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Fantasy Baseball Wrap-up: Week 25 (9-21 – 9-27)

Championship week is upon us. In our SoB league, it is a two week affair that will have you pulling your hair out and anxiously awaiting to see box scores. Just because you aren’t in the finals, doesn’t mean you can’t watch the drama unfold. Hell, you still have your consolation brackets to compete for. In the end it is all for bragging rights and a phantom championship trophy.

OFFENSE

Joey Votto (1B), Cincinnati Reds

Votto’s 14 hits led the majors and 11 went for extra bases. He hit just one home run, so the rest of the XBH were an amazing 10 doubles. Votto also scored 11 runs and drove in eight RBI.

Ryan Howard (1B), Philadelphia Phillies

Howard is the premiere power hitter in baseball. He continued his reign with two home runs (43) and a league-best 14 RBI. Howard has 21 home runs and 70 RBI since the break.

Rafael Furcal (SS), L.A. Dodgers

Adding some much needed value to the SS position, Furcal belted out a 13/28 (.464) week with a home run, a stolen bases, and seven RBI. Furcal is cruising along nicely in September with a .327 avg and four stolen bases.

Adrian Gonzalez (1B), San Diego Padres

Gonzalez’s two home runs helped him reach the first 40-HR season of his career. Adding to his historic season, he drove in eight RBI and scored nine runs. Just imagine what he could do if he didn’t play in San Diego.

Alex Rodriguez (3B), New York Yankees

A-Rod gave owners some much needed power and speed when he launched three home runs and stole three bases. September is his best month yet where he sports a .349 avg with five home runs and 23 RBI.

PITCHING

Zack Greinke (SP), Kansas City Royals

Oh just give him the Cy Young already! Greinke dominated in his two starts with a 2-0 record, 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. Greinke has been untouchable in September by allowing only two earned runs in five starts.

Mariano Rivera (RP), New York Yankees

Nothing new from Rivera, as he picked up four more saves to give himself 43 on the year. He fanned five batters in 4.0 innings without allowing a run.

Trevor Hoffman (RP), Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball’s all-time saves leader picked up two more for his lifelong total and he even won a game to improve to 2-2. Did anybody expect Hoffman to bounce back with a 1.76 ERA this season?

Carlos Zambrano (SP), Chicago Cubs

The often-injured Zambrano stayed healthy enough to make his one start count by picking up a victory in his first complete game shutout of the season. Zambrano has a 2.81 ERA in his last five starts.

Huston Street (RP), Colorado Rockies

Street helped the surging Rockies maintain their lead in the N.L. Wild Card with a win and a save in 4.2 innings of work. He struck out six batters and didn’t allow a run during his week.

Why Should I Give a Crap About These Guys?

Jay Bruce (LF, CF, RF), Cincinnati Reds

Bruce is back after fracturing his wrist in July. Since his return, he is hitting .357 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 12 games.

Julio Borbon (LF), Texas Rangers

In 39 games he is hitting .319 and batting leadoff for the Rangers gives him an ample amount of runs scored. He is also a cheap source of stolen bases and has 19 this season including eight in September.

Marlon Byrd (LF, CF, RF), Texas Rangers

Another Ranger on the list! Byrd hit three home runs last week and drove in 11 RBI. Byrd is in his final year with the Rangers and is playing his ass off for a new contract. He is on fire this month with five home runs and 23 RBI.

Juan Gutierrez (RP), Arizona Diamondbacks

Hey, it is finals time and you need cheap saves! Gutierrez is the new closer in Arizona and is 7-7 in saves since August 31st.

Kevin Correia (SP, RP), San Diego Padres

Correia has put together a fantastic run lately. Over his past 12 starts, he has a 2.52 ERA and 5-2 record. He has won three of his last five starts with a complete game shutout coming in his last start against Arizona.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• After one week of the championship matchup, SoB’s Jeff has a comfortable 14-7–3 lead over SoB’s Mike.
• Not a lot of free agent action as SoB’s Mike makes the only additions by picking up Drew Stubbs and Placido Polanco.

Tags: Adrian Gonzalez, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Zambrano, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up, Huston Street, Joey Votto, Mariano Rivera, Rafael Furcal, Ryan Howard, Trevor Hoffman, Zack Greinke