Week 8 Fantasy Football Blog

DANA SPIGELMAN '08

*If you don’t have Marvin Harrison go get him. Yes he only has 247 receiving yards but he is still Marvin Harrison. After a poor Monday night game where he was shuttled in and out due to his hip he followed it up with a DNP due to injury. Reggie Wayne is starting to get the attention he deserves as is Dallas Clark. Defenses are hemming up the middle of the field, leaving some big opportunities down the sidelines for Harrison. Harrison will be back and fully healthy at some point in the next three weeks and he is likely to regain his post as Peyton Manning’s favorite receiver and a top 5 fantasy WR.

*If you have Hines Ward, look to capitalize on his big game in the form of a trade. Ward faced a terribly weak pass defense in Cincinnati and is not likely to repeat his performance in yards or touchdowns too often. In his last eight games prior to this he has averaged just 51 yards per game while only recording one touchdown. He is no longer a #2 fantasy wide out and if you can get that value for him or improve another position, that is a deal you should make.

*Michael Bennett looked good scoring a 19 yard touchdown today, but Earnest Graham still carried the ball fourteen times to Bennett’s two. In a deeper league Bennett is worth a flyer but he is not a viable fantasy option yet and that is not likely to change without an injury to Graham.

*Drew Brees threw for 4 touchdowns against a pretty good pass defense that features two fantastic corners. He now has put two good games together and seems to be back as a top 10 fantasy quarterback. If you were lucky enough to hold on to him or trade for him, now would be the time to make him a weekly start.

*Marc Bulger threw for a touchdown and 300 yards against one of the worst pass defenses in football. He’s not back yet. Steven Jackson got hurt again and his status is unknown for week 9. Bulger is worth a roster spot in any format, but he is not a good fantasy starter at this point.

*Adrian Peterson really is not a top 5 fantasy back. If you can get that trade value, take it. That offense is just not consistent enough. On the other hand Ladanian Tomlinson owners may have to be reminded that a game without a touchdown does not mean he is no longer the best fantasy player in the league. Don’t go crazy and trade him for Joseph Addai or Tom Brady.

*Vernon Davis returned to fantasy relevance with a touchdown and 71 yards this week. Although he may not be a top 12 fantasy TE he is worth a roster spot in any format.

*You should not draw any assumptions from the London Bowl. Do not judge Eli Manning, Jesse Chatman, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Cleo Lemon, Derek Hagan, Ted Ginn Jr., Amani Toomer or Brandon Jacobs by that game. The situation was just so bizarre due to the overseas travel, the horrible field condition and the weather. Throw that one out.

*Kevin Jones scored a touchdown and gained 100 total yards. You can now consider him a top 20 running back and a viable #2 RB and good flex option.

*Kellen Clemens is going to get his shot, and based just on what he did against Baltimore he is worth a shot in 2 QB leagues or any 14 team format.

*No, Ryan Grant is not a fantasy starter. He ran wild on a Denver team that cannot tackle when healthy, let alone without John Lynch and with an injured DJ Williams playing. Even if Grant can hold onto the starting spot for the rest of the year, which is a terrific stretch, he is at best a poor flex option in most any league.

*Tony Scheffler should be on your radar in any format as a backup tight end. The Broncos tight end came in as a second round pick last year and developed terrific chemistry with Jay Cutler. He is their only legitimate option in Shanahan’s favorite goal line pass play (in the jumbo package he rolls Cutler to the right, releasing a deep tight end running across the back and a short tight end cutting in front. Scheffler has scored two touchdowns in two weeks off this play) and that alone makes him a threat for a TD every week.

*David Martin, Vishante Shiancoe and almost all other flash in the pan tight ends simply… are awful options. These guys are not legitimate fantasy options. In a deep 12-team league I play in Vishante was not only picked up but is now starting. How in the world does the 5^th option on the worst passing team in football make a fantasy roster? His touchdown and 50 yard performance will be his only of the year and possibly his best career game. Don’t get foolish. You’re far better off with Kyle Brady who we know will get some goal line plays every week.

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When Life Sucks, Turn to Golf

LAURA BULKELEY '08

The Beaver golf team has been a continuous strength of the Beaver athletic system. In the past three years, golf has only lost one match, which was a surprise to everyone. Though golf is among one of the least watched sports teams at Beaver, it is constantly recognized as being one of the best teams, bringing in one of two championship flags to gym last year. Golf is one of the only winning teams at Beaver, and students have come to recognize this and be proud of their golfers. A winning golf team is one of the only things Beaver has to brag about in its athletic program.

Beaver golf is a feared force in the EIL, with Max Campion as the co-captain and number one spot holder, and Jamie Beckingham as the other captain. Even with the loss of graduated athletes, golf still manages to maintain a strong team. The team continues to be promising with an abundance of freshman on the JV team. Even though only six spots can be filled on Varsity, there is a total of fifteen members on the team, displaying promise for future winning seasons. So the next time you come into school on a Thursday morning and hear that the soccer and field hockey teams have lost, ask a golfer how they did, and the answer will most likely be, “We won.”

HIGHLIGHTS:
The Beaver golf team had an intense golf match last Friday against Pingree. The team won 4 out of a possible 6 matches, and improved its record to 4-1. It was tied 2 to 2 with the final group to come in. The number five player was having a tough match, and it was up to number six, Evan Winter, whose match was even going to the final hole. Winter made a solid par and won the hole, giving Beaver a win over Pingree.
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Field Hockey Breaks Through With Dominating Win

EMILY BELOWICH '11

The girls’ varsity field hockey team had their first victory this season with a win against The Cambridge School of Weston. The girls fought hard to defeat their opponents, and it was evident in the score, 10-2. Freshman Ginny Hollingsworth was leading scorer, with a total of three goals. Sarah Gerlin, Sabrina Brown, and Jehane Samaha each added another goal. Honorable mention to captain Sara McDonough with many assists. Goalies Jehane Samaha and Gabby Venuto did an outstanding job in goal with many saves. Many freshmen on the team have never played field hockey before, but have been a great addition to the team, including Julia Cohen. She says, “Our team has a lot of spirit, and we always give our best. Our coaches and captains have given us a lot of support, as well as our fans. We love everyone who comes out to cheer us on. So far it has been a really fun season.”

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Red Sox Surprises and Disappointments: Lowell, Francona pass with flying colors.

DANA SPIGELMAN '08

The Red Sox certainly went through their ups and downs this year, nearly squandering a once 14.5 game lead over the vaunted Evil Empire, only to claim the division crown for the first time since 1995. While some players have more than earned their keep this season, others did not do as much to ingratiate themselves with the sox fans. Those players and front office members are highlighted below.

Surprises:

Hideki Okajima: Okajima was undoubtedly the key to the first half of the season, becoming the only setup man in baseball to make the All-Star team. It is unfathomable to think that prior to the season the Red Sox envisioned Devern Hansack, J.C. Romero and Joel Piniero as the core of their bullpen while Okajima was left to fend off Craig Hansen for a roster spot. Okajima wore down towards the end of the season and saw his once eye-popping Earned Run Average drop to 2.22. However, Okajima still held the bullpen up while the Sox were patiently waiting on Mike Timlin and Manny Delcarmen to play key roles in the bullpen. Okajima led the team in games pitched (66) and was one of the pleasant surprises of the season.

Mike Lowell: Lowell has certainly made a case for an extension with the Red Sox. Playing stellar defense, Lowell set career highs in batting average (.324) and RBI’s (120) to go along with 21 homeruns. Lowell picked up the slack for Manny Ramirez throughout the year and finished the season as the cleanup hitter for the Red Sox. Lowell was originally acquired as a salary dump from the Florida Marlins in the deal that acquired Josh Beckett. This ‘salary dump’ has proved to be one of the most valuable players on the pay role and more than worth his $9 million price tag.

Terry Francona: Francona should be credited with the complete success of this team. Fans were screaming for Alex Cora to start during a rough May stretch where Dustin Pedroia’s batting average dipped south of .200. However, Francona stuck with the rookie second baseman and in the end found the Red Sox sparkplug. Francona also handled the bullpen masterfully, giving the Red Sox a healthy and rested Jonathan Papelbon to go along with Manny Delcarmen, Mike Timlin, Javier Lopez, Hideki Okajima and Eric Gagne as a solid bullpen core for the playoffs. Francona’s positive attitude helped keep the team loose and confident as its lead dwindled and allowed them to regain control and finish the season on top of the AL East.

Young Guns: Home grown Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Dustin Pedroia and Manny Delcarmen were all key members of the team by the middle of September and proved that Theo Epstein was right to keep them through trading deadlines’ past. While Buchholz’ no-hit performance may have made him the most captivating rookie, he may have had the least impact of the young quartet. Delcarmen gave the bullpen terrific innings just as Okajima started to tire, Pedroia was the teams’ sparkplug and is on his way to earning rookie of the year while Jacoby Ellsbury gave offense and speed while playing in Manny Ramirez’s spot in left field as the Red Sox were sewing up their AL East title. Without these four, who earn about one third of Erik Hinske’s salary, the Red Sox would truly be lost and maybe even watching the playoffs instead of playing in them.

Disappointments:

Theo Epstein: It should be noted that the Red Sox are still paying for two monumental failures in the form of Edgar Renteria and Matt Clement. Theo has gotten too comfortable within the confines of a high payroll and has wasted millions on mediocre players such as Julio Lugo ($8.25 Million), J.D. Drew ($14.4 Million), Joel Piniero ($4 Million), Eric Hinske ($5.725 Million) and the aforementioned Clement. While spending over $100 million on Lugo and Drew alone, Epstein has developed holes that will be in the lineup for years to come, whereas Manny and Big Papi will not be here to compensate for those holes forever. Theo is truly getting saved by players he did not bring in. The most successful player on the team, Josh Beckett, was acquired while Theo was on his short vacation. While Theo did draft Buchholz, Pedroia, Ellsbury and current prospects Michael Bowdin, Daniel Bard and Jed Lowrie, draft picks are usually the result of systematic success. To justify his cult status in New England, Theo needs to come up with some gems in the near future via free agency or a big time trade.

Manny Ramirez: Whether due to injury or not Manny has simply not performed up to his normal benchmarks. While Manny is still the best RBI man of the last decade and one of the most formidable hitters in baseball, .296 and 20 HR just won’t cut it.

Kevin Youkilis: While Youkilis still finished with a very solid season and managed to contribute even when he was struggling, he has to be seen as a disappointment due to his hot start. With Lowell’s contract coming up this may be a time where the Red Sox have to decide whether to go with Youkilis for the future or not. While he has shown signs of greatness, his inability to put together a consistent season may be a sign that he is not the answer at first or third for the Red Sox.

Hired Guns: J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo were all out failures. Combined they collected $20.65 million while hitting 19 home runs. That’s over one million per home run. They also hit .270 and .237 respectively and failed miserably at filling the holes they were brought into fill. The leadoff position flipped between Coco and Pedroia at the end of the season. Although the fifth spot did go at times to Drew it settled in the hands of Youkilis and Lowell. Daisuke, was expectedly mediocre, although considering the cultural barrier he had to jump along with the major differences in the Japanese and American game he could not have been expected to contribute much more than he did. Eric Gagne, who earned almost $3 million in Red Sox paychecks, certainly did not justify his salary, ending up with as many blown saves as holds in a Red Sox uniform. And I won’t even discuss Hinske and Clement, making over $15 million combined this year.
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