What's the Buzz? 4/8/06
Welcome back to "What's the Buzz". Now that Spring Training is over and your fantasy drafts are complete, this daily article will be devoted to select highlights, managerial moves that may affect players' fantasy values, rumors and possible roster moves for teams.
So for now, here's what's going on...
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel says that his move of Bobby Abreu to CF as part of a double switch was not just a one time thing. With hope of getting OF David Dellucci at bats and playing time, Manuel plans on sitting Aaron Rowand and playing Abreu in center more. This does not bode well for Rowand owners as we all know Dellucci is a fast starter in April and could find Rowand on the bench a little more than we'd like in the beginning of the season.
Mariners 3B Adrian Beltre who had x-rays taken on his wrist found no broken bones and remains day to day. Atleast he'll have an excuse for his usual slow start.
Rocco Baldelli is now looking at a possible May return; Joey Gathright owners just jumped and clicked their heel...now if he can only get off to a better start.
Nationals' reliever Felix Rodriguez is looking at a 3 game suspension soon for his part in the Mets/Nationals Beanball 2006.
The Blue Jays activated Greg Zaun from the disabled list today and is scheduled to catch 2 to 3 times a week. This definitely affects Bengie Molina's playing time now as he will not be used to DH on days he's not catching.
Andy Marte is looking real good at Triple A Buffalo. Unfortunately, Aaron Boone is off to an equally hot start delaying Marte's major league debut. It is, however, just a matter of time here.
It appears that Gary Matthews, Jr. will return to the crowded Rangers' outfield next week. I don't know if Matthews is the answer, but something has to jump start this mediocre Texas offense. They are not looking as good at home as they should.
Reds catcher Jason LaRue is expected back by Thursday of this coming week rejoining Javier Valentin in a platoon behind the plate.
The Diamondbacks gave Chad Tracy a day off today after he twisted his ankle. Strictly precautionary, so there's nothing to worry about.
The Ryan Freel/Tony Womack situation remains the same. They are both off to solid starts so the Reds have no need to make an immediate change. However, Womack will certainly cool off and Freel needs to be playing every day; also he's 5 for 5 in SB attempts so far.
The new closer in K.C., Ambiorix Burgos, recorded his first save today. He hasn't allowed a run in three innings so far. If he continues, then it could spell trouble for those hopin gfor a speedy Mike MacDougal return.
The Dodgers expect Kenny Lofton to return on Friday when he is eligible to come off the DL which means an increase in bench time once again for Jason Repko.
A.J. Burnett is still on schedule for his (gulp!) April 16 debut against the White Sox.
Now would be the perfect time to try and trade for Braves starter Tim Hudson as he was shellacked again in his start against the Giants. He'll bounce back from this awful beginning, so if his current owner is prone to panicking, make the deal.
In Minnesota, 5th starter Scott Baker looked less than stellar in his 4 1/3 3 run 9 hit performance. Francisco Liriano followed him with a near perfect 2 2/3 so I suppose the clock has just begun on when these two could switch spots on the staff. I think Baker should rebound nicely -- he wasn't just given the job after all...
And finally, in Boston, Jonatan Papelbon nailed his second save down tonight against the Orioles. There's been no official word yet, but it looks like Keith Foulke has one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel.
Catch you next time...
So for now, here's what's going on...
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel says that his move of Bobby Abreu to CF as part of a double switch was not just a one time thing. With hope of getting OF David Dellucci at bats and playing time, Manuel plans on sitting Aaron Rowand and playing Abreu in center more. This does not bode well for Rowand owners as we all know Dellucci is a fast starter in April and could find Rowand on the bench a little more than we'd like in the beginning of the season.
Mariners 3B Adrian Beltre who had x-rays taken on his wrist found no broken bones and remains day to day. Atleast he'll have an excuse for his usual slow start.
Rocco Baldelli is now looking at a possible May return; Joey Gathright owners just jumped and clicked their heel...now if he can only get off to a better start.
Nationals' reliever Felix Rodriguez is looking at a 3 game suspension soon for his part in the Mets/Nationals Beanball 2006.
The Blue Jays activated Greg Zaun from the disabled list today and is scheduled to catch 2 to 3 times a week. This definitely affects Bengie Molina's playing time now as he will not be used to DH on days he's not catching.
Andy Marte is looking real good at Triple A Buffalo. Unfortunately, Aaron Boone is off to an equally hot start delaying Marte's major league debut. It is, however, just a matter of time here.
It appears that Gary Matthews, Jr. will return to the crowded Rangers' outfield next week. I don't know if Matthews is the answer, but something has to jump start this mediocre Texas offense. They are not looking as good at home as they should.
Reds catcher Jason LaRue is expected back by Thursday of this coming week rejoining Javier Valentin in a platoon behind the plate.
The Diamondbacks gave Chad Tracy a day off today after he twisted his ankle. Strictly precautionary, so there's nothing to worry about.
The Ryan Freel/Tony Womack situation remains the same. They are both off to solid starts so the Reds have no need to make an immediate change. However, Womack will certainly cool off and Freel needs to be playing every day; also he's 5 for 5 in SB attempts so far.
The new closer in K.C., Ambiorix Burgos, recorded his first save today. He hasn't allowed a run in three innings so far. If he continues, then it could spell trouble for those hopin gfor a speedy Mike MacDougal return.
The Dodgers expect Kenny Lofton to return on Friday when he is eligible to come off the DL which means an increase in bench time once again for Jason Repko.
A.J. Burnett is still on schedule for his (gulp!) April 16 debut against the White Sox.
Now would be the perfect time to try and trade for Braves starter Tim Hudson as he was shellacked again in his start against the Giants. He'll bounce back from this awful beginning, so if his current owner is prone to panicking, make the deal.
In Minnesota, 5th starter Scott Baker looked less than stellar in his 4 1/3 3 run 9 hit performance. Francisco Liriano followed him with a near perfect 2 2/3 so I suppose the clock has just begun on when these two could switch spots on the staff. I think Baker should rebound nicely -- he wasn't just given the job after all...
And finally, in Boston, Jonatan Papelbon nailed his second save down tonight against the Orioles. There's been no official word yet, but it looks like Keith Foulke has one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:52 PM
