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April 15, 2008
FBAs Week Two
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National League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2008: Hanley Ramirez
i. Runners-up: Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, and Mark Reynolds
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2008 – Jake Peavy
i. Runners-up: Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Johan Santana, Aaron Harang, Ben Sheets, and Cole Hamels
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Justin Upton
i. Runners-up: Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Kosuke Fukudome, Hiroki Kuroda, and Joey Votto
4. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Jason Isringhausen
i. Runners-up: Kerry Wood, Francisco Cordero, Takashi Saito, Brandon Lyon
American League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2008: Carlos Pena
i. Runners-up: Raul Ibanez, Vernon Wells, Torii Hunter, and Alexis Rios
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2008 – Daisuke Matsuzaka
i. Runners-up: Chien-Ming Wong, Rich Harden, Felix Hernandez, and Roy Halladay
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Clay Buchholz
i. Runners-up: Joba Chamberlain, David Murphy, and Nick Adenhart
4. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Jonathan Papelbon
i. Runners-up: George Sherrill, Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria, Mariano Rivera
I don’t expect Carlos Pena to win MVP, despite his 2007 and start to 2008, but he may well post similar home run totals. Other
current leaders are likewise expected to post more terrestrial numbers soon, i.e. Dice K, Justin Upton, and Jason
Isringhausen. Look to week 3 to further separate fact from fiction in this quest to crown the next class of FBA winners..
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April 7, 2008
FBAs Week One
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This season, the FBA’s will undertake a statistical experiment. Instead of waiting until seasons’ end to tally final figures and
declare winners, we will track contenders from day one to see when trends unfold, and when incumbents step up to compete
in their respective category. Through the first week of the season, here are our leaders for each of the various Fantasy
Baseball Awards, as we track leaders each week:
Week One
1. National League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2008: Chase Utley
i. Runners-up: Chris Young, David Wright, Kosuke Fukudome, Carlos Lee
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2008 – Jake Peavy
i. Runners-up: Brandon Webb, Johan Santana, Aaron Harang, Ben Sheets, Cole Hamels
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Justin Upton
i. Runners-up: Kosuke Fukudome, Johnny Cueto, Hiroki Kuroda, Joey Votto
4. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Jason Isringhausen
i. Runners-up: Kerry Wood, Francisco Cordero, Takashi Saito, Brandon Lyon
2. American League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2008: A.J. Pierzynski
i. Runners-up: Cliff Floyd, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Pena,
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2008 – Daisuke Matsuzaka
i. Runners-up: Rich Harden, Felix Hernandez, Jered Weaver, Fausto Carmona
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Joba Chamberlain
i. Runners-up: David Murphy, Nick Adenhart, Clay Buchholz
4. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Francisco Rodriguez
i. Runners-up: Joe Nathan, Jon Papelbon, Jeremy Accardo, and Bobby Jenks
We all fully expect different results, almost across the board, by year’s end. That said, it is nice to see predicted candidates
Peavy, Utley, Upton, KRod, and Joba Chamberlain off to solid starts. Tune in for updated coverage during week two!
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March 27, 2008
Tout Wars
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Saturday I attended the 2008 Tout Wars auction. Although I was not there as a participant, the experience was a fantastic
one, and it was a privilege to work the computer and to database the auction. The biggest thrill was meeting the people behind
so much brilliant writing and web-work in-person, including Lawr Michaels, J.P. Kastner, Brian Walton, Ron Shandler, Jeff
Erickson, and other representatives from sites far and wide.
Superimposed upon the backdrop of early spring on Manhattan Island, the Tout Wars crew of experts were filmed for
Fantasyland: The Movie, a documentary based on Sam Walker’s highly-acclaimed book of the same name. Lawr is reflective
in pointing out that the basis for the movie, Fantasyland the book, was a byproduct of the existence of Tout itself, and that the
Tout leagues were really the indirect result of one fateful conversation between Lawr and John Benson. For roto-staples like
Shandler, Michaels, Kastner, and Erickson, the movie was a hiccough in the finely-tuned and highly organized conference-
room-style auction of old. I can only assume that all were happy to have the distinction of being mentioned in Walker’s
acclaimed Fantasyland, but no inflated egos were apparent as the recognized experts prepared for the proceedings in
business-like manner. The war that officially began on a cold Saturday in New York is not for money, but for honor in Tout.
Most fantasy GM’s had custom spreadsheets, magazines, and other miscellaneous papers handy as draft-aids. But despite
this evident preparation and the experts behind it, there were as many overbids as bargains, as many wise picks as flops. My
job was to catalogue every auction pick in the mixed league draft. My preliminary analysis follows:
1. Shechter (TheSandlotShrink) – Considering the backstops he recruited, Shechter overspent on catching, but he made
some very nice bargains at middle infield, outfield. And he nabbed “Big Papi” for a mere $29 in what promises to be a
potentially tremendous 2008 season. Considering J.J. Putz fetched $27, getting Nathan and Saito for $18 was relative bargain-
shopping. Aces Beckett and Webb anchor a rotation loaded with bargain basement picks. All in all – nice effort for Shechter.
2. Regan (Rotowire) – Overpaid for both B.J. Upton and Russell Martin but got bargains with Travis Hafner and Miguel
Tejada, and netted three aces all under $20 each. The good far overshadowed the bad and Regan ended up with some real
values by auction’s end.
3. Roberts (ESPN) – Enamored with power, Roberts went after Ryan Howard and Miggy Cabrera with rabid desire, and
scored both in the early going. With a pitching staff headed by Cole Hamels, Roberts scored big with some excellent late
round values. Examples of the more noteworthy values include Pedroia for $3, Youkilis for $6, Bay for $8, Pierre for $9
(Michael Bourn went for $15), and Trevor Hoffman for $10 (arguably the most undervalued marquis closer).
4. Hoyos (RotoJunkie) – From the moment the mixed auction began, Hoyos had one obvious strategy – to nominate and
snag one closer after the other. He also invested big in an outfield that can be expected to carry his team – including
noteworthies such as Alfonso Soriano at $32, Curtis Granderson at $27 (overvalued at a dollar more than Carlos Beltran),
Grady Sizemore at $34, and Nick Markakis at $24. Overall, Hoyos had a solid auction, but we wonder if the combination of
Zaun and Iannetta at backstop and risky starting pitching (Lowe, Pedro, Escobar, and Penny) will match up well against the
opposition.
5. Cushing (MLB) – Shoring up his infield early with Ryan Braun at third and Jimmy Rollins at short, Cushing distributed the
remainder of his spending fairly evenly. Some of the riskier selections were Matt Kemp for $15, Shane Victorino at $20, and
Joakim Soria at $14, but Cushing may have gotten an unbelievable value at $8 for John Lackey due to a spring training arm
injury. Eric Gagne, George Sherrill, and BJ Ryan (whose health may make this buy either a steal or a waste) were all scored
for under $15 combined. The jury is out on whether Kemp, Victorino, or Soria will live up to their pricey billing, but overall it was
a solid auction for Cushing.
6. Petera (Baseball HQ) – Undeterred by price, Paul went right after David Wright and Carlos Lee with knowing confidence.
Petera may have overpaid on Michael Bourn at $15, Eric Byrnes at $22, and Victor Martinez at $24, but he got incredible
values on Brett Myers ($7), Aaron Rowand ($5), Jermaine Dye ($8), multi-positional Ty Wigginton ($4), and Jeremy
Bonderman ($5).
7. J.P. Kastner (CreativeSports) – Building around an offensivenucleus of Mark Teixeira, Kastner stashed quiet speed in
the outfield and second base and nabbed some players with significant upside such as Delmon Young at $16, Corey Hart at
$24, and Willy Tavares at $9. In fact, at first glance, J.P.’s team might be mistaken for a keeper league team. With a solid
balance of speed, power, and pitching, Kastner’s team should hang in there, but batting average could be an issue if Tavares
returns to terrestrial levels in 2008. All in all, a good showing during the auction should provide J.P. with the necessary
weapons to compete.
8. Funston (Yahoo!) – Taunted throughout for nabbing Saltalamacchia for an unwarranted $7, Funston had his share of
values, as well. He scored potential steals on Francisco Liriano (if healthy) for $6, Adam Dunn at $13, Robinson Cano at $17,
and Hideki Matsui at $11. I question whether $15 for perennial bridesmaid Josh Hamilton was an overbid, and whether Hanley
Ramirez coming off of shoulder surgery in a lineup without Miggy was overvalued at $39, but Funston got Chipper Jones, a
steal at $15, to shore up third base.
9. Ma (Protrade) – Enamored with risk/upside catching, Ma nailed down Towles and Soto at catcher, and may well have
gotten the steal of the auction with Albert Pujols at $26. Among Ma’s better big-name values were Carlos Beltran at $26 and
Brandon Phillips at $29 (B.J. Upton also went for $29, and Utley for $39). Much of Ma’s power and average rests on the health
of Pujols, so time will tell whether the “big risk, big reward” approach results in league victory.
10. Salfino (Salfino) – The antithesis to Ma’s approach was Salfino’s – get big bats behind the plate and maximize their
VORP (Value Over Replacement Player). With McCann and Mauer behind the plate, Salfino spent a whopping $44 (an auction
high for any player) on Jose Reyes at short and $40 for Johan Santana. If Salfino is not a Met fan, then he certainly did his
best job of persuading the table that he is a true believer entering 2008. While the unpredictable Rick Ankiel and Kosuke
Fukudome headed up the more risky picks, they were values at under $5 each, and Salfino nailed down genuine values in
Carlos Pena ($16), Johnny Damon ($6), Dan Uggla ($8), and Luke Scott ($1).
11. Zola (FantasyBaseball.com) – One-buck catching options Paul Lo Duca and Kurt Suzuki led the pack of values for the Z.
Zola did one thing that few other fantasy GM’s did: He went after batting average with rabid intensity. Scoring both Ichiro and
Holliday, it is hard to imagine Zola not winning the average category from the early going (even with Rickie Weeks acting as in-
roster saboteur). I question whether Joba Chamberlain was overvalued at $8 given his potential to remain in the ‘pen and his
post-Jonathan Broxton type numbers in this mixed league format. To Z’s credit, Halladay, Smoltz, and Young may all have
been steals at under $20 each, and few teams have the power/speed combinations nor depth at second base than Zola does
(I smell a trade looming on the horizon for a closer?).
Overall, the auction went well for everyone. Of course, as in any competition, there are (and will be) winners and losers, but
few teams were exempt of overbids, and every team had its values and strong core. The 2008 season promises to be an
interesting one, both for baseball (coming off of an off-season laden with controversy) and for Tout Wars, which may finally be
getting the attention it deserves in Fantasyland: The Movie. Tune in for more coverage throughout the season.
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March 10, 2008
FBA’s: 2008 Projected Finalists, Part 2
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Like last column’s coverage of the National League (NL), this preseason column of the FBA’s will focus on which players are
projected winners and runners-up of each of the awards in the American League (AL) in 2008.
American League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2007: Alex Rodriguez
i. Runners-up: David Ortiz, Vladamir Guerrero, Grady Sizemore, Miguel Cabrera
ii. I know. Another year, another Fantasy MVP. Predicting Alex Rodriguez will win another FMVP is akin to predicting that
Angelina Jolie will have other interested suitors should she leave Brad Pitt. The only players that are likely to give him a run for
his money are David Ortiz, Vlad, Grady Sizemore, and Miguel Cabrera. Again, the Fantasy MVP award is not awarded to a
player that helped his team win their division. It is unemotionally focused on that player’s numbers during the regular season.
Alex Rodriguez has done nothing but drop jaws and hit home runs since he broke into the league. In another season spent
nestled into the cleanup spot in a Yankee lineup stacked with the typical offenders, there is no reason to think that the 32 year
old ARod will dip from his usual production. Ortiz will be knocking at his door, if healthy, as will Guerrero, Sizemore, and
Cabrera, but as usual – the FMVP is ARod’s to lose.
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2007 – Justin Verlander
i. Runners-up: John Lackey, Josh Beckett, CC Sabathia, and Javier Vazquez
ii. Having played two full seasons in Detroit already, sometimes it is easy to forget that Verlander (JV) is only 25 years old.
Superficially 2007 seems like a statistical sidestep for Justin, but looking between the numbers sheds some light on why
Verlander may be a Fantasy Cy Young winner as early as 2008. In ’07, JV limited batters to a .233 average, .033 points lower
than the previous season. He struck out 0.91 batters per inning in 2007, up from 0.67 in ’06. Verlander also won more, lost
less, and jumped another 20 innings pitched on the season. Detractors will claim that Verlander’s robust 4.27 ERA and 1.33
WHIP signify a dangerous drop-off to end the season, but that argument is easily wiped away when examining his stellar
September and remembering the off-season face-lift Detroit was given, courtesy of General Manager Dave Dombrowski. The
additions of Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera will not only supply more offense for Justin, but he will benefit from improved
defense up the middle. With Sabathia playing for a big contract and John Lackey playing for a perennial divisional contendor,
Verlander will have to be consistent and continue making adjustments. But, as of now, Justin Verlander is the projected winner
of the Fantasy Cy Young Award for 2008.
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Clay Buchholz
i. Runners-up: Joba Chamberlain, Evan Longoria, Adam Jones, and Brandon Wood
ii. As I write this I envision throngs of angry Yankee fans chanting, “Joba, Joba..” as they narrowly resist punching their
computer screen. Joba is a talented pitcher but, having never competed as a starter at the major league level during 2007,
has a decidedly large disadvantage when compared to Clay Buchholz. Clay has a chance to be the savior of a decimated
Boston pitching staff that lost Curt Schilling (likely) for the season and has seen Josh Beckett suffer back spasms throughout
spring training, thus far. If Buchholz can notch 180 innings, he will be given the chance to win on any given night with the
offense and defense of the defending World Series champs behind him. With expected bounceback seasons from Manny and
David Ortiz, and with the growing maturity of Pedroia, Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury, any quality start should be consummated
with a Papelbon save and Boston victory, giving Clay Buchholz the early edge on the Fantasy Rookie of the Year award for
2008.
4. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Francisco Rodriguez
i. Runners-up: JJ Putz, Joe Nathan, Jon Papelbon, and Bobby Jenks
ii. It is so hard not to just hand the award to J.J. Putz, preemptively. He has been unhittable for the past two seasons and
will be closing for the likes of a healthy “King” Felix Hernandez and newly acquired and installed ace Erik Bedard. But, nothing
beats the motivation of a new, multiyear, blockbuster contract to inspire a player, and few closers have as much talent or
determination than Francisco “KRod” Rodriguez. With contract talks shut down until season’s end, and the Angels expected to
contend for their division yet again, Rodriguez should be looking at 45+ saves with a sub-2.00 ERA and a sub-1.10 WHIP. This
one will look like a photo finish, with Putz scratching at KRod to the end, but early odds favor Francisco Rodriguez for his first
Fantasy Relief Man of the Year award in 2008.
Bear in mind, these are just predictions. They are based on the player’s statistical trend, a meta-analysis of projections going
into 2008, and the newly altered landscape of their team and division as it might relate to their statistics-alone. We will follow
these races when the season begins and determine their accuracy. There are winners and losers for the FBA’s, so stay tuned
to find out who will take home their first FBA, and who will just narrowly fall short and go home empty-handed to re-gather
steam for a 2009 campaign!
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March 3, 2008
FBA’s: 2008 Projected Finalists, Part 1
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National League
a. Fantasy MVP in 2008: David Wright
i. Runners-up: Jimmy Rollins, Matt Holliday, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Howard
ii. Explanation: David Wright has matured into a 30/30 player more quickly than most and with steadily rising OBP, SLG, and
OPS. With the addition of Johan Santana, a healthy Pedro Martinez gives New York two aces and we expect Oliver Perez and
John Maine to take a step forward in 2008. Translation – the Mets should win the NL East, barring another record-setting
collapse. As the anchor of New York’s offense, and with another offensive stride, golden boy David Wright will contend if not
capture the NVL fMVP in ’08.
b. Fantasy Cy Young in 2008 – Johan Santana
i. Runners-up: Cole Hamels, Brandon Webb, Aaron Harang, and Dan Haren
ii. Explanation: Yes he allowed more homers in fewer innings pitched than ever before, but he’s Johan Santana. Even in what
detractors dubbed a weak season, Santana allowed opponents to bat a sorry .225 against him. Santana’s dominance has
been well-showcased during inter-league play, and as a power southpaw, and he should fair well in the NL East. Raucous fans
and the unrelenting press corps of the Big Apple will no doubt be jarring for this former big fish in a small pond, but if he can
withstand the pressure of playing in New York, we expect steep win totals and strikeouts with a diminutive ERA. Entering 2008,
it’s Johan’s Cy to lose.
c. Fantasy Rookie of the Year in 2008 – Justin Upton
i. Runners-up: Cameron Maybin, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Kosuke Fukudome
ii. Like the rookie class of 2007, we expect a lot of the class of 2008. Each of the players named above are uber-prospects
who are capable of making an immediate impact this season. However, above all others in consideration for 2008, Justin
Upton looks like the best breakout candidate. Suffering rookie jitters in 2007, Upton had some trouble making adjustments in
his cup ‘o coffee in the Bigs. Like his brother B.J., Justin is a toolsy talent with future star branding. The Fantasy Rookie of the
Year award will be his to lose, but watch out for Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Cameron Maybin, and Kosuke Fukudome to give him a
difficult race with a potential photo finish!
d. Fantasy Comeback-Player-of-the-Year in 2008 – Jason Bay
i. Runners-up: Andruw Jones, Bill Hall, Nick Johnson, and Miguel Tejada
ii. This is a difficult race since they all did so poorly relative to previous seasons in 2007 (of course, excluding Nick Johnson
who has not played competitively since 2006). Jason Bay will be back with a vengeance in 2008. At age 29, Bay is still young
enough to recapture what made him a top mixed-league outfield option from 2004-2006. While Andruw Jones and Billy Hall
should all show us more than they did last season, neither have the upside and potential that Bay does entering ’08.
e. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year in 2008 – Takashi Saito
i. Runners-up: Billy Wagner, Rafael Soriano, Chad Cordero, and Francisco Cordero
ii. With a stronger offense behind him and revamped management staff, I expect Takashi Saito to have an expectedly
excellent year. Experts are often put-off by his age, but need I remind detractors that Saito along wit Trevor Hoffman, Mariano
Rivera, Bob Wickman, Todd Jones, and Billy Wagner are all around the same age. All have had surprisingly little difficulty
notching saves well in their so-called golden years. It is Saito’s award to lose entering 2008, but Wagner, newly crowned
Rafael Soriano, and the Cordero’s should make him work for this year’s FBA.
We will follow contenders for each award during the 2008 season in order to determine the winners of the first annual FBA’s.
The next installment of the FBA’s will cover projected American League races and probable winners. Stay tuned for further
coverage when the season begins!
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March 1, 2008
2007 Retrospective
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While the actual MVP and Cy Young awards are based upon a player’s value in helping their parent ball club compete during
the regular season, that does not always translate into the best fantasy position player or pitcher. For instance, last season
when the Phillies upset the Mets and won the NL East divisional title, Philadelphia soothsaying shortstop Jimmy Rollins
registered his first MVP award. But was Jimmy Rollins technically the most helpful player to have on your fantasy team in 2007?
The Fantasy Baseball Awards (FBAs) are comprised of the fantasy MVP, fantasy Cy Young, fantasy Relief Man, fantasy
Comeback-Player-of-the-Year, and fantasy Rookie of the Year awards. The FBAs promise to identify standout players in all
relevant fantasy arenas. Who will win the FBA’s in 2008? Let’s look at a retrospective analysis of who last year’s winners would
have been.
2007 Season Retroactive Winners
I. National League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2007: Hanley Ramirez
A. Runners-up: Jimmy Rollins, Matt Holliday, David Wright, Jose Reyes
B. Hanley Ramirez followed up his rookie-of-the-year performance in 2006 by posting a robust .329 average with 29 long-
balls, 81 RBI, and 51 steals in 2007. Many expected a sophomore slump from this once-uber-prospect. Instead, all Hanley did
was post fMVP numbers in 2007 for the last place Florida Marlins. Perhaps most amazing of it all, was that Ramirez actually
improved in the second half of the year in spite of a shoulder injury. Perhaps a better question about Hanley Ramirez than
whether he will take home another fMVP in 2008 is – Is he man or machine?
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2007 – Jake Peavy
A. Runners-up: Brandon Webb, Aaron Harang, John Smoltz, and Cole Hamels
B. It might have been the fact that opposing hitters batted an anemic .208 against him. It also might have been the jaw-
dropping 240 K’s Peavy posted. Either way, Jake Peavy took home both the Cy Young and the fantasy Cy Young in 2007.
With a 19-6 record, a 2.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 240 strikeouts, Jake Peavy got his proverbial groove back in ’07. After a
rocky 2006 that cast doubt on Peavy’s status as “best pitcher in the NL,” Jake punished hitters from start to finish in 2007.
Even with the addition of Johan Santana, Peavy will be a force to be reckoned with as he competes with a bevy of top-flight
starters for another fantasy Cy Young in 2008.
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Ryan Braun
A. Runners-up: Troy Tulowitzi, Hunter Pence, Tim Lincecum, and Kevin Kouzmanoff
B. What can be said that has not already been said of this immediate-superstar? Ryan Braun only hit 34 homers, 97 RBI, 15
steals, and batted a chunky .324 in his rookie season. The last newcomer to post such gaudy numbers as a freshman was
“Prince” Albert Pujols. Similar to Pujols, Braun’s glovework at third has not yet caught up to the rest of his game – to the extent
that Milwaukee brass has decided to shift Ryan to left field for 2008.
4. Fantasy Comeback-Player-of-the-Year – Aaron Rowand
A. Runners-up: Dmitri Young, Josh Hamilton, J.J. Hardy, and Khalil Greene
B. Call it a contract year or call it the triumphant return from a highlight-reel-caliber, face-breaking catch the previous season.
No matter what you call it, Aaron Rowand delivered in 2007. Experts were beginning to think that 2004 was an aberration for
Rowand, and that a typical season might resemble: 12-15 homers, 55-75 RBI, and 10-20 steals. Instead, Rowand proved he
had more left in the tank when he blasted 27 homers, 89 RBI, stole 6 bases, and batted .309 in 2007. We salute Aaron
Rowand on his first FBA but would caution Rowand’s fan-club not to hold their breath on a repeat performance in 2008. He
has certainly proven that the talent is there if the desire, motivation, and stars are properly aligned.
5. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – Takashi Saito
A. Runners-up: Jose Valverde, Francisco Cordero, Trevor Hoffman, and Billy Wagner
B. Raise your hand if you thought that Takashi Saito would improve in his sophomore year. Most experts predicted worse for
this aged import. Instead, Saito wowed from beginning to end with a 1.40 ERA and a 0.7 WHIP to go with 39 saves. In fact,
Takashi posted a 1.30 ERA down the stretch and held opposing batters to a .126 average. Beware Wagner and Hoffman, if
2007 was Saito at 37, how much better will 38-year-old Saito be?
II. American League
1. Fantasy MVP in 2007: Alex Rodriguez
A. Runners-up: Magglio Ordonez, David Ortiz, Vlad Guerrero, and Ichiro Suzuki
B. What happens when a naturally gifted and unbelievably hard-working, yet often-berated superstar is challenged to improve
upon already extraordinary numbers? You get A-Rod vintage 2007’s contract year. Alex Rodriguez was locked in from the first
game to the last during ’07. Though he batted .267 in the postseason with one homer to go with six strikeouts, Yankee fans
felt his season of .314 with 54 homers, 156 RBI, and 24 steals was redemption enough, in hindsight. Good enough for both
management to sign him on to a new blockbuster contract, and oh yeah – an actual AL MVP also.
2. Fantasy Cy Young in 2007 – C.C. Sabathia
A. Runners-up: Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Johan Santana, and Javier Vazquez
B. In a league where Johan Santana historically reigns supreme, Sabathia (and to his credit also John Lackey and Josh
Beckett) managed to make Santana seem almost ho-hum. Sabathia won 19 games and dropped only 7 in 2007, with a 3.21
ERA, miniscule 1.14 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts to go with 37 walks. Opponents hit .259 against him and he came into his own,
becoming a legitimate ace. His control and dominance suggest that we may be scratching the surface of Sabathia’s talent.
3. Fantasy Rookie of the Year – Alex Gordon
A. Runners-up: Delmon Young, Dustin Pedroia, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Hideki Okajima
B. Gordon was so hyped last season that he played with a sense of desperation. All season chasing his own tail, Gordon still
managed to knock 15 home runs and steal 14 bases. His minor league numbers, second half, and ability to adjust and turn it
up after the All-Star Game suggest that sophomore year may be better than freshman year for this newcomer.
4. Fantasy Comeback-Player-of-the-Year – Carlos Pena
A. Runners-up: Magglio Ordonez, Jorge Posada, B.J. Upton, and Sammy Sosa
B. It hurts not to give this one to Sosa who ostensibly returned from pseudo retirement to blast 21 homers out of the blue. But,
Carlos Pena won the award fair and square by launching 46 long-balls, 121 RBI, and batting .282. After touring the American
League, with stops in Texas, Oakland, Boston, and Detroit before landing in Tampa at the tender age of 29, Carlos Pena
found a home. Once considered a nomadic “never-was,” Pena enters 2008 the Rays’ starting first baseman, and defender of
his first FBA.
5. Fantasy Relief Man of the Year – J.J. Putz
A. Runners-up: Francisco Rodriguez, Joe Nathan, Jon Papelbon, and Bobby Jenks
B. Putz overcame his name and cemented his place among closers with a brilliant performance during 2007. Now spoken in
the same breath as K-Rod and Nathan, Putz came into his own in 2007. After a 2006 breakout campaign as stopper for the
Mariners, Putz actually improved upon his 2006, 2.30 ERA by reducing it one entire point to a ridiculously stingy 1.38. What
the future has in store for Joseph Jason Putz we cannot be certain, but we doubt Seattle starting pitching has ever slept so
soundly.
Awards were retroactively assigned based on numbers and numbers alone. No emotional involvement and no added points for
team spirit or spirited glovework. We paid no mind to whether the Yankees succeeded due to Alex Rodriguez’s offensive
performance or nimble fielding. We are concerned only with overall fantasy statistical contribution. Numerical values are
assigned based on the following traditional rotisserie categories for batters: batting average, home runs, RBI, and stolen
bases. For pitchers, the categories used are wins, ERA, saves, and WHIP. Again, winners were unemotional choices based
upon their composite contribution in hallmark fantasy categories.
In 2008, we will track performances until the final day of the season in order to select, in real-time, so-to-speak, new winners in
each of the FBA categories. Next edition will explore potential future award battles as we prepare for spring training 2008.
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