Binky Update

Inspired by an intervention style post about one owner's continued attachment to his binkies, here's an update on some of the ongoing binkies in our league:

Owner: Dan Opp
Binky: Michael Cuddyer
Binky Qualifications: Weak
This is a weak binky because Mike Cuddyer is a perfectly valid fantasy option at this point. He is certainly worth owning after a .309, 24 HR, 109 RBI season. The only reason he reaches binky status is that Mr. Opp owned Mikey well before he became a viable option, but like I said, a weak case.

Owner: Nick Willnow
Binky: Carl Pavano
Binky Qualifications: Very Strong
Nick drafted Pavano high before the 2005 season and held onto him all season (4-6, 4.77 ERA). He even opted to keep him, and held onto him for his zero appearances in 2006. He kept him AGAIN and still is hanging onto Carl, even though he's about to have his elbow rebuilt and will likely not pitch until 2009.
Dishonorable Mention: Coco Crisp

Owner: Dan Messier
Binky: Zack Greinke
Binky Qualifications: Very Strong
Dan traded Bartolo Colon to get Zack in 2005, and enjoyed his 5-17, 5.88 ERA, 1.56 WHIP season. He kept him, and stuck with him through his lost year of 2006. Dan is still tantalized by Zack's potential, despite his immolation and demotion to the bullpen this year.

Owner: Brad DeMay
Binky: Wily Mo Pena
Binky Qualifications: Moderate
Brad has owned Wily Mo since he came over the AL. He wasn't eligible to be kept this past offseason, so Brad had to go ahead and draft him. Brad continues to hold onto Wily Mo (despite owning 5 other OFs), intrigued by his power, just hoping for him to get some playing time.
Dishonorable Mention: Eric Chavez, Ervin Santana

Owner: Matt Adams (me)
Binky: Jonny Gomes
Binky Qualifications: High
Yes, I can admit my own weakness. Similar to Brad with Wily Mo, I continue holding onto Gomes despite having 5 other OFs. I keep telling myself that Gomes hit 21 HR in 3/4 of a season in 2005, and 12 HR last April before hurting his shoulder. His binky status is enhanced by the fact that Gomes got sent to Triple A today, but I have not plans to drop him.
Dishonorable Mention: Adrian Beltre, Jason Giambi, Johan Santana (kidding)

Owner: Harold Greist
Binky: Jorge Cantu
Binky Qualifications: High
Continuing on a theme, here's another D Ray who had a monster 2005, followed by a disappointing, injury plagued 2006. Harold had Cantu for 2005, so perhaps his devotion is understandable. Cantu is back in the majors after an uninspiring trip to the minors (.677 OPS) He avoided a second trip to the minors, but doesn't look to be getting any playing time any time soon.

Owner: Greg Palmer
Binky: Daniel Cabrera
Binky Qualifications: Extremely High
The king of all binkies in this league, Greg is like a battered wife who keeps making excuses for her abusive husband. Greg has been waiting years for the results to match the stuff. He actually traded him away last season in a trade for Randy Johnson, but once Cabrera was dropped, I must admit, I got a case of Cabrera-fever. After a few positive starts by Cabrera this season, Greg couldn't resist, and traded me Gary Sheffield and Kevin Millwood for Cabrera and Adam Lind.
Dishonorable Mention: Tadahito Iguchi

Owner: Chuck Prezzano
Binky: Andy Marte
Binky Qualifications: High
Chuck's the subject of a recent intervention about his devotion to Craig Hansen, Andy Marte, and Brandon Marte. He did bounce Hansen (finally) but is doggedly attached to Marte, despite having TWO thirdbasemen on his team better than Marte (Alex Gordon, Aki Iwamura)
Dishonorable Mention: Brandon McCarthy, Craig Hansen (cured!)