Fantasy Notes to Consider

George Sherrill of the Orioles has blown a save and earned a loss in his past two appearances. After a strong start to the season, 22SV's with a 2.73ERA, Sherrill is slowly falling apart by showing some weaknesses. Owners who have Sherrill, me included, should really consider if he is worthy of a spot on your roster. I AM NOT telling you to drop him but maybe try and package him in a deal to help in other areas. The reason I am starting to think about shipping him out and not the struggling Billy Wagner is because Wagner has proven he can last throughout an entire season while recovering from little bumps. Sherrill on the other hand has not completed a full season as a closer and has never completed more than 45 innings, which he is closing on very quickly (he has 31 innings so far). Go to your standings and see if the last place owner in saves has something you are in need of and start some trade negotiations.

Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers only lasted 4 innings in his latest outing but looking on the bright side he only allowed 2H's, 2BB's, while striking out 2 in a 0ER outing. For owners who used a first waiver priority on this kid, don't panic just yet. Even though he isn't providing the huge K's you expected, he is still giving you a nice K rate 7.87/9IP, just keep putting him out there and when the confidence really kicks in and he starts to dominate it'll all be worth it.

Kuroda

After a disastrous start against the Mets in his last outing (6ER's in 2.2IP) Kuroda of the Dodgers bounced back with a commanding and confidance boosting complete game shut-out of the Cubs at home. Kuroda allowed 4 hits and stuck out 11 batters in 112 pitches. This was a little out of the normal, the K's, because he has never stuck out more than 5 batters in a game this year.

Owners, as I have always preached with Kuroda, make some offers and see if some other owner will take him. I don't believe he is going to maintain a high value for the entire season. I think he will tire under the workload in the major leagues and the fact he doesn't strike people out in high numbers is bothersome in my eyes. He is very hittable and when the national league teams get a second chance seeing him, I think they will start to hit him and give owners nothing in return.

Saito

It seems that the aging Saito of the Dodgers is showing some holes, albeit small ones, in his pitching. Saito has blown a save and earned a loss in his past 3 outings. This is not big news since it wasn't anything huge like 5ER's in one inning but owners should still have Broxton as insurance. Broxton and Saito as a combo provides help in all pitching categories.

Kershaw

Kershaw of the Dodgers threw a very unimpressive game by going 3.2IP, 4ER's, 2K's, and 4BB's. At times expect Kershaw to throw games like this because of his movement on his fastball and also his age. He is still very young and owners shouldn't expect him to come out and throw 7 scoreless innings while striking out 8-10 batters. In time it should happen but take your time with this pitcher. Owners don't drop him or trade him unless you get fair value in the trade.

Most people used a first waiver wire pick on him and with this you should relax and go through the growing pains of a young pitcher. His tremendous upside is something no one can overlook.

Bad Luck for Kuroda

Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers was sent home with another loss, which he didn't deserve. This "rookie", I use this term loosely, has been pitching extremely well during his first season in America. In his latest outing he pitched 6.1 innings and only gave up 1 run but didn't get the win.

Owners shouldn't be too happy with the productivity the Dodgers are giving him with the bats. But look on the good side, this start gives owners a great piece of trade bait to lure in other owners who are in need of pitching. If you have Kuroda I would consider trading him by using him as a sweetener in trade negotiations. I don't believe this pitcher can last the entire MLB season especially since he is use to pitching every 6th or 7th day back in Japan. I think his arm will tire as the year goes on. Plus, he isn't a power pitcher which leads me to believe people will start to hit him and slowly but surely hitters will find the gaps.

So, go out and try to trade Kuroda while he is hot and doing well...sell high!

Pierre

As Jay-Z said in his song, "Use to run bases like Juan Pierre" Pierre is still tearing it up on the base paths. He has 19SB's and with his playing time being solidified after Andruw Jones's DL stint expect him to continue his stealing. This is a great pick up for owners if they have a chance. Pierre is a .300AVG hitter and has stolen at least 45bags since 2001. This guy have the wheels and is the type of person that can make the steals category swing in your favour. Plus, if you are far from the top of the leaders in SB's this is the guy you want because you can easily make up 10-15 bags in a month and a bit.

Max Scherzer

Scherzer of the Dodgers has pitched very effectively out of the bullpen by adding another 4K's on 2.2 innings against the Braves. This is a great pitcher for your team so if you have an owner out there that might want to part with this guy because he isn't a starter anymore, try and make a deal. With 28K's in 23 innings, he's not a bad guy to have on your roster.

Clayton Kershaw

Highly touted prospect, who I have mentioned numerous times, Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers made his major league debut at the age of 20 last night against the Cardinals. His final line (6IP, 5H, 2ER, 1BB, and 7K's) was very impressive but at the same time what was expected from this young pitcher.

I can not say this enough to my friends or anyone who has asked me about Kershaw and using a first waiver priority pick on this guy, PICK THIS GUY UP!! Look at his potential and upside. He can put up 9+K/9 inning numbers easily and produce some needed lowering of ERA/WHIP for owners. This kind of pitcher doesn't come along every single year. With the kind of numbers this kid can produce on the mound all fantasy owners should be drooling over the prospects of grabbing him. So, don't even hesitate go out and grab him NOW!!

His 2008 season stats in AAA have proved to be on track to what scouts/management expected. Also, some interesting news, the Dodgers organization has kept his innings to a minimum because they were interested in bringing him up sometime during the season. Down in AAA they kept his innings to 25 per month.

To the ones who are lucky enough to grab him, enjoy his services!

Jones

Andruw Jones of the Dodgers was placed on the 15-Day DL with an injured right knee which required surgery. It will take Jones 4-6 weeks to recover from this injury.

Owners, use the DL spot but if you don't have one or if it is being used, drop Jones. He isn't worth a spot on rosters unless you are in a deep NL-only league.

Clayton Kershaw

It is official, the Dodgers have purchased the contract of stud prospect Clayton Kershaw from AA-Jacksonville and will make his major league debut against the Cardinals in their 3-game series. So far in AA, Kershaw has accumulated eye-popping numbers with a 2.28ERA, 47K's, and 15BB's all in 43.1 innings.

NOTICE TO ALL FANTASY LEAGUES - Pick him up right now. This is the type of prospect you wait for and pick up with your #1 waiver priority.

Nice Pitchers

Dana Eveland of the A's just finished a complete game and allowed 1ER over 3H's. So far this season Eveland has impressed and with his line of 4-3, 62IP, 24BB, 44ER, and a 2.90ERA he should be on all rosters.

D. Cabrera of the Orioles with a line of 5-1, 3.48ERA, 41K's, and 24BB's is a great pick-up right now if he hasn't already been picked up in your league, go and grab him.

C. Billingsley of the Dodgers seems to have found his groove this season by going 4-5, 29BB's, 60K's, and a 3.76ERA. Owners, grab him ASAP.

B. Colon of the Red Sox is finally back on the mound. His first start of the season was impressive going 5 innings, 2ER's, 2BB's, and 4K's which earned him a win. If you are in need of help with your pitching stats, go out and take a chance with Colon. Even if he produces a 4.50ERA he will still add some wins with that powerhouse Red Sox lineup.

S. Ponson of the Rangers just pitched a complete game 6 hitter and only allowed 1ER. After all the problems he's had over the past 2-3 years, Ponson seems to have found a groove in 2008. Again, just like Colon, if you are in need of some help in your pitching stats, take a chance on Ponson. He's doing very well right now.

Clayton Kershaw

Here is a great story about a prospect in the Dodger's organization that should garner your first waiver priority pick when he hits waiver wires around the league.

The article is written by Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passen.

Clayton Kershaw's great expectations

Brewers and blowing saves

Eric Gagne was blowing saves for the Brewers and was demoted from the closer position to only be reinstated again as the closer only 2 days after the fact. Now instead of Gagne blowing saves Mr. Guillermo Mota just blew a save against the Dodgers last night. This string of blown saves for the Brewers is not what they expected after signing Gagne to a $10million one year contract in the off season.

For fantasy owners, expect Gagne to continually see the ball when a save chance is present.

Billingsley

Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers is currently 2-5 this season but what most people don't see are the real numbers that count for fantasy owners. Billingsley is currently striking out 1.26 batters per inning (48K's through 38IP) and this shows that he has the stuff to get people out. The only problem is when balls are hit they seem to find the holes. The good thing is the hits are staying in the park, with only 2HR's allowed all year.

By looking deeper into the numbers you can see this pitcher is worth a spot on your team because eventually the balls hit into play are going to be hit at people instead of finding the holes. Try and grab this SP if you have room on your team. It should give you a nice boost to your pitching rotation.

Furcal

With Rafael Furcal landing on the 15-Day DL with a lower back strain owners need not to worry just yet. With Furcal batting .366, 5HR, 16RBI, and 8SB...owners should feel a huge pinch in their stats. This SS for the Dodgers was putting up prime time numbers and no player from the waiver wire will ever come close to replacing Furcal's production.

Owners, just sit back and wait for Furcal to heal and come back strong. But make sure to keep your eyes opened to any new developments here on my blog. I will try to keep you posted on any new details. So...just put Furcal on the bench and start to look for a SS on the wire that is hot. Currently, Ramon Vazquez of the Rangers is swinging a hot bat.

Max Scherzer

The price of admission, a 1st waiver priority pick, for Max Scherver of the Diamondbacks seems to have paid off with him impressing everyone with his debut.

The line of 4.1IP with 7K's is what fantasy owners dream about and drool over. If you are in need of strikeouts or just hopeful of him moving into a SP's role this is the guy for you. This pitcher has dominated in his minor league career and is ready for the major leagues.

If you want to compare Scherzer with anyone J. Broxton of the Dodgers is a perfect match. Blazing fastball and the ability to strikeout the side every time he hits the mound.

Saito

Takashi Saito of the Dodgers blew his second save of the season against the Rockies and coincidentally it was for Kuroda. Kuroda would have two more wins to his record if Saito, his fellow countryman from Japan, was able to hold a 9th inning lead.

Owners, don't be too worried right now but Saito seems like he has some holes in his pitching after two amazing seasons in 2006 and 2007 with 24 and 39 saves respectively. As always, J. Broxton who is the Dodgers set-up man is the closer in waiting so everyone should have him on their rosters, just in case there is a change of closers.