When I Say NO...
Ex-T.A. SS Returns To Squad

By Jon Bielecki - KFS Press

    CHICAGO, Il. - Following a disappointing loss in the playoffs in 2004, Steve Adler, GM and Owner of the then Los Angeles Tiger Army, decided it was time for a change.

"It's time for a change," Adler said, during one of his many off-season press conferences.

Little did the L.A. media know, that Adler's plans involved moving the city's most popular fantasy franchise halfway across the country. There were rumors as to where the team would move, but early in 2005, Adler made it official, the team would move to Chicago.

Waiting in the Windy City with open arms will be Adler's own prodigal 4-Ball, Nomar Garciaparra, who was selected in the first round by the Tiger Army.

"He's having a terrific spring, and he's always been one of my favorite players. I thought this would be the year to make sure he made it back to the Tiger Army," Adler said.

Garciaparra was a keeper going into last season, but was traded before the season began.

"It's going to be nice to be back, playing for the T.A.," Garciaparra said, "Steve's put together a good bunch of guys this year."

Adler was also able to land a perennial fantasy stud, Lance Berkman, who slipped to the seventh round because of injury. Other highlights for Adler included Jake Peavy (Round 9), A.J. Burnett (Round 15), and Lyle Overbay who is Kevin Youkilis to Adler's Billy Beane.

Berkman will be out of action until at least late April, but the Tiger Army should still see playoff action in September.

Bielecki Says...

Draft Grade: A-. Adler may have the all sleeper team. I think Carlos Guillen is key to this lineup's success. Moises Alou will no longer have Bonds for protection, but the guy is consistent.
Best Pick: Brad Wilkerson, Round 14. Supposedly this guy is going to break out this year. He put up decent numbers to begin with, so if he comes around, look out.
Worst Pick: Jason Varitek, Round 12. Adler could have had Johnny Estrada or Jason Kendall five rounds later. I think both are better options than Tek.