|
| Vizquel continues anemic production | Thursday 6/26, 10:42 PM CT |
|
Omar Vizquel continues to hit as if he is going to the plate with a wiffle ball bat as he went 0-for-3 dropping his average to .165 in 115 AB.
Our View: It's tough to tell if Vizquel has lost it or not, because even when he is going well he employs a series of dinks and bloops to pick up hits. He only has 13 strikeouts on the season, but at some point the Giants are going to have to make a decision on him since they basically have two pitchers hitting in their batting order right now. |
|
|
| Cain falls to Tribe | Thursday 6/26, 10:27 PM CT |
|
Matt Cain struggled with the location of his fastball on Thursday night, and the end result was his sixth loss of the season. Cain lasted five innings allowing eight hits, two walks, and four earned runs in the loss.
Our View: Cain just didn't have it tonight, but if the worst outing a guy has is four runs, that isn't awful. Cain still lacks the consistency needed to be a consistent winner, but he certainly has the stuff and the makeup to go on a protracted run if the command kicks in. |
|
|
| Berkman still on fire | Thursday 6/26, 10:15 PM CT |
|
As you may have noticed, Lance Berkman can swing the bat. His 3-for-3 performance completed a 7-for-10 series against the Rangers. He reached base in nine of his 12 plate appearances.
Our View: Berkman is continuing to smoke the ball, and he raised his average to .367 for the season. Don't even think of sitting him as Houston takes on Boston this weekend. |
|
|
| Gagne struggles in appearance | Thursday 6/26, 10:09 PM CT |
|
Eric Gagne had a rough go of it in his second rehab start on Thursday, according to Scout.com. Gagne had a strikeout but then hit the second batter, allowed a hit, a walk, threw a wild pitch, had a another strikeout and then allowed another hit.
Our View: Gagne clearly isn't ready to be activated if he struggles this much in a minor league outing. He is scheduled to join the club on Friday, but we wouldn't be at all shocked to see him make another appearance or two to find his release point. |
|
|
| Rodriguez shines | Thursday 6/26, 10:03 PM CT |
|
Wandy Rodriguez struck out a career high nine batters, and pitched eight solid innings to get the win for Houston in their 7-2 triumph over the Rangers according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Rodriguez has had a very good season, don't reflect that. His performance this season has made him someone to think about acquiring for fantasy purposes, as his ERA and strikeout capabilities make him an attractive option. |
|
|
| Hairston singles in return | Thursday 6/26, 9:35 PM CT |
|
Seeing his first action since June 9, Jerry Hairston Jr. returned to the Reds lineup and went 1-for-4 with a single. It was one of just four hits Cincinnati got on the night.
Our View: Hairston is hitting .333 on the year and leading off, so if you stashed him on the DL, now would be a good time to put him back in your lineup. |
|
|
| Bruce coming back to earth | Thursday 6/26, 9:24 PM CT |
|
Jay Bruce started his major league career with aplomb, but after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against the Blue Jays, Bruce's numbers continue to sink, as he is now hitting below .300 for the first time this season.
Our View: Bruce has hit .169 since June 8, going 11-for-65 in that span. Making matters worse is his inability to make contact, having struck out 23 times in that span, compared to just four walks. It is well past time to put Bruce on fantasy team benches, at least until he can show a little better plate discipline. |
|
|
| Church looks good in rehab start | Thursday 6/26, 9:23 PM CT |
|
Ryan Church played five innings for Single-A Brooklyn on Thursday going 3-for-3 at the plate in his attempt to return from a concussion, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Church has been on the DL since June 6, and he looked solid on this day raising hopes that he could be activated by the weekend to give the Mets a bat they sorely miss with Moises Alou still out of action. |
|
|
| Volquez roughed up | Thursday 6/26, 9:07 PM CT |
|
Edinson Volquez suffered his third loss of the season, lasting just 4.1 innings in the Reds 7-1 loss to Toronto. Volquez allowed seven runs, five of them earned, which raised his ERA to over 2.00 for the first time this season.
Our View: This was easily Volquez's worst outing of the year, and the only one he has given up more than three earned runs. The 24-year-old was clearly off, as he failed to strike out anybody for the first time this season. Volquez was bound to have a clunker at some point, but it shouldn't be anything to worry about. |
|
|
| Eyre pulled with groin injury | Thursday 6/26, 7:31 PM CT |
|
Scott Eyre left Thursday's game after being forced out of action with a strained left groin, according to MLB.com. The team hopes he can avoid the DL.
Our View: Eyre has already spent time on the DL due to bone spur in his left elbow which has limited him to just 11 innings this season. He has little value even in NL Only leagues as he is clearly not in line for any type of significant role in the Cubs bullpen.
|
|
|
| Greene goes deep for eighth time | Thursday 6/26, 6:38 PM CT |
|
Khalil Greene hit a solo home run on Thursday, his eighth home run of the year for the Padres.
Our View: Greene has been solid in June hitting .278 with three home runs helping to erase a .196 average in May. He is still a long way from where he was expected to be, but he is moving in the right direction. |
|
|
| Headley just average | Thursday 6/26, 6:35 PM CT |
|
Chase Headley went 1-for-4 on Thursday and is now hitting .250 in 36 AB with the Padres.
Our View: Headley hasn't done a heck of a lot since being called up to the bigs, and a big time concern is a growing inability to put the ball in play with well over a third of his 36 AB ending in a strikeout (14). |
|
|
| Banks struggles in loss | Thursday 6/26, 6:29 PM CT |
|
Josh Banks fell to 2-2 on Thursday as he allowed seven hits and two walks, leading to four runs, over 5.1 innings against the Twins.
Our View: Banks has been a great story, one who's ending is looking grim. After allowing one earned run in his first four appearances, Banks has faltered a bit of late with a 5.17 ERA over his last three starts, none of which lasted more than 5.1 innings. He hasn't pitched his way out of the rotation, yet. |
|
|
| Gordon returns | Thursday 6/26, 6:08 PM CT |
|
Tom Gordon made his first appearance since June 15 in today's game against Oakland, and gave up two runs while allowing two hits and walking one.
Our View: Gordon has been dealing with shoulder soreness, which is why he has not been on the mound recently. If he's healthy, he hasn't shown it yet. |
|
|
| Jenkins still hitless | Thursday 6/26, 6:04 PM CT |
|
Geoff Jenkins has not gotten a hit in his last 21 at-bats, and is in a 2-for-36 slump after an 0-for-3 performance against Oakland.
Our View: Jenkins is struggling mightily, and has seen his batting average fall from .288 on June 2 to .239 after today. With only six home runs on the season, it may be time to look for a replacement on the waiver wire. |
|
|
| Victorino gets only hits off Harden | Thursday 6/26, 5:52 PM CT |
|
Shane Victorino was the only Philadelphia player to get a hit off of Oakland's Rich Harden, singling twice. He also stole a base in the Phillies 5-0 loss to the A's.
Our View: Victorino stole his twentieth base of the season in today's game. He has also scored 49 runs, and is hitting over .300 against right-handed pitching. Victorino is only hitting about .230 against lefties, however, so if your fantasy team is deep enough to play him in a platoon situation, that would be optimal. |
|
|
| Loney loses hit streak | Thursday 6/26, 5:43 PM CT |
|
James Loney went 0-for-4 on Thursday to end his 12-game hitting streak. Loney hit .400 during the streak going 20-for-50.
Our View: Loney is hitting .383 for the month of June as he has reached base via a hit in 21 of 23 contests. He could still stand to knock the ball for a bit more power, but through 734 career AB he owns a .316 average, more than enough to cover up for less than ideal power at a corner infield spot. |
|
|
| Harden improves to 5-0 | Thursday 6/26, 5:42 PM CT |
|
Rich Harden ran his record to 5-0 after going eight innings while allowing just two hits and no earned runs in Oakland's 5-0 victory over Philadelphia. He also struck out 11 batters.
Our View: Harden's ERA now stands at 2.15, and though he will always remain an injury risk, he is dominant when healthy and a must start. |
|
|
| Pierre legs do his talking | Thursday 6/26, 5:38 PM CT |
|
Juan Pierre continued to run on Thursday as he swiped two bases against the White Sox giving him 32 steals on the year.
Our View: For all the talk of Pierre being a fourth outfielder this year, Pierre is on pace to swipe more than 60 bases for just the second time in five seasons. Even when Andruw Jones is healthy, look for Pierre to receive enough AB to continue to be a valuable addition to any fantasy roster. |
|
|
| Kershaw still searching for win | Thursday 6/26, 5:35 PM CT |
|
Clayton Kershaw failed to pick up his first major league win in his seventh start as he allowed two runs over four innings in his second loss of the year. Kershaw allowed six hits and four walks to the White Sox in the loss.
Our View: Kershaw hasn't lasted more than 5.1 innings since his first start making the prospect of picking up wins dicey. Worse than the lack of wins is a terrible WHIP of 1.67, and unless he starts throwing some more strikes the Dodgers might choose to send the youngster down for some more seasoning. |
|
|
| Theriot continues multi-hit attack | Thursday 6/26, 5:18 PM CT |
|
Ryan Theriot went 2-for-5 in today's game against the Orioles, and now has two hits in each of his last four games, and five of his last six.
Our View: Theriot has been a consistent hitter all year for Chicago. He won't add much pop to your fantasy team, but he will bring you batting average and runs scored. |
|
|
| Marquis suffers loss | Thursday 6/26, 5:06 PM CT |
|
Jason Marquis gave up seven hits and seven earned runs in four innings as the Cubs lost to Baltimore 11-4. It was Marquis' first loss since May 13.
Our View: Marquis has given up 12 earned runs in his last two starts, covering 11 innings. He doesn't have the ability to strike many hitters out, so games like his last two are always a possibility. |
|
|
| Dodgers sign Williams | Thursday 6/26, 5:00 PM CT |
|
Jerome Williams continued his traveling ways on Thursday as he was signed to a minor league deal by the Dodgers, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Our View: When last we saw Williams in a major league uniform he was 0-5 with a 7.20 ERA for the Nationals last season. Williams was assigned to Single-A Inland Empire, so even though the Dodgers have issues in the rotation, it doesn't appear that Williams is on the fast track for a return to the majors. |
|
|
| Chacon released after altercation | Thursday 6/26, 4:33 PM CT |
|
Shawn Chacon has been released by the Astros one day after he was suspended for physically attacking GM Ed Wade, according to the Associated Press. “His defiance of the manager, the pitching coach, me, and especially the organization led us to this decision,” Wade said.
Our View: Chacon will have a hard time latching on to another team as most organizations aren't too keen on hiring players that physically assault the management. Throw in his less than stellar work on the hill, and we might not see him throwing, scratch that, attempting to throw strikes, any time soon. |
|
|
| Pujols goes 4-for-4 | Thursday 6/26, 4:00 PM CT |
|
Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Tigers.
Our View: He is fresh off the DL and served as the Cardinals' DH. His performance today should give fantasy owners the green light to pencil him back into the starting lineup. |
|
|
| Wellemeyer throws five scoreless | Thursday 6/26, 3:51 PM CT |
|
Todd Wellemeyer hurled five scoreless innings with four hits allowed in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Tigers, with no walks and three strikeouts. The game took 10 innings to decide, and was tied at zero when Wellemeyer left the game. The game ended on a walkoff walk with the bases loaded to Clete Thomas (given up by Mike Parisi).
Our View: He left the game with a no decision and would have won if not for poor run support from the Cardinals' bats. |
|
|
| Janish optioned | Thursday 6/26, 3:28 PM CT |
|
Shortstop Paul Janish has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville, according to the AP. The team activated Jerry Hairston Jr. from the DL as a corresponding move.
Our View: Janish only hit .188 over 64 at-bats, and will have to wait for another shot to prove he belongs on the Reds' roster. |
|
|
| Hairston activated from DL | Thursday 6/26, 3:23 PM CT |
|
Jerry Hairston Jr. has been activated from the DL following his bout with a fractured left thumb, according to the AP. The team optioned Paul Janish to Triple-A Louisville to make room on the roster.
Our View: Hairston is leading the Reds with a .336 average over 125 at-bats, and will roam shortstop so Jeff Keppinger can cover third base while Edwin Encarnacion is out of action. |
|
|
| LaRoche makes first start at 2B | Thursday 6/26, 3:07 PM CT |
|
Andy LaRoche made his first start at second base today against the White Sox, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View: Russell Martin made another start at third base, and Danny Ardoin is behind the plate. |
|
|
| Ramirez registers lone hit for Marlins | Thursday 6/26, 2:23 PM CT |
|
Hanley Ramirez went 1-for-4 and registered the Marlins only hit and RBI on a solo homer off Matt Garza in Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Rays.
Our View: He has 17 homers, 67 runs, and 34 RBI over 77 games. That was his eighth homer and 24th run scored in June. |
|
|
| Hendrickson dealt sixth loss | Thursday 6/26, 2:17 PM CT |
|
Mark Hendrickson was rocked for five earned runs on five hits over 4.2 innings in Thursday's 6-1 loss to the upstart Rays, with five walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: He falls to 7-6 for the season, with a 5.93 ERA, and he has not won a decision over his last six starts. |
|
|
| Fukudome sits out another game | Thursday 6/26, 1:39 PM CT |
|
Kosuke Fukudome sat out another game on Thursday due to tightness in his left calf, according to MLB.com. He ran in the outfield today, but didn't go at full speed.
Our View: He didn't start for the second straight day, but the ailment is believed to be minor and he was scratched as a precaution. He could still serve as a pinch-hitter if needed today, and could be back in the starting lineup for this weekend's series against the cross-town rival White Sox at US Cellular Field. |
|
|
| Zambrano throws off flat ground | Thursday 6/26, 1:35 PM CT |
|
Carlos Zambrano, who is recovering from a strained right shoulder, threw off flat ground Thursday, according to MLB.com. His next step will be a bullpen session, set for Sunday if today goes favorably. He said, "I feel good. I'm ready to keep doing my exercises and see what is scheduled for me."
Our View: He was projected to miss two starts and would be eligible to come off the DL during the Cubs' series against the Cardinals, starting on the Fourth of July.
|
|
|
| Armas Jr. to be called up? | Thursday 6/26, 12:26 PM CT |
|
Pitcher Tony Armas Jr could be called up from triple-A New Orleans to make a spot start on Tuesday against the Cardinals, according to the NY Daily News. He is expected to take Carlos Muniz's spot on the roster.
Our View: After his start, Armas could work as a long reliever out of the bullpen.
|
|
|
| Bautista joins 25-man roster | Thursday 6/26, 12:22 PM CT |
|
Denny Bautista has joined the Pirates' 25-man roster, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team opened up a spot for him by placing Ian Snell on the 15-day DL.
Our View: Bautista will be in uniform tonight against the Yankees. He surrendered seven earned runs, 15 hits, and 14 walks over 19 innings with the Tigers this season, and won't hold any fantasy value in traditional mixed leagues while fighting for playing time out of the Pirates' pen. |
|
|
| Snell placed on DL | Thursday 6/26, 12:14 PM CT |
|
Ian Snell has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a mild muscle strain in his elbow, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The move makes room for newly acquired reliever Denny Bautista on the 25-man roster.
Our View: The move is retroactive to Monday, meaning he is eligible to return on July 8. |
|
|
| Johnson transferred to 60-day DL | Thursday 6/26, 12:02 PM CT |
|
Nick Johnson has been transferred to the 60-day DL, according to the AP.
Our View: In case you missed it, Johnson underwent surgery to repair a tear in a ligament on the ulnar side of his right wrist, hence ending his 2008 campaign. |
|
|
| Lo Duca is fine | Thursday 6/26, 11:56 AM CT |
|
Paul Lo Duca said he was now fine after suffering from light-headedness on Wednesday, according to the Washington Times. He commented, "A lot of guys said my eyes were popping out of my head. I feel better today. I want to play. I'll be available to play if I have to."
Our View: Lo Duca should be ready to return to action, when needed. |
|
|
| Flores placed on DL | Thursday 6/26, 11:50 AM CT |
|
Pitcher Randy Flores has been placed on the 15-day DL with left ankle tendinitis, according to the AP. The team activated Albert Pujols from the DL, as an adjoining move.
Our View: Flores has walked six of the last 14 batters he has faced. The team hopes the lefty can begin a rehab assignment early next week and return to the team in two weeks.
|
|
|
| Pujols activated | Thursday 6/26, 11:45 AM CT |
|
As expected, Albert Pujols has been activated from the DL, according to the AP. The team placed Randy Flores on the DL, as a corresponding move.
Our View: Pujols is being used as the DH today against the Tigers. He will be tested with his at-bats before he is used defensively at first base. |
|
|
| Perez activated from DL | Thursday 6/26, 11:27 AM CT |
|
Odalis Perez has been activated from the 15-day DL following a bout with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder, according to the AP. The team placed Shawn Hill on the 15-day DL, as a corresponding move.
Our View: Perez will return to the Nationals' rotation on Friday to battle the Orioles. Perez should not return to your fantasy rotation however, as he is 2-5 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 13 starts. |
|
|
| Hill lands on DL | Thursday 6/26, 11:23 AM CT |
|
Shawn Hill has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained right forearm, according to the AP. Odalis Perez has been activated from the DL, as an adjoining move.
Our View: Hill has not made it to the fifth inning in either of his last two starts, while surrendering six earned runs in both outings. The DL move is retroactive to Wednesday, June 25. |
|
|
| Barthmaier to be called up | Thursday 6/26, 11:18 AM CT |
|
Jimmy Barthmaier is expected to be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to make a spot start on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: The 24-year old righty will be filling a spot in the rotation for Phil Dumatrait, who is on the DL with bursitis in his left shoulder. Barthmaier was 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts at Triple-A. He could prove to be effective, but does not merit fantasy consideration for a brief stint in the rotation. |
|
|
| Snell throws off flat ground | Thursday 6/26, 11:12 AM CT |
|
Ian Snell threw soft toss off flat ground from 60 feet on Wednesday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday. If the session goes favorably, he could be back in action for the Pirates over the weekend. |
|
|
| Gordon dealing with sorenees | Thursday 6/26, 10:04 AM CT |
|
It has been revealed that Tom Gordon is dealing with soreness in his shoulder for the past week or so, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Charlie Manuel said, "We've been staying away from him a little bit, but he was definitely ready Tuesday."
Our View: This news helps explain why he hasn't seen any action since June 15. |
|
|
| Bowie assigned to Triple-A | Thursday 6/26, 9:30 AM CT |
|
Micah Bowie, who has been activated from the DL and cleared waivers, has been assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: He has recovered from a left forearm injury. He should remain at Triple-A this season, as he allowed eight earned runs and 11 hits over eight innings of work out of the Rockies' pen this season, with five strikeouts. |
|
|
| Fukudome does not need to see Dr. | Thursday 6/26, 8:49 AM CT |
|
Kosuke Fukudome does not need to see a doctor for the left calf tightness that forced him to miss Wednesday's game, according to the Daily Herald.
Our View: The injury is not deemed as serious, and he shouldn't be out of action for long. |
|
|
| Hairston could return Thursday | Thursday 6/26, 8:42 AM CT |
|
Jerry Hairston Jr., who has recovered from a fractured left thumb, could be activated from the DL on Thursday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Maker said, "We're awaiting word on how he did Wednesday. There's a chance he could be here today. We haven't been the same since he went down. I've heard people say one man can't make a difference. That's not true."
Our View: In the 25-game period that Hairston was the starting shortstop following Jeff Keppinger's injury, the Reds averaged five runs a game and were 14-11. In the 13 games since Hairston broke his thumb, the Reds are averaging 2.54 runs and are 4-9. He is hitting .336 over 125 at-bats, with 13 doubles, 14 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. He will play at shortstop if he returns today, and Jeff Keppinger would cover third base in place of the injured Edwin Encarnacion.
|
|
|
| Encarnacion to remain out | Thursday 6/26, 8:35 AM CT |
|
Edwin Encarnacion is expected to miss a few more games of action due to lower back spasms, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Dusty Baker said, "He probably won't be in there for a couple of days. He's still feeling it. I hope it's nothing more than spasms."
Our View: Jeff Keppinger is expected to cover third base until Encarnacion returns. He missed two straight games due to the ailment. |
|
|
| Pujols plans to play today | Thursday 6/26, 7:59 AM CT |
|
Albert Pujols said he plans to play today when he first comes off the DL, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pujols said, "If I'm ready to play first base, I think I'm going to play first base. If I feel the same way I feel today, I think I'm going to be playing Thursday. Something crazy has to happen for me not to play."
Our View: Pujols was being considered for the DH role at Detroit for Thursday, but it looks like he will return to his spot at first base. This is a good sign that his strained left calf has fully healed. |
|
|
| Utley tallies four hits | Thursday 6/26, 12:17 AM CT |
|
Chase Utley went 4-for-5 on Friday night in the Phillies 4-0 whitewash of the Athletics.
Our View: It all evens out in the long run doesn't it? After just one hit in seven games, Utley had a big night tonight to push his average back up to .297, just .002 points off his career .299 mark. |
|
|
| Smith loses to Phils | Thursday 6/26, 12:15 AM CT |
|
Greg Smith suffered his sixth loss of the season at the hands of the Phillies on Wednesday as he allowed seven hits, two walks and four runs in 5.2 innings.
Our View: Smith continues to be quite the fantasy find with a 3.69 ERA overall, but in three of his last five outings he has permitted at least four runs to see his ERA go up nearly a full run from 2.84. Given that this is his first season, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the slow regression continue. |
|
|
| Kendrick pitches eight shutout frames | Thursday 6/26, 12:12 AM CT |
|
Kyle Kendrick was at his absolute best as he kept the Athletics off-balance for eight scoreless innings to earn his seventh victory of the year.
Our View: Kendrick was hit hard in his last outing against the Red Sox but tonight he bounced back in a big way limiting the A's to just four hits. Kendrick is one of a long line of pitchers that can break your heart from start to start given a lack of dominating stuff. |
|
|
| Lohse gives up 11 hits | Thursday 6/26, 12:09 AM CT |
|
Kyle Lohse had a rough outing facing the Tigers on Wednesday night as he was beat around the park for 11 hits and five runs in just four innings. He didn't end up with the loss though as the Cardinals offense bailed him out.
Our View: Lohse was due for a stinker, and tonight he certainly didn't disappoint. Loshe had allowed two or fewer runs in six of his previous seven outings and given his peripherals there was little reason to expect that streak to continue the rest of the way. |
|
|
| Maddux has worst outing in over a month | Thursday 6/26, 12:03 AM CT |
|
Greg Maddux was touched up for seven runs, six earned, in 5.2 innings against the Twins on Wednesday to fall to 3-6 on the year despite a solid ERA of 3.52.
Our View: This was the first time that Maddux had allowed more than two earned runs in a start since May 15th, a stretch of eight starts. He usually rebounds from outings like this, so don't be too concerned with this poor effort. |
|
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.