Monday's biggest move was the trade of White Sox RHP Addison Reed to the Diamondbacks for 3B Matt Davidson.
It gives Arizona a closer, after the Snakes made do with a combination of ineffective closers such as RHPs Brad Ziegler and J.J. Putz this season. Third base was a black hole on the south side of Chicago, so Davidson has a chance to star. The move also could signal the re-signing of free-agent 3B/1B Eric Chavez in Arizona. There isn't a whole lot left in his tank, but he's probably a good guy to have around.
Reed had 40 saves in 2013, despite fading down the stretch. He could be more inspired with the D-backs in the playoff hunt.
Taking a page from the NFL, the majors have made moves to assimilate portions of their competition, for dollars as well as players. In this case, it's with Nippon Professional Baseball to hold the posting price to a maximum of $20 million. Consider that the posting cost for RHP Yu Darvish was nearly three times that amount, and that this kind of big-money deal tends only to increase in price over time, and you can see that the North American teams can save money at the Japanese teams' expense.
It would seem that the new agreement would make teams in Japan less willing to post players, but the Rakuten Golden Eagles are letting RHP Masahiro Tanaka move into the market. Clearly, he's the biggest short-term winner. Some of the millions that major league teams formerly would have had to put toward the posting fee now will go into Tanaka's (and his agent's) pockets. Let the bidding begin!
The Braves added to their rotation for at least part of the season by agreeing to a 1-year contract with incentives for RHP Gavin Floyd. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May, and there's concern that it might take him more than a year to recover because his operation involved a tendon as well as the ligament usually repaired.
If you're interested in tracking the Astros' bullpen, it added RHP Matt Albers on a 1-year contract.
Here's a transaction that could have far-reaching implications. The Indians signed RHP Shaun Marcum to a minor league contract. He suffered through ineffectiveness and injuries this year. Marcum has been a good pitcher, but only for short stretches between injuries. It's easy to forget that Cleveland was a playoff team in 2013, but the Tribe could benefit from another experienced arm in the rotation for at least part of '14.
* * *
Football. My team in the scoring-only AMFL did not break my personal record in my 27th year in the league. I received nothing from RB Ray Rice and just 3 points for QB Matthew Stafford's 4th-quarter TD pass. So I finished with a 66-20 victory, 4 points short of my all-time high. I'm now alone in third place, but two games out of first. Because I lost both games against the leader, I don't think I can finish first. A bigger concern is the three teams just a game behind me. If two of them overtake me, I'd drop into the second-division consolation playoffs with no chance to be the league champion.
My team's collapse in the scoring-plus-yardage league concluded with RB Reggie Bush's first-half touchdown. I lost 196-183 in the consolation playoffs, and will have some sort of consolation consolation matchup over the next few weeks against a team that defeated me during the season. But, in the parlance of today's everybody-is-a-winner culture, even if I lose this playoff, I still would be the consolation consolation loser champion.
* * *
Hockey. Three Avalanche players helped me hold steady while the second-place team above me lost 2 points. Still a big hill to climb. One of my biggest advantages Monday was that none of my goalies played, so I managed to pick up a point in GAA over a team whose goalies also suck. And for tonight, I picked up another Avalanche player, Peter Stastny, who has scored four goals in his last two games against the Stars. I'll get to see him in action tonight. I'm hoping Colorado G Jean-Sebastien Giguere starts and plays well.
* * *
Basketball. I should stop looking at my games in progress early in the evening. On Monday, with a pretty full roster, I had a 6-2 lead when I checked after dinner. Checked this morning and it was 5-2-1, with a tie in points. But wait! I'm now losing 5-2-1. The only player in action Monday who was on my bench was the Nets' Joe Johnson. He merely scored 37 points, and would have helped my problem area: 3-pointers. Johnson had 10! I believe his being on the bench was a case of guilt by association from existing within a few miles of the suckiness that was Knicks G J.R. Smith. I did get Smith off my roster, and I'll get JJ back in the lineup the next time Brooklyn plays.
Showing posts with label Shaun Marcum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaun Marcum. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Lefties Lee, Francis finally return to rotations
Here is our Weekly Preview and Pitching Chart for the coming week.
We’re getting back toward our five-Emails-per-week regular-season schedule, which would send you News and Notes each Thursday.
The scheduled free period for these Emails has ended. After this, the Emails would go only to those who subscribe.
The good news is that you now CAN subscribe. See below to find out how.
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, April 26-May 2, 2010
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal --- NYY-Millwood NYY-Guthrie NYY-Matusz Bos-Hernandz Bos-Berken* Bos-Mlwod2
Bos @Tor-Beckett @Tor-Buchholz @Tor-Lester --- @Bal-Lackey @Bal-Mtszka** @Bal-Beckett2
CWS --- @Tex-Buehrle @Tex-Peavy @Tex-Floyd @NYY-Garcia @NYY-Danks @NYY-Buehrle2
Cle @LAA-Huff @LAA-Talbot @LAA-Wstbrook --- Min-Carmona Min-Mastrson Min-Huff2
Det @Tex-Bondrmn Min-Verlander Min-Scherzer Min-Willis*** LAA-Porcello LAA-Bndrmn2 LAA-Verlandr2
KC Se-Davies Se-Greinke Se-Meche @TB-Hochevar @TB-Bannister @TB-Davies2 @TB-Greinke2
LAA Cle-Weaver Cle-Saunders Cle-Santana --- @Det-Pineiro @Det-Kazmir @Det-Weaver2
Min --- @Det-Liriano @Det-Baker @Det-Pavano @Cle-Blakburn @Cle-Slowey @Cle-Liriano2
NYY --- @Bal-Hughes @Bal-Sabathia @Bal-Burnett CWS-Pettitte CWS-Vazquez CWS-Hughes
Oak --- @TB-Sheets @TB-Braden @Tor-Duchschr @Tor-Adrsn-4* @Tor-Gonzalez @Tor-Sheets2
Se @KC-Hernandz @KC-Snell @KC-Rld-Smth --- Tex-Lee-5* Tex-Fister Tex-Hrnandz2
TB --- Oak-Davis Oak-Shields KC-Garza KC-Niemann KC-Price KC-Davis2
Tex Det-Harrison CWS-Wilson CWS-Hardn-6* CWS-Feldman @Se-Lewis @Se-Harrison2 @Se-Wilson2
Tor Bos-Eveland Bos-Marcum Bos-Cecil-7* Oak-Romero Oak-Morrow Oak-Eveland2 Oak-Marcum2
*-RHP Jason Berken is likely to make a spot start Saturday for the Orioles, who are trying to go with a four-man rotation as much as possible. They’d be better off cloning LHP Brian Matusz.
**-As we indicated in Thursday’s Email, RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to replace RHP Tim Wakefield in the Red Sox rotation.
***-LHP Dontrelle Willis didn’t make his scheduled start at Texas Saturday because he was sick. He pitched an inning in relief today, walking three and giving up two runs on 3B Michael Young’s single.
4*-Athletics LHP Brian Anderson left his most recent start after six innings because of soreness in his forearm and elbow, but said he expects to make his next scheduled start. Watch him closely; similar symptoms have resulted in Tommy John surgery for other pitchers.
5*-Mariners LHP Cliff Lee pitched six shutout innings in an injury-rehab start today for Triple-A Tucson, putting him on schedule to return to Seattle’s rotation Friday. He would replace RHP Ian Snell or possibly LHP Jason Vargas.
6*-RHP Rich Harden’s wildness and high pitch counts could knock him out of the Rangers’ rotation. Wednesday’s start also would be on schedule for LHP Derek Holland to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City for a major league start.
7*-LHP Brett Cecil won his first start back in the majors – replacing LHP Brian Tallet, who went on the disabled list. Cecil would be on schedule to start again Wednesday.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari @Col-Haren @Col-Jackson @Col-Benson @ChC-Kennedy @ChC-Lopez @ChC-Haren2 @ChC-Jackson2
Atl @StL-Hudson @StL-Lowe @StL-Kawkami @StL-Jurrjens Ho-Hanson Ho-Hudson2 Ho-Lowe2
ChC Was-Silva Was-Gorzlany Was-Dempster Ari-Lilly Ari-Wells Ari-Silva2 Ari-Grzlany2
Cin --- @Ho-Harang @Ho-Leake @Ho-Arroyo @StL-Cueto @StL-Bailey @StL-Harang2
Col Ari-Hammel Ari-Jimenez Ari-Francis* --- @SD-Smith @SD-Cook @SD-DeLaRsa
Fla SD-Johnson SD-Sanchez SD-Rbrtsn** --- Was-Nolasco Was-Volstad Was-Johnson2
Ho --- Cin-Norris Cin-Paulino Cin-Oswlt*** @Atl-Rdriguez @Atl-Myers @Atl-Norris2
LAD @NYM-Kuroda @NYM-Towrs-4* @NYM-Haeger Pit-Kershaw Pit-Bilngsley Pit-Kuroda2 Pit-Towers2
Mil Pit-Gallardo Pit-Wolf Pit-Nrvsn-5* @SD-Davis @SD-Bush @SD-Gallardo2 @SD-Wolf2
NYM LAD-Perez LAD-Santana LAD-Maine --- @Phi-Niese @Phi-Pelfrey @Phi-Perez2
Phi @SF-Halladay @SF-Moyer @SF-Hamels --- NYM-Fgroa-6* NYM-Hlladay2 NYM-Kendrick
Pit @Mil-Duke @Mil-McCn-7* @Mil-Maholm @LAD-Hart-8* @LAD-Morton @LAD-Duke @LAD-McCtcn2
StL Atl-Lohse Atl-Carpenter Atl-Garcia Atl-Wainright Cin-Penny Cin-Lohse2 Cin-Carpentr2
SD @Fla-Latos @Fla-Garland @Fla-Correia Mil-LeBlanc Mil-Richard Mil-Latos2 Mil-Garland2
SF Phi-Sanchez Phi-Wlemeyr Phi-Lincecum --- Col-Zito Col-Cain Col-Sanchez2
Was @ChC-Lannan @ChC-Hernandz @ChC-Atilno-9* --- @Fla-Stammen @Fla-Olsen @Fla-Lannan2
*-Rockies LHP Jeff Francis is expected to return from the disabled list for his first major league appearance this season Wednesday. He could replace RHP Jason Hammel or LHP Greg Smith in Colorado’s rotation.
**-After Friday’s game at Colorado was postponed because of rain and snow – the first postponement this season – LHP Nate Robertson and RHP Ricky Nolasco started in Saturday’s doubleheader. Florida indicated that Robertson would start Wednesday on three days’ rest.
***-Astros RHP Roy Oswalt might not be available to start Thursday. He has gone to Weir, Miss., where a tornado destroyed his family’s home. The off-day Monday makes it so that LHP Wandy Rodriguez and RHP Brett Myers could slide ahead a day and still pitch on their usual rest. Thus, Oswalt wouldn’t be needed until Saturday.
4*-The Dodgers put RHP Vicente Padilla on the disabled list. His replacement in the rotation could be RHP Josh Towers from Triple-A Albuquerque or Jesus Castillo from Double-A Chattanooga.
5*-The Brewers have replaced RHP Jeff Suppan in their rotation with LHP Chris Narveson.
6*-Well traveled RHP Nelson Figueroa replaced injured LHP J.A. Happ in the Phillies’ rotation Saturday, and would be scheduled to start next on Friday.
7*-Pirates RHP Daniel McCutchen hasn’t made it past the fifth inning in his last three starts. He could be replaced by LHP Brian Burres.
8*-However, McCutchen doesn’t represent the only hole in Pittsburgh’s rotation. RHP Chris Jakubauskas, who replaced injured RHP Ross Ohlendorf, went on the disabled list himself after Astros 1B Lance Berkman’s line drive struck the back of Jakubauskas’ head Saturday. Pittsburgh could recall RHP Kevin Hart from Triple-A Indianapolis, or could use McCutchen or Burres to start Thursday.
9*-RHP Luis Atilano was promoted to a starting role for Washington because of an injury to RHP Garrett Mock. Atilano allowed the dodgers only one run in six innings Friday, and would be scheduled to pitch again Wednesday.
Schedule notes
Half of the National League is scheduled for seven games this week, but just four American League teams – the Tigers, Royals, Rangers and Blue Jays – would play every day, giving their batters and relief pitchers 17 per cent more potential playing time than those on the AL’s other 10 rosters. Toronto, along with the Cubs and Cardinals in the NL, is scheduled to play all seven at home.
Wrigley Field would be the most hitter-friendly park in play all week (three games against the Nationals, four with the Diamondbacks). St. Louis (Braves four games, Reds three) would favor pitchers the most of those three everyday stadiums. Overall, the American League could slightly favor batters, with the Orioles and Rays each home for six games. The National League could be kinder to pitchers, with the Marlins and Giants home for six games.
For the record, the other NL teams playing seven games are the Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, Pirates and Padres.
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Kevin Millwood, Justin Verlander, Wade Davis, Shaun Marcum, Carlos Silva, Josh Johnson, Kyle Lohse and Chris Carpenter, and LHPs Dana Eveland, Tom Gorzelanny and Jonathan Sanchez. Our highest recommendations are Marcum, Johnson, Carpenter and Sanchez, with Verlander and Marcum live longshots.
Injuries
Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler was to play in a four-inning “live batting practice” game today in Arizona, then fly back to Texas to begin a three-game injury-rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco. GM Jon Daniels said Kinsler might be the DH in one game, but would play primarily and possibly exclusively at second base.
OOO Tigers SS Adam Everett left Saturday’s game at Texas in the third inning because of a right hamstring injury. With OF/3B Carlos Guillen going on the disabled list, Detroit has used OF Brennan Boesch in its lineup for the first three games of its series against the Rangers.
OOO Royals CF Rick Ankiel has been out because of a strained quadriceps.
OOO The Angels put C Bobby Wilson on the disabled list because of a concussion and ankle injury caused when Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira ran over the catcher on a play at home plate.
OOO Athletics C Kurt Suzuki sat out because of a sore left side he injured during a workout. 3b Kevin Kouzmanoff fouled a pitch off his left foot.
OOO Braves 3B Chipper Jones left Saturday’s game because of a hip injury but returned for tonight’s game.
OOO The Rockies put OF Brad Hawpe (groin injury) on the disabled list.
News and notes
The Padres’ improvement shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who saw their Double-A farm team at San Antonio frequently during the past two years. The names in San Diego – 3B/OF Chase Headley, OF Will Venable, C Nick Hundley, LHP Wade LeBlanc, RHP Mat Latos – would be very familiar. They were among the Texas League’s best players. During the eight-game winning streak that ended with today’s 5-4 loss to the Reds, the Padres’ starters had a 1.04 ERA. LeBlanc pitched six scoreless innings to win Saturday.
OOO On Saturday, the Orioles started rookie Rhyne Hughes at first base instead of 1B/3B Garrett Atkins.
OOO To help their injury-depleted outfield, the Red Sox reacquired OF Jonathan Van Every from the Pirates’ organization.
OOO Fox announcer Joe Buck betrayed his man love for the Yankees during Saturday’s telecast. We’ll take factual or perceptual issues with two of his comments. 1. That New York had made “only” six errors. I didn’t see much of the Rangers’ series at Yankee Stadium, but Texas’ announcers indicated that on judgment calls that could have gone either way, hits were being given away like Halloween candy. 2. That the Yanks had had two “near no-hitters” this season. Granted, hardly anyone pitches nine innings anymore, but we’d really prefer to see a guy go more than eight hitless innings or pitch a complete-game one-hitter before we hear about near no-hitters.
OOO Marlins 1B/3B Jorge Cantu had his hitting streak stopped at 21 games.
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.
Two closers blew saves Saturday. Mariners RHP David Aardsma had the more explosive collapse. He entered their game on the south side of Chicago with a 4-2 lead, and left with a blown save, a loss and a pitching line of 2/3 23311. 1B Paul Konerko pulled the White Sox within a run with a solo home run, and OF Alex Rios won the game with a two-run homer. Twins RHP Jon Rauch blew a save with a line of 231110. He stayed around to pitch the bottom of the 12th inning and was the winning pitcher in Minnesota’s 9-7 victory.
Red Sox RHP Jonathan Papelbon had a shaky fifth save. Boston led the Orioles 7-3 entering the ninth inning, but Baltimore scored once and had a runner on base when Papelbon entered with one out. He allowed that runner, plus one of his own, to escape despite a line of 2/3 31102.
Other saves were by Astros RHP Matt Lindstrom, his sixth (among seven Houston victories), 5-2 over the Pirates; Marlins RHP Leo Nunez, fourth, 4-1 at Colorado; Phillies RHP Ryan Madson, fourth, 3-2 at Arizona; Giants RHP Brian Wilson, fourth, 2-0 against the Cardinals, and Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez, third, 3-1 vs. Atlanta.
Promotion
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We’re getting back toward our five-Emails-per-week regular-season schedule, which would send you News and Notes each Thursday.
The scheduled free period for these Emails has ended. After this, the Emails would go only to those who subscribe.
The good news is that you now CAN subscribe. See below to find out how.
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, April 26-May 2, 2010
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Bal --- NYY-Millwood NYY-Guthrie NYY-Matusz Bos-Hernandz Bos-Berken* Bos-Mlwod2
Bos @Tor-Beckett @Tor-Buchholz @Tor-Lester --- @Bal-Lackey @Bal-Mtszka** @Bal-Beckett2
CWS --- @Tex-Buehrle @Tex-Peavy @Tex-Floyd @NYY-Garcia @NYY-Danks @NYY-Buehrle2
Cle @LAA-Huff @LAA-Talbot @LAA-Wstbrook --- Min-Carmona Min-Mastrson Min-Huff2
Det @Tex-Bondrmn Min-Verlander Min-Scherzer Min-Willis*** LAA-Porcello LAA-Bndrmn2 LAA-Verlandr2
KC Se-Davies Se-Greinke Se-Meche @TB-Hochevar @TB-Bannister @TB-Davies2 @TB-Greinke2
LAA Cle-Weaver Cle-Saunders Cle-Santana --- @Det-Pineiro @Det-Kazmir @Det-Weaver2
Min --- @Det-Liriano @Det-Baker @Det-Pavano @Cle-Blakburn @Cle-Slowey @Cle-Liriano2
NYY --- @Bal-Hughes @Bal-Sabathia @Bal-Burnett CWS-Pettitte CWS-Vazquez CWS-Hughes
Oak --- @TB-Sheets @TB-Braden @Tor-Duchschr @Tor-Adrsn-4* @Tor-Gonzalez @Tor-Sheets2
Se @KC-Hernandz @KC-Snell @KC-Rld-Smth --- Tex-Lee-5* Tex-Fister Tex-Hrnandz2
TB --- Oak-Davis Oak-Shields KC-Garza KC-Niemann KC-Price KC-Davis2
Tex Det-Harrison CWS-Wilson CWS-Hardn-6* CWS-Feldman @Se-Lewis @Se-Harrison2 @Se-Wilson2
Tor Bos-Eveland Bos-Marcum Bos-Cecil-7* Oak-Romero Oak-Morrow Oak-Eveland2 Oak-Marcum2
*-RHP Jason Berken is likely to make a spot start Saturday for the Orioles, who are trying to go with a four-man rotation as much as possible. They’d be better off cloning LHP Brian Matusz.
**-As we indicated in Thursday’s Email, RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to replace RHP Tim Wakefield in the Red Sox rotation.
***-LHP Dontrelle Willis didn’t make his scheduled start at Texas Saturday because he was sick. He pitched an inning in relief today, walking three and giving up two runs on 3B Michael Young’s single.
4*-Athletics LHP Brian Anderson left his most recent start after six innings because of soreness in his forearm and elbow, but said he expects to make his next scheduled start. Watch him closely; similar symptoms have resulted in Tommy John surgery for other pitchers.
5*-Mariners LHP Cliff Lee pitched six shutout innings in an injury-rehab start today for Triple-A Tucson, putting him on schedule to return to Seattle’s rotation Friday. He would replace RHP Ian Snell or possibly LHP Jason Vargas.
6*-RHP Rich Harden’s wildness and high pitch counts could knock him out of the Rangers’ rotation. Wednesday’s start also would be on schedule for LHP Derek Holland to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City for a major league start.
7*-LHP Brett Cecil won his first start back in the majors – replacing LHP Brian Tallet, who went on the disabled list. Cecil would be on schedule to start again Wednesday.
AL Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Ari @Col-Haren @Col-Jackson @Col-Benson @ChC-Kennedy @ChC-Lopez @ChC-Haren2 @ChC-Jackson2
Atl @StL-Hudson @StL-Lowe @StL-Kawkami @StL-Jurrjens Ho-Hanson Ho-Hudson2 Ho-Lowe2
ChC Was-Silva Was-Gorzlany Was-Dempster Ari-Lilly Ari-Wells Ari-Silva2 Ari-Grzlany2
Cin --- @Ho-Harang @Ho-Leake @Ho-Arroyo @StL-Cueto @StL-Bailey @StL-Harang2
Col Ari-Hammel Ari-Jimenez Ari-Francis* --- @SD-Smith @SD-Cook @SD-DeLaRsa
Fla SD-Johnson SD-Sanchez SD-Rbrtsn** --- Was-Nolasco Was-Volstad Was-Johnson2
Ho --- Cin-Norris Cin-Paulino Cin-Oswlt*** @Atl-Rdriguez @Atl-Myers @Atl-Norris2
LAD @NYM-Kuroda @NYM-Towrs-4* @NYM-Haeger Pit-Kershaw Pit-Bilngsley Pit-Kuroda2 Pit-Towers2
Mil Pit-Gallardo Pit-Wolf Pit-Nrvsn-5* @SD-Davis @SD-Bush @SD-Gallardo2 @SD-Wolf2
NYM LAD-Perez LAD-Santana LAD-Maine --- @Phi-Niese @Phi-Pelfrey @Phi-Perez2
Phi @SF-Halladay @SF-Moyer @SF-Hamels --- NYM-Fgroa-6* NYM-Hlladay2 NYM-Kendrick
Pit @Mil-Duke @Mil-McCn-7* @Mil-Maholm @LAD-Hart-8* @LAD-Morton @LAD-Duke @LAD-McCtcn2
StL Atl-Lohse Atl-Carpenter Atl-Garcia Atl-Wainright Cin-Penny Cin-Lohse2 Cin-Carpentr2
SD @Fla-Latos @Fla-Garland @Fla-Correia Mil-LeBlanc Mil-Richard Mil-Latos2 Mil-Garland2
SF Phi-Sanchez Phi-Wlemeyr Phi-Lincecum --- Col-Zito Col-Cain Col-Sanchez2
Was @ChC-Lannan @ChC-Hernandz @ChC-Atilno-9* --- @Fla-Stammen @Fla-Olsen @Fla-Lannan2
*-Rockies LHP Jeff Francis is expected to return from the disabled list for his first major league appearance this season Wednesday. He could replace RHP Jason Hammel or LHP Greg Smith in Colorado’s rotation.
**-After Friday’s game at Colorado was postponed because of rain and snow – the first postponement this season – LHP Nate Robertson and RHP Ricky Nolasco started in Saturday’s doubleheader. Florida indicated that Robertson would start Wednesday on three days’ rest.
***-Astros RHP Roy Oswalt might not be available to start Thursday. He has gone to Weir, Miss., where a tornado destroyed his family’s home. The off-day Monday makes it so that LHP Wandy Rodriguez and RHP Brett Myers could slide ahead a day and still pitch on their usual rest. Thus, Oswalt wouldn’t be needed until Saturday.
4*-The Dodgers put RHP Vicente Padilla on the disabled list. His replacement in the rotation could be RHP Josh Towers from Triple-A Albuquerque or Jesus Castillo from Double-A Chattanooga.
5*-The Brewers have replaced RHP Jeff Suppan in their rotation with LHP Chris Narveson.
6*-Well traveled RHP Nelson Figueroa replaced injured LHP J.A. Happ in the Phillies’ rotation Saturday, and would be scheduled to start next on Friday.
7*-Pirates RHP Daniel McCutchen hasn’t made it past the fifth inning in his last three starts. He could be replaced by LHP Brian Burres.
8*-However, McCutchen doesn’t represent the only hole in Pittsburgh’s rotation. RHP Chris Jakubauskas, who replaced injured RHP Ross Ohlendorf, went on the disabled list himself after Astros 1B Lance Berkman’s line drive struck the back of Jakubauskas’ head Saturday. Pittsburgh could recall RHP Kevin Hart from Triple-A Indianapolis, or could use McCutchen or Burres to start Thursday.
9*-RHP Luis Atilano was promoted to a starting role for Washington because of an injury to RHP Garrett Mock. Atilano allowed the dodgers only one run in six innings Friday, and would be scheduled to pitch again Wednesday.
Schedule notes
Half of the National League is scheduled for seven games this week, but just four American League teams – the Tigers, Royals, Rangers and Blue Jays – would play every day, giving their batters and relief pitchers 17 per cent more potential playing time than those on the AL’s other 10 rosters. Toronto, along with the Cubs and Cardinals in the NL, is scheduled to play all seven at home.
Wrigley Field would be the most hitter-friendly park in play all week (three games against the Nationals, four with the Diamondbacks). St. Louis (Braves four games, Reds three) would favor pitchers the most of those three everyday stadiums. Overall, the American League could slightly favor batters, with the Orioles and Rays each home for six games. The National League could be kinder to pitchers, with the Marlins and Giants home for six games.
For the record, the other NL teams playing seven games are the Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, Pirates and Padres.
Pitchers scheduled to start twice at home are RHPs Kevin Millwood, Justin Verlander, Wade Davis, Shaun Marcum, Carlos Silva, Josh Johnson, Kyle Lohse and Chris Carpenter, and LHPs Dana Eveland, Tom Gorzelanny and Jonathan Sanchez. Our highest recommendations are Marcum, Johnson, Carpenter and Sanchez, with Verlander and Marcum live longshots.
Injuries
Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler was to play in a four-inning “live batting practice” game today in Arizona, then fly back to Texas to begin a three-game injury-rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco. GM Jon Daniels said Kinsler might be the DH in one game, but would play primarily and possibly exclusively at second base.
OOO Tigers SS Adam Everett left Saturday’s game at Texas in the third inning because of a right hamstring injury. With OF/3B Carlos Guillen going on the disabled list, Detroit has used OF Brennan Boesch in its lineup for the first three games of its series against the Rangers.
OOO Royals CF Rick Ankiel has been out because of a strained quadriceps.
OOO The Angels put C Bobby Wilson on the disabled list because of a concussion and ankle injury caused when Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira ran over the catcher on a play at home plate.
OOO Athletics C Kurt Suzuki sat out because of a sore left side he injured during a workout. 3b Kevin Kouzmanoff fouled a pitch off his left foot.
OOO Braves 3B Chipper Jones left Saturday’s game because of a hip injury but returned for tonight’s game.
OOO The Rockies put OF Brad Hawpe (groin injury) on the disabled list.
News and notes
The Padres’ improvement shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who saw their Double-A farm team at San Antonio frequently during the past two years. The names in San Diego – 3B/OF Chase Headley, OF Will Venable, C Nick Hundley, LHP Wade LeBlanc, RHP Mat Latos – would be very familiar. They were among the Texas League’s best players. During the eight-game winning streak that ended with today’s 5-4 loss to the Reds, the Padres’ starters had a 1.04 ERA. LeBlanc pitched six scoreless innings to win Saturday.
OOO On Saturday, the Orioles started rookie Rhyne Hughes at first base instead of 1B/3B Garrett Atkins.
OOO To help their injury-depleted outfield, the Red Sox reacquired OF Jonathan Van Every from the Pirates’ organization.
OOO Fox announcer Joe Buck betrayed his man love for the Yankees during Saturday’s telecast. We’ll take factual or perceptual issues with two of his comments. 1. That New York had made “only” six errors. I didn’t see much of the Rangers’ series at Yankee Stadium, but Texas’ announcers indicated that on judgment calls that could have gone either way, hits were being given away like Halloween candy. 2. That the Yanks had had two “near no-hitters” this season. Granted, hardly anyone pitches nine innings anymore, but we’d really prefer to see a guy go more than eight hitless innings or pitch a complete-game one-hitter before we hear about near no-hitters.
OOO Marlins 1B/3B Jorge Cantu had his hitting streak stopped at 21 games.
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.
Two closers blew saves Saturday. Mariners RHP David Aardsma had the more explosive collapse. He entered their game on the south side of Chicago with a 4-2 lead, and left with a blown save, a loss and a pitching line of 2/3 23311. 1B Paul Konerko pulled the White Sox within a run with a solo home run, and OF Alex Rios won the game with a two-run homer. Twins RHP Jon Rauch blew a save with a line of 231110. He stayed around to pitch the bottom of the 12th inning and was the winning pitcher in Minnesota’s 9-7 victory.
Red Sox RHP Jonathan Papelbon had a shaky fifth save. Boston led the Orioles 7-3 entering the ninth inning, but Baltimore scored once and had a runner on base when Papelbon entered with one out. He allowed that runner, plus one of his own, to escape despite a line of 2/3 31102.
Other saves were by Astros RHP Matt Lindstrom, his sixth (among seven Houston victories), 5-2 over the Pirates; Marlins RHP Leo Nunez, fourth, 4-1 at Colorado; Phillies RHP Ryan Madson, fourth, 3-2 at Arizona; Giants RHP Brian Wilson, fourth, 2-0 against the Cardinals, and Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez, third, 3-1 vs. Atlanta.
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Saturday, March 13, 2010
Coming back: Quentin, Marcum
A couple of players we’ve been touting hit home runs.
In fact, White Sox LF Carlos Quentin slammed two in their 15-3 rout of the Cubs, which put flags at half staff all over Chicago’s north side. Unless he’s hurt again, Quentin appears to be a slam-dunk American League Comeback Player of the Year.
Also, Blue Jays C prospect J.P. Arencibia hit his second home run this spring. We’re not making too much of that hit because it was against Yankees RHP Andrew Brackman, their most overhyped draft pick since Brien Taylor. OF Adam Lind, who could be one of a handful of the AL’s best offensive players this season, homered against New York RHP Jonathan Abominablesnowman. However, the best news for Toronto is that RHP Shaun Marcus (speaking of Comeback of the Year candidates) pitched two scoreless innings in his 2010 debut.
Two years ago, the Rays indicated that they had arrived by playing aggressively and not blinking in spring training against their chief AL East competition, the Red Sox and Yankees. Tampa Bay beat Boston 6-4 on OF Justin Ruggiano’s two-run homer in the ninth inning. Don’t make too much of it because it came against LHP Kris Johnson, who isn’t likely to get any closer to Boston than Pawtucket this summer.
The Marlins defeated the Cardinals 6-5 in 10 innings on a single by 3B Hector Luna against RHP Oneli Perez. Both are likely to be non-factors in fantasy baseball this season.
This just in: The Nationals still suck. They lost to the Mets (insert team name in previous sentence) 14-6.
The Giants’ split squads both were in games where the winning team scored 12 runs. They defeated the Diamondbacks 12-6 and lost to the Brewers 12-1.
Played today’s cursed tie were the Phillies and Pirates, who each scored three runs in 10 innings in a Battle of Pennsylvania in Florida.
Sample Scouting Report:
Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 220 B: R Age: 27 Inj. Risk: 10
{2010} Quentin has been hurt in each of the last two seasons, reducing his desirability in many fantasy leagues. Hand, heel and knee injuries sidelined him for two months last season, but in 2008 Quentin had 36 homers and 100 RBI despite missing the final month. He’s not an all-or-nothing slugger who’ll strike out whenever he doesn’t rattle a wall with the ball, but a thoughtful batter who will take or foul off marginal pitches and draw walks. One thing to watch for in spring telecasts or reports is Quentin’s weight. If he’s slim and trim that could mean a win for you in your draft or an auction bargain. 2009: 351 AB, .236 BA, 21 HR, 56 RBI, 3 SB, 47 R. Born Aug. 28, 1982, Bellflower, Calif.
Projection
AB: 508 BA: .278 HR: 30 RBI: 90 SB: 4 R: 81 Value: $12
In fact, White Sox LF Carlos Quentin slammed two in their 15-3 rout of the Cubs, which put flags at half staff all over Chicago’s north side. Unless he’s hurt again, Quentin appears to be a slam-dunk American League Comeback Player of the Year.
Also, Blue Jays C prospect J.P. Arencibia hit his second home run this spring. We’re not making too much of that hit because it was against Yankees RHP Andrew Brackman, their most overhyped draft pick since Brien Taylor. OF Adam Lind, who could be one of a handful of the AL’s best offensive players this season, homered against New York RHP Jonathan Abominablesnowman. However, the best news for Toronto is that RHP Shaun Marcus (speaking of Comeback of the Year candidates) pitched two scoreless innings in his 2010 debut.
Two years ago, the Rays indicated that they had arrived by playing aggressively and not blinking in spring training against their chief AL East competition, the Red Sox and Yankees. Tampa Bay beat Boston 6-4 on OF Justin Ruggiano’s two-run homer in the ninth inning. Don’t make too much of it because it came against LHP Kris Johnson, who isn’t likely to get any closer to Boston than Pawtucket this summer.
The Marlins defeated the Cardinals 6-5 in 10 innings on a single by 3B Hector Luna against RHP Oneli Perez. Both are likely to be non-factors in fantasy baseball this season.
This just in: The Nationals still suck. They lost to the Mets (insert team name in previous sentence) 14-6.
The Giants’ split squads both were in games where the winning team scored 12 runs. They defeated the Diamondbacks 12-6 and lost to the Brewers 12-1.
Played today’s cursed tie were the Phillies and Pirates, who each scored three runs in 10 innings in a Battle of Pennsylvania in Florida.
Sample Scouting Report:
Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 220 B: R Age: 27 Inj. Risk: 10
{2010} Quentin has been hurt in each of the last two seasons, reducing his desirability in many fantasy leagues. Hand, heel and knee injuries sidelined him for two months last season, but in 2008 Quentin had 36 homers and 100 RBI despite missing the final month. He’s not an all-or-nothing slugger who’ll strike out whenever he doesn’t rattle a wall with the ball, but a thoughtful batter who will take or foul off marginal pitches and draw walks. One thing to watch for in spring telecasts or reports is Quentin’s weight. If he’s slim and trim that could mean a win for you in your draft or an auction bargain. 2009: 351 AB, .236 BA, 21 HR, 56 RBI, 3 SB, 47 R. Born Aug. 28, 1982, Bellflower, Calif.
Projection
AB: 508 BA: .278 HR: 30 RBI: 90 SB: 4 R: 81 Value: $12
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