|
|
| Placido Polanco went 3-for-4 with three RBI as the Tigers defeated the Angels 9-6 on Wednesday night.
|
Our View: Polanco has been terrific after a slow start to the season. He hit well over .333 in August and has started September on a tear.
|
|
|
|
| A.J. Burnett continues to throw quality efforts, and although he didn't get the win in the Jays 6-5 victory over the Twins on Wednesday night he deserved it. The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits, walked four and struck out eight. |
Our View: Burnett's 2008 season will once again garner him a huge free agent contract.
|
|
|
|
| Nick Blackburn tossed a quality start on Wednesday night but wasn't involved in the decision of the Twins 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays. The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out six. |
Our View: Blackburn, who pitches to contact, was good on Wednesday. Striking out six and walking none is a good fit with his 4.42 K rate and 1.66 BB ratio.
|
|
|
|
| Edwin Jackson lost his ninth game of the season after struggling on Wednesday night against the red-hot Yankee offense. Jackson lasted only 3.1 innings after allowing six runs on 10 hits. |
Our View: Jackson had a strong track record against the Yanks during his career, but currently the Bombers are playing with a purpose.
|
|
|
|
| Carl Pavano ran into trouble in the fifth inning and only worked an official four innings in Wednesday night's win over the Rays. Pavano allowed three runs on six hits, walked two and struck out one. |
Our View: The Yankees are determined to make a run in September, and with that comes little patience from a pitcher in a jam.
|
|
|
|
| Alex Rodriguez has two homers and nine RBI in his last three games and it's only fitting that he was the first player involved in the use of MLB homer run instant replay.
Rodriguez, who went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, hit the replay shot off Troy Percival. |
Our View: Third base umpire Brian Runge goes down in history as being the first umpire involved with instant replay and disappointingly, the home run was clearly fair and the drama was fleeting.
|
|
|
|
| The Royals' and Oakland Athletics game on Wednesday night was postponed because of rain.
A doubleheader was scheduled for Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. |
Our View: Brian Bannister will start the first game and Kyle Davies the second game. The A's rotation will remain the same. Dana Eveland in the first game and Dan Meyer in the second.
|
|
|
|
| Baltimore pitcher Jim Miller threw away a bunt for a game-ending error, allowing Alex Cora to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth Wednesday, as Boston beat Baltimore 5-4. |
Our View: This was only Miller's second appearance of the season for the Orioles. Look for Miller to rebound, as his minor league numbers were solid. He posted an ERA of 3.15 with 96 strikeouts in 80 innings while in the minors.
|
|
|
|
| Mark Kotsay hit a two-run triple in the eighth inning Wednesday, helping Boston squeak by the Orioles 5-4. |
Our View: As long as he receives consistent playing time, Kotsay should be fairly productive in the middle of Boston's lineup.
|
|
|
|
| AL batting leader Dustin Pedroia was 3-for-4 with a home run in the seventh inning Wednesday. His long ball triggered Boston’s comeback from a four-run deficit, as the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-4. |
Our View: Pedroia is scorching hot as he now 8-for-13 in his last three games, including two home runs and eight RBI.
|
|
|
|
| Felix Hernandez only allowed one earned run on seven hits over 7.1 innings in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to the Rangers, with one walk and three strikeouts. |
Our View: Hernandez pitched very well, but was ultimately dealt his ninth loss of the season due to no run support from Seattle's hitters. Hernandez has allowed two or less earned runs in four of his last seven starts, yet he only has one win over the span.
|
|
|
|
| Milton Bradley went 0-for-2 but registered the only RBI on a sacrifice fly in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Seattle. |
Our View: The RBI, which proved to be the game winner, came in the bottom of the first inning.
|
|
|
|
| Dustin Nippert hurled seven scoreless innings, with seven hits allowed, in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Mariners, with no walks and four strikeouts. |
Our View: He previously didn't garner much fantasy interest, but he is now worth a flier in deeper AL-only leagues in case he is headed for a favorable final month of the season.
|
|
|
|
| Jhonny Peralta was the Indians' lone source of scoring in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the White Sox at Progressive Field, as he went 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI. |
Our View: Peralta has collected an RBI in four of his last seven games, and has 77 for the season.
|
|
|
|
| Jeremy Sowers surrendered four earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the White Sox, with one walk and five strikeouts. He gave up two homers in the game, a solo shot to Nick Swisher and a two-run bomb to Alexei Ramirez. |
Our View: Sowers falls to 2-8 for the season and his ERA climbs to 5.97. He only won once over six starts in August, and could not get off to a good start in September.
|
|
|
|
| Alexei Ramirez carried the White Sox in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Indians as he went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer. |
Our View: Ramirez collected his 16th homer of the season, and looks to post solid numbers in September.
|
|
|
|
| Fox Sports reports that the Red Sox will target A.J. Burnett this winter. |
Our View: The 31-year-old hurler is almost certain to opt out of his contract and become a free agent at the end of the 2008 campaign. Since joining the Jays in 2006, he is 4-0 with a 2.70 ERA over six starts against Boston. The rival Yankees are also interested in Burnett, as well as CC Sabathia.
|
|
|
|
| Cliff Lee has been named the AL Pitcher of the Month for August, according to the AP. |
Our View: The Indians' ace went 5-0 with a 1.86 ERA during the month, becoming the majors’ first 20-game winner with an overall record of 20-2. He also is the first Cleveland pitcher to win 20 games since Gaylord Perry did it back in 1974.
|
|
|
|
| Sidney Ponson has struggled over his last three starts, but manager Joe Girardi indicated he will remain in the rotation, according to the NY Daily News. Girardi believes he can bounce back and said, "Sidney has done it before. He didn't have the sinker Monday that he's had, so we have to get that back. He'll go back to the bullpen and see if he can straighten things out."
|
Our View: His next scheduled start is Saturday against Seattle. Girardi still has faith in him, but fantasy owners should not. He only pitched 9.2 innings over his last three starts, with 17 earned runs allowed.
|
|
|
|
| Jim Johnson is scheduled for an MRI exam Friday after experiencing problems with his right shoulder, according to the Baltimore Sun. Johnson said, "I don't think we're exactly sure what's going on. It's just a little soreness. We'll take it from there and go day-by-day, I guess. We're in the last month. If something doesn't feel right, then I'm not going to push it."
|
Our View: Johnson has pitched just once in the last eight days, but team GM Andy MacPhail does not believe his injury is a long-range issue.
|
|
|
|
| Carlos Quentin is out of Wednesday's lineup due to a sore left forearm, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Ozzie Guillen said, "Quentin tried swinging the bat, he was not swinging the bat well and I don’t want to put him in a bad situation where he gets four at-bats and it gets worse. That’s the way he feels. When he says he’s sore, that means he’s very sore. Today we’ll make the decision."
|
Our View: He is considered day-to-day, and may be out until the weekend. Ken Griffey Jr. is also dealing with a sore back, as is third baseman Joe Crede.
|
|
|
|
| Kevin Youkilis was 50/50 to play today against Baltimore, and was scratched from the lineup, according to the AP. |
Our View: Mark Kotsay is covering first base in his absence. The Red Sox are off Thursday, so they opted to hold him out for an added day of rest.
|
|
|
|
| Travis Hafner, who is recovering from a right shoulder strain, will try to play consecutive games Friday and Saturday in the minors, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hafner said, "I'm in a better spot than I was two weeks ago."
|
Our View: He should be activated at some point this month, but fantasy owners should not expect much from him.
|
|
|
|
| Jake Westbrook is already out for the season following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, and is going to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Thursday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. |
Our View: The hip operation is not expected to hinder his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
|
|
|
|
| As expected, Juan Salas has been recalled by the Rays from Montgomery, according to the St. Petersburg Times. |
Our View: The reliever holds little to no fantasy value.
|
|
|
|
| Evan Longoria, who is recovering from a fractured right wrist, could possibly return to the Rays as soon as this weekend, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Manager Joe Maddon is optimistic but admitted that he still isn't sure as Longoria is yet to take batting practice. |
Our View: We will keep you posted on the rookie's status. He should remain stashed on fantasy rosters.
|
|
|
|
| Freddy Garcia threw 52 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday at Comerica Park, according to the Detroit News. Garcia threw in the mid-80's and manager Jim Leyland said, "Freddy was about exactly as I expected. He's way ahead of schedule for what he had done to him. If we're going out there expecting to see him throw 90, we're wasting our time. That's not going to happen. But he went 4-0 against us two years ago throwing 85. This guy knows what he's doing. The good thing is that I saw no restrictions with his arm."
|
Our View: Garcia is scheduled for another simulated game Monday, and could join the Tigers' rotation at some point before the end of the regular season, barring a setback.
|
|
|
|
| Dontrelle Willis hurled a 72-pitch simulated game Tuesday, and is scheduled for another one Monday, according to the Detroit News. Manager Jim Leyland was pleased with his outing and said, "I was very happy with Dontrelle. I thought he was a little tentative at the beginning, but began to throw free and easy. He popped the ball very well and got better as he went on. He hit 94 on the gun, pitched around 91. His delivery was much more controlled. I also thought he looked pretty confident. Some of his pitches were exploding late, which is a good sign."
|
Our View: Leyland may be pleased, but remains uncertain if the Tigers should bring him back this season, and what role to designate him with.
|
|
|
|
| Kevin Youkilis is considered 50/50 to play in Wednesday's series finale against Baltimore, according to the Boston Globe. Manager Terry Francona said, "I don't know, I guess there's hope he would play, but we have a day off tomorrow. We'll see. I bet it's 50-50 at best. I don't know if it's a smart thing to do or not." |
Our View: He was scratched Tuesday after experiencing back spasms during the National Anthem. Jeff Bailey could make another start at first base Wednesday, if needed.
|
|
|
|
| J.D. Drew's back is feeling better, but still may be a ways from being activated from the DL, according to the Boston Globe. |
Our View: He is making progress and took batting practice Tuesday, and should remain stashed on fantasy rosters.
|
|
|
|
| Josh Beckett remains on pace in his recovery from right elbow inflammation, and the Boston Globe reports he is expected to return this weekend against the Rangers. |
Our View: He worked a 58-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, and had good velocity on his throws. He will be on a short leash for his projected start Friday, around five innings or so. He doesn't need a rehab outing, but still needs to work up his endurance.
|
|
|
|
| The Boston Globe believes Bartolo Colon is on track to start one of the two games against Toronto September 13. |
Our View: Colon will make one more rehab start in the minors, likely Saturday for Pawtucket or Portland, both of which are in the playoffs. He is feeling good and believes everything is fine, regarding his recovery from a stiff back.
|
|
|
|
| The Boston Globe indicates that Mike Lowell remains on target in his recovery from a strained right oblique, and should return this weekend against the Rangers. |
Our View: He won't require a rehab game to get ready, and fantasy owners should be able to pencil him back into lineups for the new week. There is urgency in Boston to get him back, as the club needs to maintain their lead in the AL wildcard race.
|
|
|
|
| Joe Crede aggravated his back ailment during battle with the Indians Tuesday night and exited in the sixth inning, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: The Sox recalled Josh Fields from Triple-A Charlotte prior to the game but Juan Uribe is expected to cover third base if Crede is forced to miss any time. Crede is considered day-to-day.
|
|
