Week 14: Thursday's Roundup

One inning after an embarrassing play (see below), Josh Bell rocked a 2-run dinger.

Studs: Josh Bell (M) homered, doubled, drove in 3 and scored twice. Michael Wacha (AL) allowed 2 runs and struck out 9 in a 5.2-inning win. Rich Hill (PM) struck out 9 and allowed 1 run in a 7-inning no-decision. Robbie Ray (PYB) struck out 13 and allowed 1 run in a 6-inning no-decision. Domingo Santana (R) had 2 doubles, 2 singles, a walk, a steal, 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Jake Lamb (LGM) homered twice and walked.

Baseball: You never know what you're going to get pic.twitter.com/pgLcVW7ytN

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 7, 2017

Duds: Justin Turner (M) - newly minted all-star - celebrated with 3 walks and an error. Mike Montgomery (M) allowed 7 runs and struck out 4 in a 2.1-inning loss. Jose Peraza (PM) singled and erred.

Week 14: Wednesday's Roundup

The Home Run Derby started early for Giancarlo Stanton.

Studs: Giancarlo Stanton (M) homered twice, singled, walked and drove in 4. Alex Wood (R) struck out 10 in 7 shutout innings to earn the win, improving to 10-0. Gerrit Cole (BM) allowed 2 runs and struck out 8 in a 6-inning win. Jon Gray (Q) doesn't quite make the list for his pitching, but he did hit a 467-foot home run.

Duds: Nolan Arenado (PYB) went 0-fer with an error. I don't remember ever putting his name on this list before. Matt Carpenter (BM) walked, drove in a run and made an error.

Week 14: Tuesday's Roundup

Jimmy Nelson speaks candidly to his detractors.

Studs: Joltin' Joe Ross (M) struck out 6 and allowed 2 runs in a 6-inning win. Andrew McCutchen (CB) had 2 solo homers and a single. Scott Schebler (CB) was a triple shy of the cycle and scored twice. Clayton Kershaw (CB) struck out 11 in 7 shutout innings to earn the win. Jameson Taillon (CB) struck out 9 in 5 shutout innings for the win. Daniel Murphy had a double, 3 singles and 5 RBIs. Jose Urena (Q) struck out 7 and allowed 2 runs in a 5-inning win. Bryce Harper (LGM) had 3 hits, a walk, 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Jimmy Nelson (LGM) struck out 8 in 7 shutout innings to earn a win.

via GIPHY

Duds: Josh Harrison (M) - who is an all-star?!??! - and Austin Hedges (FF) went 0-fer with an error. Sean Newcomb (BM) allowed 7 runs and struck out 2 in a 3.1-inning loss.

Week 14: Monday's Roundup

We've had some fun with Aaron Nola (N-O-L-A NOLA) over the years, so we tip our cap to him today.

Studs: Yadier Molina (M) doubled twice, singled, scored and drove in 3. Aaron Nola (PM) struck out 8 in a 7-inning shutout win.

Duds: None.

Week 13: The Check Swing

If you thought Adam Duvall's 2016 breakout was a fluke, you were wrong.  

The commissioner's office fell asleep on the job last week, letting the blog fall through the cracks. Did you care? Were you sad? Did you even notice? (Please let us know; if no one cares about the daily blog, why bother?) We half-assedly apologize for the service disruption. One commissioner was spending every waking minute voting for Corey Seager to be the National League's starting shortstop in the All-Star Game; the other was in mourning after perennial waiver-wire trash Adeiny Hechavarria was shipped to the American League. 

1. Clemente’s Bucs (2435.5 points, 9-4, last week, 1): We've been singing the praises of Primanti's Pals for a while, but Ray's crew was mostly unimpressive in Week 13. Clayton Kershaw and Stephen Strasburg combined to strike out 25 batters and pick up a pair of wins in 14 innings, but the rest of the team let out a collective yawn. Yes, the starting pitchers won all 4 of their starts. Unfortunately, the offense provided only 1 homer in a loss to the Fresh Fish. 

2. Bodysuit Man (2392.2 points, 9-4, last week 2): A high-powered matchup between Constanza and Zevon sure lived up to its potential, with LGM winning 213.8-181.5. Adam Duvall (34) went berserk, doubling 4 times, homering 3 times and driving in 10. Every BM hitter scored at least 11.5 points, which usually leads to victory. Gio Gonzalez (22) had a strange week, going 0-2 while allowing only 2 earned runs and fanning 17 batters in 13 innings. Sean Newcomb (19) had a fantastic outing and picked up BM's only pitching win. 

3. The Rookies (2353.8 points, 8-5, last week 3): Are the Rookies the best team in FBLG? Look at it this way: While the rest of us are scraping guys like Jose Urena, Tim Adleman and Scott Feldman off the bottom of the waiver-wire barrel, Henry is throwing Max Scherzer, Jon Lester, Zack Greinke and Alex Wood out there every week. Those 4 combined for 102 points in a shellacking of Project Mayhem. Chris Owings (29) homered 3 times for the Rookies; Tommy Joseph, Ian Happ and Domingo Santana each homered twice. 

Michael Wacha is pretty excited to be
pitching well again. 

4. Lawyers Guns and Money (2329.7 points, 9-4, last week 4): LGM batters hit 13 homers and drove in 34 runs as Matt's offense erupted in a victory against Bodysuit Man. Joey Votto (33) and Bryce Harper (29) did most of the damage, but Willson Contreras (22.5) and Joe Panik (20) did their part as well. On the pitching side, we can't explain the positive contributions from Jhoulys Chacin (22), Jimmy Nelson (21) and Tim Adleman (16). Horse-faced doofus John Lackey (-3.7) sure stunk it up, though. 

5. Pitch! You Blockhead (2302.2 points, 6-7, last week 5): So much about Scott's 206.3-point performance against the commissioners drove Rich crazy. Denard Span (26.5) led the offense by doing all the things he never did in multiple stints on the commishes' teams. Jeff Samardzija (28.3) picked up a pair of wins. Jacob deGrom (23) had a huge game for the LOLMets. Jim Johnson (26) — wait, Jim Johnson did WHAT?!? — struck out 10 batters in 4 innings, saved 3 games and "earned" a win after blowing a save. 

6. Quirkin’ For a Livin’ (2207.5 points, 4-9, last week 6): The Fightin' Hueys continue to be one of FBLG's most inconsistent (least consistent?) teams. They found themselves on the "meh" side of the pendulum in Week 13, losing to PYB by about 50 points. Trea Turner (19) looked pretty good before breaking his hand, and now Yoenis Cespedes is hurt (again) too. Jon Gray (19) might be what the pitching staff has been missing all season, and Mike Foltynewicz (20) flirted with a no-hitter in Oakland. 

7. Fresh Fish (2173.3 points, 7-6, last week 7): Rick's pitching staff picked up 5 wins — including 2 by Jekyll-and-Hyde closer Fernando Rodney — in a win against Clemente's Bucs. Anthony Rendon (25) powered an offense that smacked 8 homers, including 1 by string-bean slapper Billy Hamilton. Steven Matz (16) had a rare great outing for an even-rarer healthy Mets pitcher, but Brandon Finnegan (-1) was pretty awful. 

Dud of the Week D.J. LeMahieu did a lot more of this
in Week 13 than hitting his trademark 27-hoppers
to the right fielder. 

8. Arbitration Losers (2119 points, 7-6, last week 8): Oof. Michael Wacha (35) won twice for the Losers, but it wasn't enough as Tim's club got whacked by the previously winless Misfits. Tanner Roark (-1) was terrible, Mark Melancon (3) got hurt, Keon Broxton (4) and Brandon Crawford (6) were no-shows, and D.J. LeMahieu (3) did literally nothing but hit 3 singles. "All grounders to right field, I bet!" Rich says.

9. Project Mayhem (2069.2 points, 5-8, last week 9): If 2 of your top hitters don't play, you're unlikely to win. If your opponent scores 228.5 points, you have no shot. That was the story for Bill, who got nice efforts from Jedd Gyorko (24), Aaron Nola (19) and Taijuan Walker (17.3), but little else from anyone else. Kris Bryant (8.5) and Ryan Zimmerman (7) were letdowns; Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Conforto never hit the field. And now Ian Desmond is on the DL. Uh-oh. 

10. The Misfits (1853.7 points, 1-12, last week 10): We knew it would happen eventually, and in Week 13 it finally did. Reid's team got its first W of the season by beating Reid's former newspaper co-worker. Sorry, Tim. Every Misfit batter reached double digits in points, with Stephen Piscotty (20) and Michael Taylor (20) leading the way. If we have to nitpick, the pitching (31.7 total) was nothing to get excited about, and Brandon McCarthy got hurt and didn't pitch at all. 

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.