I’ve been able to see more baseball on TV during the last couple of days. That’s primarily because I’ve been working at home what seems like 24/7 – or 25/8, as Samantha would put it.
Anyway, over the top of my laptop screen yesterday I saw parts of the Mariners-White Sox first game and of the Astros-Reds, Athletics-Rangers and Cubs-Diamondbacks games. And today so far there has been another Mariners-White Sox day game.
My top-of-the-head observations included these:
1. Where has Mariners RHP Chris Jakubauskas been all these years? He lost 2-1 but allowed just two baserunners in seven innings.
2. Setting the Athletics-Rangers game apart were injuries to Oakland 2B Mark Ellis (left calf), 3B Nomar Garciaparra (right calf), LHP Brett Anderson (blister on his index finger) and RHP Santiago Casilla (right calf). Ellis and Garciaparra went on the disabled list today. The biggest injury, though, might have been the rib injury that could send Texas CF Josh Hamilton to the DL. If he does, I’d expect Hamilton to be a corner outfielder when he returns. Marlon Byrd and David Murphy then would move their position battle from left field to center. My projections for Hamilton this year were lower – or more conservative, as I like to call it – than most because I feared his injury history could come back to bite him. We’ll see.
3. The Astros still aren’t very good, though LHP Wandy Rodriguez seems to be pitching consistently well. Aside from him and RHP Roy Oswalt, Houston’s pitching is a joke. The lineup has a couple of bright lights and a few dim bulbs.
4. The Cubs proved they can score against anybody at any time, but at other times they can’t put a run together.
5. Forgot to mention that at some point during yesterday’s festivities, I switched over to “Baseball Tonight,” which usually is one of the best programs on television. Last night, the small part I could barely stand watching was one of the worst.things I’ve seen on TV. Why do Peter Gammons and ESPN still feel they have to protect Barry Bonds? It’s not like ESPN still has to promote that self-serving “reality” show that was an insult even to the crappy reality-show genre. Anyway, Gammons and whoever else was on the score were going on and on about how insightful Bonds was being while doing color commentary on some Giants broadcast. His insights about Manny Ramirez were along the line of “You can see in his eyes how focused he is.” Gammons went on to say that Bonds and Ramirez were two of the most intelligent players he had dealt with. That could be; I don’t know. But I do know that Bonds is a schmuck and an alleged lying cheat.
6. Today I saw another Mariners-White Sox game, which served to remind me that I should try to sign Jermaine Dye is some of my leagues where he was a free agent. I did that in two leagues, and through my search also found Grady Sizemore available in another league and signed him.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Minor update: Rays fans fear Price not quite right
There’s some mild panic around the Rays because LHP David Price allowed three runs, including two homers, and walked four in three innings Sunday for Triple-A Durham. Price is 1-2 with an oh, my! ERA of 3.71 after four starts. Don’t think for a minute that diminishes his status as a prospect. Might delay his recall for a few weeks – or it might not, if someone is hurt or if RHP Andy Sonnanstine doesn’t begin pitching better.
Movin’ on up is Diamondbacks RHP prospect Jarrod Parker. He’ll be advancing from high Class A Visalia to Double-A Mobile to make his first start for the BayBears Saturday. He was 1-0 with an 0.95 ERA at Visalia.
The minors’ first complete-game no-hitter came this morning and early afternoon when RHP Evan Anundsen of Brevard County (Brewers organization) in the high Class A Florida State League won at Daytona Beach (Cubs) 1-0. Anundsen struck out 10, walked one and faced three batters over the minimum in the game that began at 10:30 a.m.
Driving in the game’s only run was Manatees SS Caleb Gindl. He was the FSL Player of the Week last week, when he batted .522 (12-for-23) with two homers, 11 RBI and a stolen base.
Occasionally, the Players of the Week and Pitchers of the Week in the various minor leagues give us insights into players who are moving up or down in their quest to reach the majors. Here are some examples from last week.
In the Reds organization, RHP Homer Bailey has been considered a failed prospect. Sometimes those players become the best prospects for fantasy purposes because so many other owners have been burner by earlier hype. Think of Phil Hughes, for example. Anyway, Bailey was the Triple-A International League Pitcher of the Week for Louisville. He went 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 18:6 strikeout/walk ratio. Those are overpowering numbers, but the K/W ratio is encouraging.
A currently hyped rookie lived up to his promise last week in the International League. Indians OF prospect Matt LaPorta batted .520 (13-for-25) with two homers and six runs batted in for Columbus.
I saw Cardinals C prospect Steven Hill play twice earlier this season, once as an outfielder. I wasn’t especially impressed with anything he did, but noted that he was the cleanup batter for Double-A Springfield. I also noted that it wasn’t a very impressive lineup. At least Hill broke loose last week. The Texas League Player of the Week batted .571 (12-for-21) with four homers, nine RBI and eight runs.
One of the pitchers he was batting against was Rangers LHP prospect Kasey Kiker. In that game, Hill was 1-for-3 with an infield hit and a walk against Kiker and 1-for-4 overall.
Kiker pitched much better the second time I saw him. Enough better that he was the Texas League Pitcher of the Week based just on that one performance Tuesday, April 21. Mixing speeds masterfully against Arkansas, the Angels’ Double-A affiliate, Kiker allowed only one hit and two walks in seven innings but received no decision in a 13-inning 1-0 game. The only hit was Travelers 2B Nate Sutton’s single to left field with two out in the sixth. On the other side, Arkansas RHP Jordan Walden had his best appearance this season, with a pitching line of 760026. (You read that as 7 innings, 6 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.)
As the season goes along, I’ll be telling you more about my own observations of minor league players.
The Yankees recalled RHP Phil Hughes from Triple-A Scranton to start tonight’s game. To see what I think about his chances for success, go to his updated Scouting Report on the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez could begin playing in minor league games this week. A likely scenario would have him playing for high Class A Tampa. He threw in the outfield Monday, and could take live batting practice today for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right hip.
His teammate, RHP Chien-ming Wang, also threw in the outfield and ran sprints as part of his injury rehab for weak muscles in his hips.
It was a big day for throwing in the outfield. Braves LHP Tom Glavine (shoulder injury) made 70-foot throws. It’s still not clear whether he’ll be able to pitch in the majors again.
Glavine’s teammate, C Brian McCann, spent most of the day with an eye specialist trying different contact lenses that could eliminate the blurred vision in his left eye. McCann is scheduled to begin an injury-rehab assignment at high Class A Myrtle Beach.
Brewers CF prospect Lorenzo Cain suffered an injury to his left knee Thursday, and could miss much of this season. The injury, which happened when he was diving to make a catch in a game at Carolina, could be a torn medial collateral ligament. He was playing for Double-A Huntsville in the Southern League.
Mets 1B Carlos Delgado didn’t play Monday because he injured his right hip sliding into a triple. Serves him right for hitting one of his rare triples.
Movin’ on up is Diamondbacks RHP prospect Jarrod Parker. He’ll be advancing from high Class A Visalia to Double-A Mobile to make his first start for the BayBears Saturday. He was 1-0 with an 0.95 ERA at Visalia.
The minors’ first complete-game no-hitter came this morning and early afternoon when RHP Evan Anundsen of Brevard County (Brewers organization) in the high Class A Florida State League won at Daytona Beach (Cubs) 1-0. Anundsen struck out 10, walked one and faced three batters over the minimum in the game that began at 10:30 a.m.
Driving in the game’s only run was Manatees SS Caleb Gindl. He was the FSL Player of the Week last week, when he batted .522 (12-for-23) with two homers, 11 RBI and a stolen base.
Occasionally, the Players of the Week and Pitchers of the Week in the various minor leagues give us insights into players who are moving up or down in their quest to reach the majors. Here are some examples from last week.
In the Reds organization, RHP Homer Bailey has been considered a failed prospect. Sometimes those players become the best prospects for fantasy purposes because so many other owners have been burner by earlier hype. Think of Phil Hughes, for example. Anyway, Bailey was the Triple-A International League Pitcher of the Week for Louisville. He went 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 18:6 strikeout/walk ratio. Those are overpowering numbers, but the K/W ratio is encouraging.
A currently hyped rookie lived up to his promise last week in the International League. Indians OF prospect Matt LaPorta batted .520 (13-for-25) with two homers and six runs batted in for Columbus.
I saw Cardinals C prospect Steven Hill play twice earlier this season, once as an outfielder. I wasn’t especially impressed with anything he did, but noted that he was the cleanup batter for Double-A Springfield. I also noted that it wasn’t a very impressive lineup. At least Hill broke loose last week. The Texas League Player of the Week batted .571 (12-for-21) with four homers, nine RBI and eight runs.
One of the pitchers he was batting against was Rangers LHP prospect Kasey Kiker. In that game, Hill was 1-for-3 with an infield hit and a walk against Kiker and 1-for-4 overall.
Kiker pitched much better the second time I saw him. Enough better that he was the Texas League Pitcher of the Week based just on that one performance Tuesday, April 21. Mixing speeds masterfully against Arkansas, the Angels’ Double-A affiliate, Kiker allowed only one hit and two walks in seven innings but received no decision in a 13-inning 1-0 game. The only hit was Travelers 2B Nate Sutton’s single to left field with two out in the sixth. On the other side, Arkansas RHP Jordan Walden had his best appearance this season, with a pitching line of 760026. (You read that as 7 innings, 6 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.)
As the season goes along, I’ll be telling you more about my own observations of minor league players.
The Yankees recalled RHP Phil Hughes from Triple-A Scranton to start tonight’s game. To see what I think about his chances for success, go to his updated Scouting Report on the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez could begin playing in minor league games this week. A likely scenario would have him playing for high Class A Tampa. He threw in the outfield Monday, and could take live batting practice today for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right hip.
His teammate, RHP Chien-ming Wang, also threw in the outfield and ran sprints as part of his injury rehab for weak muscles in his hips.
It was a big day for throwing in the outfield. Braves LHP Tom Glavine (shoulder injury) made 70-foot throws. It’s still not clear whether he’ll be able to pitch in the majors again.
Glavine’s teammate, C Brian McCann, spent most of the day with an eye specialist trying different contact lenses that could eliminate the blurred vision in his left eye. McCann is scheduled to begin an injury-rehab assignment at high Class A Myrtle Beach.
Brewers CF prospect Lorenzo Cain suffered an injury to his left knee Thursday, and could miss much of this season. The injury, which happened when he was diving to make a catch in a game at Carolina, could be a torn medial collateral ligament. He was playing for Double-A Huntsville in the Southern League.
Mets 1B Carlos Delgado didn’t play Monday because he injured his right hip sliding into a triple. Serves him right for hitting one of his rare triples.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Kind of a busy Monday
The only baseball I saw today was a bit of the Rangers' 6-4 win at Baltimore on television.
It was a busy night here with lots of things for me to work on. As it turned out, it was also a busy night in the majors for a Monday.
Here's a look at some of what happened and didn't happen, and why.
Rangers-Orioles. Texas CF Josh Hamilton didn't play because of a rib cage injury. In Hamilton's place was OF David Murphy, who hadn't had a hit this season before hitting a home run Sunday. His second hit tonight was a tw-run single breaking a 4-4 tie. 3B/SS Michael Young continued to think he's a big-time clutch power hitter with a two-run homer to pull the Rangers within 4-3. LHP Matt Harrison appeared on his way back to Oklahoma City after giving up four runs in the first two innings, but all of a sudden he retired 18 consecutive batters.
Red Sox-Indians. This was the night's best game. Boston RHP Tim Wakefield gave up only one hit in seven innings. Tribe LHP Cliff Lee looked like his 2008 self, with a pitching line of 850005. Neither starter gave up a run or received a decision. The Sox won 3-1 with OF Jason Bay hitting a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning against Cleveland RHP Kerry Wood in a non-save situation.
Nationals-Phillies. Usually, I'd follow a Red Sox wrapup with something similar about the Yankees. This time I'm following the thread of "non-save situation" along to Philadelphia's closer, RHP Brad Lidge. It was a non-save situation for him because he couldn't pitch because of an inflamed right knee. Instead, RHP Ryan Madson picked up his first save of 2009 with a scoreless inning in the Phils' 13-11 victory. It was 7-7 going into the eighth, when Washington scored four runs. The Phillies came back with a six-run bottom of the inning, capped by LF Raul Ibanez's grand slam against Nats RHP Joel Hanrahan.
Marlins-Mets. Now we're on the topic of grand slams. Don't expect any others, or probably another home run, from New York rookie C Omir Santos. He has no real track record as a hitter, and almost certainly will be back in the minors when C Brian Schneider returns from the disabled list. The Mets' 7-1 win was just another reminder that Florida is not still playing half of its games against the Nationals.
OK. Yankees-Tigers. Detroit RHP Justin Verlander pitched seven scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory. RF Magglio Ordonez hit a two-run homer for the Tiges.
Mariners-White Sox. No one won because no one played. The game was rained out and rescheduled as part of a 4:05 CDT doubleheader Tuesday. That's 5:05 for you Easterners. Tonight's scheduled pitching matchup will go in the twin bill's first game, with Seattle RHP Chris Jakubauskas against Chicago RHP Bartolo Colon. The feature attraction will match Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez against White Sox LHP John Danks. I wrote from spring training about how much Danks impressed me, and he hasn't disappointed.
A number of players have gone out on injury-rehab assignments: Astros RHP Brandon Backe to Triple-A Round Rock, Dodgers RHPs Cory Wade and Jason Schmidt to high Class A Inland Empire, Blue Jays RHP Casey Janssen to high Class A Dunedin and Orioles OF Ryan Freel to low Class A Delmarva.
It was a busy night here with lots of things for me to work on. As it turned out, it was also a busy night in the majors for a Monday.
Here's a look at some of what happened and didn't happen, and why.
Rangers-Orioles. Texas CF Josh Hamilton didn't play because of a rib cage injury. In Hamilton's place was OF David Murphy, who hadn't had a hit this season before hitting a home run Sunday. His second hit tonight was a tw-run single breaking a 4-4 tie. 3B/SS Michael Young continued to think he's a big-time clutch power hitter with a two-run homer to pull the Rangers within 4-3. LHP Matt Harrison appeared on his way back to Oklahoma City after giving up four runs in the first two innings, but all of a sudden he retired 18 consecutive batters.
Red Sox-Indians. This was the night's best game. Boston RHP Tim Wakefield gave up only one hit in seven innings. Tribe LHP Cliff Lee looked like his 2008 self, with a pitching line of 850005. Neither starter gave up a run or received a decision. The Sox won 3-1 with OF Jason Bay hitting a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning against Cleveland RHP Kerry Wood in a non-save situation.
Nationals-Phillies. Usually, I'd follow a Red Sox wrapup with something similar about the Yankees. This time I'm following the thread of "non-save situation" along to Philadelphia's closer, RHP Brad Lidge. It was a non-save situation for him because he couldn't pitch because of an inflamed right knee. Instead, RHP Ryan Madson picked up his first save of 2009 with a scoreless inning in the Phils' 13-11 victory. It was 7-7 going into the eighth, when Washington scored four runs. The Phillies came back with a six-run bottom of the inning, capped by LF Raul Ibanez's grand slam against Nats RHP Joel Hanrahan.
Marlins-Mets. Now we're on the topic of grand slams. Don't expect any others, or probably another home run, from New York rookie C Omir Santos. He has no real track record as a hitter, and almost certainly will be back in the minors when C Brian Schneider returns from the disabled list. The Mets' 7-1 win was just another reminder that Florida is not still playing half of its games against the Nationals.
OK. Yankees-Tigers. Detroit RHP Justin Verlander pitched seven scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory. RF Magglio Ordonez hit a two-run homer for the Tiges.
Mariners-White Sox. No one won because no one played. The game was rained out and rescheduled as part of a 4:05 CDT doubleheader Tuesday. That's 5:05 for you Easterners. Tonight's scheduled pitching matchup will go in the twin bill's first game, with Seattle RHP Chris Jakubauskas against Chicago RHP Bartolo Colon. The feature attraction will match Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez against White Sox LHP John Danks. I wrote from spring training about how much Danks impressed me, and he hasn't disappointed.
A number of players have gone out on injury-rehab assignments: Astros RHP Brandon Backe to Triple-A Round Rock, Dodgers RHPs Cory Wade and Jason Schmidt to high Class A Inland Empire, Blue Jays RHP Casey Janssen to high Class A Dunedin and Orioles OF Ryan Freel to low Class A Delmarva.
Who's hot and not in the major leagues
Hot
The players in these two sections were the statistical leaders during the first eight days of the regular season. Batting averages were based on 20 at-bats, and ERA and WHIP on seven innings pitched. In most cases, we eliminate batters with an average lower than .280 and pitchers with ERAs above 4.00 from the Hot list.
Hot
Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR RBI SB
OF Ryan Braun, Brewers 13-23 .565 3 8 0
OF Carlos Beltran, Mets 13-24 .542 1 7 1
C/1B Victor Martinez, Indians 12-25 .480 1 2 0
OF Nick Markakis, Orioles 12-26 .462 0 5 0
OF Jay Bruce, Reds 10-22 .455 4 8 0
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals 9-20 .450 3 11 3
C Salty, Rangers 9-20 .450 0 2 0
3B Mike Lowell, Red Sox 10-23 .435 2 11 0
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 10-23 .435 0 5 0
OF Brian Anderson, White Sox 9-21 .429 0 4 0
Home runs – Bruce, Tigers OF Curtis Granderson and Astros OF Carlos Lee 4; Braun, Pujols, Angels OF Torii Hunter, Tigers C/3B/OF Brandon Inge and Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds 3.
RBI – Lowell and Pujols 11; Phillies OF Shane Victorino and Reds 1B Joey Votto 9; Braun, Bruce, Lee, Nationals C Jesus Flores and Pirates 1B Adam LaRoche 8.
Stolen bases – Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury 5; Tigers OF Josh Anderson 4; Pujols, Nationals OF Jason Maxwell, Pirates OF Nyjer Morgan and White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez 3.
Runs – Ellsbury 9; Hunter and Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 8; Braun, Granderson, LaRoche, Markakis, Morgan, Pujols, Royals OF Coco Crisp, Angels OF Gary Matthews, Pirates 2B Freddy Sanchez and Phillies OF Jayson Werth 7.
Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 10:1
RHP Jair Jurrjens, Braves 7.2 0.00 0-0 1.04 4:2
RHP Chad Billingsley, Dodgers 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.68 5:2
RHP Johnny Cueto, Reds 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.57 3:0
RHP Josh Johnson, Marlins 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.71 8:2
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 7:3
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.14 2:1
LHP Barry Zito, Giants 7.0 0.00 0-0 0.86 5:0
RHP Chris R. Young, Padres 7.0 0.00 0-0 0.86 3:4
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 4:2
LHP Ted Lilly, Cubs 7.0 0.00 0-1 0.71 2:0
Greinke has been first on this list each of the last two weeks.
Wins – Cubs RHP Rich Harden, Indians LHP Aaron Laffey, Red Sox RHP Justin Masterson, Phillies LHP Jamie Moyer, Pirates RHP Ross Ohlendorf and Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmerman 2. Youth is served on this list, but there is a veteran influence.
Saves – Rangers RHP Frank Francisco and Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin 3-for-3; Dodgers RHP Jonathan Broxton, Pirates RHP Matt Capps, Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, Blue Jays LHP Scott Downs, Nationals RHP Joel Hanrahan, Marineres RHP Brandon Morrow and Diamondbacks RHP Chad Qualls 2-for-2.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Giants RHP Tim Lincecum 12:1; Greinke and Mets LHP Johan Santana 10:1; Angels RHP Jered Weaver 11:2; Harden 17:4; Giants RHP Matt Cain 10:4.
WHIP – Greinke 0.44; Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo 0.56; Cueto and White Sox LHP John Danks 0.57; Brewers RHP David Bush 0.65.
* * *
Not
Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR RBI SB
OF B.J. Upton, Rays 2-22 .091 0 0 0
2B/OF/3B Mark DeRosa, Indians 2-22 .091 0 0 0
3B Edwin Encarnacion, Reds 3-27 .111 0 2 0
1B Lance Berkman, Astros 3-26 .115 2 3 0
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 3-24 .125 0 3 0
OF David DeJesus, Royals 3-23 .130 1 4 0
OF Carlos Quentin, White Sox 3-22 .136 0 1 0
1B Carlos Delgado, Mets 3-22 .136 0 2 0
3B/2B Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins 3-21 .143 0 0 1
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 3-21 .143 0 1 0
The week’s hitless wonders were Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki (0-for-16) and Royals 1B Mike Jacobs (0-for-11).
Caught stealing – Brewers OF Corey Hart, Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia, Astros C Ivan Rodriguez and Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 2.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rangers 3B/SS Michael Young 0-10; Rangers 1B/3B Chris Davis 1:12; Reds OF Chris Dickerson 2:12; Encarnacion, White Sox 3B Josh Fields and Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds 2:10; White Sox DH Jim Thome 3:10..
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their fantasy teams.
Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 9.0 15.00 0-2 2.44 7:6
LHP Oliver Perez, Mets 9.0 11.00 0-1 2.56 7:8
RHP Kenshin Kawakami, Braves 9.2 9.31 0-2 1.97 3:4
RHP Andy Sonnanstine, Rays 10.0 9.00 0-2 1.90 10:3
RHP Jake Peavy, Padres 11.0 9.00 0-1 1.82 9:7
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 12.2 8.53 1-1 1.66 7:3
RHP Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals 10.0 8.10 0-1 2.20 6:4
LHP Mark Hendrickson, Orioles 9.1 7.71 0-2 1.82 10:4
RHP Sir Sidney Ponson, Royals 11.1 7.15 0-2 1.59 9:4
RHP Jose Contreras, White Sox 12.1 6.57 0-1 1.78 4:7
RHP Jason Marquis, Rockies 12.1 6.57 1-1 1.78 8:7
Losses – Hendrickson, Kawakami, Kershaw, Peavy, Ponson, Sonnanstine, Astros RHP Geoff Geary, Brewers LHP Manny Peavy 2.
The players in these two sections were the statistical leaders during the first eight days of the regular season. Batting averages were based on 20 at-bats, and ERA and WHIP on seven innings pitched. In most cases, we eliminate batters with an average lower than .280 and pitchers with ERAs above 4.00 from the Hot list.
Hot
Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR RBI SB
OF Ryan Braun, Brewers 13-23 .565 3 8 0
OF Carlos Beltran, Mets 13-24 .542 1 7 1
C/1B Victor Martinez, Indians 12-25 .480 1 2 0
OF Nick Markakis, Orioles 12-26 .462 0 5 0
OF Jay Bruce, Reds 10-22 .455 4 8 0
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals 9-20 .450 3 11 3
C Salty, Rangers 9-20 .450 0 2 0
3B Mike Lowell, Red Sox 10-23 .435 2 11 0
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 10-23 .435 0 5 0
OF Brian Anderson, White Sox 9-21 .429 0 4 0
Home runs – Bruce, Tigers OF Curtis Granderson and Astros OF Carlos Lee 4; Braun, Pujols, Angels OF Torii Hunter, Tigers C/3B/OF Brandon Inge and Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds 3.
RBI – Lowell and Pujols 11; Phillies OF Shane Victorino and Reds 1B Joey Votto 9; Braun, Bruce, Lee, Nationals C Jesus Flores and Pirates 1B Adam LaRoche 8.
Stolen bases – Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury 5; Tigers OF Josh Anderson 4; Pujols, Nationals OF Jason Maxwell, Pirates OF Nyjer Morgan and White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez 3.
Runs – Ellsbury 9; Hunter and Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 8; Braun, Granderson, LaRoche, Markakis, Morgan, Pujols, Royals OF Coco Crisp, Angels OF Gary Matthews, Pirates 2B Freddy Sanchez and Phillies OF Jayson Werth 7.
Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 10:1
RHP Jair Jurrjens, Braves 7.2 0.00 0-0 1.04 4:2
RHP Chad Billingsley, Dodgers 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.68 5:2
RHP Johnny Cueto, Reds 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.57 3:0
RHP Josh Johnson, Marlins 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.71 8:2
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 7:3
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.14 2:1
LHP Barry Zito, Giants 7.0 0.00 0-0 0.86 5:0
RHP Chris R. Young, Padres 7.0 0.00 0-0 0.86 3:4
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 4:2
LHP Ted Lilly, Cubs 7.0 0.00 0-1 0.71 2:0
Greinke has been first on this list each of the last two weeks.
Wins – Cubs RHP Rich Harden, Indians LHP Aaron Laffey, Red Sox RHP Justin Masterson, Phillies LHP Jamie Moyer, Pirates RHP Ross Ohlendorf and Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmerman 2. Youth is served on this list, but there is a veteran influence.
Saves – Rangers RHP Frank Francisco and Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin 3-for-3; Dodgers RHP Jonathan Broxton, Pirates RHP Matt Capps, Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, Blue Jays LHP Scott Downs, Nationals RHP Joel Hanrahan, Marineres RHP Brandon Morrow and Diamondbacks RHP Chad Qualls 2-for-2.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Giants RHP Tim Lincecum 12:1; Greinke and Mets LHP Johan Santana 10:1; Angels RHP Jered Weaver 11:2; Harden 17:4; Giants RHP Matt Cain 10:4.
WHIP – Greinke 0.44; Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo 0.56; Cueto and White Sox LHP John Danks 0.57; Brewers RHP David Bush 0.65.
* * *
Not
Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR RBI SB
OF B.J. Upton, Rays 2-22 .091 0 0 0
2B/OF/3B Mark DeRosa, Indians 2-22 .091 0 0 0
3B Edwin Encarnacion, Reds 3-27 .111 0 2 0
1B Lance Berkman, Astros 3-26 .115 2 3 0
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 3-24 .125 0 3 0
OF David DeJesus, Royals 3-23 .130 1 4 0
OF Carlos Quentin, White Sox 3-22 .136 0 1 0
1B Carlos Delgado, Mets 3-22 .136 0 2 0
3B/2B Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins 3-21 .143 0 0 1
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 3-21 .143 0 1 0
The week’s hitless wonders were Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki (0-for-16) and Royals 1B Mike Jacobs (0-for-11).
Caught stealing – Brewers OF Corey Hart, Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia, Astros C Ivan Rodriguez and Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 2.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rangers 3B/SS Michael Young 0-10; Rangers 1B/3B Chris Davis 1:12; Reds OF Chris Dickerson 2:12; Encarnacion, White Sox 3B Josh Fields and Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds 2:10; White Sox DH Jim Thome 3:10..
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their fantasy teams.
Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 9.0 15.00 0-2 2.44 7:6
LHP Oliver Perez, Mets 9.0 11.00 0-1 2.56 7:8
RHP Kenshin Kawakami, Braves 9.2 9.31 0-2 1.97 3:4
RHP Andy Sonnanstine, Rays 10.0 9.00 0-2 1.90 10:3
RHP Jake Peavy, Padres 11.0 9.00 0-1 1.82 9:7
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 12.2 8.53 1-1 1.66 7:3
RHP Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals 10.0 8.10 0-1 2.20 6:4
LHP Mark Hendrickson, Orioles 9.1 7.71 0-2 1.82 10:4
RHP Sir Sidney Ponson, Royals 11.1 7.15 0-2 1.59 9:4
RHP Jose Contreras, White Sox 12.1 6.57 0-1 1.78 4:7
RHP Jason Marquis, Rockies 12.1 6.57 1-1 1.78 8:7
Losses – Hendrickson, Kawakami, Kershaw, Peavy, Ponson, Sonnanstine, Astros RHP Geoff Geary, Brewers LHP Manny Peavy 2.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Covering the Cowboys' non-draft
I spent part of Saturday afternoon and most of the evening at Valley Ranch waiting for the Cowboys to make their second-round draft pick. And waited some more. And then waited for Jerry Jones to say why the team didn't make that or any other pick.
When Jerry and his son/heir to the throne, Stephen Jones, met with the media, the team's owner explained with his usual double-speak and incomplete sentences. Piecing together parts of answers to different questions made it seem sort of clear that Jones thought there were enough players of nearly equal value available that he could trade that second-round pick to obtain another early third-round choice.
In that way, the Cowboys could choose two of the same players worthy of being taken with overall picks No. 51 and 69 with selections 69 and 75 -- and add still another fourth-round pick. In addition to giving the team another player with at least some chance to make the team, the lower draft positions would drive down the amount of money the 'Boys and the Joneses would have to spend on salaries.
There will be no million-dollar signing bonuses for this year's rookies.
That makes me wonder whether any of them would be able to afford buying tickets at the Cowboys' new stadium.
Hey, Sunday morning I get to go back to the ranch. Might even get to write about some actual draft picks. I'm pretty sure there will be more trades to write about.
When Jerry and his son/heir to the throne, Stephen Jones, met with the media, the team's owner explained with his usual double-speak and incomplete sentences. Piecing together parts of answers to different questions made it seem sort of clear that Jones thought there were enough players of nearly equal value available that he could trade that second-round pick to obtain another early third-round choice.
In that way, the Cowboys could choose two of the same players worthy of being taken with overall picks No. 51 and 69 with selections 69 and 75 -- and add still another fourth-round pick. In addition to giving the team another player with at least some chance to make the team, the lower draft positions would drive down the amount of money the 'Boys and the Joneses would have to spend on salaries.
There will be no million-dollar signing bonuses for this year's rookies.
That makes me wonder whether any of them would be able to afford buying tickets at the Cowboys' new stadium.
Hey, Sunday morning I get to go back to the ranch. Might even get to write about some actual draft picks. I'm pretty sure there will be more trades to write about.
MLB schedule notes, April 27-May 3
There are very few schedule advantages this week. Half of the National League teams are scheduled for seven games, and the other eight for six games. In the American League, just six teams – the Red Sox, Royals, Yankees, Rays, Rangers and Blue Jays – would play seven times. The other eight teams are scheduled for six games.
The only team scheduled for seven home games is the Brewers (Pirates for three, Diamondbacks for four). Miller Park provides a slight advantage for pitchers. The most extreme park in play for all six of a team’s games at home is at Minnesota Rays and Royals three each), which is an extreme pitchers’ park. Another venue slightly favoring pitchers for six games is at Atlanta (Cardinals and Astros three).
Still, the majors as a whole will not significantly favors pitchers. There are three parks slightly favoring hitters that also will host all of their team’s six games: at Detroit (Yankees and Indians three), Philadelphia (Nationals and Mets three) and San Francisco (Dodgers and Rockies three).
Pitchers scheduled to make two starts at home are RHPs Justin Verlander, Scott Baker, Kevin Millwood, Jair Jurrjens, Braden Looper, David Bush and Joe Blanton, and LHP Barry Zito. Our highest recommendations are Baker, Jurrjens and Bush, with Blanton as a live longshot.
The only team scheduled for seven home games is the Brewers (Pirates for three, Diamondbacks for four). Miller Park provides a slight advantage for pitchers. The most extreme park in play for all six of a team’s games at home is at Minnesota Rays and Royals three each), which is an extreme pitchers’ park. Another venue slightly favoring pitchers for six games is at Atlanta (Cardinals and Astros three).
Still, the majors as a whole will not significantly favors pitchers. There are three parks slightly favoring hitters that also will host all of their team’s six games: at Detroit (Yankees and Indians three), Philadelphia (Nationals and Mets three) and San Francisco (Dodgers and Rockies three).
Pitchers scheduled to make two starts at home are RHPs Justin Verlander, Scott Baker, Kevin Millwood, Jair Jurrjens, Braden Looper, David Bush and Joe Blanton, and LHP Barry Zito. Our highest recommendations are Baker, Jurrjens and Bush, with Blanton as a live longshot.
Projected starting pitchers, April 27-May 3
We’ll be providing full-season subscribers to fantasybaseballscout.com with this information every weekend throughout the regular season, and before each postseason series.
You'll see that this is in much better form than the Email versions we'd been sending, and even better than the small trial run posted here a few days ago. For one thing, I had to change it to HTML code. I know! Who knew I could do HTML?
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
Tex/ LAA LAA/ --- @Tor @Tor @Tor
Guthrie/ Eaton Uehara/ --- Hendrksn Bergesen Guthrie2
Bos
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ @TB @TB @TB @TB
Wakefield Penny Lester/ Beckett Masterson Wakefield2 Penny2
CWS
Se Se Se/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex
Danks Colon Floyd/ --- Buehrle Contreras Danks2
Cle
Bos Bos Bos/ --- @Det @Det @Det
Lee Reyes Carmona/ Pavano Laffey Lee2
Det
NYY NYY NYY/ --- Cle Cle Cle
Verlander Jackson Porcello/ --- Miner Galarraga Verlander2
KC
Tor Tor Tor Tor/ @Min @Min @Min
Bannister Meche Greinke Davies/ Ponson Bannister2 Meche2
LAA
--- @Bal @Bal/ @NYY @NYY @NYY @NYY
--- Saunders Palmer/ Loux Ortega* Weaver Saunders2
Min
TB TB TB/ --- KC KC KC
Baker Liriano Blackburn/ --- Slowey Perkins Baker2
NYY
@Det @Det @Det/ LAA LAA LAA LAA
Sabathia Hughes** Chamberlain/ Burnett Pettitte Sabathia2 Hughes2
Oak
--- @Tex @Tex @Tex/ @Se @Se @Se
--- Anderson Cahill Braden/ Eveland Outman*** Anderson2
Se
@CWS @CWS @CWS/ --- Oak Oak Oak
Jakubauskas Hernandez Bedard/ --- Silva Washburn Jakubauskas2
TB
@Min @Min @Min/ Bos Bos Bos Bos
Niemann Shields Kazmir/ Garza Sonnanstine Niemann2 Shields2
Tex
@Bal/ Oak Oak Oak/ CWS CWS CWS
Harrison/ Millwood Padilla Feldman/ McCarthy Harrison2 Millwood2
Tor
@KC @KC @KC @KC/ Bal Bal Bal
Purcey Richmond Tallet Burres/ Halladay Purcey2 Richmond2
*-As we expected, the Angels recalled RHP Anthony Ortega to start today’s 9-8 loss against the Mariners. He gave up four earned runs, including home runs by 1B/3B Russell Branyan and OF Wladimir Balentien, in five innings. Ortega would be on schedule to start again Friday.
**-With RHP Chien-ming Wang going on the disabled list because of weak adductor muscles in each hip, the Yankees are expected to recall RHP Phil Hughes to start Tuesday.
***-The Athletics haven’t needed a fifth starter in a while, but Saturday they’ll need to call again on LHP Josh Outman. He might not have that job long if RHP Sean Gallagher pitches himself back into shape to be a rotation starter while he’s at Triple-A Sacramento.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
ChC ChC ChC/ @Mil @Mil @Mil @Mil
Petit Haren Davis/ Scherzer Garland Petit2 Haren2
Atl
StL StL StL/ --- Ho Ho Ho
Jurrjens Reyes Vazquez/ --- Lowe Kawakami Jurrjens2
ChC
@Ari @Ari @Ari/ Fla Fla Fla Fla
Lilly Zambrano Dempster/ Marshall Harden Lilly2 Zambrano2
Cin
Ho Ho Ho/ --- @Pit @Pit @Pit
Cueto Harang Volquez/ --- Arroyo Owings Cueto2
Col
SD SD SD/ --- @SF @SF @SF
Hammel DeLaRosa Cook/ --- Jimenez Marquis Hammel2
Fla
@NYM @NYM @NYM/ @ChC @ChC @ChC @ChC
Sanchez Nolasco Johnson/ Volstad Taylor* Sanchez2 Nolasco2
Ho
@Cin @Cin @Cin/ --- @Atl @Atl @Atl
Oswalt Rodriguez Paulino/ --- Hampton Ortiz Oswalt2
LAD
@SF @SF @SF/ SD SD SD SD
Wolf Billingsley Stults/ McDonald Kershaw Wolf2 Billingsley2
Mil
Pit Pit Pit/ Ari Ari Ari Ari
Looper Bush Gallardo/ Suppan Parra Looper2 Bush2
NYM
Fla Fla Fla/ --- @Phi @Phi @Phi
Maine** Hernandez Santana/ --- Pelfrey Perez Maine2
Phi
Was Was Was/ --- NYM NYM NYM
Blanton Hamels** Myers/ --- Park Moyer Blanton2
Pit
@Mil @Mil @Mil/ --- Cin Cin Cin
Karstens Maholm Snell/ --- Duke Ohlendorf Karstens2
StL
Atl Atl Atl/ @Was @Was @Was @Was
Pineiro Lohse Wainwright/ Boggs Wellemeyer Pineiro2 Lohse2
SD
Col Col Col/ @LAD @LAD @LAD @LAD
Young Geer**** Correia/ Hill Peavy Young2 Geer2
SF
LAD LAD LAD/ --- Col Col Col
Zito Sanchez Lincecum/ --- Johnson Cain Zito2
Was
@Phi @Phi @Phi/ StL StL StL StL
Martis Lannan Olsen/ Cabrera Zimmerman Martis2 Lannan2
*-The Mariners were expected to recall LHP Graham Taylor from Double-A Jacksonville to start Sunday’s game. He then would start again Friday. The Suns scratched Taylor from his scheduled start tonight.
**-The Mets are giving their disappointing starting pitchers one more turn through the rotation. After that, they might replace any or all of them other than LHP Johan Santana.
***-Phillies LHP Cole Hamels is expected to make his next start even though Brewers 1B Prince Fielder’s line drive hit the pitcher on the left shoulder.
****-Padres RHP Josh Geer could be removed or pushed back from Tuesday’s scheduled start. He threw four not very successful innings in tonight’s loss against the Pirates.
You'll see that this is in much better form than the Email versions we'd been sending, and even better than the small trial run posted here a few days ago. For one thing, I had to change it to HTML code. I know! Who knew I could do HTML?
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
Tex/ LAA LAA/ --- @Tor @Tor @Tor
Guthrie/ Eaton Uehara/ --- Hendrksn Bergesen Guthrie2
Bos
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ @TB @TB @TB @TB
Wakefield Penny Lester/ Beckett Masterson Wakefield2 Penny2
CWS
Se Se Se/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex
Danks Colon Floyd/ --- Buehrle Contreras Danks2
Cle
Bos Bos Bos/ --- @Det @Det @Det
Lee Reyes Carmona/ Pavano Laffey Lee2
Det
NYY NYY NYY/ --- Cle Cle Cle
Verlander Jackson Porcello/ --- Miner Galarraga Verlander2
KC
Tor Tor Tor Tor/ @Min @Min @Min
Bannister Meche Greinke Davies/ Ponson Bannister2 Meche2
LAA
--- @Bal @Bal/ @NYY @NYY @NYY @NYY
--- Saunders Palmer/ Loux Ortega* Weaver Saunders2
Min
TB TB TB/ --- KC KC KC
Baker Liriano Blackburn/ --- Slowey Perkins Baker2
NYY
@Det @Det @Det/ LAA LAA LAA LAA
Sabathia Hughes** Chamberlain/ Burnett Pettitte Sabathia2 Hughes2
Oak
--- @Tex @Tex @Tex/ @Se @Se @Se
--- Anderson Cahill Braden/ Eveland Outman*** Anderson2
Se
@CWS @CWS @CWS/ --- Oak Oak Oak
Jakubauskas Hernandez Bedard/ --- Silva Washburn Jakubauskas2
TB
@Min @Min @Min/ Bos Bos Bos Bos
Niemann Shields Kazmir/ Garza Sonnanstine Niemann2 Shields2
Tex
@Bal/ Oak Oak Oak/ CWS CWS CWS
Harrison/ Millwood Padilla Feldman/ McCarthy Harrison2 Millwood2
Tor
@KC @KC @KC @KC/ Bal Bal Bal
Purcey Richmond Tallet Burres/ Halladay Purcey2 Richmond2
*-As we expected, the Angels recalled RHP Anthony Ortega to start today’s 9-8 loss against the Mariners. He gave up four earned runs, including home runs by 1B/3B Russell Branyan and OF Wladimir Balentien, in five innings. Ortega would be on schedule to start again Friday.
**-With RHP Chien-ming Wang going on the disabled list because of weak adductor muscles in each hip, the Yankees are expected to recall RHP Phil Hughes to start Tuesday.
***-The Athletics haven’t needed a fifth starter in a while, but Saturday they’ll need to call again on LHP Josh Outman. He might not have that job long if RHP Sean Gallagher pitches himself back into shape to be a rotation starter while he’s at Triple-A Sacramento.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
ChC ChC ChC/ @Mil @Mil @Mil @Mil
Petit Haren Davis/ Scherzer Garland Petit2 Haren2
Atl
StL StL StL/ --- Ho Ho Ho
Jurrjens Reyes Vazquez/ --- Lowe Kawakami Jurrjens2
ChC
@Ari @Ari @Ari/ Fla Fla Fla Fla
Lilly Zambrano Dempster/ Marshall Harden Lilly2 Zambrano2
Cin
Ho Ho Ho/ --- @Pit @Pit @Pit
Cueto Harang Volquez/ --- Arroyo Owings Cueto2
Col
SD SD SD/ --- @SF @SF @SF
Hammel DeLaRosa Cook/ --- Jimenez Marquis Hammel2
Fla
@NYM @NYM @NYM/ @ChC @ChC @ChC @ChC
Sanchez Nolasco Johnson/ Volstad Taylor* Sanchez2 Nolasco2
Ho
@Cin @Cin @Cin/ --- @Atl @Atl @Atl
Oswalt Rodriguez Paulino/ --- Hampton Ortiz Oswalt2
LAD
@SF @SF @SF/ SD SD SD SD
Wolf Billingsley Stults/ McDonald Kershaw Wolf2 Billingsley2
Mil
Pit Pit Pit/ Ari Ari Ari Ari
Looper Bush Gallardo/ Suppan Parra Looper2 Bush2
NYM
Fla Fla Fla/ --- @Phi @Phi @Phi
Maine** Hernandez Santana/ --- Pelfrey Perez Maine2
Phi
Was Was Was/ --- NYM NYM NYM
Blanton Hamels** Myers/ --- Park Moyer Blanton2
Pit
@Mil @Mil @Mil/ --- Cin Cin Cin
Karstens Maholm Snell/ --- Duke Ohlendorf Karstens2
StL
Atl Atl Atl/ @Was @Was @Was @Was
Pineiro Lohse Wainwright/ Boggs Wellemeyer Pineiro2 Lohse2
SD
Col Col Col/ @LAD @LAD @LAD @LAD
Young Geer**** Correia/ Hill Peavy Young2 Geer2
SF
LAD LAD LAD/ --- Col Col Col
Zito Sanchez Lincecum/ --- Johnson Cain Zito2
Was
@Phi @Phi @Phi/ StL StL StL StL
Martis Lannan Olsen/ Cabrera Zimmerman Martis2 Lannan2
*-The Mariners were expected to recall LHP Graham Taylor from Double-A Jacksonville to start Sunday’s game. He then would start again Friday. The Suns scratched Taylor from his scheduled start tonight.
**-The Mets are giving their disappointing starting pitchers one more turn through the rotation. After that, they might replace any or all of them other than LHP Johan Santana.
***-Phillies LHP Cole Hamels is expected to make his next start even though Brewers 1B Prince Fielder’s line drive hit the pitcher on the left shoulder.
****-Padres RHP Josh Geer could be removed or pushed back from Tuesday’s scheduled start. He threw four not very successful innings in tonight’s loss against the Pirates.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Trying out pitching chart
I'm planning to put next week's daily major league pitching chart on this blog beginning this weekend.
I've been trying to import tables to Constant Contact for the fantasybaseballscout.com Emails, but the tables have turned into long lists that are difficult to decipher.
So this will is an test to see how the pitching chart information might appear here.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal Tex- LAA- LAA- --- @Tor- @Tor- @Tor-
Guthrie Eaton Uehara Hendrksn Bergesen Guthrie2
LAA --- @Bal- @Bal- @NYY- @NYY- @NYY- @NYY-
Saunders Palmer Loux Ortega* Weaver Saunders2
Tex @Bal- Oak- Oak- Oak- CWS- CWS- CWS-
Harrison Millwood Padilla Feldman McCarthy Harrison2 Millwood2
Tor @KC- @KC- @KC- @KC- Bal- Bal- Bal-
Purcey Richmond Tallet Bullington Halladay Purcey2 Richmond2
That's not exactly the way I'd like it, but it's better than what we had before.
I've been trying to import tables to Constant Contact for the fantasybaseballscout.com Emails, but the tables have turned into long lists that are difficult to decipher.
So this will is an test to see how the pitching chart information might appear here.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal Tex- LAA- LAA- --- @Tor- @Tor- @Tor-
Guthrie Eaton Uehara Hendrksn Bergesen Guthrie2
LAA --- @Bal- @Bal- @NYY- @NYY- @NYY- @NYY-
Saunders Palmer Loux Ortega* Weaver Saunders2
Tex @Bal- Oak- Oak- Oak- CWS- CWS- CWS-
Harrison Millwood Padilla Feldman McCarthy Harrison2 Millwood2
Tor @KC- @KC- @KC- @KC- Bal- Bal- Bal-
Purcey Richmond Tallet Bullington Halladay Purcey2 Richmond2
That's not exactly the way I'd like it, but it's better than what we had before.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Holland comes to Texas
The future of Texas Rangers pitching isn't exactly now, but it's getting closer.
Today the Rangers purchased LHP Derek Holland's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he had made one start this season. He gave up four earned runs in four innings in losing that start. For now, GM Jon Daniels will commit to using him only in relief. But starting is where the 22-year-old belongs and where he will be as soon as a starter is injured or pitches so badly the team has no choice but to slide Holland into the rotation.
That's what happened in Texas' beleaguered bullpen, where RHP Josh Rupe was the worst of a bad lot and was designated for assignment.
Daniels made it clear to media that he didn't expect Holland's promotion to be short-term.
"We're not looking to send him down, but he's going to have to perform. We feel he's ready to contribute to this team. Right now, that's in the bullpen."
In promoting Holland, the Rangers bypassed such other touted prospects as RHPs Thomas Diamond and Neftali Feliz. Daniels said Holland's lefthandedness was not a factor. "It's nice to have a third lefthander in the bullpen, but that wasn't the reason. We felt Derek was the best."
Daniels said Holland nearly made the team out of spring training, despite having made just five regular-season starts above Class A ball. "That was something we talked about in spring training, the possibility that he be moved up right out of the gate. We'd committed not to do it. There was some sentiment that the best team would have included Derek on it."
Though Ron Washington spoke highly of Holland during spring training, the manager apparently wasn't one who held that sentiment. When asked how close the lefty had come to making the opening day roster, Washington merely shook his head and said, "No."
As for Holland's role, Wash said, "We'll use him as a long guy. We'll try to get multiple innings out of him every time. He'll be coming in before the eighth inning. When a starter falters, we'll want him to get us where we need to get."
Washington praised Holland in these terms: "Maturity, aptitude, he wants to learn, pitchability, he has an idea what he's doing, he can take information and apply it."
Daniels had a similar list: "Makeup, aptitude, strike-throwing ability, his stuff."
My feeling is that Holland is the right choice. I saw both him and Feliz pitch several times last season, and again during spring training. Feliz is the more spectacular pitcher, with occasional radar readings in triple digits. But Holland is the more accomplished pitcher, taking the same stuff with him to the mound in the seventh inning that he did in the first.
The Rangers babied Feliz's arm last season. That and occasional high pitch counts were the reasons he averaged just 4.7 innings per start (to Holland's 5.8). I thought the organization might take the wraps off this year, but despite pitching well, he has gone just four and five innings in his two starts. I can envision him as a reliever -- a good one -- because he reminds me of the Mariano Rivera I saw in Triple-A.
Today the Rangers purchased LHP Derek Holland's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he had made one start this season. He gave up four earned runs in four innings in losing that start. For now, GM Jon Daniels will commit to using him only in relief. But starting is where the 22-year-old belongs and where he will be as soon as a starter is injured or pitches so badly the team has no choice but to slide Holland into the rotation.
That's what happened in Texas' beleaguered bullpen, where RHP Josh Rupe was the worst of a bad lot and was designated for assignment.
Daniels made it clear to media that he didn't expect Holland's promotion to be short-term.
"We're not looking to send him down, but he's going to have to perform. We feel he's ready to contribute to this team. Right now, that's in the bullpen."
In promoting Holland, the Rangers bypassed such other touted prospects as RHPs Thomas Diamond and Neftali Feliz. Daniels said Holland's lefthandedness was not a factor. "It's nice to have a third lefthander in the bullpen, but that wasn't the reason. We felt Derek was the best."
Daniels said Holland nearly made the team out of spring training, despite having made just five regular-season starts above Class A ball. "That was something we talked about in spring training, the possibility that he be moved up right out of the gate. We'd committed not to do it. There was some sentiment that the best team would have included Derek on it."
Though Ron Washington spoke highly of Holland during spring training, the manager apparently wasn't one who held that sentiment. When asked how close the lefty had come to making the opening day roster, Washington merely shook his head and said, "No."
As for Holland's role, Wash said, "We'll use him as a long guy. We'll try to get multiple innings out of him every time. He'll be coming in before the eighth inning. When a starter falters, we'll want him to get us where we need to get."
Washington praised Holland in these terms: "Maturity, aptitude, he wants to learn, pitchability, he has an idea what he's doing, he can take information and apply it."
Daniels had a similar list: "Makeup, aptitude, strike-throwing ability, his stuff."
My feeling is that Holland is the right choice. I saw both him and Feliz pitch several times last season, and again during spring training. Feliz is the more spectacular pitcher, with occasional radar readings in triple digits. But Holland is the more accomplished pitcher, taking the same stuff with him to the mound in the seventh inning that he did in the first.
The Rangers babied Feliz's arm last season. That and occasional high pitch counts were the reasons he averaged just 4.7 innings per start (to Holland's 5.8). I thought the organization might take the wraps off this year, but despite pitching well, he has gone just four and five innings in his two starts. I can envision him as a reliever -- a good one -- because he reminds me of the Mariano Rivera I saw in Triple-A.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Injury epidemic striking pitchers
For about the millionth time, I'm writing about how babying pitchers with pitch limits and specialized roles that limit relief pitching to a series of one-inning stands leads to weak arms and more injuries, not fewer.
Given the number of starters, some even of major league caliber, who went on the disabled list today, we can expect a lot more games like the Rangers' 19-6 victory over the Orioles tonight. It's not a good sign when Kris Benson is the best pitcher in a game. Well, Willie Eyre might have been, but is he really any better than Benson.
Anyway, the disabled list became clogged today with Diasuke Matsuzaka, Chris Carpenter, Brian Moehler and Alfredo Simon joined their weak-winged brethren. They were replaced by such pitching luminaries as Hunter Jones, Mitchell Boggs, Radhames Liz and -- well, who cares who replaced Moehler, whoever it is couldn't be a whole lot worse. There also are indications that the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda will miss significant time after winning as LA's Opening Night starter.
Just when pitchers were beginning to restore some order as hitting stars got older, this had to happen. They're creating the fictional Quadruple-A league we've heard of as legend. That's why Nelson Cruz could drive in six runs tonight.
At least Scott Baker returned from the DL to the Twins, replacing R.A. Dickey ... No, wait a minute, Baker sucked tonight too.
Max Scherzer is back off the DL too. He returned last night, taking the karmic space of the Blue Jays' Jesse Litsch, who at this point is a better pitcher.
I don't think losing such batters as Dewayne Wise, Jed Lowrie, Shawn Riggans and Willie Harris will put a major dent in big-league offense.
This just in. The Yankees will be putting Xavier Nady on the disabled list because of an elbow injury. Now he's a major league-caliber batter, but in the early going Nick Swisher has been more productive. He'll now have a place to play regularly.
Given the number of starters, some even of major league caliber, who went on the disabled list today, we can expect a lot more games like the Rangers' 19-6 victory over the Orioles tonight. It's not a good sign when Kris Benson is the best pitcher in a game. Well, Willie Eyre might have been, but is he really any better than Benson.
Anyway, the disabled list became clogged today with Diasuke Matsuzaka, Chris Carpenter, Brian Moehler and Alfredo Simon joined their weak-winged brethren. They were replaced by such pitching luminaries as Hunter Jones, Mitchell Boggs, Radhames Liz and -- well, who cares who replaced Moehler, whoever it is couldn't be a whole lot worse. There also are indications that the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda will miss significant time after winning as LA's Opening Night starter.
Just when pitchers were beginning to restore some order as hitting stars got older, this had to happen. They're creating the fictional Quadruple-A league we've heard of as legend. That's why Nelson Cruz could drive in six runs tonight.
At least Scott Baker returned from the DL to the Twins, replacing R.A. Dickey ... No, wait a minute, Baker sucked tonight too.
Max Scherzer is back off the DL too. He returned last night, taking the karmic space of the Blue Jays' Jesse Litsch, who at this point is a better pitcher.
I don't think losing such batters as Dewayne Wise, Jed Lowrie, Shawn Riggans and Willie Harris will put a major dent in big-league offense.
This just in. The Yankees will be putting Xavier Nady on the disabled list because of an elbow injury. Now he's a major league-caliber batter, but in the early going Nick Swisher has been more productive. He'll now have a place to play regularly.
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