What's the Buzz? 8/24/06
As if being swept by the Yankees in Fenway wasn't bad enough, there are more problems mounting for the Red Sox. After throwing 6 scoreless innings tonight, starter Josh Beckett was removed from the game due to a blister on his finger. Hmmm. Really? A blister? Did anyone see this coming? And what's worse for the team is that it has now been revealed that David Ortiz was held overnight in the hospital last weekend after experiencing an irregular heartbeat. He didn't miss any time, but it's something the team will be monitoring very closely. Big Papi is the heart and soul of this team right now. Losing him would be devastating. If they were to lose him for any length of time down the stretch and lose their #2 starter to the usual issues, the team would probably have to pack it in for the season. Their depth is already lacking. This would be too much to overcome. Atleast they got some good news when the MRI on Manny Ramirez' knee came back negative. He should be back in a game or two.
Now for the news...
While he might not help you in the wins department, Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn looks like he can definitely help your ratios. After defeating the Yankees tonight, Wasburn has a 3.50 ERA in ten starts since the All Star Break. He may hit a few bumps in the road, but he looks like he could be very helpful through a September run.
It's looking like a September 4th return for Cincinnati closer Eddie Guardado. Of course, nothing is being etched in stone as we'll know more after he throws on Saturday; the first time he's thrown since going on the DL.
So the Mets say goodbye to OF Lastings Milledge and hello to pitcher Brian Bannister today. Milledge, relegated to bench duty with the arrival of Shawn Green, was sent back down the minors and Bannister was activated from the 60 day DL. Bannister was looking pretty good before he got hurt this year, but I would still keep him reserved until after we see him pitch a game. He'll be taking Orlando Hernandez' (being skipped this week) spot on Friday against the Phillies, so that should be a good barometer.
Also for the Mets, it was a short run for Ricky Ledee as he was designated for assignment today. He may pick up as a bench player elsewhere, but he really doesn't have any fantasy value at all.
To bolster the infield reserves, the Padres acquired 3B Russell Branyan from the Devil Rays today for Single-A right hander Evan Meek. Branyan goes from platooner in the AL to bench guy in the NL again. While it may give the Padres a decent left handed bat off the bench, this really does nothing for fantasy owners.
Joe Mauer owners can stop worrying now. He's got his average back above .360 again. Whew!!! Thought he was done there for a second.
::hands readers a towel to wipe sarcasm from their faces::
Astros OF Willy Taveras extended his hit streak to 27 games today, a club record. In that time he's hit .340 and stolen 11 bases as well -- he has 25 on the year now. The streak will certainly come to an end, but for now, and probably through the end of the season, he remains a must-start.
Not that you should have been waiting on him, but Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz will undergo season ending back surgery next week.
Careful if you were giving up on Brewers OF Geoff Jenkins. He got his second straight start in right today and has started to hit with the opportunity. If he continued to see more time his owners may be able to recoup some of his lost value.
And finally, it could be all she wrote for Braves reliever Danys Baez. He had an emergency appendectomy and will probably be out for longer than just the minimum 15 days. Kenny Ray and Chad Paronto should take over the set up duties, but unless you're unbelievably desperate for holds, I'd stay away.
Catch you next time...
Now for the news...
While he might not help you in the wins department, Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn looks like he can definitely help your ratios. After defeating the Yankees tonight, Wasburn has a 3.50 ERA in ten starts since the All Star Break. He may hit a few bumps in the road, but he looks like he could be very helpful through a September run.
It's looking like a September 4th return for Cincinnati closer Eddie Guardado. Of course, nothing is being etched in stone as we'll know more after he throws on Saturday; the first time he's thrown since going on the DL.
So the Mets say goodbye to OF Lastings Milledge and hello to pitcher Brian Bannister today. Milledge, relegated to bench duty with the arrival of Shawn Green, was sent back down the minors and Bannister was activated from the 60 day DL. Bannister was looking pretty good before he got hurt this year, but I would still keep him reserved until after we see him pitch a game. He'll be taking Orlando Hernandez' (being skipped this week) spot on Friday against the Phillies, so that should be a good barometer.
Also for the Mets, it was a short run for Ricky Ledee as he was designated for assignment today. He may pick up as a bench player elsewhere, but he really doesn't have any fantasy value at all.
To bolster the infield reserves, the Padres acquired 3B Russell Branyan from the Devil Rays today for Single-A right hander Evan Meek. Branyan goes from platooner in the AL to bench guy in the NL again. While it may give the Padres a decent left handed bat off the bench, this really does nothing for fantasy owners.
Joe Mauer owners can stop worrying now. He's got his average back above .360 again. Whew!!! Thought he was done there for a second.
::hands readers a towel to wipe sarcasm from their faces::
Astros OF Willy Taveras extended his hit streak to 27 games today, a club record. In that time he's hit .340 and stolen 11 bases as well -- he has 25 on the year now. The streak will certainly come to an end, but for now, and probably through the end of the season, he remains a must-start.
Not that you should have been waiting on him, but Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz will undergo season ending back surgery next week.
Careful if you were giving up on Brewers OF Geoff Jenkins. He got his second straight start in right today and has started to hit with the opportunity. If he continued to see more time his owners may be able to recoup some of his lost value.
And finally, it could be all she wrote for Braves reliever Danys Baez. He had an emergency appendectomy and will probably be out for longer than just the minimum 15 days. Kenny Ray and Chad Paronto should take over the set up duties, but unless you're unbelievably desperate for holds, I'd stay away.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:42 PM
