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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Hot Players Update

Fantasy Baseball News Updates
From: SportingNews.com

NL Hot Player Update

Adam Dunn - OF, Cincinnati Reds Jul. 23, 3:41 p.m.
Adam Dunn's seventh inning grand slam powered the Reds over the Padres on Wednesday afternoon.
Fantasy Source spin: Dunn finished the day 2-for-4 with an RBI single that gave him a total of five on the day. He's hitting .305 this month, which has raised his average to .237 on the season.

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B, San Diego Padres Jul. 23, 3:29 p.m.
Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer as the Padres fell to the Reds on Wednesday afternoon.
Fantasy Source spin: Kouz has has a hit and an RBI in all but one game since the All-Star break. Last season, his OPS improved over 200 points after the All-Star break. He's hitting .300 this month, and seems poised to improve on his first-half totals.

Conor Jackson - 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks Jul. 23, 1:08 a.m.
Conor Jackson went 3-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBI against the Cubs on Tuesday.
Fantasy Source spin: Tony Clark's return to Arizona isn't going to cause Jackson any problems this year. His average is back up to .308, and he's leading the Diamondbacks in OPS by about 40 points.

Ian Stewart - 2B, Colorado Rockies Jul. 23, 12:24 a.m.
Ian Stewart went 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI in a win over the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
Fantasy Source spin: Stewart was hitting .218 when the Rockies sent him to the minors back in June, but now that he's back he's playing like he wants to stay. In four games since being recalled, Stewart is 9-for-17 with three doubles, a homer and 10 RBIs.

CC Sabathia - SP, Milwaukee Brewers Jul. 23, 11:34 p.m.
CC Sabathia pitched a three-hit shutout for Milwaukee against the Cardinals on Wednesday night.
Fantasy Source spin: Sabathia has made four starts for the Brewers, and three have been complete games. He has allowed just five runs in 33 innings for Milwaukee, and the team has won every one of his starts. He has posted a 31/8 K/BB ratio in the meantime. Not bad for this year's poster boy for "don't panic in April."
Next start: 7/23: @STL

Bronson Arroyo - SP, Cincinnati Reds Jul. 23, 3:36 p.m.
Bronson Arroyo allowed just three runs in seven innings to defeat the Reds on Wednesday afternoon.
Fantasy Source spin: Arroyo struck out seven without issuing a single walk in the performance. He did surrender two homers, though, which leaves him with 21 allowed in 119 innings. Still, he's picked up wins in his last five outings.
Next start: 7/23: SD

Paul Maholm - SP, Pittsburgh Pirates Jul. 23, 12:11 a.m.
Paul Maholm tossed eight innings of one-run ball as the Pirates dispatched the Astros 8-2 on Tuesday night.
Fantasy Source spin: Maholm hasn't always gotten terrific results, but he has consistently pitched deep into games for the Pirates. He's pitched into the seventh inning in 11 of his past 12 starts, and has completed eight innings in three of his past four. He is now 7-6 with a 3.92 ERA on the season.
Next start: 7/27: SD

AL Hot Players Update

Jermaine Dye - OF, Chicago White Sox Jul. 23, 12:47 a.m.
Jermaine Dye went 3-for-4 with an RBI double in his return to the White Sox lineup on Tuesday.
Fantasy Source spin: Dye didn't play Monday after leaving Sunday's game with a bruised left knee.

Mike Mussina - SP, New York Yankees Jul. 23, 4:24 p.m.
Mike Mussina blanked the Twins for eight innings on Wednesday to win for the 13th time this season.
Fantasy Source spin: LaTroy Hawkins blew the shutout in the ninth, allowing Mariano Rivera to pick up a cheap save by retiring the only batter he faced in a 5-1 game. Mussina walked none for a third straight start and struck out seven. It was the third time this year he has gone eight innings, but the first time it has resulted in a win for him.
Next start: 7/23: MIN

Francisco Liriano - SP, Minnesota Twins Jul. 23, 9:56 a.m.
Francisco Liriano won his ninth straight decision Tuesday at Triple-A, throwing seven shutout innings while striking out 10.
Fantasy Source spin: He gave up just two hits and issued two walks. Liriano has allowed one earned run while fanning 42 batters over his last 35 innings, and is 9-2 with a 3.13 ERA at Triple-A overall. He's clearly one of the Twins' top dozen pitchers at this point, but the team seems unwilling to dump Livan Hernandez from the rotation and have sent mixed signals about using Liriano out of the bullpen. His agent filing a grievance against the team has upset Twins management, although their anger has seemingly been directed more at his agent.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Brad Ziegler - RP, Oakland Athletics Jul. 23, 12:22 a.m.
With two more scoreless innings on Tuesday, Brad Ziegler broke the AL record for consecutive scoreless innings to start a career.
Fantasy Source spin: Ziegler is up to 23.2 innings. He passed Boo Farris, who established the AL record of 22 innings in 1945. George McCullen has the longest streak since 1900, throwing 25 scoreless innings in 1907.

Kyle Farnsworth - RP, New York Yankees Jul. 23, 12:15 a.m.
Kyle Farnsworth retired all three batters he faced on Tuesday and hasn't allowed a hit over his last nine innings.
Fantasy Source spin: Incredibly, it's not even the longest streak on the Yankees. Edwar Ramirez has gone 9.1 innings without allowing a hit. Farnsworth has a 3.35 ERA despite giving up 10 homers in 43 innings this season.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

MLB Injury Updates

Pedro Martinez, SP
Day-To-Day
News: Manager Jerry Manuel raised the possibility that Martinez could be skipped Sunday, with Mike Pelfrey taking his turn if Pedro needs more time to rest a sore groin and tight shoulder, the NY Newsday reports.

Mon, July 14
Al Reyes, RP
Out: 15-day DL
News: The Rays are expected to activate Reyes (biceps) off the DL on Friday.
Spin: That presumes Reyes successfully gets through his last scheduled minor league rehab apperance on Sunday. He'd move into a seventh-eighth inning role in the Rays bullpen.

Mon, July 14
Jason Schmidt, SP
Out: 60-day DL
News: Schmidt (shoulder) allowed five runs (four earned) in 2.1 innings in Sunday's Triple-A rehab start, the LA Times reports.

Mon, July 14
Jeff Suppan, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Suppan (elbow) threw his first bullpen session Sunday since going on the disabled list, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Spin: "It never really hurt when I was throwing," Suppan said. He still plans to be activated and make his first start July 22 against the Cardinals.

Mon, July 14
Johnny Damon, CF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Damon (shoulder) had his first hitting session pushed back at least a couple of days, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: The shoulder is still too sore for Damon to start swinging, but he should be able to pick up a bat soon. "Had a little tough time sleeping last night," Damon said after undergoing treatment Monday at the Yankees' minor league complex. "Today it felt a little sore. We're just going to hold back the swinging at least two more days. Hopefully it won't be too long of a time." He was expected to return to the Yankees around July 20, but will probably need a few more days to recover.

Mon, July 14
Brian Giles, RF
Day-To-Day
News: Giles (hamstring) expects to play Thursday when the Padres return to action against the Cardinals, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.Spin: Giles played through the injury for several weeks before deciding to take some time off, sitting out the past six games. "There has been noticeable improvement," Giles said. "Getting off it for a couple of days was the right decision."

Mon, July 14
Luis Castillo, 2B
Out: 15-day DL
News: Castillo, on the DL since July 3 with a strained left hip flexor, is eligible to return as early as Friday in Cincinnati. But the Mets have given no indication that he'll be ready, and manager Jerry Manuel is in no hurry to deal with the whole second-base conundrum, the NY Newsday reports.

Mon, July 14
Todd Helton, 1B
Out: 15-day DL
News: Helton (back) is pain-free thanks to a second epidural, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Kip Wells, SP
Out: 15-day DL
(blood clots in right hand) is likely to start for the Rockies on July 21 at home against the Dodgers, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Wily Mo Pena, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Pena will undergo surgery in the next week to 10 days to repair a small tear in his left shoulder, the Washington Times reports.

Spin: No word on Pena's recovery time, but it's possible that he won't be back this season. Pena's lack of power at the plate -- two home runs -- has been linked to his shoulder injury. Probably time to cut bait.

Mon, July 14

Erik Bedard, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Bedard (shoulder), who was expected to start July 21 when he comes off the disabled list, has been pushed back at least a day, and the Mariners are unsure when he will actually start again, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

Spin: Bedard is now slated for July 22, but even that is 50/50, according to the report. The Mariners need to get him on the mound to audition him for a trade. But don't expect him to pitch again until he is fully healthy.

Mon, July 14
Hideki Matsui, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Matsui (knee) took 59 swings in his second on-field batting practice in Tampa on Sunday, NY Newsday reports. He also hit off a tee and did soft-toss.
Spin: Matsui said he is progressing as planned and manager Joe Girardi said he hopes Matsui will be activated from the DL after the All-Star break, perhaps as early as Friday. That timetable seems a bit optimistic given that just a few days ago season-ending surgery seemed like a possibility, but it's good to hear such positive news about Matsui's recovery. Don't expect him to return Friday, but a late July comeback seems like a strong possibility.

Mon, July 14
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Day-To-Day
News: X-rays of Youkilis' left triceps came back negative, the Boston Herald reports.

Mon, July 14
Willy Taveras, CF
Day-To-Day
News: Taveras (left quadriceps) will probably go on the DL if he isn't healthy after the All-Star break, according to the Denver Post.

Mon, July 14
Jeff Francis, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Francis (left shoulder inflammation) threw a successful 45-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Mon, July 14
Chris Snyder, C
Out: 15-day DL
News: Snyder (testicular fracture) is tentatively scheduled to play in a rehab game for Triple-A Tucson on Friday, the East Valley Tribune reports.

Mon, July 14
Ryan Church, LF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Church was cleared Sunday to do some light running and even took some swings in the indoor cages as he works his way toward a rehab assignment, the NY Newsday reports.

Spin: Church was cleared for activity after returning from a two-day visit to the Cleveland Clinic confident his recent fatigue and dizziness troubles were migraine-related and not directly attributable to two concussions. Doctors there reviewed tests conducted by the Mets-affiliated Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and left Church enthusiastic that he will play again this season. The Mets still haven't figured out a timetable for his return - he's eligible July 21 - but Church was encouraged by Sunday's activity and his condition is significantly improved. If Church is able to return to the full-time, outfield duty, it somewhat lessens the Mets need to acquire an outfielder with Moises Alou already out for the year.

Mon, July 14
Angel Pagan, CF
Out: 15-day DL
News: Pagan revealed on Sunday that he has a torn labrum in his left shoulder, contrary to earlier reports that it was simply a bruise, the New York Daily News reports.

Mon, July 14
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Out: 15-day DL
News: Tulowitzki (lacerated right palm) will likely require a minor league rehab assignment, according to the Denver Post.

Mon, July 14
Ryan Sweeney, LF
Day-To-Day
News: The A's are hopeful that Sweeney (finger) will be able to return to the lineup on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Mon, July 14
Phil Hughes, SP
Out: 15-day DL
News: Hughes (ribs) threw 25 fastballs during his second bullpen session on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

Mon, July 14
Justin Upton, RF
Day-To-Day
News: Upton (oblique/strained rib cage muscle) is uncertain if he will be able to return when Arizona resumes play on Friday, the East Valley Tribune reports.

Spin: "At this point, we're still working on it," Upton said. "We'll see what four days can do and evaluate then." He did not rule out the disabled list as a possibility, but Upton missed the last five games and will have another few days to rest, so he should be able to avoid the DL.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Players Update Hot Bats and Hot Arms

Fantasy Baseball News
Hot bats hot arms update

Hitters
NL
Matt Holliday - OF, Colorado Rockies
Jul. 5, 11:46 p.m.Matt Holliday went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and a sac fly in the Rockies' 12-6 win over the Marlins on Saturday. Fantasy Source spin: Not quite as much drama tonight, though the Marlins did come back from 8-0 down to score three runs in both the sixth and seventh innings. However, the Rockies merely responded in the bottom of each inning. Holliday could have had his second grand slam in two days if not for a passed ball leading to a run before his three-run homer in the fourth. He's up to 13 bombs for the year.
Damion Easley - 2B, New York Mets
Jul. 5, 11:17 p.m.Damion Easley had three hits and scored twice Saturday in the Mets' 9-4 win over the Phillies. Fantasy Source spin: Easley has hit in seven straight, raising his average from .252 to .287. While he's a candidate to break down himself while playing regularly, it looks like he'll be a nice asset in NL-only leagues while Luis Castillo is sidelined.
Garrett Atkins - 3B, Colorado Rockies
Jul. 5, 12:14 a.m.Garrett Atkins went 5-for-6 with a homer and three RBI in Friday's victory. Fantasy Source spin: Atkins entered with a .470 average and a .788 slugging versus lefties, yet Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez let Taylor Tankersley face him in the sixth inning anyway. A two-run homer followed, and Tankersley was removed for a right-hander immediately afterwards. More than anything else in the wild one, it was that one decision that probably cost the Marlins the game.

Pitchers
Jake Peavy - SP, San Diego Padres
Jul. 5, 11:34 p.m.Jake Peavy shut down the Diamondbacks for seven innings in a victory Saturday night. Fantasy Source spin: Heath Bell and Trevor Hoffman allowed single runs in relief, but San Diego held on to win 4-2. Peavy allowed three hits and struck out six. He has a 2.17 ERA in five starts since coming off the disabled list.Next start: 7/5: @ARI
Dave Bush - SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Jul. 5, 9:50 p.m.Dave Bush pitched eight innings of one-run ball and struck out seven Pirates in another strong outing Saturday. Fantasy Source spin: Bush didn't get a decision, as Paul Maholm matched him pitch for pitch before both were taken out to start the ninth. Bush has allowed exactly one run in three of his last four outings.Next start: 7/5: PIT

AL
Ian Kinsler - 2B, Texas Rangers
Jul. 5, 10:35 p.m.Ian Kinsler delivered his 14th homer and his 28th double Saturday against the Orioles. Fantasy Source spin: Dustin Pedroia over Kinsler as the AL starter at second base is probably the worst choice made by the fans in the All-Star balloting, though on performance alone, Pedroia certainly has more business starting the game than Ken Griffey Jr. does. Kinsler is hitting .328 and is leading the AL in runs scored by a wide margin (currently 16 runs, depending on what Ichiro Suzuki does tonight). Pedroia does have the clear edge on defense, but it doesn't make up for what Kinsler has done at the plate.

Pitchers
Andy Sonnanstine - SP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jul. 5, 10:51 p.m.Andy Sonnanstine improved to 10-3 on the season by shutting out the Royals for seven innings on Saturday. Fantasy Source spin: The Rays have won Sonnanstine's last seven starts, with the right-hander picking up four victories in the process. His ERA stands at 4.31, his low point of the season. J.P. Howell and Grant Balfour finished the shutout.Next start: 7/5: KC
Mike Mussina - SP, New York Yankees
Jul. 5, 7:39 p.m.Mike Mussina picked up his 11th win of the season by holding the Red Sox scoreless through six innings Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Fantasy Source spin: The Sox managed just four hits off Mussina. He struck out five and walked only one batter. Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth held it together and carried a 2-0 lead into the ninth. Mariano Rivera entered the game and picked up his 23rd save of the year, but it wasn't easy or pretty. He allowed a couple of hits and beaned two batters before striking out Coco Crisp, getting Jason Varitek to pop out, and finally striking out Julio Lugo. Mussina was the hero today though. He's now 11-6 with a 3.64 ERA this season and will face the Blue Jays next time out.Next start: 7/5: BOS

SPORTINGNEWS.com

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Headlines, Baseball News And Scores

Fanstasy News
Baseball News And Scores
UPI Sports

MLS: New England 2, Los Angeles 1
CARSON, Calif., July 5 (UPI) -- Adam Cristman scored twice in the first half Friday and New England held on to defeat Los Angeles 2-1 in a battle of Major League Soccer conference leaders.
MLB: San Diego 5, Arizona 1
PHOENIX, July 5 (UPI) -- Cha Seung Baek allowed just two hits over six innings Friday and the San Diego Padres downed struggling Arizona 5-1.
MLB: Colorado 18, Florida 17
DENVER, July 5 (UPI) -- Chris Iannetta finished off the biggest comeback in Rockies' history Friday with a ninth-inning, RBI single that gave Colorado a bizarre 18-17 win over Florida.
MLB: LA Angels 8, Toronto 2
ANAHEIM, Calif., July 5 (UPI) -- Jered Weaver took a shutout into the eighth inning Friday and was backed up by a 13-hit attack Friday, allowing the Los Angeles Angels to down Toronto 8-2.
MLS: Colorado 4, New York 0
COMMERCE CITY, Colo., July 5 (UPI) -- Tom McManus opened the scoring in the 24th minute Friday and Colorado went on to crush New York 4-0 in Major League Soccer action.
MLB: Chi. Cubs 2, St. Louis 1
ST. LOUIS, July 4 (UPI) -- Carlos Zambrano turned in an outstanding effort in his return from the disabled list Friday, helping the Chicago Cubs nip St. Louis 2-1.
MLB: Minnesota 12, Cleveland 3
MINNEAPOLIS, July 4 (UPI) -- Delmon Young put Minnesota in front with a three-run homer in the third Friday and the streaking Twins went on to hammer Cleveland 12-3.
MLB: Atlanta 6, Houston 2
ATLANTA, July 4 (UPI) -- Tim Hudson limited Houston to a run on four hits in seven innings Friday, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-2 victory over the Astros.
MLB: Oakland 7, Chi. White Sox 1
CHICAGO, July 4 (UPI) -- Jack Cust opened the scoring with a two-run homer Friday and the Oakland A's used a 17-hit attack to defeat the Chicago White Sox 7-1.
MLB: Philadelphia 3, N.Y. Mets 2
PHILADELPHIA, July 4 (UPI) -- Shane Victorino singled in Pedro Feliz from second with two out in the ninth inning Friday, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 3-2 win over the New York Mets.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

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.

Monday, June 23, 2008

"They Call Themselves Pros" And what good is spring training anyway?

Tabloid Paige Fantasy Sports

News and Opinion

"They Call Themselves Pros"

And what good is spring training anyway?

June 23, 2008

by Dennis Paige

When we think of Pros' we think of an athlete, like an Olympian that has stayed in shape, and ready for the season to begin, but in baseball it seems to be different. Why is that? Is it the attitude of the players or the teams? My quest is to find out, give you my best opinion and maybe some answers. As spring training started some players showed up over weight and clumsy. While others where just not at all with the program and it looked like they haven't played a game in years. Any amateur knows that you keep your muscles limber and your joints lose so you are less likely to get injured. But while other career athletes stay in shape on their time off the majority of baseball players don't. With the money they are making and all the luxury they have I believe they have lost the hunger needed to motivate themselves for the season ahead and keep themselves fit. And for some others its like a social welfare program, they are hurt so often. This must go back to the roots of baseball when teams where made up from the local bar or fire stations. Many players through baseball history have abused alcohol or tabbaco or drugs which many have died, from their abuses, like Babe Ruth and Mikey Mantle. Have their egos gotten so out of hand that thay say I can play without any sacrifices on my time. Well they think they can but they can't and the DL proves it. With a 171on the injuries list as of this printing and as many more in past weeks this season could be worst season for injuries yet. Now lets look at the last six years and the DL. stats. The total DLs' I will qoute from: The Baseball Injury Report "In the past six seasons the number of players who have landed on the DL, from a low of 337 (2002) to a record of 404 (2007)". If this years DL stats stay at this rate we will see another record year. My conclusion is that the teams don't care for if they did they would implement penalties that would suspend or pay per preformance til they get in shape and play like a pro, they are suppose to be.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Fantasy Sports Baseball Rumors

Fantasy Sports Baseball Rumors
A Tribe Trade?
by John Perrotto

In the minds of some, the Indians are already sellers in the trade market. Reports are rife that the Yankees are going to make a big play to pry left-hander C.C. Sabathia--who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season--away from Cleveland to replace the injured Chien-Ming Wang at the top of their rotation.
However, the Indians aren't ready to write off 2008, at least not yet. That's despite the fact that Cleveland is 33-38 and 6½ games behind the first-place White Sox in the AL Central, and has a slew of key players on the disabled list, including right-handers Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook, designated hitter Travis Hafner, catcher Victor Martinez, and second baseman Josh Barfield, who was injured two days after being called up from Triple-A Buffalo to replace the struggling Asdrubal Cabrera.

Monday, June 16, 2008

This Weeks Two-Start Pitchers

Two-start Pitchers

AL:
Nick Blackburn, Paul Byrd, Bartolo Colon*, Kyle Davies, Justin Duchscherer, Scott Kazmir, Dustin McGowan, Garrett Olson, Vicente Padilla, Andy Pettitte, Kenny Rogers*, Carlos Silva, Javier Vazquez, Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver.

NL:
Brandon Backe, Chad Billingsley, Johnny Cueto, Ryan Dempster, Cole Hamels, Tim Hudson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jair Jurrjens, John Lannan, Tim Lincecum, Braden Looper, Adam Miller, Manny Parra, Mike Pelfrey, Greg Reynolds, Ian Snell, Brandon Webb, Randy Wolf.

* = Two-start status in question

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Player Updates

CBSSports.com Fantasy Baseball

Crawford begins serving suspension The Rays played without LF Carl Crawford Friday against Florida as Crawford began serving a four-game suspension forhis role in last week's bench-clearing brawl in Boston. Crawford's chronic sore knee is the reason the 27-year-old is having arguably the worst season of his career. If you haven't sold Crawford already it is probably already to late to get decent value for him. You are now better off holding on and crossing your fingers he can feel healthy again and produce at this career levels here on out. We should have known something was up when Crawford said he felt like the oldest 27-year-old in baseball.

Morneau plates three more RBI Twins 1B Justin Morneau had a RBI groundout and two-run triple during Friday's game against the Brewers. He finished 1-for-5 with his third triple. Morneau has three multi-hit games in five outings and is 9-for-21 (.429) with six RBI inthat span. Morneau remains homerless in June and hasn't gone deep sinceMay 30. It's not much of a concern right now since he continues to hover around .300 and drive in runs. Continue to start Morneau in all Fantasy formats. The power swing will come around.

Sherrill saves another for Birds Baltimore didn't look like it would defeat the Pirates in interleague play Friday, but they regrouped and got it done.And for George Sherrill, Baltimore's closer, that meant another save opportunity. Sherrill delivered, throwing a perfect ninth for his 22nd save on the season. It's starting to look like Sherrill could remain a dominant Fantasy closer throughout the season as the Orioles continueto pick up victories. Baltimore's hitting is still brutal sowhen they win, it is usually close. The possibility that the O's tank is always there, so if you can get good value for Sherrill, take it. Otherwise, continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Today's Games With links To Stats

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Get'Em Sit'Em

By Matthew Lutovsky

A little, red "DL" next to a player's name -- is there a worse sight for a fantasy baseball owner to see?

Yes, it's that time of year when those red markings start to really wreak havoc in fantasy leagues. Someone gets hurt, and their owner rushes to the wire to find a replacement. Lather, rinse, repeat.
In some cases, you have several players injured, so you wind up eating a roster spot while you wait for your players to heal. Often, in those situations, you're forced to make a decision -- cut an injured player you don't really want to let go of, or take the hit to your team.
When you see another manager in a situation like this, you should be ready to pounce if he drops one of his injured regulars, especially if you're in a league with no waivers. Every couple days, check each team's roster and see how many players are on the DL. If it's more than the allotted amount of DL spots, expect some activity.
But you don't always need another manager to drop an injured player in order to find these bargains. As strange as it sounds, some players on the waiver wire actually become more valuable when they go on the DL. Basically, this is because you can add them to your team without using a roster spot or giving anyone else up. Then, once the injured player is healthy, you can evaluate him for a few days to see if he can help you. After all, by the time he's healthy, you might need a replacement for an injured player of your own. At the very least, you've kept him off someone else's team in the event he does play well after recovery.
Now, if you're in a deep mixed league, this might be hard to accomplish. Most worthwhile players will already be on someone's roster. But if you're in a shallow mixed league, these players are usually there for the taking.
A couple of examples: In my shallow mixed league, Josh Willingham was not on anyone's team despite a hot start. Then, in late April, as soon as he went on the DL, someone picked him up. Of course, Willingham still is out with what looks to be a serious back injury, but it was interesting to see how that worked.
Another example comes from that same league, where one manager had six players go on the DL in the span of two weeks. (We allow two DL spots.) Because of this, he had to drop Gary Sheffield and Ryan Zimmerman. Neither has been tearing it up this year, but if I had an open DL spot, I would've grabbed either. These guys have been great in the past, and it wouldn't have cost me a thing.
Yet another example comes from that same league, where I considered picking up Scott Baker as soon as he was placed on the DL in early May. Ultimately, I didn't, thinking I had enough depth and plenty of time to add Baker later. Of course, another owner wound up grabbing him. And now, Fausto Carmona is on my DL and Clay Buchholz is in the minors. I could use some pitching help now, and Baker, who threw five solid innings in his first post-DL start on Thursday, could have helped me.
Like I said before, it's important to be aware of who's hurt, what team they're on/if they're available and when they're coming back. When you do a spot check of other team's rosters to scout their injured players, make sure you take notice of any player whose return is imminent. I've written about this before, but it bears repeating. If you're in a waiver-less league, you should try to anticipate when decent players will be released. So, if you're in a league where someone has, say, Ryan Doumit (who's due back any day), you know they'll have to drop someone when he's activated. Try to identify which player is mostly likely to be dropped and pay extra attention to the add/drop board if it's a player you could use. Call it the "vulture system."
The bottom line is those little red DL letters won't cease torturing you, so you have to do everything you can to turn things around and actually use DL'd players to your advantage. Always use up your allotted number of DL spots -- it does no good to have them empty. And always be scouring for any recently injured player -- owned or otherwise -- who could help you down the road. It's a no-risk proposition and you never know what kind of dividends it could pay in the future.
Now, a few quick wire tips:
Twins' 2B Alexi Casilla has been a popular pickup this week with 559 adds in the past seven days. Nonetheless, he's still owned in only 33 percent of SN leagues. Anyone looking for a boost in steals, runs and average should grab him, but don't expect him to continue his RBI pace. That has been inflated by a couple of uncharacteristic three-run homers. His average is also due to take a dip, but his speed can make up for that.
Jorge Campillo also has been a popular pickup this week (822 adds), but his star faded a bit with a tough outing against Florida on Tuesday. I like the way Campillo has been pitching lately, but something about a 29-year-old reliever with only eight career appearances before '08 doesn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence. Plus, he has had blister problems and the Braves seem content getting only five good innings out of him.
If Jason Giambi still is available in your league, think about picking him up. He's battling a sore foot, but he's a quick fix for power and RBIs and can help in average and runs. His pinch-hit homer on Thursday was a good sign that he'll be healthy enough to return to the Yankees' starting lineup soon.
You seem to have a love/hate relationship with Aaron Laffey this week (270 adds, 415 drops), but don't let his horrible start last Monday against Texas get you too down. Remember, this is the same guy who gave up zero earned runs in three straight starts last month. While it's reasonable to expect the league to catch up with him a little as the season wears on, he seems like a good bet for success in the near future.
Despite a slow week, Pedro Feliz has been coming on lately for the Phillies. He has 14 runs, four homers and 18 RBIs over the past 30 days. That's nice production from a corner infielder, especially when you factor in the .286 batting average. Maybe he finally has learned how to take advantage of his new, hitter-friendly home. Five of his eight homers and 19 of his 30 RBIs have come at Citizens Bank Park.

Associate editor Matt Lutovsky