Sox/Yanks Game Notes

Boston got off to yet another quick start in New York on Tuesday night. This time, however, they did all their early damage in one inning - the first - on four straight hits, including a three-run homer by Jason Bay. It was Bay's third homer against the pinstripes this season, to go along with 10 RBI. The game would remain 4-0 until the fourth inning, when Johnny Damon got the Yankees back into it with a three-run shot of his own, into the second deck in rightfield. Boston would tack on three runs combined in the eighth and ninth innings, to win the rain-soaked, four-hour affair 7-3.

Kevin Youkilis was out of the lineup, so Joba Chamberlain decided to drill the guy filling in for him in the clean-up spot, Jason Bay. In the fifth inning, with a runner on in a one-run game, Chamberlain decided it was a good time to throw at Bay because, you know, he had the audacity to do his job and hit a homer off of him earlier in the game. HOW DARE HE? This baffles me. If he wanted to send a message, he should have struck him out. Chamberlain had been cruising, sitting down the Red Sox left and right with a fastball he was placing perfectly. What better way to show Bay up than to gas him? No, instead, he put a 92 MPH heater in his back, taking the chance of injuring him, and putting two runners on in a one-run game. Smart pitching, you jackass.

Prior to last night's game, the Yankees placed C/DH Jorge Posada on the 15-day DL with a sore hamstring. New York called up Catcher Francisco Cervelli from AA-Trenton to take his place on the roster. Kevin Youkilis was held out of the Boston lineup due to tightness in his side, and during the game, Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury had to be taken out due to a sore right hamstring. Youkilis hopes to return to the lineup this evening against Cleveland, and Ellsbury's status is unknown.

The Red Sox return home to Fenway tonight, to open up a short two-game series against Cleveland. Young Justin Masterson (2-1, 4.37 ERA) takes the mound against Carl Pavano (1-3, 7.46 ERA). No, really, he got another job. I swear.

Pats Rookie Lost for the Season

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

According to the Boston Globe (they still exist?) rookie linebacker Tyrone McKenzie will miss the upcoming season due to a torn ACL is his right knee. McKenzie was a 3rd round draft pick out of the University of South Florida. Belichick was a huge fan of McKenzie due to his great character and what he's been through in his life to get to this point. It's not often you hear BB talk so glowingly of a player, especially an incoming rookie. By all accounts, he was in line to receive some playing time at the OLB position and this is certainly a loss for a defense that needs an influx of youth at outside backer. Hopefully he'll be able to use this as a red shirt type of season, and get ready to make an impact in 2010. 

Regardless of the injury there are still Jason Taylor rumors. I'd love to see ol' 99 in a Pats uniform next year. With the trade of Vrabel there is a definite need for a pass rushing outside linebacker. I guess we'll have to wait and see what shakes out.

Joba's Mound Antics

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I forgot to mention this in my previous entry this morning. Red Sox fans should NOT ramble on about his fist pumps and excitement after making a big strikeout. In case you haven't noticed, Jonathon Papelbon does the exact same thing! 

Fantasy Baseball: Between The White Lines

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Top 5 Added:

1. Dexter Fowler (OF, Rockies) .216, 2 HR, 12R, 7 RBI, 9 SB

Fowler has entered a bit of a slump this week, but still offers good value in deep leagues. He's going to get on base in Coors Field and will certainly steal bases as he already has 9 this season. Right now he's more of a 4th outfielder/utility guy in fantasy unless you're in a deep, deep league. I think he'll put up 30+ stolen bases this year and add 10 or more home runs. He's only owned in 45% of leagues so pick him up if you need cheap steals.

2. Russell Branyon (1B, 3B, Mariners) .320, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 1 SB 

Russell Branyon has always been a hit or miss type of hitter. So far this season, he's been an all around beast. His average is sure to drop a good 40 points, but it looks like he's going to get enough playing time to hit 30 homers and drive in 85+ runs. That is extremely good value for someone who wasn't even drafted in most leagues.  He's still out there in almost 65% of leagues. I say go get him. If worst comes to worst, you can ride out the hot streak and drop him later. He does offer good versatility as he's eligible for both first and third base.

3. Phil Hughes (SP, Yankees) 1-1, 2.70 ERA, 8 K, 1.50 WHIP

Is it time for Phil Hughes to stake his claim in the Yankees rotation? Yes, at least until Wang returns. He's looked pretty decent in two starts so far this season, but a 1.50 WHIP is too high for a fantasy starter. That should go down as he gets more starts.  Personally, I think they Yanks should stick with Hughes when Wang returns and put Chamberlain back as the 8th inning man. It just makes the team better in my opinion. Phil Hughes has all the tools to be a solid fantasy starter.

4. Hank Blalock (3B, 1B, Rangers) .258, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 15 R

This is a contract year, so the most important this is his health. He's always shown he's a good hitter when healthy, and this season is no different. His average will increase over time, but he's put up very good production so far. He's still available in about 50% of leagues, and offers multi-position eligibility. If healthy, he should hit 25 homers and drive in 90 runs in a very deep lineup. 

5. Asdrubal Cabrera (2B, SS, Indians) .315, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 18 R, 4 SB

It looks like Cabrera has established himself again after a sophomore slump last season. Somehow he's still out there in 40% of leagues, and if he is in yours, go get him. He's eligible at both second base and shortstop. His 4 stolen bases add even more value. His power should increase as the year goes on, but don't expect much more than 10 on the season.

Top 5 Dropped:

1. Travis Hafner (Util, Indians) .270, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 10 R

Just when you think Pronk has returned to his former self, he goes and gets injured again. It looked like his power had returned and then his shoulder started bothering him again. If you have a DL spot, keep him, but if not let him loose.  You never know if he'll fully return to form, so don't lose too much sleep over him. 

2. Joel Hanrahan (RP, Nationals) 0-1, 2 S, 14 K, 6.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP

Hanrahan has lost the National closer role for now thanks to his awful start.  He looked better on Friday night, but it may be a little while before he gets the role back. Mark my words, he will get the role back so if you can pick him up, do it now. He's out there in 34% of leagues so you may be able to pick him.  

3. Carlos Marmol (RP, Cubs) 0-1, 2 S, 14 K, 5.25 ERA, 1.67 WHIP

I love the heat that Marmol can bring to the table, but when he can't find the strike zone, it's hard to put him in your fantasy lineup. He' also been bothered by a sore knee, but it's not deemed serious. Like Hanrahan, he will get save chances, so don't drop him or pick him up if you can. He's only out there in 29% of leagues, so it's unlikely you can even get him in deep leagues. You might as well check just in case. He will right the ship and you want to be on board when he does.

4. Kelly Johnson (2B, Braves) .208, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9R

Johnson has been riding the pine for the better part of the past week due to a prolonged slump. He was back in the lineup on Monday, but went 0 for 4 dropping his average to .208. He's not a good play right now, but should eventually come out of it. There are better options at 2B right now so you might want to pass on him. He's not the most valuable 2 bagger anyway, so don't fret if you have to unload him. 

5. Manny Corpas (RP, Rockies) 0-3, 1 S, 5 K, 6.75 ERA, 1.88 WHIP

Sometimes I think Corpas and Marmol are the same player. They have very similar pitching styles and track records as hard throwing relievers who can't seem to keep the closer role. According to several reports, he's in jeopardy of being sent to the minors, so I would wholeheartedly suggest dropping him. It doesn't help that he's allowed a run in 4 of his last 5 appearances.  Cut bait now.

Players who should be on your radar:

Do you know who Scott Richmond is?  If not don't worry, but he does have 4 wins already for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Those wins have come against suspect lineups, but you can't argue with wins. If you're in deep league and are looking for starters, give him a try. By now you may already know that Latroy Hawkins is the temporary closer due to injuries.  He's looked decent in the role, but only had 1 save this past week. You can blame the lack of chances on a last place team.  Kendry Morales will never be the player that Mark Teixiera is, but he's looked pretty darn good so far.  He's hitting .279, with 4 HR, 16 RBI and 13 R in 83 at bats.  That projects out to be more than 20 homers and 80 RBI for the season.  That would be pretty good production for his first full major league season. Despite a slow start, Matt LaPorta, should provide solid power numbers if he gets the at bats.  He was the Indian's centerpiece in the Sabathia deal last summer and is a tremendous power prospect, but may struggle a bit off the bat.  Edwin Jackson may only be 1-1 in 5 starts, but he does have an 2.25 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP.  He's also owned in only 42% of leagues and should be picked up pronto.  Mike Fontenot is owned in only 12% of leagues, but should be considered for a pickup.  He's on fire this past week with 3 homers for the diminutive second baseman and would be a good get in NL only leagues.  His average is only .264, but has hit 5 home runs so far.  

Well, I hope everyone has a good fantasy week.

(Coming Friday: Frozen Ropes by Jim Ingram  & Chin Music by Chad Garner)

Gutless Red Sox don't retaliate!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

First and foremost, I'd love to establish the fact that I am neither a Yankees nor a Joba Chamberlain fan. It's my opinion that Joba the Hutt is a punk, albeit a talented punk. I ripped Joba a few weeks ago for being a headhunter, but want to be a fair and balanced writer.  I have no problem with him hitting Jason Bay last night.  It wasn't Kevin Youkilis so he didn't throw at his head.  You can argue whether or not it's "right" to intentionally hit someone after hitting a home run off you, but given the context of the game I don't mind it. Jason Bay has been a Yankee killer of late and Joba was just looking to cool him off a bit.

What I do have a problem with is no one on the Red Sox retaliating to an obvious intentional beaning. Don't blame Josh Beckett, though. It was too close of a game for him to plunk someone. The Sox needed to hit someone later in the game after they were up 7-3. You have a very deep bullpen, so why don't use one of them? I really don't understand it. Pitchers need to step up and take care of position players. It's just one of those unwritten rules. I am not saying this is going to tear the fabric of the clubhouse apart for the Sox, but something needed to be done.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens the next time these two foes face off.