Fantasy Baseball Preview: The Starting Lineup

The Infield 

Catcher- Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers: No catcher in the MLB had a higher OBP than Martin last season. He put up nice offensive numbers for a catcher, posing a .293 average with 19 home runs and 87 RBIs. Unfortunately he slowed down in September (.259 average), on the up side he's young and incredibly talented. A weak NL West should allow Martin to put up another nice season--and never doubt what Joe Torre can do for young catchers.

Other Catchers worth noting: Victor Martinez-Cleveland Indians, Joe Mauer- Minnesota Twins, and Jorge Posada- New York Yankees.

First Base- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals: There's a slew of talented first basemen in baseball, but none are as well rounded than Pujols. The slugger "struggled" last season with a .327 average, 32 home runs, and 103 RBIs, all slightly below his career averages. He has the ability to play through pain, and after being wrongfully accused of steroids in the offseason look for Prince Albert to prove himself once again this year.

Other First basemen worth noting: Prince Fielder- Milwaukee Brewers, Derek Lee- Chicago Cubs, and David Ortiz-Boston Red Sox.

Second Base- Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers:  It looks like Kinsler's ups and downs are behind him and he's ready to produce as an all-category fantasy stud. He hit 20 dingers, stole 23 bases, and knocked in 61 runs in hitter friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This could be a huge break out year for Kinsler, keep him close on your radar-he'd be a steal in the late second early third rounds.

Other second basemen worth noting: Chase Utley-Philadelphia Phillies, Robinson Cano-New York Yankees, and Brandon Phillips-Cincinnati Reds.

Third Base-Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees: I don't need to say anything about A-Rod, he was the best player in MLB last season on his way to his third MVP--and in most cases he's going to be the first name taken on draft day. He batted .314, knocked in 156, belted 54 home runs, scored 143 times, and to top it all off he stole 24 bases. There's a lot of talk that Rodriguez will one day be the all time home run leader so look for him to add to his numbers this season. 

Other third basemen worth nothing: David Wright-New York Mets, Miguel Cabrera- Detroit Tigers, and Chone Figgins- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Shortstop- Jose Reyes, New York Mets: Jimmy Rollins might have been last seasons NL MVP; however, with a bolstered starting rotation and a chip on his shoulder look for Reyes to make up for the biggest collapse in MLB history. At times Reyes has MVP qualities and as quick as you can flip a switch he'll be stuck in a rut--he's guaranteed to grab you between 60-70 bases and knock in 50+ RBIs, and even as a leadoff hitter Reyes did manage to cross the plate 119 times last season.

Other shortstops worth noting: Jimmy Rollins-Philadelphia Phillies, Hanley Ramirez-Florida Marlins, and Rafael Furcal-Los Angels Dodgers.

The Outfield

Matt Holliday- Colorado Rockies: Top ten finishes in nearly every major category, a 2nd place MVP finish, and an appearance in the World Series last season gives this budding superstar all the qualities fantasy owners drool over. Last season Holliday belted 36 long balls, knocked in 137, and stole 11 bases. In hitter friendly Coors Field where the airs thin and the ball travels further look for Holliday to put up similar numbers in '08. He's a definite first round pick.

Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Devil Rays: A perennial All-Star who tied for the AL lead with 50 steals last season--the fourth time he's been on top in the steals category. Crawford finished last season with a career best .315 average, and only Curtis Granderson hit more triples than Crawford who slapped nine last year. The biggest downside to Crawford is power, but that being said he's still able to knock around 20 out of the park. 

Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: There are too many strong outfield candidates, but I'm only picking three. I chose Vlad for a couple of reasons, he may not have the wheels he used to but his bat still carries a mighty amount of power. With the addition of Torii Hunter and the emergence of Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman, Vlad will split time in the field and DH role. He may be getting up there in years but last season he still knocked in 125 RBIs, hit 27 out of the park, all while carrying a .324 average. With more rest on his legs his power is guaranteed to improve. There's a good chance many fantasy owners will over look Vlad--possibility of late first or early second round steal.

Other outfielders worth noting: Ryan Braun-Milwaukee Brewers, Alfonso Soriano-Chicago Cubs, and Grady Sizemore-Cleveland Indians.

There are hundreds of fantasy sleepers and studs out there for you this year. Check out http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/index.jsp for player by player preview for the 2008 fantasy season. 

Fantasy Baseball Preview: Top 5 Starters

1) Johan Santana, New York Mets: There's a reason every baseball fan in the world sat glued to the Santana trade this off-season--because he's still the best. He is a nasty lefty with unbelievable control. He played at an elite level in the stronger league, now as he plays in the NL East look for even more dominance. He'll face other pitchers instead of DH's so look for his ERA, wins, and number of strikeouts all to improve. There is a great possibility Santana could be on his way a 20 plus wins season and another Cy Young.

2) Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres: Last season when Santana had an off year, Jake Peavy proudly stood in as the most dominating pitcher in the majors. Peavy dominated opposing batters with a 3.53 K per BB ratio helping him earn his first Cy Young. On his way to a 19-6 record he led all starters in strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. His 19 wins were tops in the National League, look for Peavy's hot streak to continue in to the 2008 season.

3) Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners: It is possible that Bedard is a trendy pick after last season but let's put it this way--I'm giving him a shot to prove his value. He dominated the AL East last season (the best division in baseball in this writers' opinion) before being shelved in September with an oblique injury. With better run support in Seattle, and a more spacious park to throw in Bedard's statistics should only improve. Don't be turned off by his oblique injury because it's not arm related. He's not more valuable than Santana or Peavy but look for Bedard to sneak in to the late first early second round.

4) Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox: Odds are Beckett won't repeat last season's stunning performance, but with the run support he is given look for Beckett to win between 15-20 games. He's developed durability by pitching back-to-back 200 inning seasons, and his home run total was at an all time low last season. BUYER BEWARE: It's a toss-up between Beckett and Bedard take a good long look if you have the opportunity between these two.

5) Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks: Simply stated Webb has become a dominating force in the NL West. Statistically in 2007 Webb was better than in 2006 when he won the Cy Young. As long as Webb stays healthy and keeps his dominating sinker under control he will definitely be a top 5 pitcher.

Honorable Mentions: C.C. Sabathia, Ching Ming Wang, Carlos Zambrano, Roy Hallady, and Fausto Carmona are all worth spending an early round pick on.

This is the second installment in a three part Fantasy Baseball preview. Due up next time: The Starting line-up.

Fantasy Baseball Preview: Top 5 Relievers

1) Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox: In his sophomore campaign Pabelbon showed us his rookie year was no fluke. In 2007 he recorded 37 saves and struck out 84 batters in only 58 1/3 innings. With the run support he is likely to get from the destructive Red Sox lineup this season, look for the flame-thrower to showcase his talents yet again. The Sox will likely surpass the 90 wins mark and there's no reason (barring injury) he won't pay off as the first reliever taken off the board. 

2) J.J Putz, Seattle Mariners: Putz proved he's the real deal in '07 by saving 40 games while managing a 22 scoreless inning streak. His impressive season included topping all regular relievers in ERA and WHIP, he also struck out 82 in 71.2 innings. With the additions of Carlos Silva and Erik Bedard to the starting rotation, Putz should be dangerous again in '08.

3) Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks: A lot of draft boards have Valverde ranked between 7-10, I on the other hand have him as my third overall reliever because he is too dominating to be overlooked. His 47 saves led the majors last season, and

his dazzling 78 strikeouts in 64.1 was incredible for a closer in his first full year. Valverde did struggle with ball control at times, walking 3.64 batters per nine innings. His youthful enthusiasm and dangerous repertoire of pitches adds a great closer to a dominating Diamondback rotation.

4) Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees:  The 'Sandman' still has gas left in the tank to be considered one of the most dominating closers in the game. He converted 30 of 32 save opportunities, his trademark cutter hasn't lost a step. Rivera managed 9.34 K per nine inning in '07, while spending most of September shelved on the disabled list. If the Yankees bullpen can manage late innings better than last year Rivera should be able to surpass the 40 saves mark again this season.

5) Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: K-Rod is good, K-Rod is real good-he managed to record his third straight season with at least 40 saves in 2007. He struck out a mind numbing 90 batters over 67.1 innings last year, and has averaged 94 strikeouts over the last two seasons.  In a contract year where he lost his arbitration case K-Rod for the first time seems to have a legitimate downside. He suffered a career worst 4.54 BB per 9 innings last season, and his speedy delivery is always a threat to haunt him. All that being said, Rodriguez's reward is much greater than his risk. 

This is the first installment in the three part Fantasy Baseball Preview. Due up next time, Starting Pitchers. 

Women's Lax Picked to win CAA

The 2008 season marks the 40th anniversary at JMU for the women's lacrosse program, and this year the Dukes are looking to surpass their impressive accomplishments from last season.

Under first-year coach and former JMU player SHelley Klaes-Bawcombe the team had a successful season finishing 13-5, but a loss to Hofstra in the Colonial Athletic Association championship ended its season abruptly. 

Klaes-Bawcombe described the loss as "heart wrenching," and it prevented JMU from reaching the NCAA tournament for only the third time since 1997. With last season still fresh on their minds, the Dukes are eager to pick up where they left off.

Coaches around the league are recognizing JMU as a conference contender. In a recent preseason poll eight of the CAA coaches, Madison was predicted to finish first in the conference.

"JMU is typically pre-seeded first in our conference, so it is a pressure that our program is used to feeling," said coach Klaes-Bawcombe.

JMU received six first-place votes, totaling 48 points. Delaware received one first-place vote and was second with 40 points. Defending CAA champion Hofstra was third with 38 and Towson recievied the other first place vote to finish fourth with 28 points. Madison is also ranked 14th in the nation in Lacrosse Magazine's annual preseason college rankings.

"We don't necessarily approach the season differently, but we do recognize that we have a target on our back and teams are looking to beat us," senior defender Natasha Fuchs said.

It's going to take a lot for teams to beat a squad that is returning 10 seniors, a slew of young talent and eight starters from last year, including CAA Player of the Year Annie Wagner. The senior attacker scored 59 goals last season and has been named to the Tewaaraton Trophy Watch List as a candidate for national player of the year.

Joining Wagner is Senior Attacker Natasha Fuchs who had a team-high 31 assists last season and all-CAA goalkeeper Kelly Wetzel who led the conference with 186 saves last year.

"The seniors are ready to lead a team with a chip on their shoulders looking for revenge and a chance to prove that JMU is the best time in the conference," Klaes-Bawcombe said.

The Dukes will look toward their senior leadership as they navigate a challenging conference schedule. Six of the of the Dukes' opponents are listed in the Top 20, including four in the top 10; No.2 Virginia (March 28), No. 4 Maryland (March 8), No.7 Princeton (March 19) and No. 10 Yale (March 1).

Other JMU opponents in the rankings are No. 18 Dartmouth (Feb. 28) and No. 20 Richmond (March 15). The Dukes will play five of the six ranked opponents on the road, with the only home contest against Richmond.

Madison concluded the preseason schedule by beating the English national team in an exhibition game 11-6 on Feb. 13. Madison begins the regular season at Dartmouth on Saturday, and the home opener will take place against Longwood on March 5. 

'Sign Man of Shea' passes away at age 83

I'm not a Mets fan, in fact with the newly acquired ace Johan Santana I loathe them even more. 

However, above all else I am a baseball fan and with the recent passing of the legend Karl Ehrhardt I am proud to call myself a Mets fan for a day.

The Associated Press wrote a great tribute to Ehrhardt, he may be better known known as the 'sign man of Shea' click the link below, and spend a minute of your time to read about a man who was truly the epitome of a die-hard fan.

sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3238455





From 1964-1981 the 'sign-man' was a common sight at Shea Stadium cheering on his beloved Mets.

I'm back, and so are the Patriots

It has truly been quite some time since I've last updated my blog, and to those loyalists out there I apologize for the time off. Between school and internship hunting I have not been able to find time for my writing, now with the hunting behind me I can relax and spread the focus. Speaking of the hunting behind me, I have some FANTASTIC news to share with you. I have landed an internship with ESPN Radio 1240 The Boss out of Staunton, Virginia. I will be working in their advertising and marketing department, but more importantly I will serve as a play by play announcer for the Valley Summer League team the Waynesboro Generals.



I will update more information at a later date, now enough about me let's move on to the big game, Super Bowl XLII!

New York Giants v. New England Patriots, 6:00 pm ET, Fox.

This is going to be short, by now I can only assume you have been engulfed by countless hours of TV watching, magazine reading, pointless fact memorizing about the big game. The Giants aren't in the big game because of luck, but because of patience, change and determination. The Patriots are the fan favorite and easy pick but here are my 5 reasons the Giants can win the game.

1) Eli Manning- No interceptions, and four TD passes in the post-season. Higher QB rating than Brady (means very little) but his pose is very Brady-like. If the Giants O-Line can protect Manning the game will be close.

2) Giants Offensive Line- Center Shaun O'Hara anchors a very talented offensive line. O'Hara is a captain because he understands the game, knows the system , and is a decorated veteran. Remember O'Hara did not play the entire game against New England after suffering an injury in the first half. His presence is definitely important.

3) Giants Secondary- Four rookie starters, four players for Tom Brady to pick on. The Giants secondary lasted for 3 quarters when these teams first met up, if they can last four quarters and stick with Randy Moss the game will be a lot closer.

4) Defensive Line- A lot (nearly all) the credit goes to Umenyiora and Strahan, but those two wouldn't be nearly as dangerous without the help from the pressure up the middle. If Fred Robbins and the rest of the Giants D can keep pressure up the middle constant #72 and #92 will have a big day.

5) Antonio Pierce- The undrafted superstar has made a name for himself in the league, he is a natural leader and the defensive play caller in the middle of the Giants defense. No offense is more complex and deceiving than the Patriots, if Pierce has done his studying (and a little bit of luck) the Giants defense will give Bellichik and Tom Brady a run for their money.

If the Giants can play a nearly flawless game for 60 minutes, Super Bowl XLII could be a game for the ages. With a little bit of luck and upset could be in the making.

Seany Says: New York 38-New England 34