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| Blake solid at the plate | Monday 9/1, 10:58 PM CT |
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Casey Blake went 2-for-4 on Monday night for the Dodgers as he hit his seventh home run with the Dodgers, and his 18th overall.
Our View: Blake just gets it done, quietly but efficiently, year after year. With 18 home runs and 76 RBI, his power numbers almost match those of the more heralded Garrett Atkins (18-85). |
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| Anotnelli makes first start | Monday 9/1, 10:56 PM CT |
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Matt Antonelli made his first major league start on Monday night and went 1-for-4 at the plate.
Our View: Given that the team recently let go Tad Iguchi, Antonelli could be in line for some serious playing time in September at second base, that is if he proves he can hit in the majors after struggling to do so in Triple-A this season (.215/.335/.322). |
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| Young falls in return to mound | Monday 9/1, 10:53 PM CT |
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In his return from the DL, Chris Young fell to 4-5 as he allowed six hits, three walks and four runs over five innings against the Dodgers.
Our View: Young threw 50 of his 80 pitches for strikes tonight in an uneven return to the hill. Given that the Padres will go with a 6-man rotation, Young loses his two-start eligibility for this week. |
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| Maddux ties Clemens | Monday 9/1, 10:50 PM CT |
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Greg Maddux earned his 354th career victory to tie Roger Clemens for eighth all-time, as he defeated his former team the Padres. Maddux lasted 5.2 innings permitting six hits, no walks and two runs.
Our View: This was a second straight solid outing for Maddux after a rough outing in his first appearance in blue and white. Over his last eight starts Maddux has walked all of three batters, and with control like that, he is worth keeping an eye on down the stretch. |
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| Teadarden goes deep | Monday 9/1, 10:45 PM CT |
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Taylor Teagarden, appearing in just his third major league game, hit a three run home run off of Carlos Silva. Josh Hamilton also hit his 31st home run of the year in the loss to the Mariners.
Our View: With the as of yet undiagnosed injury to Jarrod Saltalamacchia (elbow), there is a chance that Teagarden could see a whole lot of work in the month of September, so keep an eye on how that injury situation shakes out. |
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| Mendoza shell shocked | Monday 9/1, 10:42 PM CT |
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Luis Mendoza was pounded on Monday night to the tune of five hits and four runs while recording just one out against the Mariners in his seventh loss of the season.
Our View: The youngster has talent, but enough is enough. Luis has allowed at least four runs in eight of his last 10 outings during which time his ERA is an astounding 11.47. The question is therefore do the Rangers actually intend on winning games if they keep running Mendoza out there? |
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| Silva beat up yet again | Monday 9/1, 10:37 PM CT |
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In his first start since being activated from the DL Carlos Silva was typically awful has he allowed 10 hits, walked four batters and permitted six runs in just 4.2 innings on Monday night.
Our View: About the only positive on the night was that he didn't suffer his 15th loss of the year as the Mariners offense scored enough to get the win. At this point you would be better off consulting a Ouija board than thinking you can get a solid outing out of Silva. |
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| Beltre hits for cycle | Monday 9/1, 10:35 PM CT |
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Adrian Beltre hit for the cycle on Monday night as he had his third, five-hit game of his career. When combined with the outing of Stephen Drew who also hit for the cycle, this was the first day for dual cycles in the majors since September 17th, 1920 (Bobby Veach and George Burns).
Our View: Beltre also scored five times with three RBI on the night to push his season totals to .262-24-72-72-8. It certainly is far from pretty at times, but then again, when you look up at the end of the year he always seems to have his 25 home runs and 85 RBI, and there is certainly value in that. |
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| Garko sliding along | Monday 9/1, 10:29 PM CT |
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Ryan Garko had two hits and a run scored on Monday night as the Indians rested Victor Martinez allowing Kelly Shoppach to start behind the plate and giving Garko a shot to start.
Our View: Garko hit 21 home runs last season in 484 AB and he has followed that up with just 10 in 426 this year. Though his power and average have declined (.289 to .256), he has actually been a better run producer with 70 RBI (he had 61 last season). He will likely need some big hits down the stretch to be in the lineup on a daily basis now that Martinez is back. |
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| Konerko continues to produce | Monday 9/1, 10:25 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko went 1-for-3 on Monday as he continues to inch his batting average up to respectability (currently it sits at .236).
Our View: Konerko is hitting .329 over his last 23 games during which time his plate discipline has returned (19 BB, 10 K in 23 games). He could be a legitimate option down the stretch as he should have been all season. |
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| Youngster Richard loses game | Monday 9/1, 10:22 PM CT |
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Clayton Richard lost his third game of the season on Monday as he needed 82 pitches to record just 12 outs. Richard allowed the Indians to score four runs, three earned, in the outing.
Our View: Richard isn't at a point where he can impose his will on an offense, and as a result he has allowed 22 earned runs in just 31 innings this season (6.39 ERA). |
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| Lee first to 20 | Monday 9/1, 10:16 PM CT |
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Cliff Lee became the first Indians hurler since 1974 (Gaylord Perry) to win 20 games as he improved to 20-2 with his masterpiece over the White Sox, a complete game, five hit shutout.
Our View: Lee has lasted at least five innings in every one of his 27 starts this season, he has allowed two or fewer runs 21 times, and in 10 games he hasn't walked a single batter. He can dust a spot off on his mantle for the Cy Young award. |
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| Pedroia the hitting star | Monday 9/1, 10:12 PM CT |
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Dustin Pedroia had another two hits on Monday leading to two RBI as he pushed his batting average up to .327 for the Red Sox. He also stole his 17th base.
Our View: Pedroia now has a 6-game hitting streak during which time he has produced 15 hits. Since the start of June, a span of 76 games, Pedroia is batting a robust .362. |
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| Olson loses yet again | Monday 9/1, 10:08 PM CT |
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Garrett Olson had his fourth straight rough outing on Monday as he allowed six runs in just 5.2 innings. Olson gave up six hits while walking five Red Sox as there were constantly runners on base.
Our View: The Orioles may know what they are doing with Olson, but the poor guy has looked dreadful of late allowing, get this, 21 runs in 16 IP (11.81 ERA) over his last four appearances. Memo to the Orioles - get this kid out of there. |
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| Byrd wins 10th game | Monday 9/1, 10:03 PM CT |
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Paul Byrd improved to 3-1 with the Red Sox as he picked up his 10th victory of the year overall by lasting seven innings against the Orioles.
Our View: Byrd allowed four runs on the night despite being taken deep three times as he continues to pitch well enough to allow the big Boston bats to bash their way to victory. |
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| Jones returns, homers | Monday 9/1, 9:58 PM CT |
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Adam Jones, in his first game back from the DL because of a broken foot, hit his eighth home run of the year for the Orioles
Our View: Jones has four home runs, 22 RBI and 22 runs scored in his last 28 games, though it will be interesting to see how he will fair after playing only two games in the month of August. Despite the home run tonight, expecting him to dominate moving forward might be a stretch. |
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| McClellan picks up loss, blown save | Monday 9/1, 9:54 PM CT |
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Kyle McClellan blew his fifth save of the year by allowing four hits and three runs to the Diamondbacks as he also picked up his seventh loss of the year.
Our View: McClellan has slowly started going downhill after a solid start to the year as he has allowed six runs in his last six innings. He doesn't hold much, if any, fantasy value at the moment. |
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| Johnson terrible in loss to Cards | Monday 9/1, 9:50 PM CT |
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Randy Johnson ha eight strikeouts on Monday, but he also allowed five runs without getting out of the fourth inning against the Cardinals.
Our View: Johnson's downfall was the home run, he allowed four (tying a career-high), and they flew for 1,598 feet. Johnson is winless in four starts, but this was the first time that he allowed more than three earned runs in eight appearances. |
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| Izturis steals two bases | Monday 9/1, 9:47 PM CT |
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Far from the biggest name on any night for the Cardinals, Cesar Izturis still had a nice outing on Monday with three hits, a run scored and two stolen bases.
Our View: With all the love for others in the offense, many have overlooked Izturis and his 19 stolen bases. He may have no pop (one home run) and a poor average (.254), but those steals are golden in NL-only leagues. |
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| Dunn plays first, homers | Monday 9/1, 9:44 PM CT |
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Adam Dunn hit his 35th long ball of the year on Monday as he scored two runs and walked twice for the D'backs.
Our View: As noteworthy as the home run allowing him to reach 35 for the fifth straight year, was the fact that he played his first game of the year at first base. In 19 games as a D'back Dunn has scored 12 times with 12 RBI. |
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| Drew hits for cycle | Monday 9/1, 9:42 PM CT |
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Stephen Drew hit for the cycle for the first time on Monday as he went 5-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI on his home run, his 16th of the year.
Our View: Drew has been blistering since the All-Star Break with a .339 batting average that has pushed him to .289 overall. Drew is also four home runs short of 20 on the year, and despite all the offense in the game, you simply cannot overlook a shortstop who hits .285 with 20 taters. |
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| Berkman nearing 20/20 | Monday 9/1, 9:36 PM CT |
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Lance Berkman had two hits, two walks, scored a run and stole his 16th base of the season on Monday.
Our View: As if the .338 average, 94 RBI and 104 runs weren't enough, Berkman is actually within striking distance of his first 20/20 season (he has 27 home runs), quite an accomplishment for a guy who certainly isn't known as a speed burner. |
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| Zambrano to start on Tuesday | Monday 9/1, 9:32 PM CT |
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Carlos Zambrano, scratched from his start on Sunday because of a tired arm, will start on Tuesday against Brandon Backe, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Zambrano has posted an 8.72 ERA over his last four starts with 14 BB and just 16 K. With numbers like that, start him Tuesday at your own risk. |
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| Marquis falls to Oswalt | Monday 9/1, 9:29 PM CT |
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Jason Marquis fell to 9-8 on Monday despite allowing just two runs over six innings against the Astros (he was out-pitched by Roy Oswalt).
Our View: Marquis struck out a season best eight batters on the day in his second straight solid outing (seven IP, zero ER last time out). It usually isn't pretty, but he almost always keeps the Cubs in the game. |
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| Oswalt slams door on Cubs | Monday 9/1, 9:25 PM CT |
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Roy Oswalt shut down the Cubs for 8.1 innings on Monday night as he combined with Jose Valverde for a 3-0 shutout.
Our View: Oswalt has won seven of his last eight decisions and shock off a torn finger nail in this dominating performance. Oswalt has gone 5-1 in his last six starts with a 1.59 ERA as he has completely erased his awful start to the year. |
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| Molina has three base hits | Monday 9/1, 9:20 PM CT |
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Bengie Molina had three hits on Monday, one of only two Giants who had more than one hit against the Rockies (Rich Aurilia had two).
Our View: Molina leads the Giants offense with 79 RBI, quite a hefty total for a backstop wouldn't you say? |
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| Taveras stealing everything | Monday 9/1, 9:18 PM CT |
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Willy Taveras stole three bases on Monday to up his career best total to 65 on the year. He also scored two runs in the Rockies victory over the Giants.
Our View: This guy has been simply running wild of late with 22 stolen bases in his last 39 games as he continues to do his best impersonation of Juan Pierre, minus about .035 points in batting average (.260). |
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| De La Rosa dominates Giants | Monday 9/1, 9:13 PM CT |
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Jorge De La Rosa shutout the Giants for seven innings on Monday on his way to his eighth win of the year. De La Rosa walked only one batter while striking out six in the outing.
Our View: Don't look now, but De La Rosa has actually been a viable fantasy option of late. This was his fourth straight outing of at least six innings and in that stretch he has posted three wins and a 1.67 ERA, though he has started twice against the Giants and once against the Nationals in that time. |
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| Sanchez solid in loss | Monday 9/1, 9:05 PM CT |
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Jonathan Sanchez (shoulder) returned to the hill on Monday and lasted seven innings against the Rockies. However, Sanchez lost the game despite allowing just three hits and three walks which led to three runs.
Our View: The good news is that Sanchez looked strong and lasted 108 pitches giving his owners hope that he will be able to contribute down the stretch as this was his third straight outing of three or fewer runs allowed. |
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| Saltalamacchia forced from game | Monday 9/1, 9:00 PM CT |
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Jarrod Saltalamacchia was forced to leave the Rangers game on Monday night with what is being described as a sore right elbow, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Saltalamacchia hurt his arm while trying to throw out a wold be base stealer and will have an MRI on Tuesday. Just recalled Taylor Teagarden was moved behind the plate in his absence. |
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| Schmidt done for the year | Monday 9/1, 8:58 PM CT |
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Jason Schmidt's 2008 season will end without him throwing a single pitch in the big leagues as the team has decided to shut him down after he has been unable to return to form from a shoulder operation, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The team is unclear just how to proceed with Schmidt and he might still need additional surgery on his ailing shoulder. Two years of his three year deal worth over $45 million are complete and Schmidt has thrown all of 25.2 innings. |
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| Brady Penny update | Monday 9/1, 8:53 PM CT |
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Brad Penny (shoulder) has been throwing off of flat ground, but he still hasn't thrown off the mound yet, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Penny is hoping to make it back to add some help out of the bullpen, but considering how poor he looked when he came off the DL last time, we aren't holding out any hope of him being a useful fantasy arm the rest of the way. |
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| Saito nearing return to hill | Monday 9/1, 8:49 PM CT |
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Takashi Saito has been throwing without pain and believes a return from the DL is close, according to MLB.com. "I'm very confident I will be on the mound this season, whether it's next week or the week after -- I need to consult with the doctor, the trainer and the club," said the 38-year-old Saito.
Our View: Saito, out since July 13th with a damaged elbow ligament, threw off-speed pitched for the first time on Monday and reported no pain. At this point he likely wouldn't be returned to the closers role, but that doesn't mean the team couldn't use his arm in the pen. |
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| Padres to go with 6-man rotation | Monday 9/1, 8:45 PM CT |
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Wade LeBlanc was called up on Monday to join the Padres and he will become part of a six-man rotation that the team will use moving forward, according to the Padres Official Website. "Maybe the next turn or two," manager Bud Black said. "This gives us an opportunity to get a look at some of the guys up from [Triple-A] Portland.
Our View: The team will go with Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Cha Seung Beck, Shawn Estes, LeBlanc and Joah Geer. This decision saves the arm of Peavy, allows Young to be brought back slowly, and minimizes the pressure on the others including the just off the DL Estes. |
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| Young, others recalled for Dodgers | Monday 9/1, 8:41 PM CT |
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Delwyn Young was recalled from the minors on Friday as was fellow outfielder Jason Repko and pitchers Scott Proctor, James McDonald and Eric Stults, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Young and Repko figure to do nothing other than pinch hit or pinch run in what is a crowded Dodgers outfield. As for the hurlers, there is not much to see there either. |
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| Andruw Jones activated | Monday 9/1, 8:37 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones (knee) was activated from the DL on Monday, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Jones went 6-for-23 on his rehab assignment not showing much more than he did with the Dodgers before he was shelved (.161 with three home runs in 205 AB). Given the precipitous nature of his fall from grace, and the play of the Dodgers currently outfielders, we doubt Jones will do anything more than occasional pinch hit and possibly be a late inning defensive replacement. |
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| Victorino swipes 30th base | Monday 9/1, 7:46 PM CT |
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Shane Victorino was caught stealing for the 10th time this season on Monday though he was also successful for the 30th time for the Phillies.
Our View: Victorino started slowly this year but he has virtually matched last years production (.281-12-46-78-37) this year (.283-11-49-87-30) marking him as a very valuable depth play in mixed leagues and a stud in NL-only formats. |
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| Milledge swipes 20th bag | Monday 9/1, 7:43 PM CT |
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Lastings Milledge had only one hit on Monday but he still platted two runs on the afternoon while stealing his 20th base of the year.
Our View: Milledge has also produced 13 home runs so those who said he could be a poor man's version of Mike Cameron this year weren't too far off the mark. Over his last 36 outings he has 18 runs, 20 RBI, seven steals and a .299 average offering a lot of value. |
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| Kendrick bombed by Nationals | Monday 9/1, 7:40 PM CT |
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Kyle Kendrick lost his eighth game of the year on Monday as he allowed six runs in just four innings to the Nationals.
Our View: This outing marks the third time in five starts that Kendrick has permitted at least six runs to cross the plate as his ERA has crept up to 5.06. Given the dearth of strikeouts (3.98 K/9), you are really paying a high price for those wins if you are running him out there. |
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| Redding picks up 10th victory | Monday 9/1, 7:38 PM CT |
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Tim Redding won his 10th game of the year on Monday as he held the Phillies to three runs in 5.2 innings of action. Redding allowed only two hits and three walks in the outing, though he produced just two strikeouts.
Our View: This was just the second victory in nine appearances for Redding though it was his third straight outing of three of fewer earned runs allowed after a stretch of 20 runs in four appearances covering 20 innings in late July and early August. |
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| Nats win 7th straight | Monday 9/1, 7:34 PM CT |
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Ryan Zimmerman led the Nationals, the team with the worst record in baseball, to their 7th straight victory on Monday as he hit a two run home run.
Our View: Zimmerman reach 10 home runs with the blast, less than half the total of 22 that he has averaged the past two seasons. Still, his home run pace this season is similar to what he produced last season (one per 33.8 AB this season and one per 27.2 last year). He now has six RBI in his last five games as he continues to struggle through his injury concerns. |
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| Kobayashi will be monitored closely | Monday 9/1, 7:27 PM CT |
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Masa Kobayashi will be monitored closely down the stretch as the team doesn't want to expose him to a heavy workload after years of pitching in Japan, according to the Indians Official Website. "We want him to finish the season strong," manager Eric Wedge said. "We want him to feel good physically."
Our View: Kobayashi only had one season in Japan with more than the 54 appearances he has this year for the Indians, and that was way back in 2000. The team doesn't want to burn him out for next season, so don't look for much out of this import the rest of the way. |
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| Estes back from DL | Monday 9/1, 7:14 PM CT |
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Shawn Estes, out since May 31st with a broken thumb, was activated from the DL on Monday, according to the Associated Press. The Padres also called up Matt Antonelli and Wade LeBlanc.
Our View: Estes has a 3.33 ERA over 24.1 innings this season, and he looked solid before getting hurt. However, given his track record, it would be a huge stretch to expect another run of consistency now that he is back with the Padres. |
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| Youkilis in the lineup | Monday 9/1, 7:11 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Kevin Youkilis is back in the lineup after missing the previous two games due to the flu, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Youkilis continues his push for his first 25-HR, 100 RBI season tonight, he currently has 24 home runs and 94 RBI, and with a big final month he could even score 100 runs (he currently has 82). |
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| Colon strong in rehab start | Monday 9/1, 7:06 PM CT |
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Bartolo Colon (back) hurled six innings of four hit ball for the Red Sox on Monday, according to the Boston Herald. Colon allowed one run in the outing though he only struck out one batter.
Our View: The team would like Colon to make one more appearance in the minors before being activated to help the club with their playoff push down the stretch. |
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| Drew takes BP | Monday 9/1, 7:03 PM CT |
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J.D. Drew took indoor batting practice on Monday, the first time he has been in the cage since August 17th because of back pain, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: While this is certainly a positive step, there is still no word on when Drew will be activated and return to the starting lineup. |
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| Griffey out - back pain | Monday 9/1, 7:00 PM CT |
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Ken Griffey Jr. was a late scratch on Monday night due to pain in his lower back, according to the White Sox Official Website.
Our View: Nick Swisher will play center field tonight, and the good news is that no one believes that the injury to Griffey is serious, though of course, any injury issue is always a concern with the sweet swinging future HOFamer. |
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| Hafner to stay in minors | Monday 9/1, 6:49 PM CT |
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Travis Hafner's shoulder is still bothering him a bit, and as a result he will not be called up to the big league club on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "We probably won't activate him," manager Eric Wedge said. "We're going to talk to him and see where he is. We'll see how he feels."
Our View: The team still hopes to see Hafner wearing a Indians uniform before the season is over, but they are in no hurry to recall him given his less than intact body. Don't count on much production, if any, even if you have held on to him this long. |
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| Sheets hopes injury isn't serious | Monday 9/1, 6:46 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Ben Sheets believes his groin injury isn't serious, according to the Associated Press. "I think it’s going to be fine," Sheets said. "I don’t think it’s as bad as last year. I really think I’m going to be all right. I’m just going to pay a little more attention to it and hopefully move forward."
Our View: Sheets has thrown 11-straight scoreless innings to lower his ERA to 2.96 before he was removed after five innings. Despite his pronouncement, it is still not known if he will need to miss a start or two. |
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| Sanchez faces Brewers on Tuesday | Monday 9/1, 6:42 PM CT |
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Anibal Sanchez will face the Brewers on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery , according to the Marlins Official Website. "I want to finish strong and have that carry over for a good season next year."
Our View: Sanchez is 2-3 with a 4.46 ERA and 1.49 WHIP this season in six starts as he continues to search for the form that led to a 10-3 record, 2.83 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 2006. |
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| Brewers call up top prospect | Monday 9/1, 6:31 PM CT |
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Alcides Escobar was one of 10 Brewers who were called up on Monday, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Here are the others: Mat Gamel, Angel Salome, Brad Nelson, Mitch Stetter, Tim Dillard, Mark DiFelice, Joe Dillon, Tony Gwynn Jr. and catcher Vinny Rottino.
Our View: Escobar, the third ranked prospect in the Brewers system according to Baseball America, is a shortstop who hit .328-7-76 with 34 stolen bases in the minors this season. Obviously, he won't be stealing many ABs from J.J. Hardy, but the kid has skills. |
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| Kaaihue called up to the majors | Monday 9/1, 6:25 PM CT |
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Kila Kaaihue has been called up to the majors after dominating minor league pitching this year, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Kaaihue hit .314-38-100 in 124 games, this after averaging just 13 home runs and 61 RBI in each of his first six professional seasons. The 24 year old Kaaihue will battle with Ryan Shealey for spare at-bats down the stretch. |
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| Royals call up youngsters | Monday 9/1, 6:19 PM CT |
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Ryan Shealy was one of the many Royals called up to the bigs on September 1st as major league rosters expanded, according to the Kansas City Star. Other Royals called up include Yasuhiko Yabuta, Devon Lowery and Kila Kaaihue.
Our View: Shealy, once a top-flight prospect with a bright future, hit .282-22-65 in 111 game at Triple-A this season. He is out of options at the end of this year meaning that the Royals will need to keep him on the roster next season or release him. He will likely have to battle Kaaihue for at-bats down the stretch. |
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| Lowell has fine BP session | Monday 9/1, 6:11 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Mike Lowell took batting practice for the first time on Monday since suffering his left oblique injury and he sounded optimistic that he will be able to return shortly, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Lowell is targeting the Red Sox series with the Rangers this weekend for a return, though he will likely need to have a couple of solid batting practice sessions to make his return this weekend a reality. |
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| Braun hits in loss | Monday 9/1, 6:00 PM CT |
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Ryan Braun had three hits on Monday while knocking in his 96th run of the season for the Brewers.
Our View: Braun could easily record 40 home runs and 110 RBI by the time the year is over despite dealing with injuries of late. He still needs to work on his plate discipline though with 112 K and just 30 walks. |
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| Ayala earns another save | Monday 9/1, 5:57 PM CT |
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Luis Ayala pitched a clean inning on Monday to pick up his fourth save of the season for the Mets.
Our View: Ayala hasn't walked a batter in eight innings with the Mets, but he also has only four strikeouts. Still, he has been as effective as any other option the Mets have in the pen right now so he will continue to pick up the save chances until Billy Wagner returns. |
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| Gagne taken deep by Delgado | Monday 9/1, 5:54 PM CT |
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Eric Gagne blew his sixth save of the year on his way to falling to 4-3 for the Brewers. Gagne allowed three runs on four hits, including a two run blast to Carlos Delgado to lose the game.
Our View: Gagne has been one of the biggest busts of the year as he can't even function in a setup role (6.81 ERA). You think that the Brewers might want their $10 million back? We know fantasy leaguers want their $10 back that they spent on him on draft day. |
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| Santana strikes out 10 | Monday 9/1, 5:51 PM CT |
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Johan Santana dominated the Brewers holding them to just two runs over six innings as he recorded yet another no-decision. Santana recorded 10 K while walking just one.
Our View: Santana is 4-0 over his last 10 starts despite posting a 2.47 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP as he continues to be one of the better second half pitchers in the game. For that matter, he continues to function as one of the best pitchers in the game regardless of the time of year. |
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| Delgado hits 31st home run | Monday 9/1, 5:48 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado hit a game winning two run home run off of Eric Gagne in the eighth inning in the Mets 4-2 victory.
Our View: With the two RBI, Delgado is just five RBI short of his ninth 30-100 season. After looking lost in the early part of the year, Delgado has certainly found his stroke leading to a superb 23 home runs and 70 RBI in his last 83 games. There aren't too many sluggers who have matched that level of production. |
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| Teagarden recalled, will have a roll | Monday 9/1, 5:42 PM CT |
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Taylor Teagarden has been recalled by the Rangers on Monday, according to the Star Telegram. Teagarden hit only .211 with nine home runs and 22 RBI in 246 minor league at-bats.
Our View: Manager Ron Washington said that the team wants to see what Teagarden has, so he and Jarrod Saltalamacchia will likely split time behind the plate meaning that Gerald Laird's value will likely plummet to almost nil. |
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| Duran recalled | Monday 9/1, 5:38 PM CT |
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German Duran has been recalled to the Rangers less than two weeks after he was sent down, according to the Star Telegram. Bill White was also added to the roster.
Our View: Duran will be a spare part and have no fantasy value with the Rangers since the club already has Chris Davis at third base and entrenched in the starting lineup, not to mention that Ian Kinsler is expected back in action in about a week at second base. |
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| Beltran day to day with injured knee | Monday 9/1, 5:29 PM CT |
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Carlos Beltran was forced from the Mets game on Monday with what is being called a bruised right knee, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Beltran suffered the injury in the eighth inning when he collided with umpire Ed Rapuano at home plate as he scored a run. At this point he is being listed as day to day. |
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| Phillies call up four players | Monday 9/1, 5:25 PM CT |
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Adam Eaton, J.A. Happ, Greg Golson and Lou Marson were recalled from the minors on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: In fairness, none of these moves means anything from a fantasy perspective, but we want to be thorough so here you go. Don't look for Eaton, the biggest name here, to pitch any important innings, at least in the short term. |
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| Towles, four others recalled | Monday 9/1, 5:19 PM CT |
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J.R. Towles was one of five Astros players called on Monday, this according to the Associated Press. The others were Jack Cassell, Fernando Nieve, Alberto Arias and Edwin Maysonet.
Our View: Towles will have a month to prove if he belongs in the team's plans or not after hitting just .143 in 140 AB this season. Towles hit .304 with a .870 OPS in 48 games in the PCL, and he will try to convert that success into performance at the major league level. |
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| Owens finally recalled | Monday 9/1, 5:15 PM CT |
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Jerry Owens, a presumptive starting outfielder at the start of the season who was injured and sent to the minors, has been recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Owens lost his lineup spot to Carlos Quentin and hasn't been seen since. Owens likely won't have any value unless someone goes down with injury, though he did hit .276 with 30 steals in the minors and could offer some speed in AL-only leagues. |
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| Linebrink back on active roster | Monday 9/1, 5:05 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Scott Linebrink's throwing session went well on Monday, so well that the reliever was activated from the DL, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Linebrink has been out since late July because of inflammation in his shoulder. He performed very well prior to ending up on the shelf (2.31 ERA, 0.92 WHIP), and should reclaim a role of importance in the team's bullpen down the stretch, though his fantasy value will be restricted to AL-only leagues. |
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| Hill overcomes devastating injury | Monday 9/1, 5:02 PM CT |
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Koyie Hill was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to join the Cubs just slightly over a year after a he severed three of his fingers with a table saw last October, according to MLB.com.
Our View: This is one of the true feel good stories of the year and something we would rather see TV than the 100th story on instant replay. Hill won't have any fantasy value, but it still warms our heart to share this tale. |
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| Berroa starting at SS | Monday 9/1, 4:57 PM CT |
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Angel Berroa will find himself in the starting lineup yet again at shortstop, this according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Our View: Berroa has eight hits in his last 22 AB entering action today which is no doubt better than Nomar Garciaparra who is three for his last 28. Still, is Berroa worth riding while he is hot? No as it's just as likely that he will go for 3-for-28 as that he will continue to hit well. |
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| Gotay activated from DL | Monday 9/1, 4:51 PM CT |
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Ruben Gotay was activated from the DL on Monday, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Gotay had been out of action due to a strained left hamstring, and even though he is now back on the active roster he doesn't figure to have any value, especially with Martin Prado playing so well. |
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| Kotchman back off bereavement list | Monday 9/1, 4:40 PM CT |
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Casey Kotchman, who had missed the past 11 days while tending to his ailing mother, has been activated from the list, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Kotchman has failed to do much of anything at all since being acquired by the Braves (.157/.259/.214 in 70 AB), and it's easy to see why considering what he has gone through off the field. He remains an option in NL-only leagues but not much else at this point. |
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| Jeter fills up stat sheet | Monday 9/1, 4:33 PM CT |
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Derek Jeter produced a full line on Monday with three runs, two hits, two RBI and three walks for the Yankees.
Our View: Jeter hit .345 in July and with his two hits today he has upped his average to .296 on the year. After a pedestrian start to the year, Jeter has started to come on though he will still likely fail to record 100-runs, he currently has 75, for the first time in his career in a season of 500-AB. |
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| A-Rod has four RBI | Monday 9/1, 4:30 PM CT |
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Alex Rodriguez knocked in four runs to up his season total to 85 for the Yankees. Arod also had three hits and scored two runs against the Tigers.
Our View: Arod continues to get beaten down by the fans and certain media types, but he keeps producing numbers at a rate that clearly put him, once again, in the top-10 of all fantasy performers. Arod needs one home run and 15 RBI down the stretch to extend his streak of 30-HR, 100-RBI seasons to 11 which would be the second longest streak in history to Jimmie Foxx's 12 (1929-40). |
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| Orodonez knocks in three | Monday 9/1, 4:26 PM CT |
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Magglio Ordonez had three hits and three RBI for the Tigers in their 13-9 victory over the Yankees.
Our View: While hit overall numbers (.313-16-81) don't compare to what he did last season (.363-28-139), he is on pace to nearly match his totals from 2006 (.298-24-104). Hopefully you didn't overpay for his services after his career season. If you didn't you have to be satisfied with his efforts this year. |
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| Cabrera reaches home run milestone | Monday 9/1, 4:23 PM CT |
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Miguel Cabrera hit his 30th home run of the season on Monday, his lone hit in five trips to the plate against the Yankees.
Our View: Few have been swinging a better power bat that Cabrera of late as he has 19 home runs and 58 RBI over his last 54 games leading to this being his fifth straight season of at least 25-HR and 100-RBI for this young hitting uberstud. |
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| Ponson brutal in no-decision. | Monday 9/1, 4:20 PM CT |
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Sidney Ponson lasted only three innings on Monday in a no-decision against the Tigers as he was pounded for nine hits and seven runs (six earned). Only a pathetic outing by the Tigers staff allowed Ponson to escape this one without a loss.
Our View: Ponson has allowed 17 earned runs in his last three starts spanning just 9.2 innings (15.82 ERA). If you're still running him out there, you just haven't been paying attention as he has been awful of late. There is no reason to expect him to turn things around down the stretch as he simply isn't a good major league pitcher. |
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| Verlander bombed in loss | Monday 9/1, 4:16 PM CT |
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Justin Verlander lost his 15th game of the season on Monday as he was torched for eight runs, give earned, in just 1.2 innings against the Yankees.
Our View: After seasons of 17 and 18 victories, Verlander amazingly has a chance to match those totals in the loss column this season. His current ERA of 4.74 is also more than a full run above his marks the past two seasons, so to call this campaign disappointing would be a major understatement. He has been awful. |
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| Sweeney activated | Monday 9/1, 3:56 PM CT |
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Mike Sweeney has been activated from the disabled list and will join the Athletics, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: Sweeney has solid numbers, but does not contribute enough to be worth much for fantasy owners. |
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| Motte called up | Monday 9/1, 3:50 PM CT |
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Reliever Jason Motte was called up to by the Cardinals on Monday, according to Scout.com. Also called up were infielders Brendan Ryan and Brian Barden, catcher Mark Johnson and reliever Kelvin Jimenez.
Our View: Motte had a ridiculous number of strikeouts in Triple-A, with 110 in 65.2 innings pitched. His control is good as well, with just 25 on the year, and is a flame-thrower who reaches the upper 90's with his fastball. Motte could help fantasy owners who need strikeouts depending on how often he will be used. Monitor his situation before thinking about adding him. |
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| Rauch available | Monday 9/1, 3:46 PM CT |
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Diamondbacks hurler Jon Rauch was suffering from stiffness to his forearm, but after throwing a bullpen session on Sunday, he was deemed good to go and is available to pitch, according to DBacks.com.
Our View: Rauch has been an effective reliever for the Diamondbacks this season, with a WHIP of 1.09, and handles setup duty for the Diamondbacks. |
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| Silva activated from the DL | Monday 9/1, 3:33 PM CT |
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Mariners pitcher Carlos Silva was activated from the disabled list and will start for the team on Monday, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Silva is not anyone to even consider putting on a fantasy team. He has been one of the worst pitchers in the major leagues this season, with a 4-14 record and 6.36 ERA. |
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| Hamels may make start | Monday 9/1, 3:19 PM CT |
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The Phillies are thinking about juggling their rotation so that pitcher Cole Hamels can face the Mets on Sunday, according to Phillies.com.
Our View: Hamels is slated to go on Tuesday, and his regular turn would be Sunday, but the team has an off day, and someone would have to be skipped for Hamels to go against the Mets. It is probably a good idea for Philadelphia to start their best pitcher against the team they are battling for the division, so look for Hamels to get the green light against New York. |
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| Cantu homers | Monday 9/1, 3:13 PM CT |
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Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run to help the Marlins beat the Braves, 4-3.
Our View: Cantu had a poor August, hitting just .223 with an on-base percentage of .270, so maybe he will turn it on in September. |
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| McCann has rough day | Monday 9/1, 3:10 PM CT |
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Braves catcher Brian McCann had a difficult day on Monday, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his team's 4-3 loss to the Marlins.
Our View: McCann is coming off a 6-for-11 streak, so his rare day of trouble should be acceptable to fantasy owners. |
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| Johnson has solid effort | Monday 9/1, 3:06 PM CT |
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Marlins hurler Josh Johnson put up a solid effort in his team's 4-3 win over Atlanta on Monday. Johnson got a no-decision, but threw six innings, giving up three runs while striking out eight batters.
Our View: Johnson has been good for the Marlins in his short time in the big leagues, and has now struck out 16 batters in his last 15 innings pitched. He could be a nice addition to a fantasy team in need of pitching for the stretch run. |
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| Gonzalez suffers loss | Monday 9/1, 3:03 PM CT |
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Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez showed an uncharacteristic lack of control, walking three Marlins in the bottom of the ninth inning before giving up a sacrifice fly to John Baker, as the Braves lost to Florida, 4-3.
Our View: For the most part, Gonzalez has shown very good control, averaging less than three walks per nine innings this season. He remains the Braves closer, and fantasy owners should not lose confidence in him due to this hiccup. |
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