Dempster Struggles, Ortiz Smacks Two Home Runs in 12-5 Red Sox Win Over Minnesota Twins

Heeeere’s Jonny! Gomes Lifts Red Sox to Extra Inning Win over Twins

Connelly’s Top Ten: Bruins Keep Rolling

Middlebrooks Delivers in 9th as Sox Rally in Dramatic Fashion

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Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up: Week 23 (9-7 – 9-13)

You may have noticed last week that there was no “Wrap-Up” for Week 22. Unfortunately, my computer came down with a terrible virus. It is so bad in fact that it is STILL in the shop for cleaning. Yeah, we are going on almost a week of virus cleaning. The lesson boys and girls is that you better make damn sure that the adult sites you visit are completely safe for your PC. You will thank me later for this tidbit of information. You’re welcome!

OFFENSE

Billy Butler (1B), Kansas City Royals

I mentioned before how Butler comes alive in the second half. I was unfortunately on the receiving end of Butler’s offensive assault that included a league-leading 13 hits. Throw in five doubles, two homers, and a league-best 12 RBI and we have a bonified second half stud.

Derek Lee (1B), Chicago Cubs

Lee tried to fend off Butler in my matchup last week and did a pretty good job with 10 hits, 10 runs, and three home runs. Lee’s 32 home runs are the most he has had in a season since 2005 when he hit 46.

Rajai Davis (CF), Oakland A’s

I originally plugged Davis back in week 19 and even more recently last Friday. Jump on board now! If you already have, then you benefited from Davis’ great week of 11 hits and league-best five stolen bases.

Nate McLouth (CF), Atlanta Braves

McLouth had a very good 11-hit week that saw him blast two more home runs. Since coming back from the DL on September 4th, McLouth has hit .412 with three home runs.

Raul Ibanez (LF), Philadelphia Phillies

Ibanez passed the 30-HR plateau for the second time in his career last week. In total, he launched four home runs and drove in seven RBI as part of his 11-33 week.

PITCHING

Javier Vazquez (SP), Atlanta Braves

Vazquez continues to be as solid as any starter in fantasy with two wins and a 1.12 ERA last week. Barring a huge meltdown, Vazquez will set career-bests in ERA, WHIP, and BAA this season.

Ted Lilly (SP), Chicago Cubs

Lilly also won both of his starts last week to improve to 12-8 this season. He did it with a stellar 1.50 ERA and 14 strikeouts. Like Vazquez, Lilly is on pace for career-bests in ERA and WHIP.

Joakim Soria (RP), Kansas City Royals

Soria had one of the best weeks for a closer this season with four saves and an incredible eight strikeouts in 3.2 innings (19.64 K/9). He also didn’t allow a single earned run during his week.

Jose Valverde (RP), Houston Astros

Pat Valverde on the back too! He picked up two saves and a win last week while surrendering no runs and fanning three batters. Despite injuries that forced him to miss all of May, Valverde has put up a miniscule 1.88 ERA this season.

John Lackey (SP), L.A. Angels

Lackey made his one start count by tossing his first complete game shutout of the season with seven strikeouts. Lackey recently remembered that he is in a contract year and has put together a 0.35 ERA in his last three starts.

Why Should I Give a Crap About These Guys?

Vicente Padilla (SP), L.A. Dodgers

Hey, having trouble in the A.L.? Then just do what Brad Penny and John Smoltz have done and just go back to the N.L. Padilla is enjoying his time with the Dodgers and is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in four starts with Los Angeles.

Jason Frasor (RP), Toronto Blue Jays

It’s playoff time and you need saves? Well, Frasor is now officially the ninth inning man in Toronto and has already racked up four saves in September.

Cody Ross (LF, CF, RF), Florida Marlins

Ross is notoriously streaky and he is currently enjoying a great run of offense. Since the start of August, Ross is hitting .309 with seven home runs and 30 RBI.

Juan Uribe (2B, 3B, SS), San Francisco Giants

Hey, 2B and SS are shallow positions and Uribe is providing some much needed pop to it. Over the past month, Uribe has hit eight home runs with five of them coming in September where he is hitting .349.

Pedro Martinez (SP), Philadelphia Phillies

Now is your last chance to jump on the bandwagon. Pedro has been nothing short of spectacular in his return with a 5-0 record, 2.87 ERA, and 8.12 K/9. He is still available in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues, so he is probably up for grabs no matter where you are.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• *SIGH* Despite being the #1 seed, facing the 8th seed, finishing the regular season in first place by 37.5 games, I LOST in the first round of the playoffs. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little bitter.
• SoB’s Mike and SoB’s Jeff move on as me and SoB’s KC go home early.
• Recent pickups include: Marlon Byrd, Ryan Sweeney, Julio Borbon, Melky Cabrera, Casey McGehee, and Clay Buckholz.

Tags: Billy Butler, Derek Lee, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up, Javier Vazquez, Joakim Soria, John Lackey, Jose Valverde, Nate McLouth, Rajai Davis, Raul Ibanez, Ted Lilly

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