CP Legion (2-0) vs.  LK Armadillos (2-0)

After week three there is only one undefeated team left in the league.  The Armadillos edged the Legion in another close contest.  Leading the way for the Armadillos was Giancarlo Stanton who had four home runs and seven RBIs.  Anthony Rizzo contributed three home runs and two steals.  This translated into a five category offensive sweep for Larry’s team.  Chris P. had good weeks from Jake Lamb, Christian Yelich, and Ryan Zimmerman but the rest of the offense didn’t generate enough power to compete for home runs, RBIs or the rate stats.  Chris also lacked speed for the week, and had to hope his pitching could come through.

For the most part, the Legion enjoyed a solid week from both the starters and the bullpen.  Ken Giles picked up three saves and the Legion easily took the category and tied for the league lead.  They also won strikeouts by a wide margin.  Unfortunately for the Legion, their superior stats didn’t translate to wins.  Danny Duffy didn’t allow a run in 7.1 innings pitched but did not get the victory.  The Armadillos’ pitchers also had better control and had the second lowest WHIP in the league.  Dallas Keuchel continued to show improvement and Carlos Carrasco was phenomenal, allowing three hits and one walk over eight innings.  This was enough to secure victory in the first of many important match-ups between these two teams.  The Legion need to address their offense – they are second from the bottom in team home runs and have the lowest aggregate SLG through three weeks.

HP PhoeGnomes (1-1) vs.  JK Lannisters (1-1)

The PhoeGnomes have struggled against the Lannisters in the past, but Heather hoped a strong offensive showing might change her luck.  Seven PhoeGnomes had home runs, including three each from Aaron Judge and Austin Hedges.  Hedges also had seven RBI and Jose Altuve and Jose Ramirez stole two bases each.  Other players like Paul Goldschmidt contributed a home run, but there was a general lack of power outside of homers.  The Lannisters had two fewer home runs but posted a higher SLG that led the league.  The defending champs also enjoyed the highest RBI and OBP stats for the week.  Mookie Betts ended an early slump and Bryce Harper had three home runs.  However, Heather was able to take two categories and had a chance with good pitching.

Unfortunately for the PhoeGnomes, several starters struggled for the week.  Of the eight PhoeGnomes’ starters, only Jerad Eickhoff had an ERA below 4.50 for the week.  Heather easily won strikeouts but the Lannisters had significantly higher wins and saves totals.  They also posted a lower ERA thanks to a good week from the bullpen.  The Lannisters’ closers only allowed one run for the week.   However, there was potential trouble on Sunday.  John Lackey allowed five earned runs in six innings.  Had he been in the lineup, Heather would have won ERA and tied the week.  Also, Heather’s starters have recorded just three wins for the season despite the team having the second best ERA in the league and being near the top in strikeouts.

RK Possums (0-2) vs.  KK Thunderwolves (1-1)

The Possums picked up their first win of the season with a dominant rout of the Thunderwolves.  Rick put together a great all-around week on both sides of the ball.  The Possums led the league in ERA, WHIP, and wins.  They tied for the lead in saves.  Max Scherzer was excellent, striking out 16 in 15.0 innings pitched.  He also recorded two wins and allowed just three runs.  Corey Kluber also pitched a complete game shutout and had a 0.56 WHIP for the week.  This was easily enough to sweep all five pitching categories and build a huge lead.

Unfortunately for Kyle, there was little help coming on offense.  The Thunderwolves had the lowest OBP, SLG, and RBI numbers in the league.  The Possums enjoyed huge weeks from Joey Gallo and Joey Votto.  The two Joeys contributed seven home runs and 14 RBIs.  Ryan Braun stayed hot for the Thunderwolves but Kyle’s two young Rangers, Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara, combined to go 8 for 54 with just four RBIs between them.  The Possums cruised to an easy victory after a couple of rough weeks to start the year.

CM Happy Hollidays (0-2) vs.  KG Capital City Goofballs (1-1)

The week’s final match paired the two expansion teams.  On the offensive side, the Goofballs were among the league leaders in all five categories.  Freddie Freeman had a monster week with four home runs and a steal.  He also entered the league’s leading jersey sales for the first time, landing at #17 on the season (seriously).  AJ Pollock was 14 for 27 with a 0.741 SLG.  Trevor Story is starting to get hot, too, and had three home runs.  Overall, the Goofballs had a great offensive week and the Hollidays were not able to offer a lot of resistance.

Pitching was a different story.  The Goofballs struggled and had the worst ERA and WHIP in the league by far.  They also had the second fewest strikeouts.  The Hollidays were better, taking strikeouts, wins, ERA, and WHIP.  This put them in position to possibly tie, but they didn’t get the bullpen help they needed.  Brad Brach came through for the Goofballs with two saves and ensured that Kevin would move to 2-1.   However, the teams’ pitching is starting to be a concern.  The staff is near the bottom in all five categories for the season.  Only the Lannisters have a worse ERA.

Next Week

After a set of close games, the Armadillos and Legion don’t get any breaks – they face each other.  The Legion will try to rebound against the Thunderwolves.  Heather and Rick will meet and try to get back to 0.500.  Finally, the Lannisters are heavy favorites against the Happy Hollidays.

A three game winning streak has pushed the Armadillos to within 5 points of the all-time Elo rating lead.  Larry picked up a large chunk of points for defeating the Legion.  The victory also put the Lannisters back on top.  The Goofballs gained some ground and the Possums returned to above 1,500 with a victory.

Next week the Lannisters are the largest favorite with a 70% chance to beat the Hollidays.  The Legion and Armadillos are also heavy favorites.  The closes match is between Heather and Rick.  Rick has a 56% chance of winning.

After the second week of play, the top three all-time Elo leaders each gained points.  The Lannisters gained ground on the Legion by beating a superior team.  The Armadillos remained close, and Heather picked up the most points for the week.

The Goofballs are the heaviest favorites for the week.  They have an almost 3/4 chance to defeat the Happy Hollidays.  The Legion and Armadillos are almost a coin flip.  The Possums and Lannisters are favored, but the odds indicate close matches against the Thunderwolves and PhoeGnomes.

After a tumultuous start to the season, teams looked to settle in during Week 02.  Two Week 01 losers rebounded and the Legion and Armadillos moved to 2-0.

KG Capital City Goofballs (1-0) vs.  HP PhoeGnomes (0-1)

The week’s biggest rebound came from the PhoeGnomes.  Heather struggled in Week 1 but put together the best combined pitching and hitting attack in the league in Week 02.  Heather had the best ERA and saves total in the league.  Greg Holland and Aroldis Chapman were outstanding.  Both men recorded three saves and did not allow a run.  Chris Sale was also excellent.  He allowed just three earned runs and recorded 22 strikeouts in 14.2 innings pitched.  The Goofballs pitched 15 more innings than the PhoeGnomes and took saves and tied in strikeouts.  However, Heather took the other three categories with relative ease.

Kevin fared better on offense.  He led the league in home runs with 12, five of which came from Yoenis Cespedes.  However, Heather built a large lead in steals and OBP.  Despite the home runs, Kevin barely won RBI.  He lost SLG by a small margin.  Thanks to the tie in strikeouts, Kevin needed to flip three offensive categories and tie another.  He came close, the PhoeGnomes built a better overall week.  Both teams move to 1-1, and look forward to further good performances.

LK Armadillos (1-0) vs.  KK Thunderwolves (0-1)

The second best match of the week featured the Armadillos and Thunderwolves.  In Week 01, Kyle relied on strong pitching to stay close.  He had another strong performance this week, but in counting categories instead of rate stats.  Kyle led the league in strikeouts and also won wins and saves.  However, the Armadillos threw almost 19 fewer, better-pitched innings.  They led the league in both ERA and WHIP by a large margin.  Carlos Carrasco rebounded and Dallas Keuchel continued to pitch well.  The Thunderwolves had a good week from Neftali Feliz. Both teams executed their strategies well, and Kyle had a slim 3-2 lead.

On offense, Kyle was more competitive this week.  Both teams hadten home runs, but the Armadillos dominated with ten steals.  Eric Thames became and unlikely hero with four home runs and six RBIs.  Kyle countered with good weeks from Nomar Mazara and Ryan Braun.  Seven Thunderwolves had home runs compared to five Armadillos’ players.  This gave Kyle and edge in SLG, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the gap in RBI.  The Armadillos won three categories and took the week by the narrowest margin – 4-5-1. 

JK Lannisters (0-1) vs. RK Possums (0-1)

After a rough start to the season, the Lannisters needed to rebound against the Possums.  The pitching staff responded to the challenge with a better overall performance.  Jacob deGrom was excellent over 13 innings and Felix Hernandez had a good showing against the Rangers.  The Possums were not as fortunate.  Several good starters had meltdowns.  Justin Verlander allowed 9 runs in 11 innings.  Corey Kluber was equally bad, giving up six earned runs in just 6.1 innings pitched.  These efforts gave the Possums an insurmountable gap in ERA and WHIP.  The Lannisters also took strikeout sand saves, and built a 4-0-1 lead.

Offensively, the Possums were close, but couldn’t quite keep pace with the Lannisters.  Khris Davis and three hme runs for the Possums, and Charlie Blackmon added two more.  However, these two players totaled only seven RBI.  In contrast, the Lannisters’ Marcell Ozuna had four home runs, 12 RBI, and 10 hits in 23 at-bats.  Ozuna’s monster week provided 40% of the team’s home runs and 32% of its RBIs.  Mike Trout’s two steals gave the Lannisters all they needed to wrap up four categories and coast to n 8-1-1 win as the week ended.  The Lannisters are back on track, while last season’s surprise, the Possums, are struggling to open the year.  Rick needs his pitchers to step up and avoid costly meltdowns to remain competitive.

CM Happy Hollidays (0-1) vs.  CP Legion (1-0)

The week’s final match pitted the Legion versus the Hollidays.  Neither team has much to be proud of, thought the Legion earned the 8-1-1 victory.  On offense, the two teams had the lowest home run and SLG totals in the league.  The Legion had the better RBI, steals, and OBP totals thanks to nice weeks from Jake Lamb and Miguel Cabrera.

The teams also struggled on pitching.  Both had the worst ERA and WHIP totals not including the Possums.  Chris M. took saves with ease, but Chris P. dominated wins, strikeouts, and the rate stats.  Adam Wainwright and Rick Porcello struggled for the Hollidays.  Danny Duffy’s good outing for the Legion was cancelled out by Lance McCullers’ struggles.  However, Gio Gonzalez, Robbie Ray, Dylan Bundy, and Danny Salazar were all good.  This was enough to secure the win for the week.

Next Week

The final two  undefeated teams, the Legion and Armadillos, will match up for the first time this week.  This is the league’s most bitter rivalry after years of spoilers, trades, contentious drafts, and back-and-forth banter.  Neither team likes the other, though there is a mutual respect for a similar approach to team-building.  Two other winners form last week, the Lannisters and PhoeGnomes, will meet as well.  The two expansion teams will battle to stay close to the top, and the Thunderwolves and Possums also meet.  All four of these teams have issues to sort out, and they will look to beat each other and build momentum.

The Legion and Goofballs were the big winners in Elo this week.  Chris takes over the all-time lead with a victory.  The Armadillos and Thunderwolves also gained ground.

The Legion are the biggest favorite of the week against the Happy Hollidays.  The Armadillos and Goofballs are also string favorites.  The closest match is between the Possums and Lannisters.

The season began with a series of close match-ups.  Each team dealt with difficult schedules, bullpen meltdowns, and inconsistent performances.  Some teams like the Armadillos and Thunderwolves started strong.  Others like the Goofballs and Legion managed to survive.

KK Thunderwolves vs. CM Happy Hollidays

The best performance of the week came from a surprising source – the Thunderwolves.  After several seasons of struggles and bizarre, tragic player deaths, Kyle finally got some good news.  He defeated Chris M. in impressive fashion.  The Thunderwolves led the league in home runs, RBI, and SLG.  Eight Thunderwolves had home runs, including three each from Rougned Odor and Mike Moustakas.  Chris M. tried to counter with good weeks from Yasiel Puig and Salvador Perez, but it wasn’t enough.  He was able to take steals and OBP, but it wasn’t enough to save the week.

Kyle had a great effort on pitching.  He won four categories and tied another.  Leading the way was Julio Teheran, who didn’t allow a run in 13 innings.  The Hollidays weren’t bad on the pitching side, but they lacked the outstanding starters that Kyle presented.  Carlos Martinez and Rick Porcello were average.  However, Chris was close on strikeouts and tied in wins.  The Thunderwolves’ strong production was too much, but Chris’s first week wasn’t a disaster.  Both teams were more impressive than they were last year, and each started the new year strong.

RK Possums vs. LK Armadillos

After the Thunderwolves and Happy Hollidays, the Possums and Armadillos had the second best match of the week.  Both teams looked to build on strong finishes last season.  The Possums got the better of the offensive side.  They won home runs, SLG, and OBP.  The Armadillos narrowly own RBI, and the teams tied in steals.  The Possums were led by Adam Duvall, Josh Donaldson, and Joey Votto.  Each had three home runs.  The Armadillos had a good week from JT Realmuto, but needed to rely on their pitching for the week.

The Armadillos’ starters responded.  Clayton Kershaw provided strikeouts while Dallas Keuchel and Noah Syndergaard gave up only two runs over 17 innings.  The Armadillos led the league in WHIP and wins.  The Possums had good saves and strikeouts totals.  However, they were not competitive in the rate stats.  Larry won all five categories and won the week.  The sharp opening is a good sign for the Armadillos, who made moves to compete for a title this year.  The Possums were competitive, but will need to hope for better pitching in the future.

HP PhoeGnomes vs. CP Legion

The Legion and PhoeGnomes had a close battle for the week.  Both had good pitching totals.  Chris P. led the league in strikeouts and saves.  However, Heather had much better rate stats and easily took ERA and WHIP.  The Legion took wins.  The Legion’s performance in strikeouts is more impressive when you consider that the PhoeGnomes threw more innings.  The Legion earned a 3-2 lead on the basis of their more efficient production.

Neither team had stellar offensive totals.  The Legion had good power, keyed by a massive four-home week from George Springer.  However, the rest of the team did not follow his example and the Legion struggled to keep their SLG over 0.400.  Heather had a great steals total, led by Eduardo Nunez with four.  However, the rest of her offense was lacking.  Chris took three more categories and won a close 6-4 battle.  Neither team will be happy with their offensive showing, but both managed to avoid the poor pitching that plagued many teams.

JK Lannisters vs KG Capital City Goofballs

The week’s final match was the closest.  The Goofballs edged the Lannisters in a 5-4-1 battle.  The Lannisters had good offensive production, and took four categories.  Corey Seager and Mike Trout started strong.  Jean Segura contributed steals.  However, Kevin answered with four steals from Brian Dozier and won the category.

On pitching, the Lannisters struggled.  They tied with the Possums for the worst ERA in the league, and were next to last in WHIP.  Kevin managed better rate stats and secured a tie in wins.  They also took saves and strikeouts.  This was enough to give Kevin the opening win he’s wanted for two seasons.  However, the Goofballs’ offense was abysmal.  Neither team will be proud of what they offered in the first week, and will need to make some adjustments going into Week 02.

Next Week

The two best performers meet in Week 02, as the Thunderwolves meet the Armadillos.  The Legion host the Hollidays.  The Possums have a tough draw and face the Lannisters.  Finally, the PhoeGnomes will try to get on track versus the Goofballs.

This is a special report on the draft written by Larry!  Thanks for writing this up.  It’s detailed and I think the analysis is great!

 

Observations on the 2017 Dirt Mountain League Draft

To me, this year’s draft was one of the most unusual the league has ever had.  It seemed that there was no clear consensus on who the top few picks would be.  Certainly, I don’t believe any of us had a good idea of who the top eight would be, much less in what order the top eight might be drafted.  And to further complicate our planning, there were several trades of top picks – even the trade of a first rounder during the draft.

So, given all that, it is no wonder that there seemed to be some surprises among the selections.  I’ll give you some of my observations and opinions — keeping in mind that all of us value players differently, all of us have personal favorites that we probably overpay for, and all our teams have different needs and are in different stages of competitiveness.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the picks.

 

CM – Happy Hollidays

First three picks:  Carlos Martinez – Justin Turner – Michael Fulmer

Coming off a last place finish of his inherited squad, CM appeared to decide to try to improve quickly as he went for several veteran players who could offer immediate help.  With the first full set of draft picks he has had, Chris passed on young talent in the first two rounds and went for more immediate help.  In addition, he landed Brad Miller with a #6 pick and got Todd Frazier with his #7.  He fortified his SS position with Aledmys Diaz, showing good patience to wait until round 9 to select a Cardinal who had a strong showing in 2016.

CM then wisely took a flyer in rounds 11-13, taking Y. Puig, Y. Tomas, and C. Kelly – a couple of underachievers who could still be stars and the Cards catcher of the future.  Kendrys Morales in round 25 could be a steal.  Lance Lynn is high risk, high reward at #4.  Chris might could have gotten Carlos Martinez a round later (?), but he went after one of the most solid starters available, and didn’t take a chance on losing him.  A strong performance by the Hollidays who thankfully drafted their namesake back onto the team.

 

KK – Thunderwolves

First three picks:  Julio Teheran – Nomar Mazara – Dansby Swanson

KK had traded his first two picks, so his opening choice was actually a supplemental pick at the end of round 2 (awarded because of the death of two outstanding pitchers on the Wolves – Jose Fernandez and Yordano Ventura (RIP – they will be missed).  Kyle followed with a #3 pick of Neftali Feliz and #4 Eric Hosmer.

Dee Gordon could be good pick at #5 if he can get on base and stay in the lineup.  KK also added a couple of good SP options in Harvey and Stroman, and made a pick for the future in Jorge Alfaro (an ex-Rangers farm hand) who Kyle hopes will turn into a solid catcher for the Phillies.

Feliz might be a bit of a reach as early as he went, but with the shortage of closers available, Kyle deemed the risk worth taking.  KK had a nice draft especially considering he didn’t have his top two picks.

 

HP – Phoegnomes

First three picks:  Julio Urias – Lucas Giolito – Aaron Judge

HP was aggressive – making a last minute deal with the Lannisters to deal J. Abreu for Jeff’s #1 pick.  She then landed uber prospect Julio Urias.  She went young with her next three picks as well.  Jose Peraza at #4 adds a real speed dimension, and he should have more consistent playing time now that Brandon Phillips was finally shuffled off to the Braves.

Heather chose more youngsters at 7, 9, and 10 taking Josh Bell, Orlando Arcia, and Domingo Santiago.

Jerad Eickhoff could be a real find at #24.  He made several quality starts last year and could a solid mid-rotation type for years to come.  Heather’s riskiest pick may have come at #3 where the jury is out on Aaron Judge – superstar – solid starter – or bust?  HP obviously believes in him and may well have been justified in spending the number three.   A very solid draft except for not shoring up her bullpen depth.  But if HP hits on Urias, Giolito, and Judge – her draft will be a very memorable one.

 

KG – Goofballs

First three picks:  Trevor Story – A.J. Pollock – Nelson Cruz

Wow – what a start.  KG followed his top three with Kevin Gausman. Jackie Bradley, David Robertson, and Carlos Santana – all very solid picks – most of whom filled needs on his team.  Story was a natural pick, and if he can pick up where he left off last year, KG will be very pleased.  Pollock, despite some injury concerns, should rebound nicely.  And Cruz probably has another good year left.

After that blockbuster start, things seemed to calm down a bit.  But Kevin went young at #15 and got Berrios who may be much better that he shown thus far.  And Matt Bush at 23 was a great pick (if he should become a closer).  Elvis Andrus at #12 might have been a reach, but he should be a capable fill in unless Story is re-injured.  A very strong draft, that I am rating second overall.

 

LK – Armadillos

First three picks:  Edwin Diaz – Alex Bregman – Jameson Taillon

I will let you guys make up your own minds about my draft.  But I did want to point my biggest reach – that of Alex Reyes at #5.  He may not pitch until halfway through 2019, so I will have to be patient!  And he may not make it back to his elite level.  But I was afraid Chris M. or somebody else would take him soon, so I pulled the trigger.  Time will tell if it was worth it.

 

RK – Possums

Top three picks:  Andrew Benintendi – Carlos Gonzalez – Sueng-hwan Oh

Rick was busy on draft trade making several deals with an eye to next year’s draft.  When the dust cleared, RK had trade away his own 2018 #4 pick, but added CP’s 2018 #3, #4, #5, and #6 picks.  This sets Rick up well for 2018, but definitely weakened his current draft as he lost some early spots that could have proved valuable.

He did add Tyler Glasnow at #8 as a potential SP and then rolled the dice on Cody Bellinger at #9.  Bellinger is highly touted in the Dodgers system, but will be unfreezeable.  RK added a badly needed catcher in Russell Martin in round 12.  Jedd Gyorko was an excellent pick at 13 since he has eligibility at 2B-3B-SS.  Carlos Gomez could be serviceable as a 15 rounder

Rick then went for several young players hoping to catch some magic — Hunter Renfroe, M. Margot, Reynaldo Lopez, etc.  He closed a decent, but depleted draft, with old pal (and ancient mariner), Curtis Granderson.

RK certainly loaded up for next year, but it remains to be seen if this will hurt his chances to win this season.

CP – Legion

First three picks:  Yoan Moncada – Willson Contreras –  David Dahl

Again, wow – what a start.  All three of those guys were first round picks that CP had accumulated.  Seeing Chris with that many early picks is unprecedented.  And he picked up Lance McCullers with his #2.  Obviously, that is quite a haul in the first two rounds.  A potential superstar in Moncada and easily the best catching prospect in Contreras, plus a good young Rockies OF.  And McCullers is loaded with potential as well.

CP and RK continued the Legion’s trade fest with some in-draft deals.  CP picked up some extra picks this year, while Rick stock piled some 2018 picks.  However, CP’s lower round picks were less stellar.  He, himself wondered if Robbie Ray was a reach at #5 and Longoria with a second #5 might be considered a bit of reach also.  However, Bedrosian at #7 and Greg Bird at #10 could be nice picks.

Drew Smyly was solid at 14, although we both vowed never to have him on our teams again after some past serious meltdowns (LOL).  And, of course, the Legion went too far in taking Dirt Mountain’s perennial jinx, Matt Wieters!  But the Legion picked up loads of talent – well done!  A third place ranking for the Legion who were nosed out by the Goofballs.

 

JK – Lannisters – the reigning Dirt Mountain Champions

First three picks:  Gerrit Cole – Kenta Maeda – Kelvin Herrera

JK gave up his #1 and picked up a 1B in Jose Abreu in a deal with the Phoegnomes which filled his biggest need.  With his only hole filled, Jeff went to work on fleshing out his pitching staff with three strong picks (especially Herrera at #3).  He drafted Justin Upton at #5 and then went on a roll with Vince Velasquez, Blake Snell, Marcell Ozuna, and Rich Hill at 7-10.

He stole Michael Brantley at #12 – great pick – and continued with Joe Ross, A.J. Reed, Neil Walker, Didi Gregorius, and Jorge Soler – all capable backups who will blend well into the Lannisters bench.  He even snatched Alex Cobb with a #23.  JK’s only reach may have been in the bullpen which is understandable since there is so little overall depth there.  Sam Dyson at #6 seems a bit high – but who am I to question the back to back champions?

To me this was the best draft by far – from top to bottom a stellar group – an almost flawless performance – on paper at least – that will make it even tougher for the rest of us to catch up with the Lannisters.

Thanks for a great draft everyone – it was great fun!  Bring on opening day!

To help get everyone excited for the season, here are some pictures of the Dirt Mountain Championship Trophy!  The winner of the 2017 season will have his or her name listed alongside the great champions of the past.

The winner will also get to keep the trophy until the next season!  Thanks to Larry who did a great job putting together the trophy.

This page will list all trades involving draft picks or other future considerations for the 2017 season.

2017-06-04
HP Aaron Judge
– for –
CP Marwin Gonzalez
CP George Springer
CP Wilson Contreras
CP Aaron Hicks
CP 2018 Round 01 Pick
CP 2019 Round 01 Pick

2017-02-25
RK 2017 Round 07 Pick
– for –
CP 2018 Round 06 Pick

2017-02-25
RK 2017 Round 05 Pick (Chris P’s original pick)
RK 2018 Round 04 Pick
– for –
CP 2018 Round 03 Pick
CP 2018 Round 05 Pick

2017-02-25
RK 2017 Round 05 Pick
– for –
CP 2018 Round 04 Pick

2017-02-08
LK Round 01 Pick (5th overall, owned by KK)
– for –
CP 2017 Round 03 Pick
RK 2017 Round 03 Pick (Owned by CP)

2017-02-08
KK 2017 Round 01 Pick (2nd pick in Round 01, owned by LK)
CP 2017 Round 07 Pick (Owned by LK)
CP 2017 Round 14 Pick (Owned by LK)
– for –
CP 2017 Round 01 Pick (7th pick in Round 01)
HP 2017 Round 05 Pick (Owned by CP)
LK 2017 Round 05 Pick (Owned by CP)
LK 2017 Round 08 Pick (Owned by CP)
CP 2017 Round 12 Pick
LK 2017 Round 15 Pick (Owned by CP)

Complicated trade of draft picks.  Chris gets Kyle’s Round 01 for other picks, with several swap-backs of previously traded rounds.

2017-02-04
KK 2017 Round 01 Pick
– for –
LK 2017 Round 01 Pick
LK 2017 Round 07 Pick
LK 2017 Round 19 Pick

Larry and Kyle swap first round picks and Kyle picks up two later picks as compensation.

2016 Year in Review

The 2016 season began with uncertainty.  Several teams made bold trades, others restocked in the draft, and one even had a new owner.  The Lannisters opened the winter as the favorite to repeat as champs.   Their main rival, the Legion, then traded several key players to the PhoeGnomes.  Many felt this made Heather the new favorite.

At the same time, the Armadillos hoped to rebound and return to contention.  The Possums and Thunderwolves were considered long shots, and needed good drafts to improve.  The Happy Hollidays were not considered a threat, but the Goofballs were on the rise.

As the season progressed, some predictions proved more accurate than others.  What factors contributed to the fortunes of each team?

Injuries

This season saw many injuries to key players.  Some teams were hit harder than others.  The Armadillos lose Clayton Kershaw for much of the year.  The Lannisters lost AJ Pollock for the season just after freezes were announced.  Kyle suffered the tragic death of Jose Fernandez.  The Goofballs faced a year with Kyle Schwarber.  Overall, injuries seemed to play a greater role in team success and failure this season.

Closers

Despite team’s best efforts, it was tough to find closers this season.  Every team had strong bullpen arms, but injuries and ineffectiveness caused constant shuffling.  The Legion and PhoeGnomes struggled to find saves while the Possums led the league by a wide margin.  However, no team suffered more than the Hollidays.  They had fewer than half the saves of the next closest team, the Legion.  With 24 closer slots and a limited number of relievers available, expect the bullpen to be a source of change going forward.

Offensive Fireworks

The league saw a spike in home runs this year.  Four teams had over 270 (JK, RK, LK, KG).  In the past, the Lannisters and Armadillos have been perennial home run leaders.  The Possums and Goofballs were more of a surprise.  The Lannisters led the league in four offensive categories (all by wide margins) and managed a SLG over 0.500 for the year.  Next in line were the Goofballs, followed closely by the Armadillos and Possums.  Heather led the league in steals, but saw her power tail off.

Pitching Heroics

Rick returned to contention behind his pitching staff.  The Possums led the league in four of the five pitching categories and finished second in the fifth.  His pitching was as dominant at the Lannister offense, and showed why he was in contention until the end.  The other surprise was the Legion, who continued to pile up strikeouts.  The Legion had a quantity-over-quality approach that worked some weeks and failed in others.  Overall, though, Chris P. did a good job putting together a staff from lesser names and staying in contention until the end.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately the Lannisters were victories after a season of staggering difficulty.  The young offensive core came through once again.  However, the Possums and Goofballs established themselves as contenders.  The Legion and Armadillos have deep, talented rosters.  The PhoeGnomes were a preseason favorite and can rally quickly if the players rebound.  Kyle had a good draft, but saw inconsistent performances from week to week.  Consistency could level out his team.  Even the Happy Hollidays have reason for some hope with new additions like Francisco Lindor.

Congratulations to the Lannisters on their third title!  The battle for 2017 begins with freezes.