Haren Has a Halo
Here's hoping you had a great summer weekend, free of Rotizophrenia and full of sausages, hamburgers and beverages. Or, if you are vegetarian, not-sausages, not-hamburgers and not-beverages.
This is a big week in fantasy baseball, as the trade deadline approaches on Saturday. What you can expect are lots of rumors, of which many won't end up being legitimate - front offices are filling the airwaves with misinformation in order to manipulate the negotiations they are undertaking, so it's always hard to parse the real from the fake. But what you can expect from us is that we'll be on top of those rumors, as we are all pulling extra time this week in an effort to keep you informed.
One note - preemptively dropping an established player for someone that might get a chance after a significant trade is a legitimate but iffy practice. Say you pick up Domonic Brown, expecting Jayson Werth to leave town and open up a spot in the lineup for him. Fine, if the trade happens. If it doesn't, the pain of the transaction is as bad as the player you dropped. Think hard, in other words.
* The first big trade of the season went down on Sunday, with Dan Haren moving the Angels, who have been searching for pitching ever since they let John Lackey go. The trade is a bit of a head-scratcher, as Haren seemingly deserved more than Joe Saunders, a reliever (Rafael Rodriguez), and high-upside lefty in A-ball (Patrick Corbin). The rumor is that the player to be named later is a Tyler Skaggs, but the dude is 18 and in Single-A. This is a sell-low package for a guy that's signed for an under-market deal for a while still.
Saunders is serviceable, he's not young (29), doesn't strike people out (5.10 K/9 career), and doesn't own a nice ground ball rate either (45.9%). He gets a slight boost by moving to the easier league, but he's not mixed-league relevant, and neither are the named prospects in the deal. He's not an ace, like the other names in the deal going to Arizona.
Haren gets a boost - he could win more games if the Angels offense gets going - but not much of one. He is moving to the more difficult league, but he has shown he can succeed in the AL West before, and he'll probably do so again. Since his underlying stats haven't changed this year, he still makes for a great buy-low in fantasy baseball and a great real baseball number two.
* In non-trade news, Magglio Ordonez broke his right ankle and will be out six to eight weeks. He's been a real surprise this year, pairing a high batting average with good RBI production, but since he's still a little under-powered for mixed leagues, his loss won't hurt too much. Deeper league managers will hurt, though, and might consider Ryan Raburn as the replacement, as the injury will open up more time for the youngster. He won't have the batting average of an Ordonez, but he actually owns more power upside, and with his batted ball luck turning in the future, he might be good for a six-week stretch.
In related trade news, the Tigers are rumored to have 'great' interest in Adam Dunn. That would kill Raburn's value, and the move to more of a pitcher's park may soften some of Dunn's impact, but the guy has power no matter where he plays. The Dunn news is more important for AL-only owners looking for power. If Dunn moves, you better have your wallets ready and open. He'll probably be worth the rest of your FAAB budget.
* In the oft-injured cupboard, we have Ben Sheets hitting the DL with elbow woes and no idea how long he'll be out, which sounds familiar. Brett Anderson will join the rotation on Friday in his stead, and though he struggled on his rehab stint, he has the stuff to excel in the major leagues and should not be on a single waiver wire. After missing signifier time earlier in the season, Orlando Hudson will miss more time with a strained right oblique. It's starting to look like he'll suffer these nicks the rest of his career. AL-only managers could look to Alexi Casilla for an okay batting average and a tiny bit of speed in the meantime.
* Want an example of why many trades don't happen after all the rumors? The Astros apparently want Matt Kemp or James Loney for Roy Oswalt. Though Loney is low-powered for a first baseman, trading him would still create a hole in the lineup and doesn't seem advisable. Trading Matt Kemp for Oswalt would prove that Ned Colletti does not belong in a front office anywhere. There's a chance Oswalt doesn't get traded at all if this is what Houston is looking for.
* It seems it's time for the daily Red Sox M.A.S.H. update. Victor Martinez looks like he might return today, but I've fractured a similar bone in my thumb and I don't expect him to be at his most powerful so quickly after suffering the injury. That's the extent of my ability to fake being a doctor, though. Clay Buchholz returned over the weekend, and got shelled, but should be able to sport a mid-to-high-3s ERA going forward, judging on his peripherals. Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) could begin a rehab assignment today according to his manager. Dustin Pedroia (foot) played catch without a boot.
NL Quick Hits: Brad Lincoln was sent down by the Pirates, but since he never really recovered from his multiple surgeries, he has back-end-of-a-rotation upside in either real or fantasy baseball really … R.A. Dickey left his start Sunday after taking a ball off his ankle, and with the way he was playing, many teams will miss him if it turns out to be serious … John Maine underwent season-ending shoulder surgery … Pablo Sandoval will miss a couple days dealing with a personal issue in Venezuela … Now Matt Capps is in the rumor mill, making Drew Storen an okay pickup for saves speculation … Ross Detwiler was called up to the Nationals to replace J.D. ration (back), and has NL-only appeal for now … Andrew McCutchen returned to the lineup and is fully operational ... Mat Latos returned from the DL and was excellent once again … J.A. Happ returned to the Phillies, but was less than effective in the minor leagues and in his return, so mixed leaguers might want to watch and learn … Scott Rolen (hamstring) thinks he'll return sometime in the next series … Rod Barajas (oblique) may or may not avoid the DL … The Marlins recalled Chris Volstad from Triple-A for a start Sunday, but he didn't get the groundballs he needs to in order to be successful … Giants teammate Eugenio Velez got hit in the head by a foul ball and will miss time with a concussion most likely … Jeremy Affeldt slightly tore his oblique and went on the DL, which matters in holds leagues, but the Giants think he'll miss the minimum … Jhoulys Chacin was sent down to Triple-A, but will once again make a great pickup once he returns to the rotation.
AL Quick Hits: Alex Gordon looks like he's getting most of the playing time in place of David DeJesus (thumb) and makes a good upside play in deeper leagues … Justin Morneau (concussion) made it through a four-hour workout on Friday without issues, and could return next week …Shin-Soo Choo (thumb) played this weekend as a pleasant and early-returning surprise … Andrew Bailey (upper back) thinks he can return on Tuesday … Denard Span missed Sunday's game, but manager Ron Gardenhire just said he was sick, and should be back today … Luke Hochevar (elbow) began a throwing program, but doesn't have a timetable yet … The Tigers have also shown interest in Mike Lowell as they look for offense anywhere, as they lost Magglio and also put Carlos Guillen (right calf) on the DL again … Shaun Marcum shook off blister issues and held the Tigers to two runs … Now the Angels' sixth starter, Scott Kazmir will begin a throwing program any day after an MRI on Thursday with good results … Manager Joe Maddon said Saturday that ueber-prospect Jeremy Hellickson could join the bullpen later this season, which is mixed news, as he won't get starter's innings, or take Rafael Soriano's job, but he'll at least be in the majors … Kyle Drabek probably won't get that far, as manager Cito Gaston said he's nearing his innings limit and might not get to the majors this year … Relief prospect (and 2010 draftee) Chris Sale might make it to the majors this year, though, says Ozzie Guillen ... The Yankees activated Sergio Mitre, who might be worth a spot start or two while Andy Pettitte is on the DL … Rich Harden (glute) will make another rehab start because he's had a 7.49 ERA during his first three; He's tough to recommend in any leagues right now … Ty Wigginton will miss three games for getting in the umpire's face in last Thursday's game, but he's appealing for now … Derek Holland (knee, shoulder) pitched over the weekend, but results are not available yet.
Here's hoping you had a great summer weekend, free of Rotizophrenia and full of sausages, hamburgers and beverages. Or, if you are vegetarian, not-sausages, not-hamburgers and not-beverages.
This is a big week in fantasy baseball, as the trade deadline approaches on Saturday. What you can expect are lots of rumors, of which many won't end up being legitimate - front offices are filling the airwaves with misinformation in order to manipulate the negotiations they are undertaking, so it's always hard to parse the real from the fake. But what you can expect from us is that we'll be on top of those rumors, as we are all pulling extra time this week in an effort to keep you informed.
One note - preemptively dropping an established player for someone that might get a chance after a significant trade is a legitimate but iffy practice. Say you pick up Domonic Brown, expecting Jayson Werth to leave town and open up a spot in the lineup for him. Fine, if the trade happens. If it doesn't, the pain of the transaction is as bad as the player you dropped. Think hard, in other words.
* The first big trade of the season went down on Sunday, with Dan Haren moving the Angels, who have been searching for pitching ever since they let John Lackey go. The trade is a bit of a head-scratcher, as Haren seemingly deserved more than Joe Saunders, a reliever (Rafael Rodriguez), and high-upside lefty in A-ball (Patrick Corbin). The rumor is that the player to be named later is a Tyler Skaggs, but the dude is 18 and in Single-A. This is a sell-low package for a guy that's signed for an under-market deal for a while still.
Saunders is serviceable, he's not young (29), doesn't strike people out (5.10 K/9 career), and doesn't own a nice ground ball rate either (45.9%). He gets a slight boost by moving to the easier league, but he's not mixed-league relevant, and neither are the named prospects in the deal. He's not an ace, like the other names in the deal going to Arizona.
Haren gets a boost - he could win more games if the Angels offense gets going - but not much of one. He is moving to the more difficult league, but he has shown he can succeed in the AL West before, and he'll probably do so again. Since his underlying stats haven't changed this year, he still makes for a great buy-low in fantasy baseball and a great real baseball number two.
* In non-trade news, Magglio Ordonez broke his right ankle and will be out six to eight weeks. He's been a real surprise this year, pairing a high batting average with good RBI production, but since he's still a little under-powered for mixed leagues, his loss won't hurt too much. Deeper league managers will hurt, though, and might consider Ryan Raburn as the replacement, as the injury will open up more time for the youngster. He won't have the batting average of an Ordonez, but he actually owns more power upside, and with his batted ball luck turning in the future, he might be good for a six-week stretch.
In related trade news, the Tigers are rumored to have 'great' interest in Adam Dunn. That would kill Raburn's value, and the move to more of a pitcher's park may soften some of Dunn's impact, but the guy has power no matter where he plays. The Dunn news is more important for AL-only owners looking for power. If Dunn moves, you better have your wallets ready and open. He'll probably be worth the rest of your FAAB budget.
* In the oft-injured cupboard, we have Ben Sheets hitting the DL with elbow woes and no idea how long he'll be out, which sounds familiar. Brett Anderson will join the rotation on Friday in his stead, and though he struggled on his rehab stint, he has the stuff to excel in the major leagues and should not be on a single waiver wire. After missing signifier time earlier in the season, Orlando Hudson will miss more time with a strained right oblique. It's starting to look like he'll suffer these nicks the rest of his career. AL-only managers could look to Alexi Casilla for an okay batting average and a tiny bit of speed in the meantime.
* Want an example of why many trades don't happen after all the rumors? The Astros apparently want Matt Kemp or James Loney for Roy Oswalt. Though Loney is low-powered for a first baseman, trading him would still create a hole in the lineup and doesn't seem advisable. Trading Matt Kemp for Oswalt would prove that Ned Colletti does not belong in a front office anywhere. There's a chance Oswalt doesn't get traded at all if this is what Houston is looking for.
* It seems it's time for the daily Red Sox M.A.S.H. update. Victor Martinez looks like he might return today, but I've fractured a similar bone in my thumb and I don't expect him to be at his most powerful so quickly after suffering the injury. That's the extent of my ability to fake being a doctor, though. Clay Buchholz returned over the weekend, and got shelled, but should be able to sport a mid-to-high-3s ERA going forward, judging on his peripherals. Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) could begin a rehab assignment today according to his manager. Dustin Pedroia (foot) played catch without a boot.
NL Quick Hits: Brad Lincoln was sent down by the Pirates, but since he never really recovered from his multiple surgeries, he has back-end-of-a-rotation upside in either real or fantasy baseball really … R.A. Dickey left his start Sunday after taking a ball off his ankle, and with the way he was playing, many teams will miss him if it turns out to be serious … John Maine underwent season-ending shoulder surgery … Pablo Sandoval will miss a couple days dealing with a personal issue in Venezuela … Now Matt Capps is in the rumor mill, making Drew Storen an okay pickup for saves speculation … Ross Detwiler was called up to the Nationals to replace J.D. ration (back), and has NL-only appeal for now … Andrew McCutchen returned to the lineup and is fully operational ... Mat Latos returned from the DL and was excellent once again … J.A. Happ returned to the Phillies, but was less than effective in the minor leagues and in his return, so mixed leaguers might want to watch and learn … Scott Rolen (hamstring) thinks he'll return sometime in the next series … Rod Barajas (oblique) may or may not avoid the DL … The Marlins recalled Chris Volstad from Triple-A for a start Sunday, but he didn't get the groundballs he needs to in order to be successful … Giants teammate Eugenio Velez got hit in the head by a foul ball and will miss time with a concussion most likely … Jeremy Affeldt slightly tore his oblique and went on the DL, which matters in holds leagues, but the Giants think he'll miss the minimum … Jhoulys Chacin was sent down to Triple-A, but will once again make a great pickup once he returns to the rotation.
AL Quick Hits: Alex Gordon looks like he's getting most of the playing time in place of David DeJesus (thumb) and makes a good upside play in deeper leagues … Justin Morneau (concussion) made it through a four-hour workout on Friday without issues, and could return next week …Shin-Soo Choo (thumb) played this weekend as a pleasant and early-returning surprise … Andrew Bailey (upper back) thinks he can return on Tuesday … Denard Span missed Sunday's game, but manager Ron Gardenhire just said he was sick, and should be back today … Luke Hochevar (elbow) began a throwing program, but doesn't have a timetable yet … The Tigers have also shown interest in Mike Lowell as they look for offense anywhere, as they lost Magglio and also put Carlos Guillen (right calf) on the DL again … Shaun Marcum shook off blister issues and held the Tigers to two runs … Now the Angels' sixth starter, Scott Kazmir will begin a throwing program any day after an MRI on Thursday with good results … Manager Joe Maddon said Saturday that ueber-prospect Jeremy Hellickson could join the bullpen later this season, which is mixed news, as he won't get starter's innings, or take Rafael Soriano's job, but he'll at least be in the majors … Kyle Drabek probably won't get that far, as manager Cito Gaston said he's nearing his innings limit and might not get to the majors this year … Relief prospect (and 2010 draftee) Chris Sale might make it to the majors this year, though, says Ozzie Guillen ... The Yankees activated Sergio Mitre, who might be worth a spot start or two while Andy Pettitte is on the DL … Rich Harden (glute) will make another rehab start because he's had a 7.49 ERA during his first three; He's tough to recommend in any leagues right now … Ty Wigginton will miss three games for getting in the umpire's face in last Thursday's game, but he's appealing for now … Derek Holland (knee, shoulder) pitched over the weekend, but results are not available yet.
