The fantasy baseball league I've been in for the last several years, the PPFL, died this year, but one of the members resurrected the league with some minor changes in both rules and teams. So, now instead of the PPFL it's the FAFBFL, but the basics remain the same, except we didn't get any keepers this year.
Hedgehog is co-owner with me this year, because when you're mother to a breastfeeding 6-week old the infant WILL influence your choices during the draft, and the sleep deprivation will influence your choices all season. Thus, the inspiration for the team name. Not many children can say they were managing fantasy football teams from before their birth and baseball teams from 6-weeks old. Hedgehog may, in fact, be the only child ever to be able to say that.
So, without further ado, here is the roster of Baby's First Baseball Team:
Catchers:
Victor Martinez (Cleveland Indians)
AJ Pierzynski (Chicago White Sox) - For an "in case of emergency break glass" player I'm pretty pleased with Pierzynski. Given the early run on catchers and his position in both my spreadsheet and the default rankings I'm a bit surprised he lasted as long as he did, but I'm not afraid to have bullies on my team.
Middle Infielders:
Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies) - One of three former House of Swankers I was afraid to lose this season, as he has been on my team since the beginning. I may have picked him up a bit earlier than warranted, but he's worth it.
Miguel Tejada (Houston Astros)
Yuniesky Betancourt (Seattle Mariners) - My token Mariner is also my favorite Mariner and was, in the second to last round of the draft, the best middle infielder available when I took him, so wins all the way around! And he's doing well so far this season. Well enough to be active this week.
Corner Infielders:
Carlos Pena (Tampa Bay Rays)
Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds)
Carlos Guillen (Detroit Tigers)
Outfielders:
Bobby Abreu (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Orange County of California of the United States of America)
Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)
Vernon Wells (Toronto Blue Jays)
Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox)
Utility:
Mark DeRosa (Cleveland Indians) - Player #2 of the guys I'm pleased as punch to have back on my team. He was never a keeper, but is the best player out there who is eligible at corner, middle and outfield, which can serve a person well if you get beat up by injuries and suckiness.
Starting Pitching:
John Danks (Chicago White Sox)
Roy Halladay (Toronto Blue Jays) - I think I would have cried if I didn't get Roy Halladay on my team, as not only was he a House of Swanker from the beginning, but he has never NOT been on my fantasy team, as he was a keeper every season in the PPFL. I'm glad to have him back.
Ted Lilly (Chicago Cubs)
Ricky Nolasco (Florida Marlins)
James Shields (Tampa Bay Rays)
Hiroki Kuroda (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Gil Meche (Kansas City Royals)
Manny Parra (Milwaukee Brewers)
Relief Pitching:
Joe Nathan (Minnesota Twins) - Quite frankly, I'm surprised I've got Nathan. There are three teams in our league based out of Minnesota, and one of them has six Twinkies on his roster. Our league has eleven teams, three relief pitchers active in a week, and rewards saves. There are only 30 closers in the league at a given point in time. So getting a complete relief staff can be a challenge. Yet I ended up with the Twinkies closer. Go me!
Jose Valverde (Houston Astros)
Kerry Wood (Cleveland Indians)
Chris Ray (Baltimore Orioles) - The reliever I wanted for my backup slot was taken with the pick immediately before mine. I knew I needed to pick up my fourth reliever with that pick, or I was doomed. The child was hungry and fussing. I just picked the guy highest on the list with the highest number of saves with a few seconds left on the clock. He MAY become the closer for Baltimore later this season. A girl can hope.
