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| Bay with an o'fer vs St. Lou | Wednesday 5/14, 11:35 PM CT |
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In the midst of the pitching clinic RHP Todd Wellemeyer was putting on against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the best hitter on the Pittsburgh team was falling well short of setting a standard for others to follow. LF Jason Bay went 0-for-4 with one strikeout and three men left on base.
Our View: Bay is struggling to keep pace, but no one was hitting Wellenmeyer this evening. Don't read too much into it. |
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| Italiano has another scoreless start | Wednesday 5/14, 10:50 PM CT |
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Craig Italiano allowed only two hits and two walks in six scoreless innings for Low-A Kane County to improve his record to 5-0 on Wednesday. He struck out four batters.
Our View: Italiano’s ERA is down to 0.90. He has allowed only one earned run in his last seven starts. It’s safe to say that the 21-year-old is ready for a promotion. |
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| Hellickson earns win for Vero Beach | Wednesday 5/14, 10:49 PM CT |
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Jeremy Hellickson improved to 4-0 for High-A Vero Beach on Wednesday after allowing two runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out nine batters.
Our View: The 2005 fourth-round pick has an incredible 58/3 K/BB ratio in 46.2 innings this season, emerging as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. Not surprisingly, his ERA is down to 1.35. He is showing that he is ready for Double-A. |
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| Hessman launches 18th homer | Wednesday 5/14, 10:48 PM CT |
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Mike Hessman hit his 18th home run of the season for Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday.
Our View: Man or machine? Hessman has seven home runs in the past week and leads the minors in home runs. He should see the majors at some point, but that does not mean that the minor league veteran will actually see playing time. |
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| Downs earns fifth save | Wednesday 5/14, 10:40 PM CT |
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Scott Downs picked up his fifth save of the season and secured Roy Halladay's fourth victory of the yar as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5 on Wednesday night.
Our View: Downs has taken over the role of the injured Jeremy Accardo, as the team's primary setup man and situational closer. |
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| Morneau hits seventh HR | Wednesday 5/14, 10:37 PM CT |
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Justin Morneau his his seventh home run of the season but it wasn't enough as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5 on Wednesday night.
Our View: Morneau has been quietly consistent this year scoring 20 runs, recording 31 RBI and hitting .297 on the season. |
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| Bonser bounced by Blue Jays | Wednesday 5/14, 10:32 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser allowed five runs on five hits, walked three and struck out three in his fifth loss of the season.
Our View: Bonser has allowed 17 runs in his past three starts and has twice allowed four or more runs in the first inning. |
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| Halladay wins fourth | Wednesday 5/14, 10:28 PM CT |
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Roy Halladay, who has been the victim of poor run support all season getting only 3.14 runs per outing, got four runs from a Matt Stairs grand slam in the top of the first and held on for his fourth victory of the season. The Toronto horse allowed four runs on nine hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out eight in 6.2 innings of work.
Our View: Halladay's ERA spiked to 3.49 and his workman like WHIP took a small bump north to 1.09. |
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| Stairs hits sixth HR | Wednesday 5/14, 10:25 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs hit a grand slam to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5 on Wednesday night. It was Stairs' sixth home run of the year.
Our View: While Vernon Wells serves 6-8 weeks on the disabled list, Matt Stairs is the power threat for Toronto. |
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| Gathright accounts for KC offense | Wednesday 5/14, 10:23 PM CT |
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Light-hitting Joey Gathright accounted for all of the Royals' runs batted in helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 2-0 on Wednesday night. Gathright drove in two runs with a second inning single.
Our View: Gathright who has 10 stolen bases on the season was caught stealing in the game. His third "caught-stealing" of the season. |
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| Soria outstanding in 10th save | Wednesday 5/14, 10:20 PM CT |
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Joakim Soria picked up his 10th save in as many chances with a perfect ninth inning as the Royals scored a 2-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.
Our View: Soria has not allowed a run in 16.1 innings and 17 appearances this season. He's allowed just four hits while striking out 18 and walking one. |
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| Verlander losses seventh | Wednesday 5/14, 10:18 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander allowed two runs on six hits, walked three and struck out three in a tough luck 2-0 loss to rookie Luke Hochevar and the Royals. The Tigers starter suffered his seventh loss of the season.
Our View: It was Verlander's best performance of the season and while the loss stings, it was promising to see the hard-throwing right-hander have some success. |
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| Royals rookie earns third win | Wednesday 5/14, 10:09 PM CT |
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Luke Hochevar allowed four hits, walked three and struck out five while pitching six scoreless innings for his third win of the season.
Our View: The rookies ground ball to fly ball ratio (8:5) wasn't as good as it has been in recent outings, but the cool air at the "K" kept most of the air bound cowhide in the park on Wednesday night. |
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| Rivera earns 11th save | Wednesday 5/14, 9:46 PM CT |
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Mariano Rivera earned his 11th save of the season as the Yankees ended the Rays' six-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night.
Our View: Rivera worked a perfect ninth inning striking out one. |
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| Shields outpitched by Mussina | Wednesday 5/14, 9:32 PM CT |
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James Shields allowed two runs on six hits, walked two and struck out six, but took the 2-1 loss to the Yankees and Mike Mussina on Wednesday night.
Our View: Shield's effort was plenty good enough to earn a win. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.05 in the loss. |
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| Mussina wins sixth | Wednesday 5/14, 9:26 PM CT |
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Mike Mussina allowed one run on five hits, walked one and struck out four in 6.1 innings to win his fifth consecutive decision. He improved to 18-7 in 31 starts against Tampa Bay, which held on to its slender lead in the AL East.
Our View: Mussina is finding a way to get hitters out. He's discovered how to use his slight velocity difference between his 87 mph fastball and his 82 mph change, and be successful. |
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| Chamberlain earns 10th hold | Wednesday 5/14, 9:22 PM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain struck out the side in the eighth to earn his 10th hold of the season as the Yankees held on to score a 2-1 victory over the Rays on Wednesday night.
Our View: Chamberlain to Rivera is a nice option for a manager to have. When the Yankees have the lead after seven innings, they are nearly automatic. |
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| Cano has four-hit game | Wednesday 5/14, 9:17 PM CT |
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Robinson Cano went 4-for-4 and and drove in a run with an RBI single to help the Yankees end the Tampa Bay Rays' six-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night.
Our View: Cano, who has been in a major slump, need a night like this to get his engine started. The four hit performance raised his average from 1.83 to .205 on the season. |
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| Garko goes deep on A's | Wednesday 5/14, 8:33 PM CT |
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Ryan Garko hit a solo home run, C.C Sabathia pitched a complete-game five-hit shutout and the Indians defeated the A's 2-0 on Wednesday night.
Our View: Garko, who has been a major funk for the last month, was 1-for-3 on the day. The first baseman now has four home runs, 17 RBI, 15 runs scored and is hitting .234 on the season. |
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| Sizemore goes deep against A's | Wednesday 5/14, 8:29 PM CT |
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Grady Sizemore was half of the Cleveland offense as C.C. Sabathia shutout the Oakland Athletics 2-0 on Wednesday night. The Cleveland center fielder hit a solo home run that gave the Indians a 1-0 lead, all they would need with last year's Cy Young winner on the mound.
Our View: Sizemore has 24 runs, 21 RBI, seven home runs, seven stolen bases and is hitting .274 on the season. Sizemore has three leadoff home runs this season and 14 in his career, the second-most in franchise history behind Kenny Lofton's 18 |
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| Pale Sox prospect hits for cycle | Wednesday 5/14, 8:23 PM CT |
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Warthogs first baseman Brandon Allen, the 22-year-old Texan in the White Sox farm system, hit for the cycle as part of a 5-for-5 ballgame. Allen scored four runs and drove in two, according to MILB.com.
"I'm disappointed we couldn't come out with the win, obviously," said Allen. "As for the cycle, the game's all about getting on base and scoring runs, and I was glad to be to be able to do that today."
Our View: Allen bashed a solo homer in the second inning, singled in the fourth, and doubled in both the fifth and seventh before leading off the ninth with a triple. |
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| Lackey officially on active duty | Wednesday 5/14, 8:17 PM CT |
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John Lackey was officially taken off of the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday afternoon, which is where he’s been since the beginning of the season with a strained right triceps.
The Angels are hoping that he can quickly regain the form that led to his 19-win season from a year ago. Lackey faces off against the White Sox and Jose Contreras tonight in Los Angeles.
Our View: The White Sox were one of the few teams to beat Lackey last season. Careerwise, Lackey is 3-4 against Chicago.
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| Sheffield's days in the OF over | Wednesday 5/14, 8:10 PM CT |
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The Tigers team website reports that Gary Sheffield's days as a regular outfielder appear to be over.
After just over a week in left field, Sheffield was out of the lineup on Wednesday for a day off. When he returns on Thursday, however, he'll be back at designated hitter.
Manager Jim Leyland made the decision and talked with Sheffield about it prior to Wednesday's game. Leyland saw signs that Sheffield is still being bothered by his right shoulder, a sign Sheffield confirmed.
Our View: Leyland believes that playing the field and hitting isn't going to help the healing process, despite Sheff's desire to be both in the field and the batters box with claims it makes him a better hitter. |
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| Westbrook start pushed back | Wednesday 5/14, 7:53 PM CT |
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Jake Westbrook , who threw a 70-pitch simulated session on Tuesday, was originally scheduled to make a rehab start for Single-A Lake County on Saturday, but Soloff said it's likely the start might be pushed back to Sunday, according to MLB.com. Soloff was still waiting to gauge how Westbrook was feeling from Tuesday's effort.
Our View: The Indians won't know how many rehab starts Westbrook will need before the staff witnesses his work at Lake County this weekend. |
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| Varitek goes long for the 4th time | Wednesday 5/14, 7:20 PM CT |
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Jason Varitek hit his fourth home run of the season on Wednesday afternoon but it wasn't enough as Boston lost 6-3 to division rival Baltimore.
Our View: Varitek has seen action 34 times this year. The left-handed batter has 15 RBI and 10 runs scored in 110 at bats. |
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| Stairs the Jays power threat | Wednesday 5/14, 7:03 PM CT |
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It appears the the Blue Jays will settle on their current lineup and wait for their injured to return. While Vernon Wells serves 6-8 weeks in DL confinement, Matt Stairs is the power threat for Toronto. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi says he has faith in the manager and his staff and there's really nothing that he can see that would improve this team. "We're done. This is our team," said Ricciardi, notes the Toronto Star.
Our View: It had been 47 innings between Vernon Wells' ninth-inning home run last Thursday and Stairs' sixth-inning shot last night, a five-game power outage. |
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| Rivera arguably the best | Wednesday 5/14, 6:59 PM CT |
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Mariano Rivera gave up his the first run all season on Tuesday night when Gabe Gross hit an RBI single giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees sending the Rays into first place in the AL East.
Our View: Rivera has been outstanding this year. His .056 ERA and 13 strikeouts to zero walks in 16 innings pitched, is as good as it gets. While most consider Jon Papelbon the best ninth inning option in baseball, one could argue that the Yankee veteran still reigns. |
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| Putz wins in extra innings | Wednesday 5/14, 6:53 PM CT |
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J.J. Putz , the Seattle closer, worked two scoreless innings before starter Jarrod Washburn made his first relief appearance since 1999, and only his 11th in 265 games over 11 major league seasons. Putz, who earned his first win of the season, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two.
Our View: With Wednesday night's game in extra innings, Putz was asked to extend his work load and pitched himself into a win. |
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| Stewart and Wilk to platoon | Wednesday 5/14, 6:41 PM CT |
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The Toronto Star reports that when it comes to the new-look Blue Jays, another day, another platoon. Manager John Gibbons said on Tuesday that newcomer Brad Wilkerson and Shannon Stewart will split leadoff duties for the foreseeable future.
Our View: Until Vernon Wells returns (6-8 weeks) the Blue Jays will be ultra-creative with their daily lineups. |
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| Kazmir signs extension | Wednesday 5/14, 6:21 PM CT |
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The Rays and Scott Kazmir have agreed to terms on a contract extension, this according to the Tampa Tribune. The contract will keep Kazmir in Tamap at least through 2011, with the team holding an option for 2012. The deal, which begins next season, guarantees Kazmir at least $28.5 million and could be worth up to $39.5 million.
Kazmir said after avoiding arbitration and agreeing to a one-year, $3.875-million deal for 2008 in January that he wanted to see more from the Rays before locking into a long-term deal.
Our View: Between the team’s moves to lock up James Shields, Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria and Dan Wheeler and the way the team has played this season, it appears that the dominant left-hander likes what he sees. |
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| Tex back in the starting lineup | Wednesday 5/14, 5:42 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira, who missed the last two games with tightness in his back, is penciled into the starting lineup for the Braves on Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Our View: Greg Norton had started for the Braves first baseman in the final game of the Pirates series and the opening game against the Phillies. |
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| Washburn earns first save | Wednesday 5/14, 5:31 PM CT |
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Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn earned his first career save as the Mariners defeated the Rangers 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon.
Our View: Washburn was expected to start on Friday against the Padres so whether the Seattle rotation stays on schedule is a question yet to be answered. |
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| Cairo hits game winning single | Wednesday 5/14, 5:25 PM CT |
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Miguel Cairo hit a two-out RBI single in the 12th inning and the Seattle Mariners beat Texas 4-3 on Wednesday to avoid a sweep.
Our View: Cairo, playing a part-time role for the Mariners, has plated in 17 games this year. The utility infielder is hitting .188 with four RBI, four runs scored and one stolen base. |
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| Feldman throws quality start | Wednesday 5/14, 5:22 PM CT |
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Scott Feldman allowed one run on six hits, walked none and struck out four in seven innings of work. The Rangers ended up losing the extra-inning affair 4-3 to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon.
Our View: Feldman earned himself two starts (at Minnesota - at Cleveland) in Fantasy Week 7 with this effort. |
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| Silva walks none in no-decision | Wednesday 5/14, 5:18 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva allowed two runs on five hits, walked none and struck out four as the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon.
Our View: Silva wasn't involved in the decision but was able to pitch well against a good lineup and in a hitter-friendly park. The right-hander worked 6.1 innings before being relieved by Brandon Morrow. |
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| Payton is Grand | Wednesday 5/14, 5:07 PM CT |
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Jay Payton hit a grand slam home run to left field scoring Freddie Bynum, Guillermo Quiroz and Brian Roberts in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Red Sox.
Our View: Payton finished the day with one hit in five at-bats but had five RBI. |
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| Sherrill saves 15th | Wednesday 5/14, 4:59 PM CT |
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George Sherrill registered a league high 15th save on Wednesday afternoon as the Orioles beat John Lester and the Red Sox, 6-3.
Our View: His league leading 15th save wasn't easy, though. Sherrill gave up two hits that sandwiched a double play before finally getting Alex Cora to foul out to left field. |
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| Cabrera wins fourth | Wednesday 5/14, 4:56 PM CT |
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Daniel Cabrera allowed three runs on 10 hits, walked none and struck out three in winning his fourth game against one loss. Cabrera worked a strong seven innings, made pitches when he needed them and stranded a boat load of runners.
Our View: One can't count the number of times Cabrera has put together two strong outings. But one also can't count on Cabrera until he shows he can put at least a half a season together. Cabrera came in 1-9 with a 7.84 ERA in 11 career starts against Boston. He had lost seven straight to the Red Sox since 2005. |
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| Lester throws QS | Wednesday 5/14, 4:53 PM CT |
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Jon Lester allowed two runs on five hits, walked two and struck out four in six innings of work as the Red Sox lost 6-3 to the Orioles on Wednesday afternoon.
Our View: Lester pitched well enough to win, but the lack of run support and the four runs that the bullpen gave up didn't help the left-hander. |
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| Suzuki falls to eighth in the order | Wednesday 5/14, 4:28 PM CT |
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Kurt Suzuki, who replaced the slumping Travis Buck in the leadoff spot for the A's in mid-April, gave way to Raja Davis in Wednesday's game against C.C. Sabathia.
Our View: Suzuki, with is batting lines .248/.314/.297, is hitting eighth tonight. |
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| Sweeney in the two slot | Wednesday 5/14, 4:26 PM CT |
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The Oakland A's penciled in a peculiar lineup for Wednesday's game against C.C. Sabathia and the Indians. Slugger Mike Sweeney is hitting second in the lineup and in front of Jack Cust and Frank Thomas.
Our View: Sweeney is no longer the young slugger he used to be, but he also doesn't hit to the opposite field as much as he used to. |
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| Davis starting vs Sabathia | Wednesday 5/14, 4:21 PM CT |
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Rajai Davis , the A's second option in center field since Chris Denorfia went on the disabled list, is starting and batting leadoff tonight when Oakland visits Cleveland.
Our View: Davis' strength is his speed, but he can't contribute if he doesn't get on base (.190). |
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| Silva injures back | Wednesday 5/14, 3:57 PM CT |
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Carlos Silva left his start against the Rangers on Wednesday due to mild lower back tightness, the Seattle Times reports. The right-hander had allowed five hits and two runs over 6.1 innings.
Our View: What else can go wrong for the Mariners these days? We'll update Silva's status when more is known. |
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| Wilson still the closer | Wednesday 5/14, 2:56 PM CT |
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Manager Ron Washington confirms that C.J. Wilson is still the Rangers closer. Eddie Guardado shut the door on Tuesday night. "I said in Spring Training that Eddie would get some opportunities to save ballgames," Washington tells MLB.com. "That might be a week from now, or it might be four or five days from now. I'm glad to have him. The situation is going to dictate. If C.J. can't go, Eddie is going to get the ball."
Our View: Wilson has struggled recently, but fantasy owners can continue to count on him the near future. Guardado hasn't exactly been sharp this year (5.40 ERA), so we don't imagine Washington is eager to hand him the job. |
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| Borowski to start rehab on Monday | Wednesday 5/14, 2:53 PM CT |
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Joe Borowski will test his strained right triceps when he twirls for the Low-A Lake County Captains on Monday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Our View: We're not sure how long Borowski's rehab stint will last, but we imagine the Indians will make him prove his velocity and endurance over at least three outings. Borowski is expected to regain his closer's role when ready. |
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| Mora receives cortisone shot | Wednesday 5/14, 1:39 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Melvin Mora received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder on Wednesday, the Baltimore Sun reports. The Orioles are off on Thursday.
Our View: Cortisone shots often take a couple days to recover from, but Mora could be ready by Friday. We have to wonder if his injury is more than just a bruise, though. |
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| Hernandez scratched | Wednesday 5/14, 1:30 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Ramon Hernandez has been pulled from Wednesday's lineup because he felt more soreness in his left wrist while swinging a bat in pre-game warm-ups, the Baltimore Sun reports. Guillermo Quiroz will start in his place.
Our View: The O's are off on Thursday, and hopefully the rest will work wonder for Hernandez. He has been dealing with this pain for a couple weeks, which is not a good sign. |
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| Mora sitting on Wednesday | Wednesday 5/14, 12:59 PM CT |
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Melvin Mora is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, the Baltimore Sun reports. Aubrey Huff is starting at third base. Mora is day-to-day due to a sore right shoulder.
Our View: The O's are off on Thursday, and we imagine Mora could return for the weekend. |
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| Crisp still feeling ill | Wednesday 5/14, 12:57 PM CT |
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Coco Crisp continues to be bothered by headaches and nausea and is not in Wednesday's lineup. "I feel off-and-on better and weird. I woke up feeling better, did some late Mother's Day shopping... but then started feeling sick again," he informs the Boston Globe. "My head is messed up... a heavy-type feeling."
Our View: Crisp must have been watching his game tapes from 2007. Bah doom ching! |
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| Hernandez back in lineup | Wednesday 5/14, 12:54 PM CT |
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Ramon Hernandez is listed as the starter for Wednesday's tilt against the Red Sox, according to the Baltimore Sun. The backstop hasn't played since May 9 due to a sore left wrist.
Our View: Hernandez isn't quite out of the woods yet, as this injury has plagued him for a couple weeks. Fantasy owners can feel free to use him, for now. |
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| Lugo out again | Wednesday 5/14, 12:52 PM CT |
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Julio Lugo is out again on Wednesday due to a concussion, and he will be examined by team doctors in Boston on Thursday, the Boston Globe reports. Alex Cora is starting in his place.
Our View: We hope this is a case of the Sox being overly protective and not something where the symptoms aren't going away as hoped. |
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| Hoey out for season | Wednesday 5/14, 12:49 PM CT |
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Jim Hoey underwent right shoulder surgery in early May and will miss the remainder of the season, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Our View: Details? Anyone? Details? The Sun balks at providing any more information, but we imagine a rotator cuff or labrum was involved. Anyway, so much for the promising Hoey ever making a case to be a closer down the road. |
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| Van Every to start in center | Wednesday 5/14, 12:47 PM CT |
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Jonathan Van Every was called up on Wednesday and will start in center against the Orioles, the Boston Globe confirms. The 28-year-old outfielder was batting .287-6-20 over 40 games for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Our View: Welcome to the bigs, Mr. Van Every. His stay could be short if J.D. Drew (wrist) and Coco Crisp (illness) aren't out too much longer. |
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| Buchholz placed on DL | Wednesday 5/14, 12:44 PM CT |
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The Red Sox have placed Clay Buchholz on the 15-day DL due to a torn fingernail on his right middle finger, the Boston Globe reports.
Our View: We're not yet sure how the Sox will fill the gap in the rotation, and we'll be on the lookout for news about that situation. We imagine the club might make more roster moves in the coming days. |
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| Byrd activated | Wednesday 5/14, 11:58 AM CT |
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The Rangers activated Marlon Byrd from the DL on Wednesday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirms. Infielder Travis Metcalf was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma. Byrd had been out due to a sore left knee.
Our View: Byrd returns to a roster that not only features David Murphy but now Brandon Boggs as well. Marlon will find it hard to be anything more than part of a platoon. |
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| Abreu struggling in Tampa | Wednesday 5/14, 11:28 AM CT |
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Bobby Abreu is struggling with the Tampa pitching staff. In the last two games the Yankee right fielder is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts.
Our View: Abreu's lines over the first six weeks are acceptable (.287/.355/.427) but he's beginning to show his age with some regression in the power and speed categories (only 3 stolen bases). |
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| Joyce goes deep again | Wednesday 5/14, 11:24 AM CT |
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Matt Joyce recorded another multi-hit effort on Tuesday night in KC. The Tigers outfielder hit a home run for the second straight finishing the game 2-for-4.
Our View: The prospect is batting .333 in his first 18 at-bats with two home runs and three RBI. |
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| Wilson not worried | Wednesday 5/14, 9:45 AM CT |
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C.J. Wilson has struggled in his last two outings (six runs, 1.2 innings), but he isn't worried. "It's not really anything I'm concerned about from a pitching standpoint at all," he tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Every once in a while you get some really lucky breaks that go against you." Eddie Guardado got a save in Wilson's place on Tuesday.
Our View: Wilson remains the closer, despite what we saw on Tuesday night. Manager Ron Washington likely wanted to give C.J. a chance to clear his head. |
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| Ellis still hurting | Wednesday 5/14, 9:33 AM CT |
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Mark Ellis remains day-to-day with a sore left hamstring. He sat out on Tuesday and doesn't expect to play on Wednesday, the Oakland Tribune reports. Donnie Murphy started in his place. "It's feeling better today than it did on Sunday," Ellis says. "It's not long term."
Our View: Fantasy owners in daily transaction leagues should bench Ellis for the time being. |
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| Young plays through sore ankle | Wednesday 5/14, 9:28 AM CT |
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Delmon Young started on Tuesday night despite a sore left ankle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes. He twisted the joint on Monday. "I told him to be honest, go out there and if you can run that's fine. If you can play that's fine," manager Ron Gardenhire says, "but if you're going to be limping around out there I'll take you off the field." Young went 0-for-4.
Our View: The 22-year-old outfielder continues to struggle in his new digs. Delmon seems too good of a hitter to not turn it on at some point, but we have to wonder if AL pitchers generally have his number right now. |
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| Scioscia sticking by Matthews | Wednesday 5/14, 9:07 AM CT |
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Manager Mike Scioscia isn't ready to pull the plug on Gary Matthews Jr. as his leadoff hitter. The outfielder is struggling at .223 on the year and .212 in May. "Gary hasn't hit his stride yet, but as far as the bats we need to get going, he's the best option to lead off now without taking somebody out of the lineup. We're not at that point right now," Scioscia tells the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: We'd love to see Reggie Willits get a shot at holding down the leadoff spot until Chone Figgins returns, but Scioscia doesn't like to mess with his veterans. Pity that. |
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| Rosa bumped up to Triple-A | Wednesday 5/14, 8:55 AM CT |
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Carlos Rosa has earned a promotion up to Triple-A Omaha, the Kansas City Star notes. The 23-year-old right-hander was 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts over 45.0 innings (eight starts) at Double-A.
Our View: Rosa is taking a familiar path. He moved up to Double-A early in 2007 and was roughed up before settling down over the final couple months. The Royals will likely let him settle in and prove himself at Triple-A before thinking about a late-season promotion. |
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| Buehrle discusses struggles | Wednesday 5/14, 8:39 AM CT |
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Mark Buehrle insists nothing is wrong with his arm, although the results aren't good and the radar gun is only showing 85 mph. "It's different than [last season] because before I was hit hard and wasn't making my pitches and they were getting hits," Buehrle explains to the Chicago Tribune. "That's why it doesn't feel the same as before, because I've been making quality pitches. Sometimes they're putting the ball where our guys aren't."
Our View: The veteran southpaw has earned a lot of leeway over the years, but his current work is trying our patience. Fantasy owners should bench him until he shapes up. |
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| Martinez plays through injury | Wednesday 5/14, 8:22 AM CT |
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Victor Martinez appeared to injure his left quad in a play at the plate on Tuesday night, but he stayed in the game, the Cleveland Plain Dealer notes.
Our View: We don't believe the Indians would mess around if V-Mart was hurt badly, so we're not too worried about this bit of news. |
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| Sosa's days are numbered | Wednesday 5/14, 7:51 AM CT |
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The Mets designated Jorge Sosa for assignment on Tuesday night. The reliever owned a 7.06 ERA and 1.89 WHIP. If he's not traded within 10 days, Sosa could become a free agent or accept a gig at Triple-A New Orleans.
Our View: Sosa seems likely to cut his ties with the Mets and try his hand elsewhere. |
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| Illness sidelines Crisp | Wednesday 5/14, 7:48 AM CT |
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Coco Crisp left Tuesday's game in the bottom of the sixth inning due to an illness. The Boston Globe explains that a migraine and an upset stomach were both offered as explanations.
Our View: We're not sure of Crisp's status for Wednesday, and we'll update his status when more information becomes available. |
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| Drew won't play Wednesday | Wednesday 5/14, 7:41 AM CT |
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J.D. Drew doesn't expect to play on Wednesday, but he also doesn't think he'll be out long after injuring his left wrist on Tuesday. "It's day to day right now," Drew tells the Boston Globe. "I rolled it pretty good. It's one of those plays you can't protect it. The ball hit the web of my glove, but when it jammed into the ground, my wrist went along with it." X-rays were negative, but Drew may undergo an MRI.
Our View: Drew is in a select category of oft-injured players who can turn "day-to-day" into weeks. The nice thing is that the Red Sox have an off-day on Thursday. We'll update his status when more is known. |
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| Trachsel skipped | Wednesday 5/14, 7:35 AM CT |
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Due to Monday's off-day, the Orioles will take the opportunity to skip Steve Trachsel in the rotation. Jeremy Guthrie started on Tuesday, and he'll be followed by Daniel Cabrera, Garrett Olson, and Brian Burres, the Baltimore Sun notes.
Our View: Trachsel pitched much better his last time out, but we don't believe the veteran is long for this rotation. The Orioles are probably just waiting for another young arm to step up and claim the spot. |
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| Mora day-to-day | Wednesday 5/14, 7:29 AM CT |
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Melvin Mora is day-to-day after taking a ground ball to the right shoulder prior to Tuesday's tilt with the Red Sox. "I got hit in the same spot I got hit in spring training," he informs the Baltimore Sun. "It hurt. It gave me a headache." Aubrey Huff took Mora's spot at third base on Tuesday night.
Our View: We imagine Melvin is questionable for an early afternoon tilt on Wednesday, but it doesn't sound like he'll be down too long. |
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| Teixeira hopes to play Wednesday | Wednesday 5/14, 7:18 AM CT |
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Mark Teixeira hopes to play on Wednesday. He tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his back felt "much better" on Tuesday. Teixeira was forced out of the lineup on Monday due to back spasms.
Our View: Fantasy owners in daily transaction leagues should plan on him being backup, although you'll want to check the lineup cards. |
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| Borbon runs wild for Bakersfield | Wednesday 5/14, 1:05 AM CT |
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Julio Borbon stole three bases for High-A Bakersfield on Tuesday, giving him 15 steals this season.
Our View: The supplemental first rounder in 2007 is flashing nice leadoff skills. He is hitting .318 with a .373 OBP. |
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| Halman hits two homers for High Desert | Wednesday 5/14, 1:05 AM CT |
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Greg Halman launched two home runs for High-A High Desert on Tuesday, giving him eight home runs this season.
Our View: He is hitting .265-8-23 with 16 steals, showing his outstanding offensive tools. However, Halman is still extremely raw, as evidenced by his 10/49 BB/K ratio this season. |
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| Reimold hits fifth homer for Bowie | Wednesday 5/14, 1:01 AM CT |
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Nolan Reimold went 2-for-5 with his fifth homer of the season for Double-A Bowie on Tuesday.
Our View: The former second-round pick is hitting .259-5-15 for Bowie, but he has also shown vastly improved plate discipline compared to last season. Bowie is no sure thing to be a regular in the majors, but the 24-year-old has shown the production in the minors to at least be a fourth outfielder. |
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| Napoli, Anderson, Quinlan fight for win | Wednesday 5/14, 12:05 AM CT |
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The Angels were working hard to produce and grind out runs this evening, struggling to keep up with the Chicago starter John Danks, but the stolen bases (three total) and gifts from bad relief pitching served the opportunity needed to take the 2-0 win. The primary source of offense came from one of three players. Catcher Mike Napoli went 1-for-3 with one RBI, one stolen base, and one runner left onboard.
Our View: 3B Robb Quinlan went 2-for-4, joining Garrett Anderson as the only other multi-hit batter of the night (also 2-for-4), with one RBI on the night. Anderson also added a stolen base and a run scored, but failed to post the RBI. |
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| Weaver give up one hit, run | Wednesday 5/14, 12:00 AM CT |
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The Angels emerged from the offerings of poor relief pitching from the Chicago White Sox to steal a 2-0 win, helped in large part by the work of their own starter, RHP Jered Weaver . Weaver went seven innings, surrendering just one hit with no runs allowed, two walks and six strikeouts also added to the box score.
Our View: Weaver needed the boost and, while he walked away with no decision, the positive vibes from such an outing could be huge moving forward. |
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