Andy writes:
If losing a late-September FAAB bid on Nick Blackburn is a heartbreaking event, then you know you’re in a tight pennant race. That’s the sort of ridiculously tight finish we’re facing in Tout Mixed. When you get seven great innings out of Tim Stauffer and can’t get a W, perhaps it’s not your year. This is true for the Padres, and it’s true for Team Behrens.
Honestly, even though my team has basically hemorrhaged points over the past three weeks, I’m reasonably content with the way I’ve navigated the season. I’ve certainly had a few misfires on free agents — didn’t go high enough on Scherzer, bid a million dollars on Smoak — but I’ve had success stories, too. I suppose I could have worked harder to deal Brian Wilson or Carlos Marmol — or been willing to settle for less in return — because I’ll win Saves by too wide a margin. Still, I had a successful auction, I’ve been competitive in all categories, and my team has piled up at-bats. (It’s no coincidence that the three teams battling atop the standings are 1-2-3 in ABs). If I fail to win the league, it won’t be due to managerial negligence, and I’ll no doubt have been beaten by a very good fantasy owner. No shame in finishing behind Charlie or Steve.
There are certain things that simply fall beyond a manager’s control — like, say, losing Hanley Ramirez and Johan Santana when you need them most. Or losing Chase Utley and Jose Reyes for long stretches. Or losing Kevin Youkilis for the year. Or … well, you get it. I’m disgusted with my team’s training staff. None of them will be returning to the ballclub next year. NONE. We’ve had a complete purge. We’re going to change the entire off-season conditioning program. More core strengthening, less winter ball.
Best of luck to my leaguemates, and congrats on a fine year.