Wow! Out eight months for rotator cuff surgery.
When the burning of Theo Epstein in effigy occurs this off-season, I hope someone recalls the Red Sox refusal to go more than three years, and that only because of market pressures.
Omar Minaya went four years and wrapped him up. One great season as a .500 club (2005) and half of another is all the Mets will get for their first $38 million.
When the accolades pour over Minaya, remember the Pedro's contract.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Worth Watching
From this morning's Daily Herald in Chicago"
"Jerry Owens made his first major-league start Wednesday, and the 25-year-old outfielder also got his first hit (single) and first stolen base, both in the third inning.
The White Sox want to add speed to next year's roster...
"I try to use my speed as much as possible," said Owens..."
Hopefully, you were able to add Owens cheaply after I gave a heads-up two weeks ago.
Hopefully, you have been able to maintain whatever standing you had when you did!
Hopefully, he will make two appearances more as an OF than DH so he qualifies at OF for next year's drafts!
"Jerry Owens made his first major-league start Wednesday, and the 25-year-old outfielder also got his first hit (single) and first stolen base, both in the third inning.
The White Sox want to add speed to next year's roster...
"I try to use my speed as much as possible," said Owens..."
Hopefully, you were able to add Owens cheaply after I gave a heads-up two weeks ago.
Hopefully, you have been able to maintain whatever standing you had when you did!
Hopefully, he will make two appearances more as an OF than DH so he qualifies at OF for next year's drafts!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Nook Logan
Natspos manager Frank Robinson has shown a proclivity for centerfielders who are fast with little pop and no concern about OBP skills.
Peter Bergeron and Endy Chavez fit that bill, and current CF Nook Logan does also.
With the impending departure of Frank Robinson. Nook Logans' 2007 prospects for a starting gig have diminished.
Peter Bergeron and Endy Chavez fit that bill, and current CF Nook Logan does also.
With the impending departure of Frank Robinson. Nook Logans' 2007 prospects for a starting gig have diminished.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Gammons is Back!
ESPN.com - INSIDER - Peter Gammons Blog#20060926#20060926
ESPN's senior baseball wirter, Peter Gammons, has his first blog entry up since his brain aneurysm.
Good to have him back, and I can see his unflagging optimism hasn't taken a hit.
He writes that the Tigers cannot be dismissed this off-season despite play-off inexperience, a horrendous team OBP and a limping-to-the-finish-line second half.
ESPN's senior baseball wirter, Peter Gammons, has his first blog entry up since his brain aneurysm.
Good to have him back, and I can see his unflagging optimism hasn't taken a hit.
He writes that the Tigers cannot be dismissed this off-season despite play-off inexperience, a horrendous team OBP and a limping-to-the-finish-line second half.
David Weathers
The Enquirer - Weathers in dark about 2007 return
David Weathers wants to return to Cincy next year.
For Roto players, all this will do is keep the closing situation muddled.
Narron has on and off confidence in Weathers as the closer.
The problem comes when he loses that confidence, switches roles, and then switches back.
If Weathers returns, I see the same thing happening in 2007 as happened in 2006 - Weathers, Coffey, Guardado, Committee, Weathers.
Hopefully, the Reds put down $20 million on a closer and force themselves into keeping one player in the role all season.
David Weathers wants to return to Cincy next year.
For Roto players, all this will do is keep the closing situation muddled.
Narron has on and off confidence in Weathers as the closer.
The problem comes when he loses that confidence, switches roles, and then switches back.
If Weathers returns, I see the same thing happening in 2007 as happened in 2006 - Weathers, Coffey, Guardado, Committee, Weathers.
Hopefully, the Reds put down $20 million on a closer and force themselves into keeping one player in the role all season.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
2006 Minor League All-Stars
BaseballAmerica.com: Minors: 2006 Minor League All-Stars
A very handy list to have as the off-season quickly approaches.
Joey Votto's return to the top of the prospect heap is notable. 20/20 1B with OBP skills is the perfect mixture of sabremetrics and fantasy skills.
Too bad he won't be able to loosen Rich Aurilia's hold on Jerry Narron, I mean, 1B.
A very handy list to have as the off-season quickly approaches.
Joey Votto's return to the top of the prospect heap is notable. 20/20 1B with OBP skills is the perfect mixture of sabremetrics and fantasy skills.
Too bad he won't be able to loosen Rich Aurilia's hold on Jerry Narron, I mean, 1B.
Boof Bonser
Twins rookie starting pitcher Boof Bonser, the third piece acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the increasigly horrendous AJ Pierzynski trade, pitched another September gem last night.
He went six and two-thirds innings and allowed just a run on two hits and two walks while striking out five.
For the month, he is 4-0 in 32.2 IP with 27 strikeouts and $30+ ratios - 2.20 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
Back in February, I thought he'd be a good candidate to break into the majors as a middle reliever. At the time, I figured he'd be blocked from the rotation by Santana, Radke, Silva, Liriano and Baker.
"...I can see Bonser getting a bullpen role after striking out more than one per inning in AAA Rochester. His strikeout rate increased for the third season in a row last year. He gave-up too many HRs (22), but a foot-wetting in middle relief seems right..."
Given the injury to Radke, the general ineffectiveness of Carlos Silva, and the looming TJ surgery threat for Liriano, Bonser has locked-up the nominal 3rd or 4th starter spot for 2007.
With good ratios, expect Bonser to take the spot RHP Scott Baker occupied last off-season. Just hope he doesn't take-up Baker's spot as one of the most disappointing 2006 sleeper picks.
(Here is my original post on Bosner from February 20, 2006.)
He went six and two-thirds innings and allowed just a run on two hits and two walks while striking out five.
For the month, he is 4-0 in 32.2 IP with 27 strikeouts and $30+ ratios - 2.20 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
Back in February, I thought he'd be a good candidate to break into the majors as a middle reliever. At the time, I figured he'd be blocked from the rotation by Santana, Radke, Silva, Liriano and Baker.
"...I can see Bonser getting a bullpen role after striking out more than one per inning in AAA Rochester. His strikeout rate increased for the third season in a row last year. He gave-up too many HRs (22), but a foot-wetting in middle relief seems right..."
Given the injury to Radke, the general ineffectiveness of Carlos Silva, and the looming TJ surgery threat for Liriano, Bonser has locked-up the nominal 3rd or 4th starter spot for 2007.
With good ratios, expect Bonser to take the spot RHP Scott Baker occupied last off-season. Just hope he doesn't take-up Baker's spot as one of the most disappointing 2006 sleeper picks.
(Here is my original post on Bosner from February 20, 2006.)
Monday, September 25, 2006
Esteban German
Esteban German is shaping up as a very nice 2007 end-of-draft $1 player.
He will qualify at 2B, 3B and OF in all leagues. With a .426 OBP in 250 ABs so far, expect him to be involved in all fantasy discussions/criticism about the Royals.
Fortunately for Royals fans, that discussion will not focus solely on what a horrid team they are. With Ryan Shealy, Mark Teahan, Dave DeJesus, Alex Gordon and Billy Butler, the Royals offer opportunities for solid fantasy sleepers.
In the background will be Esteban German. Given the chance he would likely steal 20+
He will qualify at 2B, 3B and OF in all leagues. With a .426 OBP in 250 ABs so far, expect him to be involved in all fantasy discussions/criticism about the Royals.
Fortunately for Royals fans, that discussion will not focus solely on what a horrid team they are. With Ryan Shealy, Mark Teahan, Dave DeJesus, Alex Gordon and Billy Butler, the Royals offer opportunities for solid fantasy sleepers.
In the background will be Esteban German. Given the chance he would likely steal 20+
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Russ Martin Or...
FakeTeams :: Russ Martin Or...
Because I can't stop perserverating on the 2007 Rockies, a team that may be able to nearly duplicate the rookie success of the Marlins - in a way only a major league team can.
Three rookies starting - SS, C and CF- in the heart of the team.
What the Marlins did was unprecedented and likely to not occur again.
Because I can't stop perserverating on the 2007 Rockies, a team that may be able to nearly duplicate the rookie success of the Marlins - in a way only a major league team can.
Three rookies starting - SS, C and CF- in the heart of the team.
What the Marlins did was unprecedented and likely to not occur again.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Danys Baez
Baez likely done with Braves ajc.com:
'They signed [Bob] Wickman already, and I want to be a closer,' said Baez.
I have been acting on this information all season.
He said the same thing after being dealt to the Dodgers in the Spring.
It is comforting to see his mindset has not changed.
If you are in a keeper league and can add him, do it. There are few nicer off-season feelings thans to see pool pick-ups turn into closers.
'They signed [Bob] Wickman already, and I want to be a closer,' said Baez.
I have been acting on this information all season.
He said the same thing after being dealt to the Dodgers in the Spring.
It is comforting to see his mindset has not changed.
If you are in a keeper league and can add him, do it. There are few nicer off-season feelings thans to see pool pick-ups turn into closers.
Jeff Baker
Obviously, I am in the midst of a mini-perseveration episode. I can't stop blogging about the Colorado Rockies.
Last night, OF Jeff Baker hit his 4th HR in 35 September ABs.
There is a little reason to doubt he will enter this off-season as the 4th OF/platoonmate of RF Brad Hawpe.
With CF being the Rockies top off-season priority, one can read that a right-hand hitting OF has been filled internally.
That filler is Jeff Baker.
The top internal candidate for CF is Jeff Salazar with the above-linked article reporting that the organization likes Coc0 Crisp and Gary Matthews Jr as trade/free agent options.
Last night, OF Jeff Baker hit his 4th HR in 35 September ABs.
There is a little reason to doubt he will enter this off-season as the 4th OF/platoonmate of RF Brad Hawpe.
With CF being the Rockies top off-season priority, one can read that a right-hand hitting OF has been filled internally.
That filler is Jeff Baker.
The top internal candidate for CF is Jeff Salazar with the above-linked article reporting that the organization likes Coc0 Crisp and Gary Matthews Jr as trade/free agent options.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Jeff Salazar
I see Jeff Salazar is hitting .250 in his first 28 major league ABs. I am not surpised, but I checked to see how he was doing drawing walks.
There I was somewhat surprised. He has drawn seven bases-on-balls for a .405 OBP.
I went and checked current Rox CF, Cory Sullivan, and he has drawn 30 BBs in 377 ABs with 97 Ks. Under some vague impression that he had improved his plate discipline, I checked his 2005 numbers.
Call me "mis-impressed." In 378 ABs, he walked 28 times and struck out 83 times. Not the type of improvement anyone would expect to lead to Jeff Salazar being denied the chance to fill that centerfield hole for the major league minimum in 2007.
Cory Sullivan did increase his XBH from a paltry 23 in 2005 to 38 this season with 10 triples, though.
There I was somewhat surprised. He has drawn seven bases-on-balls for a .405 OBP.
I went and checked current Rox CF, Cory Sullivan, and he has drawn 30 BBs in 377 ABs with 97 Ks. Under some vague impression that he had improved his plate discipline, I checked his 2005 numbers.
Call me "mis-impressed." In 378 ABs, he walked 28 times and struck out 83 times. Not the type of improvement anyone would expect to lead to Jeff Salazar being denied the chance to fill that centerfield hole for the major league minimum in 2007.
Cory Sullivan did increase his XBH from a paltry 23 in 2005 to 38 this season with 10 triples, though.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
ARod to Angels?
LA Daily News - Angels notes: Money no object to get A-Rod
When I read yesterday's quotes by California Angels owner Arte Moreno about the intention to make a big acquistion this off-season, I wondered who.
This morning the speculative race is on, and the name mentioned is Alex Rodriguez, a perfect fit for the Angels.
What the price would be, and the LA Daily News speculates - Ervin Santana, Scot Shields, Chone Figgins and a high-level prospect.
That is outrageous, but the offer has to start somewhere. That one does hit on what the Yanks needs are - a SP, RP, 3B and minor league depth.
When I read yesterday's quotes by California Angels owner Arte Moreno about the intention to make a big acquistion this off-season, I wondered who.
This morning the speculative race is on, and the name mentioned is Alex Rodriguez, a perfect fit for the Angels.
What the price would be, and the LA Daily News speculates - Ervin Santana, Scot Shields, Chone Figgins and a high-level prospect.
That is outrageous, but the offer has to start somewhere. That one does hit on what the Yanks needs are - a SP, RP, 3B and minor league depth.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
$6.99
Sam Walker's Fantasyland is in the new bargian bin at Amazon.com.
I thought the regular Amazon.com discount was a good price, but, given the book is not time-dependent, it is a good way to spend the price of a super-sized #1 at an NYC McDonalds.
I thought the regular Amazon.com discount was a good price, but, given the book is not time-dependent, it is a good way to spend the price of a super-sized #1 at an NYC McDonalds.
Bob Wickman
The Braves signed current closer, and now 2007 one, Bob Wickman for next season.
I like the move as the braves were clearly in need of one prior to acquiring Wickman, and he will not retard any pitchers' development with just a one-year deal.
Those I feel bad for are those NL-only leaguers who bid enormous sums of FAAB hoping Wickman would retire or sign in the AL next year and avoid any penalties.
I like the move as the braves were clearly in need of one prior to acquiring Wickman, and he will not retard any pitchers' development with just a one-year deal.
Those I feel bad for are those NL-only leaguers who bid enormous sums of FAAB hoping Wickman would retire or sign in the AL next year and avoid any penalties.
Off-Season Preparation
From today's regular 2 PM Minor League Chat on ESPN.com: SPORTSNATION - Chat-12940(Insider): "Jim Callis(CTU Los Angeles): Where am I today isn't this my chat?
Chris Kline: This is indeed Jim's chat, but we're on deadline at the BA headquarters today and Jim is editing our Minor League Top 20 prospects for each league from Triple-A down to the rookie levels. So you guys will have to deal with me today . . . I have The Roots cranked up on the old iPod, so let's get rolling . . . "
If you are only capable (or willing) to buy one minor league magazine in the off-season, the Baseball America issue that ranks the Top 20 prospects at each level in the minor leagues is it.
It usually comes out in the beginning of October. While it doesn't have the simplicity of BA's TOP 100 rankings, it usually includes all those in the 100 with better coverage of each.
A must, must read.
Chris Kline: This is indeed Jim's chat, but we're on deadline at the BA headquarters today and Jim is editing our Minor League Top 20 prospects for each league from Triple-A down to the rookie levels. So you guys will have to deal with me today . . . I have The Roots cranked up on the old iPod, so let's get rolling . . . "
If you are only capable (or willing) to buy one minor league magazine in the off-season, the Baseball America issue that ranks the Top 20 prospects at each level in the minor leagues is it.
It usually comes out in the beginning of October. While it doesn't have the simplicity of BA's TOP 100 rankings, it usually includes all those in the 100 with better coverage of each.
A must, must read.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
King Felix
Listening to XM Radio's Fantasy Focus with Jeff Erickson, a caller asked whether he should keep a 19th round Felix hernandez or a 16th round Ryan Zimmerman, and the host responded that Felix Hernandez was a the better protect.
My first thought was, "Go down with that ship!"
My next one occurred after Mr. Erickson rationalized it by citing Hernandez's age and some decent peripherals.
I thought, "Is pitcher's age the same as hitter's age? Do pitcher's who make the pros very early improve the same as hitters who do?"
I do not know the answer, but there is no glimmer on "King" Felix for me.
My first thought was, "Go down with that ship!"
My next one occurred after Mr. Erickson rationalized it by citing Hernandez's age and some decent peripherals.
I thought, "Is pitcher's age the same as hitter's age? Do pitcher's who make the pros very early improve the same as hitters who do?"
I do not know the answer, but there is no glimmer on "King" Felix for me.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Colorado Centerfield
DenverPost.com - Numbers may add up to Crisp
I am not sure the Red Sox can let CF Coco Crisp go with all the holes they'd need to fill, which would include CF if they dealt Crisp.
If not for the trade of CF Adam Stern to the Orioles as the PTBNL in the Javy Lopez trade (recently released), I'd argue that he and top prospect, CF Jacoby Ellsbury, would be a possibility of manning the position.
Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
Putting that aside, do the Rockies have anything that Red Sox would take? The Red Sox need a 1B, a 2B, a SS, and RP. I'm sure Ryan Shealy would have gotten it done, but not Jeremy Affeldt and Danny Bautista- the players the ROX did get for Shealy.
I am sure the Red Sox would ask for Tulowitzki, but they'd officially become laughingstocks following the Matt Kemp request for David Wells.
The Rox should split the job between Cory Sullivan and Jeff Salazar and focus on adding a powerbat either at 2B or via a trade of Todd Helton.
The team's offense should be improved with an entire season of Tulowitzki at SS, Chris Iannetta at C, and Salazar and Jeff Baker as the back-up OFers.
Adding Josh Kashanky as the bat off the bench would also help.
I am not sure the Red Sox can let CF Coco Crisp go with all the holes they'd need to fill, which would include CF if they dealt Crisp.
If not for the trade of CF Adam Stern to the Orioles as the PTBNL in the Javy Lopez trade (recently released), I'd argue that he and top prospect, CF Jacoby Ellsbury, would be a possibility of manning the position.
Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
Putting that aside, do the Rockies have anything that Red Sox would take? The Red Sox need a 1B, a 2B, a SS, and RP. I'm sure Ryan Shealy would have gotten it done, but not Jeremy Affeldt and Danny Bautista- the players the ROX did get for Shealy.
I am sure the Red Sox would ask for Tulowitzki, but they'd officially become laughingstocks following the Matt Kemp request for David Wells.
The Rox should split the job between Cory Sullivan and Jeff Salazar and focus on adding a powerbat either at 2B or via a trade of Todd Helton.
The team's offense should be improved with an entire season of Tulowitzki at SS, Chris Iannetta at C, and Salazar and Jeff Baker as the back-up OFers.
Adding Josh Kashanky as the bat off the bench would also help.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Jason Isringhausen
STLtoday - Sports - Cardinals
Wow! When I read this:
"This certainly is a significant, serious situation at this point," Paletta said. "But I wouldn't call it career-threatening. It may put part of next year in jeopardy, but I don't think it's at a point where it's career-threatening. It may compromise part of next year, depending on which one of those (surgical) options."
I immediately began to think Adam Wainwright may be the best bet for closing, but then recalled that the Cardinals refused to deal him this past July 31 because he is slated to entert he starting rotation next season.
With the Red Sox leaning towards moving a successful closer to the rotation, I doubt the Cards will buck that "trend" and keep Wainwright in the 'pen.
Braden Looper looks like the best bet for 2007, but a free agent signing appears just as likely.
Wow! When I read this:
"This certainly is a significant, serious situation at this point," Paletta said. "But I wouldn't call it career-threatening. It may put part of next year in jeopardy, but I don't think it's at a point where it's career-threatening. It may compromise part of next year, depending on which one of those (surgical) options."
I immediately began to think Adam Wainwright may be the best bet for closing, but then recalled that the Cardinals refused to deal him this past July 31 because he is slated to entert he starting rotation next season.
With the Red Sox leaning towards moving a successful closer to the rotation, I doubt the Cards will buck that "trend" and keep Wainwright in the 'pen.
Braden Looper looks like the best bet for 2007, but a free agent signing appears just as likely.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Jonathan Papelbon
My take on the increasingly likely move of Jonathan Papelbon to the starting rotation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)