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| Kent homers in the 10th, but Giants win | Saturday 8/9, 11:55 PM CT |
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Barry Bonds showed up before the game and challenged Dodger manager Joe Torre, and then his Giants made good in 10 innings to get the 3-2 win, though a homer off the bat of Bonds' favorite second baseman, Jeff Kent, in the 10th inning made it interesting. Kent went 2-for-4 on the night with his 11th homer of the season, totaling one RBI and one run scored on the night.
Our View: Kent is hitting .360 thus far through August and carries four RBIs over his last two games forward. He hasn't hit with the power we tend to expect this season, but tonight he found it when it mattered. |
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| Haren takes rare loss | Saturday 8/9, 11:47 PM CT |
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With Arizona taking the fall in depressing fashion against the Braves, 11-4, ace Dan Haren has taken a loss, pitching 5 1/3 innings with six runs (all earned) on 10 hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: Haren drops to 12-6 on the season with an ERA of 3.00. This is his first loss in six starts, though his last four outings have gotten progressively shorter with more runs surrendered than the previous game in each. |
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| Jurrjens hurls a winner versus Arizona | Saturday 8/9, 11:42 PM CT |
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The Braves relied on bats for the win, beating up on the Diamondbacks 11-4, though RHP Jair Jurrjens put forth a solid effort on the mound. Jurrjens pitched six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Our View: Jurrjens moves to 11-7 on the season with an ERA of 3.18. He has allowed three earned runs in each of his last three outings with eight walks and 11 strikeouts along the way. |
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| McCann homers in win over 'Zona | Saturday 8/9, 11:32 PM CT |
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The Braves remembered to pack their bats tonight as they visited Dan Haren and the Arizona Diamondbacks, turning 14 hits into 11 runs for the 11-4 win. The man of worth was catcher Brian McCann, going 2-for-5 at the dish with his 21st homer of the season to total four RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: McCann is stroking it of late, hitting .333 in July and sporting an average of .346 thus far through August. He also added his fourth stolen base of the season. |
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| Cook falls versus Padres | Saturday 8/9, 11:22 PM CT |
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He started as the ace of the staff but is falling like a brick in the second half as the Rockies fall out of the NL West race. Likewise, starter Aaron Cook has fallen 8-3 to the Padres this evening, pitching just 5 2/3 innings to allow six runs (all earned) on 10 hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: Cook falls to 14-8, suffering consecutive losses for the first time since June. Thus far this month, he has surrendered 11 total earned runs. |
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| Maddux gets another win | Saturday 8/9, 11:19 PM CT |
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While rumors swirl of a potential move, San Diego RHP Greg Maddux keeps on keeping on, going six innings to allow just two runs (both earned) on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts in the 8-3 win over the Rockies.
Our View: The Dodgers are rumored to be pursuing Maddux after he cleared waivers, but tonight he was getting it done once again for the Padres. That's three consecutive wins for the veteran hurler (certainly helping his value), touting just one walk versus nine strikeouts over the span. |
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| Kouzmanoff, Gonzalez push win for Padres | Saturday 8/9, 11:14 PM CT |
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The Padres and Rockies are hoping to find a way to fight with the Dodgers, but tonight the Rocks would have been happy just to compete, falling 8-3 to San Diego thanks to the bats of corner infielders Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff. Gonzalez went 2-for-5 with his 28th homer of the season to total two RBIs and two runs scored while Kouz went 3-for-5 witih one RBI and two runs scored.
Our View: Gonzalez continues to keep a hot bat, already touting three home runs through August. Kouzmanoff carries two homers of his own, though his .281 average is considerably better. |
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| Beltran homers in win over FLA | Saturday 8/9, 10:20 PM CT |
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The Mets managed to find just enough hits to put the Marlins to bed, winning 8-6 with a little bit of help from outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran went 3-for-3 at the dish with one walk and his 16th homer of the season, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: After hitting just .248 with thee homers and 18 RBIs last month, Beltran has picked up the pieces and started hot in August, hitting .321 for August coming into tonight's matchup. |
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| Third consecutive win for Moehler | Saturday 8/9, 9:54 PM CT |
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Astros RHP Brian Moehler was once again working as a force of reckoning for Houston this evening, supporting his team's 3-1 win over the Reds with a strong performance off the mound. Moehler pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits with no walks and three strikeouts.
Our View: Moehler moves to 8-4 on the season, touting four wins over his last six starts with three consecutive wins heading forward. In his last three starts, he's allowed a combined total of three earned runs over 20 2/3 innings. |
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| Arroyo plays well but suffers the loss | Saturday 8/9, 9:49 PM CT |
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The Reds failed to take advantage of the strong outing from RHP Bronson Arroyo, falling 3-1 to the Houston Astros. Arroyo pitched six innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on five hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: Arroyo takes the loss, falling to 10-9 on the season with an ERA of 5.44. He was 4-1 through July and now stands at 1-1 in August. |
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| Myers gets the win | Saturday 8/9, 9:08 PM CT |
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Philadelphia RHP Brett Myers enjoyed another strong day on teh mound, getting the win by a score of 4-2 over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Myers pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on five hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
Our View: Myers moves to 5-9 on the season with an ERA of 5.09. In four starts since returning from injury, Myers has allowed just six combined earned runs with seven total walks and 13 strikeout. |
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| Rollins strokes two triples in win over Pitt | Saturday 8/9, 9:04 PM CT |
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The Phillies took full advantage of a lackluster effort from Pittsburgh, getting the 4-2 win over the Pirates with a strong effort from shortstop Jimmy Rollins . Rollins went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, hitting two triples and stealing his 29th base of the season to total two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Rollins has struggled a bit in the early battles of August, hitting jut .231 with no RBIs and just one run scored coming into tonight's battle. If he finds his groove, he should continue to produce quality numbers fantasy owners can enjoy. |
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| Snell suffers with no offense | Saturday 8/9, 8:59 PM CT |
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The lack of offense in Pittsburgh's 4-2 loss to Philly resulted in another disappointing result for Ian Snell, pitching six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on eight hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: This is one of the better outings Snell has put forth in recent weeks, but if there is no offense to support the cause, it doesn't matter. |
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| McLouth working to overcome | Saturday 8/9, 8:56 PM CT |
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The Pirates and Phillies did battle in the City of Brotherly Love this evening, but the Pirates are not likely to be feeling the warmth after a frustrating 4-2 loss. Outfielder Nate McLouth continues to work as the force of reckoning for Pitt, going 2-for-4 at the dish with his 36th double of the season, totaling one RBI and one run scored on the night.
Our View: McLouth hasn't homered since July 28th and now carries just two RBIs thus far this month. Of course, if there were players getting on base around him, it would help. |
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| Hardy homers in win over Nats | Saturday 8/9, 8:47 PM CT |
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While the pitching was the story of the night in the Brewers' 6-0 win over Washington, shortstop J.J. Hardy did his part to support the cause. Hardy went 2-for-5 at the dish, hitting his 17th homer of the season to total one RBI and two runs scored on the night.
Our View: Hardy was phenominal in July, hitting .339 with nine homers and 21 RBIs on the month. Thus far in August he is taking time to warm up, hitting just .222 but touting four hits, including two homers, over his last three games. |
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| Complete game win for Sheets | Saturday 8/9, 8:43 PM CT |
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The Nationals failed to produce any semblance of productivity at the plate this evening, posting just five total hits in the 6-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers owe it all to starter Ben Sheets , going the complete game to earn his 11th win of the season, failing to walk a single batter and striking out six.
Our View: Sheets moves to 11-5 on the season with a 2.95 ERA. He had suffered three losses over his last five starts coming in, leading to worries that his arm may be suffering from fatigue. Tonight Sheets was on point, pitching his fourth complete game of the season. |
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| Lee out with hand injury | Saturday 8/9, 8:07 PM CT |
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Houston slugger Carlos Lee , the National League's RBI leader, left the Astros' game at Cincinnati in the third inning Saturday night with an apparent injury to his left pinky finger after getting hit by a pitch, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The left fielder, who reached the 100-RBI level for the fourth consecutive season on Friday night and leads the NL in that category, was hit by a pitch from Bronson Arroyo with Lance Berkman on first base, two outs and Houston leading 1-0. What looked like blood was seen on Lee's left pinkie finger when his batting glove was pulled off. Lee will be reevaluated on Monday. |
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| Maddux to Dodgers??? | Saturday 8/9, 7:55 PM CT |
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San Diego Padres' starter Greg Maddux cleared waivers on Thursday and the Dodgers remain very interested in acquiring the future Hall of Famer, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: There was no indication whether the Dodgers had contacted the Padres about a possible deal on Thursday, but we anticipate there will be news coming forth on this in the very near future. Teams are preparing for the stretch towards the playoffs and a veteran arm this reliable is not easy to find. The Dodgers may head the pack, but other teams may come calling (though we can't imagine Maddux working in the American League). Stay tuned. |
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| Wagner plays catch | Saturday 8/9, 7:49 PM CT |
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Ailing Mets closer Billy Wagner , working his way back from a strained left forearm, played catch before the game, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The Mets placed Wagner on the 15-day DL on August 5th due to a left forearm strain. While out, Aaron Heilman is getting work in the 9th. However, today indicates Wagner is doing well and is set to return on schedule. |
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| Braun pulled with back pain | Saturday 8/9, 7:45 PM CT |
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All-star left-fielder Ryan Braun was pulled from the Brewers' game against Washington on Saturday night because of tightness in his lower back, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Braun was replaced by pinch-hitter Gabe Kapler in the bottom of the third inning. There was no immediate word on the seriousness of the injury. |
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| Wellemeyer gets the win | Saturday 8/9, 7:05 PM CT |
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The Cardinals enjoyed a rather productive day at Wrigley this afternoon, putting a convincing 12-3 win on the board versus the Cubs. For St. Louis, the work of RHP Todd Wellemeyer served as the catalyst for success, pitching 6 2/3 innings to allow three runs (all earned) on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts on the day.
Our View: Wellemeyer gets the win and moves to 9-4 on the season, sitting with a 4.01 ERA. He had suffered three consecutive no-decision finishes coming in, allowing just five combined runs over those starts. Today he gets the spoils of victory and looks to be improving as an arm to fear. |
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| Zambrano continues to suffer in August | Saturday 8/9, 6:47 PM CT |
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Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano suffered the loss today in one of his worst outings of the season, going just 4 1/3 innnings to allow nine runs (all earned) on ten hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Zambrano allowed four homers, including two in the third with Troy Glaus hitting one each in the fourth and fifth innings. The hurler went 4-1 over five starts in July, allowing just two homers throughout those trips to the mound. Thus far in two starts in August, he has yet to earn a victory, has yet to go beyond the fifth inning, and has yet to leave without giving up at least one homer. |
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| Glaus homers twice in 12-3 rout of Cubbies | Saturday 8/9, 6:42 PM CT |
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It was a tale of two cities as the Cardinals and Cubs battled in Chicago today, but the visitors stole the thunder and put the 12-3 beating on the north siders, an effort largely built on the work of third baseman Troy Glaus . Glaus was amazing with the bat, going 3-for-5 with two home runs on the day, his 20th and 21st of the season, totaling five RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Glaus smacked seven homers through July and now has three for August, also sporting seven RBIs through the month thus far (though all were posted in just two games). |
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| Votto to bereavement list | Saturday 8/9, 5:35 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Reds placed rookie first baseman Joey Votto on the bereavement list Saturday, according to the Associated Press. At Votto's request, the reason was not revealed.
Our View: Votto is hitting .280 with 21 doubles, 14 HR and 53 RBI. He ranks among the National League rookie leaders in most statistical categories. He is eligible to be reinstated from the bereavement list on Tuesday, and must be reinstated by next Saturday. |
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| Castillo set to return, but Manuel not ready to commit | Saturday 8/9, 5:32 PM CT |
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Mets manager Jerry Manuel said today that Luis Castillo could come off the disabled list as soon as Tuesday in Washington against the Nationals, according to the New York Post.
Our View: This could be rather intriguing as Castillo will be looking for playing time and may find trouble as Manuel has grown comfortable with Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes. Because of the performances of Easley and Reyes, and with the MetsNew York Mets playing well over .500 ball with Castillo not in the lineup, Manuel repeated again today that Castillo will likely be a part-time player when he comes back despite being in the first year of a four-year, $25 million contract. |
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| Wood ready to pitch | Saturday 8/9, 3:10 PM CT |
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Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood says he is ready to pitch, one day after being held out of the game with back tightness, according to Cubs.com.
Our View: The injury was not believed to be serious, and that has turned out to be accurate. Keep him in your fantasy lineups. |
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| Weeks out of lineup | Saturday 8/9, 3:06 PM CT |
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Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks will not be in today's lineup when his team takes on Washington, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Seems like an odd time for Milwaukee manager Ned Yost to take Weeks out, as the second baseman is hitting .333 in August. He is 0-for-3 against Tim Redding, who will be pitching for the Nats, but that is hardly a large enough sample size to draw any conclusions from. |
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| Tabata promoted | Saturday 8/9, 2:43 PM CT |
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Outfielder Jose Tabata, the key piece of the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees, has been promoted to Double-A, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Tabata is just 19 years old, and seems to be on his way to the big leagues sometime in the next year or two. |
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| James sent down | Saturday 8/9, 2:37 PM CT |
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Braves hurler Chuck James was sent to the minor leagues in order to make room on the roster for Chipper Jones, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: James has been hideous this season, just two years removed from an impressive rookie debut. He had no place on fantasy rosters anyway, so his demotion shouldn't have an effect in fantasy leagues. |
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| Soriano tests inconclusive | Saturday 8/9, 2:29 PM CT |
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Tests on the elbow of Braves reliever Rafael Soriano proved inconclusive, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He had another MRI, this time by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Soriano will soon begin a throwing program.
Our View: If the throwing program does not work, Soriano will likely need exploratory surgery on his elbow. He had been a guy fantasy owners were counting on for saves and K's, but his future is now up in the air. |
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| Upton to begin rehab assignment | Saturday 8/9, 2:18 PM CT |
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Arizona outfielder Justin Upton will start his rehabilitation assignment next week in Triple-A Tuscon, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Upton felt good in batting practice, which made this move possible. He will be down for at least a week, so those in NL-only leagues who have him will have to be a little more patient. |
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| Wood injures back | Saturday 8/9, 2:14 PM CT |
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Kerry Wood was not available during Friday's contest against the Cardinals, as he has a back injury, according to the Chicago Tribune. The extent of his injury is unknown, but not believed to be serious.
Our View: Wood may not be available to pitch on Saturday, and he had just come back from the DL after dealing with a sprained finger. |
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| Atkins loves facing Maddux | Saturday 8/9, 1:07 PM CT |
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Good news for fantasy owners of Rockies third sacker Garrett Atkins: he has consistently had big-time success against Padres hurler Greg Maddux in his career. Atkins is hitting .464 (13-for-28) with two home runs, a double and a triple off the future Hall of Famer.
Our View: Atkins is having a solid August, so look for that to continue in a place where Maddux has a 15.43 ERA this season. |
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| Beltran has favorable match-up | Saturday 8/9, 12:55 PM CT |
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If history holds true, Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran will put up good numbers tonight against the Marlins and hurler Scott Olsen. In his career against the lefty, Beltran is hitting .409 with two home runs and a .500 on-base percentage.
Our View: Beltran has not hit a home run since July 13, so fantasy owners wouldn't mind seeing him get off the snide tonight against a pitcher he has dominated. |
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| Lee should continue torrid August | Saturday 8/9, 12:37 PM CT |
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Carlos Lee is having a completely dominant August, and chances are he continues that tonight. For the month, Lee is hitting .500 (15-for-30), with four home runs and 13 RBI. His slugging percentage for the month is an outrageous .967. Against tonight's starter for Cincinnati, Bronson Arroyo, Lee is hitting .357 with four extra-base hits.
Our View: Lee has the inside track for N.L. Player of the Month, and Bronson Arroyo has a chance to contribute to that distinction this evening. |
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| McLouth hits Myers well | Saturday 8/9, 11:54 AM CT |
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Nate McLouth has a good history against Phillies starter Brett Myers, who he will face tonight. Though McLouth has just five career at-bats against him, he does have two hits - both of them home runs.
Our View: McLouth has not hit a home run since July 28, but that could change tonight. |
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| Rollins crushes Snell | Saturday 8/9, 11:35 AM CT |
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Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has been struggling a bit in August, but he could break out of that tonight when Philly takes on Pittsburgh and pitcher Ian Snell. Rollins has Snell's number, with a career .533 average (8-for-15) off of him. Among his eight hits are one home run, one double and two triples.
Our View: Rollins' August has consisted of a .231 average, but he has been getting on base, posting a .412 OBP. Be sure he is in your fantasy lineup tonight. |
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| Bergmann part of team's future | Saturday 8/9, 10:30 AM CT |
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Washington Nationals hurler Jason Bergmann has pitched well enough that the team has plans to use him in the rotation in the future, according to the Washington Post. "He continues to do it for us, so he can pencil himself in here for the future," Nats manager Manny Acta said.
Our View: Don't let his miserable 2-8 record fool you. Bergmann has been better than that, and sports a 4.13 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP. He shows good control, having walked just 27 batters in 106.2 innings. Unfortunately, his record does mean that he isn't up to snuff in fantasy leagues. |
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| Reyes designated for assignment | Saturday 8/9, 9:06 AM CT |
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Tampa Bay pitcher Al Reyes has been designated for assignment by the club, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: The Rays now have 10 days to place him on waivers, trade him or release him. He was of little importance in fantasy leagues, having thrown just 22.2 innings this year. |
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| Church to begin rehab games | Saturday 8/9, 7:53 AM CT |
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Ryan Church will work out at Shea Stadium before heading to Florida to play in minor league games as he attempts to come back from post-concussion syndrome, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Church had been playing very well for fantasy owners, and those who have hung on to him may be rewarded soon. However, there's still a real possibility he could be out the rest of the year if his symptoms return. |
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| Barton to return | Saturday 8/9, 7:42 AM CT |
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Brian Barton will return from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Barton has played well in Memphis, with a .309 average and three home runs in 55 at-bats there. He doesn't get much playing time in the big leagues, so his fantasy value is low. |
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| Glaus 0-for-Chicago | Saturday 8/9, 7:39 AM CT |
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Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus has yet to get a hit against the Chicago Cubs this season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Amazingly, the slugger is 0-for-29 with 12 strikeouts against St. Louis' division rivals.
Our View: It's probably a coincidence, but it's pretty startling. Surely he'll get a hit off of them at some point, and fantasy owners are hoping that will come this weekend, as his numbers have taken a slide recently. |
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| Ankiel may play today | Saturday 8/9, 7:36 AM CT |
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Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel did not play yesterday against Chicago, but he did pinch hit, and he may suit up today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It's just not quite there yet. We'll see about tomorrow," Ankiel said.
Our View: Ankiel has been out almost two weeks with a strained abdomen, playing sparingly here and there. His totals have certainly been a boon for fantasy owners, and he should be back hitting homers for them in no time. |
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| Wainwright struggles in outing | Saturday 8/9, 7:31 AM CT |
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Adam Wainwright struggled in his first rehab outing for Triple-A Memphis, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Being groomed as a reliever, Wainwright was on a 25 pitch limit, and he used them to get just two outs, allowing three runs on four hits while walking one and striking one batter out.
Our View: Wainwright is likely to be the Cardinals closer when he returns to action. He has not pitched in two months, so some rust was to be expected. |
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| Penny returns, defeats Giants | Saturday 8/9, 12:22 AM CT |
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Brad Penny pitched very well holding the Giants to just one hit and one run in five innings of work in his first start back from the DL as he ended a personal seven game losing streak with the victory.
Our View: Penny walked three and didn’t strike out a batter while throwing 76 pitches. Penny was throwing 87-90 mph on most his fastballs on this night, so that 98 mph stuff he supposedly had in his last minor league outing is highly dubious. Don’t give him too much credit either, he was facing the lowly Giants. |
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| Molina one of the best hitting catchers | Saturday 8/9, 12:19 AM CT |
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Bengie Molina hit his ninth home run of the season on Friday night as he knocked in his team leading 64th and 65th runs of the year for the Giants.
Our View: Molina clearly would have to get on his horse to match last years total of 19 home runs, but he is still within striking distance of the 81 RBI he produced last season. |
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| Manny held without a hit | Saturday 8/9, 12:17 AM CT |
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Manny Ramirez was held hitless by the Giants on Friday night going 0-for-5, but the Dodgers still emerged victorious with a 6-2 victory over the their arch rival.
Our View: What a bum. Clearly, the Dodgers shouldn't have made the trade to acquire him as he is hitting just .464 with nine RBI in seven games out west. |
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| Zito awful yet again | Saturday 8/9, 12:14 AM CT |
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Barry Zito struggled with the throwing quality strikes on Friday and he allowed six hits, three walks and five runs to the Dodgers in just five innings. Zito is now 6-14 on the year.
Our View: One start after dominating the Padres with eight scoreless innings, Zito returned to the form that Giants fans have become accustomed to by looking eminently hittable. Shockingly, Zito has produced a 1.74 WHIP over 121.2 innings. |
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| Campillo falters, still wins | Saturday 8/9, 12:00 AM CT |
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Jorge Campillo struggled on Friday night, but he still held on to win his seventh game of the year. Campillo didn't walk a batter, but he allowed eight hits over 6.1 innings.
Our View: This was the first time in seven starts that he allowed more than three earned runs and even with the poor outing his ERA is still a fantastic 2.83 in 114.1 IP. |
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