|
2010 Tee Timers Team Capsule |
|
| 12th PLACE - 69.5 PTS
|
 The Tee Timers entered the 2010 with a mid-ranged keeper base. Three-time team MVP Prince Fielder and speedster Michael Bourn were still under contract at value prices and owner Tony Murphy had three up-and-coming stars stashed as free keepers – Buster Posey, Austin Jackson and Alcides Escobar. The solid offensive keepers were tempered by a luke warm batch of pitchers under contract, including J.A. Happ, Edwin Jackson and 2009 Ro Sham Bo Daisuke Matsuzaka. What Murphy needed was some good draft day talent and some luck. Unfortunately, he got neither. High priced “talent” Carlos Lee and Nick Markakis ($32 each) were shells of their former selves and supposed ace Jake Peavy was horrendous (6.23 ERA & 1.399 WHIP over 69 innings). Lady Luck was not on the Tee Timers side either, as the team accumulated an incredible 14 trips to the DL before the middle of June. All these factors led to the Tee Timers being mired in last place through much of the first month of the season, prompting a dump trade on June 15th that added Jaime Garcia, Drew Stubbs and Angel Pagan. Ironically, the trade seemed to invigorate the team and from that point on, the team steadily gained traction, finishing the season at their high water mark in both points and position. |
|
| |
| TEAM MVP - CASEY McGEHEE |
When Murphy dropped $11 on the largely unproven McGehee on draft day, there were more than a few owners in the room who were questioning the move. Ultimately, Murphy was proven right as the 2nd base-eligible McGehee was an offensive force, hitting 23 homers, driving in 104 runs, scoring 70 while hitting a solid .285. In fact, his 104 RBI was 20 more than anyone else on the team. And what has to be even more encouraging for the Tee Timers is how he maintained that production throughout the year, as his first and second half stats were almost identical. Although he loses 2nd base eligibility, he has the potential to be even more valuable considering the dearth of talent at 3rd base and his $16 price tag.
|
|
| |
| TEAM RO-SHAM-BO - NICK MARKAKIS |
 Kevin Youkilis was once called the “Greek God of Walks”. In 2010, Markakis should have been called the “Greek God of Empty Roto Stats.” Despite playing in 160 games and amassing 629 at bats, Markakis did little to fill up the Tee Timers stat line. He hit a paltry 12 homers, with 60 RBI, 79 runs, 7 stolen bases while hitting a respectable .297, stats that defy belief when you consider that he hit either 2nd or 3rd all year. With the exception of his batting average, his stats were barely above replacement level – in fact Magglio Ordoñez, a player who went for a mere $4 on draft day, put up almost identical stats (12-59-56-1-.303) in just 323 at bats. Although Markakis did score an extra 23 runs, that was not nearly enough to warrant his $32 draft day price. However, it was enough to make him the Tee Timers Ro Sham Bo in 2010.
The Greek God on the left was almost as productive in 2010 as the Greek God on the right. |
|
| |
| OUTLOOK FOR 2011 |
The Tee Timers enter 2011 with more than half of their roster already complete. Murphy will be looking for Fielder to regain the form that made him a three-time team MVP and for McGehee to continue to produce at his 2010 levels. Breakout star Stubbs and rising talent Ike Davis will be expected to take the next step up. Murphy was also one of the most active owners this off-season, adding Robinson Cano (the MVP of last year’s league champs), potential ace Clay Buchholz and closer/bullpen eligible starter NeftaliFeliz, the HCBB Rookie of the Year. And free keepers Austin Jackson and Alcides Escobar should far out earn their $1 salaries. Inevitably, the Tee Timers will only go as far as their starting pitching will take them. Keeper holdovers Happ& Jackson will have to improve immensely. And Garcia will have to produce like he did as a first half all-star, not as the pitcher who posted a 1.414 WHIP after the All-Star break. If the pitching finds its form and if the solid base of offensive keepers performs as expected, Murphy could be a contender for a top flight finish.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Website design by Second Wind Interactive © 2009
|
