Fantasy Notes: Carlos’s Comeback
Carlos Marmol’s slump is clearly over and it’s come at the exact right time with closer Kerry Wood hitting the DL with a blister. Back in late-June and running into mid-July, the All-Star reliever was getting regularly tattooed, as many suspected his heavy workload was taking its toll. His ERA, as low as 1.04 back in May, shot over 4.00 at the break. However, he’s really turned the corner since getting bitch slapped on July 12 by the Giants of all teams. He says renewed focus has really helped him rhyme off six straight scoreless appearances. Friday, for instance, in a non-save situation – usually the bane of the closer’s existence – Marmol struck out the side, pitching on three days’ rest. If Wood continues to deal with injury issues, Marmol should be among the NL’s most valuable relievers in the second half.
Wood, by the way, didn’t throw before the game on Saturday, but he is scheduled to compete in a simulated game Sunday, so it shouldn’t be long before he’s back closing games for the Cubbies.
Apparently, it takes more than a busted finger to stop Michael Young. He was back in the starting lineup Thursday, and then smoked a pair of hits Friday. It’s going to take a big second half for Young to reach 200 hits for the sixth straight season, but if anyone can do it, it’s him, especially considering he’s hit 16 points higher after the break over the past three seasons. Young has been slipping since his career year in 2005, but he remains among the most productive shortstops in the game.
Carlos Quentin racked up his third straight multi-hit game Friday as he looks to build on a superb July. Can you believe this dude had to fight for a job this spring?
