It's about that time again... FANTASY FOOTBALL SEASON!!! Over the course of the next month, we'll get you prepared for the best fantasy sport of them all. We'll provide drafting advice, rankings, analysis, etc. Here we go:
Today, I'll cover the quarterback position. Quarterbacks lead a team on the field, but that's not always the case on the virtual field. In fact, this position is incredibly deep this year, and most experts (including me), would advise you to wait longer than normal before drafting your fantasy QB. Personally, I wouldn't draft one before the third round, and I likely won't draft one until at least the fifth round. The drop-off isn't that much compared to the other key positions (RB and WR), so I'll load up there before going with a QB. Here's who I like:
Top 25 2013 Fantasy Quarterbacks
1. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
In a "down" year last season, Brees still threw for nearly 5,200 yards and had 43 TD's. That was without Sean Payton coaching and with a beat up supporting cast (namely Jimmy Graham). With a healthy team again and Payton back on the sidelines, he's a safe bet to score the most points in fantasy football this year.
2. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
This is another extremely safe pick. The Packers will continue to chuck it often, especially since Rodgers is in his prime. Rodgers will be easily over 4,000 yards again, likely over 4,500, and he will throw around 40 TD's. Unlike Brees, he'll also add a couple hundred yards on the ground and add a couple scores there.
3. Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos
Coming off an injury, Peyton had one of the greatest seasons he's ever had statistically. Rumors are that he's even stronger this season which means it could be more of the same. They added Wes Welker to their receiving core and brought in another impact running back, so Manning will likely dominate once again.
4. Cam Newton - Carolina Panthers
Last year, Newton proved that his first year wasn't a fluke. Granted, he didn't score quite as many touchdowns, but his other numbers were very similar. And if you owned him last year, he likely carried you to a championship as he was dominant in the second half. I think that momentum continues and he's in store for another massive year throwing it and on the ground.
5. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
I'm a big believer in Ryan, even though many others may not rank him this high. He's gotten better each and every year and plays in a pass heavy offense. With a better ground game this season, Ryan will have even more space in the defense to work with. His weapons are some of the best in the NFL.
6. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
With the uncertainty surrounding their tight ends and new WR's, many have been dropping Brady dramatically down the rankings. Sixth is a bit lower than normal, but there is no way he should drop to 10th or something, which is where I've seen him on other sites. He's still one of the best QB's in the game and he makes his players better, not the other way around. I also think his cast is still decent barring further injuries: Amendola, Gronk, Dobson, Vereen, Edelman, etc.
7. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
Last year, he was taken as one of the top QB's in fantasy drafts, but this year he's been dropping back (like Brady) in the rankings. I still value him tons though. He threw it more than any other quarterback last season and has thrown for around 5,000 yards in each of his last two seasons. I know his TD's were down last year (41 in 2011 to 20 in 2012), but that was more a fluke than anything else. The addition of Reggie Bush will help out too.
8. Robert Griffin III - Washington Redskins
The next three I list are all close, both I trust RG3 the most. I believe he bounces back from injury just fine (just like Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles did), and he'll be ready in week 1. I think he'll throw it more and run it less, which will cancel out in the longterm in terms of fantasy numbers. Expect his throwing TD's to go up.
9. Colin Kaepernick - San Francisco 49ers
Did you watch him late in the year and in the playoffs? Wow. His ceiling in fantasy football is enormous and you won't be able to wait this long to grab him. But he's also a little risky. He only started late in the year so this will be his first full season. Plus teams may have a better game plan this year now that they've seen him.
10. Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks
What I said about Kaep applies here too. He ended the year on a tear and was a Top 3 quarterback in the second half (in terms of fantasy average per game). Seattle added Percy Harvin so that should help out a ton. But again, teams will have spent the entire offseason working on stopping the read option, similar to what they did when the Wildcat took off. That makes me think a little...
11. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
Romo is coming off his best season ever and is seriously underrated in fantasy circles this season. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 30 TD's. With an emerging star in Dez, Miles back healthy, and with a better offensive line, he should be in for more of the same.
12. Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts
Speaking of underrated, Luck fits the phrase also. He put up historic numbers as a rookie last year and has a better supporting cast this year overall. The Colts love to throw it a ton, so Luck can't do any worse. In fact, he wasn't accurate at last year, so if that improves, he could become elite.
13. Eli Manning - New York Giants
It was a down year last year for Eli, in large part because of a beat up WR core. If Nicks is healthy, it could help him a lot. If not, he may struggle once again. He lost his TE and WR3, so there are question marks. But he is still one of the leagues best, so I would still trust him.
14. Andy Dalton - Cincinnati Bengals
This guy surprised many over the last two seasons but it's time to believe. He's got a great group of weapons around him (namely AJ Green), so I expect him to be ever better than last year. That means he'll throw for around 4,000 yards and around 30 TD's. Not bad for #14.
15. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
He's a veteran that has been consistent through the years. He's nothing fancy, but he's a solid QB2 in leagues where you start two QB's, and a great backup if not.
16. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears
Cutler has the physical gifts that enable him to make all the NFL throws, but he hasn't really ever put it together. But with a new coach (QB guru), much improved offensive line, and decent weapons (added Martellius Bennett this year), Cutler will perform better than ever. He's in a contract year too, which is always great motivation.
17. Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
Last year, well, he sucked. But for a former Top 5 QB, don't count him out for long. He's bound to improve, by a lot.
18. Josh Freeman - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even though they will run it a lot with Doug Martin, Freeman could be in for his best year yet. He's finally accustomed to this league, and he's got a great group of receivers to throw to. His defense also got better so he'll have the ball in his hands much more often.
19. Joe Flacco - Baltimore Ravens
Apparently, I don't respect the Super Bowl MVP much. But the Ravens still love to run the football, which limits his ability to star. They also lost Boldin, so I'm afraid of who will be their WR2.
20. Sam Bradford - St. Louis Rams
This pick is a great example of why QB is a deep position this year. Bradford finally has wide receivers that can make plays (and a new tight end), and their o-line improved dramatically. Since he is now fully healthy, he's a very nice sleeper this season.
21. Michael Vick - Philadelphia Eagles
This is another sleeper in the making. First, he has to beat out Nick Foles in training camp. Then, he has to learn a new offense under Chip Kelly. But if he does those, he can dominate. Remember just a couple seasons ago he single-handedly won game after game for owners in fantasy. He's a backup QB to own, due to his enormous upside.
22. Ryan Tannehill - Miami Dolphins
This is another second year player that could take a big step forward. Rumors out of Miami are that Tannehill is much more confident and throwing it much better this year. The team added Mike Wallace which will help out a lot too.
23. Carson Palmer - Arizona Cardinals
Quietly, Palmer put up great numbers on a bad Raiders team a year ago. Now on the pass friendly Cardinals (with new coach Bruce Arians), he could put up even greater numbers. Of course, it helps when he has Larry Fitzgerald now at his disposal.
24. Matt Schaub - Houston Texans
Schaub is consistently underrated in fantasy football also. And I'm falling in line and doing it also. All he did last year was throw for over 4,000 yards and had 22 TD's. Houston drafted a WR in the first round, which could give him better receivers to throw to, particularly in the Redzone.
25. Jake Locker - Tennessee Titans
If he stays healthy, and Kenny Britt stays healthy, Locker may be able to live up to his first round pick status. If not, this could be his last chance.
By: The Sports Guys
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
MLB Power Rankings
We’re at the halfway point of the baseball season, and while
we’re preparing to watch the “Chris Davis vs. Prince Fielder Showdown” in the
HR Derby, it’s time for another look at the MLB Power Rankings. As always, this
is only based on what we’ve seen so far…
MLB Power Rankings – July 15, 2013
NOTE: Previous Power Ranking in parenthesis.
1. (1) St. Louis Cardinals (57-36) – 21 games above .500
already, 7-3 in their last 10 games, +127 run differential is tops in baseball
by a landslide, what’s not to like? They’ve allowed the second fewest runs in
baseball, and have scored the third most. They are also the first team to
repeat at #1.
2. (2) Boston Red Sox (58-39) – Boston has the most wins in
baseball with 58, and only trail the Cardinals in run differential. Like St.
Louis, they lead an extremely tough division at the All-Star Break.
3. (6) Pittsburgh Pirates (56-39) – The Pirates have had
tremendous pitching through the first half, allowing only 311 runs. The second
best total is 335…
4. (8) Detroit Tigers (52-42) – The Tigers have seemingly
improved more as the season has progressed. Miggy Cabrera is on pace for
another MVP season and Prince Fielder is killing it also. On the pitching side,
Verlander hasn’t even been their best pitcher, Scherzer has!
5. (11) Tampa Bay Rays (55-41) – No team is hotter than the
Rays, who enter this break winning 9 of their last 10 games. Will this break slow them down?
6. (4) Atlanta Braves (54-41) – While they are extremely
beat up all over their lineup, they are preparing to bring back Brandon Beachy
very soon.
7. (5) Oakland Athletics (56-39) – I am judging the A’s very
harshly based on their record. The problem I have is that I simply can’t
believe their record at this point…
8. (3) Cincinnati Reds (53-42) – I really like what they are
doing at home (14 games over .500), but not what they are doing on the road (3
games under).
9. (7) Texas Rangers (54-41) – The Rangers are in the
position they always seem to be in. They haven’t dominated teams though like
they have over the years though. Does that matter?
10. (10) Baltimore Orioles (53-43) – It’s all about Chris
Davis, who could hit the most HR’s of any non-steroid man in baseball history.
37 at the break!
11. (9) New York Yankees (51-44) – Jeter came back, only to
get injured again. Will he and A-Rod ever play on the field together this
season? I say no.
12. (15) Cleveland Indians (51-44) – Another big surprise
this season have been the Indians. They are barely behind Detroit in the
division. My best guess is that they fall off the pace though.
13. (20+) LA Dodgers (47-47) – By now, we’ve all heard about
Puig and his terrific start to his career. In fact, he’s been so good that he
took this struggling team and has led them back into playoff contention. The
will take the division lead within the next month for good.
14. (13) Arizona Diamondbacks (50-45) – They, not the
Dodgers, are in first place in the division. But if you read what I said above,
I think that changes soon.
15. (17) Washington Nationals (48-47) – They are just
hanging around. They haven’t played their best yet this season, but they
haven’t played bad either.
16. (19) Philadelphia Phillies (48-48) – They have some
closer issues (Pap has 5 blown saves), but they aren’t too far behind in the
division.
17. (20+) LA Angels (44-49) – They started horrifically, but
they have bounced back behind Mike Trout. They have a ways to go to make the
playoffs though.
18. (20+) Toronto Blue Jays (45-49) – Similar to the Angels,
the Blue Jays have underperformed this year. But they have inched back closer
to .500 as the season wore on. But in the AL East, they remain in 5th
place.
19. (12) Colorado Rockies (46-50) – Carlos Gonzales has been
terrific again this season, but he needs more help.
20. (14) San Francisco Giants (43-51) – Congrats to Lincecum
on his no-hitter a few nights ago. Maybe he’s back to being an ace?
21. (16) Kansas City Royals (43-49) – After being .500 not
long ago, a 3-7 mark recently as put them well below .500 again.
22. (20+) Chicago Cubs (42-51) – Some nice play recently has
given those loyal Cubs fans hope.
23. (20+) Seattle Mariners (43-52) – I like some of their
young players, is their hope in the future?
24. (20+) New York Mets (41-50) – Similar to the two teams above,
they haven’t been that bad this season, and have some serious hope for next
year (thanks to Matt Harvey).
25. (18) San Diego Padres (42-54) – After I was starting to
believe in them as a quality team, they go 2-8 in their last 10 games.
26 – 28 (20+) – Minnesota, Milwaukee, Chicago (Sox) – Three fairly
equal teams that will be players in the trade market this year for sure.
29. (30) Miami Marlins (35-58) – Out of the cellar, thanks
to Houston.
30. (20+) Houston Astros (33-61) – Wow, this team sucks.
-143 in run differential is astounding.
By: The Sports Guys
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
NBA Free Agency - Who is Left?
Finally... July 10th is here and NBA trades/signings can become official. That also means that there will be a secondary rush for even more signings and trades. Names on the trade market over the next month could include Asik, Granger, Jennings/Teague, Marion, Thornton, among others. As for the remaining free agents, here is a breakdown of my top 10 players left:
Top 10 Remaining Free Agents
1. Andrew Bynum
It's likely down to the Cavs or Mavs for this once dominant big man. The real question mark here is his health. After missing the entire season last year, many are questioning if he knees will ever allow him to be dominant once again. Neither team will offer him a longterm deal, so Bynum needs to be prepared to earn his longterm money by playing great once again. My thought is that he should go to the Cavs. They are a young team on the rise, led by a stud in Kyrie Irving. There would be enough around him there to thrive, and if they add Lebron next summer, he could be apart of a multiple championship team. Dallas is a team soon to be in transition. Plus, the Cavs offered a 2-year deal already (although the second year is based upon a team option).
2. Monta Ellis
The best scorer left on the market, Ellis has an interesting decision to make. He narrowed his list to four teams: Dallas, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Charlotte. For all of these teams, he would likely be the first or second option on offense. The difference is team sustainability. Atlanta is a team that has been a steady playoff team, but hasn't even sniffed a championship. Dallas has won one recently, but they are on the decline. Sacramento and Charlotte meanwhile, have been cellar teams that are seemingly on the way up. What scenario will he like? Personally, I like Charlotte as long as Gerald Henderson doesn't return. Monta could be the go-to scorer on the perimeter, with Al Jefferson on the block. They are improving fast also with a young core of Kemba, MKG, and Zeller. He could really help turn that franchise around.
3. Nikola Pekovic
Pekovic is one of the most underrated players in the game. He puts up numbers, nearly plays at an All-Star level, but is basically ignored across the NBA landscape. What this means is that he'll return to Minnesota, which is a good thing with their injury bug hopefully behind them. Minnesota could definitely be a playoff team this season in the West.
4. Brandon Jennings/Jeff Teague
I pair these two up because they go hand in hand. Jennings and Teague have all but agreed to return to their respective teams, but there is serious talk of a sign and trade for each other. I don't like it for either team though. If I'm Milwaukee, I like Jennings better than Teague, especially in terms of upside. If I'm Atlanta, keeping Teague will likely lead to signing Monta Ellis (Ellis wouldn't come there if Jennings is on the team). So forget the trade guys!
5. Andrei Kirilenko
Kirilenko is a veteran player that can bring so many things to a team. I actually have no clue where he'll end up signing. All I know is that whatever team gets him will get a guaranteed contributor off the bench. The Lakers are a team that needs bench help...
6. Gary Neal
Honestly don't know if he should be ranked this high but we all saw in the playoffs how valuable he could be to a team. The man can shoot it, with range, at a high level, and in big situations (such as the NBA Finals). I know my team (Pacers) could have used him last year. Similar to Kirilenko, Neal can be a great bench player for any team.
7. Elton Brand
Looking for a veteran power forward that can play defense, rebound, and finish inside? Look no further than Elton Brand. He won't end up going here but I love how he would fit with Indiana. He would be able to come off the bench behind David West and there wouldn't be a major drop-off there. And with Hansbrough now in Toronto, we could use another big body.
8. Greg Oden
Similar to Bynum, you don't really know what you are getting with Oden due to his injury history. But if he can stay healthy, his skillset and size leads me to think he could start for most teams in the league eventually. Miami is a team that I think should sign him. They have nothing at the center position and he could simply come in to rebound and defend. This would help against big teams like Indiana and SA, whom they struggled against in the playoffs. But with Chris Anderson re-signing there today, don't know if that's possible now.
9. Nate Robinson
If you watched the Bulls in the playoffs, you saw how Nate became one of their best players. But that was also because most of their team was beat up. Nonetheless, Robinson can be instant offense off the bench and can ignite a team with energy. His personality and style of play leads me to picture him as a Knick again next season.
10. Corey Brewer
A young player with great athleticism, defensive skill, and an emerging offensive game. He still needs some work, but in the right system he can still be a terrific player in this league. I see him as a borderline starter, but with upside. Minnesota is trying to bring him back, and I think that would be a good move for both sides. Although he did fit in with Denver nicely. Either spot is a fine landing place.
By: The Sports Guys
Top 10 Remaining Free Agents
1. Andrew Bynum
It's likely down to the Cavs or Mavs for this once dominant big man. The real question mark here is his health. After missing the entire season last year, many are questioning if he knees will ever allow him to be dominant once again. Neither team will offer him a longterm deal, so Bynum needs to be prepared to earn his longterm money by playing great once again. My thought is that he should go to the Cavs. They are a young team on the rise, led by a stud in Kyrie Irving. There would be enough around him there to thrive, and if they add Lebron next summer, he could be apart of a multiple championship team. Dallas is a team soon to be in transition. Plus, the Cavs offered a 2-year deal already (although the second year is based upon a team option).
2. Monta Ellis
The best scorer left on the market, Ellis has an interesting decision to make. He narrowed his list to four teams: Dallas, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Charlotte. For all of these teams, he would likely be the first or second option on offense. The difference is team sustainability. Atlanta is a team that has been a steady playoff team, but hasn't even sniffed a championship. Dallas has won one recently, but they are on the decline. Sacramento and Charlotte meanwhile, have been cellar teams that are seemingly on the way up. What scenario will he like? Personally, I like Charlotte as long as Gerald Henderson doesn't return. Monta could be the go-to scorer on the perimeter, with Al Jefferson on the block. They are improving fast also with a young core of Kemba, MKG, and Zeller. He could really help turn that franchise around.
3. Nikola Pekovic
Pekovic is one of the most underrated players in the game. He puts up numbers, nearly plays at an All-Star level, but is basically ignored across the NBA landscape. What this means is that he'll return to Minnesota, which is a good thing with their injury bug hopefully behind them. Minnesota could definitely be a playoff team this season in the West.
4. Brandon Jennings/Jeff Teague
I pair these two up because they go hand in hand. Jennings and Teague have all but agreed to return to their respective teams, but there is serious talk of a sign and trade for each other. I don't like it for either team though. If I'm Milwaukee, I like Jennings better than Teague, especially in terms of upside. If I'm Atlanta, keeping Teague will likely lead to signing Monta Ellis (Ellis wouldn't come there if Jennings is on the team). So forget the trade guys!
5. Andrei Kirilenko
Kirilenko is a veteran player that can bring so many things to a team. I actually have no clue where he'll end up signing. All I know is that whatever team gets him will get a guaranteed contributor off the bench. The Lakers are a team that needs bench help...
6. Gary Neal
Honestly don't know if he should be ranked this high but we all saw in the playoffs how valuable he could be to a team. The man can shoot it, with range, at a high level, and in big situations (such as the NBA Finals). I know my team (Pacers) could have used him last year. Similar to Kirilenko, Neal can be a great bench player for any team.
7. Elton Brand
Looking for a veteran power forward that can play defense, rebound, and finish inside? Look no further than Elton Brand. He won't end up going here but I love how he would fit with Indiana. He would be able to come off the bench behind David West and there wouldn't be a major drop-off there. And with Hansbrough now in Toronto, we could use another big body.
8. Greg Oden
Similar to Bynum, you don't really know what you are getting with Oden due to his injury history. But if he can stay healthy, his skillset and size leads me to think he could start for most teams in the league eventually. Miami is a team that I think should sign him. They have nothing at the center position and he could simply come in to rebound and defend. This would help against big teams like Indiana and SA, whom they struggled against in the playoffs. But with Chris Anderson re-signing there today, don't know if that's possible now.
9. Nate Robinson
If you watched the Bulls in the playoffs, you saw how Nate became one of their best players. But that was also because most of their team was beat up. Nonetheless, Robinson can be instant offense off the bench and can ignite a team with energy. His personality and style of play leads me to picture him as a Knick again next season.
10. Corey Brewer
A young player with great athleticism, defensive skill, and an emerging offensive game. He still needs some work, but in the right system he can still be a terrific player in this league. I see him as a borderline starter, but with upside. Minnesota is trying to bring him back, and I think that would be a good move for both sides. Although he did fit in with Denver nicely. Either spot is a fine landing place.
By: The Sports Guys
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
MLB Mid-Season Review
With
the major league baseball season about at the halfway point, Greg and I thought
it would be appropriate to do our mid-season review. This review includes
analysis on each division, along with looking back to see how our preseason predictions
are fairing at this point. Below, we’ve also handed out our awards from the
first half in each league. Enjoy!
NOTE:
Actual standings are as of noon on Monday, July 8.
AL East:
Preseason
Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*Toronto
Blue Jays:
89-73 *Boston
Red Sox: 90-72
*Boston
Red Sox:
87-75 *Toronto
Blue Jays: 89-73
Tampa
Bay Rays:
85-77 Tampa
Bay Rays: 87-75
New
York Yankees:
80-82 Baltimore
Orioles: 83-79
Baltimore
Orioles:
69-93 New
York Yankees: 81-81
Actual
Standings:
|
54
|
36
|
.600
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
40
|
.551
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
40
|
.551
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48
|
40
|
.545
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
45
|
.489
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clearly
we both thought Toronto would be better than they are, but they've had a rash
of injuries and underperformance. With roughly 80 games left, and being 10
games back, they are all but out of it now, unless they get extremely hot. The
biggest surprise, and best story really, is Chris Davis's huge year so far and
the Orioles continued success from last season. He’s getting a lot of help
though from many Baltimore players who are having terrific years.
AL Central:
Preseason Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*Detroit
Tigers:
95-67 *Detroit
Tigers: 94-68
Kansas
City Royals:
85-77 Cleveland
Indians: 88-74
Cleveland
Indians:
81-81 Chicago
White Sox: 83-79
Chicago
White Sox:
80-82 Kansas
City Royals: 80-82
Minnesota
Twins:
65-97 Minnesota
Twins: 77-85
Actual
Standings:
|
48
|
39
|
.552
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
42
|
.523
|
2.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41
|
44
|
.482
|
6.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37
|
48
|
.435
|
10.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34
|
51
|
.400
|
13.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
biggest surprise in this division so far is the extreme decline of the White
Sox. They were nearly the division champions last season and they are in the
cellar, behind the Twins who are just abysmal. The Tigers will get to feast on
the Sox for nearly 20 games in the second half so I expect their lead in the
division to grow. We also will follow Miggy’s terrific year to see if he can
win the Triple Crown again.
AL West
Preseason
Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*Los
Angeles Angels:
100-62 *Los
Angeles Angels: 91-71
*Texas
Rangers:
88-74 *Texas
Rangers: 90-72
Seattle
Mariners: 79-83
Seattle Mariners: 85-77
Oakland
Athletics: 70-92
Oakland Athletics: 83-79
Houston
Astros: 62-100
Houston Astros: 63-99
Actual
Standings:
|
52
|
37
|
.584
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
37
|
.580
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
45
|
.489
|
8.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
49
|
.443
|
12.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
|
57
|
.360
|
20.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another
division in which the most talented team is underperforming, and the least
talented is vastly over performing. Oakland is on pace to win 95 games this
season...who saw that coming? The Angels have played better of late, and are
still within shouting distance, but have to play much better the second half of
the season to have a chance. And then there are those Rangers, up there once
again…
AL Awards:
Mid-Season
MVP
Greg:
Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles.
.320
BA 33 HR 85 RBI
.395 OBP
Andrew:
Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers.
.364
BA 28 HR 90 RBI
.457 OBP
Mid-Season
Cy Young
Greg:
Hisashi Iwakuma, SP, Seattle Mariners
2.60
ERA 7-4 103 K
.88 WHIP
Andrew:
Max Scherzer, SP, Detroit Tigers
3.06
ERA 13-0 146 K
.95 WHIP
Mid-Season AL
Rookie of the Year
Greg:
J.B. Schuck, OF, LA Angels
.299
BA .345 OBP .725 OPS
Andrew:
Agree with Greg. Although no rookie in the AL is that great. The NL features
much better prospects.
Mid-Season AL
Manager of the Year
Greg:
John Farrell - Boston Red Sox
Andrew:
Bob Melvin – Oakland Athletics
NL East
Preseason
Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*Atlanta
Braves:
95-67 *Washington
Nationals: 99-63
*Washington
Nationals: 94-68 *Atlanta
Braves: 92-70
Philadelphia
Phillies:
82-80 Philadelphia
Phillies: 83-79
New
York Mets:
78-84 New
York Mets: 79-83
Miami
Marlins:
63-99 Miami
Marlins: 70-92
Actual
Standings:
|
50
|
38
|
.568
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
42
|
.523
|
4.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
46
|
.483
|
7.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37
|
48
|
.435
|
11.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
|
55
|
.368
|
17.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So
far, Andrew's Braves are playing very well. Their bullpen has the best ERA in
the majors, and their starting pitching has been adequate. Justin Upton got off
to a torrid start, but has cooled off significantly since then. The Nationals
have underachieved, but have played better of late. Domonic Brown has almost
singlehandedly carried the Phillies to a surprising record. And the Marlins
just might be the worst team in baseball.
NL Central
Preseason
Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*St.
Louis Cardinals:
87-75 *Cincinnati
Reds: 91-71
Cincinnati
Reds:
86-76 St.
Louis Cardinals: 87-75
Milwaukee
Brewers: 83-79 Milwaukee
Brewers: 85-77
Pittsburgh
Pirates: 77-85
Pittsburgh Pirates: 81-81
Chicago
Cubs:
70-92
Chicago Cubs: 78-84
Actual
Standings:
|
53
|
34
|
.609
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53
|
34
|
.609
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
38
|
.568
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38
|
48
|
.442
|
14.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35
|
52
|
.402
|
18.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great
story here with the Pirates almost assuredly clinching their first winning
season since 1992. The only question is: will they make the playoffs? It will
be a tight race between the Reds, redbirds, and Pirates. All three could likely
make the playoffs though filling both wildcard spots.
NL West
Preseason
Standings:
Andrew:
Greg:
*Los
Angeles Dodgers:
97-65 *San Francisco
Giants: 89-73
*San
Francisco Giants:
89-73 *Los
Angeles Dodgers: 88-74
Colorado
Rockies:
77-85 Arizona
Diamondbacks: 84-78
Arizona
Diamondbacks: 76-86 Colorado Rockies: 82-80
San
Diego Padres: 61-101
San Diego Padres: 76-86
Actual
Standings:
|
47
|
41
|
.534
|
--
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
45
|
.483
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
47
|
.472
|
5.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
47
|
.460
|
6.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
49
|
.449
|
7.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
feel like a broken record... The Dodgers have climbed back into the thick of
things thanks to Yasiel Puig's historic start to his career, but have still
massively underachieved. Colorado started hot, but has lost 14 of their last 19
games. San Francisco has scuffled all year long, with their pitching being the
main culprit. And unlikely Arizona is leading the way. All the teams are still
relatively close though, so I look for it to be a close division race to the
last week of the season. Can somebody please just stand up?
NL Awards
NL
Mid-Season MVP
Greg:
Yasiel Puig, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
.409
BA .437 OBP 1.114OPS 8 HR
19 RBI
Andrew:
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
.310
BA 21 HR 74 RBI
.369 OBP 4.6 WAR (just for
Greg)
NL Mid-Season
CY Young
Greg:
Matt Harvey, SP, New York Mets
2.27
ERA 2.24 DIPS 141 K
Andrew:
I may have to agree with Greg here, although I like Kershaw, Wainwright, and
Corbin too.
NL
Mid-Season Rookie of the Year
Greg:
Patrick Corbin, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
2.40
ERA 3.41 DIPS 99 K
Andrew:
Yasiel Puig, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
.409
BA .437 OBP 1.114OPS 8 HR
19 RBI
Remember,
he’s only played in the last two months.
NL
Mid-Season Manager of the Year
Greg:
Clint Hurdle - Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew:
Dido!
By:
The Sports Guys
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