Don't Let Byrd Fly Away

Happy Thursday!

Let's start today's big blog by talking about....you guessed it, FOOTBALL!  I'll keep it brief at this location, but cruise on by my other blog, Johnny Archive's Fantasy Feature, to get more insight.

Okay, I had the 12th pick (last) so I would have 2 picks in a row, but I wouldn't get one of the super-elite players, or would I?  See, I have a very different view to this year's crop of fantasy football studs.  You know me, I'm always going back in time, but I really think there are going to be several players who rebound in 2008 after subpar 2007 seasons.

The team with the first overall pick was the team that forgot to name his team, I know, but like I explained yesterday, I view my first draft of the season as a more serious mock draft.  As it turns out, this dude didn't even show up for the draft -- which I have never understood, since the draft time is one of main reasons I join these free leagues.  Why do people sign up for drafts and then not show?  Amazing, especially since this guy had the first pick!

Anyway, his auto-draft kicked things off by selecting L.Tomlinson and on through the first round we went with pretty much all the expected players who were pre-ranked by Sportsline being yanked off the board.  There are 3 RB that I see go in the first round routinely that I would never take that high; Brian Westbrook, Marion Barber and Frank Gore.  I am just not sold on these guys being dependable enough to warrant of my top pick and building my team around them.

Don't get me wrong, they are all nice players who will probably put up some big numbers, but I think there is too much risk for one or all three of them to end up being this year's 1st round bust.

It's finally my turn, and remember I get to chose 2 peeps.  I go with Larry Johnson, who I think rebounds off of a lost 2007 when a lengthy contract holdout ruined his season.  Then it was decision time, do I snag another top RB or go with a QB?  Taking a WR here is probably a reach since Randy Moss was already gone.  The problem with going QB was both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were off the board, and I had planned on taking one of them with Johnson.  So, I went with TO - Terrell Owens, which even surprised me.  I have a feeling Owens watching Moss get all the attention last year is going to really motivate him.  We'll see.

You know my top two picks, to find out who else I took, and why, you'll need to head to my blogger blog Johnny Archive's Fantasy Feature.  Like I said earlier, I don't want to spend too much time talking football here.  There is a ton of good baseball left in the season and I am still jazzed about watching it unfold.

My prediction on how Brett Favre does in New York as a Jet: He gets injured in week 4 and becomes an after thought by the end of the season.  Then retires again.

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There is player available (no fair looking at the title) in your fantasy league right now who is batting 5th behind 2 elite players and in an awesome ballpark.  Do you know who he is?  Here's a hint: He just made a ball fly away when he jacked a grand slam.  Go ahead, take a minute and think about it.

Minnesota OF Denard Span, who I already talked about on a previous post, is now starting to get some attention by the masses.  He's a better real baseball player then a fantasy player because of his defensive abilities, but he's worth a look as a Monday/Thursday type fill in.  Don't expect too much though, and don't be fooled by his speed, as he is not really a good base stealer.

The Rockies signed Livan Hernandez to be a back end of the rotation type for the rest of the season.  This is a move that is very easy to laugh at, but don't forget this guy is tough, can eat up innings and has a ton of post season experience.  I think he'll actually help the Rockies, though as a fantasy owner I can't recommend him.

What else...the Indians bullpen.  I like Refeal Perez to end up with most of the Saves the rest of the season.  He got nasty stuff, his head is the only problem.

The Mets 'pen is also a mess.  Aaron Heilman should be the guy, but his problems with the long-ball have hurt his confidence and you can't close games is you are doubting yourself, even in the slightest way.  I think it will end up being a different guys mopping up until Billy Wagner gets back.  I'm sure this Eddie Kunz kid will get an opportunity or two, but tossing a Double-A pitcher to the NY onslaught of pressure from media and fans is sceeeery.

Speaking of blown saves, the Cards' are desperate for somebody, anybody to step up and take over the closer role.  It's looking like Adam Wainwright will be the guy when he gets healthy, as he's in the minors and working his way back as a releiver focusing on shorter stints.  As a Wainwright owner, I wouldn't mind seeing him take over as the closer.

The answer to that earlier as to who is the #5 hitter who is available and hitting behind 2 All-Stars is none other then Marlon Byrd.  He's only hitting .260 and doesn't have much for seaosn totals, but this guy got off to an absolutely horrible start and has really started to pick it up as of late.  Remember, you get Byrd's stats going forward, not back.  He could make a difference as a #5 OF on many fantasy teams for the rest of the year.

Okay, that's it, don't forget that a little later (I did this blog first) I'll have the other blog updated with more football stuff.

-Johnny Archive