What's the Buzz? 8/23/06
Still a little crowded in Dodgertown these days. Wilson Betemit got the start tonight after sitting yesterday in favor of Julio Lugo and responded by going 1 for 3 with a solo shot, his 15th, in the third inning. Lugo, starting in right field for J.D. Drew (a day off) still played but was ejected in the 4th inning. Manager Grady Little has his hands full trying to get everyone in, but so far, his rotation hasn't been awful. While fantasy owners would rather their players start every day, you can't say that any of these three have lost significant value in NL only leagues since Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Kent came back from the DL. All are still valuable role players coming down the stretch.
Onto the news...
Well it looks like Kansas City closer Joe Nelson has used up his first "get out of jail free card" as he came in and proceeded to blow a 4 run lead tonight giving up a walk and 3 RBI doubles. He was pulled before he was actually given the blown save, though, as those honors went to...why Ambiorix Burgos of course. Nelson had pitched well previously, so we'll call this just strike one for him. He remains the closer, but tread lightly.
The Padres have moved to within 1 game of first in the NL West and a lot of the credit has to go to pitcher Woody Williams. After another solid performance tonight, Williams is 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA and 11 K's in his last 3 starts. Ride him while he's hot.
Ryan Howard and David Ortiz continue to battle for the HR lead as Howard hit his 44th to stay within 1 of Ortiz who hit his league leading 45th tonight.
Manny Ramirez should still be considered day to day, whether it's a hamstring cramp or a sore knee as the team reported today. He was pulled in the 4th inning of tonight's game again. Regardless of his condition, if the Sox aren't putting him on the DL then you can't really bench him. Even if he doesn't get a start tomorrow, he is always a candidate to pinch hit. 34 HR and 100 RBI are hard to bench.
The Twins activated Rondell White from the DL today and should have him in a DH platoon with Jason Kubel. White will face lefties only for now, but if he hits well enough, he could see some time against righties. Minimal value in AL only leagues. Josh Rabe was sent down to make room on the roster.
Jim Thome owners need to be wary of the slugger's current health issue. While manager Ozzie Guillen expects him only to miss a game or two, Thome doesn't sound as confident about his strained hamstring. He was removed from tonight's game and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Consider reserving him if you have a healthier alternative.
Congratulations to Marlins 3B Miguel Cabrera who hit his career 100th HR tonight. He smacked 2 tonight and while it's a down year from him in the power department, he continues to have a fantastic second half.
If you want a good September addition, see if someone in your league dropped Derrek Lee -- or if you can still make a trade, see who's got him. There's a possibility he could return to the lineup next week and should make a decent contribution for the final month. A better corner option for the stretch than say...Adrian Beltre.
Another 2 homers for White Sox 3B Joe Crede tonight (27 now?) and his BA is up at .295 for the season. Not only is he having a great breakout season for himself, his average isn't screwing over his fanatsy owners. Way to go Joe!
Six innings of shutout ball tonight against the Orioles? Now that's the Matt Garza we know and love. Sure, we'd like more than just one K, but if he's settling in, now is the time to grab him for the final month of the season. He could prove to be a solid addition and help you with your ratios and wins.
The Angels were without OF Garrett Anderson again today as he sat out with a sore hamstring. He's being called day to day, but his health has been an issue all year. Juan Rivera will continue to play left and Tim Salmon should get the at bats at DH while Anderson is hurting.
The Yankees put starter Mike Mussina on the 15 day DL with his strained groin today. It's been bothering him for some time now so maybe the rest and some treatment will do the trick. Rookie Jeff Karstens will stay on as the 5th starter for now and the team brought back reliever Brian Brunney to take Moose's roster spot. Why not Sidney Ponson you may ask? Well definitely not as 1. he's terrible and 2. he was released today. Maybe an NL team will take a shot on him, but they would have to be super desperate to pick up the Aruban Nightmare.
Also for the Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is day to day after he missed today's game with a throat infection. He could be out again tomorrow, so check his status if you can make daily moves, but it doesn't look like it will keep him out much longer.
Cardinals starter Mark Mulder returned to get pounded by the Mets tonight, giving up 9 runs in a littl emore than 3 innings of work. Keep him reserved for now, but there's still a chance he can be productive over the final month. Be patient for now, but not at the expense of your ratios. If he doesn't perform better his next outing (how could he get worse?) you should probably cut him loose. and look for help elsewhere. On a related note, the demoted Anthony Reyes struck out 9 in six scoreless innings in his Triple-A start today.
Also for the Cards, and not to be repetitive, but as reported the other day, the team officially put SS David Eckstein on the DL today with his oblique strain. It looks like Aaron Miles and the recently signed Jose Vizcaino will platoon at short for atleast the next three weeks.
And finally, the Devil Rays put starter Jae Seo on the 15 day DL with a strained groin. He should be back in the minimum time, but what a shame. He was putting together a real nice August until this injury after getting pounded all through July.
Catch you next time...
Onto the news...
Well it looks like Kansas City closer Joe Nelson has used up his first "get out of jail free card" as he came in and proceeded to blow a 4 run lead tonight giving up a walk and 3 RBI doubles. He was pulled before he was actually given the blown save, though, as those honors went to...why Ambiorix Burgos of course. Nelson had pitched well previously, so we'll call this just strike one for him. He remains the closer, but tread lightly.
The Padres have moved to within 1 game of first in the NL West and a lot of the credit has to go to pitcher Woody Williams. After another solid performance tonight, Williams is 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA and 11 K's in his last 3 starts. Ride him while he's hot.
Ryan Howard and David Ortiz continue to battle for the HR lead as Howard hit his 44th to stay within 1 of Ortiz who hit his league leading 45th tonight.
Manny Ramirez should still be considered day to day, whether it's a hamstring cramp or a sore knee as the team reported today. He was pulled in the 4th inning of tonight's game again. Regardless of his condition, if the Sox aren't putting him on the DL then you can't really bench him. Even if he doesn't get a start tomorrow, he is always a candidate to pinch hit. 34 HR and 100 RBI are hard to bench.
The Twins activated Rondell White from the DL today and should have him in a DH platoon with Jason Kubel. White will face lefties only for now, but if he hits well enough, he could see some time against righties. Minimal value in AL only leagues. Josh Rabe was sent down to make room on the roster.
Jim Thome owners need to be wary of the slugger's current health issue. While manager Ozzie Guillen expects him only to miss a game or two, Thome doesn't sound as confident about his strained hamstring. He was removed from tonight's game and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Consider reserving him if you have a healthier alternative.
Congratulations to Marlins 3B Miguel Cabrera who hit his career 100th HR tonight. He smacked 2 tonight and while it's a down year from him in the power department, he continues to have a fantastic second half.
If you want a good September addition, see if someone in your league dropped Derrek Lee -- or if you can still make a trade, see who's got him. There's a possibility he could return to the lineup next week and should make a decent contribution for the final month. A better corner option for the stretch than say...Adrian Beltre.
Another 2 homers for White Sox 3B Joe Crede tonight (27 now?) and his BA is up at .295 for the season. Not only is he having a great breakout season for himself, his average isn't screwing over his fanatsy owners. Way to go Joe!
Six innings of shutout ball tonight against the Orioles? Now that's the Matt Garza we know and love. Sure, we'd like more than just one K, but if he's settling in, now is the time to grab him for the final month of the season. He could prove to be a solid addition and help you with your ratios and wins.
The Angels were without OF Garrett Anderson again today as he sat out with a sore hamstring. He's being called day to day, but his health has been an issue all year. Juan Rivera will continue to play left and Tim Salmon should get the at bats at DH while Anderson is hurting.
The Yankees put starter Mike Mussina on the 15 day DL with his strained groin today. It's been bothering him for some time now so maybe the rest and some treatment will do the trick. Rookie Jeff Karstens will stay on as the 5th starter for now and the team brought back reliever Brian Brunney to take Moose's roster spot. Why not Sidney Ponson you may ask? Well definitely not as 1. he's terrible and 2. he was released today. Maybe an NL team will take a shot on him, but they would have to be super desperate to pick up the Aruban Nightmare.
Also for the Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is day to day after he missed today's game with a throat infection. He could be out again tomorrow, so check his status if you can make daily moves, but it doesn't look like it will keep him out much longer.
Cardinals starter Mark Mulder returned to get pounded by the Mets tonight, giving up 9 runs in a littl emore than 3 innings of work. Keep him reserved for now, but there's still a chance he can be productive over the final month. Be patient for now, but not at the expense of your ratios. If he doesn't perform better his next outing (how could he get worse?) you should probably cut him loose. and look for help elsewhere. On a related note, the demoted Anthony Reyes struck out 9 in six scoreless innings in his Triple-A start today.
Also for the Cards, and not to be repetitive, but as reported the other day, the team officially put SS David Eckstein on the DL today with his oblique strain. It looks like Aaron Miles and the recently signed Jose Vizcaino will platoon at short for atleast the next three weeks.
And finally, the Devil Rays put starter Jae Seo on the 15 day DL with a strained groin. He should be back in the minimum time, but what a shame. He was putting together a real nice August until this injury after getting pounded all through July.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:58 PM
