NLL Insider

Let me preface this week’s column with the fact that never have I once claimed to be some sort of expert in the National Lacrosse League, all things Canadian, or even how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

For God’s sake, I put a screenshot from a popular 1980s commercial as the lead into my article. I may appear to be a wise old Owl sitting atop his perch, but in reality, am just a poorly drawn kid with a couple of questions.

In fact, I would even argue that this whole ‘Insider’ shtick is a bit misleading. To me, it’s just one guy’s opinion.

But amongst the mega-deal announced yesterday, along with the ceaseless Brett Favre retirement parties in Chicago, something occurred to me - something that I very much feel is worth sharing (Crap! Now I’m going to have to draft Aaron Rodgers!) It’s something that is quite obvious, but all too often, blatantly ignored.

It’s advice that could dramatically change the rest of the season for several fantasy players, and simultaneously, mean almost nothing to those who brush it aside.

Ready? Here goes.

Real sports affect fantasy sports…and lacrosse is no exception.

Extremely cerebral stuff here, I know. As one e-mailer noted, just ask Andy Secore, who didn’t play for what is still some unknown reason to me last week, and possibly cost me the win.

But seriously, give this thinking, or lack thereof, a shot.

By now, many of you that have followed the column realize that I’m a firm believer in playing the odds. Yes, on occasion I might get an itchy trigger finger to go against the Book in Blackjack, and every now and again, might even come up the unexpected victor. But if you play for a little while, and pull this card too often, chances are that by the end of the night, you won’t leave the casino with a wad of cash in your hand, or a fox on your arm.

So you’ve got to realize that the blockbuster that most notably sent AJ Shannon to Philly, and swapped goalies Brandon Miller for Matt Roik in Chicago, is probably going to shake things up significantly not only in the NLL, but in the fantasy world too.

How these trades will pan out is any man’s guess - again, I’m simply the (lowly) paid messenger - but recognizing that changes will happen is the first step on the long road to recovery.

For example, will Shannon’s production drop off due to him being added to a squad where he’s no necessarily a go-to guy, ala Shaq to the Suns, or will he benefit dramatically from being around other playmakers and talented verterans, ala Pau Gasol to the Lakers. The world may never know.

Regardless, be on the lookout for some things in the league, fantasy and not, to start changing as early as this weekend. One thing is for sure, several of these moves were Now trades, versus transactions made solely for the future. And in fantasy, the only concern is Now trades.

The Insiders League:

Not much has changed since last week because like all of fantasy lacrosse land, we sit in limbo awaiting final scores after this week. Tutka is still the leader of the pack, as well as the Beast in the East, while whoever helps Shanny win his first head-to-head match-up should just plan on quitting right then and there.

Current Standings:

Eastern Division:

The Van Buren Boys (Paul Tutka) (4-1)
Waterloo Wannabees (Chris Hall) (3-2)
Steal Your Faceoff (Bob Chavez (3-2)
bob mcmahons afro (Ted Jenner) (2-3)

Western Division:

Gary Colemans (John Jiloty) (3-2)
The Check Republic (Lauren Ward) (3-2)
Albuquerque Isotopes (Me) (2-3)
Who owns the Chiefs? (Brian Shanahan) (0-5)

Smack Talk of the Week:

This week’s fantasy smack talk of the week actually comes from you, the readers/Wingzone bloggers, and is a rip on me. Everyone in our league had some fun at my expense because somebody failed to criticize me and the column accurately in the fan forums.

I’m not cool enough to have a personalized avatar like Jenner or Tutka, so I guess people just don’t know who I am. But the fact is, if people can make the unforgivable mistake of not even going after the right guy, I’m not doing my job.

So here’s to you, Swede - fan of the Buffalo Bandits and born January 29, 1981 - and you Kevin Foster - who and whereever you are.

See for yourself:Ignorant Reader

Studs:

Mark Steenhuis (BUF): (4, 6) 13 LB vs. PHI
Is there anything this guy can’t do? Even for those of you that expected a monster year out of him, if you thought he’d be this good, you’re lying. He currently ranks second in scoring overall in the league with 56 points (24, 32). His 70 LBs are also good for 6th in the league, and are the most among anyone in the Top-25 of scoring. He also garnered Transition Player of the Week honors for his statistical beaut vs. the Wings. The Bandits needed someone to step up this year, and no question, the man with bright Orange shoes has answered the bell.

Cory Bomberry (BUF): (3, 7) vs. PHI
What better time than an Eastern grudge match against an undefeated team to have by far his best statistical game of the year. Bomberry is well on his way to matching his previous yearly totals with Buffalo, and if he continues to play like this, maybe even surpass his career high of 66 points. I just wish he’d give me the heads-up next time, because I’ve had him on my bench all season.

Shawn Evans (ROC): (4, 7) 7LB vs. CHI
Wow. That simple folks. The league’s Overall and Offensive Player of the Week is right on pace to surmount his career-high of 66 points, currently with 37 (17, 20) through 8 games. If Rochester is going to have any chance at doing something in the playoffs this year, Evans will need to continue to provide this type of offensive firepower.

Shawn Williams (ROC): (3,8) vs. CHI
Like Evans, Williams is also on course to top his previous best of 91 points, if he can keep up the pace. He ranks No. 7 overall in scoring, 45 (12, 33), with 8 games remaining. (3,8) is impressive no matter who you play - even if it is a lowly Chicago team.

Duds:

Mike Accursi (EDM):
Judging from the stat sheet, all 0’s, I’m going to have to believe that he didn’t play. But I’ve gotten no news out of Edmonton, and he’s listed as a guy that suited up. Either way, his inconsistency all season has made him a horrible start. If possible, continue to look for your fantasy points to come from somewhere else than someone on the Edmonton bench.

Start ‘Em:

T - Brodie Merrill (POR): (2, 1) 14 LB vs. EDM
The uncontested King of Looseballs has scored 2 or more points in six of his last nine games this season, and at least 2 of those points have been goals in four of those games, including the last three. Not to mention that he is the type of guy that defenses have to know where he is on the floor at all times, and he’s bankable for double-digits in LBs every game.

Blaine Manning (TOR): (3, 1) 9 LB vs. CGY
This one’s a no-brainer, but for some reason, Manning just doesn’t get the same amount of ink as other top-tier players in the league. He’s had two forgettable games this season versus Rochester and Minnesota, but aside from those two hiccups, he’s been nothing but consistent. He probably won’t equal his career-high of 105 points, set in 2005, but he should make a run at least 90. Keep him in your lineup no matter what.

Sit ‘Em:

The Chicago Offense:
Almost everything that the Shamrox did via the four-team trade receiving so much press were moves for the future. They picked up Roik, but at the expense of Miller, and lost Lindsay Plunkett for a couple of draft picks. Their management sees that the ship is sinking, and is simply trying to bail water. Hopefully these moves pay off in the long-run, if for nothing else, the sake of the franchise. But for now, nobody on their team should be in your lineup until further notice.

Sleepers:

After a brief hiatus, I’ve brought back the Sleepers section of the column. Enjoy.

Steve Hutchins (EDM): (1, 5) vs. POR
In only his second appearance of his rookie campaign, Hutchins impressed in helping to lead his team to their first victory of the season over the LumberJax. Another performance like that, and he’ll consistently see time, and may produce for you in fantasy. For now, lock him up on your bench, and don’t play him unless you absolutely have to.

Geoff Snider (PHI): (1, 3), 20 LB, 33-34 F/O vs. BUF
Because of his face-off abilities, he’s usually good for at least 10 LBs a night. Anything else he can provide is just gravy. His goal pace isn’t quite what it was in ‘07, but he’s already met his assists from last season, with 17 helpers in his sophomore season. Depending on the match-up, he’s a viable fantasy start.

Drew Westervelt (PHI): (2, 2) vs. BUF
Because of the back-to-back games this past weekend, the UMBC-grad saw action in his second game this season, and although they lost to Buffalo, had a noticeable performance. The addition of Shannon creates some more question as to when he might see the floor again, but he’s worth a flyer if you can get him for your late playoff push.

Closing Notes:

And by the way, everyone knows that the answer is the three! The Owl will always bite into the chocolate lolly at No. 3.

See you next Thursday!

Rate This Story:

(4 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...