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| Jones continues downward slide | Thursday 7/31, 11:42 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones continued his embarrassing campaign, going 0-for-4 and striking out once in the Dodgers loss to Arizona.
Our View: Jones hit .159 for the month of July, and is now hitting .163 on the year. Clearly, fantasy owners don't have him on their team, and neither should the Dodgers. |
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| Drew gets three hits | Thursday 7/31, 11:39 PM CT |
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Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew went 3-for-4 in Arizona's 2-1 win over the Dodgers. J.D.'s brother had two singles and a double.
Our View: Drew hit .311 during July and raised his batting average almost 20 points, from .256 on July 1 to .273 now. He still needs to improve on his on-base percentage dramatically, but he is a good option for fantasy play, especially in NL-only leagues. |
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| Lowe out-dueled | Thursday 7/31, 11:36 PM CT |
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Dodgers hurler Derek Lowe threw an effective 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out seven, but he was out-dueled by Arizona's Brandon Webb and took the loss.
Our View: Lowe picked up his ninth loss of the year, but he probably deserved better. He deserves a spot on fantasy rosters even with the unseemly W-L record. |
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| Webb wins again | Thursday 7/31, 11:33 PM CT |
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Brandon Webb won his 15th game of the season by throwing eight innings and giving up just one earned run in Arizona's 2-1 win over L.A.
Our View: Webb's ERA dropped to 3.04, and he is on his way to picking up another Cy Young Award if he keeps it up. |
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| Tulowitzki hitting streak ends | Thursday 7/31, 10:27 PM CT |
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Troy Tulowitzki saw his modest six-game hitting streak come to a halt with an 0-for-5 contest, but still ended July with a .418 batting average for the month.
Our View: We're all aware what Tulowitzki is capable of, and his batting average should continue to rise despite this minor setback. |
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| Ramirez 1-for-3 | Thursday 7/31, 10:23 PM CT |
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Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez went 1-for-3 and hit his 25th home run of the season in Florida's 12-2 demolition of Colorado. Ramirez also scored twice and wound up with two RBI.
Our View: Okay, so he struck out twice. Big deal. We'll take the strikeouts as long as he keeps chugging towards a 40-40 season. |
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| De La Rosa crushed | Thursday 7/31, 10:19 PM CT |
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Jorge De La Rosa has certainly had better outings than the one he had on Thursday. The Rockies starter failed to get through two innings, and allowed seven earned runs while walking two batters with the bases loaded.
Our View: De La Rosa has had control problems this season, but nothing to this extent. He may lose his spot in the starting rotation with this effort. |
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| Sanchez wins first game | Thursday 7/31, 10:16 PM CT |
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Anibal Sanchez threw well in his first game of the season after coming back from Tommy John surgery. He threw 5.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits while striking out four against the Rockies.
Our View: Sanchez could be a late season asset for fantasy owners, especially those in NL-only leagues. |
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| Zimmerman leaves game | Thursday 7/31, 9:28 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman left the game against the Phillies in the third inning after being hit in the hand with a pitch, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: An x-ray taken on the hand was negative, and Zimmerman is officially day-to-day. |
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| Victorino goes 2-for-4 | Thursday 7/31, 9:24 PM CT |
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Shane Victorino went 2-for-4, scored a run and stole a base in the Phillies 9-4 thrashing of the Nationals.
Our View: Victorino had a great July, hitting .333 on the month and stealing six bases. By all means, keep him in your lineup. |
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| Willis takes an oh-fer | Thursday 7/31, 9:21 PM CT |
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Willie Harris went 0-for-5 against the Phillies, but he still wound up hitting .291 for the month of July, and won a Player of the Week award.
Our View: Harris is a decent fantasy option, but only in deeper NL-only leagues. |
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| Kendrick throws well | Thursday 7/31, 9:18 PM CT |
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Kyle Kendrick threw 6.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four in the Phillies victory over Washington.
Our View: Kendrick ran his record to 9-5, but he does not translate well to fantasy in any other statistic. His ERA, WHIP and strikeout rate simply are not good enough. |
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| Lannan loses 11th game | Thursday 7/31, 9:15 PM CT |
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John Lannan pitched poorly, allowing six earned runs on nine hits in 5.2 innings of work as Washington lost to Philadelphia 8-4.
Our View: Lannan had only given up four earned runs in his last 19 innings of work, but seeing as how he pitches for Washington, does not have much of a record to show for it. |
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| Johnson gets two hits | Thursday 7/31, 9:11 PM CT |
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Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson went 2-for-4 and scored two runs in Atlanta's 9-4 win over the Cardinals.
Our View: Johnson wound up hitting .224 in the month of July. He has solid fantasy value with nine home runs, nine stolen bases and 43 RBI, but a hot streak to raise that batting average would be nice. |
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| Pujols extends hitting streak | Thursday 7/31, 9:09 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols extended his hitting streak to six games, going 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI against the Braves.
Our View: Not only does Pujols have a six-game hitting streak, he also has a six-game RBI streak, pushing his total to 67 for the season. |
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| Hampton's ERA drops to 10.00 | Thursday 7/31, 9:06 PM CT |
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Mike Hampton saw his ERA drop from 13.50 to 10.00 as he threw five innings and allowed four earned runs in Atlanta's 9-4 win over St. Louis.
Our View: Hampton didn't pitch well, but he was up to his old tricks at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI. Unfortunately, only his pitching stats count for fantasy, making him unusable. |
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| Pineiro hit hard | Thursday 7/31, 9:03 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro saw his record drop to 3-5 as he allowed six earned runs on ten hits in six innings of work in St. Louis' 9-4 loss to Atlanta.
Our View: Pineiro's ERA jumped to 5.04, and once again he blew a lead that was handed to him. He should not be on fantasy rosters. |
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| Hudson needs Tomy John surgery | Thursday 7/31, 7:33 PM CT |
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Braves pitcher Tim Hudson will need to undergo Tommy John surgery, and will likely miss most of next year, according to MLB.com. Dr. James Andrews took an MRI of his arm and showed Hudson where the tear of the ligament was.
Our View: Hudson is realistic about it and understands he will need to undergo the procedure, but he wants to hold off for a few days. Still, he realizes it will take something remarkable to not have to go under the knife. "Miracles happen," Hudson said. |
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| Wainwright throws 25 breaking balls | Thursday 7/31, 6:27 PM CT |
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Cardinals hurler Adam Wainwright had a bullpen session in which he threw 25 breaking balls and felt good, according to StLCardinals.com. "I'm getting close, man. I'm a few steps away. I'm not far at all," he said.
Our View: Wainwright will throw a few more bullpen sessions and then the Cardinals will decide what to do with him. He was having a very good season before his injury, and hopefully fantasy owners who were patient with him will be rewarded soon. |
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| Andino sent down | Thursday 7/31, 6:22 PM CT |
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Robert Andino was demoted to Triple-A in order to make room on the roster for reliever Arthur Rhodes, according to FloridaMarlins.com.
Our View: Andino played in 40 games but had only 61 at-bats and hit .213. He was a non-factor in fantasy baseball. |
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| Greene's season in jeopardy | Thursday 7/31, 5:33 PM CT |
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Padres shortstop Khalil Greene could miss the rest of the season after fracturing his hand punching a storage chest, according to Padres.com. Greene also may face disciplinary action. "I need to get more of the facts of what happened, the nature of the injury before we decide what to do moving forward," San Diego general manager Kevin Towers said.
Our View: Greene's forgettable season just got more forgettable. He and his .213 batting average and .260 on-base percentage have no business being near fantasy rosters. |
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| Weeks strikes out three times | Thursday 7/31, 4:27 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks went 1-for-4 and struck out three times as the Brewers were swept out of their home stadium by the Cubs.
Our View: For the month of July, Weeks had five more strikeouts (25) than he did hits (20). His time as the Brewers starting second baseman may soon come to an end, dropping his already low fantasy value down even further. |
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| Harden gets first NL win | Thursday 7/31, 4:23 PM CT |
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Rich Harden must really like pitching in the National League, because he's been awfully good since coming to Chicago. He got his first NL win today, throwing seven innings, allowing one earned run and striking out nine.
Our View: Harden has an ERA of 1.11 since joining the Cubs and has yet to give up more than one run in a game. His nine strikeouts were the fewest he has recorded in a game since he was traded. |
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| Bush hit hard | Thursday 7/31, 4:19 PM CT |
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Dave Bush was hit hard for the second consecutive outing, suffering his ninth defeat by allowing three home runs resulting in six earned runs to the Cubs in 7.1 innings.
Our View: The only thing going for Bush was that he had performed well at home. He has given up 10 earned runs over 12.1 innings in his last two starts at home. He doesn't belong on a fantasy roster right now. |
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| Edmonds hits two bombs | Thursday 7/31, 4:15 PM CT |
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Cubs outfielder Jim Edmonds went 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBI in Chicago's 11-4 win in Milwaukee. One of his home runs was a grand slam.
Our View: Edmonds missed the last three games with a sore left knee, but he returned to help the Cubs sweep Milwaukee. He remains an iffy fantasy performer, but from time-to-time he can still make things happen. |
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| Gagne ejected | Thursday 7/31, 4:09 PM CT |
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Milwaukee reliever Eric Gagne faced one hitter and wound up getting ejected after throwing behind Cubs outfielder Jim Edmonds, who had hit two home runs on the day.
Our View: The first three pitches of the at-bat were inside, and the fourth was a foot behind Edmonds. Brewers manager Ned Yost made a lame attempt to defend his hurler, but the intent was obvious. |
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| Manny has options dropped | Thursday 7/31, 4:08 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez's $20 million team options in 2009 and 2010 will be dropped as part of his trade to LA, according to SI's Jon Heyman.
Our View: We assumed this would be part of the deal. Manny will now be a free agent after the season, and he's reportedly looking for a $100 million deal. |
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| Morris sent to Pittsburgh | Thursday 7/31, 3:59 PM CT |
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The Pirates acquired Bryan Morris from the Dodgers as part of the Manny Ramirez deal.
Our View: Morris, 21, was the Dodgers' first-round pick in 2006. He profiles as a solid middle of the rotation guy if he reaches his potential. |
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| Hansen acquired by Bucs | Thursday 7/31, 3:56 PM CT |
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The Pirates acquired Craig Hansen from the Red Sox as part of the Manny Ramirez deal.
Our View: Hansen was once viewed as Boston's closer of the future, but his star has fallen dramatically since then. However, with the Bucs having limited options, he could get a chance to close right away. |
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| Moss lands in Steel City | Thursday 7/31, 3:54 PM CT |
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The Pirates have acquired Brandon Moss from the Red Sox as part of the Manny Ramirez trade.
Our View: Moss is a decent player but many scouts view him as more of a fourth outfielder. He should get a shot to start in left right away in the Steel City, though. |
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| LaRoche sent to Pittsburgh | Thursday 7/31, 3:52 PM CT |
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The Pirates have acquired Andy LaRoche as part of the Manny Ramirez deal.
Our View: LaRoche should be the everyday third baseman right away in Pittsburgh, where he will be joining his brother. It's a little odd the Bucs asked for LaRoche in the deal given that their first-round pick from June, Pedro Alvarez, also plays third. |
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| Manny lands in LA | Thursday 7/31, 3:29 PM CT |
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The Dodgers have acquired Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox, according to SI's Jon Heyman.
Our View: Jason Bay is going to Boston as part of the deal. More details to follow. |
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| Nats nab Gonzalez from Yanks | Thursday 7/31, 3:24 PM CT |
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The Nationals acquired Alberto Gonzalez from the Yankees Thursday in exchange for minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez.
Our View: Gonzalez doesn't hit much but has a good glove. He profiles as a solid utilityman. |
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| Arias claimed off waivers | Thursday 7/31, 3:19 PM CT |
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The Astros claimed Alberto Arias off waivers from the Rockies Thursday. Arias held a 2.3 ERA in 12 games with the Rox.
Our View: The diminutive righty (5-11, 155 pounds) has had a pretty decent year at Triple-A Colorado Springs, as well, but we wouldn't bet on him doing much in the long term. |
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| White Sox looking at Hanrahan, not Lannan | Thursday 7/31, 2:34 PM CT |
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The White Sox are apparently interested in acquiring Joel Hanrahan from the Nationals, not John Lannan as initially reported, according to MLBlogs.com.
Our View: The Sox are looking for relief help, and Hanrahan has had a nice year. We'll let you know if anything comes of this. |
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| Sox unwilling to let Moss go | Thursday 7/31, 2:08 PM CT |
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The Red Sox are apparently unwilling to deal Brandon Moss to the Royals for reliever Ron Mahay because they feel Moss would be their best insurance for Manny Ramirez, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Moss really isn't much of a prospect. Dealing him for Mahay would seem like a good move for the Sox, regardless of Manny's situation. |
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| Maddux unlikely to go to LA | Thursday 7/31, 1:53 PM CT |
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Greg Maddux is likely to remain in San Diego, as the Padres have been unable to reach a deal with the Dodgers, the only team Maddux has agreed to go to, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark.
Our View: Maddux has pitched well this year despite a poor record, but the Dodgers were apparently unwilling to offer more than a modest offer. |
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| Fuentes likely to stay put | Thursday 7/31, 1:49 PM CT |
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Unless a team dramatically ups their offer for Brian Fuentes, the reliever will remain in Colorado, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark.
Our View: A boatload of teams have been in on Fuentes, but it appears, at least at this point, that he's going nowhere. |
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| Dodgers back in on Manny | Thursday 7/31, 1:47 PM CT |
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It doesn't look like Manny Ramirez will be going to the Marlins, but the Dodgers are apparently now back in the mix, according to SI's Jon Heyman. SI has also learned that Manny has approved a trade to go to Florida, Philadelphia, Los Angeles or anywhere else.
Our View: The Dodgers have offered Andre Ethier, but Boston prefers Matt Kemp. |
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| Feliz has bulging disc in back | Thursday 7/31, 1:40 PM CT |
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Back specialist Todd Albert examined Pedro Feliz today and determined that the third baseman has a mild disc bulge in his back, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He won't participate in any baseball-related activities until sometime next week.
Our View: Feliz is eligible to return on August 9, but that might not happen. Greg Dobbs and Eric Bruntlett will handle third while he is out. |
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| Wood throws in sim game | Thursday 7/31, 1:37 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood had a 26-pitch simulated game Thursday and was able to throw all his pitches, according to MLB.com. Wood had not thrown since July 11 because of a nagging blister on his right index finger. "I'm beyond antsy," Wood said. "It's the [darndest] thing I've ever seen. I can't explain it, and nobody here can explain it. We've tried just about everything we could think of, and tried some things we probably shouldn't have. I think time is going to be the best thing for it."
Our View: Despite the positive step in Wood's recovery, the Cubs have not placed a timetable on his return. |
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| Mets may look to Ayala for relief help | Thursday 7/31, 1:20 PM CT |
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The Mets badly want a reliever, and Luis Ayala is on their radar, according to SI's Jon Heyman.
Our View: Ayala has been very good in the past but it's hard to imagine him representing much of an upgrade given how he's pitched this year (1-6, 5.54 ERA, 1.49 WHIP). |
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| White Sox talking to Nats about Lannan | Thursday 7/31, 1:16 PM CT |
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The White Sox are talking to the Nationals about a deal involving John Lannan, according to SI's Jon Heyman. It's not clear who the Nats would give up in return.
Our View: You can bet Jim Bowden would rather give up Tim Redding, but he'll trade anyone if the price is right. Lannan is just 23 and has had a good year, though his strikeout rate leaves something to be desired. |
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| Yanks, Sox in on Eyre | Thursday 7/31, 12:44 PM CT |
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Both the Yankees and the Red Sox are talking to the Cubs about acquiring Scott Eyre, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark.
Our View: Eyre has really struggled over the last year and a half for the Cubbies. The Yanks and Sox are looking for more substantial bullpen help in addition to Eyre. |
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| Another official says Manny deal is dead | Thursday 7/31, 12:40 PM CT |
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It's been about 20 minutes. Time for another Manny Ramirez update. ESPN's Jayson Stark is saying that yet another official with one of the three teams involved states that the deal is dead. The blame game is now being played, with Stark saying that the Pirates are blaming the Marlins for the deal falling apart and the Marlins blaming the Pirates. The Red Sox? Well, they're not too thrilled with either team.
Our View: Well, we are now leaning towards the side that says Manny is staying in Beantown. Obviously anything can happen over the next couple hours, though. |
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| Trade talks for Manny taking off? | Thursday 7/31, 12:19 PM CT |
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The rumors just keep on coming. Peter Gammons of ESPN has reported that the trade talks revolving around Manny Ramirez are at a standstill. However, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal has a source that says the talks are "taking off and Pittsburgh is getting what they're looking for."
Our View: Rosenthal has another source that is still not so sure a deal will get done. There's really no point in putting much stock into one report over the other at this point. |
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| Manny trade talks close to dead? | Thursday 7/31, 11:55 AM CT |
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ESPN's Peter Gammons has been told by a source that the Manny Ramirez trade talks are close to dead. The Marlins have reportedly asked for additional cash along with Ramirez in the three-way deal. That would mean the Sox would essentially be giving up Manny, two prospects and $9 million for Jason Bay.
Our View: We can't blame the Sox for not wanting to do that deal. This story is changing by the minute, so it's certainly possible a trade could be completed eventually. |
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| Manny approves trade to Marlins | Thursday 7/31, 11:28 AM CT |
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Manny Ramirez has approved a potential deal to the Marlins, according to SI's Jon Heyman. The Red Sox, Marlins and Pirates are still negotiating the details of a potential three-way deal.
Our View: Given Manny's comments over the last 24 hours, it's not surprising that he's given the trade the green light. We'll continue to update this situation as the window to complete a trade closes. |
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| A's unlikely to deal Street, others | Thursday 7/31, 11:18 AM CT |
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The A's have been talking to teams about dealing Huston Street, but a source told ESPN's Buster Olney that the chances of the A's making another deal today are at "about 1 percent."
Our View: Justin Duchscherer's names has also come up in trade talks. |
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| James could be called up to start Friday | Thursday 7/31, 11:09 AM CT |
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Chuck James could be recalled from Triple-A Richmond to start for the Braves on Friday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. James holds a 2.48 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) at Richmond.
Our View: James was a mess earlier this year for the Braves, but he appears to have found a groove in the minors. Don't forget what James did for the Braves the last two years. He's at least worth monitoring. |
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| Gil moved to the mound | Thursday 7/31, 10:56 AM CT |
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Jerry Gil has been converted to the mound and is now pitching for the Gulf Coast Reds, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "They say he's throwing 93, 94 (mph)," manager Dusty Baker said.
Our View: Gil hit 26 homers at Double-A Tennessee in 2006, but the former shortstop was hitting just .168 with four homers in 185 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A this year. |
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| Harang set for Monday rehab outing | Thursday 7/31, 10:51 AM CT |
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Aaron Harang will make a rehab start Monday for Triple-A Louisville, and if all goes well he will return to the Reds rotation on August 8, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Harang is coming back from a strained right forearm.
Our View: Hopefully Harang can return to form when he comes back, because his season has been a huge disappointment thus far. |
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| Richar lands with Reds | Thursday 7/31, 10:37 AM CT |
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The Reds acquired Danny Richar from the White Sox Thursday as part of the Ken Griffey Jr. deal. Richar is hitting .262 with nine homers and 11 steals for Triple-A Charlotte this year.
Our View: With Brandon Phillips already in Cincy, perhaps the Reds will move Richar to shortstop, where he has played in the minors. It's also possible that they simply view him as a backup at both short and second. |
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| Masset goes to Cincy | Thursday 7/31, 10:33 AM CT |
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The Reds acquired Nick Masset and Danny Richar from the White Sox in exchange for Ken Griffey Jr. Thursday. Masset holds a 4.63 ERA in 32 games (one start) this year.
Our View: Masset could end up in Cincy's rotation, though he will likely work out of the bullpen initially. |
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| Tankersley optioned to Triple-A | Thursday 7/31, 10:10 AM CT |
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The Marlins optioned Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque Thursday to make room on the roster for Anibal Sanchez.
Our View: Tankersley has really struggled this year, holding a 8.15 ERA in 25 games. |
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| Sanchez activated, ready to make start | Thursday 7/31, 10:08 AM CT |
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The Marlins activated Anibal Sanchez from the DL Thursday. Sanchez, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, will start for the Fish tonight.
Our View: This will be Sanchez's first outing since last May. He did well in five rehab starts, posting a 2.89 ERA. |
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| Manny deal not a slam dunk | Thursday 7/31, 10:05 AM CT |
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A source with knowledge of the Manny Ramirez three-way trade discussions told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal that "if anyone thinks this is a slam dunk, that's not the case." In the proposed deal, the Marlins would acquire Ramirez for Jeremy Hermida and a prospect. The Sox would then flip Hermida and prospects to the Pirates for Jason Bay. John Grabow is also involved in the deal, and although it's been reported that he could go to either Boston or Florida, Rosenthal believes the lefty would land with the Marlins. Contrary to other reports, Marlins prospects Ryan Tucker and Mike Stanton are not involved in the deal.
Our View: If the three-way trade falls through, the Pirates would then try to deal Bay to Tampa. |
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| Rhodes acquired by Marlins | Thursday 7/31, 9:54 AM CT |
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The Marlins have acquired veteran lefty Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners in exchange for minor league pitcher Gaby Hernandez, according to ESPN's Peter Gammons.
Our View: Not a bad deal for the M's. Hernandez is just 22 and has good upside. |
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| Kinney has another setback | Thursday 7/31, 9:50 AM CT |
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Josh Kinney has experienced another setback in his recovery from elbow surgery, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The righty "has slowed his throwing program after experiencing elbow discomfort," according to a team release.
Our View: GM John Mozeliak said the setback does not eliminate the possibility of Kinney helping out the team in September, but that seems to be very optimistic thinking. |
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| Cards may be willing to deal Lohse | Thursday 7/31, 9:24 AM CT |
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The Cardinals have publicly denied that they have any interest in trading Kyle Lohse, but sources have told ESPN's Jayson Stark that the Cards would be willing to part with the righty for the right package.
Our View: Lohse has been the Cards' best starter this season, but he's a Boras client and almost surely won't re-sign with the team this offseason. Still, it's a bit of a surprise that St. Louis would be willing to deal him given that they're tied for the NL Wild Card. |
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| Redding's value drops | Thursday 7/31, 8:56 AM CT |
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Tim Redding's trade value has taken a dip, not only because of his poor performance Wednesday, but also because Nats GM Jim Bowden is asking for too much for the veteran, according to SI's Jon Heyman. "Jim Bowden overplayed his hand," one NL GM said about the Nats GM.
Our View: Redding has had a decent year, but he hasn't been very good since June, and he's been a mediocre starter, at best, throughout his career. |
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| Mets may want Snell as reliever | Thursday 7/31, 8:52 AM CT |
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The Mets have "kicked around" the idea of trading for Ian Snell and sticking him in the bullpen for the rest of the year, according to SI's Jon Heyman.
Our View: The Mets would put Snell in the rotation next year. He'll require a steep price despite his down 2007 season. |
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| Maddux-to-Dodgers talks stalled | Thursday 7/31, 8:46 AM CT |
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Talks between the Padres and Dodgers involving Greg Maddux have stalled, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. The two sides appear to be far apart in agreeing what compensation is appropriate for the pitcher, and it's unclear whether the two sides will continue talks today.
Our View: Maddux will only approve a trade to a West Coast team, leaving the Padres with limited options. The Dodgers' interest in him appears to be mild. |
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| Cruz will be activated Friday | Thursday 7/31, 8:42 AM CT |
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Juan Cruz pitched two innings Wednesday in his final rehab appearance for Triple-A Tucson and will be activated from the DL Friday, according to the Arizona Republic. He's coming back from an oblique injury.
Our View: Cruz will fill a middle relief role upon his return. |
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| Kuroda could be pen-bound | Thursday 7/31, 8:39 AM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda could be moved to the bullpen if his struggles continue, according to the LA Times. "If we have to fix something, we'll fix it," manager Joe Torre said. "We certainly don't want to think that way at this point in time. We know the ability is there, we've seen it. But he's going to have to be comfortable."
Our View: Kuroda has really struggled with his breaking stuff. He holds a 13.11 ERA over his last three starts. |
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| Decision on Nomar looming | Thursday 7/31, 8:38 AM CT |
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A decision on whether to place Nomar Garciaparra on the DL will be made in "the next couple of days," manager Joe Torre told the LA Times. Nomar is dealing with a sprained MCL.
Our View: We expect Nomar to be headed to the DL. Angel Berroa will handle the shortstop duties, though the Dodgers are desperately trying to swing a trade. |
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| Chances of Manny trade are 50-50 | Thursday 7/31, 8:35 AM CT |
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ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the chances of a three-way deal involving Manny Ramirez going down are "50-50." Manny would end up with the Marlins, while Jason Bay would land in Boston and Jeremy Hermida and prospects in Pittsburgh. Reliever John Grabow would also go to Florida.
Our View: We'll continue to update this proposed deal up until the deadline. |
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| Ankiel could be back Friday | Thursday 7/31, 7:50 AM CT |
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Rick Ankiel missed his fourth straight game Wednesday and isn't expected to play Thursday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, Manager Tony La Russa indicated that Ankiel, who is dealing with an abdominal strain, could be good to go Friday.
Our View: The Cards are beating up on the downtrodden Braves without Ankiel's services, but they may need him this weekend against the Phillies. |
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| Dunn to Rays talk to resume | Thursday 7/31, 7:44 AM CT |
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Conversation between the Rays and Reds regarding an Adam Dunn deal is expected to resume Thursday morning, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The Rays would like to land Jason Bay, but he could be on his way to the Red Sox. Dunn leads the majors in home runs with 32, but a move out of Cincinatti's tiny ballpark may slow his pace. |
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| Castillo to begin rehab this weekend | Thursday 7/31, 7:41 AM CT |
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Luis Castillo will begin a rehab assignment this weekend and is expected to rejoin the Mets sometime in early August, according to MetsBlog.com. He is coming back from a strained hip flexor, and he won't be playing every day upon his return. "I think Luis will come back with a little more fire about him, knowing we'll play whoever is playing well," manager Jerry Manuel said.
Our View: Damon Easley and Argenis Reyes will battle Castillo for playing time at second. |
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| Maine likely to have start skipped | Thursday 7/31, 7:38 AM CT |
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John Maine will rejoin the Mets in Houston today, and his next start is likely to be skipped, according to MetsBlog.com. Maine left his last start with a sore shoulder, and an MRI revealed a mild strain in his rotator cuff.
Our View: Oliver Perez is expected to start in place of Maine Sunday, with Maine likely to take the ball sometime next week. |
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| Molina unlikely to be dealt | Thursday 7/31, 7:29 AM CT |
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Bengie Molina played the entire game Wednesday and is not believed to be traded, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, the Twins have talked with the Giants about a couple players, including Rich Aurilia and Jack Taschner. ESPN's Jayson Stark has reported that the Twins were willing to give up Boof Bonser, a former Giants farmhand.
Our View: Molina has been one of the few bright spots on the Giants' roster thus far. We're likely to see the team make at least one move today, but that move is unlikely to involve their catcher. |
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| Greene could have fractured hand after punch | Thursday 7/31, 7:22 AM CT |
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Khalil Greene injured his left hand Wednesday night when he punched a storage chest near the dugout after an at-bat in which he fouled a ball off his shin, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It's not good," Greene said of his left hand, which was discolored and swollen. The shortstop admitted that his outburst had more to do with his season-long slump than the pain he was in after fouling the ball off his shin.
Our View: Some Padres players said they feared Greene's hand could be fractured. He will be evaluated today. Luis Rodriguez will fill in at short while Greene is out. |
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| Gerut continues to produce | Thursday 7/31, 12:03 AM CT |
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Jody Gerut had two hits, scored a run, and knocked in one from the leadoff spot for the Padres.
Our View: Gerut is hitting .314 since the start of June, a span of 50 games, as he has carved himself out a nice little spot in the Padres outfield rotation making him a very valuable NL only play. |
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| Reynolds goes deep in win | Thursday 7/31, 12:00 AM CT |
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Mark Reynolds had two hits on Wednesday including his 22nd long ball of the year for Arizona.
Our View: Reynolds already has 132 strike outs on the year in just 354 at-bats, and if not for the presence of Ryan Howard everyone would be talking about this king of whiff. He has enough power to stay in the lineup, but he must rectify his utter inability to make contact. |
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