TG Fantasy Baseball - Below the Fold

Below The Fold
Written by Nick T.
May 18, 2010

Ladies and Gentleman,

Yes, we are late. However, before any explanation, I'd like to start this issue off with the following photo:

This man made me feel OK about potentially disappointing the readers with such a late issue because I can report these results. This man in the photo is JOHN ELY! If you do not know who he is, then you are missing out! John Ely of the Dodgers had his most impressive start yet in a victory against the Astros on Monday, allowing two runs on eight hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings. He threw first-pitch strikes to 20 of his 25 hitters and went to a three-ball count just five times. The rookie right-hander, who turned 24 last Thursday, has faced 84 consecutive batters without allowing a base on balls -- the longest current streak in the majors. "I try not to think about that at all. I'm just going out there with the same game plan -- trying to throw strikes and keep the ball down," Ely said. "I'm a competitor and I hate giving in to guys, so I'm going to go at them. If they beat me, that's fine. But at least I know I went at them with my best stuff. I'm getting a little more confidence each time out and learning how to face different kinds of hitters." You can credit part of that blurb to CBSSports.com.

The reason for my excitement is because I picked him up solely for double duty and he went out and pitched HARD for me! I refuse to drop him until we see what he does later in the week. More to come on that next time.

As someone of Greek descent, I am comfortable with the phrase 'Greek time'. Basically, it gives anyone who is Greek an excuse to be late...because your Greek! Well folks, I'm whipping out my Greek card and blaming the rest on Robert and dollar dog night at the Phillies game Monday which are impossible to wash down without many ice cold beverages. Moving along, lets get to what this issue is about...

Happy Anniversary to us! We've made it to the 10th issue! During this time frame, we drafted, we danced and we went 4-2! Thank you to all (or none) of you loyal readers. I look forward to bringing you more of the same and less of the obvious. In honor of the occasion, I'd like to play a current favorite of mine. Enjoy DUCKSAUCE...

I know you wish you could dance like that! OK now for some more baseball...

I was watching the Tigers/Indians game last week on Monday Night Baseball and realized how much I love Jim Leyland. I mean, how great is this guy:

Talk about not giving a damn about anything...In regards to the smoking ban, Leyland says "I'm a law-abiding citizen, so it's just the way it is. We're not supposed to smoke here, and I won't do it. I'll try to find someplace outside somewhere, I guess, but I think you're not supposed to smoke at all in the park." I know this is old news but watching the game last Monday reminded me how much I admire this man...seriously, how many cigarettes has Leyland had since the ban went into effect on May 1?!

This week was another good week for Team Euro. If you didn't catch the reference, I'll be more clear...we are 4-2 which means we won this past week! Much thanks to Prado (11-30, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 4 R, BB, 6 KO) and Zimmerman (10-29, 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 3 BB, 5 KO). Less thanks to Andrew Bailey, Fuentes and Yadier (1-15, BB, 4 KO, CS) who gave me negative fantasy points combined. As a result, there are two pending trades on my behalf...Yadier and either Fuentes OR Bailey for Soto and Anibal. More on whether the trade was accepted in next week's issue...

Andrew Bailey (rant coming) is CBSSports.com poster child! With this line in week 6: 1.1 INN, 4 HA, 2 BBI, 2 ER, 1 L, 1 BS, CBSSports.com was last quoted as saying "The 2009 AL Rookie of the Year has has six saves on the year and should be fine moving forward. He's far too good a closer to not be owned in 13 percent of leagues. Consider him a high-end Fantasy closer for use in all formats." REALLY?!?! He is on my BENCH week 7. I don't care how many points he has! While I'm on the rant and told you about the pending trade, you should know Fuentes line for week 6: 1 INN, 3HA, 1 BBI, 1 K, 3 ER, 1 BS. I'm done with both of these clowns.

Meet the Mets...

A couple of notes here, one good and one bad. The good note is that Oliver Perez was FINALLY demoted. Whether or not Jerry read Below The Fold to influence his decision is uncertain. The extra good news is that it looks like Manuel is keeping him in the bullpen. When Niese went down on Sunday to a hamstring injury, Manuel responded by first saying that recently demoted starter Oliver Perez isn't a candidate to rejoin the rotation and will remain in the bullpen for the time being.

The bad news is that the Mets lead the LEAGUE in declining attendance...

After 22 home games, attendance at Citi Field is down 6,852 fans a game, the largest decline by number in Major League Baseball. That translates to an average of 31,892 fans at games this season compared with 38,744 last season. The Cleveland Indians, who have a losing record at home, are second to the Mets, down 6,585 fans a game from last season. The Yankees, who won the World Series last season in their first year in a new stadium, are holding steady at about the same numbers as last season.