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| Millwood picks up CG loss | Saturday 4/5, 10:58 PM CT |
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| Kevin Millwood picked up a complete game loss on Saturday night as he held the Angels to just two runs on the night. Millwood scattered 12 hits on the evening but thanks to just one walk he was able to limit the damage. This is about as good a performance as we are likely to see from Millwood this season though the hope is his new training regime rekindles memories of his performance while wearing a Braves uniform. |
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| Murphy continues hot hitting | Saturday 4/5, 10:56 PM CT |
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| David Murphy continued his impressive start to the season on Saturday night as he hit his first home run of the year for the Rangers. The kid is hitting .412 in five games this season and his bat keeps giving the club a reason to have him in the lineup. Right now he should be owned in all AL Only leagues, though rostering him a mixed league format seems a bit premature. |
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| Kendrick hits, runs | Saturday 4/5, 10:53 PM CT |
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| Howie Kendrick had two hits, an RBI and he stole a base for the Angels on Saturday night. Kendrick is now 10-for-23 (.435) on the year. He has only one K on the season but he also has only one walk, so unless he learns to have a bit more patience he will likely be hard pressed to match last years .322 mark. |
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| Weaver dominates Rangers | Saturday 4/5, 10:50 PM CT |
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| Jered Weaver hurled seven shutout innings on Saturday night to lead the Angels to a 2-1 victory over the Rangers. Weaver allowed only three base runners on the night, all on hits, while striking out six batters. With John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar on the sidelines Weaver has really stepped up his game and is pitching very well right now with an 11 to 2 K/BB mark. |
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| Holliday finally hits | Saturday 4/5, 10:30 PM CT |
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| Matt Holliday had two hits on Saturday night to lift his average to .167 on the year in 18 AB. It's still way too early to panic, but this was the fifth straight game for Holliday this year without an RBI, something that never happened even once last year in his MVP runner-up season. |
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| Francis ripped in loss | Saturday 4/5, 10:28 PM CT |
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| Jeff Francis had his second straight shaky outing, though the first was wiped out by rain, as he allowed 13 baserunners and five runs over 6.1 innings to pick up the loss. Francis allowed three long balls on the night to ruin his chance of winning, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't still be counted on as a potentially big winner this season in Colorado. |
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| Webb improves to 2-0 | Saturday 4/5, 10:26 PM CT |
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| Brandon Webb scattered five hits over seven innings to pick up his second victory of the season. Webb allowed only one walk and two runs (one earned) on the night) and now has allowed 13 baserunners over 13 innings. Do you really need us to tell you he is a top-10 hurler? Didn't think so. |
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| Young drives two over the fence | Saturday 4/5, 10:24 PM CT |
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| Chris Young socked two home runs on Saturday night to help lead the D'backs to a 7-2 victory over the Rockies. Young has three home runs and two SB in five games this season though he is also hitting only .263 with nine K in five games. The home runs and steals are fantastic and figure to be there all year, though if he keeps striking out at this rate he will be lucky to hit even .250. |
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| Maholm strikes out nine in loss | Saturday 4/5, 10:03 PM CT |
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| Paul Maholm lasted only five innings on Saturday night as he allowed five hits, including two homers, on his way to giving up five runs. Maholm had nine strikeouts on the night, a career-high, but he gave up a grand slam to Mike Jacobs to ruin his effort. Maholm was only 10-15 last season for the Pirates with an averge of 5.32 K/9 so tonight's strikeout total was a big surprise. |
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| Pirates have found their CF | Saturday 4/5, 9:58 PM CT |
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| Nate McLouth had two hits and stole his second base of the season on Saturday night. McLouth is settling in nicely to the leadoff role for the Pirates with two steals and a .391 batting average through five games. Though he was drafted late in almost all leagues, McLouth would appear to be a legitimate 20/20 threat this year if he can stay in the lineup. |
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| Hendrickson defeats Pirates | Saturday 4/5, 9:53 PM CT |
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| Mark Hendrickson evened his record at 1-1 by limiting the Pirates to just one earned runs over 5.1 innings. Hendrickson is a below .500 pitcher in his career (44-56) and with a 5.05 ERA and 1.35 WHIP he is nothing more than an average major league hurler. You might consider using him in NL Only leagues but even then it might be a bumpy ride. |
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| Jacobs hits slam | Saturday 4/5, 9:48 PM CT |
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| Mike Jacobs hit the first grand slam of his career on Saturday night to lead the Marlins to a 7-3 victory over the Pirates. The home run was his only hit of the night, and he is hitting just .250 in 20 AB, but Jacobs hopes to transition into a 25 HR hitting first baseman that the team believes he can be. Be patient with Jacobs, though it would be wise to realize that no matter how much he improves the average will likely be at best, well average. |
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| Mariners SS on fire | Saturday 4/5, 9:44 PM CT |
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| Yuniesky Betancourt picked up two more hits on Saturday to up his average to .444 in 18 AB for the Mariners. Betancourt continues to swing away from the ninth spot in the order. After two nearly identical seasons at the plate, the hope is that Bentacourt will show some plate discipline and hopefully turn into a .300 hitter. Time will tell. |
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| Ibanez starts on down note | Saturday 4/5, 9:42 PM CT |
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| Raul Ibanez went 0-for-3 on Saturday and now sits at .167 with only one RBI in five games. Ibanez continues to be one of the most overlooked bats in the outfield as he has hit .290 with 228 RBI the past two seasons for the Mariners, so look for him to snap out of this mini funk soon. |
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| Sherrill picks up third save | Saturday 4/5, 9:39 PM CT |
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| Who said this closing thing was difficult? George Sherrill now has three saves in three appearances for the Orioles after Saturday night. Sherrill figures to be locked into the role in Baltimore, and if he keeps pitching the way he has early in the year there will be a whole lot of happy fantasy owners out there that grabbed Sherrill late. |
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| Loewen unimpressive | Saturday 4/5, 9:37 PM CT |
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| Adam Loewen was pulled after throwing only 4.2 innings thanks to allowing seven base runners, four runs and two home runs on the night. Loewen's performance tonight wasn't much different than what Loewen showed most of spring, and no matter how much talent he has, it will be difficult to keep running him out there every fifth day if he can't find the strike zone. Heck, the Orioles already have a starter who cant throw strikes and his name is Daniel Cabrera. |
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| Roberts steals two bases | Saturday 4/5, 9:30 PM CT |
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| Brian Roberts had only one hit on Saturday night but he was still able to steal two bases on the night despite being caught once. Whether or not Roberts stays in Baltimore he still figures to be a top-5 hitter from the second base position, especially if he keeps on running like this. |
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| Scott has three bingos | Saturday 4/5, 9:27 PM CT |
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| Luke Scott went 3-for-3 with two RBI on Saturday night in the Orioles 6-4 victory over the Mariners. Scott, who hit in the sixth hole, would appear to be in a great position to drive in some runs with the Orioles, that is if Kevin Millar and Aubrey Huff continue to find their way on base ahead of him. |
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| Bocock swipes two bases | Saturday 4/5, 7:26 PM CT |
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| Brian Bocock went 1-for-2 with a walk on Saturday for the Giants out of the shortstop position. Of note is the fact that he also stole two bases in the outing. With Omar Vizquel's comeback from knee surgery taking a bit longer than hoped, it appears the Bocock will continue to maintain his meager NL Only value for about another week or so. |
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| Durham back in lineup | Saturday 4/5, 7:23 PM CT |
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| Ray Durham returned to the lineup on Saturday and had two hits and two RBI thanks in part to his first home run of the season. The Giants would like to move Durham in a trade to free up salary and space in the lineup for a youngster, but until he proves that he can stay healthy and hit better than the .218 mark he posted last year, he figures to remain a Giant. |
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| Braun hits first dinger | Saturday 4/5, 7:21 PM CT |
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| Ryan Braun hit his first home run of the season the day after going 0-for-5 for the Brewers. Braun hammered a high fastball into the seats off of Kevin Correia and also collected a single on the day as he upped his batting average to .261. Braun continues to have the look of a man gunning for the number two spot amongst NL third baseman behind David Wright. |
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| Parra dominates Giants for five innings | Saturday 4/5, 7:18 PM CT |
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| Manny Parra was brilliant for five innings on Saturday as he held the Giants without a hit before he eventually allowed three hits and two runs in 5.1 innings. In picking up his first major league victory, Parra stuck out seven batters, and even if the Giants batting order resembles a Triple-A lineup, you still have to be impressed by the way the youngster dominated on this day. |
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| Gagne earns first save | Saturday 4/5, 7:15 PM CT |
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| Eric Gagne rebounded from a terrible first outing against the Astros to pick up his first save in a Brewers uniform on Saturday. Gagne picked up a strikeout while keeping the Giants off base in an inning of work. Gagne looked like a totally different pitcher today as he threw strikes and was throwing hard. Perhaps the predictions of a David Riske to closer transformation was premature, especially after Riske allowed four baserunners in 1.2 innings on Saturday. |
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| Barton has three hits | Saturday 4/5, 7:06 PM CT |
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| Daric Barton had his first three hit game of the young season on Saturday as he went 3-for-5 with a run scored. Barton appears to be a safe average play this season, and with his ability to work the count he should remain in the lineup even while struggling. However, if you have him on your roster you had better look for your power elsewhere as he has yet to develop a power bat. |
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| Ellis breaks slump | Saturday 4/5, 7:03 PM CT |
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| Mark Ellis was the A's hitting star on Saturday as he scored a run and had three RBI in addition to two hits against the Indians. Ellis had started the year mired in a 1-for-17 slump, so this was a welcome bust out for the second baseman. Ellis hit 19 HR with 76 RBI last season, and while he may not be able to match those numbers this season he should still be a solid middle infield option in mixed leagues. |
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| Bucks sits with hitless streak | Saturday 4/5, 7:01 PM CT |
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| Travis Buck was on the bench on Saturday as the A's faced C.C. Sabathia as Buck is currently 0-for-18 with nine strikeouts. Buck is being counted on to provide a solid bat from the top of the A's lineup this season, and given the A"s dearth of top level talent, there would appear to be plenty of playing time coming his way to prove his worth at the major league level. |
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| Sabathia struggles, again | Saturday 4/5, 6:58 PM CT |
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| C.C. Sabathia fell to 0-1 on Saturday after allowing four runs on six hits and four walks to the A's in 5.1 innings. Sabathia has failed to pitch six innings in either of his two starts and his ERA sits at an uncomfortable 7.59 as of this writing. Sabathia is too good a pitcher not to bounce back, but perhaps all those innings last year will effect his performance slightly this season, and not in a positive way. |
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| Eveland wins first start | Saturday 4/5, 6:56 PM CT |
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| Dana Eveland looked fantastic in his first start for Oakland as he helped to defeat the Indians 6-1 on Saturday. Eveland lasted seven innings and allowed only one run while striking out seven. Eveland certainly appears locked in to the starting rotation for the A's, especially considering the recent injury to Justin Duchscherer, and he appears well on his way to being a useful AL Only starter this season. |
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| Beltran equals doubles | Saturday 4/5, 6:45 PM CT |
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| Carlos Beltran continued his torrid start with two more hits on Saturday including his sixth double of the season. Beltran is without an RBI through four games, but he has six doubles amongst his seven hits on the year. |
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| Maine can't find the strikezone | Saturday 4/5, 6:43 PM CT |
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| John Maine was all over the place on Saturday as he needed 96 pitches to pick up just 12 outs. In those four innings, Maine allowed eight hits, three walks and four earned runs, though he did pick up five strikeouts, while picking up the loss. This was certainly not the type of outing Maine or his owners were looking for, and after a 5.53 ERA and 1.45 WHIP last season over his final 81.1 innings, is it time to panic a bit with Maine? |
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| Hudson pitches six strong innings | Saturday 4/5, 6:39 PM CT |
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| Tim Hudson pitched six solid innings on Saturday allowing six hits, no walks and three earned runs to pick up his first victory of the year. Hudson channeled his inner Hudson last year on his way to 16 victories and a 3.33 ERA, and after two starts this season he is right in line with that level of performance. |
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| Braves RF has three RBI | Saturday 4/5, 6:36 PM CT |
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| Jeff Francoeur went 3-for-5 with three RBI on Saturday to up his season average to .348 over 23 AB. Franceour saw his HR total dwindle to 19 from 29 last season, but his average went up .033 points while his OPS improved by .040. If he can cut down on his strikeouts while continuing to work the strike zone, Francoeur should have little problem producing his third straight 100-RBI season. |
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| Johnson has pinch-hit salami | Saturday 4/5, 6:33 PM CT |
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| Kelly Johnson was unable to start on Saturday because of his injured knee, but he entered the game as a pinch hitter and promptly broke open a close game with a pinch-hit grand slam against Jorge Sosa of the Mets. Who needs to start to be effective? Johnson hopes to be back in the starting lineup on Sunday and it appears that his stick is certainly ready. |
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| Pierre starts over Kemp | Saturday 4/5, 6:27 PM CT |
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| Juan Pierre started in left field and batted seventh as the Dodgers had Matt Kemp on the bench because of his struggles, this according to MLB.com. "Kemp's struggling," manager Joe Torre said. "The game speeds up and he's just impatient. He's an intelligent kid...He'll play most of the time. I didn't think Jake Peavy was a good matchup for him." Kemp, who is only 2-for-15 on the year, still managed to receive praise from his manager even while being benched. Given that Pierre went 0-for-3 with a strikeout against Peavy, he certainly didn't do anything to force the Dodgers hand. |
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| Dye hot at plate | Saturday 4/5, 6:18 PM CT |
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| Jermaine Dye scored two runs and had an RBI for the White Sox on Saturday in their victory over the Tigers. Dye is hitting a blistering .474 in his first 19 AB as he tries to return to the 30 HR, 100 form he has showed in seasons past (he hit just .254-28-78 in 2007). |
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| Inge records three RBI | Saturday 4/5, 6:15 PM CT |
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| Brandon Inge was the hitting star of Saturday for the Tigers as he had two hits and three RBI in the Tigers loss to the White Sox. Inge has already seen time at third base and outfield, though we are still waiting for him to try on the tools of ignorance. No matter where he plays Inge is hitting in the early going with a .375 mark in 16 AB. |
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| Jenks earns third save | Saturday 4/5, 6:12 PM CT |
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| Bobby Jenks closed out the Tigers on Saturday to pick up his third save of the early season for the White Sox. Not many people seem aware of the fact that Jenks may have been the best relief pitcher in the American League last season after the all-star break as he posted a 0.58 WHIP in 29.1 innings. If he keeps pitching like this, we will forgive him for having a blonde fu manchu hanging from his chin. |
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| Willis allows one hit, seven walks | Saturday 4/5, 6:09 PM CT |
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| It was the worst of times, it was the best of times for Dontrelle Willis on Saturday. Willis didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning against the White Sox but he ended up allowing three runs in five innings despite only permitting one hit. How is that possible you ask? Well, Willis walked seven batters on the day. Besides having no idea where the ball was going at times, Willis also seemed to be favoring his shoulder, which might explain how he was able to throw 89 pitches without a single strikeout. Willis remains nothing more than an AL only play at the moment, and another outing or two like this will bring even that into doubt. |
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| Kouzmanoff a .300 hitter? | Saturday 4/5, 6:01 PM CT |
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| Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 on Saturday with a run scored and an RBI for the Padres. Kouzmanoff is off to a solid start with a .320 batting average in his first 25 at-bats, a total that mirrors his production from the second half of last season (.317 after the all-star break). |
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| Furcal hits triple, scores | Saturday 4/5, 5:58 PM CT |
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| Rafael Furcal was the only hitter on the Dodgers able to do anything against Jake Peavy as he went 1-for-3 with a run scored on Saturday. All this talk of the great hitters at the shortstop position has seemingly excluded Furcal who is hitting .400 over his first 20 AB. If healthy, and batting in the leadoff spot for the Dodgers, there wouldn't seem to any reason not to expect Furcal to score at least 100 runs with 30 steals, and those are fine numbers no matter what position one plays in the field. |
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| Penny merely average in loss | Saturday 4/5, 5:55 PM CT |
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| Brad Penny needed 109 pitches to work his way through six innings on Saturday and the results were less than spectacular as he allowed 10 hits, one walk and four runs with only three strikeouts against the Padres. Penny now has only six K in 13.2 innings this season and with three BB his K/BB ratio of 2.00 is barely passable for a top-line starter. |
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| Peavy dominates in CG | Saturday 4/5, 5:50 PM CT |
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| Jake Peavy improved to 10-1 lifetime against the Dodgers as he allowed only two hits in a complete game victory on Saturday. Peavy needed 116 pitches to strike out eight batters while walking one and permitting just one walk. Can you believe that Peavy won the NL Cy Young award last season without a single complete game? In fact, Peavy didn't pitch into the ninth inning a single time last season. |
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| Wigginton may have broken thumb | Saturday 4/5, 5:43 PM CT |
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| Ty Wigginton left the Astros game on Saturday with what was originally thought to be a sprained left thumb. However, digital x-rays appear to show a break so they will be sent to the team's physician for a definitive ruling, this according to MLB.com. If Wigginton is forced to the sidelines it would appear that Mark Loretta would be in line to pick up the starts at third base. Stay tuned for further details. |
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| Berkman removed from game | Saturday 4/5, 5:40 PM CT |
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| Lance Berkman, who injured his neck on Friday, tried to play on Saturday but after four innings he was removed from the game, this according to MLB.com. "I don't want to take myself out of the lineup before I show up and see how it feels. If it feels like it did today, I'm just not going to be able to do it. It's not a question of want to. It's just physically, if you can't turn your head, you can't do it." As a result, Berkman will almost certainly not play on Sunday, so adjust your lineup accordingly if you play in a league with daily transactions. |
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| Snyder to be designated | Saturday 4/5, 5:37 PM CT |
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| Kyle Snyder will be designated for assignment to make room for the activation of Josh Beckett, this according to the Boston Globe. This move hasn't been officially announced yet, but when it does it will mean that the Sox will lose Snyder who is out of options and cannot be sent to minors. As a result of this move, it would appear that David Aardsma will continue to hold a spot in the Red Sox bullpen. |
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| Lopez continues to see action in OF | Saturday 4/5, 4:53 PM CT |
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| Felipe Lopez appeared in his third straight game in the outfield on Saturday and he went 1-for-3 with a walk at the plate while picking up an assist in the field. Already qualifying as a shortstop and second baseman, Lopez is now charging toward adding outfield to his position tree. Lopez has a lot to prove this season after hitting only .245 last year, but he does provide a lot of speed and would become an excellent NL Only pickup given his position eligibility, that is if he doesn't get traded to the AL. |
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| Wainwright masterful for eight innings | Saturday 4/5, 4:48 PM CT |
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| Adam Wainwright needed 107 pitches to hold the Nationals to just two runs over eight innings for the Cardinals to pick up his first win of the season. Wainwright allowed eight hits and one walk while striking out four. Wainwright will look to at least duplicated his production of last season (14 wins and 3.70 ERA), though a better goal might be for him to try and limit baserunners as last years 1.40 WHIP is far too high for a top flight starter. |
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| Cards catcher has two RBI | Saturday 4/5, 4:45 PM CT |
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| Yadier Molina had two hits and two RBI on Saturday in the Cardinals 5-4 victory over the Nationals. Molina is nothing more than a catcher two in all but NL Only leagues, but he did hit .275 last season to offer hope that he could be a decent depth play even if the power never comes around. |
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| Johnson has HR, three hits | Saturday 4/5, 4:41 PM CT |
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| Nick Johnson went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI on Saturday for the Nationals. Johnson is now hitting .368 through 19 AB, and with each solid outing the chances of Dimitri Young picking up at-bats continues to dwindle. It's too early to say that Johnson is back, but don't overlook the fact that Johnson hit .290-23-77-100 in his last healthy season (2006) if you are in need of a bat off waivers. |
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| Utley continues torrid start | Saturday 4/5, 4:34 PM CT |
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| Chase Utley had two more hits on Saturday for the Phillies as he also scored a run and knocked in a run on the day. Through five games Utley is hitting .412 with three home runs, seven runs and six RBI as he begins what could be a season long push for NL MVP honors. |
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| Patterson fills up the box score | Saturday 4/5, 4:32 PM CT |
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| Corey Patterson stole a base, had a hit, knocked in a run, picked up a walk and scored two runs on Saturday for the Reds. It's starting to look an awful lot like Patterson is going to be in the lineup almost every day, and if that is how the situation works out Patterson goes from being a great NL Only play to looking like a starter in mixed leagues because of his speed and run scored potential from the top of the Reds lineup. |
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| Cordero picks up win out of pen | Saturday 4/5, 4:28 PM CT |
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| Francisco Cordero picked up the win on Saturday by throwing a clean ninth inning against the Phillies. Cordero now has a victory and a save in his first three outings, and though other relievers received a lot more love this preseason, Cordero has a chance to be a top-5 closer this season as Dusty Baker likes to lean hard on his end of the game hurler. |
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| Eaton solid on hill | Saturday 4/5, 4:25 PM CT |
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| Adam Eaton threw 95 pitches and completed 7.2 innings on Saturday as he allowed three runs in a no decision against the Reds. A very encouraging outing for Eaton who has struggled most of the time since coming to Philadelphia last year. It wasn't all roses as he allowed 10 base runners and a home run, but if you are expecting Eaton to help in the ratio categories then we have a bridge we want to sell you. |
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| Haring has another solid outing | Saturday 4/5, 4:22 PM CT |
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| Aaron Harang tossed seven innings on Saturday and though he allowed only two runs he picked up a no-decision against the Phillies. Harang now owns a 2.77 ERA and 12 K over his first 13 innings, and he should continue to post one solid outing after another for the Reds this season as one of the most overlooked top tier pitchers in the game. |
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| Percival picks up first save | Saturday 4/5, 4:18 PM CT |
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| Troy Percival needed 13 pitches to pick up his first save of the season for the Rays on Saturday. Percival is being counted on to be the team's stopper out of the bullpen this season but the situation bares watching as Percival hasn't thrown 50 innings in a season since 2002. If you own Percival, make sure you have also rostered Al Reyes. |
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| Jackson domiantes Yankees | Saturday 4/5, 4:15 PM CT |
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| Edwin Jackson had a stellar outing on Saturday to pick up his first win of the season as he limited the Yankees to just one run over six innings. Jackson allowed five hits and two walks on the day and he punched out four Yankees hitters. Amazingly still only 24 years old, Jackson continues to possess the arm of a big-time winner though he has never been able to show the consistency needed to earn the moniker of "winner." |
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| Pettitte loses first start | Saturday 4/5, 4:12 PM CT |
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| Andy Pettitte picked up the loss in his first start of the season after allowing five runs, three earned, in five innings. Pettitte allowed eight hits and two walks over his 86 pitches, and was generally very unimpressive against the Rays. Pettitte still figures to win his 14-15 games as long as he can stay healthy, but it might be a bumpy ride in the ratio categories. |
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| Giambi day-to-day, groin | Saturday 4/5, 4:09 PM CT |
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| Jason Giambi left the Yankees game on Saturday after five innings because of a sore groin and he is being listed as day-to-day, this according to the AP. Giambi still has 30-HR power if he can remain on the field, but at this point we just don't know how often that will occur. Giambi has begun the year going 1-for-11, so the Yankees may be better off with Wilson Betemit or Morgan Ensberg in the lineup for a while. |
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| Morneau shines in win vs Royals | Saturday 4/5, 4:04 PM CT |
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| First bagger Justin Morneau was the story of the day for the Minnesota Twins, going 2-for-4 at the plate in the Twins' 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Morneau posted his first double of the year as well as his first homer of the season, going long in the 4th off Gil Meche. He collected an impressive four RBIs on the day, a strong outing for a man that was struggling (bringing his batting average to .150). |
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| Gomes goes deep | Saturday 4/5, 4:03 PM CT |
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| Jonny Gomes hit a home run while knocking in four runs in the Rays 6-3 victory over the Yankees. Will the Rays just please give this guy his 500 AB so he can knock 30 dingers while approaching 100 RBI? Gomes is only AL worthy at the moment because of his unsteady playing time, but keep and eye on him in mixed leagues if the team runs him out there every day. |
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| Nathan grabs third save | Saturday 4/5, 4:00 PM CT |
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| Joe Nathan picked up his third save of the season, throwing 15 pitches (12 strikes) to four batters, giving up one hit and inducing one ground out, one fly out, and one strike out. Nathan has yet to surrender a single run or a walk, and while it's early, it's starting to look like he was worth that fat contract he recently signed. |
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| Meche falls to Twins | Saturday 4/5, 3:57 PM CT |
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| Gil Meche failed to impress in his second start of the season, throwing 87 pitches (57 strikes) through 5 2/3 innings to surrender six runs (all earned) on six hits. Meche only walked two and struck out five, but the heart of the Twins' batting order abused him all day long. This brings Meche to a seasonal ERA of 6.94, having surrendered two homers with a 1.71 WHIP. |
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| Smoltz to pitch on Sunday | Saturday 4/5, 3:53 PM CT |
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| John Smoltz will make his first appearance of the season on Sunday, this according to the AP. Smoltz has been on the DL to give his shoulder a bit more time to calm down, will face the Mets and Johan Santana on Sunday. |
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| Meet Mr. Derrek Lee | Saturday 4/5, 3:52 PM CT |
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| Derrek Lee hasn't lost a step, going a perfect 4-for-4 against Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros in today's 9-7 win for the Cubs. Lee picked up his second double and his second homer on the season, both against Oswalt, and gathered two RBIs and three runs scored along the way. He now touts a seasonal batting average of .364 and continues to work as the offensive catalyst for the Cubbies. |
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| Fukumania... catch it | Saturday 4/5, 3:48 PM CT |
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| Kosuke Fukudome is on fire and starting the season with a bang for the Chicago Cubs. Today he hit up the Roy Oswalt-led Houston Astros, going 2-for-4 at the plate with his third double of the season and two RBIs (now touting five on the season). Fukudome held his gaudy .500 batting average true through the day and seems to be quickly adapting to the MLB game. |
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| Wood gets the save | Saturday 4/5, 3:44 PM CT |
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| Kerry Wood picked up his second save of the season today, closing a 9-7 victory for the Cubs over the Astros. Wood faced three batters in the ninth, throwing 12 pitches (8 for strikes) to induce two ground outs and one on the fly. Wood still has the horrific outing against Milwaukee of last week to overcome (allowing three earned runs on two hits), but today is a step in the right direction. |
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| Oswalt suffers second loss | Saturday 4/5, 3:38 PM CT |
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| Struggles for Roy Oswalt continue today, suffering his second loss of the season with a 7-9 fall to the Chicago Cubs. Oswalt surrendered six runs (five earned) on 10 hits through 6 2/3 innings, giving up a homer to David Lee in the 3rd. Oswalt threw 92 pitches today, and while 59 went for strikes, the Cubs were putting the bat on the ball and hitting him around the yard. Oswalt now carries a 6.00 ERA. |
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| Rios keeps swinging | Saturday 4/5, 3:33 PM CT |
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| RF Alex Rios continues to swing a hot bat, going 2-for-5 in Toronto's 10-2 win over the Boston Red Sox today. Rios picked up his fourth RBI of the season and his second double thus far, bringing him to a seasonal batting average of .353. |
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| Wells puts Blue Jays on the board vs Boston | Saturday 4/5, 3:31 PM CT |
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| Vernon Wells had his swing working today as the Blue Jays put a 10-2 trouncing on the Boston Red Sox. Wells went 1-for-3 with one RBI (his 3rd of the season), two runs scored, and two walks. Wells is now hitting .278 after six games. |
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| Eckstein puts the wood to Boston | Saturday 4/5, 3:27 PM CT |
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| SS David Eckstein put the hurt on the Boston Red Sox today, serving as one of several offensive powers in a 10-2 victory. Eckstein went 2-for-5 at the plate, bringing three RBIs across home plate. On the bright side for Boston, Eckstein was caught stealing... and that's about all they stopped him from doing today. |
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| Buchholz suffers from lack of support | Saturday 4/5, 3:21 PM CT |
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| RHP Clay Buchholz suffered through a rough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays today, but the relief pitching is what cost the Red Sox a shot at competing, falling 2-10. Buchholz threw 89 pitches through a short five innings of work, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits. Buchholz had his arm working, striking out seven and walking just two, but the offense failed to materialize in his support and the relief pitching, namely Kyle Snyder and Bryan Corey (giving up SIX runs on the next 30 pitches), was an utter disaster. |
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| Rodney lacks progress | Saturday 4/5, 3:07 PM CT |
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| Detroit relief pitcher Fernando Rodney remains a significant question mark after hope planted in a rehab bullpen session has gone sour, according to the Detroit News. Battling tendinitis in his throwing shoulder, Rodney hit the pen on Friday at Comerica Park and failed to assure any of the coaches that things were progressing. "I'm not going into any details about it," said manager Jim Leyland. "I'm not going to get into medical stuff. There was nothing (medically related) discovered or anything. It just wasn't good." In response to the events, Leyland has added RHP Francis Beltran to the active roster and has optioned OF Ryan Raburn to Toledo. This is bad news for a team in need of relief options from the bullpen. We will update this situation when additional information about Rodney and his health becomes available. |
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| Santana scheduled for start vs Smoltz | Saturday 4/5, 2:58 PM CT |
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| Mets manager Willie Randolph is struggling to get his schedule settled, but it now appears he is going to give Johan Santana the start next Saturday versus the Brewers, rather than pushing him to the mound on Friday, according to the NYPost.com. Before today's game, Randolph told reporters that, with Friday's rainout pushing Santana out of his normally schedule start, he would give him the ball on Friday. Now he has pushed him into Saturday to get the schedule back to original form. Nelson Figueroa, on the roster as a fill-in for the injured Pedro Martinez, will get the start on Friday against the Brewers. |
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| Olivo activated | Saturday 4/5, 2:47 PM CT |
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| Catcher Miguel Olivo has been activated from the suspended list by the Kansas City Royals, according to USAToday.com. Olivo was serving a four-game suspension for his part in a brawl with the NY Mets, events that took place when Olivo was a member of the Florida Marlins at the end of last season. Rookie catcher Matt Tupman has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for Olivo on the active roster. |
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| Edmonds activated and playing | Saturday 4/5, 2:43 PM CT |
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| The San Diego Padres have activated CF Jim Edmonds from the 15-day disabled list, according to MLB.com. Edmonds, acquired via trade with St. Louis during the offseason, was in today's starting lineup against the Dodgers, batting fifth in the lineup. To get Edmonds on the active roster, the Padres optioned OF Jody Gerut to Triple-A Portland. |
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| Williams attempting comeback | Saturday 4/5, 2:29 PM CT |
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| Former San Francisco, Chicago Cub, and Washington pitcher Jerome Williams has found an employer, signing with the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League, according to MLB.com. Williams has been plagued by weight problems but has reportedly dropped to 230 pounds (a loss of about 30 bills). The former 1st-round draft pick from 1999 showed potential in San Fran but fell apart after being traded to Chicago as part of a deal that brought reliever LaTroy Hawkings west. Now he is attempting to get back in the eye of the league and earn an opportunity to pitch on the MLB stage once more. |
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| Belisle, Ross rehabbing in minors today | Saturday 4/5, 2:02 PM CT |
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| The Cincinnati Reds report RHP Matt Belisle will make his first rehabilitation start today, taking the mound for Class A Sarasota when they play host to Yankees affiliate Tampa, according to MLB.com. Belisle has been on the DL since March 31st with a sore right forearm. Belisle will be joined by catcher David Ross in the same game, also attempting to return from injury (lower back spasms) by getting action in the minors. In 2007, his first season as a full-time starter, Belisle went 8-9 with a 5.32 ERA in 30 starts. He was 2-0 with a 9.00 ERA in four spring-training starts before being placed on the DL. |
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| Neck bothering Berkman | Saturday 4/5, 1:57 PM CT |
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| Houston power man Lance Berkman left Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs early with neck spasms, according to MLB.com. Berkman was with the team on the field playing defense in the bottom of the third, but when the Astros joined for offense in the top of the fourth, Berkman was removed and replaced by Darin Erstad. As we sit, he is listed as day-to-day and his status moving forward has not been updated. |
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| Rowand out | Saturday 4/5, 1:42 PM CT |
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| The San Francisco Giants have benched OF Aaron Rowand due to soreness in his left side, according to MLB.com. Rowand bruised his ribs on Wednesday, diving in an attempt to field a ball in play. The team reports Rowand is likely to be held out on Sunday as well.
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| Red Sox make changes on Sat | Saturday 4/5, 1:17 PM CT |
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| Boston manager Terry Francona fielded his team with a slightly different look today, according to MLB.com. Facing the Toronto Blue Jays, Sean Casey has earned his first start at 1B for the Sox while Coco Crisp has gotten the start over Jacoby Ellsbury in center. Francona suggests he is simply trying to keep players in shape and ready to go, not wanting folks to grow complacent with sitting. "It's early," Francona said. "[We're] trying to win a game and keep guys sharp. Our guys are good about understanding - especially early on - about being flexible." While it is hard to argue with Francona's reasoning, the fantasy owners with Ellsbury on the roster have to be growing frustrated. We keep hearing Crisp is going to be dealt, but it's not happening and the young star on the rise is forced to miss opportunity as Crisp gets playing time. Casey is nothing more than an option of depth who can give both 1B Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz a rest. |
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| Gross starts in CF | Saturday 4/5, 1:05 PM CT |
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| The Brewers have started Gabe Gross in center field today as Milwaukee faces the San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. The Brewers have started three different players in center as they seek a committee answer to the loss of Mike Cameron, gone for 25 games serving a league-mandated suspension. Tony Gwynn Jr. and Gabe Kapler have been the weapons of choice in center, but Gwynn left Thursday's game in Chicago with a bad hammy and Gross, a left-handed swinger, is getting a shot against RHP Kevin Correia. The team expects Gwynn will not miss much time, but official updates have yet to come forth. |
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| Springer to DL | Saturday 4/5, 12:45 PM CT |
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| Relief pitcher Russ Springer has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals, according to the Sports Network. The team reports Springer, coming off an atrocious outing versus Washington, is suffering with ulnar neuritis. The team has recalled Kelvin Jimenez from Triple-A Memphis to cover his spot until healthy. |
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| Gallardo pitches in minors | Saturday 4/5, 12:38 PM CT |
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| Pitcher Yovani Gallardo threw 75 pitches for Triple-A Nashville on Friday as the continues to rehab from knee surgery, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Gallardo pitched through four innings, allowing three runs on six hits while walking just one batter versus five strike outs. The team reports Gallardo is expected to make two more minor league starts before they consider bringing him back to the major-league roster. |
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| Kazmir improving | Saturday 4/5, 12:19 PM CT |
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| Tampa ace Scott Kazmir continues to work towards a return to the mound, throwing 60 pitches during an 18-minute bullpen session today, according to the Associated Press. The Rays have told reporters Kazmir will throw a batting practice session on Tuesday as the up-and-coming hurler continues to rehab from a left elbow strain. The hopes is to see Kazmir traveling with and pitching for the team by the end of the month, and the fact he is throwing his slider effectively off the bullpen mound is promising. |
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| Pettitte set for first start | Saturday 4/5, 11:43 AM CT |
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| The Yankees will welcome Andy Pettitte to the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays today in the veteran's first start of the '08 season, according to the Sports Network. Pettitte opened the season on the disabled list with back issues, but he appears to be set for action today and hopes to continue what has been a strong career string of success against the Rays, sporting a record of 13-2 with a 3.53 ERA over 21 games against this team. |
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| Nomo added | Saturday 4/5, 11:38 AM CT |
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| RHP Hideo Nomo has become a member of the Kansas City Royals as the team has purchased his contract from Idaho Falls, according to the Kansas City Star. The Royals have been watching Nomo to determine if his recovery from a strained right groin was complete, and with a roster spot open (sending rookie catcher Matt Tupman to Omaha), they are making the leap and adding an arm to the mix. |
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| Lidge activated | Saturday 4/5, 11:33 AM CT |
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| The Phillies have announced RHP Brad Lidge has been officially activated from the 15-day disabled list, according to MLB.com. Lidge was put on the DL during the spring as he recovered from offseason knee surgery. He has completed one rehab start with Class A Clearwater, allowing one run in one inning of work with two strikeouts. To get Lidge on the active roster, the Astros has designated RHP Tim Lahey for assignment. |
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| Beckett to return from DL on Sun | Saturday 4/5, 11:26 AM CT |
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| Boston ace Josh Beckett is expected to return from his stint on the DL and make his first start of the season, according to the Providence Journal. Manager Terry Francona told reporters Beckett should be in but will be closely monitored, thus we expect the low pitch count to be in full effect. "We expect he'll give everything he has, but we know he's not going to pitch a complete game," said Francona. Beckett has been struggling with lower back pain and reports of an undisclosed hip injury have also persisted. Also, keep in mind the Red Sox need to make room for Beckett on the roster, so someone will go (rumors indicate RHP David Aardsma is the likely candidate). |
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| Crawford keeps running | Saturday 4/5, 10:59 AM CT |
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| Carl Crawford is doing what he can to keep the Rays and fantasy owners happy, going 1-for-5 at the plate (just one stolen base) with a stolen base, one RBI, and two runs scored in the Rays' 13-4 trouncing of the New York Yankees. Crawford is hitting .286 thus far and already has three stolen bases on the season, but leaving four men on base is killer for those hoping to see bigger and better gains from the top talent in Tampa baseball. |
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| Grady keeps it hot | Saturday 4/5, 10:09 AM CT |
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