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| Ludwick blasts another | Monday 5/19, 11:59 PM CT |
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In what is becoming a daily occurrence, Ryan Ludwick went deep again for his 12th home run of the season for the Cardinals. Ludwick went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI on the night.
Our View: Hello, Mr. All-Star. Ludwick is on a full season pace of, hold your hats, .350-48-128 right now, numbers that look even a bit high for Mr. Pujols. Ludwick has been shockingly good so far. |
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| Giles hitting up a storm | Monday 5/19, 11:57 PM CT |
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Brian Giles had two hits on Monday night, his fifth straight game of at least two hits.
Our View: This streak has pushed his average from .259 to .311 in a matter of five games thanks to 14 hits. Of course he didn't score a run cause no one on the team can hit behind him right now, but the elder Giles is certainly doing his thing right now. |
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| Ledezma loses first game | Monday 5/19, 11:54 PM CT |
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Wilfredo Ledezma had a very uninspiring outing allowing five hits, two walks and four runs over four innings to lose his first game of the season.
Our View: Ledezma might own a 3.54 ERA, but focus on the 16 BB in 28 IP and the 1.54 WHIP, they are better indications of his performance. |
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| Wellemeyer rolling along | Monday 5/19, 11:52 PM CT |
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Todd Wellemeyer improved to 5-1 on the year thanks to six innings of two-run ball for the Cardinals. Wellemeyer had success on the night despite only two K and three BB against the Padres.
Our View: We have to admit we are a bit surprised that Wellemeyer has done this well, heck, everyone should be as he is doing an excellent Chris Carpenter impersonation right now. It's doubtful he'll keep it up, but he has been a godsend so far. |
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| Huffman hits homer for San Antonio | Monday 5/19, 11:42 PM CT |
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Chad Huffman went 2-for-4 with his fifth homer of the season for Double-A San Antonio on Monday.
Our View: Huffman is one of San Diego’s top hitting prospects, and they could certainly use him. He is now hitting .340-5-23 with a 27/29 BB/K ratio this season, though the 23-year-old is unlikely to see the majors until next season with Chase Headley ahead of him on the organizational depth chart. |
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| Gamel hits 10th homer in Double-A | Monday 5/19, 11:40 PM CT |
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Mat Gamel went 2-for-4 with his 10th home run of the season for Double-A Huntsville on Monday. He is now hitting .372 this season.
Our View: Gamel is legitimately an elite prospect now that his power has emerged. The 22-year-old is hitting .372-10-38 with a 1.097 OPS. Triple-A, anyone? |
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| Raynor has big game for Carolina | Monday 5/19, 11:39 PM CT |
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John Raynor had a big game for Double-A Carolina on Monday with a home run and three steals. He now has five homers and 17 steals for the year.
Our View: The speed is there for Raynor to make a big fantasy impact down the line, but he is old for Double-A at age 24. Still, he is an underrated keeper who could make an impact by next season. |
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| Rainville has strong performance | Monday 5/19, 11:38 PM CT |
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Jay Rainville dominated Double-A Harrisburg on Monday, allowing only one unearned run on three hits in seven innings. He struck out eight batters.
Our View: Rainville was a solid pitching prospect coming into this season, but he has been awful to this point with a 7.53 ERA and five losses. The former first-round pick has been exposed due to his lack of swing-and-miss stuff, but he still has plenty of time to rebound at age 22. |
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| McPherson hits three bombs in Triple-A | Monday 5/19, 11:37 PM CT |
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Dallas McPherson hit three home runs for Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, giving him 15 home runs this season.
Our View: The Angels’ former top prospect has nothing left to prove in the minors, but the oft-injured power hitter has never been consistent in the majors. The Marlins are very much in contention for the time being, and Jorge Cantu has been able to hold down the fort at the hot corner in spite of poor defensive skills. McPherson is worth a look if he gets a call-up, but that does not seem to be imminent. |
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| Cruz picks up pace for Oklahoma | Monday 5/19, 11:37 PM CT |
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Nelson Cruz belted two home runs for Triple-A Oklahoma on Monday, giving him 13 homers for the season.
Our View: Cruz got off to an unbelievable start this season, but he has slowed down recently. Still, his .333-13-35 line with 12 steals is awfully impressive. If and when the Rangers call it quits this season, Cruz could get an opportunity in the majors. |
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| Hamilton crushes 11th HR | Monday 5/19, 11:31 PM CT |
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Josh Hamilton went deep for the 11th time on Monday night as he was 2-for-6 at the plate for the Rangers.
Our View: Hamilton amazingly has 50 RBI in just 45 games as he continues to make his off-season acquisition seem like a solid move, even if the team had to give up Edinson Volquez. Hamilton is now hitting .303-30-97 in 135 career games. |
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| Mauer hitting an empty .319 | Monday 5/19, 11:29 PM CT |
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Joe Mauer had two hits and two RBI on Monday night for the Twins in their 12 inning, 7-6 victory over the Rangers.
Our View: Mauer is hitting .319 but he astonishingly hasn't hit a single home run in 141 AB. Without any long ball pop he's going to have to get that average back up in the .340's to justify his cost on draft day. |
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| Bonser walks none in no-decision | Monday 5/19, 11:26 PM CT |
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Boof Bonser lasted 6.1 innings during which time he allowed four runs, three earned, as he walked none and struck out five in the no-decision.
Our View: Bonser allowed less than five runs for the first time in four starts on this evening and he has yet to be much more than an innings eater this season. |
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| Wilson blows second save | Monday 5/19, 11:24 PM CT |
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C.J. Wilson blew his second save of the season on Monday night as he allowed one hit, two walks and a run in his lone inning on the hill.
Our View: With tonight's effort Wilson has allowed seven runs over his last 4.2 innings, and with Eddie Guardado lowering his ERA to 3.97 on this night, one has to think that the leash is getting awfully short with Wilson. |
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| Winn extends hit streak | Monday 5/19, 10:57 PM CT |
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Randy Winn extended his hitting streak to 14-games on Monday night with a home run, and he added another hit later in the game to finish the contest with a .299 average.
Our View: Given the plight of the Giants, it wouldn't be a shock to see Winn wearing another uniform at some point this season as it's clear he can still provide a professional bat on most nights. |
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| Barmes homers in win | Monday 5/19, 10:54 PM CT |
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Clint Barmes had another big night at the plate going 2-for-4 with his fourth home run of the season for the Rockies to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
Our View: With two hits Barmes is now hitting a robust .361 despite just seven walks in 36 games. He is hot now, so ride him hard in NL Only leagues, but he wary of a sudden drop off because his plate discipline is still lacking. |
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| Misch merely average | Monday 5/19, 10:52 PM CT |
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Patrick Misch had a decent start on Monday night as he held the Rockies to three runs over 5.1 innings for the Giants. Misch surrendered five hits and two walks in the no-decision.
Our View: Kevin Correia is progressing well in his comeback from injury, but it would appear that Misch should still have at least a couple of more starts to make his mark with the G-men. |
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| Fuentes secures victory | Monday 5/19, 10:50 PM CT |
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Brian Fuentes picked up his sixth save of the season on Monday night in the Rockies 4-3 victory over the Giants.
Our View: This save was possible because Fuentes picked off pinch runner Eugenio Velez on an attempted steal. If you are a Manny Corpas owner, you might have to wait a long while for Fuentes to give up the closers role. |
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| Moehler loses his third start | Monday 5/19, 9:43 PM CT |
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Brian Moehler needed 95 pitches to hold the Cubs to three runs over five innings as he fell to 1-1 on the year.
Our View: Moehler continues to allow a boatload of hits, 31 in just 22.2 IP, and with just 11 K in that time it's clear that he needs exquisite control to do any better than he did on this night. |
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| Lilly defeats Astros | Monday 5/19, 9:40 PM CT |
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Ted Lilly picked up six strikeouts over 5.1 innings to earn his fifth victory of the season. Lilly walked two, allowed four hits and gave up two runs on the night.
Our View: Lilly used the elements to his advantage early in the game, the sun was a huge ally in the early going, and he hung around long enough to pick up the victory on this night, the fifth time in six starts that he has allowed three or fewer runs. |
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| Ramirez goes deep | Monday 5/19, 9:38 PM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez had three hits, including his seventh home run, on his way to two runs scored and two RBI.
Our View: Ramirez continues to be a third baseman who's name doesn't come close to matching his value. Year in and year out the guy gives you 30 bombs and 100 ribbies, you can pretty much bank it, marking him as one tremendous option at third base. |
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| Pence loses hit streak | Monday 5/19, 9:35 PM CT |
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Lost amidst all the hype of Lance Berkman's hit streak, few realized that Hunter Pence was working on a 16-game streak of his own, a streak that ended on Monday when Pence went 0-for-4.
Our View: Pence was robbed on a 415-foot bomb to center field that was snared, over the shoulder style, by Jim Edmonds. The hit streak raised Pence's batting average from .242 to .282, and he is right about where he should be, from a production standpoint, at this point of the season. |
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| Berkman loses hit streak | Monday 5/19, 9:30 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman lost his 17-game hitting streak on Monday night as he went 0-for-4 for the Astros.
Our View: We guess Berkman will have to be satisfied with being in the top two in each of the Triple Crown categories in the National League. |
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| Soto hits in the park HR | Monday 5/19, 9:28 PM CT |
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Geovany Soto hit the first inside the park home run by a Cubs catcher since 1959 on Monday night as he knocked in three runs for the Cubs.
Our View: For the second night in a row umpires made a bad call on a flyball that should have been a home run, but unlike Carlos Delgado last night who had his ball ruled foul, Soto's ball was in play and it bounced so far away from center fielder Michael Bourn that Soto was able to leg it out. |
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| Mulder shut down for two weeks | Monday 5/19, 9:24 PM CT |
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Mark Mulder has been shut down for 10-14 days with what is being reported as shoulder irritation, according to MLB.com. Mulder made five starts with little issue, but his last two starts haven't gone well at all (18 hits in 9.2 IP).
Our View: Mulder is slightly ahead of Mark Prior in his comeback attempt, but it's best to realize that it's not 2003, so don't expect either pitcher to have any value this season except for possibly in deep NL Only leagues. |
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| Utley has two knocks | Monday 5/19, 9:17 PM CT |
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Chase Utley had two hits on Monday night, his first multi-hit game since May 5th.
Our View: Utley owns a .301 career average, he is currently hitting .311, so it's not like this recent slowdown has damaged his value whatsoever in the batting average category. |
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| Milledge slowly coming along | Monday 5/19, 9:14 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge had two hits and two RBI on Monday night as he continues to try and find a rhythm at the plate.
Our View: One home run and three steals isn't going to get it done for fantasy owners, and until Milledge can start to show some consistency at the plate, he is better left on your bench. |
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| Guzman has three hits, runs | Monday 5/19, 9:12 PM CT |
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Cristian Guzman had three hits and three runs scored from the number two hole for the Nationals on Monday night.
Our View: Guzman pushed his average back over .300, it's now .307, and at the rate he is scoring runs, he certainly is making himself quite the useful play in NL Only leagues. |
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| Redding dominates Phillies | Monday 5/19, 9:10 PM CT |
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Tim Redding was masterful for 6.1 innings as he shutout the Phillies on his way to his sixth victory of the season.
Our View: Redding only struck out two guys on the night, but he limited his walk total to two which led to this great outing. Redding lowered his ERA to 3.16, and despite his deficiencies, it's hard to argue against that number. |
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| Myers loses quality start | Monday 5/19, 9:03 PM CT |
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Brett Myers lasted six innings on Monday night, and though the results weren't bad he still fell to 2-5 on the year with the loss. Myers allowed eight hits and three runs on the night.
Our View: Losing was the bad news, but the good news is that he kept the ball in the yard and gave his team the chance to win. As long as he continues to do that, the results will more often than not be positive. |
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| Ellsbury steals two bags | Monday 5/19, 8:51 PM CT |
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A night after being caught on the bases for the first time, Jacoby Ellsbury returned to his stealing ways on Monday by swiping his 17th and 18th stolen base. Ellsbury also had a hit and a run scored.
Our View: Ellsbury has only eight extra base hits in 41 games showing scant power, but as long as he keep running his value will continue to be amongst the top outfielders in the fantasy game. |
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| Varitek hot in May | Monday 5/19, 8:49 PM CT |
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Jason Varitek hit his fifth home run of the year for the Red Sox as he has every so quietly pushed his season average up to .290.
Our View: With two hits tonight, Varitek is hitting .360 in May as he has really turned around what was a terribly slow start to the season. It would be a shock to see Varitek maintain this average, but that doesn't mean he is devoid of value in mixed leagues. |
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| Hochevar walks six in loss | Monday 5/19, 8:46 PM CT |
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Luke Hochevar allowed seven runs to the Red Sox on Monday night, and though only four of the runs were earned, Hochevar still picked up his third loss of the year.
Our View: Hochevar was done in by six walks tonight, but no matter how good your stuff is if you fail to throw strikes, you are in trouble. With 20 BB and 26 K on the year, Hochevar could be in danger of pitching himself out of the rotation. |
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| Lester tosses no-hitter | Monday 5/19, 8:44 PM CT |
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Jon Lester threw the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history on Monday night as he twirled the gem against the Royals. Lester improved to 3-2 while allowing just two walks along with nine strikeouts.
Our View: Lester, who has overcome cancer, is on his way to establishing himself as a quality major leaguer. Not that we want to put a damper on his historic night, but it's worth noting that he threw 130 pitches which history tells us is danger territory with young pitchers, so keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't show any ill effects in the next couple of games. |
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| Hirsh to throw simulated game | Monday 5/19, 8:40 PM CT |
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Jason Hirsh (strained forearm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday as is Luis Vizciano (shoulder), according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hirsh and Vizciano should both give rosters in NL Only leagues a boost when they return, but neither figures to be a difference maker. |
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| Tulo slowly progressing | Monday 5/19, 8:38 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki has started to partake in light workouts in his attempt to come back from his injured quad, but all he is currently doing is taking ground balls, according to MLB.com. "If I'm feeling good, I can keep moving the exercises with more intensity and I can be back pretty quick," Tulowitzki said. "But if I have a setback, it can take a little longer. I haven't done anything at game speed, so it's tough to tell."
Our View: Because the injury is really hard to pin down, there really isn't a definitive timetable for his return to the Rockies, so continue to maintain your patience with an eye on the injury updates. |
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| Peavy to DL? | Monday 5/19, 8:33 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy is likely headed to the DL, according to a report on the San Diego Tribune. Apparently Bud Black told reports that though the results of Peavy's MRI are still not in, the team will likely place him on the DL regardless.
Our View: Not at all surprising. If Peavy blows out his arm the Padres are toast, so look for them to be extremely careful with their ace no matter what the MRI says. Hopefully it won't be more than a couple of weeks. |
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| Pedro throws simulated game | Monday 5/19, 8:27 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez threw a simulated game on Monday tossing 77 pitches over 4.1 innings, according to the Associated Press. The next step is for Pedro to throw a bullpen session on either Wednesday or Thursday.
Our View: Pedro looks to be a couple of weeks out, but his progress has been slow and steady from his injured hamstring which is just what the Mets had hoped for. |
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| Wells on the mend | Monday 5/19, 8:15 PM CT |
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Kip Wells had a blood clot removed from his right hand and he is progressing very well in his recovery, according to MLB.com. Wells hopes to be able to return in four to five weeks. This week, I think I can start doing upper body stuff," Wells said on Monday. "Next week, I think I'll start playing catch, depending on how stretched out I need to get."
Our View: Wells appears intent on returning as a reliever as that will allow him to get back in action sooner than if he has to build up more arm strength. He remains an option for waivers, not your roster, as he hasn't shown an ability to remain healthy and productive in years. |
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| Atkins moved to cleanup spot | Monday 5/19, 8:11 PM CT |
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Garrett Atkins was moved into the cleanup spot on Wednesday since the Rockies are facing a left-handed pitcher, according to the Denver Post. Todd Helton was dropped to fifth in the order with Ryan Spilborghs batting sixth in place of Brad Hawpe.
Our View: Atkins is hitting .500 in 24 AB against left handers so this move makes sense, as does the benching of Hawpe who is hitting just .200 with a .619 OPS in 25 AB against lefties. |
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| Kearns out of the lineup | Monday 5/19, 7:59 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns missed his second straight game on Monday because of a sore right elbow, according to MLB.com. Kearns said the elbow is still swollen, but he was able to hit off a tee on Monday and hopes to be back in the lineup soon. "I'm fine. It's better today. We'll see how it goes," Kearns said.
Our View: Perhaps Kearns can use a few days off to find his lost swing that has seen him "produce" at the worst levels of his major league career (.187-3-16), or perhaps he needs to actually keep his eyes open when he swings. |
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| Oswalt to make start | Monday 5/19, 7:51 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt tested his injured hip by throwing off flat ground on Monday and he pronounced himself fit to start on Thursday, according to MLB.com. "It's not a muscle strain, so that's a good thing," he said. "I think it's more of a tendon ... I think it's just inflamed more than anything."
Our View: Oswalt was relieved when it became clear it was a hip problem and not a groin issue since he has had trouble in the past with the groin. Starting Oswalt this week isn't for the faint of hear, but it looks like he will be out there to face the Phillies on Thursday. |
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| Benson a long ways off | Monday 5/19, 7:46 PM CT |
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Kris Benson, who threw a simulated game on Saturday, is "still a long ways away" according to assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. in a report on MLB.com. "He's going to have to show some improvement to pitch in the big leagues," Amaro said. "He's going to have to pitch like a big leaguer to pitch in the big leagues.
Our View: Benson apparently is not ready to enter a minor league game, yet alone a big league game, as he is still trying to make his way back from right shoulder surgery, a comeback that has been plagued by issues to his biceps and groin. |
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| Kendrick start pushed up | Monday 5/19, 7:40 PM CT |
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Contrary to earlier reports, Kyle Kendrick will not start on Friday as originally planned, he will now start on Thursday instead, according to MLB.com. Adam Eaton will now start on Friday.
Our View: Kendrick's last start was cut short by rain (12 pitches), so the team ultimately decided to move him up a day in the rotation. |
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| Chico to start on Wednesday | Monday 5/19, 7:36 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Matt Chico will indeed replace an injured Shawn Hill to start the Nationals game on Wednesday, according to MLB.com.
Our View: This plan could still change if Chico is forced to come out of the pen to support Tim Redding on Monday night, but it appears that Chico should he ready to start against the Phillies, though that certainly doesn't mean you should have him in your starting lineup. |
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| Blalock starts rehab assignment | Monday 5/19, 7:32 PM CT |
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Hank Blalock went 2-for-4 in an extended spring training game on Monday, according to the Associated Press. Blalock has been out of action since April 26th due to a partially torn left hamstring.
Our View: Blalock will spend time playing first base as that appears to be the position he will play once he returns to the Rangers, and if all goes well that could happen by this weekend. |
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| Gomez still on the sidelines | Monday 5/19, 7:25 PM CT |
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Carlos Gomez remained out of the lineup on Monday night due to a sore wrist, though he could play as soon as Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: In the long run a couple of days off might do Gomez some good anyway, so if his wrist injury isn't severe there is no reason to think a couple of days off will hamper his ability to hit the ball on the ground and run really fast. |
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| Cuddyer to play CF | Monday 5/19, 7:22 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Michael Cuddyer will indeed play center field with Carlos Gomez sidelined with a wrist injury, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Cuddyer is a strong all-around athlete who should be able to handle the role on a limited basis with Gomez expected back soon as well as Craig Monroe who is getting a night off to rest his weary body. |
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| Paulino back in starting role | Monday 5/19, 6:54 PM CT |
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Ronny Paulino has reclaimed his starting role in the absence of Ryan Doumit, and Paulino is intent on proving he deserves the starting gig even when Doumit is healthy, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Paulino is hitting just .218 in 78 AB this year and provides a much less dynamic presence at the plate that Doutmit. Considering how well Doumit did before going down to injury, Paulino is going to have to set the world on fire to maintain a starting spot once Doumit is healthy. |
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| Rollins OK after scare | Monday 5/19, 6:50 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins suffered a scare on Sunday when he tweaked his left ankle, but on Monday he reported that he was fine, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Rollins should continue to man the shortstop position for the Phillies, something he has done extremely well while on the field considering his .342 average, but it will be interesting to see if he curtails his running to make sure his ankle is healed. |
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| Murphy placed on DL | Monday 5/19, 6:41 PM CT |
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Donnie Murphy was placed on the DL on Monday with inflammation in his right elbow, according to the Associated Press. The team recalled Dallas Braden to take his roster spot.
Our View: Murphy, who is hitting only .200 through 55 AB, had played in 5-straight games before Sunday when the pain became too much. By the time he is healthy Eric Chavez could be back rendering Murphy with no roster spot to return to. |
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| Borowski hoping for short stint | Monday 5/19, 6:38 PM CT |
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Joe Borowski (strained triceps) turn in the minors might be brief as the team could recall their closer after just one minor league appearance, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "I'm hoping at most he'll need [both of those], Monday and Wednesday," manager Eric Wedge said. "Then we can get him back in there after that."
Our View: Sure the Indians are experiencing some issues with their bullpen, but is rushing Borowski back such a good idea? It's not as if Borowski was lights out anyway considering his 18.00 ERA and 2.75 WHIP over five outings this year. |
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| Granderson's struggles continue | Monday 5/19, 6:33 PM CT |
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Curtis Granderson started this season well after getting healthy and back out on the diamond, but things have turned south of late, according to MLB.com. Granderson is just 5-for-37 with 14 K and no extra base hits of late.
Our View: Granderson will certainly snap out of his slump, and given that he missed as much time as he did at the start of the year, it's really not surprising to see him struggle a bit to find his groove. Continue to be patient. |
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| Hill placed on minor league DL | Monday 5/19, 6:26 PM CT |
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Rich Hill has been placed on the seven day disabled list at Triple-A Iowa because of back spasms, according to the Chicago Tribune. However, it really doesn't sound like he is hurt. “I don’t think it’s serious,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. “Probably more of a mental break than anything, I’d assume. That’s just my assumption. [The break] may not be bad. It might be the best tonic of all. But I haven’t heard anything wrong of a serious nature, anything fundamentally wrong with his back.”
Our View: How the mighty have fallen huh? Hill has gone from a top-25 starting pitcher selection this year to a spare part in the minor leagues in record time. In fact, the Tribune even went as fur to opine that Sean Marshall and Kevin Hart might be ahead of Hill in terms of being promoted to the big league club. |
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| Soriano named player of the week | Monday 5/19, 6:06 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano was named the NL Player of the Week after putting up 16 hits leading to seven home runs, 14 RBI and a 1.258 SLG for the week, according to MLB.com. "I have my confidence back," Soriano said.
Our View: Soriano is as hot as anyone on the planet not named Lance Berkman, so it's only fitting that the Cubs and the Astros play each other at the start of the this week. |
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| Cabrera, not Barfield at second base | Monday 5/19, 5:58 PM CT |
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With Asdrubal Cabrera hitting a sickly .180, will the Indians finally call up Josh Barfield from the minor leagues? The answer appears to be no for the time being, according to beat writer Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com.
Our View: Barfield could certainly use some work at the plate in regards to his plate discipline, but isn't it a bit odd that when he hit .243 with 14 SB last year he ended up in the minors this year whereas Cabrera is currently performing at a substantially lower level yet he is keeping his job this year? |
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| Perez claimed off waivers | Monday 5/19, 5:51 PM CT |
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Oneli Perez is switching addresses moving from the White Sox to the Indians on Monday through the waiver process, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Perez will be placed on the 40-man roster and sent to Triple-A Buffalo. In 14 appearances this year at Triple-A Charlotte, Perez was 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA, but he does have talent as evidenced by his 6-2 record, 16 save season in Double-A. |
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| Nunez signs minor league deal | Monday 5/19, 4:12 PM CT |
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Infielder Abraham Nunez singed a minor league contract with the Mets and was assigned to Triple-A New Orleans, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Nunez, previously with the Brewers, batted .235 with just 16 RBI in 252 AB with the Phillies last year and is nothing more than a depth/bench type player who offers no fantasy value except for those who are desperate in NL Only leagues. |
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| Okajima cleared to throw | Monday 5/19, 4:02 PM CT |
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Hideki Okajima, who hasn't thrown since last Wednesday, was given permission to play catch this afternoon, this according to the Providence Journal. Okajima was shut down after that outing in Baltimore, with the team saying the left-hander has been suffering from soreness in his left wrist.
Our View: The Japanese import, according to the report, was throwing from about 20 feet, but felt well enough to play catch from 60 or so feet. His status for tonight, and the series against the Royals has yet to be determined. |
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| Napoli's HR Rate over-the-top | Monday 5/19, 3:58 PM CT |
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Mike Napoli's power has never been questioned, but his production in April and May far exceed his career peripherals. With two more long bombs on Sunday, Napoli now has 10 on the season. More amazing is his HR Rate of 8.3.
Our View: On the season the Angels catcher has 23 hits, almost half of those are home runs. This of course explains his .258 average, which in the big picture, isn't horrible. I In 2005, Napoli hit 16 home runs in limited playing time, 268 AB (16.8) and last year he hit 10 in 219 at-bats (21.9) Owners who can put up with his .250 average should keep him around for the long balls, something tough to come by so far in 2008. For those who need boost in average, should consider selling high. |
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| Lannan showing well | Monday 5/19, 3:50 PM CT |
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John Lannan received the bulk of the credit Sunday afternoon, when his 7.1 innings of one-run ball inspired the Washington Nationals to a 2-1 victory, denying the Baltimore Orioles a sweep of the interleague series.
Our View: Lannon evened his record at 4-4 on the season, lowered his ERA to 3.40 and improved his suspect K:BB ratio (34:20). Lannon has been the beneficiary of a high Strand Rate which is reflected in his 1.43 WHIP. |
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| Ellsbury finally caught stealing | Monday 5/19, 3:44 PM CT |
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What goes up, usually has to come down. Boston's speedy outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury finally struck out. At stealing second base that is. It was the first time the fleet footed outfielder had been caught in his major league career. Ellsbury had stolen 25 straight bases, 16 of them this season, before Milwaukee catcher Jason Kendall made that perfect connection with second baseman Rickie Weeks in the fourth inning yesterday.
Our View: It was the most consecutive steals without being caught by a Red Sox player at the start of his career since 1920. |
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| Masterson to get 2nd chance | Monday 5/19, 3:41 PM CT |
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Justin Masterson, who will get a second chance on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals, earned rave reviews the first time he was called up, April 24, and he held the Angels to two hits in six innings, including a wind-aided home run by Mike Napoli. Masterson has not pitched well since his return to Double-A Portland (16 runs in 19.1 innings over four starts).
Our View: His poor performance upon being sent down is not an uncommon phenomenon for a pitcher returning to a lower level after experiences the major leagues for the first time. His matchup against KC is favorable. |
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| Masset earns first save | Monday 5/19, 3:37 PM CT |
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Nick Masset hadn't pitched since May 11, but he'll certainly be remembered for how he preserved the White Sox's 13-8 victory Sunday to secure a three-game sweep of the Giants. Masset bailed the Sox out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning by stranding the tying and go-ahead runs, then pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first major-league save.
Our View: Masset has appeared in nine games this year and started one. In 21 innings of work he has allowed 18 hits, walked 11 and struck out 21. His 3.86 ERA and 1.38 WHIP are respectable as a starter, but as a reliever not so much. |
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| Arroyo warming with the weather | Monday 5/19, 3:34 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo will try and build on back-to-back strong starts in the series opener at Los Angeles tonight. Arroyo was 1-4 with an 8.63 ERA after being torched by Atlanta for seven runs in 1.1 innings, the shortest outing of his career on May 4. In two starts since, he's 1-0 with an 0.60 ERA, allowing one earned run and striking out 14 in 15 innings.
Our View: In his last start, he left after seven innings with a 6-0 lead, but the bullpen couldn't hold it in what became a 7-6, 10-inning victory over Florida. Arroyo was working on short rest in his start against the Reds, something that has been favorable for him in the past. Despite the claims that Arroyo has some sort of injury, he continues to claim he's never felt better. |
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| Moseley struggling at Triple-A | Monday 5/19, 3:03 PM CT |
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Dustin Moseley (forearm) who threw batting practice for the Angels while starting in place of the injured John Lackey, allowed five runs in 4.1 innings Sunday for Triple-A Salt Lake.
Our View: Moseley will return to the parent club once he recovers from his forearm injury and can find a way to get hitters out. He will return to long relief in the bullpen. |
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| Guillen earn AL honor | Monday 5/19, 3:01 PM CT |
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Royals outfielder Jose Guillen was named American League Player of the Week for the period ending May 18, this according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Guillen, who celebrated his 32nd birthday during the week, went 11-for-24
(.458) at the plate with two home runs and 13 runs batted in.
The veteran outfielder earned his second career weekly honor and is batting
.245 with five homers and 30 RBI this season. |
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| McLouth will remain in two-hole | Monday 5/19, 2:18 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth's numbers suggest a prototypical heart-of-the-order-type hitter, this according to the team website.
The outfielder has 12 homers, the most among all center fielders in baseball. His 36 RBIs trail just Houston's Lance Berkman for the National League lead. He also sports a .629 slugging percentage, and the 53 hits, the 14 doubles are all team-high totals.
Our View: With cleanup hitter Ryan Doumit sidelined until further notice, the Pirates could use some power in the middle of the order. However, despite McLouth's power numbers, manager John Russell said he likes McLouth in the No 2 spot behind Fred Sanchez. |
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| A-Rod set to return Tuesday | Monday 5/19, 2:02 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez had two hits in his final rehabilitation assignment Monday in his return from a strained right quadriceps, notes the NY Daily News, and will be back in the Bombers' lineup Tuesday night when they host Baltimore at Yankee Stadium.
"I'm happy," said A-Rod, who has been on the disabled list since April 30 "I'm excited to get back into Yankee Stadium and playing baseball.
"It's where I belong."
Our View: Rodriguez played in an extended spring training game against minor leaguers from the Philadelphia Phillies and went 2-for-6. |
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| Ortiz streaking at the plate | Monday 5/19, 1:54 PM CT |
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David Ortiz, who was batting .172 on April 29, and his sore right knee was the top conversation in the Boston media outlets, has improved his average to a season-high .250 in 17 games since. His three hits on Sunday has him hitting .344 (22 for 64) with six home runs, seven doubles, 11 walks, and 17 RBI in that span.
Our View: Sunday's two home run game was the 31st multihomer session of his career. |
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| Danks strong again | Monday 5/19, 1:26 PM CT |
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Sox starter John Danks allowed more than two runs for only the second time this season. His 2.94 ERA with 1.19 WHIP are evidence of his consistency this season.
Our View: Danks left after six innings against the Giants with a 4-3 lead but didn't get the decision. |
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| Griffey three short and struggling | Monday 5/19, 1:23 PM CT |
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Ken Griffey Jr. remains stuck on 597 home runs, where he's been since homering off Houston's Chris Sampson back on April 23.
Our View: In 78 at-bats since, Griffey has only three extra base hits. |
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| Buck expected in Fenway tonight | Monday 5/19, 1:21 PM CT |
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Catcher John Buck is expected to rejoin the Royals in time for tonight’s series opener against Boston at Fenway Park.
Our View: Buck missed all three games against the Marlins while on bereavement leave because of his wife’s early-term delivery of twins. The Royals are likely to clear roster space for Buck by optioning catcher Matt Tupman back to Class AAA Omaha. |
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| Jones to start in CF | Monday 5/19, 1:13 PM CT |
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According to the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins will eventually start Jacque Jones in center field. The job currently is being shared by utility player Alfredo Amezaga and outfielder Cody Ross. Combined, they are hitting .216.
When Jones joins he team, infielder Robert Andino is likely to be sent back to Class AAA Albuquerque. Amezaga would go back to being a reserve infielder with Cody Ross a reserve outfielder.
Our View: Jones will have value in NL-only leagues but isn't a mixed league option. |
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| Duchscherer roughed up early | Monday 5/19, 1:04 PM CT |
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Justin Duchscherer surrendered more than two runs Sunday for the first time in six starts. The right-hander gave up an RBI double to Brian McCann in the first and a two-run single to Yunel Escobar in the second to get off to a rough start.
Our View: More forgettable were Duchscherer's first two at-bats as a big-leaguer, both strikeouts, one with the bases loaded and one trying to sacrifice. In the days leading to his first interleague start, he took only one round of batting practice, and nothing on game day. This sparks the debate of interleague contests, one where AL teams visiting NL teams have a huge disadvantage, while NL teams visiting AL teams don't. |
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| Chavez homers in rehab start | Monday 5/19, 1:01 PM CT |
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Eric Chavez hit a home run in his third rehab game with Sacramento. He went 2-for-4 with a strikeout and scored two runs.
Our View: Chavez is expected to make his field debut at third base today. The team has no released any information on a timetable for his return to the 25-man roster. |
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| Estes strong in no-decision | Monday 5/19, 12:56 PM CT |
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Shawn Estes cleared another hurdle as the issue of his elbow never came up while discussing his two-hit, 6.1-inning outing against the Mariners, reports the Union Tribune. "On paper, we should have won that game," said Estes, who departed with the Padres leading 2-1. As for himself: "My curve was not working too well (Sunday). But my two-seamer (fastball) was breaking down and away from the righties. "What is the point of throwing the breaking ball if the fastball is working like it was? Keep it as simple as you can."
Our View: Only 45 of Estes' 89 were strikes. But he issued only two walks in the no-decision. His first two starts has solidified his station with the Padres. He is now officially the No. 5 starter and will be for the rest of the year, barring an injury. |
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| Horne improving | Monday 5/19, 12:50 PM CT |
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One of the Yankees' top starting pitching prospects, right-handed Alan Horne , threw 26 pitches over two scoreless innings, according to the AP.
Our View: On the disabled list with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with a biceps injury, Horne is scheduled to throw 50 pitches in an extended spring game Thursday. |
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| Gregg finally sent to the mound | Monday 5/19, 12:35 PM CT |
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Closer Kevin Gregg was approaching one week since his last outing so on Saturday he approached manager Fredi Gonzalez about getting on "the list to get into the game."
So on Saturday, with the Marlins ahead 7-4 entering the ninth, Gregg allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning, according to the Palm Beach Post.
"I wanted to pitch no matter what," said Gregg, who also pitched a scoreless ninth on Sunday.
Our View: Gregg has seven saves on the season with a respectable 2.61 ERA. |
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| Jacobs homers again | Monday 5/19, 12:32 PM CT |
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Mike Jacobs' seven-game absence from the starting lineup did not affect his power. He hit is second home run in as many games during Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Royals.
Our View: The long ball gives him 11 on the season, two behind team leader Dan Uggla. |
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| Yanks and Tigers rescheduled | Monday 5/19, 12:30 PM CT |
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The New York Yankees/Detroit Tigers game postponed due to rain on May 11 finally has a new date, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The game has been rescheduled for September 1 at 1:05 p.m. (et) at Comerica Park. |
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| Shelton likely to be assigned | Monday 5/19, 12:28 PM CT |
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The return of Hank Blalock will force the Rangers to make a roster move. With Blalock's new role the team won't need three first basemen. Though Chris Shelton has worked counts well, he's hit just .200 since replacing Jason Botts, and is the most likely to be sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma.
Our View: Shelton saw playing time against right-handers and lefty's. The former Tiger has 35 at-bats, five runs, three RBI and two home runs. |
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| Catalanotto to lose at-bats | Monday 5/19, 12:23 PM CT |
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With Hank Blalock scheduled to move to first base, Frank Catalanotto will lose significant playing time. Blalock will play first base regularly.
Our View: Catalanotto had already been taken out of the outfield mix by the arrival of Brandon Boggs. While Boggs has slumped at the plate, it's clear he's a huge defensive upgrade, so it's unlikely he's going to be removed any time soon. There are no at-bats at designated hitter since Milton Bradley is still physically limited. And now there is probably no more than one game a week at first base for him. |
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| Pence heating up | Monday 5/19, 12:03 PM CT |
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Hunter Pence went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Houston's win over the Rangers, extending his hitting streak to 16 games.
Our View: Pence is warming up and beginning to live up to his preseason expectations. Sunday's performance gives him six extra-base hits with 11 runs scored, 13 RBIs and a .564 slugging percentage in 59 at-bats this month -- an outstanding display of hitting after a meager showing in April (.680 OPS). |
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| Maggs finally errors | Monday 5/19, 12:00 PM CT |
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Tigers' outfielder Magglio Ordonez was charged with an error in the sixth inning of Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, his first error since April 6 of last year, a stretch of 180 games.
Our View: Occurring on a double that Ordonez was running to his left to cut off, the mistake ended the longest errorless streak for a Tigers outfielder since Al Kaline's 242 consecutive games from April 15, 1970 to July 2, 1972. |
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