Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman converted his first eight saves, but after giving up back-to-back homeruns to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday he’s blown two straight save opportunities.

The closer’s struggles go beyond the last two outings. Chapman has ceded six runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in his last seven outings.

My guy Lance McAlister on ESPN 1530 provided the following splits on his blog:

First 14 appearances:
13.1 IN, 5 H, 3 BB, 21 K, 1 HR, 0.68 ERA, .114 BA

Last 7 appearances:
5.2 IN, 9 H, 6 BB,  9 K, 2 HR, 9.53 ERA, .360 BA

Chapman's 2012 funk
June 7-24: 7 games, 6.1 IN, 9 H, 8 ER, 3 HR, 11.80 ERA (0-4, 2 SV, 3 BS)
All other: 61 games, 65.1 IN, 26 H, 4 ER, 1 HR, 0.55 ERA (5-1, 36 SV, 2 BS)

Chapman on days rest 2013
When pitching 0-1 days rest: 13 games, 12.2 IN, 0 R, 4 for 41 (.097), 22 K, 3 BB, 0.00 ERA
When pitching 2+ days rest:   8 games,   6.1 IN, 7 R, 10 for 28 (.357), 8 K, 6 BB, 10.32 ERA

I am still convinced part of the problem is that he has only pitched 19 innings through the team's first 44 games. The Reds are going to continue to roll Chapman out there and eventually they are hoping the Cuban Missle will once again take off.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB cincinnati reds, aroldis chapman, fantasy advice, fantasy closers

With the NFL Draft behind us I have updated my 2013 fantasy football rankings. Here's a look at my top 10 players by position:

*All rankings are based off redraft, non-PPR leagues

MY RANKINGS

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, 2013 fantasy rankings, cheat sheet

SUNDAY MORNING SHOW RETURNING IN 2013 - I am very pleased to announce that James Adams, Stefanie Theobald and myself will be returning to the airwaves with our Fantasy Football Gameday show on Sunday mornings again for the 2013 fantasy football season. We are still working out some of the details, but we will be back answering your questions and getting you ready for kickoff this fall on FOXSports 1360 once again! Stay tuned for more details as the season approaches.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy radio, fox sports 1360, radio show

I just completed my rookie draft in my dynasty PPR/IDP league. It is three rounds over two days via league message board and I can’t tell how you how great it is to have fantasy football in mid May.  

Though there are many factors (i.e. roster makeup, traded picks, etc) that go in to these picks I wanted to share a recap of the three rounds and My Big Board (1-36) I made before the draft:

FINAL TAKES

--I love Johnathan Franklin in dynasty leagues, especially PPR formats. Honestly, I tried to trade up from No. 10 to somewhere between No. 5 and No. 7 to grab him and still got him anyway. I'm not a big fan of Eddie Lacy and think long-term Franklin is the back to have.

--If you are not playing in an IDP you are missing out. It really makes these dynasty rookie drafts more interesting. I got my top two IDP players on board with D-linemen in Dion Jordan and Ezekiel Ansah. There is not a rookie linebacker without baggage but I do think Arthur Brown and Jon Bostic are the best of the bunch.

--I grabbed Andre Ellington with my final of three third-round picks. The Cardinals backfield is cluttered for sure with Rashad Mendenhall currently atop the depth chart. However, this is one position battle that will definitely be decided in training camp and the preseason. Already having Ryan Williams on the roster, I figured Ellington was definitely worth a $1. I definitely prefer him over fellow rookie Stephan Taylor, who the Cardinals drafted a couple rounds earlier in April.

--There's no way Giovani Bernard should have slipped to the fifth spot. He may be a bit limited in touches, but he will have a role and be a weapon catching the ball out of the backfield. In a PPR setting, I favor him over Eddie Lacy for sure and even Le'Veon Bell.

--Love the draft had by my radio co-host on FOXSports 1360, James Adams. Granted when your team blows the year before you are in a good spot. He definitely took advantage adding perhaps the top players at QB (EJ Manuel), RB (Marcus Lattimore) and WR (Tavon Austin) when the dust settles a couple years down road. Austin is hands down the top rookie for immediate impact, particularly in our format where we get points per catches and return TD's.

--Latavius Murray with the 14th pick was a case of someone getting a little too trigger happy with a sleeper. I get with Darren McFadden atop the depth chart your just an injury away from moving up and I have been hearing good things from those that cover the team. Still, I had to custom enter him into the CBS league software for crying out loud, he probably would have slipped to Round 3.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, dynasty league, rookie draft, recap, johnathan franklin

After a rookie season that saw him put up numbers never before seen by a first year player (4,051 PaYd, 21 PaTd; 706 RuYd, 14 RuTD) I drank plenty of Kool-Aid on Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton entering 2012.

My preseason ranks had him as the No. 2 fantasy quarterback entering his sophomore campaign, ahead of both Tom Brady and Drew Brees. I took a ton of flack for even before the drafts and over the first half of the season it looked justifiably so.

At the season’s midway point a year ago the Panthers’ signal caller had totaled just six touchdown passes and was intercepted eight times in that span. In addition, he only rushed for four TD’s.  He only had one more multi-TD game (3) than games without a score (2).

However, owners that survived the slump and were patient enough to ride Newton out were rewarded down the stretch as Newton put a league-best 28.3 fantasy points per game from Week 9 through Week 16.

While I didn’t expect him to match his rookie total of 14 rushing touchdowns, he did finish with eight scores on the ground.  The disappointing part was he didn’t eclipse his rookie marks through the air, throwing for 3,869 yards and 19 scores in 2012.

Turnovers also continued to haunt the Carolina quarterback. After throwing 17 interceptions and fumbling five times in 2011, Newton was picked up 12 times and coughed it up 10 more times a year ago. If he can minimize his mistakes it should only help provide more opportunities to pile up yards and touchdowns ahead.

LOOKING AHEAD
Never have there been more options at quarterback entering a season with literally 12-15 guys that could legitimate QB1 numbers on the board.

I still put Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady ahead of Newton in yearly redraft leagues for 2013. They are all safer and more proven picks in better offenses. In dynasty formats only Rodgers ranks higher on my board.

Newton’s rushing ability along with his size and frame that makes it easier for him to take a hit, makes him a wildcard. Add to it playing in the NFC South where scoreboards are lit up with regularly and he is still a top-half QB1 any way you slice it.

I’ll take him ahead of young guns like RGIII, Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson and even ahead of proven veterans like Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and Matthew Stafford.

Look for Newton to be available somewhere between late Round 3 and early Round 5 on draft day. At that price his value is too high to pass up.

COMPLETE RANKINGS

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, player spotlight, cam newton, carolina panthers, 2013

Though my official, fully updated post-draft rankings are still a couple of weeks away I have quickly ranked my rookies with the completion of the NFL Draft:

QUARTERBACKS
1. Geno Smith (NYJ)
2. EJ Manuel (BUF)
3. Matt Barkley (PHI)
4. Tyler Wilson (OAK)
5. Mike Glennon (TB)
6. Ryan Nassib (NYG)
7. Landry Jones (PIT)
8. Zac Dysert (DEN)
9. Tyler Bray (KC)
10. Jordan Rodgers (JAC)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Montee Ball (DEN)
2. Giovani Bernanrd (CIN)
3. Eddie Lacy (GB)
4. Le'Veon Bell (PIT)
5. Johnathan Franklin (GB)
6. Zac Stacy (STL)
7. Marcus Lattimore (SF)
8. Mike Gillislee (MIA)
9. Joseph Randle (DAL)
9. Kniles Davis (KC)
10. Christine Michael (SEA)
11. Latavius Murray (OAK)
12. Andre Ellington (ARZX)
13. Denard Robinson (JAC)
14. Stefan Taylor (ARZ)
15. Kenjon Barner (CAR)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Tavon Austin (STL)
2. DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)
3. Keenan Allen (SD)
4. Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN)
5. Robert Woods (BUF)
6. Justin Hunter (TEN)
7. Terrance Williams (DAL)
8. Markus Wheaton (PIT)
9. Corey Fuller (DET)
10. Aaron Dobson (NE)
11. Quinton Patton (SF)
12. Stedman Bailey (STL)
13. Josh Boyce (NE)
14. Kenny Stills (NO)
15. Tavarres King (DEN)
16. Marquess Wilson (CHI)
17. Da'Rick Rogers (BUF)
18. Aaron Mellette (BAL)
19. Conner Vernon (OAK)
20. Ryan Swope (ARI)

TIGHT ENDS
1. Tyler Eifert (CIN)
2. Zach Ertz (PHI)
3. Travis Kelce (KC)
4. Gavin Escobar (DAL)
5. Jordan Reed
6. Vance McDonald (SF)

Fantasy Football 2013 nfl draft, fantasy advice, 2013 fantasy football, rookie rankings

The NFL schedule came out on Thursday night. I’ve already sounded off on the Bengals’ slate of games and now I’d like to take a look at the schedule as a whole.

CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH
--Packers at Bengals (Week 3) – A great early measure for young Bengals
--49ers at Redskins (Week 12) – Colin Kaepernick vs. RGIII on MNF
--Denver at Indianapolis (Week 7) – Peyton Manning’s return to Indy on SNF
--Saints at Seahawks (Week 6) – Two of the best offenses collide on MNF
--Denver at NY Giants (Week 2) – Brother Mannings square off

PRIMETIME LEADERS
5 Primetime Games – ATL, DEN, NE, NYG, SF, WA
4 Primetime Games – CHI, DAL, BAL, GB, HOU, IND, NO, PIT, SEA
3 Primetime Games – CIN, MIA, MIN, SD
2 Primetime Game – CAR, NYJ, PHI, STL, TB
1 Primetime Game – ARZ, BUF, CLE, DET, JAC, KC, OAK, TEN

LINKS
--Complete Primetime Schedule
--Full NFL Schedule
--Strength of schedule

Fantasy Football, NFL fantasy advice, 2013 nfl schedule, strength of schedule

Here’s a look at five players that could prove to be great buy low candidates…

JOEY VOTTO – The Reds first basemen finally broke a 54-game homerless streak a few days ago, but many are still balking at his power numbers.  Through the first two-plus weeks of the year Votto has totaled just 3 RBI. Those stats aren’t telling the whole story though. He has drawn 22 walks and currently boasts an eye-popping 0.521 OBP.

JOSH HAMILTON – Moving to a new team/lineup always raises questions about what the fantasy impact could be. So far this season it has led to slow returns for Hamilton in Anaheim. The slugger has hit a pair of homers and driven in eight runs through his first 55 at bats as an Angel, but his 18 strikeouts and .200 BA have some owners frustrated.

JASON HEYWARD – The 23-year old has gotten out of the gate slowly and seems to be lost in a red-hot Atlanta lineup.  He’s batting just .127 with 2 HR and 7 RBI thus far, but it is only a matter of time before the youngster turns around.  Heyward is too talented and surrounded by too much talent to continue to post such mediocre numbers.

BUSTER POSEY – Despite my warning for owners not to overpay for the reigning NL MVP in their drafts/auctions leading into the season, now may be the time to make a run at the C/1B option. Posey has gotten out of the gate slowly with just 10 hits thru his first 47 AB (.217) and is still looking for his first long ball of the season.

MATT CAIN - Through three starts the Giants’ ace is still searching for his first victory and his 5.94 ERA and 1.647 WHIP has fantasy owners fretting. However, he did register a two quality starts so the numbers are slightly lopsided. Expect Cain to still finish as a top 15-20 SP in fantasy this season when the dust settled.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, joey votto, josh hamilton, jason heyward, buster posey, matt cain.

I was on with Kay Adams and Ray Flowers Sunday night on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio to talk about my team in the SXM Experts League. My team is struggling a bit out of the gate, but baseball season is a marathon not a sprint. Here are some early notes on my team two weeks in:

Matt Kemp
--The most life Kemp has shown this season so far came in the Carlos Quentin/Zack Greinke brawl. I drafted him hoping for 30HR/20 SB potential and through the season’s first two weeks he hasn’t hit a homerun and has yet to steal a base.

Jason Heyward
--He’s off to a horrendous start which included a seven-game hitless streak (0 for 21 slump). His 1-for-4 effort today has his average finally over a hundred at .103. I have to remember he’s only 23, but the frustrating part is that Heyward is not racking up any stats as the Braves light up the scoreboard.

Brett Lawrie
--Started a Single A rehab (rib cage) on Sunday at 2B. He started his career there and with Jose Reyes on the shelf for three months the Blue Jays may slide Jose Bautista in to third base and put Maicer Iztruis and shortstop.

Jered Weaver
--It is unfortunate that Weaver is out for 4-6 weeks and my rotation and certainly use him. However, the fact the injury is his non-throwing arm I am confident he will still be a big contributor.

Adam Wainwright
--Can’t complain about what the Cards’ ace is giving me (2-1, 24 K/22 IP, 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). I am going to need more of the same from him if I am going to contend.

Jarrod Parker
--He’s followed up a terrible spring with atrocious start to the 2013 season with three disappointing starts. He was pulled after 3.1 innings in Sunday’s route by the Tigers. He entered Sunday with a 6.48 ERA and 2.40 WHIP before Sunday’s debacle and those numbers are only rising.

Homer Bailey
--Bailey is a guy that I’ve touted as a top 35 fantasy SP and solid No. 3 pitcher coming into the season and despite a couple bad innings last time out against St. Louis I am still convinced good things are ahead. Before getting rocked in the 5th and 6th inning versus Bailey had a 19 inning scoreless streak going. Bailey is going to have some bad days at the office, that’s why I say he’s a No. 3 at best. Staying healthy will be a key factor.

Hyun-Jin Ryu
--My 22nd Round pick is off to a good start with a 2-0 record with a 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 20 K’s in 18.2 innings.

Tony Cingrani
--The Reds put him on a 45-pitch pitch count on Sunday and pulled after two innings, striking out five of the six batters he’s faced giving him 26 strikeouts without allowing a run over his 14 1/3 Triple-A innings this season. I picked up last week in many leagues and grabbed him quickly in every other one that I'm in as soon as Cueto left the game Saturday night.
 
Bullpen Woes
--Huston Street, Cassey Janssen, Mitchell Boggs have combined for six saves, I already dumped Carlos Marmol, who I absolutely dreaded drafting to begin with.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, siriusxm fantasy, experts league, matt kemp, jason heyward, jered weaver, homer bailey

With the bulk of free agency in the books I have updated my 2013 fantasy football rankings. Here's a look at my top 10 players by position:

*All rankings are based off redraft, non-PPR leagues

MY RANKINGS

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, 2013 fantasy rankings, cheat sheet