Fantasy Baseball News 2008

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Dempster Still Perfect at Home
Ryan Dempster improved to 9-0 at Wrigley Field by holding the White Sox to one run over eight innings Sunday night, leading the Cubs to their 14th straight home victory and MLB-best 48-28 record. Dempster spent his first four seasons in Chicago as a mediocre reliever, going 9-20 with a 4.10 ERA. He did surprisingly well converting save chances over that span with an 85-percent success rate, but was stripped of ninth-inning duties and moved back to the rotation this year.

Dempster had limited success as a starter early in his career thanks largely to shaky control that included 4.7 walks per nine innings through his first 162 starts. He's still far from a control artist, but handing out 38 walks through 102.2 innings represents a 30-percent improvement and is the biggest reason for his surprising success. He's always been able to rack up plenty of strikeouts, but came into this season with a 5.00 ERA as a starter and a 4.11 ERA as a reliever.

Sunday's outing pushed him over the 100-inning mark for the first time since 2003, so the huge jump in workload may catch up to him in the second half. Beyond that, his secondary numbers?strikeouts, walks, ground ball-to-fly ball ratio?suggest that Dempster has performed more like a 3.75-4.00 ERA pitcher than the 2.63 mark that he's currently sporting. While his improvements are legitimate and he's not likely to fall apart completely, Dempster is a good sell-high candidate.

While the Cubs keep rolling without Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano, here are some other notes from around baseball ?

* Justin Duchscherer has followed the same path as Dempster, beginning his career as a starter, spending 2004-2007 in the bullpen, and switching back to the rotation this year. Duchscherer is a little different in that most of his starting was done in the minors and he thrived in the bullpen, but the career progression is similar and the success this season is just as startling. He held the Mariners to one run over 7.2 innings Sunday, improving to 8-4 while slicing his ERA to 1.99.

He's yet to allow more than three runs in a start and has given up two runs or fewer in 11 of 12 outings. However, Duchscherer spent most of April on the disabled list with a strained biceps and has a history of elbow and hip injuries, so like Dempster he's no sure thing to handle the workload increase. My guess is that Duchscherer has a better chance of maintaining an ERA below 3.50 all season, but Dempster has a better chance of staying healthy for 15 more starts.

* Ian Snell struggled Sunday against the Blue Jays and complained of elbow soreness afterward, with the Pirates scheduling him for an MRI exam Monday. "We are going to run some tests," manager John Russell said. "Hopefully it's not anything major, but we'll get some tests run and go from there. He didn't feel right today and he has a little irritation." An elbow problem would help explain Snell's decline this season, although he hadn't reported any trouble prior to Sunday.

Snell faced 1,695 batters between 2006 and 2007, striking out 20.4 percent while walking 7.9 percent. This season his strikeout rate has dipped to 15.4 percent and has walk rate has risen to 11.8 percent. That adds up to 25 percent fewer strikeouts and 50 percent more walks, which along with slightly decreased velocity is certainly the type of performance that you'd expect from someone who's been pitching through elbow problems.

* After sitting out over a year following Tommy John surgery, Mike Gonzalez returned from the disabled list last week and immediately took over as the Braves' closer, tossing a perfect ninth inning to pick up a save in his first appearance. He then waited four days for his next appearance and struggled in a non-save situation Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits, including serving up a homer to a left-handed batter (Jeff Clement) for just the third time in his career.

Gonzalez's command understandably doesn't appear to be very sharp yet, but the velocity on both his fastball and slider are fairly close to where they were in his prime. He still works at around 91-94 miles per hour with his fastball and 78-82 miles per hour with his slider, so expect Gonzalez to have at least reasonable success in the closer role as long as he remains healthy. That's a big question mark given his history, but his stuff looks good enough to get the job done.

AL Quick Hits: Vicente Padilla held the Nationals to three runs over seven innings Sunday and the unlikely quartet of Padilla, Cliff Lee, Joe Saunders, and Mike Mussina are the AL pitchers with double-digit wins ? Ivan Rodriguez reached base four times Sunday, including a solo homer that was just his second long ball of the season ? After knocking in a run with a first-inning double Sunday, Nick Markakis drew walks in four straight trips to the plate ? Kevin Youkilis delivered a walk-off homer in the 13th inning Sunday and is now just three homers short of matching his career-high of 16 set last year ? Andy Pettitte shut out the Reds for six innings Sunday and has now allowed a total of one run over his last three starts following back-to-back ugly outings to begin the month ? Milton Bradley (quadriceps) singled as a pinch-hitter Saturday, but then missed his fifth straight start Sunday ? With Freddie Bynum designated for assignment Sunday, Alex Cintron takes over as the Orioles' starting shortstop ? He has just one homer this month, but Justin Morneau has still driven in 15 runs over the past 11 games.

NL Quick Hits: Prince Fielder had just one homer through 20 games, but after going deep twice Sunday he has 15 homers in 54 games since ? Randy Wolf totaled 10 strikeouts in Sunday's loss to the Tigers, reaching double digits for the first time in 25 starts ? Mark Teixeira smacked three homers Sunday, giving him 30 homers and 111 RBIs in 129 games with the Braves ? Clint Barmes returned from the disabled list Sunday and will split time at second base with Jeff Baker, sending Ian Stewart back to Triple-A ? Brandon Webb was cruising along Sunday until the Twins scratched together a five-run fifth inning, dropping him to 2-4 since beginning the year 9-0 ? Eric Patterson went 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs Sunday, but likely won't get enough playing time to be a fantasy asset ? Manny Parra handed out a career-high six walks Sunday, yet won his fifth straight start ? Seeing increased action with Cesar Izturis (hamstring) sidelined, Aaron Miles collected five hits Sunday to raise his batting average from .293 to .313 ? Daily Dose favorite Fred Lewis collected three hits and two walks Sunday while swiping his 13th base.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

King Felix Slams, Leaves
What happens when an ambidextrous pitcher faces a switch-hitting batter? Mostly there's a lot of confusion, followed by some gamesmanship, a little frustration, a few on-field meetings, and then finally ? well, I won't ruin it for you. Check out this highly amusing eight-minute clip of a low Single-A game last week and see for yourself. Trust me, it's worth watching.

While Pat Venditte immediately becomes one of my favorite pitching prospects, here are some notes from around baseball ?

* Monday's matchup of Venezuelan aces Johan Santana and Felix Hernandez predictably proved to be an interesting one, but hardly went as expected. King Felix made history in the second inning by taking Santana deep to the opposite field for the first grand slam by an AL pitcher in 37 years. After giving himself an early lead Hernandez cruised through 4.2 dominant innings before injuring his ankle when Carlos Beltran slid into him during a play at the plate following a wild pitch.

Hernandez was in obvious pain and could barely put weight on the ankle, yet attempted to remain in the game and even tried to talk his way into a second warm-up pitch after hopping around for several moments following his first throw. Clearly in no position to pitch, he finally relented and was carried off the field, visibly upset about coming one out short of his fifth straight win. X-rays were negative and Hernandez said afterward that he expects to make his next scheduled start.

* While the Mariners hope that Hernandez can avoid the sidelines, manager Jim Riggleman said Sunday that J.J. Putz is unlikely to make it back from his elbow injury before the All-Star break. "We don't want to rush it," Riggleman said. "It seems like with those elbows a guy says, 'I'm over it' and then he gets in the adrenalin of a game situation and it flares up again." Putz being out for the remainder of the first half would give Brandon Morrow at least three weeks with closer duties.

Of course, Morrow needs to get over health problems of his own first. He hasn't pitched since June 17 because of back spasms, but had what the Mariners deemed an "extensive" throwing session prior to Monday's game and is expected to be available Tuesday. Morrow was among the most unhittable relievers in baseball prior to the back problems, tossing 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA, 30-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and .164 opponent's batting average. He can do the job.

* Injuries and poor run support kept Ben Sheets from winning more than a dozen games in any of his first seven seasons, but he's avoided his usual assortment of arm problems so far this year and looks capable of approaching 12 wins by the All-Star break. Sheets improved to 9-1 with a complete-game victory Monday, retiring the last 16 batters he faced while holding the Braves to one run on four hits.

Sheets totaled seven strikeouts without issuing a free pass, giving him an excellent 84-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go along with a 2.59 ERA over 104.1 innings. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since May 15 and leads the league with three complete games, the latest of which required just 106 pitches. He has a favorable schedule leading into the break, with a road start against the Twins followed by home starts against the Pirates and Rockies.

* After posting a career-best 3.07 ERA last season and moving from the spacious foul territory in Oakland to the hitter-friendly environment in Arizona during the winter, Dan Haren struck me as a good candidate to decline in 2008. Instead, he's been better than ever in his first season with the Diamondbacks, shutting out the Red Sox for seven innings Monday to defeat Josh Beckett and improve to 8-4 with a 3.04 ERA.

AL Quick Hits: Kevin Youkilis left Monday's game in the fifth inning when a Mike Lowell warm-up throw took an odd bounce and hit him in the eye ? Justin Verlander had double-digit strikeouts Sunday for the first time in 20 starts and has lowered his ERA from 6.43 to 4.49 over the past eight outings ? John Lackey held the punchless Nationals to one run over eight innings Monday, improving to 5-1 while slicing his ERA to 1.65 ? Josh Beckett was a tough-luck loser Monday, falling to 7-5 despite racking up eight strikeouts over eight innings of two-run ball ? According to manager Joe Girardi, the Yankees may call up Sidney Ponson from Triple-A to start in Friday's doubleheader ? Orioles president Andy MacPhail said Sunday that the team will continue to look for an upgrade at shortstop after handing Alex Cintron the job ? Curt Schilling underwent surgery Monday to repair his labrum and biceps, but no major damage was found in his rotator cuff and pitching again hasn't been ruled out.

NL Quick Hits: Mark Mulder (shoulder) was scratched from his scheduled minor-league rehab start Monday because of back soreness and may not be ready to rejoin the Cardinals' rotation as planned next week ? Eric Byrnes came off the disabled list Monday after sitting out 25 games with matching hamstring tears and slid into the leadoff spot ? Manager Jerry Manuel expressed doubt Sunday that Moises Alou (calf) will be able to play again this season, suggesting that he may "head to the house" and retire rather than struggle through more injuries ? Matt Holliday went 2-for-3 with a homer Monday, going deep for the first time since coming off the shelf ? John Lannan left Sunday's start after being hit on the wrist by a line drive, but a CT scan Monday revealed no major damage ? Mike Cameron returned to the lineup Monday after sitting out four games with a hyperextended knee and smacked a two-run homer ? Making little progress on his rehab stint, Matt Clement (shoulder) has shifted to the bullpen at Triple-A ? Nationals top prospect Chris Marrero will miss the remainder of the season after breaking his fibula last week.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Run Carlos, Run!
Manager Jerry Manuel continued to make headlines Monday, suggesting that Carlos Beltran's historically excellent success rate on stolen bases has kept him from running more often. Beltran is 11-for-12 swiping bases this season and 261-for-296 during his career, which is good for an 88 percent success rate that ranks first in the history of baseball among players who've attempted at least 200 steals.

"I would hope Carlos runs into a couple of outs, just to get that percentage thing out of his mind," Manuel said. "That's going to be addressed, because that's an important part to what we're going to try to do here going forward." Whether or not Beltran upping his steal attempts will actually have a positive impact on the Mets is debatable, but there's no question that Manuel's prodding has the potential to give his fantasy value a huge boost.

Since signing with the Mets in 2006, Beltran is 69-for-81 (85.1 percent) while averaging one steal attempt per 6.3 games. Prior to arriving in New York he went 192-for-215 (89.3) while averaging one steal attempt per 4.1 games. In other words, over the past four years he's run less often and been slightly less effective when he does go for a steal. Aging and injuries have a lot to do with that, but Beltran clearly still has the ability to steal more if he's willing to see his success rate dip.

While Manuel ponders whether convincing Beltran to take more chances on the bases will require "going gangster" or not, here are some other notes from around baseball ?

* One of the topics yesterday in this space was Ben Sheets staying healthy and potentially tying his career-high in wins by the All-Star break. Interestingly, shortly after moving to 9-1 with a 2.59 ERA by throwing his league-leading third complete game Monday, the impending free agent announced plans to test the market following the season regardless of whether the Brewers come to him about a new contract. "That's the direction I'm headed now," Sheets said.

Sheets' lengthy injury history and corresponding lack of jaw-dropping win totals will no doubt hurt his earning potential, but he doesn't turn 30 years old until next month and has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past five seasons. Since the beginning of last year he's 21-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 39 starts, posting a fantastic 190-to-58 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 246 innings. C.C. Sabathia has gotten all the headlines thus far, but he's not the only stud pitcher hitting the market soon.

* Few pitchers can boast a more impressive minor-league track record than Kevin Slowey, who posted an amazing 1.94 ERA and even more ridiculous 361-to-52 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 366.2 innings prior to being called up to Minnesota last season. Throughout his dominance in the minors Slowey had plenty of skeptics, because many people felt that his high-80s fastball and supposed lack of a "out pitch" wouldn't translate particularly well against big-league hitters.

Slowey has turned in some rough outings that tend to include multiple homers allowed, but for the most part he's shown that pinpoint control and uncommon intelligence on the mound can go an awfully long way. He tossed a gem Tuesday, shutting out the Padres for six innings while racking up a season-high seven strikeouts, and is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 16-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in three starts since being knocked around for eight runs by the White Sox on June 8.

If you remove that one ugly game from Slowey's record he has a 2.97 ERA and 42-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 10 starts this year. Even with the clunker against Chicago included, he's 8-7 with a 4.35 ERA, 93-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.26 WHIP over 130 career innings. Serving up 26 homers during that time is behind the mediocre ERA and he doesn't project as a future ace, but his performance has been impressive for someone who turned 24 years old last month.

AL Quick Hits: Zack Greinke racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts Tuesday as the Royals won for the ninth time in 10 games ? After examining Shaun Marcum's injured elbow Monday, Dr. James Andrews determined that he won't require surgery ? Gary Sheffield homered in his return from the disabled list Tuesday, which is encouraging after he hit just three homers through 163 plate appearances prior to the injury ? R.A. Dickey went 0-3 with a hideous 14.11 ERA through his first three starts, but the knuckleballer shut out the Mets for seven innings Tuesday ? George Sherrill loaded the bases with no outs Tuesday, but managed to wriggle out of trouble to close out a two-run lead for his 26th save in 29 chances ? Alex Rios collected four hits Tuesday, including his first homer since May 1 ? Josh Hamilton exited Tuesday's game with knee inflammation, but is considered day-to-day ? Andy Marte started Tuesday for the first time in 17 days, striking out twice before being lifted for a pinch-hitter ? With his wife set to give birth Jason Bartlett will be away from the team Wednesday and Thursday, so Ben Zobrist will be starting fresh off the DL.

NL Quick Hits: Thanks to Reed Johnson heading to the disabled list Tuesday with back spasms, Eric Patterson could emerge with short-term value in NL-only leagues ? Nick Johnson will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair a torn wrist ligament, leaving Dmitri Young with little competition for playing time ? After taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning last week, Dave Bush tossed seven innings of one-run ball Tuesday and has sliced his ERA from 6.56 to 4.94 over the past six starts ? Bronson Arroyo turned in a disastrous start Tuesday as the Blue Jays pummeled him for 10 runs, knocking him out of the game in the second inning after 12 of 15 batters reached base ? An anal fissure sidelined Kaz Matsui earlier this season, but Tuesday's trip to the DL was due to a strained hamstring ? Sean Marshall totaled seven strikeouts Tuesday while subbing for Carlos Zambrano, but took the loss by allowing four runs in 4.2 innings ? Adam Kennedy started at first base against a left-hander Tuesday despite never playing the position previously and hitting .250/.307/.333 against southpaws for his career.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

MLB Draft Review 16-30
The intention was to get this column up on Friday, but a hectic schedule prevented that. Back on track for this week, it's better a few days late than never. Next week I'll get back to the standard column format and reviewing callups.

The second fifteen players in this draft review naturally takes a back seat to the first fifteen, but this column has included top prospects such as Joba Chamberlain, Max Scherzer, Travis Snider, and Madison Bumgarner over the last two years. In a draft with plenty of dissention in ranking a relatively weak high school class, this year's second set of prospects is more intriguing even if it doesn't posses quite the upside of year's past. In addition to the 16-30th ranked prospects, I'm also listing the next five players to just miss the cut at the bottom of the column. Lastly, the 2006 and 2007 versions of this column can be found in the archives.

[SIZE=+1]Rule 4 Draft Outlook[/SIZE]

Fantasy Rank. Name ? Position, Team - Actual Round-Pick (Overall)

16. David Cooper ? 1B, Blue Jays ? 1.17 (17th)

A freshman at Cal State Fullerton in 2006, Cooper transferred to Cal as a sophomore and had a very promising season with a .382 batting average, 12 homers, and more walks (30) than strikeouts (21). A surprisingly thick, 6'1", 190 pound left-hander, Cooper projected to have more power than that, but his pure hitting skills were impressive. A solid Cape Cod season followed with a .284 average and two homers in 69 at-bats. However, Cooper's power finally had a true breakout while back at Cal, as he smacked 19 homers while hitting .359 with a 35/37 K/BB ratio.

Cooper has a very smooth, powerful swing from the left side that includes plenty of natural loft. He's hit for nice averages the last two seasons for Cal and doesn't strike out often, but he'll probably hit too many fly balls to be more than a .280 hitter in the majors. However, since he has legitimate 30 homer power and a very strong approach at the plate, Cooper is a good bet to be a valuable big league first basemen.

17. Conor Gillaspie ? 3B, Giants ? 1A.7 (37th)

Gillaspie looked like a potential mid-round selection during his first two years at Wichita State, hitting for solid averages with gap power and a fair idea at the plate. However, Gillaspie had a big breakout in the Cape Cod league last summer, leading it in batting average (.345) and slugging percentage (.673) while smacking 12 doubles and seven homers. He was eventually crowned the league's MVP, and the performance with wood bats was quite a shocking development for an afterthought like Gillaspie. However, he continued his breakout while back at Wichita State this spring, batting .419 with 16 doubles, eight triples, and 11 homers while posting an excellent 22/38 K/BB ratio.

A solid, 6'1" 200-pound left-handed hitting third basemen, Gillaspie is as pure a hitter as you'll find. He's got an excellent idea of the strike zone, can hit the ball with authority to any part of the park, and has a quick yet controlled swing. It'd be surprising if he wasn't a .300 hitter at the major league level. Though he showed good power at the Cape Cod league last summer, he still profiles as more of a doubles hitter in the majors and will likely top out in the teens as far as homers go. He'll also throw in a few steals (he swiped 16 bags in 18 tries this season), though he may have to move to left field because of poor defense at third base.

18. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=5584"]Shooter Hunt[/URL] ? RHP, Twins ? 1A.1 (31st)

A potential Top 15 pick earlier this spring, Hunt lasted until the first pick of the supplemental first round. The 6'3", 200 pound right-hander entered the season as one of college baseball's best arms thanks to a sophomore season for Tulane in which he posted a 2.62 ERA and 104/30 K/BB in 99 2/3 innings. His ERA was similar as a junior at 2.68, but the shape of his performance was different. Hunt was dominant in the early going of the season, then struggled in April and May and ended up walking 56 batters in 100 2/3 innings. On the positive side he improved his strikeout rate with 126 punchouts and also allowed just 62 hits, highlighting just how tough he is to make solid contact against.

The questions with Hunt are if he can improve his command and just how unhittable can he be. Hunt does have one of the better curves in the class and his fastball sits in the low-90s with good movement, but he hasn't needed his changeup much and that makes it a big unknown. He'll need to develop at least a passable one to keep big league hitters honest. There's nothing terribly wrong with his delivery that would limit command, so perhaps professional pitching instructors can help in that regard. I tend to think Hunt will be more hittable than people expect but will make up for it with better command, though it's very much a roll of the dice here. I don't view the late season slump as much of an issue and Hunt has No. 2 starter upside, so feel free to gamble on him earlier than the Twins did.

19. Andrew Cashner ? RHP, Cubs ? 1.19 (19th)

A junior at TCU who had pitched for a junior college the previous two seasons, 2008 marks the fourth time Cashner has been drafted by a big league club. The Braves, Rockies, and Cubs all couldn't sign him in years past, but the Cubs should get the job done this time. A former starter, Cashner converted to a relief role this spring and saw his stock shoot through the roof. He went from topping out at 92 to hitting 98, and his fastball regularly sits at 95-96 in games now. The results were also there, as Cashner posted a 2.34 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings.

In addition to his fastball, Cashner has a plus slider that is one of the toughest breaking pitches in the draft when it's on. Though he has a nice, smooth delivery that generates velocity easily, command often eludes him, especially with the slider. He walked 27 batters during those 54 1/3 innings this year, and it wasn't an infrequent sight to see him bounce a pitch or completely lose one that isn't anywhere near the strike zone. It's a flaw that could be corrected, but it adds some uncertainty to Cashner's projection.

The Cubs are open to the idea of moving Cashner back to the rotation, but that seems like a poor idea. His velocity only came once in a relief role, he doesn't have a third pitch, his approach is to simply blow the opposition away, and his command still needs significant work. Roll all that up and you have someone destined for relief work. Despite the negatives, Cashner's electric stuff and quality delivery mean he'll be a closer down the road with simply moderate improvement in his command. He'll have to battle Carlos Marmol and perhaps Kerry Wood, but Cashner could be ready for the majors late this season and capable of holding down the closer's role in 2010.

20. Aaron Hicks ? OF, Twins ? 1.14 (14th)

A pitcher and center fielder for his California high school squad, Hicks says he prefers to hit and the Twins announced him as an outfielder when he was selected on draft day. With a fastball that can reach 97 MPH, Hicks may well have been selected as a pitcher without those comments and it does provide a fallback if his career as a hitter doesn't work out. Quickly signed by the Twins after the draft, Hicks has already reported for action in the Gulf Coast League and is 3-for-9 with three strikeouts so far.

A lean 6'2" switch-hitter who weighs in at just 170 pounds, Hicks is a true five-tool player. His bat is very quick from both sides of the plate, but he'll need considerable refinement if he's ever going to be more than a passable hitter. Still, the potential for a Torii Hunter type of bat is there. Add in his excellent arm and plus speed, and it's easy to see why Hicks gets scouts drooling. Perhaps he'll never learn to hit for both average and power, but he should get to the majors anyway because of his speed and defense. Since he has 20-homer and 30-steal upside, he's an attractive if not risky flier.

21. Gerrit Cole ? RHP, Yankees ? 1.28 (28th)

It's a weak year for high school arms, which leads to less of a consensus among which ones should and shouldn't go in the first round or so. While Ethan Martin emerged as the consensus top prep arm in the draft, who ends up ranked second on that list is wide open. Though he's unrefined, Cole has as much upside as any arm in the draft and is thus worth a strong look this high in a year without many arms providing both potential and reliability.

A big 6'3" right-hander from a southern California high school, Cole has two electric pitches. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and has touched 98 MPH to go along with plenty of movement, and his tight curve looks like a potential plus pitch more often that not. The issues with Cole are that he lacks consistency with his command, and his delivery is far from clean. He could do a better job of using his lower half to put less pressure on his arm and improve consistency, and the abrupt ending to his delivery is also hindering his command and adds to the injury concerns. Still, Cole ranks near the top of any draft in pure stuff, and he would have been selected higher were it not for the presence of Scott Boras.

22. Reese Havens ? SS, Mets ? 1.22 (22nd)

An intriguing prospect that never put it together during his first two years at South Carolina, Havens finally showed some promise by hitting .315 with five homers in the Cape last summer. That breakout followed him back to South Carolina this season, as Havens posted by far his best year with a .359/.486/.645 mark that included 18 homers and a 44/58 K/BB mark. That he struggled mightily against both left-handers (.238/.384/.488) and Friday starters (.231/.333/.385) are enough to give serious pause, but he was so good the rest of the time they may be more noise than red flags.

A 6'1", 200-pound left-handed hitting shortstop, Havens has a balanced all-around game at the plate. He doesn't project to hit .300 or smack 30 homers, but he could hit .280 with 20 homers and plenty of walks if his struggles with lefties and Friday starters prove moot. He wasn't likely to stay at shortstop anyway, and he'll surely move off the position now that he's on the Mets and blocked by Jose Reyes. Third base is also blocked thanks to David Wright, so Havens' future now lies at second base. That he won't steal many bases will limit his value, but above average power from a weak position would give him plenty of utility.

23. Zach Collier ? OF, Phillies ? 1A.4 (34th)

Collier isn't your typical raw high school outfielder, as his game is more refined than most and his best asset is his bat as opposed to overall athleticism. A late riser, Collier likely would have gone higher in the draft if he had looked as good as he did this spring as a junior. Instead, he fell to the supplemental round, and the Phillies may have a potential bargain.

A 6'2", 180-pound left-hander, Collier has a quick stroke that's currently built for plenty of line drives. The strength and aptitude are there for him to add more home run power as he fills out and tweaks his approach at the plate. While he has the potential to swipe 15 bags per season, Collier's primary value will come in the form of batting average and average to above average power for an outfielder. Playing half his games at Citizens Bank Park also helps, and that Collier will spend all of next season as an 18-year-old in the minors means he's young for his class.

24. Tyler Ladendorf ? SS, Twins ? 2.14 (60th)

A ranking not for the faint of heart, Ladendorf is a pure upside pick from a premium position. A 34th round pick by the Yankees coming out of high school and a 34th round pick by the Giants after his freshman year at Howard Junior College last season, Ladendorf shot up 32 rounds thanks to a dominant 2008 campaign. While he hit .425 with a whopping 65 steals in as many attempts last year, Ladendorf added 15 pounds and displayed more power as a sophomore. The 6'0", right-hander hit a ridiculous .542 while increasing his home run output from 1 to 16, and his plus plus base stealing remained intact as he swiped 32 bags in 33 attempts.

Questions are abound with Ladendorf as he tries to translate to the minors. While his bat looked strong against inferior competition, it's a big risk assuming it will play against professional pitching. His glove is also a question, though there's a good chance he can stay at short. That the Twins certainly are in a position where they can, and should, give him every opportunity to prove he can remain there is a plus for his value. If he can stay at short and his bat develops into at least a passable tool, his 40 steal potential gives him immense fantasy potential. There's potential for more than a speed-only threat as well, so he's worth a gamble this high.

25. Jake Odorizzi ? RHP, Brewers ? 1A.2 (32nd)

The first thing that stands out when watching Odorizzi is his delivery. And what you notice is that you don't notice anything. His delivery is very clean and extremely consistent, so much so that it's very difficult to pick out a major flaw. One of the main reasons for the exceptional delivery is Odorizzi's athleticism. In addition to being a talented shortstop both at the plate and in the field, Odorizzi is also a well-regarded wide receiver on the football team. The total package means he has as few red flags as you'll see with a prep arm.

Odorizzi's easy delivery allows him to hit the low-90s consistently and touch 95 MPH on his best pitches. He's also shown a good curve and a developing slider and changeup. All four of his pitches could be average at the big league level, but the key to his success will be more consistency with his curve and developing one of the slider or changeup into a third weapon. Odorizzi also has above average command, so he's the type of arm you want to bet on despite the lack of refined secondary offerings.

26. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=5559"]Joshua Fields[/URL] ? RHP, Mariners ? 1.20 (20th)

A potential first rounder for last year's draft after a dominant sophomore season in 2006 that saw him post a 1.80 ERA and 56/11 K/BB in 50 innings, Fields fell off as a junior. His fastball losing a little life, his command fading some, and the transition from more of a hard slider to a slower curve were all factors in the down year. However, Fields bounced back early on this year and looked dominant until some struggles in May and June. Overall he has a 3.50 ERA and 62/22 K/BB in 36 innings this season, but that undersells just how dominant he was before those late-season struggles.

Fields' fastball sits in the mid-90s and can he can pump it up to 98 when necessary. His curveball is also a plus pitch, though that he lacks a third pitch means he's destined for the bullpen. His problems with command over the last two seasons are of some concern, and that's likely tied to his max-effort delivery. However, he was better there earlier in his college career, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a pro pitching coach straighten him out. The command problems and late-season struggles should give owners pause, but Fields has top tier closer potential and he could take over for J.J. Putz in 2011.

27. Brett DeVall ? LHP, Braves ? 1A.10 (40th)

A very comparable player to 2006 second round pick Brett Anderson, DeVall has approach, command, and secondary pitches to spare. A big left-hander at 6'4" and 220 pounds, DeVall can hit the low 90s with his fastball white sitting more often in the high 80s. His slider is a plus pitch for his age group, and his changeup may be the best in the high school class. DeVall also has excellent command of all three pitches, and a long track record in big games has helped the Florida native develop an advanced approach as a pitcher.

I ranked Anderson 15th back in 2006 despite the fact that he was selected 55th overall. DeVall doesn't rank quite as highly, largely because his fastball is just a tick slower and his command, while very good, isn't a plus plus attribute as Anderson's was. Still, DeVall is a very intriguing high school arm and should be a solid No. 3 starter if he translates as expected.

28. Charlie Blackmon ? OF, Rockies ? 2.25 (72nd)

One of the more intriguing mid-rounders out there, Blackmon was twice drafted as a pitcher back in 2004 and 2005. He signed neither time, and eventually transferred from a junior college to Georgia Tech. Blackmon pitched all of one inning with the team last season before being redshirted, and the Yellow Jackets decided to try him as a position player this spring. The 6'4", 200-pound left-handed responded by being the club's best hitter, batting .396/.469/.564 with eight homers. He was hit by a pitch a whopping 16 times, but more surprising was his 21/20 K/BB. Considering he was focusing solely on pitching for three straight years, that type of bat control and discerning eye were rather impressive and bode well for the future.

Despite a big body at 6'4", Blackmon has plus speed and swiped 25-of-30 bases this past season. That he did some of his best work against Friday starters (.440/.517/.640) is encouraging, and his plus bat speed and smooth swing hint at more power potential than he's shown. He'll turn 22 in less than two weeks, but he hasn't been a hitter for very long and there's plenty of room for improvement here. Landing in Coors Field is quite the boon to his value, but he was already one to watch due to a potential complete fantasy package of batting average, power, and speed. He could take over for Matt Holliday in 2010.

29. Allan Dykstra ? 1B, Padres ? 1.23 (23rd)

The polar opposite of the Blackmon ranking, Dykstra was slated to get ranked in the teens if he fell into the right situation. I've been a big fan of his potential for the last few years, but now he barely cracks the Top 30 after landing in the homer-suppressing Petco Park.

A well-regarded high school hitter from a San Diego high school, Dykstra (no relation to Lenny) spurned the Red Sox for Wake Forrest after Boston made him a 34th round pick three years ago. His impact in college was both significant and immediate, as Dykstra smacked 15 homers and posted a fantastic 32/51 K/BB in just 55 games as a freshman. He posted similar numbers in each of the next two seasons, though that his batting average never surpassed .324 is a concern for such a powerful slugger. On the plus side, he did hit .308 with good discipline and above average power in the Cape Cod League last summer.

A big left-handed hitting first basemen at 6'5", 230 pounds, Dykstra is extremely patient at the plate but takes a powerful cut when he does see something he can drive. That he played on a poor hitting team meant he had a harder time getting pitches to hit with authority the last two years, but he was more than willing to simply take a walk (62 this year) and let his teammates try and score him. It will be interesting to see how he does on teams where he won't be pitched around so frequently. Though the move to Petco Park does hurt, Dykstra is one of the best power prospects in the draft and hits the ball as far as anyone when he does connect, so perhaps the park effect won't be quite as strong. A better prospect in sim leagues because of his patience, Dykstra's power is enough to be worth a high pick.

30. Mike Montgomery ? LHP, Royals ? 1A.6 (36th)

A scouts' dream on the mound, Montgomery is a 6'5" left-hander with a projectable frame and a fastball that can touch 94 MPH. Right now he's sitting at around 90, but he's exactly the type of player one can hope for an increase from down the road. The California native has solid command, but it's not an asset at this point. Part of the reason for that is that Mongtomery's delivery isn't smooth and takes quite a bit of effort, ensuring a lack of consistency. Montgomery's slow, low-70s curve and high-70s changeup are both solid if unexciting options at this point. He's your typical high-risk, high-reward prep arm.

The Next Five

31. Casey Kelly ? SS/RHP, Red Sox ? 1.30 (30th)
32. Jason Castro ? C, Astros ? 1.10 (10th)
33. Eric Thames ? OF, Blue Jays ? 7.17 (219th)
34. Shane Peterson ? OF, Cardinals ? 2.13 (59th)
35. Xavier Avery ? OF, Orioles ? 2.4 (50th)

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Wins, ERA can be deceptive
Traditional pitching statistics ? wins, losses, ERA ? have limited value as leading indicators for a change in performance. A deeper look at component skills, situational trends and even the regression of random events can reveal more intriguing possible futures. Here are a few:

* All it took was a no-hitter to elevate our expectations for Clay Buchholz. So it was somewhat disappointing to see his 5.53 ERA through mid-May, and subsequent DL trip and demotion. While some may view these events as a normal blip for a developing pitcher, our optimism should be undeterred.

In the small 42 inning 2008 sample, Buchholz was still striking out more than a batter per inning. He allowed home runs in only two of his eight starts. His batting average on balls in play was .380, and a startling .490 over his final four starts, a level that will regress, further helping improve his ERA. With a 2.00 ERA over six starts in Class A, Buchholz could have a huge impact in the second half.

* A.J. Burnett is another talented arm whose skills belie his current 5.00-plus ERA. While it's tough to see beyond the two eight-run disasters in his last three starts ? those outings alone have inflated his ERA by a full run ? they were his only poor starts since early April. Meanwhile, his 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings rate and 2.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio remain solid, and his .350 BABIP and 64% strand rate point to an ERA correction.

* Roy Oswalt posted ERAs above 5.00 in both April and May, an uncharacteristic start for the Houston ace. June has been better and his ERA has improved to 4.84, but what does the rest of the season hold? Good news, it seems. After striking out just six batters per nine innings over the first two months, he's pushed his strikeout rate to 8.5 in June. His strikeout/walk rate is now an elite-level 3.0. And he's managed to post a 3.08 ERA in June despite a .360 BABIP. As that regresses, his ERA could improve even more.

* C.C. Sabathia may become the subject of trade talks as the Indians decide whether they will be buyers or sellers next month. While his contract status is a determining factor in that decision, it is important to note what he has done since his April debacle. Since posting a 13.50 ERA in his first four starts, he has a 2.15 ERA over 88 innings. He is striking out more than a batter per inning and posting a strikeout/walk rate near 4.0. He could well make another Cy Young run.

* Andy Sonnanstine was a popular sleeper coming into 2008 but has disappointed thus far with a 4.92 ERA despite an 8-3 record for the Rays. He may be a bit more of a long shot, but his current 5.8 strikeout rate has been boosted by a 7.6 mark over the past month, along with continued pinpoint control. His workload has been monitored thus far ? only four 100-pitch outings in his 15 starts and only one since April 30 ? setting him up for sustained productivity in the second half.

* It is odd to find a pitcher with an 11-4 record and 3.23 ERA on a list of potential surgers, but Brandon Webb's leading indicators point to even better days ahead. His fantasy owners may be worried about the 5.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in June, but a lowly 55% strand rate is to blame, thanks in part to the Diamondbacks bullpen. Webb's skills remain elite, and he could still finish with an ERA of less than 3.00 for the first time since 2003.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Impact of new managers
From the presidential race to the baseball diamond, the word of the week is: change. Whether it's a different leadership philosophy, an effort to reverse a downward trend or an attempt to increase productivity, major changes are being put into action.

In less than a week, three major league teams shook up their coaching staffs, their front offices or both in an effort to turn around sagging fortunes.

Shockwaves are reverberating through the fantasy world as well.

Meet the new Mets, same as the old Mets

The New York Mets' firing of Willie Randolph as manager is probably the least significant of these moves from a fantasy standpoint. The Mets needed something to jolt the club out of its state of mediocrity, and Randolph's ouster was their answer.

After finishing in the top four in the National League in runs scored each of the past two seasons, the Mets are in the middle of the pack this year. There's still plenty of talent on the roster, and interim skipper Jerry Manuel isn't likely to try anything radical outside of encouraging Carlos Beltran to run a little more often.

Beltran and Jose Reyes are already doing a decent job of getting on base and scoring, David Wright is on pace for more than 25 homers and close to 125 RBI, and Johan Santana is putting up numbers that should translate into a better won-lost record than last year's 15-13. But outside of a few acquisitions, the Mets are similar to the team that has come up short the past two seasons.

Net effect: Expect a slight uptick in production across the board, which can probably be attributed to the law of averages more than Manuel's decision-making. Wright and Santana have histories of performing better in the second half of the season.

Turn back the clock in Toronto

With John Gibbons out and Cito Gaston returning to manage the Blue Jays, there's some hope for a return to the glory years under Gaston when the team won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992-93.

Pitching is a strong point with Roy Halladay anchoring the rotation, Shaun Marcum (who just went on the disabled list) surprising, and Dustin McGowan and A.J. Burnett showing occasional flashes of brilliance. Toronto also has one of the best bullpens in the game.

Unfortunately, the underachieving Blue Jays have one of the least potent offenses in the majors. Only one American League team (the Seattle Mariners) had a lower slugging percentage, while expected monster seasons from Alex Rios and Vernon Wells have yet to materialize.

True to form, the Jays lost 1-0 in 12 innings to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates in their first game with Gaston at the helm.

So what can Gaston do for this year's team? It's hard to draw too many parallels from his previous stint in Toronto from 1989 to 1997. But a manager tends to have a certain philosophy in terms of making out his lineup card and handling his pitchers.

During Gaston's first stint, he tended to go with a set lineup most of the time instead of mixing and matching. Of course, that's pretty easy to do when you can send John Olerud, Roberto Alomar, Devon White and Joe Carter out there every day.

Now, Gaston has more decisions to make. Will Rod Barajas continue to catch most every day now that Gregg Zaun is healthy? Will Brad Wilkerson get most of the starts in left field, even when Shannon Stewart (a member of Gaston's Jays from 1995 to '97) returns from the disabled list? What about Adam Lind, who was hitting above .300 at Class AAA and was called up to take Kevin Mench's spot on the roster?

And if one player starts to outperform everyone else in left, will Gaston prefer a more regular lineup the way he did more than a decade ago?

One change might come in the stolen-base department. Led by the trade deadline acquisition of Rickey Henderson, Gaston's Jays led the AL in steals in their title-winning 1993 season. This year's Jays were among the least efficient teams in the major leagues in terms of stolen-base percentage. If the offense continues to struggle, look for Gaston to pick his spots better than Gibbons did and give the green light more often to Rios, Wells and even David Eckstein and Marco Scutaro to get the offense going.

Another tendency in Gaston's past is splitting save opportunities. He had Tom Henke and Duane Ward close games in the early '90s. Although B.J. Ryan is the team's current closer, left-hander Scott Downs hadn't given up a run since April 30. It wouldn't be a stretch to see Gaston give Ryan, who's coming off Tommy John elbow surgery, an occasional breather in save situations. Last season's fill-in closer,Jeremy Accardo, could also return before the All-Star break.

Net effect: Rios and Wells will still have to carry the team offensively. Look for the Jays to try to manufacture more runs and hope the pitching staff remains solid. Lind is likely the best long-term solution to the logjam in left field.

Sonic boom in Seattle

The biggest shake-up last week occurred in Seattle, where the Mariners axed general manager Bill Bavasi and fired manager John McLaren a few days later.

Several roster changes followed almost immediately, and more could be on the way.

With nothing left to prove in the minors, Jeff Clement is behind the plate. Before he was fired, McLaren implied that Clement would get the bulk of the starts at catcher and a real opportunity to show he can play at the major league level. But McLaren didn't keep the job long enough to put those words into practice.

Jim Riggleman's first lineup card as interim manager had Clement catching, Richie Sexson at first base and ? with the game in an NL park ? no designated hitter. In fact, the Mariners won't get their DH back until June 30 when interleague play is done for the season. In the meantime, Jose Vidro will see his role reduced to pinch-hitting. Despite paltry on-base and slugging percentages, Vidro hit in the No. 2 or 3 spots in the order under McLaren.

That figured be one of the first things Riggleman addressed. Indeed, in his first game as manager, Riggleman put Jose Lopez in the No. 2 spot. With Vidro out of the lineup, Raul Ibanez hit third and Adrian Beltre batted cleanup. The result was a 10-2 victory at the Atlanta Braves.

Sexson, who has lost his once-productive bat, is in danger of being designated for assignment or traded if any team is willing to take on his hefty contract. With no extra-base hits since May 24 and a batting average in the low-.200s, Sexson might be difficult to move. Most fantasy owners have already cut Sexson anyway. Only a change of scenery could make him roster-worthy again.

Many thought a move to a spacious home park would make Erik Bedard one of the top pitchers in the AL this season. For whatever reason, that hasn't happened. Bedard has left several of his starts early. During his most recent start, he left after three scoreless innings because of back spasms.

It will be tough for the Mariners to admit trading five players (including Adam Jones and George Sherrill) to the Baltimore Orioles for Bedard was a mistake. They'll likely look to see what he'll bring on the trade market, but he's one of only a few players on the team with trade value.

Once the Mariners finish deciding who's staying and who's going, the rebuilding process can begin. A glimpse of the future could be found in 21-year-old outfielder Michael Saunders, who was recently promoted to Class AAA Tacoma (Wash.). Now that Ichiro Suzuki has been shifted to right field (a move he endorsed and one that should improve his offensive production), there's an open spot in center. Willie Bloomquist and Jeremy Reed aren't great options, but Saunders could be if given time to develop.

Net effect: The Mariners should start looking at younger players such as Clement and Saunders, see if they can get anywhere close to the package of prospects they gave up to get Bedard and then build around their two bona fide stars, Suzuki and Felix Hernandez.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Will AL breakouts continue?
By Brent Hershey and Ron Shandler, BaseballHQ.com

Following up last week's look at 2008 breakout players and the likelihood of their continued success in the National League, we take the same approach with American League breakouts:

* Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers: What stands out to us is his bat. Traded to the AL during the offseason, he has exceeded even the most optimistic projections, hitting .312 with 19 homers and 76 RBI entering the week and producing $39 in Rotisserie value. Is this a temporary hot streak, or has a new Roto stud been born?

Count us convinced. Not only has Hamilton bypassed the adjustment stage that sometimes snags hitters who switch leagues (Miguel Cabrera, we're looking at you), he has improved several important facets of his game. One criticism was problems with contact: 22% of his 2007 at-bats ended with strikeouts. In 2008, he's cut that rate to 17%.

A second shortcoming was Hamilton couldn't handle left-handed pitching; his on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) against southpaws in 2007 was a worrisome .588. Those concerns have been eased this season, as he's attacked all pitching with aplomb: .842 OPS vs. left-handers and .976 OPS vs. righties.

Remember that his 2007 was riddled with wrist and stomach injuries, but there have been no signs of health issues so far. We project his pace will slow slightly in the second half, but a .309-18-60 output from Monday through the end of the season should make many a fantasy owner happy. Though he missed significant development time with his off-the-field distractions, Hamilton is only 26 and has a bright future. He's a rare slugger with top-shelf batting average and skills.

* Joe Saunders, LHP, Los Angeles Angels: Hard to believe, but at the beginning of spring training Saunders was in a battle with Ervin Santana for the last rotation spot. As injuries wreaked havoc on the staff this spring, Saunders seized a starting job and has not looked back. He had won a team-leading 11 of his first 15 starts and was sporting a 3.03 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. That's $23 of Roto value.

Saunders has a couple of things going right for him. His walk rate had improved (only 25 walks in 101 innings), and he's shown increased stamina. He had completed at least seven innings in nine of his starts. Those two factors might be sustainable, but there are warning signs.

Saunders' strikeout rate has declined this season to 4.4 per nine innings pitched, far below the 6.0 we consider the benchmark for continued success. And, most important, he had limited batters to a .240 batting average on balls in play (BABIP). Research has shown that .300 is the league average, and, as over time, a pitcher's figure will regress toward that mean. More hits per balls in play will result in a higher ERA.

A career year is within sight for Saunders, no doubt. With 11 wins already and pitching for a first-place Angels club, he should have no trouble reaching 17-19 wins. But our projections for the remainder of the season are cool for the averages: 4.07 ERA, 1.35 WHIP.

* David Murphy, OF, Rangers: Murphy is one of the season's "where did he come from?" stories. Though he hit .343 in 105 late-season at-bats in 2007, not many projected Murphy as anything more than a fourth outfielder, much less a $22 contributor with 10 home runs and 51 RBI in late June. Owners who rostered Murphy for minimal cost have turned a nice profit.

Murphy's minor league track record suggests neither outstanding power nor impressive batting average ability. In the majors, he hasn't taken many walks (17 through 296 at-bats this season), and as the season goes on, pitchers will learn he'll chase balls out of the strike zone. But he had hit 21 doubles to go along with his 10 homers, so his power is developing. In addition, Murphy contributes a dash of speed (five steals in seven attempts), which adds to his value.

Though there's no impending sign of a second-half slump, we expect Murphy to slow down his pace and finish at .271-18-87-9, or about a $13 player. Though that amounts to a valuable asset given his draft slot or auction price, the absence of any one outstanding skill in his profile limits his long-term upside. The 26-year-old is unlikely to develop into a star.

* Carlos Quentin, OF, Chicago White Sox: Quentin was supposed to anchor right field for the Arizona Diamondbacks for the next decade. But because of the Diamondbacks' wealth of talent and Quentin's 2007 season-long shoulder injury (and .214 batting average), he was deemed expendable and dealt to the White Sox.

All he has done since is fulfill his promise and more. His 17 home runs tied him for second in the AL and his overall productivity had yielded $29 in Roto value. But given his potential coming up through the minors, there is really no surprise here, except perhaps that he's reached this level so soon. This will be his first full major league season.

With a 13% walk rate, 83% contact rate and .392 on-base percentage, Quentin has lived up to the advanced hype.

He was on pace for 35-40 home runs, but odds are that will tail off a bit in the second half as opposing pitchers adjust. We have him projected for a 30-homer, 100-plus RBI season. However, his fly-ball rate over three seasons ? 38% in 2006, 41% in '07, 45% in '08 ? paints a picture of a still-developing power source. Forty homers are probably not far off.

* George Sherrill, LHP, Baltimore Orioles: A piece of the Erik Bedard trade, Sherrill has burst upon the closer scene with 25 saves, more than that of established divisionmates Mariano Rivera and Jonathan Papelbon. His 3.21 ERA and 1.19 WHIP had returned $32 in Rotisserie value. It seems the transition from setup man has gone smoothly.

But there are several red flags. First, much like Saunders, Sherrill was benefiting from a fortunate BABIP (.230) that was artificially suppressing his ERA. As with the starting pitchers, his BABIP will eventually correct itself and Sherrill's ERA will rise.

Second, Sherrill has had trouble with walks this season. Though a hard thrower who gets lots of strikeouts ? 32 in nearly 33⅔ innings ? Sherrill also goes through stretches when he has trouble finding the plate. In 2008, his walks-per-nine innings rate was 4.8; we generally consider 3.0 as the maximum acceptable rate. Handing out more than one free pass every other inning is tough for a successful closer to overcome.

Third, a whopping 61% of batted balls against Sherrill were fly balls. High rates like this often lead to more home runs allowed ? never a good thing for a ninth-inning specialist who is expected to shut the door.

Since a closer's value is so much about opportunity, Sherrill's job is not in jeopardy, but we anticipate a tougher balance of the season. Sherrill has shown exceptional skills, so his long-term value is positive if he reduces both his walks and fly balls allowed.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Volquez vanquished
There's never really been any question about the quality of Matt Garza's stuff. The only concerns have surrounded his ability to trust in and command that stuff. He was able to do both yesterday as he pitched the first complete game of his career, a one-hitter against the Marlins.

Garza took a no-hitter into the seventh before Hanley Ramirez hit a leadoff home run to simultaneously break up the bids for a no-no and a shutout. Garza recovered to set down the last nine Marlins in order, and ended up facing just one batter over the minimum in the complete-game gem.

The 24-year-old right-hander struck out 10 in the game, mixing in some nasty breaking balls with a dominating fastball that consistently registered between 93-96 mph. His lone "mistake" in the game, the pitch Ramirez took deep, was a sharp slider that was nearly in the dirt. It's this type of brilliance that made Garza one of baseball's top prospects as he rocketed through the minors back in 2006, and that prompted the Rays to trade for him during the offseason.

Garza caused some panic early in the season when he went on the disabled list due to a nerve problem in his elbow which had reportedly bothered him last year in Minnesota, but he's been very good since returning from the DL, going 6-4 with a 3.21 ERA while allowing only 60 hits over 75 2/3 innings. He'll probably continue have some ups and downs this season, but Garza continues to flash the type of excellent potential that makes him one of the game's more intriguing young hurlers.

A few other league notes to send you into the weekend?

* Josh Hamilton is getting bit hard by the injury bug. A couple days ago he had to exit a game against the Astros early due to knee inflammation, and in his return to the lineup on Thursday night he was again forced out early, this time after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

After amazingly driving in 68 runs in his first 60 games, Hamilton has picked up just eight RBI in his last 16 games and it won't help that he's now battling multiple ailments. He should remain productive at the plate, but don't be surprised to see the RBI output continue to tail off.

* Edinson Volquez owners can take the right-hander's poor outing on Thursday night -- 4 1/3 innings, six hits, seven runs (five earned), three walks, zero strikeouts -- as an opportunity to sulk, or as an opportunity to sit back and marvel at just how amazing Volquez has been all season up to this point. In 15 starts prior to the loss against the Blue Jays, Volquez had never failed to complete five innings, had never failed to strike out at least one batter, had never allowed more than three runs, had only once allowed more than a hit per inning, and had given up only three home runs over 95 innings. Volquez has turned a corner and has been an absolute godsend for the Reds this season.

* Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list and started at designated hitter for the Cardinals on Thursday. He picked up right where he left off by going 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. He isn't getting the type of MVP hype that he usually does because Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman have been so spectacular, but Pujols sports an amazing .484 on-base percentage and is having one of his best seasons.

* Sidney Ponson will make his first start as a Yankee today when he faces the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader. Ponson experienced some surprising success with the Rangers this year, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts. Unfortunately, his off-the-field problems were so grave that even the pitching-starved Rangers couldn't put up with him. The Yankees are desperate enough to give him a chance, but it's tough to imagine that the finicky ownership in the Bronx will put up with too much of that type of behavior, particularly if his performance declines from where it was earlier in the season (which is likely).

AL Quick Hits: Rich Harden notched 11 strikeouts over eight scoreless inning on Thursday afternoon ? Erik Bedard's status for Sunday is still up in the air, and much will depend on how his bullpen session today goes ? Jesse Litsch tossed eight innings of one-run ball on Thursday night, improving to 8-4 ? Francisco Liriano had a second consecutive poor outing for Class-AAA Rochester on Wednesday night, surrendering five earned runs while striking out only three over 5 1/3 innings ? Cliff Lee fanned a career-high 11 batters while picking up his 11th win in a brilliant effort against the Giants on Thursday ? Hank Blalock is thought to be about two weeks from returning to the Rangers lineup.
atlantabraves.com
NL Quick Hits: Ian Snell was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 24 with an elbow strain ? Mark Hendrickson surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings on Thursday afternoon and suffered his fourth straight loss ? Clayton Kershaw lasted only four innings against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon, allowing just two runs but struggling with his control ? One day after announcing that Shawn Chacon was suspended indefinitely after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade, the Astros released the embattled right-hander on Thursday ? Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) hopes to return in time to participate in the All-Star Game ? Carlos Zambrano threw off flat ground on Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen session on Sunday as he works back from a shoulder injury ? The Nationals have placed Shawn Hill on the disabled list and it's not clear how long he'll be out. newyorkmets.com

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Ortiz Sets a Timetable
Your regular Daily Dose columnist Aaron Gleeman has gone missing, and is presumed dead or on vacation. I'll be filling in for him for the next couple days, so please try and bear with me. Now, on to business:

David Ortiz hit off a tee for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, taking 25 soft swings at Fenway Park, and told reporters afterward that he thinks he's still about 2-3 weeks away from returning to the Red Sox lineup. Ortiz said that the pain in his injured left wrist had improved, but noted that he still felt it "a little bit."

Ortiz injured the wrist on a routine swing back on May 31. The injury was not initially believed to be serious, but an MRI revealed a partially torn tendon which put him in a cast for a few weeks. Recovery has been slow, but the fact that he's able to swing a bat is a good sign, and if he is indeed able to return in three weeks that would put him back with the Red Sox right after the All-Star break, which is precisely the point many had speculated he might return.

The Sox have been doing just fine without Ortiz, going 15-8 in June without his services, but the team undoubtedly looks forward to the slugging designated hitter's return to the lineup. Ortiz's absence presents no real problems while Boston is playing its next three games in Houston; when the Red Sox return to AL competition, they will continue to stick with their current Ortiz-less alignment, which consists of Manny Ramirez at DH with both Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury starting in the outfield.

Here are a few other notes from around the league?

* Some bad -- if predictable -- news on the Felix Hernandez front. Mariners interim manager John Riggleman said Wednesday that his team is "not counting on Felix for Sunday." Hernandez and the team initially seemed optimistic about the right-hander making his next scheduled start after leaving Monday night's game against the Mets due to an ankle injury suffered in a collision at home plate. Yet, considering the amount of visible pain that Hernandez was in as he walked off the field, and the fact that he was wearing a walking boot the next morning, such an expedient return seemed awfully unlikely.

There are no signs at this point that Hernandez will miss any significant length of time, but if he does, knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will probably retain a spot in the rotation for a while. Dickey's spot may have been safe anyway after Miguel Batista was shelled by the Mets last night.

* The Astros announced yesterday that they have suspended Shawn Chacon indefinitely after the starter had a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade. Reportedly, Wade had some harsh words for Chacon, who had recently been demoted from the rotation to the bullpen, and the pitcher flipped his lid, grabbing the 52-year-old GM by the neck and throwing him to the ground. (Shades of Pedro Martinez/Don Zimmer?)

The Astros might trade Chacon, but he probably doesn't have much value. With a 9.35 ERA over his last four starts and little chance of rebounding to be even an average starter, Chacon held minimal fantasy value anyway.

* The red-hot Twins have won eight straight games and 10 of their last 11, and they've done so without a whole lot of help from their leadoff hitter. Carlos Gomez went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and two RBI in last night's win over the Padres, but prior to that he had been batting .228/.260/.293 with one home run, three RBI and only one steal in 21 June games. Gomez had started the season by stealing 16 bases on 18 attempts in his first 32 games, but since that point he had gone just 2-for-8 on steals over 40 games entering last night's contest. With his top-notch speed and ability to hit for power, Gomez can be a major fantasy asset when he's on. He's shown to be a very streaky player this season, so perhaps last night's strong performance bodes well for his owners.

AL Quick Hits: Carl Crawford homered twice in a blowout win over the Marlins last night, and is 13-for-28 with three homers since returning from a six-game suspension ? Joba Chamberlain fanned seven over 6 2/3 scoreless frames while earning his first win as a starter Wednesday night ? Bobby Abreu went 3-for-5 with his 10th homer on Wednesday, and is on pace to reach 20 homers in a season for the first time since 2005 ? Travis Hafner is scheduled to undergo a series of tests this weekend as the Indians seek to set a timetable for his return from a shoulder injury ? Carlos Guillen had four hits in Detroit's win on Wednesday, including his first home run since June 7 ? Hank Blalock's hand remains swollen after he aggravated an injury to it swinging in a minor-league game on Sunday, and it is completely unclear when he will be able to return to the Rangers lineup ? The Tigers placed Brandon Inge on the disabled list retroactive to June 23 with a pulled oblique muscle.

NL Quick Hits: Kosuke Fukudome missed Wednesday's game with tightness in his calf, but isn't expected to miss any more time ? Chase Utley broke out of a 1-for-29 slump with four hits on Wednesday, but has homered only once in the past three weeks ... David Wright hit a pair of homers on Wednesday night after going long just once in his first 21 June games ? Bud Black says that Josh Bard will be out of the Padres' lineup for at least another two weeks ? Barry Zito held the Indians to one run over 6 2/3 inning on Wednesday and, for the first time all season, did not issue a walk ? Eric Gagne tossed a perfect inning for Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday night and may return to the Brewers bullpen this weekend ? Jose Campillo allowed just two runs over seven innings on Wednesday to earn his first win in the month of June ? Omar Infante left Wednesday's game in the second inning due to an apparent hamstring injury ? Jerry Manuel would not rule out the possibility of a demotion for Oliver Perez after the left-hander was knocked around by the Mariners on Tuesday night to raise his ERA to 5.29.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Garza's Gem
There's never really been any question about the quality of Matt Garza's stuff. The only concerns have surrounded his ability to trust in and command that stuff. He was able to do both yesterday as he pitched the first complete game of his career, a one-hitter against the Marlins.

Garza took a no-hitter into the seventh before Hanley Ramirez hit a leadoff home run to simultaneously break up the bids for a no-no and a shutout. Garza recovered to set down the last nine Marlins in order, and ended up facing just one batter over the minimum in the complete-game gem.

The 24-year-old right-hander struck out 10 in the game, mixing in some nasty breaking balls with a dominating fastball that consistently registered between 93-96 mph. His lone "mistake" in the game, the pitch Ramirez took deep, was a sharp slider that was nearly in the dirt. It's this type of brilliance that made Garza one of baseball's top prospects as he rocketed through the minors back in 2006, and that prompted the Rays to trade for him during the offseason.

Garza caused some panic early in the season when he went on the disabled list due to a nerve problem in his elbow which had reportedly bothered him last year in Minnesota, but he's been very good since returning from the DL, going 6-4 with a 3.21 ERA while allowing only 60 hits over 75 2/3 innings. He'll probably continue have some ups and downs this season, but Garza continues to flash the type of excellent potential that makes him one of the game's more intriguing young hurlers.

A few other league notes to send you into the weekend?

* Josh Hamilton is getting bit hard by the injury bug. A couple days ago he had to exit a game against the Astros early due to knee inflammation, and in his return to the lineup on Thursday night he was again forced out early, this time after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

After amazingly driving in 68 runs in his first 60 games, Hamilton has picked up just eight RBI in his last 16 games and it won't help that he's now battling multiple ailments. He should remain productive at the plate, but don't be surprised to see the RBI output continue to tail off.

* Edinson Volquez owners can take the right-hander's poor outing on Thursday night -- 4 1/3 innings, six hits, seven runs (five earned), three walks, zero strikeouts -- as an opportunity to sulk, or as an opportunity to sit back and marvel at just how amazing Volquez has been all season up to this point. In 15 starts prior to the loss against the Blue Jays, Volquez had never failed to complete five innings, had never failed to strike out at least one batter, had never allowed more than three runs, had only once allowed more than a hit per inning, and had given up only three home runs over 95 innings. Volquez has turned a corner and has been an absolute godsend for the Reds this season.

* Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list and started at designated hitter for the Cardinals on Thursday. He picked up right where he left off by going 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. He isn't getting the type of MVP hype that he usually does because Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman have been so spectacular, but Pujols sports an amazing .484 on-base percentage and is having one of his best seasons.

* Sidney Ponson will make his first start as a Yankee today when he faces the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader. Ponson experienced some surprising success with the Rangers this year, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts. Unfortunately, his off-the-field problems were so grave that even the pitching-starved Rangers couldn't put up with him. The Yankees are desperate enough to give him a chance, but it's tough to imagine that the finicky ownership in the Bronx will put up with too much of that type of behavior, particularly if his performance declines from where it was earlier in the season (which is likely).

AL Quick Hits: Rich Harden notched 11 strikeouts over eight scoreless inning on Thursday afternoon ? Erik Bedard's status for Sunday is still up in the air, and much will depend on how his bullpen session today goes ? Jesse Litsch tossed eight innings of one-run ball on Thursday night, improving to 8-4 ? Francisco Liriano had a second consecutive poor outing for Class-AAA Rochester on Wednesday night, surrendering five earned runs while striking out only three over 5 1/3 innings ? Cliff Lee fanned a career-high 11 batters while picking up his 11th win in a brilliant effort against the Giants on Thursday ? Hank Blalock is thought to be about two weeks from returning to the Rangers lineup.

NL Quick Hits: Ian Snell was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 24 with an elbow strain ? Mark Hendrickson surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings on Thursday afternoon and suffered his fourth straight loss ? Clayton Kershaw lasted only four innings against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon, allowing just two runs but struggling with his control ? One day after announcing that Shawn Chacon was suspended indefinitely after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade, the Astros released the embattled right-hander on Thursday ? Alfonso Soriano (broken hand) hopes to return in time to participate in the All-Star Game ? Carlos Zambrano threw off flat ground on Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen session on Sunday as he works back from a shoulder injury ? The Nationals have placed Shawn Hill on the disabled list and it's not clear how long he'll be out. atlantabraves.com

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Wright Stuff, Wrong Kei
Pujols comes back smoking, Izzy heads for the shelf and the Yankees torment their fans by activating Kei. All that and more in this week's Week That Was.

Rich Harden: Rich Harden mowed down 11 in 8 shutout frames against the Phillies this week. No doubt, Harden has been all that and more while healthy. Of course, that is the rub, he is almost never healthy. That he has 83 strikeouts in 67 innings shows how well he has pitched. That he has pitched only 67 innings in 3 months shows how often he is on the shelf. Quick quiz: When was the last time Harden tossed 200 innings in a season. If you guess that is was the last time Ponch and Jon patrolled the California Highways in tight motorcycle uniforms, you were close. The real answer is . . . NEVER. Ok, seriously, if you own Harden, be happy for the 67 quality innings and sell high. Find some chump who is willing to give you a decent but healthy pitcher and another useful player and make the deal. The odds of Harden staying healthy for the whole second half of the season are slim indeed.

Chris Davis: The new Texas 1B went yard Friday, justifying (at least for now) his recent call up. Davis definitely represents a chance to catch lightning in a bottle. Before being summoned to the show, Davis was hitting .333 with ten dingers and 31 RBI in AAA. Given that Chris Shelton was cut, Frank Catalanatto will not play full time and that Milton Bradley, Josh Hamilton, and Hank Blalock are hurting, there should be plenty of playing time for Davis in the couple of weeks leading up to the All-Star break.

Jason Isringhausen: Jason Isringhausen had an MRI on his knee on Friday, the day after the very odd decision to ride him and his dubious health for 2 1/3-innings. If you own Izzy, blame Duncan and LaRussa. If you own Ryan Franklin, you likely have another closer on your roster for a few weeks more, so congrats to you. Other worthy tidbits from the Cards pen ? Chris Perez remains the closer of the future, Russ Springer remains a good bet to post quality ratios and as for Mark Mulder as a reliever ? well, even Scully would not be able to help him on that.

Albert Pujols: Albert Pujols returned from the DL with a vengeance Thursday, going a cool 4-4 with an RBI. To state the obvious, Prince Albert should be activated in absolutely all formats. For those thinking that they should consider trading Pujols because of health issues, relax. The Cards look like they will hang around for quite some time this year and Pujols will be a major factor in that effort. I see no reason to think he will do anything other than post Pujols-type numbers in the second half.

Matt Garza: Matt Garza tossed an absolute gem Thursday ? a one hitter with ten strikeouts to beat the in-state rival Marlins. In his last 7 starts, Garza has given up more than 3 runs only one time. In two of those starts, he has registered double digit K's. While I think the Rays will fall out of contention eventually, there is no reason to think Garza will be anything other than a solid middle of the rotation starter. Buy now before people realize that looking at last year's ugly 1.54 WHIP is misleading.

Hideki Matsui: Yankees put Hideki Matsui on the DL with a sore knee. Look for Jason Giambi to DH more often with switch-hitting Wilson Betemit playing first. Betemit makes a good FAAB acquisition for those in AL leagues. As to Matsui, what can you do? He has been scalding the ball most of the year and should continue to do so once he returns. Just look for him to DH even more and play the OF even less. This also means that the Yankees will need to find someone to play LF occasionally as Johnny Damon cannot play the outfield every day anymore.

Carlos Delgado: Carlos Delgado drove in nine, yes nine, runs in the first game of the two stadium subway series double header Friday. At game's end, Delgado was sporting strong power numbers --13 homers and 44 RBI. With his average under .230 and no real reason to think he will raise it anywhere near .250, now is the time to sell Delgado. Did you hear me? SELL. Call everyone in your league, talk about the 9 RBI, talk about his grand slam at Yankee Stadium, and get a more reliable player who is less likely to fade and unlikely to drag down your average.

Ryan Church: Ryan Church, who has been on the shelf recovering from a concussion, looked pretty good Thursday, going 3-3 in a rehab start with the Brooklyn Cyclones. I would not read too much into that as he was facing low-A competition. However, as it turns out, I got to see Church play first hand and he did look sharp, showing quick hands and pretty good speed on the bases. One oddity from the game that I must mention ? the Cyclones pitcher had a no-no through 5. For some reason that was never divulged, the Cyclones manager pulled the starter. The reliever then proceeded to give up a dinger on his first pitch and clanged the second pitch off the next batter's helmet. You cannot make this stuff up.

David Wright: David Wright smacked two dingers in the first game of the subway series double header Friday. Thus far, Wright has been very good, but not great and not what fantasy general managers paid for. Find one of those unhappy owners and swindle him. Wright is a bona fide superstar who will be a 5 category stud in the second half. Even if you have to pay full value in a deal, do it. 20 HR, 65 RBI and 10 SB await you in the second half.

Kei Igawa: Now one might think that losing a game one to the Mets 15-6 was the worst thing to happen to the Yankees yesterday. Well, you would be wrong. In a move that defies reason, the Yankees called up Kei Igawa. Why would they do such a thing? I guess everyone needs a pitcher with a career ERA over 6. One question ? shouldn't he be named Homer or Line Drive, not Kei (pronounced "Kay"), the symbol for a strikeout? Frankly, given that Friday was the last time the Mets and Yankees would meet at the old Yankee Stadium absent a repeat of the 2000 World Series, I would have re-activated Billy Crystal instead ? better press, nicer gesture, more useful player. Final note on this topic: I know that Igawa managed to preserve the 9 run lead last night, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

And finally, more musings from the Carlton the Doorman of fantasy sports -- Schultz Says: "It would be really fun to talk about the resurgence of Sidney Ponson and discourse eloquently about how he's put his troubles behind him and like all players who end up in Yankee pinstripes find the baseball Jesus and reclaim whatever legacy they might have had. It's kind of like the Oakland Raiders of MLB only without Al Davis involved. I'm not sure whether that makes it better or worse. Anyway, Ponson looked good against the Mets last night and with a bizarre 5-1 record you may talk yourself into thinking that Ponson might be a good investment. If this is how you are thinking, step away from your computer or any other device that you may use to acquire the Aruban nightmare, you are only going to hurt yourself.

This seems to be an ongoing discussion but Colton, how bout that Evan Longoria. He may not be married to the female equivalent of Tony Parker but he is headed toward 30 homers and 100 RBIs. Not all that bad for a guy who started in the season in the minor leagues. Such numbers might counteract a .275 average, eh? Might be time to start rethinking your thoughts on the AL rookie of the year, eh? If I say eh? One more time, I may have to say something nice about the Blue Jays, eh? Well take off, you hoser.

Short notes: Grady Sizemore is carrying the Indians and his roto-numbers are going through the roof. That's not something that's going to change. Freddie Sanchez can hit and no one but Freddie Sanchez has a clue as to whether he's healthy. If Kevin Youklis finally has the year when he doesn't fall off a cliff in the second half, then he's made the leap into the elite echelon of first basemen. Moneyball's true star may be ready to pay off big. Josh Hamilton? I'm a believer. As long as he's not wacky on the junk, there's not a single reason why you shouldn't be excited to own this year's AL MVP.

And because it has everything to do with rotisserie baseball: Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

Response: Yes, Grady has been awesome, but even he has not helped the LABR-AL disaster Rick and I manage that mirrors the real 2008 Indians. A movie about both of those teams would be entitled "Major League Disappointment." Yes, Longoria has good power numbers, but my prediction that he will hit below .270 will come true (as he has never hit .270 in his first year at a new level). Yes, drafting Ponson would be silly. Yes, Josh Hamilton is the real deal on the diamond (something Bobby Colton told you all in this space quite some time ago). However, it is worth noting that Schultz owes me big time because in the draft of Schultz Says that I received this morning, he touted JOEY Hamilton for MVP ? a prediction I am confident would have fallen flat. And of course, yes, a very Happy Anniversary to mommy and daddy Schultz.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

The Week Ahead

Hey there, sports world. My name is Drew Silva and these words below make up my first column for Rotoworld. I'm the biggest fan of this website. If you want to challenge that, well? you're not going to win. I'm the guy who hits refresh thirty times a day on Matt Clement's player page to see if he's still alive. I love the sarcasm found in an Eric Gagne blown save post. Reading Aaron Gleeman's Daily Dose is part of my daily routine. Shower, brush teeth, get some breakfast, Daily Dose. It's a sad, but oh-so-fulfilling way to live. Hopefully I can bring something to the table here. Maybe the predictions I make will come to fruition. Maybe the quick blurbs I put together will help a fantasy team, or just aid an information-seeking fan. All I know is that it's good to be here, and part of the coolest sports site on the planet. Now wipe those tears. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty.

[SIZE=+1]Two-Start Pitchers[/SIZE]

American League

The Good Ones
Joba Chamberlain ? TEX (Scott Feldman), BOS (Justin Masterson)
James Shields ? BOS (Justin Masterson), KC (Luke Hochevar)
Roy Halladay - @SEA (R.A. Dickey), @LAA (John Lackey)
Justin Masterson -- @TB (James Shields), @NYY (Joba Chamberlain)
Felix Hernandez ? TOR (Jesse Litsch), DET (Nate Robertson)
Tim Wakefield - @TB (Matt Garza), @NYY (Mike Mussina)
Gavin Floyd ? CLE (Jeremy Sowers), OAK (Greg Smith)
John Danks ? CLE (Cliff Lee), OAK (Rich Harden)
Armando Galarraga - @MIN (Glen Perkins), @SEA (R.A. Dickey)
Zack Greinke -- @BAL (Brian Burres), @TB (Andy Sonnanstine)
Jon Garland ? OAK (Greg Smith), TOR (Jesse Litsch)
Mike Mussina ? TEX (Kevin Millwood), BOS (Mike Mussina)
Greg Smith -- @LAA (Jon Garland), @CHW (Gavin Floyd)
Rich Harden -- @LAA (Ervin Santana), @CHW (John Danks)

The Others
Nate Robertson - @MIN (Scott Baker), @SEA (Felix Hernandez)
Jeremy Sowers - @CHW (Gavin Floyd), @MIN (Glen Perkins)
Brian Burres ? KC (Zack Grienke), TEX (Eric Hurley)
Radhames Liz ? KC (Luke Hochevar), TEX (Scott Feldman)
Luke Hochevar - @BAL (Radhames Liz), @TB (James Shields)
Glen Perkins ? DET (Armando Galarraga), CLE (Jeremy Sowers)
R.A. Dickey ? TOR (Roy Halladay), DET (Armando Galarraga)
Scott Feldman - @NYY (Joba Chamberlain), @BAL (Radhames Liz)
Jesse Litsch - @SEA (Felix Hernandez), @LAA (Jon Garland)

National League

The Good Ones
Matt Cain ? CHC (Jason Marquis), LAD (Clayton Kershaw)
Aaron Cook ? SD (Josh Banks), FLA (Mark Hendrickson)
Aaron Harang ? PIT (Zach Duke), WAS (Undecided)
Ted Lilly - @SF (Barry Zito), @STL (Kyle Lohse)
John Maine - @STL (Kyle Lohse), @PHI (Jamie Moyer)
Roy Oswalt ? LAD (Eric Stults), @ATL (Jo-Jo Reyes) atlantabraves.com
Wandy Rodriguez ? LAD (Clayton Kershaw), @ATL (Charlie Morton)
Edinson Volquez ? PIT (Paul Maholm), WAS (Tim Redding)

The Others
Mark Hendrickson ? WAS (Tim Redding), @COL (Aaron Cook)
Randy Johnson ? MIL (Jeff Suppan), SD (Greg Maddux)
Kyle Kendrick - @ATL (Charlie Morton), NYM (Pedro Martinez) newyorkmets.com
Clayton Kershaw - @HOU (Wandy Rodriguez), @SF (Matt Cain)
Doug Davis ? MIL (Dave Bush), SD (Jake Peavy)
Jorge De La Rosa ? SD (Greg Maddux), FLA (Ryan Tucker)
Zach Duke - @CIN (Aaron Harang), @MIL (Dave Bush)
Dave Bush - @ARI (Doug Davis), PIT (Zach Duke)
Greg Maddux - @COL (Jorge De La Rosa), @ARI (Randy Johnson)
Jason Marquis - @SF (Matt Cain), @STL (Todd Wellemeyer)
Pedro Martinez - @STL (Todd Wellemeyer), @PHI (Kyle Kendrick)
Charlie Morton ? PHI (Kyle Kendrick), HOU (Wandy Rodriguez)
Tim Redding - @FLA (Mark Hendrickson), @CIN (Edinson Volquez)
Eric Stults - @HOU (Roy Oswalt), @SF (Barry Zito)
Jeff Suppan - @ARI (Randy Johnson), PIT (Paul Maholm)
Ryan Tucker ? WAS (Undecided), @COL (Jorge De La Rosa)
Barry Zito ? CHC (Ted Lilly), LAD (Eric Stults)

Possible Streamers

American League

Wednesday, 7/2 -- Daniel Cabrera vs. KC ? Cabrera owned the Royals the last time he faced them. He pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run on three hits, and fanning seven. D-Cabs is wild, but he can rack up strikeouts. He's always a high-risk, high-reward play, but in the right situation he has a good amount of fantasy value. This just might be the right situation.

Friday, 7/4 ? Livan Hernandez vs. CLE ? Hernandez is hot; the Indians are not. It's a good-looking matchup. Livan has given up a total of two earned runs over his last 14 innings. He even managed five strikeouts against the Diamondbacks last time out. Play him. Just do it.

Saturday, 7/5 ? Kevin Slowey vs. CLE ? After a mediocre start to the season, then a run of some awful outings in early June, Slowey seems to have figured it out. He has let up just one earned run over his last 12 innings, while picking up 11 strikeouts. I'm jumping on the Indians in this column, but it's deserved. They're dealing with injuries up and down that lineup. Take advantage.

<!--RW-->
National League

Wednesday, 7/2 ? Daryl Thompson vs. PIT ? Thompson had a more-than-solid debut at Yankee Stadium last weekend, tossing five scoreless innings. On Friday, things went a bit differently. Thompson let up four earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Cleveland. But, trust me; he pitched better than those numbers sound. He didn't allow a run until the fifth inning, and two of those earned runs were tallied after Thompson was pulled. Facing the Pirates, I like the matchup. He won't get more than a couple of strikeouts, but he should post a nice ERA/WHIP, and the win potential is there.

Wednesday, 7/2 ? Chan Ho Park @ HOU ? If he isn't owned in your fantasy league, pick him up. Now. In two starts since moving into the starting rotation, Park has allowed just one run and seven hits. Even more impressive, he has tallied 16 strikeouts. Park should continue this run of success against the Astros this week, and maybe even into the second half of the season.


Total Games</FONT

American League
7: BAL, BOS, CHW, DET, KC, NYY, OAK, SEA
6: CLE, LAA, MIN, TB, TEX, TOR

National League
7: ARI, CHC, CIN, COL, FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, SF, STL, WAS
6: ATL, PHI, PIT, SD


The Injury Bug

For the latest on injuries around the league, check out the constantly-updated <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/injuries.asp?sport=MLb"" target=_blank>Rotoworld Injury Page

<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2430">Kelvim Escobar ? SP ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2435">Mark Kotsay ? OF ? Return July 1
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3789">Kaz Matsui ? 2B ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3657">Reed Johnson ? OF ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2727">Alfonso Soriano ? OF ? Return before All-Star game
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=1607">Frank Thomas ? DH ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2290">Andruw Jones ? OF ? Return early July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2960">Rafael Furcal ? SS ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3744">J.J. Putz ? RP ? Return late July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2597">Orlando Hernandez ? SP ? Return August
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3760">Chad Cordero ? RP ? Return early July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3564">Rocco Baldelli ? OF ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2494">David Ortiz ? DH ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3225">Brandon Inge ? Util ? Return early July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3581">Hideki Matsui ? DH ? Return mid-July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2493">Paul Konerko ? 1B ? Return early July
<A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4455">Ian Kennedy ? SP ? Return early July


Waiver Wired

Check out Patrick Dahl's <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/Features/column.asp?sport=MLB&columnid=9&article=30628" target=_blank>Waiver Wired column for advice on this week's best pickups.

American League
1. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4214">Matt Garza
2. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=287">Jarrod Saltalamacchia
3. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=1520">Gary Sheffield
4. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4817">Chris Davis
5. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4251">Dana Eveland

National League
1. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=5214">John Lannan
2. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3770">Clint Barmes
3. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3952">Jeff Keppinger
4. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=178">Ricky Nolasco
5. <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4035">Daryl Thompson

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

July Shortstop Rankings

Up this week are the July rankings. Players are ranked based on how I believe they will perform in 5x5 leagues over the remainder of the season. Included with the position rankings is a new overall top-250 list.



Click to see other July Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 250 Overall Rankings


Shortstops


<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Hanley Ramirez</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jose Reyes</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jimmy Rollins</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Michael Young</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Miguel Tejada</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Derek Jeter</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Carlos Guillen</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Orlando Cabrera</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Rafael Furcal</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ryan Theriot</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Yunel Escobar</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Stephen Drew</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Cristian Guzman</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Troy Tulowitzki</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jhonny Peralta</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Edgar Renteria</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Julio Lugo</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Bobby Crosby</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>J.J. Hardy</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Yuniesky Betancourt</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Khalil Greene</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Jack Wilson</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Mike Aviles</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Erick Aybar</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jeff Keppinger</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Felipe Lopez</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Jason Bartlett</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Brendan Harris</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>David Eckstein</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Clint Barmes</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Brendan Ryan</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Jerry Hairston</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2653"]Alex Gonzalez[/URL]</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Omar Vizquel</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Juan Uribe</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Marco Scutaro</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Ronny Cedeno</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Omar Quintanilla</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Nick Punto</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Cesar Izturis</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Aaron Miles</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Manny Burriss</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Jed Lowrie</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Mark Loretta</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Angel Berroa</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Rising: Orlando Cabrera (10 to 8), Cristian Guzman (15 to 13), Troy Tulowitzki (17 to 14), Mike Aviles (45 to 23), Brendan Ryan (34 to 31), Jerry Hairston Jr. (37 to 32), Marco Scutaro (NR to 36), Aaron Miles (NR to 41)
Falling:: Yunel Escobar (9 to 11), Edgar Renteria (13 to 16), David Eckstein (26 to 29), Omar Vizquel (29 to 34), Ronny Cedeno (33 to 37), Tony Pena Jr. (40 to NR), Freddie Bynum (41 to NR)

- Felipe Lopez is worthless as a member of the Nationals, but his ranking is relatively unchanged because of the possibility that he'll soon become the Orioles' primary shortstop.
- If we learned one thing last week, it's that new Jays manager Cito Gaston is no fan of Eckstein. Even though the former World Series MVP has actually had a nice month at the plate, Marco Scutaro now seems to be the preferred option at shortstop. Fortunately for Eckstein, second base is open with no return

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

July Outfielder Rankings

Up this week are the July rankings. Players are ranked based on how I believe they will perform in 5x5 leagues over the remainder of the season. Included with the position rankings is a new overall top-250 list.

Outfielders


Click to see other July Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 250 Overall Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Matt Holliday</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Grady Sizemore</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Ichiro Suzuki</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Vladimir Guerrero</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Carlos Beltran</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Carl Crawford</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Alfonso Soriano</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Nick Markakis</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Bobby Abreu</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Alex Rios</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Manny Ramirez</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Carlos Lee</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Curtis Granderson</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Corey Hart</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jason Bay</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Adam Dunn</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=194"]Chris Young[/URL]</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Josh Hamilton</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Magglio Ordonez</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Hunter Pence</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Nate McLouth</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Vernon Wells</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Torii Hunter</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Johnny Damon</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Kosuke Fukudome</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Nick Swisher</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Carlos Quentin</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Matt Kemp</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Jermaine Dye</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Delmon Young</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Shane Victorino</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Jeff Francoeur</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Juan Pierre</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Pat Burrell</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Jay Bruce</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Brad Hawpe</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Willy Taveras</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>J.D. Drew</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Jeremy Hermida</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Carlos Gomez</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Raul Ibanez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Hideki Matsui</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Michael Bourn</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2353"]Jose Guillen[/URL]</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>David Murphy</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Eric Byrnes</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Mike Cameron</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Rick Ankiel</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Milton Bradley</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Josh Willingham</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Aaron Rowand</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Michael Cuddyer</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Randy Winn</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Justin Upton</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Gary Matthews Jr.</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Ken Griffey Jr.</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Ryan Church</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>David DeJesus</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Xavier Nady</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Jack Cust</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>Adam Jones</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Fred Lewis</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Ryan Ludwick</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65</TD><TD>Lastings Milledge</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>66</TD><TD>Brian Giles</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67</TD><TD>Jason Kubel</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>68</TD><TD>Luke Scott</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69</TD><TD>Andruw Jones</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>70</TD><TD>Ben Francisco</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71</TD><TD>Melky Cabrera</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>72</TD><TD>Austin Kearns</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73</TD><TD>Skip Schumaker</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>74</TD><TD>Marcus Thames</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75</TD><TD>Mark Teahen</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>76</TD><TD>Jim Edmonds</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77</TD><TD>Elijah Dukes</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>78</TD><TD>Garret Anderson</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79</TD><TD>Andre Ethier</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>80</TD><TD>John Bowker</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81</TD><TD>Adam Lind</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>82</TD><TD>Ryan Sweeney</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83</TD><TD>Jayson Werth</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>84</TD><TD>Matt Stairs</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85</TD><TD>Jeremy Reed</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>86</TD><TD>Coco Crisp</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87</TD><TD>Joey Gathright</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>88</TD><TD>Geoff Jenkins</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89</TD><TD>Carlos Gonzalez</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>90</TD><TD>Cody Ross</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91</TD><TD>Jody Gerut</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>92</TD><TD>Shin-Soo Choo</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93</TD><TD>Wily Mo Pe?a</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>94</TD><TD>Moises Alou</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95</TD><TD>Chris Duncan</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>96</TD><TD>Scott Hairston</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97</TD><TD>Mark Kotsay</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>98</TD><TD>Cliff Floyd</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99</TD><TD>Franklin Gutierrez</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>100</TD><TD>David Dellucci</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101</TD><TD>Jonny Gomes</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>102</TD><TD>Ryan Spilborghs</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103</TD><TD>Marlon Byrd</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>104</TD><TD>Corey Patterson</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105</TD><TD>Reed Johnson</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>106</TD><TD>Gregor Blanco</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107</TD><TD>Barry Bonds</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>108</TD><TD>Travis Buck</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109</TD><TD>Emil Brown</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>110</TD><TD>Shannon Stewart</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111</TD><TD>Brandon Boggs</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>112</TD><TD>Rocco Baldelli</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>114</TD><TD>Gabe Gross</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115</TD><TD>Denard Span</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>116</TD><TD>Eric Patterson</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117</TD><TD>Ryan Freel</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>118</TD><TD>Craig Monroe</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3797"][URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4378"]Luis Gonzalez[/URL][/URL]</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>120</TD><TD>Michael Saunders</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Rising: Grady Sizemore (8 to 2), Corey Hart (19 to 14), Vernon Wells (39 to 23), Jermaine Dye (37 to 30), Juan Pierre (31 to 24), J.D. Drew (52 to 39), David Murphy (67 to 46), David DeJesus (74 to 59), Marcus Thames (100 to 74), Jim Edmonds (105 to 76), Elijah Dukes (98 to 77), John Bowker (110 to 80), Ryan Sweeney (102 to 82), Jeremy Reed (NR to 85), Carlos Gonzalez (106 to 89), Cody Ross (111 to 90), Jody Gerut (NR to 91), Shin-Soo Choo (NR to 92)
Falling:: Carl Crawford (1 to 6), Magglio Ordonez (14 to 20), Jeff Francoeur (24 to 33), Hideki Matsui (33 to 43), Michael Cuddyer (44 to 53), Lastings Milledge (47 to 65), Garret Anderson (62 to 78), Andre Ethier (58 to 79), Wily Mo Pena (73 to 93), Chris Duncan (79 to 95), Franklin Gutierrez (83 to 99), Jacque Jones (91 to NR), Wladimir Balentien (95 to NR)

- Assuming that his knee injury is nothing serious, Pierre is set to remain the Dodgers' starting left fielder after Andruw Jones comes off the disabled list. That's the case even though Pierre has an OBP around .300 since Jones went down and has scored 30 runs in 73 games this season. Ethier figures to be the big loser in the competition for playing time, with Matt Kemp likely to start in right field most of the time.
- Milledge's groin injury that put him on the DL over the weekend may have saved Pena's roster spot for now, but it still looks bleak for the former slugger. With the way hitting coach Lenny Harris has him swinging the bat, it seems unlikely that he'll start hitting homers anytime soon. If anyone out there has some real evidence that Harris is anything but a major liability in his role, I'd love to see it.
- Denard Span should be a nice play in AL-only leagues while Cuddyer rests a finger injury through the All-Star break.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

July Starting Pitcher Rankings

Up this week are the July rankings. Players are ranked based on how I believe they will perform in 5x5 leagues over the remainder of the season. Included with the position rankings is a new overall top-250 list.




Click to see other July Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 250 Overall Rankings


Starting pitchers


<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Johan Santana</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jake Peavy</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Josh Beckett</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Roy Halladay</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>C.C. Sabathia</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Cole Hamels</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>John Lackey</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Brandon Webb</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Tim Lincecum</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Felix Hernandez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Dan Haren</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Scott Kazmir</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Ben Sheets</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Cliff Lee</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Erik Bedard</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Tim Hudson</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Edinson Volquez</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Justin Verlander</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Aaron Harang</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Daisuke Matsuzaka</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Chad Billingsley</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joba Chamberlain</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>James Shields</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Matt Cain</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>John Maine</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Joe Saunders</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Javier Vazquez</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Jered Weaver</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Roy Oswalt</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Jon Lester</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Ervin Santana</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=194"]Chris Young[/URL]</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>A.J. Burnett</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Fausto Carmona</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Randy Johnson</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Zack Greinke</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Ted Lilly</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Mark Buehrle</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Rich Harden</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>John Danks</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Dustin McGowan</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Manny Parra</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Jeremy Guthrie</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Ryan Dempster</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Derek Lowe</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Andy Pettitte</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Justin Duchscherer</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Matt Garza</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Pedro Martinez</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Kyle Lohse</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Adam Wainwright</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Shaun Marcum</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Gil Meche</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Brad Penny</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Greg Maddux</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Joe Blanton</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Johnny Cueto</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Oliver Perez</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>Wandy Rodriguez</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Hiroki Kuroda</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Kevin Slowey</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65</TD><TD>Ian Snell</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>66</TD><TD>Scott Baker</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67</TD><TD>Dana Eveland</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>68</TD><TD>Micah Owings</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69</TD><TD>Jon Garland</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>70</TD><TD>Mike Mussina</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71</TD><TD>Todd Wellemeyer</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>72</TD><TD>Clay Buchholz</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73</TD><TD>Tim Wakefield</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>74</TD><TD>Scott Olsen</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75</TD><TD>Aaron Laffey</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>76</TD><TD>Daniel Cabrera</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77</TD><TD>Brett Myers</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>78</TD><TD>Bartolo Colon</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79</TD><TD>Randy Wolf</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>80</TD><TD>Clayton Kershaw</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81</TD><TD>Jorge Campillo</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>82</TD><TD>Francisco Liriano</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83</TD><TD>Mike Pelfrey</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>84</TD><TD>Kevin Millwood</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85</TD><TD>Aaron Cook</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>86</TD><TD>Brian Bannister</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87</TD><TD>Bronson Arroyo</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>88</TD><TD>Ricky Nolasco</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89</TD><TD>Max Scherzer</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>90</TD><TD>Dave Bush</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91</TD><TD>Tom Glavine</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>92</TD><TD>Chris Carpenter</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93</TD><TD>Jesse Litsch</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>94</TD><TD>Ubaldo Jimenez</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95</TD><TD>Josh Johnson</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>96</TD><TD>Jeff Francis</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97</TD><TD>Kenny Rogers</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>98</TD><TD>Greg Smith</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99</TD><TD>Daryl Thompson</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>100</TD><TD>Andy Sonnanstine</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101</TD><TD>Jose Contreras</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>102</TD><TD>Nick Blackburn</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103</TD><TD>Andrew Miller</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>104</TD><TD>Tom Gorzelanny</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105</TD><TD>Edwin Jackson</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>106</TD><TD>Glen Perkins</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107</TD><TD>Jo-Jo Reyes</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>108</TD><TD>Nate Robertson</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109</TD><TD>Gavin Floyd</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>110</TD><TD>Jarrod Washburn</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111</TD><TD>Darrell Rasner</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>112</TD><TD>Chris Volstad</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113</TD><TD>David Price</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>114</TD><TD>Braden Looper</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115</TD><TD>Armando Galarraga</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>116</TD><TD>Justin Masterson</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117</TD><TD>Chien-Ming Wang</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>118</TD><TD>Sean Gallagher</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119</TD><TD>Phil Hughes</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>120</TD><TD>Eric Stults</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Rising: Jake Peavy (7 to 2), C.C. Sabathia (9 to 5), John Lackey (10 to 7), Tim Lincecum (14 to 9), Cliff Lee (26 to 15), Chad Billingsley (28 to 22), Joba Chamberlain (32 to 23), Jon Lester (47 to 31), Mark Buehrle (65 to 39), Rich Harden (55 to 40), Manny Parra (85 to 43), Ryan Dempster (60 to 45), Justin Duchscherer (90 to 48), Gil Meche (78 to 55), Jonathan Sanchez (105 to 56), Wandy Rodriguez (94 to 62), Mike Mussina (92 to 70), Jorge Campillo (108 to 81), Mike Pelfrey (117 to 83), Ricky Nolasco (114 to 88), Dave Bush (NR to 90), Josh Johnson (NR to 95), Daryl Thompson (NR to 99)
Falling:: Brandon Webb (2 to 8), Carlos Zambrano (4 to 10), Erik Bedard (8 to 16), Aaron Harang (13 to 20), Javier Vazquez (22 to 28), Randy Johnson (27 to 36), Pedro Martinez (35 to 50), Adam Wainwright (17 to 53), Oliver Perez (40 to 61), Ian Snell (44 to 65), Micah Owings (51 to 68), Brett Myers (39 to 77), Bronson Arroyo (68 to 87), Chien-Ming Wang (36 to 117), Jake Westbrook (41 to NR), Jeremy Bonderman (69 to NR), Homer Bailey (89 to NR)

- Zambrano is set to return from an ailing shoulder on Friday, so the six-spot drop may be of an overreaction. However, everyone that overtook him (besides maybe Peavy) has been truly exceptional lately.
- Harden and Duchscherer have pitched as well as anyone in the AL of late, but both remain huge injury risks going forward. They're sell-high candidates.
- Pedro's discouraging outing Friday against the Yankees was supposedly the result of him tipping his pitches. However, his stuff clearly isn't as crisp as it was when he first returned from the disabled list. I'm putting him at No. 50 for now. If he doesn't take advantage of an easy schedule in his three remaining starts before the break, it'd be time to think about writing him off in mixed leagues.
- David Price debuts at No. 113. I'm not all that optimistic about him making any real impact this season, but there's too much upside to ignore. With Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann putting together somewhat disappointing seasons and Jake McGee hurt, Price is the one pitching prospect in the Rays system with a chance to make a difference.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

July Top 250 Overall Rankings

Up this week are the July rankings. Players are ranked based on how I believe they will perform in 5x5 leagues over the remainder of the season. Included with the position rankings is a new overall top-250 list.



Click to see other July Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 250 Overall Rankings



Top 250 Overall Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Alex Rodriguez</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Hanley Ramirez</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jose Reyes</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Albert Pujols</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Johan Santana</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>David Wright</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4048"]Ryan Braun[/URL]</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Chase Utley</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Matt Holliday</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Jake Peavy</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Mark Teixeira</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Josh Beckett</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Grady Sizemore</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>B.J. Upton</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Roy Halladay</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Miguel Cabrera</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Jimmy Rollins</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ichiro Suzuki</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Ryan Howard</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>C.C. Sabathia</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Lance Berkman</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Ian Kinsler</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Vladimir Guerrero</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Carlos Beltran</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Prince Fielder</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Cole Hamels</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Derrek Lee</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Carl Crawford</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>John Lackey</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Brandon Webb</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Brandon Phillips</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Alfonso Soriano</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Aramis Ramirez</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Nick Markakis</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Brian Roberts</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Bobby Abreu</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Russell Martin</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Tim Lincecum</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Alex Rios</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Justin Morneau</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Manny Ramirez</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Joe Mauer</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Carlos Lee</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Curtis Granderson</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Robinson Cano</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Brian McCann</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Jonathan Papelbon</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Felix Hernandez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Chone Figgins</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Michael Young</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Corey Hart</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Joe Nathan</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Chipper Jones</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Mariano Rivera</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Dan Haren</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Scott Kazmir</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Francisco Rodriguez</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Adrian Gonzalez</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Jason Bay</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>David Ortiz</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Miguel Tejada</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Ben Sheets</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65</TD><TD>Billy Wagner</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>66</TD><TD>Dan Uggla</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67</TD><TD>Adam Dunn</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>68</TD><TD>Cliff Lee</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69</TD><TD>Takashi Saito</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>70</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=194"]Chris Young[/URL]</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71</TD><TD>Erik Bedard</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>72</TD><TD>Josh Hamilton</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73</TD><TD>Geovany Soto</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>74</TD><TD>Carlos Pe?a</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75</TD><TD>Derek Jeter</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>76</TD><TD>Tim Hudson</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77</TD><TD>Bobby Jenks</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>78</TD><TD>Carlos Guillen</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79</TD><TD>Garrett Atkins</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>80</TD><TD>Edinson Volquez</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81</TD><TD>Jorge Posada</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>82</TD><TD>Dustin Pedroia</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83</TD><TD>Magglio Ordonez</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>84</TD><TD>Justin Verlander</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85</TD><TD>Joakim Soria</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>86</TD><TD>Hunter Pence</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87</TD><TD>Brad Lidge</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>88</TD><TD>Orlando Cabrera</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89</TD><TD>Nate McLouth</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>90</TD><TD>Huston Street</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91</TD><TD>Rafael Furcal</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>92</TD><TD>Vernon Wells</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93</TD><TD>Rickie Weeks</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>94</TD><TD>Aaron Harang</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95</TD><TD>Kevin Youkilis</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>96</TD><TD>B.J. Ryan</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97</TD><TD>Torii Hunter</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>98</TD><TD>Daisuke Matsuzaka</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99</TD><TD>Johnny Damon</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>100</TD><TD>Francisco Cordero</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101</TD><TD>Evan Longoria</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>102</TD><TD>Victor Martinez</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103</TD><TD>Chad Billingsley</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>104</TD><TD>Mike Lowell</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105</TD><TD>Joba Chamberlain</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>106</TD><TD>Howie Kendrick</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107</TD><TD>Matt Capps</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>108</TD><TD>Kosuke Fukudome</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109</TD><TD>Nick Swisher</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>110</TD><TD>James Shields</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111</TD><TD>Trevor Hoffman</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>112</TD><TD>Carlos Quentin</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113</TD><TD>Ryan Theriot</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>114</TD><TD>Matt Cain</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115</TD><TD>Matt Kemp</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>116</TD><TD>Conor Jackson</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117</TD><TD>Jose Valverde</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>118</TD><TD>Jermaine Dye</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119</TD><TD>Yunel Escobar</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>120</TD><TD>John Maine</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>121</TD><TD>Joe Saunders</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>122</TD><TD>Alex Gordon</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>123</TD><TD>J.J. Putz</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>124</TD><TD>Delmon Young</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>125</TD><TD>Stephen Drew</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>126</TD><TD>Jim Thome</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>127</TD><TD>Shane Victorino</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>128</TD><TD>Todd Helton</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>129</TD><TD>Javier Vazquez</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>130</TD><TD>Jeff Francoeur</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>131</TD><TD>Kerry Wood</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>132</TD><TD>Juan Pierre</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>133</TD><TD>Adrian Beltre</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>134</TD><TD>Brandon Lyon</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>135</TD><TD>Jered Weaver</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>136</TD><TD>Pat Burrell</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>137</TD><TD>Orlando Hudson</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>138</TD><TD>A.J. Pierzynski</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>139</TD><TD>Roy Oswalt</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>140</TD><TD>Jay Bruce</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>141</TD><TD>Jon Rauch</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>142</TD><TD>James Loney</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>143</TD><TD>Jon Lester</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>144</TD><TD>Brad Hawpe</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>145</TD><TD>Ervin Santana</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>146</TD><TD>Troy Percival</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>147</TD><TD>Willy Taveras</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>148</TD><TD>Kelly Johnson</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>149</TD><TD>George Sherrill</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>150</TD><TD>J.D. Drew</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>151</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=194"]Chris Young[/URL]</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>152</TD><TD>Jeremy Hermida</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>153</TD><TD>Kevin Gregg</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>154</TD><TD>A.J. Burnett</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>155</TD><TD>Placido Polanco</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>156</TD><TD>Brian Wilson</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>157</TD><TD>Fausto Carmona</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>158</TD><TD>Randy Johnson</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>159</TD><TD>Carlos Gomez</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>160</TD><TD>Todd Jones</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>161</TD><TD>Raul Ibanez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>162</TD><TD>Jorge Cantu</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>163</TD><TD>Zack Greinke</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>164</TD><TD>Jeff Kent</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>165</TD><TD>Hideki Matsui</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>166</TD><TD>Ted Lilly</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>167</TD><TD>C.J. Wilson</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>168</TD><TD>Mark Reynolds</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>169</TD><TD>Michael Bourn</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>170</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2353"]Jose Guillen[/URL]</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>171</TD><TD>Mark Buehrle</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>172</TD><TD>Ryan Franklin</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>173</TD><TD>Cristian Guzman</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>174</TD><TD>Bengie Molina</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>175</TD><TD>Rich Harden</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>176</TD><TD>Troy Tulowitzki</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>177</TD><TD>David Murphy</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>178</TD><TD>John Danks</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>179</TD><TD>Ryan Doumit</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>180</TD><TD>Gary Sheffield</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>181</TD><TD>Brian Fuentes</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>182</TD><TD>Eric Byrnes</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>183</TD><TD>Joe Crede</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>184</TD><TD>Casey Kotchman</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>185</TD><TD>Manny Parra</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>186</TD><TD>Dustin McGowan</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>187</TD><TD>Mike Cameron</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>188</TD><TD>Edwin Encarnacion</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>189</TD><TD>Carlos Marmol</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>190</TD><TD>Jeremy Guthrie</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>191</TD><TD>Rick Ankiel</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>192</TD><TD>Troy Glaus</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>193</TD><TD>Ryan Dempster</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>194</TD><TD>Joe Borowski</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>195</TD><TD>Travis Hafner</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>196</TD><TD>Milton Bradley</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>197</TD><TD>Jhonny Peralta</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>198</TD><TD>Derek Lowe</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>199</TD><TD>Andy Pettitte</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>200</TD><TD>Mike Gonzalez</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>201</TD><TD>Josh Willingham</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>202</TD><TD>Justin Duchscherer</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>203</TD><TD>Jose Lopez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>204</TD><TD>Matt Garza</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>205</TD><TD>Aaron Rowand</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>206</TD><TD>Pedro Martinez</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>207</TD><TD>Salomon Torres</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>208</TD><TD>Adam LaRoche</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>209</TD><TD>Edgar Renteria</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>210</TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>211</TD><TD>Joey Votto</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>212</TD><TD>Jason Varitek</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>213</TD><TD>Eric Gagne</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>214</TD><TD>Michael Cuddyer</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>215</TD><TD>Jason Giambi</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>216</TD><TD>Jarrod Saltalamacchia</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>217</TD><TD>Mark Ellis</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>218</TD><TD>Kevin Kouzmanoff</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>219</TD><TD>Kyle Lohse</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>220</TD><TD>Randy Winn</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>221</TD><TD>Paul Konerko</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>222</TD><TD>Alexei Ramirez</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>223</TD><TD>Adam Wainwright</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>224</TD><TD>Ivan Rodriguez</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>225</TD><TD>Frank Thomas</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>226</TD><TD>Justin Upton</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>227</TD><TD>Aubrey Huff</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>228</TD><TD>Jesus Flores</TD><TD>WAS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>229</TD><TD>Shaun Marcum</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>230</TD><TD>Gary Matthews Jr.</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>231</TD><TD>Dioner Navarro</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>232</TD><TD>Ken Griffey Jr.</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>233</TD><TD>Gil Meche</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>234</TD><TD>Mark DeRosa</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>235</TD><TD>Ryan Church</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>236</TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>237</TD><TD>Ramon Hernandez</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>238</TD><TD>Heath Bell</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>239</TD><TD>Brad Penny</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>240</TD><TD>Greg Maddux</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>241</TD><TD>David DeJesus</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>242</TD><TD>Joe Blanton</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>243</TD><TD>Scott Rolen</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>244</TD><TD>Kurt Suzuki</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>245</TD><TD>Brandon Morrow</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>246</TD><TD>Johnny Cueto</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>247</TD><TD>Xavier Nady</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>248</TD><TD>Julio Lugo</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>249</TD><TD>Mike Napoli</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>250</TD><TD>Jack Cust</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

July Starting Pitcher Rankings

Up this week are the July rankings. Players are ranked based on how I believe they will perform in 5x5 leagues over the remainder of the season. Included with the position rankings is a new overall top-250 list.




Click to see other July Rankings:
Relief Pitcher Rankings
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Outfielder Rankings
Catcher Rankings
First Basemen Rankings
Second Basemen Rankings
Shortstop Rankings
Third basemen Rankings
Top 250 Overall Rankings


Starting pitchers


<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Johan Santana</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jake Peavy</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Josh Beckett</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Roy Halladay</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>C.C. Sabathia</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Cole Hamels</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>John Lackey</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Brandon Webb</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Tim Lincecum</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Felix Hernandez</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Dan Haren</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Scott Kazmir</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Ben Sheets</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Cliff Lee</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Erik Bedard</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Tim Hudson</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Edinson Volquez</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Justin Verlander</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Aaron Harang</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Daisuke Matsuzaka</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Chad Billingsley</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joba Chamberlain</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>James Shields</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Matt Cain</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>John Maine</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Joe Saunders</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Javier Vazquez</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Jered Weaver</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Roy Oswalt</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Jon Lester</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Ervin Santana</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=194"]Chris Young[/URL]</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>A.J. Burnett</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Fausto Carmona</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Randy Johnson</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Zack Greinke</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Ted Lilly</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Mark Buehrle</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Rich Harden</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>John Danks</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Dustin McGowan</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Manny Parra</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Jeremy Guthrie</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Ryan Dempster</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Derek Lowe</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Andy Pettitte</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Justin Duchscherer</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Matt Garza</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Pedro Martinez</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Kyle Lohse</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Adam Wainwright</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Shaun Marcum</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Gil Meche</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez</TD><TD>SF</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Brad Penny</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Greg Maddux</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Joe Blanton</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Johnny Cueto</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Oliver Perez</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>Wandy Rodriguez</TD><TD>HOU</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Hiroki Kuroda</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Kevin Slowey</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65</TD><TD>Ian Snell</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>66</TD><TD>Scott Baker</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67</TD><TD>Dana Eveland</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>68</TD><TD>Micah Owings</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69</TD><TD>Jon Garland</TD><TD>ANA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>70</TD><TD>Mike Mussina</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71</TD><TD>Todd Wellemeyer</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>72</TD><TD>Clay Buchholz</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73</TD><TD>Tim Wakefield</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>74</TD><TD>Scott Olsen</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75</TD><TD>Aaron Laffey</TD><TD>CLE</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>76</TD><TD>Daniel Cabrera</TD><TD>BAL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77</TD><TD>Brett Myers</TD><TD>PHI</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>78</TD><TD>Bartolo Colon</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79</TD><TD>Randy Wolf</TD><TD>SD</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>80</TD><TD>Clayton Kershaw</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81</TD><TD>Jorge Campillo</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>82</TD><TD>Francisco Liriano</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83</TD><TD>Mike Pelfrey</TD><TD>NYM</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>84</TD><TD>Kevin Millwood</TD><TD>TEX</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85</TD><TD>Aaron Cook</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>86</TD><TD>Brian Bannister</TD><TD>KC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87</TD><TD>Bronson Arroyo</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>88</TD><TD>Ricky Nolasco</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89</TD><TD>Max Scherzer</TD><TD>ARZ</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>90</TD><TD>Dave Bush</TD><TD>MLW</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91</TD><TD>Tom Glavine</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>92</TD><TD>Chris Carpenter</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93</TD><TD>Jesse Litsch</TD><TD>TOR</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>94</TD><TD>Ubaldo Jimenez</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95</TD><TD>Josh Johnson</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>96</TD><TD>Jeff Francis</TD><TD>COL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97</TD><TD>Kenny Rogers</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>98</TD><TD>Greg Smith</TD><TD>OAK</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99</TD><TD>Daryl Thompson</TD><TD>CIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>100</TD><TD>Andy Sonnanstine</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101</TD><TD>Jose Contreras</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>102</TD><TD>Nick Blackburn</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103</TD><TD>Andrew Miller</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>104</TD><TD>Tom Gorzelanny</TD><TD>PIT</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105</TD><TD>Edwin Jackson</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>106</TD><TD>Glen Perkins</TD><TD>MIN</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107</TD><TD>Jo-Jo Reyes</TD><TD>ATL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>108</TD><TD>Nate Robertson</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109</TD><TD>Gavin Floyd</TD><TD>CWS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>110</TD><TD>Jarrod Washburn</TD><TD>SEA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111</TD><TD>Darrell Rasner</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>112</TD><TD>Chris Volstad</TD><TD>FLA</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113</TD><TD>David Price</TD><TD>TB</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>114</TD><TD>Braden Looper</TD><TD>STL</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115</TD><TD>Armando Galarraga</TD><TD>DET</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>116</TD><TD>Justin Masterson</TD><TD>BOS</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117</TD><TD>Chien-Ming Wang</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>118</TD><TD>Sean Gallagher</TD><TD>CHC</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119</TD><TD>Phil Hughes</TD><TD>NYY</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>120</TD><TD>Eric Stults</TD><TD>LA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Rising: Jake Peavy (7 to 2), C.C. Sabathia (9 to 5), John Lackey (10 to 7), Tim Lincecum (14 to 9), Cliff Lee (26 to 15), Chad Billingsley (28 to 22), Joba Chamberlain (32 to 23), Jon Lester (47 to 31), Mark Buehrle (65 to 39), Rich Harden (55 to 40), Manny Parra (85 to 43), Ryan Dempster (60 to 45), Justin Duchscherer (90 to 48), Gil Meche (78 to 55), Jonathan Sanchez (105 to 56), Wandy Rodriguez (94 to 62), Mike Mussina (92 to 70), Jorge Campillo (108 to 81), Mike Pelfrey (117 to 83), Ricky Nolasco (114 to 88), Dave Bush (NR to 90), Josh Johnson (NR to 95), Daryl Thompson (NR to 99)
Falling:: Brandon Webb (2 to 8), Carlos Zambrano (4 to 10), Erik Bedard (8 to 16), Aaron Harang (13 to 20), Javier Vazquez (22 to 28), Randy Johnson (27 to 36), Pedro Martinez (35 to 50), Adam Wainwright (17 to 53), Oliver Perez (40 to 61), Ian Snell (44 to 65), Micah Owings (51 to 68), Brett Myers (39 to 77), Bronson Arroyo (68 to 87), Chien-Ming Wang (36 to 117), Jake Westbrook (41 to NR), Jeremy Bonderman (69 to NR), Homer Bailey (89 to NR)

- Zambrano is set to return from an ailing shoulder on Friday, so the six-spot drop may be of an overreaction. However, everyone that overtook him (besides maybe Peavy) has been truly exceptional lately.
- Harden and Duchscherer have pitched as well as anyone in the AL of late, but both remain huge injury risks going forward. They're sell-high candidates.
- Pedro's discouraging outing Friday against the Yankees was supposedly the result of him tipping his pitches. However, his stuff clearly isn't as crisp as it was when he first returned from the disabled list. I'm putting him at No. 50 for now. If he doesn't take advantage of an easy schedule in his three remaining starts before the break, it'd be time to think about writing him off in mixed leagues.
- David Price debuts at No. 113. I'm not all that optimistic about him making any real impact this season, but there's too much upside to ignore. With Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann putting together somewhat disappointing seasons and Jake McGee hurt, Price is the one pitching prospect in the Rays system with a chance to make a difference.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Checking in on Joba
After totaling seven strikeouts over 6.2 shutout innings in his start last week, Joba Chamberlain took a step back Tuesday. Chamberlain held the Rangers to two runs, but lasted just four innings while throwing 91 pitches, handing out four walks and allowing five hits. He struck out six of the 20 batters that he faced Tuesday and has generally been tough to hit since shifting into the rotation, but Chamberlain clearly needs to work on keeping his pitch count in check.

He's used 18.4 pitches per inning during six starts, which would rank as the highest total in the AL if he had enough innings to qualify for the ERA title. Of course, some growing pains should have been expected given that he's just 22 years old and began his MLB career with 39 straight relief outings. It may be a while before he's consistently working deep into games, but with a 2.19 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 29 innings as a starter Chamberlain looks ready to dominate once he's there.

While Chamberlain gradually gets into position for a strong second-half run, here are some other notes from around baseball ?

* Matt Garza began the year with back-to-back rough outings and then landed on the disabled list with was then a scary sounding radial nerve irritation, but rejoined the rotation two weeks later and has been fantastic since. He racked up 10 strikeouts in a complete-game one-hitter against the Marlins last week and followed that up by holding the Red Sox to just one unearned run over seven innings Tuesday.

Garza is now 7-4 with a 2.94 ERA and 58-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 82.2 innings spread over 13 starts since returning from the DL. Basically swapped for Delmon Young during the offseason, Garza has displayed the same type of promise that he showed while blitzing through the minors in the Twins system and at 24 years old has the look of a long term No. 2 starter. Meanwhile, Young is hitting just .278/.327/.373 even after a strong June and has two homers in 77 games.

* With 88 punchouts over 101.2 innings Brett Myers' strikeout rate has been solid this season, but he's been a mess in every other area. Myers leads all of baseball with 24 homers allowed, ranks 10th among NL pitchers in walks with 44, and has allowed opponents to bat a career-worst .284 with a .904 OPS against him. No longer willing to keep him in the rotation and apparently not interested in shifting him back to the bullpen, the Phillies optioned Myers to Triple-A on Tuesday.

He agreed to the demotion despite having the ability to veto the move as a player with five years of service time. "I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," general manager Pat Gillick said. "He understood and is eager to get back on track. He's struggling right now, but he's a quality major-league pitcher who we are going to need in the second half." True enough, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be needed as a starter, reliever, or trade bait.

* Chris Snyder suffered a fractured left testicle after being hit by a foul tip Monday, which may be the only injury that makes Kaz Matsui's anal fissure sound tolerable. Snyder was placed on the disabled list Tuesday and no return timetable has been established, but he's entitled to take his sweet time coming back. After starting 20 of the past 62 games while backing up Snyder, Miguel Montero will now get all the playing time against right-handers in a platoon with Robby Hammock.

* Manager Bobby Cox said Tuesday afternoon that he expected Chipper Jones to be placed on the disabled list with a strained quadriceps. Instead, Jones avoided the DL, started at third base against the Phillies, and went 1-for-3 with a double and a pair of walks. After hitting .410 and .417 while playing nearly every day in April and May, Jones totaled just 70 plate appearances in June while producing a .328/.443/.552 line was somehow both disappointing and MVP-caliber.

* As expected, Eric Byrnes landed on the disabled list Tuesday after aggravating his hamstring injury Monday. Byrnes sat out a month with tears in both hamstrings, went 3-for-23 in six games, and now heads back to the sidelines for what figures to be more than the 15-day minimum stay. With Byrnes once again out of the picture, the Diamondbacks will replace him in the lineup with a [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=3586"]Chad Tracy[/URL]-Chris Burke platoon, moving Conor Jackson between first base and left field.

* J.R. Towles hit .288/.391/.593 with five homers in 18 games since being sent back to Triple-A and will get a second chance in Houston following Humberto Quintero's concussion Tuesday. Towles was a bust after beginning the year as the Astros' starter, hitting just .145 in 42 games, but his minor-league track record has been consistently outstanding and he remains a strong long-term bet. Pick him up and hope that the Astros are willing to bench Brad Ausmus again.

AL Quick Hits: With Troy Percival (hamstring) landing on the disabled list and Dan Wheeler having worked on three straight days, Grant Balfour picked up a four-out save Tuesday ? Eddie Guardado (shoulder) was unavailable Tuesday, but the Rangers said that he's expected to avoid the DL ? Francisco Liriano turned in his most encouraging outing of the year Monday at Triple-A, tossing seven shutout innings while racking up nine strikeouts ? After batting just 19 times in June thanks to Alexei Ramirez's emergence at second base, the White Sox are said to be openly shopping Juan Uribe ? Handed his 10th save chance of the season Tuesday, Joe Borowski blew his fourth lead and now sports a 7.56 ERA ? Freddie Bynum hit .371 following his demotion to Triple-A and will now take over as the Orioles' primary shortstop with Alex Cintron (hamstring) heading to the DL ? Miguel Cabrera (hip) was out of the lineup Tuesday, but flied out as a pinch-hitter ? Rays prospect Jacob McGee (elbow) is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery later this week and the 21-year-old southpaw will be sidelined for 12-18 months.

NL Quick Hits: Rafael Furcal's (back) return from the disabled list will likely be delayed further after experiencing another setback following his first minor-league rehab game Monday ? Hanley Ramirez drove in a career-high five runs Tuesday, homering for the third straight game ? In the midst of a 1-for-22 slump that's dropped his batting average to .156, Omar Vizquel said Monday that he's "fine" with losing playing time to Emmanuel Burriss ? Mark Hendrickson was 7-2 with a 4.14 ERA through 11 starts, but after getting knocked around Tuesday he's now 0-5 with a 9.79 ERA over his last seven outings ? Adam Wainwright (finger) said Monday that he's hoping to come off the shelf shortly after the All-Star break ? With the Rockies in last place and Brian Fuentes a half-season from free agency, he's said to have drawn interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, A's, Mets, Phillies, and Cardinals ? Charlie Morton couldn't make it out of the third inning Tuesday, getting yanked after allowing six straight hits to begin the frame ? Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) began light swinging drills Tuesday, but season-ending surgery remains a possibility. newyorkmets.com

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Callups: The Need for Speed
After two weeks of draft review columns and another away on business, it's time to get back to callup reviews. And it's a good time to do it, considering I just bid a whopping $27 in one league for a recent callup. I'm going to focus on the players called up in the last week since they're the most likely to still be available in the majority of leagues, though callups Chase Headley and Daryl Thompson need to have been claimed in league-specific formats over the last three weeks.

[SIZE=+1]Major League Callups This Week[/SIZE]

Collin Balester ? RHP Nationals ? An intriguing 4th round pick by the Expos in 2004, Balester was your typical high school right-hander with a live arm but needing refinement. Balester looked better than expected in his first full season in 2005, posting respectable numbers across the board with a 3.67 ERA and 95/42 K/BB in 124 innings for Single-A Savannah. Nothing screamed top prospect there, but Balester was 19 and had enough stuff to predict some improvement. The 6'5" right-hander posted a 5.02 ERA in High-A the next year, though his peripherals weren't nearly as different from his 2005 numbers as his ERA was. He rebounded some in 2007, lowering his walk rate to 48 in 150 1/3 innings and keeping his strikeouts right around 7 per nine innings between Double-A and Triple-A.

The 2008 campaign has been more of the same for Balester, as he had a 4.00 ERA and 64/23 K/BB in 78 2/3 innings thus far. Balester just turned 22 years old and that he's doing a fine job in Triple-A is encouraging, so perhaps there's more room to grow here. However, as is Balester doesn't look like more than a back-end starter. His fastball is solid in the low-90s and his curve is above average, but his command is only average, he doesn't have an average third pitch, and his flyball tendencies have lead to home run problems (14 already this year).

Roll it all up and Balester looks like someone who can eat innings and little else. Perhaps he'll improve his command or develop a better changeup down the road, and that he's been more focused on pitching the last two years is a plus in that regard, but I wouldn't count on short-term fantasy value from the right-hander. He'll get at least a month in the majors with Shawn Hill out, so NL-only leaguers should still keep an eye on him even if I don't think he's likely to succeed.

Recommendation: Monitor in NL-only leagues.

Rogeravin Bernadina ? OF Nationals ? Signed out of the Netherlands by the Expos way back in 2001, Bernadina is an athletic outfielder with good speed. The 6'0", 190-pound left-hander has never showed much power or batting average in the minors until this year, but fantasy leaguers certainly are intrigued by him since he stole 40 bases last season. Called up to the big club with Austin Kearns hurting, Bernadina was having by far his best year to date by hitting .323/.398/.474 as a 24-year-old for Double-A Harrisburg. Bernadina had never hit better than .276 and the isolated slugging is also the best of his career, and he continued to run with 26 steals in 35 attempts.

I'd bet against his breakout being real given his age and level of competition, but there's a chance he's reestablished himself as a potential fourth outfielder. Kearns could be back as soon as later this week, but Bernadina's speed would make him worth a cheap flier in NL-only leagues if he's going to get some playing time. He's 2-for-15 with a caught stealing in three starts since joining Washington. See what the club does with Kearns before pursuing him.

Recommendation: Monitor in NL-only leagues.

Chris Davis ? 1B Rangers ? The aforementioned $27 bid in my AL-only league, Davis is the most likely player on this list to help a fantasy team win a title. Drafted twice previously before signing with the Rangers as a fifth round pick in the 2006 draft, Davis went right from his junior college team to Single-A Spokane and hit .277 with 15 homers in 253 at-bats. His strike zone judgment wasn't great and his swing a bit long, but it was still a quality debut for the 20-year-old.

The Rangers moved Davis right to High-A Bakersfield the following season and he was even better at the plate, batting .298/.340/.573 with 24 homers and 28 doubles in 386 at-bats. A late season promotion to Double-A Frisco followed, and Davis went on a tear with 12 homers and a .294 average in 109 at-bats. The big concern continued to be his strikeout rate, as Davis struck out 150 times in 495 at-bats. That he was consistently hitting the ball so hard meant he should be expected to post a higher BABIP than normal, but that he was at .377 for Bakersfield still seemed excessive and he would need to make adjustments against higher level pitching to succeed.

Of course, nobody told Davis of these concerns. The 6'3", 235-pound left-handed hitter continued mashing at Frisco to start the year, then looked even better once promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma. Between the two stints Davis was batting .333 with 23 homers, 21 doubles, and a .646 slugging percentage. He was still striking out (73 in 77 games), but advanced pitching hadn't phased him thus far. Called up to the majors this past week, Davis has shown more of the same with two homers and five strikeouts in 12 at-bats thus far.

Davis is one of the best power prospects in the game, perhaps the best. Davis has the track record to support that notion, but that he's added 25 pounds of muscle since being drafted and that he possesses a strong swing with natural loft further verify his immense potential. That he's just 22 makes him one of the game's top 25 prospects, with or without the strikeouts. Davis continues to hit at every level, and does so immediately upon reaching each league, which bodes very well for his ability to translate in the majors. He's such a talented hitter that it hasn't mattered what has been thrown at him, so perhaps he'll adjust quickly in the majors too.

Davis swings hard, isn't the quickest to the ball, and has trouble hitting good pitches when he's not red-hot, but that describes most power hitters. Maybe the strikeouts will catch up to him, but Davis hits the ball with such authority and so frequently squares the bat on the ball when he does make contact that I think there's a decent chance he hits .280 or better right away. Even if he hits .240-.250, he'll still be a fantasy asset due to his ability to smack 15 homers the rest of the way.

He'll at least get a chance to show he belongs until Hank Blalock returns, likely in August, but the Rangers will also keep a spot open for Davis if he hits as hoped. That Davis wasn't able to handle the move to third base last season is a shame, but he has the bat for first base and the Rangers can always play him at DH. It could be a matter of days before he's batting fifth behind Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley. Davis is the most likely callup left this season to go [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=4048"]Ryan Braun[/URL] on the league. That's obviously a tall order, but Davis has the power potential, opportunity, and even the concerning strikeout rate for the comparison to work. As a result he's worth over-pursuing and hoping for the best.

Recommendation: Pursue aggressively in all one-year and keeper leagues.

Brett Gardner ? OF Yankees ? I once heard Gardner described as a pest, and that's really the most appropriate description. Not a big center fielder at 5'10" and 180 pounds, Gardner's game is about contact, speed, and batting eye. He's hit all of nine homers in 1389 minor league at-bats, though three have come this year, but he still manages to work counts and annoy pitchers with a discerning eye and the ability to foul off pitches he can't do anything with. His speed allows him to drop bunts for base hits and he also legs out infield hits routinely, allowing him to be a career .288 hitter (and .287 this year) despite a lack of power.

One interesting development with Gardner is that he has actually shown significantly better gap power than in the past with 11 doubles and 10 triples so far this year. The ability to keep pitchers at least a little honest would help his game immensely, as it's unlikely big league pitchers would walk Gardner as much given the lack of a power threat (he's walked 61 times in 80 games in Triple-A this year). He's not going to replicate that walk rate even with good gap power and his 68 strikeouts are also a concern, but Gardner should still be able to manage a .270 average and a .330 or so on-base percentage. That won't allow him to continue attempting as many steals as he has in the minors, but he's averaged 70 steals per 162 games since the start of the 2006 season and there's plenty of room for opportunity attrition there.

Gardner will get most of the starts in left field with Hideki Matsui out, which could be for another two weeks or for the rest of the season if Matsui needs knee surgery. However, it's more likely that Matsui returns or the club upgrades at the trade deadline, so Gardner can't be pursued too aggressively. Still, he's worth a modest bid in AL-only leagues, and those in deep mixed leagues in need of steals can think about putting a claim in too.

Recommendation: Pursue in AL-only leagues; monitor in deep mixed leagues.

David Robertson ? RHP Yankees ? A 17th round pick out of the University of Alabama as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2006, Robertson had a solid college career out of the bullpen. He posted ERAs of 2.92 and 3.03 in his two years there while striking out almost 12 batters per nine innings, though that came with a walk every other inning. The now 23-year-old right-hander debuted with Single-A Charleston last year and ended the campaign with Double-A Trenton. He posted a 0.96 ERA and 113/32 K/BB in 84 1/3 innings between the three levels, succeeding at each stop. Back at Trenton this year, Robertson continued to dominate before a promotion to Triple-A. Between the two levels he had a 1.39 ERA and 74/22 K/BB in 51 2/3 innings.

Despite his big strikeout numbers, Robertson isn't your typical blow-it-by-you reliever. His fastball is more often in the 91-93 MPH range, but it's got plenty of movement both laterally and vertically and is thus hard to square. That's a large reason why he's yet to give up a homer in 140 innings of professional baseball. He gets most of his strikeouts with a hard slider that's a swing-and-miss pitch, and it looks like at times he'll take something off of it and throw it more like a curve. The total package is that Robertson should be a setup man in the big leagues down the road. I still have some concerns about how his command will hold up, but he should be able to succeed anyway if he maintains his ability to limit homers. He's a worthy claim in AL-only leagues in which middle relievers are valued.

Recommendation: Claim in deep AL-only leagues.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Midseason fantasy all-stars
By Paul Petera and Ron Shandler, Baseball HQ.com

Winning in fantasy baseball is all about profit. Sure, you need to steer clear of injuries (just ask Ryan Zimmerman, Rafael Furcal or Chien-Ming Wang owners). But your main draft-day goal is to get players that will outperform relative to what your fellow owners expect.

This week, we look at players who have most exceeded their preseason projected value. They are this year's Fantasy All-Stars. Some are on their way to career years; others are due to come back to earth. But if you're at or near the top of your standings, chances are a few of these guys are on your roster.

American League

* Catcher: Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay. Only Joe Mauer had more RBI among AL catchers in 2008. The career-.250 hitter had also produced a .317 average this season. With below-average power, no speed and half of his batted balls on the ground, expect a batting average closer to .275 the rest of the way.

Runner-up: A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago.

* First base: Kevin Youkilis, Boston. Youkilis was sitting on a .313 average and had nearly set a career high in homers. His power surge has resulted in the worst walk rate of his career, so it'll be hard to sustain the average. Also, his career second-half average and slugging percentage drop 60 and 94 points, respectively, from the first half. A sell-high candidate.

Runner-up: Aubrey Huff, Baltimore.

* Second base: Ian Kinsler, Texas. A popular sleeper pick in some circles this season, Kinsler hasn't disappointed. He's been a five-category contributor and a $35 player, and his skill set says it's no fluke. When the season's over he'll likely be sitting on career bests in all five fantasy categories.

Runner-up: Jose Lopez, Seattle.

* Third base: Joe Crede, Chicago. Just a few months ago, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Crede was on his way out of Chicago. Not anymore. A .506 slugging percentage combined with more plate patience (9% walk rate) adds validity to this strong showing. With continued good health, Crede could rejoin the 30-homer club this year.

Runner-up: Ramon Vazquez, Texas.

* Shortstop: Bobby Crosby, Oakland. After a 22-homer rookie season in 2004, Crosby spent a combined 204 days on the DL in the three years since. It's tough to gamble on that run of bad luck. Those who did this year have the AL's second-most RBI at the position.

Runner-up: Orlando Cabrera, Chicago.

* Left field: Josh Hamilton, Texas. Has there been a better trade in recent years than Hamilton for Edinson Volquez? Many outfielders' names were called before his on draft day, but it's Hamilton with the major league lead in RBI. His skill set says it's legit.

Runner-up: David Murphy, Texas.

* Center field: Milton Bradley, Texas. If the season ended Sunday, he'd be the AL batting champ. He also sported the AL's best on-base-plus slugging percentage (OPS). Bradley's prodigious power and 17% walk rate are nearly Bonds-like. With his history of injuries and outbursts, though, you're playing with fire for the rest of the year.

Runner-up: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston.

* Right field: Carlos Quentin, Chicago. Drafted in many leagues as a fourth or fifth outfielder, Quentin has rewarded his owners with a top-10 OPS. Lost in the lofty numbers, however, is his gradual decline since April. His monthly slugging splits (.619-.533-.489) suggest a sell-high candidate.

Runner-up: J.D. Drew, Boston.

* Starting pitcher: Cliff Lee, Cleveland. Undrafted in many leagues, Lee has an 11-1 record and 2.34 ERA. He's done so by staying healthy, raising his strikeouts and lowering his fly balls.

Runner-up: Joe Saunders, Los Angeles.

* Reliever: Mariano Rivera, New York. There are a number of closers who are worthy, but we're going with the 38-year old with the sub-1.00 ERA and astonishing 14.0 strikeout/walk ratio. Only 20% of his pitches put into play were falling for hits (his career norm is closer to 30%), so it won't stay this good all year. Nevertheless, he's still one of baseball's elite closers.

Runner-up: George Sherrill, Baltimore.

National League

* Catcher: Ryan Doumit, Pittsburgh. His draft-day value was suppressed due to his lack of a full-time job. Eleven hits in his first five games solved that problem. It took a broken thumb to slow him down, but his OPS was an amazing 1.013 since his return. He'll be the starting catcher for the rest of the year.

Runner-up: Geovany Soto, Chicago.

* First base: Lance Berkman, Houston. We knew he was good, but he was in the top three in each of the Triple Crown categories and a legitimate MVP candidate. He's also given owners $50 in fantasy value, or $15 more than any other player. Even scarier: his OPS is 100 points higher in the second half since 2005.

Runner-up: Jorge Cantu, Florida.

* Second base: Dan Uggla, Florida. Impatient owners were grumbling in mid-April when he was batting .167. All he's done since is slug .695 and hit 21 homers. He strikes out too much, which will eventually hurt his average, but the power is for real.

Runner-up: Mark DeRosa, Chicago.

* Third base: Chipper Jones, Atlanta. The NL leader in batting average has worn out opposing pitchers all year, despite some minor injuries. An absurdly high .410 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) means there will be some softening in that average. And keep in mind his propensity to get injured.

Runner-up: Mark Reynolds, Arizona.

* Shortstop: Ryan Theriot, Chicago. Theriot has added stronger plate discipline this year (11% walk rate) to an already good skill set. The result is a legitimate .300-plus batting average and a chance at 30 steals.

Runner-up: Miguel Tejada, Houston.

* Left field: Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis. The Cardinals lead the league in DL days, so they're due some good fortune, and Ludwick has played a part. He finally earned a full-time job and is hitting for both power (16 homers) and average (.285). A $6 to $8 draft day investment has netted you nearly $20 in profit.

Runner-up: Skip Schumaker, St. Louis.

* Center field: Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh. When spring training began, McLouth wasn't even assured a job (he was battling Nyjer Morgan). Once he won it, he never looked back, and he's been a $30 player this year. The skills support it, so enjoy the ride.

Runner-up: Randy Winn, San Francisco.

* Right field: Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh. While some overpaid on the likes of Hunter Pence or Brad Hawpe, you paid single digits for Nady and have gotten equal or better stats. His plate patience has never been better and his power has remained consistent. Expect continued success.

Runner-up: Kosuke Fukudome, Chicago.

* Starting pitcher: Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati. He's been a $30 pitcher in 5x5 leagues on what for many was a single-digit investment. But beware. In June, his strikeout rate has dropped and opponents are hitting the ball a lot harder against him than they did in April and May.

Runner-up: Ryan Dempster, Chicago.

* Reliever: Kerry Wood, Chicago. People have been lining up to throw dirt on Wood's career. With 446 DL days over the last four years, who wouldn't? But he's stayed healthy and thrived in this role. If you feel like pressing your luck, he could earn an NL saves title.

Runner-up: Jon Rauch, Washington.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Give your team a check-up
The best way to look at the 81-game midpoint of the baseball season is to treat it like a check-up at the doctor's office ? get a gauge of your team's general health to see if there are signs of distress, then determine if corrective measures need to be taken.

Not that easy, you say? Yes, fantasy teams are always in a state of flux with injuries, streaks and slumps affecting their general health from day to day and week to week. That's where taking a step back and looking at the big picture helps.

So get your pencil and paper out. And feel free to try Dr. Steve's method of self-analysis on your own teams.

Case No. 1 ?NL LABR

Vitals: 13-team, highly competitive 5x5 experts Roto league. Currently in third place out of 13 teams.

Overview: The team has ridden the strength of its draft (Chipper Jones, Lance Berkman, Jimmy Rollins) to a solid standing in all of the hitting categories, including first overall in batting average.

Injuries haven't been a major factor except for Rollins missing three weeks and Nick Johnson needing season-ending wrist surgery.

The pitching staff has been built around Dan Haren and has benefited from the addition of free agent Ricky Nolasco to be among the top three in the league in wins. Brian Fuentes' elevation to closer has made up for the loss of Chad Cordero.

Previous treatment: Added Taylor Buchholz to pitching staff to replace the injured Noah Lowry. Damaged ERA and WHIP by picking up Josh Fogg for several starts. Wasted $15 of Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) on Jacque Jones' ill-fated stint with the Florida Marlins.

Chief complaints: Lack of production from the catcher spot, specifically rookie J.R. Towles. Inconsistent starts from Tom Gorzelanny and Adam Eaton.

Areas for improvement: Despite being in a three-way tie for third place in homers, the team is below league average in RBI. In a three-way tie for third place in stolen bases, with Rollins and surging Elijah Dukes offering potential to move up. Also, its strikeout total, ERA and WHIP are in the middle of the pack.

Diagnosis: Hitting is solid as long as Jones can stay healthy. Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel have provided better-than-expected numbers but are candidates to fade down the stretch. Could get a boost if Milwaukee Brewers minor-leaguer outfielder Matt LaPorta is called up. Pitching success could hinge on whether Fuentes is traded.

Rx: The patient gets a clean bill of health for the stretch run. With Berkman, Aaron Miles and Brendan Ryan available to play multiple positions, it should be possible to add another hitter. The standings points available in pitching categories (and the inconsistency of Gorzelanny, Eaton, Paul Maholm and Brandon Backe) make acquiring a good starter a priority, even if it takes dealing away some offense.

Case No. 2 ? AL head-to-head

Vitals: 10-team, 4x4, AL-only keeper league. Currently 4-9 and last in its division, from which the winner and likely one wild-card team make the playoffs.

Overview: Unlike in a Roto league, this team's regular season is only 22 weeks, so decisions have to be made sooner. In one of the league's quirky rules, the trade deadline is the final out of the All-Star Game.

With holdovers Francisco Liriano, Dustin McGowan, Clay Buchholz and Chien-Ming Wang, the season looked bright from a pitching standpoint.

That allowed for a big-ticket purchase of Miguel Cabrera on draft day. But a five-game losing streak has sent the team to the back of the pack.

Previous treatment: Attempts to trade Brian Roberts or Dustin Pedroia have been unsuccessful, so Pedroia has occupied the utility spot all season. Waiver-wire additions Jeremy Sowers, Tim Wakefield and Kenny Rogers haven't filled the void left by Liriano, Buchholz and Wang.

Chief complaints: It hurts everywhere. The pitching staff has been decimated by injuries and Joe Blanton has been unable to carry the load. Now Hideki Matsui is on the DL. It's also painfully obvious that Cabrera and Edgar Renteria haven't been as productive after their moves to the American League.

Areas for improvement: Luck. Three losses have come in tiebreakers and another one was by half a point. With Roberts and Pedroia starting, plus Casey Kotchman and Aubrey Huff alternating at first base, there should be definite trade opportunities. Liriano and Buchholz still provide hope for the future.

Diagnosis: No power, no pitching. The offense has too many base stealers with Joey Gathright and Coco Crisp on the bench and Jerry Owens in the minors. On the mound, only closer Jonathan Papelbon has been reliable.

Rx: Pull the plug. Occasionally, you have a season in which absolutely nothing goes right. Papelbon, Liriano, McGowan, Buchholz and Wang are still keeper candidates (there are seven spots available). Trading one or more of them for protectable hitters is an even better idea.

Doctor's orders

These two cases don't cover every situation out there, but it's still possible to go through some of the same steps to determine your team's overall health.

Look carefully for players who may have over- or underachieved and adjust your second-half expectations accordingly.

Another reminder: Now that interleague play is over, players who feasted, struggled or were benched in games against the opposite league won't have to worry about that anymore.

And if your team is one or two key players away, remember the trade deadline could bring players such as C.C. Sabathia, Erik Bedard, Mark Teixeira, Fuentes, Raul Ibanez and Xavier Nady across league boundaries ? and open up playing time for others.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

123 for C.C.
With rumors swirling about his availability leading up to the July 31 trading deadline, the Indians allowed C.C. Sabathia to throw a season-high 123 pitches Wednesday while allowing five runs. Sabathia left the game down 5-4 and was in position to take his ninth loss after completing eight innings, but ended up with a no-decision. He's always been a big-time workhorse, but Sabathia hadn't topped the 120-pitch mark since his final start of the 2006 season.

He's now thrown 119, 106, 112, 116, 116, and 123 pitches over his last half-dozen starts, which certainly makes it seem as though the Indians have lost all interest in preserving his future value. Whether that means they plan to trade him or simply let him walk as a free agent is unclear, but my guess would be that they're listening to offers. Since beginning the season 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA, Sabathia has posted a 2.16 ERA and 109-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 14 starts.

While the Indians decide what to do with the AL's reigning Cy Young winner, here are some other notes from around baseball ?

* Matt Capps has quietly been very effective since taking over as the Pirates' closer last season, converting 35-of-43 save chances (81.3 percent) with a 2.56 ERA and 93-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 119.1 innings. Unfortunately, he landed on the disabled list Wednesday after an MRI exam on his shoulder showed bursitis and the 24-year-old admitted afterward that he's been pitching through discomfort for a while now.

Capps is expected to miss two months and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Pirates simply shut him down for good if they continue to languish below .500 as September approaches. In the meantime, Damaso Marte is now the favorite for saves after posting a 3.54 ERA and 44-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 40.2 innings Capps' setup man. He's had three strong years with the Pirates and is clearly the best option for ninth-inning duties in what is now a very shaky bullpen.

* Down 4-1 after six innings Wednesday against the Red Sox, the Rays stormed back to take the lead on Evan Longoria's two-run double and tacked on two more runs to go up 7-4. Dan Wheeler was brought in for a four-out save when the Red Sox scored in the eighth inning and closed out the victory, albeit after allowing a run of his own to make things very interesting late. Given how things played out, Wheeler is clearly Troy Percival's replacement.

Longoria came up big as the Rays finished off a three-game sweep of the Red Sox, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Called up in mid-April, Longoria has now hit .275/.348/.528 with 15 homers, 37 total extra-base hits, 50 RBIs, and five steals through 74 games. His 70 strikeouts are a lot, but Longoria has shown excellent plate discipline for a 22-year-old rookie by drawing 33 walks in 310 trips to the plate. Only Alex Rodriguez has a higher OPS among AL third basemen. He's a stud.

* Rafael Furcal has already been out for two months with a back injury that was initially expected to sideline him for just a few weeks and he's now scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday that will put his season in doubt. He'll reportedly miss at least two more months, which is a huge blow to a Dodgers team that is now waiting for Nomar Garciaparra to return from the DL so that he can take over as their starting shortstop despite not having played the position since 2005.

Furcal looked like an MVP candidate through early May, hitting .366/.448/.597 with 34 runs in 32 games, but may now hit the free-agent market this winter as a major question mark. Assuming that the Dodgers don't seriously think the 34-year-old, oft-injured Garciaparra is truly a capable fill in, they could look to acquire a short-term fix like Juan Uribe, who the White Sox are said to be openly shopping. If he can avoid a setback for once, Garciaparra could return this weekend.

* The Dodgers may have lost Furcal for the season Wednesday, but Hiroki Kuroda returned from the disabled list in style after missing three starts with a sore shoulder, shutting out the Astros for seven innings while using just 83 pitches. To make room for Kuroda in the rotation the Dodgers sent Clayton Kershaw back to Double-A after the 20-year-old southpaw went 0-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 33-to-24 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 38.2 innings spread over eight starts.

Kershaw's spotty control and lack of high-minors experience suggested that he wasn't ready to thrive yet in the majors and sure enough he finished the sixth inning just once in eight outings. He certainly wasn't bad and simply holding his own in the big leagues at 20 was plenty encouraging, giving credence to the notion that he's among the elite pitching prospects in all of baseball. His long-term outlook remains fantastic and Kershaw may get another shot in the second half.

AL Quick Hits: As expected, the A's signed 16-year-old Dominican right-hander Michel Inoa for a record $4.25 million bonus Wednesday despite what were reportedly better offers from the Reds and Rangers ? Ichiro Suzuki collected three hits Wednesday, pushing his batting average above .300 for the first time since April 9 ? Grady Sizemore got halfway to the 40-40 club Wednesday, smacking his 20th and 21st homers while swiping his 20th base ? Jason Giambi drove in six runs Wednesday, including a grand slam that was his first homer since June 17 ? David Price tossed six scoreless innings Tuesday at Double-A, making the former No. 1 overall pick 6-0 with a 1.74 ERA in 46.2 innings as a pro ? Facing the team that let him go last month, Sidney Ponson was roughed up for seven runs Wednesday against Texas ? A strained groin knocked Michael Young from Wednesday's game ? Joe Saunders won Wednesday to tie Brandon Webb for the MLB lead with a dozen victories ? Warner Madrigal coughed up six runs while recording one out in his big-league debut Wednesday, leaving him with a lovely 162.00 ERA.

NL Quick Hits: Jay Bruce smacked a pair of homers Wednesday, going deep for the first time since June 13 ? Rickie Weeks missed his second straight start Wednesday because of the flu, but delivered a pinch-hit homer off the bench ? As expected, J.R. Towles returned from Triple-A and started behind the plate Wednesday, going 1-for-3 ? Chase Headley homered Wednesday for the fourth time in 15 games after going deep 13 times in 65 games at Triple-A ? Troy Glaus homered twice Wednesday against the Mets, including a walk-off shot ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=MLB&id=2653"]Alex Gonzalez[/URL] is slated to undergo season-ending knee surgery Monday, leaving Jeff Keppinger and Jerry Hairston Jr. to fight for playing time at shortstop in the second half ? Wednesday saw Chipper Jones' batting average dip to .391, but he did homer ? Filling in for Micah Owings (back), Yusmeiro Petit gave up one run on two hits over six innings Wednesday against the Brewers ? Oscar Villarreal was designated for assignment Wednesday three months after general manager Ed Wade handed him a two-year deal worth $2.85 million.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Trade Winds Swirling
I'm way too busy trying to wrap my head around this story to come up with a proper introduction today, so while the countdown begins until Lisa Bonet is inevitably linked to Derek Jeter let's get right to the notes from around baseball ?

* Yesterday in this space my main topic was the Indians letting C.C. Sabathia rack up huge pitch counts, with the implication being that they seemingly no longer had any interest in protecting his future value. Sabathia racking up 123, 119, 116, 116, 112, and 106 pitches over his last six starts certainly suggests that they're preparing to deal him, and sure enough a couple of juicy rumors began circulating Thursday.

Not only did the Philadelphia Inquirer note that the Phillies have placed Sabathia "atop their wish list," both the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and FOXSports.com reported that the Indians have begun scouting Brewers minor leaguers in preparation for a potential deal. His overall stats aren't pretty thanks to a horrible first four starts, but Sabathia has posted a 2.16 ERA and 109-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last 14 outings and could have a huge impact if traded.

* Meanwhile, a non-Sabathia report out of Cleveland notes that the Indians may finally be ready to take ninth-inning duties away from Joe Borowski. Despite his AL-leading 45 saves last season the move is long overdue given Borowski's ugly 5.57 ERA over 82.1 innings with the Indians. It's unclear yet who'll be given the first crack at replacing him after top setup man Rafael Betancourt struggled in the role previously, but for the short term Masa Kobayashi looks like the best bet.

* Along with the various Sabathia rumors, Matt Holliday has been linked to the Angels in multiple reports this week. Holliday is under Colorado's control through next season, but hasn't been able to work out a long-term contract extension and is said to be available in trade talks thanks to the Rockies' 35-51 record. He's followed up last season's second-place MVP finish by hitting .337 with 10 homers and 40 RBIs through 68 games, but a trade would crush Holliday's fantasy stock.

While Coors Field isn't quite the offense-inflating hitter's paradise that it once was, Holliday has benefited tremendously from calling the ballpark home. He's hit .363/.427/.655 with 75 homers and 276 RBIs in 323 career games at home, compared to .277/.340/.450 with 38 homers and 159 RBIs in 304 games on the road. That's a massive 292-point difference in OPS and on a per-game basis he's produced 46 percent fewer homers and 39 percent fewer RBIs on the road.

* Jason Bartlett sprained his knee while sliding into third base Wednesday and was placed on the disabled list Thursday. His defense at shortstop has been a big part of the Rays' turnaround and his glove will definitely be missed, but as a .256/.299/.293 hitter through 77 games his offensive production won't be tough to replace. Both Ben Zobrist and Reid Brignac were called up from the minors to help replace Bartlett, seemingly making a straight platoon likely.

Zobrist has batted just .207/.245/.303 in 92 games with the Rays after posting huge on-base percentages in the minors and at 27 years old projects as little more than a good utility man at this point. On the other hand, Brignac is only 22 years old and remains a quality prospect despite losing some of his shine over the past couple years. He had a huge season at Single-A in 2006, but has hit a modest .262/.323/.432 in 211 games between Double-A and Triple-A since then.

* Johnny Cueto's rookie season got off to a great start before he went into a month-long slump that left him 2-4 with a 5.91 ERA, but he's quietly put together a nice 10-outing stretch since then. Cueto held the Nationals to three runs over seven innings Thursday, totaling eight strikeouts for his seventh win. He's posted a 3.64 ERA and 45-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 59.1 innings during that 10-start span, giving the 22-year-old a solid 4.68 ERA and 1.34 WHIP overall.

* When the Royals demoted Billy Butler to Triple-A back in late May, my analysis referred to it as "an odd move on a number of levels" and my advice to his fantasy owners was that they "should be looking to buy low" because he "remains an excellent long-term bet." Butler went down to Triple-A and hit .337/.417/.564 in 26 games, earning a trip back to Kansas City last week. Since returning to the Royals he's 6-for-14 (.429), including a homer and a double Thursday night.

AL Quick Hits: Paul Konerko (oblique) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A and could come off the disabled list early next week ? Angels hitters wondered if Rich Harden was hurt after he showed decreased velocity Wednesday, but the oft-injured ace blamed it on merely having "kind of a dead arm" ? Aubrey Huff went 3-for-4 with a pair of long balls Thursday, surpassing last season's homer total in 70 fewer games ? Bobby Jenks was unavailable Wednesday because of back soreness, giving Scott Linebrink the chance to blow a one-run lead in his place ? Kyle Davies was 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA through four starts, but after getting knocked around Thursday he's 0-2 with a 13.11 ERA over his last three outings ? Justin Duchscherer followed up a two-run first inning with six scoreless frames Thursday, maintaining a sub-2.00 ERA while beating the White Sox for his ninth win ? Meanwhile, Javier Vazquez totaled 10 strikeouts while allowing three runs in a complete-game, but fell to the A's ? According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are interested in David Eckstein.

NL Quick Hits: Cole Hamels took a shutout into the ninth inning Thursday, but settled for 8.2 innings of one-run ball and the victory when Tom Gordon picked up a one-out save ? Brandon Phillips drove in three runs on three hits Thursday, giving him 15 RBIs with a .410 batting average and five steals over the past 15 games ? Tim Lincecum won his sixth straight decision Thursday by holding the Cubs to three runs over six innings ? Todd Helton was scratched from Thursday's lineup with a sore back and Jeff Baker homered while starting in his place ? After beginning his career 3-0, Mitchell Boggs was crushed Thursday by the Mets, giving up 11 runs ? Aramis Ramirez returned to the lineup Thursday after being away for the team for three days attending to a personal matter in the Dominican Republic ? J.J. Hardy went 4-for-5 with a homer and two doubles Thursday, giving him 11 hits over the past four games ? As expected, Luis Castillo (hip) landed on the disabled list Thursday, making Damion Easley the Mets' starting second baseman through the All-Star break. newyorkmets.com

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008

Buy Low for the Second Half
Now that one of the best All-Star games in recent memory is finally over, it's time to turn our attention to the second half with a look at my favorite "buy-low" and "sell-high" candidates for the remainder of the season. I'll tackle the sell-high guys tomorrow, but today let's focus on the buy-low targets, who can mostly be categorized as players who either a) saw their value drop during a bad first half and figure to turn things around, or b) look ready to breakout.

Jonathan Broxton (RP, Dodgers) ? With Takashi Saito being shut down for at least six weeks with a sprained elbow ligament, Broxton will take over as the Dodgers' closer for what may be the rest of the season. He's ready for the opportunity after establishing himself as one of baseball's top setup man with a 2.86 ERA and 242 strikeouts in 198 innings spread over the past three years. Broxton has all the tools necessary to be an elite closer.

A.J. Burnett (SP, Blue Jays) ? Burnett will begin the second half with a career-worst 4.96 ERA, but his secondary numbers are as strong as ever with a 126-to-57 strikeout-to-walk ratio and just 11 homers allowed over 127 innings. He's been unfortunate in that the defense behind him hasn't turned a high rate of his balls in play into outs and a high percentage of runners have scored on him once they reach base, but that tends to even out over time and his ERA is on the way down.

Robinson Cano (2B, Yankees) ? Hitting .151 in April has made it tough for Cano to get his season totals respectable, but he's hitting .288 since May 1, including .295 in May, .287 in June, and .273 in July. Even those numbers are disappointing for a 25-year-old who came into this season as a .314/.346/.489 career hitter and Cano is simply too good for his OPS to stay below .700 for much longer. Expect his usual .300-plus batting average in the second half.

Manny Corpas (RP, Rockies) ? Stripped of ninth-inning duties after blowing four of his first eight save chances while posting a 7.78 ERA, Corpas may be on the verge of reclaiming the closer job with Brian Fuentes rumored to be on the trading block. Corpas has responded very well to the demotion, tossing 26.2 innings with a 3.38 ERA and 23-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio since mid-May. If Fuentes is dealt, Corpas' value will skyrocket.

Brad Hawpe (OF, Rockies) ? Hawpe was hitting just .231 with three homers in 42 games when he landed on the disabled list in mid-May with a strained hamstring. He returned two weeks later and has been on fire since, hitting .277/.394/.597 with 11 homers in 35 games. Hawpe had nearly identical numbers over the past two years?hitting .293/.383/.515 with 22 homers in 2006 and .291/.387/.539 with 29 homers in 2007?and looks ready to post similar stats in the second half.

Adam Lind (OF, Blue Jays) ? Injuries to Vernon Wells and Shannon Stewart clear the path for Lind to get another extended look in Toronto's outfield. He struggled when given a chance last season and went 1-for-19 in a brief stint early this year, but has hit .339 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 17 games since being recalled from the minors. As a 24-year-old career .333/.406/.525 hitter with 17 homers and 96 RBIs in 131 games at Triple-A, he has plenty of upside.

Francisco Liriano (SP, Twins) ? Rushed back from Tommy John surgery, Liriano went 0-3 with an 11.32 ERA in April and got banished back to Triple-A. He's since become a forgotten man, but is quieting putting up great numbers again. He's posted a 24-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio during his current 20-inning scoreless streak, giving him a 3.53 ERA and 86-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 97 innings at Triple-A overall. If the Twins clear a spot, Liriano is ready to rejoin the rotation.

Damaso Marte (RP, Pirates) ? Manager John Russell refuses to make it official, but with Matt Capps likely sidelined into September the Pirates have turned ninth-inning duties over to Marte. He converted three straight save chances to finish the first half, giving him a 3.22 ERA and 44-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 44.2 innings. He now has a 3.46 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 185 innings since joining the Pirates and there isn't another decent closer option in their bullpen.

Alex Rios (OF, Blue Jays) ? Rios has just four homers in 89 games after a career-high 24 last year, although he's made up for it by already stealing more bases (23) than ever before. He's still a nice buy-low target, in part because he's hitting .321 since June 1 and in part because just four percent of his fly balls have gone over the fence this year. He smacked 10 percent of his fly balls for homers over the past two seasons, so you can expect Rios to start going deep again soon.

Juan Rivera (OF, Angels) ? Rivera missed most of last year with a broken leg and barely played for the first three months of this year, but has recently gotten regular playing time at the expense of Gary Matthews Jr. Moved back into the starting lineup on June 29, Rivera has gone 11-for-31 with three homers and eight RBIs in 10 games. He fell off the fantasy radar, but is only two years removed from hitting .310/.362/.525 with 23 homers and 85 RBIs in 124 games.

Nick Swisher (OF, White Sox) ? Moving from the pitcher-friendly ballpark in Oakland to his new power-boosting home in Chicago made Swisher a good bet for a big year, but he hit just .201 with four homers and a .640 OPS in 54 games through the end of May. He's gotten on track by batting .284 with eight homers and a .912 OPS in 39 games since June 1, and has predictably thrived at home, smacking 10 of his 12 homers there with an .869 OPS, compared to .643 on the road.

Justin Verlander (SP, Tigers) ? Verlander's season totals remain sub par at 7-9 with a 4.15 ERA, but he's quietly been one of the AL's best pitchers since flashing significantly decreased velocity while beginning the year 1-7 with a 6.05 ERA. In 11 outings since mid-May, Verlander has gone 6-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 63-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 73 innings. His missing miles per hour have returned and Verlander's numbers are back to normal, even if not everyone has noticed yet.
www.atlantabraves.ws
Honorable Mentions: Joe Blanton (SP, A's); Clay Buchholz (SP, Red Sox); Billy Butler (DH, Royals); Jeff Clement (C, Mariners); Jeff Francoeur (OF, Braves); Sean Gallagher (SP, A's); Ryan Garko (1B, Indians); Andrew Miller (SP, Marlins); Freddy Sanchez (2B, Pirates); Kelly Shoppach (C, Indians); J.R. Towles (C, Astros); Javier Vazquez (SP, White Sox)