Trouble in the Big Apple

Chien-Ming Wang of the Yankees who was injured running the bases in an inter-league game was diagnosed with a partially torn tendon in his foot. He will be sidelined until at least September. If you are in a keeper league you might think about keeping him but if you are in a non-keeper drop him immediately and try and fill the roster spot immediately with a worth while replacement. This is a huge blow for both fantasy owners and the Yankees, Wang was their most consistent pitcher in the past two years by winning 19 games in each of those two season.

In my eyes this hurts but it should not destroy your team. Looking at Wang's stats, he isn't a fantasy stud like Johan, Sabathia, Webb, and even the likes of Haren because Wang does not strike anyone out. His ability to give owners wins is great but if Wang was your number one starter in your rotation your team probably had holes that have now been revealed especially relating to your rotation. For owners, the best thing to do now is stay calm and go to your standings and see what you need to do to move up and start to target those categories.


In other Big Apple related news, the New York Mets have fired their coach Willie Randolph. After a unimaginable collapse last year to the Phillies, the struggles have continued into the 2008 season. Even after adding the great Johan Santana to their rotation the Mets have flat lined and it has cost them their coach. If you want to read more about the firing go to ESPN/Yahoo/TSN.ca or and of your favourite channels.

From a fantasy angle, this might help out the Mets and fantasy owners who have players from the Mets. I do not have actual raw data but from what I seem to remember and see, teams seem to have a short burst after a firing so look for players from the Mets to have a short increase in production in the next week. If you happen to have Wright, Reyes, Santana, and Beltran you might see a spike in numbers because of a new direction/philosophy in the clubhouse. If this actual works, Omar Minaya might have a winning ball club that goes on a long hot streak that might carry them to the world series, okay, I'm being a little optimistic there.

Wang and Headley

Wang of the Yankees sprained his right ankle while running the bases during an inter-league game against the Astros. I find this kind of stuff funny because shouldn't batting and running the bases be basic baseball skills that have been acquired throughout the years of playing baseball as a child? I know pitchers in the AL are use to pitching and only pitching but come on...these guys are apparently professional athletes, running around the bases shouldn't get you injured. Especially when these AL pitchers aren't even going full out when doing the hitting/base running. I guess the saying, "We're not athletes, we're baseball players" does seem to have some truth. BUT for fantasy news, Wang is expected to miss his next start but with a sprain things could change overnight but the Yanks will be overly cautious with their ace.

Chase Headley of the Padres was called up and will be playing the big leagues. His AAA-Portland numbers (.305, 14HR, 40RBI's) are worthy of a pick-up. In most leagues Headley is already available on the FA list so you won't even have to use your waiver priority on him. He will not be playing full-time in left field but if he does show some pop in his bat like his AAA numbers, expect him to be the daily starting LF. This prospect does not have the big time name brand like Kershaw or Bruce but this young and highly touted prospect can help your fantasy team if you need some pop in your batting categories.

Posada / Hawpe

Since returning from the DL, Jorge Posada of the Yankess has left off where all owners were expecting from this stud catcher. In 10 AB's he has 3H's, 1HR, 2RBIS's, and 2BB's. To owners who have Posada, like me, enjoy his services. He should be plugged back into your lineup RIGHT NOW.

As of right now, Brad Hawpe of the Rockies has hit HR's in back to back games since returning from the DL. At the moment, the Rockies are in the 3rd inning. Maybe Hawpe will provide some more production for owners. Hopefully, this is a sign of Hawpe going back to his 2007 pace and has left his 2008 struggles behind. For owners in leagues where Hawpe was dropped because of his struggles and his injury, go out and grab him. It might turn out to be a steal.

Wang

Wang of the Yankees has absolutely fallen apart in his last 4 starts. In his first 9 starts Wang had a 2.90ERA and over his past 4 starts his ERA has ballooned to 4.57ERA.

Wang's last 4 starts - 23.2IP, 23ER's, 14BB's, and a measly 11K's.

Wang seems to provide the wins but doesn't offer much more than that. I have never been a fan of Wang because of his low strikeout rate. Obviously, this is a bad time to try and trade him so I guess you should wait it out. But looking on the bright side, he does pitch for the Yankees and even if he does allow 5-7 ER's the Yankees can easily provide enough run support for Wang to get a win.

Back in The Saddle

Albert Pujols and Jorge Posada both returned to their respective lineups after.

Albert of the Cardinals has hit two home runs in his past 3 games (3 at-bats) and seems to be fine after hurting his calf. This is great news for owners because the Cardinals are now wasting time and putting him straight on the DL. If he was really hurt, the Cardinals wouldn't take the chance with their superstar and trotting him out there.

Jorge of the Yankees returned to the lineup after an extended period on the DL with a sore shoulder. Posada went 1-3 with a BB. Owners should be ecstatic with his return.

DL Info

Jake Westbrook of the Indians is headed for the DL with inflammation in his right elbow. Owners should drop and cut this guy because he's not going to do anything for your team. Go out and grab a bat or a hot starter.

Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals is on the 15-Day DL with a small tear in his left shoulder. After having strong years in 06/07 Zimmerman was expected to carry a heavy load in a poor lineup and produce .275/22HR's/100RBI's for owners but instead has come out of the gates this slowly and he now find himself on the DL. Owners, keep him on your team unless you can find a way to add him as a sweetener in a deal.

Posada of the Yankees is expected to return on Thursday. This is great news for owners!

Joba/Pedro

Last night we had two pitcher making important scheduled starts, one Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees and two Pedro Martinez of the Mets. Joba making his major league debut as a starter and Pedro coming back from the DL.

Joba didn't fair so well during his start only lasting 2.1 innings while walking 4 and striking out 3. Joba was pulled after pitching 62 pitches because he was on a pitch limit. Owners who have Job shouldn't be too impressed with the results but I wouldn't worry about it right now since he has the raw talent which comes with a devastating 100MPH fastball which topped out at 101MPH last night on the stadium radar. For the immediate future, don't worry about Joba.

Pedro had a great return to the mound pitching 6 innings striking out 3 and allowing 3ER's for the victory. If Pedro is still on the wire, go out and grab him. His ability to strike people out may be gone but his smartness on the mound will help him overcome the loss of velocity. As long as he can stay healthy Pedro is worth a spot on all rosters.

Posada

Jorge Posada of the Yankees is expected to return to the catchers position by the end of this week. This is great news for owners who have lost his services for the past 4-5 weeks due to a sore throwing shoulder. As I have stated before, catchers, let me rephrase that, good catchers are hard to find that can contribute to your fantasy roster.

I can't wait to get Posada back into my lineup.

Joba

Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees will make his debut as a starter on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees have placed a 65-70 pitch limit on his young hard throwing arm. For owners who drafted Chamberlain and kept him you will have a chance to see if Joba can add to your stat categories especially the K column.

With the Yankees absolutely crying for help and staring up at division leaders, the Rays and Red Sox, this change was almost written on the wall. In my opinion, I prefer Chamberlain coming out of the bullpen and throwing 2 innings a game and striking out 2-4 batters. I am not completely sold on his ability to start games just yet. Just have to wait and see.

Mr. Gold Thong

Mr. Gold Thong, Jason Giambi, is starting to heat up as the summer approaches. This is great news for the Yankees, who are struggling, and also owners who are in need of some power.

In his past 10 games he has 14H's, 4HR's, 7RBI's, and has raised his AVG from .181 to .244. If you see his name on the wire, go out and grab him ASAP.

Yanks vs. Orioles

What a slug fest it was between the Yankees and the Orioles. With 9HR's and eight different players sending one over the fence many fantasy owners were pleased to see this offensive explosion from both teams.

**Orioles won in the 11th inning by scoring 2 runs.

Jeter

Jeter of the Yankees is finally running and stealing bags with his 3rd SB of the year (3rd in his past 10 games). With Jeter's fantasy value diminishing every year this is a great chance to sell high on this guy because of his brand name value. Grabbing a high profile pitcher or closer to help in pitching stats is a great way of getting value in return for Jeter. If you are in a keeper league, try to unload this guy for a younger more reliable player. Package a deal and try to grab the other young players out there that are first round material.

Jorge Posada

For owners who have Posada on their rosters, which includes me, you will be glad to hear he is planning on returning in early June. After being placed on the DL for the first time his career, this 36 year old is dying to get back on the field to help out the bottom feeders who are looking up at 4 teams in the AL East standings. This is great news for the Yankees and fantasy owners who have had to go on the wire to find some help behind the plate.

This is great news for the rest of the Yankees players and for owners who have Yankees on their rosters. Expect the Yankees to produce more runs especially after the return of A-Rod and the upcoming return of Posada. Look for Melky Cabrera to break out his little funk and hopefully Cano will follow suit.

Look at what the Yankees and their strong lineup can produce. In their last 5 games they have scored a total of 37 runs...yes I know they scored 25 against the lowly Mariners.

Joba

Chamberlain of the Yankees is slowly stretching out his innings and will see more opportunities in games. The plan is to work his way up to starting territory with respect to innings and the whole workload. With the Yankees need for starting pitching this was something that needed to be done. I am a little skeptical about this transition during the regular season. Not sure if this will do any damage to his young arm. Hopefully the Yankees will be super careful and give him plenty of time to extend his workload.

Owners who have him on their teams this is a great sign. With Chamberlain being extended with innings you will see a nice boost in almost all your categories, obviously not the SV or W columns but you will see the occasional vulture win. For owners who need help with K's, ERA, and WHIP see if you can grab this guy off the wire, he'll most likely not be there but you never know.

Kennedy

Ian Kennedy of the Yankees made his return to the mound last night with a 6 inning 4 hitter while allowing only 1ER. This is a nice improvement on his previous outings. Too bad the Yankees couldn't put up the needed runs until the 9th inning where Mariano picked up the win.

Owners, don't jump on the Kennedy wagon just yet. Allow Kennedy to pitch 1 or 2 more games with respectability before putting him back on your team. He is a great prospect but until he starts to put quality starts on the stat sheet, he'll continue to be a great prospect and nothing more. AL-only leagues, put him on your team.

Jeter

Jeter of the Yankees left the game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch from D. Cabrera. So far, X-Rays were negative and he is currently day-to-day with a bruised left hand.

Owners, don't be worried. He'll be back in the lineup soon enough.

Thieves

Ichiro is having a modest season in his standards batting a measly .280 but the stat that really jumps out at you should be his 20SB's. With Ichiro running rabid on the base paths owners can feel a little more comfortable with the low batting average. I would be a little worried if his average does not increase because owners drafted Ichiro because of his .330+ average. Owners shouldn't be worried right now because as we all know, Ichiro is capable of batting .390 in any 4 week span.

Moving onto another high profile player, Derek Jeter of the Yankees has finally stolen his first base of the year. This is great news for Jeter owners because at the moment, Jeter isn't providing much to the stat categories. Just hope Jeter starts to being more aggressive on the base paths.

Mr. Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi of the Yankees seems to wear a golden thong when he's in a slump and trying to get back on track.

Jason Giambi and his magic gold thong

A-Rod

A-Rod of the Yankees who is currently on the DL is expected to play in some extended spring training games. If all goes well expect A-rod to come back to your fantasy roster early next week, most likely Tuesday.

The Moose

Mike Mussina of the Yankees has just recorded his 5th straight victory by pitching 6.1 innings against the Rays last night. He's not going to give you 7-8 innings and 8-10K's a night but he will provide you with some depth in your rotation if he is your 3-5th starter.

In the past 3-4 years, I have not been a fan of Mussina and I have always used his name value to trade him away. My advice is to try and use the 5 game winning streak as leverage and trade him for a nice bat.