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| Kyle Ginley was outstanding for High-A Dunedin on Monday, allowing only one hit in seven scoreless innings. He walked three batters and struck out four. |
Our View: The 21-year-old is rebounding from a mediocre 2007 season, as he dominated Low-A through six starts this season and has done the same after two starts in High-A. He has plus stuff across the board and is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s better prospects in the low minors.
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| Vicente Padilla allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits, walked one and struck out two in a 13-12 win over the Seattle Mariners. Padilla was gone long before the game finally came to fruition and while he wasn't very good on Monday night, he was better than his counter part, Erik Bedard. |
Our View: Padilla came into Monday night's game allowing zero earned runs in two of his last three starts, one against the Mariners.
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| Left-hander Erik Bedard who threw a gem against the Rangers this past week by surrendering six hits and two runs over seventh innings for his third straight quality start, lasted a mere two innings on Monday night. Bedard allowed six runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out two. |
Our View: While Bedard wasn't sharp on Monday night, any pitcher that would by their own will pitch in Rangers Park for a living is out of their mind. Hit a ball in the air in Arlington, and chances are it will fly out of the ballpark.
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| Josh Hamilton continued his RBI onslaught on Monday night hitting his eighth home run of the season and driving in his 43rd RBI. Hamilton was 2-for-5 with four walks. |
Our View: The ex-Red has been a fantasy whirlwind this season. With 159 at-bats in 39 games, the center fielder is on pace to drive in over 160, score 90 runs, hit nearly forty home runs and hit over .300.
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| Clay Buchholz didn't make it out of the fifth inning on Monday night and the Red Sox dropped their second straight game to the AL Central leading Twins. The right-hander allowed seven runs on eight hits, walked five and struck out four. |
Our View: It was the same old story with Red Sox young right-hander. When he commands his curve ball and spots his fastball, he is nearly unbeatable. When his struggles with his control it's nearly impossible for him to be successful.
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| Jonny Gomes was 2-for-4 with one RBI and three runs scored in the Rays victory over Andy Pettitte and the Yanks on Monday night. Gomes also stole two bases. |
Our View: The two thefts of second base give the big right fielder / designated hitter four on the season.
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| Akinori Iwamura extended his hitting streak to 10 games for Tampa Bay and the Rays won' their fifth consecutive game. |
Our View: The Japanese import, who moved from third base to second this year, is in the lineup for this bat, not because of his limited range in the middle infield.
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| Andy Pettitte, who's owned the Rays and was 8-1 at Tropicana Field before giving up five runs and eight hits in four innings on Monday night, suffered his fourth loss of the season. |
Our View: Pettitte was an impressive 14-3 lifetime against Tampa Bay coming into the game, however these aren't the Rays your father watched. The Rays have now won two of three matchups against Pettitte this season.
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| Matt Garza pitched seven scoreless innings and the upstart Tampa Bay Rays beat Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees 7-1 for their fifth consecutive victory Monday night.
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Our View: Garza allowed five hits, walked one and struck out three while holding the Yankees scoreless. The right-hander is rounding into form after spending most of April on the disabled list.
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| Matt Stairs singled to open the Toronto 10th and took second on an infield single by Lyle Overbay on a ball that glanced off Rafael Betancourt's left elbow and ricocheted into foul ground.
Betancourt was examined by trainers and stayed in the game to face Gregg Zahn, who bunted over both runners. Pinch-hitter Brad Wilkerson was intentionally walked to load the bases for Stewart, whose flyball to center easily scored Stairs. Hill's single to center made it 3-0. |
Our View: Betancourt, who failed last year as the Indians interim closer has done the same this year. Once injured Joe Borowski returns from the disabled list, Betancourt is expected to return to his eighth inning setup role.
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| B.J. Ryan worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his first win of the season. Ryan entered the game with a 0-0 tie and the Blue Jays were able to score three in the top of the frame against Cleveland's interim closer Rafael Betancourt. |
Our View: Ryan has been cleared to pitch in back-to-back games but the staff decided to let Scott Downs pitch the 10th inning for his fourth save.
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| Cliff Lee failed to become the American League's first seven-game winner even though he worked nine scoreless innings and lowered his ERA to 0.67. |
Our View: The left-hander gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out five.
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| Asdrubal Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play in major league history on Monday night, but it wasn't enough for the Cleveland Indians to complete a doubleheader sweep of Toronto. |
Our View: It was the highlight of Cabrera's day, the second baseman was 0-for-4 in the nightcap and 1-for-3 in the day affair.
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| According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, shortstop Adam Everett has made some nice plays since returning from his right shoulder injury, but there are lingering questions about his arm strength. "I don't remember his arm strength before [this season]," Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire said. "He always got us out, but it was never, 'Wow.' I'm hoping that's what he's doing now, just getting the out." |
Our View: Everett's home run on Sunday night was his first since June 2, 2007.
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| Jamey Wright, in his first season as a full-time reliever, is fifth in the AL with 18 appearances which have resulted in a 3.57 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, according to MLB.com. "I like it," Wright said. "I wish I could pitch more. It seems like the more I pitch, the better I feel. If I get a day off, I feel better the second day I throw after the day off than I do the first day." |
Our View: This is the type of streak that can make a huge difference in AL Only leagues. If he is on waivers, and you have a spot, why not ride him while he is hot?
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| David Purcey could be called up to the bigs to make a spot start on Friday due to a rain forced doubleheader on Monday, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Purcey would likely be farmed out after the outing unless he does something spectacular in the start as this move would be more about keeping the rest of the rotation on as normal rest as possible than it would be a showcase for Purcey.
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| Updating an earlier report, Jeremy Sowers will indeed make a spot start for the Indians on Friday when they take on the Reds, according to MLB.com. This move was necessitated when their game was rained out on Sunday forcing a Monday doubleheader. |
Our View: Sowers is a soft tosser that needs to be on with his control to have success, and given that he will be pitching in Great American Ball Park it might be wise not to expect a very good outing from the Tribes youngster.
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| The Yankees are about ready to recall Ian Kennedy to rejoin the team's starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Kennedy was lifted after throwing 12 pitches in a minor league and will likely be given the starting nod on Thursday in place of Kei Igawa. The Yankees also plan on pushing back Darrel Rasner a day so he will start on Friday. |
Our View: Igawa bombed in a start last week, and with Ian having a ton of success in the minors the not so patient Yankees will recall their youngster and hope he can avoid looking like the pitcher he was before being demoted (8.37 ERA, 2.03 WHIP). It would likely be best to leave him on your bench to see how he fares.
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| Scott Baker is eligible to come off the DL next Monday but his strained right groin is taking a bit longer than expected to heal meaning that Baker likely won't be activated when the 15 days are up, according to MLB.com. "They don't want me to push it trying to hit that date," Baker said. |
Our View: This isn't seen as a major setback at all since the team still hopes to have Baker back at some point in the near future, possibly even by the end of next week. Glen Perkins should continue to stay in the rotation until Baker is healthy.
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| Shin-Soo Choo is ready to start his rehab assignment on Wednesday as he attempts to come back from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, according to MLB.com. "Everything sounds good right now," manager Eric Wedge said. "His bat speed is good, he's swinging the bat well, he's moving around well in the outfield, and his arm's working good. You don't want to get giddy with it, but he's on target." |
Our View: Choo's rehab assignment can last for up to 20 days, and since he is out of minor league options, he would figure to join the team at some point in the next three weeks at which time the team will have to make a decision to open up a roster spot.
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| The Journal News reports that the MRI taken today on Alex Rodriguez revealed progress. But not enough to start playing in rehab games as was the hope among the Yankee faithful. The report notes that Joe Girardi told the media that Rodriguez will not be activated this week, meaning he’s out for the Mets series.
“We can’t afford to have him come back for two days then lose him for six weeks,” Girardi said. “We want to have him fully healed.” |
Our View: A-Rod has played in only 24 games this year. He has registered only 91 at-bats, four home runs, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. The third baseman had these numbers in the first two weeks of April last year.
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| How much of a slump is the Jays offense in? In Monday's second game the first four hitters in the Toronto batting order went 1-for-15 against Fausto Carmona. The lone hit was a single by Alex Rios. |
Our View: With Vernon Wells going on the disabled list, and expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a broken wrist, more will be expected of Rios as he slides down and hits third in the Jays order.
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| B.J. Upton has warmed with the weather. The talented center fielder has stolen three bases in the last six games bringing his season total to seven in 11 attempts. |
Our View: Upton now needs to warm up his power numbers. In 128 at-bats the Rays outfielder has three long balls. His 24 home runs a year ago gave him a HR/AB rate of 19.8. This years 42.7 number is far below his major and minor league career peripherals.
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| Fausto Carmona pitched a complete-game five-hit shut-out on Monday afternoon extending the Jays offensive woes. It was Cleveland's second consecutive shutout over struggling Toronto. The 3-0 victory by Cleveland is the first of a day-night double-header. Carmona gave Cliff Lee a tough act to follow. Lee, 6-0 with a major league-leading 0.81 ERA, is scheduled to start the second game for the Indians. |
Our View: Carmona, who has struggled with his command this season, showed slight improvement on Monday but still walked four batters while striking out three. This is a concern, especially since the Indians right-hander had Andy Fletcher, arguably one of the biggest strike zones among active umpires, calling his balls and strikes today.
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| Jarrod Saltalamacchia got the start on Sunday behind the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI. The Rangers future starting catcher also walked twice showing his patience at the plate. |
Our View: The former Brave did not start the season in the minor leagues due to his bat, this part of his game is not in question. It's his defense, which was sub-standard again on Sunday. When Salty is behind the plate, teams run. The station-to-station A's stole five bases on the Rangers catcher, and only one of the thefts could be possibly attributed to the Texas pitching staff. It's more than obvious the "future catcher" is more likely to end up being the "future first baseman or designated hitter."
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| After doubled his homer total from two to four with two towering shots off Tim Wakefield and Mike Timlin on Sunday, Craig Monroe is in the starting lineup for the second straight day. |
Our View: Monroe is hitting sixth and serving as the team's designated hitter.
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| Coco Crisp is leading off for the Red Sox and starting in center field Monday in Minnesota. It appears that rookie left-hander Jacoby Ellsbury will rest against Twins right-hander Livan Hernandez. |
Our View: Crisp has played in 28 games this year and has 10 runs scored, 10 RBI, six stolen bases and is hitting a respectable .317 with a .337 OBP.
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| Brad Wilkerson started in right field and leadoff for the Blue Jays on Monday. The newly signed veteran was slotted at the top of the batting order with hitting Aaron Hill hitting second and Alex Rios batting third. |
Our View: Rios, had been hitting at the top of the order since the injury to shortstop David Eckstein, but an injury to Vernon Wells (wrist/out 6-8 weeks) has forced the Jays to move what power they have left in the lineup out of the leadoff spot.
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| The New York Post reports that Kei Igawa is one and done for the New York Yankees.
A reported Monday noted that Ian Kennedy - not Igawa - will start Friday in the opener of the “Subway Series” against the New York Mets.
The team would not confirm the report.
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Our View: With Phillip Hughes on the disabled list and Kennedy in the minor leagues, the Yakees gave their disppointing left hander (Igawa) another shot. Kennedy, sent to Triple-A Scranton after posting an 0-2 record with an 8.37 ERA in five starts with the parent club is expected to return and start Friday versus the Mets.
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| Billy Butler's fantasy stock is dipping. The Royals first baseman / designated hitter has hit a low spot in the season long road. His average now sits at .286 and his slugging percentage is a dismal .368. Of his 38 hits, only nine are for extra bases with just one of them -- a home run. |
Our View: Major league pitchers, or most, are film nuts. The scouting report on Butler is that he loves the ball over the plate so he can drive it to the opposite field. In April and May, Butler is getting pelted inside and has resulted in the absence of gap power. Like a game of chess, it will be up to Butler to make the next move. He must learn to adjust until pitchers can't pinpoint deficiencies.
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| The Blue Jays' season suffered a head-on collision Saturday afternoon when an MRI revealed that Vernon Wells had suffered a fractured left wrist, this according to the Toronto Sun. |
Our View: Wells, the Jays' center fielder and top offensive weapon, has a team-high 24 RBI and his presence in a struggling offense will be missed. He will be out for 6-8 weeks. Not only does this take some chunk out of the meat of the Jays batting order, it will have a negative effect on the players that typically hit before and after him. The loss of Wells at this point in time is particularly lethal, as he has been one of the few players in the lineup to have been producing at the plate. Wells was riding an eight-game hitting streak, during which he went 12-for-29 for a .414 average.
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| Brian Roberts left Saturday's game with a bruised left foot and was held out of the lineup Sunday in Kansas City. Luis Hernandez started in his place. |
Our View: With the team having no game on the schedule today, the O's second baseman will get that extra nine-innings of recovery, and is by all reports -- expected to be available on Tuesday when Baltimore hosts Boston.
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| Ian Kinsler had another stolen base on Sunday, giving him three in the last 10 games. Just as impressive the Rangers second baseman is 9-for-9 in his attempts. He is quietly hitting .306 with a .350 on base percentage. You hear very little praise for what he has been able to accomplish so far this year, but he out producing most of his peers save Chase Utley. |
Our View: Kinsler had a 20 home run -- 23 stolen base season in 2007, and at his current pace he will easily surpass that this year.
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| Brendan Harris has missed a few games due to a sore right hamstring, but he is expected back in the Twins' lineup tonight against Boston, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: He should be safe to return to your lineups tonight.
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| Sean Casey has been activated from the DL, according to the Boston Herald. He has recovered from a right hip strain. Pitcher Julian Tavarez has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Casey. |
Our View: Casey hit .346 with eight RBI over 52 at-bats this season, but won't hold much fantasy value when he returns, as Mike Lowell is healthy and playing well at third base again and Kevin Youkilis is firmly planted at first base.
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| Kevin Youkilis has been named the AL Player of the Week, according to the AP. He earned the honor as he led the AL in home runs last week with five and tied for the league high in RBI with 10. He also hit .375 (12-for-32) with a .938 slugging percentage, while collecting 30 total bases. He has at least one RBI in five straight games. Team-mate Mike Lowell was also considered for the award, along with outfielder Garret Anderson and pitcher Ervin Santana of the Angels.
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Our View: This was the the first weekly honor for the 29-year old first baseman. He holds a .322 average this season, with eight homers and 30 RBI over 38 games.
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| Clay Buchholz allowed five runs on 10 hits over a mere four innings in his last start against the Tigers, and will be looking to bounce back tonight as he faces the Twins in Minnesota, according to MLB.com. Buchholz is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over seven starts this season, and this will be his first career appearance against the Twins. |
Our View: Buchholz holds an unfavorable ERA and a poor WHIP, but still racked up 39 strikeouts over 38 innings. Prior to his tough outing against aforementioned Detroit, Buchholz only allowed a total of three earned runs over his previous three starts. He is worth consideration as a starter for tonight.
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| Cliff Lee will look to remain unbeaten this season when the Indians host the Blue Jays in the second game of a double-header tonight, according to MLB.com. Lee is 6-0 this season with a microscopic 0.81 ERA and 0.60 WHIP over 44.2 innings, with only two walks and 39 strikeouts. |
Our View: He is having an unbelievable season for a guy that had to fight for a bottom-of-the rotation spot through spring training. Lee is 0-3 with a 6.94 ERA in five career games against the Blue Jays, so this will be an interesting outing for him.
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| A.J. Burnett is set to take the hill against the Indians tonight, according to MLB.com. Burnett is 1-3 with an 8.46 ERA over four career outings against Cleveland.
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Our View: Burnett is 3-3 this season with a 5.19 ERA and poor 1.62 WHIP over 43.1 innings, with 21 walks and 34 strikeouts. He allowed five runs in his last start, but with only one walk and 10 strikeouts. He was set to start Sunday, but the game was postponed due to rain.
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| Julio Lugo's CT scan came back negative, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona noted that doesn't necessarily mean the shortstop doesn't have a concussion, it just means that if he has one, it's not a particularly bad one. Francona added, "His eyes were kind of glassy, glazed over a little bit yesterday. He certainly looks a lot clearer today." |
Our View: Lugo will have to be cleared by the team's medical staff to return to the field.
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| Mark Teixeira was forced out of action in the fourth inning today, apparently due to back spasms, according to the AP. That was the first game of a double-header against Pittsburgh. |
Our View: Greg Norton replaced him at first base. The severity of the ailment is yet to be determined, but he is being listed as day-to-day.
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| Abe Alvarez has been released, according to the Providence Journal. The lefthander was at Triple-A Pawtucket and had been moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen this year. He held a 6.46 ERA over 13 games.
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Our View: He was once considered a top pitching prospect with the Red Sox. In four career appearances with the Red Sox, Alvarez registered a 4.76 ERA over 10.1 innings.
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| Eric Chavez is set to begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, according to the SF Chronicle. He'll spend the next three days training in Arizona before joining the Triple-A River Cats when they start a homestand against Salt Lake.
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Our View: Chavez will begin his rehab assignment as a DH before working his way to third base and playing deeper into games. Manager Bob Geren noted that Chavez will have to pass a lot of tests before returning to Oakland, and Chavez still thinks it is unrealistic to think he will come off DL when first eligible on May 27. Fantasy owners shall remain patient.
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| Mark Ellis left Sunday's game against Texas in the ninth inning due to a sore left hamstring, according to the SF Chronicle. Ellis said, "I don't think it's anything major. I can't even guess how long I'll need. Hopefully, I won't have to take any time off."
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Our View: As of now, it's uncertain if Ellis will play Tuesday in Cleveland. Donnie Murphy replaced Ellis after sustaining the injury.
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| Bob McCrory has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, according to the Baltimore Sun. The team also purchased the contract of veteran infielder Alex Cintron. |
Our View: McCrory got rocked for four earned runs on two hits over a mere 2/3 of an inning of work this season, with four walks. He held no fantasy value prior to his demotion.
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| Ramon Hernandez missed his second straight game on Sunday due to his sore left wrist, according to the Baltimore Sun. Hernandez is concerned, and said he has been dealing with wrist pain, which increases significantly when he turns his hand while swinging a bat, for around two weeks. He tried to play through the ailment, but decided before Saturday night's game that it hurt too much to grip a bat. He said he expects to see a doctor today in Baltimore. Hernandez added, "I've got to check it out, because you know that's the hand I had surgery on in 2005."
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Our View: Hernandez is listed as day-to-day and said he hopes to avoid the DL. Manager Dave Trembley said he expects to have Hernandez available for tomorrow's game against Boston. We will keep you posted on his status.
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| First baseman Michael Aubrey batted .345 (10-for-29) over his first seven games with Triple-A Buffalo, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He was promoted from Double-A Akron on May 2. |
Our View: Aubrey was the 11th overall pick in 2003, and displays one of the smoothest swings in the Indians' system, but has had trouble staying healthy. The left-handed Aubrey played in just 243 games from 2003 to 2007.
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| Jeremy Sowers is the leading candidate to start on Friday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. With no scheduled off days until May 19, Manager Eric Wedge will need a starter Friday at Cincinnati |
Our View: Sowers allowed three runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings in his lone start of this season, with one walk and three strikeouts. He is worth starting in inter-league play with the state rival Reds on Friday.
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| Marlon Byrd is expected to return from the DL on Tuesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He is recovering from left knee inflammation. |
Our View: Byrd is expected to play for Triple-A Oklahoma today, then get activated tomorrow. Byrd was only hitting .129 with one RBI over 13 games before getting hurt, and won't hold much fantasy value when he returns, however.
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| Sean Gallagher is expected to hold a spot in the Cubs' rotation, and Jon Lieber is believed to be moving to the bullpen, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Lou Piniella said, "We have a decision to make on what we'll do, but I don't see why we can't pitch Gallagher against Pittsburgh on his next turn. We'll see. I have to talk to pitching coach Larry Rothschild. But I think he'll stay in the rotation and Lieber will move into the bullpen."
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Our View: Gallagher made a spot start on Sunday, and allowed four runs on five hits over 4.1 innings against the D-Backs, with three walks and six strikeouts. Piniella liked what he saw from his outing, and has seemingly earned at least another start in the rotation. His WHIP and ERA may be high, but he could generate a solid strikeout count, and the Cubs could be counted on for solid run support to give him a chance to nail down wins.
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| Ken Griffey Jr. has cleared up trade rumors of him going to Seattle, according to FanNation.com. Griffey, who enjoyed the best seasons of his career with the Mariners as a young phenom, said, "I haven't even thought about that (accepting a trade to Seattle). When I finish playing, I want to retire there. Does that mean I want to play for them? That's my first organization. That's who I want to retire with. When I'm done, that's where I'm gonna go. I give examples like NFL running back Emmitt Smith. He signed a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys and went home."
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Our View: Griffey is hitting .254 with 18 RBI, but has been stuck on 597 homers since April 23. Griffey is 38-years old, and it shouldn't be long before he considers ending his career back as a Mariner.
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| Kyle McCulloch threw six scoreless innings for Double-A Birmingham on Sunday, allowing six hits and fanning six. |
Our View: McCulloch was a first-round pick in 2006, but he projects more as a middle or end of the rotation starter. The former Texas Longhorn has a 3.98 ERA and 28/17 K/BB ratio in 43 innings this season, but his ability to provoke grounders makes him a better prospect than the low strikeout rate would indicate.
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| Chris Getz hit his third home run of the season for Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday. |
Our View: Getz is hitting .277-3-8 this season, which is consistent with his stats from last season at Double-A. The White Sox have had trouble finding a second baseman this season. Danny Richar will likely get a chance when he comes off the DL, but Getz could see some playing time in the majors this season before all is said and done. He definitely will have AL-only value if he sees playing time.
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