rotoinfo.com is your source for free fantasy sports news and information including MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL player updates. Your resource for fantasy baseball, fantasy football and fantasy basketball. http://rotoinfo.com/ All rights of the information provided in this feed are reservered with rotoinfo.com. If you want to use this feed on your site, include our link on your site. Giants handle Phillies Eli Whiteside was 2-for-3 with a homer and two runs batted in, as the San Francisco Giants dumped the Philadelphia Phillies 5-1 on Monday night. Mark DeRosa also drove in two runs for the Giants, as Jonathan Sanchez allowed one run over five innings to get the win for San Francisco. Chase Utley plated the lone run for Philadelphia, while losing pitcher Roy Halladay gave up five runs over seven innings for the Phillies. Angels overpower Indians Bobby Abreu went 2-for-4 with a two-run blast to lead the Los Angeles Angels past the Cleveland Indians 5-2 on Monday night. Erick Aybar was 2-for-4 with a solo shot for the Angels, as winning pitcher Jared Weaver gave up one run over six innings for Los Angeles. Austin Kearns went 3-for-4 with a big fly for Cleveland, while David HUff was tagged with the loss after allowing five runs over 5 1-3 innings for the Indians. Haren, Diamondbacks top Rockies Dan Haren allowed two runs over eight innings to earn the win, as the Arizona Diamondbacks downed the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Monday night. Adam LaRoche smashed a three-run shot for the Diamondbacks, who got RBIs from Justin Upton and Kelly Johnson in the win. Carlos Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs batted in for Colorado, while Jason Hammel was tagged for five runs over three innings to take the loss for the Rockies Cardinals nip Braves Yadier Molina's run-scoring double in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the St. Louis Cardinals over the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Monday night. Albert Pujols was 3-for-4 with a run batted in for the Cardinals, as Dennys Reyes picked up the victory in relief of Kyle Lohse for St. Louis. Troy Glaus went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Atlanta, while Takashi Saito took the loss after giving up the eventual winning run in the bottom of the eighth Davies, Royals down Mariners Kyle Davies tossed six scoreless innings to earn the win, as the Kansas City Royals clipped the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Monday night. Billy Butler was 2-for-4 with a dinger for the Royals, who got RBIs from Jose Guillen and David DeJesus in the win. Mike Sweeney knocked in the lone run for Seattle, while losing pitcher Felix Hernandez gave up two earned runs over seven innings for the Mariners. Brewers pound Pirates Gregg Zaun went 4-for-4 with five runs batted in, as the Milwaukee Brewers ripped the Pittsburgh Pirates 17-3 on Monday night. Casey McGehee hit a grand slam for the Brewers, as winning pitcher Yovani Gallardo allowed no earned runs over six innings for Milwaukee. Andrew McCutchen was 2-for-5 with two RBIs for Pittsburgh, while Zach Duke was rocked for eight runs over four innings to take the loss for the Pirates. Cubs edge Nationals in extra innings Aramis Ramirez drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Chicago Cubs over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Monday night. Ramirez finished with two runs batted in for the Cubs, as Carlos Marmol got the win in relief of Carlos Silva for Chicago. Josh Willingham went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Washington, while Brian Bruney was handed the loss after allowing the winning run in the bottom of the 10th. Tigers take down Rangers Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge both went yard in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Detroit Tigers over the Texas Rangers 8-6 on Monday night. Inge finished 3-for-5 with two homers and three runs batted in for the Tigers, as Phil Coke picked up the win in relief of Jeremy Bonderman for Detroit. Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Texas, while Neftali Feliz took the loss after allowing the go-ahead runs in the top of the ninth. Marlins drill Padres Josh Johnson went the distance to earn the win, as the Florida Marlins hammered the San Diego Padres 10-1 on Monday night. Johnson went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in at the plate for the Marlins, as Dan Uggla was 2-for-5 with a two-run shot and three RBIs for Florida. Matt Stairs drove in the lone run for San Diego, while Mat Latos was rocked for seven runs over 2 2-3 innings to take the loss for the Padres. Red Sox outgun Blue Jays Jason Varitek went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in to lead the Boston Red Sox past the Toronto Blue Jays 13-12 on Monday night. Adrian Beltre was 3-for-5 with two RBIs for the Red Sox, as Scott Schoeneweis got the win in relief of Josh Beckett for Boston. Lyle Overbay went 3-for-5 with a big fly and four RBIs for Toronto, while Shawn Camp was handed the loss after coming into the game for Dana Eveland for the Blue Jays. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_27-675.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_27-675.html Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Rockies bury Marlins Seth Smith homered twice and drove in four runs Sunday, as the Colorado Rockies defeated the Florida Marlins 8-4. Miguel Olivo hit a two-run home run for Colorado and Dexter Fowler was 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Gaby Sanchez drove in two runs for Florida and Chris Volstad was roughed up for seven runs on seven hits in 4 1-3 innings. Diamondbacks snakebite Phillies Mark Reynolds was 3-5 with a homer and four RBI Sunday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8-6. Kelly Johnson hit a two-run home run for Arizona and Chris Young was 3-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Greg Dobb hit a two-run home run for Philadelphia and Carlos Ruiz drove in a pair of runs. Cardinals blank Giants Brad Penny pitched 7 2-3 shutout innings, allowing eight hits with two strikeouts Sunday to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the San Francisco Giants 2-0. Albert Pujols was 3-4 with a solo home run for St. Louis in the win. Matt Cain was tagged with the loss for San Francisco after allowing two runs on six hits in five innings. Athletics hammer Indians Eric Patterson homered and drove in three runs Sunday, as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Cleveland Indians 11-0. Eric Chavez and Kevin Kozmanoff drove in three runs for the A’s, while Gio Gonzalez pitched seven shutout innings in the win. Justin Masterson was blasted or seven runs on eight hits over four innings for Cleveland. Angels topple Yankees Kendry Morales was 3-3 with a home run and three RBI Sunday to lead the Los Angeles Angels to an 8-4 win over the New York Yankees. Bobby Abreu hit a solo home run go the Angels and Brandon Wood had a pair of RBI. Jorge Posada launched a two-run home run for New York and Robinson Cano hit a solo homer in the loss. Rangers roll over Tigers Michael Young was 3-5 with a five RBI Sunday, as the Texas Rangers defeated the Detroit Tigers 8-4. Daniel Murphy hit a two-run home for Texas and Colby Lewis allowed four runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings. Austin Jackson hit a solo home run for Detroit and Rick Porcello allowed six runs on 10 hits in four innings. Cubs crush Brewers Tyler Covin was 3-4 with a home run and three RBI Sunday, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12-2. Ryan Theriot was 5-6 with three RBI for Chicago and Derrek was 3-4 with a two-run home run and three runs scored. Joe Inglett was 2-3 with an RBI for Milwaukee, while Dave Bush was pounded for nine runs ion 10 hits in 3 2-3 innings. Royals edge Twins Jose Guillen hit a two-run home run Sunday, as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-3. Brian Bannister allowed two runs on nine hits in 6 1-3 innings to earn the win for Kansas City. Justin Morneau was 2-4 with a home run and two RBI for Minnesota, while Kevin Slowey surrendered four runs on eight hits in 5 1-3 innings. Astros sink Pirates Carlos Lee and Pedro Feliz each drove in a pair of runs Sunday, as the Houston Astros defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-3. Lance Berkman hit a solo home run for Houston and Brett Myers allowed two runs on 11 hits in six innings. Andy LaRoche was 4-4 with two RBI for the Pirates and Charlie Morton surrendered five runs in three innings. White Sox clip Mariners John Danks allowed only two runs in seven hits in eight innings Sunday, as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-2. Paul Konerko was 2-2 with a solo home run for Chicago in the win. Franklin Gutierrez hit a solo homer for Seattle and Jason Vargas allowed two runs on four hits in 6 2-3 innings. Rays shut out Blue Jays David Price pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits with nine strikeouts Sunday, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-0. John Jason was 2-3 with two RBI for the Rays and Jason Bartlett also drove in a pair of runs in the win. Brandon Morrow took the loss for Toronto after giving up two runs on three hits and six walks, while striking out eight over six innings. Orioles top Red Sox in extras Miguel Tejada homered and drove in a pair of runs Sunday, as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-6 in extra innings. Matt Wieters drove in two runs for Baltimore in the win. Kevin Youkilis was 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for Boston. Nationals blank Dodgers Scott Olsen pitched seven shutout innings, allowing six hits with eight strikeouts Sunday, as the Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0. Adam Dunn drove in the Nationals’ only run in the win. Chad Billingsley allowed one run on four hits over six innings to take the loss for the Dodgers. Reds edge Padres Scott Rolen was 2-3 with a solo home run and three runs scored Sunday, as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 5-4. Ramon Hernandez drove in a pair of runs for Cincinnati and Homer Bailey allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings. Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run home run for San Diego and Kyle Blanks had a pair of RBI. Mets top Braves in six Mike Pelfry tossed five shutout innings Sunday night, to lead the New York Mets to a 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in a game that was called in the sixth inning due to rain. Jason Bay drove in the Mets only run in the win. Tommy Hanson took the loss for Atlanta after giving up one unearned run on five hits while striking out eight in five innings. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_26-674.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_26-674.html Mon, 26 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Giants shut down Cards The San Francisco Giants scored both runs in the same inning and defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 Saturday night. Barry Zito tossed eight innings for the win, allowing just three hits with 10 strikeouts. Adam Wainwright went the distance in a losing effort, giving up seven hits and two runs. Rockies earn split with Marlins Miguel Olivo belted a three-run homer and the Colorado Rockies defeated the Florida Marlins 8-1 Saturday night to earn a split of the doubleheader at Coors Field. Aaron Cook went the distance on the mound for the Rockies, allowing five hits and one run in his first win of the season. Nate Robertson gave up five runs off five hits over his four innings of work for the Marlins. Phillies edge D-Backs Jayson Werth homered in the top of the ninth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies snuck past the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 Saturday night at Chase Field. Jose Contreras earned the win in relief, and Ryan Madson closed out the ninth for his fourth save of the season. Juan Gutierrez gave up the winning run in relief and was tagged with the loss. Tigers double Rangers Johnny Damon and Magglio Ordonez each drove in a pair of runs as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Texas Rangers 8-4 Saturday night. Eddie Bonine tossed three scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win for the Tigers. Scott Feldman allowed all eight runs off eight hits in 3 2-3 innings in the loss for the Rangers. Cubs stop Brewers Marlon Byrd went 3-for-5 at the plate with one RBI and a run scored in helping the Chicago Cubs defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 Saturday night at Miller Park. Ted Lilly tossed a three-hit shutout through six innings to earn the win for the Cubs. Doug Davis surrendered two runs off six hits over 6 1-3 innings in the loss, while striking out six. Big inning propels Red Sox Marco Scutaro and Kevin Youkilis hit three-run homers in a six-run seventh inning as the Boston Red Sox held on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 7-6 Saturday night at Fenway Park. John Lackey scattered 10 hits and three runs over seven innings in the win, and Jonathan Papelbon closed out the ninth for his fifth save. Matt Albers gave up three runs off two hits in under and inning in the Orioles loss. Twins outlast Royals in 12 Joe Mauer went 5-for-6 at the plate and drove in one of two runs in the 12th inning as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-7 Saturday night. Jon Rauch pitched two scoreless extra innings to pick up the win on the mound for the Twins. Robinson Tejeda gave up both runs in the 12th inning and was tagged with the loss for the Royals. Astros topple Pirates Pedro Feliz went deep for a two-run blast as the Houston Astros beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. Wandy Rodriguez posted his first win of the season for the Astros, allowing two runs off five hits in his 7 1-3 innings on the mound. Chris Jakubauskas took the loss on the hill for the Pirates, giving up two runs off two hits in less than an inning of work. Rays score seven; dump Jays John Jaso homered with three runs batted in and the Tampa Bay Rays scored seven runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-3 Saturday at Tropicana Field. Dan Wheeler fanned the only batter he faced, but was credited with the win for the Rays. Scott Downs gave up three runs off two hits in relief and was tagged with the loss for the Blue Jays Marlins down Rockies in Game 1 Brett Carroll homered and drove in a pair of runs as the Florida Marlins defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1 in Game 1 of the doubleheader Saturday. Ricky Nolasco pitched eight innings for the win, allowing seven hits and one run with nine strikeouts. Greg Smith gave up eight hits and four runs over his five innings in the loss for the Rockies. Yankees dominate Angels Nick Swisher and Francisco Cervelli drove in a pair of runs to lead the New York Yankees in a 7-1 win over the LA Angels Saturday afternoon. Andy Pettitte went eight innings for the win, allowing six hits and one run with eight strikeouts. Joel Pineiro was tagged with the loss, giving up 11 hits and six earned runs over six innings for the Angels. White Sox rally past Mariners Alex Rios belted a walk-off two-run homer to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners Saturday at U.S. Cellular Field. Bobby Jenks gave up a pair of runs in the ninth, but managed to get the win in relief for the White Sox. David Aardsma surrendered three runs off two hits in the ninth inning and suffered the loss for the Mariners Indians draw even with A’s Austin Kearns had three hits and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Oakland A’s 6-1 Saturday to even the three-game series. Fausto Carmona improved to 3-0 with the victory, allowing seven hits and one run over his 7 1-3 innings for the Indians. Chad Gaudin gave up a pair of runs in relief and was tagged with the loss for the A’s. Padres pound Reds The San Diego Padres got a solid effort on the mound from its pitching staff, blanking the Cincinnati Reds 5-0 at Great American Ball Park Saturday. Padres starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc went six scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out six batters. Slugger Adrian Gonzalez finished the day 1-for-4 with a home run while third baseman Chase Headley finished 3-for-4 at the plate. Reds starter Johnny Cueto lasted six innings, giving up five runs on seven hits while striking out five batters. Mets beat Braves The New York Mets got some great work from their bullpen to hold off the Atlanta Braves for a 3-1 at Citi Field Saturday. Mets starter Jonathon Niese went just over five innings, giving up one run on five hits while striking out six batters. New York turned to its bullpen for the remainder of the game, using four different pitchers including Manny Acosta, who was credited with the win. At the plate, outfielder Jason Bay went 3-for-4 with an RBI. The Braves scored their lone run on an RBI single from catcher David Ross. Starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens went just under seven innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out three and walking four batters. Dodgers down Nationals in extras Reliever Carlos Monasterios put in some overtime for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching just under three extra innings in a 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals in 13 innings at Nationals Park Saturday. The Dodgers got a big day from third baseman Casey Blake, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI including a home run. Catcher Russel Martin knocked in the scoring run with a single in the 13th inning. Nationals starter Craig Stammen went six innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He also went 2-for-3 with an RBI at the plate. Nyjer Morgan and Cristian Guzman also registered RBIs in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_25-673.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_25-673.html Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST Giants topple Cardinals The San Francisco Giants took advantage of two fielding errors and defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 Friday night. Tim Lincecum allowed just six hits and one run, striking out eight batters in picking up the win. Jaime Garcia was tagged with the loss, allowing seven hits and four runs over six innings. A’s hammer Indians Rajai Davis drove in three runs in leading the Oakland A’s to a 10-0 win over the Cleveland Indians Friday night in the series-opener. Justin Duchscherer tossed six scoreless innings, giving up just five hits in earning the victory. Jake Westbrook surrendered eight hits and four runs over his five innings of work for the Indians. Angels rally past Yankees Kendry Morales belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs as the LA Angels rallied for a 6-4 win over the New York Yankees Friday night. Fernando Rodney picked up the win in relief, and Brian Fuentes closed out the ninth for his second save. Joba Chamberlain gave up three hits and two runs in relief in suffering the loss for the Yankees. Long ball lifts D-Backs over Phillies Kelly Johnson hit two home runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks went deep for all their runs in a 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night. Kris Benson tossed six innings for the victory, allowing eight hits and three runs for the Diamondbacks. Cole Hamels allowed eight hits and six runs over six innings in a losing effort for the Phillies. White Sox hold off Mariners Andruw Jones hit a walk off home run and the Chicago White Sox defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-6 Friday night. Matt Thornton pitched just over two innings of relief to earn the victory. Mark Lowe surrendered the winning run in relief and was saddled with the loss for the Mariners. Cubs rip apart Brewers Kosuke Fukudome homered and drove in a pair of runs as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 8-1 Friday night. Ryan Dempster allowed seven hits and one run over 7 2-3 innings for the win. Jeff Suppan gave up six runs off 10 hits in 4 1-3 innings in the loss for the Brewers. Twins take down Royals Jim Thome homered and drove in three runs to lead the Minnesota Twins over the Kansas City Royals 8-3 Friday night. Carl Pavano tossed seven innings for the win, giving up four hits and two runs for the Twins. Gil Meche gave up four hits and four runs over 3 1-3 innings in the loss for the Royals. Astros fend off Pirates Carlos Lee drove in two runs and the Houston Astros held on for a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night. Roy Oswalt allowed three runs over seven innings in earning the win for the Astros. Matt Lindstrom closed out the ninth for his fifth save of the season. Paul Maholm surrendered four runs off seven hits over seven innings in the loss. Rangers slip past Tigers Vladimir Guerrero belted a two-run homer and the Texas Rangers got past the Detroit Tigers 5-4 Friday night. Neftali Feliz scattered three hits and two runs in relief and picked up the win for the Rangers. Fu-Te Ni gave up the winning run in relief and was tagged with the loss for the Tigers. \ Blue Jays edge Rays Jose Bautista went 3-for-5 with one RBI as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-5 Friday night. Brett Cecil allowed six hits and four runs over 6 2-3 innings for the win, and Kevin Gregg closed out the game with his fifth save. Matt Garza gave up five runs off eight hits in five innings in the loss for the Rays. Red Sox sneak past Orioles David Ortiz homered and helped the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 in the opener of a three-game series Friday night. Manny Delcarmen pitched the win in relief, and Jonathan Papelbon collected his fourth save. Matt Albers surrendered the winning run in relief and was tagged with the loss. Mets down Braves David Wright drove in a pair of runs and the New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-2 Friday night. Hisanori Takahashi fanned seven batters over three innings of relief in the win, and Francisco Rodriguez closed out the game for his second save. Kenshin Kawakami surrendered six hits and three runs over six innings in the loss. Padres tear apart Reds Adrian Gonzalez belted a grand slam home run and the San Diego Padres defeated the Cincinnati Reds 10-4 Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Kevin Correia allowed just three hits and two runs over 5 2-3 innings in picking up the win. Bronson Arroyo gave up eight hits and eight runs over three innings of work. Dunn powers Nationals over Dodgers Adam Dunn belted two home runs and knocked in three runs as the Washington Nationals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in the series-opener Friday night at Nationals Park. Luis Atilano went six innings for the win, allowing five hits and one run along the way. Charlie Haeger gave up three earned runs over 5 1-3 innings in the loss for the Dodgers http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_24-671.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_24-671.html Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST Tigers sneak past Angels Carlos Guillen drove in a pair of runs and the Detroit Tigers defeated the LA Angels 5-4 Thursday night. Justin Verlander tossed five innings for the win, allowing four runs off six hits. Jose Valverde closed out the game with his fifth save. Joe Saunders gave up five runs off six hits in just 2 2-3 innings of work for the Tigers. White Sox struck by Rays Carlos Pena drove in four runs as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 10-2 Thursday night at U.S. Cellular Field. James Shields went seven innings on the mound for the win, allowing six hits and two runs for the Rays. Jake Peavy was rocked for seven earned runs over 4 1-3 innings in the loss. Marlins swin past Astros Cody Ross drove in a pair of runs and the Florida Marlins avoided getting swept as they defeated the Houston Astros 5-1 Thursday night. Anibal Sanchez picked up his first win of the season, allowing nine hits and one run over 6 2-3 innings of work. Felipe Paulino gave up six hits and five runs over 5 2-3 innings in suffering the loss for the Astros. Rangers blank Red Sox The Texas Rangers scored three times in the seventh inning for a 3-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox Thursday and avoided a three-game sweep. David Murphy went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Rangers. C.J. Wilson pitched 6 2-3 shutout innings for the victory. Clay Buchholz surrendered all three runs over his 6 2-3 innings on the mound for the Red Sox. Mets clinch series from Cubs The New York Mets scored four runs in the sixth inning and went on to defeat the Chicago Cubs 5-2 Thursday night and clinch the four-game series. Johan Santana allowed one run off eight hits over his 6 1-3 innings in the win for the Mets. Tom Gorzelanny suffered the loss for the Cubs, allowing four runs over 5 2-3 innings on the hill. Phillies take down Braves The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the rubber match with a convincing 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves Thursday night. Juan Castro went 3-for-5 with one RBI for the Phillies, and Jamie Moyer allowed two runs over six innings on the mound for the win. Derek Lowe gave up four earned runs over five innings in suffering his first loss of the season. Reds down Dodgers in rubber match Jay Bruce belted a two-run homer to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 Thursday night in the series rubber match at Great American Ball Park. Mike Leake scattered eight hits and five earned runs over his seven innings in the win for the Reds, while Francisco Cordero notched his sixth save of the season. Andre Ethier smacked a two-run homer for the Dodgers, while Hong-Chih Kuo surrendered the winning runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Long ball powers Rockies Miguel Olivo and Ian Stewart went deep as the Colorado Rockies shut out the Washington Nationals 2-0 Thursday for a split of the four-game series at Nationals Park. Ubaldo Jimenez tossed 7 1-3 shutout innings for the victory, allowing five hits with five strikeouts for the Rockies. Livan Hernandez gave up both runs over an eight inning outing in the loss for the Nationals. A's double Yankees Kurt Suzuki hit a three-run homer to lift the Oakland A's to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep. Dallas Braden allowed two earned runs over his six innings for the A's in getting the victory, while Andrew Bailey closed out the ninth with his second save. C.C. Sabathia gave up three earned runs over a complete-game loss for the Yankees. Indians pound Twins; avoid sweep Andy Marte blasted a two-run homer and drove in three runs Thursday, as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-1 and avoided a three-game series sweep. Mitch Talbot allowed just two hits and one run over his six innings to post the victory for the Indians. Scott Baker was rocked for 10 hits and six earned runs in 5 2-3 innings of work for the Twins in the loss. Brewers rock Pirates in finale The Milwaukee Brewers pounded out 25 hits and shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 20-0 for a sweep of the three-game series at PNC Park Thursday afternoon. Ryan Braun belted a three-run homer with five RBIs for the Brewers, while Jim Edmonds had four hits, including a three-run dinger. Randy Wolf tossed six shutout innings to earn the victory on the hill. Daniel McCutchen was tagged with the loss after giving up six earned runs over 3 2-3 innings for the Pirates. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_23-669.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_23-669.html Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Wilson leads Mariners over O’s Jack Wilson drove in three runs as the Seattle Mariners shut down the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Wednesday night for a sweep of the three-game series at Safeco Field. Felix Hernandez went the distance for the victory, allowing nine hits and one run with six strikeouts. Kevin Millwood dropped a third straight game, giving up six hits and four runs over a complete game loss. Tigers slide past Angels Miguel Cabrera homered and Ramon Santiago drove in the winning run as the Detroit Tigers scored two runs in the ninth inning to beat the LA Angels 4-3 Wednesday night. Phil Coke improved to 2-0 with the win in relief, and Jose Valverde closed out the game for his fourth save. Brian Fuentes gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Yankess dump A’s Robinson Cano had two hits and drove in one run as the New York Yankees defeated the Oakland A’s 3-1 Wednesday night. Phil Hughes went 7 1-3 innings for the win, allowing just one hit with 10 strikeouts for the Yankees. Ben Sheets scattered four hits and two runs over his six innings of work for the A’s. Late rally lifts Cards over D-Backs Colby Rasmus hit two home runs and the St. Louis Cardinals scored five runs in the ninth inning to rally for a 9-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday night. Jason Motte picked up the win in relief of Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter, who whiffed 10 batters in a no-decision. Chad Qualls was tagged with the loss, allowing three runs in relief for the Diamondbacks. Twins take down Indians The Minnesota Twins won their second straight in a three-game set by defeating the Cleveland Indians 6-0 Wednesday night. Michael Cuddyer belted a solo homer and drove in three runs to lead the Twins. Francisco Liriano pitched eight scoreless innings for the win, allowing six hits with six strikeouts. David Huff gave up four runs off three hits over six innings in the loss Rays scorch White Sox Sean Rodriguez belted a three-run homer and drove in four runs as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 12-0 Wednesday night. Wade Davis tossed six scoreless innings for the win, allowing just two hits with six strikeouts for the Rays. Mark Buehrle gave up nine hits and six runs over 4 2-3 innings in suffering the loss for the White Sox. Astros edge Marlins Geoff Blum hit a two-run triple as the Houston Astros got past the Florida Marlins 5-4 Wednesday night. Wilton Lopez tossed two scoreless innings for the win, and Matt Lindstrom closed out the game for his fourth save. Burke Badenhop gave up two runs off three hits in an inning of relief for the Marlins. Red Sox slip past Rangers J.D. Drew belted a grand slam homer and Kevin Youkilis drove in the winning run in the 12th inning Wednesday, as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Texas Rangers 8-7. Hideki Okajima pitched a scoreless 12th inning to earn the victory for the Red Sox. Dustin Nippert gave up the winning run over 1 2-3 innings of relief for the Rangers. Dodgers drop Reds in rubber match Rafael Furcal had three hits and drove in four runs to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Cincinnati Reds 14-6 Wednesday night in the series finale. Hiroki Kuroda allowed seven hits over 5 2-3 innings, giving up six earned runs in collecting the victory. Aaron Harang fell to 0-3 for the Reds, allowing seven runs off 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings on the mound. Halladay, Phillies blank Braves Roy Halladay tossed a complete game shutout with seven strikeouts Wednesday, as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 2-0. Jayson Werth had two hits and drove in one run for the Phillies, and Halladay improved to 4-0 with the victory. Tim Hudson surrendered six hits and two runs over six innings in the loss. Cubs maul Mets Alfonso Soriano belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs as the Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets 9-3 Wednesday night. Carlos Silva tossed a two-hitter through six innings for the win, allowing one run with four strikeouts. Oilver Perez surrendered eight hits and three runs over his five innings for the Mets. Nationals rally past Rockies Adam Dunn drove in a pair of runs and the Washington Nationals scored twice in the eighth inning as they defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-4 Wednesday night. Tyler Clippard earned the win in relief for the Nationals, and Matt Capps closed out the ninth for his seventh save. Rafael Betancourt gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Brewers shut down Pirates Ryan Braun had three hits including a solo home run as the Milwaukee Brewers shut down the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0 Wednesday night. Yovani Gallardo tossed the win allowing three hits over five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts for the Brewers. Zach Duke surrendered six earned runs over five innings in the loss for the Pirates. Padres slip past Giants Adrian Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with a home run as the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-2 Wednesday night. Jon Garland went seven innings for the victory, allowing six hits and one run in the start for the Padres. Todd Wellemeyer gave up three hits and two runs over four innings in suffering the loss for the Giants. Royals edge  Jays in 10 Alex Gordon's 10th inning homer helped the Kansas City Royals avoid a three-game sweep as they defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Wednesday afteroon in the finale at Rogers Centre. Jose Guillen led the way with a three-run homer, and Robinson Tejeda earned the win in relief for the Royals. Alex Gonzalez belted a two-run homer for the Blue Jays, while Scott Downs gave up the winning run in the 10th to suffer the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_22-668.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_22-668.html Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Vargas, Mariners topple Orioles Jason Vargas gave up one run over seven innings to earn the win, as the Seattle Mariners took down the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 on Tuesday night. Milton Bradley, Franklin Gutierrez, and Jack Wilson all drove in runs for the Mariners, as Ken Griffey Jr. went 2-for-3 for Seattle. Nolan Reimold plated the lone run for Baltimore, while David Hernandez was tagged with the loss after allowing three runs over 6 1-3 innings for the Orioles. Yankees overpower Athletics Alex Rodriguez hit a three-run dinger to lead the New York Yankees past the Oakland Athletics 7-3 on Tuesday night. Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher drove in two runs apiece for the Yankees, as Javier Vazquez gave up three runs over 5 1-3 innings to pick up the win for New York. Kurt Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a two-run blast for Oakland, while Gio Gonzalez was tagged for five runs over 4 1-3 innings to take the defeat for the Athletics. Angels edge Tigers Howie Kendrick knocked in three runs to lead the Los Angeles Angels past the Detroit Tigers 6-5 on Tuesday night. Hideki Matsui drove in a pair of runs for the Angels, as Scott Kazmir allowed two runs over 5 2-3 innings to get the win for Los Angeles. Miguel Cabrera went 2-for-5 with three runs batted in for Detroit, while Rick Porcello was rocked for six runs over 4 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Tigers. Latos, Padres shut down Giants Mat Latos pitched seven scoreless innings to pick up the win, as the San Diego Padres stifled the San Francisco Giants 1-0 on Tuesday night. Scott Hairston drove in the lone run of the game for the Padres, who won despite managing only one hit on the night. Pablo Sandoval went 2-for-3 for San Francisco, while losing pitcher Jonathan Sanchez gave up one run over seven innings for the Giants. Diamondbacks too much for Cardinals Mark Reynolds smoked a three-run jack to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks over the St. Louis Cardinals 9-7 on Tuesday night. Gerardo Parra went 2-for-5 with two runs batted in for the Diamondbacks, as winning pitcher Dan Haren gave up seven runs over six innings for Arizona. Ryan Ludwick was 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs for St. Louis, while Mitchell Boggs was tagged with the loss in relief of Kyle Lohse for the Cardinals. Danks, White Sox topple Rays Winning pitcher John Danks gave up one run over eight innings to lead the Chicago White Sox past the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on Tuesday night. Paul Konerko went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs batted in for the White Sox, as Andruw Jones was 2-for-4 with a big fly for Chicago. Carl Crawford was 3-for-4 with a dinger for Tampa Bay, while David Price was handed the loss after allowing three runs over five innings for the Rays. Slowey, Twins too much for Indians Kevin Slowey allowed one run over eight innings to get the win, as the Minnesota Twins topped the Cleveland Indians 5-1 on Tuesday night. Justin Morneau went 2-for-3 with a run batted in for the Twins, who also got RBIs from J.J. Hardy and Brendan Harris in the win. Travis Hafner went yard for Cleveland, while Justin Masterson gave up two earned runs over four innings to take the loss for the Indians. Astros handle Marlins Jason Michaels' pinch-hit, two-run homer highlighted a three-run bottom of the eighth inning, as the Houston Astros dumped the Florida Marlins 7-5 on Tuesday night. J.R. Towles went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Astros, as Brandon Lyon picked up the victory in relief of Brett Myers for Houston. Jorge Cantu was 2-for-4 with a solo shot and two RBIs for Florida, while Tim Wood took the loss after allowing the go-ahead runs in the bottom of the eighth McDonald, Red Sox clip Rangers Darnell McDonald was 2-for-2 with a pinch-hit two-run dinger and three runs batted in to lift the Boston Red Sox past the Texas Rangers 7-6 on Tuesday night. Josh Reddick knocked in two runs for the Red Sox, as Jonathan Papelbon picked up the win in relief of Tim Wakefield for Boston. Nelson Cruz went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Texas, while Frank Francisco took the loss for the Rangers. Pelfrey, Mets stifle Cubs Mike Pelfrey tossed seven scoreless innings to get the win, as the New York Mets shut out the Chicago Cubs 4-0 on Tuesday night. Jose Reyes was 4-for-5 with two runs batted in for the Mets, who got a pinch-hit, two-run shot from Fernando Tatis in the win. Carlos Zambrano allowed two runs over six innings to take the loss for Chicago, which managed only three hits on the night Braves nip Phillies in extra innings Nate McLouth hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Atlanta Braves past the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 on Tuesday night. Troy Glaus smashed a two-run blast for the Braves, as Billy Wagner got the win in relief of Tommy Hanson for Atlanta. Chase Utley was 2-for-5 with two runs batted in for Philadelphia, while Jose Contreras was handed the loss after allowing McLouth's blast in the bottom of the 10th. Reds get past Dodgers Paul Janish's two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Cincinnati Reds over the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-9 on Tuesday night. Joey Votto was 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three runs batted in for the Reds, as Mike Lincoln picked up the win in relief of Homer Bailey for Cincinnati. Casey Blake went 2-for-5 with four RBIs for Los Angeles, while Ramon Troncoso was hit with the loss after allowing the eventual winning runs in the bottom of the eighth. Blue Jays trim Royals Vernon Wells was 3-for-4 with a homer, as the Toronto Blue Jays edged the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Tuesday night. Adam Lind, Jose Bautista, and John Buck drove in runs for the Blue Jays, as Shawn Camp picked up the win in relief of Dana Eveland for Toronto. Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-3 with an RBI for Kansas City, while Kyle Davies took the loss after allowing four runs over six innings for the Royals. Rockies roll past Nationals Starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in, as the Colorado Rockies defeated the Washington Nationals 10-4 on Tuesday night. De La Rosa allowed four runs over five innings to get the win for the Rockies, who got a two-run blast from Ryan Spilborghs in the payday. Ryan Zimmerman was 3-for-5 with a two-run homer for Washington, while Scott Olsen was roughed up for six runs over two innings to take the loss for the Nationals. Bush, Brewers drill Pirates David Bush threw seven scoreless innings to earn the victory, as the Milwaukee Brewers slammed the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-1 on Tuesday night. Rickie Weeks was 2-for-3 with two runs batted in for the Brewers, who got a dinger and two RBIs from Corey Hart in the payday. Lastings Milledge drove in the lone run for Pittsburgh, while Charlie Morton was rocked for five earned runs over only one inning of work to take the loss for the Pirates. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_21-666.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_21-666.html Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Would the real Vernon Wells please stand up?  There are a plethora of albatross contracts plaguing major league teams for players who were once considered megastars. Barry Zito probably tops that list, Alfonso Soriano is up there and Mike Hampton’s contract has thankfully expired. There are a couple of “remain to be seen” contracts floating out there with Mark Teixeira near the top of that list.  Then there is Vernon Wells. Toronto made a mistake when they signed him for seven-years and $126 million in 2006 and the escalating nature of the deal handcuffs the team now that it has finally been forced into rebuilding mode after posting strong seasons in the mid 2000s.  For the first few years of the deal, Wells has been the epitome of hapless. He posted measly Wins Above Replacement (WAR) numbers and was actually below replacement level last year with -1.2 runs above (below in this case) replacement and -0.1 wins. The conversion rate for his performance was negative $600,000. Good thing the contract only paid Wells $1.5 million last year but they still lost money on the deal. The contract goes up to $12.5 million this year then $23 million next year and $21 million for the last three years. This is not how you build a successful major league roster.  Nor is he the type of player you bank on in fantasy leagues. Not anymore at least. But the maligned center fielder may be coming out of it this April. He is already 10.1 runs above average with a 1.0 WAR, which translates into $4.8 million of value (which is about the going rate for wins in the majors right now). His six home runs through 13 games are more than a third of the 15 he hit in 158 games last year and 11 RBI is a sixth of his 2009 production.  Fantasy owners are necessarily wary after he punted the pooch on them so badly last season. The question that is being asked: Is Wells for real?  He is batting .340 through 55 plate appearances this year (47 at bats). His BABIP (batting average on balls put in play) is .294 so a regression closer to the .280-.300 range would not be unreasonable. His slugging percentage is an astronomical .787 which puts his OPS + number at 231, or 131 percent better than the average player. Granted, these are all small sample size numbers and Wells could just be having a particularly fine April. There is no way that he sustains an ISO (Isolated Power, slugging minus average, a stat good for showing a players true power) of .447 because it simply cannot be done over a full season. Wells highest ISO rating was .233 in 2003 that was impressive because he also led the league with 735 at bats.  It is obvious that well is outhitting even his career highs right now. His extra-base hits per hit (xh/h) percentage is 56 percent, 14 percent higher than his career high in 2006. He is striking out once per 6.7 at bats, up from last year’s 7.3 per at bat which means he may be cheating a touch on the fast ball and getting beat on secondary pitches. His contact rate is right in line with his career average of 80 percent but his fly ball to home run ratio is more than two thirds above average (9.5 percent to 33.3 percent).  His average, slugging and home run rate should regress towards the mean but the question is how much? Will he be the 2006 version of Wells who hit a home run every 21.4 at bats or 2009 version who hit a home run every 42 at bats?  For the sake of argument, let’s use them mean of those two numbers and project them into the full season worth of at bats. Assuming he stays healthy (he did have wrist surgery this past winter) and gets to the plate around 620 at bats this year that projects him to hit around 18 more home runs this year. If we give Wells the benefit of the doubt and say that he will hit a home run every 25 at bats rather than every 31.7 then he projects to 22 home runs.  So, that was a lot of numbers without a answer to the original question – What is Wells really worth to your fantasy team? Considering BABIP, home run rate and ISO regressing to a reasonable (but still healthy) .200 range you would have an outfielder hitting about .290 with somewhere between 24 and 28 home runs which beats every projection given for him this season by a least seven home runs and 20 points of batting average.  Perhaps the wrist was more of a problem for Wells last year than everybody thought, including the team that had him play 158 games. Or perhaps he really will cool down to be the .270 hitter, 16 home run the epitome of overpaid mediocrity. At this moment in time it is hard to tell exactly where he will end up except that some of his absurd numbers, like his OPS + will drop dramatically in the coming months.   Has he made the jump back from replacement level to viable and productive major worth the $12.5 million he will make this year? Probably? Will he get anywhere close the production to justify giving him $23 million in any season? Probably not.   Dan Rowinski is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at danrowinski@rotoinfo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Dan_Rowinski   http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Would_The_Real_Vernon_Wells_Please_Stand_Up.-670.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Would_The_Real_Vernon_Wells_Please_Stand_Up.-670.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST Mariners overpower Orioles Casey Kotchman went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three runs batted, as the Seattle Mariners ripped the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 on Monday night. Ken Griffey Jr. knocked in two runs for the Mariners, as Doug Fister gave up only one run over seven innings to earn the victory for Seattle. Ty Wigginton homered for Baltimore, while Brad Bergesen was tagged for four earned runs over 2 2-3 innings to take the loss for the Orioles. Eckstein, Padres edge Giants in extra innings David Eckstein's walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the San Diego Padres past the San Francisco Giants 3-2 on Monday night. Eckstein finished 2-for-5 for the Padres, as Tim Stauffer got the win in relief of Clayton Richard for San Diego. Juan Uribe was 2-for-3 with a solo drive for San Francisco, while Jeremy Affeldt was handed the loss after allowing Eckstein's blast in the bottom of the 10th. Pineiro, Angels blank Tigers Joel Pineiro tossed 7 1-3 scoreless innings to earn the win, as the Los Angeles Angels shut out the Detroit Tigers 2-0 on Monday night. Bobby Abreu drove in a run for the Angels, as Howie Kendrick was 2-for-2 for Los Angeles. Magglio Ordonez and Johnny Damon were both 2-for-4 for Detroit, while losing pitcher Dontrelle Willis allowed two runs over six innings for the Tigers. Holliday, Cardinals drop Diamondbacks Matt Holliday went 3-for-5 with a three-run jack to lead the St. Louis Cardinals over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 on Monday night. Colby Rasmus was 2-for-5 with a run batted in for the Cardinals, as winning pitcher Brad Penny allowed two runs over seven innings for St. Louis. Mark Reynolds went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Arizona, while Blaine Boyer was handed the loss in relief of Rodrigo Lopez for the Diamondbacks. Mets shut down Cubs Angel Pagan hit a two-run blast to lead the New York Mets over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 on Monday night. Jason Bay was 2-for-3 with a run batted in for the Mets, as Fernando Nieve picked up the win in relief of Jonathon Niese for New York. Marlon Byrd went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Chicago, while James Russell was handed the loss after coming into the game for Randy Wells for the Cubs. Blue Jays drill Royals Jose Bautista went 2-for-4 with two dingers and five runs batted in, as the Toronto Blue Jays slammed the Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Monday night. Winning pitcher Brandon Morrow gave up one run over seven innings for the Blue Jays, as Travis Snider was 2-for-5 with a big fly for Toronto. David DeJesus drove in the lone run for Kansas City, while Brian Bannister was roughed up for six runs over 5 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Royals. Harris, Nationals upend Rockies Willie Harris went 2-for-3 with a three-run shot and four runs batted in to lead the Washington Nationals past the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Monday night. Craig Stammen allowed two runs over eight innings to earn the win for the Nationals, as Nyjer Morgan was 2-for-3 with an RBI for Washington. Clint Barmes and Miguel Olivo both drove in runs for Colorado, while losing pitcher Aaron Cook was tagged for five runs over three innings for the Rockies. Rays trounce Red Sox B.J. Upton hit a three-run homer, as the Tampa Bay Rays upset the Boston Red Sox 8-2 on Monday. Evan Longoria drove in two runs for the Rays, as Jeff Niemann allowed two runs over seven innings to get the win for Tampa Bay. Jeremy Hermida smoked a two-run dinger for Boston, while John Lackey was rocked for eight runs over 3 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Red Sox. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_20-664.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_20-664.html Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST   Don’t Panic, It Is Only April    Set the barn on fire, slaughter all the livestock, and poison the wells. You are in the midst of being conquered and, for the moment, there is no hope in sight.   But wait. Is that the sound of a friendly bugle? Are their reinforcements for our weary troops? Has the cavalry arrived to save us from certain destruction?  The answer is no, the cavalry has been here since the beginning.  It is the beginning of the fantasy season and you are sitting on the bottom of your league. You thought you had a good draft but key components are not living up to expectations. Josh Beckett has not turned out to be the ace you thought he was, Manny Ramirez may be showing his age and that sleeper pick who you absolutely knew would be setting the league on fire from the sound of the bell is languishing on the bench or in the minors.  Do not fear, intrepid fantasy owner. Remember the key to all statistical analysis (especially pertinent in baseball) – everything comes back to the mean.  The guy who is leading your league by a mile right now because he (for some reason no one can quite figure out) drafted and started Vernon Wells, Daric Barton and Dallas Braden? Yeah, he is not going to keep that up.   There is a reason that the core statistics in baseball hardly ever deviate from their averages. Over the long run of the season the sample size becomes so large that the numbers cannot help but stay within similar ranges. Season over season and “average” major leaguer will hit around .265 with a .326 on-base percentage and .414 slugging percentage. If you have done your due diligence and have taken players who have career averages above those means then there is a good chance that they will eventually perform back to their historical value.  What does this mean? Do not go out and sell Victor Martinez just because he is batting .250 on April 14. It also means that you should look at players like Blue Jays reliever Casey Janssen have probably just gotten lucky to already have three wins in the first week and a half.  A closer look at Janssen. He has the league leading three wins, but he also only has three innings pitched with four strikeouts and two walks. On April 8 he came he came in to a game the Jays were losing 1-0, threw a scoreless inning then watched as Toronto scored three runs in the ninth for the win. The next night he allowed a run to the Orioles in the eighth but watched as the Jays scored a couple in the ninth to win 7-6. Two days later he pitched a scoreless seventh against the Orioles and watched his team score three in the eighth and one in the ninth for a 5-2 win.  The lessons here are that Janssen has pretty much been the lucky recipient of some cardiac comebacks by the Blue Jays. Considering the overall lack of talent on the Jays roster, the division they play in and the fact that two of those wins came against the equally hapless Orioles, you get the idea that it is not worth relying on early season indicators as recipes for season long success. Especially when it comes to middle relievers on bad teams.  Janssen is just pertinent example of early season sample size, not a viable fantasy option. There are not many fantasy owners (0.9 percent in all ESPN leagues) who actually own him.  There is a reason that owners in the elite Tout Wars fantasy leagues do not like to trade in the first month of the season. They have crafted, drafted and carved their teams with the hope and knowledge that they believe their players will perform. Why start trading away the Becketts, Martinezes or even Nate McLouths of the world for the (proverbial and literal) Janssens? It is probably not even worth to pick Janssen up on the waiver wire (where you will inevitably find him) because the likelihood that he wins three more games all season is probably quite low. Again: See middle reliever – Toronto Blue Jays.  Conscientious and cerebral owners who have a good pulse on their league can take advantage of the impulse owners who are in an early season panic. There are always bad owners who drafted well by some magic or luck who will be enticed by a trade of big names, say David Ortiz and Eric Chavez for Jason Heyward. If you can find one of those owners in your league, make the deal and do not look back.  Otherwise, it is only April. Remember that everything that rises must converge and exercise your patience. Dan Rowinski is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at danrowinski@rotoinfo.com. You can follow him on Twitter at Dan_Rowinski. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Dont_Panic..-663.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Dont_Panic..-663.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST Week Three Rundown American League Injury Notes Angels closer Brian Fuentes is set to pitch in a Class A game on April 19 and is expected to return to the Angels bullpen on April 21. Daric Barton was hit by a wild pitch in the Athletics game on April 18, and is listed as day-to-day with a right elbow contusion. The Athletics hope to have outfielder Coco Crisp back by early May, after suffering a fractured pinkie earlier in the month. The Blue jays expect to have second basemen Aaron Hill back on April 23 after being placed on the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury. Pitcher Brian Tallet is listed as day-to-day after experiencing forearm stiffness, but is expected to make his next scheduled start for the Blue Jays on April 23. The Indians expect Kerry Wood to throw a simulated game at some point this week, after missing th start of the season on the 15-day DL. After blowing two saves for the Orioles, closer Mike Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained shoulder and is expected back in late April. The Orioles expect to have second basemen Brian Roberts back in late April after being placed on the 15-day DL with a strained abdominal muscle. Third basemen Miguel Tejada is listed as day-to-day with a strained right hip abductor after missing the Orioles game on April 18, but a stint on the disabled list is not likely. The Rangers received bad news on Ian Kinsler last week after he reported no signs of improvement after a drill session. The Red Sox have listed outfielder Mike Cameron as day-to-day after suffering from kidney stones, but isn’t expected to miss much more time. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw six shutout innings in his April 16 rehab start and is expected to return to the Red Sox rotation in late April. National League Injury Notes The Astros hope to have first basemen Lance Berkman back this week after missing the start of the season due to knee surgery. Pitcher Ted Lilly is expected to make his last rehab start on April 19 and return to the Cubs rotation later in the week. The Diamondbacks hope to have Adam LaRoche back in the lineup this week after missing time this weekend due to tightness in his right quad. Catcher Miguel Montero underwent successful surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss another 4-6 weeks for the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have placed pitcher Brandon Webb on the 60-day DL due to shoulder stiffness and is expected back in late May. Padres’ pitcher Chris Young is expected to throw a bullpen session sometime this week, but his return is still listed as to be determined. Joe Blanton threw a successful bullpen session on April 18 and is expected to make his season debut in the first week of May for the Phillies. Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ is listed as day-to-day after experiencing left forearm discomfort and could miss his next scheduled start. The Phillies have placed shortstop Jimmy Rollins on the 15-day DL after straining his right calf and is eligible to return April 28. Pickups of the Week  Starting Rotation Help  Mike Pelfrey, SP (NYM): Pelfrey is off to a hot start for the Mets this season winning his first two starts posting a 1.29 ERA with 10 strikeouts.  He has given up a combined nine hits over his two-game span, which is a great sign of what may be to come for the rest of the season.    Brad Penny, SP (STL): Over his first 14 innings pitched, Penny has given up just one earned run and has posted a 0.64 ERA.  He has only surrendered two walks in his first two starts, which will definitely help out the WHIP category in any league format.    Bullpen Help  Fernando Rodney, RP (LAA): With the Angels placing Brian Fuentes on the disabled list, Rodney will now have the chance to close out games for the Halos.  He has converted his first three save opportunities and will give the Angels a tough decision once Fuentes is activated from the disable list.    Kevin Gregg, RP (TOR): Gregg has been named the closer for the Blue Jays after Jason Frasor was unable to consistently close out games.  Though Gregg will likely be on a short leash, he is worth grabbing now while he is getting the chance.    Infield Help  Alberto Callaspo, 2B, 3B (KC): The Royals have placed Chris Getz on the disabled list opening second base for Callaspo to shine.  He showed last season that he can be a solid fantasy utility man compiling a great batting average with a splash of power, so grab him now and ride him out while Getz is injured.    Chase Headley, 3B (SD): Headley is off to a hot start, batting .378 but with only one home run and five runs batted in.  Though the power numbers are lacking right now, they will come if he continues to make contact and get on base so grab him now before he becomes big fantasy news once the power numbers are there.    Outfield Help  Jose Guillen, OF (KC): Over the years Guillen has proven to be a streaky player.  He has five home runs in his last seven games, so grab him now before he cools off and goes on one of his horrific cold streaks if you are in need of power stats.    Cameron Maybin, OF (FLA): It looks as if Maybin has finally taken a step forward after starting the season with 13 runs scored while sporting a .294 batting average.  If he can keep this up he will be able to produce a solid amount of runs scored and stolen bases making him would a pickup if you are in need of an outfielder.    Two-start Pitchers  Great options  Tommy Hanson (ATL): PHI (Kendrick), @NYM (Pelfrey)  Dan Haren (ARI): STL (Lohse), PHI (Kendrick)  Matt Cain (SF): @SD (Richard), STL (Penny)    Good options  John Lackey (BOS): TB (Niemann), BAL (Matusz)  David Price (TB): @CHW (Danks), TOR (Morrow)  John Danks (CHW): TB (Price), SEA (Fister)  Jorge De La Rosa (COL): @WAS (Olsen), FLA (Volstad)  Randy Wells (CHC): @NYM (Niese), @MIL (Davis)  Javier Vazquez (NYY): @OAK (Gonzalez), @LAA (Kazmir)  Chad Billingsley (LAD): @CIN (Bailey), @WAS (Olsen)  Colby Lewis (TEX): @BOS (Wakefield), DET (Porcello)  Kevin Slowey (MIN): CLE (Masterson), @KC (Bannister)    OK options  Carlos Zambrano (CHC): @NYM (Pelfrey), @MIL (Bush)  Brad Penny (STL): @ARI (Lopez), @SF (Cain)  Aaron Cook (COL): @WAS (Stammen), FLA (Rabertson)  Joel Pineiro (LAA): DET (Willis), NYY (Pettitte)  Rick Porcello (DET): @LAA (Kazmir), @TEX (Lewis)  Mat Latos (SD): SF (Sanchez), @CIN (Bailey) Jeff Niemann (TB): @BOS (Lackey), TOR (Romero)   Mike Pelfrey (NYM): CHC (Zambrano), ATL (Hanson)   Scott Kazmir (LAA): DET (Porcello), NYY (Vazquez)  Justin Masterson (CLE): @MIN (Slowey), @OAK (Gonzalez)  Homer Bailey (CIN): LAD (Billingsley), SD (Latos)    Other two-start options  Doug Fister (SEA), Clayton Richard (CHW), Tim Wakefield (BOS), Brett Myers (HOU), Dave Bush (MIL), Brian Bannister (KC), Rodrigo Lopez (ARI), Dontrelle Willis (DET), Brandon Morrow (TOR) Chris Volstad (FLA), Brad Bergesen (BAL), Kyle Kendrick (PHI), Charlie Morton (PIT), Gio Gonzalez (OAK), Scott Olsen (WAS) Craig Stammen (WAS), Jonathon Niese (NYM) Good luck to all this week, and check back next week for the weekly rundown! Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com.  Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information.   http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Week_3_Rundown-667.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Week_3_Rundown-667.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST Cardinals get past Mets Colby Rasmus hit a three-run home run Sunday, as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets 5-3. Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run home run for the Cardinals and Adam Wainwright pitched a complete-game four-hitter with nine strikeouts. Angel Pagan drove in a pair of runs for the Mets and John Maine gave up three runs on six hits over five innings. Dodgers topple Giants Manny Ramirez hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. Clayton Kershaw allowed one run on four hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings. Juan Uribe hit a solo home run for San Francisco and Barry Zito gave up one run on four hits in 7 1-3 innings. Tigers maul Mariners Miguel Cabrera hit a three-run home run Sunday, as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-2. Austin Jackson was 3-5 with an RBI and a run scored for Detroit, while Max Scherzer allowed two runs on six hits over six innings. Casey Kotchman was 2-3 with a home run and two RBI for Seattle in the loss. Padres down Diamondbacks Chase Headley drove in a pair of runs Sunday, as the San Diego Padres defeated the Diamondbacks 5-3. Scott Hairston hit a solo home run for San Diego and Wade LeBlanc allowed one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts over five innings. Mark Reynolds was 3-4 with a home run and two RBI for Arizona, while Ian Kennedy pitched five shutout innings. Orioles clip Athletics Ty Wigginton homered and drove in four runs Sunday, as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Oakland Athletics 8-3. Nolan Reimold drove in a pair of runs for Baltimore and Brian Matusz allowed three runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts over 6 1-3 innings. Jake Fox was 2-4 with an RBI for Oakland and Brett Anderson gave up six runs on eight hits on five innings. Astros edge Cubs in extra innings Pedro Feliz delivered the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the tenth inning Sunday, as the Houston Astros defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-2. Wandy Rodriguez allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings for the Astros. Ryan Dempster gave up one run on four hits with eight strikeouts over 7 2-3 innings for the Cubs. Royals blast Twins Alberto Callaspo as 3-5 with two home runs and six RBI Sunday, as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 10-5. Scott Podsednik was 3-5 with two RBI for Kansas City and Luke Hochevar allowed three runs on six hits over six innings. Jason Kubel drove in a pair of runs for Minnesota and Carl Pavano was roughed up for seven runs on 11 hits in 3 1-3 innings. Braves knock off Rockies Jason Heyward drove in a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday to give the Atlanta Braves a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. Matt Diaz was 3-5 with a run scored for Atlanta and Jair Jurrjens allowed three runs on five hits over eight innings. Ian Stewart was 3-4 with a home run and two RBI for Colorado, while Carlos Gonzalez hit a solo homer. Brewers blast Nationals The Milwaukee Brewers scored 10 runs in the first inning Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Washington Nationals 11-7. Craig Counsell homered and drove in four runs for Milwaukee and Casey McGehee was 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Ivan Rodriguez was 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for Washington, while Jason Marquis was roughed up for seven runs on four hits without getting an out in the first inning. Pirates sink Reds Jason Jaramillo was 2-3 with three RBI Sunday, as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3. Paul Maholm picked up the win for Pittsburgh after allowing two runs on four hits over 6 2-3 innings. Jay Bruce hit a pair of solo home runs for Cincinnati and Bronson Arroyo allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. Marlins blank Phillies Nate Robertson pitched 6 1-3 shutout innings Sunday, as the Florida Marlins defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0. Dan Uggla was 3-4 with a home run and two RBI for the Marlins in the win. Cole Hamels allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out eight for Philadelphia. Rays rout Red Sox Matt Garza pitched eight shutout innings Sunday, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-1. Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run for Tampa Bay and B.J. Upton added a solo shot. Dustin Pedroia drove in the Red Sox only run and Jon Lester allowed seven runs on seven hits in six innings. Angels down Blue Jays Ervin Santana pitched a complete-game four-hitter, allowing one run with six strikeouts Sunday, to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Hideki Matsui was 2-4 with an RBI for the Angels in the win. Ricky Romero allowed one run on five hits over eight innings for Toronto and Adam Lind hit a solo home run. Indians top White Sox Shin-Soo Choo homered and drove in five runs Sunday, as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Chicago White Sox 7-4. Mark Grudzielanek was 2-4 with two RBI for the Indians and Asdrubal Cabrera was 2-3 with two runs scored. Alexei Ramirez was 3-4 with an RBI for the White Sox and Gavin Floyd was ripped for seven runs on six hits in only an inning of work. Yankees rip Rangers Andy Pettitte allowed two runs on four hits over eight strong innings Sunday, as the New York Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2. Ramiro Pena drove in a pair of runs for New York and Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada hit solo home runs. Michael Young was 2-4 with an RBI for Texas and Rich Harden surrendered four runs on five hits and six walks in 3 2-3 innings. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_19-662.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_19-662.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Mariners double Tigers Franklin Gutierrez drove in a pair of runs as the Seattle Mariners doubled up on the Detroit Tigers with a 4-2 victory Saturday at Safeco Field. Brandon League improved to 2-0 with the win, and David Aardsma notched his fifth save. Magglio Ordonez belted a solo home run for the Tigers. Justin Verlander allowed seven hits and three runs in the loss. Padres blank Diamondbacks Nick Hundley homered and drove in three runs as the San Diego Padres shut down the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 Saturday night. Kevin Correia tossed 5 2-3 innings for the win, allowing three hits while striking out eight. Kris Benson surrendered six hits and two runs over six innings in the loss for the Diamondbacks. Jimenez no hits Braves Ubaldo Jimenez tossed a no-hitter as the Colorado Rockies shut out the Atlanta Braves 4-0 Saturday night. Carlos Gonzalez had two hits and drove in a pair of runs to lead the Rockies. Jimenez fanned seven batters in the win. Kenshin Kawakami allowed four runs off eight hits over five innings in the loss. Rays clip Red Sox Pat Burrell hit a bases-loaded triple as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 6-5 Saturday night. James Shields fanned seven batters and picked up the win on the mound for the Rays. Clay Buchholz gave up three hits and four runs over five innings in the loss. Pirates slip past Reds Lastings Milledge drove in a pair of runs and the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for a 5-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds Saturday night. Jack Taschner tossed a scoreless ninth in relief and earned the victory on the mound for the Pirates. Francisco Cordero allowed two runs in the ninth inning and suffered the loss in relief for the Reds. Marlins even series with Phillies Ronny Paulino belted a three-run homer to lead the Florida Marlins to a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday night and evened the series at a game apiece. Ricky Nolasco went the distance for the victory, allowing one earned run off five hits for the Marlins. Jamie Moyer surrendered five earned runs off six hits in his six innings of work for the Phillies. Indians rally past White Sox Shin-Soo Choo banged out two RBI doubles in leading the Cleveland Indians in a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox Saturday at Progressive Field. Jensen Lewis tossed a scoreless eighth to collect the win in relief of Indians starter Jake Westbrook. Matt Thornton gave up the winning run in relief for the White Sox and was tagged with the loss. Giants shut down Dodgers Tim Lincecum went 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in as the San Francisco Giants routed the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-0 Saturday afternoon. Lincecum went six scoreless innings for the win, striking out seven as he improved to 3-0 on the season for the Giants. Charlie Haeger allowed five earned runs over three innings in suffering the loss for the Dodgers. Mets down Cardinals in 20 Jose Reye’s RBI single lifted the New York Mets to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday. Francisco Rodriguez collected the win in relief for the Mets, and Mike Pelfrey got the save. Joe Mather gave up two runs off two hits over his two innings of work in the loss. A’s come back to down Orioles Ryan Sweeney hit a game-winning two-run single and drove in three runs as the Oakland A’s rallied for a 4-3 win over the lowly Baltimore Orioles Saturday afternoon. Jerry Blevins closed out the ninth with three straight outs to record the victory for the A’s. Jim Johnson blew the lowly 1-11 Orioles lead and suffered the loss on the mound. Twins trounce Royals The Minnesota Twins got a solo home run from Orlando Hudson in the seventh inning to knock off the Kansas City Royals 6-5 at Target Field Saturday afternoon. Twins catcher Joe Mauer finished the day 2-for-4 with two RBI while slugger Jim Thome went 1-for-2 with two walks, two RBI and a home run in the second inning. Starter Nick Blackburn last five innings, giving up five runs on seven hits. The Royals got three RBI from outfielder Rick Ankiel, who finished the day 2-for-4 with two home runs. Starting pitcher Gil Meche went six innings, allowing five runs before reliever John Parrish gave up the losing run in the seventh. Angels beat Blue Jays The Los Angeles Angels took their second straight win over the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-3, at Rogers Centre Saturday afternoon. The Angels were led by second baseman Howard Kendrick, who was 3-for-5 with three RBI and a home run. Starting pitcher Joe Saunders went eight innings, allowing two runs on five hits. The Blue Jays best bat was slumping first baseman Lyle Overbay, who finished the game 1-for-4 with an RBI. Pitcher Brian Tallet lasted five innings, giving up four runs on five hits including two home runs. Yankees roll Rangers Derek Jeter led the way for the New York Yankees in a 7-3 beating of the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium Saturday afternoon. Jeter finished the day going 3-for-4 with two RBI in the leadoff spot. Starter A.J. Burnett was solid through six innings of work, giving up only six hits while striking out seven batters. The Rangers got three RBI from outfielder Nelson Cruz, who went 1-for-3 with home run in the eighth inning to snap the shutout. Starter Scott Feldman lasted just over two innings after giving up four runs on seven hits. Nationals blank Brewers The Washington Nationals blasted the Milwaukee Brewers, 8-0, at Nationals Park Saturday afternoon. The Nats got a big day from third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Ivan Rodriguez had three RBI as did outfielder Justin Maxwell. Starting pitcher Livan Hernandez pitched a complete-game shutout, striking out three while allowing only four hits. The Brewers got five innings out of starter Randy Wolf, giving up four runs on four hits over five innings. Reliever Todd Coffey didn't fare much better, allowing three runs on three hits in just an inning's worth of work. Astros edge Cubs The Houston Astros held off a late rally from the Chicago Cubs for a 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field Saturday afternoon. The Astros got a good day at the plate from catcher J.R. Towles, who was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Starting pitcher Roy Oswalt went seven innings, giving up just five hits and striking out six batters before the bullpen surrendered three runs in the eighth inning. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez finished the day 1-for-4 with two RBI for the Cubs. Starter Tom Gorzelanny lasted just three innings, allowing two runs on three hits while walking one batter. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_18-661.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_18-661.html Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:45:00 EST Dodgers fend off Giants Andre Ethier belted two home runs and the Los Angeles Dodgers held on for a 10-8 win over the San Francisco Giants Friday night. Vicente Padilla pitched seven innings for the win, allowing four hits and three runs with seven strikeouts. Todd Wellemeyer allowed seven runs off six hits over four innings in the loss Mariners pound Tigers Franklin Gutierrez had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Detroit Tigers 11-3 Friday night. Felix Hernandez allowed four hits and two runs over 6 2-3 innings for the victory on the mound for the Mariners. Jeremy Bonderman surrendered 10 runs over four innings in the loss.   Padres rally upend D-Backs The San Diego Padres scored four times in the ninth inning and defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 Friday night at Petco Park. Chase Headley went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer in leading the Padres. Heath Bell tossed a scoreless ninth and picked up the win. Juan Gutierrez allowed four runs off two hits over the final inning on the mound in the loss. A’s double Orioles Cliff Pennington drove in two runs as the Oakland A’s defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 Friday night. Dallas Braden allowed just three hits and two runs over seven innings for the win. Kevin Millwood fell to 0-2, giving up nine hits and four runs over six innings in the loss. Cardinals edge Mets Felipe Lopez belted a grand slam home run as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets 4-3 Friday night at Busch Stadium. Chris Carpenter went seven innings on the mound for the win, allowing four hits and one run. Fernando Nieve gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Twins rip apart Royals Michael Cuddyer had two hits and drove in three runs as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals 10-3 Friday night. Scott Baker earned the win in relief, allowing just two runs off seven hits in his seven innings of work. Zack Greinke gave up six hits and four runs over five innings in the loss for the Royals. Braves cruise past Rockies The Atlanta Braves scored seven runs in the second inning as they went on to defeat the Colorado Rockies 9-5 Friday night. Chipper Jones went 2-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run for the Braves. Eric Hinske drove in three runs for the Braves. Seth Smith belted a three-run homer in a losing effort for the Rockies. Angels stop Blue Jays Maicer Izturis drove in a pair of runs to help the LA Angels get past the Toronto Blue Jays 7-5 Friday night in the series opener at Rogers Centre. Jered Weaver fanned eight batters, allowing two earned runs off five hits in his seven innings of work for the Angels in the win. Shaun Marcum was hit with the loss, giving up seven hits and four runs over seven innigs of work for the Blue Jays. Nationals rally past Brewers Josh Willingham went 2-for-2 at the plate with a solo home run as the Washington Nationals came back to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 Friday night. Brian Bruney collected the win in relief of starter John Lannan, while Matt Capps closed out the game for his fifth save. LaTroy Hawkins allowed three runs in relief and was tagged with the Brewers loss. Pirates edge Reds The Pittsburgh Pirates scored in the ninth inning and came away with a 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Friday night. Octavio Dotel pitched an inning of relief and earned the win for the Pirates. Nick Masset allowed the winning run in relief and suffered the loss for the Reds. Halladay leads Phillies over Marlins Roy Halladay won his third straight with an eight-inning performance as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Florida Marlins 8-6 in the opener of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Juan Castro had two hits and drove in three runs to lead the Phillies, and Chase Utley went 2-for-3 with one RBI in the win. Anibal Sanchez surrendered eight hits and five runs over six innings in the loss. Yankees stop Rangers Francisco Cervelli had two hits and drove in a run to lead the New York Yankees to a 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. C.C. Sabathia allowed just three hits and one run over six innings in collecting the win. C.J. Wilson surrendered seven hits and five runs over six innings in the loss. Indians trim White Sox Luis Valbuena belted a two-run homer as the Cleveland Indians toppled the Chicago White Sox 6-2 Friday night. Mitchell Talbot tossed a complete game for the win, allowing six hits and two runs for the Indians. Mark Buehrle surrendered six hits and six runs over six innings in the loss. Cubs drop lowly Astros Derrek Lee homered and drove in three runs as the Chicago Cubs beat the struggling Houston Astros 7-2 in the opener of a three-game set at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. Carlos Silva scattered five hits and allowed two earned runs in his seven innings, striking out five in the victory. Felipe Paulino gave up five earned runs over six innings in suffering the loss on the mound for the 1-9 Astros. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_17-660.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_17-660.html Sat, 17 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST Week Two Rundown What a great first week of action, filled with both expected and unexpected storylines.  No one could have imagined that Vernon Wells would hit four home runs for the Blue Jays, while Roy Halladay finished the week giving up only one earned run and recording two wins for the Phillies. Other surprises from the around the league included the great plate discipline of Placido Polanco, who has already has 13 hits in this young season while recording zero strikeouts, proving why contact rate is a great indicator for fantasy success.  The Texas Rangers also have a few surprising headlines from week one.  Vladimir Guerrero is hitting .500, Nelson Cruz has already hit four homers, Colby Lewis returned from Japan and led the Rangers to a win and the transition of C.J. Wilson from the bullpen to the starting rotation went with great success. Bullpens across the league have already started to be readjusted, which has the fantasy world shuffling their lineups with waiver wire pickups.  Mike Gonzalez and Frank Francisco are the first closers to lose their jobs, with Leo Nunez to shortly follow suit. So hopefully this week is as exciting as last week as the flow of the season starts to take form and players starting to get set in their roles.  American League Injury Notes Scott Kazmir pitched in a Single-A game for the Angels on April 9 and went 6 1/3 innings allowing three runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and is expected to make his season debut against the Yankees on Thursday. The Blue Jays hope to have second basemen Aaron Hill back on Monday after missing this weekend’s series against the Orioles with a sore right hamstring. Russell Branyan, who the Indians placed on the 15-day disabled list with a herniated disc in his back, started his rehab assignment on April 8 and went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI for Triple-A Columbus. The Mariners hope to have pitcher Cliff Lee back in early May after an encouraging throwing session on April 7. Orioles second basemen Brian Roberts is listed as day-to-day after leaving Saturday’s game with what appears to be a strained abdominal muscle and will be evaluated April 11. Second Basemen Ian Kinsler took fielding practice on April 11 and is expected to return to the Rangers lineup sometime in mid-April. The Rangers have placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamachia on the 15-day disabled list after suffering from back and shoulder soreness. Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann threw a bullpen session on April 11 and should be ready to go for his next scheduled start on Tuesday. The Red Sox have listed outfielder JD Drew as day-to-day after due to a stiff neck and was scratched from the April 11 lineup. Alex Gordon started his rehab assignment for the Royals high Class A affiliate on April 8, but isn’t expected to return to the Royals until late-April. National League Injury Notes The Astros expect to have first basemen Lance Berkman back in their lineup on April 20, after missing the start of the season due to left knee surgery. Chipper Jones received a cortisone injection on April 8 for his strained oblique, but has yet to return to the Braves lineup as of April 11. The Brewers hope to have pitcher Jeff Suppan back by April 14 after starting a rehab assigned the last week. The Diamondbacks have placed catcher Miguel Montero on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a right knee sprain on April 10. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb is still weeks away from seeing game action after coming off of shoulder surgery last year. Outfielder Andre Ethier is listed as day-to-day due to a sore left ankle, but was able to pinch-hit for the Dodgers this weekend. Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton was able to throw 60 pitches on flat ground April 7 and is expected to return to the rotation in late-April or early-May. In his first rehab appearance, Phillies closer Brad Lidge gave up four runs on three hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning of work for high Class A Clearwater. An MRI confirmed that Rockies closer Huston Street has no structural damage on his shoulder, but there has been no timetable set for his return. Pickups of the Week  Starting Rotation Help  C.J. Wilson, SP (TEX): In his first start for the Rangers in ’10, Wilson was able to throw seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts.  He seems to have made the transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation very well and is worth picking up in most league formats.      Barry Zito, SP (SF): Zito looked like the all-star pitcher the Giants signed a few years back in his first start of the season.  He may not have the strikeout ability he once had, but he seems to have total control of his pitches making him worth a look in deeper league formats.    Dallas Braden, SP (OAK): Braden shocked the fantasy world with 10 strikeouts in his first start of the season for the Athletics.  If he continues to strike batter out at that rate, he is definitely worth grabbing off the waiver wire especially pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.    Bullpen Help  Jim Johnson, RP (BAL): With Mike Gonzalez blowing two of his first three save opportunities in ’10, the Orioles are going to give Johnson a shot at closing while Gonzalez tries to straighten himself out.  This may only be temporary, but Johnson is worth grabbing if you are in need of a relief pitcher.    Rafael Betancourt, RP (COL): Though Betancourt may not get you save opportunities he can give you solid outings with a high strikeout rate.  In four innings of relief work, Betancourt has given up zero runs while striking out seven batters, so he is worth picking up in deep league formats.    LaTroy Hawkins, RP (MIL): Like Betancourt, Hawkins probably won’t get you much saves unless there are injuries in their respected bullpens but Hawkins can give you productive innings of relief a few times a week.  Despite his age, he is showing he can still strike batter outs and is worth stashing for when Hoffman needs rest or experiences an injury.    Infield Help  Daric Barton, 1B (OAK): Barton has started the season on a tear batting .421 with seven RBI and four runs scored.  He is a great option for deep leagues and will be a good option for shallow leagues if he can keep hitting at this pace.    Kelly Johnson, 2B (ARI): The Diamondbacks have taken pressure off of Johnson by putting him near the bottom of the lineup and it has paid off.  He is batting .353 with two home runs and three RBI through Saturday, and could hit 20-25 home runs this year so he is worth stashing even if you already have your middle infield locked up.    Edgar Renteria, SS (SF): Renteria seems to have found the fountain of youth early on in ’10, recording a five-hit game earlier in the week.  Don’t expect a lot of performances like that, but he could help your batting average if you are weak in that category.    Outfield Help  Chris Young, OF (ARI): Young is off to a hot start for the Diamondbacks hitting two home runs and showing great discipline at the plate with only two strikeouts through Saturday.  His strikeouts and batting average have been a problem in the past for Young, but if he can continue to be patient he could be a great asset to any fantasy team.    Magglio Ordonez, OF (DET): After a few years of mediocre fantasy numbers, Ordonez seems to be back to his old form that resulted in great fantasy value.  He will be a hot target on the waiver wire this week so be sure to pick him up if he is still available.    Delmon Young, OF (MIN): In the first week of the season, Young has shown signs of the former highly regarded first round pick he was a few years back.  With two home runs in the first week along with seven RBI, Young has turned into a great target to all league formats, especially hitting fifth in the Twins explosive lineup.    Two-start Pitchers  Great options  Jon Lester (BOS): @MIN (Pavano), TB (Garza)  Jake Peavy (CHW): @TOR (Tallet), @CLE (Westbrook)  Adam Wainwright (STL): HOU (Rodriguez), NYM (Maine)  Cole Hamels (PHI): WAS(Marquis), FLA (Robertson)  Brett Anderson (OAK): @SEA (Fister), BAL (Matusz)    Good options  Clayton Kershaw (LAD): ARI (Kennedy), SF (Zito)  Ricky Nolasco (FLA): CIN (Cueto), @ PHI (Halladay)  Max Scherzer (DET): KC (Hochevar), @SEA (Rowland-Smith)  Matt Garza (TB): @BAL (Guthrie), @BOS (Lester)  Ryan Dempster (CHC): MIL (Davis), HOU (Rodriguez)  Jair Jurrjens (ATL): @SD (Correia), COL (Smith)  Gavin Floyd (CHW): @TOR (Romero), @CLE (Carmona)    OK options  Wandy Rodriguez (HOU): @STL (Wainwright), @CHC (Dempster)  Justin Duchscherer (OAK): @SEA (Rowland-Smith), BAL (Guthrie)  Andy Pettitte (NYY): LAA (Santana), TEX (Harden)  Bronson Arroyo (CIN): @FLA (Robertson), @PIT (Maholm)  Barry Zito (SF): PIT (Ohlendorf), @LAD (Kershaw)  Ian Kennedy (ARI): @LAD (Kershaw), @SD (Correia)  Rich Harden (TEX): @CLE (Carmona), @NYY (Pettitte)  Bran Matusz (BAL): TB (Niemann), @OAK (Anderson)  Ryan Rowland-Smith (SEA): OAK (Duchscherer), DET (Scherzer)  Kevin Correia (SD): ATL (Jurrjens), ARI (Kennedy)  Johnny Cueto (CIN): @FLA (Nolasco), @PIT (Ohlendorf)  Carl Pavano (MIN): BOS (Lester), KC (Hochevar)    Other two-start options  Fausto Carmona (CLE), Brian Tallet (TOR), John Maine (NYM), Ricky Romero (TOR), Paul Maholm (PIT), Doug Davis (MIL), Luke Hochevar (KC), Ross Ohlendorf (PIT), Jeremy Guthrie (BAL), Nate Robertson (FLA), Greg Smith (COL), Jason Marquis (WAS), Ervin Santana (LAA) Good luck to all this week, and check back next week for the weekly rundown! Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com.  Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information.   http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Week_2_Rundown-659.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Week_2_Rundown-659.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST A variety of fantasy experts preach a draft strategy that centers around waiting until late in the draft to grab saves, and this year provides a prime example as to why that works.  With a revolving door in late inning games for many teams already taking effect due to injuries and blown saves, I present you with the latest in the closer turmoil.   Mike Gonzalez, Baltimore Orioles “Gonzo” was placed on the Disabled List earlier today with a strained shoulder (retroactive to April 10th) but in all reality, he's taking a couple of weeks off.  While no team's PR Staff is going to admit to playing being placed on the DL due to ineffectiveness, this could be one of those cases.  Early in the spring, Gonzalez was having a tough time reaching his typical velocity of 94 MPH, and while he's slowly regained it, he's failed to duplicate his stuff of years past.    In his three outings so far this season, he's faced Tampa Bay twice and Toronto once. He's allowed at least one hit and one walk in each outing.  In his second outing against Tampa on April 8th when he did receive a save, he allowed one hit and two walks and narrowly hold onto a 5-4 lead.  It's obvious that something isn't right for “Gonzo” and they are going to do their best to help out and in the mean time, blame it on his shoulder.  It's likely that Jim Johnson and Cla Meredith will start to get the save opportunities now, and if the O's want to compete this year, they could make a move for a more reliable arm.   Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers While Hoffman hasn't lost his job and is nowhere near it, it's important to point out some recent flaws.  In his last two appearances against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend, he blew two saves and allowed a total of five runs in two innings pitched.  He didn't strike out a single batter in the series, and allowed home runs to Nick Stavinoha, Albert Pujols, and Matt Holliday.   If we didn't know Hoffman for who he really is, the all-time saves leader with 593 (and counting), it may appear that he is in trouble.  In what appears to be his last go around, Hoffman is in little to no trouble of losing his job anytime soon, and would likely retire before doing so.  LaTroy Hawkins currently holds the 8th inning role, and has always been a terrible closer (and admits to it) which would likely force Todd Coffey or Carlos Villanueva into the role.   Jason Frasor, Toronto Blue Jays   Coming into this season, most writers would have predicted that Jason Frasor would be the first closer to lose his job, and he's about to make them all look like geniuses. After blowing two saves in five opportunities in a bullpen full of mediocrity, he's going to be on a short leash from here on out.    With a 2.54 WHIP and a .458 opponents batting average, he's been rattled even in the games that have resulted in save.  Watching Frasor pitch creates sympathy for catcher John Buck, who is often chasing wild pitches and passed balls. It's almost as if Frasor is trying too hard to get batters out, and while the strikeouts have amounted to six, it's not going to work in the long run.  He's going to have to step up his game to fend off Kevin Gregg and Scott Downs.    Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets   It's not his fault that he hasn't had a save opportunity yet, but fantasy owners don't want to put up with his excuses. Expect him to start racking them up when they arise, but until then, it's just a luck thing.  It's out of his control, but in the work that he has had, he's allowed zero runs.  Expect him to start performing well, but many writers have always been skeptical of his stuff.    Kevin Orris is a fantasy baseball columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have an questions or comments feel free to email him at kevinorris@rotoinfo.com          http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Closer_Report-665.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Closer_Report-665.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST Dodgers edge D-Backs in 10 Matt kemp belted a two-run homer as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 in 10 innings Thursday night. Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless 10th inning to pick up the win in relief for the Dodgers. Blaine Boyer surrendered the winning run in the 10th and was tagged with the loss. A’s down Orioles in opener Cliff Pennington drove in two runs in helping the Oakland A’s defeat the Baltimore Orioles 6-2 Thursday night in the opener of a three-game set. Ben Sheets tossed six scoreless innings to pick up the victory for the A’s. David Hernandez allowed five runs off seven hits over his five innings of work for the Orioles. Marlins cruise past Reds Cody Ross drove in three runs as the Florida Marlins crushed the Cincinnati Reds 10-2 Thursday night for a split of the four-game series at Sun Life Stadium. Josh Johnson allowed just one run off five hits with 10 strikeouts in his six innings for the win. Aaron Harang gave up eight runs off 10 hits over four innings in the loss for the Reds. Blue Jays split with White Sox Alex Gonzalez hit a two-run double and finished with three RBIs as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Chicago White Sox 7-3 Thursday night to earn a split of the four-game series at Rogers Centre. Dana Eveland earned the victory on the mound for the Blue Jays, allowing just three hits and two runs in six innings of work. Freddy Garcia was pounded for seven earned runs in just three innings of work in the loss. Long ball powers Yankees Robinson Cano belted two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the New York Yankees in a 6-2 victory over the LA Angels Thursday night in the series rubber match. Phil Hughes allowed three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out six as the Yankees starter. Scott Kazmir gave up six earned runs over four innings in the start for the Angels. Braves topple Padres Jason Heyward drove in a pair of runs to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 6-2 win over the San Diego Padres in the rubber match at Petco Park Thursday night. Tim Hudson went 5 2-3 innings for the win, allowing two earned runs off six hits along the way. Mat Latos surrendered six hits and three runs over 4 2-3 innings as the Padres starter. Mets shut down Rockies Mike Pelfrey pitched seven shutout innings as the New York Mets topped the Colorado Rockies 5-0 Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep at Coors Field. Luis Castillo had two hits and scored twice for the Mets, while Pelfrey also drove in a run in his two at bats. Jorge De La Rosa gave up four earned runs over six innings as the Rockies starter. Nationals down red hot Phillies Ivan Rodriguez drove in the winning runs to lift the Washington Nationals to a 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday to avoid a sweep of the three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Tyler Clippard improved to 2-0 with the win in relief, and Matt Capps collected his fourth save by closing out the ninth. Danys Baez gave up three runs in relief and suffered the loss on the hill for the Phillies. Brewers nip Cubs; avoid sweep Casey McGehee belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs as the Milwaukee Brewers downed the Chicago Cubs 8-6 Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field. Chris Narveson earned the win in relief, and Trevor Hoffman closed out the ninth for his third save. Jeff Samardzija gave up two runs in relief of starter Carlos Zambrano and was tagged with the loss. Astros top Cardinals Jeff Keppinger drove in three runs in propelling the Houston Astros to a 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep at Busch Stadium. Bud Norris completed five innings for the win, allowing one run off four hits. Kyle Lohse gave up five hits and two earned runs over his seven innings on the mound for the Cardinals. Twins down Red Sox in rubber match Michael Cuddyer belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs to lead the Minnesota Twins in an 8-0 rout of the Boston Red Sox Thursday afternoon in the rubber match at Target Field. Francisco Liriano tossed a four-hit shutout through seven innings, striking out six in the Twins victory. Tim Wakefield was rocked for 10 hits and five earned runs over 5 1-3 innings in the loss for the Red Sox. Indians avoid sweep by Rangers Shin-Soo Choo belted a three-run homer to lift the Cleveland Indians to a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers Thursday afternoon, and avoid a three-game sweep at Progressive Field. David Huff tossed a complete-game win for the Indians, scattering four hits and two earned runs. Michael Young went deep for a two-run dinger for the Rangers. Matt Harrison surrendered five hits and three runs over seven innings in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_16-658.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_16-658.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Suns too bright for Jazz Six players reached double-figures as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Utah Jazz 100-86 Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire netted 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Suns. Mehmet Okur collected a double-double with 21 points and 11 boards in the loss. Warriors outlast Trail Blazers Stephen Curry poured in a game-high 42 points with nine rebounds and eight assists Wednesday, as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 122-116. Monta Ellis added 34 points in the win for the Warriors. Jeff Pendergraph led the Trail Blazers with 23 points and four rebounds. Clippers upset Lakers Steve Blake went for a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists as the LA Clippers defeated the LA Lakers 107-91 Wednesday night. Chris Kaman chipped in with 22 points in the win for the Clippers. Pau Gasol had 18 points and 17 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Hornets outlast Rockets David West went for a game-high 35 points and grabbed 10 boards for a double-double Wednesday, as the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Houston Rockets 123-115. Darren Collison had 26 points and 11 assists for the Hornets, while Marcus Thornton had 20 points in the win. Trevor Ariza had a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss. Wizards sneak past Pacers Andray Blatche went for 26 points and seven rebounds as the Washington Wizards came back to upset the Indiana Pacers 98-97 Wednesday night. JaVale McGee had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Wizards, while James Singleton added 17 rebounds in the loss. Bulls clinch playoff berth The Chicago Bulls earned a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season with a 98-89 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday night. Joakim Noah netted 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Bulls. Derrick Rose tossed in a game-high 27 points for the Bobcats. Thunder take down Grizzlies The Oklahoma City Thunder jumped out to an early lead as they rode past the Memphis Grizzlies 114-105 Wednesday night. Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points to power the Thunder. Rudy Gay had 25 points and Zach Randolph had 21 points in the loss. Mavericks stop Spurs Caron Butler shot 7-for-12 from the field with 20 points and five rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 96-89 in their regular-season finale Wednesday night. Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points for the Mavericks, and Jason Kidd chipped in with 18 points for the Mavericks. DeJuan Blair had a double-double with 27 points and 23 rebounds in a losing effort for the Spurs. Magic roll past 76ers Jameer Nelson went for 21 points in leading the Orlando Magic to a 125-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night. Vince Carter finished with 17 points and dished out six assists in the win for the Magic. Marreese Speights collected 23 points and eight rebounds in the loss for the 76ers. Heat down Nets in double OT The Miami Heat dominated the second overtime session Wednesday, as they defeated the New Jersey Nets 94-86 in their final regular season game. Michael Beasley had a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Heat. Yi Jianlian had 23 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Raptors bounce Knicks Andrea Bargnani had 24 points with four rebounds and five assists Wednesday, as the Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks 131-113. DeMar DeRozan had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors in the win. Bill Walker had 28 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort for the Knicks. Bucks upend Celtics Luke Ridnour went for 17 points and dished out eight assists as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics 106-95 in their regular-season finale on Wednesday. Jerry Stackhouse also poured in 17 points in the win for the Bucks. Rajon Rondo had 21 points with 15 assists for a double-double in a losing effort for the Celtics. Pistons rally past Timberwolves The Detroit Pistons roared back with 35 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday, as they came back to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 103-98. Tayshaun Prince netted 20 points for the Pistons, and Charlie Villanueva collected 16 points in the win. Corey Brewer netted a game-high 27 points in the loss for the Timberwolves. Hawks soar past Cavaliers Seven players reached double-figures as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-83 Wednesday night in their final regular season game. Jeff Teague had 24 points with five rebounds and 15 assists in leading the Hawks. Jamario Moon finished with 15 points and seven rebounds for the Cavaliers. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_15-656.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_15-656.html Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST D-Backs down Dodgers The Arizona Diamondbacks rallied with a pair of runs in the 11th inning to defeat the LA Dodgers 9-7 Wednesday night. Justin Upton went 3-for-6 at the plate with a solo home run for the Diamondbacks. Leo Rosales tossed two shutout innings to earn the victory. Russ Ortiz gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss for the Dodgers. Mariners double up on A’s Jose Lopez went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run batted in as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Oakland A’s 4-2 Wednesday night. Jason Vargas fanned six batters over six innings, giving up five hits and two runs for the win on the hill. Chad Gaudin surrendered three hits and two runs in relief in taking the loss for the A’s. Braves roll past Padres Troy Glaus went deep for a three-run homer Wednesday, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-1 win over the San Diego Padres. Tommy Hanson went six innings on the mound for the win, allowing four hits and one run with seven strikeouts. Clayton Richard surrendered six hits and three runs over 5 1-3 innings in the loss. Rockies trim Mets in 10 Ryan Spilborghs smacked a three-run homer as the Colorado Rockies slipped past the New York Mets 6-5 Wednesday night. Randy Flores recorded the final out and was credited with the win for the Rockies. Jenrry Mejia gave up the winning run and was tagged with the loss. Cardinals nip Astros The St. Louis Cardinals kept the Houston Astros winless by coming away with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night. Albert Pujols drove in one run for the Cardinals, while Ryan Ludwick scored the other run off a fielding error. Brad Penney allowed just three hits and one run over his seven innings for the win. Brett Myers gave up four hits and two runs over seven innings in the loss. Marlins fend off Reds The Florida Marlins gave up a pair of late runs but managed to hang on and defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 Wednesday night. Brett Carroll had three hits including a solo home run for the Marlins. Chris Volstad pitched 6 2-3 innings for the win, allowing five hits and three runs. Homer Bailey gave up five runs over 5 1-3 innings in suffering the loss. White Sox tear down Blue Jays Carlos Quentin belted a three-run homer and drove in six runs Wednesday, as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 11-1. John Danks allowed just two hits and one run over his seven innings, striking out six batters for the White Sox in the win. Brandon Morrow surrendered seven runs over eight innings in taking the loss on the mound for the Blue Jays. Rangers dump Indians Josh Hamilton had three hits and drove in one run as the Texas Rangers defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-2 Wednesday night. Colby Lewis tossed just over five innings for the win, and Neftali Feliz collected his second save for the Rangers. Michael Brantley had two RBIs in a losing effort for the Indians. Justin Masterson gave up nine hits and four runs over six innings in the loss. Phillies double Nationals Shane Victorino homered and drove in five runs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the Washington Nationals 14-7 Wednesday night. Nelson Figueroa tossed 3 1-3 innings of relief for starter Kyle Kendrick and gave up just one earned run in picking up the win. Jason Bergmann gave up a pair of runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Sanchez whiffs 11; Giants blank Pirates Jonthan Sanchez fanned 11 batters over eight scorless innings as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 Wednesday afternoon in the series rubber match. Eli Whiteside cracked a three-run homer, and Aaron Rowand went deep for a two-run dinger for the Giants. Charlite Morton was tagged with the loss, allowing six earned runs over his six innings as the Pirates starter. Cubs rally past Brewers Ryan Theriot had four hits with two RBIs and the Chicago Cubs scored four times in the bottom of the eighth to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6 Wednesday afternoon. Jeff Gray earned the win in relief, and Carlos Marmol fired three strikeouts for a scorless ninth to pick up his third save. LaTroy Hawkins gave up four runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Rays scorch O's in sweep B.J. Upton belted two home runs and drove in four runs as the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with a 9-1 thumping Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards. David Price tossed seven solid innings with seven strikeouts, while allowing just one run on four hits in the victory. Brad Bergesen was rocked for eight runs off seven hits in three innings of work for the Orioles. Red Sox double Twins Dustin Pedroia belted a home run and drove in a pair of runs to lead the Boston Red Sox in a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins Wednesday afternoon in the middle game of a three-game set. John Lackey went 6 2-3 innings for his first win of the season, allowing two earned runs along the way. Kevin Slowey gave up three runs over five innings of work in suffering the loss for the Twins. Royals crush Tigers in rubber match The Kansas City Royals banged out 17 hits as they tore apart the Detroit Tigers 7-3 in the series rubber match Wednesday afternoon at Comerica Park. Jose Guillen went 3-for-4 at the plate including a solo home. Kyle Davies pitched 6 2-3 innings for the win, allowing three earned runs with five strikeouts. Ryan Perry surrendered two earned runs in relief of Tigers starter Rick Porcello in the loss. Angels get even with Yankees Bobby Abreu belted out two hits and drove in one run as the LA Angels defeated the New York Yankees 5-3 Wednesday, knotting the three-game set at a game apiece. Joel Pineiro allowed just one earned run and fanned seven batters in his seven innings of work for the Angels. Javier Vazquez gave up four earned runs over 5 1-3 innings in the loss for the Yankees. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_15-657.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_15-657.html Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Buyer Beware: The Verducci Effect Injuries are the great equalizer in fantasy baseball. Predicting them is difficult, though not impossible. Will Carroll from Baseball Prospectus is a foremost expert on injuries and does a fair job each year of identifying players who have higher or lower risk (and designating them with flags – red, yellow, green etc.) and there are other databases created by the sabermetric community that are very useful when trying to predict whether a player will break down over the course of the year or not. When it comes to young pitchers, injuries and performance, the general rule over the past few years has been to watch out for the Year After Effect. Better known as the Verducci Effect, named after Sports Illustrated baseball writer Tom Verducci , the rule is defined “as any 25-and-under pitcher who increased his innings log by more than 30 in a year in which he pitched in the big leagues” by Verducci in his Feb. 16 on SI.com. The idea is that pitchers under 25 should be allowed to gradually develop at the major league level. If a pitcher goes 30 innings or more above his previous career high, he is at risk for the Verducci Effect. The poster boy in recent memory for this has to be Cole Hamels. In leading the Phillies to the World Series title in 2008 he ended up pitching 253.1 innings between the regular season and playoffs. That was 63.1 innings more than he pitched combined in 2007 and it comes as no surprise that he struggled in 2009 with 193.2 regular season innings and another 19 in the postseason. Hamels went 14-10 in ’08 with a 3.09 ERA, 142 ERA + and a league leading 1.082 WHIP. In 2009 he went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA, 98 ERA + and 1.286 WHIP. Going by the ERA + numbers (where 100 is average), that is a 44 percent decrease in performance from year to year. To be fair, there are pitchers who escape the Verducci Effect. Jon Lester pitched 237 innings in ’08 (with postseason) and, after some early struggles, was a dominant pitcher for the Red Sox in ’09 and has a lot of analysts picking him as a top Cy Young contender this year. What to expect this year? I did some research and found a plethora of young pitchers who could be at risk for the Verducci Effect this year. Some of the names on my list match Verducci’s own (he has made predictions on 10 pitchers at SI.com) and a couple of them are no-brainers. The first place to look is at three particular organizations known for riding young pitchers – Los Angeles, Detroit and Atlanta. All three franchises have been playing with fire, to a certain extent, year after year with young pitchers. The Dodgers Chad Billingsley threw 147 innings in ’07 and then a combined 212.1 in ’08. Billingsley was 16-10 with a 3.43 ERA in ’08 then 12-11 with a 4.03 ERA in ’09. This year Joe Torre has another pitcher with red flags in the form of 21-year-old Clayton Kershaw. In ’08, at age 20, he pitched 107.2 big league innings and then threw 184.1 a year later. Will his performance continue to climb in ’10 or will he find himself on the disabled list or generally ineffective this summer? Then there is Detroit, a team that has pushed young arms like Justin Verlander, Jair Jurjenns and Armando Galarraga hard in their young careers. They did it again in ’09 with 20-year-old Rick Porcello who threw 170.2 innings last year, about 45 more than his previous minor league high. Porcello was also asked to throw a lot of high effort innings as the Tigers imploded down the stretch last year to miss the postseason. The Braves pushed Tommy Hanson last year, mostly because he was a stud for them straight out of the gate. Between the minors and his time with the big club, he pitched 183.2 innings, 45.2 more than his previous minor league high. The Braves rode another young pitcher (oddly enough acquired from the Tigers organization) in Jurrjens who hit a career high 188.1 innings in ’08 after not pitching more than 142.1 in a season before that. Jurjenns had 215 innings last year and it should come as no surprise that he is dealing with some arm issues this spring. Who else to keep a close eye on this year? Look out for Florida’s Josh Johnson (+ 52), Oakland’s Trevor Cahill (+ 54.1) and Brett Anderson (+ 55.1), Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez (+31.1 with postseason) and Max Scherzer (+ 42). Especially look out for Scherzer since he was traded to the Tigers in the offseason and it is a team desperate to make the playoffs and will push its pitchers as far as they will go. This year’s poster boy for the Verducci Effect will probably end up being Homer Bailey, who only had 203 combined major/minor league innings last year that were 55.1 more than his career high. As Verducci points out, there was no reason for Bailey to throw that many innings last year, especially for a team that looks to be a dark horse coming into 2010. The best way to prevent injuries from ruining your fantasy season is to keep an eye on the news wire, which is exactly the thing we do here at RotoInfo. Stay ahead of the game and make roster moves as soon as you are sure that you will lose one of your contributors for an extended period of time. Dan Rowinski is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at danrowinski@rotoinfo.com. You can follow him on Twitter at Dan_Rowinski. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._The_Verducci_Effect-655.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._The_Verducci_Effect-655.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST Jones, Pirates edge Giants Garrett Jones' run-scoring single in the top of the eighth inning broke a 3-3 tie, as the Pittsburgh Pirates went on to hold off the San Francisco Giants 6-5 on Tuesday night. Jones finished 3-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Pirates, as Evan Meek got the win in relief of Paul Maholm for Pittsburgh. Eugenio Velez hit a two-run dinger and had three RBIs for San Francisco, while Jeremy Affeldt was handed the loss after allowing Jones' RBI single in the top of the eighth. Fister, Mariners blank Athletics Winning pitcher Doug Fister threw eight scoreless innings to lead the Seattle Mariners past the Oakland Athletics 3-0 on Tuesday night. Milton Bradley was 2-for-4 with a three-run homer for the Mariners, as Chone Figgins and Jose Lopez both went 3-for-4 for Seattle. Brad Ziegler took the loss in relief of Brett Anderson for Oakland, which managed only three hits in the loss. Rockies hammer Mets Seth Smith went 2-for-5 with a two-run big fly and three runs batted in, as the Colorado Rockies slammed the New York Mets 11-3 on Tuesday night. Winning pitcher Greg Smith gave up two runs over seven innings for the Rockies, as Smith drove in two runs at the dish for Colorado. David Wright was 2-for-2 with a homer for New York, while John Maine was rocked for eight runs over three innings to take the loss for the Mets. Reds upend Marlins in extra innings Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips each had an RBI single in the top of the 11th inning to lift the Cincinnati Reds over the Florida Marlins 10-8 on Tuesday night. Jonny Gomes was 2-for-3 with a three-run blast and four runs batted in for the Reds, as Micah Owings was handed the win in relief of Bronson Arroyo for Cincinnati. Cody Ross went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and four RBIs for Florida, while Dan Meyer took the loss after allowing the eventual winning runs in the top of the 11th. Romero, Blue Jays double White Sox Ricky Romero gave up two runs over eight innings to earn the victory, as the Toronto Blue Jays downed the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Tuesday night. Edwin Encarnacion was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Blue Jays, as Vernon Wells went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Toronto. Alex Rios hit a two-run jack for Chicago, while Gavin Floyd allowed four runs over six innings to take the loss for the White Sox. Pena, Rays top Orioles in extra innings Carlos Pena's three-run dinger in the top of the 10th inning lifted the Tampa Bay Rays past the Baltimore Orioles 8-6 on Tuesday night. Pena finished 3-for-5 with four runs batted in for the Rays, as Lance Cormier picked up the win in relief of Jeff Niemann for Tampa Bay. Ty Wigginton went 2-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs for Baltimore, while Matt Albers took the loss after giving up the go-ahead runs in the top of the 10th. Dodgers outgun Diamondbacks Andre Ethier was 2-for-5 with a three-run dinger to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-5 on Tuesday. Casey Blake hit a two-run shot for the Dodgers, as Clayton Kershaw got the win after allowing two runs over 5 1-3 innings for Los Angeles. Mark Reynolds swatted a two-run blast for Arizona, while Ian Kennedy was tagged for six runs over 4 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Diamondbacks Tigers trim Royals Carlos Guillen drove in two runs to lift the Detroit Tigers past the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday. Scott Sizemore was 2-for-3 with a run batted in for the Tigers, as Joel Zumaya picked up the win in relief of Dontrelle Willis for Detroit. Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-5 with two RBIs for Kansas City, while Dusty Hughes took the loss after allowing the eventual winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pettitte, Yankees take down Angels Andy Pettitte tossed six scoreless innings to earn the win, as the New York Yankees held off the Los Angeles Angels 7-5 on Tuesday. Derek Jeter was 2-for-5 with a solo homer and two runs batted in for the Yankees, as Alex Rodriguez also went 2-for-5 with two RBIs for New York. Bobby Abreu hit a grand slam for Los Angeles, while losing pitcher Ervin Santana was tagged for five runs over 5 2-3 innings for the Angels. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_14-654.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_14-654.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Jazz down Warriors Mehmet Okur scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz past the Golden State Warriors 103-94 on Tuesday night. C.J. Miles went for 16 points and seven boards for the Jazz, who also got 16 points from Wesley Matthews in the win. Devean George came off the pine to drop 21 points for Golden State, while Stephen Curry had 17 points and six assists for the Warriors. Gasol, Lakers get past Kings Pau Gasol had 28 points and eight rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings 106-100 on Tuesday night. Shannon Brown added 24 points for the Lakers, who got 13 points and six boards off the bench from Sasha Vujacic in the win. Beno Udrih went for 21 points and 11 assists for Sacramento, while Jason Thompson finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings. Suns run past Nuggets Amare Stoudemire went for 26 points and eight rebounds, as the Phoenix Suns overpowered the Denver Nuggets 123-101 on Tuesday night. Steve Nash added 18 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who got 14 points and seven boards from Jason Richardson in the win. Carmelo Anthony had 29 points and six rebounds for Denver, while Chauncey Billups scored 16 points for the Nuggets. Rose, Bulls drop Celtics Derrick Rose went for 39 points and seven assists to lead the Chicago Bulls over the Boston Celtics 101-93 on Tuesday night. Kirk Hinrich scored 30 points for the Bulls, who got nine points and 16 rebounds from Joakim Noah in the payday. Paul Pierce dropped 28 points for Boston, while Ray Allen added 25 points for the Celtics. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_14-653.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_14-653.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Mavericks coast over Clippers Dirk Nowitzki dropped 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds, as the Dallas Mavericks manhandled the Los Angeles Clippers 117-94 on Monday night. Shawn Marion scored 21 points for the Mavericks, who got 12 points and 12 assists from Jason Kidd in the win. Chris Kaman had 17 points and seven boards for Los Angeles, while Craig Smith and Steve Novak had 15 points apiece off the bench for the Clippers. Martin, Rockets drop Kings Kevin Martin poured in 39 points to lead the Houston Rockets past the Sacramento Kings 117-107 on Monday night. Trevor Ariza scored 29 points for the Rockets, who got 14 points and 11 assists off the bench from Kyle Lowry in the payday. Tyreke Evans went for 24 points and six rebounds for Sacramento, while Carl Landry dropped 19 points for the Kings. Camby, Trail Blazers dump Thunder Marcus Camby had 30 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-95 on Monday night. Andre Miller went for 22 points, seven assists, and four steals for the Trail Blazers, who got 15 points from LaMarcus Aldridge in the win. Kevin Durant dropped 30 points for Oklahoma City, while Jeff Green netted 17 points for the Thunder. Nuggets overpower Grizzlies J.R. Smith drained 26 points off the bench, as the Denver Nuggets dumped the Memphis Grizzlies 123-101 on Monday night. Arron Afflalo added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets, who got 21 points from Carmelo Anthony in the win. Mike Conley scored 22 points to lead Memphis, while reserve Sam Young dropped 18 points for the Grizzlies. Spurs slam Timberwolves Keith Bogans scored 17 points off the bench, as the San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-111 on Monday night. Tim Duncan went for 16 points and six rebounds for the Spurs, who got 14 points and seven boards from reserve Ian Mahinmi in the rout. Sasha Pavlovic came off the pine to net 16 points for Minnesota, while Ramon Sessions added 13 points and 10 assists in a backup role for the Timberwolves. Johnson, Hawks topple Bucks Joe Johnson scored 31 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Atlanta Hawks over the Milwaukee Bucks 104-96 on Monday night. Marvin Williams netted 18 points for the Hawks, who got 13 points and 12 boards from Al Horford in the win. John Salmons scored 28 points for Milwaukee, while Brandon Jennings drained 21 points for the Bucks. Bargnani, Raptors handle Pistons Andrea Bargnani went for 33 points and seven rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors over the Detroit Pistons 111-97 on Monday night. Amir Johnson added 26 points for the Raptors, who got 15 points and 12 assists off the bench from Jarrett Jack in the upset. Ben Gordon had 24 points and six boards for Detroit, while Tayshaun Prince dropped 17 points for the Pistons. Bobcats too much for Nets Stephen Jackson had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Charlotte Bobcats past the New Jersey Nets 105-95 on Monday night. Gerald Henderson went for 14 points and seven boards off the bench for the Bobcats, who got 13 points from reserve Tyrus Thomas in the win. Devin Harris dropped 22 points for New Jersey, while Terrence Williams posted 21 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists for the Nets. Lee, Knicks run over Wizards David Lee went for 26 points and eight rebounds to lead the New York Knicks over the Washington Wizards 114-103 on Monday night. Danilo Gallinari added 24 points and eight boards for the Knicks, who got 16 points off the bench from Toney Douglas in the win. Mike Miller had 23 points and seven rebounds for Washington, while Andray Blatche finished with 19 points, 10 boards, and seven assists for the Wizards. Magic drill Pacers Vince Carter scored 21 points, as the Orlando Magic rolled past the Indiana Pacers 118-98 on Monday night. Jameer Nelson went for 15 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for the Magic, who got 14 points and six boards from Rashard Lewis in the win. A.J. Price dropped 19 points off the bench for Indiana, while Danny Granger and reserve Mike Dunleavy drained 18 points apiece for the Pacers. Heat edge 76ers Dwyane Wade dropped 30 points to lift the Miami Heat past the Philadelphia 76ers 107-105 on Monday night. Quentin Richardson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Heat, who got 15 points and seven assists from Carlos Arroyo in the win. Jason Kapono scored 24 points to lead Philadelphia, while Jodie Meeks netted 21 points off the bench for the 76ers. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_13-651.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_13-651.html Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Giants trounce Pirates Bengie Molina was 4-for-4 with a two-run jack and four runs batted in to lead the San Francisco Giants past the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night. Mark DeRosa knocked in two runs for the Giants, as winning pitcher Barry Zito allowed three runs over six innings for San Francisco. Akinori Iwamura went 2-for-5 with two RBIs for Pittsburgh, while Brian Burres was tagged for six runs over four innings to take the loss for the Pirates White Sox nip Blue Jays in extra innings Mark Teahen's RBI triple in the top of the 11th inning lifted the Chicago White Sox past the Toronto Blue Jays 8-7 on Monday night. Andruw Jones was 3-for-4 with two dingers and four runs batted in for the White Sox, as Matt Thornton picked up the win in relief of Jake Peavy for Chicago. Adam Lind went 2-for-5 with three RBIs for Toronto, while Jeremy Accardo was handed the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th. Reds slip past Marlins in extra innings Scott Rolen's run-scoring single in the top of the 10th inning lifted the Cincinnati Reds over the Florida Marlins 6-5 on Monday night. Rolen finished 3-for-5 with two homers and three runs batted in for the Reds, as Nick Masset got the win in relief of Johnny Cueto for Cincinnati. Jorge Cantu plated a pair of runs for Florida, while Burke Badenhop took the loss after giving up the eventual winning run in the top of the 10th. Garza, Rays overwhelm Orioles Matt Garza allowed one run over eight innings to earn the win, as the Tampa Bay Rays stifled the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Monday night. Reid Brignac was 2-for-4 with a solo shot and two runs batted in for the Rays, as Carl Crawford went 4-for-4 with a big fly for Tampa Bay. Felix Pie went 2-for-3 with a homer for Baltimore, while Jeremy Guthrie took the loss after giving up three runs over seven innings for the Orioles. Duchscherer, Athletics stifle Mariners Justin Duchscherer tossed 7 1-3 scoreless innings to get the victory, as the Oakland Athletics blanked the Seattle Mariners 4-0 on Monday. Gabe Gross drove in two runs for the Athletics, who got a solo homer from Cliff Pennington in the payday. Losing pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith gave up four runs over seven innings for Seattle, which managed only two hits on the day. Padres hammer Braves Kyle Blanks went 3-for-6 with a three-run homer and five runs batted in, as the San Diego Padres ripped the Atlanta Braves 17-2 on Monday. Tony Gwynn Jr. knocked in three runs for the Padres, as winning pitcher Kevin Correia gave up two runs over 5 2-3 innings for San Diego. Troy Glaus and Jason Heyward drove in runs for Atlanta, while Jair Jurrjens was clocked for eight runs over 3 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Braves. Wainwright, Cardinals blank Astros Adam Wainwright tossed eight scoreless innings to earn the win, as the St. Louis Cardinals shut out the Houston Astros 5-0 on Monday. Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with a three-run shot and four runs batted in for the Cardinals, as Ryan Ludwick was 4-for-4 with an RBI for St. Louis. Michael Bourn was 2-for-4 for Houston, while Wandy Rodriguez allowed four runs over 4 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Astros. Twins top Red Sox Jason Kubel was 3-for-4 with a homer and two runs batted in, as the Minnesota Twins clipped the Boston Red Sox 5-2 on Monday. Joe Mauer went 3-for-5 with two RBIs for the Twins, as Carl Pavano allowed only one run over six innings to get the win for Minnesota. David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia knocked in runs for Boston, while Jon Lester gave up four runs over five innings to take the loss for the Red Sox. Rangers trip up Indians in extra innings Nelson Cruz's two-run homer in the top of the 10th inning lifted the Texas Rangers past the Cleveland Indians 4-2 on Monday. Michael Young drove in a run for the Rangers, as Frank Francisco picked up the win in relief of Rich Harden for Texas. Shin-Soo Choo was 3-for-3 with a solo drive for Cleveland, while Jamey Wright was handed the loss after allowing the go-ahead runs in the top of the 10th. Phillies get past Nationals Placido Polanco was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in, as the Philadelphia Phillies downed the Washington Nationals 7-4 on Monday. Chase Utley smacked a two-run jack for the Phillies, as winning pitcher Cole Hamels allowed four runs over 5 2-3 innings for Philadelphia. Jason Marquis was tagged for six earned runs over 4 1-3 innings to take the loss for Washington, while he drove in two runs at the plate for the Nationals. Cubs down Brewers Xavier Nady went 2-for-4 with a three-run blast to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Milwaukee Brewers 9-5 on Monday. Aramis Ramirez and Jeff Baker both hit two-run dingers for the Cubs, as Ryan Dempster picked up the win after allowing five runs over 6 1-3 innings for Chicago. Ryan Braun was 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and four runs batted in for Milwaukee, while Doug Davis was rocked for six runs over 3 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Brewers. Podsednik, Royals double Tigers Scott Podsednik was 4-for-5 with three runs batted in to lead the Kansas City Royals past the Detroit Tigers 10-5 on Monday. Jose Guillen went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer for the Royals, as Luke Hochevar gave up four earned runs over five innings to get the win for Kansas City. Brandon Inge was 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Detroit, while losing pitcher Max Scherzer allowed two earned runs over five innings for the Tigers. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_13-652.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_13-652.html Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Week One Rundown       After a successful first season of weekly rundown articles, this year will be much of the same with all the injury, two-start pitching and waiver-wire decisions you need to keep an edge on the competition.  So be sure to check back each Monday for up-to-date fantasy baseball information. American League Injury Notes    On April 3, the Angels have placed starting pitcher Scott Kazmir on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Brandon Morrow, who is listed as day-to-day, gave the Blue Jays hope on Saturday that he will be ready for the season opener after recording six strikeouts and giving up only five hits in a spring training outing. The Blue Jays have placed Marc Rzepczynski on the 15-day DL with a fractured middle finger, and is expected to resume throwing activity in late April. The Indians are hoping to have first basemen Russell Branyan back by mid-April after starting the season on the disabled list due to a herniated disc in his back. Cliff Lee was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3 due to a right abdominal strain and is expected to return to the Mariners rotation by late-April. Both Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz are expected back by Opening Day after suffering minor injuries in a Rangers spring training games. The Rangers expect to have their star second basemen back by mid-April after suffering from a high ankle sprain and has most recently been shut down from performing baseball activities. The Rays are hoping to have outfielder Matt Joyce back by mid-April after being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right elbow. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw four innings in a spring training game on April 3, and is expected to return to the Red Sox rotation by mid-April. Junichi Tazawa will have season-ending Tommy John Surgery after spraining his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. The Royals have placed pitcher Gil Meche on the disabled list with shoulder stiffness, but will be eligible to return April 10. The Royals have announced that third basemen Alex Gordon will have a rehab stint in the minors before joining the team once healthy. National League Injury Notes Lance Berkman is expected to miss at least the first four games of the season for the Astros after missing most of spring training after undergoing left knee surgery. The Astros have named Roy Oswalt the Opening Day starter putting to rest questions about missing time due to a hamstring strain. The Braves have listed Chipper Jones as day-to-day after suffering from a nagging ingrown toenail. Nate McLouth is expected to be in the Braves starting lineup on Opening Day after missing some time due to a hamstring strain. The Cardinals are hoping to have catcher Yadier Molina back in action for Opening Day after straining his oblique in a spring training game in late March. Ted Lilly made his third minor league start on April 3 and is expected to be back in the Cubs rotation in late April. The rehab process for Brandon Webb is taking longer than expected as the Diamondbacks are now hoping to have him back by at the earliest late-April. The Marlins have listed outfielder Cody Ross as day-to-day after suffering from multiple minor injuries this spring.  The Mets expect to have shortstop Jose Reyes back in the lineup on April 10 after good results form an intersquad scrimmage on April 3. First basemen Daniel Murphy has sprained his right MCL and is expected to be back in the Mets lineup by late April or early May. The Phillies have placed Joe Blanton on the 15-day disabled list after tweaking his left oblique muscle. Phillies closer Brad Lidge felt no pain after throwing a pain-free bullpen session on April 4 and is set to return to the closer role by late April. After seeming to be ready for the start of the season, Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis experienced shoulder stiffness and was then placed on the 15-day disabled list. Rockies closer Huston Street has been shut down after experiencing shoulder tightness and inflammation with no timetable set for a return. Pickups of the Week Starting Rotation Help  Fausto Carmona, SP (CLE):  Carmona is hoping to carry his hot spring into the start of the regular season and is projected to make his first start on Wednesday against the White Sox.  If you have a spot to waste give him a shot, as many experts are saying he is back to his ’07 form.    Ian Kennedy, SP (ARI): Kennedy was given the third spot in the Diamondbacks rotation and is looking to start over after being dealt from the Yankees in the off season.  His spot in the rotation is locked up due to injuries so he should get plenty of innings and will get the chance to prove why he was a top prospect in the Yankees organization at one point in his career.    Kyle Kendrick, SP (PHI): At the beginning of the week Kendrick was told he was to start the season in the bullpen.  But the injury to Joe Blanton opened up a spot for him to prove he should be there.  If he pitched well, expect him to be there to stay even when Blanton returns from injury.    Bullpen Help  Jon Rauch, RP (MIN): Rauch was named the Twins closer, despite reports that the team was going to go with a closer-by-committee.  Out of all the pitchers in the Twins bullpen he has the most experience closing out games so he will get the first stab at filling in for Joe Nathan.    Matt Lindstrom, RP (HOU): The Astros named Lindstrom their closer for the start of the season, so he is worth grabbing even if it is only for a short period of time.  Brandon Lyon signed a big contract with the team, so expect him to take over the role once healthy, so get the most out of Lindstrom now especially if you have a reliever on the disabled list.    Ryan Madson, RP (PHI): Brad Lidge isn’t going to be ready to go until at earliest late-April, so Madson will be closing for the Phillies to start the season.  He should get plenty of save opportunities with a weak schedule in the beginning of the season, so grab him now if you can.    Infield Help Mike Jacobs, 1B (NYM): Due to an injury to Daniel Murphy, Jacobs will now get the opportunity to start for the Mets.  With that being said, he should go into the start of the season with something to prove and show he is more than just pure power.  He is worth picking up if you are in deep leagues and need help in power categories.    Ian Desmond, SS (WAS): Desmond was named the Nationals starting shortstop to start the season and will likely hit in the two-hole in front of both Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn, so he will become a good source for runs if he can get on base.  He is a prime sleeper candidate this season, so if you are in need of help in the middle of your infield pickup this future star as soon as possible.    Outfield Help Michael Brantley, OF (CLE): Brantley will enter the season with a starting spot in the Indians outfield.  He showed good signs last season after a call up which helped the Indians make the decision to give him the starting role.  He is a good source for stolen bases and batting average, which could lead to even more if his grown lives up to expectations.    Sean Rodriguez, OF (TB): The Rays will have to find a place for Rodriguez in their lineup after the performance he put on display this spring.  He is equipped to play just about every position on the field, so it shouldn’t be too hard for the rays to find a place for him.  The injury to Matt Joyce helped out his cause and he is worth stashing away to see if he can continue to produce at such a high level. Two-start Pitchers Great options  Dan Haren (ARI):  SD (Garland), PIT (Duke)  Ubaldo Jimenez (COL): @MIL (Gallardo), SD (Garland)  Roy Hallady (PHI): @WAS (Lannan), @HOU (Oswalt)  Chris Carpenter (STL): @CIN (Harang), @MIL (Wolf)  Tim Lincecum (SF): @HOU (Oswalt), ATL (Kawakami)  Felix Hernandez (SEA): @OAK (Sheets), @TEX (Harrison) Good options  Josh Beckett (BOS): NYY (Sabathia), @KC (Greinke)  Mark Buehrle (CHW): CLE (Westbrook), MIN (Blackburn)  Justin Verlander (DET): @KC (Greinke), CLE (Westbrook)  Zack Greinke (KC): DET (Verlander), BOS (Beckett)  Jered Weaver (LAA): MIN (Baker), OAK (Sheets)  Scott Baker (MIN): @LAA (Weaver), @CHW (Garcia)  CC Sabathia (NYY): @BOS (Beckett), @TB (Davis)  James Shields (TB): BAL (Millwood), NYY (Burnett)  Edwin Jackson (ARI): SD (Young), PIT (McCutchen)  Derek Lowe (ATL): CHC (Zambrano), @SF (Wellemeyer)  Carlos Zambrano (CHC): @ATL (Lowe), @CIN (Leake)  Josh Johnson (FLA): @NYM (Santana), LAD (Padilla)  Yovani Gallardo (MIL): COL (Jimenez), STL (Garcia)  Johan Santana (NYM): FLA (Johnson), WAS (Lannan) OK options  Joe Saunders (LAA): MIN (Blackburn), OAK (Braden)  Nick Blackburn (MIN): @LAA (Saunders), @CHW (Buehrle)  A.J. Burnett (NYY): @BOS (Lester), @TB (Shields)  Ben Sheets (OAK): SEA (Hernandez), @LAA (Weaver)  Scott Feldman (TEX): TOR (Marcum), SEA (Snell)  Aaron Harang (CIN): STL (Carpenter), CHC (Gorzelanny)  Roy Oswalt (HOU): SF (Lincecum), PHI (Halladay)  Randy Wolf (MIL): COL (Smith), STL (Carpenter)    Other two-start options  Kevin Millwood (BAL), Jake Westbrook (CLE), Dallas Braden (OAK), Ian Snell (SEA), Sean Marcum (TOR), Vincente Padilla (LAD), Zach Duke (PIT), John Lannan (WAS), Jon Garland (SD) Good luck to all this week, and check back next week for the weekly rundown! Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com.  Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information.   http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Week_One_Rundown.-650.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Week_One_Rundown.-650.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST Warriors upset Thunder Monta Ellis netted 27 points Sunday night to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 116-106 upset win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Stephen Curry added 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Golden State, while Reggie Williams had 20 points and nine boards. Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with a game-high 40 points and 10 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook had 20 points and nine assists. Suns torch Rockets Amar'e Stoudemire netted 35 points to go with 13 rebounds Sunday, as the Phoenix Suns got past the Houston Rockets 116-106. Steve Nash added 23 points and 11 assists for the Suns and Jason Richardson delivered 14 points. Luis Scola led Houston with 30 points and Aaron Brooks had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Hornets slam Timberwolves Emeka Okafor scored 23 points Sunday night, as the New Orleans Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-86. Marcus Thornton added 22 points for New Orleans and Darren Collison chipped in with 17 points and 11 assists. Ryan Gomes led Minnesota with 18 points and Ramon Sessions had 17 points. Heat burn Knicks Dwyane Wade deposited 32 points Sunday night, as the Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 111-98. Michael Beasley added 16 points and seven rebounds for Miami, while Udonis Haslem chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds. David Lee led the Knicks with 26 points and Danilo Gallinari had 19 points. Bulls run over Raptors Derrick Rose scored a game-high 26 points Sunday night to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-88 win over the Toronto Raptors. Joakim Noah added 18 points and 19 rebounds for Chicago, while Luol Deng netted 14 points. Sonny Weems and Andrea Bargnani each netted 18 points for Toronto in the loss. Trail Blazers edge Lakers LaMarcus Aldridge scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Sunday, as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 91-88. Martell Webster added 16 points for Portland and Marcus Camby chipped in with 10 points and 17 rebounds. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Kobe Bryant had 20 points. Magic down Cavaliers Dwight Howard scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Sunday, as the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-92. Jameer Nelson added 17 points and eight assists for Orlando and Mickael Pietrus netted 12 points. Delonte West led Cleveland with 21 points and Mo Williams chipped in with 19 points and nine assists http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_12-648.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_12-648.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Brewers blast Cardinals Casey McGehee hit a walk-off solo home run Sunday night, to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 8-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Ryan Braun hit a two-run home run for the Brewers, while Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart added solo blasts. Albert Pujols was 3-5 with two home runs and four RBI for the Cardinals, while Matt Holliday cracked a solo shot. Diamondbacks sink Pirates Chris Snyder homered and drove in five runs Sunday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 15-6. Chris Young homered and drove in four runs for Arizona and Edwin Jackson hit a two-run home run in the win. Bobby Crosby hit a two-run home run for Pittsburgh, while Andrew McCutchen cracked a solo blast. Giants knockoff Braves Pablo Sandoval was 3-4 with a two-run home run and three runs scored Sunday night, as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-3. Tim Lincecum allowed two runs on five hits with 10 strikes over seven innings for the Giants in the win. Brian McCann hit a two-run home run for Atlanta and Jason Heyward hit a solo shot. Athletics rip Angels Adam Rosales was 2-3 with a home run and four RBI Sunday, as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-4. Mark Ellis was 2-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for Oakland in the win. Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera hit solo home runs for the Angels. Rockies bury Padres Ubaldo Jimenez allowed two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts over six innings Sunday, as the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Diego Padres 4-2. Troy Tulowitzki drove in two runs for Colorado and Miguel Olivo hit a solo homer. Will Venable was 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored for San Diego and Jon Garland gave up four runs on eight hits in six innings. Rangers pound Mariners Michael Young homered and drove in a pair of runs Sunday, as the Texas Rangers defeated the Seattle Mariners 9-2. Scott Feldman allowed only two runs on seven hits over seven innings for Texas in the win. Chone Figgins was 2-4 with an RBI for Seattle and Ian Snell surrendered five runs on eight hits in three innings Red Sox rip Royals Adrian Beltre was 3-5 with three RBI Sunday, as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-6. Dustin Pedroia was 4-5 with a solo home run for Boston and Victor Martinez scored a pair of runs in the win. Jose Guillen homered twice and drove in four runs for Kansas City, while Gil Meche was roughed up for seven runs on eight hits in 3 1-3 innings. Phillies clip Astros Roy Halladay pitched a complete-game seven-hitter, allowing one unearned runs with eight strikeouts Sunday, to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 win over the Houston Astros. Jimmy Rollins was 2-4 with a solo home run for Philadelphia in the win. Chris Johnson scored the Astros’ only run and Roy Oswalt allowed two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts in six innings. White Sox clip Twins Paul Konerko was 2-3 with a two-run home run Sunday, as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins 5-4. Gordon Beckham and Mark Kotsay hit solo home runs for Chicago in the win. Justin Morneau drove in a pair of runs for Minnesota and Joe Mauer was 2-4 with two runs scored. Yankees rout Rays Jorge Posada hit a two-run home run and Nick Swisher added a solo shot Sunday, as the New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3. Alex Rodriguez had two RBI for the Yankees and A.J. Burnett allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings. Carl Crawford was 2-4 with two RBI for Tampa Bay and Jason Bartlett scored a pair of runs Blue Jays sweep Orioles Alex Gonzalez smacked a pair of solo home runs Sunday, as the Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with a 5-2 win. Jose Bautista hit a two-run home run for Toronto and Edwin Encarnacion added a solo blast. Miguel Tejada and Luke Scott drove in runs for Baltimore, while Kevin Millwood took the loss after allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits in 7 2-3 innings. Reds get past Cubs Mike Leake allowed one run on four hits while walking seven over 6 2-3 innings Sunday, as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-1. Scott Rolen was 2-2 with a run scored for Cincinnati and Jonny Gomes had an RBI. Derrek Lee drove in Chicago’s lone run and Tom Gorzelanny allowed one unearned run on four hits in 6 1-3 innings in a no-decision. Nationals top Mets Josh Willingham was 2-3 with a home run and five RBI Sunday, as the Washington Nationals defeated the New York Mets 5-2. Livan Hernandez pitched seven shutout innings for Washington and Matt Capps recorded his third save of the season. Mike Jacobs hit a two-run home run for New York and Johan Santana took the loss after allowing five runs on five hits in five innings. Marlins edge Dodgers Jorge Cantu homered and drove in five runs Sunday, as the Florida Marlins defeated the Los Angeles Marlins 6-5. Hanley Ramirez scored a pair of runs for Floria and Anibal Sanchez allowed four earned runs on seven hits in six innings. A.J. Ellis had two RBI for the Dodgers and Charlie Haeger surrendered three earned runs on three hits with 12 strikeouts in six innings Tigers slash Indians The Detroit Tigers scored three runs in the ninth inning Sunday to defeated the Cleveland Indians 9-8. Magglio Ordonez drove in a pair of runs for Detroit and Miguel Cabrera was 3-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Luis Valbuena hit a grand slam for the Indians and Jhonny Peralta clubbed a two-run shot. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_12-649.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_12-649.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Braves roar past Giants The Atlanta Braves evened their three-game set with a 7-2 thumping of the San Francisco Giants Saturday night. Jason Heyward went 3-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run and two RBIs. Derek Lowe tossed six innings for the win, allowing one earned run with four strikeouts. Todd Wellemeyer gave up seven hits and four earned runs in his 6 1-3 innings for the Giants. Angels slip past A’s Hideki Matsui batted in two runs to help the LA Angels defeat the Oakland A’s 4-3 Saturday night. Fernando Rodney closed out the win with a scoreless ninth on the mound with one strikeout for the Angels. Craig Breslow surrendered the winning run in relief and was tagged with the loss. Pirates double Diamondbacks Aki Iwamura cracked a two-run homer to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 6-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday night at Chase Field. Zach Duke pitched seven innings for the win, surrendering two earned runs off four hits as he moved to 2-0 on the season. Dan Haren was tagged with the loss, allowing five earned runs over 6 2-3 innings with nine strikeouts. Padres outlast Rockies in 14 Adrian Gonzalez drove in the winning run in the 14th inning as the San Diego Padres defeated the Colorado Rockies 5-4 Saturday night. Tim Stauffer pitched three scoreless innings for the win with three strikeouts, and Heath Bell closed out the game with his second save. Brad Hawpe had two home runs for the Rockies. Manuel Corpas surrendered three hits and one run over two innings in the loss. Marlins rally past Dodgers Gaby Sanchez belted a three-run homer and the Florida Marlins scored three times in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday night at Sun Life Stadium. Jose Veras fanned two batters in one inning of work and was credited with the victory. George Sherrill gave up two earned runs in under an inning in suffering the loss for the Dodgers Red Sox even series with Royals Jason Varitek belted two home runs as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-3 Saturday and evened the three-game series. Josh Beckett picked up the win for the Red Sox, allowing nine hits and three earned runs over his seven innings on the mound. Zack Greinke took the loss on the hill for the Royals, giving up eight hits and four runs over 6 2-3 innings of work Howard leads Phillies past Astros Ryan Howard belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Houston Astros 9-6 Saturday night. Jamie Moyer went six innings for the win, allowing five earned runs off nine hits. Brandon Lyon surrendered three runs in one inning of relief in taking the loss for the Astros. Jays down Orioles again Jose Molina drove in a pair of runs as the Toronto Blue Jays shut down the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 Saturday for a second straight victory in the series at Camden Yards. Dana Eveland pitched 7 1-3 shutout innings, allowing just five hits with two strikeouts in his first win of the season. David Hernandez was tagged with the loss, scattering six hits and two runs over his six innings on the mound for the Orioles. Yankees toppled Tampa Bay Starter C.C. Sabathia was nearly untouchable in the New York Yankees 10-0 beating of the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field Saturday. Sabathia gave up just one hit in just under eight innings pitched, striking out five and walking just two batters. Mark Teixeira finished the day with one RBI on 3-for-4 batting. Robinson Cano totaled three RBI with a two-run home run in the fourth inning. The Rays got just two hits the entire game off the bats off Ben Zobrist and Kelly Shoppach. Starter Wade Davis last six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Reliever Randy Choate was beat up for four runs on five hits in under an inning of work. Mariners rally for win over Rangers The Seattle Mariners scored three runs in the ninth inning to steal a 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Saturday. Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr. and Franklin Gutierrez all had RBI singles in the final frame. Gutierrez finished the day 3-for-5. Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez went seven innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits. Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run while Julio Borbon picked up an RBI in the loss. Starter Matt Harrison went six innings, giving up one run on six hits. Reliever Frank Francisco was credited with the loss after allowing three runs on 15 pitches in the ninth Cardinals crush Brewers The St. Louis Cardinals got two RBI off the bat of MVP Albert Pujols in a 7-1 beating of the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park Saturday. Pujols finished the day just 1-for-4 with a strikeout. Catcher Yadier Molina totaled three RBI for the Cardinals on a second-inning home run. Starter Jaime Garcia lasted six innings, giving up one run on four hits. The Brewers lone run was knocked in by outfielder Corey Hart in the sixth inning. Pitcher Yovani Gallardo went five innings, allowing six runs on five hits. Cubs slug their way past Reds The Chicago Cubs scored four runs on three home runs in a 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park Saturday afternoon. Alfonso Soriano, Jeff Baker and Kosuke Fukudome all went yard for the Cubbies. Starter Carlos Zambrano overcame a rough Opening-Day outing, allowing three runs on six hits through seven innings in his second start of the season. Brandon Phillips hit a two-run shot in the third inning for the Reds. Pitcher Aaron Harang went seven innings, giving up three runs on four hits. Reliever Arthur Rhodes surrendered the go-ahead home run in eighth inning. Nationals nip Mets The Washington Nationals picked up their second win of the baseball season, defeating the New York Mets 4-3 at Citi Field Saturday afternoon. Center fielder Willy Taveras was 2-for-4 with a triple and four RBI for the Nats. Starter John Lannan went five innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Matt Capps picked up the save in the win. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-4 at the plate while Fernando Tatis, Henry Blanco and starter Oliver Perez all had RBI in the loss. Perez lasted just under six innings, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out six batters. Tigers take down Tribe Johnny Damon and Brandon Inge each had two RBI in the Detroit Tigers' 4-2 win over the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park Saturday afternoon. Magglio Ordonez rocked a two-run home run that scored Damon in the first inning. Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman lasted five innings, giving up one run on one hit while striking out five batters. Ryan Perry picked up the save. Travis Hafner went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI and two strikeouts for the Indians. Starter Mitch Talbot lasted five innings and allowed four runs on six hits. Twin edge White Sox The Minnesota Twins scored two runs in the seventh inning to edge the Chicago White Sox 2-1 at U.S. Cellular Field Saturday afternoon. Left fielder Jason Kubel hit a two-run home run to right field to put the Twins ahead. Starter Scott Baker went seven innings, giving up one run on five hits while striking out three batters. The White Sox scored on a double from Mark Teahen that scored A.J. Pierzynski in the fifth inning. Pitcher Freddy Garcia went seven innings, allowing two runs on just three hits while sitting down four batters. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_11-646.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_11-646.html Sun, 11 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Clippers sneak past Warriors The LA Clippers jumped out to an early lead and held off the Golden State Warriors 107-104 Saturday night. Baron Davis had 21 points with five rebounds and five assists for the Clippers. Chris Kaman poured in a team-high 27 points in the win. Stephen Curry had a game-high 29 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort for the Warriors. Mavericks run over Kings Dirk Nowitzki dropped a game-high 39 points with seven rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks ran over the Sacramento Kings 126-108 Saturday night. Jason Terry netted 25 points for the Mavericks, and Caron Butler chipped in with 15 in the win. Tyreke Evans had 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a losing effort for the Kings. Carl Landry scored a team-high 30 points in the loss. Spurs roar past Nuggets The San Antonio Spurs poured in 36 points in the fourth quarter of a 104-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets Saturday night. Tim Duncan had 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Spurs. Chauncey Billups collected a game-high 27 points in a losing effort for the Nuggets. Celtics run over Bucks The Boston Celtics poured in 37 points in the fourth quarter Saturday, as they toppled the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90. Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 24 points and six rebounds, while Ray Allen added 21 in the win. John Salmons netted 21 points and Brandon Jennings collected 19 in a losing effort for the Bucks. 76ers tame Grizzlies The Philadelphia 76ers scored 34 points in the fourth quarter and roared past the Memphis Grizzlies 120-101 Saturday night. Marreese Speights had 22 points and five rebounds for the 76ers, while Andre Iguodala had 15 points with seven boards and six assists. Mike Conley tossed in 23 points from 9-for-15 shooting from the field in the loss. Pacers cut down Nets Troy Murphy tossed in 25 points and the Indiana Pacers dominated the second half in a 115-102 victory over the New Jersey Nets Saturday. Danny Granger added 22 points for the Pacers, and Dahntay Jones collected 18 in the win. Yi Jianlian had 18 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort for the Nets. Bobcats claw past Pistons The Charlotte Bobcats fought off a resilient Detroit Pistons team in the fourth quarter and earned a 99-95 victory Saturday night. Larry Hughes collected 18 points for the Bobcats, while D.J. Augustin had 13 points with nine assists in the win. Ben Gordon netted 21 points and dished out seven assists for the Pistons. Hawks roll past Wizards The Atlanta Hawks won their ninth straight over the Washington Wizards with a 105-95 victory Saturday night at the Verizon Center. Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 28 points from 9-for-13 shooting. Joe Johnson chipped in with 20 points in the win. Andray Blatche led the Wizards with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Nick Young drained 10-of-19 from the field with 23 points. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap-647.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap-647.html Sun, 11 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Mavericks upset Trail Blazers Dirk Nowitzki went for a game-high 40 points as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 83-77 Friday night. Caron Butler chipped in with 18 points and seven rebounds for the Mavericks. LaMarcus Aldridge netted 27 points and grabbed five rebounds for the Trail Blazers in the loss. Grizzlies tear apart Spurs Zach Randolph went for 28 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double Friday, as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 107-99. Rudy Gay collected 21 points and seven rebounds for the Grizzlies, while O.J. Mayo added 20 points in the win. Manu Ginobili had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs. Rockets climb past Hornets The Houston Rockets played tight defence in the second half and came away with a 97-90 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats Friday night. Trevor Ariza went for 17 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in leading the Rockets. Raymond Felton had 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Hornets. Jazz bounce Hornets Deron Williams poured in 27 points and dished out 16 assists in leading the Utah Jazz to a 114-103 victory over the New Orleans Hornets Friday. Carlos Boozer finished with a double-double, tossing in 19 points with 10 rebounds for the Jazz. Darren Collison had 28 points and dished out seven assists for the Hornets. Thunder down Suns Kevin Durant tossed in a game-high 35 points and nine rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 96-91 victory over the Phoenix Suns Friday night. Jeff Green and Thabo Sefolosha had 15 points apiece for the Thunder. Amare Stoudemire netted 24 points with 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Lakers stop Timberwolves Pau Gasol went for 29 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double Friday, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-88. Lamar Odom had 13 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double for the Lakers. Kevin Love had 12 points and 18 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Nets top Bulls in double OT thriller The New Jersey Nets dominated the second overtime session, leading them past the Chicago Bulls 127-116 Friday night. Terrence Williams had 27 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double for the Nets. Brad Miller led the Bulls with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Pistons run past Heat Ben Gordon went for a game-high 39 points as the Detroit Pistons upset the Miami Heat 106-99 Friday night. Tayshaun Prince added 28 points in the win for the Pistons. Dwyane Wade was the leading scorer for the Heat, pouring in 19 points with nine assists. Wizards topple Celtics Andray Blatche netted 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for a double-double, as the Washington Wizards upended the Boston Celtics 106-96 Friday night. Shaun Livingston had 25 points with six rebounds for the Wizards. Rajon Rondo had 17 points with six rebounds and 12 assists in the loss. Hawks fend off Raptors Jamal Crawford poured in a game-high 25 points as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Toronto Raptors 107-101 Friday night. Joe Johnson netted 18 points and dished out seven assists for the Hawks. Amir Johnson had 18 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Pacers hold off Cavaliers Danny Granger went for 36 points as the Indiana Pacers held on for a 116-113 victory over the Cleveland Indians Friday night. Brandon Rush and Earl Watson added 16 points apiece in the win for the Pacers. J.J. Hickson added 21 points with 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Bucks roll past 76ers Carlos Delfino poured in a game-high 23 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 95-90 Friday night. Luke Ridnor netted 18 points for the Bucks, and Brandon Jennings chipped in with 16 points in the win. Andre Iguodala had 21 points and four rebounds in the loss for the 76ers. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_10-644.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_10-644.html Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST A’s rout Angels Daric Barton went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs Friday, leading the Oakland A’s over the LA Angels 10-4. Gio Gonzalez pitched six innings for the win, giving up six hits and two runs, striking out six. Matt Palmer gave up eight hits and seven runs over his five innings as the Angels starter. D-Backs cruise past Pirates Chris Young belted a grand slam and finished with five RBIs to propel the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 9-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night. Rodrigo Lopez fanned five batters and allowed just one run over his six innings on the mound in the win for the Diamondbacks. Charlie Morton was rocked for eight runs over 3 1-3 innings in the loss for the Pirates. Twins nip White Sox in 11 Justin Morneau had three hits and drove in one run to lead the Minnesota Twins over the Chicago White Sox 4-3 Friday night. Brian Duensing pitched two scoreless innings of relief, and Jon Rauch closed out the ninth for his third save of the season. Tony Pena gave up one run over three innings with four strikeouts in the loss for the White Sox. Royals slip past Red Sox Rick Ankiel went 4-for-4 and drove in three runs to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 win over the Boston Red Sox Friday night. John Parrish collected the win in relief, and Joakim Soria closed out the ninth for his first save of the season. Daniel Bard gave up the winning run in relief and was tagged with the loss. Brewers fall to Cardinals Nick Stavinoha belted a game-winning two-run homer in the ninth to lift the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Friday night. Dennys Reyes pitched one inning of scoreless relief for the win, and Ryan Franklin turned away the side in the ninth for his second save. Trevor Hoffman surrendered two runs off two hits in one inning for the Brewers. Phillies pound Astros J.A. Happ threw five scoreless innings with five strikeouts Friday, as the Philadelphia Phillies shut down the Houston Astros 8-0. Raul Ibanez went 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs for the Phillies. Placido Polanco had four hits and drove in a pair of runs in the win. Bud Norris surrendered six hits and three runs over 2 2-3 innings in the loss. Cruz leads Rangers over Mariners Nelson Cruz homered and drove in a pair of runs as the Texas Rangers defeated the Seattle Mariners 6-2 Friday night. Colby Lewis went seven innings for the win, allowing five hits and one earned run with three strikeouts. Jason Vargas gave up eight hits and five runs over 5 1-3 innings in a losing effort. Reds edge Cubs Drew Stubbs belted a grand slam home run in leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs Friday night. Micah Owings pitched three scoreless innings and earned the win, while Francisco Cordero closed out the win. Esmailin Caridad gave up all four runs in an inning of work in the loss. Mets dump Nationals The New York Mets scored five times over two innings Friday, leading them to an 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. Jeff Francoeur belted two home runs and drove in three runs to propel the Mets. Mike Pelfrey allowed four earned runs off four hits in six innings for the win. Ian Desmond drove in two runs to lead the Nationals. Miguel Batista gave up the winning run over 2 2-3 innings of work in the loss. Dodgers stop Marlins The Los Angeles Dodgers scored four runs in the seventh inning en route to a 7-3 win over the Florida Marlins Friday night. James Loney led the way with a pair of RBIs for the Dodgers. Hiroki Kuroda tossed eight innings for the win, giving up five hits and one run with seven strikeouts. Wes Helms drove in two runs for the Marlins, while Chris Volstad gave up five hits and three runs over 6 1-3 innings of work. Rays scorch Yankees Carlos Pena cracked a two-run homer and led the Tampa Bay Rays to a 9-3 win over the New York Yankees Friday night. David Price went 7 2-3 innings for the win, giving up seven hits and three earned runs. Javier Vasquez allowed eight hits and eight runs over 5 2-3 innings in the loss. Giants oulast Braves in 13 Aaron Rowand drove in the winning run in the 13th inning and Edgar Renteria hit a two-run homer as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in the series-opener Friday. Jeremy Affeldt pitched a scoreless 13th inning and improved to 2-0 with the win in relief for the Giants. Matt Diaz went 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBIs for the Braves. Kris Medlen was tagged with the loss, giving up the winning run in his 1 2-3 innings on the mound. Rockies shut down Padres Jorge De La Rosa tossed a one-hitter through seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts Friday, as the Colorado Rockies blanked the San Diego Padres 7-0 in the series-opener at Coors Field. Clint Barmes belted a three-run homer to spark the Rockies, and Ian Stewart had a two-run single in the win. Clayton Richard surrendered seven hits and three earned runs over seven innings as the Padres starter. Blue Jays rally past Orioles John Buck drove in a pair of runs and the Toronto Blue Jays scored twice in the ninth inning to edge the Baltimore Orioles 7-6 in the series-opener Friday afternoon. Casey Janssen collected his second straight win in relief, and Kevin Gregg tossed a scoreless ninth for the save. Mike Gonzalez was tagged with the loss, allowing two earned runs in relief for the Orioles. Tigers dominate Indians The Detroit Tigers won their seventh straight over the Cleveland Indians with a 5-2 series-opening victory Friday afternoon at Comerica Park. Magglio Ordonez had two hits and drove in a run for the Tigers. Rick Porcello earned the win, allowing two earned runs in his five innings of work. David Huff surrendered three unearned runs off six hits in six innings on the mound in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_10-645.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_10-645.html Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST Twins cruise past Angels Jim Thome and Delmon Young belted three-run homers as the Minnesota Twins routed the LA Angels 10-2 Thursday night. Kevin Slowey pitched 5 1-3 innings for the win, allowing one earned run off seven hits. Joel Pineiro gave up three runs off five hits in his six innings of work for the Angels. Indians dump White Sox in 11 Grady Sizemore drove in three runs to help the Cleveland Indians defeat the Chicago White Sox 5-3 Thursday night. Jensen Lewis pitched 1 2-3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, and Chris Perez notched his second save of the season. J.J. Putz was tagged with the loss, allowing four hits and two runs in 1 1-3 innings of relief. Marlins clinch series from Mets The Florida Marlins won the rubber match Thursday by downing the New York Mets 3-1 at Citi Field. Jorge Cantu went 2-for-4 with one RBI for the Marlins. Nate Robertson allowed one earned run over five innings with four strikeouts in the win. Jonathan Niese surrendered eight hits and three runs over six innings in the loss. Cubs shut down Braves Randy Wells six scoreless innings and the Chicago Cubs shut out the Atlanta Braves 2-0 Thursday night and avoided a three-game series. Tyler Colvin homered for the Cubs, and Carlos Marmol closed out the game for his first save of the season. Tommy Hanson gave up four runs over 5 1-3 innings with seven strikeouts in the loss. Orioles avoid sweep by Rays Garrett Atkins drove in a pair of runs to help the Baltimore Orioles defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 Thursday and avoided a three-game sweep. Brian Matusz tossed five innings for the win, allowing two earned runs with seven strikeouts. Mike Ekstrom gave up three earned runs in less than an inning of relief in the loss. Phillies fall to Nationals Ryan Zimmerman’s seventh-inning double sent the Washington Nationals to a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday in the series rubber match. Tyler Clippard earned the victory in relief of Nationals starter Craig Stammen, while fanning one batter in his 1 2-3 innings of work. Nelson Figueroa walked three batters and gave up the winning run in two innings of relief in the loss. A's down Mariners Daric Barton went 3-for-4 at the plate with four runs batted in as the Oakland A's beat the Seattle Mariners 6-2 Thursday to clinch the four-game set. Brett Anderson pitched six scoreless innings for the win, allowing just three hits with four strikeouts. Doug Fister gave up six hits and two runs over four innings in suffering the loss for Seattle. Cabrera powers Tigers over Royals Miguel Cabrera belted a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs, leading the Detroit Tigers in a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals Thursday in the series rubber match. Magglio Ordonez went 3-for-4 with three runs scored for the Tigers, and Eddie Bonine pitched the win in relief of starter Dontrelle Willis. Luis Mendoza was rocked for four runs off five hits in only 1 2-3 innings on the mound in the loss. Blue Jays rally past Rangers Vernon Wells homered and Mike McCoy drove in the winning run in a three-run ninth Thursday, as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1 in the series rubber match. Casey Jannsen collected the win in relief, and Jason Frasor closed out the ninth for his second straight save. Frank Francisco was handed the loss after surrendering all three runs in relief. Reds top Cards in rubber match Jonny Gomes walkoff homer lifted the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the series finale Thursday afternoon. Francisco Cordero pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win in relief of Bronson Arroyo, who drove in the other Reds run. Matt Holliday went deep for the Cardinals, while Jason Motte gave up the winning run in the ninth and suffered the loss. Dodgers crush Pirates; avoid sweep Ronnie Belliard went deep and drove in four runs Thursday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-2 to avoid a series sweep. Chad Billingsley went 5 1-3 innings for the win, allowing five hits and one run with seven strikeouts. Paul Maholm was tagged with the loss, allowing four earned runs over six innings of work. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_9-642.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_9-642.html Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST Nuggets down Lakers Carmelo Anthony went for 31 points as the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-96 Thursday night. J.R. Smith chipped in with 26 points and six rebounds for the Nuggets. Pau Gasol had a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. Kings run over Clippers The Sacramento Kings dominated the fourth quarter with 32 points and ran away with a 116-94 victory over the LA Clippers Thursday night. Tyreke Evans had 28 points, six rebounds and seven assists to lead the Kings. Jason Thompson netted 22 points in the win. Chris Kaman went for a team-high 23 points and six rebounds for the Clippers. Bulls upend Cavaliers Derrick Rose went for 24 points and dished out 10 assists in helping the Chicago Bulls get by the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108 Thursday night. Kirk Hinrich netted 23 points for the Bulls, while Joakim Noah had a double-double with 17 points and15 rebounds in the win. Mo Williams had 35 points and 10 assists for a double-double in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_9-643.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_9-643.html Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:00:00 EST A’s trim Mariners Kurt Suzuki drove in the winning run in the ninth to give the Oakland A’s a 6-5 win over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday night. Suzuki finished 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs for the A’s. Jerry Blevins took in the win in relief. Milton Bradley went deep for a two-run homer for the Mariners. Mark Lowe surrendered the winning run and was tagged with the loss. Twins double up on Angels The Minnesota Twins took a 2-1 series lead with a 4-2 victory over the LA Angels Wednesday night. J.J. Hardy went 2-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run for the Twins. Carl Pavano scattered just six hits and one run over seven innings for the win. Hideki Matsui had three hits in a losing effort for the Angels. Ervin Santana gave up fove hits and four runs over six innings in the loss. D-Backs split with Padres The Arizona Diamondbacks pulled out a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres 5-3 Wednesday night to earn a split of their season-opening three-game series. Kelly Johnson blasted two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the Diamondbacks. Blaine Boyer got the win in relief, and Chad Qualls closed out the game for his first save of the year. Scott Hairston belted a three-run homer in a losing effort for the Padres. Kevin Correia gave up four runs off seven hits over six innings in the loss. Indians even series with White Sox The Cleveland Indians rallied with three runs in the fourth inning, as they defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-3 Wednesday night. Matt LaPorta went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Indians. Fausto Carmona allowed just one hit and three runs in six innings for the win, and Chris Perez closed out the game for the save. Paul Konerko had a two-run homer and drove in all three runs for the White Sox. Randy Williams surrendered the winning run and was tagged with the loss. Royals even series with Tigers The Kansas City Royals scored twice in the bottom of the 11th inning to defeat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 Wednesday night. Alberto Callaspo homered for the Royals, and Kyle Farnsworth tossed the 11th inning for the win on the mound. Miguel Cabrera went deep in a losing effort for the Tigers. Jose Valverde gave up two runs and suffered the loss on the hill. Blue Jays nip Rangers in 10 innings Vernon Wells belted two home runs and helped the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Texas Rangers 7-4 Wednesday night. Brian Tallet pitched 6 2-3 innings for the win, and Jason Frasor collected his first save of the season. Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run for the Rangers. Dustin Nippert surrendered three runs in relief in the loss. Rays fend off Orioles The Tampa Bay Rays won their second straight with a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night. Evan Longoria smacked a solo home run and had a two-run double for the Rays. Matt Garza tossed eight solid inning for the win and fanned nine batters. Miguel Tejada drove in a run for the Orioles, and Jeremy Guthrie allowed eight hits and three runs over 6 1-3 innings in the loss. Yankees down BoSox in extra inning Curtis Granderson belted a solo home run in a two-run 10th inning Wednesday, as the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-1 in the series rubber match at Fenway Park. Chan Ho Park tossed three shutout innings of relief to earn the victory, and Mariano Rivera notched his second save. David Ortiz drove in the lone Red Sox run, while Jonathan Papelbon surrendered two runs in relief in the loss. Braves rally past Cubs Chipper Jones homered in the eighth inning on Wednesday night to give the Atlanta Braves a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Jair Jurrjens went five innings in his start for Atlanta, allowing two unearned runs on three hits while fanning two batters. Ryan Dempster pitched six innings for the Cubs, giving up one earned run on three hits while striking out nine. Cardinals double up on Reds Matt Holliday drove in a pair of runs on Wednesday night to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Cards starter Adam Wainwright went seven innings in the win, giving up two earned runs on three hits while fanning six batters. Johnny Cueto started for the Reds, surrendering two earned runs on five hits over six innings while striking out three. Marlins get past rival Mets Ronny Paulino had an RBI single in the 10th inning on Wednesday to give the Florida Marlins a 7-6 win over the New York Mets. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco went 6 2-3 innings in the win, giving up three earned runs on three hits while striking out five. John Maine surrendered four earned runs on eight hits over five innings in his start for New York, fanning three. Nationals fall to Phillies Ryan Howard homered and drove in three runs on Wednesday as the Philadelphia Phillies grabbed an 8-4 win over the Washington Nationals. Phillies starter Cole Hamels went five innings in the win, giving up two earned runs on five hits while fanning five batters. Jason Marquis was tagged with the loss for the Nationals, allowing six earned runs on eight hits over his four innings. Pirates beat Dodgers in 10 Ronny Cedeno drove in the winning run in the 10th inning on Wednesday as the Pittsburgh Pirates topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3. Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf went five innings in the win, allowing two earned runs on four hits while fanning one. Clayton Kershaw surrendered three earned runs on five hits over 4 2-3 innings in his start for the Dodgers, striking out four. Giants pound Astros in sweep The San Francisco Giants belted out 19 hits and cruised to a 10-4 victory over the Houston Astros for a season-opening four-game sweep Wednesday at Minute Maid Ball Bark. Edgar Renteria went 5-for-5 with two RBIs for the Giants, and John Bowker belted a two-run homer. Jeremy Affeldt picked up the win in relief of Matt Cain. Cory Sullivan drove in a pair of runs for the Astros, while Sammy Gervacio gave up the winning runs in relief. Brewers edge Rockies for series win The Milwaukee Brewers came back from three runs down to defeat the Colorado Rockies 5-4 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Miller Park. George Kottaras drove in a pair of runs to spark the comeback for Milwaukee. Todd Coffey pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Troy Tulowitzki went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Rockies. Aaron Cook surrendered seven hits and five runs in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_8-640.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_8-640.html Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:00:00 EST Suns too much for Spurs Steve Nash tossed in 18 points and dished out 12 assists for a double-double Wednesday, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 112-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Amare Stoudemire went for a game-high 29 points, and Jason Ricardson chipped in with 20 in the win. Roger Mason had 18 points and six rebounds in a losing effort for the Spurs. Trail Blazers dump Clippers LaMarcus Aldridge poured in 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 93-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night. Brandon Roy netted 23 points and dished out six assists for the Trail Blazers. Steve Blake, Rasual Butler, and Chris Kaman had 14 points apiece in the loss. Rockets launch past favored Jazz The Houston Rockets dominated from the start as they ran past the Utah Jazz 113-96 Wednesday night. Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin poured in 28 points apiece in leading the Rockets. Luis Scola chipped in with 24 points in the loss for the Jazz. Carlos Boozer netted 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Mavericks roar past Grizzlies The Dallas Mavericks dominated the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 110-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Caron Butler had 23 points in the win. Zach Randolph had 17 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Bucks down Nets The Milwaukee Bucks allowed just 31 points in the second half as they crushed the New Jersey Nets 108-89 Wednesday night. John Salmons had 22 points with four rebounds and five assists in leading the Bucks. Devin Harris led the Nets with 25 points off 9-for-15 shooting. Warriors run over Timberwolves The Golden State Warriors were terribly outplayed in the fourth quarter, but still managed a convincing 116-107 Wednesday night. Anthony Tolliver led the Warriors with a game-high 34 points, while Stephen Curry had 27 points and 14 assists for a double-double in the win. Kevin Love had a double-double with 17 points and 18 rebounds in the loss for Minnesota. Bobcats slip past Hornets The Charlotte Bobcats dominated the opening half and went on to defeat the New Orleans Hornets 104-103 Wednesday night. Stephen Jackson had 29 points with four rebounds and five assists in leading the way for the Bobcats. Marcus Thornton tossed in a game-high 36 points for the Hornets in the loss. Magic roll past Wizards Dwight Howard collected a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in leading the Orlando Magic to a 121-94 win over the Washington Wizards Wednesday night. J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus netted 16 points apiece for the Magic. Nick Young drained 21 points in the loss for Washington. Nuggets rally past Thunder The Denver Nuggets roared back with 25 points in the fourth quarter and defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 98-94 Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups led the way with 31 points and eight rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony had 24 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the win. Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Pistons slip past Hawks The Detroit Pistons came back in the fourth quarter and earned an 90-88 win over the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night. Ben Gordon netted 22 points and dished out seven assists for the Pistons. Will Bynum chipped in with 17 points in the win. Al Horford had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort for the Hawks. Heat streak past 76ers The Miami Heat extended their winning streak to nine games by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 99-95 Wednesday night. Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 22 points and four rebounds, while Dorell Wright added 19 in the win. Samuel Dalembert had 19 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Granger leads Pacers over Knicks Danny Granger poured in a game-high 33 points Wednesday, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 113-105 victory over the New York Knicks. Troy Murphy netted 17 points and hauled down 12 boards for a double-double in the win. David Lee had 16 points and 16 rebounds for a double-double in a losing effort for the Knicks. Celtics topple ailing Raptors The Boston Celtics handed the injury-riddled Toronto Raptors a seventh straight defeat with a 115-104 victory Wednesday night. Rajon Rondo had 21 points and five rebounds, while Paul Pierce added 20 in the win for Boston. Sonny Weems netted 21 points and grabbed five rebounds in the loss for Toronto. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_8-641.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_8-641.html Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:00:00 EST Athletics trim Mariners in extra innings Mark Ellis' RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the Oakland Athletics past the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Tuesday night. Kurt Suzuki was 2-for-5 with a homer for the Athletics, as Edwar Ramirez picked up the win in relief of Dallas Braden for Oakland. Franklin Gutierrez went 2-for-3 for Seattle, while Kanekoa Texeira took the loss after giving up the winning run in the bottom of the 10th. Twins trip up Angels Joe Mauer smashed a two-run dinger to lead the Minnesota Twins over the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Tuesday night. Justin Morneau was 2-for-3 with a solo shot for the Twins, as Nick Blackburn gave up three runs over 6 2-3 innings to get the win for Minnesota. Torii Hunter went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and three runs batted in for Los Angeles, while Joe Saunders was tagged for five runs over five innings to take the loss for the Angels. Padres handle Diamondbacks Everth Cabrera went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in, as the San Diego Padres doubled the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 on Tuesday night. Chris Young pitched six shutout innings to earn the win for the Padres, as Adrian Gonzalez was 2-for-5 with a big fly for San Diego. Justin Upton went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Arizona, while losing pitcher Edwin Jackson gave up three runs over five innings for the Diamondbacks. Brewers slip past Rockies Casey McGehee went 2-for-3 with a three-run blast to lead the Milwaukee Brewers past the Colorado Rockies 7-5 on Tuesday night. Prince Fielder was 2-for-2 with a run batted in for the Brewers, as winning pitcher Randy Wolf allowed four runs over 6 2-3 innings for Milwaukee. Carlos Gonzalez went 2-for-5 with two RBIs for Colorado, while Greg Smith was rocked for five runs over five innings to take the loss for the Rockies. Zito, Giants shut out Astros Barry Zito tossed six scoreless innings to earn the win, as the San Francisco Giants stifled the Houston Astros 3-0 on Tuesday night. Aubrey Huff went 2-for-4 with a run batted in for the Giants, who got RBIs from Bengie Molina and Juan Uribe in the payday. Jeff Keppinger was 2-for-2 for Houston, while losing pitcher Wandy Rodriguez allowed three runs over six innings for the Astros. Yankees take out Red Sox Robinson Cano was 2-for-3 with a big fly and two runs batted in to lead the New York Yankees past the Boston Red Sox 6-4 on Tuesday night. Nick Swisher went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Yankees, as Alfredo Aceves got the win in relief of A.J. Burnett for New York. Victor Martinez was 2-for-3 with a two-run shot and three RBIs for Boston, while Hideki Okajima was tagged with the loss after coming into the game following Jon Lester for the Red Sox. Rays trim Orioles Carl Crawford's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Tampa Bay Rays past the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 on Tuesday night. Jason Bartlett went 2-for-4 with a run batted in for the Rays, as Rafael Soriano picked up the win in relief of James Shields for Tampa Bay. Adam Jones was 3-for-5 with a homer for Baltimore, while Mike Gonzalez took the loss after allowing the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_7-638.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_7-638.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 07:00:00 EST Spurs get past Kings Richard Jefferson netted 18 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Sacramento Kings 95-86 on Tuesday night. Manu Ginobili added 16 points and six assists for the Spurs, who got 15 points from Garrett Temple in the win. Tyreke Evans had 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for Sacramento, while Carl Landry scored 20 points for the Kings. Williams, Jazz nip Thunder in overtime Deron Williams went for 42 points and 10 assists to lift the Utah Jazz past the Oklahoma City Thunder 140-139 in overtime on Tuesday night. Carlos Boozer had 28 points and 15 rebounds for the Jazz, who got 16 points from C.J. Miles in the win. Kevin Durant finished with 45 points and seven boards for Oklahoma City, while Russell Westbrook added 27 points and nine assists for the Thunder. Bucks shut down Bulls John Salmons drained 26 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the Chicago Bulls 79-74 on Tuesday night. Ersan Ilyasova added 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Bucks, who got 13 points from reserve Luke Ridnour in the win. Luol Deng went for 16 points and 10 boards for Chicago, while Derrick Rose had 12 points and 11 assists for the Bulls. Rockets top Grizzlies Kevin Martin scored 29 points to lead the Houston Rockets past the Memphis Grizzlies 113-103 on Tuesday night. Aaron Brooks had 17 points and seven assists for the Rockets, who also got 17 points from Luis Scola in the win. Zach Randolph went for 22 points and seven rebounds for Memphis, while Rudy Gay posted 20 points and eight boards for the Grizzlies. Gallinari, Knicks surprise Celtics Danilo Gallinari dropped 31 points to lift the New York Knicks past the Boston Celtics 104-101 on Tuesday night. Earl Barron went for 17 points and 18 rebounds for the Knicks, who got 14 points off the bench from Sergio Rodriguez in the upset. Ray Allen scored 17 points to lead Boston, while Kendrick Perkins added 14 points and eight boards for the Celtics Bobcats outgun Hawks Gerald Wallace had 28 points and six rebounds to lead the Charlotte Bobcats past the Atlanta Hawks 109-100 on Tuesday night. Boris Diaw went for 17 points, nine boards, and nine assists for the Bobcats, who got 15 points from Stephen Jackson in the win. Maurice Evans scored 20 points for Atlanta, while Jamal Crawford finished with 18 points and six assists off the bench for the Hawks. Wizards overpower Warriors Nick Young poured in 29 points, as the Washington Wizards handled the Golden State Warriors 112-94 on Tuesday night. JaVale McGee went for 25 points and 15 rebounds off the bench for the Wizards, who got 21 points and eight assists from Shaun Livingston in the win. Stephen Curry dropped 27 points for Golden State, while Corey Maggette scored 20 points for the Warriors Cavaliers down Raptors Antawn Jamison dropped 20 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Toronto Raptors 113-101 on Tuesday night. LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists for the Cavaliers, who got 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists from Anthony Parker in the win. Jarrett Jack went for 23 points and six assists off the bench for Toronto, while Andrea Bargnani netted 11 points for the Raptors. Pistons drill 76ers Charlie Villanueva drained 25 points off the bench, as the Detroit Pistons rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 124-103 on Tuesday night. Rodney Stuckey scored 24 points for the Pistons, who got 18 points and six rebounds from Ben Wallace in the win. Marreese Speights came off the pine to post 21 points and six boards for Philadelphia, while reserve Jodie Meeks netted 19 points for the 76ers. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_7-639.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_7-639.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 07:00:00 EST For those who participate in fantasy leagues on CBSsports.com, you might be familiar with the Roster Trends tool, but for those who are not, prepare to be amazed.  To provide a quick synopsis, they have a page that is updated daily on the biggest weekly change of ownership of players, both increasing and decreasing. Below are the top twenty players added this week and my take on whether or not you should add them. Sean Rodriguez 2B, TB – The former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim prospect was part of a trade last season that sent southpaw Scott Kazmir packing. Known for being a power hitting second baseman, he’s been drawing lots of attention for a few years due to the solid numbers he’s posted at every stop in the minor leagues.  The reason he’s been picked up in 24% of leagues this week is due to his Spring Training stats.  In 63 at bats he’s racked up 20 runs scored, six home runs, 17 RBI, a stolen base, all the while hitting for a .460 average.  There’s only one problem, he doesn’t have a starting job.  While he has the potential to be a solid hitter, he’s in an awkward situation in Tampa Bay.  Both Rodriguez and Ben Zobrist can play second base and left field, which means that they can both play but it will limit time for Matt Joyce and Reid Brignac, two talents the Rays have had brewing in the minors waiting patiently for their chance to start.  Rodriguez will get lots of at bats to start the season due to his hot spring, but will likely be on a short leash. Ryan Madson RP, PHI – With Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero both starting the season on the DL, Madson will start the season as the closer.  The odds of him sticking are slim, but he’s going to get saves for now.  He’s definitely worth the pickup. Jon Rauch RP, MIN – With Joe Nathan out for the year, Rauch is going to have to step up in a big way for the Twins to compete for the AL Central title.  Rauch does have closing experience with the Washington Nationals, but it will be impossible for him to replicate Nathan’s abilities.  You have to expect him to get saves for a while and hold the job until he starts to blow saves in the regular season. Fausto Carmona SP, CLE – The Cleveland Indians need Carmona to come through in a big way this year and continue his success that we saw from him this spring.  He’s been non-existent since his big league stardom in 2007, and was even sent down to Rookie ball last year to help work on his stuff.  He’s had a crazy career, but a strong spring could mean that he’s back on track.  Is it likely that he keeps up the 1.38 ERA? Hell no. Is he going to get every opportunity possible to prove himself this year? Certainly.  The Indians want and need him to perform well this year.  If you have a spot available, pick him up, but don’t drop anyone of value. Franklin Morales RP, COL – Another closer capitalizing on injury, Morales is a pitcher who has some closing experience in the past.  Houston Street, the typical Rockies closer, is out until May with shoulder stiffness, but should resume regular closing duties once healthy.  Jeff Clement C, PIT – Currently undergoing a change from squatting behind the plate to playing first base, Clement has value in many leagues with the ability to play two positions.  Ryan Doumit will lock up the catcher spot, forcing Clement to be a regular at first base.  Don’t expect big numbers, but if lacking a reserve catcher, he can fill that void. Jason Heyward OF, ATL – See this article http://www.rotoinfo.com Ben Sheets SP, OAK – He’s the Opening Day starter for the Athletics and appears to be healthy for now.  If he’s available, grab him because when he’s healthy, he has potential to be the best pitcher in baseball.  There’s no reason that he should have only been owned in 68 leagues leading up to this week. Kyle Blanks OF, SD – One of the top power hitting prospects in all of baseball, Blanks should be starting on an everyday basis in the pitcher friend Petco Park.  Though he only had two home runs in the Spring, he did hit .407 in 59 at bats.  Considering his weakness in the big leagues last year was average, things are looking good for Blanks.  Keep him on your bench for now, but don’t be complaining if he strikes out too much. Chase Headley OF, SD – Like Blanks, Headley is stuck in a solid pitchers park.  While Headley doesn’t possess the power of Blanks, or anything close to his skill set for that matter, he can still provide value on the Waiver Wire.  He did steal 10 bases last year, which increased his value.  Don’t expect anything special, but if you really need a reserve outfielder you’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel with Headley. Ian Desmond SS, WAS – Although he beat out Christian Guzman for the starting job in the District of Columbia, I don’t see Desmond living up to the hype.  Last year he broke out offensively, but scouts still say that he needs to develop to be a good Major League hitter.  I’m going to side with them, and while he might be worth a gamble on the bench, don’t expect much in 2010. Jason Frasor RP, TOR – Frasor was recently handed the spot by manager Cito Gaston.  While his ERA this spring has been a poor 5.40, he’s been awarded the role over Kevin Gregg and Scott Downs.  Both of the two previously mentioned relievers are capable of stealing the role at any time, but Frasor will accumulate saves for now making him worthy of a roster spot in every league. Ian Kennedy SP, ARI – After spending years in the New York Yankees system, he was finally rewarded with a change of scenery and placed in a low pressure market.  He pitched well this spring and quickly adjusted to throwing in the Arizona air.  He’s got potential to be a good #3 pitcher and the Diamondbacks will give him every opportunity to do so.  At his best, expect him to be good, but definitely not great this year. Erick Aybar SS, ANA – Aybar is going to leadoff for the Angels and has spent all of Spring Training working on his patience at the plate.  He’s taking the role from Chone Figgins, which means that he’s got some big shoes to fill.  Expect good speed and a lot of runs scored. He’s like a mini Jose Reyes. Matt Lindstrom RP, HOU – Lindstrom will provide saves after being named Houston’s closer, but he’s not going to wow anyone.  In fact, he probably won’t even rack up 20 saves this season.  Expect him to lose the job somewhere along the line, but if in a dire need for saves, make the move. Scott Sizemore 2B, DET – As a rookie second baseman in Detroit, replacing Placido Polanco is going to be tough.  While he still has to adapt to the Major League level, Sizemore is an average player who possess the typical skill set at second base.  There are kinks to work out, so don’t expect too much in the short run. Rickie Weeks 2B, MIL – Weeks finally got off to a solid start last year, but he was shut down before reaching 150 at bats.  Power was a plenty last year in his short time, and because of the positive signs last year, he should be owned in every league, especially those with a middle infield slot. Billy Wagner RP, ATL – The Braves optimistically signed him to a short term deal for him to serve as a rental closer until Craig Kimbrel is Major League ready.  While Kimbrel and Wagner have been splitting saves this spring, Wagner will start the year as the closer, regardless of his mediocre performance.  Wagner will rack up saves for now, or at least make his best attempt to and therefore deserves a roster spot in every league. Aroldis Chapman SP, CIN – While Chapman was sent to Triple-A Louisville, he could soon have value in the Major Leagues.  Don’t put too much stock in him if you have a shallow bench, instead use that for two start pitchers.  He’s got the stuff to pitch in the majors, but there is a log jam in the Reds organization that is preventing him from doing so. Adrian Beltre 3B, BOS – While he already had a big breakout year, there’s lots of potential with Beltre going to Boston.  The lineup and park should help him out, especially compared to his time spent in Seattle.  He should be owned in all leagues and fill corner infield slots.            Kevin Orris is a fantasy baseball columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have an questions or comments feel free to email him at kevinorris@rotoinfo.com                        http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Roster_Trends.-634.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Roster_Trends.-634.html Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST Value and Pitfalls of Stephen Strasburg Jason Heyward may be the next uber-prospect to break into the batter’s box, but when it comes to the crème de la crème of hyped prospects is definitely Stephen Strasburg. Young pitchers are much harder to project than young hitters. Basically the way it works is that when an especially young hitter proves that he can hit, he will not lose that talent barring significant injury. Think Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey, Jr., Barry Bonds and maybe even Justin Upton. Hyped young pitchers are different. For every Rogers Clemens, there is a Ben Macdonald. For every Felix Hernandez there is an equivalent Rick Ankiel. Every player named thus far has had the same things in common – they were known as elite, once in a generation prospects and broke into the majors by their early 20s. Strasburg turns 22 on July 20th and figures to have been in the majors for at least a month by then. The plan for the rookie pitcher for now is to send him to Double A Harrisburg to let him get acclimatized to professional baseball for a little while before bringing him up to The Show to turn him loose. A couple of questions arise: how soon is too soon to bring up Strasburg? How well will his stuff play in the majors coming more or less straight out of college? Can the young man handle the pressure? For our purposes, the pertinent question becomes: what kind of fantasy impact can we expect from Strasburg this season? History gives us some clues. Here are three pitchers who were high draft picks with elite expectations with time spent in the minors and performance in the first year they were called up. Player A – Minors time: 15 games, 74.2 innings First season: 21 games (15 starts), 118.2 innings, 8 wins, 5 losses, 2.43 ERA, 159 ERA +, 1.037 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 1.86 K/BB  Player B – Minors time: 55 games, 278.1 innings First season:  26 games started, 166.2 innings, 13 wins, 6 losses, 3.40 ERA, 129 ERA +, 1.212 WHIP, 12.6 K/9, 2.74 K/BB Player C – Minors time:  9 games, 51 innings First season: 19 games started, 116.2 innings, 6 wins, 6 losses, 3.32 ERA, 122 ERA+, 1.166 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 3.387 K/BB Player A and Player C were considered the best pitching prospects in memory in their respective drafts. Neither pitched badly in their first seasons and, especially in the case of Player C, showed great promise with his periphery numbers. Both players spent very little times in the minors and were with their big league teams in their first full year as professionals. Player B was a little bit different as he spent parts of a few seasons in the minors before coming up in 1998 and blowing the doors off the league. He would team with Player C to make a very formidable rotation punch in the very memorable 2003 National League Championship series. Got it yet? Player A is Ben McDonald, the first pick overall in the 1989 draft. Player B is Kerry Wood (4th overall, 1995) which would, of course, make Mark Prior (2nd overall – 2001). Let us start with McDonald. He was considered to be one of the best arms in a generation when he was drafted and he ended up having serviceable, though no where near sterling, numbers as a pro. His lifetime line of 78 wins, 70 losses, 3.91 ERA, 115 ERA + and 6.02 K/9 makes him slightly above average and he never really registered the “break out” superstar season that should be expected from a No. 1 overall. Maybe McDonald was overvalued in the first place but fantasy leaguers had a fair argument for picking him up in his first few seasons on hype and potential alone, if only to be marginally disappointed later. Wood and Prior are different stories and, for our purposes, much closer to Strasburg than Mcdonald. Wood may have benefited over Prior in the long term for his slower ascent through the minors (Wood is still pitching in the big leagues whereas Prior’s flame has pretty much been extinguished). In Wood’s first season he put up an astonishing number of strikeouts (233) and led the league in hits against (6.3/9) which, if he walked less batters, who have led to one of the most dominant seasons in history. Wood was a must-have when he came up and probably only the most ardent of stat heads and minor league followers (or Cubs fans) had him on their fantasy roster for his 20 strikeout performance on May 6, 2008. Prior was similar in that regard. He did not have quite the gaudy overall numbers that Wood did but his 11.3 K/9 and 3.87 K/BB were impressive and added up to a 1.16 WHIP, enough below league average to be serviceable. He did not add many wins and his overall accomplishments were marginalized in terms of fantasy value as he only had 116.2 innings. That makes him better than any reliever you could pick up but still on the fringe of quality fantasy depth. So, what does this all mean for you, me, Strasburg and our fantasy leagues? Don’t get too excited. He could come out of the gate like Wood (or Dwight Gooden or Roger Clemens) and be a firecracker and have instant fantasy value. Or, he could go the Prior route and be good but only fringe worthy because of innings limitations, which fantasy owners always like to maximize. From what we have seen from Strasburg this spring, he will probably be with the Nationals by June, at the very latest. Keep an eye on his progress because you would not want to miss picking him off the waiver wire (as long as somebody does not already have him stashed away) for a few quality starts before the All Star break. Or he could be McDonald. In which case we will hear The Beltway cry in their cups for years to come. Dan Rowinski is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at danrowinski@rotoinfo.com. You can follow him on Twitter at Dan_Rowinski. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basball_2010._Value_and_pitfalls_of_Steven_Strasburg-636.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basball_2010._Value_and_pitfalls_of_Steven_Strasburg-636.html Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST Knicks end 10-game road skid to Clips The New York Knicks are no-longer 0-for-Staples Center against the Clippers. David Lee had 29 points and 10 rebounds, Al Harrington scored six of his 26 points in the final 1:12, and the Knicks snapped a 10-game road losing streak against the Clips with a 113-107 victory Sunday night. The margin of defeat in six of those games at Staples was five points or fewer. Durant sets Thunder scoring mark in win First, Kevin Durant told a cheering crowd that making the playoffs was "only the beginning" for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then he went to work proving it, setting a record in the process. Durant scored 40 points to break the franchise record for scoring in a season and Oklahoma City fought off a spirited charge by the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 116-108 victory on Sunday night. Pacers stay hot at home, beat Rockets Josh McRoberts wants to be considered an integral part of the Indiana Pacers' future. Sunday's performance against the Houston Rockets was a good start. McRoberts had a career-high 18 points and tied a career high with 12 rebounds, helping the Pacers to a 133-102 victory over the Rockets for their ninth home win in 10 games. Scuffle mars Magic win over Grizzlies Rarely does an April game with little at stake have so much fight. This one had almost too much. Vince Carter had 26 points and seven rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Memphis Grizzles 107-92 Sunday night after an on-court scuffle. The scrum between Matt Barnes and Hasheem Thabeet escalated into a shoving match involving nearly 10 players. Warriors' Nelson ties career wins record Don Nelson might not be much of a dancer, but he's one heck of a coach. Nelson tied Lenny Wilkens for the most wins by an NBA coach when the Golden State Warriors held off the Toronto Raptors 113-112 on Sunday night. "What a game to tie the record," Nelson said. "Unbelievable. It had about everything you'd want, from good to bad to playing great to wetting the bed, and we did. Celtics hold off Cavs despite James The Cleveland Cavaliers had already erased a 22-point deficit when LeBron James grabbed a rebound with 10 seconds left and raced down the court. Two to tie. Three to win. James tried for the 3. And missed. The Cavaliers forward scored 20 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter, but he missed two free throws in the final 16 seconds and a pair of 3-point attempts. Spurs beat Lakers, clinch playoff berth The San Antonio Spurs want to do everything they can to avoid facing the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. They took a step forward by beating the defending NBA champions on their home court. Manu Ginobili scored 32 points, Tim Duncan added 24 and the Spurs clinched their 13th consecutive playoff berth with a 100-81 win Sunday. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap-633.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap-633.html Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:45:00 EST Every year there is a player on the major league baseball horizon that has fans, scouts, managers and fantasy players falling our of their seats. Last year it was Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters along with Rays pitcher David Price. Before that it was Evan Longoria, Clay Buchholz, Joba Chamberlain, Jay Bruce … the list goes on. And now we have Jason Heyward. The reviews are coming in and the consensus is that Heyward will be some approximation between Hank Aaron and Darryl Strawberry (without the nasty cocaine habit). For a more pertinent comparison, let’s look at Strawberry as opposed to Aaron. Strawberry broke into the big leagues with the Mets in 1983 at the age of 21 and had 473 plate appearances with a .257 average, .336 on-base percentage, 63 runs, 74 RBI and 26 home runs in 122 games. A little more recent history shows that Longoria, young and similarly touted to Heyward and Strawberry, put up a .272 average, .343 on-base percentage, 67 runs, 85 RBI and 27 home runs in 508 plate appearances, also in 122 games. What does this mean for Heyward? If the hype is to be believed, he is a step above what Strawberry and Longoria were when they came out. He has a physical gifts of nature with patience at the plate patience that could approach Barry Bonds with the (later years Bonds) power to go with it. Braves manager Bobby Cox is so excited to have Heyward around for his final season on the bench that Atlanta is ignoring the recognized practices of holding uber-prospects back in the minors to forestall their arbitration clocks. So, unlike Strawberry or Longoria, Heyward is likely to eclipse 122 games played and 500 plate appearances, barring injury. Let’s say that he gets around 650 plate appearances. In each of their first full seasons Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols were at that level and had 28 and 37 home runs, respectively. The comparisons never end. Yet, if the sabermetric community, which values historical comparison as a means of quantifiable projection, the comparisons are the most important factor there is to find out what exactly can be expected of Heyward this season. An average between .275 and .290, on-base of .340 to .370 with 80 to 90 RBI and 27 to 35 home runs? Very reasonable numbers to expect from a first year pro, no matter how much validated hype that surrounds him. But, where does that leave him in terms of fantasy value? If you were in an early bird league, you probably could have snagged Heyward after the on the waiver wire or at the very end of the draft. A couple of months of media hype, comparisons and a guaranteed roster spot later, Heyward is going around 144th over at ESPN’s average draft position and will cost between $12 to $15 at auction. That is probably what he is worth at this point though he has the potential to jump to elite status if he trends more to the Pujols side of rookie performance as opposed to Longoria/Fielder model. It is doubtful that the Braves will go slowly with Heyward the way the Diamondbacks have done with Justin Upton. Really, this is the team that brought up Jordan Schafer after a strong spring last year to watch him have a great first game before dive bombing the next 49 games and being sent back to the minors. That will not happen with Heyward. Schafer was a flash in the Spring Training pan that had not performed exceptionally well at Class AA Mississippi in 2008 (.269 average, .378 on-base, 10 home runs and 51 RBI) before having a great spring in 2009 to make team. There was some buzz (not enough to call hype) and I will admit that I took him with the last pick of my draft in an extremely deep league before dumping him in the middle of April. Heyward is more physically mature than Schafer or Upton were at a similar age and seems to have the mental make up that the both the Upton brothers have lacked early in their careers. Heyward will probably get the requisite plate appearances that will make him a viable fantasy option. Is it worth jumping up in your draft to get him at say, the 120th pick? Probably not, if you trust the projections.  Better value picks at this point might be some of the guys with track records where you know they won’t fall off a cliff and destroy your outfield. Think players like Torii Hunter, Nick Markakis, Brad Hawpe (in leagues that have absolute no defensive metrics) who should be available at the time you are thinking about taking Heyward. If you have already drafted a couple solid outfielders from the first and second tiers on the production ladder, take Heyward. If you are looking for second outfield production from him, you might end up disappointed.   This year at least.   Dan Rowinski is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at danrowinski@rotoinfo.com. You can follow him on Twitter at Dan_Rowinski. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Jason_Heyward.-632.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010._Jason_Heyward.-632.html Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST Trail Blazers down Kings The Portland Trail Blazers scored 26 points in the fourth quarter and came away with a 98-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings Saturday night. Brandon Roy tossed in 24 points for the Trail Blazers, while Andre Miller had 23 points. LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum had 21 points each in the win. Beno Udrih 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the loss. Nuggets rally past Clippers The Denver Nuggets came back from an early deficit and defeated the LA Clippers 98-90 Saturday night. Carmelo Anthony had 24 points for the Nuggets, while Nene Hilario chipped in with 18 points. Eric Gordon had 23 points with four rebounds, and four assists in the loss. Thunder upset Mavericks Six players went for double-digit figures in helping the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Dallas Mavericks 121-116 Saturday night. Kevin Durant led the way with 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Jeff Green added 22 points in the win for the Thunder. Dirk Nowitzki had a double-double with 30 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavericks Bucks top Suns The Milwaukee Bucks were outplayed in the fourth quarter and held on for a 107-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns Saturday night. Brandon Jennings poured in 23 points for the Bucks, while Carlos Delfino had 16 points and nine rebounds. Amare Stoudemire had 22 points, and Leandro Barbosa collected 21 points for the Suns. Bulls stop Bobcats Derrick Rose went for a game-high 26 points as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 96-88 Saturday night. Kirk Hinrich added 24 points with six boards, while Taj Gibson had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls. Boris Diaw had 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the Bobcats. Wade, Heat scorch Timberwolves Dwyane Wade went for a game-high 39 points as the Miami Heat defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-84 Saturday night. Quentin Richardson had 14 points for the Heat, while Udonis Haslem had a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds in the win. Kevin Love had 11 points and 11 boards in a double-double for the Timberwolves. Nets reel in Hornets Eight players reached double figures as the New Jersey Nets defeated the New Orleans Hornets 115-87 Saturday night. Chris Douglas-Roberts tossed in 17 points to lead the Nets, while Terrence Williams collected a double-double with 14 points and 14 assists. David West had 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the Hornets. Hawks fend off Pistons The Atlanta Hawks staved off a late attack to defeat the Detroit Pistons 91-85 Saturday night at Philips Arena. Jamal Crawford poured in a game-high 29 points, Al Horford had a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Rodney Stuckey netted 22 points for the Pistons, and Tayshaun Prince had 17 in the loss. Raptors outlast 76ers in OT The Toronto Raptors blew a late lead and had to fight back in overtime to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 128-123 Saturday afternoon. Chris Bosh led the Raptors with a team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Andrea Bargnani chipped in with 23 points in the win. Andre Iguodala tossed in a game-high 33 points and dished out 11 assists for a double-double in a losing effort for Philadelphia. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_4-631.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_4-631.html Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST Injury Updates: Who Will Be Ready For Opening Day? American League     Scott Kazmir, SP (LAA):  Kazmir is expected to be ready by the start of Opening Day, after experiencing fatigue in his deltoid muscle.  He threw a 60-pitch bullpen session on March 27 with no reported issues.  Andrew bailey, RP (OAK):  After being shut down for a week in mid-March with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) Bailey resumed throwing activity March 22.  He appears to be ready to be the A’s Opening Day closer barring an unexpected setback.  Russell Branyan, 1B (CLE):  Branyan will begin the season on the DL due to a herniated disc in his back.  Matt LaPorta is expected to be the Indians Opening Day first basemen.  Cliff Lee, SP (SEA):  Lee is set to being throwing activities on March 31, after missing time due to a right abdominal muscle problem.  He will start the season on the DL, but should return to action at some point in April.  Ian Kinsler, 2B (TEX):  Kinsler is suffering from a high ankle sprain, which could prevent him from missing the start of the season.  He received a cortisone injection on March 26 so be sure to check his status leading up to Opening Day.  J.P. Howell, RP (TB):  Howell experienced shoulder weakness in earl-March and was shut down immediately.  He has yet to begin throwing and is hoping to be back sometime in April.  Kerry Wood, RP (CLE):  Wood is expected to miss between 4-6 weeks due to a strained latissimus muscle. Chris Perez with fill in for Wood as the Indians closer, who is expected to be back in May.  Gil Meche, SP (KC):  Meche has been suffering from right shoulder stiffness, but threw a 63-pitch bullpen session of March 28 and reported no pain.  He is not expecting to miss any time for this injury.  Bobby Jenks, RP (CHW):  After a right calf injury that limited his participation in Spring Training, Jenks seems ready to go for Opening Day.  The White Sox have reported that there will be no limitations placed on him as the season approaches.  Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP (BOS):  Matsuzaka was sidelined by a sore back that prevented him from pitching in Spring Training until March 25.  The Red Sox are expected to not place him on the disabled list, but he won’t be ready for the start of the season and is targeting mid-April for his return. National League Roy Oswalt, SP (HOU):  Oswalt suffered a mild hamstring strain of March 26, but is scheduled to throw on March 31.  If everything goes well expect to see Oswalt pitching for the Astros on Opening day.  Lance Berkman, 1B (HOU):  Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee March 13 and has yet to participate in baseball activity.  His return date is unknown, but if he starts moving around this week, he may be ready for the start of the season.  Yadier Molina, C (STL):  Molina strained his right oblique running the base paths of a Cardinals Spring training game last week.  He is listed as questionable for Opening Day, but the injury isn’t too serious so he shouldn’t start the season on the DL.  Ted Lilly, SP (CHC):  Lilly had successful arthroscopic should surgery last November, but will likely begin the season on the DL.  He is slated to pitch at minor league camp on March 29, so be sure to check the results from his day of work.  Justin Upton, OF (ARI):  Upton suffered a mild ankle sprain during a Spring Training game, but it doesn’t appear to be serious.  He resumed baseball activities last week and will be ready for the start of the season.  Brandon Webb, SP (ARI):  Webb will open the season on the DL with the hopes of returning to the Diamondbacks rotation by late-April.  He experienced shoulder stiffness during Spring Training while trying to build up arm strength from shoulder surgery last August.  Jose Reyes, SS (NYM):  Reyes was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid disorder and missed the first three weeks of Spring Training.  He returned to action for the Mets on March 25 and has a chance of being reading for the start of the season.  Brad Lidge, RP (PHI):  Lidge had both knee and shoulder surgeries this offseason, which is limiting him in Spring Training this year.  He pitched in a minor league game on March 27, but will likely not see any action for the Phillies until mid-April.  Aroldis Chapman, SP (CIN):  Chapman suffered from back spasms during his last start on March 22, but at this point it doesn’t seem to be too serious.  He pitched in a minor league game on March 28 and could return to the Reds rotation at some point this week, but will likely start the season in the minors.  Huston Street, RP (COL):  Street will start the season on the DL due to shoulder tightness and inflammation.  His return is unknown at this point, but he was able to play catch on March 27. Russell Martin, C (LAD):  Martin suffered a pulled groin on March 5 and was supposed to miss up to six weeks of action.  He is making great progression and was able to play in a minor league game on March 25, leaving the Dodgers optimistic that he will be ready for Opening Day.  Ryan Ludwick, OF (STL):  Ludwick left the Cardinals March 28 game early with a left shin contusion.  He is listed as day-to-day, so don’t expect him to miss too much time.         Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Baseball Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com.  Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck.   http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Injury_Updates.-630.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Baseball_2010_Injury_Updates.-630.html Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:30:00 EST Lakers pound Jazz The Los Angeles Lakers tore out to a 33-16 lead in the first quarter as they crushed the Utah Jazz 106-92 Friday night. Lamar Odom led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Kobe Bryant tossed in 25 points in the win. Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 18 rebounds in a double-double for the Jazz. Warriors take down Knicks The Golden State Warriors exploded for 31 points in the second quarter and pulled ahead for good in a 128-117 victory over the New York Knicks Friday night. Anthony Morrow poured in 35 points to lead the Warriors, and Reggie Williams added 23 in the win. David Lee tossed in a game-high 37 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Spurs rally past Magic Manu Ginobili went for a game-high 43 points as the San Antonio Spurs came back to defeat the Orlando Magic 112-100 Friday night. Tim Duncan finished with 23 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs, while Matt Bonner added 15 in the win. Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus had 18 points apiece for the Magic. Grizzlies run over Hornets The Memphis Grizzlies roared out to a 15 point halftime lead and went on to defeat the New Orleans Hornets 107-96 Friday. O.J. Mayo led the way with a game-high 27 points, and Rudy Gay added 20 in the win. Marcus Thornton had 19 points for the Hornets, and Chris Paul netted 16 in the loss. James powers Cavs over Hawks LeBron James had 27 points with 13 boards for a double-double Friday, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Atlanta Hawks 93-88. Mo Williams collected 24 points for the Cavaliers, while J.J. Hickson grabbed 16 rebounds in the win. Josh Smith netted 20 points and hauled down seven rebounds in a losing effort for the Hawks. Suns scorch Pistons Amare Stoudemire tossed in a game-high 29 points to propel the Phoenix Suns to a 109-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday night. Jared Dudley added 20 points in the win for the Suns, and Grant Hill chipped in with 17 points. Ben Gordon had 21 points for the Pistons, and Tayshaun Prince finished with 17 in the loss. Rockets outlast Celtics in OT Aaron Brooks collected a game-high 30 points and dished out nine assists as the Houston Rockets toppled the Boston Celtics 119-114 in overtime Friday night. Luis Scola added 27 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double performance for the Rockets. Chase Budinger chipped in with 24 points in the win. Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 27 points, and Rajon Rondo added 23 points in the loss. Heat stop Pacers in overtime Dwyane Wade poured in a game-high 43 points, nine rebounds and  six assists. The Miami Heat dominated the overtime session and beat theIndiana Pacers 105-96 Troy Murphy led the Pacers with 29 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double. Bobcats edge Bucks in OT The Charlotte Bobcats inched closed to earning a playoff spot with a hard-fought 87-86 OT victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Friday night. Stephen Jackson led the Bobcats with a game-high 32 points and five rebounds for the Bobcats. John Salmons had 28 points with five rebounds and five assists in a losing cause. Bulls topple Wizards Derrick Rose tossed in a game-high 24 points in leading the Chicago Bulls to a 95-87 victory over the Washington Wizards Friday night. Taj Gibson collected a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Bulls. Andray Blatche netted 18 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_3-629.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_3-629.html Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST Nuggets cruise past Trail Blazers The Denver Nuggets dominated the second half and pulled away for a 109-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony collected 25 points, while Nene Hilario netted 22 and Chauncey Billups chipped in with 21 points in the win. Andre Miller poured in 24 points for the Trail Blazers, and LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 in the loss. Magic roll past Mavericks Dwight Howard netted 17 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for a double-double Thursday, leading the Orlando Magic over the Dallas Mavericks 97-82. Mickael Pietrus collected 24 points for the Magic, and Vince Carter chipped in with 19 in the win. Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and six rebounds for the Mavericks. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_2-628.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_2-628.html Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST A.L. EAST N.L. EAST     BALTIMORE ORIOLES ATLANTA BRAVES LHP Mike Gonzalez (closer) LHP Billy Wagner (closer) RHP Jim Johnson RHP Takashi Saito RHP Koji Uehara RHP Peter Moylan RHP Cla Meredith RHP Kris Medlen RHP Kam Mickolio LHP Eric O'Flaherty LHP Mark Hendrickson RHP Craig Kimbrel or RHP Jesse Chavez LHP Will Ohman LHP Jonny Venters or LHP Jo-Jo Reyes     BOSTON REDSOX FLORIDA MARLINS RHP Jonathan Papelbon (closer) RHP Leo Nunez (closer) RHP Daniel Bard RHP Brian Sanches LHP Hideki Okajima RHP Jose Veras RHP Manny Delcarmen LHP Dan Meyer RHP Ramon Ramirez LHP Renyel Pinto RHP Joe Nelson RHP Burke Badenhop   RHP Seth McClung NEW YORK YANKEES   RHP Mariano Rivera (closer) N.Y. METS RHP Joba Chamberlain RHP Francisco Rodriguez (closer) RHP David Robertson LHP Pedro Feliciano LHP Damaso Marte RHP Jenrry Mejia RHP Chan Ho Park RHP Ryota Igarashi RHP Alfredo Aceves RHP Kiko Calero RHP Sergio Mitre RHP Sean Green/Bobby Parnell     TAMPA BAY RAYS PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES RHP Rafael Soriano (closer) RHP Ryan Madson (closer) RHP Dan Wheeler RHP Danys Baez RHP Grant Balfour RHP Jose Contreras RHP Lance Cormier LHP Antonio Bastardo LHP Randy Choate RHP Chad Durbin RHP Andy Sonnanstine RHP Kyle Kendrick  RHP Joaquin Benoit RHP David Herndon     TORONTO BLUEJAYS WASHINGTON NATIONALS RHP Jason Frasor (closer) RHP Matt Capps (closer) RHP Kevin Gregg  RHP Brian Bruney LHP Scott Downs LHP Sean Burnett LHP Jesse Carlson RHP Tyler Clippard RHP Casey Janssen RHP Tyler Walker RHP Shawn Camp RHP Miguel Batista LHP David Purcey RHP Jason Bergmann     A.L. CENTRAL N.L. CENTRAL     CHICAGO WHITESOX CHICAGO CUBS RHP Bobby Jenks (closer) RHP Carlos Marmol (closer) RHP J.J. Putz LHP John Grabow LHP Matt Thornton LHP Sean Marshall LHP Randy Williams LHP James Russell RHP Tony Pena RHP Jeff Samardzija RHP Scott Linebrink RHP Esmailin Caridad RHP Sergio Santos RHP Justin Berg     CLEVELAND INDIANS CINCINNATI REDS RHP Chris Perez (closer) RHP Francisco Cordero (closer) RHP Joe Smith RHP Nick Masset LHP Rafael Perez RHP Jared Burton RHP Jamey Wright LHP Arthur Rhodes LHP Tony Sipp LHP Daniel Ray Herrera RHP Saul Rivera RHP Mike Lincoln RHP Jensen Lewis     HOUSTON ASTROS DETROIT TIGERS RHP Matt Lindstrom (closer) RHP Jose Valverde (closer) RHP Brandon Lyon RHP Joel Zumaya LHP Tim Byrdak LHP Phil Coke RHP Jeff Fulchino RHP Ryan Perry RHP Sammy Gervacio RHP Eddie Bonine RHP Brian Moehler LHP Brad Thomas RHP Chris Sampson LHP Fu-Te Ni     MILWAUKEE BREWERS KANSAS CITY ROYALS RHP Trevor Hoffman (closer) RHP Joakim Soria (closer) RHP LaTroy Hawkins RHP Roman Colon RHP Todd Coffey RHP Juan Cruz RHP Claudio Vargas RHP Anthony Lerew LHP Mitch Stetter RHP Kyle Farnsworth LHP Chris Narveson RHP Robinson Tejeda LHP Manny Parra LHP Edgar Osuna     PITTSBURGH PIRATES MINNESOTA TWINS RHP Octavio Dotel (closer) RHP Matt Guerrier RHP Brendan Donnelly RHP Jesse Crain RHP Evan Meek RHP Jon Rauch LHP Javier Lopez LHP Jose Mijares LHP Jack Taschner RHP Clay Condrey RHP D.J. Carrasco RHP Pat Neshek RHP Brian Bass LHP Francisco Liriano or LHP Brian Duensing     ST.LOUIS CARDINALS A.L.WEST RHP Ryan Franklin (closer)   RHP Jason Motte LOS ANGELES ANGELS RHP Kyle McClellan LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Blake Hawksworth RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Mitchell Boggs RHP Scot Shields LHP Trever Miller RHP Kevin Jepsen LHP Dennys Reyes RHP Jason Bulger   RHP Brian Stokes N.L. WEST     OAKLAND A'S ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS RHP Andrew Bailey (closer) RHP Chad Qualls (closer) RHP Michael Wuertz RHP Juan Gutierrez LHP Craig Breslow RHP Aaron Heilman RHP Brad Ziegler RHP Bob Howry RHP Jason Jennings RHP Blaine Boyer LHP Jerry Blevins RHP Esmerling Vasquez RHP Edwar Ramirez RHP Leo Rosales     SEATTLE MARINERS COLORODO ROCKIES RHP David Aardsma (closer) LHP Franklin Morales (closer) RHP Mark Lowe RHP Rafael Betancourt RHP Brandon League RHP Manuel Corpas RHP Sean White LHP Randy Flores RHP Shawn Kelley RHP Matt Daley RHP Kanekoa Texeira RHP Matt Belisle LHP Garrett Olson LHP Joe Beimel     TEXAS RANGERS LOS ANGELES DODGERS RHP Frank Francisco (closer) RHP Jonathan Broxton (closer) RHP Neftali Feliz LHP George Sherrill LHP Darren Oliver RHP Ramon Troncoso RHP Darren O'Day RHP Charlie Haeger RHP Dustin Nippert RHP Jeff Weaver RHP Chris Ray RHP Carlos Monasterios RHP Doug Mathis RHP Russ Ortiz       SAN DIEGO PADRES   RHP Heath Bell (closer)   RHP Mike Adams   RHP Luke Gregerson   LHP Joe Thatcher   RHP Adam Russell   RHP Edward Mujica   RHP Sean Gallagher       SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS   RHP Brian Wilson (closer)   RHP Sergio Romo   LHP Jeremy Affeldt   LHP Dan Runzler   RHP Guillermo Mota   RHP Kevin Pucetas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         http://rotoinfo.com/articles-FANTASY_BASEBALL_2010_PROJECTED_CLOSERS_BULLPENS-627.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-FANTASY_BASEBALL_2010_PROJECTED_CLOSERS_BULLPENS-627.html Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST Trail Blazers cruise past Knicks The Portland Trail Blazers dominated from start-to-finish as they pounded the New York Knicks 118-90 Wednesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 21 points and five assists, while Nicolas Batam added 20 in the win. David Lee netted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks. Jazz roll past Warriors The Utah Jazz exploded for 40 points in the opening quarter en route to a 128-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night. Carlos Boozer led the Jazz with 25 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double, while Kyle Korver added 21 points in the win. Corey Maggette had 22 points for the Warriors, and Anthony Morrow netted 20 in the loss. Spurs down Rockets George Hill tossed in a game-high 30 points and dished out seven assists to lead the San Antonio Spurs over the Houston Rockets 119-102 Wednesday. Richard Jefferson added 19 points for the Spurs, and Manu Ginobili chipped in with 18 in the win. Aaron Brooks had a team-high 21 points for the Rockets, and Kyle Lowry collected 17 points with seven rebounds. Mavericks outlast Grizzlies in OT The Dallas Mavericks came back to force overtime and then defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 106-102 Wednesday night. Jason Terry led the way with 29 points, while Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points with five boards and six assists. O.J. Mayo had 27 points for the Grizzlies, and Mike Conley netted 25 in a losing effort. Timberwolves dump Kings The Minnesota Timberwolves won the battle of non-playoff teams as they defeated the Sacramento Kings 108-99 Wednesday night. Al Jefferson went for a double-double for the Timberwolves, tossing in 19 points and hauling down 12 rebounds. Corey Brewer also netted 19 points in the win. Tyreke Evans had 20 points with seven rebounds and 13 assists in the loss. Wizards fend off Hornets Washington was outscored in the fourth quarter, but the Wizards held on for a 96-91 win over the New Orleans Hornets Wednesday night. Mike Miller netted a game-high 27 points, and Andray Blatche had 23 points in the win. David West collected 18 points with five rebounds in a losing effort. Suns scorch Nets The Phoenix Suns scored 38 points in the third quarter and pulled away for a 116-105 victory over the New Jersey Nets Wednesday night. Steve Nash tossed in 24 points with seven rebounds, while dishing out 14 assists for the Suns. Terrence Williams went for 21 points, five rebounds, and nine assists for the Nets. Heat stops Pistons Michael Beasley went for a game-high 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help lead the Miami Heat over the Detroit Pistons 98-81 Wednesday at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Dorell Wright had 17 points, while Quentin Richardson collected 16 points and seven rebounds for the Heat. Tayshaun Prince collected 17 points, six rebounds and six assists in the loss for the Pistons. Thunder upset Celtics Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 37 points as the Oklahoma City upended the Boston Celtics 109-104 Wednesday night at TD Garden. Russell Westbrook added a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, while Jeff Green chipped in with 17 points in the win. Rajon Rondo had 16 points and dished out 11 assists for a double-double in the loss. Raptors topple Clippers Chris Bosh poured in a double-double with a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors over the LA Clippers 114-92 Wednesday night at the Air Canada Centre. Andrea Bargnani tossed in 21 points and hauled down eight rebounds for the Raptors. Chris Kaman had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort for the Clippers. Hawks soar past Lakers Six players went for double figures as the Atlanta Hawks flew past the Los Angeles Lakers 109-92 Wednesday night at Philips Arena. Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 25 points and eight assists, while Maurice Evans added 18 in the win. Kobe Bryant netted 28 points with three boards and four assists in the loss. Bobcats claw apart 76ers The Charlotte Bobcats roared out to an early lead and went on to crush the Philadelphia 76ers 103-84 Wednesday night. Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 24 points and 12 boards for a double-double. Andre Iguodala had 14 points and six rebounds in the loss for the 76ers. Cavaliers sneak past Bucks LeBron James went for 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers got past the Milwaukee Bucks 101-98 Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena. Mo Williams added 21 points and dished out six assists for the Cavaliers, while Antawn Jamison collected a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the win. John Salmons netted a game-high 28 points with five rebounds and seven assists in the loss. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_1-626.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_4_1-626.html Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 EST Budinger, Rockets top Wizards Chase Budinger went for 24 points and six rebounds off the bench to lead the Houston Rockets over the Washington Wizards 98-94 on Tuesday night. Kyle Lowry added 17 points and six assists off the pine for the Rockets, who got 16 points and eight boards from Luis Scola in the win. Andray Blatche had 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals for Washington, while Mike Miller posted 14 points and 12 boards for the Wizards. Richardson, Suns topple Bulls Jason Richardson scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns over the Chicago Bulls 111-105 on Tuesday night. Steve Nash had 22 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who got 21 points and 11 boards from Amare Stoudemire in the payday. Derrick Rose went for 23 points and 10 assists for Chicago, while Ronald Murray put up 23 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Bulls. Bucks too much for Clippers Ersan Ilyasova had 20 points and eight rebounds off the bench, as the Milwaukee Bucks dropped the Los Angeles Clippers 107-89 on Tuesday night. Brandon Jennings went for 17 points and six assists for the Bucks, who got 16 points from reserve Jerry Stackhouse in the win. Drew Gooden posted 20 points and 11 boards for Los Angeles, while Chris Kaman finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers. Thunder roll past 76ers Kevin Durant went for 26 points and 10 rebounds, as the Oklahoma City Thunder handled the Philadelphia 76ers 111-93 on Tuesday night. Jeff Green added 16 points for the Thunder, who got 14 points and six boards from Nenad Krstic in the win. Elton Brand had 22 points and six rebounds for Philadelphia, while Andre Iguodala finished with 21 points, eight assists, and seven boards for the 76ers. Granger, Pacers down Kings Danny Granger drained 33 points to lead the Indiana Pacers over the Sacramento Kings 102-95 on Tuesday night. Troy Murphy went for 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Pacers, who got 10 points and six boards from Roy Hibbert in the win. Jason Thompson had 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for Sacramento, while Beno Udrih also scored 18 points for the Kings. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_recap.-625.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_recap.-625.html Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST Boozer, Jazz get past Knicks Carlos Boozer had 26 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz past the New York Knicks 103-98 on Monday night. Deron Williams went for 23 points and 14 assists for the Jazz, who got 14 points and 10 boards off the bench from Paul Millsap in the win. Al Harrington came off the pine to put up 26 points and 17 rebounds for New York, while David Lee scored 16 points for the Knicks. Mavericks roll past Nuggets Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, as the Dallas Mavericks cruised over the Denver Nuggets 109-93 on Monday night. Shawn Marion scored 21 points for the Mavericks, who got 15 points off the bench from Jason Terry in the win. J.R. Smith came off the pine to drop 27 points for Denver, while Nene went for 14 points and eight boards for the Nuggets. Hornets top Lakers David West scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the New Orleans Hornets past the Los Angeles Lakers 108-100 on Monday night. Marcus Thornton netted 18 points for the Hornets, who got 17 points off the bench from Darren Collison in the upset. Kobe Bryant went for 31 points and six assists for Los Angeles, while Pau Gasol had 26 points and 22 boards for the Lakers. Nets surprise Spurs Brook Lopez went for 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the New Jersey Nets over the San Antonio Spurs 90-84 on Monday night. Courtney Lee added 19 points and six boards for the Nets, who got 17 points and nine assists from Devin Harris in the upset. George Hill scored 19 points for San Antonio, while Richard Jefferson netted 16 points for the Spurs. Raptors trim Bobcats Chris Bosh went for 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors past the Charlotte Bobcats 103-101 on Monday night. Andrea Bargnani had 16 points and nine boards for the Raptors, who got 15 points and six rebounds from Antoine Wright in the win. Raymond Felton finished with 18 points and seven assists for Charlotte, while Stephen Jackson also scored 18 points for the Bobcats. http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_3_30-622.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-Fantasy_Basketball_2010_Daily_Recap_3_30-622.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 07:00:00 EST A.L. EAST N.L. EAST     BALTIMORE ORIOLES ATLANTA BRAVES 1. RHP Kevin Millwood 1. RHP Derek Lowe 2. RHP Jeremy Guthrie 2. RHP Jair Jurrjens 3. LHP Brian Matusz 3. RHP Tommy Hanson 4. RHP Brad Bergesen 4. RHP Tim Hudson 5. RHP Chris Tillman 5. RHP Kenshin Kawakami     BOSTON REDSOX FLORIDA MARLINS 1. RHP Josh Beckett 1. RHP Josh Johnson 2. LHP Jon Lester 2. RHP Ricky Nolasco 3. RHP John Lackey 3. RHP Anibal Sanchez 4. RHP Tim Wakefield 4. RHP Chris Volstad 5. RHP Clay Buchholz 5. RHP Clay Hensley     NEW YORK YANKEES N.Y. METS 1. LHP CC Sabathia 1. LHP Johan Santana 2. RHP A.J. Burnett 2. RHP Mike Pelfrey 3. LHP Andy Pettitte 3. LHP Oliver Perez 4. RHP Javier Vazquez 4. RHP John Maine 5. RHP Phil Hughes 5. LHP Jon Niese     TAMPA BAY RAYS PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES 1. RHP James Shields 1. RHP Roy Halladay 2. RHP Matt Garza 2. LHP Cole Hamels 3. RHP Jeff Niemann 3. RHP Joe Blanton 4. LHP David Price 4. LHP J.A. Happ 5. RHP Wade Davis 5. LHP Jamie Moyer or RHP Kyle Kendrick     TORONTO BLUEJAYS WASHINGTON NATIONALS 1. RHP Shaun Marcum 1. LHP John Lannan 2. LHP Ricky Romero 2. RHP Jason Marquis 3. RHP Brandon Morrow 3. RHP Livan Hernandez 4. LHP Marc Rzepczynski 4. RHP Garrett Mock 5. LHP Brian Tallet 5. RHP Craig Stammen     A.L. CENTRAL N.L. CENTRAL     CHICAGO WHITESOX CHICAGO CUBS 1. LHP Mark Buehrle 1. RHP Carlos Zambrano 2. RHP Jake Peavy 2. RHP Ryan Dempster 3. RHP Gavin Floyd 3. RHP Randy Wells 4. LHP John Danks 4. RHP Carlos Silva 5. RHP Freddy Garcia 5. LHP Tom Gorzelanny     CLEVELAND INDIANS CINCINNATI REDS 1. RHP Jake Westbrook 1. RHP Aaron Harang 2. RHP Fausto Carmona 2. RHP Johnny Cueto 3. RHP Justin Masterson 3. RHP Bronson Arroyo 4. LHP David Huff 4. RHP Homer Bailey 5. LHP Aaron Laffey 5. RHP Mike Leake/LHP Travis Wood     DETROIT TIGERS HOUSTON ASTROS 1. RHP Justin Verlander 1. RHP Roy Oswalt 2. RHP Rick Porcello 2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez 3. RHP Max Scherzer 3. RHP Brett Myers 4. RHP Jeremy Bonderman 4. RHP Bud Norris 5. LHP Nate Robertson/LHP Dontrelle Willis 5. RHP Felipe Paulino     KANSAS CITY ROYALS MILWAUKEE BREWERS 1. RHP Zack Greinke 1. RHP Yovani Gallardo 2. RHP Gil Meche 2. LHP Randy Wolf 3. RHP Brian Bannister 3. LHP Doug Davis 4. RHP Luke Hochevar 4. RHP Dave Bush 5. RHP Kyle Davies 5. RHP Jeff Suppan or LHP Manny Parra     MINNESOTA TWINS PITTSBURGH PIRATES 1. RHP Scott Baker 1. LHP Zach Duke 2. RHP Nick Blackburn 2. RHP Ross Ohlendorf 3. RHP Carl Pavano 3. LHP Paul Maholm 4. RHP Kevin Slowey 4. RHP Charlie Morton 5. LHP Francisco Liriano  5. RHP Daniel McCutchen     A.L.WEST ST.LOUIS CARDINALS   1. RHP Chris Carpenter LOS ANGELES ANGELS 2. RHP Adam Wainwright 1. RHP Jered Weaver 3. RHP Brad Penny 2. LHP Joe Saunders 4. RHP Kyle Lohse 3. RHP Ervin Santana 5. LHP Jaime Garcia 4. RHP Joel Pineiro   5. LHP Scott Kazmir N.L. WEST     OAKLAND A'S ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS 1. RHP Ben Sheets 1. RHP Dan Haren 2. LHP Dallas Braden 2. RHP Edwin Jackson 3. RHP Justin Duchscherer 3. RHP Ian Kennedy 4. LHP Brett Anderson 4. RHP Rodrigo Lopez 5. RHP Trevor Cahill 5. RHP Billy Buckner     SEATTLE MARINERS COLORODO ROCKIES 1. RHP Felix Hernandez 1. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez 2. RHP Ian Snell 2. LHP Jeff Francis 3. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith 3. RHP Aaron Cook 4. LHP Jason Vargas 4. LHP Jorge De La Rosa 5. RHP Doug Fister 5. RHP Jason Hammel     TEXAS RANGERS LOS ANGELES DODGERS 1. RHP Scott Feldman 1. RHP Vicente Padilla 2. RHP Rich Harden 2. LHP Clayton Kershaw 3. RHP Colby Lewis 3. RHP Chad Billingsley 4. LHP Matt Harrison 4. RHP Hiroki Kuroda 5. LHP C.J. Wilson 5. LHP Eric Stults       SAN DIEGO PADRES   1. RHP Jon Garland   2. RHP Chris Young   3. RHP Kevin Correia   4. LHP Clayton Richard   5. RHP Tim Stauffer       SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS   1. RHP Tim Lincecum   2. LHP Barry Zito   3. RHP Matt Cain   4. LHP Jonathan Sanchez   5. RHP Todd Wellemeyer http://rotoinfo.com/articles-FANTASY_BASEBALL_2010_PROJECTED_STARTING_ROTATIONS-623.html http://rotoinfo.com/articles-FANTASY_BASEBALL_2010_PROJECTED_STARTING_ROTATIONS-623.html Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:30:00 EST