Schwartzstops Wins Week 9 Prize

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:25 am

Congratulations to Schwartzstops in Chicago League 2 for finishing first in the NFBC last week with 2,997.5 points.

Big weeks offensively from Alex Rios (.423-0-5-2), Michael Barrett (.381), Jim Thome (.333-2-7) and Eric Byrnes (.296-4-6-2) led the way. On the mound, Jeremy Bonderman and Jason Jennings each fanned 11 while B.J. Ryan picked up a pair of saves.

For finishing first last week, Schwartzstops wins an autographed Bo Jackson photo courtesy of Tri-Star Productions. Congratulations again to Schwartzstops and good luck to everyone in the NFBC this week.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:02 am

A die-hard New Yorker, Pat DePirro admits he isn’t quite sure where to place his loyalties now that he’s living in Chicago. But there is one thing he does know for certain:

The move to the Windy City has proven profitable in the early going of the NFBC.

DePirro took part in the Chicago portion of our event this year, drafting in Chicago League 2. And in Week 9, his Schwartzstops team was the best the event had to offer as it finished with 2,997.5 points.

Big weeks offensively from Alex Rios (.423-0-5-2), Michael Barrett (.381), Jim Thome (.333-2-7) and Eric Byrnes (.296-4-6-2) led the way. On the mound, Jeremy Bonderman and Jason Jennings each fanned 11 while B.J. Ryan picked up a pair of saves.

DePirro said he had a “clear and disciplined” approach to the draft this year.

“We wanted hitting in the earlier rounds, get two solid closers and get bargain pitching later in the draft,” said DePirro, who lives in Chicago with his wife, Rebecca. “There were certain players that we were target in our pre-draft analysis. We felt these players would not only out-produce earlier round selections but were capable of having big years.

“Jim Thome, Brandon Webb, Jeremy Bonderman, Nick Swisher and Edwin Encarnacion were among those players. Having been in this league for the past two years, I understand that hitting comes at a premium and you can find good pitching on the Waiver Wire if you use your money wisely.

“The funniest part of the draft was when my partner went into a panic attack because we didn’t have enough speed and selected Corey Patterson against my better judgment. And of course, that has worked out so far but I am still not a big Corey Patterson fan.”

For finishing first last week, DePirro wins an autographed Bo Jackson photo courtesy of Tri-Star Productions.