| Tolbert to return September 2 | Sunday 8/24, 11:58 PM CT |
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Matt Tolbert will finish his rehab assignment with the Twins Triple-A team and then will be with the Twins on September 2, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: Tolbert has little fantasy value due to his infrequent playing time, and mediocre numbers even when he does play. |
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| Daigle released | Sunday 8/24, 11:56 PM CT |
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Casey Daigle, also known as Mr. Jennie Finch, has been released from the Twins Triple-A club, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: Daigle was with the Diamondbacks until 2007 when he was released, and he will now look for his third team in as many years. |
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| Kuroda throws solid game | Sunday 8/24, 11:36 PM CT |
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Hiroki Kuroda did not figure in the decision in the Dodgers 5-2 loss to the Phillies, but he threw a good game, tossing six innings of two-hit ball, allowing only one run and striking out five.
Our View: Kuroda has an outstanding 2.11 ERA in August, and his WHIP before the game was 1.22, so it should drop after this performance. Kuroda only has seven wins because of a lack of run support, but he can help fantasy squads in need of pitching depth. |
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| Rollins having rough month | Sunday 8/24, 11:33 PM CT |
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Jimmy Rollins is not having a good August. First, he criticized Phillies fans for the constant booing, and now his performance is suffering. Rollins went 0-for-5 in the Phillies 5-2 win over the Dodgers, and his batting average in August fell below .200.
Our View: Rollins is 17-for-89 in August with no home runs and a frighteningly low RBI total of two. Fantasy owners have to be hugely disappointed following his magnificent 2007 campaign. |
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| Ramirez cooling down | Sunday 8/24, 11:29 PM CT |
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Manny Ramirez went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Dodgers 5-2 extra inning loss to the Phillies.
Our View: Ramirez started ablaze for the Dodgers, but he has been icy lately, and over his last six games is hitting just .208. |
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| Feliz hits walk-off home run | Sunday 8/24, 11:26 PM CT |
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Pedro Feliz was the hero for the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to lead the team to a 5-2 win over the Dodgers.
Our View: Feliz's value should be limited to NL-only leagues, as his OBP of .301 and other mediocre stats aren't anything to write home about. |
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| Mauer extends hitting streak | Sunday 8/24, 10:44 PM CT |
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Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer went 1-for-4 with a single in the Twins 5-3 loss to the Angels, which extended his hitting streak to 16 games, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: Mauer is hitting .321 on the season, which should please fantasy owners, but his lack of power is disappointing. Mauer has just eight bombs, and most people were expecting more, with the banal talk of the catcher developing his power a common refrain. |
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| Bradley gets two hits | Sunday 8/24, 10:36 PM CT |
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Milton Bradley went 2-for-4 with one RBI, but the Rangers fell to the Cleveland Indians by the score of 4-3.
Our View: There have not been many players who have been more of a pleasant surprise than Bradley this season for fantasy owners. He has been surprisingly consistent, having hit over .300 in every month of the campaign. Bradley is currently hitting .314 in August. |
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| Sizemore strikes out three times | Sunday 8/24, 10:32 PM CT |
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It was a difficult evening for Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore. He batted four times and struck out in three of those at-bats, though Cleveland managed to beat the Rangers 4-3.
Our View: Sizemore has been very good for fantasy owners, and with one more home run will be a 30/30 man. His only obvious flaw is his tendency to strike out, as he now has over 100 on the season. |
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| Padilla strikes out eight | Sunday 8/24, 10:28 PM CT |
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Vicente Padilla only pitched five innings, but it was a good five innings, as he surrendered three runs but struck out eight batters, ultimately getting a no-decision in Texas' 4-3 loss to Cleveland.
Our View: Padilla has not been good in August, and he has not won a game since July 25. Fantasy owners can likely do better in their rotations. |
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| Reyes excellent yet again | Sunday 8/24, 10:26 PM CT |
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Anthony Reyes had yet another great start for the Cleveland Indians, his fourth since the Cardinals basically gave him away to Cleveland. The right-hander went seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits in the Indians 4-3 win over Texas.
Our View: Reyes has clearly become someone fantasy owners should be snatching up. Four starts in a row is solid enough evidence that he should be effective the rest of the year. |
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| Corpas rolling | Sunday 8/24, 10:12 PM CT |
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Manuel Corpas has been pitching great after his initial struggles, and has an ERA of 1.50 since July 19, covering 30 innings, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Corpas remains a set-up man, and he also does not have big strikeout totals, so his fantasy value is not high. |
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| Upton not getting results | Sunday 8/24, 9:29 PM CT |
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Justin Upton is healthy, but he has not performed well so far in Triple-A, which has delayed his return to the team, according to the Arizona Republic. In his last five games, Upton had struck out 11 times in 18 at-bats, with only three hits.
Our View: Before Upton can be recalled, he'll have to at least start to make contact and hit the ball somewhere in fair territory. |
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| Scherzer likely to get called up | Sunday 8/24, 9:24 PM CT |
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Diamondbacks pitcher Max Scherzer is most likely going to be called up when rosters expand on September 1, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Scherzer was a fantasy wonder earlier in the year, racking up 33 Ks in 31 innings pitched. He has fantasy value in those strikeouts, though he will probably be put in the bullpen, so temper your expectations. |
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| Jones plays first base | Sunday 8/24, 9:21 PM CT |
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Andruw Jones played first base on Saturday in his minor league rehab game and went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, according to MLB.com. Jones was at first in order to protect his knee from further strain.
Our View: Jones has been dealing with a sore knee for some time, though it's arguable if he's in the minors for his knee or to try and get his game together. Fantasy owners can continue to ignore him. |
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| McLouth to return | Sunday 8/24, 9:16 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth has missed four games with an illness, but he should be returning to the Pirates lineup no later than Tuesday, according to Pirates.com.
Our View: McLouth has provided fantasy owners with surprising power, as evidenced by his 22 home runs and .506 slugging percentage. Fortunately, he also has speed, with 14 stolen bases. |
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| Willits to return soon | Sunday 8/24, 8:47 PM CT |
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Reggie Willits was eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Sunday, but the Angels chose not to, instead calling up a pitcher from Triple-A as their bullpen has become overworked, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Willits will be back by no later than Wednesday in all likelihood. He has been a disappointment this season after providing fantasy owners a spark in 2007. |
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| Bulger recalled | Sunday 8/24, 8:44 PM CT |
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Jason Bulger was called up from Triple-A in order to give the team an extra arm in the bullpen, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Bulger has no fantasy value, as his 7.94 ERA clearly displays. |
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| Anderson "tweaks" patella tendon | Sunday 8/24, 8:10 PM CT |
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Garret Anderson left Sunday's game with what Angels manager Mike Scioscia called a "tweaked" patella tendon, according to the Orange County Register.
Our View: Anderson's OBP leaves something to be desired, but his 71 RBI sure are useful for fantasy owners. |
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| Bruce obtains Golden Sombrero | Sunday 8/24, 6:55 PM CT |
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The Golden Sombrero is given to players who have struck out four times in one game, and the newest recipient of the award is Cincinnati outfielder Jay Bruce, who accomplished the feat in an 0-for-5 day as the Reds lost to the Rockies.
Our View: After a spectacular May and early June, Bruce has cooled off, at least in the batting average department. He does have seven homers on the month, but his OBP is getting dangerously close to falling under .300. |
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| Quintanilla hits walk-off | Sunday 8/24, 6:49 PM CT |
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Rockies backup infielder Omar Quintanilla hit a pinch hit, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning on Saturday, giving Colorado a 4-3 win over the Reds.
Our View: Quintanilla was the hero for the Rockies on Saturday, but he'll never be one for fantasy owners, because he simply does not play enough. That and his OBP is under .290. |
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| Patterson stays under .200 | Sunday 8/24, 6:46 PM CT |
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Reds outfielder Corey Patterson's batting average remains under the Mendoza line after a 1-for-4 performance in the Reds loss to Colorado.
Our View: The good news is that Patterson stole his 13th base of the season. However, even if he had 25 steals, it wouldn't be enough to compensate for that average in fantasy play. |
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| Jimenez throws well | Sunday 8/24, 6:44 PM CT |
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Ubaldo Jimenez threw fairly well for Colorado, surrendering just two earned runs in six innings while striking out six and walking four in the Rockies 4-3 win over the Reds.
Our View: Jimenez has had mixed results this year. His ERA is under 4.00, but his lack of control has led to a high WHIP. He is usable in fantasy, but should probably be left to NL-only leagues. |
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| Molina knocks in five | Sunday 8/24, 6:38 PM CT |
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Giants catcher Bengie Molina almost single-handedly beat the Padres by going 3-for-4 with a home run as part of a five RBI day in San Francisco's 7-4 win over the Padres.
Our View: Molina has been great at driving in runs for fantasy owners. He now has 77 on the season, though they have come with just 10 home runs. |
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| Giles provides offense | Sunday 8/24, 6:36 PM CT |
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Brian Giles hit a rare home run, his ninth of the season, but it was not enough for San Diego, who lost to the Giants 7-4.
Our View: Giles was 1-for-3 in the game but walked twice, upping his already good OBP. He remains useful in fantasy despite his shortcomings in the power department. |
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| Wilson gets save 35 | Sunday 8/24, 6:34 PM CT |
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Brian Wilson has been solid though unspectacular for the Giants, but he still has 35 saves on the season, including one in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Padres.
Our View: Wilson gets saves and strikes people out to the tune of 9.93 K/9 entering Saturday's game. That'll word just fine for fantasy owners. |
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| Ramirez has tough day | Sunday 8/24, 6:25 PM CT |
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Shortstop Hanley Ramirez returned to the Marlins after sitting out two games with a bruised thumb, and promptly went 1-for-5 with a double and three strikeouts in Florida's 5-2 win over Arizona.
Our View: Fantasy owners blew a huge sigh of relief after finding out Ramirez had suffered only a bruised thumb. And don't read too much into the three strikeouts. He now has 110 on the year. |
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| Drew goes yard | Sunday 8/24, 6:12 PM CT |
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The Diamondbacks Stephen Drew hit his 15th home run of the season in the first inning of Arizona's 5-2 loss to Florida. The young shortstop was 2-for-4 on the day.
Our View: Though his plate discipline needs to get better so his OBP goes up, fantasy owners have to be pleased with Drew's overall season. |
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| Nolasco strikes out 10 | Sunday 8/24, 6:11 PM CT |
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Florida's Ricky Nolasco won his 13th game of the season by pitching 7.1 innings of three-hit ball against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs and striking out ten in the team's 5-2 win over Arizona.
Our View: Nolasco has had a great year, displaying great control with the ability to make people swing and miss. Remember his name when fantasy season rolls around next year. |
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| Johjima lives | Sunday 8/24, 5:55 PM CT |
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Kenji Johjima broke out of a 1-for-15 slump by going 2-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored to help the Mariners take down the A's, 8-4.
Our View: Johjima has been hideous this season, and nobody should get too excited over this game. Coming into this contest, Johjima's OPS was a pathetic .558. |
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| Barton smacks two hits | Sunday 8/24, 5:52 PM CT |
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Daric Barton went 2-for-4 with a double, but it was not enough to help the A's, as they were downed by the Mariners 8-4.
Our View: Barton has easily been one of the most disappointing players in fantasy baseball. Lauded for his ability to get on base, he hasn't even done that well, with an OBP of .305 coming into Saturday's game. |
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| Hernandez picks up win | Sunday 8/24, 5:49 PM CT |
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Felix Hernandez picked up his eighth win of the season on Saturday by hurling six innings and allowing three earned runs on on three solo home runs while striking out seven in the Mariners 8-4 win over the A's.
Our View: Hernandez has pitched much better than his 8-8 record would indicate, but he plays for one of the worst teams in baseball, so wins are difficult to come by. |
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| Teixeira goes deep | Sunday 8/24, 5:36 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira went deep for the seventh time in an Angels uniform as part of a 3-for-4 day in his team's 5-3 win over the Twins.
Our View: Teixeira hit three home runs in the Angels four game series with the Twins, and drove in four. |
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| Morneau hits two marks | Sunday 8/24, 5:33 PM CT |
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Despite the best efforts of Justin Morneau, the Twins lost to the Angels by the score of 5-3. Morneau had a single, double and home run in a 3-for-4 day that also included three RBI.
Our View: Morneau's home run was his 20th of the year, and his RBI put him over 100. Fantasy owners would like to see a bit more power out of him, but it's hard to argue with all those runs he has driven in. |
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| Rodriguez picks up 50th save | Sunday 8/24, 5:29 PM CT |
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Francisco Rodriguez is storming towards the single season record for saves as he picked up his 50th save of the year in the Angels 5-3 win over Minnesota.
Our View: K-Rod struck out two and now has 62 Ks in 55.1 innings. Clearly, he's been the best reliever in fantasy baseball this year. |
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| Cameron goes 5-for-5 | Sunday 8/24, 5:26 PM CT |
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Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron had a stellar day, going 5-for-5 and hitting his 23rd home run of the year to help the Brewers beat the Pirates 4-3 in extra innings.
Our View: Cameron's average in the month of August rose to .360. He is a streaky hitter, and switches between hot and cold often. However, his power and decent speed are good tools for fantasy owners to utilize. |
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| LaRoche ejected | Sunday 8/24, 5:22 PM CT |
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Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche was ejected, along with manager John Russell, for arguing balls and strikes during the Pirates 4-3 loss to Milwaukee. Up until his ejection, LaRoche was 1-for-3 on the day.
Our View: LaRoche was replaced by Doug Mientkiewicz, who went 0-for-2 the rest of the way. LaRohe has had a solid August, with hits in five of his last six games. |
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| Hardy hits walk-off single | Sunday 8/24, 5:19 PM CT |
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J.J. Hardy's third hit of the game was the most important one, coming in the bottom of the 12th inning to drive home the winning run in the Brewers 4-3 win over Pittsburgh.
Our View: Hardy is hot, and now has a ten-game hitting streak going. He had performed poorly in the beginning of the month, but fantasy owners are now reaping the rewards. |
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| Cueto leaves game | Sunday 8/24, 5:05 PM CT |
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Reds hurler Johnny Cueto had to leave the Reds game against Colorado after throwing three innings because of right triceps tendon soreness, according to the AP.
Our View: Cueto is scheduled to be examined by doctors on Monday when the team returns to Cincinnati. |
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| Hideki contributes | Sunday 8/24, 5:00 PM CT |
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Hideki Matsui went 1-for-4 with a walk in the Yankees win over the Orioles. He also scored a run in his sixth game since coming off the DL.
Our View: Matsui only hitting .182 since rejoining the team, but he does have two home runs. It's likely his batting average will improve in time, however. |
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| Roberts goes over .300 | Sunday 8/24, 4:56 PM CT |
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With three hits in five at-bats, Brian Roberts saw his batting average rise to .302 in the Orioles 8-7 loss to the Yankees.
Our View: Roberts also stole his 33rd base of the season and his two RBI pushed him toward 50 on the year. He is one of the more valuable second sackers in the sport. |
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| Cano has big day | Sunday 8/24, 4:50 PM CT |
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Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano had a nice game in his team's 8-7 win over the Orioles. Cano went 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBI while scoring two runs.
Our View: Cano is hitting .299 in August, and has seven multi-hit games on the month. He has had a solid last two months and despite his early struggles, is on his way to putting up respectable numbers for fantasy owners. |
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| Cabrera hit hard | Sunday 8/24, 4:46 PM CT |
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Daniel Cabrera did not have a good outing, failing to get through four innings against the Yankees, surrendering seven runs on nine hits while walking three in the Orioles 8-7 loss to the Yankees.
Our View: Cabrera did not get the loss because his team scored some runs, but he probably deserved to. He allowed at least six earned runs in three of his five August starts. |
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| Quentin hits 36th bomb | Sunday 8/24, 4:42 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin hit home run number 36 on the year and drove in two runs, giving him 99 on the season, in helping lead the White Sox to a 6-5 win over Tampa.
Our View: It's hard not to think of the Diamondbacks and how terrible of a trade it was for them to make when they shipped him out, especially since they had to trade prospects to get an inferior hitter who gets paid a lot more in Adam Dunn. Quentin is an MVP candidate. |
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| Baldelli homers | Sunday 8/24, 4:38 PM CT |
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Rocco Baldelli went 2-for-5 and his his first home run of the season in the Rays 6-5 loss to the White Sox.
Our View: Baldelli has loads of talent, but he will see irregular playing time as the team tries to keep him healthy, which is a blow to his fantasy status. |
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| Konerko comes through | Sunday 8/24, 4:36 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko had just one at-bat on the day, but it was a big one. Pinch hitting in the bottom of the ninth inning, Konerko singled, driving in A.J. Pierzynski to tie the Rays, and Chicago would go on to win 6-5 in 10 innings.
Our View: Even with his heroics, Konerko remains an iffy fantasy play. He is hitting .313 in August, but his overall average is still a miserable .230. |
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| Polanco knocks in two | Sunday 8/24, 4:27 PM CT |
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Placido Polanco went 3-for-5 and drove in two, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Tigers succumbed to the Royals 7-3.
Our View: After a slow start, Polanco has his average back up to where fantasy owners like it. He is hitting .349 in August, and, surprisingly, has three home runs on the month. |
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| Callaspo gets three hits | Sunday 8/24, 4:25 PM CT |
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Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo went 3-for-3 and walked once, raising his batting average to .302 in the Royals 7-3 win over Detroit.
Our View: In over 100 at-bats, Callaspo has on home runs and just four RBI, so his fantasy value is not particularly high, but he may be of use in AL-only leagues should his average continue to stay around the .300 mark. |
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| Rogers roughed up | Sunday 8/24, 4:21 PM CT |
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Kenny Rogers was hit hard by the Kansas City Royals, throwing six innings, and allowing seven runs, six of which were earned, in the Royals 7-3 win over Detroit.
Our View: Rogers now carries a record of 9-11. His ERA jumped to 5.09 on the season. He has little to no fantasy value at this point. |
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| Ludwick 0-for-5 | Sunday 8/24, 4:18 PM CT |
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Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick had a difficult day, failing to get a hit in five at-bats, striking out twice and leaving eight men on base, but St. Louis beat Atlanta 6-3 anyway.
Our View: Ludwick is a free swinger and is prone to strikeouts. Nonetheless, has there been a more vital waiver wire acquisition for fantasy owners than him? |
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| Blanco's struggles continue | Sunday 8/24, 4:15 PM CT |
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Gregor Blanco struck out three times in four at-bats, but did manage a single in the Braves 6-3 defeat in St. Louis.
Our View: Blanco has had a rough August, and is hitting just .209 on the month. His fantasy stock is minimal. |
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| Pujols on base five times | Sunday 8/24, 4:12 PM CT |
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Albert Pujols went 2-for-2 with three walks on the day in the Cardinals 6-3 win over the Braves. He hit his 28th home run of the year in the first inning.
Our View: Pujols slaughtered the Braves in their three-game set. He batted 16 times against Atlanta, and reached base 14 times. He is now tied with Chipper Jones for the batting lead at .359. |
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| Lowrie hits game winner | Sunday 8/24, 4:08 PM CT |
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Jed Lowrie went deep in the 11th inning on Saturday, giving the Red Sox a 6-5 win over Toronto. It was his only hit on the day in five at-bats.
Our View: Lowrie has been solid filling in for Mike Lowell at third, but this home run was his first since May 10. He has moderate fantasy value because of his lack of power, and his playing time will wane when Lowell returns. |
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| Wells has another big game | Sunday 8/24, 4:05 PM CT |
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Vernon Wells made his mark against the Red Sox this weekend. One day after getting four hits and driving in three, Wells went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, though the Jays lost to Boston 6-5.
Our View: Wells killed the Red Sox the last two games, going 6-for-9 with three home runs and six RBI. He is hitting .314 in August. |
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| Matsuzaka allows five earned runs | Sunday 8/24, 4:02 PM CT |
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The ERA of Boston hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka took a bit of a hit, as he allowed five earned runs in six innings while striking out eight in the Red Sox beat Toronto 6-5 in extra innings.
Our View: The good news for fantasy owners is that Matsuzaka only walked one hitter, so his 5.47 BB/9 should recede a bit. |
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| Harden keeps it locked and loaded | Sunday 8/24, 3:58 PM CT |
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The Cubs found another strong outing from ace Rich Harden off the mound today, putting Washington to bed for the 6-1 win. Harden pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on two hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts.
Our View: Harden has been everything the Cubbies could want and more. He's on fire, touting three consecutive win with four winners over his last five starts. He has allowed just six walks versus 40 strikeouts over that same span. |
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| Fukudome hopes pinch-homer gets him out of funk | Sunday 8/24, 3:54 PM CT |
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The Cubbies got an early lead and never stood in fear of losing it, pulling the 6-1 win over Washington. However, the romp presented an opportunity to put slumping Kosuke Fukudome to the test, bringing him off the bench as a pinch hitter in the 7th inning. He rewarded the trust, hitting his ninth home run of the season to drive in two.
Our View: The Asian rookie hadn't seen a homer since late July and was hitting just .145 through August coming in. The hope is to see this burst lead to a reversal of fortune, though the Cubs are likely to continue limiting his playing time. |
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| Mets waste strong outing by Perez | Sunday 8/24, 3:39 PM CT |
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Mets LHP Oliver Perez watched a good outing go to waste today as his Mets fell 6-4 to the Astros. Perez pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on four hits with one walk and eight strikeouts.
Our View: Perez walked with no decision as the relief pitching gave way. Over his last four starts Perez is 2-0 with 26 1/3 innings pitched for 10 combined earned runs, 12 walks, 27 strikeouts, and no homers surrendered. |
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| Pence homers in win over Mets | Sunday 8/24, 3:35 PM CT |
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Houston outfielder Hunter Pence did work today in support of the Astros' 6-4 win over the Mets, going 1-for-3 with one walk and his 18th homer of the season, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored on the day.
Our View: Pence is hitting just .190 this month coming in, but he now carries four homers for 10 RBIs and 16 runs scored. |
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| Beltran homers twice | Sunday 8/24, 3:28 PM CT |
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They needed 10 innings to settle it but the Mets fell 6-4 to Houston this afternoon despite the efforts of outfielder Carlos Beltran, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two homers on the day, totaling three RBIs and two runs scored.
Our View: That brings Beltran to four homers with 14 RBIs and 16 runs scored on the month, a dramatic .284 average included to improve on the .248/3 homers/15 runs scored of July. |
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| Hill not progressing as hoped | Sunday 8/24, 3:14 PM CT |
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Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said on Sunday that right-hander Shawn Hill is not expected to pitch in a Major League game until the second week of September, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Hill is not making the quick progress the team was expecting when he started his throwing program last month. Washington was hoping that Hill would make it back by September 1st. Hill has been bothered by a sore right forearm and hasn't pitched since June 24 against the Dodgers. There is nothing structurally wrong with the forearm - his fastball was clocked in the 90-mph range. However, muscle soreness has prevented him from throwing a sinker, and doctors recommended that Hill rest the forearm. |
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| Teixeira has the Angels grooving | Sunday 8/24, 2:55 PM CT |
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Check out the numbers on Mark Teixeira, on a rampage since leaving the National League to join the Angels, according to MLB.com. Teixeira is batting .367 with six home runs and 19 RBIs with a .474 on-base percentage in 22 games since being traded to the Angels on July 29th.
Our View: Teixeira, who played four and a half seasons in the American League West with the Rangers before being traded to the Braves before last season's Trade Deadline, said it's been an easier adjustment for him. He's already familiar with the parks and pitchers in the league, so it was just getting back to the basics for him. |
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| Thome ties Foxx with 534 homers | Sunday 8/24, 2:50 PM CT |
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White Sox slugger Jim Thome hit his 534th home run against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, tying Jimmie Foxx for 15th place on baseball's home run list, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Thome hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning off Andy Sonnanstine to give the White Sox a 4-3 lead, moments after Carlos Quentin's two-run homer. It was the 27th home run for Thome, who entered the game in a 5-for-34 slump. |
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| Hochevar done for the year | Sunday 8/24, 2:30 PM CT |
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Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar is out for the season with a bruised right rib cage, according to CBSSports.com.
Our View: The No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft, Hochevar was transferred Sunday from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL to help make room for Brandon Duckworth. The right-hander ended his season 6-12 with a 5.51 ERA. |
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| Garcia gets minor league action | Sunday 8/24, 2:28 PM CT |
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Freddy Garcia's road back to the big leagues began Saturday night with two scoreless innings for Class A Lakeland in the Tigers farm system, according to MLB.com. Garcia scattered three singles with a walk and a strikeout in his start for the Flying Tigers on Saturday at Dunedin. All three hits came in his second inning of work, including a bunt single, but he escaped with help from a double play.
Our View: Garcia, a 117-game winner over nine years in the big leagues, signed a Minor League contract with the Tigers a week and a half ago to try to get in some innings before the season ends, possibly in the Majors in September. The deal came with no guarantee that would happen, but the Tigers decided to take a look at him with a chance that he could be in their pitching picture for 2009 if he's healthy. |
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| Maine done for the year? | Sunday 8/24, 2:17 PM CT |
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Less than 24 hours after a compromised performance added a layer of doubt to the immediate future of John Maine, that doubt was amplified by his manager. Jerry Manuel presented a scenario Sunday morning that had Maine being shut down for the remainder of the season because of the bone spur in his right shoulder and the pain it has caused, according to MLB.com. Manuel acknowledged a "very good possibility" exists that Maine will be replaced in the rotation. And if he is replaced, the manager said, "I would think it would be a complete shutdown."
Our View: While pitching coach Dan Warthen said Maine remains scheduled to start the Mets' first game in Miami on Friday night, he and Manuel said contingency plans are in place in case the condition of Maine's shoulder - his rotator cuff sore because of the spur - worsens. The club already had planned to have Brian Stokes start against the Marlins in place of Mike Pelfrey, whose normal day to start would be August 31st. Pelfrey, Warthen acknowledged, would benefit in two ways: getting an extra day of rest and not facing an opponent responsible for three of his eight losses this season. But if the determination is made that Maine shouldn't pitch, Stokes could replace him Friday and another pitcher - Warthen favors Nelson Figueroa because of his assortment of breaking pitches -- could be summoned to start August 31st. |
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| Cabrera starts for resting Keppinger | Sunday 8/24, 2:13 PM CT |
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As expected, Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger was out of Sunday's starting lineup vs. the Rockies in an effort by manager Dusty Baker to give him a rest. Veteran utilityman Jolbert Cabrera started in Keppinger's place, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Baker was forced to answer questionsa about rookie infielder Adam Rosales and why he didn't get a look, but Baker reports the desire to keep him in the corner rather than a short. Rosales played 25 games at shortstop this season, 64 at third base and 19 at first base. Cabrera entered Sunday with 53 games played at shortstop over eight big league seasons, but played well there in the previous seven games this year. |
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| Marlins bench Uggla | Sunday 8/24, 2:01 PM CT |
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Florida second baseman Dan Uggla is not in the starting lineup today, believed to be the result punishment for his two botched double plays and 0-for-3 with the strikeouts on Saturday, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Uggla hasn’t had a great road trip - 3 for 16 with a home run. He ran through a stop sign in San Francisco last week to cost Florida a run in a 4-3 loss. Alfredo Amezaga gets the start in his place. |
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| Ellsbury hurt but stays in the game | Sunday 8/24, 1:58 PM CT |
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Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury made a great catch slamming up against the right field fence on Adam Lind's drive with one out in the fourth, but he paid the price, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: He came down hard and grabbed the right side of his face. Sox medical people ran out to right field to treat Ellsbury, who after an 8-minute delay, stayed in the game. |
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| Lee scratched | Sunday 8/24, 1:55 PM CT |
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Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee did not start Sunday in the series finale against the Washington Nationals because of spasms on the left side of his neck and back, but said he was available to play, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Lee came out of Saturday's game after an awkward swing aggravated his back. He had a similar problem in May 2007, and was sidelined for one week. |
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| Marcum to be short for the minors | Sunday 8/24, 1:50 PM CT |
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The Blue Jays insist that Shaun Marcum's demotion to the Minors Leagues is as straightforward as it appears, according to MLB.com.
Our View: If everything goes according to plan, Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said Marcum could be back in the rotation by the time the club's next homestand rolls around at the beginning of September. That gives Marcum two starts with Triple-A Syracuse to sort through his control problems before a possible return to Rogers Centre. |
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| Royals option Newman, welcome Duckworth | Sunday 8/24, 1:43 PM CT |
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The Royals made a roster move, sending left-handed reliever Josh Newman back to Triple-A Omaha, to make room on the current roster for Sunday starter Brandon Duckworth, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Newman had pitched only 7 1/3 innings in four appearances since his callup on August 10th. He had no decisions and a 7.71 ERA. The move leaves the Royals with no left-handers on the Major League staff. |
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| Berkman scratched | Sunday 8/24, 1:25 PM CT |
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Houston first baseman Lance Berkman has been dealing with pain in his left hamstring, and about a week ago, he fell and hit his wrist at home, leading manager Cecil Cooper to give him the day off, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Cooper said that Berkman will likely play Monday, but he decided to give him the day off Sunday after sleeping on the idea. The move had a ripple effect through the rest of the positions, with Mark Loretta at second base, Jose Castillo at third and Reggie Abercrombie playing center field and leading off. |
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| Rockies may be dealing Atkins, not Holliday | Sunday 8/24, 1:22 PM CT |
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The prevailing thought that outfielder Matt Holliday will eventually be traded out of Colorado seems to be dying as moves to seek interest in Garrett Atkins are heating up, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Atkins is expected to make around $8 million in arbitration next year, and with Ian Stewart developing at third and Todd Helton returning to first, Atkins becomes readily expendable. The Rockies need to trim salary somewhere and Atkins is making a big number and carries the upside that will bring strong prospects in return. The story quotes Troy E. Renck with the Denver Post who also notes the alarming lack of depth at third base in free agency, boosting Atkins' value. It would seem likely the agent for this rising corner infielder is likely to be working the phones now and will be given clearance to seek a deal once the season is over. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Hurley done for the year | Sunday 8/24, 12:49 PM CT |
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Eric Hurley will not be rejoining the Texas rotation, sidelined with right shoulder inflammation that has led the Rangers to a decision theare not going to pitch him again this year, according to MLB.com.
Our View: The Rangers prefer Hurley concentrate on rehabilitation and next season, thus there is no reasont to push for return this season. |
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| Drew likely headed to DL | Sunday 8/24, 12:04 PM CT |
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As J.D. Drew's back spasms continue to keep him out of the Red Sox's lineup, it is becoming more and more likely that the right fielder may be headed to the disabled list, according to MLB.com.
Our View: Drew was not in the lineup for Boston's series finale with the Blue Jays on Sunday, and has now missed the past six games because of his sore back. On Friday, Drew visited a Toronto hospital and was told that he had a herniated disc in his back. He also underwent an MRI exam, which did not reveal anything major, but only confirmed that his problems were due to back spasms. The 32-year-old Drew has dealt with back woes at times during his career. This year, there have been multiple occasions where his back has locked up on him, the first time coming just moments before Opening Day in Japan. However, despite his back troubles this season, Drew has managed to avoid any trips to the DL. |
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| Padilla looking to break the string | Sunday 8/24, 11:44 AM CT |
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Texas RHP Vicente Padilla tries to snap a four-start skid when the Rangers and the Cleveland Indians close out a three-game weekend series tonight at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The 30-year-old Texas right-hander, who won two straight starts in late July to improve to 12-5 this season, has since gone 0-2 with a pair of no-decisions and seen his earned run average rise from 4.56 to 4.96. His July 25 defeat of Oakland earned him win No. 12 and doubled his total from an injury-plagued 2007, when he was 6-10 in 23 starts with a 5.76 ERA in 120 1/3 innings. Padilla is 2-2 in five lifetime starts against the Indians with a 7.09 ERA in 26 2/3 innings. |
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| Slowey gets the start for Minny vs LAA | Sunday 8/24, 11:41 AM CT |
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Getting the call for the Twins, looking to battle against the Angels this afternoon, will be RHP Kevin Slowey , sitting at 10-8 with a 3.78 ERA, according to the Miami Herald. Slowey won his third straight start Tuesday against Oakland, as he gave up two runs (1 earned) and five hits in seven innings. He also struck out 12 without walking a batter.
Our View: Slowey is 1-1 in two starts against the Angels, while pitching to a 7.56 ERA in those contests. |
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| Santana set to take the hill vs Twins | Sunday 8/24, 11:38 AM CT |
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Ervin Santana tries for win No. 14 when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim wrap up a four-game series with the Minnesota Twins this afternoon at Angel Stadium, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Santana, an All-Star for the first time this season, has been a pleasant surprise for the AL West-leading Angels in 2008, having gone 13-5 with a 3.39 earned run average. Santana had been sent to Triple-A for a time last season due to ineffectiveness following a career-best 16 wins in 2006. The 25-year-old right-hander was good enough to get a win on Tuesday in Tampa Bay, but did not factor in the decision of his team's 4-2 loss despite surrendering just a run and four hits in seven innings. Santana defeated the Twins the last time he faced them and is 2-1 lifetime against Minnesota with a 3.42 ERA in four starts. |
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| Looper looking to top last season | Sunday 8/24, 11:36 AM CT |
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Cardinals RHP Braden Looper can equal last season's personal-best win total today when St. Louis hosts the Atlanta Braves in the finale of a three-game series at Turner Field, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: A 33-year-old Oklahoman, Looper was a full-time reliever for his initial 572 appearances in the major leagues through 2006 before become a full-time starter in 2007 and going 12-12 with a 4.94 earned run average. He picked up win No. 11 this season on August 13th in Florida, allowing five hits and an earned run over seven innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Marlins. He is 5-3 with eight saves in 55 career appearances - two starts - against the Braves. |
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| Nolasco carries great record versus Arizona | Sunday 8/24, 11:32 AM CT |
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Florida will try for a rebound today behind its best starting pitcher this season. RHP Ricky Nolasco tops the Marlins with 12 wins for the year to go along with a very solid 3.67 earned run average over 27 games (25 starts), according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Nolasco was on top of his game in Tuesday's outing at San Francisco, firing a complete-game two-hitter with 11 strikeouts to register his first career shutout. The dominating performance improved the 25-year-old to 7-3 in 14 road starts this season. He's also been quite successful when facing the Diamondbacks during his three major league seasons. Nolasco has won all three of his career starts against Arizona and allowed just five runs and 15 hits in 22 1/3 innings over the course of those games. Two of those victories came earlier this year, with Nolasco surrendering just two runs and racking up 16 strikeouts over a span of 15 innings. |
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| Ramirez back and swinging for Florida | Sunday 8/24, 11:28 AM CT |
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Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez , who had missed the team's last two games with a bruised right thumb, returned to the lineup on Saturday night and had a solo home run among his four at-bats, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Ramirez hopes to get his Marlins back on track today against Arizona. Saturday's loss was Florida's 10th in its last 15 games. The slide has dropped the Marlins into third place in the NL East standings and six games behind the division-leading New York Mets. |
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| Jimenez looking to stay hot against Cincy | Sunday 8/24, 11:24 AM CT |
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Rising RHP Ubaldo Jimenez looks for a second consecutive win against Cincinnati today when the Colorado Rockies host the Reds in the finale of a three-game weekend series at Coors Field, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: A 24-year-old in his first full season in the majors, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Jimenez is 7-3 in his last 10 starts after opening with a 2-8 mark in his initial 17 outings of 2008. He faced the Reds for the first time in his career on July 27 in Cincinnati and scattered five hits over six scoreless innings in Colorado's 11-0 rout at Great American Ball Park. |
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| Kotsay of interest for Boston, Milwaukee | Sunday 8/24, 10:34 AM CT |
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Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal reports the Brewers and Red Sox are both showing interest in Mark Kotsay , according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Our View: The Brewers would only pursue a trade if Ryan Braun's ribcage injury worsens, and so far he looks more than fine. The Sox made a play for lefty-hitting Brian Giles before Giles vetoed the deal, so it makes sense that they'd exert similar effort toward Kotsay. Even more so now that J.D. Drew has a herniated disc. |
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| Fuentes to hit waivers this week | Sunday 8/24, 10:33 AM CT |
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According to the latest from MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Brian Fuentes is expected to be put on waivers this week, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Our View: Rosenthal warns there are reasons for the delay in listing the closer. The Rockies must be keen to see if they can do better in a trade than the two first round draft picks they get by keeping Fuentes, rumored to be of interest to several teams. But as they fall out of the playoff race, so does the hope of getting a deal done. Waivers is the last bastion of hope, so we'll track the situation. |
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| Yankees to rebuild in bulk next season | Sunday 8/24, 8:33 AM CT |
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The Yankees seem to be in the dumps as we stand, fighting to stay in the playoff mix (and failing), but the eye towards tomorrow indicates the team will use the experience to rebuild with new-found dollars for free agency, according to the Boston Globe. Jason Giambi has a $21 million option that will not be picked up. Bobby Abreu is also up and seems likely to go. Mike Mussina is at the end of his deal. The four-year, $39 million pact of Carl Pavano is ending. Half-year rental catcher Ivan Rodriguez will likely be gone. Andy Pettitte also goes year to year, and while his often-balky left elbow has held up well, he has not committed to next season yet. There's the uncertainty of Jorge Posada, who wants to catch next year, though the Yankees have no idea how much his surgically repaired right shoulder will bounce back.
Our View: That's more than enough dollars with more than a few players that will be available to eat it up should the Yanks take it all to market. Improved pitching will be priority #1, but only time will tell how they roll the dice. With Alex Rodriguez secured, Derek Jeter returning, and Xavier Nady all but certain to see a long-term commitment from the Yankees, it is fair to suggest they will serve as the battery for a full-blown reconstruction effort. |
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| Isringhausen pondering retirement? | Sunday 8/24, 8:25 AM CT |
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Reports out of St. Louis indicate closer Jason Isringhausen, recently diagnosed with a torn flexor muscle near his right elbow, is pondering his ability to complete the rehabilitation process and may be considering retirement from professional baseball, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: On Tuesday, team medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta verified the diagnosis. Isringhausen spent Wednesday at home pondering whether he should seek surgery and try to rehab his way back to the major leagues or walk away from a big-league career. |
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| Sabbathia, Sheets scaring MLB GMs | Sunday 8/24, 8:21 AM CT |
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Reports from unnamed major league GMs indicate there are a long list of teams that will carry little-to-no interest in offering free-agent-pitchters-to-be CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets big-dollar contracts in free agency at season's end, according to the Boston Globe. "Sabathia's body scares me; he's almost 300 pounds," said the GM. "Sheets has put together a good season, but his history of injuries makes it tough to commit that kind of money to."
Our View: It would seem someone will come up and offer the right kind of money, but it would not be a bad thing if the power men of this game stopped spending so unwisely and brought the market for arms down a bit. Only time will tell, but we find it hard to believe both players will not get paid. |
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| Burnett to join Yankees in '09? | Sunday 8/24, 8:17 AM CT |
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Word out of New York is the Yankees are thinking hurler A.J. Burnett could be a member of the rotation next season, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Burnett will be able to opt out of his contract after this season, and unless the Blue Jays are willing to renegotiate a new deal, he's likely to seek suitors. The Yanks would be tops on his list, capable of offering the money he desires. |
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| McCarthy wild in first start | Sunday 8/24, 12:22 AM CT |
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Brandon McCarthy lasted just four innings in his first start of the year Saturday, but he allowed just one run on three hits and four walks while striking out three.
Our View: It's not surprising that McCarthy's control was off. He should get better the next time out. |
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| Eveland looks good in return | Sunday 8/24, 12:18 AM CT |
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Dana Eveland silenced the Mariners' bat Saturday, allowing just one run on five hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings. It was Eveland's first start since getting recalled from Triple-A.
Our View: Maybe a stint at Triple-A is what Eveland needed. Of course, the M's lineup doesn't exactly resemble Murderer's Row. |
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