According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, it looks as though the Orioles will place second baseman Brian Roberts on the 15-day disabled list with an abdominal strain.
The Orioles have recalled second baseman Justin Turner from Nolfolk, their Triple-A affiliate.
When told about Turner, Roberts responded, "Well, I guess I am going on the DL then."
Roberts, who suffered the injury on a stolen base on Friday, has two stolen bases in four games, but he was hitting only .143 (2-for-12).
Meanwhile, Julio Lugo, who will likely fill in while Roberts is out, is 2-for-14 in his four games played including Sunday.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Miguel Montero to have knee surgery
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed catcher Miguel Montero, who will require knee surgery, on the 15-day disabled list (DL), per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.
Montero has a torn meniscus and additional tests will be performed to verify whether there is any additional damage to the knee.
"I don't think it's fair to throw out too many timetables until we get the final tests on Monday," [manager A.J.] Hinch said.
In four games, Montero was batting .500 (6-for-12) with three runs batted in. While he is out, Chris Snyder will take his place.
Snyder, who is 1-for-6 this season, hit a career-high 16 home runs with 64 runs batted in during the 2008 season.
Montero has a torn meniscus and additional tests will be performed to verify whether there is any additional damage to the knee.
"I don't think it's fair to throw out too many timetables until we get the final tests on Monday," [manager A.J.] Hinch said.
In four games, Montero was batting .500 (6-for-12) with three runs batted in. While he is out, Chris Snyder will take his place.
Snyder, who is 1-for-6 this season, hit a career-high 16 home runs with 64 runs batted in during the 2008 season.
Feliz (not Francisco) to close for Texas
I can't say that I didn't see it coming.
In one of our Fantasy Baseball Weekly podcasts in late-February, we discussed relief pitchers (and catchers). Fearing a potential implosion and subsequent replacement by Neftali Feliz, I mentioned during that podcast that I would avoid Rangers closer Frank Francisco on all of my fantasy baseball teams.
That said, it's happened quicker than I thought although manager Ron Washington implied that the transition is temporary.
“That just didn’t look like Frankie,” Washington said Sunday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We haven’t seen that [closer] guy … and there’s no way we can go through this year without Frankie Francisco.”
If Feliz has more success than Francisco, who has blown two of three save opportunities, however, it's easy to imagine this move being more than just temporary for the 2010 season.
In one of our Fantasy Baseball Weekly podcasts in late-February, we discussed relief pitchers (and catchers). Fearing a potential implosion and subsequent replacement by Neftali Feliz, I mentioned during that podcast that I would avoid Rangers closer Frank Francisco on all of my fantasy baseball teams.
That said, it's happened quicker than I thought although manager Ron Washington implied that the transition is temporary.
“That just didn’t look like Frankie,” Washington said Sunday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We haven’t seen that [closer] guy … and there’s no way we can go through this year without Frankie Francisco.”
If Feliz has more success than Francisco, who has blown two of three save opportunities, however, it's easy to imagine this move being more than just temporary for the 2010 season.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cliff Lee to miss all of April
Seattle Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee, on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 26th, isn't expected to pitch at all in the month of April.
Lee, who should begin a minor league rehab assignment after a simulated game on the 16th, said Friday's 25-pitch bullpen session was "normal, felt good."
"Safely, I think we're looking at, hopefully, the first week in May,'' said manager Don Wakamatsu, per Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times. "Again, anything before that, I don't think he'll be built up and we won't feel comfortable.''
Although the injury is related to abdomen -- and not his arm or shoulder, it makes sense to take a cautious approach.
Lee, who should begin a minor league rehab assignment after a simulated game on the 16th, said Friday's 25-pitch bullpen session was "normal, felt good."
"Safely, I think we're looking at, hopefully, the first week in May,'' said manager Don Wakamatsu, per Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times. "Again, anything before that, I don't think he'll be built up and we won't feel comfortable.''
Although the injury is related to abdomen -- and not his arm or shoulder, it makes sense to take a cautious approach.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Mike Gonzalez blows another one
Going one out of three is good. If you're a hitter, that is. It's not so good when you're the closer.
For the second time in three appearances, Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez has blown a save opportunity.
To make matters worse, today's 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays came during the largest home Opening Day crowd (48,891) at Camden Yards. His first blown save came on Opening Day in Tampa.
That said, Orioles manager Dave Trembley says of Gonzalez that “he’s the closer.”
If you have a glass-half-full perspective, there won't be any more Opening Days in his future until 2010.
Either way, it might be wise to add Jim Johnson to your fantasy roster as a handcuff.
For the second time in three appearances, Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez has blown a save opportunity.
To make matters worse, today's 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays came during the largest home Opening Day crowd (48,891) at Camden Yards. His first blown save came on Opening Day in Tampa.
That said, Orioles manager Dave Trembley says of Gonzalez that “he’s the closer.”
If you have a glass-half-full perspective, there won't be any more Opening Days in his future until 2010.
Either way, it might be wise to add Jim Johnson to your fantasy roster as a handcuff.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Brewers, Gallardo agree to extension
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed Yovani Gallardo, who turned 24 years old in February, to a five-year contract extension, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
This deal, which guarantees Gallardo $30.1 million, will keep their young ace in town through the 2014 season. There is a club option for a sixth year (2015).
Gallardo would have been eligible for arbitration after this season and eligible for free agency after the 2013 season.
"We are thrilled to sign one of our top young players to a long-term deal," said Melvin in a news release. "We view Yovani as a top of the rotation performer who has a chance to become one of the elite pitchers in the game. He is the cornerstone of our starting rotation and the ideal pitcher to build our staff around for future seasons."
Last year, Gallardo became the fourth Brewer pitcher to have struck out 200 batters in one season. He finished the year with a record of 13-12, 3.73 ERA and 204 strike outs in 185 2/3 innings.
After signing Gallardo and outfielder Ryan Braun to long-term extensions, the Brewers will continue to work on signing first baseman Prince Fielder to a long-term deal next, despite placing blame on a team like the Yankees for the economic imbalance in baseball.
This deal, which guarantees Gallardo $30.1 million, will keep their young ace in town through the 2014 season. There is a club option for a sixth year (2015).
Gallardo would have been eligible for arbitration after this season and eligible for free agency after the 2013 season.
"We are thrilled to sign one of our top young players to a long-term deal," said Melvin in a news release. "We view Yovani as a top of the rotation performer who has a chance to become one of the elite pitchers in the game. He is the cornerstone of our starting rotation and the ideal pitcher to build our staff around for future seasons."
Last year, Gallardo became the fourth Brewer pitcher to have struck out 200 batters in one season. He finished the year with a record of 13-12, 3.73 ERA and 204 strike outs in 185 2/3 innings.
After signing Gallardo and outfielder Ryan Braun to long-term extensions, the Brewers will continue to work on signing first baseman Prince Fielder to a long-term deal next, despite placing blame on a team like the Yankees for the economic imbalance in baseball.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Mid-May return for Huston Street?
It was confirmed, by Dr. James Andrews, that the shoulder of Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street has inflammation but no structural damage, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Meanwhile, Renck's best guess for Street's return is roughly May 15th as trainer Keith Dugger will have Street work on conditioning before resuming his throwing program.
"We fear if I ramp up the throwing, I'll keep getting inflamed and it'll be a long, circular process, so Dugger has me on a program to build it up," Street said, per MLB.com.
Despite giving up one run in one inning on Monday, Franklin Morales, Street's injury substitute at closer, is one-for-one on save opportunities so far.
Note: you can follow us on Twitter @EDSBaseball.
Meanwhile, Renck's best guess for Street's return is roughly May 15th as trainer Keith Dugger will have Street work on conditioning before resuming his throwing program.
"We fear if I ramp up the throwing, I'll keep getting inflamed and it'll be a long, circular process, so Dugger has me on a program to build it up," Street said, per MLB.com.
Despite giving up one run in one inning on Monday, Franklin Morales, Street's injury substitute at closer, is one-for-one on save opportunities so far.
Note: you can follow us on Twitter @EDSBaseball.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday Night Links
''He said, 'Good luck. Sincerely, Ozzie.' And couple more phrases,'' said [Cubs manager Lou] Piniella [of a note left by Ozzie Guillen]. ''It wasn't twitted, and I'm appreciative of that.''
Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee had a pain-free catch for a second day in a row.
Giants ace Tim Lincecum threw seven scoreless innings in tonight's win over the Astros.
Albert Callaspo might start at third base for the Royals on Wednesday.
In his first at bat of the season, Mets third baseman David Wright homered.
And Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones homered twice.
Meanwhile, Braves rookie phenom Jason Heyward crushed a home run in his first-ever at bat in the big leagues.
Blue Jays closer Jason Frasor said of his blown save today: “Unfortunately, I have 48 hours to think about it. I’m six years older than I was when I first started blowing games, so it’s a little easier.”
The Red Sox will give Josh Beckett $68 million over four years.
Meanwhile the Pirates have the lowest payroll ($35.4 million) in baseball in 2010.
Shameless plug(s) of the day: Check out our 2010 fantasy football (quarterback) rankings or weigh in on a McNabb-versus-Kolb discussion on our football forums.
Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee had a pain-free catch for a second day in a row.
Giants ace Tim Lincecum threw seven scoreless innings in tonight's win over the Astros.
Albert Callaspo might start at third base for the Royals on Wednesday.
In his first at bat of the season, Mets third baseman David Wright homered.
And Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones homered twice.
Meanwhile, Braves rookie phenom Jason Heyward crushed a home run in his first-ever at bat in the big leagues.
Blue Jays closer Jason Frasor said of his blown save today: “Unfortunately, I have 48 hours to think about it. I’m six years older than I was when I first started blowing games, so it’s a little easier.”
The Red Sox will give Josh Beckett $68 million over four years.
Meanwhile the Pirates have the lowest payroll ($35.4 million) in baseball in 2010.
Shameless plug(s) of the day: Check out our 2010 fantasy football (quarterback) rankings or weigh in on a McNabb-versus-Kolb discussion on our football forums.
Amazing play by Mark Buehrle
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle, who started his eighth season opener, pitched seven scoreless innings against the Cleveland Indians today.
More impressively, one of those 21 outs could "end up being the Sox' defensive play of the year," as pointed out by Kyle Koster of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"Unbelievable," said Cleveland right fielder Shin-Soo Choo. "I think that was the best play I've ever seen. I thought he had no chance."
More impressively, one of those 21 outs could "end up being the Sox' defensive play of the year," as pointed out by Kyle Koster of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"Unbelievable," said Cleveland right fielder Shin-Soo Choo. "I think that was the best play I've ever seen. I thought he had no chance."
Berkman has knee drained ... again
It's Opening Day at Minute Maid Park and pitcher Roy Oswalt has made his franchise-record eighth consecutive Opening Day start.
Despite beginning the season on the disabled list (DL), teammate Lance Berkman received a "big round of applause as he gingerly walks onto field..." as tweeted by MLB's Brian McTaggert.
Berkman, who missed 26 games in 2009, is eligible to return from the DL Saturday, however, that may be overly optimistic.
According to Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chronicle, Berkman had his knee drained for a fifth time today and he's expected to get a cortisone shot.
Despite beginning the season on the disabled list (DL), teammate Lance Berkman received a "big round of applause as he gingerly walks onto field..." as tweeted by MLB's Brian McTaggert.
Berkman, who missed 26 games in 2009, is eligible to return from the DL Saturday, however, that may be overly optimistic.
According to Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chronicle, Berkman had his knee drained for a fifth time today and he's expected to get a cortisone shot.
Ron Washington's job security?
There are some Texas-sized expectations for the Rangers in 2010, especially from those in the organization.
In fact, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton predicted "96 wins."
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram asks in his column in the Dallas Morning News this morning, "Is Ron Washington on the hot seat?"
Washington, who is the fourth and final year of his contract, led the Rangers to 87 wins last year and has improved the club in each of his three seasons. (He won 75 and 79 games in his first two seasons, respectively.)
Despite internal debate over whether to fire Washington after he had failed a drug test last year, the Rangers decided to keep him as their skipper. That said, Wilson mentions the "lingering belief" that the Rangers could be looking to fire Washington, at the earliest convenient opportunity (i.e., losing streak, managerial error, etc.)
"That's silly," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Trust me: Nobody here is looking for something like that. We're all trying to work together to help this team win."
Barring a second failed drug test, which seems unlikely, or something else equally embarrassing for the franchise, it's hard to envision Washington being replaced mid-season.
Perhaps if the Rangers take a step back from 87 wins, Washington may not be back in 2011. Otherwise, a fourth straight year of improvement would seem to guarantee his continued stewardship of the club.
(Note: Win #1 is in the books.)
In fact, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton predicted "96 wins."
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram asks in his column in the Dallas Morning News this morning, "Is Ron Washington on the hot seat?"
Washington, who is the fourth and final year of his contract, led the Rangers to 87 wins last year and has improved the club in each of his three seasons. (He won 75 and 79 games in his first two seasons, respectively.)
Despite internal debate over whether to fire Washington after he had failed a drug test last year, the Rangers decided to keep him as their skipper. That said, Wilson mentions the "lingering belief" that the Rangers could be looking to fire Washington, at the earliest convenient opportunity (i.e., losing streak, managerial error, etc.)
"That's silly," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Trust me: Nobody here is looking for something like that. We're all trying to work together to help this team win."
Barring a second failed drug test, which seems unlikely, or something else equally embarrassing for the franchise, it's hard to envision Washington being replaced mid-season.
Perhaps if the Rangers take a step back from 87 wins, Washington may not be back in 2011. Otherwise, a fourth straight year of improvement would seem to guarantee his continued stewardship of the club.
(Note: Win #1 is in the books.)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sunday Night Links
Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson says of the comparison to Curtis Granderson, "I get that all the time. I've been compared to him, and that is a real compliment."
Granderson homered in his first at bat as a Yankee.
With Cody Ross and Dan Uggla, the Marlins had two (of the seven) players under 6'0" to hit 20+ home runs.
Orioles president Andy MacPhail said to "not read too much into" Nolan Reimold fielding ground balls at first base.
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said of Gordon Beckham's move to second base: 'He's got a great chance to be a good one. I think the move to second will make it easier for him. He's more comfortable. He can just worry about his hitting.''
The four-year extension for Toronto's Adam Lind could be worth as much as $38.5 million, per Morgan Campbell of The Toronto Star.
Jason LaRue will be the Cardinals' Opening Day catcher.
Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune names B.J. Upton, David Price, Sean Rodriguez and Rafael Soriano as his players to watch in 2010 in addition to prospects Desmond Jennings and Jeremy Hellickson.
Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez has returned to the Mets after his brothers' automobile accident in Venezuela.
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal says the Dodgers are capable of reaching the World Series.
Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez focused on slowing down his delivery.
Padres second baseman David Eckstein said, “This team is definitely headed in the right direction with a lot of good, young talent. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people, maybe ourselves.”
The Red Sox added Scott Schoenweis to their Opening Day roster after placing Daisuke Matsusaka and Junichi Tazawa on the disabled list.
Giants outfielder John Bowker, who led the team this spring with 23 RBIs, won the starting right field job.
Orioles outfielder Adam Jones is tired of losing.
Braves phenom Jason Heyward wears number 22 in honor of Andrew Wilmont, his former high-school teammate and the son of his favorite high-school teacher. Wilmont passed away after a car accident.
Marlins closer Leo Nunez said, "Finding a song [for a closer] isn't easy. You are supposed to have something intimidating.''
Eric Chavez is now the Athletics designated hitter.
Shameless plug: Get our Twitter updates @EDSBaseball.
Giants catcher Bengie Molina said of ace Tim Lincecum, "... some of the starts he won, he won because of his name. He wasn't always feeling the best. He wasn't throwing as hard, and his breaking ball wasn't as good. He was beating them because the hitters knew who they were facing. Obviously, I'm not trying to put Timmy down. Everybody knows how nasty he is. Even if he doesn't have his good stuff, he knows how to pitch a good game."
The Rockies left fielder on Opening Day will Seth Smith, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Some (more) shameless plugs for our latest posts at our other blogs: NCAA Championship prediction, Ravens' consensus draft pick and Donovan McNabb dealt to Redskins.
Granderson homered in his first at bat as a Yankee.
With Cody Ross and Dan Uggla, the Marlins had two (of the seven) players under 6'0" to hit 20+ home runs.
Orioles president Andy MacPhail said to "not read too much into" Nolan Reimold fielding ground balls at first base.
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said of Gordon Beckham's move to second base: 'He's got a great chance to be a good one. I think the move to second will make it easier for him. He's more comfortable. He can just worry about his hitting.''
The four-year extension for Toronto's Adam Lind could be worth as much as $38.5 million, per Morgan Campbell of The Toronto Star.
Jason LaRue will be the Cardinals' Opening Day catcher.
Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune names B.J. Upton, David Price, Sean Rodriguez and Rafael Soriano as his players to watch in 2010 in addition to prospects Desmond Jennings and Jeremy Hellickson.
Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez has returned to the Mets after his brothers' automobile accident in Venezuela.
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal says the Dodgers are capable of reaching the World Series.
Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez focused on slowing down his delivery.
Padres second baseman David Eckstein said, “This team is definitely headed in the right direction with a lot of good, young talent. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people, maybe ourselves.”
The Red Sox added Scott Schoenweis to their Opening Day roster after placing Daisuke Matsusaka and Junichi Tazawa on the disabled list.
Giants outfielder John Bowker, who led the team this spring with 23 RBIs, won the starting right field job.
Orioles outfielder Adam Jones is tired of losing.
Braves phenom Jason Heyward wears number 22 in honor of Andrew Wilmont, his former high-school teammate and the son of his favorite high-school teacher. Wilmont passed away after a car accident.
Marlins closer Leo Nunez said, "Finding a song [for a closer] isn't easy. You are supposed to have something intimidating.''
Eric Chavez is now the Athletics designated hitter.
Shameless plug: Get our Twitter updates @EDSBaseball.
Giants catcher Bengie Molina said of ace Tim Lincecum, "... some of the starts he won, he won because of his name. He wasn't always feeling the best. He wasn't throwing as hard, and his breaking ball wasn't as good. He was beating them because the hitters knew who they were facing. Obviously, I'm not trying to put Timmy down. Everybody knows how nasty he is. Even if he doesn't have his good stuff, he knows how to pitch a good game."
The Rockies left fielder on Opening Day will Seth Smith, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Some (more) shameless plugs for our latest posts at our other blogs: NCAA Championship prediction, Ravens' consensus draft pick and Donovan McNabb dealt to Redskins.
Cliff Lee to start season on the DL
The Seattle Mariners have placed pitcher Cliff Lee on the 15-day disabled list (DL), per Jim Street of MLB.com.
The move is retroactive to March 26th.
Lee said today of throwing on flat ground, "I feel good. I virtually threw as hard today as I can throw and didn't feel anything. It's good."
In addition to Lee, the Mariners begin the season with three players on the DL: Lee, pitcher Erik Bedard and third baseman Jack Hannahan.
Facing a five-game suspension, which he is appealing, Lee could miss almost all of April.
The move is retroactive to March 26th.
Lee said today of throwing on flat ground, "I feel good. I virtually threw as hard today as I can throw and didn't feel anything. It's good."
In addition to Lee, the Mariners begin the season with three players on the DL: Lee, pitcher Erik Bedard and third baseman Jack Hannahan.
Facing a five-game suspension, which he is appealing, Lee could miss almost all of April.
Can the Mets stay healthier in 2010?
That's the stated goal.
According to Baseball Prospectus, as pointed out by Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger, Mets' players spent a combined 1,451 days on the disabled list (DL) in 2009.
And heading into Opening Day tomorrow, the Mets have already placed four of their players on the DL this season.
Hence, the team's 2010 slogan: “Prevention and Recovery.”
“Every time they see the sign, it’s a reminder to everybody, whatever they’re doing, to keep an eye on, ‘Are we at risk here?’ ” Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said. “Not to say we’re not going to prepare, but it just keeps it in your consciousness. The more people are talking about it and thinking about it, the less chance we’ll have of doing something that puts us at risk.”
That said, Mets' players aren't exactly sure what it means.
Mets third baseman David Wright said “... I’m not exactly sure what’s going on differently than in years past” while teammate Jeff Franceour said, “I have no clue what it means.”
Hmmm.
I think what it means is that it could be déjà vu all over again for the Mets.
According to Baseball Prospectus, as pointed out by Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger, Mets' players spent a combined 1,451 days on the disabled list (DL) in 2009.
And heading into Opening Day tomorrow, the Mets have already placed four of their players on the DL this season.
Hence, the team's 2010 slogan: “Prevention and Recovery.”
“Every time they see the sign, it’s a reminder to everybody, whatever they’re doing, to keep an eye on, ‘Are we at risk here?’ ” Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said. “Not to say we’re not going to prepare, but it just keeps it in your consciousness. The more people are talking about it and thinking about it, the less chance we’ll have of doing something that puts us at risk.”
That said, Mets' players aren't exactly sure what it means.
Mets third baseman David Wright said “... I’m not exactly sure what’s going on differently than in years past” while teammate Jeff Franceour said, “I have no clue what it means.”
Hmmm.
I think what it means is that it could be déjà vu all over again for the Mets.
Matthews Jr. named Mets' Opening Day centerfielder
Earlier in the spring, opinions seemed to differ between Mets manager Jerry Manuel and GM Omar Minaya as to whether prospect Fernando Martinez could become the Mets' Opening Day centerfielder.
In either case, F-Mart was sent down to Buffalo last week despite his .383 batting average this spring.
Therefore, in the battle to be Carlos Beltran's injury replacement to start the season, Gary Matthews Jr. beat out Angel Pagan, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Matthews, who hit .250 with four home runs in 350 at bats for the Angels last season, will bat seventh in the order when the Mets face the Marlins tomorrow.
In either case, F-Mart was sent down to Buffalo last week despite his .383 batting average this spring.
Therefore, in the battle to be Carlos Beltran's injury replacement to start the season, Gary Matthews Jr. beat out Angel Pagan, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Matthews, who hit .250 with four home runs in 350 at bats for the Angels last season, will bat seventh in the order when the Mets face the Marlins tomorrow.
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