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| Hunter injures himself while disputing call | Friday 10/3, 10:16 PM CT |
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Torii Hunter injured his knee while arguing a call in Friday night's Game 2 of the ALDS against Boston. After being called out in a bang-bang play at first base, Hunter jumped in the air and landed awkardly on his left knee. He immediately fell to the ground, grabbed the inside of his knee and grimmaced in pain. Despite a pronounced limp, he has remained in the game. The Angels staff are currently calling it a jammed knee.
Our View: Don't be shocked if Hunter does not finish the game and even misses a start or two in the playoffs. Hunter may have injured his knee before he ever left the ground while coming to an abrupt stop and turning his body to watch the call. We will keep you updated on his situation. |
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| Aybar steps up for Rays | Friday 10/3, 9:03 PM CT |
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Starting in place of first baseman Carlos Pena, Willy Aybar went 2-for-3 with a run and a sacrafice bunt on Friday.
Our View: Aybar was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 1 and he has stepped up for the Rays in Pena's unfortunate absence. |
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| Buehrle allows five runs in loss | Friday 10/3, 8:59 PM CT |
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The Rays got to Mark Buehrle in the eighth inning of Friday night's ALDS matchup. Octavio Dotel allowed all the inherited runners to cross home plate and Buerhle was credited with allowing five earned runs and ten hits in seven innings.
Our View: Buehrle was working at a good pace as usual but battled location problems late in the game. Manager Ozzie Guillen probably left him in there a little to long on Friday. |
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| Kazmir survives for win | Friday 10/3, 8:54 PM CT |
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After a rough first inning Scott Kazmir was able to somewhat settle down in his first career playoff start to earn the win. He needed 98 pitches to get through 5.1 innings. He allowed eight hits, walked two and struck out four.
Our View: It wasn't pretty, but Kazmir survived long enough to hand it over to his excellent bullpen. He's battled with high pitch counts early in games all season. In 27 starts, he threw just 152.1 innings. |
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| Howell is excellent again | Friday 10/3, 8:41 PM CT |
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J.P. Howell was exceptional out of the bullpen for the second straight game against the White Sox in the ALDS. He lasted two innings and struck out three while only allowing one hit.
Our View: That marks his second hold in as many nights. Howell's stuff was nasty as he was able to cut his fastball in and out and often baffled the White Sox hitters...and apparently the umpire. Howell benefitted from a number of favorable calls. |
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| Crawford is back in No. 3 hole | Friday 10/3, 8:38 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford was in the No. 3 hole in Friday's big Game 2 win against the White Sox. He came through by going 2-for-4 with a run, and RBI, and a stolen base.
Our View: Crawford appears to be completly over his injured finger which caused him to miss a mess of games in the second half. His speed seems fuly restored as the rest likely rejuvenated his hamstrings which had been bothering him. |
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| Dye does his part | Friday 10/3, 8:33 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye was 4-for-5 with four singles on Friday against the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. One of his "hits" was a liner that was dropped by the shortstop, thrown across the diamond where Dye was tagged on the back. The umpire was in poor position which resulted in a poor call and Dye was ruled safe. The Sox lost the game 6-2.
Our View: Unfortunately the rest of his lineup couldn't knock him in even once. The Sox left their clutch hitting in Chicago as they left runners on base all night. |
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| Konerko leaves six on base | Friday 10/3, 8:31 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko was 1-for-5 and left six runners on base in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS.
Our View: Konerko was big for the White Sox in August and September but he was off on Friday. He hit a home run in Game 1 and should get back on track in Game 3 in Chicago. |
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| Iwamura hits big blast for Rays | Friday 10/3, 8:28 PM CT |
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Akinori Iwamura hit a two-run opposite field home run off of White Sox starter Mark Buehrle in Friday night's 6-2 Tampa bay victory in the ALDS.
Our View: He had gone 328 at-bats without a home run but came through when it counted. The second baseman's hit put the Rays ahead for good. |
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| Rivera to start over Matthews Jr. | Friday 10/3, 6:51 PM CT |
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Juan Rivera replaces Gary Matthews Jr. in right field in Friday's Game 2 for the Angels according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Rivera hit .246 this season for the Angels. Perhaps worse than that was his .282 OBP. |
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| Beckett confirmed for Game 3 start | Friday 10/3, 6:33 PM CT |
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The Providence Journal reports that Josh Beckett has been confirmed by Terry Francona to start on Sunday in Game 3 of the ALDS. He had been dealing with a strained oblique that he suffered during a throwing session last week.
Our View: Beckett threw about 65 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday, and it went well. Beckett was the most dominating pitcher in last season's playoffs and should perform well again. |
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| Lowrie is replaced by Cora | Friday 10/3, 6:11 PM CT |
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The Boston Globe reports that Alex Cora replaces Jed Lowrie at shortstop in Game 2 of the ALDS in Anaheim.
Our View: Lowrie has been the everyday shortstop in the second half and was 1-for-3 in Game 1 with a run scored. Cora is 2-for-3 in his career against Ervin Santana (Friday's starter) and hit .270 this season to Lowrie's .258. |
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| Lowell will miss Friday's start | Friday 10/3, 6:07 PM CT |
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The Boston Globe has confirmed what many saw coming - Mike Lowell will not be in Friday's starting lineup for Game 2 of the ALDS due to his injured hip. Mark Kotsay will replace him at first base.
Our View: Lowell is one of the more dependable hitters on the Red Sox and he may be called upon to pinch-hit in the game. His hip does bother him when he runs, but not as much when swinging the bat. |
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| Howard growing frustrated with walks | Friday 10/3, 6:03 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that twice in this NLDS, the Brewers have intentionally walked Ryan Howard with a man on second base and first base open. Twice, they have unintentionally walked him with no one on base. And though so many free passes may seem to be an unnecessary precaution, the strategy has worked. "It's still a little bit frustrating," Howard said of the way the Brewers have pitched around him. "But having gone through it, you have the understanding for it. You know how to deal with it."
Our View: Howard hit .352 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs, coming through for the Phillies in nearly every critical situation. Expect teams to continue and pitch around the slugger for the remainder of the playoffs. |
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| Manuel re-signs with Mets | Friday 10/3, 5:29 PM CT |
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The New York Post reports that Jerry Manuel has re-signed with the Mets for two seasons with a club option for a third.
Our View: Manuel went 55-38 after taking over for Willie Randolph on June 16, but the Mets went 6-9 in their final 15 games to fall one game short of the playoffs again. |
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| Pena removed from the starting lineup | Friday 10/3, 4:59 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Carlos Pena has been replaced by Willy Aybar in Friday's starting lineup according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Pena was removed from Game 1 due to blurred vision and apparently it is still an issue. He was in the original lineup, but he had some trouble fielding ground balls during batting practice and said he would be re-evaluated closer to game time. |
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| Swisher starting against Kazmir | Friday 10/3, 4:53 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Nick Swisher is starting in Game 2 of the ALDS with left-hander Scott Kazmir starting for Tampa Bay. He replaces Dewayne Wise in the outfield on Friday.
Our View: It's easy to see what manager Ozzie Guillen is thinking by sitting his lefties, but Swisher has been terrible from the right side of the plate this season as he just hit .197. Just six of his 24 home runs came as a right-handed hitter. Swisher has three hits in 21 career at-bats against Kazmir. |
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| Wise not starting Game 2 | Friday 10/3, 4:49 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Dewayne Wise, who homered in Game 1 of the ALDS, will not be in the starting lineup for Game 2 on Friday. Ozzie Guillen is going to a right-handed heavy lineup with lefty Scott Kazmir on the mound. Nick Swisher takes Wise's spot in the outfield.
Our View: Wise could be inserted later in the game, likely as a defensive replacement. Expect to see this platoon as long as the White Sox are in the playoffs. |
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| Griffey not starting | Friday 10/3, 4:46 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that Ken Griffey Jr. will be out of the starting lineup tonight against lefty Scott Kazmir in Game 2 of the ALDS. Brian Anderson takes over in center field.
Our View: Griffey is not hurt so don't be surprised to make a pinch-hitting appearance should Tampa Bay turn to a right-hander later in the game. |
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| Helms re-signs with Marlins | Friday 10/3, 4:33 PM CT |
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MLB.com reports that the Marlins and third baseman Wes Helms agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.9 million contract. He joins Hanley Ramirez as the only two Marlins under multi-year deals.
Our View: The 32-year-old, batted .243 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 132 games this past year. He projects to provide veteran leadership while being a spot player at either third base or first base and does not have much fantasy value as of now. With Jorge Cantu heading towards arbitration, Helms could find himself starting at third next season. |
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| Rivera to have surgery next week | Friday 10/3, 3:46 PM CT |
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Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will have surgery on his right shoulder on Tuesday to repair calcification on the AC joint, according to Yankees.com.
Our View: Rivera is expected to be ready to pitch in spring training, but shoulder injuries can be tricky to deal with. That said, he did pitch most of the season with the pain, and was as dominant as ever, sporting a 0.67 WHIP. |
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| St. Louis signs pitching coach Duncan | Friday 10/3, 3:13 PM CT |
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The St. Louis Cardinals have signed pitching coach Dave Duncan to a one-year deal with an option for another season, according to Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: If Duncan isn't the best pitching coach in the game, you'll have to convince us who is. Who else could turn Kent Bottenfield into a 18-win pitcher? Or turn Jeff Weaver into a dominant postseason pitcher? |
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| Pena in lineup | Friday 10/3, 2:16 PM CT |
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Rays first baseman Carlos Pena is in the lineup for the team's ALDS game against the White Sox one day after being removed from the game due to blurred vision, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Pena had to leave Game 1 after the second inning, but he is back in today and hitting third. |
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| Brantley completes Sabathia deal | Friday 10/3, 1:13 PM CT |
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The final piece of the puzzle in the CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee was put in place, as the Brewers sent minor leaguer Michael Brantley to the team as the "player to be named," according to Indians.com.
Our View: Brantley was a seventh-round pick of the Brewers in 2005 who had great success this year, being named a Southern League (Double-A) All-Star in the midseason as well as the postseason. In 420 at-bats this year, he hit .319 with a .395 OBP, four home runs and 40 RBI. More impressively, he stole more bases (28) than he had strikeouts (27). |
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| Fukudome a joke at O'Hare | Friday 10/3, 1:06 PM CT |
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Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has been so bad, even the PA announcer at O'Hare Airport is having fun at his expense, according to the Chicago Tribune. Over the loudspeaker, this is what the announcer blared out: "Paging Kosuke Fukudome, paging Kosuke Fukudome ... Please report to the Cincinnati Reds. You have been traded for a player to be named later."
Our View: You know it's rough when you're the public butt of jokes in large airports. Cubs manager Lou Piniella has basically given up on him after the Japanese import when 0-8 with four strikeouts, saying he was out of the lineup. |
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| Cubs tie fielding record | Friday 10/3, 11:33 AM CT |
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Errors by each of the team's infielders on Thursday - third baseman Aramis Ramirez, shortstop Ryan Theriot, second baseman Mark DeRosa and first baseman Derrek Lee - tied a 74-year old postseason record, according to Cubs.com.
Our View: Only the 1934 Tigers have also accomplished the feat, and they lost their World Series game against the St. Louis Cardinals and eventually lost the series in seven games. |
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| Timlin may retire | Friday 10/3, 11:28 AM CT |
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Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin was left off the team's postseason roster after a difficult year, and now it appears he may have thrown his final pitch in the major leagues, as he is seriously contemplating retirement, according to the Boston Herald. "There’s a real possibility I could shut it down," Timlin said.
Our View: If he does shut it down, it will end a very good career. Timlin has appeared in more games a right-handed reliever than anyone in baseball history, but had the highest ERA of his career this season. His 5.66 ERA is the highest it has been since 1994, when he sported a mark of 5.18. |
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| Yankees interested in Cameron | Friday 10/3, 10:33 AM CT |
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The New York Yankees may be interested in having current Milwaukee center fielder Mike Cameron man the same position for them next season, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Milwaukee won't pick up the $10 million option on Cameron's contract after the season, which will make him a free agent. Still a quality defender, Cameron also hit 25 home runs and stole 17 bases this year. |
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| McLouth to Yankees? | Friday 10/3, 10:30 AM CT |
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The Yankees need a center fielder and the Pirates are trying to rebuild their farm system, so the name Nate McLouth has surfaced in trade rumors, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Though Andrew McCutchen will likely be the Pirates center fielder next season, we still find this proposition extremely difficult to believe for a number of reasons. McLouth can simply move to a corner outfield spot next to McCutchen; he is still not eligible for salary arbitration (translation: cheap); and the two teams already made a deal this year for Yankees prospects. And it isn't like the Yankees have a boatload of premium young players coming through. Chalk this one up to pure speculation. |
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| Smoltz, Glavine healing | Friday 10/3, 10:19 AM CT |
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The Atlanta Braves believe both Tom Glavine and John Smoltz will be healthy come spring training, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I think in both cases [for Smoltz and Glavine], they’re ready for spring training. We won’t know for sure until they increase the intensity on their throwing programs later in the winter, but I think both of them are on track to be ready," said Braves GM Frank Wren.
Our View: Smoltz had his shoulder repaired with surgery, and Glavine had both shoulder and elbow surgeries this season. The team would like to bring both back, but counting on them - along with Mike Hampton - to be healthy all season is a dangerous proposition. |
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| Braves want to re-sign Hampton | Friday 10/3, 10:15 AM CT |
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The Atlanta Braves have told pitcher Mike Hampton that they would like to re-sign him, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: With the age and health status of their other hurlers, this seems like a risky move, but Hampton did throw well down the stretch. The only question is if he can stay healthy, which, obviously, he has not been able to do for a number of years. |
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| Royals fire coaches | Friday 10/3, 9:56 AM CT |
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The Kansas City Royals fired hitting coach Mike Barnett and third-base coach Luis Silverio, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: The Royals were ninth in the major leagues in batting average with a .269 mark, but were 27th (out of 30) in on-base percentage with a .320 mark. |
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| Hoffman wins award | Friday 10/3, 9:50 AM CT |
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Padres closer Trevor Hoffman won the Branch Rickey Award, which is given out to a player who displays exceptional community service, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Hoffman is involved with the National Kidney Foundation, something that is near to him because he lost a kidney when he was a child. |
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| Hudson to Mets? | Friday 10/3, 9:46 AM CT |
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The New York Mets may take a run at signing second baseman Orlando Hudson in the offseason, according to the New York Times.
Our View: The Mets signed Luis Castillo to a four-year, $25 million contract last offseason, and he predictably struggled to live up to the deal. Realistically, it would be difficult for the team to sign Hudson without trading Castillo, but they would still have to eat a big part of his contract. |
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| 10 more years for Varitek? | Friday 10/3, 9:42 AM CT |
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Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek doesn't plan to hang 'em up any time soon, according to the Orange County Register. "I haven't even started to think about (managing). I want to play 10 more years," he said.
Our View: At age 36 and hitting .220 this season, there is a better chance of Ralph Nader winning the 2008 Presidential election than there is of Varitek playing another decade. |
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| Quentin will not return | Friday 10/3, 9:38 AM CT |
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One day after White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin said it was possible he could return if the team made it to the ALCS, manager Ozzie Guillen shot that report down, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "Not going to be easy for him. When you get a pin in your body and you're going to hit, that's why I say I don't expect him to play until next year in spring training," Guillen said.
Our View: Quentin said his broken wrist was still painful, but that he would try to play through it. Right now, the Sox need to worry about beating the Rays, who took down Chicago in Game 1. |
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| Maddux or Lowe to start Game 4 | Friday 10/3, 9:29 AM CT |
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If the NLDS between the L.A. Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gets to a Game 4, either Derek Lowe or Greg Maddux will get the start, according to the L.A. Times.
Our View: Lowe would be throwing on three days' rest. Maddux was used out of the bullpen for one inning during Game 1, and is still an effective pitcher, despite his 8-13 record this season. |
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| Mets, Yanks will fight it out for CC | Friday 10/3, 8:50 AM CT |
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The New York Yankees and New York Mets are likely going to get into a bidding war for pitcher CC Sabathia, according to the Bergen Record.
Our View: Despite Sabathia's continued overuse by the Brewers and subsequent 3.2-inning performance, he will easily be the most coveted free agent on the market, and the Yankees and Mets will have to fight with California clubs for his services. |
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| Fukudome will sit | Friday 10/3, 8:18 AM CT |
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Cubs manager Lou Piniella said that outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will not play Game 3 of the NLDS, according to the Baltimore Sun. "The kid's struggling. There's no point in putting him out there anymore," Piniella remarked.
Our View: Fukudome is 0-for-8 in the series, and has struck out in half of his at-bats. The Japanese import signed a deal worth $48 million over four years, but really struggled this season, and if he doesn't improve next season, he'll be labeled a bust. |
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| Pirates, LaRoche working on deal | Friday 10/3, 8:15 AM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Pirates and first baseman Adam LaRoche are working on a new contract, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "As we pencil our club forward. Adam is the guy we pencil in there," said Pittsburgh GM Neal Huntington.
Our View: LaRoche hit .270 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI this season. His OBP was .341 and he struck out 122 times in 492 at-bats. He will once again be a useful player for fantasy owners, though far from an upper-echelon option. |
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| Lowell may not play | Friday 10/3, 7:49 AM CT |
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Boston third baseman Mike Lowell might not be able to play Game 2, as he was clearly in pain during Game 1, according to the Boston Globe. "It's not just like a nagging hamstring he's dealing with, so again, I'll continue to think. I really don't know quite what we're going to do," said manager Terry Francona.
Our View: Lowell is dealing with an injured hip, and is still in a lot of pain. Francona will not make his decision until later in the day. |
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| Beckett's bullpen session goes well | Friday 10/3, 7:46 AM CT |
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Josh Beckett threw about 65 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday, and it went well, which means the likelihood of him starting Game 3 is high, according to the Boston Globe. "I will tell you from the look in his bullpen today, he looks ready to go for Sunday," according to Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell.
Our View: Beckett was dealing with a strained oblique, but with no complications in his side session, the issue seems cleared up. |
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| Surgery could have affected Carpenter off of field | Friday 10/3, 7:39 AM CT |
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Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter did not have surgery to deal with the nerve problem in his shoulder because it could have affected his day-to-day lifestyle, possibly limiting the use of his right arm in the future, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "There was a risk of significant complications," said St. Louis team doctor George Paletta.
Our View: Carpenter and other doctors believe the condition will heal with rest. He will be an extremely risky pick for fantasy owners next season. |
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| Rodriguez wants huge money | Friday 10/3, 7:28 AM CT |
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All-time single season saves leader Francisco Rodriguez is said to be seeking a deal worth a minimum of $75 million over five years, according to SI.com.
Our View: Rodriguez saved a record 62 games in 2008, but a closer look at his numbers reveals some surprising things. His WHIP was 1.29, which is not great for a closer, and he walked 4.48 batters per nine innings. He will remain a top option for saves in fantasy leagues, but there are others with better peripherals. |
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| Ramirez crushes second homer | Friday 10/3, 12:13 AM CT |
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Manny Ramirez went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Thursday's convincing 10-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 2 of the NLDS. He hit a single and a homer, his second of the playoffs. Los Angeles leads the series 2-0 and will head home to try and close it out.
Our View: Acquiring Manny from the Red Sox is paying off big time for the Dodgers. He is aiming for his third World Series in five years. |
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| Billingsley shuts down Chicago | Friday 10/3, 12:06 AM CT |
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Chad Billingsley pitched a gem in Thursday's 10-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 2 of the NLDS, as he only surrendered one earned run on five hits over 6.2 innings, with one walk and seven strikeouts. His strong effort helped lead the Dodgers to a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Our View: Billingsley won 16 games in the regular season with a 3.14 ERA and 1.34 WHIP for the AL West champion Dodgers, and he did not disappoint under the pressure of the postseason. |
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| DeRosa collects two RBI in loss | Friday 10/3, 12:01 AM CT |
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Mark DeRosa went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Thursday's 10-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Both of his knocks were doubles. He committed a fielding error in the loss as well, which was one of four by Chicago.
Our View: The Cubs are down 2-0 to Los Angeles in the best-of-five series, but DeRosa cannot be faulted, as he has contributed four RBI over the two losses. |
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