Day 28

Notes from yesterday:

The Angels sent top prospect Brandon Wood back to AAA. With the rotation looking like the best one in the AL and a weak AL West, the Angels don't appear to need to have any power in their line-up to win.

*

The A's acquired Ryan Langerhans from the Braves for close to nothing. Given how poorly Langerhans did with Atlanta, he may be a good buy low player. How much worse can he get?

*

With the recall of Hunter Pence, CF/2B Chris Burke may be going the way of former Astros prospect Jason Lane.

Day 27

Notes from yesterday:

Macier Izturis played 3B for the Angels and batted third. Top prospect Brandon Wood has no value right now.

*

Joe Torre got lucky when his decision to start Jeff Karstens over Kei Igawa was negated by Julio Lugo's leg-breaking line drive.

*

Jason Frasor blew his first save since BJ Ryan hit the DL. With Shaun Marcum pitching poorly, Casey Jansenn is worth a look as a back-up.

*

Matt Cain was denied another W by his bullpen.

Day 26

Notes from yesterday:

Mariano Rivera looked awful, not as bad as Mike Myers, but awful nonetheless. Unless he is injured, no other Yankee will get a save - not that any of them have pitched well enough to even entertain that possibility.

*

Aaron Rowand hit his 5th homerun last night, and Jimmy Rollins hit his 9th. Both are surprises, but Rowand is more noteworthy because his power disappearred after his 25-HR 2004 season.

*

Ramon Ortiz threw another great 4x4 game last bight. His 14 Ks in 35 innings do not auger well for continued success, but he has walked just 6. He can't maintian a .217 BAA. but if it stays in the mid 200s, he'd still be valuable.

Day 25

Notes from yesterday:

Brandon Wood went 0-4 with two strikeouts in his major league debut. I'm not surprised and would not be surprised if he didn't do anything in the next couple days. He needs an extended stretch of ABs to produce and to be judged.

*

Philip Hughes wasn't impressive against a Jays line-up that included Jason Smith, jason phillips and John MacDonald. Worse, he didn't last five innings.

*

Bartolo Colon had his second consecutive impressive performance post-labrum surgery. Reports have him throwing 95 MPH. If true, then he is going to be a $20+ pitcher this season. Stunning.

Day 24

Notes from yesterday:

The Angels called-up top prospect Brandon Wood. I don't know why, but he is worth grabbing on the chance he is slated to play somewhere for the rest of the season.

*

Joe Blanton pitched another gem last night going nine innings and striking out six. He is doing something differently. I'm a believer even though I don't know what that something is.

*

Don't you hate extra inning games? There is only more opportunities to get at-bats without hits i.e. Morgan Ensberg's 0-7 or Nate McLouth's 0-4 after pinch-hitting in the 9th.

Day 23

Notes from yesterday:

If the Devil Rays can get reliable middle relief, this may be the season the team wins more than 70 games. The offense is too good not to.

*

Nate Silver at Baseball Prospectus did some statistical analysis that showed the poor offense is consistent with bad weather. Sell Adam Loewen now!

Day 22

Notes from yesterday:

Henry Owens was unable to convert his first save opportunity since being named the closer a week ago. I can't help thinking this situation will remain unresolved.

*

Rich Harden was placed on the DL. This isn't a good sign as his injury has progressed from making his next scheduled start on Friday 4/20 to starting on 4/24 to the DL.

Day 21

Notes from yesterday:

With just four bench players and C Jorge Posada unable to catch and his back-up, Wil Nieves, unable to hit, 1B/DH Josh Phelps made an appearance at catcher. That is the type of funky eligibilty that will occur with the move to 12- and 13-man pitching staffs.

*

Ryan Howard gets a few days off and returns to hit a HR and a 400' sacrifice fly. Who is be to the pitchers who face him this week.

*

Pirates SP Tom Gorzelanny went to 3-0 with yesterday's victory over the Dodgers. He is a perfect sell-high candiate - great stats plus acclaim across the roto-blogosphere. Unlike Twins starter Ramon ortiz who is missing the second part.

*

Jose Reyes has 10 SB through the first 21 days of the season to go with 16 RBI. He is the #1 overall pick next year.

Day 20

Notes from yestersday:

Mets' reclamation project, Oliver Perez, pitched a gem yesterday, but it could have been ugly if Andruw Jones have gotten a hit against rookie side-armer Joe Smith. Speaking of which, Smith has made the decision to let fellow side-armer Chad Bradford go as a free agent quite smart. $360K vs $10.5MM

*

Anyone notice Royals closer, Joakim Soria, hasn't had a save opportunity since being named to the role almost two weeks ago?

*

Cole Hamels threw a 15 strikeout complete game gem yesterday. I wonder if the Phillies nightmare of a bullpen is going to cause Charlie Manuel to stay with his starters longer than he should?

Day 19

Notes from yesterday:

Blue Jays reliever Shaun Marcum blew his second 8th inning lead in consecutive appearances. Jason Frasor is safe at closer for now.

*

The Red Sox used Hideki Okajima to close out the Yankees. Papelbon had pitched the previous two days. Okajima is the middle reliever to grab.

*

A's pitcher Joe Blanton struck out 7 and walked only one against the Rangers. I...am...almost ready to declare him a major sleeper. The dramatic increase in strikeouts (about 4.5 per 9 IP vs 7.9 this year) looks like it is real.

Day 18

Notes from yesterday:

The "good" news on Ryan Howard is he should only miss a couple games with a knee ligament strain. Until he plays again, reserve judgment.

*

The "good" news on Felix Hernandez is he should only miss 10-20 days. I can't but help thinking he is going to be an injury risk all season. While JJ Putz may be able to throw 20-40 pitches everyday, throwing 100+ every 5th day is a different kind of workload.

*

If you have ARod and aren't dominating the power categories, you're season is in trouble. Half his numbers would make him one of the best players on any AL-only team right now.

*

Is Joe Borowski the next closer to lose his job? With yesterday's implosion, his WHIP is 2.33. Even prior to that, it was 1.60.

Day 17

Notes from yesterday:

The poor Phillies! First they move their #1 starter, Brett Myers, to middle relief, and then, their top power hitter, Ryan Howard, injures his knee. Myers is likely being groomed to close. Howard? Irreplacable.

*

Mariner's starting pitching left his start last night in the 1st inning with elbow discomfort. When I said Pitching Armageddon was coming, I didn't mean that!

*

Speaking of which, Indians SP Jeremy Sowers fell from the ranks of the early season elite. Another couple weeks, and things will be back to normal.

*

The Angels will be recalling a bat following the broken finger of Howie Kendrick. Word is it will be Brandon Wood. He'd be worth an immediate grab. Also get Erick Aybar as he will see increased time at 2B.

Day 16

Notes from yesterday:

Kevin Gregg pitched in the 1st inning of yesterday's Marlins game. For now, he should be considered out of the running for the Marlins'closer job. Jorge Julio? No way. Right now it is a two-horse race between Henry Owens and Taylor Tankersly.

*

Steve Traschel and Brett Tomko fell from the ranks of the elite early season starting pitchers. More to follow.

*

Bartolo Colon is slated to start Saturday's game. Reports had him hitting 95 in his rehab starts. If reliable, then he should be a very nice addition just as the shams begin to implode.

*

If I were an asset manager, I'd be 90% relievers right now if the market was starting pitching. Not even Felix hernandez is going to finish with a 0.00 ERA and .50 WHIP. Pitching Armageddon is nigh!

Day 15

Notes from yesterday:

The Rockies did the inevitable - removed LaTroy Hawkins from the important 8th-inning set-up role. In his place is Manny Corpas. He is worth keeping an eye on if closer Brian Fuentes struggles/is traded.

Expect to see this type of move more frequently as we get closer to the end of the month. Teams have given players chances to succeed in roles and must re-adjust if the results aren't statifactory.

*

Devil Rays utility man Brandan Harris hit his third HR yesterday. With Ben Zobrist back nearing 50 ABs without 10 hits, a change could be coming here. I'd be surprised if this team can play enough defense in the middle infield with Harris at SS and Upton at 2B though.

*


Blue Jays LF Reed Johnson is having back surgery and will be out until the ASB. Grab Adam Lind immediately as the Troy Glaus injury may have him hitting in the heart of the order for the next couple weeks. If he produces, he becomes a $20+ player.

Day 14

Notes from yesterday:

The news from Toronto is LF Reed Johnson is contemplating back surgery that would sideline him for two months. If Adam Lind wasn't a must-grab before, he is now. Let's get those 20 games in the OF to qualify there for the 2008 drafts.

*

No one is hitting. Amongst the top 100 players in ABs, such luminaries as Gary Sheffield, Albert Pujols and Michael Young are under .200. There is a pitching armageddon coming. Don't believe the hype of the various starting pitchers who have been excellent i.e. Steve Traschel.

*

Derek Jeter committed his 6th error yesterday. He'll never move from SS, and he'll never get the bullying press on him either.

*

Colorado rookies SS Troy Tuliwitzki and C Chris Iannetta are either tremendous buy low candidates or getting close to spending some time in AAA. The same can be said about other rookies who got out of the gate slowly like Elijah Dukes.

Day 13

Notes from yesterday:

A's SP Joe Blanton struck out five Yankees in 6.1 IP. That is two good strikeout starts to one bad one. A return to his 2005 levels with unembarassing strikeout totals (~150) seems more likely than not.

*

Cardinals OF Chris Duncan looks like his 2006 numbers were more breakout than fluke. His OBP may not remain at .441 nor will his .609 SLG, but I am beginning to have confidence that he will slug .500

Day 12

Notes from yesterday:

Rangers closer Eric Gagne successfully saved his first game of 2007. Watch to see what is reported about his elbow over the next day or two. Any report of soreness is a red flag to hold on to Akinori Otsuka.

*

If you drafted Astros OF Carlos lee, is there anything nicer than getting a 3 HR/6 RBI game so early in the season?

*

Al Reyes saved his third game for the Devil Rays. He is locked into the the role.

*

Watch Yankees' prospect LHP Chase Wright. He may fill-in for the sore-armed Carl Pavano. Reports this spring had him improving above his career numbers. His 2007 season builds on that - 19KS in 14 IP with a tiny .085 BAA.

*

Randy Johnson pitched six innings in AAA last night. He could start this Thursday for the Diamondbacks. Even with the draft day, salary-reducing injury, he is still likely to make nearly 30 starts. The only difference between him and a $30 SP is going to be the salary difference.

Day 11

Notes from yesterday:

Elijah Dukes is struggling now. He is not dissapointing to me as I expect a low double digit HR/SB combo. For those who got him post HRs with the expectations of a 20/20 2007.....

*

Pitching has been dominant so far. Do not expect that to last. If I were sitting on mediocre starters, I'd begin to brace for an ugly stretch.

*

The Nationals Jason Bergman pitched a fantasy gem - 6 IP, 5 runners and 8 Ks. Too bad no one had him on their team. Nor should anybody.

Day 10

Notes from yesterday:

Twins SP Ramon Ortiz pitched a complete game gem versus the Yankees. I am more confident today that he has learned a new trick than I was yesterday. With Seattle and Kansas City scheduled for his next two starts, he has a chance to have an incredible April.

*

The Dodgers' Takashi Saito got his 5th save yesterday. With the Dodgers homerless offense and their good pitching, there should be a lot of close games. Saito may finish 2007 as the top NL closer.

*

The Nationals stink. 50 wins may be too much to expect. As a result, start all pitchers against them. There should also be a marginal boost to the Mets, Braves, Marlins, and Phillies staffs as a result of the unbalanced shcedule.

*

Remember hitters who got off to a slow start like Ben Zobrist's 1-17 or Jose Vidro's 1-15 are still coming out of those starts. Zobrist has been 5-14 since and Vidro 2-4. Don't panic.

Day 9

Notes from yesterday:

Rule V draftee, Joakim Soria, was given the opportunity for a two-inning save for the Kansas City Royals. In an AL-only league, he should be grabbed. In this format, a Ready! Fire! Aim! mindset is the best one when it comes to closers.

*

The Dodgers put rookie RF Matt Kemp on the DL and recalled RHP Chin-Hui Tsao instead of the deserving James Loney. This was done because Rafael Furcal is due to come off the DL this Friday. Don't read too much more into it. If Saito and Broxton were not so good, Tsao would be a nice sleeper for saves.

*

Angels' utility man, Erick Aybar, was thrown out trying to steal 2B with two outs in the 9th and the club trailing. This is the second time this season Aybar has done this. It has to be a record! Do not be surprised to see his SB attempts drop further than his playing time!

*

Bartolo Colon pitched 5 2/3 innings in his second rehab start. He looks like he is going to be a good starter and one that came heavily discounted in all drafts. FWIW, he gave up 2 runs on five hits with 5 Ks and no BBs.

Day 8

Notes from yesterday:

I watched several innings of Carl Pavano's start, and he looked good. If he can pitch that way more times than not, he will win 14+ with AL-acceptable ratios.

*

Henry Owens saved his first game of 2007, but he is still looking for his first strikeout. Expect him to be named interim closer if Jorge Julio struggles again. Some would argue Julio should never have been obtained. Especially with Nolasco on the DL.

*

The Twins called-up infielder Alex Casilla. In AL-only leagues, he should be picked-up for his potential SBs, and OF Jason Tyner should be, too.

*

Ian Snell pitched another gem and did not get a W. He is a very risky 4x4 pitcher without those Ws. I'd sell high if I could.

Day 7

Notes from yesterday:

Oakland A's starter Joe Blanton picked-up the win. He only struck out two so the hopes that he could follow-up his 7-K start with more Ks to solidfy his status as a big time 2007 sleeper remains on hold.

*

Dave Ortiz homered twice yesterday, but a lot of the big HR hitters have not. Woe is be the roto teams whose starters are facing Ryan Howard, Mark Texeira et al when they do!

*

Watch who the Marlins use to close if there is a save opportunity today. He is the back-up closer. My guess is Henry Owens, but I am concerned he hasn't struck out a batter over four innings of work. Where'd the heater go?

*

Rafeal Furcal is days from being activated and making every roto team who didn't draft him based on the early injury regret the move.

*

Randy Johnson dominated in his second rehab start. Roto owners will also be ruing the decision not to bid on him.

Day 6

Notes from yesterday:

Bobby Crosby pinch ran so his back spasms are not a concern. However, what kind of team speed do the A's possess that a player with minimal speed and a bad lower back is the best option late in games to run?

*

While he sat yesterday, Padres' catcher Josh Bard has been batting clean-up. He is going to be a lot better than anyone projected if this holds. I'd grab him.

*

Eric Byrnes hit his 2nd HR and stole his 3rd base. Looks like he is the legitimate 20/20 player I thought he was following his 2004 campaign. Unfortunately, he failed in 2005 when I was counting on him. As a result, he went to another team in the 2006 draft, and I can only look back in regret.

Day 5

Notes from yesterday:

Queue up Whitesnake's "Here We Go Again." Bobby Crosby left last night's game with back spasms.

*

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are the feel-good story of the season. Cancel the remaining 159 games!

*

The Mets' Deolis Guerra is the minor league phenom of 2007. He will be 18 on the 17th of April, is 6'6 and throws 94 MPH in the Florida State League. Here's to hoping arm injuries do not derail him.

*

FWIW, Kevin Correia is pitching the 8th inning for the Giants. If Benitez struggles, he is next in line.

Day 4

Notes from yesterday:

Armando Benitez saved his first game of 2007. As long as he stays healthy, he will close all season for the Giants who have no serious alternatives right now. I have little doubt he was one of the draft day bargains. How can he not be when the baseball press continually derides him?

*

Arizona's 5th starter Edgar Gonzalez struck out seven in five innings of work. He is a pitcher to watch. As one of my sleepers, I grabbed him for $3 in my NL-only draft and expect him to continue doing well.

*

Elijah Dukes homered in his 2nd professional game and drew another walk. Is it too early to place him in the ROY discussion along with Dice-K and Alex Gordon? No, but I wanted to get ahead of myself.

*

Daisake Matsuzaka struck out 10 Royals in his major league debut. I want to see him a couple more times before declaring him a legitimate Cy Young candidate, too.

Day 3

Notes from yesterday's games:

Twins starting pitcher Ramon Ortiz pitched a gem. His next start is slated to be against the Yankees. While just a start, it should help determine if this is the new Ramon Ortiz or the one who pitched in Washington last season.

*

Bobby Crosby went 2-2 with a SB. Any chance he joins Felix Hernandez as super-hyped 2006 players who fulfill that hype in 2007?

*

Jose Reyes homered yesterday in the Mets final game of a three-game sweep of the Cardinals. I have visions of Eric Davis fantasy stats circa 1986 - 27 HRs and 80 SB. Keep in mind Davis did that in less than 500 ABs.

*

Johnny Damon's calf injury looks like it will force the Yankees to play without a back-up outfielder. Only Miguel Cairo, Josh Phelps and Wil Nieves remain on the bench, assuming Doug Mientkiewicz is starting at 1B. Do not be surprised to see one of them get OF-eligibility if Damon can't play by the weekend.

Day 2

Notes from yesterday:

Joe Blanton struck out seven Mariners and walked none. I had previously mentioned his increased strikeouts this spring. If he does dramatically increase his Ks, then a run towards a Top 20 AL starter has begun.

*

Indians future closing prospect Tony Sipp is out for three months with an elbow injury. I really liked him to emerge as an important mid-season call-up. There is no chance of that.

*

Jason Lane was forced into the Astros line-up against a right-hander Ian Snell and hit a HR. So much for platoons. Maybe Garner will stop using no-hit Orlando Palmeiro to pinch-hit when Lane is available?

*

Ian Snell struck out 11 but did not get a win. In 4x4, this was a nice stat line but not very important. Snell won 14 last season. That is the high estimate for any Pirates starter.

Thoughts on Opening Day

Notes from yesterday:

Brad Lidge blew his first save. I'd advise selling high, but I'd be a season too late. Dan Wheeler is the favorite to step-in.

Speaking of the Astros, they scored two runs against the Pirates. Why? Craig Biggio hit first, and he was followed by Adam Everett. Then late in the game, Orlando Palmeiro got a pinch-hit opportunity, and Jason Lane remained on the bench.

*

Erik Bedard look nasty in the first couple of innings. The TV graphic reported a radar reading of 98 MPH. Much to my surprise, he ended-up being Carl Pavano with some strikeouts. I guess nastiness for an inning is only good for relievers.

*

So Joe Torre is going to use Mariano in one-inning stints. Maybe that is why he pitched him in a non-save situation yesterday? There would be no Torre HoF talk if he did not have Mariano Rivera, whose usage patterns would have broken down every other pitcher in the major leagues.

Jorge Cantu

ESPN.com - INSIDER - Rob Neyer Blog: "What really got Cantu was ill health and poor defense, and I won't be surprised if he returns to the majors at some point as a healthy first baseman with a decent future."

Cantu is 25 years-old and fell victim to whatever mismanagement is occurring in Tampa Bay. Don't forget about him.

Ramon Otiz

TwinCities.com - Ortiz proves he's ready: "In six spring training starts, Ortiz went 0-1 with 10 runs (seven earned) on 18 hits in 20 1/3 innings for a 3.10 earned-run average. He walked only one batter and gave up three home runs (all in one game) and struck out 16.....So with a Santana-style change and improved posture, Ortiz is ready to head north. And the excitement he's shown all spring about being a Minnesota Twin has not waned. "

I am warming to the idea of a $1 gamble on a player who was considereed the next Pedro several years ago.

Michael Bourn

Bourn all but certain for roster | Inquirer | 03/31/2007: "When you listen to manager Charlie Manuel and general manager Pat Gillick, it sounds as if the Phillies have more planned for Michael Bourn than just a role as a late-inning defensive replacement."

Hello, 20 SB for a couple of dollars!