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| Upton keeps Tampa Bay in runs | Sunday 8/17, 10:43 PM CT |
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The pitching was solid but outfielder B.J. Upton made sure the offense was in check as the Rays put the 7-4 win on the board versus Texas. Upton went 3-for-5 at the plate with his 28th double and eighth homer of the season, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Upton had no homers last month and was touting just one in August before this evening. His offense has failed to impress as hoped, though he continues to enhance the effort with stolen bases (13 since July 1). |
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| Kazmir gets the win | Sunday 8/17, 10:39 PM CT |
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Scott Kazmir was once again in charge on the mound this evening as the Rays put the Rangers to sleep, 7-4. Kazmir pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View: Kazmir gets the win to move to 9-6 on the season, touting an impressive 3.21 ERA. He had not won since July 21st, suffering three no-decisions and one loss in four starts since. He's not nearly as dominating as he was early in the season, but Kazmir continues to give his team a chance to win. |
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| Nippert continues to struggle | Sunday 8/17, 10:35 PM CT |
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Young Rangers starter Dustin Nippert found struggles on the mound once again this evening, pitching just four innings to allow seven runs (all earned) on eight hits with no walks and one strikeout.
Our View: Nippert has bounced up and down all season long, but each of his last five outings lave lasted just four innings. He has been highly inconsistent and seems to be struggling to halt the home run. |
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| Hamilton drives in two | Sunday 8/17, 10:31 PM CT |
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The Rangers tried to overcome two tough innings but fell just a bit short, taking the 7-4 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays. As usual, outfielder Josh Hamilton was the leader of the charge, going 2-for-4 at the plate with one walk and one double, totaling two RBIs on the night.
Our View: Hamilton has slowed a bit, hitting just .265 through August with three homers and eight RBIs coming into tonight. |
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| Rangers swapping corner infielders | Sunday 8/17, 10:25 PM CT |
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The Rangers have announced the team's corner infielders will be switching places as Chris Davis will move to third base and Hank Blalock is going to first upon his return to the active lineup, which could be as early as Friday against Cleveland, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Blalock's shoulder is the reason for the flip-flop. Blalock talked to manager Ron Washington and general manager Jon Daniels on Sunday and said his shoulder isn't progressing enough for him to realistically expect to play third base this season. So to get Blalock in the lineup, the Rangers asked Davis to move to the left side of the infield, where he played in 2007. |
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| Olson could be on thin ice | Sunday 8/17, 10:22 PM CT |
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Orioles manager Dave Trembley didn't sound terribly supportive of the future for pitcher Garrett Olson following the debacle that was their 16-8 win over Detroit, according to the Baltimore Sun. Olson managed to get just five outs, allowing five earned runs and four hits, and walking three in the shortest outing of his career. Following the game, Trembley was asked about his pitcher, and he replied, "It was disturbing for me to watch," Trembley said. "I'm a very patient person with players, and I'm very patient with young players, but we need to do something to get him on track and to help him. I'm sure he's just despondent. I'm sure there's no one that feels any worse than he does. That's unfortunate. I'm just glad the team did what they did to pick him up because something like this could be really difficult to bounce back from."
Our View: Olson has made 21 starts, going 8-6 with a 6.38 ERA. He has allowed four earned runs or more in 10 of his past 13 starts and has not made it through the sixth inning in nine of those outings. In two of his past three outings, Olson has failed to log three innings. We believe that says it all, and a move to option him to the minors would surprise no one. |
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| Pennington gets first major league hit | Sunday 8/17, 9:32 PM CT |
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There was a bright spot in the A's loss to the White Sox on Sunday afternoon: Cliff Pennington got his first Major League hit, according to MLB.com. The reserve infielder replaced Bobby Crosby at shortstop in the eighth inning, and responded in the bottom half of the inning with a sinking liner off White Sox starter Javier Vazquez that dropped under the glove of right fielder DeWayne Wise, who dove but could not make the catch.
Our View: Pennington was called up from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday. A first-round Draft pick in 2005, Pennington had not played above Double-A before this season, but led the A's farm system with 91 runs scored over stints at Midland and Stockton. Up next for the 24-year-old will be Pennington's first big league road trip, a 10-game, three-city journey that begins Monday in Minnesota. The A's will also play in Seattle and Anaheim before returning home to play a four-game series against the Orioles. |
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| Red Sox get Buchholz tune-up work vs Toronto | Sunday 8/17, 9:29 PM CT |
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The game was as ugly as could be in today's loss to Toronto, but the Red Sox identified an opportunity to get Clay Buchholz a bit of work, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Buchholz, who has struggled for most of the season, had been pushed back in the rotation by the arrival of Paul Byrd and the rainout on Friday night. The rookie right-hander had been scheduled to start yesterday. The Orioles start will be Buchholz’s first in 10 days. |
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| Bradley scratched (again) | Sunday 8/17, 8:35 PM CT |
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For the second night in a row, designated hitter Milton Bradley has been scratched due to a stiff back, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Bradley has missed time with several ailments over recent weeks, giving fantasy owners fits as he struggles to get in the batter's box. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has taken his place as this evening's designated hitter. |
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| Quentin keeps smacking the ball | Sunday 8/17, 6:30 PM CT |
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The pitching was getting the work done, but MVP-candidate Carlos Quentin made sure the deal was done in pushing the offense for the 13-1 win over the Oakland Athletics. Quentin went 2-for-3 with his 34th homer of the season, totaling four RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: Quentin's name is starting to look more and more attractive to MVP voters. He's hitting .375 through August with six homers and 12 RBIs after totaling nine homers and 22 RBIs in July. |
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| Vazquez putting best foot forward | Sunday 8/17, 6:25 PM CT |
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Oakland failed to put up a fight in any way, shape, or form today as the White Sox posted the 13-1 win today. Chicago RHP Javier Vazquez is the reason why, pitching eight innings to surrender just one run on four hits with no walks and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Vazquez went just 0-3 through July but has improved, going 3-1 thus far through August. He has allowed just seven earned runs during that span, none of which have come in either of his last two starts. That's 16 consecutive innings without giving up a run for Vazquez, totaling one walk and 18 strikeouts along the way. |
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| Morneau trying to get right with homer | Sunday 8/17, 6:19 PM CT |
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Minnesota first baseman Justin Morneau added his gifts to the cause this evening, an 11-8 win over the Seattle Mariners. Morneau went 2-for-3 at the plate with two walks and his 19th homer of the season, totaling two RBIs with two runs scored.
Our View: Morneau is hitting just .196 through August, today hitting his first homer of the month. |
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| Kubel smacks two doubles vs Seattle | Sunday 8/17, 6:15 PM CT |
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Minnesota outfielder Jason Kubel continues to swing a hot bat, going 4-for-5 today to help his Twins get the 11-8 win over Seattle. Kuben hit two doubles to register two RBIs and four runs scored on the night.
Our View: Kubel is warming up in August, hitting .317 after posting an average of just .271 in July. He also carries just five strikeouts along that span with three homers and eight RBIs. |
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| Nathan gets save #33 | Sunday 8/17, 6:12 PM CT |
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Twins closer Joe Nathan secured his 33rd save of the season today as Minnesota picked up the 11-8 win over Seattle. Nathan pitched 1 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and one walk with just one strikeout. However, while he failed to dominate, he coaxed two fly outs and one ground out to close the door and get Minnesota a much-needed victory.
Our View: Nathan has been a rock this month, today gathering his fourth save of August with just seven hits allowed over 8 1/3 innings, posting just two walks and nine strikeouts during that span. |
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| Ibanez stays hot at the plate | Sunday 8/17, 6:08 PM CT |
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The Mariners and Twins did battle with the sticks today, sharing 33 hits over nine innings as the Twins pulled the exciting 11-8 victory. For Seattle, outfielder Raul Ibanez was the weapon of choice, going 5-for-5 with two doubles on the day, totaling one RBI and one run scored.
Our View: Ibanez is hitting an impressive .413 through August, touting four homers with 20 RBIs along the way. |
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| Marcum tops Red Sox | Sunday 8/17, 5:42 PM CT |
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Toronto RHP Shaun Marcum was on his best behavior on the mound against Boston today, picking up his eighth win of the season by pitching five innings, allowing just one run on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
Our View: The overall record for Marcum now stands at 8-5 with an ERA of 3.36. This is his third consecutive win with just four earned runs allowed during that span. |
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| Rios hits four doubles vs Boston | Sunday 8/17, 5:38 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays posted a total of 22 hits on the day, finishing with an impressive 15-4 win over the Red Sox. The offense was led by outfielder Alex Rios, going 5-for-6 at the plate with four doubles, totaling two RBIs and three runs scored.
Our View: Rios is hitting an impressive .348 thus far through August, and though he has earned just seven RBIs, he carries 15 runs scored. |
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| Beckett falls vs Blue Jays, possibly injured? | Sunday 8/17, 5:34 PM CT |
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There was plenty of offense going on the American League today, and the Blue Jays joined the party with an impressive 15-4 win over Boston. The Red Sox may have bigger issues, as indicated by the performance of starter Josh Beckett today. Beckett lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Our View: Beckett falls to 11-9 on the season with a 4.34 ERA. The boys calling the game openly questioned if Beckett may be nursing an unreported injury, noting his motion and technique were well out of form. We will track the situation as we anticipate the Sox are likey to send him for testing. Now is not the time to take chances with such a valuable commodity. |
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| Mussina improves to 16-7 vs Kansas City | Sunday 8/17, 4:55 PM CT |
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The Yankees and their fans have to be happy to see ace Mike Mussina emerging once again in 2008, today picking up his 16th win of the season by putting the Royals in the loss column. Moose pitched six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
Our View: The overall record moves to 16-7 with a 3.35 ERA for Mussina. Since the end of June, he has been a stud, going 6-1 with six walks and 48 strikeouts. |
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| Grand salami for Giambi | Sunday 8/17, 4:52 PM CT |
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Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi smacked a grand slam home run against the Kansas City Royals today, supporting the ugly 15-6 win over KC. Giambino posted just the one hit on the day, going 1-for-4 with the four RBIs and one run scored.
Our View: Giambi now touts 24 homers on the season, including four through August with 10 RBIs to boot. |
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| An A-Bomb... from A-Rod | Sunday 8/17, 4:49 PM CT |
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The Yankees win 15-6 over the Royals today, earning their first series victory over their last 10 tries. As you might expect, Alex Rodriguez was a big part of the equation, going 3-for-3 with two walks and his 28th home run of the season, complete with five RBIs and three runs scored on the day.
Our View: A-Rod is hitting just .200 through August but has hits in eight of his last nine outings. Today's homer was his fourth of the month though he carries just seven RBIs with it. |
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| Mora posts phenominal day | Sunday 8/17, 4:43 PM CT |
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The Orioles and Tigers let it all hang out in the batter's box today, posting a combined 37 hits as the O's pulled the 16-8 win. Third baseman Melvin Mora went an astounding 5-for-6 in the effort, hitting two doubles and two homers on the day to lead the way with an amazing six RBIs and four runs scored.
Our View: This may be one of the more impressive single-day fantasy performances of the season, but it's part of a string of dominance Mora has been posting. Dude was 28-for-60, a whopping .467, through August coming into today, touting three homers and 20 RBIs. He couldn't be stroking it better right now, going 18-for-28 over his past six games. |
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| Scott drives in four, strands five in 16-run win | Sunday 8/17, 4:38 PM CT |
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The Orioles and Tigers insured the fans in Detroit were given a show, though they weren't terribly happy with the results as the O's won 16-8. One of several players of note, outfielder Luke Scott went 3-for-6 with his 22nd double and 20th and 21st home runs of the season, totaling a whopping four RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Scott also managed to strikeout three times, stranding five runs in the process. |
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| Renteria goes 4-for-5 in loss to Baltimore | Sunday 8/17, 4:34 PM CT |
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The Orioles and Tigers shared a grand total of 37 hits on the day, but the score fails to indicate a competitive battle as the O's picked up the 16-8 win. For the Tigers, shortstop Edgar Renteria was the top fantasy man of the day, going 4-for-5 void of an extra-base hit but enhanced with his fourth stolen base of the season, adding three runs scored along the way.
Our View: Renteria is hitting just .271 on the season but has been on fire of late, going 18-for-51 through August with hits in nine of his last ten games. |
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| Teixeira extends streak | Sunday 8/17, 3:26 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Indians.
Our View: Teixeira has extended his hitting streak to nine games, and has six multi-hit efforts over the span. He raised his season average a few more points to .297. |
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| Saunders dealt no-decision | Sunday 8/17, 3:23 PM CT |
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Joe Saunders issued three earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Cleveland, with two walks and two strikeouts. The game was tied 3-3 when Saunders exited, so he was dealt a no-decision.
Our View: Saunders has now bern handed a no-decision in each of his last three starts, but has not suffered a loss in his last six outings. |
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| Gutierrez leads Indians to win | Sunday 8/17, 3:18 PM CT |
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Franklin Gutierrez led the Indians to a 4-3 win over the Angels on Sunday, as he went 3-for-3 with two RBI.
Our View: That marks his fourth multi-hit game of August, and the third time this season he registered more than one RBI in a game. |
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| Sowers earns second win | Sunday 8/17, 3:14 PM CT |
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Jeremy Sowers allowed two earned runs on eight hits over 6.2 innings of work in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Angels, with two walks and two strikeouts.
Our View: He improves to 2-6, and ended a four-game drought without a win. He should only be considered in larger AL-only leagues down the stretch. |
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| Drew injured | Sunday 8/17, 2:37 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew was forced out of Sunday's game against Toronto due to lower back tightness, according to the AP.
Our View: Jeff Bailey replaced him in right field. We will keep you posted when more details regarding Drew's status are disclosed. |
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| Casilla to begin rehab Monday | Sunday 8/17, 12:48 PM CT |
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The Star Tribune indicates that Alexi Casilla will begin his rehab assignment Monday with Single-A Beloit. He is trying to rebound from a torn tendon in his right thumb.
Our View: Casilla will play Monday and Tuesday, and if all goes favorably without a setback, he’ll rejoin the Twins on Wednesday, before they leave on their 14-day road trip.
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| Pavano could get nod in rotation | Sunday 8/17, 12:29 PM CT |
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Carl Pavano, who is pitching with Double-A Trenton, will be monitored closely as a possible candidate to serve as the Yankees' fifth starter next week against Baltimore, according to the AP. Phil Hughes (at Triple-A Scranton) is the other top candidate for the start.
Our View: Pavano will be a fantasy risk, but still has potential to bounce back as a solid starter, and could be worth a look in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Matsui to return Tuesday? | Sunday 8/17, 12:22 PM CT |
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Manager Joe Girardi commented that Hideki Matsui should be activated from the DL Tuesday, according to the AP. Matsui had 15 at-bats during a simulated game at the Yankees’ spring training complex in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, facing left and right-handed pitching. Girardi said the swollen left knee that has hindered the rehab process several times seems to be holding up. Girardi added, "Every time he would get to bat, it would just blow up, but it hasn’t this time. So far the knee is good and we’ll make a decision tomorrow."
Our View: Matsui is batting .323 with seven homers and 34 RBI over 69 games this season, and could provide a boost to fantasy owners down the stretch, if his knee allows. |
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| Feierabend officially called up | Sunday 8/17, 11:08 AM CT |
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Ryan Feierabend has been officially called up from Triple-A Tacoma, according to the AP. He will start Sunday in place of the injured Carlos Silva, who has been placed on the 15-day DL due to tendinitis in his right elbow.
Our View: The 22-year-old hurler was 7-1 with a 2.04 ERA over 13 starts with Tacoma. He is worth taking a flier on in deeper AL-only leagues if you need pitching help. |
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| Chamberlain update | Sunday 8/17, 10:30 AM CT |
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Joba Chamberlain, who is recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, played catch for a second straight day Saturday, while making 28 throws, and said he felt better than he did after throwing for the first time Friday, according to the NY Daily News. He said, "I got loose a lot quicker. It went a lot better than I expected, getting loose and staying loose." He is scheduled to take Sunday off.
Our View: Manager Joe Girardi previously stated that Chamberlain will likely remain in the rotation when he returns, rather than move back to the pen, and the young hurler is making positive steps in that direction in his rehab. He could be back in pinstripes in late August. |
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| Damon has bruise on palm | Sunday 8/17, 10:25 AM CT |
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Johnny Damon has a bruise on the palm of his left hand (near his thumb), according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: It is unclear what his status is for Sunday's game. He was limited to a DH role Saturday, and went 1-for-6 against the Royals. |
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| McCarthy set for next rehab start | Sunday 8/17, 10:18 AM CT |
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Brandon McCarthy, who is recovering from severe inflammation in his right forearm, is set to make another rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He only allowed one hit over six innings in his last outing.
Our View: If he pitches well Sunday, he could be considered an option for the Rangers' rotation, hence ranking him as a player to stash in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Mahay dealing with foot ailment | Sunday 8/17, 10:00 AM CT |
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Ron Mahay is once again dealing his pain in his left foot, according to the KC Star. The reliever reported some day-after soreness in his left foot after pitching Friday for the first time since August 6. He was diagnosed with plantar fascia, which results in discomfort to the heel and bottom of the foot. He said, "It’s a little step back. I hope it’s only a little step. I’ve never had this before. I’m learning as I go with this."
Our View: As a result of the ailment, Mahay struggled against the Yankees Friday while walking two of three batters faced. This is unfavorable news for the Royals' bullpen, but he only holds fantasy value in leagues that use middle men. |
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| Glover recalled | Sunday 8/17, 9:39 AM CT |
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Gary Glover has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo, according to the AP. Todd Jones has been placed on the 15-day DL as the adjoining move.
Our View: The Tigers signed Glover as a minor league free agent August 9. He has pitched four scoreless innings and struck out four batters in three appearances with Toledo. He will work in middle relief, and does not merit fantasy consideration in standard leagues.
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| Jones heads back to DL | Sunday 8/17, 9:35 AM CT |
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Todd Jones has headed back to the DL due to a sore right shoulder, according to the AP. Gary Glover has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo to fill his spot on the roster.
Our View: Jones was activated Friday, but was ineffective, and is no longer worth holding out hope for as a fantasy closer. |
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| Willits ready for batting practice | Sunday 8/17, 9:09 AM CT |
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Reggie Willits, who is recovering from a mild concussion, will begin taking batting practice Sunday, according to the LA Times.
Our View: He has responded well to workouts, and should be ready to play by the end of next week. Fantasy owners should not be waiting for him however, as he is only hitting .185 over 65 at-bats. |
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| Bay collects 6th multi-hit game | Sunday 8/17, 8:45 AM CT |
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Jason Bay recorded two singles on Saturday, and now has six multi-hit efforts in 14 games as a member of the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Bay raised his season average to .290 and should continue to generate solid numbers down the stretch while chasing a pennant with the Red Sox. |
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| Varitek ends hitless streak | Sunday 8/17, 8:41 AM CT |
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Jason Varitek ended an 0-for-15 streak with a single against the Blue Jays Saturday, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The struggling catcher is 5-for-33 (.152) in his last 11 games, and 32-for-199 (.161) in his last 62 games. |
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| Brown begins throwing program | Sunday 8/17, 7:20 AM CT |
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Andrew Brown, who is recovering from right shoulder soreness, has begun a throwing program, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: He has a shot to return to the Athletics' bullpen before the end of August. He has been a solid reliever for the club this season, and is worth holding onto in deeper AL-only leagues that feature middle men. |
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| Foulke has no structural damage | Sunday 8/17, 7:17 AM CT |
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Keith Foulke hasn't pitched at Triple-A Sacramento in more than a week due to shoulder soreness, but an MRI taken two days ago revealed no structural damage, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Foulke would help the Athletics' pen upon his return, but is not worth waiting for in anything but deeper AL-only leagues that use middle men. |
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| Braden fine for next start | Sunday 8/17, 7:12 AM CT |
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Dallas Braden, who has been dealing with a groin ailment, said he will be fine for his next scheduled start for Wednesday against Minnesota, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Braden is 1-0 over his last two starts, and went seven innings in both games. He is worth a look in AL-only leagues if still dangling on the waiver wire. |
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| Ellis contract talk on hold | Sunday 8/17, 7:08 AM CT |
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Mark Ellis, who will become a free agent after the season, told the A's he would prefer not to talk about a new contract for the rest of the year, according to the SF Chronicle. He said, "I just want to concentrate on baseball the rest of the year. Just put my focus on the game and not talk about a contract."
Our View: Arizona is expected to target Ellis if Orlando Hudson does not return. Ellis lives in Phoenix in the off-season. |
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