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| Cliff Floyd, who is coming off knee surgery just four weeks ago, could return as early as Sunday, this according to the St. Petersburg Times.
The report noted that skipper Joe Maddon was very pleased with Floyd's batting practice session Friday, but wanted to chat with Floyd and the team's medical staff before making any definitive move. |
Our View: Floyd's return will cut into the at-bats of Jonny Gomes and Eric Hinske.
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| John Lackey, P, Los Angeles Angels | Friday 5/9, 6:13 PM CT |
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| John Lackey threw 88 pitches over six innings in an extended spring training game on Friday afternoon, this according to the AP.
Lackey, who went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA last season, could rejoin the team next week. He opened the season on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right triceps.
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Our View: Lackey previously made three rehab starts for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and has had no issues or setbacks in his work.
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| Brandon Phillips is not in Friday's starting lineup. The Reds are using Jerry Hairston Jr. at second base and hitting him second in the order. |
Our View: Phillips is hitting .276 with 20 runs scored, 16 RBI, five stolen bases and six home runs. Far from All Star numbers but not the kind of funk that would get a player of his tools benched. It's likely Dusty Baker is giving Phillips a night off against Mike Pelfrey and the Mets.
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| With Curtis Granderson out of the lineup on Friday night, catcher Ivan Rodriguez is back in the leadoff spot for the Tigers. |
Our View: Pudge has never faced Yankee starter Kei Igawa, but returns to the top of the order while Granderson gets a night off.
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| Curtis Granderson, who went 0-for-4 on Thursday night and is now 0-for-10 in his last two games, is on the bench for Friday's game against New York. Ryan Raburn, who opened the season with the Tigers, is starting in center field. |
Our View: Granderson has never faced Yankee starter, Kei Igawa, so his absence from the lineup isn't a matchup issue.
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| Wilson Betemit, who homered Thursday in his first start since coming off the disabled list, is starting ahead of Morgan Ensberg for the second straight game.
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Our View: Ensberg isn't hitting, and Betemit is a better matchup against right-handers until Alex Rodriguez returns.
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| Brad Wilkerson, who was acquired by the Blue Jays today, is in the starting lineup tonight against Cleveland. He is playing left field, replacing normal starter Shannon Stewart. It's worth noting that Toronto is desperately searching for a lineup that can produce. In the last 30 games, the Jays have sported the same lineup only twice. |
Our View: The additions of Kevin Mench and Wilkerson make fantasy owners in AL-only formats cringe. It appears that the Jays are going to try platooning Wilkerson, Stewart, Mench and Matt Stairs. Wilkerson and Stairs will start against right-handers while Stewart and Mench find the lineup against southpaws. Tonight it appears the team has decided to give the two newbies (Wilkerson and Mench) starting assignments.
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| After serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday, Victor Martinez got Thursday completely off because of his stiff beck. Martinez is back in the starting lineup on Friday versus Toronto in his normal catcher role. |
Our View: Martinez has still yet to hit a home run this year. He is hitting for average but the offensive struggles at the top of the order haven't given him many runs batted in opportunities this season. The All Star has only 11 RBI on the season.
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| Kevin Mench, OF, Toronto Blue Jays | Friday 5/9, 5:29 PM CT |
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| Kevin Mench , who was acquired for cash from the Texas Rangers today, is in the Jays starting lineup Friday night against the Indians. |
Our View: Mench is the designated hitter and he's hitting fifth in the batting order.
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| Kerry Wood earned his sixth save of the year in Friday's 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks. |
Our View: Wood, has been as inconsistent as any closer in the league, but has yet to catch some of the national criticism as has Eric Gagne. All indications have Wood solidly planted in the closer role and Carlos Marmol as his setup man.
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| Derrek Lee, 1B, Chicago Cubs | Friday 5/9, 4:57 PM CT |
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| Derrek Lee, who entered play today in a 4-for-28 slump, homered off reliever Juan Cruz to give the Cubs a comfortable 3-1 lead in the eighth inning of Friday's win over the Diamondbacks. |
Our View: Lee, absent his recent skid, has been MVP-good. Lee is hitting .322 with 30 runs scored, 25 RBI, two stolen bases and nine home runs.
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| Dan Haren, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Friday 5/9, 4:54 PM CT |
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| Dan Haren allowed two runs on five hits, walked two and struck out five over seven innings, but suffered his second loss of the season to an even better Ted Lilly and the Cubs on Friday afternoon. |
Our View: Haren was good enough to win in the day game at historic Wrigley field, but Ted Lilly was better. The Diamondbacks have hit a part of the schedule that will test their metal, with a road trip in Chicago before returning home to face a desperate Rockies team and then an innerleague series against Detroit.
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| Ted Lilly, P, Chicago Cubs | Friday 5/9, 4:49 PM CT |
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| Ted Lilly surrendered a first-inning solo homer to Arizona's Chris Young, then gave up just two hits over the next six innings in a Friday day game at Wrigley. The left-hander allowed one run on three hits, walked two and struck out 10. |
Our View: Lilly has continue to show improvement after a slow start, and today's effort following a underachieving road trip for Chicago, was just in time. Lilly earned his third victory of the season.
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| Chris Snyder went 2-for-4 with a double and run batted in on Thursday. The Arizona catcher also scored in the game. |
Our View: Snyder is the top surprise at the catcher position this year, and should be considered a starting option in any format.
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| According to the Jays' team website, neither David Eckstein nor John McDonald much wanted to go on the disabled list. But with both players still dealing with the lingering effects of injuries suffered earlier this week, the Blue Jays couldn't afford to wait any longer for the pair to get healthy. |
Our View: Both Eckstein and McDonald landed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, retroactive to Wednesday, with Joe Inglett rejoining the roster and another move expected sometime before Friday's game at Cleveland.
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| Elijah Dukes, LF, Washington Nationals | Friday 5/9, 4:26 PM CT |
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| According to the Washington Post, the Nationals will activate outfielder Elijah Dukes on Friday, who strained his right hamstring on opening day. Dukes hit .211 in a 13-game rehabilitation stint with Single-A Potomac and Triple-A Columbus. |
Our View: Dukes was to be the Nationals' fourth outfielder originally, and Manager Manny Acta said he would return to that role. Dukes has value in NL-only formats and will receive his share of at-bats this summer.
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| Sean Henn, P, San Diego Padres | Friday 5/9, 3:56 PM CT |
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| The Padres have claimed reliever Sean Henn off waivers from the Yankees, according to the AP. |
Our View: Henn holds a a 7.53 ERA over 36 career appearances, all with the Yankees. He will provide the Padres' pen with an extra arm, but isn't worth consideration as a fantasy prospect.
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| Richie Sexson has been suspended for six games by the MLB, according to the AP. He charged the mound and threw his helmet at Rangers' pitcher Kason Gabbard the previous night. The incident happened after the left-hander threw an eye-high pitch to Sexson in the fourth inning of Seattle’s 5-0 loss. Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, cited Sexson for "violent and aggressive actions."
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Our View: Sexson asked the players’ association to appeal, and any suspension will be delayed until after a hearing.
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| Jody Gerut, RF, San Diego Padres | Friday 5/9, 3:47 PM CT |
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| Jody Gerut has been recalled from Triple-A Portland, according to the AP. The team released Jim Edmonds, and Gerut will cover his spot on the roster. |
Our View: The left-handed outfielder went 1-for-6 over four games with the Padres this season, with one stolen base.
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| Jim Edmonds, CF, San Diego Padres | Friday 5/9, 3:43 PM CT |
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| Jim Edmonds has been released by the Padres, according to the AP. The team recalled outfielder Jody Gerut from Triple-A Portland to cover the open spot on the roster. |
Our View: This was to be expected, as Edmonds only hit .178 over 90 at-bats this season, with 24 strikeouts. He only recorded one home run as well.
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| Infielder Sergio Santos has been designated for assignment, according to MLB.com. The team acquired outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench, and Santos was moved to free up roster space. |
Our View: Santos did not register any at-bats this season, and held no fantasy value prior to today's move.
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| Gustavo Chacin has been designated for assignment, according to MLB.com. The team needed to make room on the roster for new outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench. |
Our View: Chacin did not register an appearance with Toronto in 2008, and held no fantasy value prior to his designation.
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| Joe Inglett, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays | Friday 5/9, 3:27 PM CT |
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| Joe Inglett has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, according to MLB.com. The team needed to free up a roster spot for newly acquired outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench. |
Our View: Inglett fared well in limited action this season, as he hit .303 with four RBI over 33 at-bats. He also registered two stolen bases. He will have to wait for another shot to prove his worth with Toronto.
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| Kevin Mench, OF, Toronto Blue Jays | Friday 5/9, 3:17 PM CT |
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| Kevin Mench has landed in Toronto, according to Fox Sports. He was acquired for cash from the Texas Rangers.
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Our View: Mench, who was with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma, hit .267 with eight homers and 37 RBI in 2007 while a member of the Brewers. He is a liability defensively, but will provide the Jays with an extra bat off the bench.
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| Brad Wilkerson has been acquired by the Blue Jays, according to Fox Sports. He was recently cut by the Mariners. |
Our View: Wilkerson was brought in as he is good against left-handed pitching, and the Jays are going to face three lefties in their current series against Cleveland. He will also provide them with flexibility to use him at first base, or in the outfield.
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| Brian McCann has a good track record against Ian Snell, tonight's opposing hurler for Pittsburgh, according to MLB.com. McCann is 7-for-12 with three homers over his career versus Snell. |
Our View: McCann is hitting .299 this season, with one homer and 17 RBI. He already has eight hits and five RBI over five games in May, and shouldn't cool off against the Pirates tonight.
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| Tom Glavine will be shooting for his first win of the season when he takes the mound against the Pirates tonight, according to MLB.com. Glavine is 0-1 over five starts, with a 4.50 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. |
Our View: Glavine is 22-12 with a 3.12 ERA against the Pirates in his career. Glavine was rocked for six runs in his last start (against Cincinnati) but has only allowed five earned runs in his four previous starts. He is pitching well overall, despite not having any wins, and he is worth starting tonight.
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| Keith Foulke has been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the Sports Network. He has recovered from neck stiffness. |
Our View: Foulke registered six strikeouts over seven innings this season, with five hits and two runs allowed. The 35-year old reliever will help the Athletics' bullpen, but holds little fantasy value.
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| C.C. Sabathia will be looking for his second win of the season when the Indians host the Blue Jays tonight, according to MLB.com. The former Cy Young Award winner is 1-5 with a 7.51 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 38.1 innings, with 18 walks and 37 strikeouts. He has already allowed six home runs. |
Our View: Sabathia has allowed nine runs in two of his seven starts this season, but has only allowed a total of five runs (and four walks) over his last three outings.
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| Scott Rolen, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays | Friday 5/9, 2:33 PM CT |
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| Scott Rolen has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games, according to MLB.com. He has five hits over his last two outings. |
Our View: Rolen is hitting .318 over 12 games, with two homers and eight RBI. He also contributed one stolen base. He is proving to be a solid acquisition for the Blue Jays, as well as fantasy squads. He is in good form since returning from injury.
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| Roy Halladay will aim to even up his record to 4-4 when he takes the hill against the Indians tonight, according to MLB.com. Halladay is 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 57 innings, with only seven walks allowed. |
Our View: Halladay is 5-0 in 10 career games against the Indians. He has only allowed one earned run in each of his last two starts, and he should remain in control tonight.
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| Placido Polanco is batting .404 (23-for-57) with six doubles, two home runs and eight RBI over his last 13 games, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Polanco is hitting .272 overall, with two homers, 12 RBI, and 17 runs scored over 28 games. He has found his groove, as he only had three hits over his first 29 at-bats of the season.
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| Kei Igawa, P, New York Yankees | Friday 5/9, 2:02 PM CT |
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| Kei Igawa will make his season debut when he takes the diamond against the Tigers at Comerica Park tonight, according to MLB.com. Manager Joe Girardi said, "I thought as spring went on, Igawa got better and better. He got better pitching down with his fastball. I thought he got better at attacking the zone. He has the ability to strike out people because he has some deception. He can elevate his fastball, which hitters will chase at times. But most of the time you have to pitch down in the zone." He will duel with veteran Kenny Rogers.
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Our View: Igawa has never faced the Tigers, and went 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA over 67.2 innings in 2007. This isn't an ideal situation for him to make his season debut, but he is worth starting if you took a shot on him in AL-only leagues.
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| Jeff Karstens could pitch in an extended spring training game Saturday, according to the AP. He has been on the shelf since straining his right groin March 27. |
Our View: Karstens was a front-runner for a long-relief role out of the bullpen before getting hurt in his last scheduled spring training appearance. He allowed 18 runs and 27 hits over 14.2 innings in 2007.
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| Alex Rodriguez took 57 swings in batting practice and fielded 31 grounders at third base during his first injury rehab workout on Friday at the Yankees' minor league complex, according to the AP. A-Rod hit several long homers, including a pair that went over the center-field back drop. He also ran in the outfield, and said his session went good.
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Our View: He could rejoin the team late next week, when the Yankees battle the Mets in the Bronx.
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| Carlos Muniz fired a perfect ninth inning for Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, and collected his fifth save of the season, according to MetsBlog. |
Our View: Muniz fared well in limited action for the Mets this season, as he only allowed two hits over four innings, with no runs or walks. He will have to wait patiently for another chance to pitch for the big league club.
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| Derrick Turnbow has accepted a Triple-A assignment with the Brewers, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He will report on Monday. |
Our View: Turnbow was an All-Star reliever in 2006, but got rocked for 11 runs on 12 hits over a mere 6.1 innings of work this season, with 13 walks and five strikeouts. A stint at Triple-A could do him some good, but he isn't worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect.
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| Kosuke Fukudome is hitting .448 over 16 games at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field this season, but is only hitting .209 on the road, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Fukudome is at home against Arizona today, and should be in your lineups, regardless of a tough match-up against ace hurler Dan Haren. Fukudome is hitting .320 overall this season, with 23 runs scored over 33 games.
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| Dan Haren, P, Arizona Diamondbacks | Friday 5/9, 1:23 PM CT |
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| Dan Haren will be targeting his fifth win of the season when the Diamondbacks battle the Cubs in Chicago today, according to MLB.com. Haren is 4-1 this season, with a 3.12 ERA and stellar 0.99 WHIP over 43.1 innings, with only eight walks and 36 strikeouts. |
Our View: Haren is 0-1 with a 12.46 ERA at Wrigley Field, but he should be locked into your lineups today.
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| Jorge Posada took batting practice for the first time on Thursday since landing on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis, according to CBSsports. He took 28 swings right-handed, and 26 from the left side. |
Our View: He does not require surgery, but will be out until mid-June. He could start a light throwing program as early as next week.
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| Kyle Farnsworth's suspension has been cut from three games to one on Friday, according to the AP. John McHale Jr., executive VP for administration in the commissioner’s office, heard Farnsworth’s appeal Tuesday. Farnsworth was to serve the suspension Friday, baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.
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Our View: Farnsworth wasn’t ejected and said the ball slipped when he threw the ball behind Manny Ramirez. Farnsworth will serve his suspension tonight, and then can move on with his season.
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| Sean Marshall has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to the Sports Network. The team needed to make room for pitcher Scott Eyre (activated from DL), and Marshall was seen as expendable. |
Our View: Marshall held a 4.15 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 8.2 innings, with seven walks and fivs strikeouts. He also surrendered two home runs. He had one save to his credit, but held little to no fantasy value prior to his demotion.
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| Scott Eyre, P, Chicago Cubs | Friday 5/9, 11:40 AM CT |
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| Scott Eyre has been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the Sports Network. To make room, they also optioned lefty Sean Marshall to Triple-A Iowa. |
Our View: Eyre will fight for playing time out of the Cubs' crowded pen and holds little to no fantasy value, especially since he held a poor 1.80 WHIP over 52.1 innings in 2007. This is his third season with the Cubs.
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| Johnny Estrada has been placed on the 15-day DL, according to the AP. He is dealing with ulnar neuritis in his right elbow. The team activated outfielder Elijah Dukes from the DL to fill his spot on the roster. |
Our View: Estrada was only hitting .179 with no homers and three RBI over 39 at-bats this season, and held no fantasy value prior to landing on the DL.
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| Paul Lo Duca, C, Washington Nationals | Friday 5/9, 11:28 AM CT |
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| Paul Lo Duca has officially been placed on the 15-day DL due to his hand injury, according to the AP. Catcher Jesus Flores has been called up from Triple-A to cover his roster spot. Backup Johnny Estrada has also been placed on the DL, so the team activated outfielder Elijah Dukes. |
Our View: With Estrada also on the DL, Flores will split time with Will Nieves.
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| Bill Bray, P, Cincinnati Reds | Friday 5/9, 11:10 AM CT |
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| Bill Bray has been recalled from Triple-A Louisville, according to the AP. He will fill the roster spot vacated by lefty Kent Mercker, who landed on the DL due to lower back pain. |
Our View: This will be Bray's second stint with the Reds this season, and he is yet to surrender a run over four innings, but allowed six hits and three walks, for a 2.25 WHIP. He will provide depth to the Reds' bullpen, but doesn't merit fantasy consideration.
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| Kent Mercker has been placed on the 15-day DL due to lower back pain, according to the AP. The move is retroactive to Tuesday. Bill Bray has been recalled from Triple-A Louisville to fill Mercker's spot on the roster. |
Our View: The veteran lefty allowed five runs on 12 hits over 11.2 innings this season, with seven walks and six strikeouts. He held no fantasy value prior to landing on the DL.
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| Hernan Iribarren went 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored for Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, according to BrewCrewBall.com. He raised his season average to .294. |
Our View: Iribarren went 2-for-6 with one RBI and one run scored over a brief stint with the Brewers this season. He has the versatility to play second base as well as the outfield, but will have to wait for another chance to prove his worth with the Brewers.
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| Jesus Flores, C, Washington Nationals | Friday 5/9, 10:50 AM CT |
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| Jesus Flores is expected to get called up from Triple-A Columbus today, according to CBSsports. The team will make the move with both Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada on the shelf due to injuries. |
Our View: He will platoon with Will Nieves at catcher. Flores is 4-for-11 (.364) with one homer and three RBI so far this season with Washington.
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| Alex Rodriguez isn't expected to get a second MRI on his strained right quad until Tuesday, according to the NY Daily News. Rodriguez could get the MRI on Tuesday, which might clear him to play in extended spring training games on Wednesday and Thursday in Tampa Bay. A-Rod worked out for a second straight day on Thursday, taking grounders at third base and taking batting practice. He also did several sprints in the outfield, reporting no problems with his injured leg. Team-mate Johnny Damon said, "We're expecting to get Alex back soon. Morgan Ensberg and Wilson Betemit have filled in nicely, but Alex very well could be the best player we've ever seen. Hopefully he goes down to Tampa and gets ready."
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Our View: Since Rodriguez wants to play in two rehab games, that would push his return until at least a week from today, when the Yankees start a three-game set at home against the Mets.
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| Nyjer Morgan has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team made the move when they acquired Jason Michaels from the Indians. GM Neal Huntington said, "We felt this was the best thing for Nyjer's continued development. He's played an important role for us, but we want him to be an everyday major-leaguer. He needs to be on the field."
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Our View: Morgan proved he wasn't ready to make an impact with the Pirates yet, as he only hit .161 with no homers or RBI over 31 at-bats.
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| Juan Mateo, P, Pittsburgh Pirates | Friday 5/9, 10:28 AM CT |
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| Juan Mateo has been signed to a minor league contract with the Pirates, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He spent half of the 2006 season in the Cubs' rotation, but shoulder trouble shipped him back down to Class-A last year. |
Our View: Mateo holds no fantasy value, and went 1-3 with a 5.32 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 11 games with the aforementioned Cubs in 2006.
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| Xavier Nady, RF, Pittsburgh Pirates | Friday 5/9, 10:23 AM CT |
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| Xavier Nady has been battling a mildly strained groin over his last two games, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said he will be fine, but Manager John Russell might rest him soon. |
Our View: Over the last two games, Nady is 2-for-7 with a home run and two RBI, so the ailment has not hindered his production.
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| Miguel Batista is being hindered by pain in his push-off foot that dates back to last season, according to the Seattle Times. The ailment relates to a tendon in his foot that becomes inflamed if he leans too far forward on his toes and causes them to rub together. The pain becomes so intense that Batista will often take his shoes off in the dugout between innings and walk around barefoot because it puts less pressure on his toes than when he's wearing shoes. Batista has also often been spotted limping around the clubhouse after he pitches. He is battling a groin problem as well.
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Our View: Batista is struggling as he lost four of seven starts, and holds a 5.66 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 35 innings, with 24 walks. He is capable of good numbers, but should be left on your bench until he can shake his injuries.
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| Jimmy Rollins remains on target to rejoin the Phillies in San Francisco tonight, according to MetsBlog. He missed a month due to his sprained ankle. |
Our View: As previously reported, the Phillies said Rollins' arrival in San Francisco does not guarantee he will be activated before the game. So, wait for the green light before penciling him back into your lineups.
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| John Lackey, P, Los Angeles Angels | Friday 5/9, 9:33 AM CT |
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| John Lackey hopes to make his final rehab start today in Tempe, Arizona, according to the LA Times. He is recovering from a strained triceps. |
Our View: If Lackey reports no soreness (or any other complication), he could make his season debut with thw Angels early next week. Lackey went 19-9 in 2007, with a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. The Angels' ace should reward fantasy owners for their patience, who stashed him away on draft day.
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| Howie Kendrick sat out a second straight game for Class-A after tweaking his already tender hamstring Tuesday, according to the LA Times. |
Our View: Kendrick owners must be frustrated by his slow progress, but he will be worth the wait when he ultimately returns as he was hitting .500 over 10 games, with five doubles, one triple, four RBI, and two stolen bases.
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| Wandy Rodriguez threw a successful bullpen session on Thursday, according to the Houston Chronicle. GM Ed Wade said Rodriguez would throw another bullpen Saturday in Los Angeles and a simulated game next week in San Francisco. Then the team will start talking about sending him out on rehab. He is recovering from a strained left groin. |
Our View: His timetable to return remains unclear, but he will be worth the wait, as he racked up 24 strikeouts over 23.1 innings, with a favorable 1.11 WHIP over four starts.
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| A judge in Pinellas County dismissed a domestic violence allegation against Jorge Cantu, according to the Palm Beach Post. Nanci Michelle Ikerd was denied a request for a protection order against Cantu on April 23 before a second request was dismissed Wednesday. She claimed she sustained bruises to her left biceps and was verbally threatened by Cantu on February 8. Steve Canter (Cantu's agent) said, "The charges were false. The court not once, but twice rejected her claims."
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Our View: Cantu can now put this distraction behind him and focus solely on baseball. He is having a good campaign with a .280 average over 32 games, with five homers, 14 RBI, 20 runs scored, and two stolen bases.
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| Mike Jacobs' ailing left quad felt better than expected Thursday, but the Marlins were taking no chances on losing their top run producer for an extended time and went with Wes Helms at first base, according to the Palm Beach Post. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said, "He wants to play but we've got to make sure he's OK. We don't want to make it worse and all of a sudden he's sitting for two weeks." Jacobs said he is 95 percent sure he will be back in action tonight against Washington.
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Our View: Jacobs was previously considered to sit out the weekend series against the Nationals, but it looks like he will play, according to his statement. If given the green light, he should be safe to return to your fantasy lineups.
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| David Wells, P, Los Angeles Dodgers | Friday 5/9, 8:57 AM CT |
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| Free agent lefty David Wells said he wants to join the Yankees, according to FanNation. He will turn 45 in 11 days, but stated that he has been working out near his home in San Diego and believes he could balance a New York rotation, suddenly besieged by question marks. |
Our View: Hank Steinbrenner noted that Wells has crossed his mind as a possibility for the Yankees' rotation. Wells went 9-9 over 29 starts in 2007, with a 5.43 ERA and poor 1.54 WHIP. He only registered 82 strikeouts over 157.1 innings as well. He won't likely help fantasy rotations that much, but you know the Yankees will provide solid run support for him to nail down wins.
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| A.J. Murray has been sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Star Telegram. The team made the move to free up a roster spot for Kason Gabbard, who was activated from the DL and started Thursday. |
Our View: Murray made one spot start this season, and earned a win as he allowed two runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He made a solid transition from reliever to starter in his lone performance of the season, but will have to wait for another chance to shine following the move.
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| Brad Wilkerson is on the Jays' radar, according to Globeandmail.com. Wilkerson is a left-handed batter who is statistically better against lefties than righties, and was recently designated for assignment by Seattle. The Blue Jays will open a four-game set on Friday against the Indians, and Jays' GM J.P. Ricciardi made clear Thursday that the team would likely add another bat before Friday night's game. Wilkerson has been pursued by the Jays at earlier times in his career, and Manager John Gibbons said, "We're facing three lefties in Cleveland, so we'd like a right-handed type bat, by that I mean a guy who can hit lefties."
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Our View: This is only speculation at this point, but Wilkerson would provide Toronto with the bat they are looking for, and they won't have to sacrifice talent in their system to acquire him. He will also provide them flexibility to use him at first base, or in the outfield.
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| Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen praised rising star Carlos Gomez, according to the Star Tribune. Guillen said, "He's not too far away from people saying, 'Torii Hunter who?' I'm telling you, I saw Kirby Puckett play. They're not going to forget Kirby Puckett. But this kid can bring a lot of good things to baseball. We need that. Baseball needs that. I love the way he plays."
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Our View: Gomez hit for the cycle on Wednesday, and was the first member of the Twins to do it since Kirby Puckett in 1986. At 22-years old, Gomez is also the third youngest player to hit for the cycle, behind Cesar Cedeno and Alex Rodriguez.
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| Pat Neshek, P, Minnesota Twins | Friday 5/9, 8:31 AM CT |
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| Pat Neshek will have his injured elbow examined by team orthopedist Dan Buss today, according to the Star Tribune. Neshek said he hadn't experienced any pain in the elbow before he threw a slider to Joe Crede of | |
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