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| Wilson throws | Sunday 9/7, 11:48 PM CT |
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Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson threw on Sunday as he recovers from a contusion to his right finger, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He may be able to play in the team's series against he Astros.
Our View: Wilson is not a player that should be utilized in fantasy leagues, as he does not hit for average or power, nor does he steal bases. |
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| Morgan will play winter ball | Sunday 9/7, 11:45 PM CT |
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Nyjer Morgan will play winter ball for the Pirates this offseason, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Joining him will be relievers Jesse Chavez and Dave Davidson, and outfielders Steve Pearce and Chris Duffy.
Our View: Morgan and the others need more at-bats to get ready for the 2009 season. Morgan did not have a great year in the big leagues, hitting just .242 with four home runs and six stolen bases. |
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| Diamondbacks call off hazing | Sunday 9/7, 11:26 PM CT |
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Usually, the Diamondbacks make their rookies wear costumes on the way home from road trips at the end of the year, but after losing to the Dodgers and falling further behind them in the division, Tony Clark told the rookies to change because it was an inappropriate time, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: The rookies were spared humiliation because Arizona is no mood to mess around as they try to concentrate on taking the NL West. |
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| Scully to return | Sunday 9/7, 11:14 PM CT |
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The Dodgers will have broadcaster Vin Scully back for a 60th season of calling games, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, he plans to take it year-by-year after that, saying, "I'm really weary talking about beyond this afternoon. ... There's a beginning, a middle and an end for all of us. I know that I have a lot more yesterdays than I have tomorrows."
Our View: Vin Scully is one of the greatest broadcasters in the history of sports, much less baseball. The only one who may disagree is Jeff Kent, who appallingly said recently that Scully talks too much. |
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| Rollins has tough day | Sunday 9/7, 10:31 PM CT |
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Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins went 1-for-10 in both games of his team's doubleheader against the Mets. Rollins went 1-for-5 in game one, but went hitless in five at-bats in the second game, a 6-3 Mets victory.
Our View: Rollins came into the second game of the doubleheader with a seven-game hitting streak, but saw that disappear. |
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| Delgado hits two homers | Sunday 9/7, 10:22 PM CT |
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Carlos Delgado hit two home runs off of Phillies starter Cole Hamels, and went 3-for-4 with four RBI in the Mets 6-3 win over Philadelphia. His RBI gave him an even 100 on the season.
Our View: Delgado has played outstanding so far in September, and after looking like he could be finished earlier in the year, has really come on strong. |
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| Hamels hit hard | Sunday 9/7, 10:19 PM CT |
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Cole Hamels allowed five runs in five innings in the Phillies 6-3 loss to the Mets. The lefty saw his record fall to 12-9.
Our View: This was Hamels' worst start since the end of May. His record is deceiving, and he should have many more wins than he does. Nonetheless, fantasy owners are still reaping the rewards of his ERA, WHIP and strikeouts. |
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| Santana wins 13th | Sunday 9/7, 10:08 PM CT |
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Needing a win to salvage a split in the Mets doubleheader with the Phillies, Johan Santana pitched well, going 7.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out six in New York's 6-3 win.
Our View: Santana did what an ace is supposed to do - get big wins. He out-dueled Cole Hamels, and Santana has not picked up a loss since the month of June. |
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| Pirates tie dubious record | Sunday 9/7, 9:50 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Pirates tied the record for most consecutive losing seasons in the history of professional sports with their loss on Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates have not had a winning record in 16 years.
Our View: The Pirates tied the 1933-48 Philadelphia Phillies for the dubious mark. And it is entirely possible that they will hold the record for themselves after next season. |
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| Posey will not be called up | Sunday 9/7, 9:01 PM CT |
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Despite his considerable talents, Giants prospect and 2008 draftee Buster Posey will not be called up to the big leagues at the end of the Single-A playoffs in San Jose, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Our View: Posey has been tearing it up in the minor leagues, but he has not been at it very long. Posey was the fifth overall pick in the draft, though some regarded him as the best player available. |
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| Jenkins will take batting practice | Sunday 9/7, 8:56 PM CT |
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Phillies outfielder Geoff Jenkins will take batting practice on Monday as he attempts to return from a strained hip flexor, according to MLB.com
Our View: The Phillies would like Jenkins to return by the end of the year, but Jayson Werth has played very well in his place. |
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| Howard hits 40th home run | Sunday 9/7, 8:51 PM CT |
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Ryan Howard hit his 40th home run of the season on Sunday, and is the first Phillies player in team history to have 40 or more home runs three seasons in a row, according to Phillies.com.
Our View: Howard also has 120 RBI, and though his batting average and on-base percentage leave a lot to be desired, fantasy owners can't go wrong with those type of power numbers. |
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| Gregg still in pain | Sunday 9/7, 8:20 PM CT |
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After his bullpen session on Sunday, Marlins closer Kevin Gregg said he just has to deal with the pain in his knee, and that he should be able to pitch through it, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Gregg will take fielding drills this week to see if he is able to move around well enough to play. He is not expected to resume closing immediately upon his return, so take note of that if he is on your fantasy roster. |
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| Treanor leaves game early | Sunday 9/7, 8:18 PM CT |
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Marlins catcher Matt Treanor had to leave the team's game against the Cardinals after he hit a foul ball off his knee in the second inning, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: X-rays showed that Treanor had nothing more than a deep bone bruise, and he should be good to go soon. He has no fantasy value. |
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| Young activated | Sunday 9/7, 8:11 PM CT |
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Dmitri Young has been activated from the 15-day disabled list, according to Nationals.com. He was put on the DL because he had trouble getting his diabetes under control.
Our View: Young has limited fantasy value, as he will probably play somewhat sparingly. Not to mention the fact that he offers little home run or RBI production. |
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| Ramirez continues to rake | Sunday 9/7, 6:57 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez continues to bomb away with the Dodgers, as he went 2-for-3 with one run scored in Los Angeles' 5-3 win over Arizona.
Our View: Ramirez is still hitting above .400 for the season with the Dodgers, and has been an invaluable contributor to their race for the NL West crown. |
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| Dunn hits a bomb | Sunday 9/7, 6:53 PM CT |
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Adam Dunn hit his 36th home run of the year in a 2-for-4 performance against the Dodgers, but Arizona fell by the score of 5-3.
Our View: In news that should shock pretty much everyone, Dunn did not strike out once. He actually has as many home runs on the month as he does strikeouts (four). |
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| Kershaw throws four innings | Sunday 9/7, 6:50 PM CT |
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In the battle of phenom vs. phenom, Clayton Kershaw's Dodgers beat Max Scherzer's Diamondbacks, 5-3, but Scherzer had the better individual performance. Kershaw last just four innings, giving up three earned runs, striking out four and allowing two home runs.
Our View: Kershaw came up earlier in the season with a lot of hype and a solid start, but fantasy owners should pick and choose how they use him. He has had a decent season, but has not been consistently good enough to be a fantasy stalwart. |
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| Scherzer strikes out 11 | Sunday 9/7, 6:47 PM CT |
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Max Scherzer started for the Diamondbacks Sunday and threw five innings, giving up three runs while striking out 11 in his team's 5-3 loss to the Dodgers.
Our View: Scherzer did not factor into the decision, but fantasy owners will still be happy with his day. If he is available in your league, try and snag him. |
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| Geary set to return | Sunday 9/7, 6:43 PM CT |
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Geoff Geary threw a 50-pitch simulated game on Sunday, and will be back in the Astros bullpen on Tuesday, according to Astros.com.
Our View: Geary has been out since late August with a groin injury, but will return this week. He is only valuable to fantasy owners who utilize middle relievers for holds or other purposes. |
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| Schierholtz goes 2-for-3 | Sunday 9/7, 6:40 PM CT |
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Nate Schierholtz continues to rake, as he went 2-for-3 in the Giants 11-6 win over the Pirates. Schierholtz is hitting .500 so far on the season.
Our View: Okay, that .500 is in just 22 at-bats, but it is impressive nonetheless. Schierholtz should be given a peek in NL-only leagues if he is going to see regular playing time. |
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| Bixler is bad | Sunday 9/7, 6:36 PM CT |
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Pirates shortstop Brian Bixler had an awful game in his team's 11-6 loss to the Giants. In his three at-bats in the game, he did not make contact, striking out all three times.
Our View: Since being recalled in late July, Bixler has one hit in 12 at-bats, not to mention six strikeouts. Fantasy value? Non-existent. |
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| Sandoval knocks in five | Sunday 9/7, 6:34 PM CT |
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San Francisco catcher Pablo Sandoval went 2-for-3 with a double and five RBI in the Giants 11-6 win over the Pirates.
Our View: As we've been saying for quite a while now, Sandoval needs to be on fantasy rosters ASAP - and he should be available in many leagues. He has nine RBI so far in September, and his batting average since being recalled is .364. |
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| Karstens continues to lose | Sunday 9/7, 6:30 PM CT |
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Jeff Karstens went just three innings, as he allowed eight runs (five earned) on six hits, as he suffered the loss in the Giants 11-6 win over Pittsburgh.
Our View: After starting out great for the Pirates, Karstens has now lost his last five games. His fantasy value is waning. |
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| Wagner suffers setback | Sunday 9/7, 6:23 PM CT |
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Fantasy owners expecting to get Mets closer Billy Wagner back for the stretch run may have to come up with a new plan. The lefty experienced further elbow discomfort after throwing to just a single batter in his simulated game on Sunday, according to the N.Y. Post.
Our View: This is bad news for a shaky Mets bullpen, and bad news for fantasy owners hoping to accumulate some more saves from Wagner. |
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| McLouth leaves game | Sunday 9/7, 6:10 PM CT |
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The Pirates Nate McLouth dove for a line drive and missed, and the ball hit him in the face, forcing him to leave the game and get three stitches, according to the AP.
Our View: He also stole his 20th base of the season in the game, making him a 20-20 player, so it was not an entire loss on the day. |
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| Jones gets three hits | Sunday 9/7, 5:34 PM CT |
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Chipper Jones got three hits in six at-bats, but it was not enough, as the Braves fell to the Nationals by the score of 7-4.
Our View: Jones is just one point behind Albert Pujols for the batting title as of Sunday, .359 to .358. |
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| Bourn swipes 37th base | Sunday 9/7, 5:32 PM CT |
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Michael Bourn went 0-for-4, but he did take a walk and steal his 37th base of the season as the Astros beat the Rockies 7-5.
Our View: Nice to see Bourn take a walk, which is something he has not done nearly enough of. His on-base percentage remains under .300, and he is hitting just .222, not the ideal situation for fantasy owners, despite his stolen base production. |
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| Hawpe hits one out | Sunday 9/7, 5:29 PM CT |
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Brad Hawpe had two hits, including a three-run home run, though the Rockies bullpen blew a lead and the team fell to the Astros, 7-5.
Our View: Hawpe started off poorly, but he has really picked it up, and fantasy owners who were skeptical should be pleased with Hawpe's overall production. |
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| Valverde collects 40th save | Sunday 9/7, 5:27 PM CT |
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Jose Valverde got save number 40 on the season, striking out the side when closing out the Astros 7-5 victory over the Rockies.
Our View: Valverde has been as solid as advertised for the Astros, and his good control has been a benefit to fantasy owners, as his BB/9 is under 3.00, helping him to a solid WHIP that is under 1.20. |
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| Anderson on base four times | Sunday 9/7, 5:23 PM CT |
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Anderson Hernandez did not get a base hit, but he was still on base four times, going 0-for-3 with four walks in Washington's 7-4 win over Atlanta.
Our View: Hernandez is hitting .368 in 38 at-bats on the season, and should be considered in NL-only leagues, but realize he has limitations, such as power. |
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| Dukes hits game-winning double | Sunday 9/7, 5:16 PM CT |
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In an otherwise forgettable day for Elijah Dukes, his bases loaded double in the 14th inning scored all three Nationals runners, as Washington took down the Braves, 7-4. Dukes was 0-for-6 in the game before that at-bat.
Our View: Dukes has had trouble staying healthy, and strikes out too frequently, but he has shown flashes, and fantasy owners should keep him in mind for 2009. |
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| Penny could be ready in a week | Sunday 9/7, 5:05 PM CT |
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There is a possibility that Dodgers hurler Brad Penny will be back with the team after next weekend, according to Dodgers.com. Penny threw a bullpen session on Friday and is scheduled to throw two more before being activated.
Our View: Penny will come out of the 'pen when he returns, so his fantasy value will likely be minimal. |
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| Saito throws | Sunday 9/7, 5:03 PM CT |
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Takashi Saito threw 16 pitches without pain in a simulated game on Sunday, and he could be ready to go by next weekend if everything goes right, according to Dodgers.com.
Our View: Jonathan Broxton has been the closer with Saito out, and fantasy owners should keep in mind that there is no promise Saito will regain his ninth inning role as soon as he returns. |
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| Dobbs has big game | Sunday 9/7, 4:21 PM CT |
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Greg Dobbs had a double, home run, scored twice and knocked in three in a 2-for-4 performance Sunday against New York. The Phillies wound up with a 6-2 victory.
Our View: With just 192 at-bats, Dobbs does not see enough regular playing time to be considered for fantasy purposes, but he has had a nice season, and his average is now over .300. |
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| Wright gets 105th RBI | Sunday 9/7, 4:18 PM CT |
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David Wright went 1-for-4 and knocked in one run, but the Mets lost to the Phillies by the score of 6-2.
Our View: Wright had a very good August, and has a hit in four straight games in September, but don't let that fool you. He is hitting just .190 on the month. |
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| Moyer continues to pitch well | Sunday 9/7, 4:15 PM CT |
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Jamie Moyer continued his great season, winning his 13th game of the year by going seven innings and allowing just two hits in the Phillies 6-2 win over the Mets.
Our View: Moyer had one rough start in the month of August, but has otherwise been outstanding of late. He is 45 years of age, and will pitch again next year, so his recent play is encouraging in that respect. |
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| Pujols goes deep | Sunday 9/7, 4:09 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols had just one hit in four at-bats, but it was an important two-run home run that would propel the Cardinals to a 3-1 win against the Marlins. It was his second home run in as many days.
Our View: Pujols now has 32 home runs and 95 RBI, and he should get some serious consideration for National League MVP. |
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| Wainwright throws gem | Sunday 9/7, 4:03 PM CT |
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Adam Wainwright had a great outing against the Marlins, throwing eight innings and allowing just one run on six hits while striking out six in the Cardinals 3-1 win.
Our View: Since coming back from the DL, Wainwright is 3-0 with a 1.43 ERA in four starts. His fantasy stock for 2009 goes up with each outing. |
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| Headley hits ninth home run | Sunday 9/7, 3:40 PM CT |
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Headley went 2-for-5 with his ninth home run of the season for the Padres on Sunday.
Our View: Quietly, Headley has proven to be a fine left fielder for the Padres this season. He is now hitting .268-9-30 in 261 at-bats, putting himself in place to win a job next season. |
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| Chris Young looks superb at Milwaukee | Sunday 9/7, 3:38 PM CT |
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Young came within four outs of a perfect game on Sunday before allowing a home run to Gabe Kapler. He finished the game with his fifth win of the season, allowing two hits, one run, no walks and striking out five.
Our View: There's the Chris Young we saw last season. It has been a trying season for Young's owners, but hopefully this is a sign that he has turned things around for the stretch run. |
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| Wandy leaves with oblique strain | Sunday 9/7, 3:33 PM CT |
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Rodriguez left Sunday's game in the second inning with a left oblique strain, the Associate Press reports.
Our View: We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Dickerson returns from ankle injury | Sunday 9/7, 3:27 PM CT |
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Dickerson was scratched from Sunday's lineup with a sore ankle, but he pinch hit in the ninth inning.
Our View: Apparently, the injury is not too serious. Look for him to rejoin the lineup soon. |
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| Soriano swipes two bases | Sunday 9/7, 3:24 PM CT |
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Soriano went 0-for-3 but continued his onslaught for fantasy owners by swiping two bases on Sunday.
Our View: Three home runs and two stolen bases in two days. That's a nice weekend for Soriano and fantasy owners. |
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| Wood loses another game | Sunday 9/7, 3:23 PM CT |
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Wood entered Sunday's game with a two-run lead but picked up the loss after allowing three runs, two earned.
Our View: It's Wood's fourth loss and sixth blown save of the year. He had trouble throwing strikes and now has losses in two consecutive appearances. Perhaps his stint of four appearances in four days during late August is taking its toll. |
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| Backe to miss start with forearm strain | Sunday 9/7, 2:38 PM CT |
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Backe will miss his scheduled start on Monday with tightness in his forearm near his elbow, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Our View: He hopes to make his next turn in the rotation. Alberto Arias will replace him on Monday. |
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| Gregg throws bullpen session | Sunday 9/7, 2:14 PM CT |
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Gregg (knee) threw a bullpen session on Sunday, according to the Marlins' team website.
Our View: He still hopes to return this season, and the bullpen session is a step in the right direction. |
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| Maine will not throw for another week | Sunday 9/7, 1:37 PM CT |
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Maine, recovering from a bone spur in his shoulder, was told to wait another week before picking up a baseball, reports the New York Daily News. He was originally told that he could throw on Sunday.
Our View: This could prevent him from returning during the regular season. |
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| McBeth designated for assignment | Sunday 9/7, 1:21 PM CT |
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The Red Sox designated McBeth for assignment.
Our View: This is the second time that he has been designated since the beginning of August, so he seems unlikely to be claimed. |
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| Dickerson scratched with sore ankle | Sunday 9/7, 1:13 PM CT |
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The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Dickerson was scratched from Sunday's game with a sore left ankle.
Our View: He is likely day-to-day. |
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| Barton set to return Tuesday | Sunday 9/7, 12:50 PM CT |
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Barton (oblique) has increased the aggressiveness of his workouts recently and hopes to return from the DL on Tuesday, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Barton will be used as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement again when he does return. |
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| Jack Wilson still out | Sunday 9/7, 12:43 PM CT |
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Wilson is still unable to throw due to a swollen finger, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He has missed five games with the injury.
Our View: It sounds like Wilson might be out for several more days. |
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| Wagner could return Tuesday | Sunday 9/7, 12:11 PM CT |
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Wagner, recovering from a strained forearm, could return as early as Tuesday but will likely need at least one appearance before he is reinstated as the Mets' closer, according to Newsday.
Our View: With each save so valuable in most fantasy leagues, you will likely still want to activate him this week. |
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| Meyer moves to long relief | Sunday 9/7, 11:42 AM CT |
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The Oakland Tribune reports that Meyer will be demoted to long relief with Sean Gallagher returning to the starting rotation this week.
Our View: He has struggled for the A's this season and is not a fantasy commodity for the short term. |
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| Ekstrom called up from Double-A | Sunday 9/7, 11:11 AM CT |
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The Padres purchased Ekstrom's contract from Double-A Portland on Saturday.
Our View: Ekstrom has been a swingman in Double-A this season with a 4.58 ERA in 108 innings. He will pitch mop-up innings for the rest of this season and has no fantasy value. |
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| Matsui likely out until Monday | Sunday 9/7, 9:21 AM CT |
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The Houston Chronicle reports Matsui is unlikely to be available until Monday due to an irritated disk in his back that has kept him out since mid-August.
Our View: It is at least a good sign that we know when he will return. Matsui owners should look into activating him this week. |
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| Runelvys Hernandez suspended 50 games | Sunday 9/7, 9:17 AM CT |
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Hernandez has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for amphetimines, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Hernandez has had trouble returning to glory since early-career success with Kansas City. He made four starts for Houston this season and posted a 8.38 ERA. He will serve the 50-game suspension at the beginning of next season. |
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| Timpner sent outright | Sunday 9/7, 8:05 AM CT |
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The Giants sent Timpner outright to Triple-A Fresno on Saturday.
Our View: Timpner made two at-bats for the Giants in April but has not been heard from since. |
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| Prospect Gillaspie called up | Sunday 9/7, 8:02 AM CT |
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The Giants purchased Gillaspie's contract from Class A Salem-Keizer on Saturday. Gillaspie was the 37th overall pick in the June amateur draft.
Our View: Gillaspie hit .269 with 15 RBI in 93 at-bats between two levels of Low-A. He is a batting average hitter with fair plate discipline, but this is nothing more than a courtesy call-up as the Giants look toward the future. |
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| Wigginton to miss a week | Sunday 9/7, 12:02 AM CT |
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Updating a previouis report, it appears Ty Wigginton will miss at least a week after pulling his groin trying to beat out a throw to first in the first inning of Saturday night's game. At this point, there is no timetable for a return, but manager Cecil Cooper surmised it could take eight or 10 days, maybe longer, before Wigginton is back on the field according to MLB.com.
Our View: This is not good news for the Astros or fantasy owners as Wigginton had carried them as of late. He led the majors in home runs and slugging percentage in August. We'll monitor his progress but don't count on him for this coming week. |
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