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| Braun goes 4-for-4 | Thursday 7/24, 11:10 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun went 4-for-4 with a pair of RBI in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Cardinals in St. Louis. He had three singles and a two-run homer.
Our View: Braun crossed the .300 mark with tonight's performance, and has homered in back-to-back games, giving him 26 for the season. |
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| Schumaker goes 2-for-4 | Thursday 7/24, 11:05 PM CT |
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Skip Schumaker went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 4-3 loss to Milwaukee. He also registered a stolen base.
Our View: He has generated multiple hits in four of his last seven games, and raised his average a few more points to .294. Keep him active in your outfield in NL-only leagues while he is hot. |
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| Glaus extends hitless streak | Thursday 7/24, 10:59 PM CT |
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Troy Glaus went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Brewers.
Our View: His hitless streak extends to three games, and he is 0-for-10 over the span. Glaus should be confined to their bench until he proves to be effective again. |
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| Sheets fares well in no-decision | Thursday 7/24, 10:53 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits over seven innings in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Cardinals, with two walks and four strikeouts. The Brewers were losing 3-2 when he exited the game, and ended his night with a no decision as Ryan Braun rallied with a two-run homer in the ninth to put the Brewers on top.
Our View: His record remains at 10-3, and is 0-1 over his last three starts. |
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| Ramirez launches two-run homer | Thursday 7/24, 10:43 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Cubs.
Our View: He launched his 24th homer of the season, snapping an eight-game drought. |
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| Ramirez leads Cubs to victory | Thursday 7/24, 10:39 PM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI as he led the Cubs to a 6-3 win over the Marlins Thursday night on the north side of Chicago.
Our View: Ramirez finally made an impact again, as he snapped an eight-game skid without an RBI. That was also his first multi-hit outing since July 9 (versus Cincinnati). |
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| Olsen rocked at Wrigley | Thursday 7/24, 10:34 PM CT |
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Scott Olsen was rocked for six earned runs on seven hits over six innings in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, with three walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: He had a two-game winning streak snapped, and allowed two homers tonight, pushing his season total to 21 over 21 starts. |
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| Zambrano claims 11th win | Thursday 7/24, 10:30 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano allowed two earned runs on six hits over seven innings in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Marlins at Wrigley Field, with no walks and six strikeouts. Both runs surrendered came on a home run by Hanley Ramirez in the third inning.
Our View: Zambrano improves to 11-4, and bounced back from a poor outing against Cincinnati in his last start. The Cubs' ace is 3-1 over his last four trips to the mound. |
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| Hensley lit up in first start | Thursday 7/24, 9:08 PM CT |
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Clay Hensley was rocked for six earned runs on seven hits over five innings in Thursday's 9-1 loss to the Pirates, with two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: This was Hensley's first start of 2008 (in place of Randy Wolf, who was traded to the Astros). Hopefully he will have better success in his next start slated for Tuesday against Arizona. |
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| Herrera shuts down Padres | Thursday 7/24, 8:58 PM CT |
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Yoslan Herrera was dominant on the hill in Thursday's 9-1 win over the Padres, as he hurled six scoreless innings, with six hits allowed. He also fired four strikeouts with one walk.
Our View: He was believed to be on the bubble to be sent down after he allowed six and seven earned runs in his previous two starts, but tonight's strong outing could allow him to stick with the club a bit longer. |
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| Wood placed on DL | Thursday 7/24, 7:12 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day DL as the blister on his right index finger failed to heal, according to the AP. The team will make an adjoining move on Friday.
Our View: This is the 12th stint on the DL for Wood. MLB rules state that a player may be backdated on the DL no more than 10 days, meaning Wood would be eligible to be activated on Tuesday, and could spend as few as five days on the DL. Carlos Marmol will assume the closer's role while Wood is out.
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| Estrada designated for assignment | Thursday 7/24, 7:09 PM CT |
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Johnny Estrada has been designated for assignment by the Nationals, according to the AP. The team activated Lastings Milledge from the DL, and Estrada was viewed as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View: Estrada lost his spot on the Nationals' roster due to a dismal .180 average over 50 at-bats. |
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| Milledge activated | Thursday 7/24, 7:06 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge has been activated from the DL following his recovery from a right groin strain, according to the AP. Johnny Estrada has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Milledge.
Our View: Milledge possesses a solid combination of speed and power and could be worthy of NL-only league rosters if he can stay healthy over the second half of the season. |
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| Moss optioned | Thursday 7/24, 7:02 PM CT |
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Brandon Moss has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtuckett, according to the AP. The team freed up a roster spot for David Ortiz, who is expected to return from the DL Friday.
Our View: Moss held a .295 average, but did not play enough to consider for fantasy lineups during his latest stint with the team. |
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| Hermida given night off | Thursday 7/24, 6:09 PM CT |
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Jeremy Hermida was given the night off and is not in Thursday's starting lineup, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Luis Gonzalez will roam right field in his place. Hermida was hitless in his previous two games. |
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| Uggla out of lineup | Thursday 7/24, 6:06 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla is not in the Marlins' starting lineup, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: He only has one hit in 22 at-bats since committing three errors and going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the All Star Game. He is expected to return to the lineup Friday.
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| Rollins was late | Thursday 7/24, 5:40 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Jimmy Rollins didn't start for the Phillies on Thursday because he was late to the ballpark. He left after the team bus, as he usually does, and was late due to traffic issues.
Our View: While he let fantasy owners down today, this is still good news that he didn't miss the game due to an injury. |
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| Kearns has tough outing at plate | Thursday 7/24, 5:13 PM CT |
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Austin Kearns had a tough outing at the plate in Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Giants, as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, while leaving a team-high three men on base.
Our View: Today's poor outing snapped a six-game hitting streak for him. |
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| Roberts leads Giants to win | Thursday 7/24, 5:10 PM CT |
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Dave Roberts went 2-for-4 and contributed the lone RBI in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Nationals.
Our View: This was his second game back following his rehab from knee surgery, and could get more playing time following today's effort. |
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| Chipper hopeful to avoid DL | Thursday 7/24, 5:05 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones is hopeful to avoid the DL due to his ailing hamstring, according to the AP.
Our View: He hopes to just miss a few games but still cannot rule out the DL. Jones will be re-evaluated Friday. |
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| Hudson injury isn't serious | Thursday 7/24, 5:01 PM CT |
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Tim Hudson said his elbow injury should not cause him to miss his next start, according to the AP. Hudson said, "I don’t foresee any problems unless I wake up tomorrow and can’t move my elbow. I don’t foresee it being that big of a deal."
Our View: Hudson has dealt with a few injuries already this season, so this is good news his latest ailment is minor. He managed to rack up 11 wins so far. |
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| Cain notches a shutout | Thursday 7/24, 4:56 PM CT |
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Matt Cain threw a complete game shutout in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Nationals. He only surrendered four hits in his masterpiece, with no walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: That marks his first complete game and shutout of 2008, and he improves to 6-8. He snapped a three-game skid without a win. |
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| Redding dealt loss in solid outing | Thursday 7/24, 4:52 PM CT |
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Tim Redding only allowed one earned run on seven hits over eight innings of work on Thursday, but was dealt a loss as Washington fell to San Francisco, 1-0. Redding also had five strikeouts with no walks.
Our View: Redding produced one of his best outings of the season, but ended the day with his fifth loss of the season due to no run support from his team-mates. He has seven wins so far, which is admirable considering the Nationals have a 38-64 record. |
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| Carlin optioned | Thursday 7/24, 4:08 PM CT |
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Luke Carlin has been optioned to Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. Justin Hampson has been called up as the corresponding move.
Our View: Carlin failed to prove his worth to the Padres this season as he only hit .138 over 80 at-bats, with no homers and two RBI. |
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| Hampson recalled | Thursday 7/24, 4:05 PM CT |
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Justin Hampson has been recalled from Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. The Padres optioned catcher Luke Carlin to Portland as well.
Our View: Hampson allowed seven earned runs and 13 hits over 8.2 innings in relief in his previous stint with the Padres this season, and holds no fantasy value. |
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| Bard activated | Thursday 7/24, 4:02 PM CT |
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Josh Bard has been activated from the DL following his battle with a high ankle sprain, according to the AP.
Our View: Bard will be welcomed back to the Padres, but not to fantasy squads as he only hit .200 prior to landing on the shelf. |
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| Bruntlett starts over Rollins | Thursday 7/24, 3:59 PM CT |
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Eric Bruntlett got the start over Jimmy Rollins on Thursday against the Mets. He went 3-for-4 from the leadoff position.
Our View: Bruntlett is hitting .364 in 44 at-bats during day games. He is hitting just .192 at night. |
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| Cordero will become a free agent | Thursday 7/24, 3:28 PM CT |
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The Washington Post reports that the Nationals will not tender Chad Cordero at the end of the season. He had surgery to repair a torn labrum on July 8. The recovery from such a surgery often requires more than a year. And even once somebody starts throwing again, it takes another year, sometimes, for velocity to truly return.
Our View: It's curious to get this news in July, but perhaps Bowden thinks the agent will appreciate it enough to consider re-signing with the team in the offseason. Traditionally, news of such decisions will come only at the Dec. 12 deadline to tender contracts. Most often, the announcement is not an announcement at all. |
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| Francoeur for sale | Thursday 7/24, 2:22 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Jeff Francoeur is available but it's not likely there are many owners that want him. He is batting .231 with a .286 OBP.
Our View: Francoeur's on-base percentage trails all but three Major League outfielders with at least 300 at-bats, surpassing only Oakland's Emil Brown (.287), Minnesota's Carlos Gomez (.282) and Houston's Michael Bourn (.282). Former Braves employee and current Kansas City GM Dayton Moore may be a potential suitor. |
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| Bonds will be discussed at Yankee meetings | Thursday 7/24, 2:01 PM CT |
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The AP reports that co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner acknowledged he’d mention Barry Bonds during high-level meetings with Yankees officials on Thursday. "I’ll mention it. We’ll cover everything," Steinbrenner said before the meetings began. "No stone will be left unturned."
Our View: With Matsui and Posada possibly gone for the season, the Yankees could use some more offensive fire power. |
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| Delgado comes thru in the clutch | Thursday 7/24, 1:45 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado busted up a tie game with a two-run double in the eighth inning on Thursday against the Phillies. It was his only hit in the Mets 3-1 victory.
Our View: The two RBI gives Delgado 16 for the month. His red- hot July (.406/.500/.725) has answered any questions about whether or not he was washed up. However, he is bound to come back down to Earth at some point. Another month like June, when he hit just .229, could lie ahead. |
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| Moyer pitches well in loss | Thursday 7/24, 1:42 PM CT |
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Jamie Moyer gave up just two hits but walked three in seven innings of work against the Mets on Thursday. He allowed one run and did not factor in the decision.
Our View: Moyer has given up just four runs in his last 20 innings pitched. He remains a far better play on the road where he has a 2.93 ERA compared to a 4.70 mark in Philly. |
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| Wagner earns 26th save | Thursday 7/24, 1:39 PM CT |
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Billy Wagner notched his second save in as many nights on Thursday. He needed just eight pitches for three outs.
Our View: Apparently the shoulder woes are over with. Wagner has not allowed a run in seven consecutive appearances and his ERA is back down to 2.09. |
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| Perez at it again | Thursday 7/24, 1:37 PM CT |
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Oliver Perez struck out 12 Phillies in 7.2 innings on Thursday. He allowed on earned run on six hits and a walk. He did not factor in the decision.
Our View: In his last five starts, Perez has a 1.34 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 33.2 IP. However, he is just 1-1 in that stretch. |
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| Rollins not starting on Thursday | Thursday 7/24, 11:29 AM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins is not in Thursday's lineup.
Our View: It is unknown if Rollins suffered an injury or is simply taking the day off. |
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| Zambrano should rebound | Thursday 7/24, 11:22 AM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano, who pitched poorly Saturday in Houston, will start Thursday against the Marlins back home in Wrigley. He owns a 3-1 record with a 2.54 ERA over seven lifetime starts against the Marlins.
Our View: We fully expect big Z to throw a gem. The Cubs ace has been masterful on the Wrigley Field mound this season, bringing a 5-0 record and a 2.25 earned run average in 10 home starts. |
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| Hensley will start on Thursday | Thursday 7/24, 10:50 AM CT |
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Clay Hensley will start on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in place of Randy Wolf, who was traded to the Astros Tuesday. It's his first start of the season.
Our View: Hensley started 29 games in 2006 and posted a 3.71 ERA. As with all Padres pitchers, we expect good things from him in his home ballpark. |
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| Arroyo to the Rockies? | Thursday 7/24, 10:45 AM CT |
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The Colorado Rockies are said to have interest in Bronson Arroyo according to the Rocky Mountain News. Arroyo is 9-7 with a 5.60 ERA.
Our View: In his last five starts, Arroyo's recorded five victories and a 3.09 ERA. However, he's a flyball pitcher and that's never a good idea in Colorado. Be wary if he lands in Denver. |
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| Lo Duca would welcome a trade | Thursday 7/24, 10:02 AM CT |
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The Washington Post reports that Paul Lo Ducasaid that ideally, he'd like to be traded this week to a contending team that needs him as a catcher.
Our View: For that to happen, Lo Duca must prove he can still catch. And right now, the Nationals need him at first base. |
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| Samardzija could get the call soon | Thursday 7/24, 9:29 AM CT |
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Jeff Samardzija could join the Cubs bullpen soon if Kerry Wood does not see improvement according to the Chicago Tribune. The former Notre Dame football star has recorded 25 strikeouts, five walks, 13 hits in 19 innings over his last three starts.
Our View: Samardzija won't likely be a candidate to record many saves or holds. He will likely see mop-up duty if he gets the call. |
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| Wood's blister remains bothersome | Thursday 7/24, 9:26 AM CT |
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Kerry Wood was limited to changeups in his bullpen session on Wednesday according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: General Manager Jim Hendry continues to explore the market for trades, evaluating Oakland right-hander Huston Street and Colorado lefty Brian Fuentes, among others. But the guy apparently getting the most immediate consideration is Jeff Samardzija, the former Notre Dame receiver who is pitching well as a starter for Triple-A Iowa. |
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| Baker named everyday second baseman | Thursday 7/24, 8:53 AM CT |
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Following a 14-for-27 stretch, the Denver Post reports that Jeff Baker is firmly entrenched as the second baseman for the Rockies.
Our View: Baker is looking better at second base and he appears to have fully recovered from a wrist injury. Still, Clint Barmes and Laynce Nix aren't far behind should he fall into a slump. |
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| Cruz to be activated next week | Thursday 7/24, 8:49 AM CT |
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The Arizona Republic reports that right-handed reliever Juan Cruz , on the disabled list since July 6 because of a strained left oblique, is on course to be activated next week, when the Diamondbacks visit National League West rivals San Diego and Los Angeles.
Our View: The addition of Jon Rauch shakes everything up in the bullpen. Regardless, Cruz is lethal and should still earn his share of holds. He has 46 strikeouts in 30.2 IP this season. |
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| Hudson could miss some starts | Thursday 7/24, 8:46 AM CT |
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A night after being hit by a pitch on the right ankle, Orlando Hudson claimed he could have started a must-win game. However the Arizona Republic reports that he said "It's sore as hell. It still feels kind of funky."
Our View: Expect Hudson to miss a handful of games until his ankle is back to 100%. |
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| Tucker sent to Double-A | Thursday 7/24, 8:16 AM CT |
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Ryan Tucker has been optioned to the Double-A Carolina.
Our View: Tucker boasted an 8.39 ERA over 34.1 innings this season. He is just 21 and should be a reliable starter in a few seasons. However, don't expect much more out of him in 2008. |
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| Milledge will return on Friday | Thursday 7/24, 8:05 AM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Lastings Milledge , who has been on the disabled list since June 28 because of a right groin strain, was promoted to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday after playing two games for Rookie-level Gulf Coast. Milledge was 1-for-4 with a home run for the GC Nationals and was 1-for-8 for the Clippers. He is expected to return to the Nationals on Friday.
Our View: At the very least, Milledge should be an every day outfielder for the Nats. He has shown glimpses of power but he is not consistent enough to warrant a pickup. |
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| Soriano returns to action | Thursday 7/24, 12:21 AM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano was activated from the DL on Wednesday, and batting in his traditional leadoff spot he went 1-for-5 with an RBI for the Cubs.
Our View: Soriano, who had been out of action since June 12th because of a broken finger in his hand, didn't do much on this night but the fact that he was back on the field should make his owners excited. Still, hand injuries have a tendency to sap a hitters power, so keep an eye on how Soriano does before thinking he is all the way back. |
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| Johnson has big night at the dish | Thursday 7/24, 12:19 AM CT |
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Reed Johnson, starting in place of an injured Jim Edmonds, went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI for the Cubs on Wednesday night. One of the hits was his fourth home run of the season.
Our View: Until we find word on the severity of Edmonds injury, he is scheduled for an MRI, we won't know if Johnson will be part of a platoon now that Alfonso Soriano is back or if he will play everyday. |
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| Jackson does it all on Wednesday | Thursday 7/24, 12:16 AM CT |
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Conor Jackson had a big night at the plate going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and he also added his seventh steal of the season on the bases.
Our View: Jackson continues to put together a fine season with the D'backs hitting .314 with more than 50 RBI and runs (52 and 58). The power still hasn't truly shown itself, he has just 10 long balls, but his overall production has been more than sufficient for a corner infielder in mixed leagues. |
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| Davis loses again | Thursday 7/24, 12:14 AM CT |
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Doug Davis allowed the Cubs four runs over seven innings with six strikeouts on Wednesday night for the D’backs as he lost his fifth game of the year against three victories.
Our View: Davis rebounded nicely from a three innings outing last time on out, though he should still be viewed as nothing more than a spot starter in all but the deepest of leagues as he continues to struggle along with an average 4.22 ERA and 1.68 K/BB ratio in 14 starts this season. |
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| Lily reaches double-digits | Thursday 7/24, 12:12 AM CT |
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Ted Lilly held the D’backs to three runs over six innings in yet another quality start for the Cubs as he picked up his 10th victory of the season. Lilly lasted six innings and permitted six hits, three walks and struck out six.
Our View: Lilly is one of the better strikeout artists, he has 120 in 128.1 innings, but he still owns a middling 4.49 ERA and 1.34 WHIP which marks him as a useful part of a staff, but not a difference maker. |
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| Molina rediscovers lost swing | Thursday 7/24, 12:11 AM CT |
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Bengie Molina continued his recent hot trend on Wednesday night as he posted three hits and two RBI for the Giants. Omar Vizquel also added three hits in the victory.
Our View: Molina only hit .132 over his first 53 AB in July, but he has five hits the past two nights with five RBI thanks to a small adjustment in his swing. |
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| Wilson picks up 27th save | Thursday 7/24, 12:09 AM CT |
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Brian Wilson picked up his NL leading 27th save on Wednesday night as the Giants defeated the Nationals 6-4.
Our View: Wilson was blowing his normal cheese on this night and he struck out two of the four batters he faced. He might not always be pretty, but when he is on, as he was tonight, hitters stand little chance. |
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| Ayala awful in loss | Thursday 7/24, 12:07 AM CT |
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Luis Ayala picked up his fourth blown save of the year and his sixth loss of the season by allowing the Giants to score three times in the bottom of the eighth inning on Wednesday night.
Our View: Let those who question the move to trade Jon Rauch start to complain. Ayala will have to play a significant role in the pen now, and given his 5.77 ERA and WHIP of 1.53, that could certainly be viewed as a negative outcome of a suddenly thin bullpen situation. |
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| Balester failing to impress | Thursday 7/24, 12:04 AM CT |
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Collin Balester, making just his fourth start of the season, allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings for the Nationals against the Giants.
Our View: Balester owns a 5.75 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP over 20.1 career innings, hardly impressive numbers. Balester has also produced a poor 1.38 K/ BB ratio which also doesn’t spell success. Ignore him like you do most other Nationals players. |
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| Correia looking to improve | Thursday 7/24, 12:03 AM CT |
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Kevin Correia lasted 5.2 innings on Wednesday night, and though he allowed 12 hits to the Nationals, he didn’t walk a single batter and held the Nats to just three earned runs (four overall).
Our View: Correia had trouble controlling some of his pitches as they were moving all over the zone. Though his work up to this point has been spotty at best, don’t overlook the fact that he pitched quite well last year after the All-Star break (3.13 ERA, 1.28 WHIP over 63.1 innings) and could still provide some solid work down the stretch if fully healthy. |
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