Comments on: ALCS/NLCS Previews http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/ The Scoop on Fantasy Sports Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:55:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Keith http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-958 Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:57:48 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-958 When I saw Neifi batting 2nd, I almost lost it. Of course, when I saw whoever it was at DH, I thought that was a mistake too. I thought it very strange when I saw that Zumaya wasn't warming up last night, but Rodney is definitely no slouch, and the A's hit Zumaya well the night before, so I don't think it's huge. If Casey's absence means Neifi stays in the 2-hole, I'll be ecstatic. I think the series comes back to Oakland. When I saw Neifi batting 2nd, I almost lost it. Of course, when I saw whoever it was at DH, I thought that was a mistake too. I thought it very strange when I saw that Zumaya wasn’t warming up last night, but Rodney is definitely no slouch, and the A’s hit Zumaya well the night before, so I don’t think it’s huge. If Casey’s absence means Neifi stays in the 2-hole, I’ll be ecstatic. I think the series comes back to Oakland.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-957 Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:34:42 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-957 Oakland has been getting breaks too - Not that Casey has been good or anything, but if it means Neifi Perez is batting 2nd in the lineup, it's certainly a downgrade. Now Zumaya's status is uncertain. Oakland has been getting breaks too - Not that Casey has been good or anything, but if it means Neifi Perez is batting 2nd in the lineup, it’s certainly a downgrade. Now Zumaya’s status is uncertain.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-955 Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:17:04 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-955 Yeah, what is Chavez' deal? He's seriously costing them this series. Nice Gold Glove line...You're also right about Leyland, no matter what he does it seems to work brilliantly....Now hopefully you even get to use any of your remaining tickets....Game 3 was just switched to 1:30 PST, weird. Yeah, what is Chavez’ deal? He’s seriously costing them this series. Nice Gold Glove line…You’re also right about Leyland, no matter what he does it seems to work brilliantly….Now hopefully you even get to use any of your remaining tickets….Game 3 was just switched to 1:30 PST, weird.

]]> by: Keith http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-953 Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:55:28 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-953 Ouch...that game hurt. I thought losing Ellis would be what hurt the A's most deffensively, but apparently Chavy is actually fielding with his Gold Glove this series. Personally, I think Leyland is overrated as a manager (not that I think he's bad), but my God...whatever he does just seems to work wonders. I don't know how you bench Thames, who's been such an impressive hitter this year, and the nobody they throw in there gets 4 RBI's (though his 2 RBI single was a joke...thanks Chavy). That HR he hit was a killer, as I thought Loaiza was finally settling down. Well, it's time to see what Harden can do...maybe they'll find a way to take 2 out of 3 in Detroit, but wow...they're not looking too good. Hopefully Swisher and Thomas will wake up in the cold weather. Ouch…that game hurt. I thought losing Ellis would be what hurt the A’s most deffensively, but apparently Chavy is actually fielding with his Gold Glove this series. Personally, I think Leyland is overrated as a manager (not that I think he’s bad), but my God…whatever he does just seems to work wonders. I don’t know how you bench Thames, who’s been such an impressive hitter this year, and the nobody they throw in there gets 4 RBI’s (though his 2 RBI single was a joke…thanks Chavy). That HR he hit was a killer, as I thought Loaiza was finally settling down. Well, it’s time to see what Harden can do…maybe they’ll find a way to take 2 out of 3 in Detroit, but wow…they’re not looking too good. Hopefully Swisher and Thomas will wake up in the cold weather.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-947 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 23:33:00 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-947 Ya man, what can I say, just a dreadful performance by me so far. And sure enough, Detroit is off to a 1-0 lead. Cardinals will probably sweep them now. Ya man, what can I say, just a dreadful performance by me so far. And sure enough, Detroit is off to a 1-0 lead. Cardinals will probably sweep them now.

]]> by: Eddie http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-946 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 22:37:57 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-946 After looking at the first round of predictions, I'm liking the chances for my Cardinals. After looking at the first round of predictions, I’m liking the chances for my Cardinals.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-944 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:54:55 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-944 No I agree, Kotsay is legit defensively...And that formula is definitely the way the A's have been winning all year long, but with four games against lefties this series possibly, Keilty has got to start some of them. T.O. is getting targeted a ton, and I really do think he'll start putting up big numbers, but Bledsoe's inability to elude the rush and lack of blocking are major concerns...But I agree, I wouldn't do that deal with the Vick for Favre swap, no way. No I agree, Kotsay is legit defensively…And that formula is definitely the way the A’s have been winning all year long, but with four games against lefties this series possibly, Keilty has got to start some of them.

T.O. is getting targeted a ton, and I really do think he’ll start putting up big numbers, but Bledsoe’s inability to elude the rush and lack of blocking are major concerns…But I agree, I wouldn’t do that deal with the Vick for Favre swap, no way.

]]> by: Keith http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-943 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:50:41 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-943 The Kielty question is a big one...but it's a tough call. Kielty, according to the stats, is the A's 2nd best hitter against lefties...my eyes might tell me he's their best, but he is below average in the OF. Kotsay is an underrated defensive CF (he takes such good routes and get such good jumps that he rarely has to dive to make a play that many OF'ers wouldn't even reach...and he never dives for show...I'm looking at you Mr. Edmonds!), and the formula for the A's this year has been pitching and defense (rather than OBP, "D" is Beane's current undervalued market commodity). So, I understand that with such a defensive discrepancy, and with a fly ball pitcher on the mound vs. a team that hits a lot of fly balls, OF defense is important...but while Kotsay's lefty/righty splits are pretty close,R obertson's stats against lefties are impressive; he really shuts them down. Macha also seems stubbornly loyal to his vets (Melhuse really should have gotten more starts over Kendall, and Chavy should have had more breaks as well). It's tough to go against a formula that's gotten you there, but I would have liked to see Kielty in there too. It'll be interesting to see if he's in there against Rogers for game 3. Thanks for the football advice...and I'd forgot about LJ, he probably belongs up there too. I've made my plays for the Johnsons (Chad and Andre), and I'm not sure if they'll work out, but it's still open. I'm worrying more about TO as he (and Mr. Bledsoe) really didn't look very good this past weekend. Besides, in the end his owner wanted to do TO/Favre/Rhodes for T. Jones/Vick/Branch, and I don't want to mess with Favre when Vick's rushing yards are killer in a yardage-heavy league. I might have to reconsider that one though. The Kielty question is a big one…but it’s a tough call. Kielty, according to the stats, is the A’s 2nd best hitter against lefties…my eyes might tell me he’s their best, but he is below average in the OF. Kotsay is an underrated defensive CF (he takes such good routes and get such good jumps that he rarely has to dive to make a play that many OF’ers wouldn’t even reach…and he never dives for show…I’m looking at you Mr. Edmonds!), and the formula for the A’s this year has been pitching and defense (rather than OBP, “D” is Beane’s current undervalued market commodity). So, I understand that with such a defensive discrepancy, and with a fly ball pitcher on the mound vs. a team that hits a lot of fly balls, OF defense is important…but while Kotsay’s lefty/righty splits are pretty close,R obertson’s stats against lefties are impressive; he really shuts them down. Macha also seems stubbornly loyal to his vets (Melhuse really should have gotten more starts over Kendall, and Chavy should have had more breaks as well).

It’s tough to go against a formula that’s gotten you there, but I would have liked to see Kielty in there too. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s in there against Rogers for game 3.

Thanks for the football advice…and I’d forgot about LJ, he probably belongs up there too. I’ve made my plays for the Johnsons (Chad and Andre), and I’m not sure if they’ll work out, but it’s still open. I’m worrying more about TO as he (and Mr. Bledsoe) really didn’t look very good this past weekend. Besides, in the end his owner wanted to do TO/Favre/Rhodes for T. Jones/Vick/Branch, and I don’t want to mess with Favre when Vick’s rushing yards are killer in a yardage-heavy league. I might have to reconsider that one though.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-942 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 19:42:55 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-942 Hey Keith, will you explain to me why Macha refuses to play Kielty? I understand Kotsay's center field defense is very good, but I still think it's a move that has to be made against southpaws. Hey Keith, will you explain to me why Macha refuses to play Kielty? I understand Kotsay’s center field defense is very good, but I still think it’s a move that has to be made against southpaws.

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-941 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:27:17 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-941 Exactly, Detroit was atypically very patient. Once the A's started making those defensive misplays, Zito kind of unraveled. They definitely need to take tonight's game. Ya I agree with your TE assessment, with maybe LJ Smith as another possibility who probably wouldn't cost you quite as much. I still think Gates finishes as the #1 TE this year, but it does look like he won't be duplicating his last 2 seasons. Still, if his owner panics, go get him. Chad Johnson makes for a great buy low candidate, his value will never be lower than right now. What about T.O.? He has pretty big name recognition obviously, but he hasn't produced this year, so he's def. someone to target as a buy low right now. If you can get Roy Williams, Plax Burress or Andre Johnson, I'd say do that as well. If all those fail, I'd say then move to either Houshamdzadeh or Wayne, while a RB1 might be worth a little more than those, in your situation, it's worth pulling the trigger here. Exactly, Detroit was atypically very patient. Once the A’s started making those defensive misplays, Zito kind of unraveled. They definitely need to take tonight’s game.

Ya I agree with your TE assessment, with maybe LJ Smith as another possibility who probably wouldn’t cost you quite as much. I still think Gates finishes as the #1 TE this year, but it does look like he won’t be duplicating his last 2 seasons. Still, if his owner panics, go get him. Chad Johnson makes for a great buy low candidate, his value will never be lower than right now.

What about T.O.? He has pretty big name recognition obviously, but he hasn’t produced this year, so he’s def. someone to target as a buy low right now. If you can get Roy Williams, Plax Burress or Andre Johnson, I’d say do that as well.

If all those fail, I’d say then move to either Houshamdzadeh or Wayne, while a RB1 might be worth a little more than those, in your situation, it’s worth pulling the trigger here.

]]> by: Keith http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-940 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:38:15 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-940 Yuck...what a stinker. I missed most of Zito's performance...but it sounded like he was getting squeezed on breaking pitches, which he really needs to be called to be effective. That being said, if he's behind in the count, he really loses his effectiveness, and the Tigers were good about not chasing too much out of the zone. Considering how badly the A's played, that was a very winnable game. I can't believe they couldn't score a run in those first 5 innings, and that was definitely not a typical defensive performance (Chavez botched a play he normally makes too, not that it was a gimme). Hopefully my presence will rally the troops tonight though!! Trying to think about more positive things...I'm still trying to turn my surplus RB's into something in my yardage-heavy league. TE has been a problem for me. From here on out, I figure Winslow and Gates should be the most consistent...would you put anybody else in their league? I figure Heap is 3rd, but I don't think he'll put up as much yardage, but is still a good red zone guy. I'm worried that Gates isn't going to have a monster year with Marty at the helm. Chad Johnson makes for a pretty decent buy-low guy, don't you think? Any other decent ~WR1 types that you think could be had for a T. Jones type, maybe packaged with Branch or someone? Yuck…what a stinker. I missed most of Zito’s performance…but it sounded like he was getting squeezed on breaking pitches, which he really needs to be called to be effective. That being said, if he’s behind in the count, he really loses his effectiveness, and the Tigers were good about not chasing too much out of the zone. Considering how badly the A’s played, that was a very winnable game. I can’t believe they couldn’t score a run in those first 5 innings, and that was definitely not a typical defensive performance (Chavez botched a play he normally makes too, not that it was a gimme). Hopefully my presence will rally the troops tonight though!!

Trying to think about more positive things…I’m still trying to turn my surplus RB’s into something in my yardage-heavy league. TE has been a problem for me. From here on out, I figure Winslow and Gates should be the most consistent…would you put anybody else in their league? I figure Heap is 3rd, but I don’t think he’ll put up as much yardage, but is still a good red zone guy. I’m worried that Gates isn’t going to have a monster year with Marty at the helm. Chad Johnson makes for a pretty decent buy-low guy, don’t you think? Any other decent ~WR1 types that you think could be had for a T. Jones type, maybe packaged with Branch or someone?

]]> by: RotoScoop http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-939 Wed, 11 Oct 2006 01:56:10 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-939 Good stuff Keith. Unfortunately, it's 5-0 Tigers right now. And like you said, this is def. a game the A's should/need to win. They really miss Ellis' defense already. Good stuff Keith. Unfortunately, it’s 5-0 Tigers right now. And like you said, this is def. a game the A’s should/need to win. They really miss Ellis’ defense already.

]]> by: Keith http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-938 Tue, 10 Oct 2006 23:47:17 +0000 http://rotoscoop.com/blog/2006/10/10/alcsnlcs-previews/#comment-938 I'm obviously rooting for the A's, but do think it should be a great matchup. Game 1 is important for the A's since it's the pitching matchup that most favors them. I really do think Rogers and Bonderman pitched the games of their careers against the Yankees...but the A's really do bring out the best in both of them. I was at an A's/Tigers game several years ago when the Tigers had the worst record in baseball (A's had one of the best) and had lost something like 16 in a row, with Bonderman facing Zito (I think it was the year after his Cy Young), and I remember thinking it was as probable a win as could be. Bonderman lost 19 games that year, but outdueled Zito (I found the box score 04/23/03: 8 IP, 3 H, 0 BB). I think that Moneyball scene has motivated him a lot (although Beane swears he was angry because Chris Burke got picked before). Rogers, despite his Oakland mastery, doesn't scare me quite as much, because I think his deal with the devil was for 1 game only, and the A's have a much better lineup against lefties (I hope Kielty gets some AB's). Verlander is somewhat of a wild card as well, because he wore down a lot during the stretch, and is definitely in uncharted territory as far as innings. However, he probably has the best pure stuff in the series...aside from Harden, I think, and if he can harness it...look out. If the A's make him throw a lot of pitches, I think they can be successful. Polanco is a mystery to me. There are a lot of guys who I swear murder the A's, then I look at the stats and realize I just have a selective memory...not with him. He basically hits .500 against them every season...it's absurd. I also think the A's losing Ellis is going to hurt some...he was a pesky batter at the bottom of the order, and his defense is unmatched. The A's need to keep the pop at the bottom of the Tiger's order quiet...it's pretty obscene to see how many HR's the 7-9 hitters have in their typical lineup. Before their respective ALDS series, I would have definitely picked the A's. Having watched the Tigers dominate the Yankees, it's tempting to look at them in a new light, but I'm not sure they can duplicate those pitching efforts (actually, I hope Robertson duplicates his!), whereas I don't think the A's really played over their heads (though maybe you can count on key Marco Scutaro doubles every game). My pick is the A's in 6, but every game will be a battle! I’m obviously rooting for the A’s, but do think it should be a great matchup. Game 1 is important for the A’s since it’s the pitching matchup that most favors them. I really do think Rogers and Bonderman pitched the games of their careers against the Yankees…but the A’s really do bring out the best in both of them. I was at an A’s/Tigers game several years ago when the Tigers had the worst record in baseball (A’s had one of the best) and had lost something like 16 in a row, with Bonderman facing Zito (I think it was the year after his Cy Young), and I remember thinking it was as probable a win as could be. Bonderman lost 19 games that year, but outdueled Zito (I found the box score 04/23/03: 8 IP, 3 H, 0 BB). I think that Moneyball scene has motivated him a lot (although Beane swears he was angry because Chris Burke got picked before). Rogers, despite his Oakland mastery, doesn’t scare me quite as much, because I think his deal with the devil was for 1 game only, and the A’s have a much better lineup against lefties (I hope Kielty gets some AB’s). Verlander is somewhat of a wild card as well, because he wore down a lot during the stretch, and is definitely in uncharted territory as far as innings. However, he probably has the best pure stuff in the series…aside from Harden, I think, and if he can harness it…look out. If the A’s make him throw a lot of pitches, I think they can be successful. Polanco is a mystery to me. There are a lot of guys who I swear murder the A’s, then I look at the stats and realize I just have a selective memory…not with him. He basically hits .500 against them every season…it’s absurd. I also think the A’s losing Ellis is going to hurt some…he was a pesky batter at the bottom of the order, and his defense is unmatched. The A’s need to keep the pop at the bottom of the Tiger’s order quiet…it’s pretty obscene to see how many HR’s the 7-9 hitters have in their typical lineup.

Before their respective ALDS series, I would have definitely picked the A’s. Having watched the Tigers dominate the Yankees, it’s tempting to look at them in a new light, but I’m not sure they can duplicate those pitching efforts (actually, I hope Robertson duplicates his!), whereas I don’t think the A’s really played over their heads (though maybe you can count on key Marco Scutaro doubles every game). My pick is the A’s in 6, but every game will be a battle!

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