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| Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman does not believe that the New York Mets will pursue free agent pitcher John Lackey this offseason. |
Our View: Lackey's services will no doubt be in heavy demand after his solid postseason, and the Mets are supposedly more inclined to spend their dollars on an outfielder.
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| SNY speculates that John Lackey could end up on the Mets next season. |
Our View: The dominating Lackey would surely be a good fit in the pitcher-friendly Citi Field, but his preference could be to either stay in California or pitch in his native Texas. Wherever he ends up, as his performance in game five of the ALCS again proved, it won't be for cheap.
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| John Lackey was virtually untouchable for six innings on Thursday, but he ran into trouble in the seventh as the Angels let a four-run lead get away from them. The Angels came back and won the game, and Lackey finished with a no decision after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out seven. |
Our View: It looked like the Angels were in big trouble when the Yanks put six runs up in the seventh to take a two-run lead, but the offense came back to deliver a 7-6 win. Lackey looked outstanding into the seventh, but the wheels started to fall apart a bit. The bottom line is, the Angels live to fight another day.
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| According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustarted, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not optimistic about landing John Lackey, or any other front-line starters, this offseason. |
Our View: It was painfully obvious in the NLCS that the Dodgers had no stopper, and Lackey would no doubt be a great fit. But he has made it clear that he is looking for top dollar, and that is something the Dodgers rarely dole out.
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| The Journal News is reporting that the Angels will not pitch Game 1 starter John Lackey on short rest in this series. The team will stick with their four-man rotation regardless of the status of the series. |
Our View: The Angels have a deep starting rotation, and they feel like Scott Kazmir, who has had success in his career in his career against the Yanks, can get the job done. This seems like the right move for the Halos, especially considering Lackey's struggles in his Game 1 start.
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| John Lackey gave up four runs (two earned) on nine hits over 5.2 innings in Friday's 4-1 loss in Game 1 of the ALCS at New York. He had three walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey struggled in the hostile environment at Yankee Stadium. Joe Saunders will try to fare better as Saturday's starter in Game 2.
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| As expected, John Lackey has been slated for Game 1 of the ALCS against New York, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: The series will start Friday at Yankee Stadium. Lackey led the Angels to a win in Game 1 of the ALDS against Boston, and he is 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA over 12 career playoff games (10 starts).
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| MLB.com is reporting that John Lackey is likely to be named the Game 1 starter for the Angels in the ALCS. Lackey would likely face off against Yankee ace CC Sabathia in the game. |
Our View: This series looks like it has the potential to be a classic, and Lackey vs. CC will be an excellent way to start it off. Beating Sabathia may be a key to this series for the Halos, as he is really the only reliably dominant starter in the Yanks' rotation.
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| John Lackey pitched 7.1 scoreless frames and powered the Angels to a 5-0 win on the ALDS opener on Thursday. |
Our View: Lackey allowed just four hits and fanned four against one walk. All four hits allowed were singles and he kept the Red Sox off balance and powerless all game. This will likely earn the pending free agent some extra cabbage when the offseason roles around.
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| John Lackey got smoked by the A's on Saturday. He allowed six runs on ten hits and a walk over just five innings as the Halos fell 15-10 in an all-out slugfest. |
Our View: Lackey didn't take the loss in this one, but he certainly deserved to. He's falling apart down the stretch (ten earned runs in his last 11 innings), which is bad news for the Angels playoff hopes and Lackey's wallet. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.
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| John Lackey wasn't sharp on Sunday, allowing five runs in just six innings pitched, but still improved to 11-8 on the season after getting seven runs of support while he was in the game. The Angels won 10-5 in Texas. |
Our View: In 25 starts in 2009, he now has a 3.56 ERA.
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| John Lackey gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits over 7.2 innings in Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Boston. He had three walks and fired six strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey had a decent outing, but was dealt a loss due to poor run support. He allowed one or less earned runs in each of his previous three starts heading into tonight, and was coming off a complete game shutout against Seattle.
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| John Lackey went the distance on Thursday night against the Mariners. He tossed nine scoreless innings to earn his tenth victory and first shutout of the season. |
Our View: Lackey held Seattle to just five hits and one walk on Thursday and fanned seven Mariners. He has now gone at least eight innings in his last three starts, including nine in each of his last two, and has only surrendered one run over the entire stretch.
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| John Lackey only surrendered one earned run on six hits over nine innings in Saturday's 2-1 win at Kansas City. He had no walks with four strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey pitched great tonight, but was dealt a no-decision as the game went 11 innings. He only allowed one earned run over his last two starts (17 innings).
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| John Lackey earned his 100th career win with a marvelous performance against the A's on Sunday. He tossed eight innings allowing just five hits, two walks and one unearned run. He fanned five in the 9-1 drubbing of Oakland. |
Our View: Lackey needed a positive outing after allowing 11 runs in his last 11.1 innings (spanning two starts). Prior to that sloppy stretch he had rattled off seven quality starts in a row. Congrats to John on getting it done Sunday and earning number 100. The pending free agent will surely get some attention in the offseason.
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| John Lackey was lit up for six earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings in Thursday's 11-3 loss at Cleveland. He had four walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey was dealt his sixth loss of the season for his poor outing. He allowed two or less earned runs in six of his previous seven starts, and should be able to bounce back fine.
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| John Lackey was in control from the hill in Saturday's 5-1 win at Baltimore, as he only issued one earned run on seven hits over seven innings. He had one walk and six strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey improved to 8-5, and trimmed his ERA to 3.73. He has allowed two or less earned runs in six of his last seven starts, and should remain a reliable fantasy starter.
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| John Lackey allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits over 6.2 innings in Sunday's 7-0 loss to the Rangers at Angel Stadium. He had two walks and fired eight strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey suffered his fifth loss of the season, and is winless over his last two starts. He went 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA over six starts in July, and should be able to bounce back fine.
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| John Lackey gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits over eight innings in Tuesday's 5-4 loss at Chicago. He had two walks and fired seven strikeouts, and allowed two homers. |
Our View: The game was tied at 4-4 when Lackey exited, so he ends the night with a no-decision rather than a loss. He was riding a four-game winning streak heading into tonight's battle.
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| John Lackey only issued one earned run on three hits over seven innings in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Indians at Angel Stadium. He had four walks and racked up eight strikeouts. |
Our View: It was a strong outing for Lackey, despite the four free passes. He has earned a win in four straight starts, and improved to 7-4. He is two wins away from 100 for his career.
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| John Lackey moved to 5-4 with his outstanding performace on Sunday in the Angels' 1-0 victory over the A's in ten innings. Lackey went nine scoreless while allowing three hits, walking one and striking out six. |
Our View: This was the John Lackey fantasy owners expected when drafting him before the season started. While he has been average at best so far this season, he looks to be completely healthy now and fantasy owners should expect a much better second half from the Angels' ace. This outing may have been against the mediocre A's offense, but allowing only three hits in nine innings against any major league team is impressive.
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| John Lackey picked up his fourth win of the season on Sunday by holding the Yankees to just two runs on six hits and three walks over seven innings. He fanned six in the Angels tight 5-4 victory. |
Our View: Since returning from injury in mid May, Lackey has been mediocre at best. He's shown flashed of brilliance and effectiveness, but has been knocked around more than he's dominated. Hopefully Sunday's solid outing gets him back on track.
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| John Lackey got lit up on Tuesday after pitching his best game of the season last Thursday. The burly righty allowed six earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work as the Rangers routed the Angels 8-5 in Anaheim. |
Our View: Lackey appeared to have turned a corner after his eight-inning performance against the Orioles last Thursday, but looked awful on Tuesday. He now has a 5.18 ERA and ugly 1.47 WHIP through 66 innings pitched this season.
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| John Lackey had his best outing of the season on Thursday, throwing eight strong innings, striking out seven and surrendering just two earned runs, as the Angels beat Baltimore 5-2. |
Our View: Lackey is slowly getting back on track after a bad start to his 2009 season. He should now be safe to pencil into your starting lineup without fear of him getting bombed from here on out.
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| John Lackey was excellent in a no decision in the Angels' 2-1 win over Arizona on Saturday, going seven innings without giving up any earned runs (one unearned) off five hits and three walks while striking out nine. |
Our View: The start was Lackey's best of the season and it looks like he could be turning things around having made it through the seventh inning in three-straight starts after struggling initially upon coming off the DL in mid-May.
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| John Lackey was roughed up for four earned runs on nine hits over eight innings in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Dodgers at Angel Stadium. He issued four walks with five strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey now has a losing record at 2-3, and his ERA climbs to 5.83. He is also 1-2 with a 5.67 ERA over four starts in June. Hopefully Lackey can get back on track soon, and he is worth keeping employed in fantasy lineups.
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| According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, the Angels are "worried" about ace John Lackey. |
Our View: Lackey has an unsightly 6.10 ERA in seven starts since returning from the disabled list on May 16 and has thrown only one quality start. However, he did strike out ten Giants in his last start, so he might finally be headed in the right direction.
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| John Lackey allowed three earned runs on 10 hits over seven innings in Monday's 9-7 win at San Francisco. He issued no walks and racked up 10 strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey evened his record to 2-2 for the season, and ended a four-game skid without a win. He also reached double digits in strikeouts for the first time.
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| John Lackey got roughed up by the Rays on Wednesday. The Angels ace lasted only five innings as he gave up eight earned runs on 11 hits and two walks. |
Our View: This was Lackey's worst outing of 2009. He has not looked particularly good in any of his five outings but we still have faith that he will be a valuable pitcher before it is all said and done this season. It may be a very good time to buy low on Lackey.
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| John Lackey was impressive in his start on Thursday afternoon as the Angels beat the Blue Jays 6-5. Lackey went seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out six. He did not factor into the decision. |
Our View: Much better start for Lackey today, but his bullpen couldn't finish it off for him. Lackey lowered his ERA from 6.05 to 5.19 with today's start, and hopefully for Lackey owners he makes this the rule rather than the exception.
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| John Lackey allowed five runs on ten hits and two walks over seven innings on Friday night. He fell to 1-1 on the season as the Mariners topped the Angels 5-2. |
Our View: Lackey has not been good since returning from the DL. He has only one quality start in his first three outings and owns a 6.05 ERA. Don't give up on him yet though, as he is extremely talented and is likely to bounce back.
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| John Lackey will be closely monitored during his start against the Dodgers tonight, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. He fired 82 pitches in his first full start of the season since coming off the DL with a strained right forearm. |
Our View: It may take some time before Lackey starts pitching like an ace again, but is still worth employing in fantasy lineups right now - as long as fantasy owners temper their expectations.
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| John Lackey managed 82 pitches in his second start of the season as the Angels defeated the Mariners 10-6 on Monday. He allowed seven hits and five runs, four of which were earned. He also struck out three and walked none in his five innings of work. |
Our View: Lackey wasn't particularly impressive tonight, but he did manage a win. Expect him to improve in his next outing. Lackey is normally good for a quality start, and we expect nothing less than those from him going forward.
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| The AP reports that the Angels have announced that John Lackey will start on Monday when the Angels take on the Mariners. He started on Saturday against the Rangers, but was ejected after throwing just two pitches. |
Our View: This is good news for Lackey owners as he will now probably make two starts this week. Expect him to last substantially longer and come back more focused after his embarrassing ejection.
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| John Lackey could pitch Monday at Seattle after only throwing two pitches prior to be being ejected in his season debut Saturday against Texas, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: His first pitch Saturday went behind Ian Kinsler's head, while the second struck Kinsler in the ribs. Lackey will be replacing Matt Palmer if he pitches Monday. Lackey originally was not scheduled to pitch again until Thursday.
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| John Lackey made his 2009 debut on Saturday, and it only lasted two pitches, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He didn't hurt himself, but instead he got ejected after throwing the first pitch past Ian Kinsler's head and the second straight into Kinsler's back. He was replaced by Shane Loux. |
Our View: Lackey may have been wild since it was his first start, or he may have been sending a message to Kinsler after Kinsler launched two homers on Friday night. Either way, Lackey left after his two pitches. On the bright side, today acted like another bullpen session, so he should be good to go in his next start.
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| John Lackey, who has been recovering from a strained forearm muscle, is set to make his first start of the season Saturday against the Rangers, according to the Orange County Register. |
Our View: Lackey is capable of being an ace pitcher when healthy, but fantasy owners may want to see how he fares in his first game back before penciling him into lineups.
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| John Lackey had a successful rehab start at Triple-A on Sunday and has declared himself ready to make his season debut for the Angels on Friday against Texas, according to the Orange County Register. |
Our View: Pitching at Texas isn't exactly the greatest venue for a debut, and thus it may be best to see how Lackey fares in his first start before starting him in your fantasy lineup, but it certainly comes as great news that the wait is nearly over for Lackey owners who drafted the Angels right-hander to be an ace for their fantasy staff.
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| John Lackey threw 4.2 innings on Wednesday during a rehab start at Triple-A and he thinks that he will be ready to return from his wonky elbow after only one more minor league appearance, according to MLB.com. "If the next one goes OK, and I go up to 75 or 80 [pitches], I think I'll be ready to go." |
Our View: Both Lackey and Ervin Santana are closing in on a return to the starting rotation for the Angels, so continue to hold fast if you have been waiting. If everything goes to plan, Lackey appears likely to return to action on May 15th against the Rangers.
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| The Orange County Register reports that John Lackey will make a start at Triple-A on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from right elbow inflammation. He will make two or three starts prior to joining the Angels rotation. |
Our View: The time line for Lackey is two weeks, barring any setbacks. We expect him to have another strong season in 2009 as he knows how to work deep into games, limit his walks, and get strikeouts in double play balls as he needs them.
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| John Lackey (elbow) will throw roughly 45-to-50 pitches in an extended spring training game on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reports. He tossed 30 pitches when he worked on Saturday. |
Our View: Lackey could being a minor league rehab assignment next week. We would expect him to make two or three starts in the minors before moving back to the majors.
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| MLB.com reports that John Lackey looked sharp while using 30 pitches to complete two innings in an extended spring training game on Saturday. He is trying to return from a strained right forearm. |
Our View: Lackey will throw again on Thursday. If all goes well, look for him to start his rehab assignment in a little more than a week. The Angels want to have his pitch count up to 90 before bringing him back, so it could be another three weeks before he returns to action.
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| John Lackey continues to look sharp in his rehab from his elbow injury, according to the Orange County Register. He will throw on Saturday, and if that goes well he will be one step closer to making a minor league rehab appearance. |
Our View: The plan calls for Lackey to make one more appearance in extended spring training before moving on to a minor league rehab appearance. Barring a setback, he is on track to return to the Angels by mid-May.
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| John Lackey threw a 45 pitch batting practice session on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. The starter has been sidelined since late March with a forearm strain. He did say afterwards that he is still "feeling something" in his elbow, but that it was a fairly common sort of pain that pitchers deal with. |
Our View: The fact that he went down with a forearm injury and is now feeling pain in his elbow is something to raise an eyebrow at. He hopes to start a minor league rehab assignment next week and be back in the rotation by early May, but don't be shocked if there is a set back or two. Keep an eye on his performances in the minors to see if his effectiveness drops at all.
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| John Lackey continues to recover well from right elbow inflammation, according to the Orange County Register. He threw a bullpen session Sunday, light throwing from the mound with the catcher standing up in front of home plate. Lackey said, "It feels good. Arm strength was not an issue. It was just getting that little monster out of there (referring to the inflammation)."
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Our View: Lackey had worked his way up to 90 pitches in his last spring start when the arm ailment creeped up. He is hopeful that he could start a rehab assignment after just two or three bullpen sessions. He looks to remain on pace to return in late-April or early-May, and the Angels' ace hurler should be stashed in mixed leagues.
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| John Lackey, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, played catch for around 10 minutes during yesterday's pregame warmup, according to the Orange County Register. He said, "I would not say there was no pain, but it felt good enough to keep going." |
Our View: Lackey could return in late-April or early-May. He is the Angels' top pitcher when healthy, and is worth stashing in mixed leagues.
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| John Lackey, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation, is hoping to start a throwing program Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times. |
Our View: Barring a setback, Lackey is expected to be back by the end of April or early-May. Lackey is the "ace" of the Angels' rotation when healthy.
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| The Angels are encouraged by John Lackey's latest MRI on his ailing right elbow, according to ESPN. They are working to get the inflammation out of his elbow, and the injury is not as significant as the one he suffered last season. |
Our View: The club expects Lackey to return to the hill by the end of April or early-May. Lackey is a risky fantasy option, but is a strong starter when healthy.
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| Angels hurler John Lackey received a cortisone shot in his ailing right elbow, according to the AP. |
Our View: Lackey will be out until the pain in his elbow subsides. It's possible he'll return in two weeks if that happens.
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| According to the LA Times, contract extension talks have halted between John Lackey and the Angels. The pitcher is seeking five years and $80-90 million. He has set Opening Day as a deadline for the deal to be completed. |
Our View: This isn't good for Lackey, who was just shut down with elbow tightness. It looks like he may soon be the most attractive free agent pitcher on the market. Assuming, of course, that the elbow doesn't turn into a huge issue.
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| John Lackey may not be ready to pitch on opening day as he is being shut down with elbow tightness, according to the LA Times. Lackey said, "I do not think it is serious. I could have played catch today, but they wanted me to wait another day. It is a little different than last spring. It is not that bad."
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Our View: Lackey was not sent for an MRI exam, but he is not slated to pitch again until April 1, giving him nine days between starts. How many pitches he throws that day, and how he feels afterward, will decide whether he will be able to take the hill for the season opener.
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| John Lackey allowed 10 hits, four home runs, a walk, and seven earned runs over four innings in Sunday's 18-12 win over the Royals. |
Our View: Lackey allowed just one home run over his first 14 innings of the spring, but clearly his pitches were coming in fat today. We feel the veteran was "just getting his work in" and that he should remain a solid fantasy option in 2009. He is no stranger to terrible outings such as this one, but more often than not he will deliver a quality start.
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| John Lackey had a strong start on Tuesday going five innings and allowing only one run. He didn't walk a man and allowed just three hits, but did not receive a decision. |
Our View: This is a good sign for Lackey who has struggled this spring. The Angles and fantasy owners are counting him to be a top fantasy starter.
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| The Los Angeles Times reports that the agent for John Lackey met with general manager Tony Reagins Friday to possibly discuss a contract extension for the coveted starting pitcher. |
Our View: Lackey, who is 91-63 with a 3.81 ERA in six-plus seasons, had his option for 2009 renewed by the Angels, but wants to get an extension done by the start of the 2009 regular season.
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| John Lackey retired all six Rockies hitters that he faced in the Angels 12-3 win on Monday, according to the AP. He struck out one hitter. Lackey says that he focused his offseason on strengthening his elbow and shoulder as a preventative measure. "I have not felt any pain going back to last spring," the right-hander said. |
Our View: Lackey's stuff is far from superior, but it is good. He throws a ton of strikes and he should be in line to eat up another 200 innings or so this season.
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| John Lackey is disappointed he will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Orange County Register. He missed the start of last season with a strained triceps, which allowed the Angels to hold him out of the tournament. Lackey said, "Tony Reagins called me in and talked to me face to face which was cool. Obviously, I was willing to take that risk of injury. They were not real excited about having me do it and I understand where they were going. I guess we just agreed to disagree."
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Our View: Lackey remains an injury risk and has been losing pitching velocity on his fastball, but is still worth drafting as a No. 2 fantasy hurler.
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| The Angels hope to begin contract negotiations with pitcher John Lackey in the near future, the Los Angeles Times notes. Lackey is in the last year of his contract. "It's something I'd rather do before the season started," Lackey says. "I wouldn't want it to drag into the season." The Angels signed Ervin Santana to a four-year extension over the weekend. |
Our View: We're surprised the Angels didn't try to get something done over the winter. Lackey won't get a CC Sabathia-like deal, but there's no reason he should settle for anything less than an A.J. Burnett-level contract. He is only 30 and has been a proven workhorse. The Angels would be wise to sign him after he had some arm injuries in 2008. A healthy 2009 will only drive up the price tag.
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| The Associated Press reported Monday that Angels manager Mike Scioscia signed a 10-year extension with the club last week, which would keep him with the team through the 2018 season. He has been with the team since the 2000 season. |
Our View: Scioscia is often viewed as one of the best managers in the majors. He has won the AL West four times in nine years and won the wild card, World Series, and AL Manager of the Year in 2002, so it's not hard to see why they want to keep him around.
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| The Angels have exercised John Lackey's 2009 option for $9 million, according to Sports Illustrated. |
Our View: The Angels are also expected to try to ink Lackey to a long-term deal. He went 12-5 in 2008, with a 1.23 WHIP and 3.75 ERA.
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| The Los Angeles Angels are looking to extend the contracts of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and hurler John Lackey, according to the L.A. Times. However, Lackey warned that he would need to see the direction the team goes in the offseason before those talks start. |
Our View: Lackey was not his usual dominant self for fantasy owners this season, with an ERA of 3.75. He did not have a bad season by any stretch, but he did miss time to injury and gathered only 12 wins.
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| John Lackey hurled seven solid innings allowing just two runs to the Red Sox though it wasn't enough as the Angels eventually fell in the ninth inning by the score of 3-2. |
Our View: Lackey had a 2.63 ERA in his two starts but the Angels lost both games as Jon Lester was simply better each time out. This is certainly a disappointing end for the only team in baseball that won 100 games this season.
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| John Lackey pitched better than he had of late but it was not good enough for the win in Game 1 of the NLDS. He surrendered a sixth inning home run to Jason Bay that put the Angels behind for the rest of the night. He gave up four hits, two walks and recorded five strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched. |
Our View: Lackey stepped it up but Jason Bay got the best of him. Historically, the Red Sox hit Lackey very well.
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| John Lackey was rocked for 10 earned runs on 12 hits over a mere 2.2 innings in Friday's 12-1 loss to the Rangers, with two walks and one strikeout. |
Our View: Lackey falls to 12-5 and his ERA climbs from 3.25 to 3.75. Lackey allowed more earned runs tonight than he has over his previous three starts combined.
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| John Lackey picked up a career-high 12 strikeouts and allowed just two hits over six innings to earn his 12th win of the year against only four loses. |
Our View: Lackey entered the game with a 6.75 over his last three starts, so a sigh of relief could be heard from the Angels as they gear up for the playoffs. Lackey will finish his fourth straight season with an ERA below 3.60, and his current WHIP of 1.16 would be a career best (last year's 1.21 mark is his career low).
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| John Lackey had his third straight unimpressive performance on Tuesday night, this time at the hands of the A's. He lasted 5.1 innings, allowed nine hits and for runs. |
Our View: The Angels' ace was pitching on nine days rest. In his previous outing, he was roughed up by the White Sox for five runs on nine hits in seven innings. Expect him to fine tune his pitching in his next start as the Angels begin to prepare for the postseason.
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| John Lackey took a rare loss on Sunday. He allowed nine hits and four runs over five innings against the Rangers. Lackey slipped to 11-3, and his ERA rose to 3.10. |
Our View: We won't be surprised if the Angels allow Lackey to skip a start or two in September in order to rest up for the postseason. He remains a fantasy ace, but he has battled some arm issues this year.
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| John Lackey pitched a complete game and the Angels offense finally got on track in the Angels' 5-1 win over the A's on Tuesday in front of 37,431 at Angel Stadium, according to MLB.com. The right-hander allowed seven hits while striking out five and walking none. He allowed just two runners to reach second base and allowed just one run on Jack Cust's solo homer in the ninth inning. |
Our View: This is Lackey's second win in five starts this month, giving up a combined total of 12 earned runs over 36 total innings.
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| John Lackey improved to 10-2 with a so-so performance against the Indians on Saturday. The ace allowed six hits and three runs over six innings. He walked three (two intentional), struck out three, and allowed two homers. |
Our View: Lacker hasn't always had his best stuff recently, but he keeps on winning. He remains a very solid starter in fantasy leagues.
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| The Angels got the big win, and no one is surprised with RHP John Lackey on the mound. Lackey pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey didn't get the win as the offense took time to formulate scoring, but his ERA maintains at 3.15. Over his last six starts, Lackey has gone 3-0 with 12 walks versus 29 strikeouts.
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| The same formula that said the Texas Rangers had the most loyal fans in baseball also deemed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim fans the least loyal, according to Forbes.com. |
Our View: This has nothing to do with fantasy baseball, but it is something that should be of interest to baseball fans.
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| It wasn't a near no-hitter, but Angels RHP John Lackey was on the mark today in keeping this team in the mix while he was on the mound. Lackey pitched six innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Lackey leaves with no decision and now carries an ERA of 3.10. |
Our View: The relief pitching let him down with an atrocious inning immediately after Lackey's exit, allowing six in the seventh to fall 14-9.
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| Angels RHP John Lackey dominated the Boston Red Sox throughout the evening, but his bid to pitch a no-hitter was lost in the ninth with a home run surrendered to Kevin Youkilis. Lackey still gets his ninth win of the season, pitching the complete game to allow jut two runs on two hits (both coming in the bottom of the ninth) with two walks and four strikeouts. |
Our View: That's three consecutive wins for Lackey with a record of 8-1 over since June 1. However, over his five July starts, he has surrendered 22 combined earned runs and failed to reach the sixth inning in two of those games.
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| John Lackey improved to 8-2 on the year but it was an ugly victory as he was hit hard to the tune of eight hits and six runs in five innings against the Indians. |
Our View: This is the third time in four starts that Lackey has surrendered five or more runs, and on the year his ERA sits at 3.02, almost identical to his 3.01 mark of last season. Guess that old regression to the mean has something to it doesn't it?
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| Los Angeles RHP John Lackey was successful in putting the Boston Red Sox in check this evening, leading his Angels to the 11-3 win. Lackey pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (all earned) over five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. |
Our View: One of those strikeouts was Lackey's 1,000th K of his career. He now sits at 7-2 on the season with an ERA of 2.58.
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| John Lackey will take the mound for the first game following the All Star break. The team didn't make any official announcement about who would follow Lackey. However, it's believed that Joe Saunders, who missed Sunday's start to a new addition to the family, will start Saturday or Sunday. |
Our View: In 11 career starts against the Red Sox, Lackey has a 1-6 record with 6.27 ERA. It is his worst mark against any American League team.
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| John Lackey was given a 10-2 lead on Thursday night but he couldn't hold on to the lead as he allowed an amazing 15 hits over 5.2 innings which led to six runs scored by the Rangers. Lacked also walked five guys on the night for an astronomical total of 20 base runners in 5.2 innings. |
Our View: The Angels bullpen went on to blow the rest of the eight run lead, but the big story was Lackey who saw his ERA shoot up to 2.46 with this effort while his WHIP lept from 0.94 to 1.12. After a phenomenal start to the year, Lackey has given up 10 earned runs and 23 hits over his last 11.2 IP so the All-Star break appears to be coming at a great time.
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| John Lackey lost his second game of the year on Saturday as he allowed six runs, five earned, to the Blue Jays in six innings. Lackey walked just one while striking out seven in the loss. |
Our View: Lackey had his worst outing of the season on Saturday as he allowed more than three earned runs for the first time in 10 starts. He leaves this outing with a 6-2 record and a 1.93 ERA.
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| John Lackey has been named the AL Pitcher of the Month for June, according to the AP. Lackey went 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA in the month (38.2 innings), with 34 strikeouts.
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Our View: Lackey was worth the wait this season, as he is 6-1 with a 1.44 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over nine starts.
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| John Lackey couldn't quite finish off his masterpiece on Sunday, but he came close. The ace tossed 8.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers and improved to 6-1 with a 1.44 ERA. Lackey allowed three hits, walked two, struck out nine, and threw 120 pitches. |
Our View: Hey, at least the Dodgers got a hit this time, right? Lackey is pitching as well as any hurler in the majors, and fantasy owners who showed patience with the ace continued to be rewarded.
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| John Lackey allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out six over eight innings Monday in picking up hist fifth win in eight starts. |
Our View: Lackey has been phenomenal since coming off the DL, posting a 1.65 ERA.
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| Los Angeles RHP John Lackey continues to shine, picking up his fourth win of the season as the Angels put the Mets to bed, 6-1. Lackey pitched 7 2/3 innings to surrender just one run on six hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. |
Our View: Lackey now carries an ERA of 1.73 with a record of 4-1, including a mark of 3-0 through June.
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| The Angels waited until late in the game to take command, but they put the runs up and got the 4-2 win over Tampa Bay. RHP John Lackey got the win, going 7 1/3 innings to allow two runs (both earned) on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. |
Our View: The win is Lackey's third on the season, touting an impressive 1.83 ERA after six starts.
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| John Lackey allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits over eight innings in Saturday's 3-2 win over Toronto, with one walk and seven strikeouts. He ended the night with a no decision, and Scot Shields went on to claim the win, in a game that went 10 innings. |
Our View: This was another strong outing for him, and he only allowed six earned runs over his four starts in 2008. He is only 1-1, but would have more wins if not for poor run support from his Angels' team-mates.
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| The Angels are set to continue doing battle with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays this evening and will push RHP John Lackey to the mound for just his fourth start this season, according to the Sports Network. |
Our View: Lackey is 1-1 with a lowly 2.05 ERA thus far and comes off a disappointing loss on Sunday versus the Chicago White Sox despite allowing just three earned runs on six hits over eight innings. Lackey is 3-2 lifetime against Toronto.
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| In just his second start of the season, RHP John Lackey earned his first loss of the campaign, going eight innings deep to give up three runs (all earned) on six hits with one walk, three strikeouts, and two home runs surrendered. |
Our View: Lackey all but dominated the White Sox lineup in the 3-2 loss (both homers hit by outfielder Carlos Quentin) with only three hitters finding a base on the hurler, but the offense support failed to show.
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| John Lackey won for the first time since Sept. 28, pitching seven strong innings giving the Angels a 3-1 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Lackey allowed one run on seven hits, walked three and struck out six. |
Our View: This was Lackey's second start after a long stint on the disabled list. The right-hander threw 106 pitches of which 67 were strikes.
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| John Lackey is set to make his second start of the season tonight on the road against Toronto, according to MLB.com. Lackey is 2-2 in his career at Rogers Centre. |
Our View: He pitched well in his first start of the season (against the White Sox) since returning from his strained right triceps, as he only allowed one run on six hits over seven innings, with one walk and four strikeouts. Lackey should get stronger with each passing start, and should be in your lineups tonight.
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| John Lackey was officially taken off of the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday afternoon, which is where he’s been since the beginning of the season with a strained right triceps.
The Angels are hoping that he can quickly regain the form that led to his 19-win season from a year ago. Lackey faces off against the White Sox and Jose Contreras tonight in Los Angeles. |
Our View: The White Sox were one of the few teams to beat Lackey last season. Careerwise, Lackey is 3-4 against Chicago.
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| Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced RHP John Lackey will be making his season debut on Wednesday as LA faces the Chicago White Sox, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. |
Our View: Lackey has been out since spring training with a strained right triceps. Scioscia reports, "He's gone 90 pitches, so he should have at least 90 in him, maybe more depending on how it goes. He went full gorilla and pitched well in his workout in Tempe (AZ), so he should be ok."
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| John Lackey is scheduled to come off the DL and start for the Angels on Wednesday, May 14 against the White Sox, MLB.com confirms. He is on the DL due to a right triceps strain. |
Our View: We figured that one more confirmation newsbreaker couldn't hurt. Lackey threw 88 pitches in his latest rehab stint, so he should be near full strength.
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| John Lackey threw 88 pitches over six innings in an extended spring training game on Friday afternoon, this according to the AP.
Lackey, who went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA last season, could rejoin the team next week. He opened the season on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right triceps.
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Our View: Lackey previously made three rehab starts for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and has had no issues or setbacks in his work.
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| John Lackey hopes to make his final rehab start today in Tempe, Arizona, according to the LA Times. He is recovering from a strained triceps. |
Our View: If Lackey reports no soreness (or any other complication), he could make his season debut with thw Angels early next week. Lackey went 19-9 in 2007, with a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. The Angels' ace should reward fantasy owners for their patience, who stashed him away on draft day.
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| John Lackey worked four innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. He allowed four hits and two runs, walked one, struck out four, threw a wild pitch, and hit two batters. "It's all about pitch count now," Lackey tells MLB.com. "My arm felt fine. My location was better today, and I had a good heater." The ace has been out all season due to a strained right triceps. He threw 68 pitches on Sunday. |
Our View: Lackey remains at least one minor league outing away from rejoining the Angels. Fantasy owners can tentatively plan on using him for the week of May 12-18. Let's hope he doesn't bean too many more minor leaguers in the meantime.
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| John Lackey is scheduled to make his third rehab start on Sunday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to the Orange County Register. His fourth rehab outing will likely come in extended spring training, and if he doesn't have any setbacks he'll return to the Angels rotation around May 14. |
Our View: Lackey has looked good thus far, giving up two runs in five innings with seven Ks. Keep a watchful eye on his return date, because you'll probably want to activate him right away.
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| John Lackey will make his second rehab start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga tonight, according to the LA Times. He'll throw four innings or about 60 pitches. |
Our View: Lackey remains on pace to return to the Angels in mid-May. He won 19 games in 2007, and his return will be highly anticipated
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| John Lackey returned to the mound on Thursday, while tossing two innings during a rehab assignment with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to the AP. Lackey allowed a solo homer among three hits, with five strikeouts and no walks (he threw 40 total pitches). Lackey commented, "I thought my stuff was fine, but still not ready to go back to the major leagues." He added that he was able to throw his entire arsenal of pitches and was encouraged that his arm felt fine while throwing changeups, a pitch he previously struggled with due to the triceps injury. The Angels' ace is expected to remain with Rancho Cucamonga through May 4, during which time he will make two more starts.
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Our View: This is encouraging news, and he remains on pace to return to the Angels in mid-May. He won 19 games in 2007, and his return will be highly anticipated.
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| John Lackey (triceps) is slated to work three minor league rehab appearances and then throw in an extended spring training game on May 9, the Los Angeles Times reports. The ace would then rejoin the Angels the following week. |
Our View: There you have it, folks. Fantasy owners can tentatively plan on using Lackey for the week of May 12-18.
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| John Lackey through a 40-pitch, simulated game on Saturday and the reports were very positive, this according to MLB.com. "John, the way he threw the ball in the sim game, he's ready stuff-wise to go compete in a game," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We've got him penciled in for two innings, 40 pitches, at [Class A] Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday." |
Our View: The team wants him back up to the 80-85 pitch area before they activate him, so look for Lackey to make about four appearances with Rancho Cucamonga a Single-A squad, as the team doesn't want him pitching in Triple-A Salt Lake City where the weather could be an issue.
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| John Lackey is believed to be on track to return in about three weeks, according to the LA Times. The Angels' ace said he felt "really good" after pitching a one-inning simulated game on Wednesday, but said the more important test would be how he feels today, and added, "It felt good in spring training in the last bullpen I threw. I couldn't move my arm two days later." Manager Mike Scioscia said Lackey is scheduled for a two-inning simulated game Saturday, followed by three or four minor league rehab starts. That timetable puts his anticipated return in the second week of May. Scioscia noted that Lackey could split those starts between Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and extended spring training, with the latter option enabling the Angels to control his pitch count by declaring an inning over whenever they choose. He is recovering from a right triceps strain.
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Our View: His return would remove Dustin Moseley from the rotation.
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| John Lackey threw 47 pitches in a bullpen session prior to Sunday's game. He mixed in some breaking balls for the first time during his recovery from a strained right triceps. "It was another positive step," pitching coach Mike Butcher tells the Orange County Register. "We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves but right now he looks good." |
Our View: We're still looking at a May return date, even though this is obviously good news.
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| John Lackey (triceps) was able to throw 30 pitches on Thursday and is looking forward to a scheduled 45-pitch outing for this Sunday, this according to the Orange County Register. Lackey only threw fastballs on Thursday and he hopes to mix in some off-speed on Sunday for the Angels. Based on the established timeframe, Lackey hopes to be back in either the first or second week of May. |
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| John Lackey, who is on the DL because of a triceps strain, has extended his long-toss program to 120 feet, according to the LA Times. Manager Scioscia commented, "Lackey has been throwing aggressively off flat ground at 60 feet." He is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound this week and, barring a negative setback, he could return to the Angels' rotation in the first half of May. This is good news for the Angels' ace. |
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| John Lackey has been playing long toss and could begin throwing off a mound next week, according to the LA Times. He is targeting an early May return, at best. |
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| The Angels placed John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, but still the right-hander isn't expected back until early May at best. Jered Weaver will open the season on Monday as the teams opening day starter. |
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| John Lackey began a throwing program on Friday, according to the LA Times. The good news was that it was about a week earlier than expected. The bad news is that even if all goes well, we won't see him in game action until at least early May. |
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| John Lackey is making progress, according to the LA Times. He is about a week into his rehab from a triceps strain, but feels like he's making progress as he commented, "I'm feeling better. I can brush my teeth with my right hand; I couldn't do that a few days ago." Lackey could return some time in May.
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| An MRI taken on Friday revealed that John Lackey has a strained triceps, according to the OC Register. He will be completely shut down for the next 3-4 weeks, at which point he'll be re-examined to determine whether he can begin a throwing program. That means he'll all but certainly miss all of April and could be out well into May, depending on how his recovery goes. Dustin Moseley should replace Lackey in the Angels rotation. |
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| Despite an elbow ailment, John Lackey hopes to be ready to pitch on opening day, according to the LA Times. Lackey made his spring debut on Monday and considers himself strong enough to start the Angels' opener. Mike Scioscia also stated, "I would not consider Lackey for the opener because he would not be able to make the five spring starts necessary to build his pitch count to 100. The probability is, he will not be the opening-day starter. There certainly is a possibility. We're going to let this thing play out." Scioscia left open the possibility Lackey could work up to 90 pitches in four spring starts and up to 100 on opening day, however.
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| John Lackey pitched 1.2 innings against the A's on Monday in what can be described as a solid outing, this according to MLB.com. However, the odds of him making the opening day start for the Angels are shrinking. "The probability is he'll be ready for his first turn in the rotation -- that's more important than being the starter in the opener," manager Mike Scioscia said. Truth is, it doesn't really matter is he starts opening day or not as long as he is healthy which appears to be the case. Continue to monitor his progress, but unless he suffers a setback, it appears you can draft him with confidence. |
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| John Lackey looked good in the bullpen on Thursday, but with only four starts scheduled the rest of the spring he may not be ready for opening day, this according to the AP. "You have to build up stamina," manager Mike Scoiscia said. "Unless something unforeseen would happen, we would at least want John to be at 100 pitches so that he can pitch deep enough into his first start. That’s going to take a little bit of work.” So it sounds like the Angels may start the year without their top-2 starters, though barring a setback, Lackey may not even have to be placed on the DL and may only miss one start. Stay tuned. |
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| According to the OC Register, Angels right-hander John Lackey just finished a 41-pitch bullpen session and said he felt great. “I felt really strong today,” said Lackey who finished the session with an unarmed Mike Scioscia standing in as batter. “I’m definitely encouraged. Ready to roll.”
In fact, Lackey was so encouraged that he was not ready to write off an Opening Day start as out of reach.
“I wouldn’t say that (he won’t be ready by March 31),” he said. “I think I would have got some guys out today.”
Lackey is now scheduled to make his first spring start on Monday against the Oakland Athletics. |
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| John Lackey threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Monday and came away saying he was just fine. It's the first time the right-hander has been on a mound since feeling soreness in his elbow last week, according to the LA Times. Lackey is scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday, which would tentatively line him up to start the fifth game of the regular season. The Halos could certainly shuffle their pitchers around before then, though. |
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| John Lackey did not throw a bullpen session on Sunday. Instead, he took an extra day of long toss in order to work out the tightness in his right elbow, MLB.com reports. Lackey plans to throw in the bullpen on Monday and possibly start on Friday. |
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| John Lackey will not pitch in exhibition play until next Wednesday or Thursday due to a sore elbow. The righty began feeling tightness in the elbow a week ago. "I'm not real concerned about it," Lackey said in the LA Times. "It will be fine. I'm just taking it easy right now." It's never serious initially, is it? We're not worried about Lackey now, but obviously this is a situation worth monitoring. |
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| Not surprisingly, the Angels have tabbed John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jered Weaver as their first three starters of the ALDS against the Red Sox. "We'll go three deep and see how this series goes," manager Mike Scioscia said in the AP. |
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| John Lackey will pitch Saturday instead of Sunday as he didn't work in the All-Star Game, the Los Angeles Times reports.
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| John Lackey got through a bullpen session on Saturday. That was enough to convince manager Mike Scioscia that Lackey would be ready to start on Monday, according to the LA Times. Lackey was bumped from his scheduled start on Sunday due to shoulder tendinitis, but it doesn't appear to be anything serious at this point. |
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| As expected, John Lackey will not make his scheduled start on Sunday due to shoulder tendinitis. He played catch Friday and should throw a bullpen session on Sunday, according to the LA Times. If all goes well, he'll start Tuesday's game. Bartolo Colon will get the nod on Sunday. |
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| John Lackey has tightness in his throwing shoulder and could be scratched from his next scheduled start on Sunday. Lackey began experiencing the tightness two starts ago in Cincinnati, and it flared up on him against the Astros on Monday, according to the LA Times. "I should be OK," said Lackey. "The doctor is going to have a few things to look at. I think I'll be able to make my next start, but it may not be on the day I was supposed to pitch." With an off day Thursday, the Angels could push Lackey's next start to Tuesday, or they could just skip him completely. "His command was a little out of whack, his breaking ball wasn't as crisp as it has been, and he fell behind on some counts," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But he should be OK." |
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| John Lackey said his left ankle was "a little puffy, a little sore" Thursday after he twisted it during his last start. "But I'll be OK," he told the LA Times. This looks like a minor issue, and nothing owners need to be concerned about. |
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| John Lackey is set to make his exhibition debut on Thursday, according to the LA Times. He's been dealing with step throat. |
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