Saturday, April 26, 2008

Did you see this catch?

A quick plug for Cubs OF Reed Johnson, who sacrificed his body - and risked a neck injury - to catch this line shot off the bat of Felipe "I'll screw with your fantasy team" Lopez.



Johnson's diving rationale: "I didn't realize the wall was that close. I knew I had to dive to catch it. I left my feet and hit the wall pretty soon thereafter."

The Cubs lost, but not lost is the effort.

Worth a shout-out.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

BRIAN BURRES, SP, ORIOLES: Threw 8 shutout innings, giving up 3 hits and 0 BB against the White Sox. Word on the street is the O's new pitching coach Rick Kranitz is making a big difference. Kranitz, who managed the Charlotte Knights in 1990 and '91, was hired in the offseason to replace longtime Braves pitching wizard Leo Mazzone. Anyone who can get Daniel Cabrera to cut down on his walks has to be taken seriously.
Fantasy spin: After a 5.95 ERA last year, Burres has a 2.45 ERA and has held teams to 1 ER or less in 3 of his 4 starts. He's not quite a mixed-league certified pitcher (his WHIP is still high) but he's worth an AL-only roster spot and consider him in deeper mixed leagues.

JEREMY SOWERS, SP, INDIANS: Gave up just 3 ER against the Yankees, all inherited runners, going 5 1/3 innings, giving up 7 hits and 1 BB.
Fantasy spin: As tempting as it is, Sowers just can't be trusted yet. After a strong rookie campaign (7-4, 3.57 ERA/1.19 WHIP), the wheels fell off in a hurry in 2007 (1-6, 6.42/1.56). The rest of the league adjusted to Sowers and his stuff is borderline big league. He'll be Westbrook's replacement for a month or so, but only go there if you're real desperate.

ARMANDO GALARRAGA, SP, TIGERS: The 26-year-old rookie turned in his third strong performance, taking a no-hitter into the 6th inning. He held the Angels to 3 hits, 2 BB and 1 ER in 6 innings.
Fantasy spin: A tough case-study, as there doesn't appear to be a spot in the Detroit rotation. But don't be so sure. The Tigers are worried about Willis' recovery and Nate Robertson is falling apart before our eyes. Jim Leyland seems to be the only one who thinks Robertson shouldn't be shipped to the bullpen. Worst case, Galarraga is a nice speculative add in shallow leagues or those with bench spots.

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