Final Standings - 2013

Well, here they are. A strange, injury/steroids-riddled year without much drama. I have an idea for a simple structural change I think will improve the competitiveness of league I'll run by people over the off season. If I get enough positive feedback I'll present it for a vote at draft. 

Take care and happy playoffs, everyone! (Go Rays!)



1)(1) Green Sox (Vic): Gonzalez (HR) 22; Dunn (HR) 34; Cabrera (RBI) 137 [68.5] = 124.5
 
Cabrera again can't be beat (except by Cabrera, right Mark?). Even a steroids bust and an slightly under performing Dunn couldn't stop this squad. Congrats!


2)(3) In-Stiches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 25; Davis (HR) 53; Hamilton (RBI) 79 [39.5] = 117.5

Big week at the end moves Bonnie up. Davis almost makes up for Hamilton. A great season for these guys ...



3(2) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 36; Freeman (HR) 23; Encarnacion (RBI) 104 [52] = 111

Encarnacion doing nothing the last 2 weeks costs this squad second and maybe even the whole thing. A slightly disappointing finish for a team that could have taken it all.


4)(4) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 44; Beltre (HR) 30; Utley (RBI) 69 [34.5] = 108.5

Big finish almost pushed these guys into the top three. Never the less, a nice comeback after the Braun debacle.


5)(5) Garvey's Army (Steve): Puig (HR) 19; Hamilton (HR) 21; Fielder (RBI) 106 [53] = 93

This team got Hamiltoned: an even average year from him and they are top three or higher. Still, not a terrible inaugural season for the man from the great yellow north ...


6)(6) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 15; Cespedes (HR) 26; Gonzalez (RBI) 100 [50] = 91

Death by (lack of) home runs. That's all there is to it.


7(7) Bushmills League (Kevin): Longoria (HR) 32; Bruce (HR) 30; Ethier (RBI) 52 [26] = 88

Not quite enough anywhere here. Especially RBIs. Still, at least there was no Jason Bay around this time ...


8)(8) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): DL Pujols (HR) 17;  DL Heywood (HR) 13; DL Pujols (RBI) 64 [32] = 62

The fat lady has sung - aria after aria. Somwhere in the misty distance a lone bugle is playing taps ...




AWARDS PRESENTATION

Victor Zahn Jr. Memorial Championship Trophy -Vic

This squad led from the start to the finish. A well-deserved award, if there ever was one ...

The Lead Sombrero (A.K.A. The Jason Bay Award) - Eric & Laurel

This goes to the owner(s) who made the worst draft choice. I was temped to split the award between the Josh Hamilton victims, but, except for the injury risk, he looked like a very good pick back in April. I also considered the Heyward and Stanton choices, but they were so badly derailed by injuries that they really couldn't be evaluated in any fair sense. Cespedes, though, was unproven, a big-time risk. Though his numbers weren't horrible, Eric & Laurel could have easily picked up a bigger banger in that slot and maybe moved up two or three places in the standings. These two drafted with their hearts instead of their heads, which always will put a owner in the running for this award. So congrats to the Eco-Twins! Eric, you have now won this two years in a row - and by the transitive marriage property so has Laurel ( did anyone say annulment?). Maybe next year you two can figure out some way to draft Philip Rivers for HRs ...

The Mike Trout Award -Steve

This award is for best mid-season replacement choice. This one goes to Steve for his Puig leap of faith. The P-Man came up too late in the season to help Steve in the standings much, but it was a gutty move to pick up this young semi-malcontent - and it warmed the heart of everyone here at the league office. Congratulations, Steve - year one for you and you've already got a trophy (albeit an imaginary one).



FINANCES

For everyone but Kevin and Steve I will collect at Thanksgiving (I'll send out a reminder notice when the date gets closer). Since we have a bigger pot this year I think we should have a 2nd place pay out. (Sorry, Vic, but this is an executive decision - you still get more than the winner did last year).

Vic:  +$80.00

Bonnie:  +$25.00

Rob:  - $5.00

Mark:  - $10.00

Steve:  - $15.00

Eric:  - $20.00

Kevin:  - $25.00

Bill - $30.00
 

Standings - Tuesday, September 17 (5:30 PM)

Kevin swapped out the injured Bautista awhile back for Longoria. Some interesting movement. Is Vic finally vulnerable?




1)(1) Green Sox (Vic): Gonzalez (HR) 20; Dunn (HR) 32; Cabrera (RBI) 133 [66.5] = 118.5

Losing Braun has cost these guys a runaway victory, Will it cost them the championship as well?


2)((3) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 36; Freeman (HR) 21; Encarnacion (RBI) 104 [52] = 109

Can Encarnacion bring it home? Outside shot to win it all ...


3)(2) In-Stiches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 24; Davis (HR) 50; Hamilton (RBI) 69 [34.5] = 108.5

Even with the Hamilton anchor Bonnie could take it all. At the very least she could easily take second.


4)(4) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 43; Beltre (HR) 28; Utley (RBI) 62 [31] = 102

Our second Braun victim. Could easily move up all the way to second. First is a real long shot, though.


5)(6) Garvey's Army (Steve): Puig (HR) 16; Hamilton (HR) 20; Fielder (RBI) 102 [51] = 87

Some life here. They've almost surely topped out, though (and don't call me Shirley - rim shot!). 


6)(7) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 14; Cespedes (HR) 23 ; Gonzalez (RBI) 95 [47.5] = 84.5

Week HR production has sunk the eco-twins. Fifth is probably all they can hope for. 


7(5) Bushmills League (Kevin): Longoria (HR) 29; Bruce (HR) 29; Ethier (RBI) 52 [26] = 84

Again, fifth is about as high as these guys can go.


8)(8) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): DL Pujols (HR) 17;  DL Heywood (HR) 13; DL Pujols (RBI) 64 [32] = 62

The team is broken - literally.

Standings - Tuesday, August 20th (11:45 AM)

It's been a while, but both the Magistrate and his apprentice have been on the road. News: Bill's done; steroids killed Mark and kept Vic barely within range for the rest of us; Hamilton has not stopped sucking; Fielder's stretch slump could cost a couple people money ...

I'll do posts once a week thru September ...



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Gonzalez (HR) 16; Dunn (HR) 28; Cabrera (RBI) 120 [60] = 104

A weak Gonzo and a below average Dunn doesn't seem to matter if you have Cabrera in the RBI slot.


2) (3) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 19; Davis (HR) 45; Hamilton (RBI) 60 [30] = 94

Somehow the Hamilton anchor hasn't stopped this squad. Outside shot to take it all ...


3 (2) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 31; Freeman (HR) 15; Encarnacion (RBI) 95 [47.5] = 93.5

Same as above: an outside shot to win it all. It'll probably take a big September from both guys here to do it, though.


4) (4) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 40; Beltre (HR) 25; Utley (RBI) 45 [22.5] = 87.5

Braun's an a-hole who has ruined it for everyone else here. These guys could take 2nd, though ...


5) (5) Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 28; Bruce (HR) 24; Eithier (RBI) 44 [22] = 74

Few RBIs, no bueno.


6) (6) Garvey's Army (Steve): Puig (HR) 11; Hamilton (HR) 19; Fielder (RBI) 85 [42.5] = 72.5

Could move up a slot. Outside shot at 3rd. Fielder needs to find his  swing again, though ...


7) (8) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Bulter (HR) 12; Cespedes (HR) 20; Gonzalez (RBI) 76 [38] =
70

Too little across the board. I guess Laurel makes the picks next season ...


8) (7) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): DL Pujols (HR) 17; Heywood (HR) 13; DL Pujols (RBI) 64 [32] =62

Broken players = Broken team ...

Rob's "Maddoning Crowd" had replaced the injured Ryan Howard with Atlanta's Freddie Freeman who has 11 HRs (equal to Howard's number).

 NEW STANDINGS

AS OF JULY 26, 2013 -----

I was surprised to find that the only place change was the two last place teams.

1)  Green Sox (Vic): Gonzalez (15); Dunn (HR) 24; Cabrera (RBI) 96 [48] = 87

         can't argue with Cabrera's RBIs, and can't compete either.

2)  Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 28; Howard (HR) 11; Encarncion (RBI) 80 [40] = 79      
    Howard has gone to the DL with a late August or early September expected day back.

3)  In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 17; Davis (HR) 37; Hamilton (RBI) 42 [21] =  75
       
   six more for Davis, he still leads the league and ruining Cabrera's triple crown hopes.

4)  Sharks (Mark): Carbrera (HR) 31; Beltre (HR) 22; Utley (RBI) 36 [18] = 71 
       
   Replaced the suspended Braun, hoping Utley has a good second half.

 5)  Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 23; Bruce (HR) 21; Ethier (RBI) 36 [18] = 62
        
    nobody here having a very interesting July

6)  Garvey's Army (Steve) Puig (HR) 9; Hamilton (HR) 14; Fielder (RBI) 74 [ 37] = 60

          Puig slowed down.

7)  Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 17; Heywood (HR) 8; Pujols (RBI) 64 [32] = 57
  
          Pujols may hit the DL this week

8)  Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 9; Cespedes (HR) 15; Gonzalez (RBI) 64 [32] = 56

          Cespedes completely stalled and Butler not living up to expectations
 

New Standings

 AS OF JUNE 30, 2013 -----

there are a few place changes but Cabrera is keeping the Green Sox in 1st.

1)  Green Sox (Vic): Gonzalez (10); Dunn (HR) 21; Cabrera (RBI) 82 [41] = 72

          and going, and going, and going.....

2)  Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 23; Howard (HR) 10; Encarncion (RBI) 66 [33] = 66        
    a few more by Edwin.

3)  In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 13; Davis (HR) 31; Hamilton (RBI) 29 [14.5] =  58.5
       
   same comment....Davis still surging ahead, Hamilton still holding back.

4)  Sharks (Mark): Carbrera (HR) 25; Beltre (HR) 14; Braun (RBI) 36 [18] = 57 
       
   Beltre stopped completely and Braun DL

 5)  Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 19; Bruce (HR) 18; Ethier (RBI)24 [12] = 49
        
   Ethier is letting this team down

6)  Garvey's Army (Steve) Puig (HR) 7; Hamilton (HR) 10; Fielder (RBI) 62 [ 31] = 48

          Can Hamilton still hit?

7)  Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 6; Cespedes (HR) 15; Gonzalez (RBI) 48 [24] = 45

          A bit stalled here.

8)  Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 13; Heywood (HR) 6; Pujols (RBI) 49 [24.5] = 43.5
  
          artistry here....unfortunately the 'still life' genre

Vic's Green Sox have dropped Braun from the DL and added Adrian Gonzalez for HRs. He currently has 8 --

NOTE: BRAUN is on the DL if the Green Sox or Sharks want to make a move. The only change is Garvey's army moving up a notch.

1)  Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 9; Dunn (HR) 18; Cabrera (RBI) 71 [35.5] = 62.5

           Dunn getting his knocks plus Cabrera is unstoppable. They are way ahead of the pack.

2)  Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 18; Howard (HR) 8; Encarncion (RBI) 55 [27.5] = 53.5
           This team would be a contender if Howard gets hot

3)  Sharks (Mark): Carbrera (HR) 19; Beltre (HR) 14; Braun (RBI) 36 [18] =51
 
          Well balanced but Braun on the DL has stalled this team's numbers

4)  In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 12; Davis (HR) 24; Hamilton (RBI) 24 [12] = 48

          Davis still surging ahead, Hamilton still holding back

5)  Garvey's Army (Steve) Puig (HR) 4; Hamilton (HR) 10; Fielder (RBI) 54 [ 27] = 41

          Will the Puig make them a contender? The Junior Magistrate doesn't think so. But there were not many choices with Kemp's terrible numbers at time of injury.

6)  Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 5; Cespedes (HR) 13; Gonzalez (RBI) 44 [22] = 40

          There weren't many choices when Stanton went down. Butler is in a holding pattern. Stanton is  now back and has more homers than Butler. OUCH!

7)  Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 15; Bruce (HR) 13; Ethier (RBI)20 [10] = 38

         Bautista slowing, Bruce finally hitting a few but Ethier can't get the numbers. Thanks again to Kemp.

8)  Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 11; Heywood (HR) 5; Pujols (RBI) 43 [21.5] = 37.5
  
          Pujols should pull them out of last place come mid summer.  Odds are Heyward will start going too.

         


         

Lineup Change

Steve made a bold move yesterday by dropping the injured Kemp for Dodger sudden rookie sensation Yasiel Puig, who has already passed Kemp in his HR total. We have no idea how this will all turn out in the end, but all of us in the league office salute this bold move, which gets at the heart of what Power Derby is all about.

Standings - Saturday, June 1 (11:30 AM)

Things are pretty much in a holding pattern. Vic's lead has slightly lessened. Mark and the Rawhide Raconteur are fighting it out for 2nd still. Positions 3-6 are pretty much a  log jam - one player in this group gets hot and we'll  have a new challenger emerge. 

Kemp has gone on the DL and Kevin has dropped him for RBIs in favor of Ethier (out of the frying pan and into the fire?). Steve's sticking with Kemp for HRs, for the moment at least ...



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 9; Dunn (HR) 12; Cabrera (RBI) 61 [30.5] = 51.5

The R.R. suspects this team is not as strong as it looks. Dunn's buck-sixty average will not keep him in the protected clean-up spot much longer ...


2) (2/3) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 15; Howard (HR) 7; Encarncion (RBI) 46 [23] = 45

Another good week from Encarnacion. A little uptick from Howard and this squad could take it all. 


3) (2/3) Sharks (Mark): Carbrera (HR) 16; Beltre (HR) 11; Braun (RBI) 35 [17.5] = 44.5

A hot week or two from either Beltre or Braun could put this team on top.


4) (4) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 9; Davis (HR) 19; Hamilton (RBI) 18 [9] = 37

C'mon Josh! You're all that's missing here. This team has championship written all over it were it not for you ...


5) (5) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 5; Cespedes (HR) 9; Gonzalez (RBI) 40 [20] = 34

Gonzo's not enough. A HR guy has to break out here or this this squad will languish ...


6) (6) Garvey's Army (Steve) Kemp DL (HR) 2; Hamilton (HR) 8; Fielder (RBI) 42 [ 21] = 31

Kemp is defying the law's of physics: he's both sucking and blowing at the same time. The sad thing is he's just as much of an anchor when he's healthy as he is hurt.


7) (7) Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 12; Bruce (HR) 8; Ethier (RBI)15 [7.5] = 27.5

Interesting move taking Ethier to replace Kemp. The way Kemp's been going it certainly can't hurt. But will it help?


8) (8) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 8; Heywood (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 31 [15.5] = 25.5

This team's going no where without a Heywood surge, which is looking more and more unlikely.

Standings - Satuday, May 25 (11:30 AM)

The big story this week is Cabrera's ridiculous power surge, which has suddenly propelled the Sox into a commanding league and the Sharks into a tie for 2nd. Encarnacion also had a good week (including a grand slam). Kemp still missing. Hamilton slowly coming to life ...



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 9; Dunn (HR) 11; Cabrera (RBI) 57 [28.5] = 48

Cabrera, Cabrera, Cabrera ...


2/3) (2) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 13; Howard (HR) 6; Encarncion (RBI) 38 [19] = 38

Who would have ever thought Howard would be an anchor? But the season is still young ...


2/3 (3) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 13; Beltre (HR) 10; Braun (RBI) 30 [15] = 38

 HRs guys look very strong. Can Braun supply enough RBIs? Stay turned for further developments ...


4) (4) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 9; Davis (HR) 16; Hamilton (RBI) 16 [8] = 33

This might be the team to watch. Somehow Bonnie's crew has managed to stay in the hunt with Hamilton's horrid start. Once he starts clicking ...


5) (5) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 5; Cespedes (HR) 9; Gonzalez (RBI) 30 [15] = 29

I have no idea what to think of this squad. A weird combo of players who could end up top three or dead last before it's all over ...


6) (6) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 2; Hamilton (HR) 6; Fielder (RBI) 41 [20.5] = 28.5

Hamilton WILL start hitting. But will Kemp? He's of course the key here ...


7) (8) Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 11; Bruce (HR) 6; Kemp (RBI) 17 [8.5] = 25.5

Stupid Kemp not hitting the stupid ball ...


8) (7) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 8; Heywood (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 29 [14.5] = 24.5

Pujols should be fine in the end. Heywood is more like dead wood ...

Standings - Saturday, May 18 (9:45 AM)

Little change this update; the top 4 are holding steady. There's lots of potential for change, though. There is only 8 or so points between 8th and 3rd, which means all it could take is one player to get hot for everything to be scrambled (did someone say Hamilton? Kemp?)

Other news? Butler kicking it into gear. Dunn lumbering in (multi-directional pun intended) with a good HR week. Heyward off the DL.



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 8; Dunn (HR) 10; Cabrera (RBI) 42 [21] = 39

Everything going well here. This is looking more and more like the squad to beat.


2) (2) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 11; Howard (HR) 6; Encarnacion (RBI) 30 [15] = 32

Waiting for Howard. If he starts playing like he's capable the R.R.'s team will become a beast ...


3) (3) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 8; Beltre (HR) 9; Braun (RBI) 26 [13] = 30

Slow and steady could easily win this race. Braun's slightly lagging RBIs could become an issue.
 

4) (4) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 9; Davis (HR) 11; Hamilton (RBI) 12 [6] = 26

Where for art thou, Josh? Without you there is no party ...


5) (5) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 5; Cespedes (HR) 7; Gonzalez (RBI) 27 [13.5] = 25.5

Cespedes seems to be having his own Cuban missile crisis. Butler heating up. Hard to see which way these guys are going. Restoration Boy and Aqua Girl must be feeling a little pensive ...


6) (6) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 1; Hamilton (HR) 5; Fielder (RBI) 33 [16.5] = 22.5

KEMP????????!!!!!!!!!!! 


7) (7/8) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 7; Heyward (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 25 [12.5] = 21.5

This is looking more like a hospital ward than a team. These guys need to get healthy fast ...
 

8) (7/8) Bushmills League (Kevin) Bautista (HR) 9; Bruce (HR) 4; Kemp (RBI) 15 [7.5] = 20.5

The unholy love child of Kemp and Bruce ...

Standings - Sunday, May 12 (11:00 AM)

Little change from last week: the players who are producing are still producing and those who are not are still spinning their wheels. The mysterious vanishing act of Kemp is probably the top story, and a depressing one at that. The top three positions seem to be tightening up ...



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 8; Dunn 6; Cabrera (RBI) 40 [20] = 34

Still chugging along. Dunn's sub-200 average in a bit of a worry here ...


2) (2) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 10; Howard (HR) 6; Encarnacion (RBI) 25 [12.5] = 28.5

Slowly catching up. The R.R. predicts a Howard surge and a first-place ascension within the next few weeks.


3) (3) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 7; Beltre (HR) 7; Braun (RBI) 26 [13] = 27

No weaknesses here so far. Just a slight uptick in production anywhere and these guys are challenging for first.


4) (4) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 9; Davis (HR) 10; Hamilton (RBI) 11 [5.5] = 24.5

Near-death Josh Hamilton experience ...


5) (5/6) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 4; Cespedes (HR) 6; Gonzalez (RBI) 26 [13] = 23

These guys needs some HRs. Too early to say much about which direction the eco-twin's squad is going.


6) (5/6) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 1; Hamilton (HR) 4; Fielder (RBI) 33 [16.5] = 21.5

What the hell's wrong with Kemp? Hamilton showing some slight signs of life. Fielder still holding these guys up.


7/8) (7) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 5; DL Heyward (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 20 [10] = 17

Injury, injury, injury ...


7/8 (8) Bushmills League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 7; Bruce (HR) 3; Kemp (RBI) 14 [7] = 17

Everyone here is stalled to some degree ...

Standings - May 5 (10:30 AM)

Eric replaces the injured Stanton with Butler. Bill stands pat with ailing Heyward. It's too early to see much in the way of trends, but the Sox are looking awfully strong. Where the hell is Bruce? A return to form by Kemp and/or Hamilton could scramble everything here ...



1) (1) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 7; Dunn (HR) 6; Cabrera (RBI) 36 [18] = 31

Cabrera's big week keeps this squad humming.


2) (2/3) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 9; Howard (HR) 5; Encarnacion (RBI) 20 [10] = 24

Encarnacion snapping into place. Howard coming to life. Watch out Sox ...


3) (4) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 6; Beltre (HR) 6; Braun (RBI) 23 [11.5] = 23.5

Waiting for a breakout week from one of these guys. Holding nice and steady for the moment ...


4) (2/3) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 7; Davis (HR) 9; Hamilton (RBI) 9 [4.5] = 20.5

Still waiting for Josh. He's the floating variable that could decide it all for this team.


5/6) (7) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Butler (HR) 3; Cespedes (HR) 4; Gonzales (RBI) 20 [10] = 17

Stanton gone, Butler in. Does the Error have the HR power to compete? Stay turned to this channel for further information ...


5/6) (5) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 1; Hamilton (HR) 2; Fielder (RBI) 28 [14] = 17

HR drought that's hard to explain. Fielder keeping these guys afloat until the power asserts itself.


7) (8) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 5; DL Heyward (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 19 [9.5] = 16.5

Pujols under-performing and Heyward hurt. These fishermen are not particularly jolly at the moment ...


8) (6) Bushmill's League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 7; Bruce (HR) 1; Kemp (RBI) 13 [6.5] = 14.5

Under performace pretty much across the board. Far too early to write these guys off. But it is a bit worrying ...

Standings - April 28th (10:15 AM)

Lot's of news this time out. Two players are on the DL, Heyward and Cespedes. If these owners want to take advantage of the April Rule (you can pick a player with up to 3 more HRs or 8 more RBIs than your guy has) and amp up their squads they need to contact the League office with their choices no later than midnight on the 30th.

There are two new team names as well. Bill's guys are now known as the Wassailing Piscators (Jolly Fishermen) and the  Rawhide Raconteur has decided that he's over Mike Scioscia's grind-it-out have-as-little-fun-as-possible managing style. I am going to stick with my manger's theme but just switch to Tampa's Joe Maddon (my favorite skipper). The Sciosciapaths are now the Maddoning Crowd.




1) (2) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 7; Dunn (HR) 5; Cabrera (RBI) 23 [11.5] = 23.5

Big start for the Sox. Dunn's hitting a buck thirty, though, which is a bad sign even for him. This team could have an Achilles heel ... 


2/3) (7) Maddoning Crowd (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 7; Howard (HR) 2; Encarnacion (RBI) 16 [8] = 17

Encarnacion is coming to life after very slow start. Can Howard come back strong? Will the new name put my guys over the top? The RR's squad is looking a lot better than it did a couple of weeks ago ...


2/3) (1) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 5; Davis (HR) 8; Hamilton (RBI) 8 [4] = 17

Waiting for Josh. Everything else here is looking good ...


4) (6) Sharks (Mark): Carbrera (HR) 2; Beltre (HR) 4; Braun (RBI) 21 [10.5] = 16.5

Cabrera's hitting up a storm, just with few HRs. Beltre's looking a little creaky. Braun's having his usual PEDtastic start ...


5) (3/4) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 1; Hamilton (HR) 2; Fielder (RBI) 22 [11] = 14

One player does not a team make. Kemp and Hamilton's dismal starts are dragging this potentially powerful squad down ...


6) (8) Bushmill's League (Kevin): Bautista (HR) 7; Bruce (HR) 1; Kemp (RBI) 10 [5] = 13

A slow Kemp and missing Bruce are killing this squad. Is Kevin already hoping for an injury or two?


7) (3/4) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Stanton (HR) 1; DL Cespedes (HR) 3; Gonzalez (RBI) 17 [8.5] = 12.5

Under performance and injury are already killing these guys. Are the Eco-Twins going to be making a move soon?


8) (5) Wassailing Piscators (Bill): Pujols (HR) 2; DL Heyward (HR) 2; Pujols (RBI) 13 [6.5] = 10.5

Pujol's heel and Heyward's now missing appendix are ruling this team. The RR predicts a personnel move here soon ...

Predictions and Standings

Hi Everyone. Welcome to Power Derby 2013! A special welcome to Sacramento Steve, who is joining us for the first time this season. It's of course far too early to tell anything, but I have included the Rawhide Raconteur's predictions for the season to liven things up. Unless things start heating up unusually early, I'll probably wait a couple weeks before again updating the standings.



1) In-Stitches (Bonnie): Fielder (HR) 2; Davis (HR) 6; Hamilton (RBI) 4 [2] = 10

This team could be great. But Davis is a bit of a crap shoot and Hamilton's fragile and in a new, non-hitter's park. Hard to predict either way with this squad.


2) Green Sox (Vic): Braun (HR) 1; Dunn (HR) 2; Cabrera (RBI) 11 [5.5] = 8.5

Braun's always on the verge of PED limbo, but Dunn and Cabrera could be monsters. Baring injury the Rawhide Raconteur predicts these guys will be in it till the end. 


3/4) Steroids Error (Eric & Laurel): Stanton (HR) 0; Cespedes (HR) 3; Gonzalez (RBI) 8 [4] = 7

Another team that's hard to predict. How good are Stanton and Cespedes? The truth is we don't know. The R.R. is not going out on a limb here either way ...


3/4) Garvey's Army (Steve): Kemp (HR) 0; Hamilton (HR) 0; Fielder (RBI) = 14 [7] = 7

On paper this squad looks formidable.  But Kemp and Hamilton are fragile and streaky. If they stay healthy look for these guys to be very competitive.


5) The Unnamed (Bill): Pujols (HR) 2; Heywood (HR) 1; Pujols (RBI) 5 [2.5] = 5.5

Heywood's yet to fully live up to his promise, but if Pujols has a Pujols-type year that might be all it takes. A top 3 or 4 team for sure.


6) Sharks (Mark): Cabrera (HR) 1; Beltre (HR) 1; Braun (RBI) 6 [3] = 5

Another big squad on paper. Beltre's best days might be behind him, though and Braun could be suspended at any moment.  Beltre's probably the key - if he has a good year this team will be tough. If not ...


7) Scioscapaths (Rob): Encarnacion (HR) 1; Howard (HR) 1; Encarnacion (RBI) 4 [2] = 4

Doubling up on Encarnacion is either a brilliant move or a  season killer. Howard could be the key here. If he comes back strong he's one of only two or three hitters playing today capable of smacking 50. It wouldn't surprise me if this team came in first, last, or anywhere in between.


8) Bushmills League (Kevin) Bautista (HR) 2; Bruce (HR) 0; Kemp (RBI) 2 [1] = 3

Is Bruce for real? Can Kemp stay healthy? Is Bautista healed? If "yes" turns out to be the answer to all of these questions this team is top 3. Just one "no," though, and things could fall apart.