What's the Buzz? 8/7/06
Since the trade reporting was already done today, I guess all I have left about it is my own commentary. How about Gary Majewski turning around and saying that he's been dealing with his current shoulder problem ever since returning from the World Baseball Classic? He also added that he's been on anti-inflammatory drugs since April and received a cortison eshot in his shoulder just before the All Star Break. And what's worse for the Reds is that GM Wayne Krivsky says this is the first he's ever heard about it. He can't be happy about this and we might hear more about it depending on Majewski's recovery. If you're going to pay the price of Felipe Lopez and Austin Kearns, the least you can get back is full injury disclosure. Chalk up another reason to not have your players go to the WBC.
And for the rest of the news...
Speaking of the Reds, it looks like we won't see Brandon Claussen anymore this season as he will have season ending surgery to repair his rotator cuff and labrum. There's also a chance that he won't be ready for the strat of 2007 either. Kyle Lohse and Elizardo Ramirez should remain the Reds 4th and 5th starters for the remainder of the season. Neither one is really worth much, but Ramirez may have some value in NL only leagues with his strikeout potential if he can keep his ERA respectable.
Good news for the Yankees as Hideki Matsui was cleared for hitting drills after an examination of his wrist today. The team is still probably looking at a late August/early September return for their left fielder so don't go rushing out to grab him just yet. Also, keep in mind that wrist injuries are tough to come back from and certainly will have an effect on his hitting; see Derrek Lee.
The Blue Jays were forced to scratch Ted Lilly from his start today with a sore neck. To keep everyone else on their regular rest, he won't pitch again until atleast Thursday which pushes rookie Francisco Rosario back. Lilly should be fine and you can probably leave him active.
Some off the field problems for Mets catcher Paul LoDuca as his wife filed for divorce citing adultery as the main reason. LoDuca has said that he will no longer talk to the media to avoid making a public issue of it, but hey...this is New York, Paul....it's all fair game in this town. Let's see how it goes for a week or so before reaching a verdict as to whether or not this is affecting his on-field performance.
Looks like the Astros will finally bring up pitching prospect Jason Hirsh this week. They only have 4 starters on their roster and it's either Hirsh or Dave Borkowski. Hirsh has been outstanding at Triple-A so far with a 13-2 record with a 2.13 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 116 K's in 135.1 innings. If he does get a call up, he will have some solid value in NL only leagues. Keep an eye on him if you're looking for last minute pitching help.
It looks like some potentially bad news fo rthe Braves as Horacio Ramirez left his start tonight after only 4 innings. The original speculation was that it was just a blister, but now they're saying that it is a soft tissue injury and have him scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. Ramirez himself thinks it may be a problem with the tendon in his middle finger. We'll wait for the results before giving him any kind of a timetable. If it is serious, and if the Braves really think they can make a run for the playoffs, they might end up in a waiver deal for some of the available pitchers such as Tony Armas, Mark Redman or even Rodrigo Lopez.
Keep your eyes on Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera. He was just called up today and looks like he will start on Tuesday. He's been very inconsistent both in the majors and minors, but if he's fixed some of his control problems, he could help you out in strikeouts. His ratios may be a little too tough to take on, so see how he fares after a start or two.
Word out of Tampa Bay is that the D-Rays will activate Scott Kazmir form the DL on Tuesday and slate him to start on Friday. He's been risky here in the second half with the neck and shoulder stiffness, but if the Rays are activating him now, you have to believe that he is ok to pitch. I'd take the risk and start him.
It's getting crowded in the L.A. infield as the Dodgers activated Jeff Kent from the DL today. He'll play first until Nomar Garciaparra comes back, at which time the team will have to make a decision on the usage of Julio Lugo and Wilson Betemit. My guess is an outfield move for one of them. Left field and center field could be a new home for one of them, maybe center for Lugo.
Both Chad Tracy (back spasms) and Conor Jackson (bruised forearm) of the Diamondbacks should be considered day to day after they both left today's game; Jackson after getting hit by a Jason Schmidt fastball. I wouldn't worry though. At the most they'll miss a game or two.
Ryan Howard!!! 39 HR with 101 RBI as of today. I'd say it was unbelievable, but if you've watched him over the past couple of years you'd know it's totally believable. What do you think Sam? Him or Big Papi?
And finally, careful with Francisco Liriano. Today's less than stellar start is now being attributed to a soreness in his forearm. They're saying it's muscular and not the elbow so that may alleviate some concerns, however you can't be too careful. Tests will be run on Tuesday so we'll know more then, but a DL stint looks more likely than not. On the good side, this may expedite the promotion of Matt Garza who has been ridiculously strong at every level he's pitched at. I posted something here a little while ago, so maybe you should refresh your memory. If you want to check his numbers as of today, check this out. When he gets called up, you should grab him.
Catch you next time...
And for the rest of the news...
Speaking of the Reds, it looks like we won't see Brandon Claussen anymore this season as he will have season ending surgery to repair his rotator cuff and labrum. There's also a chance that he won't be ready for the strat of 2007 either. Kyle Lohse and Elizardo Ramirez should remain the Reds 4th and 5th starters for the remainder of the season. Neither one is really worth much, but Ramirez may have some value in NL only leagues with his strikeout potential if he can keep his ERA respectable.
Good news for the Yankees as Hideki Matsui was cleared for hitting drills after an examination of his wrist today. The team is still probably looking at a late August/early September return for their left fielder so don't go rushing out to grab him just yet. Also, keep in mind that wrist injuries are tough to come back from and certainly will have an effect on his hitting; see Derrek Lee.
The Blue Jays were forced to scratch Ted Lilly from his start today with a sore neck. To keep everyone else on their regular rest, he won't pitch again until atleast Thursday which pushes rookie Francisco Rosario back. Lilly should be fine and you can probably leave him active.
Some off the field problems for Mets catcher Paul LoDuca as his wife filed for divorce citing adultery as the main reason. LoDuca has said that he will no longer talk to the media to avoid making a public issue of it, but hey...this is New York, Paul....it's all fair game in this town. Let's see how it goes for a week or so before reaching a verdict as to whether or not this is affecting his on-field performance.
Looks like the Astros will finally bring up pitching prospect Jason Hirsh this week. They only have 4 starters on their roster and it's either Hirsh or Dave Borkowski. Hirsh has been outstanding at Triple-A so far with a 13-2 record with a 2.13 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 116 K's in 135.1 innings. If he does get a call up, he will have some solid value in NL only leagues. Keep an eye on him if you're looking for last minute pitching help.
It looks like some potentially bad news fo rthe Braves as Horacio Ramirez left his start tonight after only 4 innings. The original speculation was that it was just a blister, but now they're saying that it is a soft tissue injury and have him scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. Ramirez himself thinks it may be a problem with the tendon in his middle finger. We'll wait for the results before giving him any kind of a timetable. If it is serious, and if the Braves really think they can make a run for the playoffs, they might end up in a waiver deal for some of the available pitchers such as Tony Armas, Mark Redman or even Rodrigo Lopez.
Keep your eyes on Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera. He was just called up today and looks like he will start on Tuesday. He's been very inconsistent both in the majors and minors, but if he's fixed some of his control problems, he could help you out in strikeouts. His ratios may be a little too tough to take on, so see how he fares after a start or two.
Word out of Tampa Bay is that the D-Rays will activate Scott Kazmir form the DL on Tuesday and slate him to start on Friday. He's been risky here in the second half with the neck and shoulder stiffness, but if the Rays are activating him now, you have to believe that he is ok to pitch. I'd take the risk and start him.
It's getting crowded in the L.A. infield as the Dodgers activated Jeff Kent from the DL today. He'll play first until Nomar Garciaparra comes back, at which time the team will have to make a decision on the usage of Julio Lugo and Wilson Betemit. My guess is an outfield move for one of them. Left field and center field could be a new home for one of them, maybe center for Lugo.
Both Chad Tracy (back spasms) and Conor Jackson (bruised forearm) of the Diamondbacks should be considered day to day after they both left today's game; Jackson after getting hit by a Jason Schmidt fastball. I wouldn't worry though. At the most they'll miss a game or two.
Ryan Howard!!! 39 HR with 101 RBI as of today. I'd say it was unbelievable, but if you've watched him over the past couple of years you'd know it's totally believable. What do you think Sam? Him or Big Papi?
And finally, careful with Francisco Liriano. Today's less than stellar start is now being attributed to a soreness in his forearm. They're saying it's muscular and not the elbow so that may alleviate some concerns, however you can't be too careful. Tests will be run on Tuesday so we'll know more then, but a DL stint looks more likely than not. On the good side, this may expedite the promotion of Matt Garza who has been ridiculously strong at every level he's pitched at. I posted something here a little while ago, so maybe you should refresh your memory. If you want to check his numbers as of today, check this out. When he gets called up, you should grab him.
Catch you next time...
posted by Howard Bender at
10:54 PM
