Mike wins first title, vows to repeat next year

It was a very, very good championship matchup, and much like in the semis, Mike had to overcome a bad offense and early deficit to win.

And that he did. Mike is our 2011 champion, capturing his first title in franchise history with a 13-7 win over Shea.

"I couldn't be happier for the boys," Mike said. "The champagne was delicious. The taste of victory is what we play for."


Once again, a division winner won the title, something that has clearly become a necessary part of building a championship team. Mike, despite being a combined 0-4 vs. Chris and Shea, beat both in the playoffs.

"We were excited to see them both in the playoffs," Mike said. "They each took us to the edge, before our boys fought back and earned the victory. No better way to win the championship then that."

Mike had been an afterthought in this league the past three years, and this preseason, the same was true. We even wrote, when ranking Mike 10th, that the hitting was bad and the pitching needed to stay healthy. (http://mtlkeeperleague.blogspot.com/2011/03/2011-preseason-power-rankings.html)

Clearly, it did. Simply put, Mike won the championship because of his pitching. His offense basically disappeared for most of the postseason, but his pitching was damn good.

"Jered Weaver was our Cy Young," Mike said. "He struggled down the stretch, but he was the reason our pitching was as good as it was. Behind him, we focused on getting live arms that could dominate the game at any time. Jon Lester had a strong year, and Matt Garza and Max Scherzer stepped up when needed. But one of our biggest strengths was our bullpen. Axford and Storen each had a solid 40 saves, and Venters bridged the gap with 35 holds and five saves. We couldn't nail down the wins without those three.

So what's next for Mike? Like any good champ, he's already looking ahead to 2012.

"Braun, Weaver, Lester next year? Yeah, obviously going to repeat."
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And down the stretch they come!

To my knowledge, this has been the most competitive championship game in league history.

Shea has a 10-9 lead with two days to go, and several categories still up for grabs. Despite a scorching start from Shea, Mike has clawed back into this sucker and feels like it's his to lose despite the deficit.

Take a look at what he posted on the matchup smack talk:


"The home stretch. Your [SIC] out of moves. I got 6 sp, you got 2. IP, Ks, Wins are mine. We will tie in losses, and you will steal 1 of BB, ERA, WHIP. This matchup is MINE!!!!!"

To which, Shea unconfidently responded:

"We'll see...pretty sure walks sbs aren't decided yet either! Good luck with the talented waiver wire"

And then Mike said:

"True, more stats for me to take. Looks like this is gonna shape up to a 11-8 win for me. I am a waiver wire master, just watch."

Mike did predict himself to win 11-8 before the matchup started, and he was spot on with his semifinal prediction, too.

This tightly contested, closely managed title match has been fun to watch. I would love for nothing more than to see it come down to the last inning of the last game of the season. As long as it doesn't end on a tiebreaker, because no one wants to hear Joe cry anymore.

Good luck to both Mike and Shea in the final 48 hours.
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Managing the 10-day championship

How many games will Chase Utley play?

Shea got out to such a blistering start on Monday that some predicted he'll win the championship based solely on that!

After one day!

In a regular matchup, that wouldn't be such an outrageous prediction. Right, Chris? But, in the championship? Hogwash. Because it's not your normal seven-day title match. The season gets extended into an extra week.


In the past, it's been a full two weeks. This year, however, it's just 10 days. So while extended, only halfway.

Will Shea or Mike be more affected by the 10-day championship? Hard to gauge. A quick scan of rosters and I see five everyday starters from Shea's team who could get days off down the stretch due to clinching. When I look at Mike's, I also see five.

"We don't look at the two-week final as any kind of positive or negative," Mike said. "We are a confident group and will take this one game at a time. The only problem we have is that it will take us an extra week to celebrate."

Shea, however, had different feelings.

"I think I'll benefit from the two-week matchup," Shea said. "Mike had to pull out all the stops to survive the semifinals. As long as my boys decide to stay healthy, we'll be in the driver's seat."

That, and as long as they keep hitting like they did Monday.
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Championship predictions, part 2

As we've done in the past, here's where you get your say. I've gathered the thoughts of the other league members (who chose to respond), and have compiled predictions for the championship game between Shea and Mike.

I've asked who they think will win and who they want to win. Part 2 here is who do you want to win. Answers -- 100 percent real and not fabricated -- after the jump


WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN AND WHY?

Andy: I am rooting for Mike because Shea has not won a fantasy sport with this core of guys in about eight years. I hope that streak continues.

Bob: At first I wanted Shea to win until he texted me gloating (Sunday) night, so I have reversed course and am now rooting for Mike as much as it pains me. He's been pretty good all year and probably deserves a championship. Plus, he's got my boy Braun and I'd like to see someone from my squad last year go for the three-peat

Dave: Who wants to see the favorite win? I want Chris to pull of the slight upset and take the championship for the Facebook division.

Hal: I want Schea to win for the simple, yet spiteful fact that I cannot justify rooting for Mike based on our past. Mike also knocked out Chris, who I was rooting for to win it all.

Jack: I am really not rooting for either team - Mike took me out of first place in the last regular season match, so I guess I would like to see him win for that reason, but I can't root against Shea as his team has really played well and with a lot of spunk and heart. I am rooting for a close match coming down to the last day. Good luck to both of them.

Joe: I should win because I was screwed and didn't go stat-by-stat but it would have been a close matchup last week against Sheep. I think I would have won, I'll have to check.

Ken: I will be rooting for Mike, obviously. Go Jets.
Read more!

Championship predictions, part 1

As we've done in the past, here's where you get your say. I've gathered the thoughts of the other league members (who chose to respond), and have compiled predictions for the championship game between Shea and Mike.

I've asked who they think will win and who they want to win. Part 1 of who do you think will win is first. Answers -- 100 percent real and not fabricated -- after the jump


WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN AND WHY?

Andy: I think Shea will win because the name of the league is MTL, and Mike is not from MTL. Shea is.

Bob: I think Mike will win, he's got a good balanced squad with very good pitching and solid hitting. Plus he's playing with a chip on his shoulder that he's had all year and I think he'll do what it takes to win.

Dave: It is my belief that Shea has the better team. After reviewing the match-up, it is my opinion that Shea's hitting is slightly more explosive, while his pitching anchored by Verlander and Hernandez lacks depth compared to Chris'. However I think that hitting will decide this contest. Shea, who is already out to a lead, should have the luxury of sitting pitchers with unfavorable match-ups in the second week while leading most of the hitting categories.

Hal: I believe Mike will win for the simple reason that I will be rooting for Schea.

Jack: I think Mike will win because his team gets streaky hot and hits in bunches. If he gets hot in these 10 days he will be tough.

Joe: Shea will win because of Verlander and Felix.

Ken: I think Shea will win because, well, look at the start he got (Monday).
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Championship preview: (1) Mike vs. (2) Shea

Records: Mike 15-7-1, Shea 13-10
Line: Mike -1.5
Season series: Shea 2-0 (Week 9: 12-7; Week 18 16-2)
Career playoff records: Mike 3-1, Shea 2-1
All-time head-to-head: Mike 5-4-1
Playoffs head-to-head: Never met


About the matchup
For just the second time in five seasons, we have the No. 1 seed vs. the No. 2 seed in the finals. In fact, that was the only time in league history the lower-seeded team in the championship has won.

Both Mike and Shea had to sweat out Sunday to get past Chris and Bob, respectively, in the semifinals; however, each was able to and now they are into the championship matchup.

"What a ride that semifinals was," Mike said. "I couldn't be any happier for the boys. We started off slow and we heard the negativity about our team. But (Ryan) Braun, being the captain that he is, kept them focused and preached to play our game and the win would come."

For Mike, it's his second appearance, losing to Rick in the league's inaugural season. And, for Shea, it's his first taste as possible title glory.

"We're happy, my Jewish commissioner," Shea said. "It was nice jumping out to a big lead and holding on for dear life. We're excited about moving on to the finals to take on Mike. We (had a) fun celebration ... but (now we) prepare for the battle to continue."

Shea has dominated Mike this season, beating him twice in convincing fashion. If Mike admits it or not, it's sure to play a role throughout the week -- whether it be from media questions, Mike's players saying "Here we go, again," or the confidence it could bring to Shea's players.

As far as the championship? Well, it's time. Now, let's get it on, boys...

In their own words
Mike, on facing Shea: "We are happy to be playing anyone in the finals, but a matchup with Shea is a great way to go out on top. His team beat us twice this year, and we have been waiting to get our redemption. He disrespects the league, disrespects our team, and now we will humiliate him in the big game."

Shea, on facing Mike: "Mike will be quite the opponent. He talks a big game, has the top team, and caught fire (over the) weekend. That being said, I took down Mike twice in the regular season, so I don't expect the finals to be any different."

Mike, on why he will win: "Why will we win? Why wouldn't we win? We are the class of the league, and we just showed we could win in any fashion. It's also an extended week, so multiple starts by Lester and Weaver equals obvious victory. And once again, Braun will show why he is the MVP. Madoff 11-8."

Shea, on why he will win: "TEAM OF DESTINY!!! We continue to make it interesting but do enough to move on. That's the way of the dizzy drunks!"

The Prediction
In my opinion, the best possible final we could have gotten. Really, did anyone want to see Bob or Chris back in the finals? Nope. Fresh blood. And, honestly, the two most consistent teams in their respective divisions. Mike has the better all-around team, but Shea has the scrappy, underdog attitude who has adapted the "Nobody believed is us" mentality. A very tough matchup to predict, but I'm going with Shea to get enough production from his pitching and ride his offense to a 10-8 championship win.
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And now, the main event...

Pyros go off as the bell rings three times, and ring announcer Howard Finkle's voice echos throughout Madison Square Garden


Finkle: And now, ladies and gentleman, the main event of the night!

"Time Bomb" by Godsmack plays throughout the arena as Chris leads the Minnesota Twins to the ring.

Finkle: Introducing first, the challenger! Leaders of the Twitter Division, the 2008 and 2010 league runner up, the Minnesota Twins!

Chris enters the ring focused and holds the rope as the rest of his team files in. Adrian Gonzalez, Robinson Cano and Dan Haren lead the way. The fans cheer wildly as Chris goes to all four turnbuckles and salutes the sold-out crowd.

Suddenly, the music stops, and "Cocky" by Kid Rock blasts throughout. The cheers turn to boos. Violent boos. Bob comes out with a shit-eating grin on his face as his two-time championship team comes out behind him. More boos. A fan throws an apple, which Bob catches with one hand, takes a bite, and spits it out. Then he smiles and walks to the ring.

Finkle: And, introducing second, the champion! Two-time champion, current Facebook Division leader, the Cole Miners!

Jim Ross: Well, folks, this should be a slobberknocker! Business is about to pick up in our main event. You can hear how hostile this crowd is toward Bob, and amazingly, they're behind Chris, who never gets cheered!

Jerry "The King" Lawler: JR, I can't wait! This is a championship rematch and a possible championship preview! Let's get it on! Puppies!

The bell rings, and the Twins and Miners begin the match.

.
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(15 minutes later)
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J.R.: Folks, the Miners have just been controlling this match. They have the Twins on the ropes, and it's not looking good for Chris.

King: J.R., let's have some faith here. The Twins have made comebacks before. I have hope!

Chris delivers a low-blow to Bob behind the ref's back, and the crowd goes nuts.

J.R.: Oh, look at that! It could be a turning point, folks, it could be one! Both men are down but Chris is getting to his feet.

King: There's Bob getting up, too!

J.R.: Oh! A drop kick by Chris sends Bob flying to the ropes! He's going to the top rope, trying to finish off Bob with the frog splash!

Chris jumps from the top rope, but Bob moves at the last second.


J.R.: Oooooh! What a counter by Bob.

A remix of "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khalid suddenly blasts throughout the arena.


J.R.: What the hell is this? What the hell is this!

King: We've got company, J.R.! And it's a no-DQ match, so this is all legal.

Andy runs to the ring with Socko on his hand to the cheers of the crowd.

King: It's Socko!

J.R.: No surprise that Chris had the reinforcements lined up. The whole league is against Bob right now!

King: Oh look at that, J.R., Chris is waving Andy into the ring! Bob is staggering around trying to make sense of this. His title is on the line! His division is on the line!

Andy walks into the ring and delivers a Socko right to Bob's face!

King: SOCKO! SOCKO! SOCKO! Finish him off, Chris!

J.R.: Wait a second! Wait a second! Who is that? Who is that?

The camera suddenly switches to a fan jumping the guardrail and running into the ring with a mask on.

J.R.: What the hell is this?!

The fan delivers a knockout punch with brass knuckles to Andy, who goes straight to the mat. Chris retreats, backs up, and bumps right into Bob, who delivers his finisher, "The Cold Mine." Then the fan delivers an elbow drop followed by a one-two punch on Chris.

King: Bob going for the pin now. Come on ref, don't do it! Don't do it!

J.R.: One.... two... three! God dammit, that sunuvabitch just saved Bob. The title was going to change hands, and that bastard just handed Bob the title back. Who is that? Who is that?

The fan kicks Chris out of the ring and takes off his mask.

J.R.: Jesus! It's Dave! Owner of Draft Wasn't Wed! I don't believe it. I do not believe it!

Dave takes off his shirt and reveals a Cole Miners uniform.

J.R.: He's showing his true colors! A Cole Miner the whole time. What a disgrace!

King: I'm speechless, J.R. A true blow to the league.

Mean Gene Okerlund races to the ring, microphone in hand.

Mean Gene: Dave, explain your actions now! Do you have anything to say to your fans and co-workers?

Dave takes a moment to stare down the crowd, takes a deep breathe, and answers.

Dave: Drew Stubbs.

Dave leaves the ring and walks to the back, saying nothing else.

Mean Gene: What does that mean, J.R.?

J.R.: I have no idea! Why didn't he say anything else? He needs to answer for his actions! I don't believe what we just saw tonight, folks. A true disaster. I think I speak for all Keeper League fans when I say I'm disgusted!

(Copyright information and the screen fades to black)
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Wrapping up Bob's second championship

Bob has established himself as the premier team of the Keeper League. If not already, it's likely all teams will be gunning for him next year.

After a shaky 0-2 start (again), Bob rebounded true to form and simply dominated the league, going 18-4 from that point forward. He had a five-game winning streak and an eight-game winning streak.

He blew out his playoff opponents. He was unquestionably the top team and deserved the title this year.


"It was a season for the ages," said Bob, who set the best regular-season mark in league history. "I started out slow again, but I didn't have any doubts that I would be back in the same place at the end of the year again."

Bob's midseason trade wasn't as big as in past years. He got Jayson Werth, Placido Polanco and John Danks for Jon Lester, Johnny Damon and Delmon Young. Still, Werth was excellent in the playoffs, a big reason why Bob won.

"I would like to thank Mike for giving my team that extra push it needed at midseason," Bob said. "He got a really good pitcher in Lester, but I got a really nice balance to my offense and a consistent pitcher."

Maybe the league should take a cue from this quote and just simply not trade with Bob anymore. If you have any interest in winning, that is.

We raised the question before of whether this is a dynasty. Bob feels it is.

"I've had the best record in the league now for three out of four years," he said. "I'm the only team in the league to win three division titles, along with being the only team to repeat as division champion and to repeat as league champion. ... Even with time constraints, I've been able to put a good club on the field."

He loses Ryan Bruan and Prince Fielder this offseason. It won't matter. He has the players to keep to make up for the losses.

"I'm not thinking ahead to next year just yet, I want to let my guys take in this championship and let them enjoy the parade," Bob said. "It's the first time around for some of these guys, let's not forget. But come November, it will be back to business in trying to figure out how to construct this club going forward in the wake of Braun and Prince's departure."

Bob will go into next season once again as the favorite. Whether the league can catch up to him remains to be seen.

"I'm just entering my prime of fantasy domination and I don't see that changing anytime soon," Bob said. "I'll believe I can be beaten, when someone actually unseats me, but until then I am unstoppable."

Read more!

Chris' parting shots

After making, and losing in, the championship for the second time in three seasons, Chris has nothing to be ashamed of. It was a fine run, the first No. 6 seed to ever advance that far.

But, what would a post-game loss be without some ranting from the King of Sogs? In an absolute cocky rant that will undoubtedly be shown on highlight reels for years to come, Chris went off.


Asked a few basic questions about the loss, Chris instead blasted everyone else in the league.

I won't even try to put this into a story. I'm just going to list the manager's name and the parting shot Chris left.

To the league: "I've made the finals two out of the four years this league has existed. Besides (Joe and Bob), no one else has accomplished this.Step up sonnnnnnnnn(s)!"

To Bob: "I hope (winning the title) is the last thing you have to be excited about this 2010 MLB season. Good win though."

To Mike: "For the love of God, new team name next year man, quit lying to yourself."

To Dave: "New year's resolution: Have an above .500 team, yea!!!!"

To Joe: "Wanna trade me an MVP candidate next year?"

To Shea: "If we give you Albert, Hanley, Utley, Wright and CC, do you think you could make the playoffs?"

To Andy: "When you say jump, how high do Mike and Joe jump? Here's a thought: How about you try getting through the season without using your Yiddish mind control and brainwashing your minions into getting your team to the playoffs for you?"

To Hal: "Didn't you get the memo? There were playoffs after the regular season ended."

To Jack: "Too bad Tulowitzki went on that tear after you were eliminated, eh?"

To Rick: "Not so tough without big bad Luke Gregerson on your team, are ya?"

To Ken: "What is worse? Being a fan of the Mets or being a fan of your team?"

To Adam: "Maybe you should just let the computer draft your teams from this point on..."
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Snoozer ends with Bob's second title

As far as championship matches go, this one symbolized the rest of the playoffs: A snoozer.

But, Bob doesn't care about that, as he is our champion for the second year in a row. He defeated Chris rather easily, with a final score of 12-6.


The matchup lacked any real drama and was pretty much over as Week 1 turned into Week 2. Hard to name an MVP of the finals - there weren't any real standouts - but we'll give it to Ryan Braun. He batted .268 with two homers and team-highs of 12 RBIs and 22 total bases.

More to come later on the championship.
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At the halfway point...

...it's Bob in a rout.

The Cole Miners lead Los Macironis 13-6. Bob is on cruise control right now, and it would take a lot to go wrong to blow this. The TV executives are not happy, as ratings are at a record-low. There does not seem to be much interest or buzz in the matchup.

But, obviously Bob doesn't care.

"I like my chances a lot going into the final week, but I will need to hang onto some of the hitting categories if I want to stay comfortable," Bob said. "My hitters have performed in the past and I do think they will turn it around."


Led by Ryan Bruan, Bob has so far done just enough on offense to take a big lead. However, let's remember that there's still seven days of play left, and Chris can have a helluva week on offense to get back in this thing.

And, frankly, that's what he needs to happen. Chris' pitching imploding, basically giving Bob ERA and WHIP.

"I am disappointed by the performance of my team so far, notably the pitching staff," Chris said. "This was the more consistent part of our squad the entire year and that consistency has not shown up so far."

Bob is on his way to throwing on some "Back-to-back champion" T-shirts.

"I think the match is going very well for me," Bob said in the understatement of the day. "My pitching has been sharp and Mac's has really been killing him."

Chris admitted his best chance to win might be luck.

"We are going to need a lot to go right for us this upcoming week, including players not taking days off (physical and mental)," Chris said. "Hopefully, some players on the Miners will be rested as well."
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A disappearing act

Remember when Zack Greinke was the best pitcher in baseball? Yeah, it wasn't so long ago.

Chris certainly remembers better days than what he's getting from Greinke and the rest of his pitching staff this week.

Greinke already imploded this week, but his 7.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP is actually one of the better outings by Chris' staff during this week.

Bob leads the championship match 14-4 and has a big stranglehold on pitching.


Ryan Dempster, on Thursday night, gave up nine earned runs in less than two innings - a 48.60 ERA! Jake Westbrook didn't do Chris any favors, either. Overall, Chris has a 6.75 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in almost 40 innings. And, oh yeah, he already has five losses.

It's a huge storyline of this matchup. Bob hardly has to worry about losing those three categories, which gives him some freedom when deciding whether or not to play his pitchers.

It also means Chris has to try to win with offense. And over a two-week period against Bob, that's not an easy thing to do.
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Bob uses the "D" word

I think most league members are very impressed by Bob's back-to-back title-game appearances. He is the clear favorite to win his second straight championship. It has never been done before.

And this week, when interviewing him about whether he was satisfied being here, Bob used the "D" word: Dynasty.

"Nope, not satisfied until I become the first team to repeat and to win multiple titles," Bob said. "I have dynasty on my mind and dynasties aren't just happy to be here."


Very bold, strong, confident words from our defending champ. But that raises the question - what makes a dynasty? Is two titles enough? Or is it three or more?

That is up for debate. What isn't, however, is the fact that Bob has had the most consistent team all year. And he's very confident heading into this matchup with Chris.

"My pitching and hitting have been consistent for me all year," Bob said. "It seems like every time a guy has an off week, there is another guy on my team that picks the rest of the team up."

Other league members aren't surprised to see Bob back in the finals. Chris, when asked if he was surprised, gave a simple "no" without choosing to elaborate.

"I think I will win because my hitting is getting hot at the right time," Bob said, "and my pitching, for the most part, has been a picture of consistency."

It's up for you to decide whether a victory would equal a dynasty in this day and age.
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Chris loving role as the underdog

Ask Chris and he won't deny it: He didn't expect to be in the championship a few weeks ago.

Sure he wanted to be here, but no way in hell did he think he'd be in this spot. All year he complained about his team. In fact, he called his one-time undefeated squad the "worst 4-0 team in fantasy history."

At various points this season, Chris was talking about the enjoyment of getting a high draft pick and the chance to win Albert Pujols.

That was then, this is now.


"(I'm) definitely happy to be here," Chris said. "(I) had the hardest path to reach the finals and have my toughest matchup upcoming."

Even Bob was surprised that Chris made it this far.

"Chris has a good team, but I honestly thought that Hal would make it to the finals," Bob said. "But we all know that winning in the playoffs is all about getting hot at the right time and being a good manager. Chris had Hal's number in both categories this past week."

Chris cited "managing ... (and) picking up players at the right time," as his top reasons for making it to this point.

We've already seen some of that with recent pickup David Murphy going 5-for-5 in the first night of action. The Los Macironis have talented players such as Adrian Gonzalez and Robinson Cano, and they need them to have a good two weeks.

Chris thinks he will win because "my players have stepped up these past few weeks and are used to being the underdogs."

That is correct. Chris is the first No. 6 seed to reach the finals. He has championship-game experience, a loss to Joe two years ago. Back then, though, he was a division winner and expected to make it that far.

Now, he's trying to pull off an unprecedented feat.
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Championship game predictions, part 1

League members were asked who they thought would win and who they wanted to win. Not everyone has replied, yet. Those who have not but plan to will be featured in part 2.

Here are the responses.


Who do you think will win?
Hal: I think Bob wins with a better team top to bottom.

Joe: Bob will win he has a better team with a better core and more experience.

Shea: I think Bob will win. He has postseason experience and has successfully managed in a two week setting. Bob is also more dedicated. I anticipate him to stay up until 3am for a late night pickup over Chris.

Andy: Bob will win. He has had the best team all year and all postseason.

Mike: Cole. He didn't get top seed and best record ever in Keeper League history by accident. He seems to always have a knack for drafting a well-rounded team, and we also seem to see him late in the playoffs every year. His experience will help him reach another championship. Not trying to hate on Chris. Had a good season so far. I believe first 6 seed to reach finals. His team has obviously clicked at the right time, and maybe they have enough left in the tank to take down the favorite. However my prediction will be Cole 13-6.

Chris: I think my team will continue to surprise and it will be a close matchup. 11-8 victory for the Macironis.

Bob: I think it will be close the first week, but I think I should pull away some time in the last week. I predict a final of 12-7, just covering the early spread.

Who do you want to win?
Hal: I want Chris to win so I can say I lost to the champ and I won't feel as bad about my team, mainly my pitchers, collapsing when it counted.

Joe: I want Chris to win because he has never won. Don't want Bob to have a dynasty, and maybe it will make Chris less soggy.

Shea: I'm rooting for the sog machine. If he wins the league, he can stop whining about being broke and pony up for Vegas. Go Igs Go!

Andy: Let's go Chris! Let's go Chris! Don't want to see anyone win back-to-back.

Mike: Cole. Cole and I are tight, and there's no getting around that. We chat frequently. We made a trade earlier this season that seemed to help both teams. I received an obvious keeper in Lester, and the trade also sparked my team for a few weeks that helped me get out of the basement. I should say I also hope the best for the players I traded to Cole, however two-thirds of them are Phils, so fuck that. Do it for John Danks. Fuck the Yankees.

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Playoff preview: (1) Bob vs. (6) Chris

Records: Bob 17-6, Chris 13-10-1
Line: Bob -3.5
Season series: Bob 2-0 (Week 7: 13-6, Week 17: 14-5)
Career playoff records: Bob 3-2, Chris 3-1
All-time head-to-head: Bob 6-2
Playoffs head-to-head: Never met
Last playoff appearance: Bob 2009, Chris 2008


Pitching
Both teams have solid, consistent pitching that is unlikely to implode like their semifinal opponents' arms did. Neither team, however, really has a bona fide stud that is a complete-game threat. One interesting thing to watch is that Bob has the relief pitchers to take saves AND holds, something that is seldom done against Chris.
Advantage: Bob

Hitting
Chris' hitting is absolutely on fire. Can it stay that way for four weeks in a row? It's unlikely, and Bob's power hitters should do enough to give him most of the categories. Chris really needs to catch a couple breaks, such as a nagging injury or some rest for playoff players.
Advantage: Bob

Managing
Bob has won three straight playoff games, Chris two straight. Both teams have made smart moves the entire postseason, clearly planning ahead. Both managers have championship-game experience. Hard to give an edge, but Bob has won a title, so we'll give it to him.
Advantage: Bob

Prediction
Bob, fielding the best team in league history, will not be stopped by a sixth seed. He wins 13-7.

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It's David vs. Goliath

Well, no one would have predicted this as the final. It's top-seeded Bob vs. sixth-seeded Chris. The early line is Bob -4, which is the biggest championship-game spread in league history.

Both teams blew out their opponents in the semifinals. Now, it's for all the marbles - and a lot of money. Bob is the defending champion. Chris is back in the finals, last appearing during Season 2 in 2008. He lost that match.

We will have full playoff coverage throughout the week, so stay tuned.


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Smutt Peddlers: So close, yet so far

Another year, another good run by Joe. It is becoming a given, and we shouldn't doubt his Smutt Peddlers any longer. However, Joe did not reach the pinnacle this year.

He was close...yet so far.

The loss was his first ever in the playoffs, after four straight wins.

"It was close," Joe said of his 13-7 championship-game loss to Bob. "Good for him."

More after the jump.


Joe may have won if it were a one-week matchup, but alas, it wasn't. Instead, his pitching didn't live up to expectations, and frankly having too many Yankees hurt him. His Yankee hitters got a lot of rest toward the end, and it hurt Joe bigtime.

Even so, though, Joe still was in it going into Sunday, albeit he needed close to a miracle.

"He really gave my team a run for its money and was a formidable opponent," Bob said.

Joe goes into the offseason with some serious questions, which will be addressed at a later point. But, he has some keeper issues to decide on. Dan Haren and Mark Teixiera are free agents in the league. Will Joe re-sign them for the final year?

And one of the big questions will be whether he can make it to an unthinkable third straight title game.

"Hopefully my team can have similar success next year," a clearly disappointed Joe said, "and put me in a position to win."
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Cole Miners: A season to remember

By now, you know that Bob has won our league championship. He becomes the third champ in as many years in league existent.

Ricky will be happy, knowing Joe has not upped him in league titles. As for Bob, he clearly had the best team in the league from the time he made the trade for Prince Fielder. It will be interesting to see whether Dave will get some of his playoff share for the trade.

"This one is for the players," Bob said Sunday night. "They played their heart out week in and week out and they never gave up. Even when they were scuffling at times, it seemed like they always performed well enough to gut out the win."

More after the jump.


We all knew Bob had great hitting, but it was his pitching that stole the show in the playoffs.

Simply put, it was lights fucking out. Anyone with an ERA under 3 and a WHIP at 1.10 in 150+ innings deserves to win.

"They might not all be stars, but they really carried me through last round and they held their own again this week," Bob said of the pitching. "It seemed like they really responded well to the (James) Shields outright release."

Bob will go into next season the clear favorite, with Fielder and Ryan Braun returning.

"I want to give Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun Co-MVPs for their playoffs and season play," Bob said. "They were my most consistent guys and they picked us up when we really needed them."

Congrats to Bob, who has joined the ranks of the fantasy baseball keeper league elites.
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That's a wrap

Bob's Cole Miners take the title with a 13-7 victory in the championship. Unfortunately, there wasn't much drama on the final day.

Congrats to Bob and Joe. More throughout the next 24 hours on the victory.


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