What's your fantasy?

Alyssa Milano. *Sighs* Now that's what comes to mind when I think about Fantasy Baseball. I digress as I breakdown how each of my eight teams made the playoffs this year against how Roto Authority tells you how to do so.

• Use conservative projections. Well, that's a little bit of a "duh" moment. If you see a projection that has Ryan Howard with a .300 batting average, you know they're smokin' some of the sticky-icky. I like to use the most conservative projections because if/when your players exceed those expectations, you feel good, no matter where your team finishes.
  
• Don't consider starting pitching until the eighth round of the draft. I completely disagree with this. My best team sports this pitching staff (pick number in parentheses): Jake Peavy (8), Brandon Webb (17), Cole Hamels (32), Roy Halladay (80), Felix Hernandez (89). It's sick and that quintet has dominated W's, K's, WHIP and ERA.
  
• Pursue power/speed threats whenever possible. Again, agreed. My power/speed threats for that team are my starting OFs: Nate McLouth, Corey Hart and Bobby Abreu.
  
• Don't pay for closers. Again, complete disagreement! You get the best of the best and you let the rest settle it out down the road. I like having three closers. For this team, I used my fourth and fifth round picks on Frankie "K-Rod" Rodriguez and Jonathan Papelbon and Kerry Wood was my 10th round pick. I think I won that category every week.
  
• Heed position scarcity. Shortstops, catchers and third baseman were at a premium this year. For most of the year, my team struggled with Alex Gordon and Bobby Crosby on the left side, but picking Geovany Soto in the 13th round was a savior. Lately, Jed Lowerie, J.J. Hardy, Ryan Zimmerman, Yunel Escobar and Alexei Ramirez have pimped out the left side.
  
• Be a waiver wire maniac. I really didn't use the waiver wire in this league, but I wish I did. I would have picked up Cliff Lee and Ryan Dempster had I known Justin Verlander and Huston Street were gonna suck this year. I turned Verlander and Street into Hardy and Jay Bruce. And you can't hate on that.
• Trade pitching for hitting. Again, doesn't make sense. Pitching wins because if you can dominate those positions (like I did in this draft) you can draft a lot smarter at the starting positions. My team for most of the year has consisted of: Soto, James Loney, B.J. Upton (traded Josh Hamilton for him...big mistake, but I still finished with a 11 game lead in first place), Escobar, Lowerie, McLouth, Abreu, Hart, Bruce and Joey Votto.
  

Other quality bits of advice:

• Draft with your head (with the help of a stat sheet), not with your heart. I understand that _______ is your favorite player on your favorite team or that ____________ is a hottie who looks good in baseball pants. But those don't count in the fantasy standings. If they did, David Eckstein would be the No. 1 overall pick based on his scrappiness.
• Position Flexibility. I like having two position players on my bench because I like having the extra pitcher on my squad. That's why position flexibility is key. Joey Votto and Yunel Escobar were mainstays on my roster this season. Why? Because Votto was eligible at 1B and OF and Escobar was 2B/3B/SS eligible. Other versatile phenoms include Chone Figgins (2/3/OF), Alexei Ramirez (2/SS/OF) Mark DeRosa (1/2/3/OF) and Ty Wigginton (1/2/3/OF).
• 'Moneyball' wins (fantasy) championships. Sure, Billy Beane's mentallity might just get his team into the playoffs, but it could bring you a fantasy championship. Guys that knock the ball out the park can win you HR and RBI, while strikeout pitchers can win you K's, WHIP and ERA for the most part.
  

Playmakers, picks, and picks to click

The SIU football team defeated Hampton 37-31 on Saturday night. The Saluki offense, which had its problems moving the ball during preseason scrimmages, had many efficient moments.

PLAYMAKERS:

I'd be remiss if I didn't start this segment with Larry Warner: Rally Killer, who accounted for 353 all-purpose yards, and was the sparkplug he was made out to be.

Warner ran wild against the Hampton Pirates, gaining 151 yards on the ground and racked up 163 return yards. But it's not just that he made the plays, it's when he made them.

When Hampton trimmed SIU's lead to 20-10 with 2:23 remaining in the first half, Warner took the ensuing kick-off 95 yards up the right side to give SIU the 27-10 lead, which they would hold going into half time.

Then, when the Pirates got within 27-24 with 7:12 remaining, Warner struck again.

After Lucien Walker picked up a key fourth down conversion, Warner took the next hand-off from quarterback Chris Dieker and took it for a 20-yard touchdown run to give the Salukis a 34-24 lead.

PLAYMAKERS II - College Pick 'Em Edition:

Safety Mike McElroy must love playing Hampton.

In last year's tilt against the Pirates, McElroy made a career-high seven tackles in the Salukis' 45-21 victory.

In last night's game, McElroy picked off three passes and came close to a fourth, which went right through his hands.

McElroy said there was no coincidence, giving credit to the coaching staff who scouted the Pirates well and his teammates.

Even though SIU allowed 31 points, winning the turnover battle makes it a bit easier to swallow.

PICKS TO CLICK RECAP:

Damian Sherman, last night's offensive pick-to-click, caught only three balls for 30 yards, but two of the grabs capped scoring drives. His first TD, a 21-yard reception from Dieker, was a post corner route in which Sherman took advantage of the man-to-man coverage.

Funny thing about that...as soon as SIU got to the 20 yard line, I looked over to my boss and said "this would be a good time to hit Sherman on a corner route." Moments later, Saluki Nation was celebrating the first touchdown of the season.

So yeah, you can say I got my Steve Stone on. Who knew I could do that in football, too?

My defensive pick to click, linebacker Chauncey Mixon, made five tackles, but was overshadowed by McElroy's defensive dominance.

****************

I'll be the first to admit I was worried about SIU's offense coming into Saturday night's game against Hampton.

They struggled during at times during the preseason scrimmages to the point where the only analogy I could come up with is that they were the awkward white guy dancing in the club. They looked awkward and out of sync.

I guess Chris Dieker, Larry Warner and the rest of the Salukis put on their dancing shoes prior to the game.

Are you ready for some (NFL) football?

We're minutes away from the rest of the NFL schedule getting underway and I just realized I had not made any predictions for this year.

And really, what would a sports blog be without predictions?


DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

NFC:

North - Minnesota Vikings
South - New Orleans Saints
East - Dallas Cowboys
West - Arizona Cardinals
Wild Card #1 - New York Giants
Wild Card #2 - Philadelphia Eagles

AFC:

North - Pittsburgh Steelers
South - Indianapolis Colts
East - New England Patriots
West - San Diego Chargers
Wild Card #1 - New York Jets
Wild Card #2 -Cleveland Browns

Individual Awards:

MVP - LaDanian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
Rookie of the Year - Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Coach of the Year - Eric Mangini, New York Jets
Defensive Player of the Year - Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago Bears

NFC Championship game (winner in bold): Cowboys > Saints
AFC Championship game (winner in bold): Patriots > Steelers

Super Bowl: Patriots 23 Cowboys 21

SIU leads Hampton 27-10 at halftime

Quarterback Chris Dieker has three touchdown passes in the first half to help pace the SIU football team to a 27-10 lead at the half over Hampton.

Dieker's TD tosses were to Damian Sherman (21, 2 yards) and one to Jeff Evans (27 yards).

Senior running back Larry Warner capped the Saluki scoring with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was the longest return TD for SIU in eight years.

Stay tuned for more.

I'm ready for some football!

The Harley's are revving up for the fifth annual Hawgs and Dawgs game at SIU and I am moments away from the first of many Saluki football blogs.

As we approach kick-off...and as the players get closer to taking the field, I thought now would be a good time to give you my picks to click.

Offense:

1 Damian Sherman WR - Tonight's opponent, Hampton, allowed 248 yards through the air against Jackson State and escaped with a 17-13 victory. I can see where QB Chris Dieker can connect with the 6-foot-4 wideout on a big play or two.

Defense:

3 Chauncey Mixon OLB - It's hard to single out one linebacker, but I think No. 3 can make some big plays defending the run and the pass. Pressuring the quarterback is one of Mixon's stregnths, so expect to see a lot of him in the Pirate backfield.

27 secs away, let's get this started!

Dear Mo: Can you please get us a bullpen this offseason?

I can't take this anymore. I'll put it bluntly: the Cardinals bullpen sucks.

General Manager John Mozeliak needs to take some of that money they are going to have in the off season and spend it on some help for the bullpen.

I'm not going to put it all on Mozeliak's head because this also has something to do with principle owner, Bill DeWitt, Jr.

I don't think he's supplying Mo with the proper funds he needs to make this team into a true title contender.

So my message to DeWitt is simple: Quit being so damn tight with your money!

This city has some of the best fans in baseball. You have the money to allow our GM to go our and get some bullpen help (I wouldn't mind a shortstop, as well, but I'm not gonna ask for too much.)

So Bill, let him do it.

This team has the potential to compete for a World Series as early as next year. If DeWitt would stop being so tight and if Mo will do his job, that goal can be accomplished.

That's all I've got for today. I think you've heard enough of my ranting.

Introducing the Bank Shot

So by now you are all familiar with the king of blogs Luis and a kid who thinks the Cardinals are a good baseball team.

(On a side note, I believe the Cardinals are a good baseball team as much as I believe Stile is a real name.)

But allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jeff and I will be blogging about the greatest sport of all time, NBA Basketball. I will also lend my expertise on the subjects of MMA and Boxing if Luis so chooses.

Without further wait let me introduce two people who clearly live for the booze, the boobs and the ballin...Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur.

The two former Jayhawks spread their wings and flew a little too high after getting caught with the Mary J during the NBA Rookie Transition program. I say more power to them.

These two fine young players don't need any transition program, they are the national champions after all. What's wrong with enjoying some herbal therapy and the finer sex? Now they have to participate in the program next year and pay a small fine.

I'm sure they have no objections to participating in the program next year however.

The real question is how will they do on the court? (not in court, but I'm sure they will do fine there as well)

After being traded more than Reggie Sanders, Arthur finally landed in Memphis. Perfect fit for Arthur who should complement Rudy Gay perfectly. The forward can score when called upon and cause headaches above the rim for most defenses. If I had to compare him to a player, I would say he is in the mold of a Hakim Warrick. So here are three reasons he will have a good year.

1. He can come off the bench, a role he will gladly accept
2. Play alongside Rudy Gay
3. A perfect size for an NBA PF

Arthur will be a nice player, but Super Mario will be Super Efficient. The guy just knows how to manage a floor and if you lose track of him, he will make you pay. Now I'm not saying he is Chris Paul or anything, but when you have Wade, Marion and Beasley you only need to worry about dribbling a ball. Here are the three reasons while he will be perfect in Miami.

1. Has the basketball IQ to manage a floor.
2. Won't hurt you with turnovers.
3. Will hit the 3-ball that D-Wade is sure to keep kicking out to him on the drive

Well, that's it for my first basketball blog. Next time I write about the NBA I hope it doesn't involve marijuana, but you never know when Josh Howard could pay a visit. Next time I will break down some of the sweet off-season moves and find out who is the winner of the trade game.

Cubs start September with slump, lazy sports writers come out of woodwork

It's time to get my FJM on.

The Chicago Cubs are in first place and have the best record in the National League, yet a recent four-game losing streak has the media folks talking about a September swoon.

Man, it's a great time to be a lazy sports writer isn't it?

To be honest, I'm shocked that the sports blog The Big Lead (a personal fave) took the easy way out with its Cubs story, but hey, that "Sports Journalism 102: Cubs Reporting" class taught me three simple steps to covering the Cubs: mention curses, black cats and Bartman.

I can't wait 'til those stories follow. On to the doom and gloom.

The offense was throttled by minor league talent Brett Myers and octenegarian Jamie Moyer over the weekend, which was no big deal; getting blanked by Roy Oswalt Monday was understandable.

Since being recalled from the minors, Myers is 6-2 and pitching like the highly-regarded prospect he was made out to be. Moyer is one of those age-less wonders who has a 12-7 record including a 4-1 mark in the second half. And there's no shame in being blanked by Oswalt (50-13 career record in August, September and October.)

So what's with the gloom and doom? Oh yeah, there was last night.

Losing again Tuesday, this time in the 11th inning on a two-run homer by Geoff Blum off closer Kerry Wood, plus the sudden injuries to Cubs’ two best pitchers surely moved the meter to DEFCON 3 for those lovable Northside losers.

Bravo! You found the buried lead: Big Z's bum arm. Congrats. I'm still looking for that second injured pitcher unless someone got at Bobby Howry after last night's debacle. If you're talking about Rich Harden, read closely in that same story you linked.

"Rich Harden's next start won't be until next week when the Cubs travel to St. Louis, an extended break that general manager Jim Hendry said was planned for when they acquired the right-handed pitcher."

No new injury news for Richie-rich. Remember kids, reading is a skill.

Worth noting: After what should be a painless trip to Cincy this weekend, there are six more vs. the Cards, six more vs. the Brewers (who remain 4.5 back in the Central), and four more vs. the Mets. Those teams have three of the four best records in the NL.

I guess it's easy to dismiss the fact that the Cubs have the best record in the NL, which lessens the value of that whole "three of the four best records" thing.

As for future Cub opponents:

Dusty Baker still manages the Reds, right? Good. That's great news for Cubs fans!

After the "painless" trip against the Redlegs, the Cubs face the Cards, who have taken four of the last six against the Redbirds. Then a series against the Brew Crew, who the Cubs swept in Milwaukee at the end of July to turn a one game lead into a five game lead.

I don't even care about the Mets, but for argument's sake, the Cubs took two from the Metros earlier in the season.

As for you media types who get wet writing stories of the Cubs impending collapse, a little bit of research might help you think twice about putting pen to paper for those stories.

Team batting average: .281 (second in MLB)
Team on-base percentage: .358 (second in MLB)
Team slugging percentage: .449 (fourth in MLB)

Team ERA: 3.77 (fourth in MLB)
Team WHIP: 1.28 (second in MLB)

Home record: 51-32 (best in NL)
Run differential: +184 (best in MLB)

You know where I found most of those stats? Here. That's right. All it took was four letters, a dot com and a couple mouse clicks to find pertinent information about a team. And heck, there were no mentions of ghouls, goblins or goats.

Go figure!

Try harder next time, TBL. I'm sure you'll be back in my good graces.

In response to: The Cubs Septermber Swoon Begins (The Big Lead)

STFU, Ned Yost

[Ed. Note: How'd you like that Cardinals post? Yeah, I know some of you who read this want to throw me to the wolves, but hey, let's be fair to the new guy. We all make mistakes, his is being a Cardinals fan, it's not a sin.

TBDS will be operating slow for a few days until I get my laptop back.

Read on, please, if you'd like to learn why Ned Yost is the initial recipient of the TBDS STFU award.]

I wonder if Ned Yost ever thinks before he speaks.

On second thought, I don't. I already know he doesn't.

Instead of focusing his attention on his team's ever growing lead in the NL Wild Card or even catching the first-place Chicago Cubs, Yost is up in arms over one stinkin' hit.

"He accomplished a no-hitter and wasn't given what he deserved. That should have been a no-hitter.... That's a stinking no-hitter we all got cheated from. I feel horrible for CC."

On top of that, the Brewers are going to make an appeal to the head honchos of MLB to reverse the call. I can't believe it. Nothing says "no-hitter" like getting a call from Bud Selig saying "Hey, CC, you've got yourself a no-hitter. Congratulations."

That moment would likely rank behind Sabathia's Cy Young Award and maybe the day he discovered all-you-can-eat buffets.

As for CC Sabathia, who was masterful over the Pittsburgh Pirates:

“The ball was still rolling, and I probably should have picked it up with my glove,” he said, adding, “I think if I pick it up with my glove, I get him.”

You see that? Sabathia doesn't care! He's got his mind on three things right now: winning, eating and getting a boatload of George Steinbrenner's money in the off-season.

While the rest of Milwaukee is huffing and puffing about the no-hitter that wasn't, CC 's going to continue to mow down the competition until his arm falls off or the season ends, whichever comes first.

You know why? Because he's got his priorities in order.

For crying out loud, Ben Sheets' groin knocked him out of the game against the New York Mets and I bet you Yost spent the majority of his press conference STILL bitching about the Pittsburgh scorekeeper.

And I know there will be a Brew Crew Baller somewhere saying "but he was so dominant against the Pirates..."

You know who else was dominant against the Pirates last week?

Jason Marquis.

Case closed.

State of the Cardinals (Plus my introduction)

So I should probably begin my first blog with an introduction of myself. 

My name is Stile Smith a.k.a. the SalukiOrphan. I am a Centralia, IL native and I'm a newbie on the staff of the Daily Egyptian at SIUC.

OK, now that we're done with the boring stuff we can get to what everybody actually cares about...the St. Louis Cardinals! 

Yes, things might be looking bad right now but things can always make a turn for the better when the two teams ahead of you are notable choke artists the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

There is basically no hope for the division crown. They're 11 games behind the Cubs with just a month left to play. Although they are currently 6.5 back of the Brewers as the Cardinals hold a 5-3 lead over Arizona as I type, this race is not over yet!

As my fellow blogger Luis has pointed out many times before, Ned Yost is one of the most incompetent managers in the history of baseball. Let's be honest here, the man is an idiot. As long as he is leading the way of the Brew Crew, The Birds have a chance.

In other Redbird news, Albert Pujols is currently battling Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones for the NL batting title and currently leads Chipper .364 to .358. Albert's consistency has played with all season leads me to believe he will come out on top.

Albert's continued dominance of National League pitching has to make him one of the top candidates for the NL MVP, right?

My vote says yes. 

Chase Utley is having a good year (.293 31 HR 87 RBI) and teammate Ryan Ludwick has played just as well (.301 32 HR 98 RBI), but in a season where no player is truly dominant, the award goes to Albert. Right?

Plus, he deserves one for all the trophies he got screwed out of during the Barry Bonds Era, when Bonds got the awards that rightfully belonged to Pujols.

That's all I've got for today ladies and gents. Hope you enjoyed.