Who says you can't change your team even as you're going to spring training?
Clearly not the Orioles and manager Buck Showalter.
They announced a 3-year, $5.75-million contract with RHP Suk-min Yoon, and apparently are within a passed physical of adding RHP Ubaldo Jimenez for four years and $50 million.
Yoon most likely would pitch out of the bullpen, where he would be one bad game removed from a "Suck-min" headline. I'm wary of Jimenez because his pitching motion has so many ways to get out of whack and also possibly hurt his arm.
-- With money that might have gone to Jimenez, the Indians avoided
arbitration with RHP Justin Masterson by signing him to a contract for
this season at $9.7625 million. What? They couldn't afford another measly $237,500 to bring him up to $10 million?
-- The Rangers apparently have gone into camp with a three-way battle among RHPs Neftali Feliz, Tanner Scheppers and Joakim Soria. I was encouraged about Soria last season until a couple of really bad September outings. Texas must not be too excited about Scheppers, because he was the headliner among a group of nine mostly marginal major leaguers signed for a year at or slightly above the $500,000 minimum. Scheppers will receive $515,000. If he does become the Rangers' closer, let's hope he doesn't spend too much of his money in The Flats in Cleveland.
-- Additional second base battles.
In Washington, it's shaping up as 2012 discovery Danny Espinosa and 2013 find Anthony Rendon. If neither matches his breakout season, it could be a long year for the Nationals and their pitchers.
The Yankees' front-runner is Brian "Can't Avoid Injury" Roberts. Other options could be Kelly "Can't Field" Johnson, Brendan "Can't Hit" Ryan and Eduardo "Can't Play Third or Short" Nunez. If a team has four second basemen, it really has no second baseman.
The spaghetti method -- take a bunch of players at one position to spring training, throw them at the all and hope one of them sticks -- really works only with pitchers. Among a group of five or six pitchers, one of them will get lucky enough to get some batters out -- at least through spring training, and even then he could become a liability during the regular season.
-- With New Age manager Brad Ausmus, the Tigers will join the growing trend of major league teams using analytics and probability to align fielders and improve their defense. Ausmus and analytics both begin with A. The new skipper's staff includes a guy named Matt Martin as defensive coordinator. Detroit also will be emphasizing speed more this season, with 2B Ian Kinsler and OF Rajai Davis (on a platoon basis) in their starting lineup. Prediction: Kinsler will steal more bases this season than Prince Fielder will.
-- It will be a surprise if the Tigers don't run away with the AL Central this year. Division rivals are making defensive changes by moving catchers to first base (Twins' Joe Mauer) and third base (Indians' Carlos Santana). Santana might be more agile than catcher-turned-third baseman Pablo Sandoval.
-- Looking ahead six weeks, the Blue Jays named RHP R.A. Dickey as their Opening Day starter.
* * *
Basketball. The NBA started up tonight, and I learned that I didn't win Week 16 by an 8-0 margin. Apparently, Week 16 is continuing from the short last week through the short this week -- even though this is a short week loaded with games. And my lead for the week now is down to 7-1; I've fallen behind in free throw percentage.
There were good performances from my roster tonight. The Suns' Gerald Green poured in 36 points, including six 3s. Carmelo Anthony had another (yawn!) double double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Showing posts with label Joe Mauer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Mauer. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Lots of home, sweet home pitchers this week
Here is our Weekly Preview and Pitching Chart for the coming week.
We have received payments from a number of you and are in the process of adding you to a new Email list for this season.
PayPal has sent out requests for payment for those of you who have expressed interest in subscribing to our Emails. We are adding to our new mailing list those of you who have made the payment.
Because the new mailing list hasn’t been set up entirely, we still are sending out free Emails to everyone on our preseason mailing list. That free lunch will end soon. We encourage all of you who have been receiving our Emails to subscribe for the remainder of this year.
You or any of your friends – or even you signing friends as gifts to them – can subscribe. You can see how to subscribe below.
Subscriptions will include Articles such as our “Pitchers (and Hitters) to Keep and Avoid.” Last year, our recommendation of Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa in itself was worth the cost of what you’d pay, and he was only one of our picks that were on the money. Choosing him was inspired; he was 0-6 when we recommended him, and 16-3 thereafter.
You also would have access to our blog and whatever content we’re able to get on to the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Subscribers will be able to ask questions specific to their fantasy teams and leagues, and receive answers through these Emails, the web site or personal Emails.
Projected starting pitchers, May 3-9, 2010
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal @NYY-Guthrie @NYY-Matusz @NYY-Hernandz @Min-Bergesen @Min-Millwood @Min-Guthrie2 @Min-Matusz2
Bos LAA-Buchholz LAA-Lester LAA-Lackey LAA-Mtsuzka* NYY-Beckett NYY-Bchholz2 NYY-Lester2
CWS KC-Peavy KC-Floyd KC-Garcia Tor-Danks Tor-Buehrle Tor-Peavy2 Tor-Floyd2
Cle Tor-Talbot Tor-Wstbrook Tor-Carmona --- Det-Mastrson Det-Huff Det-Talbt2**
Det @Min-Scherzer @Min-Willis @Min-Porcello --- @Cle-Bondrmn @Cle-Verlander @Cle-Scherzer2
KC @CWS-Meche @CWS-Hochevar @CWS-Bannister @Tex-Davies @Tex-Greinke @Tex-Meche2 @Tex-Hochevr2
LAA @Bos-Saunders @Bos-Santana @Bos-Pineiro @Bos-Kazmir @Se-Weaver @Se-Saundrs2 @Se-Santana2
Min Det-Baker Det-Bkbrn-3* Det-Slowey Bal-Pavno-4* Bal-Liriano Bal-Baker2 Bal-Blakbrn2
NYY Bal-Sabathia Bal-Burnett Bal-Pettitte --- @Bos-Vazquez @Bos-Hughes @Bos-Sabathia2
Oak Tex-Braden Tex-Mzzro-5* Tex-Cahill-6* --- TB-Gonzalez TB-Sheets TB-Braden2
Se --- TB-Vargas TB-Lee TB-Rwld-Sh LAA-Hernandz LAA-Fister LAA-Vargas2
TB --- @Se-Shields @Se-Garza @Se-Niemann @Oak-Price @Oak-Davis @Oak-Shields2
Tex @Oak-Harden @Oak-Feldman @Oak-Lewis-7* KC-Harrison KC-Wilson KC-Harden2 KC-Feldman2
Tor @Cle-Cecil @Cle-Romero @Cle-Morrow @CWS-Eveland @CWS-Marcum @CWS-Cecil2 @CWS-Romero2
*-RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka is scheduled for his second major league start this season Thursday.
**-The Indians could have the option of moving their Opening Day starter, RHP Jake Westbrook, ahead of RHP Mitch Talbot in their rotation to pitch Sunday.
3*-The Twins expect RHP Nick Blackburn to return from a family medical emergency in time to start Tuesday.
4*-Blackburn’s return would make it so that RHP Carl Pavano could start Thursday with two extra days to recover from a stiff neck.
5*-Athletics RHP Justin Duchscherer is scheduled Monday to go to Nashville to see Dr. Thomas Byrd, who has performed two hip operations on Duchscherer. Most likely, he wouldn’t make Tuesday’s start. A likely replacement would be RHP Vin Mazzaro from Triple-A Sacramento.
6*-Already new to Oakland’s rotation, replacing injured LHP Brett Anderson, is RHP Trevor Cahill. He has made just one major league start this season after recovering from a shoulder injury.
7*-RHP Colby Lewis has been a different pitcher since returning from two years pitching in Japan. He re-signed with his original North American team at what is appearing to be a bargain price. In Rangers history, only Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan had more strikeouts in one season during April than Lewis’ 38. He has been mixing four pitches for strikes. He might still be available in your league. Don’t expect him to remain undefeated all season, but you too should be able to get him at a relatively low price.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari @Ho-Buckner* @Ho-Kennedy @Ho-Lopez @Ho-Haren Mil-Jackson Mil-Buckner2 Mil-Knnedy2
Atl --- @Was-Kawkami @Was-Hanson @Was-Hudson @Phi-Lowe @Phi-Jurrjns** @Phi-Kwkami2
ChC --- @Pit-Dempster @Pit-Lilly @Pit-Wells @Cin-Gzlny-3* @Cin-Silva @Cin-Dempstr2
Cin NYM-Leake NYM-Arroyo NYM-Cueto --- ChC-Bailey ChC-Harang ChC-Leake2
Col @SD-Jimenez @SD-Smith @SD-Cook --- @LAD-Rogrs-4* @LAD-Chacin @LAD-Jimenez2
Fla --- SF-Sanchez SF-Robertsn SF-Nolasco @Was-Volstad @Was-Johnson @Was-Sanchez2
Ho Ari-Paulino Ari-Oswalt Ari-Myers Ari-Rdriguez SD-Norris SD-Paulino2 SD-Oswalt2
LAD --- Mil-Kershaw Mil-Blingsley Mil-Haegr-5* Col-Kuroda Col-Mnsts-6* Col-Kershaw2
Mil --- @LAD-Nrvsn-7* @LAD-Davis @LAD-Bush @Ari-Gallardo @Ari-Wolf @Ari-Narvesn2
NYM @Cin-Perez @Cin-Maine @Cin-Niese --- SF-Pelfrey SF-Santana SF-Perez2
Phi StL-Hamels StL-Blantn-8* StL-Kndrk-9* StL-Halladay Atl-Moyer Atl-Hamels2 Atl-Blanton2
Pit --- ChC-Maholm ChC-Mrtn-10* ChC-Duke StL-Krtns-11* StL-Brres-12* StL-Maholm2
StL @Phi-Garcia @Phi-Wainright @Phi-Penny @Phi-Penny @Pit-Carpenter @Pit-Garcia2 @Phi-Wanrght2
SD Col-Correia Col-LeBlanc Col-Richard --- @Ho-Latos @Ho-Garland @Ho-Correia2
SF --- @Fla-Lincecum @Fla-Zito @Fla-Cain @NYM-Sanchez @NYM-Welemyr @NYM-Lincecm2
Was --- Atl-Hernandz Atl-Atilano Atl-Olsen Fla-Stammen Fla-Lannan Fla-Hrnandz2
*-With RHP Kris Benson (strained shoulder) going on the disabled list, the Diamondbacks recalled RHP Kevin Mulvey to take Benson’s roster spot. Mulvey could start Monday’s game, but more likely Arizona would recall RHP Billy Buckner from Triple-A Reno to take that role. He last started in the Pacific Coast League Wednesday, so he would be pitching on his usual rest.
**-RHP Jair Jurrjens left Thursday’s game after one inning because of a hamstring injury. The Braves believe Monday’s day off would allow them to push him back in the rotation so he would be ready to start Saturday.
3*-mlb.com indicates that the Cubs would move LHP Tom Gorzelanny, who has pitched well without achieving results, ahead of RHP Carlos Silva in their rotation to start Friday.
4*-The Rockies weren’t excited about RHP Esmil Rogers’ first major league start this season, when he gave up four runs in four innings Saturday. He still might stay in rotation to start Friday, or Colorado could slide another rookie, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, and RHP Ubaldo Jimenez ahead one day each and bring back LHP Greg Smith on the usual four days’ rest to start Sunday.
5*-The Dodgers’ rotation – well, much of their team – is a mess. They could keep ineffective RHP Charlie Haeger as a starter for Thursday’s game, or they could give rookie RHP John Ely another start.
6*-RHP Carlos Monasterios went four innings in his first emergency start against the Pirates, and could be brought back Sunday against the Rockies. Haeger or Ely also could be an option.
7*-The Brewers liked LHP Chris Narveson well enough to have him supplant veteran RHP Jeff Suppan in their rotation. The Dodgers didn’t show the southpaw any respect by spelling his name “Naverson” in their game notes.
8*-The Phillies are likely to bring RHP Joe Blanton back from an injury-rehab assignment to start Tuesday. That assignment wouldn’t go to LHP J.A. Happ, whom they shut down after 20 pitches on the side Friday because he was feeling more forearm pain.
9*-RHP Kyle Kendrick’s spot in Philadelphia’s rotation is tenuous. The Phils could replace him with veteran RHP Nelson Figueroa, who also could take Tuesday’s start to give Blanton more time on rehab.
10*-On most major league teams, RHP Charlie Morton no longer would be starting. The Pirates don’t currently have much choice.
11*-Pittsburgh recalled RHP Jeff Karstens from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Sunday’s game. His next turn would be Friday.
12*-RHP Ross Ohlendorf isn’t yet ready to return to the Bucs. He threw 43 pitches Friday, and is expected to make an injury-rehab start Wednesday at Double-A Altoona or high Class A Bradenton. Pittsburgh’s plan is for Ohlendorf to return to the major league rotation May 10. His continued absence most likely would leave LHP Brian Burres as Friday’s starter. In his first start this season, Burres pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings.
Schedule notes
In the American League this week, a majority of the teams are scheduled to play seven games, while the other six would play six. That means if you use batters and relief pitchers from the Indians, Tigers, Yankees, Athletics, Mariners or Rays, you would be at a 14 per cent playing-time disadvantage over players from the other eight. The Red Sox, White Sox and Twins would play all seven times at home. That means it could be a marginally better week for batters with games at hitter-friendly parks in Boston (Angels four times, Yankees three) and Chicago (Royals three, Blue Jays four). Pitchers would have an advantage in the six games scheduled in Oakland (Rangers and Rays three each) and Seattle (Rays and Angels three). And those are a couple of additional reasons to stay away from Tampa Bay batters.
The National League is somewhat opposite in that just four teams – Diamondbacks, Astros, Phillies and Cardinals – are scheduled for seven games, with the others playing six. It could be an even better week for NL batters with seven contests in Philadelphia (Cardinals four, Braves three) and a slightly hitter-friendly park in Houston (D-backs four, Padres three). In addition, there are six games scheduled in Cincinnati (Mets and Cubs) three. In the pitchers’ favor are Dodger Stadium (Brewers and Rockies three) and Pittsburgh (Cubs and Cardinals three).
An oddity in this week’s schedules is that except for six teams – Yankees, Rangers, D-backs, Marlins, Mets and Padres – every other squad would play exclusively at home or exclusively on the road.
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Clay Buchholz, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, Mitch Talbot, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Mike Leake, Felipe Paulino, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton and Livan Hernandez, and LHPs Jon Lester, Dallas Braden, Jason Vargas, Clayton Kershaw, Cole Hamels and Paul Maholm. The list is long because 12 teams would be playing at home all week. Despite that, we have only one highest recommendation: Hamels. Plenty of pitches are somewhere between Highest Recommendation and Live Longshot – Peavy, Floyd, Baker, Lester and Kershaw. And what the heck, we’ll give you Oswalt as a very high recommendation.
Injuries
In addition to a herniated disk and an abdominal injury, Orioles 2B Brian Roberts has been battling the flu. He said he might be out another three weeks or three months.
With Twins C Joe Mauer suffering a bruised left heel when he jammed it into a base Friday, C Wilson Ramos from Triple-A Rochester has joined Minnesota.
Yankees CF Curtis Granderson has gone on the disabled list because of a strained left groin muscle. In his absence, Brett Gardner would play center field and Randy Winn left field. Those are much better alternatives than New York has had in several years. To take Granderson’s roster spot, the Yanks recalled RHP Mark Melancon from Triple-A Scranton.
The Athletics put C Kurt Suzuki on the DL because of a strained intercostals muscle in his left side. Up from Triple-A Sacramento to replace him is C Josh Donaldson. He would be worth a shot as a fantasy backup because he has power and is a good defensive catcher, and is a better alternative than C Landon Powell.
News and notes
The word in Washington is that RHP Stephen Strasburg would be promoted to Triple-A Syracuse if he pitched well today for five innings or 85 pitches, whichever comes first, in his start for Double-A Harrisburg. It’s not clear what will happen; he allowed Altoona (Pirates organization) three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Another rookie pro, RHP Drew Storen, already has moved up from Harrisburg to Syracuse.
Before we think the Mets’ troubles are over, consider that 16 of their first 24 games were played at home.
The Rockies have designated RHP Juan Rincon for assignment.
The headline looks impressive: Three No-Hitters the Last Two Days in the Midwest League. However, that is just a low Class A league, and none of the three was by one pitcher in a nine-inning game. It took three Cedar Rapids Kernels (Angels) for one no-no; Nick Struck’s no-hitter for Peoria (Cubs) was in a rain-shortened game, and LHP Dan Osterbrock of Beloit (Twins) pitched his in a seven-inning doubleheader game. Osterbrock’s effort was noteworthy in that the only runner to reach base against him was on a 3-and-2 leadoff walk in the seventh. A double play erased that runner, so the lefty faced the minimum 21 batters.
In closing
This is a regular feature of our Emails and blog posts. It lets you know who’s getting saves. Equally important is telling you who’s blowing saves or putting his job in jeopardy by getting shaky saves. There’s also a FREE Article on the old fantasybaseballscout.com web site letting you know which pitcher or pitchers each team is using to close games. It will be updated whenever there’s a change or speculation about a change in a team’s closer.
It appears that RHP Alfredo Simon could be settling in as the Orioles’ closer and that the Baltimore bullpen is taking shape. In a 12-9 game Saturday against the Red Sox that included nine home runs, Simon picked up his second save with a pitching line of 100011.
The Rangers’ bullpen might not be the place to look for a front-line closer. RHP Frank Francisco’s second save came with a line of 100021 in a 6-3 victory at Seattle, indicating that he could take the primary role from RHP Neftali Feliz. The solution also could become RHP Chris Ray, who may already have usurped a setup role from Feliz or Francisco.
Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin didn’t record a save, but did something much rarer for a closer by winning a game while pitching well. He entered a 3-3 game with two runners on base and two out in the bottom of the eighth inning and received a win when St. Louis scored three times in the top of the ninth for a 6-3 victory.
Other saves went to Royals RHP Joakim Soria, seventh, 4-2 in 11 innings at Tampa Bay; White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, fifth, 7-6 at Yankee Stadium; Cubs RHP Carlos Marmol, fourth, 7-5 over the Diamondbacks; Brewers RHP Trevor Hoffman, fourth, 2-1 at San Diego, and Athletics RHP Andrew Bailey, third, 4-3 at Toronto.
Promotion
To subscribe for our five-times-weekly Emails and anything else we're able to provide this season, Email us at lary@fantasybaseballscout.com. Through today, Sunday, May 2, you can subscribe for just $20, a 20 per cent savings from our established price of $25.
Include your name, address, phone number and the Email address where you would like to receive the Emails. PayPal then would send you an invoice that would allow you to pay in one step.
We have received payments from a number of you and are in the process of adding you to a new Email list for this season.
PayPal has sent out requests for payment for those of you who have expressed interest in subscribing to our Emails. We are adding to our new mailing list those of you who have made the payment.
Because the new mailing list hasn’t been set up entirely, we still are sending out free Emails to everyone on our preseason mailing list. That free lunch will end soon. We encourage all of you who have been receiving our Emails to subscribe for the remainder of this year.
You or any of your friends – or even you signing friends as gifts to them – can subscribe. You can see how to subscribe below.
Subscriptions will include Articles such as our “Pitchers (and Hitters) to Keep and Avoid.” Last year, our recommendation of Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa in itself was worth the cost of what you’d pay, and he was only one of our picks that were on the money. Choosing him was inspired; he was 0-6 when we recommended him, and 16-3 thereafter.
You also would have access to our blog and whatever content we’re able to get on to the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
Subscribers will be able to ask questions specific to their fantasy teams and leagues, and receive answers through these Emails, the web site or personal Emails.
Projected starting pitchers, May 3-9, 2010
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal @NYY-Guthrie @NYY-Matusz @NYY-Hernandz @Min-Bergesen @Min-Millwood @Min-Guthrie2 @Min-Matusz2
Bos LAA-Buchholz LAA-Lester LAA-Lackey LAA-Mtsuzka* NYY-Beckett NYY-Bchholz2 NYY-Lester2
CWS KC-Peavy KC-Floyd KC-Garcia Tor-Danks Tor-Buehrle Tor-Peavy2 Tor-Floyd2
Cle Tor-Talbot Tor-Wstbrook Tor-Carmona --- Det-Mastrson Det-Huff Det-Talbt2**
Det @Min-Scherzer @Min-Willis @Min-Porcello --- @Cle-Bondrmn @Cle-Verlander @Cle-Scherzer2
KC @CWS-Meche @CWS-Hochevar @CWS-Bannister @Tex-Davies @Tex-Greinke @Tex-Meche2 @Tex-Hochevr2
LAA @Bos-Saunders @Bos-Santana @Bos-Pineiro @Bos-Kazmir @Se-Weaver @Se-Saundrs2 @Se-Santana2
Min Det-Baker Det-Bkbrn-3* Det-Slowey Bal-Pavno-4* Bal-Liriano Bal-Baker2 Bal-Blakbrn2
NYY Bal-Sabathia Bal-Burnett Bal-Pettitte --- @Bos-Vazquez @Bos-Hughes @Bos-Sabathia2
Oak Tex-Braden Tex-Mzzro-5* Tex-Cahill-6* --- TB-Gonzalez TB-Sheets TB-Braden2
Se --- TB-Vargas TB-Lee TB-Rwld-Sh LAA-Hernandz LAA-Fister LAA-Vargas2
TB --- @Se-Shields @Se-Garza @Se-Niemann @Oak-Price @Oak-Davis @Oak-Shields2
Tex @Oak-Harden @Oak-Feldman @Oak-Lewis-7* KC-Harrison KC-Wilson KC-Harden2 KC-Feldman2
Tor @Cle-Cecil @Cle-Romero @Cle-Morrow @CWS-Eveland @CWS-Marcum @CWS-Cecil2 @CWS-Romero2
*-RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka is scheduled for his second major league start this season Thursday.
**-The Indians could have the option of moving their Opening Day starter, RHP Jake Westbrook, ahead of RHP Mitch Talbot in their rotation to pitch Sunday.
3*-The Twins expect RHP Nick Blackburn to return from a family medical emergency in time to start Tuesday.
4*-Blackburn’s return would make it so that RHP Carl Pavano could start Thursday with two extra days to recover from a stiff neck.
5*-Athletics RHP Justin Duchscherer is scheduled Monday to go to Nashville to see Dr. Thomas Byrd, who has performed two hip operations on Duchscherer. Most likely, he wouldn’t make Tuesday’s start. A likely replacement would be RHP Vin Mazzaro from Triple-A Sacramento.
6*-Already new to Oakland’s rotation, replacing injured LHP Brett Anderson, is RHP Trevor Cahill. He has made just one major league start this season after recovering from a shoulder injury.
7*-RHP Colby Lewis has been a different pitcher since returning from two years pitching in Japan. He re-signed with his original North American team at what is appearing to be a bargain price. In Rangers history, only Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan had more strikeouts in one season during April than Lewis’ 38. He has been mixing four pitches for strikes. He might still be available in your league. Don’t expect him to remain undefeated all season, but you too should be able to get him at a relatively low price.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari @Ho-Buckner* @Ho-Kennedy @Ho-Lopez @Ho-Haren Mil-Jackson Mil-Buckner2 Mil-Knnedy2
Atl --- @Was-Kawkami @Was-Hanson @Was-Hudson @Phi-Lowe @Phi-Jurrjns** @Phi-Kwkami2
ChC --- @Pit-Dempster @Pit-Lilly @Pit-Wells @Cin-Gzlny-3* @Cin-Silva @Cin-Dempstr2
Cin NYM-Leake NYM-Arroyo NYM-Cueto --- ChC-Bailey ChC-Harang ChC-Leake2
Col @SD-Jimenez @SD-Smith @SD-Cook --- @LAD-Rogrs-4* @LAD-Chacin @LAD-Jimenez2
Fla --- SF-Sanchez SF-Robertsn SF-Nolasco @Was-Volstad @Was-Johnson @Was-Sanchez2
Ho Ari-Paulino Ari-Oswalt Ari-Myers Ari-Rdriguez SD-Norris SD-Paulino2 SD-Oswalt2
LAD --- Mil-Kershaw Mil-Blingsley Mil-Haegr-5* Col-Kuroda Col-Mnsts-6* Col-Kershaw2
Mil --- @LAD-Nrvsn-7* @LAD-Davis @LAD-Bush @Ari-Gallardo @Ari-Wolf @Ari-Narvesn2
NYM @Cin-Perez @Cin-Maine @Cin-Niese --- SF-Pelfrey SF-Santana SF-Perez2
Phi StL-Hamels StL-Blantn-8* StL-Kndrk-9* StL-Halladay Atl-Moyer Atl-Hamels2 Atl-Blanton2
Pit --- ChC-Maholm ChC-Mrtn-10* ChC-Duke StL-Krtns-11* StL-Brres-12* StL-Maholm2
StL @Phi-Garcia @Phi-Wainright @Phi-Penny @Phi-Penny @Pit-Carpenter @Pit-Garcia2 @Phi-Wanrght2
SD Col-Correia Col-LeBlanc Col-Richard --- @Ho-Latos @Ho-Garland @Ho-Correia2
SF --- @Fla-Lincecum @Fla-Zito @Fla-Cain @NYM-Sanchez @NYM-Welemyr @NYM-Lincecm2
Was --- Atl-Hernandz Atl-Atilano Atl-Olsen Fla-Stammen Fla-Lannan Fla-Hrnandz2
*-With RHP Kris Benson (strained shoulder) going on the disabled list, the Diamondbacks recalled RHP Kevin Mulvey to take Benson’s roster spot. Mulvey could start Monday’s game, but more likely Arizona would recall RHP Billy Buckner from Triple-A Reno to take that role. He last started in the Pacific Coast League Wednesday, so he would be pitching on his usual rest.
**-RHP Jair Jurrjens left Thursday’s game after one inning because of a hamstring injury. The Braves believe Monday’s day off would allow them to push him back in the rotation so he would be ready to start Saturday.
3*-mlb.com indicates that the Cubs would move LHP Tom Gorzelanny, who has pitched well without achieving results, ahead of RHP Carlos Silva in their rotation to start Friday.
4*-The Rockies weren’t excited about RHP Esmil Rogers’ first major league start this season, when he gave up four runs in four innings Saturday. He still might stay in rotation to start Friday, or Colorado could slide another rookie, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, and RHP Ubaldo Jimenez ahead one day each and bring back LHP Greg Smith on the usual four days’ rest to start Sunday.
5*-The Dodgers’ rotation – well, much of their team – is a mess. They could keep ineffective RHP Charlie Haeger as a starter for Thursday’s game, or they could give rookie RHP John Ely another start.
6*-RHP Carlos Monasterios went four innings in his first emergency start against the Pirates, and could be brought back Sunday against the Rockies. Haeger or Ely also could be an option.
7*-The Brewers liked LHP Chris Narveson well enough to have him supplant veteran RHP Jeff Suppan in their rotation. The Dodgers didn’t show the southpaw any respect by spelling his name “Naverson” in their game notes.
8*-The Phillies are likely to bring RHP Joe Blanton back from an injury-rehab assignment to start Tuesday. That assignment wouldn’t go to LHP J.A. Happ, whom they shut down after 20 pitches on the side Friday because he was feeling more forearm pain.
9*-RHP Kyle Kendrick’s spot in Philadelphia’s rotation is tenuous. The Phils could replace him with veteran RHP Nelson Figueroa, who also could take Tuesday’s start to give Blanton more time on rehab.
10*-On most major league teams, RHP Charlie Morton no longer would be starting. The Pirates don’t currently have much choice.
11*-Pittsburgh recalled RHP Jeff Karstens from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Sunday’s game. His next turn would be Friday.
12*-RHP Ross Ohlendorf isn’t yet ready to return to the Bucs. He threw 43 pitches Friday, and is expected to make an injury-rehab start Wednesday at Double-A Altoona or high Class A Bradenton. Pittsburgh’s plan is for Ohlendorf to return to the major league rotation May 10. His continued absence most likely would leave LHP Brian Burres as Friday’s starter. In his first start this season, Burres pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings.
Schedule notes
In the American League this week, a majority of the teams are scheduled to play seven games, while the other six would play six. That means if you use batters and relief pitchers from the Indians, Tigers, Yankees, Athletics, Mariners or Rays, you would be at a 14 per cent playing-time disadvantage over players from the other eight. The Red Sox, White Sox and Twins would play all seven times at home. That means it could be a marginally better week for batters with games at hitter-friendly parks in Boston (Angels four times, Yankees three) and Chicago (Royals three, Blue Jays four). Pitchers would have an advantage in the six games scheduled in Oakland (Rangers and Rays three each) and Seattle (Rays and Angels three). And those are a couple of additional reasons to stay away from Tampa Bay batters.
The National League is somewhat opposite in that just four teams – Diamondbacks, Astros, Phillies and Cardinals – are scheduled for seven games, with the others playing six. It could be an even better week for NL batters with seven contests in Philadelphia (Cardinals four, Braves three) and a slightly hitter-friendly park in Houston (D-backs four, Padres three). In addition, there are six games scheduled in Cincinnati (Mets and Cubs) three. In the pitchers’ favor are Dodger Stadium (Brewers and Rockies three) and Pittsburgh (Cubs and Cardinals three).
An oddity in this week’s schedules is that except for six teams – Yankees, Rangers, D-backs, Marlins, Mets and Padres – every other squad would play exclusively at home or exclusively on the road.
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Clay Buchholz, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, Mitch Talbot, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Mike Leake, Felipe Paulino, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton and Livan Hernandez, and LHPs Jon Lester, Dallas Braden, Jason Vargas, Clayton Kershaw, Cole Hamels and Paul Maholm. The list is long because 12 teams would be playing at home all week. Despite that, we have only one highest recommendation: Hamels. Plenty of pitches are somewhere between Highest Recommendation and Live Longshot – Peavy, Floyd, Baker, Lester and Kershaw. And what the heck, we’ll give you Oswalt as a very high recommendation.
Injuries
In addition to a herniated disk and an abdominal injury, Orioles 2B Brian Roberts has been battling the flu. He said he might be out another three weeks or three months.
With Twins C Joe Mauer suffering a bruised left heel when he jammed it into a base Friday, C Wilson Ramos from Triple-A Rochester has joined Minnesota.
Yankees CF Curtis Granderson has gone on the disabled list because of a strained left groin muscle. In his absence, Brett Gardner would play center field and Randy Winn left field. Those are much better alternatives than New York has had in several years. To take Granderson’s roster spot, the Yanks recalled RHP Mark Melancon from Triple-A Scranton.
The Athletics put C Kurt Suzuki on the DL because of a strained intercostals muscle in his left side. Up from Triple-A Sacramento to replace him is C Josh Donaldson. He would be worth a shot as a fantasy backup because he has power and is a good defensive catcher, and is a better alternative than C Landon Powell.
News and notes
The word in Washington is that RHP Stephen Strasburg would be promoted to Triple-A Syracuse if he pitched well today for five innings or 85 pitches, whichever comes first, in his start for Double-A Harrisburg. It’s not clear what will happen; he allowed Altoona (Pirates organization) three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Another rookie pro, RHP Drew Storen, already has moved up from Harrisburg to Syracuse.
Before we think the Mets’ troubles are over, consider that 16 of their first 24 games were played at home.
The Rockies have designated RHP Juan Rincon for assignment.
The headline looks impressive: Three No-Hitters the Last Two Days in the Midwest League. However, that is just a low Class A league, and none of the three was by one pitcher in a nine-inning game. It took three Cedar Rapids Kernels (Angels) for one no-no; Nick Struck’s no-hitter for Peoria (Cubs) was in a rain-shortened game, and LHP Dan Osterbrock of Beloit (Twins) pitched his in a seven-inning doubleheader game. Osterbrock’s effort was noteworthy in that the only runner to reach base against him was on a 3-and-2 leadoff walk in the seventh. A double play erased that runner, so the lefty faced the minimum 21 batters.
In closing
This is a regular feature of our Emails and blog posts. It lets you know who’s getting saves. Equally important is telling you who’s blowing saves or putting his job in jeopardy by getting shaky saves. There’s also a FREE Article on the old fantasybaseballscout.com web site letting you know which pitcher or pitchers each team is using to close games. It will be updated whenever there’s a change or speculation about a change in a team’s closer.
It appears that RHP Alfredo Simon could be settling in as the Orioles’ closer and that the Baltimore bullpen is taking shape. In a 12-9 game Saturday against the Red Sox that included nine home runs, Simon picked up his second save with a pitching line of 100011.
The Rangers’ bullpen might not be the place to look for a front-line closer. RHP Frank Francisco’s second save came with a line of 100021 in a 6-3 victory at Seattle, indicating that he could take the primary role from RHP Neftali Feliz. The solution also could become RHP Chris Ray, who may already have usurped a setup role from Feliz or Francisco.
Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin didn’t record a save, but did something much rarer for a closer by winning a game while pitching well. He entered a 3-3 game with two runners on base and two out in the bottom of the eighth inning and received a win when St. Louis scored three times in the top of the ninth for a 6-3 victory.
Other saves went to Royals RHP Joakim Soria, seventh, 4-2 in 11 innings at Tampa Bay; White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, fifth, 7-6 at Yankee Stadium; Cubs RHP Carlos Marmol, fourth, 7-5 over the Diamondbacks; Brewers RHP Trevor Hoffman, fourth, 2-1 at San Diego, and Athletics RHP Andrew Bailey, third, 4-3 at Toronto.
Promotion
To subscribe for our five-times-weekly Emails and anything else we're able to provide this season, Email us at lary@fantasybaseballscout.com. Through today, Sunday, May 2, you can subscribe for just $20, a 20 per cent savings from our established price of $25.
Include your name, address, phone number and the Email address where you would like to receive the Emails. PayPal then would send you an invoice that would allow you to pay in one step.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Baker sizzles on a rainy day
Of the 18 games scheduled, just half were played to a nine-inning conclusion. Five games in Florida were rained out, the Astros’ 10-7 victory over the Red Sox was called after 7 ½ innings because of rain and three games in Arizona ended in ties.
Houston beat up on Boston RHP Jonathan Papelbon. He said he lacked energy after taking medication for a migraine, and that could have contributed to a line of 1/3 56510 (plus plunking a guy) that increased his ERA to 7.11.
Also in Florida, Twins RHP Scott Baker sparkled with a line of 510013 in a 12-3 victory over the Rays. Minnesota mauled Tampa Bay RHP Wade Davis, whose line was 297511. OF Matt Joyce hit his first homer against struggling Twins RHP Clay Condrey, and raised Joyce’s average to .375. LHP Jesse English, claimed on waivers from the Giants last September, picked up his second save in the Nationals’ 9-7 win over the Marlins. English entered the game with one out and a runner on base in the ninth, and pitched out of trouble. He hasn’t yet pitched above Double-A during the regular season.
Some teams made contingency plans to keep their pitchers on schedule despite being postponed. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander threw after busing back to Lakeland, Fla., from their rainout against the Yankees. New York added an intrasquad game Monday morning, with today’s scheduled pitchers, LHP Andy Pettitte and RHP Joba Chamberlain, opposing each other. RHPs A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes would pitch in the scheduled game. The Braves and Cardinals started their game, but without Atlanta’s scheduled starter, RHP Jair Jurrjens. The Braves held him back to pitch in a minor league game Monday. In his place, RHP Peter Moylan pitched in the game that didn’t make it through two innings. He excited Atlanta’s management by striking out St. Louis OF Colby Rasmus and 1B Albert Pujols.
In Arizona, Reds OF Jonny Gomes clubbed his fourth homer in a 4-3 victory over the Athletics.
The Indians routed the Dodgers 12-5, with OF Austin Kearns hitting his first two homers, against LA LHPs Eric Stults and rookie Aaron Miller. Dodgers OF Garret Anderson had three hits, including a triple that resulted when CF Grady Sizemore missed a diving catch and LF Jose Constanza fell down on the warning track.
On my TV were the Rangers, who scored five runs in the third inning, and the Padres who overcame the five-run deficit with six in the fourth and eight in the eighth to win 14-5. Texas RHP Rich Harden couldn’t get out of that fourth inning. He walked three consecutive batters, and gave up a three-run homer to San Diego SS/OF Jerry Hairston. Harden’s ERA rose to 11.25. Three errors contributed to the Padres’ big eighth inning. Having a big day was San Diego SS prospect Lance Zawadzki – who went 2-for-3, scored two runs and raised his average to .412. Rangers C Jarrod Saltalamacchia couldn’t play because of a stiff neck, which is expected to keep him out 7-10 days.
Giants RHP Kevin Pucetas struggled to an 8.04 ERA in four starts last spring, but reduced this year’s mark to 0.64 in three starts with a line of 531120 in a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks. On the other hand, Arizona RHP Edwin Jackson continued to struggle this spring. His line of 4 2/3 54440 include a home run by OF John Bowker.
Two of the tie games went 10 innings. OF Laynce Nix’s homer was the Reds’ only run in their 1-1 tie with the Cubs. LF Ryan Braun hit his third homer for the Brewers as they deadlocked the White Sox 4-4. The Rockies and Royals just quit playing after nine innings of their 11-11 tie.
The Mets picked up a Big 10 victory, 8-1 over the University of Michigan. RHP Nelson Figueroa was the winning pitcher, and OF/1B Chris Carter went 3-for-3 for New York.
The Twins pleased their fans by extending the contract of C Joe Mauer, a hometown favorite, for eight years through 2018, paying $184 million and including a full no-trade clause.
The Cardinals optioned struggling RHP Josh Kinney to Triple-A Memphis, creating an opening for RHPs Adam Ottavino or Fernando Salas to earn a spot in their bullpen. Other possibilities are the losers of the battle for the fifth starter’s role among RHP Kyle McClellan and LHPs Rich Hill and Jaime Garcia.
Inside the injuries:
The Indians’ closer, RHP Kerry Wood, will be out 6-8 weeks because of what the team called a “moderate” strained latissimus muscle behind his shoulder. RHP Chris Perez will get the first shot at Cleveland’s saves until Wood returns.
Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka retired seven of eight batters in a minor league intrasquad game. He’s scheduled to make his first exhibition appearance Thursday against the Marlins, but it’s almost certain he will begin the regular season on the disabled list.
Cubs RHP Carlos Silva left their game after two innings because of a tight right quadriceps.
Rays C Dioner Navarro is on crutches because of an injured left shin suffered in a collision at home plate Saturday, but he insisted he would be ready to play by Opening Day. LHP J.P. Howell now is expected to miss a month of the season because of a weak shoulder. That means RHPs Wade Davis and Andy Sonnanstine both could begin the season in Tampa Bay’s rotation.
Indians OF Michael Brantley rolled an ankle and left their game in the fourth inning. That could ensure that he’s optioned to Triple-A Columbus or perhaps begins the season on the DL.
Beginning the road back from Tommy John surgery last August, Reds RHP Edinson Volquez threw 25 pitches off a mound Thursday and 30 more today.
Sample Scouting Report:
RHP Kevin Pucetas, Giants
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 225 T: R Age: 25 Inj. Risk: 10 Alt. Pos.: SP
{2010} Last season, Pucetas jumped past Double-A to Triple-A Fresno. He started out as if he could duplicate his 10-2 record as the high Class A California League’s Pitcher of the Year for San Jose in 2008, but tired to finish 10-6 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in the Pacific Coast League. Pucetas doesn’t throw hard for a guy his size. He doesn’t strike out batters, but he throws strikes and knows how to win. His career won-lost record in the minors is 42-13. Pucetas has the misfortune of being in an organization with a surplus of pitchers. If he’s traded, consider taking a chance on him. Born: Nov. 27, 1984, Spartanburg, S.C.
Projection
IP: 65 W: 3 ERA: 4.57 WHIP: 1.35 S: 0 SO: 35 Value: $0
Houston beat up on Boston RHP Jonathan Papelbon. He said he lacked energy after taking medication for a migraine, and that could have contributed to a line of 1/3 56510 (plus plunking a guy) that increased his ERA to 7.11.
Also in Florida, Twins RHP Scott Baker sparkled with a line of 510013 in a 12-3 victory over the Rays. Minnesota mauled Tampa Bay RHP Wade Davis, whose line was 297511. OF Matt Joyce hit his first homer against struggling Twins RHP Clay Condrey, and raised Joyce’s average to .375. LHP Jesse English, claimed on waivers from the Giants last September, picked up his second save in the Nationals’ 9-7 win over the Marlins. English entered the game with one out and a runner on base in the ninth, and pitched out of trouble. He hasn’t yet pitched above Double-A during the regular season.
Some teams made contingency plans to keep their pitchers on schedule despite being postponed. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander threw after busing back to Lakeland, Fla., from their rainout against the Yankees. New York added an intrasquad game Monday morning, with today’s scheduled pitchers, LHP Andy Pettitte and RHP Joba Chamberlain, opposing each other. RHPs A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes would pitch in the scheduled game. The Braves and Cardinals started their game, but without Atlanta’s scheduled starter, RHP Jair Jurrjens. The Braves held him back to pitch in a minor league game Monday. In his place, RHP Peter Moylan pitched in the game that didn’t make it through two innings. He excited Atlanta’s management by striking out St. Louis OF Colby Rasmus and 1B Albert Pujols.
In Arizona, Reds OF Jonny Gomes clubbed his fourth homer in a 4-3 victory over the Athletics.
The Indians routed the Dodgers 12-5, with OF Austin Kearns hitting his first two homers, against LA LHPs Eric Stults and rookie Aaron Miller. Dodgers OF Garret Anderson had three hits, including a triple that resulted when CF Grady Sizemore missed a diving catch and LF Jose Constanza fell down on the warning track.
On my TV were the Rangers, who scored five runs in the third inning, and the Padres who overcame the five-run deficit with six in the fourth and eight in the eighth to win 14-5. Texas RHP Rich Harden couldn’t get out of that fourth inning. He walked three consecutive batters, and gave up a three-run homer to San Diego SS/OF Jerry Hairston. Harden’s ERA rose to 11.25. Three errors contributed to the Padres’ big eighth inning. Having a big day was San Diego SS prospect Lance Zawadzki – who went 2-for-3, scored two runs and raised his average to .412. Rangers C Jarrod Saltalamacchia couldn’t play because of a stiff neck, which is expected to keep him out 7-10 days.
Giants RHP Kevin Pucetas struggled to an 8.04 ERA in four starts last spring, but reduced this year’s mark to 0.64 in three starts with a line of 531120 in a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks. On the other hand, Arizona RHP Edwin Jackson continued to struggle this spring. His line of 4 2/3 54440 include a home run by OF John Bowker.
Two of the tie games went 10 innings. OF Laynce Nix’s homer was the Reds’ only run in their 1-1 tie with the Cubs. LF Ryan Braun hit his third homer for the Brewers as they deadlocked the White Sox 4-4. The Rockies and Royals just quit playing after nine innings of their 11-11 tie.
The Mets picked up a Big 10 victory, 8-1 over the University of Michigan. RHP Nelson Figueroa was the winning pitcher, and OF/1B Chris Carter went 3-for-3 for New York.
The Twins pleased their fans by extending the contract of C Joe Mauer, a hometown favorite, for eight years through 2018, paying $184 million and including a full no-trade clause.
The Cardinals optioned struggling RHP Josh Kinney to Triple-A Memphis, creating an opening for RHPs Adam Ottavino or Fernando Salas to earn a spot in their bullpen. Other possibilities are the losers of the battle for the fifth starter’s role among RHP Kyle McClellan and LHPs Rich Hill and Jaime Garcia.
Inside the injuries:
The Indians’ closer, RHP Kerry Wood, will be out 6-8 weeks because of what the team called a “moderate” strained latissimus muscle behind his shoulder. RHP Chris Perez will get the first shot at Cleveland’s saves until Wood returns.
Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka retired seven of eight batters in a minor league intrasquad game. He’s scheduled to make his first exhibition appearance Thursday against the Marlins, but it’s almost certain he will begin the regular season on the disabled list.
Cubs RHP Carlos Silva left their game after two innings because of a tight right quadriceps.
Rays C Dioner Navarro is on crutches because of an injured left shin suffered in a collision at home plate Saturday, but he insisted he would be ready to play by Opening Day. LHP J.P. Howell now is expected to miss a month of the season because of a weak shoulder. That means RHPs Wade Davis and Andy Sonnanstine both could begin the season in Tampa Bay’s rotation.
Indians OF Michael Brantley rolled an ankle and left their game in the fourth inning. That could ensure that he’s optioned to Triple-A Columbus or perhaps begins the season on the DL.
Beginning the road back from Tommy John surgery last August, Reds RHP Edinson Volquez threw 25 pitches off a mound Thursday and 30 more today.
Sample Scouting Report:
RHP Kevin Pucetas, Giants
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 225 T: R Age: 25 Inj. Risk: 10 Alt. Pos.: SP
{2010} Last season, Pucetas jumped past Double-A to Triple-A Fresno. He started out as if he could duplicate his 10-2 record as the high Class A California League’s Pitcher of the Year for San Jose in 2008, but tired to finish 10-6 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in the Pacific Coast League. Pucetas doesn’t throw hard for a guy his size. He doesn’t strike out batters, but he throws strikes and knows how to win. His career won-lost record in the minors is 42-13. Pucetas has the misfortune of being in an organization with a surplus of pitchers. If he’s traded, consider taking a chance on him. Born: Nov. 27, 1984, Spartanburg, S.C.
Projection
IP: 65 W: 3 ERA: 4.57 WHIP: 1.35 S: 0 SO: 35 Value: $0
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hot and Not: Mauer, Beckett still sizzling
The players listed here were the major league statistical leaders 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 Adrian Gonzalez, Padres 19-30 .633 3-8 0
2B Mark Ellis, Athletics 12-21 .571 1-11 0
C Joe Mauer, Twins 13-24 .542 2-7 1
OF Josh Hamilton, Rangers 13-24 .542 0-7 0
2B/1B Jeff Baker, Cubs 12-23 .522 1-6 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 13-25 .520 1-8 0
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees 14-27 .519 3-6 1
3B Chone Figgins, Angels 13-27 .481 0-7 4
1B Kendry Morales, Angels 11-23 .478 2-4 0
2B Felipe Lopez, Brewers 12-26 .462 1-6 0
This is Mauer’s second consecutive week among the majors’ leaders in batting average. Figgins was 0-for-15 a week earlier.
Home runs – Red Sox OF Jason Bay, Reds OF Jonny Gomes, Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez, Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and Astros OF Hunter Pence 4.
RBI – Ellis and Howard 11; Pence and Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki 10; Gomes 9.
Stolen bases – Astros OF Michael Bourn 5; Figgins, Rangers OF Julio Borbon and Athletics OF Rajai Davis 4; Rangers SS Elvis Andrus and Orioles 2B Brian Roberts 3.
Runs – Gonzalez 10; Morales and Tulowitzki 9; Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 8; Jeter, Marlins 1B/3B Jorge Cantu, Mets 2B Luis Castillo and Phillies OF Shane Victorino 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Scott Baker, Twins 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.22 5:0
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.33 3:1
RHP Ervin Santana, Angels 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 6:2
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.63 8:1
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.88 6:4
LHP Jarrod Washburn, Tigers 8.0 0.00 0-0 0.63 4:2
LHP Mark Buehrle, White Sox 8.0 0.00 0-0 0.88 3:1
RHP Tommy Hunter, Rangers 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.78 5:0
RHP Adam Wainwright, Cardinals 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.14 3:0
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 7:4
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.43 10:4
Greinke was on the ERA Not list a week earlier.
Wins – Angels RHP Jason Bulger, Rockies LHP Jorge DeLaRosa, Indians LHP Aaron Laffey, Giants RHP Brian Wilson and Dodgers LHP Randy Wolf 2. DeLaRosa was one of our pitchers to seek when he hadn't won a game this season. Now he's among the major league leaders in wins.
Saves – Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin and Yankees RHP Mariano Rivera 3-for-3; Blue Jays RHP Jason Frasor, White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, Nationals RHP Mike MacDougal and Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez 2. franklin, Rivera and MacDougal were on this list the previous week.
WHIP – Baker 0.22; Arroyo 0.33; Mariners RHP Josh Johnson 0.55; Santana 0.56; Wolf, Red Sox RHP Josh Beckett, Cubs RHP Rich Harden and Twins LHP Francisco Liriano 0.57.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 10:0; Wolf 13:1; Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte 10:1; White Sox LHP John Danks 11:2; Yankees LHP C.C. Sabathia 10:2; Johnson 11:3; DeLaRosa 20:7; Hernandez 10:4.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
3B/1B Adam Rosales, Reds 2-22 .091 0-0 0
C Russell Martin, Dodgers 2-22 .091 0-0 0
3B Casey Blake, Dodgers 2-21 .095 0-0 0
OF Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 3-25 .120 0-2 0
OF Melky Cabrera, Yankees 3-23 .130 0-3 1
OF Raul Ibanez, Phillies 3-22 .136 1-3 0
2B Brandon Phillips, Reds 3-21 .143 0-4 0
SS Cristian Guzman, National 3-20 .150 0-0 1
3B Mark Reynolds, D-backs 3-20 1-1 1
3B Alex Gordon, Royals 3-20 1-3 0
Guzman was on the Hot list a week earlier.
The week’s hitless wonders were White Sox 1B Paul Konerko 0-for-15; Giants OF
Aaron Rowand and Mariners DH Mike Sweeney 0-for-13; Indians OF/1B Chris Gimenez and Nationals C Josh Bard 0-for-11.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Yankees C Jorge Posada 0:10; D-backs OF Gerardo Parra 1:11; Rockies OF Brad Hawpe 2:10; Reynolds 3:10; Mariners 1B/3B Russell Branyan 4:10; Blake 5:11.
Caught stealing – Nationals OF Nyjer Morgan 2-for-4.
The following pitchers made two starts last week, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Nick Blackburn, Twins 4.0 22.50 0-2 3.50 2:2
RHP Johnny Cueto, Reds 4.2 15.43 0-1 2.14 3:1
RHP Sean O'Sullivan, Angels 8.2 12.46 0-0 1.96 6:4
RHP Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles 10.1 10.45 0-1 2.32 4:3
LHP Tom Gorzelanny, Cubs 6.1 9.95 1-1 1.89 9:3
RHP Roy Oswalt, Astros 11.0 9.00 0-0 1.91 8:4
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 10.1 7.84 0-1 1.94 3:7
RHP Braden Looper, Brewers 11.0 7.36 0-1 1.64 4:3
RHP Rick Vanden Hurk, Marlins 10.2 6.75 1-1 1.55 13:6
RHP Joba Chamberlain, Yankees 11.0 6.55 0-1 1.55 7:5
Losses – Blackburn, Tigers RHP Zach Miner and Astros RHP Brian Moehler 2.
Blown saves – Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 2-for-4.
Hot
Pos. Name, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Padres 19-30 .633 3-8 0
2B Mark Ellis, Athletics 12-21 .571 1-11 0
C Joe Mauer, Twins 13-24 .542 2-7 1
OF Josh Hamilton, Rangers 13-24 .542 0-7 0
2B/1B Jeff Baker, Cubs 12-23 .522 1-6 0
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres 13-25 .520 1-8 0
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees 14-27 .519 3-6 1
3B Chone Figgins, Angels 13-27 .481 0-7 4
1B Kendry Morales, Angels 11-23 .478 2-4 0
2B Felipe Lopez, Brewers 12-26 .462 1-6 0
This is Mauer’s second consecutive week among the majors’ leaders in batting average. Figgins was 0-for-15 a week earlier.
Home runs – Red Sox OF Jason Bay, Reds OF Jonny Gomes, Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez, Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and Astros OF Hunter Pence 4.
RBI – Ellis and Howard 11; Pence and Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki 10; Gomes 9.
Stolen bases – Astros OF Michael Bourn 5; Figgins, Rangers OF Julio Borbon and Athletics OF Rajai Davis 4; Rangers SS Elvis Andrus and Orioles 2B Brian Roberts 3.
Runs – Gonzalez 10; Morales and Tulowitzki 9; Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez 8; Jeter, Marlins 1B/3B Jorge Cantu, Mets 2B Luis Castillo and Phillies OF Shane Victorino 7.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Scott Baker, Twins 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.22 5:0
RHP Bronson Arroyo, Reds 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.33 3:1
RHP Ervin Santana, Angels 9.0 0.00 1-0 0.56 6:2
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.63 8:1
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies 8.0 0.00 1-0 0.88 6:4
LHP Jarrod Washburn, Tigers 8.0 0.00 0-0 0.63 4:2
LHP Mark Buehrle, White Sox 8.0 0.00 0-0 0.88 3:1
RHP Tommy Hunter, Rangers 7.2 0.00 1-0 0.78 5:0
RHP Adam Wainwright, Cardinals 7.0 0.00 1-0 1.14 3:0
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.00 7:4
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners 7.0 0.00 0-0 1.43 10:4
Greinke was on the ERA Not list a week earlier.
Wins – Angels RHP Jason Bulger, Rockies LHP Jorge DeLaRosa, Indians LHP Aaron Laffey, Giants RHP Brian Wilson and Dodgers LHP Randy Wolf 2. DeLaRosa was one of our pitchers to seek when he hadn't won a game this season. Now he's among the major league leaders in wins.
Saves – Cardinals RHP Ryan Franklin and Yankees RHP Mariano Rivera 3-for-3; Blue Jays RHP Jason Frasor, White Sox RHP Bobby Jenks, Nationals RHP Mike MacDougal and Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez 2. franklin, Rivera and MacDougal were on this list the previous week.
WHIP – Baker 0.22; Arroyo 0.33; Mariners RHP Josh Johnson 0.55; Santana 0.56; Wolf, Red Sox RHP Josh Beckett, Cubs RHP Rich Harden and Twins LHP Francisco Liriano 0.57.
Strikeout/walk ratio (10 Ks, at least a 2.5:1 ratio) – Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter 10:0; Wolf 13:1; Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte 10:1; White Sox LHP John Danks 11:2; Yankees LHP C.C. Sabathia 10:2; Johnson 11:3; DeLaRosa 20:7; Hernandez 10:4.
* * *
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB Avg. HR-RBI SB
3B/1B Adam Rosales, Reds 2-22 .091 0-0 0
C Russell Martin, Dodgers 2-22 .091 0-0 0
3B Casey Blake, Dodgers 2-21 .095 0-0 0
OF Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 3-25 .120 0-2 0
OF Melky Cabrera, Yankees 3-23 .130 0-3 1
OF Raul Ibanez, Phillies 3-22 .136 1-3 0
2B Brandon Phillips, Reds 3-21 .143 0-4 0
SS Cristian Guzman, National 3-20 .150 0-0 1
3B Mark Reynolds, D-backs 3-20 1-1 1
3B Alex Gordon, Royals 3-20 1-3 0
Guzman was on the Hot list a week earlier.
The week’s hitless wonders were White Sox 1B Paul Konerko 0-for-15; Giants OF
Aaron Rowand and Mariners DH Mike Sweeney 0-for-13; Indians OF/1B Chris Gimenez and Nationals C Josh Bard 0-for-11.
Walk/strikeout ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Yankees C Jorge Posada 0:10; D-backs OF Gerardo Parra 1:11; Rockies OF Brad Hawpe 2:10; Reynolds 3:10; Mariners 1B/3B Russell Branyan 4:10; Blake 5:11.
Caught stealing – Nationals OF Nyjer Morgan 2-for-4.
The following pitchers made two starts last week, doubly damaging their real and fantasy teams.
Throws Pitcher, Team IP ERA W-L WHIP SO/BB
RHP Nick Blackburn, Twins 4.0 22.50 0-2 3.50 2:2
RHP Johnny Cueto, Reds 4.2 15.43 0-1 2.14 3:1
RHP Sean O'Sullivan, Angels 8.2 12.46 0-0 1.96 6:4
RHP Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles 10.1 10.45 0-1 2.32 4:3
LHP Tom Gorzelanny, Cubs 6.1 9.95 1-1 1.89 9:3
RHP Roy Oswalt, Astros 11.0 9.00 0-0 1.91 8:4
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 10.1 7.84 0-1 1.94 3:7
RHP Braden Looper, Brewers 11.0 7.36 0-1 1.64 4:3
RHP Rick Vanden Hurk, Marlins 10.2 6.75 1-1 1.55 13:6
RHP Joba Chamberlain, Yankees 11.0 6.55 0-1 1.55 7:5
Losses – Blackburn, Tigers RHP Zach Miner and Astros RHP Brian Moehler 2.
Blown saves – Phillies RHP Brad Lidge 2-for-4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)