Upon Further Review

Last week I posted a selection of players that I was either advising you start or warning you against doing so. It was our (Mittens and I) first crack at the whole prognostication thing. So, upon further review:

Good To Go Picks:

Ricky Williams
Mittens Said - 115/2TD rushing, 5/35 receiving. 31 fantasy points
Reality - 119/2TD rushing, 2/19/1TD receiving. 29 fantasy points
Verdict: Mittens came highly recommended and he proved it right out of the gate.

Kevin Smith
Mittens Said - 90/1TD rushing, 4/30 rec. 22 fantasy points
Reality - 45/0TD rushing, 4/104/1TD receiving. 21 fantasy points
Verdict: bit a stat twist here but the end result is yet another win for Mittens

Greg Jennings
Mittens Said - 7/135/1TD - 23 fantasy points
Reality - 5/126/1 - 20 fantasy points
Verdict: Mittens has me rethinking my hate for cats. nicely done sir.

Donnie Avery
Mittens Said - 8/95/1TD. 20 fantasy points
Reality - 4/65/0. 10 fantasy points
Verdict: Mittens missed the mark a bit here but Avery was the WR of choice in this game. I'll let this one slide.

Eli Manning
Mittens Said - 285/3TD's 1INT - 20 fantasy points
Reality - 384/3TD's 1INT - 24 fantasy points
Verdict: Wow, looks like kitty cat was being conservative here.

John Carlson
Mittens Said - 6/75/2TD's - 19 fantasy points
Reality - 0/0. 0 fantasy points
Verdict: My hate for cats? back on.

Hell No Picks:

Knowshon Moreno
Mittens Said - 55 yards, 0 TD's. 3/15. 9 fantasy points
Reality - 80/0TD rushing, 1/6/0TD receiving. 9 fantasy points
Verdict: I'm sorry I was mad at you mittens. lets cuddle.

Matt Forte
Mittens Said - 60 yards, 0 TD's. 4/20. 12 fantasy points
Reality - 34/0TD Rushing, 4/20/0TD receiving. 9 fantasy points
Verdict: Mr. Mittens, How i love thee.

Chad Ocho Cinco
Mittens Said - 4/55/0TD's. 9 fantasy points
Reality - 4/67/0TD. 10 fantasy points
Verdict: F**k me, this cat is good.

Roddy White
Mittens Said - 6/75/0TD's. 13 fantasy points
Reality - 4/45. 8 fantasy points
Verdict: Mittens was being generous here it seems

Matt Ryan
Mittens Said - 210/1TD/2INT's - 11 fantasy points
Reality - 268/2TD 0INT, 14 yards rushing. 17 fantasy points
Verdict: Every dog has his day.

Dallas Clark
Mittens Said - 6/60/0TD's. 12 fantasy points
Reality - 1/3 1TD. 4 fantasy points.
Verdict: Mittens has been resigned to a 25 year contract extension on this pick alone. F**king brilliant!

4.5/6 for the GTG Picks (half a point for Donnie Avery)
5/6 for the HN Picks.

Check back Thursday for Mittens picks this week.

Thierri Henri and the goddamn Handball*

I don't even have strong feelings towards the French that much. Zinzedene Zidane I could take or leave.

It's handball! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiwFvsHmr_4 .It's practically the only thing that's against the rules, besides being offside or head butting Marco Materazzi.

Plus, France is always in the World Cup. The Republic pretty much never is. They're scrappy, and adorable, and not entirely made up of colonials**...that's right, I went there.

*note... Henri has since stated that a rematch was only fair as his "instinctual" handball should have been called.
**never mind

Draft Review

Among the myriad of Pools I'm in there is one in particular that has top priority - the Posse Gamblers Pool. Made up of 9 buddies from high school and myself, we've been doing this, in its present incarnation, for 9 years. This season being the 9th. The format is a 10 team PPR league with 17 rounds - 3 QB's, 4 RB's, 4 WR's, 2 TE's, 2 K's and 2 DF/SP's. Rushing and DF/SP TD's are 6 points and all others are 3. Any TD receptions/Rushing over 50yards are awarded 10 bonus points and 5 bonus points are awarded to any player exceeding 100 yards receiving/rushing or 300 yards passing. QB's are awarded 5 bonus points for 50+ yard TD passes and also for NOT throwing any INT's (min 15 attempts). Positions are (starters/drafted): QB 2/3, RB 3/4, WR 3/4, TE 1/2, K 1/2, DF/SP 1/2.... phew! The rest is fairly standard.

So, the members of this pool are (in order of draft position this year and indenitified only by first initial and number of titles won), M0, D2, K1, P0, J4 (me), T1, B0, N0, A0, G2. Having said all that, here's our draft this year.

Round 1 & 2

M0 - Adrian Peterson
D2 - Michael Turner
K1 - Mike Forte
P0 - MJD
J4 - Chris Johnson
T1 - DeAngelo Williams
B0 - Steve Jackson
N0 - Steve Slaton
A0 - Tomlinson
G2 - Frank Gore
G2 - Fitzgerald
A0 - Andre Johnson
N0 - Marion Barber
B0 - Drew Brees
T1 - Tom Brady
J4 - Randy Moss
P0 - Brandon Jacobs
K1 - Westbrook
D2 - Clinton Portis
M0 - Ronnie Brown

Rounds 3 & 4

M0 - Reggie Wayne
D2 - Steve Smith (CAR)
K1 - Peyton Manning
P0 - Calvin johnson
J4 - Aaron Rodgers
T1 - Phillip Rivers
B0 - Marques Colsten
N0 - Roddy White
A0 - Tony Romo
G2 - Ryan Grant
G2 - Greg Jennings
A0 - Kevin Smith
N0 - Anquan Bolden
B0 - Marshawn Lynch
T1 - Wes Welker
J4 - Jay Cutler
P0 - Donovan McNabb
K1 - Terell Owens
D2 - Kurt Warner
M0 - Dwayne Bowe

Rounds 5 & 6

M0 - Matt Ryan
D2 - TJ Housmanzadeh
K1 - Jason Witten
P0 - Pierre Thomas
J4 - Beanie Wells
T1 - Tom Jones
B0 - Tony Gonzales
N0 - Braylon Edwards
A0 - Antonio Gates
G2 - Joseph Addai
G2 - Chris Cooley
A0 - Matt Schaub
N0 - Palmer
B0 - Eddie Royal
T1 - Dallas Clark
J4 - Roy Williams
P0 - Bernard Berrian
K1 - Santonio Holmes
D2 - Larry Johnson
M0 - Willie Parker (dropped for Jamaal Charles)

Rounds 7 & 8

M0 - DeShawn Jackson
D2 - Ocho Cinco
K1 - Reggie Bush (dropped for LeSean McCoy)
P0 - Matt Hasselbeck
J4 - Brandon Marshal
T1 - Knowshon Moreno
B0 - Derek Ward (dropped for Rickie Williams)
N0 - C Benson
A0 - Adrian Gonzales (dropped for Sidney Rice)
G2 - Matt Cassel
G2 - Vince Jackson
A0 - Darren Mcfadden
N0 - Brett Favre
B0 - Pitt
T1 - Antonio Bryant (dropped for Michael Crabtree)
J4 - Owen Daniels
P0 - Greg Olsen
K1 - Joe Flacco
D2 - Kellen Winslow
M0 - Jeremy Shockey

Rounds 9 & 10

M0 - Eli Manning
D2 - Rothlisberger
K1 - Jericho Cotchery
P0 - San Diego
J4 - Ray Rice
T1 - Torry Holt (dropped for Derek Mason)
B0 - Lee Evans
N0 - Baltimore
A0 - Santana Moss
G2 - David Garrard
G2 - Felix Jones (dropped for Ahmad Bradshaw)
A0 - NYG
N0 - V Shiancoe
B0 - Kyle Orton
T1 - Donnie Avery
J4 - Chad Pennington
P0 - Donald Driver
K1 - Jake Delhomme
D2 - Jason Campbell
M0 - Philly

Rounds 11 & 12

M0 - Julius Jones - (dropped for Forsett)
D2 - LenDale White - (dropped for Shonn green)
K1 - Chicago
P0 - Deven Hester
J4 - Lance Moore (dropped for Mario Manningham)
T1 - Tenn
B0 - Jonathan Stewart
N0 - Leon Washington
A0 - Trent Edwards
G2 - Minn
G2 - Kevin Walter
A0 - Donald Brown
N0 - Nate Burleson (dropped for Miles Austin)
B0 - Jeremy Maclin (dropped for Sims-Walker)
T1 - Rod Bironis
J4 - L McCoy (dropped for Rashard Mendenhall)
P0 - Collins
K1 - Darren Sproles
D2 - Earl Bennett (dropped for Steve Smith NYG)
M0 - Mark Sanchez

Rounds 13 & 14

M0 - Hines Ward
D2 - Dallas
K1 - L Coles
P0 - Gostkowsky
J4 - John Carlson
T1 - Miami
B0 - Matt Stafford
N0 - Sean Hill
A0 - Ryan Longwell
G2 - Jamarcus Russell
G2 - Brent Celek
A0 - Steve Breaston
N0 - Neil Rackers
B0 - Dustin Keller
T1 - Tim Hightower
J4 - NYJ
P0 - Kevin Boss
K1 - Josh Scobee
D2 - Nick Folk
M0 - Nate Kaeding

Rounds 15 & 16

M0 - Green Bay
D2 - Seattle
K1 - Jacksonville
P0 - New England
J4 - David Akers
T1 - Zach Miller
B0 - Buffalo
N0 - Heath Miller
A0 - Tony Sheffler
G2 - Houston
G2 - Robbie Gould
A0 - Mason Crosby
N0 - Josh Scoby
B0 - Jason Elam
T1 - Carpenter
J4 - K Brown
P0 - Hartley
K1 - John Casey
D2 - Sea Bass
M0 - Vinitieri

Round 17

M0 - Fasano
D2 - LJ Smith
K1 - Josh Reed
P0 - Jamal Lewis
J4 - New Orleans
T1 - Mark Bulger
B0 - Ryan Lindell
N0 = Tampa Bay
A0 - Carolina
G2 - Josh Brown

** There were a lot more drops than what's listed but I only included the significant ones - keep in mind that each team gets just 4 drops the entire season and trades are not allowed.

What's the point of this? Well in a week I'll post the pool standings and then re-rank the first 4 rounds in a 20/20 hindsight re-draft. I'll also post the round that player was actually taken in, just to see who got the gems and in what round (or as a waiver pick up).

The Doctor is Out?

According to reports out of Los Angeles, it looks like the Dodgers are hot to trot for Doc Halladay. If you remember (but really, how could you forget the circus JP created) we failed to find a suitable deal for Doc before last season's trade deadline. Now that JP has been jettisoned, The Greek has all winter to line up deals and decide who wins the lottery.

Keeping with the Dodgers, any deal begins with Chad Billingsly. I'd prefer Clayton Kershaw but he was too important to the team last year and he may be untouchable. So, Assuming Billingsly is the centrepeice of any Halladay trade, I've put together a hypothetical package.

Chad Billingsly, SP, 25

Though a power pitcher with mid-90's heat, he also has a fantastic curveball and great command. Also displays a strong slider. In 2009, Billingsley started well, winning his first five decisions and posted a 7 inning, 11 K performance against the San Francisco Giants on April 13. He was selected to the 2009 National League All Star Team. However, he struggled in the second half of the season and finished the year 12-11 with a 4.03 ERA in 32 starts and pitched out of the bullpen in the playoffs. Ace Potential.

Andre Ethier, 27, OF

Consistently hits the ball from line to line with occasional power. Works hard and is a good situational hitter. Last season, Ethier hit .279 with a career best 31 home runs and 106 RBIs. He was a key contributor for the Dodgers last season, with six walk off hits (including four walk off home runs), the most by any player in the Major Leagues since 1974. He won the Silver Slugger Award at the conclusion of the season. Great Corner Outfielder.

Aaron Miller, SP, 22.

Miller was the Dodgers' first-round pick last June and didn't take long to stamp his name as a potential pro ace. The Baylor product dominated low Class A through 10 starts and could move very quickly to the majors -- perhaps even by the end of 2010. Consider him a must-have prospect flier in any long-term keeper league and a deep sleeper in NL-only formats if you can wait until a mid-to-late season call-up.

Dee Gordon, SS, 21.

The son of former closer Tom Gordon enjoyed breakthrough season in 2009, going .301-3-35-96-73 (.362-.394) in 538 at-bats in low Class A. He is still a few years away, but the Dodgers might be inclined to move him up quickly, like an Elvis Andrus, because he has a slick glove and can slap his way to being a terror on the bases. At 5-feet-11 and just 150 pounds, he will never hit for power, but that steals potential will carry him well as a keeper prospect for Rotisserie leagues.

This trade would provide us two rock solid prospect, particularly in the infield where we lack any depth nor blue chippers. As well as a young pitcher who can anchor our rotation and top notch corner infielder to solidify our lineup. With this trade we could still compete as long as we find a suitable replacement for Scutaro and an upgrade on Encarnacion.

Good To Go and Hell No

Lets get this show on the road.

Good To Go:

RB

Ricky Williams - No longer "Sticky Icky Ricky", the Zen One is due for a fine fantasy output on Thursday against an anemic Panthers D allowing a salivating 4.6 YPC. Many Fantasy owners had the former CFL flop as a bench player with flex possibilities but now with Wildcat point guard Ronnie Brown possibly out for the year with a serious foot ouchie, Ricky is now a viable fantasy #2. Start him with confidence and Nirvana will ensue

Mittens Says - 115/2TD rushing, 5/35 receiving. 31 fantasy points*

Kevin Smith - Silent Bob has been a bit of a disappointment to fantasy owners who drafted him in the 3rd or 4th round expecting a breakout performance under the new regime in Detroit. However, he experienced his worst fantasy days while Calvin Johnson was on the sidelines. Now that the Leader of the Decepticons is back, and facing a Browns D that allows a tasty 4.7 YPC, expect Smith to give you a nice boost this Sunday.

Mittens Says - 90/1TD rushing, 4/30 rec. 22 fantasy points

WR

Greg Jennings - Where for art thou Gregomio? This lover of ladies was supposed to get every owner who drafted him preggers with huge point totals. Instead we get cock clocked by the brutal Green Bay O-line. Without that extra second of protection, Mr. Rodgers has been unable to unleash the beast. Fear not, SF has an ugly pass rush and double A Ron should have the time he needs to go deep and connect with Don Juan for some serious sexual healing.

Mittens Says - 7/135/1TD - 23 fantasy points

Donnie Avery - Who? This guy was either ignored on draft day (terrible team/QB) or promptly dropped as soon as the season started. Big on potential but playing on a team that.. well... sucks huge donkey balls, he has been pretty well ignored. But alas, the Ram offense has awakened, of sorts, and Captain Sisko has been a major part of the resurrection. Exploding back on the scene last week with a pair of scores, he faces an Arizona D that allows a very generous 253 YPG in the air. And lets face it, the Rams still suck so they will most likely be playing from behind so Bulger/Boler/Waterboy will be heaving it quite a bit.

Mittens Says - 8/95/1TD - 20 fantasy points

QB

Eli Manning - with a week off to rest and work out the kinks, the Lessor Manning now faces a Notsohotlanta Defence that loves to give up the big play to receivers. With The Duke of Manningham and Stevie Nicks burning down the sidelines you can rely on Eli to right the ship and post some bitchin stats.

Mittens Says - 285/3TD's 1INT - 20 fantasy points**

TE

John Carlson - AKA John Calsberg, AKA John Carling, AKA John Labbatt, AKA Johnny Beers, will be a smooth and refreshing beverage to quench the thirst of fantasy owners this week. Not exactly the break out performer most expected, Johnny Beers has still been a solid, if unspectacular, member of most fantasy squads. This week Seattle faces a robust 'Sota D that loves to rush the passer and throw complex blitzes at opposing QB's. Where do get rid of the ball when faced with Jared Allen and the Williams Wall? How about your sure handed TE!

Mittens Says - 6/75/2TD's - 19 fantasy points

Hell No:

RB

Knowshon Moreno - "Knowshon"? What, was Dipshit or Frankincense taken? Atrocious name aside, Moreno has been establishing himself with greater athority over the course of the season. But now with Orton likely out this week the Denver offense is in the hands of Chris Simms. He's not very good. His dad makes him sit at the kiddy table on Thanksgiving, rumor would have it. Anyways... Denver could find themselves playing from behind very eraly. Knowshon will be a Knowshow. bench him.

Mittens Says - 55 yards, 0 TD's. 3/15. 9 fantasy points.

Matt Forte - Chicago, in spite of Cutlers erratic play, has become a throwing team. Which is a real shame because if Forte were to get 25 touches consistently he'd be an elite RB again. But alas, that trend is not going to change this week as Da Bears face a Philly D that has been downright miserly in their allowances to opposing RB's - 3.7 YPC. It will be up to Cutler to win this game. Forte will disappoint.

Mittens Says - 60 yards, 0 TD's. 4/20. 12 fantasy points.

WR

Chad Ocho Cinco - Don't call it a comeback, he's been here for years. Having said that, the Raiders are quite stingy against the pass and you can rest assure that The Darkness, Nnamdi Asomugha, will be all over Los 85 like white on rice. NA has shut down better receivers than Chad. Sit him.

Mittens Says - 4/55/0TD's. 9 fantasy points

Roddy White - Sit Rowdy Roddy? Surely I jest! No sir, i do not. And never say "surely you jest" to me again. you sound like a douchebag. I seriously think the Giants are going to dominate this game. They've been substandard before the bi-week after being spoken of in terms of "best in the NFL at the start of the season. They are pissed off and motivated and they will come to play on both sides of the ball. With a pass rush without peer (when playing at full potential) i expect to see young master Ryan on his ass quite a bit on Sunday. Rowdy Roddy won't disappear but he will disappoint.

Mittens Says - 6/75/0TD's

QB

Matt Ryan - but of course. When firing on all cylinders, the Giants have a superior pass rush and highly capable and opportunistic secondary that can shut down anyone not named Tom Brady (at least in the regular season) or Peyton Manning. I expect Ryan Ginger to struggle mightily this week.

Mittens Says - 210/1TD/2INT's - 11 fantasy points

TE

Dallas Clark - WHA!!! That's correct, i don't like DC this week against a rejuvenated Ravens D. Why? Well for one, Baltimore needs this win a lot more than the Colts. Second, Clark really hasn't been tested this season by a top notch defense. That changes on Sunday when Indy travels to Poe-ville to face easily the best defense they've seen all year. I'm not saying Dallas disappears, but expecting his usual 80-120 yards and 7+ receptions is asking for too much. Unless you have an elite back up with a good match up you should still start DC, but don't be shocked if he comes up short of your lofty expectations.

Mittens Says - 6/60/0TD's. 12 fantasy points

*based on a PPR scoring system where a reception = 1 point
** based on a "no negative points" scoring system where INT's are not penalized.