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Friday, July 20, 2012

VIEW FROM 122.....BUFFALO BILLS RUNNING BACKS

Column from the view of a Bills Season ticket holder in section 122
Fred and CJ can and will coexist

When Fred Jackson went down with a broken leg last season so did the hopes of the Buffalo Bills finally breaking their decade long playoff drought.  Jackson is the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bills.  He is a hard nosed, yet shifty runner with surprising speed.  At only 10 games into the season FredEX was already closing in on 1000 yards rushing and 500 receiving, and was on the short list for MVP on many voters’ ballots.  The Bills were already in a tailspin at that point but losing Jackson was the straw that broke the Buffalo’s back.

With Freddy J gone the Bills turned to a guy they drafted in the top 10 only a couple seasons earlier, but who had failed to impress thus far in CJ Spiller.  While Spiller is a completely different player he stepped in admirably.  In fact in his final 5 games he was explosive, busting off runs 20 yards at a time.  Many writers and fans, me included, questioned Buddy Nix and company on the Spiller pick.  We already had Beastmode and Jackson.  Why the need for ANOTHER running back.  It appears our questions were answered a bit with Marshawn Lynch’s DUI arrest earlier in the week.  The front office obviously realized Lynch was a time bomb ticking away at another suspension.

Now that the Bills have 2 established, dynamic running backs in the fold what is the outlook for 2012?  Many out there are acting as if this is a bad problem to have, speaking of running back controversies etc. etc.  I see this as an amazing opportunity for Chan Gailey’s offense.  He loves throwing out different looks and keeping defenses honest with quick hitting plays that get his play makers into space.  The real key here is that both backs possess great hands and route running skills.  While I am sure that both players want the lead back billing and the majority of the touches I see it being pretty even.  Think a 55-45 split in favor of Jackson.  This will keep both fresh in game and for the season and could be a nightmare for opposing defenses in 2012, and I can’t wait to be there in section 122 to witness it play out.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fantasy All Stars.....

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

With All Star Voting coming to a close we wanted to put together our take on MLB All Stars from a Fantasy perspective.  Our list contains many names you have seen on these types of lists many times over, but there are also some players listed who have burst onto the fantasy scene in 2012.  If you have 2 or more of these guys on your roster chances are you are at or near the top of your league.

Catcher - Carlos Ruiz - .356 average - 39 runs - 13 HRs - 46 RBI - 3 SB

Chooch as his teammates lovingly call him has been a great defensive catcher with a little bit of pop his whole career.  This season something has come over him though as he is lacing line drives all over the city of brotherly love.  While we don't necessarily think he will keep up these lofty numbers all season but he has slowed down yet so we won't bet against him.  We are are particularly impressed with his .356 average and 46 RBI.

First Base - Joey Votto - .352 average - 50 runs - 14 HRs - 47 RBI - 4 SB

Votto is leading the way at first as he has been for the past couple seasons now.  With only 14 homers we actually expect him to increase his power numbers as the weather gets warmer and the ball starts to carry in Cincy.

Second Base - Robinson Cano - .315 average - 55 runs - 20 HRs - 48 RBI - 1 SB

Well watta ya know Robby Cano.  The Yankee second baseman actually got off to somewhat of a slow start in 2012 but has been on an epic tear leading up to the All Star Break.  Cano's 20 HRs, and 48 RBI are ultra impressive when coming from the second base position.

Shortstop - Ian Desmond - .279 average - 43 runs - 14 HRs - 45 RBI - 8 SB

It's good to be Robbie
Desmond was most likely a mid to late round pick in most leagues and wow is that paying off now.  He has always had potential but never has put together a season like this prior to 2012.  In a lineup that boasts some nice pop Desmond has actually been one of the major contributors to the National's success.

Third Base - David Wright - .351 average - 54 runs - 10 HRs - 54 RBI - 8 SB

Probably the easiest selection of the bunch Wright has been absolutely on fire all season long.  This comes in a lineup that doesn't exactly give him all that much protection.  Just like Votto we actually expect a bit more in the HR department in the second half.

Outfield - Josh Hamilton - .316 average - 51 runs - 25 HRs - 73 RBI - 6 SB

Imagine what this guys numbers would be if he wasn't a china doll.  As it is he is our 2012 fantasy MVP.  The RBI totals are out of this world and his 51 runs and 25 HRs are nothing to sneeze at.

Outfield - Carlos Gonzalez - .338 average - 59 runs - 17 HRs - 58 RBI - 10 SB

Cargo is tearing the cover off the ball this summer.  A true 5 tooler and is contributing in all stat lines.  He is a favorite for NL MVP.  His 59 runs and 58 RBi are ridiculous.

Outfield - Andrew McCutchen - .360 average - 52 runs - 16 HRs - 54 RBI - 14 SB

Wait a second no Ryan Braun here?  Nope Cutch is having a once in a career year in the steel city.  A .360 average along with 52 runs, 16 bombs 54 RBI's AND 14 SBs..... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Nope Cutch has been that good this season.

Bet ya can't hit it.....
Starter - R.A. Dickey - 12 wins - 1 loss - 116 Ks - 2.15 ERA - 0.88 WHIP

ROBERT ALLEN FREAKING DICKEY..... The things he is doing this season have not yet ceased to amaze.  12 wins, 116 Ks, 2.15 ERA.   That Knuckler is dancing like a ballerina out there and it is so great to watch. 

Closer - Fernando Rodney - 24 saves - 38 Ks - 0.96 ERA - 0.72 WHIP

Rodney wouldn't even have a save most likely if Kyle Farnsworth hadn't gone down early with elbow problems.  Well this baller with a tilted cap has been lights out ever since.  He has been virtually un hittable in the 9th for the Rays

Sunday, July 1, 2012

WAIVER WIRED.......

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

As we near the halfway point of the season are All Star edition of waiver wired will focus on picking up players that will help your lineups keep on winning in the second half of the season.  Below we will focus on 4 hitters and 4 pitchers to add to your lineups for that second half run.

Hitters:
David Murphy (12.7% of ESPN Leagues) -  Murphy has been flying under fantasy radars for years now.  Much of that is due to the fact he just doesn't get everyday at bats.  If you are in a deep league however and you are looking for a 4th outfielder Murphy could be your guy.
Murphy is trending up
Gordon Beckham (37.1% of ESPN Leagues) - With second base being thin as always Beckham's recent resurgence has been a God send for many owners out there. 
Quintin Berry (25.1% of ESPN Leagues) - Berry has been teaming up with Austin Jackson as table setters for the Tiger's lineup.  Berry is batting over 300 and has 12 steals in limited action this season.  We feel he will be a great source of runs and steals going forward.
Wilin Rosario (14.6% of ESPN Leagues) - The Rookie backstop isn't going to hit you .275, let alone .300 but he has power in a position really lacking on quality hitters.


Pitchers:
Tommy Milone (21% of ESPN Leagues) - Milone has given up only 2 earned in his last 3 outings, getting the win in 2.   An ERA of 3.73 and 8 wins are hard to come by this time of year
Dallas Keuchel (3.7% of ESPN Leagues) - With 3 straight starts with only 1 earned run to start his season Keuchel is a pitcher to monitor in deep leagues.
How many balls do you see?
Scott Diamond (30.9% of ESPN Leagues) -. Do we have a "DIAMOND" in the rough here???  Lame jokes aside Diamond has been pitching great of late
Mark Buehrle (40.6% of ESPN Leagues) - Buehrle is a guy that never seems to be given credit.  He is coming off 2 straight quality starts.