Fantasy Baseball News And Updates 7/9

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News and Update
Wed. July 9, 2008

R. Martin not hitting much lately Updated Jul 9 Martin, Russell C LA
News:
Dodgers C Russell Martin went 1-for-4 Tuesday against the Braves. He's batting .179 (5-for-28) over his last seven games.

McLouth hits another homer Tuesday Updated Jul 9

McLouth, Nate CF PIT
News: Pirates OF Nate McLouth's two-run single in the eighth inning Tuesday against the Astros capped a three-run rally to give his team a 4-3 victory. He also homered in the game, finishing 2-for-5.
Braun powers up for Home Run Derby Updated Jul 9

Braun, Ryan J. 3B MIL
News:
Ryan J. Braun gave the fans in Milwaukee a preview of what New York will see at the All-Star Home Run Derby on Tuesday against the Rockies. Braun went 1-for-3 and blasted his 22nd homer of the season, a three-run shot. He also walked.

Duchscherer throws two-hit shutout Updated Jul 9
Duchscherer, Justin RP OAK
News: Athletics SP Justin Duchscherer faced only three batters over the minimum and threw a two-hit shutout Tuesday against the Mariners. The right-hander allowed a two-out double to Richie Sexson in the fifth inning and a leadoff single to Miguel Cairo in the sixth. He retired the side in order six times, including the ninth inning when he struck out Raul Ibanez to seal his first career complete game. He struck out four total and walked none, improving to 7-2 with a 1.34 ERA over his last nine starts. The win was his first in six decisions against the Mariners.

Lincecum has rought night at Shea Updated Jul 8
Lincecum, Tim SP SF
News:
Mike Pelfrey outpitched All-Star Tim Lincecum to win his fifth straight start, and the surging New York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 7-0 on Tuesday night. Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Carlos Delgado also connected off Lincecum (10-2) to help the Mets win their fourth in a row. Lincecum, selected to his first All-Star team Sunday, allowed a season-high nine hits in six innings. He struck out four, increasing his NL-high total to 126, and walked two.

Morneau not asked into Derby yet Updated Jul 8
Morneau, Justin 1B MIN
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: 1B Justin Morneau, whose 12 home runs this season are half as many as he had at last season's All-Star break, said he has not been contacted by Major League Baseball to take part in this year's Home Run Derby. "I guess they asked the good players first," joked Morneau, who hit four home runs and didn't advance out of the first round in last season's derby in San Francisco. Eleven other AL All-Stars have more home runs than Morneau this season.

Rowand excited amid 32nd-man vote Updated Jul 8
Rowand, Aaron CF SF
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF Aaron Rowand said he would look forward to going to the All-Star Game if fans vote him in as the NL's 32nd roster man, as part of an MLB Internet voting procedure. His competition is Pat Burrell (Phillies), Corey Hart (Brewers), Carlos Lee (Astros) and David Wright (Mets). Balloting ends Thursday.

Snyder targets post-break return Updated Jul 8
Snyder, Chris C ARI
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: C Chris Snyder (left testicular fracture), who went on the 15-day DL on July 1, could be back right after the All-Star break, manager Bob Melvin said.

Kuroda tosses another CG shutout Updated Jul 8
Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA
News: Hiroki Kuroda took a perfect game into the eighth inning and settled for a one-hitter, leading Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Kuroda (5-6) retired the first 21 batters before Mark Teixeira lined the right-hander's 70th pitch into the right field corner for a double leading off the eighth. He was the only Atlanta baserunner. He threw 91 pitches and struck out six.

All Player News

German totals four hits Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
German, Esteban 2B KC
News: Royals 2B Esteban German had four hits, including his third double, and three runs in six at-bats Tuesday against the White Sox. He also had had ninth RBI and third stolen base. Analysis: German is 5-for-9 (.556) with three RBI and four runs in three July games. German is a streaky and versatile infielder, but he is nothing more than a low-end reserve for the Royals and the deepest of AL-only leagues at this point.

Teahen parks 14th double Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
Teahen, Mark RF KC

News: Royals OF Mark Teahen had one hit, his 14th double, and one run in five at-bats Thursday against the White Sox. He also walked once. Teahen is 5-for-26 (.192) with one homer and three RBI in seven July games. He has five runs and two walks in that span.
Analysis: Teahen has slowed down again at the plate after hitting five homers and 11 RBI in June. Teahen is not a premier hitter and might never be in his MLB career. Until he gets really hot at the plate, consider him more of an AL-only Fantasy OF
.
Ramirez red hot to open July Updated 7/9/08
Ramirez, Alexei 2B CHW

News: White Sox 2B Alexei Ramirez totaled four singles and two runs in six at-bats Tuesday against the Royals. Ramirez is 10-for-23 (.435) with two homers and four RBI in six July games. He also has six runs and one walk.
Analysis: Ramirez has really come alive at the plate for Chicago since he became a starter in late May. He has good pop for a middle infielder and is driving in a fair amount of runs at the bottom of the White Sox lineup. Ramirez is a decent middle infield option in larger mixed Fantasy leagues.

SS Murphy back in starting lineup Updated 7/9/08
Murphy, Donnie SS OAK

News: Athletics SS Donnie Murphy, who missed two games with an elbow injury, returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Mariners. He went 0-for-2 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Analysis: Murphy is a light hitter, but he might start semi-regularly with Bobby Crosby on the DL. Leave him for deeper AL-only leagues.

F. Thomas cleared to start hitting Updated 7/9/08
Thomas, Frank DH OAK

News: Athletics DH Frank Thomas has been cleared to resume hitting, but there is no timetable for when he will come off the DL. It likely won't happen until the middle of August, according to The Sports Xchange.
Analysis: Thomas has pop, but his age, injury woes and lack of a position make him nothing more than a DL stashee in the deepest of leagues that have ample DL slots.

Crede hits 416-foot homer Updated 7/9/08
Crede, Joe 3B CHW

News: Joe Crede, the first White Sox third baseman named to the All-Star team in 16 years, hit a 416-foot home run in the sixth inning Tuesday against the Royals and finished 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. Crede's 16th homer was his first since June 17 and he had just his second multi-hit game since June 18.
Analysis: Crede was able to make the All-Star team thanks to a great first few weeks. His season has been on the decline since May and he has reverted to a corner infielder in mixed Fantasy leagues since he has slowed down at the plate.

Johnson crosses plate three times Updated 7/9/08
Johnson, Kelly 2B ATL

News: Braves 2B Kelly Johnson went 2-for-5 with three runs scored Tuesday at the Dodgers. He entered the game batting .125 (2-for-16) in July. Analysis: Johnson hit .235 in April, .355 in May and .250 in June. So far, he isn't off to a good start in July, but maybe this game will get him going. He has better power than most second basemen and deserves to start in all Fantasy leagues.

Kotsay comes alive with three hits Updated 7/9/08
Kotsay, Mark CF ATL
News: Braves OF Mark Kotsay, batting 1-for-20 since his return from the DL on July 1, got back on track Tuesday at the Dodgers, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
Analysis: Kotsay's lack of power or steals potential makes him nothing more than a deeper NL-only option at this point in his career. His primary asset to the Braves is his glove, which does at least give him regular at-bats for Fantasy owners.

Thome doubles twice vs. Royals Updated 7/9/08
Thome, Jim DH CHW

News: White Sox DH Jim Thome was 4-for-5 with two doubles and three runs scored Tuesday against the Royals. Thome hit the first of his two doubles and scored on Nick Swisher's infield out in the second. Thome led off the sixth with another double and scored on Paul Konerko's grounder.
Analysis: Thome now has 17 doubles on the season to go with his 16 homers. He continues to show a great power swing, it's just that his .240 average isn't very flattering. Thome remains more of a low-end Fantasy option in larger mixed leagues until he can bring his batting average around.

Teixeira connects for 17th homer Updated 7/9/08
Teixeira, Mark 1B ATL

News: Braves 1B Mark Teixeira had only one hit in five at-bats Tuesday at the Dodgers, but it went out of the park for his 17th home run. He has now hit .368 (7-for-19) over his last five games. Analysis: Big Tex is notoriously a better player in the second half. Consider him a must-start in all leagues and a potential second-half MVP if you are looking for someone to buy in on.

Cabrera not producing in July Updated 7/9/08
Cabrera, Orlando SS CHW

News: White Sox SS Orlando Cabrera had two hits, including his 18th double, and one RBI in six at-bats Tuesday against the Royals. He also walked once. Cabrera is just 4-for-23 (.174) with three RBI in his last six games.
Analysis: Cabrera is off to an awful start in July after hitting .336 with three homers and 18 RBI in June. He now looks more like the guy who hit .216 in April. Hopefully this skid doesn't last as long as April's slump and Cabrera can get back to being a reliable Fantasy SS.

McCann launches two solo home runs Updated 7/9/08
McCann, Brian C ATL
News: Braves C Brian McCann, getting ready to go to his third consecutive All-Star game, connected for two home runs Tuesday at the Dodgers both solo shots. He finished 2-for-4.
Analysis: McCann had gone 0-for-8 in his previous two games, but he remains one of the top hitting catchers in baseball and possibly the best Fantasy option at the position. Keep him active in all leagues.

Billingsley sharp, then implodes Updated 7/9/08
Billingsley, Chad SP LA

News: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley looked great at first Tuesday against the Braves, holding them hitless until Kelly Johnson and Mark Kotsay opened the fifth inning with singles. The Braves ended up scoring three runs in that inning and three in the next. Billingsley was charged with all six runs five earned in 5 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and four walks and striking out eight. He lost, falling to 8-8.
Analysis: Billingsley went 1-4 with a 5.20 ERA in April, but he has been a mostly solid starter since then, striking out more than a batter per inning. His ERA rose to 3.38 with this performance, but you still want to start him virtually every time out in Fantasy. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 15 is scheduled for Sunday against the Marlins.

White Sox tag Davies for nine hits Updated 7/9/08
Davies, Kyle SP KC
News: The White Sox got at least one hit in each inning Royals SP Kyle Davies was on the hill Tuesday, but the right-hander still left with a 5-3 lead in the sixth. Davies eventually took a no decision as the bullpen blew his lead. The righty allowed nine hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two while leaving after a Joe Crede solo home run in the sixth.
Analysis: Davies is winless in his last four starts with three no decisions in that span. He has allowed a total of 18 earned runs in that span. We figured it was only a matter of time before Davies reverted back to his former self after having a good start to his season. Davies remains more of an AL-only Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Mariners.

Gonzo enters in ninth, but no save Updated 7/9/08
Gonzalez, Mike RP ATL
News: Braves closer Mike Gonzalez had to pitch the final two-thirds of the ninth inning Tuesday at the Dodgers, recording two strikeouts. He didn't record a save, though.
Analysis: The Braves have shown no qualms about using Gonzalez, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, on back-to-back days. He has a 2.08 ERA so far and could emerge as a top-10 closer in the second half. He has that kind of potential.

Contreras' struggles persist Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
Contreras, Jose A. SP CHW

News: White Sox SP Jose Contreras went 5 2/3 innings Tuesday against the Royals, and was charged with five runs and 10 hits during a no decision. He walked one and struck out one. He has taken two straight no decisions.
Analysis: Contreras has been tagged for five or more runs in three of his last six outings. He is coming off a tough June when he posted a 6.83 ERA and his July is not off to a great start. Perhaps Contreras is wearing down after a solid start to the season. He remains at best a low-end Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Rangers.

Jurrjens brilliant, wins ninth game Updated 7/9/08
Jurrjens, Jair SP ATL

News: Braves SP Jair Jurrjens allowed five hits, struck out six and walked three in his Dodger Stadium debut Tuesday after he was staked to a 6-0 lead. He gave up only one run. It was the fourth time in five starts that the right-hander allowed fewer than two runs while pitching six or more innings. The only run against him came on a checked-swing RBI double by James Loney with two outs in the sixth. He won for the ninth time this season.
Analysis: In the one start Jurrjens didn't allow fewer than two runs, he allowed only four in seven innings. He has an ERA right and 3.00 and continues to demonstrate poise beyond his years. The 22-year-old is close to garnering must-start status in mixed leagues. His next start won't come until after the All-Star break, but expect him to get a start in a shortened Fantasy Week 16.

Jenks misses series opener Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
Jenks, Bobby RP CHW

News: White Sox RP Bobby Jenks (shoulder) did not return to action Tuesday against the Royals. He has not pitched since June 29 and there is still no timetable for his return.
Analysis: The White Sox might eventually end up putting Jenks on the DL if his shoulder issue doesn't get any better. He is usually a must-start Fantasy RP when healthy.

Francoeur gets back in the lineup Updated 7/9/08
Francoeur, Jeff RF ATL
News: Tuesday at the Dodgers, Braves OF Jeff Francoeur played his first game since returning from a three-game minor-league stint in Double-A Mississippi. He had a single in five at-bats and threw out a base runner in the third inning.
Analysis: Francoeur went 7-for-13 in Double-A and is a solid sleeper for any league. Still, a 1-for-5 day won't inspire much confidence, lowering his batting average to .233. Don't start him outside of NL-only leagues right now.

Grudzielanek grounds into DP Updated 7/9/08
Grudzielanek, Mark 2B KC

News: Royals 2B Mark Grudzielanek missed his second straight game Tuesday against the White Sox because of general body soreness. He did appear as a pinch hitter in the 13th inning, grounding into a double-play.
Analysis: Grudzielanek might be 38 years old, but he's hitting .312 this season and is having a very solid overall campaign. He's a consistent hitter who can help in deeper leagues, but his lack of pop or steals potential limits him at this point in his career.
R. Martin not hitting much lately Updated 7/9/08
Martin, Russell C LA
News: Dodgers C Russell Martin went 1-for-4 Tuesday against the Braves. He's batting .179 (5-for-28) over his last seven games.
Analysis: Martin had a bit of a slow start to the season that frustrated Fantasy owners, but he's hitting right at .300 on the season with decent power and speed numbers. He remains an elite Fantasy C and a must-start in all leagues
.
Baker misses Tuesday's game Updated 7/9/08
Baker, Jeff 1B COL
News: Rockies UTL Jeff Baker missed Tuesday's game against the Brewers after jamming his wrist Monday. He is day to day and questionable for Wednesday.
Analysis: Baker has pop in his bat and the potential to start at second base for at least the next few weeks. He is a streaky hitter you cannot trust in most mixed leagues until he is really tearing it up.

1B LaRoche connects for 10th homer Updated 7/9/08
LaRoche, Adam A. 1B PIT

News: Pirates 1B Adam A. LaRoche went 3-for-4 with his 10th home run Tuesday against the Astros. He's batting .560 (14-for-25) with three home runs over his last eight games.
Analysis: LaRoche is on a tear and looks like a must-add in all leagues right now. He is notoriously a streaky player and could be due for a big second half. His hot streak right now makes him a solid start in all leagues.

Guzman's hit streak ends Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
Guzman, Cristian SS WAS

News: Washington SS Cristian Guzman did not get a hit in three at-bats Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, ending a 14-game hitting streak. Guzman, who did walk Tuesday, was 19-for-59 (.322) with three RBI during the streak.
Analysis: Guzman continues to put the bat on the ball in 2008, but he has no homers and only nine RBI since June 1. His lack of power and run production keeps him out of the elite class, but he still deserves to start in most Fantasy leagues.

McLouth hits another homer Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
McLouth, Nate CF PIT

News: Pirates OF Nate McLouth's two-run single in the eighth inning Tuesday against the Astros capped a three-run rally to give his team a 4-3 victory. He also homered in the game, finishing 2-for-5.
Analysis: McLouth homered for the second straight game and might be heating up again after a .214 June. He remains a must-start Fantasy option for now, but treat him as more of a No. 2 OF than a No. 1.

Pence hits a ridiculous home run Updated 7/9/08
Pence, Hunter CF HOU

News: Astros OF Hunter Pence homered in a 1-for-4 performance Tuesday at Pittsburgh. His solo shot, his 11th, came with one out in the fourth inning, a heavy wind heading straight out of the park and a storm just about to hit. The area was under a severe thunderstorm watch. Analysis: Pence, a red-hot rookie last year, has struggled to find consistency in his sophomore season. He'll still post modest power and speed numbers, but until he gets his batting average out of the .260 range, he's probably not worth starting in most mixed leagues.

Rodriguez starts Tuesday for Padres Updated 7/9/08
Rodriguez, Luis O. 3B

News: Padres INF Luis O. Rodriguez started at shortstop Tuesday against the Marlins in place of a slumping Khalil Greene. Rodriguez had a single and sac fly in three at-bats while also walking once.
Analysis: Rodriguez was just recalled from the minors Friday and has appeared in all four games since Saturday, making two starts. However, he is hitting just .125 with one RBI. Rodriguez is never going to be a Fantasy stud and can be ignored in all formats.

Lee homers in second straight game Updated 7/9/08
Lee, Carlos N. LF HOU

News: Astros OF Carlos N. Lee, who extended his hitting streak to 11 games, homered for the second time in as many games Tuesday at Pittsburgh with his rocket shot to the deepest part of the park in left-center with Lance Berkman aboard in the fifth inning. It was his 21st of the season. He finished 2-for-4.
Analysis: Lee continues to have a dominant season with the Astros but got left off the NL All-Star roster. At least Fantasy owners recognize him as an All-Star, starting him in 100 percent of leagues. He is well on his way to 30 homers for a sixth straight season.

Headley plates four RBI Tuesday Updated 7/9/08
Headley, Chase 3B SD

News: Rookie Chase Headley, playing in his 20th big league game this season, had three hits and four RBI, including a three-run double, during Tuesday's 10-1 win against the Marlins. The Padres loaded the bases against Andrew Miller with one out in the first. Headley, who played eight games with the Padres last season, cleared them with his double to the fence in left-center. It was his third double since his recall.
Analysis: Headley, who was recalled June 17, had his first multi-hit game since June 20 and has just three since returning from the minors. However, he has hit safely in 17 of 20 games. Not too bad. Headley is an elite young talent and is definitely a sleeper in deeper Fantasy leagues.

Marte saves second straight game Updated 7/9/08
Marte, Damaso RP Pit
News: Pirates RP Damaso Marte, taking over as closer with Matt Capps on the DL, recorded his second save in as many days Tuesday against the Astros. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, issuing one walk.


cbs.sportsline.com