should qualify here. First, I throw Phil mostly out of the equation, because he's never a bad pick when the lights are bright. Two, I also recognize that Dustin Johnson came through from the very same position this year at Pebble (that seems funny in light of his 82 Sunday). Still, it seems just when we think Bo Van Pelt or Ben Crane is the perfect pick for one week, that's exactly when they finally stop performing. I think these golfers are very aware of public expectations from week-to-week...and some can't perform under the pressure of high expectations.
This week, the sexpert golfer is Hunter Mahan. Mahan has four consecutive top four finishes at the Travelers including two seconds and a win in 2007. Mahan is also the one who tied for 108th after going 78-74 at Pebble late last week, giving him three consecutive missed cuts on Tour. I'm sure he'll make the cut this week, but I'm steering clear of the sexpert.
I do however still value course history in my formula of picking winners. For those who have forgotten, I've got equal parts course history, talent, and current form bubbling in my cauldron. The guys who have good history here include Kenny Perry, who is the defender and has four top 15 finishes here in his last five starts. Perry has actually been playing good golf lately too. Stew Cink has won on this course twice and has also seen his game come around of late. Ryan Moore, Ben Curtis and Vijay also have played very well on this course in the past few years. I actually think we may see a good one from Veej this week.
Of the hot players on Tour, I have a hard time picking against either Justin Rose or Rickie Fowler after the performance they put on at the Memorial...they're rested too. Bo Van Pelt has also been stringing together top 10s recently to go along with the two he's recorded in his last three starts here at River Highlands.
As far as pure talent goes, Harrington, Goosen and Kuchar are the only three players in the top 30 here other than Mahan and Perry.
Most Talent
Harirngton
Goosen
Rose
Mahan
Fowler
Course History
Mahan
Cink
Curtis
V. Singh
Moore
Who's Hot?
Rose
Van Pelt
Kuchar
Fowler
Overton
Who's Not?
Mahan
Goosen
Baddeley
Garrigus (a shout out to his 18th in Memphis)
Faxon
My Picks
Rose
Cink
V. Singh
Van Pelt
Fowler
Cheers,
TFAM
This week, the sexpert golfer is Hunter Mahan. Mahan has four consecutive top four finishes at the Travelers including two seconds and a win in 2007. Mahan is also the one who tied for 108th after going 78-74 at Pebble late last week, giving him three consecutive missed cuts on Tour. I'm sure he'll make the cut this week, but I'm steering clear of the sexpert.
I do however still value course history in my formula of picking winners. For those who have forgotten, I've got equal parts course history, talent, and current form bubbling in my cauldron. The guys who have good history here include Kenny Perry, who is the defender and has four top 15 finishes here in his last five starts. Perry has actually been playing good golf lately too. Stew Cink has won on this course twice and has also seen his game come around of late. Ryan Moore, Ben Curtis and Vijay also have played very well on this course in the past few years. I actually think we may see a good one from Veej this week.
Of the hot players on Tour, I have a hard time picking against either Justin Rose or Rickie Fowler after the performance they put on at the Memorial...they're rested too. Bo Van Pelt has also been stringing together top 10s recently to go along with the two he's recorded in his last three starts here at River Highlands.
As far as pure talent goes, Harrington, Goosen and Kuchar are the only three players in the top 30 here other than Mahan and Perry.
Most Talent
Harirngton
Goosen
Rose
Mahan
Fowler
Course History
Mahan
Cink
Curtis
V. Singh
Moore
Who's Hot?
Rose
Van Pelt
Kuchar
Fowler
Overton
Who's Not?
Mahan
Goosen
Baddeley
Garrigus (a shout out to his 18th in Memphis)
Faxon
My Picks
Rose
Cink
V. Singh
Van Pelt
Fowler
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, June 21, 2010
As Seen on TV...
One thing I learned from watching a few games on TV these past few days is that North Korea's soccer side could stand to learn something from its government about defense.
Other than that, we'll go strictly baseball for today...
Phil Hughes is being skipped this week. Yep, nice of the team to let us know right after the deadline passes for weekly lineups. The team is trying to limit the innings on his young arm, there is no injury. However, it could happen again.
Mike Stanton hasn;t mashed a home run in every at bat like some thought he would, but he has already stolen three bases in 11 games with zero caught stealing attempts.
Nick Markakis is hitting for ZERO power. What happened? He's usually a second half guy, and looks to be getting it going. He's got 10 hits in his last eight games.
Another guy that I would expect to have a large second half is CC Sabathia. He looked just filthy against the Mets this weekend. He's been known to go off in the second half. Ditto the offensive hero in that game...Mark Teixeira. He has three homers in his last six games.
By the way, if you want a reminder about why not to draft guys that start slow, look at Teixeira. You have just suffered through a half season of garbage and are most likely thinking of selling in a keeper league because you are too far behind. Trade for these guys, don't draft them.
Adam Jones has two homers and 11 hits in his past seven games. I like him in the second half too.
Outside of Liriano, you can't rely on any of the Twins starters in mixed leagues. I know Baker just K'd 12, I know Pavano is a solid pitcher, and I know Slowey has been very useful at times. However, all are too inconsistent. Baker and Slowey meltdown as often as they produce, and Pavano doesn't produce the K's.
Every day I think Corey Hart can't keep it up, he drives in three more runs.
Cheers,
TFAM
Other than that, we'll go strictly baseball for today...
Phil Hughes is being skipped this week. Yep, nice of the team to let us know right after the deadline passes for weekly lineups. The team is trying to limit the innings on his young arm, there is no injury. However, it could happen again.
Mike Stanton hasn;t mashed a home run in every at bat like some thought he would, but he has already stolen three bases in 11 games with zero caught stealing attempts.
Nick Markakis is hitting for ZERO power. What happened? He's usually a second half guy, and looks to be getting it going. He's got 10 hits in his last eight games.
Another guy that I would expect to have a large second half is CC Sabathia. He looked just filthy against the Mets this weekend. He's been known to go off in the second half. Ditto the offensive hero in that game...Mark Teixeira. He has three homers in his last six games.
By the way, if you want a reminder about why not to draft guys that start slow, look at Teixeira. You have just suffered through a half season of garbage and are most likely thinking of selling in a keeper league because you are too far behind. Trade for these guys, don't draft them.
Adam Jones has two homers and 11 hits in his past seven games. I like him in the second half too.
Outside of Liriano, you can't rely on any of the Twins starters in mixed leagues. I know Baker just K'd 12, I know Pavano is a solid pitcher, and I know Slowey has been very useful at times. However, all are too inconsistent. Baker and Slowey meltdown as often as they produce, and Pavano doesn't produce the K's.
Every day I think Corey Hart can't keep it up, he drives in three more runs.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Let the Kubiaking Begin!
If you read my stuff in 2009, you know that my feelings about Texans coach Gary Kubiak are akin to my feelings about tomoatoes as a young boy. I don't like it, and if you force it down my throat I'm likely going to vomit on the table. Kubiak went through starting running backs like Heidi Montag went though botox last year, completely filling the Shanahan void in the NFL.
As you know, Mike Shanahan is back in the league this year, and wouldn't you know it, Kubiak raced out to the early lead in the running back shuffle contest circa 2010, annoucning that Arian Foster is currently his number one tailback. Of course, Kubiak has the electric Steve Slaton on his roster and the overhyped yet intriguing rookie Ben Tate, so why wouldn't he opt for the third most talented back on his roster in Foster to carry the load? I'm setting the over/under at 4.5 for the number of different starting running back changes in Houston between now and the end of Spetember. Any takers?
It won't be the last time I say it, but I can guarantee you I will not be drafting a Texans running back come August.
Cheers,
TFAM
As you know, Mike Shanahan is back in the league this year, and wouldn't you know it, Kubiak raced out to the early lead in the running back shuffle contest circa 2010, annoucning that Arian Foster is currently his number one tailback. Of course, Kubiak has the electric Steve Slaton on his roster and the overhyped yet intriguing rookie Ben Tate, so why wouldn't he opt for the third most talented back on his roster in Foster to carry the load? I'm setting the over/under at 4.5 for the number of different starting running back changes in Houston between now and the end of Spetember. Any takers?
It won't be the last time I say it, but I can guarantee you I will not be drafting a Texans running back come August.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The LeBron Tracker?
Did you know ESPN has a separate LeBron page? I can click here and get all the latest on the LeBron watch. That's pretty funny when there has been exactly zero news that is worthwhile since the Cavs were unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs (again).
Anyway, I have a pretty good idea where LeBron is going, and where the other high profile free agents this off-season will end up. You want to know?
LeBron James, New York Knicks
Look, the Cavs aren't going to get better, and, although there is a nice situation waiting in Chicago (and with the Clippers actually, sans the owner), New York is New York. Reviving basketball in the Garden would be stuff of legend. Also, the Knicks, with the addition of one more max free agent, would be better than the Cavs right now. You don't think every able bodied veteran would line up to play in New York with LeBron for minimal contracts? Guys would be begging to play in Gotham. Which leads us to...
Chris Bosh, New York Knicks
Bosh would be the Gasol to LeBron's Kobe. A big and a wing that dominates the ball, it works. Bosh would be easily convinced if James is on board.
Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
You think Wade is leaving South Beach? Crazy talk. Only scenario where that happens is if they can't get someone else to join the party. Shouldn't be difficult. Then, watch Pat Riley get the coaching itch again.
Amare Stoudamire, Miami Heat
Amare is the next best big on the market, and the Heat will land the biggest fish that doesn't go to New York. That's Amare. Now, do they have a big who can defend?
Joe Johnson, Miami Heat
Yes, the Heat actually have enough cap room to pull this off. If they can convince Johnson to take less than the max, big if, yes, but, JJ just got 70 mil from Atlanta. If he gets another 50 and gets to play with Wade and Stoudemire in Miami? I think it happens.
Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls
Of course, this scenario leaves the Bulls sitting at the table. Boozer is the best low post scorer available after Bosh and Amare, and the Bulls have lacked a low post scorer for a decade. Johnson could land here too if he plays contract hardball.
Dirk Nowitski, Dallas Mavericks
He and Cuban bake snickerdoodles together.
That's it for the big names, which leaves the Clippers, Nets, Wolves and others with money to spend in a deserted landscape...wich should make for some comedic offers to restricted guys like Rudy Gay, Tyrus Thomas and Luis Scola.
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway, I have a pretty good idea where LeBron is going, and where the other high profile free agents this off-season will end up. You want to know?
LeBron James, New York Knicks
Look, the Cavs aren't going to get better, and, although there is a nice situation waiting in Chicago (and with the Clippers actually, sans the owner), New York is New York. Reviving basketball in the Garden would be stuff of legend. Also, the Knicks, with the addition of one more max free agent, would be better than the Cavs right now. You don't think every able bodied veteran would line up to play in New York with LeBron for minimal contracts? Guys would be begging to play in Gotham. Which leads us to...
Chris Bosh, New York Knicks
Bosh would be the Gasol to LeBron's Kobe. A big and a wing that dominates the ball, it works. Bosh would be easily convinced if James is on board.
Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
You think Wade is leaving South Beach? Crazy talk. Only scenario where that happens is if they can't get someone else to join the party. Shouldn't be difficult. Then, watch Pat Riley get the coaching itch again.
Amare Stoudamire, Miami Heat
Amare is the next best big on the market, and the Heat will land the biggest fish that doesn't go to New York. That's Amare. Now, do they have a big who can defend?
Joe Johnson, Miami Heat
Yes, the Heat actually have enough cap room to pull this off. If they can convince Johnson to take less than the max, big if, yes, but, JJ just got 70 mil from Atlanta. If he gets another 50 and gets to play with Wade and Stoudemire in Miami? I think it happens.
Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls
Of course, this scenario leaves the Bulls sitting at the table. Boozer is the best low post scorer available after Bosh and Amare, and the Bulls have lacked a low post scorer for a decade. Johnson could land here too if he plays contract hardball.
Dirk Nowitski, Dallas Mavericks
He and Cuban bake snickerdoodles together.
That's it for the big names, which leaves the Clippers, Nets, Wolves and others with money to spend in a deserted landscape...wich should make for some comedic offers to restricted guys like Rudy Gay, Tyrus Thomas and Luis Scola.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
U.S. Open
When we last saw Phil Mickelson, he was sparking a 3 wood off a cart path after a wayward drive at the Memorial. When we see him again Thursday, he'll be teeing it up at the U.S. Open, and he'll be four days away from accomplishing a lifelong dream. Just getting you prepared for the wave of pro lefty coverage that is coming our way.
Phil's the favorite this weekend at Pebble, sure, but the three hottest players in the world actually all hail from the other side of the pond. Lee Westwood has contended in several majors in the last two years including the last U.S. Open to be played in California, with a third at Torrey Pines in 2008. He's in contention seemingly every week, and he's coming off a win in Memphis. Honestly, the only reason to take Phil over Lee is that Phil is a finisher at big events (just not at the Open).
Luke Donald is also playing the best golf of his career. Donald has a first, second and third place finish in his last three events on the European Tour, and has four top 20s at the Pebble Beach event on the U.S. tour. Look out for Luke. The third Brit I speak of is actually Welsh, and you may have never heard of him, but Rhys Davies has climbed into the top 50 of the world golf rankings with back-to-back second place finishes in Europe. He actually has three seconds, a first, a third and a sixth place finish on the Euro Tour this year. Davies is a nice wild card this week.
And then there's Tiger. We all know he won by 15 here in 2000, and we all know he'd be happy with a one stroke victory ten years later. Can he do it? I think he'll play well, and I think the course is going to be difficult enough to keep him in the hunt Sunday. He needs to find the fairway. If he hits 60% of fairways this week he's in the top five.
Obviously all the big names are here (with apologies to Fowler, Kim, and Rose), so it's who plays well, as the talent between the non Tiger/Phil wave is pretty equal with the next 20 or so guys. I think Els' short game will help this week. Stricker has always been labeled a U.S. Open kind of player. He should play well this week. I think Goosen can play well here, and his experience on this course helps. I also like Tim Clark. He got the monkey off his back at the Players, and this shorter layout should suit his game. Poulter too.
If you are looking for darkhorses, I think Ryan Moore is a good choice. He seems to hang around at majors (I don't have stats to back it up, it just seems that way). Also, Sergio has been AWFUL this year, but I just have a hunch that he is going to be in the mix this week. I also like Grahme McDowell.
Finally, the younger U.S. contingent includes Dustin Johnson, who has won the Tour event here two years in a row, that has to at least get a mention. The course, supposedly, plays way different in June than February though, so proceed with caution there. Also, Nick Watney and Hunter Mahan are always guys that are hyped in the U.S. before majors, I'm just waiting for one to step up.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Els
Westwood
McIlroy
Course History
Woods
D. Johnson
Mickelson
Weir
Els
Who's Hot?
Westwood
Donald
Davies
Van Pelt
Crane
Who's Not?
Woods
Glover
Garcia
Duval
Weir
My Picks
Mickelson
Westwood
Donald
Woods
Garcia
Els
Clark
Davies
McDowell
Moore
Cheers,
TFAM
Phil's the favorite this weekend at Pebble, sure, but the three hottest players in the world actually all hail from the other side of the pond. Lee Westwood has contended in several majors in the last two years including the last U.S. Open to be played in California, with a third at Torrey Pines in 2008. He's in contention seemingly every week, and he's coming off a win in Memphis. Honestly, the only reason to take Phil over Lee is that Phil is a finisher at big events (just not at the Open).
Luke Donald is also playing the best golf of his career. Donald has a first, second and third place finish in his last three events on the European Tour, and has four top 20s at the Pebble Beach event on the U.S. tour. Look out for Luke. The third Brit I speak of is actually Welsh, and you may have never heard of him, but Rhys Davies has climbed into the top 50 of the world golf rankings with back-to-back second place finishes in Europe. He actually has three seconds, a first, a third and a sixth place finish on the Euro Tour this year. Davies is a nice wild card this week.
And then there's Tiger. We all know he won by 15 here in 2000, and we all know he'd be happy with a one stroke victory ten years later. Can he do it? I think he'll play well, and I think the course is going to be difficult enough to keep him in the hunt Sunday. He needs to find the fairway. If he hits 60% of fairways this week he's in the top five.
Obviously all the big names are here (with apologies to Fowler, Kim, and Rose), so it's who plays well, as the talent between the non Tiger/Phil wave is pretty equal with the next 20 or so guys. I think Els' short game will help this week. Stricker has always been labeled a U.S. Open kind of player. He should play well this week. I think Goosen can play well here, and his experience on this course helps. I also like Tim Clark. He got the monkey off his back at the Players, and this shorter layout should suit his game. Poulter too.
If you are looking for darkhorses, I think Ryan Moore is a good choice. He seems to hang around at majors (I don't have stats to back it up, it just seems that way). Also, Sergio has been AWFUL this year, but I just have a hunch that he is going to be in the mix this week. I also like Grahme McDowell.
Finally, the younger U.S. contingent includes Dustin Johnson, who has won the Tour event here two years in a row, that has to at least get a mention. The course, supposedly, plays way different in June than February though, so proceed with caution there. Also, Nick Watney and Hunter Mahan are always guys that are hyped in the U.S. before majors, I'm just waiting for one to step up.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Els
Westwood
McIlroy
Course History
Woods
D. Johnson
Mickelson
Weir
Els
Who's Hot?
Westwood
Donald
Davies
Van Pelt
Crane
Who's Not?
Woods
Glover
Garcia
Duval
Weir
My Picks
Mickelson
Westwood
Donald
Woods
Garcia
Els
Clark
Davies
McDowell
Moore
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, June 14, 2010
Carlos Pena
I know I mentioned the hottest hitter in the majors last week, but I feel like (after a couple conversations with friends), I should maybe dig a little deeper on Carlos Pena, he of the seven homers in his last six games. Let's put him under the Monday microscope.
Pena is a career late bloomer. Take that two ways. One, he didn't really start hitting until 2007, his seventh season in the league (when he hit 46 bombs). Also, he is fairly consistent in the fact that he starts slower and heats up as the summer goes on. Two years ago, I added Pena after someone dropped him following a horrid .226, 11 homer first half of the season. After carrying my squad to the end of the season, Pena found himself hitting .250 with 31 bombs over the entire six months. That's roughly .275 with 20 homers in the second half. I'll take that.
Last season, Pena hit 39 homers...in 471 at bats! For those of you waiting for him to cool off, it's not happening. He's going to hit and hit for big power the rest of the season.
Here are three more quick reasons to love Pena.
Cheers,
TFAM
Pena is a career late bloomer. Take that two ways. One, he didn't really start hitting until 2007, his seventh season in the league (when he hit 46 bombs). Also, he is fairly consistent in the fact that he starts slower and heats up as the summer goes on. Two years ago, I added Pena after someone dropped him following a horrid .226, 11 homer first half of the season. After carrying my squad to the end of the season, Pena found himself hitting .250 with 31 bombs over the entire six months. That's roughly .275 with 20 homers in the second half. I'll take that.
Last season, Pena hit 39 homers...in 471 at bats! For those of you waiting for him to cool off, it's not happening. He's going to hit and hit for big power the rest of the season.
Here are three more quick reasons to love Pena.
- He plays on Tampa, and will have big totals in runs and RBI as a result.
- He is in a contract year.
- This may not be relevant anymore, but I love the answer Keith Law once gave to a question way back when, before Pena broke out. Someone asked which prospect that he scouted missed that he thought would be a sure thing. His answer? Mr. Pena. Another reason to love him...and Law.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, June 11, 2010
As Seen on TV
It's been a while since an As Seen, so we're due for some tidbits found on the screen and in the stats...
Strasburg.
David Hernandez is now the closer in Baltimore. Let it be known that this is the fifth guy to have this job (unofficially) this year. Enter at your own risk.
What is wrong with Ian Kinsler? He has just one HR in his 139 2010 ABs. I guess it could still be the ankle...he's not waling or striking out at much different rates than his past performance. I'd buy low.
That's six HR in five games for Carlos Pena. He can stay hot for a while. Not a sell high.
Alex Gordon is tearing up AAA. He's up to double digit homers and his OPS is over 1.1. It may be time to stash him for the second half with that third base eligibility.
I think Alex Rios is for real. Last year was a lost season for him, and he was TERRIBLE. But, were into mid June and he's hitting hasn't tailed off. He's currently among the top five players in fantasy baseball.
Francisco Liriano and Tim Hudson both had nasty stuff Friday night.
Tim Cahill continues to get it done. Cahill's ball moves all over the place, but the lack of K's are likely going to catch up to him at some point.
Carlos Santana and Jose Tabata got the call this week. Both are really only keeper guys at this point.
Chris Coghlan has eight multi-hit games in his last ten starts. He's not losing PT to Stanton. It appears it will be Maybin in the short term.
Fantasy baseball is a crazy game. I wonder what Felix Hernandez thinks of Carlos Silva and his 8-0 record while Felix sits at 3-5. After all, Hernandez witnessed Silva's 5-18 with an ERA in the high 6 range two year stint in Seattle.
I still wouldn't roster Silva.
Messi tomorrow.
Cheers,
TFAM
Strasburg.
David Hernandez is now the closer in Baltimore. Let it be known that this is the fifth guy to have this job (unofficially) this year. Enter at your own risk.
What is wrong with Ian Kinsler? He has just one HR in his 139 2010 ABs. I guess it could still be the ankle...he's not waling or striking out at much different rates than his past performance. I'd buy low.
That's six HR in five games for Carlos Pena. He can stay hot for a while. Not a sell high.
Alex Gordon is tearing up AAA. He's up to double digit homers and his OPS is over 1.1. It may be time to stash him for the second half with that third base eligibility.
I think Alex Rios is for real. Last year was a lost season for him, and he was TERRIBLE. But, were into mid June and he's hitting hasn't tailed off. He's currently among the top five players in fantasy baseball.
Francisco Liriano and Tim Hudson both had nasty stuff Friday night.
Tim Cahill continues to get it done. Cahill's ball moves all over the place, but the lack of K's are likely going to catch up to him at some point.
Carlos Santana and Jose Tabata got the call this week. Both are really only keeper guys at this point.
Chris Coghlan has eight multi-hit games in his last ten starts. He's not losing PT to Stanton. It appears it will be Maybin in the short term.
Fantasy baseball is a crazy game. I wonder what Felix Hernandez thinks of Carlos Silva and his 8-0 record while Felix sits at 3-5. After all, Hernandez witnessed Silva's 5-18 with an ERA in the high 6 range two year stint in Seattle.
I still wouldn't roster Silva.
Messi tomorrow.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, June 10, 2010
World Cup!
Of course, when there is a huge sporting event to be contested, I'm pretty much going to have an angle. Enter fantasy World Cup! It's a salary cap game where you pick a squad of 15, set a lineup, and hope your players perform.
Here's my squad.
Strikers: Messi, Eto'o, Van Persie
Midfielders: David Silva, Dos Santos, Schweinsteiger, Pienaar
Defenders: Gallas, Maicon, Chiellini
Keeper: Julio Cesar
I have Vidic on my bench as an extra defender, but the other three benchwarmers were juts filler guys because I didn't want to spend money there. I did select German keeper Jorg Butt though.
My strategy was basically to score goals. I tried to pick defenders that have a chance at a goal, which led to the Gallas selection on what seems to be a mediocre French side. You can rack up points from players for their team not ceding goals too, but I went with scorers. At first, I left Messi off the squad, then I envisioned watching him go Maradonna on this thing and being on everyone's roster but mine. I really like Van Persie, mainly becuase the Dutch are going to score a lot of goals. I actually like the Dutch to win this whole thing. Call me crazy. Pienaar plays for my beloved Everton (and the home country), so he was a bit of a sentimental selection. David Silva has a chance to star for Spain these next few weeks. Midfielder goals get you more points than striker goals....Schweinsteiger can score as well, and Germany is always so tough in this event.
Let's get it on.
Cheers,
TFAM
Here's my squad.
Strikers: Messi, Eto'o, Van Persie
Midfielders: David Silva, Dos Santos, Schweinsteiger, Pienaar
Defenders: Gallas, Maicon, Chiellini
Keeper: Julio Cesar
I have Vidic on my bench as an extra defender, but the other three benchwarmers were juts filler guys because I didn't want to spend money there. I did select German keeper Jorg Butt though.
My strategy was basically to score goals. I tried to pick defenders that have a chance at a goal, which led to the Gallas selection on what seems to be a mediocre French side. You can rack up points from players for their team not ceding goals too, but I went with scorers. At first, I left Messi off the squad, then I envisioned watching him go Maradonna on this thing and being on everyone's roster but mine. I really like Van Persie, mainly becuase the Dutch are going to score a lot of goals. I actually like the Dutch to win this whole thing. Call me crazy. Pienaar plays for my beloved Everton (and the home country), so he was a bit of a sentimental selection. David Silva has a chance to star for Spain these next few weeks. Midfielder goals get you more points than striker goals....Schweinsteiger can score as well, and Germany is always so tough in this event.
Let's get it on.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
St. Jude Classic
Remember the Sega Genesis game PGA Tour II that was popular in the early 90s? TPC Southwind was one of the four courses on the game, and, strangely, I found it to be the toughest on the game. I mean, there were no 56s thrown on the board like I could accomplish at Sawgrass.
Anyway, Southwind is the venue this week in Memphis for the St. Jude, which has favored shorter hitters in the past. Brian Gay is the defending champ, and David Toms has lit this place up like a joint at a Foghat show (Cheers, Hank). Toms has two wins, three other top fives and a tenth in his last seven starts here. Justin Leonard has two wins and a host of top tens as well.
Some top Euros are getting their US Open tunes in here this week while most of the top Americans are staying away. Harrington, Westwood, McIlroy and Poulter comprise the cream of the crop talent wise, while Ben Crane, and Zach Johnson (along with Toms and Gay) probably represent the best US chances here due to their stellar play of late (Zach's win and Crane's three straight top 10s).
There actually are a few more very relevant internationals here too. Goosen, Allenby, Schwartzel, and Villegas round out an impressive contingent. Allenby has top fives the last two years here, so he is a huge threat, though he did miss the cut in Ohio. He may even play the Genesis version well.
Most Talent
Westwood
Harrington
Poulter
McIlroy
Goosen
Course History
Toms
Gay
Allenby
Leonard
Austin
Who's Hot
Crane
McIlroy
Westwood
Weekley
Z. Johnson
Who's Not
Harrington
Poulter
Leonard
Campbell
Rollins
My Picks
McIlroy
Allenby
Toms
Goosen
Gay
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway, Southwind is the venue this week in Memphis for the St. Jude, which has favored shorter hitters in the past. Brian Gay is the defending champ, and David Toms has lit this place up like a joint at a Foghat show (Cheers, Hank). Toms has two wins, three other top fives and a tenth in his last seven starts here. Justin Leonard has two wins and a host of top tens as well.
Some top Euros are getting their US Open tunes in here this week while most of the top Americans are staying away. Harrington, Westwood, McIlroy and Poulter comprise the cream of the crop talent wise, while Ben Crane, and Zach Johnson (along with Toms and Gay) probably represent the best US chances here due to their stellar play of late (Zach's win and Crane's three straight top 10s).
There actually are a few more very relevant internationals here too. Goosen, Allenby, Schwartzel, and Villegas round out an impressive contingent. Allenby has top fives the last two years here, so he is a huge threat, though he did miss the cut in Ohio. He may even play the Genesis version well.
Most Talent
Westwood
Harrington
Poulter
McIlroy
Goosen
Course History
Toms
Gay
Allenby
Leonard
Austin
Who's Hot
Crane
McIlroy
Westwood
Weekley
Z. Johnson
Who's Not
Harrington
Poulter
Leonard
Campbell
Rollins
My Picks
McIlroy
Allenby
Toms
Goosen
Gay
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, June 7, 2010
Giancarlo Cruz-Michael Stanton
As the 21st century Babe Ruth makes his way to the big leagues (could we be channeling the Babe twice in one decade with all the Bryce Harper hype?), it is certainly worth our time to figure out what to expect in the short and long term from Mike Stanton -- and yes, his real name is as stated above.
Stanton has been teraing up AA this season with 21 home runs in just 190 ABs, which is a sickening pace of one homer per every 9.04 at bats. He's shown the mammoth power at each level, so we know that will translate to the majors. Another skill that will carry over is the propensity to whiff, which he has done 371 times in just short of 1200 career minor league at bats. He's brought his K ratio down a bit each year, but we're still talking about a guy who is going to go up (and down) hacking.
As far as batting average goes, Stanton is sitting at .311 so far this season, but in a full campaign at two levels in 2009, he hit just .255. It's safe to say he's grown as a hitter in 2010, but the big league average isn't going to touch .300.
So, what can we expect. I expect lots of power and lots of strikeouts. I also expect pitchers to test Stanton's plate discipline. If he can lay off the pitches out of the zone, Stanton is going to be a major force right away. But, he's never been a huge walk guy in the minors (59 in 2009), so I think we are going to see some struggles as well. The verdict? He'll crush mistakes and hit some bombs, but the averge is low, and he's going to be a work in progress learning the major league zone.
As far as playing time goes, the Marlins would be foolish to bring him up and sit him on the pine. He's playing, and I would expect Cam Maybin, Cody Ross and Chris Coghlan to each see a slight dip in playing time, with Ross being the one that will fall out of favor by season's end (as the fish fade from contention).
Cheers,
TFAM
Stanton has been teraing up AA this season with 21 home runs in just 190 ABs, which is a sickening pace of one homer per every 9.04 at bats. He's shown the mammoth power at each level, so we know that will translate to the majors. Another skill that will carry over is the propensity to whiff, which he has done 371 times in just short of 1200 career minor league at bats. He's brought his K ratio down a bit each year, but we're still talking about a guy who is going to go up (and down) hacking.
As far as batting average goes, Stanton is sitting at .311 so far this season, but in a full campaign at two levels in 2009, he hit just .255. It's safe to say he's grown as a hitter in 2010, but the big league average isn't going to touch .300.
So, what can we expect. I expect lots of power and lots of strikeouts. I also expect pitchers to test Stanton's plate discipline. If he can lay off the pitches out of the zone, Stanton is going to be a major force right away. But, he's never been a huge walk guy in the minors (59 in 2009), so I think we are going to see some struggles as well. The verdict? He'll crush mistakes and hit some bombs, but the averge is low, and he's going to be a work in progress learning the major league zone.
As far as playing time goes, the Marlins would be foolish to bring him up and sit him on the pine. He's playing, and I would expect Cam Maybin, Cody Ross and Chris Coghlan to each see a slight dip in playing time, with Ross being the one that will fall out of favor by season's end (as the fish fade from contention).
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, June 5, 2010
AP (Almost Panicked?)
I was perusing some ESPN content the other day, and I was intrigued by a headline of one of Mel Kiper's columns. To paraphrase, he feels that Toby Gerhart will be an impact rookie in the NFL this season. Now, impact can certainly be defined in many different ways and doesn't necessarily indicate volume. Still, I'm very aware that the Vikings traded up in the draft to nab the Stanford runner.
Kiper cited Gerhart's nose for the end zone in college (he scored 28 times lat season alone) and Peterson's fumbling issues as reasons for him to make his impact. I have to admit, I've also been thinking that a goal line sniper may turn out to be Gerhart's 2010 role. Not good for AP's fantasy value. Throw in the fumbles and the fact that we don't know anything yet about Favre, and there is only one way Peterson's stock can go between now and draft day and it isn't up.
So, I'm almost panicked, especially as an owner of AP in a dynasty league. Then, I remember that Peterson is the best runner in the NFL, and I calm myself. A little.
Cheers,
TFAM
Kiper cited Gerhart's nose for the end zone in college (he scored 28 times lat season alone) and Peterson's fumbling issues as reasons for him to make his impact. I have to admit, I've also been thinking that a goal line sniper may turn out to be Gerhart's 2010 role. Not good for AP's fantasy value. Throw in the fumbles and the fact that we don't know anything yet about Favre, and there is only one way Peterson's stock can go between now and draft day and it isn't up.
So, I'm almost panicked, especially as an owner of AP in a dynasty league. Then, I remember that Peterson is the best runner in the NFL, and I calm myself. A little.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, June 3, 2010
MarKeT MaDneSS
It appears my Mike Napoli post Monday was right on target. Mike Scioscia was quoted today saying he likes Nap at first base. Perfect. That guy could easily hit 30 bombs this year.
Buy Low
Dan Haren, SP, Diamonbacks
Some might say Haren is a poor add right now because he is a first half guy and has always struggled in the second half. Being that he's off to a slow start this year, that means he's going to be bad all season then? I completely disagree. Find a Haren owner who knows he's a bad second half guy. I'm sure he has a great 2010 stretch in him yet. Eight shutout innings the pther day says the window to deal may close soon.
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Wieters is the second coming. We know that already. What we don't know is why he's hitting just .240 in early June. Wieters is a .290+ hitter, and there is a hot streak on the way. Plus, he hits in the middle of what still can be a good run producing lineup.
Sell High
Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals
Rolen is currently second in the National League with 13 jacks. I know two things about Rolen. One, he hasn't hit more than 22 home runs since 2004. Two, he never gets through a season without injury issues. He's an obvious sell.
Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
Did you notice Konerko's two homers the other day? Me too. How many did he have the three weeks before that? One. He had one homer since May 9. His torrid April pace has slowed, and he is a batting average risk. Time to capitalize on his hot start and move him in a package for a better 1B, like Adrian Gonzalez or Prince Fielder.
Cheers,
TFAM
Buy Low
Dan Haren, SP, Diamonbacks
Some might say Haren is a poor add right now because he is a first half guy and has always struggled in the second half. Being that he's off to a slow start this year, that means he's going to be bad all season then? I completely disagree. Find a Haren owner who knows he's a bad second half guy. I'm sure he has a great 2010 stretch in him yet. Eight shutout innings the pther day says the window to deal may close soon.
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Wieters is the second coming. We know that already. What we don't know is why he's hitting just .240 in early June. Wieters is a .290+ hitter, and there is a hot streak on the way. Plus, he hits in the middle of what still can be a good run producing lineup.
Sell High
Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals
Rolen is currently second in the National League with 13 jacks. I know two things about Rolen. One, he hasn't hit more than 22 home runs since 2004. Two, he never gets through a season without injury issues. He's an obvious sell.
Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
Did you notice Konerko's two homers the other day? Me too. How many did he have the three weeks before that? One. He had one homer since May 9. His torrid April pace has slowed, and he is a batting average risk. Time to capitalize on his hot start and move him in a package for a better 1B, like Adrian Gonzalez or Prince Fielder.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial
There are a few events, very few actually outside of the WGC's, Players, and playoffs, that aren't majors, yet still draw a world class field. The Memorial is one of them, Quail Hollow is close, and the same could be said for Bay Hill. So, I'm fired up to watch some golf this weekend as the Tour moves north to Ohio for Jack's event.
Tiger is in the field this week, so we get to see if he is a viable pick for the Open in two weeks or not. He has the best record of anyone at the Memorial, so the course suits him just fine. Phil is playing too, as is just about every big name that plays regularly on this side of the pond. Els, Furyk, and Ogilvy all have strong records here too. Among the big names that have failed to shine here, we have Stricker, Villegas, and last week's winner, Zach Johnson (though Zach did tie for second in 2006...but that's his only top 20).
Lesser knowns, yet still big time players who play well here include Choi (three top 10s and a win), Kuchar (no worse than 13th the last three years), and Weir (four top tens).
If you are looking for sleepers, Jeff Overton is red hot with three top fives in his last five events. Kenny Perry has won here twice, and Justin Rose and Adam Scott (who won three weeks ago) can play at Murifield as well.
Rounding out the field are young guns Fowler, McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, the steady Robert Allenby and a host of Mahan, Glover types. It's worth noting that the hottest Euro, Luke Donald, is not in the field this week.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Els
Furyk
McIlroy
Course History
Woods
Furyk
Els
Perry
Kuchar
Who's Hot
Overton
Scott
Els
Van Pelt
Z. Johnson
Who's Not
Woods
Ogilvy
Marino
V. Singh
Stenson
My Picks
Els
Furyk
Choi
Kuchar
Overton
Cheers,
TFAM
Tiger is in the field this week, so we get to see if he is a viable pick for the Open in two weeks or not. He has the best record of anyone at the Memorial, so the course suits him just fine. Phil is playing too, as is just about every big name that plays regularly on this side of the pond. Els, Furyk, and Ogilvy all have strong records here too. Among the big names that have failed to shine here, we have Stricker, Villegas, and last week's winner, Zach Johnson (though Zach did tie for second in 2006...but that's his only top 20).
Lesser knowns, yet still big time players who play well here include Choi (three top 10s and a win), Kuchar (no worse than 13th the last three years), and Weir (four top tens).
If you are looking for sleepers, Jeff Overton is red hot with three top fives in his last five events. Kenny Perry has won here twice, and Justin Rose and Adam Scott (who won three weeks ago) can play at Murifield as well.
Rounding out the field are young guns Fowler, McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, the steady Robert Allenby and a host of Mahan, Glover types. It's worth noting that the hottest Euro, Luke Donald, is not in the field this week.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Els
Furyk
McIlroy
Course History
Woods
Furyk
Els
Perry
Kuchar
Who's Hot
Overton
Scott
Els
Van Pelt
Z. Johnson
Who's Not
Woods
Ogilvy
Marino
V. Singh
Stenson
My Picks
Els
Furyk
Choi
Kuchar
Overton
Cheers,
TFAM
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