America’s (Fantasy) Team
FARTKNOCKERS AIM TO CAPTURE ELUSIVE GREAT SANTINI TITLE IN 2008
FITSNews – April 1, 2008 – Striding through the FITS Fartknockers‘ clubhouse en route to his first press conference of the new season, the owner of America’s most famous fantasy baseball franchise knew the question was coming. He just didn’t know it would be so blunt:
“So how do you recover after blowing a lead like that?” ESPN’s Erin Andrews asked our own Sic Willie, referring to the epic, final-day collapse that cost the Fartknockers what would have been their first-ever Great Santini League championship last September.
“You don’t recover,” Sic told Andrews. “You rebuild.”
And rebuild is precisely what the Fartknockers did at last weekend’s draft, scoring all-world second baseman Chase Utley with the sixth pick of the first round and Cardinals’ power hitter Albert Pujols with the fifth pick of the second round. Those selections were followed by Phillies’ ace Cole Hamels, who will anchor the squad’s pitching staff for the second year in a row.
“We’re pleased with the team we’ve assembled,” Sic Willie said. “We’ve got a lot of strong, young arms in our rotation and a lot of powerful, quick bats throughout our lineup. I’m particularly impressed with our depth around the infield and in the bullpen, which are two areas where we’ve historically been weak.”
In case you were wondering, which we’re sure most of you were, here is the 2008 Fartknockers starting lineup:
C- Victor Martinez
1B – Albert Pujols
2B – Chase Utley
SS – Michael Young
CO – Mark Teixeira
MI – Brandon Harris
OF – Corey Hart
OF – Raul Ibanez
OF -Aaron Rowand
DH – Travis Hafner
DH – Frank Thomas
P – Cole Hamels
P- Dan Haren
P- Brett Myers
P- Ted Lilly
P- Jered Weaver
RP- Jose Valverde
RP- Todd Jones
RP- Joe Borowski
Reserve players likely to contribute include Mike Cameron (OF), Shane Victorino (OF), Eric Chavez (3B) and Randy Johnson (P).
The Santini season, which officially opened yesterday, runs through the end of September.
Look for ongoing coverage of the Fartknockers’ exploits throughout the year here on FITSNews, whether you like it or not.
Comments
By I am no Karabell on April 1st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Not bad. But could you have any more Phillys? Geeeezzzzz.
I like the power in the infield. OF is a very shallow position this year. I think you did well by not drafting the OF studs. You waited for value picks in later rounds. You drafted your speed in the OF, although not very much of it. I do not think that you have enough speed.
Your starting pitching is OK. When RJ comes off of the DL, and if he can stay some what healthy, he will help your SP. I think he will pitch more than 150 innings and will be a big asset in the K category. I am not a believer in Brett Myers. I just do not think he is cut out to be a SP. However, Cole and Daren are two good picks. I imagine you took them in rounds 8-10. If so good job. Cole should put together a better year than last and will help in multiple categories.
You do not have a top closer, but Borowski is the type of guy that finds his way on to my teams. He is not sexy enough to be with the elite guys but he always ends up with around 40 saves. However, Rafel Batencourt will challenge for that job. Todd Jones is over the hill but somehow keeps his job. Too many options behind him this could be the year he loses it.
Category My Grade
Power (HR+RBI) A+
Run Producing (R+SB) B-
Average B
Ks B
Saves B+
Wins C+
ERA C+
WHIP C+
By I am no Karabell on April 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
After I re read the article, it seems you drafted Cole in the 3rd. Maybe a bit early, but you probably were looking for an ace there. However, my commit of 8rd for Cole would be way too late. 4-5rd seems reasonable.