2010 Midseason Fantasy All-Stars

July 12th, 2010 kNuke

As we reach the All-Star break, it’s time to look back at the first half Fantasy All-Stars.

C: Miguel Olivo
Olivo is producing above the likes of Mauer, McCann, and Victor Martinez; easy selection.

1B: Paul Konerko
Miggy, Votto, and Morneau are all having stellar years and were considerations, but when you get top level production from a guy not even drafted, that’s awesome.

2B: Robinson Cano
This was a close one. Martin Prado is offering top tier production at a very low price, but Cano is giving 1st round production.

3B: David Wright
The power is back. Wright is complete as it gets.

SS: Hanley Ramirez
Hanley may not hustle, but he produces.

OF: Carl Crawford
Crawford will win you Steals without hurting your team in other categories. Well worth the high draft pick.

OF: Josh Hamilton
All I’m saying is WOW.

OF: Vladimir Guerrero
I thought about Alex Rios, but I had to give the last spot to Big Bad Vlad.

Util: Martin Prado
He needs to be on the team somewhere.

SP: Josh Johnson
Except for the Win total, Johnson is the best pitcher in the league.

SP: Adam Wainwright
Look at Wainwright’s totals, they’re better than Ubaldo Jimenez.

RP: Billy Wagner
Wagner is dominating. The Saves aren’t leading the league, but the peripherals are all there.

The first half has been about the big stars producing. I’m sure there are many other players that could be included on this list. If you think I missed someone, post a comment and state your case.

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2010 Hawaii Warrior Football Draft Watch

April 21st, 2010 kNuke

Tomorrow kicks off a new 3-day format for the NFL Draft.  For the first time, the First Round will be televised live in prime time on Thursday night, 1:30 PM Hawaiian.  The second and third rounds will be televised live at 12 noon Hawaiian on Friday.  The draft will conclude on Saturday starting at 4 AM Hawaiian.  The draft will continue to be televised on the same networks, ESPN and NFL Network.

If you’re a Hawaii fan excited about hearing one of your favorite Warrior names called, you won’t have to pay attention till Saturday.  And even then you might be disappointed as only one Warrior has a legitimate chance to have his named called.

John Estes, C
Estes looked like a solid 5th round pick at the beginning of the season, but the tide has turned against him. After being snubbed by the NFL Combine and getting injured at Pro Day, most reports don’t have Estes even being drafted. I disagree, I think his body of work will convince one team he deserves a shot.
Projection: Round 6

Blaze Soares, OLB
I’ve heard numerous reports that Soares was gaining draft consideration. I really don’t know why any team would select Soares; he’s too slow and injury prone.
Projection: FA

John Fonoti, DE
At the beginning of the season a lot of people were saying Fonoti will play on Sundays. I didn’t think so and it looks like the rest of the NFL agrees.
Projection: FA

Jovonte Taylor, WR
Taylor ran a great 40-time at the Pro Day (4.34 seconds), but that’s not enough to be selected. All those dropped passes and his short stature are too much for teams to overlook, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he got invited to a few tryouts; speed has a way of opening doors.
Projection: FA

Aaron Kia, OL
Maybe the NFL Officials could draft Kia and use him during flag throwing and whistle blowing practice.
Projection: FA

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Fantasy Baseball 2010 Draft Tips (Buy, Sell, and Gamble)

March 27th, 2010 kNuke

While putting my draft board together I’ve highlighted some players as Buy, Sell, and Gamble.

• Buy: Players who offer great value at their current ADP.
• Sell: Players who offer low value at their current ADP.
• Gamble: Mostly high risk/reward, late round players (Sleepers).

Don’t simply avoid a player on the Sell List; just downgrade your expectations and target them a little lower.  Each player’s ADP is in parenthesis.

Catcher

• Buy: Victor Martinez (33) He’ll put up good numbers and play 150+ games unlike most other catchers.
• Sell: Jorge Posada (132) There are too many other young catchers available; don’t give yourself a headache.
• Sell: Joe Mauer (12) Too many missed games, 1st Round picks should play 150+ games.
• Gamble: Geovany Soto (164) Expect 130+ games and numbers closer to 2008.

First Baseman

• Buy: Ryan Howard (11) He’ll produce like any other 1B in Round 1 minus Great Albert.
• Sell: Lance Berkman (70) The injuries are too big of a concern.
• Gamble: Adam LaRoche (191) Expect 25 HR, 85 RBI, 85 R, and .270 AVG.

Second Baseman

• Buy: Jose Lopez (117) Looks to be progressing nicely; only other 100 RBI 2B will be Chase Utley.
• Sell: Aaron Hill (55) Expect a repeat of last year and be disappointed.
• Gamble: Rickie Weeks (193) Could pay off big with a 30/30 season.

Third Baseman

• Buy: Ryan Zimmerman (30) Not as big of a name as David Wright, but just as productive a round later.
• Buy: Aramis Ramirez (62) 30 HR, 100 RBI, and .290 AVG as the 8th 3B off the board sounds good to me.
• Sell: Gordon Beckham (98) The guy has mucho talent, but the Sophomore slump looms.
• Gamble: Edwin Encarnacion (349) If he bats fifth for the Blue Jays, 25 HR and 100 RBI are possibilities.

Shortstop

• Buy: Asdrubal Cabrera (149) Speed, AVG, and 2B eligibility make him very useful.
• Buy: Stephen Drew (123) Expect 100 R, 20 HR, and .285 AVG.
• Sell: Jose Reyes (25) Too many injury concerns and there is speed to be found later in the draft.
• Gamble: Alcides Escobar (216) Could grab 50 SBs if given the playing time.

Outfield

• Buy: Curtis Granderson (47) Expect .280 AVG, 35 HR, 25 SB, and 110 R.
• Buy: Juan Pierre (171) Remember him? Expect .290 AVG and 50 SBs.
• Buy: Michael Cuddyer (134) Solid .270 AVG, 25 HR, 90 RBI.
• Sell: Josh Hamilton (65) Injuries make him a huge risk, but the power is legit.
• Sell: Torii Hunter (99) You don’t get points for his defense, which is in decline by the way.
• Gamble: Julio Borbon (164) This year’s Chris Davis, but if he sticks, he’ll win you the SB category.
• Gamble: Drew Stubbs (285) Not sure what to make of this guy yet, but he’ll help with HRs or SBs.
• Gamble: Chris B Young (317) If he starts to get hot, HRs and SBs rain from the heavens.

Starting Pitcher

• Buy: Roy Halladay (24) Worth every penny, he’ll carve up the NL.
• Buy: Cole Hamels (90) Halladay will take the pressure off, he’s looking at 17 W, 180 Ks, and 3.50 ERA.
• Buy: Clayton Kershaw (96) He’s ready to elevate into fantasy stardom; 1st Round pick next year.
• Sell: Chris Carpenter (65) The injuries will come.
• Sell: Zack Greinke (30) The Ks are legit, but he won’t be as good as last year; 12 W and 3.50 ERA.
• Gamble: Brett Anderson (145) He won’t win many games, but a 3.50 ERA and 175 Ks are helpful.
• Gamble: Erik Bedard (251) The Ks are still there.
• Gamble: Stephen Strasburg (269) He’ll only play 1/2 the season, but expect a 3 ERA and Ks.
• Gamble: Brian Matusz (286) Could earn AL ROY honors; sub 4 ERA and 150 Ks.

Relief Pitcher

• Buy: Jose Valverde (125) Performs like an elite closer, 40 SVs.
• Buy: Billy Wagner (146) Velocity is up, he’ll lock down 35 SVs.
• Buy: Chad Qualls (187) His knee looks recovered; 35 SVs.
• Sell: Ryan Franklin (150) Last year was just too good to be true.
• Sell: Andrew Bailey (117) Shoulder concerns are worrisome.
• Gamble: Chris Perez (360) Could keep the closer job even when Kerry Wood gets off the DL.
• Gamble: Jon Rauch (NA) Has past experience and the Twinkies will win a ton of games.

I’m always down to discuss anything Fantasy Baseball related.  Feel free to post a comment or tweet me up anytime.

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Stickman App Store

February 10th, 2010 kNuke

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 16

December 22nd, 2009 kNuke

Congratulations if you’ve made it this far, it’s Fantasy Super Bowl Week! Before we get going, I’d like to thank everyone who has written and/or tweeted me over this fantasy football season, it’s all greatly appreciated; now on to Week 16.

Injuries to monitor: DeAngelo Williams, Julius Jones, Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger, Brian Westbrook, and Michael Turner.

QB: Alex Smith is the uber spot starter this week. If you can’t get him and need a QB, Josh Freeman is worth a gamble.

RB: Jerome Harrison should be added after his record day and he has a nice match up against the Raiders, but don’t forget about everyone else; Maurice Morris, Darren McFadden, Mike Bell (if Reggie Bush is out), and Jason Snelling (if the Burner is out).

WR: Josh Morgan had a decent game and looks prime for an even bigger one come Sunday. Devin Aromashodu and Deion Branch have been getting a bunch of looks due to injuries.

TE: Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley, David Thomas (if Jeremy Shockey is out), and Kevin Boss; in that order.

DEF: The 49ers play the Lions this week, which should mean around 3 turnovers.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 15

December 14th, 2009 kNuke

Injuries to monitor: Nate Burleson, Kevin Smith (out), Vince Young, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger (out), Correll Buckhalter, Jonathan Stewart, Brian Westbrook, and Michael Turner.

QB: With the Saints and Colts both playing through, there shouldn’t be many owners looking for a QB. If you are and you’re a little crazy, Matt Cassel, Jason Campbell, and (gasp) Brady Quinn are interesting plays this week.

RB: Arian Foster has the best potential this week due to his match up, but Quinton Ganther’s huge game makes him a little safer play. Jason Snelling, Maurice Morris, Chris Jennings, and Darren McFadden are worthy of pickups as well.

WR: Dwayne Bowe is coming off of suspension, meaning he’s worth a pickup and start at 3WR. Kevin Walter is also worth a 3WR start. Antonio Bryant and Kenny Britt are still out there. Devin Aromashodu, Johnny Knox, Greg Camarillo, and Michael Jenkins all had big days, but I wouldn’t have the stomach to start any.

TE: Kevin Boss, Fred Davis, and Jermichael Finley; in that order.

DEF: I’m torn between the Seahawks and Texans this week.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 14

December 8th, 2009 kNuke

Injuries to monitor: DeAngelo Williams, Steve Slaton (year), Hines Ward, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Matt Ryan, Marc Bulger (out), Clinton Portis (year), Brian Westbrook (out), Kurt Warner, Michael Turner, and Dwayne Bowe (until Week 15).

QB: Vince Young, Jason Campbell, and Ryan Fitzpatrick look like solid plays on Sunday if you need a QB. Alex Smith is out there as well, but I wouldn’t be able to start him on my Fantasy roster.

RB: Steve Slaton is done for the year so Chris Brown looks like the add in Houston. Clinton Portis is done as well so look to grab Quinton Ganther not Rock Cartwright. Jerome Harrison is another instant add. Jerious Norwood and Justin Fargas deserve attention, but they’re probably not starter worthy.

WR: Devin Thomas will warrant much attention, but if you don’t get him, there are other options. Chris Chambers, Antonio Bryant, and Kenny Britt to name a few.

TE: Jermichael Finley will be the hot pickup, but don’t forget about Kevin Boss, Fred Davis, and Todd Heap.

DEF: Tennessee has a great match up against Kyle Boller. I’d expect some turnovers.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Wisconsin Badgers vs Hawaii Warriors

December 7th, 2009 kNuke

The Wisconsin Badgers physically dominated the Hawaii Warriors on both sides of the ball in the 51-10 beat down. Wisconsin totaled 301 yards rushing while holding Hawaii to only 197 yards passing. John Clay, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 172 yards and three TDs.

Offense: Bryant Moniz was off, there was no attempt at a running game, and the offensive line play was poor. Simply put, the offense never showed up.

Defense: Like the offense, the defense never showed up. And even if they did, it wouldn’t have mattered; Hawaii was simply over matched.

Special Teams: Alex Dunnachie and Jovonte Taylor got a lot of practice.

Coaching: Coach Mack set the tone by punting on the first drive of the game; it was all downhill from there.

Final Word: Hawaii was beat by a better team.

Helmet Stickers:
Hawaii Seniors – It was a good 4-game run

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: 2009 Week 13

December 1st, 2009 kNuke

I’m sure you’re aware that the fantasy playoffs are quickly approaching. It’s a good time to start looking ahead to the first week of your Fantasy playoffs.

Injuries to monitor: DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan (out), Marc Bulger (2-6 weeks), Clinton Portis (out), Brian Westbrook (out), Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Turner, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Calvin Johnson, and Dwayne Bowe (2 weeks).

QB: Vince Young and Ryan Fitzpatrick put up surprising numbers on Sunday. It looks like Young is the guy everyone wants, but I actually think Fitzpatrick looks better from here on out. Along with those two, Matt Cassel looks good in Weeks 14 and 15 while Alex Smith looks solid in Week 16. If you have Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, or Brett Favre, grab another QB, because they may not be playing too much in Week 16.

RB: These guys are above the 50% mark, but only slightly. Go see if they’re available in your league. Jamaal Charles, Justin Forsett, and Fred Jackson (way above). Chris Brown, Jerious Norwood, and Larry Johnson are worth adds as well. LJ won’t be starting for your team once Cedric Benson returns, but if Benson has a setback, you’ll be glad you picked him up.

WR: Chris Chambers needs to be above 50% ownership. Antonio Bryant, Kenny Britt, and Donnie Avery are viable options moving forward as well.

TE: Kevin Boss and Fred Davis are out there. If Todd Heap gets healthy, he’s an interesting play in Weeks 14 and 15.

As always, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

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Navy Midshipmen vs Hawaii Warriors

November 28th, 2009 kNuke

The Hawaii Warriors survived another week, defeating the Navy Midshipmen 24-17, keeping their Hawaii Bowl dream alive. Warrior nation held their breath after Hawaii failed to convert on 4th down with a little less than 6 minutes remaining. Luckily, poor play calling and terrible clock management helped seal the Hawaii victory. Bryant Moniz’s TD pass to Alex Green in the 3rd Quarter proved to be the difference.

Offense: Moniz was 32-44 for 366 yards and 3 TDs. Moniz was on point for most of the night minus a rough start. He had a few questionable throws, but luckily Navy was unable to capitalize. Most often the Hawaii QBs get into trouble when they lock in on Salas and forget about their progressions.

Kealoha Pilares was the star of the night, catching 8 passes for 108 yards and 2 TDs. Greg Salas added 10 grabs for 147 yards. Pilares plays well against less talented teams so his numbers should not surprise. The offensive line played pretty well, yielding only 2 sacks and giving Moniz ample time to throw. The touchdown at the end of the 1st half was absolutely huge.

Defense: Simply put, the defense won the game, holding Navy to well below its season rushing average. Hawaii did an especially good job at stopping the dive and pitch. Tackling was so-so again, but it was good enough.

Special Teams: Scott Enos made his kicks and Alex Dunnachie did a pretty good job pinning Navy back. Jovonte Taylor was huge again returning kicks; I’m just waiting for him to take one to the house. Can Warrior nation get a Xmas gift early from Jovonte next week?

Coaching: The defensive gameplan was excellent, but the offensive playcalling still needs some work. I thought I saw something that resembled a stop-fade route to Royce Pollard so I’m hopeful.

Now we get to Coach Mack… Coach Mack, what are you thinking? Most of the time, I love the idea of going for it on 4th and less than 2 yards, but not in that situation. Kick the friggin field goal! Make it a two score game and let a defense that’s playing solid win the game. Holy cow…

Final Word: Who would have thought that Hawaii would make it this far in their own little NCAA March Madness pool? One more win equals a Hawaii Bowl berth. Warrior nation has a few more peeps on the wagon after this win.

Helmet Stickers:
Bryant Moniz – 32/44, 366 yards and 3 TDs
Kealoha Pilares – 8 catches, 108 yards and 2 TDs
Greg Salas – 10 catches, 147 yards
Blaze Soares – 12 tackles, 1 sack
R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, 10 tackles, 1 sack
Hawaii team defense – Held Navy to 248 yards rushing

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