Mitch League Preview: The Playoffs- Quarterfinals

First of all, let me thank each and every one of the managers for another great regular season. There were a number of stories that ran throughout this year leading into the playoffs starting with the obligatory war of words between Brian and Russ to the incredible luck of the Michigan FuglyBros. to an unlikely miracle for the Commish. There were some great teams that got left out of the playoffs who ran into a bit of bad luck at the end, the middle, or for some, the beginning and all the way through, but I'd like to thank Ian, Tom, Carl, Randy, Brian, Kyle, Paul, and Mike, for being great managers even through the struggles some of you endured with injuries or draft day picks not working out.

Regular Season Final Standings (Top Eight Made the Playoffs)

1. April Fools- Sam (9-4, W3): Sam is a first timer for the playoffs, and the league here in Mitch League. With a pair of win streaks fueling an excellent rooking campaign, Sam looks to make fools out of the competition with some excellent matchups throughout the matchups for Tom Brady as well as the emergence of Reuben Droughs over the past couple of weeks, he's looking to be the first number 1 seed to hoist the Mitch Hedberg Trophy.

2. That's A Fresher- Doug (9-4, W1): Doug is back in the playoffs for the second straight year being the exception to the rule with sophomore campaigns. While his point total may not rival his nearest competitors, he's found a way to win, and in the playoffs, that's all that matters. Will he make it two in a row? He's going to have get some hot play from the Seattle Boys, but he has a red hot ticket with the pickup of Green Bay's Ryan Grant who has been paying big dividends thus far.

3. Walking Fire Exits- Russ (8-5, L1): Russ is a former Mitch League Champ and one of only three managers to make the playoffs every year. He's had some tough setbacks despite leading the Power Rankings for most of the year. A great boon for his has actually been his kickers who have added many points as they are not only rookies but tied for offensive production. Will Minnesota's D and his recovering receiving corps be enough to had Russ a second championship? A matchup against a fresh rivalry of the Texas Grilled Fritos in the first round will be a telling one.

4. 2,000 Rice- Chris (8-5, L1): Another rookie to the league, but by no means a rookie to fantasy football, Chris was brought in via his brother and perennial competitor Brian and made an immediate impact. With a solid season marked by excellent play from Braylon Edwards and Greg Jennings as well as a one two QB-RB punch (when they were healthy) of McNabb and Addai, the Rice look good to go far if they can get past the next team...

5. The Sponge Ruiners- James (8-5, W7): What can I say, 7 weeks ago I was thinking "what else can go wrong?" and now here I am 7 wins in a row later riding one of the hottest streaks I've ever had in fantasy sports (aside from my '06 Young Guns campaign). With the pickup of Earnest Graham helping to bolster my team to a couple of wins and the continued solid play of the potentially disastrous "Dual QB" draft paying out the Ruiners are going to have to have solid play from the Packers and the Pats to keep the dream alive. I've made it to the playoffs every year, will this finally be the season I hoist my own trophy? Hmm, that sounded dirty.

6. Texas Grilled Fritos- Mark(8-5, L2): Despite two late losses, Mark has to be happy in a season that was almost the opposite of his monster season points-wise last year which left him short of the playoffs. This year he's looking to spoil Russ' season with a win in the first round. He'll have to have solid play from all of his Cowboys as well as have Eli come out guns blazing and avoid turnovers if he wants to keep the Fugly wins coming.

7. Temporarily Stairs- Scott (7-6, W1): Scott is the last of the managers here in the playoffs that have yet to miss a season in the show, but don't think that he's got the lowest chance. Scott dominated the points this year but was feast or famine in a couple of key match ups and just simply got beat in a number of others placing him at the seventh seed. His roster reads like an all-star roster: Romo, Jones & Westbrook, Steve Smith, and so on. Will it be enough, or will Doug win ugly again?

8. Soccer & Shishkabob- Ben (7-6, L1): Finally, what I have to say is the feel good story of the year (although you can vote on that in the upcoming ballot). Ben left Mitch League after the initial season, but decided on returning when I told him we were expanding the league this year. I am happy to see that him drafting half of the Pittsburgh team while he attends U. Penn has worked out for him thus far. He's hoping that Big Ben and Co. can come up big against a tough Pats team who is a bit out of step this week to move on to the Semi's next week...

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9. Falling Candy Bars- Ian (7-6, L1): This was a hard luck season for Ian who isn't used to being on the outside looking in. A couple of slow games for the usually dynamic Peyton Manning may have cost the Bars a birth in the playoffs, but Ian has nothing to shake his head about after falling short by only 4.5 points. That has to be tough, but you better believe Ian will be looking to get back in it next year!

10. Crazy Ass Tartar- Tom (6-7, L1): My Friend Tom Clark (tm) never could seem to string together wins this year and that cost him a spot in the playoffs. You wouldn't know it from his roster which included Marion Barber III, Derek Anderson and Reggie Wayne. Close loses plagued him as much as the Fugly Brothers benefited from close wins.

11. Chainsaw Jugglers- Carl (6-7, L2): Carl is another premier manager who debuted last year but hasn't been able to get things going here in Mitch League with the same success he's enjoyed in other leagues. He had a couple of high drafts at running back that would have cemented a spot at the top last year but never panned out for him this year.

12. Your Friends at Yoplait- Randy (6-7, L1): With five managers missing the playoffs that have never missed before I also have to add that this has been a year filled with karma for Randall J. Turco. After romping Fantasy Nascar for a couple of championships he hasn't made the playoffs in any of our leagues. He suffered a couple of injuries and shot a blank at the RB position like many other managers after the top 5 running backs struggled to get their normal production.

13. $2 Bills- Brian (5-8, L1): Despite having the amazing LT, Brian's usual fallback at QB Marc Bulger couldn't grab his ass with both hands this year. He was only one among a team that tended to underperform when their manager needed them most. Brian is a prominent fantasy player and is kicking much butt in other leagues, so I know that this had to be a disappointing season.

14. The Dill Devils- Kyle (4-9, L1): Let's put it this way. Kyle scored a metric shit ton of points this season and couldn't buy a win. Despite having a totally dope helmet, that was the only consistently awesome thing this season for the Devils who was another victim of the RB flop of '07.

15. I Hate Turtlenecks- Paul (4-9, L1): Paul was distracted this season by a number of things, but he salvaged a great rookie effort with a couple of big wins and I think will be much better next year with a bit of experience under his belt and a fresh start. He may hate turtlenecks, but he loves the wins and hopes to get more in 2008.

16. Severed Foot- Mike (2-11, W1): Mike Grote at the big one this year. He couldn't get a leg up (no pun intended) on the competition and suffered from some draft karma after blasting the Turtlenecks with many of his educated gambles falling flat. Lo-Mo never got it going in New England and Vince Young has caught on, but too little too late for the Foot Clan. At least he has Madden to play over the break.

Anyhow, things will be a little different from here on out since we have the pre-ordained rankings I will instead be giving previews of each matchup and predictions. Also, to cap of the year while I'm in town, I'm going to be having a little Mitch League banquet in between Christmas and the New Year to present the MLF Championship as well as a couple of year end awards which will be voted on by the managers. Without further adieu, let's get to it!













1 April Fools vs. 8 Soccer & Shishkabob:

This one may come down to which QB wins the battle of the bulge in the Patriots/Steelers Showdown. With each team a bit banged up, I look for Sam to pull this out in a rather low scoring affair.

Prediction: Fools 55, Shish 51














2 Temporarily Stairs vs. 7 That's a Fresher

I have to admit, I see Fresh holding out in this one but I think that the Stairs are going to shine. With favorable match-ups and Romo looking on top of his game as well as solid play from this all-star crew, I see Scott going onto the Semis although it will be close.

Prediction: Stairs 72, Fresh 69














3 Walking Fire Exits vs. 6 Texas Grilled Fritos

This one is going to rest on 3M for the Exits: McGahee, Moss, and Minnesota. If those three can't score at least 10-15 a piece, Russ is bounced. I think Fritos will have a decent day, although not spectacular. He'll look for another good outing from Donald Lee and hope that some of his other players can step it up to combat the Exits 3M attack. May your Eli be a masculine Eli.

Prediction: Exits 54, Fritos 52














4 2,000 Rice vs. 5 The Sponge Ruiners

Did the Ruiners make the right decision by putting Brees in for Favre? Will McNabb have enough steam to make the rice just the right consistency for a win? This mid-ranked affair will come down to a number of factors. Can the Chiefs O-line provide holes for Kolby Smith or will he get stuffed by the pathetic Denver D? Who will get more looks against Baltimore: Addai or Clark? Is Welker going to start finding the end zone again? I think this ends up being a nailbiter that goes all the way to the Monday Night Football game to get a decision.

Prediction: Ruiners 68, Rice 66


I hope you all had a great season. I'm going to sending out a ballot later today featuring voting for each of a number of categories with the winners being announced at the "banquet" over the holidays. I'm really glad that all of you played this year and I think it was the best year yet. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about Mitch League, please voice them to the Commish so we can keep MLF the premiere league that we've come to know it as!


Mitchelly Yours,
The Commish

Mitch League Preview: Week 12

The Thanksgiving Edition brings you the state of the league with full writeups for each team! So without further adieu here's another week of Elite Eight and Best of the Rest comin' at yah!


POWER RANKINGS (Week Twelve- The Elite Eight Edition):

1. Texas Grilled Fritos (8-3, W4, +3) : Russ may be peeved that the two teams at the top of the league are points lepers, but you can't argue with four wins in a row no matter how ugly they are. With a decent showing against Crazy Ass Tartar last week and only two games left in the regular season I don't see Mark not making the playoffs. This week he plays the second Brother Bowl of the season against the 'Necks. Barring a loss, we'll see him back here next week.

2. Walking Fire Exits (7-4, W1, +4) : I predicted an end to the slide for the Exits and with his remaining schedule of Kyle and Fresh he has the opportunity to take down at least one of the FuglyBros. Last week he was back to form with a 30 point romp over Randall J. This week he goes up against the Dill Devils who scored 130 points out of nowhere last week. Can Randy Moss catch 4 more TD's and continue Russ' winning ways? Tune in.

3. Temporarily Stairs (6-5, L1, -1) : Last week was a week of upsets and Scott was one of the teams on th receiving end of it but don't look for him to skid too far down as he still has the overall points league but a string of bad luck he can't seem to shake. When you lose by 1.7 points to a team that has over 200 points less than you, you'll be looking for some revenge this week but he shouldn't get too crazy because Sam who is directly below him on the list is looking to secure a playoff spot.


4. April Fools (7-4, W1, +4) : As predicted Sam bounced right back with a near 100 point performance against the 'Necks. He also picked up resident pot smoker Ricky Williams who will try to make his umteenth return to the Dolphins. Hey, maybe they'll win a game. Anyhow, Sam can pretty much wrap up a playoff spot with a good showing against Scott this week. Will Tom Brady continue to let Sam ride him to the playoffs? Hmm... that sounded wrong. Oh well.

5. That's a Fresher (8-3, W4, --): U.G.L.Y. you ain't got no alibi, you're ugly. Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. That seems to be the motto as Douglas has kept on winning along with his Michigan Fuglybro. Another squeaker last week as he eeked out t-stairs by 2. This week, he's going up against the $2 Bills. Yes, that was the same writeup. Like I said, if it ain't broke... P.S. I owe Douglas a great big gold star and the keys to the city.

6. 2,000 Rice (7-4, L1, -6) : "This week the Rice go up against the hopeless Severed Foot team and looks to cruise to an easy victory." Following a complete collapse by D.McNabb and an outstanding day by Vince Young for the Feet this could be the beginning of the end for Chris' reign on top. With no backup QB and the waiver wire looking bleak, this could be tough loss if Donovan can't come back. With a hot Ian and My Friend Tom Clark (tm) left there's no guarantee for the Rice.

7. Soccer 'N' Shishkabob (6-5, L1, -4) : So maybe it was a temporary resurgence. With a horrible under-40 point outing last week, Ben has to step it up this week if he wants to make the playoffs. I don't see the Severed Feet making it two in a row, but Big Ben needs a good performance and the Steelers and Saints need to win big!


8. Chainsaw Jugglers (6-5, W1, +2) : "This ain't over though, not by a long shot." There's a lot of quoting this week, and you know why? Because I'm smarter than I look. Carl took advantage of a weakened S & S team and broke off 61 points to get back into the Elite Eight but he has a tough match up with Randy this week in what looks to be a low scoring affair.





Best of the Rest:

9. The Sponge Ruiners (6-5, W5, --): New Helmet = Win. By the power of Spongebob, I have miraculously won 5 in a row? Hardly. I have had a couple of guys come on to score when I needed it most and had some luck along the way but it wasn't an easy road going up against top 3 teams in 3 out of 5 matchups. This week the Ruiners go up against My Friend Tom Clark (tm) but don't think that friendship is going to save him. I'm hungry for a playoff spot and I don't care who I play!

10. Falling Candy Bars (6-5, L2, -3) : So fat Oprah showed up last week and dragged Ian down another 3 spots as he now is the rung below me on the ladder of power. I think his team is much better than the last two weeks, and by that I mean WAKE THE FUCK UP PEYTON MANNING! IAN NEEDS YOU! Anyhow, with a matchup against the suffering 2000 Rice, he's going to need big games from "The Endorsement Machine" and Pittsburg's D to keep in the playoff hunt.

11. Crazy Ass Tartar (5-6, L1, --): My Friend Tom Clark lost and he didn't move. That's karma. This week Tom looks to get back on track after losing to the top ranked Texas Grilled Fritos. He's struggled recently, but with Barber going against the Jets and the Browns going up against the Texans, he could put an end to his streak. For all that it's worth, I hope I win. No offense, friend.

12. Your Friends @ Yoplait (5-6, L1, --): Apparently he stopped looking at my notes after I accused him of cheating last week and suffered a loss. I don't think that the effort is lacking, it's just that when he does have an off week, it seems that the other team blows up for 80 or 90 and that keeps Randy in the middle of the pack for another week. I do have to say that his might be my favorite helmet though. :)




13. The Dill Devils (3-8, W1, +2): Kyle finally picks up a helluva win after having 5 guys go for nearly 20 points a piece and T.O. hauling in 4 TD's. If his team can produce even remotely like this all season he could have had a great shot in the playoffs, but he's looking to ruin seasons now and has a great opportunity going up against Russ' Exits this week. Could it be the upset of the 2007 Season? We'll see.

14. $2 Bills (4-7, L5, -1) : I don't know what to say about this one yet again. Just when I thought he was going to pick up a win with a solid effort last week (63 points) his luck continues to suck as Kyle goes off for 130. le *sigh*. Anyhow, this week he looks to end the streak and I wouldn't be totally surprised to see him do it if McNabb can get healthy in a hurry, otherwise look out.

15. I Hate Turtlenecks (3-8, L3, -1): The bad mojo continues to haunt the bottom of the list. Looking back at the last time he had his picture on here, you can't say that my philosophy about his picks played out as I thought. Namely, the 'Necks have tanked it. They've had bad luck and a tough first season, but hopefully they've had a good time and will be back next year nice and strong and with a new draft strategy. Also, he's a first time father this season, so give the guy a break, he's a busy man.


16. Severed Foot (1-10, W1, --): Mike Grote, that win makes you better than the Miami Dolphins. Seriously, what can I say about this season? He took some chances with Vince Young and Cadillac in the draft and has regretted it ever since. Mike isn't a bad fantasy manager, but right now you gotta be looking at this and going... wow. Roll on Mike Grote, Roll On.


The Commish's Game of the Week:

I know it's getting near the end of the season, but concentrate on the real season and your families. Thanksgiving is upon us! Kick back! Relax! Eat so much you have to unbutton your jeans or loosen the knot on those sweatpants!


Mitchelly Yours,
The Commish

Mitch League Preview: Week 11

The return of the last minute preview... So without further adieu here's another week of Elite Eight and Best of the Rest comin' at yah!


POWER RANKINGS (Week Ten- The Elite Eight Edition):

1. 2,000 Rice (7-3, W3, --) : Last week Chris won by 40 points over a Jugglers team that has a hole in the bottom of the boat and is sinking fast. This week the Rice go up against the hopeless Severed Foot team and looks to cruise to an easy victory. It's still anyone's game, but Chris' team looks pretty damn good right now. He'll have a couple of tests here at the end with Ian and My Friend Tom Clark (tm) but his team is clicking on all cylinders.

2. Temporarily Stairs (6-4, W1, +3) : Scott apparently took my advice to heart last week as the Stairs blew up for 94 points getting awesome play from Romo and Westbrook. As long as they keep chucking up stats and the supporting cast stays sharp this team is playoff bound and looking at one of the top seeds.


3. Soccer 'N' Shishkabob (6-4, W2, +6) : Ben makes it back into the Elite Eight after having a great day last week with a superb win over the former juggernaut, the Exits. Was it an age old story of one team on the rise and one on the decline? We'll see as Ben goes up against Carl this week with both teams having a lot to prove. We know one thing for sure Ben + Big Ben = Big Love. Mothamercy.


4. Texas Grilled Fritos (7-3, W3, +3) : Is anyone else having flashbacks to last year? The only difference with wins is that they are uglier and Mark has many fewer points, but week in and week out the man wins, and you can't hate on that. He's as high as he's been all year but will have a tough match up against Tom today. Mark my words, it's going to come down to QB performance in this one.



5. That's a Fresher (7-3, W3, +3): U.G.L.Y. you ain't got no alibi, you're ugly. Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. That seems to be the motto as Douglas has kept on winning along with his Michigan Fuglybro. Another squeaker last week as he eeked out April Fools by 3. This week, he's going up against Temporarily Stairs and if he can pull this one off. I'll give him a great big gold star and the keys to the city.


6. Walking Fire Exits (6-4, L3, -4) : Okay, so maybe Priest isn't going to be the religion that Russ needed, but with a solid match up against Randy and a couple of favorable conditions for his players, I predict an end to the slide for the Exits. Also, if I may, I'd like to predict that rapper and entrepreneur Sir Mix-A-Lot will be making a comeback with an all new song about... butts. Athankyou.

7. Falling Candy Bars (6-4, L1, -4) : Okay, so I didn't mean to jinx the Vikings and the Bars by having Adrian Peterson actually blow up. With a team on the mend, Ian has to be thinking, what's next? The Commish is next bitch. And he's comin'... to getcha! Odds of Ian winning: Oprah Winfrey:1. In other words, it's constantly fluctuating.


8. April Fools (6-4, L1, -4) : Okay, so maybe he shouldn't be this far down after only losing by 3 points, but hey, I bad mouthed Sam enough that he started kicking ass so often it was silly. He looks to rebound this week against Paul in a match up that he is greatly favored in. Also, I have listened to the album Sam's Town about 20 times this last week because I've found that I really enjoy the swagger of The Killers sophomore release. What does this all add up to? Victory.


Best of the Rest:

9. The Sponge Ruiners (5-5, W4, +2): I promised myself a reward for getting to .500. Yah me!
10. Chainsaw Jugglers (5-5, L3, -4) : Apparently the 'saws are not that sharp. This ain't over though, not by a long shot.
11. Crazy Ass Tartar (W-5, W1, -1): My Friend Tom Clark won and moved down. Life ain't fair.
12. Your Friends @ Yoplait (5-5, W2, --): Randy is at .500, I am at .500. You are a cheater.
13. $2 Bills (4-6, L4, --) : I don't know what to say about this one. Monumental collapse
14. I Hate Turtlenecks (3-7, L2, --): Can the momentum last? How 'bout yes, but the wrong kind.
15. The Dill Devils (2-8, L4, --): Kyle has to be wondering how Texas and Fresh do it.
16. Severed Foot (0-10, L10, --): Mike Grote, you suck.



The Commish's Game(s!) of the Week:











It's another matchup brought to you by Fuglybros, Inc. If Fresh can beat Scott, he's for real... again. I don't know if he's got the power to do it, but you never know. Romocop and B.West look to have big days in big matchups, so all I gotta say for Fresh is Go Seahawks.

Prediction: Stairs 82, Fresh 43


I'm really happy with the way the league is evening out and happy to have all of you as Managers. Let me know how you think the league is going and if you have any suggestions for next year. Anyhow, good luck this week!


Mitchelly Yours,
The Commish

Mitch League Preview: Week 9

Mitch League Preview: Week 9

Apologies for the lack of rankings last week. Fellow Commissioner Sam Carlsen of the April Fools was down on the coast and time got away from me! But fear not true believers, because here's another week of Elite Eight and Best of the Rest comin' at yah!


POWER RANKINGS (Week Nine- The Elite Eight Edition):

1. Walking Fire Exits (6-2) : Well, despite another loss Russ still looks like the one to beat. With a tough match up this week, he's hoping that he can get the huge week out of his superstar receiving tandem in order to stay atop the rankings and defeat the 4th ranked 2,000 Rice. Last week's loss? We'll chalk that up to Drew Karma. 'Nuff Said.

2. Temporarily Stairs (5-3) : Consider the corner turned. Scott's team has come out the last three week and owned opponents by a total of 81 points. "Oh, he's playing creampuffs", you say. Not so. Two of those teams are Elite Eight members and the other is well... special. My mom says so at least (and so do a couple of yours ;). As he heads into this week in a dead heat with Yoplait according to Yahoo, look for the play of the Eagles and the Cowboys in their match up to determine this one for Scooter Pie.

3. Chainsaw Jugglers (5-3) : To Carl I am sure that it appears that there is a glass ceiling in Mitch League this year. No matter how good he is, he can't seem to get to the top of the ladder. With some tough match-ups on the top, this could be his week if he can find a way to beat the Commish. One thing that might help that? Having a QB that's starting. I hate to remind him, but better late than never!

4. 2,000 Rice (5-3) : The run continues for Chris as he decimated his brother in the infamous Sibling Rivarly Showdown last week by over 70 points. He had standout days from his team including all but one person scoring in the double digits highlighted by the triumphant return of Joseph Addai to his lineup. Can he knock off the top ranked Exits and continue his march to the top? Look for it in the Commish's Game of the Week!

5. April Fools (5-3) : Not only did Sam hold on two weeks ago against a great Falling Candy Bars team, but he did so in convincing fashion and then continued on to aid the Dill Devils further down the Power ladder on his way to a fourth win in a row! There is no one hotter in the league and Sam looks to bring that into a matchup with the inconsistent, but powerful Crazy Ass Tartar run by My Friend Tom Clark (tm). Will Brady be victorious over Peyton and propel Sam further up the Rankings? We will see.

6. Falling Candy Bars (5-3) : Ian has lost two in a row, but don't count this weekend warrior out just yet. He's still a threat every week and with Peyton going up against the Pats, this will be a true test of the rest of the team to step up and prove that he's more than a one trick pony. Do I see him losing to Turtlenecks? No. Do I see him riding the L and hanging out with his girlfriend? When I'm in town. Odds of a win: Monkey Nuggets:1

7. Soccer 'N' Shishkabob (4-4): Inconsistent effort is what has kept Ben down all year, but with a promising match up against Brian, the future looks bright if his team can stay hot. With Andre Johnson on the way back to the lineup, Ben looks poised to make a playoff run.

8. Texas Grilled Fritos (5-3) : Like Sluggo says, "God Loves Ugly" and that win last week is nothing but. With a pairing of the Fritos and the beat up Severed Feet this week, it looks like another win for the Mirror powered Fritos.



Best of the Rest:

9. Crazy Ass Tartar (2-4): My Friend Tom Clark has caught a break and is on the move.
10. That's a Fresher (4-2): U.G.L.Y. you ain't got no alibi, you're... 5-3? Crap.
11. The Sponge Ruiners (3-5): We're out to ruin your season. Watch you backs.
12. Your Friends @ Yoplait (3-5): This guy can't buy a break... he's tried.
13. $2 Bills (4-4) : No LT = No win for B seems to be the mantra.
14. I Hate Turtlenecks (3-5): He bounced back last week, can the momentum last?
15. The Dill Devils (2-6): Kyle has to be wondering how Texas and Fresh do it.
16. Severed Foot (0-8): Mike Grote, the world cries for you and laughs with you.



The Commish's Game of the Week?

Walking Fire Exits (6-2) vs. 2000 Rice (5-3)

Let's just put it this way. We've had a lot of awesome match-ups this year, but as we enter the second half, this is a barnburner to have leading off the lineup of games. 2000 rice has been tearing it up and with Brett Favre looking to Greg Jennings more often, Joseph Addai back in the lineup and the Detroit D11 looking like they have D12 on the field, this is a tough match up for our number 1 ranked team. Russ will look to avenge last week's loss and prove he belongs atop the Rankings as Carson and Co. head up to Buffalo for what he hopes will be a successful hunting trip. With Randy Moss going up against the Colts and Minnesota's excellent run Defense going against LT, this is going to be a great one.

Prediction: Walking Fire Exits 70, 2000 Rice 67


Glad to be back. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm in northern Alabama and I'm doing what all good Alabamans do on a Sunday morning... visit the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchberg, Tennessee! Good luck this week!


Mitchelly Yours,
The Commish

Mitch League Preview: Week 7

Another week of Elite Eight and Best of the Rest comin' at yah!

POWER RANKINGS (Week Seven- The Elite Eight Edition):

1. Walking Fire Exits (5-1) : Flip Flop validated. He didn't need a lot to win last week, but win he did. Russ stays on top of the rankings for another week and it's beginning to look a lot like 2005. I will say that the Fritos have found a way to win ugly, and it's going to have to be a quality win to upset the Exits with his Wideouts looking like they could blow up at any point.

2. Falling Candy Bars (5-1) : I am an idiot. Ian won. It wasn't pretty, but it was a win. This week he takes on Sam's April Fools team which is red hot. We'll see which way both teams are going based on the performances this week. Does Indy and Peyton light 'em up and keep Ian up top? We'll see...

3. Chainsaw Jugglers (4-2) : As predicted, the Jugglers won a great one facing off against Crazy Ass Tartar and outlasting them in a game that totaled over 160 points. This week he'll face an inconsistent Turtlenecks team that could be hot. I see the Jugglers keeping serve and winning this one to make a statement in favor of moving up the Power ladder.

4. 2,000 Rice (4-2) : I think that this is kind of like last year where I voted against Scott and he won and I voted for him and he lost. Despite a loss to Fresh, I think that this team is going to be a strong runner in the playoffs.

5. $2 Bills (4-2) : Okay, so Brian went off the charts last week scoring over a hundred points and twice that of his Texas Grilled opponent. This week, I'm the poor soul that has to face him. Let's just say that Brian may move up with a win this week that he'll probably get. *sigh*

6. Temporarily Stairs (3-3) : From one loss of mine to another... last week the Stairs got a solid win against the hapless Commish. With a testing matchup against Chris this week he could turn the corner on this season and get into championship form.

7. Texas Grilled Fritos (4-2) : Despite losing last week Mark is staying put in the Elite Eight. Losing when another team scores 110 points should make you lose too many spots and with a matchup against the number 1 ranked team in the league, the Fritos have a chance to prove themselves.

8. April Fools (3-3) : This team is hot as they come right now and Sam's moves so far this season look like they are beginning to pay off. He has a tought matchup against Ian this week, but he has some good matchups that could prove the key to his most important win yet this season. Can he overcome Peyton and Adrian Peterson this week? Tune in.


Best of the Rest:

9. That's a Fresher (4-2): Ugly wins keep Fresh moving up the Rankings. Trust 'em? Hmm.
10. Soccer 'N' Shishkabob (3-3): They got crushed by Kyle last week and are sinking fast.
11. Crazy Ass Tartar (2-4): My Friend Tom Clark needs to catch a break soon.
12. Your Friends @ Yoplait (2-4): Scoring 50 and losing by 30. Crap in a hat.
13. I Hate Turtlenecks (2-4): Paul has been falling like a brick and his luck doesn't look like it's going to turn around this week.
14. The Dill Devils (2-4): A win over the tough luck Soccer and Shishkabob keeps him down the list.
15. The Sponge Ruiners (1-5): Let's hope something will work. At least I've won one.
16. Severed Foot (0-6): Winless is worse than hopeless.

The Commish's Game of the Week? Too many good games to count. I dub thee Rivalry Week.

Mitchelly Yours,
The Commish

Mitch League Preview: Week 6

Another week of Elite Eight and Best of the Rest comin' at yah!

POWER RANKINGS (Week Six- The Elite Eight Edition):

1. Walking Fire Exits (4-1) : Am I flip-flopping a bit? Hell yes. Are Chad and Randy going to light 'em up this week? Hell yes. I would write more, but I think that I'll see whether or not the ranking is founded next week.



2. Falling Candy Bars (4-1) : How do you win and still drop a spot? Well, it's not that complicated. Ian won last week in convincing fashion over Carl, but I still think that he is lacking that certain something that could keep him on top. Additionally, with Peyton out this week and some banged up WR it could be a tough week.


3. Chainsaw Jugglers (3-2) : Even with the loss last week to Ian, Carl is still tearing it up. Look for him to rebound this week with a win over a tough Crazy Ass Tartar team if Daunte can light 'em up and the Philly D can have another field day with the Jets.

4. 2,000 Rice (4-1) : Okay, so I think it works this way between Chris and I; I make fun of Chris in some fashion and then he proves me wrong. After making a joke about lack of points, 2,000 Rice went out and put a whupping on Kyle scoring 75. I think this week I'll move him up two spots and just keep my mouth shut. Congrats.

5. Temporarily Stairs (2-3) : Another tough loss last week, but I still think this is the most underrated team in the league. At 2-3 you're not going to win championships, but sooner or later this team has to find some luck.



6. Texas Grilled Fritos (4-1) : Mark, I've been dogging you all season and your team, like last year, just keeps finding a way to win. Despite having 140 points less that Russ he has the same record... winning ugly? Looks pretty damn good to me. I'm going to put you at number 6. Don't make me regret it punk!


7. Soccer 'N' Shishkabob (3-2) : Ben lost a heart breaker last week with some of his boys radically under performing, but what can you do? The answer: umm, according to his lineup as of now, hope that Jamarcus Russell gets in the game? Hmmm.



8. $2 Bills (3-2) : Last week I had My Friend Tom Clark here, but it seems with a couple losses and a couple wins for Brian, the fortunes have changed. The Bills really lit up the Devils last week and are featured in The Commish's Game of the Week. Let's see if those two newcomers live up to the hype!



Best of the Rest:

9. April Fools (2-3): The Fools move up a couple spots after rebounding against the winless Feet.
10. I Hate Turtlenecks (2-3): After cracking into the Elite 8 they had a tough outing. Ouchies.
11. That's A Fresher (3-2): Ugly wins? I'm moving him up. You never know when he'll get hot.
12. Your Friends @ Yoplait (2-3): How do you go from 28 points to 62 in one week? Practice!
13. Crazy Ass Tartar (2-3): Tom has to turn this boat around and has a tough game against Carl.
14. The Dill Devils (1-4): One of these days Kyle is going to get back and I think this is that day.
15. Severed Foot (0-5): What's worse: Winless or Hopeless?
16. The Sponge Ruiners (1-4): ...so you're saying there's a chance... No? Alrighty then.



The Commissioner's Game of the Week:

So this doesn't look much like a Game of the Week on paper. In fact, I see the Bills winning most convincingly. The thing is, if Mark and his Fritos can upset the Bills and come away with a win somehow, this could cement his spot on top and change the landscape of the league. Can a banged up Ronnie Brown and Lendale White outshine LT and the Edge? I don't think so, but if they do, look for the Fritos to take a leap in the rankings and contend for a title this year. I dub thee, Game of the Week.

Prediction: Bills 69, Fritos 59


Well, there it is again. Sunday update, just in time for kickoff. I will be up in Minnesota giving two talks this week so if you live there and feel like some Mitch League love, give me a buzz. Hopefully it will allow me to get these done a bit earlier, but probably not. Either way, until next week, I remain...

Mitchelly Yours,

The Commish