Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Gonzalez goes gonzo without homering

Adrian Gonzalez exploited Brewers pitching, going 6-6 in a 13-6 Padres romp. Gonzalez doubled once to go along with five singles. He scored twice and knocked in three. Gonzalez's six hits are a career high.

Fantasy Impact: If there's a knock on Gonzalez in fantasy play, it's his mediocre batting average. After recording six hits that average climbs to an unimpressive .262. In all other offensive categories he remains a force. If he weren't playing half of his games at Petco Park and all of his days in San Diego's lineup, he might be one of the top first basemen in all of fantasy. Instead, he's a higher-end option with potential upside if he's traded or the Padres improve.

Youkilis-Porcello brawl

Kevin Youkilis looked like a blitzing linebacker tackling an unprotected quarterback Tuesday night, charging Detroit rookie Rick Porcello in the 2nd inning after Porcello hit him in the back. Both benches emptied, Youkilis and Porcello were ejected, and order was restored.

Porcello's pitch appeared to be retaliation for Boston starter Junichi Tazawa hitting Miguel Cabrera in the hand in the first inning, but the beanballs followed a Monday filled with hit batsmen between the two teams.

Fantasy Impact: Youkilis and Porcello face fines and suspensions, so you can expect to lose Youkilis for the better part of.a week and Porcello for a start. Youkilis' loss certainly hurts more. Porcello hasn't pitched well since a strong May.