“The sophomore slump”.

No one will ever actually admit to being a second-year player going through a mysterious curse that makes the best hitters and pitchers suffer tremendously following an impressive rookie year outing. Some say it’s just a lack of concentration, or raising the expectations too high for themselves, or just plain old nerves. Newsflash: Those three excuses are just better ways of saying, “I’m in the sophomore slump and I don’t think there’s any way out of it.” Read more »

October. Postseason.

Both of these words become synonymous when discussing the MLB Playoffs. Other related items include high blood pressure and the mystique of “Mr. October”, which simply can be defined as a game-changing performer during his team’s playoff run. This is true, especially when the World Series is at stake.

However, there is a bit more than meets the surface for this year’s baseball postseason. Take for instance, that on Tuesday there is still one more playoff spot to be determined. The White Sox will host the Minnesota Twins in a one-game, winner-take-all contest to determine the AL Central champion. Read more »

Before there were saves, five-man rotations, designated hitters, wild cards, steroids, multi-million dollar contracts, there was a pitcher who dominated the game of baseball like no man had ever done before. He did not tire after just 100 pitches, but pushed himself past 150 on a regular basis. In his 22-year career, Cy Young dominated Major League Baseball, setting an unbreakable record of 511 wins. While Young has long since past away, his legacy still lives on.

Major League Baseball has been awarding the Cy Young Award” since 1967 to the top pitcher in both the American and National League. Due to major midseason acquisitions, the Cy Young Award, along with MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards, have garnered much debate in 2008. Can a player acquired midseason be considered for MVP or Cy Young? Should Japanese players qualify for Rookie of the Year? Should a player win the MVP Award if his team did not make the playoffs? Where does a record breaking closer fit in the Cy Young race? Read more »

Some say the sophomore slump is a myth, but a documented list of players has suffered its full effects.

Just ask Eric Hinske. Coming off a rookie season in which he won the American League Rookie of the Year award with 24 home runs, 13 stolen bases and 99 runs, Hinske faded into relative mediocrity and never played at the same level. Past award winners Dontrelle Willis, Jason Jennings, Angel Berroa and Bobby Crosby have equally suffered from this tragic disease.

With the 2008 Major League Baseball season coming to a close this weekend, fantasy owners, specifically keeper leaguers, can start to think about 2009. This season’s exceptionally deep rookie class will give owners several second-year players to consider as keepers and early draftees next season. Read more »

Lugging veterans’ bags, shagging balls in the outfield, and suffering through rookie hazing all come with the territory of being a first-year player in Major League Baseball. They do what they can, on the field or otherwise, to earn their teammates’ respect as they get used to life in the big leagues.

Some players, like Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce, are lucky enough to learn from historical greats like Ken Griffey Jr. Others, like New York’s Joba Chamberlain, are forced into the limelight, relied upon to fill in for an injured star. Then there are surprises like Mike Aviles, who take an opportunity and run with it in a low pressure city. Read more »

At season’s beginning, quality rookie position players were tough to find. Cubs catcher Geovany Soto and Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury comprised the list, and of course Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was a near lock for eventual fantasy success. But, as the season has progressed, a number of rookies, both heralded and unheralded, have emerged to add some outstanding depth to the 2008 rookie class.

Soto and Ellsbury burst onto the scene and got fantasy teams started on strong notes. Longoria wasn’t far from behind, earning an early promotion when injuries bombarded Tampa Bay’s infield. Kosuke Fukudome was also a nice early surprise, but made more of a splash in reality than he did in fantasy. Read more »

Welcome to another meaningless fantasy awards column, one where nothing is gained other than the satisfaction of seeing your players listed. This is the National League’s midseason fantasy all-star team, where production is great, but even better when it’s relative to low expectation.
 
Of course, seasons never unfold how preseason fantasy drafts dictate they should. Superstars slump and get injured; uknowns take the fantasy world by storm and lift teams to championships. Sometimes it’s blind luck that leads you to the best overachievers, and sometimes knowledge is the difference. Read more »

The arrival of much anticipated rookies Jay Bruce and Clayton Kershaw has shaken up the top 10 rookie rankings. The two phenoms join an already impressive class of rookies that includes: early Cy Young contender Edinson Volquez, Red Sox sparkplug Jacoby Ellsbury, and one of the game’s most productive catchers in Chicago’s Geovany Soto.

Here are the top rookies that have and will continue to make huge fantasy impacts. Read more »

Rookies, despite all their inexperience, can make even a novice fantasy baseball manager look like a serious veteran. These are the top 10 rookies so far this season in the fantasy landscape. And yes, the Cincinnati Reds do have an incredible group of young players. Read more »

The Chicago Cubs bandwagon is making its way through your neighborhood, and there are a host of reasons to get on board. Look no further than the historical implications of the Cubs winning a World Series exacly 100 years since their last championship in 1908.

Then, move on to some of the good stories coming out of the team’s clubhouse. Derrek Lee, one of the game’s better guys, is healthy and producing again; Kerry Wood is back in a prominent role; and fiery ace Carlos Zambrano is at peace with the Cubs front office. Read more »