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?
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, August 27, 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.
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.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, August 24, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, August 20, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
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?
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?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, August 17, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
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?
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?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
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?
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?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
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?
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?
Saturday, August 11, 2007
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.
*
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.
*
Friday, August 10, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, August 06, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
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?
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?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, August 03, 2007
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?
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?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
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?
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?
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