Early Fantasy Baseball 2011 - Breakout Players

Pitchers -

Clayton Kershaw - SP Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton is the emerging ace of the Dodgers along with Chad Billingsley, and in his 4th season is prepared to break out. At the age of 21, his 9.3 K/9 is already among the league leaders. Target Kershaw early, at the bottom of the tier one aces just following Jon Lester and Cliff Lee. For auction leagues, I would be ok spending $20 and having him as my 1 or 2.

Daniel Hudson - SP Arizona Diamondbacks

The main piece that AZ received for sending Edwin Jackson to Chicago, Hudson has shown flashes of why he was such a highly regarded prospect in the White Sox system. His 2010 ERA of 2.46 shows that he might be ready to be a solid number two at the major league level. With a 7.93 K/9 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3:1, he would be a good get on draft day. You can target him as a semi-late sleeper with an auction value of $11-12.

John Axford - RP Milwaukee Brewers

Axford took over for Trevor Hoffman as the closer for the Brew Crew in much of 2010. Although he shared reps over the last month of the season, he still ended up with 8 wins and 24 saves. He struck out batters at a tremendous rate, K'ing 11 per nine. With the addition of Zack Greinke and a commitment to win today, he may have the opportunity for plenty of save chances in 2011.

Position Players-

Andrew McCutchen - OF Pittsburgh Pirates

The Dread Pirate is one player that I will be targeting to man center field. He is definitely capable of breaking out in 2011, and I expect him to have a very solid season. The Pirates, even with their pitching difficulties, should be able to score some runs. Last season in 570 ABs, McCutchen hit 16 homeruns which is great production for a leadoff hitter. In 2011, he has the potential to end the year as a top-ten OF. Target him in the early-to-middle rounds, and pay in the $20-25 range.

Drew Stubbs - OF Cincinnati Reds

Stubbs is another outfielder that has the potential to have a breakout season. The second year player will be batting in a lineup with last year's breakout player, Joey Votto. Stubbs could be a 25-25 guy, but he won't give you a high average, as he is striking out 33% of the time. But the cheap power and speed, coupled with a little luck, could make him a late round steal. You can probably get him in the later rounds, but be willing to pay $16-18.

Elvis Andrus - SS Texas Rangers 

Andrus will likely begin the season leading off for the Rangers, and their offense should be just as potent as it was last season. He may have Beltre, Young, Kinsler, Hamilton and Cruz batting behind him, so he should see a lot of hittable pitches this year. I'd look for him to score 100 runs and steal 30 bases, making him a solid starter at a weak position. He won't provide the power, but few SS's in the league can. I would target him in the middle rounds and pay around $18-20. He could finish the season as the 4th SS.

Edwin Encarnacion - 3B - Toronto Blue Jays

This is a high-risk, high-reward type player. By no means would I plug him in as the starting third baseman for my team, but I sure want his upside smoldering on my bench. His huge HR potential on a free-swinging team could reap huge benefits. Last season he hit 21 homeruns - if he gets 500 ABs, that could give him a total in the 30s by the end of the season. You can get him in the last round, or for $1.. not much to lose.

Weaponization of Space

I am a beginner on Twitter, and am absolutely amazed with the wealth of knowledge constantly passing hands. In my hours of watching the ticker roll, I came across an absolutely amazing article. It really is mind-blowing what goes on behind closed doors in the government, not only here in the U.S., but in much of the modern world. The article focuses on the shifting ideology of the space race - from getting the biggest and best satellite equipment into operation, to reducing the size and cost. I was blown away by some of the capabilities already available to the military, and can see why our government needs to plan accordingly. A whole new type of warfare is potentially on the horizon.
http://www.economist.com/node/17647639?story_id=17647639&fsrc=scn/tw/te/rss/pe

Minnesota Scientist: Live from Antarctica

University of Minnesota-Duluth Professor of Geological Sciences John Goodge is currently embarking on a trip to Antarctica to study the continent. It's geology is shrouded in mystery, as well as 12,000 feet of ice! The New York Times will be providing a look into his life way down under through periodic reports. Check it out.

http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/on-the-trail-of-antarcticas-geological-secrets/?src=twt&twt=nytimes

Best Albums of 2010

1) Yeasayer - Odd Blood

This album is a gem. Songs like "Ambling Alp" and "O.N.E." really pushed the envelope for the garage-electronic sound in 2010. The sound is so unique, bringing together so many of the positive aspects of modern music. Got to be #1.

“Now the world can be an unfair place at times… But your lows will have their compliment of highs.. And if anyone should cheat you.. Take advantage of or beat you raise your head.. And wear your wounds with pride”

 2) The Black Keys – Brothers

I am not sure that these guys get enough credit. Their sound is so throwback, yet so original. Loved the album Brothers. "Everlasting Light," "Tighten Up," and "Next Girl" all got plenty of PT on my computer and iPod this year. Plus I love the singing dinosaur.

"Love is the coal.. that makes this train roll.. let me be, your everlasting light."

3) Matt and Kim – Sidewalks

Awesome. Not a lot else needs to be said about their 3^rd album release, Sidewalks. The powerful drums and slick electro sound of Matt and Kim make this album ROCK. Head bobbing and dancing , naturally. “Red Paint,” “Cameras,” “Wires” and “Good for Great” highlight this well rounded and deep album.

“I traced a few lines, misread all the signs, slipped many times... my blood's still red and I'm just fine.. today, leave good for great.. leave sleep for late.. leave good for great.”

4) Vampire Weekend – Contra

Ezra Koenig’s unique voice adds so much to the intelligent lyrics of Vampire Weekend’s Contra. “Horchata,” “Run,” “White Sky,” and “Giving Up the Gun” highlight this solid album

“Your sword's grown old and rusty, burnt beneath the rising sun.. It's locked up like a trophy, forgetting all the things it's done.. And though it's been a long time, you're right back where you started from.. I see it in your eyes that now you’re giving up the gun.”

5) Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Just another successful album from the long time Outkast star. This album continues in the tradition of the Dungeon Family, ATLiens fanfare. “The Train Pt 2” is a melodious jam with clever lyrics and a smooth beat. Also love the tracks “Shutterbug,” and “Tangerine ft. TI.”

“Now party people in the club it's time to cut a rug.. and throw the deuce up in the sky just for the shutrerbuggs.. I'm double fistin’ and if you're empty you can grab a cup.. Boy stop, i'm just playing. Let me dap you up.”