Sunday, December 17, 2006

Joel Zumaya Starter?

DREW SHARP: Zumaya a starter? Bet on it

I clicked through to this story after seeing it linked in Buster Olney's blog post. I hadn't heard anything by any Tiger even considering such a move. Nevermind, Zumaya's stated preference for relieving.

However, when I read the article, it was apparent the writer was just making-up a story. To boot, it is a horribly reasoned article.

Throwing heat is harder on the arm than breaking balls?

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

2007 Guide Update

Back in October, Rotomusing announced that he would produce the first-ever Rotomusing Rotisserie Baseball Guide (to be titled something more "scientific" sounding with an acronym and a sub-title with and acronym!).

Since then, I have developed an outline of what I feel must be covered and have begun addressing some of those areas. Unfortunately, I had enormous impositions by my cash provider (my job), family and illness which has left me much further behind than I had planned.

I wanted it on the market before anyone else's guide in order to take advantage of the thirst for fantasy baseball that occurs following the end of the season. But I believe my perspective is unique and may be able to withstand a mid-season release! (Icarus, don't fly too close to the sun.)

I also have been trying to determine how long it should be. A 200-page book has about 100,000 words. I don't think that is necessary, but one of half that length? A quarter? With team write-ups, there are at least 30 pages if one looks for a page per team so maybe 50 is correct.

Not including the team write-ups, which really do need to be done as late as possible, I am probably a good 20 hours away from what I consider the portion that I want to withstand the test of time.

Nevermind the issue of whether I should sell it and for how much. I'd like your opinions.

(As you can look back and see, I tried to speak in the third person was unable to do so past the first sentence.)

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Rule 5 Draft

BaseballAmerica.com: Prospects: Rule 5 Draft Blog

The above is a link to Baseball America's report on the just-completed Rule 5 Draft. The A's have decided that AA OF Ryan Goleski is a good risk to carry on the roster all season long.

If the A's fail to land a LF and do not move nick Swisher there, Goleski may be a $1 flyer at the end of fantasy drafts. His .370 OBP and .528 SLG at AA Akron do bode well.

As for Josh Hamilton, I'd like to see him make the Cubs roster. With big money wrapped up in Soriano, Ramirez, Lee, Jones, DeRosa, there aren't a whole lot of ABs available anyhow. Maybe he could pinch-hit all season and fill-in at 1B and OF every couple weeks?

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Joe Borowski

The Indians signed 2006 Marlins closer Joe Borowski. I guess I was premature in labelling Roberto Hernandez this year's Joe Borowski.

Joe Borowski is going to retain his role in 2007.

This year he will either fail or be dealt!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Morgan Ensberg

Given the man-love Houston has for Mike Lamb, the availabilty of 100 Walks 3B Morgan Ensberg should have every major league team conniving of ways to steal him from Phil Garner's team. The Astros are in need of starting pitching behind the $73MM man Roy Oswalt. Couldn't the Angels deal lefty Joe Saunders for Ensberg?

Astros show interest in trade for pitcher Peavy Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The Astros have received quite a bit of interest in outfielder Willy Taveras and infielder/outfielder Chris Burke. Third baseman Morgan Ensberg and reliever Brad Lidge also have been mentioned as potential trade bait because the Astros will likely have to move money to re-sign Pettitte or Clemens or add another significant starting pitcher's contract.The Astros have received quite a bit of interest in outfielder Willy Taveras and infielder/outfielder Chris Burke. Third baseman Morgan Ensberg and reliever Brad Lidge also have been mentioned as potential trade bait because the Astros will likely have to move money to re-sign Pettitte or Clemens or add another significant starting pitcher's contract."

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Roberto Hernandez

The Indians signed former closer Roberto Hernandez to bolster their bullpen, and, as of now, he is the likely closer entering the 2007 season.

Much can change between now and then, but, on the assumption nothing does, I am reminded of the Joe Borowski signing by the Marlins - a stopgap veteran reliever holding a place until a better option emrges from the current crop of young relievers.

I held fast to the theory that Borowski was the closer until 7/31 when the rebuilding Marlins would flip him for more rebuilding blocks. He never did lose his job, and the Marlins are now without a closer.

The Indians are further along, but I believe Roberto will serve the same purpose. Two situations would alter this. One, the Indians are in serious contention with no obvious pitcher to step-in, and, two, the Indians did deal their one-year stop-gap closer, Bob Wickman, last season and found their young relievers incompetent for the task.

Get ready for a low $20s bid in AL-only keeper leagues.