What's the Buzz? 3/26/06
This weekend and next looks like it's it for the drafts. For those who have completed their's, congratulations. I hope you are extremely happy with your teams. If you're still waiting to draft, then some of this may be helpful....
Nothing earth shattering here, but let's get too it...
The Red Sox put 2B Tony Graffanino on waivers today. Some possible destinations are the Mets, Cardinals or the Cubs. Anywhere he goes he will still just be a reserve infielder.
Curtis Granderson has officially been named the Tigers starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. Don't expect Nook Logan to push him at all for the job so he should be pretty comfortable this year. He should have some decent late round value this season.
With 1B Jeff Bagwell done for the year, the Astros will go with Lance Berkman at first opening up the outfield for Willy Taveras and Jason Lane along with Preston Wilson. Taveras, again, will bat second.
Brewers ace Ben Sheets will start the year at AA to rehab his shoulder. He will probably get 2 or 3 starts, depending on his performance before they bring him back. They don't want to rush him.
Sticking with the "Brew Crew", 2B Rickie Weeks will play in a minor league game this weekend. He should be ready for Opening Day.
The Tigers released 1B Carlos Pena. No biggie......if he was on your draft sheet, then you've got serious problems.
The Diamondbacks and A's swapped pitchers with Juan Cruz going to Arizona in exchange for Brad Halsey. Cruz has some good upside, but I really don't see where Halsey is going to fin in Oakland.
They are still saying that OF Rocco Baldelli might not be ready for Opening Day. Get your Joey Gathright right here!!!
It looks like new Blue Jays starter A.J. Burnett will start the season on the DL and probably miss anywhere from 2 to 4 starts. Told ya!!!
The hot rumor has 1B/OF Craig Wilson going to the Braves for P John Thomson. It might be a nice fit for Atlanta as his bat will definitely be more appreciated than it was in Pittsburgh.
Barry Bonds has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation according to MRI results. He'll sit for a little while but he'll definitely be back. He could be in and out all year this year. Only problem is, that you really want him when he is playing as those HRs will certainly help. Tread lightly.
Reds catcher Jason LaRue will have surgery to repair some torn knee cartilage. He should miss about 2 or 3 weeks. Javier Valentin will probably see all of the time behind the dish until LaRue gets back.
Marlins pitcher Travis Bowyer was sent to AAA today. Looks like Joe Borowski has the closer's role locked up in Florida.
Mariners star Felix Hernandez has shin splints and will sit for a little while until he is healthy. There is no reason to risk this talent so early on. Hernandez remains a valuable commodity this year.
Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett had words today and almost cam eto blows. It seems Howard was admiring a long hit ball and Beckett took exception. I wouldn't mind seeing Howard put down Beckett....I can't imagine it could go any other way.
Reports have OF Michael Cuddyer back for th eTwins by Opening Day. If that's the case, then Jason Kubel will probably start the year in AAA and Lew Ford will come off the bench.
An dfinally, 2B Jose Lopez was announced as the starter for Seattle. He's worth a buck or 2 in AL-only leagues.
Like I said.....a lot of "business as usual" today.
Catch you next time...
Nothing earth shattering here, but let's get too it...
The Red Sox put 2B Tony Graffanino on waivers today. Some possible destinations are the Mets, Cardinals or the Cubs. Anywhere he goes he will still just be a reserve infielder.
Curtis Granderson has officially been named the Tigers starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. Don't expect Nook Logan to push him at all for the job so he should be pretty comfortable this year. He should have some decent late round value this season.
With 1B Jeff Bagwell done for the year, the Astros will go with Lance Berkman at first opening up the outfield for Willy Taveras and Jason Lane along with Preston Wilson. Taveras, again, will bat second.
Brewers ace Ben Sheets will start the year at AA to rehab his shoulder. He will probably get 2 or 3 starts, depending on his performance before they bring him back. They don't want to rush him.
Sticking with the "Brew Crew", 2B Rickie Weeks will play in a minor league game this weekend. He should be ready for Opening Day.
The Tigers released 1B Carlos Pena. No biggie......if he was on your draft sheet, then you've got serious problems.
The Diamondbacks and A's swapped pitchers with Juan Cruz going to Arizona in exchange for Brad Halsey. Cruz has some good upside, but I really don't see where Halsey is going to fin in Oakland.
They are still saying that OF Rocco Baldelli might not be ready for Opening Day. Get your Joey Gathright right here!!!
It looks like new Blue Jays starter A.J. Burnett will start the season on the DL and probably miss anywhere from 2 to 4 starts. Told ya!!!
The hot rumor has 1B/OF Craig Wilson going to the Braves for P John Thomson. It might be a nice fit for Atlanta as his bat will definitely be more appreciated than it was in Pittsburgh.
Barry Bonds has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation according to MRI results. He'll sit for a little while but he'll definitely be back. He could be in and out all year this year. Only problem is, that you really want him when he is playing as those HRs will certainly help. Tread lightly.
Reds catcher Jason LaRue will have surgery to repair some torn knee cartilage. He should miss about 2 or 3 weeks. Javier Valentin will probably see all of the time behind the dish until LaRue gets back.
Marlins pitcher Travis Bowyer was sent to AAA today. Looks like Joe Borowski has the closer's role locked up in Florida.
Mariners star Felix Hernandez has shin splints and will sit for a little while until he is healthy. There is no reason to risk this talent so early on. Hernandez remains a valuable commodity this year.
Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett had words today and almost cam eto blows. It seems Howard was admiring a long hit ball and Beckett took exception. I wouldn't mind seeing Howard put down Beckett....I can't imagine it could go any other way.
Reports have OF Michael Cuddyer back for th eTwins by Opening Day. If that's the case, then Jason Kubel will probably start the year in AAA and Lew Ford will come off the bench.
An dfinally, 2B Jose Lopez was announced as the starter for Seattle. He's worth a buck or 2 in AL-only leagues.
Like I said.....a lot of "business as usual" today.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
11:38 PM
