What's the Buzz? 8/5/06
At some point I need to go on a little tirade about pitching again. I've said it before and I'll say it again. You don't protect starting pitching. Yes, I know ther are some examples like Johann Santana 2 years ago or like a Pedro Martinez/Randy Johnson from 6 or 7 years ago, but overall, unless your league overweights categories in pitching, you don't need to protect it. There's plenty out there.
This is coming from learning that Milwaukee "ace" Ben Sheets left today's start after one inning with pectoral muscle tightness that apparently is similar to the problems he had last year that put him on the DL. I just don't get it people. I've seen a bunch of people in keeper leagues, mixed ones and single league, that try to justify keeping guys over the past three years that never should have been kept; Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Rich Harden, Ben Sheets. When are you ever going to learn? How many times do I have to hear that you would have finished in the money had 2 of your pitching protects not gone down with injuries? For those of you at the bottom of your standings with names like Sheets or Prior on your benches...learn a little...please. For those who understand, congrats. You should be taking advantage of these suckers for quite sometime.
And now for the news...
We've been talking about it for a little while here and it looks like we're getting our answer. The Dodgers will activate 2B Jeff Kent from the DL on Monday when he will take over at first base. The acquisition of Julio Lugo made it look like either Kent or Nomar Garciaparra was more severely injured than the team was letting on. Now I'm not saying that Nomar is doomed for the season, but are they really going to sit Kent, Lugo, Rafael Furcal or Wilson Betemit right now? Did they really trade for Lugo so he could be a utility guy? I'd find that very hard to believe, but I guess we'll wait and see.
Speaking of the Dodgers...Jose Cruz, Jr.....buh-bye!! The team released him today. He may pick up with another team as a reserve outfielder, but he doesn't, and probably never will, have any kind of fantasy value this season.
If you thought the acquisition of Javy Lopez was dooming your late night Doug Mirabelli pick up, fear not. With Lopez' 0-5 performance tonight and mediocre defensive abilities, the Red Sox are anxiously awaiting Mirabelli's return from a twisted ankle. Simple fact...if Lopez can't hit, then he won't play. There still hasn't been a timetable set for Jason Varitek's return so if you're looking for a quick fix, Mirabelli could be a decent option.
This looks like it could be the end for Indians' rookie closer Fausto Carmona. After blowing his third save opportunity and taking his 4th loss of the week tonight, it is almost a certainty that Jason Davis and Rafael Betancourt will take over Carmona's job. I like Davis for right now, but the team was always high on Betancourt taking over for Bob Wickman a few years ago.
Well the timing couldn't be better for the Yankees, as we've learned that Miguel Cairo could be out for a few weeks with his hamstring strain. With Robinson Cano expected to return for Tuesday's game, the Yanks won't have to go with Nick Green for very long.
Consider Mets OF Cliff Floyd day to day with the same Achilles tendon problem he's been battling all year. He says he'll be back for Sunday's game, but if you have a healthier alternative, use him.
Rangers outfielder Brad Wilkerson announced that he was considering season ending shoulder surgery. Hmmm. Let's see...season ending shoulder surgery or...continue hitting .175 in the second half and being the biggest sleeper bust of the season. I'll take Option A please.
And finally, no word yet on the Andruw Jones saga. Word is that he's pretty bummed that even he doesn't know where he could end up.
Catch you next time...
This is coming from learning that Milwaukee "ace" Ben Sheets left today's start after one inning with pectoral muscle tightness that apparently is similar to the problems he had last year that put him on the DL. I just don't get it people. I've seen a bunch of people in keeper leagues, mixed ones and single league, that try to justify keeping guys over the past three years that never should have been kept; Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Rich Harden, Ben Sheets. When are you ever going to learn? How many times do I have to hear that you would have finished in the money had 2 of your pitching protects not gone down with injuries? For those of you at the bottom of your standings with names like Sheets or Prior on your benches...learn a little...please. For those who understand, congrats. You should be taking advantage of these suckers for quite sometime.
And now for the news...
We've been talking about it for a little while here and it looks like we're getting our answer. The Dodgers will activate 2B Jeff Kent from the DL on Monday when he will take over at first base. The acquisition of Julio Lugo made it look like either Kent or Nomar Garciaparra was more severely injured than the team was letting on. Now I'm not saying that Nomar is doomed for the season, but are they really going to sit Kent, Lugo, Rafael Furcal or Wilson Betemit right now? Did they really trade for Lugo so he could be a utility guy? I'd find that very hard to believe, but I guess we'll wait and see.
Speaking of the Dodgers...Jose Cruz, Jr.....buh-bye!! The team released him today. He may pick up with another team as a reserve outfielder, but he doesn't, and probably never will, have any kind of fantasy value this season.
If you thought the acquisition of Javy Lopez was dooming your late night Doug Mirabelli pick up, fear not. With Lopez' 0-5 performance tonight and mediocre defensive abilities, the Red Sox are anxiously awaiting Mirabelli's return from a twisted ankle. Simple fact...if Lopez can't hit, then he won't play. There still hasn't been a timetable set for Jason Varitek's return so if you're looking for a quick fix, Mirabelli could be a decent option.
This looks like it could be the end for Indians' rookie closer Fausto Carmona. After blowing his third save opportunity and taking his 4th loss of the week tonight, it is almost a certainty that Jason Davis and Rafael Betancourt will take over Carmona's job. I like Davis for right now, but the team was always high on Betancourt taking over for Bob Wickman a few years ago.
Well the timing couldn't be better for the Yankees, as we've learned that Miguel Cairo could be out for a few weeks with his hamstring strain. With Robinson Cano expected to return for Tuesday's game, the Yanks won't have to go with Nick Green for very long.
Consider Mets OF Cliff Floyd day to day with the same Achilles tendon problem he's been battling all year. He says he'll be back for Sunday's game, but if you have a healthier alternative, use him.
Rangers outfielder Brad Wilkerson announced that he was considering season ending shoulder surgery. Hmmm. Let's see...season ending shoulder surgery or...continue hitting .175 in the second half and being the biggest sleeper bust of the season. I'll take Option A please.
And finally, no word yet on the Andruw Jones saga. Word is that he's pretty bummed that even he doesn't know where he could end up.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:47 PM
