Shuffle Up: Wil Myers finally gets the call; two Cargos rule the world

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The outfield is the fun place to do some roto shopping, with something for every budget and discerning eye. And from a sheer volume perspective, it's the most important offensive position to negotiate. Let's dig into this expansive area.

What we're doing is ranking the players for expected 5x5 roto value the rest of the season. What's happened to this point is merely an audition. Don't worry about the prices in a vacuum; what really matters is how the commodities relate to one another on this list. Players at the same cost are considered even.

I reserve the right to tweak this list in the first 24 hours of debut, and I'll add comments shortly. Your intelligent and respectful disagreement is most welcome, but be

Over/Under: Should you buy B.J. on the bear?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

From this point forward what soul-crushing commodity would you pitch a low-ball offer for: Ike Davis, Rickie Weeks or B.J. Upton?

Dalton – UPTON. All three look absolutely terrible right now, but Upton was drafted well ahead of the other two in March, so I'll stick with him. His contract and defense should give him an ample leash, and this is a 28-year-old who averaged 18.8 homers and 37.2 steals over the past six seasons.

Scott – It's UPTON by default, mainly

Production Levels and Mark Trumbo

Source: Fake Teams by Craig Goldstein

I begin this article, as I have many articles, with a confession. I've never been a Mark Trumbo believer. It's not that I don't think he has talent, but I'm a big OBP guy, even in leagues that don't use it as a category. I like it because players with good OBPs can still produce during slumps by getting on base and racking up some counting stats. Trumbo has never been an OBP guy, as he set his career high at .317 last year. So when I was looking for some inspiration for my Saturday article and Ian Miller of Productive Outs suggested Trumbo in light of

Shuffle Up: Manny Machado, ahead of schedule

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Here are your Shuffle Up corners for the month of May. Dig into them, think about them, disagree with them. I'll be back with commentary later tonight.

Normal rules apply, of course. We're trying to project 5x5 value to come; what's happened to this point is an audition, not a mandate. Players at the same price are considered even. Don't worry about the prices in a vacuum - what matters is how the players relate to one another. Your intelligent and respectful disagreement is always welcome.

Please remember the golden rule of shuffling: a player doesn't gain (or lose) 15-20 percent of value simply because he's on your roster.

Courtesy injury ranks are at the bottom. I won't debate those (I'm generally not as

Mostly MLB Notes: Albert Pujols’ decline, Carlos Santana’s emergence and examining David Price

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

We held a mid-season draft Monday, and I ended up taking Albert Pujols with the 19th pick. Judging by Yahoo’s updated rest of season rankings, I guess this could be considered something of a reach. I’m not necessarily going to argue against that, but it’s remarkable someone who was a unanimous top-three pick last year and was generally considered a top-10 pick this year is now a

Shuffle Up: Carlos Gomez, the real deal

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

When it comes to fake baseball, the outfield is where the fun is. The first couple of rounds will always include some of these stat-grabbing giants, and yet the waiver wire in an average mixer consistently offers something for the discerning shopper. Add it all up and there's a lot to digest.

The prices you see in this piece are roughly how I rank the roto-eligible outfielders going forward. What we've seen to this point is merely an audition; if you want a list of the top players to this point, there are plenty of places you can access that.

Don't obsess over the prices in a vacuum: what really matters is how the players relate to one another. Assume a 5x5 scoring format, as always, and players at the same price

Shuffle Up: Carlos Gomez, the read deal

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

When it comes to fake baseball, the outfield is where the fun is. The first couple of rounds will always include some of these stat-grabbing giants, and yet the waiver wire in an average mixer consistently offers something for the discerning shopper. Add it all up and there's a lot to digest.

The prices you see in this piece are roughly how I rank the roto-eligible outfielders going forward. What we've seen to this point is merely an audition; if you want a list of the top players to this point, there are plenty of places you can access that.

Don't obsess over the prices in a vacuum: what really matters is how the players relate to one another. Assume a 5x5 scoring format, as always, and players at the same price

Closing Time: Juan Francisco making noise; Heath Bell saving games

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

When Juan Francisco hits 'em, they generally stay hit. That dude leaves no doubt.

Francisco drilled an eighth-inning grand slam over the right field wall in Cincinnati on Wednesday, blowing open the game. The homer was his fifth of the season, in 79 plate appearances — and most of them have been launched.

Remember this thing, off the upper-deck facade in Miami? And

Draft Day Challenge, April 23

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Daily baseball is all the rage in the fantasy sports world, so I will be covering the game a couple of times a week here at BaseballGuys.com. To that end, I’ve partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers, that’s you, the chance to play the game on a daily basis. On

Mark Trumbo hits walkoff home run in extras - Mark Trumbo | ANA

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Mark Trumbo hit a walk-off home run in the 13th inning of Sunday's 4-3 win over the Tigers.

Shuffle Up: Michael Cuddyer gets his groove back

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Today's ranking assignment takes us down on the corner, the first basemen and the third basemen. Settle in, settlers.

What you'll see below are prices for most of the Yahoo-eligible cornermen going forward. There are a few rules here: if you're in the minors or on the DL, you don't make this list. Too variable in worth, league to league. If you're catcher-eligible, you don't make the list – everyone's probably going to use you at catcher anyway. Don't obsess over the actual dollar amounts – what matters is how the players relate to one another. When players are at the same number, they're considered even.

The games to this point are merely an audition. We're trying to figure out who's worth the

Shuffle Up: Choose your sophomore, Mike Trout vs. Bryce Harper

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The outfield is the fun place to go shopping in fantasy baseball. Power, sure, you'll find it here. Plenty of guys run. A few players do everything. And the two most exciting young position players in the game happen to reside here, too. Everyone likes picking out their outfield.

The goal today is to rank all the mixed-league worthy outfielders going forward in 5x5 fantasy value, 2013 only. Don't read too much into the dollar values in a vacuum - they're merely used as a tool to compare players. And when commodities share the same price, they're considered even. (Players on the DL and minor-league prospects are not eligible for ranking.)

I reserve the right to tweak this list as the day goes along,

Clever Ball: Roto Arcade’s 2013 MLB Predictions

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Predictions are silly. Predictions are fun.

Today we collect the Yahoo! Five (Funston, Behrens, Evans, Del Don, Pianowski) and we invite Michael Salfino to sit in. It's Crystal Ball time, 2013 MLB season. We've seen the future, and this all works out reasonably well.

Share your predictions in the comments, and Happy Opening Day, gamers.

Brandon Funston, Lead Singer

NL Playoffs
Washington
Atlanta
St. Louis
Cincinnati
San Francisco

AL Playoffs
Toronto
Detroit
Kansas City
LA Angels
Oakland

World Series – Washington over Toronto

NL

Mostly MLB Notes: A 2013 Season Preview

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Editor’s note: I wanted to get this posted much earlier, but I had my first kid recently (well, technically my wife had her), so that’s my excuse for the delay.

National League East

1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (WILD CARD)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins

Comments/Fantasy Predictions: Both Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper are top-15 fantasy players, while Dan Haren is a top-25 starting pitcher. Ryan Zimmerman proves to be a better pick than Evan Longoria, while Drew

Fantasy Baseball: Top Outfielders – 16 to 30

Source: Fantasy Baseball Dugout by BeeZee

You may not have the opportunity to draft all of your outfielders in your fantasy baseball money league or your free fantasy league in the early rounds. So use this list to help you decide who else to pick in your draft.

16. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

Holliday has seven straight 20-HR seasons and a career BA of .313. He turned 33 in January.

17. B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves

Upton has five straight 30-steal seasons and 51 HR over the last two years. But  his.246 BA was highest in last four seasons.  Career .336 OBP, .422 SLG at home, .335 OBP, .422 SLG on

Cactus Juice: Thumbs down on Chase Headley

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Everyone needs a few simple rules and concepts to navigate through life. You don't tug on Superman's Cape. You don't play poker against anyone who's first name is a city. And in fantasy baseball, you don't mess with thumb injuries.

Sorry about that, Chase Headley. For the rest of March's draft season, you're just about dead to me.

[Play Tourney Pick'em on Yahoo! Fantasy Sports]

The Padres made the news official Monday: Headley has a small fracture on his left thumb and

Fantasy Baseball 2013: Third Base primer

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

It seems highly doubtful that you'll be able to screw up this position, no matter how poorly you draft. Go ahead and try. Can't be done. Third base is uncommonly deep in 2013 — so deep, in fact, that the players we've slotted ninth and tenth in our preseason ranks, Chase Headley and Aramis Ramirez, both finished among the overall top-25 last season.

This position is so stacked that no one in the fantasy community even seems to care that we've lost Alex Rodriguez indefinitely — possibly for the entire season. We've buried A-Rod in the desert with Troy Glaus, Hank Blalock and Andy Marte. Thanks for the

Fantasy Baseball 2013: Second Base Primer

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Second base is basically the roster spot that keeps the position scarcity advocates in business. If it weren't for the dearth of talent at second, scarcity zealots wouldn't have such a compelling strategy to sell.

Just spend a minute or two examining the position ranks and you'll understand why the top players at this spot are such prized commodities, even in smaller mixed leagues. The top-tier second basemen — Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler — have proven themselves to be reliable four-category fantasy assets, reasonable picks in the opening rounds. But

Mostly MLB Notes: Dan Haren bouncing back, avoiding Mark Trumbo and Ryan Zimmerman over Evan Longoria

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Battling through hip and back injuries, Dan Haren posted a 4.33 ERA last season that was his worst since 2004 - his second year in the league. His average fastball velocity dropped to a career low 88.5 mph, and lingering questions regarding his health left him without many suitors during the offseason when he was a free agent. Ultimately, he signed with the Nationals on a one-year, $13 million deal. While not cheap, it was a bit surprising someone with his track record couldn’t fetch a multi-year deal, but he passed his physical and will have every incentive to prove he’s healthy in 2013. Haren is just one season removed from posting a 5.8:1 K:BB ratio (which was second best in baseball) with a 1.02 WHIP,

K-BAD – 2013: Part III, BBGuys Team

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The fellas over over at KFFL.com have a fantasy baseball league nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, and for the 5th straight year I’m honored to have been asked to participate (the proceeding link takes you to an analysis by every participant on the league). In Part III of this three part review I’ll break down how my squad turned out.

C:

K-BAD – 2013: Part I, Rounds 1-14

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

For the fifth straight year I was invited to play in an expert’s league by the folks over at KFFL.com (you can click on the link to see how everyone else in the draft evaluated their own selections). Nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, the league pits 11 of the top minds in the game against one flunky (that would be your truly). I thought I would give my analysis

Starting Nine: Giancarlo Stanton, beaned but unbroken

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Giancarlo Stanton, unrivaled star of a dreadful Marlins roster, was hit in the helmet on Wednesday by a Jose Fernandez fastball, but there's no obvious reason for anyone to panic — Fernandez included. This from the AP...

Giancarlo Stanton spotted downcast teammate Jose Fernandez in the Miami Marlins' clubhouse Thursday and flashed him a grin.

''Relax,'' Stanton said. ''Relax.''

[...]

X-rays were negative, there was no sign of a concussion, and Stanton said his vision returned to normal after a few hours.

2013 Rankings: Outfielders

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

You can find a bit of everything in the outfield. There are players who contribute across the board, and others who make waves in single categories. There are established veterans with lengthy track records, and young players on the cusp of becoming superstars. Oh, and the position is also home to two players who are going one and two overall in many fantasy drafts.

Rank First Name Last

2013 Rankings: First Basemen

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

Next up in the positional rankings is first base. The position offers a lot of offensive talent, young and old. Players will be drafted out of this player pool to fill more than first base, they'll also fill corner infield spots and utility positions as well. 

Rank First Name Last Name Organization 1 Albert Pujols Angels 2 Joey Votto Reds 3 Prince Fielder Tigers 4 Edwin Encarnacion Blue

Pressing Questions: Los Angeles Angels

Source: Roto Arcade by Brandon Funston

This week, we continue our usual series of MLB fantasy previews, wherein we consider 5-6 key questions surrounding each team. Baseball is coming, gamers. Pitchers and catchers report next month. Fantasy owners report immediately...

For the second consecutive year, the Angels landed the offseason's biggest free agent prize. In signing slugger Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols, the team has committed over $220 million over the next five years. Clearly the Angels were undeterred by the Vernon wells experience – who'll make nearly $50 million over the next two seasons while riding the pine. Like their geographical neighbors, the Dodgers, money

Positional Eligibility Matters

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

The Tigers announced, through GM Dave Dombrowski, that Victor Martinez will not catch in 2013 as the Tigers plan to let Alex

Analyzing the Morales/Vargas Trade

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

American League West division rivals, the Angels and Mariners, agreed to a trade that should help both teams. The Angels sent Kendrys Morales to the offense starved Mariners for Jason Vargas, who will help round out the Angels' rotation. The Angels signing of Josh Hamilton created a logjam in their lineup, and while Mark Trumbo and Peter Bourjos were the names bandied about the rumor mill, it was Morales who ended up dealt. The Mariners had a variety of options at their disposal to fill the rotation, and multiple prospect arms nearly ready for the show, making Vargas expendable. At first blush, it is a deal that makes sense for both teams, but what does it mean for the players involved?

Morales is now in a position to get

Angels telling teams Trumbo won't be traded - Mark Trumbo | ANA

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Angels are telling teams that Mark Trumbo is not available.

Mark Trumbo (OF/1B/DH-LAA)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Angels | Mark Trumbo unlikely to go back to third. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1B Mark Trumbo is unlikely to return to third base, ... Source: http://www.kffl.com

Top 20 Outfielders, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Went over the catchers, 1st basemen, 2nd basemen and shortstops and top 20 3rd basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball. Guess what’s next!  No, not pitchers. Read the title, man.  In 2010, there were only 5 outfielders that hit 30 homers, in 2011 there were 9, this year there were

Top 20 3rd Basemen, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Third base finally showed signs of a glimmer in 2012 fantasy baseball.  There were a good ten 3rd basemen and another handful that could’ve covered your corner infidel slot.  The only shizzy thing was that there were more than a few complete curveballs.  Bautista, A-Rod, Moustakas, Reynolds and Sandoval, to name a few, were hot garbage and Headley, Encarnacion, Chris Davis and Pedro Alvarez came relatively out of nowhere.  Also, a lot of them were first basemen or 2nd basemen or shortstops, so it wasn’t like they were hanging out on waivers looking for room on peoples’ teams.  Then there’s Ryan Zimmerman who made me look smart in opposite world.  Also, to recap, this final ranking is from our

Top 20 1st Basemen, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

After drudging through an Andy Dufresne-type tunnel for the top 20 catchers for 2012 fantasy baseball, I find myself with a group that actually really hurt or helped your team depending on how you drafted. If you went wrong with your 1st baseman, it could kill your season.  Hey, Eric Hosmer, no hard feelings from me.  We are totally fine.  Please enjoy these cyanide pills I made special for you.  If you went right, you might’ve won your league.  To recap, this final ranking is from our Fantasy Baseball Player Rater with my comments.  Anyway, here’s the top 20 1st basemen for

The 2012 Razzballies

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Welcome to the year end Razzball awards.  I’m your host, Grey Albright and I’m joined by Random Italicized Voice, Hey.  Also, on the red carpet for everyone’s arrival we have, MR. AL CAPS, “HOW ARE YOU?”  And up in the balcony critiquing everyone’s outfits we have Clunky Segue, “As you were…”  Before the show even begins, we have a very special musical guest, The Spin Doctors!  Live from opening for Phish!  Not playing on stage with them, but literally opening doors for them.  Anyway, here’s the 2012 Razzball Year End Awards:

Fantasy AL Most Valuable Player – The easy choice here would be Mike Trout, and I’m not one for making things hard.  Mike Trout, do you accept this

Moustakas Out Of Beta

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Mike Moustakas left yesterday’s game with a groin injury that could end his season, which would also end his sophomore slump (the “o” is silent in sophomore, like when you make love to your woman — oofa!)  The 2nd season like the 2nd Greek letter is beta.  Beta is also a testing phase when the most kinks are found.  So, naturally, we should expect guys in beta to perform for stretches and then find they have serious compatibility issues with major league pitching, right?   Well, there’s no scientific evidence to support this.  Sure, Austin Jackson and Jason Heyward’s 2011 seasons were miserable and this year we got the same from Hosmer and Moustakas, but Gaby Sanchez was fine for two years, then hit a

Homer Bailey’s No-Hitter Wins Your Fantasy League

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Despite his unfortunate name, Homer Bailey pitched the first Reds’ no-hitteer since 1988 last night, completely shutting down the Pirates down-and-out offense, allowing just 2 base runners on an error and a walk and striking out a career high 10 batters. If you were lucky enough to be streaming Bailey last night, pat yourself on the back. Well done, Homer Bailey probably just won your fantasy league for you. Alternately, H2H players going against those streaming him may have just lost their season on account of Homer’s gem. My condolences — so sorry for your loss. There’s always next year. Maybe you’ll draft Homer Bailey as a late round bargain in 2013, but more likely you will always have a deep hatred for

Stream Away With Me To Another World

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

This lede is a little different than past week’s.  This lede is about winning your damn league.  This is about fantasy baseball streamers.  When the Stream-o-Nator heard I was doing this post, it had this to say, ”It’s been an honor to help you in your leagues this year.  When I was growing up, a small boy in R-Kansas, and getting these weird feelings about my sister in her bathing suit, I thought my future would be either jail or late-night film showings sitting between Fred Willard and Pee Wee Herman.  Then Al Gore invented the internet, allowing me pleasure in the basement of my mother’s home and I discovered I had a special gift for picking

Fantasy Baseball Points Leagues: Starring The Medlen Cartel and Kato Kaelin

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

So O.J. DID murder his wife and her lover? Hold up a second! Kato Kaelin has come out of the woodwork to set the record straight, giving us access to his personal knowledge of the situation. Wouldn’t this have helped if he actually said it during the trial? And, is his opinion enough to sway those of us who previously believed ” The Juice” was wrongfully accused like my man Leslie Nielsen (RIP). The gloves didn’t fit Kato! Get it through your soft-core porn starring

Opening Time: Pickups with flex appeal

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

When it comes to fantasy baseball, September truly is the silly season. The rosters expand, non-contenders get experimental, and rotoheads have to make quicker-than-usual adjustments. There's nothing new to this theme; we talk about it every year and I'm sure I offered similar words earlier this month. Learn it, know it, live it.

Look at some of the names currently sitting in the most-dropped column. Mark Teixeira is out 10-14 days? Get out the shears. Mark Trumbo sinks into a month-long slump? Thanks for the memories, you're punted. Todd Frazier gets thrown into Dusty Baker limbo? We'll find fresher options, thanks. Carlos Gomez suffers a right quad contusion?

OPS Fantasy Leagues: Two Out Of Three Ain’t Good

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

We’ve all heard about the three true outcomes: walk, strikeout, and home run. This week I looked at players who only have two of the three true outcomes, specifically those that strikeout and homer often but do not walk at a relatively high level. My parameters were guys that have had at least 200 plate appearances this season, strikeout at least 25% of the time, walk no more than 10% of the time, and have a home run to fly ball rate of at least 20%. For reference, some guys who strikeout and homer at that level, but walk more than 10% of the time, include who you’d expect, such as Adam Dunn, Curtis Granderson, Mike Napoli, and Mark Reynolds. The following players are listed from highest to lowest strikeout rate.

Ryan

Around the Horn: September 12, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Dustin Pedroia overcoming slow start with impressive play.

(2) Joe Mauer = the quiet superstar.

(3) John Axford rolling in 9th inning.

(4) Yoenis Cespedes budding fantasy superstar?

(5) Vernon Wells vs. Mark Trumbo.

(6) Brandon Belt surging but lacking pop.

(7) Jordan Pacheco to see some time at catcher.

(8) Ben Zobrist picks up SS eligibility to add to 2B and OF.

 

By Ray Flowers

The Razzball Podcast — The One Where We Talk End Of The Season Strategies

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Technically, the title is correct.  But we’re off-roading more than we’re on with this podcast.  It’s September, y’all, and we’re talking about whatever comes to mind.  We’re like Kermit Ruffins and fantasy is our scat.   I have no idea if that is factually accurate, but it sounds cool.    Can you dig it?  I knew you could.  Meanwhile, Nick is visiting me in LA and in a less-than-stellar hotel that looks like how Eric Hosmer hits.   Oh, and I recommended it.  Hehe.  Oops!  What do I know?  I live in LA; I don’t stay in hotels here, well, for longer than 4 hours and without putting down my own plastic sheets.  Now pass me my sax while we go over some end of season strategies and Daniel Straily and Mark

Mark Trumbo: Out of Tuesday's Lineup

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Mark Trumbo: Trumbo is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the A's, according to the Angels' official Twitter page. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Reynolds Smoking Homers Like A Bandit

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

This weekend, my Cougar’s dog had diarrhea all over my foot.  So, I wrote a list of Don’ts and taped it to his bed.  1. Do not poop my foot.  2. Do not ever poop my foot.  Seriously.  3.  There’s no three.  Now if you were to switch out “foot,” with “fantasy team” that could’ve been Mark Reynolds prior to this weekend.  Carrying him on your team, you may as have been walking behind him with a plastic bag and a spray bottle.  It was like Mini Donkey forgot all the brays that was heaped on him in the past and why.  You strikeout, Mini Donkey, but you also homer.  Without the latter, you’re not reaching your heights.  Pun point!  This weekend he put on a show in The Home They Built Across The

Trumbo hits two-run homer in win over Boston - Mark Trumbo | ANA

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Mark Trumbo snapped a nine-game homerless streak on Tuesday night against the Red Sox, smashing a two-run shot to lead the Angels to a 5-3 victory.

Trumbo smashes two-run homer in victory - Mark Trumbo | ANA

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Mark Trumbo snapped a nine-game homerless streak, smashing a two-run shot to lead the Angels to a 5-3 victory over the Red Sox on Tuesday.

WR Primer: Antonio Brown is reason No. 84 why wide receiver is incredibly deep

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Imagine you're on a revamped version of the hit game show "Pyramid." For the past 25 minutes you've selected wittily titled categories, dominated the board and stacked cash. Now onto the final round with your celebrity partner, 80s favorite TV alien, Alf, you confidently strut over to the Winner's Circle, plop down in the chair and focus on the task at hand. Uncover the answers quickly, and those calf implants you've always wanted could finally become a reality.

As the clock ticks down, you quickly climb toward the $100,000 prize, correctly nailing subjects

Bottom of the Ninth: SF Bullpen Laments Brian Wilson

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

There are a number of possible free agent options this week for those scrounging for saves, so I’ll get right to it, starting with the San Francisco Giants. Bruce Bochy has announced that the Giants will go to a (gasp) closer by committee, meaning Jeremy Affeldt, Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla and even Javier Lopez could be in line for save chances. I wish I knew Bochy personally, not just for bragging rights and friendship purposes, but for fantasy purposes. I would ask him, “Heyo, Bro. Who’s your closer?” And he still wouldn’t tell me. It appears Santiago Casilla is suffering from a minor “blister” on his hand, so for the

Deep Impact: Floccinaucinihilipilificating Yogibogeybox’s After Palzogoning Defenestration, or, FYPD

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

For those of you who don’t know what FYPD stands for, I give you, freely, in the title of this post, the most common usage of that special acronym. While the phrase itself is used often, be wary for the potential of seizures and an impending brain aneurism when attempting to use it in everyday conversation. Sure, I guess you could simply just say that you are estimating the worthlessness of your local spiritualist’s materials of trade, after you’ve done foreplay, or if you are in a meaningful relationship, love-play, or if you are married, no-play, whilst jumping out the window. But where’s the fun in that? That’s what I’m saying. And if you want to verify those meanings and give a shout out to both Merriam and Webster,

Mailbag: August2, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Each week I’ll be answering questions that have been sent to me at the BaseballGuys’ Twitter account in my never ending attempt to replace myself by explaining to everyone how I evaluate players thereby making myself obsolete.

Should I trade Matt Kemp for CC Sabathia and Aroldis Chapman?
– @cooperkyle22

Do you need offense or pitching? If the goal is to improve your

Theo Is Real Star Of The Cubsy Show

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Here’s what I said last November about Theo Epstein, “A new GM can toss out the used-up-and-spit-out pieces he inherits, right?  It’s like when a new boss comes into a flailing company and all the employees start quaking in their boots that they’re gonna get fired because they’re unproductive.  Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and Tyler Colvin should be worried about their parking spots. Soriano, “Hey, there’s a Segway in my spot.” Epstein, “Bowden was liquidating. There’s parking on Waveland for $35 a day.”  And that’s me quoting me!  Since then, Byrd — gone!  Colvin — gone!  Soriano should be gone, but he’s refusing to hand over his parking permit.  Yesterday, Paul Maholm and Reed