We started with 10 teams aiming for glory. Now only two have the chance to claim the BaseballGB Fantasy League crown. Read on to find out which sides made it through to the championship final.
After seven weeks, the BaseballGB Fantasy League’s regular season is over. Read on to find out which teams will be competing for the title in the playoffs and which teams are battling for the consolation prize.
There’s plenty to play for in the final week as only the top four advance to the championship playoffs. The teams finishing fifth to eighth will take part in he consolation playoffs. Here are the crucial matchups: Week seven:
A no-hitter. Bench-clearing incidents. A trade deadline looming. It was another eventful week in MLB. Let’s look at how it affected week five of the BaseballGB Fantasy League.
Players apologising for hitting grand slams. Bullpen meltdowns. Near no-hitters. Games decided by plays at the plate. Just another week in MLB. Here’s how it affected the week four matchups ( also the half-way point in the season) in the BaseballGB Fantasy League.
We have a change at the top as Bunting move 0.5 ahead of the Slugs. Big wins for the Eagles and Norwich help them climb the standings. Just 6.5 games cover the top nine teams so still plenty to play for in the second half of the season.
It’s been another week of late comebacks and crazy numbers being put up as well as some injuries to big names and more postponements due to Covid. Here’s how it affected the BaseballGB Fantasy League in week three.
The latest rash of injuries, Covid cases and suspensions may leave your roster looking a little thin. Remember to make the most of your IL spots, pick up replacements from the free agent pool or you can always try to make a trade.
The Marlins are in the hunt for the playoffs. The Rockies are top of the NL West. Donovan Solano has turned into Ted Williams. It’s a strange time indeed, but there’s one thing we can be sure of: the Astros are still jerks. Here’s how the week’s action affected the BaseballGB Fantasy League.
Donovan Solano is leading the NL in RBIs. Colin Moran has five homers. Tyler Chatwood has been the best pitcher on the Cubs. The Marlins have only played three games but are still second in the NL East.
It’s been a crazy start to the strangest of seasons. But which teams have made winning starts in the 2020 BaseballGB Fantasy League?
Reminder: Make sure you use your IL spots for injured players to make room on your roster for replacements. And with more postponements likely make sure you have enough cover on your bench.
The BaseballGB Fantasy League draft went ahead – slightly later than planned for obvious reasons. Read on to find out how our managers drafted 300 players in 70 minutes.
Our league has 10 teams this year and as the season is only 60 games this year – meaning seven weeks of regular season and two weeks of playoffs for the top four – the decision was made to expand the rosters. Each team would be drafting: C, C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, MI, CI, CF, OF, OF, OF, OF, UT, UT, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN.
Each manager would need 30 players per roster including extra bench slots to guard against any injuries and illnesses.The stats categories remained the same: R, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OPS, W, HLD, SV, K, ERA, WHIP.
I had not done as many mock drafts this year as lockdown came at a time when I would have normally been doing them. I made do with just one 10-team mock, where I chose to pick sixth. I was really happy with how that draft went and it helped me finalise my draft strategy for the real thing. I logged into the draft room 15 minutes before it began and was delighted to find I was picking seventh out of 10. Yes, it was towards the back of the queue but I knew that with fairly regular picks I was confident of building a strong team.
The RBIs were always going to pick a Yankee. It turned out to be Judge. Don’t get me wrong, I love his power, but with all of the players to choose from I would go for a player that can help more across more categories in the way Acuna Jr, Trout or Yelich can. A surprise to see Betts go second too but I happily draft Lindor (as I had done in my mock) to get me started. Norwich selected Cole with their first pick. I had already decided to load up on hitters in the early rounds and leave getting a starter until later as even an ace like Cole will only pitch 12 times or so this season.
The Alonso selection brought a similar reaction to the Judge pick for me. Yes, monstrous power and he would have been a fine pick a few rounds later but there are other players here who are better across the board, such as Bregman and Tatis Jr. I did fear that I would be picking a pair of shortstops early and was tempted to go with Tatis Jr here but decided that it made more sense to fill a different position and went for Soto (as I did in my mock). The RBIs go for another Yankee and I can understand why with Torres.
Despite several arms going in this round, I was sticking to my guns with my plan to draft hitters in the first five rounds, taking Rendon to fill out the left side of my infield. Slight surprise to Rizzo go this high and we’ll see how long it takes Freeman to recover from Covid-19.
I had my eye on Springer to full my CF spot as the queue made its way back to me but the Slugs spoil that plan. I consider Marte’s power/speed combo but decide to take Altuve, giving me a high-quality middle infield.
Paxton’s an interesting choice here. He was buried far down in the rankings – much too low for my liking – but I think he would have been around for a bit longer. Still, if he is fit and firing this could pan out very well for the RBIs. I had thought about getting Greinke if he was still available in the following round but the Maltsters get there first. With Bryant and Alvarez going back-to-back, I am pleased that Meadows is still there when it’s my turn. Five hitters in the bag, now time to think about pitching.
I was hoping that one of Castillo or Morton would reach me and end up with a choice of either. Factoring in the Reds’ schedule and interleague games against weaker opposition, I go for Castilo as I think the Reds have a decent shot to do something this year. I would have grabbed Morton in the next round but he soon goes to the Maltsters.
I cross my fingers for Corbin and get my wish. The Mercado pick is a little strange here, especially with more established outfielders like Blackmon still available. Beckenham grab Hader, who I think could really shine in a short season. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Brewers use him for multiple-inning stints regularly to maximise his value.
I like the Donaldson pick for the Slugs here (I had got him in my mock around this point). Pham’s power and speed combo will do nicely so I grab another outfielder. I still have gaps at first base and centre field. Something to think about in the next few rounds.
I was primed to take Gallo’s power and CF eligibility until Bunting For Britain beat me too it. But the upside is that Berrios is still available, which I wasn’t expecting. With Muncy, Bell and Santana still available I take Berrios and hope that one of those three is around for my next pick.
My mind is made up for me as the Slugs and Beckenham take my top two options. Still, Santana is not a bad consolation prize. More closers are starting to be drafted. I ought to fill that CF gap first but if Osuna’s still around he would be hard to pass up at this point.
I seriously weigh up taking Jansen here but Gray is still available. There are other closers I would be content with slightly lower in the rankings, so I go for another Reds SP and hope that one of them will still be around in the next round.
McNeil’s positional flexibility makes him a nice pick for the RBIs here and I really think Seager is primed for a big year. If I hadn’t already drafted Lindor I might have gone for him in the previous round. Rogers is the top closing option left and I make him my first closer in round 13. You really can wait for saves.
I haven’t drafted any catchers yet and it’s a shame to see Will Smith disappear from the list when he goes to the Dodgers (of course). The good news is Garver is still available, albeit a bit further down the rankings but it doesn’t feel like too much of a reach.
This was the part of the draft I found toughest. Plenty of SP options but none that really stood out. I take a punt on Ohtani, even though his initial results in training weren’t great. He may only pitch once a week but past the halfway point of the draft it feels like a worthwhile gamble.
I keep an eye on McCutchen to fill out my OF and the thought of Perez as my second catcher certainly appeals but neither are available. Braun should benefit from time at DH so I opt for him.
The final member of my rotation is Manaea. A slight gamble considering his injury but he looked so good on his return last year it makes me think it will be worth it. Now to focus on hitters and filling in my two UT spots as well as CI and MI.
I had Verdugo and Lux queued up so it’s a massive shame when they go back-to-back. I hope that Didi enjoys himself in Philadelphia and grab him as my MI.
To my horror, a bunch of CI options go in Encarnacion, Gurriel and Cron. I think about Voit but Lowe impressed me when I saw him last year and his ability to play 2B and OF is a nice plus as well. Now to find out what he can do in a full season.
Pederson’s the top power hitter left and he will do very nicely as my first UT. Probably not a bad idea to get a complementary batter who offers a higher average though…
… which is why I’m happy to select Peralta. Cespedes is a very worthwhile punt for the Knights here. If he can stay fit he should offer some nice pop. Five catchers go this round, and I still need at least one more but I’m happy to wait. I need to get some set-up relievers first.
It’s hard to know exactly how the Atlanta bullpen will shape up with Melancon, Greene and Smith but at the very least the lefty should provide holds as well as the odd save. I think about Baez and Stammen for the next round but they soon go…
You can’t get much more versatile than Kingery at this point so he’s the perfect candidate to take a bench slot. Nice pick of Stripling here for the Slugs as he should take the rotation spot vacated by Price while Urshela’s a nice late-round pick for the RBIs here.
The beauty of taking Kingery earlier means his flexibility allows me to take a bit of a punt. I don’t know if Adell breaks camp with the Angels but I’m sure he’ll play at some point soon, so I take a flier on him.
Two slots left and ideally I’d like cover at CI and another C. Murphy could well rake as the Colorado DH, but he’ll do so for the Maltsters. I liked what I saw of Diaz last year and the fact he can play 1B and 3B is nice too.
Perez is still available so he becomes my third catcher and final choice, meaning I have multiple options at every position. When Dyson is selected we have drafted 300 players in about 70 minutes. Rapid.
Looking back at my team, I’m really pleased with how the draft went. There’s lots of power and although I only have two guys who knocked in 100 or more last year and one .300 hitter the overall depth of the roster should keep me competitive in most categories most weeks. The rotation may not have a star name but has nice depth to it. If Castillo, Gray and the Reds do as well as I think they will this year I should be well placed. Ohtani as an SP is a risk if he struggles to shake off the rust. Happy with the closer duo and set-up pair.
Team-by-team summary
RBIs: Infield provides more power than you think it would. Boom or bust OF depending on whether Judge or Stanton can stay healthy. Nice top of rotation in Kershaw and Paxton and plenty of HLD but may require more SV and an upgrade to back of rotation.
Dodgers: Plenty of pop and two young stars in Bichette and Vlad Jr. May require a bit more thump from UT spots. Pitching staff could be dangerous if Urias starts all year and Montas stays healthy.
Chasers: Should have one of the most productive OF in the league plus plenty of pop elsewhere. Nice 1-2 punch of Scherzer and Clevinger but will rest of rotation damage WHIP? May need more SV.
Knights: That’s a stacked lineup with lots of pop, but will Renfroe and Davis drag average down? Shedloads of SV here too which makes them a threat to do well in ERA and WHIP.
Maltsters: Serious HR and RBI bats although not much speed. We’ll see where Puig ends up too. Three very good SP but no others. Just one closer. Shedloads of holds. May need to add rotation depth to make sure of reaching weekly 20-inning minimum limit.
Bunting for Britain: Plenty of speed and power. Only one bench hitter though. Saves certainly won’t be a problem but the back of the rotation may damage ERA.
A&E Dept: Like the IF but OF lacking power and RBIs. Incredible SP depth and the top closer in my view. Could use more SV and has no HLD but the SP depth makes for perfect trade bait.
Norwich: Another boom or bust OF which may be light on power but could well prove me wrong if Senzel and Verdugo make the most of their playing time. Loads of quality SP which means they should be tough to beat in WHIP but may need more than one closer and one set-up reliever.
Slugs: Could well lead the league in HR and RBI. Not much speed and no bench bats though. Should just about be OK for SV and HLD. Counting on Kluber to get back to his best but rotation might be sneaky good in ERA and WHIP, particularly if Puk, Luzardo and May make an impact.
That concludes the 2020 draft summary. Now to find out who wins this sprint to the playoffs.
The official announcement on Thursday that MLB’s Opening Day, plus Great Britain’s World Baseball Classic qualifier in Arizona, would be postponed was as sad as it was inevitable.
Few can doubt the necessity of the decision given the frightening escalation of the coronavirus pandemic across the globe this week. Outdoor mass gatherings of people may not necessarily have a huge impact on the spread of the disease, but logic suggests it will have some impact and it simply doesn’t seem right to accept the risk for the sake of playing a game.
However, we all know that describing baseball, football, cricket or whatever other sport you follow as ‘only a game’ does it a great disservice. Who wins or loses doesn’t really matter in the end, despite at times it seeming to matter more than anything, but the sport as a whole means a huge amount to millions of people. As I tweeted earlier on Saturday:
Stopping sport is clearly right, but also a good reminder of how important sport is for many of us as a source of companionship, entertainment and enjoyment.@MLB has a treasure trove of classic games. Hope they put some online for fans to enjoy during difficult weeks ahead ?
MLB is unlikely to get going again until May at the earliest and that will feel like an eternity, not least because so many other parts of our daily lives are going to be affected in the weeks and months ahead too. It’s at times like this that we all need to support each other, as friends, families, work colleagues and as an online community.
Tim Collins, the baseball commentator who does such a great job covering games in Europe, immediately stepped up with an act of kindness that we can all appreciate.
Every game since 2009 is on YouTube – there is a reddit post about how to find them (I don’t have the link handy though)
It says a lot about MLB’s maddeningly inconsistent approach to online content that I read this with only cautious optimism, fearing that this may have been something that MLB had done in the past but then closed down.
Thankfully I can confirm (at time of writing!) that is not the case.
The first place to bookmark is the MLB Vault: https://www.youtube.com/user/MLBClassics/videos . Click on the videos tab and you’ll find a sweet shop (candy store, if you prefer) full of treats, predominantly games from the last 20 years but some classic play-off games and historic performances (such as Tom Seaver’s 1978 no-hitter) from earlier too. The number of Japanese titled games (generally involving Ichiro) show it’s not something MLB really markets to its core US audience, and therefore not something they put much time into, but sometimes MLB not paying close attention to something actually works out better for us!
The bulk of the Reddit thread reveals that since 2009 games have been fed through MLB’s range of YouTube channels, the current one being https://www.youtube.com/user/MLB, and that you can find them so long as you follow the thread’s guidance on how to search for them.
As the Reddit thread notes, not all games are available, but the vast majority are. For obvious reasons, current season games are never available this way as you can (and definitely should) buy an MLB.TV subscription to watch those live and on-demand. A quick bit of searching suggests games are there up to 2018, so we’ll have to wait and see when the 2019 ones become available.
Looking through it all, I still can’t shake the feeling that it is too good to be true and MLB will suddenly come along and take them away; however, even MLB wouldn’t be crazy enough to do that during this pandemic period. Hopefully, anyway!
Watching back on-demand games isn’t quite the same as live, of course, but it’s still lots of fun baseball to enjoy. That’s especially the case if you are part of the ‘Baseball on 5’ generation like me and became hooked on the sport in the late 1990s/early 2000s. Sure, watching some of those classic World Series games loses something without it cutting back to Jonny and Josh (or Todd or Dave) in their tuxedos at 3am, yet going back and seeing those games again is going to be a whole lot of fun.
In fact, as I type this, the idea of doing some live watch-backs, plus maybe some shorter reaction videos, for the A’s UK YouTube channel, sounds like a good one. Keep an eye on my Twitter account for details soon.
Playing or going to watch baseball games isn’t worth risking a life over, but the joy we get from baseball is one of the many things that makes life worth living.
Enjoy!
UPDATE: 15 March. MLB is getting into the spirit of things by making a classic game for every MLB team available to watch for free. The article about it links into the MLB Vault channel so that bodes well for them not getting rid of it any time soon.
