Weekend Wrap: Cueto, Reyes, Nathan

Quick hits from the weekend that was.

Johnny Cueto: Welcome to the big leagues, Johnny. Cueto was rocked again Sunday, giving up 6 ER on 8 hits and 3 BB to the Mets. This isn't a reflection on Cueto's true talents, rather it's major league hitters making adjustments to Cueto's electric stuff. Now, it's Cueto's turn on the chess board.
Fantasy Spin: Cueto has given up at least 5 ER in four of his last six starts, raising his ERA from 2.02 to 5.91. The real Cueto is somewhere in between, probably around a low-4 ERA, but you'll have to endure a few lumps like this along the way. Wait one more start for him to right the ship.

Jose Reyes: Frustrated owners were treated to a 3-for-5, 2-run, 2-SB day as Reyes raised his average from .246 to .259.
Fantasy Spin: This is Reyes' second 3+ hit day in the last 9 days, but his consistency has been spotty at best. It's time to realize he's not the first-round guy you drafted, but with 12 SB now, it's still possible Reyes finishes with 55-60 swipes, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Alfonso Soriano: The Cubs OF raised his average 42 points on Saturday, going 4 for 5 and scored 2 runs, knocking the ball out of Chris Snyder's glove on one play.
Fantasy Spin: The power numbers are still low, but this is great news for owners as Soriano is now hitting .223. Yes, that's an improvement. After a day off Sunday, look for a big week, starting tonight against Padres SP Randy Wolf.

Joe Nathan: Late last night, as the Twinkies tried to finish off the Red Sox, Nathan found himself in a dicey situation. Usually automatic, Nathan gave up singles to Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell and a double to J.D. Drew. Then Coco Crisp reached on a fielder's choice, stole second easily and the comfy 9-6 lead was 9-8 with pinch-hitter Manny Ramirez up. “Tonight was probably seven appearances in one,” Nathan said. But on the 26th pitch of the inning, Manny grounded out to shortstop and Nathan secured his 12th save.
Fantasy spin: Don't worry about Nathan, who has yet to blow a save. Sure, his ERA tripled from 0.69 to 1.93, but the Red Sox are a tough out and he's still a top-3 closer.

Fausto Carmona vs. A.J. Burnett: The anticipated duel between these two hard-throwing righties was washed out Sunday in Cleveland, one of three games in the extended rust belt that deprived mothers of pink bat baseball.
Fantasy Spin: The duo will face each other at 4:05 p.m. today, so only weekly leagues will be affected. The good news for owners is you'll get two starts this week.

Howie Kendrick: This is borderline ridiculous. The on-again, off-again return from the DL may be back on. Or not. "Hopefully we'll get some good news on Monday," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the L.A. Times. Kendrick was apparently headed back to the Angles but tweaked his hammy in a rehab stint on Tuesday.
Fantasy Spin: I know this guy could be a future batting champ and all but he's shown the durability of flat paint in a kids' play room. If you've been holding out for him to fill your 2B need, it might be time to look elsewhere.