Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up

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

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

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Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

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

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

Monday, August 04, 2008

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

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

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

Fantasy Baseball News
Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

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

Thursday, August 07, 2008

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

Friday, August 08, 2008

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

Saturday, August 09, 2008

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

Sunday, August 10, 2008

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

Monday, August 11, 2008

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

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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

Thursday, August 14, 2008

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

Friday, August 15, 2008

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

Saturday, August 16, 2008

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

Sunday, August 17, 2008

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

TWO-START PITCHERS

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

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

* = Two-start status is in question.

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Mark Teixeira Traded Los Angeles Angels

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

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

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

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

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

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



Continued Teixeira:

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

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

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

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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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Nady and Marte To Ware Yankees Stripes

Fantasy Baseball Breaking News

Pirates Trade Nady and Marte to Yankees

For a pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and three prospects that might be Phil Coke, outfielder Jose Tabata and right-hander George Kontos.


Coke pitched one inning for Double-A Trenton on Friday before being pulled.

The Pirates have not officially made an announcement and said they will do so after medical evaluations are completed.

Nady started Friday's game and was removed after one inning. Television cameras caught Marte hugging his teammates in the dugout in the second inning, apparently shortly after learning the news.

Read more...

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.

Read more...

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.

Read more...

Baseball News

Baseball News
Submitted by
Tabloid Paige

Rotoworld.com

Brian Fuentes, R - COL
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Phillies enter the running for Fuentes
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Joey Devine, R - OAK
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Devine will resume throwing soon
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Jeff Kent, 2B - LA
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Torre: Kent still battling back pain
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Dontrelle Willis, S - DET
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Willis working on new delivery sans high kick
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Raul Ibanez, OF - SEA
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
D-Backs eyeing Mariners' outfielder Ibanez
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Justin Miller, R - FLA
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Miller throws successful bullpen session
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Leo Nunez, R - KC
Yesterday, July 13, 2008, 11:07:26 AM
Nunez will rejoin bullpen after break
Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Read more...

Fantasy News And Updates

Fantasy News And Updates



Rotoworld.com News for MLB

Noah Lowry, S - SF
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Giants to decide whether to shut down Lowry Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Dave Roberts, OF - SF
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Roberts' rehab stint could end quickly Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Jorge De La Rosa, S - COL
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
De La Rosa likely out of Rockies rotation Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Fausto Carmona, S - CLE
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Carmona could begin rehab assignment soon Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Homer Bailey, S - CIN
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Bailey to start for Reds on Sunday Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Tony Clark, DH - SD
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Report: D-Backs interested in Tony Clark Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Kosuke Fukudome, OF - CHC
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Fukudome returns to Cubs lineup Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Hanley Ramirez, SS - FLA
Today, July 11, 2008, 2 hours ago
Ramirez tallies five hits, game-winner in LA Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Vernon Wells, OF - TOR
Wells leaves game with leg cramps Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.



LATEST FANTASY BASEBALL HEADLINES

Report: Wells out 4-6 weeks with leg injury

McGowan won't need surgery on rotator cuff

Harang headed to DL, Bailey will replace him

Bush strikes out thirteen to beat the Rockies

GM: Moises Alou has torn hamstring

Mariners release Richie Sexson

Mariners place LHP Bedard on disabled list

Read more...

Fantasy Baseball News And Updates 7/9

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

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

McLouth hits another homer Tuesday Updated Jul 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Player News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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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

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Fantasy News Updates

Fantasy Baseball News
Sports Grumblings Update - July 2, 2008‏

Gabbard, Kason - SP - Tex 2008-07-01 13:48:19Kason Gabbard received a cortisone shot in his inflamed left elbow, after an MRI showed no structural damage. He will continu... Click for more

Baldelli, Rocco - OF/DH - TB 2008-07-01 13:46:15Rocco Baldelli has "a little bit of a sore groin" and has shut down his Class A rehab assignment. This is a new injury issue... Click for more

Snyder, Chris - C - Ari 2008-07-01 13:45:47Chris Snyder left Monday's game against Milwaukee in the fourth inning after being hit in the groin with a foul tip in the b... Click for more

Cabrera, Miguel - 1B - Det2008-07-01 13:44:37Miguel Cabrera was forced to leave Monday's game against the Twins with a tight left hip flexor. He's listed as day-to-day. (... Click for more

Hernandez, Felix - SP - Sea 2008-07-01 13:42:04The Mariners placed Felix Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list late Monday night. He requires extended treatment for his sp... Click for more

Percival, Troy - P - TB 2008-07-01 13:39:48Troy Percival limped off the mound in the ninth inning after he reinjured his sore hamstring backing up the plate on a sacrif... Click for more

Byrnes, Eric - LF - Ari 2008-07-01 13:37:24Eric Byrnes pulled up lame as he tried to steal third in the second inning of Arizona's 6-3 victory over Milwaukee, and is he... Click for more

Matsui, Hideki - LF/DH - NYA 2008-07-01 13:33:55Hideki Matsui is going to be ready to take batting practice soon. After doctors examined him, it was determined that he is n... Click for more

Cordero, Chad - P - Wsh 2008-07-01 13:32:11Nationals closer Chad Cordero will have surgery on the torn labrum in his shoulder and is out for the season. Jon Rauch has b... Click for more

Johnson, Reed - OF - ChN 2008-07-01 13:30:21Reed Johnson will be activated off the DL by the Cubs on Thursday. He's been out with a bad back for the last two weeks. (MLB... Click for more

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Fastasy News Sunday Edition

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy News
Sunday Edition

Rotoworld.com News for MLB

Carlos Delgado, 1B - NYM
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Delgado homers as Mets top Yankees Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

A.J. Burnett, S - TOR
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Jays' Burnett Ks 11 in shutout of Braves Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Jo-Jo Reyes, S - ATL
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Braves' Reyes goes seven strong in loss Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Alex Rios, OF - TOR
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Rios doubles twice and drives in winning run Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Chone Figgins, 3B - ANA
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Figgins rejoins starting lineup Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

David DeJesus, OF - KC
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
DeJesus leaves game with injury Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Michael Cuddyer, OF - MIN
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Twins' Cuddyer likely to go on disabled list Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Ty Taubenheim, S - PIT
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Pirates demote RHP Taubenheim Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Romulo Sanchez, R - PIT
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Pirates recall RHP Sanchez Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Oliver Perez, S - NYM
Today, June 29, 2008, 3 hours ago
Mets' Perez yields one run to beat Yankees Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

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The DL Bug Still Biting, Fantasy baseball News

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News


LATEST FANTASY BASEBALL HEADLINES

Rangers' Hamilton suffers bruised hand

Rays' Garza throws one-hitter, fans 10

Pirates place Snell on DL with elbow strain

Cards activate Pujols off the disabled list

Report: Rangers to call up prospect Davis

Braves prospect Hanson throws no-hitter

Stults pitches shutout to defeat White Sox

Garza's Gem
06/27/2008
BY Nick Nelson

There's never really been any question about the quality of Matt Garza's stuff. The only concerns have surrounded his ability to trust in and command that stuff. He was able to do both yesterday as he pitched the first complete game of his career, a one-hitter against the Marlins.

Garza took a no-hitter into the seventh before Hanley Ramirez hit a leadoff home run to simultaneously break up the bids for a no-no and a shutout. Garza recovered to set down the last nine Marlins in order, and ended up facing just one batter over the minimum in the complete-game gem.

The 24-year-old right-hander struck out 10 in the game, mixing in some nasty breaking balls with a dominating fastball that consistently registered between 93-96 mph. His lone "mistake" in the game, the pitch Ramirez took deep, was a sharp slider that was nearly in the dirt. It's this type of brilliance that made Garza one of baseball's top prospects as he rocketed through the minors back in 2006, and that prompted the Rays to trade for him during the offseason.

Garza caused some panic early in the season when he went on the disabled list due to a nerve problem in his elbow which had reportedly bothered him last year in Minnesota, but he's been very good since returning from the DL, going 6-4 with a 3.21 ERA while allowing only 60 hits over 75 2/3 innings. He'll probably continue have some ups and downs this season, but Garza continues to flash the type of excellent potential that makes him one of the game's more intriguing young hurlers.

A few other league notes to send you into the weekend.

Josh Hamilton is getting bit hard by the injury bug. A couple days ago he had to exit a game against the Astros early due to knee inflammation, and in his return to the lineup on Thursday night he was again forced out early, this time after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

After amazingly driving in 68 runs in his first 60 games, Hamilton has picked up just eight RBI in his last 16 games and it won't help that he's now battling multiple ailments. He should remain productive at the plate, but don't be surprised to see the RBI output continue to tail off.

Edinson Volquez owners can take the right-hander's poor outing on Thursday night -- 4 1/3 innings, six hits, seven runs (five earned), three walks, zero strikeouts -- as an opportunity to sulk, or as an opportunity to sit back and marvel at just how amazing Volquez has been all season up to this point. In 15 starts prior to the loss against the Blue Jays, Volquez had never failed to complete five innings, had never failed to strike out at least one batter, had never allowed more than three runs, had only once allowed more than a hit per inning, and had given up only three home runs over 95 innings. Volquez has turned a corner and has been an absolute godsend for the Reds this season.

Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list and started at designated hitter for the Cardinals on Thursday. He picked up right where he left off by going 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. He isn't getting the type of MVP hype that he usually does because Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman have been so spectacular, but Pujols sports an amazing .484 on-base percentage and is having one of his best seasons.

Sidney Ponson will make his first start as a Yankee today when he faces the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader. Ponson experienced some surprising success with the Rangers this year, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts. Unfortunately, his off-the-field problems were so grave that even the pitching-starved Rangers couldn't put up with him. The Yankees are desperate enough to give him a chance, but it's tough to imagine that the finicky ownership in the Bronx will put up with too much of that type of behavior, particularly if his performance declines from where it was earlier in the season (which is likely).

AL Quick Hits:
Rich Harden notched 11 strikeouts over eight scoreless inning on Thursday afternoon . Erik Bedard's status for Sunday is still up in the air, and much will depend on how his bullpen session today goes . Jesse Litsch tossed eight innings of one-run ball on Thursday night, improving to 8-4 . Francisco Liriano had a second consecutive poor outing for Class-AAA Rochester on Wednesday night, surrendering five earned runs while striking out only three over 5 1/3 innings . Cliff Lee fanned a career-high 11 batters while picking up his 11th win in a brilliant effort against the Giants on Thursday . Hank Blalock is thought to be about two weeks from returning to the Rangers lineup.

NL Quick Hits:
Ian Snell was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 24 with an elbow strain . Mark Hendrickson surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings on Thursday afternoon and suffered his fourth straight loss . Clayton Kershaw lasted only four innings against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon, allowing just two runs but struggling with his control . One day after announcing that Shawn Chacon was suspended indefinitely after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade, the Astros released the embattled right-hander on Thursday . Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) hopes to return in time to participate in the All l-Star Game . Carlos Zambrano threw off flat ground on Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen session on Sunday as he works back from a shoulder injury . The Nationals have placed Shawn Hill on the disabled list and it's not clear how long he'll be out.

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Broken Bat Sends Ump To Hospital

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News And Updates

AP Wire

Kansas City, Mo.,

plate umpire Brian O'Nora was hit in the head by a shattered piece of Miguel Olivo's broken maple bat, sending blood streaming down his face and forcing him out of a game between the Royals and Colorado Rockies.
The Royals later announced that O'Nora had a small cut on his forehead and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for further evaluation.
The frightening scene came only hours after a player-management safety committee discussed the potential danger of maple bats at its first meeting. Following the session, baseball said it will start testing bats, but the sport made no decision on the contentious issue of banning maple models.
Some say maple bats splinter with greater force than those made of ash, and commissioner Bud Selig said last month that shattering maple bats are "a source of concern for me."
"They are very, very dangerous. I'm surprised that this is the first incident we've seen," Royals manager Trey Hillman said, referring to O'Nora's injury. "It could have been worse, a lot worse. It looked a lot worse than it was. There was a lot of blood. My understanding is that he is OK."

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Fantasy Baseball News Hit The Wires

Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News

LATEST FANTASY BASEBALL HEADLINES

Rangers' Hamilton day-to-day with sore knee

Astros place INF Matsui back on DL

Nick Johnson out for the season

King Felix expects to make next start

Sheets' one-run complete game beats Braves

Nationals' Johnson to undergo wrist surgery

Pirates' Snell to have MRI on elbow

Run Carlos, Run
06/25/2008
BY Aaron Gleeman

Manager Jerry Manuel continued to make headlines Monday, suggesting that Carlos Beltran's historically excellent success rate on stolen bases has kept him from running more often. Beltran is 11-for-12 swiping bases this season and 261-for-296 during his career, which is good for an 88 percent success rate that ranks first in the history of baseball among players who've attempted at least 200 steals."I would hope Carlos runs into a couple of outs, just to get that percentage thing out of his mind," Manuel said. "That's going to be addressed, because that's an important part to what we're going to try to do here going forward." Whether or not Beltran upping his steal attempts will actually have a positive impact on the Mets is debatable, but there's no question that Manuel's prodding has the potential to give his fantasy value a huge boost. Since signing with the Mets in 2006, Beltran is 69-for-81 (85.1 percent) while averaging one steal attempt per 6.3 games. Prior to arriving in New York he went 192-for-215 (89.3) while averaging one steal attempt per 4.1 games. In other words, over the past four years he's run less often and been slightly less effective when he does go for a steal. Age and injuries have a lot to do with that, but Beltran clearly still has the ability to steal more if he's willing to see his success rate dip. While Manuel ponders whether convincing Beltran to take more chances on the bases will require "going gangster" or not, here are some other notes from around baseball .

One of the topics yesterday in this space was Ben Sheets staying healthy and potentially tying his career-high in wins by the All-Star break. Interestingly, shortly after moving to 9-1 with a 2.59 ERA by throwing his league-leading third complete game Monday, the impending free agent announced plans to test the market following the season regardless of whether the Brewers come to him about a new contract. "That's the direction I'm headed now," Sheets said. Sheets' lengthy injury history and corresponding lack of jaw-dropping win totals will no doubt hurt his earning potential, but he doesn't turn 30 years old until next month and has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past five seasons. Since the beginning of last year he's 21-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 39 starts, posting a fantastic 190-to-58 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 246 innings. C.C. Sabathia has gotten all the headlines thus far, but he's not the only stud pitcher hitting the market soon.
Few pitchers can boast a more impressive minor-league track record than Kevin Slowey, who posted an amazing 1.94 ERA and even more ridiculous 361-to-52 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 366.2 innings prior to being called up to Minnesota last season. Throughout his dominance in the minors Slowey had plenty of skeptics, because many people felt that his high-80s fastball and supposed lack of a "out pitch" wouldn't translate particularly well against big-league hitters. Slowey has turned in some rough outings that tend to include multiple homers allowed, but for the most part he's shown that pinpoint control and uncommon intelligence on the mound can go an awfully long way. He tossed a gem Tuesday, shutting out the Padres for six innings while racking up a season-high seven strikeouts, and is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 16-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in three starts since being knocked around for eight runs by the White Sox on June 8.If you remove that one ugly game from Slowey's record he has a 2.97 ERA and 42-to-8 strikeout -to-walk ratio in 10 starts this year. Even with the clunker against Chicago included, he's 8-7 with a 4.35 ERA, 93-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.26 WHIP over 130 career innings. Serving up 26 homers during that time is behind the mediocre ERA and he doesn't project as a future ace, but his performance has been impressive for someone who turned 24 years old last month.

AL Updates:
Zack Greinke racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts Tuesday as the Royals won for the ninth time in 10 games . After examining Shaun Marcum's injured elbow Monday, Dr. James Andrews determined that he won't require surgery . Gary Sheffield homered in his return from the disabled list Tuesday, which is encouraging after he hit just three homers through 163 plate appearances prior to the injury . R.A. Dickey went 0-3 with a hideous 14.11 ERA through his first three starts, but the knuckleballer shut out the Mets for seven innings Tuesday . George Sherrill loaded the bases with no outs Tuesday, but managed to wriggle out of trouble to close out a two-run lead for his 26th save in 29 chances . Alex Rios collected four hits Tuesday, including his first homer since May 1 . Josh Hamilton exited Tuesday's game with knee inflammation, but is considered day-to-day . Andy Marte star ted Tuesday for the first time in 17 days, striking out twice before being lifted for a pinch-hitter . With his wife set to give birth Jason Bartlett will be away from the team Wednesday and Thursday, so Ben Zobrist will be starting fresh off the DL.

NL Updates:
Thanks to Reed Johnson heading to the disabled list Tuesday with back spasms, Eric Patterson could emerge with short-term value in NL-only leagues . Nick Johnson will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair a torn wrist ligament, leaving Dmitri Young with little competition for playing time . After taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning last week, Dave Bush tossed seven innings of one-run ball Tuesday and has sliced his ERA from 6.56 to 4.94 over the past six starts . Bronson Arroyo turned in a disastrous start Tuesday as the Blue Jays pummeled him for 10 runs, knocking him out of the game in the second inning after 12 of 15 batters reached base . An anal fissure sidelined Kaz Matsui earlier this season, but Tuesday's trip to the DL was due to a strained hamstring . Sean! Marshall totaled seven strikeouts Tuesday while subbing for Carlos Zambrano, but took the loss by allowing four runs in 4.2 innings . Adam Kennedy started at first base against a left-hander Tuesday despite never playing the position previously and hitting .250/.307/.333 against southpaws for his career.

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