Tim Lincecum: Injured? Unfocused? Did the gamma rays finally wear off?

OK, so it’s probably not fair to Tim Lincecum(notes) that we won’t allow him to have a rough outing, ever. But he’s a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner, and we tend to hold those guys to high standards.  Lincecum has tied his career high in walks (5) in each of his past three starts, and [...]

If Strasburg debuts June 8, all the early matchups are fantastic

According to Yahoo!’s Tim Brown, a "source close to Stephen Strasburg(notes)" has indicated that the 21-year-old will likely make his major league debut on June 8 against the Pirates. If accurate, this means that Strasburg will be in line to face the following opponents prior to the All-Star break: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, ChiSox, Baltimore, Atlanta, San [...]

Trevor Hoffman to resume slow, painful pursuit of 600th save

Brewers manager Ken Macha is apparently ready to restore Trevor Hoffman’s(notes) ninth inning privileges, which will allow the Hoff to continue his agonizing historic march toward career save No. 600. What a thrilling time this must be for Milwaukee fans! On Wednesday, Hoffman pitched a scoreless seventh inning in the Brewers’ 5-0 loss to the [...]

Brad Lidge nears return; Charlie Manuel praises Jose Contreras

Brad Lidge(notes) is once again slouching from the shadows, threatening to blow saves for the Phillies. Lidge has told reporters that he hopes to return from the DL in time for next week’s series at Atlanta. After receiving a cortisone shot in his surgically repaired right elbow on May 17, Lidge is apparently feeling much [...]

When mascots attack: Sean Rodriguez stung by an actual ray

Sean Rodriguez(notes) entered the season atop everyone’s breakout list. Nobody generated as much spring buzz. Rodriguez hit .460 for Tampa Bay during Grapefruit League play with 13 extra-base hits in 63 at-bats. He led all players in runs-scored (20), and he finished second in both hits (29) and homers (6) this spring. When he was [...]

Closing Thoughts: Will Ohman, last man standing in O’s ‘pen

The following statement is not intended as an official piece of fantasy advice, and the author assumes no responsibility for transactions made as a result of its publication: Will Ohman(notes) is expected to get save opportunities for Baltimore while Alfredo Simon(notes) (hamstring), Koji Uehara(notes) (elbow) and Michael Gonzalez(notes) (shoulder) are sidelined. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli just [...]

Closing Time: Welcome to the 2010 season, Drew Stubbs

Earlier this year, Drew Stubbs(notes) seemed to be dealing from an endless deck of 0-for-5′s. After back-to-back hitless games on May 4th and 5th, Stubbs’ batting average was .174 and his OPS was just .549. He was a wreck. The Reds mercifully dropped him from the leadoff spot; fantasy owners dropped him from their outfields. [...]

Beyond Strasburg: Reviewing a few under-discussed prospects

At this point, we’ve probably said all that needs to be said about Stephen Strasburg(notes) (0.89 ERA), Mike Stanton(notes) (17 HR), and Carlos Santana(notes) (.994 OPS). Which is not to suggest we’ll stop talking about them. In fact, Strasburg is scheduled to start on Monday night against the Toledo Mud Hens, so there’s a fair [...]

Villanueva blows save, John Axford next in line in Brewers ‘pen

OK, it’s possible that the line in the Brewers’ bullpen still forms behind Trevor Hoffman(notes), not Carlos Villanueva(notes). But the all-time saves leader currently has an ERA of 13.15, and he’s been temporarily banned from pitching until he corrects mechanical flaws that he won’t acknowledge. With Hoffman exiled, Villanueva has served as the interim closer. [...]

Birdfight! La Russa and Pujols have ‘heated exchange’ in dugout

Let’s play choose your own adventure, MLB-style. Here’s the situation: There are two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, your team has a four-run lead, the greatest hitter who ever lived is at the plate, a pitcher with a 4.44 career ERA is on the mound, and there’s a runner at first base. [...]

Roy Oswalt requests trade from Houston Astros

Roy Oswalt(notes) has pitched brilliantly this season, like the 2001-02 version of himself. He’s delivered a 2.66 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and 60 Ks in 61.0 innings. He’s completed at least six frames in every start and hasn’t allowed more than three runs — earned or unearned — in any game. Nonetheless, he has a [...]

Let’s make a deal: Is anyone shopping Ubaldo Jimenez?

For the record, the purpose of this post is NOT to declare that fantasy owners need to sell Ubaldo Jimenez(notes). No one’s saying that. Don’t attack. This is merely a value/strategy discussion. Please save your vitriol for the new font. But if you were selling shares of Jimenez today, I’d understand. A case can be [...]

2010 Fantasy Football Mock PPR Draft, Round 3

By now, you should know the drill. It’s a 12-team PPR league where we start one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one K and one DEF. You’ll find the earlier picks by following these links: Round 1, Round 2. OK, let’s mock… Vincent Jackson(notes), SD, WR – Round 3, Pick 1 Despite sitting [...]

Closing Thoughts: The countdown has stalled for Trevor Hoffman

Serious question: Has there ever been a situation in baseball history — or in the history of any sport — where a team installed an in-stadium countdown to an individual milestone, but the player never made it? Did the Rays have a countdown to Fred McGriff’s 500th homer? (He finished with 493). That seems possible. [...]

2010 Fantasy Football Mock PPR Draft, Round 2

Just to remind you, this is a 12-team PPR mock draft of a league with the following starting positions: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, K, DEF. Still, the odds that someone will draft RB-RB-RB then write about their flex position are very strong. Earler results here: Round 1 Calvin Johnson(notes), Det, WR – [...]

Isn’t it someone’s job to make Hanley Ramirez stop talking?

Does Hanley Ramirez(notes) not have an agent? Advisers? Friends? Concerned neighbors? Might he listen to Billy the Marlin’s special brand of folksy wisdom? It seems like there should be someone in Hanley’s life who can convince him — at least for a few days — to shut up. He’s making this loafing situation much, much [...]

Closing Time: Carlos Santana still homering, still waiting

Cleveland catching prospect Carlos Santana(notes) has three official at-bats over the past two days, and he’s hit three home runs. His other plate appearances have resulted in four walks and a sacrifice fly. Here’s video of Sunday’s bomb, via MiLB.com. It’s not every day that you get to hear an announcer say, "It hit the protective [...]

2010 Fantasy Football Mock PPR Draft, Round 1

It’s been way too long since we gave the fantasy football community something to ridicule. Below you’ll find the first round of a 12-team point-per-reception (PPR) mock draft. Assume the following starting roster spots: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, K, DEF. Please critique… Chris Johnson, Ten, RB – Round 1, Pick 1What needs [...]

Washington Nationals call up reliever Drew Storen

With Tyler Clippard(notes) on pace to pitch over 110 innings and Brian Bruney(notes) on pace to walk over 110 batters (not really, but close), the Washington Nationals have called-up Drew Storen(notes) to aid the relief corps. Bruney was designated for assignment. It shouldn’t take long for Storen to find himself pitching in high-leverage situations for [...]

Brad Lidge returns to Phillies, for better or worse

Brad Lidge(notes) was simply awful last year. If you kept him around for the 31 saves, you paid a terrible price. Lidge’s ERA was 7.21 and his WHIP was 1.81. There were elbow and knee issues. He lost eight games and recorded 11 blown saves, yet his manager remained pathologically dependent. And now Lidge is [...]

The Jake Peavy problem

Nobody thought Jake Peavy’s(notes) transition from a pitcher-friendly N.L. park to a hitter-friendly A.L. park would go flawlessly. In fact, predicting a decline in his fantasy value was a layup. But the assumption was that he would continue to be Jake Peavy — throwing the usual Peavy stuff — and the stats would change to [...]

Closing Time: Another messy ninth for Neftali Feliz

Neftali Feliz(notes) picked up a save against the White Sox on Wednesday, but he did it in the messiest possible way. Asked to protect a three-run lead, Feliz allowed three hits, two earned runs and one wild pitch. He struck out no one. Juan Pierre(notes) very nearly extended the inning with an infield hit, but [...]

Trevor Hoffman in timeout after back-to-back blown saves

Here’s the nicest thing we can say about Trevor Hoffman’s(notes) blown save on Wednesday: This time, Ryan Doumit’s(notes) homer didn’t travel quite as far. Tuesday’s grand slam was an absolute bomb, but Wednesday’s game-tying blast traveled only the necessary distance down the right-field line. Unfortunately for Hoffman, his manager doesn’t seem to consider shorter home [...]

NCAA bracket update: We all lost to a guinea pig

Each year, millions of Americans fill out NCAA tournament brackets and billions of dollars are wagered on the event. Media companies dedicate countless hours to coverage, focusing primarily on prediction. No one seems to have precise statistics on the total time and money invested in NCAA pools, because the whole enterprise is so incredibly vast. [...]

Buster Posey’s revised ETA

According to a report in Tuesday’s San Francisco Chronicle, Giants catching prospect Buster Posey(notes) could arrive a bit sooner than we’d originally anticipated, regardless of his arbitration clock. Here’s the scoop from Henry Schulman: One team official said fans likely will not see Posey in San Francisco this weekend or even in Florida next week. [...]

Mike Stanton hits homer No. 7 … then 8 … then 9

Florida Marlins outfield prospect Michael Stanton(notes) single-handedly destroyed the Carolina Mudcats on Monday, belting three homers and driving in seven runs. That makes seven hits, five home runs and 11 RBIs over the past two days for the 20-year-old. He’s gone deep nine times for Jacksonville in 17 games, and he’s now batting .338. Double-A [...]

Detroit liked Jahvid Best way too much to talk to him, pre-draft

Just in case you’ve ever believed — even for a second — that NFL teams are forthcoming with information, we present the case of Jahvid Best(notes), the running back selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2010 Draft. Best reportedly had no idea that the Lions were interested in [...]

Adrian Gonzalez rumor No. 974: Atlanta interested?

OK, so on the surface, the idea that the Braves might be willing to trade another collection of prospects for a soon-to-be free agent first baseman seems, well … ridiculous. You’ll recall that in July of 2007, Atlanta acquired Mark Teixeira(notes) from Texas in exchange for a package that included, among others, the Rangers’ present-day [...]

Closing Time Rant: Upon further review, Big Z move still crazy

I’m just going to take it on faith that most of you realize Carlos Silva(notes) is not a significant asset, despite the three useful starts against three struggling lineups. (He’s faced the Reds, Astros and Mets, in that order). Silva is certainly not a pitcher whose innings need to be maxed-out.   Furthermore, I’m going [...]

Insane: Carlos Zambrano headed to Cubs bullpen

Ted Lilly(notes) returns from the disabled list this weekend, so the Cubs have decided to send Carlos Zambrano(notes) to the bullpen — not Tom Gorzelanny(notes) or Carlos Silva(notes), but Zambrano. Big Z struggled on opening day, per his usual. But in his three most recent starts he’s pitched 18 innings, struck out 25 batters, and [...]

Fantasy Spin: The Ben Roethlisberger suspension

Ben Roethlisberger(notes) was fantastic last season, statistically speaking. He threw 26 touchdown passes and established career highs in both yards (4328) and completions (337). Roethlisberger finished third among all quarterbacks in per-game fantasy scoring, passing for multiple TDs in eight of his 15 games. Late in the season, during the fantasy playoffs, he put up [...]

Closing Thoughts: Fuentes returning, Rodney era ends (for now)

Brian Fuentes(notes) is expected to return from the disabled list on Wednesday, and he’ll reclaim the closer’s role for the Angels. Here’s manager Mike Scioscia via the Los Angeles Times: "Right now, Brian is going to pitch the ninth," Scioscia said. "If we have to adjust, we will." If they adjust, they’ll clearly lean on [...]

Report: Mets may soon call up prospect Ike Davis

The Mets have the third-highest team payroll in the National League ($133 million), but they’re next-to-last in runs scored (48). Thus it should come as no great surprise that the team is ready to shuffle the lineup. On Sunday, following New York’s 20-inning win over the Cardinals, the team designated first baseman Mike Jacobs(notes) for [...]

If you have nothing nice to say about Julio Borbon, say it here

It would be an exaggeration to say that Julio Borbon(notes) swings at everything. But so far this season, he’s hacked at most things. Borbon has swung at 50.9 percent of the pitches he’s seen and 38.5 percent of pitches outside the strike zone. That gives him the 17th highest rate of bad-ball swings in the [...]

Last call on Cameron Maybin

It may seem like Cameron Maybin(notes) is already a confirmed fantasy bust, but that’s only because the hype preceded the production by a few years. (Um … my bad. Sorry). He’s still just 23. This season, unlike last year, the early returns are promising. Maybin stole another base on Sunday (his third) and went 2-for-4 [...]

Mets edge Cardinals in 20-inning marathon

Actually, "marathon" isn’t quite the right word to describe Saturday’s game between the Mets and Cardinals, because no respectable distance runner would ever need six hours and 53 minutes to finish a 26.2 mile race. It would be more appropriate to say that New York and St. Louis engaged in an epic filibuster on Saturday. [...]

Fantasy Spin: Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins

Brandon Marshall(notes) caught 101 passes for 1120 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Denver Broncos last season. During the 15 games in which he played — you’ll recall that he was deactivated for disciplinary reasons in Week 17 — every other Denver wide receiver totaled 95 receptions, 1170 yards and five TDs. So yeah, it [...]

So you’ve picked up Colby Lewis …

Yesterday, I added Colby Lewis(notes) in two fantasy leagues, anticipating a useful upcoming Thursday start against Cleveland. And in fact it was a useful start … but it happened on Wednesday, not Thursday. Lewis was bumped up a day in the Rangers’ rotation because CJ Wilson(notes) was suffering from food poisoning. So now I’ve got [...]

Toronto makes it official: Kevin Gregg is the ‘primary closer’

When Kevin Gregg(notes) earned the save on Tuesday night, it was fairly clear that he — not Jason Frasor(notes) — had emerged as Plan A in the ninth inning for Toronto. Cito Gaston made it official on Wednesday. MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian tweets the following: Cito: Kevin Gregg is the new primary closer for the Blue [...]

Orioles send Mike Gonzalez to the DL

Mike Gonzalez, Baltimore’s theoretical closer, has been placed on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder. The move is retroactive to April 10. Gonzalez was off to a miserable start (0-2, 18.00 ERA) and his velocity was down, so it’s not really a surprise to see him headed to the DL. Jim Johnson(notes) is [...]

Brian Fuentes hits DL; Fernando (Rodney) mania returns to LA

Los Angeles Angels closer Brian Fuentes(notes) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to back stiffness. Details here via the Orange County Register: Fuentes hadn’t pitched since Opening Night and hadn’t even played catch for a few days after feeling the stiffness in his side/back while working out last week — not that [...]

Closing Time: Romero dominates White Sox, gets Pierzynski’d late

Entering Tuesday night’s game at Toronto, White Sox hitters had struck out only 30 times all season, the lowest team total in the majors. Exiting Tuesday’s game, they’ve struck out 44 times. Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero(notes) absolutely owned them. Romero carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning, racking up a pair of Ks in [...]

Exactly how many innings will Strasburg pitch?

On Sunday afternoon, while Stephen Strasburg(notes) was earning a win in his pro debut, MLB Network’s Peter Gammons tweeted the following: When Mike Rizzo and Scott Boras finished the Strasburg deal in August, they agreed he’d be limited to around 100 IP in 2010 If accurate, this report means that Strasburg will actually pitch fewer [...]

Chipper Jones injures his back while testing his other injury

On rare occasions, a player and an injury are perfectly paired. This is one of those times: Chipper Jones’(notes) side is still sore, and now so is his back. The Braves third baseman has missed three games with a strained right oblique muscle, and when he tested it with some swings in the batting cage [...]

Closing Thoughts: Turmoil in the saves market!

We’re rolling out Closing Thoughts a day early, because the weekend was incredibly messy. There’s panic in the saves market right now. All the major indices are down. In fact, when Chris Perez(notes) issued his third walk on Sunday it nearly triggered the Borowski Rule, which would have resulted in an automatic one-hour suspension of [...]

Strasburg earns W in first minor league start, Ks eight

When you write about Washington prospect Stephen Strasburg(notes), you’re supposed to focus on his triple-digit fastball. But check out the highlights from his pro debut and tell me you’re not impressed with the curve, too. On Sunday, making his first start for Harrisburg, Strasburg demonstrated yet again why he’s the most thoroughly hyped young pitcher [...]

Aroldis Chapman dazzles in Triple-A debut, denies himself win

Aroldis Chapman(notes) made his Triple-A debut for the Louisville Bats on Sunday, and he didn’t disappoint. Or rather, his arsenal of pitches didn’t disappoint. Chapman’s fielding was another story. But let’s begin with the more impressive details… In 4.2 innings of work, Chapman struck out nine batters, allowing just five hits (all singles), one run [...]

Carlos Santana celebrates birthday with pair of homers

As we discussed in last month’s position primer, there’s not exactly a shortage of elite young prospects at catcher right now. Three of Baseball America’s top 10 minor leaguers are catchers, and so is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. For near-term fantasy purposes, Cleveland’s Carlos Santana(notes) could very well be [...]

Jose Reyes expected to return to Mets lineup on Saturday

Jose Reyes hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since May 20, 2009, but he’s eligible to return from the disabled list on Saturday, and it sounds like he’ll rejoin the Mets immediately. "Barring any setbacks," added manager Jerry Manuel, as if you needed to hear it. Reyes is basically a walking setback. He’s spent [...]

Closing Time: Kelly Johnson states his case, homers twice

Mr. Pianowski is unavailable to close tonight because he’s still having visa problems. I’ll be your guide through a full Wednesday schedule. As always, you should just assume that Garrett Jones(notes) homered unless we tell you otherwise. Let’s bullet… • Arizona second baseman Kelly Johnson(notes) entered the day as a small-sample disappointment, having gone 0-for-7 [...]

David Ortiz offers a little (bleeping) fantasy advice

No matter what your opinion is of David Ortiz(notes) as a fantasy commodity — or as a designated hitter, corporate pitchman, or motivational speaker — you need to accept the fact that his recent profanity-enhanced comments were completely reasonable. After Tuesday’s loss to the Yankees, Ortiz was asked about the slow start to his season [...]

Please relax, Drew Stubbs owners. He’ll play

Drew Stubbs(notes) managed to hit eight homers and steal 10 bases in just 42 games with Cincinnati last season, and he followed that performance with a solid spring (.300 AVG, 5 HR, 3 SB in 60 at-bats). He made nearly everyone’s sleeper list for 2010. We promised you 40-steal speed and a hint of power. [...]

That’s your opening day lineup, Oakland? Seriously?

OK, I thought it was pretty remarkable that the Mets allowed Alex Cora(notes) to bat leadoff in their opener on Monday. He’s a career .245 hitter with only modest speed. His lifetime on-base percentage is just .313. But then I saw the A’s opening day lineup, and realized that Oakland is fielding an entire team [...]

Closing Thoughts: Frasor opens with walk-off blown save

If you have Jason Frasor(notes) in the first-closer-to-lose-his-job pool, then things are looking good. The right-hander entered the season with minimal job security, as manager Cito Gaston only recently – and almost reluctantly – awarded him the ninth. Frasor then took the loss in Toronto’s opener, allowing four hits, two earned runs and an intentional [...]

The Jason Heyward Era begins with a BOOM

Jason Heyward(notes) wasted no time at all demonstrating why he’s the best hitting prospect in baseball. In his first major league at-bat, the 20-year-old hit a three-run bomb off Cubs’ starter Carlos Zambrano(notes) – and we definitely mean bomb. The ball landed deep in the Atlanta bullpen in right-center. You’ll find the video here. Zambrano [...]

Dexter Fowler, Seth Smith in outfield job-share

Important programming note: Please join us today over at Big League Stew for Jeff Passan’s fifth annual Opening Day Blogapaloozathon. The chat will begin promptly at … well, whenever Jeff decides to launch it, which will presumably be shortly before the first pitch in the noon games. The chat ends when there’s nothing left to [...]

You’ll never believe this, but Nick Johnson hurt himself

Nick Johnson(notes), the most injury-prone creature in the history of life on Earth, is hurt again. He fouled a pitch off his right leg in the first inning of New York’s Grapefruit League finale, but was reportedly able to limp off the field under his own power. And then his leg shattered into a million-billion [...]

Committee of one? Rauch will officially close for Twins. For now

Five days after announcing that his team would go bullpen-by-committee, Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire has amended his position. Jon Rauch(notes) will open the season as the Twins’ closer. This from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s La Velle E. Neal III: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire just announced that Jon Rauch will be the closer when the regular season [...]

5U: Texas confirms Kinsler to the DL; uncertainty in Mets ‘pen

Special programming note: Please join us on Monday for an opening day live chat, beginning at noon CT. Here’s the schedule. Pick a favorite; share your thoughts with the class. No one leaves the live chat until all the afternoon games are finished. • As expected, Ian Kinsler’s(notes) high ankle sprain will force him to [...]

The Roto Arcade Pro-Am, Year Two

Here at Roto Arcade, we take user feedback very seriously. And not a day goes by that we don’t receive 50 emails asking – no, demanding – that we analyze our own fantasy drafts. The longer the analysis, the better. The Yahoo! community has spoken with one voice, urging us to deliver as many million-word [...]

Unidentified teammate says Mets have ‘babied’ Jose Reyes

In professional sports – or at any level of any sport, really – you don’t want to be compared to a baby. If that happens, you probably aren’t being flattered. You don’t want to be accused of babying anything, or of being babied. You don’t want to be caught watching "Three Men and a Baby." [...]

5U: Lindstrom named Astros closer; Kinsler could open on DL

• As expected, Matt Lindstrom(notes) has officially been named Houston’s closer. Lindstrom has had an excellent spring (8.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K), while Brandon Lyon(notes) has struggled with injuries (shoulder) and opposing hitters (5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K). No Astros reliever has been quite as [...]

Tout Wars auction recap: ‘What the hell is Behrens doing?’

Warning: You’re about to get roughly 1,500 words detailing another person’s fantasy draft. If that sort of thing doesn’t appeal to you, then I completely understand. You should click away right now. No hard feelings. To be totally honest, I don’t want to read about your fantasy team, either. But if you’re at all interested [...]

Closing Thoughts: Street throwing, but not without pain

Huston Street’s(notes) shoulder has apparently not improved through rest, so he’s decided to throw through the problem according to the AP. He reportedly hopes to join the Rockies at the end of April. Franklin Morales(notes), as you already know, is expected to get the first shot at saves in Street’s absence. An MRI failed to [...]

Minnesota bullpen stuck in committee

Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire finally named his closer on Sunday. Then he named another. And another. And another.  Here are the non-details, via the Pioneer Press: "I haven’t named a closer yet, so we’re committee right now. If we decide to go with one guy as we go along, we’ll go with one guy," Gardenhire [...]

5U: Jason Heyward will be Atlanta’s Opening Day right fielder

Atlanta’s Jason Heyward(notes) won’t turn 21 until August, and his employer has a few million reasons to keep him in the minors for a month or two. But the Braves have decided that Heyward is their right fielder of now, not simply their right fielder of the future. Baseball’s top hitting prospect will open the [...]

Phil Hughes takes the fifth

As expected, Phil Hughes(notes) has officially won the battle to be the Yankees’ fifth starter. The 23-year-old has posted a spring ERA of 4.15 with 10 Ks in 13.0 innings. It would also be accurate to say that the fifth starter battle was lost by Joba Chamberlain(notes), who’s been absolutely miserable. Chamberlain has allowed 10 [...]

5U: Everyone’s healthy! Pujols hits ‘without pain’

• Albert Pujols(notes), the consensus No. 1 pick in fantasy drafts, has been dealing with discomfort in his lower back throughout the spring. It really didn’t seem like much of an issue initially, but in recent days he’s needed an anti-inflammatory injection and the injury has limited his playing time. On Wednesday, however, Pujols was [...]

5U: In which Ichiro makes a ridiculous catch

When discussing great plays, context is everything. We all know this. So I won’t try to convince you that the leaping, full-tilt, back-to-the-infield catch made by Ichiro(notes) on Tuesday – in a largely meaningless spring training game – was one of the all-time defensive plays. (Video here). It was similar in style to the Willie [...]

5U: Yanks near decision on 5th starter; Reyes returning

• The momentum in the fight for the open spot in the Yankees’ rotation appears to be with Phil Hughes(notes), despite his imperfect stat line against Philadelphia on Monday. Hughes went 4.1 innings versus the Phillies, allowing four runs on five hits (including three homers) while striking out six and walking no one. Manager Joe [...]

Closing Thoughts: Updated review of MLB closers, with ADPs

Here’s the Matt Capps(notes) story in a nutshell: New uniform (pictured), same horrible pitching ratios. Capps has made six appearances for the Nats so far this spring, and he’s allowed at least one run in five of them. This was his stat line entering Monday’s action: 6.0 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 5 BB, 3 [...]

5U: Mauer’s millions, Strasburg’s ETA, more CoJax hype

• When Minnesota drafted Joe Mauer(notes) with the top overall selection in 2001, it was considered by many to be a "signability" pick, because Mark Prior(notes) wasn’t interested in going to the Twins. Nine years later, Mauer has claimed three American League batting titles, two Gold Gloves, one MVP award and, as of Sunday, an [...]

5U: Lidge not yet ready, Hanson enhancing, Lilly improving

• OK, so this might qualify as the least surprising news of the spring: Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge(notes) (knee, elbow) has told reporters, "It doesn’t look like I’m going to be ready for the opener." However, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Lidge claims that he’ll "definitely" be ready for the Phils’ home opener against Washington [...]

5U: Street likely to begin year on DL; Bailey hurting, too

• By now you’ve probably heard the Huston Street(notes) news. He’s expected to open the season on the disabled list due to continuing right shoulder soreness. According to the Denver Post, manager Jim Tracy’s replacement plan looks something like this: Tracy said Franklin Morales(notes), who converted seven saves last September, would get the first shot [...]

5U: Elijah Dukes released, Nats likely sending Strasburg to minors

IMPORTANT NOTE: You still need to sign up for Tourney Pick’em, and nothing gives us more pleasure than crushing commenters at fantasy games. To satisfy our mutual interests, we’ve launched The Roto Arcade Invitational. Please head over to the Pick’em sign-up page, find league ID 55220, enter password "roymarble," then accept your beating. It’s really [...]

Tourney Pick’em 2010: An interview with the defending champ

Mike Lemon won his NCAA tournament pool last year. He also won yours, mine, and everyone else’s. Mike is the defending champ of Yahoo! Tourney Pick’em, which gives him Miles Simon/Keith Smart status around here. He earned the $10,000 payday for submitting the best bracket of 2009. Mike’s winning entry is pictured below. He correctly [...]

Closing Thoughts: Every MLB closer and near-closer, with ADPs

For many of you, the season officially began with Truck Day. For others, it was the day that pitchers and catchers reported. But for an overwhelming majority of MLB fans, baseball isn’t really on the radar until the first installment of Closing Thoughts hits newsstands. Today is that day, gamers. Of course CT No. 1 [...]

Closing Thoughts: Every MLB closer and near-closer, with ADPs

For many of you, the season officially began with Truck Day. For others, it was the day that pitchers and catchers reported. But for an overwhelming majority of MLB fans, baseball isn’t on the radar until the first installment of Closing Thoughts hits newsstands. Today is that day, gamers. Of course CT No. 1 tends [...]

5U, late edition: No karate for Fat Elvis, 2-4 weeks

• Houston first baseman Lance Berkman(notes) will have "surgery to remove loose particles from his left knee" and is expected to miss two to four weeks. He’s clearly no lock for Opening Day, so drafter beware. Luckily, first base is a ludicrously deep position. This short-term loss should not be too devastating for anyone. (Do [...]

Mike Stanton hits another bomb, impresses Fredi and the Fish

On Wednesday, Florida outfielder Mike Stanton hit his second Grapefruit League home run. It’s still traveling. It was a no-doubter, the sort of blast where the opposing fielders don’t move. Stanton ranked No. 3 on Baseball America’s 2010 prospect list, so it’s hardly a surprise to see him hitting well this spring. He’s 5-for-15 with [...]

5U: CoJax keeps hitting, Holliday hurting, Twins shopping

By now you should know the drill: Every weekday morning until Opening Day, we’ll provide five blurbs, most of which will have fantasy relevance. (OK, sometimes it will be seven blurbs. But always a prime number). Let’s get to it… • Spring statistics really shouldn’t influence many fantasy decisions, except in cases where a player’s [...]

Spin Doctors: Matt Wieters vs. Miguel Montero

Let’s be clear from the start: every Yahoo! expert endorses Miguel Montero(notes), and we all endorse Matt Wieters(notes). None of us ranked either player lower than fifth at the position. Today, Mr. Pianowski and I are simply addressing a small difference of opinion, in the traditional 250 words or less. Let’s play the feud… Scott [...]

5U: Nathan has ‘significant’ UCL tear; Strasburg, Chapman debut

• The Joe Nathan(notes) news is every bit as bad as feared. He reportedly has a "significant tear" in his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which obviously makes Tommy John surgery a strong possibility. This via the St. Paul Pioneer Press: Nathan will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, the renowned orthopedic surgeon [...]

Five Unassisted: Nathan needs MRI; Martin out 4 to 6 weeks

That’s right, America’s favorite daily sweep of MLB links has returned for another season. You’re welcome. Feel free to offer the usual unrestrained praise in the comments section… • Twins closer Joe Nathan(notes) has returned to Minnesota for "an MRI exam and CAT scan on his surgically repaired right elbow," so that’s no minor concern. [...]

Braves will install nets to protect cars from Jason Heyward

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward(notes) is widely considered the best hitting prospect in baseball. Last year, at 19, he delivered 17 homers and a .323 average across three minor league levels. He reportedly added 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason, too.  In insurance circles, however, Heyward has become a serious problem. When he takes [...]

Spin Doctors: Chipper Jones vs. Chris Davis

When all the reliable third basemen are gone, someone in your league will be facing today’s Spin Doctors dilemma. Ideally, you won’t be that guy. Draft the Panda. Or draft Youks. Do whatever is necessary to avoid the Chris Davis(notes) vs. Chipper Jones(notes) debate. It ain’t pretty, as you’ll soon see. In keeping with Spin [...]

Operation Panda status update: The subject is still large

San Francisco third baseman Pablo Sandoval(notes), aka "Kung-Fu Panda," is a big dude. He’s listed at 5-foot-11 and 246 pounds (which is, for the record, the approximate maximum size of an actual male panda). He’s also a ridiculously skilled hitter coming off a .330 season. There’s a lot to like here: Exceptional nickname, exceptional bat, [...]

Spin Doctors: Kendry Morales vs. Billy Butler

Today we’re debating the relative merits of two young first basemen who are separated by very little in the Yahoo! preseason position ranks: Kendry Morales(notes) and Billy Butler(notes). (Before reading on, see if you can guess which player Evans prefers. Here’s a clue. And another. And another). In keeping with Spin Doctors tradition, our analysts [...]

Dissenting Opinions: Bullish on Upton, Escobar, Sanchez

By now, you should be familiar with the rules of this feature. We’re reviewing the Yahoo! preseason position ranks, looking for cases where experts are unusually enthusiastic or pessimistic about specific players. When outliers are identified, analysts are asked to analyze. We begin with six very bullish spins. On Tuesday, we’ll go negative. B.J. Upton(notes) [...]

Tip Drill: Fantasy auction strategy

Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball, as you might have heard, now offers auction leagues. We’re all quite excited by this historic development. Fantasy owners are no longer draft-dependent. Beginning this year, we’ve made every aspect of our game entirely free – free live scoring, free draft kit, free customization – and we’ve replaced all the real money [...]

Atlanta OF pileup: Heyward, Diaz, Cabrera, Schafer … Damon?

According to various reports, free agent outfielder Johnny Damon(notes) has received a one-year offer from the Atlanta Braves, and Chipper Jones(notes) has been actively wooing him. However, the Tigers are also reportedly interested in adding Damon to their kick-ass 2004 fantasy roster otherwise unimpressive lineup, perhaps for two years. Detroit is clearly the destination that [...]

Mets lower outfield wall at Citi Field; S&P reaction swift, harsh

As you’ll note in the image above, the Home Run Apple at New York’s Citi Field was protected by a curiously high wall last season, a barrier that proved to be virtually impregnable – at least for the home team. The Mets hit the fewest homers in the majors in 2009, and they finished in [...]

Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball 2010: Auctions! Live scoring! Pony rides!

OK, no, there aren’t actually going to be pony rides. That was a lie. Apologies. (Pretty sure CBS offers ‘em, if this no-pony situation is a dealbreaker for you). Let’s talk about a few of the free perks we do offer when you register for Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball 2010:   • Live scoring. Yup, that’s [...]

Jose Reyes on 2010: ‘Be there, it’s going to be a show’

To date, I have not managed to own Jose Reyes in any season in which he was helpful. When I acquire him, his hamstrings explode. When I bypass him in favor of more reliable alternatives, he scores 120 runs, steals 60 bases, hits .290, and is generally a paragon of good health and vitality. He [...]