What's the Buzz? 7/19/06
Hmmm...Old Timers' Day at Wrigley huh? Roger Clemens vs. Greg Maddux Part II -- round 1 went to Maddux last year, this season it went to Clemens. I'd scream for a rubber match here, but have you really sat and watched a Cubs game? They're just not very good, are they? A needless swipe, yes. Sorry Chicago.
So then just to the news here...
In a not so somewhat surprising move, the Blue Jays designated Shea Hillenbrand for assignment. With him running his mouth about the team and its management coupled with his slowly decling power numbers, the Jays have had enough. Not good Shea, not good. Unemployed is not the way you want to start off as a new daddy. Eric Hinske becomes the primary DH and they'll also be able to use the DH slot to rotate guys for periodic rests...sort of the way NL managers used the DH slot during interleague.
Also for the Jays, Troy Glaus missed his third straight game with a sore knee. The team says they expect him to play on Thursday, so it doesn't look like a DL stint is coming.
Get ready to reserve Ronnie Belliard, folks! He left today's game and is being called day to day with a mild hamstring strain. They're going to wait over night and see how he responds Thursday morning before making a decision. Could be a few days, could be 15.
Some more dings and dents and bumps and bruises here for the Yankees as Jorge Posada is day to day with a bruised index finger and Alex Rodriguez may still miss a game this weekend with his bruised toe. If you make daily lineup changes, just keep an eye on their staus game by game through this weekend.
So the Mets made a little deal sending minor league second baseman Jeff Keppinger over to the Royals in exchange for second baseman Ruben Gotay. Maintaing quality depth at the team's weakest position is a solid move and Gotay is definitely an upgrade over Keppinger. He should stay in Triple-A for now, as Jose Valentin and Chris Woodward are doing a fine job, but you never know in Spetember. If the Mets lock up the division early enough they may get a chance to rest some guys before the playoffs. Gotay may see some time when rosters expand.
I know this isn't much of a news flash here, but...Ichiro is a stud!! If you're in a keeper league and floundering somewhere at the bottom of your standings, trade for this guy. The numbers he provides your fantasy team with are consistently fabulous.
The Nationals aren't saying that he's done for the year just yet, but pitcher John Patterson is undergoing exploratory surgery to examine nerves in his right forearm. Like a hot rock here, folks...like a hot rock.
Word out of Boston is that pitcher Tim Wakefield actually has a fractured rib and will end up on the disabled list. If this is 100% accurate...the team hasn't confirmed it...then it looks like he could miss around three weeks or so. Expect the Red Sox to be trading for a starting pitcher sooner rather than later.
An dfinally, as you saw in this week's Picking Up and Dropping Off, Mark Bellhorn is someone you should think about picking up if you need corner infield help. The Padres placed 3B Vinny Castilla on waivers with the intention of giving him his unconditional release. Bellhorn should get the bulk of time with Geoff Blum making some appearances here and there.
Catch you next time...
So then just to the news here...
In a not so somewhat surprising move, the Blue Jays designated Shea Hillenbrand for assignment. With him running his mouth about the team and its management coupled with his slowly decling power numbers, the Jays have had enough. Not good Shea, not good. Unemployed is not the way you want to start off as a new daddy. Eric Hinske becomes the primary DH and they'll also be able to use the DH slot to rotate guys for periodic rests...sort of the way NL managers used the DH slot during interleague.
Also for the Jays, Troy Glaus missed his third straight game with a sore knee. The team says they expect him to play on Thursday, so it doesn't look like a DL stint is coming.
Get ready to reserve Ronnie Belliard, folks! He left today's game and is being called day to day with a mild hamstring strain. They're going to wait over night and see how he responds Thursday morning before making a decision. Could be a few days, could be 15.
Some more dings and dents and bumps and bruises here for the Yankees as Jorge Posada is day to day with a bruised index finger and Alex Rodriguez may still miss a game this weekend with his bruised toe. If you make daily lineup changes, just keep an eye on their staus game by game through this weekend.
So the Mets made a little deal sending minor league second baseman Jeff Keppinger over to the Royals in exchange for second baseman Ruben Gotay. Maintaing quality depth at the team's weakest position is a solid move and Gotay is definitely an upgrade over Keppinger. He should stay in Triple-A for now, as Jose Valentin and Chris Woodward are doing a fine job, but you never know in Spetember. If the Mets lock up the division early enough they may get a chance to rest some guys before the playoffs. Gotay may see some time when rosters expand.
I know this isn't much of a news flash here, but...Ichiro is a stud!! If you're in a keeper league and floundering somewhere at the bottom of your standings, trade for this guy. The numbers he provides your fantasy team with are consistently fabulous.
The Nationals aren't saying that he's done for the year just yet, but pitcher John Patterson is undergoing exploratory surgery to examine nerves in his right forearm. Like a hot rock here, folks...like a hot rock.
Word out of Boston is that pitcher Tim Wakefield actually has a fractured rib and will end up on the disabled list. If this is 100% accurate...the team hasn't confirmed it...then it looks like he could miss around three weeks or so. Expect the Red Sox to be trading for a starting pitcher sooner rather than later.
An dfinally, as you saw in this week's Picking Up and Dropping Off, Mark Bellhorn is someone you should think about picking up if you need corner infield help. The Padres placed 3B Vinny Castilla on waivers with the intention of giving him his unconditional release. Bellhorn should get the bulk of time with Geoff Blum making some appearances here and there.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:53 PM
