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| Ethier goes 5-for-5 against D-Backs | Friday 9/5, 11:56 PM CT |
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Andre Ethier went 5-for-5 in a big game against the Diamondbacks on Friday night. He tallied his 20th home run to go with five RBI. It was a career-high for RBI in a game.
Our View: He is now 11-for-15 in four September games and has generally hit well since Manny Ramirez's arrival. He is worth a look in deep leagues and also holds some value in keeper leagues. |
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| Jimenez picks up his 12th win | Friday 9/5, 11:14 PM CT |
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Ubaldo Jimenez allowed three runs and five hits, struck out six, hit two batters and walked one in six-plus innings. It was just his second win in a month.
Our View: As usual he was a little wild. Regardless, hopefully this win puts to rest the poor performances he strung together in August. |
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| Giles has four hits including home run | Friday 9/5, 11:05 PM CT |
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Brian Giles had four hits including an eighth-inning solo home run that tied the score 2-2 against the Brewers on Friday. It was just his 11th home run of the season.
Our View: The big night brings his average back over .300. Giles has had a rather mediocre year by his standards. His numbers would no doubt be more impressive if he played on just about any other team or in any other ballpark. |
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| Sabathia allows one run in no-decision | Friday 9/5, 11:01 PM CT |
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CC Sabathia struck out nine in seven innings in a no-decision appearance against the Padres on Friday night. He gave up five hits and just one run. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a two-out RBI. Milwaukee won 3-2 in 11 innings.
Our View: Sabathia continues to dominate the NL as he has not yet lost in his new league after 12 games. |
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| Hardy hits game-winner | Friday 9/5, 10:56 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy had a walk-off RBI single in the 11th winning against the Padres on Friday night to end the Brewers' four-game losing streak. It was Hardy's fourth straight game with an RBI.
Our View: Hardy has upped his batting average to .289 after batting .242 as recently as mid-June. He is slugging just under .500. |
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| Looper rebounds from rough outing | Friday 9/5, 10:51 PM CT |
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Braden Looper threw 7.1 shutout innings against the Marlins on Friday but the save was blown in the ninth. He walked none, gave up four hits and struck out six.
Our View: This was great news for Looper who was coming off his worst outing of the season against Houston last week when he gave up 11 hits and eight runs in 4.1 innings. |
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| Perez blows second straight save | Friday 9/5, 10:48 PM CT |
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Chris Perez blew his second consecutive save on Friday win he gave up a ninth inning home run to Mike Jacobs. It was the Cardinals league-leading 30th blown save of the season.
Our View: Perez appeared to be the answer when he started closing games in August but this might be cause for some concern. Unfortunately, the Cardinals don't have too many pitchers that they can turn to, although Chris Carpenter will be pitching out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season. |
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| Jurrjens ends winless streak | Friday 9/5, 10:11 PM CT |
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Jair Jurrjens picked up his first win since August 9th on Friday night against the Nationals. It took him 98 pitches to get through five innings, after which he was pulled. He gave up six hits and one run while walking three and striking out six.
Our View: This should help him snap out of his funk. He was 1-3 with a 5.73 ERA in August. Jurrjens is a better pitcher than that and he should return to form in September. |
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| Johnson enjoying a strong September | Friday 9/5, 10:07 PM CT |
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Kelly Johnson continued his hot September with three more hits on Friday night. He recorded two runs and two RBI. In five September games, he is hitting .571 with six runs and eight RBI.
Our View: Get 'em while he's hot. Johnson is a good hitter but has had a very average year. In May, he hit .355 but has not hit over .250 in any other month. With a healthy Chipper Jones and Brian McCann behind him, he should finish out the year on a strong note. |
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| Votto connects for his 18th home run | Friday 9/5, 9:50 PM CT |
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Joey Votto hit his 18th home run of the season on Friday night. He added a double, two runs and three RBI to his line by the end of the 10-2 whupping of the Cubs.
Our View: Votto is the real deal. After Adam Dunn was traded, he took over the cleanup spot in the order and has hit .333 while there. Throw in his small ballpark and the fact that he will be hitting between Brandon Phillips nad Jay Bruce for years, and it becomes clear that Votto holds substantial keeper league value. |
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| Harden should make next start | Friday 9/5, 9:46 PM CT |
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Rich Harden threw Friday without experiencing any problems according to the AP. He missed his last start with discomfort in his arm.
Our View: It appears Harden will be available to go on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He has a 1.50 ERA in 54 innings with the Cubs this season. |
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| Arroyo picks up another win. | Friday 9/5, 9:42 PM CT |
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Bronson Arroyo threw an impressive 6.1 innings against the Cubs on Friday night. He allowed just one run on four hits while striking out six.
Our View: Arroyo has been a different pitcher since the All-Star break. He has gone 7-3 with a 3.30 ERA in the timespan. He had a 2.61 ERA in August. |
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| Bruce hits first grand slam | Friday 9/5, 9:30 PM CT |
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Jay Bruce hit his first career grand slam on Friday night off of Jon Lieber. He was 2-for-3 with four RBI and a walk in the Reds 10-2 victory over the Cubs. He also had two errors giving him nine on the season.
Our View: Bruce had a miserable August in which he hit just .227 but has rebounded thus far in September. He is hitting .400 in the young month. |
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| Lilly lit up in Cincy | Friday 9/5, 9:22 PM CT |
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Ted Lilly lasted just two innings on Friday night against the Reds. He was tagged for five runs on four hits and three walks.
Our View: It was Lilly's shortest outing of the year and could not have come at a worse time for a Cubs' pitching staff that is dealing with an ailing Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. |
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| Francoeur leaves game after being hit | Friday 9/5, 9:12 PM CT |
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Jeff Francoeur left Friday night's game after being hit by a pitch on his hand.
Our View: We will update the once-fantasy-relevant Francouer's status as more is known. In fairness, he has recorded 63 RBI and 59 runs this season...despite hitting .231. |
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| Pelfrey suffers loss despite pitching well | Friday 9/5, 8:56 PM CT |
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Mike Pelfrey allowed just four hits over seven innings against the Phillies on Friday but left with a loss. Phillies third baseman Greg Dobbs connected for a two-out, two-run homer off of him in the seventh - the only earned runs Pelfrey allowed.
Our View: Despite the loss, Pelfrey did not pitch bad. He continues to have an excellent second half and September was his best month of 2007. |
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| Myers shuts out Mets | Friday 9/5, 8:51 PM CT |
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Brett Myers improved to 6-1 since the All-Star break with an excellent performance in New York on Friday. He lasted eight innings and shutout the Mets' usually productive lineup. He struck out 10 while allowing just three hits.
Our View: Myers has clealy found his stride since the break. He has not allowed a run in three of his past four starts, yielding only two runs in his last 31 innings. Expect a solid September from him. |
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| Ozuna joins Dodgers | Friday 9/5, 8:18 PM CT |
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Pablo Ozuna joined the Dodgers 40-man roster on Friday.
Our View: Ozuna is not a fantasy factor. In 82 ABs this season he is hitting .256. |
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| Pineiro moves to the pen | Friday 9/5, 8:00 PM CT |
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Joel Pineiro will will move to the bullpen, as the Cardinals shift to a four-man rotation over the next week according to MLB.com. Pineiro, who last started on Monday in Arizona, will not start again until Sept. 12, the opener of the Cards' series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
Our View: That will make one start in 26 days for Pineiro, who was bumped to the 'pen when the Cards went to a four-man rotation in the second half of August. A run of off-days in the second half has allowed for some creativity with the starting five. |
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| Morton may be done | Friday 9/5, 7:41 PM CT |
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Charlie Morton may be done for the season. MLB.com reports that the right-hander has been shut down for at least 10 days after complaining of back discomfort.
Our View: The rookie hurler claims he does not know what caused the persistent back discomfort that he's felt for nearly two months but one theory is simply being a part of the Braves' rotation. In 15 starts, he has accumulated a 6.32 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. |
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| Zambrano encouraged by MRI | Friday 9/5, 7:13 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Carlos Zambrano said Friday he was encouraged by the MRI results that showed he has tendinitis in his shoulder, The Cubs pitcher wanted to also correct reports saying he had missed his scheduled MRI exam. "Thank God it was nothing serious," Zambrano said of the test results.
Our View: It's possible he could start next weekend against Houston but don't count on the Cubs rushing back their ace so close to playoff time. Still, this is good news for Cubs fans. Fantasy owners should still get a few more solid outings from him and we will monitor the rehab closely. |
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| Martinez will start Saturday | Friday 9/5, 6:38 PM CT |
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The New York Post reports that Pedro Martinez told reporters today that he feels healthy and will start as scheduled Saturday against the Phillies. Martinez had been excused from the final three games of the road trip this week so he could work out at Shea Stadium with personal trainer Chris Correnti, in part because he had trouble getting loose in his start last weekend in Miami.
Our View: Martinez had a 3.85 ERA in August with 33 strikeouts in 42.1 innings. He should be a reliable play the rest of the way. |
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| Hill has surgery | Friday 9/5, 6:19 PM CT |
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Shawn Hill had bone spurs removed from his elbow on Friday according to the Washington Post. It was thought that he might need a second Tommy John surgery so this is good news for Hill fans.
Our View: Hill will be ready for spring training in 2009 but won't likely be an effective fantasy player. This season he was 1-5 with a 5.83 ERA. |
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| Durham to start Friday | Friday 9/5, 4:16 PM CT |
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Ray Durham is in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Padres. It's his first start since spraining his shoulder on August 26th.
Our View: Durham should see plenty of starts against right-handers for the remainder of the month. He is hitting .301 off of them this season. |
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| Niese to start Tuesday | Friday 9/5, 4:04 PM CT |
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Jonathon Niese will make his second career start on Tuesday against the Nationals according to MetsBlog.com. He lasted just three innings last Tuesday and surrendered five runs.
Our View: Niese has major league potential and he has a fairly light hitting opponent coming up. Still, it's too much to expect him to have any fantasy impact this season. |
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| Iguchi agrees to deal with Phillies | Friday 9/5, 3:14 PM CT |
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Tadahito Iguchi, who was recently released by the Padres, has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Phillies, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: He is expected to join his new club prior to Saturday's game against the Mets. He should not be considered for fantasy rosters, and will be ineligible for the postseason should the Phillies win the NL East or clinch the wildcard. |
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| Branyan not expected back? | Friday 9/5, 2:45 PM CT |
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The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes that the signing of Mike Lamb could be an indication that Russell Branyan isn't expected back due to his right oblique strain.
Our View: It could also signal that Mat Gamel is not in the plans to see significant playing time at third base, with Craig Counsell and Lamb likely to see most of the action. |
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| Palmisano designated for assignment | Friday 9/5, 1:02 PM CT |
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Lou Palmisano has been designated for assignment by the Brewers, according to the AP. The team acquired veteran infielder Mike Lamb off waivers from Minnesota as the corresponding move.
Our View: Palmisano held no fantasy value prior to his designation. He is not a power hitter and has not challenged a .300 average past the Single-A level. |
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| Brewers acquire Lamb | Friday 9/5, 12:57 PM CT |
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Mike Lamb has been acquired by the Brewers after clearing waivers with Minnesota, according to the AP. Catcher Lou Palmisano has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Our View: He was added to the contending Brewers' bench for the stretch run, but the 32-year-old is not eligible to play in the postseason. He will see action at third base, but does not merit fantasy attention. |
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| Belliard may be done for the season | Friday 9/5, 11:09 AM CT |
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Ronnie Belliard may be done for the remainder of the season after sustaining a strained right groin in Thursday's game against Atlanta, according to the AP.
Our View: He will undergo an MRI today, but the team is not expecting him back this season. |
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| Saito throws pen session | Friday 9/5, 11:00 AM CT |
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Takashi Saito, who is recovering from a right elbow sprain, throw a 32-pitch bullpen session Thursday, according to the LA Times. He did not report any pain or discomfort following the session.
Our View: He is expected to return from the DL when eligible September 12, but it remains uncertain if he will reclaim his closer's role right away. |
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| Penny throws bullpen session | Friday 9/5, 10:56 AM CT |
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Brad Penny, who is recovering from right shoulder inflammation, threw a bullpen session Thursday and is optimistic he can return to the Dodgers this season as a reliever, according to the LA Times.
Our View: He has a shot to return, but may not be able to make a solid enough impact to merit keeping him on fantasy rosters as a reliever. |
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| Gregg plays catch | Friday 9/5, 10:43 AM CT |
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Kevin Gregg, who is recovering from a sore left knee, played catch on Tuesday, according to the Palm Beach Post. Pitching coach Mark Wiley indicated that his session was a success.
Our View: He will now progress to the mound, prior to determining when he can return as the Marlins' closer. |
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| Dickerson making solid impact | Friday 9/5, 10:04 AM CT |
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Chris Dickerson has been making a solid impact with the Reds since his August 12 promotion from Triple-A Louisville, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He went 2-for-3 with a double Thursday, and has now hit safely in seven straight games. 16 of his 26 hits have went for extra bases as well, with eight doubles, two triples, and six homers.
Our View: Dickerson should remain active in lineups while he is hot, and is proving to be among the most valuable waiver wire pick-ups during the stretch run of the season. |
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| Lamb clears waivers | Friday 9/5, 8:51 AM CT |
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Mike Lamb has cleared waivers and has been unconditionally released by the Twins, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He can sign with another club, but the Twins are responsible for the remainder of his two-year deal, worth roughly $3.8 million.
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| Wilson's swelling goes down | Friday 9/5, 8:02 AM CT |
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The swelling on Jack Wilson's bruised right index finger went down significantly Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wilson said, "It's a stupid injury because it could have been avoided. I've done it before but never this bad."
Our View: He was injured while fielding a grounder. Assuming the swelling doesn't get worse, Wilson can likely return to the Pirates' lineup tonight. |
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| Sanchez rests sore arm | Friday 9/5, 7:57 AM CT |
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Freddy Sanchez sat out of the starting lineup Thursday as a precaution after being hit by a pitch on the underside of his right forearm near the heel of his hand Wednesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said, "Usually, the day after is when it's the sorest."
Our View: He did make an appearance as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, and should be ready to play tonight. |
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| Andrews impressed with Ohlendorf | Friday 9/5, 7:52 AM CT |
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Pitching coach Jeff Andrews was impressed with Ross Ohlendorf's performance in his first major league start Wednesday against Cincinnati, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Andrews said, "I thought he did really well. He used his strength, which is his fastball. He made them speed up their bats. He attacked inside on both sides of the plate. He used his breaking ball ahead on the count well. He knew where to go with the breaking ball. His changeup is very usable."
Our View: He allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings in a no decision against Cincinnati, and his next start is set for Tuesday in Houston. He is worth targeting in NL-only leagues if available. |
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| Pence tied in outfield assists | Friday 9/5, 7:35 AM CT |
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Hunter Pence could be a sleeper for a Gold Glove, as he is tied for the major league lead with 15 outfield assists and is yet to make an error, according to the Houston Chronicle. Pence said, "It’s something I like to focus on and take some pride in (playing good defense). The award would be an honor. I don’t go out there like I deserve a Gold Glove or this and that. I try to go out there and play the game the right way and help my team win."
Our View: Pence is also making a strong impact with his bat right now as well, as he is riding a six-game hitting streak, with five multi-hit efforts over the span. |
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| Astros pleased with Newhan | Friday 9/5, 7:30 AM CT |
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Manager Cecil Cooper and the Astros' staff have been pleased with infielder David Newhan, and the club is looking for ways to get him more at-bats, according to the Houston Chronicle. Newhan has started seven of the last nine games at second base, but Cooper is considering moving him to the outfield for the first time this year. Cooper stated, "He’s making plays and getting hits. He’s done a good job. A lot of it is getting the opportunity. He’s getting to play more. He’s making some eyes go open a little bit, and we’ll keep giving him a chance. He can run, he’s a good defender and can steal some bases."
Our View: Newman especially impressed the team when he stole home on Wednesday against the Cubs, and is worth picking up in larger NL-only leagues for depth. |
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