Fanshots

What to Expect from Lance Berkman

+

The Cardinals lost Albert Pujols, but Lance Berkman isn't a bad replacement for the short term. However, what do you expect from him in 2012? He had an awful 2010 and a great bounce-back 2011. Personally I don't see him repeating 2011, but he's still capable of 25 HR and a .280 BA, with strong R and RBI hitting in the middle of the lineup. What do you think?

A Look at the Braves Pitching Staff

+

This article looks at the Atlanta Braves pitching staff, especially the rotation. There are injury concerns throughout, and I'm not sure that any Atlanta starter will see 30 GS. I say buy them only at a discount due to potential missed time. What are your thoughts on the rotation holding up all year? Who's most likely to make 30 starts in your mind? I say Beachy has the best chance.

Best Hockey Fight Ever?

14

I was Googling the best hockey nicknames this morning and came across this Youtube video of brawl after brawl in an Ottawa Senators-Phildelphia Flyers game going back aways as Donald Brashear was still with the Flyers back then. It starts with a Donald Brashear - Rob Ray fight, and gets better from there. This video isn't long, but is filled with plenty of good fights. Do you have video of your favorite hockey fights? Post a link.

Brandon Phillips and His Decline

6

I loved Brandon Phillips during his peak years, but it's hard to ignore the decline of his numbers, both in counting stats and sabermetrics. Do you think he can maintain a 15/15 season, or is he on his way down to the third tier of 2B, just a top-12 guy?

If you've been in a fantasy baseball chat room, you've heard these and what they mean

+

Funny comments on things you hear in a fantasy baseball chat room. They are all true. I've heard them all. Most common has to be: I just don't care anymore.

A team by team analysis of AL shortstops, prospects and backups as well

+

TTFB is doing a series where they examine every position, team by team, dividing it by leagues. Nice Fantasy Focus on each one.

First Look at Positional Speed

+

Just what is the average speed expectations at each position? We all know the outfield tends to have speed, but what are the numbers at other positions? Did you know that Carlos Pena was average speed at 1B, and that Chase Headley is a nice above-average pick for 3B? More speed analysis to come in the next week.

Trading Pujols for Tulowitzki

+

I had the opportunity to trade the best 1B for the best SS, and at first I didn't think it was that close, but then I realized it was actually a respectable idea. I still ended up rejecting the deal, but there are a few scenarios where that would be a viable option, like redraft leagues. What do you guys think?

2012 OF Rankings

1

With Braun out of the picture, the top spot goes to Matt Kemp, unless you really believe Jacoby Ellsbury can repeat. Justin Upton could also find a new gear. This is a pretty deep ranking, but bear in mind the lower you get, the move arbitrary and fluid the exact position of a player is. Who's your top choice for 2012?

Mid-Round Pitchers with Upside

2

This article talks about four SP who are great value picks for the middle rounds. Who would you rather have? I gotta go with Cory Luebke here. He had a great 2011 that may not be repeatable after the league adjusts to him some, but I love your pitchers with great BB/9.