I've written about some teams with position battles at second and third base.
This installment includes a look at some teams with options, or should I say problems, at first base -- and how they're solving those.
The White Sox and Mariners seem willing to go the route of weakening their defense in exchange for the possibility of increased offense. The Pirate no doubt will have their eyes on the waiver wire or trade possibilities.
Chicago signed Cuban 1B Jose Abreu, possibly expecting 1B Paul Konerko to retire. His decision to return for a farewell season created a logjam at first base/DH, with Adam Dunn already there. The proposed solution is to have Dunn play left field. Sox pitchers no doubt are overjoyed.
Seattle's taking a similar tack. 1B Justin Smoak might have saved his position with a strong second half in 2013. But then they traded for 1B/OF Corey Hart, whose outfield days are numbered at best. The Mariners also are working failed C Jesus Montero at first base. So there could be something like Smoak at first, Montero as a shaky DH and Hart as a shaky outfielder in a big outfield. Sure, Seattle has added 2B Robinson Cano to RHP Felix Hernandez and 3B Kyle Seager, but what else is there?
Pirates 1B Gaby Sanchez is making noise about being a full-time player this year. The right-handed batter wasn't very effective in just a platoon role against lefties last season, so how can he really be expected to produce every day. The alternatives or possible platoon players are left-handed batters Travis Ishikawa, who has been found wanting elsewhere, and the unproven Andrew Lambo and Chris McGuiness.
-- Reports say the Red Sox are close to signing LHP Chris Capuano to fill the rotation spot that would have gone to RHP Ryan Dempster except that he decided not to pitch this year. They're interchangeable fifth starter at this stage of their careers, and probably average of below-average among fifth starters.
-- For starters: No surprise, RHP Adam Wainwright will start the opening game for the National League-champion Cardinals.
New Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he hasn't decided among his wealth of right-handed talent: Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez. I'd rank them in that order. If Scherzer couldn't get the Opening Day start after the season he had in 2013, when would he? Verlander is 31, so logic tells us he isn't likely to have another year as good as his glory days. Sanchez can be unhittable; the inconsistent one can also be hittable.
Detroit has decided on a starter for its opening exhibition game Tuesday against Florida Southern College, and its Ver ... no, not Verlander, but rookie RHP Drew VerHagen, who finished last season at Double-A Erie. I saw VerHagen on a few occasions when he was at Rockwall-Heath High School in Texas. He was drafted in the fourth round out of Vanderbilt in 2012.
* * *
Basketball. Team Fresh Prints maintained its 7-1 lead for this week. Friday's games could be the key to protecting that lead or even going ahead in free throw percentage for an 8-0 sweep. It appears that I'll have nine players to my opponent's two. If my starting nine can shoot well at the foul line, they could put a big dent in the .050 by which they trail in free throw percentage. The downside is that a bad shooting night could all but eliminate the chance of leading in free throws and could also drop the field goal percentage behind. The six other counting categories should be all but wrapped up Friday night.
Showing posts with label Paul Konerko. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Konerko. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2014
Friday, December 6, 2013
The last of the 10-year contracts?
Three thoughts about the reported agreement between the Mariners and free-agent 2B Robinson Cano.
1. It's a great deal for Cano and his agent, even though it would be for $65 million less than the original asking price. I guess it's like buying a mansion. What's $6 million a year when you're getting $24 mill? I hope the deal will also bring good things to young people, in Seattle or the Dominican Republic from Cano's affordable largesse.
2. It signifies that the Mariners now could become a large-market team -- competing with the Yankees, Red Sox and possibly Dodgers-Angels-Rangers (with big TV money anticipated) -- for top-dollar free agents. The other direction Seattle could take is toward the financial problems that beset Tom Hicks in Texas after the ill-fated A-Rod signing didn't work. I think there's plenty of Japanese money available, so I don't think that would happen to the Mariners.
3. I wonder when we'll see the end of 9-10-year contracts. My guess is after A-Rod's contract plays out. (By the way, shouldn't we be hearing something about his hearing pretty soon? Not sure why that should be taking 9 months when most player hearings are over within 9 days.) The easiest prediction from the Cano signing is that there's no way it -- like similar deals for Albert Pujols, the aforementioned A-Rod and probably Prince Fielder, and going all the way back to Wayne Garland nearly 40 years ago -- will come close to paying off in results equal to even half of its value.
Let's look at the particulars. Cano is already 31. He wouldn't get any better in any circumstances. He can't equal in Seattle the offensive statistics from playing home game at Yankee Stadium with its favorable left-handed-hitting setup. He'll have 9 years of not worrying about playing for a contract and financial security. Actually, 10. If he's still playing in 2023, it would be on a going-into-retirement cruise.
Can Cano help the Mariners in the short run? No question. He's filling what has become an abyss since Dustin Ackley didn't work out at second base. Cano could probably reach 20 homers for a few years. But when his range at second base inevitably declines, he'd become a below-average left fielder or first baseman or DH. At that point, the best hope would be to have some other needy team take him off the Mariners' hands, saving Seattle a fraction of the money it would owe Cano.
Lots of activity in New York. The Yankees apparently also are losing OF Curtis Granderson's left-handed bat. The New York Post reported that he agreed to a 4-year contract with the Mets, no doubt for far less than he could have received even 2 years ago. Granderson is 32, coming off an injury-plagued 2013 and struggles against left-handers.
Also, the Yankees retained RHP Hiroki Kuroda for 2014. The busy Post reported the contract is for $16 million, with a $250,000 incentive for innings pitched. Kuroda has been mostly reliable in his two seasons in the Bronx. He has exceeded 200 innings in each of the last three years. But ... he has two winning records in six seasons in the U.S., will be 39 next season and didn't win a game after Aug. 12. (I know that too well; he was on one of my fantasy teams.) He's an exception to the rule that the ancient Yankees are getting somewhat younger.
Another situation I've commented on without a follow-up is 1B/DH Paul Konerko's re-signing. I applaud his or his agent's foresight in structuring his 1-year contract so he's paid $1.5 million in 2014, with $1 million deferred until 2015. That will make his transition out of the game much smoother. It's not likely that Konerko would suffer through another poor season in '15 -- barring an unlikely late-in-life resurgence such as Ted Williams and Stan Musial had in 1959 after bad years in '58. It's no coincidence that White Sox play-by-play man Ken Harrelson's contract expires after 2015, and he already has curtailed his travel schedule. In 2012, Sox color man Steve Stone made a reported $600,000 (with a lot of broadcast experience). There would seem to be room for Konerko in the broadcast booth, or even making a few hundred grand as a coach.
Marlins fans! Don't make World Series plans yet, but Miami did sign SS Rafael Furcal to a 1-year contract. He's expected to move to second base, with former 2B Donovan Solano or a player to be acquired at third. Apparently, the 36-year-old Furcal no longer is strong enough to unseat Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, especially after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March and missing all of last season. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel indicated that Furcal's contract is for $3.5 million, plus incentives. We'll find out during spring training whether he'll be ready by opening day. But really, does this look like a contending infield? Wait! I'm forgetting 1B Logan Morrison, who hasn't batted even .250 in any of the last three seasons.
* * *
Football. Both of my teams were off to a good start Thursday night, with Texans TE Garrett Graham scoring a touchdown and gaining 72 receiving yards. So I took early leads of 13-0 in my scoring-plus-yardage league (first week of a two-week consolation playoff semifinal) and 6-0 in Week 14 of my scoring-only league. In that one, I'm still projected for a tie against one of the two teams tied for first place a game ahead of me.
* * *
Hockey. Important key: The downside of having a lot of players, especially forwards, in your lineup, is that they can drag you down, especially by your plus/minus and ATOI.
I filled my starting lineup with 15 skaters and 2 goalies -- and lost 3 1/2 points. Where I was within 2 points of second place, I dropped to 5 back overnight. Here's what happened. The two goalies' team played but they didn't. I read a note saying that Jean-Sebastien Giguere would start for Colorado Friday, but forgot that it was Thursday. The 15 skaters totaled 0 goals and 2 assists, and were minus-6. In addition, defensemen Jan Hejda and Victor Hedman both left early because of injuries, hurting my ATOI even more. They join Henrik Zetterberg on my injured list. Also, I have to get the minus-9 Jason Spezza from the loser Senators off my roster. Clarke MacArthur can stay for the time being.
* * *
Basketball. Important key. If you have a guy on your roster who isn't playing tonight, but is tomorrow, be sure to put him into an open spot in your starting lineup instead of a player who is inactive for the next 2 days -- even if he's a franchise player.
I didn't follow one of my other important keys Wednesday. I didn't set my lineup until nearly 7 p.m. EDT. By that time, the Cavaliers' game already had started, so I couldn't get Anderson Varejao into my lineup. I could have put him in the lineup Tuesday (see Important key under hockey), guarding against the possibility of getting around to setting the lineup too late. I could have used his 18 points, 13 rebounds and assorted assists, blocks and steals. I made up somewhat for that lost production Thursday, regaining a 5-3 lead for the week.
For now, I'm off to find a hockey forward to replace Jason Spezza.
1. It's a great deal for Cano and his agent, even though it would be for $65 million less than the original asking price. I guess it's like buying a mansion. What's $6 million a year when you're getting $24 mill? I hope the deal will also bring good things to young people, in Seattle or the Dominican Republic from Cano's affordable largesse.
2. It signifies that the Mariners now could become a large-market team -- competing with the Yankees, Red Sox and possibly Dodgers-Angels-Rangers (with big TV money anticipated) -- for top-dollar free agents. The other direction Seattle could take is toward the financial problems that beset Tom Hicks in Texas after the ill-fated A-Rod signing didn't work. I think there's plenty of Japanese money available, so I don't think that would happen to the Mariners.
3. I wonder when we'll see the end of 9-10-year contracts. My guess is after A-Rod's contract plays out. (By the way, shouldn't we be hearing something about his hearing pretty soon? Not sure why that should be taking 9 months when most player hearings are over within 9 days.) The easiest prediction from the Cano signing is that there's no way it -- like similar deals for Albert Pujols, the aforementioned A-Rod and probably Prince Fielder, and going all the way back to Wayne Garland nearly 40 years ago -- will come close to paying off in results equal to even half of its value.
Let's look at the particulars. Cano is already 31. He wouldn't get any better in any circumstances. He can't equal in Seattle the offensive statistics from playing home game at Yankee Stadium with its favorable left-handed-hitting setup. He'll have 9 years of not worrying about playing for a contract and financial security. Actually, 10. If he's still playing in 2023, it would be on a going-into-retirement cruise.
Can Cano help the Mariners in the short run? No question. He's filling what has become an abyss since Dustin Ackley didn't work out at second base. Cano could probably reach 20 homers for a few years. But when his range at second base inevitably declines, he'd become a below-average left fielder or first baseman or DH. At that point, the best hope would be to have some other needy team take him off the Mariners' hands, saving Seattle a fraction of the money it would owe Cano.
Lots of activity in New York. The Yankees apparently also are losing OF Curtis Granderson's left-handed bat. The New York Post reported that he agreed to a 4-year contract with the Mets, no doubt for far less than he could have received even 2 years ago. Granderson is 32, coming off an injury-plagued 2013 and struggles against left-handers.
Also, the Yankees retained RHP Hiroki Kuroda for 2014. The busy Post reported the contract is for $16 million, with a $250,000 incentive for innings pitched. Kuroda has been mostly reliable in his two seasons in the Bronx. He has exceeded 200 innings in each of the last three years. But ... he has two winning records in six seasons in the U.S., will be 39 next season and didn't win a game after Aug. 12. (I know that too well; he was on one of my fantasy teams.) He's an exception to the rule that the ancient Yankees are getting somewhat younger.
Another situation I've commented on without a follow-up is 1B/DH Paul Konerko's re-signing. I applaud his or his agent's foresight in structuring his 1-year contract so he's paid $1.5 million in 2014, with $1 million deferred until 2015. That will make his transition out of the game much smoother. It's not likely that Konerko would suffer through another poor season in '15 -- barring an unlikely late-in-life resurgence such as Ted Williams and Stan Musial had in 1959 after bad years in '58. It's no coincidence that White Sox play-by-play man Ken Harrelson's contract expires after 2015, and he already has curtailed his travel schedule. In 2012, Sox color man Steve Stone made a reported $600,000 (with a lot of broadcast experience). There would seem to be room for Konerko in the broadcast booth, or even making a few hundred grand as a coach.
Marlins fans! Don't make World Series plans yet, but Miami did sign SS Rafael Furcal to a 1-year contract. He's expected to move to second base, with former 2B Donovan Solano or a player to be acquired at third. Apparently, the 36-year-old Furcal no longer is strong enough to unseat Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, especially after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March and missing all of last season. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel indicated that Furcal's contract is for $3.5 million, plus incentives. We'll find out during spring training whether he'll be ready by opening day. But really, does this look like a contending infield? Wait! I'm forgetting 1B Logan Morrison, who hasn't batted even .250 in any of the last three seasons.
* * *
Football. Both of my teams were off to a good start Thursday night, with Texans TE Garrett Graham scoring a touchdown and gaining 72 receiving yards. So I took early leads of 13-0 in my scoring-plus-yardage league (first week of a two-week consolation playoff semifinal) and 6-0 in Week 14 of my scoring-only league. In that one, I'm still projected for a tie against one of the two teams tied for first place a game ahead of me.
* * *
Hockey. Important key: The downside of having a lot of players, especially forwards, in your lineup, is that they can drag you down, especially by your plus/minus and ATOI.
I filled my starting lineup with 15 skaters and 2 goalies -- and lost 3 1/2 points. Where I was within 2 points of second place, I dropped to 5 back overnight. Here's what happened. The two goalies' team played but they didn't. I read a note saying that Jean-Sebastien Giguere would start for Colorado Friday, but forgot that it was Thursday. The 15 skaters totaled 0 goals and 2 assists, and were minus-6. In addition, defensemen Jan Hejda and Victor Hedman both left early because of injuries, hurting my ATOI even more. They join Henrik Zetterberg on my injured list. Also, I have to get the minus-9 Jason Spezza from the loser Senators off my roster. Clarke MacArthur can stay for the time being.
* * *
Basketball. Important key. If you have a guy on your roster who isn't playing tonight, but is tomorrow, be sure to put him into an open spot in your starting lineup instead of a player who is inactive for the next 2 days -- even if he's a franchise player.
I didn't follow one of my other important keys Wednesday. I didn't set my lineup until nearly 7 p.m. EDT. By that time, the Cavaliers' game already had started, so I couldn't get Anderson Varejao into my lineup. I could have put him in the lineup Tuesday (see Important key under hockey), guarding against the possibility of getting around to setting the lineup too late. I could have used his 18 points, 13 rebounds and assorted assists, blocks and steals. I made up somewhat for that lost production Thursday, regaining a 5-3 lead for the week.
For now, I'm off to find a hockey forward to replace Jason Spezza.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Hate to say it, but it's time for Konerko to go
The White Sox haven't heard from 1B Paul Konerko about whether he'll retire.
On the occasions last season when I saw him in person or on TV, Konerko really looked a step slower in the field and a tick slower with the bat.
He has had a remarkably consistent career as one of baseball's solid citizens.
As we age, most of us have to move away from an occupation or a situation we love. My experience has been that such times are just a transition to something better.
Let's hope that Konerko and the Sox appreciate what he has done sufficiently to enable him to retire without tarnishing his hard-earned reputation by hanging on too long. He has not made enemies in the game, so it's quite likely there's a coaching, front-office or broadcasting job that he could excel at and enjoy. Or perhaps his life would become retiring to spend time with children or grandchildren and to play golf or hunt or whatever he enjoys doing.
Bottom line: Konerko should retire as a player. The Sox probably gave him a hint by signing Cuban 1B Jose Abreu.
* * *
Update on my currently playing fantasy teams.
Hockey -- My team took a serious dive, falling 4 1/2 points behind the third-place team. Even Tuesday's highlight came with a price. Flyers G Steve Mason won 5-2 over Ottawa. The win left me still a point behind the teams tied for seventh, and though my goalies moved closer to ninth place in GAA and save percentage, I still have only 1 point in those categories. Furthermore, it came at the expense of the three Senators skaters in my lineup, who combined for minus-6 of my team's -8 total. With my 12 skaters putting 32 shots on goal, they scored only one goal, and I lost a point there. And, as Harry Doyle might have said, they had just 2 G.D. penalty minutes.
Basketball -- This was better. Led by Chris Bosh's 8-for-9, my five players in action shot .540 from the field. They even made five 3-pointers, and scored 74 points -- 25 by Carmelo Anthony. I'm ahead this week in three categories, trailing in three and tied in two. The ties are in 3-pointers and blocks, and I'm only one steal behind. If I win this week's competition, I'd move up at least to ninth place and possibly to eighth.
My plan is to get up Wednesday morning early enough to set my lineups and to look for some free agents. If I see good ones that might be helpful to a lot of people, I'll share those suggestions.
Monday, May 3, 2010
High scores mixed in with stellar pitching performances
Here’s our usual Monday Email containing a Weekend Update and who’s Hot and Not. It’s going out to the whole list for two reasons:
1. We haven’t finished forming the subscribers’ mailing list.
2. It doesn’t hurt to let those who haven’t yet subscribed see what they’re missing.
Just so you know, this is your last chance to subscribe at a reduced rate for the remainder of 2010. 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 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.
Hot
The weekly Hot and Not for batters is based on 20 at-bats for batting average, and at least a .280 BA for the other categories.
Pos. Player, Team H-AB BA HR-RBI SB
OF Austin Jackson, Tigers 15-30 .500 0-2 2
2B Adam Rosales, Athletics 10-21 .476 1-4 0
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals 10-21 .476 0-7 1
3B David Freese, Cardinals 12-26 .462 3-11 0
OF Torii Hunter, Angels 9-20 .450 2-6 0
2B Robinson Cano, Yankees 11-25 .440 4-7 0
OF Austin Kearns, Indians 11-25 .440 2-8 1
3B Adrian Beltre, Red Sox 11-25 .440 0-3 0
SS/2B Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians 11-25 .440 0-1 0
C John Buck, Blue Jays 9-21 .429 3-7 0
Home runs – Cano, Dodgers OF Andre Ethier, White Sox 1B Paul Konerko, Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez and Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano 4.
RBI – Freese 11; Ethier, Konerko, Soriano, Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez and Diamondbacks 1B Adam LaRoche 10; Mets 3B David Wright 9; Kearns, Ramirez, Pirates C Ryan Doumit and Yankees SS Derek Jeter 8.
Stolen bases – White Sox OF Alex Rios 4; Gonzalez, Athletics OF Rajai Davis, Rockies OF Dexter Fowler and Padres OF Tony Gwynn 3.
Runs – Jackson 8; Ethier, Soriano, Rays 3B Evan Longoria, Orioles OF Nick Markakis and Yankees OF/1B Nick Swisher 7.
Konerko was the American League Player of the Week; Freese won the same award in the National League.
Repeaters on a Hot list are Cano, Konerko and Longoria. Wright was on a Not list in each of the previous two weeks, and Jackson was on last week’s Not list.
Requirements for pitchers to make these lists are 7 innings pitched for ERA and WHIP, 10 strikeouts in K:W ratio and an ERA under 4.00.
Hand Pitcher, Team IP W-L ERA WHIP K:W
RHP Colby Lewis, Rangers 9.0 0-0 0.00 0.44 10:1
RHP A.J. Burnett, Yankees 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 4:1
RHP Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 9:3
RHP Matt Cain, Giants 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 8:3
RHP Doug Fister, Mariners 8.0 0-0 0.00 0.38 3:0
LHP Jon Lester, Red Sox 7.0 1-0 0.00 0.43 11:2
LHP Jaime Garcia, Cardinals 7.0 1-0 0.00 0.71 5:1
LHP Cliff Lee, Mariners 7.0 0-0 0.00 0.43 8:0
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 15.0 0-1 0.60 0.67 11:0
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 14.0 1-1 0.64 0.71 14:3
Wins – Orioles RHP Matt Albers, Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter, Rays RHP Wade Davis, Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo, Padres RHP Jon Garland, Marlins RHP Joshua Johnson and Twins LHP Francisco Liriano 2.
Saves – Padres RHP Heath Bell 3-for-3; Nationals RHP Matt Capps, Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, Rangers RHP Frank Francisco, Red Sox RHP Jonathan Papelbon, Orioles RHP Alfredo Simon, Royals RHP Joakim Soria, Rays RHP Rafael Soriano and Tigers RHP Jose Valverde 2-2.
WHIP – Fister 0.38; Lee and Lester 0.43; Lewis 0.44; Giants RHP Tim Lincecum 0.48; Burnett, Cain, Chacin and Braves RHP Tommy Hanson 0.50; Marlins RHP Chris Volstad 0.56.
K:W ratio – Marlins RHP Clay Hensley 13:0; Greinke 11:0; Reds RHP Aaron Harang and Rays RHP James Shields 12:1; Lincecum and Phillies RHP Roy Halladay 11:1; Lewis 10:1; Lester 11:2; Cardinals RHP Kyle Lohse 10:2; Liriano 19:4.
Repeaters on pitching Hot lists were Pettitte, Pelfrey, Rodney, Carpenter and Sanchez.
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB BA HR-RBI SB
SS/3B Ronny Cedeno, Pirates 1-21 .048 1-1 0
3B Chipper Jones, Braves 1-20 .050 0-1 0
1B Casey Kotchman, Mariners 2-23 .087 0-0 0
SS Yuniesky Betancourt, Royals 3-26 .115 0-1 0
OF Jose Guillen, Royals 3-25 .120 0-2 0
2B Rickie Weeks, Brewers 4-32 .125 1-2 1
C Russell Martin, Dodgers 3-24 .125 1-2 0
OF Juan Pierre, White Sox 3-22 .136 0-0 1
3B/OF Mark Teahen, White Sox 3-21 .143 0-0 0
OF Hideki Matsui, Angels 3-21 .143 0-2 0
OF Josh Willingham, Nationals 3-21 .143 0-2 0
This week’s (dis)honorable mention goes to Rays C Dioner Navarro, who was 0-for-10.
W:K ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Astros OF Michael Bourn 0:10; Padres 3B/OF Chase Headley 1:12; Tigers 3B Brandon Inge 1:11; Nationals 1B/OF Adam Dunn 1:10; Padres OF Max Venable 3:12; Weeks 4:15; Guillen and Padres OF Kyle Blanks 3:11; Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez 4:12; Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton 5:11.
Caught stealing – Giants OF/3B Mark DeRosa 0-for-2; Pierre 1-3: Bourn, Indians OF Shin-soo Choo and Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki 2-4; Rockies OF Dexter Fowler and White Sox OF/1B Andruw Jones 3-5.
There were no repeaters on the hitters’ Not list. Bourn and Guillen both dropped down from the Hot list a week earlier.
Hand Pitcher, Team IP W-L ERA WHIP K:W
RHP Edwin Jackson, D-backs 6.1 0-2 25.58 3.95 2:3
RHP Ben Sheets, Athletics 7.1 0-2 20.86 3.00 4:3
RHP Bud Norris, Astros 9.2 0-2 11.17 2.28 9:8
LHP Zach Duke, Pirates 10.0 0-2 10.80 2.40 9:6
LHP Dana Eveland, Blue Jays 9.2 0-1 10.24 2.28 4:6
RHP Mat Latos, Padres 8.2 0-2 9.35 2.19 8:6
LHP Johan Santana, Mets 9.2 1-1 9.31 1.76 7:5
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 10.0 0-0 9.00 1.80 9:3
LHP David Huff, Indians 10.1 0-2 7.84 2.25 6:3
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 11.0 0-1 7.36 2.00 3:8
The pitchers eligible for this list all started twice during the week
Losses – Duke, Huff, Jackson, Latos, Norris, Sheets, White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle, Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez and Yankees RHP David Robertson 2.
Blown saves – Brewers RHP Trevor Hoffman 1-for-3.
News and Notes
The Nationals will decide after a bullpen session Tuesday in Harrisburg, Pa., whether to advance RHP Stephen Strasburg from the Double-A Senators to Triple-A Syracuse.
In two extra-inning losses to the Rangers over the weekend, the Mariners totaled only one run in 23 innings. Friday’s loss happened after OF Eric Byrnes missed a squeeze bunt, allowing a runner to be put out at home plate. As a result, Seattle has released Byrnes and demoted SS Matt Tuiasosopo to Triple-A Tacoma, and brought SS Josh Wilson and OF Ryan Langerhans back up from the Rainiers.
A couple of players relatively new to their teams are helping out. In the Blue Jays’ 9-3 victory over the Athletics Sunday, OF Fred Lewis had a home run, three RBI and a stolen base. Making his major league debut, C Wilson Ramos went 4-for-5 in the Twins’ 8-3 win over the Indians.
The Marlins defeated the Nationals 9-3 with SS Hanley Ramirez slamming two homers and driving in four runs and RHP Josh Johnson improving his record to 3-1.
9-3 was a popular score Sunday. Andre Ethier also had two homers and four RBI to help the Dodgers beat the Pirates by that margin.
Remember Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano? He slammed two homers and drove in – guess what – four runs in a 10-5 victory over the Diamondbacks.
The Orioles completed an unlikely sweep of the Red Sox by winning 3-2 on a 10th-inning double by 2B/3B/1B Ty Wigginton.
The Diamondbacks’ choice to start tonight’s game was RHP Cesar Valdez. The 25-year-old began this season 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA for Triple-A Reno. I was impressed with Valdez when I saw him in the high Class A California League for Visalia. The Modesto lineup he defeated that night including injury-rehabbing SS Troy Tulowitzki. To make room for Valdez, Arizona optioned to Reno RHP Kevin Mulvey, who had been another candidate to move into the rotation.
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.
There were few close games Sunday. As a result, there were just two saves – in the two best-pitched games on both sides. Rays RHP Rafael Soriano picked up his sixth save in a 1-0 victory over the Royals that included just seven hits by both sides. Tampa Bay RHP Wade Davis out-dueled Kansas City RHP Zack Greinke in that game. Rangers RHP Neftali Feliz recorded his fifth save on what’s listed as his 22nd birthday. Texas won 3-1 in 11 innings at Seattle, with OF David Murphy breaking a 1-1 tie on a sacrifice fly. The starting pitchers were Rangers LHP C.J. Wilson and Mariners RHP Doug Fister, who both have pitched very well this season.
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.
1. We haven’t finished forming the subscribers’ mailing list.
2. It doesn’t hurt to let those who haven’t yet subscribed see what they’re missing.
Just so you know, this is your last chance to subscribe at a reduced rate for the remainder of 2010. 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 whatever content we’re able to get on to the fantasybaseballscout.com web site.
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Hot
The weekly Hot and Not for batters is based on 20 at-bats for batting average, and at least a .280 BA for the other categories.
Pos. Player, Team H-AB BA HR-RBI SB
OF Austin Jackson, Tigers 15-30 .500 0-2 2
2B Adam Rosales, Athletics 10-21 .476 1-4 0
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals 10-21 .476 0-7 1
3B David Freese, Cardinals 12-26 .462 3-11 0
OF Torii Hunter, Angels 9-20 .450 2-6 0
2B Robinson Cano, Yankees 11-25 .440 4-7 0
OF Austin Kearns, Indians 11-25 .440 2-8 1
3B Adrian Beltre, Red Sox 11-25 .440 0-3 0
SS/2B Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians 11-25 .440 0-1 0
C John Buck, Blue Jays 9-21 .429 3-7 0
Home runs – Cano, Dodgers OF Andre Ethier, White Sox 1B Paul Konerko, Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez and Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano 4.
RBI – Freese 11; Ethier, Konerko, Soriano, Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez and Diamondbacks 1B Adam LaRoche 10; Mets 3B David Wright 9; Kearns, Ramirez, Pirates C Ryan Doumit and Yankees SS Derek Jeter 8.
Stolen bases – White Sox OF Alex Rios 4; Gonzalez, Athletics OF Rajai Davis, Rockies OF Dexter Fowler and Padres OF Tony Gwynn 3.
Runs – Jackson 8; Ethier, Soriano, Rays 3B Evan Longoria, Orioles OF Nick Markakis and Yankees OF/1B Nick Swisher 7.
Konerko was the American League Player of the Week; Freese won the same award in the National League.
Repeaters on a Hot list are Cano, Konerko and Longoria. Wright was on a Not list in each of the previous two weeks, and Jackson was on last week’s Not list.
Requirements for pitchers to make these lists are 7 innings pitched for ERA and WHIP, 10 strikeouts in K:W ratio and an ERA under 4.00.
Hand Pitcher, Team IP W-L ERA WHIP K:W
RHP Colby Lewis, Rangers 9.0 0-0 0.00 0.44 10:1
RHP A.J. Burnett, Yankees 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 4:1
RHP Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 9:3
RHP Matt Cain, Giants 8.0 1-0 0.00 0.50 8:3
RHP Doug Fister, Mariners 8.0 0-0 0.00 0.38 3:0
LHP Jon Lester, Red Sox 7.0 1-0 0.00 0.43 11:2
LHP Jaime Garcia, Cardinals 7.0 1-0 0.00 0.71 5:1
LHP Cliff Lee, Mariners 7.0 0-0 0.00 0.43 8:0
RHP Zack Greinke, Royals 15.0 0-1 0.60 0.67 11:0
RHP Justin Verlander, Tigers 14.0 1-1 0.64 0.71 14:3
Wins – Orioles RHP Matt Albers, Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter, Rays RHP Wade Davis, Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo, Padres RHP Jon Garland, Marlins RHP Joshua Johnson and Twins LHP Francisco Liriano 2.
Saves – Padres RHP Heath Bell 3-for-3; Nationals RHP Matt Capps, Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, Rangers RHP Frank Francisco, Red Sox RHP Jonathan Papelbon, Orioles RHP Alfredo Simon, Royals RHP Joakim Soria, Rays RHP Rafael Soriano and Tigers RHP Jose Valverde 2-2.
WHIP – Fister 0.38; Lee and Lester 0.43; Lewis 0.44; Giants RHP Tim Lincecum 0.48; Burnett, Cain, Chacin and Braves RHP Tommy Hanson 0.50; Marlins RHP Chris Volstad 0.56.
K:W ratio – Marlins RHP Clay Hensley 13:0; Greinke 11:0; Reds RHP Aaron Harang and Rays RHP James Shields 12:1; Lincecum and Phillies RHP Roy Halladay 11:1; Lewis 10:1; Lester 11:2; Cardinals RHP Kyle Lohse 10:2; Liriano 19:4.
Repeaters on pitching Hot lists were Pettitte, Pelfrey, Rodney, Carpenter and Sanchez.
Not
Pos. Player, Team H-AB BA HR-RBI SB
SS/3B Ronny Cedeno, Pirates 1-21 .048 1-1 0
3B Chipper Jones, Braves 1-20 .050 0-1 0
1B Casey Kotchman, Mariners 2-23 .087 0-0 0
SS Yuniesky Betancourt, Royals 3-26 .115 0-1 0
OF Jose Guillen, Royals 3-25 .120 0-2 0
2B Rickie Weeks, Brewers 4-32 .125 1-2 1
C Russell Martin, Dodgers 3-24 .125 1-2 0
OF Juan Pierre, White Sox 3-22 .136 0-0 1
3B/OF Mark Teahen, White Sox 3-21 .143 0-0 0
OF Hideki Matsui, Angels 3-21 .143 0-2 0
OF Josh Willingham, Nationals 3-21 .143 0-2 0
This week’s (dis)honorable mention goes to Rays C Dioner Navarro, who was 0-for-10.
W:K ratio (10 or more strikeouts) – Astros OF Michael Bourn 0:10; Padres 3B/OF Chase Headley 1:12; Tigers 3B Brandon Inge 1:11; Nationals 1B/OF Adam Dunn 1:10; Padres OF Max Venable 3:12; Weeks 4:15; Guillen and Padres OF Kyle Blanks 3:11; Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez 4:12; Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton 5:11.
Caught stealing – Giants OF/3B Mark DeRosa 0-for-2; Pierre 1-3: Bourn, Indians OF Shin-soo Choo and Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki 2-4; Rockies OF Dexter Fowler and White Sox OF/1B Andruw Jones 3-5.
There were no repeaters on the hitters’ Not list. Bourn and Guillen both dropped down from the Hot list a week earlier.
Hand Pitcher, Team IP W-L ERA WHIP K:W
RHP Edwin Jackson, D-backs 6.1 0-2 25.58 3.95 2:3
RHP Ben Sheets, Athletics 7.1 0-2 20.86 3.00 4:3
RHP Bud Norris, Astros 9.2 0-2 11.17 2.28 9:8
LHP Zach Duke, Pirates 10.0 0-2 10.80 2.40 9:6
LHP Dana Eveland, Blue Jays 9.2 0-1 10.24 2.28 4:6
RHP Mat Latos, Padres 8.2 0-2 9.35 2.19 8:6
LHP Johan Santana, Mets 9.2 1-1 9.31 1.76 7:5
RHP Josh Beckett, Red Sox 10.0 0-0 9.00 1.80 9:3
LHP David Huff, Indians 10.1 0-2 7.84 2.25 6:3
LHP John Lannan, Nationals 11.0 0-1 7.36 2.00 3:8
The pitchers eligible for this list all started twice during the week
Losses – Duke, Huff, Jackson, Latos, Norris, Sheets, White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle, Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez and Yankees RHP David Robertson 2.
Blown saves – Brewers RHP Trevor Hoffman 1-for-3.
News and Notes
The Nationals will decide after a bullpen session Tuesday in Harrisburg, Pa., whether to advance RHP Stephen Strasburg from the Double-A Senators to Triple-A Syracuse.
In two extra-inning losses to the Rangers over the weekend, the Mariners totaled only one run in 23 innings. Friday’s loss happened after OF Eric Byrnes missed a squeeze bunt, allowing a runner to be put out at home plate. As a result, Seattle has released Byrnes and demoted SS Matt Tuiasosopo to Triple-A Tacoma, and brought SS Josh Wilson and OF Ryan Langerhans back up from the Rainiers.
A couple of players relatively new to their teams are helping out. In the Blue Jays’ 9-3 victory over the Athletics Sunday, OF Fred Lewis had a home run, three RBI and a stolen base. Making his major league debut, C Wilson Ramos went 4-for-5 in the Twins’ 8-3 win over the Indians.
The Marlins defeated the Nationals 9-3 with SS Hanley Ramirez slamming two homers and driving in four runs and RHP Josh Johnson improving his record to 3-1.
9-3 was a popular score Sunday. Andre Ethier also had two homers and four RBI to help the Dodgers beat the Pirates by that margin.
Remember Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano? He slammed two homers and drove in – guess what – four runs in a 10-5 victory over the Diamondbacks.
The Orioles completed an unlikely sweep of the Red Sox by winning 3-2 on a 10th-inning double by 2B/3B/1B Ty Wigginton.
The Diamondbacks’ choice to start tonight’s game was RHP Cesar Valdez. The 25-year-old began this season 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA for Triple-A Reno. I was impressed with Valdez when I saw him in the high Class A California League for Visalia. The Modesto lineup he defeated that night including injury-rehabbing SS Troy Tulowitzki. To make room for Valdez, Arizona optioned to Reno RHP Kevin Mulvey, who had been another candidate to move into the rotation.
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.
There were few close games Sunday. As a result, there were just two saves – in the two best-pitched games on both sides. Rays RHP Rafael Soriano picked up his sixth save in a 1-0 victory over the Royals that included just seven hits by both sides. Tampa Bay RHP Wade Davis out-dueled Kansas City RHP Zack Greinke in that game. Rangers RHP Neftali Feliz recorded his fifth save on what’s listed as his 22nd birthday. Texas won 3-1 in 11 innings at Seattle, with OF David Murphy breaking a 1-1 tie on a sacrifice fly. The starting pitchers were Rangers LHP C.J. Wilson and Mariners RHP Doug Fister, who both have pitched very well this season.
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Konerko and unlikely Johnson are HR leaders
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In the normal schedule for our five weekly Emails, the Thursday Emails update News and Notes from around baseball.
LeBlanc blanks Brewers
It wasn’t long after Rangers TV play-by-play man Josh Lewin remarked that it didn’t appear that anyone would hit 10 homers in the majors this April that White Sox 1B Paul Konerko pounded numbers 9 and 10 in the eighth and ninth innings to help beat Texas. He had begun the day tied with Diamondbacks 2B Kelly Johnson for the major league lead. The surprising Johnson hit his ninth as Arizona routed the Cubs. D-backs 1B Adam LaRoche drove in five runs in that game.
One of today’s superlative performances was by Padres LHP Wade LeBlanc. In a 9-0 shutout of the Brewers, ho allowed no runs and no walks in 6 1/3 innings to improve his record to 2-0 since being recalled from Triple-A Portland.
We’re getting to the point where statistics begin meaning something. What the numbers could mean includes that Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus (batting .344) and Tigers CF Austin Jackson (.330) could be breaking out as stars. As much as I hate to say such things so early in a season, Jackson is making a move toward becoming the American League Rookie of the Year.
On the other hand are some players in deep slumps. Athletics 2B Rickie Weeks struck out in all three at-bats to extend his slump to 1-for-25. Royals OF Jose Guillen was even worse, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts and playing his usual brutal defense in right field as the Rays (17-5 this season) routed KC.
LHP Alan Embree is back with the Red Sox, who purchased his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room on the roster, Boston designated serviceable 2B/SS Kevin Frandsen for assignment.
Minor matters
The minors had their second no-hitter in two days, with Double-A Arkansas (Angels) RHP Ryan Brasier shutting down Tulsa (Rockies). Brasier is not a top-level prospect.
His no-no was just one of the day’s excellent pitching performances. Kyle Gibson pitched a one-hit shutout for high Class A Fort Myers (Twins). For Triple-A Buffalo (Mets) journeyman RHP R.A. Dickey gave up a single to the first batter for Durham (Rays), then retired 27 consecutive batters.
Injuries
Athletics RHP Justin Duchscherer could be returning to his accustomed place on the disabled list after leaving today’s start because of a hip injury.
Braves RHP Jair Jurrjens left his start at St. Louis after the first inning because of a strained left hamstring. The Cardinals won 10-4 behind 3B David Freese’s home run and six RBI.
Reds CF Chris Dickerson left their game because of s sprained right wrist, and returned to Cincinnati for an MRI exam. OF Drew Stubbs replaced Dickerson.
Yankees C Jorge Posada sat out today after being hit on the right knee Wednesday by a pitch from Orioles RHP Jeremy Guthrie. C Francisco Cervelli started in Posada’s place.
The Astros said LHP Wandy Rodriguez will not make his scheduled start Friday because of back spasms. RHP Brett Myers will move up a day to start at Atlanta. It’s possible that Rodriguez would be able to start Saturday.
Phillies RHP Brad Lidge will return from the disabled list Friday, in time for their series against the Mets. New York no doubt is glad that Mets-killing OF Pat Burrell won’t also be coming back.
In closing
The Dodgers began the season as one of the majors’ hottest-hitting teams. So what would you have expected them to do against the Pirates’ pitching trio of LHPs Brian Burres and Jack Taschner and RHP Evan Meek? Probably not being shut out – which they were, 2-0, with both of Pittsburgh’s runs scoring on C Ryan Doumit’s first-inning triple. Meek pitched one inning for his first major league save. Manager John Russell said RHP Octavio Dotel would remain its closer, pointing out that he had pitched in two of three games during the previous series in Milwaukee. However, over time Meek’s 0.60 ERA might win the job over Dotel’s 10.61 and two blow saves in five chances.
Speaking of the Dodgers, they’ll have to get better hitting because their pitching rotation is a mess. This week they’ve already brought up heretofore unknown John Ely to start one game, and will have RHP Carlos Monasterios start Friday. He at least has a 1.69 ERA in relief for LA.
RHP Kevin Gregg picked up his sixth save in the Blue Jays’ 6-3 victory over the Athletics, during which Toronto C John Buck hit three home runs.
Other saves went to Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, eighth, 4-2 at Houston, and Tigers RHP Jose Valverde, 3-0 against the Twins after LHP Dontrelle Willis started with six scoreless innings.
Promotion
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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.
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 below how to do that.
In the normal schedule for our five weekly Emails, the Thursday Emails update News and Notes from around baseball.
LeBlanc blanks Brewers
It wasn’t long after Rangers TV play-by-play man Josh Lewin remarked that it didn’t appear that anyone would hit 10 homers in the majors this April that White Sox 1B Paul Konerko pounded numbers 9 and 10 in the eighth and ninth innings to help beat Texas. He had begun the day tied with Diamondbacks 2B Kelly Johnson for the major league lead. The surprising Johnson hit his ninth as Arizona routed the Cubs. D-backs 1B Adam LaRoche drove in five runs in that game.
One of today’s superlative performances was by Padres LHP Wade LeBlanc. In a 9-0 shutout of the Brewers, ho allowed no runs and no walks in 6 1/3 innings to improve his record to 2-0 since being recalled from Triple-A Portland.
We’re getting to the point where statistics begin meaning something. What the numbers could mean includes that Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus (batting .344) and Tigers CF Austin Jackson (.330) could be breaking out as stars. As much as I hate to say such things so early in a season, Jackson is making a move toward becoming the American League Rookie of the Year.
On the other hand are some players in deep slumps. Athletics 2B Rickie Weeks struck out in all three at-bats to extend his slump to 1-for-25. Royals OF Jose Guillen was even worse, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts and playing his usual brutal defense in right field as the Rays (17-5 this season) routed KC.
LHP Alan Embree is back with the Red Sox, who purchased his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room on the roster, Boston designated serviceable 2B/SS Kevin Frandsen for assignment.
Minor matters
The minors had their second no-hitter in two days, with Double-A Arkansas (Angels) RHP Ryan Brasier shutting down Tulsa (Rockies). Brasier is not a top-level prospect.
His no-no was just one of the day’s excellent pitching performances. Kyle Gibson pitched a one-hit shutout for high Class A Fort Myers (Twins). For Triple-A Buffalo (Mets) journeyman RHP R.A. Dickey gave up a single to the first batter for Durham (Rays), then retired 27 consecutive batters.
Injuries
Athletics RHP Justin Duchscherer could be returning to his accustomed place on the disabled list after leaving today’s start because of a hip injury.
Braves RHP Jair Jurrjens left his start at St. Louis after the first inning because of a strained left hamstring. The Cardinals won 10-4 behind 3B David Freese’s home run and six RBI.
Reds CF Chris Dickerson left their game because of s sprained right wrist, and returned to Cincinnati for an MRI exam. OF Drew Stubbs replaced Dickerson.
Yankees C Jorge Posada sat out today after being hit on the right knee Wednesday by a pitch from Orioles RHP Jeremy Guthrie. C Francisco Cervelli started in Posada’s place.
The Astros said LHP Wandy Rodriguez will not make his scheduled start Friday because of back spasms. RHP Brett Myers will move up a day to start at Atlanta. It’s possible that Rodriguez would be able to start Saturday.
Phillies RHP Brad Lidge will return from the disabled list Friday, in time for their series against the Mets. New York no doubt is glad that Mets-killing OF Pat Burrell won’t also be coming back.
In closing
The Dodgers began the season as one of the majors’ hottest-hitting teams. So what would you have expected them to do against the Pirates’ pitching trio of LHPs Brian Burres and Jack Taschner and RHP Evan Meek? Probably not being shut out – which they were, 2-0, with both of Pittsburgh’s runs scoring on C Ryan Doumit’s first-inning triple. Meek pitched one inning for his first major league save. Manager John Russell said RHP Octavio Dotel would remain its closer, pointing out that he had pitched in two of three games during the previous series in Milwaukee. However, over time Meek’s 0.60 ERA might win the job over Dotel’s 10.61 and two blow saves in five chances.
Speaking of the Dodgers, they’ll have to get better hitting because their pitching rotation is a mess. This week they’ve already brought up heretofore unknown John Ely to start one game, and will have RHP Carlos Monasterios start Friday. He at least has a 1.69 ERA in relief for LA.
RHP Kevin Gregg picked up his sixth save in the Blue Jays’ 6-3 victory over the Athletics, during which Toronto C John Buck hit three home runs.
Other saves went to Reds RHP Francisco Cordero, eighth, 4-2 at Houston, and Tigers RHP Jose Valverde, 3-0 against the Twins after LHP Dontrelle Willis started with six scoreless innings.
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 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.
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