The Lineup
August 15, 2008
BY CHRIS STARBONELL
UPDATE! Writer
Every week, The Lineup will help you figure out who to start, sit and watch. Facts don’t lie and The Lineup is full of ‘em. Here is your weekly digest of everything fantasy baseball. Projections for the week of August 8-24. All stats up to and including August 14.
Who’s Hot
BATTERS
MARLON BYRD
Texas Rangers, OF
Stats: .519 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB
Comment: Byrd’s season batting average has soared upward with his hot play of late.
IAN KINSLER
Texas Rangers, 2B
Stats: .435 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB
Comment: Broke out of his slump in style this week and is bound to enter 2009 as arguably the no. 1 ranked fantasy second baseman.
DAVID WRIGHT
New York Mets, 3B
Stats: .367 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB
Comment: Wright is currently on pace to reach a career-high in RBI totals this season.
PITCHERS
PAUL MAHOLM
Pittsburgh Pirates, SP
Stats: 1-0, 1.20 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 15 SO
Comment: Continues to impress on the mound and has notched quality starts in 9 of his last 11 outings.
DAVID PURCEY
Toronto Blue Jays, SP
Stats: 1-1, 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12 SO
Comment: Start to his big-league career started off on the wrong foot, but last two starts have him going in the right direction.
KEVIN SLOWEY
Minnesota Twins, SP
Stats: 2-0, 1.54 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 3 SO
Comment: Has surrendered a run in the first inning just once in his 18 starts in 2008.
Who’s Not
BATTERS
PAT BURRELL
Philadelphia Phillies, OF
Stats: .095 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
Comment: Burrell, who’s enjoying a good season, has been struggling at the plate in August.
ADAM DUNN
Arizona Diamondbacks, OF
Stats: .167 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
Comment: Trade should help the D-backs plenty, but it remains to be seen what it means to Dunn’s fantasy value.
KEN GRIFFEY Jr.
Chicago White Sox, OF
Stats: .188 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
Comment: Griffey has not worked out the way GM Kenny Williams had hoped.
PITCHERS
CLAY BUCHHOLZ
Boston Red Sox, SP
Stats: 0-1, 15.00 ERA, 3.00 WHIP, 4 SO
Comment: Disappointing 2008 may come to an end as Paul Byrd takes his spot in the rotation.
CESAR JIMENEZ
Seattle Mariners, RP
Stats: 0-0, 54.00 ERA, 7.50 WHIP, 0 SO
Comment: Rough week for 23-year old reliever included a blown save on Saturday versus the Rays.
BARRY ZITO
San Francisco Giants, SP
Stats: 0-2, 9.28 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, 7 SO
Comment: Reached a career-high when he took his 15th loss of 2008 this week against Houston.
Start ‘Em
IVAN RODRIGUEZ
New York Yankees, C
Comment: Pudge is hitting .448 this season against the Orioles and Blue Jays in 8 contests.
CHRIS SNYDER
Arizona Diamondbacks, C
Comment: You could do a lot worse than Synder this week, who is batting .291 against the Marlins and Padres this year with 3 homers and 8 RBI in 11 games.
CARLOS DELGADO
New York Mets, 1B
Comment: Delgado makes a fine start this week based on his 2008 stats versus Atlanta and Houston: .333 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R in 39 at-bats.
ADAM LaROCHE
Pittsburgh Pirates, 1B
Comment: His return to the Pirates should be music to fantasy owners’ ears as LaRoche is a career .304 hitter in August and September with 34 homers in 668 at-bats.
ASDRUBAL CABRERA
Cleveland Indians, 2B
Comment: Don’t look now, but Cabrera is batting .310 in August and is hitting .296 overall in the second-half.
JEFF KENT
Los Angeles Dodgers, 2B
Comment: Manager Joe Torre has moved Kent to third in the lineup and appears to be sticking with him there. The 40 year old two-bagger’s numbers in the three-hole this season are worth noting: .313 AVG, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R in 25 games.
NOMAR GARCIAPARRA
Los Angeles Dodgers, SS
Comment: Activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, hits a walk-off homer on Wednesday. Garciaparra has shown that he can produce when healthy so take a flier on him while he’s on the field.
CESAR IZTURIS
St. Louis Cardinals, SS
Comment: Izturis makes for a pretty good stop-gap option this week if you need help with your team’s batting average as he is hitting .455 since August 5th.
KEVIN KOUZMANOFF
San Diego Padres, 3B
Comment: Since the start of July, Kouzmanoff has been one of the more productive third basemen in fantasy: .297 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 18 R in 37 games.
IAN STEWART
Colorado Rockies, 3B
Comment: The power is very real and with the way he has been driving runners in, Colorado may feel tempted to dangle Garrett Atkins to potential suitors in the off-season.
DARIN ERSTAD
Houston Astros, OF
Comment: Taking advantage of everyday at-bats with Carlos Lee out so those of you in need of outfield help should consider Erstad.
CHASE HEADLEY
San Diego Padres, OF
Comment: Since August 5th, Headley’s bat has started to come around: .433 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB in 9 games.
RAUL IBANEZ
Seattle Mariners, OF
Comment: Ibanez has been white-hot in August: .392 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 9 R in 12 games.
VERNON WELLS
Toronto Blue Jays, OF
Comment: Quietly returned from the disabled list on Sunday and Wells may very well be a nice sleeper heading into the final weeks. Add him now before others take notice.
MARK BUEHRLE
Chicago White Sox, SP
Comment: Draws two home starts this week, where he is 7-3 this year with a 2.72 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.
A.J. BURNETT
Toronto Blue Jays, SP
Comment: Burnett absolutely owns the Red Sox, whom he is 4-0 against lifetime with a 1.98 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 36.1 innings.
JAIR JURRJENS
Atlanta Braves, SP
Comment: Jurrjens faces the Mets this week, whom he’s already beaten twice this season in 2 games, during which he posted a 2.77 ERA.
JUSTIN VERLANDER
Detroit Tigers, SP
Comment: As awful as Verlander has been, he should atone for some of his actions this week as he has owned Kansas City in his career: 6-1, 2.69 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 51 SO in 63.2 innings.
Sit ‘Em
RUSSELL MARTIN
Los Angeles Dodgers, C
Comment: Martin is enduring an August to forget: .222 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB.
BENGIE MOLINA
San Francisco Giants, C
Comment: It’s okay to sit Molina this week as he is batting just .259 at home in 2008.
LYLE OVERBAY
Toronto Blue Jays, 1B
Comment: Overbay is batting just .196 in August and the last two months of the season are historically his worst.
CARLOS PENA
Tampa Bay Rays, 1B
Comment: Pena has launched 0 homers and scored no runs against the White Sox and Angels in 9 games this season.
CHRIS BURKE
Arizona Diamondbacks, 2B
Comment: Former Astros sleeper is now getting full-time at-bats with O-Dawg on the DL, but he’s never put it together with everyday duties before. No reason to think this time will be any different.
KAZUO MATSUI
Houston Astros, 2B
Comment: Just as he was surging at the plate, Matsui suffers a stiff back. Keep the fragile second baseman reserved this week as history has shown that injuries tend to linger with the Japanese import.
ERICK AYBAR
Los Angeles Angels, SS
Comment: Aybar faces some good pitching this week as the Angels face the rotations of Tampa Bay and Minnesota, whom he is hitting .143 against in 2008.
JEFF KEPPINGER
Cincinnati Reds, SS
Comment: As hot as his April was, his August has been a nightmare for Keppinger: .167 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 0 SB.
JORGE CANTU
Florida Marlins, 3B
Comment: August has not been kind to the potential NL Comeback Player of the Year: .212 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R.
ANDY LaROCHE
Pittsburgh Pirates, 3B
Comment: While many in the fantasy community were initially intrigued by the idea of LaRoche finally getting regular playing time in Pittsburgh, interest has waned as he has stunk at the plate for the Bucs and is dealing with a thumb injury.
RYAN BRAUN
Milwaukee Brewers, OF
Comment: This back ailment should have forced fantasy owners to find replacements for Braun by now as it is still hard to determine when he can get back in the Brewers’ lineup. Hold onto him, but prepare for the worst just in case.
JAY BRUCE
Cincinnati Reds, OF
Comment: Going through another slump and it may be best to just cut ties with Bruce as he does not look like he will have a huge impact the rest of the way in 2008.
MELKY CABRERA
New York Yankees, OF
Comment: With the Yankees desperate for offense, expect to see the Melk-man riding the pine in the coming weeks as the weak-armed Johnny Damon resumes center-field duties.
JOSE GUILLEN
Kansas City Royals, OF
Comment: Offensive output has completely hit the skids as the streaky Guillen struggles at the dish.
FAUSTO CARMONA
Cleveland Indians, SP
Comment: Gave up 6 earned runs in 2 innings during his start against Texas this season and he is 1-3 against them lifetime.
JOHN MAINE
New York Mets, SP
Comment: Though Maine has a couple of easy starts this week on paper (Houston and Pittsburgh), his shoulder is still sore and he’s just too risky a play.
ANDY PETTITTE
New York Yankees, SP
Comment: Pass on Pettitte this week as he is 16-10 for his career against the Blue Jays with a ho-hum 4.16 ERA.
ANDY SONNANSTINE
Tampa Bay Rays, SP
Comment: Sonnanstine is going to face two tough offenses this week when he matches-up against Chicago and Los Angeles.
Go Figure
147- With two whiffs in Sunday’s game, Arizona Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds surpassed the franchise record for strikeouts (145) set by Troy Glaus in 2005.
24- Earned runs surrendered by Detroit Tigers SP Justin Verlander over his past 4 starts. So much for getting better as the season goes on.
7- Consecutive starts made by Philadelphia Phillies SP Cole Hamels without a win, despite a 3.60 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 45 innings.
5- Consecutive games Chicago White Sox OF Carlos Quentin has been hit by a pitch between August 7th and 11th.
Prospect Watch
TRAVIS SNIDER, Toronto Blue Jays, OF
Comment: One of the best outfield prospects in baseball, Snider could make an impact in fantasy leagues in September if Toronto packs it in. Recently promoted to Triple-A Syracuse (possibly a sign that the Blue Jays are considering calling him up next month), Snider has displayed an ability to drive the ball as evident in his 22 home runs and 28 doubles this year in the minors. The Blue Jays organization loves him for his maturity, but understand that he will need to work on recognizing breaking pitches and cutting down on the strikeouts before he will fully blossom into a star. The 20-year old projects as a perennial 30-home run in his prime, but if he can make the right adjustments to the majors, he could become a household name sooner than later.
Key Match-up
Los Angeles Angels @ Tampa Bay Rays
Two of the best teams in the American League square off this week in match-up that could very well be a playoff preview. The Rays come into this series limping as Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford were both placed on the disabled list this week. The Angels, on the other hand, have been firing on all cylinders lately, getting big hits, superb defense and top-notch pitching. These teams share a lot of similarities. Both squads rely on superior defense, a well balanced offensive lineup and sound pitching (in the rotation and bullpen). Tampa Bay currently leads the season series 4-2. The scheduled starting pitchers for the Angels are Jon Garland, Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver while the Rays are sending Andy Sonnanstine, James Shields and Matt Garza to the hill.
BREWERS: Is Sabathia Immortal?
August 14, 2008
Milwaukee Brewers starter CC Sabathia is 7-0 since joining the Brew Crew and has won his 10th straight decision. His ERA with the Brewers is at 1.55 to go with his overall ERA of 3.04.
BOTTOM LINE: To say that he has been stellar would be an understatement. Sabathia is making his case for an NL CY Young award, even though it seems to be a lock that Brandon Webb is going to win it. Start Sabathia in all formats.
PADRES: Chris Young Injured
August 14, 2008
San Diego Padres starter Chris Young will likely miss his scheduled start Saturday because of a forearm strain that could return him to the disabled list, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
BOTTOM LINE: It has been a tough run of luck for the underrated starter. Keep a close eye, but at this point, if he goes to the disabled list, replace him on your roster.
ANGELS: K-Rod Goes Nuts
August 14, 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez had a rare blow-up and let the Mariners back in the game with three earned runs on three hits and a walk while recording just one out in a blown save on Wednesday.
BOTTOM LINE: He was also ejected for arguing balls and strikes. K-Rod has been one of the best closers in the game this season, but he has hit a bit of a rough patch. Look for him to come back smoothly.
RANGERS: Hamilton Out Thursday
August 14, 2008
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss Thursday’s series finale against the Red Sox to attend the birth of his third child, according to the Texas Rangers’ official site.
BOTTOM LINE: Hamilton should be put in reserve for today, but he will be fine to reactivate tomorrow. He has been a splendid surprise for owners this season, and he is one of the biggest feel-good stories in baseball.
BLAZERS: Roy Will Have Surgery
August 14, 2008
Portland Trailblazers guard Brandon Roy will have arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a tear in the meniscus of his left knee, according to the Oregonian.
BOTTOM LINE: A timetable for his return is unknown, although he should be ready for the upcoming season. Monitor him with caution.
DUCKS: Selanne Staying Fresh
August 14, 2008
Anaheim Ducks winger Teemu Selanne started a skating program in Finland last week and it appears he’s closer to returning for the 2008-09 campaign than retiring, according to the Orange County Register.
BOTTOM LINE: The dree agent seems to be preparing to compete this season, and the only logical solution has him ending up back in Anaheim. He may be waiting for them to figure out how to make the room under the cap first.
NFL Fantasy Preview: Wide Receivers
August 14, 2008
Randy Moss looks to duplicate his record-setting 2007 campaign [PHOTO BY ICON SMI]
BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer
TOP 15
1. Randy Moss
New England Patriots
2007: 98 CATCH, 1,493 YDS, 15.2 AVG, 23 TD
Comments: Saying that last season was a comeback year for Moss would be an understatement. He was unbelievable in a near-perfect season for New England. Although we don’t expect his numbers to be quite as explosive this season, he should still be the top wideout in fantasy.
2. Chad Johnson
Cincinnati Bengals
2007: 93 CATCH, 1,440 YDS, 15.5 AVG, 8 TD
Comments: Johnson’s year was very much overshadowed by the dynamic year that Randy Moss had in New England, but Chad was just as good. People may have initially been nervous about Ocho Cinco in the offseason, but as expected, Johnson showed up to camp and he is expected to be on a mission to prove his worth. Expect similar numbers to last season and probably more touchdowns.
3. Braylon Edwards
Cleveland Browns
2007: 80 CATCH, 1,289 YDS, 16.1 AVG, 16 TD
Comments: Edwards is coming off of a career year in which he caught 16 TDs. Derek Anderson’s emergence is a huge reason why he had such a successful season. As long as he can stay healthy, he should remain an elite fantasy option in all formats. Expect him to be drafted around round three or four.
4. Terrell Owens
Dallas Cowboys
2007: 81 CATCH, 1,355 YDS, 16.7 AVG, 15 TD
Comments: Despite the negatives that Terrell Owens brings with him, he is still one of the top receivers to play this game. He is honest and speaks his mind, which the Cowboys would rather he didn’t. Either way, he still remains Tony Romo’s favorite target, and is a top receiver in all formats.
5. Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinals
2007: 100 CATCH, 1,409 YDS, 14.1 AVG, 10 TD
Comments: Fitzgerald has been excellent every other season thus far, but I expect that streak to break. In 2007, he had pretty much the same numbers as he did in 2005. With Matt Leinart on a mission to prove himself as an able starting quarterback, Fitzgerald will continue to be a top target. Expect him to duplicate his numbers of last season.
6. Marques Colston
New Orleans Saints
2007: 98 CATCH, 1,202 YDS, 12.3 AVG, 11 TD
Comments: Colston might have been the biggest beneficiary of the arrival of Drew Brees in New Orleans. He has only played two seasons and has been very productive. I expect this to be his best season, and he, like Braylon Edwards, will be drafted in the third or fourth round.
7. Torry Holt
St. Louis Rams
2007: 93 CATCH, 1,189 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 7 TD
Comments: Holt is coming off of a season in which his knee was sore, so that has to be counted on for his production being a little bit down. Despite the fact that he is on the downside of his career, he is still capable of putting up good numbers. Look for another 7 TD, 1,000 yard season for Marc Bulger’s favorite target.
8. Wes Welker
New England Patriots
2007: 112 CATCH, 1,175 YDS, 10.5 AVG, 8 TD
Comments: No one has benefitted more from the New England Patriots’ system than Wes Welker, Before 2007, he never had more than 67 catches in a season, but he nearly doubled that number in 2007. Look for him to be a low number one or a high end number two wide receiver who will go sometime around round three or four.
9. Calvin Johnson
Detroit Lions
2007: 48 CATCH, 756 YDS, 15.8 AVG, 4 TD
Comments: Jonson was bothered by a back injury last season which hampered his performance. Although he has been bothered early on by a sore leg, his upside is tremendous. He has the potential for 70 catches and 1,000 yards. Give him a chance in round six to eight.
10.Andre Johnson
Houston Texans
2007: 60 CATCH, 851 YDS, 14.2 AVG, 8 TD
Comments: Johnson’s numbers are unbelievable, considering the fact that he only played in nine games in 2007. If you scale that to a 16-game season, he would have accumulated 15 TDs and 1,000-plus yards. He may be an injury risk, but who isn’t? Give him a chance in round four or five.
11.Jerricho Cotchery
New York Jets
2007: 82 CATCH, 1,130 YDS, 13.8 AVG, 2 TD
Comments: After having his breakthrough season in 2006, Cotchery did not disappoint in 2007. With Brett Favre as his new quarterback, his numbers stand to increase even more, making him a solid number two receiver option in all formats.
12.Reggie Brown
Philadelphia Eagles
2007: 61 CATCH, 780 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 4 TD
Comments: Brown has yet to have that really big season, but I am looking for 2008 to be that year for him. It is known that Donovan McNabb loves throwing to him, so that makes him a plus option. He is another guy who has been hampered by injury in the pre season, so his health will be the ultimate determinant.
13.Derrick Mason
Baltimore Ravens
2007: 103 CATCH, 1,087 YDS, 10.6 AVG, 5 TD
Comments: You’d think that with these numbers, I would be a major advocate for putting Mason higher in the top 15,. But that isn’t so. I am too uncomfortable with the quarterback situation in Baltimore to give him that kind of endorsement. Who is the starter? Will it be Joe Flacco or Kyle Boller? Either way, I expect Mason to have a good season. But don’t expect thestats he put up during last year’s campaign.
14.Santonio Holmes
Pittsburgh Steelers
2007: 52 CATCH, 942 YDS, 18.2 AVG, 8 TD
Comments: While those numbers aren’t exactly jumping off of the page, you have to remember that Holmes was limited to only 13 games last season. If you add three more games of production, his numbers would obviously be much better. With a great young quarterback and a good young receiver core, there is no reason that Holmes will be a let down this season.
15.Anquan Boldin
Arizona Cardinals
2007: 71 CATCH, 853 YDS, 12.0 AVG 9 TD
Comments: Boldin missed four games because of injuries last season but still tallied 71 receptions for 853 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. His hamstring is a little bit tender, and with his injury track record, I wouldn’t take that lightly. He has the potential to be a nice high end number two receiver in mixed leagues.
JUST SAY NO
1. Donald Driver
Green Bay Packers
2007: 82 CATCH, 1,048 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 2 TD
Comments: Driver only managed two touchdowns in the regular season, and that is despicable, considering the fact that he was Brett Favre’s favorite target when Favre was a Packer. Greg Jennings has surpassed him as the go-to guy in Green Bay. Driver is a low end number two fantasy wide receiver, but I expect 2008 to be a year of decline for him.
2. Bobby Engram
Seattle Seahawks
2007: 94 CATCH, 1,147 YDS, 12.2 AVG, 6 TD
Comments: Before last season, Engram had never surpassed 987 yards receiving, and that was in 1998 when he was a member of the Chicago Bears. The unpleasant news that he has a cracked shoulder makes him a bad option because he will be out for six to eight weeks, and who knows how long it will take him to regain form.
NL East Rundown
August 13, 2008
BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer
As of 8 a.m. on August 9, 2008, the Mets are currently sitting in second place in the NL East with a 61-54 record. The Marlins are breathing right down the Mets’ necks with a 61-55 record, which places them only a half of game back of the Mets for second. The Phillies, on the other hand, are trying to stay atop the division, but they only lead the Mets by one game, with a record of 62-53. In this post, I will show a breakdown of the remaining schedules for each of those teams, and I will explain how it all rests in the Mets’ favor.
Teams the Mets Face
1. Marlins (2) 61-55
2. Pirates (1) 53-62
3. Nationals (3) 44-72
4. Pirates (4) 53-62
5. Braves (3) 54-62
6. Astros (4) 56-59
7. Phillies (2) 62-53
8. Marlins (3) 61-55
9. Brewers (3)65-51
10. Phillies (3) 62-53
11. Nationals (2) 44-72
12. Braves (3) 54-62
13. Nationals (4) 44-72
14. Braves (3) 54-62
15. Cubs (4) 70-46
16. Florida (3) 61-55
47 Games Left
27 Games Against Teams Under .500
13 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500
7 Games Against Teams More than 10 games over .500