What's the Buzz? 3/15/06
Well, the WBC has almost sorted itself out, but as of right now it looks like the U.S. could be advancing as Korea has taken a 2-0 lead in the 8th inning over Japan. Just gives me one more week to worry about Chase Utley and Johnny Damon. (Knock on wood) Utley has been fine and apparently Damon, who should just come home, will still be allowed to hit. Definitely not happy about that. If they need to shut him down then just do it. Where's Steinbrenner?!? Someone get him on the damn phone!
On the other side, Cuba has joined the Dominican Republic in the semi finals with a big victory over Puerto Rico. Bet the Cubans are pulling for Korea.....they really want the U.S. in the next round. Special shout out to Bernie Williams who led it off with a solo shot. He won't have very much fantasy value, but I'm still a huge fan.
(time passes)
Uh oh...this just in.....Japan has scored and it's now 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth...
(time passes)
So there it is. 2-1 final. Korea remains unbeaten and it looks like the U.S. advances if they beat Mexico. Obviously I'm pulling for our boys to win the whole thing...i'm not a communist here....I would just like them to do it without Utley and Damon. On a more positive note for me...I get to sit and watch Jorge Cantu (remember...pronounced -- can't do--) strike out against the Rocket a couple of times.
In real Spring Training...
Looks like Garrett Anderson could be starting the season on the DL. The Angels OF has a strained plantar fascia which basically means his heel is messed up and inflamed. Well, that's good news for Juan Rivera as he will probably take over left field.
More good news for my friend Keith as now the Orioles and Cubs are talking about a Luis Matos for Todd Walker deal. I don't really get it. If Brian Roberts is starting to play in live action next week, then why bring in Walker? What's he going to do? Back up Roberts? DH? Move into the outfield mix? And that means that they are locking themselves into Corey Patterson and please...do I have to quote those numbers from last year again? Bad move for the O's if they do this deal...bad move.
Indians third baseman Aaron Boone is apparently starting to feel the heat from Andy Marte. This should be an interesting battle. Keep an eye on it as the starter will definitely have solid roto value and if it's Marte, then it's solid roto keeper value.
The Tigers are thinking about releasing 1B Carlos Pena. If they do, then the value of Chris Shelton shoots up even more.
I just can't say it enough...Ryan Howard leads Spring Training with 8 HRs....he is currently hitting .421.
The Reds continue to stock up on mediocre infielders as they picked up Matt Kata off waivers. I don't even know why I'm even saying it....useless....I'm just embarrassed for them. Do NOT pick him up for your team. Don't do it.
Three letters you don't want to hear associated with your players? MRI. Both Johnny Damon and Derek Lee had them...nothing major, but they should both get out of the tournament before they do something even more stupid.
Bad news for Armando Benitez as he will be out for about a week after receiving a cortisone shot in his knee. If you're going to draft him, make sure you pick up Tim Worrell for insurance.
Dodgers catcher Dioner Navarro hurt his hamstring today and there's now a possibility that he could miss the first week or two of the season. Russ Martin probably gets the nod over the ancient Sandy Alomar, Jr. That could actually be good as it will hurt Navarro's draft value. He could be a great steal in the later rounds.
Carl Crawford hit his first home run of the spring but don't get too excited. The Rays' OF was 1 for 16 going in and he still has that lingering wrist problem. He's a great rising star as he steals a ton of bases and showed some good power last year. You might be thought the fool for passing him up but I think that wrist could nag him all year long.
Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder looked good again today and he's only given up 2 runs in 10+ innings this spring. He's always a favorite to be on my team.
On the other hand, Tigers "ace" Jeremy Bonderman has an 8.31 ERA thi sspring. He's still going to be solid for you as long as he stays healthy....I just like to crack on Tigers pitching. (cough cough) supersleeperKennyRogers (cough cough).
Giants' OF Barry Bonds is 7 for 9 with 3 HRs this spring. 'nuff said.
Catch you next time...
On the other side, Cuba has joined the Dominican Republic in the semi finals with a big victory over Puerto Rico. Bet the Cubans are pulling for Korea.....they really want the U.S. in the next round. Special shout out to Bernie Williams who led it off with a solo shot. He won't have very much fantasy value, but I'm still a huge fan.
(time passes)
Uh oh...this just in.....Japan has scored and it's now 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth...
(time passes)
So there it is. 2-1 final. Korea remains unbeaten and it looks like the U.S. advances if they beat Mexico. Obviously I'm pulling for our boys to win the whole thing...i'm not a communist here....I would just like them to do it without Utley and Damon. On a more positive note for me...I get to sit and watch Jorge Cantu (remember...pronounced -- can't do--) strike out against the Rocket a couple of times.
In real Spring Training...
Looks like Garrett Anderson could be starting the season on the DL. The Angels OF has a strained plantar fascia which basically means his heel is messed up and inflamed. Well, that's good news for Juan Rivera as he will probably take over left field.
More good news for my friend Keith as now the Orioles and Cubs are talking about a Luis Matos for Todd Walker deal. I don't really get it. If Brian Roberts is starting to play in live action next week, then why bring in Walker? What's he going to do? Back up Roberts? DH? Move into the outfield mix? And that means that they are locking themselves into Corey Patterson and please...do I have to quote those numbers from last year again? Bad move for the O's if they do this deal...bad move.
Indians third baseman Aaron Boone is apparently starting to feel the heat from Andy Marte. This should be an interesting battle. Keep an eye on it as the starter will definitely have solid roto value and if it's Marte, then it's solid roto keeper value.
The Tigers are thinking about releasing 1B Carlos Pena. If they do, then the value of Chris Shelton shoots up even more.
I just can't say it enough...Ryan Howard leads Spring Training with 8 HRs....he is currently hitting .421.
The Reds continue to stock up on mediocre infielders as they picked up Matt Kata off waivers. I don't even know why I'm even saying it....useless....I'm just embarrassed for them. Do NOT pick him up for your team. Don't do it.
Three letters you don't want to hear associated with your players? MRI. Both Johnny Damon and Derek Lee had them...nothing major, but they should both get out of the tournament before they do something even more stupid.
Bad news for Armando Benitez as he will be out for about a week after receiving a cortisone shot in his knee. If you're going to draft him, make sure you pick up Tim Worrell for insurance.
Dodgers catcher Dioner Navarro hurt his hamstring today and there's now a possibility that he could miss the first week or two of the season. Russ Martin probably gets the nod over the ancient Sandy Alomar, Jr. That could actually be good as it will hurt Navarro's draft value. He could be a great steal in the later rounds.
Carl Crawford hit his first home run of the spring but don't get too excited. The Rays' OF was 1 for 16 going in and he still has that lingering wrist problem. He's a great rising star as he steals a ton of bases and showed some good power last year. You might be thought the fool for passing him up but I think that wrist could nag him all year long.
Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder looked good again today and he's only given up 2 runs in 10+ innings this spring. He's always a favorite to be on my team.
On the other hand, Tigers "ace" Jeremy Bonderman has an 8.31 ERA thi sspring. He's still going to be solid for you as long as he stays healthy....I just like to crack on Tigers pitching. (cough cough) supersleeperKennyRogers (cough cough).
Giants' OF Barry Bonds is 7 for 9 with 3 HRs this spring. 'nuff said.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
11:54 PM
