2021 Class Takes Center Stage

Destiny would have two classmates clash in the final match-up of a HumBabe Dynasty Season. Wally Mash and the Say Hey Kids were the two Expansion Franchises that entered for the 2021 HDL Season, and apparently three seasons was the perfect amount of acclimation time for contention. The Say Hey Kids smashed the “Draft” button on Ronald Acuna Jr. with their first ever pick, while Wally Mash took Cody Bellinger and Tim Anderson on the turn of the 2021 New Manager Draft. Obviously one of those scenarios played out better than the other, and Ronald Acuna Jr. not only leads the Say Hey Kids but all of HumBabe in Fantasy Points Scored for 2023. Wally Mash is now Rafael Dever’s franchise, along with Randy Arozarena, Ketel Marte and Freddy Peralta. Say Hey ranks 5th in Total Points Scored this year, 3rd in Hitting and 6th in Pitching; Wally stands at 3rd Overall, 10th in Hitting, and 2nd in Pitching. This one’s for all the marbles gentlemen – two more calendar weeks to sweat through the waiver wire and stress over each MLB pitch thrown – two more weeks to HumBabe Dynasty infamy.

Brooklyn

A staple franchise in the HumBabe Dynasty League, but unfortunately, still among the list of contending teams that have yet to capture the ultimate prize. The Robins stuck to their guns in 2023, fielding players that have a tie to the Los Angeles Dodgers and it’s proven a formidable strategy (certainly helps when you support a juggernaut like the Dodgers as your favorite team). Flex on ’em this Offseason, Brooklyn GM, you claimed the most Hitting Points this season and packed a heck of a punch all year long. Falling short of LeBronto in the SCL Ruth Division this season qualifies for a bid in the 2024 Division Draw and potentially an easier route to postseason success. The highlight reel for 2023 includes…

1. Led the League in Hitting Points Scored, 100 more points than the next closest franchise. Mookie Betts set the pace with 6.08 FPts/G average, totaling 845.5 pts to date in 2023 (3rd most among all players)
2. Notable acquisitions in the form of J.D. Martinez via a 2nd Round FAR Draft Pick (4.6 FPts/G) and Max Muncy (4.95 FPts/G) via trade with the Orlando Splitters at the expense of Brooks Lee and a 2024 Draft Pick. Muncy may be the center of an interesting offseason conversation for the HumBabe Dynasty (along with Kyle Schwarber), should a .209 Batting Average produce 4.95 FPts/G? For reference, Luis Arraez and his .353 BA has been worth just 4.09 FPts/G … Power has been king in HumBabe and Brooklyn did a great job exercising that advantage (Led the League in Home Runs hit)
3. Slam Dunk two for two in the 2023 Trade Market. The previously mentioned Max Muncy trade with Orlando produced a net +597.5 FPts for 2023 (compared to the minor leaguer Brooks Lee), and the second trade bought Trea Turner for Tony Gonsolin, Forrest Whitley and a 2024 Draft Pick. After the Turner trade executed on May 10th, Brooklyn collected a +339.25 FPt advantage over the trade counterpart – the Hard Ball Lords of Destruction.

Super Smash Stros

If we didn’t have two Cinderalla Stories in the Championship, this would be your front runner for that Superlative. The Stros finished the Regular Season at 12-8, 2nd in Jackal’s BCL Mays Division and 9th in Total Points Scored. Surprisingly the Stros had the least Points Scored Against among all HumBabe Dynasty teams this season, but they made the most of the opportunity and made it to the Final Four. Notable silver-linings:

1. Promising Future – Isaac Paredes (24 yrs old), Mitch Keller (27), Alex Verdugo (27), Andrew Vaughn (25), Josh Jung (25), and Luis Rengifo (26) all included near the top of 2023 Performers for the Super Smash Stros. Great collection to consider as keepers for the 2024 Season and another Playoff Run.
2. Made the most of the hand they were dealt. As far as season totals, nothing jumps out for the Stros – 9th in Hitting Points, 9th in Pitching Points, but a deep playoff run. Best statistical categories were Complete Games Pitched (2nd), Hit By Pitches (1st), and Singles Hit (3rd).
3. Mastered taking advantage of an Offseason Trade. Prior to the 2023 FAR Draft, the Super Smash Stros added D.J. LeMahieu and Alex Cobb to their list of Keepers, along with a 7th Round Draft Pick. Orlando took a 2nd and 3rd Round pick from the Stros in return, and turned them into bust picks – Jordan Lyles and Kyle Freeland. The Stros rostered LeMahieu and Cobb all season for the sum of 730.92 FPts. And that 7th Round Pick turned into Zack Greinke, arguably an equal value to Orlando’s 2nd and 3rd Round picks.