Studs & Duds-August 1st

It has been a wild week of MLB trades and all the craziness in the NFL.  Here is a look at a few players who you may want to add to your fantasy baseball team as we head down the home stretch. 



Bourgeois finds himself in a spot to
play everyday after the trade deadline

 With the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn the door is wide open for Jason Bourgeois to step up and play everyday.  If Bourgeois can stay healthy he has great speed and can help your team out with batting average and stolen bases.  He has been plagued by leg injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of the year, so monitor his status closely.

While OF is a very deep position you may want to consider adding Hideki Matsui and latch on the hot streak that he is on.  Matsui is hitting nearly .500 with 11 runs and 16 RBI in the last two weeks.  He has been on a tear since the All Star break and deserves consideration for an outfield spot on your team. 

If you are hurting at catcher a good addition for your team would be Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  Salty is hitting .333 while driving in ten runs and hitting three home runs.  He will occasionally give way to Jason Varitek behind the plate, but this time of year virtually every catcher is getting time off from time to time.

Jeff Nieman was rumored to be on the trading block but has not yet been moved.  All he has done in the last two weeks is rack up 25 Ks with a sub one ERA and WHIP.  If you are in need of a starter or are streaming your pitchers down the stretch, Nieman is a guy to have on your radar and likely your roster!



Jackson's latest call is to St. Louis and
the contending Cardinals

 Edwin Jackson made a solid start in his debut for the Cards against the Cubs.  Expect Jackson to be the beneficiary of a renewed focus in a playoff race and the softer hitting NL lineups.  Jackson is a solid option for strikeouts and has managed to put together a solid couple of weeks pulling his ERA and WHIP down to respectable levels.

Keep an eye on the trades that materialize and don't underestimate post deadline deals and how they will effect teams.  Contending teams may add some pieces that end up only being platoon players on their new team and you need to be open to making daring moves to climb the standings. 

AFC South-Fantasy Football Do's And Don'ts

We are building up some steam with the recent free agent frenzy and you can feel football in the air.  Here is look at the players in the AFC South who you need to be familiar with as you prepare for your draft.

Houston Texans
The Texans have an explosive offense capable of hurting you on the ground or through the air.  Matt Schaub is a safe second tier pick for your fantasy quarterback.  He racked up over 4,000 yards and had more than 24 passing TDs for the second consecutive year in 2010.  His numbers were down a tick with the emergence of Arian Foster but the balanced attack will loosen defenses up and allow Schaub more space to work with.  Another 4,300/25 season is within reach for Schaub.



Arian Foster will not last until the
middle of your fantasy draft this season

 Arian Foster was the fantasy surprise of the year in 2010.  He won't slip to the middle of your draft this year and may even be the first overall selection.  Even more impressive than Foster's 1,600 rushing yards were his 66 catches for over 600 yards out of the backfield.  His projections in PPR leagues probably translate in to him being the number one back in your league.  There are bigger names, but Foster may be the better pick.  Ben Tate is a capable backup and a good handcuff pick for Foster owners.   

Andre Johnson's catches and yards were very similar to the previous two years despite the fact that he missed three games in 2010.  Like Foster, Johnson is the top player at his position.  You can draft Johnson late in the first round after the run on backs and quarterbacks and pencil him in for his typical productive season.  Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are solid but unspectacular.  Neither are worth drafting but keep them on your radar through the season as possible waiver wire adds. 

How many years can a player be deemed a sleeper, before you are forced to accept that maybe he is in a coma?  Owen Daniels has the tools to be a top tier tight end but he just can't stay healthy and put together one full, productive season.  He should be drafted as a low tier starter but you may want to quickly back him up given his injury history. 

Indianapolis Colts


Will off season neck surgery slow
Peyton Manning in 2011?

 For the first time in recent memory we enter the season with many questions surrounding Peyton Manning.  Manning will enter the season coming off neck surgery and will likely miss much of the preseason while he recovers.  I would never suggest that he needs the reps but the conditioning and timing with his receivers can not be understated.  Manning should still be a low top tier QB, but don't be surprised if his early season production is a little less than normal. 

Will this be the year that Joseph Addai moves on and gives way to Donald Brown, or does Addai still have a little gas in the tank?  The two backs put up nearly identical numbers last year and either of them could emerge in 2011.  If one of the two steps up and claims the starting job they would be a decent option for a RB3 slot on your team, but not much else.  Addai may end up being cut and that would open the door for Brown to claim the job outright, so keep a close eye on the developments.

Reggie Wayne put up his normal, solid fantasy star numbers in 2010 and should be counted on for consistency at the receiver slot once again.  His numbers will likely be down slightly, but he is very dependable.  Expect a 85/1,200/8 season from Wayne who is slowly creeping out of his prime.  Pierre Garcon is the current beneficiary of being the number two wideout with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.  If Garcon can get past his case of the drops from last season he has the potential to be a good WR3 on your team.  Austin Collie was a huge surprise last year before suffering three concussions.  He has good potential and could be a sleeper pick, but be aware that another concussion could end his season or career. 

Dallas Clark should return as a top tier tight end after recovering from an injury that cost him much of the 2010 season.  Clark is a favorite target of Manning's and could register close to 100 receptions if he stays healthy.  He may be undervalued due to his injury last season, but you can draft him with confidence as a top three tight end. 

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags drafted Blaine Gabbert with the intention of having his as their QB of the future.  David Garrard will likely start most of the 2011 season.  Neither option will have fantasy value this season. 

Expect another solid year for MJD

Maurice Jones-Drew had his second straight 1,300 yard season but he saw his TDs drop from 15 to 5.  He is a solid second tier back and will be looked on to carry the load for the Jags again this year.  MJD's catches were also down last year, but he may see a pickup in receptions with the lack of off season workouts for teams due to the lockout. 

Mike Sims-Walker is wildly inconsistent and disappeared for stretches last year.  He suffered through three games where he didn't even register a catch.  I can't trust him and can't suggest that you do either.  Pass on Sims-Walker and let someone else pull their hair out from week to week.  Mike Thomas is a decent sleeper option and could emerge as a WR3 option.  Don't count on him to carry your team, but he will likely fly below the radar and be a good value pick.  The only other solid receiving threat for the Jags is their tight end Marcedes Lewis.  Lewis was especially productive in scoring leagues with a ten TD season in 2010.  Sims-Walker's inconsistency and Thomas' size leave Lewis as the Jags number one red zone target and a candidate for another good season. 

Tenneessee Titans
The Titans agreed to terms with Matt Hasslebeck to be their quarterback for the 2010 and to groom Jake Locker to be the eventual suceesor.  Hasslebeck should not be drafted on draft day but could have value later in the season if you need a capable vet to fill in for injuries. 


Is Chris Johnson #1 overall?


Chris Johnson has a solid argument to be the overall number one pick in your draft.  The new coaching staff has said they intend to utilize Johnson more in the passing game and he will once again be a solid building block for your fantasy squad.  If you are picking in the top three spots in your draft you can't go wrong with Johnson on your team. 

If Kenny Britt is able to avoid suspension with the adoption of the new collective bargining agreement he has high WR2 capability with the talent to project to a WR1 now that he has a decent QB to get him the ball.  Monitor his situation and adjust him down accordingly, depending on the length of any possible suspension.  Jared Cook has the size and talent to emerge as a Antonio Gates type target at tight end.  He hasn't been able to put it together in two seasons, but enters the 2011 season as the primary receiving tight end.  He shouldn't be drafted but he warrrants some attention.  Monitor his early season performances and grab him if he shows he is ready to live up to expectations. 

With all the signings going on the last several days, all your cheatsheets and notes could find themselves obsolete from one minute to the next.  Keep checking back to see how all the moves will effect the fantasy football projections for the coming year. 

NFC West-Fantasy Football Do's & Don'ts

Teams are reporting to camp and all the craziness is starting with free agency.  Here is a look at the players who make their home in the NFC West that deserve your consideration for your fantasy football team. 

Arizona Cardinals
The QB situation in the desert will go a long way in determining the fantasy value of the surrounding cast.  The Cards are expected to make a strong push for Kevin Kolb via trade with the Eagles.  If Kolb lands in Arizona he immediately becomes their starter and has value as a solid QB2.

The backfield in Arizona is very crowded and looks to be a dreaded running back by committee situation.  Beanie Wells will likely be overvalued on draft day even after a disappointing 2010 sophomore season.  He only managed 2TDs and 397 yards while splitting time with Tim Hightower.  Hightower is a restricted free agent and will likely be resigned for the Cards.  To complicate things further, the Cardinals spent their 2nd round pick on Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams.  Williams is a talented back who could eventually have fantasy football value, but the timeshare will likely diminish the value of any of these backs. 



Expect a bounce back fantasy season
from Larry Fitzgerald in 2011

 Larry Fitzgerald was a popular cornerstone for many fantasy squads last year.  If it is possible to catch 90 balls for over 1,100 yards and have your season deemed a disappointment then Fitzgerald's 2010 season qualifies, but only because of the scant six TDs and high expectations.  Should Kevin Kolb end up in Arizona then Fitzgerald's stock is solidified as a top tier WR again.  Look for 90/1,200/10 with solid QB play.  Expectations were also high for Steve Breaston last year.  He was widely expected to step in to Anquan Boldin's spot and produce impressive stats.  Instead, Breaston suffered through some injuries and only had 47 catches and one TD.  He is a free agent now, but the Cards are expected to resign him.  Again, if Arizona has a competent signal caller Breaston could be a quality reserve WR, but if not, he has no spot on your roster. 



San Francisco 49ERs
Alex Smith is expected to be back as the Niners QB and does not have fantasy value unless you play in a very deep league.

Frank Gore saw his 2010 season cut short due to injuries and will see some competition in the backfield from Anthony Dixon.  Gore has received a strong endorsement from new head coach Jim Harbaugh and should remain the workhorse back for the 49ERs again in 2011.  Gore is a solid pass catcher and will make for a solid RB1 for teams that draft towards the back of the draft and are still looking to latch onto a strong back.  Beware of his propensity for injuries and know that he will likely miss a couple of games, but you may be rewarded with a solid back capable of registering strong RB1 numbers. 

Michael Crabtree is the only WR on the Niners that deserves your consideration on draft day.  If he can continue to mature and get solid QB play he has shown the ability to be a solid WR2 option in all formats.  If you can stomach stretches where he disappears and disappoints, draft him for his talent and upside. 



Vernon Davis is arguably the best
fantasy tight end

 Vernon Davis is arguably the best fantasy TE in the game.  His TDs were down from 13 to 7 in 2010 but he still managed to pile up 914 yards and is doing his best to wrestle the best overall tight end moniker from Antonio Gates.  He should be one of the first tight ends off the board and you can draft him expecting solid WR2 type numbers.

Seattle Seahawks
Is it possible for a playoff team to have hardly any players worth picking on draft day?  The Seahawks may be that team.  Keep a close eye on the QB situation as it develops in Seattle and adjust should they sign a vet capable of stepping in and contributing.  If the job somehow falls to Charlie Whitehurst, run...fast and far!

Marshawn Lynch will always be remembered for going "beastmode" and breaking tackle after tackle on his way to one of the most memorable TDs in recent history.  If Lynch is able to get the lion share of the carries he is a solid RB3 option and capable bye week fill in.  Justin Forsett is still in the picture but saw his touches decrease last year and appears to be relegated to an injury option and third down back at this point. 

What do you make of Mike Williams?  Is the he the guy who caught 44 passes for 2 TDs from 05-07 or is the he the target that hauled in 65 catches for 751 yards in 2010?  I tend to think you can expect a similar stat line from him.  Williams appears to have matured as a person and is a good WR3 to consider.  Keep an eye on how the Seahawk's offense performs early and what Ben Obomanu's role is.  He may warrant deep league consideration if he continues to show development. 

The emergence of Mike Williams came at the expense of John Carlson.  Carlson saw his role reduced and he is now longer a reliable fantasy option.


St. Louis Rams

If Josh McDaniels is calling the plays in St. Louis this year Sam Bradford may quickly develop into a viable starting fantasy QB.  Expect a continued maturation and development from Bradford who had over 3,500 yards and 18 TDs in this rookie campaign.  I would be surprised if he doesn't surpass 3,800 yards with 24 TDs this season. 

Steven Jackson takes a pounding and just keeps on running the ball.  Just twenty eight, Jackson has still racked up over 2,200 touches in his career.  He has the ability to carry the load, but could certainly benefit from a complementary back like Reggie Bush to lighten his load.  Beware of the possibility of a drastic drop off and draft Jackson as a high to mid RB2. 

The Rams would be well served to add a quality WR for Bradford to throw to.  Sidney Rice would be a good option due to his size, skill set, and age.  The current Rams receivers are not household names but could end up producing decent numbers for your fantasy team.  Danny Amendola has far more value in a PPR league after hauling in 85 catches last year.  Donnie Avery and Mardy Gilyard will battle with a handful of draft picks to get playing time and have very little fantasy value unless they are able to separate themselves and secure more playing time. 

With all the player movement expected in the next several days, keep checking back for your division by division fantasy rundown. 

Studs & Duds-July 23

Studs and Duds will take a look at the players who you may look to pick up to give your baseball team the shot in the arm they need and the others that it may be time to give up on.

Here is this week's edition

Studs-
Edwin Encarnacion-3B, 1B Toronto Blue Jays
Encarnacion has been very hot over the last two weeks and is still available in many leagues.  He is an attractive option at either corner infield position and could be a fill in option for teams looking for a replacement for Alex Rodriguez or Chipper Jones.  Encarnacion has hit .436 the last two weeks while driving in five runs and swiping three stolen bases.



Cameron Maybin's hot streak has
earned him consideration for your
fantasy baseball roster

 Cameron Maybin-OF San Diego Padres
Maybin has been on fire lately and may be the best player on the Padres right now.  He was phenomenal compiling nine hits in a three game series against the Florida Marlins.  Maybin has good speed and will be a good option to sneak a couple of steals in if you can plug him in positive match ups. 

Alexi Casilla 2B, SS Minnesota Twins
If you were unfortunate enough to have lost Stephen Drew to the DL earlier in the week you may be scrambling for middle infield help.  Casilla has come on strong of late and his numbers are actually very similar to Drew's with a trade off for RBI for stolen bases.  His seventeen hits in the last two weeks ties him for third in the majors.  His ability to get on base and score runs make him a valuable fantasy option. 

Brandon Morrow SP Toronto Blue Jays
Morrow has not been spectacular but he registers a good number of Ks and has logged two solid starts since the All Star break.  His next start is against Texas so be careful, but he could provide you with some starter help down the stretch. 

The next guy in line RP...potentially, lots of teams
This isn't an endorsement of any one individual player, but rather a call to be on the look out at the moves that develop in MLB at the trade deadlines.  Several relief pitchers are being shopped and are expected to find new homes in the next week.  Make sure you are on top of how this might effect your current staff and who the key guys are to step in, in the event that a team trades it's current closer.  Here are the guys I would take note of and have on my radar. 
Edward Mujica-Florida
Mike Adams-San Diego
Luke Gregerson-San Diego (if Bell & Adams get traded)


Duds
Jason Bay-OF New York Mets
Bay evidently turned back into a pumpkin when the calender hit July.  His hot streak is gone and he is battling through some injuries that have kept him out of the lineup.  If Carlos Beltran is dealt at the deadline, Bay will be looked at to provide much of the Mets' offense but he is not proving capable lately.

Mike Trout-OF LA Angels
If you latched on to Trout when he got called up expecting to catch lightening in a bottle, you have been disappointed.  He is only batting .133 and is simply not hitting well enough to warrant a spot on your roster.  He has all the tools to be a fantasy contributor for many years, but for this year...look elsewhere.

Matt Capps-RP Minnesota Twins
Joe Nathan is back in as the closer for the Twins barring a major setback.  Given his recent performances, Capps may actually fallen behind Glen Perkins at having a shot at closing should the Twins look to replace Nathan later in the season. 

Jhoulys Chacin-SP Colorado Rockies
Chacin has had two shaky outings and you may be better served to look for a different option to send to the mound.  His 5.50 ERA in the last two weeks is concerning, but it could actually be worse considering all the base runners he has allowed via walk as he struggles with control issues. 

AFC West-Fantasy Football Do's And Don'ts

Here is a snapshot of the AFC West teams and the key fantasy players who deserve your attention on draft day. 

San Diego Chargers


Philip Rivers will put up top three
QB numbers in 2011

 Philip Rivers will rank near the top of your QB rankings.  He is surrounded by a strong cast of offensive weapons that will give him opportunities that other QBs only dream of.  After posting over 4,700 passing yards with 30 TDs despite the Vincent Jackson drama you can expect similar numbers in 2011.  If you miss out on Rodgers and Brees, grab Rivers and don't feel bad for yourself. 

Ryan Mathews entered the league last year with a lot of promise and expectations.  He put up solid numbers but was hobbled by injuries.  While Mathews was on the shelf the Chargers discovered Mike Tolbert was a capable option in the backfield.  Expect a timeshare with Mathews getting the majority of the carries.  Mathews should be monitored to make sure he bounces back from his injuries and to verify his role as the primary back.  Target him as a strong RB2 if his role develops as expected. 

The Chargers' receiving situation requires a crystal ball to sort out.  Keep an eye on the contract issues with Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd right up until draft day.  If both stay put and are paired with Rivers, Jackson is a strong WR1 option and Floyd is a low end WR2 with upside.  Jackson and Antonio Gates will demand a lot of attention and should shift the coverage to allow Floyd the opportunity to shine.  If Jackson were to end up elsewhere, Floyd shoots up the draft board as a high WR2.  Gates is again atop the list of tight ends.  He missed six games last year but still has the skills, and offense to put up the type of numbers you would normally expect to see from a top tier receiver. 

Denver Broncos


 The Broncos are in a rebuilding mode and have hired John Fox to be their coach going forward.  Fox who is known for his stubbornness in playing vets over younger players will have his natural tendencies challenged in his new post.  The Broncos are expected to look for a trading partner to move Kyle Orton, leaving the door open for Tim Tebow to take over at quarterback.  Tebow's name power will likely result in him being overvalued and drafted before savvy owners are willing to take the chance on his unconventional approach and upside.  He will have success in the right match ups, but I suggest you wait and see how he develops this year and what his role is moving forward. 

Denver's backfield is a mess and may be one of those situations that has to be worked out through the pre-season.  Knoshown Moreno has been criticized for his willingness to put in the work it takes to be an elite back in the NFL.  The Broncos may pursue another running back in free agency to share the load with Moreno.  Fox negotiated a successful RBBC in Carolina with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stweart and this season may bring more of the same.  Interestingly, if the Panthers elect to not throw a bunch of money at Williams he may be heavily pursued by his old coach and end up lining up in the Bronco's backfield. 

The Broncos receivers are led by Brandon Lloyd.  Lloyd had a terrific year last year with a stat line of 77/1,448/11.  He will anchor their wideouts in 2011 and should be picked as a very high end WR2.  Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney are the other two guys who expect to catch the ball for the Broncos this year.  Neither player is worth investing a whole lot in, but if you are looking for a sleeper wide receiver who has put up good numbers in the past, I would target Royal. 


Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel is an excellent choice for your QB2 slot.  He improved a great deal last year tossing 27 TDs and only 7 interceptions.  For owners who like to take two mid range QBs and play the matchup week to week, Cassel would be a solid option to pursue. 

The Chiefs may keep Thomas Jones around for 2011 and may even  list him as their primary back, but no logical person can justify not feeding Jamaal Charles the ball 20+ times per game.  Despite only three games where he logged more than 20 carries last year Charles managed to have over 1,400 yards on the strength of a 6.4 YPC average.  Expect Charles to get a greater share this year and put up eye popping numbers.  His projections deserve top five status on draft day.

Dwayne Bowe hauled in fifteen TDs last year on his way to a great fantasy football season.  I believe that Bowe has the potential to be a bust in the upcoming season.  He was able to catch only 72 passes last year and with such a gaudy TD total unlikely again(the 15 TDs in 2010 was only one less than his total the last three seasons combined), expect his numbers to take a dip.  He is certainly still a player to target, but don't overvalue him on draft day.  Pick him with the expectation of getting mid WR2 stats.  Unless they may a free agent acquisition no other WR deserves draft day consideration. 

Tony Moeacki had a solid season with 47/556/3 numbers.  He is not worth drafting but could be on your radar in the season for a bye week or injury pickup.     

Oakland Raiders

Darren McFadden will be a popular choice for owners who miss out on the top half of the first round and are looking to grab a solid running back.  McFadden is a strong candidate to build on his 1,000 yard season last year, but his injury history and the Raiders willingness to give the ball to Michael Bush at the goal line are concerning.  McFadden is a strong pass catcher and I would target him as a mid to low RB1 choice.  Keep an eye on what happens to Bush in the pre-season.  He may find his way onto fantasy rosters as a handcuff pick or as a candidate to steal some TDs with those goal line carries. 

Zach Miller has had three consecutive seasons with strong numbers for a second tier tight end.  Pencil him in for 65/700/5 and pick him with confidence.

Two divisions down, six to go.  Keep checking back in for the divisional breakdown of fantasy players around the league. 

NFC North-Fantasy Football Preview

The defending Super Bowl champ Green Bay Packers aren't without questions entering the 2011 fantasy football season after suffering through an exorbitant number of injuries on the road to the hoisting the Lombardi trophy last year.  The Pack was able to plug backups in to their lineup and steamroll to the title.  Winning fantasy teams are also built around quality depth.  This post is the first in a series examining the key fantasy players from each division in the NFL.  Today's spotlight is on the NFC North.

Green Bay Packers
The Packers are anchored by the top fantasy QB Aaron Rodgers, and he has the belt to prove it.  Rodgers carried Green Bay last year passing for nearly 4,000 yards while accounting for a total of 32 TDs.  Another solid season appears in order.  Rodgers numbers the last three years average out to 4131 yards with 28 passing touchdowns.  He has been good for an additional 4 rushing TDs and is extremely durable.  The only game he has missed in three years was in 2011 when he missed a week due to a concussion. 



Ryan Grant's ankle injury has the
Packers looking at several options
for their backfield in 2011

 Ryan Grant suffered a season ending ankle injury in week one only managing to log eight carries for the season.  Grant has declared himself the starting back in Green Bay for the coming year, but all indications are that the Packers running back duties will be split unless a surprise emerges.  Grant has enjoyed the most success, registering two seasons of 1,200 plus yards.  He is creeping towards the dreaded 30 year mark turning 29 during the upcoming season, but lacks the typical wear and tear of many backs his age.  Brandon Jackson filled in admirably for Grant last season accumulating 703 yards but appears to be the odd man out behind Grant and James Starks who showed he was capable of carrying the load in the playoffs.  Starks figures to be in the mix along with rookie Alex Green who the Packers spent a third round pick on.  This backfield battle is certainly one to keep your eyes on through camp and in to the preseason to see if a clear cut starter emerges.  If not, proceed with caution and only use a pick on one of these backs in the later rounds as sleeper pick. 

Wide receiver has been a position of wealth for Green Bay for several seasons.  Their explosive offense means several wideouts on their roster may find a spot on your fantasy roster.  Greg Jennings is a top tier fantasy receiver and should again lead the Packers statistically.  He is coming off a very solid 76/1265/12 season and should duplicate those numbers in 2011.  The Packers have a solid trio of receivers behind Jennings.  Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones all put up very similar numbers in 2010.  While fantasy owners would like for a solid #2 option to emerge, any of the players are valuable as emergency spot starters.  I expect Jones to seek a more prominent role and end up elsewhere in free agency.  Driver and Nelson's numbers could see a bump but rookie Randall Cobb figures to work his way onto the field and again divide the catches.

After a strong stretch run in 2009, Jermichael Finley was a popular sleeper pick at tight end last year.  He got off to a good start before being forced to the IR with a knee injury.  Finley has the size and talent to be an excellent red zone target, but his injury history is a concern.  Finley will be picked early because of his talent and potential.  Don't overpay given his history and the depth at tight end. 

Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler has the unique ability to cause to high five your buddies one minute and shout profanities at him the next.  "Gunslinger" is a popular term for QBs like Cutler, but I'm not sure reckless and overconfident aren't better descriptions. Rarely can you say that a QB decreased his INTs by ten and still managed to average more than one pick per game.  Combine those 16 interceptions with 9 fumbles and Cutler's inability to protect the ball make him a risky pick at QB.  Cutler has the skill set to be an elite QB but he has yet to put it together for long stretches.  Look elsewhere for your backup QB unless he proves early in the season to have changed his ways.

Matt Forte quietly put together a solid season last year.  He was especially useful in PPR leagues where he tallied 51 catches and found the end zone on three of those.  Forte, who doesn't turn 26 until December, has consistently been a good receiver out of the backfield.  Consider him a solid RB2 on draft day and pencil him in for 1,500 total yards and 10 TDs. 

Johnny Knox leads the Bears receiving corps.  Knox is a safe WR2 for your fantasy team.  Adjust him down a tick in PPR leagues.  He nearly eclipsed 1,000 yards last season, but he did it on only 51 receptions.  The other Bears receivers can be called the Disappointing Devins.  Devin Hester is a solid return man and is capable of electrifying moments, but he hasn't put it all together as a wide receiver.  Devin Aromashodu was a popular sleeper pick last year but only managed 10 catches on the season.  Earl Bennett saw his production dip last year, and will be undervalued on draft day.  Keep an eye on what the Bears do in free agency regarding wide receiver and adjust your rankings accordingly. 

Greg Olsen is a bye week fill in at tight end and should be passed over on draft day. 

Minnesota Vikings
Unless you play in a keeper league there is nothing to consider at QB for the Vikings.  Christian Ponder may be a serviceable fantasy QB in the future, but he is not ready in 2011.  The Vikings are expected to pursue a veteran free agent to lead their offense and groom Ponder, but regardless of whether that ends up being Donovan McNabb, Marc Bulger or someone else they have no spot on your fantasy team. 

Adrian Peterson is arguably the top player in fantasy football and will be leaned on heavily to carry the load for the Vikings offense.  Peterson's numbers were down last year and they may not improve in the upcoming campaign.  With questions at the quarterback position teams will load the line of scrimmage and dare the Vikings to beat them throwing the ball.  Peterson is still an elite performer, but tread lightly and temper your expectations in light of variables out of his control. 

Minnesota has a huge question mark at the receiver position with potential free agent Sidney Rice.  Rice blossomed in 2009 with Brett Favre under center and put up solid numbers last year after returning from a hip injury.  Rice, who turns 25 in September, could be one of the most highly sought after free agents when the owners and players reach an agreement, but will likely find himself as a restricted free agent.  He was very underwhelming while playing his first two seasons with mediocre QBs and you will have to gauge his ranking based on his eventual landing spot and the their QB situation. Despite seeming to be on the injury report all of last season, Percy Harvin only missed two games in 2011.  While he is a little less valuable than Rice, Harvin's may not suffer as much with the QB uncertainty due to the role he plays on the Vikings.  Harvin has the explosiveness to score anytime he touches the ball and should be a big part of the Vikes intermediate passing game.  Draft Harvin as a high WR3 with the upside to develop in to more. 

The Vikings used their second round draft pick in April to select TE Kyle Rudolph.  They will likely use a lot of two tight end sets, and will work Rudolph in at the expense of Visanthe Shiancoe.  Neither TE has draft day appeal at this point.  If Rice ends up elsewhere, Shiancoe may emerge as a red zone target, but not much else. 

Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford has not been able to stay healthy in his short two year career.  He has shown flashes when he is on the field and has a strong cast surrounding him.  Stafford would be a good pick for an owner who secures a top tier QB and is looking at upside and a potential trade later in the season. 

Jahvid Best is another back who's value sees an upward tick in PPR leagues.  He only rushed for 551 yards last year, but grabbed 58 balls for an additional 487 yards.  He found the end zone six times rushing last year but may see his goal line opportunities challenged by rookie 2nd round pick Mickel Leshoure.  Leshoure is a power back who will be a solid complementary back for the Lions, but could drive fantasy owners crazy.  Consider Best a shaky RB2 and Leshoure as a late round flier or potential TD vulture. 

Calvin Johnson is an elite fantasy receiver and should be among the top three wideouts off the board in your draft.  Look for Johnson to register a 85/1200/10 season.  He is a solid building block for your fantasy squad having performed regardless of who was under center for the Lions.  Beyond Johnson, the Lions do not have a sure thing at receiver on their roster.  Nate Burleson had a productive season last year and could again be a decent WR4 option.  The Lions drafted Titus Young out of Boise State and expect him to step in and get on the field in his rookie season.  Young figures to spend most of his time working out the slot and has the talent to take some catches from Burleson.  Both guys have the look of waiver wire fodder at this stage. 



Calvin Johnson should be one of
the top three WRs drafted

Brandon Pettigrew had a strong second pro season accumulating a 71/722/4 season.  His size makes him a good red zone option and he may see an increase in his TD total.  Slate him as a low TE1 and enjoy the upside. 

Keep checking back as we work our way around the league and examine the potential fantasy contributors for the upcoming season. 

MLB's All-Star Problem

 Much has been made over the record low television viewers for last week's MLB All-Star game.  Bud Selig says, "To say the players don't care is absolute nonsense," but with it taking an eventual 84 invites to round out AL and NL rosters it is , at best, hard to argue the players take the game seriously.  Here are my suggestions on how commissioner Selig can return the mid summer classic to a place of prominence and respect.

Homefield ADVANTAGE!
Sure the league that wins the All Star game earns home field advantage in World Series and we all recognize the importance of the comforts of home, so why not take it a step further?   What if the winning league earned a 5-to-2 game homefield advantage for their accomplishment?  Would a player on a contending team with a minor injury be more inclined to go and help his league secure the win?  Their All Star game contribution could possibly be as pivotal as any contribution they make to their individual team through the second half.  After the winning team spends the first two World Series games on the road they retreat to their home stadium to finish out the series.  This gives the winning league, possibly, three more games at home against their opponent.

Ask before you print the ballot
A simple solution to all the players bailing on the All Star game is to simply not have them eligible to make the team.  MLB can take a simple survey of players and ask if they were selected for the game if they would participate.  An injury that prohibited a player's participation would, of course, be acceptable.  I understand that a 15-year vet who has made the All Star game numerous times may want to enjoy a few days of rest, so why not give them an honorable way out and allow the rising stars of the game to get a taste of the spotlight?

Reduce the Rosters
This year's All Star game included 41 position players alone.  Remember the good ole' days when the starters played six or seven innings before giving way to a substitute?  The talent is watered down and in addition to not seeing all of the biggest stars in MLB, fans aren't seeing the players who do attend the game very long.  Having the starters log more innings will result in less players being needed for the game and will draw the fans back in.  Getting rid of the rule requiring a player from each team will help here as well.  If you don't want to keep score in little league to preserve your ten year old's self esteem then feel free, but if you don't get it as 28 year-old who is batting .270 with twelve home runs that you aren't one of the elite players in the best league in the world then the game has truly lost it's prestige.  By including less players and only including the true best of the best the game will regain respect with the fans and will be seen as a true honor for the players. 

Baseball wins.  The fans win.  We all win!

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist-Be Flexible

All your research is done and now you are ready to dominate your draft.  You have your players ranked and have noted the drop off lines in talent.  Your homework shows you where players are generally being drafted and you have a mental notebook full of useful information about your opponents.  Now it's time to execute and build your team. 

The easy thing is to over think your draft and develop tunnel vision zeroing in on specific players.  Now is not the time to reach and ruin all your hard work.  Now is the time to be flexible, adjust and take what your opponents give you.  Over the course of your draft, surprises will come up and your opponents will leave you scratching your head with some of their picks.  If you are rigid in your approach you will miss the opportunity to grab a guy that should have never been available when you were picking. 

Keep an eye on who is being picked and mark them off your list.  Pay particular attention to the positions that your opponents are filling.  Noticing that you and another owner are the only teams without a starting QB and seeing that you have three or more quarterbacks ranked in the same tier will allow you to fill depth at other positions confidently assuming your opponents will not take another signal caller.  Work the depth at positions and draft the best available player according to need and you will be on your way to putting together a winning fantasy football team. 

Fantasy Football Draft-Snake or Auction

"Where are you picking?"  It is the most common question leading up to draft day.  What if I told you that your answer could be, "Anywhere, and everywhere I want!"

We all know that there are several different scoring systems that are commonly used in fantasy football, but you may not know that there is more than one way to draft for your league.  Here is a quick rundown of both the snake and auction draft and how they work so that you can decide what type of draft is best for your league. 

Overview

Snake-In the snake format owners select their team in a serpentine manner round after round.  Draft position is usually determined well before the draft but may not be determined until just prior to drafting time.  This format is the most popular and is a good starting point for beginners. 

Auction-An auction draft is exactly what the name suggests it would be.  Players are still called in a serpentine manner, but that is where the similarities end.  Once a player is called and is placed on the "auction block" any owner can bid to have them on their team.  Each team has a set amount of money, or a salary cap, to spend on their team.  Once the draft is complete, trades and free agency are conducted just as they are in snake format.  Auction amounts are not considered in trades and free agents have no $ value. 

The auction draft is more strategic and stands to do a little natural thinning of the fantasy herd.  In a snake draft an ill prepared owner may show up and fall in to a competitive team and occasionally even win the league.  An auction draft requires more planning and strategy in placing auction values on the players.  Owners who do their homework and are most prepared stand to be rewarded with the strongest teams. 

The snake draft leads to long lulls for the owners picking near the front or back of the pack and they can get disinterested or lose track of who has already been selected.  This is the guy we all know and love who calls out five names that have already been selected every time his pick rolls around from the fifth round on. 

Another advantage of the auction draft is that no owner is handcuffed by his draft position early.  There is always that spot where the clear cut order falls apart and an owner has to reach for a running back or go with a top tier receiver or quarterback.  In an auction, the only opportunity to overpay for a player or position is completely your choice.  For example, this year you may be picking fifth in your traditional snake draft and decide that there is not a real value pick at that slot.  Regardless of what you think about the players who are there when your spot comes up, you are forced to make a selection for your roster. In an auction draft you have the flexibility to bring up a guy you have rated lower and go after him for the money you have determined him to be worth or you can call the name of one of the guys perceived to go in that spot and watch your opponents spend their money on him.  Every pick allow you the option of effectively "trading down" to a spot of value.



Foster AND Peterson in your fantasy football backfield?
With an auction draft anything is possible!

 Going once, going twice...gone!
Is your league ready to take the plunge and move to an auction draft?  Here is a look at some basic strategy to prepare you for an auction draft. 

I am a big believer in establishing tiers of players and drawing lines for the talent drop offs.  This allows you to group players together and decide when you need to address a certain position and when you can let things slide a round further.  In an auction draft, one draft day blunder you will want to avoid is to get caught chasing the last guy in a particular tier.  This is especially true at the top of each positional tier where there will generally be a consensus among owners.  Most owners will agree that this year the top three backs are Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson and Arian Foster.  While there is much debate as to how they are slated one to three most people can agree that is the top tier.  Historically, the last of those three guys put on the auction block will go for a premium, and likely be overpaid for because owners will want to be sure to secure a guy in the top tier.  Sometimes you can't help it and your opponents will overpay for the last and next to last guy in a tier, but if you can don't jump off the cliff reaching for a player because you backed yourself in a corner by waiting.  Keep your head and know when to bow out of the bidding and spend your money elsewhere. 

The easy thing to do in an auction draft is to spend your money.  The way to win in an auction league is to spend your opponents money!  Make sure you have your list of big name players that you are sour on and put them up for auction when your time rolls around.  Bring your buddy's favorite player up and watch him overspend and allow you to slide into some solid value picks to fill out your roster later.  You will even want to occasionally get in on the bidding and drive the price up, but know when to get out.  Nobody admires the guy who pays five grand for the black velvet picture of the dogs playing poker!

The only way you should have any money left at the end of your draft is if you were fortunate enough to clean up with a hand full of $1 buys to end your draft.  And even then, you shouldn't have much left.  Once the draft is complete, trades and free agents are just as they are in a snake draft format.  Dollar values are no longer of consequence, so there is no reason to save your money.  Spend it all!  Having said that don't be afraid to make some thrifty buys.  Save your sleepers for the later rounds of the auction.  You may be able to secure many of them for just one dollar.  You can't count on landing every sleeper on your board for the minimum, so stash away a little money to make a strong run at the prospects that you feel strongest about.  If you play your cards right and can save a little more money than your opponents through the early rounds, then late in the draft you will have positioned yourself to pick and choose the guys that your opponents have limited funds to pursue and still get a great bargain.

If you are looking to change things up in your league or take your league to a new level, I recommend that you consider giving an auction draft a try.  Your draft will be a blast and your fellow owners will thank you later.   

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist-Check Your Heart At The Door

Your draft is coming together now and you are picking up momentum.  One of the crucial pieces of knowledge that we looked at yesterday was to know your league and opponents' tendencies; it is just as important to not fall in to the trap of developing habits in your drafting strategy.  The only manner you want to be predictable at is to be recognized for drafting based on your draft position, need and talent.  By checking your heart at the door you won't fall in to the trap of drafting the guy that helped you win last year (unless he is the right guy at the right time anyway), or the aging star of your favorite team. 


Too many great NFL players are average fantasy performers and get drafted far too early based solely on name recognition.  Adopting a strict policy of drafting using with my system may leave your fantasy team without any players from your favorite NFL team and you may even end up with some players from your hated rival, but it will stack you with a team full of talent and ready to make a run at the title!

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist-Know Your League

All the pieces are falling in to place now.  You are putting in the hard work on the front end of your draft so that you can dominate your fantasy football league through the fall and winter.  You have your players slotted based on position, you have identified the drop off points and understand where players are generally being drafted by referencing average draft position.  The goal of fantasy football is to beat your opponents and win your league.  I believe knowing the scoring system of your league and the tendencies of your opponents are the often overlooked pieces of intelligence that might allow you to find some gems in your draft. 

How could anyone reasonably expect to do well in a fantasy football league without fully understanding the rules?  If you take my advice to heart and put in the time and work to plug your projections in to your league's scoring system part of your work is done.  Make sure you know the scoring system that is in place!   The other side of this is to know the roster makeup and positions that you will need to start each week.  Much of your preparation should be dictated by the parameters that your league has in place.

One of the advantages of playing in a league with the same group of friends year after year is that you learn the tendencies of your opponents.  Keeping some historical drafting data and a few mental notes will serve you well on draft day.  There will be one guy who is eager to grab a quarterback early, someone comes to the table wanting to have a top three tight end, kicker and defense and another guy grew up outside Detroit and has some inside info on that 5th string undrafted free agent receiver that caught eleven passes in the preseason.  This info will allow you to know what to expect and where you can maybe pass on a guy until the next round.  Another good bit of information is the favorite team of all your opponents.  We all have a tendency to gravitate to the known and fantasy football is no different.  All these small pieces of information can be utilized to put you a few precious steps closer to walking away from your draft with a winning team. 

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist-Research Average Draft Positions

You are getting closer to putting together all the tools to have a strong fantasy football draft.  Players are ranked and you have determined drop offs at each positions so that you can capitalize on similarly performing players, now you need to start the process of understanding what others think about the players. 

Understanding ADP will help you answer several questions when trying to evaluate your next pick...

Is their a receiver that I need consider rather than a running back?
When should I take a tight end rather than another receiver?

By researching ADP you can better compare where players are being drafted across the position lines.  In order to have the best grasp on ADP you will need to use the most up to date information.  A magazine can not adequately account for all the changes that take place throughout training camp.  Last year if you thought that you would be able to wait until the last several rounds to grab Arian Foster you would have been disappointed several times over.  ADP will give you an idea of what others are thinking when drafting their teams but there are still other key factors that you have to recognize.  Keep coming back to for more information on how you can prepare to dominate your league by having a strong draft. 

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist-Set Position Thresholds

Once you have established the rankings for each position based on your league's scoring system, the next thing you need to do is to determine thresholds at each position.  Thresholds are just a fancy way of saying that you should determine where there is a group of players that you can expect to score similarly and where the drop-offs occur. 

Knowing where the talent drops off at a certain position can be especially useful if you are drafting near either end of your draft.  If you are caught between players at different positions but have determined that you can expect a similar performance out of 3-4 guys at one position and their is a drop off at the other slot you should grab the guy at the bottom of the threshold and know that there will still be a guy that you can live with available when your pick rolls back around. 

The easiest way that I have found to draw these lines is to take my projections, run them through my scoring system and then divide these numbers over sixteen games.  This will give you an idea of a weekly scoring expectation if all things go as planned throughout the season(they won't).  Breaking down the numbers incrementally will allow you to better evaluate actual game by game performances.  Now you have drawn some thin lines that will allow you to more objectively draft players based on the numbers and not the names. 

The next step we will look at will be to know average draft positions of players and understanding what your opponents may be thinking. 

Fantasy Football draft Checklist-Rank Your Players By Position

The most fundamental part of preparing for your draft is to take the time to create your own rankings for each position.  Many of your lesser opponents will merely pick up a magazine that catches their eye and adopt those rankings as their own.  The problem with relying on a magazine for your rankings is that, unless you are drafting in June, those rankings do not account for many changes that take place between publication and your draft day.  Another problem with using the rankings straight from a magazine, or any other source for that matter, is that they may not be using the same scoring system as your league uses to establish projections.  There are a variety of scoring systems that are popular and a slight variation in the scoring system could completely sway how you slot your players. 

So if grabbing a magazine on the way to your draft isn't a good system, how do you go about establishing your own player rankings?  The first thing you need to do is to understand your scoring system.  Once you have a good grasp on your league's scoring, I suggest you put a spreadsheet together so that you can calculate player  projections that are customized with your score system in mind. 

Another key to accurate projections is to use several sources. It is not unusual for me to grab two or three magazines and then consult my favorite websites frequently right up until draft day.  This will allow you to have a variety of perspectives and will cancel out one source who may favor or dislike a particular player.  By using websites that update projections throughout training camp and preseason games you will be able to adjust your projections for injuries, timeshares, or sleepers.  These subtle adjustments will allow you to capitalize in the mid rounds where you are building your team's depth and the keys to a winning team. 

Fantasy Football Draft Checklist

Preparation for your fantasy football draft is as important as anything else you will do for the upcoming season.  So, over the next several posts I will review the keys to prepare for a successful draft.  Regardless of the type of approach you take to your draft the more prepared you are the better you should pick.

What are the steps you need to take to properly prepare for your draft?

Rank Players by Position

Set Position Thresholds

Research Average Draft Position(ADP)

Know your league

Check your heart at the door

Be flexible

Check back throughout the week for a breakdown on each category so that you can go to your draft with confidence that you have done all your homework and leave your draft knowing that you have a competitive team. 

Starting Pitching Help

Many starting pitching early draft picks have found their way to the DL lately.  Jon Lester strained a lat and may be out a month and joins an already depleted Red Sox staff.  Josh Beckett was reported to have a hyperextended knee Friday night, while Clay Bucholtz continues to battle back problems.  Josh Johnson, Roy Oswalt, Jonathan Sanchez, Eric Bedard and John Danks are other notable starters who find themselves on the DL as we go into the All Star break.  Here are a couple of pitchers who may be available in your league to consider utilizing while your guys are getting healthy. 

These aren't the guys you can plug in your lineup and leave with no regard to their matchup but you should be able to get some help by streaming from a list of pitchers based on their matchup. 

Despite his inconsistency, Wandy Rodriguez can be a good source for strikeouts.  He is slated to start against the Marlins Sunday and pitched well against them in April.  Colby Lewis has pitched into the eight twice this season against the A's.  He faces off against Oakland in a favorable matchup on Saturday.  Indians hurler Justin Masterson has found his way again or late notching two wins in his last two starts by pitching eight innings against both the Reds and Yankees.  He won't help you much with strikeouts, but his strong ERA and WHIP could certainly help you out.  The Mets are a couple of games over .500 due largely to the performance of Dillon Gee and Jonathan Niese.  Both are borderline talent for your fantasy squad.  Niese has been the better option of late.  He has logged four wins while registering a K/IP in the last month. 

Keep an eye on these guys and others who you can plug in for a spot start and keep pace in your fantasy league standings while you battle through the injury bug. 

Where Plaxico Burress Will Not Play In 2011

Much has been made in recent weeks over the release of Plaxico Burress from jail and where he might end up playing in 2011.  The truth of the matter is that I don't know what team will take a chance on Burress, but I do know one team that won't...I can not imagine any circumstances where I would have Plaxico Burress on my fantasy football team in the coming year.

I get the sense in watching interviews with Burress that he is truly contrite for his actions that landed him in jail, and I hope he comes back and performs well, but that doesn't change the fact that he will be a 34-year old receiver, battling to learn a new system in a (likely)shortened training camp who hasn't played a snap in the last two seasons. 

The first thing to consider when evaluating Burress is what team he will end up playing for.  When the labor dispute is settled and free agency kicks in the market will be full of possible receivers for teams to pursue.  Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson, and Santonio Holmes headline a list of free agents and will garner more attention from teams.  Combine those wideouts with others like Steve Smith(Carolina), and Chad Ochocinco who may be traded or released and Burress is suddenly an afterthought for a team who misses out on the receiver bonanza. 

Should Burress land with Eagles, like many have suggested where would he fit in?  The Eagles have a young, deep receiving corp lead by DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Riley Cooper.  Burress may like his throwback Phillies cap, but don't look for him in an Eagles helmet this season. 

There are two teams that Burress mentioned wanting to play for; the Houston Texans and NY Jets.  The Houston Texans appear to be set at receiver with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and RFA Jacoby Jones all set to return to the team.  It is hard to see the Texans viewing Burress as an upgrade over Walter or Jones at this stage of his career. 

The Jets have their own issues at receiver, but will likely retain Santonio Holmes.  Brad Smith and Braylon Edwards may end up elsewhere and could open up the door for Burress to return to the Big Apple.  Landing back in NY is the best scenario among the teams that have been mentioned as possible destinations for Burress.   

But once he is able to latch on to a team, what kind of production can you expect?  When he logged ten games with the Giants in 2008, Burress stats were 35/454/4.  IF Burress latches on with the right team, IF Burress earns a starting job, IF Burress can stay healthy and play sixteen games and IF Burress can perform at 80% of his '08 stats, his line only reads 45/581/5. Do you really have a spot on your team for three catches for 40 yards a game with a TD every third week? 

Even in Burress' best year with the Giants in 2007 he had nine games with four catches or less and was held to less than fifty yards nine times.  You learned to live with the disappearing act knowing that Burress was likely to occasionally spring up and have a eight catch game for more than one hundred yards with a TD.  In 2011 I believe you will get burnt by playing Burress far more often than you will have him lead your team to a win. 

Burress will likely return to the NFL in 2011, and may even contribute to a team,  but he should have no place on your fantasy football roster. 

First Half Suprises-Fantasy Baseball Pitchers

Here is a look at the first half fantasy baseball hurlers who have made their way from the waiver wire to the top of fantasy rotations.

Starting Pitchers-Phil Humber has logged eight wins for a disappointing White Sox team.  Before a bad outing last night Humber had pitched six innings or more in his previous twelve starts.  He is not much of a strikeout artist but he is carrying a mid-two ERA and a sub one WHIP.  Keep a close eye on him and how he performs as he begins facing teams multiple times.  Expecting a similar second half is probably too ambitious but he has proven himself as a reliable fantasy starter. 

He may only be twenty-two years old, but Michael Pineda has been a fantasy stud in the first half.  He has earned eight wins, posting a 2.58ERA and 1.01 WHIP, with nearly a K/IP.  Pineda may have been under the radar, but his talent is undeniable and looks to have the stuff of a top of the line starter for years to come.

 

When the Giants needed a starter to fill in for Barry Zito Ryan Vogelsong stepped right in and has been phenomenal in the first half.  He earned a trip to All-Star game by posting an incredibly strong 2.13 ERA.  Vogelsong is not your typical rookie making his way through the league for the first time.  He appears to have reinvented himself this year and should continue to see success the rest of the season. 

Relief Pitchers-The Pirates have been the feel good story of the first half and Joel Hanrahan closing games out is a huge part of that.  Hanrahan is second in the league in saves and his ERA and WHIP are an unbelievable 1.37 and .94 respectively.

Jordan Walden has been able to register more than a K/IP while saving nineteen games for the Angels.  His ERA is below three and he has a solid 1.23 WHIP. 

Taking a look at the contributors that are out there to be found on the waiver wire is evidence that if you stay on top of your league you will be able to grab some key players to carry your team through the second half. 

The Anti-All-Stars Batters Edition

With the MLB All-Star break coming up next week, now is a good time to reflect on the first half of the season and look at fantasy stars who didn't start the season as stars.  Here is a position by position look at the hitters who were likely available on the waiver wire, but now are key cogs on fantasy teams.

Catchers-With top rated signal callers like Joe Mauer battling injuries and Buster Posey out for the season, it is likely that the catcher position has been a position of great movement in your league.  Thanks to a late push in the All-Star voting Alex Avila earned the nod as the AL catcher.  Thus far Avila is leading AL catchers in AVG, Doubles, RBI, & slugging percentage and is a solid source for HRs and runs.  If you were able to pounce on Avila, you have been fortunate enough to latch hold of a solid backstop for the rest of the season.  Expect him to get the occasional day off allowing Victor Martinez behind the plate, but that only stands to minimize wear and tear on him and keep him fresh through the dog days of summer. 

First Baseman-Chances are you haven't parted ways with your original draft pick at the deepest fantasy position this year, but that doesn't mean there haven't been solid options to add to the depth of your team from the first base position.  A slow start and a stint on the DL may have resulted in Adam Lind being available and he has come back and been a beast at the plate.  His power has tapered off lately but you can expect a strong average and another fifteen homers in the second half. 
Other first baseman(and first base eligible batters) could have been key contributors to your team.  Guys like Justin Smoak, Michael Morse, Carlos Pena, and Michael Cuddyer have likely been available and if you are able to grab them when they are hot you can ride their production up the standings. 

Second Baseman-Everyone expected Danny Espinosa to hit with power from second base but few people saw him for his across the board production.  He is already on the cusp of surpassing his projections for RBI and stolen bases. 
Daniel Murphy of the Mets has been playing very well in the absence of David Wright and will continue to get playing time due to his multiple position eligibility. 
While they are losing at-bats of late players like Ryan Roberts, and Ty Wiggington have had hot streaks in the first half and players like this are capable of contributing to your team in short windows. 

Third Baseman-No game changer jumps out at you as free agent options from the third base position.  Several players like Murphy, Roberts and Wiggington are 3B eligible and along with other guys like Mike Aviles, and Maicer Izturis can fill in for stretches and help you through injuries.

Shortstops-Asdrubal Cabrera has catapulted himself in to the elite status of shortstops in the first half of 2010.  Through the first half of the season he finds himself hitting nearly .300 while being in the top three shortstops in hits, runs, home runs, and RBI while stealing twelve bases.  Many are already comparing his fielding to Omar Vizquel and he should be a mainstay in Cleveland for many years to come. 
They can't be counted on to provide power but Darwin Barney and Jamey Carroll have been hot in the first half both logging over 80 hits.

Outfielders-Lance Berkman was likely a late round draft pick or may have been overlooked all together, but he is on the roster of many top fantasy squads at the mid-way point.  Berkman has been hanging out at first base of late, but will be finding his way back to the outfield with the return of Albert Pujols.  In the first half he is third in HRs for an outfielder while driving in more than sixty runs and is nearly hitting .300.
Michael Morse caught fire early in the season and finds himself contributing in several categories in the world of fantasy baseball. 
Jeff Francoeur has been his own worst enemy in years past, pushing himself too hard, but he has put a solid first half together.  While he isn't going to hit .300, he should continue to be a contributor in each of the other categories going into the second half. 

Tomorrow I will discuss the surprises in the first half on the mound. 

Proceed With Caution

Many fantasy baseball leagues' trade deadline is approaching and if you spend any time visiting fantasy sports sites on the internet, follow sports feeds on Twitter, or listen to sports talk radio you can't go long without having someone ask about making a fantasy trade.  We all like to look for some advice before we make a roster altering trade, but the most honest answer to every one of those trade questions is, "I don't know!"  It may seem like a simplistic approach or an effort to be non-committal; the truth is in most situations the person you are asking can't know.  This is especially true in roto baseball leagues.  There just isn't any such thing as a cut and dry, player for player trade in a roto baseball league. 

What categories are measured in your league?  Where are you lacking?  Are there categories where you could sacrifice a little? Do you have solid backup that you could fill the hole a trade would create?  Are their waiver wire players to consider that would cost you far less than the proposed trade?  These are the types of questions that need to be considered to draw an honest conclusion.  The only way to completely understand the implications of a trade in a roto league is to know the entire roster and the areas where the team needs improvement and areas where the team can afford to slide a bit.  So ask away, but make sure you are using a format that allows you to include as much information as possible.  If you trust the advice of the person you are asking enough to move key players, the least you can do is give them the information they need to make an honest assessment.  Good Luck!

2011 NFL Free Agent WR Analysis

Here is a look at the top wide receivers who may find themselves on a new team when the 2011 NFL gets under way.  I believe the majority of the top tier receivers will be retained by their current team, but second tier guys like James Jones, and Steve Breaston will likely look to take the next step in their careers' by moving to a new team. 

1-Sidney Rice-Rice rebounded from a hip injury last season and put up solid numbers after he returned to the Vikings lineup.  Minnesota would be well served to resign Rice but I expect him to move onto to St. Louis and pair with Sam Bradford as a formidable fantasy duo. 

2-Vincent Jackson-The Chargers put up with V-Jax' holdout last year and after he returned he put up solid numbers.  The Chargers have said all the right things since the season and appear to be likely to give Jackson a hefty payday to remain the teams number one target for Phillip Rivers. 

3-Santonio Holmes-The Jets have some real questions at the receiver position and Holmes is clearly the most reliable target and top priority.  Holmes is a solid route runner, has good speed and great hands and is far too valuable to the Jets for them to let him land elsewhere. 

4-Braylon Edwards-I fully expect Edwards to spend the 2011 season somewhere other than NY, but it is difficult to pair him up with a specific team at this point.  Some suggest he may land in Carolina and while picking up a solid veteran offensive threat would go a long way to appease Steve Smith, a long standing feud with Panthers CB Chris Gamble and the team's need to develop Cam Newton without the drama and distraction a player like Edwards can provide will likely be enough to keep him from becoming a Panther. 

5-Mike Sims-Walker-Have a conversation about frustrating fantasy football wideouts and it is hard to not start with Sims-Walker.  He has the tools and body to be a solid receiver but has proven to be very inconsistent.  The Jags don't have much else and would like to keep him but I would not be surprised to see Sims-Walker land in KC and team up beside Dwayne Bowe.  The ability to play the role of the number two target would take a lot of pressure off of Sims-Walker and would likely temper fantasy football expectations for him. 

2011 NFL Free Agent RB Analysis

Today we take a look at the running backs who may be on the move when the NFL free agency details get sorted out. 

1-Deangelo Williams-Williams is on record saying that he would like to stay with the Panthers but as a twenty-eight year old  free agent this offseason will be his best (and last) chance to cash in on a BIG contract.  The Panthers will push to keep him, but will not overpay with Jonathan Stewart, Tyrell Sutton and Mike Goodson on the roster.  Look for Williams to land in Miami if money wins out over loyalty.  With the Dolphins Williams would be a virtual lock for 1,100 yards and 6-8TDs.

2-Ahmad Bradshaw-Bradshaw blossomed last year when the Giants gave him a heavier workload over Brandon Jacobs.  Jacobs was outspoken over his diminished role, but at this stage Bradshaw is clearly the more productive back.  Expect the Giants to resign Bradshaw and have him split time with Danny Ware and rookie Da'Rel Scott.  If Bradshaw can do a better job taking care of the ball, (he lost six fumbles in 2010) he has all the makings of  a solid fantasy running back. 

3-Joseph Addai-Addai has been rather underwhelming of late for the Colts. He is constantly banged up and should not be expected for more than 12-13 games per season.  Addai could benefit from a change of scenery and may fit in well in the Broncos backfield alongside Knowshon Moreno.  Expect Mike Hart and Donald Brown to battle for the starting job in Indy. 

4-Michael Bush-Darren McFadden's breakout season will likely result in the departure of Bush from Oakland.  The Raiders may wish to retain Bush due to McFadden's injury history but expect Bush to seek a starting job elsewhere.  The Redskins could benefit from a big, bruising back and Bush could step right in and take over for Clinton Portis.  Ryan Torrain performed well last year in spot duty, but Bush has the better toolset of the two. 

5-Mike Tolbert-Tolbert stepped in admirably last year for banged up, rookie Ryan Mathews.  He is set to be a restricted free agent and the Chargers have been very clear that they intend on seeing him lining up in the Bolts backfield next season.  Tolbert and Mathews could team up to be a strong split backfield in San Diego...the kind that fantasy players hate! 

6-Cedric Benson-Benson resurrected his career in Cincy and appears to be a solid team leader now.  His yards per carry aren't pretty, but given the state of the Bengals offense he may be leaned upon heavily and pile up yards anyway.  I expect Benson will be back with the Bengals, but with all of their unanswered questions he is no longer a week to week reliable fantasy back. 

Other notables:
Darren Sproles
Ronnie Brown
Le'ron McClain
Kevin Smith
Reggie Bush

2011 NFL Free Agent QB Analysis

Here is quick look at the potential free agent (and others who are rumored to be on the move) QBs, a predicted landing spot and the fantasy football implications.

1-Peyton Manning-Looking for a shocking prediction on where Manning lands in free agency?  You're not going to get it from me.  My best prediction is that Manning is back with the Colts.  The bigger fantasy football questions here are will Peyton take less money to make the Colts more competitive, how do the Colts spend that money and do those potential other signings translate into fantasy production?  Oh, and let's hope that Peyton doesn't hurt his back carrying all that money to the bank!

2-Michael Vick-The Eagles put the franchise tag on Vick and appear ready to sign him to a contract when the lockout is settled.  Expect Vick to be an Eagle for the next several years.  He seems to have matured as a player and is a dual threat to pass or run on every snap.  He can be an injury risk and his ability to take a game over can sometimes lead to his teamates' fantasy production suffering. 

3-Kevin Kolb-while he is not a free agent Kolb has attracted a lot of potential trade attention and would likely have been a draft day trade were it not for the lockout.  While Kolb was linked to the Cardinals early, the Seahawks now appear to be a likely landing spot.  If Pete Carroll elects to let Matt Hasselbeck go elsewhere it is hard to imagine him handing the reigns over to Charlie Whitehurst.  Unless another team steps up with a significant offer look for Kolb to be relocating to the Pacific Northwest this fall.  Until Kolb puts it together on the field for a full season it is hard to consider him much more than a solid fantasy backup with upside. 

4-Matt Hasselbeck-I can't see Pete Carroll resigning Hasselbeck considering the overhaul he started making in the Seahawks roster last season. Tennessee has been successful in the past with Kerry Collins by employing a veteran to hold the reigns for a couple of years while a young QB is groomed, so Hasslebeck could land with the Titans.  It has been years since Hasslebeck has been relevant to the fantasy game, but his veteran leadership and ability to keep teams honest could help Chris Johnson until Jake Locker is ready to take over.