ONE MAN TO BEAT RETURNS

Drew posed an interesting query to me this week, regarding the amount of sellers we have in the league. The question is simple- when is the right time (if ever) to give up on a season? He and I agreed to debate the point as I resurrect my shitty old Torch Column (One Man to Beat- a riveting Ed Schillinger vs. Paul Oren point/counterpoint feature, for you youngsters) in my attempt to resurrect the VUFSA Blog.



"Oh my god! We're having a FIRE! sale." (EJS)

In all honesty, there's really NO bad time to start thinking about next year in the VUFSA. We don't play for a great deal of money, so it's not as if you can make decent coin by finishing second or third. In my mind, it's championship or nothing. We play for pride and sometimes a plaque.

That's not to say that you should never try to stage a run or try to climb out of the cellar. Tomke's football run last year (didn't win a game until Week 6, then won 10 straight and made it to the league championship) is a prime example of what can happen with persistence.

That's adorable and heartwarming and all, but facing facts- sometime shit just doesn't go your way. Someone got hurt. Someone got benched or traded. You have the most points scored against you in the whole league even though your point output is quite good. It's hard to dedicate yourself to rebuilding a fantasy team, and can be quite frustrating if the league is in one if it's no-player-movement funks. So when is time to cut bait?

You can't do it too early, because 1) that's just chicken shit and 2) everyone still loves their draft one month into the season. Plus, no one is out of anything during the first quarter of the season. You can't do it too late either, because 1) the market of buyers has shrunk and 2) you may miss out on a deal because another guy filled the other owner's hole.

The VUFSA has proven itself to be a stable league and the value of great keepers and extra draft picks bears itself out every season, it seems. Truth is, there is no perfect time to pull the plug, so anytime there's a good futures market for your players I maintain that THAT is the right time to give the fuck up and trade me all your players.



Hang in there Pal! (DRW)

For years now, I have written in "Souretorch" for league entry and now I feel as if I am living up to the Torch part of it. Chris Stuart, you and your knife, eat your heart out.

I hate giving up on the season. Hate it. Fantasy football is too much fun to sit on the sidelines for half or more of the season. If nothing else, our roto baseball league teaches us that you have to be consistently good for five to six months to be a top-3 finisher. Our head-to-head fantasy football league teaches us that with a good five to six week push sprinkled with a little luck, you are a playoff team.

Last year at this time, Jerome Harrison - yeah a Browns reference - was a complete non-factor in VUFSA and the NFL. Dude sets rushing records the last three or four weeks. Whadupwit dat? "Waiver Wire" Willie Parker is a VUFSA legend. And numerous others have come from the free agent depths to power a many team to VUFSA glory. How can you deny the opportunity to find the next great Maurice Jones-Drew?

What determines when and when not to pull the plug? For even though I hate it, I will concede that finishing 10th is no different than finishing 5th. That said, I do disagree with Edwin's championship or bust argument for a playoff finish is still money and pride worthy. I'm the guy who makes a trade in baseball to try and finish second instead of third (damn you John Danks for not pitching better). But, the lower seeds, well, who cares, right?

For starters, one needs look at his own team. It sounds obvious, but if all the guys are healthy and just haven't put together the right weeks at the right time, chances are it'll even out. If your starting quarterback is seeing stars, your big time running back is being outplayed by a rookie, and your starting tight end blew out his groin, there just aren't the pieces in places to make the surge. That said, where are your overall points? Are they in the top half of the league? Where are opponents points? Are they stupidly unfair?

90% of our league is within two weeks of clinching a playoff berth. With seven weeks to play, a three game winning streak is not all that unachievable to propel one's team to the victory brackets. No, I'm not going to get into tie breakers, but when faced with three wins in a row taking a look at the schedule to see where those upcoming games are coming. 50% of the league is .500 or worse and thereby games I designate as "winnable". Who's next? 1-5 followed by 3-3 with 2-4 there following? It's winnable. Got a game against one of the top dogs? Well, you have to beat one or two of them anyway to be a contender so might as well give it a shot.

Plus, dismantling a team is tricky business. You have to build for next year without asking for players that contending teams feel are necessary to this year's success. I personally have run into this conundrum more than once. How to obtain great young talent for next season with having minimal to offer as a bottom-feeder? Draft picks tend to be the way to go, but the VUFSA isn't exactly known for its wild wheeling and dealing. We tend to dabble in tight ends for 6th round pick territory and when rebuilding a club, just truly how valuable is that flex wide receiver next year? Eh. It's not impossible, but why hang your hopes on finding that next Broncos/Saints wide receiver when you could be fighting down to the wire?

Week 6 Recap

FUCK YOU GIANTS AND ED, YOU GOT LUCKY THIS TIME. -STANTON OUT-

Marty Booker(4-2) 121.50
Stanton for Heisman! (2-4) 119.00

What Happened: This is probably as close as you can get to a walk-off win in the VUFSA. Chris Johnson (19.00) took a handoff on 4th and 5, and ran 35 yards for a touchdown to overcome a 7.50 point deficit with under two minutes left on MNF. Maurice Jones-Drew never reentered the game. DeSean Jackson (17.50) was on his way to a historic day until he died. Jeremy Maclin picked up in his place and had an enormous game, scoring 22.50 on his own. Drew Stanton actually got to play this week, which hopefully provides Dave some consolation because it sucks to lose with 100 seconds left in the week.

MVP: Johnson. A nice game in and of itself, but his effort in garbage time with the Titans comfortably ahead made the difference.

Least VP: Miles Austin (1.00), who not only sucked within his own right, but didn't do anything but watch as Tony Romo threw three TDs for Tomke.

What it means: Dave is fucking wasted. And Ed stays in 3rd.

=================

Awkward Emoticons ;) (5-1) 137.75
Stanzi Loves America (4-2) 112.50

What Happened: Aaron Rodgers (20.50 pts) was able to take the field for Stem, but Drew countered with Greg Jennings, who offset 15 of those points. Virtual no-show days from RBs Jahvid Best and Michael Turner (9.50 combined) don't allow Stem to keep up with the great showing from Drew's RBs.

MVP: Jennings. Wasn't even the top scoring WR in this matchup, but to recoup all but five of the points that Rodgers out out was enormously helpful to Drew.

Least VP: Turner. The supposed stud RB has hit double digits in just 2 of 6 games this year.

What it means: Drew is alone in first and has a massive inside track not only for a playoff spot but for the #1 seed. Stem should be fine, good record and a strong point total.

=================

Let My Monkeys Go (3-3) 118.00
Stranger in the Alps (2-4) 113.00

What Happened: An exhilarating finish on Sunday Night, as Peyton Manning (21.25) and Ryan Torain (22.50) staged a furious comeback that came up short. Brandon Jacobs (15.00) came up huge, scoring twice to give Viano an actual RB1 effort.

MVP: Joe Flacco really stepped up, outscoring Manning with 23.75 points.

Least VP: Antonio Gates (1.50). Not only does the giant-assed TE put up a clunker of a game, but reports regarding the severity of his injury are varied.

What it means: Viano has risen back to .500 and actually sits a game ahead of Eli despite scoring 100 fewer points on the season. Eli has now lost four in a row.

=================

1-800-222-1222 (1-5) 96.00
ChamPeons (4-2) 102.25

What Happened: Drew Brees (25.25) went off, completely outclassing Mark Sanchez (7.25). Arian Foster (23.00) continued his domination, basically putting up QB-like numbers. That said, it was Roy Williams' (14.50) surprise two-TD game and late Redskin rally that pushed Champ just over the top.

MVP: Brees. Average games for the most part on Champ's card- but Brees was magnificent.

Least VP: Kevin Walter. Zero points while his Texans team put up 35.

What it means: Champ keeps chugging along and sits comfortably two games above .500. Baron starts fielding offers.

=================

Cover Tooth (3-3) 103.25
Suhssical (2-4) 84.25

What Happened: LaDanian Tomlinson (18.00) outscored his fellow Jet RB Shonn Green (4.00) by 14 points, giving Welty a big cushion after Sunday's action. That difference turned out to be more than enough to hold off three WRs and a K on Monday night, who didn't mount much of a charge anyway.

MVP: Tomlinson. Raise your hand if you thought he was a reach as a keeper. (Editors note: Raises hand)

Least VP: Hakeem Nicks (1.50), who put up his first real dud of the season.

What it means: The game provides a little more clarity in light of the Stanton-Booker game. Instead of being one of four 3-3 teams, Welty sits nicely at 5th, as one of two 3-3 teams. JR has some work to do, two games out of 4th and three teams to climb over. .

Week 5 Recap

It's funny because he's a sexual predator

Cover Tooth (2-3) 127.50
Stanzi Loves America (4-1) 109.25

What Happened: Kyle Orton excelled in place of Jay Cutler, and Weltys' WRs went off (48.5 between the three starters), holding off a pretty decent week for Stem. LaDanian Tomlinson had a nice game to stop any potential Adrian Peterson thunder.

MVP: Hakeem Nicks, who has been absolutely unstoppable 40% of this season.

Least VP: Lance Moore. It didn't impact this game much, but it's probably time to note that "every single Saints player" is no longer an every week flex option.

Brad Evans says, "A heavy, horrible week for the Stems, as they put their first pock in the loss colonnade. With a concussed QB heading into next week, Stem faces a Clooney-esque conundrum, as his status 'Up in the air' for an important matchup."

What it means: Welty hangs around in the playoff race, but more importantly, now it's Drew-Stem for sole possession of first place next week.

=================

Awkward Emoticons ;) (4-1) 115.50
1-800-222-1222 (1-4) 111.00

What Happened: Drew's starting QB scored one point and Baron could not capitalize, despite a huge Monday Night from Favre to Harvin. Terrell Owens keeps his tenuous grip on relevancy with 15.50 points.

MVP: The Broncos-Ravens game, which saw Brandon Lloyd rack up 20.50 points and Ray Rice 28.00.

Least VP: Mark Clayton('s patella tendon). Notched only 0.50 points, and took a nice trade chip away from Baron simultaneously.

Brad Evans says, "A billion people in China would love to have a RICE harvest as bountiful as Ray's on Sunday. The diminutive, darting, demon dominated a downtrodden Denver defense. Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, Dodge! lol"

What it means: Drew moves into first place and is the first VUFSA team to cross the 600 point mark on the year. Baron sits alone in 10th.

=================

Marty Booker (3-2) 127.00
Suhssical (2-3) 96.75

What Happened: The Titans-Cowboys late game shootout pumped up both teams, with five touchdowns and 75 combined points. Philip Rivers and Miles Austin each had huge games, while Matt Ryan and Reggie Wayne did not keep pace.

MVP: Chris Johnson, who continues his one up, one down trend this year. (His point totals by week: 28.0, 3.0, 24.0, 3.5, 25.5)

Least VP: An unfortunate nod to Jermichael Finley, exiting because of injury without registering a point.

Brad Evans says, "Stone-Cold Miles Austin dropped the stunner on the gravity-challenged-water-fowl fan club. The lama of the long-run CJ2k did his damage on the short runs, piling on a pair of perfect plunges from a single solitary yard out"

What it means: Schillinger moves to 3rd at 3-2, while JR falls into the morass of 2-3 clubs. Too early for a game like this to register too much meaning.

=================

Stanton for Heisman! (2-3) 113.75
Stranger in the Alps (2-3) 85.00

What Happened: Apparently, Eli forgot to set his lineup. That's my only explanation for the point total. Dave finally got a solid day from Brandon Jackson, plus goodness from Midget Jones-Drew and Adam Vinateri.

MVP: Michael Crabtree, who's 16 point showing in the night game gave Dave some breathing room.

Least VP: Peyton Manning and his 7.50, but in his defense- he would have needed 40+ with Eli getting just two touchdowns this week.

Brad Evans says, "The dynamic Dallas duo of slick and slender Tony Romo to the hulking and heaving Jason Witten drove daggers down into the beleaguered souls of Stranger fans across the region."

What it means: Dave pulls himself back up into relevancy, moving into the five-way tie for 5th. Eli has to hope his team shows up next week, having lost three in a row since starting 2-0.

=================

Let My Monkeys Go (2-3) 85.50
ChamPeons (3-2) 102.25

What Happened: Malcom Floyd went off, and Joe Flacco outdueled Drew Brees-- but that didn't matter because Matt Forte buttf**ked the Panthers.

MVP: Forte, as his 30 points represent 29% of ChamPeon's total output.

Least VP: (tie) Anquan Boldin & Tim Hightower. 0.50 between them.

Brad Evans says, "Mighty Matt Forte prevents Brent from looking like CHUMPeon, as he surely would have for benching LeSean "Don't call me Bones" McCoy in favor of former Buckeye Beanie Wells."

What it means: Champ moves into playoff position, while Viano bids farewell to his two-game win streak.

The 2010 VUFSA Preseason Football Poll

The 2010 Preseason Football Poll
Preseason Poll

1.) Marty Booker :0)

All votes placed the defending VUFSA champion in the top three of their respective ballots. The comments:

Much like the voters in the college football preseason polls, I see no reason not to rank the defending champ number one.

I think Steven Jackson and Ronnie Brown will be fine, but there isn't a lot of depth if either of those guys struggle.

A very solid team, but not up to some of Ed's previous star-studded rosters.

Solid starting line-up across the board, including the flex positions. And we all know that no one is as savvy as Team Schillinger making waiver wire transactions and trades to better the team down the stretch.

Donald Driver was a fantastic pick.

Has two guys with negative rushing yards in 2009 - clearly a terrible team.

2.) Awkward Emoticons ;)

I received every single vote for the number two spot. Either I stink like shit or I'm destined to challenge Edwin.

I love the running backs. One of the few rosters that won't be hampered by a committee system.

Matt Schaub is supremely talented, but does not have a positive injury history. It is my experience that frequently injured players do not all of a sudden turn into ironmen, but a solid backup QB makes him an outstanding starter.

Has two stud running backs and an elite QB, which is a nice start.

Very curious to see what comes of Wes Welker. He seems back from an ACL tear awfully quickly.

Aside from Greg Jennings, there are a lot of questions at WR.

Ray Rice has a Chris Johnson-type vibe this year.

3.) Like a Good Neighbor :D

Stem received two first place votes but was dropped to number three in the overall standings as a diverse opinion exists on his overall roster. The thoughts:

No very deep, but DAMN. What a starting lineup.

Hines Ward still has a lot of value.

The best starting six in the league. That said, a lot of this team has to stay healthy. The drop between Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith (odd that they are on the same team) is tremendous.

Really has the RB situation figured out with really good keepers, a dynamic rookie back + a veteran who should see the ball.

4.) Strangers in the Alps C:

Eli's squad rounds out the preseason, postseason favorites. The range of votes for Stranger in the Alps was 3-5, appropriately landing him at #4.

Manning and Moss pretty much lock up an upper half of the league finish. That said, there are a lot of aging veterans on this team with Manning and Moss accompanied by Derrick Mason, Steve Smith, and Chester Taylor.

I do like Eli's wide receivers. If Sidney Rice comes back healthy, that's a great pick for the 2nd half of the season.

5.) Stanton for Heisman 8------>

You had to know Tomke was getting that emoticon regardless of where he ranked in our dear preseason poll. That said, he received a first place vote and a sixth place vote, somewhat fitting given his slow start to last year and ascension to greatness.

I like Dave's team this year; lots of young, quality players and pretty solid depth.

Really like the Clinton Portis pick. No depth at WR and below average depth at RB outside of Ports will make it tough come injuries and bye weeks.

How awesome is CJ Spiller going to be? If he's as awesome as Dave always proclaimed himself to be, Tomke may win the league.

I first thought that keeping Witten was a stretch. Then I saw his non-TD numbers from last year (94 rec and 1030 yds) and realized it wasn't.

Is this the same team every year? I suppose it panned out last year.

Has built a really, really good lineup but needs help at the Flex spots.


6.) Hey Cutie I'm Ben :-9

Ahmad Bradshaw could turn out to be the STEAL OF THE DRAFT if his body holds up all season.

JR's team is boring and without much upside, bue he'll tell you it's only because he doesn't care about the VUFSA, and he's more interested in his other league, so he like BARELY prepared for this so yawwnnn.

Cedric Benson had a cute bounce back season, but is he for real? Darren Sproles could be a sleeper value.

I really like Brady and his running backs. Aside from Wayne (I'm no sold on Mike Sims-Walker), his wide receivers leave a lot to be desired

Brady and Wayne have to have spectacular, not good, years to get this team into the playoffs.


7.) 1-800-222-1222 : l

Baron received the most diverse batch of votes, ranging from three to seven. Unfortunately, for him, there were more sevens than threes. Hence, his placement in the rankings.

If defenders prove to be really valuable, Baron will be awesome because he has three of the best.

I have no idea why Baron won't let go of Carson Palmer.

There were a few times that I wanted to walk over to Baron and slap him because his picks were so good. HE's really going to like Mike Wallace (once Big Ben returns from exile) and Michael Bush.

Has three starting wide receivers who are really good and I think can be better yet in 2011. Arian Foster is the trendy pick, but even if he doesn't pan out, has some nice options off the bench with Michael Bush, Justin Forsett, and Donald Brown.

Despite two keepers benched on week 1, a solid lineup. Really. Really solid WR picks of Colston and Steve Smith plus this year's Wali Lundy: Arian Foster.

I think Baron is the sleeper team in the VUFSA to make the playoffs.

8.) ChamPeons :-x

Champ received one vote for the playoffs (#4) but most had him ranked in the bottom of the league. I refuse to believe this due to the hardcore, hand written prep he had at the draft.

One of the few teams with good depth at running back; also, Drew Brees

Very good everywhere but WR. I wonder how many looks will be available to Chad Johnson in this with Bengals being a running team primarily + a host of other receiving weapons. Same goes for Jerricho Cotchery once he shares a field with Braylon and Santonio in week 5.

I see a lot of guys who could be good, but this poll isn't about guys who could be good. It's about guys who are good, and Champ doesn't have a ton of them.

Several question marks abound with TJ Houmanwhatever starting with a new team, an Oakland tight end in the flex.

9.) Cover Tooth :(

Across the board, Welty was rated unanimously number nine. Can he exceed expectations? Probably, since they are so low.

Welty's keepers were pretty bad (Johnny Knox ?!?) but his draft was pretty good.

Lots of risky/upside players here, but very few players who are assured of having a quality season.

Seems to have two keepers on the bench already, including benching Jay Cutler vs. the LIONS...I do love the Hakeem Nicks pick. If a couple things break right, will contend for the playoffs, but at worst has set up very well for 2011.

Great smack talk line about VD, but unfortunately, no points are awarded for smack talk. Has a few alright guys but will need to cash out value guys for upside guys later in the season.

10.) LegadusBulgingNaanee :o(

A tough bunch of keepers including one suspended for the first part of the year and another that two VUFSA owners tried to draft after round 5. Every one voted Viano unanimously at the bottom spot and he was late for a draft time that was selected almost entirely for him so for that he gets the :o(

Legitimate concern about getting that week 1 lineup set. A good draft will mask some of the keeper, let's call them "deficiencies." Drafted three elite talents in Mathews (in theory), and Celek. Really like the Celek pick, especially if Kevin Kolb turns out to be a more accurate passer than McNabb, especially in the Red Zone. Two great injuries for Viano this preseason give new value to Jerome Harrison and immortal Darren McFadden.

Viano's a great guy. That's about the best thing I can say. Ryan Matthews and Dexter McCluster were great picks, as was Anquan Boldin.

Um, well, Ryan Mathews will be pretty good.

Hasn’t actually set a line-up so assuming he does before Thursday. Had the worst keepers to start (Darren McFadden drafted by two teams in rounds 5 or later during the draft), and has mediocre players surrounding them. As the Chargers go (Malcolm Floyd and Ryan Matthews) so go Viano’s competitive chances.

Live Draft Open Thread

Include any thoughts below

2010 Preseason Poll

Since team names are changing quicker than I can write a preview, teams have been addressed by their owner. Thank you to the two of you who sent back a preseason ballot, a strikingly low number considering how much grumbling there was about the football poll being slightly closed. Quit your whining, start your reading, and enjoy the preview!

1.) Team Wolf

I am awesome. I received both preseason number one picks. Thanks to the both of you for voting. I am not writing all about myself - I'll wait until Baron's preview to do that - but instead just give you the comments of the two of you who bothered to send in comments.

"A team with two perennial MVP candidates and perennial Cy Young candidates should probably be the favorite."

"Best keepers and good draft"

So there's that. Now go and re-watch the Twins' last win in the Metrodome.

2.) Team Schillinger:

Ed's won the last three stinkin' years and yet when I look at his roster, it's not that old. One would expect that he acquired the best players and sat on them for a few years, winning a few titles in the process. Mark Teixeira, David Wright, Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Braun and Grady Sizemore are all upper echelon players and none are over the age of thirty. The team is well rounded with seven players stealing double digit bases, four players with more than 25 homers and four players with +95 runs.

Dan Haren's WHIP was 1.00 last season. That's just nasty. Ubaldo Jimenez is anchoring Colorado's staff, contributing 198 strikeouts with a sub 3.50 ERA. Joakim Soria is a top flight closer, and Rafael Soriaono and Billy Wagner are set up for big seasons as closers for new teams.

Weak points for Edwin? Son of a bitch doesn't have a single guy with an OBP of over .400. His bench is Martin Prado. David Ortiz took a step back last year, how much of one will he take this year? And he hangs out at Butler University. One comment from the poll e-mail, "I'm just not as fired up about this Ed team as I usually am. I'm sure David Wright will return to form, though."

The pitching staff is good but not legendary Edwin great. Sure Ubaldo and Haren are nice, but does anyone shake in their boots at Scott Baker, Brett Anderson, and Aaron Harang?

3.) Team Eli:

Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard are power monsters. They eat small children and digest them as home runs (92 HRs and 276 RBIs combined). Eli's fifth round pick hit 31 home runs, quiet Dan Uggla. Ben Zobrist does everything well (except run the bases in games JR and I attended at the Metrodome some three years ago; God that was funny), and is exactly what a VUFSA owner wants out of a first round pick. He had great numbers the year before, he's is young and thereby keepable, and he can play everywhere except catcher. Carlos Gonzalez has tons of potential (a full season projects him over 100 runs and near 30-30 in power and speed), especially playing in Denver. I really really wanted him and waited one round too many for him.

Roy Halladay is going to kill the National League. He recorded a sub 3.00 ERA and 200+ strikeouts playing against the Yankees and Red Sox practically every other start. Throw in pitching against the Nationals, and Halladay should be the best thing Philly has ever acquired. I hate reading about Josh Beckett's contract situation because Jon Lester is the best pitcher on that staff. Tim Hudson is the other guy I waited one round too long on as I think he's going to bounce back nicely in 2010.

Offensive weaknesses are minimal. Every year that Jorge Posada is written off as too old, he emerges as a top five fantasy catcher. At 38, that has to end eventually, doesn't it? Am I the only one skeptical on Mark Reynolds? Just wondering. Finally, I'm a little mad that Jhonny Peralta was drafted at all. Another owner's thoughts on Team Eli, "Great keepers but too young of a draft." Another comment, "His infield doesn't impress me at all (aside from Pujols, of course), but I think the pitching could be dreamy. Also Justin Upton."

The pitching situation is fairly strong, but the returners from injury do dot the roster. Second round selection Jake Peavy barely made it to 100 innings last year, and tenth round pick Kevin Slowey did not even pitch that much. Throw in a Tim Hudson and there was roughly one good arm between the three of them in 2009. How these three bounce back will tell the tale of Eli's starting rotation.

4.) Team Viano

With the exception of Jay Bruce who had an up and down 2009, all of Viano's position players had OBPs of .370 or higher. Eight players in the line-up had 20 or more home runs. Four players scored 100 or more runs. This is a potent offense with the game's best catcher and second baseman in Mauer and Utley leading the way at tough offensive positions.

The rotation boasts two elite starters in Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander. Both won 19 games last year and combined to strike out as many batters as innings pitched. Brian Wilson is quietly becoming a very nice closer, and the drafting of Jon Rauch in the 16th round paid off when he was just announced to be the Twins' closer.

The biggest weakness on offense is speed. Chone Figgins will steal a bunch of bases, but beyond him there's not much. Chase Utley, Jhonny Damon, and Alex Rios hit double digits in 2009, but none of the above are speed demons. If you want to get picky, there's no infield depth at all with the two bench players keeping to the outfield.

Jews Be Ballin' do have a few holes on the mound with unproven Mat Latos and Brian Matusz as big question marks. The Yahoo fantasy sports writers have an orgasm every time Ricky Nolasco's name is brought up, but the dude was in fact in the minors just last year. I get that he turned it around down the stretch but when you turn it around and finish with +5 ERA, there were serious issues.

5.) Team Baron

I thought Baron made two very nice picks to kick off his draft, grabbing two guys at scarce positions. Victor Martinez is going to be a big time run producer in the Red Sox line-up. Robinson Cano will do the run scoring in the Yankees'. Matt Holliday and Jacoby Ellsbury are a nice mix of speed and power in the outfield. I personally think his best value pick came in round 17 with Marco Scutaro who I'm probably going to acquire in a lopsided trade (for Baron) since I am inexplicably a Scuatro fan.

Zack Greinke was awesome last year (242 strikeouts, 2.16 ERA, 1.07 ERA), and I would have seen his awesomeness in person if not for a freak two hour thunderstorm that instead forced me into a local Kansas City eatery where I then watched Joe Nathan implode (like his elbow ligaments), the Indians implode (lost something like a 7 run lead disappear to Tampa Bay), and Eli shout racial epithet (Asia). But enough about me, more about Baron and his ringers. Yay for Javier Vazquez for having both a "z" and a "q" in his name, and Wandy Rodriguez for nerdily making me think of the next Harry Potter movie coming Thanksgiving 2010.

Problem spots? Can Torii Hunter and Raul Ibanez keep healthy all year? They couldn't last year, which would force Baron into playing Franklin Gutierrez who is more known for his defense than his offense. Like many Cleveland fans, I like Asdrubal Cabrera, but he offers next to nothing in the way of any special fantasy categories.

The bullpen could be bad news. Houston Street is starting the season on the DL. Chris Perez may or may not be a closer in May. Matt Capps closes for the Nationals which is good for like 6 saves. Other owner thoughts, "Pitching is kind of smelly, in my opinion. Maybe I'm underrating Wandy and Javy Vasquez, his Nos. 2 and 3 pitchers. How unsexy."

6.) Team JR:

Orioles in the outfield! Adam Jones and Nick Markakis make up half of JR's outfield. They are both very nice players but it's kind of like trying to win a fantasy league with nothing but Kansas City Royals. Markakis was way down last year (OPS tumbled .897 to .801 which is well below career average), and is in line to be way back up this year. And Adam Jones has his eyes open for his press photo this year, so there's some progress. Matt Kemp could end up the best player in fantasy baseball, which is certainly nice upside.

Top three of the rotation is tremendous - Cole Hamels, Adam Wainwright, and John Lackey (perhaps his best value pick coming in VUFSA round 5).

Ichiro a career low in steals (26) but still can hit (.352). Kendry Morales had 17 career homers heading into last year and exactly doubled that (34) last season. Entering the all important 27th year of age, was it a fluke or was it the sign of things to come? Stephen Drew, the fifteenth overall pick in 2004's MLB draft - and I find it funny that I have to distinguish between MLB draft and VUFSA draft - is one of those players who just should be better after all the hype and all the defense comes into play. That said, his career OBP is .326, has not stolen more than 10 bases in a season, and has averaged exactly 15 home runs in his three full seasons. Of course all of this is moot if Jose Reyes ever returns to form. If. One owner said on the Chipper Jones drafting, "His team feels old. Doesn't he have chipper again? Time to give that up."

The bottom three of the rotation is questionable at best - David "Walkaplaooza" Price, Scott "Seriously? 17 wins?" Feldman, and Ben "hasn't pitched in a year and a half and got rocked out of spring training" Sheets. I had him all last season and loved him very much for it, but there is no way Trevor Hoffman can put up those numbers (37 saves, 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) again.

7.) Team Adam:

The offense begins at the corner spots for Funk Factory. Welty's first overall selection of Justin Morneau (30HRs, 100 RBIs in just 508 at bats) provides power that may be amplified in the Twins' new outdoor ballpark. Keeper Ryan Zimmerman finally provided the numbers in 2009 that many of us who drafted him previous to '09 wished he had done sooner. Zimmerman doubled his home runs and runs batted in from '08 to '09, and he may get better yet not that anyone should doubt a 100+ run, 30+ homer, 100+ RBI guy. Derek Jeter, Shane Victorino, and BJ Upton all stole 35 or more bases last season.

My favorite part to this team, though, is the pitching. CC Sabathia is coming off a 19 win season; Chris Carpenter is always in the mix for the Cy Young; Matt Cain had his break through year in '09; Roy Oswalt is made of rubber; and I even like Randy Wells who was taken in the 18th round despite nearly posting a sub 3 ERA in over 160 innings of work.

Ian Stewart and Colby Rasmus strike me as nice guys to have on a big league roster: young and full of potential. The hesitation on them is that they don't necessarily make great fantasy prospects at their positions. They may very well end up being nice players, but dominant, they are not. Is it possible to win a fantasy championship with Jose Lopez at the utility spot?

The bullpen is the weak side of Funk Factory's pitching staff. Heath Bell had a monster season last year, but is that repeatable? Will he even be a closer once San Diego inevitably trades him somewhere else? Matt Lindstrom wasn't supposed to be the closer for Houston, only defaulting his way into the spot after injuries. And just how many games can Mike Gonzalez save pitching for Baltimore?

8.) Team Champ

Price Fielder is a beast (103 runs, 46 HRs, 141 RBIs, and the dude stole 2 bases!). Dustin Pedroia ia good in every category (115 runs, 15 HRs, 72 RBIs, 20 steals, .371 OBP), and Bobby Abreu is another well rounded player (96 runs, 15 HRs, 103 RBIs, 30 steals, and .390 OBP). Jimmy Rollins can't possibly have another sub .300 OBP, which puts him at yet another stupendous, multi-skilled player. And Champ has Denard Span who is still my ring tone.

Josh Beckett will have a carbon copy of his 17 win, 199 K, 3.86 ERA from 2009. I was so hoping Clayton Kershaw was going to make his way to me in the second round, but Champ wisely snatched him up with the 12th overall selection. Rich Harden is a great value pick, but I'm also one of those guys who still buys into Harden despite never pitching a full season.

Low points on the line-up start with keeping a 16 home run, .355 OBP player. I honestly was in the dark on who Miguel Montero was when I saw the keeper list. Looks like a nice enough player but certainly not yet on a keeper level. Gordon Beckham is another one of those "nice enough" players but not great fantasy talent. The age of the outfield bodes poorly for full health seasons - Abreu, Lee, Soriano, and Manny are all proven talent but proven injury risks.

On the sad side of the pitching, Carlos Zambrano struggled in 2009 after being a VUFSA keeper in years past. Justin Duchscherer may never be the pitcher he was pre-arm replacement surgery. Johnny Cueto has the raw tools but hasn't put it all together yet. Ryan Franklin cannot possibly have a sub-2 ERA two years in a row.

9.) Team Tomke

Tomke STILL has not paid his dues in full. Therefore, he gets no preview other than one other owner's feedback. "To me, Miguel Cabrera is the only sure bet on the squad, but lots of upside. Sure loves the Rangers. Where the hell are the Asians?"

10.) Team Stem:

The middle infield is Team Stem's strength. With Jason Bartlett having an All-Star season (90 runs, 30 steals, and .389 OBP in 500 at bats) and Brandon Phillips posting his third consecutive 20-20 season, there are no statistical weaknesses here. Curtis Granderson may very well hit 70 home runs in the new Yankee Stadium, and Carlos Pena and his 39 home run season was of tremendous value in round four. Adam Dunn is still my favorite fantasy player I have never had on my team (38 HRs, 105 RBIs, .398 OBP).

Defensively, Worse Than The Pirates will be relying on bounce back years from a couple of pitchers who were undervalued in the VUFSA draft. Ted Lily picked up 12 wins with a 1.06 WHIP, and Chris Young will be better than 5.21 ERA in 76 innings of work. Francisco Cordero is the closer for Cincinnati, finishing off 39 games for the Reds. Cliff Lee was the league's overall number one pick and should boost the pitching department.

In looking at roster holes, one need look no further than the first spot on Stem's line up. He doesn't have a starting catcher with Buster Posey starting the year in AAA. Can Conor Jackson return to any semblance of the player who signed a big contract extension a couple years ago? If Michael Cuddyer posts better numbers than last year, I'll give Stem a dollar. I like Nolan Reimold's potential but is probably a year or two away from significant fantasy relevance.

This pitching staff was awesome in 2008. Brandon Webb was healthy, Cliff Lee was guiding Cleveland's rotation, and AJ Burnett struck out 231 batters. The problem now is that Brandon Webb hasn't thrown a meaningful pitch in a year and a half, Cliff Lee is on the DL, and AJ Burnett's WHIP last season was 1.40. All of these guys need to have seasons more like '08 than '09 for Stem to contend. E-mail replier A said, "Worse Than Pirates. I agree."

Baseball Draft 2010: Round 18 in progress

I DO NOT RECOMMEND SEARCHING GOOGLE IMAGES FOR "EIGHTEEN" AT WORK UNLESS YOU HAVE TURNED SAFE SEARCH ON -EDWIN

Round 1:

Stem- Cliff Lee
Whitlock- Jimmy Rollins
Tomke- Pablo Sandoal
Radcliffe- Cole Hamels
Welty- Justin Morneau
Brendel- Victor Martinez
Viano- Adam Lind
Wolf- Tommy Hanson
Schillinger- Andrew McCutchen
Gieryna- Ben Zobrist



Round 2:

Stem- Jason Bartlett
Whitlock- Clayton Kershaw
Tomke- Andre Ethier
Radcliffe- Kendry Morales
Welty- Derek Jeter
Brendel- Robby Cano
Viano- R Nolasco
Wolf- Shin Soo Choo
Schillinger- Ubaldo Jimenez
Gieryna- Jake Peavy



Round 3:

Stem- C Granderson
Whitlock- B Abreu
Tomke- M Wieters
Radcliffe- N Markakis
Wolf- N Cruz
Brendel- W Rodriguez
Viano- C Figgins
Wolf- J Papelbon
Schillinger- J Soria
Gieryna- M Rivera



Round 4:


Stem- Carlos Pena
Whitlock- Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod)
Tomke- Elvis Andrus
Radcliffe- Aaron Hill
Welty- Shane Victorino
Brendel- Andrew Bailey
Viano- Brian Wilson
Wolf- Jose Valverde
Schillinger- Scott Baker
Gieryna- Hunter Pence


Round 5:

Stem- Francisco Cordero
Whitlock- Carlos Lee
Tomke- Chad Billingsley
Radcliffe- John Lackey
Welty- Heath Bell
Brendel- Huston Street
Viano- James Shields
Schillinger- Rafael Soriano
Schillinger- Brett Anderson
Gieryna- Dan Uggla

Round 6:

Wolf- Nate McLouth
Whitlock- Gordon Beckham
Tomke- Brad Lidge
Radcliffe- Trevor Hoffman
Welty- Jason Heyward
Brendel- Matt Garza
Viano- Jay Bruce
Wolf- Derrek Lee
Schillinger- Michael Bourn
Gieryna- Jair Jurrjens

Round 7:

Stem - AJ Burnett
Whitlock - Carlos Marmol
Tomke - Max Scherzer
Whitlock - Denard Span
Welty - Roy Oswalt
Brendel - Torii Hunter
Viano - Brad Hawpe
Wolf - Ryan Dempster
Stem - Nolan Reimold
Gieryna - Carlos Gonzalez

Round 8:

Stem - David Aardsma
Whitlock - Carlos Zambrano
Tomke - Lance Berkman
Radcliffe - Billy Butler
Welty - Ian Stewart
Brendel - Raul Ibanez
Viano - Johnny Damon
Wolf - Carlos Quentin
Radcliffe - John Danks
Gieryna - Chad Qualls

Round 9:

Stem - Michale Cuddyer
Whitlock- Ryan Franklin
Tomke- Brian Roberts
Gieryna- Carlos Beltran
Welty- Jason Kubel
Brendel- Rick Porcello
Viano- Gavin Floyd
Wolf- Francisco Liriano
Schillinger- Billy Wagner
Gieryna- Frank Francisco

Round 10:

Gieryna - Kevin Slowey
Whitlock - Rich Harden
Tomke - Phil Hughes
Radcliffe - David Price
Welty - Mike Gonzalez
Brendel - Asdrubal Cabrera
Viano - Yunel Escobar
Wolf - Brian Fuentes
Schillinger - Geovany Soto
Gieryna - Jorge Posada

Round 11:

Stem - Leo Nunez
Whitlock- Johnny Cueto
Tomke- Vernon Wells
Radcliffe- Bobby Jenks
Welty- Jose Lopez
Brendel- Chris Perez
Viano - Octavio Dotel
Wolf -Nyjer Morgan
Schillinger - Jeff Niemann
Gieryna - Stephen Strasburgh

Round 12:

Stem - Garrett Jones
Whitlock - Julio Borbon
Tomke - Edwin Jackson
Radcliffe - Chipper Jones
Welty - Matt Lindstrom
Brendel - Jorge De La Rosa
Viano - Jonathon Sanchez
Wolf - Mike Napoli
Radcliffe - Stephen Drew
Gieryna - Tim Hudson

Round 13:

Stem - Ted Lilly
Whitlock - Justin Duchscherer
Tomke- JA Happ
Radcliffe- Adrian Beltre
Welty - Mark Buehrle
Brendel - Matt Capps
Viano - Chris Coghlan
Wolf - Erik Bedard
Schillinger - David Ortiz
Gieryna - Dexter Fowler

Round 14:

Stem - Conor Jackson
Whitlock - Jorge Cantu
Tomke - Alexi Ramirez
Radcliffe - Ryan Doumit
Welty - Russell Martin
Brendel - Franklin Gutierrez
Viano - Brian Matusz
Wolf - Randy Wolf
Schillinger - Jason Frasor
Gieryna - Rajai Davis

Round 15:

Stem - Wade Davis
Whitlock - Kurt Suzuki
Tomke- Neftali Feliz
Radcliffe- Ben Sheets
Welty -Alcides Escobar
Brendel - Hiroki Kuroda
Viano - Scott Kazmir
Wolf - Homer Bailey
Schillinger - Howie Kendrick
Gieryna - Jhonny Peralta

ROUND 16

Stem - Juan Rivera
Whitlock- Drew Stubbs
Tomke- Miguel Tejada
Radcliffe- Ryan Ludwick
Welty- Ervin Santana
Brendel- Todd Helton
Viano- Jon Rauch
Wolf- Milton Bradley
Schillinger- Aaron Harang
Gieryna- Sean Rodriguez

ROUND 17
Stem - Pedro Alvarez
Whitlock- Jason Motte
Tomke- Rickie Weeks
Radcliffe- Chris Davis
Welty- Colby Rasmus
Brendel- Marco Scutaro
Viano- Alex Rios
Wolf- Kerry Wood
Schillinger- Martin Prado

ROUND 18
Stem - Chris Young (the pitcher)
Tomke- Ryan Madson
Radcliffe- Scott Sizemore
Welty- Randy Wells
Brendel- Bronson Arroyo
Viano- Mat Latos
Schillinger- JD Drew

SUPP RD

Stem- Buster Posey
Welty- Nicky swisher
Schill- Jason Hammel
Schill- Chris Iannetta

League Survey Results

(via) for some reason i found this hilarious

Below you will find the results of the league survey. Please discuss in the comments, anonymously if you wish. My recap is towards the end.

Again, I honestly appreciate everyone participating. I am one of the "greatly enjoy" crowd, and wanted to make sure that I'm not dragging this league along. I know what I asked you to do was nerdy, but considering the communication level that I maintain with you guys, it's hard to get a read on the league, and it's even dorkier to ask about the few times I am fortunate enough to talk to you.

1. How would you rate your current level of enjoyment in participating in the VUFSA?

I don't enjoy it (0.0% 0)
Minimal Enjoyment (10.0% 1)
Moderate Enjoyment (0.0% 1)
Mostly Enjoy it (50.0% 5)
Greatly Enjoy it (30.0% 3)

2. How does your interest in the VUFSA compare to the level when the league was first formed in 2004/2005?

I am less interested (50.0% 5)
My interest is similar (50.0% 5)
I am more interested (0.0% 0)

3. Related to the previous question, please choose a reason for your change (if applicable)... Choose all that apply

I am less interested because I have less time (71.4% 5)
I am less interested because I am less interested in fantasy sports (28.6% 2)
I am less interested because I have other responsibilities. (28.6% 2)
I am less interested because I do not come into contact league-mates as frequently. (57.1% 4)
Other (please specify) (28.6% 2)
-All keeper leagues ... would like a redraft at some point
-I still feel active, but have definitely slacked off a little due to an increasing work load, as well as a lady friend.


4. Which of the following would increase your interest/enjoyment in the league? Choose all that apply

More Keepers (20.0% 2)
Fewer Keepers (10.0% 1)
No Keepers (20.0% 2)
More Trades/Player Movement (60.0% 6)
Fewer Trades/Player Movement (0.0% 0)
League Expansion (10.0% 1)
League Contraction (0.0% 0)
Limit Trading Draft Picks (0.0% 0)
Other (30.0% 3)
-More owner interaction
-Kenny
-Higher prize money; more communication/involvement among league owners

5. Please choose the statement that best describes your feelings on league fees (currently $25).

I would pay more to increase prize money (30.0% 3)
I think the fees are appropriate (70.0% 7)
I would like to pay less and decrease prize money (0.0% 0)
I would like no fees and no prize money (0.0% 0)


6. In the future, I would be willing to make all necessary accommodations to attend a live VUFSA draft in person.

Yes (90.0% 9)
No (10.0% 1)

If yes, when is the soonest you would consider such a live draft?
-right away
-Football 2010
-Today.
-Whenever possible.
-immediately ... the league really needs it.
-Football season 2010.
-summer is good...Vegas?
-Ideally, I'd check "maybe" here.

7. Please describe your feelings on the VUFSA blog... Choose all that apply

I love the blog, and check it regularly. (10.0% 1)
I like the blog and check it when it is being updated consistently. (70.0% 7)
I think the blog is nice, but my interest is minimal. (20.0% 2)
I do not care about the blog. (0.0% 0)
I think the blog is stupid. (0.0% 0)
I want more blog activity but am not willing to contribute. (0.0% 0)

8. How much longer do you see the VUFSA continuing with the current core of owners?

0-2 years (20.0% 2)
2-5 years (50.0% 5)
5-10 years (10.0% 1)
Indefinitely (20.0% 2)

9. How much longer do you see yourself participating in the VUFSA?

1 year more (2011) (0.0% 0)
2-3 years more (2012-2013) (20.0% 2)
4-5 years more (2014-2015) (0.0% 0)
Until a major life event (10.0% 1)
Forever/Until further notice (60.0% 6)
Until I am kicked out (10.0% 1)

10. League leadership is....

doing a very good job (60.0% 6)
doing a good job (40.0% 4)
doing a fine job (0.0% 0)
doing a bad job (0.0% 0)
in need of a change (0.0% 0)



I wouldn't say that there are any huge surprises here, to be honest. Only one person considers their enjoyment below average (question 1), but at the same time responded that they see themselves participating until further notice.**

**I don't know who is this person is, but I can see all ten ballots individually so as to make conclusions like this.

It seems like most people flat out have other shit going on. (question 3) Also, it just seems as the interpersonal relationships are fading, which can be expected. That said, 60% of people want more transactions (question 4), and one person suggested more owner interaction.

-There's no question that the league is better with more action, the question becomes- is this a temporary lull while we are all meandering through our 20s, or will time only get more and more scarce?
-If you're one of the people that wants more movement- how do we achieve this?
-How can we improve upon the yahoo trading block to convey our interests?

Seems like there is strong support for a league draft, though no one will be unwillingly be left out. It seems like it would be a logistical nightmare, but I'll try to start some dialogue about this over the summer.

Questions 8 and 9 were the most important questions, to me. I hope these are all honest answers since it gives great insight on what we can expect going forward.

-70% of the league thinks the league will see massive changes within 5 years, yet 70-80% see themselves participating past 5 years. I too, voted for 2-5 years in question 8, so I am heartened to see that people see this continuing.

On a side note, if you ever change your mind, or happen to fall in the 2-3 more year category (question 9) then please do speak up. No one's going to take it personally. I don't think anyone wants to feel forced into participating, and the league will suffer if you're really not into it. If you think you just need a break, I'd be 100% happy to work out short-term arrangement if anyone feels fatigued in the short term.

Again gents, please chime in with any observations or ideas you have. Thanks again.

VUFSA LEAGUE SURVEY

You have no idea how much fucking ice skating I've had to watch in the last week.

Click here to take VUFSA league survey

The survey deals with the present and future state of the league, and is a great way to get your completely anonymous opinions out there.

Week 8: JR Takes a Break

NASHVILLE, TN - Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars steals a special moment with Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans after a 30-13 loss to the Titans at LP Field on November 1, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee before the pair went out for dessert crepes and blushed wine. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Curtis Conway 124.25, Penguins From Hell 113.50
JR celebrated the death of his blog by losing to Ed in the week's highest-scoring game. Despite the loss, JR is still out in front with Ed up right behind him. /gay connotations

Conway was led by Steven Jackson, who finally found the end zone, only because he was facing the Lions. Roddy White and Miles Austin, potentially the waiver gem of the year, had nice weeks for Conway. LaDanian Tomlinson turned back the clocks, points-wise, but in reality, still kind of sucks as he averaged three yards per carry. Julius Peppers also went crazy.

The Penguins got nice weeks from Reggie Wayne, Pierre Thomas and Tim Hightower, but the roster also received a firestorm of suck from Donnie Avery, Anquan Boldin and Mike Bell. Boldin probably isn't healthy. Neither is the fact that I'm spending more than two minutes writing this recap.

The Gompers 102.75, Doc Brown's DeLorean 97.75
Am I supposed to know what a Gomper is? Why did Drew pick 2009 as the year he finally went with a movie reference from 1985?

Welty won almost entirely because Chris Johnson is awesome. Beyond that, there wasn't a whole lot to be excited about, as his kicker nearly had the second-highest output on his team. It's impressive, in some fashion, to get a win while only receiving 6.50 total points from three starting wide receivers. But yes, Chris Johnson is freaking awesome and that's enough sometimes.

Drew started a Cleveland Brown against an angry Chicago Bears defense, and that ended in a predictably sad fashion. However, with most of his roster on a bye week, his options were limited. Tough loss from Drew as it dropped him to ninth place, where he'll face a tough climb to try and make the playoffs.

Stanton for Heisman! 110.50, Ted Buckland Esq. 90.50
Tomke's team is quietly (though that's probably a stupid way to put it, since no one actually talks about the VUFSA publicly, loudly or frequently) putting together a nice run, and may have an outside shot at a playoff spot if the run can continue. It probably will, since he faces an Adrian Peterson-less Stafford Infection next week. Maurice Jones-Drew was awesome this week, as was Tony Romo.

Ted Buckland sits at 4-4; with Randy Moss and Hines Ward on bye, and Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels leaving their game in the 1st quarter, it probably wasn't going to be a good week. Yay for Michael Turner, or something.

ChamPeons 127.75, Stafford Infection 104
Running out of steam quickly here. ChamPeons finally got a good week from Matt Forte, even though on-field, real-life Matt Forte wasn't all that good. Robbie Gould!

Stem could be in trouble, sitting at 3-5 and facing a week where he'll be without his two starting running backs. On the plus side, John Carlson caught three passes for 36 yards. Aaron Rodgers also continued his ascent into top-5 fantasy quarterbackdom. Note: In my mind, there are like eight or nine top-5 fantasy quarterbacks, which is technically impossible but makes for easier writing.

Jared Allen Forever 114.75, MonkeyAssassinations 70
Even though Mark Sanchez is mostly terrible, he performed like a top-5 quarterback this week while filling in for another top-5 quarterback, Carson Palmer. Frank Gore had a nice week against a poor Colts rushing defense. Baron is 4-4 and no one cares.*

After a 2-0 start, Viano has lost six straight games. Vincent Jackson is a very good football player.

*I must throw Baron a bone here and note that Jared Allen is the highest-scoring defender in the VUFSA by a fairly large margin.

Anyway, that's all. This was a lot of fun.*

* No it wasn't.