NFL Power Rankings - Playoff Time!

Well the regular NFL season is over and looks like I'll be back to regular blogging. Final power rankings below.

1. Green Bay Packers: 606 (581 )

Previous Week: 1

Notes: No Aaron Rodgers? No problem apparently. Matt Flynn surprised everyone with his dominant performance over the Lions. Even with a subpar defense, the Packers are the best team in the NFC and in the NFL.

2. New Orleans Saints: 545 (486 )

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The Packers might be the best team in the NFL, but the Saints are the team nobody wants to play in the playoffs right now. Drew Brees is looking like the best QB in football right now.

3. New England Patriots: 493 (441 )

Previous Week: 4

Notes:  In a conference without an elite team, the Patriots have the slight edge over other good teams like the Ravens and Steelers mostly due to Tom Brady. Their defense might not be great, but the Patriots have won 8 in a row and are the team nobody wants to face in the AFC.

4. San Francisco 49ers: 475 (451)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: The 49ers end the season as the #2 seed with a 13-3 record after being 6-10 the year before. If their defense plays at the top of their game, they can beat anyone in the playoffs.

5. Baltimore Ravens: 418 (384)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: A win over the Bengals gets them a bye week in the playoffs. If the Broncos upset the Steelers, the Ravens might find their road to the championship game fairly easy with the Texans suffering from injuries, the Broncos being the Broncos, and the Bengals already losing twice to them.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 417 (393)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Like the 49ers, if this team's defense is at the top of their game, they can beat anyone in the NFL. They should coast against Denver next week.

7. Houston Texans: 328 (348)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: Losing three games in a row (especially all to non-playoff teams) is not what the Texans wanted to do going into the playoffs. It will be a tough game against the Bengals.

8. Detroit Lions: 312 (328)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: The Lions did not expect a Packers team without Aaron Rodgers to perform as well as they did on offense, but there you go. It's exciting that this team has made the playoffs for the first time since 1999, but it might be short-lived with their first game on the road against a red hot Saints.

9. Atlanta Falcons: 275 (226)

Previous Week: 9

Notes:  The win over the Buccs in week 17 means that the Falcons get to play the Giants on the road instead of the Saints who destroyed them in week 16.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: 197 (170)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: Might be "weird" ranking a non-playoff team so high (especially one that only finished the season at .500), but very few teams played as good of football at the end of the season as the Eagles. They somehow end the season in 2nd place in the NFC East only one game back from taking that division.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: 178 (196)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: Well, they lost to the Ravens, but got some help and are now in the playoffs as a 6th seed. Their first game is against the Texans who they only lost to by 1 point a few weeks ago.

12. New York Giants:  176 (132)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: When the Giants team can put it all together like they did against the Cowboys, there are very few teams they can't beat. Victor Cruz is one of the better receivers in the league as is Eli in the QB position. This QB / WR combo will be exciting to watch in the playoffs.

13. San Diego Chargers: 153 (128 )

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The other non-playoff team (besides the Eagles) that few would want to face in the playoffs. They are the best 8-8 team out of the 3 in the AFC West, but unfortunately will not be able to compete in the wildcard game against the Steelers.

14. Tennessee Titans:  150 (119)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: They won, but didn't get the help they needed to get in. That one touchdown loss against the Bengals was the only thing preventing this team from making the playoffs. That and giving up the Colt's first win.

15. Dallas Cowboys: 144 (185)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: They simply played worse than the Giants on all sides of the ball. The blame can't be on Romo this time as he still put up a solid game. Jerry Jones says Jason Garrett's job is safe and he's probably being truthful although if they end up not making the playoffs next year it probably will be a different story.

16. New York Jets: 135 (148)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: The Jets lose their last 3 games of the season and end up not making the playoffs. Rex Ryan's job will be safe for now (he was the one who transformed this team from a joke to relevant after all), but is very far from that Super Bowl guarantee he promised at the beginning of the season.

17. Chicago Bears: 117 (98)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: Well, they finally win a game and end the season at .500. If Jay Cutler didn't have starting QB security for the Bears he does now.

18. Seattle Seahawks: 75 (75)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: Even they ended the season with the same record, the Seahawks still exceeded expectations  this season.

19. Arizona Cardinals: 54 (15 )

Previous Week: 22

Notes: A moral victory for the Cards. Arizona ends the season on a strong note with a win over the Seahawks and an 8-8 record.

20. Oakland Raiders: 32 (57)

Previous Week: 19

Notes:  The Broncos gave the Raiders a shot at an AFC West division title, but they couldn't beat the Chargers. Will Carson Palmer be the starting QB for the Raiders next season?

21. Miami Dolphins: 32 (8)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Nothing made this team happier than shattering any hopes of a playoff birth for the Jets with a win over them. After staring off the season 0-7, the Dolphins go 6-3.

22. Denver Broncos: 15 (35)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: Well, I guess Tim Tebow "led" this team to a surprising playoff berth despite losing their last 3. This team is the weakest of the 12 teams in the playoffs, but based on some of their wins you never know what can happen.

23. Carolina Panthers:  6 (55)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Excited about watching Cam Newton & co compete next season. They might not be a playoff team in 2012, but they'll be a lot closer than they were this year.

24. Buffalo Bills: -52 (-4)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: I thought after being up 21 - 0, the Bills could at least NOT get destroyed by the Pats for their last game of the season. I was wrong. What a disappointing season for a team that started off so strong.

25. Kansas City Chiefs: -71 (-104)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Too early to say, but Romeo Crennel looks like a good fit in KC. Prior to him taking over the head coaching gig, the team looked like one of the bottom 3 in the NFL. While not a playoff caliber team yet, they look much improved.

26. Washington Redskins: -103 (-59)

Previous Week: 25

Notes:  Another team that started off the season so strong (and a team that some said could have taken the NFC East), but showed their true colors as the season progressed. It will be interesting to see what happens in terms of changes in the off season.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: -134 (-187)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The only bright spot in the Jags season was MJD who put up another great season (and one of the best in the NFL in the RB position).

28. Cleveland Browns: -181 (-161)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: 6 losses in a row and 0 division wins to close out the season. Disgusting.

29. Minnesota Vikings: -217 (-204)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: They still put up a fight against the Bears and like a lot of their losses, they came up short by one possession.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -306 (-266)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: 10 losses in a row and Morris is gone. This team was so competitive last year and started off this 4-2. I can't remember the last time I saw such a collapse.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -387 ( -366 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: They get the #1 pick in the draft. It will be interesting to see if they get Luck (for themselves or for trade bait).

32. St. Louis Rams: -395 (-370 )

Previous Week: 32

Notes: And the Rams end the season on a horrible note and Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney are immediately fired. It will take a while for this team to rebuild.

NFL Power Rankings Week 15

1. Green Bay Packers: 558 (499)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They have been called a "one sided" team with a second to last ranked defense, but proved how dangerous they can be on D against the Raiders. This team might do what the Patriots couldn't in 2007, go 19-0.

2. Houston Texans: 421 (385)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: This team has earned the #2 spot. Injury-ridden and still winning big (and tough games). A first seed is a very possible thing for this team.

3. Baltimore Ravens: 400 (371)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: A close 2nd in terms of the best team in the AFC. With how things are shaking up in the AFC, this team can be anywhere from a 1st to 5th seed come playoff time.

4. New Orleans Saints: 388 (354)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: A big win against the Titans that helps move this team closer to a first round bye come playoff time. This team is the better team right now than the 49ers and deserve that #2 seed.

5. San Francisco 49ers: 387 (408)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: A tough divisional loss. Things don't get easier with a game against the Steelers this weekend.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 387 (345)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: Am I excited to see how this team matches up against the 49ers. This is the game to watch for next week.

7. New England Patriots: 367 (335)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: The Patriots and Tom Brady will be the team to end Tim Tebow's streak.

8. Detroit Lions: 259 (231)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: To me, this team has the best shot at a NFC wildcard. Games against the Raiders and Chargers should result in wins before a very tough game against the Packers to close out the season. They better hope the Packers loser 1 game between now and then so that they rest up their players.

9. New York Jets: 235 (179)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: With the Jets winning and Titans, Bengals, and Raiders losing, they are now in the driver seat for that #6 seed. They're the best team out of the 4 and will likely hold on to this spot.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 215 (190)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: The other probably wildcard spot in the NFC. They face two easy games against the Jags and Buccs and a tough one against the Saints. 10-6 will be a sure thing for the wildcard so count them in unless there's a big upset.

11. Dallas Cowboys: 170 (217)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: Another very tough loss for the Cowboys. While Romo didn't play badly, he did little to show that he's not a winning QB in November and a loser in December. The game against the Buccs is a trap game that I'm predicting will result in a loss for the Boys.

12. Chicago Bears: 165 (181)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: The Bears season is slowly slipping away after losing 3 in a row.

13. Cincinnati Bengals: 161 (180 )

Previous Week: 12

Notes: Once looking like an elite in the AFC, the Bengals are now on the outside looking in. They most likely have to win their last 3 (including a tough season ending game against the Ravens) to make the playoffs.

14. Tennessee Titans: 125 (138)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: A competitive game against the Saints, but a loss is tough given the wildcard race in the AFC. They get two easy divisional games against the Colts and Jags which can keep them in the playoff race.

15. New York Giants: 112 (82)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: A season saving win for the Giants that also puts them in the driver seat for the NFC East. If they win out (which is possible with their remaining schedule) they're in. The last game against the Cowboys at the end of the season will likely decide the division winner. Eli has been outstanding this year and, in my opinion, will carry this team to the playoffs.

16. Denver Broncos: 107 (79)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: I'm a Jew turned atheist, but I"m starting to reconsider my religious beliefs after seeing Tim Tebow and his winning streak. He has been coming back from the impossible and pulling off huge wins. They're luck will eventually run out (most likely against the Pats), but with the Raiders struggling and the Chargers are their last leg, they look like they'll take the AFC West.

17. San Diego Chargers: 94 (78 )

Previous Week: 18

Notes: A win that keeps them in it, but it's only a matter of time before this team is out of the playoff race. Norv Turner will also be out of a job.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 66 (28)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: They're still hanging on to that miracle that gets them into the playoffs. They won't make it, but they'll be looking to finish at .500.

19. Oakland Raiders: 59 (98)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The Raiders last two games are against the Chiefs and Chargers, both division games that they need to win in order to potentially beat out the Broncos for the AFC West.

20. Seattle Seahawks: 45 (14)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: If the Seahawks could play the Rams every week they'd look like an elite team. 6-7 is still better than expected from this team.

21. Arizona Cardinals: 6 (-23)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: That's 3 wins in a row now for the Cards including two in a row against good teams (Cowboys and 49ers). Games against the Bengals, Browns, and Seahawks could make this team end their season at a surprising 9-7.

22. Miami Dolphins: -2 (34 )

Previous Week: 19

Notes: No Tony Sparano. Bad time to fire a coach considering how well this team was rebounding from an awful start.

23. Buffalo Bills: -24 (23)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: The Bills continue to sink lower and lower each week. They don't even look competitive anymore.

24. Carolina Panthers: -45 (-21)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Cam and co will look to end the season in 3rd place which is somewhat an accomplishment for a team that's used to ending their season in last in the NFC South.

25. Washington Redskins: -64 (-41 )

Previous Week: 25

Notes: A mess, but what can you expect when Ross Grossman is your leader.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: -74 (121)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Big week for MJD. Doesn't really matter much for this team though.

27. Cleveland Browns: -110 (-75)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: The Browns keep going down.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: -135 (-86 )

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The improvements of the Chiefs D can't mask their horrific offense.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -169 (-120)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The Buccs look to upset the Cowboys this Saturday night.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -174 (-152 )

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Even for a team like the Vikings, 2-11 is still worse than expected at this point.

31. St. Louis Rams: -296 (-251)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Expect big changes for this team in the offseason.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -420 ( -398)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: I'm still in my survivor league and will be picking the team that plays them for the remainder of the season. It's a sure thing.

MLB Standing Predctions

Well, we're winding down on the 2011 season. This season is fairly unsurprising in terms of who seems to be a playoff team vs. the teams who are going to be left out in the dust (with the exception of the Diamondbacks who I don't think anyone had going to the playoffs heading into the season). With about 30 - 35 games left in the season, I thought I'd give me predictions for the final standings of the season. Feel free to leave yours in the comments section. Current record is indicated in ( )

AL EAST

1. Boston Red Sox: 99 - 63 (79-50)

2. New York Yankees: 97 - 65 (78-50)

3. Tampa Bay Rays: 90 - 72 (70-59)

4. Toronto Blue Jays: 79 - 83 (66-63)

5. Baltimore Orioles: 66 - 96 (51-77)

AL CENTRAL

1. Detroit Tigers: 87 - 75 (71-59)

2. Chicago White Sox: 80 -82 (63-65)

3. Cleveland Indians: 79-83 (63-64)

4. Kansas City Royals: 70 -92 (53-77)

5. Minnesota Twins: 66 - 96 (55 - 75)

AL WEST

1. Texas Rangers: 92 - 70 (74-57)

2. Los Angeles Angels: 85 - 77 ( 71-59)

3. Oakland Athletics: 79 - 83 (59-71)

4. Seattle Mariners: 71 - 91 (56-73)

NL EAST

1. Philadelphia Phillies: 102 - 60 (83-45)

2. Atlanta Braves: 99 - 63 (79-53)

3. New York Mets: 79 - 83 (61-68)

4. Washington Nationals: 78 - 84 (62-66)

5. Florida Marlins: 70 - 92 (58-72)

NL CENTRAL

1. Milwaukee Brewers: 97 - 65 (78-54)

2. St. Louis Cardinals: 84 - 78 (67-63)

3. Cincinnati Reds: 79 - 83 (64-66)

4. Pittsburgh Pirates: 78 - 84 (61-68)

5. Chicago Cubs: 74 - 88 (57-74)

6. Houston Astros: 53 - 109 (42-88)

NL WEST

1. San Francisco Giants: 88 - 74 (69 - 61)

2. Arizona Diamondbacks: 84 - 78 (71-59)

3. Colorado Rockies: 78 - 84 (63-68)

4. Los Angeles Dodgers: 72 - 90 (60-69)

4. San Diego Padres: 71 - 91 (60-71)

NFL Predictions 2011

The lockout is over and even though this is NOT a top 10 list, I've become overly excited about the fact that football is here and decided to create a post about it (that was a mouthful). Here are my predictions for the 2011 NFL season. In parenthesis was the team's records last year.

AFC East

New England Patriots: 13-3 (14-2)

New York Jets: 11-5 (11-5)

Miami Dolphins: 6-10 (7-9)

Buffalo Bills: 3-13 (4-12)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: 12-4 (12-4)

Pittsburgh Steelers: 12-4 (12-4)

Cleveland Browns: 7-9 (5-11)

Cincinnati Bengals: 2-14 (4-12)

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts: 11-5 (10-6)

Houston Texans: 8-8 (6-10)

Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11 (8-8)

Tennessee Titans: 5-11 (6-10)

AFC West

San Diego Chargers: 10-6 (9-7)

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7 (10-6)

Oakland Raiders: 7-9 (8-8)

Denver Broncos: 2-14 (4-12)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles: 12-4 (10-6)

New York Giants: 11-5 (10-6)

Dallas Cowboys: 8-8 (6-10)

Washington Redskins: 4-12 (6-10)

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: 12-4 (10-6)

Chicago Bears: 10-6 (11-5)

Detroit Lions: 6-10 (6-10)

Minnesota Vikings: 6-10 (6-10)

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: 13-3 (11-5)

Atlanta Falcons: 11-5 (13-3)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6 (10-6)

Carolina Panthers: 1-15 (2-14)

NFC West

St. Louis Rams: 7-9 (7-9)

San Francisco 49ers: 7-9 (6-10)

Seattle Seahawks: 5-11 (7-9)

Arizona Cardinals: 5-11 (5-11)

Best Fantasy Baseball Pickups

The All Star game has come and gone and now fantasy baseball teams are scrambling to reformat their lineup to strengthen their teams. I find one of the keys to winning fantasy baseball is picking up the "under the radar" players who weren't drafted, but have been putting up solid numbers. I've listed below great pick ups for each position that are on 60% or less of fantasy baseball teams (according to ESPN) along with their season and last 30 day stats. Please note that we're excluding catchers because either you have an okay - good catcher at this point or you're shit out of lck

First Basemen

1. Derrek Lee (34.6% own)
Season: BA: .239 HR: 10 RBI: 34 Runs: 35 SB: 2
Last 30: BA: .232 HR: 6 RBI: 16 Runs: 22 SB: 0
Why? It's tough to imagine Derrek Lee ever being less than 100% in every league, but here we are. Don't let the BA discourage you from picking him up. He's been hitting well as of his last 15 (including 3 home runs in that time) and has had a hit in his last 5 games. 


2. Edwin Encarnacion (53.4% own)

Season: BA: .268 HR: 7 RBI: 24 Runs: 37 SB: 4

Last 30: BA: .300 HR: 5 RBI: 12 Runs: 19 SB: 3

Why? Most of Edwin Encarnacion's numbers have been put up the last 30 days, especially the last 15 when he's been hitting over .430(!). Encarnacion is also eligible for 3B and DH which is highly beneficial considering the lack of 3B who have been putting up good numbers this year. 

Second Basemen

1. Gordon Beckham (54.8% own)

Season: BA: .252 HR: 7 RBI: 30 Runs: 37 SB: 3

Last 30: BA: .316 HR: 1 RBI: 9 Runs: 7 SB: 1

Why? If nothing else, Gordon Beckham should be able to help increase your team's overall BA and has potential to hit for power on occasion. As with 3B, 2B suffers from a lack of good players this year making Gordon Beckham one of the better pick ups over other 2B free agents.

2. Jemile Weeks (32.3% own)

Season: BA: .308 HR: 0 RBI: 11 Runs: 17 SB: 10

Last 30: BA: .281 HR: 0 RBI: 5 Runs: 7 SB: 6

Why? He has been on absolute fire the past few days (including a 2 for 4, 5 for 9, and 2 for 3 games consecutively that included 3 stolen bases). Jemile could be a key pickup if you're looking for an extra boost at .BA and SB.


Third Basemen

1. Alberto Callaspo (23.0% own)

Season: BA: .289 HR: 3 RBI: 33 Runs: 32 SB: 4

Last 30: BA: .314 HR: 0 RBI: 5 Runs: 10 SB: 2

Why? Players that have experienced good seasons in the past are always worth looking at once they heat up and Alberto Callaspo is no exception. He's been dominating in .BA since 7/10 and hitting .406 in his last 15 games. 

2. Danny Valencia (54.7% own)

Season: BA: .232 HR: 11 RBI: 51 Runs: 35 SB: 2

Last 30: BA: .260 HR: 4 RBI: 18 Runs: 12 SB: 0

Why? Not the greatest pickup, but again the 3B position is a little difficult to fill this year with quality players and Danny Valencia might be able to provide with the extra bit of power you need to win for the week. Plus, his .BA has improved over the past few weeks.

Shortstop

1. Jason Bartlett (8.2% own)

Season: BA: .251 HR: 1 RBI: 23 Runs: 40 SB: 21

Last 30: BA: .235 HR: 0 RBI: 4 Runs: 13 SB: 9

Why? Jason Bartlett has been a big bust for fantasy owners, but can still provide a lot of value for Stolen Bases. Considering only 8% own him, chances are he's free in your league. He also has 3 multi-hit games in a row that include 3 stolen bases. Obviously won't be the case for the rest of the season, but there's not reason to suspect that he can't finish the season strong.

2. Alexi Casilla (30.5% own)

Season: BA: .259 HR: 2 RBI: 20 Runs: 49 SB: 13

Last 30: BA: .242 HR: 0 RBI: 5 Runs: 18 SB: 3

Why? Alexi Casilla is eligible for both SS and 2B which already increases his fantasy value over just SS players. Casilla's value primarily lies on providing additional runs for your team although he can easily swipe a couple of bags in any given week. 

Outfield

1. Cameron Maybin (29.4% own)

Season: BA: .277 HR: 5 RBI: 24 Runs: 46 SB: 19

Last 30: BA: .344 HR: 0 RBI: 8 Runs: 18 SB: 11

Why? One of the better kept secrets in fantasy is Cameron Maybin. He's a solid player when it comes to both .BA and stolen bases and has been fairly solid all season. He's been on a hot streak as of late which is only expected to continue.

2. Nyjer Morgan (26.6% own)

Season: BA: .333 HR: 3 RBI: 22 Runs: 31 SB: 13

Last 30: BA: .329 HR: 1 RBI: 11 Runs: 11 SB: 3

Why? Another solid player all season in terms of .BA. One of the reasons fantasy owners stay clear of him is his lack of anticipated playing time, but with Carlos Gomez's struggles all year and Morgan's dominant .BA he will likely get playing time on an almost every day basis.

3. Alex Presley (27.8% own)

Season: BA: .351 HR: 1 RBI: 9 Runs: 12 SB: 4

Last 30: BA: .351 HR: 1 RBI: 9 Runs: 12 SB: 4

Why? Alex Presley is currently replacing Jose Tabata who is injured, but when Tabata returns it is highly likely that Presley will continue to start. Not a power hitter, but dominant in .BA and has proven he can steal bases well. 

Starting Pitching

1. Cory Luebke (59.3% own)

Season: ERA: 2.57 WHIP: 0.87 K: 69 W-L: 3-3

Last 30: ERA: 1.50 WHIP: 0.67 K: 26 W-L: 2-2

Why? Since taking over starting pitching duties, Cory Luebke has been dominant allowing 4 ER in 4 starts along with a K / BB of 26 / 4. Wow. There's no reason not to pick him up to see how long he can keep this hot streak up.

2. Jonathon Niese (22.7% own)

Season: ERA: 3.76 WHIP: 1.32 K: 105 W-L: 9-8

Last 30: ERA: 3.94 WHIP: 1.25 K: 33 W-L: 3-2

Why? If you're looking to increase your strikeout total, Niese is a solid choice. I prefer him over other high strikeout pitchers with a low % own like say Dempster because he also has a fairly low ERA and a decent win - loss record.

3. Matt Harrison (52.7% own)

Season: ERA: 2.91 WHIP: 1.25 K: 70 W-L: 8-7

Last 30: ERA: 2.36 WHIP: 1.19 K: 22 W-L: 3-1

Why? Matt Harrison has been a solid pitcher all year and continues to improve with his .ERA and WHIP. With the exception of strikeouts, Matt Harrison usually delivers on all major categories when it comes to starting pitching.

Closers

1. Javy Guerra (47.1% own)

Season: ERA: 2.18 WHIP: 1.35 K / BB: 15/6 SV: 6

Last 30: ERA: 1.23 WHIP: 1.09 K / BB: 8/2 SV: 4

Why? For now, Javy Guerra seems to be the Dodgers closer and has been performing well in his new role converting all 4 of his last save opportunities. It will be important to watch him to see if he remains a closer for the Dodgers.

2. Jason Isringhausen (35.9%)

Season: ERA: 2.76 WHIP: 1.16 K / BB: 27/15 SV: 1

Last 30: ERA: 1.93 WHIP: 1.29 K / BB: 7/5 SV: 1

Why? I never thought that Jason Isringhausen would A) be still playing baseball at this point B) Be on the Mets C) Part of my best pickup list for fantasy baseball. Here we are though. With K-Rod going to the Brewers. Isringhausen will likely be closing out games for the Mets.