Archive for July, 2010

Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee finally earned his first victory as a Ranger and pushed the club’s lead in the AL West to six games. Lee, who pitched 8 1/3 innings in the win, gave up two runs on five hits with no walks while adding four strikeouts.

Fantasy owners should expect Lee to give up more runs in Texas, but he will almost always give them eight or nine solid innings. Expect more of the same when he takes the mound against the A’s.

In other fantasy news from Thursday…..

• By trading Alberto Callaspo, the Royals are finally opening the door for a promising group of infielders in their minor league system. Alex Gordon is thriving at AAA Omaha with an OPS over 1.000 in 260 at-bats, but the Royals are trying to make him an outfielder. Mike Moustakas is likely the future for the Royals at this position, but he hasn’t done well since he was recently brought up to AAA. The player that might ultimately stand to get the immediate rewards of Callaspo’s trade is Kila Ka’ahue who has a .455 OBP on the season for Omaha. This is a trade that will eventually give new faces a chance to shine in fantasy.
• Carl Pavano delivered one of his best starts of the year as he won his seventh consecutive decision and remained unbeaten in nine starts since early June. During that span, his ERA has dropped from 4.11 to 3.26. His next start is at Kansas City so expect the roll to continue.
• Edinson Volquez lasted just 2 1/3 IP in his second start of the season. He allowed six earned runs on five hits and four walks with four strikeouts against the Nationals. Fantasy owners can expect Volquez to be inconsistent this season and may want to sit him in his next start at Milwaukee.
• Ian Stewart hit one. He has put up solid production numbers in July with a .281 BA, 3 HR, 11 RBI after struggling to a .167 average in June. With 12 homers and 45 RBIs on the year, Stewart has value in NL-only leagues. Unfortunately, his .252 average prevents him from having value in mixed leagues.
• Alex Rodriguez hit one. It was career #599. Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs on Thursday.
• Neil Walker has 6 straight games with at least two hits.
• Prince Fielder hit another solo shot. Rickie Weeks hit a two-run shot. Weeks now has six homers and 15 RBIs in 19 games this month.
• John Axford is a perfect 13 for 13 in save chances.
• Hong-Chih Kuo earned his third save of the season as Jonathan Broxton was not called upon last night against the Mets. Fantasy owners should not read too much into this as Broxton still has a firm grasp as the closer despite his recent struggles.

Jamie Garcia

Jaime Garcia started with four perfect innings against the Phillies on Wednesday and then rolled to his ninth win. Garcia struck out six, walked two and gave up just four hits over seven innings. It’s a good bounce-back game after Garcia gave up 17 hits in his last 17 2/3 innings. Garcia faces the Mets in Citi Field his next time out.

Garcia pitched out of multiple jams throughout the game and was able to improve his record to 9-4. While all the spotlight has been on Stephen Strasburg, Garcia has put together an excellent rookie campaign and has high value in all fantasy formats.

In other fantasy news from Wednesday…..

• Pedro Alvarez hit two. Alvarez went 3-for-5 with a three runs scored and 3 RBIs against the Brewers. Its safe to say that Alvarez has arrived with four homers and eight RBIs over the last two games.
• Chad Billingsley pitched a complete game and second career shutout as the Dodgers got a much needed victory. Billingsley scattered five hits and struck out three to improve to 8-5. Both of his shutouts have come against the Giants.
• Brian McCann hit one. It was a two-run shot in a losing effort to the Padres.
• Stephen Strasburg earned his 5th major league victory as the Nationals provided enough run support against the Reds. Strasburg allowing three earned runs to the Reds on seven hits, walking one and striking out seven over 5 2/3 innings and did all this with 98 pitches. He’ll face the Braves in his next start.
• Matt Holliday hit one. It was Holliday’s second straight day with a home run and seventh time in 13 games. Look for Holliday to have a big second half of the season.
• Scott Rolen is progressing slowing from his right hamstring injury. The Reds are still hopeful Rolen can avoid the DL.
• Todd Helton is heading to Nashville to begin his rehab assignment. Helton is eligible to come off the disabled list, but needs to build up body strength.
• Roy Oswalt has demanded that the team in which he is traded to picks up his contract option for 2012. Stay tuned as this is getting very interesting.
• David Eckstein was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right calf muscle. Miguel Tejada’s name has popped up as a player the Padres may target.

Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton continues to have went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, two runs scored and two RBIs against the Tigers on Tuesday. Hamilton has seven hits over the last two days and a .418 July batting average.

The battle for American League MVP between Josh Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera is on. If I had a vote, it would have to go to Cabrera. Hamilton and Cabrera both make the occasional outstanding play in the field, but it really comes down to their outstanding work at the plate. Entering Tuesday, Hamilton led the majors with a .357 batting average and had 23 home runs and 69 RBIs. Cabrera, in the same categories, was .342, 24 and 82. I give the slight edge to Cabrera, but the great race remains on.

In other AL fantasy news from Tuesday…..

• Tommy Hunter threw seven shutout innings against the Tigers to improve to 7-0. Hunter gave up three hits while striking out three.
• Luke Scott hit 2. He has 14 home runs this season and continues to have a solid season.
• Mike Napoli hit one. The Angels defeated the Yankees and Napoli three hits and four RBI led the way.
• Jose Bautista hit one. It was his 26th this season. Bautista went 3-6 and knocked in five as the Blue Jays defeated the Royals 13-1.
• Carl Crawford will not play today. Crawford, still sore after Tuesday, won’t be in the Rays lineup. A Friday return is possible.

Pedro Alvarez

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez hit a grand slam and a solo shot against the Brewers on Tuesday. This was Alvarez’s first career multihomer game. He has really settled in after a rough first couple weeks with the Pirates. Alvarez has knocked two hits in three out of his last four games, bringing his July average to .316 with five homers and 12 RBIs.

Some fantasy owners expected Alvarez to break camp with the Pirates and drafted him in March. Reports were that Alvarez could hit, but was struggling with the glove. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Alvarez has played a respectable third base and now the bat is heating up. Despite a 17th consecutive losing season, there are signs that the Pirates are beginning to put together a core of players they can build around. Alvarez is a big piece to the puzzle and in fantasy leagues, Alvarez can be a big piece to your team and has high value in all formats, so grab him if you still can.

In other NL fantasy news from Tuesday…..

• Aramis Ramirez hit 3. His seven RBIs matched a career high and Ramirez improved to 10-for-24 since the break with five home runs and 15 RBIs and continues to turn his season around.
• Mike Leake threw five innings before the rain delayed the game. Leake gave up five hits and a walk while striking out three. Leake improved his record to 7-1.
• Joey Votto hit one. It was a three run shot and his 23rd this season.
• Jonathan Broxton collapsed again as the Giants scored three runs in the ninth to defeat the Dodgers 7-5. Despite some ninth inning managerial mistakes, Broxton gave up a hit and two walks. George Sherrill relieved Broxton and gave up the two run double to Andres Torres, but Broxton continues to struggle.
• Chris Denorfia hit one. It was his fifth home run in his last seven games and is now batting .323 in July. The Padres are in desperate need of power and Denorfia should continue to play on a regular basis. Denorfia has value in NL-Only leagues.
• Matt Diaz hit one. This is the third straight game that Diaz had hit a home run. Diaz has value in NL-Only leagues and deep mixed leagues.
• Chipper Jones hopes to return on Wednesday. Jones missed his third straight game with a mild strain in his left hamstring.
• Troy Tulowitzki will begin his rehab on Wednesday. Tulowitzki is hoping to return July 28th against the Pirates.
• Manny Ramirez was put on the disabled list for the third time this season. Ramirez will be out three weeks. At this point in the season, its time to cut ties with Ramirez. Ramirez is no longer the player he was and he simply can’t stay healthy. So long Manny…..

Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs on Monday, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs and a walk. The game’s top fantasy player has recently been in a bit of a dry spell, but he busted out with his third multi-homer game of the season, raising his total to 24. Cabrera also has driven in 14 runs in July to bring his Major League-leading total to 82.

Just another day at the office for Cabrera. Cabrera has been dialed in all season and will win the AL MVP regardless of the where the Tigers finish in the standings. His .340 BA and the rest of his offensive numbers are second to none and there is no reason to expect him to slow down.

In other AL fantasy news from Monday…..

• Adrian Beltre hit one. Beltre had three hits and an RBI. Although he has been limited with a hamstring injury this season, Beltre continues to produce offensively.
• After going all season with no home runs, Yunel Escobar hit his second HR in two days. Escobar had two hits and two RBI Monday night. Since joining the Blue Jays, Escobar has gone 8-17 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI.
• Alex Rios hit one. Rios had 3 RBI and a stolen base. He has raised his batting average to .307 and continues to have a very productive season for fantasy owners and the White Sox.
• The Orioles activated Luke Scott on Tuesday from the 15-day disabled list. Scott went 1-4 in his return .
• The Royals are reportedly interested in looking to bringing Jason Isringhausen. There are four or five teams that have shown interest in Isringhausen and he will be pitching for those teams. After being out with Tommy John surgery since last June, but Isringhausen says that “the breaking pitches are there” so we’ll see where he lands as many teams could use bullpen help these days.
• Carlos Quentin was not in the White Sox lineup on Monday in Seattle after injuring his hand in Minnesota.
• The Yankees will plan to replace Andy Pettitte with Sergio Mitre for now in their rotation. Don’t expect this to last too long as the Yankees will go out and get an arm. Mitre does have some value in AL-Only leagues.

Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto threw six innings of two-run ball to win his ninth victory on Monday, limiting the Nationals to four hits while walking four and striking out four. Cueto has won nine of his last 10 decisions, and has brought his ERA over the last six outings to 1.16. Cueto continues his roll of impressive outings to push his record to 9-2.

Cueto got roughed up in April and then again the first part of June. Since, Cueto has been lights-out, while giving up only three earned runs over his final five starts before the midseason respite. His second half of the season is off the a great start with his performance last night. He is worth starting in all formats. Cueto will look for continued success when he visits the Astros in his next outing.

In other NL fantasy News from Monday…..

• Prince Fielder hit one. Just another solo shot for him. Rickie Weeks hit one. It was a two-run shot and his 18th for the season.
• Aramis Ramirez hit one. Ramirez continues to have a productive July and for those of you that were patient with him during his first half slump, should see him continue to produce.
• Jonny Gomes hit one. Gomes had 3 hits and continues to be productive for fantasy owners and the Reds. He has a modest four-game hitting streak.
• Madison Bumgarner allowed one earned run on six hits while walking two and striking out three in a win over the Dodgers. He is now 3-2 with a 2.41 ERA. He will face the Arizona in his next start.
• Andrew McCutchen was out of the lineup on Monday because of the mildly sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, but the Pirates feel that report that he is feeling better and should return soon.
• Scott Rolen is hurting with a hamstring issue that he suffered last Friday. The Reds are unsure of how long Rolen will be out. Those that own Rolen need to start looking for another third baseman as a trip to the DL is likely.
• Troy Tulowitzki will begin a minor league rehab start on Wednesday and plans to join the Rockies next week against the Pirates. Very encouraging news for those of you that have  Tulowitzki.
• Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says that the Astros need to deal Carlos Lee at any cost. For that to happen, my guess is the Astros will have to pay most of the $37 million still owed to Lee after this season.

Through July 18th, here is Who’s Hot and Who’s Not over the last seven days.….

WHO’S HOT

Ryan Howard – .400 BA, 4 HR, 8 RBI

Justin Upton – .462 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI

Rickie Weeks – .412 BA, 2 HR, 4 RBI

WHO’S NOT

Chone Figgins – .066 BA, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Chris Davis -  .071 BA, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Jonathan Broxton

Jonathan Broxton appeared for the first time since the All-Star break on Sunday in St. Louis. He was trying to earn a five-out save. After giving up a run-scoring single to Randy Winn in the eighth, he couldn’t finish off the Cardinals in the ninth. He threw 44 pitches on the day and it was very similar to his failed 49-pitch relief effort against the Yankees on June 27.

The Dodgers bullpen is depleted and this is the fourth time in his last seven outing that Broxton has allowed runs. Broxton is still the best fantasy closer, but the Dodgers need to find him some help and keep him out of the game until the ninth inning.

In other National League fantasy news from Sunday…..

• Rickie Weeks hit two. Both were solo shots. He is on pace to hit 30 HR and 100 RBI.
• Roy Oswalt left the game on Sunday with an ankle injury. Oswalt suffered the injury when Pedro Alvarez hit a line drive that struck Oswalt. Stay tuned for updates.
• Prince Fielder hit one. Yes, another solo shot. But, Fielder did have two RBI on the day and is starting to heat up.
• Chris Coghlan is out indefinitely with a bad back. The Marlins want to be extra careful with Coghlan and he will miss at least three games.
• Brian McCann hit one – a grand slam. McCann had 5 RBI in the Braves rout of the Brewers.
• Alex Sanabia earned his first career win as he held the Nationals scoreless over 5.1 innings. Sanabia was promoted from Double-A without much fanfare in June. In 17 innings with the Marlins, he 2.12 ERA. He has value in deep NL-Only leagues.
• Troy Tulowitzki is close to starting a rehab assignment. Tulo is slightly ahead of schedule to return to the Rockies.
• Carlos Zambrano will throw a simulated game in Mesa, AZ this week and then will pitch in Iowa. Its possible he will return to Chicago this month. Pretty light week for a guy that makes $19 million a year.

Yunel Escobar

Yunel Escobar went 3-for-4 with a grand slam, two runs scored and five RBIs Sunday against the Orioles. The home run was Escobar’s first of the season and it came at a good time for him and Toronto. In his first three games with the Blue Jays, Escobar has made a good impression with six hits and five RBI.

Nobody questions Escobar’s talent and potential, but the Braves apparently grew tired of Escobar’s inconsistency. After a promising 2009 campaign that saw Escobar hit .299 with 14 homers and 76 RBIs a season ago, Escobar has struggled with a .238-0-19 line this season. Look for his production to increase now that he is in the power hitting Blue Jay lineup.

In other American League fantasy news from Sunday…..

• Andy Pettitte is expected to miss four to five weeks with a groin strain that he suffered on Sunday.
• Josh Beckett is scheduled to start Friday for the Red Sox in Seattle barring any unforeseen  setbacks. Fantasy Owners of Beckett can rest comfortably.
• Alex Rodriguez hit one. It was the 598th HR of his career.
• Shawn Marcum earned his 10th win. Marcum did scatter 9 hits, but had 4 strikeouts and no walks.
• Andrew Bailey earned his 20th save by recording the final out in the A’s fifth consecutive win Sunday. Bailey lowered his ERA to 1.64. After an impressive first half of the season, Bailey has recorded two saves in two opportunities to start the second half.
• Scott Kazmir was placed on the disabled list with left shoulder fatigue. Kazmir is eligible to come off the DL on July 26th.
• Mike Napoli hit one. It was his 16th of the season and the only run the Angels could produce in a loss to Seattle.
• Vin Mazzaro allowed one run on seven hits while walking one and striking out five in 7 2/3 strong innings Sunday against the Royals. Since Mazzaro was given an opportunity to start in June, he has done a good job for the A’s. He earned his 5th win and lowered his ERA to 3.50. He’ll face the White Sox in his next start. Mazzaro is worth a look in AL-Only formats.

Volquez

Edinson Volquez was brilliant in his return from Tommy John elbow surgery last Aug. 3. Volquez went six innings and allowed only one run and three hits, with two walks and nine strikeouts. Volquez threw 96 pitches and, after a shaky first inning, looked like the All-Star he was in 2008.Volquez made six minor-league rehab starts in recent weeks and was 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA, in 31 innings.

In his last full season in 2008, Volquez went 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA and 206 Ks. You want to run to the waiver wire if he’s available in your league. He’ll look to build on this dominant outing when he faces the visiting Nationals on July 22.

In other fantasy news from Saturday…..

• Drew Stubbs hit two. Stubbs had 3 RBI as the Reds defeated the Rockies. These were the first home runs he hit since July 4th when he hit 3 HR.
• Carl Pavano threw his record setting third complete game of the season. Pavano won his sixth straight decision and improved his record to 11-6. It was the third complete-game victory for the right-hander over his last six outings. He will go for No. 12 against Baltimore in his next start.
• Paul Konerko hit one. It was his 21st this season.
• Josh Johnson threw six scoreless innings to earn his 10th victory. Johnson lowered his Major League-leading ERA to 1.64. He will face the Rockies in his next start.
• Carlos Santana hit one. It was his sixth since joining the Indians.
• Prince Fielder hit one. It was his 21st this season and was yet another solo shot. Fielder has just 42 RBI for the year and is well behind his 2009 pace when he had 141 RBI.
• Buster Posey hit one. Posey has ten hits in his last five games and continues to spark the Giants. The home run was his 8th this year.
• Todd Helton is eligible to return from the disabled list on Tuesday, but there is no indication of when he will be activated. Life after Helton in Colorado may finally be here.
• It appears that Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin will avoid the disabled list. Ramirez has become less dependable as the season has continued. It appears Joe Torre is going to be very careful with Ramirez with more days off the rest of the way. Not good news for fantasy owners of Ramirez. Martin will not play the next couple of games.
• The Angels lost Chone Figgins to Seattle via free agency this past off season. To this point, neither Figgins or the Angels have benefited from Figgins’ departure.
• Victor Martinez is looking better everyday since going on the DL. Martinez not being in the lineup continues to prove how valuable he is to the Red Sox.
• Mat Latos was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday because of a sneeze. Really? Supposedly, Latos pulled a muscle trying to hold back a sneeze, but its obvious the Padres are trying manage his innings. He is fine and will pitch next Saturday when he is eligible to come of the disabled list.