Major League Baseball fans strike out

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The fans got it wrong.

As much as I respect Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton for the tremendous gifts he has on the baseball diamond, but more importantly what he has done to completely turn his life around, I can't believe that the power hitter is on the MLB All-Star team.

Forget that, I can't believe that he is one of the starting outfielders, voted on by the fans.

Is he deserving? No way.

Hamilton even doesn't think he should be on the team.

Take a look at this quote.

"I don't feel I personally deserve to go but as the same time the fans voted me in so I'm more than happy about that," said Hamilton to Jay Cohen of the Associated Press.

But what is Hamilton going to do, not show up for the game?

Do these stats (.240 BA, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 20 R, 3 SB) suggest he's an All-Star this year?

Yes, the numbers are pretty poor, but to defend Hamilton he's been on the DL for much of this year and only has 125 at-bats to his credit.

We all know the All-Star Game is a popularity contest, but Hamilton doesn't even have a leg to stand on as far as production this season. 

The fans obviously remember last year when he hit .304 with 32 bombs and drove in 130 runs.

But that was last year.

The fans whiffed big time on Hamilton's selection, but they obviously know who they want to see in St. Louis.

MLB Trade Season: Part 3 American League West

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back for part 3 of the ongoing look into the MLB trade season. Today we'll take a look into the hotly contested AL West division. Like the rest of the AL, there are 3 teams vying for the lead in the AL West.

1. Anaheim Angels - Yes, I know that's is not their official name, but as I have mentioned many times before, there is only one team playing in LA. I don't recognize the Angels purported attempts to steal Dodgers fans. They are currently tied atop the West with the Texas Rangers, but will go in alphabetical order for this one.

Needs - The Angels are stacked when it comes to OF depth and DH's. Juan Rivera has been a huge help to the depth of that outfield, and Bobby Abreu has been one of the biggest free agent steals. What they do need is middle infield depth, a complimentary bat at 1B, and another starting pitcher or two. They've had trouble with injuries in the starting rotation all year. Obviously the tragedy of Nick Aadenhart doesn't help either.

Potential Targets - I've heard several Angels rumors that include Dan Haren. I'd be surprised, if the Diamondbacks moved Haren, especially with the uncertainty of Brandon Webb. Don't be surprised is they Angels put in a call to the Padres for Jake Peavy. They have not have the prospects in the minors to get him, but do have major league ready talent. It's not a question in my mind if Aubrey Huff gets traded, it's where. The Angels would be a good fit because he can play 1st and 3rd base.

Trade Strengths - The Halos would love to move Gary Matthews Jr. There are a lot of contending teams in need of another OF, so there should be a fit there. The big question is his contract though. It would seem the Angels are also open to moving Howie Kendrick, who is languishing at AAA right now.

2. Texas Rangers - It's great to see them back in the race, but can the team, and pitching staff, withstand the heat and make a complete run for the playoffs? Time will tell, but it's good news that Josh Hamilton is on his way back. If he's healthy, and can return to form, its like making a trade for an all star.

Needs - Starting pitching, starting pitching & starting pitching. The Rangers can never have enough. After Kevin Millwood, who was robbed of an All Start spot, the Rangers don't have a reliable starting pitcher. Yes, I know Vincente Padilla is their #2, but he's not a reliable starting pitcher. They have some good, young arms in Derrick Holland, Matt Harrison & Scott Feldman, but they are all unproven.

Potential Targets - They have to be in the discussion for every available starting pitcher. The pitcher have them target is Erik Bedard, but there's no way the Mariners deal him within the division. John Heyman, of Sports Illustrated, has mentioned the Rangers interest in Chien-Meng Wang. On paper that makes perfect sense. A change of location might do him well, and Wang is a sinker ball pitcher that keeps the ball on the ground. What's even more important is the Rangers financial health. Owner Tom Hicks need to borrow millions from the MLB, so they may not even be able to take on additional payroll.

Trade Strengths - The Rangers have the best rated farm system in the major leagues. What they will not do is trade any of their young pitching, and I don't blame them for that. What they should do is move one of their young catchers. Jarrod Saltalamachia, Max Ramirex and Taylor Teagarden are all highly rated young backstops. I've long been a advocate of the Red Sox trading Clay Bucholtz to the Rangers for Teagarden, but I don't believe that will happen.

3. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners are only 3.5 games out of the division lead right now, and seem primed to make a move. Ichiro would love to win, but can they go far in the playoffs?

Needs - With Adrian Beltre out for a while, they desperately need a 3rd baseman. Like everyone else, they also need starting pitching. If Erik Bedard could ever stay healthy, he's one heck of a pitcher. He's also a financial burden they'd like to get rid of. They could also use a left fielder.

Potential Targets - Mariners rumors have been flying everywhere. They're rumored to be in pursuit of Kevin Kouzminoff. That's a perfect fit there. Beltre is a free agent after this season, so you can let him walk, and have a built in replacement. Aubrey Huff is also rumored to be a target of the Mariners. He's another guy who would fit well. According to foxsports.com the Mariners are also talking to the Marlins about Jeremy Hermida. I've long been a Hermida fan, and he could easily slide into the LF spot. Speaking of more Mariners 3B trade talk, Ty Wigginton and Garrett Atkins are also rumors out on the blogosphere.

Trade Strengths - Hard throwing Mark Lowe's name is already out there in rumors. They have a solid bullpen and could lose an arm and not affected by it. They also like the progress of Josh Fields, and could move him into the big league bullpen. Would they make a rash decision and trade young Wladimer Ballentein? After the Adam Jones fiasco, I doubt it. They would also love to deal Erik Bedard, but he's currently on the DL.

(Stay tuned tomorrow for the National League East)

Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It makes everyone's job a whole lot easier in the field when a pitcher can just rear back and strike someone out.

It's also not a bad stat to have in fantasy baseball, either. The reason is simple: A look inside the numbers of a strikeout actually tells a bigger story to the success of your fantasy team.

Of the top 10 strikeout artists in Major League Baseball -- Tim Lincecum, Justin Verlander, Javier Vazquez, Jon Lester, Zack Greinke, Dan Haren, Chad Billingsley, Felix Hernandez, Yovani Gallardo and Johan Santana, all of them except one -- Lester -- has an ERA in the 3 range. Lester, who has been outstanding for about a month now, checks in with a 4.16 ERA and it keeps dropping after every start.

Also, besides Vazquez's five wins, all these players mentioned have won at least least 7 games (Lester), along with a 10-win season so far for Greinke and 9 for Lincecum, Billingsley and Santana.

The WHIP category is pretty good, too, with Lester being the high man with a 1.33, and Santana at 1.23. But you'd  be happy with either mark on your team, right?

Who tops the WHIP list for the top 10 guys? Can you believe Arizona's Haren has a eye-popping 0.83 WHIP? Simply nasty, like a 90 mph slider that's completely unhittable.

A.J. OK IN NY

The experts were quick to jump out and say that A.J. Burnett didn't have the makeup to perform on the big stage in New York, but he's having non of that. Granted, Burnett hasn't looked good at times in the pinstripes --but everyone struggles at one point or another during the season -- but he's been solid with 7 wins, 99 Ks, 3.83 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. He's not an ace on any fantasy staff, but he's that notch below that can help you win championships.

RESPECT THE RIGHT ARM

Arizona's Dan Haren is quietly putting together an amazing season, and the word doesn't travel fast enough. Haren is second in all of baseball with 121 innings pitches, and he's won 8 games with 119 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA. Haren doesn't have the big name like Johan or Tiny Tim, but there's no question he's an ace in my book.

A LOWE POINT

What is wrong with Atlanta's Derek Lowe? He's been getting pounded lately -- 22 earned runs in last 23 innings -- and his ERA is at a head-scratching 4.56. He's lost four of his last five decisions, and Lowe's last win came on June 9 vs. Pittsburgh. Listen, I'm not saying dump him like a bad habit, but use caution. Perhaps bench him until he shows he's out of this funk because if you continue to play him, your ERA and WHIP will just keep rising. And do you really want that to happen?