ou have to excuse me for being a bit depressed, after (in my utter desperation for steals) I made a burn this past weekend jumping on Jerry Hairston like Ruben Studdard would do to a Krispy Kreme. The end result: 1-1, 1 run, 1 stolen base, 1 non-displaced foot fracture. Talk about walking into a Kermit Washington sucker-punch. And all this after managing to avoid asking the CDM commish for Delino Deshields instead, avoiding a similar snafu that I had mad in football when I meant to start Quincy Carter as one of my QB�s and somehow wound up with Anthony Wright instead. So in the past season I have had three athletes get hurt literally the second they are bought � a list that includes Marc Bulger and Pittsburgh Penguin defenseman Dick Tarnstrom, who was the second coming of Bobby Orr before deciding to fracture his own foot. And I�m not even including two golfers who withdrew the second I put them into my starting lineup. Oh wait, one signed a bogus scorecard and got disqualified (Darren Clarke - drunk, fat Irishman). At least Annika wouldn't manage that stunt. So I appreciate y�all somehow continuing to trust my expertise - and by the way, is Ruben honoring his hometown area code or Jason Giambi's batting average???
The good news on the Hairston situation is that the non-displaced fracture will heal without surgery, and Jerry could be back as early as in four week, although it could be as long as eight weeks (All-Star Break). But this was hardly the end of news from the injury front, as the list of this week�s walking wounded was quite impressive�
- Mike Piazza (NYM) � It is often quite a tumble for any visiting player who has a monster series in Colorado, as Pacific Bell (or is that SBC) International airport is often next on the schedule. But Piazza took that theory to a whole new extreme by partially tearing his right groin muscle right off the bone (popped �like a guitar string�) trying to avoid a Jason Schmidt inside pitch. Piazza is on the shelf at least 8-12 weeks, although I have a feeling this will prove to be season ending. Look for Piazza to see time at first base next season, although he will be available at catcher at what should be a discount price in CDM.
- Pedro Martinez (BOS) � Starting Pedro the last couple of weeks has actually been pretty risky, as this could be seen a mile away. It was thought to be a groin problem that was hampering Pedro, but this turned out to be a back muscle that actually runs into the rotator-cuff area, not good. This did wind up biting some owners thinking Pedro would go twice this week (he wasn�t � the plan was to have him go against NYY a second time on Monday). The official word is �day-to-day�, but don�t be surprised to see a DL stint. As for keeping Pedro on your roster, that seems very iffy (like it has become every you). That will be a tough call keeping room on the roster, especially if still hanging on to Randy Johnson (whose arm is at least sound and will return).
- Barry Bonds (SF) � Sustained a �mild� sprained ankle in the final game of a three-game set at Arizona. Word is that with an off-day on Thursday, Barry will be good to go for the weekend at Colorado � but don�t be surprised to see him get pulled early in a blowout or even to be held back in one game.
- Roy Oswalt (HOU) � Strained groin while running the bases lands Oswalt on the 15-day DL. Fortunately, that was after he pitched a solid game and got the win, and the diagnosis was made in plenty of time to take the guesswork out of his availability for this week. Oswalt would be eligible to return to active duty for the tail end of next week.
- Dave Roberts (LA) � Team finally took the safe side and DL�d Roberts last weekend. Like Oswalt, is eligible to return for the tail end of next week, so don�t neglect him if setting up a Second Season roster.
- Pudge Rodriguez (FL) � Not actually an injury, but Pudge skipped a three-game series in Montreal due to an illness in the family. With an uncharacteristic .154 BA for the month, hopefully he�ll start fresh when he returns.
Bernie Williams/Nick Johnson (NYY) - It's a two-fer for the Yanks as both Bernie (knee scope) and Nick (hand) are out 4-6 weeks.
Jason Isringhausen (STL) � This is actually possible return news. Word had Izzy out for about six more weeks, but then word came that Izzy is actually improving quite well and could actually return within two weeks. Of course, Jason would most likely not be in the closing role and would be brought along slowly. It may be nothing more than the usual LaRussa Litigation but thought I�d pass it along. Cal Eldred (listed as a starter in CDM) has been doing the closing lately.ka
ZETA TALK
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aubrey huff carl crawford zito millwood prior oswalt helton sweeney thome etc etc etc i do fine |
I got great feedback over the weekend over renaming this section after the fantasy baseball version of Billy Meier, the one-armed Swiss freak who was always supposedly getting telepathic messages. In fact, I�m getting the vibes straight from the Pleiades itself right now�.'i got his april act.nothing has changed with the turkey who thinks he s a moose' or 'lou cares always has always will he manages all out and if you dont respect that his players do his owners do look at today when huff got robbed lou out there he into it guys remember that and huff scored and they take game'. And I start with a scary thought for the masses, the #1 overall team (White Sox) finally made his first purchase this week. Oh, oh. Someone always seems to run away with the #1 slot every year. Ever wonder who is the best team to steal on??? Going into the week, the opposition has stole 40 bases on Philadelphia with 20 of the swipes coming against staff ace Kevin Millwood. This is noteworthy since the Phillies pitching tutor is none other than disposed Red Sox coach Joe Kerrigan. In 2001, 228 bases were stolen on Red Sox pitchers, with 52 coming off Hideo Nomo. Kerrigan�s philosophy is for his pitchers to eschew the slide-step delivery while keeping total concentration on the batter. Too bad Jimmy Rollins plays for, and not against the Phils. The trade-off doesn�t seem to be doing too bad for Millwood, as he has the best won/loss record for the past 12 months with a sparkling 22-4 slate amid whispers that he is now back to late-1999 form where he was practically unhittable. And that is despite allowing base hits to the leadoff batter in each of his four starts since firing his no-hitter.
LA closer Eric Gagne has become the hottest Quebec-an in So-cal this side of Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Ever since a rare off-night v. the A-T-L, the Goon as fired off six saves in as many games while retiring 18 of 19 batters, an incredible 14 via strikeout. The opposition is now hitting all of .120 v. Gagne, as LA won those six games 2-1, 4-1, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, and 4-3. No truth to the rumor that one of the contests lasted five overtimes. Rod Beck, of all people was the last reliever to record saves in six straight games back in 1998. Darren Dreifort also pitched in with a 12 strikeout performance (4 in one inning). Last Saturday was kind to closers in particular as saves were recorded in 11 of the 15 contests, included were saves in all seven AL tilts (Sasaki, Percival, Politte, Baez, Guardado, Julio, Urbina). Joe Borowski, Rocky Biddle, Mike Williams, and Gagne recorded the NL saves, while shaky Scott Williamson blew his save opp. Sunday saw pitching in general dominate, as no team reached double-figures in runs, and 12 of the 15 games saw both teams fail to reach double-digits. Games in Houston and Colorado saw only eight runs combined score.
You can look for the center-field fence at the Crooked E in Houston (currently 435 feet) to come in about 20 feet last year, as Craig Biggio darn near killing himself running up the hill in an attempt to catch a fly ball on national television becomes Exhibit A for that movement. A couple of the finest hitting performances in the past week came in series featuring dog teams. Carlos Pena, about the only Tiger I gave the time of day in my pre-season fantasy rankings, broke out with a 3 HR, 7 RBI night v. CLE. Then Milwaukee�s Geoff Jenkins (in a performance similar to a two-game stretch v. MTL two years ago) when off on his own 3 HR barrage v. SD. Jenkins is now hitting .280 in 40 games with 11 HR, 34 RBI � which puts him on pace for 44/136. Can you say trade bait??? Still can�t recommend Jenkins if you need BA help, he�s an 0-20 waiting to happen. Cincy�s Adam Dunn also remains a tough call in the fantasy challenge game, the .230 something BA hurts, but how can you ever say no to someone on pace to hit 59 bombs???
Keep an eye on J.D. Drew in coming weeks, he still doesn�t see everyday action, but he did hit a McGwire-esque bomb last weekend that traveled 500+ feet. Of course Drew was one of the more ballyhooed draft prospects that came out in recent years. Another one-time #1 overall pick who is not panning out is Tampa Bay�s Josh Hamilton � who is taking a personal leave of absence. The five-tool prospect has seen his career thus far marred by injuries. The organization is tight-lipped on what might be going on with Josh, about all that is known is he overslept a couple times during Spring Training and has also somehow amassed 26 tattoos in his professional career. Here�s another example to illustrate how wacky evaluating amateur talent can be � Southern University second baseman Rickie Weeks is projected to be one of the top two-three picks this year, coming out of high school Weeks was undrafted.
Finally, the Red Sox may be slowly turning from one former starter to another in its never-ending search for a closer. Robert Person (listed as a 650 SP) finished off a game over the weekend and many feel that he will eventually wrestle that role away from Brandon Lyon, who closed the Sox lone win over the Yankees this week. Stay tuned there. Also give a call to young Expo hurler Zach 'Crazy Glue' Day, who has an amazing 3.76 ground ball to fly ball ratio, easily distancing Kevin Brown among NL hurlers.
Not quite the action that was seen last week as far as buys/drops are concerned, but I�m expecting it to pick up again in coming weeks. Here are this weeks top tens�
BUYS
- Mike Mussina SP/NYY (522) � Actually down from last week when he two-stepped, but still tops for the week as a listed free agent.
- Rafael Furcal SS/ATL (304) � Finally, action from the shortstop front as Furcal becomes the third wheel on many rosters (as a listed free agent) along with Arod and Nomar, with Jimmy Rollins also on some rosters.
- Corey Patterson OF/CHC (264) � Profiled in this column last week, many have taken notice as well. 5 SB�s in six games also an eye-opener.
- Brian Giles 2B/ATL (257) � With power, an average still well over .300, and a price tag under 500, Giles has taken his place in the second base mix.
- Aaron Boone 3B/CIN (225) � Another two-bomb day on Sunday probably got him more support. Is becoming too Adam Dunn-like (power, but low BA) in my opinion.
- Carl Everett OF/TX (215) � Taking advantage of a favorable schedule (TB/BAL/TB/BAL/BITHORN) I talked about last week.
- Hank Blalock OF/TX (212) � Takes a seat v. lefties but few care with the .350+ BA.
- Scott Rolen 3B/STL (186) � Red hot Cardinal becomes a popular FA play.
- Tim Worrell RP/SF (174) � Still a regular on this list.
- Curt Schilling SP/AZ (172) � Two straight complete game shutouts w/24 K�s along with a two-step made him a play.
DROPS
- Eli Marrero C/STL (295) � You�ve waited this long???
- Joe Crede 3B/CWS (252) � Sox starting to look at others at position.
- Aramis Ramirez 3B/PIT (212) � Average up to .246, but only 2 homers on the year.
- Roy Oswalt SP/HOU (178) � Mild disappointment even before the DL stint.
- Josh Beckett SP/FL (177) � Elbow blew up.
- Pat Burrell OF/PHI (155) � If you still have him you might want to give him a shot at home this week � especially with 19 HR in 178 career AB�s v. the Mets.
- Hideki Matsui OF/NYY (131) � Joe Morgan said it best on TV this week, doesn�t have the stroke to be a power hitter at this level. RBI opps will also drop with Bernie and Nick out.
- Alex Sanchez OF/MIL (128) � Has taken a seat on Beermakers bench.
- Eric Hinske 3B/TOR (123) � Yet another disappointing third-sacker.
- Carl Crawford OF/TB (119) � Like Sanchez, appeared to be heading towards extended bench time last weekend. But 5-13 series with a couple steals may actually get him back on the add list next week.
WEEK 9 SCHEDULE
SD, COL, MTL, FL, HOU, STL, CWS, and TOR have the seven-game weeks while everyone else gets six. Best schedules belong to Toronto, with seven home games � along with St. Louis with seven at home and all v. RHP, which may make Tino Martinez or J.D Drew worth a spot-start. Yankees (at least those still playing) should also look good as they will probably miss Pedro, then get three at Detroit. Colorado gets four home games, one v. SF and three v. LA. Other teams at home for at least six games include PHI, FL, CHC, SD, SF, BAL, DET, TB, KC, and MN. Teams on the road include MON, CIN, PIT, HOU, MIL, AZ, ANH, CWS, BOS, TX, SEA, and OAK. Top two start pitchers include Roger Clemens (probable), Barry Zito, and Kerry Wood (was rained out this Tuesday).
There are some nice future attractions in coming weeks as far as the CDM Free Agent list is concerned, in particular Kerry Wood and Eric Gagne next week. There are some good, but not great options this week�
- C � A.J Pierzynski (MN - 600) � Nice average (always around .290) who has to be considered even in Oakland.
- 1B � Tino Martinez (STL � 1080) � Despite what I said about Cardinal left-handers this week, there are better options.
- 2B � Jeff Kent (HOU � 1640) � Contributes in four categories, will really help with home games v. TB and BAL in Week 10.
- 3B � Aramis Ramirez (PIT � 820) � If you�ve been noticing his name on the top-ten drop list every week, you know to stay away.
- SS � Jimmy Rollins (PHI � 960) � Like Furcal last week, should get some play. BA improved to .287 and even stole a couple of bags this week. I think Furcal is slightly better though.
- OF � Juan Pierre (FL � 1080) � Juan tempting if just for the SB�s.
- OF � Juan Gonzalez (TX � 950) � Juan tempting if just for the power.
- SP � Roger Clemens (NYY � 1030) � Afore mentioned two start as he goes for #300, not a top choice however.
- SP � Runelvys Hernandez (KC � 460) � Impressive 2.79 ERA and 1.10 ratio. But only 31 K�s in 58 IP and is battling elbow soreness. Brett Myers much better choice for this price range.
- RP � Keith Foulke (OAK � 1280) � Nice value who has an impressive .84 ratio.
NEXT WEEK: 2nd season roster suggestions.
