Sport Chit Chat

Sorry for the off week last week. Got swamped with work…. On to the pick-ups.

Dallas Cowboys QB Brad Johnson: Well, out with Romo’s pinkie, Felix Jones, Pacman Jones and punter MrBriar, in Brad Johnson & Roy Williams. With Romo down, Johnson steps into the starting role on the most potent offense in the league. If he hasn’t already been grabbed, Johnson is a must pick-up for anyone with a sketchy QB situation. With Witten, T.O. and Roy Williams now offensive options, all Johnson has to do is be sound and effective int he short game to gain the numbers necessary. Look for anywhere from 150-250 yards + a TD.

Denver Broncos RB Ryan Torain: This is not a pick-up for now. But there are rumors that the Broncos are just keeping the starting RB job warm until Torain is fully healed from injury. This pick-up could really help down the road in playoff weeks. If you have the empty bench spot, do it!

Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub: If he’s out there think of adding him for his match-up with the Lions this week. Schaub has back-to-back 300 yard games and is going up against a winless, shotty defense in the Lions.

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan: Another, “if he’s there, grab him” guys. He has shown that he is a legit QB in the NFL. He won’t help this week as he has a bye but if you need a QB for the stretch run, snag him!

New England RB Sammy Morris: Maroney is not preforming up to par. Morris has stepped in and taken over the majority of the work load. If you need a low end RB or RB3 or are in a deep league, take a look if Morris can help you out.

P.S. Don’t feel too bad for Romo. 4 Weeks at home with Jessica Simpson is not such a terrible consolation prize!

-Maxmillien the Fantasy Guru

Straight to the pick-ups…

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: If he’s available still, grab him. If he was dropped at some point this season by a frustrated owner, then snag him and stash him. He could pay HUGE dividends if him and McNabb rediscover their rhythm.

Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester: Hester is a definite 50-50 crap shoot each week. But if your in a league that counts all purpose yards then Hester is clearly your man. If Orton and him ever begin to connect in the passing game, it’s only up from here.

Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter: Well, he’s back on the radar. With Westbrook’s broken ribs Buckhalter will have to step in an take the snaps. If you need a bye week fill in or are desperate for a RB2, then Correll is your man!

New England Patriots QB Matt Cassell: After some pretty awful starts, the owner who added him after Tom’s injury may have given up and dropped him.After showing some deep ball skills last week with a deep throw to Moss, Cassell looks more like a real QB. For the Pats to win, Moss will have to be involved and Cassell will have to air it out from time to time, leading to some scores for the QB. If you need a desperate/bye week fill in, or you just want some ack-up QB security, look at Cassell.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Stokley: Eddie Royal left with an injury and that’s all you need to know. If Royal misses any time then Stokley will benefit from Cutler and the Broncos passing game.

-Maxmillien

Another week in the books. A huge week from my man Brett Favre, a career day of 6 TD’s! It also looks like Lavereus Coles is finally in the mix catching 3 of the 6 TD passes. In addition, I hope Carson Palmer’s game day sit down didn’t screw you as it did someone in my league. Anyways, onto the pick ups…

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Mewelde Moore: Ok so I had Mendenhall here last week but that ended badly and I’m sorry if you started him. But he’s done for the season with a shoulder injury and now Moore emerges with some value. If your in desperate need of a low low low end RB2 or an ok bench RB grab Moore, he may help in a bye week down the road if Parker is unable to return.

St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger: Now clearly he was drafted in all leagues but after a terrible first 3 games, and then a benching for Trent Green he may have made his way onto your leagues waiverwire. The Rams could turn it around a little and at least turn out to have a semi-competent offense. If you need a back-up QB with a high ceiling, see if Bulger was dropped and is out there.

Carolina Panthers WR Mushin Muhammad: He may be gone in your pool already, in fact he may have been swiped up several weeks ago. But I was able to grab him in my 10 team pool so maybe you can do the same. I’m using him as bye week fill in, but with 147 yards, 8 receptions and 1 TD he is a legit 3rd WR on a good team. Scour your waiver wire and see if he’s still out there.

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: Now this pick-up won’t help you this week, or maybe even next. But when Curtis returns he’s sure to regain his starting job. The Eagles have shown that they are contenders this year and if McNabb stays healthy Curtis could show to have some value. Sure, DeSean Jackson may have taken over #1 duties but Curtis will get he ball for sure.

-Maxmillien, Fantasy Guru at your sercive

An interesting week 4 is behind us. I hope you started Ronnie Brown as my opponent this week did not. His 4 rushing TD’s, 1 passing TD and 113 yards rushing may be the fantasy line of the season. Also, some solid performances from Michael Turner (104 yards, 3 TD’s), Reggie Bush (73 rush yards, 75 receiving yards, 1 TD) and LT showed he is still alive (67 rush yards, 20 recieving yards, 2 TD’s).

On to the pick-ups….

Tampa Bay Bucs QB Brian Griese: Sure, his week was up and down. He threw for 2 TD’s but also got picked 3 times. However, the 407 passing yards are something that can’t be messed around with. Yes, it is true that the Bucs will not be passing as many times as they did last week but if you need a decent back-up QB to use during your starters bye week Griese could be worth a look.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall: Willie Parker has been ruled our for week 4’s Monday Nighter (click above link). It is likely that Rashard was drafted in your league, but following 10 carries in week 1 and none in week 2 and 3 he was probably dropped by a frustrated owner. If he’s on the wavier wire grab him. He’ll be a decent RB2 this week as he’ll get a bulk of the workload. Also, try to grab him before Parker’s owner and trade him to that owner. Finally, if you have Parker yourself grab him for some insurance if the injury to Parker lingers.

New York Giants WR Amani Toomer: I’m just as shocked as you are but it’s true. Toomer is worth a look. It has been reported that Plaxico Burress has been suspended for one game by The Giants for not reporting to a team meeting during this weeks bye. Sure, this pick-up won’t help you during week 4 but grab him now, stash him on your bench and use him in week 5. He’ll be one of Eli’s main targets as he really doesn’t have many others.

New York Jets WR Chansi Stuckey: With Brett behind center in New York the Jet’s offense is spreading the ball around in a big way. Cotchery has emerged as Favre’s favorite target, while Coles finally caught his first TD pass in week 3. But under the radar is Brett’s 3rd WR Chansi Stuckey He has emerged as one of Favre’s options and has a TD catch in each game this season. The Fantasy Football Geek agrees with me as Stuckey has become a red zone target. The Geek also suggests some other pick ups you may want to look at.

-Maxmillien The Fantasy Guru

Hello all. Sorry for my fantasy hiatus but I have been busy with my NFL pool and am currently preparing for my NBA Keeper League. This is it’s first year so all the picks are very important for now and the future. I will be writing an NBA Fantasy Preview article in the upcoming weeks following my draft. But back to the reason we are here, some NFL Week 3 Pick-Ups.

Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson: I’m going to assume that he has already been swiped up in your pool or he was drafted to begin with. However, in the off chance he’s still out there get on it. Jackson broke a rookie record by posting back-to-back 100 yard games to start his career. Sure, he got a little cocky and threw the ball away on the one yard line during a celebration, but he’s a kid. There are worries that the Eagles will struggle to contain Jackson’s ego, but after being publicly embarrassed on Monday Night Football in front of the whole nation, I think that Jackson will be well behaved from this time onward. Go grab him if you still can.

Seattle Seahawks WR Koren Robinson: Well, Koren is back. After being let go by the Seahawks several years ago due to drug issues, Koren bounced around with the Packers before being released again. He comes back to Seattle with all the chance in the world. It is reported that Robinson will start at WR and will also do some kick returning for the Seahawks. If your league counts all purpose yards, or your in a really deep league with more than 3 starting WR’s Koren is worth a look.

New England Patriots RB Sammy Morris: Things are only getting worse for the Patriots. Laurence Maroney is the next Patriot to get hit by the injury bug. ROTOworld reports that the Patriots usually do not use players in games who don’t practice during the week. This opens the door for RB Sammy Morris to get the start versus the woeful Dolphins this week. PROTrade supports Morris as the starter as well. Morris has already accumulated two TD’s this season and has been used in both the running and passing game. If you need a low level RB2 or solid RB3 in your league go and grab Morris for this week. Additionally, Maroney’s injury could linger making Morris the starter for New England, a team that not matter what will find a way to compete. The running game could be this answer, and thus, Morris time!

Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards: I know this is a reach. I know that many people do not trust The Buffalo Bills are for real, but Edwards’ numbers are good and as Gregg Rosenthal reports, Edwards stated his case as franchise starter in completing a 3rd and 6 versus the Jags on Sunday. Last week he massed 239 passing yards and a TD. With the Bills possibly being a legit team this year Edwards will be lenon to make some plays. If you are in need of a back-up QB for your team, Edwards could be a good start when your starter has a bye or sustains an injruy.

Good Luck in Week 3 and remember, anything can happen!

-Maxmillien The Fantasy Guru

As another seriously disappointing Blue Jays season comes to a pitiful end, the Jays participated in some house cleaning and contender building. The Jays traded the bat of Matt Stairs to the Phillies for a lefty reliever Fabio Castro. This is a sad move for Stairs who always said he enjoyed playing in Toronto, and thusly in this native country of Canada. However, as The Toronto Star reports, Stairs is excited for his move to a contender and attests that he has always hit well in the Phillies home park. Consider picking him up if your in a deep league and Stairs manages to get a solid spot in the lineup and gets a hot bat going. As a Jays fan this move is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s sad to see a fan favourite and good hitter leave the club, but it’s also a smart move for a club looking to shed some pay roll. Sure Stairs wasn’t hitting great, but he can be streaky and could be a great left handed bat for the Phillies to have going into the post season. The post season, something the Jays have not even had the taste of in quite some time.
Going into this season with over $100 Million in payroll the Jays were hoping for a playoff run and important games in September. neither of these came through and now the Jays are in shambles, dealing with potential managerial firings and a team that looks like it doesn’t have what it takes, nor will it ever. Sure there have been some bright spots such as the great pitching the Jays have received, as well as the rise of youngster Adam Lind. But it has been overall a sad season for the boys in blue. They have a bunch of over paid, under performing players who are not enough to compete with. Let’s just hope they can turn it around for next season before their great pitching staff dissipates.

-Maxmillien

P.S. Sucks if you have Josh Beckett going into your fantasy stretch run. Maybe consider waiting to see who take a spot start, maybe Masterson or Bucholz.

Another season ending surgery, another opportunity arises. Texas Rangers RP C.J. Wilson has decided to undergo season ending arthroscopic elbow surgery. Wilson’s season was up and down as he struggled at times and was rumored to be on the edge of losing the closers role, Wilson managed to put up some decent numbers. Although handicapped by the Rangers’ potential to blow out teams, Wilson posted 24 saves with a 1.64 WHIP, his ERA however, was an awful 6.02. With Wilson out of the picture now, enter Eddie Guardado. Guardado has offically been given the closers role says Yahoo! Rotoworld also reports the closer role to Guardado but to suggest to keep an eye on Frank Franscisco as he may work his way there as he is potentially the closer of the future for Texas. Hope I got to you soon enough and were able to grab Guardado and as always, good luck in the August stretch run.

-Maxmillien

First off, sorry that the Corpas pick up didn’t pan out. Fuentes stayed put, oops!

This week I’m suggesting new full time starter in Detroit Brandon Inge. He doens’t have a terrific average at only .221 but he has some decent power if you’re in need to some RBI’s. His average could increase as he get comfortable with the starting job and his biggest benefit is his eligibility. In FOXSports he is eligible at Catcher, Center Field & 3B (which in turn makes him also eligible at Utility, Infield Utility and Out Field Utility). If you need a flexible player that can fill rosters spots on off days, go with Inge.

I’m also going to suggest a look at Andy LaRoche. Another player who, through trade has gained a starting job. He will start at third for the Pirates and may be decent down the stretch.

-Maxmillien

Greetings MLB fantasy enthusiasts. Another week has gone by and here I am again with some Fantasy help. We are entering one of the more interesting weeks of the MLB season as the trade deadline looms large on the entire league. There have already been trades for SP (Blanton, Harden) and RP (Roach) as teams look to sure up their pitching staff and bull pen. Additionally, rumours are swirling in regards to possible trades of Manny Ramirez and another slugger Mark Teixeira.
Players being traded can make or break a fantasy season as a solid player can be traded to a contender, catch fire in a playoff run and bump his alreay great stats. Also, the reverse. For example, Manny Ramirez could get traded to a non-contending team, start to play poorly and cost you your fantasy trophy.

Finally, a player could be traded and leave a void for another guy to pick up the slack. In honor of this I have chosen RP Manny Corpas. Brian Fuentes is rumored to be on his way out. When Fuentes leaves, (if he does) it will be former closer Manny Corpas who takes over his duties. FOXSPORTS has confirmed this and as the Rockies are a solid club there will be many saves for Corpas to aquire. There is a chance, as mentioned above that Fuentes stays put due to a recent Rockies surge but only time will tell. Take a flier on Corpas this week and hope it pans out. If not, drop him. I promise that if Fuentes doesn’t get traded I’ll suggest a replacement.

-Maxmillien, Your Fantasy Guru

Say goodbye to the fro, Childress chooses Europe over NBA.

Championship Impact: This has little to no impact here. What it does do, is make Atlanta’s chances of making the playoffs and improving on last season decrease. Childress’ departure will hurt the Hawks.

Long Term Impact: Again, this only hurts the Hawks. They loose their glue guy and a young player who was coming into his own. What this does is further push a growing trend of players moving to Europe over continuing in the NBA. Players such as Carlos Delfino, Primoz Brezec, Bostjan Nachbar & others, have chosen to move their careers overseas. True Hoop questions whether this may happen again and how we should take this as Childress is the first American born player to make this move. I think it is very interesting and should be taken as a sign that NBA teams need to step up and pay their stars or are at risk of losing them. The Hawks did not offer Childress the money he though he deserved and rightfully so he went elsewhere. The long term impact here is that this trend could expand to other players and the NBA is at risk of losing some of its great talent.

Fantasy Impact: Not so much here. Other players on the Hawks stand to gain as Joe Johnson & Mike Bibby retain their value. Salim Stoudemaire could take more minutes at SG while the Hawks will still need to fill in their back-up SF spot. Keep an eye our for more Hawks moves. If Josh Smith goes elsewhere the Hawks will be in serious trouble and may go from promising young team to lottery team in no time.