Press Release - The Jimmy Dix Longballs 8-25-2010

It is with mixed emotion - but great excitement - that the Jimmy Dix Longballs announces the return of Colby Rasmus to its ranks. The 24 year old Rasmus was traded away from the Longballs in the preseason as part of a package deal for B.J. Upton, whose speed filled a role that the team struggled with in 2009. The addition of Mr. Rasmus and his .343 on base percentage and .504 slugging percentage is a welcome compliment to our other young outfielders, Mike Stanton, Nelson Cruz and Chris Coughlan. In order to make space on the 25 man roster, outfielder Marlon Byrd was released to the waiver wire. The 33 year old Byrd was having a strong year, posting a .365/.453 stat line and most notably had a very strong April and May which accounted for much of the Jimmy Dix Longballs early success. We wish him the best in his future endeavors, but feel strongly that the move for Rasmus was the best for the long-term contention of the Longballs.

We also anxiously await the return of our many players from the DL, including shortstop Rafael Furcal, right handed reliever JJ Putz and outfielders Nelson Cruz and Chris Coughlan. Coughlan is expected to make a full recovery, though he will not return to the field until 2011. The Jimmy Dix Longballs currently sit 4th in the UPL standings, and are searching for the spark to carry the team through a strong rush to the end of the season.

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend....

Okay so the title of this post has nothing to do with the actual post. Sorry. But today the Jimmy Dix Longballs designated Mark Buehrle for assignment. As someone who has been a die-hard Buehrle fan (I even have a Buehrle authentic jersey, courtesy of friends of a friend, who are now on probation for their part in a jersey theft and resale ring) its a tough day, but his K/9 and WHIP were just too ugly to stick with as a fantasy starter. I wish him nothing but the best success in real life, and as the Sox are in a pennant race I would not begrudge anyone who picks him up and catches him as he gets hot. I hope he helps bring us back to the postseason, where the Yankees will beat us like they caught us robbing the new Yankee Stadium. Although I reserve the right as a fantasy manager to write a letter, Dan Gilbert style, about him if he helps another team beat me. Just saying.