Impact of the Randy Moss Trade and Pierre Garcon's Return

Highlighting a couple of guys that I own in my fantasy football leagues: Austin Collie, WR Indianopolis Colts and Percy Harvin, WR Minnesota Vikings.

Collie: With the return of Pierre Garcon, I think his value is down a little bit.  We already saw it against a decent, but not great, Kansas City Defense.  While Collie made the most of his targets, catching 5 of 6 for 48 yards, it was Garcon who was targeted most of any Colts WR, 14 TGTS, 6 Receptions for 57 yards.  Collie was the guy, and I still believe he has value because of his quarterback, but the presence of another target for Peyton Manning takes away some of his chances.

Harvin: Here's a guy whose value I think went through the roof when the Vikings signed Randy Moss.  Let's face it, Randy Moss is no longer in the prime of his career.  However, he still commands attention because of his tremendous ability.  He is still a dangerous receiver.  Antonio Cromartie did a great job covering him and he still ended up with 4 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.  Harvin was the one that really impressed.  Not only was he able to beat Darelle Revis in stride, he hauled in a team-high 5 catches for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The arrival of Randy Moss allows Harvin to play where he is the biggest threat to opposing teams, in the slot.  He has tremendous speed and athleticism.

Ultimately, teams are going to have to game plan against both these guys, but given the choice, I take Percy Harvin.  Not only is he great in the slot, but he also is the Kick Returner and has the ability to go coast to coast in the return game.

Until next time...

Some Commentary from an Article on a Friend's Blog

Unknowingly, my friend started a blog around the same time I did. Check out his original article which is pretty insightful.  He contends that even though the Marlins have a slim chance of making the playoffs, although we both agree that they won't, they made the right move by shutting down their ace pitcher Josh Johnson.  He is the National League's ERA Leader and has been complaining about shoulder and back problems.  The Marlins' front office quickly made the right decision to shut him down.

I contend that this is the route that the Nationals' brass should have taken with highly touted fireballer, Stephen Strasburg.  He had already gone on the disabled list once, and that should have been a red flag right there.  Instead they bring him back, and the problem comes back.  This time, however, he tries to pitch through it and ends up tearing the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his throwing elbow and required season-ending Tommy John Surgery.  Now, he is most likely out for all of 2011.

I do think Strasburg will be fine, but teams need to learn to not roll the dice with these types of injuries.  I'm no injury expert.  Hell, I am just a guy writing about this stuff in his spare time.  But, I will speak my mind and I think the Nationals screwed the pooch big time with their young hurler.  For now, that's all I got. Read, Enjoy, Comment.  I love feedback.  Until next time...

Michael Vick gets his first start since 2006

So Michael Vick is the Man in Philly.  I've got to say I am pretty excited about this.  Not because he is on my fantasy team (I'll get into his value in a minute), but because it is truly a story of someone who lost everything and got it all back.  I don't condone what he did one bit.  Hey, he did his team and, in the eyes of the law, he is a free man.  I think the Eagles showed a lot of guts by giving him a second chance.

Anyway. Enough moral high ground talk.  Let's get to it.  I LOVE Michael Vick this week.  Mobility, a good arm, some great targets and a terrible defense.  He's not going to be a Captain Checkdown.  And, I highly doubt that the Pussycats (ehm...Lions) are going to put that much pressure on him.  Look for him to be aggressive, throwing the ball at guys like Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, and watch out if he connects on a DEEP one with DeSean Jackson.  Not to mention, he has LeSean McCoy out of the backfield. Oh, and did I mention, he can RUN!!!  He put up 21 fantasy points according to ESPN standard scoring in the second HALF last week.  What more could you ask for? Look for a BIG week from him.  Let's not forget folks, when Kolb comes back, he will be the #2 again, but he is playing for, perhaps, his last big contract. 

Dan LeBatard Rejoices over the Jets loss

Miami Sports Radio host Dan LeBatard goes on a great rant about the Jets' Season Opener at the New Meadowlands. Props to DeJon Valentine on another great video.



I will say this:

I have some good friends who are Jets fans. I am a DIE HARD Dolphins fan and the Jets could not get anything going against the excellent Ravens defense. Are the Jets the Super Bowl caliber team they are self-proclaiming? I don't think so. Maybe its because I am a Dolphins fan and my view is tainted in shades of aqua and orange. Or, maybe its because the Ravens are a playoff caliber team and had everything going, except the running game, against a great run-stopping defense (maybe the best). Am I writing the Jets off after one game? No. But, they need to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots. The AFC East still goes through New England and that is the bottom line. It disgusts me to say that but its the truth. At the end of the day, the Jets could not get anything going on Offense and they were getting killed by penalties. Now I'm gonna go get a snack.

The Value of a Spot Start

Welcome to my Blog! This is my first official post. I'm into my 4th year of fantasy sports now, and I've learned a few things: Year 1 - Just because you love the Super Utility Guy on your team, doesn't mean he is a great fantasy option, Year 2 - Never drop a Cy Young Candidate (ehem...Justin Verlander) because he gets off to a slow start (they usually turn things around), Year 3 - There is plenty of depth at Starting Pitching and just because you didn't get Tim Lincecum or one of those guys doesn't mean your pitching staff is doomed (there are plenty of guys to go around for everyone and there is always that rookie who is lights out), Finally, Year 4 - The value of the Spot Start.

Spot Starts can be great if you're smart about it. I'm not saying go and grab that rookie from Cleveland with a 5.00 ERA lifetime against the Yankees, but if you are careful and look at the numbers as I did yesterday, you can find some hidden gems. Case in point: Jake Westbrook, a Win, 8 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K, and 0 ER! I took a gamble on him last night and won big. We are well into the fantasy playoffs in my league and he helped me come back from a pretty wide deficit in ERA & WHIP. A lot of times Spot Starters have to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, the Cardinals are somewhat slumping, and the Padres are starting to surge. However, Westbrook had a career 1.08 ERA against the Friars; so, if there was anyone who could put their fire out, it was him. Not to mention that Padres starter Tim Stauffer had a career 10.13 ERA against the Redbirds. It's always a roll of the dice with matches like this and sometimes you're gonna blow it, but I think the risk is definitely worth the reward. Especially, if you're in a must-win situation like I am. That's all for now.