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Barry Zito, P, San Francisco GiantsSaturday 5/17, 11:43 PM CT
Barry Zito, allowed two runs on eight hits, walked six and struck out four but was still the pitcher of record as the Giants lost 3-1 to the White Sox.

Our View: Zito became the first Giants pitcher to open a season with eight losses since Jesse Burkett in 1890.
Dave Bush, P, Milwaukee BrewersSaturday 5/17, 11:35 PM CT
Dave Bush allowed four runs on five hits, walked two and struck out two in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Saturday night.

Our View: Bush, much like his mound opponent Tim Wakefield, is expected to keep his team in the game and eat innings due to the Brewers injured arms.
Brian Fuentes, P, Colorado RockiesSaturday 5/17, 11:17 PM CT
Brian Fuentes worked the ninth for his fifth save in seven chances and the Colorado Rockies scored a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.

Our View: It wasn't easy for Fuentes. He gave up a leadoff single to Delmon Young and a two-out walk to Harris before getting Mike Lamb to swing and miss to end the game.
Matt Herges, P, Colorado RockiesSaturday 5/17, 11:15 PM CT
Matt Herges, pitching in relief of Roks rookie Greg Reynolds, threw a scoreless seventh and eighth innings to earn his second win of the season.

Our View: Herges, who admitted using performance-enhancing substances, re-signed with the Rockies last November has been a staple in their bullpen.
Greg Reynolds, P, Colorado RockiesSaturday 5/17, 11:09 PM CT
Greg Reynolds, Colorado's first-round draft choice and the second selection overall in the 2006 draft, worked six scoreless innings, allowing three hits. The right-hander walked two and struck out two in the no-decision.

Our View: Reynolds had a nice matchup for his second start. The light-hitting Twins allowed the rookie to lower his 6.35 ERA to 3.09 in one single start. Reynolds will have some good, and some very bad performances, until he can hone his craft.
Max Scherzer, P, Arizona DiamondbacksSaturday 5/17, 11:03 PM CT
Max Scherzer isn't quite ready for the big time. In his second loss, and the teams third in his starts, the big right-hander has command issues. While Scherzer didn't allow an earned run, he put his teammates in a position to fail by walking an American League pitcher, who had all of three minor league at bats, with two outs in the fifth inning. The result were two unearned runs and ultimately a Diamondbacks loss.

Our View: This start made it clear that when Doug Davis returns at the end of the month, Scherzer will go to the pen to get some long relief work, build some mental toughness and harness his change-up.
Tim Hudson, P, Atlanta BravesSaturday 5/17, 10:43 PM CT
Tim Hudson suffered his third loss of the season as the Oakland Athletics beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Saturday night. In the loss the right hander allowed five runs on five hits, walked five and struck out three.

Our View: After a string of strong outings, Hudson was obviously not on his game, and against his old team for that matter. Hudson's ERA climbed to 3.06 in the loss.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Washington NationalsSaturday 5/17, 10:24 PM CT
Ryan Zimmerman remained hot on by hitting a solo home run off winning pitcher Brian Burres on Saturday night.

Our View: Zimmerman now has eight home runs on the season to go along wtih 22 runs and 24 RBI.
Roy Oswalt, P, Houston AstrosSaturday 5/17, 10:09 PM CT
Roy Oswalt, who reportedly was pitching hurt, left in the seventh after allowing consecutive singles and throwing 111 pitches. Oswalt was hit hard for most of the night allowing six runs on 11 hits, waling one and striking out only one.

Our View: If in fact Oswalt was pitching with an injured groin, he was doing so from the first inning on. The right-handed veteran three outs in the first inning were all hard hit line-drives.
Lance Berkman, 1B, Houston AstrosSaturday 5/17, 10:07 PM CT
Lance Berkman extended his hitting streak to 16 games and matched Pete Rose as the only players since 1956 with 31 hits in a span of 50 at-bats. Berkman finished 2-for-3 with a walk to raise his season average to .399.

Our View: After his major league-best 16th homer leading off the fourth, Berkman had a single in the sixth that matched Rose's 31-of-50 stretch for Philadelphia in 1979.
Adam Eaton, P, Philadelphia PhilliesSaturday 5/17, 10:02 PM CT
Phillies starter Adam Eaton allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings to remain winless in nine starts this season.

Our View: Eaton walked two and struck out three in the loss. His K:BB ratio (27:24) is just not acceptable for a pitcher who only has a 4.98 K/9 Rate.
Scott Olsen, P, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 9:40 PM CT
Scott Olsen allowed three runs on seven hits, walked five (two intentionally) and struck out three in a no-decision on Saturday night.

Our View: Olsen wasn't sharp in his effort but kept his team in the game until the offense unloaded in the seventh inning.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 9:29 PM CT
Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez was 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts in Saturday night's win over the Royals. Earlier in the day, the Marlins formally announced the $70 million, six-year contract extension for Ramirez at the site of their future ballpark.

Our View: The Royals pitched Ramirez away the entire night and the All Star shortstop was fooled in most of his at-bats.
Mike Jacobs, 1B, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 9:19 PM CT
Mike Jacobs was in the starting lineup for the first time since May 7, when he had a tight right quad. His triple to right-center in the fourth inning and hit his 10th home run in the seventh helping the Marlins to a 7-3 victory over the Royals on Saturday night.

Our View: Jacobs made a splash in his first game in almost two weeks. He now has 18 runs and 27 RBI on the year.
Wes Helms, 1B, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 9:13 PM CT
Wes Helms hit a three-run, pinch-hit homer and the Florida Marlins beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 snapping a season-high four-game losing streak.

Our View: Helms has played in 34 games this year, but has only 71 at-bats. In those plate appearances Helms has 13 RBI, seven runs scored and is hitting .225.
Shawn Hill, P, Washington NationalsSaturday 5/17, 8:30 PM CT
A day after losing his first game of the season, Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill had a cortisone shot and fluid taken out of his right elbow on Saturday, this according to MLB.com. The injury is not considered serious, but there is a possibility he may not make his next start, against the Phillies at Nationals Park on Wednesday.

Our View: For now, Hill will not have an MRI. The good news is the pain in not in the area where he had elbow reconstruction in 2004. The pain is located behind the elbow.
Jeff Suppan, P, Milwaukee BrewersSaturday 5/17, 7:50 PM CT
Jeff Suppan gave up four runs on nine hits in six innings, and lost for the third time in four starts as the Boston Red Sox beat the Brewers 5-3 on Saturday. The Brewers have lost three straight overall.

Our View: Suppan struggled from the start. After retiring the first two batters in the first, Suppan walked Ortiz, hit Ramirez on the left hand and allowed Kevin Youkilis' single. J.D. Drew then walked to give Boston a 1-0 lead. The Brewers right hander threw 31 pitches in the first inning.
Chan Ho Park, P, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 7:33 PM CT
Chan Ho Park made his first start for the Dodgers in almost seven years, limiting the Angels to two runs -- one earned -- over four innings. The 34-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, walked two and struck out three. He left with the Dodgers up 4-2.

Our View: Because Park pitched just four innings, Hong-Chih Kuo earned the win by shutting out the Angels for four innings.
Blake DeWitt, 3B, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 7:31 PM CT
Blake DeWitt hit a two-run home run in the second inning to help defeat Ervin Santana and the Angels 6-3 on Saturday.

Our View: DeWitt continues to make a case that the Dodgers don't need Nomar Garciaparra.
Jorge Campillo, P, Atlanta BravesSaturday 5/17, 7:21 PM CT
With the demotion of Chuck James, Jorge Campillo is a candidate to take over the empty slot in the starting rotation.

Our View: The 29 year old right-handed Mexican leaguer has been dominate in long relief this year, striking out 17 in 21 innings.
Aaron Harang, P, Cincinnati RedsSaturday 5/17, 6:25 PM CT
After giving up a second inning run, Aaron Harang scattered six hits over five scoreless innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out five in a game the Reds won 4-2.

Our View: Harang wasn't involved in the decision but was impressive in his work. The Reds ace lowered his ERA to 3.12.
Adam Dunn, LF, Cincinnati RedsSaturday 5/17, 6:10 PM CT
Adam Dunn hit a three-run homer in the ninth off Masa Kobayashi, rallying the Cincinnati Reds to their season-high fifth straight victory Saturday, 4-2 over the Cleveland Indians.

Our View: Dunn's third homer in three games has helped his HR Rate (14.2), but his average is still a puny .211.
Ubaldo Jimenez, P, Colorado RockiesSaturday 5/17, 6:01 PM CT
Ubaldo Jimenez tossed his second straight quality start against the Twins on Friday night. While throwing a quality effort against the Twins isn't anything to do flips over, the right-hander has looked good in his last two efforts.

Our View: Jimenez's Achilles is his lack of command. His 29 walks in 47 innings is concerning. His next start is against the light-hitting Giants should offer him another opportunity at success, but his control issues will create issues against more adept lineups.
Brian Giles, RF, San Diego PadresSaturday 5/17, 5:23 PM CT
Brian Giles' four hits on Friday night offers evidence that the Padres right fielder is the hottest hitter on a club with cold bats. The four hit performance brought his numbers to a respectable - .288/.386/.436. While his slugging percentage is soft, the veteran has learned that elevating the ball in PETCO is a fruitless effort.

Our View: Tracking his numbers one will find that Giles' fly ball percentage is down over 5 percent in the last two seasons, while his strike out to walk and average have improved.
Jonathan Sanchez, P, San Francisco GiantsSaturday 5/17, 5:13 PM CT
The egnigmatic Jonathan Sanchez had one of his good starts on Friday night. The left-hander allowed only a two-run homer to Alexei Ramirez in the seventh inning over 6.2 innings of work.

Our View: Sanchez set the tempo and was in control of the game, and his command was spot on, at least for him. When the southpaw can keep his walks to a minimum he can be dominating. However, it's difficult to get too excited about an Giant pitcher, they rarely get the run support they deserve.
Adam Wainwright, P, St. Louis CardinalsSaturday 5/17, 4:45 PM CT
Adam Wainwright struggled for the second straight start against Tampa Bay on Saturday. The right hander allowed four runs on 12 hits in 5.2 innings. It would have been worst but the Rays continued to run themselves out of innings.

Our View: The Cardinals' opening-day starter gave up six earned runs in six innings in his previous outing at Milwaukee.
Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis CardinalsSaturday 5/17, 4:38 PM CT
Albert Pujols homered and had two RBI on Saturday, beginning a new streak, a day after his 42-game streak of reaching base ended.

Our View: Pujols and the Cards won for only the third time in 11 games on Saturday. And the win was for the most part -- fortunate. Expect the Redbirds, their players (e.g. Ludwick) and their record to begin falling back to earth.
Ryan Ludwick, RF, St. Louis CardinalsSaturday 5/17, 4:34 PM CT
Ryan Ludwick hit his second home run of the game on Saturday afternoon and the Cardinals won in 10 innings 9-8 over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Our View: Ludwick has 10 home runs, 25 runs, 28 RBI and is hitting .336 on the season. If there were ever a time to sell high on a player, it's Ludwick's time. His value will never be higher and this kind of production won't continue.
David Wright, 3B, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 3:41 PM CT
David Wright went 3-for-5 with two RBI and blasted his eighth homer of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Yankees.

Our View: Wright raised his average to .279 and has 34 RBI over 40 games. He registered his sixth stolen base in today's victory as well.
Johan Santana, P, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 3:37 PM CT
Johan Santana collected his fifth win with the Mets in Saturday's 7-4 victory over the Yankees. Santana allowed four runs on seven hits over 7.2 innings, with two walks and five strikeouts.

Our View: He surrendered three home runs in the game, but the Mets scored enough runs for him to win. He is now 3-0 over five games at Yankee Stadium.
Brad Penny, P, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 3:32 PM CT
Brad Penny has been scratched from his next start due to arm stiffness, according to the AP. Penny was scheduled to take the hill on Sunday in the finale of the "Freeway Series" against the Angels.

Our View: Derek Lowe will make the start on Sunday in his place on three days rest. The severity of Penny's ailment is yet to be determined.
Matt Capps, P, Pittsburgh PiratesSaturday 5/17, 3:13 PM CT
Matt Capps claimed his 10th save of the season on Saturday, as he helped Pittsburgh edge the Cubs 7-6. His save wasn't pretty though, as he allowed one run on two hits in the ninth inning (with one strikeout).

Our View: Capps remains a quality fantasy closer, and has nailed down a save in 10 of the Pirates' 22 wins so far in 2008.
Nate McLouth, CF, Pittsburgh PiratesSaturday 5/17, 3:09 PM CT
Nate McLouth went 3-for-5 and racked up three RBI in Saturday's close 7-6 win over the Cubs in Chicago. One of his hits went for a two-run homer, and he now has 12 for the season.

Our View: He also now has 36 RBI over 42 games, with 36 runs scored, and a .312 batting average. He has slowed down recently, but is seemingly back on track and once again generating strong numbers.
Alfonso Soriano, LF, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 3:04 PM CT
Alfonso Soriano went 5-for-5 with three RBI and blasted a pair of homers in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

Our View: Soriano has impressively hit two home runs in back-to-back games, and has hit one in five of his last six games, with 13 RBI over the span.
Carlos Zambrano, P, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 2:59 PM CT
Carlos Zambrano was rocked over four innings of work and ended with a no decision in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Pirates. The Cubs' ace allowed five runs on seven hits, with three walks and three strikeouts.

Our View: That was his first loss at home in 2008, as he was 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA at Wrigley Field heading into today's battle.
Matt Kemp, RF, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 2:49 PM CT
Matt Kemp will ride the pine when the Dodgers battle the Angels today, according to the LA Daily News. Juan Pierre bats leadoff and starts in left field, Andruw Jones roams center field, and Andre Ethier covers right field today.

Our View: Kemp is hitting .302 over 39 games, with three homers and 26 RBI. He also has nine stolen bases and 20 runs scored. He has provided solid value as an outfielder this season, namely in deeper leagues, and was due for a day off.
Jeff Kent, 2B, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 2:43 PM CT
Jeff Kent only has two hits over his last 33 at-bats and Manager Joe Torre commented on his slump, according to the LA Daily News. Torre said, "I have never been that age and doing that. But I am assuming that sometimes, your body doesn't listen to your mind. One thing you see in a lot of sports is that when you get older, I think the number of times you're able to do what you want to do is curtailed somewhat. That's why you try to manage how many games he plays. But I think he can still stand at the plate and believe he is going to do what he can do. I think he can still put up numbers and be a force, but I think it may take a little bit more work for him to do it."

Our View: The 40-year old second baseman is hitting .236 overall, with four homers and 20 RBI over 36 games. Luis Maza gets the start at second base today.
Aaron Harang, P, Cincinnati RedsSaturday 5/17, 2:37 PM CT
Aaron Harang has fared well over his career against the inter-league state rival Indians, according to MLB.com. Harang is 3-1 with a 2.38 ERA over eight career appearances against Cleveland.

Our View: Harang is only 2-5 this season, but has a 3.32 ERA and a solid 1.12 WHIP over 62.1 innings, with 51 strikeouts. Harang would have a better record if not for poor run support by his Reds' team-mates, and should remain in your starting rotation today.
James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 2:24 PM CT
James Loney is riding a nine-game hitting streak and will try to extend it to 10 today against undefeated hurler Ervin Santana (6-0) and the Angels, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Loney has three multi-hit games over the streak, with five runs scored. He raised his batting average to .290 and his fantasy stock remains on the rise.
Chan Ho Park, P, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 2:19 PM CT
Chan Ho Park has a poor track record against the Angels, according to MLB.com. Park is 5-7 with a 5.90 ERA in 17 career appearances against the Angels.

Our View: Park had held up fairly well this season, as he holds a 2.16 ERA and decent 1.32 WHIP over 25 innings, but only has nine strikeouts. He shouldn't be in your rotation today, especially when you consider his pitching record against the Angels.
Nick Johnson, 1B, Washington NationalsSaturday 5/17, 2:03 PM CT
Nick Johnson stated that he will not need surgery after tearing the tendon in his right wrist, according to CBSsports.com.

Our View: The injury should heal without surgery and he isn't expected to miss more than four to six weeks. Johnson is an annual guest of the disabled list, but tends to play well over the second half of the season. He should remain reserved if you have him on your roster.
Rich Hill, P, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 1:53 PM CT
Rich Hill has been set back in his bid to rejoin the Cubs, as he left Friday night's start for Triple-A Iowa with what is being called a stiff back, according to the Chicago Tribune. Hill's status won't be known for at least another day. His record is 1-2 and holds a 3.38 ERA at Iowa. Manager Lou Piniella said, "He didn't have a back problem last year, he didn't have it earlier in the year. Let's not make it too serious. It might not be serious at all."

Our View: He has not fared well in the minors following his demotion, and it remains uncertain if and when he will return to the Cubs' rotation. We will keep you posted on the severity of his back ailment.
Joe Dillon, 1B, Milwaukee BrewersSaturday 5/17, 1:32 PM CT
Joe Dillon is going to start at first base today in inter-league play with the Red Sox at Fenway Park, according to the Boston Globe. Dillon will hit eighth in the order, between JJ Hardy and Bill Hall. Prince Fielder will serve as the DH.

Our View: Dillon is 5-for-20 (.250) with no homers or RBI while contributing in a utility role. He gets to start today, but against Boston ace hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Doug Mientkiewicz, 3B, Pittsburgh PiratesSaturday 5/17, 1:17 PM CT
Manager John Russell has started Doug Mientkiewicz at third base for the third straight game today, but insists that there is not a platoon at the position with Jose Bautista, according to MLB.com. While downplaying the lefty-righty platoon possibility, Russell said that his choice to start the left-handed-hitting Mientkiewicz again on Saturday was designed more to give Bautista a few extra days to focus on his approach at the plate and his swing. Russell added, "Jose has been working awfully hard and got into a little bit of a rut. I don't know if you can say it's a platoon. We're just trying to get Jose back on track. He's played good defense for us, but with his bat, sometimes it's good to take a couple of days and get it straightened out a little bit."

Our View: He has some value in NL-only leagues, but not much. He is only hitting .238 over 62 at-bats, with one homer and seven RBI.
Johan Santana, P, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 12:45 PM CT
Johan Santana takes the hill today against the Yankees, according to MLB.com. He was set to start last night, but the game was postponed due to rain. Santana commented, "I was ready to go. I was ready to pitch. My mind was set for Friday. You can't control Mother Nature. These kinds of things are going to happen once in a while." Santana is 4-2 this season, with a 3.10 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 52.1 innings, with 52 strikeouts. The game will take place in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium.

Our View: Santana has a 2-0 record and a 1.17 ERA in four games at Yankee Stadium. Overall against the Yankees, he has a 3-0 record and a 2.66 ERA over eight games. Fantasy owners should be pleased he was not skipped in the rotation due to the postponed game last night.
Mark Mulder, P, St. Louis CardinalsSaturday 5/17, 12:30 PM CT
Mark Mulder took another positive step toward rejoining the Cardinals when he threw off the mound in the bullpen prior to Saturday's game against Tampa Bay, according to MLB.com. Mulder commented that the session went favorably and that he felt good following the workout. He will make another rehab start, likely on Tuesday, for Triple-A Memphis. Pitching coach Dave Duncan said, "He's making progress. He still has some things he needs to accomplish, but he's showing that all of the pitches he needs to pitch are in there now. He just needs to develop some consistency with those pitches." Mulder threw 40-45 pitches. Both he and Duncan said velocity is not what they are focusing on, but rather the movement on Mulder's pitches. Duncan added that Mulder "is not the same guy" without an effective sinker, which is a pitch he is very dependant on, so it is more important to focus on that instead of how hard he can throw the baseball. Mulder stated, "I've never cared about velocity. For some reason, people want to make a big deal about that. That has nothing to do with it. It's all about having your hand behind the ball and getting on top of it, and getting the downward plane that you need."

Our View: In two rehab starts for Memphis, hitters have rocked Mulder. He lost both games he started and holds a 13.03 ERA, while surrendering 18 hits over 9.2 innings. He isn't likely going to make a solid fantasy impact when he returns.
Dmitri Young, 1B, Washington NationalsSaturday 5/17, 12:23 PM CT
Dmitri Young returned to the diamond on Friday after spending a month on the shelf due to his lower back sprain, according to CBSsports.com. He will be worked in slowly as the DH, and then will be ready to play first base in place of the injured Nick Johnson.

Our View: Aaron Boone started at first base on Friday. Young went 1-for-4 in his first game back (against the Orioles). Young is worthy of a roster spot in NL-only leagues.
Austin Kearns, RF, Washington NationalsSaturday 5/17, 12:16 PM CT
Austin Kearns was forced to ride the pine on Friday due to his hitting slump, according to CBSsports.com. He is only hitting .192 over 146 at-bats and Manager Manny Acta benched him on Friday to work on mechanical changes in his swing. He is getting his hands back a little bit too late on his current swing.

Our View: It remains to be seen if the adjustment will help improve his numbers enough to make a fantasy impact, and he should remain on your bench for now.
Jeff Samardzija, P, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 12:09 PM CT
Pitching prospect Jeff Samardzija was rocked for six runs on 10 hits over a mere four innings in Double-A on Thursday, with five walks and one strikeout, according to MLB.com.

Our View: That was a poor effort from him and many in the fantasy community hoped he was going to opt for football instead of baseball.
Henry Blanco, C, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 12:04 PM CT
Manager Lou Piniella said he wants to give Henry Blanco one start per week as the temperatures rise, according to MLB.com. Piniella wants to rest Geovany Soto a little bit more.

Our View: Blanco is 8-for-25 (.320) this season, but is not worth holding up a spot on your roster for just one start per week.
Carlos Zambrano, P, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 12:00 PM CT
Carlos Zambrano will be aiming for his seventh win of the season when the Cubs host the Pirates at Wrigley Field today, according to MLB.com. Zambrano is 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 62 innings.

Our View: Zambrano is off to the best start of his career, and is 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA at home. He is also getting the job done with his bat. He now has hit safely in his last four starts, going 5-for-10 with a double and a homer.
Jim Edmonds, CF, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 11:57 AM CT
Jim Edmonds is going to platoon with Reed Johnson in center field, according to MLB.com. Edmonds is going to get starts against right-handed hurlers, and Johnson is expected to start against lefties.

Our View: The aging vet will be given plenty of opportunities to succeed and generate favorable numbers in Chicago, but it remains to be seen if he has enough left in the tank.
Reed Johnson, CF, Chicago CubsSaturday 5/17, 11:51 AM CT
Reed Johnson is going to platoon with aging vet Jim Edmonds in center field, according to MLB.com. Edmonds is expected to get starts against right-handed pitchers and Johnson is to start against lefties. Johnson isn't bothered by a platoon, and said, "When I came into this situation, I didn't really have too many expectations as far as playing time went. I was just kind of taking care of my business as far as going down to the cage and getting my work in, working out in the outfield with third-base coach Mike Quade and making my defense better. You know the playing time is just going to take care of itself."

Our View: Johnson has fared well with the Cubs this season, and is worth keeping on your roster and using for favorable left-handed pitching matchups, like today against Zach Duke (2-2 4.04 ERA) of the Pirates.
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 10:48 AM CT
Hanley Ramirez officially signed a new six-year deal with the Marlins, according to the AP. The team did not disclose the financial terms, but it was believed to be worth $70 million, which is the largest contract in team history. Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria stated, "Hanley can do it all on the field, and he’s always trying to improve himself and our team. We are looking forward to Hanley remaining an integral part of our team for many years."

Our View: Ramirez is arguably the best shortstop in the league, and is still getting better.
Freddy Garcia, P, Philadelphia PhilliesSaturday 5/17, 10:26 AM CT
Right-handed hurler Freddy Garcia will be on the radar of the Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, Mets, White Sox, Rangers, and Mariners when the free agent is ready to audition, according to MetsBlog.com.

Our View: He is already throwing from a mound and looking strong, and should be ready to return to the majors around the All-Star break. He is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Jacque Jones, LF, Florida MarlinsSaturday 5/17, 10:20 AM CT
Jacque Jones cleared waivers Thursday morning and could be a Marlin as soon as today, as leaked by an industry source who has spoken with team officials, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Damon Lapa (Jones' agent) said, "We've started some dialogue with a number of clubs. Ever since he technically became free there's been an uptick in intensity. He's weighing all his options."

Our View: Jones, formerly of the Tigers, can play all three outfield positions and would give the Marlins additional veteran depth with Josh Willingham out with a back ailment.
Eric Reed, OF, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 9:05 AM CT
Eric Reed has been signed to a minor league deal by the Mets, according to the Press and Sun-Bulletin. He was brought in to fll a roster spot for top outfielding prospect Fernando Martinez, who is out three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Our View: Reed has spent the last two seasons in the Marlins' organization, and went 2-for-20 (.100) with no homers or RBI over a brief stint with the big league club in 2007.
Brad Lincoln, P, Pittsburgh PiratesSaturday 5/17, 8:59 AM CT
Brad Lincoln will return to the diamond on Sunday after recovering from Tommy John surgery for over a year, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He will start for Class-A Hickory in Rome, Georgia, marking his first competitive pitching since Aug. 6, 2006. He is progressing well and is ready to go. His strength and "stuff" have been good.

Our View: He was the Pirates' first round pick in 2006, going fourth overall. The usual window for a full return from elbow surgery is 12-18 months, and this is the 13th month.
Ty Wigginton, 3B, Houston AstrosSaturday 5/17, 8:53 AM CT
Ty Wigginton returned to the starting lineup against the Rangers on Friday, according to the Houston Chronicle. He missed the previous three games in San Francisco after being hit by a pitch in the left rib cage, and Wigginton stated, "I'm focusing more on the actual games than I am my body. Obviously, there is still some soreness in there, but it's something I feel very comfortable that I can play through it."

Our View: Wigginton went 1-for-4 in the game with one run scored, and that a good outing for him, as he has failed to generate much offense since returning from his fractured thumb injury.
Michael Bourn, CF, Houston AstrosSaturday 5/17, 8:47 AM CT
Michael Bourn commented on Manager Cecil Cooper's decision to drop him from the leadoff spot down to eighth in the order, according to the Houston Chronicle. Bourn said, "Not surprising because I'm struggling. If I'm hitting good, then I'm hitting first. I have to keep fighting through it. I'm not feeling too bad up there. I'm just not finding the holes. I guess I have to keep going at it and keep plugging along." Cooper added, "Maybe it will take some of heat off of him. He's a young player trying to make adjustments playing every day. That's really the big thing. We know the ability is there. Young players struggle. They're like a roller coaster. They go around and around, up and down. It just happens."

Our View: Bourn holds his most fantasy value as a base stealer, and was able to pick up steal number 18 from the eighth spot on Friday. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the game (against the Rangers) as well. He shouldn't be dropped from your roto-lineups as he can still steal bases, and was actually more productive hitting lower.
Wandy Rodriguez, P, Houston AstrosSaturday 5/17, 8:42 AM CT
Wandy Rodriguez will throw a simulated game on Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Manager Cecil Cooper said Rodriguez will throw five simulated innings of about 15 pitches each. He is recovering from a strained left groin.

Our View: If the simulated session goes favorably, Rodriguez would begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday.
Orlando Hernandez, P, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 8:14 AM CT
GM Omar Minaya commented that Orlando Hernandez's return is still far off, according to the NY Daily News. He hasn't thrown off a mound yet.

Our View: He is slowly recovering from right foot surgery, and there remains no timetable set for him, but Hernandez remains confident he will return to the Mets' rotation.
Pedro Martinez, P, New York MetsSaturday 5/17, 8:10 AM CT
Pedro Martinez is expected to throw a simulated game on Monday in Port St. Lucie, according to the NY Daily News. He will be trying to get his pitching number up from the 55 he threw in Wednesday's simulation. GM Omar Minaya said, "We'll try to get to the 70-pitch mark." He is recovering from a strained left hamstring.

Our View: If he pitches favorably without a setback, his next step would be a start for Single-A St. Lucie.
Rafael Furcal, SS, Los Angeles DodgersSaturday 5/17, 8:05 AM CT
Rafael Furcal has an outside chance to come off the DL on Wednesday, according to the LA Daily News. Furcal said Friday that his lower back felt much better after receiving a cortisone shot on Tuesday. He doesn't think his lower back tightness will become a chronic problem either.

Our View: But with the Dodgers off on Thursday and Furcal not expected to resume baseball activity until at least Sunday, Friday night's game against the Cardinals is likely a safer bet for Furcal's return.
Brian Giles, RF, San Diego PadresSaturday 5/17, 7:51 AM CT
Brian Giles went 4-for-5 with two RBI in Friday's 6-4 win over the Mariners. Two of his hits went for doubles.

Our View: He now has seven hits over his last two games, and raised his batting average to .288. He is performing very well from the third spot in the Padres' order.
Chris Young, P, San Diego PadresSaturday 5/17, 7:47 AM CT
Chris Young notched his fourth win of the season on Friday as San Diego topped Seattle 6-4. Young allowed four runs on five hits over six innings, with four walks and five strikeouts.

Our View: Young is 4-3 but still holds an unimpressive 4.18 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. His strikeout totals are his best fantasy asset, as he has 49 over 51.2 innings.
Ray Durham, 2B, San Francisco GiantsSaturday 5/17, 7:40 AM CT
Ray Durham went 3-for-4 in Friday's 2-0 loss to the White Sox. He also stole his fith base of the season.

Our View: He accounted for three of the Giants' five hits. That was his second multi-hit game over his last three, and he raised his season average to .293. He would provide solid depth to your infield if available.
Jonathan Sanchez, P, San Francisco GiantsSaturday 5/17, 7:37 AM CT
Jonathan Sanchez pitched well on Friday, but was dealt a loss due to no run support as Chicago blanked San Francisco 2-0. Sanchez only allowed the two runs o