Beyond the Boxscore–Fantasy News and Notes 7/25/08
A lot of news revolving around the Yankees/Red Sox series tonight, as Joba Chamberlain took his real first step forward to becoming a dominating starter as he went into Fenway Park and shutout the Sox over seven innings and struck out nine. Chamberlain is going to have a big finish to the season, so I would test his value in a trade (don’t go crazy), and if he is somehow available, I would definitely try to pick him up. If you need help deciding who to drop, send me an email.
The Yankees pulled off the next big trade of the season when they acquired Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady from the Pirates for four prospects. This will pretty much signal the time to drop Marte, as there is NO chance he closes in New York. Nady’s value is also hurt, because I’m not sure that he will have an everyday job for the Yankees. You know Melky is starting in center, and Abreu will be in right. I believe he plays five days out of seven or possibly six, but the Bombers have a few other guys who will be pushing for playing time. And if Posada is going to come back at DH, where does Johnny Damon play? Two of the prospects the Pirates got could have value soon. Ross Ohlendorff was a middle reliever for the Yankees, but could be used in a starting role for the Pirates. Jose Tabata is a ways away from the majors, as he is still only 19, but this is a guy that the Yankees were deeming untouchable in the past, so I am surprised to see him traded. He most likely won’t see the majors this year, but he is a name to remember. So, who closes in Pittsburgh now? Good question. The educated guess is either Tyler Yates, or John Grabow.
David Ortiz was back in the lineup for the Red Sox and was 1-4 with a single. But now that Big Papi is back, Manny Ramirez is out of the lineup with a sore knee. Considering the amount of time that Boston has been without their best hitters, it is even more impressive that they are still in first place. Manny is day-to-day, so sit him on your bench until you see him back in the lineup.
The Indians have 45 wins. After tonight, Cliff Lee has 14 of them. How impressive is it that a pitcher who was opted to the minors last season is not only leading the majors in wins, but has accounted for nearly a third of his team’s total wins. Lee was great again against the Twins, going eight innings, allowing two runs and whiffing ten. I still remain shocked that he is having such a good season, but perhaps I will just continue to be wrong and he wins 20 games.
From the “I’ll believe it when I see it” department, Mike Hampton is set to pitch for the first time in the majors since 2005, Saturday against the Phillies. Hampton had a pretty good spring before the yearly injuries started to pile up. I still don’t fully believe he will start, and I am almost 100% sure that he won’t be effective. Stay away from Hampton.
Chris Carpenter had his second rehab start today as he went 5.2 innings, allowed only two earned runs, walked just one and struck out five. It is possible that the Cards will call him up after that start to go against the Astros on Wednesday, but it is more likely that they will give him one more relief appearance. Now is the time to start planning on picking up Carpenter if you have confidence that he will return to form.
The White Sox placed 3B Joe Crede on the DL with an inflammed back, and called up prospect Josh Fields to play third in his absense. When asked about the severity of Crede’s injury, manager Ozzie Guillen said he didn’t think it would be quick. Crede’s back will always be a concern and really hurts his fantasy value. Fields hit 23 homers in limited duty last season, and is a must pickup if you own Crede, and someone to keep your eye on, even if you don’t own Joe.
Todd Jones blew his third save of the year for the Tigers, and the whispers of perhaps Joel Zumaya getting a chance to close will start to get louder. Jones and his 45 mph fastball are no match for Zumaya who can hit 100 on the gun. For years, fantasy owners have been waiting for Zumaya to get his chance. Everytime that Jones falters, we get a little closer to that becoming a reality.
After being almost unhittable for the first half of the season, Edinson Volquez is looking much more mortal these days. Volquez lasted only four innings, allowed five runs and struck out five. This is the second straight game that he has allowed four runs or more, and in the last month his ERA has climbed over a run. At the end of the season Volquez’s numbers will look great, but it will be anchored by a strong first half, and a much more mediocre second.
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, and listen to The True Gurus Show every Wednesday night at 9 pm. I am now a cohost on that show. To hear the best analysis on who to add/drop, your opportunity to call in and ask questions, and more don’t miss The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report, every Tuesday night at 10. For more information on these shows and others like them, go to fantasygurusnetwork.com.
