Week 2 Newsletter

[Saxmania]

Well, hello. For the next month or so these newsletters may come at you from a variety of sources - I'm going to be relocating in the next few weeks, so my connection and free time will be unpredictable. Big_E did a sterling job last week, so at least we got started on the right track. We're still adjusting to the way that Sportsline works, so feel free to chip in with ideas and suggestions for the newsletter.

Still no preview of the Mantle division, so I guess I'll belatedly try and put something together this week.

Week 2 newsletter - NYYFans.com Fantasy League

Headlines

Bashers back to their old ways; on collision course with smooth Ice
Early Ruth Division clash between perfect Truth and locked-in Sluggers
Another perfect start to be ruined - Horsemen stampede towards swashbuckling Marauders
Vanquishers victorious for first-ever win against slumping Squeaks
Wolverines wallop their way to close defeat of Empire

Junior's Bashers (305) won at Senators (249)

The Bashers are picking up where they left off last year, quickly jumping out to a 2-0 start while racking up some serious points against the Senators. Now the second highest scoring team in the league, Junior has returning pitcher Bartolo Colon to thank, as the Angels' starter contributed a pair of quality starts in sixteen innings of work. Pdro Martinez was, for once, a drag on the team's scoring, but Tim Wakefield and Paul Wilson helped to pick him up again, and the bullpen was superd - wins from Ryan and Sheilds helping the Bashers to 59 relief points. Some surprising hitting came from Tony Womack, who turned in a good all-around performance to tie the team lead with 26 batting points. Luis Gonzalez and Edgar Martinez also topped 20, rounding off a pleasant week for the returning chamjons.

The ace of the Senators was a little more surprising, as Steve Traschel's pair of quality starts (3 ER in 14 IP) lead the staff with 42 points. Craig Wilson went 8 for 23 with four doubles, and Kris Benson and Matt Clement were also in the points. Their downfall came in the bullpen, where Kyle Farnsworth was pounded for 4 ER in 2 IP, and in the middle of the lineup. Alex Rodriguez's struggles are not just hurting the Yankees, and more should be expected of J.D. Drew (10 points) and Ken Griffey, Jr. (15 points) in the weeks to come. Down 0-2 so far this year, the Senators must pick themselves up if this campaign is to avoid becoming a lame duck.

MVP: Bartolo Colon

Upcoming fixtures: Junior's Bashers (2-0) at Italian Ice (2-0); Senators (0-2) at Larrupin' Lous (0-2)

Italian Ice (288) won at Newburgh Naughties (181)

It's a whole new season for the Italian Ice, who are putting the memories of an indifferent two years behind them in the search for DiMaggio Division glory. Kerry Wood was this week's ace, with 17 strikeouts in 15.2 innings for a win and two good starts. 51 points comfortably lead the roster, but Alfonso Soriano's 35 points (including 7 double players and a 12-29 hitting pace) was also pretty useful. Kaz Matsui, Craig Counsell, and Lyle Overbay were all contributors, while the bullpen excelled thanks to three saves from Matt Herges and 8 strikeouts in 4.1 innings from Francisco Rodriguez. There's still room for improvement, with Gil Meche and Kelvim Escobar both anonymous, but the Ice are skating comfortably along right now.

There's cause for concern in Newburgh, however, as the Naughties are the league's lowest-scoring franchise at this early stage. David Wells will get hung with this loss, allowing eight runs in 4 innings for a -14 score. David Riske (-4) and Darrell May (-10) were little better, and Toby Hall's limited playing time (he went 0-7 and contributed no points all week) is also a concen. Jeff Bagwell provided some hint of defiance, with 8 walks and 7 runs scored, but none of the rest of the lineup topped 20 points. Jamie Moyer was the only member of the rotation to step up, with 13 innings of good pitching - he'll need better support in the upcoming weeks if the Naughties are to get into this divisional race.

MVP: Kerry Wood

Upcoming fixtures: Italian Ice (2-0) vs. Junior's Bashers (2-0); Newburgh Naughties (0-2) at Michigan Wolverines (1-1)

The 4 Horsemen (354) won at Doc's 1.21 Gigawatts (302)

Charging out of the gate, the Horsemen are picking up some momentum as they disposed of two division rivals in two weeks. The fourth-highest scoring franchise in this early stage of the 2004 league, the Horsemen enjoyed a strong week from most of their starters, with Josh Beckett's 45 points (18 Ks in 13.1 innings) the best of the bunch, but Oliver Perez (35) and Matt Riley (32) not far behind. Javier Vazquez disappointed, but it hardly mattered, as run support was plentiful. Vladimir Guerrero appears to be enjoying the California air, as he slugged three homers (and grabbed an outfield assist), while Bret Boone had a solid week all over the park. In the bullpen, J.C. Romero had a good week, but the rest of the crew was indifferent. Another expansion franchise now looms large in the Horsemen's schedule, with the Marauders coming to town.

The Gigawatts were brought back to earth this week after an inaugural win, despite a handsome total that would have defeated many other teams. Craig Biggion (6 doubles) and Michael Young (9 DPs) led the charge, with the rest of the position players struggling to keep up - besides Jim Thome and Raul Mondesi racking up 22 points each, no other hitter scored more than 12 points on the week. The bullpen was solid, but there were mixed fortunes for the young Gigawatts' rotation - Mulder, Zambrano, and Webb were all impressive, but Vogelsong's -12 really let the side down. Inconsistency is a problem in any fantasy format, and the Gigawatts will hope that this was just a momentary brownout from their dangerous-looking roster.

MVP: Josh Beckett

Upcoming Fixtures: The 4 Horsemen (2-0) vs. The Marauders (2-0); Doc's 1.21 Gigawatts (1-1) at 9 Angry Playaz (0-2)

The Naked Truth (294) won at Cunning Linguists (251)

Having come out on top against a couple of major division rivals in the first two weeks, the Truth are beginning to hit their stride as they face up with the other joint leaders of the Ruth Division in week 3. With the Sluggers inbound, it was fitting that Mike Sweeney should hit four out of the park to lead the Truth with 42 points, while Richard Hidalgo was slightly behind him with 41, including 10 runners driven in. Reggie Sanders and Jeromy Burnitz got in on the act too, as Burnitz went 8 for 19, and Sanders added a couple fo steals. Hudson and Peavy were the only starters to impress - Peavy was good in two starts, Hudson great in only one - so the Truth will want John Lackey, Hideo Nomo, and Tomo Ohka to respond better in the future. Fuentes, with 3 scoreless innings and 5 strikeouts, was easily the best of the relievers.

Looking to improve on a mediocre 2003, the Linguisst are still waiting on a few of their players to wake up. Hitting came from Sexon, Spivey, and Jody Gerut, but Barry Larkin's 3 points really hurt , and Rocco Baldelli didn't help matters (no extra-base hits, only 13 at-bats). Kevin Brown led the rotation with 24 points, but only Jason Davis (17) followed him at all, with Colby Lews, Estaban Loaiza, and Woody Williams all hit hard. Loaiza did pick up the win, but gave up 5 runs in 6 innings to do so, while two starts for Lewis resulted in 9 walks issued in 10 innints - hardly satisfactory. Ugueth Urbina let down an otherwise competent bullpen by allowing 4 baserunners in one inning. There's quality in the Linguists' roster, but it needs to get co-ordinated.

MVP: Mike Sweeney

Upcoming Skedule: The Naked Truth (2-0) vs. Tugger's Sluggers (2-0); Cunning Linguists (1-1) at Evil Empire (0-2)

Larrupin' Lous (222) lost at The Marauders (287)

The Marauders are clearly enjoying themselves in their first few weeks as part of the league, and are so far the best of the expansion franchises as they add a victory over the hobbling Lous to a win against the slow-starting Naughties. A very evenly-spread scoring roster was led by Kevin Millwood, who managed a pair of quality starts in only 13 innings and despite allowing 6 earned runs. Luckily the rest of the rotation was right behind him, with Roger Clemens dominating (2 HA in 6.2 IP) and Juan Acevedo baffling (8 Ks in 6.1 IP) in their quality starts. Hitting was also consistent, Jeff Kent the best of the bunch with 8 runs scored and a triple, but none of the other hitters dropped below 11 points. The bullpen continues to be a bit of a concern, with Billy Koch hit hard for -6 points, and Williamson out of control in his 1.2 innings (2 WP, 3 walks). They may be winning, but the Marauders will need to push themselves even harder if they are to keep this up against the galloping Horsemen

The Disabled Lous are begining to have the hint of a curse about them, as they saw Preston Wilson and Rafael Furcal total one at-bat and no points between them this week. That alone wasn't enough to scupper their chances, as Todd Helton waded in with a mammoth 48 points (2 HRs, 8 BB, 10 R), but the rotation saw major problems for a couple of normally reliable starts. Barry Zito barely escaped with a win in his start (5 IP, 11 HA, 2 K), while Joel Piniero was just as bad and less lucky (4 ER, 5.2 IP). Suppan, Thomson, and Miller made the aces look bad with at least 23 points each, but the bullpen couldn't contribute much, and the ranks of the Lous' walking wounded continue to swell.The good news is that Easton and Damon, benched in week 2, look in good form to replace injured players if needed. The bad news is that there are no bye weeks this year.

MVP: Kevin Millwood

Upcoming Fixtures: The Marauders (2-0) at The 4 Horsemen (2-0); Larrupin' Lous (0-2) vs. Senators (0-2)

Saxmania's Swingers (340) won at 9 Angry Playaz (244)

Upset at having lost their home opener despite a healthy total, the Swingers racked up another good score in week 2, and saw their luck inprove. A red-hot week from Moises Alou was the key, as the Chicago outfielder ripped 5 homers in a 45-point week. Roy Halladay appeared to get over his slow start, throwing a complete game shutout to atone for his earlier sins. Kip Wellks and Livan Hernandez helped him out, while Mark Loretta, Hank Blalock, and Brad Fullmer all found their stroke to post 25 points or more. An indifferent bullpen was the only real negative, as no reliever could pick up more than 5 points. With the lineup now looking more balanced (no hitter totalled less than 15 points), the Swingers may yet survive the absence of Mark Prior for a significant chunk of the season.

These are frustrating times for the Playaz, with some outstanding individual performances being dragged down by mistakes from certain parts of the roster. Curt Schilling's masterful 14.1 innings for 44 points seemed solid bedrock to build on, and Jermain Dye provided a pleasant surprise with 4 moonshots for a 35-point total. It's Matt Kinney who should look ashamed, with 12 earned runs in 8.1 innings (including 21 baserunners) adding up for a -18 total. Greg Maddux will be thankful to have someone worse to distract attention, as the Chicago starter didn't last more than 3.2 innings in allowing 14 batters to reach base for five runs allowed. Joe Borowski picked up a win but allowed 3 runs to score, and Ryan Klesko's limited playing time was the final nail in the coffin. Expect to see some changes as the Playaz entertain their first expansion team of the year next week.

MVP: Moises Alou

Upcoming fixtures: Saxmania's Swingers (1-1) vs. Valiant Vanquishers (1-1); 9 Angry Playaz (0-2) vs. Doc's 1.21 Gigawatts (1-1)

New York Squeaks (214) lost as Valiant Vanquishers (322)

The celebrations began at the Vanquishers' home ground, as the franchise recorded its first-ever win to rebound from an Opening Day loss. There was nothing close about the result, either, as the Valiant roster broke through the 300 points mark with room to spare, thanks in large part to Roy Oswalt's pair of good wins, including 16 strikeouts and only 2 earned runs. In any other week Randy Johnson's 58 points (15 Ks, CG) would have been the game winner, but Oswalt's score is the best so far in this year's league. Run support was barely needed, but Darin Erstad (24) and D'Angelo Jiminez (22) provided some anyway, although the lack of playing time for some of the Vanquishers' hitters (particularly Redmond, Martinez, Williams and Huff) might be a minor concern, not to mention Ben Weber's poor relief performance. But, for now, the win is the important thing.

A suden slump in form stunned the Squeaks this week, as they saw Mike Hampton and Sidney Ponson hammered, while both Jose Contreras (no start) and Jason Johnson failed to contribute any points. Scott Rolen blasted three long balls, while Albert Pujols was impressive, but the hitting as a whole was only average, with Orlando Cabrera going just 3-22 while Luis Rivas was 4-17. Braden Looper tried to sure things up from the pen, with a pair of saves an not runs allowed, but Hampton's 7 runs allowed in 2.2 innings proven unrecoverable. This sudden power loss is pitching based, and so the Squeaks will be looking for some better outings as they welcome in the Rhode Kill in week 3.

MVP: Roy Oswalt

Upcoming fixtures: Valiant Vanquishers (1-1) at Saxmania's Swingers (1-1); New York Squeaks (1-1) vs. Rhode Kill (1-1)

Guys with Wood (170) lost at Tugger's Sluggers (291)

Joint ownership of the top of the Ruth Division is a big improvement for the Sluggers on their previous year's struggles. They have Mike Maroth and a confident-looking lineup to thank, as the Detroit starter managed a pair of quality starts and 12 strikeouts to finish with 40 points on the week; making up for a no-show by Brett Myers. None of the other starters impressed, but Jose Mesa's three saves and two for Shawn Chacon spared their blushes. Meanwhile, the hitters were busy, with six position players totalling 20 points or more - Jim Edmonds led the hit parade with 4 doubles, and Frank Thomas worked 9 free passes. Pleasingly, Bobby Crosby and Marquis Grissom both totalled 24 points, given that neither are currently reliable fantasy performers. The Sluggers' rotation looks a little top-heavy, but if the other starters come around, they will fear very little.

The Guys with Wood need to find some timber that can be made into bats, as none of their roster is rising much above the average right now. Not one player totalled more than 18 points all week, leading to a limited points total - the big sluggers just didn't show up. Piazza went 4-19 on the week, while the entire roster went yard just once - not the sign of a successfull roster. Pitching was little better, with Elmer Dessens hammered all around the yard for 9 earned runs in 4.2 innings of work, and both John Patterson and Chris Carpenter proved to be net losses for their team. Ben Sheets and Horacio Ramirez improved, but none of the starters could match John Smoltz' two perfect innings for a pair of saves, and the bullpen as a whole was the only above-average element of the Wood's roster. They'll hope to hit some heights soon, or else the Ruth Division might start to look rather distant.

MVP: Mike Maroth

Upcoming fixtures: Tugger's Sluggers (2-0) at The Naked Truth (2-0); Guys with Wood (0-2) vs. NY Bombers (1-1)

Michigan Wolverines (342) won at Evil Empire (320)

A barrage of homers for the Wolverines helped them eke out a win against the ominous-looking Empire. Carlos Beltran slugged his way towards the MVP award, thanks to five homers, 9 RBIs, and a couple of outfield assists thrown in. Barely had his shots left the ballpark when the rest of the lineup followed suit - Miguel Cabrera jacked four, while Berkman and Castilla both got hold of three. Defense was also in evidence, with Jose Vidro at the heart of 7 double plays, while Jose Valentin got involved in 5. Pitching was less plentiful, but Eric Milton and Carlos Zambrano both picker up 6-inning wins, while Shegetoshi Hasefawa got another one in relief. If they continue in this vein, the Wolverines are going to terrify some very good teams, and they still have room for improvment in the rotation.

Very bad luck for the Empire, who were one of six teams to break 300, but the only one not to win. Their score was the fourth-highest of the week, and featured a pair of good starts from new arrival Odalis Perez (18Ks in 14 IP), while Big Barry Bonds was locked in to the tune of four long bombs. Brad Penny and Brad Radke were also excellent in their starts, with Shawn Green adding run support. The Empire's downfall came from Carl Everett's injury, Ryan Wagner's blown save, and Enrique Wilson's general lack of ability - had the Empire been able to substitute Michael Barrett (29 points from the bench) for DH Everett, they would have been victorious. They'll hope to but those regrets behind them long enough to register a first win in week 3.

MVP: Carlos Beltran

Upcoming fixtures: Michigan Wolverines (1-1) vs. Newburgh Naughties (0-2); Evil Empire (0-2) vs. Cunning Linguists (1-1)

Rhode Kill (289) lost at NY Bombers (316)

Fourteen scoreless innings for Tom Glavine was the highlight of a rejuvenated Bombers team, as they edged the Rhode Kill by 17 points to record their first win of the year. Glavine only struck out 3, but allowed just eight baserunners, and was unlucky not to record both wins rather than just one. Russ Ortiz was also good overall, making up for Derek Lowe's week off and some indifferent pitching by Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland. Hitting was solid, with Adam Dunn blasting a couple, and no hitter going below 11 points for the week. The bullpen was stellar, thanks to Billy Wagner's three saves with just one baserunner allowed in four innings, and some good support work from Latroy Hawkins and Tom Gordon. With their roster in this kind of form, things look good for NY - especially with both 2-0 teams in the division facing off this week.

The Kill are unlucky not to be 2-0 themselves, with a good points total not quite enough to defeat their opponents. Aramis Ramirez did his best, getting hold of four and drivig in eleven runners, while Adam Everett sprayed some cheap hits around and Sammy Sosa took a few walks. The rotation was all out of whack, with Freddy Garcia and Randy Wolf worse than useless, but Chan Ho Park managing a good win in one of his starts. The closer-heavy bullpen managed four saves, but could not stop runners from scoring, and so their 36 combined points could have been more. But points in this volume will not disgrace the Bombers, and their luck could soon change.

MVP: Tom Glavine

Upcoming Fixtures: NY Bombers (1-1) at Guys with Wood (0-2); Rhode Kill (1-1) at New York Squeaks (1-1)

Facts & Stats

Weekly Results

Team of the Week: The 4 Horsemen (354 points)
Player of the Week: Roy Oswalt (74 points)
Lucky Team of the Week: The Marauders (won with 287 points)
Unlucky Team of the Week: Evil Empire (lost with 320 points)
Matchup of the Week: Rhode Kill at NY Bombers (difference of 17 points)

Team Hitting - HR: Michigan Wolverines (17)
Team Hitting - OBP: NY Bombers (0.422)
Team Hitting - SB-CS: Larrupin' Lous (9)

Team Pitching - ERA: Evil Empire (2.35)
Team Pitching - Strikeouts: The 4 Horsemen (57)
Team Pitching - Saves: Tugger's Sluggers (6)

Player Leaderboard - Top 5

Hitters				Starters				Relievers
1. J. Bagwell (NN)		80	1. R. Oswalt (VV)		82	1. A. Benitez (Sen)	56
1. A. Pujols (NYS)		80	2. K. Brown (CL)		80	2. B. Wagner (NYB)		42
1. S. Rolen (NYS)		80	3. T. Hudson (TNT)		79	2. J. Mesa (TS)		42
4. C. Beltran (MW)		75	4. B. Colon (JB)		75	4. B. Ryan (JB)		38
5. R. Hidalgo (TNT)	73	5. T. Glavine (NYB)	72	4. Fr. Rodriguez (II)	38

Standings

Ruth Division						Gehrig Division
Team			W/L	GB	Points Av.	Team			W/L	GB	Points Av.
The Naked Truth		2-0	-	282.5		The 4 Horsemen		2-0	-	305
Tugger's Sluggers		2-0	-	250		The Marauders		2-0	-	290.5
NY Bombers		1-1	1	287		Doc's 1.21 Gigawatts	1-1	1	277.5
Cunning Linguists		1-1	1	244		Senators			0-2	2	210
Guys with Wood		0-2	2	200		Larrupin' Lous		0-2	2	204.5

DiMaggio Division						Mantle Division
Team			W/L	GB	Points Av.	Team			W/L	GB	Points Av.
Junior's Bashers		2-0	-	317.5		Saxmania's Swingers	1-1	-	309
Italian Ice		2-0	-	259.5		Rhode Kill		1-1	-	300
Michigan Wolverines	1-1	1	274		New York Squeaks		1-1	-	265.5
Evil Empire		0-2	2	270.5		Valiant Vanquishers	1-1	-	255
Newburgh Naughties		0-2	2	198		9 Angry Playaz		0-2	1	248.5

Notes

Sorry that this one took so long; I'm still trying to work out the best way of displaying this data. Feedback welcomed, of course.

Be seeing you,

[patrick.o]

Nice job as always, Sax. I thought for a moment there that E might steal your gig, but you've shown once again why you are the master.

[miko]

A thing of beauty Sax. Now I know what everyone was raving about. Eric did a fine job filling in last week but I think he is busy picking up the pieces after this week's loss. That and tanning his hairy white ass.

[Saxmania]

Actually, this would be a good time to thank Eric for his help a) by doing the Week 1 newsletter, and b) by supplying some of the statistical data in this week's post. That kind of support is invaluable.

Be seeing you,

Saxmania

[#1PaFan]

As always, fantastic job Sax!!! Except for one thing, and I thought we cured of it.....

We ain't talking about bathrooms here. It's NOT "fixtures" on this side of the Pond. It's "SCHEDULE!" (and the "ch" is pronounced like a "k")

GO LINGUISTS!!!

[Saxmania]

In fact, I pronounce "schedule" the same way - something for which I am verbally abused on a regular basis, I assure you. But just for you, I'll make an exception.

Be seeing you,

Saxmania

[miko]

Sax,

I have one cultural question for you. Do you eat ENGLISH muffins or are they just plain 'ol muffins over there?

[Saxmania]

Interestingly, they are still termed "English" muffins, presumably to distinguish them from the type with the mushroom shape, which are just "muffins". But I'd rather have a bagel.

Be seeing you,

Saxmania

[Bozidar]

Awesome summary, sax, and a great job by E all week

[Coney36]

Thanks Sax... onto Week 3!

[#1PaFan]

Originally posted by miko
Sax,

I have one cultural question for you. Do you eat ENGLISH muffins or are they just plain 'ol muffins over there?

Another thing in that vein, you guys must be wicked on a pool table! Do you call it English when you hit the cue to make it react in a certain way?
(It SHOULD be called "French" when ya think about it! )

[Big_E]

Great job as always, Sax. And I now have an appreciation as to how hard you work to get it done in one day.

[Hitman23]

Very bad luck for the Empire, who were one of six teams to break 300, but the only one not to win. Their score was the fourth-highest of the week

here we go again....