What's the Buzz? 3/13/06
So today I'm just going to start here and probably update a few times during the night....
We can start out with the first of today's WBC games as it looks like those feisty Cubans are getting pummeled by the Dominican Republic 7-0 in the 7th inning. Tough break for the Cubans as it puts a crimp into their plans to pummel our boys from the States. Some details in the game: Big Fatty....I mean Big Papi, David Ortiz has cranked out another HR and Miguel Tejada seems to be swinging the bat well today also. Odalis Perez and Jorge Sosa have combined to throw 3 hit shutout ball in the meantime. Again, I like Sosa this year....but save him til later as he could be one of those guys you sneak by due to Leo Mazzone leaving Atlanta. Now that the pitching guru has left town, the stock on Braves' pitchers is dropping a bit.
Carlos Zambrano got the victory today as Venezuela pounded Puerto Rico 7-0. Along with Carlos Silva, Rafael Betancourt, and 4 other pitchers, Venezuela flexed its pitching muscles again. Offensively it was Victor Matinez' grand slam and the surprising Endy Chavez. Unfortunately, Chavez never really makes his way into being full time, so don't get too excited about his numbers.
And you didn't think it could get any worse for the Americans. They narrowly escape the first round, they beat Japan in Round 2 play but get it on a controversial call, Japan files a formal protest today and now they are getting pounded in the 7th inning by the undefeated Korean squad. Dontrelle Willis and Dan Wheeler got roughed up and the only bright spot was Ken Griffey, Jr.'s third HR of the tournament...but we all know how that's going to turn out. What could possibly go wrong next? Too bad they'll beat Mexico and that controversial victory against Japan will force my two fantasy guys (Damon and Utley) to continue with this debacle.
In real Spring training news...
It looks like Padres GM Kevin Towers has finally learned what us fantasy leaguers have known for the past 2 years, as he is now actively looking for a regular shortstop that can play in the event Khalil Greene gets injured. More like when rather than if. Frail and fragile fingers do not make for a quality shortstop.
Anyone remember Fernando Tatis? He's trying to find himself a job as a utility guy in Baltimore and having little or no success here.
Florida Marlins shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, is looking real sharp this spring and looks to be getting the nod for Opening Day and the season. Here's the question though....what's wrong with him? For 2 years, all we heard was that he was the Red Sox SS of the future. But when they decided to let Edgar Renteria go to the Braves, why include Ramirez in a deal for Josh Beckett? Hmmmm......
Apparently Carl Pavano has been doing more work lately throwing 40 pitches off the bullpen mound. He says his back feels better, but I just don't recommend him to you. As a matter of fact, you should check out what I had to say about ex-Marlins pitching moving over to the AL.
Zach Day is falling out of favor with Clint Hurdle in Colorado, and that couldn't be better for him. Who in their right mind wants to pitch for the Rockies? The Mets expressed interest in him as GM Omar Minaya worked with him in Montreal before. If he does go to the Mets, look for him to be a great sleeper as Rick Peterson will easily get him going.
The Indians have announced that 5th starter Jason Johnson will have his first start of the season skipped. Now if they can find a way to do it for the rest of the year. He had some good promise as a power pitcher, but his WHIP just doesn't seem to want to come down to earth.
My man, and the best player name in the majors, Coco Crisp has been given the green light to steal by manager Terry Francona. You have to take it with a grain of salt as the Sox are not known for their small ball style, but it still sounds good if you own him. I do, and I'm looking forward to a wonderful 20-20 performance from him.
Jaret Wright continues to disappoint Yankees fans as he got lit up today by the Pirates. He's almost out of the competition for the 5th spot in the rotation and today couldn't have helped his cause.
Anyone else see Phillies 1B Ryan Howard crush another HR today? If not, then take notice...he's going to be a monster in Philadelphia this year.
Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter hasn't let up a run all spring. He looks like he's just picked right up where he left off last year.
The battle between Tony Clark and Conor Jackson continues as Clark belted another HR today. Unfortunately, Jackson doesn't have the versatility of Chad Tracy so the D-Backs can't move him around. If Clark continues his level of play, it's going to fall into a direct platoon situation thus damaging the fantasy value of both players.
And finally, the Mets right field situation remains complicated as both Victor Diaz and Xavier Nady continue their impressive springs. It looks like Nady has a slight advantage, which is really where it should end up. Look for him to get the nod for Opening Day and, with a solid start, remain in the lineup.
Catch you next time...
We can start out with the first of today's WBC games as it looks like those feisty Cubans are getting pummeled by the Dominican Republic 7-0 in the 7th inning. Tough break for the Cubans as it puts a crimp into their plans to pummel our boys from the States. Some details in the game: Big Fatty....I mean Big Papi, David Ortiz has cranked out another HR and Miguel Tejada seems to be swinging the bat well today also. Odalis Perez and Jorge Sosa have combined to throw 3 hit shutout ball in the meantime. Again, I like Sosa this year....but save him til later as he could be one of those guys you sneak by due to Leo Mazzone leaving Atlanta. Now that the pitching guru has left town, the stock on Braves' pitchers is dropping a bit.
Carlos Zambrano got the victory today as Venezuela pounded Puerto Rico 7-0. Along with Carlos Silva, Rafael Betancourt, and 4 other pitchers, Venezuela flexed its pitching muscles again. Offensively it was Victor Matinez' grand slam and the surprising Endy Chavez. Unfortunately, Chavez never really makes his way into being full time, so don't get too excited about his numbers.
And you didn't think it could get any worse for the Americans. They narrowly escape the first round, they beat Japan in Round 2 play but get it on a controversial call, Japan files a formal protest today and now they are getting pounded in the 7th inning by the undefeated Korean squad. Dontrelle Willis and Dan Wheeler got roughed up and the only bright spot was Ken Griffey, Jr.'s third HR of the tournament...but we all know how that's going to turn out. What could possibly go wrong next? Too bad they'll beat Mexico and that controversial victory against Japan will force my two fantasy guys (Damon and Utley) to continue with this debacle.
In real Spring training news...
It looks like Padres GM Kevin Towers has finally learned what us fantasy leaguers have known for the past 2 years, as he is now actively looking for a regular shortstop that can play in the event Khalil Greene gets injured. More like when rather than if. Frail and fragile fingers do not make for a quality shortstop.
Anyone remember Fernando Tatis? He's trying to find himself a job as a utility guy in Baltimore and having little or no success here.
Florida Marlins shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, is looking real sharp this spring and looks to be getting the nod for Opening Day and the season. Here's the question though....what's wrong with him? For 2 years, all we heard was that he was the Red Sox SS of the future. But when they decided to let Edgar Renteria go to the Braves, why include Ramirez in a deal for Josh Beckett? Hmmmm......
Apparently Carl Pavano has been doing more work lately throwing 40 pitches off the bullpen mound. He says his back feels better, but I just don't recommend him to you. As a matter of fact, you should check out what I had to say about ex-Marlins pitching moving over to the AL.
Zach Day is falling out of favor with Clint Hurdle in Colorado, and that couldn't be better for him. Who in their right mind wants to pitch for the Rockies? The Mets expressed interest in him as GM Omar Minaya worked with him in Montreal before. If he does go to the Mets, look for him to be a great sleeper as Rick Peterson will easily get him going.
The Indians have announced that 5th starter Jason Johnson will have his first start of the season skipped. Now if they can find a way to do it for the rest of the year. He had some good promise as a power pitcher, but his WHIP just doesn't seem to want to come down to earth.
My man, and the best player name in the majors, Coco Crisp has been given the green light to steal by manager Terry Francona. You have to take it with a grain of salt as the Sox are not known for their small ball style, but it still sounds good if you own him. I do, and I'm looking forward to a wonderful 20-20 performance from him.
Jaret Wright continues to disappoint Yankees fans as he got lit up today by the Pirates. He's almost out of the competition for the 5th spot in the rotation and today couldn't have helped his cause.
Anyone else see Phillies 1B Ryan Howard crush another HR today? If not, then take notice...he's going to be a monster in Philadelphia this year.
Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter hasn't let up a run all spring. He looks like he's just picked right up where he left off last year.
The battle between Tony Clark and Conor Jackson continues as Clark belted another HR today. Unfortunately, Jackson doesn't have the versatility of Chad Tracy so the D-Backs can't move him around. If Clark continues his level of play, it's going to fall into a direct platoon situation thus damaging the fantasy value of both players.
And finally, the Mets right field situation remains complicated as both Victor Diaz and Xavier Nady continue their impressive springs. It looks like Nady has a slight advantage, which is really where it should end up. Look for him to get the nod for Opening Day and, with a solid start, remain in the lineup.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
11:57 PM
