At the Week 6 point, let's look at each team and see where the best performances are coming from. We'll call this edition Positions of Strength.
1. Manwaring a Muumuu (1,072 points, 5-1): With a surging Buster Posey, the Rich/Brian squad ranks first in FBLG in catching points. But the real strength is the starting pitching, which has supplied 428 points — 96 points more than the league's second-highest total. Mat Latos, Shelby Miller, Mike Minor and Matt Harvey are a potent foursome.
2. Testosteraun Braun (1,012 points, 4-2): Paul Goldschmidt's bat has this team ranked first at first base, but a little credit goes to Anthony Rizzo for his one week in the lineup. Bill's squad also is ranked second in points from outfielders, starting pitchers and the relief pitcher. The back of the rotation still looks shaky, but there's no doubting the 1-2 punch of Madison Bumgarner and Jordan Zimmermann.
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The disabled list is at the end of Pier 5. Fresh Fish have
lost Ryan Ludwick, Ted Lilly, Zack Greinke, Hanley
Ramirez, Giancarlo Stanton and Cameron Maybin to
injuries. |
3. Misfits (1,005 points, 3-3): A mostly healthy Troy Tulowitzki has Reid's team ranked first in shortstop points. It's a powerful middle infield because with Chase Utley looking strong, the squad is ranked second in second base points. The Misfits also are middle-of-the-pack at most other positions, which speaks to the balance this team provides.
4. Arbitration Losers (986 points, 3-3): Allen Craig's presence in the middle of the Cardinals' lineup has been rewarding for Tim's team, which ranks second in first base points. Other strong positions include shortstop, where Brandon Crawford has been third-best, and the third-best outfield, led by Matt Kemp and Matt Holliday.
5t. Going Going Gonzo (955 points, 2-4): Which closer has been the best this season? It's not Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman or Sergio Romo. No, it's Jason Grilli, who has lifted Jon's squad to the No. 1 spot in relief points. This team also is third in catcher points thanks to the power of Wilin Rosario.
5t. Pitch You Blockhead (955 points, 4-2): Scott's squad is ranked No. 1 at two positions: third base and outfield. Pablo Sandoval has been healthy and productive, and Carlos Gonzalez and Shin-Soo Choo have been as good as advertised. But the real beast has been Starling Marte, who is putting together an all-star season while leading all FBLG position players in points.
7. Lawyers, Guns & Money (898 points, 4-2): Yadier Molina has been a rock for Matt's team, ranking second in points behind the dish. Ian Desmond and now Jimmy Rollins also have provided a lift, ranking this team fourth in shortstop points.
8. Silver State Sagebrushers (890 points, 1-5): As expected, David Wright has been a stalwart for Brian's team, which ranks second in third base points. The outfield ranks fourth, thanks to the early mashing of Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler. Andre Ethier has been hitting better of late, so this should continue to be a strength.
9. Fresh Fish (871 points, 2-4): Just like the Misfits, Rick's team has been great in the middle infield. Brandon Phillips is the league's leading second baseman, and Jean Segura's early contributions put this team second in shortstop points. We'll see whether Adeiny Hechavarria can hold down the fort until Hanley Ramirez returns.
10. Rookies (866 points, 2-4): Henry's team has gotten big points from its starting rotation, which ranks third in FBLG. Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Yovani Gallardo have gotten off to slow starts, so this team threatens to move up even higher in that statistic. This squad also ranks fourth in catcher points, mostly because of the power hitting of John Buck.
