Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Is there a doctor in the house?

How about a Doc Halladay?

The Toronto Blue Jays ace right-hander has been the talk of the Major League Baseball trade front and he's also been the talk of the fantasy town.

Yes, we all know how nasty he is from both perspectives -- 11-3 record, 2.62 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 123 Ks, 20 BB -- but all this trade talk has fantasy owners in a tizzy.

I know it doesn't matter in mixed leagues, but what about if you're in an AL only league and have Halladay leading your staff?

His numbers have just been too good to even think about trading him away, but now might be the time to roll the dice.

It might be the right thing to do if YOU think that he is going to be traded to the National League. We all know what happens if he does and you own him in an AL only league -- can you say bye-bye Doc? 

You risk the chance of losing him completely if he's dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies (that's where all the talk is centered around currently), so do you take less or even get a straight up offer for a hitter or some kind of package deal to assure yourself that you won't be stuck holding the Doc bag if he's packing for the National League?

It's a risky move, but one that could win or lose you a championship.

I may be crazy, but I think that he's going to stay in Toronto. Just a hunch because the asking price for him is crazy. But if he does get traded, I think the Phillies will pony up two top-of-the-line pitching prospects and at least one key positional player (that appears to be Toronto's asking price anyway) to get him.

At this point, flip a coin.

But if you think you can get equal value back for Halladay right now and don't want to have to worry if he's going to get traded, then do it so the worrying will vanish faster than you can say Doc.

If you're in an NL only league and you've got that No. 1 waiver claim, don't pick up anyone yet, unless you put in for Matt Holliday who was recently traded to the Cardinals from the A's this past week. But with the No. 1 slot, it assures you of whoever you want if a high profile player becomes available. No doubt save that top waiver spot for someone who gets dealt from the AL to the NL. If it's the Doc, you'll be partying like a rock star into the early morning and laughing at all your other owners.

The only line you'll have to use is, "Is there a doctor in the house?"

That'll be sure to tick everyone off.

FREE FALLING

Minnesota's Nick Blackburn is in a major tailspin and it's not looking pretty right now. In his last two stars, the right-hander has given up 19 hits and 13 earned runs in only 8 2/3 innings, including 3 homers while not striking anyone out. Maybe he has a dead arm right now? Either bench him or cut him loss. Don't start him until he shows he's coming out of his funk.

HUNGRY FOR A BIG MAC

Washinton's Mike MacDougal hasn't done anything wrong not to be owned. The default Nationals closer has got six saves and hasn't even blown one yet. While he's on the worst team in baseball and won't be picking up saves on a regular basis, he can be a nice complimentary piece to your bullpen if you're in desperate need of saves. He's only owned in 18 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He's worth a pickup.

Despite offenseive woes, Sox get much needed win

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Red Sox limped back into Fenway Park on Friday night 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. They needed two things to get them back on track: A win, and a rejuvenated offense. I guess 1 out of 2 isn't too bad. The offense continues to struggle scoring only 3 runs on 9 hits while stranding 9 runners. The pathetic JD Drew left 5 on by himself. At least they 3 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

The positive note of this game was Brad Penny. He improved his record to 7-4 while pitching 6.1 innings allowing only 1 unearned run while scattering 5 hits. He looks pretty good, but as Don Orsillo mentioned several times last night, he allows way too many foul balls, and tips by opposing hitters. This may be his downfall for never pitching through 7 innings in a game during the 2009 season. The Red Sox should be fine for pitching the rest of the way out. They have Wakefield returning the first week of August, and even Dice-K could make a return in September.

It's the offense that has to return to form for them to make a deep run in the playoffs. I doubt they'll trade for an impact bat, but replacing the JD Drew in right is what I'd try to do the most. Josh Willingham would be a perfect fit for the Sox. He would be a more productive platoon in right than Rocco Baldeli, and would add more power to the lineup. It also helps he's been one of the hottest hitters in the majors the past month.

NFL Draft will be different

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you love the National Football League, then it's pretty fair to think you also enjoy the draft.

What players are your favorite team going to draft? Are they going to trade out of their first-round slot to move up or down? Who are they targeting? 

The draft buzz starts months before the actual draft, and every year the draft seems to be getting bigger and bigger.

So the NFL went to its instant replay and came up with a new rule change: the NFL Draft, starting in 2010, will be spread out to three days instead of two.

I think the big difference is that ONLY the first round will be on the first day -- on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. It's all about ratings obviously, and the draft will be in a prime-time slot, so it seems like a no-brainer for the NFL to take advantage of its popularity. It will be televised on ESPN and the NFL Network.

It's not like the borderline fan will sit through almost 3 1/2 hours of a first round, but the diehards will and currently do it.

Under the new rule, the second day of the draft will be for the second and third round, and Day 3 is for the fourth through the seventh round (I'm willing to bet there won't be too many viewers on the final day).

Currently the draft is on Saturday and Sunday, so farewell to the NFL Draft parties around the country that start early on Saturday and last throughout the early evening. It looks like a new plan will have to be a Thirsty Thursday, just like the old college days. But if you have to work on Friday, it might not be a great idea unless you take a sick day.

My question is after the first round, will you tune it and watch the entire Day 2 and Day 3, or check back in periodically to see who your team selected?

I think it's a great format for the first round and puts even more of a emphasis on the top players in the draft and actually might pull in more viewers, even the so-so fan who just might develop into a diehard after watching all the hoopla. But I'm not so sure three days of a draft, which can be boring at times with all the experts chiming in on every topic under the sun, is the best idea. 

I consider myself a diehard NFL fan, but I'm not even going to sit through three days of the draft. Yes, it's boring at times. I think it's a little overkill, but the first round should be an extravaganza and even Day 2 with the second and third round will be outstanding since the majority of these picks need to help your team out if you're going to be any good. 

Do you like the new format?

Fantasy Baseball: Frozen Ropes

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back to the first Frozen Ropes of the 2nd half of the season. Luckily we have had a solid week of play so far in the 2nd half. As always, we'll start with the good.

The Good:

1. Matt Holiday - .393, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 2 SB

Is it just coincidence that Matt Holiday gets really hot come trade deadline time? Despite the fact Holiday is in the middle of an OK season, it would be best served to trade him instead of hold on for the two draft picks. Unless he goes to a hitter friendly park, hello New York Yankees, he will not top 25 homers this year.

2. Yunel Escobar - .480, 3, 12, 6, 0

Speaking of another person who's name has been on the trade block. Escobar has been as hot as a hitter can get right now, and maybe he's finally feeling the pressure of having a reputation of being a bit lackadaisical. Either way, he's sure to come down to earth, but is still a pretty good fantasy producer.

3. Miguel Montero - .440, 4, 9, 6, 0

If Montero hadn't shown up in the top 5 this week, he would have slid nicely into the under the radar portion of this blog. He's been on fire since before the All Star break and is making the most of playing regularly. If you need help at catcher, get him and ride while he's hot. A .287, 9, 28 line is also not something to scoff at.

4. Garrett Jones - .379, 4, 6, 6, 0

If you don't know you Jones is, he's a 1b/OF for the Pirates. I have also been pulling for him since his days in the Twins minor league system. I used to work part time for a company named Baseball Info Solutions and saw Jones play a ton of games while scoring games when he played for the New Britain Rock Cats. He's always had a ton of power, and finally looks like he's getting a chance to play. I doubt he'll ever be a full time player in the MLB, but it's nice to see him get a chance.

5. Justin Morneau - .346, 3, 9, 7, 0

Of course Morneau is the reason why Garrett Jones never got a chance to play in Minnesota. Morneau is having another solid season and this week is no different. He's on pace to have one of, if not the best, seasons of his career.

The Bad:

1. Andruw Jones - .167, 0, 2, 2, 0

Andruw is finally coming down to Earth. Personally, I can't stand him for getting fat, out of shape, and tanking it during his time with the Dodgers. Hopefully, he continues to play awful and break down in the heat of Arlington.

2. Derek Lee - .208, 0, 2, 4, 0

Lee is having a fine season, but this week has not gone so well. He does need be an impact bat if the Cubs want to stay in the Divisional race. I wouldn't be too worried about Lee's resurgence.

3. Vernon Wells - .167, 1, 1, 2, 0

If you are a regular reader of this blog, than you know of my utter disdain for Vernon Wells. I have no idea how the Jays can get rid of him when there's $124 million left on his contract and he's a marginal big league player. .260, 10, 39 is not a line I want for someone hitting 7th or 8th in my lineup, much less 4th.

4. Hank Blalock - .208, 0, 4, 1

Hank's had a pretty good year so far hitting 19 home runs, but has never fully returned to his early form of a few years ago. He's been rumored in various trades, but I am not certain they'll move him unless they get pitching in return because they're still in the AL West race.

5. BJ Upton - .233, 0, 1, 1, 1

BJ continues to be out shined by his younger brother Justin this season. For all we know, he's not healthy and that's caused problems all season long. He still has 32 stolen bases on the year, so he can help your fantasy team.

Under the Radar:

Do you need help at the shortstop position? If so, take a look at Erick Aybar. Over the past month, and 83 at bats, he's hit .410, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 18 Runs & 6 stolen bases. He'll help your team just on the batting average right now. Josh Willingham will get traded by the Washington Nationals. He's also helped himself out by hitting .357, 4, 16 over the past month. He's a corner outfielder with power and that is what a lot of teams need right now. If you need a utility man, and we know how much Chad & I love these guys, than look now further than Martin Prado. He's eligible at 1B, 2B & 3B and has hit .373 over his past 102 at bats. He's a former top prospect who's finally getting some playing time. Why don't we stay with the middle infielders today. The White Sox's Gordon Beckham is eligible at both 2B & SS, and is hitting .356, 2, 15 the past month. He's only owned in 24% of Yahoo Leagues and is a good keeper if you play in that type of league. Casey McGehee is still only owned in only 18% of leagues. He's now the starting 2nd baseman for the Brewers and hit .286, 5, 16 the past month. Give him a shot. He's hitting for average and has some pop from the 2nd base position.

Manny is money

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Some guys just know how to put on a show.

We're not talking about guys like Nick Green, either. We're talking about the superstars of Major League Baseball who know how to treat the fans to unbelievable excitement.

Did you see what Manny Ramirez did last night for the Dodgers?

First, Manny doesn't even start because he got drilled with a fastball on the hand the night before so the Dodgers kept him out of the starting lineup for precautionary reasons.

Then, is a big situation, manager Joe Torre calls on his future Hall of Famer (we can debate that too if you want) to pinch hit with the bases juiced in the sixth inning.

And what does Manny do in front of the home fans who were going absolute bananas when he was announced over the loudspeaker?

Manny jumps on the first offering from Reds reliever Nick Masset and hammers a grand slam to left field to help the Dodgers win, 6-2.

Some guys just have the knack of delivering in the clutch, while others simply crumble when the spotlight is on them.

We all know Manny is clutch and he continues to prove it time and time again. So much for the stupid ideas that his career was a complete joke because he was busted and suspended for 50 games for violating the drug policy earlier this season. 

Manny is just one of those special hitters that doesn't come around very often. 

You'd be crazy not to pay money to see him rake, or even watch the circus that is Manny in the outfield. He's special, bottom line, and you can't take that away from him.

Who would you pay to see play and why?

Sox kick off trade season with insignificant trades

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Boston Red Sox offense has been sluggish lately, as they've average 2.16 runs per game since the All Star break. Jason Bay has struggled for nearly two months, Kevin Youkilis is now hitting under .300, and JD Drew's average has sunk to .233. What they need is a shot in the arm. What they got yesterday is more like a pin prick than a full fledge shot.

The Red Sox picked up 1B Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates and OF/1B/DH/strikeout artist Chris Duncan from the St. Louis Cardinals. Realistically, the Sox didn't give up much for both players, except if you count nearly $13 million remaining on Julio Lugo's contract, but did they get enough to bolster the offense and take over the division lead? No! Adam LaRoche is a decent hitter, who has a history of great second halves. At this point in the season, LaRoche has still been struggling. He does offer decent depth at the corner infield position for the Sox if Lowell goes down for a period of time.
Now on to the acquisition of Chris Duncan. I do have to say the Red Sox are very lucky they got anything for Julio Lugo. If Duncan's head is on right, he can still hit home runs, but strikes out more than Adolpho Gonzalez at a Las Vegas Cat House. Duncan is 1 for his last 31 and has struck out 27% of the time in his career. Ouch!. What the Red Sox need is a more substantial bat to help stabilize this lineup. JD Drew is having another terrible season, Lowell has been hitting, but you never know how his hip will hold up, and When does David Ortiz fall back to earth and Jason Bay bust out of his funk?

It now looks like the Sox will not trade prize prospect Clay Bucholz, but why not dangle him for Victor Martinez, or pick up another corner outfielder to take over at bats from JD Drew? The Red Sox are still a very good team, but the AL East is a three team race. In my opinion, they Sox are in the worst shape to take the division.

What do you think?

What's the UFL all about?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So do you know anything about the United Football League (UFL)?

If the answer is no, that's OK.

I know it's a new football league that's coming this fall, but there's no way it can compete with the National Football League, right?

The NFL is the top dog, always will be.

It seems like the UFL is going to be a minor league feeder system to the NFL with former NFL players hoping to revive their career, along with coaches trying to get another taste of the NFL coaching ranks.

It's pro football so it can't be that bad, right?

The UFL just landed the face of the league, as of right now, with the signing of former first-round pick J.P. Losman, better known as Loserman to Buffalo Bills fans who didn't see much from their former starting QB.

It's a good start for the new league, however, which will play games on Thursday and Fridays in the fall with the season starting in October. The championship game is slated for Thanksgiving weekend.

There are four teams in the UFL's first season -- Las Vegas (where Losman will play), New York, Orlando and San Francisco.

The head coaches are an impressive bunch, all former coaches in the NFL. The head coaches lined up are: Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell.

The UFL knows it's talent and skill will not compete with the elite NFL, but knows it's a way for players who feel they've been overlooked by the NFL brass to try to get their careers back on track (Losman no doubt) or get a shot at big time football.

The league will be talked about on every sports talk radio show or television station for days and weeks on end if they lure Michael Vick to play for them. He would no doubt be the face of the league, and the league would get the exposure they so desperately need and want --both good and bad -- but people would definitely be talking about the league and know what it's all about. 

The defunct XFL had that buzz surrounding it years ago, but it fizzled faster than Losman's starting job in Buffalo.

I'm going to check this league out, you never know if your favorite NFL team will give one of these guys a shot.

It's football anyway, and just imagine watching UFL games on Thursday and Fridays, college football on Saturdays and various games televised during the week on ESPN, and the NFL on Sundays and Mondays?

Maybe that will be enough to get my weekly fill of football?

Are you going to tune in and give the UFL a shot, or do you think it's going to be a waste of time?