Beyond the Boxscore–Fantasy MLB News and Notes 7/28/08
Will Manny just keep being Manny somewhere besides Boston? I SERIOUSLY doubt that Manny Ramirez will be traded anywhere before the deadline on the 31st, don’t we go through this every year at some point? Even if you don’t like him, you have to admit one thing about Ramirez, he never lets off the field matters effect his play. Manny belted his 20th homer of the season on Monday, and he is the only one who doesn’t seem to notice he is in the middle of a huge controversy. But that is just Manny being Manny, right?
Mike Mussina’s dream season hit a bump in the road tonight, as he failed to win his 14th game by a mile. The Moose gave up six runs over five innings, and is now 13-7 after giving up six runs over just five innings in his shortest outing since June 20th. I have predicted a really horrible second half for Mussina, and I would try to capitalize on his trade value ASAP.
AJ Burnett pitching great in what might be an audition for other teams, regardless of the fact that the Jays have said he’s not going anywhere. Burnett allowed no earned runs over seven innings and struck out ten. If you ask me, I wouldn’t own Burnett in any league because of his injury history, and just overall inconsistentcy on the mound
Kevin Slowey is becoming increasingly hard to own. After having three starts in which he allowed fifteen total earned runs, Slowey went out tonight and shutout the White Sox, no small task. Slowey was brilliant, allowing just six hits and striking out five. Here’s the trouble though. Slowey throws a shutout, as I stated a second ago, his previous start was a disaster. The start before that? Another shutout. What do you do with this guy? You definitely have to assess your pitching staff, adn if you have a Hideki Kuroda-type, I would pick up Slowey.
Rookie Adam Jones had his best game as a pro, as he was a double short of the cycle. Jones singled, tripled, homered, and drove in five runs as the Orioles pounded The Yankees. Jones is someone to really keep ypur eye on, he could be a big second half sleeper.
Injury News
John Maine left his start after 4.1 innings with tightness in his shoulder. The Mets are calling this move precautionary, we shall see if he misses any time. Jorge Posada has decided to have that season ending surgery on his shoulder after all. Unless you are in a keeper league, it is safe to let him go. Roy Oswalt returned to the mound from his hip injury, but pitched badly, allowing four runs, but he did pick up the win. Michael Young is expected to miss a week or so after fracturing a finger diving back into the bag. Tim Hudson was placed on the DL, and his season might be over after having ligament damage to his elbow and he has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews. Unfortunately, this is usually the steps one goes through before the dreaded Tommy John Surgery. Brian McCann will miss four to five games after suffering a mild concussion after being run down by Phillies’ Shane Victorino. Kerry Wood is not close to returning from his blister injury. He pitched with it covered, but was unable to when the cover was removed. Wood will be re-evaluated after a couple days. Chipper Jones was placed on the DL with his hamstring injury, and he hasn’t played since July 23rd. No timetable has been given for his return, but given his injury history, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him miss a good amount of time.
