NLL Insider

Regret is such a strong word, but after going under .500 for the first time this fantasy season, I’ve got a little.

Mostly that I’ve lost 3, and only won 2, but hey, things could always be worse - I could be in Shanny’s position at (0-5).

But digressing, I still think I’ve got a pretty solid team. However, after the loss to John Jiloty’s little people - his team name is the Gary Colemans - I wish I could just jump in the DeLorean, crank it up to 88, and make some beneficial draft moves.

For example, knowing what I know now, Athan Iannucci (25, 11) would definitely have gone much higher than 24th overall to Ted Jenner. Also, Mark Steenhuis (20, 26) - as a transition guy! - would have gone much higher than 28th to Jiloty, and Casey Powell, second in points in the league at (19, 29), would have gone in the first round rather than No. 17 to Lauren Ward.

Additionally, I probably would have made a strong effort to pick up one of the Top-3 rookies (Craig Point, Merrick Thomson and/or Jordan Hall), as all of these guys have certainly proven that they can consistently get it done at the professional level.

But hey, as they say, c’est la vie. Here’s to eagle-eying the waiver wire, and a Week 6 win against Chris Hall’s Waterloo Wannabees.

The Insiders League:

As stated earlier, Jiloty, the top-seed in the conference, got the best of me in Week 5, 12-7, sending me into third in the West.

Meanwhile, Paul Tutka has only dropped one game all season, and squeaked our a 26-24 win over Jenner last wek to move up to (4-1) on the year. Playing Shanahan in Week 6, might as well just call Tut’s (5-1) at this point.

Ward at (3-2) is still have a good season thus far, and will take on Jenner this upcoming week as she tries to keep pace with Jiloty as the two duke it out for the conference lead.

Finally, Bob Chavez upended Chris Hall, 15-12, last week and looks forward to a win against Jiloty in order to move to (4-2). Both have good rosters, and I could really see this one going either way.

Smack Talk of the Week:

After five weeks, there’s at least one thing I’ve learned from this whole experience - Brian Shanahan, while still much larger of a boxla expert than I’ll ever be - is a baby. There it is, plain and simple.

Apparently technology is too tough for our club pro because, according to Shanny himself, he’s quitting the team. And I quote:

“I think my fantasy team would do alright if I actually could figure out what week was what instead of leaving my active players on the bench. I had no idea that the fantasy weeks were different than the actual weeks. Now I don’t give a sh*t.”

Call it a cheap shot, or throwing him under the bus, but this is a season-long commitment and Shanny needs to be called out in a public forum for his unforgivable transgression. You think the (0-6) Edmonton Rush are just gonna’ pack it in the rest of the season and go down without a fight? I don’t think so either.

Studs:

Casey Powell (NYT): (3, 6) 8 LB vs. Rochester
After receiving so much hype heading into the season for what he did in 2007, frankly I’m a little surprised that he’s had so much success. He’s helped to take the laughable Titans to a respectable (4-4) record in the brutal Eastern Conference. Oh, did I mention that he was named the league Offensive and Overall Player of the Week as well. I think I’ve said this before, but if you’ve got this guy, feel lucky, and don’t even think about trading him!

Lewis Ratcliff (CGY): (3, 4) 11 LB vs. Colorado
Tied for third in the league in points with Mark Steenhuis with (46), Ratcliff has emerged even more so than usual with the injury to Tracey Kelusky. If he can eventually get some help, or if Kelusky ever makes it back from his concussion, the ‘Necks will emerge as a candidate to come out of the West.

Duds:

Thomas Montour (CHI):
After posting 29 points (11, 18) in ‘07, Mountour has really fallen off with only 4 (2, 2) through 6 games this season. Very few option from the Chicago offense are even considerable starts, but Montour remains one that is not.

Kyle Goundrey (EDM):
Goundrey’s move from Calgary to Edmonton has proven to be a pair choice thus far. With 11 points (6, 5), starting Goundrey shouldn’t even be a thought in the back of your mind. If for some reason you’ve got him, package him in a deal, or drop him entirely.

Start ‘Em:

Mark Steenhuis (BUF): (2, 7) 7 LB vs. CHI
Is there anything that this guy can’t do? I know that many pundits had him having a breakout season, but this is just ridiculous. He is actually competing with the John Tavares - the Legend - for the team lead in points. Who saw that coming? This guy needs to be in your lineup each and every week - no matter what!

Calgary Goaltending Unit:
No matter who starts for the Roughnecks, it doesn’t seem to much matter. Between Steve Dietrich, Ryan Avery and Pat Campbell, the team from Calgary has posted a strong 11.83 GAA and .748 SV % no matter who is in between the pipes. Look for this to continue as Calgary makes its second half push toward the playoffs.

Sit ‘Em:

Rob Van Beek (PHI):
As impressive as he was last week for the Wings, even being named the Transition Player of the Week with (3, 1) and 11 LB versus Minnesota, Van Beek remains a fantasy bench warmer. This was by far the fourth-year player’s best game of the season, but consistency is key. Until he can do it week in, week out, leave him on the pine.

Kasey Beirnes (TOR):
Now in his seventh NLL season, Beirnes seems to be a shadow of what he used to be production-wise. Currently, he is on pace to tally only 34 points this season, which is about ten lower than last season, which is about 10 lower than the previous season, and which is about 10 lower than 2004. If you’ve got him on your roster, sit him for the upcoming game against a strong Calgary defense. But who knows, me calling him out just might light a fire under him. So definitely keep him on your squad…for now anyway.

Best of luck in Fantasy Week 6!

Rate This Story:

(2 votes, average: 3.5 out of 5)

 Loading ...