Science Saturday: Because who doesn't love dinosaurs?

Breakthrough of the Week
Dinosaur Feathers Have Been Found in Ancient Amber, Spared no Expense.

On a side note, congratulations to all Dumb & Dumber fans!

Why is this significant?
Straight out of Jurassic Park, another big step towards understanding dinosaurs has happened through the studying of fossilized amber. Interestingly enough, the amber wasn't dug up from the ground (at least not recently) but rather the samples came from museum archives. The answer was hiding under our noses the whole time! Now, for our generation this might not be that big of a deal. In fact, when Jurassic Park came out in 1993 (fucking 20 years ago fml) the debate over the genetic fate of dinosaurs was already leaning towards the fact that dinosaurs evolved into modern day birds, not lizards.

Keep in mind that the world Dinosaur itself means "giant lizard". But can you blame scientists of the 19th and 20th centuries for thinking this way? Tales of dragons and giant lizards have littered just about every separate cultural mythology of the human race. The great part about science is that the only thing to disprove it is further scientific research.

This discovery further tips the scale that dinosaurs are the ancient ancestors of our modern birds.

How is this significant?
Besides changing how we view the lineage of dinosaurs, it also changes how we view the behavior and nature of these animals. The feathers discovered in this amber were no ordinary feathers, but they varied in size, color and function - some fit for flying, others for diving, meaning that these dinosaurs were more than stupid lizards rumbling around, they were likely just as diverse as all of our modern bird species.

Clever Girl

Perhaps the most enticing part about this discovery confirmation is that it causes us to completely rethink how we envision dinosaurs. Don't get me wrong, reptiles are cool and all, but birds are so much better - think about how many different niches they fill and all the variations in function, size, etc. Very exciting. Just consider this classic Sir David Attenborough nature documentary about the variations in sexual selection amongst the birds of paradise:

Other, random, Dinosaur Musings
-Sadly, it is highly unlikely that dinosaur DNA will ever be recovered, RIP Jurassic Park.... or at least how Michael Crichton envisioned it.
-Still, other resurrections of extinct species might still be possible! 
-Another highly-debated topic discussed in Jurassic Park, dinosaurs were likely warm blooded, further distancing dinosaurs from reptiles.
-An asteroid was likely the cause behind the major extinction of dinosaurs, paving the way for the rise mammals, and thus humans. (old news, but still debated)

Reds Series Recap: You Don't Have to Go Home but You Can't Stay Here

Reds Take 2-of-3 from Pirates

Cincinnati's Magic Number drops to 2

Game 1
Cincinnati 6
Pittsburgh 5
W: J. Hoover (5-5)
L: K. Farnsworth (1-1)
S: A. Chapman (38)

Game 1 was an instant classic (for Reds fans at least). Mat Latos had a shaky start, lasting 6 innings and giving up 4 runs in the process. Pittsburgh took a 5-2 lead going into the 9th inning, and somehow, someway, the Reds evened it up. Ryan Ludwick singled with one out. Jay Bruce grounded out, but Todd Frazier reached second base on a Pirate error, bringing the score to 5-3. Zach Cozart singled and was replaced by Billy Hamilton who stole second base. Finally, Devin Mesoraco hit a infield single to third base and Hamilton scored the tying run.

In extras, Joey Votto sent a home run over the left field fence that in no way seemed it would make it there. But that was good enough to steal a Redleg win from the grasps of Pittsburgh.


Boy, this one barely made it over the fence. 

Game 2
Cincinnati 2
Pittsburgh 4
W: A. Burnett (9-11)
L: H. Bailey (11-11)
S: J. Grilli (31)

Homer Bailey struggled to find the strike zone in Game 2 and it was clear as he gave up four runs (two earned), four walks, and only struck out three batters through 5 2/3 innings. The Reds took an early 2-0 lead thanks to a Cozart home run in the second inning, but the Pirates pulled back and held out a 4-2 victory. 

Game 3
Cincinnati 11
Pittsburgh 3
W: B. Arroyo (14-11)
L: J. Locke (10-7)


In the "best" Reds pitching performance of the series, Bronson Arroyo parlayed an early lead into a 5 inning win in which he gave up 3 earned runs (two home runs) on 5 hits. It was honestly an ugly week for Reds starting pitching but the bullpen looked pretty stellar most nights. 

In Game 3 the Reds led 7-0 by the end of the second inning, highlighted by a Frazier home run, and doubles by Chris Heisey and Jay Bruce. Billy Hamilton was great once again in his second career start and the Reds didn't look back on their way to an 11-3 series clinching win. 

Billy Hamilton: The Redleg Surfer

3-for-7, 3 runs, and 3 stolen bases

Hamilton brought his average to .429 in the limited plate appearances he has received. He upped his SB total to 12, behind only Shin Soo Choo (18) for the Reds. Billy has looked very comfortable in CF and many fans will likely be clamoring for him to get a few starts in center while moving Choo to left field.

BHam scored Game 1's tying run from second base...on a infield single. The Reds have struggled with their base running lately, but I swear this kid can't do anything wrong. 

Hamilton has certainly secured himself on the playoff roster, and although Dusty will not want to hand the keys to the young burner right away, the effect he has made since his promotion to the big leagues is unquestionable.

This is the best 1:20 you will spend today. 

Please Don't Stop: 

Joey Votto (past 6 games): 7-for-22, 5 runs, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 walks
Jay Bruce (past 6 games):  9-for-26, 6 runs, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 4 walks
Zack Cozart (past 6 games): 7-for-22, 2 runs, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1 walk

Bruce failed to record a hit in games 2 or 3 in Pittsburgh, but his September numbers are still fantastic. Bruce will force pitchers to pitch to Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips if he continues his great month.

Following a disaster stretch just a few weeks ago, Votto has been seeing the ball consistently and his game-winning home run on Friday hopefully put to rest any questions of his "clutchness."

By the way, great play Todd. 

NL Central Heat Check:

TEAM	W	L	GB	RS	RA
St. Louis	91	65	-	756	590
Cincinnati	89	67	2	687	566
Pittsburgh	89	67	2	606	564
Milwaukee	69	86	21.5	615	675
Chicago Cubs	65	91	26	593	660

This week, the Cardinals face the Washington Nationals (84-72) who are on the last leg of their playoff push. Washington currently has a 1.2% chance of making it to the playoffs so expect them to give the Cardinals everything they've got. Prediction: Nationals win 2-1.

The Pirates will head to Chicago for a 3-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Park. Hopefully our friends over on the South Side can sneak out a win or two against the Buccos. 

Prediction: Pirates win 2-1. 

Finally, the Reds will take on the New York Mets (70-84) and an easier side of the NY pitching staff.
Prediction: Reds win 3-0

Rnk	Team	Win	Loss	Expected Win Pct	Sim Win	Sim Loss	Div Pct	WC Pct	Playoff Pct	Playoff Pct (Adj)	WS Win Pct	1 Day Delta	7 Day Delta
1	St. Louis Cardinals	91	64	.543	95.0	67.0	86.1%	13.9%	100.0%	93.0%	9.1%	0.0%	0.3%
2	Pittsburgh Pirates	89	66	.537	92.5	69.5	7.3%	92.5%	99.8%	51.8%	4.8%	0.4%	-0.1%
3	Cincinnati Reds	88	67	.556	92.0	70.0	6.5%	92.5%	99.0%	54.1%	6.5%	-0.5%	0.2%

Barring a great series from the Nationals, the Cardinals should expect to take home the division crown, but as of now the Reds should have the advantage in hosting the Wild Card Play in game at home. Next week's final series against Pittsburgh should be interesting.

Reds v. Mets Matchups: 

Sep 23, 2013	NYM (Harang) @ CIN (Cueto)	7:10 PM ET
Sep 24, 2013	NYM (Niese) @ CIN (Leake)	7:10 PM ET
Sep 25, 2013	NYM (Matsuzaka) @ CIN (Reynolds)	12:35 PM ET

As always, Viva Rojos!

A Zinzinnati Miracle: Week 3 Bengals Reaction

Cincinnati 34, Green Bay, 30:

In what was likely the most entertaining game of Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) shocked many fans by mounting a fourth quarter comeback against the Green Bay Packers (1-2).

Even after Terrance Newman's 58-yard fumble recovery put the Bengals ahead at 34-30 with 3:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, it seemed that the Packers and Aaron Rodgers would march down the field to win the game.

Honestly, it was a bizzaro-Bengals game, one I swear I've seen them lose twenty times. The Bengals scored two touchdowns twelve seconds apart in the first quarter by Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to put them ahead 14-0. There was a lot of sloppy play, as both teams committed four turnovers. Later in the first half it seemed Cincinnati mistakes would put the game out of reach. Roger's touchdown pass to James Jones with 5:30 left in the third quarter put the Packers ahead 30-14, capping off a devastating 30-0 run.

Well, Andy Dalton (Yes, Andy Dalton) the Red Rifle decided to get a bit more aggressive and it paid off against a mediocre Packers defense. Consecutive touchdown throws to A.J. Green and Marvin Jones pulled the Bengals back to 30-27 with nearly eleven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

With four minutes left in the game, the Packers drove into Bengals territory and coach Mike McCarthy decided to go for it on a Fourth-and-1 play. The subsequent run up the gut by Packers RB Johnathan Franklin was squashed by the Bengals defense when Franklin fumbled and Newman went the other way for the game winning touchdown.

The fourth down would not have even been played if it wasn't for Marvin Lewis, who (for once) correctly challenged the ball spot of the previous play. A final Packers drive fell short after Rodgers was unable to complete a fourth-down conversion in Bengals territory, sealing a wild win.

April Fool's Day: Andy Dalton outplays Aaron Rodgers

Although Aaron Rodgers still stands as one of the best QBs in the league, he was constantly frustrated by the Bengals at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary. In the final two minutes of the game, Rodgers had three passes batted down by linemen. On the day, Rodgers went 26-of-43 with 244 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

Sup... bro..

Dalton, on the other hand, was fantastic when given time in the pocket. Dalton still remains a terrible/questionable passer under blitz pressure, but he was great when he faced four or fewer pass rushers. Dalton went 11-of-13 in such scenarios. Dalton finished passing 20-of-28 with 235 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. While Rodgers averaged 5.7 yards throwing, Dalton averaged 8.4 and was able to get the ball to Green in the second quarter.

If Dalton can adjust to blitzes over the course of the season, there will be few weak spots on this team.

Red Zone Defense and Opportunistic Takeaways:

No No No (Dikembe Finger Wag)

Things looked very bleak for the Bengals in the second quarter when Cincinnati went through a five-drive sequence that ended in an interception, three straight fumbles, and a punt. Twice in the quarter, the Packers drove into the Bengal 20-yard line and could have easily put the game away. Instead, the defense held the Packers to two field goals. Those coupled with forced turnovers helped to overcome a sloppy first half from the Bengals offense. Tip of the cap to DC Mike Zimmer.

The fourth-and-1 play will likely be a highlight of the Bengals season.

Random Notes:

Giovani Bernard ran for 50 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown while Green-Ellis only gained 29 yards on the 10 carries he was given. Bernard also added 49 yards on four receptions. I began the season really wary that OC Jay Gruden would give Bernard an increased role in the offense right away, but it has become silly to consider the two rushers equal. Bernard should see an increased load soon as he develops passing-down chemistry with Dalton.

The last time a team won a game after giving up 30 straight points was Sept. 12 1999. And no, it wasn't a game the Bengals blew, if you were wondering.

The Bengals held Rodgers under 300 yards passing, extending their active league-record streak to 17 straight games. In week 2, Rodgers passed for 480 yards. I'll take it.

Check out ESPN's video on AJ Green's best one handed grabs.

If you told me the Bengals would be 2-1 after opening the season against Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay, I'd be thrilled. A friendly schedule is on the horizon so hopefully the Bengals take advantage of weaker opponents.

The awesome Vontaze Burfict had a stealthy sack tap that caused a bit of a fracas today...

AFC North Update:

With their win, Cincinnati is now tied with Baltimore (2-1) for first place in the North. Baltimore defeated Houston 30-9 in an impressive win, while Cleveland (1-2) also pulled out a tight 31-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In other news, the Steelers (0-3) fell to the hands of the Chicago Bears (3-0).

I miss Ohio 

The Bengals travel up I-71 next Sunday to take on the Browns in the Dog Pound.

UC Bearcats Week 3 Update: Down the Drive

Welcome back, avid following.  The people have screamed out in the streets that they crave for more, and so I have made my triumphant return to the blog.  And by people I mean my mom, and by my triumphant return I mean more of my thoughts bound to be proven useless and impractical.  But hey, Nostradamus wasn't always right either.  He was always right when it came to fine cherry jam though, so he’s got that on me.  Should've called him NostraJAMus. That's the start we're looking for..

First off, I want to thank the two friends of mine who took 10 seconds out of their day to comment on my last blog. With inspirational and encouraging phrases like “Nailed it”, and “You deserved to be kicked out ofthat USF Game”, I have come to understand this old Japanese proverb completely:

“When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.”

I’m screwed.

As many of you predicted, many of my predictions have not really come to fruition.  My answer to this criticism is simple:  I don’t care.  I wrote the initial blog post to blow off some steam post-work, not channel my inner John Clayton.  Also, who could have predicted a 28 point butt-whippin’ to a team who was 2-10 a year ago?  Even Illinois’s versions of people like me were hoping they could just keep it close. 

Let's talk about what we've seen so far. No lists this time, just pure unadulterated passionate feelings.  And I got a lot of 'em.  Then, we will look out on what the horizon has in store for the Bearcats and wrap it up with a little update on what BK and BJ are up to these days.

Here it is week by week...

Boilermakers... more like Boringmakers 
Cincinnati 42, Purdue 7 

The first game of the year provided so much promise.  The Bearcats shut down any attack Purdue tried to put together, causing QB Rob Henry post-game to tweet he was quitting Twitter.  I was impressed by the physical condition UC showed given a 120 degree temperature on the field that had me drinking waters instead of chugging beers… or maybe it was the other way around.  The amount of pressure the Bearcats were able to put on Henry and the Boringmaker™ run game while only rushing 3 or 4 provided ample opportunities for the ‘Cats secondary and backers to make plays, like these two from Nick Temple and Adrian Witty.  Munchie looked a little better in his progressions, but did still missed some pretty wide open receivers and had two picks, one of which was not really his fault.  Add this to an exciting whited-out crowd in Nippert, and the Bearcats were off to a promising start.

As good as everything seemed to be going, there was still something missing in the run game throughout.  On paper, UC ran for 221 yards and 4 touchdowns on 47 carries, but those numbers look much less impressive when you factor out a 30-yard kick-a-man-while-he’s-down run from Hosey Williams in the fourth quarter, and a dude-we-get-it-already TD from Tion Green.  RDA IV, who this guy predicted would be doing some bad things early on, was contained for only 52 yards and 3.5 a carry.

Even with some of the mistakes and issues we saw during week 1, most fans walked away feeling pretty confident about heading to Champaign to take on the Fighting Illini. And now all I can thnk is: Notre Dame must be pretty bad

The Illini Perform a Champagne Shower on the Bearcats
Illinois 45, Cincinnati 17 L

The only good thing about this game was that it was an away contest and Pitch Perfect was on demand (You’re probably thinking what kind of a guy watches Pitch Perfect. Watch this: gave my roommate Vic "the chills").  The Bearcats came out about as flat as a loaf of bread from Moses’ Exodus and stayed that way until the end of the game. They never really raised their level of play.  Classic yeast joke. **Editor's Note: Top that Nate Winter**

Remember when you thought this was the worst thing that would happen in the game?

Then there was the total lack of discipline on defense.  Generally speaking, you expect to see a team who had won a juggernaut-like two games the previous year to try and beat you with a flurry of trick plays, long throws, and play action.  You don’t expect to see almost all of those things work and lead to easy touchdowns and long gains against a defense that was touted as one of the strongest in its conference heading into the year.  Illinois scored touchdowns on an end around, da bomb (NFL Blitz reference), and a play action walk in from twenty-five yards out.  Few the debauchery here.  If there is a play to sum up the day for the defense, a 3^rd and 19 pass completion to a wide open receiver later in the game will do.  QB Nate "Golden Child" Scheelhaase had 4 touchdowns and led an Illinois offense that gained 522 yards of offense, 300 by air and 200 by land.  I would compare the defensive effort in this game to Swiss Cheese, but in the house of a learned chef I was brought up not to insult cheeses.

How about the offense though? Forget about the fumble on the goal line.  Everyone who thinks this game hinged on that one play forgets that on that same drive UC had three previous tries from the inside the 5 and couldn’t do anything with it.  Running a 160 lb. running back consistently between the tackles, missing open receivers, missing blocking assignments; it felt more like UC was playing pickup in the backyard than actually trying to execute a game plan.  If you are UC, you aren’t going to win a game very often when your you have to throw the ball over 30 times.  And there the was the constant switching of quarterbacks before either could get any sort of rhythm.

The team isn’t built to succeed via air attack before you began the quarterback shuffle. And then obviously there was this, which everyone remembers but wishes they didn’t.  If you are squeamish or faint of heart, do not watch this video.  Here’s to hoping Munchie does have a full and fast recovery.  I never really liked his play all that much, but you never want to see something like that happen to a man who by all accounts was becoming a team leader.  Kay came in and didn't do anything better. Out-hustled, outplayed, and out-coached, UC loaded the buses after a 45-17 final.

Northwestern State...
Cincinnati (W 66-9)

This game provided an awesome chance for UC to rebound against a team from Louisiana who apparently wishes they were a part of the Union.  I would give you a recap, but telling you I remember a single play from this beating would be like me telling you Mantei Te’o had game with the ladies.  Nevertheless, it was good to get some of the frustration of the Illinois loss out against a bunch of small children.

Yay for Kay

Short n Sweet

It's time for Kay to step up as thee leader of this team and be the qb he was in December last year.  It's time for Greg Blair to get mean and for he and his linebackers to actually bring some blitzes every now and then.  And seriously, Tommy T, let's put together a game plan that doesn't involve sleep walking through a first half. 

On to the next three for the 'Cats.  And you couldn't ask for a sorrier bunch.  

1. At Miami

Ah yes, the annual Battle for the Victory Bell.  I have to say, there are few things I remember more fondly than traveling up the road to Oxford to take on the Redhawkskins.  And generally it has nothing to do with the football game.  I am going to go out on a limb and say there is no student base in the entire country that cares less about its football program than Miami.  I actually had to leave the stadium and hit up High Street if I wanted to see my buddies who went there (you know it’s true Vange).

Someone better do this baby Texas Tech bell ringer justice

Miami is coming off back-to-back embarrassing losses to Marshall by 38 and Kentucky (not Western) by 34.  They did have a bye-week to rest up, which probably means they had an extra week to wonder why they decided to play football in Miami in the first place.  Seriously question though, what makes a young kid want to go to a school who gets pounded on a weekly basis?  Is there something I don’t understand about taking it from behind by the Thundering Herd (gotta be a great porno title in there somewhere) that excites you? 

UC has won 7 straight and should win this game handily and all of us at the game should be able to enjoy at least one Mindprobe at Skippers’ before we head back home peacefully…. Or maybe do what Miami does.

2. At University of South Florida

USF might just be the most depressing team in the AAC.  And that’s saying something, because there is enough sadness going around this conference to for 8 Old Yeller sequels.

Let's take a look at their season so far:

First, they were Embarrassed by McNeese State

And then they put up 6 pts against Michigan State

And finally, they lost 28-10 to Florida Atlantic

If UC doesn’t win by 20 I will “Munchie Legoff” myself.  Too soon?

3. Home against Temple

Finally, a worthy opponent comes to Nippert to take on our fearless Bear… oh wait, they’re 0-3 and lost to Fordham last week?  Damn.

Cincy sends the Owls back to Philadelphia with another L to their impressive resume.

And Finally...

Ex-Girlfriend Watch: 
Butch Jones and Brian Kelly Update

I thought it might be great to keep you guys up to date on our two former coaches.  A detailed analysis to follow:

Update 1: They both still suck

That does it for the 3 week edition.  Stay tuned for more incessant ramblings and dumb photos in the next few weeks, and as always, S'GO CATS.

Fantasy Baseball: Another year in the Books (GIF edition)

Disclaimer: Players involved with steroids will not be mentioned, but you should've known better than to draft Ryan Braun. 
The "I bloody told you so" Awards... No Surprises Here. Fantasy Baseball MVP's
Miguel Cabrera, Det 3B
.355 Avg., 43 HRs, 130 RBI.
The undisputed best player in baseball for 2012 was, well.... the best in 2013. He's contending to be the only player in baseball history to win back-to-back triple crown awards. The player of this generation.

Note the plate coverage (looking at you Joey Votto). Yeah, he gets 2 .gifs
Clayton Kershaw, LAD SP
14-8, 201 K's, 1.89 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
All Dodgers fans should feel so lucky to have Clayton Kershaw on the mound every fifth day. Not only is he the best pitcher in baseball (likely winning 2 Cy Young's by age 25...), but he's now won the Roberto Clemente AND Branch Rickey awards. Phenomenal role model, human being, and athlete.

Other Notables:
Mike Trout, Andrew Mcutchen, Joey Votto, Paul Goldschmidt, Robbie Cano
Max Scherzer, Yu Darvish, Adam Wainwright (minus his last 2 games against Cincy), Felix Hernandez, Chris Sale, Cliff Lee


Rookies of the Year
Wil Myers, TB OF
.291 Avg, 34 R, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 5 SB
Myers was acquired by the Rays in a trade with Kansas City for James Shields out of some kind of hope that the Royals were going to make a run for the wildcard. I do not doubt that TB produces great pitchers, but Tampa Bay straight up slayed KC on this trade, and they know it too. Even though Myers wasn't brought up until June (the Rays front office is notoriously stingy about paying rookies and arbitration) Wil, with one L, has since rocked the American League with the prettiest bat-flip HR celebration i've seen this year. 

Jose Fernandez, Mia SP
10-6, 173 K's, 2.33 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Now, before the Yasiel Puig army closes this window in disgust, let me elaborate, and keep reading! Fernandez was a fantasy-insider pick from the get-go, and I called bullshit. The Marlins were a dumpster team. How could they have any player besides Giancarlo Stanton worthy of even a glance, especially a pitcher who you knew wasn't going to get any run support (assuming you're in a league that uses W's as a category). Well I was wrong. Fernandez has won NL rookie pitcher of the month twice, and deservingly so. This 20 year old kid can deal. 

Other Notables
Yasiel Puig, Jose Iglesias 
Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Chris Archer, Tony Cingrani

Waiver Wire Pickups of the decade Year (Undrafted in standard ESPN leagues)
Yasiel Puig, LAD OF
.350 Avg., 55 R, 14 HR, 32 RBI, 10 SB
Really the story of the league this year is the young Cuban defector who has dominated the league since being called up to a struggling Dodger's ball club. Before Puig's call-up, the Dodger fans were calling for Don Mattingly's head, now they're calling for his presidency. Not only does Puig bring offensive swag, notably on first pitches which he hits over .500 of the time, but he has also raised eyebrows on defense, especially when choosing to throw over his cut-off man. 

Patrick Corbin, Ari SP 
13-5, 160 K, 2.96 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
Patrick Corbin was the hottest pitcher to start off the season, going 9-0 with a 2.06 ERA. He's since cooled off and now sports a 2.96 ERA but Corbin has certainly been a keystone player for Kurt Gibson's Diamondbacks and they'd probably be in better shape if the New Evil Empire, the Los Angeles Dodgers, hadn't pulled off historic records for both the months of July and August

Other Notables
Francisco Liriano, Ricky Nolasco, Jose Fernandez, Tony Cingrani, "the immortal" Bortolo Colon
Josh Donaldson, Chris Johnson, Jason Castro, Stephen Drew, Evan Gatis


The All-Bust Team (Biggest Fallers)
B.J. Upton, Atl OF
.191 AVG., 30 R, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 12 SB
With an average draft position (ADP) of 51.8, BJ was seen as a solid candidate in any team's OF to hit for average and have plenty of scored runs and steals, especially in a LOADED Braves lineup including his brother Justin Upton. Mendoza himself would be ashamed of BJ as he's hitting for a .191 Avg, 30 R's, 9 HR, 26 RBI, and 12 SB. These stats have him listed as the 153rd ranked OF in standard ESPN leagues, below just about any other OF that was drafted... ouch. 

Justin Verlander, Det SP
12-11, 182 K, 3.64 ERA, 1.34
The overall top drafted pitcher of this year's draft was anything but that, with a player ranking of 49. Verlander's ADP was 10.1 and is performing around an ADP of 150. The Detroit workhorse saw a significant drop in velocity from 98 to 94 MPH and his ERA and WHIP reflects that. In many ways Verlander has lost his position as club ace to the winniest pitcher in baseball, Max Scherzer... and to think of his record if he played for the Astros... ouch. Are we witnessing another Tim Lincecum fall from grace?

The 2013 Toronto Blue Jays
67-78 (as of 9/12)
That's right, this whole team was a bust. After making numerous trades with the Marlins and the Mets, the Blue Jays created a top heavy team who many chose as world series favorites at the beginning of the season, especially after having the best record at the conclusion of spring training (more proof that preseason for any sports is meaningless). After a string of injuries and disappointing pitching performances, the Blue Jays are set to finish last in the perennially competitive AL East. Notable letdowns and injuries: Jose Bautista (wrist), RA Dickey (unreliability of knuckleball), Jose Reyes (ankle), etc. etc. etc. DERP

Other Notables
Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Hamilton, Starlin Castro, Michael Morse, Josh Willinghan, Danny Espinosa. 
Matt Cain, Cole Hamels, Gio Gonzalez, CC Sabathia, R.A. Dickey

The All-Pick Team (Biggest Risers)
Jean Segura, Mil SS
.298 AVG., 70 R, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 40 SB
Segura was a part of the trade involving Zach Greinke going to the Angels. Given the Angels' recent woes, and the fact that they didn't even make the playoffs makes one wonder if LAA is perhaps regretting this trade now that Segura has registered himself as the top rated overall SS. Jean had an ADP of 228, but after this year's performance expect to see him go in the late 2nd or 3rd round given the overall low availability at the SS position. Expect his R and RBI totals to increase next year with the return of He who shall not be named (Ryan Braun). No flashy gifs for this guy, he just simply gets it done.

Chris Davis, Bal 1B, OF, DH
.296 Avg., 99 R, 50 HR, 129 RBI, 3 SB
All hail the HR king. Miguel Cabrera's demise is on pace to hit more HR's in a season than any other Oriole before him and is a fresh breath of power in the post-steroid era. With an ADP of 149.8, Davis has risen to be ranked as the #1 overall OF, mainly because he hits for average and power - HR being the most important fantasy stat, after all. Enjoy this glorious gif. 

Matt Harvey, NYM SP
9-5, 191 K, 2.27 ERA, 0.93 WHIP
We saw a little bit of Harvey last year, but this year he really flourished. Harvey had an ADP of 165 but finished the season as the 4th rated SP before injuring his elbow and ending his 2013 campaign for the Cy Young, and also for 2014 assuming that he gets Tommy John Surgery... poor Mets. Keep your chin up, kid.

Other Notables 
Paul Goldschmidt, Matt Carpenter, Michal Cuddyer, Jason Werth, Jonathan Lucroy
Shelby Miller, Hisashi Iwakuma, Anibel Sanchez, Mike Minor, Homer Bailey

The All-Injured Team
Matt Kemp, LAD OF
2013 has basically not existed for the Dodger's superstar, having suffered numerous ankle and hamstring injuries with multiple unsuccessful attempts to return. Kemp could return for the end of the season/postseason. Still, with an ADP of 6.7, anyone who drafted him around then is surely regretting that decision. 

Johnny Cueto, Cin SP
Since injuring his oblique in the 2012 postseason, Jonny has hit the DL 4 separate times. Cueto is emphatic that the injuries are not related to his unique pitching delivery, but with numerous oblique and lat injuries one has to wonder about the validity of that statement. Again, Cueto looks to possibly return for late in the 2013 season/postseason. Being the ace of his staff, we also must wonder how differently the Reds' season could've gone had they'd been pitching their ace every fifth day. Cueto had an ADP of 64 (18th highest among SP) and his player ranking currently sits at 112. 

Other Notables
Albert Pujols, Carlos Gonzalez, Giancarlo Stanton (is apathy an injury?), Jose Reyes, Bryce Harper (the kid is going to run his body into the ground), Derek Jeter. 
David Price, Matt Cain (?), Yovani Gallardo, Josh Johnson, Roy Halladay. 

Concerning Closers
I'm not a big fan of closers in fantasy baseball considering that in most formats they are only relevant for one stat, saves. The position is highly vulnerable and has a high turnover rate, so simply put I do not draft closers. Regardless, the top two closers Craig Kimbrel & Aroldis Chapman both had great years, but this year is notable for other reasons.

Mariano Rivera, NYY RP
6-2, 43 SV, 51 K, 2.30 ERA, 1.09 WHIP
The best relief pitcher OF ALL TIME returned in 2013 after suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury while shagging balls in 2012. Mo has been doing his thang since before I was born and boasts numerous accolades, including having the 13th lowest ERA of all time and most saves all time . Mo, you will be missed. 

Koji Uehera, Bos RP
4-0, 19 SV, 94 K, 1.06 ERA, 0.56 WHIP
Guess who is rated as the 3rd best RP and had an ADP of 229.6? This guy. Now, I'm not trying to go ESPN on y'all and only talk about the AL East but this guy gets his shoutout for one reason: pitching a (hidden) perfect game. pretty fucking cool. 

Concerning Catchers
Most catchers are kept on teams for their defense, something that most fantasy formats do not address. So unless you can pick up Joe Mauer, Buster Posey, or Yadier Molina don't waste your picks and start looking for sleepers like this guy:

Jonathan Lucroy, Mil C
.285 Avg., 50 R, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 6 SB
The Milwaukee catcher, with an ADP of 221.1, has risen to be #4 ranked catcher with stats suggesting that he might even be better than the big 3. Lucroy has filled in where Braun left off at the cleanup spot and his numbers reflect that. He'll go in 5th round next year, if you're smart and like to have a good catcher on your team, take him in the 4th - he's younger and less prone to injury than the big 3.