The weekend that was...
Big Papi: David Ortiz sat out twice in a three-game series with Tampa Bay because of swelling in the knee. Terry Francona says it's either a bruise or tendinitis but with a day game after a night game, it was a little creaky. Owners better hope this doesn't turn into a Bonds situation.
Jack Cust: After hitting .176 with 0 HR in 62 at-bats, the Oakland OF smacked three HR in 4 games, going 8-for-14 and raised his average 68 points. If you Google streaky hitter, you'll likely see Cust's name pop up on your first page of search results. Ride him ASAP, even in shallow mixed leagues.
Greg Smith: Sticking with the A's, their rookie pitcher threw 6 masterful innings, striking out 10 of the 23 batters he faced, giving up just 1 run, 3 hits and 2 BB. Oakland won 3-1, but Smith got a no-decision. Before this game, I decided to pick him up in a 10-team mixed league and now own him in all 3 leagues. Risky? You betcha. But a 10-K game is a good sign that he's not slowing down. Smith pitches in a great park (look what it did for Mulder and Zito). And it's hard to argue with a 2.54 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Still, I'm realistic.
Carlos Gomez: The Twins OF was carted off the field Friday night after getting knocked in the left ear flap on his helmet, trying to steal second off Ivan Rodriguez. Gomez never lost consciousness, but if you looked close, you could almost see the tweetie birds circling his head. Gomez missed Saturday's game, but was back out there Sunday and scored a run. Exhale, Gomez owners, you should be seeing more of this soon:
Chone Figgins: Another speedster, the Angels 3B injured his hamstring Saturday, but a day after, Figgins told the OC Register the hammy was feeling much better. "It's not pulled. It's just a slight strain." MRI results later today.
Chase Utley: After an 0-for-5 Sunday, Utley proves he's human. But the No. 1 player in Yahoo! so far still leads the world in home runs with 13. And he plays 2B. I know it's early, but next year's draft will either start Hanley-Chase or Chase-Hanley.
Nick Markakis: The O's shook up their lineup a bit, moving OF Markakis to the 2-hole, which isn't great news for owners. But while it may cost Markakis some RBI, he smacked 2 HR in 3 games hitting 2nd, and his SB production will likely tick up (6 SB for the season).
Chris Snyder: Highly touted coming into the season, Diamondbacks C Chris Snyder struggled through April, but roped a double and triple off Johan Santana on Sunday to raise his average to .243. He's probably on your wire, if you're looking for a potential catcher upgrade with upside. And as an aside, why is it that someone's always "highly" touted, but rarely "lowly?"
Max Scherzer: Staying in the desert, all eyes on Mad Max as he makes his starting debut tonight. Word on the street is Scherzer's not a lock to stay in the rotation and could be sent back down to the minors. Don't believe the GM-speak as Arizona is trying to take the pressure off. If he performs, he'll stay up.
Howie Kendrick: Coming off the DL today. Finally. Wait a day to make sure, and then get him in those daily-move lineups.
Mike Cameron: Hit 2 HR Sunday and continues as the Rodney Dangerfield of fantasy baseball. Without the ugly bowling shirt.
Jose Reyes: Mets SS started slow on the base paths, but stole his 9th base Sunday, and 6th in 10 games. Reyes won't approach 80, but he's starting to look like a 60 SB guy again. That'll be borderline first-round value, if he keeps his average near .300. Still, you probably overpaid.
Gil Meche: Will the real Meche please stand up?
Robinson Cano: Mired in a 3-for-35 slump, Cano jacked out a solo shot Sunday. How bad is it for Cano? His average spiked from .150 to .154 on a 1-for-4 day. Incidentally, how come the only time players are described as "mired," it's when they're in a slump?
Kei Igawa: Sticking with the Yanks, Igawa will likely start Friday or Saturday after going 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA in AAA. With Ian Kennedy sent down, the Yankees are really just looking for anyone who can give them 6 innings. Anyone?
Darrell Rasner: After ridiculous sub-1 ERA and WHIP numbers in AAA, Rasner was only an Adrian Beltre 2-run HR away from pitching a shutout Sunday. As it was, he threw 6 innings, giving up 2 ER, 6 hits and 0 BB with 4 Ks. Most importantly, Rasner got the win. With Phil Hughes out til July, Rasner is a strong AL-only pickup and should be considered in mixed leagues 12 teams and larger.
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