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| Peavy goes six innings | Monday 8/25, 11:57 PM CT |
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Jake Peavy went six innings and surrendered two earned runs while striking out seven in the Padres 4-2 win over Arizona.
Our View: Even with his 9-9 record, Peavy has been a good addition to fantasy staffs, with an ERA under 3.00 and a solid WHIP under 1.20. |
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| Haren throws well | Monday 8/25, 11:55 PM CT |
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Dan Haren did not figure in the decision in the Diamondbacks 4-2 loss to San Diego, but he threw well, going seven innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out 11.
Our View: Haren has had a difficult August, but a few more performances like this and his ERA will be back below 3.00 soon. |
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| Alvarez not returning Pirates calls | Monday 8/25, 11:53 PM CT |
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The second overall pick in the draft by the Pirates, infielder Pedro Alvarez, has been unreachable since the team agreed to pay him a $6 million signing bonus 11 days ago, as he has not returned the team's calls, according to the TimesOnline.com. The team wants to give Alvarez a physical and hold a news conference but have been unable to locate him.
Our View: If someone wanted to give us $6 million, we aren't waiting 11 hours, much less 11 days, to get there. Seems odd that Alvarez is ignoring the Pirates, unless there is an issue nobody is privy to. |
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| Figgins gets two hits | Monday 8/25, 11:39 PM CT |
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Chone Figgins went 2-for-4 but was picked off of first base, the tenth time he has been caught stealing this season, in the Angels 2-1 loss to Oakland.
Our View: Figgins is still a solid fantasy option, but he needs to pick it up a little bit in the average department (.284), and it would be nice to see a bit more consistency in his all-around game as well. |
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| Barton homers | Monday 8/25, 11:37 PM CT |
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Daric Barton homered in his only hit in three at-bats to help lead the A's to a 2-1 win over the Angels on Monday.
Our View: Barton now has a four game hitting streak (for Barton, that qualifies as a streak) and has home runs in two of those games. He remains an enormous disappointment, however. |
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| Weaver throws solid game | Monday 8/25, 11:35 PM CT |
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Jered Weaver picked up his tenth loss of the year but probably deserved better. In the Angels 2-1 loss to the A's, Weaver went seven innings, allowed just two earned runs and struck out eight.
Our View: After a tough start in August, this is Weaver's third good appearance in a row. His good control and strikeout total make his relatively high ERA (4.39) a bit easier to digest for fantasy owners. |
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| Ziegler picks up save | Monday 8/25, 11:32 PM CT |
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Brad Ziegler threw a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his fifth save of the year in the A's 2-1 win over the Angels.
Our View: Ziegler has given up two runs in his last four appearances (the horror!) but he has obviously taken over the ninth inning role. He won't get a bunch of strikeouts, but he finds a way to get outs anyway. |
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| Helton to take B.P. | Monday 8/25, 10:54 PM CT |
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Todd Helton ran in the Colorado outfield, and he will begin to take batting practice soon, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Helton has a problematic lower back, and has had trouble with flare ups for some time, so there is nothing to get too excited about here. Helton has tried to take B.P. before and couldn't proceed because his back acted up. |
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| Tulowitzki still not 100 percent | Monday 8/25, 10:51 PM CT |
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Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is not yet 100 percent healed from his torn quad muscle, and admits he will not be fully healthy until next season rolls around, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Though Tulo said it does not affect him at the plate, that is hard to believe, considering the season he has had. Dumping him and picking up someone else without still-torn quad may not be a bad idea. |
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| Burres will start | Monday 8/25, 10:43 PM CT |
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Brian Burres will be recalled from Triple-A to make the start for Baltimore against the White Sox, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Burres has a 5.64 ERA in 22 games, including 19 starts this year, and clearly has no value whatsoever in fantasy leagues. |
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| Bradley knocks in three | Monday 8/25, 10:23 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI to help lead the Rangers to a 9-4 win over the Royals.
Our View: There isn't much to say about Bradley that hasn't already been said. Who could have predicted a season like this for him? the fact that he is continuing it is all the more impressive. |
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| Cruz starts off hot | Monday 8/25, 10:21 PM CT |
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After a ridiculous season in the minor leagues that saw him hit nearly .350 with 37 home runs and 100 RBI, Nelson Cruz started off hot with the Rangers, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
Our View: After his crazy minor league season, there's reason for fantasy owners to believe in Cruz. It won't hurt to give him a roster spot should you need a shot in the arm. |
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| Meche pounded | Monday 8/25, 10:19 PM CT |
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Gil Meche was pounded by the Texas Rangers, giving up a season-high 14 hits in 6.1 innings, and allowing five earned runs in the Royals 9-4 loss.
Our View: Meche has had a good August, but this was a poor performance. He's lucky he only gave up five runs considering how many hits he allowed. |
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| Linebrink throws | Monday 8/25, 10:10 PM CT |
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Scott Linebrink tossed 25 pitches in a bullpen session on Monday, and he will soon throw a simulated game, according to WhiteSox.com. "I don't know if I'd say I'm feeling better. I think the ball coming out of my hand today was a little better," Lienbrink said.
Our View: It's hardly encouraging news if Linebrink isn't feeling better. Nonetheless, he will solider on, rehabbing his shoulder with hopes of returning to the team sometime in September. |
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| Thome homers | Monday 8/25, 9:49 PM CT |
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Jim Thome's sixth inning solo home run broke a 3-3 tie with the Indians, and ended up being the difference in the game, as Chicago won 4-3.
Our View: The home run was the 28th of the year for Thome, who has had a solid year over all, with an OPS of .899 coming into Monday's game. He now has four home runs in his last nine games. |
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| Waters has good game, but loses | Monday 8/25, 9:45 PM CT |
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Chris Waters took the loss for the first time this season, though he threw well in the Orioles 4-3 defeat at the hand of the White Sox. Waters went seven innings, surrendering three earned runs on five hits.
Our View: Waters now owns an ERA of 4.71, and isn't much of a fantasy prospect, despite the decent record. |
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| Ramirez has good night | Monday 8/25, 9:41 PM CT |
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Alexei Ramirez had four hits in five at-bats while scoring two runs in the White Sox 4-3 win over Baltimore.
Our View: Ramirez saw his hitting streak reach 11 games, and his great season continues. He has hit at least .295 in every month starting in May. |
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| Renteria gets two hits | Monday 8/25, 9:38 PM CT |
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Edgar Renteria continued hitting well and went 2-for-4 with a home run and one RBI in the Tigers 4-3 loss to Cleveland.
Our View: Renteria raised his August batting average over .300, and though he has had a disappointing year, he could salvage some of it if he stays hot and ends the year with an average somewhere around .270 - .275. |
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| Marte inches closer to .200 | Monday 8/25, 9:35 PM CT |
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Andy Marte went 2-for-4 with a double, helping the Indians to a 4-3 win over Detroit, and getting his batting average ever closer to the .200 mark. It now rests at .197.
Our View: Marte now has a modest three-game hitting streak, raising his average from .186 to it's current mark. Needless to say, he is not an appropriate option in fantasy leagues. |
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| Galarraga strong again | Monday 8/25, 9:31 PM CT |
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Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga did not factor into the decision, but he threw a strong game for the Tigers again in their 4-3 loss to Cleveland. Galarraga went seven innings, allowing just three earned runs.
Our View: Galarraga has been a find this season, and though he struggled a bit with his control in this one, with three walks, his WHIP remains solid, and his ERA is just 3.20. |
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| Rollins rebounds | Monday 8/25, 9:28 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins may have broken out of his month-long slump by going 3-for-3 with one walk, a run scored and two RBI in Philly's 5-0 win over the Dodgers.
Our View: Rollins came in batting under .200 for the month, and he doubled his RBI total for August with his two on Monday. The former MVP still needs to pick up the pace a bit. |
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| Billingsley takes loss | Monday 8/25, 9:25 PM CT |
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Dodgers hurler Chad Billingsley was too wild, walking five Philadelphia Phillies and picking up his 10th loss of the year by going six innings and allowing three earned runs in his team's 5-0 loss.
Our View: Billingsley has been one of the more underrated pitchers in fantasy baseball this season. He doesn't get enough attention, partly because his win total doesn't reflect how well he has thrown. |
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| Myers continues dominance | Monday 8/25, 9:22 PM CT |
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Brett Myers disappeared for the first half of the season, but he has finally reappeared, throwing seven shutout innings and striking out eight to earn his seventh win in Philadelphia's 5-0 win over the Dodgers.
Our View: In his seven starts after coming back from Triple-A, Meyers is 4-1 with a 1.68 ERA. It's possible he's still available in fantasy leagues, but after Monday's performance, he won't be for long. |
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| Soriano has big game | Monday 8/25, 9:18 PM CT |
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Alfonso Soriano and the Cubs beat the Pirates 12-3, and the Chicago outfielder had a hand in it by going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.
Our View: The stolen bases are starting to come around, as Soriano now has four in his last four games, which is what fantasy owners have been wanting to see. |
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| Fukudome knocks in four | Monday 8/25, 9:16 PM CT |
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Kosuke Fukudome went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs to help the Cubs blow the Pirates out of the water, 12-3.
Our View: Fukudome was hitting just .159 in August before Monday's game, and he only raised that to .194 with this performance. He is struggling and fantasy players should use him with a certain amount of caution. |
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| Karstens doesn't last | Monday 8/25, 9:11 PM CT |
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Jeff Karstens managed to go just three innings in the Pirates 12-3 loss to Chicago. He gave up five earned runs on six hits and was generally ineffective.
Our View: Karstens was a hot pick-up in fantasy leagues since coming over from the Yankees, but this may temper expectations a bit, as his ERA rose from 2.25 to 3.48. |
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| Lilly wins 13th game | Monday 8/25, 9:09 PM CT |
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Cubs lefty Ted Lilly led the Cubs to a 12-3 win over Pittsburgh by going seven innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits and striking out seven. The win was his 13th of the year.
Our View: Lilly is 3-1 in August and has struck out 22 batters in his last 20 innings pitched. |
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| Anderson has MRI | Monday 8/25, 9:05 PM CT |
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Angels outfielder Garret Anderson had an MRI on the knee that was sore and caused him to leave Sunday's game, according to AngelsBaseball.com. The results were not yet available, but Anderson said he felt good.
Our View: More will be known when the MRI results become available, but both Anderson and manager Mike Scioscia sounded optimistic he would be back soon. |
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| Bonds wants charges dropped | Monday 8/25, 9:01 PM CT |
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Barry Bonds, or actually, his lawyers, have asked a judge to drop 10 of the 14 charges against him in his perjury case, according to the AP. The lawyers are arguing that the questions asked of Bonds were far too ambiguous.
Our View: Bonds is scheduled to go on trial on March 2 to answer to the charges. No word on if that would change should some charges be dropped. |
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| Reyes has dominant night | Monday 8/25, 8:55 PM CT |
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Jose Reyes was a beast for the Mets on Monday in their 9-1 win over Houston. The young shortstop went 3-for-4 with a single, double, triple, two runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base - his 41st of the year.
Our View: Reyes continues to do it all, showing why he was a top pick in fantasy drafts across the country. If he could just raise that OBP a smidgen, he would be nearly perfect. |
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| Delgado drives in six | Monday 8/25, 8:51 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado hit a pair of three-run home runs on Monday, giving the Mets all the offense they needed behind Mike Pelfrey's complete game in New York's 9-1 win over Houston.
Our View: Delgado has had another solid year for fantasy owners, who had to be worried after his slow start and the talk that he had lost his power. |
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| Tejada's hitting streak ends | Monday 8/25, 8:48 PM CT |
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Miguel Tejada saw his modest six-game hitting streak come to an end as he went 0-for-4 in the Astros 9-1 beating at the hands of the Mets.
Our View: Tejada has put up decent numbers this season, but he has only hit 12 home runs on the season, and just two since June 20, which is a disappointment for fantasy owners hoping his power would increase playing in Houston. |
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| Pelfrey throws complete game | Monday 8/25, 8:45 PM CT |
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Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey threw a great game, going the full nine innings, allowing just one run on six hits and striking out six in the Mets 9-1 win over Houston.
Our View: Solid performance by Pelfrey, who threw his second complete game in a row. He is definitely someone fantasy owners need to keep starting, as he now has 13 wins and and ERA of 3.70. |
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| LaPorta will not be called up | Monday 8/25, 8:29 PM CT |
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Indians outfielder Matt LaPorta will not be among the Indians September call-ups, according to Indians.com.
Our View: Forget about getting a one-month boost for your fantasy team, though LaPorta is still dealing with the concussion he got at the Olympics. |
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| Martinez nearing return | Monday 8/25, 8:26 PM CT |
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Victor Martinez will play a full game at catcher in his rehab assignment, followed by a game at DH in Triple-A, and could rejoin the Indians before the end of the month, according to Indians.com.
Our View: Martinez is 3-for-12 in his rehab assignment so far, and he will resume catching duties with Cleveland upon his return. For the sake of fantasy players, let's hope his power returns with him. |
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| Guillen leaves game | Monday 8/25, 8:22 PM CT |
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Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen was suffering from back spasms and had to leave his team's game on Monday because of it, according to the AP.
Our View: Guillen is day-to-day with the injury, and Ryan Raburn took his spot at third base. |
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| Cruz will play every day | Monday 8/25, 7:34 PM CT |
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Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, after tearing up Triple-A pitching, has become an everyday outfielder for the Rangers, replacing Brandon Boggs in the lineup, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Our View: The Rangers want to see if Cruz is for real after annihilating the minors to the tune of .347/.430/.693 with 37 home runs, 100 RBI and 24 stolen bases. His fantasy value takes a bump with this news, and Cruz should be a viable player in AL-only leagues, and deep mixed leagues. |
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| Gonzalez a Triple-A all-star | Monday 8/25, 7:29 PM CT |
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A's pitcher Gio Gonzalez was named to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League's all-star team, according to Scout.com. Gonzalez had a record of 8-7 with a 4.24 ERA and 128 strikeouts.
Our View: Gonzalez is now pitching for the Athletics, though he has struggled a bit, with a 1-2 record and ERA of 6.52. You may want to stay away from him in fantasy leagues this year, but remember the name because he can certainly be a star in the future. |
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| Sizemore officially joins 30-30 club | Monday 8/25, 7:24 PM CT |
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Grady Sizemore became a member of the 30-30 club (home runs and stolen bases) for the first time in his career when he hit a leadoff homer in the Indians game against the Tigers, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Sizemore has provided power and speed for fantasy owners for a number of years, but this is the first time he accomplished this feat. He has a very outside chance of getting to 40-40, but he'll need six stolen bases and nine home runs to get there. He had hit nine home runs during June of this year, so it's not unprecedented for him to accomplish the feat. |
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| Broadway recalled | Monday 8/25, 7:17 PM CT |
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Hurler Lance Broadway was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday, and infielder Chris Getz was sent down, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Broadway had decent numbers in his previous stint in the bigs, but he will be a part of the White Sox bullpen, thus not offering much for fantasy owners. |
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| Messenger recalled | Monday 8/25, 6:37 PM CT |
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Reliever Randy Messenger was recalled by the Seattle Mariners from their Triiple-A club, taking the roster spot of Mark Lowe, who was sent down, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
Our View: Messenger has not pitched in the big leagues this season, but was not fantasy worthy in 2007, and remains that way in 2008. |
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| Cherry picks up save | Monday 8/25, 6:26 PM CT |
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Orioles pitcher Rocky Cherry picked up his first save of the season in Baltimore's 4-3 win over Chicago, though it came in a shaky bottom of the 14th that saw him walk two White Sox hitters.
Our View: Despite this save, Cherry holds little fantasy value. He got the call because this was a game that was being resumed after weather delayed it in April, and the Orioles had already used eight pitchers. |
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| Dye ends game | Monday 8/25, 6:23 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye had a chance to win the game for the White Sox but popped up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 14th inning in Chicago's 4-3 loss to Baltimore. The game was a continuation of one that began in April but was suspended due to weather.
Our View: Dye is having a great year overall, with 31 home runs, 81 RBI and a batting average near .300, so fantasy owners are likely willing to look past Monday's outcome. |
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| Montanez hits game winner | Monday 8/25, 6:19 PM CT |
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Lou Montanez helped the Orioles win a game on Monday that started in April. Resuming the contest in the 12th inning after it had been suspended in the spring, Montanez hit a bases loaded single in the 14th inning, leading the Orioles to a 4-3 win over the White Sox.
Our View: Montanez has been a quality player in his limited time in the big leagues. He is hitting .375, and is certainly someone fantasy owners should keep in mind if they need outfield depth, especially in AL-only leagues. |
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| Lamb designated for assignment | Monday 8/25, 6:14 PM CT |
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The Twins essentially admitted they made a mistake by signing Mike Lamb to a two-year, $6.6 million contract before the season, as they designated the third baseman for assignment, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. They will still have to pay the remainder of Lamb's contract next year, which is $3.8 million.
Our View: Small market clubs like the Twins can't really afford to make many mistakes like this, but they had no choice but to DFA Lamb. He was hideous this year, hitting .233 with one home run and 32 RBI in 236 at-bats. He had no fantasy value. |
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| Guerrero gets night off | Monday 8/25, 6:09 PM CT |
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Vladimir Guerrero is not in the Angels lineup on Monday, as Los Angeles faces off against Oakland, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Nothing to be worried about, as Vlad is simply getting a night of rest, which the Angels can afford to do. They are 17 games up in the NL West standings on second place Texas. |
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| Hafner has sore shoulder | Monday 8/25, 6:06 PM CT |
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Indians DH Travis Hafner will miss games on Monday and Tuesday on his rehab assignment in Triple-A due to a sore right shoulder, the same one he was put on the DL for, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
Our View: Hafner has not played since the end of May, and he was wildly disappointing for fantasy owners when he did suit up. It is unlikely he will return until sometime in the middle of September. |
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| Cabrera to see doctors | Monday 8/25, 5:23 PM CT |
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Orioles pitcher Daniel Cabrera will meet with doctors after his velocity had dropped noticeably in his last few starts, according to the AP. Orioles manager Dave Trembley did not seem overly concerned, saying, "I guess they'll check his arm. ... I'm not trying to diminish if there's something wrong with his arm, but I think the guy is disappointed. He's upset with himself."
Our View: Trembley's expert medical opinion aside, Cabrera has been very bad of late, giving up at least six earned runs in three of his past five starts. His fantasy value, not great to begin with, plunged even further during that time. |
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| Would Philly deal Howard? | Monday 8/25, 4:44 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia Phillies are less than enamored with first baseman Ryan Howard's egregious strikeout total and poor defense, so the team will probably not offer him a long-term deal, and in fact may think about trading him, according to Ken Mandel of Phillies.com.
Our View: With 170 strikeouts in 493 at-bats, Howard has bent sent down on strikes 35 percent of the time. His batting average is also at .227, and his OBP is a mere .316, hardly good enough for a guy who will warrant a huge money deal. |
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| Francisco new Rangers closer | Monday 8/25, 4:34 PM CT |
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With C.J. Wilson injured and Eddie Guardado now in Minnesota, the new closer for the Rangers is likely going to be Frank Francisco, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Francisco probably should have been closing over Guardado anyway, just to see if he could be a candidate to do it next season. Francisco is a good option because of his ability to strike opposing hitters out. He has punched out 65 batters in 52.1 innings this season, and carries a 3.78 ERA and 1.24 WHIP into the ninth inning role. Pick him up if he's avaliable and your fantasy team needs saves. |
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| Castillo activated | Monday 8/25, 4:29 PM CT |
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Luis Castillo was activated from the disabled list on Monday, taking the roster spot of the newly disabled John Maine, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Castillo regains his marginal fantasy status, which comes mostly because of his 13 stolen bases. |
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| Maine put on DL | Monday 8/25, 4:25 PM CT |
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Mets hurler John Maine was put on the 15-day disabled list with a bone spur in his right shoulder, according to MLB.com. He will not throw at all for two weeks before attempting to get back at it, so his return to the rotation wouldn't come until the middle of September at the earliest.
Our View: The Mets still do not know who is going to take Maine's spot in the rotation, but whoever it is won't help fantasy owners quite as much as Maine did. He was certainly solid, and though a bit too wild at times, his 7.84 K/9 helped even things out. |
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| Bailey has sprained knee | Monday 8/25, 3:19 PM CT |
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Homer Bailey will miss his next start at Triple-A Louisville due to a a mild sprain of the MCL of his right knee, according to Reds.com.
Our View: He will be reevaluated by team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek before the end of the week. Bailey holds no fantasy value as he went 0-6 over eight starts with the Reds this season, with a dismal 7.93 ERA and 2.09 WHIP. |
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| Pirates acquirer Diaz | Monday 8/25, 3:14 PM CT |
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The Pirates have acquired Robinzon Diaz from the Blue Jays to finish the deal involving Jose Bautista, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Diaz has been assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. He will not hold any fantasy value as a backup catcher if recalled before the end of the season. |
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| Wise placed on DL | Monday 8/25, 3:07 PM CT |
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Dewayne Wise has been placed on the 15-day DL due to his strained left adductor, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Joe Crede was activated from the DL as the adjoining move.
Our View: Wise fared well during his stint with the club, as he held a .288 average with two homers and seven RBI over 66 at-bats, to go along with six stolen bases. |
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| Crede back in Chicago | Monday 8/25, 3:04 PM CT |
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Joe Crede has been activated from the DL following his bout with a back ailment, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. DeWayne Wise has been placed on the DL as the corresponding move.
Our View: Crede wasn't going to be brough back until he made an impact at Triple-A Charlotte, and his 2-for-4 effort Sunday was deemed good enough. He should return to his spot at third base, but will remain an injury risk the remainder of the season, going by his track record with back ailments. |
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| White recalled | Monday 8/25, 2:54 PM CT |
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Billy White has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Dallas Morning News. He fills the roster spot for Eddie Guardado, who has been dealt to the Twins.
Our View: The 29-year-old made his major league debut with the Rangers last season, while going 2-0 with a 4.82 ERA over nine relief appearances. He is only worth a look as a flier in deeper AL-only leagues that use middle men. |
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| Guardado traded to Minnesota | Monday 8/25, 2:47 PM CT |
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Eddie Guardado has been traded from the Rangers to the Twins in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Mark Hamburger, according to the Dallas Morning News. To take Guardado's spot on the 25- and 40-man rosters, the Rangers have purchased the contract of left-handed pitcher Bill White from Triple-A Oklahoma.
Our View: Guardado should provide solid depth to the Twins' bullpen, but isn't going to push Joe Nathan for saves. |
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| K-Rod earns weekly honor | Monday 8/25, 2:21 PM CT |
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Francisco Rodriguez has been named the AL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Rodriguez threw four scoreless innings and recorded three saves during the award-winning week.
Our View: It is the first weekly honor of his career. He now has 50 saves and remains on pace to break Bobby Thigpen's season-high record of 57 (set in 1990 with the White Sox). |
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| Ellison designated for assignment | Monday 8/25, 2:17 PM CT |
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Jason Ellison has been designated for assignment by the Rangers, according to the AP. The Rangers recalled outfielder Nelson Cruz from Triple-A Oklahoma as the adjoining move.
Our View: Ellis failed to make an impact during his brief stint with Texas, as he only registered three hits (all singles) over 13 at-bats. |
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| Cruz recalled | Monday 8/25, 2:14 PM CT |
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As expected, Nelson Cruz has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the AP. the Rangers designated outfielder Jason Ellison for assignment to make room on the roster.
Our View: Cruz has spent most of the season at Oklahoma, while batting .342 with 37 homers and 99 RBI. He is worth taking a flier on in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Cueto has strained elbow | Monday 8/25, 2:11 PM CT |
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It has been determined that Johnny Cueto suffered a strained right elbow when he was forced to exit his start against Colorado Sunday, according to the AP.
Our View: He is expected to miss at least one start due to the ailment. He will be examined again on Friday and the injury was believed to be caused by a hyperextension. |
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| Pujols named NL Player of Week | Monday 8/25, 2:08 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the AP. Pujols hit .579 (11-for-19) last week, while crushing two home runs with 10 RBI.
Our View: The award-winning week moved him into a tie with Chipper Jones for the league lead with a .359 batting average. It marks the seventh weekly award of his career. |
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| Martin may be tiring? | Monday 8/25, 2:00 PM CT |
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Russell Martin may be tiring, according to the LA Daily News. He batted eighth in the lineup for the third time this month Sunday, and entered the day with one hit in his last 12 at-bats. Manager Joe Torre said, "It's not hurting him to bat eighth, let's put it that way. I don't think it's any magic formula right now. We need to win ballgames, and he seems to be all right hitting eighth." Martin had thrown out only 15.5 percent of the runners who had tried to steal on him, putting him last in the majors among everyday catchers, and the 77 steals against him were the fourth-most among all major league catchers. Last year, when he won the National League's Gold Glove as the best defensive player at catcher, Martin threw out 30 percent of the runners who tried to steal on him.
Our View: His decline is believed to be due to fatigue. He should still remain active in all lineups at a thin position, and hopefully he can finish the year strong in September. |
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| Mench optioned | Monday 8/25, 1:42 PM CT |
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Kevin Mench has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, according to the AP. The Blue Jays will fill Mench’s roster spot prior to Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay.
Our View: Mench failed to provide any power as he failed to hit a homer over 98 at-bats this season, and only batted .235 overall. |
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| Uggla confident regarding swing | Monday 8/25, 1:19 PM CT |
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Dan Uggla was benched Sunday after going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts Saturday, but he is confident he will get back on track, according to the Miami Herald. He said, "It's just a matter of time before I get hot again."
Our View: He is only hitting .189 since the All-Star break. He feels he will get hot again, and hopefully it will happen down the stretch in September, when fantasy owners need him the most. |
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| Leyland ponders 2009 for Sheffield | Monday 8/25, 1:14 PM CT |
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Manager Jim Leyland is looking ahead to 2009 regarding Gary Sheffield, according to the Detroit Free Press. Leyland said, "He's on the ball better and swinging more aggressively. I think he's improved a lot. All I need him to do next year is hit. He's not going to play the outfield. I think he's got a chance to be fine. It's a matter of centering more balls, and I think he can do that. Sheff can still be a force offensively. He can still put fear in pitchers."
Our View: Sheffield will turn 40 in November, but is signed for another season with Detroit. It is not hard to picture him having a favorable bounce back season in 2009. |
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| Cruz to be recalled | Monday 8/25, 12:59 PM CT |
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Nelson Cruz is going to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Dallas Morning News. Jason Ellison will be sent down to make room on the roster.
Our View: Cruz is healthy again after straining his right quad earlier in August. Cruz has spent most of the season at Oklahoma, while batting .342 with 37 homers and 99 RBI. He is worth taking a flier on in deeper AL-only leagues. |
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| Arians to get expanded role | Monday 8/25, 12:44 PM CT |
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Joaquin Arias will get increased playing time at second base until Ian Kinsler returns, according to the Dallas Morning News. Manager Ron Washington has been pleased with him and would like to see more of him. He will see action against right-handers and not just lefties. Washington said, "We've been waiting for a long time to get him up here, and this is my first time ever seeing him play."
Our View: He is 5-for-11 (.454) over his last three games, with two stolen bases over the span. He is worth a look in AL-only leagues until Kinsler comes back. |
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| Young back in two weeks? | Monday 8/25, 12:04 PM CT |
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The Nationals are hopeful to get Dmitri Young back in around two weeks, according to the Washington Post. Young has been fighting to get his diabetes under control.
Our View: The team is continuing to get him fit to play. He is worth stashing for the deepest of NL-only leagues. |
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| Myers returns to form | Monday 8/25, 11:59 AM CT |
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Brett Myers is finally pitching like the ace he was -- and is presumed to be. He has a 1.49 ERA in his past five starts with 23 strikeouts in his last three starts (23.2 innings). The right-hander 3-1 with a 1.94 ERA in six starts since returning from a stint in Triple-A. His only losing effort came against the LA Dodgers, a game he could easily have won. Myers faces the Dodgers again tonight, and his 2.86 ERA in 11 career appearances against the Big Blue gives him a chance to continue his winning ways.
Our View: Myers has posted a fantastic 26:4 K:BB Ratio in his last 30 innings and his home runs and walks allowed have decreased significantly. |
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| Weaver has favorable start | Monday 8/25, 11:52 AM CT |
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Jered Weaver has struggled this season with lineups that have gap hitters. However, the Angels right-hander is in line to pitch one of his better games against the A's tonight. Weaver (10-9, 4.47 ERA) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings of a 5-4 win at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, another team that is suspect at the plate due to their current injury woes. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA in five career starts against Oakland.
Our View: Oakland's offense is hitting a meager .218 since the break, and the team is slugging at an incredibly low .330. You and I could have intermittent success against the A's current batting order. |
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| Braden impresses | Monday 8/25, 11:46 AM CT |
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Dallas Braden isn't a household name, but he's impressed the team and the staff with his recent run of starts. Consider the left-hander a lock to be in the A's rotation for the rest of this season, and next. Braden, 2-3 as a starter, has allowed three runs or less in three straight starts.
Our View: His only loss being a 3-1 defeat at Minnesota where he pitched well enough to win.
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| Loewen set for transformation | Monday 8/25, 10:41 AM CT |
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Adam Loewen will begin the transformation from pitcher to hitter September 8 when he joins the Orioles to start working with hitting coach Terry Crowley, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Loewen will be with the Orioles for a week before reporting to instructional league, where he'll begin learning to play the outfield. He was a top pitching prospect in the organization, but it remains to be seen if he has a shot to make it with the team as an outfielder. |
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| Jones feels fine after hitting | Monday 8/25, 10:30 AM CT |
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Adam Jones, who is recovering from a fractured left foot, felt good after taking live batting practice Sunday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: He is making favorable progress, but Manager Dave Trembley noted that he won't be activated from the DL until Monday, at the earliest. Jones still has to show that he can run the bases and make throws from the outfield. Trembley also wants Jones to hit live pitching twice, likely in simulated games. The team is waiting until September (which starts next Monday) when rosters expand to potentially bring him back.
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| Votto is hot | Monday 8/25, 10:04 AM CT |
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Joey Votto is hot as he racked up three hits in three of his last four games, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: He has registered three hits in a game 16 times this season, giving him the lead among rookies. Geovany Soto of the Cubs ranks second in three-hit outings with eight. Votto should remain solid down the stretch as a fantasy first baseman. |
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| Cordero left team Sunday | Monday 8/25, 9:57 AM CT |
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Francisco Cordero left the team before Sunday's game to attend to an undisclosed personal matter, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Manager Dusty Baker did not indicate whether he thinks he will be back for Tuesday's game at Houston. The Reds are off today. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Ellsbury gets some battle scars | Monday 8/25, 9:26 AM CT |
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Jacoby Ellsbury sustained abrasions on his right eye, forehead, cheek, and shoulder when he crashed into the chain-link opening to the bullpen at the Rogers Centre, according to the Boston Globe. He also lost a bit of skin on his shoulder, and manager Terry Francona said, "The fact that he stayed in and played that game is, and it might be a little overdramatic, but I thought he grew up a little bit today. I don't mean like he had to, but he understood where we were physically with the rest of our team and what he can do by staying in the game. I thought that was huge."
Our View: He is sore and a bit banged-up, but should be fine to keep playing. |
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| Lowell seeking approval | Monday 8/25, 9:19 AM CT |
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Mike Lowell is scheduled to speak with medical director Dr. Thomas Gill today to get approval to head to New York, according to the Boston Globe. He is on the DL with a strained right oblique.
Our View: The Red Sox start a three-game series with the Yankees on Tuesday. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Lugo to have MRI | Monday 8/25, 9:15 AM CT |
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Julio Lugo is scheduled for an MRI today in Boston, according to the Boston Globe. He is on the DL with a strained left quad.
Our View: The team has yet to disclose the severity of his ailment, but should be able to do so following the MRI. |
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| Aardsma scheduled for MRI | Monday 8/25, 9:12 AM CT |
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David Aardsma, who landed on the DL with a strained right groin, is scheduled for an MRI today, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He will stay in Boston for the rest of the road trip, and will work out with rehabilitation coordinator Scott Waugh.
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| Casey dealing with stiff neck | Monday 8/25, 9:09 AM CT |
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Sean Casey has been dealing with a stiff neck, according to the Boston Globe. Casey said the neck became an issue when he woke up Thursday, the team's day off, after having gone to Pittsburgh for the day.
Our View: His neck has been improving, and he is hopeful he would be available for Tuesday's game against the rival Yankees. That is the reason he has been on the bench, despite a .345 average. |
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| Doumit returns to lineup | Monday 8/25, 8:32 AM CT |
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Ryan Doumit returned to the Pirates' lineup Sunday after leaving Friday's game with flu-like symptoms and dehydration, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Manager John Russell said, "He's not 100 percent, but he's a gamer. He's posted up a lot this year when he's not been 100 percent."
Our View: Doumit should be safe to return to fantasy lineups for this week. |
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| LaRoche gravely struggling | Monday 8/25, 8:29 AM CT |
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Andy LaRoche is only hitting .169 for the season, and has made six errors in his 17 games with the Pirates, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is struggling, but Manager John Russell still has faith in him as he said, "He's got a good glove. We need to continue to work his footwork so he's in a better position to throw. It's going to take some work. He still has a lot of development to go through, but the mistakes are correctable. You see the pluses, and the projections are all good."
Our View: The Pirates' third baseman should not be considered for fantasy lineups. |
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| Buckner recalled | Monday 8/25, 8:15 AM CT |
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| Billy Buckner has been r | |
