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| Ginley tosses gem in High-A | Monday 5/12, 11:50 PM CT |
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Kyle Ginley was outstanding for High-A Dunedin on Monday, allowing only one hit in seven scoreless innings. He walked three batters and struck out four.
Our View: The 21-year-old is rebounding from a mediocre 2007 season, as he dominated Low-A through six starts this season and has done the same after two starts in High-A. He has plus stuff across the board and is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s better prospects in the low minors. |
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| Snyder superb at High-A | Monday 5/12, 11:49 PM CT |
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Ben Snyder improved to 5-0 for High-A San Jose after throwing seven scoreless innings. He allowed seven hits and struck out five.
Our View: Snyder has been playing down to the competition at age 22, but he is a true sleeper as a prospect. The crafty lefty has superb control, as he showed last season in Low-A with an ERA near 2.00. His ERA stands at a miniscule 0.73 through eight starts this season. |
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| Colvin has big game in Double-A | Monday 5/12, 11:48 PM CT |
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Tyler Colvin went 4-for-4 with two home runs for Double-A Tennessee on Monday, giving him five homers for the season.
Our View: The former first-round draft choice in 2006 has largely been a disappointment since being drafted, but he shows flashes every so often that remind us why he was drafted so high. Still, he is hitting just .247 this season and showing horrific plate discipline, as usual. |
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| Padilla not sharp vs. M's | Monday 5/12, 11:47 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits, walked one and struck out two in a 13-12 win over the Seattle Mariners. Padilla was gone long before the game finally came to fruition and while he wasn't very good on Monday night, he was better than his counter part, Erik Bedard.
Our View: Padilla came into Monday night's game allowing zero earned runs in two of his last three starts, one against the Mariners. |
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| Mather blasts homer for Memphis | Monday 5/12, 11:44 PM CT |
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Joe Mather went 2-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season for Triple-A Memphis on Monday.
Our View: Mather has had some injuries this season, so he only has 77 at-bats to this point. His .325-4-9 line is quite impressive, and he seems like the Cardinals’ top option in the minors should they need an outfielder. With 31 homers last season, he shows plenty of upside. |
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| Bedard hit be-hard | Monday 5/12, 11:43 PM CT |
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Left-hander Erik Bedard who threw a gem against the Rangers this past week by surrendering six hits and two runs over seventh innings for his third straight quality start, lasted a mere two innings on Monday night. Bedard allowed six runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out two.
Our View: While Bedard wasn't sharp on Monday night, any pitcher that would by their own will pitch in Rangers Park for a living is out of their mind. Hit a ball in the air in Arlington, and chances are it will fly out of the ballpark. |
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| Maloney throws two-hitter for Louisville | Monday 5/12, 11:43 PM CT |
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Matthew Maloney threw a two-hitter in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader for Triple-A Louisville. He allowed two walks and struck out seven.
Our View: Maloney’s ceiling is limited, but he has had the success in the low minors to be considered an interesting prospect. In spite of a slow start this season, he is making progress. He’s lowered his ERA to 5.23 with two solid starts in a row. |
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| Hamilton continues RBI onslaught | Monday 5/12, 11:39 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton continued his RBI onslaught on Monday night hitting his eighth home run of the season and driving in his 43rd RBI. Hamilton was 2-for-5 with four walks.
Our View: The ex-Red has been a fantasy whirlwind this season. With 159 at-bats in 39 games, the center fielder is on pace to drive in over 160, score 90 runs, hit nearly forty home runs and hit over .300. |
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| Easley hits first HR | Monday 5/12, 10:59 PM CT |
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Damion Easley homered for the first time since Aug. 18 of last year at Washington. The utility player added an RBI single in the third of the Mets loss to the Nats.
Our View: Easley was filling in for Luis Castillo, who strained his left quadriceps running out a triple Sunday. |
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| Wise returns to Florida | Monday 5/12, 10:50 PM CT |
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Mets reliever Matt Wise returned to Florida to get in more work before he is activated from the disabled list.
Our View: On the DL since April 2 with a bruised right arm, Wise joined the team in New York on Friday but was never activated. |
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| Willie don't lose that number | Monday 5/12, 10:49 PM CT |
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Mets skipper Willie Randolph was noncommittal after the Monday night loss to Washington about whether he would alter his rotation so ace Johan Santana could start Friday at Yankee Stadium in the opener of the weekend Subway Series.
Our View: The way the rotation is set up now, Santana is set to start Thursday against the Nationals and Mike Pelfrey against the Mets on Friday. |
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| ManRam hits No. 498 | Monday 5/12, 10:46 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez finally hit a home run, number 498 of his career. The two-run shot was his second home run in 20 games.
Our View: Ramirez owners will be glad to see him hit his 500th and put the distraction behind him. |
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| Buchholz loses third game | Monday 5/12, 10:44 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz didn't make it out of the fifth inning on Monday night and the Red Sox dropped their second straight game to the AL Central leading Twins. The right-hander allowed seven runs on eight hits, walked five and struck out four.
Our View: It was the same old story with Red Sox young right-hander. When he commands his curve ball and spots his fastball, he is nearly unbeatable. When his struggles with his control it's nearly impossible for him to be successful. |
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| Gomes steals two bases | Monday 5/12, 10:37 PM CT |
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Jonny Gomes was 2-for-4 with one RBI and three runs scored in the Rays victory over Andy Pettitte and the Yanks on Monday night. Gomes also stole two bases.
Our View: The two thefts of second base give the big right fielder / designated hitter four on the season. |
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| Akinori extends hitting streak | Monday 5/12, 10:33 PM CT |
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Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak to 10 games for Tampa Bay and the Rays won' their fifth consecutive game.
Our View: The Japanese import, who moved from third base to second this year, is in the lineup for this bat, not because of his limited range in the middle infield. |
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| Wolf hit hard by Cubs | Monday 5/12, 10:31 PM CT |
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Randy Wolf was hit hard on Monday night as the Padres lost their 25th game of the season. The left-hander allowed seven runs on eight hits, walked five and struck out two in four innings of work.
Our View: Wolf, like most of the Padres' pitchers, prefer to be pitching at PETCO Park. Wolf's ERA went from 4.14 to 5.16 after his Monday performance. |
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| Gerut hits first HR | Monday 5/12, 10:28 PM CT |
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Jody Gerut hit his first homer in nearly three years on Monday night in Wrigley Field. Gerut's last homer came on May 24, 2005, against the Twins while he was playing for the Indians.
Our View: The ex-Cleveland prospect has now played in eight games this season. In 20 at-bats Gerut has four hits, one RBI, two runs scored and one stolen base. |
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| Zambrano earns fifth straight win | Monday 5/12, 10:26 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano, who was held out of Sunday's start against Arizona due to inclimate weather, won his fifth consecutive decision over the hapless San Diego Padres on Monday night.
Our View:
Pitching with an extra day's rest, Zambrano allowed six hits and three runs in seven innings. |
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| Pettitte loses to Rays | Monday 5/12, 10:22 PM CT |
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Andy Pettitte, who's owned the Rays and was 8-1 at Tropicana Field before giving up five runs and eight hits in four innings on Monday night, suffered his fourth loss of the season.
Our View: Pettitte was an impressive 14-3 lifetime against Tampa Bay coming into the game, however these aren't the Rays your father watched. The Rays have now won two of three matchups against Pettitte this season. |
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| Garza goes seven strong | Monday 5/12, 10:20 PM CT |
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Matt Garza pitched seven scoreless innings and the upstart Tampa Bay Rays beat Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees 7-1 for their fifth consecutive victory Monday night.
Our View: Garza allowed five hits, walked one and struck out three while holding the Yankees scoreless. The right-hander is rounding into form after spending most of April on the disabled list. |
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| Wainwright flat in loss | Monday 5/12, 10:18 PM CT |
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Adam Wainwright didn't have his typical "stuff" on Monday night and suffered his worst outing of the year. The right-hander allowed eight runs (six earned) on eight hits, walked one and struck out three in the loss to the Brewers.
Our View: It was a struggle from the first inning for Wainwright when he offered up a flat fastball to Ryan Braun for a home run. |
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| Izzy pitches scoreless eighth | Monday 5/12, 10:16 PM CT |
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Cardinals deposed closer Jason Isringhausen pitched a scoreless eighth for St. Louis.
Our View: Isringhausen will work out his command issues before returning to the closer role. But rest assured the veteran will be the team's ninth inning option, sooner than later. |
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| Mota earns first save | Monday 5/12, 10:13 PM CT |
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Right-hander Guillermo Mota came into Monday's game against the Cardinals with the bases loaded and struck out center fielder Rick Ankiel for his first save of the season.
Our View: The Brewers are going with "closer by committee" since removing Eric Gagne from the role this weekend. Mota, Mitch Stetter, David Riske, Brian Shouse and Salomon Torres are all in line to receive situational saves. |
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| Bush earns first win | Monday 5/12, 10:09 PM CT |
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Brewers starter Dave Bush gave up a run and four hits in six innings, and registered his first win of the season.
Our View: Bush, who has suffered from uncharacteristic command issues this year walked two and struck out one in the win. |
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| Braun launches two HR | Monday 5/12, 10:07 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun hit two home runs for the second game in a row, and the Milwaukee Brewers scored a 8-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
Our View: Braun followed up Sunday's two-homer performance by hitting two more off Cards ace Adam Wainwright. |
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| Phillips hits 7th HR | Monday 5/12, 10:01 PM CT |
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Brandon Phillips hit is seven home run of the season in the seventh inning off of losing pitcher Taylor Tankersley as the Reds defeated the Marlins 8-7 on Monday night.
Our View: Phillips added a single in his two hit performance. The Reds second baseman raised his average to .290 on the season. |
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| Betancourt hit by linedrive | Monday 5/12, 9:51 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs singled to open the Toronto 10th and took second on an infield single by Lyle Overbay on a ball that glanced off Rafael Betancourt's left elbow and ricocheted into foul ground.
Betancourt was examined by trainers and stayed in the game to face Gregg Zahn, who bunted over both runners. Pinch-hitter Brad Wilkerson was intentionally walked to load the bases for Stewart, whose flyball to center easily scored Stairs. Hill's single to center made it 3-0.
Our View: Betancourt, who failed last year as the Indians interim closer has done the same this year. Once injured Joe Borowski returns from the disabled list, Betancourt is expected to return to his eighth inning setup role. |
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| B.J. picks up first win | Monday 5/12, 9:47 PM CT |
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B.J. Ryan worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his first win of the season. Ryan entered the game with a 0-0 tie and the Blue Jays were able to score three in the top of the frame against Cleveland's interim closer Rafael Betancourt.
Our View: Ryan has been cleared to pitch in back-to-back games but the staff decided to let Scott Downs pitch the 10th inning for his fourth save. |
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| Lee fails to win 7th | Monday 5/12, 9:42 PM CT |
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Cliff Lee failed to become the American League's first seven-game winner even though he worked nine scoreless innings and lowered his ERA to 0.67.
Our View: The left-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five. |
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| Cabrera turns triple-play | Monday 5/12, 9:39 PM CT |
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Asdrubal Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play in major league history on Monday night, but it wasn't enough for the Cleveland Indians to complete a doubleheader sweep of Toronto.
Our View: It was the highlight of Cabrera's day, the second baseman was 0-for-4 in the nightcap and 1-for-3 in the day affair. |
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| Willingham hitting soft toss | Monday 5/12, 9:32 PM CT |
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Florida outfielder Josh Willingham hit soft-toss pitches Monday, according to the AP. Willingham, sidelined by a sore back, is eligible to come off the 15-day DL during the series in Cincinnati, but his return is uncertain.
Our View: If Willingham can get an at-bat or two in this weekend, he should be safe to activate for fantasy Week 7. |
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| HanRam hits 9th HR | Monday 5/12, 9:13 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez hit his ninth home run of the season on Monday but it wasn't enough to help Florida to victory. The Marlins lost 8-7 to the Cincinnati Reds ending their seven game winning streak.
Our View: Ramirez continues to justify his new contact and challenge as the best player in the league. |
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| Hermida hits 4th HR | Monday 5/12, 9:05 PM CT |
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Jeremy Hermida hit his fourth home run of the season in an 9-8 loss to the Reds on Monday night.
Our View: Hermida was 2-for-4 on the night raising his average to .309. On the season the Marlins outfielder also has 19 RBI and 20 runs scored in 122 at-bats. |
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| Harang earns second win | Monday 5/12, 8:59 PM CT |
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Aaron Harang allowed four runs on seven hits, walked two and struck out four and the Reds scored a 8-7 win over the Reds on Monday night.
Our View: The victory was Harang's second of the season against five loses. The right-hander has deserved better this year. With a 3.32 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 62 innings, the Reds' ace could easily have four or five wins, opposed to losses, this season. |
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| Badenhop good early on | Monday 5/12, 8:56 PM CT |
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Burke Badenhop gave up two runs in the fifth and the sixth innings in the 8-7 loss to Cincinnati. The right-hander allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, walked two and struck out two.
Our View: Badenhop was effective early on cruising through the first four innings, but the outing was typical for a young pitcher. Once a lineup as potent as the Reds gets two looks at an unknown arm, they and other major league hitters usually find success the third and fourth time through the order. |
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| Everett hits first HR | Monday 5/12, 8:45 PM CT |
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According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, shortstop Adam Everett has made some nice plays since returning from his right shoulder injury, but there are lingering questions about his arm strength. "I don't remember his arm strength before [this season]," Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire said. "He always got us out, but it was never, 'Wow.' I'm hoping that's what he's doing now, just getting the out."
Our View: Everett's home run on Sunday night was his first since June 2, 2007. |
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| Schroder gets call | Monday 5/12, 8:36 PM CT |
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According to the Washington Post, the Nationals called up right-handed reliever Chris Schroder. For the time being, Schroder solves at least one problem. In the middle of Washington's 16-game stretch without an off day, Schroder can prevent the bullpen from being worn too thin. In 10 games with Columbus, Schroder, 29, has gone 2-1 with three saves and a 1.26 ERA.
Our View: Schroder also has 60 games of big league experience, including an earlier stint this season with the Nationals. |
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| Furcal placed on DL | Monday 5/12, 8:19 PM CT |
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After days of back and forth, the decision was finally made to place Rafael Furcal on the DL on Tuesday because of his sore back, according to the Associated Press. The move is retroactive to May 6th making him eligible to be activated on May 21st.
Our View: Furcal will have a cortisone shot on Tuesday and start rehab on Wednesday. It would appear that light hitting Chin-lung Hu will continue to see the most playing time, but he isn't worth picking up at this point, even in an NL Only league. |
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| Wright rolling with new role | Monday 5/12, 8:12 PM CT |
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Jamey Wright, in his first season as a full-time reliever, is fifth in the AL with 18 appearances which have resulted in a 3.57 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, according to MLB.com. "I like it," Wright said. "I wish I could pitch more. It seems like the more I pitch, the better I feel. If I get a day off, I feel better the second day I throw after the day off than I do the first day."
Our View: This is the type of streak that can make a huge difference in AL Only leagues. If he is on waivers, and you have a spot, why not ride him while he is hot? |
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| Gagne wants to close | Monday 5/12, 8:09 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne did an about face on Monday and stated that he was indeed ready to go back into the closers role, though the team is still not certain, according to MLB.com. Manager Ned yost said the team will continue to go with a closer-by-committee approach for now.
Our View: The report hints that Gange may have been tipping his pitches, which might explain some of his struggles, but it wouldn't explain 11 BB in 15.2 innings. The team will likely return to Gagne as the closer at some point in the very near future, but whether or not he is successful is anyone's guess at this point. |
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| Benschoten demoted | Monday 5/12, 7:55 PM CT |
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John Van Benschoten stay with the big league club was brief as he was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis mere minutes after he allowed the Braves to scored six runs in four innings in the second game of the team's doubleheader.
Our View: 1-12 with a 8.84 career ERA in 21 games. Do we really need to tell you that those numbers equal zero fantasy value? Didn't think so. |
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| Purcey could be called up | Monday 5/12, 7:46 PM CT |
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David Purcey could be called up to the bigs to make a spot start on Friday due to a rain forced doubleheader on Monday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Purcey would likely be farmed out after the outing unless he does something spectacular in the start as this move would be more about keeping the rest of the rotation on as normal rest as possible than it would be a showcase for Purcey. |
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| Sowers to start on Friday | Monday 5/12, 7:41 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Jeremy Sowers will indeed make a spot start for the Indians on Friday when they take on the Reds, according to MLB.com. This move was necessitated when their game was rained out on Sunday forcing a Monday doubleheader.
Our View: Sowers is a soft tosser that needs to be on with his control to have success, and given that he will be pitching in Great American Ball Park it might be wise not to expect a very good outing from the Tribes youngster. |
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| Olsen looking for arm strength | Monday 5/12, 7:37 PM CT |
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Scott Olsen has some pretty ratios (2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP), but the truth is there are concerns with the big lefties arm, according to MLB.com. In his last start Olsen did not break 87 mph on the gun and he was pulled after just 59 pitches. Olsen says he is fine and that he hopes, hopes, he is just experiencing dead arm. "I hope so. That would give me a little peace of mind..."I don't think I've thrown that slow since I was like 13 years old."
Our View: There is simply no way that Olsen will be able to finish with the ratios he currently possesses, none. So it might be wise to move him to an inexperienced owner who doesn't look deeper than surface stats, especially with the news that his velocity is down. |
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| Kennedy back in rotation | Monday 5/12, 7:31 PM CT |
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The Yankees are about ready to recall Ian Kennedy to rejoin the team's starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Kennedy was lifted after throwing 12 pitches in a minor league and will likely be given the starting nod on Thursday in place of Kei Igawa. The Yankees also plan on pushing back Darrel Rasner a day so he will start on Friday.
Our View: Igawa bombed in a start last week, and with Ian having a ton of success in the minors the not so patient Yankees will recall their youngster and hope he can avoid looking like the pitcher he was before being demoted (8.37 ERA, 2.03 WHIP). It would likely be best to leave him on your bench to see how he fares. |
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| Smoltz throwing without pain | Monday 5/12, 7:25 PM CT |
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John Smoltz had another good day on Monday as he was able to throw, pain free, for the second straight day, according to MLB.com. On Monday he made 45 throws from 60, and after resting on Tuesday he plans to throw agains on Wednesday.
Our View: Smoltz still hasn't thrown off the mound, but this is very encouraging news. Smoltz appears to be in line to return to the Braves bullpen by the end of the month. Stay tuned for when it will be safe to drop Manny Acosta. |
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| Baker's return delayed | Monday 5/12, 7:21 PM CT |
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Scott Baker is eligible to come off the DL next Monday but his strained right groin is taking a bit longer than expected to heal meaning that Baker likely won't be activated when the 15 days are up, according to MLB.com. "They don't want me to push it trying to hit that date," Baker said.
Our View: This isn't seen as a major setback at all since the team still hopes to have Baker back at some point in the near future, possibly even by the end of next week. Glen Perkins should continue to stay in the rotation until Baker is healthy. |
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| Choo to start rehab | Monday 5/12, 7:16 PM CT |
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Shin-Soo Choo is ready to start his rehab assignment on Wednesday as he attempts to come back from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, according to MLB.com. "Everything sounds good right now," manager Eric Wedge said. "His bat speed is good, he's swinging the bat well, he's moving around well in the outfield, and his arm's working good. You don't want to get giddy with it, but he's on target."
Our View: Choo's rehab assignment can last for up to 20 days, and since he is out of minor league options, he would figure to join the team at some point in the next three weeks at which time the team will have to make a decision to open up a roster spot. |
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| Berkman named player of the week | Monday 5/12, 7:12 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman was named the NL player of the week on Monday, according to MLB.com. Berkman hit a ridiculous .685 on the week with a 1.136 SLG which led to 10 runs scored and a .741 OBP.
Our View: Not just a weekly wonder, over the past 19 games Berkman is hitting .485 with eight home runs, 25 RBI and 24 runs scored. Few hitters in recent memory have been this hot for this long. |
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| Patterson to continue in leadoff spot | Monday 5/12, 7:02 PM CT |
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Corey Patterson has struggled to just a .196 mark in 102 AB this season but for now he will continue to bat at the top of the Reds lineup, according to MLB.com. Patterson also has only five SB on the season.
Our View: Ryan Freel, a player with a similar skill set, is batting .313 with a .356 OBP and five SB in 83 AB, and given the depths of the struggles of Patterson, it's really pretty shocking that Freel hasn't taken over on a daily basis for Patterson. |
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| A-Rod won't begin rehab | Monday 5/12, 6:25 PM CT |
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The Journal News reports that the MRI taken today on Alex Rodriguez revealed progress. But not enough to start playing in rehab games as was the hope among the Yankee faithful. The report notes that Joe Girardi told the media that Rodriguez will not be activated this week, meaning he’s out for the Mets series.
“We can’t afford to have him come back for two days then lose him for six weeks,” Girardi said. “We want to have him fully healed.”
Our View: A-Rod has played in only 24 games this year. He has registered only 91 at-bats, four home runs, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. The third baseman had these numbers in the first two weeks of April last year. |
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| Dunn moved down in lineup | Monday 5/12, 6:22 PM CT |
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It appears that Reds' skipper Dusty Baker isn't happy with Adam Dunn's production. The Cincinnati left fielder has been moved down to seventh in the batting order.
Our View: Dunn has six home runs in 112 at-bats, 17 RBI, 17 runs scored, but his .214/.362/.411 line is still better than most of the Reds slumping bats. |
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| Rios and Jays slumping | Monday 5/12, 6:16 PM CT |
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How much of a slump is the Jays offense in? In Monday's second game the first four hitters in the Toronto batting order went 1-for-15 against Fausto Carmona. The lone hit was a single by Alex Rios.
Our View: With Vernon Wells going on the disabled list, and expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a broken wrist, more will be expected of Rios as he slides down and hits third in the Jays order. |
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| Upton should beef up | Monday 5/12, 6:12 PM CT |
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B.J. Upton has warmed with the weather. The talented center fielder has stolen three bases in the last six games bringing his season total to seven in 11 attempts.
Our View: Upton now needs to warm up his power numbers. In 128 at-bats the Rays outfielder has three long balls. His 24 home runs a year ago gave him a HR/AB rate of 19.8. This years 42.7 number is far below his major and minor league career peripherals. |
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| Carmona pitches complete game | Monday 5/12, 6:05 PM CT |
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Fausto Carmona pitched a complete-game five-hit shut-out on Monday afternoon extending the Jays offensive woes. It was Cleveland's second consecutive shutout over struggling Toronto. The 3-0 victory by Cleveland is the first of a day-night double-header. Carmona gave Cliff Lee a tough act to follow. Lee, 6-0 with a major league-leading 0.81 ERA, is scheduled to start the second game for the Indians.
Our View: Carmona, who has struggled with his command this season, showed slight improvement on Monday but still walked four batters while striking out three. This is a concern, especially since the Indians right-hander had Andy Fletcher, arguably one of the biggest strike zones among active umpires, calling his balls and strikes today. |
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| McCann goes long vs. Bucs | Monday 5/12, 5:55 PM CT |
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Brian McCann hit his seventh home run of the season as the Braves salvaged the final game of the four-game series in Pittsburgh, 8-1 on Monday afternoon.
Our View: McCann and the Braves own the majors' worst road record, 5-14, but finally ended a road losing streak that extended over its last two road trips. They also stopped Pittsburgh's seven-game winning streak at home. McCann home run added three RBI bringing his season total to 17. |
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| Van Ben' hit hard... again | Monday 5/12, 5:51 PM CT |
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John Van Benschoten, one of the majors' worst pitchers last season with an 0-7 record and a 10.15 ERA in nine starts, wasn't much better in his 2008 debut. The 2001 first-round draft pick was roughed up for seven runs, six earned, and nine hits over four-plus innings.
Our View: The right-hander has a 1-12 record and 8.84 ERA in 21 career major league games and hasn't won since 2004. The 28-year old is likely on his last leg with the Pirates. At best -- Van Benschoten is a spot starter and a long reliever out of the pen - leaving him with zero fantasy value. |
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| Hudson outstanding in win | Monday 5/12, 5:48 PM CT |
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The Pirates, who were hoping to sweep Monday's doubleheader and extend their winning streak to seven, decided to pitch John Van Benschoten against Tim Hudson -- which destroyed that hope. Hudson was strong in his ninth start of the season allowing one unearned run on two hits, walked two and struck out five in seven innings of work.
Our View: Hudson is now 6-2 on the season. While it's still early, it appears Hudson is ready to challenge his career year (20-6/169 SO) of 2000 with the A's. |
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| Salty weak behind the plate | Monday 5/12, 5:35 PM CT |
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Jarrod Saltalamacchia got the start on Sunday behind the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI. The Rangers future starting catcher also walked twice showing his patience at the plate.
Our View: The former Brave did not start the season in the minor leagues due to his bat, this part of his game is not in question. It's his defense, which was sub-standard again on Sunday. When Salty is behind the plate, teams run. The station-to-station A's stole five bases on the Rangers catcher, and only one of the thefts could be possibly attributed to the Texas pitching staff. It's more than obvious the "future catcher" is more likely to end up being the "future first baseman or designated hitter." |
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| Gonzalez starts at third | Monday 5/12, 5:27 PM CT |
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Alberto Gonzalez, who was recently recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, is in the starting lineup for the Yankees, hitting ninth and starting at third base.
Our View: Gonzalez was 7-for-26 in his first stint with the Yankees. He'll share time with Morgan Ensberg at third base until A-Rod returns, this due to the hamstring injury that has again landed Wilson Betemit on the DL. |
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| Monroe starting again | Monday 5/12, 5:21 PM CT |
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After doubled his homer total from two to four with two towering shots off Tim Wakefield and Mike Timlin on Sunday, Craig Monroe is in the starting lineup for the second straight day.
Our View: Monroe is hitting sixth and serving as the team's designated hitter. |
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| ManRam back in the lineup | Monday 5/12, 5:19 PM CT |
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez , who was held out of the starting lineup on Sunday due to a sore right hamstring, is starting in left field and hitting in his usual cleanup spot tonight against Twins starter Livan Hernandez.
Our View: Ramirez made a pinch hit cameo on Sunday. He came up with the tying run on second base (Coco Crisp) and two outs in a one run game. Manny proceeded to ground out to shortstop ending the 9-8 loss to the Twins. |
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| Crisp starts; Ellsbury sits | Monday 5/12, 5:15 PM CT |
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Coco Crisp is leading off for the Red Sox and starting in center field Monday in Minnesota. It appears that rookie left-hander Jacoby Ellsbury will rest against Twins right-hander Livan Hernandez.
Our View: Crisp has played in 28 games this year and has 10 runs scored, 10 RBI, six stolen bases and is hitting a respectable .317 with a .337 OBP. |
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| Wilkerson starts and hits No. 1 | Monday 5/12, 5:10 PM CT |
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Brad Wilkerson started in right field and leadoff for the Blue Jays on Monday. The newly signed veteran was slotted at the top of the batting order with hitting Aaron Hill hitting second and Alex Rios batting third.
Our View: Rios, had been hitting at the top of the order since the injury to shortstop David Eckstein, but an injury to Vernon Wells (wrist/out 6-8 weeks) has forced the Jays to move what power they have left in the lineup out of the leadoff spot. |
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| Igawa one and done | Monday 5/12, 5:04 PM CT |
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The New York Post reports that Kei Igawa is one and done for the New York Yankees.
A reported Monday noted that Ian Kennedy - not Igawa - will start Friday in the opener of the “Subway Series” against the New York Mets.
The team would not confirm the report.
Our View: With Phillip Hughes on the disabled list and Kennedy in the minor leagues, the Yakees gave their disppointing left hander (Igawa) another shot. Kennedy, sent to Triple-A Scranton after posting an 0-2 record with an 8.37 ERA in five starts with the parent club is expected to return and start Friday versus the Mets. |
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| Butler slumping | Monday 5/12, 5:00 PM CT |
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Billy Butler's fantasy stock is dipping. The Royals first baseman / designated hitter has hit a low spot in the season long road. His average now sits at .286 and his slugging percentage is a dismal .368. Of his 38 hits, only nine are for extra bases with just one of them -- a home run.
Our View: Major league pitchers, or most, are film nuts. The scouting report on Butler is that he loves the ball over the plate so he can drive it to the opposite field. In April and May, Butler is getting pelted inside and has resulted in the absence of gap power. Like a game of chess, it will be up to Butler to make the next move. He must learn to adjust until pitchers can't pinpoint deficiencies. |
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| Wells' injury hurts | Monday 5/12, 4:44 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays' season suffered a head-on collision Saturday afternoon when an MRI revealed that Vernon Wells had suffered a fractured left wrist, this according to the Toronto Sun.
Our View: Wells, the Jays' center fielder and top offensive weapon, has a team-high 24 RBI and his presence in a struggling offense will be missed. He will be out for 6-8 weeks. Not only does this take some chunk out of the meat of the Jays batting order, it will have a negative effect on the players that typically hit before and after him. The loss of Wells at this point in time is particularly lethal, as he has been one of the few players in the lineup to have been producing at the plate. Wells was riding an eight-game hitting streak, during which he went 12-for-29 for a .414 average. |
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| Harden a go for Friday | Monday 5/12, 4:41 PM CT |
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Rich Harden's first start back from the disabled list wasn't good. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed five runs on eight hits, walked four and struck out five in 3.2 innings of work against the Rangers.
Our View: His pitch count (87) was promising, however, meaning the Oakland ace will be allowed to throw 100 in his next start. Harden is scheduled to take the mound on Friday against the Atlanta Braves. |
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| Roberts assumed OK | Monday 5/12, 4:37 PM CT |
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Brian Roberts left Saturday's game with a bruised left foot and was held out of the lineup Sunday in Kansas City. Luis Hernandez started in his place.
Our View: With the team having no game on the schedule today, the O's second baseman will get that extra nine-innings of recovery, and is by all reports -- expected to be available on Tuesday when Baltimore hosts Boston. |
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| Kinsler rocking second base | Monday 5/12, 4:31 PM CT |
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Ian Kinsler had another stolen base on Sunday, giving him three in the last 10 games. Just as impressive the Rangers second baseman is 9-for-9 in his attempts. He is quietly hitting .306 with a .350 on base percentage. You hear very little praise for what he has been able to accomplish so far this year, but he out producing most of his peers save Chase Utley.
Our View: Kinsler had a 20 home run -- 23 stolen base season in 2007, and at his current pace he will easily surpass that this year. |
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| Harris expected to return Monday | Monday 5/12, 3:12 PM CT |
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Brendan Harris has missed a few games due to a sore right hamstring, but he is expected back in the Twins' lineup tonight against Boston, according to MLB.com.
Our View: He should be safe to return to your lineups tonight. |
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| Hernandez shooting for sixth win | Monday 5/12, 3:07 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez will be shooting for his sixth win of the season tonight when the Twins host the Red Sox, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hernandez is 5-1 with a 3.83 ERA and passable 1.39 WHIP over 51.2 innings, with 20 strikeouts. He has been lucky to have five wins over eight starts so far, as his numbers are merely average. He is not a solid starting fantasy pitcher despite his record, especially with low strikeout totals. |
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| LaRoche blasts two-run homer | Monday 5/12, 2:58 PM CT |
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Adam LaRoche went 2-for-3 and blasted a two-run homer in Monday's 5-0 victory over Atlanta.
Our View: LaRoche is only hitting .212 for the season, but is playing very well right now, as that was his third homer in May, to go along with eight RBI in the month. |
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| Sanchez collects three RBI | Monday 5/12, 2:53 PM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez went 1-for-3 and collected three RBI in Monday's 5-0 win over the Braves. His hit went for a double, his ninth of the season.
Our View: His injured right shoulder has been acting up on him again, but it did not stop him from generating solid numbers today. There is still concern for roto-owners that the ailment could eventually send him to the DL this season. |
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| Jones goes 3-for-4 in losing effort | Monday 5/12, 2:48 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones went 3-for-4 in Monday's 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh in the early game of a double-header. He also drew one walk.
Our View: Jones raised his average to .410, and that was his fifth mult-hit game in May. |
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| Jurrjens dealt third loss | Monday 5/12, 2:43 PM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens was dealt his third loss of the season on Monday, as Atlanta was shut out 5-0 against the Pirates in the top half of a double-header. Jurrjens surrendered three runs on three hits over five innings, with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: It was still a quality outing for him, and he only allowed one earned run in each of his previous two starts, with one total walk. He also held a strong 1.08 WHIP heading into today's game. |
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| Duke evens record to 2-2 | Monday 5/12, 2:35 PM CT |
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Zach Duke evened his season record to 2-2 in Monday's 5-0 victory over Atlanta in the first game of a double-header. Duke was in solid form as he hurled six shutout innings, with only five hits allowed. He had five walks with three strikeouts.
Our View: Duke lowered his ERA to 4.04, and has now only allowed five earned runs over his last three starts (20.1 innings). |
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| Tavarez designated for assignment | Monday 5/12, 2:14 PM CT |
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Reliever Julian Tavarez has been designated for assignment, according to the Boston Herald. Sean Casey has been activated from the DL, and the team needed to free up a roster spot for him.
Our View: Tavarez was seen as expendable, as he allowed nine earned runs on 18 hits over a mere 12.2 innings of work this season with Boston. Colorado was said to be interested in acquiring him. |
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| Casey activated from DL | Monday 5/12, 2:10 PM CT |
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Sean Casey has been activated from the DL, according to the Boston Herald. He has recovered from a right hip strain. Pitcher Julian Tavarez has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Casey.
Our View: Casey hit .346 with eight RBI over 52 at-bats this season, but won't hold much fantasy value when he returns, as Mike Lowell is healthy and playing well at third base again and Kevin Youkilis is firmly planted at first base. |
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| Youkilis named AL Player of Week | Monday 5/12, 2:06 PM CT |
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Kevin Youkilis has been named the AL Player of the Week, according to the AP. He earned the honor as he led the AL in home runs last week with five and tied for the league high in RBI with 10. He also hit .375 (12-for-32) with a .938 slugging percentage, while collecting 30 total bases. He has at least one RBI in five straight games. Team-mate Mike Lowell was also considered for the award, along with outfielder Garret Anderson and pitcher Ervin Santana of the Angels.
Our View: This was the the first weekly honor for the 29-year old first baseman. He holds a .322 average this season, with eight homers and 30 RBI over 38 games. |
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| Buchholz needs to bounce back | Monday 5/12, 1:29 PM CT |
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Clay Buchholz allowed five runs on 10 hits over a mere four innings in his last start against the Tigers, and will be looking to bounce back tonight as he faces the Twins in Minnesota, according to MLB.com. Buchholz is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over seven starts this season, and this will be his first career appearance against the Twins.
Our View: Buchholz holds an unfavorable ERA and a poor WHIP, but still racked up 39 strikeouts over 38 innings. Prior to his tough outing against aforementioned Detroit, Buchholz only allowed a total of three earned runs over his previous three starts. He is worth consideration as a starter for tonight. |
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| Lee aims to remain unbeaten | Monday 5/12, 1:18 PM CT |
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Cliff Lee will look to remain unbeaten this season when the Indians host the Blue Jays in the second game of a double-header tonight, according to MLB.com. Lee is 6-0 this season with a microscopic 0.81 ERA and 0.60 WHIP over 44.2 innings, with only two walks and 39 strikeouts.
Our View: He is having an unbelievable season for a guy that had to fight for a bottom-of-the rotation spot through spring training. Lee is 0-3 with a 6.94 ERA in five career games against the Blue Jays, so this will be an interesting outing for him.
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| Burnett set to take hill against Tribe | Monday 5/12, 1:12 PM CT |
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A.J. Burnett is set to take the hill against the Indians tonight, according to MLB.com. Burnett is 1-3 with an 8.46 ERA over four career outings against Cleveland.
Our View: Burnett is 3-3 this season with a 5.19 ERA and poor 1.62 WHIP over 43.1 innings, with 21 walks and 34 strikeouts. He allowed five runs in his last start, but with only one walk and 10 strikeouts. He was set to start Sunday, but the game was postponed due to rain. |
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| Tavarez still on Rockies' radar | Monday 5/12, 12:57 PM CT |
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The Red Sox are still talking with the Rockies about a possible deal for pitcher Julian Tavarez, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Tavarez is 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA and 2.13 WHIP over 12.2 innings, with nine walks. He isn't pitching well and is barely being used as a reliever, but the Rockies would give him more innings than the Red Sox are right now. Colorado needs help in their rotation, and he could benefit from a change of scenery.
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| Lugo's CT scan came back negative | Monday 5/12, 12:49 PM CT |
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