Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen left yesterday's game against the Rays with a sore wrist.
James McDonald, the team's No. 3 starter, left the game with pain in his side within an inning of McCutchen.
Per Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, manager Clint Hurdle won't speculate on either injury, saying "We don't know. I don't talk about injuries. Normally, information doesn't get accurate until later on. I'm not a doctor."
Based on average draft position (ADP) from Mock Draft Central, McCutchen is the 12th outfielder and 42nd player off the boards in fantasy baseball drafts this year.
Last year, McCutchen hit 16 home runs and stole 33 bases while scoring 94 runs and hitting .286.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Zack Greinke to start season on DL
After an MRI revealed a hairline fracture in one of his ribs and a bruise in another, Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke is expected to miss the next two to four weeks and start the season on the disabled list.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that Greinke will miss the first three starts of the season.
Greinke, who has made a couple of spring training appearances, suffered the injury a couple of weeks ago while playing basketball.
"I've been doing this for a couple of years now and people always said, 'You're going to get hurt.' It finally caught up to me, playing basketball," Greinke said, per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. I was going up for a rebound and fell on the side. I was hoping it was just bruised. I had a lot of fun doing it but it wasn't worth it."
Greinke won the 2009 AL Cy Young award, but he finished with a record of 10-14, an ERA of 4.17 and 181 strikeouts last year. His ERA the All-Star break (4.72) was a full run higher than what it was before the break (3.71). Despite posting an ERA of 2.16 and striking out 242 batters in 2009, Greinke won only 16 games that year due to a lack of run support.
With the transition to the National League and to a team that should provide greater run support than he received in Kansas City, Greinke should bounce back in 2011 when he returns from injury.
According to Mock Draft Central, Greinke is currently the seventh pitcher and 46th player off the board in fantasy baseball drafts. If folks overreact to the injury news, however, it's possible that Greinke could become a bit of a bargain.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that Greinke will miss the first three starts of the season.
Greinke, who has made a couple of spring training appearances, suffered the injury a couple of weeks ago while playing basketball.
"I've been doing this for a couple of years now and people always said, 'You're going to get hurt.' It finally caught up to me, playing basketball," Greinke said, per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. I was going up for a rebound and fell on the side. I was hoping it was just bruised. I had a lot of fun doing it but it wasn't worth it."
Greinke won the 2009 AL Cy Young award, but he finished with a record of 10-14, an ERA of 4.17 and 181 strikeouts last year. His ERA the All-Star break (4.72) was a full run higher than what it was before the break (3.71). Despite posting an ERA of 2.16 and striking out 242 batters in 2009, Greinke won only 16 games that year due to a lack of run support.
With the transition to the National League and to a team that should provide greater run support than he received in Kansas City, Greinke should bounce back in 2011 when he returns from injury.
According to Mock Draft Central, Greinke is currently the seventh pitcher and 46th player off the board in fantasy baseball drafts. If folks overreact to the injury news, however, it's possible that Greinke could become a bit of a bargain.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Carlos Beltran moving to right field
Last year, Angel Pagan moved from center field when Carlos Beltran was ready to return from knee surgery.
This year, it's Beltran that will give up center field (to Pagan) in the hopes of prolonging his career.
"I want to play right," Beltran said, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I think it’s best for the team. It’s going to be best for me also, best for my knee."
This weekend, Beltran will begin playing Grapefruit League games as a designated hitter.
Today Newsday's David Lennon tweeted that Beltran was "absolutely crushing the ball" during batting practice.
According to Mock Draft Central, Beltran is the 51st outfielder and 223rd player off the board, on average, in fantasy baseball drafts. Meanwhile, Pagan is the 58th outfielder and 241st player drafted on average.
This year, it's Beltran that will give up center field (to Pagan) in the hopes of prolonging his career.
"I want to play right," Beltran said, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I think it’s best for the team. It’s going to be best for me also, best for my knee."
This weekend, Beltran will begin playing Grapefruit League games as a designated hitter.
Today Newsday's David Lennon tweeted that Beltran was "absolutely crushing the ball" during batting practice.
According to Mock Draft Central, Beltran is the 51st outfielder and 223rd player off the board, on average, in fantasy baseball drafts. Meanwhile, Pagan is the 58th outfielder and 241st player drafted on average.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Chase Utley "day-to-day" with patellar tendinitis
An MRI revealed that Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has patellar tendinitis in his right knee, per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.
As one would expect, Utley is being held out of today's game against the Yankees and labels himself as "day-to-day."
The injury is not new for Utley, but he says the discomfort is lasting longer than usual.
"It comes and goes," Utley said. "Right now it's not going as fast as I wish that it would. But I think at this point it is better to be safe than sorry. I'd rather miss some games down here than miss some games during the season."
General manager Ruben Amaro echoes Utley's sentiment.
"I think he knows and understands this is about the long haul," Amaro said. "He's an intense guy and he wants to be out there playing and all that business, but I think he understands that this is all part of the process for him to be fine later on rather than have to deal with it long term."
Based on average draft position from Mock Draft Central, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano is the only second baseman off the board before Utley in fantasy baseball drafts.
Utley, who missed 47 games last year, hit .275 with 16 home runs and 63 runs batted in. Before 2010, however, Utley hit 31 home runs and stole 23 bases in 2009 and had a 100-RBI streak of four years from 2005 through 2008.
As one would expect, Utley is being held out of today's game against the Yankees and labels himself as "day-to-day."
The injury is not new for Utley, but he says the discomfort is lasting longer than usual.
"It comes and goes," Utley said. "Right now it's not going as fast as I wish that it would. But I think at this point it is better to be safe than sorry. I'd rather miss some games down here than miss some games during the season."
General manager Ruben Amaro echoes Utley's sentiment.
"I think he knows and understands this is about the long haul," Amaro said. "He's an intense guy and he wants to be out there playing and all that business, but I think he understands that this is all part of the process for him to be fine later on rather than have to deal with it long term."
Based on average draft position from Mock Draft Central, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano is the only second baseman off the board before Utley in fantasy baseball drafts.
Utley, who missed 47 games last year, hit .275 with 16 home runs and 63 runs batted in. Before 2010, however, Utley hit 31 home runs and stole 23 bases in 2009 and had a 100-RBI streak of four years from 2005 through 2008.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Blue Jays, Bautista agree to five-year extension
The Toronto Blue Jays and outfielder Jose Bautista have agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $64 million.
Bautista, who would have become a free agent after the 2011 season, is signed through 2015, but the Jays have a club option at $14 million for 2016.
“It came down to how far above [Braves second baseman Dan] Uggla we’d be,” [Blue Jays general manager Alex] Anthopoulos said, per The Toronto Star. “We felt Dan Uggla was a focal point, but it took time to work things out. The consistency of Uggla speaks for itself. The upside of Jose’s season is that Uggla never had a season like that.”
Last year, Bautista led the majors with 54 home runs and finished third in the American League in runs batted in with 124. Before 2010, Bautista never hit more than 16 home runs in a season (2006).
Bautista, who would have become a free agent after the 2011 season, is signed through 2015, but the Jays have a club option at $14 million for 2016.
“It came down to how far above [Braves second baseman Dan] Uggla we’d be,” [Blue Jays general manager Alex] Anthopoulos said, per The Toronto Star. “We felt Dan Uggla was a focal point, but it took time to work things out. The consistency of Uggla speaks for itself. The upside of Jose’s season is that Uggla never had a season like that.”
Last year, Bautista led the majors with 54 home runs and finished third in the American League in runs batted in with 124. Before 2010, Bautista never hit more than 16 home runs in a season (2006).
Miguel Cabrera busted for DUI
If you were about to be arrested for DUI, would you take a drink from your bottle of scotch in front of an officer?
Well, if you were Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, the answer to that question (allegedly) would be yes.
Late Wednesday night, Cabrera was arrested in Ft. Pierce (FL) and charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest without violence, per the Detroit Free-Press.
And not only did Cabrera take a swig of scotch in front of the officer, but he then proceeded to use the ever-so-popular line: “Do you know who I am?"
So, Cabrera, who had issues with alcohol in the past, apparently has issues with alcohol in the present as well.
Cabrera, who finished second in AL MVP voting, hit .328 and a career-high 38 home runs while driving in 126 runs last season.
According to Mock Draft Central, Cabrera is the third player, on average, off fantasy baseball draft boards behind Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez. There's a good chance that will soon change, especially with first base being such a deep position.
Well, if you were Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, the answer to that question (allegedly) would be yes.
Late Wednesday night, Cabrera was arrested in Ft. Pierce (FL) and charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest without violence, per the Detroit Free-Press.
And not only did Cabrera take a swig of scotch in front of the officer, but he then proceeded to use the ever-so-popular line: “Do you know who I am?"
So, Cabrera, who had issues with alcohol in the past, apparently has issues with alcohol in the present as well.
Cabrera, who finished second in AL MVP voting, hit .328 and a career-high 38 home runs while driving in 126 runs last season.
According to Mock Draft Central, Cabrera is the third player, on average, off fantasy baseball draft boards behind Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez. There's a good chance that will soon change, especially with first base being such a deep position.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
David Aardsma likely to miss first two weeks of season
Seattle Mariners closer David Aardsma will likely miss at least the first two weeks of the 2011 season, per Kirby Arnold of the Everett Herald.
Aardsma, who had hip surgery in January, had 31 saves and five blown saves in 2010 with an ERA of 3.44.
However, he converted 15-of-16 save opportunities after the All-Star Break with an ERA of 0.84 during that span.
“Next week I’ll start the process of walking, and once I can put my full weight on my leg I can start throwing,” Aardsma said. “By that, I mean really throwing, not sitting on a chair. Then a couple of weeks after that, I can start letting it go. The big thing is putting all my weight on my leg.”
In addition, Aardsma says he's in good overall shape.
“I think I’m in better shape and stronger than I ever have been,” he said. “I can do the bike every day without resistance and I do pool work every day. Conditioning-wise, I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m in great shape. I can do leg strengthening things but I can’t do push-off stuff. I can do hamstring curls, quad stuff, interior and exterior stuff, and I’m doing full upper-body workouts.”
With Aardsma (likely) out for the first two weeks (and maybe more) of the season, Brandon League will get closing duties and be a source of temporary saves in fantasy leagues.
Aardsma, who had hip surgery in January, had 31 saves and five blown saves in 2010 with an ERA of 3.44.
However, he converted 15-of-16 save opportunities after the All-Star Break with an ERA of 0.84 during that span.
“Next week I’ll start the process of walking, and once I can put my full weight on my leg I can start throwing,” Aardsma said. “By that, I mean really throwing, not sitting on a chair. Then a couple of weeks after that, I can start letting it go. The big thing is putting all my weight on my leg.”
In addition, Aardsma says he's in good overall shape.
“I think I’m in better shape and stronger than I ever have been,” he said. “I can do the bike every day without resistance and I do pool work every day. Conditioning-wise, I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m in great shape. I can do leg strengthening things but I can’t do push-off stuff. I can do hamstring curls, quad stuff, interior and exterior stuff, and I’m doing full upper-body workouts.”
With Aardsma (likely) out for the first two weeks (and maybe more) of the season, Brandon League will get closing duties and be a source of temporary saves in fantasy leagues.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Butler, Royals agree to four-year extension
The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Billy Butler have agreed yesterday to a four-year extension worth $30 million with a club option for a fifth season (2015), per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Gordon Beckham to bat second
The White Sox will bat Gordon Beckham second in their lineup to start the season, per Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Beckham, who was the eighth overall pick in 2008, struggled mightily in the first half of 2010.
Before the All-Star break, Beckham hit only .216 and three home runs in 273 at bats. His batting average in the first three months: .235, .159 and .233.
After the break, however, Beckham hit .310 with six home runs in 171 at bats.
In early mock drafts, Beckham is the 16th second baseman and 200th player selected, according to Mock Draft Central.
Beckham, who was the eighth overall pick in 2008, struggled mightily in the first half of 2010.
Before the All-Star break, Beckham hit only .216 and three home runs in 273 at bats. His batting average in the first three months: .235, .159 and .233.
After the break, however, Beckham hit .310 with six home runs in 171 at bats.
In early mock drafts, Beckham is the 16th second baseman and 200th player selected, according to Mock Draft Central.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CarGo, Rockies agree to seven-year, $80 million extension
The Colorado Rockies are about to sign outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to an extension for seven years and $80 million, provided he passes a physical on Thursday.
"It's not at all finalized. But everything is practically concluded. All that's left are the physical evaluations," Gonzalez told Meridiano Television in Venezuela.
Last year, CarGo won a Gold Glove and the N.L. batting title (.344) while hitting 34 home runs while driving in 117 runs.
Gonzalez has been part of two large trades: (1) went to Oakland in deal for Dan Haren to Arizona and (2) went to Colorado with Huston Street and Greg Smith for Matt Holliday.
"It's not at all finalized. But everything is practically concluded. All that's left are the physical evaluations," Gonzalez told Meridiano Television in Venezuela.
Last year, CarGo won a Gold Glove and the N.L. batting title (.344) while hitting 34 home runs while driving in 117 runs.
Gonzalez has been part of two large trades: (1) went to Oakland in deal for Dan Haren to Arizona and (2) went to Colorado with Huston Street and Greg Smith for Matt Holliday.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Ubaldo Jimenez wins 11th
Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez won his 11th game of the season as the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 on Sunday.
In the process, Jimenez extended his scoreless innings streak to 33, which is a franchise record. The streak ended on a home run by Connor Jackson in the eighth inning.
The previous franchise record was held by Gabe White, who pitched 29 1/3 scoreless innings in 2000.
“I’m just really happy,” Jimenez said (via the Associated Press). “As a starter, you only pitch every five days so it’s so hard, especially when you’re having a season like this. You can’t wait for your next start to come.”
By allowing a two-run homer to Jackson today, Jimenez's ERA jumped to 0.93.
In the process, Jimenez extended his scoreless innings streak to 33, which is a franchise record. The streak ended on a home run by Connor Jackson in the eighth inning.
The previous franchise record was held by Gabe White, who pitched 29 1/3 scoreless innings in 2000.
“I’m just really happy,” Jimenez said (via the Associated Press). “As a starter, you only pitch every five days so it’s so hard, especially when you’re having a season like this. You can’t wait for your next start to come.”
By allowing a two-run homer to Jackson today, Jimenez's ERA jumped to 0.93.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Perfect...but not really
We nearly saw a third perfect game this season. Well, we did. But not really.
Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from throwing the first-ever perfect game in Detroit Tigers history. And he did. Or he didn't.
Galarraga did his part. However, umpire Jim Joyce called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe (when he was clearly out).
Joyce handled it like a man, apologizing to Galarraga saying he "cost that kid a perfect game."
While this error is another reminder of why baseball should have instant replay, Ian O'Connor of ESPN New York recommends that MLB commissioner Bud Selig intervene and reverse the call.
Considering the call happened on the last play (or what should have been the last play) of the game, O'Connor's recommendation makes sense.
It won't impact the outcome from a win-loss standpoint. But it will impact history.
Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from throwing the first-ever perfect game in Detroit Tigers history. And he did. Or he didn't.
Galarraga did his part. However, umpire Jim Joyce called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe (when he was clearly out).
Joyce handled it like a man, apologizing to Galarraga saying he "cost that kid a perfect game."
While this error is another reminder of why baseball should have instant replay, Ian O'Connor of ESPN New York recommends that MLB commissioner Bud Selig intervene and reverse the call.
Considering the call happened on the last play (or what should have been the last play) of the game, O'Connor's recommendation makes sense.
It won't impact the outcome from a win-loss standpoint. But it will impact history.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mark Teixeira expects to play tonight
Last night, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who fouled a ball off his foot during a first-inning at-bat, left the game early.
But he expects to return to the lineup, per George A. King III of the New York Post.
"I thought I could play through it, I thought it would loosen up, but it stiffened up," said Teixeira. "I fully expect to be in there [tonight]. The concern is fielding and running, not hitting."
Aside from a five-game stretch (May 18-22) where he had one hit (and seven strikeouts) in 20 at-bats, Teixeira had a solid month of May. For the entire month, Teixeira hit .280 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in over 29 games.
But he expects to return to the lineup, per George A. King III of the New York Post.
"I thought I could play through it, I thought it would loosen up, but it stiffened up," said Teixeira. "I fully expect to be in there [tonight]. The concern is fielding and running, not hitting."
Aside from a five-game stretch (May 18-22) where he had one hit (and seven strikeouts) in 20 at-bats, Teixeira had a solid month of May. For the entire month, Teixeira hit .280 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in over 29 games.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Another solid start for Vazquez, X-rays negative
After getting off to a horrible start (9.78 ERA as of May 1st), New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez looks like he's finally turning the corner.
Vazquez threw six innings of one-hit baseball against the Mets last night although he left the game prematurely (70 pitches) after taking a pitch off his right index finger on a bunt attempt.
"It's frustrating, but the good news is that the finger is good and the X-rays were negative," Vazquez said, per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to make my next start."
Over the past 13 1/3 innings, Vazquez has allowed only six hits and two earned runs. In addition, he has struck out 14 batters.
"He picked up right where he left off," [Yankees manager] Joe Girardi said. "The last three times out, he's thrown the ball well. It looks like he's getting his stuff back and locating again."
Next up for Vazquez are the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Vazquez threw six innings of one-hit baseball against the Mets last night although he left the game prematurely (70 pitches) after taking a pitch off his right index finger on a bunt attempt.
"It's frustrating, but the good news is that the finger is good and the X-rays were negative," Vazquez said, per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to make my next start."
Over the past 13 1/3 innings, Vazquez has allowed only six hits and two earned runs. In addition, he has struck out 14 batters.
"He picked up right where he left off," [Yankees manager] Joe Girardi said. "The last three times out, he's thrown the ball well. It looks like he's getting his stuff back and locating again."
Next up for Vazquez are the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Jimmy Rollins leaves game due to calf strain
More bad luck for Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and his fantasy owners.
After missing five weeks due to a calf strain, it's possible that Rollins could land back on the disabled list (DL).
Rollins, who returned to the leadoff spot in the Phillies' lineup, left Friday's game in the sixth inning after straining his calf on a single.
When asked about the potential of another DL stint, Rollins responded that he has "about as good (of an idea) as yours," per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.
As Murphy points out, if Rollins doesn't return to the DL, it's safe to say that he'll be kept out of the lineup for the remainder of the weekend.
In 11 games played, Rollins has an on-base percentage of .458 and has scored 11 runs.
After missing five weeks due to a calf strain, it's possible that Rollins could land back on the disabled list (DL).
Rollins, who returned to the leadoff spot in the Phillies' lineup, left Friday's game in the sixth inning after straining his calf on a single.
When asked about the potential of another DL stint, Rollins responded that he has "about as good (of an idea) as yours," per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.
As Murphy points out, if Rollins doesn't return to the DL, it's safe to say that he'll be kept out of the lineup for the remainder of the weekend.
In 11 games played, Rollins has an on-base percentage of .458 and has scored 11 runs.
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