| Quentin left off playoff roster | Wednesday 10/1, 8:16 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin has been left off the White Sox playoff roster according to the AP.
Our View: Quentin led the AL in home runs when he broke his right wrist on Sept. 1 after slamming it on his bat in frustration. He has not given up on playing again should the White Sox advance in the postseason, and was hitting off a tee. |
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| Beckett plays long toss | Wednesday 10/1, 8:13 PM CT |
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The Star-Tribune reports that Josh Beckett played long toss Wednesday before the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels began their AL division series, and remains on track to start Game 3 on Sunday in Boston.
Our View: Beckett, originally scheduled to start Game 1, injured a muscle in his side last Friday during a bullpen session. He was probably the best pitcher in last year's playoffs and if he's healthy, should be set to dominate again. |
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| Joba to start in 2009 | Wednesday 10/1, 6:35 PM CT |
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Newsday reports that Brian Cashman expects Joba Chamberlain to be in the starting rotation for 2009.
Our View: Joba started 12 games this season with mixed results and he rarely went deep into games. With an offseason to prepare for the role, expect Joba to be more effective in 2009. |
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| Vazquez will throw Game 1 | Wednesday 10/1, 6:08 PM CT |
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Javier Vazquez will throw in Game 1 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay on Thursday according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Over his last three starts, he is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA. He is a risky play to throw Game 1 but Ozzie Guillen did not have much choice after having to throw his other starters on short rest over the past four days. |
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| Percival left off roster | Wednesday 10/1, 4:49 PM CT |
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Troy Percival will not likely be on the ALDS roster for the Rays according to the Tampa Tribune. He is still dealing with a knee problem although he did pitch some in the final week of the season. The roster will not be official until 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Our View: It will be interesting to see who gets the call to close but expect it to be Dan Miller. Six different Rays' pitchers had more than one save this season. |
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| Blalock's option likely to be picked up | Wednesday 10/1, 10:05 AM CT |
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Hank Blalock's $6.2 million option in 2009 will "almost certainly" be picked up by the Rangers, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: The team has 10 days after the World Series to either pick up the option or let him enter free agency. It is unlikely he will work at third base and Chris Davis is considered a superior fielder at first base. Blalock could serve as a DH, but Milton Bradley could occupy that position as well. After picking up the option, the Rangers could opt to trade him for pitching help. |
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| Bradley wants multi-year deal | Wednesday 10/1, 9:58 AM CT |
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Milton Bradley is coveting a multi-year deal, but the Rangers are not ready to satisfy his wish, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Bradley posts strong numbers when healthy, but missed 36 games this season due to various injuries, and is too risky to invest in with a long-term deal. |
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| Lewis unlikely to close? | Wednesday 10/1, 9:36 AM CT |
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Manager Eric Wedge remarked that Jensen Lewis is not likely to be the Indians' closer in 2009, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Wedge said, "We want to go out and get a closer so we have two options at that spot. Jensen Lewis did a good job for us on a short-term basis."
Our View: He nailed down 13 saves this season, but held a 3.82 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. The team is not ready to trust him as their full-time closer. |
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| Lowell projected to roam third base | Wednesday 10/1, 7:51 AM CT |
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Mike Lowell is projected to start at third base in Game 1 against the Angels, according to the Boston Globe. While the Globe projects him to start, manager Terry Francona remains uncertain and said, "We just don't know yet. I thought Mikey Lowell looked pretty good. I thought it was very encouraging the way he moved around. The movement he did do didn't grab at him. That was very encouraging."
Our View: Lowell was a driving force during Boston's World Series run last season, but the 34-year-old failed to stay healthy this season, and it remains to be seen if he can make an impact in their bid to win a third title in five years. |
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| Drew projected to start in right | Wednesday 10/1, 7:45 AM CT |
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J.D. Drew, who has been recovering from a herniated disk in his back, is being projected to start Game 1 against the Angels in right field, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Drew only played in 109 games in the regular season due to his ailment, but was productive with 19 homers and 79 runs scored. |
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