Baseball Health and Wealth Matters

NL Pitchers in the news
January 26, 2009
by Ultimate Fantasy Source

Kris Benson SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Kris Benson threw in front of nine teams on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: The Dodgers, Rangers, Blue Jays, Padres, Diamondbacks, Indians and Cardinals were in attendance. Benson said last week that the Dodgers and Cardinals have expressed the most interest in his services, but that could change depending on how he looked Saturday. The 34-year-old righthander hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006, when he went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA for the Orioles.
Source: New York Post


Ross Ohlendorf RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Ross Ohlendorf has slightly reworked his mechanics this offseason.
Fantasy Source spin: Pitching coach Joe Kerrigan is hoping Ohlendorf will begin to pitch less upright, providing him a more consistent release point. "Just straightening things out," Ohlendorf said. The 26-year-old posted a 6.46 ERA in 62 2/3 innings last season. The Pirates are thinking he could turn into a solid mid-rotation guy this season.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Ben Sheets SP, Milwaukee Brewers
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, concerns over Ben Sheets' right elbow could ultimately prevent the Rangers from offering the All-Star pitcher a contract.
Fantasy Source spin: The Rangers are currently seeking more information on Sheets' torn flexor tendon. Jason Jennings had a similar problem in 2007 and early 2008. In both instances he eventually needed surgery. According to the Star-Telegram, "the likelihood that an agreement will be reached by Monday, if at all this week, is waning."
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Randy Wolf SP, Houston Astros
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Astros pulled their offer to Randy Wolf in late November due to "a changing economic climate."
Fantasy Source spin: Astros GM Ed Wade said Saturday that the team was "fully engaged in negotiations and had to stop. It had nothing to do with a lack of interest on our part or Randy's part." Rosenthal believes that Wolf might have to settle for a one-year deal. The Mets have shown interest, but their top priority now appears to be Oliver Perez.
Source: FOXSports.com

AL Pitchers

Fausto Carmona SP, Cleveland Indians
Indians pitching coach Carl Willis reportedly spotted a flaw in Fausto Carmona's delivery near the end of last season.
Fantasy Source spin: The righthander has worked on correcting the problem all winter and showcased improved control while pitching in the Dominican Winter League. "We saw much better results," assistant GM Chris Antonetti said. "Fausto had four walks in one game (in the Dominican), and the rest of the time, his command was back. He is a guy who always had good control in the minors, so we feel good about him."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer


Joakim Soria RP, Kansas City Royals
Royals GM Dayton Moore said Saturday that he has no problem with closer Joakim Soria's desire to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
Fantasy Source spin: "If the player's prepared physically and in the right mindset, then it can potentially be a great experience," Moore says. "I understand why some in baseball are apprehensive about it. There is risk, but there's risk every time a player steps on the field. Ultimately, it's up to the individual player to prepare himself." It would seem easier for a bullpen guy to get into right groove by opening day.
Source: Kansas City Star


Matt Guerrier RP, Minnesota Twins
The Twins are working to avoid an arbitration hearing with righthander Matt Guerrier, according to MLB.com.
Fantasy Source spin: Guerrier is seeking $1.75 million for the 2009 season. The Twins submitted a bid of $1.2 million. "I'd like to get something worked out," Guerrier said on Saturday. "But you never know what's going to happen." Arbitration hearings take place throughout the month of February.
Source: MLB.com

Read more...

Offseason Player Watch

By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com
Updated: December 11, 2008

LAS VEGAS Mark Teixeira is still shopping. Manny Ramirez is still weeks maybe months from learning where he'll be parking his dreadlocks. And 150 free agents got to spend another fun-filled week on the unemployment line.

Once, there was a time when all the marquee free agents would have been wrapped up like a Christmas gift by the time the winter meetings ended. Well, not anymore.

So let's take a look at the many loose threads that are still dangling as the 2008 meetings fade into oblivion:

The Teixeira Watch

No agent who ever lived moves slower than Scott Boras. So even though CC Sabathia and Frankie Rodriguez already have managed to find their next homes, the Scott Boras Negotiating Olympiad has barely begun for guys such as Teixeira.

So all of a sudden, the crazy bidding rumors are flying. Eight years, $160 million from the Nationals. Seven years, $140 million from the Orioles. Seven years, $160 million from the Angels. No formal offers whatsoever from the Red Sox Yet.

You can believe those numbers if you want to. You can believe none of them if you're as wary of Boras spreading inflated negotiating fiction as many people in baseball are. But somewhere in there, you can find the plot line that's beginning to form here.

The Nationals have decided they need to make Teixeira the face of their franchise. (Hey, it beats Elijah Dukes.) That's the sales pitch they've been throwing at Teixeira and Boras relentlessly.

It's also helpful that they've been throwing more money at Teixeira than they've paid their entire baseball team in the past three seasons combined.

But will it work? And will it work even if the Nationals outbid everybody else which seems entirely possible? That's the question people in baseball keep asking.

How much money will Mark Teixeira really get? We'll have to wait and see.
"Here's what I wonder," one GM said. "Let's say the Nationals' bid is $5 million higher than the Red Sox or Angels. What happens then? Scott's clients always take the most money. But if Teixeira goes to the Nationals, how does he spin it? He sure can't say it was about winning. I guess he'll have to say it's about going home. Playing the family card always works."

Maybe that going-home speech is already in the hands of Boras' speechwriters. But in the meantime, you can bet Boras will be working 28 hours a day trying to prod the Angels and Red Sox to step up and outbid the losingest team in baseball this year.

The Manny Watch

Of all the free agents on your handy-dandy free-agent tote board, only one of them slugged over .600 this season. And it wasn't Teixeira.

It was good old Manny Ramirez, a guy who also hit .332 and had a .430 onbase percentage the seventh time in his career he has joined the .300 .400 .600 club, most of any active player.

So you'd think a hitter that legendary would have more job offers than Julia Roberts. But because he's Manny and there are certain, well, issues, he's a man who seems to have just about no market whatsoever.

Which means it's one of the greatest challenges of Boras' career to venture out into the marketplace and create one.

The popular theory has been that Boras would drive Teixeira to a team such as Boston, which he knows can't possibly pursue its old friend Manny. And that would leave all the losers in the Teixeira sweepstakes to turn their attention to Ramirez.

But there's a problem with that theory. The Angels keep insisting they have no interest. The Nationals don't need any more outfielders. And it takes a massive leap of the imagination to conceive of Peter Angelos' giving Ramirez a three, four or five year deal.

So where's he going? Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said Thursday that when he and Boras talked about Ramirez this week, he was still looking for a contract of four or five years. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are stuck on the two-year deal they offered a month ago. Colletti hinted that the dollars could still be negotiable if the length is short enough. But that's not happening not before somewhere around Valentine's Day, anyway.

Which means Boras likely is going to trot out a strategy he has used many times before: parking Manny in the waiting room.

He's a good bet to leave Ramirez hanging out there for as long as it takes, position him as Clearly The Best Hitter Left At The Unemployment Office and hope somebody gets desperate. His best shot here, though, might not be desperation. It might be a decision by a team such as the Yankees to swoop in at the final hour and see whether it can make an out of the blue score.

Could happen. But get back to us in a month. Or in the spring.

Rafael Furcal

Agent Paul Kinzer said this week that he has four teams with serious interest in Furcal -- the Royals, A's, Blue Jays and Dodgers. And all those teams know, he said, that it's going to take a three- or four-year contract (at $9-10 million a year) to get a deal done.

It's hard to figure whether the market for Rafael Furcal really is as hot as it seems.
But the market might not be as hot on Furcal as it's been portrayed. Kansas City, for instance, has been rumored to be the high bidder. But despite GM Dayton Moore's longtime admiration for Furcal from their Atlanta days, he doesn't have $35-40 million to spend. And one source with knowledge of the Royals' thinking said they haven't done much more than kick the tires on Furcal.

The Blue Jays are in a similar mode, and would have to move money to pay a player this pricey. The A's are still interested, but the popular theory among other clubs is that if Furcal wanted to be in Oakland, he'd already be there. And the Dodgers haven't gone beyond two guaranteed years, plus a vesting option.

So an official of one team that checked in says that Furcal "seems like a guy who's waiting for something to happen that hasn't happened." Our best guess is: He wants to return to L.A. But is he willing to give up a guaranteed year or two to do it? We might be about to find out.

A.J. Burnett

This one is simple. Does Burnett want to be a Yankee? Or does he want to be a Brave?

True, the Yankees have the high bid out there 5 years, $85 million, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick). But the Braves have made it clear there's a fifth guaranteed year, for a total of $80 million, there for Burnett to grab if he merely says the magic words: "I want to be in Atlanta."

"If he just wants the most money, he'll be a Yankee," said an executive of one team that once had interest in Burnett. "When the New York Yankees decide they're not going to be outbid, they're not going to be outbid. And I think that's the decision they've made."

But in reality, this is Burnett's decision. And it might be a "where" decision, not a "how much" decision. Both teams say all there is to do now is wait.

Derek Lowe

Lowe's market didn't exactly collapse this week. It just seemed that way -- but only because it was obviously overblown by Boras' leak squad in the first place.

It's now apparent that neither the Phillies nor the Red Sox made an offer at all. And they no longer seem any more than mildly interested.

The Yankees are still an option -- but maybe not for long. If Burnett and Andy Pettitte say yes to offers already on the table, the Yankees are out. And although the Mets maintain interest, it appears they want no part of the 4 year, $72 million price tag Boras was tossing out there early on. But there's a scenario in the making in which they become the last serious bidder standing. So maybe this will turn out to be Omar Minaya's lucky winter.

more hitters



There are close to 100 bats still on the market. And most of them look as if they're going to have big trouble getting anywhere near the paycheck they had in mind.

The Phillies, Angels and Mets have serious interest in Raul Ibanez, so he'll be fine. The Cubs and Rays have zeroed in on Milton Bradley. And you can bet your inauguration tickets that Adam Dunn will land in Washington if Teixeira doesn't. But guys such as Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell and Jason Giambi look as though they're in for hefty pay cuts and maybe no more than a two-year deal. And everybody else would be best advised to grab for the first decent paycheck that comes along.

Other arms

The biggest question is what will become of the two big free-agent closers still out there Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman. The Cardinals look like Fuentes' most serious pursuer. But Hoffman, one of the most underrated pitchers of all time, is scrambling.

The Dodgers have a smidgen of interest. The Tigers have interest, but not the budget. And Milwaukee and Texas might still be options. San Diego manager Bud Black tried to open the door this week for Hoffman to return to the Padres. But with Jake Peavy staying, it probably would have to be for a pay slash that Hoffman might find tough to digest. A pitcher this great deserves a happier ending than Hoffman seems headed for.

Of those other starting pitchers, Randy Wolf, Ben Sheets and Jon Garland are well-positioned to lead off the second tier once Burnett and Lowe sign. The Mets will try to bring back Oliver Perez if he ever comes off that five-year, $65 million talk. And Randy Johnson could land in Chicago, San Francisco, Texas or Oakland for a year.

But the most intriguing free-agent starter left might be John Smoltz, who had seven teams looking at his medical records this week amid rumors he's open to leaving Atlanta. Smoltz has been a Brave for so long that he was once a teammate of Bruce Sutter and Ken Griffey Sr. So can he really leave? Can Atlanta really allow him to leave? Might be the most riveting story line of the whole offseason.

Read more...

Players Mov'in the News

Thursday Dec. 11, 2009 8:00am

Mets acquire Putz in 3 team, 12 player deal

Mets acquired RHP J.J. Putz, OF Jeremy Reed and RHP Sean Green; Mariners acquired OF Franklin Gutierrez, RHP Aaron Heilman, 1B Mike Carp, OF Endy Chavez, LHP Jason Vargas, OF Ezequiel Carrera and RHP Maikel Cleto; Indians acquired RHP Joe Smith and 2B Luis Valbuena.

The Mets will be praised for this, and they might even deserve it. However, Putz never did recover his best stuff after last season's elbow problems, and it's an open question of how he got his best stuff in the first place. In 2006 and 2007, he was about as dominant as any reliever in the game, amassing a ridiculous 186/26 K/BB ratio in 150 innings. However, he never showed that kind of potential in previous seasons and he didn't ever look like the same guy last season, even if he did finish with 56 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings. Odds are that the Mets are getting a very good setup man. However, he'll probably never again be the pitcher he was in 2006 and 2007 and he'll be quite expensive to keep beyond next season. He's due $5.5 million in 2009 and $9.1 million if his option for 2010 is picked up.

Oliver Perez SP Mets

Mets GM Omar Minaya put the chances of re-signing Oliver Perez at "50/50."

The Mets probably won't be in on Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett, leaving Perez as the top free agent starter they could possibly sign. It's believed he's asking for $70 million over five years, and agent Scott Boras has indicated the Mets won't get a discount.
Source: Newsday


Brad Penny SP Dodgers

The Rockies have reportedly decided against making an offer to free agent Brad Penny.

The Penny market remains quiet, and there's been no indication that he's received offers as of yet. The Red Sox and Giants are believed to have some interest.
Source: Rockies.mlb.com

Juan Morillo RP Rockies

According to MLB.com, Juan Morillo could be the other player in a proposed Willy Taveras-Tim Redding deal between the Rockies and Nationals.

Morillo is considered expendable in part because he's out of options. The hard-throwing right-hander had another disappointing season in 2008 and didn't pitch in the majors outside of a brief callup in July.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


Eric Byrnes OF Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks and Red Sox are reportedly discussing a trade of Eric Byrnes and Julio Lugo.

This makes a lot more sense for Boston than the Tigers talks, though they'd have to have some idea that Byrnes is willing to be a fourth outfielder in order to make the deal. Byrnes is owed $22 million over the next two years, while Lugo is due $18 million. If acquired, Lugo would take over as the Diamondbacks' second baseman.
Source: ESPN.com



Kyle Farnsworth RP Tigers

A source told ESPN's Steve Phillips that Farnsworth has agreed to a two-year, $9.25 million deal with the Royals.

We'd just love to see a sensible explanation of what makes Farnsworth worth $4.6 million per season in a multiyear deal in a world in which Bob Howry gets $2.75 million for one season. Farnsworth has finished with ERAs of 4.36, 4.80 and 4.48 ERA the last three years and hasn't thrown 70 innings in a season since 2005. His back issues often seem to have him day-to-day and prevent him from pitching on back-to-back days. Also, there was no hint that the Royals had any competition for his services. Like with Jose Guillen a year ago, Dayton Moore was probably bidding against himself.
Source: ESPN.com


Mark Teahen OF Royals

Royals manager Trey Hillman admitted Wednesday that he doesn't currently have Mark Teahen in his projected lineup.

Hillman seemed to like the same lineup we had written out when the Coco Crisp deal went down last month: CF Crisp, SS Mike Aviles, LF David DeJesus, RF Jose Guillen, 1B Mike Jacobs, DH Billy Butler, 3B Alex Gordon, C Miguel Olivo and 2B Alberto Callaspo. The extreme lack of OBP in the fourth and fifth slots is a major problem, but those were probably two of Hillman's easiest calls.
Source: Kansas City Star


Jack Wilson SS Pirates

Royals GM Dayton Moore denied that his team had any interest in trading for Jack Wilson.

The Royals would like to create payroll space for Rafael Furcal, but they're not going to make the effort to bring in an expensive, less-talented shortstop. There are no serious suitors for Wilson at the moment. The Twins and Dodgers could reconsider him at some later date, but they clearly have higher priorities.
Source: Kansas City Star

Read more...

Players Mov'in the news

Mike Lamb-3B-Brewers Dec. 8 5:38 pm et

The Brewers are working to re-sign free agent Mike Lamb, MLB.com reports.

Lamb barely played after joining the Brewers on Sept. 5, going 3-for-11 the rest of the way, so it's something of a surprise that Milwaukee wants him back. Because Lamb is already getting $3 million in 2009 after the Twins cut him in the first year of a two-year deal, finding a team that will give him playing time should be his priority. In Milwaukee, he'd stand to compete with Bill Hall for starts at third.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


Erik Bedard-S-Mariners Dec. 8 5:34 pm et

Erik Bedard (shoulder) received the green light to begin a throwing program, MLB.com reports.

The favorable report should be enough to ensure that Bedard is tendered a contract before the Friday deadline. The Mariners could actually have an excess of pitching if Bedard is ready for the season. They have Brandon Morrow, Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Miguel Batista to go along with Felix Hernandez and Bedard.
Source: Mariners.mlb.com


A.J. Burnett-S-Blue Jays Dec. 8 5:30 pm et

According to ESPN's Steve Phillips, indications are that the Braves and A.J. Burnett are moving closer to a deal.

Peter Gammons seems to think the same thing, though there are no quotes anywhere to back it up. The Cardinals' reported interest has failed to materialize, and it looks like Atlanta's four-year offer with a vesting option for a fifth year is the best proposal on the table.
Source: ESPN.com


Jerome Williams-S-Athletics Dec. 8 5:28 pm et

Athletics signed RHP Jerome Williams to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Williams got off to a really nice start in Puerto Rico this winter, but he had struggled over his last three starts and is now 1-3 with a 5.04 ERA and just 14 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings. He had a 3.25 ERA in five starts and eight relief appearances in the Dodger system last season. He'll probably be a part of Triple-A Sacramento's rotation.

J.J. Putz-R-Mariners Dec. 8 5:19 pm et

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times believes a J.J. Putz-to-Detroit deal could get done.

The Tigers are pretty short on talent to trade for someone who would be as sought after as Putz would be if put on the open market Baker believes the Mariners would have interest in Jeff Larish, but he's more of a No. 2 player in a Putz-type deal. Seattle would need to get a bigger talent along with Larish. The Indians have more to offer, and at $5.5 million for 2009, Putz is cheap enough that a team like the Red Sox or Yankees could potentially target him as a setup man.
Source: Seattle Times



CC Sabathia-S-Brewers Dec. 8 5:06 pm et

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said it's "a possibility" the Dodgers could make an offer to free agent CC Sabathia.

Sabathia reportedly told Colletti he "wants to be a Dodger" in a chance meeting Sunday night. The speculation has long been that he'd prefer to join the Dodgers or Giants if the money is there.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


David Eckstein-SS-Diamondbacks Dec. 8 5:03 pm et

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, free agent David Eckstein is drawing interest from five teams, most of which want him as a second baseman.

He doesn't name the teams, though he speculates that Baltimore and San Diego have openings at shortstop for him. The Orioles are known to prefer Cesar Izturis.
Source: FOXSports.com

Read more...

Player News

Players in the News
provided by: Rotowire


Darren Oliver
Oliver accepted the Angels' arbitration offer before ...Oliver accepted the Angels' arbitration offer before the Sunday night deadline.

Fantasy Spin: Of the 24 free agents offered arbitration, only Oliver and David Weathers accepted. This means Oliver will be back on a one-year deal with the Halos, despite receiving some interest on the free agent market.

News:
Laird has officially been dealt to the Tigers for pitching prospects Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo, according to MLB.com.

Spin: After trading away Ivan Rodriguez and announcing that Brandon Inge would play third base, it was pretty clear that the Tigers were going to acquire a catcher this offseason. By trading for Laird, they've also decided that they're not comfortable with opening the season with Dusty Ryan as their starting catcher. Laird will get hurt by the change in ballparks, but in he gets some job security.

News:
Reds GM Walt Jocketty vehemently denied a Dayton Daily News report that a deal to send Dye to the Reds for Homer Bailey and others had been struck, the Reds' official site reports.

Spin: It's no secret that Dye has been the subject of trade talks, and that the Reds at least at one point were involved, but apparently those talks haven't been recent. "Wrong. It's not even close," Jocketty said. "We haven't had any discussions with the White Sox since before Thanksgiving."

News:
Weathers accepted the Reds' arbitration offer before Sunday's deadline, the Reds' official site reports.

Spin: This means he'll be back for one more season with the team, presumably at a rate higher than the $2.75 million he made with them in 2008.

The Mets are desperate to move Castillo to create a spot for Orlando Hudson, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.

Fantasy Spin: The only way to do it would be to exchange Castillo's contract for another of similar value, which is a difficult task. When the Mets asked the Rangers about a Castillo-for-Vicente Padilla ? a swap that would require the Rangers to move Ian Kinsler to left field ? they were told, "No thank you." The Mets will either need to take on someone with an equally bad contract or eat a lot of cash to move Castillo, which will be a more likely occurrence.

Francisco Rodriguez
Mets GM Omar Minaya is expected to ...Mets GM Omar Minaya is expected to meet face-to-face with Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman, as well as possibly Kerry Wood or his agents, during the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, the NY Daily News' Mets blog reports.

Fantasy Spin: Minaya may make offers to several or all of the players, similar to what he did several years when looking for a catcher, with the first person to accept the offer to get the job as the closer. K-Rod is expected to demand the highest salary, with the Mets unlikely to go the five years, $75 million he originally wanted. Jon Heyman of the SI.com is reporting that Mets management has been internally discussing a three-year contract, and might include a fourth-year vesting option to Rodriguez.

Read more...

Who will bailout free agency ?

Winter Meetings Preview
by John Perrotto


As has been well-documented, the free-agent market has been extremely slow to develop; to date only 11 of the 171 players who filed for free agency have signed contracts. There is no word yet if Donald Fehr has asked Congress for a bailout.

It's already been quite the offseason for trades however, and we haven't even reached the Winter Meetings yet. Among the notable names who have been dealt since the Phillies put the finishing touches on their World Series victory are Matt Holliday, Nick Swisher, Javier Vazquez, Coco Crisp, Huston Street, Khalil Greene, Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham, Kevin Gregg, and Greg Smith.

With the Winter Meetings beginning on Monday in Las Vegas, there is likely to be more player movement this week, and most executives and agents expect to see some of the bigger-name free agents begin to come off of the shelves during the four-day affair, along with the possibility of more trades being consummated.

Here is a team-by-team look at how the 30 clubs shape up at this point of the offseason, and what might be on their wish lists as they descend upon Las Vegas:

Diamondbacks: A second baseman to replace Orlando Hudson tops their priority list, and they may settle on a platoon of free-agents Damion Easley and Ramon Vazquez; they feel free-agent Mark Loretta and the Cardinals' Adam Kennedy are too expensive. They'll make outfielder Eric Byrnes available, choosing to stay with Conor Jackson in left and Chad Tracy at first base, but with two years and $22 million left on Byrnes' contract and coming off of a bad season shortened by a torn hamstring, he could be tough to deal. Catcher Miguel Montero could also be traded now that Chris Snyder has entrenched himself as a regular behind the plate.

Read more...

Maddux to announce his retirement

Greg Maddux SP Maddux to announce his retirement

Greg Maddux has thrown his last pitch. The four-time Cy Young winner will announce his retirement Monday at the baseball winter meetings in Las Vegas, his hometown, according to his agent, Scott Boras. Maddux, who turns 43 in April, ranks eighth on the career wins list with 355. He went 8-13 with a 4.22 ERA last season with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. The last-place Padres traded Maddux to the Dodgers on Aug. 19 for two minor leaguers to be named or cash. He went 2-4 in seven starts for Los Angeles. His last regular-season game for the NL West champions was a gem - he beat the Giants 2-1 at AT&T Park on Sept. 27, giving up one run and two hits in six innings. Maddux then made three relief appearances in the playoffs for the Dodgers - he had an 0.00 ERA over four innings - and then filed for free agency amid speculation he would retire. Maddux finished one win ahead of Roger Clemens on the career victory list. Overall, "Mad Dog" was 355-227 with a 3.16 ERA, and is considered a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible after five years. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Braves sign free agent David Ross

The Atlanta Braves added catching depth by signing free agent David Ross to a two-year deal on Friday. Ross, a 31-year-old Georgia native, likely will replace Corky Miller as the primary backup to starter Brian McCann. Ross is a career .222 hitter. He hit .231 in 52 games with Cincinnati last season before he was released Aug. 18. He signed with Boston and appeared in eight games late in the season. He hit only .203 with 17 homers for the Reds in 2007, when he set a career high with 311 at-bats. His best season was 2006, when he hit .255 with 21 homers and 55 RBIs. Ross has hit 41 homers the last three seasons, the 11th-highest total among major league catchers. The Braves signed Ross one day after trading their top catching prospect, Tyler Flowers, and three other players to the White Sox for starting pitcher Javier Vazquez and left-handed reliever Boone Logan. (Houston Chronicle)

Greene, Khalil SS StL

A welcome fresh season for the shortstop now includes a fresh team as well. The Cardinals acquired their new starting shortstop from San Diego in a three-player swap this week. Greene hit .213 with a meager .260 on-base percentage last season, but the production was as uncharacteristic as the punch. In his four previous seasons as the Padres' starter, Greene averaged 18 home runs and 72 RBIs a season. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)

Burnett, A.J. SP
Braves talking five-year deal with Burnett.

The Braves are ready to offer A.J. Burnett a five-year deal worth $75 million. The Braves started with a four-year, $60 million deal that included a vesting option for a fifth year but are willing to guarantee the fifth season. "He would have to take that because of the length," an industry source with knowledge of the Braves' plans said. "Even if somebody else gave him $18 million a year for four years that's still less [$72 million]." Burnett has indicated he wants a no-trade clause. However, the Braves historically don't do no-trades. "He shouldn't worry about that because his contract is his no-trade; that's a lot of money," the source said. (New York Post)

Teixeira, Mark 1B
Nats are serious about Teixeira.

The Nationals, who are looking for fans as well as wins, are expected to make a bid to try to blow the field away for Mark Teixeira, the almost hometown kid from an hour away in Severna Park, Md. A Nationals person said their priority is to find a left-handed slugger, and there's no better one than Teixeira. They probably also wouldn't mind tweaking Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who hasn't exactly made friends with his neighbor and has coveted Teixiera since he starred in high school about three miles from Camden Yards. Still, most folks still see the incumbent Angels as the slight favorite to keep him, with the Red Sox also a major factor and the winning bid expected to hit or exceed $160 million over eight years. Owner Arte Moreno and manager Mike Scioscia are said to love Teixeira (though some of their baseball people might actually prefer a run at CC), and the guess is that Moreno will outbid the Red Sox, Yankees and other East Coast suitors. (SI.com)

Peavy, Jake SP SD
Cubs have the money for Peavy.

The Cubs' payroll could climb by perhaps 10 percent or more from the final 2008 figure of about $130 million, a greater increase than initial reports this offseason -- and the kind of increase that could allow general manager Jim Hendry to fit both the left-handed bat the team seeks and the Cy Young pitcher the San Diego Padres are trying hard to sell. Two Cubs sources told the Sun-Times this week that the Cubs still are interested in Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, including one saying he expects Hendry to acquire the former Cy Young winner. If the Atlanta Braves, who appeared to be Peavy's strongest pursuer last month, close the deal they're seeking for free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett, (Chicago Sun Times)

Ramirez, Manny LF
Manny forced to play the waiting game.

It appears Manny Ramirez is going to have to be patient. The Dodgers, the team that badly needs him, isn't anxious to spend yet. And at 36, even after his superhuman saving of the Dodgers' season, he appears to be a fallback option for a couple big spenders, including the Angels and his hometown Yankees (he's from Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, just across the East River from the Bronx), who can't be counted out here, either. While Ramirez doesn't crave to go home like Sabathia, he does admire the dollar, and has said -- and shown -- he's ready to go the highest bidder, whomever that may be. (SI.com)

Read more...

MLB Headlines

Padres shortstop Khalil Greene signs with Cardinals
CC Sabathia-S- Brewers Dec. 5 - 2:32 am et

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman plans to meet face-to-face with CC Sabathia at the winter meetings, sources told FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

Unless they're standing up, in which case it'd be face-to-chest. At $140 million over six years, the Yankees are believed to have by far the highest offer out to Sabathia.
Source: FOXSports.com

Paul Byrd-S- Red Sox Dec. 5 - 2:29 am et

Free agent Paul Byrd has made it known that he'd like to pitch closer to his home in Atlanta.

It looks like the Braves would prefer to go after a big-name pitcher, but they might be better off spending $7 million or so on Byrd and using the savings to upgrade their outfield. If Atlanta isn't a fit, Byrd might instead join the Orioles or Nationals. The Red Sox have offered him arbitration, but he's expected to decline it.
Source: FOXSports.com

Jorge Julio-R- Brewers Dec. 5 - 2:24 am et

Jorge Julio is guaranteed $950,000 under the terms of his deal with the Brewers.

He can earn an extra $950,000 in incentives, including $600,000 based on games and $300,000 based on games finished, which he'd only reach if he becomes the Brewers' closer.

Khalil Greene signs with Cardinals

ST. LOUIS -- In a slow-moving market, the Cardinals are acting quickly. St. Louis answered the biggest question in its 2009 lineup on Thursday, trading for Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. A day earlier, the Cards signed reliever Trever Miller to a one-year contract.
The Redbirds announced the trade on Thursday evening after a day of reports and speculation. St. Louis will send relief prospect Mark Worrell and a player to be named later to San Diego.
More news: MLB.com

Make no mistake, the New York Mets' first choice is Francisco Rodriguez and not merely because he passes his 27th birthday next month. Younger, more accomplished and seemingly more ready to embrace a hire-wire role in a big market, K-Rod is what the Mets see. And the only reason they haven't pushed more to this point is that they have seen no reason to do so. They don't want to extend an offer and be the ones to establish the first parameter of the K-Rod market, according to MLB.com.

The Mets don't anticipate returning from Vegas with Putz, or any other closer, for that matter, on their roster. They view Putz and free agent Brian Fuentes are comparables and not merely because each has passed his 30th birthday. Neither is comparable, in the Mets' view, to Francisco Rodriguez.
Source: MLB.com

Read more...

MLB Heads Up News

The Rays don't expect B.J. Upton to be ready to play in time for the first spring training games following November shoulder surgery.

Upton probably wouldn't have been on the team anyway, but there's no chance of him participating in the WBC now. The Rays do expect him to be at full strength for the beginning of the regular season.
Source: Tampa Tribune


Mark Worrell-R-Cardinals Dec. 4 - 2:27 pm et

The Padres will get Mark Worrell and a player to be named from the Cardinals for Khalil Greene, according to MLB.com.

Worrell deserves a chance to make it as a middle reliever or setup man and will probably have some success at Petco. Still, unless the second player is better than he is, this will go down as quite a deal for the Cardinals.
Source: Hot Stove Blog


Edgar Renteria-SS-Giants Dec. 4 - 1:50 pm et

Giants signed shortstop Edgar Renteria, who had been with the Tigers, to a two-year, $18.5 million contract.

Renteria will probably resume hitting back in the National League -- he finished at .332/.390/.470 for the Braves in 2007 -- but whether he'll be an adequate shortstop remains to be seen. He's clearly lost some range the last couple of years, and he absolutely has to get into better shape if he hopes to stick around long enough to reach 3,000 hits (he's at 2,070 through his age-32 season). Frankly, we'd like him better at third base at this point of his career. The Giants, though, figure to drop out of the Rafael Furcal chase and keep Renteria at short. That makes Emmanuel Burriss part of the competition at second base with Kevin Frandsen and Eugenio Velez.

Mike Lincoln-R-RedsDec. 4 - 1:42 pm et

The Reds have re-signed free agent Mike Lincoln to a two-year, $4 million contract, according to the Denver Post.

Bob Howry gets $2.75 million for one year and Lincoln gets two?
The 33-year-old Lincoln was an adequate reliever for the Reds in his comeback season, finishing with a 4.48 ERA in 70 1/3 innings. Of course, it was his first major league action since 2004. Just once in his career has he thrown at least 50 innings and posted an ERA under 4.00. There's simply no reason to be giving such a pitcher a two-year guarantee.
Source: Denver Post


Randy Johnson-S-Athletics Dec. 4 - 1:29 pm et

The A's are targeting free agent Randy Johnson to be their fifth starter, sources told FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

Oakland is used to dealing with injury-prone pitchers and does need the depth after trading both Rich Harden and Joe Blanton. Johnson, though, may prefer to stay in the NL.
Source: FOXSports.com


Andy Pettitte-S-Yankees Dec. 4 - 1:27 pm et

Free agent Andy Pettitte remains focused on the Yankees, but is holding out for a better off than the one the team has on the table.

The Yanks are believed to be offering $10 million, which is down from $16 million last year. "I mean, to tell you the truth, like I’ve told you all a hundred times, I’ve made it loud and clear where I’d like to play at," Pettitte said. "I’m just basically sitting here letting my agents do their job really." $13 million would be a reasonable compromise.
Source: New York Times

Read more...

Fantasy Baseball fantasy player news

CBSSports.com
Fantasy Baseball

Ellsbury steals two bases Tuesday Boston rookie Jacoby Ellsbury stole two bases against the Orioles on Tuesday to raise his AL-leading total to 40. Ellsbury went 2-for-6 with two runs scored. Although he's been an overall disappointment in his rookie season, he did look good batting leadoff on Tuesday. Continue to start him in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues because of his ability to steal bases.

Kuroda's great run ends Tuesday Dodgers SP Hiroki Kuroda, who had allowed one earned run in at least seven innings in each of his last three starts, struggled by comparison Tuesday against the Rockies. He allowed four runs on six hits in six innings, walking one and striking out three. He suffered the loss. Kuroda still posted an impressive WHIP during Tuesday's game, so you can't really call it a bad start. He clearly looks like a serviceable Fantasy SP in mixed leagues, but his lack of strikeouts makes him a No. 5 or 6 option. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at Philadelphia.

Slowey strikes out a career-high 12 There are no 96 mph heaters from Twins SP Kevin Slowey. No bat-breaking sliders or splitters that feel like bowling balls to opposing hitters. It's all about pitching smarts and location for the 24-year-old right-hander, who struck out a career-high 12 batters against the Athletics on Tuesday, winning for the fourth time in five starts. He allowed two runs -- one earned -- on five hits, walking none. "I'd love to throw it 96 or 97, but I definitely don't. I don't have a slider like Joe Nathan," Slowey said. "But the Twins are huge proponents of location over velocityand I'm always making a big point of that. If you keep the ball low, 92 looks a lot harder than 97 at the belt." Slowey has a 2.14 ERA over that five-start stretch and has adecent strikeout rate despite his lack of overpowering stuff. He looks worthy of owning in all mixed leagues right now, so take a flier on him if he remains unowned in yours. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at the Angels.

Polanco out until at least weekend Tigers 2B Placido Polanco was scratched from the starting lineup about an hour before the first pitch with a sore right knee. He was replaced by Ramon Santiago. Manager JimmyLeyland said after the game Polanco will not play Wednesday. This is too bad, because Polanco was hot and hitting with more power because he has stopped choking up on the bat. Consider him a viable option in any Fantasy league once he is healthy again, but track his progress through the weekendbefore considering him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31).

Braun out of Brewers lineup Tuesday The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Brewers OF Ryan Braun, who left Monday's game against the Astros when his back problem resurfaced, is not in the lineup tonight against Houston. "I think I could play today," said Braun. "It's just one of those nagging injuries that's probably notgoing to go away completely while I'm playing. I'll have to deal with it. I hope it goes away completely. But, realistically, the way this game is, it probably won't." Braun played in only two games in Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 11-17), and he's off to a bad start in Fantasy Week 21 (Aug.18-24). When healthy, Braun is a must-start OF/3B, and a lotof people left him in their lineup this period as he's starting in 91 percent of leagues. Keep an eye on his statusover the next few days before making plans for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 25-31).

Torres doesn't take mound Tuesday Brewers closer Salomon Torres (groin) was not needed during Tuesday's game against the Astros. He has missed the last three games since injuring his groin Saturday. We're not exactly sure how serious this injury is for Torres, so we'll have to wait and see if it keeps him off the field for any significant period of time. When healthy, Torres is a solid low-end No. 1 Fantasy closer in mixed formats. * Wood gets work in Tuesday for Cubs Cubs closer Kerry Wood got some work in Tuesday in a win over the Reds. It was a non-save situation and Wood struck out two and allowed one hit in an inning of work. Wood looks ready to resume his role of closer, making him a must-start Fantasy option on a competitive Cubs squad. Get him back active.

Read more...

Working the waiver wire

Getting help from the waiver wire
by Marc Normandin/Baseball Prospectus
August 13, 2008

The trade deadline has passed in all but the most lenient of fantasy leagues, meaning it's time to focus on the margins using free agency and waivers in order to bolster your roster during the remaining month and a half of the regular season. Those in head-to-head leagues have even less time to improve, with their league playoffs just a few weeks in the future, so with that in mind we'll take a look at pitchers (the most coveted commodity) using QuikERA, a favorite statistic of mine that you should familiarize yourself with. Using QERA should tell you which pitchers you can expect to see regression from, and which ones are safer bets to continue their success (or failures) going forward.

Scott Olsen began the year on fire, and his line on the season still looks solid enough because of it; over his first 10 starts he posted a 3.38 ERA, and now has a 4.04 ERA over a total 147 innings pitched. Given his peripherals at the time, it's a wonder that his ERA managed to stay as low as it did then. Olsen had an equal number of walks and strikeouts during that early run (29 of each in 64 innings) and gave up 1.1 home runs per nine, a rate of 24.4 every 200 innings pitched. Thanks to that early stretch, his current numbers look solid, though they go against his season's QERA of 5.47. In fact, the 1.43 difference between his actual ERA and his QERA is the sixth-largest spread for any starter with at least 50 innings pitched. He can thank his BABIP of .259 for that, as it's 65 points below his expected figure given his 20.4 percent liner rate.

His punch-out rate is one reason we can't expect his current actual ERA to last. Though he's striking out more batters since his first 10 starts, he's still at a below-average 4.9 K/9 for the season. Throw in that he induces grounders just 36 percent of the time, and it's easy to see why Olsen is not a favorite when it comes to this statistic (since ground-ball tendencies are another component of QERA). He's regressed closer to his QERA figure over his last 10 starts, with a 5.19 ERA over 59 innings pitched, even though he's put some space between his strikeouts (4.9) and walks (2.7) per nine, in part because he's started to give up far more home runs, with a 1.5 HR/9, or 34 per 200 innings, a significant increase. Opponents have knocked Olsen around for an ugly .286/.336/.524 clip, and it's tough to survive a ballgame when you're turning all of the opposition into this year's Vladimir Guerrero. Though Florida's defense is solid, with a .705 Defensive Efficiency that ranks sixth in the National League, they aren't so good that you can expect his low BABIP to last. If you have other options, skipping out on Olsen's starts or dropping him is a solid plan, and make sure not to overdraft him next year based on his final seasonal line, either.

Olsen isn't the only Sunshine State hurler who is pitching above expectations, as Tampa Bay's Edwin Jackson has also put together a season that, on the surface, appears to be more than solid. He has a 4.07 ERA over 137 innings, but has just 5.1 K/9 and nearly four walks per nine, as well as being on pace for 25 homers allowed over 200 innings. His 5.60 QERA is 1.53 runs higher than his actual ERA, putting him a spot ahead of Olsen in terms of the largest discrepancies between ERA and QERA. His actual BABIP is 21 points below his expected rate (.278), helped by his lower-than-average 17.9 percent liner rate, but the overall BABIP is also a product of his pitching in front of the second-best defense in the American League.

Thanks to his defense, Jackson can survive with his low K rates as long as he doesn't let the walks or homers get out of control. While the walks have not been as much of an issue as in the past, he's struggled with the long ball over his last 10 starts. Though he has a 4.10 ERA (and 4.25 RA) over the 59 1/3-inning stretch, he's given up 1.7 homers per nine, a projected total of nearly 38 home runs over 200 innings. That's a poor showing for anyone, never mind someone with the high walk totals and low strikeout rates he has. At this point, Jackson's defense makes him a worthwhile innings eater on a club desperate for that, but his recent stretch is worrisome, and he's of no help to someone who already has productive pitching in place. He's the kind of guy you dump into free agency if you're forced to make a move for help elsewhere.

Javier Vazquez's recent struggles have been surprising, given his strong start and his history as a quality pitcher. Lately though, he's pitched poorly: in 66 innings over his last 10 starts he's got a 5.32 ERA thanks to 1.5 HR/9, and that's in spite of a solid 8.3 K/9 against just 3.1 BB/9. If not for the homers, Vazquez would have come out ahead during this stretch, as he gave up a .262/.324/.461 line that was really only marred by the 11 homers that he gave up. Vazquez has had some poor luck, as the White Sox are in the middle of the AL in Defensive Efficiency, converting 70 percent of balls in play into out, but he hasn't received that kind of defensive support, as reflected by his .331 BABIP allowed on the season. Granted, his 20.2 percent liner rate means we should expect his BABIP to be .322, an insignificant difference, but with the defense playing as well as it has, you'd think he would have reaped some benefit.

Regardless, the defense can't catch the balls that Vazquez lets hitters put into orbit, and there has been far too much of that lately. QERA does not account for home runs, which makes sense when you see that it expects Vazquez to have a sub-four ERA, about a run better than his current numbers. Vazquez's career HR/9 rate is 1.2, and he's matching that this year despite his recent bad patch, but that career rate is somewhat misleading thanks to awful campaigns with the Diamondbacks and Yankees. During his better years, he's usually around the 1.0 mark, right where he was after his first 14 starts of this season. Even with the homers and ERA, Vazquez does plenty of good thanks to the low walk rates and multiple punchouts; if he manages to rein in his homer rate before year's end, it's all to the good for your club.

Carlos Silva hasn't been as bad as advertised this year, as his 5.93 ERA is almost a full run above his QERA of 4.92. The problem with that is that a 4.92 isn't any great shakes either, and when you combine his pitching style with Seattle's awful defensive play, it's no surprise that he's struggled the way he has. He's still one of those guys who usually floats to the top of free-agent leaderboards simply by virtue of throwing a lot of innings, and at this time of year, he's the kind of player who someone may be desperate enough to pick up. It's for that reason that I mention him, just to tell you that you are not desperate enough to acquire him for your stretch run, no matter how dire your need for pitching is.

Silva is striking out fewer than four per nine, continuing a streak that he's kept going since 2004, his first year with Minnesota. Luckily, walks are rare, as he's giving out just 1.7 BB/9 on the year, right around his career rate; the problem has been his BABIP of .331. With Seattle ranking second-to-last in the AL in Defensive Efficiency and converting a paltry 68.8 percent of balls in play into outs, it's no wonder Silva has been unable to pitch to his normal standards. When nearly 86 percent of your opponents end up putting the ball in play, you would like to have a defensive unit behind you that can catch a few of those. The right side of the infield hasn't had too much trouble with his grounders, as the opposition is hitting just .250 there on 25 percent of balls in play, but the left side is allowing a .301 average on 20.1 percent of balls in play, which is far too high for ground balls. The outfield isn't doing him any favors either, with .431, .500, and .531 averages from left to right. The lesson you should glean from these numbers is that Silva isn't the answer for you, no matter how hard up for pitching you may be, not unless Seattle's defense all of a sudden learns how to field. Given how unlikely that is, you'll want to avoid him.

Marc Normandin is an author of Baseball Prospectus.

Read more...

DL watch Crawford out may need surgery

DL watch Crawford out may need surgery
from CBSSports.com
posted by Tabloid Paige

Crawford could be out for year

The St. Pete Times reports that Rays OF Carl Crawford has tendon subluxation in his wrist, a problem with the tendon being out of its normal groove. He is likely out at least 6-8 weeks and could require season-ending surgery.

While Crawford hasn't done much for Fantasy owners this season, they would surely rather have him in their lineup than be on the DL and trying to scramble to fill his spot with someone else especially in AL only leagues. When healthy, he's a must start in all leagues that reward stolen bases, but it doesn't look like he'll be doing that any time soon. Hold onto him in deeper mixed and AL formats for now, but don't be surprised if he's no use to you the rest of the way.

Read more...

Players going on and coming off the DL

Players going on and coming off the DL
orginial post by sportingnews.com
Mon 08/11/2008

NL Pitchers:
Chris Carpenter - SP, St. Louis Cardinals Aug. 11, 1:36 a.m.

Chris Carpenter indicated after Sunday's game that he's aiming to throw on the side Tuesday and make his next start.
Fantasy Source spin: Carpenter allowed two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving his start against the Cubs with a triceps strain.
Next start: 8/10: @CHC

Aaron Harang - SP, Cincinnati Reds Aug. 10, 5:07 p.m.

Aaron Harang got knocked around in his return from the disabled list on Sunday, allowing eight earned runs over just four innings.
Fantasy Source spin: The Reds will be blamed for rushing Harang back after this drubbing. Edinson Volquez was ready to go on five days of rest and Harang had just one rehab start under his belt. Whatever. The fact is, he looked horrible. The eight earned runs he allowed set a career high as he fell to 3-12 on the season. He'll bring a 5.17 ERA into his next start against the Cardinals.

Brad Lidge - RP, Philadelphia Phillies Aug. 10, 3:36 p.m.

Brad Lidge admitted Sunday that his throwing shoulder has been feeling sluggish.
Fantasy Source spin: Lidge won't be available for Sunday's game. He apparently developed a mechanical flaw over the past few weeks which is causing some irregular fatigue. "You want to make sure you can nip it in the bud and get through it and come back really strong," he said. He should be ready to go on Monday.
Source: Phillies.mlb.com

Scott Olsen - SP, Florida Marlins Aug. 10, 2:12 p.m.

Scott Olsen rolled his ankle trying to cover first base on Saturday, but fully expects to make his next scheduled start.
Fantasy Source spin: Olsen is probably dealing with a swollen ankle this morning, but it should be fine by Thursday when he's slated to go against the Cardinals. "In talking with the training staff, they seem to think he's going to be OK," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We'll know more the closer we get to that date."
Source: Marlins.mlb.com
Next start: 8/14: STL

Tom Glavine - SP, Atlanta Braves Aug. 10, 9:59 a.m.

Tom Glavine allowed four runs -- three earned -- over five innings Saturday for Double-A Mississippi.
Fantasy Source spin: Though it didn't go all that well, it was Glavine's final rehab start and he felt confident with the results. "I felt good, and just like my last time out, I felt better about my mechanics as the game went on," he said. He is scheduled to start Thursday against the Cubs.
Source: Braves.mlb.com

Scott Proctor - RP, Los Angeles Dodgers Aug. 10, 9:43 a.m.

Scott Proctor is expected to resume throwing on Monday.
Fantasy Source spin: Proctor was shut down last Saturday when he complained of discomfort after a rough two-thirds of an inning for Single-A Inland Empire. He's a couple of weeks from returning to the Dodgers.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Billy Wagner - RP, New York Mets Aug. 10, 9:19 a.m.

Billy Wagner played long-toss and threw several pitches on flat ground Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: It was the first time Wagner had touched a baseball since he landed on the disabled list with a forearm strain last week. Wagner said he felt "all right." He is hoping to return when eligible on August 18.
Source: New York Daily News

NL Hitters:
Ryan Church - OF, New York Mets Aug. 10, 9:15 a.m.

According to the New York Daily News, Ryan Church "boomed shots over the outfield wall" during an impressive batting practice session on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: Church is on his way to Florida to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Port St. Lucie. He is hoping to return during the Mets' next home stand on August 19.
Source: New York Daily News

Orlando Hudson - 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks Aug. 10, 12:31 a.m.

Orlando Hudson could miss the rest of the year with a dislocated left wrist suffered Saturday against the Braves.
Fantasy Source spin: It'd be a major blow to Arizona's hopes. "(It's) not great, dislocation, fracture of a bone in his wrist, and we're not 100 percent sure whether he has to have surgery," manager Bob Melvin said. "Probably a pretty good chance, but we will know in the morning. If he has the surgery, he's out for the rest of the year, and if he doesn't, there's still a chance he could be out for the rest of the year." The Diamondbacks figure to make Augie Ojeda their primary second baseman, with Chris Burke backing him up. They could also attempt to trade for someone who has cleared waivers. Brian Roberts and Mark Ellis probably wouldn't, but lesser options like Tadahito Iguchi, Ronnie Belliard and Mark Loretta could be available.

Jerry Hairston Jr. - SS, Cincinnati Reds Aug. 10, 10:25 a.m.

Jerry Hairston Jr. was held out of Saturday's lineup as he's still bothered by a hamstring injury.
Fantasy Source spin: "He's better today," Dusty Baker said after Saturday's game. "We just deal with it. We're not quite there. We're hoping he'll be ready in Pittsburgh."
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Carlos Lee - OF, Houston Astros Aug. 10, 12:56 p.m.

Astros placed outfielder Carlos Lee on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left pinkie finger.
Fantasy Source spin: Even if he misses the rest of the year, which is rather likely, Lee has already turned in a fourth straight 100-RBI season. It looked like he was going to smash his career high of 119 established last year.

Ryan Braun - OF, Milwaukee Brewers Aug. 10, 11:13 a.m.

Ryan Braun is out of Sunday's lineup after exiting Saturday's game with lower back tightness.
Fantasy Source spin: The severity of Braun's injury is still unknown. For now, he's considered day-to-day. Gabe Kapler replaced him in the left field.

Todd Helton - 1B, Colorado Rockies Aug. 10, 5:52 p.m.

Rockies transferred Todd Helton to the 60-day disabled list on Sunday.
Fantasy Source spin: Helton has been out since July 3 and had a setback two weeks ago when his back began acting up during a round of soft-toss. There's a chance he won't see the field again this season.

AL Pitchers:
Bartolo Colon - SP, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 5:56 p.m.

Bartolo Colon pitched three shutout innings Sunday in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Fantasy Source spin: Colon allowed three hits, but didn't walk a batter and struck out three. 27 of his 34 pitches went for strikes. He'll have to build up his pitch count with several more rehab starts, but today's results are definitely encouraging.


Jose Contreras - SP, Chicago White Sox Aug. 10, 12:51 p.m.

White Sox placed RHP Jose Contreras on the 15-day disabled list with a rupturned Achilles' tendon.
Fantasy Source spin: Contreras is scheduled for season-ending surgery, and it's very much an unknown whether he'll be back to contribute in the last year of his contract in 2009. The White Sox figure to seek a veteran to replace him.
Next start: 8/14: KC

Tim Wakefield - SP, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 12:28 p.m.

Tim Wakefield will go on the disabled list before Sunday's game because of stiffness in his right shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Wakefield was scheduled to pitch next on Tuesday. His replacement should be announced soon.
Next start: 8/15: TOR

Todd Jones - RP, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 10:29 a.m.

Todd Jones (shoulder) is expected to throw a bullpen session on Monday.
Fantasy Source spin: Jones is hoping to be activated Friday, the first day he's eligible. "We'll play it by ear and see what he looks like (Monday)," manager Jim Leyland said.
Source: Detroit News

AL Hitters:
Rocco Baldelli - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 7:33 p.m.

Rocco Baldelli had an RBI single in four at-bats Sunday in his season debut against the Mariners.
Fantasy Source spin: Baldelli was put right into the cleanup spot in his first major league game since May 2007. He came out of the rout after playing six innings in right field.

Shawn Riggans - C, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 7:32 p.m.

Shawn Riggans returned to action on Sunday and hit a three-run homer against the Mariners.
Fantasy Source spin: Riggans was hurt when he was hit in the chest a week ago. The homer today was his fifth of the year. He has 20 RBIs in just 95 at-bats this season.

Brandon Boggs - OF, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 6:23 p.m.

Forced to enter Sunday's game after Milton Bradley left, Brandon Boggs went 0-for-2 with two walks.
Fantasy Source spin: Boggs was supposed to get another day off because of a sore shoulder, but he was able to DH. It's throwing that's more of a problem for him right now. He remains day-to-day.

Scott Rolen - 3B, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 6:16 p.m.

The Blue Jays said after Sunday's game that they're placing Scott Rolen on the DL and bringing back Kevin Mench.
Fantasy Source spin: Rolen will rest his troublesome shoulder for two or three weeks before rejoining Toronto's lineup. Joe Inglett figures to get most of the playing time at third base. Marco Scutaro could also see some starts there.

Torii Hunter - OF, Los Angeles Angels Aug. 10, 5:47 p.m.

Torii Hunter was relegated to DH duty on Sunday after tweaking his right ankle in the eighth inning of Saturday's game.
Fantasy Source spin: "I woke up this morning and it was fine," Hunter said. "I'm feeling good, but I figure if I go out there and run on it and something happens, I could be out for weeks but I promise you there's no pain." Gary Matthews Jr. is playing center field.
Source: Angels.mlb.com

Jed Lowrie - SS, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 5:18 p.m.

Jed Lowrie was able to enter Sunday's game as a pinch-hitter for Alex Cora and went 0-for-2.
Fantasy Source spin: Lowrie didn't start because of a bruised foot, but he's expected to be fine.

Willie Bloomquist - OF, Seattle Mariners Aug. 10, 4:49 p.m.

Mariners placed infielder Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Fantasy Source spin: Bloomquist's season could be over after he was injured last night. The free-agent-to-be was hitting .279/.377/.285 with 14 steals in 165 at-bats. Despite the extreme lack of power, it qualifies as a career-best season for a guy who entered with a .313 career OBP.

Scott Rolen - 3B, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 4:13 p.m.

Scott Rolen was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup because of continued soreness in his left shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Marco Scutaro took over at third base. Rolen has missed five of 11 games and could be headed for a stint on the DL if the shoulder keeps bothering him.

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 4:03 p.m.

The Rangers said Milton Bradley left Sunday's game with a stomach virus, not because of his strained quad.
Fantasy Source spin: Maybe he did. However, the Rangers also said Hank Blalock had an upset stomach one day before they put him on the DL with a sore shoulder. We'll see how this one turns out.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Jeff Mathis - C, Los Angeles Angels Aug. 10, 3:01 p.m.

Jeff Mathis was held out of Sunday's starting lineup because of an irritated right eye.
Fantasy Source spin: Mike Napoli is starting a second straight game with Mathis sidelined.
Source: Orange County Register

Jed Lowrie - SS, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 2:56 p.m.

Jed Lowrie didn't start Sunday after fouling a pitch off his left foot on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: Lowrie is likely to be back on Monday. Alex Cora started at shortstop Sunday.
Source: Boston.com

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 2:55 p.m.

Milton Bradley lasted just two at-bats before coming out of Sunday's game against the Orioles.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley struck out in the first, walked in the second and then was removed when he was due up in the fourth. It looks like the Rangers made a mistake in letting him rush his return from a strained quad.

Juan Castro - SS, Baltimore Orioles Aug. 10, 2:49 p.m.

Juan Castro was held out of the lineup Sunday after leaving Saturday night's game in the seventh inning with a mild groin strain.
Fantasy Source spin: Manager Dave Trembley said Castro should "be OK to play tomorrow." Alex Cintron got the start at short.
Source: Orioles.mlb.com

Carl Crawford - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 2:09 p.m.

Rays placed outfielder Carl Crawford on the 15-day disabled list with a right hand injury.
Fantasy Source spin: Crawford said he felt a pop in his hand during his final at-bat of Saturday's game. If he has ligament damage, then he could miss at least a month and possibly the rest of the season. Right now, he's optimistic that he'll be back when his 15 days are up. Gabe Gross will be a regular outfielder for now. Rocco Baldelli was activated in Crawford's place and will also see considerable playing time.

Rocco Baldelli - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Aug. 10, 2:07 p.m.

Rays activated outfielder Rocco Baldelli from the 15-day disabled list.
Fantasy Source spin: With Carl Crawford out, Baldelli figures to get as much playing time as he can handle for at least the next two weeks. That makes him worth using in AL-only leagues.

Marcus Thames - OF, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 1:16 p.m.

Marcus Thames was scratched from Sunday's lineup with a sore right shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Brandon Inge was inserted as the third baseman, with Ryan Raburn moving to left. Thames is day-to-day.
Source: Booth Newspapers

Carlos Guillen - 3B, Detroit Tigers Aug. 10, 1:14 p.m.

Carlos Guillen is expected back in the starting lineup for Monday's game.
Fantasy Source spin: Guillen is out of the lineup for a second straight game on Sunday because of back spasms.
Source: Booth Newspapers

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 1:14 p.m.

Milton Bradley is back in the starting lineup for the first time this month on Sunday.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley wasn't expected back from his strained quad until Tuesday, but he said he was ready to DH today.

Kevin Youkilis - 1B, Boston Red Sox Aug. 10, 12:33 p.m.

Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup because of soreness in his left shoulder.
Fantasy Source spin: Sean Casey replaced him in the field. J.D. Drew will bat cleanup. Consider Youkilis day-to-day.

Vernon Wells - OF, Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 10, 12:04 p.m.

Blue Jays activated outfielder Vernon Wells from the 15-day disabled list.
Fantasy Source spin: Wells has been out since July 10 with a strained left hamstring. He had a .287/.329/.449 line with nine home runs and 42 RBI before getting hurt.

Joey Gathright - OF, Kansas City Royals Aug. 10, 10:34 a.m.

Joey Gathright (shoulder) went 0-for-5 Saturday in a rehab game for Triple-A Nashville.
Fantasy Source spin: It was Gathright's first rehab game. He'll play a few more before the Royals make a roster move.
Source: Kansas City Star

Hank Blalock - 3B, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:56 a.m.

Hank Blalock (shoulder) played catch Saturday for the first time since landing on the disabled list July 28.
Fantasy Source spin: Blalock will take ground balls Tuesday in front of manager Ron Washington and others. If that goes well, he'll begin a rehab assignment soon after.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Brandon Boggs - OF, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:53 a.m.

Brandon Boggs (shoulder) was held out of the lineup Saturday because manager Ron Washington didn't want him to make throws from the outfield.
Fantasy Source spin: Boggs was apparently injured last week on a slide into second base. Consider him day-to-day.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Milton Bradley - DH, Texas Rangers Aug. 10, 9:51 a.m.

Milton Bradley (quadriceps) took batting practice Saturday and could return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Fantasy Source spin: Bradley has now been dealing with this injury for two weeks. He'll likely DH for the rest of the season once he returns.

Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B, Cleveland Indians Aug. 10, 5:45 a.m.

Asdrubal Cabrera returned to action on Saturday.

Read more...

Glavine could rejoin rotation next week.

Glavine could rejoin rotation soon

Veteran to have one more rehab start

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

San Francisco — Reports on Tom Glavine were all good after the veteran lefty pitched four solid innings Monday in an injury-rehab start for Class A Myrtle Beach, his first minor-league appearance in 22 years.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Glavine would more rehab start Saturday for Class AA Mississippi "to build endurance." Provided that goes well, he would activated from the disabled list and rejoin the Braves' rotation next week.

Glavine, 42, has been out eight weeks recovering from a partially torn flexor tendon near his left elbow. He threw 53 pitches and reported no pain Tuesday while allowing three hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts.

• The Braves had no updates on closer Rafael Soriano, whose sore elbow landed him on DL on Sunday for the third time this season. Past MRIs and other exams have shown no ligament tears or other structural damage.

"There's something in there, and we've got to find it," Cox said. "It's there. Just can't locate it."

Read more...

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up

Joba Chamberlain is headed to the disabled list.
By GEORGE A. KING III
Last updated: 5:23 pm
August 6, 2008

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up.

The YankeesNew York Yankees put the right-hander on the 15-day DL with an injured shoulder before tonight's game against Texas while awaiting word on a diagnosis from Dr. James Andrews.

The Yankees recalled pitcher Chris Britton from Triple-A, despite the fact he was sent down less than 10 days ago.

A player cannot be recalled after a demotion before 10 days have passed, unless his team needs him to replace an injured player.

Chamberlain is in Pensacola, Fla., today having his right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews, is bound for the DL.

A diagnosis from Andrews likely would determine how much time the 22-year-old would miss, and if surgery is required.

Britton pitched three innings for the Yankees on July 31 and was sent down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the next day, Aug. 1.

He likely would pitch out of the bullpen, which means the Yankees would need to make another recall to take Chamberlain's spot in the rotation. Ian Kennedy is the likely choice.

Chamberlain was removed after 4 2/3 innings of Monday's game in Texas. After that game, Joe Girardi said he thought Chamberlain might miss one start, but did not think the injury was serious based on how the righty had maintained his velocity.

Chamberlain was dispatched to New York on Tuesday to undergo an MRI exam. The result showed a significant enough problem for the Yankees to send Chamberlain and the MRI results to Pensacola to see Andrews. It was an ominous sign considering teams usually send players to Andrews for second opinions only when they have a concern from their initial diagnosis.

The loss of Chamberlain for any length is a blow because he was emerging as a top-of-the-rotation force. He was 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA. Even with his poor outing Monday, Chamberlain was 3-1 in 12 starts with a 2.76 ERA.

Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

Read more...

Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

Posted by Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News
Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule
Schedule by: fantasysportscentral.com

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:05 ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)--------NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)
1:10 COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)----- FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)
1:35 MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)------- ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)
1:35 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)----- BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)
1:35 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)----- WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)
1:40 DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)- TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)
2:05 NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)------ HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)
2:10 CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)--- KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)
2:10 CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)------- MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)
2:20 PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)--------- CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)
4:05 SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)----- SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)
4:10 ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)-------- LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)
4:10 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)---- SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)
8:05 PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)------- STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)
8:05 TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)------ TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)

Monday, August 04, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
6:07 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)--------TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)
7:10 MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)--------CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)---------TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)
8:05 HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)------CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)
8:05 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)---TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)
8:10 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)------KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)
9:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)--------COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)
9:40 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.00)-----ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)
10:05 BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)-----ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)
10:10 MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)-------SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)
10:15 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)-----SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------------Home
2:20 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)------CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)
7:05 FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)---------PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)
7:07 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)-------TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)
7:10 MIL-McClung, Seth (5-5, 4.44)---------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
7:10 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)----------NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)
7:10 CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)-------TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)
8:05 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)-------TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)
8:10 BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)---------KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)
8:11 DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)-------CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)
8:15 LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)----STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)
9:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)---------COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)
9:40 PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)------------ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)
10:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)----------ANA-Garland, Jon (10-6, 4.30)
10:10 MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)----------SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)
10:15 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)--------SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)

Fantasy Baseball News
Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
12:35 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)----------CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)
12:40 CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)--------TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)
2:20 HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)-------CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-7, 4.69)
3:35 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)--------ANA-Santana, Ervin (12-5, 3.38)
3:40 PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)--------ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)
3:45 ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)----------SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)
4:40 MIN-Blackburn, Nick (8-6, 3.56)-------SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (5-10, 4.79)
7:05 FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)-------PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)
7:07 OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)--TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)
7:10 SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)-----------NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)
8:05 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)--------TEX-Hunter, Tommy (0-0, 10.80)
8:10 BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)--------KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-9, 5.43)
8:11 DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)----CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)
8:15 LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)-----------STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)
9:05 WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)---------COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Visitor----------------------------------------Home
12:10 SD -Baek, Cha (3-6, 5.22)---------NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)
1:05 FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)----PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)
2:15 LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)--STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)
3:05 WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)---COL-DeLosSantos, Valerio (0-1, 5.63)
7:07 OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-8, 4.46)-----TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)
7:10 HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)-------CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-3, 7.64)
8:05 NYY-Mussina, Mike (14-7, 3.45)----TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-4, 4.97)
8:11 DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)-------CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)
9:40 ATL-Morton, Charlie (2-5, 6.62)---ARI-Petit, Yusmeiro (1-2, 3.08)
10:10 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (11-6, 4.59)--SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-7, 3.04)

Friday, August 08, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
2:20 STL-Looper, Braden (10-9, 4.30)--------CHC-Lilly, Ted (11-6, 4.37)
7:05 TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)----------BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (8-8, 3.35)
7:05 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)---------DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-8, 4.99)
7:05 PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-7, 3.95)-----------PHI-Blanton, Joe (6-12, 4.94)
7:07 CLE-Byrd, Paul (6-10, 4.72)------------TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)
7:10 HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)-----------CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)
7:10 FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (11-6, 3.92)--------NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)
8:05 WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)-------MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (11-8, 3.28)
8:10 MIN-Slowey, Kevin (7-8, 4.23)----------KC -Davies, Kyle (5-2, 4.42)
8:11 BOS-Lester, Jon (10-3, 3.14)-----------CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-10, 4.07)
9:05 SD -Peavy, Jake (8-7, 2.60)------------COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)
9:40 ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)--------ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)
10:05 NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)--------ANA-Weaver, Jered (9-9, 4.39)
10:10 TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)---------SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)
10:15 LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (6-8, 4.21)---------SF -Zito, Barry (6-13, 5.42)

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:07 CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)--------TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)
3:55 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)---ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)
3:55 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)-----ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)
3:55 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)----CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)
7:05 TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)---BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)
7:05 BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)-CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)
7:05 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)--------DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)
7:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)--------MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)
7:05 PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)----------PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)
7:10 HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)------CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)-KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)
7:10 FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)--------NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.13)
8:05 SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)--------COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)
9:05 LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)------SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)
10:10 TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)---------SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)---------DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)
1:07 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)-------------TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)
1:10 FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)-----------NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)
1:15 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)--------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
1:35 TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)----------BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)
1:35 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.0)----------PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)
2:05 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)----------CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)
2:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)-----------MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)
2:10 MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)-----------KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)
2:20 STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)--------CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)
3:05 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)------------COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)
3:35 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)---------ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)
4:05 LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)------SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)
4:10 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)----------ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)
4:10 TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)----------SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)

Monday, August 11, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
7:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)-----CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)
7:05 TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)----DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)
7:10 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)----FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)
7:10 PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)-------NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)
8:05 SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)---HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)
8:05 WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)----MIL-Bush, David (5-9, 4.69)
8:10 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)---MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)
8:11 BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)----CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)
10:10 PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)---LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
7:00 CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)-----ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)
7:05 TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-2, 5.58)-----BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)
7:05 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)---CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)
7:05 TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)---DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)
7:05 CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)----PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)
7:10 STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)-----FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)
7:10 NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)---WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)
8:05 SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)---HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)
8:10 NYY-Mussina, Mike (14-7, 3.45)---MIN-Blackburn, Nick (8-6, 3.56)
8:11 KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)-CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)
9:05 ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)---COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)
10:05 SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (5-10, 4.79)-ANA-Garland, Jon (10-6, 4.30)
10:05 TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)----OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)
10:05 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)-----SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)
10:10 PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)-----LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:10 NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)-----MIN-Slowey, Kevin (7-8, 4.23)
7:00 CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-7, 4.69)------ATL-Morton, Charlie (2-5, 6.62)
7:05 TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-4, 4.97)------BOS-Lester, Jon (10-3, 3.14)
7:05 BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (8-8, 3.35)-----CLE-Byrd, Paul (6-10, 4.72)
7:05 TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)-------DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-8, 4.99)
7:05 CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-3, 7.64)----------PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-7, 3.95)
7:10 STL-Looper, Braden (10-9, 4.30)-----FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (11-6, 3.92)
7:10 NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)-------WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)
8:05 SF -Zito, Barry (6-13, 5.42)--------HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)
8:11 KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-9, 5.43)------CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-10, 4.07)
9:05 ARI-Petit, Yusmeiro (1-2, 3.08)-----COL-DeLosSantos, Valerio (0-1, 5.63)
10:05 SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-7, 3.04)----ANA-Santana, Ervin (12-5, 3.38)
10:05 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (11-6, 4.59)--OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-8, 4.46)
10:05 MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (11-8, 3.28)------SD -Baek, Cha (3-6, 5.22)
10:10 PHI-Blanton, Joe (6-12, 4.94)--------LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (6-8, 4.21)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Visitor---------------------------------------------Home
1:05 TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)-----DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)
2:05 KC -Davies, Kyle (5-2, 4.42)-------CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)
2:05 SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)-----HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)
3:05 ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)--------COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)
3:35 TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)-----OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)
3:35 MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)-------SD -Peavy, Jake (8-7, 2.60)
7:00 CHC-Lilly, Ted (11-6, 4.37)--------ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)
7:05 TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)------BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)
7:05 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)----CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)
7:05 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)-----PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)
7:10 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)---FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)
7:10 NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.13)--------WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)
10:10 PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)-------LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Visitor---------------------------------------------Home
7:05 TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)------BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)
7:05 ANA-Weaver, Jered (9-9, 4.39)--------CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)
7:05 BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)------DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)
7:05 KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)--------NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)
7:05 NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)--------PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.00)
7:10 STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)-----CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)----FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)
7:35 SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)-----------ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)
7:35 COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)---------WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)
8:05 ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)----------HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)
8:05 TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)----------TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)
8:10 SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)-------MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)
10:05 CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)--------OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)
10:05 PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)--------SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)
10:40 MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)---------LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)-------NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)
3:55 ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)-----CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)
3:55 SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)------MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)
7:00 SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)------ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)
7:05 TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)------BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)
7:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)------DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)
7:05 ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)------HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)
7:05 NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)------PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)
7:10 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
7:10 CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)------FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)
7:10 COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)------WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)
8:05 TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)------TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)
9:05 CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)------OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)
10:05 PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)------SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)
10:10 MIL-McClung, Seth (5-5, 4.44)------LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)------CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)
1:05 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)------DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)
1:05 KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)----NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)
1:10 CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)--------FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)
1:15 STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)--------CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)
1:35 SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)------ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)
1:35 TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)------BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)
1:35 NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)------PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)
1:35 COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)-----WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)
2:05 ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)------HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)
2:10 SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)--------MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)
3:05 TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)-------TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-2, 5.58)
4:05 CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)-----OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)
4:05 PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)--------SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)
4:10 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)--------LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)

TWO-START PITCHERS

AL:
Miguel Batista, Clay Buchholz, Joba Chamberlain, R.A. Dickey, Gavin Floyd, Sean Gallagher, Matt Garza, Roy Halladay, Matt Harrison, Livan Hernandez, Edwin Jackson, Cliff Lee, Gil Meche, Garrett Olson, Vicente Padilla, Andy Pettitte, Scott Richmond*, Nate Robertson, Dennis Sarfate, Joe Saunders, Greg Smith .

NL:
Bronson Arroyo, Cha Seung Baek*, Chad Billingsley, Matt Cain, Chris Carpenter, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa, Ryan Dempster, Mike Hampton, Dan Haren, Yoslan Herrera, Josh Johnson, Jair Jurrjens, John Lannan, Brian Moehler, Jamie Moyer, Manny Parra, Odalis Perez, Tim Redding, Wandy Rodriguez, Edinson Volquez, Brandon Webb .

* = Two-start status is in question.

Read more...

Players On The Mend A Heads Up

Players On The A Mend
Clipper Jones Set to return Friday
by Dennis Paige

Clipper Jones who has been on the DL since July 23rd can return as early as Friday. Jones who was hitting .369 when injured took batting practice and a few grounders before Saturdays game against the Brewers.

"I feel great," Jones said. "Everything feels good. I'll be ready by Friday."

More on the mend.

Ray's Rocco Baldelli who just finished 20 days on the DL last night while playing Double A could return soon. Not as a every day player but could be platooned between DH and the outfield. Rocco hit .297 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 13 games at Montgomery.

Oakland A's reinstated right-handed pitcher Joey Devine from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. Devine is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 18 relief appearances with Oakland this year.

Read more...

All-Star Rimirez Goes Hollywood

All-Star Rimirez Goes Hollywood, for real this time.
by Dennis Paige, Editor Tabloid Paige
8/1/2008,

Hollywood gets a Star performer with the trade of Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers. Ramirez who's performances in Boston included " I Can Get You Home if I Want to". "Money Matters, Why I can't Think Straight". And last of all His comical, "Catch It if You Can" And "Manny Being Manny". As Manny's saga continues in Hollywood more titles will be added to the Manny Ramirez portfolio. Ramirez should make his Hollywood premier debut Friday night against Arizona, with Randy Johnson pitching.
Now to the juice.

As the trading deadline neared its close (3:59pm to be exact), Manny got his wish and was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three team deal. Pittsburgh's Jason Bay will be sent to replace Ramirez and Boston gives up two minor leaguers and 7 million owed Ramirez for the rest of the season.
Ramirez has had an impressive carrier with RBIs (1,672), fifth in home runs (510), sixth in on-base percentage (.409) and seventh in batting average (.312).
Pittsburgh also picked future prospects, reliever Craig Hansen outfielder Brandon Moss from Boston, third baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris from the Dodgers. LaRoche, Moss and Hansen will join the Pirates. Bryan Morris will go to Class A Hickory.

Analise;
Manny being Manny, we will see more of the same from Ramirez his stats should remain the same. I don't think they will improve even though hes in an easier league. Worse case scenario is he gets caught up into the Hollywood seen.

Analysis:
Adam LaRoche, hit .203 with two home runs and six RBIs in 27 games for the Dodgers. A power-hitting prospect at 24, he spent most of this year at Triple-A Las Vegas.
No need to pick him up.

Analysis:
Hansen, was a first-round draft choice in 2005. His 5.58 ERA 1-3 and 2 saves in 32 games I would leave him alone.

Analysis:
Morris, a 21-year-old right-hander, was 2-4 with a 3.20 ERA for Class A Great Lakes.
He might get a call up later this season from class A. I don't see any help here this season.

Read more...

Mark Teixeira Traded Los Angeles Angels

Posted: Tuesday, July 29th 2008 at 6:36pm
Braves trade Teixeira to Angels
By The Associated Press

The Los Angeles Angels acquired slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, a trade that further bolsters the team with the best record in the major leagues.

The Angels, with a whopping 11 1/2-game lead in the AL West and clearly aimed at making a World Series run, sent first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Steve Marek to Atlanta.

The deal came two days before baseball's deadline for making trades without waivers. Teixeira was among the top names in the rumor mill, and should help a club that wanted to add another big bat to back its potent pitching staff.

Teixeira is hitting .283 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs. The 28-year-old star is in the final year of his contract.

Atlanta acquired Teixeira last year from Texas at the trading deadline. Beset by injuries, the Braves have struggled below .500 and fallen to the fringe of the NL East race.



Continued Teixeira:

The Angels, meanwhile, took a 65-40 record into Tuesday night's game at Boston. They won their only World Series title in 2002, and have spent millions more trying to win another title.

The switch-hitting Teixeira joins Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter in a lineup that combines a blend of power, timely hitting and speed.

Kotchman was hitting .287 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs, and homered in Monday night's win at Fenway Park. At 25, the Angels liked his future - but with Teixeira available, they looked at their future this October

Read more...