Ups and downs: June 30th

Ups:

AJ Burnett had 11 strikeouts on Sunday and also won on June 24th after a stretch of terrible pitching. The Burnett situation in Toronto has been a rollercoaster of trade rumors and very streaky pitching. Looks like he is on an upswing now and will rack up the Ks.

OF Michael Bourn of the Astros has gotten is average up to .235 and keeps stealing bases. He has 31 steals this season. His numbers at the plate make it hard to justify starting him but Bourn is probably your best option if you need base stealers at this point since all the good ones are most definitely taken.

Nationals P John Lannan has a favorable matchup against the Reds on Thursday, July 3rd. He is going up against Johnny Cueto who has improved his last few starts, but still pitches for the last place Reds. Another favorable matchup on Thursday is Justin Verlander facing Carlos Silva when the Tigers visit Seattle. Verlander has been pitching very well lately and Silva and his equally large contract is a testament to the Bavasi era in Seattle.

Downs:

Braves 3B Chipper Jones may be placed on the DL and Tigers OF Magglio Ordonez was just put on the DL with a strained oblique. These are two guys you don’t want to be without, but they can be replaced for a few days. In looking for a new third baseman, look for Blue Jays 3B Scott Rolen to fill in. He is 6 of his last 12 and has 3 homers since June 22. That’s half his season total. For an outfield replacement, another Blue Jay Vernon Wells has been hitting and Tigers Gary Sheffield is on a tear since being activated from the DL.

Marlins Jorge Cantu hasn’t hit a home run since June 11th. He got off to a Chris Shelton-like start but has fizzled quite a bit lately. He did get the game-winning RBI on Sunday though in a 2-5 effort so he may be revving back up. Cantu has been disappointing with his average since June 11 below .210. Give him a few more days but be open to moving him before the deadline.

Padres Randy Wolf has gone 4, 6, and 3.1 innings in his last three starts which have been losses. His strikeout total was nice the other day (10 Ks against Detroit on June 22) but his WHIP is way high (2.3ish) in this span. The Padres have lost eight straight game so outside of Peavy and Hoffman, starting another Padre is not a good idea. Greg Maddux has been feeling the full effect of this poor play as he can’t buy a win (last win was May 10th).

NL West reverting to awfulness, like in 2005

Remember when all the experts and bloggers, including us, were predicting that the NL West was the best division in baseball? We also predicted the Cardinals to suck too, but we were also wrong. Well, everyone was wrong. To be fair, the Rockies have suffered due to injuries (although Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki are back), the Padres can’t hit, and neither can the Giants, and the Dodgers have suffered by hiring Ned Coletti as their GM. Only the young and inconsistent Diamondbacks are at .500 right now, and Eric Byrnes being injured does not help at all.

Diamondbacks	40	40	.500	—	24-15	16-25	3-7	Lost 3
Dodgers	37	42	.468	2.5	21-19	16-23	6-4	Won 1
Giants	34	46	.425	6	14-24	20-22	4-6	Lost 2
Rockies	32	48	.400	8	20-19	12-29	4-6	Lost 5
Padres	32	49	.395	8.5	21-24	11-25	1-9	Lost 6

(Copied and pasted from SI.com)

Looks like they all have one thing in common: They are not good on the road, and in the Giants case, the Giants suck more at home and happen to have the best record of everyone in the NL West on the road. A lot of other factors too, but we can call the NL West the “NL Worst” again.

Also, who put money on the thought that Chan Ho Park would be around longer than players like Brad Fullmer and Richard Hidalgo?

1989 Tracy Jones baseball card starting at $10,000 on eBay

The former 1st overall pick and current radio broadcaster Tracy Jones is now noteworthy because his 1989 Bowman card is being sold on eBay for $10,000, starting bid. He was pretty much a bench player in his day. This is probably the best joke ever. Look at the questions from other members, by the way.

Link

Maybe if they had the 1989 Bowman Griffey.. oh wait, I can get that for $20 on MLB.com..

(Edit: Apparently, from an interview with the seller at Tracy Jones’ show, the card was picked at random, and it was an attempt to pay a $10,000 debt, a common problem in American households today. If we offended the seller, sorry, but man, that would be a great practical joke, to take something somewhat worthless and funny and sell it for a large sum of money on eBay. Oh, wait… watch that go to $10,000 in a few days)

Inge-ured, ump suspended, and Chacon blows up

Detroit Tigers utility man Brandon Inge has been placed on the 15-day DL after straining his oblique adjusting his pillow. Not as bad as Joel Zumaya jamming on Guitar Hero, but pretty close.  Here’s a few other dumb sports injuries for you.

• Tony Allen of the Boston Celtics proving he can dunk after the whistle and trashes his knee.
• Rockies IF Clint Barmes broke his collarbone lugging meat up the stairs. Todd Helton’s fault since it was a gift from him.
• Arena Football League’s Elton Patterson tears his quadriceps jumping up and down in celebration.

In more baseball news, umpire Brian Runge got a one-game suspension for being an asshole the other night. Runge went out of his way to egg Mets Carlos Beltran on after a disputed strike call and ejected him. Manager Jerry Manuel then came out to defend his player and was chest bumped by Runge and then ejected. This was some of the most overzealous umpiring I have ever seen. Another case of an ump thinking people paid to see him in action. A longer suspension would serve Runge right and he should pay Beltran and Manuel’s fines of $400 and $500, respectively. Well, maybe just Manuel’s. Beltran will make $18 million this season.

Pitcher Shawn Chacon probably ended his major league career when he threw Astros GM Ed Wade to the ground by his neck. The Astros cut him today after suspending him indefinitely. There are two sides to every story and Wade may have been at fault too, but you’re an adult and a major leaguer; handle things differently. Chacon should have done this in 2005 when he had a 3.44 ERA over 151.2 IP with the Rockies and Yankees. His 2008 ERA of 5.04 and his violent tendencies however, should earn him a spot on every teams’ blacklist. I wouldn’t recommend showng your boss your best Latrell Sprewell impression under any circumstances.

My NL all-cheap team

In my expertise, the cheaper you are, the uglier you are and the worse it’s going to be. Of course, that’s in my second job, prostution (I am pretty high priced myself). In baseball however, there is not really a correlation. There are some great players making peanuts for cash, and these players are mostly pre-arbitration players.

Jorge Cantu

C Russell Martin – LA Dodgers

This was a tossup between two very good catchers in Brian McCann of the Braves and Russell Martin, in everything. There’s also Geovany Soto, who is very good. But I would go with Martin just because he’s dating Alyssa Milano now, I think, in a trade with Brad Penny. Both are great catchers.

1B Conor Jackson – Arizona Diamondbacks

There are some great, cheap first basemen, like the unhappy Prince Fielder, Joey Votto and James Loney but I’m going with Conor Jackson, as he’s getting on base at a .401 clip, and has always provided consistent play, even though his fielding is somewhat suspect, but the other guys I considered, their fielding is suspect too, and in the case of Loney, his fielding has not developed yet, although I have to admit, I’m not good at analyzing defense. I think CoJack would be my choice though.

Stars and Stripes caps

The Welcome Back Veterans fund is trying to raise $100 million for returning soldiers with the Stars & Stripes Performance 59FIFTY On-Field Cap. Teams will wear them for the 4th of July weekend and September 11th. The hats as you can see incorporate the flag’s stars and stripes onto the logo. I am never a big fan of altering the uniform, but it is for an excellent cause, the design isn’t too over the top like this hat, and New Era hats are always quality. Like any New Era 59FIFTY hat, look for it to be uncurved, half-on and crooked or backwards, kind of just resting on the heads of suburban whiteboys everywhere.

AL pitcher hits grand slam

In some rare good news for the Seattle Mariners, P Felix Hernandez became the first AL pitcher since 1971 to hit a grand slam. Not only did he hit an opposite field grand slam, but it was off of Johan Santana making it even more notable. Later in the game though, Hernandez sprained his ankle in a play at the plate and had to leave the game early. He was winning but only pitched 4.2 innings, so he didn’t get a decision which sucks for you fantasy players. Seattle won the game 5-2 though so everything is ok. The team says he’s fine though and will be ready for his next start.

Hernandez now has more homers than:

SS Jason Bartlett (244 AB)
C Victor Martinez (198 AB)
OF Joey Gathright (196 AB)
1B/OF Ross Gload (166 AB)
SS Omar Vizquel (105 AB)
1B Sean Casey (104 AB)

Ups and downs: June 23rd

Who’s up?

OF David DeJesus-Kansas City Royals

DeJesus is in the midst of an eight game hitting streak where he is batting .406 with three home runs. On the season he is batting .309/.370/.470 for the last place Royals. The Royals are playing some good baseball as of late (8-2 in their last 10) so put DeJesus in your lineup.

P Justin Verlander-Detroit Tigers

Following a horrid start to the season, Verlander struck out 10 over 5.1 IP on Sunday to record his fourth win of the season. His fastball was hitting 98 and he looked really good against the Giants. Since May 20, he has a 2.66 ERA and is finally starting to get the strikeout totals one would expect from a guy who can top 99 MPH with his fastball. His 1.12 WHIP in this time frame is also reason enough to be confident about starting him again.

SS Jeff Keppinger-Cincinnati Reds

Keppinger is back from his broken kneecap and went 1-4 in his first game since he went down on May 13. He was batting .324/.373/.446 until the injury. He was out a long time and a lot of people dropped him so he could be a good option at shortstop or third. Jerry Hairston Jr. got a lot of time at short when Keppinger was hurt, but he too is injured so Keppinger would be expected to handle short with the occasional third base mixed in.

Who’s Down?

3B Joe Crede-Chicago White Sox

There was a lot of excitement after Crede’s consecutive two homer games but he has cooled off considerably with only one home run since june 7. Keep an eye on Crede though because while he is a little down now, he can get hot in a hurry and get you points. Consider 3B Casey Blake as a sub because he is nine for his last 21 with an RBI in four straight games.

RP Carlos Marmol-Chicago Cubs

Marmol is one of the best setup men in baseball but his last two outings have been nasty. On June 19, he came in against the Rays and walked two on his way to surrendering four earned and earning the loss. Then two days ago, he walked three and gave up a run in an inning against the White Sox. The Cubs agree that they have some work to do with their ace setup man.

OF Pat Burrell-Philadelphia Phillies

Burrell is one for his last 19 and has eight strikeouts in this span (Herpes flareup?). Burrell is having a very good year so far, but you know that if you drafted Burrell, you’d be getting a guy who is prone to prolonged slumps. It’s tough giving a power guy like Burrell a day off, but a guy like OF Fred Lewis has been hitting and swiping a few bag lately.

Switch Hitter vs. Switch Pitcher (second clip on this video)

The ultimate showdown, featuring the ambidexterous Creighton alum and Yankee farmhand Pat Venditte. Or as Randy Newman would say, “left hand, right hand, left hand, right hand, left hand, right hand”

(I’ll find a better video if it shows up on youtube or something)

American League All-Bargain lineup

While guys like Richie Sexson are making $15.5 million for batting .219 and only having nine homers, there are a lot of guys earning their significantly lower salaries. They still make more than the president, doctors, and other professions that require an education but some are playing well beyond their current salary. Ballin’ on a budget if you will. Note the major league average is slightly over $3,000,000. And I did include guys who haven’t gotten to arbitration yet because I am talking pure bang for buck. These guys will be getting huge pay days soon.

AL All-Bargain Lineup

C Dioner Navarro-Tampa Bay Rays: $412,500

Navarro is 24 and making slightly more than the league minimum. He is batting .326 and has handled a Rays staff that is keeping the team in the AL East race. He may have gotten into a scuffle with Matt Garza but it Garza was at fault for that ugliness.

1B Kevin Youkilis-Boston Red Sox: $3,000,000

I was shocked to learn Youkilis was making this salary. Youkilis is batting .305/.376/.530 and has a great glove at first base. He is making a fifth of Richie Sexson’s salary and a quarter of Paul Konerko’s salary, two guys who are batting under .220 whose power numbers are declining. $3,000,000 is a lot for a ‘bargain’ player, but Youk’s combination of talent and likability should make him much more money. Fire your agent.

2B Ian Kinsler-Texas Rangers: $700,000

Kinsler has been around for three seasons and just signed a new back-loaded deal that will get him a more appropriate salary in 2009 ($3,000,000). Kinsler is leading AL second basemen with 10 home runs and is batting .305. He is a good base runner as well with 17 steals in 18 attempts. Kinsler has been instrumental in making Texas’ offense the most potent lineup in baseball (401 runs). Too bad they have given up the most runs though (419 runs).

3B Ramon Vazquez-Texas Rangers: $810,000

Vazquez is a veteran who has bounced around quite a bit but has finally settled down in Texas. He’s been playing third for Texas and been amongst the league’s best ninth hitters this year with a .336 average. All the other third basemen in the AL are making a lot of money. Third base is a pricey position that teams don’t like to skimp on. Hank Blalock moved to first base though so they replaced him from within and it has worked out so far.

SS Marco Scutaro-Toronto Blue Jays: $1,550,000

Scutaro is nothing special at the plate. What is good about Marco Scutaro is his versatility in the field. He has logged time at first, second, third, short, and outfield this year (only 2 errors so far) and would fill a utility role for our cheap team. I would like more offensive output from my shortstop in today’s game, but having a guy who can be swapped all over the field is very useful for a manager.

OF Josh Hamilton-Texas Rangers: $396,830

Hamilton is going to absolutely punish the bank when he gets to arbitration. He has only been around for two seasons so the Rangers should try to lock him up now before his value skyrockets even more. He is an MVP candidate right now with .315/.361/.595 and his comeback from drug addiction was inspiring. He was traded from the Reds for P Edinson Volquez who is also having a huge year.

OF Carlos Quentin-Chicago White Sox: $400,000

Quentin has cooled off a bit from his great start to the season, but is still fourth in the AL lead for home runs with 16. This is his first good season and Ozzie Guillen just gave him a “mental” day off to try to spark him again. An Ozzie Guillen mental day. I think that’s when you walk around Chicago and yell at people in Spanish. Another guy who will do well at arbitration.

OF Marcus Thames-Detroit Tigers: $1,275,000

I have liked Marcus Thames since he arrived in Detroit. He is finally getting more of a chance in Detroit and his last 8 hits have been homers. I have mentioned that a lot lately. Thames has a home run in every 9 at bats this year, and since 2006, a home run every 12.88 at bats. Also adding to his value is a little time spent at first base.

SP Ervin Santana-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: $420,000

Santana has been around since 2005 and is capable of pitching a lot of innings. He has been inconsistent though as his 2007 was an absolute disaster which resulted in his being demoted to the minors (look at his 2007 game log). He looks to have solved his problems this season though because his numbers have vastly improved. He is 8-3 with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. There was a lot of uncertainty with Santana for a few years which could possibly affect his arbitration salary and keep him a bargain.

RP George Sherrill-Baltimore Orioles: $980,000

Sherrill was dealt to Baltimore from Seattle along with Adam Jones for underachieving Erik Bedard and it has worked out nicely for the O’s. While Bedard is disappointing, Sherrill is second in the AL with 23 saves and making less than a million dollars. His transition to closer has been smooth as he makes a name for himself as a dependable closer.