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Congratulations to Krooklyn Dodgers in New York League 7 for finishing first in the NFBC last week with 2,914 points.



Big weeks from the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas (.474-2-5) and Manny Ramirez (.476-4-10) led the way offensively while Rob Mackowiak (.467-2-4) and Alfonso Soriano (.407-3-5-2) also were blistering at the plate. Pedro Martinez fanned 10 while Jonathan Papelbon and Chris Ray picked up 3 saves each to lead the pitching staff.



For finishing first last week, Krooklyn Dodgers wins a limited edition 16x20 Chris Burke photo courtesy of Tri-Star Productions. Congratulations again to Krooklyn Dodgers and good luck to everyone in the NFBC this week.

No one likes to see a partnership come to an end – especially a successful one. But coming off a 2005 NFBC season in which he and co-manager Doug Jaffe won New York League 4 and finished ninth overall, Joe Kruk believed the time was right to branch out on his own.



Last week, that plan had a profitable return.



Kruk’s Krooklyn Dodgers team in New York League 7 topped the NFBC field, finishing with 2,914 points. Big weeks from the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas (.474-2-5) and Manny Ramirez (.476-4-10) led the way offensively while Rob Mackowiak (.467-2-4) and Alfonso Soriano (.407-3-5-2) also were blistering at the plate. Pedro Martinez fanned 10 while Jonathan Papelbon and Chris Ray picked up 3 saves each to lead the pitching staff.



Kruk is no stranger to fantasy success. In addition to his standout finish in the NFBC last year with Jaffe, he also has won his home league the past two years.



So far this season, he admitted his team has caught him by surprise.



“The direction of my team thus far is nothing that I expected,” he said. “My offense has been in a coma for the season with the exception of the last two weeks. A lot of players who have been cold, like Manny Ramirez, have really got me back within striking distance on offense.



“At the draft I thought I’d be weak in pitching but it has been really scary. Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Mike Mussina, Jonathan Papelbon, Chris Ray and Derrick Turnbow have all been amazing. All that and I have Roger Clemens sitting on the bench just waiting to sign with someone.”



Kruk said he didn’t have a particular Draft Day strategy this year. He was prepared to take the best player on the board with the 10th pick and at that spot he was delighted to see Manny Ramirez still waiting to be picked.



“I almost fell on the floor when Manny was available to me,” he said. “I really wanted David Wright and thought for sure he'd be there. I like the home run potential and the speed to boot.



“In looking at the drop-offs I thought the #10 pick was one of the best ones to have. Looking at how the league drafted you will be able to see why I'm saying you can't forecast. David Wright went 7, Chone Figgins went 6th and Jason Bay went 8th. Carl Crawford was not a shock to me at 9 so I looking at David Ortiz and Manny. I don't like DH only so Manny was a complete no brainer.”



While it’s great to have a strong start to the draft, Kruk realizes championship teams are often won in the middle and later rounds. Getting players like Turnbow in the seventh round, Ray in the 12th and Paplebon in the 24th have been huge value picks.



“Some of my other value picks so far have been Glavine in the 20th, Clemens in the 17th and Mussina in the 13th,” he said. “The one big mistake I made was taking Scott Baker in the 15th. I really was targeting Nelson Liriano but was stupid and listened to a friend who told me that he didn't get the job. That scared me off a bit so I went with Baker, who I liked last year. Can't win them all I guess.”



Speaking of winning, while he and Jaffe are no longer co-owners in the NFBC, they remain in contact as both are gunning for individual glory this year.



“Although Doug is over in New York 3 we still talk about each other's teams every week and offer each other advice,” said Kruk, who lives in Levittown, NY and is married with three kids and is the Manager of VOD Operations for Cablevision.



A serious fantasy baseball player, Kruk said he continues to be impressed with the NFBC and its development in its first three years.



“You guys do a stellar job running this league,” he said. “The competition is amazing and I'm not only thrilled to finish No. 1 for the week I'm also extremely proud.



“I've been playing fantasy baseball since the early 90's and even co-commish a 14-team mixed league. I've been doing this for 10 years now and I know how much effort it takes, I can't even imagine how much work goes into running the NFBC.”



For finishing first last week, Krooklyn Dodgers wins a limited edition 16x20 Chris Burke photo courtesy of Tri-Star Productions.

Chris Burke has a limited edition print?