What's the Buzz? 7/29/06
While I have to say that Chase Utley's 29 game hit streak is very impressive. And the fact that it is the longest hit streak in the majors this year is a nice feat. And that he's hitting .403 in that span is quite good. But please....for the love of baseball....do NOT start talking about Joe DiMaggio's 56 game streak being in danger. Look, I love having Chutley on my roster in my primary league just as much as the next guy, but please....keep some perspective. Come back to me if/when he's nearing 50. In the meantime, if you're in a keeper league and you're at the bottom and the guy who has Chutley is in contention, trade for him. He's really only going to get better.
And now for the news...
San Diego's Chan Ho Park is expected to go on the DL in the next few days after test results showed that he was anemic. Abdominal pain, low energy, lethargy...not the qualities you want in a guy on the mound. He'll have further tests done, but you should count him out for atleast the next two weeks.
The situation in Tampa Bay is getting extremely muddled. We first expected B.J. Upton to get a call up, but then he went and publicly bashed the organization. So you figured it would delay his call-up, right? Well maybe. Problem is that current 3B Ty Wigginton fractured a bone in his hand today when he was hit by a pitch. It looks like he could be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks. And then there's always the potential trade of SS Julio Lugo. The deadline is Monday and he's been rumored to be going to Toronto for some time now. So what do the Devil Rays do? If they decide to punish Upton, then they can go with the combination of Tomas Perez, Greg Norton and Russell Branyan at third. If Lugo gets traded, they can continue with Perez at short with Norton and Branyan splitting time at the hot corner. If they don't punish Upton (but I just can't see how they wouldn't) then he could be up early this week and assume the duties at third with maybe a move to short if Lugo is dealt. Clear as mud? I thought so. We'll have to stay tuned to this soap opera.
Also for the D-Rays...they could be putting Scott Kazmir on the DL as well. He's having another start pushed back after this past week's was as well. An MRI revealed an inflammation around his rotator cuff so the club could shut him down for a little while if it becomes something more. We'll know more in the next few days, but I would consider reserving him this week if you have a solid alternative.
The Astros have sent Morgan Ensberg to Triple-A to finally start his rehab assignment. He should get a few games down there to get his stroke back, but you never know where he could end up after Monday. He's been rumored to be going to a few different teams. You'll want to wait and see where he goes or even if he stays before activating him. He's going to need a few games under his belt.
Also in Houston, it looks like the Taylor Buchholz experiment has come to a close as he was sent down to Triple-A today. Everyone is expecting them to bring up Jason Hirsch the next time the team needs a 5th starter, but if the club feels he's not quite ready, we could see the return of Wandy Rodriguez.
The Blue Jays have already had enough of SS Russ Adams as they shipped him out to the minors yet again. They should bring up Ryan Roberts to act as a backup infielder for now, but again, we're all waiting for them to come to an agreement with Tampa Bay on Julio Lugo. That should push either John McDonald or Aaron Hill to the bench. Wow, Monday's going to be an exciting day! In the meantime, they brought up Dustin McGowan to start today's game. Who knows how long he's here for, so don't worry about picking him up just yet.
The Brewers officially put 2B Rickie Weeks on the DL with inflammation in his wrist. We knew this could happen so it's not that much of a surprise. It gives David Bell a full time job at third for the next two weeks atleast as Jeff Cirillo and Tony Graffanino should split time at second. Careful with Weeks. If this is anything like the thumb injury ruined the end of last season, we could be in for a long wait for his return.
Another "as expected" DL stint as the Braves put Chipper Jones on the DL with a strained oblique. It's only retro to 4 days ago, so expect to miss Chipper for the next 2 scoring periods. Newly acquired Willy Aybar gets thrown in to full time duty immediately so he might be worth a short term look.
The Mariners had to shuffle around their relief corps for a bit as Rafael Soriano was put on the DL today retroactive to July 20. Theoretically he could just be out for this coming scoring period, but we won't know for sure until we get closer to the end of the week. Mark Lowe will take over set-up duties if you're in a league that counts holds.
Baltimore activated Jay Gibbons from the DL today, so watch your Orioles. The outfield and 1st base are looking awfully crowded right now.
Super sluggers Carlos Delgado and Vladimir Guerrero could be looking at some well deserved rest this weekend. Guerrero left the game with fatigue and may need a day or two to recover and recharge his batteries. Delgado was forced out of today's game after being hit by a pitch in the knee. He'll also probably get Sunday off, but both should be ready to go for the upcoming week.
Catch you next time...
And now for the news...
San Diego's Chan Ho Park is expected to go on the DL in the next few days after test results showed that he was anemic. Abdominal pain, low energy, lethargy...not the qualities you want in a guy on the mound. He'll have further tests done, but you should count him out for atleast the next two weeks.
The situation in Tampa Bay is getting extremely muddled. We first expected B.J. Upton to get a call up, but then he went and publicly bashed the organization. So you figured it would delay his call-up, right? Well maybe. Problem is that current 3B Ty Wigginton fractured a bone in his hand today when he was hit by a pitch. It looks like he could be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks. And then there's always the potential trade of SS Julio Lugo. The deadline is Monday and he's been rumored to be going to Toronto for some time now. So what do the Devil Rays do? If they decide to punish Upton, then they can go with the combination of Tomas Perez, Greg Norton and Russell Branyan at third. If Lugo gets traded, they can continue with Perez at short with Norton and Branyan splitting time at the hot corner. If they don't punish Upton (but I just can't see how they wouldn't) then he could be up early this week and assume the duties at third with maybe a move to short if Lugo is dealt. Clear as mud? I thought so. We'll have to stay tuned to this soap opera.
Also for the D-Rays...they could be putting Scott Kazmir on the DL as well. He's having another start pushed back after this past week's was as well. An MRI revealed an inflammation around his rotator cuff so the club could shut him down for a little while if it becomes something more. We'll know more in the next few days, but I would consider reserving him this week if you have a solid alternative.
The Astros have sent Morgan Ensberg to Triple-A to finally start his rehab assignment. He should get a few games down there to get his stroke back, but you never know where he could end up after Monday. He's been rumored to be going to a few different teams. You'll want to wait and see where he goes or even if he stays before activating him. He's going to need a few games under his belt.
Also in Houston, it looks like the Taylor Buchholz experiment has come to a close as he was sent down to Triple-A today. Everyone is expecting them to bring up Jason Hirsch the next time the team needs a 5th starter, but if the club feels he's not quite ready, we could see the return of Wandy Rodriguez.
The Blue Jays have already had enough of SS Russ Adams as they shipped him out to the minors yet again. They should bring up Ryan Roberts to act as a backup infielder for now, but again, we're all waiting for them to come to an agreement with Tampa Bay on Julio Lugo. That should push either John McDonald or Aaron Hill to the bench. Wow, Monday's going to be an exciting day! In the meantime, they brought up Dustin McGowan to start today's game. Who knows how long he's here for, so don't worry about picking him up just yet.
The Brewers officially put 2B Rickie Weeks on the DL with inflammation in his wrist. We knew this could happen so it's not that much of a surprise. It gives David Bell a full time job at third for the next two weeks atleast as Jeff Cirillo and Tony Graffanino should split time at second. Careful with Weeks. If this is anything like the thumb injury ruined the end of last season, we could be in for a long wait for his return.
Another "as expected" DL stint as the Braves put Chipper Jones on the DL with a strained oblique. It's only retro to 4 days ago, so expect to miss Chipper for the next 2 scoring periods. Newly acquired Willy Aybar gets thrown in to full time duty immediately so he might be worth a short term look.
The Mariners had to shuffle around their relief corps for a bit as Rafael Soriano was put on the DL today retroactive to July 20. Theoretically he could just be out for this coming scoring period, but we won't know for sure until we get closer to the end of the week. Mark Lowe will take over set-up duties if you're in a league that counts holds.
Baltimore activated Jay Gibbons from the DL today, so watch your Orioles. The outfield and 1st base are looking awfully crowded right now.
Super sluggers Carlos Delgado and Vladimir Guerrero could be looking at some well deserved rest this weekend. Guerrero left the game with fatigue and may need a day or two to recover and recharge his batteries. Delgado was forced out of today's game after being hit by a pitch in the knee. He'll also probably get Sunday off, but both should be ready to go for the upcoming week.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:47 PM
