| Newsbreakers |
October 26, 2008
Joe Blanton stepped up for Philadelphia in Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday. He struck out seven hitters through six innings and allowed just two earned runs while earning the win. He also hit a solo home run in the effort.
Our View:Blanton was just 9-12 in the regular season with a 4.69 ERA, but the Phillies have won often when Blanton takes the mound. He was excellent on Sunday while putting the Phillies within one win of a championship.
|
October 5, 2008
Joe Blanton allowed one run on five hits in six innings to get the win for the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS. He didn't allow a walk and struck out seven.
Our View:Blanton rebounded from a terrible span in June and July to post a 3.73 ERA between August and September. He has gotten hot at the right time.
|
October 4, 2008
If necessary, Joe Blanton would pitch Game 4 of the NLDS against Milwaukee, according to the AP.
Our View:The Phillies currently hold a 2-0 lead in the series, and could close it out tonight at Miller Park. If the Brewers can manage to win, they would have a good chance to even the series in Game 4 as Blanton held a 4.69 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 33 starts in the regular season.
|
September 26, 2008
Joe Blanton only allowed one earned run on five hits over six innings in Friday's 8-4 win over the Nationals, with one walk and two strikeouts.
Our View:Blanton picked up his ninth win of the season and helped the Phillies inch closer to the AL East title, as their magic number has been reduced to two.
|
September 20, 2008
Joe Blanton only issued two earned runs on four hits over five innings in Saturday's close 3-2 win over the Marlins, with two walks and nine strikeouts.
Our View:It was a strong outing for him, and is unbeaten in his last 12 starts. He looks to close out the season on a high note in his final start next week against the Nationals.
|
September 20, 2008
Joe Blanton was pitching with biceps tendinitis, which helps explain, in part, why he was unable to get deep into games, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View:The tendinitis has since gone away, and Blanton is feeling fine. Either way, he has little to no fantasy value, except maybe in deeper NL-only leagues.
|
September 14, 2008
Joe Blanton allowed two runs in the first inning before he settled down to hold the Brewers to three runs over seven innings on Sunday.
Our View:Blanton hasn't really been the pitcher that the Phillies hoped they were picking up when he was brought over from the A's. In 11 starts in the NL, Blanton is just 2-0 with a 4.52 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP with an average of just 5.1 innings per start.
|
September 13, 2008
Joe Blanton will start the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Brewers, and Brett Myers will pitch the nightcap, according to the Phillies' official website.
Our View:Blanton is only 7-12 over 30 starts, but has not lost in his last six outings.
|
August 8, 2008
Joe Blanton permitted only one hit, a single, as he held the Pirates scoreless for seven marvelous innings on Friday night in a no decision in a game the Phillies finally lost in extra innings.
Our View:When you give up just one hit, aren't you supposed to get the win? Over his last two starts Blanton has allowed just five hits and one run spread out over 14 innings as he has certainly given the Phillies what they were looking for when they made the move to acquire him.
|
August 2, 2008
Joe Blanton shut down the Cardinals in Saturday's 2-1 win, as he only issued one earned run on four hits over seven innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. The only score came on a Ryan Ludwick home run.
Our View:He earned his first win as a member of the Phillies, and could be headed for a solid stretch run of the season as he tries to do his part to claim the NL East division title.
|
July 27, 2008
Rain interrupted Joe Blanton's second Phillies start and he was able to collect just two innings of work on Sunday against the Braves. However, the two innings he did appear in were not pretty. He gave up two runs, three hits and a walk to a Chipper-less Braves lineup.
Our View:It's just been one and a half starts, but Blanton boasts a 7.87 ERA since joining Philly. We don't like how snug his new ballpark is and it's fair to expect him to struggle with his new NL team. Why? Because Billy Beane dealt him.
|
July 22, 2008
In his first Phillies start, Joe Blanton was hit pretty hard but avoided the loss thanks to a ninth inning rally. He gave up five runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings. He surrendered two home runs on the evening.
Our View:No doubt the Phillies were hoping for a better National League debut from Blanton. He was 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA before being acquired from Oakland last week.
|
July 22, 2008
Joe Blanton will make his Phillies debut tonight against the New York Mets.
Our View:Blanton has not given up a run to the Mets over fifteen innings in his career.
|
July 17, 2008
ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting the Phillies have acquired Joe Blanton for three prospects.
Our View:Blanton has had a mediocre year in Oakland going 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA. He was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA in 2007. His win-rate should increase but Philadelphia's smaller ballpark does not work in his favor.
|
July 16, 2008
The Phillies have been taking a look at Oakland's Joe Blanton, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Blanton has had a down year, going 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in the first half.
Our View:Blanton is still likely one of the better starters available despite his down year, and the Phillies are desperate for starting pitching, so this makes sense.
|
July 15, 2008
Manager Bob Geren has set the rotation following the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle. Joe Blanton will start the first game when play resumes, followed by Greg Smith, Justin Duchscherer, Sean Gallagher, and Dana Eveland.
Our View:Four of the A's starters have surpassed their career highs for major-league innings pitched in a season. Blanton, who has thrown 127 innings, is on pace to throw at least 194 innings for the fourth straight season.
|
July 9, 2008
Joe Blanton allowed six runs on six hits, walked none and struck out two in a 6-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.
Our View:Blanton suffered his 12th loss of the season against five wins. Coming into the game Blanton was 2-1 over his last three starts, alloweding only one earned run in each of his two wins.
|
July 4, 2008
Joe Blanton was dominant from the hill, as he only allowed one earned run on six hits over seven innings in Friday's 7-1 win over the White Sox at US Cellular Field, with two walks and five strikeouts.
Our View:Blanton is 2-1 over his last three starts, and only allowed one earned run in each of his two wins over the span.
|
June 29, 2008
Five days after a solid bounce back effort, Joe Blanton returned to his poor ways on Sunday. Blanton served up eight hits and seven runs over four innings against the Giants. The effort included four doubles and a triple. Blanton is now 4-11 on the year.
Our View:Joe is way too solid of a hurler to be 4-11 and own a 4.97 ERA. He's pitching like a guy who is just waiting to be traded. Fantasy owners should bench Joe if they haven't already.
|
June 24, 2008
Oakland RHP Joe Blanton got the offensive support and earned a much-needed win over the Phillies this evening as the A's took 'em down, 5-2. Blanton pitched seven innings to allow just one run on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts.
Our View:This is Blanton's first win in five starts, and while he continues to battle to lower walks allowed, he is showing signs of improvement.
|
June 24, 2008
Joe Blanton will be making his 17th start of the season tonight when the Athletics host the Phillies in inter-league play, according to MLB.com. Blanton is 3-10 with a 4.81 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 103 innings, with only 47 strikeouts.
Our View:Blanton is coming off his worst outing of the season as he was rocked for eight earned runs over a mere three innings against the D-Backs, and he isn't likely to bounce back against an explosive Phillies' offense that is headlined by Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.
|
June 18, 2008
Oakland RHP Joe Blanton continues to suffer through the dredges of a horrific season, suffering his 10th loss this evening as the A's were trounced 11-1 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Blanton lasted just three innings to give up eight runs (all earned) on seven hits with three walks and one strikeout.
Our View:This gives Blanton four consecutive losses with 20 combined earned runs surrendered through that span.
|
June 12, 2008
Joe Blanton lost his ninth game of the season thanks to a grand slam by Hideki Matsui as the Athletics lost 4-1 on Thursday night.
Our View:Blanton only allowed four runs in 6.2 innings, and despite the 3-9 record his ERA is still solid at 4.23. Unfortunately he has given up 111 hits in just 100 innings which has lead to more baserunners than one would like. Blanton is solid, but clearly not a difference maker.
|
May 31, 2008
Joe Blanton surrendered six runs on 10 hits over six innings in Saturday's 8-4 loss to Texas, with one walk and no strikeouts.
Our View:He drops to 3-7 in 2008, with a 4.27 ERA. Six was the most runs he allowed in any of his starts this season, and tonight was also the first time he failed to register any strikeouts.
|
May 31, 2008
The Texas Rangers and Oakland A's are set to set to do battle this evening as RHP Joe Blanton and fellow righty Scott Feldman square off with hopes of getting their seasons on track, according to the Sports Network.
Our View:Blanton is a disappointing 3-6 thus far while Feldman has battled to 1-2. Blanton has lost his only start against Texas this season but is 6-3 over his career against the Rangers. Feldman lacks the career numbers worthy of note versus Oakland (1-1, 1.96 ERA) and comes off a rough outing versus Cleveland, giving up five runs on six hits through six innings of work.
|
May 25, 2008
Oakland RHP Joe Blanton found his third win of the season as his Athletics put the 6-3 whooping to the Boston Red Sox. Blanton pitched six innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.
Our View:This is Blanton's first win this month and matches his top single-game strikeout total of the season.
|
May 20, 2008
Joe Blanton pitched six innings and limited the Rays to four runs on six hits and a single walk on Monday night.
Our View:Blanton continues to be a solid innings eater who on most night gives his team a chance to win even if he doesn't look particularly pretty as he does so.
|
May 14, 2008
Joe Blanton allowed two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out four in seven innings of work. Blanton pitched well enough to win, but he was facing C.C. Sabathia who pitched a complete game shutout in a 2-0 win over the A's.
Our View:Blanton lost his sixth game of the season against two wins. His 3.69 AL ERA and 1.34 WHIP says he deserves a better record than 2-6 on the season.
|
May 7, 2008
Joe Blanton limited the Orioles to just two runs in five innings on Wednesday, but he also allowed 10 base runners in a no-decision.
Our View:Blanton continues to be a serviceable starter, albeit it one with limited upside. There is still a chance he could be traded at some point, which might be the only way his value will improve this season.
|
April 27, 2008
Joe Blanton was the pitcher of record on Sunday in a 4-2 win over the Mariners and Felix Hernandez. Blanton went seven innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and striking out three.
Our View:Blanton has pitched at least seven innings in his last four starts, but won for the first time since April 11 at Cleveland.
|
April 16, 2008
Joe Blanton lasted eight innings on Wednesday night against the Mariners allowing 12 hits and four walks to fall to 1-3 on the year.
Our View:Blanton didn't walk a batter on the night, but he also had only two K giving him just 11 in 34 innings on the year, a pathetic 2.91 K/9 mark that would lead one to think that there could be a whole bunch of nights like this in his future.
|
April 11, 2008
Joe Blanton wasn't at his best on Friday night but he still picked up his first victory of the season as he allowed five runs in 7.2 innings against the Indians. After three starts Blanton has a 4.15 ERA, but with only nine K in 26 innings, he will need to miss more bats or his performance will likely suffer over the course of the year
|
April 11, 2008
Joe Blanton could be headed for an 0-3 start, as he faces the Indians tonight, according to MLB.com. Over his career against Cleveland, Blanton is 1-4 with a 4.30 ERA over six starts. This will be another tough battle for him.
|
April 7, 2008
Joe Blanton, who carried a shutout into seventh inning of Sunday's loss to Cleveland, fell to 0-2 on the young season. Cleveland scored twice on just two hits in the seventh and went on to a 2-1 win. Blanton's '08 numbers are not deserving of an 0-2 record. Over his first three starts, Blanton has pitched 18.1 innings, allowed 21 hits, seven earned runs, walked six and struck out eight. His 3.44 ERA deserves better.
|
March 25, 2008
Joe Blanton is off to a disappointing start as he allowed three runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings of work against Boston in the season opener. He also had three strikeouts and one walk and finished the day with a no decision. He needs to step up in his next outing as he is the ace of the Athletics staff, and is reportedly on the Yankees' radar.
|
March 19, 2008
Joe Blanton threw six scoreless innings against the Cubs on Wednesday, with four hits allowed and five strikeouts with no walks. He lowered his spring ERA to 4.76 and was previously said to be on the Yankees' radar.
|
March 11, 2008
Joe Blanton could be on the Yankees' radar, according to the SF Chronicle. This news comes after a Yankees scout was seen tracking Blanton at Sunday's game.
|
March 9, 2008
Joe Blanton was struggling through a tough spring, but seemingly got himself back on track on Sunday as he only allowed one run on three hits over five innings, with five strikeouts. He will need to keep this up to solidify his role as the A's number two starter behind Harden.
|
February 28, 2008
Joe Blanton was lit up on Thursday as he allowed six runs to the Brewers in just two innings. Blanton allowed a HR to Ryan Braun and gave up eight hits in the game. Mama said there would be days like this. Blanton will tweak whatever caused this issue today and improve next time out, but even though this was his first start, he simply can't be happy with the results.
|
February 19, 2008
The Reds continue to talk with the Oakland A's about right-hander Joe Blanton, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. There is no breaking news on the talks and Blanton remains with the A's. The report noted that Cleveland left-hander Cliff Lee reportedly is available; as well as free agents like Kyle Lohse and Josh Fogg are still on the market. Baker told the paper that there comes a time when you go with what you've got. What the Reds have isn't good enough, unless two of their starters have career years.
|
February 11, 2008
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Reds remain the most fervent suitor for A's right-hander Joe Blanton, and apparently are exploring other pitching options as well.
"Cincy is really trying to land a veteran starter," one rival general manager says. Regardless of who Cincinnati lands, Great American Ball Park is not a pitcher friendly venue.
|
February 10, 2008
The Denver Post reports that Oakland's asking price for pitcher Joe Blanton is steep. According to the report -- when the Dodgers made a play for Blanton -- the A's ask for Andre Ethier, Andy LaRoche and a prospect. Oakland GM Billy Beane is not only retooling his roster, he is loading up with youth, talent and the epitome of "Money Ball" personnel.
|
February 7, 2008
The Reds are talking to the A's about pitcher Joe Blanton, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Reds GM Wayne Krivsky would not comment specifically on Blanton, but he did not rule out a trade before camp starts. "You're always looking to improve," he said. "That never stops. We'll improve the team any way we can." The Enquirer also speculates that the Dodgers are interested in Blanton, but FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal have shot down those rumors, and LA doesn't appear to need another starter, anyway.
|
January 19, 2008
Joe Blanton avoided arbitration with the A's on Friday by agreeing to a $3.7 million contract, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Blanton has been the subject of trade talks over the last couple of weeks, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he was dealt before the start of the spring.
|
January 13, 2008
The Reds have engaged in preliminary discussions with the Athletics about pitcher Joe Blanton, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The price for Blanton will be a top prospect and it is not considered likely the Reds will be willing to part with one at this time.
|
