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| Hudson looking happy to be back | Wednesday 5/14, 11:59 PM CT |
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Arizona 2B Orlando Hudson has been enjoying his new-found health over the past weeks, ramping up the offense and helping the Snakes to a 4-3 win over Colorado. Hudson went 2-for-4 with his eighth double of the year and two RBIs on the night.
Our View: Hudson earned a handful of days off to rest a bad hammy, and he gets to return just in time to hit the ball around Coors Field, now sitting at 4-for-8 on the series. |
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| Helton goes 3-for-4 in loss | Wednesday 5/14, 11:55 PM CT |
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Colorado 1B Todd Helton is starting to round into form despite the 4-3 loss to Arizona this evening, going 3-for-4 at the dish with one walk and one run scored.
Our View: He's still struggling in the power department, but that trademark Helton batting average is starting to come up (now residing at .284). |
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| De La Rosa falls to Arizona | Wednesday 5/14, 11:52 PM CT |
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Colorado LHP Jorge De La Rosa lasted just 4 2/3 innings in taking the loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks this evening, 4-3. The lefty gave up all four runs, all earned, on seven hits with three walks and six stikeouts.
Our View: It was just De La Rosa's third start of a young career, and his first without surrendering a home run. |
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| Owings keeps his hand strong vs Colorado | Wednesday 5/14, 11:49 PM CT |
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The Arizona Diamondbacks nearly lost the effort to bad relief pitching, but RHP Micah Owings was on his mark and pitching well, earning his fifth win of the season. Owings went six innings of shutout ball, giving up just five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: By the way, Owings, known for his hitting as much as his pitching, went 0-for-3 at the dish, but his work with the arm was solid. He is now 5-1 and leading the way for the Snakes in the NL West. |
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| Izturis tops list of strong outings for Cards | Wednesday 5/14, 11:43 PM CT |
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The Cardinals didn't need much hitting this evening to pull the 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh, but SS Cesar Izturis finished as the top offensive performer on a night when the Cards racked up 15 total hits. Izturis went 3-for-5, all singles with an additional stolen base (his third of the season), with one RBI.
Our View: Five different players posted multiple hits in this game for the Cards, but none earned more than one RBI. Give Izturis the nod for the swipe. |
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| Wellemeyer dominates Pirates | Wednesday 5/14, 11:28 PM CT |
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The Pirates managed to find just four hits in their bats this evening as they suffered the 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, all but dominated by RHP Todd Wellemeyer in earning his fourth win of the season. Wellemeyer pitched seven innings, giving up a lowly one run on an even lowlier two hits. He walked three, struck out five, and did so on 11 fly outs mixed with five grounders.
Our View: Since hitting May, Wellemeyer is pitching as well as any hurler in the game. Including this evening, he has allowed just six runs (four earned) on 13 hits combined. |
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| Lilly gets third consecutive win | Wednesday 5/14, 11:08 PM CT |
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The Cubs used offense to get the win over San Diego, 8-5, this evening, but the work of LHP Ted Lilly was not without merit. Lilly pitched six innings, giving up four runs (all earned) on six hits with just one walk and 11 strikeouts on the night.
Our View: Lilly entered May at 1-4 with 6.46 ERA. His ERA isn't going much lower, but he has three wins in a row to get his record to 4-4. |
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| Fukudome comes through in win | Wednesday 5/14, 11:04 PM CT |
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The Cubs put the hurt on the San Diego Padres this evening, winning 8-5 with the bat of OF Kosuke Fukudome doing much of the damage. Fukudome went 3-for-5 at the dish, hitting his 11th double with two runs scored.
Our View: Fukudome's average has been falling a bit this month, coming into the month at .327 and now sitting at .312. However, his numbers are serving the Cubs well and he seems to hit rather well in clutch situations. |
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| Iguchi drives in three in loss | Wednesday 5/14, 10:58 PM CT |
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The Padres struggled to get the offense going as the Cubs put the 8-5 win on the board, leaving 2B Tadahito Iguchi as the primary man for San Diego on the night. Iguchi went 2-for-5 with three RBIs on the night, though his three strikeouts are reason for concern.
Our View: Iguchi is hitting the ball well but rarely drives in runs and strikes out too often to garner too much confidence from fantasy owners. |
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| Soriano dings Peavy for homer | Wednesday 5/14, 10:54 PM CT |
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The Chicago Cubs put eight runs on the board against Jake Peavy and the San Diego Padres tonight, an effort largely led by leadoff man LF Alfonso Soriano . Soriano went 2-for-5 at the dish with his sixth home run of the year, totaling three RBIs.
Our View: Soriano has been red hot this month, going 17-of-51 at the plate with 13 RBIs. |
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| Peavy suffers third loss | Wednesday 5/14, 10:50 PM CT |
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San Diego ace Jake Peavy pitched well, but the Cubs still managed to score runs and handed Peavy his third loss of the season, winning 8-5. Peavy pitched just four innings, giving up four runs (all earned) on seven hits, walking just two with eight strikeouts.
Our View: Peavy now has just one win in his last six outings and his ERA is steadily on the rise. |
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| Parra gets no decision with two RBIs | Wednesday 5/14, 10:42 PM CT |
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It doesn't happen often, but tonight Milwaukee LHP Manny Parra was the force of reckoning both on the mound and at the plate this evening. Parra pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up three runs (only one earned) on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts, leaving with no decision.
Our View: Parra was also the top hitter on the evening, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs. |
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| Lowe gets no decision | Wednesday 5/14, 10:34 PM CT |
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Dodger RHP Derek Lowe walked off the mound with fourth no decision this season as hit team used a late surge to get the 6-4 win. Lowe pitched six innings to allow four runs (all earned) on six hits, walking three and striking out six.
Our View: That's four consecutive starts for Lowe without a win. |
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| Pierra enjoys strong night at the park | Wednesday 5/14, 10:27 PM CT |
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It wasn't pretty, but the Dodgers scored three in the top of the ninth to emerge victorious over the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4. The catalyst for that surge came from leadoff man LF Juan Pierre , going 3-for-5 at the dish with his fifth double of the season, his 14th stolen base of the campaign thus far, and a total of three RBIs and one runs scored in the win.
Our View: Pierre has had to fight for consideration but is showing well in May, already matching his hit total for April (13) through 11 games with seven stolen bases and just one strikeout this month. |
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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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| Hairston shows offensive value vs Marlins | Wednesday 5/14, 10:22 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Reds emerged after 10 innings to put the Florida Marlins in the loss column, 7-6, with all seven runs attributed to different players. However, the work of SS Jerry Hairston Jr. was the saving grace of the effort. Hairston went 3-for-4 with a double (his fourth of the year) and a triple (his first) to total one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Hairston gave way to oncoming SS prospect Paul Janish, moved to left field, but it was his offense that got him the start at short to begin with, a decision that proved valuable. |
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| Arroyo pitches well vs Marlins | Wednesday 5/14, 10:17 PM CT |
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Review the work of the starting pitching for the Cincinnati Reds tonight and you'll wonder how they got to 10 innings to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. RHP Bronson Arroyo pitched seven innings, failing to allow a single run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: After going 1-3 with a 6.97 ERA in April, Arroyo has started to improve, going 1-1 with tonight's no decision in May, though he has surrendered eight earned runs overall. |
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| Uggla keeps hitting | Wednesday 5/14, 10:12 PM CT |
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Florida may have suffered the 7-6 loss in extra innings to the Cincinnati Reds, but 2B Dan Uggla has continued to swing well, going 2-for-4 with his 13th double of the season and one walk.
Our View: Uggla failed to drive in any runs, but he now sits at 18-for-45 (.400) with eight homers in the month of May (we are just reaching the half-way point for the month). |
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| Ross shines in new leadoff role | Wednesday 5/14, 10:08 PM CT |
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The battle lasted lasted 10 inning, but the Cincinnati Reds emerged victorious, winning 7-6 over the Florida Marlins. For the Marlins, it was newly-crowned leadoff man CF Cody Ross getting the job done on offense. Ross went 1-for-4, making the one hit good for a three-run homer in the 9th inning to help Florida surge with six total runs to tie it up late.
Our View: Ross has been sharing time in the field but got the call tonight thanks to his hot bat, now sitting at 6-for-20 with four homers in the month of May. |
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| Redding dominates Mets | Wednesday 5/14, 9:39 PM CT |
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Washington needed a strong outing off the mound from RHP Tim Redding with the offense struggling, and the hurler came through, pitching six innings to allow just one run on a lowly two hits, walking two and striking out four.
Our View: Redding has shown flashes of greatness this season and tonight gives more indication of a bright future. |
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| Lopez gets it going in Nats win | Wednesday 5/14, 9:36 PM CT |
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The Washington Nationals made the best of their six hits to pull a 5-3 win over the New York Mets. The charge was started by leadoff man 2B Felipe Lopez , going 2-for-2 with two walks, hitting his fifth double of the season to garner one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: Lopez is enjoying good returns in May, going 14-for 48, though he has yet to steal a base after swiping four in April. |
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| Schneider tops Mets in loss to Nats | Wednesday 5/14, 9:31 PM CT |
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The Mets managed to post just six hits on the evening with no player earning more than one, falling 5-3 to the Washington Nationals. Catcher Brian Schneider was the man of note from the New York offense, going 1-of-4 with his second home run of the season to total two RBIs.
Our View: Schneider has been gaining momentum this month, going 10-of-30 with two home runs thus far. |
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| Myers suffers rough evening on the mound | Wednesday 5/14, 9:26 PM CT |
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Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers suffered through a horrendous outing in the Phillies 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Myers lasted just 4 1/3 innings, giving up eight total runs (six earned) on nine hits, walking three and striking out six.
Our View: The bulk of the damage was done on three homers allowed, all in the first two innings of the game to surrender three total runs. |
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| Glavine gets first win | Wednesday 5/14, 9:25 PM CT |
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Atlanta LHP Tom Glavine has enjoyed better evenings, but his work against the Philadelphia Phillies was enough to earn the win. Glavine pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up four runs (all earned) on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: Glavine got his first win of the season, but we doubt he's terribly happy with the effort. |
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| McCann keeps swinging a strong stick | Wednesday 5/14, 9:19 PM CT |
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The Atlanta Braves enjoyed a big night on the scoreboard, pulling the 8-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Catcher Brian McCann led the way, going 2-for-4 with his 13th double of the season and three total RBIs on the evening.
Our View: McCann is now hitting .395 for the month of May, touting 12 RBIs with six doubles on the month. |
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| Chipper can't stop hitting | Wednesday 5/14, 9:16 PM CT |
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Atlanta 3B Chipper Jones is working as one of the hottest bats in the league and continued to work as such this evening as the Braves dismissed the Phillies 8-6. Jones went 2-for-4 at the plate with one walk, hitting his 11th home run of the season in the 1st inning to set the tone for an offensive surge by the Braves.
Our View: Jones is now hitting .418 on the season, sitting at 20-for-46 (.435) with three homers and 11 RBIs. |
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| Utley, Howard homer in loss | Wednesday 5/14, 9:11 PM CT |
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The Phillies managed to suffer the 8-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves despite bombs from the power battery of the order. 2B Chase Utley went 1-for-4 at the plate, totaling two RBIs on his 14th homer of the season. 1B Ryan Howard brought a home run of his own, going 1-for-4 at the plate with his 8th home run of year.
Our View: Those are the only hits those two players posted and the rest of the group failed to get the job done. |
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| Rollins plays well, but Phillies fall | Wednesday 5/14, 9:08 PM CT |
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SS Jimmy Rollins did what he could to get the Phillies back in the hunt, but his team fell 8-6 to that Atlanta Braves. Rollins went 2-for-5 at the dish with his fifth double of the season, also adding his third stolen base of the season.
Our View: Rollins totaled two RBIs and one run scored on the evening. |
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| Coste goes 4-for-4 in loss | Wednesday 5/14, 9:05 PM CT |
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The Phillies came up short in their 8-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves this evening, but catcher Chris Coste tried his best to improve the effort. Coste went 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored.
Our View: This is just the fourth game this season in which Coste has posted multiple hits, and his first this month. |
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| Blanton goes seven strong | Wednesday 5/14, 8:40 PM CT |
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Joe Blanton allowed two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out four in seven innings of work. Blanton pitched well enough to win, but he was facing C.C. Sabathia who pitched a complete game shutout in a 2-0 win over the A's.
Our View: Blanton lost his sixth game of the season against two wins. His 3.69 AL ERA and 1.34 WHIP says he deserves a better record than 2-6 on the season. |
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| Sabathia throws shutout | Wednesday 5/14, 8:26 PM CT |
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C.C. Sabathia pitched a five-hitter and struck out 11 in the Cleveland Indians' major league-leading seventh shutout, a 2-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.
Our View: If there was any question about whether last year's Cy Young winner was back on track, this effort against the A's should answer any and all questions. |
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| Schmidt ready for second minor league start | Wednesday 5/14, 8:24 PM CT |
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The Dodgers report RHP Jason Schmidt completed today's bullpen session and is scheduled to make his second minor league rehab appearance on Saturday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Schmidt threw 38 pitches today, 11 months after undergoing shoulder surgery, and manager Joe Torre reports he will make the start for Class A Inland Empire on Saturday with plans to throw three innings or a pitch count between 30 to 45 pitches. |
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| Spilborghs gets leadoff spot | Wednesday 5/14, 8:09 PM CT |
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The Rockies are struggling to find wins and, as a result, manager Clint Hurdle has made a few changes to the lineup, according to the Denver Post. Most notably, CF Ryan Spilborghs will bat leadoff, taking the place normally filled by Willie Taveras.
Our View: Also, Omar Quintanilla has gotten the start at shortstop with Jonathan Herrera starting at second base. Quintanilla will bat second with Herrera batting eighth. |
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| Park to start on Saturday | Wednesday 5/14, 8:03 PM CT |
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Los Angeles skipper Joe Torre told the LA Times that Chan Ho Park should be able to throw 85-90 pitches, who was announced the Dodgers Saturday starter.
Our View: LA won't need a fifth starter after that until May 27 at the Cubs. |
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| Alou ejected | Wednesday 5/14, 7:58 PM CT |
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Mets LF Moises Alou has been ejected from tonight's matchup against the Washington Nationals, according to Yahoo Sports.
Our View: Alou was ejected in the 5th inning for arguing balls and strikes after being called out looking at a third strike. |
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| Doumit out at least four weeks | Wednesday 5/14, 7:55 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Ryan Doumit is slated to miss at least four weeks as he nurses a fractured left thumb, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Today's examination by Dr. Mark Baratz in Pittsburgh suggests the Pirates catcher should refrain from any baseball activities for at least four weeks, and the team feels he is likely to miss significantly more time than that. "We'll give it four weeks, and then we'll see where we're at," said manager John Russell. To fill the void left by moving Doumit to the 15-day disabled list, the Pirates have recalled catcher Raul Chavez from Triple-A Indianapolis. |
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| Castillo struggling with quad injury | Wednesday 5/14, 7:50 PM CT |
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Mets 2B Luis Castillo may be headed for the disabled list, according to MLB.com. Nursing a strained left quad, Castillo hasn't been able t
Our View: Nursing a strained left quad, Castillo hasn't been able to play since Sunday and the team anticipates he won't be able to hit the field until this coming weekend, at the earliest. As a result, both manager Willie Randolph and general manager Omar Minaya are suggesting the DL might be the best place for Castillo right now. Castillo has missed three games and received additional treatment for the quad on Wednesday, and while he reports he feels "better," he does not argue that it could be some time before he feels ready to play. We will update as news comes forth. |
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| Ross leading off for Marlins | Wednesday 5/14, 7:35 PM CT |
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The Florida Marlins are seeking ways to keep their offense fresh and their first step came this evening as OF Cody Ross has been moved into the leadoff position in the batting order, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Ross has been platooning with switch-hitting Alfredo Amezaga, but Amezaga has failed to hit as hoped and now Ross is getting his chance to shine, getting the start this evening and looking to improve on his 3-for-11 numbers as the leadoff man thus far. |
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| Pedro throws simulated game | Wednesday 5/14, 7:28 PM CT |
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The New York Mets report RHP Pedro Martinez threw 55 pitches during a simulated game today in Florida, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Pedro pitched four innings against minor leaguers and fielded his position at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is battling to return from a strained left hamstring, suffered during his only start this season (April 1st vs Florida). General manager Omar Minaya states the team is unwilling to release a timetable for his continued rehab and return, but he did reveal that Martinez is now going to be placed into a regular schedule, likely to start with a bullpen session in the coming days followed by another simulated game with a higher pitch count. If those go well, look for a minor league rehab assignment. |
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| Reds ready to give SS prospect his shot | Wednesday 5/14, 7:20 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Reds have recalled SS Paul Janish to replace the injured Jeff Keppinger at the position, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Keppinger suffered a fractured left kneecap against the Florida Marlins. He has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, but he is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, thus giving Janish his first prolonged shot to play in the majors. This evening, manager Dusty Baker has inserted veteran Jerry Hairston Jr. at shortstop, hoping he can help the struggling offense back on track. Janish, viewed as a defensive gem, could be in the lineup as soon as this week. |
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| Molina fined, not suspended | Wednesday 5/14, 7:13 PM CT |
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St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina has been fined an undisclosed amount but will avoid suspension following his ejection from Monday's battle with Milwaukee, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Our View: Molina was arguing calls with home plate umpire Paul Schrieber before being ejected, at which time Molina disrobed of his equipment and left his gear all over the field. |
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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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| Johnson out, will also miss Thursday | Wednesday 5/14, 6:54 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Washington 1B Nick Johnson will in fact miss tonight's game against the New York Mets and is likely to miss tomorrow's game as well, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Johnson strained a tendon in his wrist on a swing made on Tuesday night. The MRI results suggest no prolonged concern is present, but Johnson was sent back to Washington and will undergo further testing. We will update with news as needed. |
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| Pedro back in weeks, not months | Wednesday 5/14, 6:48 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez continues to knock off milestones toward his return, reports MLB.com, and Wednesday Pedro pitched in his first simulated game, facing hitters and fielding his position in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Our View: Now four innings and 55 pitches closer to a return, Martinez used the session to restate his case for returning to New York within a matter of weeks -- not months. |
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| Tucker learns from Volquez | Wednesday 5/14, 6:45 PM CT |
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The Palm Beach Post reports that Edinson Volquez, who beat the Marlins Tuesday night, has a connection with Florida. The report notes that Volquez, who was sharing a booth with a Florida prospect Ryan Tucker , demonstrated how he grips his changeup to the young pitcher. Tucker, who two months later was picked 35th overall in the draft by the Marlins, started using the same grip and is now among the Double-A Southern League leaders with a 0.97 ERA.
Our View: Tucker is one of the many talented farm hands the Marlins have working hard to earn on ticket to the big club. According to Baseball America, Tucker is the Marlins' third-best prospect (Volstad is first, Sinkbeil second). His fastball, which has been clocked at 97 mph, is rated the best in the organization. As you might expect, he has an effective change-up and has also been working on a slider. |
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| Pirates retain Meek | Wednesday 5/14, 6:26 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have conceded due cash considerations to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for the retained rights to pitcher Evan Meek , according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: The Pirates claimed Meek from the Rays via the Rule 5 Draft. However, Meek had cleared waivers and was designated for assignment by the Rays, thus the Pirated had to sign a check to get the deal worked out. |
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| Smoltz passes another test | Wednesday 5/14, 6:17 PM CT |
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After playing catch from a distance of 90 feet at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night, John Smoltz didn't feel any discomfort in his shoulder following the workout. The Braves right-hander threw on flat ground from a distance of 120 feet on Wednesday and if all goes well, he'll get a true test on Saturday, when he throws off the mound for the first time since going on the disabled list, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Smoltz went on the disabled list on April 26 because both his right rotator cuff and right biceps tendon were inflamed. This prolonged shoulder discomfort, which he battled in each of his five starts, prompted him to decide he'll be best utilized as a reliever for the remainder of the season. |
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| Hairston starting at shortstop | Wednesday 5/14, 5:53 PM CT |
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Jerry Hairston Jr. , who replaced the injured Jeff Keppinger (kneecap) on Tuesday night, is starting at shortstop for the Reds tonight.
Our View: The versatile Hairston has played 16 games this season. He is hitting .316 with five RBI, four runs scored and two stolen bases. |
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| Edmonds to take physical | Wednesday 5/14, 4:49 PM CT |
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Following up on a previous report, Jim Edmonds will in fact join the Cubs after passing a physical. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told the media before Wednesday night's game that Edmonds was on his way to Chicago and must pass a physical before he can join the team, this according to the AP.
Our View: Edmonds still has very little fantasy value. His skill-set has diminished and he will have a backup role with the Cubs. |
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| Reyes activated | Wednesday 5/14, 3:48 PM CT |
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The Rays activated Al Reyes from the 15-day DL on Wednesday, the Tampa Tribune confirms. Reyes had been out since April 14 due to a right shoulder impingement.
Our View: The Rays currently boast the second-best bullpen in the AL despite Reyes' struggles earlier this year. Reyes closed games in 2007, but it may take more than a Troy Percival injury to get Al back into that role this year. |
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| Weeks to get day off | Wednesday 5/14, 3:35 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks is getting the day off on Wednesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Craig Counsell is starting in his place.
Our View: Maybe a day of rest will help Weeks get that average back above .200. We're all pulling for you, Rickie. |
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| Chavez called up | Wednesday 5/14, 2:50 PM CT |
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The Pirates called up Raul Chavez on Wednesday to take the roster spot of injured catcher Ryan Doumit, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Chavez, 35, was hitting .306-3-13 over 26 games at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Our View: Chavez will serve as one of the backups to Ronny Paulino, who should start nearly every day while Doumit is out. |
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| Keppinger placed on DL | Wednesday 5/14, 1:43 PM CT |
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As expected, the Reds placed Jeff Keppinger on the DL on Wednesday. The infielder fractured his left kneecap when he fouled a ball off the joint on Tuesday. Keppinger will undergo an MRI later on Wednesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Our View: The Reds will likely wait for the test results before issuing a timetable. We don't imagine he'll have a quick return, though. |
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| Bruce is on fire | Wednesday 5/14, 1:37 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce had a decent little afternoon at the dish on Wednesday. The outfielder went 3-for-3 with a double, triple, homer, three RBI, two runs, and two walks against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bruce is 22-for-36 (.611) with three homers and 12 RBI over the last 10 games.
Our View: It's ridiculous that the Reds haven't called Bruce up and handed him the keys to Corey Patterson's locker. |
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| Janish called up | Wednesday 5/14, 12:23 PM CT |
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The Reds have called up Paul Janish to take the roster spot of Jeff Keppinger, who fractured his left kneecap on Tuesday night, ESPN.com confirms. Janish, 25, was hitting .293-4-20 over 35 games at Triple-A Louisville.
Our View: The Reds could use Janish or Jerry Hairston, and knowing Dusty Baker, the veteran will get the call on most nights. There's a bit of NL-only league value here. |
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| Vizquel to sit Thursday | Wednesday 5/14, 9:55 AM CT |
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Omar Vizquel is expected to sit on Wednesday after starting the previous four games, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Our View: Vizquel is still on the mend following left knee surgery. He's also old, relatively speaking. |
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| Wilson aims at May 27 | Wednesday 5/14, 9:48 AM CT |
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Jack Wilson will begin a rehab stint with Double-A Altoona on Thursday. He is aiming to rejoin the Pirates on May 27, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Wilson has been out since April 3 due to a strained left calf.
Our View: The Pirates have missed Wilson's glove, bat, and leadership, and he'll easily get his job back. Brian Bixler and Luis Rivas have made Jack look like an All-Star. |
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| Doumit headed to DL | Wednesday 5/14, 9:35 AM CT |
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Ryan Doumit is headed to the disabled list after fracturing the tip of his left thumb on Tuesday night, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review confirms. The Pirates aren't sure how long he will be out, but they need to call up another catcher.
Our View: Ronny Paulino stands to step back into an everyday job while Doumit is out. The Pirates will hopefully issue a timetable for Ryan's return on Wednesday. |
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| Rodriguez continues to improve | Wednesday 5/14, 9:22 AM CT |
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Wandy Rodriguez threw 60 pitches in a simulated game on Tuesday and continues to provide glowing reports. "I feel nothing today," he tells the Houston Chronicle. "I'll throw again in Texas on Friday." Rodriguez will throw 80 pitches on Friday and then possibly go on a rehab assignment. He is on the DL due to a strained left groin.
Our View: Given all the "pain-free" reports, we imagine Rodriguez may only need one minor league outing before jumping back into the rotation. We could see him by the middle or end of next week. |
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| Saito still feeling ill | Wednesday 5/14, 9:18 AM CT |
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Takashi Saito continues to deal with flu-like symptoms. He wasn't able to pitch over the weekend, and he remained out as of Tuesday. Rest, medicine, and an IV have helped him improve, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Our View: Fantasy owners shouldn't panic about not seeing Saito's name in the box score since May 6. We imagine he'll be back before too much longer. |
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| Sore ribs sideline Wigginton | Wednesday 5/14, 9:16 AM CT |
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Ty Wigginton wasn't able to play on Tuesday due to a sore ribcage. He was hit by a pitch on Monday. "It's pretty sore right now," he informs the Houston Chronicle. "It was tough the last couple of innings (Monday). Throwing with it hurt and running with it hurt. (Manager Cecil Cooper) chose to give me a day off." X-rays were negative.
Our View: Wigginton could also sit out on Wednesday, so fantasy owners should be cautious about using him in the next day or three. |
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| Olsen says he feels fine | Wednesday 5/14, 9:11 AM CT |
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Scott Olsen threw in the bullpen on Tuesday and tell the Miami Herald that his arm is okay. "It feels fine," Olsen claims. "I wasn't trying to crank it up. But the ball was coming out of my hand good, and I could tell there was a little bit of life on it." The southpaw only hit around 87 or 88 mph during his start on Sunday.
Our View: Olsen's next start should be quite telling. If he is chucking in the low-90s, we can chalk up that last issue to some fatigue. If he's back around 87, fantasy owners should be very concerned. |
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| Hirsh on track for mid-June | Wednesday 5/14, 8:57 AM CT |
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Jason Hirsh threw 30 pitches over two simulated innings on Tuesday. He is happy with his progress and hopes to return in mid-June, the Denver Post reports. Hirsh is out due to a strained right shoulder.
Our View: Hirsh will have some value in NL-only leagues when he comes back next month. We'll continue to monitor his progress. |
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| Sore shoulder sidelines Speier | Wednesday 5/14, 8:51 AM CT |
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Ryan Speier was not available on Tuesday night and could miss more time due to a bruised right rotator cuff, the Denver Post notes. "I don't think it would be a DL situation. Hopefully, I will be fine after a few days," Speier says. He took a line drive off the shoulder on Sunday.
Our View: Speier doesn't have any fantasy value even when he's healthy. |
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| Gagne firmly back as closer | Wednesday 5/14, 8:46 AM CT |
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Manager Ned Yost confirms that Eric Gagne is back in the closer's role after one day off. "I just think that he just needed a day to get away from closing," Yost informs the AP. "I believe and I trust in my guys, and Eric Gagne’s my closer."
Our View: Too bad fantasy owners believed and trusted in you, Mr. Yost. We'll see if Gagne can justify the faith by getting his ERA below five in the coming weeks. |
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| Hill not pushing for return | Wednesday 5/14, 8:34 AM CT |
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Rich Hill owns a 1.69 ERA over two starts for Triple-A Iowa, but he has also walked five batters over 10.2 innings. He needs to pitch better in order to return to the majors. "I would think so," manager Lou Piniella informs the Chicago Sun-Times. The skipper notes that Hill only threw 28 of his 55 fastballs for strikes in his last outing.
Our View: Fantasy owners need to continue being patient with Hill, as we know he still has high upside. |
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| Karstens progressing | Wednesday 5/14, 8:15 AM CT |
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Jeff Karstens will make a second extended spring training outing on Thursday. He is expected to throw five innings, the New York Daily News reports. Karstens has been out all season due to a groin injury. He should begin a rehab assignment next week.
Our View: Karstens is a forgotten arm who could help the Yankees bridge the gaps in their rotation. The right-hander doesn't have any fantasy value right now, but we'll see how his rehab goes. |
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| Kershaw's bad start delays promotion | Wednesday 5/14, 8:11 AM CT |
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Clayton Kershaw was due to be called up on Saturday, but his rough outing on Monday has caused his promotion to be delayed. "They had him lined up, but he didn't pitch very well," manager Joe Torre tells MiLB.com. "We haven't made the decision, but to me, it's doubtful." Kershaw allowed five hits and five runs over 3.1 innings against Mobile.
Our View: Really? The club will let one bad outing allow doubt to enter into their minds? Kershaw has been dominating at Triple-A this year, and this hiccup only came after they sent him to the bullpen for one outing. Anyway, it sounds like Clayton could still be up soon. |
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| Johnson dealing with sore wrist | Wednesday 5/14, 8:07 AM CT |
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Nick Johnson has a strained tendon in his right wrist and is day-to-day. X-rays taken on Tuesday night were negative, the Washington Post notes.
Our View: Johnson is rarely just "day-to-day" when he's beset by an ailment, but we'll choose to believe it this time. Fantasy owners shouldn't be surprised if he sits on Wednesday. |
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| Santana to start on Friday | Wednesday 5/14, 8:05 AM CT |
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Johan Santana will start on Friday against the Yankees, the New York Daily News confirms. Oliver Perez and John Maine will follow.
Our View: The Mets pushed Santana back one day in order to have him face the Yankees. That means Mike Pelfrey will start on Thursday against the Nationals. |
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| Bergmann to start Wednesday | Wednesday 5/14, 8:02 AM CT |
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Jason Bergmann will be called up to start on Wednesday against the Mets, the Washington Post confirms. The right-hander is 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA over five starts at Triple-A Columbus.
Our View: Bergmann pitched well when healthy for the Nats last year, and NL-only fantasy owners should keep a close eye on him. If he looks good on Wednesday, we'd feel safe picking him up in those leagues. |
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| Castillo could land on DL | Wednesday 5/14, 7:58 AM CT |
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Manager Willie Randolph tells the New York Daily News that Luis Castillo could land on the disabled list if his strained left quad doesn't improve quickly. Castillo has not played since Sunday.
Our View: Fantasy owners should keep Castillo on their benches until he shows that he's healthy. Leg injuries have dogged this veteran in recent seasons. |
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| Victorino starts in right | Wednesday 5/14, 7:55 AM CT |
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Shane Victorino started in right field on Tuesday night, a spot he hasn't played since last season. He had been holding down the center field job, but Jayson Werth started there. "Tonight, that's what I wanted to do," manager Charlie Manuel informs the Philadelphia Daily News. "I think I told you guys before that Werth will play some in center field. I said that in the winter, I said that in the spring, I said it right before Victorino came back."
Our View: It certainly doesn't sound like Victorino is being pulled from his duties in center. Fantasy owners should just be happy he's in the lineup. |
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| Figueroa designated for assignment | Wednesday 5/14, 7:46 AM CT |
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The Mets designated Nelson Figueroa for assignment on Tuesday night. Claudio Vargas has been called up to take his rotation spot.
Our View: Figueroa was roughed up in his last two starts, but the Mets can hardly complain. The journeyman gave them six starts (nine appearances) when they badly needed someone to fill their rotation, and Figueroa was pretty good over his first seven appearances. |
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| Jurrjens to start Friday | Wednesday 5/14, 7:31 AM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens will work on short rest and start for the Braves on Friday. He threw 69 pitches in the first half of a doubleheader on Monday. "Sixty-nine pitches is nothing," manager Bobby Cox tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Jurrjens will draw Rich Harden in the home game against the A's. That's not ideal, but this rookie right-hander was due to pitch over the weekend one way or another. |
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| Johnson dropped in order | Wednesday 5/14, 7:25 AM CT |
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The Braves dropped Kelly Johnson from first to seventh in the batting order on Tuesday. Yunel Escobar and Mark Kotsay are now hitting in the top two spots. "Kotsay's been hot, and Escobar's hitting over .300 with an on-base percentage around .400," manager Bobby Cox explains to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "And I think it will give Kelly a chance to drive in some runs down in the order."
Our View: This move has been talked about for a while in the Atlanta media, and it shouldn't shock anyone. Johnson has been struggling lately, and hopefully he can produce in less of a pressure-packed spot in the lineup. |
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| Owings dealing with sore ankle | Wednesday 5/14, 7:22 AM CT |
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Manager Bob Melvin notes that Sunday's rainout helped all of his starting pitchers, as it allowed him to move the rotation back one day. Notably, Melvin tells the Arizona Republic that it gave Micah Owings an extra day to rest a sore right ankle. Owings will start on Wednesday.
Our View: Owings pitched well in his previous start on May 7, so we would think the ankle isn't hurting him too badly. |
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| Hudson returns in style | Wednesday 5/14, 7:16 AM CT |
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Orlando Hudson went 2-for-4 with two RBI on Tuesday night, but the bigger news was that the second baseman was in the lineup. He had missed six straight games due to a strained right hamstring.
Our View: We figured Hudson would be back early in the week, and fantasy owners who gambled on using him should be pleased that they did. |
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| Gonzalez stays on track | Wednesday 5/14, 7:13 AM CT |
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Mike Gonzalez worked two perfect innings in an extended spring training game on Tuesday. The southpaw is scheduled for another two-inning outing on Tuesday, but he is very close to starting a minor league rehab stint, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Gonzalez is just shy of 12 months removed from Tommy John surgery.
Our View: The Braves bullpen could look significantly stronger in the next two-to-three weeks if they get Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, and John Smoltz back. Gonzalez will be a setup man with little fantasy value. |
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| Francisco hits two homers for Sarasota | Wednesday 5/14, 1:06 AM CT |
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Juan Francisco went 3-for-5 with two home runs for High-A Sarasota on Tuesday.
Our View: Francisco is an excellent power prospect in the low minors, hitting .308-7-30. His terrible plate discipline has not improved this season, with a 3/34 BB/K ratio. Still, this type of power from a switch-hitter is interesting. |
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| Alderson displaying sub-3.00 ERA | Wednesday 5/14, 1:02 AM CT |
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Tim Alderson lowered his ERA to 2.89 at High-A after allowing one run in five innings on Tuesday for his fifth win. He allowed five hits, two walks and struck out three.
Our View: The 2007 first-round pick is holding his own at age 19 in High-A. His strikeout rate could be better, but considering that he is facing more advanced competition, we can’t complain. |
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| Hanson solid in Double-A debut | Wednesday 5/14, 1:02 AM CT |
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Tommie Hanson won his first Double-A start of the season on Tuesday, allowing one run in 6.1 innings. He allowed five hits, four walks and struck out seven.
Our View: Not the most efficient start, but it is impressive that Hanson was able to carry his incredible start in High-A up to Double-A. He is fast becoming Atlanta’s best pitching prospect, if not the best pitching prospect in the game. |
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| Garcia outstanding for Memphis | Wednesday 5/14, 1:00 AM CT |
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Jaime Garcia threw seven scoreless innings in his second start of the season for Triple-A Memphis. He allowed six hits, one walk and struck out six.
Our View: Entering the season, Garcia was a solid prospect but the chances of him helping the Cardinals didn’t seem great. With the lack of progress that the Cards have seen with Mark Mulder and Matt Clement, the chances of Garcia helping this season are increasing. Besides, Garcia is fast becoming an elite pitching prospect with a 1.69 ERA in eight starts between Double-A and Triple-A. |
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| Jones hits homer in Triple-A | Wednesday 5/14, 12:59 AM CT |
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Brandon Jones went 4-for-5 with his second home run of the second for Triple-A Richmond on Tuesday.
Our View: Jones will more than likely be Atlanta’s starting left field on Opening Day, 2009. He is off to a decent start for Richmond, hitting .280-2-15. He hit .295-19-100 with 17 steals between Double-A and Triple-A last season. |
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| Lee goes deep | Wednesday 5/14, 12:07 AM CT |
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Carlos Lee hit his eighth home run to drive in his 28th run of the season for the Astros on Tuesday night.
Our View: Lee's power will be there, you can pretty much bank on 30 HR and 100 RBI, but his single stolen base is starting to be a concern after double digit steals in 5-straight seasons. |
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| Lewis falls short of cycle | Wednesday 5/14, 12:04 AM CT |
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Fred Lewis was a home run short of the cycle on Tuesday night as he went 3-for-4 with a run scored for the Giants.
Our View: Lewis has seen his average tumble of late, but tonight's thre | |
