The Check Swing: Week 12

It's MVP week at the FBLG blog, so we'll look at each team's top performer.

1. Manwaring a Muumuu (2,247 points, 9-3): The Muumuu crew got 98 points from its starting pitchers and held off a strong challenge from the Fresh Fish, to whom the Muumuus had already lost this season. Fill-ins Tyler Colvin and Alexi Amarista combined for 4 points, though. MVP: Matt Harvey has scored 247 points, making him the No. 1 FBLG pitcher and the No. 2 overall performer.

2t. Arbitration Losers (2,020 points, 6-6): A 10-point loss to the Misfits dropped the Losers into a second-place tie — with the Misfits. Poor weeks from Johnny Cueto, Ricky Nolasco, Aroldis Chapman, Neil Walker and Brandon Crawford really hurt. MVP: With 225 points, Cliff Lee is doing exactly what's expected from an ace drafted in the first couple of rounds.

2t. Misfits (2,020 points, 8-4): The Misfits moved up with a win against the Arbitration Losers despite getting zero points from Freddy Galvis, who doesn't appear to be the answer at shortstop. At least Chase Utley is back, and it looks like Bryce Harper should return soon. MVP: Adam Wainwright had an off week, but he still has 237 points on the season.

4. Testosteraun Braun (2,012 points, 8-4): The Fighting Brauns remain within striking distance, but injuries are taking a toll. Logan Schafer posted only 5 points in his first full week as Ryan Braun's replacement, and Welington Castillo scored 9 in place of Evan Gattis. MVP: Hunter Pence might be the team's top scorer, but let's not forget that Paul Goldschmidt missed time as Bill had to squeeze Anthony Rizzo into the lineup before trading him away. Goldy has scored 204 points and is a top offensive gun.

5. Going Going Gonzo (1,982 points, 5-7): Gonzo had a good week despite a loss to LGM and moved a bit closer to the Braunies. Still, the health of Trevor Cahill (not that he's been pitching well anyway) has to be a concern. MVP: Without much fanfare, Jay Bruce has been one of FBLG's top performers. He's scored 229 points on the season.

The Fighting Zevons posted the top score of the week
and moved up one spot in the rankings.

6. Lawyers, Guns & Money (1,966 points, 7-5): Things seem to be falling into place for the Zevons, who are only 54 points out of second place. The revamped infield — all four players from opening day are gone — looks vastly improved as long as LGM gets the good version of Pedro Alvarez. MVP: He's one point behind Andrew McCutchen with 204, but Lance Lynn is pitching like a fantasy ace this year. Ask again in a few weeks and Yasiel Puig might be the choice.

7. Pitch You Blockhead (1,908 points, 8-4): The Blockheads' much-heralded outfield underperformed this week (31 points), and the team paid the price. Dan Haren hasn't been the answer in the rotation, and Cole Hamels continues to scuffle. MVP: With 265 points, Carlos Gonzalez is the top-scoring player in FBLG. If he stays healthy, he could finish the season in the top spot by a wide margin.

8. Rookies (1,842 points, 4-8): The Rookies' lineup has cooled after a couple of strong weeks, so the team must rely on its pitching to carry the load. Paul Maholm and Yovani Gallardo are pitching better, but the Nationals' woes have carried over to Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez. MVP: Carlos Gomez has scored 221 points and looks like a right-handed version of that other Cargo in Colorado.

9. Fresh Fish (1,706 points, 2-10): The Fish almost pulled off the upset of Muumuu thanks to huge weeks from Ryan Howard and Hanley Ramirez, who combined for 57 points. With all of the key performers except Ryan Ludwick back from the DL, the Fish look like the team we thought they'd be. MVP: Brandon Phillips has benefited from a move to the cleanup spot and has posted 188 points.

10. Silver State Sagebrushers (1,703 points, 3-9): What's the problem with Starlin Castro? It looks like Rickie Weeks might not be the only problem child in the Sagebrushers' infield. Heath Bell has been a disaster lately, allowing homers in 5 straight appearances. MVP: Imagine what Clayton Kershaw could do if the Dodgers actually scored runs when he pitches? Kershaw has 223 FBLG points this year.