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| Chad Billingsley struck out eight batters in just five innings of work though he allowed the Cubs to score four runs thanks to seven hits and three walks. |
Our View: Tonight Billingsly was bit by the long ball being taken deep twice after entering the game with only three home runs allowed over 65.2 innings. Billingsley now has his K/9 up to 10.06 as he continues to dominate hitters when he throws strikes.
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| Ryan Dempster allowed three runs over 5.1 innings to pick up a no-decision against the Dodgers. Dempster walked only two batters on the night, but he had only one strikeout. |
Our View: Dempster clearly didn't have "it" tonight, but he still battled and gave his team a chance to win as he continues to be one of the nicer surprises amongst starting pitchers in the National League, though expecting him to continue along at a 2.90 ERA is sheer folly.
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| C.C. Sabathia continued to confound with a another sub par outing on Thursday night for the Indians. Sabathia lost his eighth game of the year after allowing five runs, four earned, on nine hits and three walks. |
Our View: Sabathia now has back-to-back four run outings after allowing a total of four runs in his previous four starts. The strikeouts are still there with 82 in 82.1 innings, but he keeps giving up hits at the worst time in games.
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| Brian McCann went deep for the 11th time this season and plated two runs in the Braves victory over the Marlins. |
Our View: McCann finished the night hitting .307 with 35 RBI. With 22 K and 24 BB, McCann has been in control of the strike zone for most of the season as he has appeared to return to the hitter he was when he hit .333 with 24 home runs in 2006.
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| Ricky Nolasco allowed 11 hits and three walks on his way to permitting the Braves to scored seven times in 5.2 innings to fall to 5-4. |
Our View: Nolasco had been on quite a role having allowed three of fewer runs in 5-straight starts before getting shelled tonight. As bad as the outing looked, if Chipper Jones had sat this one out Nolasco would of had a good shot at matching his recent run of success with another solid outing.
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| Hanley Ramirez hit a home run, his third in two nights, after a stretch of 18 games without going deep for the Marlins. |
Our View: Hanley hasn't always been at the top of his game this season, but he still has 12 home runs and 50 runs scored through 58 games, simply stellar production.
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| Rafael Soriano picked up his third save of the season for the Braves on Thursday night. Since returning from his injured elbow, Soriano has allowed one run in five innings with two saves. |
Our View: Soriano appears to be throwing pretty easy at this point signaling that his elbow isn't currently bothering him. Of course that could change any moment, but for now he figures to serve as the Braves primary closer with Manny Acosta struggling.
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| Chipper Jones had four hits, including the 400th home run of his career, for the Braves on Thursday night as he ended the contest batting .418. He also stole his first base of the season. |
Our View: OK, this is starting to get serious. Two hits tonight came on balls that no one but Vladimir Guerrero gets hits on, but Chipper is just that locked in. Through a slightly more than a third of the season, Chipper has hit well over the magical .400 mark.
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| Joe Mather hit his first home run in the midst of a 2-for-5 game that included three runs scored. |
Our View: Mather has been hitting home runs at a solid clip all year long, he had 12 for the team's Triple-A club, as he tries to convince the team he is worthy of a bench spot.
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| Ryan Franklin allowed an extra inning walk-off home run to Elijah Dukes on Thursday night to pick up his second loss and third blown save. |
Our View: Franklin has now allowed four runs over his last four outings. Luckily for him Jason Isringhausen is nowhere to be found, or Franklin might be on thin ice. He might still be.
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| Tim Redding picked up a no-decision despite allowing six runs in 5.2 innings on Thursday night to the Cardinals. Redding struck out only one batter while allowing two home runs. |
Our View: Redding is now sporting a 7.56 ERA over his last three starts to basically erase his hot start to the year. Hopefully you sold him when he was hot like we recommended because it certainly appears that he is just barely better than your average major league starter.
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| Elijah Dukes had his best game of the season in the second game of the Nationals and Cardinals double-header as he went 4-for-6 including a game-winning home run in the 10th inning off of Ryan Franklin.
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Our View: This was Dukes first home run in 60 AB, a terribly low number for a player of his talent. The Nats have been very careful to shelter Dukes to give him a shot at success, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to take advantage of the chance.
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| Miguel Tejada went 0-for-4 from the third hole in the Astros order on Thursday dropping his average down to .302. |
Our View: Just 10 games ago Tejada was hitting .335, and he has been in a pretty good tailspin. His overall production is still right where you would expect it to be, other than his home run total (six) which is lagging.
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| Brandon Backe lost his seventh game on Thursday night after allowing four runs in six innings. Backe allowed nine hits and two walks while striking out one. |
Our View: Backe entered the game averaging almost seven K/9, but on this night he just couldn't put away anyone. His current ERA of 4.66 almost exactly matches his career mark (4.62).
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| Paul Maholm pitched eight solid innings for the Pirates allowing three runs, two earned, in his fourth win of the season. |
Our View: Maholm struck out only one batter in the game, though he didn't walk a batter. He continues to be one of those up and down types that can look good one night and hideous the next. Tread carefully.
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| Jason Michaels hit a three run homer on Thursday night giving him home runs in back-to-back AB during which time he racked up an amazing seven RBI. |
Our View: Over the past six games Michaels is 6-for-13 with 11 RBI, so in the obvious statement of the night, he should be picked up in NL Only leagues. Of course, Michaels isn't this type of hitter, so expect him to recede into the woodwork some time in the near future.
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| Manny Ramirez had a home run and five RBI before he was forced from the Red Sox game on Thursday night with a strained hamstring, according to the Providence Journal. Manny seemed to tweak the leg while batting. Eventually he drew a walk and was replaced by a pinch runner. |
Our View: It certainly didn't seem like anything major, and with the team's DH spot open, we wouldn't be that surprised if Manny was back in the lineup in the next day or two. Maybe he injured himself when he got into a shoving match in the dugout with Kevin Youkilis.
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| Cameron Maybin started this year slowly, but of late the 21 year old future star has been scalding the ball at Double-A, according to MLB.com. Maybin is 9-for-17 with three home runs and seven RBI the past four games, and he has 17 hits in his last 10 starts. |
Our View: Maybin still leads the league with 74 srikeouts and he is hitting just .267 overall, but he does have a solid .367 OBP. Maybin still is a long way from reaching his full potential, but if he continues his solid work he will likely find himself on the Marlins roster at some point in the second half.
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| Greg Norton was scratched from the Braves lineup on Thursday as his twisted knee hasn't responded well enough to allow him to play, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Norton has hits in six of his last seven games though his average has fallen from .263 to .250 thanks to just six hits.
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| Jimmy Rollins was removed from the Phillies game on Thursday after failing to run out a pop-up, and after the game he didn't shy away from the media, according to MLB.com. "He has two rules -- be on time and hustle; and I broke one of them today," Rollins said of manager Charlie Manuel. "I know better. Sometimes the manager gets you. I just have to go out there and make sure I don't do it again." |
Our View: Rollins further cemented his reputation as a stand up guy by admitting his guilt and taking full responsibility. Whether or not he will be in the lineup for the Phillies next game isn't certain, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him out there because of the way he handled things after making the mistake.
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| Jemile Weeks, brother of Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks, was drafted 12th overall by the A's in the 2008 MLB Entry Draft, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Jemile was a dynamo for the Miami Hurricanes hitting .366-11-57 with 19 SB and a .447 OBP in his final college season. The A's hope he will develop into a 20/20 threat like his brother though he is a bit small at 5'9", 180 lbs.
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| Mark Mulder, continuing to experience problems with his twice operated on shoulder, has decided that he will no longer try to force his arm back into the slot it previously held in his throwing motion. Instead, he will basically try and "short arm the ball" throwing more like a catcher, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Think of Russ Ortiz's motion and you should be able to visualize what Mulder is trying to do here. We wish him luck, and the good news is that he reported a much better feel of his pitches today with a lesser degree of pain. Still, no timetable for his return to action has been set.
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| Albert Pujols hit a pinch hit home run in the first game of the Cardinals double-header with the Nationals. Pujols had been expected to sit out the game due to a sore calf. |
Our View: Pujols is, simply put, the best right-handed hitter in the game, and after years of battling through nagging injuries, chiefly to his elbow, he is able to be productive even when he is at less than 100%.
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| Matt Stairs hit his seventh home run of the season on Thursday which helped lead to a three hit, five RBI afternoon for the Jays DH. |
Our View: Stairs, the consummate professional hitter, continues to be a productive bat worthy of starting in AL Only leagues as he is now hitting .272 with seven home runs. Adam Lind could overtake him at some point, but for now he will continue to get regular at-bats.
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| The Astros have chosen catcher Jason Castro with the 10th overall pick in Thursday's draft, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: This is viewed as a surprising pick as the Astros already have a potential future star at the position with JR Towles. The left-handed Stanford University product has good power and defensive tools, but was not projected to be a top-10 pick.
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| The Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Aaron Crow with the ninth overall pick in today's draft, according to We'veGotHeart.com. |
Our View: He was viewed as the number two pitching prospect, and is believed to have the best fastball, which reaches 96-97 mph. He went 13-0 with a 2.35 ERA in 15 starts this season at the University of Missouri, and is a potential "ace" for the Nationals.
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| The Reds have selected first baseman Yonder Alonso with the seventh overall pick in today's draft, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: He is a left-handed power hitter out of the University of Miami, and is batting .370 with 21 home runs and 66 RBI over 58 games for the Hurricanes.
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| Felipe Lopez went 1-for-2 and generated the Nationals' only RBI in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals. |
Our View: That was only his 17th RBI of the season, and only his second over his last 18 games.
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| John Lannan allowed two runs on four hits over six innings of work in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals, with four walks and no strikeouts. |
Our View: It was a quality start, but he still fell to 4-6 for the season. He isn't pitching as bad as his record dictates, as he holds a decent 3.47 ERA.
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| Troy Glaus went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Thursday's 4-1 win over Washington. |
Our View: That was his fifth homer of the season, to go along with 36 RBI. That was his second homer over four contests in June, and perhaps he is finally starting to find his power stroke in St Louis.
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| Todd Wellemeyer threw six scoreless innings, with five hits allowed, in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Nationals, with one walk issued and five strikeouts. |
Our View: Wellemayer improves to 7-1 for the season, with a 2.92 ERA. That was the sixth time that he allowed one or less runs in a start this season.
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| The Marlins have reeled in high school catcher Kyle Skipworth with the sixth overall pick in Thursday's draft, according to the Palm Beach Post. |
Our View: The left-handed catcher from Riverside, California has been compared to Joe Mauer. He hits for power to all fields. His defense needs some polishing, but scouts feel he will move quickly through the minor league system.
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| Jay Bruce went 0-for-4 in Thursday's 5-0 loss to the Phillies, and has now went hitless in back-to-back games. |
Our View: Bruce was on fire since being called up, and was due for a letdown. He should bounce back fine however, and perhaps you can use his mini-slump to your advantage by trying to lure him away for a good price.
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| Chase Utley went 0-for-4 in Thursday's 5-0 victory over the Reds, while leaving four men on base. |
Our View: That snapped a nine-game hit streak. He had four multi-hit games and seven homers over that span.
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| Homer Bailey surrendered five runs on four hits over 6.1 innings, and was dealt a loss in his first start of 2008 on Thursday, as Cincinnati fell to the Phillies 5-0. Bailey issued four walks with one strikeout. |
Our View: As previously reported, he still needs to work out his control issues, evidenced by his four walks today. In his defense, that was a tough first start against a strong Phillies' order.
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| Cole Hamels hurled a complete game shutout in Thursday's 5-0 win over Cincinnati, with three walks and four strikeouts. |
Our View: That was his second complete game shutout of the season, and he improves to 6-4 with a 3.36 ERA.
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| Florida State catcher Buster Posey fell to the Giants at pick five of the draft, according to the AP. |
Our View: He is an athletic catcher, who has also played shortstop as well as a closer out of the bullpen, and he was projected to go number one overall to Tamp Bay on several lists. He projects to have average power in the majors, but could be a future Gold Glove contender, as he has a very strong arm. This was a safe pick for the Giants, and he should be the eventual replacement for Bengie Molina, who was 38-years old on opening day.
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| Infielder Pedro Alvarez has been selected with the second overall pick in today's draft by the Pirates, according to the AP. |
Our View: The Vanderbilt university product had his junior season shortened when he was hit with a pitch in the first game this season, breaking the hamate bone in his wrist. He returned in April for his senior year, and still displayed the raw power and sound approach at the plate.
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| Jimmy Rollins may have been benched, according to Philly.com. Rollins hit a pop fly into shallow left field with two outs and a runner on second in the third inning this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The ball was dropped, and Rollins only got to first, while he should have reached second. Rollins took the field in the top of the fourth inning, but was gone by the top of the fifth. |
Our View: It was initially reported that he suffered an undisclosed injury, but now there is speculation that he may have been benched. We should know the real story following the game.
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| Jimmy Rollins was forced out of action against the Reds in the fourth inning today due to an undisclosed injury, according to the AP. |
Our View: He was replaced by Eric Bruntlett at shortstop. We will keep you posted as more details are known.
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| Ronnie Belliard, who is recovering from a strained left calf, will begin his rehab assignment today at Single-A Potomac, according to the AP. |
Our View: The Nationals are yet to provide a timetable for his return. He was only hitting .194 over 67 at-bats this season, and held little to no fantasy value prior to landing on the DL back in Mid-may.
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| Manager Manny Acta commented that the Nationals are likely to recall a starter from Triple-A Columbus to replace the ailing Odalis Perez on Saturday, according to the Washington Times. Perez is nursing shoulder tendinitis, but hopes to miss just one start. |
Our View: The team will announce their Saturday spot-starter within a day or two. The top candidates are believed to be Mike O'Connor and Tyler Clippard, both of whom pitched in the majors before.
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| Paul Lo Duca, who is nursing a fractured right hand, is expected to begin a rehab assignment over the weekend, according to the Washington Times. He will likely work at Single-A Potomac. |
Our View: Jesus Flores has been performing well during Lo Duca's absence, and the team will be in no hurry to rush him back into action. Lo Duca is not worth waiting for as a fantasy prospect, as he was only hitting .200 over 50 at-bats this season, with no homers.
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| Scott Hatteberg, who was designated for assignment by the Reds last week, is now a free agent, according to the Providence Journal. |
Our View: The vet should find work on another club's bench. The Mets were previously believed to be interested in him.
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| Homer Bailey was recalled from Triple-A Louisville, and made his first start of the season Thursday against the Phillies, according to MLB.com. To make room on the roster, the team optioned Daniel Herrera to Louisville.
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Our View: He takes the fifth rotation spot in place of Josh Fogg, who landed on the DL Sunday due to back spasms. The 22-year old Bailey has a bright future ahead of him, but still needs to work on his control, and is a risky fantasy option in his first start of the season against an imposing Phillies' batting order.
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| Yorvit Torrealba has been fined for three games due to his altercation on Tuesaday with Matt Kemp and the Dodgers, according to the AP. Matt Kemp was frustrated by an eighth inning strikeout and following what he thought was a hard tag, Kemp pushed Torrealba, who immediately pushed back before both players ended up tackling each other to the ground, leading to both benches clearing. He has also been fined an undisclosed amount of money.
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Our View: His suspension could start Friday, when the Rockies host the Brewers, unless he decides to appeal.
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| Matt Kemp has been suspended for four games due to his involvement in Tuesday's scuffle with the Rockies, according to the AP. He has also been fined an undisclosed financial amount.
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Our View: Unless appealed, Kemp’s suspension is scheduled to begin later Thursday when the Dodgers open a four-game series with the Cubs.
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| Omar Quintanilla sustained a bruised wrist while fielding a Matt Kemp shot during action with the Dodgers on Wednesday, according to the Denver Post. He was not forced to leave the game following the injury. |
Our View: He is icing down the ailment, with hopes of returning on Friday. Jonathan Herrera is the only other shortstop currently on the roster.
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| Brad Hawpe is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, according to the Denver Post. He is recovering from a strained right hamstring. |
Our View: But it remains possible Colorado could wait a few more days to make sure he's regained his hitting stroke, which would allow them more time to evaluate Seth Smith.
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| Troy Tulowitzki is expected to begin his rehab assignment within the next week, according to the Denver Post. He will first undergo a few more days of drills at Coors Field to test the strength in his torn left quadriceps tendon. He said, "It's getting really close if there are no setbacks." |
Our View: He was previously expected to be out until the All-Star break, but he is seemingly progressing at an accelerated pace.
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| Denny Bautista, who was recovering from right shoulder tendinitis, could return from the DL on Friday, according to the Detroit Free Press. Manager Jim Leyland said there is a "good chance" that will happen. |
Our View: Bautista allowed six runs on 12 hits over 13.1 innings before landing on the DL, and the reliever's fantasy value shall remain low upon his return.
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| Manager Joe Torre previously commented that Clayton Kershaw would be skipped whenever the Dodgers didn't need a fifth starter, but he has now confirmed that Kershaw will make his normal start on Tuesday, according to the OC Register. |
Our View: The other four starters will get an extra day of rest. Kershaw pitching against the Padres on Tuesday likely means he will be needed again on June 15 at Detroit and probably June 21 against Cleveland. He is on a 170-inning limit for this season, but appears to be on a regular starting pitcher's schedule.
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| Mike Gonzalez needs one more week of rehab at Triple-A Richmond before returning to the Braves, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is coming off elbow-reconstruction surgery, and Manager Bobby Cox noted that he is doing well, and added, "He probably needs to go a few more times to get his breaking ball back in order. His velocity is 91-93 mph, not far off his mid-90s form."
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Our View: Gonzalez could get some save opportunities now that John Smoltz is out for the season, but will likely be eased back in slowly initially upon his return.
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| Cesar Valdez threw a complete game shutout for High-A Visalia on Wednesday, allowing only five hits and fanning four. |
Our View: Valdez has his ERA down to 2.56 with an 8-3 record, but his age (23) and mediocre strikeout rate has prevented him from appearing on many prospect lists. He still could have back of the rotation or long relief potential.
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| Scott Thorman hit a pair of home runs for Triple-A Richmond on Wednesday, giving him nine for the season. |
Our View: Remember him? Atlanta’s former starting first baseman has not yet appeared in the majors this season, and his .287 OBP shows that he is not particularly deserving of making it back for the time being.
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