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| Bowden says he's sorry | Friday 7/25, 11:16 PM CT |
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Nationals GM Jim Bowden has apologized to reliever Chad Cordero for telling the media Cordero was going to be non-tendered at the end of the season before he had actually told Cordero, according to Nationals.com.
Our View: Bowden has an odd way of going about his business, from allegations he knew he was sending the Reds damaged goods in Gary Majewski a couple years ago, to the allegations he was skimming money off of signing bonuses to Latin American players to this nonsense. Either way, Cordero will find a home somewhere, though he may not wind up being a closer in the near future. |
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| Braun fails to get a hit | Friday 7/25, 10:47 PM CT |
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After a scorching series in St. Louis, Ryan Braun failed to get a hit against Houston, going 0-for-3.
Our View: Braun had gotten eight hits in his last two games, so the fact that he actually made an out comes as news. |
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| Bourn takes a walk | Friday 7/25, 10:44 PM CT |
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It's unusual to make a note when a player takes a walk, but Michael Bourn now has three walks in his last four games played. This is big news for a guy who had an on-base percentage of .282 coming into the game.
Our View: If Bourn can continue to show good plate discipline, maybe he can put all that speed to good use. |
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| Parra takes loss | Friday 7/25, 10:42 PM CT |
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Manny Parra failed in his attempt to win his tenth game of the season, as he allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings against the Astros.
Our View: Parra did not pitch poorly, but his offense uncharacteristically failed to get him plentiful run support. |
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| Rodriguez pitches a gem | Friday 7/25, 10:40 PM CT |
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Wandy Rodriguez cooled off the Milwaukee Brewers and picked up his sixth win of the season by hurling six innings, giving up three hits and one earned run while striking out seven.
Our View: Rodriguez continues his nice season and is threatening to push his ERA under 3.00 for the season. |
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| Cook wins 13th | Friday 7/25, 10:38 PM CT |
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Aaron Cook won his 13th game of the season, holding the Reds to one run on five hits over eight innings.
Our View: Cook has been fantastic this season, especially considering he has done a lot of his work at Coors Field. |
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| Volquez takes loss | Friday 7/25, 10:33 PM CT |
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Reds right-handed sensation Edinson Volquez went through his second bad outing in a row, giving up five runs in four innings while throwing 99 pitches.
Our View: Volquez's ERA as gone from 2.08 on July 1 to 2.77, and he is clearly not what he was at the beginning of the season. |
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| Taveras steals three | Friday 7/25, 10:29 PM CT |
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Willy Taveras went 3-for-4 and stole three bases in Colorado's 7-2 win over the Reds.
Our View: Taveras now has 45 stolen bases on the season, and though he provides nothing else, he is worth a spot on fantasy teams that need steals. |
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| Stairs cracks home run | Friday 7/25, 10:13 PM CT |
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Matt Stairs nailed his tenth home run of the season, a solo shot off of Seattle's Miguel Batista in Toronto's 5-4 victory over Seattle.
Our View: Stairs went 3-for-4 in the game, and raised his average to .244. He should only be considered for fantasy teams in deep AL-only leagues. |
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| Lidge lit up | Friday 7/25, 10:07 PM CT |
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Brad Lidge was hammered by the Atlanta Braves as the closer came into the game in a non-save situation. Lidge was trying to keep the Braves lead at 1-0, when he allowed five runs on four hits, including a grand slam to Brian McCann.
Our View: Chalk this one up as an abberation. Lidge has been fantastic this season, and this was simply a clunker. |
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| Jurrjens wins tenth game | Friday 7/25, 10:04 PM CT |
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Braves hurler Jair Jurrjens won his tenth game of the year, dominating the Phillies by throwing eight innings, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out six.
Our View: Jurrjens continues to be one of the most underrated pitchers in the National League, and his ERA is now at 3.02. |
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| Howard goes deep | Friday 7/25, 10:02 PM CT |
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Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard went 1-for-4 and nailed his 30th home run of the season as Philly took the 8-2 loss to the Braves.
Our View: That was home run number 10 in the month of July for Howard, who has hits in seven of his past eight games. |
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| McCann drives in five | Friday 7/25, 10:00 PM CT |
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Braves backstop Brian McCann went 2-for-3 with two home runs (including a grand slam) and five RBI, along with two walks in the Braves 8-2 thrashing of the Phillies.
Our View: There is not a better catcher in fantasy baseball than McCann, who pushed his average over .300 for the season. |
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| Delgado goes deep | Friday 7/25, 9:31 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado hit his 20th home run of the season and knocked in two in the Mets victory over St. Louis.
Our View: After numerous reports saying Delgado was done because of his slow start early in the year, the slugger has hit .390 for the month. |
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| Pelfrey brilliant | Friday 7/25, 9:29 PM CT |
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Mike Pelfrey was outstanding as the New York Mets downed the Cardinals 7-2 at Shea Stadium. Pelfrey went seven innnings, allowing seven hits and one run while walking nobody.
Our View: Pelfrey has had a ridiculous July, winning four of his five starts and throwing at least seven innings in each of them. He is carrying a 1.75 ERA for the month. |
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| Pujols strikes out three times | Friday 7/25, 9:25 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols did something tonight that had happened only six times before in his career: strike out three times in one game. He was 0-for-5 on the evening.
Our View: Tough time for Pujols, who has not hit a home run since July 4, his only for the month. |
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| Blake goes 2-for-4 | Friday 7/25, 9:06 PM CT |
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Casey Blake went 2-for-4 in the Indians 5-4 win over Minnesota, and he also scored a run.
Our View: This will only help the Indians, because teams are vying for a bat and it is no secret Casey is available. |
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| Hernandez throws complete game | Friday 7/25, 9:04 PM CT |
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Livan Hernandez displayed his usual rubber arm, throwing 119 pitches in an eight inning complete game for the Twins. Hernandez picked up the loss however, as he allowed five runs on 12 hits.
Our View: Typical Hernandez. Despite his 10 wins, the other numbers he puts up are not worthy of fantasy baseball. He doesn't strike people out enough, and he gives up far too many hits. |
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| Duke hit hard | Friday 7/25, 8:57 PM CT |
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One of the most offensively challenged teams in all of baseball, the San Diego Padres, hit Zach Duke hard on Friday, as the lefty allowed five runs on seven hits in six innings of work.
Our View: Duke has now lost his last three decisions and his ERA has jumped from 3.88 to 5.04 in the month of July. |
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| Hoffman earns save | Friday 7/25, 8:54 PM CT |
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Trevor Hoffman needed just eight pitches to earn his 19th save of the season, lowering his ERA to 4.75.
Our View: Hoffman now has four saves in the month of July. They have been difficult to come by because of how bad the team is. |
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| LaRoche continues red-hot July | Friday 7/25, 8:52 PM CT |
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Adam LaRoche went 2-for-3, scoring three runs and knocking in two in the Pirates loss to San Diego.
Our View: LaRoche is scorching in July, hitting .391 for the month. The first baseman is only hitting .259 on the season, so it's possible he may still be on the waiver wire. If so, pick him up if you are in need of a first baseman. |
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| Kouzmanoff gets two hits | Friday 7/25, 8:49 PM CT |
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Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 and hit a RBI single in the eighth that wound up being the game-winner in the Padres 6-5 victory over Pittsburgh.
Our View: This is the third game in a row that Kouzmanoff has gotten two hits, and he is hitting well over .300 in July. |
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| Carpenter strikes out five | Friday 7/25, 8:35 PM CT |
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Chris Carpenter threw 78 pitches in 5.2 innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Memphis. The former Cy Young Award winner allowed two runs on four hits and struck out five.
Our View: With as desperate as the Cardinals are for pitching, don't be surprised if his next start is in the big leagues. If he is still on the waiver wire in your fantasy league, pick him up. He may not throw huge innings initially, but he will still pay dividends. |
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| Hudson believes he will make next start | Friday 7/25, 7:47 PM CT |
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Braves pitcher Tim Hudson said his elbow is feeling much better, and that he should be able to start on Tuesday when the Braves take on the Cardinals, according to Braves.com.
Our View: Hudson has been very good this season, with 11 wins, an ERA of 3.17 and a 1.16 WHIP. If he's confident his elbow is okay, you should feel confident leaving him in your fantasy rotation. |
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| Glavine throws 50 pitches in bullpen | Friday 7/25, 7:43 PM CT |
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Tom Glavine successfully completed a 50-pitch bullpen session on Friday, according to Braves.com. He is targeting a mid-August return date.
Our View: Glavine had not been a great fantasy option, but reports are that his shoulder has gotten stronger with this time off, so he may yet have something left in the tank upon his return. |
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| Ohlendorf sent to Pirates | Friday 7/25, 7:34 PM CT |
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Pitcher Ross Ohlendorf was part of the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees, according to SI.com.
Our View: Ohlendorf struggled in the majors this season, accumulating an ERA of 6.52 in 40 innings. His ERA in the minors was better at 4.01, but he still allowed opponents to hit better than .300 off of him. |
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| Tabata part of trade | Friday 7/25, 7:31 PM CT |
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Jose Tabata was part of the deal that sent both Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh to the Yankees, according to SI.com.
Our View: Tabata is still only 19 years old and possesses a quality skill set. Though his average was just .248 in the minors this season, he had been a career .305 hitter in his previous three seasons. |
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| Church to begin conditioning | Friday 7/25, 6:56 PM CT |
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Mets outfielder Ryan Church has been given the okay to start light conditioning, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: There is still no timetable for Church's return, and he will have to go on a rehab assignment before coming back, so it likely won't be for some time. |
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| Oswalt ready to go | Friday 7/25, 6:52 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt felt no pain in his bullpen session on Friday, and will likely make the start on Monday against the Reds, according to the AP.
Our View: Oswalt has been a major disappointment for fantasy owners, but now that he is fully healthy, maybe he can turn it back on and get back to the level we are all used to seeing him at. Don't hesitate to put him right back in your fantasy lineup. |
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| Hampton will make start | Friday 7/25, 6:49 PM CT |
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It has been confirmed that Mike Hampton will make the start on Saturday for Atlanta against the Phillies, according to the AP.
Our View: Hampton has not pitched in the bigs in almost three years, so it is not advisable to put him on your fantasy squad. |
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| Young placed on DL | Friday 7/25, 6:17 PM CT |
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Delwyn Young has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Young is a non-factor in fantasy baseball, and he was replaced on the Dodgers roster by Juan Pierre. |
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| Pierre activated from DL | Friday 7/25, 6:15 PM CT |
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Juan Pierre was activated from the 15-day disabled list today, after suffering from a sprained left knee, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: If you were waiting for the stolen bases Pierre provides, go ahead and re-insert him in your fantasy lineup. |
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| Atkins no longer being shopped | Friday 7/25, 5:47 PM CT |
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Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins is off the market and no longer someone the team is willing to ship away, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com.
Our View: This will be just fine with fantasy owners, as Atkins is hitting .346 at Coors Field but just .255 on the road. |
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| Chipper doubtful for weekend | Friday 7/25, 5:29 PM CT |
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Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is out of tonight's lineup and is doubtful for the weekend series against the Phillies because of a sore left hamstring, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "If I'm hurting just sitting here, it's not day-to-day. It's not going to be miraculously better tomorrow," he said.
Our View: Hamstrings are notorious for being nagging injuries, and it is unknown how long this injury will keep Jones out for. It is entirely possible he could be headed for the disabled list. |
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| Yankees looking at Winn | Friday 7/25, 5:22 PM CT |
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The New York Yankees have been scouting San Francisco Giants outfielder Randy Winn, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Winn is 34, but may be able to help the Yankees, who have been hit hard by injuries. His fantasy value would go up slightly because he could score a few more runs in New York, which would make him an option in AL-only leagues. |
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| Samardzija blows save | Friday 7/25, 4:55 PM CT |
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Former Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija threw two innings, allowing one run and striking out two while picking up a blown save in the Cubs 3-2 loss to the Marlins. Hanley Ramirez singled off of Samardzija and stole second before eventually scoring.
Our View: Samardzija got his first big league action and promptly blew a save, which likely won't endear him to Lou Piniella. Despite his vast potential, you may want to hold off on picking him up for the moment until he has proven what he can do. |
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| Johnson K's eight Cubs | Friday 7/25, 4:50 PM CT |
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Marlins hurler Josh Johnson threw 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out eight in Florida's 3-2 victory over Chicago.
Our View: This was Johnson's third start on the year, and in 17 innings, he has 18 strikeouts and six walks with an ERA of 3.71. Don't be hesitant to pick him up in NL-only leagues. |
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| Ramirez continues to struggle | Friday 7/25, 4:47 PM CT |
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Aramis Ramirez continued his poor July with an 0-for-4 against Florida today, including strikeouts.
Our View: Ramirez is only hitting .176 on the month, and his average has dropped from .285 to .267. This is likely just a bad streak, and he should snap out of it. |
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| Ramirez pushes batting average to .300 | Friday 7/25, 4:42 PM CT |
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Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-5 with a double in Florida's 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. His batting average now stands at .300
Our View: Ramirez is one of the best players in fantasy, and should remain around or above the .300 mark for the year. |
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| Ramirez out of lineup | Friday 7/25, 4:18 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez has been scratched from tonight's lineup due to a sore knee, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The Red Sox start an important series against the Yankees tonight and could have used Manny's bat, but they'll have to find a way to beat Joba Chamberlain without him. Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly. |
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| Ramirez to return Friday | Friday 7/25, 3:20 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez is penciled in to return to Boston's starting lineup against the rival Yankees Friday night, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He missed Wednesday's game with a sore knee, but is back in left field, and is safe to return to fantasy lineups. |
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| Pedro to remain away longer | Friday 7/25, 1:56 PM CT |
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Pedro Martinez stated on Friday that he is going to remain in the Dominican Republic for a couple more days following the death of his father, according to the AP.
Our View: It is uncertain when Martinez will return to the Mets' rotation. |
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| Fuentes may not get dealt? | Friday 7/25, 1:42 PM CT |
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A major-league executive stated to The Denver Post on Thursday that there doesn't seem to be any movement by the Rockies to trade Brian Fuentes at this time.
Our View: The Cardinals, Angels, Rays, Phillies, and Yankees remain interested in acquiring his services. The Rockies stated that the next few games will determine whether they will be buyers or sellers when the trade deadline draws closer. The club won't be rushed into any trade involving Fuentes, and there is no sense of urgency to deal him right now. The Rockies are currently six games back in the NL West, with 59 games to go in the regular season.
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| Blake on Mets' radar | Friday 7/25, 1:31 PM CT |
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The Mets are highly interested in acquiring Casey Blake before the trade deadline, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Our View: But they may lack a quality player they can afford to deal to interest the Indians. If the Mets do manage to bring him to New York, they would like to employ him in the outfield to fill a void in that area. |
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| Samardzija recalled | Friday 7/25, 12:21 PM CT |
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As expected, Jeff Samardzija has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. He fills the roster spot for Kerry Wood, who was placed on the DL.
Our View: It was mentioned that Samardzija could make a spot start in place of Rich Harden on Saturday, and he could be worth a look in NL-only leagues if you could use some help for the weekend. Harden is not injured by the way, the Cubs just want to move his start back to given him five days rest, which produced favorable results for him this year with Oakland. |
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| Milledge to be activated Friday | Friday 7/25, 11:57 AM CT |
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Lastings Milledge, out since June 28 with a strained groin, will be activated off the 15-day disabled list and return to the starting lineup Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, this according to the Washington Times.
Our View: Milledge went 2-for-17 with a homer and three RBI during a rehab stint with Triple-A Columbus. |
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| Gonzo nearly perfect | Friday 7/25, 11:38 AM CT |
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Braves' closer Mike Gonzalez has a 2.70 ERA with 17 strike outs and no walks in 13.1 innings this year. The return of Rafael Soriano isn't expected to affect the pecking order in the Atlanta bullpen.
Our View: The only reason to own Soriano in traditional formats is just in case the Braves become sellers this week and find a taker for Gonzalez. Soriano would then take hold of the ninth inning role.
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| Wagner comments on shoulder | Friday 7/25, 11:13 AM CT |
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Billy Wagner is back in action but commented that he is unsure if his shoulder problem is gone for the season, according to the NY Post. He said, "I don't know (if the shoulder issue will be gone for the season). I think it's something that you just come out and hope that you get through that day and you don't have to worry about it."
Our View: Wagner has hurled seven straight scoreless innings, with only one hit allowed over the span. Fantasy owners should continue to employ him, and hope he stays intact for the rest of the season. |
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| Barmes for Guthrie deal rejected | Friday 7/25, 11:05 AM CT |
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The Rockies proposal of Clint Barmes for Jeremy Guthrie has been rejected by the Orioles, according to Fox Sports.
Our View: Barmes is hitting .303 with Colorado, but quality pitchers are always at a premium, and Guthrie holds a 3.58 ERA and has only lost once in his last six starts. The Orioles still covet a shortstop, but not at the expense of losing Guthrie. |
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| Knight to be recalled | Friday 7/25, 10:25 AM CT |
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Brandon Knight is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Pedro Martinez for Saturday's start, according to the NY Post. Knight could be recalled today from Triple-A New Orleans.
Our View: The 32-year-old fared well in the minors this season, but hasn't pitched in the majors since 2002 (with the Yankees), and does not merit fantasy consideration if called into action for a spot start Saturday. |
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| Pagan opts for surgery | Friday 7/25, 10:21 AM CT |
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Angel Pagan has opted to undergo season-ending surgery on the torn labrum in his left shoulder, according to the NY Post. Dr. David Altchek will perform the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Our View: He fared well as a reserve with the Mets this season, as he hit .275 with 13 RBI over 91 at-bats. |
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| Bellhorn released by Los Angeles | Friday 7/25, 9:28 AM CT |
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Mark Bellhorn has been released by the Dodgers, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The 33-year-old infielder only batted .242 with Double-A Jacksonville this season. He was a key contributor to Boston's 2004 World Series run, but is no longer capable of making an impact. |
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| Dodgers release Martinez | Friday 7/25, 9:25 AM CT |
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The Dodgers have released infielder Ramon Martinez, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The 35-year-old last served 67 games with the Dodgers in 2007, and held a dismal .194 average. He has been plagued by injuries at Triple-A this season, which led to his release. |
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| Riley released | Friday 7/25, 9:22 AM CT |
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Matt Riley has been released by the Dodgers, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The 28-year-old hurler held a 2-1 mark with a 2.88 ERA over 40.2 innings of relief with Triple-A Las Vegas. He was pitching well and his release seems a bit puzzling. |
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| Edmonds feeling better | Friday 7/25, 8:16 AM CT |
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Jim Edmonds has reported improvement in his sore left knee, and skipper Lou Piniella expects him back in action over the weekend, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: Edmonds, who had a precautionary MRI exam on the surgically repaired knee Thursday, was forced to leave Tuesday's game when the pain flared up late in the contest. |
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| Samardzija may start? | Friday 7/25, 8:11 AM CT |
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Jeff Samardzija is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Iowa today, and may be handed a spot start in place of Rich Harden Saturday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. That would push Harden's start back to his sixth day, which produced favorable results for him this year in Oakland. Samardzija would take the place of Kerry Wood on the roster.
Our View: Cubs' GM Jim Hendry feels he made strides in the minors, and could be worth a look in NL-only leagues if you need help for the weekend. |
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| Wood update | Friday 7/25, 8:04 AM CT |
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Cubs' GM Jim Hendry hopes Kerry Wood can return from the DL Tuesday when eligible during an important series against the Brewers, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Carlos Marmol is handling the closer's role until Wood is ready to return. The Cubs only have a one game lead in the NL Central over the Brewers, who have won eight straight games. |
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| Barthmaier injured | Friday 7/25, 7:36 AM CT |
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Jimmy Barthmaier has been injured during action with Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was struck on the right wrist on his throwing arm by a line drive and was forced to leave after two-thirds of an inning.
Our View: He made a spot start against the Rays in June this season, but failed to make an impact, as he was rocked for seven earned runs over a mere 2.1 innings. He is scheduled to have an X-ray this morning |
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| Wainwright throws in pen session | Friday 7/25, 7:13 AM CT |
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Adam Wainwright threw in a pen session Thursday as he continues to recover from his sprained right middle finger, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The team is yet to set a concrete timetable for his return, but he expects to return to the Cardinals' rotation within three weeks. |
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| Boggs slated to start | Friday 7/25, 7:09 AM CT |
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Mitchell Boggs is slated to start Friday's game against the Mets at Shea Stadium, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was promoted from Triple-A Memphis Monday.
Our View: Boggs was 3-1 with the Cardinals, but with a poor 6.59 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. He is not a solid option, especially tonight against the surging Mets. |
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| Carpenter set for second rehab start | Friday 7/25, 7:05 AM CT |
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Chris Carpenter is set for his second minor league rehab start with Triple-A Memphis tonight, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: The Cardinals will determine after tonight's performance whether Carpenter requires a third rehab outing, or if he can be activated for next Wednesday's start in Atlanta.
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