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Schilling Pitches In Minor League Game
2007-03-19 03:44:00
Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling threw 98 pitches over six solid innings in a game featuring mostly Triple-A players at Boston's minor league complex on Sunday. Schilling mixed all his pitches and hopes his next start will prove to manager Terry Francona that he's prepared to go deep into the game during Boston's season opener at Kansas City on April 2. "I don't want to be on a pitch count," he said. "I know I'm 40, but I don't think the ace of the staff should be on a pitch count." Schilling gave up one run - a homer by highly touted Reds prospect Jay Bruce - and four hits. The right-hander struck out six and didn't walk a batter in front of general manager Theo Epstein and about 100 others, many of them young Red Sox prospects. Schilling, who pitched to regular catcher Jason Varitek, said he expects to reach 100 pitches in his next start. "I felt strong," Schilling said. "The only thing that was wrong was my fastball command. I thought I had a lot of life at the end." Schilling ...
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Patterson Drops To 0-2 In Spring
2007-03-19 03:40:00
Nationals SP John Patterson dropped his spring record to 0-2 with a loss to the Marlins Sunday. He worked three innings, allowing three hits, three earned runs and a walk. He did have four strikeouts. Patterson has now lost both of his spring starts and has a 7.20 ERA through five innings. Patterson is coming off forearm surgery, so his numbers might be a little misleading at this point. He has just pitched in two games and probably hasn't gone full-tilt. Still, he is the ace on a last place team, so his numbers might not be that impressive in 2007. He might not win a lot of games, but his ERA, WHIP and K rate should be very useful as an unheralded injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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C.C.: Candidate For 15-Plus Victories
2007-03-19 02:14:00
Indians SP C.C. Sabathia earned his first spring win Sunday against the Dodgers. He worked five innings, allowing four hits, one walk and no earned runs. He also had two strikeouts. Sabathia now has a 3.21 ERA through four spring starts totaling 14 innings. He also has 10 strikeouts. Sabathia will be 28 in 2008 and the hefty lefty ace has the potential to be overlooked on Draft Day. His great WHIP makes him a Rotisserie beast, while the Indians' offense should help make them a contender and Sabathia a candidate for 15-plus victories. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Jose Reyes: Having Unreal Spring
2007-03-19 02:09:00
Mets SS Jose Reyes hit his fourth spring homer during Sunday's game against the Cardinals. He is now 16-for-47 (.340) with 10 runs, one double, one triple, eight RBI and seven stolen bases in 14 spring games. Reyes is having an unreal spring campaign. He is certainly justifying his ranking among the top five Fantasy options in mixed leagues. If this is just a sample of things to come, how can you not get excited about his 2007 prospectus. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Wright: Power Numbers Should Rise In 2007
2007-03-19 02:06:00
Mets 3B David Wright went 1-for-2 with two runs and two walks during Sunday's spring game against the Cardinals. He is now 13-for-40 (.325) with six runs, one double, one homer and four RBI in 14 spring games. Wright showed everyone during last year's home run derby the type of power potential he brings to the dish. He hit .311 with 26 homers, 116 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 2006 and his numbers are only expected to get better. He will be off draft boards early. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Kip Wells: Having Impressive Spring Campaign
2007-03-19 02:02:00
Cardinals SP Kip Wells pitched four innings in relief Sunday against the Mets. He allowed two hits, three walks and one unearned run. He also had two strikeouts. Wells is having an outstanding spring campaign, allowing only one unearned run in 12 innings of work. He also has nine strikeouts. Wells split the 2006 season between Pittsburgh and Texas, making just nine starts. He broke his left foot after being traded to the Rangers and missed the last seven weeks of the season. Consider him an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day, but remember Dave Duncan has turned pitchers with less talent into 12-plus game winners. It looks as though he is already working his magic. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Oswalt: Astros Ace Ready For Season
2007-03-19 01:57:00
Roy Oswalt has a couple of weeks left to get into game shape. It looks like he's already rounding into form. Oswalt allowed three runs and one hit in 5 2/3 innings to help the Houston Astro s beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday. He didn't allow a hit until Reed Johnson's double in the sixth inning. "He was outstanding," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "That looked like season-ready right there." Oswalt had planned to pitch just five innings, but returned for the sixth because he had thrown only about 50 pitches after five. He finished with 71 pitches, 48 for strikes. "Pitch count is the biggest thing," he said. "I needed to get the pitch count up so I'll be ready to throw 100 pitches when the season starts." Oswalt, who went 15-8 with a 2.98 ERA last season, will start his fifth straight opener when Houston hosts Pittsburgh on April 2. Oswalt is one of the top 10 starters in all Fantasy leagues, perhaps worthy of going in the top 5 -- especially in Head-to-Head leagues. Oswalt...
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Carlos Lee: Top 10 Outfielder Having Solid Spring
2007-03-19 01:52:00
Astros LF Carl os Lee went 1-for-2 with two RBI in Sunday's spring game against the Blue Jays. He is now 13-for-30 (.433) with four runs, four doubles, one homer and 10 RBI in 11 spring games. The Astros and Fantasy owners should be getting excited after the spring performance Lee has put on so far. That short porch in left field at Houston stadium should also get Fantasy owners excited about the potential season he might be able to put together. Lee remains one a top-10 outfielder in all Fantasy formats -- Draft him as such. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Burnett: High Risk, High Reward
2007-03-19 01:47:00
Blue Jays SP A.J. Burnett allowed four runs and four hits with three walks in 4 1/3 innings Sunday against the Astros. "The pitches started getting up around an 80-pitch count so I am sure I got a little fatigued," he said. "I made some good pitches, worked a lot of changeups and curveballs in there, so I came out with a healthy start." Burnett allowed just one hit over the first four innings before yielding all four runs in the fifth. Toronto manager John Gibbons was pleased with Burnett's work. "He got a little tired in the end, but he is supposed to," Gibbons said. "He was getting up there in his pitches, but that's what spring training is for." Burnett is now 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA through 10 1/3 innings. He also has nine strikeouts. Consider Burnett an injury-risk ace who has the potential to have a breakthrough season. We've been saying that for years, but he is another year removed from Tommy John surgery and this is the best team on paper he has ever pitched for. Source: CB...
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Rios: Jays Outfielder Has Good Potential
2007-03-19 01:43:00
Blue Jays OF Alex Rios went 1-for-3 with one RBI during Sunday's spring game against the Astros. He is now 8-for-29 (.276) with six runs, three doubles, one homer and four RBI in 12 spring games. Rios is a potential .300-25-100-100 outfielder, perhaps as early as 2007. Consider him one of the top 30 outfielders on Draft Day. A full offseason to recover likely helped Rios rebound from a poor second half. Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Myers: Tosses Six-Plus Strong Innings
2007-03-19 01:37:00
Brett Myer s tossed six-plus strong innings, but the Tampa Bay Devil Rays rallied against Philadelphia's bullpen for a 5-4 victory in a split-squad game Sunday. Myers gave up an unearned run, two hits and fanned seven. Myers still hasn't been given the nod by Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to start Opening Day. If Myers doesn't get the assignment, it most likely would go to Freddy Garcia, acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in the offseason. Myers, who signed a $25.75 million, three-year contract last month, went 12-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 31 starts last season. He led the Phillies in wins, ERA, starts, innings (198), strikeouts (189), winning percentage (.632) and opponents' batting average (.257). Myers is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA and 13 strikeouts through 11 2/3 spring innings. He will be one of the top 25 starters off the board on Draft Day. We expect him to have his best season yet.Source: CBS SportsLine.com
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Wade Miller: Front-Runner For No.5 In Cubs Rotation
2007-03-19 01:29:00
Manager Lou Piniella said Wade Miller is the front-runner to win the No. 5 spot in the Cubs rotation. Miller has the edge over the talented but struggling Angel Guzman and Mark Prior, who's been battling mechanical issues and could begin the season on the disabled list or at Triple-A. Source: MLB.com
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Kei Igawa: Racking Up K's, Struggling With Control
2007-03-18 16:32:00
Kei Igawa, the 27-year-old Yankee pitcher from Japan, worked in and out of trouble on Thursday night in a 3-2 victory over the Braves at Legends Field. He pitched three scoreless innings but had trouble staying in the strike zone. The wild is that Igawa is not always able to stay in the strike zone. He walked four in three innings and threw 62 pitches (29 strikes). The effective is that when he does stay in the strike zone, he makes batters miss. Igawa, who fanned five on Thursday night, has struck out 12 and walked seven in seven innings in three starts. He has allowed eight hits.Igawa and Carl Pavano still are expected to fill the final two spots in the Yankees' rotation behind Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte and Chien-Ming Wang. Jeff Karstens (nine scoreless innings) is competing well for a spot, though, and Igawa and Pavano must give the Yankees reason to put them on the team beyond their contracts. Karstens could make the club as a long reliever.Source: Newsday.com
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Millwood Having Solid Spring
2007-03-18 16:20:00
There's no comparison between last year's spring training and this year's for Rangers right-hander Kevin Millwood. Millwood allowed one unearned run and two hits in four innings to help Texas beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1 Saturday. It was the first "A" game appearance of the spring for Millwood, after three "B" games in which he compiled a 2.84 ERA in eight innings against minor leaguers."I feel like I'm way ahead of where I was last year at this time," Millwood said. "I feel like my legs are a lot stronger, my arm's stronger, my pitches are further along than what they were last year at this time. I'm just closer to being ready to pitch in a big league game than I would have been this time last year."Millwood threw around 50 pitches in the game, focusing much of the time on his changeup. He struck out both Adrian Beltre and Adam Jones in the first inning with that pitch. Millwood was replaced by Kameron Loe, who continued to make a strong push for the No. 5 spot in the Tex...
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Putz: MRI Results Show Mild Strain
2007-03-18 16:12:00
The Mariners received "great news" on Saturday after their medical director reviewed the results of an MRI taken on right-hander J.J. Putz's right elbow. The diagnosis, made in Seattle by Dr. E. Edward Khalfayan, was a "mild flexor pronator strain." There was a huge sigh of relief on the Mariners' side of the Peoria Sports Complex, although Putz had expressed confidence on Friday that there was nothing seriously wrong and that he would have plenty of time to prepare himself for the regular season, which begins on April 2 at Safeco Field against the Athletics. With two weeks remaining in Spring Train ing, it would seem that Putz has enough time to get ready for the regular season. Putz, 30, replaced Eddie Guardado as the Mariners' closer last May 6, and finished with 36 saves in 43 chances. He led American League relievers with 104 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings, posting a 3-1 record and 34 saves in 57 appearances following his promotion to the closer role. Source: MLB.com
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Jerome Williams: Makes Case For Rotation Spot
2007-03-18 16:03:00
In his previous two outings, Jerome Will iams had a tough time throwing strikes. But Saturday was a different story against the Mets. Williams pitched four shutout innings as the Nationals routed the Mets, 13-1, at Tradition Field. He gave up two hits, struck out two batters and walked two others.The outing assures that Williams is still in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Right-handers John Patterson and Shawn Hill are already set, and right-hander Jason Simontacchi and left-hander Matt Chico continue to show that they belong in the rotation. Source: MLB.com
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2007 Shortstop Cheat Sheet
2007-03-18 08:44:00
2007 Shorts top Rankings 1. Jose Reyes, Mets 21. Jason Bartlett, Twins 2. Derek Jeter, Yankees 22. Rich Aurilia, Giants 3. Miguel Tejada, Orioles 23. J.J. Hardy, Brewers 4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies 24. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays 5. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 25. Juan Ur...
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2007 Shortstop Rankings
2007-03-18 08:38:00
2007 Top 15 Shorts top Rank ingsJose Reyes1. Jose Reyes, New York Mets 2006 stats: .300 average, 647 at-bats, 122 runs, 19 home runs, 81 RBI, 30 doubles, 17 triples, 64 stolen bases, 53 walks, 81 strikeouts, 153 games2007 outlook: The 23 year-old Reyes improved his pitch selectivity and his walk/strikeout ratio, resulting in a 27-point increase in his batting average (.300) and a 54-point jump in his OBP. Reyes also crushed 19 home runs and drove in 81 runs. His home run total more than doubled his 2005 total and he matched his ridiculous triples total from 2005 with 17. He became the first Major League player to steal at least 60 bases in back-to-back seasons since Kenny Lofton accomplished the feat in 1993 and 1994. Look for more of the same from Reyes in 2007 with further advancement of his power numbers. 2. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees 2006 stats: .344 average, 623 at-bats, 118 runs, 14 home runs, 97 RBI, 39 doubles, 3 triples, 34 stolen bases, 69 walks, 102 strikeouts, 154 gam...
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Young: Has Bumpy Outing Versus Minor Leaguers
2007-03-17 19:48:00
Chris Young threw 76 pitches, his longest outing of the spring, in a Minor League intrasquad game on Thursday. He allowed two earned runs on three hits, walked three and struck out four over parts of four innings. It was somewhat of a bumpy outing, especially since he was facing Minor Leaguers, but Young was able to locate the positives from his performance. "The ball was coming out of my hand with some life, so I was happy with that," Young said. "My changeup was very, very good. I'm very happy with the way that pitch has progressed." The 27-year-old is hoping to build on his breakout performance from last year, when he ranked among the National League's top 10 in ERA (3.46), WHIP (1.13) and K/9 IP (8.2). Source: MLB.com
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Verlander: Finally Has Good Outing
2007-03-17 19:45:00
Justin Verlander threw four perfect innings vs. the Nationals on Thursday. Verlander had been roughed up to the tune of nine earned runs over five innings entering the day, so owners can feel a little more comforted that things are clicking into place for the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year Award winner. Source: MLB.com
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Vernon Wells: Having Solid Spring
2007-03-17 19:42:00
Vernon Wells slugged two home runs -- the second a mammoth blast that bounced off the roof of a restaurant behind the left-field stands of Bright House Networks Field -- vs. the Phillies on Thursday. Wells finished the day with a .346 average, four dingers and eight RBIs over 10 spring games. Though you can?t put too much stock into exhibition performances, those numbers should help calm owners concerned about Wells' motivation following the massive contract he signed this offseason. Source: MLB.com
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Putz: Undergoes MRI On Elbow
2007-03-17 19:39:00
Mariners closer J.J. Putz underwent an MRI for his sore right elbow on Friday. Putz reported tightness in his arm after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session earlier in the day. The 30-year-old right-hander has been bothered by arm problems throughout camp, making just one game appearance. Source: MLB.com
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Harden: Overpowering In Spring Games
2007-03-17 19:37:00
Rich Hard en allowed one run on two hits, walked one and fanned nine batters over 3 2/3 innings vs. the Rockies on Thursday. Harden has rung up 18 strikeouts and a 1.04 ERA over 8 2/3 innings this spring. His value continues to shoot up with each overpowering performance, so owners can probably forget about landing the flamethrower for a bargain price, injury concerns or no. Source: MLB.com
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Bailey: Will Begin Season In Minors
2007-03-17 19:34:00
Homer Baile y, the top pitching prospect in the Cincinnati organization, was reassigned to Minor League camp on Friday. No surprises here, as Bailey struggled to the tune of eight earned runs allowed over 3 2/3 innings in three spring appearances. The 20-year-old fireballer will begin the season at Triple-A Louisville, looking to build on the outstanding performance he delivered between Class A and Double-A (10-6, 2.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 IP) last year. Source: MLB.com
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Francis Suspended For Five Games
2007-03-17 19:31:00
Jeff Fran cis has been suspended for five regular season games after throwing behind San Diego?s Kevin Kouzmanoff on March 13. You can go ahead and scratch one start off Francis? scheduled slate, but it shouldn?t make much of a difference in his overall numbers. Owners should be more concerned with the left-hander?s uneven performance this spring; over 10 2/3 innings, Francis has allowed eight earned runs. Source: MLB.com
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Benitez: Confirmed As Giants Closer
2007-03-17 19:28:00
Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Friday that Armando Benitez will begin the season as the Giant s' closer. Time will tell whether the Giants are showcasing Armando Benitez for a trade or renewing their commitment to him. Either way, the embattled veteran will remain the team's closer and fellow right-hander Brian Wilson will serve as its primary setup man for the foreseeable future. Source: MLB.com
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Chacin Arrested For DUI
2007-03-17 19:25:00
Starter Gustavo Chacin was arrested early Friday morning for driving under the influence in Tampa, Fla. He was released on a $500 bond. Currently listed as Toronto's No. 3 starter behind ace Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett, Chacin is expected to make his first regular-season start on April 5 at Detroit. Only time will tell if the 26-year-old left-hander will be forced to miss time as a result of his alleged negligence. Stay tuned. Source: MLB.com
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Berroa Could Lose Job As Royals' Shortstop
2007-03-17 19:18:00
Angel Berroa has gone from 2003 AL Rookie of the Year to possibly losing his job as the Kansas City Royal s ' starting shortstop. After the Royals defeated the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, manager Buddy Bell worked with Berroa in the batting cages. Giants left-hander Barry Zito struck out Berroa twice -- giving Berroa 12 strikeouts in 26 at-bats during spring training with no walks. Bell said Berroa will be competing for the starting job with Alex Gonzalez, who has started for the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs, and prospect Andres Blanco. "It is open," Bell said. "We still want Angel to be the shortstop. We still expect him to be the shortstop, but that could change in the next couple of days. He has to play better. He knows that. He wants to play better. Angel is still ahead. That is a decision that more than likely will go down to the end." Berroa hit .287 with 17 homers, 92 runs and 21 steals as a rookie. In 2006, Berroa faded to .234 with nine homers, 68 runs and thre...
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2007 Second Base Cheat Sheet
2007-03-17 00:29:00
2007 Second Base Rankings 1. Chase Utley, Phillies 21. Jose Lopez, Mariners 2. Robinson Cano, Yankees 22. Mark DeRosa, Cubs 3. Dan Uggla, Marlins 23. Jose Vidro, Mariners 4. Brian Roberts, Orioles 24. Ty Wigginton, Devil Rays 5. Rickie Weeks, Brewers 25. ...
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2007 Second Base Rankings
2007-03-17 00:18:00
2007 Top 15 Second Base Rank ingsChase Utley1. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies2006 stats: .309 average, 658 at-bats, 131 runs, 32 home runs, 102 RBI, 40 doubles, 4 triples, 15 stolen bases, 63 walks, 132 strikeouts, 160 games. 2007 outlook: Utley assumes the top spot at the position with the loss of Alfonso Soriano to the outfield. He's become a five-tool contributor to fantasy lineups, adding 15 stolen bases to his impressive power totals. Utley led all second basemen with 32 home runs, 102 RBI and 131 runs scored last year and ranked second only to Robinson Cano among qualifying second basemen in batting average (.309). At 28, Utley is hitting his prime and should repeat 06 totals with Ryan Howard protecting him in the lineup.2. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees 2006 stats: .342 average, 482 at-bats, 62 runs, 15 home runs, 78 RBI, 41 doubles, 1 triple, 5 stolen bases, 18 walks, 54 strikeouts, 122 games.2007 outlook: Cano topped his rookie home run, RBI and stolen base totals in s...
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