9 Responses to “Around the Horn: May 4, 2011”

1. By ChampionRoss on May 4, 2011

   Great information Ray. Yahoo just updated the notes on Padilla stating that he is the guy in LA now so I scooped him up in 2 leagues. I’ll be watching MM as well. As always, thanks for keeping us informed.

2. By Andy Nelson on May 5, 2011

   Ray –

   OK, I gotta “chime in” a little here. I know that I am a bit of a “homer” (being the Twins expert that I am , and I understand that Liriano’s No-Hitter “On Paper” does not look that exciting having 6BB’s & only 2K’s.

   What everyone does not know is that Rick Anderson (Twins pitching coach) & Liriano went into last night’s Start focusing more on location and less on velocity. Liriano took a little off his Fastball, and did not throw his “Strikeout Pitch” (Slider) as much as he does in normal starts for him. With Liriano focusing on location he threw a lot more fastballs & changeups whereas he normally throws fastballs & sliders. The CWS batters were able see the ball better and get a pieces of it. Normally Liriano throws his Slider and they swing and miss 4-5 times a game. CWS were able to lock in to his fast ball and were not swinging when his fastballs were “just missing.”

   Liriano’s normal fastball is around 94-96, and I think he topped out at 93 last night. His change-up looked Great, and was almost Johan Santana-ish… he never really threw it as a strikeout pitch… but I can foresee him doing it in the not so distant future. Yes… he had 6BB’s, you also gotta look at who drew the walks: Juan Pierre = 3-BB’s (lead-off hitter who’s Job is to get on base), Paul Konerko & Carlos Quientin (would you wantta serve up your “dialed down” fastball to one of these guys with a 1-Run lead?) I didn’t think so.

   All in all, you are right… it was not a “Dominating” no-hitter & BABIP was definitely on his side (you can argue that this may make the no-no even more impressive) having 25 outs coming from balls IN play. Yes he is still “missing” location-wise by his 6-BB’s, but control is something that can be corrected.

   For what it’s worth… Fantasy-wise, Liriano might not be the top 20-pitcher he was at the start of the season, but after last night and his shift in direction (location over Power/Slider) leaves him as a potential Stud later in the year.

   >Andy

3. By Steve on May 5, 2011

   Ray
   Do you still like Santana over Weiters? I have Weiters but Santana has been dropped. Thanks

4. By Steve on May 5, 2011

   Also, Rios over Hart? Is Rios waking up? Love your stand the Fantasy Drive.
   Thanks again

5. By Ray Flowers on May 5, 2011

   Steve – I’d grab Santana even if you don’t start him right now cause you are in a #1 catcher league. Santana should be performing much better than he has. The seeds of improvement are already there. When he has a hot two weeks, you could parlay him for something substantial as people will remember that this guy is going to hit .300 with 20 homers one day.

   Most teams have a guy at the end of their bench that they can drop. I’d find a way to do that for Santana.

6. By Ray Flowers on May 5, 2011

   Steve – I’m certainly not going to back of my position that Rios will be fine this year, and by “fine” I mean a strong fantasy contributor. All along I’ve said that, and with him producing six hits, four tuns, three homers, four RBI and a steal over the last five games, I think it’s finally starting.

   Best case scenario for hart is matching Rios in avg/hr/rbi/runs — but he doesn’t have the SB talent of Rios.

7. By Ray Flowers on May 5, 2011

   Andy – Insightful analysis no doubt. I’d offer this…

   It’s not often that pitchers pull a Tommy John mid career and simply change the way they pitch. Guys rarely go from big strikeout arms to dialing that way back to “pitch” better. This year we’ve seen Wade Davis attempt to do this for the Rays. Even if he has success, his ratios are strong, the lack of Ks make him like John Garland – solid but not worth a tremendous amount in a mixed league or 12 or more teams.

8. By Erik on May 5, 2011

   great site, great radio show – I’ve been offered SS Reyes for Adam Dunn. I’d be stupid not to take it right? 12 team mixed, 5X5 and I’m 5th place in steals and last in avg.

9. By Ray Flowers on May 5, 2011

   Erik – What, I’m not great too? j/k

   Question with Reyes is – can he stay healthy. Clearly he’s proving that he still has the elite skills. I worry about his health and about whether or not trade speculation will wear on him, but I think if your team needs AVG/SB then you need to do the deal.