Ruth Division Preview

[Saxmania]

I have an odd feeling of deja vu. Funny, that. Anyways, here's a quick look at the various semi-competent miscreants masquerading as fantasy baseball GMs who will snipe at each other over the next six months before letting their representative be utterly spanked in the playoffs under the name of perhaps the greatest baseball player ever. No. Don't thank me.



The Naked Truth

The Truth spent much of the 2003 season singing, in a high-pitched voice, “I Will Survive!”, while somehow avoiding ignominious defeat at the hands of various franchises who proved even less impressive than themselves. Their temerity to deny their own suckitude finally caught up with them in the postseason in both years of their existence, where they were justly crushed by more worthy adversaries. Last year, that adversary was the Mantle Division Rhode Kill. Represent. Somehow, despite their evident lack of ability, the Truth have compiled a totally respectable record over their first two years in the NYYFans.com Fantasy League, including a pair of pennants and a 29-16 overall record. I blame sunspots. And Milton Bradley.

It's rumored that, in keeping with their high-pitched theme of 2003, the Truth have chosen the BeeGees' “Tragedy” as their 2005 calling card. The irony is- no, it's too easy.

Franchise History

Stats:

---

Year Founded:				2003

Franchise Record (reg. Season):		29-16 (.644)

Postseason:				1-2 (.333)

2003 record:				13-9 (.591)

2004 record:				16-7 (.696)

Pennants:				2 (2003; 2004)

Championships:				0

---

2005 Opening Day Roster

Stats:

---

C 	D. Miller		SP	S. Elarton

1B 	J. Bagwell		SP	S. Erickson

2B 	J. Cantu		SP	H. Nomo

3B 	M. Mora			SP	J. Peavy

SS 	J. Lugo			SP	B. Zito

OF 	J. Burnitz

OF 	R. Mondesi		RP	F. Cordero

OF 	S. Sosa			RP	B-H Kim

DH 	M. Sweeney		RP	R. King

---

Ahhahahaha! Hahahaha! No, I mean, that's great. The Truth find themselves with quite a bit of power scattered around their lineup, with Berkman ready to come back in May, and Mora, Sosa, Sweeney, Bagwell, Burnitz, and Mondesi all capable of raking. Cantu's a pretty good gamble at 2nd, assuming that Tampa Bay doesn't choose to bench him for Chuck Knoblauch or whatever veteran they defrost this month.

The rotation tells a different story, with only Peavy an arm worthy of the name – Elarton, Erickson, and Nomo are all fringe starters, while Zito seems intent on pitching his way right out of the Oakland rotation. As far as the bullpen goes, Francisco Cordero is an excellent reliever. Semi-trained monkeys with typewriters appear to be responsible for the rest.

Let's take you now to the post-mortem, featuring the man of the moment, patrick!

Grilling the Culprit

1.) What was your strategy going into the draft?

I was hoping to land 7 outfielders, 3 starting pitchers, a retired player and maybe someone playing in another country.

This proves how important draft strategy is. Only veteran fantasy baseball players are able to identify their needs this astutely. In my first draft, for example, I drafted three plumbers, a trapeze artist, and fifteen copies of the new Thomas Wolfe book. The books proved useful to throw at Carlos Pena, but apart from that, I struggled. Watch and learn, rookies.

2.) Do you feel that you followed your strategy? If so, how? If not, why didn't you?

Nailed it!

This use of the word 'nail' should not be confused with that used by NYYFans.com Fantasy League alumni Bozidar, whose draft strategy is not recommended for the elderly or those suffering from a heavy cold.

3.) Did you have any "targets" in the draft? Did you get them?

I was thinking that if I only got one catcher he should be a backup. Nailed it again!

Unfortunately, John Flaherty's contract demands could not be met by the Truth, and he was released before Opening Day. This move has been compared to the Boston trade of Babe Ruth, by me.

4.) What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?

My team's weakness is the team. When I pinpoint some strengths I'll get back to you.

Don't hurry.

5.) If you had to guess on your five keepers for 2006, who would you guess they will be?

See my 2005 keepers.

That's just what this roster needs – loyalty.

6.) Create an adjective for how bad the Sportsline site was.

Bad? I have no complaints

Nor, I suspect, have your divisional rivals.

7.) Who was your best pick overall? Who was your worst pick? Who were your sleepers?

For best pick: I could have done worse than Jose Valentin in the 21st round. As a matter of fact I did do worse in quite a few rounds. For worst: Normally I would say the washed up second baseman who is retired, but I think I'm going to have to go with the guy who's uniform for the next 2 years says "Fukuoka" across the front - Tony Batista. (The f'd up thing is that sportsline has an update acknowledging his singing in Japan dated 1/10/05! )

Tony Batista's singing voice is much-admired around the majors, and indeed was considered one of the prime attractions in his transfer to Japan. When asked what made him think of Batista for his team, Fukuoka Hawks manager Sadaharu Oh responded, “I hear him singing 'Bess, You Is My Woman Now” in the Montreal changing rooms, and I know – this is man who can break my home run record.” Batista's first single, a Beach Boys cover entitled “Strikeout”, is released next month.

8.) Do you have any other comments about your team? Where do you think you'll finish?

The good news is that it's only March. I have some major issues to address, but in other areas I'm strong as an ox. It'll take some work but I'm confident that come September the Truth will be clinching it's third consecutive division title.

It is now only April, and the Truth are about to reach the giddy heights of .500. They shouldn't get too comfy.

Conclusion

In all honesty, the Truth have a fairly useful roster at their disposal, with an excellent ace in Peavy, several big bats, and the start of a decent bullpen. They're going to need a lot of things to break well for them to maintain a pennant run, but the good news is that if they get part-way there, they have an excellent minor-league system (Matt Cain, Jeff Francis, Merkin Valdez, and Abe Alvarez) that can be used to help bolster their rotation or lineup in midseason. An uphill battle, then, but one that the Truth are equipped to fight hard.

Fearless Prediction

I compare the Truth to the San Francisco Giants. Plenty of talent, but much of it is nearing the end of its career, with the farm system central to injecting youth into the rotation. They'll still contend, but need some restructuring soon if they're not to deal with some problems in years to come.




NY Bombers

The Bombers have yet to really take the Ruth Division by the scruff of the neck in their 3-year history, finishing fourth last year and yet to post a season above the .500 mark. They've been blighted with a fairly strong division, but also were devastated by injury last year, thanks to Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte, plus the outright badness of Charles Johnson. In light of this, any rebound should see them right back with the pack in the Ruth Division, and their draft this year reflects a willingness to make their play now, rather than rebuilding for a future pennant bid. Their fanbase has been patient enough, and it's now time for them to have their time in the limelight.

Franchise History

Stats:

---

Year Founded:				2002

Franchise Record (reg. Season):		25-38 (.397)

Postseason:				n/a

2002 record:				8-10 (.444)

2003 record:				9-13 (.409)

2004 record:				8-15 (.348)

Pennants:				0

Championships:				0

---

2005 Opening Day Roster

Stats:

---

C	M. Olivo			SP	T. Hudson

1B	D. Mientkiewicz			SP	P. Martinez

2B	P. Polanco			SP	K. Millwood

3B	C. Koskie			SP	J. Moyer

SS	J. Wilson			SP 	Jam. Wright

OF	C. Biggio

OF	P. Burrell			RP	T. Gordon

OF	A. Dunn				RP	A. Rhodes

DH	J. Giambi			RP	U. Urbina

---

That's just a scary-good rotation. Hudson and Martinez are both marquee pitchers, while Moyer and Millwood are both primed for some bounce-back. There are fewer big names among the hitters, but there's some nice underrated names in Koskie, Polanco, and Dunn, while Giambi and Olivo have the capability to surprise given regular playing time. Burrell, too, has been raking recently. Sadly, the bullpen has been the place to suffer, with no outright closer, but Gordon and Urbina are both quality arms who could easily be in line for saves later in the season, so the Bombers have mitigated this weakness well.

Let's talk to the boss:

The Interview

1.) What was your strategy going into the draft?

To pick the best players i can while filling in all needs.

Novel. Imaginative. Inventive. Adventurous.

2.) Do you feel that you followed your strategy? If so, how? If not, why didn't you?

I didn't because i was having technical issues.

I have a feeling this answer will crop up again somewhere.

3.) Did you have any "targets" in the draft? Did you get them?

I wanted to get solid starting pitching, which i think i did.

Boy howdy. Couldn't you leave some for the rest of us?

4.) What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?

My starting pitching and outfield are strengths, and the infield and bench are weaknesses.

Agreed, but the infield is actually fairly useful. Polanco and Koskie are both at least average, Olivo might be very solid, and Wilson and Eyechart shouldn't disgrace you. They're good weaknesses to have.

5.) If you had to guess on your five keepers for 2006, who would you guess they will be?

So far i really dont know, but i would think Dunn, Wright, Burell, Hudson(depending on his season) and Biggio

Hudson was drafted in round 2, Dunn in round 3, so the Bombers look to be splashing out on the names for a real pennant run, rather than investing in the lower-ticket players. Burrell went in round 4, too.

6.) Create an adjective for how bad the Sportsline site was.

$#$%$#^$%^$%^$%^$% %^$%^ %#&$%&$ LOL

Paging Mr. Webster . . .

7.) Who was your best pick overall? Who was your worst pick? Who were your sleepers?

My best pick i think was Tim Hudson, my worst was Giambi in the THIRD round...MY sleeper picks will be Jaret Wright and Pedro!

Yeah, Giambi needed that hug, but I think your team would have been better with Overbay. Still, it's a decent pick if he can walk a ton and drive in some runnders. Hudson looks strong, and Wright will be an interesting one to follow. Not too many people say that their first-rounder was a sleeper, but Pedro could indeed have a very good year.

8.) Do you have any other comments about your team? Where do you think you'll finish?

I think my team is average, but if all guys live up to potential with a few tweaks, i think i can make a run for the playoffs.

Actually, I think this team is a real threat, with a strong rotation and some underrated hitters, They don't have the flexibility of the Truth to make deals, with a weaker farm system and bench, but given health and reasonable form, they may not need it.

Conclusion

The rotation is hard to look past, and could be the foundation for a sustained assault on the pennant both this year and in the future. Millwood and Hudson are both still fairly young, while Glavine came cheap and Wright is a decent breakout candidate (particularly if traded). The lineup is average by comparison, but could still enjoy good years from Dunn and Burrell, and there are plenty of individuals who could become hot keepers if they raise their game a little.

Fearless Prediction

The Bombers are becoming the Chicago Cubs – strength in starting pitching, should contend yearly, but the offense could use some beefing up, and the bullpen lacks a true closer.



Springfield Nuclear Power Plant

Who? Another expansion franchise? Already? Jeez, in my day we only had an expansion franchise when an old owner was declared legally dead and all the other owners had a turn poking him with a stick. The modern game, I don't know . . . Well, at least this team has the opportunity for multiple puns – except that I'm going to pre-empt most of them. They can meltdown in their losses, glow in their victories. Of course, ideally they should sign A-Rod, F-Rod, and I-Rod, but there'll be time for that later. Until then, they'll have to radiate optimism while avoiding being green with envy, powering bombs over the fences, especially against the Gigawatts.

Franchise History

They turned up, which is a pretty good start.

2005 Opening Day Roster

Stats:

---

C	J.D. Closser			SP	P. Byrd

1B	L. Overbay			SP	T. Glavine

2B	J. Uribe			SP	B. Lawrence

3B	S. Rolen			SP	M. Mulder

SS	C. Izturis			SP 	J. Vazquez

OF	L. Gonzalez

OF	M. Kotsay			RP	A. Benitez

OF	X. Nady				RP	C. Reitsma

DH	R. Branyan			RP	R. Wagner

---

Some astute picks here, with Nady and Closser both hit picks for breakout years (Closser in a particularly advantageous hitters' park), and taking a gamble on some pitchers – Mulder, Vazquez – who had down years. Rolen is the lynchpin, and should prove invaluable for RBIs as well as power, but Overbay and Kotsay are both on the up. Izturis and Branyan seem like the weak links here, but a hitting-weighted bench might help with that, thanks to Kearns, Sizemore, and Gibbons. Halsey might be able to spell some of the starters, but strength in depth might be a concern here, at least until Wang makes a major-league roster. The bullpen is strong on paper, but Wagner isn't a consistent performer yet, and Benitez' numbers often seem to bely his shakiness. Something to watch.

Who put together this cavalcade of cavaliers, this menagerie of mashers, this stampede of sluggers? Step forward, Stupid Flanders!

The Interview

1.) What was your strategy going into the draft?

Simple. Pitching. I knew going in that there weren't a lot of stud sluggers available, I was set up the middle with my keepers, and it's usually easier to plug, say, and OF hole than a SP later in the season.
I also focused as much as possible on YOUNG players.
I tried to avoid selecting OFs and focused instead on other positions first, since this isn't a CF-RF-LF league I knew those spots would be easier to fill at the back end of the draft. However if an OF was obviously the best position player left, I would grab him. I also tried to draft a lot of sleepers and guys with high ceilings. That's kind of what I had to do since I picked so low in the draft. If a few on the guys develop like they should I will be getting some good keeper choices of young guys.

Whoa, didn't ask for your life story, pal. Sounds like a solid strategy, although you did get a little bit hosed at shortstop for my liking. The pitching should be strength, but the risk of (mustn't say meltdown) total implosion is present, since each of the starting rotation either has form, injury, or age issues. Still, on paper it looks solid, and if healthy and effective could be one of the best.. Grabbing Closser and Nady look inspired.

2.) Do you feel that you followed your strategy? If so, how? If not, why didn't you?

I did for the most part.

Yeah, Glavine and Gonzalez kind of torpedoed the 'young' bit.

3.) Did you have any "targets" in the draft? Did you get them?

Some. Picking as low as I did, I had to make lists of guys that I thought might be left. Mulder was one, as were Vazquez, Lawrence and Kearns. Rolen was as well since there aren't many 3B of quality in the draft.

Surprising, I felt that this was a strong year for 3Bs. Any road, you did well to get so many of your targets, even if you had to spend some high draft picks on them.

4.) What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?

I love my rotation. Love it. My offense has a bunch of guys who COULD blossom into a quality offensive squad, but there are some question marks. I lack power. I have good speed and high average guys, but not a lot of pop unless the young kids develop quickly. My bullpen has a guy I targeted as well in Wagner, but I'm not sure if he will develop quickly. I also took Wang because I'm claiming another guy I have targeted off of waivers and he wasn't picked and I had the second or third to last pick in the draft.

Good move with Wang, who even if he isn't a strong starter, will get run support and has plenty of chance to move into the New York rotation. I do believe the rotation is a strength on paper, but concerns about the form of Mulder and Vazquez in particular might mandate a quick hook if another starter becomes available. Halsey might be an asset here against weaker teams. Power might develop in the lineup from Closser and Nady, so I wouldn't panic yet.

5.) If you had to guess on your five keepers for 2006, who would you guess they will be?

Right now, I'd guess:
Uribe (young kid who plays 3rd 2nd and SS and would only cost me a 17th rounder I believe.
Vazquez. I expect big things form him and if he steps it up will warrant a 2nd round selection.
Closser. Young catcher in COL who could turn into a big fantasy stud.
Benitez. Let's face it, there weren't many good closers available.
Possibly Lawrence. I have him almost every year on every team. He's a guy people tend to forget about, but he always is consistant, and now has a good offense behind him. He would cost higher than I would like though.
Also possibly Sizemore or Izturis.

Sounds good to me. I'd wait on Vazquez, who even if he turns it around this year seems unlikely to be a bargain in the top 40. Closser, Urbie, and maybe Sizemore are a great cheap core. I would keep Nady in the back of your mind, given his hot start, low price, and excellent potential.

6.) Create an adjective for how bad the Sportsline site was.

Craptastical.

The opposite of cromulent.

7.) Who was your best pick overall? Who was your worst pick? Who were your sleepers?

Best pick: Vazquez. look at the guys (non-keepers) taken in the 4th round and late 3rd. I wouldn't trade him straight up for any of them.
Worst pick: This one's easy. Adam Dunn.
Sleepers: Ryan Wagner (17th) is possibly the next big time closer.
Baldelli (18th). Yes, he's hurt, but he will be back, and that late in the draft was worth a gamble.
Paul Byrd (13th). Do I expect to keep him? No. Is he going to post a sub 4 ERA on a very good offensive squad? Yes.
Sizemore at 11 and Closser at 8 I like as well.

Interesting – I disagree on this one. Much as I like Vazquez, round 4 isn't all that late for him in my book. Dunn's strikeouts will hurt, but Cincinnati looks better this year, and his bat should make up for that in part. Wagner should be great, and Baldelli and Byrd were both excellent grabs. You moved early on Closser, but hey – at least you got him.

Conclusions

Another team heavy on the starting pitching, which is a smart move. The new strikeout penalty for hitters will weight the game pack towards the pitchers somewhat, and SNPP have taken advantage of this. Glavine, Vazquez, and Mulder are all strong on the Ks, while Wagner and Benitez will also get their share. Their offense is young but promising, and although they lack the firepower to slug it out with the best, they'll keep themselves in several games. Most importantly, as an expansion franchise, it's built for the future with Wagner, Baldelli, Closser, Nady, and even Halsey and Wang. The Powerplant will turn some heads this year, but even if they don't make the postseason, their plan for the future appears better still.

Fearless Prediction

San Diego Padres. Excellent talent at many points, but with some players who have struggled in 2004. In the mix now, but their best years are yet to come.



Tugger's Sluggers

Oh, these guys again. The Sluggers flirted with contending last year, sliding in and out of the pennant race in the Ruth Division in the final month of the season, but in the end fell just short of their first-even postseason appearance. After three years in the league, the Sluggers have managed to quell most of their hyperactive tendencies, and have started to create a strong core, only some of which are from Philadelphia. With the 'trade' button on their roster screen disabled, the Sluggers were one of the surprise packages of the second half of 2004, and they'll be hoping that their momentum carries over to the new season.

Team History

Stats:

---

Year Founded:				2002

Franchise Record (reg. Season):		24-39 (.381)

Postseason:				n/a

2002 record:				5-13 (.277)

2003 record:				7-15 (.318)

2004 record:				12-11 (.522)

Pennants:				0

Championships:				0

---

2005 Opening Day Roster

Stats:

---

C	P. Lo Duca			SP	J. Bonderman

1B	T. Helton			SP	M. Buehrle

2B	J. Vidro			SP	J. Lieber

3B	M. Lowell			SP	J. Washburn

SS	A. Berroa			SP	R. Wolf

OF	G. Anderson

OF	B. Giles			RP	Y. Brazoban

OF	R. Hidalgo			RP	M. MacDougal

DH 	M. Teahen			RP	D. Marte

---

This is good stuff. The Sluggers habitually emerge from the draft with a strong roster, and 2005 is no exception. Helton, Lowell, Giles and Anderson can all hit hard, with Vidro, Lo Duca, and Hidalgo strong support, and Berrora a good candidate for a 3rd year recovery. The rotation is sound if not spectacular – Buehlre and Lieber will eat innings and win, though having two Phillies pitchers might hurt if Citizen's Bank doesn't calm down a little. Brazoban and Marte anchor a solid relief corps, and Gavin Floyd waits in the wings for struggles from the starting 5. Good balance all around, although the bench is a little thin. When your weakness is your bench, then you've had a good draft.

Maestro?

The Interview

1.) What was your strategy going into the draft?

Just find the best possible players within a position available.

[b]Whoa! Edgy![b]

2.) Do you feel that you followed your strategy? If so, how? If not, why didn't you?

I feel I did. For the first time in a while, I actually remembered to incorporate all positions in the draft. It was the first time I ever drafted a good catcher. I did well.

Wish I could argue. I can't. Damn you.

3.) Did you have any "targets" in the draft? Did you get them?

Todd Helton was a target, so was Gavin Floyd. Other than keepers, I feel I got most of my "targets."

Most of mine too, you &$^* ^%£^!

4.) What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?

Strengths: Basically my entire line-up with the exception of the utility player, and my pitching staff. While my pitching staff does not look that great on paper, I feel confident Buehrle will pitch as well as last year. Throughout the season, I will incorporate Gavin Floyd as maybe my #3 starter. However, he has to be eligible to be a SP first. I have confidence that my staff of Bonderman-Buehrle-Floyd (later)-Lieber-Wolf will do well, with Mark Hendrickson helping out when needed.

Weaknesses: No true Utility hitter and no true closer. It would be great, however, if Brazoban turns into a closer.

Yes, Washburn's probably the weak link in the rotation, and the lineup looks stacked. Lieber and Wolf might have inflated ERAs, while Buehlre looks likely to lose run support, but these are nimor quibbles. Brazoban's getting a chance with Gagne out, and if he remains good, perhaps he'll be trade bait? He's unlikely to displace Eric permanently, after all.

5.) If you had to guess on your five keepers for 2006, who would you guess they will be?

Gavin Floyd, Randy Wolf, Jeremy Bonderman, Jarrod Washburn, Yhency Brazoban.

Yes, Sure, Okay, Really? and Hell Yes. Washburn over Lieber surprises me, given that Lieber went in round 11 compared to round 10 for Washburn

6.) Create an adjective for how bad the Sportsline site was.

%^$&#^%

No exclamation marks? I'm disappointed.

7.) Who was your best pick overall? Who was your worst pick? Who were your sleepers?

Best pick: Jeremy Bonderman @ 15...although he was a keeper.

Worst pick: Tie between Jeff Conine and Tim Salmon...damn auto-pilot

Sleepers: Gavin Floyd (14), Yhency Brazoban (19)...among others

I'll go with that.

8.) Do you have any other comments about your team? Where do you think you'll finish?

I think I did well, but you never know. I think I will have a good chance in winning the pennant if I keep this team as it is (maybe one or two changes mid-season). I, however, think this may be the best team I have ever drafted.

I have to concur. The minors look a little thin, as does the bench, so heavy injuries might derail you more than some other teams. However, unless things go very pear-shaped, I see the Sluggers being there to the end.

Conclusion

It's all out on the field with the Sluggers, who aren't much for depth but have a hell of a lot of strength. If additional deals are needed, trouble might strike, but this is a balanced lineup, a well-rounded rotation, and a promising bullpen. This team won't look the same in 2006, so they need to take their chances this year, and are my early favorite for postseason action.

Fearless Prediction

The New York Yankees of the league – strong all around, but with issues of depth and a weak farm system. Win now, or else there's some deals that will need to be made.




Guys with Wood

Yet another founding member, who for the first time in their history elected not to rename their franchise before a new season. Formerly the West Haven Yankees, followed by Fishing with Mendoza, they dropped below .500 for the first time in their history last year, after putting pressure on the pennant winners in both 2002 and 2003. They've been bridesmaids before, but never the bride, and they'll be looking to turn that around this year.

Team History

Stats:

---

Year Founded:				2002

Franchise Record (reg. Season):		33-30 (.524)

Postseason:				n/a

2002 record:				10-8 (.555)

2003 record:				13-9 (.591)

2004 record:				10-13 (.435)

Pennants:				0

Championships:				0

---

2005 Opening Day Roster

Stats:

---

C	B. Molina			SP	B. Colon

1B	M. Teixeira			SP	D. Davis

2B	M. Bellhorn			SP	Z. Greinke

3B	A. Rodriguez			SP	M. Hampton

SS	A. Gonzalez			SP	J. Johnson

OF	L. Bigbie

OF	T. Hunter			RP	K. Farnsworth

OF	B. Williams			RP	D. Graves

DH 	C. Blake			RP	J.J. Putz

---

Let's see what we have here. A hell of a lot of power from the infield, for a start, with Teixeira and Rodriguez both threats to top 35 homers, and Bellhorn, Hunter, and Blake also capable of hitting them out. The only real area of concern should be the propensity for strikeouts – Hunter, Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Gonzalez will all lose points under the new rules for this year. Still, it should be a productive offense. The pitching is a mixed bag, with Hampton, Johnson, and Colon able to eat innings, and Davis coming off a strong 2004. The risk is that none of the pitchers can be relied upon for a run of dominating starts, meaning that points scoring might be somewhat unpredictable. The bullpen is also a little underwhelming. It is, however, worth noting that the DL contains both Mike Cameron and Kris Benson, who could be significant additions when healthy.

Bring in the defendant for questioning.

The Interview

So, what do you think of your team?

...

Playing coy won't help, you know.

...

We have ways of making you talk.

...

Look, don't get me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry. I get all red in the face.

...

Oh, be that way.

...

Get out. You disgust me.

Conclusion

It's a big-hitting offense, hampered only by their propensity to strikeout. The rotation will benefit from Benson's return if effective, because currently it will eat innings but won't overwhelm opposing offenses. The bullpen won't win too many games on its own, either. If the Guys have to downgrade one of their big hitters for a contact hitter in order to acquire another arm, it might be worth consideration.

Fearless Prediction

Baltimore Orioles. Truly unpleasant to face, because they can pummel you into submission, but they'll want more pitching to be a consistent winner. They can do some damage, though, and if they make some clever trades, they could catch a hot streak through the postseason to go all the way.

Be seeing you,

Saxmania

[patrick.o]

Brilliant stuff, Sax, absolutely brilliant! I see that not having to commish this year has helped recharge your write-up batteries a bit. Either that or you're gettin some. In any case, good stuff through and through.

Here's to my personal favorite line, which may be the greatest description of my fantasy abilities ever - "Their temerity to deny their own suckitude" Absolutely classic.

[Soriambi]

Well done, Sax.

I'm still working on the roundup for the Gehrig Division, but it might take me a while. A lot of schoolwork coming up, so we might see a division preview later in April or even in the middle of May. Sorry, Gehrigers.

[miko]

Originally Posted by Soriambi

Well done, Sax.

I'm still working on the roundup for the Gehrig Division, but it might take me a while. A lot of schoolwork coming up, so we might see a division preview later in April or even in the middle of May. Sorry, Gehrigers.

Why don't you just turn it into a second half of the season preview. Just kidding K-Dawg.

Great work Sax! What a great read! I miss your write ups - no offense Kev yours are great too but the Brit has a way of putting a spin on things.

[yankeesrule2000]

Great Review Sax, i really enjoyed reading it