|
| Dempster strikes out side | Tuesday 7/15, 11:49 PM CT |
|
Ryan Dempster had a good night in his inning of work at the All-Star Game. In his single inning of work, he faced Ian Kinsler, Dioner Navarro and J.D. Drew, and struck out all three of them in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Our View: Dempster was throwing heat, and he strikes out over seven batters per nine innings pitched, so the strikeouts shouldn't surprise anyone, but they were impressive nonetheless. |
|
|
| New York fans threaten Papelbon's pregnant wife | Tuesday 7/15, 11:20 PM CT |
|
Fans in New York threatened the pregnant wife of Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon as the two were riding in open cars during the All-Star Game's red carpet parade, according to RedSox.com "I feel like I needed to be in a bullet-proof car. My wife is pregnant and she's getting her life threatened. It's stupid," said Papelbon.
Our View: Some people take sports a tad too seriously. Threatening to kill a pregnant woman because her husband plays for a rival team goes beyond stupid. |
|
|
| Yanks might be considering Bonds | Tuesday 7/15, 11:01 PM CT |
|
The New York Yankees may consider pursuing Barry Bonds in light of the news that Hideki Matsui. may undergo season-ending knee surgery, according to the Associated Press. "I would caution everybody to not misunderstand that since I'm not saying no to it, that that means, 'Oh, my gosh, that that might be happening down the line,'" said Yankees GM Brian Cashman.
Our View: This isn't close to happening, but the speculation is interesting. Even with all of their stars, the Yankees need a bat, and there is little doubt Bonds can still hit. He would certainly have fantasy value, even if he only played three or four times per week. |
|
|
| Ramirez has error, two hits | Tuesday 7/15, 10:49 PM CT |
|
Hanley Ramirez had mixed results for the National League in the All-Star Game. He struck out in his first at-bat and made a throwing error from shortstop, but he also collected two hits and scored a run.
Our View: Ramirez is coming off a sore throwing shoulder, though it did not seem to be of any concern, and overall he put on a good showing. |
|
|
| Volquez gives up two runs | Tuesday 7/15, 10:42 PM CT |
|
Edinson Volquez was hit hard in his All-Star Game debut, allowing a double to Justin Morneau and a home run to J.D. Drew in his one inning of work. He also struck out two batters.
Our View: Volquez has been dealing this season, but he was hurt by two power-hitting left-handed bats. |
|
|
| Haren throws two scoreless | Tuesday 7/15, 10:06 PM CT |
|
Dan Haren threw two scoreless innings for the National League in the All-Star Game, giving up two hits, walking one, and not allowing any runs.
Our View: Haren faced his old American League compatriots and set them down to do his part to help the National League. |
|
|
| Santana gives up home run | Tuesday 7/15, 9:19 PM CT |
|
Ervin Santana threw one inning for the American League All-Stars, and while he struck out two players, he also allowed a home run Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday.
Our View: Santana showed his stuff, but lost one to Holliday, who showed his power by blasting a shot to the opposite field. |
|
|
| Zambrano goes two innings | Tuesday 7/15, 9:08 PM CT |
|
Carlos Zambrano threw two scoreless innings for the National League, striking out one and allowing only one hit.
Our View: Zambrano continued the dominating performances by the pitchers in this game. |
|
|
| Halladay dangerous middle of order | Tuesday 7/15, 9:06 PM CT |
|
Roy Halladay threw one inning for the American League, and retired Lance Berkman, Albert Pujols and Chipper Jones, the three leading hitters in baseball. He had a little help, as Pujols hit a ball off the right-field wall but was subsequently thrown out at second by Ichiro Suzuki.
Our View: Halladay was throwing heat and he looked great, as usual. Even the pitch to Pujols wasn't bad, but Albert just reached out and got it. |
|
|
| Saunders doesn't allow a run | Tuesday 7/15, 9:03 PM CT |
|
Joe Saunders went one inning for the American League without allowing a run. He only allowed one hit, to Florida's Hanley Ramirez.
Our View: Saunders made his first appearance at an All-Star Game a good one, inducing two ground balls in the process. |
|
|
| Sheets goes two innings | Tuesday 7/15, 8:57 PM CT |
|
Ben Sheets went two innings, striking out three batters and walking two in his two innings of work for the National League in the All-Star Game.
Our View: Sheets was dealing, and though he was a little wild, he only gave up one hit and represented himself well. |
|
|
| Lee throws two scoreless innings | Tuesday 7/15, 8:24 PM CT |
|
Cliff Lee threw two scoreless inning for the American League after starting the All-Star Game. He struck out three batters, including the first two he faced, and gave up just one hit, to Chipper Jones.
Our View: Lee showed why he was the starter, striking out Hanley Ramirez and Chase Utley to start the game, and later getting Ryan Braun on strikes. |
|
|
| Lincecum out of game | Tuesday 7/15, 7:29 PM CT |
|
Updating an earlier story, it has been confirmed that Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum will miss tonight's All-Star Game because he is suffering from flu-like symptoms, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: This is unfortunate for Lincecum, who was appearing in his first All-Star Game. Rest assured, if he keeps pitching the way he has been, it won't be his last. |
|
|
| McGowan will not need surgery | Tuesday 7/15, 7:16 PM CT |
|
Dustin McGowan will not have to undergo surgery on his right shoulder after an MRI revealed that there was no new damage to his arm, according to BlueJays.com.
Our View: McGowan will start a rehab program soon, but there is no timetable for his return, so it may be a while before you get him back on your fantasy squad. |
|
|
| Cards not talking contract with Lohse | Tuesday 7/15, 6:57 PM CT |
|
The St. Louis Cardinals and hurler Kyle Lohse have yet to engage in contract talks, his agent, Scott Boras, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Obviously, it would be something we'd welcome looking into in the future. But I don't sign those appointment checks. They have to kind of approach me. My door is open," Boras said.
Our View: Lohse has had a great season, and Boras will want his client to hit the free agent market, making it unlikely the Cardinals will sign him to an extension during the season. |
|
|
| Sheets will throw two innings | Tuesday 7/15, 6:16 PM CT |
|
Milwaukee Brewers ace Ben Sheets, the starter for the National League in tonight's game, is scheduled to throw two innings in tonight's game, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Sheets has not pitched since July 9, so he should be able to handle the two innings with ease. |
|
|
| Matsui may have surgery on knee | Tuesday 7/15, 6:12 PM CT |
|
Hideki Matsui may undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee, which has kept him off the field since June 22, according to Yankees.com.
Our View: This would be a blow to fantasy owners hoping to get him back in the season's second half. He had been posting quality numbers, with a .323 average, seven home runs, 34 RBI and an on-base percentage of .404. |
|
|
| Lidge to close tonight | Tuesday 7/15, 6:08 PM CT |
|
Brad Lidge will pitch the ninth inning for the National League All-Stars, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Lidge has had a great season and is certainly worthy of the honor, having struck out 55 batters in 40 innings and carrying a 1.13 WHIP into tonight's contest. |
|
|
| Mitre undergoes Tommy John surgery | Tuesday 7/15, 5:40 PM CT |
|
Sergio Mitre underwent Tommy John surgery today, ending the season for the 27-year-old hurler, according to FloridaMarlins.com.
Our View: Not only will Mitre miss the rest of this season, it's a distinct possibility he could miss all of next season as well. |
|
|
| Rivera staying in L.A. | Tuesday 7/15, 5:16 PM CT |
|
Juan Rivera will not be going anywhere, as the Angels have decided to keep him, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Our View: Rivera is hitting .375 in July, and has played in seven of the Halo's last eight contests. He is a good fantasy play right now for those in AL-only leagues. |
|
|
| Bradley may not be available | Tuesday 7/15, 5:10 PM CT |
|
Milton Bradley may not be available in a trade because team president Nolan Ryan does not want to concede the season, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Our View: Texas GM Jon Daniels is willing to try and get something for Bradley, but that may not happen as long as the Rangers are in the hunt. As long as his knee holds up, he is a good fantasy play regardless of the uniform he wears. |
|
|
| Lincecum hospitalized for dehydration | Tuesday 7/15, 4:24 PM CT |
|
San Francisco Giants All-Star Tim Lincecum was taken to a New York hospital after complaining of feeling poorly, and was said to be dehydrated and suffering from flu-like symptoms, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com.
Our View: No official word on his status for tonight's contest, but it's pretty safe to assume he won't be seeing any action. |
|
|
| Murphy enjoying solid July | Tuesday 7/15, 3:43 PM CT |
|
David Murphy is hitting well so far in July, as he holds a .324 average (12-for-37) with three homers and eight RBI over nine games.
Our View: Murphy should remain active in your starting lineup, and is worth targeting if you can lure him away from another owner for a favorable price. |
|
|
| Encarnacion is hot | Tuesday 7/15, 3:36 PM CT |
|
Edwin Encarnacion is quietly on a hot streak, as he is hitting .533 (8-for-15) over his last four games, wit three doubles, two homers, and three RBI.
Our View: He has recovered well from his back spasms, and looks to have a strong second half, meaning he is worth targeting if you can get him for a good price. |
|
|
| Tulowitzki will require rehab stint | Tuesday 7/15, 3:28 PM CT |
|
The Denver Post indicates that Troy Tulowitzki will require a rehab stint before rejoining the team. He had 16 stitches removed from his palm on Monday.
Our View: He looks to return at some point in late July, and is worth keeping stashed on your rosters for your playoff push. |
|
|
| Milton throws pen session | Tuesday 7/15, 3:20 PM CT |
|
Eric Milton threw 25 pitches in his first bullpen session on Monday, according to the AP. The left-hander had elbow ligament replacement surgery in June 2007.
Our View: He went 0-4 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 31.1 innings in 2007, and is still a long way from potentially having any sort of fantasy value. |
|
|
| Bonds update | Tuesday 7/15, 2:12 PM CT |
|
Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, commented that his client could get into game shape quickly if signed by a team, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Borris said, "Barry is in shape right now. He's not in game shape, so he'd have to have the chance to hit off live pitching. But he's told me that he would be ready in a very short period of time. He thinks he can be ready 10 days, two weeks."
Our View: Borris has previously said Bonds would be willing to play for a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum, and donate his salary to buy tickets for kids.
|
|
|
| Matsui doesn't hit Tuesday | Tuesday 7/15, 1:54 PM CT |
|
Hideki Matsui didn't hit Tuesday after experiencing more discomfort in his sore left knee, according to the AP. The Yankees had hoped he might be ready to return from the DL when eligible on Friday. Matsui said, "Perhaps you can say so, it’s a short-term setback. I’m going to hit tomorrow, that’s the plan anyway."
Our View: There is no target date for when Matsui might begin a running program, which is a key step before playing in minor league rehab games. Should Matsui’s knee not respond, surgery could be an option. His goal remains avoiding surgery and returning to the Yankees.
|
|
|
| Damon injury update | Tuesday 7/15, 1:48 PM CT |
|
Johnny Damon is eligible to be activated from the DL Sunday, but he continues to suffer from soreness in his ailing left shoulder, and won’t likely start hitting off a tee until at least late this week, according to the AP.
Our View: He noted that his shoulder feels horrible when he wakes up. Manager Joe Girardi wants to pencil him into the Yankees' lineup Sunday, but he is not sure he can do that. |
|
|
| Charge dropped against Reyes | Tuesday 7/15, 1:36 PM CT |
|
Prosecutors have dropped the criminal charges against Al Reyes, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Back in April, Tampa police accused Reyes of committing an affray after an incident at a South Tampa bar. Police said Reyes, who was celebrating his 38th birthday, became intoxicated and disruptive at 2:30 a.m. at the Hyde Park Cafe. Police accused him of picking a fight and spitting blood at patrons of the club. Reyes issued an apology following the incident.
Our View: Reyes can now put this matter behind him and focus on baseball. Speaking of which, he is expected to be activated from the DL on Friday. |
|
|
| Crede could remain with Sox | Tuesday 7/15, 1:00 PM CT |
|
Joe Crede could remain with the Sox beyond this season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Crede was asked if he sees himself wearing a Chicago uniform next April and he responded, "Yeah, I think so. It's definitely a good possibility. It depends on how things end up this year, how guys develop below you or if there are trades. There are numerous things that could happen."
Our View: Josh Fields fared well at third base during his call-up last season while Crede was hurt, but Crede is a fan favorite in Chicago and will always be held in high regard following his contributions during their magical championship run in 2005. He is only hitting .253 this season, but racked up 16 homers and 49 RBI. |
|
|
| Utley apologizes to NY fans | Tuesday 7/15, 12:23 PM CT |
|
Chase Utley apologized for cursing the New York fans during the HR Derby Monday at Yankee Stadium, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After the Phillies' second baseman heard boos from the crowd when he was introduced, Utley was heard responding, "Boo? (Bleep) you." A clip of the remark was posted on the Internet within an hour of when it was uttered. Utley said, "It was a poor choice of words. I didn't mean anything by it. I was kind of joking around with my buddy over there, so I do want to apologize."
Our View: It was a classy move on his part to apologize to the fans in New York. |
|
|
| Pujols will play as DH | Tuesday 7/15, 12:07 PM CT |
|
Albert Pujols will play as a DH for the National League in tonight's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He will bat fourth in the lineup and said, "I thank Clint Hurdle for putting me in there. There are a lot of All-Stars he could hit fourth and he picked me. Hitting cleanup isn't going to bother me. I hit third, but it doesn't matter. I could hit eighth and I'd be pretty excited."
Our View: He looks to get an at-bat, unlike last season when skipper Tony LaRussa decided to save him for a situation that never came. |
|
|
| Webb ruled out for All-Star Game | Tuesday 7/15, 11:56 AM CT |
|
Brandon Webb officially ruled himself out for tonight's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, according to the Arizona Republic. He said, "I've probably got a zero percent chance of throwing. A little bit disappointing, but, obviously, I'm still here, and I'm excited just to be here and be a part of it."
Our View: Webb threw 108 pitches Sunday against the Phillies. He was hoping to be able to pitch in the All-Star Game if he had a less strenuous outing.
|
|
|
| Carmona solid in first rehab outing | Tuesday 7/15, 10:31 AM CT |
|
Fausto Carmona was solid in his first rehab outing with Single-A Asheville on Monday, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. He allowed just one hit over four innings.
Our View: He felt great following the outing, and thinks he is ready to return to the Indians, but the team has to make that decision. It is likely that the Indians' staff would like to see Carmona make at least one more start, and that could come this weekend with the Double-A Aeros.
|
|
|
| Bonine injured in Double-A | Tuesday 7/15, 9:47 AM CT |
|
Eddie Bonine was injured in Monday's start with Double-A Erie, according to the Detroit Free Press. He left in the fourth inning when he was hit by a line drive on the left shin. He said, "It swelled up a bit and kind of tightened up. I don't think it's going to be anything that is going to linger."
Our View: The Tigers sent Bonine to Erie to keep him from going almost two weeks without a start. His most recent Tigers' start was Wednesday, and the team won't need him (or a replacement) until Monday. Bonine has given up a lot of hits and left early in his past two Tigers' starts. The club hasn't guaranteed he'll return to the rotation Monday, but is yet to announce any candidates to take his place.
|
|
|
| Youkilis expected to start | Tuesday 7/15, 9:34 AM CT |
|
Kevin Youkilis' left triceps contusion is not expected to prevent him from starting tonight's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: The numbness in his hand went away, and he is ready to go and represent the American League tonight. |
|
|
| Escobar released | Tuesday 7/15, 9:00 AM CT |
|
Triple-A Columbus outfielder Alex Escobar has been released, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He played for the Nationals briefly in 2006, and hit .356 over 87 at-bats, with four homers. |
|
|
| Ordonez goes 1-for-4 in rehab game | Tuesday 7/15, 8:26 AM CT |
|
Magglio Ordonez, who is recovering from a pulled right oblique, went 1-for-4 in Monday's rehab game with Single-A, according to MLive.com.
Our View: He did not have any issues following the game, and he could return to the Tigers right after the All-Star break. |
|
|
| Zimmerman fares well in rehab game | Tuesday 7/15, 8:12 AM CT |
|
Ryan Zimmerman, who is recovering from a small labral tear in left shoulder, fared well in his first rehab game Monday at Single-A Potomac as he went 2-for-5, according to MLB.com. He started at the DH spot, and both of his hits went for doubles.
Our View: Zimmerman will wrap up his stint with Potomac in Salem, and then head to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. He looks to come off the DL next week.
|
|
|
| Varitek's eye irritation cleared | Tuesday 7/15, 7:57 AM CT |
|
Jason Varitek said the irritation in his right eye has cleared up considerably, according to the Boston Globe. His eye was nearly swollen shut Sunday but reportedly looked normal Monday.
Our View: He should be fine when play resumes after the break, but he remains a poor fantasy option, as he holds a .218 batting average with only 28 RBI and 20 runs scored over 78 games. |
|
|
| Kazmir believes Rays will get on track | Tuesday 7/15, 7:52 AM CT |
|
Scott Kazmir believes the Rays will get back on track following the All-Star break, according to the Boston Globe. He said, "We still have our guys feeling like they kind of have that chip on their shoulder."
Our View: The Rays lost seven games in a row, and surrendered first place to the Red Sox heading into the break. Kazmir has not won in his last three starts, and allowed 11 earned runs over the span. |
|
|
| Ortiz looked strong during BP | Tuesday 7/15, 7:44 AM CT |
|
David Ortiz looked strong while he took three rounds of batting practice with the AL All-Stars Monday, according to the Boston Globe. He hit several balls out, some of which landed in the upper deck.
Our View: This is encouraging news as he gears up to begin his rehab stint with Pawtuckett this weekend. As previously noted, he is scheduled to rejoin the Red Sox July 25. |
|
|
| Mets may not make a deal | Tuesday 7/15, 7:32 AM CT |
|
The Mets may pass on any deals prior to the trade deadline, and will reportedly promote and improve from within the organization, according to the NY Post. They are considering Fernando Martinez an option for the outfield, and they like either Bobby Parnell or Eddie Kunz as an upgrade for the bullpen.
Our View: The team garnered interest in the Rockies' Brian Fuentes but felt his asking price was too steep. They have also backed off on Raul Ibanez, even though the Mets like him a lot. Matt Holliday is also out of their price range. |
|
|
| Nine teams interested in Garcia | Tuesday 7/15, 7:24 AM CT |
|
There are reportedly (at least) nine teams interested in free agent hurler Freddy Garcia, according to the NY Post. The teams interested are the Mets, Yankees, Astros, Rangers, Royals, Phillies, Red Sox, Tigers, and White Sox.
Our View: Garcia will begin throwing breaking balls off the mound this week in Miami, and as long as he avoids setbacks the plan is to schedule a showcase for teams to judge his abilities. |
|
|
| A's set post-break rotation | Tuesday 7/15, 7:15 AM CT |
|
Manager Bob Geren has set the rotation following the All-Star break, according to the SF Chronicle. Joe Blanton will start the first game when play resumes, followed by Greg Smith, Justin Duchscherer, Sean Gallagher, and Dana Eveland.
Our View: Four of the A's starters have surpassed their career highs for major-league innings pitched in a season. Blanton, who has thrown 127 innings, is on pace to throw at least 194 innings for the fourth straight season.
|
|
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.