(1) Alex Gordon to work on versatility in minors.
(2) Brad Lidge not ready to close – who will for Phillies?
(3) Jimmy Rollins likely to miss at least two more weeks.
(4) Joe Mauer to DL with heel injury?
(5) Javier Vazquez to have start skipped.
(6) Brian Wilson back to health in San Francisco.
(7) Should you still sell-high on Garland and Fister? Here’s a quick shorthand note – yes.
By Ray Flowers
(1) Edinson Volquez suspended 50 games for trying to start a family?
(2) Cliff Lee has suspension rescinded.
(3) Lance Berkman returns – Chris Johnson to DL.
(4) Russell Branyan back for Indians.
(5) Mike Gonzalez getting second opinion on shoulder.
(6) Mike Cameron to DL. Jacoby Ellsbury still dealing with side issue leaving Red Sox thin in outfield.
(7) Conor Jackson to DL, Gerardo Parra into lineup.
(8) Madison Bumgarner finds lost seven mph?
By Ray Flowers
(1) Jose Reyes visits doctor, but still healthy. Turns out it had nothing to do with his hamstring.
(2) Hank Blalock deciding between Rays and Marlins. Neither is offering full-time role.
(3) David Aardsma tweaks groin. Not a major issue, but brings up how useful Brandon League might end up being.
(4) Ike Davis Mets’ first basemen of future. Can Daniel Murphy hold him off in the present?
(5) Max Scherzer struggles for Tigers in first outing.
(6) Brandon Webb frustrated with speed of comeback from shoulder surgery. No setbacks reported but he feels like he has “stagnated” in the process.
Here are some links to a few of my most recent pieces at Fanball.com which are free to view.
Average Bases Allowed – Starters.
Average Bases Allowed – Relievers.
By Ray Flowers
(1) Russell Branyan to start at 1B for Indians sending Matt LaPorta to left field and Michael Brantley to Triple-A.
(2) Cliff Lee throws for first time since minor foot surgery.
(3) Astros to have 9th inning competition between Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom. You can read my thoughts in Breaking Down: Lyon/Lindstrom.
(4) Josh Hamilton injures shoulder.
(5) Livan Hernandez signs with Nationals for $900,000 plus incentives.
(6) Hank Blalock to Marlins/Rays as left-handed power bat off bench?
(7) Chad Qualls undervalued on draft day with an ADP of over 200.
(8) Olympic anguish with ice hockey being taped delayed. You can witness my frustration at USA Olympic Hockey Delay.
By Ray Flowers
(1) Eric Gagne to sign with Rockies?
*After this video was made, Gagne signed with the Dodgers on a minor league deal.
(2) Ted Lilly having knee issues.
(3) Brad Lidge struggles due to tipping pitches?
(4) Blue Jays arms on the mend – Dustin McGowan, Jesse Litsch, Shaun Marcum.
(5) Brian Roberts dealing with back spasms.
(6) Wade Davis – no IP limit with Rays?
(7) Cliff Lee’s foot progressing well. Should throw next week.
(8) Joel Hanrahan having elbow issues. May need surgery.
By Ray Flowers
Tim Lincecum and the Giants agreed to a last minute deal to avoid arbitration as the two sides agreed to a 2-year deal worth $23 million. What are the ramifications of the deal for the Giants, Lincecum and baseball as a whole?
Just to further what was said in the video, here are the numbers between the three hurlers under discussion for the past two seasons (2008-09).
Lincecum: 33-12, 2.48 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
Hernandez: 28-16, 2.93 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
Verlander: 30-26, 4.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP
Lincecum: 10.47 K/9, 3.46 K/BB, 452.1 IP
Hernandez: 8.03 K/9, 2.60 K/BB, 439.1 IP
Verlander: 8.82 K/9, 2.88 K/BB, 441 IP
Oh, and if you can’t stand the wait over the weekend to hear more of my thoughts you can go ahead and click on the link to The Fantasy Buffet where you’ll find the archive to all the shows that Kyle Elfrink of Royals With Cheese and I do every day, live, 8-9 AM PST.
By Ray Flowers
(1) Orlando Cabrera signs with Reds.
(2) Willy Taveras to A’s, then designated.
(3) Johnny Damon wants to play for Tigers?
(4) Ryan Garko signs with Mariners.
(5) Jose Reyes running sprints.
(6) Orlando Hudson still undecided – Nationals, Indians, Rockies in the mix.
(7) Joe Mauer deal all rumors at this point.
By Ray Flowers
* Bengie Molina re-signs with Giants, leaves Mets in trouble.
* Tim Lincecum asks for record $13 million, Giants submit $8 million.
* Felix Hernandez signs deal with Mariners for 5-years, $78 million (average of $15.6 annually).
* Johnny Damon to retire?
* Ben Sheets hits 91-92, throws some curves in 55 pitch outing for scouts.
* Jim Edmonds to return to active duty?
* Paul Lo Duca signs with Rockies.
* Carl Pavano gets $7 million from Twins.
* Dave Bush to get at least $4 million from Brewers.
* Brad Lidge says he is healthy after two surgeries.
* White Sox: Andrew Jones ($500K) says he is in great shape.
* Octavio Dotel close to signing with Pirates, could close.
* Dexter Fowler hires Scott Boras as agent.
* Robinson Tejada signs with Royals for $950K.
By Ray Flowers
The FSWA winner of the Best Baseball Series of 2011, BaseballGuys.com is the only source you will need for your fantasy baseball knowledge. OK, you might need other sources, but BaseballGuys.com should be on your daily list of must reads for the insights an analysis it provides on the world of baseball.
The co-host of The Drive on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87: M-F at 5-8 PM EDT), Ray has spent years squirreled away studying the inner workings of the fantasy game to the detriment of his personal life. Specializing in baseball, football and hockey, some consider him an expert in all three. Ray's work can also be found as feature writer for: Fantasy Alarm, Rotoinfo, Rotowire and Sports Illustrated.
You can contact Ray through e-mail at fantasyfandom@yahoo(dot)com or on Twitter.
