Fantasy sports articles written by Ray Flowers
May 21, 2013
Circling the Bases: Curious Cases
Ray Flowers sends a skeptical tone about Patrick Corbin and Didi Gregorius in this week's version.
May 14, 2013
Circling the Bases: Hamilton-itis
Josh Hamilton has been awful this season. Is there any reason to think the good times will return with the slugger? Also, can Starling Marte & Carlos Gomez keep up their hot starts to the season? Ray Flowers gives his thoughts.
May 7, 2013
Circling the Bases: Messy Bullpens
Mariano Rivera remains a timeless wonder, but there are many other shaky bullpens out there. Ray Flowers breaks it down and advocates for a new fantasy stat.
April 23, 2013
Crashing the Net: Finishing Strong?
Antii Niemi and the Sharks have been on a roll. Ray Flowers discusses who else has been finishing strong in his penultimate column for the season.
April 16, 2013
Crashing the Net: Time is Running Out
Phil Kessel seems to be a guy everyone loves to hate, but he's been a highly efficient performer at the end of the day.
April 9, 2013
Crashing the Net: Down the Stretch They Come
Johan Franzen, The Mule, won't be doing much racing down the stretch, but he's been especially effective for the Red Wings late in the season and into the playoffs.
April 2, 2013
Crashing the Net: The Deadline is Approaching
A few big names have already been moved - could Dan Boyle be next? Ray Flowers covers that and the trends of a handful of players in this week's article.
March 26, 2013
Crashing the Net: More Ups and Downs
Sam Gagner is scoring at a higher pace than before, but he's still carrying a negative plus-minus.
March 20, 2013
Crashing the Net: Who's Up, Who's Down?
Dany Heatley's fantasy owners probably remember him in happier times. Ray Flowers discusses Heatley and more disappointments this week.
March 12, 2013
Crashing the Net: Get Carter
The Kings' Jeff Carter has caught fire as of late, sparking his team along the way.
March 5, 2013
Crashing the Net: New King on the Throne?
Jonathan Bernier has taken half of the last 10 starts between the pipes for the Kings. Ray Flowers discusses whether that's likely to continue.
February 26, 2013
Crashing the Net: Injuries and Performance
Ryane Clowe might have been lucky to get just a two-game suspension, but that doesn't excuse his lack of offensive output this season.
February 19, 2013
Crashing the Net: Hot and Cold
Pekka Rinne leads the NHL in GAA despite having a losing record.
February 12, 2013
Crashing the Net: The Quarter Pole
Claude Giroux has some work to do to come close to last year's scoring pace.
February 5, 2013
Crashing the Net: Shoot the Puck!
Ray Flowers discusses Alexander Ovechkin's shortfall this season, among other early season standouts.
January 30, 2013
Crashing the Net: More Early Season Standouts
Patrick Marleau and the Sharks keep on rolling.
January 24, 2013
Crashing the Net: Early Season Standouts
Joffrey Lupul's injury is a big blow to the Leafs.
January 15, 2013
Crashing the Net: Countering a Goalie Run
Ray Flowers avoided a goalie run in a recent industry draft, taking Patrick Sharp and a handful of other elite forwards while the rest of his league pounded the goalies.
January 8, 2013
Circling the Bases: Bourn Still Searching
Michael Bourn still hasn't landed a job. Ray Flowers evaluates his merits.
January 4, 2013
Circling the Bases: Shaun Marcum, Brett Myers
Ray Flowers discusses the current pitcher free agent market, including recent signee Brett Myers and still unsigned starter Shaun Marcum.
December 12, 2012
Circling the Bases: Evaluating the James Shields Trade
Ray Flowers shares his opinions about the big Royals-Rays trade.
December 5, 2012
Circling the Bases: Winter Meetings Edition
Dan Haren agreed to a one-year deal with the Nats that could make them awfully intimidating.
November 28, 2012
Circling the Bases: Chapman and Broxton
Jonathan Broxton's signing with the Reds has Ray Flowers pondering what the team should do with Aroldis Chapman.
November 19, 2012
Circling the Bases: Melky Mediocre Next Year?
Ray Flowers is skeptical that Melky Cabrera can approach his 2012 rate stats with Toronto next year.
November 11, 2012
The RotoWire NHL 200: Malkin on Top
Evgeni Malkin tops Ray Flowers overall rankings.
November 7, 2012
Circling the Bases: Carlos Marmol and Dan Haren
Carlos Marmol and Dan Haren were nearly traded for each other. Ray Flowers breaks down each pitcher's numbers.
October 31, 2012
Circling the Bases: Two Career Year Catchers
Ray Flowers discusses the career years from A.J. Pierzynski and Carlos Ruiz.
October 23, 2012
Circling the Bases: Second-Half OPS
Chase Headley's breakout season was fueled by a huge second half.
October 17, 2012
Circling the Bases: Second-Half ERA's
Clayton Kershaw had a 2.10 ERA over the second half of the season, making a strong push for the NL Cy Young.
October 10, 2012
Circling the Bases: On Closers
Ray Flowers discusses the year-end results from the 2012 closers pool, including another remarkable season from Craig Kimbrel.
October 4, 2012
Circling the Bases: Year-End Thoughts
Despite all the offseason turmoil, Ryan Braun has been the same player that he was last season.
September 25, 2012
Circling the Bases: An Unseen Solid Effort
Chase Utley has quietly been solid at the plate now that he's healthy again.
September 18, 2012
Circling the Bases: Missing You
It's easy to forget what an impact we expected Brett Gardner to have this year. He'll return from the DL this week, though he won't be able to bat.
September 14, 2012
Circling the Bases: 2012 MLB Bullpen Disasters
Ray Flowers examines the risks in overvaluing closers in fantasy drafts and strategies in drafting the right players.
September 12, 2012
Circling the Bases: Players Defying Logic
Ray Flowers takes on Mike Trout's recent results.
September 7, 2012
Circling the Bases: Third Base Slugging
Adrian Beltre and Mark Reynolds have been lighting it up at the hot corner.
September 4, 2012
Circling the Bases: Matt Cain vs. Tim Lincecum
Matt Cain has fallen off since the All-Star break and Tim Lincecum has improved.
August 31, 2012
Circling the Bases: Stretch Run Suggestions
Need a helpful addition for September? Key players are evaluated for the rest of the season.
August 28, 2012
Circling the Bases: Cliff Lee's Remarkable Recent Numbers
Cliff Lee has a 37:1 K:BB ratio over his last five starts.
August 21, 2012
Circling the Bases: Carl Crawford Next Year
Ray Flowers what Carl Crawford really has done while on the field the last two years.
August 14, 2012
Circling the Bases: Sample Sizes
Don't be too alarmed by Carlos Gonzalez's August swoon.
August 10, 2012
Circling the Bases: Nationals (Strasburg) Security Agency
How will the Nats handle Stephen Strasburg's workload down the stretch?
August 7, 2012
Circling the Bases: Evan Longoria is Back
Evan Longoria returns from the DL on Tuesday.
July 31, 2012
Circling the Bases: Phillies Fire Sale
Ray Flowers breaks down the Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino trades.
July 17, 2012
Circling the Bases: Strasburg's Innings-Limit
Ray Flowers takes on the Nationals' policy on Steven Strasburg's workload.
July 12, 2012
Circling the Bases: Might Mo Return?
Mariano Rivera's ACL tear has turned out to not be as bad as first feared.
July 3, 2012
Circling the Bases: Viva Aviles
Mike Aviles has been wonderful for those that grabbed him late in their drafts, but can he hang on?
June 27, 2012
Circling the Bases: A.J. Burnett Among the Elite
A.J. Burnett would be considered among the elite but for one disastrous start at St. Louis.
June 19, 2012
Circling the Bases: Five From Sunday
Now is the time to buy Josh Johnson.
June 12, 2012
Circling the Bases: Gardner's Wonky Elbow
Ray Flowers is dubious that Brett Gardner's self-diagnosis on his elbow is accurate.
June 8, 2012
Circling the Bases: The Enigma in Minnesota
Ray Flowers warns fantasy owners to refrain from putting their faith in Francisco Liriano
June 5, 2012
Circling the Bases: The R Word
Paul Konerko's batting average is already starting to decline, but Ray Flowers thinks that there's still a pretty deep drop remaining.
May 29, 2012
Circling the Bases: Are Stanton's Gains For Real?
Giancarlo Stanton's power outburst this month has been accompanied by a drop in strikeouts and a rising line drive rate. Are either of those two gains for real?
May 23, 2012
Circling the Bases: Lawrie Falling Short
Brett Lawrie is running, but he's been a disappointment in the power categories so far.
May 18, 2012
Circling the Bases: Right in Line
Is Drew Stubbs an underperformer, or are his 2011 numbers a better indication of what is to come in 2012?
May 15, 2012
Circling the Bases: Throwing In the Towel?
Is it time to give up on chasing saves? If you bet on David Robertson to replace the injured Mariano Rivera, you might think that it's time.
May 11, 2012
Circling the Bases: Fore!
Josh Beckett irked Red Sox Nation by playing golf while rehabbing his injury this week prior to getting shelled by the Indians on Thursday night.
May 8, 2012
Circling the Bases: Concerns About A-Gone
Adrian Gonzalez is off to a slow start - Ray Flowers isn't surprised.
May 2, 2012
Circling the Bases: Big Papi Going Bonkers
David Ortiz had a .418 BABIP in the month of April.
April 24, 2012
Circling the Bases: Jurrjens' Urgency
Jair Jurrjens was sent down to Triple-A following his latest shellacking Monday night.
April 20, 2012
Circling the Bases: Hot and Cold Starts
An analysis of some of the players off to fast and slow starts in Major League Baseball this season.
April 17, 2012
Circling the Bases: Early Returns
Remember the spring training velocity concerns about Roy Halladay? Those aren't a concern any longer.
April 11, 2012
Circling the Bases: One Man's Failure ...
How to take advantage of the early-season misfortunes of certain ballplayers.
April 4, 2012
Crashing the Net: Fantasy Islanders
Josh Bailey has been on a bit of a tear lately.
March 31, 2012
Circling the Bases: Tout Wars Recap
Ray Flowers landed B.J. Upton as his most expensive hitter in the Tout Wars Mixed League draft.
March 29, 2012
Crashing the Net: Singing the Blues
Brian Elliott keeps pitching shutouts for the Blues.
March 13, 2012
Crashing the Net: Wounded Duck
Corey Perry's injury comes at an inopportune time.
March 7, 2012
Crashing the Net: Tough Times in Chicago
Corey Crawford is really struggling for the Blackhawks right now.
February 29, 2012
Crashing the Net: Rookie Contributors
Taylor Hall is living up to his billing with the Oilers.
February 14, 2012
Crashing the Net: Storming Thornton
Joe Thornton has been on fire lately for the Sharks.
February 8, 2012
Crashing the Net: Playoff Hero Becomes Fantasy Star
Johan Franzen has finally converted his playoff mettle into regular season performance.
January 31, 2012
Crashing the Net: First Half Performers
Nicklas Lidstrom and Ian White are among the plus-minus standouts over the first half.
January 24, 2012
Crashing the Net: Complete Player
Pavel Datsyuk has 32 points in his last 25 games, and he's chipped in a +20 rating as well for the Red Wings during that stretch. He might be the most complete forward in the NHL.
January 11, 2012
Crashing the Net: Hodgson's Heroes
Cody Hodgson of the Canucks is making good use of the limited ice-time that he gets.
January 3, 2012
Crashing the Net: Red-Hot Alfie
Daniel Alfredsson has been hot since a slow start to the year. Over his last 16 games he's scored seven goals and recorded 18 points for the Senators.
December 21, 2011
Crashing the Net: Not Good Times For Ovie
The Caps' coaching change hasn't changed Alexander Ovechkin's fortunes.
December 13, 2011
Crashing the Net: Canucks Can-Do
Two slow-starting Canucks have found their groove, including Ryan Kesler (pictured).
December 7, 2011
Crashing the Net: Sharks Locked In the Tank
Dan Boyle hasn't fulfilled his lofty expectations so far this season.
November 29, 2011
Crashing the Net: Parise Still Slumping
Zach Parise might be at his lowest possible value right now, having just one goal in his last 11 games.
November 22, 2011
Crashing the Net: Sid the Kid's Massive Return
Sidney Crosby surpassed any reasonable expectation in Monday's return to action.
November 16, 2011
Crashing the Net: Not Miller Time
Ryan Miller remains sidelined after his concussion.
November 11, 2011
Friday's Face-Off: Face-Off Wins
Benn Breaking Out For The Stars
November 9, 2011
Crashing the Net: Forward Focus
Jonathan Toews is looking for his new linemate.
November 3, 2011
Friday Faceoff: Rockin' Radim
Radim Vrbata might fly under the radar of some fantasy hockey players, but he's worth your attention.
November 2, 2011
Crashing the Net: The Big Pavelski
Joe Pavelski has come up big on a number of occasions for the Sharks.
October 28, 2011
Friday's Face-Off: Friday's Face Off Wins
Which youngsters are going to remain in the NHL? Which keepers are off to hot or cold starts?
October 26, 2011
Crashing the Net: The Forgotten Superstar
Jason Spezza has reminded fantasy owners why he was once among the fantasy elite.
October 21, 2011
Friday's Face-Off: Face-Off Wins
Ray Flowers gets inside the numbers.
October 18, 2011
Crashing the Net: Big Chance for Brassard
Derick Brassard has another big chance thanks to Jeff Carter's injury.
October 14, 2011
Friday's Face-Off: Face-Off Wins
Ray Flowers gets inside the numbers.
October 12, 2011
Crashing the Net: Full Recovery For Parise
Zach Parise looks great so far in early action.
October 7, 2011
Friday's Face-Off: Face-Off Wins
Ray Flowers gets inside the numbers.
October 6, 2011
Crashing the Net: Opening Night Draws Near
Ray Flowers laments the falling fortunes of Olli Jokinen and Derick Brassard.
October 3, 2011
Crashing the Net: Old Faces, New Places
Brent Burns is among the big names in new places this year.
September 26, 2011
Crashing the Net: Another Take on Sid the Kid
Ray Flowers starts his regular NHL column at RotoWire, starting off with his valuation of Sidney Crosby.
September 14, 2011
Circling the Bases: Falling Off Stubbs Island
Ray Flowers examines Drew Stubbs' season.
September 6, 2011
Circling the Bases: Howling For Fowler
Dexter Fowler deserves your attention.
August 30, 2011
Circling the Bases: 28 Days Later
Kyle Seager quietly has been rather productive over the last 28 days.
August 24, 2011
Circling the Bases: Giving up on Gordon Beckham
Gordon Beckham has actually regressed this season.
August 16, 2011
Circling the Bases: Ellsbury Overpriced in 2012
Jacoby Ellsbury's improbable season will set expectation levels too high in 2012, according to Ray Flowers.
August 9, 2011
Circling the Bases: Cool Hand Luke
Luke Hochevar is on one of his good streaks - should you pick him up in your mixed league if he's stll available?
August 3, 2011
Circling the Bases: Soto Warming Up
Geovany Soto teased fantasy owners with his rate stats last year but has fallen short this year. Where will he end up?
July 26, 2011
Circling the Bases: Not At the Plate, Carlos
Ray Flowers breaks down Carlos Lee's recent resurgence.
July 20, 2011
Circling the Bases: Breaking Down Bonifacio
Don't get caught up in Emilio Bonifacio's recent hot streak.
July 13, 2011
Circling the Bases: Not Winning
Ubaldo Jimenez has just eight wins in his last 32 starts.
July 5, 2011
Circling the Bases: Alex Gordon's Revival
Ray Flowers illustrates how good of a season Alex Gordon has had.
June 29, 2011
Circling the Bases: Just Short of Elite
Ray Flowers looks at Jair Jurrjens' strong first half.
June 1, 2011
Circling the Bases: The Hammer
Ray Flowers breaks down Josh Willingham and Jason Hammel.
May 24, 2011
Circling the Bases: Aramis Ramirez's Disappearing Power
Ray Flowers takes an in-depth at Aramis Ramirez's dearth of power.
May 17, 2011
Circling the Bases: Cahill Denier
Ray Flowers is dubious that Trevor Cahill's current level is legit.
May 10, 2011
Circling the Bases: Royal Breakdown
Alex Gordon has started nicely, but how much can you bank on him going forward?
May 3, 2011
Circling the Bases: Cheap Average and Speed
Mike Aviles is making a nice play here, but it's his work on the basepaths that has drawn Ray Flowers' attention.
April 26, 2011
Circling the Bases: Taking a Little Off
Wade Davis has purposefully taken a little off his fastball.
April 19, 2011
Circling the Bases: Delmon Young Will Be Fine
Don't sweat Delmon Young's awful start.
April 12, 2011
Circling the Bases: Breaking Down Carlos Quentin
Carlos Quentin has started well - what can we expect from him going forward?
April 7, 2011
The Daily Puck: Corey Perry, Again
Corey Perry hit the 50-goal milestone with a hat trick Wednesday night.
April 5, 2011
Circling the Bases: Breaking Down Brian Roberts
What does Brian Roberts' quick start do to his overall value?
March 29, 2011
Circling the Bases: Chris Iannetta vs. John Buck
Chris Iannetta is a good bet for a rebound, with a clearer path for playing time.
March 22, 2011
Circling the Bases: Is Josh Beckett Undervalued?
Ray Flowers discusses Josh Beckett's merits in comparison to where he's getting drafted.
March 15, 2011
Circling the Bases: Weeks vs. Zobrist
Is Rickie Weeks getting overvalued?
March 8, 2011
Circling the Bases: Trevor Cahill vs. C.J. Wilson
Trevor Cahill is getting drafted 100 slots ahead of C.J. Wilson. Is that proper?
March 1, 2011
Circling the Bases: Castro vs. Bartlett
Ray Flowers suggests that Starlin Castro is getting overdrafted for redraft leagues.
February 22, 2011
Circling the Bases: Making the Case For Chase
Ray Flowers joins RotoWire and makes the case for the Padres' Chase Headley.
