MLB Fantasy News 2010

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Second Baseman Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Jamey Carroll (39th)

There was a lot of indecision here, particularly in the 10-20 range. I'm still not a big Casey McGehee believer, but he is in a great situation batting behind Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Dropping Gordon Beckham from 12th -- that's where he would have been ranked had he been listed as a second baseman initially (two spots behind Chone Figgins) -- to 20th has me nervous, but he is off to the awful start and I don't see him making a big contribution in runs and RBI in the White Sox lineup.

I'm not optimistic that it will happen, but it'd be nice to see Eric Young Jr. get a chance to unseat Clint Barmes in Colorado. The Rockies would lose some defense with the switch, but Barmes is a liability against right-handed pitchers. If Young gets 400 at-bats, he might swipe 40 bases.

Second Baseman Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Second baseman</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Chase Utley </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Robinson Cano </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Ian Kinsler </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Dustin Pedroia </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Brandon Phillips </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Aaron Hill </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Kelly Johnson </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Brian Roberts </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Howie Kendrick </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Dan Uggla </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Chone Figgins </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>*10 (3B) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Ben Zobrist </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Jose Lopez </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Martin Prado </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Placido Polanco </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Rickie Weeks </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Casey McGehee </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>29 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Orlando Hudson </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Alberto Callaspo </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Gordon Beckham </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>*13 (3B) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Scott Sizemore </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Felipe Lopez </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Akinori Iwamura </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Clint Barmes </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Freddy Sanchez </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Luis Castillo </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Mark Ellis </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Adam Kennedy </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Ty Wigginton </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>*34 (3B) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Skip Schumaker </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Blake DeWitt </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>*32 (3B) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Mike Fontenot </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Chris Getz </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>30 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Eugenio Velez </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Adam Rosales </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>*58 (3B) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Ronnie Belliard </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>32 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Kaz Matsui </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Eric Young Jr. </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>34 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>David Eckstein </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>37 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Omar Infante </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Jeff Keppinger </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>40 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>Delwyn Young </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>38 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Sean Rodriguez </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>*125 (OF) </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Jeff Baker </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Willy Aybar </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>33 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
USA Today

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Third Baseman Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Mike Lowell (30th)

No changes at the top. I did briefly weigh moving David Wright ahead of Alex Rodriguez, based largely on steals, but I'm not as fond of Wright while he's hitting fifth in a lineup that is going to be without Carlos Beltran for at least another month.

Since he suddenly fancies himself a basestealer, Chase Headley has moved from 21st to 14th. Also, he's a lot close to Chipper Jones at No. 13 than Troy Glaus at No. 15.

If the Royals committed to Alex Gordon at third base, I'd have given him the benefit of the doubt and kept him at No. 16. Of course, they think they're better off with Chris Getz playing regularly at the moment.

Third Baseman Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Third baseman</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Alex Rodriguez </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>David Wright </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Evan Longoria </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Mark Reynolds </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Pablo Sandoval </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Ryan Zimmerman </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Kevin Youkilis </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Aramis Ramirez </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Michael Young </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Jorge Cantu </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Ian Stewart </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Adrian Beltre </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Chipper Jones </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Chase Headley </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Troy Glaus </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Edwin Encarnacion </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Casey Blake </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Mark Teahen </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Kevin Kouzmanoff </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Scott Rolen </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Jose Bautista </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Brandon Inge </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Mark DeRosa </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>David Freese </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Garrett Atkins </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Alex Gordon </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Andy LaRoche </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Brandon Wood </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>29 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Pedro Feliz </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Eric Chavez </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Shortstop Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Willie Bloomquist (29th), Emilio Bonifacio (33rd)

Rafael Furcal isn't off to a particularly remarkable start with a .309 average, no homers and six RBI from the leadoff spot. However, the steals get him moved up five spots in the rankings. I had him projected for 21 after he came in at 12 in 150 games last year. He looks like a good bet for 30 or maybe even 40 now, though.

Jason Bartlett provided his owners with a nice surprise when he drove in 10 runs in a five-game span last week. Still, he's hitting just .269 and he went without a homer in April after finishing with 14 last year. He's also just 2-for-4 stealing bases. He needs to improve his average to be a quality leadoff hitter for the Rays, and if he does get dropped from the leadoff spot at some point, he could quickly turn into a fantasy bust.

Shortstop Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Shortstop</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Hanley Ramirez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Jose Reyes </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Troy Tulowitzki </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Derek Jeter </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Jimmy Rollins </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Elvis Andrus </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Alexei Ramirez </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Asdrubal Cabrera </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Rafael Furcal </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Yunel Escobar </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Miguel Tejada </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Ryan Theriot </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Stephen Drew </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Jason Bartlett </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Erick Aybar </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Orlando Cabrera </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Marco Scutaro </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Jhonny Peralta </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Alcides Escobar </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>J.J. Hardy </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Alex Gonzalez </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Cliff Pennington </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Brendan Ryan </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Edgar Renteria </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Yuniesky Betancourt </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Ian Desmond </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Luis Valbuena </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Maicer Izturis </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Cristian Guzman </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>30 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Everth Cabrera </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Juan Uribe </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>40 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Jerry Hairston Jr. </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>38 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Ronny Cedeno </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>39 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Jack Wilson </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>34 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Nick Punto </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Reid Brignac </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>53 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Brendan Harris </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>41 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Cesar Izturis </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Mike Aviles </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>32 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Julio Lugo </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>37 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Designated Hitter Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

DH Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Designated Hitter</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Vladimir Guerrero </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>David Ortiz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Hideki Matsui </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Jim Thome </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Pat Burrell </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Travis Hafner </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Ken Griffey Jr. </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Randy Ruiz </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Mike Sweeney </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Kila Ka'aihue </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Outfielder Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Elijah Dukes (84th), Ryan Raburn (97th), Xavier Nady (98th), Gerardo Parra (99th), Gary Sheffield (101st), Ryan Church (104th), Felix Pie (106th), Randy Winn (109th)

The unsigned Jermaine Dye barely hangs on to a spot, but there hasn't been so much of a hint of interest in Dukes since the Nationals released him. It's bizarre, given his youth and upside, but it seems that teams aren't only scared off by his history, but by questions about his work ethic as well.

Jack Cust does rate a spot. He's caught fire in Triple-A over the last week, and the A's are going to need to bring him up soon. Eric Chavez isn't about to start hitting like a legitimate DH, and the A's could also use some help in the outfield at the moment, though that will be less of an issue when Coco Crisp returns in a week or two.

Outfielder Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Outfielder</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Ryan Braun </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Carl Crawford </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Matt Kemp </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Justin Upton </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Matt Holliday </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>B.J. Upton </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Jason Bay </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Nick Markakis </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Grady Sizemore </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Ichiro Suzuki </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Andrew McCutchen </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Shin-Soo Choo </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Andre Ethier </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Bobby Abreu </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Nelson Cruz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Carlos Lee </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Colby Rasmus </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>51 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Adam Lind </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Alex Rios </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Manny Ramirez </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Jayson Werth </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Carlos Gonzalez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Alfonso Soriano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Josh Hamilton </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Vernon Wells </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>39 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Torii Hunter </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>30 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Michael Bourn </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Jason Heyward </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>52 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Hunter Pence </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Curtis Granderson </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Adam Jones </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Magglio Ordonez </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>47 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Jay Bruce </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Franklin Gutierrez </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>43 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Shane Victorino </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>37 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Michael Cuddyer </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>46 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Chris Young </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>56 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Carlos Quentin </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Nyjer Morgan </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>32 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Johnny Damon </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>48 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>Denard Span </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>34 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Ryan Ludwick </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>45 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Chris Coghlan </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>40 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Marlon Byrd </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>66 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46 </TD><TD>Andruw Jones </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>7 DH </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47 </TD><TD>Raul Ibanez </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>38 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48 </TD><TD>Juan Pierre </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49 </TD><TD>Cameron Maybin </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>54 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50 </TD><TD>Jeff Francoeur </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>58 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51 </TD><TD>Julio Borbon </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>33 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52 </TD><TD>Conor Jackson </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>41 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53 </TD><TD>Brett Gardner </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>82 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54 </TD><TD>Carlos Beltran </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>29 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55 </TD><TD>Brad Hawpe </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>49 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56 </TD><TD>Juan Rivera </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>53 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57 </TD><TD>Nate McLouth </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>42 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>58 </TD><TD>Garrett Jones </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>60 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59 </TD><TD>Josh Willingham </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>77 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>60 </TD><TD>Jason Kubel </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>55 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61 </TD><TD>Austin Jackson </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>95 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>62 </TD><TD>J.D. Drew </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>63 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63 </TD><TD>Jose Guillen </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>86 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>64 </TD><TD>Kosuke Fukudome </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>76 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65 </TD><TD>David DeJesus </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>71 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>66 </TD><TD>Drew Stubbs </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>57 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67 </TD><TD>Lastings Milledge </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>50 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>68 </TD><TD>Corey Hart </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>44 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69 </TD><TD>Coco Crisp </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>70 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>70 </TD><TD>Dexter Fowler </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>62 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71 </TD><TD>Carlos Gomez </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>69 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>72 </TD><TD>Nick Swisher </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>68 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73 </TD><TD>Nolan Reimold </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>59 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>74 </TD><TD>Carlos Guillen </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>61 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75 </TD><TD>Austin Kearns </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>120 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>76 </TD><TD>Rajai Davis </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>73 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77 </TD><TD>Cody Ross </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>64 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>78 </TD><TD>Rick Ankiel </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>74 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79 </TD><TD>Scott Podsednik </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>91 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>80 </TD><TD>Mike Cameron </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>65 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81 </TD><TD>Milton Bradley </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>72 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>82 </TD><TD>Ryan Sweeney </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>75 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83 </TD><TD>Will Venable </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>107 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>84 </TD><TD>Delmon Young </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>67 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85 </TD><TD>Jonny Gomes </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>81 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>86 </TD><TD>Nate Schierholtz </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>102 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87 </TD><TD>Luke Scott </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>83 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>88 </TD><TD>Jim Edmonds </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>121 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89 </TD><TD>Kyle Blanks </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>87 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>90 </TD><TD>Melky Cabrera </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>78 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91 </TD><TD>Angel Pagan </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>100 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>92 </TD><TD>Matt LaPorta </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>79 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93 </TD><TD>Aaron Rowand </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>85 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>94 </TD><TD>Tony Gwynn Jr. </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>115 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95 </TD><TD>Travis Snider </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>80 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>96 </TD><TD>Jack Cust </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>90 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97 </TD><TD>Scott Hairston </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>89 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>98 </TD><TD>Mike Stanton </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>172 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99 </TD><TD>Jeremy Hermida </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>103 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>100 </TD><TD>Tyler Colvin </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>191 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101 </TD><TD>Seth Smith </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>96 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>102 </TD><TD>Matt Diaz </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>93 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103 </TD><TD>Willie Harris </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>124 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>104 </TD><TD>Marcus Thames </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>108 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105 </TD><TD>Jermaine Dye </TD><TD></TD><TD>88 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>106 </TD><TD>Ben Francisco </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>94 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107 </TD><TD>David Murphy </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>92 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>108 </TD><TD>Justin Maxwell </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>110 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109 </TD><TD>Fred Lewis </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>114 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>110 </TD><TD>Eric Patterson </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>105 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Relief Pitcher Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Scott Downs (40th), Brandon Lyon (41st), Michael Wuertz (46th), Rafael Betancourt (52nd), George Sherrill (53rd), Nick Masset (55th)

It's just dumb luck that Jonathan Broxton somehow managed only one save in April. His velocity has been down a bit, but he's been just as effective as ever so far, so if there's any chance of buying low, it's worth pursuing.

I still think the Rangers would be better off with Frank Francisco in the ninth and Neftali Feliz in a setup role, but the longer the current arrangement sticks, the less likely it is that Ron Washington will make a change. I like Feliz as much as anyone, but I just don't get why Washington wants him closing when his availability is so often in question.

Evan Meek is pretty clearly next in line for saves in Pittsburgh, but the Pirates would certainly prefer to see Octavio Dotel hold down the job through the All-Star break anyway and hopefully build some trade value. Meek has a history of command issues -- he walked 41 batters in his 60 innings as a major leaguer coming into this year -- and he's unlikely to turn into a long-term closer for the Pirates. He's their best reliever right now, but he's far from a sure thing.

The Orioles are trying to catch lightning in a bottle with Alfredo Simon, but Koji Uehara, who is expected back from a strained hamstring this week, may well prove to be their best reliever in Mike Gonzalez's absence. While Simon can be tried in fantasy leagues for now, it's doubtful that he'll have any long-term fantasy value.

Relief Pitcher Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Relief pitchers</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Mariano Rivera </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Jonathan Broxton </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Jonathan Papelbon </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Joakim Soria </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Heath Bell </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Carlos Marmol </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Francisco Rodriguez </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Brian Wilson </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Andrew Bailey </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Francisco Cordero </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>David Aardsma </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Billy Wagner </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Jose Valverde </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Matt Capps </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Ryan Franklin </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Rafael Soriano </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Huston Street </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Bobby Jenks </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Leo Nunez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Trevor Hoffman </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Jon Rauch </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>29 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Matt Lindstrom </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Brian Fuentes </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Neftali Feliz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>38 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Octavio Dotel </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Kevin Gregg </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>51 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Brad Lidge </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Kerry Wood </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>30 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Frank Francisco </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Mike Gonzalez </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Chad Qualls </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Fernando Rodney </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>43 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Luke Gregerson </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Matt Thornton </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Chris Perez </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>32 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Daniel Bard </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Jason Frasor </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Franklin Morales </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>34 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Juan Gutierrez </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>63 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Ryan Madson </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>33 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Brandon League </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>37 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>Kris Medlen </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>42 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Evan Meek </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>122 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Sergio Romo </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>50 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Joba Chamberlain </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>39 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46 </TD><TD>Matt Guerrier </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>45 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47 </TD><TD>LaTroy Hawkins </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>54 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48 </TD><TD>Kevin Jepsen </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>59 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49 </TD><TD>Jason Motte </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>49 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50 </TD><TD>Mike Adams </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>47 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51 </TD><TD>Alfredo Aceves </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>44 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52 </TD><TD>Takashi Saito </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>48 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53 </TD><TD>Joel Zumaya </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>120 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54 </TD><TD>Alfredo Simon </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>NR </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55 </TD><TD>Ryan Perry </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>62 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56 </TD><TD>Carlos Villanueva </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>77 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57 </TD><TD>Tyler Clippard </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>84 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>58 </TD><TD>Brad Ziegler </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>65 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59 </TD><TD>Koji Uehara </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>60 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>60 </TD><TD>Ramon Troncoso </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>72 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 3, 2010

May Starting Pitcher Rankings

Up this week are the May 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.

Falling off - Anibal Sanchez (89th), Jake Westbrook (90th), John Maine (92nd), Aaron Cook (93rd), Sean Gallagher (94th), Gil Meche (98th), Kyle Lohse (102nd), Jason Hammel (103rd), Ian Snell (104th), Chris Volstad (107th), Chris Tillman (108th)

I am rather nervous about ranking Ubaldo Jimenez sixth when he's already had starts of 128, 121 and 115 pitches. He had a history of arm problems in the minors, and now the Rockies are treating him like a workhorse. He's certainly looking like a legitimate Cy Young contender, but he's probably the biggest injury risk in the top 10.

It was tempting to rank Brad Penny higher with the way he's throwing, but he's not one to put in six good months in a row. Even when he manages to stay healthy, he tends to fade down the stretch. Last year was an odd season for him, given the late switch back to the NL. However, in full seasons with the Dodgers in 2005, '06 and '07, he fell off dramatically in the second half each year.

American League hitters should catch up to Colby Lewis as the season goes on, but he's a good bet to stay healthy and I think he'll remain fairly strong in WHIP and strikeouts even as his ERA increases. He jumps from 79th to 40th.

Carlos Zambrano remains listed with the starters, since my guess is that he'll rejoin the rotation in a month or so. He's worth holding on to in mixed leagues.

No Doug Fister. Sorry, but I'm not buying it.

Starting Pitcher Rankings

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Starting pitchers</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>April</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Tim Lincecum </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>1 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Roy Halladay </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Felix Hernandez </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Adam Wainwright </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Zack Greinke </TD><TD>Royals </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Ubaldo Jimenez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>21 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Cliff Lee </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Dan Haren </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>CC Sabathia </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>6 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Jon Lester </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Johan Santana </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Justin Verlander </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Tommy Hanson </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Josh Johnson </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>15 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Josh Beckett </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Francisco Liriano </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>45 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Matt Cain </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>18 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Chris Carpenter </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Yovani Gallardo </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>23 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>John Danks </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>35 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Ricky Nolasco </TD><TD>Marlins </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Clayton Kershaw </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>16 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Matt Garza </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>30 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Jered Weaver </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>32 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>David Price </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>43 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Ryan Dempster </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>27 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Cole Hamels </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>19 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>James Shields </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>28 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>Roy Oswalt </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>29 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Chad Billingsley </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>John Lackey </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>25 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Phil Hughes </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>44 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Tim Hudson </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>38 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>A.J. Burnett </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>36 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Rick Porcello </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>31 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Ted Lilly </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>42 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Wandy Rodriguez </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>26 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Clay Buchholz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>40 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Brad Penny </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>50 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Colby Lewis </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>79 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>64 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>Hiroki Kuroda </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD><TD>47 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Javier Vazquez </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>22 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Kevin Slowey </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>39 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Scott Baker </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>41 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46 </TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>34 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47 </TD><TD>Max Scherzer </TD><TD>Tigers </TD><TD>46 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48 </TD><TD>Ricky Romero </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>71 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49 </TD><TD>Randy Wolf </TD><TD>Brewers </TD><TD>53 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50 </TD><TD>Mark Buehrle </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>57 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51 </TD><TD>Brian Matusz </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>52 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52 </TD><TD>Brett Anderson </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>24 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53 </TD><TD>Andy Pettitte </TD><TD>Yankees </TD><TD>68 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54 </TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>33 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55 </TD><TD>C.J. Wilson </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>83 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56 </TD><TD>Ian Kennedy </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>87 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57 </TD><TD>Mike Pelfrey </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>117 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>58 </TD><TD>Jake Peavy </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>37 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59 </TD><TD>Gavin Floyd </TD><TD>White Sox </TD><TD>51 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>60 </TD><TD>Jaime Garcia </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD><TD>101 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61 </TD><TD>Kevin Correia </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>74 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>62 </TD><TD>Ben Sheets </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>60 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63 </TD><TD>Clayton Richard </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>62 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>64 </TD><TD>Jon Niese </TD><TD>Mets </TD><TD>72 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65 </TD><TD>Wade Davis </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>67 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>66 </TD><TD>Stephen Strasburg </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>70 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67 </TD><TD>Shaun Marcum </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>75 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>68 </TD><TD>Johnny Cueto </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>48 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69 </TD><TD>Joe Blanton </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>76 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>70 </TD><TD>Randy Wells </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>84 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71 </TD><TD>Rich Harden </TD><TD>Rangers </TD><TD>54 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>72 </TD><TD>Jon Garland </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>77 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73 </TD><TD>Derek Lowe </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>49 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>74 </TD><TD>Jorge De La Rosa </TD><TD>Rockies </TD><TD>73 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75 </TD><TD>Chris Young </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>63 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>76 </TD><TD>Brandon Webb </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>55 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77 </TD><TD>Edwin Jackson </TD><TD>Dbacks </TD><TD>58 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>78 </TD><TD>Jeff Niemann </TD><TD>Rays </TD><TD>95 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79 </TD><TD>Daisuke Matsuzaka </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD><TD>66 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>80 </TD><TD>Justin Masterson </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>69 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81 </TD><TD>Aaron Harang </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>56 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>82 </TD><TD>J.A. Happ </TD><TD>Phillies </TD><TD>59 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83 </TD><TD>Scott Kazmir </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>78 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>84 </TD><TD>Barry Zito </TD><TD>Giants </TD><TD>111 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85 </TD><TD>Justin Duchscherer </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>85 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>86 </TD><TD>Joe Saunders </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>61 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87 </TD><TD>Joel Pineiro </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>97 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>88 </TD><TD>Carl Pavano </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>99 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89 </TD><TD>Fausto Carmona </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>110 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>90 </TD><TD>Dallas Braden </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>106 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91 </TD><TD>Paul Maholm </TD><TD>Pirates </TD><TD>80 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>92 </TD><TD>Aroldis Chapman </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>96 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93 </TD><TD>Pedro Martinez </TD><TD></TD><TD>88 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>94 </TD><TD>Tom Gorzelanny </TD><TD>Cubs </TD><TD>114 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95 </TD><TD>Kevin Millwood </TD><TD>Orioles </TD><TD>105 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>96 </TD><TD>John Lannan </TD><TD>Nationals </TD><TD>86 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97 </TD><TD>Bronson Arroyo </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>91 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>98 </TD><TD>Gio Gonzalez </TD><TD>Athletics </TD><TD>119 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99 </TD><TD>Ryan Rowland-Smith </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>65 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>100 </TD><TD>Kenshin Kawakami </TD><TD>Braves </TD><TD>81 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101 </TD><TD>Erik Bedard </TD><TD>Mariners </TD><TD>109 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>102 </TD><TD>Mat Latos </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>82 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103 </TD><TD>Ervin Santana </TD><TD>Angels </TD><TD>127 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>104 </TD><TD>Mike Leake </TD><TD>Reds </TD><TD>175 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105 </TD><TD>Mitch Talbot </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>190 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>106 </TD><TD>Wade LeBlanc </TD><TD>Padres </TD><TD>219 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107 </TD><TD>Brett Myers </TD><TD>Astros </TD><TD>113 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>108 </TD><TD>Brett Cecil </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD><TD>146 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109 </TD><TD>David Huff </TD><TD>Indians </TD><TD>116 </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>110 </TD><TD>Nick Blackburn </TD><TD>Twins </TD><TD>100 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

USA Today

HacheMan · May 5, 2010

Wainwright vs. Hamels
Cole Hamels nearly gave the Phillies' bullpen a night off Tuesday, out-dueling Adam Wainwright while taking a shutout into the ninth inning of a 1-0 game. Back-to-back doubles tied the game, at which point Charlie Manuel brought in Brad Lidge to get out of the jam ... and he actually did. Lidge got three outs with the go-ahead run in scoring position and Carlos Ruiz eventually won the game with a walk-off homer in extras.

Hamels and Wainwright both got stuck with no-decisions despite excellent outings, with Wainwright dropping his ERA below 2.00 and Hamels getting his under 5.00. Obviously a 4.48 mark still isn't pretty for Hamels, but a 44/12 K/BB ratio in 39 innings is promising. As for Lidge, he didn't get the call to save a 1-0 game because Hamels was seemingly in control, but with Ryan Madson expected to miss two months it's only a matter of time.

While the Phillies-Cardinals matchup looks like an NLCS preview, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Chris Young's first rehab start was such a disaster Sunday that the Padres have shut him down and sent him for an MRI exam on his shoulder. Before landing on the disabled list Young threw six shutout innings in the second game of the season, but he's clearly frustrated with how things have gone since, saying: "I want answers. I had this cleaned up last August. Why am I having trouble now?" Wade LeBlanc will continue to fill in.

* After hitting .215 with a lowly .561 OPS through 22 games, Yunel Escobar was placed on the disabled list Tuesday because of a strained groin. Atlanta called up Brandon Hicks from Triple-A to take his roster spot, but he's little more than a utility man after putting up terrible numbers in the minors and Omar Infante started at shortstop for the fourth straight game. Infante gets a value boost in NL-only leagues, but that's about it.

* Rick Ankiel hasn't started since April 24 and the Royals finally put him on the disabled list Tuesday with a strained hamstring. Mitch Maier will continue start in center field, but it'll be interesting to see if the Royals actually find some playing time for Kila Ka'aihue after calling him up from Triple-A. He's been putting up big numbers at Triple-A for three seasons, but it's unclear how the 26-year-old first baseman would fit into the lineup.

* Despite consistently good numbers in the minors J.R. Towles has hit just .191 over 101 games in the majors and the Astros may have given up on him for good Tuesday when they demoted the 26-year-old catcher back to Triple-A. Banjo-hitting veteran Kevin Cash replaced him and will back up Humberto Quintero for now, but they're both just keeping the position warm for 2008 first-round pick Jason Castro.

* Rotoworld's award-winning Season Pass product is being offered for free this week, so you can test drive the subscriber-only columns, daily waiver wire and starting pitcher advice, extensive prospect coverage, detailed bullpen and rotation databases, regularly updated projections and rankings, and much, much more at no cost. Check it out.

AL Quick Hits: Mariano Rivera (side) was unavailable again Tuesday, so Joba Chamberlain closed out a three-run lead for his second straight save ... Joe Mauer (heel) is expected to avoid the disabled list after an MRI exam Tuesday revealed only a tissue bruise ... Mike Aviles drew the start at shortstop Tuesday over Yuniesky Betancourt and went 3-for-5 with a homer ... Jon Lester held the Angels to one run in eight innings Tuesday for his second win ... Nick Blackburn returned from a family emergency with a complete-game victory Tuesday ... Asdrubal Cabrera will likely be sidelined until at least Friday with a quadriceps injury ... Ervin Santana got a no-decision Tuesday, but pitched well with seven innings of one-run ball ... Justin Duchscherer (hip) hasn't been placed on the DL yet, but Vin Mazzaro took his spot in the rotation for at least one turn ... If you're into the occasional baseball note mixed in with random nonsense, follow me on Twitter.

NL Quick Hits: As expected, the Dodgers put Rafael Furcal (hamstring) on the disabled list Tuesday and replaced him with Nick Green ... Justin Upton's solo homer was the difference Tuesday as Ian Kennedy out-dueled Roy Oswalt in a 1-0 game ... Huston Street (shoulder) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and reported no problems ... Jair Jurrjens (hamstring) said Tuesday that he's unlikely to make his next scheduled start this weekend ... Carlos Beltran (knee) hopes to begin running by early next week, but remains highly unlikely to return this month ... After his first slump, Jason Heyward homered Tuesday for the fourth time in five games ... Despite struggling in his final Double-A start, Stephen Strasburg has been promoted to Triple-A ... Brad Hawpe (quadriceps) is aiming to return Monday following a brief rehab stint ... J.A. Happ (forearm) threw from 60 feet Tuesday, but is not expected back before next month ... John Lannan will miss his scheduled Saturday start due to elbow soreness ... Tim Lincecum had 13 strikeouts Tuesday, but Hanley Ramirez got to him for a three-run homer ... Conor Jackson (hamstring) is set to begin rehabbing Friday at Triple-A.

HacheMan · May 6, 2010

Zito Turning Back The Clock
Barry Zito's resurgence continued Wednesday, as he took a shutout into the eighth inning against the Marlins. Four straight singles followed to score a run and knock him from the game with the bases loaded, no outs, and Hanley Ramirez at the plate, but Sergio Romo wriggled out of Zito's jam. Not only is Zito now 5-0 with a 1.49 ERA this season, he has a 2.38 ERA in 21 starts dating back to last year's All-Star break.

What makes that stretch so improbable is that Zito went into the break at 24-36 with a 4.47 ERA through his first 77 starts for the Giants. His fastball hasn't improved any from his usual mid-80s velocity, but Zito's curveball and changeup are back to being weapons and in turn have made his fastball tougher to tee off on. I'm still very skeptical, but with matchups against the Astros and Padres he's unlikely to turn into a pumpkin next week.

While the Giants have a little less regret about still owing Zito another $65 million after this season, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Mariano Rivera said Wednesday morning that his sore left side felt healthy enough for him to pitch if needed, but Joe Girardi opted against using him despite the fact that Joba Chamberlain was also unavailable after back-to-back saves. Boone Logan got first crack at closing out a 7-5 lead and when that failed Alfredo Aceves picked up the save. New York is off Thursday and Rivera should be fully available for the Boston series Friday.

* Andy Pettitte left Wednesday's start after just five innings and 77 pitches, immediately heading to the hospital to have an MRI exam on his sore elbow. The early diagnosis is merely mild inflammation, with the Yankees announcing that the injury "will be treated conservatively" and "evaluated on a daily basis." That probably qualifies as positive news, although it seemingly means he'll miss at least one turn in the rotation.

* Jair Jurrjens' strained hamstring sent him to the disabled list Wednesday, with Kris Medlen slated to take his place in the rotation Saturday against the Phillies. Jurrjens was off to a poor start, going 0-3 with a 6.38 ERA, so perhaps the time on the shelf with a non-arm injury will do him some good. Medlen has been primarily a reliever with the Braves, but started some in the minors and is worth a pickup in NL-only leagues.

* Brandon Morrow once again racked up strikeouts while struggling overall Wednesday, whiffing nine but allowing three runs on six hits and four walks in 5.1 innings. Morrow has pitched better than his 5.40 ERA and eight-plus strikeouts in four straight starts shows how dominant his raw stuff can be, but career-long struggles to consistently throw strikes have continued with 20 walks in 33 innings and he'll be 26 years old soon.

* Rotoworld's award-winning Season Pass product is being offered for free this week, so you can test drive the subscriber-only columns, daily waiver wire and starting pitcher advice, extensive prospect coverage, detailed bullpen and rotation databases, regularly updated projections and rankings, and much, much more at no cost. Check it out.

AL Quick Hits: Milton Bradley has asked the Mariners for help following his latest incident ... David Ortiz homered Wednesday for the third time in four games, quieting some critics for a while at least ... Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-3 with two homers in a losing effort Wednesday, as the Twins swept the Tigers ... Asked to get a five-out save, Chris Perez blew a one-run lead by allowing three unearned runs Wednesday ... Justin Duchcherer (hip) continues to avoid the disabled list, but will be out 4-5 days after a cortisone shot Wednesday ... Joe Mauer tested his injured heel Wednesday, but remains out indefinitely ... John Lackey beat his former team Wednesday, holding the Angels to one run in seven innings ... Adam Jones (hip) expects to rejoin the lineup Thursday ... Matt Garza out-dueled Cliff Lee on Wednesday, improving to 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA ... Hitting just .134 coming into the game, Nick Johnson went 3-for-3 with a homer and two walks Wednesday ... Johnny Damon left Wednesday's game with calf spasms ... Eric Byrnes has found a new team, in a softball league.

NL Quick Hits: Jason Heyward's homer binge ended Wednesday because of a strained groin ... Carlos Lee hit a walk-off blast Wednesday for his first homer in 162 at-bats dating back to last season ... Kyle Kendrick improbably shut out the Cardinals for seven innings Wednesday and better yet no Phillies fans ran onto the field ... Manny Ramirez (calf) is expected to come off the disabled list when eligible Saturday ... Mike Pelfrey (shoulder) reiterated that he'll make his scheduled start Friday ... Huston Street (shoulder) threw batting practice Wednesday and reported no problems ... Drew Stubbs is batting just .174 after going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Wednesday ... Aramis Ramirez and his .149 batting average were dropped to sixth in the Cubs' lineup Wednesday ... Charlie Morton got his first win and lowered his ERA from 12.57 to 10.30 with six innings of two-run ball Wednesday ... Doug Mientkiewicz signed a minor league deal with the Marlins after being released by the Dodgers ... Kevin Millar has re-signed with the independent league St. Paul Saints, where his pro career began 17 years ago.

HacheMan · May 6, 2010

Barajas Fresh
Our friend Milton Bradley finally asked for a little "help" on Wednesday, an admission that was a long-time coming for those who have observed him over his tumultuous career. Leave it to me to find some sort of parallel to the fantasy baseball world.

We've all been there before. In spite of what you felt was a well-executed draft, your team is riddled with injuries to start the season. Just a bonus, absolutely nobody is hitting. Not even your first-round pick. You find yourself buried in the standings, yet you refuse to ask for help from your leaguemates in fear that you'll get taken advantage of.

If you are that stubborn guy or gal, well, good for you! It's only the first week of May and there are still plenty of waiver wire gems that can stick on your team, either as a temporary band-aid or for the duration of the season.

MIXED LEAGUES

Rod Barajas C, Mets (Yahoo: 29 percent owned, ESPN: 12.8 percent)

This one surprises even me, but the numbers don't lie. Barajas currently leads all major league catchers with seven home runs. It's no fluke either, as Barajas hit 19 homers last year and cranked 21 bombs with the Rangers in 2005. Don't take this to mean that I believe he'll hit for a high batting average, or even be worthy of ownership all season long, but if you are dealing with injuries to Joe Mauer, Kurt Suzuki or Jorge Posada, or got burned by drafting Miguel Montero or Chris Iannetta, he's your man.

Brett Cecil SP, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 14 percent owned, ESPN: 6.8 percent)

A graduate of my AL-only recommendations two weeks back, Cecil flirted with perfection against the Indians on Monday night, improving to 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA over his first three starts. Yes, it was only the Indians, but don't forget that his other two starts were against the Rays and Red Sox, so we can't dismiss his gaudy numbers so quickly. Some regression is to be expected with batting average on balls in play and he'll still have to face some tough lineups in the AL East -- it's true, they smoked him last year -- but the young wormkiller is worth a speculative add in all formats.

Orlando Hudson 2B, Twins (Yahoo: 31 percent, ESPN: 46.5 percent)

Hudson has scored more runs (22) than any second baseman outside of Chase Utley and Robinson Cano, yet he's currently available in over 50 percent of mixed leagues. Not for long. Hudson is batting .289/.377/.386 to start the year, playing tablesetter in front of the likes of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer. And even on a day where he couldn't muster a hit, like Wednesday, he still crossed the plate twice. Don't bank on some sudden power or speed resurgence, but he's a pretty safe buy.

Justin Masterson SP, Indians (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 2.5 percent)

Masterson owns a 5.40 ERA over five starts this season. Why so optimistic? Well, the fact that he's averaging 10.46 K/9 for one. Oddly, the sinkerballer has induced groundballs at a career-high clip of 56.8 percent so far this season, yet he's allowed four home runs over 26 2/3 innings for an astounding 26.7 percent HR/FB rate. That simply won't continue. Hello, xFIP of 3.11! Lefties still abuse him and he has struggled with his control in the majors, but there's obviously plenty of upside with this skillset.

Conor Jackson 1B/OF, Diamondbacks (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 14.2 percent)

Sidelined by a right hamstring strain, Jackson began a minor league rehab stint on Wednesday. Now would be a pretty good time to stash him while he's still under the radar. I'm a little worried that the hot-hitting Kelly Johnson may have inherited the leadoff gig in his absence, but Jackson should remain plenty productive no matter where he hits thanks to an especially deep lineup. He's no sure thing in shallow leagues due to his lack of playing time over the past year, but he should be owned in leagues where you start five outfielders.

J.D. Drew OF, Red Sox (Yahoo: 37 percent, ESPN: 50.5 percent)

Drew was largely avoided on draft day, perhaps due to his age coupled with nagging injury concerns, but his modest, yet consistent production should not be ignored. He's been especially hot of late, pulling his batting average up 50 points since the end of April. Of note for those in leagues that count OPS, Drew has finished among the top 10 outfielders in OPS in each of the past two seasons. Nudge, nudge.

Troy Glaus 1B, Braves (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 5.9 percent)

His .227/.330/.318 batting line fails to impress, but with 15 RBI over his first 27 games, Glaus is currently on pace for 90 RBI. Not bad for what otherwise qualifies as a pretty awful start. For what it's worth, Glaus has looked much more comfortable at the plate recently, batting .333 (10-for-30) with six RBI over his last 10 games. He's going to have to start hitting for power again in order to keep his job, but those in deeper formats fishing for CI help could do worse than speculate for a week in the hopes that he gets it going.

Ian Kennedy SP, Diamondbacks (Yahoo: 12 percent owned, ESPN: 7.1 percent)

Kennedy allowed nine runs over his first two starts, but since then? He's 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA over his last four, including 6 2/3 shutout innings against the Astros on Tuesday. I'm not expecting you to be bowled over by success against the light-hitting 'Stros, but you should buy into his 30/10 K/BB ratio over 37 innings. His batting average on balls in play has already started to regress, but fantasy owners should sign up for that if his early-inflated HR/FB rate continues to do the same. Invest.

David Freese 3B, Cardinals (Yahoo: 48 percent, ESPN: 62.7 percent)

You'd be hard-pressed to find a hotter hitter in baseball right now. The 27-year-old third baseman has notched multi-hit games in six out of his last eight, driving in 13 runs along the way. There was some concern about his ability to hit right-handers, but he's quelled those fears by batting .313/.356/.522 against them in the early going. There's some luck involved, of course, but this should be enough to give him a long look at the hot corner.

Nate McLouth OF, Braves (Yahoo: 50 percent, ESPN: 47.5 percent)

McLouth was universally drafted, yet his ice-cold start has found him on the waiver wire in over 50 percent of leagues. Perhaps it's time to reconsider. Looking to jump start his offense, Bobby Cox recently reinstalled McLouth out of the No. 1 spot in the lineup against right-handers. It hasn't been long, but he has notched hits in four out of his last five games. It's only modest progress -- and I'd only advise using him exclusively against righties for now -- but you won't find this kind of power-speed potential on the wire often.



AL-ONLY

Mike Aviles SS, Royals (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

This is my first repeat recommendation of the year and I'm bringing him back for good reason. Aviles has started the last two games at shortstop since his promotion from Triple-A Omaha, going 5-for-9 with a home run and two runs scored. With only Yuniesky Betancourt standing in his way, it would be no shock if he took back the job that was his before Tommy John surgery.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia C, Rangers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Saltalamacchia isn't going to be back with the Rangers as scheduled on Friday, but don't worry, for once it's not because of an injury. The club wants to give Salty a bit more time to work on his throwing mechanics. That doesn't mean he shouldn't be on your fantasy radar. Saltalamacchia is batting .378 with three homers and nine RBI for Triple-A Oklahoma City and is in the midst of 11-game hitting streak. It would be wise to have a backup plan given his injury history, but he should be the starting backstop in Texas once he gets the call.

Kila Ka'aihue 1B, Royals (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Most fantasy owners should be pretty well acquainted with the Hawaiian on-base machine by now. Though I'm ecstatic that he's finally back in the majors, my major concern is just how many at-bats he is actually going to receive with Billy Butler at first base and Jose Guillen as the primary designated hitter. Probably not many in the short term, but things could change quickly if Dayton Moore finds a taker for Guillen, who is in the final year of his contract. It's no sure thing, but those with an extra bench spot can afford to gamble.

Koji Uehara SP, Orioles (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Uehara is set to be activated from the disabled list on Thursday. So far manager Dave Trembely hasn't committed to how he will use him, other than to say "he's going to be a late-inning reliever." With the unproven Alfredo Simon currently holding down the ninth-inning gig, Uehara could be a factor before long. Remember, Uehara held opposing batters to a .202 batting average against the first time though the order last season, so he could thrive in short bursts.

NL-ONLY

Scott Hairston OF, Padres (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.9 percent)

Hairston is well-known for teeing off on left-handed pitching to the tune of an 864 OPS during his career, but he's actually batted a very respectable .270/.357/.568 over 37 at-bats against righties this season. It's a real shame that Will Venable and Tony Gwynn Jr. stand in his way of regular playing time. There's always the injury caveat with Hairston, but he's perfectly capable of 15-20 homers and 10 stolen bases, even in a semi-regular role.

Omar Infante 2B/3B/SS/OF, Braves (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

Infante will fill in at the shortstop position while Yunel Escobar is on the disabled list with a strained left groin, but luckily for fantasy owners, he can be used all over the diamond. Aside from his remarkable position-eligibility, Infante is batting .320/.358/.440 with one home run and seven RBI over his first 50 at-bats. Don't expect much in the way of power and speed, but he'll do enough to keep your batting average afloat in the short-term.

Scott Olsen SP, Nationals (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 1.3 percent)

Olsen has tallied 13 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two starts, but you wouldn't know it by looking at his current ownership rate. Tossing aside his 18 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings and his xFIP of 3.96, the most encouraging part of his four-start sample size is that he is throwing his fastball and slider with more velocity than he has since the 2007 season. Though it didn't equate to much success in 2007, this fact should raise some eyebrows of those who thought he was finished.

Kris Medlen RP/SP, Braves (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Medlen will step in for the injured Jair Jurrjens on Saturday and perhaps longer. The 24-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.95 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over his first 48 major league appearances (four starts), averaging 9.3 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9, right in line with his impressive minor league profile. It might just be a spot-start for now, but Medlen is a pretty intriguing insurance policy moving forward.

HacheMan · May 7, 2010

Berkman Ready To Move On
Sick of losing and with no turnaround in sight, Lance Berkman said he'd likely waive his no-trade clause to join a possible playoff team and suggested Houston would be smart to deal him. His reasoning was that the Astros are "caught in baseball purgatory" where they're neither rebuilding nor contending, which is absolutely correct and suggests he may understand the situation better than general manager Ed Wade.

It's unclear whether the Astros will actively shop Berkman or even if many teams would make a run at him, because he's owed $14.5 million this year with a $15 million option or $2 million buyout for next season and is hitting just .196 in 15 games since returning from knee surgery. When healthy Berkman has been one of the best, most underrated hitters in baseball, but at 34 years old and with health issues interest may prove iffy.

While the Astros drop to 9-19 thanks to a complete game by Dan Haren, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Bruce Bochy said Thursday that Juan Uribe will remain an everyday player even after Freddy Sanchez returns from his shoulder injury, which is surprising because Sanchez is due back in a few weeks and the Giants gave him $12 million this offseason. Sanchez is going to play somewhere once healthy and with Pablo Sandoval, Aubrey Huff, and Edgar Renteria seemingly not going anywhere it's tough to see how Uribe fits into the infield.

Of course, planning for Sanchez's return doesn't mean much given the setbacks he's already had. Uribe has started 23 of 25 games and may be the primary shortstop for the near future thanks to Renteria rejoining the lineup Thursday only to leave three innings later after aggravating his groin injury. It'll be interesting to see how Bochy handles the infield logjam once everyone is healthy, but at this rate that time may never come.

* Drew Stubbs is hitting just .197, but general manager Walt Jocketty made it clear the 25-year-old center fielder won't be sent back to Triple-A. Chris Dickerson's broken wrist makes that an easier call, but regardless of that the Reds need to find out what they have in Stubbs for the long haul. His strikeout rate is disturbingly high for someone with modest power, but Stubbs has 40-steal potential if he can get on base at a decent clip.

* Milton Bradley asked the Mariners for help following his latest incident this week, but in the meantime they placed him on the restricted list Thursday and called up Michael Saunders from Triple-A. Saunders struggled during a 46-game stint in Seattle last year and was hitting just .200 at Triple-A, but the 23-year-old hit .310 with excellent power there in 2009 and makes for a decent short-term pickup in deeper AL-only leagues.

* Rotoworld's award-winning Season Pass product is being offered for free this week, so you can test drive the subscriber-only columns, daily waiver wire and starting pitcher advice, extensive prospect coverage, detailed bullpen and rotation databases, regularly updated projections and rankings, and much, much more at no cost. Check it out.

AL Quick Hits: Joe Mauer (heel) took batting practice before Thursday's game, but wasn't available to pinch-hit ... Kansas City stormed back from down 8-0 only to see stud closer Joakim Soria blow a 12-11 lead by serving up back-to-back homers Thursday ... Boston got to Scott Kazmir for seven runs in 4.1 innings Thursday, inflating his ERA to 7.11 ... Brad Bergesen came into Thursday with a 10.57 ERA, so naturally he shut out the league's third-best offense for 6.2 innings ... Paul Konerko was scratched from Thursday's lineup with back soreness ... J.J. Hardy (wrist) missed his second straight game Thursday, with Alexi Casilla starting at shortstop ... Sergio Mitre is expected to replace Andy Pettitte (elbow) for at least one turn in the rotation ... Dana Eveland allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings Thursday, out-dueling John Danks ... Misdiagnosed as a finger problem, Pat Neshek is now sidelined indefinitely with a palm injury ... Koji Uehara came off the disabled list Thursday and worked a scoreless eighth inning setting up Alfredo Simon.

NL Quick Hits: Scott Olsen took a no-hitter into the eighth inning Thursday, but ended up with a no-decision ... Roy Halladay tossed seven innings of two-run ball Thursday, improving to 6-1 with a 1.45 ERA ... Jason Heyward (groin) was out of the lineup Thursday, but delivered a game-tying single off the bench ... Giants prospect Buster Posey went 4-for-5 and finished a triple short of the cycle Thursday at Triple-A ... Brian Burres shut out the Cubs for seven innings Thursday, lowering his ERA from 6.00 to 4.09 ... Carlos Gomez (shoulder) was held out of Thursday's game and is slated for an MRI exam ... Ross Ohlendorf (back) is scheduled to come off the disabled list Monday against the Reds ... Tony Abreu had four hits Thursday and is now batting .372 in limited action ... I'm obsessed with Twitter and it would make me feel slightly less silly for posting so much stuff if you followed me.

HacheMan · May 7, 2010

Back in Action

Back in Action

A few intriguing storylines can be found among the upcoming week's crop of two-start pitchers. Cliff Lee, freshly activated by the Mariners, makes his first appearance on the list and is certainly recommended after looking sharp in his first two starts. Meanwhile, in the NL, Ross Ohlendorf makes his return from a month's stint on the disabled list to to start against Cincinnati on Monday. He's obviously no Lee, but with match-ups against the Reds and Cubs, he's worth a look.

For the rest of the week's two-start pitchers, along with streamer suggestions, team pitching breakdowns and injury updates, venture ahead. Good luck!

Going Twice...

American League

Strong Plays

John Lackey: TOR (Morrow), @DET (Porcello)
Cliff Lee: @BAL (Hernandez), @TB (Garza)
Matt Garza: @LAA (Pineiro), SEA (Lee)
Colby Lewis: OAK (Cahill), @TOR (Morrow)

Decent Plays

David Hernandez: SEA (Lee), CLE (Westbrook)
Jake Westbrook: @KC (Bannister), @BAL (Hernandez)
Dontrelle Willis: NYY (Vazquez), BOS (Lester)
Brian Bannister: CLE (Westbrook), CWS (Danks)
Joel Pineiro: TB (Garza), OAK (Cahill)

At Your Own Risk

Rick Porcello: NYY (Pettitte), BOS (Lackey)
Brandon Morrow: @BOS (Lackey), TEX (Harrison)
Trevor Cahill: @TEX (Lewis), @LAA (Pineiro)
Javier Vazquez: @DET (Willis), MIN (Baker)

National League

Strong Plays

Tommy Hanson: @MIL (Davis), ARI (Haren)
Ricky Nolasco: @CHC (Wells), NYM (Niese)
Brett Myers: @STL (Penny), @SF (Zito)
Chad Billingsley: @ARI (Lopez), @SD (LeBlanc)
Jon Niese: WAS (Olsen), @FLA (Nolasco)
Wade LeBlanc: @SF (Zito), LAD (Billingsley)
Barry Zito: SD (LeBlanc), HOU (Myers)
Brad Penny: HOU (Myers), @CIN (Arroyo)

Decent Plays

Rodrigo Lopez: LAD (Billingsley), @ATL (Hanson)
Ted Lilly: FLA (Robertson), PIT (Duke)
Aaron Cook: PHI (Halladay), WAS (Olsen)
Ross Ohlendorf: CIN (Arroyo), @CHC (Wells)
Luis Atilano: @NYM (Maine), @COL (Smith)
Scott Olsen: @NYM (Niese), @COL (Cook)

At Your Own Risk

Bronson Arroyo: @PIT (Ohlendorf), STL (Penny)
Greg Smith: PHI (Kendrick), WAS (Atilano)
Nate Robertson: @CHC (Lilly), NYM (Maine)
Doug Davis: ATL (Hanson), PHI (Kendrick)
John Maine: WAS (Atilano), @FLA (Robertson)
Kyle Kendrick: @COL (Smith), @MIL (Davis)

Streamer City

The following pitchers are generally available in over 50 percent of fantasy leagues and have favorable match-ups this week:

American League

Friday, 5/14: Jeremy Guthrie vs. SEA
Guthrie has yet to collect his first win, but he hasn't pitched all that badly. He stands a good chance of moving into the "W" column in this home start against the weak-hitting Royals.

Friday, 5/14: Brett Cecil vs. TEX
Cecil has gotten his season off to a nice start. See if he can keep it going against the Rangers.

Sunday, 5/16: Gavin Floyd @ KC
I'm far from the biggest Floyd fan in the world, but there's a big disparity between his ERA (6.89) and his xFIP (4.31). If he's available in your league, he's definitely worth jumping on for this start versus the Royals, and probably worth hanging onto as he his luck hopefully starts to even out.

National League

Wednesday, 5/12: Tom Gorzelanny vs. FLA
Despite his strong early results, Gorzelanny remains available in most leagues. Grab him for this turn against the Fish.

Friday, 5/14: Oliver Perez @FLA
Don't look now, but Ollie's pitching pretty decently. If he can keep his control in check against a Marlins offense that ranks third-to-last in the NL in walks, he could find solid results in this match-up.



Total Games

American League

5: CWS, MIN
6: BAL, BOS, CLE, KC, LAA, , OAK, SEA, TB, TEX, TOR
7: DET, NYY

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdown

American League

BAL: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
BOS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CWS: 4 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CLE: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
DET: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
KC: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAA: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIN: 1 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
NYY: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
OAK: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
SEA: 6 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
TB: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
TEX: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
TOR: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP

National League

ARI: 6 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
ATL: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CHC: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
CIN: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
COL: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
FLA: 2 vs. RHP, 5 vs. LHP
HOU: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAD: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
MIL: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
NYM: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
PHI: 2 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
PIT: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
SD: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
SF: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
STL: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
WAS: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP

HacheMan · May 8, 2010

Phil-ying High in New York
Hot Shortstops, injury news and hot and cold pitchers are all covered in this week's Week That Was.

Phil Hughes: Phil Hughes was strong again last night, giving up just two runs in seven innings in the Yankees tattooing of the BoSox. Hughes is now 4-0 with ridiculous ratios -- 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. If you really want to know how effective Hughes has been, think about this: he has given up just 17 hits in 32 innings. That is just superhuman. Will Phil have a few rough outings? Sure. Is there a risk of a repeat of the Joba innings limitation absurdity of a year ago? Yeah, but you have to think that the Yankee brass will try to avoid repeating history's mistakes. Is Phil Hughes a star with great stuff, substantial big game experience and the ability to throw a ball threw a wall? Yup. Buy now if you still can. It is hard to imagine that Hughes has not even turned 24 yet! (NB – all of those who thought he should have been moved for Johan Santana, you are seeing the reason that did not happen).

Alex Gonzalez: Alex Gonzalez, or "AGonz" as I like to call him, hit his 9th dinger of 2010 and it was a big one – a 12th inning game winner. Will AGonz hit 40 homers this year? No. Is he going to freefall in away that screams SELL? No. Why you ask? Good question. Well, I will tell you. AGonz hit 16 HR in just 393 AB for Cincy in 2007 then missed all of 2008 with a serious injury. While his overall 2009 stats do not look too good, those looks are deceiving. It took a good part of 2009 to get back on track. Once he was traded to Boston late in the season, his bat came to life and he has continued on that track throughout 2010. Bottom line – if you are in a deep league, AGonz is a very valuable MI who will not easily be replaced. Hold.

Starlin Castro: From a hot veteran to hot rookie SS. In his first game in the show, Starlin Castro lit it up, going 2-6 with a home run and six RBI. Not too shabby. I know it is only one game, but in my view, this kid is here to stay. First, neither Jeff Baker nor Mike Fontenot will provide production that will be missed. Second, Castro was hitting .376 in the minors before getting the call. Third, he posted close to 30 SB in the minors last year. So, bottom line – he is a kid with talent who will put more fannies in the seats, so he will play. Expect decent counting numbers, good SB numbers, just a few more homers and some ugly nights, but overall, this kid is a BUY.

Nick Johnson: In news that should only shock those living under a baseball rock the last few years, word out of Yankee camp is that Nick Johnson will be placed on the DL. Knock me over with a feather. I mean – really. Who can be surprised that a guy who is always hurt got hurt? Ok, enough ranting. What does this mean for roto purposes? First, Marcus Thames and Randy Winn will get more AB as they play LF and some DH. Second, Francisco Cervelli will play more as Jorge Posada takes more turns at DH than he would have if Nick was healthy and hitting (of course, Nick is neither at this point). So, if you are in a deep league, Thames, Winn and Cervelli are buys while Nick is just a living, breathing example of the phrase "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."

Kerry Wood: In good news for Schultz and all those Tribe fans out there, the Indians activated closer Kerry Wood from the DL. Wood will immediately take over the closing role and should put up a good number of saves between now and July 31 when he is traded to a contender. Remember, the T in SMART stands for Team and Kerry is on a bad one. That means that unlike a closer on a good team, he could well be traded to a team that will use him as a setup man. Proceed accordingly.

Gordon Beckham: Gordon Beckham went 0-4 with three K's Thursday and is now riding the interstate at .198. Ouch! While there is some risk he could spend a week to two in the minors, I still think Gordon is a serious buy low candidate. First, he is too good to hit like [expletive deleted] all season. Almost all white sox not named Konerko or Andruw are off to a bad start (see Pierre, Ramirez, Quentin, etc.). Once those good players start to hit (and they will), Beckham will rise right along with them. They are all buy low candidates (except maybe Quentin who is building a Nick Johnson like injury resume).

Scott Kazmir: Scott Kazmir got spanked again Thursday, giving up 7 runs in just over 4 innings. While 7 and 11 maybe lucky numbers, they make for a very ugly ERA and that is exactly where Kaz sits right now – a 7.11 ERA to go with an equally unsightly 1.74 WHIP. However, unlike some other big names, Kazmir is not a buy low candidate. If you don't own him, keep it that way. If you do, talk buy low and get what you can. At this point, the best you can say is that he is still better than Victor Zambrano (who the Mets got when they traded Kazmir). At this point, last year's 4.85 ERA and 1.42 WHIP actually look good. Stay away!

Scott Olsen: Scott Olsen may finally have turned the corner. It certainly looked that way Thursday when he took a no-no into the 8th. Thus far this season, the Nat's lefty has a 3.54 ERA to go with an equally impressive 1.21 WHIP. Is Olsen a sell-high candidate? The answer is it depends. If you can get the value of a 3.50 ERA pitcher, then go ahead and sell. However, if you think Olsen will fall off the shelf and are tempted to settle for a minor return, then resist the temptation and hold. Olsen is one of those classic talented young pitchers that the Marlins abused. Today, Olsen is just 26. From ages 22-24, Olsen was forced to toss 550+ innings in the Florida heat. So, who is surprised that the missed most of 2009? Not me. Olsen is a lefty pitching in a pitcher's park. He is just 26 and is clearly healthy for the first time in a long time. There is value there. See it.

Manny Corpas: Manny Corpas continued his lights out pitching, going 2 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday. Try as they might to avoid giving Manny the ball in the 9th, he may just force the Rockies to do it. Huston Street is still hurt and Franklin Morales is hardly instilling confidence. Given that Corpas has been on fire this year and has already posted a 19 save season in Colorado, he is worth a speculative bid. You could hit it big.

John Lackey: John Lackey showed the halos what they were missing this week, holding them to just one earned run on two hits over seven innings. At this point in the season, Lackey has a 3.89 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. However, when you consider that he gave up 8 runs and 10 baserunners in one horrid 3 inning start, you have a pitcher who has been great all but one time. Look for Lackey to post strong numbers the rest of the way. If you can get him based on the inflated WHIP, do it.

And now as an added bonus, Bobby Colton returns to examine April's hot and cold.

Real or Not Real

We're a month into the season, and there have been some major surprises already. There are standouts scuffling and scrubs mashing. Here's a rundown of who's for "real" and who's "not".

REAL-GOOD

Miguel Cabrera- He's just that good. Seriously, this guy can simply hit. Of course, he is not Albert Pujols, but no one is. Cabrera proves year after year that he is in the upper echelon of first basemen, yet is rarely given his due. Cabrera is about as good as they come, and after Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, and Joe Mauer, it's hard to get any better than Miggy.

Robinson Cano- Say hello to the Yankees best hitter. Ok, it might be a little premature to announce Cano as a better hitter than Tex , A-Rod, and Jeter, but he certainly has outperformed the trio. Tex notoriously starts slow, so there is hope for him yet. Rodriguez is sure to pick it up when Tex does, and how can you sell on DJ at this point? All I know is that Cano is the man who has given the Yanks their second-place standing at this point.

David Freese- Unlike other rookies, Freese did not come up until he was good and ready. Well folks, a .348 average seems good and ready to me. He is 26, which is when superstars start to come into their own. In Freese's case, he has a chance to come into his own at the big league level, batting in the same lineup as Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Freese is a stud this season.

Andruw Jones- Don't look now, but there is a plump outfielder in Chicago who is tearing the cover off the ball. Much to the chagrin of the Dodgers and the Rangers, Andruw has miraculously re-learned how to hit, and boy is he hitting. He has gone from occasional DH with the likes of Mark Kotsay, to playing every day and hitting third.

Jaime Garcia/Brad Penny- These guys will be strong all season long as long as they remain under the tutelage of Dave Duncan. I am higher on Garcia than on Penny because, much like they did with Freese, the Redbirds waited on Garcia until they were sure he was ready. With Garcia and Penny hurling the way they are, along with Wainwright and Carpenter, the playoffs are in the Cards again this year for St. Louis.

Jeff Niemann- I wasn't completely hooked on Niemann after a strong season last year, but since his injury on April 8th he has been nothing short of phenomenal. Seriously, he is huge part of the Rays' success this year, and he makes Andy Sonnenstine an expendable piece the Rays can use to add talent for a playoff run.

Ricky Romero- Romero is now a legitimate pitcher -- just one with the misfortune of pitching in the AL East. Yet somehow Ricky has a stellar 3.00 ERA through the first month of the year. Against the Yanks, Rays, and Sox, a 3.00 ERA might not hold throughout the whole year, but he will stay under 4. Oh, and it helps that he has already established himself as the Jays' best pitcher this season.

Mike Pelfrey- The Phillie debacle aside, Big Pelf has been ridiculous for the Mets. This guy gets disrespected right out of Spring Training by being pushed back to the fourth game of the year behind John Maine and John Niese. Trust me, it is safe to say that Pelf will be a much better pitcher than either of them this season.

REAL-BAD

Javier Vazquez- Brian Cashman must have been taking stupid pills to pull off this trade. Why in the world would he think that Javy would miraculously put it together in New York after being so overmatched in New York when he was in his prime. Javy just barely kept his ERA under 5 at the age of 28 in the Big Apple. Now at 33 (34 this July) he is struggling again. Who woulda thunk it? Oh wait, I did. The 9.58 ERA will drop, but I would be shocked to see it get any lower than 5.50 this season -- that is, if the Yankees stick with him all season.

Jake Westbrook- The worst Opening Day starter this season. That includes Vincente Padilla. 'Nuff said.

Aaron Harang- He needs a change of scenery in the worst way. Hey, maybe he can succeed in New York when they give up on Vazquez?

NOT REAL-GOOD

Kelly Johnson- We've seen signs of Kelly being a great hitter in the past with Atlanta, but no one was willing to trade for his reasonable salary this winter. Kelly may be serviceable all season, but leading the NL in homers is preposterous.

C.J. Wilson- He has never started before and is just having a typical case of beginner's luck. Alright maybe not typical, but it will be short lived.

Tom Gorzelanny- Not a good pitcher in Pittsburgh , not a good pitcher in Chicago . Big Z will take back his spot in the rotation soon enough.

Ty Wigginton- See Johnson, Kelly.

Austin Jackson- His rookie struggles will come soon enough. He'll be serviceable this year, plus he has a bright future, but his average will plummet eventually.

NOT REAL-BAD

Mark Teixeira- Don't worry, he'll be back.

Carlos Pena- Again, relax, he'll hit.

Aramis Ramirez- Too good a hitter to struggle for too long.

Nate McLouth- Finally, someone to talk about. Nate is a good hitter on a team mired in a terrible slump. Trust me Nate is a very solid hitter, with power and speed to boot. Once Chipper and crew get it going, McLouth will too.

Justin Upton/Adam Jones/Grady Sizemore- The stars of poor teams who will find their grooves sooner rather than later. Buy while you can.

Justin Verlander/Johan Santana- Have they been terrible? No. Have they been what they should be? Heck no! Despite the fact that both own 4.50 ERA's, they will lead their clubs in all pitching categories before the season is through.

And last, but not least, Schultz says: "It took Starlin Castro approximately 24 hours to ingratiate himself into the minds and hearts of all roto-owners desperate for help in their middle infield. Projecting his opening day stats throughout the rest of the season as the mathematically inclined are want to do, you could possibly expect something along the lines of Babe Ruth and Hack Wilson combined. Silliness, eh? I'm willing to wager that in most leagues there is at least one owner who learned of Castro from this weekend's headlines and will have no idea that Castro's game involves getting on base and running a bit once he gets there, not power. All you wise folks out there thinking you could snag Castro cheap on your free agent wire should reconsider. Someone will have overinflated expectations for the Cubs rookie and overspend.

Even if you are lucky enough to end up with the 20-year-old shortstop, you should keep in mind that he's a 20-YEAR-OLD SHORTSTOP. Think of the important things in life that you would trust to a college junior or senior? It's a short list, eh? (It appears I write in Canadian this week). Someone Castro's age should be doing keg stands with his fraternity brothers not being counted on to be the savior of your rotisserie baseball team. In a keeper league at the right price, youngsters like Castro, Jason Heyward and Stephen Strasburg, once he's called up later this year, have immense value. In the current year though, they provide brief flourishes of greatness and are surely enjoyable to follow with a sense of paternalistic pride, but you would be better off with someone whose production will be more dependable and consistent. It's not as much fun to own and play guys like Ty Wigginton and Orlando Cabrera, but it's likely safer.

The Tampa Bay Rays are keeping pace with the 200 million dollar New York Yankees in the AL East primarily on the strength of a starting rotation that's either pitching over its collective head or coming into its own. Their quick start has nothing to do with two of last year's more surprising roto-stars: Ben Zobrist and Jason Bartlett. Zobrist flirted with a 30 HR/.300 season and Bartlett looked like a batting champion. The historically light hitting infielders have returned to form. Neither one has hit a home run their averages have returned to the .260s where they will probably remain. I am a huge proponent of the "Tony Gywnn philosophy" which states that you should acquire great hitters while they are off to a slow start as you can reap the great benefits when they return to form. It doesn't apply here and don't get suckered into dealing for either on the thoughts that they rebound."

Response: Good solid stuff from Bobby. As to Schultz, leaving aside the passive/aggressive shot at the Yankees, he is no longer Lost and actually makes sense. If you thought Zobrist and Bartlett became Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, well, shame on you!

HacheMan · May 9, 2010

AL Team-by-Team Notes
So, Josh Beckett.

It's beginning to feel like 2006 all over again. Beckett finished with a 5.01 ERA that year, his first in Boston. He's currently sitting at 7.46 after seven starts this season, but unlike in 2006, his peripherals don't back it up. He's fanned 34 and allowed a reasonable five homers in 41 innings. Stuff-wise, his velocity is down slightly, but the bigger problem is that he hasn't really found his curveball yet. Really, though, Friday's letdown seemed more mental than anything. Beckett has four three-run and two six-run innings already this season. Once he makes a couple of mistakes, he's letting it snowball, and manager Terry Francona almost never pulls him until there's simply no other choice.

Beckett will come out of it eventually. There's no reason to think he's hurt. He's dug himself such a hole that there's little chance of him finishing with a sub-4.00 ERA now. However, a 4.00 ERA with plenty of wins and strikeouts would be a perfectly reasonable expectation for the rest of the season. He's a definite buy-low candidate.

American League Notes

Baltimore - Garrett Atkins has finally started to pick it up a bit, so Rhyne Hughes is no longer looking like a sleeper to contribute in AL-only leagues. Atkins still needs to get a whole lot hotter by the time Brian Roberts returns, since Ty Wigginton will have to stay in the lineup as a first baseman and DH. … Koji Uehara pitched a perfect inning in his 2010 debut after returning from a hamstring injury, but his velocity was a little disappointing. I'd like him as a candidate for saves if Mike Gonzalez has a setback with his shoulder, but as things stand now, Alfredo Simon is manager Dave Trembley's choice. The hope is that Gonzalez will be back in 3-4 weeks.

Boston - When I ranked Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) as the No. 6 outfielder last week, I thought he'd be back right about now. Given that he's still at least a week away, that was too ambitious a placement. Mike Cameron, though, appears likely to return from his abdominal injury this week. Jonathan Van Every figures to be sent down.

Chicago - The White Sox have little financial incentive to send Gordon Beckham down -- they promoted him late enough last year that there's no chance he'll be a super-two player after 2011 -- but they might need to make the move anyway. The 23-year-old is hitting .202, showing little power, striking out far more often than he did last year and looking increasingly shaky at second base. Three weeks of Triple-A time might be just the thing for him. If he doesn't turn it around over the next week, then perhaps the White Sox will replace him with Jayson Nix. … At least Jake Peavy has turned it around in a big way. I don't think he's nearly a fantasy ace while pitching in the AL and U.S. Cellular, but those who drafted him can expect him to be an asset now that he's over his command woes.

Cleveland - Kerry Wood's season debut in middle relief Saturday was pretty much a disaster. He threw just 10 of his 24 pitches for strikes and gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning to take a loss. It's hard to tell what the Indians were thinking activating him after just two rehab appearances, particularly when he gave up six runs in the first of them. Chris Perez seems set to receive the save chances for at least another week. … With Austin Kearns having established himself as the Indians' starting left fielder, it'd be no surprise to see Matt LaPorta send down for a spell. He's driven in just one run in 70 at-bats, and he's not likely to find his swing as a part-timer. Shelley Duncan would make sense as a replacement. He could be very useful spelling Russell Branyan and Travis Hafner against lefties. … Asdrubal Cabrera didn't play Saturday as originally expected, but he still looks safe to use this week after missing time with a strained quad.



Detroit - Carlos Guillen has resumed swinging and could return from his hamstring injury in about a week, but Brennan Boesch has made a strong case for sticking around once that happens. The rookie is hitting .333/.349/.619 with 10 RBI in 42 at-bats since being called up to replace Guillen. The Tigers might choose to keep Boesch as a starter against some righties and drop Don Kelly from the roster when Guillen is activated. Boesch is 25 and isn't likely to get much better than he is now, so there's little reason to send him down to play every day. … It's definitely time to get worried about Max Scherzer. His usual velocity hasn't been there, his slider isn't getting him strikeouts and it's not like he's ever displayed a very good changeup. Unless he steps it up Sunday in a favorable matchup against the Indians, it will be time for mixed leaguers to seek alternatives and for AL-only leagues to bench him.

Kansas City - While I'm thrilled to see Kila Ka'aihue up, it's doubtful that he'll have any fantasy value at all unless Jose Guillen gets traded or lands on the DL. The Royals aren't willing to put David DeJesus in center and Guillen in right to make room for him with Rick Ankiel on the DL with a strained quad. Mitch Maier will fill in for Ankiel for at least another 10 days. … Mike Aviles is getting a real shot this time around, and odds are that he'll take over as the Royals' starter at second base or shortstop at some point during the season. My guess is that he supplants Chris Getz around June 1. He's well worth trying in AL-only leagues.

Los Angeles - I had one Angels starter ranked in my top 60 at the beginning of the season. Maybe I've been too hard on Ervin Santana and Joel Pineiro has been pretty unlucky, but there shouldn't have been much faith in the Angels' rotation as a whole. Fortunately for the team, Jered Weaver may be on his way to the best season of his career. But Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders have both looked like they're pitching hurt, and neither figures to reemerge as a useful mixed-league pitcher anytime soon. … Maicer Izturis' shoulder injury has bought Brandon Wood more time to get going, but it's not showing any signs of happening. Since his consecutive three-hit games against Cleveland last month, he's fallen back into a 3-for-28 slump. He's currently sporting an obscene 30/2 K/BB ratio in 89 at-bats. Wood is probably a better defender than Izturis and he will begin to hit for power at some point, but a healthy Izturis would be an upgrade and the Angels can no longer afford to keep giving games away. The newly recalled Kevin Frandsen might secure a piece of the third-base job for the short term.

Minnesota - Nick Blackburn's cutter isn't cutting, and he just isn't making anyone swing and miss at any of his pitches. Of course, he's always pitched to contact. But this year, hitters who swing are making contact on 94 percent of his pitches, up from 87 percent in 2008 and 88 percent last year. I don't think it's an aberration, and while he'll get plenty of rope after signing a $14 million extension in March, the Twins might find themselves needing to replace him in the rotation come June. … Joe Mauer (heel) and J.J. Hardy (wrist) appears to be close enough to warrant being included in fantasy lineups this week. Once Mauer is 100 percent, the Twins will face a decision on whether to send down Wilson Ramos. The 22-year-old will almost certainly be returned to the minors sometime soon, though there will be some temptation to keep him around longer than necessary.

New York - Losing Nick Johnson (hand) to the DL less than a week after Curtis Granderson hurt his groin is another significant blow. Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's Juan Miranda is the obvious choice to replace Johnson as a DH against right-handers, but he's currently limited by a bruised elbow. Jesus Montero is off to a poor start in the minors and isn't an option. Kevin Russo was recalled Saturday because of Robinson Cano's minor knee injury, but he probably won't stick around long. Hopefully, by the middle of the week, Miranda will be fine and he and Russo can switch places. Then the Yankees can use a Miranda-Marcus Thames platoon at DH, with Thames also getting some action in left over Randy Winn. … Brett Gardner became an everyday player thanks to Granderson's injury. Now Johnson's injury has made him the No. 2 hitter in the lineup. His value has never been higher. … Andy Pettitte is due back over the weekend after missing a turn with a sore elbow. He didn't want to miss the one start, so it appears safe to keep him active.



Oakland - Kurt Suzuki (ribs) appears set to return Tuesday. That could lead to both Landon Powell and Josh Donaldson being sent back down, with Jake Fox resuming backup catcher duties. Such a series of moves would open up a spot for Jack Cust, who has been on fire the last couple of weeks and is currently hitting .286/.455/.476 for Triple-A Sacramento. Of course, releasing Eric Chavez would be another way to make room for Cust. … Coco Crisp (finger) remains a couple of weeks away, so there's still more time for Rajai Davis and Eric Patterson to get going before the A's have to make any big outfield decisions. … Although he was just placed on the DL on Friday, Justin Duchscherer (hip) is expected back to make a start this week. He's slated to pitch Saturday, which is the next time the A's will need a fifth starter.

Seattle - Felix Hernandez's mechanical issues are likely the result of his back injury. The Mariners have to hope there's a quick fix available, and since he says he's no longer experiencing any pain, there's reason for optimism. Don't think of selling. … Ryan Rowland-Smith has allowed seven homers and struck out just 11 batters in his 33 1/3 innings. The Mariners may soon have no other choice but to take him out of the rotation and add Triple-A Tacoma's Luke French as a replacement. I expected good things from Rowland-Smith, but he doesn't have the stuff to get away with the poor command he's displayed thus far. … I'm not sure what's left to say about the latest Milton Bradley saga. He's barely worth holding on to in AL-only leagues. The Mariners are turning to Michael Saunders now, even though he was one of the three or four worst players in the PCL during the first month of the season. I still think Saunders' future is pretty bright, but it'd be nearly a miracle if he proved to be a capable left fielder in the short term.

Tampa Bay - What's to make note of when things couldn't possibly be going any better? … Two hitless games from John Jaso were enough to cause the Rays to go back to Dioner Navarro behind the plate. Jaso can contribute offensively, but he's a weak defensive catcher, and the Rays are likely to keep returning to Navarro. It's not as though they've had a lot of need for the extra runs Jaso has created. … It screams sample-size fluke, but Pat Burrell currently has an 889 OPS in 51 at-bats against righties and a 227 OPS in 19 at-bats against lefties. That means he's going to lose starts to Willy Aybar versus southpaws for now. Burrell, a right-handed hitter, has traditionally hit lefties significantly better than righties.

Texas - The perpetually sore Matt Harrison is DL bound again, but that's a good thing for the Rangers, since Derek Holland will likely prove to be quite an upgrade after starting off 4-1 with a 0.93 ERA and a 37/7 K/BB ratio in 38 2/3 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He should be activated in AL-only leagues immediately, and mixed leaguers will want to keep a close eye on him. … The Rangers have opted to leave Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the minors to continue working on his throwing, even though he's hit .377/.424/.623 in his 53 at-bats. They can't really believe that Matt Treanor is anything more than a mediocre backup, but things are going well enough overall that they're not willing to make the change yet. Expect Salty to replace Max Ramirez on the roster later this month. … Nelson Cruz (hamstring) is set to come off the DL on Wednesday, so he's worth activating in most formats.

Toronto - Edwin Encarnacion's setback is giving Fred Lewis and Travis Snider more time to entrench themselves in Toronto's outfield. Had Encarnacion returned from his shoulder injury a week ago, perhaps the Jays would have sent Snider down to Triple-A. The 22-year-old Snider, though, has raised his average from .149 to .234 over his last five games. Lewis has also been hot. Both will continue to play regularly until Encarnacion returns.

HacheMan · May 10, 2010

Dallas Does Perfection
Two weeks ago, following their little mound-related incident in Oakland, Alex Rodriguez commented that Dallas Braden was getting his "15 minutes of fame." That clock needs resetting after Braden tossed a perfect game Sunday against the league-leading Rays. Braden's mother passed away when he was in high school and the grandmother who helped raise him was in attendance Sunday, making for one hell of a Mother's Day.

In fact, his grandmother spoke to reporters after the game and said: "Stick it, A-Rod." Seriously. Rodriguez took a higher road, saying: "Good for him. And better yet, he beat the Rays." As for Braden, he's now 17-15 with a 3.86 ERA since a rough rookie season, with his screwball making up for a high-80s fastball and giving him mid-rotation upside long term. And no one will be running across his mound again any time soon.

While six of the past eight perfect games have been thrown by left-handers dating back to Tom Browning in 1988, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Braden's gem overshadowed every other pitching performance Sunday, but Ubaldo Jimenez and Clayton Kershaw hooked up for a great matchup. Jimenez allowed just two hits over seven innings of one-run ball, but took his first loss of the season as Kershaw shut out the Rockies for eight innings. Kershaw has struggled to throw strikes all year and got just four outs in his previous start, but now has 45 strikeouts in 38.2 innings.

* Bobby Jenks' blown save Sunday was his first of the year, but the ugly outing raised his ERA to 6.75 ERA and afterward Ozzie Guillen talked as if switching closers was on his mind. Matt Thornton is among the league's top setup men and Jenks' declining raw stuff made him one of my "bust" picks this spring, but stripping him of ninth-inning duties now would seem premature even if a 13-19 record has Guillen looking to shake things up.

* Cleveland has worked Kerry Wood back into the bullpen mix slowly since coming off the disabled list last week and Chris Perez actually picked up a save Sunday, but Wood is expected to officially reclaim closer duties following Monday's off day. He's obviously a must-own in all leagues, but Perez is worth hanging onto for teams with roster space because of the likelihood that the Indians will be aggressively shopping Wood.

AL Quick Hits: Joe Mauer started Sunday for the first time since injuring his heel on April 30 ... A.J. Burnett was rocked for nine runs Sunday as his ERA rose from 1.99 to 3.40 ... Mike Aviles went 3-for-4 with a homer Sunday and is now 10-for-23 since rejoining the Royals ... Jorge Posada (calf) started Sunday for the first time in six games, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts at designated hitter ... Michael Saunders hit his first career homer and Josh Wilson missed the cycle by a double Sunday as Seattle scored eight runs after firing hitting coach Alan Cockrell ... Nick Blackburn shut out the Orioles for seven innings Sunday despite zero strikeouts ... Andy Pettitte (elbow) is set to rejoin the rotation Saturday against the Twins ... Jim Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week ... J.J. Hardy (wrist) will likely be placed on the disabled list if he's not ready to play following Monday's off day ... Mike Cameron (abdomen) is slated to begin a rehab assignment Monday at Triple-A ... Denard Span went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and his eighth steal Sunday.

NL Quick Hits: Troy Tulowitzki left Sunday's game with a strained quadriceps, which is an injury he's struggled with previously ... San Francisco's bullpen blew what would have been Tim Lincecum's fifth win Sunday ... Oliver Perez had another poor start Sunday, but Jerry Manuel said his rotation spot still isn't in jeopardy ... Brad Lidge threw a scoreless ninth inning with a 5-3 lead Sunday for his first save ... Jason Heyward (groin) is hoping to rejoin the lineup Tuesday ... Livan Hernandez tossed seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision Sunday and now has a 1.04 ERA ... Joe Torre reiterated Sunday that Vicente Padilla (forearm) is unlikely to return before June ... Tim Stauffer filled in for Kevin Correia with five shutout innings Sunday ... Ian Kennedy took the loss Sunday despite seven innings of two-run ball ... Brian Sabean indicated Sunday that Buster Posey remains at Triple-A in part because his defense isn't MLB-ready ... If you're on Twitter and not yet following me, you're missing out on all kinds of nonsense.

HacheMan · May 10, 2010

NL Team-by-Team Notes
The idea that J.R. Towles was the problem is laughable. Astros GM Ed Wade is the problem. But even he didn't deserve this. There was certainly no reason to think that Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence would combine on 14 extra-base hits and 23 RBI over the first 30 games of the season.

Those three will hit, though it seems increasingly likely that Berkman will do it in another city. Unfortunately, catcher, second base, shortstop and third base figure to remain disasters. Jason Castro has been awful offensively in Triple-A, and Towles' exile has left the light-hitting duo of Humberto Quintero and Kevin Cash holding down the fort behind the plate. I'm not a Chris Johnson fan, but he should get a shot before much longer, either as a starter over Pedro Feliz or as a first baseman if Berkman is traded. There's not much else for help on the way. Chris Shelton would likely outhit Johnson, but he'd just be a stopgap. Middle infielders Edwin Maysonet and Wladimir Sutil are struggling in the minors. Brian Bogusevic is hitting in Triple-A, but the Astros don't need an outfielder.

The Astros might as well blow it up and trade Berkman and Roy Oswalt. There's next to no chance that they'll return to contention in 2011 with the same core. They're probably stuck with Lee, who has a no-trade clause and wants to stay home in Houston. Feliz, Brett Myers, Geoff Blum and maybe closer Matt Lindstrom are also candidates for trades. Lindstrom is cheap and under control through 2012, so the Astros won't be under any pressure to move him. However, if he keeps pitching like he has to date, he could bring back the best return of anyone in the organization.

National League Notes

Arizona - The case of the missing slider needs to be solved for Edwin Jackson to start fulfilling expectations. Normally one of the game's better breaking balls, it's gotten lousy results this year and he's been turning to it less. While Jackson is a hard-thrower, his fastball is straight and hittable. He simply must get his slider working again if he's going to be useful. … In a minor surprise, the Diamondbacks opted to demote Gerardo Parra when they activated Conor Jackson from the DL on Saturday. Cole Gillespie was picked over him to serve as the team's fourth outfielder, even though the move leaves Arizona without a legitimate backup in center. Chris Young better not be looking forward to any days off.

Atlanta - Brian McCann's season started with a ton of promise, but his latest round of eye problems should temper projections. He's still a top-five fantasy catcher, but it doesn't seem at all likely that he'll return to 2006 form (.333/.388/.572) or even 2008 form (.301/.373/.523). … Jair Jurrjens (hamstring) is penciled in to start Saturday against the Diamondbacks. NL-only leaguers can use him, but mixed leaguers may want to wait a week to activate him. Kris Medlen will return to the bullpen. … Yunel Escobar (groin) is also eligible to return from the DL on Saturday and is aiming to be ready then. Still, Omar Infante will be worth using in NL-only leagues for another week. Brandon Hicks will be sent down once Escobar is activated.

Chicago - Starlin Castro's smashing debut Friday will get him picked up in a lot of mixed leagues right away, but I'm skeptical that he'll have that kind of value. I wouldn't expect more than a half dozen homers the rest of the way, and he's currently a weak basestealer for someone with above average speed. He should maintain a solid batting average and be a significant asset in NL-only leagues, but mixed leaguers will have better options. … I'm still not really at all concerned about Aramis Ramirez. The strikeouts are up and he's hit too many routine flies, but he is making better contact of late. He needs to be treated as a top-10 fantasy third baseman.

Cincinnati - Going to an Orlando Cabrera-Brandon Phillips one-two punch at the top of the order wasn't one of Dusty Baker's better ideas, but at least he's sticking with Drew Stubbs, rather than benching him. Stubbs won't have as much value batting seventh as he did batting first, but if it's a temporary arrangement, he could yet be of use in mixed leagues. He's now stolen eight bases in nine attempts. … That split-finger/change that Homer Bailey picked up last year isn't working at all for him right now, and he's also not throwing as hard as he did during his September surge. It's probably not time to yank him from the rotation yet, but things are headed in that direction. … One of the knocks on Ryan Hanigan is that he doesn't hit for power, but he drove in as many runs Saturday (five) as Ramon Hernandez has all season. It's pretty sad that Hernandez is still starting every other game.

Colorado - Are the Rockies going to admit they blew it when they sent down Chris Iannetta to make Miguel Olivo the everyday catcher? Olivo is batting just .148 with one extra-base hit in 27 at-bats since the move on April 27, while Iannetta is slugging .667 in Triple-A. Iannetta is eligible to be recalled, and it'd be pointless of the Rockies to make him wait much longer. … Brad Hawpe's return Monday from a strained quad will probably result in Eric Young Jr.'s return to Triple-A. The Rockies will also activate Jason Hammel on Wednesday and have him replace Esmil Rogers in the rotation. When Jeff Francis returns the following week, Greg Smith could lose his spot, with Jhoulys Chacin sticking around at least until Jorge De La Rosa is activated.



Florida - It really looked like Chris Coghlan was coming out of his slump when I gave him a rather generous spot in last week's outfield rankings, but he's opened May 2-for-16. He still doesn't have an extra-base hit in 98 at-bats. This figures to be a big week for him. If he fails to get it going, then the Marlins will probably send him down and try Bryan Petersen in left for a little while. Mike Stanton probably won't be called up as long as super-two arbitration eligibility remains a possibility, so don't expect to see him before the end of the month. … The one thing that's working in Coghlan's favor is that Cameron Maybin has been nearly as bad. Cody Ross is off to quite a disappointing start as well. The Marlins are comfortable using Ross in center, so Petersen can take time away from Maybin as easily as Coghlan. The left-handed-hitting Petersen offers limited upside because of his modest power, but he's a solid all-around player, one who could have a nice career as a fourth outfielder. NL-only leaguers needing outfield help could take a shot.

Los Angeles - Age before beauty. Xavier Paul should be the Dodgers' fourth outfielder and John Ely should be in the rotation, yet both were sent down to make room for players coming off the disabled list. The Dodgers have also hurt themselves by playing Jamey Carroll at shortstop with Rafael Furcal out. Chin-Lung Hu wouldn't have matched him offensively, but the gain on defense would have outweighed it. Carroll hasn't had the range to play the position for at least five years now. Fortunately, Furcal is due back from his strained hamstring on Friday. … Charlie Haeger probably isn't long for the rotation after failing to record an out in his start Saturday, but Ely will be ineligible to rejoin the team this week unless someone goes on the DL. That might lead to Ramon Ortiz making a spot start.

Milwaukee - Carlos Gomez's strained shoulder gave Jody Gerut just his fourth start of the season Saturday, and all Gerut did was hit for the cycle. With Ryan Braun locked into left field on an everyday basis, the Brewers have four useful outfielders for two spots each day and Gerut has been the odd-man out. Odds are the Brewers would have non-tendered him in December had they known they'd get Jim Edmonds on a minor league deal. A trade remains a possibility for Gerut, particularly with the Brewers in the market for some relief help. Gerut to the White Sox for Tony Pena would make some sense for both teams. … Of course, any chance of a trade would vanish for the short term if Gomez's injury puts him on the DL. His status for the week is currently uncertain, making him too risky to play. …

New York - Jeff Francoeur has been putrid since the first 10 games of the season, but with Fernando Martinez hitting just .247/.303/.383 in 81 at-bats in Triple-A, he shouldn't have to worry about his job yet. Given that he's not striking out very often, I do think he'll return to adequacy. … I'm not at all fond of how the Mets are handling Mike Pelfrey's shoulder tightness, but he did throw pretty well Friday against the Giants. It's still something to watch very closely, especially since the Mets aren't backing off him a bit. At least he has helped his chances of getting through it by being efficient with his pitches. He needed just 85 to get through 7 1/3 innings on Friday. … Luis Castillo was only expected to miss the one game Sunday with his bruised left foot. NL-only leaguers can keep him active.

Philadelphia - When did Jayson Werth become a doubles machine? He finished with just 16 in 418 at-bats in 2008 and 26 in 571 at-bats last year, but he already has 16 through 106 at-bats this season. He's setting himself up to become a very wealthy man this winter. I still expect him to land on the DL at some point, though. … Brad Lidge's velocity isn't all of the way back yet, but it's been better than expected and he's compensated by throwing his slider with even greater frequency. It's working for him so far, and since the closer's role appears to be his to lose, he's worth activating in all formats. … Jimmy Rollins (calf) is still at least one and probably two weeks away.



Pittsburgh - Steve Pearce is up to perhaps take playing time away from Jeff Clement and Lastings Milledge. Clement just received four days off in a row, but it was with the stated goal of fine-tuning his swing. The Pirates are exercising admirable patience with Clement, and that will probably continue for at least a couple of more weeks. He is the one with real upside, after all. Pearce will probably play mostly against lefties for now, giving him little fantasy value. … The Pirates have also been patient with Charlie Morton. The lack of alternatives has something to do with that, but he has a 23/8 K/BB ratio to go along with his ridiculous 10.30 ERA in 25 1/3 innings. He'll stay in the rotation, and he remains worth watching in NL-only leagues.

St. Louis - 10 of the Cardinals' 12 pitchers have ERAs of 3.10 or better. The exceptions are middle reliever Mitchell Boggs and nominal fourth starter Kyle Lohse, who is 0-2 with a 5.45 ERA after six starts. Lohse's velocity is dropping annually, and it seems to have taken a real toll in his slider now. The scary thing is that he's owed almost $30 million through 2012, so his contract currently looks like one of the worst in the game. The Cardinals are in a position in which they can afford to wait for him. Even if he posts a 5.00 ERA all season long, it's not likely to cost them the NL Central. Still, fantasy leaguers need not be so patient. … Matt Holliday is expected back Tuesday after missing Sunday's game with a strained groin. … Felipe Lopez looks like a long shot to return from a strained elbow this week, but he isn't too far away.

San Diego - Three weeks into the season, it appeared that Will Venable was turning into the one fixture in the San Diego outfield. Now after going 0-for-5 and striking out three times Sunday, he's hitting .222/.291/.434. Scott Hairston has been the Padres' outfield star. He started out as a backup, but he's up to .254/.363/.552 now and is playing regularly. Kyle Blanks, with 39 strikeouts in 87 official at-bats, is playing less and might yet find himself back in Triple-A for a spell. Tony Gwynn Jr. has a .333 OBP and seven steals, but without any power at all. If things keep progressing like this, Mike Baxter might get a shot soon. The 25-year-old, who had a coming out party in the Arizona Fall League a couple of years ago, is hitting .289/.414/.474 in Triple-A. He could take over as a left fielder against right-handers if Blanks needs to be sent down for a little while. … Everth Cabrera (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Monday, but it's possible he'll spend the whole week in the minors. Don't activate him yet.

San Francisco - With Edgar Renteria (groin) done for two weeks and Freddy Sanchez (knee) probably still at least that far away, the Giants are going with Juan Uribe at short and Matt Downs at second. Given Uribe's lack of range these days, putting Ryan Rohlinger at short and moving Uribe back to second would probably make more sense. Downs, though, is hot and will stay in the lineup for a little while, giving him some temporary value in NL-only leagues. … Pinch-hitter John Bowker hit a game-tying homer off Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth inning Friday and was rewarded by being kept on the bench both Saturday and Sunday. It's been a tough go for Bowker, who became the Giants' primary right fielder at the end of the spring, only to fall down the depth chart less than two weeks into the season. He is one of the team's best hitters, and he deserves some playing time at Mark DeRosa's expense.

Washington - All hail the king of the vultures: Tyler Clippard improved to 6-0 after getting charged with his fourth blown save on Sunday. Of course, he really has pitched remarkably well, posting a 0.79 ERA in 23 2/3 innings through the Nationals' first 31 games. But he's now gotten blown saves and wins in three straight appearances. He's also probably going to end up on the DL before much longer if manager Jim Riggleman keeps him on this kind of pace. … There's nothing for the Nationals to do about Nyjer Morgan's basestealing slump. He's given them at least what they should have expected offensively by hitting .270/.349/.417 through 115 at-bats, but he's been thrown out on half of his 12 steal attempts. Morgan will keep running, since it's a big part of his game. He's not a great basestealer, but what he lacks in technique, he mostly makes up for in raw speed.

HacheMan · May 11, 2010

Beckett Backed Up, Then Out
Monday afternoon the Red Sox announced that they were pushing Josh Beckett's next start back from Wednesday versus the Blue Jays to Friday versus the Tigers, which also put him in line to miss the Yankees next week after giving up nine runs against them in his last outing. The move was not made because of an injury, but then just a few hours later Beckett strained his back while taking batting practice in an indoor batting cage.

He'll undergo tests Tuesday to determine his status and in the meantime Tim Wakefield will slide back into the rotation Wednesday. Beckett's pushed-back start is up in the air, although extra time off may not be so bad given his 7.46 ERA and need to "refine his delivery" with pitching coach John Farrell. His peripheral numbers aren't nearly as awful as his ERA, so ultimately the back issues may just serve to make him more undervalued.

While the Red Sox turn back to Wakefield sooner than they probably hoped, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Placed on the disabled list last week, Jair Jurrjens reportedly heard a "pop" in his injured hamstring while doing some running in the outfield Monday and is headed for an MRI exam. Jurrjens had been scheduled to return this weekend, but now Kris Medlen will face the Diamondbacks in his place and could stick in the rotation indefinitely. Medlen is worth owning in NL-only leagues.

* Because of his history with quadriceps injuries the Rockies feared the worst when Troy Tulowitzki left Sunday's game, but an MRI exam Monday showed no significant damage and he's expected to avoid the disabled list. Tulowitzki is sore and will probably remain out of the lineup until later in the week, with Clint Barmes sliding over to shortstop and Melvin Mora or speedy prospect Eric Young Jr. taking over at second base.

* Carlos Gomez has been out since injuring his shoulder last Wednesday and he finally landed on the disabled list Monday, leaving Jim Edmonds as the Brewers' primary center fielder and giving Jody Gerut some extra playing time too. Gomez was hitting .276 with good power and swiped six bases without being caught, so the injury is very bad timing for a guy who's still looking for his first sustained success in the majors.

* Last month the Rockies were so caught up in Miguel Olivo's unsustainably strong start that they demoted Chris Iannetta to Triple-A. Since then Olivo is 7-for-42 (.167) to lower his season line to .228/.287/.453, which nearly matches his poor .242/.278/.425 career mark. Iannetta has hit .303 with a 1.045 OPS at Triple-A, so presumably they'll correct the mistake soon and perhaps learn to trust multi-year track records over April stats.

AL Quick Hits: Between hitting .208 and falling asleep in the clubhouse during games, Ken Griffey Jr. reportedly may be on the way out in Seattle ... J.D. Drew was scratched from Monday's lineup with vertigo, which has bothered him in the past ... Justin Duchscherer (hip) threw 40-50 pitches off a mound Monday, with Bob Geren calling the session "excellent" ... B.J. Upton has left the Rays for the birth of his first child and may miss the entire Angels series ... Brandon Morrow failed to make it out of the second inning Monday, walking six and allowing six runs ... Mike Cameron (abdomen) doubled in his first rehab game Monday at Triple-A ... Dontrelle Willis was scratched from Monday's start with flu-like symptoms, which is not to be confused with a matchup against the Yankees ... As expected, the Royals aren't actually playing Kila Ka'aihue after calling him up last week.

NL Quick Hits: Huston Street (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Double-A ... Ryan Braun left Monday's game a few innings after being plunked on the elbow ... Tommy Hanson shut out the Brewers for eight innings Monday, slicing his ERA to 2.30 ... It took the reigning Rookie of the Year more than 100 at-bats, but Chris Coghlan finally got his first extra-base hit Monday ... Chipper Jones aggravated a groin while injury while legging out an infield single Monday ... Brad Hawpe (quadriceps) came off the disabled list Monday after missing two weeks ... Carlos Beltran (knee) is hoping to begin lightly jogging later this week ... Rafael Furcal (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at Single-A ... As expected, Oliver Perez will remain in the rotation despite seven walks in 3.1 innings Sunday ... Lou Piniella made it clear that he has no immediate plans to move Carlos Zambrano back into the rotation ... John Ely will replace Charlie Haeger (foot) in the rotation Tuesday against the Diamondbacks ... Jason Hammel (groin) will rejoin the rotation Wednesday against the Phillies.

HacheMan · May 11, 2010

Jenks on his way out?

In this week's edition of Saves and Steals, your jocose correspondent gets excited about the possibility of a new White Sox closer, wonders if Brad Lidge will seize the stopper's gig in Philadelphia and welcomes Kerry Wood back to his old job in Cleveland, at the expense of Chris Perez.

In honor of Iron Man 2, which opened over the weekend, this week's tiers are brought to you by the five levels of star Robert Downey Jr.'s career.

Tier 1: Elite (3) (AKA: The "Iron Man" Tier.)

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers

Comment:
Mariano Rivera, suffering from side discomfort, hasn't pitched since April 30, allowing both Alfredo Aceves and Joba Chamberlain to vulture saves. But Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed that Rivera is available to close, so he should return to the mound the next time New York provides him with an opportunity.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (8) (AKA: The "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" Tier.)

Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

Comment:
Joakim Soria allowed a pair of homers and took the loss Thursday when Kansas City fell 13-12 to Texas. Soria surrendered three runs in that appearance, matching his season total to that point.

Tier 3: OK options (8) (AKA: The "Zodiac" Tier.)

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
Matt Capps, Washington Nationals
Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves
Jon Rauch, Minnesota Twins
Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins

Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals

Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers

Comment:
Ryan Franklin blew a save -- entering in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs in a 3-2 game, a wild pitch tying the game -- but ended up picking up the win against the Pirates on Friday when the Cardinals took the lead in the top of the ninth. Franklin still hasn't allowed an earned run since April 16, silencing any questions about his job security.

In late April, shortly after being named Texas' closer, Neftali Feliz was pounded for six runs over four appearances (13.50 ERA) while blowing a save and taking a loss. Since then, he has settled into the job, earning saves with scoreless innings in each of his last six appearances. Over that time, in fact, he's allowed just one baserunner while posting a 6/0 K/BB rate. Manager Ron Washington was emphatic upon naming Feliz closer that Frank Francisco would move back into the stopper's role at some point. But Feliz has pitched so effectively that it seems almost assured that he will lead the Rangers in 2010 saves. Can they wait a season before moving him into the rotation? If so, he's in a position to earn 30-plus saves.

Tier 4: Question marks (5) (AKA: The "The Singing Detective" Tier.)

Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers
Brian Fuentes, Los Angeles Angels
Kevin Gregg, Toronto Blue Jay
Matt Lindstrom, Houston Astros

Kerry Wood, Cleveland Indians

Comment:
Brian Fuentes blew his second save of the season by punting a three-run lead on Monday to the Rays.

Kerry Wood was reinstated into the closer's role by Indians manager Manny Acta, but keep in mind that the veteran was torched in a minor league rehab stint and has allowed two runs in one inning over two appearances for the Tribe. Chris Perez had settled in as closer -- he hasn't allowed an earned run since April 11 -- but is now relegated to a setup role. Perez posted a 2.61 ERA as Cleveland's closer. Retain him if you have the roster space. Chances are very high that Wood is dealt to a contender at the deadline, assuming he pitches well enough in the meantime to entice interest.

Wood should be owned in all formats.

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (6) (AKA: The "Gothika" Tier.)

Bobby Jenks, Chicago White Sox
Chad Qualls, Arizona Diamondbacks
Octavio Dotel, Pittsburgh Pirates
Alfredo Simon, Baltimore Orioles

Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies

Manny Corpas, Colorado Rockies

Comment:
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said after Sunday's game that he will revaluate his closing situation. The statement came in the aftermath of Bobby Jenks' meltdown earlier in the day. Jenks allowed four runs -- three earned -- on four hits, one of which was a three-run Fred Lewis homer, to blow a two-run lead and take a loss to Toronto. Although he has a 6.75 ERA and 2.17 WHIP, Jenks has been somewhat unlucky, posting a 16/7 K/BB rate in only 12 innings.

If Guillen decides to make a change, Matt Thornton is the best of potential candidates to close. He has a 2.35 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and closer's stuff and makeup. J.J. Putz has closing experience but has never been able to reclaim his 2007 magic and rookie Sergio Santos is a long-term saves darkhorse.

Keep in mind that Guillen has not made an official change and perhaps will not. But if he does, he may not announce it publicly until it's implemented. In other words, if you see Thornton in a save situation, run to your computer and access your league's waiver wire as fast as possible.

Brad Lidge tossed a perfect ninth inning against the Braves on Sunday to earn his first save of the season, but was unavailable Monday due to stiffness in his elbow. Jose Contreras was employed instead to finish a 9-5 victory over the Rockies. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel thinks it's a minor issue and that Lidge will be available immediately. Lidge appears to have the skipper's trust again and has allowed just one run over 4 1/3 innings since returning from the disabled list. If he's still a free agent in your league, it's time to pounce, but those with roster room should hold onto Contreras until all this sorts itself out.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy subtly hinted last week that Manny Corpas would get save chances over Franklin Morales, but Monday's game could change his mind. While Morales was unavailable because of an inflamed shoulder, Corpas gave up four runs in the ninth against the Phillies to take the loss. Prior to that dreadful outing, Corpas had a 1.66 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings. The Rockies haven't scheduled an MRI for Morales, which means they likely don't see the injury as serious. If that's indeed the case, Corpas and Morales will battle for saves until Huston Street's return.

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Injured

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins (Out for the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow)
Huston Street, Colorado Rockies (15-day disabled list with shoulder stiffness)
Mike Gonzalez, Baltimore Orioles (15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder)
Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies (15-day disabled list with a broken toe)

Comment:
Huston Street's minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Tulsa begins on Thursday. If all goes well after a few appearances, he'll likely make back-to-back appearances with Triple-A Colorado Springs on May 22-23. Success in those outings could have him back to Colorado's bullpen within two weeks.

Mike Gonzalez is on a throwing program, the completion of which will allow him to begin a rehab assignment. He's aiming to rejoin the Orioles' bullpen in early June.

The Graveyard:
Frank Francisco, Texas Rangers
Jason Frasor, Toronto Blue Jay
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

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The Steals Department

With the season's first month in the books, lets take a look at an early-season stolen base disappointment from each league.

Alcides Escobar - Talk of unfulfilled speed promise begins with this fleet rookie who is being red-lighted by Brewers manager Ken Macha. Escobar hit .293 in the minors and swiped 80 bags the past two seasons on the farm, which, combined with his .304 average in 125 at-bats for the Brewers last year, led to considerable fantasy hype.

This year, he's hitting .214 with a .277 on-base percentage and has been caught in his only stolen base attempt. Because Escobar bats eighth, in front of the pitcher, Macha is chaining him to the base when he reaches, using justifiable logic. His rational? The pitcher will bunt with one out or less, while a botched stolen base attempt with two outs to end the inning if a pitcher is batting is unacceptable. Assuming Macha'a stance is dogmatic, and he will essentially never send a runner with the pitcher batting, Escobar's only path to cash in on his greatest fantasy asset is, by extension, moving up the lineup. He's going to have to start getting on base a whole lot more than he is now to do so.

From a fantasy perspective, this is looking like a lost rookie season.

VERDICT: Replace him if you have a better option. There's more than enough speed on the waiver wire to cover for the production you thought you were going to get from Escobar and the shortstop pool is large enough that you should find someone enticing waiting for you.

Julio Borbon - Chances are that Borbon isn't exasperating too many owners right now -- mixed leaguers have likely already cut bait. Borbon, after all, hasn't swiped a base since April 21 and lost his leadoff spot several days before that. In addition, his OPS is an anemic .480. On the bright side, he hasn't been caught stealing all season. On the other hand, he isn't getting on base enough to employ his wheels.

Borbon is one of those players that is going to give certain owners fantasy nostalgia for the rest of his career -- you know, the guy that you picked up in your AL-only league after he got a few starts in mid-August and he ended up pushing you to a stolen base category win and the league championship (there are at least 14 people out there nodding right now). Despite fuzzy feelings you may have for him after his 19 steals in 157 at-bats last year, it's time to move on.

VERDICT: Mixed leagues should cut him if they haven't already done so. AL-only players will have to hope for a rebound, because his value is so low right now that trading him doesn't make sense. As previously stated, there are so many speed options on the waiver wire this year that it doesn't behoove you to try to wait out players like Borbon.

HacheMan · May 12, 2010

Dice-K Rolling Again
While marveling at Mike Sweeney accusing a reporter of lying and challenging teammates to fight him in an effort to defend Ken Griffey Jr., here are some notes from around baseball ...

* After struggling in his first two outings, Daisuke Matsuzaka tossed seven innings of one-run ball Tuesday for his best start since 2008. He allowed just three hits, racked up nine strikeouts for his highest total since April of 2008, and handed out zero walks for just the seventh time in 76 career starts. Unfortunately for Matsuzaka his next start is this weekend against the Yankees, so don't hop back on the bandwagon quite yet.

* Mark DeRosa visited a specialist Tuesday after venting frustration about his surgically repaired wrist continuing to give him problems and was diagnosed with an aggravated nerve. That qualifies as good news because DeRosa is expected to avoid the disabled list, but he's likely to remain out of the lineup for a while longer and more importantly has hit just .224 with a .667 in 87 games since suffering the initial injury last season.

* With closer Bobby Jenks struggling Ozzie Guillen said before Tuesday's game that he'd go with matchups in the ninth inning, but Jenks ended up getting the save anyway after Guillen used southpaw Matt Thornton in the eighth inning versus Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Thornton may have gotten the save chance had Minnesota's lefty bats been up in the ninth inning instead, but clearly Jenks hasn't totally lost his grip on the job.

* Franklin Morales was unavailable Monday because of a sore shoulder and after initially downplaying the injury the Rockies put him on the disabled list Tuesday. Manny Corpas seemed on the verge of at least splitting save chances with Morales even before the injury, so now he'll take over full-time closer duties until Huston Street is ready to come off the DL, which the Rockies are hoping will be next week.

* Trey Hillman said Tuesday that Mike Aviles "will keep playing somewhere" after going 12-for-25 since returning from Triple-A. Aviles started over Chris Getz at second base Tuesday for the fourth time in five games and will also get occasional starts at shortstop in place of Yuniesky Betancourt, giving him plenty of value in AL-only leagues. Hillman is a dead manager walking, but giving Aviles an extended shot is a smart move.

* Johnny Cueto was brilliant Tuesday, tossing a one-hit shutout against the Pirates while racking up nine strikeouts versus zero walks. Cueto has had more than his share of gems since debuting in 2008, but for the most part has been mediocre. He came into Tuesday at 1-1 with a 5.18 ERA this season and 21-26 with a 4.66 ERA for his career. The potential for much more has always been there, so hopefully he can build on it.

* If you like reading this column every day, chances are you won't hate following me on Twitter.

AL Quick Hits: As expected, Josh Beckett will miss his scheduled Friday start after straining his back taking batting practice ... Brandon League closed out Cliff Lee's first Mariners victory with a five-out save Tuesday ... Jake Westbrook won Tuesday for the first time this season and second time since 2007 ... Jason Varitek went 2-for-3 with a homer Tuesday and now has a 1.287 OPS in 43 plate appearances backing up Victor Martinez ... Kevin Slowey struggled again Tuesday as his ERA rose for the fourth straight start ... Barring a setback on his rehab assignment, Nelson Cruz (hamstring) is slated to come off the shelf Friday ... David Hernandez fell to 0-5 by allowing five runs in 5.2 innings Tuesday ... Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) could be close to a rehab stint after doing some running Tuesday ... J.J. Hardy (wrist) landed on the disabled list Tuesday, leaving Brendan Harris as the Twins' primary shortstop ... Dana Eveland lasted just four innings Tuesday and has now allowed 31 runs in 16.1 career innings against the Red Sox ... Russell Branyan smacked his first two homers of the season Tuesday.

NL Quick Hits: Brad Lidge was unavailable Monday due to elbow soreness and wasn't happy with how he felt during a bullpen session Tuesday ... Troy Tulowitzki (quadriceps) was out of the lineup again Tuesday, but is expected to avoid the disabled list ... Ryan Braun (elbow) likely won't rejoin the lineup until at least Friday ... Jeff Francis (shoulder) tossed seven shutout innings Tuesday at Double-A in what may be his final rehab start ... Bobby Cox shook up the lineup Tuesday, batting Jason Heyward second for the first time ... Jimmy Rollins (calf) is aiming to come off the DL as soon as Monday ... Chipper Jones was a late scratch Tuesday due to ongoing groin soreness ... Tim Stauffer will miss six weeks following an emergency appendectomy Tuesday, which is a tough break for a guy with a 0.39 ERA ... Carlos Beltran (knee) has been cleared to begin lightly jogging ... Jesus Flores (shoulder) is still several weeks from beginning a rehab assignment ... Michael Bourn is appealing his two-game suspension for bumping an umpire Saturday.

HacheMan · May 13, 2010

Reimold Slumps Back to AAA
Nolan Reimold's strong rookie campaign was cut short by an Achilles' tendon injury that required surgery and he's been such a mess on both sides of the ball this season that the Orioles demoted him to the minors Wednesday. Going back to Triple-A is no doubt a tough pill to swallow for a 26-year-old who hit .279/.365/.466 in 104 games as a rookie and to make matters worse the Orioles filled his roster spot with Corey Patterson.

In fact, Patterson hopped right into the lineup as the leadoff man Wednesday, which is all kinds of hilarious considering his putrid .283 on-base percentage is the second-worst of any active player with 1,000 career games. As for Reimold, the demotion should be a good test of whether he's merely slumping or still injured, because he hit .393 with a 1.228 OPS in 31 games at Triple-A before being called up last season.

While the Orioles' nightmare season somehow gets even worse, here are some other notes from around baseball ...

* Brad Lidge was unavailable Monday due to soreness in his surgically repaired elbow and unhappy with how he felt throwing on the side Tuesday, so the Phillies sent him back to Philadelphia to be examined by doctors Wednesday. Backup closer Ryan Madson is out for two months following toe surgery, so for now Jose Contreras is the leading candidate for fill-in saves. Scary as that sounds, he has a 2.97 career ERA as a reliever.

* Derek Holland went 8-13 with a 6.12 ERA as a rookie, but the 23-year-old southpaw resumed dominating at Triple-A this season and shut out the Mariners for six innings Wednesday after replacing the injured Matt Harrison in the rotation. Texas' ballpark is a poor fit because he's a fly-ball pitcher, but Holland's raw stuff is among the best of any young lefty and he earned the call-up with a 0.97 ERA and 37/7 K/BB ratio in six starts.

* Stephen Strasburg continued his annihilation of the minor leagues Wednesday with six no-hit innings in his second Triple-A start. Strasburg was pulled after just 80 pitches because the Nationals have him on a short leash in preparation for a likely call-up early next month. He's now 5-1 with a 1.06 ERA and 40/8 K/BB ratio in 34 innings overall, but service time manipulating will keep him from Washington for a bit longer.

* Homer Bailey followed Johnny Cueto's one-hit shutout Tuesday with a four-hit shutout of his own Wednesday, becoming the first Reds with back-to-back shutouts since Jose Rijo and Tom Browning in 1989. That both gems came against the Pirates takes a little something away from the feat and also helps explain how Bailey recorded 27 outs on just 90 pitches, with 78 of them fastballs. He lowered his ERA from 7.24 to 5.66.

AL Quick Hits: Shaun Marcum shut out the Red Sox for seven innings Wednesday, notching his seventh Quality Start in eight tries ... Aaron Hill was scratched from Wednesday's lineup with hamstring soreness ... Wilson Ramos went 1-for-18 following his historic first two games and the Twins sent him back to the minors Wednesday ... Javier Vazquez lost Wednesday despite his first Quality Start of the season ... Erik Bedard (shoulder) is nearing a rehab assignment after throwing a simulated game Wednesday ... Jack Wilson (hamstring) landed on the disabled list Wednesday, with Matt Tuiasosopo returning from Triple-A ... In a slight change of plans, Kurt Suzuki (ribs) will remain on the DL until at least Friday ... Alex Gordon's transition from third base to left field is reportedly going well at Triple-A ... Rick Porcello shut out the Yankees for seven innings Wednesday, lowering his ERA from 7.50 to 6.08 ... Bobby Jenks spoke the truth Wednesday, telling everyone to "chill out" about his early struggles ... Milton Bradley is expected to remain on the restricted list until at least next week.

NL Quick Hits: After struggling in Tuesday's rehab start, Jason Marquis has opted for elbow surgery ... Troy Tulowitzki (quadriceps) was removed from Wednesday's lineup due to the cold weather in Colorado ... Mopping up Wednesday for his first action in five days, Trevor Hoffman allowed three runs as his ERA rose to 12.00 ... After two rehab games, Rafael Furcal (hamstring) is expected to come off the disabled list Friday ... Miguel Olivo snapped out of his slump in a big way Wednesday, going 5-for-5 with a walk-off homer ... Tyler Clippard notched his MLB-leading seventh win Wednesday, but don't count on the setup man continuing to pile up victories ... Jeff Francoeur went hitless again Wednesday and is now batting .143 since the 20-inning marathon on April 17 ... Carlos Ruiz is day-to-day after leaving Wednesday's game with a sprained knee ... Rogeravin Bernadina went deep twice Wednesday after coming into the game with zero homers in 113 career at-bats ... Chipper Jones (groin) doubled as a pinch-hitter Wednesday.