They say it takes 21 days to develop a new habit.
I need to remember this sometimes. Okay, a lot of the time.
The first time I pounded weights my Freshman year of high school. Oh ya, I felt goooooood! I was going to be ripped. Shredded. Six-foot-two, 200 pounds of All-State athlete. All I had to do was curl, squat and push 3-5 times a week.
That lasted two days. I pounded too much Ensure.
The first time I found out I could be a D-1 athlete by walking on the lacrosse team at Alabama? I bought all the gear, including a beautiful stick, pads…the whole bit. I was ready to represent an SEC school!
I stuck with it a week. Never played lacrosse before that moment or since.
Or how about the first girlfriend I ever had? I told her I loved her after two weeks.
You know how that one ended.
As it turns out, yes, I can be incredibly compulsive and therefore I can give up on things just as quickly as I pick them up. But at the same time it also turns out the 21 days rule is a myth.
According to new science, it takes the average person nearly 2-3 months to develop habit.
Remember this fact when not only managing your fantasy team but also how you react to the players who are on your fantasy team.
Mother of God
Is this guy for real?
Jose Abreu 1B – Chicago White Sox
He’s currently ranked #3 on the player rater after his monster weekend campaign against the Rays where he had three more home runs, including a walk off grand salami. He now has 10 HRs on the year and 31 RBI, both are most in baseball and a new MLB rookie record.
As a fantasy owner who reached to draft Abreu, both the White Sox and myself are feeling like this right now…
So ya, if anyone is stupid enough to trade him in your league, I highly recommend making the deal. Hitting .265 with 45 home runs on the year wouldn’t surprise anyone at this point. And just remember, last year the league average in hitting was .255.
Pyrite Award!
Who is fake gold.
Collin McHugh SP – Houston
The kid has thrown two games (15.1 IP) without giving up a run and people are snatching him up faster than a new Drake album. So who is this guy? Let’s take a look:
- 26 years old
- Drafted by the Mets in 2008 out of Berry College
- A Covington, GA native with dreamy brown eyes
- Has a career 6.89 ERA
Of course the career ERA can be deceiving when you span it over his entire minor league career, but it’s not hard to tell his latest MLB starts are flukey (both against Seattle and Oakland, by the way) based on past history.
McHugh’s Triple-A ERA this year was a 4.50. He had a stretch in 2013 with two clubs where his ERA was over 10.00. Unless he came up with some new cutter or split finger this year — and it’s working wonders — it’s only a matter of time before McHugh falls back down to earth.
P.S. I made up the part about the dreamy brown eyes.
Rookie Watch!
Looking for the next Mike Trout or Bryce Harper.
Marcus Stroman SP – Toronto
The hurler has a 2.18 ERA through four starts at Triple-A Buffalo and he’s struck out 26 over 20 2/3 innings. Dustin McGowan has been atrocious, therefore now is the time to add Stro-baby.
Think the nickname will catch on?
Charlie Chaplin Award!
Silently having a solid season.
Leonys Martin OF – Texas
Think about it. If he keeps it up, which he could considering his hype, he could finish the year around .295 with 6 homers and 50 stolen bases — that’s a top 15 outfielder.
He’s also a total playa.
If you can trade for him for a good price do so.
Helmuth Hail Mary!
The lottery ticket that just might help you win a fantasy league.
Chris Carter 1B – Houston
The bad news: he’s hitting .169.
The good news: he’s hit 3 HR’s in his last 6 games.
Look, obviously he’s going to strike out a ton and he’s going to hit near the Mendoza line, but if you’re in a super deep league and looking for home runs, Carter is going to hit 30 this year.
Ripe Relievers!
Hector Rondon RP – Chicago Cubs
Rondon struck out the side in the 9th inning against the Brewers over the weekend. It’s assumed it was an audition for the permanent closer job. He supposedly has manager Rick Renteria’s trust and therefore many believe he’ll be closing for the Cubbies soon.
Hitter of the Week:
Jose Abreu 1B – Chicago White Sox: .310/5/14, 8 R
Hurler of the Week:
Adam Wainwright SP – St. Louis: 2 W, 15 IP, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP
Josh Helmuth is the editor for CraveOnline Sports. @JHelmuth – Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
All stats are via Yahoo! as of Monday, April 28.
