Beyond the Boxscore - 7/29/08
Teixeira on the Move Again
It seems like every time I write something here, it happens to be on the same day as a major trade. Today’s move was the biggest and most impactful one so far this year. The Angels get Mark Teixeira in return for Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Steve Marek. This marks the second straight year big Tex has been moved in mid season. This is through no fault of his own, nor is it knock on his talent. Tex just happens to be really talented and in the last year of his contract.
What does this mean fantasy wise? Not too much. Teixeira moves back to the AL. His lineup is slightly better and being on a very good team may help. Although the Halos may have the division wrapped up in August! The main thing is, Teixeira is notorious for being a second half player. Last year when the Braves got him as a rent-a-player he performed awesome (.317, 17, 56, in just 54 games). If the Angels get another performance like that, the deal will be a steal for them.
As far Kotchman is concerned, perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good. He’s actually had a power surge lately, hitting 3 homeruns in his last 4 games. His numbers on the year are pretty good, but not great. I really expect Kotchman to continue developing into a top tier firstbaseman, and apparently the Braves think so as well. Marek is a 24 year old righty relief pitcher in double-A. I don’t think he will have a fantasy impact anytime soon.
Lackey Brings a No-No Into the Ninth
John Lackey and the Angels are on quite the role right now. As of tonight they are 11.5 games up on the second place Rangers, they just picked up Mark Teixeira, and they are 14 and 2 in their last 16. Tonight, Lackey brought a no-hitter into the ninth against a talented Bosox lineup. After getting the slumping Jacoby Ellsbury to strike out for the first out of the ninth, Dustin Pedroia broke up the no-no bid with a single to left. Kevin Youkilis promptly hit a homerun to take care of the shutout as well. Still Lackey, went the distance to bring his record up to 9-2. Lackey doesn’t seem to get the recognition he fully deserves. This guy won 19 games last year and is having another great season this year. He looked awfully strong tonight, I don’t see why he can’t reach 15+ wins this year.
Myers Looks to be Back
Brett Myers may end up being of use to your fantasy team this year after all! Tonight he went 7 strong innings, allowing only 1 unearned run on 4 hits while striking out 2. Myers had good command and seemed to be back to his old self. If he can pitch like this, he may be quite the pleasant surprise down the stretch. It should be mentioned that tonight’s performance was against the offensively-challenged Nationals.
Injury Notes
I’ll leave the major details up to Corey, but their were far too many injury notes that happened today to fully ignore them. Hank Blaylock was placed on the 15 day DL with shoulder inflammation. This is his third injury this year. Blaylock is talented and I keep expecting him to breakout, but eventually these injuries take a toll on a player’s physical skills. I don’t think this is the end, but it’s another knock on a quickly deteriorating career.
The disappointing season for Adam LaRoche continues. Today the pirates placed him on the DL with strained rib cage muscle. It’s too bad, because LaRoche had started to turn his season around; he was hitting .391 in July. The Pirates used the roster spot to call up Brian Bixler. A move that is about as exciting as watching the Price is Right with Drew Carey.
The Rockies placed Scott Podsednik on the 15-day DL because of a fracture of his left pinky. Pods used to be a lock for 60 steals, but those days are long gone. Now he is just an injury risk who steals a lot less and has no power. Don’t be tempted by the steals he used to get.
John Maine left Monday’s start after 4 1/3 innings with pain in his right shoulder. Today he was diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain. It’s still unclear if he will miss his next start.
