Beyond the Boxscore - 08/25/08-08/26/08
Whatever Brett Myers did while he was in the minor leagues, perhaps he should spend a couple of weeks down there every season. Myers improved to 4-1 since he returned with another stellar effort. He threw another seven shutout innings and struck out eight batters. Myers did allow nine hits, but none of them came around to score. Myers is pitching the best he has his whole career, and if he was dropped in your league, run quick to go get him.
As the Phillies try to get back into first place, they have to hope the Mets’ Mike Pelfrey will come back to earth. Pelfrey threw his second consecutive complete game on Monday, beating the Astros and allowing only one run. There was some rumblings that the Mets might try to hold Pelfrey back from some of his starts so he didn’t blow away his previous high in innings, but manager Jerry Manuel said the other day that wasn’t the case. Continue to throw Pelfrey with confidence each and every time his turn comes up.
Even though there were some concerns about the amount of playing time that Ryan Church would get upon his return due to his concussion problems that have cost him the majority of this season. However, it looks like Church will be out there on most days, as Church hasn’t gotten a day off in the five days since he returned. He did take an 0-6 on Tuesday, but he has been getting back in the groove quicker than I had expected.
Jeff Francis has been pretty successful since he came back from the Disabled List on August 7th. Francis had a tough first outing, but since then has only allowed six runs in three starts over 19 innings. Francis hasn’t been getting the number of strikeouts that he has been accustomed to in his career, but at least he isn’t getting bombed every time out like he was to start the season. I think you can start him against almost any team right now, but put him on a semi-short leash.
Bronson Arroyo continued his Dr. Jeykl/Mr. Hyde 2008, as he threw a complete game against the Astros on Tuesday. Arroyo started the season 1-4, but has won six of his last nine decisions, including Tuesday’s gem. Bronson allowed only one run and struck out three, making it his second consecutive start that he allowed only one run. I would only pick him up for a spot start against the weaker offensive teams, but would sit him against the elite contenders.
As we move closer to September 1st, it is getting to the time that younger guys start to get more playing time for those teams that are out of contention.
Nelson Cruz is showing his potential in just a few games with the big club. He has been in the minors seemingly forever, but he hit a smashing home run on Monday. Manager Ron Washington said that he would play every day. Cruz has had an amazing season at AAA, batting .342 with 37 HRs, and 99 RBI over just 103 games this season. Cruz could be able to help you down the stretch if you get an injury or very cold player.
Ben Francisco has been with the Indians all season long, but has started to get hot again. In his last ten games he has 13 hits and just one RBI, but had a GREAT game on Tuesday. Francisco was 2-4 with two homers and four RBI. He has some power potential, but has still been yet to prove himself consistent enough to own him all season long. He is good to have when he hits one of these hot streaks, but just don’t expect anything huge from him.
Traded from the Red Sox to the Pirates in the Jason Bay deal, Brandon Moss has been hitting pretty well for Pittsburgh. Moss has homered twice in the last five days, and also had a two hit night on Tuesday. He would only be an injury replacement for me in the short term, but definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Martin Prado has been hitting up a storm for the Atlanta Braves, but based on his career, I wouldn’t hold my breath for this to continue. He has never had what I would call a successful season in the minors or the majors, but has been red hot for the Braves lately. Prado isn’t going to help you in homers, RBI, or steals, but he has been hitting for a great average. Over the last ten games, Prado has 15 hits and has raised his average 25 points. You can ride the hot hand, but don’t expect him to have him on your roster all season long.
House of Pain
J.D. Drew was finally placed on the 15 day DL with a back injury, retroactive to August 18th. Drew has made a living on the DL over his career, and will be there at least until the early part of September, maybe longer. Back injuries are tricky, and the way Drew gets hurt, it is possible that this could linger quite a while.
Brian Fuentes was placed on the bereavement list to deal with some family issues. Players on the bereavement list can be there between three to seven days, so the Rockies, and fantasy owners will be without their closer for perhaps a week. Those desperate for saves can either pickup Manny Corpas or Taylor Buchholz for save attempts.
Rays rookie sensation Evan Longoria is hoping to return from his broken bone in his wrist. Longoria is hoping to begin hitting in the next couple of days, and is targeting September 1st as the day he will be back on the field.
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. For more information on this show and others like it, go to fantasygurusnetwork.com.
