By JIMMY D / Fantasy baseball season starts | Jimmy's archive

There’s always next year….

Not a great way to start off Jimmy’s baseball season when he’s already thinking about 2008.

But that’s what happens when you think your online draft is Friday and it already happened – without you – on Wednesday.

Oh well, the trusty computer – using the ADP logic that Jimmy preached last week – took over and made Jimmy’s picks for him.

And with the No. 7 pick, the computer did what Jimmy would have done – select Devil Ray beast Carl Crawford. Hitting for power, average and with 50-steal potential, Crawford is a fantasy dynamo.

Good work, computer!

For its next two picks, the computer got stuck on the name Miguel, which produced great infield results. Miguel Tejada of the Orioles can be a menace at the plate with average and power and generates Top 3 shortstop production. Next was three-bagger Miguel Cabrera of the Marlins, who tailed off slightly in 2006 at the plate.

The kid is a three-year vet of monster fantasy numbers and he’s not even 24 yet. Wonder if we can morph this into a keeper league?

Matt Holliday, who had crazy numbers at Coors Field last year, is a Jackal, but not one who Jimmy projects to replicate 2006 numbers. If he continues to trend upwards, NL pitchers are in trouble.

Large-bottomed Prince Fielder of Milwaukee is Jimmy’s first baseman, while Brave Jeff Francouer, speedy Giant Dave Roberts and shortstops Carlos Guillen (just got a fat new deal from Detroit) and Julio Lugo in Boston.
The computer grabbed Dodger catcher Russell Martin and then Jimmy selected Philly receiver Rod Bajaras off waivers (he was desperate for a catcher and desperate for a Phillie). And the Jackals own Rocco Baldelli of Tampa Bay. If it doesn’t pan out on the field, that’s a great name for a pasta joint.

The computer wasn’t nearly as productive on the mound, although it seems OK for the closers. Minnesota’s Joe Nathan, Washington’s Chad Cordero and Chicago’s Bobby Jenks have proven themselves in the past.

Among starters, he did manage to secure one ace, but that comes with an asterisk as big as Jon Bon Jovi’s hair circa 1987. Zach Duke is the No. 1 starter for a Pirates team that will have trouble supporting him with any victories.

Jake Peavy is a former ace who fell off last season in San Diego and Dan Haren is an alleged ace in Oakland. Brewer Chris Capuano, Dodger Brad Penny and injured Tribe lefty Cliff Lee were selected by the computer.

To replace Lee, Jimmy grabbed erratic Tiger lefty Nate Robertson off waivers.
It all started last night and won’t be over til October. That’s presuming it’s not over already for the poor Jackals.

Hoops semi-finals

After rallying to win the regular season and earn a first-round bye, Jimmy’s hoops Jackals play the semi-finals this week. Jimmy Nation can cheer on Dirk Nowitzki, Elton Brand, Andre Iguadola to have stellar weeks and for Dwight Howard to remember how to shoot free throws. On the flipside, cheer against Jimmy’s foe by putting the chicken curse on Yao Ming for the week and cheering every Shaq missed free throw.

Bracket victories for Jimmy

Three brackets entered, three victories for Jimmy. Nice work.

But his success in college hoops masked a poor week in picking NBA winners.
From Jimmy’s email bag this week:

Subject line: You suck Jimmy
Hey,
After my near bankroll clearing at the hands of Jimmy D picks…I have since gone 10 of 11 in NHL picks. Actually 9 of the 10 were road faves… only home dog to win in the last 3 days is Mtl on Saturday night.
Stick to picking brackets, Jimmy.

Sheesh, a guy goes 0-3 one night and the world turns against him. Who would have imagined the Spurs would scorer 120 points on the road, 40 in the fourth quarter? You can handicap that sort of thing! At least you get a free NHL tip for your next ProLine ticket or sports wager.

In the meantime, stay busy with the start of baseball and stay lucky as you head to the playoffs in your NHL and NBA pools.

Jimmy D