Chuck Knoblauch charged with assault. Reports say that he threw something too, but missed badly........

Former second baseman Chuck Knoblauch surrendered to authorities in Harris County, Tex., Tuesday after he was charged with assaulting his common-law wife. Knoblauch was charged with assault of a family member. Reports also say that he threw something at her, but missed badly........DOH!

Here’s an interesting fact. A change in Texas law that took effect Sept.1 makes it a felony to choke a family member. So had he choked her last month that would have been ok.... Go figure.

The former All-Star faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An emergency protective order barring Knoblauch from contacting his wife was also issued.

Apparently Knoblauch and his wife had been arguing when she tried to take away his car keys when the altercation ensued.

According to reports, Knoblauch took the anti-anxiety medication Xanax and had been drinking heavily Friday night when he hit and choked Stacey Stelmach, according to prosecutors. Knoblauch, who is now 41, was being held in the Harris County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Knoblauch was named in the Mitchell Report as a player who used performance-enhancing drugs. Knoblauch told the investigators that he had obtained human growth hormone from former Yankee strength and conditioning coach Brian McNamee. McNamee told former Sen. George Mitchell and his investigators that he had also provided performance-enhancing drugs to Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and other players. Clemens is currently under federal investigation for perjury.

Knoblauch won the 1991 AL Rookie of the Year and was former Gold Glove infielder with the Twins (that apparently has nothing to do with throwing), with whom he played seven seasons.

Knoblauch's four year Yankee career was highlighted by his three championship rings and his well documented trowing problems that surfaced in 1999. His off-target throws to first base during the 1999 and 2000 seasons got so bad that then manager Joe Torre eventually used him in the outfield and as a designated hitter for the 2001 season.

Knoblauch finished his baseball career with the Kansas City Royals seven years ago. He retired after the 2002 season and returned to his native Houston.

Knoblauch and Stelmach have a 5-year-old son, Jake, who accompanied him when he was deposed by congressional investigators before the Feb. 13, 2008 hearing on the Mitchell Report. – Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.

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FOR ALL THE MARBLES

It’s coming right down to the wire. The entire season for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins comes down to this. The Tigers are 2 games up with 7 left to play and the Tigers and Twins square off for a 4 game series starting with a day – night double header today because of yesterday’s rainout. Here are the pitching match-ups:

Game # 1 – Nick Blackburn vs. Rick Porcello
Game # 2 - Brian Duensing vs. Justin Verlander
Game # 3 - Carl Pavano vs. Eddie Bonine
Game # 4 - Scott Baker vs. Nate Robertson

The Tigers last 3 games are against the White Sox:

Game # 5 - Freddy Garcia vs. Edwin Jackson
Game # 6 - Daniel Hudson vs. Rick Porcello
Game # 7 - John Danks vs. Justin Verlander

The Twins last 3 games are against the Royals:

Game # 5 - Lenny DiNardo vs. Francisco Liriano
Game # 6 - Zack Greinke vs. Nick Blackburn
Game # 7 - Luke Hochevar vs. Brian Duensing

At 1st thought you would think the Twins have it easier playing the Royals but one of those games is against Zack Greinke who will be focused on “putting on a show” to lock down the Cy Young award.

If the Twins take 3 of 4, this one could be decided on the last day………

Did anyone notice that the Braves have won their last 7 games? The Braves have quietly closed to within 2 games of Colorado for the Wild Card and within 4 games of the Phillies for the division. - David Fry

David Fry is an independent sports photographer currently covering Major League Baseball. David will be reporting on observations as he sees them in MLB stadiums throughout the year.

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HASUUNN…. CHOP!

So Ichiro Suzuki was ejected from a game for the first time in his professional career. His career started way back in 1992, so that’s a pretty long time. Longer than any player I can think of anyway (I wonder what ELIAS has to say about that.)

It happened in the top of the fifth inning of the Mariners' eventual extra-inning 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. With a runner on third base, one out and Seattle leading, 2-0, Ichiro took three consecutive pitches from Blue Jays left-hander David Purcey. All three pitches were called strikes. After the third one, Ichiro backed away and then took a few steps back, stuck out his bat, leaned over the plate and drew a line in the dirt, indicating that he thought the pitch was outside. Without hesitation, plate umpire Brian Runge gave Ichiro the heave-ho.

Whenever I see a player draw a line in the dirt like that it always reminds me of the Bugs Bunny sketch where say’s, “I dare you to step over this line!”

After he drew the line in the dirt and Brian Runge tossed him that had an argument. How great would it have been to listen to that?
"Pansgfjfh ikdhdmej jikfhfewfbhweu outside!"

Wouldn’t it have been great if Ichiro went all Bruce Lee on Runge? HASUUNN…. CHOP!It would have been like watching Hong Kong Phooey... - Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.

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Let the bidding begin....

So Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who is considered one of the top prospects in the world, has been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball….

Teams can now actively start bidding for Chapman.

The New York Yankees have already shown interest in the Cuban lefty, whose fastball was clocked at 102 mph at the World Baseball Classic this year. It's also expected that teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers will at least be in the mix.

Think he's worth bidding upon? See for yourself.

Chapman, 21, defected from the Cuban national team earlier this year during a tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has been living in Barcelona, Spain.- Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

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Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Do I protect Rafael Furcal for $6? He seems healthy now. - Larry, Ontario, CA

Larry: That is a tough call. At the beginning of the season, Dr. Roto would have told you that he loved Furcal. But this year, Furcal has been nothing short of a huge disappointment. The numbers speak for themselves: .268, 9HR, 45RBI, 10SB. Those are the numbers of a medicore player. However, Dr. Roto always preaches patience. Be patient with Furcal. He still has better days left in him. If you see him having a solid spring next year, I might make him one of your last protects.

Question #2: How is it that Jacoby Ellsbury is hitting lead-off in one of the best offenses in baseball, hitting .303 with 66 SB’s only has 88 RS? – Mike, Oceanside, NY

Mike: Seems strange doesn't it? Ellsbury should have 120 runs on that team with his skills. The problem has been the Red Sox. Big Poppi stared out the year as Big Poopy, JD Drew never got on track, and Jason Bay stopped hititng for about 6 weeks. Ellsbury will get his 120 next year. Keep the faith.

Question #3: What is your take on Rich Harden for next year? His arm stayed healthy, good things to come. Or disappointing season, he’ll never pitch a full season with the success he’s has in ½ seasons. – Alex, University of Nebraska

Alex: Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. Fool me six years running, stop bidding on the player. Dr. Roto loves talking up Harden before the draft and then calling his name out early for bidding. Then Dr. Roto watches the bidding commence from all the owners who think that THIS is the year that Harden finally stays healthy. Then when the bidding reaches $19 or $20, Dr. Roto sits back in his chair, knowing that he has one less team to beat.

Question #4: Will Alex Gordon break out next year? - Dwane, (serving our country WITH HONOR), Iraq

Dwane: Dr. Roto wants to thank you and your buddies in Iraq for all that you are doing. Make sure that you come home safe in time to watch Alex Gordon finally have the breakout year that we all expect of him. Dr. Roto thinks it is right around the corner.

Question #5: Was Oakland pitcher Brett Anderson a top prospect? Not a bad season for a rookie. – Evelyn, Fort Collins, CO

Evelyn: Yes, Brett Anderson was a top prospect in the A's organization. He and Trevor Cahill should provide a terrific one-two punch for the A's for the next few years. Anderson has been up and down this year, but keep an eye on him. His value is going to skyrocket pretty quickly.

The Doctor is out...

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And the winner is!..........

With two weeks left to go in the MLB regular season, the Around The Horn staff has voted on the AL / NL CY Young Award candidates and AL / NL MVP Award candidates (if the season ended today).

Looking at it objectively, in our eyes there really isn’t anything that can happen from here on out that would change the voting.

Here’s how the voting played out.

NL MVP

1 - Pujols, Albert - 1B - STL
2 - Ramirez, Hanley - SS - FLA
3 - Kemp, Matt - CF - LA
4 - Fielder, Prince - 1B - MIL
5 - Howard, Ryan - 1B - PHI
6 - Lee, Derrek - 1B - CHC / Dunn, Adam - LF - WAS (tie)

AL MVP

1 - Mauer, Joe - C - MIN
2 - Jeter, Derek - SS - NYY
3 - Teixeira, Mark - 1B - NYY
4 - Cabrera, Miguel - 1B - DET
5 - Morales, Kendry - OF - ANA
6 - Figgins, Chone - 3B - ANA

NL Cy Young

1 - Lincecum, Tim - SP - SF
2 - Carpenter, Chris – SP - STL
3 - Haren, Dan - SP - ARI
4 - Wainwright, Adam - SP - STL
5 - Vazquez, Javier - SP - ATL
6 - Johnson, Josh - SP - FLA

AL Cy Young

1 - Greinke, Zack - SP - KC
2 - Hernandez, Felix - SP - SEA
3 - Halladay, Roy - SP - TOR
4 - Sabathia, CC - SP - NYY
5 - Verlander, Justin - SP – DET
6 - Lester, Jon - SP - BOS

Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship!

Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball and Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Do you consider Derrek Lee a premier rotisserie player again going into next year? – Milton, Miami, FL

Milton: Dr. Roto has been happy to see the old Derrek Lee back this season. His power numbers have returned and he is hitting over .300 which is nice to see. 1B is a very deep position, so I wouldn't overbid because there are many guys out there who can help your team. He's a good one, but I wouldn't say premier.

Question #2: Would you keep Anibal Sanchez for $6 next year? – Roger, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Roger: Nice to see that Dr. Roto has fans all the way in Brazil! Anibal has been pretty good since he has come back from injury this year. His K ratios are excellent and he plays for a solid NL team. Dr. Roto won't call him a definite protect for next year, but I like him and depending on who is returning on your roster he would make a good 4th or 5th starter.

Question #3: I have room to keep either Clayton Kershaw for $11 or Josh Johnson $10 next year, which one should I keep? – Bill, Macon, GA

Bill: Wow that question is like the Sophie's Choice of fantasy baseball. Do I want the young stud lefty who can throw a no hitter every time he steps on the mound (as well as double digit K's) or do I want a solid #1 starter who has nasty stuff and wins plenty of games (with excellent ratios)? Dr. Roto will take Kershaw by a hair (a very small hair). The Dodgers are a better team with a more proven closer. Plus, Johnson has an injury history which is always a bit scary.

Question #4: Is Drew Stubbs a keeper next year? -Mark, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl

Mark: Dr. Roto has been impressed with Stubbs since he has been called up. His SB potential is immense, but more importantly, he is showing power that has never been seen from him before (Got to love Great American ballpark). Dr. Roto says Stubbs is a good one (so long as Dusty doesn't play mad scientist with his lineup card).

Question #5: Should I keep Wandy Rodriguez for $11 or try to trade him? – Ron, Port Washington, NY

Ron: Dr. Roto is a BIG FAN of Wandy. He is most certainly keeper next year, You should only trade him if you are getting a no brainer offer.

The Doctor is out...

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Luke Skywalker Breaks Own Strikeout Record

Luke Skywalker broke his own record last night when he struck out for the 205th time. To this we say – “well that’s better than hitting into double plays!”

While, his constant whiffing will keep you cool if you sit closely enough, even in the Arizona heat, his astounding strikeout rate certainly does not mean non-productivity on either the baseball field or the rotisserie roster.

Luke has about two weeks left in his season to swing his lightsaber and has had a wonderful year by all accounts and has nothing to be ashamed at.

.266 BA / 43 HR’s / 100 RBI / 93 RS / 24 SB

Not bad at all. You would be happy if all your players whiffed that much with that type of production. -Keith A. Baker

Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports and Major League Baseball in particular. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his clients.

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September Baseball Musings

- When you do stupid things at work, you get yourself fired.  Just ask Cecil Cooper. One has to wonder however how bad things could have been that the Houston Astros couldn't have let him manage just 12 more games.  Seems kind of silly to tell the bus driver driving from L.A. to N.Y. that he is being replaced and he has to get off in N.J. before going through the Holland Tunnel.

- Baseball is different than many other sports. The best team loses about 1/3 its games and the worst team wins about 1/3 its games.

- Even the Mets fans are getting hurt! My brother-n-law went to the Braves vs. Mets game last night and broke a rib when he miss-stepped and fell on a curb in the parking lot!

- “That’s why they play the games.” The Kansas City Royals who were 31 games under .500 going into September have opened up a can of Whoop-Ass on the American League this month going 12-7 and scoring runs in the double digits seemingly every night! They are affecting the playoff race in a big way sweeping the Detroit Tigers and now beating the Red Sox who had a chance to close within 4 games of the Yankees with a win last night. The Red Sox were hot themselves going 9-1 in their last 10 but the Royals are cooling everyone off.

- If prostitution is the oldest profession in the world and Jamie Moyer who will be 47 in two months on November 18 is the oldest active player in Major League Baseball, does that make him a prostitute?

- Derrek Lee is back on steroids. He started taking them during the All-Star break. Milton Bradley has been shooting him in the ass. After doing absolutely nothing for the past three years Lee is hitting .339 with 17 homers and a SLUG approaching .700 after the break. And when did he start spelling his name with 2 r’s? That doesn’t look right. Was it always that way?

- Mike Socia gets a piece of his closers contracts under the table. For the 13th time this year Brian Fuentes recorded a Save by getting less than 3 outs. Brian Fuentes (with an ERA of 4.41) leads the Major Leagues in saves with 44! K-Rod had 62 last year. Socia is on the take…..

The Red Sox have 13 games left including 3 against the Yankees who lead them by 5 and 3 against the Royals (their next 3 games). If they can’t close the can of Whoop-Ass that Kansas City has opened the Yankee games will be meaningless. Confucius Say, “Not so easy Red Sox Nation as you have to face Wonder Boy Zach Greinke tonight.” - Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.

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Red Sox Nation is alive and well.....

The Red Sox are 9-1 in their last 10 games and streaking. I’m not suggesting that they catch the Yankees (they are still 5 back – well maybe I am) but clearly they are starting to fire on all cylinders and primed to do damage in the playoffs.

For you all you Red Sox Nation freaks out there, here are some interesting tidbits and reason to believe.

1. Boston has 14 games (seven home/seven away) remaining with no off-days.

2. Heading into 2009, they won 93 games or more in six of their last seven seasons, making the postseason in four of them. They currently sit at 89 wins.

3. The Red Sox are 52-22 at home and an even 37-37 on the road.

4. The Red Sox have a 99.9 certainty of making the playoffs, just behind the Yankees' 100 percent. Their all-important magic number is seven.

5. AL Central leading Detroit Tigers has a 77.5 percent chance of making the postseason, the lowest of any divisional leader by a long shot. The Anaheim Angels (the team Boston would play if the season ended today) have a 99.2 percent chance.

6. Everyone that thought John Farrell was to blame for John Smoltz and Brad Penny excelling elsewhere should have to revoke their pink Boston hats. The starters have allowed three runs or less in 13-straight games and have an 8-1 record with a 2.18 ERA during that time.

7. Josh Beckett's 201.1 innings this year are the most he's thrown since 2006, when he threw a career-high 204.2 frames. He’s healthy.

8. Since giving up five runs on May 26 in a loss to Minnesota, the highest amount of runs Jon Lester has given up has been four—which happened one time in a late-July win. He's lost just once in his last 16 starts.

9. Since joining the Red Sox on Aug. 1, Victor Martinez's batting average has jumped from .283 to .297, along with his slugging (.461 to .477) and on-base percentage (366 to .378). In September, he's batting .370 and has a 19-game hitting streak, heading into Sunday. He is just two RBI short of his third career 100-RBI season.

10. Finally, the Red Sox are just five games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Back in August after that sweep and in subsequent weeks, Boston winning the division seemed to be so far-fetched it was ridiculous.

Not anymore. - Walter Stanley

Walter Stanley is a Red Sox season ticket holder for 23 years and psyched for this year’s playoffs.

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Too little too late........

Jake Peavy was activated from the 15-day disabled list and made his White Sox debut against the Royals on Saturday night.

Peavy went five innings and allowed three runs on three hits. He earned the victory as Chicago beat Kansas City, 13-3.

Peavy had been on the DL since June 13 with a strained tendon in his right ankle. His comeback was slowed when he was hit in the pitching elbow by a line drive during a minor league rehab game on Aug. 24.

Peavy was 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA for the Padres before being traded to the White Sox on July 31 for LHP Aaron Poreda, LHP Clayton Richard, RHP Dexter Carter and RHP Adam Russell.

Unfortunatly, Peavy's comeback will be too little too late for the White Sox as they have only 13 games remaining and are 5 1/2 games out of 1st place behing both the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins and even further out of a Wild Card spot 12 1/2 games back.

The White Sox and GM Kenny Williams had a odd trading spurt during the season this year appearing to both try to both make the playoffs and dump salary at the same time aquiring Peavy and Alex Rios while trading Jose Contreras and Jim Thome.  The most logical explanation is that they never dreamed that they would actually be able to pluck Rios off of waivers (even after putting in the claim) and once they took his contract they had to find the money from somewhere.

The moves certainly won't work out for them in 2009.  Perhaps 2010. - Paul Leume

Paul Leume is a MLB columnist from Montreal, Canada. Paul, a one-time beat writer covering the Montreal Expos for the Montreal Gazette is a proud grandfather of 3 girls and now spends his time offering his thoughts and prospective on Major League Baseball on a variety of blogs and websites throughout Al Gore’s internet.

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Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie Baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship!

Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball & Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: AJ Burnett. Keep him for $13 next year or not? –Virgil, Bronx, NY

Virgil: That's a close one, Virgil. Burnett pitches in the AL East and has mediocre peripheral numbers. The good news is that he should win 15 games and throw a good number of K's. Dr. Roto would try to move him in the off-season. I've got to think there is one Yankee fan in your league that will give you something good for him.

Question #2: After a few cups of coffee without much success Kendry Morales has had a breakout year. 1) Do you think he’s really only 26 years old as reported (I’m hearing not)? 2) Do you think he can sustain his success going forward? – Salvatore, The City of Angels, CA

Salvatore: Dr. Roto has a call into an INS agent that he knows to check on Morales's age. My guess is that we will never find the real birth certificate. As for his sustaining success...you better believe it. Morales is a terrific hitter who can hit for both power and average. He's a Dr. Roto favorite. Buy in a big way.

Question #3: Do you think that Chipper Jones will retire after this year? – Jennifer, Atlanta, GA

Jennifer: Dr. Roto has been annoyed at Chipper this year. He has seen a large drop off in average and power. But I wouldn't count him out just yet. If Chipper thinks the Braves can compete next year, he'll be back. He's too big of a gamer to go out like this.

Question #4: I was expecting a Cy Young season from Yovani Gallardo, he had a lot of hype coming into the year. He was ok but nothing earth shattering. He’s been healthy, was the hype wrongfully placed? - Larry, Bolder, CO

Larry: Before you condemn Gallardo to a career of mediocrity, let's have a little chat. This is really Gallardo's first true season in the majors. Last year he pitched only 110 innings due to his injury. so if we call that an abridged rookie year, this is his first "real" season. This year he's pitched 180 innings or so with an ERA of 3.84, a WHIP of 1.3, 12 wins, and a K/IP of better than 1 K per inning. I would say that he's had a terrific year. Plus, he's young and is only getting better. To get down on Gallardo would be a HUGE mistake.

Question #5: Where do you rank Gordon Beckham at the 2B position going into next year? – Michael, Merrick, NY

Michael: If you remember, Beckham was on my watch list earlier in the season. Now everyone has watched him turn into a fine young IF. Let's put him down for 20-80-80-15 next year which should put him as a starting 2B for a roto team. BTW his numbers will only go up from there. Think Aaron Hill with some speed down the line...

Bonus Question: Elvis Andrus has done quite well for himself as a 20 /21-year old. What do you project his stats to be down the road? – Lawrence, Long Beach Island, NJ

Lawrence: Right now, Andrus is a better real life player than a roto player, but that is going to change soon. He has the potential to steal about 50 bags and hit 10 HR. I'm not sure we are going to see that next year, but it should come in 2 years if he can continue progressing like this.

The Doctor is out...

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For the Twinkies the 2009 MLB season starts tonight

Alright, this is it. For the Twinkies the 2009 MLB starts tonight. They have 16 games remaining left on their regular season schedule and 7 of them are against the division leading Detroit Tigers. The Twins are 4 games back so at a minimum, if they are going to catch the Tigers you have to figure that they have to go 5-2 against them putting them only one game behind.

The Tigers have led start to finish and if they do not win at this point, would be considered the "New York Mets of the American League."

Minnesota does have their destiny in their own hands because if they win at least 6 of the remaining 7 games against Detroit, they just have to have a better record than Detroit in the 9 remaining games each team has.

The Twins do have 9 other games to play on their schedule and have to play 6 games against Zack Greinke, Billy Butler and the Kansas City Royals.

You might think that getting to play the Royals is a good thing but the Royals are streaking to the finish going 8-2 in their last 10 games and the Twins are scheduled to face Greinke 2 out of those 6 games.

Trying to score against Greinke has become somewhat of a comedy as teams are trying just about anything to get a run against him attempting to sacrifice runners, bunt for hits, take pitches, even trying to intentionally get hit by pitches as the guy has pitched to a miniscule 2.14 ERA striking out 244 batters, more than a batter per inning (210 innings) and giving up only 44 walks and 180 hits all season pleasing fantasy owners with 1.06 WHIP.

The Twins remaining 3 games are against the White Sox who while not mathematically eliminated at 6 ½ back and having 6 games remaining against the Tigers themselves, would probably have to have to sweep the Tigers all 6 games and also jump over the Twins which would mean that the Tigers would have to lose practically all 12 of their 16 remaining games against the Twins and White Sox for the White Sox to have a shot.

The Twins will be without one of their studs in All-Star Justin Morneau the rest of the way as he is shut down for the season with a stress fracture in his lower back. Morneau was having another stellar season with 30 HR’s and 100 RBI and three weeks left to go in the season. Michael Cuddyer having a decent year himself with 26 HR’s and 78 RBI has moved in from the outfield will get the starts at 1st base the rest of the way.

The way I see it is that since Cuddyer has moved to 1st base, Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez are both going to be getting regular at bats down the stretch in the outfield along with Denard Span. Neither one has done bupkus all year, but they were both top prospects and have both the ability and chance to redeem themselves by getting hot and carrying this team to the playoffs. - Paul Leume

Paul Leume is a MLB columnist from Montreal, Canada. Paul, a one-time beat writer covering the Montreal Expos for the Montreal Gazette is a proud grandfather of 3 girls and now spends his time offering his thoughts and prospective on Major League Baseball on a variety of blogs and websites throughout Al Gore’s internet.

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I want them on MY team....

John from Baldwin, NY asked me to come up with the starting outfield I would have if I owned a MLB team. At first I thought, “oh man, this is going to be tough, there are so many outfielders to choose from.” But when I took a minute to think about it, it wasn’t hard at all.

So I said to myself, “who can hit, hit with authority, run, play stellar defense both tracking the ball down and throwing,is not a regular risk of breaking down, and plays with a fire and passion leaving it all on the field?”

John, here is your answer.

Matt Kemp – It’s amazing to think that this guy has put up .305 BA / 24 HR / 94 RBI / 90 RS / 33 SB batting primarily 7th, 8th and in interleague games even 9th this year. I have no idea what Joe Torre’s logic was all year but he’s moved him up in the order of late. Kemp runs like a gazelle and @ 6’-3” – 226lbs is just growing into his power potential. He is a legitimate 40-40 candidate next year and plays with a fire in his belly that you love for all players to have.

Jayson Werth – 6’-5” - 222lbs. One has to wonder what the Dodgers were thinking not letting him play every day? At 30 he’s not a spring chicken anymore, but he certainly is not over the hill and is in the prime of his career. The Phillies have given him every day at-bats and he’s responded. He throws his body around with reckless abandon and plays all 3 outfield positions as good as anyone that plays any of the spots. Oh, and he can hit too. .272 BA / 34 HR / 88 RBI / 90 RS / 13 SB. He’s the consummate team player and definitely has your back as a teammate. His motor never stops. The guy even wrestles on his off days! What’s not to like?

Nelson Cruz –at 6’-3” - 230lbs this guy comes to play every day. He moves like a guy who is 5”9” – 175 and hit’s like the 6’-3” – 230 stud that he is. At 29 he was a late bloomer, but he’s here to stay. He plays with passion and you are in the wrong place if you are a middle infielder trying to turn a double play and he is bearing down on you. To date he’s .266 BA / 32 HR / 71 RBI / 71 RS / 19 SB - Gregory Shapiro

Greg is an orthopedic surgeon that has a number of professional athletes including MLB players as patients. He’s an avid MLB fan and rotisserie player with some unique insight into the world of professional athletes.

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Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/
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The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Call it. Dodgers, Rockies or Giants for the division? – Randy, Clyo, GA

Randy: Dr. Roto is going to take the Dodgers for the division and the Rockies for the wildcard. Come find me when the playoffs start for Dr. Roto's playoff preview.

Question #2: Who is your best bounce back candidate for next year? – Michael, Corcoran, CA

Michael: Tough one here, as there are a few guys who need to bounce back in a big way next year. The obvious bounce back guy is Manny Ramirez. Many people drafted Manny in the hopes of getting 40 HR and 120 RBI. He'll be lucky to provide half of that this year. But Manny is still Manny which means that he is one of the top hitters to ever play the game. He will bounce back for sure. The other guy I have for you is another Ramirez--Aramis Ramirez. He's a guy with huge power potential who could not stay healthy this year. Give him an off season to get in shape and he will shine next year. His power numbers have been down, but he is hitting around .320 for the year. Not too shabby.

Question #3: In my league we get a 5 point bonus for having the Cy Young Winner on your roster (as well as bonus points for a few other awards). Do you think that Greinke actually has a shot at it? – David, Baker City, OR

David: Dr. Roto has never heard of these rules before. Do you lose points if your player gets suspended for steroid use? Yes, Greinke is right there for the CY Young. He stands a good shot at it so long as he finishes strong.

Question #4: If Tony LaRusa and Dave Duncan leave for another team, would you start picking up middle of the road pitchers on that team under the theory that Duncan will "Piniero" them? –Mark, Baird, TX

Mark: Love to see that you remembered Dr. Roto's love for Dave Duncan! You better believe I would follow LaRussa/Duncan anywhere. If they went to Japan tomorrow, Dr. Roto would start scouting the Chunichi Dragons and the Orix Blue Wave!

Question #5: I just picked just up Juan Pierre for a box of peanuts under the assumption that he will be playing in a starting role for someone else next year. Do you agree with that logic or am I wasting my peanuts? – Beverly, Capitola, CA

Beverly: I like your thinking here. If Pierre can ever land a starting spot again he's got the average and speed to be worth keeping as a last protect. You didn't waste your peanuts here, but I am glad you didn't throw in a hot dog...you would have over paid.

The Doctor is out...
 
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Giants Activate Randy Johnson

I saw something cross the tape late last night that hasn’t seemed to garner much attention. The Giants have activated Randy Johnson from the DL.

The Giants now have Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and now even Jonathan Sanchez all starting, firing on all cylinders down the stretch pitching very effectively, striking out a ton of batters (demoralizing the opposition) and pitching deep into games.

With Sanchez pitching so effectively since his no-hitter, the Giants are going to stick Johnson in the bull-pen. I don’t care how old Johnson is, if he’s coming of the DL that means he’s healthy enough to pitch. He knows how to pitch and if he doesn’t have to pace himself, for one, two, or three innings he can be a dominant force.

The Giants beat the Rockies again last night. They have no pressure on them as no one expects them to actually make the playoffs. They are having fun, playing with house money and are dangerous. Furthermore, in a 5 game series, if you have Randy Johnson coming out of the pen and have to face Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain twice each and Jonathan Sanchez once you have a shot to beat anyone. – Mike Cruise

Michael Cruise is "the biggest SF Giants fan in the nation"

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An Old Fashion Pennant Race

We are two weeks into the college football season and the NFL has just completed its first week. If you are not in contention in your fantasy baseball league or your favorite team does not have playoff prospects you are probably not following baseball all that closely at the moment. But there are some interesting races coming down the stretch. There is even an old fashion pennant race!

In the American League, it’s all about the Texas Rangers. They are hanging tough in the AL West hovering 4.5 games behind the Anaheim Angels for the division lead and 4.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox for the Wild Card. With only 19 games left to go they are running out of time BUT they have 7 games left against the Angels (yes – 7 out of their 19 games left are against one team – who made that schedule?) and that makes this one not over by a long shot. It should be an interesting final three weeks.

In the NL East the Philadelphia Phillies lead the Florida Marlins by 5.5 and the Atlanta Braves by 6. The Braves have 3 games left with the Phillies and the Marlins have 5 games left with Phillies. Since the NY Mets are not the team in the lead a collapse is not likely, but stranger things have happened and it’s too early to give up faith if you are a Marlins or Braves fan. Your odds aren’t good but you do have a fighting chance to close the gap directly when you play the Phillies. Also, it’s not likely but there is an outside shot that the Marlins or Braves can still grab the Wild Card spot as they are the same number of games out from that as they are from the Division lead (but they have more teams to climb over).

On to the NL West where some real baseball like it ought to be is being played. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies are tripping over themselves all tied up and the San Francisco Giants are only 3.5 game behind. It hasn’t gotten a lot of press nationally (it’s gotten some here) but if the Rockies win the division it will be the greatest comeback in MLB history (in terms of the number of games) as they would have come from more than 15 games back to catch the Dodgers. The Rockies and Giants have 2 more games left with each other (tonight and tomorrow night) and then they each play 3 games against the Dodgers.

The Giants have some momentum after Tim Lincecum (in line for back to back Cy Young Award's) pitched another gem last night over the Rockies striking out 11 in the Giants 9-1 win. This one is not over by a long shot and is clearly the most interesting race in baseball. Assuming no one backs in here, the runner-up in the division has a real shot at being the Wild Card representative so it’s not all or nothing for any of them. - Paul Leume

Paul Leume is a MLB columnist from Montreal, Canada. Paul, a one-time beat writer covering the Montreal Expos for the Montreal Gazette is a proud grandfather of 3 girls and now spends his time offering his thoughts and prospective on Major League Baseball on a variety of blogs and websites throughout Al Gore’s internet.

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Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

A Bullpen Implosion

I know that the Phillies can score virtually at will, but this bullpen debacle is becoming a real problem. The Phillies bullpen is imploding right before our eyes at the most crucial time of the year. It’s almost as if it’s a volcano spewing out spurts of lava with the big bang ready to blow at a crucial moment in the playoffs.

Brad Lidge can’t get an out, Ryan Madson success isn’t any better, and Brett Myers doesn’t look like an option any more either. Who are the going to turn to in a big spot? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

Last year Madson and Lidge were “The Formula” , a clone of Mariano Rivera and John Wetteland ’96 (Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera ‘09) and they have explicably imploded?

Last year Lidge didn't blow a save, now he can't get a save!  Can you immagine if he had to face Albert Puljos in a big spot with the NLCS on the line?  The Phillies might as well just walk off the field!

If the Phillies don't right the ship and solve their bullpen problems soon, I have a hard time believing that the Phillies are going to be able to do any damage in the playoffs this year let alone repeat as World Champions.

The biggest problem is that it’s in their heads now. The team knows it, the manager knows it, the fans know it, and their opponents know it. Heck, the Mets minor league affiliate, the New York Mets even knocked them around. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

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Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/
where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball & Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: What happened to Cole Hamels this year? Should I keep him for $19 next year? – Beverly, Minneapolis, MN

Beverly: Cole Hamels pitched a lot of innings last year as the Phillies made their championship run. He was banged up (shoulder, ankle) at the beginning of this season, but has come around to form recently. He is probably worth $19 next year due to his wins and K's. Expect a better year from Hamels in 2010.

Question #2: Will Mike Gonzalez regain his closers job from Rafael Soriano? – Robert, Syracuse, NY

Robert: Rafael Soriano was lights out for most of the year until his shoulder started to hurt. Gonzalez has been good, but if healthy, Soriano should close next year. The good thing about Bobby Cox is that he is not afraid to put his closer into the game in the 8th inning to get an important out. So Gonzalez will get saves regardless.

Question #3: Was there a MLB player that you thought would have an impact on MLB this year that never got called up? – Jerry, Huntsville, AL

Jerry: Great question. Dr. Roto was counting on the Pirates calling up Pedro Alvarez this year. Alvarez hit very well in the spring and was expected to do similarly in the minors. He got off to a very slow start in A ball this year and was finally promoted to AA later in the season. Watch for him soon; he has light tower power...he just needs to improve his contact rate and defense.

Question #4: Should I protect Jason Werth for $24? – Gene, Irvine, CA

Gene: Werth may be worth it! He will hit close to 35 HR and steal 15 bases, not bad, right? At $24 he is at value. You might want to see what you can get for him in a deal before you decide to keep him. He is definitely keepable, regardless.

Question #5: Since his no-hitter, in 69 innings Jonathan Sanchez has 86 K’s, a 3.04 ERA and a WHIP of 1.00. I remember you tweeting that it was a good time to trade him. Do you still feel that way? – Max, Santa Rosa, CA

Max: When I told you to move Sanchez it was because his value was at its highest. I was wrong...his value is even higher now! I like Sanchez, but I still don't trust him. Trust goes a long way to winning championships...and I need to see more consistency in Sanchez before I become a believer.

The Doctor is out...

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Another No Decision For Greinke

Last Sunday Mike Cardano posted Zack Greinke wins the 2009 AL Cy Young Award. The main point of the post was that Greinke is putting up one of the best years in baseball history but won’t get anywhere near 20 wins (but his team’s offensive ineptness shouldn’t keep him from winning the Cy Young.)

Last night Greinke threw another gem. 7 Innings - 1 Run – 0 Walks – 4 Hits – 6 K’s and was hung with another no decision. That’s the 8th time this year that this has happened! (I guess he should be thankful that the one run he let up didn’t result in a loss.)

Greinke now sports a 2.19 ERA in the American League which is Pedro Martinez, 1999-2000-like. Unfortunately he is the ace of my rotisserie staff and with my team leader only having 13 wins I once again find myself in the basement of the win category. But what else is new. - Peter Costa
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Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 17 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s finished last 13 times and no higher than 10th (in a league with 14 guys). Join us in following Peter’s trials, tribulations and frustrations, as he attempts to navigate his way out of the basement in 2009.

Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Rockies on a Roll...........

First of all I’d like to take this opportunity on this 8th anniversary of September 11, 2001, one of the most tragic days in American history, to express my deepest sympathies and prayers to all of those who lost friends or family members on that horrific day. Those of us who are left to pick up the pieces and carry on have become stronger as a nation because of it and we will carry the collective burden of the losses together and persevere as one.
What better a topic to transition to……… our National Past-Time of Baseball.

The Rockies have now won 7 in a row and are 4 ½ games ahead in the Wild Card Race and only 2 games behind the Dodgers for the division lead.

If the Rockies catch the Dodgers it will be the biggest come back in MLB history as they will have come back from a 15 game deficit to win a division title.

The Colorado Rockies keep losing players and winning games. Starting pitcher Jose Contreras came out in the third inning with a strained quadriceps Thursday, his second start for injured Aaron Cook.

It's chugging along at full steam these days.

By sweeping four games from the Reds, the Rockies wrapped up a 9-1 home stand — one of their best in franchise history. Next, Colorado embarks on a nine-game road trip that includes three in San Francisco.  All this despite losing pivotal players.

We are playing great baseball," Jason Giambi said. "I'm excited that we are doing the little things, moving runners, getting big hits when we need it and getting great pitching. That's what you want to do down the stretch."

With Troy Tulowitzki and Ian Stewart sitting out a third consecutive game with back stiffness, the team again had to rely on a patchwork lineup. The Rockies went with Clint Barmes at shortstop, Garrett Atkins at third and Eric Young at second. The team even gave first baseman Todd Helton the day off, starting Jason Giambi instead.

Still, the lineup produced.

The Rockies are 63-32 since Jim Tracy took over.

Notes: Ubaldo Jimenez had his next start pushed back from Saturday to Tuesday due to a hamstring he tweaked while running the bases Monday. They are going to need their Ace if this run has a chance to continue. – Gregory Shapiro 

Greg is an orthopedic surgeon that has a number of professional athletes including MLB players as patients. He’s an avid MLB fan and rotisserie player with some unique insight into the world of professional athletes.

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Chris Snyder / Miguel Montero = Willy Pipp / Lou Gehrig

On June 25th when Chris Snyder went on the DL I posted Montero’s Chance and suggest that you pick him up off your league’s free agent list.

While I’m not suggesting that Montero is going to have the career that Lou Gehrig did, this is in fact playing out much like a Wally Pipp / Lou Gehrig scenerio.  When Snyder was healthy enough to play again, he didn’t (and won’t) get his job back.  Snyder will likely be playing elsewhere next year.

Montero has been the full time catcher in the 2nd half and has put up All-Star 2nd half numbers for a catcher batting .347 with 9 HR’s, 34 RBI and 28 RS.

In my previous post I had mentioned that I had scouted Miguel personally and that the kid could rake. He’s been a back-up catcher for a few years now but he just turned 26 years old and now is his time. If you picked him up cheap on my earlier recommendation and you are in a keeper league my advice is to keep him. If for some odd reason he’s still a free agent in your league, (CBS Sportsline says he’s only on 77% of rosters - hard to believe) GET HIM NOW. - Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles.

Have a Fantasy Football or Rotisserie baseball question? Want to know who to pick up, who to activate and who the hot prospects are? Ask Dr. Roto. Let Dr. Roto guide your team to a league championship.

Roto-Rx

If your question was not answered this time, you can go directly to the source @ https://www.roto-rx.com/ where Dr. Roto will answer all your Fantasy Baseball & Football questions.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Lidge has blown 10 saves out of 38! A) how the hell is the team in 1st place B) is Madson going to close? – Ralph, Flagstaff, AZ

Ralph: The Phillies have proven that being in a mediocre division is a surefire recipe to make the playoffs. The Mets, Braves, Marlins, and Nationals have been underwhelming this year to say the least. As to whether Madson is going to close, the answer for now seems to be no. Charlie Manuel is saying all the right things about Lidge staying in the role, but my sources tell me that Manuel's confidence in Lidge is almost gone and Madson may find himself getting some big outs come the playoffs.

Question #2: What can you tell me about Madison Bumgarner? – Aaron, Medford, OR

Aaron: Dr. Roto knows that Bumgarner is the Giants top pitching prospect and a definite guy to be on your radar screen. He tore up AA this year (ERA of under 2.00) and shows confidence that belies his youth. There's a strong chance he ends up in the Giants rotation next year. Worst case, Dr,. Roto expects to see him after June 1 so the Giants don't start his free agency clock.

Question #3: Is Ian Kennedy still considered a top prospect? – Michele, Fort Smith, AR

Michele: Kennedy is only a short time removed from being one of the Yankees top pitching prospects in the minors. While he has not done anything of significant value in MLB just yet, let's not count him out. His skills are too good to be ignored.

Question #4: Brandon McCarthy was such a good prospect at one point. What happened? Is he still considered one? – James, Norfolk, VA

James: At one time Dr. Roto was a big fan of Brandon McCarthy. However, he has not ever lived up to his hype. What McCarthy needs to do is lower his walks, and increase his strikeouts. Playing for the Rangers should give him some wins, but he also needs to be more consistent. McCarthy is on Dr. Roto's watch list for next year...

Question #5: I see the Cubs recalled Jeff Samardzija. Is he going to turn out to be a starter, reliever or wide receiver? – Ian, Ft. Worth, TX

Ian: Don't you think Charlie Weis would love to have Samardzija back right about now? Dr. Roto thinks that he would make a terrific setup man in the bullpen which would mask the fact that he repetoire is based primarily around his fastball. He might even pick up a save or two along the way...but what does Sweet Lou know about pitching...

The Doctor is out...

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Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in baseball and football fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Act like you’ve been there before

So what did you think of Prince Fielder’s Premeditated Team HR celebration?

The Giants are in the thick of a pennant race and the loss hurt them more than any celebration that the Brewers could have done, but they and couldn’t possibly be happy.

You can be sure that the next time these two teams face each other Fielder (one of the true stars of the game) will be taking one in the small of the back (and should consider himself lucky if he does not get one in the ear hole.) The Giants will not face Milwaukee in the regular season until next year, and Milwaukee has no chance at making the post season, so the drama will have to wait until the next time they will meet in Spring Training exhibitions.



If you were a pitcher or player on the Giants, which way would you fall on the topic?

1. Let it go. As Fielder put it after the game, "It's always good to have some fun." Baseball is fun and entertainment is what the fans buy tickets for, so giving them a little show after rounding the bases is harmless. Fielder didn't stick in the batter's box and stare down the pitcher, nor did he pull an in-your-face move on any of the Giants. He shared his excitement with teammates and added some flair in the process.

2. Put one in his ear. Fielder's "show" was the ultimate showboating display that has no place in baseball. A move like that would warrant an unsportsmanlike penalty of sorts in any other sport, and involving his entire team makes it more insulting to a pitcher.

Here is my take:

When a man shaped like a bowling ball performs a spot on impersonation of a bowling ball knocking down pins (STRIKE) after hitting a game winning HR, how is that not funny good natured stuff? And it’s is great for ESPN Sports Center ratings and radio talk show material. Also kids in school yards across the nations will now all try to replicate it or invent their own. It brings smiles to a lot of people and shows the lighter side of life.

BUT………. This is professional baseball where there are people on both sides of the field making a living at this craft and where pride is as important as anything else (cause it’s not about the money – right?)

You can call me old school but when you are 15 games under .500, you look like a fool having a premeditated team HR celebration of any type let alone one that is so planned out.

I always like the Walter Payton / Barry Sanders way of going about it. “Act like you’ve been there before. Been there, done that and hand the ball to the referee.” The same with baseball – hit the ball over the wall, jog around the bases at a brisk pace, touch the plate, a few hand-shakes, a pat on the ass, a head slap or two and into the dugout we go……….. A curtain call is fine if the fans call for it, that’s not showing up the other team, that’s acknowledging the fans.

I don’t know why it that Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels has been the one whose quotes have been appearing all over the place because he’s not involved on either team or even in the same league, but never the less he’s in the same players union and if you haven’t heard them already, here are his public comments on the issue.

"If I was a pitcher. ... my mouth would be wide open. I'd be shocked. Baseball is not like the NFL, where you can celebrate in the end zone. You've got to keep your cool, play the game. You can't do that." Hunter admitted that he laughed at Fielder and called the Brewers' celebration "creative." But, Hunter added, "It's a little strong for baseball, because you could have a 90-mph fastball coming at you the next day. If someone did that against us and we played them again, trust me, he'd get crushed, and we'd try to fight him."

I’m not condoning that Fielder take one in the ear hole. But I will guarantee that whatever fun he and his teammates had will not be worth it when he stands in the box next spring training against the Giants. And he knows it too. In hind sight he’s probably already regretting he routine. Fielder as macho as he is will be shitting in his pants. Here’s the way it will happen.

The 1st time up they will throw hard inside strikes and he will be bailing thinking that it’s coming his way. Then with two strikes they will throw a slider or curve low and outside embarrassing the big fella as he bails one way while the ball goes the other.

The 2nd time up he will get hit…….somewhere – 1st pitch – flat out, no question about it. And since it will be spring training, how great would it be if when that happens, all the Giant players in the field fall down :)

When my youngest kid saw the clip on TV he said, “Dad look, they are playing Ring Around The Rosy!” - Mike Cardano

Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs) and Extra Point (Football Blogs). Mike is also the founder of the fantasy sports games Ultimate Franchise Baseball™ and Ultimate Franchise Football™.

Just let Derek kick back, enjoy a Carona and do his job

Did anyone see the back page of the NY Daily news this morning? The headline reads “Derek Jeter goes hitless in both games as Gehrig's record stands, but Yankees sweep Rays in twinbill”

What kind of journalism is that? Is there anyone who thinks he’s not going to get 4 hits the rest of the year and break the record? The Yankees sweep a double header getting their magic number down to 16 and the focus is on Jeter not breaking the Yankees all-time hit record held by Lou Gehrig?

The guy is three hits away and he’s got 23 games left! Does anyone think he won’t get it? Gee wiz - sometime this week he’ll accumulate 3 hits and tie the record and then he’ll get a fourth and break it.

And what’s the big deal anyway? It’s not like he’s about to catch Pete Rose! He’s still 1538 hits behind rose at this point ! He’s in 54th place looking to move into 53rd! I came in 19th place in the hot dog eating contest at my wife’s picnic this past weekend (that’s19th which is more impressive than 53rd wouldn’t you say?) and I don’t see anyone tripping over themselves to report that!

Does the media have to report on every single breath the guy takes? Camon, leave the guy alone and let him play baseball. Do we really need to know what the guy ate for lunch or how many women he had his way with this past week?

Are we going to celebrate every time he passes a guy ahead of him? You know who is ahead of Lou Gehrig in 52nd place? Roberto freakin Alomar with 3 more hits then Gehrig. We should be celebrating that one right? It’s a more impressive record than breaking Gehrig’s isn’t it because it’s 3 more…. Then there are 51 other guys in front of that!

He was and is a fantastic baseball player. He’s been steady, dependable and most important, clutch. But this is a bit much.

I hope the guy plays quite a few more years and passes as many of the 53 guys ahead of him as possible, I really do. But if the world is going to stop every time he passes someone ahead of him, than the entire ecosystem is going to get e’ffed up and global warming and shit will only become worse.  If that happens then my tomatoes are either going to get too much water or not enough water and they won’t grow and I’m gonna be pissed.

Just let Derek kick back and enjoy a Carona and do his job. – Peter Costa

Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 17 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s finished last 13 times and no higher than 10th (in a league with 14 guys). Join us in following Peter’s trials, tribulations and frustrations, as he attempts to navigate his way out of the basement in 2009.

Zack Greinke wins the 2009 AL Cy Young Award

Zack Greinke who pitches in the American League and has one of the worst defenses in baseball behind him has a Major League leading low 2.22 ERA, a WHIP of 1.08, 210 K’s in 198 innings pitched and is tied with Roy Halladay for the most complete games with 6.

Consider the fact that his ERA is even better than the National League reining Cy Young winner and repeating Cy Young winner to be Tim Lincecum, who has an ERA of 2.28 and that certainly puts his remarkable work into perspective!

He’s only got 13 wins so to date but that’s certainly not his fault. Case in point - he pitched 8 innings of shut-out ball this week and got a no decision. That type of thing has happened all too often this year.

Eight times this year Greinke has pitched at least 7 innings and given up only 2 runs; 2 times giving up only one run and 2 times not giving up no runs at all! If the sports writers do not award him the AL Cy Young because he plays in KC or because he only ends up with 15 or so wins, that would be a crime.

Whether the sports writers grant him with the award or not, there is no one that can tell me that Zack Greinke did not win the 2009 AL Cy Young Award. – Mike Cardano

Mike Cardano is the founder of the Around The Horn (Baseball Blogs) and Extra Point (Football Blogs). Mike is also the founder of the fantasy sports games Ultimate Franchise Baseball™ and Ultimate Franchise Football™.