Answer Gal: Super Dilemma
January 30, 2008
Dear Answer Gal,
I have a problem. I’m a devoted New York Jets fan and am torn as to who to root for in this Superbowl. I feel like whoever wins, I’m still looking towards a torturous offseason. I know you’re a Jets fan. What are your feelings on this?
-Hopelessly Devoted
Dear Hopelessly Devoted,
I feel your pain. I’ve read about 100 blogs on this exact issue and I can tell you, you are not alone. As our team has fallen into the realm of the forgotten New York teams, Jets fans everywhere are confused, disappointed, disgusted.
I’ve contemplated not even watching the game, but I’ve withdrawn that idea, as it can’t even be an option. My love for football has convinced me that my inevitable off-season football withdrawal will hit me harder if I give up the last football game of the season because of a bitter attitude.
The fact of the matter is, if you were a fan of ANY other team, the answer would be simple, root against perfection. Cheering for the underdog is an extremely attractive option for other fans. But unfortunately, our situation makes this a much more complicated question.
The question is, who do you really hate more? Sure, the Pats are division rivals and they are constantly handing us our asses on a large red white and blue platter, but in this case wouldn’t you rather the Superbowl champion be the team expected to win? They always win, what’s one more?
Your allegiance should also depend on whose fans surround you. If you are like me and are constantly surrounded by obnoxious Giants fans who will never let you hear the end of it if they not only win the Superbowl, but also takedown the 18-0 Pats in the process, then you just can’t hope for a Giant win.
So many people have asked me, as a New Yorker, how could I root against the Giants in a situation like this? My answer is simple, I’m a Jets fan, I will never root for the Giants, even if the Jets disbanded and ceased to exist. I’d sooner be a Patriots fan (after I jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge). Its just unethical in my eyes.
So my answer is this, you really can’t “root” for either team. What you can do is watch the game in shame and pray for a Patriot win (but definitely keep it to yourself) just so you don’t have to begrudgingly be surrounded by a sea of happy Big Blue fans come game end.
Don’t feel bad for the Giants either. The overwhelming nationwide hate for the perfection of the Patriots outside New England will surely push a few fans in New York’s direction.
Rebecca is a New York based entertainment and intellectual property attorney, an agressive fantasy player and an avid Knicks and Jets fan. Got a question for Answer Gal? E-mail her at: answergal@fantasysportsupdate.com
Tommy Knocked
January 29, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
N
o name has failed to strike more fear into the hearts of starting pitchers than Tommy John. Pitchers with elbow / arm issues will often pray that doctors avoid even mutteing his name.
Why? Tommy John surgery routinely involves missing at least a full season of baseball.
It used to be considered a career-killer, but as time has passed more and more players are making successful recoveries from the procedure. Erik Bedard, Justin Verlander and Jason Isringhausen are just a few names that have undergone the procedure and proceeded to regain ace billing, proving that you can come back from Tommy John strong than ever.
Fantasy owners looking to 2008 are probably aware of the big-names sitting on the draft-board currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. You may have plenty of questions about these players and what to expect from them this season, which is why Update! compiled some of the more recognizable pitchers in baseball in order to give you the goods on those who have been Tommy-Knocked:
Comment: Carpenter burned plenty of fantasy owners last year. He underwent Tommy John surgery in July after pitching just one game last season. While Carpenter has reported no set-backs in his rehab, he’s expected to miss most, if not all, of 2008. He has an outside shot of returning after the All Star break, but even if he does return, he’ll have to work to regain his dominant form. Fantasy owners should aviod Carpenter in fantasy drafts unless they have a ton of roster space to work with.
Comment: Mike Hampton hasn’t pitched in a major league game since 2005, and Braves officials let out a collective sigh when Hampton had his 2007 Winter League season cut short due to a right hamstring injury. He’s had two major elbow procedures since 2005, yet fantasy owners may want to risk spending a late-round draft pick on him this year; he enters 2008 in a potential walk-year. We say “potential” because there is a club option on the historic mega-deal that he signed before the 2001 season with Colorado that gives the Braves a $20 million option. There’s no way the Braves are going to pick up that option, even if it means buying him out for $6 million (which is their only alternative). Hampton is expected to be fully healthy heading into Spring Training and has proven to be a valuable pitcher in the past. Tread with caution, but you could do worse in the latter part of your fantasy draft.
Comment: The Cisco Kid was remarkable in 2006, posting elite numbers in his rookie season. Yet the incredible torque he put on his arm led to major elbow issues that cut his season short and forced him to have Tommy John surgery in November of 2006. Fantasy owners will be thrilled to know that his rehab is going great and he has not suffered any setbacks. He’s should be at full-strength for Spring Training and should have a rotation spot ready for him at the start of the regular season. If Liriano can let it fly in 2008 like he did in 2006, he could finish as one of the best pitchers in baseball. Drafting Liriano comes with a bit of risk, but it also has huge potential rewards.
Comment: Ryan, like Carpenter, disappointed fantasy owners in 2007. He had Tommy John surgery in May of 2007 and is hoping to be ready by opening day. However, seeing how players like Octavio Dotel and Eddie Guardado have struggled coming back without a full year of recovery time after Tommy John surgery, Ryan may have a tough road ahead of him. The Blue Jays enjoyed great production from their bullpen last year, so they should have the flexibility to handle Ryan with care. That being said, since they are paying him so much money ($10 million this year), the Blue Jays are expected to put him back into the closer’s role as soon as he’s ready. Fantasy owners can feel free to take a flier on Ryan, but you should anticipate some hiccups this season as he tries to regain his dominant 2006 form.
2008 NFL Draft Preview
January 25, 2008
By: Jay Chin
Update! Writer
The 2008 NFL Draft is still three months away, but it’s never too early to project. That’s especially true for you fantasy owners looking to nab the next Adrian Peterson. Just keep in mind, teams may swap draft picks several times over, but that shouldn’t affect the players selected.
LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is a top three pick regardless of what the Miami Dolphins do. The new regime in Miami has already indicated they’d be willing to trade down from the top spot. While the Dolphins will look to stockpile picks, other teams may look at the New York Giants’ Super Bowl blueprint for inspiration and trade up for a franchise quarterback. Matt Ryan anyone?
But isn’t that unpredictablity — along with a healthy dose of self-proclaimed draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. — half the fun? Until then, here’s something to chew on:
Comment: Their needs are many, but allowing the most rushing yards in the NFL is a stat that Bill Parcells will address immediately. Glenn Dorsey’s strength, tenacity, and instincts make him the top pick in the 2008 draft.
Comment: St. Louis needs more defensive help, but it’s getting more and more evident that you need two good running backs in the NFL. McFadden’s talent is too hard to pass up, as he is the top running back in the draft.
Comment: With Michael Vick jailed and a rapidly aging Warrick Dunn, Atlanta is no longer the juggernaut it was two years ago. Matt Ryan has the arm and the accuracy to be a franchise quarterback and can bring respectability back to Atlanta’s passing game.
Comment: Their most immediate need is to help a porous defensive line, which was second only to the Dolphins in allowing rushing yards. Al Davis won’t be able to pass up the father-son story, and Chris Long’s versatility and athleticism allow him to play in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.
Comment: Losing Pro-Bowlers Will Shields and Willie Roaf really took a toll on the Chiefs’ rushing attack, as they finished dead last with 78 yards per game last season. They will be ecstatic to have the top rated tackle in the draft fall down to them.
Comment: The Jets gave up an unpleasant 134 rushing yards per game last year en route to a disappointing season on both sides of the ball. Gholston’s size and incredible speed fits the Jets’ 3-4 defense perfectly and gives them an unrelenting pass rusher.
Comment: The Patriots draft here after obtaining the San Francisco 49ers first-round selection in a 2007 draft-day trade. But New England also forfeited its own selection, No. 32, as part of the league-imposed punishment for stealing signals Week 1 against the New York Jets. We’d call it a wash if the damn Patriots weren’t so resourceful. The youngest player of their starting linebacking corps is Adalius Thomas at 30, with Junior Seau being 39. Connor is a cerebral player who can cover sideline to sideline and thrive in Bill Bellichick’s scheme.
Comment: The Ravens will continue their formula of defense and veteran leadership. Quarterback is their biggest question mark heading into 2008, but a talent with speed and quickness off the ball like Ellis will make it a no brainer.
Comment: One of the many reasons the Bengals defense was so bad last year was the lack of a pass rush; they recorded the lowest number of sacks in the league with just 22. Campbell’s combination of a 6-8, 280 frame and 4.75 speed will demand attention from opposing offenses.
Comment: The Saints secondary left much to be desired in 2007, giving up 245 passing yards per game and intercepting the ball only 13 times. Talib’s 6-2 height with 4.5 speed makes him a highly prized commodity against today’s prototypical NFL receiver.
Comment: We’ll give their defense a pass due to injuries, but their receiving corps gets a failing grade. With the emergence of Trent Edwards, Jackson’s sub 4.4 speed will perfectly complement Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch.
Comment: The Broncos defense gave up 143 rushing yards per game and wore down by season’s end, but the retirement of tackle Matt Lepsis takes priority. Mike Shanahan’s offensive schemes require physical and athletic offensive lineman, and Clady fits the bill perfectly.
Comment: With Jake Delhomme, David Carr, and Vinny Testaverde, the Panthers had the oldest quarterback group in the league. Brohm has the physical attributes to be a quarterback of the future, and the time to pick is now.
Comment: Bears general manager Jerry Angelo has publicly stated his desire to re-sign Grossman, and having competition at the position is good for the organization. That competition will come in the form of Andre Woodson, an SEC tested arm who threw 40 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions in his senior year.
Comment: The nation’s worst defense gave up the most points and most total yardage in 2007. Jenkins can immediately provide speed and athleticism to a defensive unit that needs help in all three zones.
Comment: Their secondary turned out to be their biggest weakness, giving up too many big plays. The hard hitting and aggressive Phillips is just what the doctor ordered.
Comment: The bipolar Vikings finished first in rushing offense and rushing defense, but last in passing defense. Smith, who registered 74 tackles in his junior year, has the physical attributes to play corner or safety and improve a horrible Vikings secondary.
Comment: Houston finished with a respectable 8-8 record with room for improvement on both sides of the ball. They lacked a big play threat outside of Andre Johnson. Kelly’s 6-4 frame and 4.47 speed would really stretch the field for both Johnson and Houston’s running game.
Comment: Their tackles on both sides of the line are aging and will need a facelift soon. Baker’s good feet and pass blocking ability are exactly what Andy Reid needs for his west coast offense.
Comment: The Bucs found out how important it is to have depth at the running back position and Cadillac Williams’ short career has been injury prone. Stewart’s hard nosed running style is great for tough yards, but he also has breakaway speed.
Comment: Though the defense played well, they are getting older and could use pass rush help. Ironically, picking at 21, Washington will look to bolster their defense with speed and the big play potential of Rivers.
Comment: The whole nation, along with Jerry Jones, is wondering how far Dallas could have gone if Patrick Crayton had better hands. Standing 6-4 and running in the 4.40’s, Bowman is your prototypical wide receiver and will be another dangerous option for Tony Romo.
Comment: The Steelers experienced first hand, courtesy of Jacksonville, how a pair of talented running backs can share the load and keep each other fresh. Pittsburgh could use Mendenhall immediately to complement Parker and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Comment: The Titans threw the fewest touchdown passes, had the most rushing attempts, and allowed the fifth fewest total yards per game. Jeff Fisher’s formula is pretty obvious and he’ll strengthen his defensive line with the strong and quick Balmer.
Comment: Shaun Alexander simply has not been the same since his incredible 2005. Jones’ speed and quickness will help the Seahawks’ rushing attack sustain itself late into the season.
Comment: With the emergence of David Garrard, Jacksonville will look to surround him with more weapons. The Matt Jones failed experiment and Northcutt’s untimely dropped passes mean Hardy’s 6-7 height and sure hands are the right match.
Comment: The Chargers, who finished fifth in both points for and against, will look to bolster an already stellar defense. His blazing sub 4.40 speed and kick return ability can add depth and put them over the hump.
Comment: The Cowboys will look to add much needed depth in the secondary with a talented shutdown corner. Cason, a four year starter for the Wildcats, fits the bill perfectly with his speed and instinctive reads.
Comment: Though the 49ers were the worst scoring team in the league, management will give them time to grow and gel. However, their defense can be a really special one by building around Patrick Willis with Sims’ ability to disrupt the backfield.
Comment: With a solid defense, the Packers will need to shore up their offense for life after Brett Favre. They drafted Rodgers to replace Favre, and now they’ll need a big, athletic tackle like Otah to protect his blindside.
Comment: The Giants are one dynamic playmaker away from putting it all together. Toomer’s days are numbered and it’s only fitting for one Michigan standout to replace another.
Winter League Winners
January 22, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
T
he winter leagues have all but wrapped up, with the Caribbean Series the last of a stellar winter season. These leagues can be a great way for fantasy owners to gauge the value of a player, especially a prospect. Before the 2006 season, guys like Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Braun were proving that they could hit, while pitchers Joakim Soria and Joba Chamberlain were putting their skills on display. To help you decide which players deserve a sleeper tag, UPDATE! collected the most fantasy relevant performers on the rise following the 2007 winter season:
Comment: Botts flashed some of his impressive power with the Yaquis de Obregon team in the Mexican Winter League and the 27-year old knows that it might be now or never for his professional career. Lucky for him, Rangers manager Ron Washington likes his bat, so Botts may have a starting job on Opening Day if he impresses in Spring Training. He’s got serious long-ball potential and could slot in nicely in the everyday DH role vacated by Sammy Sosa.
Winter League Stats: 242 AB, .326 AVG, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 41 R, 1 SB
Comment: The 22-year old looked terrific in the Dominican Winter League, and some folks actually believe him to be a better player than fellow Reds hurler Homer Bailey. Cueto has top-notch stuff and could be make a big splash in 2008. The Reds are shallow in starting pitching after Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Belisle and Homer Bailey, so Cueto might even have a shot of pitching in the rotation out of Spring Training. More likely, however, he’ll begin the season in the minors — the Reds will try to baby him like they did with Bailey. Still, because the Reds very few starting pitching options at the big-league level, Cueto has a great shot of landing with the team at some point this season. Stay tuned.
Winter League Stats: 4-1, 31.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 37 SO
Comment: The 26-year old put up great numbers for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League en route to being named AFL MVP. He led the league with a .492 OBP, and his 10 stolen bases are indicative of the type of speed he possesses. Some people believe that Fuld would not have been named MVP had the baseball World Cup not claimed some of the best hitters from the AFL early (such as Evan Longoria). Fuld hopes to earn a major-league roster spot for the 2008 Chicago Cubs, but he’s currently behind four outfielders on the depth chart. If injuries wreck the Cubs’ outfield again in 2008, Fuld could see himself starting everyday for a stretch of the season. But more likely, he’s going to enter the season as a bench player to be used as a pinch-hitter / runner.
Winter League Stats: 107 AB, .402 AVG, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 20 R, 10 SB
Comment: This 22-year old super-prospect had a modest winter with the Scottsdale Scorpions, mostly because he left the Arizona Fall League early in order to play for Team USA in the baseball World Cup, but he deserves mentioning simply because his upside is sky-high. Tampa Bay would be incredibly foolish to let a talent like this toil away on a minor-league roster when the Rays need all the help they can get. The team has options as they can shift Akinori Iwamura to virtually any position in the field in order to get Longoria’s bat in their lineup. Longoria has the ability to really help fantasy teams in his rookie season so keep an eye on him in 2008.
Winter League Stats: 65 AB, .308 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 14 R, 0 SB
San Francisco Giants, OF
Comment: Schierholtz turned some heads during his time with the Scottsdale Scorpions this winter. Hopefully, for his sake, the San Francisco Giants are going to take that into consideration when filling out their roster for Opening Day. While he is a natural outfielder, he could be shifted to first base so that the Giants can put his bat to good use. Dan Ortmeier, another player who came up as an outfielder, is the front-runner to earn the first base gig out of Spring Training however. It’s likely that Schierholtz is going in to the 2008 season as a reserve outfielder since Dave Roberts, Aaron Rowand and Randy Winn are all currently slated to start. Because Rajai Davis is also in the mix, Schierholtz will need a lot of luck to earn significant playing time this year. The guy to keep an eye on is Roberts. He’s injury-prone, and if Schierholtz is going to take over for anyone, it’s him. Track Schierholtz through Spring Training to see how he’s playing, particularly to see if he edges Davis on the depth chart.
Winter League Stats: 89 AB, .348 AVG, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 1 SB
Eli Manning and the Road to Super Bowl XLII
January 22, 2008
By: Jason Molinet
Update! Writer
In terms of pure NFL talent, the price was steep. The New York Giants already had a solid if unspectacular quarterback in Kerry Collins and holes at several positions to fill.
Yet coming off a 4-12 season, Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi saw the opportunity to select a franchise quarterback with the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. There were no shortage of candidates.
Choose the right signal caller and the Giants would not only possess the foundation of the organization for the next decade, but someone who could single-handedly lift the team into contention for the NFC East title season after season. Let’s not forget that special someone must also be the bankable face of your team. And in New York, star power is nearly as important as winning.
That’s why Eli Manning was a sensible and at the same time dangerous pick to be the torch-bearer for one of the NFL’s most venerable franchises.
His bloodline gave hope to every Giants fan. The son of an NFL quarterback and the brother of the most prolific signal caller of his generation, how could Eli fail? Yet the comparisons to older brother Peyton only seemed to weigh him down in such a media-centric town. New Yorkers like their athletes to bring Joe Namath swagger and Reggie Jackson-like clout.
Eli Manning had been neither.
His awkward arrival and steep draft-day price aside, Manning had been a muted figure for much of his first three seasons.
Add to the fact that Peyton Manning led Indianapolis to a Super Bowl title in January — along with the sudden retirement of running back and workhorse Tiki Barber — and the pressure to produce was never greater for the younger Manning as the 2007 season opened.
So to witness this playoff run, capped by Manning’s sub-zero embrace by Giants icon Michael Strahan after New York stunned host Green Bay, 23-20, in overtime of the NFC championship game late Sunday, well that said it all. Eli had arrived.
As they have this entire postseason, the Giants hit the road to play the role of underdog to the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3 in Phoenix. And unlike Week 3 when the Giants were 0-2 and searching for answers, this time there’s no doubt Manning can deliver.
Manning, 27, has completed 62 percent of his passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns in three postseason games. It’s earned him a 99.2 quarterback rating and the grudging respect of TV analysts and local media.
Until this latest run, there were plenty of second-guessers eager to pan Accorsi’s acquisition of Manning. After all, the Giants actually selected Philip Rivers at No. 4, Ben Roethlisberger was available at the 11th pick and Matt Schaub lasted into the third round.
But Accorsi and the Giants coveted Manning. So when San Diego drafted an unwilling Manning with the top pick, Chargers GM A.J. Smith promptly turned around and offered Manning to the Giants for Rivers and a package of draft picks.
Those picks turned into kicker Nate Kaeding (2004 third round), Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman (2005 first round) and tackle Roman Oben (2005 fifth round pick traded to Tampa Bay for the veteran player).
The play of Rivers, Kaeding and Merriman, who took the Chargers to the AFC championship game this season, may well trump anything Manning has done. But in the end, Accorsi and the Giants weren’t wrong.
Whether this marks the first of many Super Bowls or the beginning of the end, Manning has already fulfilled some heady expectations where so many other highly-touted quarterbacks have fallen short. (Think Ryan Leaf.) He’s led and won when it matters most.
The Huddle
January 17, 2008
Our weekly digest of everything fantasy football. Facts don’t lie and The Huddle is full of ‘em. Projections for the week of Jan. 18-Jan. 21. Stats through Jan. 17:
Indianapolis Colts, QB
Comment: He completed 33-of-48 passes for 402 yards and three touchdowns. However, he couldn’t find the end zone on two late drives when it counted. He’s lucky he won the Super Bowl last year or we’d be hearing about how Peyton chokes in the big games. Actually, I’m starting to think that is not far from the truth.
Green Bay Packers, RB
Comment: He gained 201 yards on 27 carries. This guy didn’t let two early fumbles get him down, he stepped up and played his game. Grant is going to be good for seasons to come.
Dallas Cowboys, QB
Comment: He completed only 50 percent of his passes and whined to the refs fruitlessly against the Giants. He is getting exposed for the phony he is a little bit each season.
New England Patriots, RB
Comment: Only gained nine yards on four carries.
Dallas Cowboys, WR
Comment: He had only four catches for 49 yards. Plus, he was crying like a little girl after the game. This guy loves a stage, but he’s still a selfish player who can wait till next season.
New York Giants, TE
Comment: He only caught one ball for 19 yards, then again his main purpose is to block.
New England Patriots, K
Comment: He missed a field goal that would have covered the spread. That’s a big no-no in this league.
Defense
Comment: They made Eli look like Peyton and got lit up in the process.
San Diego Chargers, QB
Comment: He can get into New England’s head and he’s a competitor. Never underestimate this guy.
Green Bay Packers, RB
Comment: He’s the Packers best shot at beating the Giants. This guy is a must-start if you have him.
New England Patriots, WR
Comment: He wants to beat the Chargers worse than that woman in Florida. Expect big things from Randy this weekend.
Green Bay Packers, TE
Comment: He will be a key component if the Packers want to wear down the NY defense. Expect him to step up.
Green Bay Packers, K
Comment: He proved he could kick in poor weather. That’s never a bad quality to have.
Defense
Comment: They should put up good numbers. With a so-so L.T., you never know what’s going to happen.
New York Giants, WR
Comment: He caught four balls for 80 yards, including two scores. With Plax’s ankle on the decline, expect Toomer to step it up.
Indianapolis Colts, TE
Comment: He caught six balls for 95 yards and a score. Just like Peyton though, on the final drive he missed a ball he should’ve caught and the season was kaput.
Green Bay Packers, K
Comment: He was 6-for-6 on extra points in the snowstorm. You can’t argue with that.
Defense
Comment: They had 62 tackles against Dallas, 44 of which were solo, and added two sacks. On top of that, they didn’t have many off-sides penalties. This team could be going places!
New York Giants, QB
Comment: I want to believe in Eli, but I just can’t put faith in him. He’s due for a bad game, and I can’t get over that fact. I don’t think he will put up good numbers, let alone a win.
San Diego Chargers, RB
Comment: L.T. will play and get the majority of the carries. He played very well last week, but with Tomlison on the field he won’t get many touches.
New York Giants, WR
Comment: He only had one catch for five yards. Don’t expect him to light it up on the slippery surface of Lambaeu Field, especially on a bum ankle against Green Bay’s talented d-backs.
New England Patriots, TE
Comment: He’s not going to have a great game against San Diego. Don’t expect much from him.
New York Giants, K
Comment: He’s not going to kick well in the five-degree weather on Sunday. Don’t expect much from him.
Defense
Comment: The fantasy world that they’ve been playing in is coming to an end. No way they keep up the hot streak they’ve been on, don’t expect Big Blue to come through this Sunday.
20 New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes is playing in his first Championship game on Sunday. He’s been in the league for 20 years.
18 The number one seed hasn’t lost in the NFC divisional playoffs since 1990, 18 years ago. However, the Dallas Cowboys took care of that.
13 Terrell Owens’ last 100-yard receiving game came way back in Week 13. Ironically, against Green Bay.
4 Half the quarterbackss who played last weekend didn’t throw a pick. Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Matt Hasselbeck and Brett Favre all failed to throw an interception; everyone on the list, except Hasselbeck, will play again this weekend. (Billy Volek doesn’t count because he only threw four passes.)
vs. Philip Rivers
Comment: Two of the premier quarterbacks facing off against each other. If Rivers is healthy, which he should be, this could be a great matchup.
vs. Bill Belichick
Comment: These two men don’t like each other and make no effort to hide it. They’ll get to settle it on the field with the winner heading to the Super Bowl.
vs. Weather
Comment: Can the Old Man pull one more miracle out of his sleeve? Or is he one hit away from being forced to hang up his spikes? We’ll find out Sunday.
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (CBS-TV)
Will the Pats advance to 18-0 on the year? Or will L.T. and Co. stage an upset? This one should be exciting, not only for the game, but also for the grudge and contempt the Chargers hold for the Pats.
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX-TV)
Is Manning ready to live up to his last name? Is Favre ready to head for the retirement home? This game will be a good measurement of just how far Eli has come and how much further Favre will go.
Andrew Corselli is UPDATE! National Football League Editor.
Hitting the Jackpot
January 8, 2008
In response to the onslaught of allegations and league-wide admission of performance enhancers, a number of proposals have been made to curtail the use of steroids in baseball, the most plausible of which seem to be the insertion of an asterisk in the record books, suspension, revocation of bonuses and even exemption from the hall of fame.
The question is how harsh a penalty should be inflicted when, for so long, a blind eye was turned? The problem was obvious, but remained unaddressed. Everyone knew, when long-standing records began to be trampled on, that something had changed. And you can bet your house that it was not just a plethora of greatly improved natural talent. It was not until fingers were pointed that the league took any action whatsoever. Unfortunately, the prospect of more home runs and higher scoring games make the game more exciting. And more excitement means more money for the league.
It’s indisputable that the point of any competition is to win. So when a player is offered an edge (especially one that the league has not yet banned), why wouldn’t they take it? Especially when there is a heightened need to even the playing field because teammates and competitors are abusing performance enhancers. Players on a 40 man roster of major league teams were exempt from testing until 2004. Can we blame these players for simply wanting to win?
It’s apparent from that inherent health risks and the overall unfair advantages experienced by steroid using players that testing must be more stringent, and the league must take a strong stance against PED use.
So, will less PEDs mean less RBI? Probably, but every true fan should want to see the game go back to its purest form, when the outcome was based on raw talent and players were only labeled alcoholics and wife-beaters, not cheaters.
Rebecca is a New York based entertainment and intellectual property attorney, an agressive fantasy player and an avid Knicks and Jets fan. Got a question for Answer Gal? E-mail her at: answergal@fantasysportsupdate.com
Free Agent Arbitration
January 3, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
F
iling for MLB arbitration begins Jan. 5 and officially starts the process of determining how much certain players are going to earn in 2008. Arbitration can cause relationships between players and teams to go south, especially if the player is a special athlete who knows he deserves more money and a multi-year contract.
Most teams will try to avoid arbitration with star player’s and lock them up with a guaranteed contract; of course, things don’t always work out that way.
UPDATE! compiled some of the biggest names currently headed towards arbitration with a scoop on their out-look heading into this season:
Comment: Bedard’s name has come up time and time again this off-season in trade rumors, but if the Orioles are smart, they’ll hang on to this gifted south-paw. Bedard is arbitration eligible for the next two years, meaning he will be a steal money-wise for Baltimore. Sure, he’ll be a free agent in 2010, but for now, they can sit and wait on dealing their ace.
Comment: After giving Dontrelle Willis a three-year guaranteed contract, the Tigers are hoping to do something similar for Miguel Cabrera. So far no contract has been inked, but since he’s arbitration-eligible for two more seasons, they can afford to wait giving him a deal. Not that he doesn’t deserve it, Cabrera is a bona fide stud, who should give the Tigers plenty of reasons to sign him to a real deal after 2008 if a contract doesn’t get done prior to his arbitration hearing.
Comment: Hudson enters the arbitration process looking for a new multi-year deal to keep him in Arizona (he’ll be a free agent after this season). But despite his love for everything about the club, the Diamondbacks are going to make a decision as to whether or not to keep Hudson around following his performance this season. Arizona is loaded with young, hungry players, so even if Hudson has a brilliant season, he still may be on the way out.
Comment: Phillips is arbitration eligible until 2011 (when he becomes a free-agent), and after the incredible season he enjoyed, he may start flapping his gums about a multi-year contract. Making a scant $407,500.00 last season, Phillips displayed remarkable speed and power (30 HR and 32 SB). He’s still just 26 years old and due for a nice raise in 2008 from arbitration, however, if the Reds are smart, they’ll save themselves the trouble and lock him up with some guaranteed money.
Comment: Roberts should get a nice salary bump from arbitration this season, but he’s likely to get traded before the July trade deadline. He’s going to be a free-agent in 2009, and if Erik Bedard has his name mentioned in trade rumors, then Roberts might as well stamp his ticket out of Baltimore now. The switch-hitting speed-demon should have plenty of teams interested in his services, despite the Mitchell Report.
Comment: K-Rod is a free-agent following the 2008 season, so it’s a bit surprising that no word has come out about the Angels even being interested in a long-term deal. He’s going to be just 26 at the end of the season and you would figure that the Angels don’t want him hitting the free-agent market at all. Perhaps they feel that Scot Shields or another player can possibly fill the closer’s role, but that would be a big risk considering how money Rodriguez has been in his career.
Comment: As it stands now, Teixeira is due to become a free agent following the 2008 season. With Scott Boras representing him, that does not figure to change. He’ll be turning 28 in April and will look to sign a fat multi-year contract (seven years perhaps?) with the highest bidder. Atlanta seems to like him a lot, but judging by their tight wallets this off-season, they’ll probably bid adieu to Teixeira’s bat following 2008.
Boston Red Sox, 1B
Comment: The Red Sox are in quite the comfy situation with Youkilis. The Greek God of Walks won’t be a free agent until 2011, every season until then he is arbitration-eligible, meaning no matter how much his salary increases, he’ll probably still be below market value. Youkilis hasn’t made any noise about a guaranteed contract, despite making just $424,500.00 in 2007. He should get a nice bump in salary in 2008, but if he goes through another terrific season being under-paid, he could start asking for some real dough.
L.T. is Still M.V.P.
January 3, 2008
By: Jason Molinet
Update! Writer
Fantasy Sports Update! posed a simple question back in August, before we knew Reggie Bush would spontaneously combust or Randy Moss would stage the greatest comeback this side of Nintendo. To the casual fan, the answer was a no brainer.
Simply put: Peyton or L.T.? That’s short for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
But fantasy insiders knew the argument wasn’t so much about players (substitute Manning with Drew Brees or Tomlinson with Gore and you get the point) as positions. Do you go with a gun-slinging quarterback or end zone-dancing running back?
Honestly, the answer depended on the format and point structure of your league. Since I had the third overall pick in a head-to-head league in which quarterbacks were awarded six points for each touchdown pass, I opted to stray from convention.
While L.T. and St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson came off the board first — in fact, 12 of the first 15 selections were running backs — I took New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Plenty of snickers came my way.
But I was convinced the revamped Patriots receiving corps was something special and that Brady was the kind of guy who could milk 40 touchdowns from the likes of Wes Welker, Donte’ Stallworth, Ben Watson and Moss. Hey, every wannabe GM has his moments and this one was mine — for most of the season.
So back to the central question.
It was a prolific year for the quarterback. From Dallas Cowboys signal caller Tony Romo to Cleveland Browns wunderkund Derek Anderson, fantasy players enjoyed big seasons from the position. No one did more than the record-breaking Brady. He threw for 4,806 yards and tossed 50 touchdowns for the 16-0 Pats. NFL MVP? No one else is close.
Fantasy MVP? Not so fast. As someone who rode Brady into the fantasy playoffs, I can attest to his monster production. Until the playoffs. And that’s the mark of a fantasy MVP.
Any sensible league concludes with a Week 16 championship. Tom Brady was a fantasy force for 13 of the first 14 weeks (gotta count the bye) of the NFL season. Then he all but disappeared, a vanishing act worthy of Big Foot.
In my league, Brady averaged a remarkable 33 points an outing heading into a Week 15 showdown with the lowly New York Jets. Yes, he played through a Noreaster. But that’s not the point. Brady managed three points that day. My team went down in the semifinals as a result.
Anyone who survived the Brady flop received another lukewarm performance Week 16. Brady totaled 21 points in a win over another bad team, the Miami Dolphins. That what made his swoon all the more painful. Savvy fantasy owners looking ahead saw the potential for big days facing the likes of the Jets and Fins.
Didn’t happen. He wasn’t even average. Instead, Brady put together his worst two games of the season.
Brady wasn’t alone. Romo also turned in two stinkers Weeks 15-16.
The point? Plenty of people bailed on Tomlinson when he and the Chargers got off to a slow start. The reigning fantasy football MVP looked very much like a bust. But the numbers were there. And he only got better.
L.T. set the NFL single season touchdown record a year ago with 31 combined scores. Anyone with half a brain knew he couldn’t replicate those numbers. But in rushing for 1,474 yards and 15 scores and adding 475 receiving yards and three touchdowns, L.T. put together another memorable season.
And he got it done in the fantasy playoffs, which is why he’s my pick for fantasy MVP once again. L.T. was a force down the stretch, scoring touchdowns in seven of eight games heading into Week 17. He totaled 10 scores during that span and cracked 100 yards rushing during the prime fantasy playoff weeks.
There’s no doubt the weather turns nasty in December. That’s generally running back weather. So while stars like Brady and Romo shined through most of the season, they disappeared when the weather turned harsh and when fantasy owners needed them most.
If you landed one of them on draft day, that’s great. They likely helped deliver you to the playoffs. But next season, I’m making sure I have a franchise running back on my team. I don’t want to be left out in the cold come the playoffs.
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