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.
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
Teams the Phillies Face
1. Pirates (2) 53-62
2. Dodgers (4) 58-57
3. Padres (3) 44-72
4. Nationals (3) 44-72
5. Dodgers (4) 58-57
6. Mets (2) 61-54
7. Cubs (4) 70-46
8. Nationals (3) 44-72
9. Mets (3) 61-54
10. Marlins (3) 61-55
11. Brewers (4) 65-51
12. Braves (3)54-62
13. Marlins (3)61-55
14. Braves (3) 54-62
15. Nationals (3) 44-72
47 Games Left
20 Games Against Teams under .500
19 Games Against Teams Less Than 10 Games Over .500
8 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games Over .500
Teams the Marlins Face
1. Mets (2) 61-54
2. Cardinals (4) 64-54
3. Cubs (3) 70-46
4. Giants (3) 48-66
5. Diamondbacks (3) 59-57
6. Braves (3) 54-62
7. Mets (3) 61-54
8. Braves (3) 54-62
9. Cardinals (3) 64-54
10. Phillies (3) 62-53
11. Nationals (3) 44-72
12. Astros (3) 56-59
13. Phillies (3) 62-53
14. Reds (1) 52-65
15. Nationals (3) 44-72
16. Mets (3) 61-54
46 Games Remaining
19 Games Against Teams Under .500
17 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500
10 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games over .500
ADVANTAGE: METS
As you can see, the Mets have the easiest remaining schedule of all three teams. They get to face off with teams that have less than a .500 record 27 times in their last 47 games, and those are the kind of games that need to be won if they want to win the division. The Marlins play 10 games against teams that are ten games or more over .500, and the Mets only play seven. Those three games can really make a major difference. The bottom line is this. There is no need to worry. Billy Wagner will be back soon . Ryan Church may be back sooner than we think. John Maine should be back next week, and Daniel Murphy is a beast. The Daily Stache says that the Mets are still the favorites in the NL East. This is the Daily Stache, reminding you that until next time, let the truth be told!
For more of Michael’s posts, check out www.dailystache.com.
TIGERS: Sign Freddy Garcia
August 13, 2008
Free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia signed a minor league contract to play the rest of the season for the Detroit Tigers.
BOTTOM LINE: The goal is to have him ready to pitch in the big leagues by August 31, so he can be playoff eligible. This is a nice addition for Detroit, as they can certainly use the pitching depth.
DIAMONDBACKS: Trade For Adam Dunn
August 13, 2008
Former Cincinnati Reds first basemen Adam Dunn was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for RHP Dallas Buck and two players to be named later.
BOTTOM LINE: It’s believed that one of the players to be named is Micah Owings, but he won’t be named until after the season is over. Dunn will provide power on a team that previously had Steven Drew and his 14 homers as its leading lefty power source.
RED SOX: Lowell Injures Oblique
August 13, 2008
Boston Red Sox third basemen Mike Lowell left Tuesday’s game after seven innings with a strained right oblique. No word yet on the severity.
BOTTOM LINE: He’s probably day-to-day but this will be something that is worthy of being watched closely. Expect him to sit out two or three games and Sean Casey will get some at-bats in his absense.
RAYS: Crawford Out For Season
August 13, 2008
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Carl Crawford will undergo surgery to repair the torn tendon band in his hand, and will be out for the remainder of the season.
BOTTOM LINE: The losses of Crawford and Longoria may be crippling to the Rays’ chances in winning the division. Put him on injured reserve.
Stock Watch
August 11, 2008
BY CHRIS STARBONELL
UPDATE! Writer
Every week UPDATE! will be putting together a list of note-worthy performances or events that have transpired in baseball. We’ll let you know what to get excited or nervous about while also providing fantasy insight.
BULLISH
EDDIE GUARDADO, Texas Rangers, RP
Comment: Everyday Eddie is back closing games and fantasy owners looking for saves without the bloated ERA and WHIP ratios should look no further than Guardado. With C.J. Wilson on the disabled list with bone spurs in his elbow, Guardado will assume ninth-inning duties for Texas. Over his last 9 appearances, the 37-year old reliever has a 1.04 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 6 strikeouts in 8.2 innings. He’s probably going to get overlooked in some leagues as his age and the perception that the Rangers’ style of play (lots of offense, little pitching help) will generate limited save opportunities. Yet as of today, the Rangers bullpen has notched 29 saves (a number that would obviously be higher if not for their bullpen bungling in critical spots). If you’re in need of saves, Guardado is a cheap source.
CLAYTON KERSHAW, Los Angeles Dodgers, SP
Comment: While his first call-up to the big-leagues this season bordered between disappointing and disastrous, Kershaw’s second shot in the majors has been far more successful. Sure his first start upon his return was disastrous, when he allowed 5 earned runs in 3 innings at Coors Field, but since then, Kershaw has been a different pitcher. Over his last three starts, Kershaw owns a 0.47 ERA and 0.89 WHIP, signs that he may be coming around. Now it should be kept in mind that two of these starts came against light-hitting clubs (Arizona and Washington) and his control might still be an issue as evident by his four walks issued to the Cardinals on Thursday, but Kershaw looks like he might be starting to live up to his hype. Start him in all formats for the time being.
LASTINGS MILLEDGE, Washington Nationals, OF
Comment: Before hitting the disabled list, it looked like Lastings Milledge was just another top-flight hitting prospect who never lived up to his billing. But lately, Milledge has been doing just about everything in his power to help the Nats win some ball games. Over his past 10 games, Milledge is batting .415, with 5 homers, 9 RBI, 8 runs and 2 stolen bases over that span. While he’s this hot, Milledge deserves to start in most fantasy leagues so feel free to keep him active or add him if he’s available. He may prove to be an invaluable asset down the stretch.
BRANDON MORROW, Seattle Mariners, RP
Comment: Are the Mariners actually starting to get a clue? Seattle finally did the right thing with prized arm Brandon Morrow and optioned him to Triple-A this past week to stretch him out and begin the process of converting him to a starter. While his numbers in relief have been outstanding (1-2, 10 saves, 1.47 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 47 strikeouts in 36.2 innings this year), the guy’s got top-of-the-rotation stuff and will be of much greater use to Seattle as a starter so that they don’t have to trot out the likes of Carlos Silva and Miguel Batista. He may only get 5-7 starts this year when he does return, but fantasy owners with the roster flexibility will want to keep him stashed away as he could be a big boost to your pitching staff in September.
BEARISH
RYAN BRAUN, Milwaukee Brewers, OF
Comment: Easily a cornerstone player on any fantasy team that owns him, Ryan Braun has been a beast this season. Unfortunately, those of you that roster him may be feeling the pain for the rest of 2008. Braun left Saturday’s game with what appeared to be back issues, but now we know that he’s dealing with spasms on both sides of his ribcage. The most troubling aspect of this injury is Braun’s reaction to it, “Whenever you experience or feel something that you haven’t felt before, it’s obviously a little bit scary.” When he first felt the discomfort, Braun stated he could not even breathe and yesterday he could not swing a bat. Fantasy owners have no choice but to hold onto him and hope for the best, but this sounds like trouble.
CHRIS CARPENTER, St. Louis Cardinals, SP
Comment: Poor Chris Carpenter. He spends over a year rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery and just when it looks like he is poised to pick up his innings, he leaves Sunday’s game against the Cubs in the sixth inning strained right triceps. Before leaving the contest, he had a 1.88 ERA in his three starts. While this injury has nothing to do with his surgically repaired elbow, fantasy owners should still be worried. Any additional arm ailment afflicting a pitcher coming back from Tommy John Surgery cannot be good and the Cardinals will no doubt play it safe with the 2005 NL Cy Young. Keep him benched this week, but if he has to miss any significant time, mixed leaguers may be forced to drop Carpenter.
JUSTIN DUCHSCHERER, Oakland Athletics, SP
Comment: While he still has a real shot at winning the AL Cy Young award and still leads all of baseball in ERA, the wheels may be starting to fall off on the Justin Duchscherer ride. Over his last three starts, he’s gone 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA and 2.06 WHIP. He’s never pitched this many innings in his major-league career and the workload could be setting him up for bumpy roads ahead. If the trade deadline in your league has yet to pass, it may be wise to aggressively shop Duchscherer in a package deal to try to get what you can for him before his value starts to really drop.
KOSUKE FUKUDOME, Chicago Cubs, OF
Comment: He started off his inaugural MLB season as a cult hero in Chicago, stepping up as a vital piece of the Cubs’ early success in 2008. Yet as the season has wore on, Fukudome’s offensive contributions have slipped considerably and now his playing time may be in jeopardy. Manager Lou Piniella has stated that if the Japanese import continues to struggle at the plate, he will have to look at other options to steal at-bats, spelling certain doom for Fukudome’s fantasy prospects if he can’t get his act together. Should he start entering platoon territory, you should have no reservations cutting ties with him altogether as, this late in the season, dead weight on a fantasy roster could be the difference between being a champion or an also-ran.
BUST
CLAY BUCHHOLZ, Boston Red Sox, SP
Comment: Once considered an outstanding sleeper pick for fantasy leagues, Buchholz has endured a nightmarish 2008. While his curve-ball is still impressive, he’s had plenty of trouble getting major-league hitters out this season. His 6.32 ERA and 1.73 WHIP would not be numbers accepted by fantasy owners for virtually every other pitcher, so why should Buchholz get any special treatment? At this time of the year, you should not feel obligated to hold onto him unless you are in a keeper league. Feel free to toss him on the waiver wire heap.
CHUCK JAMES, Atlanta Braves, SP
Comment: Once upon a time (2006 to be exact) Chuck James looked on the verge of becoming a legitimate no. 3 starter for fantasy teams, capable of providing solid all-around numbers as a great source of pitching depth. But shoulder problems have derailed a once-promising career for the Braves pitcher. Since the start of 2007, James has sported a 13-15 record with a 4.99 ERA and a staggering 42 homers allowed in 191 innings pitched. Until he has surgery to get this shoulder straightened out, there is no reason to have faith. Those of you who took a flier on him upon hearing he was returning to the big leagues should have no qualms releasing James.
JASON VARITEK, Boston Red Sox, C
Comment: Varitek batted ninth over the weekend for the first time this year and while he was once a fantasy stalwart at the backstop position in years past, it is time to ignore him in all leagues. He’s hitting just .219 in 2008 with a measley .308 OBP and while his defense and pitch handling skills have remained impressive, his numbers at the plate are hard to stomach. Varitek has suffered through arguably the worst offensive campaign of his career, but while manager Terry Francona and Red Sox Nation stand firmly behind their beloved captain, fantasy owners have hopefully seen that this guy just does not cut it anymore. He’s probably not on anyone’s roster, but do not even feel the need to spot-start him, he’s going to do more harm than good.
C.J. WILSON, Texas Rangers, RP
Comment: As if suffering a fair share of mound implosions in 2008 was not enough, Wilson had the nerve to undermine his manager, Ron Washington, by casually flipping the ball in the air to him when he was pulled from yet another rough outing Tuesday against New York. He then hit the disabled list immediately after the game and is likely not going to be seen again this year. He owns a 6.02 ERA this season, his teammates are peeved at him, his manager looked like he wanted to sock him and fantasy owners that bought into Wilson are hurling expletives at their computer screen. If this guy isn’t a bust, nobody is.
METS: Wagner Expected Back Next Monday
August 11, 2008
New York Mets closer Billy Wagner, who played catch on the field Saturday and Sunday, is on target to return a week from Monday barring any setbacks, according to the New York Daily News.
BOTTOM LINE: This is good news, considering that initial estimates had Wagner out until the end of the month. Keep him on the bench this week, and maybe you will get him back for next week.
ASTROS: Berkman Ends Homer Drought
August 11, 2008
Houston Astros first basemen Lance Berkman homered for the first time since June 30 in the Astros’ romp over the Reds on Sunday.
BOTTOM LINE: Fantasy owners must be saying it’s about time. With Carlos Lee out, Berkman will be counted on even more. After a huge first half, he has come back to life.
RANGERS: Bradley Returning Tuesday
August 11, 2008
Texas Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley will return to the lineup on Tuesday, according to Manager Ron Washington. Braley left Sunday’s game early due to a stomach virus.
BOTTOM LINE: Bradley has been one of the best stories in baseball this year, as he is crushing the ball. Look for him to be a solid fantasy asset down the stretch.
The Lineup
August 8, 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 Aug. 11-17. All stats up to and including August 7.
Who’s Hot
BATTERS
MATT HOLLIDAY
Colorado Rockies, OF
Stats: .379 AVG, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB
Comment: Holliday is in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak and his batting average has risen each month since the start of the season.
RYAN LUDWICK
St. Louis Cardinals, OF
Stats: .480 AVG, 6 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB
Comment: Ludwick enjoyed a five-game home run streak that ended on Thursday.
MANNY RAMIREZ
Los Angeles Dodgers, OF
Stats: .565 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB
Comment: With the way he’s re-energized a sagging Dodgers team, LA would be foolish not to keep him around past ’08.
PITCHERS
JEFF KARSTENS
Pittsburgh Pirates, SP
Stats: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 6 SO
Comment: While he is not going to keep it up, it’s hard to imagine a better start for a middle-of-the-pack pitcher switching teams and leagues.
TIM LINCECUM
San Francisco Giants, SP
Stats: 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 19 SO
Comment: The fact that he has 12 wins on a pathetic Giants team is enough to warrant CY Young consideration.
BRIAN WILSON
San Francisco Giants, RP
Stats: 0-0, 4 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 3 SO
Comment: Say what you will about Wilson, but the man gets his saves.
Who’s Not
BATTERS
JIMMY ROLLINS
Philadelphia Phillies, SS
Stats: .182 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 R, 1 SB
Comment: J-Roll is destined to finish the season with numbers closer to his 2006 and 2005 seasons instead of his blockbuster ’07 campaign.
BRANDON PHILLIPS
Cincinnati Reds, 2B
Stats: .192 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB
Comment: Streaky Phillips has been rather boring since the All-Star break.
GRADY SIZEMORE
Cleveland Indians, OF
Stats: .118 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB
Comment: Given a rare night off Wednesday by manager Eric Wedge in an attempt to awaken his bat.
PITCHERS
RAFAEL BETANCOURT
Cleveland Indians, RP
Stats: 0-0, 0 SV, 40.50 ERA, 4.50 WHIP, 1 SO
Comment: Remember early in the season when he seemed like a potential elite closer with the injury of Joe Borowski? Neither does Betancourt.
SCOTT KAZMIR
Tampa Bay Rays, SP
Stats: 0-0, 7.00 ERA, 2.33 WHIP, 9 SO
Comment: Has not pitched 6 full innings in 8 out of his last 10 starts.
DEREK LOWE
Los Angeles Dodgers, SP
Stats: 0-1, 21.60 ERA, 3.90 WHIP, 2 SO
Comment: Gave up 13 hits against St. Louis on Wednesday, including a grand slam by Albert Pujols.
Start ‘Em
A.J. PIERZYNSKI
Chicago White Sox, C
Comment: Pierzynski has been seeing the ball well since the All-Star break: .294 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R in 68 at-bats.
KURT SUZUKI
Oakland Athletics, C
Comment: Suzuki should swing a sound bat this week based on his home numbers in 2008: .324 AVG, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 26 R, 2 SB in 57 games.
BILLY BUTLER
Kansas City Royals, 1B
Comment: Butler’s .348 batting average since the All-Star break makes him worth starting if your team needs a hitting boost.
DOUG MIENTKIEWICZ
Pittsburgh Pirates, 1B
Comment: Don’t laugh. He’s getting regular playing time filling in for Adam LaRoche and Mientkiewicz has been worth using since July 23rd: .389 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R.
AKINORI IWAMURA
Tampa Bay Rays, 2B
Comment: Iwamura has been on a roll lately and he is batting .326 against the Rangers and Athletics this season.
JOSE LOPEZ
Seattle Mariners, 2B
Comment: Has raked the ball this season against the Angels and Twins: .396 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 10 R in 10 games.
STEPHEN DREW
Arizona Diamondbacks, SS
Comment: Drew, the forgotten sleeper of ’07, has quietly put together a nice season and is in the middle of a 10 game hit streak.
DEREK JETER
New York Yankees, SS
Comment: Over the past week, Jeter has picked up his offensive output: .370 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB.
EVAN LONGORIA
Tampa Bay Rays, 3B
Comment: Though he was hit by a pitch on the right wrist on Thursday night, X-rays are negative and the All-Star rookie third baseman feels fine. Do not have any qualms about starting Longoria this week as he continues to carry the Rays.
TY WIGGINTON
Houston Astros, 3B
Comment: Has been on fire over his past 5 games: .471 AVG, 2 HR, 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 3 R.
MIKE CAMERON
Milwaukee Brewers, OF
Comment: Streaky Cameron is on the cusp of a breakout this week and with the Brewers playing with some fire, he could be a great addition to fantasy rosters.
BRANDON MOSS
Pittsburgh Pirates, OF
Comment: Moss has hit the ground running in Pittsburgh and fantasy owners should take advantage while he’s feeling it.
SKIP SCHUMAKER
St. Louis Cardinals, OF
Comment: Over his past 11 games, Schumaker is batting at a terrific .405 clip
FERNANDO TATIS
New York Mets, OF
Comment: Is in the middle of an 11 game hit streak right now and has been a key player for the Mets lately. Keep him active until he slows down.
RANDY JOHNSON
Arizona Diamondbacks, SP
Comment: Over his past 6 starts, he’s been vintage Johnson: 5-1, 1.59 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 32 SO in 39.2 innings.
GIL MECHE
Kansas City Royals, SP
Comment: Since the All-Star break, it’s been a different Meche on the mound: 4-0, 1.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 27 SO in 26.1 innings.
MIKE MUSSINA
New York Yankees, SP
Comment: Moose gets a rather mediocre Minnesota offense this week, which he is 22-6 against lifetime.
JAVIER VAZQUEZ
Chicago White Sox, SP
Comment: He’s struggled plenty in 2008, but Vazquez two starts versus the light-hitting Royals and Athletics this week.
Sit ‘Em
GERALD LAIRD
Texas Rangers, C
Comment: While Laird has been cruising at the plate of late, expect his offensive production to screech to a halt this week based on his career stats versus Boston and Tampa Bay: .208 AVG, 0 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 2 SB in 39 games.
BRIAN McCANN
Atlanta Braves, C
Comment: Struggling since returning to action after his mild concussion. As a precaution, fantasy owners should bench the All-Star catcher until he looks right.
CASEY KOTCHMAN
Atlanta Braves, 1B
Comment: Kotchman has been a bust since arriving in Atlanta: .152 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R in 9 games.
DERREK LEE
Chicago Cubs, 1B
Comment: Lee’s second-half, where he has batted .225, has been bad enough to warrant a benching this week.
JEFF BAKER
Colorado Rockies, 2B
Comment: Bat has gone cold recently and with so many infield options in Colorado, Baker’s playing time could be in jeopardy the rest of the season unless he heats back up in a hurry.
IAN KINSLER
Texas Rangers, 2B
Comment: Kinsler has fallen into a slump in the second-half and fantasy owners would be wise to wait it out before installing him back into their lineup.
EDGAR RENTERIA
Detroit Tigers, SS
Comment: Is actually losing at-bats to Ramon Santiago now and if manager Jim Leyland is losing faith in Renteria, fantasy owners should abandon ship.
MIGUEL TEJADA
Houston Astros, SS
Comment: Continues to frustrate fantasy owners with his inconsistent play and it looks like he will fail to top 20 homers for the second year in a row.
CHIPPER JONES
Atlanta Braves, 3B
Comment: Chipper is due to come back this weekend, but manager Bobby Cox had indicated that Jones could pinch-hit for a few games and with that tender hamstring, who knows how effective he will be this week?
RYAN ZIMMERMAN
Washington Nationals, 3B
Comment: Despite returning to the starting lineup, a poor offense, recovering shoulder and sore wrist all point to a troubling week for Zimmerman.
DAVID DeJESUS
Kansas City Royals, OF
Comment: If you own DeJesus, it may be time to drop the fragile outfielder whose ankle injury may keep him out this week. Even if he does play, the ailment could derail his production.
JUAN RIVERA
Los Angeles Angels, OF
Comment: Just when it looked like he was set to get regular at-bats with Gary Matthews in the dog-house, Rivera’s struggles have sent him back to more of a reserve role.
CODY ROSS
Florida Marlins, OF
Comment: Has come back to Earth and is a candidate to lose at-bats, cut ties with him now.
DELMON YOUNG
Minnesota Twins, OF
Comment: Batting at a mere .214 over the past week and has just 1 homer run since July 4th.
JOSH BECKETT
Boston Red Sox, SP
Comment: Bench Beckett? When you consider his recent struggles and his life-time ERA marks versus the White Sox (4.64) and Blue Jays (4.92), how could you not?
FELIX HERNANDEZ
Seattle Mariners, SP
Comment: His 4.79 career ERA against the white-hot Angels is more than enough reason to sit the Mariners ace.
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA
Boston Red Sox, SP
Comment: While he is 2-0 since last year versus Texas, Dice-K’s 6.97 ERA against the Rangers should give his fantasy owners cause for concern this week.
OLIVER PEREZ
New York Mets, SP
Comment: In 6 career starts against Washington, Perez has not fared well: 2-3, 5.74 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 26 SO in 31.1 IP.
Go Figure
130- Pitches thrown by Detroit Tigers SP Justin Verlander on Wednesday night in an effort to preserve the bullpen, which was exhausted after a 14 inning game on Tuesday.
17- Wins totaled by the Texas Rangers this season when SP Vicente Padilla is on the hill. They have lost just 5 games in 2008 when Padilla starts.
1- Monday’s game against Seattle marked the first time in Minnesota Twins C Joe Mauer’s career that the All-Star catcher allowed two passed balls in a contest.
.612- OPS of Seattle Mariners DH Jose Vidro, good for fifth-lowest in baseball. Vidro was designated for assignment Tuesday.
Prospect Watch
CHRIS TILLMAN, Baltimore Orioles, SP
Comment: Part of the haul in the Erik Bedard trade, Tillman gives the Orioles fan base reason for hope. Tillman features a biting, hard fastball and a nasty knee-buckling power curve. Like most young pitching prospects, he has to work on developing a major-league worthy change-up. The 20-year old right-hander has gone 7-3 for Double-A Bowie this year with a 3.63 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. His control is clearly an issue as he’s issued 55 walks in 106.2 minor-league innings in 2008, but his strikeout potential is evident as he’s whiffed 114 already this year. Problems with his command stem from his lack of a third pitch as even the filthiest of pitchers cannot survive on a healthy diet of strictly fastballs and curveballs. This one caveat appears to be the only thing standing in his way of being a top-of-the-rotation starter in the majors. He’s not likely to get a call in 2008, though entering Spring Training; Tillman will be one prospect that should have the attention of fantasy owners everywhere.
Key Match-up
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Colorado Rockies
To the naked eye observing today’s standings, the Colorado Rockies appear to be a team just playing out the end of the season. But considering the lack of quality teams in their division and the comeback they staged late last season, this week presents a tremendous opportunity for them to get right back into this thing. The D-backs, who currently still hold first in the NL West, were toppled by Colorado last year in the playoffs and the Rockies have the chance to turn the tide with a big series in Coors Field. Arizona is dominating the season series so far, however, leading 8-1. The scheduled starters for Colorado are Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez and Glendon Rusch and they will be opposed by Randy Johnson, Yusmeiro Petit and Doug Davis.
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