What's the Buzz? 7/6/06
Once again, I'd like to apologize for yesterday's problems. Aside from OF Aaron Guiel's value rising in AL only leagues with his pickup by the Yankees, I don't think there was too much that we missed. We can look into action against Time Warner if missing yesterday's column costs you massive points in your league, but for now, let's just get to today's news...
I just have to start today off with the big trade made by the Cincinnati Reds today. "Everyday" Eddie Guardado has moved on to the Queen City along with cash considerations in return for right hander Travis Chick. Ok....so I've had Guardado stashed away on my bench so this excites me a bit here. Anyway, the first reports out of the Reds office said that Guardado will set up Todd Coffey when he first arrives and then maybe move into the closers role (Coffey has always been better suited as a set up guy in the 8th). But Reds GM Wayne Krivsky who knows Everyday Eddie from his Minnesota days, says that he will get the chance to close immediately. Now I'm not saying that Guardado is going to be this huge stud now that he's closing again. I'm just saying that there are a lot of promising things about this. He's got value now. Regardless of his struggles in Seattle you can't help but like the success of so many pitchers moving from the AL to the NL. Maybe Bronson Arroyo will divulge some secrets. If he's available, I recommend grabbing him. You really have nothing to lose here and if he finds some success he will, without question, help your fantasy team. As far as Coffey goes, his value definitely takes a hit here. But don't go dumping him just yet. Nothing is etched in stone.
The Cardinals will have some interesting decisions to make after Sidney Ponson's solid performance tonight. His 5.24 ERA is better than that of both Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan, and we've already seen that he can't pitch in relief. When the Cards set up their post-All Star Break rotation, you might be surprised who gets left off and who even gets bumped when Mark Mulder comes back. Don't count out the Arbuan Nightmare just yet.
Also for the Cards, they could be in the market for a catcher if Yadier Molina has to miss any length of time after suffering a concussion tonight after he was hit in the head by a pitch. Backup catcher Gary Bennett is also sidelined with a strained oblique muscle. If Molina goes the route of say...Mike Matheny, the Cards may get desperate.
So it looks like it's safe to keep Chipper Jones going in your lineup. 2 days ago we're talking DL-time and another boot on the foot and today we're looking at 5 hits, 4 RBI and 4 runs scored in the last 2 games. He's like that damn Energizer bunny.
Consider Padres catcher Mike Piazza day to day after he was removed from today's game in the 5th inning. The team says it's nothing major and he should be good to go this weekend, but any time an injured knee and a catcher are involved, you ought to be a little concerned.
I didn't think it was possible, but Jeromy Burnitz is falling even further out of favor with Pirates manager Jim Tracy. He was pulled as part of a double switch, but it was only the 5th inning. Nate McLouth and Craig Wilson could receive a boost in playing time if Tracy decides to sit the struggling Burnitz.
The Giants activated OF Moises Alou from the DL in time for tonight's game against the Dodgers. There's always the question as to how long he'll stay in the lineup this time, but he did go 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored tonight. He's worth using for as long as he's healthy, but don't expect it to last the whole second half.
If Angel Berroa doesn't get his ass in gear, Tony Graffanino could be the new starting shortstop in Kansas City. Jeez!! What's wrong with this guy? Hard to believe he was the AL Rookie of the Year once.
As was almost confirmed yesterday, Johnny Damon was getting Thursday off after suffering a pulled abdominal muscle, and it looks like he could miss a few more games as well. With the acquisition of Guiel, the Yankees have no need to rush Damon back so short before the All Star Break.
And speaking of the Yankees, it looks like they're pulling Shawn Chacon from the rotation and replacing him with recent call-up Kris Wilson. Chacon hasn't shown anything remotely resembling the pitcher he was in the second half last year and it looks like the Yankees will start shopping him to the rest of the league.
More bad news for those waiting on Eric Gagne to return to closing in L.A. An examination today revealed 2 herniated discs in his back and surgery may be necessary. He's going to get an epidural injection and a nerve block and be re-evaluated on Friday, but it's not someting the team is going to rush. There is no longer a timetable for his return. Takashi Saito's value gets an immediate boost here.
It's official...I guess. The Mets are bringing up another "super-prospect" this weekend when they will activate pitcher Mike Pelfrey to start one of the games for the Mets' doubleheader on Saturday. He'll probably just get sent back down after one start, but you never know. Especially with the team putting Pedro Martinez on the disabled list with his hip problem. Pedro's move to the DL was always a possibility so it shouldn't be much of a surprise. He'll be back just after the All Star Break.
Congratulations to A.J. Pierzynski and Nomar Garciaparra for their election to the All Star Game through the fans "final vote" on MLB.com.
The Orioles made aa minro move by sending Luis Matos down to the minors and bringing up OF Luis Terrero. It's not really much of an upgrade, but Matos has been very subpar. Look for Baltimore to shop him around the league soon.
The Nationals activate OF Alex Escobar from the DL today, but it doesn't look like the once promising outfielder will have much value coming off the bench in Washington. To make room the team optioned struggling pitcher Mike O'Connor to the minors.
The Reds activated 3B Edwin Encarnacion today from the 15 day DL in time for tonight's game. He will assume the role of primary third baseman again, but may get spelled by Rich Aurilia in the beginning until he gets hot again. Look for him to have a solid second half. His return obviously means a reduced role for Ryan Freel and the aforementioned Aurilia.
And finally, with the announcement of Devil Rays closer Tyler Walker being done for the year (Tommy John surgery), there has been speculation that Seth McClung may go to the bullpen to close games. Why not really? They haven't had anyone really step up and save this troubled pen, so why not try to convert some starters. Hmmm. I wonder why Tampa is always in the basement in the AL East. And don't give me that payroll crap either.
Catch you next time...
I just have to start today off with the big trade made by the Cincinnati Reds today. "Everyday" Eddie Guardado has moved on to the Queen City along with cash considerations in return for right hander Travis Chick. Ok....so I've had Guardado stashed away on my bench so this excites me a bit here. Anyway, the first reports out of the Reds office said that Guardado will set up Todd Coffey when he first arrives and then maybe move into the closers role (Coffey has always been better suited as a set up guy in the 8th). But Reds GM Wayne Krivsky who knows Everyday Eddie from his Minnesota days, says that he will get the chance to close immediately. Now I'm not saying that Guardado is going to be this huge stud now that he's closing again. I'm just saying that there are a lot of promising things about this. He's got value now. Regardless of his struggles in Seattle you can't help but like the success of so many pitchers moving from the AL to the NL. Maybe Bronson Arroyo will divulge some secrets. If he's available, I recommend grabbing him. You really have nothing to lose here and if he finds some success he will, without question, help your fantasy team. As far as Coffey goes, his value definitely takes a hit here. But don't go dumping him just yet. Nothing is etched in stone.
The Cardinals will have some interesting decisions to make after Sidney Ponson's solid performance tonight. His 5.24 ERA is better than that of both Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan, and we've already seen that he can't pitch in relief. When the Cards set up their post-All Star Break rotation, you might be surprised who gets left off and who even gets bumped when Mark Mulder comes back. Don't count out the Arbuan Nightmare just yet.
Also for the Cards, they could be in the market for a catcher if Yadier Molina has to miss any length of time after suffering a concussion tonight after he was hit in the head by a pitch. Backup catcher Gary Bennett is also sidelined with a strained oblique muscle. If Molina goes the route of say...Mike Matheny, the Cards may get desperate.
So it looks like it's safe to keep Chipper Jones going in your lineup. 2 days ago we're talking DL-time and another boot on the foot and today we're looking at 5 hits, 4 RBI and 4 runs scored in the last 2 games. He's like that damn Energizer bunny.
Consider Padres catcher Mike Piazza day to day after he was removed from today's game in the 5th inning. The team says it's nothing major and he should be good to go this weekend, but any time an injured knee and a catcher are involved, you ought to be a little concerned.
I didn't think it was possible, but Jeromy Burnitz is falling even further out of favor with Pirates manager Jim Tracy. He was pulled as part of a double switch, but it was only the 5th inning. Nate McLouth and Craig Wilson could receive a boost in playing time if Tracy decides to sit the struggling Burnitz.
The Giants activated OF Moises Alou from the DL in time for tonight's game against the Dodgers. There's always the question as to how long he'll stay in the lineup this time, but he did go 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored tonight. He's worth using for as long as he's healthy, but don't expect it to last the whole second half.
If Angel Berroa doesn't get his ass in gear, Tony Graffanino could be the new starting shortstop in Kansas City. Jeez!! What's wrong with this guy? Hard to believe he was the AL Rookie of the Year once.
As was almost confirmed yesterday, Johnny Damon was getting Thursday off after suffering a pulled abdominal muscle, and it looks like he could miss a few more games as well. With the acquisition of Guiel, the Yankees have no need to rush Damon back so short before the All Star Break.
And speaking of the Yankees, it looks like they're pulling Shawn Chacon from the rotation and replacing him with recent call-up Kris Wilson. Chacon hasn't shown anything remotely resembling the pitcher he was in the second half last year and it looks like the Yankees will start shopping him to the rest of the league.
More bad news for those waiting on Eric Gagne to return to closing in L.A. An examination today revealed 2 herniated discs in his back and surgery may be necessary. He's going to get an epidural injection and a nerve block and be re-evaluated on Friday, but it's not someting the team is going to rush. There is no longer a timetable for his return. Takashi Saito's value gets an immediate boost here.
It's official...I guess. The Mets are bringing up another "super-prospect" this weekend when they will activate pitcher Mike Pelfrey to start one of the games for the Mets' doubleheader on Saturday. He'll probably just get sent back down after one start, but you never know. Especially with the team putting Pedro Martinez on the disabled list with his hip problem. Pedro's move to the DL was always a possibility so it shouldn't be much of a surprise. He'll be back just after the All Star Break.
Congratulations to A.J. Pierzynski and Nomar Garciaparra for their election to the All Star Game through the fans "final vote" on MLB.com.
The Orioles made aa minro move by sending Luis Matos down to the minors and bringing up OF Luis Terrero. It's not really much of an upgrade, but Matos has been very subpar. Look for Baltimore to shop him around the league soon.
The Nationals activate OF Alex Escobar from the DL today, but it doesn't look like the once promising outfielder will have much value coming off the bench in Washington. To make room the team optioned struggling pitcher Mike O'Connor to the minors.
The Reds activated 3B Edwin Encarnacion today from the 15 day DL in time for tonight's game. He will assume the role of primary third baseman again, but may get spelled by Rich Aurilia in the beginning until he gets hot again. Look for him to have a solid second half. His return obviously means a reduced role for Ryan Freel and the aforementioned Aurilia.
And finally, with the announcement of Devil Rays closer Tyler Walker being done for the year (Tommy John surgery), there has been speculation that Seth McClung may go to the bullpen to close games. Why not really? They haven't had anyone really step up and save this troubled pen, so why not try to convert some starters. Hmmm. I wonder why Tampa is always in the basement in the AL East. And don't give me that payroll crap either.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:56 PM
