Day 91 And Counting

3B NL-only

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Wright David		16	Ensberg Morgan	down	31	Nunez Abraham
2	Jones Chipper		17	Aurilia Rich		32	Orr Pete
3	Atkins Garrett		18	Graffanino Tony		33	Woodward Chris
4	Zimmerman Ryan		19	Escobar Yunel	up	34	Rodriguez Luis
5	Braun Ryan	up	20	Counsell Craig		35	Abreu Tony
6	Ramirez Aramis		21	Kouzmanoff Kevin	up	36	Castro Juan
7	Wigginton Ty		22	Castillo Jose		37	Bellhorn Mark
8	DeRosa Mark		23	Cirillo Jeff		38	Mabry John
9	Garciaparra Nomar		24	Reynolds Mark	up	39	Kata Matt
10	Feliz Pedro		25	Ryan Brendan		40	LaRoche Andy	up
11	Encarnacion Edwin		26	Helms Wes		41	Stewart Ian
12	Bautista Jose		27	Branyan Russell		42	Headley Chase
13	Tracy Chad		28	Cairo Miguel		43	0
14	Rolen Scott		29	Dobbs Greg		44	0
15	Loretta Mark	down	30	Spiezio Scott		45	0

Day 93 And Counting

3B AL-only

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Rodriguez Alex		16	Scutaro Marco		31	Hannahan Jack
2	Cabrera Miguel		17	Carroll Jamey		32	Buscher Brian
3	Beltre Adrian		18	Gordon Alex	up up	33	Gonzalez Andy
4	Figgins Chone		19	Punto Nick		34	Marte Andy
5	Mora Melvin		20	Cintron Alex		35	Moore Scott
6	Lowell Mike		21	Crede Joe		36	Callaspo Albert
7	Blake Casey		22	Bloomquist Willie		37	Rouse Michael
8	Inge Brandon	down	23	Fields Josh	up	38	Clark Howie
9	Glaus Troy		24	Gomez Chris		39	Watkins Tommy
10	Izturis Maicer		25	Ozuna Pablo		40	Wood Brandon
11	Chavez Eric		26	Adams Russ		41	Brown Matt
12	Blalock Hank	up	27	Vazquez Ramon		42	Guzman Joel
13	German Esteban	down	28	Luna Hector		43	Roberts Ryan
14	Iwamura Akinori		29	Inglett Joe		44	Basak Chris
15	Betemit Wilson	down	30	Metcalf Travis		45	0

Day 94 And Counting

NL-only SS.

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Rollins Jimmy		16	Gonzalez Alex		31	Ransom Cody
2	Ramirez Hanley		17	Keppinger Jeff		32	Hernandez Anderson
3	Reyes Jose		18	Miles Aaron		33	Barden Brian
4	Renteria Edgar		19	Theriot Ryan		34	Figueroa Luis
5	Furcal Rafael		20	Ryan Brendan		35	Andino Robert
6	Tulowitzki Troy		21	Cedeno Ronny		36	Kelly Donald
7	Greene Khalil		22	Frandsen Kevin		37	Lopez Pedro
8	Wilson Jack		23	Barmes Clint		38	Cruz Enrique
9	Vizquel Omar		24	Izturis Cesar		39	Gil Jerry
10	Lopez Felipe		25	Bruntlett Eric		40	0	0
11	Hardy J.J.		26	Guzman Cristian		41	0	0
12	Drew Stephen		27	Smith Jason		42	0	0
13	Loretta Mark		28	Jimenez D'Angelo		43	0	0
14	Counsell Craig		29	Hu Ching-Lung		44	0	0
15	Escobar Yunel		30	Valdez Wilson		45	0	0

Day 95 And Counting

AL-only SS. Wow, are the AL shortstops weak or what?

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Jeter Derek		16	Everett Adam		31	Green Nick
2	Young Michael		17	Pena Tony		32	Olmedo Rainer
3	Guillen Carlos		18	Bloomquist Willie		33	Gonzalez Alberto
4	Cabrera Orlando		19	Clayton Royce		34
5	Tejada Miguel		20	McDonald John		35
6	Lugo Julio		21	Berroa Angel		36
7	Peralta Jhonny		22	Cora Alex		37
8	Betancourt Yuniesky		23	Perez Neifi		38
9	Bartlett Jason		24	Wilson Josh		39
10	Eckstein David		25	Hernandez Luis		40
11	Harris Brendan		26	Aybar Erick		41
12	Scutaro Marco		27	Murphy Donnie		42
13	Crosby Bobby		28	Santiago Ramon		43
14	Uribe Juan		29	Fahey Brandon		44
15	Punto Nick		30	Zobrist Ben		45

Day 97

AL-only 2B

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Roberts Brian		16	Punto Nick	down	31	Cortez Fernando
2	Cano Robinson		17	Bloomquist Willie		32	Melillo Kevin
3	Polanco Placido	down	18	Carroll Jamey		33	0
4	Kinsler Ian		19	Infante Omar		34	0
5	Ellis Mark		20	Cora Alex		35	0
6	Upton B.J.	up	21	Cabrera Asdrubal		36	0
7	Hill Aaron		22	Velandia Jorge		37	0
8	Lopez Jose		23	Wilson Josh		38	0
9	Grudzielanek Mark		24	Richar Danny		39	0
10	Barfield Josh	down	25	Aybar Erick	up up	40	0
11	Izturis Maicer		26	Casilla Alexi		41	0
12	Pedroia Dustin		27	Rivas Luis		42	0
13	German Esteban		28	Rouse Michael		43	0
14	Kendrick Howie	up	29	Relaford Desi		44	0
15	Harris Brendan		30	Furmaniak J.J.		45	0	0

Day 99 And Counting

NL-only 2B

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Utley Chase		16	Wigginton Ty		31	Frandsen Kevin
2	Phillips Brandon		17	Loretta Mark		32	Gotay Ruben
3	Uggla Dan		18	Theriot Ryan		33	Ojeda Augie
4	Lopez Felipe		19	DeRosa Mark		34	Velez Eugenio
5	Iguchi Tadahito		20	Escobar Yunel		35	Abreu Tony
6	Hudson Orlando		21	Kennedy Adam		36	Rodriguez Luis
7	Kent Jeff		22	Burke Chris		37	Martinez Ramon
8	Durham Ray		23	Counsell Craig		38	Prado Martin
9	Sanchez Freddy		24	Castillo Jose		39	Robles Oscar
10	Castillo Luis		25	Graffanino Tony		40	Valdez Wilson
11	Weeks Rickie		26	Valentin Jose		41	Quintanilla Omar
12	Belliard Ronnie		27	Fontenot Mike		42	Bonifacio Emilio
13	Giles Marcus		28	Easley Damion		43	Stansberry Craig
14	Matsui Kazuo		29	Blum Geoff		44	Sadler Donnie
15	Johnson Kelly		30	Miles Aaron		45	0	0

Day 101 and Counting

Here are the NL-only catcher rankings using the same system.

Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-	Rank	Player	+/-
1	Martin Russell		11	Schneider Brian		21	Montero Miguel
2	McCann Brian		12	Molina Yadier		22	Bowen Rob
3	Lo Duca Paul		13	Snyder Chris		23	Iannetta Chris
4	Molina Bengie		14	Miller Damian		24	Bennett Gary
5	Paulino Ronny		15	Ross David		25	Treanor Matt
6	Barrett Michael	down	16	Castro Ramon		26	Flores Jesus
7	Olivo Miguel	down	17	Coste Chris		27	Munson Eric
8	Estrada Johnny		18	Valentin Javier		28	Phillips Jason
9	Bard Josh		19	Barajas Rod		29	Ruiz Carlos	up
10	Kendall Jason		20	Ausmus Brad	down	30	Torrealba Yorvit	up

Day 102 And Counting

AL-only catchers rankings based on the same criteria that the Top 15 Hitters and Pitchers were based on.

Rank	Player	+/-
1	Posada Jorge
2	Mauer Joe
3	Rodriguez Ivan
4	Martinez Victor	up
5	Hernandez Ramon
6	Varitek Jason
7	Johjima Kenji
8	Pierzynski A.J.
9	Laird Gerald
10	Navarro Dioner	up
11	Zaun Gregg
12	Napoli Mike
13	Buck John
14	Saltalamacchia Jarrod	up up
15	Redmond Mike
16	Molina Jose
17	LaRue Jason
18	Suzuki Kurt	up
19	Shoppach Kelly	up
20	Hall Toby

Day 103 and Counting

Now here are some preliminary rankings for pitchers. Using the same 60/30/10 season-weighting as hitters along with the ranking each pitcher in one of the five traditional pitching categories.

This seems counterintutive given the preponderance of relievers. However, one must recall that relievers are the only pitchers who can contribute in five categories. That said, I am still uncomfortable seeing these results.

1. Nathan, Joe
2. Putz, J.J.
3. Santana, Johan
4. Rivera, Mariano
5. Saito, Takashi
6. Rodriguez, Francisco
7. Peavy, Jake
8. Street, Huston
9. Betancourt, Rafael
10. Smoltz, John
11. Halladay, Roy
12. Wagner, Billy
13. Webb, Brandon
14. Shields, Scot
15. Papelbon, Jonathan

Day 104 And Counting

I've been working on a ranking system for 2008. It is still in the beta stage, but here are the Top 15 Hitters in a standard 5x5 mixed format. The rankings take into account the past three seasons and weight those seasons 60/30/10. The system then ranks those averages relative to the player's peers in the five categories.

I am surprised by the results.

1. Rodriguez, Alex
2. Holliday, Matt
3. Wright, David
4. Pujols, Albert
5. Utley, Chase
6. Guerrero, Vladimir
7. Lee, Carlos
8. Cabrera, Miguel
9. Rollins, Jimmy
10. Ramirez, Hanley
11. Jeter, Derek
12. Jones, Chipper
13. Abreu, Bobby
14. Sizemore, Grady
15. Berkman, Lance

Day 107 And Counting

The Giants signed CF Aaron Rowand to a five-year deal. This pushes OFs Fred lewis and Nate Scheirholtz straight into the 2008 Sleeper Bin. With the team paying Dave Roberts and Randy Winn millions each, neither Lewis nor Scheirholtz will enter the season as more than 4th and 5th OFers.

OF Dan Ortmeier has the added flexibility of playing 1B. Because he was third behind the other two on the depth chart, the Rowand signing may provide him a better opportunity becuase the Giants still need a 1B and his competition there isn't nearly as well-paid.

*

The Padres' signing of Tadahito Iguchi to play 2B makes the likelihood of 2B prospect Matt Antonelli making the team out of Spring Training less likely. However, there is rumbling that he could move to CF if the Pads cannot fill that hole this off-season.

Just something to keep in mind.

Day 110 And Counting

I traded Takashi Saito in the last year of his contract at $10 for Lastings Milledge (same contract) and the #2 overall in my minor league draft. Was it a good deal?

Can Milledge still have value in 2008 and 2009 if I boosted him to $15?

Day 113 And Counting

The Brewer's signed Eric Gagne to a one-year deal to close out games. Coupled with the Devil Rays' signing of Troy Percival to close, the list of hot back-up closing candiates is has increased.

In Milwaukee, Derrick Turnbow will be the most popular one but do not discount recently acquired Salomon Torres. In Tampa Bay, last year's closer. Al Reyes, leads the list with Eduardo Morlan being a legitimate sleeper candidate.

Day 114 And Counting

For Al-only leagues, the acquisition of 1B Chris Shelton by the Texas Rangers in exchange for never-used speedster Freddy Guzman is a move to watch. Without a regular 1B in Texas, Shelton has the opportunity to hit 20+ HRs for a couple buck at the draft.

I am not convinced the Rangers can afford to sit him given the awfulness of their outfield and the need to use Frank Catalonotto out there despite local rumblings that L'il Cat with play some 1B. Without L'il Cat in the OF, the team would be starting Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz and who knows.

Day 116 And Counting

Before everyone jumps on the Carlos Quentin Sleeper bandwagon, remember he had surgery for torn shoulder muscles. While it isn't his throwing arm, he is a right-handed batter. The left arm is his front shoulder when he hits.

This could be 2008 version of JD Drew and Mark teahen, two hitters who grossly under-performed their power expectations after shoulder surgery.

Day 117 And Counting

The Boston Herald reports the Minnesota Twins are deciding between two trade packages for Johan Santana. One package involves LHP Jon Lester and CF Coco Crisp. The other is headlined by CF Jacoby Ellsbury. "The [additional] names, in some combo, minus one or two, include starter Justin Masterson and shortstop Jed Lowrie."

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com fleshes out the two packages:
"...believed they would accept a swap of him, Coco Crisp, shortstop prospect Jed Lowrie and either highly regarded pitching prospect Justin Masterson or another player.

Or if the Twins reversed field and decided they wanted center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury instead, it's believed that would be a 3-for-1 trade -- with only Ellsbury, Masterson and Lowrie going to Minnesota."

Ellsbury equals Jon Lester and Coco Crisp? There seems to be an inflated on the left side of the equation, isn't there?

In other trade rumors, The Dallas Morning News reports the Rangers have interest in bringing back Eric Gagne to close games. Depending on how much tima and capital needs to be invested, this looks like a decent move for the Rangers. Worst case, gagne breaks down for good, and the Rangers go back to the CJ Wilson/Joaquin Benoit tandem that closed out games last season after Gagne was dealt to the Red Sox for Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and Engel Beltre.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, there 1B hole looks more challenging to address via free agency. Mike Lamb, Tony Clark and Sean Casey all scream, "We stink and need to fill 1B with an aging veteran even though we are going to finish in last!"

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports a huge trade is brewing between the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. In exchange for SP Dontrelle Willis and 3B Miguel Cabrera, the Marlins will receive OF Cameron Maybin and SP Andrew Miller as the headliners in a package full of young players. While this is exciting, I don't see how the two Tigers prospects are better than the three the Angels offered - Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis and a pitcher with the possibility of CF Reggie Willits.

This doesn't account for the Dontrelle Willis portion either. This is an exciting rumor, but seems more like an attempt for attention than a serious deal.


Unfortunately for the Rangers, there 1B hole looks more challenging to address via free agency. Mike Lamb, Tony Clark and Sean Casey all scream, "We stink and need to fill 1B with an aging veteran even though we are going to finish in last!"

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports a huge trade is brewing between the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. In exchange for SP Dontrelle Willis and 3B Miguel Cabrera, the Marlins will receive OF Cameron Maybin and SP Andrew Miller as the headliners in a package full of young players. While this is exciting, I don't see how the two Tigers prospects are better than the three the Angels offered - Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis and a pitcher with the possibility of CF Reggie Willits.

This doesn't account for the Dontrelle Willis portion either. This is an exciting rumor, but seems more like an attempt for attention than a serious deal.

Day 118 And Counting

The Winter Meetings began today. While everyone knows about Johan Santana and even Miguel Cabrera, here is an update on some other teams.

David Lennon reports Omar Minaya is in Nashville with the top priority of landing a front-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Wehter he has the prospects capital is yet to be determined.

Dan Haren & Joe Blanton

John Shea writes the A's are in no hurry to deal their top starting pitchers, Dan Haren and Joe Blanton. Given the Yankees' ultimatum to the Twins for Johan Santana, maybe the A's will move a lot faster given Billy Beane's penchant for trading. After all, the Yankees have already mentally committed to dealign Hughes and Cabrera. Maybe they are more likely to deal them anywhere.

Day 119 And Counting

Newsday reports Monday is the day for the Twins to accept the Yankees's offer of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a third lower-tier prospect. Hank Steinbrenner said, "If [the Twins are] stuck with just Boston, they're going to get a lot less. I'm not going to be played. This is not a game. This is serious business. I'm not going to be played, us against the Red Sox. That's not going to happen."

Day 120 And Counting

Ken Rosenthal was on WFAN in NY this morning and said he believes Santana will be dealt this weekend to either the Yankees or Red Sox. Here are some other rumors and rumors-related info.

Clark Spencer provides more proof the Marlins are hurting their possibility of dealing Miguel Cabrera. He writes:

''I hate to speak to somebody else's business, but you wonder if they really want to trade the player or if they absolutely, positively have to win the deal in such a one-sided fashion,'' San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean said during a conference call Thursday with reporters."

Peter Gammons mentions the Diamondbacks as favorites to land Danny Haren, the Brewers to get Scott Rolen and the Dodgers to sign Arron Rowand while keeping all their hot properties.

Troy Renck: "...the Rockies don't like their chances, believing he will end up with the Yankees. While that deal is close, Loretta has made it known how much he likes the Rockies and would prefer to see how their second base..."

Baltimore Sun: "According to several industry sources, the Mets' offer for Bedard, which was rejected, included 21-year-old outfield prospect Carlos Gomez, reliever Aaron Heilman, 29, and a third player, believed to be right-handed starter Philip Humber, 24."

Day 121 And Counting

From the constantly-updating Ken Rosenthal at FOXSports.com, and something to keep in mind when talks turn to the A's and Mets getting together to address the mets desire for starting pitching.

"Of all the clubs trying to trade for an elite starting pitcher, the Mets appear to be scrambling the most.

The A's are not shopping Haren and Blanton, sources say, but will listen intently if rival clubs wish to acquire either or both in trades.

What's more, the A's are no longer as interested in Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-hander Aaron Heilman as they were when they tried to acquire both in a package for left-hander Barry Zito before the non-waiver deadline in 2006."

Day 122 And Counting

While all the Hot Stove talk centers around Johan Santana, here are some updates on some of the not-as-hyped free agents.

Tim Sullivan of the SD Tribune writes Mike Cameron is still the Padres leading candiate to patrol centerfield at Petco in 2008. However, he points out that Anduw Jones has the most HRs there of visiting players - 9 with a .393 AVG.

Mark Feinsand and Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News report Aaron Rowand is likely to sign with either the Whie Sox or the Rangers by the end of the week. Given the paper is a New York one, this info was disclosed in light of the possibility of Melky Cabrera being dealt and the Yankees' lack of interest in moving Johnny Damon back to center.

Jeff Zrebiac of the Baltimore Sun reports the O's and Phillies have had discussions abotu 3B Melvin Mora, who is believed to be willing to waive his no-trade clauise to play for the Phillies. He also refutes reports the Orioles have any interest in Jose Guillen.

Day 123 And Counting

The Rays are close to acquiring the bullpen help the team so desperately needs. Juan Rincon will come over from the Twins in the Delmon Young/Matt Garza trade, and the team is close to signing Troy Percival.

The pertinent fantasy question is who will close in Tampa? Without additional info, Al Reyes will remain in the role. However, the size of Percival's contract may signal otherwise.

Regardless, I would keep Reyes as I do not believe Percival capable of continuing his successful un-retirement for long.

Day 124 And Counting

The Cubs signed Kerry Wood yesterday to a $4.2MM deal and expect him to compete for the closer's role next year. From a real-life perspective, the Cubs look to have the makings of an excellent bullpen with Wood, Bobby Howry and Carlos Marmol leading the way.

From a fantasy perspective, not so much. The preference would be for one person to have the job with a clear pecking order behind him. Instead, it could be a mixture of equally adept players cycling in and out of the job.

Day 125 And Counting

For those curious how highly Brewers' 1st round pick Matt LaPorta will be spoke of as fantasy drafts near, here is the Top 10 Brewers prospects provided by Tom Hardicourt who write BA list.

JS Online: Draft might provide relief in long run: "In its next issue, Baseball America magazine will present its selections for the top 10 prospects in the Brewers' system, entering 2008. In the interest of full disclosure, I worked with BA in compiling the list.
Here is that top 10:
1. Matt LaPorta, OF
2. Manny Parra, LHP
3. Alcides Escobar, SS
4. Jeremy Jeffress, RHP
5. Gamel
6. Cole Gillespie, OF 7
. Brent Brewer, SS
8. Angel Salome, C
9. Lorenzo Cain,
OF 10. Caleb Gindl, OF"

Day 127 And Counting

Twins won't make same mistake with Santana

Expect a Santana trade. He has given the team permission to seek one. Interesting, the Twins need some of the same things the Marlins do - a 3B and a CF.

If a team has those, the question is who do you want more, Santana or Miguel Cabrera

Day 128 And Counting

Now that Hunter is off the market, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports:

Outfielder Jose Guillen now becomes the indisputable No. 1 on the Royals’ list of off-season targets following Torii Hunter’s decision late Wednesday to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.

I am having a hard time believing the Royals would want Guillen. The team isn't close to contention and Guillen is going to move the ball much closer.

Day 129 And Counting

So the Angels trade for a SP they don't need and give-up a SS they do, and now they sign a centerfielder they don't need in Torri Hunter. New GM Tony Reagins is active, but I wonder what his plan will be.

SS is still unadressed unless you believe Erick Aybar can do the job. I'm not convinced, but, if Aybar gets 400 ABs, then he is going to be a great source of 20+ SBs.

I'm holding out hope the Angels put Brandon Wood there.

Day 130 And Counting

From this AM's Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"Wren said if the Braves don't acquire a more experienced center fielder as a stopgap replacement for Andruw Jones, Schafer would compete for the starting job in the spring along with prospect Gregor Blanco and 25-year-old rookie speedster Josh Anderson."

If you don't have Schafer at the top of your 2007 sleeper lists, get him there. The Braves aggressively promoted Jeff Francouer and Brian McCann, and I would expect them to do the same with Schafer if he tears up AA Mississippi in April and May.

Day 131 And Counting

Assuming the Phillies do not resign CF Aaron Rowand, RF Jayson Werth would become the nominal starter with Shane Victorino. He would be a major sleeper after hitting 8 HRs and driving-in 49 in less than 300 ABs. His .404 OBP also bodes well. nevermind the 7 SBs.

Werth's biggest concern is health. He could be a great value if he remains healthy in NL-Only formats.

Day 132 And Counting

Eduardo Encina of the St. Petersburg Times speculates the NAtionals are scouting troubled OF Elijah Dukes in the Dominican Winter League. His manager, Tim Tolman, is the Nat's third base coach, and Nationals' manager, Manny Acta recently attended Dukes' games.

Dukes will forever remain a sleepr as long as he stays out of jail. The Nationals would be a nice place for him to land for regular playing time.

Day 133 And Counting

In a surprising development, the Mets and catcher Yorvit Torrealba have had their three-year/$14.4MM contract fall apart for undisclosed reasons. What I immediately thought was Yorvit is one of the eleven free agents being mentioned in the George Mitchell Report. Then I read this in Sunday's Daily News:

A new addition to the Rockies in '06, he showed up at spring training that year having gone through an extensive winter weightlifting program in Venezuela with a personal trainer. That was intended to give him the strength to be a first-string catcher for the first time in his career.

This seems to fit a pattern of career-extending steroid use, doesn't it? Until more information becomes available, anything goes. Thank you, MLB.

Day 135 And Counting

The Mets have wrapped-up their starting and back-up catchers for the 2008 season. Former Colorado Rockie Yorvit Torrealba was given 3 years and $14.4MM to start, and Ramon Castro was awarded two years and $4.6MM to caddy for him. That is a mere $7.1 MM per year for the next two seasons.

At no point, do I envision ever wanted Torrealba over Castro for my fantasy baseball team.

Day 136 And Counting

ARod is almost officially off the free agent market. The next big frenzy will build towards the 12/3 Winter Meetings and focus on Twins' pitcher Johan Santana. Given Johan is a free agent next winter, I suspect the ability to work out a long-term deal will be a necessity if the Twins want fair value.

Day 137 And Counting

The Twins acquired OF Craig Monroe from the Cubs for a PTBNL. That PTBNL is dependent on the Twins signing Monroe for less than he made last season ($4.8MM). In addtion, it must be done prior to December 1st because Monroe is arbitration eligible and the Twins won't offer him the opportunity to increase his 2007 salary.

The Yankees made a final 3Yr/$45MM offer to closer Mariano Rivera - and he did not immediately accept. I don't see any other team matching the money and years, but I will not say it is inconceivable.

Day 139 And Counting

Here are the 15 teams who can sign Type A free agents and not lose their 1st round pick.

RK	Team	W	L	WPct
1	Tampa Bay Devil Rays	66	96	0.407
2	Pittsburgh Pirates	68	94	0.420
3	Baltimore Orioles	69	93	0.426
4	Kansas City Royals	69	93	0.426
5	Florida Marlins	71	91	0.438
6	San Francisco Giants	71	91	0.438
7	Chicago White Sox	72	90	0.444
8	Cincinnati Reds	72	90	0.444
9	Washington Nationals	73	89	0.451
10	Houston Astros	73	89	0.451
11	Texas Rangers	75	87	0.463
12	Oakland Athletics	76	86	0.469
13	St. Louis Cardinals	78	84	0.481
14	Minnesota Twins	79	83	0.488
15	Los Angeles Dodgers	82	80	0.506

Day 140 And Counting

Here is a list of the Type A and Type B free agents.

Team	POS	Player	Type	Signing TM's 1st Rd Pick	Supp 1st Rd Pick
Ari	RHP	Livan Hernandez	B	No	Yes
Atl	OF	Andruw Jones	B	No	Yes
Atl	LHP	Ron Mahay	B	No	Yes
Bos	RHP	Eric Gagne	B	No	Yes
Bos	3B	Mike Lowell	A	Yes	Yes
Bos	RHP	Mike Timlin	B	No	Yes
ChC	C	Jason Kendall	B	No	Yes
Cle	OF	Kenny Lofton	B	No	Yes
Col	RHP	Jorge Julio	B	No	Yes
Col	C	Yorvit Torrealba	B	No	Yes
Det	1B	Sean Casey	B	No	Yes
Det	RHP	Todd Jones	B	No	Yes
Det	LHP	Kenny Rogers	B	No	Yes
Hou	INF	Mark Loretta	B	No	Yes
Hou	RHP	Trever Miller	B	No	Yes
KC	RHP	David Riske	B	No	Yes
LAD	OF	Luis Gonzalez	B	No	Yes
Mil	RHP	Francisco Cordero	A	Yes	Yes
Mil	2B/3B	Tony Graffanino	B	No	Yes
Mil	RHP	Scott Linebrink	A	Yes	Yes
Min	OF	Torii Hunter	A	Yes	Yes
NYM	2B	Luis Castillo	B	No	Yes
NYM	LHP	Tom Glavine	A	Yes	Yes
NYM	OF	Shawn Green	B	No	Yes
NYM	C	Paul LoDuca	B	No	Yes
NYY	LHP	Andy Pettitte	A	Yes	Yes
NYY	C	Jorge Posada	A	Yes	Yes
NYY	RHP	Mariano Rivera	A	Yes	Yes
NYY	3B	Alex Rodriguez	A	Yes	Yes
NYY	RHP	Luis Vizcaino	B	No	Yes
Oak	C	Mike Piazza	B	No	Yes
Oak	OF	Shannon Stewart	B	No	Yes
Phi	RHP	Freddy Garcia	B	No	Yes
Phi	2B	Tadahito Iguchi	A	Yes	Yes
Phi	OF	Aaron Rowand	A	Yes	Yes
StL	SS	David Eckstein	B	No	Yes
StL	RHP	Troy Percival	B	No	Yes
StL	RHP	Russ Springer	A	Yes	Yes
SD	C	Michael Barrett	A	Yes	Yes
SD	OF	Milton Bradley	A	Yes	Yes
SD	RHP	Doug Brocail	B	No	Yes
SF	OF	Barry Bonds	A	Yes	Yes
SF	3B	Pedro Feliz	B	No	Yes
SF	SS	Omar Vizquel	B	No	Yes
Sea	OF	Jose Guillen	B	No	Yes
TB	RHP	Al Reyes	B	No	Yes

Day 142 And Counting

Don't look now, but Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America are revealing the Top Prospect lists. Once those are done, it will be 2008 fantasy baseball time again.

Day 143 And Counting

With the acquistion of Michael Bourn, the Astros have created two potential fantasy studs in 2008 - Bourn and whoever closes for the Astros. My early comparable for Bourn is Dave Roberts. Bourn won't hit as many HRs, but he should be good for 30+ SBs regardless of how frequently the Astros decide to run.

Right now, Cahd Qualls is the closer in Houston, but I expect there to be competition by draft time.

Day 144 And Counting

Today's Chicago Sun-Times reports Cubs' closer Ryan Dempster will be mved to the rotation in 2008. This opens-up the closer's role. The paper speculates:

"Young right-hander Carlos Marmol and veteran right-hander Bob Howry would be the top two candidates. And if free-agent right-hander Kerry Wood re-signs with the Cubs, he also would be a strong candidate."

Marmol will be this off-season's Matt Capps amongst the fantasy punditry if Howry is named.

Day 145 And Counting

The first day of the GM Meetings are almost done, and there has been nothing more exciting than a 25-5 vote to explore instant replay. However, there have been rumors that the Marlins are going to make LP Dontrelle Willis and 3B Miguel Cabrera available for trade.

Willis won't mean much, but Cabrera's departure would open a starting hole in the Marlins' offense. That hole would be a good place to look for a sleeper.

Day 146 And Counting

The GM Meetings begin today, and I have the feeling there are going to be lots of movement. Maybe not today, but soon. Any team looking to sign ARod will have to make additional moves to fit him on the hot corner.

The Angels: Chone Figgins & Brandon Wood
The Dodgers: Andy LaRoche
The Cubs: Aramis Ramirez

These secondary moves will add to the excitement.

Day 149 And Counting

The Texas Rangers signed reliever Joaquin Benopit to a two-year deal. I would not be surprised to see this signing as the team's commitment to continue to use Benoit the same way he was used last season - as an important late-innings reliever.

This means he is likely to share closing duties with CJ Wilson again.

Day 150 And Counting

The Tigers just announced reliever Joel Zumaya hurt his shoulder rescuing personal items from his So Cal home ahead of the flames. He will be out until mid-2008. This likely signals to return of Todd Jones for a third season as the Tigers closer.

Day 151 And Couting

The Yankees named Joe Girardi as their manager. I don't expect this to have negative SB effects on the production of any hitters as Joe did run in his one season as Marlins manager. The biggest question is whether he alienates any of the older players i.e. his former back-up Jorge Posada. Two strong-willed catchers has a chance to ignite.

Day 153 And Counting

Congratulations to the Red Sox! Their second WS championship in 4 seasons hasn't been diminished one bit the the classless acts of Alex Rodriguez and his agent, Scott Boras.

Not that fantasy teams will hold ARod's actions against him next year.

Day 155 And Counting

The Padres released 2B Marcus Giles with no ready replacement unless one believes in the power of Geoff Blum. I am more inclined towards AA 2B Matt Antonelli (307/404/491 51 XBH) or a postion switch of AA 3B Chase Headley(330/437/580 63 XBH). Although, a Headley switch would block the already-switched-from-3B Antonelli.

Either way, both players should be at the top of the 2008 fantasy rookie radar.

Day 156 And Counting

It's official. Dustin Pedroia has cast a spell on all fantasy baseball-dom. No one who owns him can see his 8 HRs and 7 SBS. I have been unable to adavnce any trade discussions involving him for Al Reyes!

Another owner even agreed that it wasn't a good offer.

Day 157 And Counting

No one knows how much I want to change yesterday's blunder on Jeff Francis. I mistkaenly compared 2005 and 2006 not 2006 and 2007! Francis' ratios worsened over that time to 4.22/1.38, but he won 17 games. His hits increased from 187 in 2006 to 234 in 2007.

Unless one is blinded by Wins, Francis will remain a very late-round draftee.

My apologies.

Day 158 And Counting

Jeff Francis starts Game One of tonight's World Series. He has pitched two excellent games so far this post-season and had an excellent Coors season - 4.16 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

However, the ratios appear very dependent on Hits Allowed as his Ks and BBs did not change much from his 2006 season when his ratios were 5.68/1.62 respectively. He allowed 31 fewer hits this season in 15 more innings while striking out eleven fewer batters.

I wouldn't get caught gambling on him at next year's drafts.

Day 160 And Coutning

The Rockies have September call-up, OF Seth Smith, on their play-off roster. To me, that is strange as Smith was a mid-September recall and went 5-8 in seven games. That is not the type of resume one usually has when landing one of the 25 coveted play-off roster slots.

I say this having hyped him more strongly than any other fantasy site I read. (Here is the link.) However, I cannot overlook his play-off inclusion and wonder what it augers for this coming off-season and for 2008.

Day 161 And Counting

Will Dusty Baker retard the development of the Reds young players through over- or under-use? This seems to be a meme that will prevade any off-season fantasy discussion of the 2008 Cincinnati Reds.

Day 162 And Counting

Can someone explain Brandon Morrow beyond his numbers last season? Is there reason to expect much more? I'd assume the walks would have to be cut in half for that to happen.

Even if it did would he close if Putz got hurt?

Day 163 And Counting

Over at Fake Teams, I wondered about the effects of a new manger of the Yankees given Joe Torre's penchant for SBs (4th in the AL). A player who looks like he will likely be stopped from running would be Robinson Cano who swiped four bags. Unfortunately, he was caught five times.

I have the same concerns about Melky Cabrera, who stole 13, but was caught 5 times. A new school manager who has bought the current wisdom of the SB would likely curtail the running of Cano while Cabrera may or may not see a decrease in opportunity.

Day 165 And Counting

A team has made repeated offers for Brandon Morrow. He has yet to make an offer that would cause me to deal the walk machine.

Some of the players offered were a $23 Lyle Overbay and a $22 Aubrey Huff. Not that either player couldn't conceivably reach those draft prices next year. I just don't want to be the one with them.

Day 166 and Counting

Are the Rockies going to be next draft's over-priced players? I saw it occurring with SS Troy Tulowitzki and OF Matt Holliday regardless of a World Series appearance, but who else?

Day 168 and Couting

The New York Daily News reports Joba Chamberlain is going to begin the Spring as a starter along with Phil Hughes. With his strikeout totals, he is going to be an intriguing player to project.

I'm guessing he will have the attendent hype of a Cole Hamels or Matt Cain. The question is will he "disappoint" like Cain or fulfill expectations like Hamels.

Day 169 and Couting

Gooing through the list of possible #1 overalls in my NL-only minor league draft (we can keep up to 5 each season), the best I come-up with are the Padres Matt Antonelli, the Brewers' Matt LaPorta and the Dogers' Chin-Lung Hu. With 2B open in San Diego, even Antonelli may not be available.

Maybe I just hope the offer I amde earlier this week remains unanswered.

Day 170 and Counting

No response whatsoever to my inquiry for #1 in my NL-only league. Hopefully, Edgar Renteria isn't on the George Mitchell's Hop Sing list of steroid users.

Whoever is will suddenly have all his past performance explained.

Day 171 and Counting

No sooner did I deal Teahen then he was dealt again. This time for the #18 pick and Nick Adenhart.

Am I better off with #21 and $5 savings on my cap thanks to moving Santana or #18 and Adenhart? It looks about the same to me.

Day 172 and Counting

No word on my offer from yesterday for the #1 pick. However, I did accept my first trade of the off-season. I dealt $10 Mark Teahen and $10 Ervin Santana (LTC) for $12 Luis Castillo and #21 pick in my 24-pick minor league draft.

I view Santana as a $5 penalty thanks to the Long Term Contract. That effectively made Teahen a $15 player, which is close to his full-value in a 12-team, AL-only 4x4 keeper league.

Day 173 and counting

I sent an offer of $1 Miguel Olivo, $5 Chuck James and a $25 Edgar Renteria to the team with the #1 pick in my two-round minor league draft. The top propsect available, NL-only, is not at the tip of my tongue, but I have some extra protectable players and want to see what I can get.

Day 174 and Counting

I have been unable to swing a trade yet. I sent a $10 Mark Teahen and $10 Brendan Harris for a $20 Carlos Guillen and was shot down without a counter.

I take that as a signal that the other team sees Guillen as a core player, and one I won't bother pursuing.

Day 175 and Counting

I wonder if any of the Rockies' rookies, outside of Tulowitzki, will get a bump next year thanks to their participation in this season's post-season? Pitchers Ubaldo Jiminez and Franklyn Morales come to mind as does the ill-used Jeff Baker too.

Day 176 and Counting

Here are my AL-only 4X4 12-team keepers. We can protect up to 14.

1. KC Closer Joakim Soria $5
2. TB Closer Al Reyes $10
3. TX Closer CJ Wilson $7
4. DET Closer Hopeful Joel Zumaya $5
5. NY P Joba Chamberlain $13
6. LAA CY Young Winner John Lackey $28
7. OAK OF Travis Buck $5
8. SEA OF Jose Guillen $19
9. KC OF Mark Teahen $10
10. SEA OF Ichior Suzuki $38
11. DET OF Curtis Granderson $10
12. MIN OF Michael Cuddyer $21
13. TX C Jarrod Saltalamachia $27 (Long-Term Contract)
14. TB 2B/SS Brendan Harris $10

On the outside is $10 2B Danny Richar, $5 3B Brian Buscher, $5 3B Brandon Wood (likely to be added by protect time), $6 RP Brandon Morrow. I also have a $10 Ervin Santana on a LTC. To release him would cost $5 of draft day money.

Tell me what you think.

Day 177 and Counting

I have received a few offers for $10 Mark Teahen in an AL-Only 4x4 keeper. They were a 2nd round pick in our minor league draft. Everyday starters in this format should be worth more than that, no?

178 and Counting

The Cubs announced RHP Angel Guzman underwent reconstructive surgery three weeks ago. This erases any lingering thoughts about Lou Piniella's summertime assertion that he is a closer in waiting. Carlos Marmol is this off-season's Matt Capps.

179 and Counting

Yesterday was the first day of the off-season. Assuming the 2008 MLB season kicks-off on Sunday night, March 30th, there are 180 days in the off-season. I will be posting daily and counting down towards Opening Day 2008 and the start of the 2008 fantasy baseball season.

I am already in negotiations for some trades based on the keeper lists I put together yesterday.

Day 182/Day 1

Notes from yesterday:

The Rockies are in the play-offs.

Prep for 2008:

Make preliminary list of keepers for each league to see what your needs are.

Day 181

Notes from yesterday:

Thanks to Tom Glavine's embarassment, I snuck back into 5th place in my NL-only. Without a Rockie or Padre pitchers, I hope I can't lose that little bit to fall back out of the money.

The season is over, and it was a disappointing one. JD Drew, Mark Teahen, Michael Cuddyer helped me under-perform my HR expectations. Not to mention the disappoinments in AVG, too.

Day 180

Notes from yesterday:

On the penultimate day of the 2007 fantasy baseball season, one can only shake his head and think, "What could have been." I have lost ten points in ten days with no obvious reason why. Every coin-toss category came-up tails when I called heads.

I needed AVG and cut Andruw jones for Edgar Renteria. I was close in Saves and added Brian Wilson. I needed Wins and added Oliver Perez. I was close in SBs and added Michael Bourn. Noe of the moves cost me anything I couldn't afford to lose.

Losing that way hurts more than pinning one's season on Chris Carpenter

Day 179

Notes from yesterday:

Two days left. Has Daisuke Matsuzaka won the Al ROY award now that he has surpassed 200 Ks?

*

Let's go Phillies!

Day 178

Notes from yesterday:

Rockies rookie starter Franklyn Morales won his 3rd game to continue the Rockies improbable run to the NL play-offs. Originally, I wanted to note the difference in his numbers between August and September (4.40 ERA/1.81 WHIP/6K in 14.1 IP versus 2.88 ERA/0.88 WHIP/20K in 25 IP), but then thought better off it due to the small sample.

However, I did notice in this process of examination that despite the disparate results between the two months, he has only allowed 2 HRs in those 39.1 combined innings. Over 200 innings, that comes out to 10 HRs allowed. If that rate is legitmate, then he will be legitmate in 2008.

Day 177

Notes from yesterday:

With four days remaining, I am cutting loose the players whose contracts expire this weekend and taking a flyer from the pool. In the NL, I like Dan Ortmeier, the San Francisco Giant who is one game from dual eligibility at 1B and OF for next year.

With Ryan Klesko and Barry Bonds no longer there, the opportunity for ABs at 1B and LF are there for the taking.

Day 176

Notes from yesterday:

SS Chin-Ling Hu hit his 2nd major league HR last night. Need to gamble for a HR or two before the seasons ends and you have an opening at SS or MM, then grab Hu. The injuries to Furcal and Abreu should get him another handful of starts. Hopefully.

Day 175

Notes from yesterday:

Wes Littleton got the save for the Rangers last night. Since Eric Gagne was dealt, the role has been CJ Wilson's, then Joaquin Benoit's, then Wilson got a save and now Lttleton. This looks like a committee entering next season.

Let's hope it is more clear on Draft Day 2008.

Day 174

Notes from yesterday:

Finally! The Dodgers started Chin-Lung Hu at SS yesterday. More important, second-year hurler Chad Billingsley won his 12th game to accompany his 3.09 ERA. Throw-in a 140 Ks in a 145.2 IP, and you have the makings of a sleeper in next year's drafts.

Day 173

Notes from yesterday:

Brian Wilson successfuly converted his second save opportunity since being given the role. If you grabbed him when I began touting him, congrats. He will save you $20+ in next year's NL-only drafts.

*

Chin-Lung Hu still isn't playing. What is going unreported?

Day 172

Notes from yesterday:

Finally! Chin-Lung Hu got into a game. He didn't start one, that was Tony Abreu, but he did get a third AB. And struck out.

Now one worries he is going to get Torre-ed - left to rot on the bench for weeks and then given some playing time and fails due to the time on the bench and then doesn't get to play again because he failed. Inspired by Joe Torre's action with reliever Edwar Ramirez in July 2007.

Day 171

Notes from yesterday:

Once again, no Hu.

*

Not sure where he fits in, but Astros rookie CF Josh Anderson is hitting .444 in 36 ABs. He is a player to watch as a source of $1 SBs next season. He swiped 40 in AAA this year.

Day 170

Notes from yesterday:

Rookie Tony Abreu started at SS for the Dodgers. Why not Hu?

*

Ervin Santana pitched a gem against the Devil Rays yesterday. After a season's worth of ratio-killing, he has pitched very well in September - 2 Wins in 21.1 IP with three earned runs and 24 strikeouts. Are you losing in Ks or Wins because some out-of-it team picked hum up as a gamble for next season?

*

Anyone else notice Pirates' OF Nate McLouth has 12 HRs and 20 SBs on the season? I'll take than for a $1 next year.

Day 169

Notes from yesterday:

Dodgers' SS Raphael Furcal was rmeoved from the 1st game of yesterday's doubleheader with back spasms. He was replaced by Winston Valdez. In the second game, Ramon Martinez started at SS.

Why isn't Chin-Lung Hu getting any playing time?

Day 168

Notes from yesterday:

White Sox rookie 2B Danny Richar hit his 6th HR since being recalled following the Tadahito Iguchi trade at the end of July. More interesting is how well he has done in his second month versus his first.

In August, he hit 195/290/366 with 3 2Bs, a triple and three HRs. In September, his numbers improved markedly to 309/345/600 with the same number of extra base hits in 17 fewer ABS (55 v. 82).

Is this more than statistical noise due to small sample sizes or has Richar adjusted to major league hitting?

*

Brian Wilson successfully converted his first save since former closer Brad hennessey was dmeoted to sixth inning work. Even better, Hennessey pitched to two batters in the 6th and walked both.

Day 167

Notes from yesterday:

From yesterday's San Francisco Chronicle:

"We're going to shuffle the deck here a little bit," Bochy announced before the game, revealing he plans to move Hennessey to the sixth and seventh innings and use Tyler Walker and Brian Wilson in the later innings."

Day 166

Notes from yesterday:

With 11 Ks last night, Devil Rays' lefty Scott Kazmir has 220 on the season. He has defintely pitched his way to into the second tier of SPs in leagues that count Ks. 200 K pitchers are too rare for Kazmir to be anywhere else.

What is as notable is he has rung-up this total in 195.2 IP. In his rookie season, he pitched 10 fewer innings and struck out 46 fewer batters. He also walked 15 more batters in those ten fewer innings. That "progression" will support the bandwagon as we roll into 2008.

Day 165

Notes from yesterday:

Oakland rookie, and likely starting 1B in 2008, Daric Barton hit his 1st major league HR and doubled for the 3rd time since being recalled earlier this week. With only two weeks left, he may have slipped through many fantasy players attention. Grab him if a 15/80/.290 1B has value in your league.

Day 164

Notes from yesterday:

Am I the only fantasy player who is shocked how little the Dodgers have used Chin-Lung Hu? He has one official AB, and it was a HR.

Day 163

Notes from yesterday:

I went all in yesterday in an effort to preserve a 3rd place finish. The categories that are close are AVG, SB and Saves. My actions were to activate Edgar Renteria and waive Andruw Jones to boost average, waive Willy Tavares for Michael Bourn for SBs, and activate Brian Wilson and waive Antonio Alfonseca.

This is an NL-only keeper league that allows transaction until the end of the season. Both Jones and Tavares are in the last year of their contracts and I lose a year of eligibility for Wilson by activating him this season rather than holding him on my reserve.

The big risks are Jones and Tavares falling off waivers and into the free agent pool where both would carry salaries of $10.

Day 162

Notes from yesterday:

A day after Brad Hennessey blew a save, the Giants used Brian Wilson to close yesterday victory. If you're desparate for Saves, grab Wilson. He may get another couple opportunities. I'll be activating him from my farm and losing a year of keepability because my lead in Saves has dropped to two, and the point loss would drop me out of the money.

Day 161

Notes from yesterday:

I just noticed that David Wright has 31 SBs. He was a late first round pick last year. Can he rise any higher?

*

Have you noticed the quality of MM? Jimmie Rollins, Brandon Phillips, Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, and Jose Reyes look like locks to be selected in the first two rounds.

Day 160

Notes from yesterday:

Is there any doubt that next season's #1 overall pick will by Alex Rodriguez? 52 HRs in a power-starved year is going to look very good when rankings are calculated.

Day 159

Notes from yesterday:

The Braves activated SS Edgar Renteria from the DL. He went 2-4. The question is whether he ready to play everyday. If so, adding his AVG for the last 20 games and dropping an Andruw Jones average killer who make a lot of sense for the AVG category.

Day 158

Notes from yesterday:

Don't look now, but Rockies' rookie SS Troy Tulowitzki is having a great season. With a 19/80/7/293 line with 20 or so games remaining, he is going to be an under-drafted player in next seasons' drafts.

There are just too many SSs with 20+ SBs for him to be anything but a value pick.

Day 157

Notes from yesterday:

Wunderkind Cardinals' OF Rick Ankeil hit two HRs and drove-in seven runs. Then the Daily News story broke that he received HGH shipments in 2004.

Day 156

Notes from yesterday:

Mariners' rookie reliever brandon morrow allowed two earned runs without retiring a batter. he is in the midst of a spell that will destroy competitve WHIP races. Since August 28th, he has made 5 appearances and allowed nine earned runs over 3 2/3s innings of work. If that wasn't enopugh, he has allowed 15 runners and struck out just two.

This reminds me of the damage Jeremy Accardo and Ryan Z. Braun did to my team last September - 11.74 ERA and 2.48 WHIP and 7.25/1.55 respectively.

Day 155

Notes from yesterday:

The Orioles recalled Fernando Cabrera from AAA. This is noteworthy for two reasons. First, he isn't that far removed from the label of "future closer", and second, the 2008 Orioles' closer job is an open competition.

Adding Cabrera now could pay-off in a cheap closer come draft time 2008.

Day 154

Notes from yesterday:

Mike Mussina had his best appearance in a long time - 3 2/3s IP with 7H and 2 ER. With Roger Clemens out with an elbow problem, Moose has reclaimed a rotation spot, and that is not good for the Yankees' wild card chances.

Any thoughts about Joba in the rotation?

*

Over at Halos Heaven, there is an excellent take down of the Genius of Bill Beane.

Day 153

Notes from yesterday:

The Dodgers recalled 2007 Futures Game MVP Chin-Lung Hu. He is blocked at SS by Raphael Furcal and at 2B by Jeff Kent, but he could provide some Macier Izturis-esque production if given a full-time utility role in 2008.

Day 152

Notes from yesterday:

With a no-hitter in his second major league appearance, Boston's Clay Buchholz has added to the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox. Is there any doubt this next seven months will be a spitting match between fans of either team as they debate who is better, Buchholz or Joba Chamberlain?

Day 151

Notes from yesterday:

The Pirates have recalled slugginb 1B Stephen Pearce, as with 1B Brad Eldred, the team has no place to play him. This time the presence of Adam LaRoche blocks the slugging firstbaseman.

Regardless, keeper leagues should take a flyer on Pearce and his .600+ SLG. One never knows what will happen between now and Opening Day 2008.

Day 150

Notes from yesterday:

The Yankees sweep the Red Sox. The Mariners lose their 4th in a row. The Phillies sweep a four game series from the Mets.

Am I the only one hoping Larry goes Burrell on the MEts this weekend? Or is that Burrell having gone Larry on the Mets?

Day 149

Notes from yesterday:

One of my biggest sleeper busts, Colorado catcher Chris Iannetta, was recalled earlier this week and is hitting as well as I had expected. He is 5-10 with a double and HR.

Given starting catcher Yorvit Torrealba has already far surpassing his career highs in work (322 ABs v. previous high of 223 and a .274 August SLG), one would not be surprised to see that SLG as indicative of the rest of his season. Fantasy teams looking for marginal improvement at catcher should consider taking a flyer on Iannetta for September.

The list of teams whose catchers I believe he could improve upon are numerous - the Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Cubs, Astros, Pirates, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays, Royals, Angels, and A's.

Boy are there a lot of bad fantasy catchers this season.

Day 148

Notes from yesterday:

Mariners' rookie reliever Brandon Morrow picked a bad time to allow an earned run - four in an inning of work to blow the game against the Angels.

Not that anyone on the East Coast cares about anything other than the Yankees and Red Sox.

Day 147

Notes from yesterday:

Anyone else notice that Tampa Bay 1B Carlos Pena is 2nd in the AL with 30 HRs? A .386 OBP says he will be a valuable player in 2008 also. However, I would not be surprised to see him disappoint those owners who draft him with the expectations of a repeat of 2007.

Day 146

Notes from yesterday:

Anyone know why Nick Punto continues to play everyday despite his .201 AVG? I know I like his SB potential and the fact he will never be a fully-valued draftee, but .201?

He began the season 3-9 and went 0-3 in Game Three to drop that to .250 - a level he saw only one more time on May 3rd. There is no reason he should be playing.

On the bright side, he has retainind the ability to take a walk that he found last season. With a BABIP of .240, there is some 2008 sleeper potential for AL-only leagues.

Day 145

Notes from yesterday:

Brian Wilson picked-up his 2nd save after entering in the 8th inning with two-on and one-out. Manager Bruce Bochy let him pitch the ninth to notch the save. I see this as a clear signal that the Giants want to give Wilson every chance to show what he can do.

Day 144

Notes from yesterday:

Did anyone from NY stick out the four-hour rain delay to watch the four-hour and 24 minute extra innings loss? How about Joba's scoreless frame with a K?

I have little doubt Job will be crowned the new King this coming fantasy baseball off-season.

Day 143

Notes from yesterday:

From today's New York Post:

As he has done in all of his six big league outings, Chamberlain created a buzz Wednesday night in the eighth inning when he pushed a slow radar gun to the 100 mph mark working to Vladimir Guerrero.

“I wanted to challenge him right there,” said Chamberlain, who came back with an 89 mph slider to fan the dangerous Guerrero. “He is a great hitter and I wanted to attack him.”

Joba! Joba! Joba!

Day 142

Notes from yesterday:

Anyone else notice David Weathers has 27 saves this season and has no shared the role at all? Talk about a boring closer. By comparison, Jason Isringhausen has saved 25 games. Who paid more for Weathers than Izzy raise your hand.

I was recently told my troika of CJ Wilson, Al Reyes and Joakim Soria were bad closers becuase they are on bad teams. Hopefully, no one else makes this same judgment. Having the job is more important than closing for a good team.

FWIW, Wilson saved his 7th last night, and Reyes notched his 19th. Soria pitched in a non-save situation and allowed three runs.

Day 141

Notes from yesterday:

Tim Lincecum took a 1-0 lead into the 9th, and proceed to allow three consectutive hits without retiring a batter. He left with runners on first and second an no outs with the game tied at 1.

Closer Brad Hennessey was brought in and walked the first batter and allowed a single to the next to plate two runs. He was relieved by Steve Kline who allowed both Hennessey's runners to score, and the Giants lost 5-1.

While Hennessey is in no danger of losing his job, the fact Brian Wilson was successful the game prior and that Brian Sabean wanted him to close last winter does not bode well.

Day 140

Notes from yesterday:

The Giants used rookie reliever Brian Wilson to close out yesterday's win over the Marlins. He did this because Brad Hennessey had pitched on three consecutive days.

*

The Brewers are skipping Chris Capuano's turn. Do not be surprised to see Capuano solve his issues on his return.

Day 139

Notes from yesterday:

Milwaukee's Chris Capuano failed to win yet another start. Looking at his season numbers, he is striking out 8.1 per nine versus 7.1 last year. However, his WHIP is up 20% to 1.51 versus last year's 1.25.

This is mainly attributed to a gigantic increase in walks. He has already surpassed last season' total of 47 in just 113 IP. In 2006, he pitched 221.1 innings. He walked 1.95 per 9 IP in 2005. That is up to 3.45 this year. If his 2007 rate was the same as his 2006 one, he'd have walked only 27 with a subsequent WHIP of just 1.34.

Determine why Capuano is walking so many, and his troubles will be solved.

Day 138

Notes from yesterday:

Jose Reyes stole his 63rd base yesterday. ESPN projects his 2007 season at 12/64/.303/84 with a .377 OBP. Would his 2008 draft value increase from mid 1st round to Top 3 based on this? Does Albert Pujols "down year" (37/103/.321/3 projected) make it easier?

Day 137

Notes from yesterday:

Orioles' closer Chris Ray underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss all of the 2008 season. This means their is an open competition for the job. Right now, Danys Baez is closing, but this morning's reports have manager Dave trembley mentioning how "everyone" wants rookie James Hoey.

Day 136

Notes from yesterday:

In yesterday's 9-3 victory, Brian Wilson pitched the 9th inning. This was his second appearance of the season, and it was the same as his first - a scoreless inning with a hit and a K. I suspect he will get a chance to close before the season is over in preparation of winning the job next Spring.

At first base, the Giants started 6'4 lefty-throwing, switch-hitting rookie Dan Ortmeier. He went 2-4 and has gone 7-25 with a triple and 2 HRs since being recalled on the 10th of August. On the season, Ortmeier is slugging .545.

If reports that Giants' GM Brian Sabena was extending only if he promised to rebuild, then expect both these players to play "major" roles in 2008.

Day 135

Notes from yesterday:

Edwar Ramirez successfully returned to the Yankee bullpen with 2.1 innings of shutout ball with three Ks. Hopefully, Joe Torre won't let him rot like he did last time.

From Keith Law's ESPN Chat:
Justin (NYC): True of False - Edwar Ramirez is a solid bullpen addition for the Yankees (since he was recalled), and will pitch meaningful innings down the stretch.

Keith Law: (1:53 PM ET ) True, and false. No way Torre gives him meaningful innings.

*

CJ Wilson notched another save last night, but I am beginning to worry about him being over-used.

Day 134

Notes from yesterday:

I hope Jeff Karstens wasn't an impediment to trades. He was, and is, awful. No one faults Cashman for not dealing Joba or Phil Hughes, but how about the rest of those on the fast track to 4A/Journeymanville?

Day 133

Notes from yesterday:

Joba! Joba! Joba! Joba! He's the next King Felix!

Day 132

Notes from yesterday:

With 48 days left in the 2007 season, fantasy teams need to recognize the large factor luck will play going forward. 48 days into the season would be May 19th. How do you view the standings at that point?

Day 131

Notes from yesterday:

For those who don't know, Yankees manager Joe Torre is under strict orders not to use rookie reliever Joba Chamberlain on consecutive days and to rest him for two is he pitched more than an inning. Whether this limits his usefulness as a power reliever is yet to be seen.

*

John Lackey won his 15th last night. If he wins 20 and the Angels win the AL West, does he not win the Cy Young?

Day 130

Notes from yesterday:

The Twins scored one run last night. It is apparent the Twins have done with their pitching prospects what the Devil Rays did with their hitting ones - failed to utilize the excess to strengthen another weakness.

*

Day 129

Notes from yesterday:

The Cardinals recalled AAA OF Rick Ankiel yesterday, and he immediately stepped in and did what he had been doing all season. He homered and struck out twice in four ABs. At this point in the season, NL-only teams desperate for power should take a chance. My guesstimate would be a Russell Branyan-like performance.

Day 128

Notes from yesterday:

With three strikeouts to notch his 8th save, Phillies closer Brett Myers appears to be recovered from his shoulder woes - if that is possible.

*

Alan Embree continues to close for the A's despite Huston Street being active for a couple/few weeks already.

Day 127

Notes from yesterday:

The Yankees recalled Joba Chamberlain, and he struck out two in two innings of work. How manager Joe Torre uses him going forward will be interesting to watch.

*

Barry Bonds now holds the all-time HR record. Congratulations.

Day 126

Notes from yesterday:

Curt Schilling returned fromm the DL and was not the savior some teams would have hoped for - 6 IP 9 H 5Ks and a loss. He has less than 10 starts remaining.

*

Anyone else notice that Huston Street still isn't closing in Oakland? He pitched on Sunday and wasn't able to pitch in yesterday's 13 inning game. He's not going to be the savior some teams hoped fro in Saves.

Day 125

Notes from yesterday:

With the A's out of contention, Dan Haren is no longer a viable CY young candidate. I see no way he can overcome the Wins totals of play-off contenders CC Sabathia, Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Daisake Matsuzaka, and Chein-Ming Wang.

*

Watch to see who the Cubs recall to replace Alphonso Soriano. If it is AAA 2B Eric Patterson, grab him as he offers double-digit HR and SB opportunities. With just 50 games left in the fantasy season, it may make no difference, though.

Day 125

Notes from yesterday:

Why is Mike Maroth still on a major-league team? Did Dave Duncan and Tony LaRussa force him to change the way he pitches the same way they did with Anthony Reyes?

*

Dice-K won his 13th game. Is he too a darkhorse AL CY Young candidate?

Day 124

Notes from yesterday:

Poor Matt Cain! Another blown win by his bullpen. A sleeper for 14W in 2008?

*

Chien-Ming Wang won his 13th. He is a darkhorse Cy Young candiate. And yes. Wins matter for this award.

Day 123

Notes from yesterday:

Will ARod ever hit #500?

*

2007 Home Run Derby Champion Vladimir Guerrero finally his his first post-Derby HR.

*

Is an offer of Alexi Casilla for Phil Hughes a laughable offer in an Al-only league?

Day 122

Notes from yesterday:

Wow! Mike Maroth can allow seven runs in relief, too. No matter what the Tigers got, it was a coup.

*

Sammy Sosa is out of luck with the promotion on Jason Botts. Expect Sosa gone as soon as he clears waivers or gets claimed. He's be a very good addition to any play-off contender in need of a right-handed power-hitting OF/DH. The Angels and twins come immediately to mind. Only the Cubs are an absolute no-go.

Day 121

Notes from yesterday:

New closers: Joakim Soria in Kansas City and CJ Wilson in Texas? The Texas one seems up in the air, but WIlson has stated in no uncertain terms he wants the job.

*

The Braves were willing to deal Bob Wickman to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth. Is it too much of a reach to think Dotel could take the job?

Day 120

Notes from yesterday:

If Dotel goes to the NL, NL-only leagues should consider bidding on him regardless of his role with the NL team. He is a free agent and could sign as a closer with his new team.

I expect Dotel to be cheap in most NL-only leagues with Mark Teixeira sucking-up all the FAAB. Throw-in the AVG/SB potential of Luis Castillo, and a middle reliever should be available for an under-the-radar bid.

*

A's starter Joe Blanton was hittable again. I was very high on him, but recently dealt him for Mariners' OF Jose Guillen. This was last Friday. Now Blanton is being shopped. Did I sense something the A's know about Blanton?

Day 119

Notes from yesterday:

My eyes filled-up with tears in sympathy for all those Jason Jennings owners when I saw he allowed 11 earned runs in 2/3s of an inning. That welling-up occurred after the panic-stricken moment it took me to recall I do not have him on any teams.

Day 118

Notes from yesterday:

Danys Baez is supposed to be the new Orioles' closer, but he inconveniently got sick and watched a save go the Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker on successive nights.

*

Rookie 2B Danny Richar was recalled by the White Sox to replace the just-traded Tadahito Iguchi. With two hits in his debut, Richar is going to get two months to show he can fill that position in 2008. Check out his career numbers in my Fake Teams post from Friday.

Day 117

Auditions for '08 closer happening right now: "The Giants could have a third candidate to close next season: Matt Cain. The team does not want to mess with him in midseason, but some in the organization believe he has the stuff and bulldog attitude to become another Jonathan Papelbon. "

Wow.

The article also mention Hennessey and Randy Messenger.

Day 116

Notes from yesterday:

Watched Zach Greinke's inning of work against the Yankees last night, and he looked fast. The YES gun said 95, but sometimes the pitchers doesn't look as fast as the readings. Greinke did. That 98 MPH rising fastball to Abreu (which he laid off) was nasty, and it got there quick.

Day 115

Notes from yesterday:

Tigers OF Ryan Raburn went 4-5 with two HRs and seven RBIs. With reports the Tigers have interest in Yankees' reliever Kyle Farnsworth, I wonder if Craig Monroe could be headed to NY with Raburn getting his ABs in the OF.

*

Orioles closer Chris Ray is on the DL with an ulnar ligament issue. Expect the O's to use the $40MM or so worth of relievers they signed to fill-in (Baez, Walker and Bradford). At $19MM, Baez would be the favorite base don size of contract alone.

Day 114

Notes from yesterday:

Tigers OF Ryan Raburn continues to make the case for remaining in the majors by going 2-4 with a SB. He is now 6-16 with 3 BBs, a HR and that SB.

*

Rockies' 4th OF Ryan Spillborghs has 32 RBIs. If the Rox hadn't fleeced the Astros so badly on the Jason jennings trade, I'd complain about Wily Tavares. As is, Spillborghs is blocked.

Day 113

Notes from yesterday:

Reports have the Indians unwilling to deal either Franklin Gutierrez or Ben Francisco for Royals' closer Octavio Dotel. That seems to be the lowest price I've seen for Dotel - spare outfielders.

*

Tha Yankees promoted AA pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy to AAA. Expect to see Chamberlain in pinstripes.

Day 112

Notes from yesterday:

Shelly Duncan hit two HRs. The Devil Rays' bullpen is a bad as any in baseball, but one of those HRs was against James Shields.

*

Orioles' closer Chris Ray woke-up with some shoulder soreness. That is why Jamie Walker closed out yesterday's 2-0 victory. You have to think the O's would try to get something out of $19MM reliever Danys Baez, wouldn't you?

Day 111

Notes from yesterday:

Yankees' rookie Shelly Duncan hit his first major league HR. In the Cardinals' game, his brother Chris hit his 19th. While Chris is an established hitter at this point, let's hope Shelly can do the same. FWIW, he also felw out to the warning track in LLC field.

He is a nearly riskless gamble for those teams in search of stretch run power. If he continues to hit, he will play. If not, he will be sent to the end of the bench or AAA.

*

Another player worth looking at is the current starting 2B for the Mets, Ruben Gotay. In 103 ABs, he has hit 4 HRs and has a .350 AVG. While memories of a .227 AVG in 2005 linger, he is still just 24-years-old. A post-hype sleeper seems appropriate?

Day 110

Notes from yesterday:

Red Sox SS Julio Lugo continued his torrid July with a 3-4 game and a grand slam.

*

Reports have Yanks GM Brian Cashman at last night's start for Joba Chamberlain. The hype behind Joba is growing exponentially. he could be a helpful power arm in the pen. He could also flop and/or get on Torre's bad side like fellow rookie Edwar Ramirez.

Day 109

Notes from yesterday:

Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa allowed his starting pitcher, Mike Maroth, to return for the 5th inning after allowing five earned runs in the first four. He then allowed Maroth to pitch the 5th inning when he gave-up another five earned runs. Why?

*

Andruw Jones homered again.

Day 108

Notes from yesterday:

In a 4-1 game, Joe Torre turned to his closer Mariano Rivera for a five-out save. I wonder whatever happened to Edwar Ramirez, though. He has not pitched since July 6th. Torre should be ashamed of himself for such roster mismanagement. It is inexcusable.

Day 107

Notes from yesterday:

Braves CF Andruw Jones homered for the 6th time in July. The opportunity to buy low is rapidly slipping away. However, it is not completely gone as the mainstream baseball media is still talking about Jones and how much he has lost thanks to this season.

*

Don't punt Antonio Alfonseca yet. News has Tom Gordon admitting he is trying to pitch through a torn labrum since last season. Recall his second-half ineffectiveness last year.

Day 106

Notes from yesterday:

Braves OF Andruw Jones had another game with a hit. This means a lot more to a player mired under .200 for the first half of the season than any Jones owner had imagined before the season began. In July, he 295/407/705 with 5 HRs.

Day 105

Notes from yesterday:

With just 70 games remaining, it is harder to make the standings-changing trade. Each SP has roughly 14 starts remaining. Given most pitchers don't win 50% of their starts, it will be difficult to make-up a handful of Ws with the acquistion of just one SP.

Day 104

Notes from yesterday:

The Rangers may use lefty CJ Wilson to close if the team successfully consumates deals to send Eric Gagne and Akinor Otsuka to other teams by the 7/31 deadline. Reports say the Rangers are more likely to keep Wilson than the other two.

*

Red Sock SS Julio Lugo had another good day at the plate and contunies to look like a good buy low candidate.

Day 103

Notes from yesterday:

Angels 2B Howie Kendrick is back on the DL, and top hitting prospect Brandon Wood is being recalled again. If the Angels decide to move Chone Figgins to 2B, then Wood may be good for 5-10 HRs in the second half.

Day 102

Notes from yesterday:

The Red Sox latest SS mis-analysis, Julio Lugo, went 2-4. He is not 8-24 in July and could be the buy-low candidate his career would appear to make him.

*

Joel Zumaya played catch with no immediate reports of bad news. He could still get a chance to close in 2007 if things progress quickly. I suspect this would hurt the Rangers chances of dealing free-agent-to-be-no-trade-clause-closer Eric Gagne to Detroit.

Day 101

Notes from yesterday:

Red Sox AAA OF Brandon Moss hit a first inning HR in yesterday's AAA All-Star Game. His is a sleeper name to be a player in this year's trades. After being named the Red Sox top prospect a few years ago, his disappointing follow-up seasons have dropped him from people's radar. However, he is succeeding in AAA and is only 23.

Day 100

Notes from yesterday:

The Mariners recalled top prospect Adam Jones and installed him as the regular RF. This pushes Jose Guillen to LF and Raul Ibanez to DH. The obvious loser is Jose Vidro who is now offically an albatross. Ben Broussard is also superfluous.

Jones strikes out a lot so he may not stick, though.

Day 99

Notes from yesterday:

There were no games, but the HR Derby did occur. Will Alex Rios be hit by the HR Derby curse as David Wright was last year and Bobby Abrue the year before? Maybe it will be Matt Holliday?

Day 98

Notes from yesterday:

Yankees back-up catcher Wil Nieves now has 1B-eligibility. That fact should be all anyone needs to know about how bad the Yankees roster has bene constructed.

*

When is the next permanent change in closers going to occur? Gary Glover in Tampa Bay and Manny Corpas in Colorado look to be very brief stints.

Day 97

Notes from yesterday:

A's "ace" Rich Harden pitched an ugly 2 2/3s inning yesterday and reported not feeling right. His 2007 fantasy trade value is essentially nil.

*

White Sox ace Mark Buerhle, OTOH, dramatically increased his value by hurling a sixth consecutive gem whilst under the pressure of a very public contract squabble.

Day 96

Notes from yesterday:

Am I the only fantasy player who sees a 20-14 score and immediately runs through my rosters to make sure I have no pitchers on either team? And if I do, to rush in a panic to check the boxscore and hope none of my pitchers made an appearance?

Am I the only fantasy player who sees a 20-14 score and immediately fears my hitter is the one who didn't get a hit or drive in a run a la Michael Cuddyer?

Day 95

Notes from yesterday:

Reports say Devil Rays closer Al Reyes is already feeling better. That is good news for a team hoping to learn what win #71 is all about. Fill-in closer Gary Glover put three men on-bas in one inning of mop-up work.

Day 94

Notes from yesterday:

Al Reyes is on the D.L., and Gary Glover is reported to be the first in line. Other than this, there hasn't been a lot of churn in the closer roles lately. With nthe trading deadline 26 days away, I suspect this will not continue.

Day 93

Notes from yesterday:

Joe Blanton won his 9th game and dropped his ERA to 3.04. He is not amongst the sexier names for the 2007 CY Young, but if he plays the turtle to everyone else's hare, he may make a surprisingly good showing.

*

Amazingly, the Rangers are winning more than their line-up of 4th OFers and back-up infielders would lead one to believe. Unfortunately, they are further away from the opportunity to select 3B Pedro Alvarez in next year's draft. Tampa Bay, Washington and Cincinnati are worse, and San Francisco and Kansas City are closing fast.

Day 92

Notes from yesterday:

Imagine if ARod misses a couple weeks with a hamstring injury. The Yankees line-up will be almost Texas awful. Keep on eye on Shelly Duncan. He is tearing-up AAA Sranton-WB and could provide that Kevin Maas/Shane Spencer magic the Yankees desparetly need to be a .500 club.

*

Ryan Braun stole his 7th base. I am beginning to think he is going to be a second round pick next season and be in the argument for the 2nd-best 3B spot behin ARod.

Day 91

Notes from yesterday:

Can this line-up be this bad?

J. Damon dh .250
D. Jeter ss .338
R. Cano 2b .265
A. Rodriguez .327
J. Posada c .336
H. Matsui lf .270
B. Abreu rf .247
A. Phillips 1b .250
M. Cabrera cf .259

Day 90

Notes from yesterday:

The A's Rich Harden pitched two innings yesterday. There have no no reports of pain. However, that does not mean the A's did not tell him to keep that quiet if there were.

*

The Twins recalled Matt Garza. In AL-only leagues, he is worth picking-up but keep expectations low.

Day 89

Notes from yesterday:

Phillies rookie speedster garnered six more ABs in yesterday's double-header loss to the Mets. Whether he is being showcased for a trade or has displaced the awful Pat Burrell is not important. What is is the cheap SBs he will provide.

Oh yeah. He stole two bases yesterday and is now 13-13. If Shane Victorino can be turned into a speed demon by Davy Lopes, I shudder to think what a real speedster can do.

Day 88

Notes from yesterday:

Despite the dreaded "vote of confidence" from his manager and GM, Todd Jones successfully closed out yesterday's win.

*

With the All-Star Break less than two weeks away, do not be surprised to see players go on the DL now or have their stays on the DL extended through the break a la Curt Schilling.

Day 87

Notes from yesterday:

Jack Cust hit is 13th HR yesterday. With the adjustment to the pitcher's adjustment, there is reason to believe he has become a legitmate major league hitter.

*

There is something going on in the Giants' bullpen. Closer Brad Hennessey was ineffective in the 8th inning and was replaced by Vinny Chulk for the 9th inning. Will it be Chulk? Randy Messenger? Kevin Correia? AAA closer Brian Wilson?

Day 86

Notes from yesterday:

Alex Cora is going to get more time at SS in hopes he does for Lugo what he did for Pedroia - turn him into a .300 hitter.

*

Who's that Gonzalez guy playing OF for the White Sox?

Day 85

Notes from yesterday:

The Rangers back-up catcher Adam Melhuse is now 8-18 since being dealt from the A's. In AL-only leagues with two catchers, he is a great option at the second catcher spot.

*

I pick-on the Rangers line-up. Check out the White Sox one. In particular the outfield.

S. Podsednik lf
A. Gonzalez rf
J. Thome dh
P. Konerko 1b
T. Iguchi 2b
J. Fields 3b
L. Terrero cf
J. Uribe ss
T. Hall c

Day 84

Notes from yesterday:

Royals 3B Alex Gordon stole his 9th base yesterday and has his AVG up to 234. Is it possible to be a post-hype sleeper three months into you career?

*

Am I crazy to think Corey Hart is going to have a Grady Sizemore season circa 2006?

Day 83

Notes from yesterday:

Matt Kemp walked twice yesterday. As I have said previously, I'd like to see some more HRs, but walks will keep Kemp in the line-up and on the base paths where he can swipe a base or two.

Day 83

Notes from yesterday:

Matt Cain did not strike out any Yankees in his five inning effort yesterday but walked four.

*

The Elijah Dukes Saga appears over for now. Hopefully, he doesn't assault/kill anyone.

*

Rich Harden struck out two in his first inning of major league rehab. I hope more teams begin to do this.

Day 82

Notes from yesterday:

Pirates rookie John Van Benschoten pitched a decent major league game. With the struggles of Zach Duke and Pat Maholm, the Pirates had better be thinking of dealing a one of their controllable starting pitchers for a hitter with the ability to draw walks.

*

Matt Kemp had another good game. He started off with such a bang last season, that the discontinuation of that power has knocked the shine from him. However, he seems to be a better player now regardless.

Day 81

Notes from yesterday:

Terry Evans homered for the Angels. As Willits was a player to watch last season, the same applies to Evans this year. With an opportunity, he will be an excellent fantasy hitter. That opportunity may not be this season, though.

*

Jeff Weaver pitched a shutout yesterday. With him available in all leagues, I have do ask, "Do you feel lucky today? Do you, punk?"

Day 80

Notes from yesterday:

Angels' starter John Lackey is dealing with throwing shoulder soreness and may be pushed back. This would end his CY young contention.

*

Bartolo Colon threw another stinker. Given he is a free agent aftert this season, who has more to lose if Colon is shut down?

Day 79

Notes from yesterday:

Cory Hart hit his 8th HR. For a while this seasopn, he looked like a sleeper loser. Now he is on pace for the 20/20 I hoped for.

*

John Lackey's 5th inning implosion against the sudden offensive resurgence of the Astros Has him falling back in the CY Young race.

*

Speaking of the Astros, is it coincidence the team scoring has picked-up following the removal of Adam Everett from the line-up?

Day 78

Notes from yesterday:

Matt Kemp had another good day going 1-3 with a SB. I wonder about the power, but he looks like an everyday player now. Grab him.

*

Gary Mathews Jr is sure earning that $50MM with his 10th HR and 11th SB of the season yesterday.

Day 77

Notes from yesterday:

Jose Reyes has stolen five bases this weekend and reports feeling really good. Does this mean he is ready to be the player everyone thought he'd be when he was drafted in the Top 5? Realy, that means starting to hit HRs.

*

Happy Father's Day.

Day 76

Notes from yesterday:

The Padres recalled top prospect, 3B Chase Headley. He fit right in with the current crop of Padres by going 0-3.

*

Danny Haren won his 8th game. He has to be in the AL Cy Young discussion. I still believe Ws will determine the winner.

*

By going 2-4, rookie 3B Alex Gordon spent the second day of his major league careeer over .200. He may never ride the interstate again!

Day 75

Notes from yesterday:

Homer Bailey was on the hook for the W despite striking out one batter in six innings. Jerr Narron ran him out in the 7th to walk the first two batters. The bullpen proceed to implode. I'd like to see many more Ks before believing for 2007.

*

If Zach Greinke is the main set-up man, why doesn't he pitch in the 8th inning?

Day 74

Notes from yesterday:

The Angels' John Lackey continues his march towards the 2007 CY Young with his 10th victory. Given his low 2.00s ERA, there is little to argue against those 10 Ws.

*

Don't look now, but the Rangers currently lead the race towards next year's #1 pick. Scott Boras couldn't be happier. He may get a record contract if he gets to deal with Rangers' owner Tom Hicks.

Day 73

Notes from yesterday:

The Padres lost again - as one would expect a team with an AVg under .250 to do. Acquiring Adam Dunn would help the power but doing nothing about getting hits.

*

The Yankees won for the seventh time in a row to climb back to a .500 record. Buying low time is close to ending.

Day 72

Notes from yesterday:

The Giants' Matt Morris pitched his 3rd complete game last night. He wasn't mowing down batters, so I am curious why Bruce Bochy didn't go to his closer, Brad Hennessey, in the 9th.

*

Whatever was said about Dan Ortmeier as a 4th OF in San Francisco, now applies to Nate Schierholtz.

Day 71

Over the weekend, the Dodgers recalled top prospects Matt Kemp and James Loney. Both appear to be in situations to struggle for ABs - Kemp in the OF and Loney at 1B.

*

C Adam Melhuse was dealt to the Rangers. In AL-only leagues with two catchers, he becomes a viable #2. Sad but true.

Day 70

Notes from yesterday:

Arizona's Mark Reynolds is down to .321. The mainstream media may not have noticed the big drop in production due to the current AVG, but you should. He is 4-31 in the month of June.

*

With Mark Teixeira going on the DL, the Rangers officially have a last place offense.

Lofton CF
Byrd RF
Young SS
Sosa DH
Catalonotto/Wilkerson 1B
Kinsler 2B
Diaz LF
Vazquez/Hairston 3B
Laird C

Day 69

Notes from yesterday:

Brewers rookie Ryan Braun continues to bat third and excel. His strikeouts and walks, though, bring into question how long that will continue. 16 Ks in 52 ABs and just 3 BBs?

*

Victor Diaz struck out four times last night bringing his total to 26 in 76 ABs. Selling high is the wise thing to do. Buying high isn't.

Day 68

Notes from yesterday:

The closer news of the day was the possibility of Brad Lidge returning to the closer's role. Dan Wheeler preceded to fuel that fire by blowing a three run lead.

*

Rajai Davis got his first hit yesterday and is 1-9 in three consecutive starts. Unimpressive but he has drawn a walk in each of those starts for a Pirates-impressive .333 OBP.

*

Dodgers reliever Chad Billingsley had taken quite well to the bullpen. With three Ks yesterday, he now has 39 in 32 innings of work with a 1.25 WHIP.

Day 67

Notes from yesterday:

Pirates rookie Rajai Davis stole his first base of the season. He's started two games in a row in centerfield. If he gets regular ABs, he is going to steal 15+.

*

The Royals recalled Joey Gathwright, who preceded to steal a base in his first game. As with Davis, he should be expected to steal a significant numbers of bags with regular playing time.

Day 66

Notes from yesterday:

Is this a play-off caliber outfield? Marlon Byrd, Jerry Hairston and Victor Diaz?

*

Phillies OF Michael Bourn stole his 8th base. With Aaron Rowand's free agency looming next off-season, Bourn is an excellent 2008 sleeper.