So we’ll need to see more to believe he’s out of his slump. Apparently, the problems have resulted because he’s been tipping his pitches. We wouldn’t want to risk it against a hungry Yankee squad and showing-no-signs-of-cracking Detroit team this week. That’s a tall order for Buehrle even if he were on his game, which he clearly hasn’t been in the last month (0-5, 11.48 in July).
A Look Ahead: Buehrle Purely for Bench 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 »
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 »
Well, Cabrera was rancid and had to be demoted 10 days ago. Bedard also struggled at the outset, and his ERA was pretty unsightly (almost 6.00) after getting shelled in a June 1 start. Since then, however, the young Canadian southpaw has been among the top pitchers in all of baseball. In nine starts covering 60 IP, Bedard has given up just 40 hits and 16 walks while striking out 65 and recording a 1.95 ERA. He’s gone 7-1 over that stretch (including winning his past seven starts) and suddenly has a dozen wins, doubling his previous career best, and ranking fourth in the American League. Overall, Bedard has now lowered his ERA to 3.94 and looks to be one of the best bets for the second half, but his recent streak has rendered him unavailable in basically any kind of league.
Fantasy Notes: Erik Bedard Comes of Age Read Post »
Do I agree with the whole home field advantage in the World Series for the winner thing? No way. But the end result — games that truly do qualify as mid-season classics — seems to justify the means.
Now THAT Was an All-Star Game Read Post »
A career .295 hitter in four professional seasons, Hamilton reached Double-A by the age of 20 before his career petered out thanks to injuries and personal issues (read: drug problems). It was no small task getting the troubled Hamilton cleared to play minor league ball again.
Spikes Up: Josh Hamilton: To Hell and Back Read Post »
