Still not much going on in off-season baseball. Unless you count the guys who are retiring but you thought they were already retired. Yes, I mean you, RHP Jeff Suppan and 1B/OF Aubrey Huff. Both had their days in the sun without really catching fire or gaining widespread acclaim. Suppan seemed to have the potential to be very good when I saw him in the minors. That potential became the ability to win 10-12 games a year seemingly forever. Huff was instrumental in bringing the first World Series championship to San Francisco, as well as being part of the Rays' growth into a contending team.
The other big baseball news seems to be that Rangers -- New York Rangers, that is -- goalie Henrik Lundqvist will be wearing a mask featuring the likenesses of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio for the Stadium Series hockey at Yankee Stadium.
The NHL will be coming out of its shutdown for next month's Olympics with a series of outdoor games, like the one that drew 105,000 people to Michigan Stadium on New Year's Day. The most exotic locale will be Dodger Stadium, which last saw ice in a cocktail glass inside a luxury suite.
Yankee Stadium just had the Pinstripe Bowl football game. Hockey is next.
Let's get with it, NBA! Schedule at game at the new House That Ruth Built. Try to make it The House That Carmelo Brought Down. A Saturday or Sunday afternoon game in April (while the Yanks are out of town) should due. That's April 2015, and not a day later.
* * *
Basketball. I'm ahead 5-3 going into the last day of this week's competition. That would keep me in fourth place. But I'm down by just two assists, so I could pick up another game and possibly move into third.
With Ricky Rubio not playing today, I decided to pick up free-agent PG Mario Chalmers. I contemplated dropping up-and-down SG Joe Johnson, but I might need him to boost my 3-point total, so I waived Taj Gibson for the second time this season. I may try to pick him up again.
Eight of my 10 roster spots are filled tonight. I figure Chalmers at least has plenty of options of people to pass to who are likely to shoot and even make some shots. If I'm really lucky, he'll be getting assists for Chris Bosh.
* * *
Hockey. Still at 66 points, and sliding slowly farther behind the second-place team, currently at 73.
The biggest chances for me to gain ground are in assists, where I'm just 8 behind the team in second; power-play points, 4 behind both teams ahead of me in the standings, and save percentage, .027 behind No. 2.
Last night's game before my very eyes was a mixed blessing. Henrik Zetterberg scored two goals and was plus-2, but Brenden Dillon was minus-2. The goals weren't terribly important, because I already lead the league. Last night's plus/minus was up and down, but finished plus-1, boosting my season total to plus-19. That's still 21 points away from catching the next higher team.
My lineup for Sunday will have six skaters and possibly goalie Eddie Lack (Roberto Luongo was in goal for Vancouver Saturday).
* * *
Football. It seemed weird Saturday when I got up thinking I needed to make an 11th-hour check of my fantasy roster, then realized that I didn't have a team playing. Then as I listened to the first half of Kansas City-Indianapolis on the way to the Red Wings-Stars game, I was wondering whether I could retain RB Jamaal Charles on my playoff roster even if he wouldn't be able to play in the Divisional round.
I don't think it was just because I had the Colts in both of my playoff pools, but I found the KC radio crew very annoying. I just looked up the name of the Chiefs' play-by-play guy. He's Mitch Holthus, and he must have some following in Kansas and Missouri because he's been on the job for 20 years. The annoying part was when the Chiefs were tearing it up, he kept repeating a mantra that the Chiefs would be doing it "all day," which apparently included saying "all day" all day. He also seemed very impressed with himself for knowing the small town in Kansas where the head linesman lived, and the location of Mary Hardin Baylor University in Texas.
It wasn't until after the hockey game that I learned the Chiefs had blown their big lead and lost. All day apparently had a second half.
It didn't help the broadcast that color man Len -- turned out to be the one-time great Len Dawson -- was one of the type who pretty much agree with and parrot what the play-by-play guy says. Dawson has seen better days, and I think those are in the past. (All day.)
Anyway, in my pick-'em pool, both the Colts and Saints advanced, as I predicted, but by the skin of their teeth.
Fortunately, in my $1,000-bankroll, pick-with-the-spread pool, I "wagered" $200 on the Saints and just $100 on the Colts, who didn't cover as 2.5-point favorites. So my hypothetical bankroll is up to $1,100.
In my college pools, I don't expect I'll win anything despite picking up 28 points from Vanderbilt in the pick-winners confidence pool. I have 1 point on Ball State tonight and 5 on Florida State Monday. I'm not even sure Vanderbilt covered the spread, but going into that game I was just 11-16 in my point-spread pool.
Showing posts with label Jamaal Charles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamaal Charles. Show all posts
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Don't believe hype about Dodgers' bullpen
Trying to shore up their bullpen to facilitate a postseason berth, the Dodgers reportedly have reached agreements to sign RHPs Chris Perez and Jamey Wright and LHP J.P. Howell.
Does that improve LA's relief pitching. There's a better than even chance.
Do the moves guarantee a playoff berth. Hardly.
Perez was shaky during the latter part of 2013 for the Indians, as they tried out alternatives as their closer.
Howell is a good role-playing lefty, but overpriced at a reported $5 million-plus.
Wright will be 40 years old. I remember from his Rangers days as a good dude. He was very excited about finally reaching the postseason last fall in his 18th season. One of the reasons why he hadn't been was that he has spent most of his lengthy career on the fringes, pitching -- even starting -- for losing teams and frequently toiling in losing situations for winning teams. His days may be numbered, but he did pitch well for the 2012 Dodgers before moving on to the Rays. But he's hardly a sure thing.
For that matter, is hard-throwing RHP Kenley Jansen a sure thing as a closer? No, but that's probably why LA signed a former Giants closer, RHP Brian Wilson.
The Twins' contracts with RHP Mike Pelfrey and C Kurt Suzuki are now official.
Speed-demon sensation Billy Hamilton is likely to take over from free-agent OF Shin-soo Choo as the Reds' center fielder and leadoff batter.
* * *
Other sports. This is like the winter version of baseball's All-Star break. There won't be any NFL games until Sunday. The NHL is off until Friday. The NBA will have some games Wednesday, probably just so TV will have some sports to broadcast on Christmas.
Important key. For the NFL's last week, you have to take into account which teams -- and star players -- have something to play for. If not, they might not even play at all, and therefore would be useless to your fantasy team. Eighteen teams do have a a playoff berth or seeding on the line: Denver, New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Miami, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh in the AFC, and Seattle, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC. Notice that the Chiefs aren't on the list, because win or lose they would be the AFC's No. 5 seed. That's why I'm leaning toward starting inferior RB Ray Rice instead of KC RB Jamaal Charles, the league's best for fantasy purposes this year.
I'm tied 4-4 through the first day of this week's fantasy basketball competition. With a short week, it will be important to stay on top of who's playing well, and especially who's playing at all on a particular day.
In part because Flyers G Steve Mason had his best game since he has been on my roster, I'm within seven points of second place in my fantasy hockey league. I can pick and choose whom I'd want to start on Friday when the league is back in full swing. I have set my lineup already, but I'll reexamine it before Friday's games to see if there are injuries or other issues to consider.
No NFL games to consider until Sunday, but I will be at Valley Ranch on Christmas afternoon to do a Kyle Orton story -- just in case QB Tony Romo doesn't play for the Cowboys Sunday night. At this point, I think Jason Garrett's public statements are the only indication that Romo might do as much as put on his uniform.
Does that improve LA's relief pitching. There's a better than even chance.
Do the moves guarantee a playoff berth. Hardly.
Perez was shaky during the latter part of 2013 for the Indians, as they tried out alternatives as their closer.
Howell is a good role-playing lefty, but overpriced at a reported $5 million-plus.
Wright will be 40 years old. I remember from his Rangers days as a good dude. He was very excited about finally reaching the postseason last fall in his 18th season. One of the reasons why he hadn't been was that he has spent most of his lengthy career on the fringes, pitching -- even starting -- for losing teams and frequently toiling in losing situations for winning teams. His days may be numbered, but he did pitch well for the 2012 Dodgers before moving on to the Rays. But he's hardly a sure thing.
For that matter, is hard-throwing RHP Kenley Jansen a sure thing as a closer? No, but that's probably why LA signed a former Giants closer, RHP Brian Wilson.
The Twins' contracts with RHP Mike Pelfrey and C Kurt Suzuki are now official.
Speed-demon sensation Billy Hamilton is likely to take over from free-agent OF Shin-soo Choo as the Reds' center fielder and leadoff batter.
* * *
Other sports. This is like the winter version of baseball's All-Star break. There won't be any NFL games until Sunday. The NHL is off until Friday. The NBA will have some games Wednesday, probably just so TV will have some sports to broadcast on Christmas.
Important key. For the NFL's last week, you have to take into account which teams -- and star players -- have something to play for. If not, they might not even play at all, and therefore would be useless to your fantasy team. Eighteen teams do have a a playoff berth or seeding on the line: Denver, New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Miami, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh in the AFC, and Seattle, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC. Notice that the Chiefs aren't on the list, because win or lose they would be the AFC's No. 5 seed. That's why I'm leaning toward starting inferior RB Ray Rice instead of KC RB Jamaal Charles, the league's best for fantasy purposes this year.
I'm tied 4-4 through the first day of this week's fantasy basketball competition. With a short week, it will be important to stay on top of who's playing well, and especially who's playing at all on a particular day.
In part because Flyers G Steve Mason had his best game since he has been on my roster, I'm within seven points of second place in my fantasy hockey league. I can pick and choose whom I'd want to start on Friday when the league is back in full swing. I have set my lineup already, but I'll reexamine it before Friday's games to see if there are injuries or other issues to consider.
No NFL games to consider until Sunday, but I will be at Valley Ranch on Christmas afternoon to do a Kyle Orton story -- just in case QB Tony Romo doesn't play for the Cowboys Sunday night. At this point, I think Jason Garrett's public statements are the only indication that Romo might do as much as put on his uniform.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Ellis looks like better pickup than Axford
Two baseball deals were set over the weekend, another was finalized and two others were reported.
The Dodgers confirmed that 3B Jose Uribe would return on a 2-year, $15-million deal and the Twins re-upped RHP Mike Pelfrey for 2014 and '15.
The Mets completed their 2-year contract with free-agent RHP Bartolo Colon.
The reported free-agent signings were by the Indians for RHP John Axford -- who could become their closer, at least until he loses the job -- and the Cardinals with 2B Mark Ellis. He could take some pressure off left-handed-hitting 2B Kolten Wong.
* * *
Football. The problem with having more than one fantasy team is that a guy who gives you a win in one league could beat you in another. That appears likely to be the case in my two football leagues.
Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles' 5 touchdowns gave me 30 points in my scoring-only league. That helped me to a 63-20 lead with RB Ray Rice and the Lions' quarterbacks still to play. My opponent's starting lineup has all played already. In a league that has been going since 1987, I haven't scored more than 70. And that was when we got double points for 50-plus-yard scoring plays and I had Jerry Rice on my roster. I'll still be two games out of first place with two to play.
In my scoring-plus-yardage, I'm on the verge of blowing a 25-point lead after the first week of a two-game consolation semifinal playoff. Playing against me, Charles scored 51 points. That helped my opponent pulled within 183-181 with my roster exhausted and Lions RB Reggie Bush still available for him Monday night.
* * *
Hockey. With only one player from my roster actually playing, I dropped a point in ATOI. Valtteri Flippula gave me an assist and plus-1. Fortunately, I didn't make a change to put Flyers G Steve Mason in my lineup. He again gave up four goals, and lost in overtime. But I might have been able to use my two Ducks skaters, Corey Perry and Dustin Penner, each plus-1. I apparently didn't make lineup changes after Saturday night's Bucks-Mavericks game. Got up this morning at 5 to go to Bonham for two church services, took a nap when I returned and didn't wake up until the Packers were scoring to pull within 29-24 of the Cowboys.
Made another move to get more minutes as well as some penalty minutes and shots and a positive plus/minus on my backline. Welcome, Stars D Brenden Dillon to replace the Bruins' Torey Krug.
* * *
Basketball. Late Sunday afternoon, after Gerald Greene made a 3-pointer, I was leading 8-0 as this week's head-to-head matchup neared its end. However, I knew my lead of 1 3-pointer wasn't safe with Stephen Curry still playing for my opponent.
So I wasn't surprised when Curry made 4 treys and no one on my roster had another. However, it was a surprise that my opponents' hustling team made 13 steals and 32 of 35 free throws (while my guys were missing 5 of 17). That left me with a 5-3 win for the week (22-10 over the last 4 weeks after a 5-18-1 start).
I moved up to seventh place, 2 1/2 games out of fifth. I'm also 4 1/2 games behind the third-place team, my opponent for the next week, and 7 1/2 out of first.
The Dodgers confirmed that 3B Jose Uribe would return on a 2-year, $15-million deal and the Twins re-upped RHP Mike Pelfrey for 2014 and '15.
The Mets completed their 2-year contract with free-agent RHP Bartolo Colon.
The reported free-agent signings were by the Indians for RHP John Axford -- who could become their closer, at least until he loses the job -- and the Cardinals with 2B Mark Ellis. He could take some pressure off left-handed-hitting 2B Kolten Wong.
* * *
Football. The problem with having more than one fantasy team is that a guy who gives you a win in one league could beat you in another. That appears likely to be the case in my two football leagues.
Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles' 5 touchdowns gave me 30 points in my scoring-only league. That helped me to a 63-20 lead with RB Ray Rice and the Lions' quarterbacks still to play. My opponent's starting lineup has all played already. In a league that has been going since 1987, I haven't scored more than 70. And that was when we got double points for 50-plus-yard scoring plays and I had Jerry Rice on my roster. I'll still be two games out of first place with two to play.
In my scoring-plus-yardage, I'm on the verge of blowing a 25-point lead after the first week of a two-game consolation semifinal playoff. Playing against me, Charles scored 51 points. That helped my opponent pulled within 183-181 with my roster exhausted and Lions RB Reggie Bush still available for him Monday night.
* * *
Hockey. With only one player from my roster actually playing, I dropped a point in ATOI. Valtteri Flippula gave me an assist and plus-1. Fortunately, I didn't make a change to put Flyers G Steve Mason in my lineup. He again gave up four goals, and lost in overtime. But I might have been able to use my two Ducks skaters, Corey Perry and Dustin Penner, each plus-1. I apparently didn't make lineup changes after Saturday night's Bucks-Mavericks game. Got up this morning at 5 to go to Bonham for two church services, took a nap when I returned and didn't wake up until the Packers were scoring to pull within 29-24 of the Cowboys.
Made another move to get more minutes as well as some penalty minutes and shots and a positive plus/minus on my backline. Welcome, Stars D Brenden Dillon to replace the Bruins' Torey Krug.
* * *
Basketball. Late Sunday afternoon, after Gerald Greene made a 3-pointer, I was leading 8-0 as this week's head-to-head matchup neared its end. However, I knew my lead of 1 3-pointer wasn't safe with Stephen Curry still playing for my opponent.
So I wasn't surprised when Curry made 4 treys and no one on my roster had another. However, it was a surprise that my opponents' hustling team made 13 steals and 32 of 35 free throws (while my guys were missing 5 of 17). That left me with a 5-3 win for the week (22-10 over the last 4 weeks after a 5-18-1 start).
I moved up to seventh place, 2 1/2 games out of fifth. I'm also 4 1/2 games behind the third-place team, my opponent for the next week, and 7 1/2 out of first.
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