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| Redman looks good in San Diego | Wednesday 4/16, 11:53 PM CT |
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Mark Redman improved to 2-1 on the season thanks to limiting the Padres to two runs over five innings. Redman only struck out two batters, but he also allowed only three hits.
Our View: Redman is nothing more than a staff filler in an NL Only league, and a merely average one of those as a matter of fact. He doesn't miss enough bats to be considered a safe start in almost any situation, even with his solid outing tonight. |
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| Giles continues to get on base | Wednesday 4/16, 11:51 PM CT |
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Brian Giles had two hits and two RBI for the Padres on Wednesday to raise his average to .333.
Our View: Giles has a more than respectable 10 RBI while batting exclusively from the leadoff spot though he has only four extra base hits on the season (one HR, three doubles). |
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| Atkins knocks out four hits | Wednesday 4/16, 11:47 PM CT |
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Garrett Atkins had a big night against the Padres with four hits, two runs scored and two RBI on the night.
Our View: Atkins still has only seven RBI through 14 games, but the four hits bump his average up to .321, and we all know the RBI will come for the Rockies number five hitter. |
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| Ibanez continues hot start | Wednesday 4/16, 11:30 PM CT |
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Raul Ibanez continues to rip the ball as he had three more hits, with two runs and an RBI on Wednesday night.
Our View: Ibanez now has 15 RBI in 16 games for the Mariners, not to mention the fact that he is hitting .323 in a tremendous start to the fantasy season. |
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| Blanton picks up third loss | Wednesday 4/16, 11:28 PM CT |
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Joe Blanton lasted eight innings on Wednesday night against the Mariners allowing 12 hits and four walks to fall to 1-3 on the year.
Our View: Blanton didn't walk a batter on the night, but he also had only two K giving him just 11 in 34 innings on the year, a pathetic 2.91 K/9 mark that would lead one to think that there could be a whole bunch of nights like this in his future. |
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| King Felix dominates A's | Wednesday 4/16, 11:23 PM CT |
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Felix Hernandez dominated the A's on Wednesday night throwing a complete game "W" at them. King Felix allowed eight hits and one walk, while picking up eight K on his way to two runs allowed (one earned).
Our View: This is what you paid the big bucks for on draft day, and there is little reason, barring injury, to think that he won't end up being one of the top-15 starters in baseball this season. |
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| Hamilton has four hits | Wednesday 4/16, 11:15 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton had four hits and two RBI for the Rangers in their 14 inning victory over the Blue Jays.
Our View: Hamilton is now hitting .311 on the year with 15 RBI through 15 games, and right about now the team couldn't be happier with their acquisition of the oft-troubled hitting star. |
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| Waring dominating Low-A pitching | Wednesday 4/16, 11:13 PM CT |
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Brandon Waring went 3-for-5 with two home runs on Wednesday, giving him five for the season for Low-A Dayton. He is hitting .373-5-15 this season.
Our View: The 22-year-old Waring clobbered the ball after being drafted in the seventh round last year, hitting .311-20-61 in only 267 at-bats. He is far too advanced to be facing Low-A pitching, so hopefully the Reds promote him soon. |
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| Gabbard allows two in six IP | Wednesday 4/16, 11:13 PM CT |
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Kason Gabbard lasted six innings on Wednesday and allowed seven hits and two runs on his way to permitting two runs to the Jays.
Our View: Gabbard continues to limit the damage in his starts despite giving up his fair share of base runners, which is all that the Rangers and his fantasy owners have the right to expect right now. |
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| Burnett picks up lose in 14th | Wednesday 4/16, 11:09 PM CT |
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A.J. Burnett came out of the bullpen to pitch the 14th inning on Wednesday night, and he allowed three hits and walk which led to two runs and the loss for the Jays.
Our View: It's always questionable when the Jays do anything out of the ordinary with the perpetually injured Burnett, but he did throw only 24 pitches so hopefully there won't be any negative ramifications from this outing. |
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| Guerra earning his stripes | Wednesday 4/16, 11:05 PM CT |
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Deolis Guerra won his first game of the season on Wednesday, throwing five scoreless innings for High-A Fort Myers. He allowed four hits, walked one and struck out four.
Our View: Guerra was the final piece of the Johan Santana deal, and he is showing his value this season with one run allowed in 15 innings. We also must keep in mind that he turns 19 on Thursday, making his early-season performance even more impressive. |
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| Catching prospect Still showing muscle | Wednesday 4/16, 11:04 PM CT |
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Jon Still, a 2006 fourth-round draft choice, hit his sixth home run of the season on Wednesday for High-A Lancaster. He is hitting .353-6-13 for the season.
Our View: Still also draws walks (105 last season and 10 this season), so he is a dream prospect for the Red Sox. There is some doubt that he will be able to stay at catcher, but he has shown the on-base skills and power to handle first base or DH so far. Whether he will continue to be a dependable option against more advanced competition remains to be seen, as Still is playing less advanced competition at age 23. |
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| Swarzak throws six strong innings | Wednesday 4/16, 10:54 PM CT |
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Anthony Swarzak threw six scoreless innings for Double-A New Britain on Wednesday, allowing three hits, no walks and striking out 10 batters.
Our View: Swarzak has allowed one run in 16 innings this season and has an 18/1 K/BB ratio. He was very successful at Double-A last season as well, but the Twins are loaded with pitching at Triple-A Rochester as well. Swarzak remains arguably the organization’s best pitching prospect, and he could still get some innings in the majors this season. |
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| Meyer avoids hits thru six | Wednesday 4/16, 10:53 PM CT |
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Dan Meyer threw six no-hit innings for his first win of the season at Triple-A Sacramento. He walked two batters and struck out four.
Our View: With the emergence of Greg Smith in the majors and the presence of top prospect Gio Gonzalez at Triple-A, it is easy to forget about Meyer. Still, Meyer made a strong rebound in the minors last season (3.39 ERA in 22 starts) after suffering through injuries in recent seasons, and he continues to show that he is worth watching for the future. The lefty may not have the upside that made him the centerpiece of the Tim Hudson trade, but he could still have a future as a back of the rotation starter. |
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| Hinske continues solid start | Wednesday 4/16, 10:53 PM CT |
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Eric Hinske went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI for the Rays against the Twins.
Our View: AL Only leaguers have got to be loving the production they are getting from Hinske who now has two HR, seven runs and six RBI in 12 games on the year. |
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| Bruce can’t be tamed at Triple-A | Wednesday 4/16, 10:52 PM CT |
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Bruce was a double away from hitting for a cycle on Wednesday for Triple-A Louisville. He went 3-for-3 during the game.
Our View: It was not the fastest start to the season for Bruce, but he is now hitting .333-3-9 with three steals, waiting patiently for his chance in the majors. |
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| Gomez up to nine SB | Wednesday 4/16, 10:51 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez went 2-for-4 with one run scored on Wednesday night. Oh yeah, he also stole two bases.
Our View: Gomez is hitting an acceptable .262 on the year, but the nine SB he has racked up are simply huge in standard 5x5 leagues. |
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| Shields merely holds on | Wednesday 4/16, 10:47 PM CT |
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James Shields struggled to hold the Twins down on Wednesday as he allowed five runs, three earned. Shields permitted one walk while giving up eight hits in five innings.
Our View: This was far from the type of experience we have become accustomed to with Shields, but he still had a 5 to 1 K/BB outing and he should bounce back nicely next time out. |
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| Livan allowed three dingers | Wednesday 4/16, 10:45 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez lasted eight innings on Wednesday night allowing five runs, three earned, to the Rays. Livan allowed eight hits and three BB, but the big news was that he allowed three home runs.
Our View: Hernandez ERA sits at 3.00 after four starts, so anyone who complains about this outing from Livan should have their head examined. |
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| Drew has big night in NY | Wednesday 4/16, 10:40 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Red Sox on Wednesday.
Our View: Drew is often maligned, but when he is on the field he almost always produces something, and this year he has produced runs with 10 RBI and 12 runs scored in 12 games. |
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| Jeter has two hits, two RBI | Wednesday 4/16, 10:38 PM CT |
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Derek Jeter upped his average to .324 thanks to two hits on Wednesday night. Jeter also scored twice and had two RBI as did Jason Giambi.
Our View: Jeter is still favoring the leg a bit, but that isn't stopping him from slapping line drives to right field from the #2 hole in the Yankees order. |
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| Buchholz awful against Yankees | Wednesday 4/16, 10:35 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz failed to last even four innings against the Yankees as he permitted eight hits and one walk which leg to seven runs for the Yankees.
Our View: Mama said there would be days like this. Buchholz has a bright future and made some great pitches tonight, but he also left too many balls over the middle of the plate and was only able to pick up two K on the night. |
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| Wang allows eight runs | Wednesday 4/16, 10:34 PM CT |
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Chien-Ming Wang had his first brutal outing of the season as he was tagged for nine hits and three walks which led to eight runs in four innings.
Our View: Wang just didn't have control of his ball tonight, and the Red Sox made him pay by working the count until they got pitches the could handle. Look for him to bounce back next time out. |
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| Fielder still homerless | Wednesday 4/16, 10:27 PM CT |
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Prince Fielder had one hit and one RBI on Monday night as he extended his streak to 49 AB without a home run to start the season.
Our View: So much for a 50-HR season follow-up. It's certainly early, but 49 AB without a home run marks Fielder as a hitter who will really have to get going to push even 40-HR this season. He could still go nuts and we could be laughing about this in four months, but no one is laughing right now. |
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| Brewers starter uneven in loss | Wednesday 4/16, 10:24 PM CT |
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Carlos Villanueva had problems on the night as he allowed eight hits and two BB in just 4.2 innings in his second loss of the year.
Our View: Villanueva had no punchouts on the night and he gave up two home runs including one to Adam Wainwright, and you don't need us to tell you that allowing home runs to pitchers isn't part of a successful formula. |
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| Sixth save for Isringhausen | Wednesday 4/16, 10:22 PM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen allowed two runs on three hits on Wednesday night though he was able to hang on for his six save of the season.
Our View: Don't look now but the Cardinals are 11-4 thanks to six saves and a win by their closer. |
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| Wainwright scatters five hits | Wednesday 4/16, 10:20 PM CT |
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Adam Wainwright twirled a five hitter for 7.2 innings to pick up his second victory of the season against the Brewers. Wainwright allowed just one earned run and five hits on the night as he struck out six.
Our View: Wainwright has some issues considering the massive increase he had last year in IP, but there is no concern about his ability as he continues to show why he is the team's new ace. |
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| Dunn hits second HR | Wednesday 4/16, 10:12 PM CT |
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Adam Dunn hit his second home run of the season on Wednesday night as he went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a steal on the night.
Our View: Dunn has been cold hitting just .200 in the early going, but it is very encouraging to see that he has 17 BB and just 12 K leading us to believe that a breakout will occur, and soon. |
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| Lee power sixth long ball | Wednesday 4/16, 10:10 PM CT |
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Derrek Lee hit his sixth HR of the early season for the Cubs as he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Lee backers hoped the power would return this season, and it certainly has in the early going. We remain slightly concerned that he hasn't attempted a steal so far, but that's quibbling with a guy who is hitting .393. |
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| Zambrano allows two runs | Wednesday 4/16, 10:08 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano went seven strong innings on Wednesday night to pick up his second victory of the season. Zambrano gave up eight hits, one walk and two runs while striking out five Reds.
Our View: Seemingly over his early season health concerns, Zambrano is back to being the dominating starter that he should be as he has allowed only three walks in four starts after years of walking everyone in the ballpark. |
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| Fogg in a daze | Wednesday 4/16, 10:04 PM CT |
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Josh Fogg fell to 1-2 on the year after he was torched for nine runs, all earned, in just two innings against the Cubs on Wednesday night.
Our View: Fogg hasn't been able to get anyone out this season and unless he does something pretty impressive pretty soon, the team may be forced to call up Homer Bailey to give him a look. |
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| Sabathia continues putrid start | Wednesday 4/16, 9:57 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia was lit up yet again as he allowed nine runs to the Tigers to pick up his third loss of the year. Sabathia permitted eight hits, five walks and had only one K in four innings on the hill.
Our View: We don't advocate panicking at any time, but if you own C.C., it would be OK to do so right now. His ERA sits at 13.50 through four starts with a WHIP of 2.00, and he is simply destroying all pitching staffs that he resides on. They say he isn't hurt, but this is just downright disturbing. |
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| Galarraga earns first ML victory | Wednesday 4/16, 9:54 PM CT |
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Armando Galarraga made just the second start of his major league career on Wednesday night and he picked up the victory thanks to allowing just one hit in 6.2 innings against the Indians.
Our View: Other than a home run to David Dellucci, Galarraga was masterful on the night as he struck out six Indians without allowing a single walk. Not bad for a guy who was called up just to make this start. |
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| Renteria plates five runs | Wednesday 4/16, 9:51 PM CT |
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Edgar Renteria had a huge outing on Wednesday as he had three hits, including his first home run, on his way to five RBI for the Tigers.
Our View: Renteria bumped his average to .300 on the night with this big outing, and he should continue to be one of the better hitting shortstops in the AL in 2008. |
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| Cabrera has HR, five RBI | Wednesday 4/16, 9:49 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera had his first big game of the young season as he hit a HR, had four hits, and knocked in five runs for the Tigers.
Our View: Though he is still hitting only .264, Cabrera is up to 10 RBI in 14 games with this big effort, and despite the general malaise that has settled on the Tigers, there is no reason to expect anything less than a .300-30-100 season this year from this young slugger. |
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| Esocbar continues hot hitting | Wednesday 4/16, 9:24 PM CT |
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Yunel Escobar went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI in the Braves loss to the Marlins on Wednesday.
Our View: Escobar is hitting a spectacular .345 with three HR and 11 RBI in the early going seemingly proving that the success he enjoyed last year with the Braves was legit. |
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| Hudson horrible in loss | Wednesday 4/16, 9:22 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson had his first poor outing of the season on Wednesday as he allowed six hits and four runs in just three innings to pick up his first loss against the Marlins.
Our View: Hudson had been money before this outing, and even with it, his ERA sits at 3.38 while his WHIP is 0.88, so he is still well on his way to a very solid month of April. |
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| Hanley hot at plate | Wednesday 4/16, 9:19 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez responded from his first hitless game since opening day by picking up two hits with two RBI on Wednesday.
Our View: Hitting .386, Ramirez still has only two SB attempts in 14 games and his owners have to be getting a bit nervous that the team has asked him to curtail his running a bit this season. |
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| Jacobs hits sixth HR | Wednesday 4/16, 9:11 PM CT |
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Mike Jacobs continued to drive the ball on Wednesday as he hit his sixth home run of the season for the Marlins.
Our View: Jacobs also has 12 RBI in 13 games, and this might finally be the year that he puts together all his skills to be the 30-HR bat that many see lurking behind the scenes. |
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| Chico picks up third loss | Wednesday 4/16, 9:08 PM CT |
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Matt Chico picked up his third loss of the season on Wednesday as he allowed five runs in five innings to the Mets.
Our View: Chico allowed 10 base runners on the night, but the real issue was the three home runs he allowed on the night. Chico has now allowed five HR in four starts, and that is not a trend he would like to see continue. |
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| Kearns hits first home run | Wednesday 4/16, 9:04 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns hit his first home run of the season on Wednesday night, though it was his only hit as his average sits at just .220.
Our View: Kearns has had a terribly slow start to the season with only six RBI and just three extra base hits in 15 games, but there is still plenty of time for him to turn things around. |
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| Church has HR for Mets | Wednesday 4/16, 9:02 PM CT |
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Ryan Church was moved into the second spot in the Mets order, and on Wednesday night he had two hits, two runs scored and one RBI. One of the hits was a HR, and he is now hitting .340 on the year.
Our View: Church has been exactly as advertised in the early going providing a solid bat in the Mets lineup amidst all the star power. |
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| Maine picks up first win | Wednesday 4/16, 8:59 PM CT |
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John Maine allowed the Nationals two runs in 6.2 innings as he held them to five hits in his first win of the year.
Our View: Maine continued a disturbing early trend of walking far too many hitters with four on the night, he now has 12 in 16.2 IP, but he continues to limit the damage as his ERA sits at 3.78. |
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| Huff has hit, RBI | Wednesday 4/16, 8:56 PM CT |
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Aubrey Huff went 1-for-4 on Wednesday night with a single RBI from the fifth spot in the order for the Orioles.
Our View: Huff now has 12 RBI in 14 games, but his average has fallen to .245 for the habitually slow starting Huff. |
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| Loewen defeated by White Sox | Wednesday 4/16, 8:53 PM CT |
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Adam Loewen picked up the loss on Wednesday night as he allowed three runs in six innings to the White Sox. Loewen allowed only six hits on the night, but he also walked five batters.
Our View: Loewen has dominating stuff, but the walks are just killing him in the early going (6.89 BB/9). Unless he throws more strikes, success will elude him. |
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| Contreras controls first win | Wednesday 4/16, 8:50 PM CT |
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Jose Contreras had his first solid outing of the season on Wednesday night as he allowed just one run in seven innings against the Orioles to pick up his first win. Contreras struck out six Orioles but more importantly he allowed zero BB as he pounded the strike zone all night.
Our View: Contreras still possesses the stuff to be winner at the major league level, but far too often he nibbles and ends up walking far too many hitters. If he throws strikes, he can be a useful AL Only starter. |
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| Thome hits HR in first game back | Wednesday 4/16, 8:46 PM CT |
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Jim Thome returned from a 1-game suspension to hit his first home run in 43 AB for the White Sox on Wednesday. Thome also hit a double and three RBI on the night.
Our View: Thome is only hitting .184 through 49 AB, but he still has 10 RBI in 13 games as he has been able to produce runs even with all the K (15). |
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| Kendrick falls to Astros | Wednesday 4/16, 8:42 PM CT |
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Kyle Kendrick limited the Astros to two runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings, though he was saddled with his second loss of the year.
Our View: This was a great bounceback performance for Kendrick who couldn't throw strikes and was lit up last time out for seven runs (though only one was earned). Kendrick should continue to be a serviceable starter in NL Only leagues, though one prone to a bad outing here and there. |
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| Brocail picks up first save | Wednesday 4/16, 8:39 PM CT |
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Doug Brocail picked up his first save of the season on Monday night as the team decided to give closer Jose Valverde the night off. Brocail allowed one hit while striking out two in the ninth.
Our View: Brocail is a solid middle reliever who posted a 3.05 ERA and 1.17 WHIP last season, and he could pick up the odd save this season when Valverde is unavailable. |
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| Oswalt dominates Phillies | Wednesday 4/16, 8:35 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt found his lost mojo on Wednesday night as he was able to limit the Phillies to just one run over seven inning to pick up his first victory of the season for the Astros.
Our View: Oswalt limited the best offense in the NL to only five hits and two walks on the night as he finally looked like the perrenial all-star he is and not the batting practice pitcher he had been in his first three starts. |
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| Nomar activated from DL | Wednesday 4/16, 8:31 PM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra was activated on Wednesday from the DL, two days ahead of schedule, this according to the AP. “We were going to activate him on Friday, anyway. But with a left-handed pitcher going tonight, there was really nothing to prevent him from playing," manager Joe Torre said.
Our View: To make room for Nomar they team sent down Ramon Troncos. Look for Nomar to get right in there tonight to face Paul Maholm of the Pirates. |
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| Rollins has PH single | Wednesday 4/16, 8:26 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins pinch hit in the ninth inning for the Phillies and was able to pick up a single before being lifted in favor of pinch-runner So Taguchi.
Our View: Well, at least he made it on the field for an AB, but this ankle injury has already taken far too long to heal if you ask Rollins owners. Just because he pinch hit tonight does not mean he will be in the starting lineup for the Phils next game; that decision still has not yet been made. |
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| Slowely throws solid bullpen session | Wednesday 4/16, 8:09 PM CT |
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Kevin Slowey (strained right biceps) threw his second bullpen session without incident on Wednesday and he is close to pitching in a minor league game, this according to MLB.com. "He is going to have to work his way back up and stretch out again," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We have to make sure everything is okay. But we've got good stuff going with him. He doesn't feel anything and that's where we wanted to get to."
Our View: It doesn't sound like Slowey will be back for at least another week or two, so continue to role with your other options until Slowey is once again healthy. |
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| Joba could be back this week | Wednesday 4/16, 8:05 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain, who is away from the team to be with his ailing father, could return to the bullpen this week as his father's health has greatly improved, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: Chamberlain is of to a tremendous start yet against with six hits and no runs allowed through 5.1 innings, and he serves as a tremendous setup bridge to Mariano Rivera. |
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| Ryan doing well on rehab assignment | Wednesday 4/16, 8:01 PM CT |
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Brendan Ryan (rib cage muscle strain) finished his rehab assignment at Single-A, he went 3-for-12, and now he is on his way to Double-A Springfield to continue his rehab, this according to MLB.com. "I think now, at a higher level, with colder weather, that will be the test. Right now it's going very well," GM John Mozeliak said. "We just want to make sure that he's game-ready."
Our View: Ryan hit .289 with a .347 OBP in 180 AB, and he will likely take over for Rico Washington as the Cards super utility player. |
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| Mulder progressing in rehab | Wednesday 4/16, 7:52 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder was solid on Tuesday night in his rehab and the team believes he will be able to make his next scheduled start on Sunday for Springfield, this according to MLB.com. "From a baseball perspective, he was making pitches [on Tuesday]," GM John Mozeliak said. "He mentioned that he didn't have the same velocity that he hoped for, but overall it sounded very encouraging."
Our View: Reports are that Mulder was throwing 85-97, which is a goof five mph below what we are used to seeing from a healthy Mulder as he tries to work his way back into the Cardinals rotation. |
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| Pujols OK, just bruised | Wednesday 4/16, 7:49 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols is fine after suffering a bruised left wrist from a collision with Bill Hall on a swipe tag on Tuesday night, this according to MLB.com. "I feel all right," Pujols said. "I feel good, man."
Our View: Pujols is already 1-for-1 with two RBI on Wednesday night, so he appears to be just fine. |
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| Everett has MRI on shoulder | Wednesday 4/16, 7:45 PM CT |
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Adam Everett had an MRI on his shoulder on Wednesday and team doctors were scheduled to talk with him about the results tonight before making the results of the test known, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: Everett was out of the lineup on Wednesday, and the team will continue to be very careful with their slick fielding shortstop until a determination is made on how to best deal with the injury. Nick Punto stared on Wednesday and will split time with Matt Tolbert until Everett is healthy. |
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| Matsui close to return | Wednesday 4/16, 7:40 PM CT |
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Kazuo Matsui is closing in on a return to the Astros from his anal fissure issue, this according to MLB.com. Matsui is targeting a possible return this weekend as he returned to playing on Tuesday night. "We'll see him in Houston on Friday," manager Cecil Cooper said. "If everything is a go on Friday, he'll play. He could also be a go on Saturday. It's about time for him to tee it up."
Our View: Matusi will bring speed and the ability to get on base to the top of the Astros lineup and should be in a great spot to score a bunch of runs with some pretty big bats in the middle of that lineup. |
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| Ryan still being monitored closely | Wednesday 4/16, 7:35 PM CT |
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B.J. Ryan is back with the Blue Jays but manager John Gibbons is still trying to find out the best way to utilize his hard throwing lefty less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery, this according to MLB.com. "You've got to be careful, and you've got to be smart with the guy," Gibbons said. "You can't get too overly excited now that you know he's back, because it's still been less than a year."
Our View: While managing a guys workload most team's worry about too much work, but in the case of Ryan the team wants to make sure that he doesn't go more than three days without throwing, though that might mean nothing more than throwing a bullpen session. On the other side of the coin, don't look for him to appear in back-to-back games until May. so Jeremy Accardo and Scott Downs are in line to pick up some saves. |
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| Granderson headed on rehab assignment | Wednesday 4/16, 7:26 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson, who had a solid BP session on Wednesday, will be sent out to the minors for a rehab assignment this weekend if he has another BP session without incident on Thursday, in the hope that he will be ready to return to the Tigers sometime next week, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: Granderson is close to a return, and when he does make it back to the field look for the playing time of Clete Thomas to vanish and the AB of Brandon Inge to diminish substantially. |
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| Robertson to make next start | Wednesday 4/16, 7:17 PM CT |
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Nate Robertson will make his next scheduled start on Sunday, this after leaving his start last night due to tightness in his left lat, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Robertson has struggled mightily with a 7.02 ERA and 21 hits allowed in 16.2 innings, but with Dontrelle Willis already on the DL, the Tigers really need Robertsons innings in the starting rotation. |
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| Crisp has leg soreness | Wednesday 4/16, 7:12 PM CT |
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Coco Crisp, who isn't starting on Wednesday night, is dealing with some soreness in his right leg, this according to MLB.com. "I'm OK. It's just sore," said Crisp. "I think it was the other day, trying to do all those dang bunts and then being in a coat and not being warm. That tightened me up and I'm sore, so we'll take it day by day."
Our View: Crisp may be out of action for a couple of days which would allow Jacoby Ellsbury to try and get some traction in the outfield as he has been outhit .325 to .280 through the first two weeks of the season. |
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| Millwood to make next start | Wednesday 4/16, 7:08 PM CT |
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Kevin Millwood will make his next scheduled start even though he was forced to leave his start on Tuesday night when he was hit by a comebacker on his left shin, this according to MLB.com. "I wouldn't say it's stiff," Millwood said, "but it's still a bit bruised and sore."
Our View: His next start will be against the Red Sox, so it might be wise to treat the game as if he is still injured and just leave him on the bench given the propensity of the Sox to batter struggling pitchers. |
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| Indians juggle lineup | Wednesday 4/16, 7:03 PM CT |
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David Dellucci has been swinging a better bat at the plate, and as a result he will now hit in the second hole against right-handers, this according to MLB.com. Asdrubal Cabera, who is just 4-for-31 on the year, will drop down to the seventh spot. When they face a left handed pitcher, Jason Michaels will still inhabit the second spot.
Our View: Cabrera had better improve fairly quickly or the Indians might decide to recall Josh Barfield from the minors to battle for playing time at second base. |
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| Nieves recalled to majors | Wednesday 4/16, 6:40 PM CT |
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Wil Nieves was recalled to the majors because of the injury to the hand of Paul Lo Duca, this according to the AP. To make room for Nieves, Chris Schroder was sent to Columbus.
Our View: The weather will likely be cold for the Nationals the rest of the week, and they want to make sure they have a solid option to back up Johnny Estrada if Lo Duca isn't able to play. |
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| Hampton throws batting practice sessino | Wednesday 4/16, 6:36 PM CT |
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Mike Hampton had a successful session of throwing batting practice on Wednesday as he threw 40 pitches without incident, this according to the AP. “I felt pretty good,” Hampton said. “I didn’t let anything go very hard, but it was a good step.”
Our View: Hampton hasn't thrown in a game in about three years, and given that just about every body part of his has broken the past couple of seasons, there is no reason to pay him any attention until he at least throws a pitch that counts. |
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| Glavine throws BP | Wednesday 4/16, 6:32 PM CT |
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Tom Glavine was able to throw batting practice on Wednesday as he hopes to avoid going to the DL for the first time because of a strained right hamstring, this according to the AP. “I felt good, good enough that I plan on pitching Saturday unless I have any setbacks,” he said.
Our View: Glavine may be no the hill this weekend, but it would probably be best if you left him on your bench until he proves that the injury won't effect his effectiveness on the mound. |
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| Duffy's shoulder still sore | Wednesday 4/16, 6:20 PM CT |
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Chris Duffy still has no timeline established for his return from an injured shoulder, but in order to speed up the healing process he received a cortisone shot on Tuesday, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: Duffy has been able to throw under 100 feet without incident, but when he tries to extend his tosses the pain begins. The hope is that this shot will help him to get over the hump and back out on the field by early next week, though his return to the majors is far less known. |
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| Castillo's knee still sore | Wednesday 4/16, 6:12 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo is still dealing with some soreness in his right knee, and he believes he would benefit from some periodic rest, this according to a report on MLB.com. "Sometimes, I do [need a rest]," Castillo said. "When I play three or four games in a row, maybe I can get a day off. I'm going to ask Willie [Randolph] about it."
Our View: Castillo was dropped to 8th in the order on Tuesday night thanks in part to his .194 average in the early going, and he might be slowed for a while thanks to that knee, though he hasn't been a big SB for years anyway. |
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| Navarro progressing in rehab | Wednesday 4/16, 6:05 PM CT |
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Dioner Navarro was able to play in an extended spring training game on Wednesday and though he didn't bat because of his injured hand, he did throw out a runner trying to steal, this according to the St. Petersberg Times.
Our View: There is still no timetable for his return to the Rays, but when he is recalled it is not clear whom the Rays will demote be it either Mike DiFelice or Shawn Riggans. |
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| Reyes placed on DL | Wednesday 4/16, 5:54 PM CT |
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Al Reyes has been placed on the 15-day DL with a right shoulder impingement, this according to the St. Petersberg Times. LH Kurt Birkins was activated to take the open roster spot.
Our View: Dan Wheeler now becomes the main setup man and the obvious choice to step into the closers role if something were to happen to Troy Percival. |
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| Bowker continues to hit | Wednesday 4/16, 5:46 PM CT |
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John Bowker went 1-for-3 with a BB on Wednesday in his fourth major league game of the season. Bowker also saw some time at first base.
Our View: Bwoker has seven hits (including two HR) and seven RBI through four games, and if he continues to see time at first base, his value would improve substantially in NL Only leagues. |
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| Brynes has 12-game hit streak | Wednesday 4/16, 5:43 PM CT |
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Eric Byrnes may be hitting "only" .302 on the young season, but on Wednesday he went 1-for-4 with an RBI to extend his hitting streak to 12-games.
Our View: Brynes has two HR and two SB on the young year, and he continues to hustle at all times like his hair is on fire. |
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| Webb dominates Giants | Wednesday 4/16, 5:33 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb dominated the Giants eight innings to begin a season 4-0 for the first time. Webb allowed three hits, two walks and just one run while striking out five.
Our View: Webb also lowered his ERA to 1.86 as he pounded the strike zone all game with that nasty sinker. Webb has been about as consistent as any NL pitcher the past few years, and he is at the top of his game right now. |
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| Beltran sent to minors | Wednesday 4/16, 5:29 PM CT |
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Francis Beltran was designated for assignment as the Tigers purchased the contract of Armando Galarraga, this according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Beltran had allowed 10 baserunners with a 5.79 ERA in five appearances, so the Tigers decided to give Galarraga and his 2.25 ERA in 12 innings with the Mud Hens a shot. |
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| Pedro hopes to be back sooner | Wednesday 4/16, 5:23 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez doesn't share the Mets view that he will be out for another month because of his injured hamstring, he thinks he will be back by the end of April, this according to ESPN. "We will give everyone the surprise of the month, I think, if things keep going well and there are no further delays," Martinez said.
Our View: Players often say outlandish things that are refuted by doctors, and the Mets realize they need Pedro when it counts and not in April. Will Pedro return by the end of April? Possibly. Do we expect him to return in April? No. |
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| Italiano missing bats at Low-A | Wednesday 4/16, 5:12 PM CT |
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Craig Italiano, a 2005 second-round draft choice, allowed one unearned run in 4.1 innings and struck out 10 batters on Tuesday at Low-A.
Our View: Italiano missed most of last season due to injury. He is making a fine comeback thus far with 24 strikeouts in 14 innings. |
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| Parmelee drives in seven | Wednesday 4/16, 5:10 PM CT |
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Chris Parmelee, the 20th overall pick in the 2006 draft, went 3-for-5 with a home run and seven RBI on Tuesday. He is now hitting .351-4-14 this season.
Our View: Parmelee hit only .239 last season with a very high strikeout rate, so his rebound is encouraging. Still, the 20-year-old is very far away from becoming worth realistic fantasy keeper consideration. |
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| Clement trying to earn a call-up | Wednesday 4/16, 5:09 PM CT |
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Jeff Clement hit his third home run of the season on Tuesday night, and he is now hitting .419 for the season after going 2-for-5 for Triple-A Tacoma.
Our View: Are Jose Vidro and Richie Sexson looking over their shoulders yet? Neither is having a particularly productive offensive season yet, and it would not be shocking if the Mariners made a switch at some point if the current pattern continues. |
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| Frazier displaying power at shortstop | Wednesday 4/16, 5:06 PM CT |
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Todd Frazier, the 34th overall pick in the 2007 draft, hit his fifth home run of the season at Low-A on Tuesday.
Our View: The Rutgers alum had a strong pro debut last season after hitting 22 homers and swiping 25 bases during the college season. He could quickly become an elite fantasy prospect because of his power, but he is clearly too far advanced for his current minor league level. |
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| Soriano placed on DL | Wednesday 4/16, 4:21 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano was placed on the DL on Wednesday with a right calf strain, and to take his spot on the roster the Cubs recalled Eric Patterson, this according to MLB.com.
Our View: The club doesn't seem overly concerned that his is a long term issue, but Soriano has been suffering injuries to his legs for a while now, so even when he returns the team might limit his SB opportunities to ensure he his healthy. Patterson was hitting .222 in 11 games this season at Iowa and figures to have minimal value as the club will likely go with Mark DeRosa and Reed Johnson to help to pick up the slack. |
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| Pujols fares well vs. Villanueva | Wednesday 4/16, 4:00 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols has a good track record against Carlos Villanueva, tonight's opposing hurler for Milwaukee, according to MLB.com. Pujols is 6-for-15 with two homers over his career against the Brewers' righty.
Our View: The elite first baseman should have another solid outing tonight. |
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| Cuddyer update | Wednesday 4/16, 3:54 PM CT |
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The Twins have stated that even if Michael Cuddyer is not ready to play the outfield by Sunday, he still could come off the DL, according to MLB.com. Manager Rob Gardenhire commented on Tuesday that he wouldn't hesitate to use Cuddyer in a DH role if he could throw in an emergency situation.
Our View: This is favorable news for the Twins' outfielder. |
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| Willits sent down | Wednesday 4/16, 3:45 PM CT |
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As expected, Reggie Willits has been sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake, according to the AP. He was sent down to get more at-bats, as he only registered one plate appearance with the Angels this season.
Our View: He held no fantasy value in the early going while confined to the bench, and he will benefit from the playing time in Triple-A. |
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| Serrano recalled | Wednesday 4/16, 3:42 PM CT |
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The Angels have recalled rookie righty Alex Serrano from Triple-A Salt Lake, according to the AP. The team sent down outfielder Reggie Willits, which freed up the roster spot for Serrano.
Our View: Serrano has never pitched in the majors, and went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in five games with Salt Lake this season. |
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| Moeller expected to start at catcher | Wednesday 4/16, 3:37 PM CT |
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Chad Moeller is expected to make another start at catcher for the Yankees tonight as they battle the rival Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe. He will bat ninth in the order, and Jorge Posada will notably handle the DH role.
Our View: Moeller has one hit over six at-bats so far, with two walks and one run scored. |
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| Cano batting eighth tonight | Wednesday 4/16, 3:32 PM CT |
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Robinson Cano is going to bat eighth in the Yankees' lineup tonight, according to The Boston Globe. He finally hit his first homer, but still only managed 10 hits over his first 57 at-bats, with eight strikeouts.
Our View: He will have less pressure to hit from the eighth spot, and could still post favorable numbers in the Yankees' strong offense. |
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