Beyond the Boxscore–Fantasy MLB News and Notes 5/31/08
A quick congratulations to the Red Sox Manny Ramirez who connected on the 500th home run of his career
tonight against the Orioles. For many years Manny was one of the most feared run producers in baseball. As far as fantasy baseball is concerned, Manny’s best days are behind him, but he is still worthy of a roster spot in all leagues.
What else can be said about Jay Bruce? In five games he is now 11-19, and has three 3-hit games! His first career home run was of the walk off variety today, and the legend grows. I can’t possibly believe he is still available in your league, but if he is GET HIM RIGHT NOW!!!!
Many will look at the boxscores tonight and see that Carlos Marmol collected a save for the Cubs. Don’t get too excited, although this isn’t confirmed, my guess is that it was due to the fact that Kerry Wood had thrown in four of the last five games and needed a day off. Wood has done nothing to cost him the job, and Marmol even gave up a run in his bid to close the game. I see no change in the immediate future in Chicago at closer.
Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz was activated from the disabled list today, but the Red Sox left him in the minors. Buchholz had been struggling with his control over his last few starts, and I’m sure that he will be back before too long. My guess is he will be back within three or four weeks, so he might be worth stashing on your bench.
The Giants got a complete game from Josh Banks on Saturday. Who is Josh Banks? Good question, I had to look it up too. Banks had pitched twice in relief this season and has yet to give up an earned run. Looking at his minor league career, there is nothing there that suggests that this is someone you need to add. He was nothing more than average once he was above “A” ball, so let someone else overreact to one good start and leave your roster intact.
Cliff Floyd homered for the third time in four days on Saturday. Do yourself a favor, don’t pick up Floyd. He is an injury waiting to happen, and his batting average isn’t high enough to even ride while he is hot. Let someone else pick up Floyd, he will most likely tweak a hammy or something else within the next ten days.
Prince Fielder hit a homer for the second consecutive day. This should be the start of Prince’s breakout in 2008. Expect him to finish with 40+ homers, and if you bought low on him or were patient with him, be 
ready to reap your rewards.
Chase Utley connected on his ML leading 19th homer on Saturday. That was his fifth in six days, and he has 16 RBI during that span. What else can be said? Chase is the man!
Arizona’s Mark Reynolds connected twice today, but I would still shy away from him until he can show some consistency. He now has 11 homers, but seven came in the month of April. Reynolds has exceptional power, but is still hitting .240.
Justin Upton connected for the second time in three days and could be ready to go on another one of his tears. He is one of the most talented guys in the game, but he will still have his ups and downs as he is just 19 years old.
Mike Pelfrey likely kept himself in the majors with his performance today. Pelfrey threw seven great innings, in which he allowed just two runs and struck out six. I would still stay away from adding Pelfrey, he hasn’t shown me enough to warrant a roster spot right now.
His opponent, Chad Billingsley however, does deserve to be on almost all rosters. Although he didn’t get the decision, Billingsley threw seven shutout innings and whiffed four. In six of his last seven starts, Chad has allowed two runs or less. Find a way to get this young stud.
Felix Hernandez won for the first time since April 16th, although it wasn’t all his fault. The Mariners have scored four or more runs in only three of Felix starts this season. If you can get him relatively cheap, I would
try to make that move, I see a huge second half for Felix.
Scott Kazmir has now won five straight decisions and is looking great. He is even going deeper into games than usual, going seven innings in three straight starts. The 2007 AL strikeout leader has his ERA down to just 1.22. Just have that elbow injury he started the year with in the back of your mind.
Nationals pitcher Jason Bergmann had his scoreless streak end on Saturday, but he still threw a pretty good game. Bergmann went eight innings, gave up four and fanned eight. Bergmann has been a good source of strikeouts, and his ERA is 4.50. That doesn’t sound good, but since it was once over 11, that isn’t bad at all. If you have injury problems, consider adding Bergmann.
Injury News
Arizona’s Eric Byrnes is going to be out a while. Byrnes had an MRI that revealed hamstring strains in both legs. No timetable has been set for his return, but the team said they will shut him down completely for at least a week. It is possible that he can return in the 15 days, but I would be shocked if he was back that fast.
David Ortiz left tonight’s game for the Sox after apparently injuring his left wrist on a swing. Papi missed a pitch and then winced in pain and left the game. No details are available, but don’t be surprised if he sits on Sunday. More information will be reported when it becomes available.
Jorge Posada has been playing in some extended spring training games and could return to the Yankees as soon as Wednesday. Be ready to activate Posada when he is ready to come back, as I am sure your replacement for him probably stinks.
How about some comments people?!?!?
As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Don’t forget to check me out at mlbfrontoffice.com on Tuesdays under In The News. Also go to fantasybaseballsearch.com to find me in the Gurus Blog.
