Week 13: Monday's Roundup

Michael "Fozzy Bear" Wacha was the day's lone stud.

Studs: Michael Wacha (AL) allowed a run and struck out 5 in a 6-inning win.

Duds: Nick Pivetta (Q) gave up 6 runs and struck out 3 in a 2.2-inning loss. Brandon Finnegan (FF) gave up 3 runs and struck out 2 in a 3-inning loss, then left with an injury. German Marquez (R) struck out 2 and allowed 5 runs in a 4-inning loss. Ian Desmond (PM) singled and erred.

Week 12: The Check Swing

Studs of the Week Justin Turner (32 points) and Cody Bellinger (37) had lots to smile about.

1. Clemente’s Bucs (2276.3 points, 9-3, last week, 1): Every year Ray gets Clayton Kershaw, his team is at the top of the standings. We wonder if there's a correlation there. Ray's ace put up 34.3 in 2 starts to lead the Bucs to a win against Project Mayhem, even though the rest of the staff didn't do much. The offense was deep and balanced, led by the resurgent Andrew McCutchen (27), Adam Frazier (22.5) and Skinny Adams (21). With Kershaw, Stephen Strasburg and Kenley Jansen to go along with a balanced offense, this is a tough squad to beat.

2. Bodysuit Man (2210.7 points, 9-3, last week 2): Adam's team had a fine week, and it was plenty to take down Tim's Losers. Gerrit Cole (31) went 2-0 to lead the pitching staff, and Gio Gonzalez (17) and Chase Anderson (16) each had a strong start for a win. Freddy Galvis scored 19 to lead a balanced offense, as only Manny Pina (3) scored less than 10 points. 

Everyone's favorite tenor Domingo Santana has been crushing the ball lately.

3. The Rookies (2125.3 points, 7-5, last week 5): Henry's no-name offense mashed the ball, with Ian Happ (25.5), Domingo Santana (23) and Ender Inciarte (21) leading the way to a 120-point offensive showing. Inciarte wins this week's DJ LeMahieu Award for hitting 11 singles, a true testament to slapping the ball around. Jon Lester posted 24 points in 2 starts, and Alex Wood (17) and Max Scherzer (16) did what they've been doing all year. Addison Reed scored 1 point in 2 outings and then got cut, because LOL Mets.

4. Lawyers Guns and Money (2115.8 points, 8-4, last week 3): The Zevons got nothing from their pitching staff in a loss to the Rookies, who added insult to injury by also jumping LGM in the standings. Matt's offense put up 112 points, led by Marcell Ozuna's 19.5 and Bryce Harper's 17. But Zach Davies (11 in 2 starts) was the only starter to score more than 6, and even Corey "Evil" Knebel's pair of saves couldn't get the pitching staff over 40 points.

5. Pitch! You Blockhead (2095.8 points, 5-7, last week 5): Sometimes the Blockheads pitch and sometimes they don't. This was a rough week in a loss to the Fish. Jacob deGrom (19) was phenomenal in his lone start and Robbie Ray (14.3) was also strong. But Jeff Smarkdiajmasdzia (12) was stung by playing for a horrible team and Jaime Garcia (1.3) and Jim Johnson (8, but 3 earned runs and a blown save) were stung by just not being very good at baseball. Among the hitters, Christian Yelich (6.5), Hunter Renfroe (5.5), Eric Thames' Beard (4.5) and Tony Wolters (4) didn't do much. Brandon Phillips and his Late Career Resurgence (TM) scored 24.5 to lead the offense.

6. Quirkin’ For a Livin’ (2049.5 points, 4-8, last week 7): The commishes continued to climb up the standings, putting up a league-high 214 points to edge the Misfits. Cody Bellinger (37) continued to be a monster, hitting 5 homers and driving in 12 runs for the week. Corey Seager (27.5) and Trea Turner (21.5) looked like the top picks they were. The beleaguered pitching staff had a good week, with Mike Foltynewicz (18) and Zack Godley (17) notching big wins to offset Lance Lynn's (-1.3) stinker. And now ace Jon Gray is off the DL. Will the Fightin' Hueys be a playoff spoiler? 

7. Fresh Fish (1982.2 points, 6-6, last week 8): Rick's Nationals and pitching staff led the way in a win against the Blockheads. Daniel Murphy (22.5) and Anthony Rendon (20) led the hitting, and Matt Moore, Jake Arrieta and Edinson Volquez each earned wins on the hill. Fernando Rodney barely pitched, notching a strikeout in a scoreless inning. We know he's actually been pretty good this year, but sometimes it's best for your team if Fernando Rodney doesn't pitch.

Dud of the Week Julio Teheran managed to post negative numbers despite 2 starts.

8. Arbitration Losers (1980.2 points, 7-5, last week 6): Tim's pitching staff resembled a pile of soggy noodles in a loss to Adam. Julio Teheran (-0.7 in 2 starts) was the dregs, but Michael Wacha (5), Carlos Martinez (5) and Tanner Roark (0.7 in 2 starts) weren't a lot better. All told: 0-4, 26 earned runs in 29 innings, meaning 10 points in 6 starts. Paul Goldschmidt (30.5) and Keon Broxton (26) were monsters at the plate but it wasn't nearly enough.

9. Project Mayhem (1937.5 points, 5-7, last week 6): Bill's offense came up short in a loss to the league-leading Bucs. Kyle Schwarber managed 2 points before being demoted, and Matt Wieters (5.5), Jose Peraza (7) and Ian Desmond (9) were less than great. On the plus side, Ryan Freaking Zimmerman (19.5), Kris Bryant (19.5) and Jedd Gyorko (18.5) were strong at the plate. Still, only 6 doubles and 3 homers as a team, that's not going to cut it. Aaron Nola (19.3) had a stellar start and Johnny Cueto (15 in 2 starts) and Taijuan Walker (16) contributed as well. But Antonio Senzatela (-4) stunk the place up.

10. The Misfits (1697 points, 0-12, last week 10): Poor, poor Reid. It all came together on the offensive side, with a ridiculous 174 hitting points... and the Misfits still couldn't pull off the win against the Quirks. Justin Turner (32) and Michael Taylor (30.5) led the way and every hitter scored at least 15 points. 41 runs scored, 37 RBIs, 16 homers, 7 steals... it was a great overall week. And yet: Brandon McCarthy (16 in 2 starts) was the only pitcher to do anything, and Ty Blach (-7) was actively terrible. At least there are signs of life for Reid's squad.

Finally, let's all admire Adam Ottavino's pitch location here. Dude had thrown four run-scoring wild pitches at this point:

Week 12: Sunday's Roundup

Keon Broxton was a top prospect for so long and then struggled in his early career.
It's nice to see him looking like a future star.

Studs: Keon Broxton (AL) was a triple shy of the cycle, stole a bag and drove in 3. Not actually a Stud performance, but Chris Taylor (BM) scored 5.5 points without a hit - drawing 3 walks, stealing 2 bases and scoring twice - which is damn impressive. Yadier Molina (M) had a double, 2 singles, 3 runs and an RBI. Cody Bellinger (Q) hit 2 homers and drove in 4, ho hum. Kenley Jansen (CB) struck out 2 in a 1.2-inning save, also adding a run-scoring double for his first career RBI. He also finally walked his first batter of the season.

Duds: Julio Teheran (AL) allowed 7 runs and struck out 3 in a 3-inning loss. Addison Russell (M) went 0-fer with an error and left with an injury. Yasmani Grandal (Q) and Dansby Swanson (CB) each went 0-fer with an error.

Week 12: Saturday's Roundup

The Nationals scored 18 runs against the sad-sack Reds, and Michael Taylor played a role in, like, 16 of them. 

Studs: Michael Taylor (M) went 4 for 5 with 2 homers, a double, 3 RBIs and 4 runs. Trea Turner (Q) went 5 for 5 with 4 runs, 2 RBIs and a walk. Clayton Kershaw (CB) struck out 8 and didn't allow a run in a 6-inning win. Jacob deGrom struck out 7 and allowed 1 run in an 8-inning victory. Gerrit Cole (BM) struck out 5 and allowed 1 run in a 6-inning win. Josh Harrison (M) homered, doubled, scored twice and drove in 2. 

Duds: Hunter Renfroe walked, scored and committed an error. Odubel Herrera (LGM) singled, was caught stealing and erred. Lance Lynn (Q) allowed 7 runs and struck out 3 in a 5.2-inning loss. Scott Schebler (CB) went 0 for 3 — while seeing only 4 pitches — and committed an error. 

Week 12: Friday's Roundup

Ty Blach lasted only 3 innings for the Giants, which is pretty impressive considering that he'd allowed
11 hits to the Mets through 1 2/3 innings, including 5 doubles and a home run. 

Studs: Yoenis Cespedes (Q) was a triple shy of a cycle, drove in 3 and scored twice. Mike Foltynewicz (Q) allowed 1 run and struck out 9 in a 5-inning win. Alex Wood (R) struck out 7 and allowed 1 run in a 6-inning win. Brandon Phillips (PYB) homered, doubled, drove in 2 and scored twice. 

Duds: It was a brutal day for Misfits pitchers. Ty Blach allowed 7 runs in a 3-inning loss and didn't strike anybody out. Seung-Hwan Oh allowed 1 run in 1 inning and took the loss. Raisel Iglesias (PM) struck out 2 and allowed a run in a 0.2-inning loss. 

Week 12: Thursday's Roundup

One of these men is in the major leagues. The other is Kyle Schwarber.

Studs: Zach Godley (Q) struck out 8 and allowed 3 runs in a 7-inning win. Addison Russell (M) had a homer, 2 doubles, a single, 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Buster Posey (AL) homered, doubled twice, scored twice and drove in 3. Paul Goldschmidt (AL) homered, singled twice and drove in 4. Chase Anderson (BM) allowed 2 runs and struck out 7 in a 6-inning win. Joe Panik (LGM) homered, singled, walked, scored 3 runs and had 3 RBIs. Ian Happ (R) had 4 hits, a steal, a run and 2 RBIs. Kris Bryant (PM) homered, singled, walked, had 3 runs and 3 RBIs. Aaron Nola (PM) struck out 8 and allowed 1 run in a 7.1-inning win.

Addison Russell hits a home run! Needs a triple for the cycle now. pic.twitter.com/RKk8OFZ6o1

— Kevin Marchina (@kg_holler) June 23, 2017

Kris Bryant with a 428' BOMB for his 16th home run of the year #Cubs #FlyTheW

pic.twitter.com/bjcJWeVhOa

— Around The Bases POD (@AroundBasesPOD) June 23, 2017

Duds: Orlando Arcia (PYB) went 0-fer with an error. Antonio Senzatela (PM) got battered all over Coors Field, allowing 9 runs and striking out 3 in a 5-inning loss.

Week 12: Wednesday's Roundup

David Peralta, Paul Goldschmidt and Brandon Drury all had big days for the Dbacks.
Who would have thought an opposing team might enjoy a trip to Coors Field?

Studs: It was a great day to be a Diamondback. Brandon Drury (Q) had a double, 3 singles, a run and 6 RBIs. David Peralta (Q) had 4 singles, a walk, an RBI and scored 4 runs. Paul Goldschmidt (AL) had a double, 2 singles, 2 runs and 2 RBIs. And Taijuan Walker (PM) enjoyed the support, striking out 8 and allowing 3 earned runs in a 6-inning win. Elsewhere, Max Scherzer (R) struck out 11 and allowed no earned runs in a tough 8-inning loss. Tommy Pham (M) and Yasmani Grandal (Q) each hit 2 solo homers.

Duds: Jay Bruce (AL) walked twice and made an error. Charlie Blackmon (BM) walked, scored and made an error.

Week 12: Tuesday's Roundup

The phones were ringing off the hook at the Corey Hotline last night.

Studs: Corey Seager (Q) had 3 homers, a double and 6 RBIs. He also sent one to the warning track with the bases loaded, so DO BETTER NEXT TIME, COREY. Brandon McCarthy (M) tossed 6 shutout innings with 4 strikeouts for the win. Daniel Murphy (FF) homered, singled, walked twice, scored twice and drove in 2. Matt Moore (FF) struck out 6 and allowed 3 runs in a 7-inning win. Gio Gonzalez (BM) continued his unlikely renaissance, earning the win by striking out 8 and allowing 3 runs in 7 innings. Andrew McCutchen (CB) homered, singled twice, walked and drove in 3. Ryan Zimmerman (PM) singled, double, scored twice and drove in 3.

Duds: Edinson Volquez (FF) pitched more like we remember, allowing 6 runs and striking out 4 in a 4.2-inning loss. Freddy Galvis (BM) and Matt Adams (CB) went 0-fer with an error. Robert Gsellman (BM) - more like Robert gSMELLman, amirite? - got pounded by the Dodgers, allowing 7 runs and striking out 2 in a 4.1-inning loss. Jake Lamb (LGM) singled twice, but also got caught stealing and made an error. Zach Davies (LGM) allowed 7 runs and struck out 4 in a 5-inning loss.

Week 12: Monday's Roundup

DID YOU KNOW: Gerrit Cole is engaged to Brandon Crawford's sister.
Too bad Brandon got the strong hair game in the family.

Studs: Cody Bellinger (Q) had another multi-homer game, this time adding a single and driving in 4. Justin Turner homered, hit 3 singles, walked, scored 2 runs and drove in 4. Gerrit Cole (BM) allowed a run and struck out 5 in a 7-inning win. Clayton Kershaw allowed 6 earned runs and still made the list thanks to 10 strikeouts in a 6.1-inning win.

Duds: Hernan Perez (AL) walked and made 2 errors. Tanner Roark (AL) allowed 6 runs and struck out no one in a 2.2-inning no-decision. Matt Wieters (PM) and Jose Peraza (PM) went 0-fer with errors.

Week 11: The Check Swing

Dud of the Week Mark Melancon pitched once this week and cost his team 7.7 points. He also showed why
no professional sports team uses orange and baby blue as a color combination. Barfola. 

1. Clemente’s Bucs (2073.5 points, 8-3, last week, 1): In our top matchup of the week, CB outscored LGM 228.3-207.5 and now is one of 3 FBLG teams with 8 wins. Matt Adams (36.5) posted a score bigger than he used to be; Dee Gordon (25.5) and Andrew McCutchen (23) played like the top picks they used to be. Kenley Jansen (22.3), who hasn't walked anyone this season, struck out 7 and picked up 4 saves in 3.1 innings. 

2. Bodysuit Man (2034.3 points, 8-3, last week 2): BM racked up 221 points to extend the commissioners' losing streak to 5 games. The offense alone was worth 164 points, which is awfully impressive. Matt Carpenter (36.5) and Chris Taylor (27) did the most damage, and even Manny Pina (17) was a strong performer. The pitching was effective if not great, although Wade Davis could probably pitch more than 1 inning a week. 

Fatt Adams is fat no more, but he's bolstering
the meat of the order in Fattlanta. 

3. Lawyers Guns and Money (1964.8 points, 8-3, last week 4): Neil Walker (5.5) and Zach Davies (2) were the only Zevons who failed to reach double digits in points. Perhaps better performances would have helped LGM defeat CB. Once again, Bryce Harper (24) and Marcell Ozuna were (22.5) major contributors on offense. 

4. Pitch! You Blockhead (1949.7 points, 5-6, last week 5): The Blockheads put up 221 points this week, but it wasn't exactly a team effort. Most of the output came from 5 sources. Nolan Arenado (42) hit for the cycle and was the week's leading scorer, but Jacob deGrom (38) wasn't far behind. Eric Thames (29), Christian Yelich (23.5) and Brandon Phillips (25) also shined. The only weak points were Zack Cozart (2), who got injured, and Jeff Samardzija (-1), who got torched at Coors Field.  

5. The Rookies (1940 points, 6-5, last week 3): The Rooks might have fallen short in a loss to AL, but you can't blame Jon Lester (21) and Max Scherzer (22), who made the most of their single starts. Too bad Zack Wheeler (-6.3) hurt the cause with an ugly performance. Ian Happ (22) homered 3 times and was the top producer on offense. 

6. Arbitration Losers (1849.2 points, 7-4, last week 7): Another week, another zero for Ryan Braun. Fortunately for Tim, he got big-time points from Brandon Crawford (21.5), Keon Broxton (25.5), D.J. LeMahieu (29), Jay Bruce (25) and Paul Goldschmidt (22.5). Carlos Martinez (18) continued his outstanding season as the leader of the Losers' pitching staff, but Michael Wacha (5) and Tanner Roark (0) were unimpressive. 

7. Quirkin’ For a Livin’ (1835.5 points, 3-8, last week 8): What kind of season is it for the commissioners? The offense provides 15 homers and 34 RBIs, and they still lose by plenty. This week, the pitching was atrocious: Huey's Hurlers allowed 27 earned runs in 31.2 innings. Thanks for nothing, Eddie Butler (1.7), Matt Harvey (5) and Mike Foltynewicz (3.3 in 2 starts). 

This man hasn't allowed an earned run since April. 

8. Fresh Fish (1811.2 points, 5-6, last week 9): Anthony Rizzo (31) sure seems to have taken to the leadoff spot in Chicago, hasn't he? Meanwhile, Daniel Murphy (32) smacked 12 hits, drove in 5 and scored 6 runs. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but Fernando Rodney (24) has been on fire for 2 months. This week, he struck out 8 in 4 hitless innings and earned 4 saves. Adam Wainwright (-9.3) "led" the FF rotation to a horrible week: They allowed 19 runs in 17.1 innings and went 0-3. 

9. Project Mayhem (1794.3 points, 5-6, last week 6): Fight Club took a dive in a terrible loss to the Fish this week. Ian Desmond (26.5) was outstanding, but the offense combined for only 100 points as no one else stood out. The pitching was pretty awful, too; PM allowed 22 earned runs in 22.2 innings. Way to go, Rich Hill (-2), Aaron Nola (4), Raisel Iglesias (1) and Johnny Cueto (2.7). 

10. The Misfits (1496 points, 0-11, last week 10): I just don't know what to say, Reid. The good news is that the Misfits' next foe is Quirkin' For a Livin', who can't beat anybody right now. The Vegas odds favor the Misfits in that one.