If you're looking for the best starting rotation in the majors right now, you'd be crazy to look anywhere else but Cleveland. The numbers speak for themselves. Sliding Shorts breaks down the unbelievable numbers here.
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Cueto pinch-runs, scores winning run
If you count pitchers' offensive stats in your fantasy league, then you need to seek professional medical help...but if that describes your fantasy league, then you received an unexpected boost from Johnny Cueto on Wednesday night. Sliding Shorts has the story.
Darn it, Doumit
Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit hit the DL today, sidelined indefinitely. He's been tearing it up offensively, stepping out of a platoon with Ronny Paulino as Pittsburgh's primary backstop. Thumb fractures have varying degrees of seriouness, and the fact that this one deals with the tip of the thumb and not the joint is good news for Doumit.
Fantasy Impact: Paulino's going to get a bunch of at bats while Doumit's out. Don't underestimate a hand or wrist injury to a hitter, especially when that player is a catcher who handles 130-150 pitches every night. These things can last a while.
Fantasy Impact: Paulino's going to get a bunch of at bats while Doumit's out. Don't underestimate a hand or wrist injury to a hitter, especially when that player is a catcher who handles 130-150 pitches every night. These things can last a while.
Jonesin' in the minors?
Dodgers outfielder Andruw Jones lost his job recently and may head to the minors. That's Joe Torre's idea for getting the slumping slugger out of his, um, slump.
Fantasy Impact: And you thought Juan Pierre's days were numbered? Looks like he's a full-time starter again.
Fantasy Impact: And you thought Juan Pierre's days were numbered? Looks like he's a full-time starter again.
To pitch and not to pich
Eric Gagne is back at closer for the Milwaukee Brewers. It only took one day for the Brew Crew brass to realize he's their only true option at the position. This from a staff that had a meeting to decide to do nothing about anything earlier in the week. Good work, guys.
As it turns out, Clay Buchholz will not pitch Sunday. Instead, he's headed for the DL.
Fantasy Impact: The Brewers go back to Gagne, as exepected. Buchholz' replacement, Justin Masterson did well his first time out. Give him a look.
As it turns out, Clay Buchholz will not pitch Sunday. Instead, he's headed for the DL.
Fantasy Impact: The Brewers go back to Gagne, as exepected. Buchholz' replacement, Justin Masterson did well his first time out. Give him a look.
Figueroa doesn't like girls, Nats or his outright release
Nelson Figueroa had had enough, so he tongue-lashed the Washington Nationals for their anticts during his latest start. Figueroa compared the Nats' dugout behavior to that of a girls softball team.
"They won tonight," Figueroa said after dropping the 10-4 decision, "but again, in the long run, they are who they are." Sounds like a page out of Dennis Green's postgame press-conference handbook.
Figueroa won't have to worry about witnessing Washington's ways anymore. The Mets released him before Tuesday's game, bringing up Claudio Vargas to take his spot on the roster.
Fantasy Impact: Figueroa wasn't a big fantasy player and Vargas has never been much of one over his career. Figueroa needs to check himself for his own pitching debacle before he rails on the opponent's bench.
"They won tonight," Figueroa said after dropping the 10-4 decision, "but again, in the long run, they are who they are." Sounds like a page out of Dennis Green's postgame press-conference handbook.
Figueroa won't have to worry about witnessing Washington's ways anymore. The Mets released him before Tuesday's game, bringing up Claudio Vargas to take his spot on the roster.
Fantasy Impact: Figueroa wasn't a big fantasy player and Vargas has never been much of one over his career. Figueroa needs to check himself for his own pitching debacle before he rails on the opponent's bench.
Boston's no tea party
Keep a close eye on Boston's outfield today. J.D. Drew sprained his left wrist, and Coco Crisp left with an apparent migraine during Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Orioles.
It could leave Boston juggling the lineup for at least the next few days.
The Bo Sox also named a starter for Sunday's home game against Milwaukee. Clay Buchholz, who's really been struggling of late, gets the nod. That gives Buchholz two starts this week. The second one is a chance to make up for his horrendous outing in Minnesota.
Fantasy Impact: Drew seems to miss a chunk of every season, and the fact that he couldn't turn his wrist after the injury could be significant. If Crisp recovers quickly the Red Sox will start both him and Jacoby Ellsbury as one of the speediest duos in the major leagues. Kevin Youkilis played emergency right fielder on Tuesday.
It could leave Boston juggling the lineup for at least the next few days.
The Bo Sox also named a starter for Sunday's home game against Milwaukee. Clay Buchholz, who's really been struggling of late, gets the nod. That gives Buchholz two starts this week. The second one is a chance to make up for his horrendous outing in Minnesota.
Fantasy Impact: Drew seems to miss a chunk of every season, and the fact that he couldn't turn his wrist after the injury could be significant. If Crisp recovers quickly the Red Sox will start both him and Jacoby Ellsbury as one of the speediest duos in the major leagues. Kevin Youkilis played emergency right fielder on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pitching recap - Tuesday night games
A follow-up on the night's best pitching matchups:
FLA 3 F
CIN 5
L: Hendrickson (5-2, 3.91) W: Volquez (6-1, 1.12)
...Eddie V gave up 1 run in the win, and his ERA rises .06!
NYY 1 F
TB 2 (11)
No dec.: Wang (6-1, 2.90) No dec.: TB: Jackson (2-3, 3.47)
...Both went 7, only run earned was Wang's. Both deserved to win, but neither got run support.
WSH 3 F
NYM 6
L: Lannan (3-4, 3.74) W: Maine (5-2, 2.81)
...Maine looked dominant & notches his 5th win. Lannan gave up 12 H, 4 ER in 6 IP.
SEA 2 F
TEX 5
L: Hernandez (2-4, 3.38) No dec.: Gabbard (1-0, 2.12)
...Both reached the 6th, both give up 2 earned.
CWS 0 F
LAA 2
No dec.: Danks (3-3, 2.74) No dec.: Weaver (2-5, 4.86)
...Danks reached the 7th, Weaver completed the 7th. Neither gave up a run.
Notables:
-Randy Johnson notched career win No. 287 as the D'backs beat Colorado, 8-4.
FLA 3 F
CIN 5
L: Hendrickson (5-2, 3.91) W: Volquez (6-1, 1.12)
...Eddie V gave up 1 run in the win, and his ERA rises .06!
NYY 1 F
TB 2 (11)
No dec.: Wang (6-1, 2.90) No dec.: TB: Jackson (2-3, 3.47)
...Both went 7, only run earned was Wang's. Both deserved to win, but neither got run support.
WSH 3 F
NYM 6
L: Lannan (3-4, 3.74) W: Maine (5-2, 2.81)
...Maine looked dominant & notches his 5th win. Lannan gave up 12 H, 4 ER in 6 IP.
SEA 2 F
TEX 5
L: Hernandez (2-4, 3.38) No dec.: Gabbard (1-0, 2.12)
...Both reached the 6th, both give up 2 earned.
CWS 0 F
LAA 2
No dec.: Danks (3-3, 2.74) No dec.: Weaver (2-5, 4.86)
...Danks reached the 7th, Weaver completed the 7th. Neither gave up a run.
Notables:
-Randy Johnson notched career win No. 287 as the D'backs beat Colorado, 8-4.
No, I'm 'Little Pedro'
Welcome late, ESPN, to the "name a Reds pitcher 'Little Pedro' party." Maybe you reserved this story until now for the fact that sometimes it's better to be the last one dishing out a nickname than it is to be the early bird eating the wrong worm. Johnny Cueto is that worm. He started off hot in spring training and then again in his first start against Arizona, but as the worm turns so did Cueto, and now he's stuggling to keep runs off the board (2-4, 5.91).
Edinson Volquez inherits Cueto's status as "The Next Pedro Martinez," according to ESPN. Coming off a less-than-impressive 2007 with the Texas Rangers, Volquez was dealt to Cincinnati for Josh Hamilton. Considered a top prospect who now carried baggage, some wondered whether Volquez would be able to turn things around at the Major League Level. Cueto's record was flawless because he'd never pitched a game in the big leagues before. That, coupled with Cueto's dominant spring left many to believe he was suddenly the better pitcher, let alone prospect. Things have changed. Now, through one-quarter of the year, Volquez inherits the monicker "staff ace." He enters tonight's game with Washington as the far better Reds pitching phenom, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.06 ERA. Volquez is striking out well over a batter an inning and has served up just one home run while Cueto's coughed up nine.
ESPN, which typically jumps the gun with its "Next" campaign, actually waited on this one. Now they're taking Cueto's nickname and pasting it on Volquez. While everyone else was diving in to relate one diminutive Dominican to his idol, ESPN waited back and delivered a change-up for a clean single through the box. Johnny C is no Eddie V. Not right now, anyway.
Edinson Volquez inherits Cueto's status as "The Next Pedro Martinez," according to ESPN. Coming off a less-than-impressive 2007 with the Texas Rangers, Volquez was dealt to Cincinnati for Josh Hamilton. Considered a top prospect who now carried baggage, some wondered whether Volquez would be able to turn things around at the Major League Level. Cueto's record was flawless because he'd never pitched a game in the big leagues before. That, coupled with Cueto's dominant spring left many to believe he was suddenly the better pitcher, let alone prospect. Things have changed. Now, through one-quarter of the year, Volquez inherits the monicker "staff ace." He enters tonight's game with Washington as the far better Reds pitching phenom, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.06 ERA. Volquez is striking out well over a batter an inning and has served up just one home run while Cueto's coughed up nine.
ESPN, which typically jumps the gun with its "Next" campaign, actually waited on this one. Now they're taking Cueto's nickname and pasting it on Volquez. While everyone else was diving in to relate one diminutive Dominican to his idol, ESPN waited back and delivered a change-up for a clean single through the box. Johnny C is no Eddie V. Not right now, anyway.
Tuesday's top tossers
Today's most intriguing pitching matchups:
FLA: Hendrickson (5-1, 3.86)
vs. CIN: Volquez (5-1, 1.06)
*Journeyman vs. phemon is this battle for win number six.
NYY: Wang (6-1, 3.12)
vs. TB: Jackson (2-3, 4.04)
*The top pitcher in the AL against the hot & cold former prospect.
WSH: Lannan (3-3, 3.40)
vs. NYM: Maine (4-2, 3.00)
*Is Lannan for real? Maine certainly seems to be.
SEA: Hernandez (2-3, 3.42)
vs. TEX: Gabbard (1-0, 1.85)
*Gabbard hasn't allowed a run in his last two (short) starts
CWS: Danks (3-3, 3.18)
vs. LAA: Weaver (2-5, 5.59)
*Weaver tries to right the ship like last year. Danks staying alfoat.
FLA: Hendrickson (5-1, 3.86)
vs. CIN: Volquez (5-1, 1.06)
*Journeyman vs. phemon is this battle for win number six.
NYY: Wang (6-1, 3.12)
vs. TB: Jackson (2-3, 4.04)
*The top pitcher in the AL against the hot & cold former prospect.
WSH: Lannan (3-3, 3.40)
vs. NYM: Maine (4-2, 3.00)
*Is Lannan for real? Maine certainly seems to be.
SEA: Hernandez (2-3, 3.42)
vs. TEX: Gabbard (1-0, 1.85)
*Gabbard hasn't allowed a run in his last two (short) starts
CWS: Danks (3-3, 3.18)
vs. LAA: Weaver (2-5, 5.59)
*Weaver tries to right the ship like last year. Danks staying alfoat.
Morgan En(d)sberg?
What happened to Morgan Ensberg? The former Houston Astros 3rd baseman got off to a solid major league start in 2003 (.291 avg., 25 HR in 385 AB), and followed that up with a dynamic '05 (.283 avg., 36 HR, 101 RBI). Since then the California native's been in serious decline, including mustering just a .224 average with his hometown San Diego Padres at the end of last season.
Now that he's with the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez is out, Ensberg has been getting the lion's share at third base. After hitting just .222 through 19 games, however, the Yankees made an unlikely move on Monday night. Alberto Gonzalez, who is at most a middle-infield utilityman, got the start at 3rd instead.
Fantasy Impact: Ensberg's diminished value continues to erode. He's the kind of sleeper that's gifted enough for comeback player of the year potential, but not if he's losing at bats to a middle infielder.
Now that he's with the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez is out, Ensberg has been getting the lion's share at third base. After hitting just .222 through 19 games, however, the Yankees made an unlikely move on Monday night. Alberto Gonzalez, who is at most a middle-infield utilityman, got the start at 3rd instead.
Fantasy Impact: Ensberg's diminished value continues to erode. He's the kind of sleeper that's gifted enough for comeback player of the year potential, but not if he's losing at bats to a middle infielder.
Peace, Pie
It sounds like the Cubs' signing of recently released Jim Edmonds is imminent. Various media are reporting that the former Padre will be a Cub as soon as he clears waivers on Wednesday.
With Felix Pie getting optioned back to Triple-A you have to wonder if his time at Wrigley Field is over. The Cubs are in a playoff race, and with the addition of Edmonds they have five outfielders. Trade rumors of Pie leaving the organization for pitching will begin to swirl.
With Felix Pie getting optioned back to Triple-A you have to wonder if his time at Wrigley Field is over. The Cubs are in a playoff race, and with the addition of Edmonds they have five outfielders. Trade rumors of Pie leaving the organization for pitching will begin to swirl.
Kershaw pounded, may still get call
Clayton Kershaw seems to take a loss every time he climbs a Double-A mound. On Monday it was actually his fault. Typically plagued by poor run support, the 20-year-old Dodger farmhand struggled for the first time all year in the worst outing of his season to date, but it was the fact that Kershaw is back in the Double-A rotation that is most telling about his immediate future.
The Dodgers are rumored to consider starting Kershaw this coming Saturday. Kershaw had been dropped out of the Double-A rotation recently in order to limit his innings and keep the lefty flamethrower fresh for a potential late-season call-up. The fact that Kershaw was suddenly working Monday night, exactly five days before the Dodgers might need him at the major league level, suggests that Kershaw's first start in the big leagues may be imminent.
Then again, Dodgers manager Joe Torre said they might use him both out of the bullpen and then again in the rotation in Double-A to keep Kershaw fresh yet prepared for a later call-up. This is high drama.
The Dodgers are rumored to consider starting Kershaw this coming Saturday. Kershaw had been dropped out of the Double-A rotation recently in order to limit his innings and keep the lefty flamethrower fresh for a potential late-season call-up. The fact that Kershaw was suddenly working Monday night, exactly five days before the Dodgers might need him at the major league level, suggests that Kershaw's first start in the big leagues may be imminent.
Then again, Dodgers manager Joe Torre said they might use him both out of the bullpen and then again in the rotation in Double-A to keep Kershaw fresh yet prepared for a later call-up. This is high drama.
Money bawl
That flushing sound is the 2008 Detroit Tigers season going down the toilet. Or is it that Flushing sound, as in Flushing, NY, the home of Shea Stadium and the many airplanes that whir overhead? It could be both. In last place in the American League Central heading into Tuesday play, the high-priced Tigers seem to have something in common with the 1992 Mets: they were retooled to win, but they're going down the drain.
After a 77-84 campaign in 1991 and tiring of a lineup made up of Rick Cerone, Kevin Elster, Vince Coleman and Hubie Brooks, the Mets bought what they though could win them the National League East. Enter six new starting position players in 1992: Todd Hundley, Willie Randolph, Dick Schofield, Eddie Murray, Darryl Boston and Bobby Bonilla. The Mets also brought in Bret Saberhagen to solidify the starting rotation. Many considered New York as talented as any team in baseball until they promptly imploded, losing 90 games to wind up back in 5th place just like the year before.
The Tigers made similar changes to their roster for 2008. Slugging 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera was to become the anchor of the left side of the infield along with newly-acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria. Jacque Jones, brought in to stop what had been a revolving door of misfits in left, would be counted on as a steady offensive contributor. Dontrelle Willis, pried away from Florida in the Cabrera deal, was expected to regain his unorthodox form as one of the top lefties in baseball. It hasn't happened.
Cabrera's hitting .252, almost 60 points below his career average. Renteria's on base percentage is a paltry .295. Jones hit .152 and was cut. Willis is struggling to get healthy, having thrown just five innings this season. It's not just the newcomers' fault. Plenty of old hands like Gary Sheffield (.208 avg.) and Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64 ERA) share the blame. But if the terrible Tigers are to continue down this miserable path, it is the big names they brought in who will feel the hottest white rays of a fading spotlight. Detroit is in the American League Central toilet, caught in a downward spiral while clunkers like Kansas City and Minnesota remain buoyantly optimistic for the long summer ahead.
Statistically speaking, the Tigers are more than likely to turn this around, but if it is history that serves as our guide then even the talented 1993 Mets -- the all-too-similar remnants of that '92 purchase party -- will tell you it doesn't always work out. Another year removed from trying to buy a championship New York took another step in the wrong direction, slumping to 103 losses and a last-place NL East finish, even with the addition of a talented, young Jeff Kent to the lineup. Thanks to those low flyovers in Flushing Meadows some of the booing din of Mets fans' was washed out below. Here's hoping there's an airport near Comerica.
After a 77-84 campaign in 1991 and tiring of a lineup made up of Rick Cerone, Kevin Elster, Vince Coleman and Hubie Brooks, the Mets bought what they though could win them the National League East. Enter six new starting position players in 1992: Todd Hundley, Willie Randolph, Dick Schofield, Eddie Murray, Darryl Boston and Bobby Bonilla. The Mets also brought in Bret Saberhagen to solidify the starting rotation. Many considered New York as talented as any team in baseball until they promptly imploded, losing 90 games to wind up back in 5th place just like the year before.
The Tigers made similar changes to their roster for 2008. Slugging 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera was to become the anchor of the left side of the infield along with newly-acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria. Jacque Jones, brought in to stop what had been a revolving door of misfits in left, would be counted on as a steady offensive contributor. Dontrelle Willis, pried away from Florida in the Cabrera deal, was expected to regain his unorthodox form as one of the top lefties in baseball. It hasn't happened.
Cabrera's hitting .252, almost 60 points below his career average. Renteria's on base percentage is a paltry .295. Jones hit .152 and was cut. Willis is struggling to get healthy, having thrown just five innings this season. It's not just the newcomers' fault. Plenty of old hands like Gary Sheffield (.208 avg.) and Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64 ERA) share the blame. But if the terrible Tigers are to continue down this miserable path, it is the big names they brought in who will feel the hottest white rays of a fading spotlight. Detroit is in the American League Central toilet, caught in a downward spiral while clunkers like Kansas City and Minnesota remain buoyantly optimistic for the long summer ahead.
Statistically speaking, the Tigers are more than likely to turn this around, but if it is history that serves as our guide then even the talented 1993 Mets -- the all-too-similar remnants of that '92 purchase party -- will tell you it doesn't always work out. Another year removed from trying to buy a championship New York took another step in the wrong direction, slumping to 103 losses and a last-place NL East finish, even with the addition of a talented, young Jeff Kent to the lineup. Thanks to those low flyovers in Flushing Meadows some of the booing din of Mets fans' was washed out below. Here's hoping there's an airport near Comerica.
Amazing & Ordinary
Cleveland 2nd baseman Asdrubal Cabrera turned an unassisted triple play against Toronto Monday night. Take a look.
Pretty good, considering it's only the 14th unassisted triple play in MLB history. That's rare company to be in, but then again as a hitter Cabrera made four outs for the Blue Jays, going 0-4 with a strikeout as Toronto won the game, 3-0. Cabrera is batting just .190 for the season. There are plenty of 2nd baseman that can do that.
Pretty good, considering it's only the 14th unassisted triple play in MLB history. That's rare company to be in, but then again as a hitter Cabrera made four outs for the Blue Jays, going 0-4 with a strikeout as Toronto won the game, 3-0. Cabrera is batting just .190 for the season. There are plenty of 2nd baseman that can do that.
Adenhart hearts W
W is for win, and therefore Nick Adenhart is for W's. The Angels rookie picked up the first of his career Monday night at the "Big A," which is a nickname for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's stadium, not Adenhart. Maybe they should call him "Big A," too. Not because of his long, lanky stature, but because of his ability to give up the big inning. Adenhart didn't win this one because he pitched well. He won because his team hit Mark Buerhle and the White Sox all over the yard.
Adenhart's statline on Monday night:
5.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, (9.00 ERA in 3 starts)
It looks like a losing pitcher's numbers, and yet somehow Adenhart gets the win. It wasn't his fault that he gets credited with a victory. Blame Vlad Guerrero for launching a 3-run moon shot in the 5th off Buehrle that made Adenhart the pitcher of record for one more inning. He couldn't get through the sixth, yielding to his bullpen after just 57 of his 98 pitches were thrown for strikes. This was an icky win.
Fantasy Impact: Much has been made of Adenhart's age. He's just 21 and now owns a career record of 1-0, but that's the nice part of the story. While he dominated in the minors this year to the tune of a .170 avg. against and 4-0 record, he walked nearly as many batters as he struck out. Adenhart's strikeout total of 19 in 31 minor league innings suggests he's not yet ready to dominate at that level let alone the big leagues. He's got time and room to grow, but with John Lackey getting set to come off the DL Adenhart's time at the major league level might be short for this year.
Adenhart's statline on Monday night:
5.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, (9.00 ERA in 3 starts)
It looks like a losing pitcher's numbers, and yet somehow Adenhart gets the win. It wasn't his fault that he gets credited with a victory. Blame Vlad Guerrero for launching a 3-run moon shot in the 5th off Buehrle that made Adenhart the pitcher of record for one more inning. He couldn't get through the sixth, yielding to his bullpen after just 57 of his 98 pitches were thrown for strikes. This was an icky win.
Fantasy Impact: Much has been made of Adenhart's age. He's just 21 and now owns a career record of 1-0, but that's the nice part of the story. While he dominated in the minors this year to the tune of a .170 avg. against and 4-0 record, he walked nearly as many batters as he struck out. Adenhart's strikeout total of 19 in 31 minor league innings suggests he's not yet ready to dominate at that level let alone the big leagues. He's got time and room to grow, but with John Lackey getting set to come off the DL Adenhart's time at the major league level might be short for this year.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Carmona then Lee - Cleveland only manages DH split
Fausto Carmona improved on his average of seven walks per nine innings giving up just 4 free passes in game one of a double header with Toronto. Carmona went the complete game, striking out three and limiting the Blue Jays to five hits in a 3-0 shutout.
Cliff Lee turned the trick in game two, limiting the Jays to seven hits in nine innings while striking out five. He didn't allow a run, but neither did Shaun Marcum over eight innings of work. Toronto eventually got the win in the 10th, scoring three off of Rafael Betancourt.
The three starters combined for 26 innings and no runs. Both Lee and Marcum would appear to be pitching way over their heads these days, but Carmona is defying statistical probability. He now has allowed 35 walks in 48.2 innings while his ERA falls from 2.95 to 2.40.
Cliff Lee turned the trick in game two, limiting the Jays to seven hits in nine innings while striking out five. He didn't allow a run, but neither did Shaun Marcum over eight innings of work. Toronto eventually got the win in the 10th, scoring three off of Rafael Betancourt.
The three starters combined for 26 innings and no runs. Both Lee and Marcum would appear to be pitching way over their heads these days, but Carmona is defying statistical probability. He now has allowed 35 walks in 48.2 innings while his ERA falls from 2.95 to 2.40.
Hanley still handles short
Hanley Ramirez might be error prone (he made 50 errors over his first two full MLB seasons for a .963 fielding clip), but he's not moving away from the toughest position to play in the infield. With seven errors already in 2008, Ramirez is on pace to tally 31 by season's end, a figure that would likely lead the National League. His fielding percentage is down to .960, but he's not going to move positions according to the Florida Marlins MLB.com beat writer.
Players often make moves later in their careers. For instance, Nomar Garciaparra slid from shortstop to 3rd base while Jim Thome moved from 1st base to DH, but those moves didn't happen until injuries kept them off the field for precautionary reasons. Ramirez is far too young for the Marlins to give up on him as a shortstop. He turns 25 just two days before Christmas and has the athletic ability to eventually iron things out. Even if he doesn't, Florida is hard-pressed to find another player for the position who can be even half as productive as Ramirez is offensively. Including this season's statistics, he's hitting .314 for his career with 115 SB and 277 R. Ramirez is on pace to blast over 30 HR for the first time in his relatively short time in the majors. Keeping Ramirez at short gives the Marlins an advantage the rest of major league baseball doesn't have, a slugging shortstop with burner speed. It's a rare combination of that is worth a few extra errors in the field.
Fantasy Impact: Virtually none. The Marlins are not moving Ramirez and apparently they're not even talking about it despite all the errors. Ramirez is the top shortstop in baseball production wise, and might be the best all-around offensive player in fantasy play right now.
Players often make moves later in their careers. For instance, Nomar Garciaparra slid from shortstop to 3rd base while Jim Thome moved from 1st base to DH, but those moves didn't happen until injuries kept them off the field for precautionary reasons. Ramirez is far too young for the Marlins to give up on him as a shortstop. He turns 25 just two days before Christmas and has the athletic ability to eventually iron things out. Even if he doesn't, Florida is hard-pressed to find another player for the position who can be even half as productive as Ramirez is offensively. Including this season's statistics, he's hitting .314 for his career with 115 SB and 277 R. Ramirez is on pace to blast over 30 HR for the first time in his relatively short time in the majors. Keeping Ramirez at short gives the Marlins an advantage the rest of major league baseball doesn't have, a slugging shortstop with burner speed. It's a rare combination of that is worth a few extra errors in the field.
Fantasy Impact: Virtually none. The Marlins are not moving Ramirez and apparently they're not even talking about it despite all the errors. Ramirez is the top shortstop in baseball production wise, and might be the best all-around offensive player in fantasy play right now.
Jim Edmonds is old; Cubs interested
So, the Cubs are sniffing at Jim Edmonds these days. The guy who always came up roses in center field now has a fragrance that can be described as "oderiferous" in recent seasons. Edmonds is very apparently in the twilight of his career, but credit Chicago for exploring every option to shore up their pathetic platoon in center of Reed Johnson and Felix Pie.
That combo's combined stat line vs. Edmonds this year:
Johnson/Pie: .243 avg./2 HR/20 RBI in 173 AB
Edmonds: .178 avg./1 HR/6 RBI in 90 AB
Certainly the Cubs see something in the 37-year-old who smoked them for a quarter of his 12 home runs with the Cardinals in 2007. For eight long years he tracked down their gap-shots and took home runs away at Busch. Edmonds, however, is just a shell of his former self. His numbers have been in steady decline for three-plus seasons now. His HR totals for the four seasons prior to 2008: 42/29/19/12. The Padres, who need outfield help, released him due to his poor performance both at the plate and in the field. He once dominated defensively, and to add insult to injury, the Padres called-up former Cubs scrub Jody Gerut to take his place.
If the Cubs sign Edmonds it's only because they have little or no faith in Johnson and Pie. Remember, Johnson's always had a light bat, and he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training. Johnson couldn't make a roster with the likes of Shannon Stewart and another former Cub, Matt Stairs holding down left field.
Fantasy impact: If Edmonds is signed he likely platoons with either Johnson or Pie, not both. The Cubs just don't have room on the roster for that many outfielders. Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome aren't going anywhere, and Daryle Ward is a good left-handed bat off the bench who can also spell Derrek Lee at first. If Edmonds comes to Chicago, expect Pie, who hasn't hit a bit, to be moved back to Triple-A. Edmonds, who bats left-handed and Johnson (right-handed) would likely form a platoon in center, splitting up at bats and diminishing fantasy value. There wasn't much value there in the first place. Dear Cubs, sniff elsewhere. P.S. Fantasy owners should, too.
That combo's combined stat line vs. Edmonds this year:
Johnson/Pie: .243 avg./2 HR/20 RBI in 173 AB
Edmonds: .178 avg./1 HR/6 RBI in 90 AB
Certainly the Cubs see something in the 37-year-old who smoked them for a quarter of his 12 home runs with the Cardinals in 2007. For eight long years he tracked down their gap-shots and took home runs away at Busch. Edmonds, however, is just a shell of his former self. His numbers have been in steady decline for three-plus seasons now. His HR totals for the four seasons prior to 2008: 42/29/19/12. The Padres, who need outfield help, released him due to his poor performance both at the plate and in the field. He once dominated defensively, and to add insult to injury, the Padres called-up former Cubs scrub Jody Gerut to take his place.
If the Cubs sign Edmonds it's only because they have little or no faith in Johnson and Pie. Remember, Johnson's always had a light bat, and he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training. Johnson couldn't make a roster with the likes of Shannon Stewart and another former Cub, Matt Stairs holding down left field.
Fantasy impact: If Edmonds is signed he likely platoons with either Johnson or Pie, not both. The Cubs just don't have room on the roster for that many outfielders. Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome aren't going anywhere, and Daryle Ward is a good left-handed bat off the bench who can also spell Derrek Lee at first. If Edmonds comes to Chicago, expect Pie, who hasn't hit a bit, to be moved back to Triple-A. Edmonds, who bats left-handed and Johnson (right-handed) would likely form a platoon in center, splitting up at bats and diminishing fantasy value. There wasn't much value there in the first place. Dear Cubs, sniff elsewhere. P.S. Fantasy owners should, too.
Gagne: "I come out there and kill that rally"
Everything sounds rough and messy in French. "Rally-killer" sounds ugly in any language. That's what French-Canadian closer Eric Gagne called himself recently, as he's been killing Brewers' rallies all season and aiding inside-out hat time for opponents. On Sunday Gagne got his much needed "mental break" (see Jason Isringhausen) from the Milwaukee closer role. How Milwaukee fills that role in the interim now becomes one of the great mysteries in baseball (along with Nate McLouth's breakout from oblivion and Ryan Howard's inability to hit anything).
The Brewers now turn to a stable of mediocrity. If you want horses out of the 'pen, they've got donkeys (asses). If you want a stopper, these guys are starters. Actually, they're not starters, they're far worse than that, and that's why they're career middle relievers. Oh, but not in Milwaukee. Here they're closers, maybe. Brian Shouse, David Riske, Guillermo Mota and Salomon Torres will star in "Closer by Committee," a movie you shouldn't see and a fantasy option you should avoid. Shouse is 39 and picked up just his fifth Major League save on Sunday. Riske, like his name, is a risky option at best having struggled when called upon to close games in the past. He's with his fifth team in five years. Mota is nearly 35 and has never held a closer role. Torres lost his only shot at it in Pittsburgh, of all places, and then nearly retired in the offseason.
Fantasy Impact: Didn't we just say you should avoid these people? Yeah, these stiffs might get you a save or two, but Gagne's the only one in the bunch that's got the makeup for the role and he's downright scary (must be out of concealer) in recent years. Milwaukee cannot conceal the fact that the back end of their bullpen has been exposed for the fraud that it is. If you must absolutely grab someone off the waiver wire, it's Riske. He signed an incentive-laden deal with Milwaukee just days before Gagne inked his. Riske got the first look in early April when Gagne's struggles got started. Honestly, though, don't do this. Once it all plays out you'll be saying 'merci!' to Spitting Seeds for saying 'non' to this putrid 'pen.
The Brewers now turn to a stable of mediocrity. If you want horses out of the 'pen, they've got donkeys (asses). If you want a stopper, these guys are starters. Actually, they're not starters, they're far worse than that, and that's why they're career middle relievers. Oh, but not in Milwaukee. Here they're closers, maybe. Brian Shouse, David Riske, Guillermo Mota and Salomon Torres will star in "Closer by Committee," a movie you shouldn't see and a fantasy option you should avoid. Shouse is 39 and picked up just his fifth Major League save on Sunday. Riske, like his name, is a risky option at best having struggled when called upon to close games in the past. He's with his fifth team in five years. Mota is nearly 35 and has never held a closer role. Torres lost his only shot at it in Pittsburgh, of all places, and then nearly retired in the offseason.
Fantasy Impact: Didn't we just say you should avoid these people? Yeah, these stiffs might get you a save or two, but Gagne's the only one in the bunch that's got the makeup for the role and he's downright scary (must be out of concealer) in recent years. Milwaukee cannot conceal the fact that the back end of their bullpen has been exposed for the fraud that it is. If you must absolutely grab someone off the waiver wire, it's Riske. He signed an incentive-laden deal with Milwaukee just days before Gagne inked his. Riske got the first look in early April when Gagne's struggles got started. Honestly, though, don't do this. Once it all plays out you'll be saying 'merci!' to Spitting Seeds for saying 'non' to this putrid 'pen.
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