In the boxscore it looks pretty impressive: a perfect inning to save the Yankees’ 2-1 in Houston Friday night. But Kyle Farnsworth – only taking the final inning because Manager Joe Girardi was giving regular closer Mariano Rivera a much needed day off – earned his first save of the season in a rather lucky […]

Carlos Villanueva, a pitcher many considered to be a sleeper heading into this season, has been a big time flop, notwithstanding a victory in his most recent start. In fairness, he’s been matched up against some tough competition, facing seven straight Opening Day starters. But that doesn’t explain away his dramatically reduced K rate, much

We’re going to bounce all over the map today, discussing some minor leaguers, some major leaguers, some Indy players and even some international players. Nevin Ashley, the Rays’ sixth rounder in 2006, is struggling to adjust to High-A ball this season. The former First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference catcher is just 5-for-33 in his last

Don’t be so quick to discard veteran hurler Jose Contreras. Although the 36-year-old (ya, right) Cuban took the loss Sunday, with just six hits allowed in eight innings he probably deserved a better fate. Contreras looked just about done last season, but so far this season, he’s pitched at his highest level since putting up

Have you noticed how badly Casey Blake is scuffling so far this season? While he’s looking a bit better lately, it’s been an awful start for Blake, who’s career seems to be in decline since posting a fine year in 2006. Now 34, Blake is having a real difficult time getting on base enough to

Travis Buck has turned things around after an awful start. Okay, I get it. Toronto sweeps the defending Champion BoSox and then gets swept by an Oakland team expected to be among the AL’s weakest clubs this season. Now Toronto travels to Texas, who is off to a good start, and Baltimore, which is somehow

A Cubs’ fan’s best friend. Aramis Ramirez owners must have been ecstatic Monday when he delivered his third hit in two games and tripled his season RBI total by driving in a pair. Those of you getting your panties in a bunch over Ramirez’s 2-for-16, one-RBI start need to take a chill pill. A-Ram traditionally