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| Papelbon blows second straight | Friday 5/9, 11:59 PM CT |
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It's obviously not April, a month when Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon has been perfect during his career. Papelbon put runners at second and third in the ninth inning of Friday's loss to the Twins, and let Lamb lace an opposite-field liner to left that ended the game.
Our View: It is the second straight blown save for the Boston right-hander and his second loss of the season. |
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| Sherril records his 9th helper | Friday 5/9, 11:13 PM CT |
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George Sherrill worked the ninth for his 12th save in 14 opportunities this year.
Our View: One of Sherrill's blown saves came in Oakland when he entered the game with the bases loaded with one out. He proceeded to get the next two hitters on ground balls outs, but the game tying run that scored resulted in a blown save. One of the worst rules in baseball. |
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| Meche losses again | Friday 5/9, 11:10 PM CT |
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Gil Meche, who went five innings for the Royals on Friday night, allowed five runs and six hits in his fifth loss of the season.
Our View: Meche, who has only one victory in his past four starts, had his ERA balloon to 6.31. The right-hander has yet to win at home this year. |
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| Gordon hits 5th HR | Friday 5/9, 11:08 PM CT |
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Alex Gordon hit a two-run home run off O's starter Steve Trachsel in the first inning, but the Royals still lost their 11th straight game to Baltimore.
Our View: He also had a run-scoring single in the seventh for a season-best three RBI. The home run was Gordon's fifth of the season. |
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| Trachsel beats hapless KC | Friday 5/9, 11:05 PM CT |
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Steve Trachsel , who was winless in his last five starts, gave up two runs and five hits in 5.1 innings as the O's beat the Royals for the 11th straight time.
Our View: Trachsel had lasted just three innings in each of his previous two starts, allowing 11 runs and 12 hits with seven walks in six innings. |
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| Giambi in good company | Friday 5/9, 10:38 PM CT |
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Jason Giambi homered in the second inning of Friday's loss to the Tigers. The home run was hit off lefty Kenny Rogers, giving him 184 with the Yankees, passing Tommy Henrich and tying Charlie Keller for 16th place in team history.
Our View: Giambi's home run was his seventh of the season. |
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| Igawa roughed up in debut | Friday 5/9, 10:33 PM CT |
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Kei Igawa's season debut was much like his last start for the Yanks, a forgettable one. The left-hander lasted just three-plus innings, allowing six runs on 11 hits.
Our View: Igawa has not been the pitcher the Yanks thought he could be when they signed the Japanese import to a big contract in 2006. He is not expected to remain in the rotation after tonight's performance. |
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| Rogers beats Yanks | Friday 5/9, 10:27 PM CT |
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Kenny Rogers pitched into the seventh inning for the first time this year, and received enough run support from his teammates to beat the New York Yankees 6-5 Friday night. Rogers won his third game of the year allowing two runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out three.
Our View: The Yankees struggle against left-handed pitching and were unable to do much damage to the Tigers veteran. Rogers lowered his 6.27 ERA to 5.82. |
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| Smith losses second | Friday 5/9, 10:21 PM CT |
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Greg Smith lost his second game of the season on Friday night, but not because he didn't pitch well. The rookie didn't throw a quality start, but allowed four runs on only four hits, walked two and struck out four in the 4-0 loss to the Rangers.
Our View: Smith has been impressive since replacing the injured Rich Harden, and it appears he will remain in the rotation. |
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| Boggs produces for Rangers | Friday 5/9, 10:15 PM CT |
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Brandon Boggs did most of the offensive damage in the Rangers Friday night 4-0 win over the Athletics. The Texas right fielder was 3-for-4 with three RBI.
Our View: Boggs has only 39 at-bats this season, but is hitting .385 with two runs, eight RBI and a home run. |
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| Hamliton an RBI machine | Friday 5/9, 10:10 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton continues to be an RBI machine. In Friday's 4-0 win over the A's, Hamilton hit a run scoring double. The right fielder ending the day with two hits in four at-bats with a run scored.
Our View: Hamilton now has 37 RBI on the season and raised his batting average to .290 with his two-hit performance. |
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| Feldman records first win | Friday 5/9, 10:07 PM CT |
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Scott Feldman pitched six innings, stretching Texas' scoreless streak to 28 consecutive innings. Feldman, a converted reliever, allowed two hits, walked four and struck out one in six innings of work.
Our View: The Rangers had the privilege of facing a struggling Mariners team earlier in the week allowing their below average pitching staff to accumulate their current string of scoreless innings. |
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| Barajas continues to hit Sabathia | Friday 5/9, 10:01 PM CT |
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Rod Barajas, who is a career .412 hitter against C.C. Sabathia, went 1-for-3 in Friday's loss to the Indians.
Our View: Barajas is hitting .226 on the year with one home run and four RBI. |
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| Rolen swinging hot bat | Friday 5/9, 9:57 PM CT |
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Toronto's third baseman Scott Rolen went 2-for-4 in Friday's loss to the Indians.
Our View: Rolen now has seven hits in his last 13 at-bats. He's healthy and seeing the ball well in his 13th game since coming off the disabled list.
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| Halladay losses first to Tribe | Friday 5/9, 9:54 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay lost for the fourth time in five starts and fell to 5-1 in his career against Cleveland. Halladay had pitched four straight complete games before exiting after six frames in Friday's game.
Our View: The 2003 winner fanned nine and had a 1-0 lead until the seventh, when Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko each singled. |
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| Hafner records two hits | Friday 5/9, 9:49 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner, who came in Friday's game against the Indians hitting .143 (4-for-28) in his last nine games, went 2-for-3 with a walk and raised his average to .220 on the season.
Our View: Hafner appears to have lost some of the bat speed that made him one of the most feared hitter this decade. |
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| Wells injures wrist | Friday 5/9, 9:44 PM CT |
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Vernon Wells jammed his left wrist while making a diving catch in the sixth inning of Friday's game and was unable to continue.
Our View: There was no word on how serious the injury was. The team is expected to make an announcement on Saturday. |
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| Garland strong in no-decision | Friday 5/9, 8:47 PM CT |
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Angels starter Jon Garland allowed no runs and four hits over eight innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Friday night. The veteran right-hander walked three and struck out two before being replaced by Justin Speier in the ninth.
Our View: Speier proceeded to give up a leadoff single to B.J. Upton in the ninth and after retiring Carlos Pena allowed rookie third baseman Even Longoria to end the game with a two-run home run. |
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| Longoria goes deep | Friday 5/9, 8:44 PM CT |
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Evan Longoria hit a two-run, ninth-inning homer, snapped a scoreless tie -- and gave the Tampa Bay Rays a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
Our View: The Longoria long ball was the rookies fourth of the season. |
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| Shields throws complete game | Friday 5/9, 8:42 PM CT |
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James Shields won his fourth game of the year on Friday night in a complete game 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The Rays' right-hander threw 92 pitches, allowed only one hit, no walks and struck out eight.
Our View: An impressive bounce back after a dismal start against the Red Sox, and against a very good Angels offense. |
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| Percival very good so far | Friday 5/9, 8:35 PM CT |
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Troy Percival, who blew his first save of the season on Thursday, is not in jeopardy of losing his role, according to the Tampa Tribune. Percival, who had allowed just three baserunners (two hits and a walk) in starting the season with 11 scoreless innings, gave up three runs in the ninth.
Our View: Percival has appeared in 12 games and has allowed six hits, one walk while striking out 12. Not bad for a player who retired before the 2007 season. |
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| Griffey suffering from flu | Friday 5/9, 8:05 PM CT |
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The Mets versus Reds game on Friday night was postponed due to rain. Before the 55 minute rain delay, outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was pulled from the starting lineup because of an illness. He was to be replaced in right field by Ryan P. Freel.
Our View: Griffey's availability for Saturday's double-header is questionable. |
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| Shields working on one-hitter | Friday 5/9, 7:58 PM CT |
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The Tampa Tribune reports that Rays skipper Joe Maddon expects to see James Shields' best tonight, considering the way the pitcher has been stewing since turning in one of the worst performances of his career last weekend at Fenway Park. The right-hander allowed 13 Red Sox hitters to reach base, and seven runs to score in 3.2 innings of work.
Our View: Through seven innings, Shields has allowed one hit, walked none and struck out eight. The score is tied at 0-0 in a game where the Rays are hosting the Angels. |
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| Aybar injured by HBP | Friday 5/9, 7:54 PM CT |
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Erick Aybar was injured in Friday's game after being hit in the hand by a pitch. Brandon Wood shifted from third base to shortstop and Robb Quinlan came off the bench to take over third base.
Our View: No word yet on how serious the injury is, but Aybar fell to the ground in pain after being hit. |
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| Broussard losses roster spot | Friday 5/9, 7:41 PM CT |
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According to the Star Telegram, Ben Broussard lost is spot in the platoon at first base earlier this week, and now he has lost his spot on the Texas Rangers' roster. The Opening Day first baseman was designated for assignment Thursday after struggling the past four weeks at the plate and in the field.
Our View: The Rangers activated infielder Travis Metcalf from the 15-day disabled list to take Broussard's spot on the 25-man roster. |
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| Bay bouncing back | Friday 5/9, 7:14 PM CT |
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It's official, Jason Bay has bounced back from a poor 2007 and should continues to produce as the weather warms up. After going 3-4 on Thursday the left fielder raised his average back up to .286 on the season.
Our View: The one category that Bay is lacking is his RBI production. But this is more a product of the Pirates offense than his ability to hit with runners in scoring position. |
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| Sexson in the lineup | Friday 5/9, 7:01 PM CT |
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Although Richie Sexson received a six-game suspension for instigating the fight on Thursday night, the M's have him in the starting lineup against the White Sox and batting sixth.
Our View: Sexson ask the players union to appeal the suspension so he remains availalble to play until there is some resolution. . |
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| Young back in action | Friday 5/9, 6:55 PM CT |
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Michael Young, who left Wednesday's game in the first inning with a left hip injury and was not in Thursday's starting lineup, is back at shortstop for the Rangers and hitting second against the A's on Friday night.
Our View: This is great news for Young owners who were unsure just how serious the injury was. |
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| Hafner back in action vs. KC | Friday 5/9, 6:52 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner is back in the starting lineup against the Royals after sitting out the last two games.
Our View: Hafner is back in the designated hitter role with Victor Martinez (neck) back behind the plate. |
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| Floyd could return Sunday | Friday 5/9, 6:19 PM CT |
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Cliff Floyd, who is coming off knee surgery just four weeks ago, could return as early as Sunday, this according to the St. Petersburg Times.
The report noted that skipper Joe Maddon was very pleased with Floyd's batting practice session Friday, but wanted to chat with Floyd and the team's medical staff before making any definitive move.
Our View: Floyd's return will cut into the at-bats of Jonny Gomes and Eric Hinske. |
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| Lackey works final rehab | Friday 5/9, 6:13 PM CT |
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John Lackey threw 88 pitches over six innings in an extended spring training game on Friday afternoon, this according to the AP.
Lackey, who went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA last season, could rejoin the team next week. He opened the season on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right triceps.
Our View: Lackey previously made three rehab starts for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and has had no issues or setbacks in his work. |
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| Pudge at the top of the order | Friday 5/9, 5:52 PM CT |
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With Curtis Granderson out of the lineup on Friday night, catcher Ivan Rodriguez is back in the leadoff spot for the Tigers.
Our View: Pudge has never faced Yankee starter Kei Igawa, but returns to the top of the order while Granderson gets a night off. |
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| Granderson on the bench | Friday 5/9, 5:49 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson, who went 0-for-4 on Thursday night and is now 0-for-10 in his last two games, is on the bench for Friday's game against New York. Ryan Raburn, who opened the season with the Tigers, is starting in center field.
Our View: Granderson has never faced Yankee starter, Kei Igawa, so his absence from the lineup isn't a matchup issue. |
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| Ensberg sits for second straight | Friday 5/9, 5:45 PM CT |
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Wilson Betemit, who homered Thursday in his first start since coming off the disabled list, is starting ahead of Morgan Ensberg for the second straight game.
Our View: Ensberg isn't hitting, and Betemit is a better matchup against right-handers until Alex Rodriguez returns. |
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| Wilkerson starting in LF | Friday 5/9, 5:39 PM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson, who was acquired by the Blue Jays today, is in the starting lineup tonight against Cleveland. He is playing left field, replacing normal starter Shannon Stewart. It's worth noting that Toronto is desperately searching for a lineup that can produce. In the last 30 games, the Jays have sported the same lineup only twice.
Our View: The additions of Kevin Mench and Wilkerson make fantasy owners in AL-only formats cringe. It appears that the Jays are going to try platooning Wilkerson, Stewart, Mench and Matt Stairs. Wilkerson and Stairs will start against right-handers while Stewart and Mench find the lineup against southpaws. Tonight it appears the team has decided to give the two newbies (Wilkerson and Mench) starting assignments. |
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| V-Mart starting at catcher | Friday 5/9, 5:33 PM CT |
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After serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday, Victor Martinez got Thursday completely off because of his stiff beck. Martinez is back in the starting lineup on Friday versus Toronto in his normal catcher role.
Our View: Martinez has still yet to hit a home run this year. He is hitting for average but the offensive struggles at the top of the order haven't given him many runs batted in opportunities this season. The All Star has only 11 RBI on the season. |
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| Mench jumps right in | Friday 5/9, 5:29 PM CT |
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Kevin Mench , who was acquired for cash from the Texas Rangers today, is in the Jays starting lineup Friday night against the Indians.
Our View: Mench is the designated hitter and he's hitting fifth in the batting order. |
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| McDonald won't linger on DL | Friday 5/9, 4:28 PM CT |
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According to the Jays' team website, neither David Eckstein nor John McDonald much wanted to go on the disabled list. But with both players still dealing with the lingering effects of injuries suffered earlier this week, the Blue Jays couldn't afford to wait any longer for the pair to get healthy.
Our View: Both Eckstein and McDonald landed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, retroactive to Wednesday, with Joe Inglett rejoining the roster and another move expected sometime before Friday's game at Cleveland. |
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| Sexson suspended six games | Friday 5/9, 3:51 PM CT |
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Richie Sexson has been suspended for six games by the MLB, according to the AP. He charged the mound and threw his helmet at Rangers' pitcher Kason Gabbard the previous night. The incident happened after the left-hander threw an eye-high pitch to Sexson in the fourth inning of Seattle’s 5-0 loss. Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, cited Sexson for "violent and aggressive actions."
Our View: Sexson asked the players’ association to appeal, and any suspension will be delayed until after a hearing. |
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| Santos designated for assignment | Friday 5/9, 3:35 PM CT |
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Infielder Sergio Santos has been designated for assignment, according to MLB.com. The team acquired outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench, and Santos was moved to free up roster space.
Our View: Santos did not register any at-bats this season, and held no fantasy value prior to today's move. |
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| Chacin designated for assignment | Friday 5/9, 3:32 PM CT |
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Gustavo Chacin has been designated for assignment, according to MLB.com. The team needed to make room on the roster for new outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench.
Our View: Chacin did not register an appearance with Toronto in 2008, and held no fantasy value prior to his designation. |
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| Inglett optioned to Triple-A | Friday 5/9, 3:27 PM CT |
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Joe Inglett has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, according to MLB.com. The team needed to free up a roster spot for newly acquired outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench.
Our View: Inglett fared well in limited action this season, as he hit .303 with four RBI over 33 at-bats. He also registered two stolen bases. He will have to wait for another shot to prove his worth with Toronto. |
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| Mench lands in Toronto | Friday 5/9, 3:17 PM CT |
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Kevin Mench has landed in Toronto, according to Fox Sports. He was acquired for cash from the Texas Rangers.
Our View: Mench, who was with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma, hit .267 with eight homers and 37 RBI in 2007 while a member of the Brewers. He is a liability defensively, but will provide the Jays with an extra bat off the bench.
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| Blue Jays acquire Wilkerson | Friday 5/9, 3:14 PM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson has been acquired by the Blue Jays, according to Fox Sports. He was recently cut by the Mariners.
Our View: Wilkerson was brought in as he is good against left-handed pitching, and the Jays are going to face three lefties in their current series against Cleveland. He will also provide them with flexibility to use him at first base, or in the outfield. |
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| Foulke activated | Friday 5/9, 2:47 PM CT |
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Keith Foulke has been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the Sports Network. He has recovered from neck stiffness.
Our View: Foulke registered six strikeouts over seven innings this season, with five hits and two runs allowed. The 35-year old reliever will help the Athletics' bullpen, but holds little fantasy value. |
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| Rolen is hitting well | Friday 5/9, 2:33 PM CT |
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Scott Rolen has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games, according to MLB.com. He has five hits over his last two outings.
Our View: Rolen is hitting .318 over 12 games, with two homers and eight RBI. He also contributed one stolen base. He is proving to be a solid acquisition for the Blue Jays, as well as fantasy squads. He is in good form since returning from injury. |
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| Halladay aims to even record to 4-4 | Friday 5/9, 2:27 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay will aim to even up his record to 4-4 when he takes the hill against the Indians tonight, according to MLB.com. Halladay is 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 57 innings, with only seven walks allowed.
Our View: Halladay is 5-0 in 10 career games against the Indians. He has only allowed one earned run in each of his last two starts, and he should remain in control tonight. |
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| Polanco is hot | Friday 5/9, 2:20 PM CT |
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Placido Polanco is batting .404 (23-for-57) with six doubles, two home runs and eight RBI over his last 13 games, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Polanco is hitting .272 overall, with two homers, 12 RBI, and 17 runs scored over 28 games. He has found his groove, as he only had three hits over his first 29 at-bats of the season. |
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| Igawa to make season debut tonight | Friday 5/9, 2:02 PM CT |
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Kei Igawa will make his season debut when he takes the diamond against the Tigers at Comerica Park tonight, according to MLB.com. Manager Joe Girardi said, "I thought as spring went on, Igawa got better and better. He got better pitching down with his fastball. I thought he got better at attacking the zone. He has the ability to strike out people because he has some deception. He can elevate his fastball, which hitters will chase at times. But most of the time you have to pitch down in the zone." He will duel with veteran Kenny Rogers.
Our View: Igawa has never faced the Tigers, and went 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA over 67.2 innings in 2007. This isn't an ideal situation for him to make his season debut, but he is worth starting if you took a shot on him in AL-only leagues. |
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| A-Rod takes BP and fields grounders | Friday 5/9, 1:48 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez took 57 swings in batting practice and fielded 31 grounders at third base during his first injury rehab workout on Friday at the Yankees' minor league complex, according to the AP. A-Rod hit several long homers, including a pair that went over the center-field back drop. He also ran in the outfield, and said his session went good.
Our View: He could rejoin the team late next week, when the Yankees battle the Mets in the Bronx.
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| Posada took batting practice | Friday 5/9, 1:15 PM CT |
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Jorge Posada took batting practice for the first time on Thursday since landing on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis, according to CBSsports. He took 28 swings right-handed, and 26 from the left side.
Our View: He does not require surgery, but will be out until mid-June. He could start a light throwing program as early as next week. |
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| Farnsworth's suspension cut | Friday 5/9, 12:11 PM CT |
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Kyle Farnsworth's suspension has been cut from three games to one on Friday, according to the AP. John McHale Jr., executive VP for administration in the commissioner’s office, heard Farnsworth’s appeal Tuesday. Farnsworth was to serve the suspension Friday, baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.
Our View: Farnsworth wasn’t ejected and said the ball slipped when he threw the ball behind Manny Ramirez. Farnsworth will serve his suspension tonight, and then can move on with his season.
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| A-Rod unlikely to get 2nd MRI until Tue | Friday 5/9, 10:40 AM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez isn't expected to get a second MRI on his strained right quad until Tuesday, according to the NY Daily News. Rodriguez could get the MRI on Tuesday, which might clear him to play in extended spring training games on Wednesday and Thursday in Tampa Bay. A-Rod worked out for a second straight day on Thursday, taking grounders at third base and taking batting practice. He also did several sprints in the outfield, reporting no problems with his injured leg. Team-mate Johnny Damon said, "We're expecting to get Alex back soon. Morgan Ensberg and Wilson Betemit have filled in nicely, but Alex very well could be the best player we've ever seen. Hopefully he goes down to Tampa and gets ready."
Our View: Since Rodriguez wants to play in two rehab games, that would push his return until at least a week from today, when the Yankees start a three-game set at home against the Mets.
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| Nady battling mildly strained groin | Friday 5/9, 10:23 AM CT |
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Xavier Nady has been battling a mildly strained groin over his last two games, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said he will be fine, but Manager John Russell might rest him soon.
Our View: Over the last two games, Nady is 2-for-7 with a home run and two RBI, so the ailment has not hindered his production. |
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| Batista hindered by pain | Friday 5/9, 10:14 AM CT |
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Miguel Batista is being hindered by pain in his push-off foot that dates back to last season, according to the Seattle Times. The ailment relates to a tendon in his foot that becomes inflamed if he leans too far forward on his toes and causes them to rub together. The pain becomes so intense that Batista will often take his shoes off in the dugout between innings and walk around barefoot because it puts less pressure on his toes than when he's wearing shoes. Batista has also often been spotted limping around the clubhouse after he pitches. He is battling a groin problem as well.
Our View: Batista is struggling as he lost four of seven starts, and holds a 5.66 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 35 innings, with 24 walks. He is capable of good numbers, but should be left on your bench until he can shake his injuries. |
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| Lackey could made final rehab start | Friday 5/9, 9:33 AM CT |
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John Lackey hopes to make his final rehab start today in Tempe, Arizona, according to the LA Times. He is recovering from a strained triceps.
Our View: If Lackey reports no soreness (or any other complication), he could make his season debut with thw Angels early next week. Lackey went 19-9 in 2007, with a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. The Angels' ace should reward fantasy owners for their patience, who stashed him away on draft day.
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| Kendrick sits second straight game | Friday 5/9, 9:27 AM CT |
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Howie Kendrick sat out a second straight game for Class-A after tweaking his already tender hamstring Tuesday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Kendrick owners must be frustrated by his slow progress, but he will be worth the wait when he ultimately returns as he was hitting .500 over 10 games, with five doubles, one triple, four RBI, and two stolen bases. |
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| Murray sent back to Triple-A | Friday 5/9, 8:51 AM CT |
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A.J. Murray has been sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Star Telegram. The team made the move to free up a roster spot for Kason Gabbard, who was activated from the DL and started Thursday.
Our View: Murray made one spot start this season, and earned a win as he allowed two runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He made a solid transition from reliever to starter in his lone performance of the season, but will have to wait for another chance to shine following the move. |
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| Wilkerson on Jays' radar? | Friday 5/9, 8:46 AM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson is on the Jays' radar, according to Globeandmail.com. Wilkerson is a left-handed batter who is statistically better against lefties than righties, and was recently designated for assignment by Seattle. The Blue Jays will open a four-game set on Friday against the Indians, and Jays' GM J.P. Ricciardi made clear Thursday that the team would likely add another bat before Friday night's game. Wilkerson has been pursued by the Jays at earlier times in his career, and Manager John Gibbons said, "We're facing three lefties in Cleveland, so we'd like a right-handed type bat, by that I mean a guy who can hit lefties."
Our View: This is only speculation at this point, but Wilkerson would provide Toronto with the bat they are looking for, and they won't have to sacrifice talent in their system to acquire him. He will also provide them flexibility to use him at first base, or in the outfield. |
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| Guillen praises Gomez | Friday 5/9, 8:36 AM CT |
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Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen praised rising star Carlos Gomez, according to the Star Tribune. Guillen said, "He's not too far away from people saying, 'Torii Hunter who?' I'm telling you, I saw Kirby Puckett play. They're not going to forget Kirby Puckett. But this kid can bring a lot of good things to baseball. We need that. Baseball needs that. I love the way he plays."
Our View: Gomez hit for the cycle on Wednesday, and was the first member of the Twins to do it since Kirby Puckett in 1986. At 22-years old, Gomez is also the third youngest player to hit for the cycle, behind Cesar Cedeno and Alex Rodriguez. |
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| Neshek's elbow to be examined | Friday 5/9, 8:31 AM CT |
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Pat Neshek will have his injured elbow examined by team orthopedist Dan Buss today, according to the Star Tribune. Neshek said he hadn't experienced any pain in the elbow before he threw a slider to Joe Crede of the White Sox in the eighth inning. Neshek said, "I just felt something tweak. The trainers came out, and we wanted to just play it safe and make sure nothing bad happened."
Our View: Neshek allowed 12 hits and seven runs over 13.1 innings, but still held a 1.20 WHIP. He racked up 15 strikeouts as well. He will be missed from the Twins' pen if he is to miss time. We will update you on his status following the results of his exam. |
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| Kaaihue killing the ball at Double-A | Friday 5/9, 12:39 AM CT |
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Kila Kaaihue went 2-for-4 with his 10th home run of the season for Double-A NW Arkansas on Thursday.
Our View: Kaaihue’s tools don’t jump off the page, but he has the skills to be a player for a stats-minded team. The 24-year-old is hitting .263-10-29 with an outstanding 23/13 BB/K ratio this season, resulting in a .408 OBP. He could be looking at a promotion to Triple-A soon. |
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| Mayberry's stock rising at Triple-A | Friday 5/9, 12:33 AM CT |
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John Mayberry hit his second home run for Triple-A Oklahoma on Thursday. He is hitting .472-2-8 in 36 at-bats since being promoted from Double-A this season.
Our View: The former first-round pick could get a look later this season, as the Rangers don’t look like they will be challenging for a playoff spot. He struggled to hit for average last season, but he did hit 30 homers and steal 16 bases. He is hitting .331-6-21 with four steals between Double-A and Triple-A this season, which makes us somewhat more optimistic that the 24-year-old can be a regular in the majors. |
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| Feliz pitching well in low minors | Friday 5/9, 12:31 AM CT |
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Neftali Feliz won his third game of the year for Low-A Clinton after throwing 5.1 scoreless innings.
Our View: Feliz was obtained by the Rangers last season in the Mark Teixeira trade with Atlanta, and he has continued his progression as a high upside arm. He currently has a 3.13 ERA and 39/15 K/BB ratio through 31.2 innings. |
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| No production from catchers | Friday 5/9, 12:28 AM CT |
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Kenji Johjima went 0-for-3 on Thursday night to drop his average down to .184 on the season for the Mariners. Over the last 13 games, Johjima is 6-for-40 (.150).
Our View: At this point, neither Johjima or Jeff Clement can hit anything, so maybe they need one of those fat red wiffle ball bats we used to use as kids. |
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| Vazquez has four hits | Friday 5/9, 12:24 AM CT |
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Ramon Vazquez had a big night as he went 4-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI from the second hole in the order for the Rangers.
Our View: Over the last 10 games Vazquez batting average has gone from .192 to .309 as he appears to be taking well to a regular turn in the lineup, something that should continue to occur until Hank Blalock returns to the lineup. |
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| King Felix more like a pauper | Friday 5/9, 12:22 AM CT |
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Felix Hernandez had a third straight rough start as he allowed four runs in five innings against the Rangers. Felix struggled to find the strike zone all night taking 112 pitches to record 15 outs as he walked three batters and allowed six hits on his way to his third loss.
Our View: With this outing his ERA sits at a more reasonable 3.42, though we certainly wouldn't have liked to have seen him get there this quickly (18 ER in his last 17.2 IP). Hernandez has not yet shown the ability to consistently dominate hitters from start to start, but that doesn't mean that he couldn't put it all together and run off a long streak of big-time success. |
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| Gabbard solid before leaving game | Friday 5/9, 12:00 AM CT |
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Kason Gabbard returned to the big leagues for the start tonight and he was able to last 3.2 innings before having to leave the game after allowing two hits and four walks, though the Mariners failed to push a run across the plate. In truth, Gabbard was removed from the game because he injured his leg when Richie Sexson charged the mound after Gabbard threw one up an in.
Our View: Gabbard now owns a 1.85 ERA over five starts this year, and if that doesn't get your attention in AL Only leagues, we don't know what will. Make sure he is healthy before you scamper to the waiver wire to pick him up. |
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