The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders during the last week. Batting averages are 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. Keep in mind players’ career performance and current-season totals even more than current trends in deciding on whether to keep those players in your lineup.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
OF Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 14-28 .500 1-1 1
OF Jermaine Dye, White Sox 12-24 .500 3-6 0
OF Nate Schierholtz, Giants 12-24 .500 2-3 0
SS Jack Wilson, Pirates 10-20 .500 1-3 1
1B Adam LaRoche, Pirates 11-24 .458 2-5 1
SS Stephen Drew, D-backs 10-23 .435 1-4 1
OF Josh Willingham, Nationals 9-21 .429 0-3 1
OF Carl Crawford, Rays 10-24 .417 0-3 2
OF Cody Ross, Marlins 9-23 .391 1-4 0
OF Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners 9-23 .391 1-3 2
SS Orlando Cabrera, Athletics 9-23 .391 0-1 0
Drew was on the Not list last week.
Home runs – Blue Jays 2B Aaron Hill 4; Dye, Mariners 1B/3B Russell Branyan, White Sox 1B Paul Konerko, Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez and Giants 3B/1B/C Pablo Sandoval 3.
Sandoval was on our Hot list during each of the previous two weeks.
RBI – Ramirez 15; Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez 9; Hill, Angels OF Bobby Abreu and Indians OF Grady Sizemore 8.
Stolen bases – Marlins 3B/2B Emilio Bonifacio 4; Padres SS Everth Cabrera and Yankees SS Derek Jeter 3.
Runs – Suzuki 8; Bonifacio, Hill, Jeter and Willingham 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Tommy Hanson, Braves 11.1 0.00 2-0 1.15 6:7
LHP J.A. Happ, Phillies 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 4:0
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.63 9:1
LHP Ricky Romero, Blue Jays 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.43 7:1
RHP A.J. Burnett, Yankees 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.57 10:3
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.86 6:0
RHP Ricky Nolasco, Marlins 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.14 7:1
RHP John Lackey, Angels 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.14 9:3
LHP Doug Davis, D-backs 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.14 8:3
RHP Javier Vazquez, Braves 14.1 0.63 1-1 1.40 13:5
Beckett and Hernandez are on the Hot list for the second consecutive week.
Wins – Hanson, Rockies RHP Aaron Cook, Padres RHP Chad Gaudin, Royals RHP Zack Greinke, Rays LHP J.P. Howell and Twins LHP Francisco Liriano 2.
Saves – Twins RHP Joe Nathan, Yankees RHP Mariano Rivera, Tigers RHP Fernando Rodney and Rockies RHP Huston Street 3-for-3.
WHIP – Romero, Astros RHP Felipe Paulino and Yankees LHP C.C. Sabathia 0.43; Gaudin 0.53; Happ 0.56.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Dodgers RHP Hiroki Kuroda 14:0; Gaudin 20:3; Giants RHP Tim Lincecum 12:2; Phillies RHP Joe Blanton 10:2; Burnett 10:3;Tigers RHP Edwin Jackson 12:4; Mariners LHP Jason Vargas 13:5.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
SS/2B Luis Valbuena, Indians 1-22 .045 0-0 0
OF Alex Rios, Blue Jays 2-21 .095 0-1 2
SS/2B Alex Cora, Mets 3-26 .115 0-2 0
SS/3B/2B Marco Scutaro 3-25 .120 1-3 0
OF/1B Marcus Thames, Tigers 3-25 .120 0-0 0
2B/3B/SS Jeff Keppinger, Astros 3-25 .120 0-2 0
OF Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals 3-25 .120 1-2 0
OF/1B Nick Swisher, Yankees 3-25 .120 2-3 0
OF Dexter Fowler, Rockies 3-20 .150 0-0 1
OF Rick Ankiel, Cardinals 4-25 .160 0-2 1
The week’s hitless wonders were Nationals 1B Nick Johnson 0-for-17, Braves 2B Kelly Johnson and Phillies 2B/SS/OF Eric Bruntlett 0-for-11; Tigers SS/OF Don Kelly 0-for-10.
Beltre and Hermida were on the Hot list a week ago.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Dodgers OF Matt Kemp 1:10; Athletics OF Jack Cust 2:12.
Caught stealing – D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds 0-for-2; Pirates OF Nyjer Morgan and White Sox OF Scott Podsednik 1-for-3; Rays OF B.J. Upton 2-for-4.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Matt Palmer, Angels 9.2 11.17 1-1 2.48 5:7
RHP Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals 8.0 9.00 0-1 2.75 4:8
RHP Jeff Suppan, Brewers 10.2 7.59 0-2 2.16 8:5
LHP Garrett Olson, Mariners 10.1 6.97 1-1 1.26 5:1
RHP Trevor Cahill, Athletics 10.2 6.75 1-1 1.31 6:2
RHP Tim Redding, Mets 12.1 6.57 1-1 1.14 10:3
RHP Vin Mazzaro, Athletics 11.0 5.73 0-2 1.64 14:6
RHP Ryan Dempster, Cubs 11.2 5.40 0-1 1.97 8:7
RHP Micah Owings, Reds 11.2 5.40 1-1 1.71 5:6
RHP Carlos Zambrano, Cubs 12.1 5.11 0-1 1.46 7:4
Losses – Mazzaro, Suppan and Mets RHP Livan Hernandez 2. This is about the time of year when batters seem to catch up with Hernandez each season. Dump him if you haven’t already.
Blown saves – Tigers RHP Joel Zumaya 0-for-2; Astros RHP Jose Valverde 1-for-3.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Good hitting week for AL, Royals
Four American League teams would have an advantage in games this week. The Orioles, White Sox, Royals and Angels are scheduled to play seven games this year, while the other 10 would play six games. The week could be especially good for Kansas City, which would play all seven times at home (Twins three games, White Sox four).
The White Sox would be on the road for all seven games, but that might not have a negative impact on their hitters. In addition to four games in one of the majors' most hitter-friendly parks in Kansas City, Chicago also would play three times in a positive hitters' environment at Cleveland.
The Indians (White Sox and Athletics three games each), Yankees (Mariners and Blue Jays) and Rangers (Angels and Rays) all will be hosting all six of rheir games. New Yankee Stadium and Rangers Ballpark are exceptionally good parks for batters.
In the National League, eight teams are scheduled for seven games and the other eight for six games. It should be a better week for pitchers in the NL than in the AL. The Padres, playing in an extreme pitchers' park, are the only NL team scheduled for seven games at home (Astros four, Dodgers three). Scheduled to play six times at home are the Marlins, in a park that slightly favors pitchers (against the Nationals and Pirates), and the Reds, in a very good hitters' park against the Diamondbacks and Cardinals.
The other National League teams whose batters and the relief pitchers would have a seventh game are the Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Mets, Pirates, Cardinals and Giants.
Just nine pitchers are scheduled to start twice at home this week: RHPs Carl Pavano, Luke Hochevar, Joba Chamberlain, Vicente Padilla, Bronson Arroyo, Ricky Nolasco, Jsoh Geer and Josh Banks. At first, I thought, "Nolasco would be a good live longshot," but after looking at this list, I'll have to make Nolasco my highest recommendation. Because he's pitching in one of the majors' least offensive parks, I'll designate Geer as this week's live longshot.
The White Sox would be on the road for all seven games, but that might not have a negative impact on their hitters. In addition to four games in one of the majors' most hitter-friendly parks in Kansas City, Chicago also would play three times in a positive hitters' environment at Cleveland.
The Indians (White Sox and Athletics three games each), Yankees (Mariners and Blue Jays) and Rangers (Angels and Rays) all will be hosting all six of rheir games. New Yankee Stadium and Rangers Ballpark are exceptionally good parks for batters.
In the National League, eight teams are scheduled for seven games and the other eight for six games. It should be a better week for pitchers in the NL than in the AL. The Padres, playing in an extreme pitchers' park, are the only NL team scheduled for seven games at home (Astros four, Dodgers three). Scheduled to play six times at home are the Marlins, in a park that slightly favors pitchers (against the Nationals and Pirates), and the Reds, in a very good hitters' park against the Diamondbacks and Cardinals.
The other National League teams whose batters and the relief pitchers would have a seventh game are the Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Mets, Pirates, Cardinals and Giants.
Just nine pitchers are scheduled to start twice at home this week: RHPs Carl Pavano, Luke Hochevar, Joba Chamberlain, Vicente Padilla, Bronson Arroyo, Ricky Nolasco, Jsoh Geer and Josh Banks. At first, I thought, "Nolasco would be a good live longshot," but after looking at this list, I'll have to make Nolasco my highest recommendation. Because he's pitching in one of the majors' least offensive parks, I'll designate Geer as this week's live longshot.
Pitching chart, June 29-July 5
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
Bos Bos Bos/ @LAA @LAA @LAA @LAA
Berken Hill Bergesen/ Guthrie Hernandez* Berken2 Hill2
Bos
@Bal @Bal @Bal/ --- Se Se Se
Lester Smoltz** Beckett/ --- Wakefield Penny Lester2
CWS
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ @KC @KC @KC @KC
Floyd Richard Contreras/ Buehrle Danks Floyd2 Richard2
Cle
CWS CWS CWS/ --- Oak Oak Oak
Pavano Lee Sowers/ --- Ohka Huff Pavano2
Det
@Oak @Oak @Oak/ --- @Min @Min @Min
Porcello Galarraga Verlander/ --- Figaro-3* Jackson Porcello2
KC
Min Min Min/ CWS CWS CWS CWS
Hochevar Bannister Meche/ Chen-4* Greinke Hochevar2 Bannister2
LAA
@Tex @Tex @Tex/ Bal Bal Bal Bal
O’Sullivan-5* Saunders Weaver/ Lackey Palmer O’Sullivan2 Saunders2
Min
@KC @KC @KC/ --- Det Det Det
Blackburn Baker Perkins/ --- Slowey Liriano Blackburn2
NYY
--- Se Se Se/ Tor Tor Tor
--- Chamberlain Pettitte Sabathia/ Burnett Wang Chamberlain2
Oak
Det Det Det/ --- @Cle @Cle @Cle
Anderson Gonzalez Braden/ --- Cahill Mazzaro Anderson2
Se
--- @NYY @NYY @NYY/ @Bos @Bos @Bos
--- Morrow Washburn Vargas/ Hernandez Olson Morrow2
TB
@Tor @Tor @Tor/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex
Niemann Garza Shields/ --- Kazmir-6* Price Niemann2
Tex
LAA LAA LAA/ --- TB TB TB
Padilla Feldman Millwood/ --- Holland Hunter-7* Padilla2
Tor
TB TB TB/ --- @NYY @NYY @NYY
Halladay-8* Richmond Romero/ --- Cecil-9* Tallet Halladay2
*-The Orioles recalled RHP David Hernandez from Triple-A Norfolk to start today’s game in place of RHP Koji Uehara, who has gone on the disabled list because of elbow tendinitis. Hernandez’s next scheduled start would be Friday.
**-RHP John Smoltz remains in Boston’s rotation after a shaky start in his 2009 debut this week. He would start again Tuesday.
3*-Tigers RHP Alfredo Figaro remains in their injury-affected rotation after an OK start and one that wasn’t as good.
4*-The Royals purchased Quadruple-A LHP Bruce Chen’s contract from Triple-A Omaha to start Saturday’s game. He wasn’t awful, and would start again Thursday.
5*-For now, rookie RHP Sean O’Sullivan is in the Angels’ rotation. RHP Ervin Santana could be back from the disabled list before long. He’s scheduled to throw 45 pitches in the Rookie Class Arizona League today.
6*-LHP Scott Kazmir returned from the disabled list to start Saturday, and continued to have difficulty with a high pitch count (92 in five innings). His next start would be Friday. He’s taking the rotation spot of RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who was optioned to Triple-A Durham.
7*-Rangers LHP Matt Harrison (shoulder injury) went back on the disabled list. King-sized RHP Tommy Hunter came up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start tonight, and would be on schedule to start again Saturday.
8*-Blue Jays RHP Roy Halladay will return from the disabled list to start Monday.
9*-Halladay’s return will push LHP Brett Cecil’s next start back to Friday. LHP Brad Mills has been returned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- @Cin @Cin @Cin/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Haren Garland Davis/ Scherzer Augenstein*Haren2
Atl
--- Phi Phi Phi/ @Was @Was @Was
--- Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens/ Vazquez Hanson Kawakami2
ChC
@Pit @Pit @Pit/ Mil Mil Mil Mil
Harden Lilly Wells/ Dempster Zambrano Harden2 Lilly2
Cin
--- Ari Ari Ari/ StL StL StL
--- Arroyo Cueto Harang/ Bailey** Owings Arroyo2
Col
@LAD @LAD @LAD/ --- Ari Ari Ari
Jimenez Marquis Hammel/ --- DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez2
Fla
Was Was Was/ --- Pit Pit Pit
Nolasco West Johnson/ --- Volstad Miller Nolasco2
Ho
@SD @SD @SD @SD/ @SF @SF @SF
Oswalt Hampton-3* Moehler Rodriguez/ Paulino Oswalt2 Hampton2
LAD
Col Col Col/ --- @SD @SD @SD
Wolf Billingsley Kershaw/ --- Milton Kuroda Wolf2
Mil
NYM NYM NYM/ @ChC @ChC @ChC @ChC
Looper Burns-4* Gallardo/ McClung-5* Suppan Looper2 Burns2
NYM
@Mil @Mil @Mil/ @Pit/ @Phi @Phi @Phi
Nieve Santana Pelfrey/ Redding-6*/ Hernandez Nieve2 Santana2
Phi
--- @Atl @Atl @Atl/ NYM NYM NYM
--- Blanton Hamels Happ/ Moyer Carrasco-7* Blanton2
Pit
ChC ChC ChC/ NYM/ @Fla @Fla @Fla
Duke Ohlendorf Vasquez-8*/ Maholm/ Morton Duke2 Ohlendorf2
StL
SF SF SF SF/ @Cin @Cin @Cin
Thompson Carpenter Wainwright Wellemeyer/ Pineiro Thompson2 Carpenter2
SD
Ho Ho Ho Ho/ LAD LAD LAD
Geer Banks-9* Silva Correia/ Gaudin Geer2 Banks2
SF
@StL @StL @StL @StL/ Ho Ho Ho
Lincecum Johnson Cain Zito/ Sadowski-10* Lincecum2 Johnson2
Was
@Fla @Fla @Fla/ --- Atl Atl Atl
Olsen-11* Zimmerman Detwiler/ --- Martis Lannan Olsen2
*-The Diamondbacks optioned RHP Billy Buckner to Triple-A Reno, leaving a hole in their rotation that would need to be filled Saturday. They could bring up RHPs Bryan Augenstein or Seth Etherton from Reno, or RHP Jarrod Parker from Double-A Mobile.
**-The Reds sent LHP Matt Maloney back to Triple-A Louisville, and recalled RHP Homer Bailey. He pitched well enough to beat the Indians Saturday, and would be scheduled for his next start Friday.
3*-Astros LHP Mike Hampton is expected to return from the disabled list to start Tuesday. He most likely would replace RHP Russ Ortiz in the rotation, because RHP Felipe Paulino pitched well in his return from the DL Saturday.
4*-RHP Mike Burns has moved up from Triple-A Nashville to the Brewers’ rotation. He’s replacing RHP David Bush, who went on the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.
5*-Milwaukee had another opening in its rotation because the Brewers optioned LHP Manny Parra to Nashville. RHP Seth McClung moved from the bullpen to a starting role Saturday, and would be scheduled to pitch next on Thursday.
6*-The Mets expected to have RHP John Maine back off the disabled list, but his time there will be extended because he suffered a setback while rehabbing. RHP Tim Redding will stay in the rotation until Maine returns.
7*-Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo will miss his next start because of a strained shoulder. Philadelphia most likely will promote RHP Carlos Carrasco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start in Bastardo’s place, sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Carrasco has been considered the Phillies’ best pitching prospect, but he is 4-7 with a 4.92 ERA in the International League.
8*-When the Pirates optioned RHP Ian Snell to Triple-A Indianapolis, they replaced him with RHP Virgil Vasquez. He won his first start for Pittsburgh Friday, and would be on schedule to start again Wednesday.
9*-RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris R. Young are on the disabled list, so the Padres’ new fifth starter is RHP Josh Banks. He’s a good control pitcher who hasn’t had much success against major league batters.
10*-The Giants sent ineffective LHP Jonathan Sanchez to their bullpen and replaced him with 26-year-old RHP Ryan Sadowski. He is scheduled to start in his major league debut today and make his second start Friday. Sadowski was 5-2 with a 4.11 ERA at Triple-A Fresno.
11*-The Nationals expect LHP Scott Olsen to come off the disabled list Monday. He would take the rotation spot of RHP Craig Stammen, who is moving to a relief role.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
Bos Bos Bos/ @LAA @LAA @LAA @LAA
Berken Hill Bergesen/ Guthrie Hernandez* Berken2 Hill2
Bos
@Bal @Bal @Bal/ --- Se Se Se
Lester Smoltz** Beckett/ --- Wakefield Penny Lester2
CWS
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ @KC @KC @KC @KC
Floyd Richard Contreras/ Buehrle Danks Floyd2 Richard2
Cle
CWS CWS CWS/ --- Oak Oak Oak
Pavano Lee Sowers/ --- Ohka Huff Pavano2
Det
@Oak @Oak @Oak/ --- @Min @Min @Min
Porcello Galarraga Verlander/ --- Figaro-3* Jackson Porcello2
KC
Min Min Min/ CWS CWS CWS CWS
Hochevar Bannister Meche/ Chen-4* Greinke Hochevar2 Bannister2
LAA
@Tex @Tex @Tex/ Bal Bal Bal Bal
O’Sullivan-5* Saunders Weaver/ Lackey Palmer O’Sullivan2 Saunders2
Min
@KC @KC @KC/ --- Det Det Det
Blackburn Baker Perkins/ --- Slowey Liriano Blackburn2
NYY
--- Se Se Se/ Tor Tor Tor
--- Chamberlain Pettitte Sabathia/ Burnett Wang Chamberlain2
Oak
Det Det Det/ --- @Cle @Cle @Cle
Anderson Gonzalez Braden/ --- Cahill Mazzaro Anderson2
Se
--- @NYY @NYY @NYY/ @Bos @Bos @Bos
--- Morrow Washburn Vargas/ Hernandez Olson Morrow2
TB
@Tor @Tor @Tor/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex
Niemann Garza Shields/ --- Kazmir-6* Price Niemann2
Tex
LAA LAA LAA/ --- TB TB TB
Padilla Feldman Millwood/ --- Holland Hunter-7* Padilla2
Tor
TB TB TB/ --- @NYY @NYY @NYY
Halladay-8* Richmond Romero/ --- Cecil-9* Tallet Halladay2
*-The Orioles recalled RHP David Hernandez from Triple-A Norfolk to start today’s game in place of RHP Koji Uehara, who has gone on the disabled list because of elbow tendinitis. Hernandez’s next scheduled start would be Friday.
**-RHP John Smoltz remains in Boston’s rotation after a shaky start in his 2009 debut this week. He would start again Tuesday.
3*-Tigers RHP Alfredo Figaro remains in their injury-affected rotation after an OK start and one that wasn’t as good.
4*-The Royals purchased Quadruple-A LHP Bruce Chen’s contract from Triple-A Omaha to start Saturday’s game. He wasn’t awful, and would start again Thursday.
5*-For now, rookie RHP Sean O’Sullivan is in the Angels’ rotation. RHP Ervin Santana could be back from the disabled list before long. He’s scheduled to throw 45 pitches in the Rookie Class Arizona League today.
6*-LHP Scott Kazmir returned from the disabled list to start Saturday, and continued to have difficulty with a high pitch count (92 in five innings). His next start would be Friday. He’s taking the rotation spot of RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who was optioned to Triple-A Durham.
7*-Rangers LHP Matt Harrison (shoulder injury) went back on the disabled list. King-sized RHP Tommy Hunter came up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start tonight, and would be on schedule to start again Saturday.
8*-Blue Jays RHP Roy Halladay will return from the disabled list to start Monday.
9*-Halladay’s return will push LHP Brett Cecil’s next start back to Friday. LHP Brad Mills has been returned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- @Cin @Cin @Cin/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Haren Garland Davis/ Scherzer Augenstein*Haren2
Atl
--- Phi Phi Phi/ @Was @Was @Was
--- Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens/ Vazquez Hanson Kawakami2
ChC
@Pit @Pit @Pit/ Mil Mil Mil Mil
Harden Lilly Wells/ Dempster Zambrano Harden2 Lilly2
Cin
--- Ari Ari Ari/ StL StL StL
--- Arroyo Cueto Harang/ Bailey** Owings Arroyo2
Col
@LAD @LAD @LAD/ --- Ari Ari Ari
Jimenez Marquis Hammel/ --- DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez2
Fla
Was Was Was/ --- Pit Pit Pit
Nolasco West Johnson/ --- Volstad Miller Nolasco2
Ho
@SD @SD @SD @SD/ @SF @SF @SF
Oswalt Hampton-3* Moehler Rodriguez/ Paulino Oswalt2 Hampton2
LAD
Col Col Col/ --- @SD @SD @SD
Wolf Billingsley Kershaw/ --- Milton Kuroda Wolf2
Mil
NYM NYM NYM/ @ChC @ChC @ChC @ChC
Looper Burns-4* Gallardo/ McClung-5* Suppan Looper2 Burns2
NYM
@Mil @Mil @Mil/ @Pit/ @Phi @Phi @Phi
Nieve Santana Pelfrey/ Redding-6*/ Hernandez Nieve2 Santana2
Phi
--- @Atl @Atl @Atl/ NYM NYM NYM
--- Blanton Hamels Happ/ Moyer Carrasco-7* Blanton2
Pit
ChC ChC ChC/ NYM/ @Fla @Fla @Fla
Duke Ohlendorf Vasquez-8*/ Maholm/ Morton Duke2 Ohlendorf2
StL
SF SF SF SF/ @Cin @Cin @Cin
Thompson Carpenter Wainwright Wellemeyer/ Pineiro Thompson2 Carpenter2
SD
Ho Ho Ho Ho/ LAD LAD LAD
Geer Banks-9* Silva Correia/ Gaudin Geer2 Banks2
SF
@StL @StL @StL @StL/ Ho Ho Ho
Lincecum Johnson Cain Zito/ Sadowski-10* Lincecum2 Johnson2
Was
@Fla @Fla @Fla/ --- Atl Atl Atl
Olsen-11* Zimmerman Detwiler/ --- Martis Lannan Olsen2
*-The Diamondbacks optioned RHP Billy Buckner to Triple-A Reno, leaving a hole in their rotation that would need to be filled Saturday. They could bring up RHPs Bryan Augenstein or Seth Etherton from Reno, or RHP Jarrod Parker from Double-A Mobile.
**-The Reds sent LHP Matt Maloney back to Triple-A Louisville, and recalled RHP Homer Bailey. He pitched well enough to beat the Indians Saturday, and would be scheduled for his next start Friday.
3*-Astros LHP Mike Hampton is expected to return from the disabled list to start Tuesday. He most likely would replace RHP Russ Ortiz in the rotation, because RHP Felipe Paulino pitched well in his return from the DL Saturday.
4*-RHP Mike Burns has moved up from Triple-A Nashville to the Brewers’ rotation. He’s replacing RHP David Bush, who went on the disabled list for the first time in his major league career.
5*-Milwaukee had another opening in its rotation because the Brewers optioned LHP Manny Parra to Nashville. RHP Seth McClung moved from the bullpen to a starting role Saturday, and would be scheduled to pitch next on Thursday.
6*-The Mets expected to have RHP John Maine back off the disabled list, but his time there will be extended because he suffered a setback while rehabbing. RHP Tim Redding will stay in the rotation until Maine returns.
7*-Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo will miss his next start because of a strained shoulder. Philadelphia most likely will promote RHP Carlos Carrasco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start in Bastardo’s place, sometime between Thursday and Saturday. Carrasco has been considered the Phillies’ best pitching prospect, but he is 4-7 with a 4.92 ERA in the International League.
8*-When the Pirates optioned RHP Ian Snell to Triple-A Indianapolis, they replaced him with RHP Virgil Vasquez. He won his first start for Pittsburgh Friday, and would be on schedule to start again Wednesday.
9*-RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris R. Young are on the disabled list, so the Padres’ new fifth starter is RHP Josh Banks. He’s a good control pitcher who hasn’t had much success against major league batters.
10*-The Giants sent ineffective LHP Jonathan Sanchez to their bullpen and replaced him with 26-year-old RHP Ryan Sadowski. He is scheduled to start in his major league debut today and make his second start Friday. Sadowski was 5-2 with a 4.11 ERA at Triple-A Fresno.
11*-The Nationals expect LHP Scott Olsen to come off the disabled list Monday. He would take the rotation spot of RHP Craig Stammen, who is moving to a relief role.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Stay away from Giants' batters
Two teams’ batters and relief pitchers will have an advantage this week in games played. The Mets and Cardinals are the only teams scheduled to play seven games; the other 28 would play six times. This week’s games again will be interleague contests, except for St. Louis, which will complete a string of seven National League games by visiting the Mets for four games; New York, and the Brewers and Giants, who are scheduled for a three-game series Friday-Sunday in Milwaukee.
The Mets also would play all seven of their games, including three against the Yankees, at home.
Nine other teams are scheduled to play their six games at home. That would include two teams in extreme hitters’ parks: the White Sox (Dodgers and Cubs three games each) and Diamondbacks (Rangers and Angels). The other seven all play home games in parks that favor pitchers. The only extreme pitchers’ park in play all week would be at Oakland (Giants and Rockies). However, the parks at Tampa Bay (Phillies and Marlins), Toronto (Reds and Phillies), Atlanta (Yankees and Red Sox), Houston (Royals and Tigers), Milwaukee (Twins and Giants) and Pittsburgh (Indians and Royals) favor pitchers only slightly. Still, it doesn’t seem to be a good week to put batters from the Giants, Phillies and Royals in your lineup.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Trevor Cahill, Scott Richmond, Max Scherzer, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Russ Ortiz, Jeff Suppan, Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez and Ian Snell, and LHPs John Danks and David Price. Our highest recommendations are Vazquez and Danks. Live longshots for this week are Richmond and Hanson.
The Mets also would play all seven of their games, including three against the Yankees, at home.
Nine other teams are scheduled to play their six games at home. That would include two teams in extreme hitters’ parks: the White Sox (Dodgers and Cubs three games each) and Diamondbacks (Rangers and Angels). The other seven all play home games in parks that favor pitchers. The only extreme pitchers’ park in play all week would be at Oakland (Giants and Rockies). However, the parks at Tampa Bay (Phillies and Marlins), Toronto (Reds and Phillies), Atlanta (Yankees and Red Sox), Houston (Royals and Tigers), Milwaukee (Twins and Giants) and Pittsburgh (Indians and Royals) favor pitchers only slightly. Still, it doesn’t seem to be a good week to put batters from the Giants, Phillies and Royals in your lineup.
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Trevor Cahill, Scott Richmond, Max Scherzer, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Russ Ortiz, Jeff Suppan, Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez and Ian Snell, and LHPs John Danks and David Price. Our highest recommendations are Vazquez and Danks. Live longshots for this week are Richmond and Hanson.
Hot and Not -- Up, up with Uptons
The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders during the last week. Batting averages are 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. Keep in mind players’ career performance and current-season totals even more than current trends in deciding on whether to keep those players in your lineup.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 11-24 .458 3-5 0
OF Justin Upton, D-backs 11-24 .458 1-5 0
2B/OF Scott Schumaker, Cardinals 11-24 .458 0-2 0
3B/1B/C Pablo Sandoval, Giants 10-22 .455 2-4 0
1B/OF Aubrey Huff, Orioles 9-20 .450 1-6 0
C Yadier Molina, Cardinals 11-25 .440 1-4 0
OF B.J. Upton, Rays 12-28 .429 2-9 2
OF Michael Cuddyer, Twins 9-21 .429 2-3 0
OF Matt Kemp, Dodgers 9-21 .429 0-2 4
SS Cristian Guzman, Nationals 12-29 .414 0-0 0
This is Sandoval’s second consecutive week on the Hot list. Cabrera moved to the top after being on the Not list a week earlier. It was a good week for Uptons. Also a good week for Guzman, who’s defying the conventional wisdom that he should be coming back to earth.
Home runs – Cubs 1B Derrek Lee and Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols 4; Cabrera, Tigers OFs Curtis Granderson and Marcus Thames, Cardinals SS Khalil Greene, Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler, White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez and Indians SS/2B Jose Valbuena 3. Coming off the disabled list, Greene hit his homers in just eight at-bats.
RBI – Pujols and 1B Prince Fielder 11; Lee and B.J. Upton 9; Brewers 3B Ryan Braun, Indians C/1B Victor Martinez and Mets C Brian Schneider 8.
Stolen bases – Granderson, Kemp and Reds 2B Brandon Phillips 4; Kinsler and Reds OF Chris Dickerson 3.
Runs – Braun 10; Cabrera and Schumaker 9; Martinez 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 12.2 0.00 1-0 1.18 13:7
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 7:0
LHP Mark Buehrle, White Sox 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.86 3:1
RHP Jon Garland, D-backs 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.14 3:1
RHP Nick Blackburn, Twins 9.0 1.00 1-0 0.78 2:1
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 16.1 1.10 1-0 0.86 14:6
RHP Matt Cain, Giants 8.0 1.13 0-0 0.75 8:3
RHP Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 7.2 1.13 0-0 0.75 8:3
LHP Andy Pettitte, Yankees 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 7:0
RHP James Shields, Rays 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 4:0
LHP Jason Vargas, Mariners 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 4:0
Vargas moved up from the Not list a week earlier.
Wins – Cubs RHP Kevin Gregg, Giants RHP Sergio Romo and Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright and Athletics RHP Michael Wuertz 2.
Saves – Mariners RHP David Aardsma, Angels LHP Brian Fuentes, White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, Orioles LHP George Sherrill and Astros RHP Jose Valverde 3-for-3.
WHIP – Padres RHP Kevin Correia 0.34; Pettitte, Shields and Vargas 0.43; Mariners LHP Garrett Olson 0.45.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Reds RHP Aaron Harang 10:0; Correia 12:1; Blue Jays RHP Scott Richmond 11:1; Phillies LHP Cole Hamels 16:2; Blue Jays LHP Ricky Romero 15:5 and Rangers RHP Kevin Millwood 16:6.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
1B Chris Davis, Rangers 1-20 .050 1-1 0
3B Pedro Feliz, Phillies 2-24 .083 0-0 0
1B/OF Lance Berkman, Astros 2-21 .095 1-1 1
SS Stephen Drew, D-backs 3-26 .115 0-4 0
3B Mark Reynolds, D-backs 3-24 .125 2-4 0
OF Ben Francisco, Indians 3-23 .130 0-0 1
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 4-28 .143 0-1 0
OF Gerardo Parra, D-backs 3-27 .143 1-3 0
OF Mike Cameron, Brewers 3-20 .150 0-1 1
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 3-20 .150 1-1 1
Davis also struck out nine times without walking. It was a bad week for Diamondbacks – or at least apparently for those not named Upton.
The week’s hitless wonders were Indians C Kelly Shoppach 0-for-14, Athletics 3B Jack Hannahan 0-for-13, Nationals OF Austin Kearns and Marlins OF Jeremy Hermida 0-for-12 and Padres SS/2B Luis Rodriguez 0-for-11.
Beltre and Hermida were on the Hot list a week ago.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Parra 0:10; Zimmerman 1:10.
Caught stealing – Astros OF Michael Bourn 2-for-5; White Sox OF Brian Anderson 0-for-2; Rays OF Carl Crawford 1-for-3.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP David Bush, Brewers 6.1 18.47 0-1 2.37 3:2
LHP Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies 8.0 12.38 1-1 2.38 10:4
LHP Paul Maholm, Pirates 10.0 11.70 0-2 2.70 11:5
RHP Chris Volstad, Marlins 9.2 10.24 1-1 1.76 6:3
LHP Jeremy Sowers, Indians 9.1 8.68 0-2 1.93 3:6
LHP Barry Zito, Giants 10.2 7.59 1-1 1.50 11:4
RHP Gil Meche, Royals 12.1 6.57 1-1 1.30 7:3
RHP Shairon Martis, Nationals 11.0 5.73 0-1 1.73 2:7
LHP Wandy Rodriguez, Astros 11.0 5.73 1-1 1.56 12:8
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 11.2 5.40 1-1 1.54 12:5
Verlander dropped down after two consecutive weeks on the Hot list. He was not as Not during the past week as pitchers usually have to be to make that list. Maholm and Meche also were on the Hot list a week ago.
Losses – Maholm, Sowers, Rangers RHP Jason Jennings, Phillies RHP Ryan Madson and Athletics RHP Brad Ziegler 2.
Blown saves – Madson and Indians RHP Kerry Wood 0-for-2.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 11-24 .458 3-5 0
OF Justin Upton, D-backs 11-24 .458 1-5 0
2B/OF Scott Schumaker, Cardinals 11-24 .458 0-2 0
3B/1B/C Pablo Sandoval, Giants 10-22 .455 2-4 0
1B/OF Aubrey Huff, Orioles 9-20 .450 1-6 0
C Yadier Molina, Cardinals 11-25 .440 1-4 0
OF B.J. Upton, Rays 12-28 .429 2-9 2
OF Michael Cuddyer, Twins 9-21 .429 2-3 0
OF Matt Kemp, Dodgers 9-21 .429 0-2 4
SS Cristian Guzman, Nationals 12-29 .414 0-0 0
This is Sandoval’s second consecutive week on the Hot list. Cabrera moved to the top after being on the Not list a week earlier. It was a good week for Uptons. Also a good week for Guzman, who’s defying the conventional wisdom that he should be coming back to earth.
Home runs – Cubs 1B Derrek Lee and Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols 4; Cabrera, Tigers OFs Curtis Granderson and Marcus Thames, Cardinals SS Khalil Greene, Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler, White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez and Indians SS/2B Jose Valbuena 3. Coming off the disabled list, Greene hit his homers in just eight at-bats.
RBI – Pujols and 1B Prince Fielder 11; Lee and B.J. Upton 9; Brewers 3B Ryan Braun, Indians C/1B Victor Martinez and Mets C Brian Schneider 8.
Stolen bases – Granderson, Kemp and Reds 2B Brandon Phillips 4; Kinsler and Reds OF Chris Dickerson 3.
Runs – Braun 10; Cabrera and Schumaker 9; Martinez 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 12.2 0.00 1-0 1.18 13:7
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 7:0
LHP Mark Buehrle, White Sox 7.0 0.00 1-0 0.86 3:1
RHP Jon Garland, D-backs 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.14 3:1
RHP Nick Blackburn, Twins 9.0 1.00 1-0 0.78 2:1
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 16.1 1.10 1-0 0.86 14:6
RHP Matt Cain, Giants 8.0 1.13 0-0 0.75 8:3
RHP Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 7.2 1.13 0-0 0.75 8:3
LHP Andy Pettitte, Yankees 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 7:0
RHP James Shields, Rays 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 4:0
LHP Jason Vargas, Mariners 7.0 1.29 1-0 0.43 4:0
Vargas moved up from the Not list a week earlier.
Wins – Cubs RHP Kevin Gregg, Giants RHP Sergio Romo and Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright and Athletics RHP Michael Wuertz 2.
Saves – Mariners RHP David Aardsma, Angels LHP Brian Fuentes, White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, Orioles LHP George Sherrill and Astros RHP Jose Valverde 3-for-3.
WHIP – Padres RHP Kevin Correia 0.34; Pettitte, Shields and Vargas 0.43; Mariners LHP Garrett Olson 0.45.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Reds RHP Aaron Harang 10:0; Correia 12:1; Blue Jays RHP Scott Richmond 11:1; Phillies LHP Cole Hamels 16:2; Blue Jays LHP Ricky Romero 15:5 and Rangers RHP Kevin Millwood 16:6.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
1B Chris Davis, Rangers 1-20 .050 1-1 0
3B Pedro Feliz, Phillies 2-24 .083 0-0 0
1B/OF Lance Berkman, Astros 2-21 .095 1-1 1
SS Stephen Drew, D-backs 3-26 .115 0-4 0
3B Mark Reynolds, D-backs 3-24 .125 2-4 0
OF Ben Francisco, Indians 3-23 .130 0-0 1
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 4-28 .143 0-1 0
OF Gerardo Parra, D-backs 3-27 .143 1-3 0
OF Mike Cameron, Brewers 3-20 .150 0-1 1
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 3-20 .150 1-1 1
Davis also struck out nine times without walking. It was a bad week for Diamondbacks – or at least apparently for those not named Upton.
The week’s hitless wonders were Indians C Kelly Shoppach 0-for-14, Athletics 3B Jack Hannahan 0-for-13, Nationals OF Austin Kearns and Marlins OF Jeremy Hermida 0-for-12 and Padres SS/2B Luis Rodriguez 0-for-11.
Beltre and Hermida were on the Hot list a week ago.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Parra 0:10; Zimmerman 1:10.
Caught stealing – Astros OF Michael Bourn 2-for-5; White Sox OF Brian Anderson 0-for-2; Rays OF Carl Crawford 1-for-3.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP David Bush, Brewers 6.1 18.47 0-1 2.37 3:2
LHP Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies 8.0 12.38 1-1 2.38 10:4
LHP Paul Maholm, Pirates 10.0 11.70 0-2 2.70 11:5
RHP Chris Volstad, Marlins 9.2 10.24 1-1 1.76 6:3
LHP Jeremy Sowers, Indians 9.1 8.68 0-2 1.93 3:6
LHP Barry Zito, Giants 10.2 7.59 1-1 1.50 11:4
RHP Gil Meche, Royals 12.1 6.57 1-1 1.30 7:3
RHP Shairon Martis, Nationals 11.0 5.73 0-1 1.73 2:7
LHP Wandy Rodriguez, Astros 11.0 5.73 1-1 1.56 12:8
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 11.2 5.40 1-1 1.54 12:5
Verlander dropped down after two consecutive weeks on the Hot list. He was not as Not during the past week as pitchers usually have to be to make that list. Maholm and Meche also were on the Hot list a week ago.
Losses – Maholm, Sowers, Rangers RHP Jason Jennings, Phillies RHP Ryan Madson and Athletics RHP Brad Ziegler 2.
Blown saves – Madson and Indians RHP Kerry Wood 0-for-2.
Playing the (Citi) Field
Saw CitiField from the inside for the first time Sunday.
From the nosebleed seats in Section 508 down the first base line, we had a pretty good view of Long Island Sound and the Whitesboro (?) Expressway. We could see almost all of the field, unlike the view from some seats in the new stadium.
It didn't need much to make it better than Shea Stadium, but Citi Field seemed to be an above-average major league park. Lots of concessions, including a food court. Much more pleasing asthetically -- none of those huge, garish gobs of orange and blue as in the stadium thankfully turned into a parking lot.
The new park includes a somewhat miniaturized Big Apple -- which I could take or leave, but I'll give it points for being unique to major league stadiums and uniquely New York.
Service amenities seemed lacking. The will call window was painfully slow as the ticket agent searched through a long printed list of names (?), numbers (?), transaction codes (?). They don't have those things on a handy-dandy computer? The Italian sausage (grade B-minus) line slowed down at the cash register. It was surprising to find in New York a place so slow to take our cash.
The biggest flaw, however, came early in the game when plate umpire Jerry Crawford left the game. Not only did he leave, but the other umpires also disappared from sight, and both teams went to their dugouts. What happened? Would they come back? Was the game over? There was no way of telling in the park until they came back, because instead of making an announcement ("Jerry Crawford was injured. The game will continue with three umpires when umpire XXXX puts on his equipment to move behind the plate. We will we continue with three umpires.") the in-stadium PA reaction was to play the between-pitches music louder and longer.
Through the miracle of my son's iPhone, we found out that Crawford had a back injury.
Anyway, the worst part of the game was the play on the field. If a team uses seven pitchers, as the Mets did, it's not likely to be a good day. When two of those pitchers face a total of seven batters, and all seven reach base, that's even worse. The Rays weren't a whole lot better, trotting out six pitchers and coming away with a 10-6 win.
The best parts of the 4 1/2 or so hours at the ball park, which also included a rain delay:
1. Being at the ballpark.
2. Seeing B.J. Upton break out of a season-long drought in run production by driving in four runs and hhitting the ball hard. That more than outweighed his inability to come up with a catchable fly ball.
3. Seeing the day's most effective reliever, Grant Balfour.
4. Seeing Rays manager Joe Maddon have the good sense to send Balfour out for a second inning instead of bringing in still another crappy reliever. Balfour struck out three in a dominant 1 2/3 innings. That despite his name's striking resemblance to Ball Four.
Hey, I would have even sent Balfour out to pitch the ninth for a well desrved save. Instead, Maddon went with J.P. Howell in a non-save situation to close out the 10-6 win.
From the nosebleed seats in Section 508 down the first base line, we had a pretty good view of Long Island Sound and the Whitesboro (?) Expressway. We could see almost all of the field, unlike the view from some seats in the new stadium.
It didn't need much to make it better than Shea Stadium, but Citi Field seemed to be an above-average major league park. Lots of concessions, including a food court. Much more pleasing asthetically -- none of those huge, garish gobs of orange and blue as in the stadium thankfully turned into a parking lot.
The new park includes a somewhat miniaturized Big Apple -- which I could take or leave, but I'll give it points for being unique to major league stadiums and uniquely New York.
Service amenities seemed lacking. The will call window was painfully slow as the ticket agent searched through a long printed list of names (?), numbers (?), transaction codes (?). They don't have those things on a handy-dandy computer? The Italian sausage (grade B-minus) line slowed down at the cash register. It was surprising to find in New York a place so slow to take our cash.
The biggest flaw, however, came early in the game when plate umpire Jerry Crawford left the game. Not only did he leave, but the other umpires also disappared from sight, and both teams went to their dugouts. What happened? Would they come back? Was the game over? There was no way of telling in the park until they came back, because instead of making an announcement ("Jerry Crawford was injured. The game will continue with three umpires when umpire XXXX puts on his equipment to move behind the plate. We will we continue with three umpires.") the in-stadium PA reaction was to play the between-pitches music louder and longer.
Through the miracle of my son's iPhone, we found out that Crawford had a back injury.
Anyway, the worst part of the game was the play on the field. If a team uses seven pitchers, as the Mets did, it's not likely to be a good day. When two of those pitchers face a total of seven batters, and all seven reach base, that's even worse. The Rays weren't a whole lot better, trotting out six pitchers and coming away with a 10-6 win.
The best parts of the 4 1/2 or so hours at the ball park, which also included a rain delay:
1. Being at the ballpark.
2. Seeing B.J. Upton break out of a season-long drought in run production by driving in four runs and hhitting the ball hard. That more than outweighed his inability to come up with a catchable fly ball.
3. Seeing the day's most effective reliever, Grant Balfour.
4. Seeing Rays manager Joe Maddon have the good sense to send Balfour out for a second inning instead of bringing in still another crappy reliever. Balfour struck out three in a dominant 1 2/3 innings. That despite his name's striking resemblance to Ball Four.
Hey, I would have even sent Balfour out to pitch the ninth for a well desrved save. Instead, Maddon went with J.P. Howell in a non-save situation to close out the 10-6 win.
Pitching chart, June 22--28, 2009
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- @Fla @Fla @Fla/ Was Was Was
--- Uehara Berken Hill/ Bergesen Guthrie Uehara2
Bos
--- @Was @Was @Was/ @Atl
--- Penny Lester Smoltz*/ Beckett Wakefield Penny2
CWS
--- LAD LAD LAD/ ChC ChC ChC
--- Danks Floyd Contreras/ Richard Buehrle Danks2
Cle
--- @Pit @Pit @Pit/ Cin Cin Cin
--- Huff Pavano Lee/ Ohka Sowers Huff2
Det
--- ChC ChC ChC/ @Ho @Ho @Ho
--- Jackson Porcello Galarraga/ Figaro** Verlander Jackson2
KC
--- @Ho @Ho @Ho/ @Pit @Pit @Pit
--- Greinke Hochevar Bannister/ Meche Davies-3* Greinke2
LAA
Col Col Col/ --- @Ari @Ari @Ari
Palmer Santana Saunders/ --- Weaver Lackey Palmer2
Min
--- @Mil @Mil @Mil/ @StL @StL @StL
--- Liriano Blackburn Slowey-4*/ Baker Perkins Liriano2
NYY
--- @Atl @Atl @Atl/ @NYM @NYM @NYM
--- Wang-5* Chamberlain Pettitte/ Burnett Sabathia Wang2
Oak
SF SF SF/ --- Col Col Col
Cahill Mazzaro Outman-6*/ --- Anderson Braden Cahill2
Se
--- SD SD SD/ @LAD@LAD @LAD
--- Olson Morrow-7* Washburn/ Vargas Hernandez Olson2
TB
--- Phi Phi Phi/ Fla Fla Fla
--- Price Garza Sonnanstine/ Shields Niemann Price2
Tex
--- @Ari @Ari @Ari/ SD SD SD
--- Harrison Padilla Feldman/ Holland Millwood Harrison2
Tor
--- Cin Cin Cin/ Phi Phi Phi
--- Richmond Tallet Cecil-8*/ Romero Purcey-9* Richmond2
Cecil* Romero
*-RHP John Smoltz is scheduled to return from his injury-rehab assignment to make his first start for the Red Sox Thursday. For now, he’ll replace RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is undergoing tests to try to determine why he has pitched so poorly.
**-Tigers RHP Alfredo Figaro won his first major league start Saturday. His next turn in their rotation, with LHP Dontrelle Willis on the disabled list, would be Friday.
3*-The Royals have indicated that they would move RHP Gil Meche ahead of RHP Kyle Davies in their rotation to keep Meche on an every-five-days schedule.
4*-Lookee here! Twins RHP Kevin Slowey, our Jarrod Washburn Award winner, is tied for the major league lead with 10 wins.
5*-RHP Chien-ming Wang pitched well enough last week to hang on to his starting job. With RHP Phil Hughes available from the bullpen, expect the Yankees to keep Wang on a short leash.
6*-Athletics LHP Josh Outman left his most recent start in the second inning because of a flexor-extensor strain in his inner elbow. If he’s not physically able to make Wednesday’s start, LHP Gio Gonzalez would be recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, where he has a 2.51 ERA.
7*-RHP Brandon Morrow once again will be a starter for the Mariners. Expect him to remain in that role even after LHP Erik Bedard comes off the disabled list.
8*-As we predicted last week, LHP Brett Cecil has returned from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill one hole in the Blue Jays’ rotation with RHPs Roy Halladay and Casey Janssen joining the remainder of this year’s projected rotation on the disabled list.
9*-Toronto will have to add another minor league starter to its rotation Saturday, and LHP David Purcey is the best bet.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- Tex Tex Tex/ LAA LAA LAA
--- Scherzer Haren Garland/ Buckner Davis Scherzer2
Atl
ChC/ NYY NYY NYY/ Bos Bos Bos
Vazquez/ Hanson Kawakami Lowe/ Jurrjens Vazquez2 Hanson2
ChC
@Atl/ @Det @Det @Det/ @CWS @CWS @CWS
Dempster/ Zambrano Harden Lilly/ Wells Dempster2 Zambrano2
Cin
--- @Tor @Tor @Tor/ @Cle @Cle @Cle
--- Owings Maloney Arroyo/ Harang* Cueto Owings2
Col
@LAA @LAA @LAA/ --- @Oak @Oak @Oak
Cook Jimenez Marquis/ --- Hammel DeLaRosa Cook2
Fla
--- Bal Bal Bal/ @TB @TB @TB
--- Miller Nolasco West/ Johnson Volstad Miller2
Ho
--- KC KC KC/ Det Det Det
--- Ortiz Backe** Oswalt/ Rodriguez-3* Moehler Ortiz2
LAD
--- @CWS @CWS @CWS/ Se Se Se
--- Kuroda Wolf Billingsley/ Milton-4* Kershaw Kuroda2
Mil
--- Min Min Min/ SF SF SF
--- Suppan Looper Bush/ Gallardo Parra-5* Suppan2
NYM
StL StL StL StL/ NYY NYY NYY
Redding Hernandez Nieve Santana/ Pelfrey Redding2 Hernandez2
Phi
--- @TB @TB @TB/ @Tor @Tor @Tor
--- Moyer Blanton Bastardo/ Happ Hamels Moyer2
Pit
--- Cle Cle Cle/ KC KC KC
--- Snell Duke Ohlendorf/ Morton Maholm Snell2
StL
@NYM @NYM @NYM @NYM/ Mil Mil Mil
Wellemeyer Pineiro Thompson-6* Carpenter/ Wainwright Wellemeyer2 Pineiro2
SD
--- @Se @Se @Se/ @Tex
--- Gaudin Geer LeBlanc-7*/ Silva-8* Correia Gaudin2
Young
SF
@Oak @Oak @Oak/ --- @Mil @Mil @Mil
Sanchez Lincecum Johnson/ --- Cain Zito Sanchez2
Was
--- Bos Bos Bos/ @Bal @Bal @Bal
--- Lannan Stammen Zimmerman/ Detwiler Martis Lannan2
*-The Reds have indicated that RHP Aaron Harang would stay on an every-five-days schedule by moving ahead of RHP Johnny Cueto in their rotation.
**-RHP Brandon Backe is backe from an injury-rehab assignment and backe in the Astros’ rotation.
3*-LHP Wandy Rodriguez is another pitcher likely to move up in his team’s rotation (ahead of RHP Brian Moehler) to remain on the usual four days’ rest.
4*-The Dodgers expect LHP Eric Milton to come off the disabled list to start Friday.
5*-The Brewers optioned LHP Manny Parra to Triple-A Nashville to work on his problems, and hope those are straightened out by Saturday, when they again would need a fifth starter.
6*-RHP Brad Thompson is in the Cardinals’ rotation while RHP Kyle Lohse is on the disabled list.
7*-The Padres opted for LHP Wade LeBlanc rather than fast-tracking RHP Mat Latos to come up from the minors and pitch in their rotation while RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris R. Young are out.
8*-RHP Walter Silva also has returned from Triple-A Portland to San Diego’s rotation.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- @Fla @Fla @Fla/ Was Was Was
--- Uehara Berken Hill/ Bergesen Guthrie Uehara2
Bos
--- @Was @Was @Was/ @Atl
--- Penny Lester Smoltz*/ Beckett Wakefield Penny2
CWS
--- LAD LAD LAD/ ChC ChC ChC
--- Danks Floyd Contreras/ Richard Buehrle Danks2
Cle
--- @Pit @Pit @Pit/ Cin Cin Cin
--- Huff Pavano Lee/ Ohka Sowers Huff2
Det
--- ChC ChC ChC/ @Ho @Ho @Ho
--- Jackson Porcello Galarraga/ Figaro** Verlander Jackson2
KC
--- @Ho @Ho @Ho/ @Pit @Pit @Pit
--- Greinke Hochevar Bannister/ Meche Davies-3* Greinke2
LAA
Col Col Col/ --- @Ari @Ari @Ari
Palmer Santana Saunders/ --- Weaver Lackey Palmer2
Min
--- @Mil @Mil @Mil/ @StL @StL @StL
--- Liriano Blackburn Slowey-4*/ Baker Perkins Liriano2
NYY
--- @Atl @Atl @Atl/ @NYM @NYM @NYM
--- Wang-5* Chamberlain Pettitte/ Burnett Sabathia Wang2
Oak
SF SF SF/ --- Col Col Col
Cahill Mazzaro Outman-6*/ --- Anderson Braden Cahill2
Se
--- SD SD SD/ @LAD@LAD @LAD
--- Olson Morrow-7* Washburn/ Vargas Hernandez Olson2
TB
--- Phi Phi Phi/ Fla Fla Fla
--- Price Garza Sonnanstine/ Shields Niemann Price2
Tex
--- @Ari @Ari @Ari/ SD SD SD
--- Harrison Padilla Feldman/ Holland Millwood Harrison2
Tor
--- Cin Cin Cin/ Phi Phi Phi
--- Richmond Tallet Cecil-8*/ Romero Purcey-9* Richmond2
Cecil* Romero
*-RHP John Smoltz is scheduled to return from his injury-rehab assignment to make his first start for the Red Sox Thursday. For now, he’ll replace RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is undergoing tests to try to determine why he has pitched so poorly.
**-Tigers RHP Alfredo Figaro won his first major league start Saturday. His next turn in their rotation, with LHP Dontrelle Willis on the disabled list, would be Friday.
3*-The Royals have indicated that they would move RHP Gil Meche ahead of RHP Kyle Davies in their rotation to keep Meche on an every-five-days schedule.
4*-Lookee here! Twins RHP Kevin Slowey, our Jarrod Washburn Award winner, is tied for the major league lead with 10 wins.
5*-RHP Chien-ming Wang pitched well enough last week to hang on to his starting job. With RHP Phil Hughes available from the bullpen, expect the Yankees to keep Wang on a short leash.
6*-Athletics LHP Josh Outman left his most recent start in the second inning because of a flexor-extensor strain in his inner elbow. If he’s not physically able to make Wednesday’s start, LHP Gio Gonzalez would be recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, where he has a 2.51 ERA.
7*-RHP Brandon Morrow once again will be a starter for the Mariners. Expect him to remain in that role even after LHP Erik Bedard comes off the disabled list.
8*-As we predicted last week, LHP Brett Cecil has returned from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill one hole in the Blue Jays’ rotation with RHPs Roy Halladay and Casey Janssen joining the remainder of this year’s projected rotation on the disabled list.
9*-Toronto will have to add another minor league starter to its rotation Saturday, and LHP David Purcey is the best bet.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- Tex Tex Tex/ LAA LAA LAA
--- Scherzer Haren Garland/ Buckner Davis Scherzer2
Atl
ChC/ NYY NYY NYY/ Bos Bos Bos
Vazquez/ Hanson Kawakami Lowe/ Jurrjens Vazquez2 Hanson2
ChC
@Atl/ @Det @Det @Det/ @CWS @CWS @CWS
Dempster/ Zambrano Harden Lilly/ Wells Dempster2 Zambrano2
Cin
--- @Tor @Tor @Tor/ @Cle @Cle @Cle
--- Owings Maloney Arroyo/ Harang* Cueto Owings2
Col
@LAA @LAA @LAA/ --- @Oak @Oak @Oak
Cook Jimenez Marquis/ --- Hammel DeLaRosa Cook2
Fla
--- Bal Bal Bal/ @TB @TB @TB
--- Miller Nolasco West/ Johnson Volstad Miller2
Ho
--- KC KC KC/ Det Det Det
--- Ortiz Backe** Oswalt/ Rodriguez-3* Moehler Ortiz2
LAD
--- @CWS @CWS @CWS/ Se Se Se
--- Kuroda Wolf Billingsley/ Milton-4* Kershaw Kuroda2
Mil
--- Min Min Min/ SF SF SF
--- Suppan Looper Bush/ Gallardo Parra-5* Suppan2
NYM
StL StL StL StL/ NYY NYY NYY
Redding Hernandez Nieve Santana/ Pelfrey Redding2 Hernandez2
Phi
--- @TB @TB @TB/ @Tor @Tor @Tor
--- Moyer Blanton Bastardo/ Happ Hamels Moyer2
Pit
--- Cle Cle Cle/ KC KC KC
--- Snell Duke Ohlendorf/ Morton Maholm Snell2
StL
@NYM @NYM @NYM @NYM/ Mil Mil Mil
Wellemeyer Pineiro Thompson-6* Carpenter/ Wainwright Wellemeyer2 Pineiro2
SD
--- @Se @Se @Se/ @Tex
--- Gaudin Geer LeBlanc-7*/ Silva-8* Correia Gaudin2
Young
SF
@Oak @Oak @Oak/ --- @Mil @Mil @Mil
Sanchez Lincecum Johnson/ --- Cain Zito Sanchez2
Was
--- Bos Bos Bos/ @Bal @Bal @Bal
--- Lannan Stammen Zimmerman/ Detwiler Martis Lannan2
*-The Reds have indicated that RHP Aaron Harang would stay on an every-five-days schedule by moving ahead of RHP Johnny Cueto in their rotation.
**-RHP Brandon Backe is backe from an injury-rehab assignment and backe in the Astros’ rotation.
3*-LHP Wandy Rodriguez is another pitcher likely to move up in his team’s rotation (ahead of RHP Brian Moehler) to remain on the usual four days’ rest.
4*-The Dodgers expect LHP Eric Milton to come off the disabled list to start Friday.
5*-The Brewers optioned LHP Manny Parra to Triple-A Nashville to work on his problems, and hope those are straightened out by Saturday, when they again would need a fifth starter.
6*-RHP Brad Thompson is in the Cardinals’ rotation while RHP Kyle Lohse is on the disabled list.
7*-The Padres opted for LHP Wade LeBlanc rather than fast-tracking RHP Mat Latos to come up from the minors and pitch in their rotation while RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris R. Young are out.
8*-RHP Walter Silva also has returned from Triple-A Portland to San Diego’s rotation.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Pudge update
Omar Vizquel got another chance to set the Venezuelan hits record in the bottom of the ninth, but manager Ron Washington sent Andruw Jones up to pinch hit.
Jones struck out. He was a feel-good story when he made Texas' roster as a non-roster invitee and got off to a hot start. More recently his average has dropped below .300, .270, .260, .250 and counting down.
A note on an unsung hero who have helped the Rangers hang in first place in the AL West. Before this season, Jarrod Saltalamacchia could barely catch. Now he's blocking pitches in the dirt, and tonight he made two strong throws to keep the game tied in the ninth. Salty gunned down a runner at second base on Michael Bourn's sacrifice attempt, then caught Bourn trying to steal second.
Pudge Rodriguez had a chance to win the game in the top of the 10th after Hunter Pence's two-out double. C.J. Wilson struck out Pudge on a breaking ball that dropped out of the strike zone.
Texas won 5-4 on David Murphy's bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 10th. Astros righthander Jeff Fulchino's first pitch was a ball outside; the second was slightly closer to the plate, and Murphy reached out and missed with a weak swing. He was catching on, and on the third pitch, his butt went one way but his arms pushed his bat toward the outside of the plate and dropped a line drive down the left field line for the game winner.
Jones struck out. He was a feel-good story when he made Texas' roster as a non-roster invitee and got off to a hot start. More recently his average has dropped below .300, .270, .260, .250 and counting down.
A note on an unsung hero who have helped the Rangers hang in first place in the AL West. Before this season, Jarrod Saltalamacchia could barely catch. Now he's blocking pitches in the dirt, and tonight he made two strong throws to keep the game tied in the ninth. Salty gunned down a runner at second base on Michael Bourn's sacrifice attempt, then caught Bourn trying to steal second.
Pudge Rodriguez had a chance to win the game in the top of the 10th after Hunter Pence's two-out double. C.J. Wilson struck out Pudge on a breaking ball that dropped out of the strike zone.
Texas won 5-4 on David Murphy's bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 10th. Astros righthander Jeff Fulchino's first pitch was a ball outside; the second was slightly closer to the plate, and Murphy reached out and missed with a weak swing. He was catching on, and on the third pitch, his butt went one way but his arms pushed his bat toward the outside of the plate and dropped a line drive down the left field line for the game winner.
Pudge Factor
Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez tonight has broken the major league record for games caught.
His 2,227th game behind the plate came where it all began -- in Arlington, Texas. He caught some 1,400 games with the Texas Rangers, his original team, with assorted games for the Marlins, Tigers and Yankees before he signed with the Houston Astros for this season.
On Tuesday, Pudge tied the record of 2,226 by Carlton "Pudge" Fisk. The Hall of Famer retired after catching one game more than Bob "Not Nicknamed Pudge" Boone.
Rodriguez seems likely to join Fisk in the Hall of Fame, unless he gets caught up in steroids controversy.
In the same Astros-Rangers game tonight, Texas shortstop Omar Vizquel tied the career record for hits by a Venezuela native with his 2,677th hit. That tied the makr of another Hall of Famer, Luis Aparicio. For a guy considered a defensive whiz, one of the best ever, Vizquel has had a reasonably good hitting career for a middle infielder. There have been no hints of steroids during his career.
Vizquel missed a chance to break the record by flying out in the seventh inning to Astros right fielder Hunter Pence. But then Pence tied the game with a homer in the eighth, so Omar might have another at-bat.
His 2,227th game behind the plate came where it all began -- in Arlington, Texas. He caught some 1,400 games with the Texas Rangers, his original team, with assorted games for the Marlins, Tigers and Yankees before he signed with the Houston Astros for this season.
On Tuesday, Pudge tied the record of 2,226 by Carlton "Pudge" Fisk. The Hall of Famer retired after catching one game more than Bob "Not Nicknamed Pudge" Boone.
Rodriguez seems likely to join Fisk in the Hall of Fame, unless he gets caught up in steroids controversy.
In the same Astros-Rangers game tonight, Texas shortstop Omar Vizquel tied the career record for hits by a Venezuela native with his 2,677th hit. That tied the makr of another Hall of Famer, Luis Aparicio. For a guy considered a defensive whiz, one of the best ever, Vizquel has had a reasonably good hitting career for a middle infielder. There have been no hints of steroids during his career.
Vizquel missed a chance to break the record by flying out in the seventh inning to Astros right fielder Hunter Pence. But then Pence tied the game with a homer in the eighth, so Omar might have another at-bat.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hot and Not: Wright, contreras, Millwood en fuego
The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders during the last week. Batting averages are 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. Keep in mind players’ career performance and current-season totals even more than current trends in deciding on whether to keep those players in your lineup.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
3B David Wright, Mets 14-25 .560 1-3 4
2B/SS Alberto Callaspo, Royals 12-23 .522 2-8 0
3B/1B/C Pablo Sandoval, Giants 13-26 .500 1-3 0
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 12-25 .480 0-4 0
OF Jeremy Hermida, Marlins 11-24 .458 3-6 0
3B Chone Figgins, Angels 11-24 .458 1-4 1
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 10-22 .455 3-5 3
C Brian McCann, Braves 10-22 .455 1-7 0
2B Brian Roberts, Orioles 10-22 .455 0-3 2
2B Jose Lopez, Mariners 10-25 .400 4-9 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 10-25 .400 3-11 0
OF Alex Rios, Blue Jays 10-25 .400 1-2 5
This is Wright’s second consecutive week on the Hot list. Roberts and Kouzmanoff made significant rallies after being on the Not list a week ago.
Home runs – Lopez, Angels OF Torii Hunter and Twins OF Jason Kubel 4; Hermida, Kouzmanoff, Tulowitzki, Mariners 1B/3B Russell Branyan, Brewers OF Ryan Braun, Royals C Miguel Olivo, Rays 1B Carlos Pena, D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira, White Sox DH Jim Thome and Phillies 2B Chase Utley 3.
RBI – Kouzmanoff 11; Reynolds 9; Callaspo, Hunter, Lopez, Olivo and Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 8.
Stolen bases – Rios 5; Wright 4; Tulowitzki, Royals SS/OF Willie Bloomquist, Rays OF Gabe Gross and D-backs OF Chris B. Young 3.
Runs – Figgins and Pena 9; Braves SS Yunel Escobar and Rays 2B/OF/SS Ben Zobrist 8; Tulowitzki, Cardinals OF Rick Ankiel, Braves OF Nate McLouth and White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Jose Contreras, White Sox 16.0 0.00 2-0 0.38 11:3
RHP Dan Haren, D-backs 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 7:2
RHP Luke Hochevar, Royals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 3:1
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.78 9:1
RHP Tim Lincecum, Giants 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.89 8:1
RHP Max Scherzer, D-backs 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.52 6:1
RHP Kevin Millwood, Rangers 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.65 1:0
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 7.2 0.00 0-0 1.04 2:3
RHP Gil Meche, Royals 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 11:3
LHP Paul Maholm, Pirates 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 8:3
Verlander is on the Hot list for the second consecutive week. Millwood hasn’t given up an earned run in 14 2/3 innings during the past two weeks.
Wins – Contreras, Orioles RHP Brad Bergesen, Dodgers RHP Chad Billingsley, Giants RHP Matt Cain, Rockies RHP Jason Hammel, Phillies RHP Chan Ho Park, Red Sox RHP Takashi Saito, Angels RHP Jered Weaver and Marlins LHP Sean West.
Saves – Rockies RHP Huston Street 5-for-5; Twins RHP Joe Nathan 4-for-4; Dodgers RHP Jonathan Broxton and Pirates RHP Matt Capps 3-for-3.
This is the second week in a row that Capps has gone 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Braves RHP Javier Vazquez 12:0; Twins RHP Scott Baker 13:1; Hammel 11:1; Red Sox LHP Jon Lester 11:2; Cubs LHP Ted Lilly 10:2; Contreras and Meche 11:3; Indians LHP Cliff Lee 10:3; Cain 15:5; Marlins RHP Josh Johnson 11:4.
WHIP – Vazquez 0.25; Contreras 0.38; Haren and Hochevar 0.44; Scherzer 0.52.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
OF Willy Taveras, Reds 0-22 .000 0-0 0
C/1B Ramon Hernandez, Reds 1-21 .048 1-1 0
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2-25 .080 0-2 0
OF Vernon Wells, Blue Jays 2-24 .083 0-0 1
OF Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs 2-22 .091 0-2 0
OF Adam Jones, Orioles 2-20 .100 1-5 1
OF Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 3-25 .120 0-0 0
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 4-32 .125 1-1 0
2B Ian Kinsler, Royals 3-24 .125 0-0 0
3B/SS Michael Young, Rangers 3-24 .125 0-1 0
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 3-24 .125 1-3 1
Taveras’ week was so bad that when he did reach base he was caught stealing.
This week’s other hitless wonders are Brewers SS J.J. Hardy 0-for-19, Pirates OF Brandon Moss 0-for-13 and White Sox 3B Josh Fields and Giants 2B Emmanuel Burriss 0-for-11. Fields’ week was nearly as bad as Taveras’ because 8 of his 11 outs were strikeouts, compared to just 4 of Taveras’ 22.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rays OF B.J. Upton 1:12; Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 1-10; Rockies OF Brad Hawpe 2:10; Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 7:10.
Caught stealing – Angels 3B Chone Figgins 1-for-3.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Johan Santana, Mets 10.0 12.60 1-1 2.00 5:3
RHP Chris R. Young, Padres 7.1 12.27 0-2 2.18 1:6
RHP Bill Buckner, D-backs 10.2 11.81 0-2 1.97 10:3
LHP Brian Anderson, Athletics 9.2 10.24 0-1 2.07 11:2
RHP Derek Lowe, Braves 9.1 9.64 1-1 2.04 4:4
LHP Dontrelle Willis, Tigers 8.2 9.35 0-1 2.77 4:13
LHP Jason Vargas, Mariners 10.1 8.71 0-2 2.13 8:3
RHP Brian Moehler, Astros 9.0 8.00 1-1 2.00 5:4
LHP J.A. Happ, Phillies 11.0 7.36 0-0 2.09 7:10
RHP Armando Galarraga, Tigers 8.2 7.27 0-1 2.31 3:5
Losses – Nationals LHP Ron Villone 3; Anderson, Buckner, Vargas, Young, D-backs RHP Jon Garland, White Sox RHP Scott Linebrink and Mets RHP Bobby Parnell 2.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
3B David Wright, Mets 14-25 .560 1-3 4
2B/SS Alberto Callaspo, Royals 12-23 .522 2-8 0
3B/1B/C Pablo Sandoval, Giants 13-26 .500 1-3 0
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners 12-25 .480 0-4 0
OF Jeremy Hermida, Marlins 11-24 .458 3-6 0
3B Chone Figgins, Angels 11-24 .458 1-4 1
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 10-22 .455 3-5 3
C Brian McCann, Braves 10-22 .455 1-7 0
2B Brian Roberts, Orioles 10-22 .455 0-3 2
2B Jose Lopez, Mariners 10-25 .400 4-9 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 10-25 .400 3-11 0
OF Alex Rios, Blue Jays 10-25 .400 1-2 5
This is Wright’s second consecutive week on the Hot list. Roberts and Kouzmanoff made significant rallies after being on the Not list a week ago.
Home runs – Lopez, Angels OF Torii Hunter and Twins OF Jason Kubel 4; Hermida, Kouzmanoff, Tulowitzki, Mariners 1B/3B Russell Branyan, Brewers OF Ryan Braun, Royals C Miguel Olivo, Rays 1B Carlos Pena, D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira, White Sox DH Jim Thome and Phillies 2B Chase Utley 3.
RBI – Kouzmanoff 11; Reynolds 9; Callaspo, Hunter, Lopez, Olivo and Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 8.
Stolen bases – Rios 5; Wright 4; Tulowitzki, Royals SS/OF Willie Bloomquist, Rays OF Gabe Gross and D-backs OF Chris B. Young 3.
Runs – Figgins and Pena 9; Braves SS Yunel Escobar and Rays 2B/OF/SS Ben Zobrist 8; Tulowitzki, Cardinals OF Rick Ankiel, Braves OF Nate McLouth and White Sox SS/2B Alexei Ramirez 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Jose Contreras, White Sox 16.0 0.00 2-0 0.38 11:3
RHP Dan Haren, D-backs 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 7:2
RHP Luke Hochevar, Royals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.44 3:1
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.78 9:1
RHP Tim Lincecum, Giants 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.89 8:1
RHP Max Scherzer, D-backs 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.52 6:1
RHP Kevin Millwood, Rangers 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.65 1:0
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 7.2 0.00 0-0 1.04 2:3
RHP Gil Meche, Royals 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 11:3
LHP Paul Maholm, Pirates 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 8:3
Verlander is on the Hot list for the second consecutive week. Millwood hasn’t given up an earned run in 14 2/3 innings during the past two weeks.
Wins – Contreras, Orioles RHP Brad Bergesen, Dodgers RHP Chad Billingsley, Giants RHP Matt Cain, Rockies RHP Jason Hammel, Phillies RHP Chan Ho Park, Red Sox RHP Takashi Saito, Angels RHP Jered Weaver and Marlins LHP Sean West.
Saves – Rockies RHP Huston Street 5-for-5; Twins RHP Joe Nathan 4-for-4; Dodgers RHP Jonathan Broxton and Pirates RHP Matt Capps 3-for-3.
This is the second week in a row that Capps has gone 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Braves RHP Javier Vazquez 12:0; Twins RHP Scott Baker 13:1; Hammel 11:1; Red Sox LHP Jon Lester 11:2; Cubs LHP Ted Lilly 10:2; Contreras and Meche 11:3; Indians LHP Cliff Lee 10:3; Cain 15:5; Marlins RHP Josh Johnson 11:4.
WHIP – Vazquez 0.25; Contreras 0.38; Haren and Hochevar 0.44; Scherzer 0.52.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
OF Willy Taveras, Reds 0-22 .000 0-0 0
C/1B Ramon Hernandez, Reds 1-21 .048 1-1 0
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2-25 .080 0-2 0
OF Vernon Wells, Blue Jays 2-24 .083 0-0 1
OF Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs 2-22 .091 0-2 0
OF Adam Jones, Orioles 2-20 .100 1-5 1
OF Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 3-25 .120 0-0 0
1B/3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 4-32 .125 1-1 0
2B Ian Kinsler, Royals 3-24 .125 0-0 0
3B/SS Michael Young, Rangers 3-24 .125 0-1 0
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 3-24 .125 1-3 1
Taveras’ week was so bad that when he did reach base he was caught stealing.
This week’s other hitless wonders are Brewers SS J.J. Hardy 0-for-19, Pirates OF Brandon Moss 0-for-13 and White Sox 3B Josh Fields and Giants 2B Emmanuel Burriss 0-for-11. Fields’ week was nearly as bad as Taveras’ because 8 of his 11 outs were strikeouts, compared to just 4 of Taveras’ 22.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rays OF B.J. Upton 1:12; Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 1-10; Rockies OF Brad Hawpe 2:10; Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 7:10.
Caught stealing – Angels 3B Chone Figgins 1-for-3.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Johan Santana, Mets 10.0 12.60 1-1 2.00 5:3
RHP Chris R. Young, Padres 7.1 12.27 0-2 2.18 1:6
RHP Bill Buckner, D-backs 10.2 11.81 0-2 1.97 10:3
LHP Brian Anderson, Athletics 9.2 10.24 0-1 2.07 11:2
RHP Derek Lowe, Braves 9.1 9.64 1-1 2.04 4:4
LHP Dontrelle Willis, Tigers 8.2 9.35 0-1 2.77 4:13
LHP Jason Vargas, Mariners 10.1 8.71 0-2 2.13 8:3
RHP Brian Moehler, Astros 9.0 8.00 1-1 2.00 5:4
LHP J.A. Happ, Phillies 11.0 7.36 0-0 2.09 7:10
RHP Armando Galarraga, Tigers 8.2 7.27 0-1 2.31 3:5
Losses – Nationals LHP Ron Villone 3; Anderson, Buckner, Vargas, Young, D-backs RHP Jon Garland, White Sox RHP Scott Linebrink and Mets RHP Bobby Parnell 2.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hitters ready to feast this week
No team will have an advantage in games played this week. Every team is scheduled to play six games. All of those will be interleague games except for the Braves’ series at Cincinnati Tuesday-Thursday and the Pirates at Colorado Friday-Sunday.
Instead, the advantage generally will be with batters, and it should be a big advantage. Nine teams would play all six games at home. Of the nine home parks in play all week, four of them are among the nine best hitters’ parks in the majors. Seven of the nine home teams play in the top half of hitters’ parks. Two of the six best pitchers’ parks will be in play: at Minnesota (Pirates and Astros three games each) and San Diego (Mariners and Athletics).
The week’s very best hitters’ park could be at Boston (Marlins and Braves), because designated hitters will be used there. However, Fenway Park could have competition for the top scoring spot from parks at Cincinnati (Braves and White Sox), Colorado (Rays and Pirates) and Wrigley Field (White Sox and Indians). Note that Braves and White Sox batters could do well (and pitchers not so well) because they’ll be playing in hitters’ parks all week.
Other parks favoring hitters this week will be at Kansas City (Diamondbacks and Cardinals), Philadelphia (Blue Jays and Orioles) and San Francisco (Angels and Rangers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Tim Wakefield, Gil Meche, Carlos Zambrano, Aaron Harang and Kevin Correia, and LHPs Glen Perkins, Jorge DeLaRosa, Cole Hamels and Barry Zito.
As I said, it’s not likely to be a good week for pitchers, but I have to have a highest recommendation. Hamels is that man. And if you’re willing to go out on a shaky limb, try DeLaRosa as a live longshot.
Instead, the advantage generally will be with batters, and it should be a big advantage. Nine teams would play all six games at home. Of the nine home parks in play all week, four of them are among the nine best hitters’ parks in the majors. Seven of the nine home teams play in the top half of hitters’ parks. Two of the six best pitchers’ parks will be in play: at Minnesota (Pirates and Astros three games each) and San Diego (Mariners and Athletics).
The week’s very best hitters’ park could be at Boston (Marlins and Braves), because designated hitters will be used there. However, Fenway Park could have competition for the top scoring spot from parks at Cincinnati (Braves and White Sox), Colorado (Rays and Pirates) and Wrigley Field (White Sox and Indians). Note that Braves and White Sox batters could do well (and pitchers not so well) because they’ll be playing in hitters’ parks all week.
Other parks favoring hitters this week will be at Kansas City (Diamondbacks and Cardinals), Philadelphia (Blue Jays and Orioles) and San Francisco (Angels and Rangers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Tim Wakefield, Gil Meche, Carlos Zambrano, Aaron Harang and Kevin Correia, and LHPs Glen Perkins, Jorge DeLaRosa, Cole Hamels and Barry Zito.
As I said, it’s not likely to be a good week for pitchers, but I have to have a highest recommendation. Hamels is that man. And if you’re willing to go out on a shaky limb, try DeLaRosa as a live longshot.
Pitching chart, June 15-21, 2009
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- NYM NYM NYM/ @Phi @Phi @Phi
--- Guthrie Uehara Berken/ Hill Bergesen Guthrie2
Bos
--- Fla Fla Fla/ Atl Atl Atl
--- Wakefield Penny Lester/ Matsuzaka* Beckett Wakefield2
CWS
--- @ChC @ChC @ChC/ @Cin @Cin @Cin
--- Danks Floyd Contreras/ Richard Buehrle Danks2
Cle
Mil Mil Mil/ --- @ChC @ChC @ChC
Pavano Sowers Huff/ --- Lee Pavano2 Sowers2
Det
--- @StL @StL @StL/ Mil Mil Mil
--- Verlander Jackson Porcello/ Galarraga Willis Verlander2
KC
--- Ari Ari Ari/ StL StL StL
--- Meche Greinke Hochevar/ Davies Bannister Meche2
LAA
@SF @SF @SF/ --- LAD LAD LAD
Lackey Santana Palmer**/ --- Saunders Weaver Lackey2
Min
--- Pit Pit Pit/ Ho Ho Ho
--- Perkins-3* Liriano Blackburn/ Slowey Baker Perkins2
NYY
--- Was Was Was/ @Fla @Fla @Fla
--- Sabathia Wang-4* Chamberlain/ Pettitte Burnett Sabathia2
Oak
--- @LAD @LAD @LAD/ @SD @SD @SD
--- Braden Cahill Mazzaro/ Outman Anderson Braden2
Se
--- @SD @SD @SD/ Ari Ari Ari
--- Hernandez Olson Washburn/ Bedard-5* Vargas Hernandez2
TB
--- @Col @Col @Col/ @NYM @NYM @NYM
--- Niemann Price Garza/ Sonnanstine Shields Niemann2
Tex
--- Ho Ho Ho/ @SF @SF @SF
--- Millwood Harrison-6* Padilla/ Feldman Holland Millwood2
Tor
--- @Phi @Phi @Phi/ @Was @Was @Was
--- Romero Richmond-7* Janssen/ Tallet Cecil-8* Romero2
*-It would be RHP Diasuke Matsuzaka’s turn to start Friday, but he has been struggling even since coming off the disabled list. RHP John Smoltz could return from his injury-rehab start to pitch for Boston, but it’s more likely he would pitch again for Triple-A Pawtucket. Other possibilities are for the Red Sox to trade RHP Brad Penny, who is in demand by the Phillies and other teams, or for them to go with a six-man rotation.
**-RHP Ervin Santana returned from the disabled list to make one start, but the Angels are sending him to the bullpen and reinstating undefeated RHP Matt Palmer to their rotation.
3*-Twins LHP Glen Perkins is returning from the DL to start Tuesday’s game, with RHP Anthony Swarzak returning to Triple-A Rochester despite pitching seven scoreless innings for Minnesota Saturday.
4*-RHP Chien-ming Wang could be pitching to keep his place in the rotation Wednesday. If he fails again, the Yankees could reinstate RHP Phil Hughes as a starter.
5*-The Mariners skipped LHP Eric Bedard’s start Saturday because of his sore shoulder. He’s expected back to start Friday. If he couldn’t, RHP Brandon Morrow, who’s moving back to being a starter, would pitch again in Bedard’s place.
6*-Rangers LHP Matt Harrison is coming off the disabled list after two injury-rehab starts. He’ll be replacing RHP Brandon McCarthy, who went on the DL because of a stress fracture in his shoulder blade.
7*-Wednesday’s rainout allowed the Blue Jays to skip RHP Scott Richmond in their rotation, but he’s expected to be back in to start this Wednesday.
8*-Toronto RHP Roy Halladay left Friday’s start because of a groin injury. He’ll be pushed back at least until Saturday. If he couldn’t pitch, the most likely replacement would be to bring LHP Brett Cecil back from Triple-A Las Vegas. For Halladay to pitch, “He’ll have to convince me he’s OK,” manager Cito Gaston said.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- @KC @KC @KC/ @Se @Se @Se
--- Davis Scherzer Haren/ Garland Buckner Davis
Atl
--- @Cin @Cin @Cin/ @Bos @Bos @Bos
--- Jurrjens Vazquez Hanson/ Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens2
ChC
--- CWS CWS CWS/ Cle Cle Cle
--- Zambrano Wells Dempster/ Harden* Lilly Zambrano2
Cin
--- Atl Atl Atl/ CWS CWS CWS
--- Harang Owings Maloney/ Arroyo Cueto Harang2
Col
--- TB TB TB/ Pit Pit Pit
--- DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez/ Marquis Hammel DeLaRosa
Fla
--- @Bos @Bos @Bos/ NYY NYY NYY
--- Volstad Miller Nolasco/ West Johnson Volstad2
Ho
--- @Tex @Tex @Tex/ @Min @Min @Min
--- Rodriguez Ortiz** Hampton/ Oswalt Moehler Rodriguez2
LAD
--- Oak Oak Oak/ @LAA @LAA @LAA
--- Kershaw Kuroda Wolf/ Billingsley Weaver-3* Kershaw2
Mil
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ --- @Det @Det @Det
Bush Gallardo Suppan/ --- Looper-4* Bush2 Gallardo2
NYM
--- @Bal @Bal @Bal/ TB TB TB
--- Pelfrey Redding Hernandez/ Nieve-5* Santana Pelfrey2
Phi
--- Tor Tor Tor/ Bal Bal Bal
--- Hamels Moyer Blanton/ Bastardo Happ Hamels2
Pit
--- @Min @Min @Min/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Morton-6* Maholm Snell/ Duke Ohlendorf Morton2
StL
--- Det Det Det/ @KC @KC @KC
--- Wainwright Wellemeyer Pineiro/ Thompson Carpenter Wainwright2
SD
--- Se Se Se/ Oak Oak Oak
--- Correia Gaudin Geer/ Young Latos-7* Correia2
SF
LAA LAA LAA/ --- Tex Tex Tex
Zito Sanchez Lincecum/ --- Johnson Cain Zito2
Was
--- @NYY @NYY @NYY/ Tor Tor Tor
--- Martis Lannan Stammen/ Zimmerman Detwiler Martis2
*-Cubs RHP Rich Harden returned from the disabled list to start Saturday. His next turn would come up Friday.
**-With RHP Felipe Paulino going on the disabled list, RHP Russ Ortiz has regained his place in the Astros’ rotation. He started Thursday’s game, and would be in line to pitch again Wednesday.
3*-The Dodgers will need a fifth starter Saturday. With LHPs Eric Stults and Eric Milton on the DL, the most likely candidate would be RHP Jeff Weaver.
4*-The Brewers are skipping LHP Manny Parra’s turn in their rotation, so RHP Braden Looper would move ahead to start Friday on his usual four days’ rest.
5*-RHP Fernando Nieve made his first start for the Mets Saturday and defeated the Yankees. His next start would come up Friday.
6*-RHP Charlie Morton, acquired from Atlanta in the Nate McLouth trade, pitched only one inning Wednesday in his debut with the Pirates. Pittsburgh feels the hamstring injury that sidelined him has healed sufficiently to allow him to start Monday.
7*-The Padres will have to find a starter to replace RHP Jake Peavy, who could miss up to two months because of an ankle injury. RHP Mat Latos, who is 6-0 between high Class A and Double-A San Antonio this season, would be on his regular rest if he pitched Saturday. Other possibilities are LHP Wade LeBlanc and RHP Walter Silva from Triple-A Portland.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- NYM NYM NYM/ @Phi @Phi @Phi
--- Guthrie Uehara Berken/ Hill Bergesen Guthrie2
Bos
--- Fla Fla Fla/ Atl Atl Atl
--- Wakefield Penny Lester/ Matsuzaka* Beckett Wakefield2
CWS
--- @ChC @ChC @ChC/ @Cin @Cin @Cin
--- Danks Floyd Contreras/ Richard Buehrle Danks2
Cle
Mil Mil Mil/ --- @ChC @ChC @ChC
Pavano Sowers Huff/ --- Lee Pavano2 Sowers2
Det
--- @StL @StL @StL/ Mil Mil Mil
--- Verlander Jackson Porcello/ Galarraga Willis Verlander2
KC
--- Ari Ari Ari/ StL StL StL
--- Meche Greinke Hochevar/ Davies Bannister Meche2
LAA
@SF @SF @SF/ --- LAD LAD LAD
Lackey Santana Palmer**/ --- Saunders Weaver Lackey2
Min
--- Pit Pit Pit/ Ho Ho Ho
--- Perkins-3* Liriano Blackburn/ Slowey Baker Perkins2
NYY
--- Was Was Was/ @Fla @Fla @Fla
--- Sabathia Wang-4* Chamberlain/ Pettitte Burnett Sabathia2
Oak
--- @LAD @LAD @LAD/ @SD @SD @SD
--- Braden Cahill Mazzaro/ Outman Anderson Braden2
Se
--- @SD @SD @SD/ Ari Ari Ari
--- Hernandez Olson Washburn/ Bedard-5* Vargas Hernandez2
TB
--- @Col @Col @Col/ @NYM @NYM @NYM
--- Niemann Price Garza/ Sonnanstine Shields Niemann2
Tex
--- Ho Ho Ho/ @SF @SF @SF
--- Millwood Harrison-6* Padilla/ Feldman Holland Millwood2
Tor
--- @Phi @Phi @Phi/ @Was @Was @Was
--- Romero Richmond-7* Janssen/ Tallet Cecil-8* Romero2
*-It would be RHP Diasuke Matsuzaka’s turn to start Friday, but he has been struggling even since coming off the disabled list. RHP John Smoltz could return from his injury-rehab start to pitch for Boston, but it’s more likely he would pitch again for Triple-A Pawtucket. Other possibilities are for the Red Sox to trade RHP Brad Penny, who is in demand by the Phillies and other teams, or for them to go with a six-man rotation.
**-RHP Ervin Santana returned from the disabled list to make one start, but the Angels are sending him to the bullpen and reinstating undefeated RHP Matt Palmer to their rotation.
3*-Twins LHP Glen Perkins is returning from the DL to start Tuesday’s game, with RHP Anthony Swarzak returning to Triple-A Rochester despite pitching seven scoreless innings for Minnesota Saturday.
4*-RHP Chien-ming Wang could be pitching to keep his place in the rotation Wednesday. If he fails again, the Yankees could reinstate RHP Phil Hughes as a starter.
5*-The Mariners skipped LHP Eric Bedard’s start Saturday because of his sore shoulder. He’s expected back to start Friday. If he couldn’t, RHP Brandon Morrow, who’s moving back to being a starter, would pitch again in Bedard’s place.
6*-Rangers LHP Matt Harrison is coming off the disabled list after two injury-rehab starts. He’ll be replacing RHP Brandon McCarthy, who went on the DL because of a stress fracture in his shoulder blade.
7*-Wednesday’s rainout allowed the Blue Jays to skip RHP Scott Richmond in their rotation, but he’s expected to be back in to start this Wednesday.
8*-Toronto RHP Roy Halladay left Friday’s start because of a groin injury. He’ll be pushed back at least until Saturday. If he couldn’t pitch, the most likely replacement would be to bring LHP Brett Cecil back from Triple-A Las Vegas. For Halladay to pitch, “He’ll have to convince me he’s OK,” manager Cito Gaston said.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
--- @KC @KC @KC/ @Se @Se @Se
--- Davis Scherzer Haren/ Garland Buckner Davis
Atl
--- @Cin @Cin @Cin/ @Bos @Bos @Bos
--- Jurrjens Vazquez Hanson/ Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens2
ChC
--- CWS CWS CWS/ Cle Cle Cle
--- Zambrano Wells Dempster/ Harden* Lilly Zambrano2
Cin
--- Atl Atl Atl/ CWS CWS CWS
--- Harang Owings Maloney/ Arroyo Cueto Harang2
Col
--- TB TB TB/ Pit Pit Pit
--- DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez/ Marquis Hammel DeLaRosa
Fla
--- @Bos @Bos @Bos/ NYY NYY NYY
--- Volstad Miller Nolasco/ West Johnson Volstad2
Ho
--- @Tex @Tex @Tex/ @Min @Min @Min
--- Rodriguez Ortiz** Hampton/ Oswalt Moehler Rodriguez2
LAD
--- Oak Oak Oak/ @LAA @LAA @LAA
--- Kershaw Kuroda Wolf/ Billingsley Weaver-3* Kershaw2
Mil
@Cle @Cle @Cle/ --- @Det @Det @Det
Bush Gallardo Suppan/ --- Looper-4* Bush2 Gallardo2
NYM
--- @Bal @Bal @Bal/ TB TB TB
--- Pelfrey Redding Hernandez/ Nieve-5* Santana Pelfrey2
Phi
--- Tor Tor Tor/ Bal Bal Bal
--- Hamels Moyer Blanton/ Bastardo Happ Hamels2
Pit
--- @Min @Min @Min/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Morton-6* Maholm Snell/ Duke Ohlendorf Morton2
StL
--- Det Det Det/ @KC @KC @KC
--- Wainwright Wellemeyer Pineiro/ Thompson Carpenter Wainwright2
SD
--- Se Se Se/ Oak Oak Oak
--- Correia Gaudin Geer/ Young Latos-7* Correia2
SF
LAA LAA LAA/ --- Tex Tex Tex
Zito Sanchez Lincecum/ --- Johnson Cain Zito2
Was
--- @NYY @NYY @NYY/ Tor Tor Tor
--- Martis Lannan Stammen/ Zimmerman Detwiler Martis2
*-Cubs RHP Rich Harden returned from the disabled list to start Saturday. His next turn would come up Friday.
**-With RHP Felipe Paulino going on the disabled list, RHP Russ Ortiz has regained his place in the Astros’ rotation. He started Thursday’s game, and would be in line to pitch again Wednesday.
3*-The Dodgers will need a fifth starter Saturday. With LHPs Eric Stults and Eric Milton on the DL, the most likely candidate would be RHP Jeff Weaver.
4*-The Brewers are skipping LHP Manny Parra’s turn in their rotation, so RHP Braden Looper would move ahead to start Friday on his usual four days’ rest.
5*-RHP Fernando Nieve made his first start for the Mets Saturday and defeated the Yankees. His next start would come up Friday.
6*-RHP Charlie Morton, acquired from Atlanta in the Nate McLouth trade, pitched only one inning Wednesday in his debut with the Pirates. Pittsburgh feels the hamstring injury that sidelined him has healed sufficiently to allow him to start Monday.
7*-The Padres will have to find a starter to replace RHP Jake Peavy, who could miss up to two months because of an ankle injury. RHP Mat Latos, who is 6-0 between high Class A and Double-A San Antonio this season, would be on his regular rest if he pitched Saturday. Other possibilities are LHP Wade LeBlanc and RHP Walter Silva from Triple-A Portland.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Shakespeare weighs in on steroids, Ibanez
Jerod Morris in the Midwest Sports Fans blog had the audacity to wonder whether people would think Raul Ibanez has been aided by performance-enhancing drugs in his one-third of a career year at age 37.
Putting Ibanez's name in the same headline as "steroids" called the blog post to the attention of someone in Philadelphia. That someone might or might not have been Ibanez himself, but he spoke out on how he would bring legal action against anyone who slandered or defamed him, and was willing to undergo drug testing.
Here's a quote from a Philadelphia Inquirer article by Jim Salisbury:
"You can have my urine, my hair, my blood, my stool - anything you can test," Ibanez said. "I'll give you back every dime I've ever made" if the test is positive.
Here's where I stand. I admire Ibanez as a player. He's not going to help a team much in left field, but he is (and has been) a steady run producer. He plays almost every day, and seems to be a stand-up guy from the limited exposure I've had to him. But is Ibanez a guy who should all of a sudden be on pace to hit 50 home runs, or is he a latter-day Brady Anderson or Luis Gonzalez?
The most disappointing thing about Ibanez's comments is that they're cheap and meaningless. I'll stop short of calling them gutless. But he knows the Players' Association would never let any player undergo testing to prove a point. We saw that when Rick Reilly challenged Sammy Sosa a few years ago by actually bringing a specimen cup out to batting practice.
I also won't quote Act 5 of Macbeth by saying Ibanez's comments were "a tale told by an idiot," but those words are "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
To quote Act 3 of Hamlet, Ibanez "doth protest too much, methinks."
Or perhaps he simply misremembers.
Putting Ibanez's name in the same headline as "steroids" called the blog post to the attention of someone in Philadelphia. That someone might or might not have been Ibanez himself, but he spoke out on how he would bring legal action against anyone who slandered or defamed him, and was willing to undergo drug testing.
Here's a quote from a Philadelphia Inquirer article by Jim Salisbury:
"You can have my urine, my hair, my blood, my stool - anything you can test," Ibanez said. "I'll give you back every dime I've ever made" if the test is positive.
Here's where I stand. I admire Ibanez as a player. He's not going to help a team much in left field, but he is (and has been) a steady run producer. He plays almost every day, and seems to be a stand-up guy from the limited exposure I've had to him. But is Ibanez a guy who should all of a sudden be on pace to hit 50 home runs, or is he a latter-day Brady Anderson or Luis Gonzalez?
The most disappointing thing about Ibanez's comments is that they're cheap and meaningless. I'll stop short of calling them gutless. But he knows the Players' Association would never let any player undergo testing to prove a point. We saw that when Rick Reilly challenged Sammy Sosa a few years ago by actually bringing a specimen cup out to batting practice.
I also won't quote Act 5 of Macbeth by saying Ibanez's comments were "a tale told by an idiot," but those words are "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
To quote Act 3 of Hamlet, Ibanez "doth protest too much, methinks."
Or perhaps he simply misremembers.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ian Stewart, Triple Crown winner-plus
The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders during the last week. Batting averages are 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. Keep in mind players’ career performance and current-season totals even more than current trends in deciding on whether to keep those players in your lineup.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B/3B Ian Stewart, Rockies 12-25 .480 4-12 0
OF Aaron Rowand, Giants 12-25 .480 1-5 1
OF Adam Lind, Blue Jays 12-24 .480 1-1 1
1B Prince Fielder, Brewers 12-26 .462 3-6 0
3B David Wright, Mets 9-20 .450 0-4 2
2B/SS Clint Barmes, Rockies 13-31 .419 1-7 0
OF Matt Holliday, Athletics 10-24 .417 0-1 1
2B/3B Jamey Carroll, Indians 10-24 .417 0-5 0
SS Stephen Drew, D-backs 10-24 .417 0-1 1
OF Carlos Lee, Astros 11-27 .407 2-9 0
Drew’s brother, Red Sox OF J.D. Drew, also batted .417 but in just 12 at-bats.
Lind has continued his hot hitting with three homers and six runs batted in Monday and Tuesday.
Home runs – Stewart 4; Fielder, Dodgers OF Andre Ethier, Indians C/1B Victor Martinez and Reds OF Laynce Nix 3.
RBI – Stewart 12; Holliday, Lee and Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols 9; Nix, Phillies OF Raul Ibanez, Pirates C Jason Jaramillo and Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay 8.
Thus, Stewart wins the Triple Crown for June 1-7. Overbay drove in those runs in just 15 at-bats, during which he batted .533. He now has stretched his hitting streak to 15 games.
Stolen bases – Rays OF Carl Crawford 4; Astros OF Michael Bourn, Indians OF Shin-soo Choo and Dodgers OF Juan Pierre 3.
Runs – Stewart 9; Fielder, Holliday, Astros OF Hunter Pence and Pirates 3B Andy LaRoche 7.
Make that a Quadruple Crown for Stewart.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Vin Mazzaro, Athletics 13.2 0.00 2-0 0.88 5:4
RHP Jeff Niemann, Rays 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.33 9:1
LHP Cole Hamels, Phillies 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 5:0
RHP Carl Pavano, Indians 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 6:2
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.78 2:3
RHP Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.75 6:4
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 8.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 7:4
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.52 9:2
RHP Burke Badenhop, Marlins 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.41 2:2
RHP Russ Ortiz, Astros 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.95 5:1
Few pitchers have broken into the majors with two starts as good as Mazzaro’s. One sign that he wouldn’t continue to be dominant is his strikeout/walk ratio. I’ve seen him and Brett Anderson and Tim Cahill. Of the three Athletics rookies, Mazzaro is the least impressive, but he could be one of those pitchers who gets by on guile more than power and he could be very effective.
By the way, Anderson, Phillies LHP J.A. Happ and Rangers RHP Kevin Millwood also had 0.00 ERAs in a good week for pitchers, but in just 7.0 innings. I predicted the good week for pitchers in the June 1 blog post cleverly titled, “Good week for pitchers.”
This is Gallardo’s second consecutive week on the Hot list, indicating that he could be realizing his potential. Lannan was on last week’s Not list. Beckett continued to pitch well in Tuesday’s two-hit shutout of the Yankees.
Wins – Mazzaro, Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo, Mariners LHP Erik Bedard and Blue Jays RHP Roy Halladay 2. Bastardo also broke into the majors with a bang in his first two starts. Bedard’s pitching made him even more attractive to teams trying to trade for him – and for Seattle to receive greater value in return for him.
Saves – Pirates RHP Matt Capps and Giants RHP Brian Wilson 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Halladay 20:1; Astros RHP Felipe Paulino 11:1; Twins RHP Scott Baker 10:1; D-backs RHP Dan Haren 12:2; Red Sox LHP Jon Lester 11:2; Phillies RHP Joe Blanton and Angels RHP Jered Weaver 10:2; White Sox RHP Gavin Floyd 15:4; Rockies RHP Ubaldo Jimenez 13:5.
WHIP – Niemann and Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 0.33; Badenhop 0.41; Lester 0.44; Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmermann 0.50.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B Aaron Hill, Blue Jays 1-20 .050 1-3 0
2B Brian Roberts, Orioles 2-22 .091 0-0 0
OF Clete Thomas, Tigers 2-20 .100 1-4 0
OF Jay Bruce, Reds 2-20 .100 0-0 0
SS/3B Alex Gonzalez, Reds 3-22 .136 0-0 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 3-22 .136 1-1 0
SS/3B Jhonny Peralta, Indians 3-22 .136 1-3 0
2B Kelly Johnson, Braves 3-21 .143 0-1 0
2B Emmanuel Burriss, Giants 3-21 .143 0-1 0
2B Orlando Hudson, Dodgers 3-21 .143 0-2 0
It was a bad week for second basemen, who made up half of this list. Thomas finished the week with a grand slam that put away a win for Detroit.
This week’s hitless wonders are Dodgers 3B/2B Mark Loretta 0-for-14; Padres SS Josh Wilson and White Sox OF Brian Anderson 0-for-12; White Sox 3B Gordon Beckham 0-for-10. Wilson also was the losing pitcher in an 18-inning game.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 4:10; D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds 6:11.
Caught stealing – Rays SS Reid Brignac and Tigers 3B/C/OF Brandon Inge 0-for-2; Angels 3B Chone Figgins, Padres OF Anthony Gwynn and Cubs SS Ryan Theriot 1-for-3; Rays OF Carl Crawford 4-for-6.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Manny Parra, Brewers 9.2 13.97 0-1 2.38 9:4
LHP Randy Wolf, Dodgers 12.1 8.03 0-1 1.46 5:3
LHP Joe Saunders, Angels 11.1 7.94 0-1 1.85 9:5
RHP Vicente Padilla, Rangers 10.2 7.59 1-1 1.78 5:8
RHP Craig Stammen, Nationals 11.0 7.36 0-1 1.45 3:3
RHP Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals 12.0 6.75 0-2 1.33 10:5
RHP Rick Porcello, Tigers 9.1 6.75 0-1 1.82 4:4
LHP David Huff, Indians 10.0 6.30 1-1 1.60 8:3
RHP Bartolo Colon, White Sox 10.1 6.10 0-2 1.74 7:4
RHP Ian Snell, Pirates 12.0 6.00 0-0 1.67 5:6
Losses – Colon, Wellemeyer, Royals RHP Kyle Davies and D-backs LHP Daniel Schlereth 2.
Blown saves – Schlereth 0-for-2; Rays LHP J.P. Howell and Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 1-for-3. This week, Schlereth has been optioned to Triple-A Reno and Lidge has gone on the disabled list.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B/3B Ian Stewart, Rockies 12-25 .480 4-12 0
OF Aaron Rowand, Giants 12-25 .480 1-5 1
OF Adam Lind, Blue Jays 12-24 .480 1-1 1
1B Prince Fielder, Brewers 12-26 .462 3-6 0
3B David Wright, Mets 9-20 .450 0-4 2
2B/SS Clint Barmes, Rockies 13-31 .419 1-7 0
OF Matt Holliday, Athletics 10-24 .417 0-1 1
2B/3B Jamey Carroll, Indians 10-24 .417 0-5 0
SS Stephen Drew, D-backs 10-24 .417 0-1 1
OF Carlos Lee, Astros 11-27 .407 2-9 0
Drew’s brother, Red Sox OF J.D. Drew, also batted .417 but in just 12 at-bats.
Lind has continued his hot hitting with three homers and six runs batted in Monday and Tuesday.
Home runs – Stewart 4; Fielder, Dodgers OF Andre Ethier, Indians C/1B Victor Martinez and Reds OF Laynce Nix 3.
RBI – Stewart 12; Holliday, Lee and Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols 9; Nix, Phillies OF Raul Ibanez, Pirates C Jason Jaramillo and Blue Jays 1B Lyle Overbay 8.
Thus, Stewart wins the Triple Crown for June 1-7. Overbay drove in those runs in just 15 at-bats, during which he batted .533. He now has stretched his hitting streak to 15 games.
Stolen bases – Rays OF Carl Crawford 4; Astros OF Michael Bourn, Indians OF Shin-soo Choo and Dodgers OF Juan Pierre 3.
Runs – Stewart 9; Fielder, Holliday, Astros OF Hunter Pence and Pirates 3B Andy LaRoche 7.
Make that a Quadruple Crown for Stewart.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Vin Mazzaro, Athletics 13.2 0.00 2-0 0.88 5:4
RHP Jeff Niemann, Rays 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.33 9:1
LHP Cole Hamels, Phillies 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 5:0
RHP Carl Pavano, Indians 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 6:2
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.78 2:3
RHP Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.75 6:4
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 8.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 7:4
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.52 9:2
RHP Burke Badenhop, Marlins 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.41 2:2
RHP Russ Ortiz, Astros 7.1 0.00 1-0 0.95 5:1
Few pitchers have broken into the majors with two starts as good as Mazzaro’s. One sign that he wouldn’t continue to be dominant is his strikeout/walk ratio. I’ve seen him and Brett Anderson and Tim Cahill. Of the three Athletics rookies, Mazzaro is the least impressive, but he could be one of those pitchers who gets by on guile more than power and he could be very effective.
By the way, Anderson, Phillies LHP J.A. Happ and Rangers RHP Kevin Millwood also had 0.00 ERAs in a good week for pitchers, but in just 7.0 innings. I predicted the good week for pitchers in the June 1 blog post cleverly titled, “Good week for pitchers.”
This is Gallardo’s second consecutive week on the Hot list, indicating that he could be realizing his potential. Lannan was on last week’s Not list. Beckett continued to pitch well in Tuesday’s two-hit shutout of the Yankees.
Wins – Mazzaro, Phillies LHP Antonio Bastardo, Mariners LHP Erik Bedard and Blue Jays RHP Roy Halladay 2. Bastardo also broke into the majors with a bang in his first two starts. Bedard’s pitching made him even more attractive to teams trying to trade for him – and for Seattle to receive greater value in return for him.
Saves – Pirates RHP Matt Capps and Giants RHP Brian Wilson 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Halladay 20:1; Astros RHP Felipe Paulino 11:1; Twins RHP Scott Baker 10:1; D-backs RHP Dan Haren 12:2; Red Sox LHP Jon Lester 11:2; Phillies RHP Joe Blanton and Angels RHP Jered Weaver 10:2; White Sox RHP Gavin Floyd 15:4; Rockies RHP Ubaldo Jimenez 13:5.
WHIP – Niemann and Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 0.33; Badenhop 0.41; Lester 0.44; Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmermann 0.50.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B Aaron Hill, Blue Jays 1-20 .050 1-3 0
2B Brian Roberts, Orioles 2-22 .091 0-0 0
OF Clete Thomas, Tigers 2-20 .100 1-4 0
OF Jay Bruce, Reds 2-20 .100 0-0 0
SS/3B Alex Gonzalez, Reds 3-22 .136 0-0 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 3-22 .136 1-1 0
SS/3B Jhonny Peralta, Indians 3-22 .136 1-3 0
2B Kelly Johnson, Braves 3-21 .143 0-1 0
2B Emmanuel Burriss, Giants 3-21 .143 0-1 0
2B Orlando Hudson, Dodgers 3-21 .143 0-2 0
It was a bad week for second basemen, who made up half of this list. Thomas finished the week with a grand slam that put away a win for Detroit.
This week’s hitless wonders are Dodgers 3B/2B Mark Loretta 0-for-14; Padres SS Josh Wilson and White Sox OF Brian Anderson 0-for-12; White Sox 3B Gordon Beckham 0-for-10. Wilson also was the losing pitcher in an 18-inning game.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 4:10; D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds 6:11.
Caught stealing – Rays SS Reid Brignac and Tigers 3B/C/OF Brandon Inge 0-for-2; Angels 3B Chone Figgins, Padres OF Anthony Gwynn and Cubs SS Ryan Theriot 1-for-3; Rays OF Carl Crawford 4-for-6.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
LHP Manny Parra, Brewers 9.2 13.97 0-1 2.38 9:4
LHP Randy Wolf, Dodgers 12.1 8.03 0-1 1.46 5:3
LHP Joe Saunders, Angels 11.1 7.94 0-1 1.85 9:5
RHP Vicente Padilla, Rangers 10.2 7.59 1-1 1.78 5:8
RHP Craig Stammen, Nationals 11.0 7.36 0-1 1.45 3:3
RHP Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals 12.0 6.75 0-2 1.33 10:5
RHP Rick Porcello, Tigers 9.1 6.75 0-1 1.82 4:4
LHP David Huff, Indians 10.0 6.30 1-1 1.60 8:3
RHP Bartolo Colon, White Sox 10.1 6.10 0-2 1.74 7:4
RHP Ian Snell, Pirates 12.0 6.00 0-0 1.67 5:6
Losses – Colon, Wellemeyer, Royals RHP Kyle Davies and D-backs LHP Daniel Schlereth 2.
Blown saves – Schlereth 0-for-2; Rays LHP J.P. Howell and Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 1-for-3. This week, Schlereth has been optioned to Triple-A Reno and Lidge has gone on the disabled list.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Pitching chart, June 8-14, 2009
AL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- Se Se Se/ Atl Atl Atl
--- Bergesen Guthrie Uehara*/ Berken Hill Bergesen2
Bos
--- NYY NYY NYY/ @Phi @Phi
--- Beckett Wakefield Penny/ Lester Matsuzaka Beckett2
CWS
Det-2 Det Det Det/ @Mil @Mil @Mil
Richard-Contreras** Buehrle Danks Floyd/ Colon Richard2 Buehrle2
Cle
--- KC KC KC/ StL StL StL
--- Lee Pavano Sowers/ Ohka-3* Huff Lee2
Det
@CWS-2 @CWS @CWS @CWS/ @Pit @Pit @Pit
Galarraga-Bonderman-4* Willis Verlander Jackson/ Porcello Bonderman2 Willis2
KC
--- @Cle @Cle @Cle/ Cin Cin Cin
--- Bannister Meche Greinke/ Hochevar-5* Davies Bannister2
LAA
--- @TB @TB @TB/ SD SD SD
--- Weaver Lackey Santana/ Escobar-6* Saunders Weaver2
Min
@Oak/ @Oak @Oak @Oak/ @ChC @ChC @ChC
Swarzak/ Baker Liriano Blackburn/ Slowey Swarzak2 Baker2
NYY
TB/ @Bos @Bos @Bos/ NYM NYM NYM
Pettitte/ Burnett Wang Sabathia/ Chamberlain Pettitte2 Burnett2
Oak
Min Min Min Min/ @SF @SF @SF
Outman Anderson Braden Cahill/ Mazzaro Outman2 Anderson2
Se
--- @Bal @Bal @Bal/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Vargas Hernandez Rowland-Smith/ Washburn Bedard Vargas2
TB
@NYY/ LAA LAA LAA/ Was Was Was
Sonnanstine/ Shields Niemann Price/ Garza Sonnanstine2 Shields2
5th starter
Tex
Tor Tor Tor Tor/ LAD LAD LAD
Feldman McCarthy Millwood Holland/ Padilla-7* Feldman2 McCarthy
Tor
@Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex/ Fla Fla Fla
Janssen Tallet Romero Richmond/ Halladay Janssen2 Tallet2
*-RHP Koji Uehara (hamstring injury) is expected to come off the disabled list to start Thursday.
**-The White Sox are recalling RHP Jose Contreras from Triple-A Charlotte to start one game of Monday’s doubleheader. If he pitches well, he could remain in Chicago’s rotation, to the detriment of LHP Clayton Richard or RHP Bartolo Colon.
3*-The Indians sent RHP Fausto Carmona to the Rookie Class Arizona League to reconstruct his delivery, and at least for now have moved RHP Tomo Ohka from their bullpen to take Carmona’s place in the rotation.
4*-Tigers RHP Jeremy Bonderman will make his first major league start since last season in the second game of Monday’s doubleheader. He recovered from surgery to relieve a circulatory problem to pitch eight shutout innings in his most recent injury-rehab start May 31 for Triple-A Toledo.
5*-The Royals brought RHP Luke Hochevar back from Triple-A Omaha to start Saturday. He pitched well enough to earn a victory, and would be scheduled to pitch next on Friday.
6*-RHP Kelvim Escobar, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since the 2007 playoffs, returned Saturday and pitched well for five innings. He’s back in the Angels’ rotation, and is scheduled to start again Friday.
7*-The Rangers put RHP Vicente Padilla on waivers to see whether another team might be willing to trade for a pitcher owed $8 million for the remainder of this season despite a reputation for not getting along with his teammates. Someone? Anyone? Texas’ hope most likely is that a marginal contender might be willing to gamble near the trade deadline.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
@SD/ SF SF SF/ Ho Ho Ho
Garland/ Buckner Davis Scherzer/ Haren Garland2 Buckner2
Atl
Pit Pit Pit Pit/ @Bal @Bal @Bal
Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens Vazquez/ Hanson* Kawakami2 Lowe2
ChC
--- @Ho @Ho @Ho/ Min Min Min
--- Lilly Zambrano Dempster/ Marshall Wells Lilly2
Cin
--- @Was @Was @Was/ @KC @KC @KC
--- Cueto Harang Owings/ Maloney** Arroyo Cueto2
Col
@StL/ @Mil @Mil @Mil/ Se Se Se
Marquis/ Hammel DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez Marquis2
Fla
SF/ StL StL StL/ @Tor @Tor @Tor
West/ Johnson Volstad Miller/ Nolasco-3* West2 Johnson2
Ho
--- ChC ChC ChC/ @Ari @Ari @Ari
--- Moehler Rodriguez Hampton/ Oswalt Paulino Moehler2
LAD
--- SD SD/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex
--- Billingsley Kershaw/ --- Milton Kuroda Wolf
Mil
--- Col Col Col/ CWS CWS CWS
--- Looper Gallardo Bush-4*/ Suppan Parra Looper2
NYM
--- Phi Phi Phi/ @NYY @NYY @NYY
--- Santana Pelfrey Redding/ Maine Hernandez Santana2
Phi
--- @NYM @NYM @NYM/ Bos Bos Bos
--- Happ Hamels Moyer/ Blanton Bastardo Happ2
Pit
@Atl @Atl @Atl @Atl/ Det Det Det
Duke Ohlendorf Karstens Maholm/ Snell Duke2 Ohlendorf2
StL
Col/ @Fla @Fla @Fla/ @Cle @Cle @Cle
Thompson-5*/ Carpenter Wainwright Wellemeyer/ Pineiro Thompson2 Carpenter2
SD
Ari/ @LAD @LAD/ --- @LAA @LAA @LAA
Peavy/ Young Gaudin/ --- Correia Peavy2-6* Geer
SF
@Fla/ @Ari @Ari @Ari/ Oak Oak Oak
Cain/ Johnson Zito Sanchez-7*/ Lincecum Cain2 Johnson2
Was
--- Cin Cin Cin/ @TB @TB @TB
--- Zimmermann Detwiler Martis/ Lannan Stammen Zimmermann2
*-The Braves called up their best prospect, RHP Tommy Hanson, to start today. At Triple-A Gwinnett, he was 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. His next start would be Friday.
**-LHP Matt Maloney gave up two runs in six innings Friday in his major league debut, and is scheduled to pitch next Friday.
3*-The Marlins have recalled their Opening Day starter, RHP Ricky Nolasco, from the minors to start Friday.
4*-A line drive hit Brewers RHP David Bush on his right forearm during his most recent start. He has thrown on the side since then, and expects to be able to make his next scheduled start Thursday. Monday’s off day makes it so he could be moved back a day or two without causing any other Milwaukee pitchers to start with less than four days’ rest.
5*-Monday’s game will be RHP Brad Thompson’s second as a fill-in starter. Thompson could stay in the rotation – or the Cardinals could turn to newly recalled rookie RHP Blake Hawksworth, currently slated to pitch in relief. I couldn’t recommend Hawksworth if he did join St. Louis’ rotation.
6*-The Padres could move RHP Jake Peavy ahead of RHP Josh Geer in their rotation. That wouldn’t make a difference for fantasy owners this week, because Peavy would start either Saturday or Sunday, giving him two starts in either case.
7*-The Giants have indicated they would keep struggling LHP Jonathan Sanchez in their rotation.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal
--- Se Se Se/ Atl Atl Atl
--- Bergesen Guthrie Uehara*/ Berken Hill Bergesen2
Bos
--- NYY NYY NYY/ @Phi @Phi
--- Beckett Wakefield Penny/ Lester Matsuzaka Beckett2
CWS
Det-2 Det Det Det/ @Mil @Mil @Mil
Richard-Contreras** Buehrle Danks Floyd/ Colon Richard2 Buehrle2
Cle
--- KC KC KC/ StL StL StL
--- Lee Pavano Sowers/ Ohka-3* Huff Lee2
Det
@CWS-2 @CWS @CWS @CWS/ @Pit @Pit @Pit
Galarraga-Bonderman-4* Willis Verlander Jackson/ Porcello Bonderman2 Willis2
KC
--- @Cle @Cle @Cle/ Cin Cin Cin
--- Bannister Meche Greinke/ Hochevar-5* Davies Bannister2
LAA
--- @TB @TB @TB/ SD SD SD
--- Weaver Lackey Santana/ Escobar-6* Saunders Weaver2
Min
@Oak/ @Oak @Oak @Oak/ @ChC @ChC @ChC
Swarzak/ Baker Liriano Blackburn/ Slowey Swarzak2 Baker2
NYY
TB/ @Bos @Bos @Bos/ NYM NYM NYM
Pettitte/ Burnett Wang Sabathia/ Chamberlain Pettitte2 Burnett2
Oak
Min Min Min Min/ @SF @SF @SF
Outman Anderson Braden Cahill/ Mazzaro Outman2 Anderson2
Se
--- @Bal @Bal @Bal/ @Col @Col @Col
--- Vargas Hernandez Rowland-Smith/ Washburn Bedard Vargas2
TB
@NYY/ LAA LAA LAA/ Was Was Was
Sonnanstine/ Shields Niemann Price/ Garza Sonnanstine2 Shields2
5th starter
Tex
Tor Tor Tor Tor/ LAD LAD LAD
Feldman McCarthy Millwood Holland/ Padilla-7* Feldman2 McCarthy
Tor
@Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex/ Fla Fla Fla
Janssen Tallet Romero Richmond/ Halladay Janssen2 Tallet2
*-RHP Koji Uehara (hamstring injury) is expected to come off the disabled list to start Thursday.
**-The White Sox are recalling RHP Jose Contreras from Triple-A Charlotte to start one game of Monday’s doubleheader. If he pitches well, he could remain in Chicago’s rotation, to the detriment of LHP Clayton Richard or RHP Bartolo Colon.
3*-The Indians sent RHP Fausto Carmona to the Rookie Class Arizona League to reconstruct his delivery, and at least for now have moved RHP Tomo Ohka from their bullpen to take Carmona’s place in the rotation.
4*-Tigers RHP Jeremy Bonderman will make his first major league start since last season in the second game of Monday’s doubleheader. He recovered from surgery to relieve a circulatory problem to pitch eight shutout innings in his most recent injury-rehab start May 31 for Triple-A Toledo.
5*-The Royals brought RHP Luke Hochevar back from Triple-A Omaha to start Saturday. He pitched well enough to earn a victory, and would be scheduled to pitch next on Friday.
6*-RHP Kelvim Escobar, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since the 2007 playoffs, returned Saturday and pitched well for five innings. He’s back in the Angels’ rotation, and is scheduled to start again Friday.
7*-The Rangers put RHP Vicente Padilla on waivers to see whether another team might be willing to trade for a pitcher owed $8 million for the remainder of this season despite a reputation for not getting along with his teammates. Someone? Anyone? Texas’ hope most likely is that a marginal contender might be willing to gamble near the trade deadline.
NL
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari
@SD/ SF SF SF/ Ho Ho Ho
Garland/ Buckner Davis Scherzer/ Haren Garland2 Buckner2
Atl
Pit Pit Pit Pit/ @Bal @Bal @Bal
Kawakami Lowe Jurrjens Vazquez/ Hanson* Kawakami2 Lowe2
ChC
--- @Ho @Ho @Ho/ Min Min Min
--- Lilly Zambrano Dempster/ Marshall Wells Lilly2
Cin
--- @Was @Was @Was/ @KC @KC @KC
--- Cueto Harang Owings/ Maloney** Arroyo Cueto2
Col
@StL/ @Mil @Mil @Mil/ Se Se Se
Marquis/ Hammel DeLaRosa Cook Jimenez Marquis2
Fla
SF/ StL StL StL/ @Tor @Tor @Tor
West/ Johnson Volstad Miller/ Nolasco-3* West2 Johnson2
Ho
--- ChC ChC ChC/ @Ari @Ari @Ari
--- Moehler Rodriguez Hampton/ Oswalt Paulino Moehler2
LAD
--- SD SD/ --- @Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex @Tex
--- Billingsley Kershaw/ --- Milton Kuroda Wolf
Mil
--- Col Col Col/ CWS CWS CWS
--- Looper Gallardo Bush-4*/ Suppan Parra Looper2
NYM
--- Phi Phi Phi/ @NYY @NYY @NYY
--- Santana Pelfrey Redding/ Maine Hernandez Santana2
Phi
--- @NYM @NYM @NYM/ Bos Bos Bos
--- Happ Hamels Moyer/ Blanton Bastardo Happ2
Pit
@Atl @Atl @Atl @Atl/ Det Det Det
Duke Ohlendorf Karstens Maholm/ Snell Duke2 Ohlendorf2
StL
Col/ @Fla @Fla @Fla/ @Cle @Cle @Cle
Thompson-5*/ Carpenter Wainwright Wellemeyer/ Pineiro Thompson2 Carpenter2
SD
Ari/ @LAD @LAD/ --- @LAA @LAA @LAA
Peavy/ Young Gaudin/ --- Correia Peavy2-6* Geer
SF
@Fla/ @Ari @Ari @Ari/ Oak Oak Oak
Cain/ Johnson Zito Sanchez-7*/ Lincecum Cain2 Johnson2
Was
--- Cin Cin Cin/ @TB @TB @TB
--- Zimmermann Detwiler Martis/ Lannan Stammen Zimmermann2
*-The Braves called up their best prospect, RHP Tommy Hanson, to start today. At Triple-A Gwinnett, he was 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. His next start would be Friday.
**-LHP Matt Maloney gave up two runs in six innings Friday in his major league debut, and is scheduled to pitch next Friday.
3*-The Marlins have recalled their Opening Day starter, RHP Ricky Nolasco, from the minors to start Friday.
4*-A line drive hit Brewers RHP David Bush on his right forearm during his most recent start. He has thrown on the side since then, and expects to be able to make his next scheduled start Thursday. Monday’s off day makes it so he could be moved back a day or two without causing any other Milwaukee pitchers to start with less than four days’ rest.
5*-Monday’s game will be RHP Brad Thompson’s second as a fill-in starter. Thompson could stay in the rotation – or the Cardinals could turn to newly recalled rookie RHP Blake Hawksworth, currently slated to pitch in relief. I couldn’t recommend Hawksworth if he did join St. Louis’ rotation.
6*-The Padres could move RHP Jake Peavy ahead of RHP Josh Geer in their rotation. That wouldn’t make a difference for fantasy owners this week, because Peavy would start either Saturday or Sunday, giving him two starts in either case.
7*-The Giants have indicated they would keep struggling LHP Jonathan Sanchez in their rotation.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hot and Not: Sanchez, Lincecum top lists
The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders during the last week. Batting averages are 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. Keep in mind players’ career performance and current-season totals even more than current trends in deciding on whether to keep those players in your lineup.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B Freddy Sanchez, Pirates 13-20 .650 1-4 1
OF Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 15-26 .577 1-3 2
SS Ryan Theriot, Cubs 11-21 .524 0-4 0
C A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 11-21 .524 0-1 0
SS/2B/3B Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays 14-29 .483 0-3 2
OF Ben Francisco, Indians 11-23 .478 1-6 2
OF Shane Victorino, Phillies 11-23 .478 0-1 2
3B/1B/OF Mark Teahen, Royals 9-20 .450 1-1 0
2B Ryan Roberts, D-backs 10-23 .435 0-2 1
OF Alex Rios, Blue Jays 9-21 .429 1-4-1
3B Josh Fields, White Sox 9-21 .429 0-6 1
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees 12-28 .429 0-4 1
Theriot was on the Not list last week.
Home runs – Orioles OF Luke Scott 6; Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez and Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 4; Rangers OF Nelson Cruz, Indians 1B Ryan Garko, Orioles OF Nolan Reimold, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira and Nationals OF Josh Willingham 3.
RBI – Scott 14; Gonzalez, Howard and Teixeira 10; Garko, White Sox OF Jermaine Dye, D-backs OF Gerardo Parra and Mets OF Gary Sheffield 8.
Stolen bases – Athletics 2B Adam Kennedy 4; Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury and 2B Dustin Pedroia, Yankees OF Brett Gardner, Tigers OF Curtis Granderson and Dodgers OF Matt Kemp 3.
Runs – Teixeira and Indians OF/2B Mark DeRosa 8; Cruz, Dye, Granderson, Scott, Scutaro, Padres SS/2B David Eckstein, Reds SS/OF Jerry Hairston and Dodgers OF Juan Pierre 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Tim Lincecum, Giants 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.88 8:2
RHP Jason Marquis, Rockies 8.0 0.00 1-0 1.25 6:4
RHP Joe Blanton, Phillies 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 11:2
RHP Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 13.1 0.68 1-0 1.13 15:6
RHP John Maine, Mets 12.0 0.75 2-0 1.00 9:5
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 9.0 1.00 1-0 0.67 3:1
RHP Brian Moehler, Astros 9.0 1.00 1-0 1.00 4:2
RHP Livan Hernandez, Mets 9.0 1.00 1-0 1.11 6:1
RHP Jered Weaver, Angels 8.0 1.13 1-0 0.75 8:2
RHP Matt Palmer, Angels 8.0 1.13 0-0 1.00 6:2
Palmer was on the Not list last week, but he bounced back to show he’s not a flash in the pan yet.
Wins – Maine, Twins RHP Nick Blackburn, Dodgers LHP Eric Milton and Tigers RHP Justin Verlander 2.
Saves – Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 4-for-4; Twins RHP Joe Nathan and RHP Brian Wilson 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Royals RHP Zack Greinke 15:0; Red Sox RHP Brad Penny 12:0; Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 15:1; Verlander 13:1; Orioles RHP Jeremy Guthrie 14:2; White Sox RHP Javier Vazquez 13:2; Yankees RHP Phil Hughes 12:2; Blanton 11:2; Indians RHP Carl Pavano 10:2; Braves RHP Kris Medlen 12:3.
WHIP – Giants LHP Randy Johnson 0.50; Astros LHP Mike Hampton and Brewers RHP Braden Looper 0.57; White Sox RHP Bartolo Colon 0.60; Carpenter 0.64.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
OF Ken Griffey, Mariners 1-21 .048 0-2 0
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 2-23 .087 0-1 0
1B Todd Helton, Rockies 2-20 .100 0-2 0
OF J.D. Drew, Red Sox 2-20 .100 1-2 0
DH David Ortiz, Red Sox 3-24 .125 0-0 0
OF Delmon Young, Twins 3-22 .136 0-0 0
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 3-21 .143 0-2 0
OF Nyjer Morgan, Pirates 3-20 .150 0-0 0
C Bengie Molina, Giants 3-20 .150 0-2 0
OF Jeff Francoeur, Braves 4-26 .154 0-2 0
For Griffey, it might be time to face the final curtain. Ortiz might not be more than a year or two behind Junior.
This week’s hitless wonder is Angels 2B Howie Kendrick (0-for-14). What was happened to him?
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rangers 1B Chris Davis 1:13; Young and Braves OF Jordan Schaefer 1:12; D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds 2:14; Rays OF B.J. Upton 2:11; Rangers C Salty 2:10; Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano 3:10; Zimmerman 4:10; Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 5:10.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Ervin Santana, Angels 6.1 21.32 0-1 3.63 3:4
RHP Fausto Carmona, Indians 5.1 15.19 0-1 3.56 5:8
LHP Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies 8.1 11.88 0-2 2.16 11:5
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 9.1 10.61 1-1 2.46 9:1
LHP Francisco Liriano, Twins 8.0 10.13 0-2 2.63 10:3
LHP Eric Stults, Dodgers 6.1 9.82 0-1 2.45 5:9
LHP Ricky Romero, Blue Jays 9.1 9.64 0-2 2.46 8:6
RHP Max Scherzer, D-backs 10.2 8.44 1-1 1.78 14:3
LHP Sean Marshall, Cubs 9.1 7.71 1-1 1.61 8:3
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 10.0 7.20 0-2 2.00 7:8
Losses – De La Rosa, Lannan, Liriano, Romero, Rays RHP Matt Garza and Astros LHP Wandy Rodriguez 2.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
2B Freddy Sanchez, Pirates 13-20 .650 1-4 1
OF Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 15-26 .577 1-3 2
SS Ryan Theriot, Cubs 11-21 .524 0-4 0
C A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 11-21 .524 0-1 0
SS/2B/3B Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays 14-29 .483 0-3 2
OF Ben Francisco, Indians 11-23 .478 1-6 2
OF Shane Victorino, Phillies 11-23 .478 0-1 2
3B/1B/OF Mark Teahen, Royals 9-20 .450 1-1 0
2B Ryan Roberts, D-backs 10-23 .435 0-2 1
OF Alex Rios, Blue Jays 9-21 .429 1-4-1
3B Josh Fields, White Sox 9-21 .429 0-6 1
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees 12-28 .429 0-4 1
Theriot was on the Not list last week.
Home runs – Orioles OF Luke Scott 6; Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez and Phillies 1B Ryan Howard 4; Rangers OF Nelson Cruz, Indians 1B Ryan Garko, Orioles OF Nolan Reimold, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira and Nationals OF Josh Willingham 3.
RBI – Scott 14; Gonzalez, Howard and Teixeira 10; Garko, White Sox OF Jermaine Dye, D-backs OF Gerardo Parra and Mets OF Gary Sheffield 8.
Stolen bases – Athletics 2B Adam Kennedy 4; Red Sox OF Jacoby Ellsbury and 2B Dustin Pedroia, Yankees OF Brett Gardner, Tigers OF Curtis Granderson and Dodgers OF Matt Kemp 3.
Runs – Teixeira and Indians OF/2B Mark DeRosa 8; Cruz, Dye, Granderson, Scott, Scutaro, Padres SS/2B David Eckstein, Reds SS/OF Jerry Hairston and Dodgers OF Juan Pierre 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Tim Lincecum, Giants 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.88 8:2
RHP Jason Marquis, Rockies 8.0 0.00 1-0 1.25 6:4
RHP Joe Blanton, Phillies 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.00 11:2
RHP Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 13.1 0.68 1-0 1.13 15:6
RHP John Maine, Mets 12.0 0.75 2-0 1.00 9:5
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 9.0 1.00 1-0 0.67 3:1
RHP Brian Moehler, Astros 9.0 1.00 1-0 1.00 4:2
RHP Livan Hernandez, Mets 9.0 1.00 1-0 1.11 6:1
RHP Jered Weaver, Angels 8.0 1.13 1-0 0.75 8:2
RHP Matt Palmer, Angels 8.0 1.13 0-0 1.00 6:2
Palmer was on the Not list last week, but he bounced back to show he’s not a flash in the pan yet.
Wins – Maine, Twins RHP Nick Blackburn, Dodgers LHP Eric Milton and Tigers RHP Justin Verlander 2.
Saves – Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 4-for-4; Twins RHP Joe Nathan and RHP Brian Wilson 3-for-3.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Royals RHP Zack Greinke 15:0; Red Sox RHP Brad Penny 12:0; Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 15:1; Verlander 13:1; Orioles RHP Jeremy Guthrie 14:2; White Sox RHP Javier Vazquez 13:2; Yankees RHP Phil Hughes 12:2; Blanton 11:2; Indians RHP Carl Pavano 10:2; Braves RHP Kris Medlen 12:3.
WHIP – Giants LHP Randy Johnson 0.50; Astros LHP Mike Hampton and Brewers RHP Braden Looper 0.57; White Sox RHP Bartolo Colon 0.60; Carpenter 0.64.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
OF Ken Griffey, Mariners 1-21 .048 0-2 0
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 2-23 .087 0-1 0
1B Todd Helton, Rockies 2-20 .100 0-2 0
OF J.D. Drew, Red Sox 2-20 .100 1-2 0
DH David Ortiz, Red Sox 3-24 .125 0-0 0
OF Delmon Young, Twins 3-22 .136 0-0 0
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 3-21 .143 0-2 0
OF Nyjer Morgan, Pirates 3-20 .150 0-0 0
C Bengie Molina, Giants 3-20 .150 0-2 0
OF Jeff Francoeur, Braves 4-26 .154 0-2 0
For Griffey, it might be time to face the final curtain. Ortiz might not be more than a year or two behind Junior.
This week’s hitless wonder is Angels 2B Howie Kendrick (0-for-14). What was happened to him?
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Rangers 1B Chris Davis 1:13; Young and Braves OF Jordan Schaefer 1:12; D-backs 3B Mark Reynolds 2:14; Rays OF B.J. Upton 2:11; Rangers C Salty 2:10; Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano 3:10; Zimmerman 4:10; Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis 5:10.
The pitchers on the next list each made two starts, doubly damaging their fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Ervin Santana, Angels 6.1 21.32 0-1 3.63 3:4
RHP Fausto Carmona, Indians 5.1 15.19 0-1 3.56 5:8
LHP Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies 8.1 11.88 0-2 2.16 11:5
RHP Aaron Harang, Reds 9.1 10.61 1-1 2.46 9:1
LHP Francisco Liriano, Twins 8.0 10.13 0-2 2.63 10:3
LHP Eric Stults, Dodgers 6.1 9.82 0-1 2.45 5:9
LHP Ricky Romero, Blue Jays 9.1 9.64 0-2 2.46 8:6
RHP Max Scherzer, D-backs 10.2 8.44 1-1 1.78 14:3
LHP Sean Marshall, Cubs 9.1 7.71 1-1 1.61 8:3
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 10.0 7.20 0-2 2.00 7:8
Losses – De La Rosa, Lannan, Liriano, Romero, Rays RHP Matt Garza and Astros LHP Wandy Rodriguez 2.
Good week for pitchers
The overall numbers say that this week's major league schedule is fairly even. Sixteen teams are scheduled to play six games and 14 to play seven. However, batters and relief pitchers for four American League teams (White Sox, Indians, Yankees and Athletics) will have an advantage over the AL's other 10 teams that would be playing just six games. The opposite is the case in the National League -- where 10 teams are scheduled for seven games while the Diamondbacks, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Giants and Nationals would play six.
Five teams are scheduled to play seven games at home: the White Sox, Marlins, Astros, Dodgers and Cardinals. Another six -- Tigers, Mariners, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres and Nationals -- would play all six of their games at home. Of those 11 home parks, only the White Sox play in a park that favors batters greatly, and just Detroit and Washington play in pretty good hitters' parks. In contrast, St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego have very good pitchers' parks. The stadiums in Florida, Houston, Toronto and Atlanta, along with Dodger Stadium, also favor pitchers. On the whole, it should be a better week for pitchers than for batters.
Scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd, Rick Porcello, A.J. Burnett, Roy Halladay, Kenshin Kawakami, Burke Badenhop, Roy Oswalt, Felipe Paulino, Hiroki Kuroda, Todd Wellemeyer, Mitchell Boggs, Jake Peavy and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Andrew Miller and Randy Wolf. My highest recommendations are Halladay, Peavy and Wolf, with Kawakami as a live longshot.
Five teams are scheduled to play seven games at home: the White Sox, Marlins, Astros, Dodgers and Cardinals. Another six -- Tigers, Mariners, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres and Nationals -- would play all six of their games at home. Of those 11 home parks, only the White Sox play in a park that favors batters greatly, and just Detroit and Washington play in pretty good hitters' parks. In contrast, St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego have very good pitchers' parks. The stadiums in Florida, Houston, Toronto and Atlanta, along with Dodger Stadium, also favor pitchers. On the whole, it should be a better week for pitchers than for batters.
Scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Bartolo Colon, Gavin Floyd, Rick Porcello, A.J. Burnett, Roy Halladay, Kenshin Kawakami, Burke Badenhop, Roy Oswalt, Felipe Paulino, Hiroki Kuroda, Todd Wellemeyer, Mitchell Boggs, Jake Peavy and Craig Stammen, and LHPs Jarrod Washburn, Andrew Miller and Randy Wolf. My highest recommendations are Halladay, Peavy and Wolf, with Kawakami as a live longshot.
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