Jason Witten Not Cleared for Week 1

While we are sure most owners were already prepared for this news, we're wondering what you did to replace him in your lineup.

Right after the injury occurred I scooped up Brent Celek (81% owned Yahoo) of the Philadelphia Eagles,  but had to sacrifice Cedric Benson (77%) of the Green Bay Packers.


Top Available TEs in Yahoo Leagues
Owen Daniels vs Miami Dolphins 72%
Jared Cook vs New England Patriots 67%
Greg Olsen vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 65%
Dustin Keller vs Buffalo Bills 60%
Coby Fleener vs Chicago Bears 53%
Kyle Rudolph vs Jacksonville Jaguars 33%

Top Available TEs in ESPN Leagues
Brent Celek vs Cleveland Browns 64%
Kellen Winslow vs Arizona Cardinals 37%
Greg Olsen vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35%
Dustin Keller vs Buffalo Bills 35%
Coby Fleener vs Chicago Bears 29%
Jermaine Gresham vs Baltimore Ravens 28%


Which TE will you add and who are you dropping to add him?

Let us know in the comment section and don't be afraid to ask for help!  That is what we are here for!

ESPN ADP Mock Draft

This past weekend was the most popular draft weekend ever in fantasy football history.  Never has fantasy football been so popular and this weekend really changed the landscape of ESPNs ADP. 

Each roster consists of the following:

• 1 QB
• 2 RB
• 3 WR
• 1 TE
• 1 K
• 1 DEF
• 4 Bench

*some players have been "drafted out of order" to fill each starting position of the roster

Team 1	Team 2	Team 3	Team 4
Arian Foster, Hou RB	Aaron Rodgers, GB QB	Ray Rice, Bal RB	LeSean McCoy, Phi RB
Jamaal Charles, KC RB	Wes Welker, NE WR	Adrian Peterson, Min RB	DeMarco Murray, Dal RB
Eli Manning, NYG QB	Mike Wallace, Pit WR	A.J. Green, Cin WR	Julio Jones, Atl WR
Vernon Davis, SF TE	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG RB	Tony Romo, Dal QB	Antonio Gates, SD TE
Brandon Lloyd, NE WR	Percy Harvin, Min WR	Vincent Jackson, TB WR	Miles Austin, Dal WR
Robert Meachem, SD WR	Shonn Greene, NYJ RB	Pierre Garcon, Wsh WR	Torrey Smith, Bal WR
Anquan Boldin, Bal WR	Jason Witten, Dal TE	Brandon Pettigrew, Det TE	Ben Roethlisberger, Pit QB
Mark Ingram, NO RB	Isaac Redman, Pit RB	C.J. Spiller, Buf RB	Michael Bush, Chi RB
Cedric Benson, GB RB	Donald Brown, Ind RB	Lance Moore, NO WR	Michael Crabtree, SF WR
Packers D/ST D/ST	Sebastian Janikowski, Oak K	Seahawks D/ST D/ST	Mason Crosby, GB K
Garrett Hartley, NO K	Jets D/ST D/ST	Dan Bailey, Dal K	Giants D/ST D/ST
Mike Williams, TB WR	Kendall Wright, Ten WR	Ryan Williams, Ari RB	Rashad Jennings, Jac RB
Rashard Mendenhall, Pit RB	Bernard Scott*, Cin RB	Laurent Robinson, Jac WR	James Starks, GB RB

Yahoo ADP Mock Draft

Next week we will look at ESPNs ADP again and Mock it up!

Each roster consists of the following:

• 1 QB
• 2 RB
• 3 WR
• 1 TE
• 1 K
• 1 DEF
• 4 Bench

*some players have been "drafted out of order" to fill each starting position of the roster

Yahoo ADP Mock Draft

Team 1	Team 2	Team 3	Team 4
Arian Foster (Hou - RB)	Ray Rice (Bal - RB)	LeSean McCoy (Phi - RB)	Aaron Rodgers (GB - QB)
Brandon Marshall (Chi - WR)	Marshawn Lynch (Sea - RB)	Andre Johnson (Hou - WR)	Victor Cruz (NYG - WR)
Greg Jennings (GB - WR)	Wes Welker (NE - WR)	DeMarco Murray (Dal - RB)	A.J. Green (Cin - WR)
Aaron Hernandez (NE - TE)	Peyton Manning (Den - QB)	Eli Manning (NYG - QB)	Percy Harvin (Min - WR)
Doug Martin (TB - RB)	Dwayne Bowe (KC - WR)	Brandon Lloyd (NE - WR)	Darren Sproles (NO - RB)
Robert Griffin III (Was - QB)	Tony Gonzalez (Atl - TE)	Robert Meachem (SD - WR)	BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin - RB)
Torrey Smith (Bal - WR)	Reggie Wayne (Ind - WR)	Jacob Tamme (Den - TE)	Heath Miller (Pit - TE)
Mark Ingram (NO - RB)	Donald Brown (Ind - RB)	Rashard Mendenhall (Pit - RB)	Stevan Ridley (NE - RB)
Anquan Boldin (Bal - WR)	Greg Little (Cle - WR)	Denarius Moore (Oak - WR)	Malcom Floyd (SD - WR)
Dan Bailey (Dal - K)	Houston (Hou - DEF)	Stephen Gostkowski (NE - K)	Philadelphia (Phi - DEF)
Seattle (Sea - DEF)	John Kasay (NO - K)	Detroit (Det - DEF)	Dan Carpenter (Mia - K)
LeGarrette Blount (TB - RB)	Jacquizz Rodgers (Atl - RB)	LaMichael James (SF - RB)	Felix Jones (Dal - RB)
Randall Cobb (GB - WR)	Titus Young (Det - WR)	Pierre Thomas (NO - RB)	Terrell Owens (Sea - WR)

Boys Making Noise in the Preseason

Every year, players dominate the preseason, but rarely do they make an impact in fantasy land. However, with so many teams running with a committee in the backfield and holding on to those extra receivers to spread the field, some of these guys might actually be able to help during the regular season. Do not draft any of these guys, but keep an eye on them.

QB
Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts

• I don't think any of us can understand the pressure that Andrew Luck is under.  But clearly he knows how to handle it.  I guess when your first NFL pass goes for a TD, it makes things looks easy.  Over his first 2 preseason games, Luck is 26 for 41 with 2 TDs and 2 INTs while just being sacked once.  He also rushed for a score.  I haven't watch him play but to me that means he is making quick decisions and not holding onto the ball.  If Luck can continue to complete 63% of his passes he will be a reliable QB2 in fantasy.  Only negative thing going forward is that the Austin Collie has suffered a concussion and will miss time.  They had great chemistry in the early preseason.

Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks

• Wilson has clearly been the best QB in Seattle this preseason, but Matt Flynn will see the first games.  While both QBs are completing over 65% of their passes, Wilson is averaging more than twice the yards per attempt while throwing 3 TDs to just 1 INT and rushing for another.  It is pretty obvious that Wilson WILL get opportunities to shine this season, but the rookie out of Wisconsin going to have to just wait patiently for that day.  Not draft worthy, but def worth keeping on eye on for BYE week filler and injury replacements as the weeks roll bye.

Survival Football Pool

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Fantasy Baseball Week 19 (8/13-8/19)

8/15 - Considering that Melky Cabrera (81% owned Yahoo) has been the #2 OF over the last 14 days, he will be hard to replace for the remainder of the season.  However, teammate Angel Pagan (49%) has been the only OF better!  If you are not comfortable adding Pagan or he is unavailable, Ryan Ludwick (49%) is hitting .333 for the second month in a row.  It is a shame that Cabrera tested positive for Testosterone, as he was having one hell of a season, but rules are rules!


CLOSING TIME! Fantasy Baseball Vision looks at the new closing situations in Oakland, Milwaukee, San Diego due to Huston Street's recent injury and San Francisco!

Division Leaders Heading into All-Star Break
AL East - New York Yankees
AL Central - Chicago White Sox
AL West - Texas Rangers
AL Wildcard -Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles

NL East - Washington Nationals
NL Central - Cincinnati Reds
NL West - San Francisco Giants
NL Wildcard - Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves

Daily Starting Lineups
Daily Baseball Data
MLB Depth Charts
Baseball Monster

Pitching Probables
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
August 17
August 18
August 19

Can't decide which utility player to use?  Don't know which relief pitcher to leave in?  Did your player recently get injured and now you don't know if you should hold onto him or use the waiver wire?  If you have ANY roster questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment!

ESPN ADP Mock Draft

Next week we will look at Yahoo's ADP again and Mock it up!

Each roster consists of the following:

• 1 QB
• 2 RB
• 3 WR
• 1 TE
• 1 K
• 1 DEF

*some players have been "drafted out of order" to fill each starting position of the roster

Team 1	Team 2	Team 3	Team 4	Team 5	Team 6	Team 7	Team 8	Team 9	Team 10
Arian Foster, Hou - RB	Aaron Rodgers, GB - QB	Ray Rice, Bal - RB	LeSean McCoy, Phi - RB	Tom Brady, NE - QB	Drew Brees, NO - QB	Calvin Johnson, Det - WR	Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac - RB	Chris Johnson, Ten - RB	Matthew Stafford, Det - QB
Adrian Peterson, Min - RB	Greg Jennings, GB - WR	DeMarco Murray, Dal - RB	Cam Newton, Car - QB	Marshawn Lynch, Sea - RB	Roddy White, Atl - WR	Matt Forte, Chi - RB	Rob Gronkowski, NE - TE	Andre Johnson, Hou - WR	Larry Fitzgerald, Ari - WR
Jimmy Graham, NO - TE	Wes Welker, NE - WR	Mike Wallace, Pit - WR	Darren McFadden, Oak - RB	Jamaal Charles, KC - RB	A.J. Green, Cin - WR	Eli Manning, NYG - QB	Steven Jackson, StL - RB	Ryan Mathews*, SD - RB	Victor Cruz, NYG - WR
Steve Smith, Car - WR	Trent Richardson, Cle - RB	Peyton Manning, Den - QB	Jordy Nelson, GB - WR	Brandon Marshall, Chi - WR	Fred Jackson, Buf - RB	Michael Turner, Atl - RB	Michael Vick, Phi - QB	Hakeem Nicks, NYG - WR	Julio Jones, Atl - WR
Dez Bryant, Dal - WR	Frank Gore, SF - RB	Marques Colston, NO - RB	Antonio Gates, SD - TE	Brandon Lloyd, NE - WR	Darren Sproles, NO - RB	Vernon Davis, SF - TE	Miles Austin, Dal - WR	Tony Romo, Dal - QB	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG - RB
Philip Rivers, SD - QB	Steve Johnson, Buf - WR	Jeremy Maclin, Phi - WR	Demaryius Thomas, Den - WR	DeSean Jackson, Phi - WR	Jason Witten, Dal - TE	Percy Harvin, Min - WR	Dwayne Bowe, KC - WR	Vincent Jackson, TB - WR	Willis McGahee, Den - RB
Antonio Brown, Pit - WR	Jermichael Finley, GB - TE	Aaron Hernandez, NE - TE	Eric Decker, Den - WR	Tony Gonzalez, Atl - TE	Pierre Garcon, Wsh - WR	Robert Meachem, SD - WR	Torrey Smith, Bal - WR	Fred Davis, Wsh - TE	Brandon Pettigrew, Det - TE
Sebastian Janikowski, Oak - K	David Akers, SF - K	Mason Crosby, GB - K	Eagles D/ST	Steelers D/ST	Stephen Gostkowski, NE - K	Bears D/ST	Texans D/ST	Ravens D/ST	49ers D/ST
Seahawks D/ST	Jets D/ST	Packers D/ST	Garrett Hartley, NO - K	Dan Bailey, Dal - K	Lions D/ST	Matt Prater, Den - K	Alex Henery, Phi - K	Robbie Gould, Chi - K	Rob Bironas, Ten - K

What is your draft strategy heading into this years Fantasy Football season?  Let us know in the comment section!

2012 Fantasy Football QB Strength of Schedule

Based on last years statistics, we looked at the average points per game each teams position scored and compared it to how each teams defense fared against opponents by position.  We will break down the best and worst possible matchup and tell you which week they play each other so you can edit your roster accordingly.

Quarterback Matchups

The Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers averaged the most fantasy points per game last year, just slightly above the New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees.  Luckily for Mr. Rodgers, division rival and two time opponent each season Minnesota Vikings were the WORST defense against QBs.  This year the Packers and Vikings will play late in the season on Week 13 and 17.  BAD NEWS FOR FANTASY OWNERS.  Most leagues regular seasons end on Week 13 so while they might get that 1 super matchup for Rodgers and the Packers Wideouts, the Week 17 matchup in most leagues will not even count!  The Bears and Lions however do get to play the Vikings twice and in meaningful weeks.  Jay Cutler will see the Vikings in Week 12 and the first round of most playoffs in Week 14.  Matthew Stafford has the pleasure during Week 4 and Week 10.  Another notable matchup is Week 2 when Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts host the Vikings, after what should be a tough professional debut against the Chicago Bears.  Week 6 will see the #2 overall pick in this years draft, Robert Griffin III a.k.a RG3, take on the Vikings. 

2012 Fantasy Football RB Strength of Schedule

Based on last years statistics, we looked at the average points per game each teams position scored and compared it to how each teams defense fared against opponents by position.  We will break down the best and worst possible matchup and tell you which week they play each other so you can edit your roster accordingly.

Running Back Matchups

Even though the New Orleans Saints are known for their passing attack, their 3 headed backfield earned them the top RB points per game last season!  Much of that has to do with two of their division rivals being the worst two teams against running backs.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the worst offenders(defenders?) and will see the Saints in Week 7 and a PRIME playoff game in Week 15.  Unfortunately, the Saints get the Panthers in just Week 2 as the second matchup is the final week of the season.  Good news though for both the Panthers and Bucs as they will face each other twice this year and both offenses will revolve around the run game.  Week 1 & 11 could provide 4 running backs worth starting in DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount.  The Atlanta Falcons have the Week 17 matchup with the Buccaneers so they get to take advantage of the weak D during a Week 12 matchup.  They do however get a Week 4 game with the Panthers as well as a playoff Week 14 game.

2012 Fantasy Football WR Strength of Schedule

Based on last years statistics, we looked at the average points per game each teams position scored and compared it to how each teams defense fared against opponents by position.  We will break down the best and worst possible matchup and tell you which week they play each other so you can edit your roster accordingly.

Wide Receiver Matchups

Not to anyone's surprise, the Green Bay Packers wide receiving core lead the NFL in fantasy points per game by a long shot!  While the Packers WRs caught 38 TDs, the next closest team was the Cowboys receivers who brought down 27!  As mentioned in the QB SOS, the Detroit Lions have the unlucky task of taking on the Pack in weeks 11 and 14.  They allowed 210 receptions to receivers last year, which was only better than the Patriots (242, leagues worst) and Bears (214).  But the Lions were 2nd best at producing fantasy WRs last year and they get to face the Green Bay Packers defense which was the 4th worst vs. Receivers.  Another positive about Lions wideouts are that they face the Bears in that insignificant Week 17, leaving just a week 7 matchup against a tough defense.  As a matter of fact, the Lions schedule produced just 4 matchups against the leagues top 10 WR defense from last season in Weeks 3 (Titans), 8 (Seahawks), 9 (Jaguars) and 12 (Texans). 

2012 Fantasy Football TE Strength of Schedule

Based on last years statistics, we looked at the average points per game each teams position scored and compared it to how each teams defense fared against opponents by position.  We will break down the best and worst possible matchup and tell you which week they play each other so you can edit your roster accordingly.

Tight End Matchups

The Patriots have 2 of the top 10 TEs, if not Top 5 TEs in fantasy.  How much better are they then the rest of the bunch?  Well, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez led the Patriots TEs to 346.7 fantasy points.  The Saints and Jimmy Graham were a close second with 191.5!  Only 3 teams averaged double digit points from the TE position and that 3rd team is the Lions and Brandon Pettigrew.  The Patriots get the benefit of the worst TE defense in the Buffalo Bills twice this season, in Weeks 4 and 10.  They only have 2 other matchups against bottom feeders and that is a Week 11 matchup with the Colts and a Week 16 matchup with the Jaguars (Championship!).  New Orleans has the luxury of seeing the Redskins in Week 1, Packers in Week 4, Chargers in week 5 and the Giants in a Week 14 playoff matchup.  For Detroit, two matchups against the Vikings in Weeks 4 & 10, and a Week 9 showdown with the Jaguars should help boost Pettigrew's point total after starting the season off against the Rams and 49ers (both top 5 against the Te last year).  Another awesome championship week matchup  for TEs will be when the Lions head to Dallas in Week 16 to take on the Cowboys.

Top 15 Hitters and Pitchers Over the Past 14 Days

Before you set your roster this week, take a look and see if these guys are still available in your leagues. They are the top 15 hitters and pitchers that are less than 75% owned in Yahoo leagues.

How fantasy points are scored:

Hitters:
Singles - 1pt
Doubles - 2pts
Triples - 3pts
Homeruns - 2pts
RBI - 2pts
Runs Scored - 2pts
Walks - 1pt
Stolen Bases - 1pt


Pitchers:
Win - 10 pts
Innings Pitched - 2 pts
Earned Runs Allowed - (1pt)
Strike Outs - .5pt

Player	% Owned	R	1B	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	Fan Pts		Player	% Owned	IP	W	ER	K	Fan Pts
Ángel Pagán (SF - OF)	49%	15	7	2	2	2	8	2	9	78		Clay Buchholz (Bos - SP)	64%	24.0	2	3	13	71.5
Ryan Ludwick (Cin - OF)	41%	7	7	5	0	4	17	0	4	77		Miguel González (Bal - SP)	5%	21.2	2	5	17	66.83
Nick Markakis (Bal - OF)	67%	10	12	2	1	4	12	0	4	75		Jason Vargas (Sea - SP)	64%	23.1	2	6	11	66.17
Kendrys Morales (LAA - 1B,OF)	58%	10	6	4	0	6	12	0	3	73		Jake Westbrook (StL - SP)	34%	19.2	3	8	9	65.83
Marco Scutaro (SF - 2B,3B,SS)	39%	7	13	4	0	1	15	0	6	73		Patrick Corbin (Ari - SP)	7%	19.0	2	4	19	63.5
Justin Morneau (Min - 1B)	56%	10	13	3	0	3	11	0	5	72		Hisashi Iwakuma (Sea - SP)	4%	20.0	2	7	21	63.5
Chris Johnson (Ari - 3B)	51%	6	8	1	0	5	18	0	2	70		Jonathon Niese (NYM - SP)	53%	21.0	2	6	15	63.5
Adam LaRoche (Was - 1B)	72%	7	8	2	0	4	14	0	5	67		Bartolo Colón (Oak - SP)	32%	20.2	2	5	10	61.33
Allen Craig (StL - 1B,2B,OF)	74%	11	9	6	0	2	8	0	4	67		Jason Marquis (SD - SP)	3%	21.2	2	10	14	60.33
Jon Jay (StL - OF)	16%	9	15	2	1	1	7	4	5	65		Luis Mendoza (KC - SP)	2%	20.2	2	9	12	58.33
Carlos Lee (Mia - 1B,OF)	47%	7	14	3	0	0	13	0	4	64		Kris Medlen (Atl - SP)	21%	16.2	2	3	16	58.33
Rajai Davis (Tor - OF)	19%	10	7	6	0	1	7	5	2	62		Clayton Richard (SD - SP)	19%	16.0	2	1	7	54.5
Omar Infante (Det - 2B)	55%	8	11	2	2	2	9	1	1	61		Bronson Arroyo (Cin - SP)	13%	19.1	2	11	10	52.67
Todd Frazier (Cin - 1B,3B,OF)	18%	5	8	3	0	3	13	0	5	61		Alex Cobb (TB - SP)	15%	14.0	2	2	13	52.5
Torii Hunter (LAA - OF)	58%	5	13	5	0	1	11	1	1	59		Mike Fiers (Mil - SP)	70%	14.0	2	3	13	51.5

Hitters:
One guy who has not had enough ABs to make this list is Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles. In just 16 ABs Machado has a double, triple, 3 homers, 7 RBi and 5 runs scored. He is listed as a SS but he is playing 3B for the Orioles.

Ryan Ludwick is hitting over .320 for the second straight month and has hit 10 of his 21 HRs in July and August. He is absolutley worth adding to your roster. With 14 hits in his last 10 games,

Kendrys Morales has raised his average from .271 to .281. 8 of those 14 hits have gone for XBH including 4 HRs.

Chris Johnson is hitting .286 with 5 HRs and 18 RBI in 13 games since being traded to the Diamondbacks.

Pitchers:
In Clay Buchholz last 10 starts, he is 6-1 and just twice has he allowed 3+ earned runs. He has lowered his ERA from 6.58 on June 1 to 4.24 and his last 5 starts have lasted at least 7 innings.

Patrick Corbin's last 3 appearances have come as a starter and he has tallyed 19 innings pitched striking out 19 and walking 5. Over that same span he has allowed just 12 hits and 4 earned runs earning two wins.

Kris Medlen has jumped back into the Braves rotation as his last 3 apperances have also come as a starter. in 16.2 innings, Medlen has 16 srike outs and allowed just a single earned run in each start.

Route 4 Sports: 7 Rules of Fantasy Football Draft

It's getting close to that time again!  It's almost draft time.  My favorite time of year.  We rank our players, grab our cheat sheets and draft what we all think is the championship team.  We text our friends and tell them to just pay up now because this league is yours.  But then something terrible happens.  Your star wide receiver gets hurt, you start to panic and make a dumb trade. Then you're so mad your 3rd draft pick is stinkin it up for the first 4 weeks so you drop him only to see the guy score 14 touchdowns throughout the rest of the season.  Worry no more my friends because I'm gonna tell you how to win your draft and ultimately win your league.

The first and most important rule in Fantasy Football is never draft a kicker until the last round.  It's an absolute waste of time.  There's no telling how many FG attempts a kicker will have even with a lousy red zone offense.  And if you do draft a kicker earlier than the final round, for goodness sake at least get a kicker who plays in a dome.

Click here to learn rules 2-7

Fantasy Baseball Week 18 (8/6-8/12)

8/11 -  The Texas Rangers have placed C Mike Napoli (92% owned Yahoo) on the DL with a quad injury.  Last month the Rangers traded for Geovany Soto (24%) who has been a top 20 catcher over the last 30 days.  However, before going to Soto look to add Ryan Doumit (55%) or Alex Avila (58%).   

The Boston Red Sox have lost rookie 3B Will Middlebrooks (57% owned Yahoo) for the rest of the season after he broke his wrist last night.  He was hit by this pitch and without Kevin Youkilis on the roster the Red Sox don't have a good replacement for Middlebrooks.  They did however acquire Danny Valencia from the Twins recently, who once was relevant in fantasy baseball, but do not go ahead and add him to your roster.  I personally have added Chipper Jones (48%) in two different leagues this week so if he is available I suggest you do the same.  If Chipper is not available then go after Chris Johnson (48%) who has had a second wind since being traded to the Diamondbacks.



8/7 - Evan Longoria FINALLY returns to the Tampa Bay Rays lineup tonight.  He has not played since April 30th and returns to a lineup that was last in nearly every offensive category since he last played.  If Longoria is anywhere near 100% healthy he should provide fantasy owners with the spark they have been missing at 3B.  Remember, the better the Rays offense, the better chance David Price doesn't throw 8 shutout innings and get a no decision! This is a win-win for all parties involved!

Giancarlo Stanton returns to the Miami Marlins lineup tonight!  He has not played since July 7th after knee surgery.  It might take a full week before he is back to putting up numbers fantasy owners expect from him, but every owner is glad to have him back at this point in the season.  Just don't expect his May numbers to return ( .343 AVG, 10 2Bs, 12 HRs, 30 RBI).

Division Leaders Heading into All-Star Break
AL East - New York Yankees
AL Central - Chicago White Sox
AL West - Texas Rangers
AL Wildcard -Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics

NL East - Washington Nationals
NL Central - Cincinnati Reds
NL West - San Francisco Giants
NL Wildcard - Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves

Daily Starting Lineups
Daily Baseball Data
MLB Depth Charts
Baseball Monster

Pitching Probables
August 6
August 7
August 8
August 9
August 10
August 11
August 12

Can't decide which utility player to use?  Don't know which relief pitcher to leave in?  Did your player recently get injured and now you don't know if you should hold onto him or use the waiver wire?  If you have ANY roster questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment!

Ryan Matthews - Broken Clavicle Out 4-6 Weeks

And Fantasy Football season has OFFICIALLY begun!  Last night on Ryan Matthews first preseason snap, he suffered a broken clavicle and will miss the rest of preseason as well as 2 or 3 regular season games.  Obviously Matthews is no longer worthy of a 1st or 2nd round pick but he will still be a top 15 RB come seasons end.

CALLING RONNIE BROWN!

Get To Know Him: Josh Rutledge

In 2010, the Colorado Rockies drafted SS Josh Rutledge in the 3rd round out of Alabama.  It must be tough when you are drafted by a team that signed their Franchise Shortstop (Troy Tulowitzki) to a 10 year extension, but Josh did not let that bother him.  In his 1st full season at Hi-A Ball he hit .348 with 33 doubles, 9 triples, and 9 home runs, driving in 71 runs.  This got scouts to take notice as Rutledge was ranked the Rockies #10 prospect heading into Spring Training.

Yahoo ADP Mock Draft

Next week we will look at ESPNs ADP and Mock it up!

Each roster consists of the following:

• 1 QB
• 2 RB
• 3 WR
• 1 TE
• 1 K
• 1 DEF

*some players have been "drafted out of order" to fill each starting position of the roster

Yahoo ADP Mock Draft

Team 1	Team 2	Team 3	Team 4	Team 5	Team 6	Team 7	Team 8	Team 9	Team 10
Arian Foster (Hou - RB)	Ray Rice (Bal - RB)	LeSean McCoy (Phi - RB)	Aaron Rodgers (GB - QB)	Calvin Johnson (Det - WR)	Ryan Mathews (SD - RB)	Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac - RB)	Drew Brees (NO - QB)	Chris Johnson (Ten - RB)	Tom Brady (NE - QB)
Matt Forte (Chi - RB)	Roddy White (Atl - WR)	Matthew Stafford (Det - QB)	Adrian Peterson (Min - RB)	Darren McFadden (Oak - RB)	Rob Gronkowski (NE - TE)	Jimmy Graham (NO - TE)	Trent Richardson (Cle - RB)	Cam Newton (Car - QB)	Larry Fitzgerald (Ari - WR)
Victor Cruz (NYG - WR)	Andre Johnson (Hou - WR)	Marshawn Lynch (Sea - RB)	Brandon Marshall (Chi - WR)	Greg Jennings (GB - WR)	DeMarco Murray (Dal - RB)	Wes Welker (NE - WR)	A.J. Green (Cin - WR)	Mike Wallace (Pit - WR)	Jamaal Charles (KC - RB)
Dez Bryant (Dal - WR)	Marques Colston (NO - WR)	Demaryius Thomas (Den - WR)	Michael Turner (Atl - RB)	Fred Jackson (Buf - RB)	Miles Austin (Dal - WR)	Jordy Nelson (GB - WR)	Steve Smith (Car - WR)	Julio Jones (Atl - WR)	Hakeem Nicks (NYG - WR)
Michael Vick (Phi - QB)	Antonio Gates (SD - TE)	Jeremy Maclin (Phi - WR)	Percy Harvin (Min - WR)	Peyton Manning (Den - QB)	Eli Manning (NYG - QB)	Steven Jackson (StL - RB)	Doug Martin (TB - RB)	Aaron Hernandez (NE - TE)	Dwayne Bowe (KC - WR)
Jason Witten (Dal - TE)	Tony Romo (Dal - QB)	DeSean Jackson (Phi - WR)	Jermichael Finley (GB - TE)	Vernon Davis (SF - TE)	San Francisco (SF - DEF)	Vincent Jackson (TB - WR)	Brandon Lloyd (NE - WR)	Kenny Britt (Ten - WR)	Darren Sproles (NO - RB)
Stevie Johnson (Buf - WR)	Frank Gore (SF - RB)	Fred Davis (Was - TE)	Antonio Brown (Pit - WR)	Pittsburgh (Pit - DEF)	Eric Decker (Den - WR)	Philip Rivers (SD - QB)	Baltimore (Bal - DEF)	Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG - RB)	Mason Crosby (GB - K)
Houston (Hou - DEF)	Stephen Gostkowski (NE - K)	David Akers (SF - K)	Philadelphia (Phi - DEF)	Torrey Smith (Bal - WR)	Robert Meachem (SD - WR)	Sebastian Janikowski (Oak - K)	Brandon Pettigrew (Det - TE)	Green Bay (GB - DEF)	Chicago (Chi - DEF)
Dan Bailey (Dal - K)	Seattle (Sea - DEF)	Detroit (Det - DEF)	John Kasay (NO - K)	Dan Carpenter (Mia - K)	Neil Rackers (Was - K)	New York (NYJ - DEF)	Adam Vinatieri (Ind - K)	Mike Nugent (Cin - K)	Tony Gonzalez (Atl - TE)

What is your draft strategy heading into this years Fantasy Football season?  Let us know in the comment section!

Fantasy Baseball Week 17 (7/30-8/5)

8/3 - The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another smart move, picking up Joe Blanton from the Philadelphia Phillies.  There was a rumor going around that it was Cliff Lee claimed off waivers, but that is not the case.  Blanton is just 21% owned in Yahoo leagues and has 8 wins and just 18 walks in 133.1 innings pitched.  Blanton's last 3 starts have totaled 23 innings, 7 earned runs and 20 strike outs.  Blanton is a solid pitcher to have on your fantasy team and is widely available.

Jayson Werth (56% owned Yahoo) returned to the Washington Nationals lineup last night going 1-3 with a single, a walk and an RBI.  If you need a boost, Jayson Werth is a nice pick up this late in the season.

8/1 - The Cincinnati Reds are likely to lose 2B Brandon Phillips (97% owned Yahoo) to a calf injury.  After a disappointing start to the season, Phillips has hit over .300 each of the past 2 months and will now leave fantasy owners with a huge hole to fill.  No 2B eligible player has more fantasy points in the past 14 days than Phillips, but Allen Craig (76%), Aaron Hill (80%), and Chase Utley (76%) are the next 3 guys on the list and should be who you look to replace Brandon Phillips with.  Another solid option would be Neil Walker (74%) of the the Pittsburgh Pirates who has been the hottest 2B in the past 7 days.

7/31 -  Ryan Dempster (85% owned Yahoo) has been traded to the Texas Rangers!  I think every pitcher should want to pitch with that offense providing run support.

The Cincinnati Reds now how 3 guys capable of closing game with the addition of Jonathan Broxton (78% owned Yahoo).  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Broxton lost a TON of value by going back to the National League.  Greg Holland (13%) is now a must own in Kansas City as he will take over the closer duties.

The Philadelphia Phillies have sent the Flyin' Hawaiian Shane Victorino (90% owned Yahoo) to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Josh Lindblom and Ethan Martin.  This is big for fantasy owners as the Dodgers lineup has been rejuvenated and should produce nicely for the rest of the season.  Victorino was heating up in July as he hit .288 with 8 XBH.

Philly has apparently also sent OF Hunter Pence (97%) to the San Francisco Giants for a package built around Tommy Joseph.  Adding Pence to Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, and Melky Cabrera makes the Giants actual contenders....and that is with out any help from Tim Lincecum this season.  Pence has struggled since the break hitting just .190 but he is a career .329 hitter at AT&T Park in San Francisco.  Like Victorino, getting out of the Phillies clubhouse surrounded by negativity should give them a boost in production.

The Atlanta Braves, who failed to acquire Ryan Dempster, instead snagged Paul Maholm (31% owned Yahoo) and Reed Johnson from the Chiacgo Cubs in exchange for Jaye Chapman and Arodys Vizcaino.  In 5 career starts at Turner Field, Maholm owns a 1.69 ERA.  This season he has earned 9 wins, 5 of which have come in his last 6 starts.  He has not allowed more than one earned run in his last 7 appearances.  Maholm should be considered a solid own in fantasy baseball now that he is pitching for the Braves.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired Travis Snider (5% owned Yahoo) from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Brad Lincoln (8%).  This is another positive sign for Pirates fans that ownership is really going all in on this playoff push.  Adding a 24 year old lefty power bat for a relief pitcher/spot starter is always a good move in my book.  However, this is not the BEST news for Travis Snider's fantasy value as he goes to a less powerful offensive team and is another bat that strikes out a ton.  However, there should be

The trade deadline has forced the Milwaukee Brewers to send Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels, the Pittsburgh Pirates to trade for Wandy Rodriguez, the Miami Marlins to send Hanley Ramirez to Hollywood and the Twins to deal Francisco Liriano to the Chicago White Sox.  Will the Phillies give up on this season and part ways with Shane Victorino or Hunter Pence?  Will the Rangers match the Angels and acquire a top notch pitcher?  What do you want your team to do before the deadline passes?  Let us know in the comment section!

Division Leaders Heading into All-Star Break
AL East - New York Yankees
AL Central - Chicago White Sox
AL West - Texas Rangers
AL Wildcard - Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics

NL East - Washington Nationals
NL Central - Cincinnati Reds
NL West - San Francisco Giants
NL Wildcard - Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves

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Baseball Monster

Pitching Probables
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August 1
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August 5

Can't decide which utility player to use?  Don't know which relief pitcher to leave in?  Did your player recently get injured and now you don't know if you should hold onto him or use the waiver wire?  If you have ANY roster questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment!