FFS Staff Mock Drafts

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

First and foremost, I'd thank all of you who sent in your mock drafts.  We will announce the winner on Monday morning.  Now, please enjoy reading through Chad, Matt and Jim's mock drafts.

Ron Brace: I just want to get it going

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Former Boston College star defensive tackle Ron Brace is ready to begin his professional career.

Problem is, he doesn't know where he's going yet.

With the NFL Draft one day away, Brace is making sure his phone is turned on and is eagerly anticipation a call in either the first or second round.

"I feel good," said the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Brace to Fan Fanatic Sports on Thursday evening. "I just want to get it going."

While Brace admits things are "real quiet right now," he knows he and his agent, Andy Simms of PlayersRep Sports Management, will start fielding phone calls from NFL teams on Saturday.

Brace confirmed to FFS that he's already heard from Carolina, San Francisco, Buffalo, Green Bay and Washington to verify his draft phone number. 

"I've been getting calls from random teams, teams that I have never heard from before," Brace said.

Brace isn't just sitting around waiting for his phone to ring, however.

"I'm doing a lot of position drills right now," he said. "I've got to keep the rust off the skills."

Brace had official visits with the Saints, Colts, Browns and Buccaneers.

"My experience is you end up acting like a parrot because you say the same things over and over again," said Brace, when asked what the draft experience has been like. "You've got to have a lot of patience."

Players that go through the NFL Draft process are asked so many different questions, some that don't even pertain to football.

Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini tried to get a better feel for Brace with a random question.

"Coach Mangini asked me what my favorite TV show as," Brace said. So I said, "It was a tie between 'House' and 'SpongeBob.'"

With so many mock drafts out there -- the Fan Fanatic Sports staff even took a crack at trying to "outsmart" the draft gurus -- what does Brace think of them?

"These are just people's opinions," he said. "It's not like they can tell the future, Miss Cleo was even a fake. I really don't pay attention to them."

While the draft process has been grueling at times, Brace considers himself lucky to have been able to experience it.

"Nothing that is good in life is going to come without hard work," Brace said. "To have the opportunity is a blessing in its own ... some people would kill to have this."

Best of luck Ron. 

The Fan Fanatic Sports Staff is behind you 100 percent.

Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's a statistic in fantasy baseball -- in real baseball, too -- that is often overlooked -- the strikeout.

The typical 5x5 league stats for pitching are wins, saves, ERA, WHIP and Ks, but you don't really ever see people chasing strikeouts while drafting. It's a stat that is important, however, and tells you a thing or two about the type of pitcher you have on your roster.

The ability to strike someone out typically shows you've got a power arm guy on your team. Obviously it helps your team in that category and it usually justifies -- not all the time -- that you have a premier ace. Those ace-type arms are a hot commodity, too. Everyone in your league should want to acquire an ace or two or three, and it's there that you can trade away pitching for hitting if need be. 

Although it's still early in the season, take a look at some of the top strikeout guys and you'll see most of them are big-name guys. 

Johan Santana, Roy Halladay, Jake Peavy, Rich Harden, Zack Greinke, Tim Lincecum ... they were probably can't-miss guys (well, Greinke was a sleeper) before the season and they're guys that can carry your staff. Well, you always have to pray Harden doesn't get an arm injury. Just imagine if he could stay healthy ... his stuff is filthy. 

The amazing chase for Ks continues with lesser-known or appreciated pitchers which include: Javier Vazquez, Erik Bedard and Clayton Kershaw. 

I think anyone would want those guys on you team right now, too.

It's hard not to fall in love with the power arms. You know what you're going to get from them, -- high strikeout totals and typically all-around solid stats in all important categories (wins, ERA, WHIP) ... unfortunately they can't help you in saves.

Every time a batter grabs some pine, it's helping your team out in several ways.

I'm going to endorse Kyle Davies (Kansas City) this week. Who is this guy? Who cares if he's going to produce stats like this (3 starts, 1 wins, 21 Ks, 2.89 ERA, 1.12 WHIP). He may not come with the big label name, but he's producing like an ace, and the kicker -- he's only owned in 33 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Also, through Wednesday, Seattle lefty Jarrod Washburn deserves to be owned, too. Take a flyer on these guys, I know he's available since he's only owned in 38 percent of leagues. Washburn was 3-0 with 17 Ks, 1.71 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. Those stats cry out, "Buy Me, Please!." He's that average pitcher that doesn't get any respect because he doesn't have the high strikeouts totals. But even those guys that get by on painting corners to get people out need some love. 

We know chicks dig the long ball. But word on the street is they also dig strikeouts!

The New Guy

Hey there! My name's Erik. I'm the new guy here at Fan Fanatic Sports, and I'll be covering the Sox. Before I get started, I'd like to thank Jim and the boys at the site for the opportunity to contribute my thoughts.

I will try to post a few times a week, and do my best to be as objective as possible. One thing you won't get from me is a sugar coating. Those are reserved for funnel cakes, fried dough, and other forms of carnival deliciousness. Sugar coats have no place in a sports blog. I call 'em how I see 'em. For example, Josh Beckett threw at Abreu's head a couple weeks ago. There is no way a rational human being can look at the tape and think otherwise. It didn't slip and he wasn't throwing it to the backstop. He was in the wrong and deserved the suspension. I love the Sox, but I'm not going to blindly defend them when they do something stupid or just plain stink.

Anyhoo, now that I've introduced myself Humpty-style, a few thoughts on the young season:

1. Kevin Youkilis is a bonafide star. He can flat out rake and flash the leather with the best of them. He got a well deserved contract that will take him just past his prime, and for relatively short money. Great job by Theo to get him locked up.
2. David Ortiz might be washed up, folks. His bat looks slow and he's homerless 15 games into the season. Not good news for a guy who contributes zero defensively and can't run. He needs to be moved to the lower part of the lineup where he's not counted on as much to drive in runs. Why not switch Papi and Bay? Tito will stand by his man because that's what Tito does, and if anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt it's Ortiz, but I just hope Francona sees the writing on the wall sooner rather than later.
3. I hate the WBC. Not because it's a farce, but because it puts players' employers in a tough spot and potentially ruins their MLB seasons. Since it's Selig's baby, the Sox ownership feels compelled to be good company men and allow their players to participate. Only thing is, what does Japan care if they're running Dice-K out there too much and leaving him out there too long? They aren't paying him. So now the Sox get a $100 million, top of the rotation guy on the DL with a dead arm after two starts. Thanks guys, appreciate it.

Looking forward to a great weekend of Sox/Yanks and beautiful weather. Let's just hope Joba doesn't put one in Youk's ribs. Although, if he does we could have a good, old fashioned fracas on our hands. Those are always fun.

Fantasy Baseball: Frozen Ropes

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back to this weeks edition of Frozen Ropes.  Just to recap, Frozen Ropes takes an in depth look into the hitters who are having a good or bad week in Fantasy Baseball.  We'll delve into their stats and forecast whether this is a long term problem, or a simple slump.  Now, onto the stats.  

The Good

It's been a good week for outfielders as they take up each slot of the top five hitters this week. Matt Kemp, the Dodgers center fielder, continued his hot start this week hitting .348, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 3 SB with a whopping 1.293 OPS.  The talented young start has put together a complete 5 tool season so far.  He has the tools to be a superstar, but is still so new the game.  It's scary to think how good he'll be in 3 years.  He's certain to cool down, but should be a top 30 fantasy player this season.  He had 35 stolen bases last year, so if he stays in the vicinity, and hits 25+ homers with 90 RBI, then that's a fantastic 2nd full season.  Grady Sizemore, one of my personal favorites, has also been on fire this past week.  Sizemore is hitting .333, 3, 8, 7, 1, 1.259. His average overall is still only .258 and is his only weakness at the plate.  He's a career .279 hitter, so his average should come up, but not much.  He'll still hit you 30 homers, drive in 90 runs and score 100.  The Tribe has a tough week coming up as they play the Twins and Red Sox. He's sure to slow down, but is a sure fire fantasy star.  

Manny Ramirez may have started off his first full season with the Dodgers slowly, but he's quickly turned that around.  He's been pounding the ball of late, hitting .375, 4, 7, 7, 0, 1.319 this past week.  He feels so comfortable hitting in the middle of a deep Dodgers lineup and seems to still be happy in LA.  If he stays happy, then he'll put up mammoth numbers.  LA travels to Coors field this weekend, so look for more of the same from Manny. Raul Ibanez seems to be settling rather nicely in Philly.  The longtime Mariner has hit .478, 2, 5, 6, 2, with an OPS of 1.408 this week and is in the midst of a 9 game hitting streak.  Overall, he's hitting .365 with 5 HRs already.  Playing in Citizens Bank Ballpark seems to paying rather well for Raul.  He's playing above his usual level, but is a solid fantasy contributor at his normal levels.  He should hit more homers and drive in more runs in a stacked Philly lineup this season.  Nate McLouth rounds out our top 5 hottest hitters this week.  He's hitting .308, 2, 8, 7, 2, .938.  and looks to have pulled himself out of an early season slump.  It's somewhat amazing what this kid can do without any protection in a shoddy Pirates lineup.  He's shown himself to be a legitimate big leaguer and will most likely be the Pirates lone All Star in July.  He's the type of fantasy player I love.  Has a decent average, good pop, drives in runs and can steal 20 bases.  He doesn't have the high profile name but puts up very good fantasy numbers.  

The Bad

Randy Winn headlines the bad portion of today's article.  He's 1 for 22 this week only hitting .045.  He's had a tough go of it against the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks this week, and will face the Dodgers and Dbacks again this coming week.  He should snap out of it sooner rather than later, but keep him on your bench for now. Kelly Johnson has had just as bad a week as Winn.  Johnson is 2-23 with 0 runs and 1 RBI.  Prior to the past week, he'd been playing well, so he should bounce back quickly.  Series against the Reds and Cardinals should help him get back on track.  Josh Hamilton has been slowed recently by "bruised ribs" and his day to day. That has certainly not helped since he 1-16 this week and is now on the bench to rest.  He should stay on your bench as well until he returns to health.  He's struggled in general to start the season off, so if you're not totally dependent on him in the lineup, then sit him for a while. 

Troy Tulowitzki has struggled all year so far.  This concerns me a little bit.  He struggled when he returned last season from injury and looks to be pressing at the plate right now.  I am sure he's trying to do his best to justify his contract, but trying to hard will just keep him in a slump. He's hit .150 (3-20) with 0 runs, 0 RBI and 0 homers this week.  Keep an eye on Tulo for now. The shortstop position is so shallow you may be forced to ride it out with him.  Make sure you check who's a free agent at the position though.  Prince Fielder's early season struggles continued this past week.  He's known for slow starts, but this is really bad.  He's 2 for his last 17 and has a season average of only .170.  He also only has 1 homer and 7 RBI.  In time, he'll return to his old self, but how long can you wait for him to heat up.  He's also averaging more than a strike out per game.  While he always strikes out a lot, 134 last season, his k ratio is a bit higher than usual.  

Under the radar

Cody Ross in another one of his hot streaks.  He'll never hit for average, but is a cheap source for home runs.  He hit 22 last year and already has 3.  He's driven in 11 RBI this week.  He's not a bad guy for a 4th outfielder and is owned in only 8% of leagues.  Could Jason Kubel finally be living up to his potential? He's had a great start (.328, 2, 12, 8, .910) and is hitting .400 this week.  He's owned in 22% of leagues so you may have some time to wait before you pick him. At least keep an eye on his production.  I'll be perfectly honest, I am very surprised with how good Mike Lowell has been at the plate so far this season.  He's hitting .315, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 7 R and a .936 OPS.  You can tell he's still hampered by the hip injury, but has been solid at the plate hitting .474 this past week.  He's owned in only 42% of leagues so grab him if you can. I mentioned him last week, but want to remind you that Brandon Inge is still having a great start to his season.  He's hitting .320 with 5 HR & 14 RBI.  He's still eligible at catcher which only increases his value.  Jason Bartlett has made a great for himself to be a fantasy starter.  He'll never hit for power, but if he keeps his average about .300 (he's currently hitting .373 with 11 runs) than he makes himself a very valuable fantasy player.  He's a career .279 hitter, and could now be coming into his own at the plate.  He's still out there in 43% of leagues, so don't be afraid to grab him if you're struggling at the shortstop position. 

My Love/Hate Relationship with the NHL Playoffs

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I absolutely love watching the NHL playoffs, and this year is no different.  It's always better when the Bruins are in the playoffs, but even if they're not there is so much to watch.  I love the intensity, the desire and lust for the cup, but most of all I love playoff beards.  There is no other sport that has a quirky, universal tradition like playoff beards.  This isn't just the Tampa Bay Rays going with mohawks for the MLB playoffs.  This is pretty much every player on every team.  

Now let's get to the hate part of my relationship.  The Bruins swept in 4 games, and it looks like the New York Rangers will wrap up their series against the Caps this weekend, possibly even tonight. If that happens, the two teams would match up in the 2nd round.  Unfortunately, the NHL has a rule that a series for the next round can't start until all series in the previous round are finished. That means the Boston Bruins may not start the next series until next Saturday! Ugh.  That would give them a week and a half off between series.  So much for carrying momentum to the next series.  That is way too much time off.  

Let me know what you think.