Fantasy Baseball Advice

Stephen Drew to postpone all ballroom dancing classes for six to nine months with a fractured ankle.  His wife Nancy isn’t gonna be happy.  More time for mystery solving!  If you haven’t seen the video of Stephen Drew, I’d wait for it on the big screen in Faces of Death:  The Drew Edition, which will also feature J.D. throwing out his back, knee, shoulder, back again and ‘pulling up short.’  We probably won’t see Stephen again this year, so it’s fine to drop him.  In his place, Cody Ransom, Quad-A/futility infielder.  He has 25 homers in Triple-A this year, and 9 homers in about ten years of on again/off again major league service.  You can probably do better.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Wilson Betemit – Castaway Wilson got volleyed to the Tigers yesterday.  Betemit has never received any modicum of respect in his major league career, if I’m using the word modicum correctly.  For the longest time, the Royals would drop the boom with prospect after prospect and Betemit would be MOS — ‘Mit Out Starting job — but now Betemit will take over 3rd base.  Brandon Inge must feel Blind Sided by this.  Maybe he should call Sandra Bullock or Big Mike to campaign for him.  Every bone in your body tells you you shouldn’t own Betemit, but why are you listening to bones?  Is that some voodoo shizz?  If you’re struggling with your corner infidel in deep mixed leagues, Betemit could provide some pop and average.  Of course, don’t drop anyone too worthwhile for him.  Still no respect!

Casper Wells – This was what Leyland said when he sent Wells down, “It’s a crying shame.  He doesn’t deserve to go down.  This one hurts because the kid has done a hell of a job.”  Apparently, the only thing harder than giving up Casper is giving up tobacco.  If only there was a Casper Wells patch!

Duane Below – 5 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 2 Ks.  He’s a pretty mediocre AL-Only option with a bleh K-rate in the minors.  Plus, Duane Below sounds like a What’s Happening episode where Raj and Rerun lost their friend’s hair pick.  Hey HEY….sob….hey.

Carlos Gomez – Broke his collar bone and will be out for a while.  Maybe Lastings Milledge can work “poppin’ collars like Carlos Gomez” into a song.

Dan Haren – 4 1/3 IP, 7 ER.  I thought we had a deal that someone was going to sneak into Haren’s room and turn the calender back to June?

Clayton Kershaw – 8 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 12 Ks.  He looked better than Lincecum, in both a straight and gay way.

Javy Guerra – Has six straight saves, an ERA of 2.18 and a perma-smile like the Joker.

Andre Ethier – Has 9 homers, zero steals and a .299 average.  Johnny Damon would be embarrassed by that line.

Dustin Ackley – 2-for-4 with his 4th homer in 26 games since he’s been called up.  He’s almost surely going to be overrated next year.  Damn you, half empty glass.

Chris Narveson – 7 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 4 Ks.  Next, he gets the Cubs, then the Astros twice.  That’s a yes, please and thank you.

Jason Vargas – 3 IP, 5 ER.  How very JV of him.  Two straight bad starts, two reasons he should no longer be on your team.

Adam Dunn – Out with knee problems.  Ironically, this year his fantasy owners were forced to take a knee.

John Danks – 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks.  Solid start in his return from the Disabled List.  Or as Ozzie calls it, the Puta List.

Brad Lidge – Due back from rehab on Friday.  I’d make sure he comes with return postage for when he gets hurt again.  He won’t be the closer immediately, but the Phils merry-go-round closerousel could pick up in August.

Antonio Bastardo – Charlie Manuel hinted that Bastardo could remain the closer.  I hope Madson enjoyed screwing Charlie Manuel’s daughter (I imagine she looks like Cletus from The Simpsons with boobs) because for some reason he’s in the dog house again.  Or maybe Manuel was saying Madson would be the closer, but calling him a bastardo.

Vance Worley – 8 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks.  He’d be cooler if his name was Van Swirley.  Last time Worley pitched well, I said he shouldn’t be pitching this well, but you should pick him up until he stops pitching this well.  Well, well, well…

Jimmy Rollins – 3-for-5, 4 runs, 3 RBIs and 2 homers.  The Cubs were mowed down by Philly — back again! — with a little east coast swing by the J, the I, the M, the M, the Y, y’all!

Michael Martinez – 2-for-5 with 2 steals.  Probably won’t hit over .240 but he has some speed and is playing while Polanco receives an epidural.  Betcha Polanco wishes he chose natural childbirth.

Ryan Dempster – 3 IP, 6 ER as Dempster goes back to the dumpster.

Edwin Encarnacion – 3-for-5, 4 runs, a home run and two steals.  Encarnacion goes through stretches where he gets crazy hot.  Right now, hitting near .450 in the last week with three steals and a homer and 17 for his last 40.  He’s a hot schmotato, ya’ll.

Travis Snider – 2-for-4, 5 RBIs and a home run.  Really shouldn’t be on waivers in any leagues at this point.

Jayson Werth – 3-for-5, and his 11th home run.  According to RCL updater, VinWins, Duffy’s Irish Pub in Washington, D.C. is matching beer prices to Jayson Werth’s average.  3 hits yesterday raised the price to $2.18.  For where I live (Los Angeles), a bar could match Ruth’s lifetime slugging percentage and be a good deal.

Lonnie Chisenhall – 2-for-4 and a home run.  Or as someone on Sportscenter probably said, Lonnie went gonnie.

Freddy Garcia – 6 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 8 baserunners, 7 Ks.  When I see Garcia’s season ERA at 3.21, I get as incredulous as De Niro when Spider talks back to Pesci.

Eduardo Nunez – 1-for-3 with 2 steals.  Now has 13 steals on the year (and 13 errors and 13 strikeouts and 13 times he’s name dropped Jeter to try and get laid).

Joe Nathan – 1 IP, 1 ER.  Still recorded the save, but it’s worth noting he gave up a run.  And noted.

Johnny Cueto – 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks.  Now has a season ERA of 1.98 as he went against Jeff Karstens (7 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 1 K) and his 2.28 ERA.  To think we paid 20-something dollars for Gallardo in March… Cust frustrated.

Chase D’Arnaud – Now has 7 errors in 21 games played.  More like Chase D’Ball.

Jacoby Ellsbury – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs with his 14th and 15th home runs.  Member when I said in April Ellsbury and Gardner were the same player?  I kill myself sometimes.  Literally, I’m sticking my head in the oven.

Ricky Nolasco – 1 1/3 IP, 9 ER vs. the Padres.  San Diego bats haven’t been used this much since Cinco de Mayo.  Not sure if candy came out of Nolasco.

Will Venable – 2-for-4 with his 3rd homer as every hitter on the Padres got into the action.  San Diego’s offense yesterday was like Ralphie beating up Farkus.  Months of futility boiling up into an uncontrollable rage.  I just picture Jason Bartlett kicking and screaming, “Fickin’, shmikin…”

Dan Uggla has now homered in two straight games, but, more importantly, he has two other hits in those games, making him hotter than a junebug on a duck’s back or some other yokelism they say in The South.  That’s at least compared to how he looked like Rocky Dennis on all his swings prior to this week.  That’s if Rocky Dennis wore Affliction.  “Yo, yo, yo, whaddup, boss?  Get another round of Flaming Nads for my lady friends!”  That’s Dan Uggla at Senor Frog’s.  (BTW, it looks like the 3rd Giambi brother in the background of that Uggla picture.)  I don’t think Uggla can get his average much higher than .230, but he’s still more than capable of getting to 30 homers.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Jair Jurrjens – 6 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 2 Ks as he continues to defy his FIP.  BTW, if you were in a fantasy league with Murray Chass, you’d be getting your ass handed to you.  “Hey, Grey, I just traded Alexi Ogando to Murray Chass!”  That’s you two months before you’re throwing darts at a board with my picture.

Joe Mauer – It’s being said that he will start at 1st on Thursday after he sat out yesterday with general soreness.  Does General Soreness report to Major Discomfort?

Francisco Liriano – 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 10 baserunners, 4 Ks.  First, he strung together a month of such terrible starts, you were forced to bench him… When he threw a no-hitter.  Then you have to put him back in your lineup and he looks awful again.  So you bench him and he turns in another gem.  Then he goes to the DL and returns with a nice start that you bench him for because you weren’t sure if he was healthy.  Finally, you roll him out there and he pitches terrible again.  You bench him and he’s great.  You start him and he’s awful.  You bench him, and he shows up at your house with pictures of him and your mother having sex.  By my rough calculations, I’ve been sonavabenched by him 6 times and have an ERA of over 15.00 for when I’ve started him.  Liriano and I are done, finished, synonym.  I never want to see him on my team again.

Joe Nathan – Gardenhire, which is what I need to cut the ivy on my building, said that Nathan would’ve got the ball in the ninth if there was a save opportunity.  Then he said Capps is still the closer.  I think he just wanted to see some double takes.

Bronson Arroyo – 6 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 baserunners, 2 Ks.  He said that he woke up Monday with vertigo.  This was almost as bad as when he woke up with The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Jay Bruce – Hit his 19th homer after going to Barbados for the better part of June.  Nice to see you return, Bruce.

Michael Young – Hitting .328 after going 9 for his last 12.  The Rangers DH slot is like the fountain of youth (see Vlad from last year, Sammy Sosa in 2007).  They should adopt Hafner.  Just give him Kevin Mench’s old hat.

Mike Napoli – 1-for-4 with his 11th homer as he triggers a dozen “Should I pick up Napoli?” questions.

Jose Reyes – Remained out of the lineup with a bad case of “If I get injured more severely then kiss my big offseason contract goodbye and hello a short contract with the godforsaken Mets.”  He says he’ll return Thursday.

Placido Polanco – Out until at least this weekend with a pinched nerve in his back.  I’m guessing he’s gonna need a 15-day DL stint, but I’m not a doctor though I did fall asleep while watching a Scrubs rerun last night.

John Mayberry – 2-for-4 with 2 homers.  Aunt Bee would be proud.

Ryan Braun – His MRI showed some inflammation in his calf.  He should return on Friday.  Not sure how Sandy Koufax would feel about him returning on Shabbos, especially if he’s going to be sacrificing a calf.

Casey McGehee – Came in as a pinch-hitter after being benched for the 2nd time in 4 games and hit a 3-run HR.  At least I think it was McGehee, but the Chorizo from the 7th inning stretch race was conspicuously absent from all post-game press conferences.  I said about a week or so ago I think McGehee can turn his season around to a certain extent.  Though that “to a certain extent” is sitting on the fence between yay and meh.

Yovani Gallardo – 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 6 Ks.  After his June 4th start, he had a 3.72 ERA and now his ERA is 3.76.  See, he’s consistent!  /sarcasm

Kelly Johnson – 1-for-3 with his 15th home run to go along with his .217 AVG and .298 OBP.  And 100 strikeouts.  Kelly Johnson, Dan Uggla, and Aaron Hill should create a white-soul group entitled 2B3K.

Mark Trumbo – Hit his 14th home run yesterday.  Ready to have your mind blown?  He’s on pace for 25 homers and 14 steals.  Youkilis has 12 homers and 1 steal.

Lonnie Chisenhall – Hit his 1st major league HR.  It’s the first HR by a Lonnie since Lonnie Smith in 1993 and the first HR ever by a Chisenhall.  Suck it, all you other ball-playin’ Chisenhalls!

Jon Jay – Didn’t start, but The Federalist entered the game and homered off CoCo Cordero in the ninth to tie the game.  Jon Jay really banged the gavel on that one.

Anibal Sanchez – 4 IP, 5 ER, 9 baserunners in his 2nd straight bad start.  Hard to get too scared since those starts were @TEX and against PHI.  Easy to get scared if he added a C or H in front of his first name.

Jacoby Ellsbury – Got the slam & legs and now on pace for a 20 HR/55 SB year.  Just what the Red Sox were expecting when they invested $140 million on him in free agency.  Oh wait, they gave that money to Carl Crawford who is on pace for a 12/18 year.  I’d say Carl owes Jacoby a Sam Adams or two but I can’t see them hanging out.  Maybe if Jacoby was named Lenny or if Crawford was named Meyers.

Guillermo Moscoso – 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 5 Ks against the Mariners.  He’s thrown a 2.25 ERA over his last 40 IP which netted one win thanks to the A’s un-A lineup.  That’s far from so-so, Moscoso!  Rudy cashed in on this as an AL-only flier.  But given his sad K-rate (27 K’s in 50 IP), he’s purely a matchup play in mixed league.

Ryan Zimmerman – 3-for-4 and his 4th homer.  I don’t wanna say too much on his recent hot streak for fear of the stache jinx.  Or stinx, if portmanteaus are your thing.

Danny Espinosa – 1-for-4 with his 16th home run and 10th steal.  But the national spotlight is on Jeter?!

Aramis Ramirez – Another day, another homer.  Did Sosa leave behind one of his rubber ball bats?  Or ball shrinking needles?

Carlos Pena – Hit his 18th homer.  I thought we just came out of one of his 8 homer in 12 game streaks.  My man Pena is hungry!

Chase D’Arnaud – 1-for-3 and a steal.  13 games, 5 steals, 4 errors.  He’s like Mat Gamel after seven Red Bulls.  If it makes you feel better, I grabbed D’Arnaud in one league for steals.

Clint Barmes – This is a super low energy recommendation but he’s 4 for his last 8 with a homer and a steal.

Phil Hughes – 5 IP, 8 baserunners, 2 ER, 2 Ks in his first start back since his dead arm diaspora.  Maybe his arm has gone from dead to just resting.

Johnny Damon – Will miss a few games with a left hand contusion.  Don’t know why he doesn’t just play and throw with his right hand, probably same difference.

Evan Longoria – 3-for-5 with 1 HR and 4 RBIs after going 2 for his last 26.  It’s that type of erratic behavior that led Tony Parker to cheat on him.

Vernon Wells – He said of his recent success swinging the bat, “Being comfortable in the box allows you to think about the most important thing, which is hitting the ball.  When you’re out of sorts mechanically, you’re thinking about that in the box, and all of a sudden the ball is on top of you.”  What type of sex does Vernon Wells have?

Ryan Madson went to the DL with numbness in his pitching hand.  Hello, bullpen?  Is there anybody in there?  Just nod if you can hear me.  Brad Lidge is due back in a few weeks.  AHHHHH!  Now you feel a little sick.  Antonio Bastardo would be the immediate add for vulture saves.  That’ll keep you going through the show.  Come on, it’s time to go.  But that Bastardo is a lefty, so Michael Stutes could get some saves.  Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying.  Michael Stutes could get some saves.  Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying.  Michael Stutes– Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying.  Forget it, I’d grab Bastardo if I were in desperate need for saves.  Unless you have become comfortably numb.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Brett Cecil – The man who sounds like a 70′s Playboy pinup has returned from Triple-A.  During the preseason, I put Cecil in a tier of starters called, “There’s some upside here, but I wouldn’t expect anything,” and said more or less that Cecil was once considered better than Romero.  There’s signs of a terrific K-rate in the minors, the Jays have watched his innings well and he cut his walk rate last year.  Great, wonderful, fantastic!  Unfortunately, he’s still in the AL East, his K-rate last year was terrible and he was hideous in April this year.  And that’s me copying, pasting, liberally quoting and adding addendums to me!

Shin-Soo Choo – As I reported here on Monday after inferring shizz from other sites, Choo’s out until September, having surgery on his thumb.  I’d lose him in redraft leagues where you don’t have DL room.  What a waste of a draft pick.  Ah, Choo… Bless you.

Doug Davis – 4 1/3 IP, 10 ER.  The Cubs should reduce their DD.  It’s just sloppy.

Starlin Castro – 1-for-9 for the doubleheader.  For when someone does terrible on both sides of a doubleheader, it sounds like we need an alternate glossary definition for a player dropping a deuce.

Ryan Vogelsong – 5 IP, 3 ER, 10 baserunners, 6 Ks.  He’s totally charmed right now.  He actually gets hit in this game as he should be and the Giants score the most runs they have all year. (This wasn’t fact checked, but it’s probably accurate.)

Miguel Tejada – 3-for-6 with a home run.  They must have some great B-12 in Chicago.

Cliff Lee – 9 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks.  About a month ago, we almost pulled the trigger on a trade of Heath Bell and Pence for Cliff Lee.  With Pence’s injury and Bell about to be traded, could see that being one that we Mr. Bungled.

Jonathan Broxton – Will be out for at least a month and a half.  Mattingly said he’d consider it a bonus if Broxton pitched again this year.  Doesn’t a bonus come on top of something good?  Where is Strunk & White to let them know it’s not correct grammar to say something like, “My best friend is sleeping with my wife, but I’d consider it a bonus if he used a condom.”

Javy Guerra – He’s the guy to own in the Dodgers bullpen. (For that one save opportunity every month or so.)

Ted Lilly – 4 2/3 IP, 6 ER.  Last time out, I said he was unstartable, but then I saw he was facing the Twins in the Hubert H. Homerfree Retrodome and I decided to give it a whirl.  Now, Lilly and I are done.  Lose my number.  Wait, he gets the Mets next time out.  Why can’t I quit you?!

Nick Swisher – 2-for-4 with his third home run in the last 5 games.  Looks like Swisher is finally playing as hot as those sideburns make him look.  Wait, what?  Umm… Awkward… Umm… Yeah, I’d grab Swisher.  In fantasy!  Um, leagues.

Eduardo Nunez – 1-for-3 with 2 steals.  That’s nice, but he’s not long for a starting job.  Pasta Diving is up and running.

Vernon Wells – 4-for-5 and his 10th home run.  Told you last week to grab him, then again on Monday.  Don’t make me keep talking about Vernon Wells.  Please.

J.J. Hardy – 1-for-4 and his 4th home run in the last 10 games while batting near .350 in the last week.  I wish I knew how to repay him other than sending him a giant cake that I’m gonna jump out of in my birthday suit.  And to think baseball players don’t like fantasy baseball nerds.  Pfft!

Zack Greinke – 2 IP, 7 ER vs. Yankees for the Bronx cheer.

Josh Johnson – Headed to see his old friend Dr. Freeze because his shoulder’s not 100%.  Hundred percent called and said it’s never heard of Josh Johnson’s shoulder.

Josh Beckett – 6 IP, 5 ER, 6 baserunners, 1 K.  A’la Nelson Muntz, “HA HA!”

Edwin Encarnacion – 2-for-4 with 2 home runs.  Now has three home runs in his last three games.  He won’t dazzle your retinas for long periods of time, but he does look like he’s hot.  Get on board!

Kyle Lohse – 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 2 Ks.  His K-rate is under 5… C’mon.  Seriously.  That’s ridiculous.

Colby Rasmus – 1-for-3 with a home run.  Now has two homers in the last four games and a hit in each of his last five.  It ain’t Rasmus burning on the dance floor, but it’s a start.  Geiger, let’s go!

Jose Reyes – 4-for-4 and his 29th steal, hitting .349 on the year.  Haven’t talked much about Reyes this year because every time I look at him I think about how I wished I owned him on every team and it annoys me.

Jason Bay – Him and Beltran hit grand slams in consecutive innings.  Only took three years but the Mets team is really starting to come together.  Too bad they’re about to dismantle them.

Wily Mo Pena – 1-for-1 with a pinch hit home run.  All Wily Mo does is hit homers!  No, really, that’s all he does.

J.J. Putz – Gave up a run on Monday and two runs on Tuesday to blow the save.  His ERA is up to 3.12 after starting the month at 1.57.  Putz’s blown (hehe) four games this month.  I’d grab David Hernandez where you’re desperate for saves.

Chase D’Arnaud – 0-for-4 with a steal.  He’s now started three games in a row at 3rd base for the Pirates. In the minors, he stole 33 of 40 last year and 17 of 20 this year.  He can’t do much but steal, but maybe he’ll try and prove his worth and, ya know, steal.  In deeper leagues, I could see taking the SAGNOF flyer.

Kevin Correia – 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 baserunners, 3 Ks and his 10th win.  Of course he has ten wins.  Why wouldn’t he?!  It’s Kevin Correia on the Pittsburgh Pirates!  I hate wins.

Alex Presley – 2-for-5, 3 RBIs and his first home run.  Will see significant time with Tabata to the DL for at least three weeks.  Yes, you should pick up Presley.  Now if only Fleer still did those novelty cards like Black & Blue with Bud Black and Vida Blue, so we could have an Elvis (Andrus) & (Alex) Presley card.  Or Fister-Moore.

Johnny Damon – Went 4-for-6 on Sunday and 2-for-4 with a home run yesterday.  Hard for me to give you much enthusiasm for him, so let’s just say he’s seeing the ball well and move on.

Tommy Hanson – 6 IP, 3 ER, 9 baserunners, 8 Ks.  He wasn’t quite vintage Hommy, but it’s good to have him back.  (Even though I don’t own him…Why again didn’t I draft him?  Dah!)

Ichiro Suzuki – Hit his first home run of the year as he bats almost fifty points below his career average.  Wow, he got old fast.  He might be 52 years old.  See, I have this theory that all Asians look young up until 51 years old, then when they turn 52, they look ancient.  It’s the Law of Pat Morita.  Morita was young looking on Happy Days and under the age of 52.  Then Morita turned 52 years old, was in The Karate Kid and looked ancient.

Gio Gonzalez – 8 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hit, 3 Walks, 9 Ks.  The Gio Grande is obviously no place for Marlins.

Rich Harden – Will be activated on Friday (and DL’d on Saturday).  I wouldn’t bother with him.  He hasn’t pitched more than 4 2/3 IP in any game so far in his rehab, which is hilarious to me.  “Just keep him healthy long enough for me to trade him.”  That’s Brad Pitt playing the part of Billy Beane.  Making room for Harden, Graham Godfrey is moving to the bullpen to the dismay of all the pitchers out there who can’t stand his loud, piercing voice and his penchant for roasting other pitchers.  “People think Brian Fuentes is a bad guy because he bad-mouthed Bob Geren.  They are incorrect.  He’s a bad man because he KILLED A MEXICAN IN A COLORADO SLAUGHTERHOUSE.  WITH HIS OWN HANDS.  HE DIDN’T EVEN USE THE MEAT GRINDER.  YOU EXPECT THAT FROM A KRAUT LIKE MICHAEL WUERTZ.  BUT IT WAS FUENTES.  AGAINST ONE OF HIS OWN PEOPLE!”  That’s Graham Godfrey.

Recently there has been talk about Yu Darvish from Japan getting brought over during the 2011/2012 offseason. Currently, he plays for Hokkaido Nippon Ham in the Japan Pacific League. His right 24-year-old (D.o.B: 8/16/86) right arm throws a fastball between 91 to 94 MPH (tops out at 97 MPH), a hard slurve (80 MPH), a strong two-seamer/cutter, curve. He also throws a changeup and a splitter. Younger and expectantly better than Dice-K his career statistics are as follows (only have 2007 to 2010 stats from Baseball Reference): 9.2 K/9 | 2.1 BB/9 | 792 1/3 IP | 1.81 ERA | 0.909 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 6.1 H/9 | 40 CG (98 Starts). The NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) has been compared to the talent level at Triple-A, maybe even near Quad-A for the most optimistic. If brought over, expect a bidding war with only the wealthiest of teams submitting offers. Easily would be a top five prospect, if not the top prospect.

In other minor league news, the Future Games will be played July 10, 2011. The USA’s roster can be found here and the World’s roster can be found here.

Chase d’Arnaud | PIT | IF: Recently recalled by the Pirates and can play anywhere in the infield. Slashed .280/.347/.418 in 62 games at Triple-A with four home runs and 17 steals. Could be a cheap source of steals in the deepest of leagues. Don’t expect a good average or any measurable power.

Mike Trout | LAA | CF: The number one ranked prospect in the land has followed up his breakout campaign with a sequel that is equally as impressive. His triple-slash of.327/.425/.556 in 248 at-bats combined with 30 XBH (9 3B and 9 Hr) and 24 steals in 31 attempts. The Angels don’t have much room in their outfield without making a major move. However, barring Sciosciapath’s anti-rookie sentiment overruling talent, Trout will receive a call up in September and legitimately contend for a roster spot in 2012.

Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): The Nationals 10th ranked prospect (Baseball America, 2011) as posted 114 strikeouts to 14 walks in 87 innings at Double-A. Fastball sits between 92 and 94 MPH and tops out at 96 MPH. Throws a knuckle-curve and an average changeup. Projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

Lonnie Chisenhall | CLE | 3B: Since returning from concussion on June 22nd, Chisenhall has gone 7 for 13 with 2 HR and 13 RBI (as of 6/25/11). Before the concussion, he was 18 for his last 83 at-bats. He needs to get hot before, as his case for the majors this year was dimming after a strong start.

Eric Thames | TOR | LF: Called up to replace the void in the OF left by Jose Bautista moving to third. Hack and slash with decent power and ability to hit doubles. This is his second call up this year. In the deepest of leagues, if you need the power, he warrants the opportunity.

Wil Myers | KC | C/OF: Currently hitting .292/.364/.422 in 154 AB with 14 XBH (3 Hr) and a 40:17 K:BB ratio at Double-A. Injured his knee earlier this year and was out for nearly a month. A recent report from the Royals assistant GM J.J. Picollo, “The transition to the outfield has been exactly what we thought it would be…. He plays left some and center some, but right field is his most natural spot because he can throw.” They seem pleased with his progress. Defense was always the question with Myers, his bat was gonna get him to the majors.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 2B/3B: Lawrie is not close to returning. He’s having difficulties griping the bat and his timetable to return is still early-August. Fantasy purposes, he may not be up until late-August at the earliest.

Yasmani Grandal | CIN | C: The Reds 2010 first round draft pick has been promoted to Double-A after dominating High-A to the tune of .296/.410/.510 in 206 AB with 24 XBH (10 Hr) and a 57:40 K:BB ratio. With Devin Mesoraco ahead of him at Triple-A, don’t expect to see Grandal in the majors until late 2012 barring injuries. He does play better defense than Mesoraco, projects as a plus-hitter with a 20 to 25 home run ceiling.

Drew Pomeranz | CLE | RHP (SP): The Indians 2010 first round pick is poised to be promoted to Double-A within the next month per reports from team officials. Helps when you have 77 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings at High-A and are dominating opposing hitters. Would appear his mid-90s fastball and plus knuckle-curveball is on track to receive a June 2012 call up.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Minor League Review
Overall farm ranking via Baseball America (2010)
2010 (16) | 2009 (18) | 2008 (26) | 2007 (19) | 2006 (19) | 2005 (18) | 2004 (11)

Record of Major and Minor League Team(s)
MLB: [57 – 105] NL Central
AAA: [71 – 72] International League – Indianapolis
AA: [82 – 60] Eastern League – Altoona
A+: [76 – 62] Carolina League – Bradenton
A: [65 – 74] South Atlantic – West Virginia
A(ss): [33 – 42] New York Pennsylvania League – State College
R: [29 – 30] Gulf League

The Run Down
After another “they are who we thought they are,” (thank you Denny Green) type of season for the Pirates, 2011 does pose a few bright spots. The 2010 season saw several prospects graduate with varying success, most notably, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Neil Walker. You could call it the year of the [rookie] hitter in Pittsburgh. The 2011 season should bring along the year of the pitcher. With Jeff Locke and Rudy Owens being the main rookies to keep an eye on, along with the infamous Daniel Moskos as a reliever. Don’t fret, Tony Sanchez wasn’t forgotten, just not 2011 fantasy season ready. Oh, and you can catch a Manny Machado MLB scouting Report here – he won’t be ready for a couple years. This young squad has the ability to have more than Andrew McCutchen shine in 2011. Pitching will still be the struggle even with Owens and Locke, but the hitters – that graduate in 2010 – have the best upside for the 2011 season.

Graduating Prospects
#1 (3B) Pedro Alvarez; #2 (RF) Jose Tabata; #4 (RHP) Brad Lincoln; #21 (RHP) Dan McCutchen; #26 (2B) Neil Walker;

Arizona Fall League Players Scottsdale Scorpions
Pitchers – (LHP) Justin Wilson
Hitters – #3 (C) Tony Sanchez; #29 (2B) Josh Harrison; #22 (SS/OF) Jordy Mercer; #7 (LF – LAD) Andrew Lambo

Players of Interest
Hitters
#5 Chase d’Arnaud | 2B/SS | D.o.B: 1-21-87 | Stats (AA): .247/.331/.377 | 530 AB | 48 XBH | 6 Hr | .130 ISO | 33/7 SB/CS | 102:56 K:BB | .293 BABIP
The older brother of Travis d’Arnaud, Chase plays a sound defensive game, usually playing more shortstop than second base; at shortstop he has solid range and strong arm. Scouts differ on his final position stating his range may be too limited for shortstop at the major leagues. With below average power and scouts stating that his strength is his on-base skills, d’Arnaud may be nothing more than a middle infield flier, or, deep breathe, a utility player.

Alex Presley | OF | D.o.B: 7-25-85 | Stats (AA/AAA): .320/373/.494 | 518 AB | 53 XBH | 12 Hr | .174 ISO | 13/8 SB/CS | 75:41 K:BB | .385 BABIP (AA); .330 BABIP (AAA)
I don’t have much information on Presley beyond the numbers. He did have 25 insignificant major league plate appearances in September. With a loaded outfield, Presley is poor man’s Denard Span at best. Most of his stats are inflated with high BABIP, so don’t expect much from him if given a call up due to injuries.

Matt Hague | 1B | D.o.B: 8-20-85 | Stats (AA): .295/.375/.442 | 509 AB | 45 XBH | 15 Hr | .147 ISO | 3/6 SB/CS | 62:61 K:BB | .310 BABIP
Just like Presley, I only have the numbers to work with. Hague appears to have good plate-discipline combined with boring power at first base. Not overly lucky (.310 BABIP), nor exciting, Hague reminds me of James Loney, expect I don’t know if he plays good defense. With Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce/Garrett Jones, I don’t see Hague getting much time in the majors until September.

Pitchers
#9 Rudy Owens | LHP | D.o.B: 12-18-87 | Stats (AA): 7.9 K/9 | 1.4 BB/9 | 150 IP | 2.46 ERA | 2.95 FIP | .98 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 7.4 H/9 | .280 BABIP
This is who I am extremely excited about. No, he may not pitch until the mid-summer, but he could be this year’s Travis Wood. Throwing a 88 to 90 MPH fastball, a changeup – his best pitch – and a “slurvy curveball” doesn’t speak of a dominating pitcher. Baseball America calls him the, “classic crafty lefthander.” I call him a midseason sleeper barring injury.

#13 Jeff Locke | LHP | D.o.B: 11-20-87 | Stats (A+/AA): 8.7 K/9 | 1.6 BB/9 | 144 IP | 3.56 ERA | 3.37 FIP (A+); 2.95 FIP (AA) | 1.15 WHIP | .7 Hr/9 | 8.7 H/9 | .372 BABIP (A+); .280 BABIP (AA)
Received in the Nate McLouth trade in 2009, Locke might be the best piece in return. Baseball America calls him a “hard-throwing lefty.” Locke throws a 91 to 94 MPH fastball with “heavy sink,” a “decent” curveball, and an improving changeup. Statistically, Locke’s seasons were identical at High-A and Double-A with 8.7 K/9 at each level, with similar control (1.5 BB/9 at A+; 1.9 BB/9 at AA); innings were split as follows: 86 1/3 IP at High-A and 57 2/3 IP at Double-A. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start a major league game in 2011 during the late summer (i.e. August).

#30 Dan Moskos | LHP | D.o.B: 4-28-86 | Stats (AA): 9.4 K/9 | 3.5 BB/9 | 41 1/3 IP | 1.52 ERA | 2.50 FIP | 1.02 WHIP | .0 Hr/9 | 5.7 H/9 | .261 BABIP
Moskos is the infamous prospect that was picked ahead of Matt Wieters because they didn’t want to pay. Well, Wieters is in the majors with productions nowhere near the hype while Moskos struggles in the minors. Moskos dominated Double-A with the aide of a .261 BABIP and a strong strikeout rate (9.4 K/9). However, Triple-A was a different story.

• AAA: 9.3 K/9 | 10.4 BB/9 | 17 1/3 IP | 19 games | 2.65 WHIP | 1.6 Hr/9 | 13.5 H/9 | 4.27 BABIP

That’s not pretty. He’s a two-pitch power reliever throwing a 95 MPH fastball and a power slider. Upside is a closer, or back end starter.

Honorable Mentions
Hitters
#3 Tony Sanchez | C | D.o.B: 5-20-88 | Stats (A+): .314/.416/.454 | 207 AB | 21 XBH | 4 Hr | .140 ISO | 2/1 SB/CS | 41:28 K:BB | .367 BABIP
Baseball America calls him an “outstanding defensive catcher with soft hands,” along with having a “strong arm” and “good ball-blocking skills.” Another grammatically confusing sentence brought to you by Baseball America, “[Sanchez] should have solid-average power.” Translated, Sanchez could hit 10 to 15 home runs and looks like Jose Molina with lesser defense.

#6 Starling Marte | CF | D.o.B: 10-9-89 | Stats (A+): .315/.386/.432 | 222 AB | 21 XBH | 0 Hr | .117 ISO | 22/8 SB/CS | 59:12 K:BB | .424 BABIP
A five-tool prospect, Marte has plus-plus speed that translates to some steals and good defense in center field. His swing produces a fair amount of line-drives. Still very raw and statistically relied upon an unstable .424 BABIP to increase his slash line. There are still to many questions to make a fair comparison.

Pitchers
#7 Tim Alderson | RHP | D.o.B: 11-3-88 | Stats (A+/AA): 5.9 K/9 | 2.8 BB/9 | 128 1/3 IP | 6.03 ERA | 4.83 FIP (A+); 4.47 FIP (AA) | 1.55 WHIP | 1.1 Hr/9 | 11.2 H/9 | .333 BABIP (A+); .345 BABIP (AA)
I once wrote a Scouting the Unknown article praising Alderson. Now, I might have to say that Alderson was a cheap price for the Giants to receive Freddy Sanchez. Alderson has a downward trending strikeout rate, and this year was the worst at 5.9 K/9. The control is still there, but he isn’t fooling anyone now. Also, he is giving up too many home runs (1.1 Hr/9) along with too many hits (11.2 H/9). Still young, I’m not going to sing praises for this prospect until he can dominate a level. Scouts noticed decreased velocity during the 2009 season. There are more red flags than in China. There are a few bright spots. He had extremely low LOB percentages (LOB%: 55.4 % at High-A; 65.2% at Double-A; normal is about ~70%). Beyond this, I would steer clear while he tries to rebound at Double-A again in 2011.

#15 Bryan Morris | RHP | D.o.B: 3-28-87 | Stats (A+/AA): 8.3 K/9 | 2.6 BB/9 | 133 2/3 IP | 3.03 ERA | 2.01 FIP (A+); 3.87 FIP (AA) | 1.21 WHIP | .6 Hr/9 | 8.3 H/9 | .301 BABIP (A+); .316 BABIP (AA)
Morris was received in the Jason Bay trade. He throws a 91 to 93 MPH fastball that touches 95 MPH, a plus-curve and a mediocre changeup. At this point, he is more exciting than Alderson. There are injury concerns in his past, and a few character blemishes due to a combative/competitive nature. Should not be in the majors until the end of the 2011 season.