Small Rocks - 2007/2008 Season Thread [R]

[Hal]

What an exciting season!!

Congrats to all the Small Rocks League managers for having an active and successful season. We look forward to the promotion and relegation determinations and seeing you all next year.

All Rocks Draft League Organizing Thread for Fantasy.Premierleague.com’s 2008-2009 EPL Fantasy Soccer.

As we near the conclusion of a great year with 4 8-team leagues, I want to commend all the new managers and all the new ideas for cup competitions.

Relegation and Promotion are still to be determined, but it’s been a great year.

It’s not too early to start our organizing thread for next season. The first order of business is to determine how many of our managers want to play next year. I’ll need managers to post their continued interest in the All Rocks Draft League 2008-9 Organizing Thread; what they may be willing to volunteer for during the off-season and when we start organizing; and send me a BigSoccer PM with their latest contact information:

Name
Team Name
BigSoccer Nickname
Email address
Instant Messenger info, if applicable
Phone number (optional)

Once we determine how many are returning from this season, we’ll know of a target number of new managers to recruit for next season.

We can also discuss any proposed rule changes during the off-season.

[djangone]

This weekend was my last chance. It comes down to the last two weeks prior to this.

Last week: Ronaldo doesn't score for me, Michel's captain Michael Owen goes crazy with 26, Petrov breaks his scoring drought and Finnan the Forgotten Fullback gets a six-pointer shutout. Note to self, never again own a Benitez player who's not a central defender or doesn't go by the name Gerrard or Torres.

This week: Again Ronaldo doesn't score, while Ballack gets two for Michel, leaving me 68 points behind after being ahead of Micheal a mere two weeks ago. I'll sub in 18 points from Larsson and Malbranque due to Evra and Arbeloa not appearing, but that just keeps me running in place. My remaining guys need to score two each or I'm sunk...but hey, they are playing Derby, proud owners of a 5-0 thrashing last time they played Arsenal. :D

This is not to mention that Cannon has made a heroic charge that challenges my second-from-last spot, though with Michel's recent outbreak his chances of safety are about as bleak as mine. What a couple of weeks! Gareth Barry gets 70 points in three gw, starting with the 40 point week just after Cannon switched the armband over from Anelka. Talk about perfect timing on a move!

Now the time for the misty-eyed looking back, cue the violin music...My season was double-screwed. My drafts of Agger, Malouda and Sheva were disasters, the kind of thing I couldn't foresee--not even the worst Sheva detractor would have predicted him completely bombing yet again. But I combined this bad luck with quite a bit of self-inflicted idiocy. Holding so many ANC players wasn't bright. Dropping Agbonlahor and Jagielka wasn't so brainy. But worse, there were all kinds of guys available to be grabbed that I didn't grab, with such names as Owen, Laursen, Wes Brown, Scharner, Joe Cole, Davies, Kranjcar just sitting around for weeks untaken. But worst of all, Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, absolute maniacs this year.

If you would have told me that Santa Cruz would score more than Keane, Tevez or Rooney this season, I'd have given you some chicken soup and called the doctor about your fever. How many times did I sit with my finger poised to grab Adebayor or Laursen? Each of us, to some degree, missed out on one or another of these amazing pickups, but I have to say that I'm the only one who managed to miss out on pretty much every one of them. My only really good pickup was Eduardo, and we all know what happened to him just as he was going crazy.

So okay y'all, it's been fun in SR, hope to see you again here someday. I'm back to my first home, the lovely little rocks of yore, VSR.

[DoctorJones24]

I'm going to need a big day from Fab this week. The Warriors will have Santa Cruz ready as (C) next week against Derby. Scary.

[subbuteo]

Break a leg (, Fab) :)

May the best man(ager) win

I've had ups and downs in this game:
My first time playing was with VS and I won promotion
Then I got relegated back to VS my first season in SR
Then I won promotion again last season and here we are in the thick of the SR title race

Drafted leagues are the best fantasy format IMO and I have thoroughly enjoyed life among the rocks the past several years.

[vegas2u]

New Cup just started.

The Grandpa Cup. Or who will score more, Hal or the Casino Guy!

Hal is up by 2 as we wait for the Monday match. I have 2 AR guys, including my Captain, Clichy, to play. Hal has 1 AR guy. My ace is that I have some very strong points on the bench. Strong enough that I almost hope neither of my AR guys play!

(Technically I do not qualify as a Grandpa, but at 60 years old, I certainly qualify mentally.)

[djangone]

Quit saying how old you are, people are going to think I'm older than I am (I'm 27, for the record). :)

He's anticipating also--he's not 60 for a few weeks yet. Speaking of anticipation, in today's AR 6-2 DC thrashing, I was getting a bit excited to see Van Persie getting a goal and an assist in the first half.

Nonetheless the Djangone No Luck Horn was honking like one of my idiot neighbors when they can't get into their driveway. Bendtner had a goal after I dropped him. That should've told me something, tempered my enthusiasm that things were not as good as they seemed, because in the second half, off comes RVP and on comes Michel's Adebayor to score a second-half hat-trick. My eyes about leaped out of my sockets to see that my anticipated and shocking gain of 18 points on Michel's hefty lead vaporized in 45 minutes. And of course my Larrsson's 9 doesn't transfer in after all because swapping out Evra would leave me with only 2 defenders.

[1800-WorldCup]

I've missed a lot of the witty banter lately and after having a few beers each night, after eating up the kilometres during the day, I never felt in the mood to try and get a wireless connection to check on my team.

They slumped badly, to say the least, but thankfully I still have some match-winners in there; when they get selected and play like they should, which might just be enough to save my Small Rocks bacon at the expense of Pork Soda (pathetic pun intended).

Alas I've made a captain switch, so expect things to go horribly wrong.

:rolleyes:

[DoctorJones24]

Downing as (C) for Yellowcake with an early goal, but it'll take a brace and an assist or two with other things going right as well for them to dream about overturning a 40 pt defecit to Windsor.

Surprisingly, both Rooney and Torres start, though. Gonna need to pile it on...

[subbuteo]

Downing as (C) for Yellowcake with an early goal, but it'll take a brace and an assist or two with other things going right as well for them to dream about overturning a 40 pt defecit to Windsor.

Surprisingly, both Rooney and Torres start, though. Gonna need to pile it on...

Damn, that was a little closer than I expected. When I saw the 8-1 scoreline I chuckled and said, watch, he has three guys going for Boro! If only... :D

[DoctorJones24]

Damn, that was a little closer than I expected. When I saw the 8-1 scoreline I chuckled and said, watch, he has three guys going for Boro! If only... :D

I know! I saw Boro was up 1-0 with Downing having the early goal. When I came back and saw 8-1, I had to think Stuart was going to be all over that scoresheet...big anticipatory smile as I clicked on the match report.

Anyway, congrats Andrew. Great run down the stretch.

[DoctorJones24]

For fun, here's Hal's analysis from back in Aug. Some prescience! I count 5 players that I drafted who are still on my squad--that's probably on the hig end.


Aviators’ Small Rocks 2007-08 Post Draft Analysis

Pork Soda (djangone):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 3-1 Martins Newcastle United
F 10-8 Shevchenko Chelsea
F 13-1 Agbonlahor Aston Villa
M 1-1 Ronaldo Manchester United
M 6-8 Malouda Chelsea
M 9-1 Seol Reading
M 12-8 De Ridder Birmingham
M 14-8 Richardson Sunderland
D 2-8 Agger Liverpool
D 4-8 Shorey Reading
D 5-1 Jagielka Everton
D 8-8 Evra Manchester United
D 11-1 Wheater Middlesbrough
GK 7-1 Friedel Blackburn
GK Doyle Birmingham City

Strengths: Ronaldo as Captain.; Friedel in Goal; Clean Sheets with Evra MAN and Agger LIV in defense; and Martins and Agbonlahor as strikers..
Concern over minutes: Shevchenko, Malouda, Jagielka (although with Drogba’s WK 1 doubt, Sheva should play GW 1) (Malouda’s minutes may depend in part to whether Robben traded)
Week 2 absences: Agger LIV; Friedel BLA; Martins NUF; Agbonlahor AST;

Despite King Ronaldo, who can carry a team by himself, Pork Soda is likely to get off to a slow start. Any early injury to Ronaldo and this squad will struggle to keep pace with others.

Vegas Virgins (Vegas2u):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 6-7 Tevez Manchester United
F 7-2 Eduardo Arsenal
F 12-7 Nugent Portsmouth
M 1-2 Lampard Chelsea
M 9-2 Noble West Ham United
M 11-2 Oakley Derby
M Malbranque Tottenham
M Giovanni Manchester City
D 2-7 Vidic Manchester United
D 3-2 Carvalho Chelsea
D 5-2 Distin Portsmouth
D 10-7 Baines Everton
D 13-2 Dawson Tottenham
GK 4-7 Robinson Tottenham
GK 8-7 Niemi Fulham

Strengths:

Once healthy, Lampard; and a strong defense

Concerns: Unknown front line. The Tevez saga is not totally resolved. Expect he will take some time to settle into Sir Alex’s side. With Ronaldo and Rooney, will Tevez support them or reduce their fantasy scoring potential?

With Lampard out perhaps the first month, the rest of the midfield is weak, even with the post-draft tweaking which did improve the midfield. How quickly will Giovanni settle in and become a productive fantasy player for Manchester City?

Week 2 Absences: Eduardo ARS; likely Tevez MAN; Noble WHU;

Overall: Defense and clean sheets are likely to keep Vegas Virgins from dropping too far down the table awaiting Lampard’s return.

In Off The Post (Clan):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 1-3 Drogba Chelsea
F 4-6 Johnson Everton
F 5-3 Young Aston Villa
M 6-6 Koumas Wigan
M 7-3 Ljungberg West Ham United
M 8-6 Mendes Portsmouth
M 11-3 Gilberto Arsenal
M 12-6 Hargreaves Manchester United
D 2-6 Terry Chelsea
D 9-3 Gallas Arsenal
D 10-6 Richards Manchester City
D 13-3 Jaidi Birmingham
D 14-6 Chimbonda Tottenham
GK 3-3 Cech Chelsea
GK 15-3 Kirkland Wigan

Strengths: Huge draft of Chelsea stars. Unfortunately, Drogba is set to miss opener and Terry up to a month.

Front Line is solid. When Drogba is back, this may be the best Small Rocks front line.

Midfield is the question mark for consistent, above average performers. Lots of potential with the shadow of Ljungberg’s injury history hanging out there.

Defense: Stars and solid supporting cast.

Week 2 Absences: Young AST; Ljungberg WHU; Gilberto ARS; Gallas ARS; plus Terry injury and ? Drogba

Overall: Slow start with the expected low GW2 score and the Chelsea injuries. Still, this is a formidable team that should be a contender, especially if pick up a hot midfielder.

Rockville Gunners (Cannon):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 1-4 Rooney Manchester United
F 6-5 Anelka Bolton
F 11-4 Doyle Reading
M 3-4 Gamst-Pederson Blackburn
M 4-5 Barry Aston Villa
M 12-5 Hunt Reading
M 13-4 Osman Everton
M 14-5 Kapo Birmingham
D 2-5 Carragher Liverpool
D 7-4 Yobo Everton
D 8-5 G. Neville Manchester United
D 10-5 Dunne Manchester City
D 15-4 Meite Bolton
GK 5-4 Van der Sar Manchester United
GK 9-4 Hahnemann Reading

Strengths:
Rooney as Captain; MGP and Barry in midfield, Carragher and Dunne in Defense; 2 solid GKs. Lots of high bonus points potential.

Really like Doyle as a consistent supporting fantasy scorer. Is Anelka staying or not? If he stays, this is a very solid front line.

Midfield: Not much consistent depth after MGP and Barry who both miss GW2.

Defense: Solid. Getting Dunne in Round 10 was a steal.

GK: Best pair of GKs compared to other SR teams.

GW 2 Absences: Gamst-Pedersen BLA; Barry AST; Carragher LIV

Overall: Rate this squad as a contender, especially if can acquire a hot midfielder or two.

Yellowcake Phantoms (DoctorJones24):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 2-4 Van Persie Arsenal
F 4-4 Torres Liverpool
F 8-4 McCarthy Blackburn
M 1-5 Fabregas Arsenal
M 3-5 Matt Taylor Portsmouth
M 5-5 Scholes Manchester United
M 9-5 Downing Middlesbrough
M Whitehead Sunderland
D 6-4 Geremi Newcastle United
D 10-4 Campbell Portsmouth
D 11-5 Stubbs Everton
D 12-4 Bocanegra Fulham
D 15-5 Edworthy Derby
GK 7-5 Reina Liverpool
GK Bywater Derby

GW2 Absences: Van Persie ARS; Torres LIV; McCarthy BLA; Fabregas ARS; Geremi NUF; Reina LIV.

Gonna be a tough GW2

Frontline: Two known producers and one who may need settling in and may get caught up in the Liverpool striker rotation. I agree with Jay picking Van Persie as likely to have a break-out year if he stays healthy, with Henry gone.

Midfield: Fabregas for Captain (Except GW2) can carry this team, but there are lots of extra value in midfield.

Defense: Once Jay acquires the unknown, cheap, hot defenders, this team will be tough.

GK: Expect lots of clean sheets with Reina, but sub goalie is not a big threat.

Overall, as Jay focuses mainly on the season’s prize, I expect him to minimize transfer penalty points for in-season transfers and be a contender, if not a co-favorite with Clan.

Windsor Wanderers (subbuteo):

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 5-6 Carew Aston Villa
F 9-6 Zamora West Ham United
F 14-3 Walcott Arsenal
M 1-6 Gerrard Liverpool
M 2-3 Essien Chelsea
M 6-3 Rosicky Arsenal
M 11-6 Dempsey Fulham
M 12-3 Jenas Tottenham
D 3-6 Ferdinand Manchester United
D 7-6 Ashley Cole Chelsea
D 8-3 Toure Arsenal
D 13-6 Bouma Aston Villa
D 15-6 Nelsen Blackburm
GK 4-3 Howard Everton
GK Given Newcastle United

Frontline: May be weakest of SR draft. Plus, all three miss GW2

GW 2 absences: Carew AST; Zamora WHU; Walcott ARS; Gerrard LIV; Rosicky ARS; Toure ARS; Bouma AST; Nelsen BLA; Given NUF.

Strengths: Gerrard and Essien in Mid and, if healthy, Ashley Cole and Ferdinand in Defense, along with two good GK choices.

Overall: Expect Wanderers to be at the bottom of the Small Rocks table after GW2. The good news is that this is a marathon and this team should climb to mid table with a surprise performance by the forwards or the acquisition of a hot forward.

Aviators (Hal)

Pos. Pick Name Team
F 1-7 Berbatov Tottenham
F 5-7 Forssell Birmingham City
F Viduka Newcastle United
M 2-2 Arteta Everton
M 6-2 McSheffrey Birmingham
M 8-2 Joe Cole Chelsea
M 12-2 Giggs Manchester United
M 15-7 Alonso Liverpool
D 3-7 Lescott Everton
D 7-7 Finnan Liverpool
D 10-2 Primus Portsmouth
D 11-7 Ingimarsson Reading
D 14-2 Ben Haim Chelsea
GK 4-2 James Portsmouth
GK 9-7 Green West Ham United

GW2 Absences: Viduka NUF; Alonso LIV; Finnan LIV; Green WHU

Forwards: Solid 2 with Berbatov as Captain and Forssell as an early season huge price rise that can be used later to improve the squad. Lita’s injury gave way to Viduka. ? as to how quickly he’ll fit in with NUF after missing most of camp with Australia in the Asian Cup. He should start off the season fit, but will miss GW2.

Midfield: Steal getting Alonso in Round 15; Made early surprise swoop for McSheffrey, another Birmingham player whose value has lots of upside. Arteta as Co-Captain and rounding out with Cole and Giggs makes for a solid midfield. Now, Joe just has to stay healthy and have Jose start him consistently out of Chelsea’s 3 winger choices. If Robben goes, this pick looks better. Giggs may see less playing time, but his minutes are still good for fantasy scoring, especially with the players his crosses seek at Manchester United.

Defense: Three solid defenders; a flyer on Ben Haim who we expect to start in place of Makalele. Can he hold a starting spot? Primus should be a consistent scoring defender, once he gets over this knee problem.

GK: Maybe second best pair of GK and solid first choice in James.

Overall: Ecstatic with being able to assemble this team when drafting 7th. . Defense may need shoring up by acquiring a cheap, hot defender and the team will have to act fast if Cole/Giggs get injured or start too many games on the bench for their super clubs. If the Birmingham value play takes too long to pan out, have to be ready to switch. As I typically focus on competitions, with one eye on the table, I expect Aviators will be a comfortable mid-table team and may contend early until I make the in-season squad adjustments that don’t produce, and I give up too much ground with excess weekly transfer point penalties.

1800-UK.com (1800-WorldCup.com)

Pos. Pick Name Team

F 1-8 Bent Tottenham
F Yakubu Middlesbrough
F 14-1 Bianchi Manchester City
M 2-1 Petrov Manchester City
M 3-8 Bentley Blackburn
M 4-1 Speed Bolton
M 5-8 Muntari Portsmouth
M 12-1 Carrick Manchester United
D 7-8 Bale Tottenham
D 8-1 Eboue Arsenal
D Johnson Chelsea
D 10-1 Phil Neville Everton
D 11-8 Neill West Ham United
GK 6-1 Jaaskelainen Bolton
GK 15-8 Lehman Arsenal

Strikers: Getting Bianchi in round 14 was a steal. Michel has already added the more likely scoring of Yakubu over the Arsenal youngster he drafted. How much time will Bent competing with Berbatov and Keane?

Midfield: Was Petrov really worth the Round 2 pick when Arteta was still on the table? Was anyone other than Michel going to grab Petrov early? I doubt it. That said, I do think Petrov will outproduce his Aston Villa namesake.

His midfield should be his strength since he used picks 2,3,4,and 5 for midfielders.

Defense: The defense is an eclectic collection with some potential for clean sheets based on the upper tier of EPL teams they come from.

GK: Two solid starting keepers. Steal getting Lehman with the last pick of the draft.

GW2 Absences: Bentley BLA; Eboue ARS; Neill WHU; Lehman ARS (after post-draft squad adjustment)

Overall: On paper, I don’t see the consistent Captain pick that the other teams have. Maybe Petrov will be that consistent. But I’ve learned to not underestimate Michel’s player knowledge. I think he will start out in the lower half of Small Rocks and end up mid-table. Plus, we know Aviators and 1800-UK.com will be the two teams that least resemble their drafted teams by the end of the season.

[subbuteo]

I know! I saw Boro was up 1-0 with Downing having the early goal. When I came back and saw 8-1, I had to think Stuart was going to be all over that scoresheet...big anticipatory smile as I clicked on the match report.

Anyway, congrats Andrew. Great run down the stretch.

I give all credit to Santa Cruz's leadership down the stretch and Carew's ability to take knocks but still keep appearing in the lineup!