The Check Swing: Week 9

It's Unsung Heroes week here at The Check Swing, so don't expect any mention of star players such as Carlos Gonzalez and Cliff Lee. Enjoy.

1. Manwaring a Muumuu (1,699 points, 7-2): The Muumuu crew turned the much-publicized (on this blog) matchup with the Roid Ragers into a blowout 107-point victory. The Muumuu crew has a lead of 171 points in the standings, and the team is looking tougher with each passing week thanks to the emergence of Domonic Brown and four front-line starters. UNSUNG HERO: Jedd Gyorko has been in the lineup most of the season, filling in for the injured Aramis Ramirez and Aaron Hill. He's been a revelation for the Padres, too, hitting .274 with 20 extra-base hits and 21 RBIs.

2. Testosteraun Braun (1,528 points, 6-3): Bill's starting pitchers posted 17 points in 5 starts for their big duel with the league-leading Muumuu crew, contributing to a disappointing loss. However, Bill did find a taker for Anthony Rizzo in a deal that netted him Ryan Zimmerman. That adds another strong bat to one of FBLG's top lineups. UNSUNG HERO: Evan Gattis started the season on the waiver wire, but it didn't take long for him to find a home with the HGH Posse. Gattis is tied for 5th in the NL with 12 homers, and he's done it in only 145 at-bats.

Testosteraun Braun looked different during his MVP season.

3. Arbitration Losers (1,510 points, 5-4): Don't look now, but these guys have moved up two spots in the rankings thanks to a 219-point week. Neil Walker had a huge week in his return to the lineup, but Matt Kemp is on the DL. When he returns, will he be better than what we've seen in the first two months? UNSUNG HERO: Brandon Crawford has been one of FBLG's top shortstops, belying his draft position. With a .291 average and 19 extra-base hits, Crawford has been a rock for Tim's team.

4. Going Going Gonzo (1,496 points, 4-5): Jon's crew remains in fourth, just one point ahead of Reid's Misfits. Ian Kennedy, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Fernandez led the team to a 204-point week, third-best in the league. UNSUNG HERO: Although Norichika Aoki doesn't bring much in the way of extra-base punch, he's 13th in the league in hits and scores plenty of runs atop the Brewers lineup. His contributions have been huge for a Gonzo team dealing with B.J. Upton's struggles.

5. Misfits (1,495 points, 5-4): This team scored almost 200 points for the week but still fell from third to fifth. Scott Feldman and Francisco Liriano appear to have shored up the rotation, but injuries to Bryce Harper and Chase Utley have significantly weakened the lineup. UNSUNG HERO: Although Jon Jay has disappointed with a .246 average, he's scored 31 runs and has 25 RBIs in a potent St. Louis lineup. He also has been healthy, which is crucial for Reid's team with Harper missing time.

6. Lawyers, Guns & Money (1,419 points, 6-3): The London Werewolves moved up one spot this week after pounding the Fresh Fish. Anthony Rizzo should match the departed Ryan Zimmerman's offensive production, and the Zimmerman's errors would seem to make the deal a step forward for LGM. UNSUNG HERO: Patrick Corbin went undrafted, and he's shown why all 10 FBLG owners erred in passing on him. The Arizona lefty is 9-0 with a 2.06 ERA and shows no sign of slipping.

7. Pitch You Blockhead (1,416 points, 6-3): Injuries to Yonder Alonso and Pablo Sandoval plus awful weeks for Kris Medlen and Cole Hamels equaled a disappointing week for PYB. Starling Marte and Shin-Soo Choo haven't done much to help lately, either. UNSUNG HERO: Waiver pickup Travis Wood is one of the NL's top pitchers, posting a 5-3 record with a 2.75 ERA. He's also swinging an impressive bat, with a .292 average, 2 homers and 7 RBIs.

8. Rookies (1,360 points, 2-7): After another loss, the Rookies have three concerns: What's wrong with Jason Heyward? How injured is Stephen Strasburg? And who will replace Rafael Betancourt at closer? UNSUNG HERO: Everth Cabrera leads the league in steals and is second on the Padres in RBIs. He's providing unexpected pop, too, with 4 homers, 4 triples and 7 doubles. Not bad for a waiver pickup.

9. Silver State Sagebrushers (1,278 points, 2-7): Help is on the way for the Sagebrushers, who are shoring up their lineup with healthy bodies. The bigger issue might be underwhelming performances from Rickie Weeks and Andre Ethier — as well as a sluggish May from Justin Upton. UNSUNG HERO: Dexter Fowler was the third outfielder Brian drafted, but he's outperforming Upton and Ethier. Fowler is tied for 11th in the NL with 10 homers and finally is showing off his base-stealing prowess. He has 10 steals.

10. Fresh Fish (1,240 points, 2-7): How much worse can it get for these guys? Now Brandon Phillips is missing time because of injury. Ryan Howard and Miguel Montero are going to have to get on track for the Fish to make a push. UNSUNG HERO: Todd Frazier is one of the few players to be healthy all season for Rick's hard-luck bunch. Although he's cooled off since his blazing start, his 6 homers and 31 RBIs are welcome contributions.