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| Tomko falls for fourth loss | Saturday 5/10, 11:56 PM CT |
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It was a mixed bag for RHP Brett Tomko this evening, suffering his fourth loss of the season as his Royals fell 6-5 to the Baltimore Orioles. Tomko completed just 5 1/3 innings of work, surrendering six runs (all earned) on nine hits. However, Tomka failed to walk a single batter and struck out eight.
Our View: This is Tomko's fourth loss in his last six outings, though his BB/K ratio remains positive (11/29). |
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| Wagner shows reason for concern | Saturday 5/10, 11:35 PM CT |
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The situation was not set for a save, but if it had been, Mets closer Billy Wagner might have suffered his first blown opportunity of the season. Through 12 outings this season, Wagner had allowed just one run (unearned, of course) to be scored. Today, in the second game of the double-header with the Reds, Wagner surrendered three runs, all unearned, on two hits over 2/3 of an inning.
Our View: Wagner had failed to surrender a single hit in his first nine outings of the season. Over his last four, he has allowed five hits with four runs scored. |
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| Reyes can't get going | Saturday 5/10, 11:29 PM CT |
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The Mets couldn't get their bats going in the second game of their double-header with the Reds today, falling 7-1 to the Cincinnati Reds. In a continued line of concern, SS Jose Reyes just can't seem to get going, hitting 1-for-4 today with his seventh double of the season. The outing is tainted with two strike outs.
Our View: Through the month of May, Reyes has totaled seven hits (no home runs), three RBIs, six walks and six strike outs. |
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| Arroyo pulls much-needed win | Saturday 5/10, 11:23 PM CT |
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Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo has been struggling of late, but today he found his comfort zone and pitched the Reds to a strong 7-1 win. Arroyo pitched eight full innings, giving up just one run on four hits, walking two while striking out nine.
Our View: Arroyo has struggled to get to the sixth inning, this being his longest start thus far. He continues to give up the long ball, but a win is a win. |
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| Hatteberg drives in three | Saturday 5/10, 11:19 PM CT |
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Cincinnati 1B Scott Hatteberg enjoyed a productive day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with his third double of the season to total three RBIs.
Our View: Hatteberg has struggled mightily at the plate this season, so we hope this surge serves to get him back on track. |
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| Keppinger goes 5-for-5 | Saturday 5/10, 11:14 PM CT |
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The Mets took the win in the first game of the day, but it was the Reds in the turnaround, taking a 7-1 win with a full offensive surge from the entire lineup. Top man of the twilight revisit was SS Jeff Keppinger , going 5-for-5 at the dish, all singles, with two runs scored and one RBI on the day.
Our View: Keppinger has shown flashes of potential, but today's performance has us wondering why we don't see it more often. |
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| Miller puts Washington into loss column | Saturday 5/10, 11:07 PM CT |
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Florida LHP Andrew Miller may be difficult to recognize through the forest of offense the Marlins produced this evening, but he certainly deserves praise for the strong outing. Miller pitched seven innings, failing to surrender a single run on just two hits allowed, walking one and striking out seven.
Our View: This was Miller's deepest and most productive outing thus far, giving him his second win in his last three starts. |
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| Ross finds groove vs Nats | Saturday 5/10, 11:03 PM CT |
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Florida OF Cody Ross is one of few members of the Marlins lineup struggling to hit, but tonight he got it going in the right direction as the Marlins put an 11-0 whooping on the Washington Nationals. Ross went 1-for-3 with two walks, adding his second homer of the season total three runs scored and one RBI.
Our View: Both of Ross' homers come in the month of May as do all four of his RBIs. |
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| Uggla lights up Nats | Saturday 5/10, 11:00 PM CT |
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The Florida Marlins were not short on offense this evening, led by 2B Dan Uggla . Uggla went 2-for-4 including a grand-slam home run in the 9th, bringing him to five total RBIs on the evening.
Our View: Since hitting the month of May, Uggla has been on fire, posting five home runs with 13 RBIs over nine games. |
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| Hanley makes those checks count | Saturday 5/10, 10:54 PM CT |
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Florida SS Hanley Ramirez solidified a fat pay day before taking the field today, but then he put his money where it matters and helped the Marlins to a dominating 11-0 win over the Washington Nationals.
Our View: Ramirez went 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks, adding two runs scored to the cause. |
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| Gorzellany gets to 3-3 with win over ATL | Saturday 5/10, 8:57 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh LHP Tom Gorzelanny put his best foot forward today to lead his Pirates to a 5-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. Gorzelanny pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on seven hits. He struck out four, walked two, and gave up a dinger to 1B Mark Teixeira.
Our View: This evens Gorzelanny at a record of 3-3 gives him consecutive wins for the first time this season. It is also the first time he has pitched more strike outs than walks in a single game this season. |
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| Infante shows well vs Pirates | Saturday 5/10, 8:51 PM CT |
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Atlanta 2B Omar Infante did his job as the Braves' leadoff man in the 5-2 loss to the Pirates. Infante went 3-for-4 at the dish, hitting his first double of the season.
Our View: This is only his second start of the season, going 1-for-3 two days ago against the Padres. Let's see if he can keep it going and continue to earn opportunities. |
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| Prior still feeling pain | Saturday 5/10, 8:37 PM CT |
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The San Diego Padres report RHP Mark Prior has been experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired right shoulder during today's throwing sessions, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Prior's return from shoulder surgery has been approached with extreme caution as the Padres continue to take it easy on his with stunted throwing sessions. He has spent most of his time in Arizona, but the team has not definitive timetable for his return. The team hopes to get him into a minor-league rehab assignment at some, but until the pain subsides, he will be slowly encouraged to take it easy. |
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| James recalled, Carlyle to DL | Saturday 5/10, 8:14 PM CT |
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The Atlanta Braves have recalled LHP Chuck James from Triple-A Richmond, slating him to start Saturday night's game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: To make room for James on the roster, the Braves have placed reliever Buddy Carlyle on the 15-day disabled list with a strained neck. James was 2-1 with an ERA of 7.62 in three starts with Atlanta before his demotion. Carlyle suffered his neck injury when he collided with Kevin Kouzmanoff of the Padres on Thursday night. |
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| Castillo goes 4-for-4 versus Philly | Saturday 5/10, 7:41 PM CT |
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San Francisco 3B Jose Castillo enjoyed an outstanding day at the ballpark today, going 4-for-4 in the Giants' 8-2 win over Philadelphia. Castillo hit his 12th double of the season, driving in one run and adding three runs scored to the day.
Our View: Castillo has struggled in recent weeks, but the month of May is bringing better returns, going 10-for-28 thus far. |
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| Rowand swings well in Giant win | Saturday 5/10, 7:37 PM CT |
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Four different players picked up three or more hits for the Giants today as they romped over the Phillies, 8-2. One of those players was CF Aaron Rowand , going 3-for-4 with his fourth home run of the year. Rowand ended with two runs scored, one RBI, and one strikeout on the day.
Our View: You won't find a hotter bat on the left coast as Rowand has posted at least one hit in 10 of his last 11 games, going 17-for-39 (.436) over that same span. |
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| Lincecum continues to shine | Saturday 5/10, 7:29 PM CT |
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San Francisco RHP Tim Lincecum is off to a fabulous start, picking up his fifth win today as the Giants put an 8-2 whooping on the Philadelphia Phillies. Tincecum pitched eight full innings, allowing just two runs (both earned) on four hits, walking just one and striking out eight.
Our View: Lincecum did surrender two home runs, but those are two of four he has give up total this season. He now sits at 5-1, touting a lowly 1.61 ERA with an outstanding 18 walks versus 53 strike outs. |
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| Moyer takes third loss | Saturday 5/10, 7:23 PM CT |
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Philadelphia LHP Jamie Moyer continues to struggle through a rough start to the '08 season, suffering this third loss in troublesome fashion to the San Francisco Giants, 8-2. Moyer pitched just four innings, giving up six runs (all earned) on nine hits. Moyer struck out one, walked one, and allowed two home runs.
Our View: In fact, Moyer has allowed five homers over his last three starts, now touting an ERA of 5.02. |
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| Howard hits HR #7 | Saturday 5/10, 7:16 PM CT |
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The Phillies managed just four hits in today's 8-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants, but one of those hits and one of those runs happens to carry a ton of optimism for Philly moving forward. 1B Ryan Howard went 1-for-4, hitting his seventh home run of the season.
Our View: Howard is struggling in a major way, fighting to get his batting average to .200 (not a number you want to aim for). This is his first home run since May 1st and one of just five hits he has this month. Hopefully, the former MVP will use this homer to get back on track. |
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| Ludwick keeps the stick hot | Saturday 5/10, 6:51 PM CT |
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Eight different players recorded hits for the St. Louis Cardinals today in a 5-3 win over the Brewers, but once again it was OF Ryan Ludwick doing the most with a limited opportunity. Ludwick failed to earn the start, but he entered the game late and made good, going 1-for-2, hitting a two-out single in the ninth to drive in two and secure the win.
Our View: The month of May has been very good for Ludwick, going 13-for-29 with five runs scored, three home runs, and nine RBIs. |
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| Pineiro pitches well | Saturday 5/10, 6:45 PM CT |
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St. Louis RHP Joel Pineiro put forth a strong effort today and, while he walked off the mound with no decision, he set the stage for a 5-3 victory over the Brewers. Pineiro pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits, walking three and striking out four.
Our View: After struggling in his first two starts of the season (0-2, 18 combined hits, nine earned runs), Pineiro has settled in, going 2-0 with just 17 combined hits and six earned runs allowed over his last four starts. |
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| Sheets breaks record, suffers no decision | Saturday 5/10, 6:40 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Ben Sheets was strong off the mound today, but the Brewers failed to support his cause and the team ace left with no decision. Sheets pitched seven innings, surrendering three runs (all earned) on nine hits.
Our View: Sheets walked just one and struck out six, bringing his ERA to 2.53 on the season. As we noted earlier, he used the day to become Milwaukee's all-time strikeout leader, but he would likely admit he would prefer the win. |
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| Braun comes hitting, but Brewers fall | Saturday 5/10, 6:35 PM CT |
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The Brewers suffered the hard-fought 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals today, but OF Ryan Braun did his best to end things differently. Braun went 3-for-5 at the dish with two doubles, though he failed to drive in a single run and stranded five runners on base.
Our View: Braun came into the month smoking hot, going 8-for-18 with nine RBIs and two home runs coming in. However, he has since cooled, going 2-for-24 coming into today. |
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| Fielder homers, but falls short in loss | Saturday 5/10, 6:26 PM CT |
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Milwaukee 1B Prince Fielder his his fifth home run of the season today, but his efforts weren't enough as his Brewers fell 5-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Fielder went 1-for-5 overall.
Our View: Though he failed to collect a single strike out, Fielder stranded three runners on base, a tough reality in a tight-fought battle that ended in a loss. |
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| Dempster pitches well for Cubs | Saturday 5/10, 6:05 PM CT |
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The Cubbies used offense to gather the win today, but RHP Ryan Dempster enjoyed a strong performance on the mound. Dempster pitched six full innings, allowing just two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out seven.
Our View: Dempster has been solid for the Cubs thus far, going six-innings deep in seven of eight starts this season, now touting an ERA of 2.76. |
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| Fukudome goes deep | Saturday 5/10, 6:01 PM CT |
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Chicago OF Kosuke Fukudome smacked his 2nd home run of the year today, doing deep in the 7th inning to drive in two and seal the 7-2 win for the Cubs over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fukudome finished going 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk, leaving one man on board.
Our View: Fukudome has struggled a bit since entering May, going 3-for-19 over his last six games. |
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| Soriano sets pace for Cubs in win | Saturday 5/10, 5:56 PM CT |
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The Cubs had to wait for the relief pitching to enter the game, but once they did, the offensive surge began as the Cubbies ran up a 7-2 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Leadoff man LF Alfonso Soriano enjoyed the day more than any other Cub, going 4-for-5 at the dish with his fifth double of the season. Soriano picked up one RBI and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Soriano is putting the wood on the ball each day he goes out, sporting hits in 14 of his last 17 games. However, he has multiple hits in just four of those games. |
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| Scherzer shines, Diamondbacks don't | Saturday 5/10, 5:49 PM CT |
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Arizona RHP Max Scherzer put forth a strong effort today against the Chicago Cubs, but the offense failed to support the cause and reliever Chad Qualls blew the save as the Diamondbacks took the 7-2 loss in the end. Scherzer pitched six full innings, giving up one unearned run on five hits, walking just one while striking out six.
Our View: The rookie hurler has three starts, all resulting in no decisions, touting an impressive three combined walks versus 18 strike outs. |
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| Ojeda only offensive note in Zona loss | Saturday 5/10, 5:45 PM CT |
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The Arizona Diamondbacks managed just four hits (none for extra bases) as a team in a 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, two of those hits coming from leadoff man 3B Augie Ojeda . Ojeda went 2-for-3 on the day, raising his season batting average to .390.
Our View: Ojeda is enjoying a productive month of May, going 11-for-24 with seven RBIs and just two strike outs. |
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| Sheets becomes top K man for Brewers | Saturday 5/10, 5:28 PM CT |
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Milwaukee RHP Ben Sheets has officially become the Brewers' all-time leader in strike outs, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Sheets, the longest-tenured member of this year's Milwaukee team, put St. Louis 1B Albert Pujols away on an 0-2 breaking ball to record his 1,082 career strike out, surpassing Teddy Higuera as the team's top strike out man. |
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| Troubling news for Mathieson | Saturday 5/10, 5:19 PM CT |
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Philadelphia athletic trainer Scott Sheridan reports top prospect RHP Scott Mathieson is likely to undergo a second surgery to reconstruct his right elbow next week, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Mathieson underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in September of 2006, but a recent visit with Dr. James Andrews for an arthroscopic procedure on Thursday revealed the ulnar collateral ligament is likely to be a significant problem and needs to be reconstructed. This is horrific news for Mathieson as only 10% of today's patients fail to recover from Tommy John surgery, but only 30% of patients that need a second procedure are able to recover. |
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| Glaus out | Saturday 5/10, 5:07 PM CT |
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St. Louis 3B Troy Glaus is out of the lineup for the Cardinals today as the team battles with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Glaus left Friday night's game against Milwaukee in the third inning with a bruised left triceps, hit by a pitch from Manny Parra . The team does not believe the injury to be serious and believes Glaus will not be missing significant time. |
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| Delgado continues to improve | Saturday 5/10, 4:24 PM CT |
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It wasn't that long ago that rumors of a potential release followed Mets 1B Carlos Delgado on to the field as he struggled with hitting woes, but his numbers have improved over recent weeks and now he is surging as the hitter we have grown to respect. Delgado went 3-for-4 at the plate in the Mets' 12-6 win over Cincinnati today, hitting his sixth double and fifth home run of the year to gather one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Delgado has posted at least one hit in each and every one of the Mets' games this month. Over his last nine games, Delgado has gone 12-for-34 with four home runs and seven RBIs. |
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| Beltran enjoys big day vs Cincy | Saturday 5/10, 4:19 PM CT |
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The Mets racked up a total of 12 runs on 12 hits in a big win over the Cincinnati Reds, led by an outstanding performance by OF Carlos Beltran . Beltran went 2-for-3 at the dish with a walk, hitting his second triple of the season to total a whopping five RBIs and one run scored on the day.
Our View: The fans in New York have been waiting to see if Beltran was going to step it up this season, and while he has not hit a HR since April 24th, Beltran has seen improved results with the bat and has his numbers on the rise as a result. |
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| Encarnacion goes deep | Saturday 5/10, 4:14 PM CT |
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Mets starter Johan Santana may have enjoyed the offensive support needed for a win, but the Cincinnati Reds managed to put wood on the ball. 3B Edwin Encarnacion went 2-for-5 at the dish, hitting his eighth homer of the season. Encarnacion totaled two RBIs, two runs scored, and three runners left on the base.
Our View: Encarnacion has seen his batting average go into steadily decline this month, touting just two hits over six games coming into today. Today may serve as a reversal of fortunes moving forward. |
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| Freel hits and steals in Cincy loss vs Mets | Saturday 5/10, 4:07 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Reds found hard times versus the Mets today, but the team raked a few hits on starter Johan Santana, led by OF Ryan Freel . Freel went 3-for-5 at the plate with is fifth double of the season, also adding his fifth stolen base of the season.
Our View: Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Freel failed to drive in a single run and seen just one RBI this month. |
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| Santana earns fourth win | Saturday 5/10, 4:02 PM CT |
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Johan Santana earned his fourth win of the season on Saturday as the Mets pounded the Reds 12-4. The Mets' new ace allowed three runs on 10 hits over six innings, with one walk and five strikeouts.
Our View: Santana is now 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA over eight starts. |
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| Bocock optioned to Triple-A | Saturday 5/10, 3:21 PM CT |
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Brian Bocock has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno, according to CBSsports. Omar Vizquel returned from the DL today, and the team needed to free up a roster spot for him.
Our View: Bocock was seen as expendable, as he only hit .143 with no homers and two RBI over 77 at-bats, with 29 strikeouts. He held no fantasy value prior to his deserved demotion. |
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| Bautista's progress slowed | Saturday 5/10, 3:00 PM CT |
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Denny Bautista felt tenderness in his right shoulder after playing catch on Thursday, hence slowing his path back to the diamond from shoulder tendinitis, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Tigers' athletic training staff will continue to monitor Bautista while he plays catch. He held a 1.88 WHIP over 13.1 innings before getting hurt, and isn't worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect. |
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| Franklin / Springer inherit closer's role | Saturday 5/10, 1:58 PM CT |
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Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer are going to share the closer's role as the struggling Jason Isringhausen has been pulled from the job, according to the AP. Manager Tony LaRussa said, "We’ll mix and match. I think all things, everyone rested, Franklin and Springer are the guys that match up the best. Franklin gets righties and lefties out, he’s very quick off the mound, so he’s tough to run on. He gives you a lot as a guy that’s pitching important innings in games."
Our View: Isringhausen blew five saves, but still racked up 11, meaning whoever holds the closer's role in St. Louis will have a chance to be productive and hold solid fantasy value if effective. As of now, it appears that LaRussa favors Franklin for the role, although Springer will get a fair shot. |
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| Isringhausen update | Saturday 5/10, 1:48 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Jason Isringhausen has in fact been pulled from the closer's role in St. Louis, according to the AP. Manager Tony LaRussa made his decision and stated, "Jason's still prepared to pitch important innings, but for a while we’ll try to keep him out of the ninth inning. If we’re playing well, there’s still going to be games where you can’t cherry pick his situations because if we’re playing well, you need your bullpen."
Our View: Isringhausen has blown five saves, and holds a 1.72 WHIP. Isringhausen has recorded 11 saves however, and his replacement will have a chance to be productive, and hold solid fantasy value if effective. Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer are going to split the role for now. |
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| Isringhausen needs time away | Saturday 5/10, 1:40 PM CT |
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Jason Isringhausen blew a save in Friday's 4-3 loss to Milwaukee, and he admitted that he needs a rest from the closer's role, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Isringhausen said, "I'm just getting sick of embarrassing myself and letting my team down. I remember in '06, I had an explanation. I just wasn't telling anybody. Now, I don't have an explanation. I'm just pitching like a second grader. My curveball is an out pitch. It's not a throw-for-a-strike pitch. It's just time for them to figure out, we should have five more games in the win column, in my mind. So we should be out there in first place even more. They can't keep sending me out there when I'm pitching the way I'm pitching. We're going to have to figure out some kind of remedy. I'm sure that remedy will give me some time off from that role and we'll get somebody in who can do a better job right now."
Our View: Isringhausen has blown five saves, and Manager Tony LaRussa said it is due to poor mechanics (and not a physical problem), and said he will decide what to do with Isringhausen today. |
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| Ramirez agrees to new deal | Saturday 5/10, 12:31 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez has reportedly agreed on a contract extension with the Marlins for six years and $70 million, according to ESPN. An official announcement is expected to come as early as next week.
Our View: The Marlins have locked up one of the game's most valuable shortstops and complete players, and at a good price if the $70 million figure stands. |
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| Nomar expected to begin short rehab | Saturday 5/10, 11:42 AM CT |
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Nomar Garciaparra is expected to begin a short rehab assignment on Monday, according to the LA Times. He is recovering from a strained left calf.
Our View: He could be activated for the series opener against the Angels on May 16 in Anaheim.
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| Wood attributes success to new slider | Saturday 5/10, 11:38 AM CT |
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Kerry Wood decided to re-grip his slider and not rip it so hard, and he shut down Arizona's hitters by throwing nothing but strikes with his new and improved slider, according to the Daily Herald. Wood struck out Chris Young on three pitches, then forced 0-2 groundouts from Conor Jackson and Justin Upton to wrap up the Cubs' 3-1 victory on Friday. Wood said, "I didn't have a lot of confidence in my slider the way I've been throwing it. So I kind of tinkered with the grip playing catch out in Cincinnati before that series started. Honestly, it was a real small change. I feel more comfortable, so I can command it a little better. I'm going to stick with it."
Our View: Wood has been inconsistent this season, but perhaps his simple adjustment on his slider will help. He was certainly impressive on Friday. Wood lowered his season WHIP to 0.78, and has six saves for the season. |
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| Maddux going for 350th win | Saturday 5/10, 11:29 AM CT |
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Greg Maddux will be going for his 350th career win when he takes the diamond against the Rockies tonight, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Maddux has lost two straight starts, and is 2-3 with a 4.09 ERA over seven starts this season. He only allowed eight walks over 44 innings, and hence still holds a good 1.25 WHIP. The future Hall of Famer is worth starting tonight as he goes for his milestone. Maddux is 14-8 over his career against Colorado. |
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| Castro activated | Saturday 5/10, 10:58 AM CT |
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Ramon Castro has been activated from the DL as he has recovered from his right hamstring ailment, according to the NY Daily News. Raul Casanova was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Our View: Castro will serve as Brian Schneider's backup, and his fantasy value will be limited. He does display good power for a catcher as he hit 11 homers over 52 games in 2007. |
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| Casanova designated for assignment | Saturday 5/10, 10:54 AM CT |
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Raul Casanova has been designated for assignment, according to the NY Daily News. He will report to Triple-A New Orleans if he isn't claimed off waivers by another team. Ramon Castro was activated following his bout with a hamstring injury, and Casanova was seen as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View: Casanova did a solid job while filling in when needed with the Mets, as he hit .283 over 46 at-bats, with one homer and six RBI, with five runs scored. He will have to wait for another chance to play in the big leagues. |
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| Vizquel ready for season debut | Saturday 5/10, 10:38 AM CT |
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Omar Vizquel is expected to return to the Giants' lineup on Saturday, according to the AP. He has recovered from left knee surgery and the 41-year old infielder is set to begin his 20th Major League campaign.
Our View: Vizquel is closing in on a milestone as he needs to play in just 14 more games to break Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio’s record for most games played at shortstop (2,584). He is not thinking about retirement, and is already thinking about next season, assuming he is productive in 2008. The Giants' shortstops have gravely struggled at the plate, and Vizquel, who only hit .246 in 2007, will be viewed as a sizable upgrade when he returns to action today.
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| Wise ready, but Randolph waiting | Saturday 5/10, 9:36 AM CT |
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Matt Wise is ready to return to the Mets' bullpen, but Manager Willie Randolph is yet to pull the trigger with a move, according to the NY Daily News. Randolph said, "He's ready, I guess, but we're not ready to make that roster move yet. Could be today, could be Sunday or Monday. But I would say in the very near future." Wise added, "I want to able to help them as much as I can in this five-month span and then the playoffs. I'm kind of hanging out."
Our View: Wise has recovered from a bruised right forearm, but his return is delayed because Randolph can not decide who he wants to drop from the team to free up a roster spot. Randolph does not want to demote Joe Smith or Nelson Figueroa, and doesn't want to compromise depth among his hitters on the bench in case Carlos Beltran, Moises Alou, or Luis Castillo need a day off to rest. Either way, Wise's fantasy value will be limited while working out of a crowded Mets' pen. |
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| Estes takes over fifth rotation spot | Saturday 5/10, 9:28 AM CT |
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Shawn Estes has been awarded the fifth spot in the Padres' rotation, and will make his first start on Tuesday against the Cubs, according to the North County Times. Manager Bud Black said Estes looked completely different from the pitcher he saw in late March before the Padres requested Estes go to Triple-A Portland. Black saw improvements in Estes' velocity, command and breaking stuff.
Our View: Will Ledezma will return to the bullpen. Estes hasn't pitched in the Majors since April 5, 2006, but is given a chance to start again after he only allowed two hits over 1.2 innings in his first game back this season, with two strikeouts. |
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| Soriano expected to throw session | Saturday 5/10, 9:21 AM CT |
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Rafael Soriano is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also played catch Friday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Our View: This will be the closer's first big test for his right elbow since an MRI and bone scan revealed no structural damage. |
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| Gonzalez had good day of work | Saturday 5/10, 9:17 AM CT |
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Mike Gonzalez resumed his rehab in extended spring training on Friday, and had a good day, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He needed just nine pitches, eight of which were strikes, to record three outs. His fastball was clocked at 90-mph.
Our View: His next session is scheduled for Monday, and the Braves hope to have him back by the end of May, which is twelve months after his Tommy John surgery. |
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| Cordero lifting weights | Saturday 5/10, 9:09 AM CT |
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Chad Cordero said the soreness in his shoulder decreases every day, and is starting to lift weights, along with some cardio work, according to the Washington Times. He knows he can't speed up his recovery from his torn latissimus dorsi muscle, but he said he has been tempted to do so, and added, "I watched the first two games on TV, and it was just weird, being at home watching on TV while they're somewhere else playing. I don't like it too much, so I want to get back as soon as I can."
Our View: He is expected to miss at least another month, but is making favorable progress. |
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| Furcal missed third straight game | Saturday 5/10, 7:34 AM CT |
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Rafael Furcal missed his third straight game on Friday due to lower back spasms, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: He is expected to return on Saturday. Chin Lung-Hu started the three games in his place, but only went 2-for-11 (.182). Furcal is hitting .366 with 12 doubles, two triples, and eight stolen bases over 32 games, and it remains to be seen if the ailment will slow him down when he returns to action. He also scored 34 runs so far. |
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| Holliday hits sixth HR | Saturday 5/10, 1:29 AM CT |
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Matt Holliday homered for the sixth time this season and the Rockies won their third straight after losing 13 of 16.
Our View: Ever since the Roks were able to muster a string of hits in the bottom of the ninth inning against St Louis and Izzy Isringhausen, they have been playing with confidence and are beginning to make a move, albeit from eight games out, in the soft NL West. |
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| Cook wins sixth straight | Saturday 5/10, 1:26 AM CT |
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Colorado's Aaron Cook won his sixth straight start, combining with two relievers on a four-hitter. The ground ball specialist allowed one run on three-hits, walked four and struck out one in seven innings of work.
Our View: Cook is pitching with confidence and his 14-4 GB:FB ration makes him a solid option even when pitching at Coors Field. |
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| Peavy goes six in 2nd loss | Saturday 5/10, 1:23 AM CT |
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Even with Cy Young winner Jake Peavy pitching, there is no margin for error, not with a San Diego offense that can't string more than two hits together over the course of nine innings.
Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe hit consecutive bases-loaded singles off Peavy in the sixth inning Friday night and that was enough to give the Colorado Rockies a 3-2 lead, and eventually a 4-2 victory sending the Padres to their 18th loss in 22 games. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out six in six innings of work.
Our View: Peavy even accounted for half of San Diego's offense, scoring the Padres' first run after hitting a double in the third.
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| Misch goes six in no-decision | Saturday 5/10, 1:18 AM CT |
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Patrick Misch didn't factor into the Giants Friday night loss to the Phillies. The lefty allowed four runs on six hits, walked three and struck out for in six innings of work.
Our View: Misch, making his second start of the year, missed another chance to pick up his first major league victory in his sixth career start. |
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| Lidge still perfect | Saturday 5/10, 1:15 AM CT |
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Brad Lidge finished off the Giants for his ninth save in as many chances, striking out the side while allowing one hit in the Phils 7-4 victory on Friday night.
Our View: Lidge has been over-the-top good. The right-hander hasn't allowed an earned run in 18 appearances dating to his final outing of 2007. |
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| Hamel earns fourth win | Saturday 5/10, 1:08 AM CT |
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Cole Hamels lasted long enough to receive top of the eighth inning run support and win his fourth game of the year Friday night in San Francisco. The Phillies left-hander allowed four runs on six hits, walked three and struck out seven in Philadelphia's 7-4 victory over the Giants.
Our View: Hamel wasn't sharp but found a way to fight through a normally light-hitting Giants lineup to give his team seven solid innings. |
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| Rollins doesn't miss a beat | Saturday 5/10, 1:04 AM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins led the Philadelphia Phillies to victory the first day off the disabled list.
The reigning NL MVP hit a two-run homer, an RBI double and also singled, sending the Phillies past the struggling San Francisco Giants 7-4 on Friday night.
Our View: The Phillies are glad to have their spark plug back while fantasy owners are celebrating in the street. Rollins found his stroke in a hurry. He missed hitting for the cycle by one hit for the 16th time in his career. |
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| Berkman is en fuego | Saturday 5/10, 1:01 AM CT |
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Lance Berkman went 3-for-4 with a home run in a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.
Our View: Berkman might be the toughest out in the National League. The switch hitting first baseman is batting .380 on the season with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, 38 runs scored and six stolen bases. He's the primary reason the Astros are currently playing light-years above their head. |
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| Lowe struggling | Saturday 5/10, 12:58 AM CT |
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Derek Lowe gave up six runs and eight hits in 5.1 innings of work in Friday night's loss to the Astros. The Dodgers' right-hander allowed six runs on eight hits, walked two and struck out five.
Our View: The right-hander has not recorded an out in the sixth inning in any of his last five starts. His 4.43 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 44 innings and his 1.45 WHIP are approaching NL-only status.
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| Moehler beats Lowe | Saturday 5/10, 12:55 AM CT |
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Brian Moehler pitched five scoreless innings helping the Houston Astros to a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. The 36-year-old Moehler, filling in for the injured Wandy Rodriguez, allowed five hits and a walk while striking out five.
Our View: He has spent the majority of his big league career as a starter, though has been used exclusively in relief since rejoining the club in January 2007. His fantasy value is minimal, even in NL-only formats. |
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| Parker terrific again for South Bend | Saturday 5/10, 12:47 AM CT |
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Jarrod Parker threw five scoreless innings for Low-A South Bend on Friday to improve his record to 3-0.
Our View: Arizona’s top pick in the 2007 draft continues to roll, lowering his ERA to 1.05. He is only 19, but he is showing the stuff and command to move relatively quickly through the minors. |
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| Clemens' son gaining positive attention | Saturday 5/10, 12:45 AM CT |
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Koby Clemens went 3-for-4 with his second home run of the season for High-A Salem on Friday.
Our View: You have to feel sorry for the kid with the negative attention his father, Roger Clemens, has brought him the last few months. Somehow, Clemens has kept a level head on the field and has had a breakout offensive season in conjunction with his shift to catcher. He is hitting .329-2-16 and starting to become a legitimate prospect for Houston. |
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