1st Soggy Cheeseballs 95.5
2nd Team Gluttons 95
3rd Schwartzstopps (Cory) 79.5
4th Caveat Emptor (GP) 74.5
5th Havelina lumber co. 72
6th Texas High Heat 63
7th Bitter Old Dodgers fan 62.5
8th Argyle Gargoyles 54.5
9th Union City Strikers 52.5
10th War Paint 45.5
11th South Larson Hamptonians (Siano) 43.5
12th Bloo Meenies 42
Key Starts of the Day
By Jay the Technical Advisor
By The Jersey HitmanSomething `screwie’ is going on in `St. Louie’: The Cardinals are winning! Who knew? How are they doing it? Can they keep it up? Are there any players on this team that can help my fantasy team? Hmmmm.This situation is one I need to look into a little more deeply.More »
SAN FRANCISCO (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) — Beleaguered San Francisco Giants ace Barry Zito has never struggled this much in any season in the big leagues. Off to a 0-6 start with an abysmal 7.53 ERA, Zito was recently sent to the bullpen prompting him to trade himself yesterday from his own fantasy baseball team. “I just had to make the move. I was getting my ass handed to me. I mean, 0-6 in April?” said the former Cy Young Award winner. “I called a few of my buddies, and I finally got one of them to bite in a trade, but I had to throw in David Wright. I’m telling you, fantasy guys are tougher than the real thing.” Fantasy baseball is played by millions of baseball fans worldwide and is a multimillion dollar business. Zito is one of several major leaguers to play in fantasy leagues, but considers himself a bit of a novice. “Yeah, so much of it is luck and knowing how to spend,” added Zito. “But even someone who just started playing can see moving me is the wise choice. I really bite the big one right now. Maybe I need a little time in the minors, riding in buses, staying in flea bag motels, and getting in bar fights to get my head straight.” Zito has been experiencing a bit of what fantasy experts call “lost identity.” “You see it with big leaguers who actually play in the fantasy leagues,” said fantasy guru Mike Kuchera. “They trade themselves, and they lose touch with who they are. Sadly, in some instances, their families are the real victims. Jim Edmonds traded himself three times last year and wound up paying alimony to four different women.” “Even if it’s a fantasy league, a veteran like Edmonds should know better,” said Marvin Michaels, an attorney who represented Anna Topper, a Florida-based exotic dancer to whom Edmonds was wed for three weeks before he traded himself to the California Angels and proposed to a nail technician from Anaheim. “The rules still apply: Just because you traded yourself to a new team in a new city doesn’t mean you get to trade your old wife for a new one. Wouldn’t that be convenient? What about guys like me who’ve been stuck with this bum since the season started? Unlike Edmonds I can’t blink my eyes three times and wind up with a new team and a new wife. Look, we all have fantasies — mine is to play centerfield for the St. Louis Cardinals alongside Jenna Jameson in right on a field covered in high thread count satin sheets. But unlike Edmonds I know not to take liberties with my fantasies — because you will pay a price. I should know, as Ms. Jameson charges a fortune.” Zito made the trade with college buddy Cameron Kane. “I thought having Barry on my team was a bit of a conflict of interests,” said Kane. “I wanted to maintain our friendship, and not put the pressure of a bad start on him. But when I knew I could get David Wright, I figured all bets where off — in a manner of speaking. Getting Wright was the key. And who knows? Barry might earn me a couple of points in middle relief.” “It’s kind of weird,” added Zito. “I’m still on the Giants, but I also play on Cam’s fantasy team. I’m not sure where my loyalty rests. Cam even went so far as to outfit me with a cap and warm up jersey with his logo on it, which quite frankly, I don’t care much for. It’s like being in that Superman Bizarro World.” Meanwhile, since the trade, Zito says a ghost-like figure named Fantasy Barry has appeared twice in his home. “He looked just like me and claimed I stole his weed,” said Zito. “Then he opened my refrigerator and ate some leftover Chinese food. Two hours later he showed up and asked if I wanted to go surfing with two dudes named Harley and Slam. Holy crap! I’m sporting a seven plus ERA, I’ve got my own evil twin — and it’s only May!”
Mike, Cory and Vinny have posted messages on the leading off blog http://leadingoff.mlblogs.com/
and are encouraging others to do the same.
From today’s Philly Daily News:
“Donations in Marzano’s memory can be made to the Jayden Brady and Ariana Marzano College Fund, c/o PNC Bank, 1544 Packer Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19145.”
I’m at a loss for what to say other than our prayers go out to the family and he will be missed.
Former Major Leaguer John Marzano dies at 45 in Philadelphia
NEW YORK — Former Major League catcher John Marzano, 45, a first-round draft pick in 1984, died this weekend at his home in Philadelphia, where he suffered a fall down a flight of stairs reportedly after a possible heart attack.
Marzano, who played for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners, was in his second season as an on-air personality at MLB.com.
“John was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to all with whom he worked,” said Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advanced Media. “He was an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy, knowledge of the game and comedic touch produced admirable results. We miss him dearly already.”
MLB.com will immediately establish an internship program in memory of Marzano, who in addition to being drafted 14th overall in 1984 earned a spot on Team USA for the Olympics.
“Words cannot describe how sorry we are to have lost John’s inspiring presence, but rest assured, his spirit and legacy will always influence us,” said Dinn Mann, MLB.com’s EVP of Content. “Our prayers go out to his family, his friends and his fans. John simply gave his all every time he went about doing his job and living his life, always grateful, always striving.”
A native of South Philadelphia and born on Valentine’s Day in 1963, Marzano, a member of the Temple University Hall of Fame, showed tremendous work ethic and determination as a ballplayer and broadcaster.
Marzano played 10 seasons as a catcher in the Majors. The Red Sox weren’t the first team to draft him. The Twins picked him in the third round in 1981 out of high school, but Marzano elected to go to college. Marzano reached the big leagues within three years after starring at Temple, playing for Boston from 1987-1992. He was in the Cleveland and Philadelphia farm systems for two years, then, in 1995, appeared in two games for the Texas Rangers. In 1996, he earned a spot on Lou Piniella’s Seattle roster and spent three years with the Mariners.
After retiring as a player, Marzano worked for WIP radio in Philadelphia and at Comcast SportsNet as a post-game analyst for Phillies games before catching on full time with MLB.com in 2007.
Marzano was co-host with Vinny Micucci of “Leading Off” on MLB.com”s Baseball Channel every weekday at 9 a.m. Marzano impressed those around him until the day he died, regularly delivering instructive insight and humor in his role.
“(Ken Griffey Jr.) lifts and separates better than any hitter I have ever seen,” Marzano said during a recent show, breaking down a highlight. “Having an opportunity to watch this man play for three years, I was so fortunate — even though I was sitting on the bench watching him. To watch him and the plays he made in center field, crashing into walls, sometimes getting hurt, not worrying about himself but worrying about his team, it was amazing for me to watch that.”
Marzano is survived by his wife Terri, daughters Dominique and Danielle, and two grandchildren.
Fantasy Baseball Mafia presents “Inside the Trader’s Studio” hosted by Bob in Cleveland and Gabriel Lundeen on Blog Talk Radio. Check it out! New shows every Saturday!!
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The FantasyBaseballmafia.com brings to you their latest podcast FantasyBaseballmafia Live. It is two hour of calls, strategies, updates and some laughs. It’s Tony and Darryl’s world and we bring you all of the fantasy information you need to dominate your leagues.
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FBM Presents “Fantasy Baseball for Dummies”
He caters to all fantasy baseball players – young and old! You’ve heard him on the MLB.com Fantasy 411 show. Now, FantasyBaseballMafia.com is proud to present ‘Fantasy Baseball for Dummies’ with host Pete in Jordan.
Each week Pete will explore just what it takes to play and win the game! Catch him every Wednesday on BlogTalkRadio!
SF - MIL
Giants RHP Keiichi Yabu’s status for Monday’s home opener against the Padres is uncertain after he hurt his eyes when the elastic bands he was working out with Saturday became unhooked and snapped across his face. … Giants CF Aaron Rowand (sore ribs) will be re-evaluated Monday. X-rays on Saturday were inconclusive and he’s missed the last two games. … Brewers CF Tony Gwynn Jr. said he thinks he’ll be ready to play Tuesday after missing the series with a tight left hamstring.
SD _ LAD
The home run Young gave up to Ethier equaled the total number of homers he allowed last season in 13 starts at spacious Petco Park covering 85 1-3 innings. … Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa returned after serving a three-game suspension. Bowa was ejected Tuesday night after he ignored warnings from umpire crew chief Ed Montague not to leave the third base coaching box during a game against San Francisco. Bowa, who had to be restrained by Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer, was suspended because he repeatedly bumped Torre into Montague as he argued. … Umpire crew chief Tim Tschida missed the game with an inner ear infection.
CIN - PHI
Myers is the 378th pitcher to give up a homer by Griffey, who was 3-for-9 career off the right-hander before he connected. … It was Griffey’s 100th career homer in his hometown. Of those, 62 have come at Great American Ball Park. … Volquez was 3-11 in 17 starts and three relief appearances for the Rangers. … The Phillies have been held to three or fewer runs three times this season, setting up their 2-4 start. … Lidge made his first appearance since coming off the disabled list on Saturday, pitching a perfect eighth. He struck out Griffey for the second out. … 2B Chase Utley hit his 150th career double.
HOU - CHC
Bourn jogged to first thinking he’d walked on a check swing 3-2 pitch in the eighth. But after Cubs manager Lou Piniella came out of the dugout and asked for an appeal, third-base umpire Kerwin Danley ruled Bourn went around and was out. … Blanco got the start at catcher for the Cubs, who rested Geovany Soto and gave him a chance to practice using his legs to aid his throwing motion. Base stealers are 7-for-7 against Soto this season. … Houston 1B Lance Berkman (neck spasms) and 3B Ty Wigginton (small fracture in his left thumb) did not play. They both left Saturday’s game early. Wigginton will be examined Monday. … Astros 2B Kaz Matsui, on the disabled list after problems with an anal fissure, is scheduled to go on a rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi starting Tuesday.
Tor - BOS
Ellsbury is 4-for-6 with two career homers against Halladay. … Boston made four errors, three by shortstop Julio Lugo. … Boston RHP Kyle Snyder was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Beckett. … Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon threw out the first pitch.
ARI - COL
Helton has hit safely in all six games. … The last time Colorado was swept at home by Arizona was July 7-9, 2006.
SEA - BAL
Bedard is expected to start Tuesday in Tampa Bay. … Seattle’s Adrian Beltre went 0-for-3 against Guthrie and is hitless in nine career at-bats against the right-hander. … Millar has at least one hit in all five games.
KC - MIN
OF David DeJesus left the season opener with an ankle injury in the third inning and hasn’t played since. Hillman isn’t sure if DeJesus will be ready for Tuesday. … Denard Span made his major league debut for the Twins in right field and went 0-for-2 with a walk. … Twins starters have more balks (two) than walks (one) this season.
WAS - STL
Molina caught Milledge at first to end the first and leads major league catchers with 20 pickoffs since his rookie season in 2005. … The Nationals have committed only one error, the best defensive start in franchise history. Last year they had seven errors after seven games. … Cardinals LF Chris Duncan (left hamstring strain) missed his fifth start but La Russa said he could be in the lineup on Monday at Houston. … The Cardinals swept the Nationals/Expos at home for the first time since a three-gamer from May 2-4, 2003.
CWS - DET
Nick Swisher homered on the game’s second pitch, Carlos Quentin had four RBIs and the Chicago White Sox handed the Detroit Tigers their sixth straight loss, 13-2 Sunday night.
Despite the second-highest payroll in baseball, the Tigers, the only winless team in baseball, are off to their worst start since going 0-9 at the beginning 2003, when they lost an AL-record 119 games.
Tex - LAA
Garland had been impressive in his debut for Los Angeles, holding the Twins to one run and six hits over eight innings of a 9-1 victory during the season-opening series at Minnesota. … Padilla gave up one run on eight hits in six innings in his first start of the season, getting no decision in Texas’ 5-4 win at Seattle. … Angels RHP Scot Shields, who came off the DL a day earlier, pitched the eighth inning and gave up a leadoff single before retiring the next three batters. … The Rangers traditionally have given Garland trouble: He came in with a 4-7 record and 5.50 ERA against them in 17 appearances against them, including 16 starts.