Heads Up News

Report: Braves acquire Vazquez from White Sox

According to ESPN.com, the White Sox will trade Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to the Braves for Jo-Jo Reyes, Brent Lillibridge and a prospect.
Ken Rosenthal agrees that the deal has been agreed to, but he doesn't think Reyes is involved. On the other hand, he believes young slugger Tyler Flowers might be going to Chicago in the trade. It sounds like it will be a good deal for the Braves, though there's really no need for Logan to be involved. They already have seven relievers better than him. Dec. 2 - 7:16 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Astros re-sign Brocail to one-year deal

Astros re-signed RHP Doug Brocail to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with a club option for 2010.
Brocail will make $2.5 million next season. The option for 2010 is worth $2.85 million and contains a $250,000 buyout. Incentives could push his salary higher in both years. Brocail, 41, finished last season with a 3.93 ERA in 68 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll be the seventh-inning guy in front of LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde. Dec. 2 - 5:35 pm et

Agent refutes Renteria-to-San Fran report

Edgar Renteria's agent said the report of the shortstop signing a two-year deal with the Giants is completely false.
Agent Barry Meister confirmed that Renteria and the Giants have been in talks, but he denied that anything is even close to being done. Other suitors for Renteria may not put in official bids until after the Tigers decline to offer him arbitration next month. The Cardinals, for instance, would lose a first-round pick if they signed Renteria now. Nov. 24 - 7:24 pm et
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Utley out 4-6 months following hip surgery

The Phillies still feel they're looking at a 4-6 month recovery phase following Chase Utley's rip surgery on Monday.

Utley had an arthroscopic debridement of his labrum and a bony lesion that was present. Dr. Bryan Kelly reported the surgery went well and the findings yesterday were consistent with the diagnostic studies performed prior to surgery. Utley's toughness certainly isn't in doubt, and it'd be no surprise to see him back for Opening Day. Still, the Phillies may want to go shopping for a better utilityman than Eric Bruntlett. Nov. 25 - 2:35 pm et
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

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Hot Off The Waiver Wire

MLB Waiver Wire Wonders
by Tim Williams/AccuScore

Hot Off The Waiver Wire
posted by Tabloid Paige

The waiver wire can drive you nuts sometimes. You add a top prospect like Clayton Kershaw to your pitching staff to give you a boost, but in eight starts the highly touted rookie posts zero wins, a 4.42 ERA, and a 1.63 WHIP. Upon demotion to the minor leagues you cut Kershaw loose.

By the time Kershaw gets recalled, you are content with options like Manny Parra, who posted a 2.57 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in the 21 days Kershaw spent in the minors. When Kershaw returns you look at his horrible ratios from when you had him, and you look at Manny Parra’s success, and decide that you’ve got the better pitcher. So you decide to hold on to Parra and let Kershaw ride it out on the wire.

Your guess was right, as on June 22nd, Kershaw returns to pitch three innings, allowing ten hits, three walks, five earned runs, with just two strikeouts. However, from June 23rd until now, Kershaw has posted two wins in three starts, with an 0.47 ERA, and 0.89 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts in 19 innings. Parra, in the meantime, has zero wins, a 7.27 ERA, and a 1.73 WHIP, with the only benefit being 16 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

Now I think Manny Parra is in a slump, and I won’t hold these three games against him, at least not as much as Prince Fielder would. That being said, I added Kershaw in a few of my leagues a few weeks before his first call up. I waited for him to show his top prospect status from May 25th until July 1st. When he was demoted to the minors, I was finally able to cut ties with him. And now he is showing what I was waiting for all along, only he’s doing it on other teams.

Although I guess it all comes full circle. I did not own Brett Myers at the start of the season, and after torturing his owners for months, following by a near month long demotion to the minors, Myers has returned to post a 2.50 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP in three starts. I now own Myers in just as many leagues as I dropped Kershaw in. So if you are regretting losing a guy like Kershaw or Myers due to their recent success, maybe you can redeem that mistake with one of this week’s Waiver Wire Wonders.

Batters

Lastings Milledge – Milledge has been on a tear recently, with a .407 average, four homers, and a stolen base in the last week. So far this season he has 11 homers, 14 stolen bases, and a .250 average. He has hit eight homers since the start of June, which is good considering he only had 23 at bats in July. At 23 years of age, he could finally be seeing his potential.

Mike Cameron – The thing that has been holding Cameron back has been the batting average. Cameron has 17 homers and 10 steals on the season, but a .237 average to go with those numbers. Cameron seems to be rebounding, with a .263 average in the last month, and a .279 average in the last two weeks. I don’t think he is anything better than a .250 hitter, but considering his other numbers, that will be enough.

Jason Kubel – He has 16 homers on the season, and four in the last month. The drawback to Kubel is that he only has a .268 average this season, making him this year’s version of Chris Duncan. Kubel is still a decent option for deeper mixed leagues, or if your team is in search of power.

Billy Butler – I consider him the Clayton Kershaw of offense. Butler is only 22 years old, and came in to this season with high expectations. After hitting .295 with one homer in April, he hit .233 with no homers in May, before being sent down in June. In the last month, Butler has hit .301 with five homers, showing that he may finally be living up to the early season hype.

Denard Span – Since being called up at the end of June, Span has a .330 average, two homers, three steals, and has been a great source of runs. Those are some pretty solid numbers in such a short…span? Sorry, I couldn’t resist. He will resume batting leadoff when Michael Cuddyer returns, which makes him a solid option if you need stolen bases and a boost in batting average.

Marlon Byrd – Byrd is batting behind Michael Young and Josh Hamilton in the Rangers lineup, which could give him a lot of chances for production. In the last two weeks he’s hit .362 with three homers and 11 RBIs, showing just what he’s capable of in that lineup.

Emilio Bonifacio – The Nationals traded Jon Rauch for Bonifacio straight up, and since getting the call to the majors, Emilio has hit .318 with three steals, eight runs, and six RBIs. He’s a great add in NL only leagues, and a solid option for your middle infield spot in deeper mixed leagues, especially if you need steals.

John Baker – The Marlins may finally have a catcher, with Baker hitting four homers with a .254 average over the last month. Baker’s production has bought him more playing time with Matt Treanor returning from the DL. He’s really only an option if you start two catchers, or in an NL only league.

Kelly Shoppach – Only two catchers have more homers than Shoppach, and that is Brian McCann and Geovany Soto. The difference is that Shoppach has about 150 fewer at bats than each of those guys. In the last 30 days, Shoppach has received a lot of playing time, posting a .328 average and five homers.

Pitchers

Clayton Kershaw – What else needs to be said? If you’ve got him, I’d ride it out and see what he can do.

Brett Myers – Myers has taken a different route than Kershaw. He was a reliever all of last season, and now has moved back to the rotation. I believe his problems stemmed from his habits as a closer. As a starter you need to mix your pitches up, while a closer relies on a fastball and an out pitch. Then there’s the issue of getting his arm stretched out. I think we will see a nice turnaround for Myers the rest of the season.

Gil Meche – Meche has been a decent pitcher this year, with a 4.17 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, 10 wins, and 115 strikeouts. Then he will go on amazing stretches like the last month, where he has posted four wins, 28 strikeouts, a 2.45 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. He’s only owned in a third of leagues, but that should be a lot more considering how good his numbers have been pitching for the Royals.

Kevin Slowey – Slowey has struggled in the last month, but I think he is a much better pitcher than his 5.63 ERA over that stretch indicates. Even during that bad run he has a 1.29 WHIP, and on the season he has a 1.10 WHIP. I like his strikeout totals, and I think his bad ERA is just a bit of bad luck.

Zach Miner – In his last four starts, Miner has a 2.31 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP, and a 3-1 record. The Tigers have been surging lately, and if Miner is going to pitch this well, then he becomes a great option in deeper leagues and AL only leagues.

Nick Blackburn – Blackburn is owned in less than a fifth of leagues, and the reason is that he doesn’t put up earth shattering numbers. When you look at what he has done so far (3.60 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, nine wins, 71 strikeouts in 140 innings) you have to wonder why he isn’t owned in as many leagues. My guess would be the low strikeout numbers, which makes Blackburn a great option if you don’t desperately need strikeouts.

Brian Moehler – In the last month Moehler has a 3.72 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and three wins. This season he has seven wins, a 4.01 ERA, and a 1.33 WHIP. He’s barely owned, but he’s a great NL only option, and a decent option if you stream pitchers.

Jeff Karstens – In his first two starts with the Pirates, Karstens has pitched 15 innings, allowing seven hits, five walks, and zero earned runs, with two wins. He took a perfect game in to the eighth inning in his last start before allowing a two out double to Chris Young. I don’t think he’s this good, but he’s unknown by NL hitters, which makes him a good option until other teams get a book on him

Anibal Sanchez, SP, Florida

Analysis: Sanchez is on the verge of resuming his major league career after having not pitched in the majors since May 2007 because of a torn rotator cuff. The Marlins were expected to evaluate Sanchez after his final rehab start Wednesday and decide whether or not he will return to the rotation Monday against the Mets. However, his game at Double-A Carolina was postponed and his return to the majors could also be delayed a few days. Sanchez is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his first four rehab starts. He also has struck out 18 in 21 innings. The right-hander looks a lot like the kid who threw a no-hitter in 2006 and posted a 10-3 record, 2.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Sanchez has topped out at 93 mph in his rehab outings. It's always tough to come back from a serious shoulder operation, but Sanchez has defied the odds thus far. He could be a second-half sleeper if he finds his pre-surgery form.
Hot Off The Waiver Wire

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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."

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Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?

Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?
Updated: August 4, 2008, 5:21 PM EST
Posted by Tabloid Paige

HOUSTON (AP) - Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and will have his second MRI in two weeks on Tuesday, leaving the New York Mets without their closer and starter John Maine.
Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff. He left Monday's game in Florida after 4 1-3 innings because of pain in his shoulder.
Wagner said he felt pain in his forearm on Tuesday, when he earned his 27th save with a scoreless ninth in the Mets' 4-1 win over Florida. He blew a save chance on Saturday night and said his arm felt strong, but he struggled to locate his pitches.

The Mets didn't make a move with Wagner but the left-hander was unavailable for their game against Houston on Sunday. New York is off Monday before hosting San Diego in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night.

"When you lose Billy Wagner, that's very critical for us," manager Jerry Manuel said.

The Mets purchased right-hander Eddie Kunz's contract from Double-A Binghamton to fill Maine's roster spot. Manuel said the 22-year-old Kunz might be his closer on Sunday.

Kunz was 1-4 with 27 saves in 44 games with Binghamton. He threw 17 scoreless innings over his last 16 appearances dating to June 20.

Wagner had an MRI on July 22 that showed muscle spasms around his shoulder joint. But he had tossed 10 consecutive scoreless innings over nine appearances before Saturday night.

"It got to the point where I couldn't locate the ball inside," Wagner said. "The pitches didn't have much finish on them."

The Mets were in third place in the NL East entering play Sunday, two games behind Philadelphia and a half-game behind Florida. Wagner was hoping to avoid the disabled list, but also didn't want to come back too soon.

"It's a situation where we're at this part of the season, where you have time to take some time off," Wagner said. "I don't want to hamper the team and continuously fight an uphill battle when we've got it close in the division. There's no use going out there and hurting the team by being something that you're not right now."

Maine's DL stint is retroactive to July 29 and Manuel tentatively plans to start him again at Washington on Aug. 13. Oliver Perez started Sunday's series finale in Houston on regular rest in Maine's spot.

Maine threw a light bullpen session on Sunday and said the shoulder felt fine. Manuel said the Mets are just being cautious.

"We know he could use that rest," Manuel said. "The more rest we give him, the better off he'll be."

Maine insisted the injury was nothing serious.

"There's no setback," Maine said. "It's just precautionary. I still feel it a little bit. But it's 100 times better than it was before."

Eddie Kunz Minor League Stats:
1-4 W-L: ERA 2.87: 43 Games: 26 SV: 47.0 IP: 38 Hits: 19 R: 15 ER: 23BB: 41 SO:

analysis:
He might be some help if your in desperate need he does have some upside.

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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.

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Fantasy Deadline Trade'in Think Twice

From AM New York
Last-minute fantasy baseball trade? Think twice first
By Kyle Stack Special to amNewYork
July 30, 2008
Fantasy Baseball
posted by: Tabloid Paige

Major League Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline looms Thursday, but that doesn't mean it should necessarily have an impact on fantasy leagues.

With fantasy trade deadlines typically set for the first couple weeks in August, many owners might feel the need to shift players based on real-life changes of address.

Here are four strategies for single-year and keeper league players to consider before signing off on a trade.
Nearly every season, effective closers on losing teams are traded to playoff-contending teams to replenish tired and slumping bullpens. Already this month, Washington's Jon Rauch (17-for-22 in save opportunities) and Pittsburgh's Damarso Marte (5-for-7) of the Pittsburgh Pirates were sent packing to serve as setup men; Rauch for the Diamondbacks and Marte for the Yankees.

While the moves strengthen the real-life recipient teams, they throw a wrench into the operation of fantasy pitching staffs. If you own a closer who is rumored to be on the trading block, protect yourself from losing saves by adding his potential successor.Keeper leaguers shouldn't hastily trade Holliday out of fear his production will decrease with a new address. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you never make, so try not to outthink yourself.

Starters are still tough to predict
Seattle Mariners lefty Erik Bedard was the toast of the fantasy world last summer after riding a nine-start streak in which he posted a 7-0 record, a 1.71 ERA and a 84/16 K/BB ratio in 63 1/3 innings. Once he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in February, it was assumed that Seattle's pitchers' palace of a ballpark – Safeco Field – would elevate Bedard to a staff ace. However, the 29-year-old has weathered multiple injuries, little run support from a pitiful offense to pitch a solid, yet disappointing, season.

For every CC Sabathia, who has thrived at his new address with the Milwaukee Brewers, there is a Bedard. When it comes to starters, it is truly buyer beware.

Dangle reliable veterans for promising prospects
Keeper leaguers who own struggling teams should follow the path blazed by real-life general managers of below-average teams: trade older, reliable players for young, promising "keepers." Just about every fantasy league has a team on the cusp of the playoffs, but in need of a veteran who can give the squad a shot in the arm. Identify any appealing veteran players on your squad and turn them into highly-touted youngsters who aren't yet producing at the rate they will in a couple years.

Target future stars such as outfielders Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Real-life trades affect relievers' fantasy values, but have less of an effect on position players
Well, at least elite position players. They're the ones who can typically make adjustments no matter their hitting environment. Take Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, an elite fantasy player who has just a career .278 batting average and a .792 on-base plus slugging percentage away from Colorado's hitter-friendly Coors Field. MLB teams are balking at trading for Holliday, but that's due more to Colorado's high asking price than whether the three-time All-Star can maintain his high level of play with a new team.

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Fantasy News Two Start Pitchers Wk. 18

Fantasy News
Two Start Pitchers
Week 18
posted by Tabloid Paige

Dallas Braden+ improves to 2-0 on season: Dallas Braden allowed one run over five innings as the Oakland Athletics ended a six-game losing streak with an 8-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Braden (2-0) allowed four hits, walked four and struck out one. Braden was making his first start of the season, replacing Joe Blanton, who was traded to Philadelphia last Thursday, in the rotation.

Scott Feldman+ gets spot start, wins game: Rangers SP Scott Feldman, expected to move to the bullpen but forced to start because Eric Hurley has stiffness in his left shoulder, won his third straight decision Monday at the White Sox. He gave up one run on four hits in six innings, walking three and striking out one. "I sort of got into trouble a couple times, but I was able to make a good pitch and get a ground ball," he said. "I was trying to get ground balls, and when you're doing that you have to have a good defense, and we had a great defense tonight turning those double plays."


TWO START PITCHERS

AL:
Dallas Braden+, Mark Buehrle, A.J. Burnett, Paul Byrd, Scott Feldman+*, Armando Galarraga, Matt Ginter, Zack Greinke, Jeremy Guthrie, Felix Hernandez, John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Luis Mendoza*, Mike Mussina, Glen Perkins+, Darrell Rasner, Clayton Richard, Kenny Rogers, Carlos Silva*, James Shields, Kevin Slowey, Jered Weaver*.

NL:
Collin Balester, Kevin Correia, Johnny Cueto, Doug Davis, Tim Hudson, Hiroki Kuroda, Ted Lilly, Braden Looper, Greg Maddux, John Maine, Brett Myers, Ricky Nolasco, Scott Olsen, Roy Oswalt, Micah Owings*, Jo-Jo Reyes, Glendon Rusch*, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Ian Snell, Todd Wellemeyer, Carlos Zambrano.

+ = Check Wavier wire consider picking up.
* = Two-start status is in question.

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Knight Time Dream Comes True

By BRIAN LEWIS
Posted: 3:47 am
July 26, 2008

Posted by Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Basebabll News

Brandon Knight was sitting on his couch last May when opportunity knocked - or called, to be precise.

Somerset (N.J.) Patriots pitching coach and ex-teammate Brett Jodie was offering Knight a low-paying gig pitching in the Independent League. His wife had to convince him they could survive long enough for him to chase his dream one last time.


That dream becomes reality tonight when the 32-year-old righty makes his first major league appearance in six seasons, starting against the Cardinals in place of Pedro MartinezPedro Martinez , who buried his father yesterday.

"It's definitely been a roller coaster. It's amazing how life is," Knight said. "I was retiring last year. I was done. I was literally on the couch when Brett Jodie called and asked if I'd be interested in playing."

After recording a 10.71 ERA in 11 Yankee outings over 2001 and '02, Knight hadn't been back to the majors since. He spent two years in Japan, a season in Double-A and a vexing week in Mexico last April that convinced him to get a job.

When Jodie called offering $2,500 a month, Knight told his wife Brooke, "I don't think this is going to work. We can't live on that." She said give it a shot. 'If you don't, you're going to be really mad at yourself.' "

His best shot in Somerset earned him a minor-league deal from the MetsNew York Mets in May, and he went 5-1 at New Orleans with a 1.60 ERA, 49 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 39 innings.

He was named to the U.S. Olympic team and impressed then-Zephyrs pitching coach Dan Warthen, now with the Mets, enough he insisted they call him up.

"All I know is Dan Warthen saw him," Jerry Manuel said. "I'm looking forward to what he has to offer."

Insight:
The New York Mets purchased Knight’s contract in May 2008 and he has been playing for their Triple-A team in New Orleans. In ten games for New Orleans, Knight has a record of 4-1, a 1.89 ERA, 37 strikeouts, and one save.

Knight has Major League experience with the New York Yankees, where he pitched in seven games during the 2002 season. Knight also has six seasons of Triple-A experience in the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees and Mets organizations. He has a Minor League career ERA of 4.39 with 1,189 strikeouts in 1,301 innings over 294 games pitched.

Knight was 12-5 with a 4.03 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 91.2 innings pitched in 29 games for Somerset during the 2007 season. He was named the Atlantic League Pitcher of the Month for September 2007 with his 3-0 record, 1.59 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched over three games started.

brian.lewis@nypost.com

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Hanrahan Set to Close In Washington

By Jason Grey
ESPN.com

Joel Hanrahan just got real popular with fantasy players.

The first look at the fantasy spin on the Jon Rauch and Randy Wolf trades of Tuesday was available right after the deals were made, but since then, our speculation that Hanrahan will get the first shot at closing games with Rauch no longer in the picture was confirmed by the Nationals' Web site.

The 26-year-old has thrived in his first season converting to a relief role. He was once a highly touted starting prospect in the Dodgers system until shoulder problems derailed him in 2003. Working in the 'pen in maximum-effort stints has added velocity to his fastball, which now touches 97 mph and is complemented by a hard, mid-80s slider. It's certainly prototypical closer's stuff.

The one issue with Hanrahan is his tendency to get wild at times. Though he's striking out more than a batter per inning, he's also walking just under five batters per nine, and that could come back to bite him a bit more in the final couple of months of the season. He's not necessarily a sure thing because of his control, but merely a good speculative play for saves. Saul Rivera and Luis Ayala will also be in the mix should Hanrahan falter. Chad Cordero is expected to resume his role as the team's closer next season.

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden also confirmed to the team Web site that the plan is for Emilio Bonifacio to come up at some point later in the season, and that he is expected to bat leadoff and start at second base on Opening Day 2009, with Ronnie Belliard backing him up. Of course, things could change by that time, but that's the plan, and Bonifacio has a ton of stolen-base potential if he can make enough consistent contact at the big league level.

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Second Half Studs

Second Half Studs
After the break pickups
by Dennis Paige/tabloidpaige.com

As the second half of the 2008 season begins, lets look at the pennant race as of July 17th.
American League East
Boston, is in 1st place by a 1/2 game over Tampa Bay and in 3rd place the New York Yankees, are 6 games back.
Hot 2nd half players:
Bos: Manny Ramirez OF, TB: Carl Crawford OF, NYY: A. Rodriguez , Robinson Cano ,

AL Central
Chicago, are in 1st by 1 1/2 games over Minnesota and 3rd at 6.5 games back sets Detroit.
Hot 2nd half players:
CWS: C. Quentin, LF , Minn: None, Detroit: Placido Polanco ,

AL West
Los Angeles is in 1st place by 6 games over Oakland and Texas is back 7.5 games from the leader.
Hot 2nd half players:
LAA: Howie Kendrick , Chone Figgins , Casey Kotchman , OAK A's: Frank Thomas , Mark Ellis , Texas: Ian Kinsler , Josh Hamilton , David Murphy ,.

These players should have a good 2nd half most have a 3 year average that show their BA, OBP and slugging percent increases after the mid summer break.
Check your wavier wires if they are still available pick'em up.

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Brewers acquire Sabathia

Report: Brewers acquire Sabathia from Indians
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
by FOXSports.com


The Brewers have won the C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes.
The Indians have agreed to trade the ace Sabathia and two lower-level minor leaguers for a package that includes top prospect Matt LaPorta and other minor leaguers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Player file

C.C. Sabathia
Milwaukee Brewers

The deal is contingent on the paperwork and medical records, the paper reported.
Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA to win the AL Cy Young last season and would give the Brewers another power pitcher to pair with Ben Sheets as Milwaukee tries to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982.
The big lefty is 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA for the Indians, but has also been plagued with a lack of run support. In nine of his 18 starts, Cleveland has scored two runs or less for him.
Sabathia could make his debut as early as Tuesday for the Brewers against the Rockies.

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July's Hot are Your Players?

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News-July 03 2008

July's Hot are Your Players?

Hot weather and hot bats don't always go together. Some players swelter away while others thrive in the heat. We'll look at a few players and their July performances from other seasons.
Lets look at few good hitters for the month July. Most baseball enthusiast know these players hit well any month of the year, Albert Pujols, Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez. But you may have some players, that you are about to drop or sell, because of their performance so far. Before you do check out these numbers for July. Milton Bradley, has hit a combined .385-8-29 in only 130 July at-bats with an OPS of 1.098. And these three Miguel Cabrera (.319-12-33 the past two July's), Justin Morneau (.378-16-51 the past two July's) and Robinson Cano (.385-6-24 last July).

Head'in up:
Pat Burrell has been unimpressive the past two months, but he has a .360-9-36 stat line and a 1.103 OPS in 136 July at-bats the past two seasons.
It also will be hard to bench Jim Thome (.289-15-42 the past two Julys), Jeff Kent (.396-5-23 in just 101 at-bats the past two July's) and Jeff Francoeur (.332-15-50 past three July's) considering the numbers they've posted in recent July's.

Awaking:
You might to find this guyon the waiver wire to occasionally use this month. Adam LaRoche's .235 average might not be very attractive, but his .331-11-31 line from the past two July's looks pretty enticing.
Consider snatching up Andre Ethier (.370-7-32 the past two Julys), Ray Durham (.296-11-40 the past two July's) and maybe even Chris Duncan (.336-9-29 the past two July's) if he continues to see playing time in the Cardinals' outfield.

Stock rising:
Dustin Pedroia, with a nine-game hitting streak, during which he has gone 21-for-39 (.538), raising his average from .274 to .303. His outstanding .356 average in June should help owners forget about his mediocre .260 May. In the second half I expect .300 OBP around .360. Evan Longoria, he's hitting up to his potental as the hype goes with, AL Player of the Week after hitting .433 with three homers and 10 RBIs in six games last week. Longoria hit .300-8-19 in June, so it's safe to say he's beginning to adjust to life in the major leagues. Curtis Granderson, Granderson has recorded a hit in 18 of his past 22 games, raising his average from .238 all the way to .295. Aiding in the resurgence has been Granderson's decrease in strikeouts; he whiffed once every 7.6 at-bats in June after striking out once every 4.2 at-bats in May. More contact means a higher OBP for Granderson, which means more runs and stolen bases for fantasy owners.

K's are a Killer:
Adam Dunn (39), Ryan Howard (36), Mark Reynolds (36), Jack Cust (33), Jay Bruce (32), Jeremy Hermida (32), Dan Uggla (31), Elijah Dukes (30), Matt Kemp (30), Carlos Gomez (28), Kelly Shoppach (28), Josh Hamilton (26), Mike Jacobs (26).
If these players can cut their Ks down and contribute significantly in at least one offensive category that player might deserve a spot on your team.



Editor Dennis Paige fantasy baseball expert for Tabloid Paige.

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Two-Start Pitchers, Get.em Sit'em

Fantasy Sports News

Need Help This Week
You Might Consider

CATCHER
Sleeper: Ramon Hernandez, Orioles. Ol' Razor Ramon has five multi-hit games this month and is sporting his best batting average of any of the three months thus far. All seven of Baltimore's games come at home (four vs. KC, three vs. TEX), where the Orioles have played so well. Give him a shot.

FIRST BASE/DH
Sleeper: Mike Jacobs, Marlins. He's basically Adam Dunn with fewer strikeouts and walks, and his schedule is awfully favorable for more home runs this week. Three home agames against Washington and four road games in Colorado. Those staffs rank 27th and 28th in ERA, respectively.

SECOND BASE
Sleeper: Rickie Weeks, Brewers. He's teasing us again, with three multihit games since his return from the DL last week, and very encouraging is the fact that Milwaukee faces five lefthanders this week. Weeks is hitting .262 against them -- 55 points better than his mark against righties.

THIRD BASE
Sleeper: Bill Hall, Brewers. Like teammate Weeks, Hall is much better against lefties. Five lefties on the schedule = great times.

SHORTSTOP
Sleeper: Jeff Keppinger, Reds. It's been an inauspicious return from the DL for Keppinger thus far, but he was perhaps the Reds' best hitter at the time of his injury on May 13. Add him in deeper leagues in which he was dropped.

OUTFIELD
Sleeper: Ben Francisco, Indians.. He's more than held his own primarily batting in the No. 3 hole for Cleveland, and three games apiece await at homer-friendly U.S. Cellular Field and the Metrodome. The Indians have a plenty of offensive energy pent up because they haven't done much in the past 10 days.

FAVORABLE SCHEDULES

Orioles hitters: Four against KC and three against Texas? Hooray responsibility!
Marlins hitters: It cannot get any better than series against the Nationals and in Colorado against the Rockies.
Mets hitters: The Mets' bats have awakened again, which makes series against the Cardinals' overachieving staff and the two of the Phillies' soft-tossers (Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick) look really good.

UNFAVORABLE SCHEDULES

Red Sox pitchers: Three games against the Rays in Tampa (who are 30-13 at home) and four games against the rival Yankees at Yankee Stadium will make it tough on everyone not named Josh Beckett.
Mariners hitters: Seattle is at home all week, but Roy Halladay, Dustin McGowan and Justin Verlander are among those who will be tough to handle.
Cubs pitchers: Seven road games await, and we all know how poorly the Cubs play away from Wrigley Field. Amazing how shaky the Cubs' rotation looks when Carlos Zambrano is taken out of the equation.

TWO-START PITCHERS

AL:
Brian Burres, Joba Chamberlain, John Danks, Scott Feldman, Gavin Floyd, Armando Galarraga, Jon Garland, Felix Hernandez*, Zack Greinke, Roy Halladay, Rich Harden, Luke Hochevar, Jesse Litsch*, Radhames Liz, Justin Masterson*, Mike Mussina, Glen Perkins, Nate Robertson, James Shields, Greg Smith, Jeremy Sowers, Tim Wakefield.

NL:
Collin Balester*, Dave Bush, Matt Cain, Aaron Cook, Doug Davis, Jorge De La Rosa, Zach Duke, Aaron Harang, Mark Hendrickson, Randy Johnson, Kyle Kendrick, Clayton Kershaw*, Ted Lilly, Greg Maddux, John Maine, Jason Marquis, Charlie Morton, Roy Oswalt, Tim Redding, Wandy Rodriguez, Eric Stults*, Jeff Suppan, Ryan Tucker, Edinson Volquez, Barry Zito.

* = Two-start status is in question.

Associate Editor Roger Kuznia is a fantasy baseball expert for Sporting News.

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News Yankees Pickup Dave Rabertson Contract

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News
June 28, 2008 - 6:20p.m. EDT

NEW YORK — The Yankees bought right-hander Dave Robertson's contract from Triple-A Scranton, Wilkes-Barre. New York retuned lefty Kei Igawa back to Triple-A, one day after being called up. Robertson has a 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and one save in 20 relief appearances for Scranton. He had 48 strikeouts and 16 walks in 33 innings. "I figured sooner or later I'd get a shot, but I got the call sooner than I expected," said Robertson.

TORONTO — Vernon Wells homered and drove in three runs to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 9-5 on Saturday. Mark Teixeira hit his 16th homer and Gregor Blanco had a career-high four hits for the Braves. Teixeira has six homers and 11 RBIs in his past six games.

CHICAGO - Nick Swisher helped the White Sox get some payback against the Cubs. Swisher's grand slam capped a seven-run third inning against Ryan Dempster and the White Sox beat the Cubs 10-3 on Friday at U.S. Cellular Field.

SAN DIEGO - Jarrod Washburn won for the first time in eight starts and the Seattle Mariners beat Randy Wolf and the San Diego Padres 5-2 Friday night despite stranding a franchise-record 18 baserunners,

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RP Pitchers Help ERA and K's Wavier Wire

Fantasy Sports News RP Pitchers, Wavier Wire

Matthew Lutovsky
Pickup Lines June 27, 2008

It has been said again and again

You always will be able to find saves on the waiver-wire at some point during the season.
And it's true. Right now, there are six closers who were not expected to be in that position when the season started (Mike Gonzalez, Ryan Franklin, Brian Fuentes, Brandon Morrow, Jon Rauch and Salomon Torres ). And throughout the course of this season, mainly because of injury, four other closer situations have changed hands (Cleveland, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Toronto).

Currently, whether it's because of injury concerns, trade speculation or ineffectiveness, there are several ninth-inning situations, including those in Texas, Colorado, Atlanta, Seattle and St. Louis, that could be described as "unstable."

Because saves always are sought after -- and, apparently, available -- fantasy owners always should know which closers are struggling and which setup man are next in line for the ninth inning. A great reference tool is colleague Chris Bahr's weekly Inside Pitch column . There's a "Closer Watch" section and accompanying closer depth chart at the end of every column, and it's very helpful when you're searching for potential help in the saves department.
Of course, several of the premier middle relievers already will be on someone's team (Carlos Marmol, Heath Bell, perhaps even Taylor Buchholz), but many likely will be available.
As I've discussed before (both here and here), middle relievers are an important, often overlooked part of any fantasy team. They provide Ks and help to trim ERA and WHIP. When you find a good one who also happens to be a potential closer-in-waiting, consider it a bonus. Just ask owners who claimed Brandon Morrow even before J.J. Putz's elbow injury.
The key to picking up potential closers is timing. When a closer is on shaky ground, you should check out the game logs of whoever's next in line. If that guy has been pitching well lately, grab him. Hopefully, he'll either become the closer within a couple weeks, or he'll at least pitch well enough to help your team as a middle reliever. However, if he has been ho-hum lately, too, he isn't worth adding -- not even if the current closer is hanging by a thread. The last thing you want is Joel Zumaya walking three guys a night or Masa Kobayashi not striking anyone out while you wait for Todd Jones and Joe Borowski to implode.
It's also important not to jump the gun and pick up a middle reliever too early. Even if a middle reliever pitches well, many owners will grow impatient and drop him if he doesn't take over the ninth-inning duties. And you know what happens then -- he inevitably ascends to closer status a few days later.
With these thoughts in mind, let's take a look at the widely available closers-in-waiting with the most potential:

Eddie Guardado, Rangers. Despite manager Ron Washington's vote of confidence for C.J. Wilson , we suspect Wilson is only a blown save or two away from getting the hook. Enter Every(other)day Eddie, someone who's excelled as a closer in the past. Guardado has been scored upon in only one of his past 10 outings, and, unlike the past couple seasons, it doesn't look like he'll kill you in any categories. He isn't a big strikeout guy, but he could be a worthwhile investment.
Damaso Marte, Pirates. We don't think Matt Capps is going anywhere, but it's worth noting that he has blown three of his past five save opportunities. Regardless of what happens with Capps, Marte is worth a look. He has allowed only one run since June 1 (12.2 innings), and opponents are hitting only.119 against him in that span. Take away Marte's first two appearances this season -- he allowed six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning -- and here's his stat line: four wins, 1.70 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 39 Ks in 37 innings. That's worthy of a mixed-league add, especially when you remember how good he was last season.
Ryan Rowland-Smith, Mariners. Brandon Morrow appears set to be the Mariners' closer while J.J. Putz (elbow) is out, but Morrow recently had a back flare-up and was sidelined several days. The Mariners had two save opportunities while Morrow was out -- one was blown by Miguel Batista; the other was converted by Arthur Rhodes . Batista is out of the picture now, and had Rowland-Smith not been used earlier in the other game (partly because Felix Hernandez exited early with an injury), there's a good chance he would've gotten the call over Rhodes in the ninth as he had earlier this season. If Morrow gets hurt again (or is ineffective), Rowland-Smith would be a nice guy to have in reserve. Opponents are hitting only .210 off him, and he has K/9 ratio of 7.30.
Grant Balfour, Rays. Technically, Dan Wheeler is the current favorite to get saves if Troy Percival gets injured again, but owners shouldn't overlook Balfour, who closed for Tampa's Triple-A team before being called up on May 31. He had eight saves, a 0.38 ERA and 39 Ks in 23.2 innings for Durham, and since joining the big club, he's 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 19 Ks in 12.1 innings. With numbers like that, we wouldn't be surprised if Balfour took over the ninth-inning duties if/when Percival goes down again. Either way, he's worth an add for those looking for a quality middle reliever.

Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals. Wait, that has to be a typo, right? No, it's not. The Cardinals have not indicated that Isringhausen will be back in the closer's role any time soon, but his recent success (1.04 ERA, 1.27 WHIP over 8.2 innings since being activated) combined with Ryan Franklin's blown save on Thursday should get the wheels turning. Isringhausen likely won't be getting the call in the ninth for at least a couple weeks -- and, because he isn't a big strikeout guy, won't provide much in the meantime -- but owners should be prepared to grab him at some point. It's no secret that Tony La Russa likes Isringhausen and prefers veterans in important roles.

Doug Brocail, Astros. OK, the Astros probably invested too much into Jose Valverde to suddenly relieve him of his closer duties, but I can't shake the feeling that he is due for a demotion. True story: I have Valverde on one of my teams, and I actually cringe whenr I see the Astros leading by three or fewer runs heading into the ninth. Basically, I'd actually prefer if one of my closers didn't get save opportunities because I'm scared to death Valverde is going to get lit up. That's not a good sign.
If I'm that worried, you can bet the Astros aren't exactly feeling secure, either. Brocail would step in for Valverde if something happens, and he'll likely do a good job. Currently, he's doing enough to provide relief for any fantasy team. His K/9 is significantly higher than it has been the past two years (7.51 this year compared to 5.05 and 6.04 in '07 and '06, respectively), so don't let last year's lackluster strikeout totals dissuade you from giving Brocail a shot.

A few other waiver-wire tips from around the league:

Elijah Dukes is the second-most popular pickup in SN leagues this week (777 adds), but he's still owned in only 37 percent of leagues. Dukes has been performing at a mixed-league level over the past 30 days (.323, 15 runs, three homers, 14 RBIs, six SBs), but it should be noted all three of his homers have come at home, and he's slugging over 100 points better at Nationals Park. Washington is set for a seven-game road trip starting Monday, so beware of a power decline next week. ...
Don't look now, but Jim Edmonds is on fire. He's hitting .298 with 10 runs, six homers and 21 RBIs since joining the Cubs. And with Alfonso Soriano, Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome all injured, you can bet he's going to keep seeing regular at-bats. However, like Dukes, Edmonds' power seems reserved for home games (all six of his Cubs' homers have come at Wrigley), so don't be surprised to see a decline in production when Chicago starts a 10-game road trip on Friday. Included in that trip are four games at San Francisco and three in Edmonds' old town of St. Louis. ...

We know he's 45, but Jamie Moyer deserves to be owned in more than 39 percent of SN leagues. The guy has been awesome over the past 30 days (3.38 ERA, 1.03 WHIP), and he even struck out nine in his most recent start. One cause for concern, though: Moyer pitches considerably better on the road, and only one of his three scheduled pre-break starts come away from Citizens Bank Park. And that's in Texas. ...

Don't sleep on Twins 3B Brian Buscher. Since his returning to the Twins on June 14, he has hit .417 with 10 runs, a homer and 13 RBIs. He's not going to give you a ton of power -- which many owners want from a CI -- but a nice average and solid run production isn't out of the question. Grab him while he's on a hot streak. ...

Another Twin fantasy owners should take notice of is SP Kevin Slowey. In his past three starts, Slowey is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. He also has 16 Ks in that span, showing there's more to his game than impeccable control. Home runs still will be a concern, but if he can continue limiting baserunners the way that he has lately, Slowey is worth an add.

Associate editor Matt Lutovsky is a fantasy baseball expert for Sporting News

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Fantasy News You Can Use,Get'em Set'em

Fantasy Baseball News

MLB, NL,AL

Dempster Still Perfect at Home

06/23/2008

BY Aaron Gleeman

Pirates' Snell to have MRI on elbow

Braves' Teixeira belts three homers in win

Blue Jays place Shaun Marcum on DL

Pujols set to make his return on Thursday

Zambrano heads to the DL with shoulder strain

Chipper out for weekend with quad strain

Mariners' Bedard exits game with back spasms

Ryan Dempster improved to 9-0 at Wrigley Field by holding the White Sox to one run over eight innings Sunday night, leading the Cubs to their 14th straight home victory and MLB-best 48-28 record. Dempster spent his first four seasons in Chicago as a mediocre reliever, going 9-20 with a 4.10 ERA. He did surprisingly well converting save chances over that span with an 85-percent success rate, but was stripped of ninth-inning duties and moved back to the rotation this year. Dempster had limited success as a starter early in his career thanks largely to shaky control that included 4.7 walks per nine innings through his first 162 starts. He's still far from a control artist, but handing out 38 walks through 102.2 innings represents a 30-percent improvement and is the biggest reason for his surprising success. He's always been able to rack up plenty of strikeouts, but came into this season with a 5.00 ERA as a starter and a 4.11 ERA as a reliever. Sunday's outing pushed him over the 100-inning mark for the first time since 2003, so the huge jump in workload may catch up to him in the second half. Beyond that, his secondary numbers-strikeouts, walks, ground ball-to-fly ball ratio-suggest that Dempster has performed more like a 3.75-4.00 ERA pitcher than the 2.63 mark that he's currently sporting. While his improvements are legitimate and he's not likely to fall apart completely, Dempster is a good sell-high candidate.While the Cubs keep rolling without Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano, here are some other notes from around baseball .

Justin Duchscherer has followed the same path as Dempster, beginning his career as a starter, spending 2004-2007 in the bullpen, and switching back to the rotation this year. Duchscherer is a little different in that most of his starting was done in the minors and he thrived in the bullpen, but the career progression is similar and the success this season is just as startling. He held the Mariners to one run over 7.2 innings Sunday, improving to 8-4 while slicing his ERA to 1.99.He's yet to allow more than three runs in a start and has given up two runs or fewer in 11 of 12 outings. However, Duchscherer spent most of April on the disabled list with a strained biceps and has a history of elbow and hip injuries, so like Dempster he's no sure thing to handle the workload increase. My guess is that Duchscherer has a better chance of maintaining an ERA below 3.50 all season, but Dempster has a better chance of staying healthy for 15 more starts.

Ian Snell struggled Sunday against the Blue Jays and complained of elbow soreness afterward, with the Pirates scheduling him for an MRI exam Monday. "We are going to run some tests," manager John Russell said. "Hopefully it's not anything major, but we'll get some tests run and go from there. He didn't feel right today and he has a little irritation." An elbow problem would help explain Snell's decline this season, although he hadn't reported any trouble prior to Sunday. Snell faced 1,695 batters between 2006 and 2007, striking out 20.4 percent while walking 7.9 percent. This season his strikeout rate has dipped to 15.4 percent and has walk rate has risen to 11.8 percent. That adds up to 25 percent fewer strikeouts and 50 percent more walks, which along with slightly decreased velocity is certainly the type of performance that you'd expect from someone who's been pitching through elbow problems.

After sitting out over a year following Tommy John surgery, Mike Gonzalez returned from the disabled list last week and immediately took over as the Braves' closer, tossing a perfect ninth inning to pick up a save in his first appearance. He then waited four days for his next appearance and struggled in a non-save situation Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits, including serving up a homer to a left-handed batter (Jeff Clement) for just the third time in his career.Gonzalez's command understandably doesn't appear to be very sharp yet, but the velocity on both his fastball and slider are fairly close to where they were in his prime. He still works at around 91-94 miles per hour with his fastball and 78-82 miles per hour with his slider, so expect Gonzalez to have at least reasonable success in the closer role as long as he remains healthy. That's a big question mark given his history, but his stuff looks good enough to get the job done.

AL Watch

Vicente Padilla held the Nationals to three runs over seven innings Sunday and the unlikely trio of Padilla, Cliff Lee, and Mike Mussina is tied for the AL lead with 10 wins . Ivan Rodriguez reached base four times Sunday, including a solo homer that was just his second long ball of the season . After knocking in a run with a first-inning double Sunday, Nick Markakis drew walks in four straight trips to the plate . Kevin Youkilis delivered a walk-off homer in the 13th inning Sunday and is now just three homers short of matching his career-high of 16 set last year . Andy Pettitte shut out the Reds for six innings Sunday and has now allowed a total of one run over his last three starts following back-to-back ugly outings to begin the month . Milton Bradley (quadriceps) singled as a pinch-hitter Saturday, but then missed his fifth straight start Sunday . With Freddie Bynum designated for assignment Sunday, Alex Cintron takes over as the Orioles' starting shortstop . He has just one homer this month, but Justin Morneau has still driven in 15 runs over the past 11 games.

NL Watch

Prince Fielder had just one homer through 20 games, but after going deep twice Sunday he has 15 homers in 54 games since . Randy Wolf totaled 10 strikeouts in Sunday's loss to the Tigers, reaching double digits for the first time in 25 starts . Mark Teixeira smacked three homers Sunday, giving him 30 homers and 111 RBIs in 129 games with the Braves . Clint Barmes returned from the disabled list Sunday and will split time at second base with Jeff Baker, sending Ian Stewart back to Triple-A . Brandon Webb was cruising along Sunday until the Twins scratched together a five-run fifth inning, dropping him to 2-4 since beginning the year 9-0 . Eric Patterson went 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs Sunday, but likely won't get enough playing time to be a fantasy asset . Manny Parra handed out a career-high six walks Sunday, yet won his fifth straight start . Seeing increased action with Cesar Izturis (hamstring) sidelined, Aaron Miles collected five hits Sunday to raise his batting average from .293 to .313 .

Daily Dose favorite Fred Lewis collected three hits and two walks Sunday while swiping his 13th base.

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Fantasy Baseball News Get'em Set'em

Fantasy Baseball News

Going Gangster - 06/20/2008

BY Aaron Gleeman


Mariners fire McLaren, turn to Riggleman

Mets manager Jerry Manuel: 'I'm a gangster'

Zambrano to have shoulder examined

Report: Yankees bring Ponson back to AL East

Report: Mariners plan to release Sexson next

Reyes tweaks hamstring, hopes to play Weds.

Report: Rays reach deal with top pick Beckham

Jerry Manuel's first game as Mets manager became an eventful one Tuesday when Jose Reyes resisted when asked to leave after tweaking his hamstring. Reyes apologized for the modest act of insubordination afterward and returned to the lineup Wednesday by going 3-for-5 with a stolen base and three runs, but Manuel's amusing take on the situation is definitely worth passing along anyway. Asked what exactly happened with Reyes, Manuel (seemingly) joked: "I told him next time he does that I'm going to get my blade out and cut him. I'm a gangster. You go gangster on me, I'm going to have to get you. You do that again, I'm going to cut you right on the field." Manuel then explained that he's "not here to make friends or for people to like me," which is good because the New York media isn't exactly known for its friend-making ability. Whatever happens with Manuel and the Mets-my guess is that he probably finishes out the season with a winning record, yet still gets replaced-he's provided my early pick for Managerial Quote of the Year. There's still plenty of time for Ozzie Guillen to reclaim the top spot and Jim Leyland is always a good darkhorse pick, but for now at least the thought of Jerry "American Gangster" Manuel going after Reyes with a sharpened blade is the leader in the clubhouse.While Manuel tries to change the laid-back image that he had while managing the White Sox to a .515 winning percentage from 1998-2003, here are some other notes from around baseball .

As of this writing Carlos Zambrano has avoided the disabled list, but he's expected to miss his scheduled start Tuesday at the very least after leaving Wednesday's game with a sore shoulder. Zambrano is slated to undergo an MRI exam with a dye injection Friday, at which point the Cubs should have a better idea about his status. Rather than shifting veteran Jon Lieber from the bullpen to the rotation, the Cubs may choose to replace Zambrano with Sean Marshall. Marshall logged over 100 innings with the Cubs in each of the past two seasons, but has spent much of this year at Triple-A. He has a 4.18 ERA and 21-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in six starts there and the 25-year-old southpaw has a 4.81 ERA in 237.2 career big-league innings. Marshall projects as a solid mid-rotation starter long term, but a mediocre strikeout rate will keep him from having big-time fantasy value and he's unlikely to be an asset in the short term.

It was only a matter of time once Eddie Guardado took over as the Rangers' primary setup man, and sure enough manager Ron Washington hinted following Thursday's game that C.J. Wilson is in danger of losing ninth-inning duties. Wilson blew a save Wednesday, but was asked to work Thursday for the third straight day anyway and retired just one of the four batters he faced before being yanked in favor of Jamey Wright (Guardado had already pitched a scoreless eighth inning). At 37 years old and with his injury history Guardado is far from a sure thing to remain healthy and effective, but he's looked solid through 28 appearances, posting a 3.70 ERA and .202 opponent's batting average. Washington said Thursday that the Rangers "still have trust" in Wilson and he's converted 14-of-16 save chances, but a 5.04 ERA and lack of consistent command seemingly have the team considering a switch. For now, Guardado is a solid pickup in AL-only leagues.

Continuing his season-long trend of going public with a plan only to change his mind days later, manager Lou Piniella announced Wednesday that Kosuke Fukudome will take over as the Cubs' primary leadoff man until Alfonso Soriano returns. Piniella initially said that Reed Johnson would lead off with Soriano out, but perhaps thought better of it after noticing Johnson's .325 career on-base percentage against right-handers, which includes a measly .292 mark this season.Fukudome's power has been disappointing thus far, but he's done a fantastic job getting on base against all pitchers, posting a .413 OBP against righties and reaching at a .375 clip against lefties. He's homered just five times through 70 games, but has drawn 47 walks and is on track to score 105 runs, which is a pace that will rise if he remains atop the lineup. Meanwhile, with righty James Shields pitching Johnson was out of the lineup Thursday in favor of Micah Hoffpauir.

Eric Gagne threw a bullpen session Thursday and reported no problems, saying afterward that he hopes to return from the disabled list on June 27. Gagne has been sidelined since May 21 with rotator cuff tendinitis and struggled prior to the DL stint, which is why manager Ned Yost revealed Thursday that Salomon Torres will remain the Brewers' closer even after Gagne returns. "Closing, setting up, third inning, I don't care," Gagne said. "I just want to compete, get back on the mound.

AL Get'em Set'em:

Days after canning general manager Bill Bavasi, the Mariners fired manager John McLaren and replaced him Thursday with ex-Cubs skipper Jim Riggleman . Meanwhile, with rumors of his impending release swirling, Richie Sexson remains on the roster for now . Joba Chamberlain turned in his best start Thursday, allowing one run while racking up nine strikeouts over 5.2 innings . Rocco Baldelli went deep twice in a minor-league rehab game Wednesday at Single-A . Jason Bartlett was scratched from Thursday's lineup after fouling a ball off his foot during batting practice, giving Evan Longoria his first career start at shortstop . Mark Teahen went 3-for-4 with his seventh homer Thursday, matching his total from all of last season . Scott Feldman tossed seven innings of two-run ball in a no-decision Thursday, giving him a 4.33 ERA in 10 starts after spending the first five years of his career as a reliever . Jermaine Dye homered twice Thursday, including his seventh career grand slam . No. 1 overall pick Tim Beckham agreed to a quick deal Thursday, accepting a $6.15 million signing bonus from the Rays.

NL Get'em Set'em:

Jay Bruce struck out three times Thursday before being ejected for arguing balls and strikes, and is now in a 7-for-42 (.167) slump . Dave Bush took a no-hitter into the eighth inning Thursday, but the Brewers' bullpen almost blew a seven-run lead before hanging on to win 8-7 . Despite going 9-for-21 (.429) to begin his minor-league rehab assignment, Dusty Baker said Wednesday that Jeff Keppinger (knee) isn't ready to return from the disabled list because "his legs are still sore" . Willy Tavares collected three hits and a stolen base Thursday, giving him a dozen steals in 16 games this month . Aaron Harang coughed up five runs on 10 hits Thursday to join Barry Zito and Joe Blanton as MLB's only 10-game losers, which is interesting given that all three pitchers began their careers with the A's . Kris Benson (shoulder) made his first rehab start Thursday at Single-A, serving up three homers in two innings . Russell Branyan homered again Thursday, giving him 10 long balls (and 24 strikeouts) in 20 games since being called up from Triple-A.

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Tabloid Wire: Fantasy Baseball News to Use

Fantasy Sports Baseball News

Bad News for Wang, Bavasi

06/17/2008

BY Aaron Gleeman


Ichiro plays right for first time since 2006

Mariners relieve GM Bavasi of duties

Wang out at least ten weeks, possibly season

Cards' Molina suffers concussion in collision

Konerko could land on DL with rib-cage strain

Wang to undergo MRI for foot injury

Nady suffers sprained shoulder, day-to-day

Monday brought just about the worst possible news on Chien-Ming Wang's right foot injury. He may miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain of the Lisfranc ligament, which fantasy football owners no doubt recognize as a dreaded injury. Wang is likely to avoid surgery and a late-season return hasn't totally been ruled out, but he'll wear a protective boot while walking on crutches for at least six weeks. Even before official word on Wang's injury came out the newspapers in New York were filled with speculation about the Yankees going after C.C. Sabathia, so now that Wang is likely done for the season the Sabathia gossip can be expected to intensify dramatically. Indians general manager Mark Shapiro spent all winter saying that the Indians wouldn't trade Sabathia despite his being an impending free agent, but has recently backed off that stance somewhat. After missing out on Johan Santana this offseason it certainly makes sense for the Yankees to make a strong push for Sabathia and the Indians' disappointing season is surely behind Shapiro's changing tune. With that said, the Yankees either couldn't or wouldn't put together a package for Santana that enticed the Twins. They're probably more willing to part with Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes now, but both pitchers have also seen their stock decline somewhat of late. For now the Yankees will replace Wang with journeyman Dan Giese, who'l l make his first MLB start Saturday against the Reds. Giese is 31 years old and has spent a decade in the minors, going 25-12 with a 3.25 ERA and 297-to-60 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 343 innings at Triple-A. Aaron Small going 10-0 before sliding back into obscurity is proof that strange things can happen when the Yankees call up a minor-league veteran, but Giese is at best a passable fifth starter. While the Yankees lose a pitcher who's gone 46-15 (.754) over the past three seasons compared to the rest of the staff going 182-151 (.546), here are some other notes from around baseball .

Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi deservedly got the ax Monday after guiding the team to a pitiful 322-395 (.449) record in parts of five seasons at the helm of the one of the game's largest payrolls. Bavasi spent much of his tenure simply making the Mariners older by pulling off several misguided trades and overpaying mediocre veteran free agents, leading to an MLB-worst record despite a $110 million payroll to build around Felix Hernandez and Ichiro Suzuki. Manager John McLaren will almost surely follow Bavasi out the door soon enough, but before that happens he decided to make a big lineup shift Monday. McLaren moved Ichiro from center field back to his old spot in right field, which is a questionable enough decision on its own. Not only did Ichiro win a Gold Glove in center field last season, during his career he's hit almost exactly as well in center field (.332 with an .800 OPS) as he has in right field (.331 with an .814 OPS). Toss in the fact that MLB right fielders as a group out-hit MLB center fielders by 50 points of OPS and the move seemingly makes zero sense. So why did McLaren make the switch? To get Willie Bloomquist and his .256/.312/.322 career mark into the lineup in center field, naturally. He's long been among the worst hitters in baseball and is far from a great defensive center fielder, yet Ichiro changed positions so that Bloomquist could start there Monday as Seattle fell to 24-46.

Mike Gonzalez has posted a sparkling 0.82 ERA and 12-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio during his minor-league rehab assignment, which apparently convinced the Braves that he's ready to return from Tommy John elbow surgery. Gonzalez is expected to come off the disabled list Wednesday and manager Bobby Cox replied "yes, absolutely" when asked Monday night whether he could quickly be in the mix for saves given the team's bullpen struggles."We may put him in a game just to see, we'll play it by ear," Cox said. "Hopefully we can count on him for the very end, eighth and ninth innings. If he's back to his old form, it's a huge plus." Gonzalez has been sidelined for 13 months, but already appears to have rediscovered his stuff and has some past experience closing within his 2.29 ERA over 186 big-league appearances. If he can put together 2-3 strong outings right away, expect Gonzalez to be in the mix for saves.

AL Quick Hits

David Ortiz (wrist) had his cast removed in favor of a splint Monday, but there's no timetable established yet for his return . Travis Hafner has suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained shoulder and appears unlikely to be activated this week . Ramon Vazquez came into this year as a! .250/.3 19/.343 hitter in 490 career games, but after going 3-for-4 with a homer Sunday he's now batting .336/.404/.534 in 48 games this season . Bartolo Colon allowed four runs over four innings Monday before leaving his start with back soreness . Fernando Rodney came off the disabled list Monday, with Joel Zumaya set to join him in the Tigers' bullpen later this week . Curt Schilling (biceps) has been shut down for a few days following what was described as a "sluggish" bullpen session over the weekeend . After sending a personal letter to every MLB team pleading for a job, Jay Gibbons has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League . Kevin Youkilis was scratched from Monday's lineup with back spasms, giving Sean Casey a start at first base.

NL Quick Hits

As expected, manager Manny Acta said Sunday that Jesus Flores will remain the Nationals' starting catcher even after Paul Lo Duca (hand) returns from the disabled list . Micah Owings struggled Sunday for the fourth straight start, making him 0-3 with a 9.95 ERA during that stretch after beginning the season 6-2 with a 3.73 ERA through 10 outings . Cole Hamels held the Red Sox to two runs over seven innings Monday despite serving up solo homers to J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia . Xavier Nady has been diagnosed with a sprained shoulder after colliding with the outfield wall Saturday, meaning that a trip to the DL is possible . About a month into his 4-6 week recovery timetable, Nick Johnson (wrist) is scheduled to be examined Tuesday . Ryan Church (concussion) is aiming to return on June 23, saying Sunday that he hasn't "had any spells or anything like that" recently . Eric Byrnes (hamstrings) is hoping to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week, with manager Bob Melvin saying Sunday that he'll be back by June 23 at the latest . Despite an ugly looking collision at home plate Sunday, Yadier Molina appears to have avoided serious injury and may stay off the DL.

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