Monday night, Pena gave the fans a glimpse by falling just a double short of the cycle. The book on him with the Reds was always “geez, what would this kid do with 500 at-bats?” Well, we’re not going to find out this year, but BoSox fans should quickly warm to this behemoth of a man who’s still just 24 and definitely has some 40-HR season waiting to emerge in that bat of his.
Fantasy Notes: Expect Mo’ Wily Read Post »
Lidle has been a worse pitcher in the second half in recent years, and you’ve got to figure the move to the AL hurts him as well, so don’t expect too much. For what it’s worth, he has won both starts he’s made at Yankee Stadium in the past three years, but was mediocre in doing so. Overall, Lidle is a perfectly average pitcher and the Yankee offense can help mask that with runs, but that doesn’t mean his ERA is something you want on your team.
Fantasy Notes: Johnny Come Lately Read Post »
After a solid career at Arizona State, Bordes was picked by the Orioles in the ninth round in June and assigned to the Aberdeen IronBirds of the NYPL. Bordes was actually taken by the Tigers in the 24th round last year, but opted to return for his senior season at ASU, and he improved his stock by going 7-1, 3.15. With the IronBirds, he’s 1-1, 3.86 and has given up just 13 hits in 18 2/3 IP, but he’s walked 12 while fanning 15. The southpaw has a quality arm capable of bringing it at 91 mph, but obviously he’ll need to rein in those walks if he wants to carve out a career as a lefty reliever.
Fantasy Notes: IronBird in the Hand Read Post »
In recent years, during the Braves’ unprecedented run of success, many “experts” have predicted the demise of the club, but Atlanta always found a way to win. We have resisted such portents of doom, always suggesting until it happened, you had to give the benefit of the doubt to the Braves.
Do I Hear a Fat Lady in Atlanta? Read Post »
By now I manage to cope pretty well with the fact that vacations are only possible before April and after September. The need for proximity to a computer with Internet access is pretty routine in my life now. Still, this time of year is so disruptive to my peace. It’s hard to believe the stress that so many ordinary people — Fantasy baseball managers — put themselves through for their fictional teams. I mean, that’s why the Theo Epstein‘s of the world get paid millions. In many cases, RotoRob included, it’s pride that motivates.
RotoWidow: Counting Down to the Trade Deadline Read Post »
This team is good, improving, but best of all, young. Youth has definitely been served in Arizona, and the message is loud and clear: this club is not only a contender this year, but is building a machine that should be capable of winning for years to come.
Youth Spurs Rising Phoenix Read Post »
Could it be stuff that would allow a Little Leaguer to light him up (86 hits allowed in 54 1/3 IP, .355 BAA)? How about the gopheritis (16 homers surrendered)? Or maybe the 15 walks against just 29 Ks? Anyway you slice it, Towers’ ERA — appropriately 9.11 — could only mean one thing: call for help! Since being sent down to Triple-A at the end of June, Towers has been much better, recording a solid 3.69 ERA with tremendous command (35 K/four BB). However, he’s still way too hittable (.294 BAA). This is the fine line Towers walks. If he’s off just a hair with his control, as he was in the majors this year, big league hitters will punish him. He is simply unable to compensate for any lack of command. At any rate, he’s proving in Triple-A that he may still factor into the Jays’ plans at some point this season. Just pray that if he returns, that of the two Towers, the one with great command shows up, or else it will be another disaster.
Fantasy Notes: The Two Towers Read Post »
