Around The Horn Baseball

WE'VE MOVED!

2009-10-26T23:06:00.000-04:00

We are happy to announce that we are all grown up now and have moved to the Bloguin Network. This is a real privilege for us and we are certain that you will get much more enjoyment and use out of the site. You can read all about our move HERE.

Our new home will be http://www.athbaseball.com/. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Our football site has moved as well. The new URL is http://www.xtrapointfootball.com/

Albert Pujols gets bionic enhancement on his elbow

2009-10-21T12:46:00.001-04:00

Guys, this will be our last post on this site. We are happy to announce that we are all grown up now and have moved to the Bloguin Network. This is a real privilege for us and we are certain that you will get much more enjoyment and use out of the site. You can read all about our move HERE.

Our new home will be http://www.athbaseball.com/. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Our football site has moved as well. The new URL is http://www.xtrapointfootball.com/

So, check this out. Yesterday Ken Rosenthal over at FOXSports.com breaks a story that says Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will undergo arthroscopic debridement surgery on his right elbow today (that would be removing bone chips, I don't know why they don't just say that?.)

My first thought was, I thought I read a piece about this last year over on our Bloguin friends site over at Fantasy Hurler? So I went and looked. I did!

The say that they will be removing bone chips in his elbow. Last October they said that he had nerve transposition (that's where you transpose a nerve - follow?) on the same elbow. I think someone should look into this.

Perhaps there is some sort of Steve Austin thing going on here. "The $14,427,326 Man?" After all, in St. Louis they do call him "The Machine" right? All I know is that I'm told the guy had nerve transposition surgery so I figured the guy was damaged goods, would at least have a drop-off in stats and stayed clear of him at last year's fantasy draft.

Oh contraire!

With a transposed nerve and bone chips in his right elbow (his throwing arm too) Pujols proceeded to hit .327 / 47 / 135. What would the guy have hit with a healthy arm? We've got about 300 other Major League batters out there with healthy arms and no one can hit like he does? And here lies the issue.

Is it conceivable that he had some sort of bionic procedure and is now going back to have it tweaked? Everyone is so focused on talking about steroids and human growth hormone. Pujols has denied those things up and down the river and even got his wife Dee Dee involved in the topic. Remember the Sports Illustrated story just before last season?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing Pujols of cheating. I'm just saying........

Hey look, if some woman suggested that I had a bionic penis I would be flattered. I'm just throwing out the possibility that his got something extraordinary going on there. His performance on the field is that good.

Bionic or not, I'd take him on my team any day. You can be sure I'll bid a few extra dollars on him this year after this bionic enhancement. - Peter Costa

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.

Pete (a.k.a. Roto Loser) is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 18 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he's now finished last 14 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 again in 2010.

Posada should be pissed at Rivera for making him catch a phlegm-ball and having to grab it with his hand to throw it back!

2009-10-20T22:32:00.000-04:00

Ok, so what we have here is an old fashion spiiting incident. Actually, this one is kinda similar to the Seinfield episode where Roger McDowell of the Mets was hiding "in bushed by the gravely road" and spit on Kramer and Neuman.

The Major League Baseball Commissioners Office reviewed available video and still photography from Mariano Rivera spitting toward a baseball in the ALCS Game 3 and "found no evidence that Rivera spit on the ball."

The initial reaction by the league had been that the video plus still pictures they have of the incident were inconclusive if Rivera actually spit on or near the ball. But after further review of what it had, the Commissioners Office determined that Rivera was not spitting directly on the ball. On still pictures in MLB's possession, it apparently looks as if Rivera is spitting near, but not on, the ball (that's what they say).

The incident came when Rivera came in the game in the middle of the 10th inning, between his warm up pitches and his 1st pitch to Erick Aybar. Jeff Mathis had just doubled to lead off the inning and there were no outs. But then it what happened..........

Rivera finished throwing his eight warm up pitches and then proceeded to spit on the ball. He then threw strike one to Aybar. Then Aybar bunted the second pitch, and Rivera threw wildly to third to leave first and third with no out. So from the spitting on the ball until Aybar bunts, there is probably a minimum of a minute that elapses and the ball has been caught once by Jorge Posada and thrown back.

So the question remains. Would the ball have retained enough of the liquid that Rivera allegedly was putting on it to impact its movement?

There have been a lot of players commenting on this incident the past 24 hours. Don Mattingly who is now Joe Torre's bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers had an interesting take. "Honestly, guys are using tar, resin, anything they can to get a better feel for the ball, and just moisture on your hands is nothing really."

A few thoughts on this subject.

- Aybar got the bunt down successfully and the Angels ended up with runners at 1st and third so they can really complain about it.

- That's why Mariano threw the ball away. It was wet and it slipped!

- Posada is the one who should be pissed here at Rivera for making him catch a phlegm-ball and having to grab it with his hand and then throw it back? And what about Johnny Damon in left field? He is the one who retrieved the wet goober thing after Mariano threw it down the third base line? And if you think about it, Posada gets really screwed here holding the hot potato as it were because Damon threw it back in to him for a second time thinking that there may be a play at the plate!

But in the end the Commissioners Office was circumspect of the allegations from the beginning because:

1. The spit is coming from far away. There is no attempt by Rivera to hide what he is doing. He is facing toward the outfield, but in the playoffs that leaves him in the direct line of sight of at least three umpires. He is not rubbing the ball up or massaging it in his glove as is often the case when a ball is being doctored.

2. Between the regular season and postseason, Rivera has appeared in 999 games and nothing has ever emerged before linking Rivera to doctoring the ball. He has appeared in 82 postseason games when cameras, eyeballs and opponents are fixed on him constantly, and no evidence of this has previously emerged.

3. The league office is aware that Rivera is a player who spits constantly while in action.

I'm sure he grabs his Johnson once in a while too, are they going to acknowledge that?

All in all, the way I see it the Commissioners Office is missing one thing here. HE SPIT ON THE BALL! This video is going to go down in history like the Zupruder film. Wouldn't it be great if Posada got revenge by peeing in Rivera's hot chocolate in the bull pen? - 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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Have a Fantasy Football or 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.

Pedro is a Mamma's Boy.....

2009-10-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

Reporter - "Pedro, that was a wonderful performance, are you going to pitch next year?"

Pedro - "I don't know, I have to ask my mom."

What? Wait, Pedro. Did you just get finished watching Water Boy for the 15th time? When did you become Bobby Boucher?

Pedro Martinez's outstanding performance in Game 2 of the NLCS certainly has the Dominican Dandy and everyone around baseball thinking about his baseball future beyond this season. Martinez seems increasingly eager to continue his stellar career next year, and his seven scoreless innings against the Dodgers suggest he's far from finished. Martinez dominated the Dodgers nine days shy of his 38th birthday, hitting the biggest moment yet in his truncated season with Philadelphia. There wasn't anyone who thought that Pedro would throw this well this year.

"I'm considering coming back next year if I don't win the World Series," Martinez said. "If I win the World Series, I'll think a bit longer. I'll have to ask my mom."

Pedro Martinez went unsigned during the past off-season and had to wait until the all-star break this year to sign a one-year contract for a measly (in the world of baseball) a prorated share of $2 million plus incentives. If your game 2 NLCS starter throws a 7 inning shutout giving up only 2 hits for one million dollars, you got yourself a steal!

Martinez said that his mother implored him to stay home in the Dominican Republic this year, but Martinez wanted to honor the instructions he received last year from his father, Paulino, who died of brain cancer shortly after telling Pedro to keep playing.

This is going to be the Roger Clemens thing all over again, you can tell. Pedro will stay home during spring training running cock fights with Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo until sometime in late May. Then the rumors will start (started by him)..... Before you know it, teams will be flying down to the Dominican to watch the Dominican Dandy throw and someone, some contender will offer him a contract and he'll pitch in meaningful pennant stretch baseball and maybe even the playoffs again.

You know what; I think he's earned it. We forget because of his last few health challenged seasons with the Mets what it was like to have Pedro in his prime. That was good for baseball. I think it was best put by Twins manager Ron Gardenhire this year. When talking about Zack Grienke and his Cy Young year (if he doesn't win it's a crime.)

"That kid has had the best year in the American League since Pedro Martinez in 1999 and 2000."
When you are a legend people are always compared to you. Pedro is a legend. If Pedro's mama would prefer that he make his livelihood running cock fights for a few months, that's ok by me. Just be here when it counts Pedro. You can pitch for me any time, any day. - Blake Kearny

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

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Have a Fantasy Football or 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

2009-10-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

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: What is the best way for me to learn about or get information on players that might be playing in MLB next year that are currently playing in other countries? – Harold, Coventry, England

Harold: Greetings from across the pond. Dr. Roto is always keeping his eyes out for players coming from other countries to MLB. Take a look at some sites like: Espn, rotoworld, and of course, my own site: roto-rx.com to see who looks like a good player to invest in for next year (and beyond).

Question #2: Brad Lidge seems to have settled down. Do you see (an every other year) good year for him next year? – Kim, Franklin, VA

Kim: Dr. Roto is adverse to taking on too much risk. It's one thing to draft a guy who you think can bounce back. It's another thing to take a chance on a guy who you KNOW has major problems. I would probably bring his name up at the table and bid just a bit on him so people think I am interested. If I get him for a few bucks, terrific. If the table starts bidding crazy dollars, I would back off and go get a young guy who may be the closer sooner than later.

Question #3: Great post by Peter Costa on Kershaw. That COULD BE a traumatic experience. Do you think there is a possibility that he may now turn into an Oliver Perez or Ankiel? – Harry, Pittsburg, PA

Harry: No I think Kerhsaw is too mentally tough to fall into that trap. Plus he's got a Hall of Fame manager in his corner (Joe Torre) who is going to make sure that he is in a good frame of mind. The kid is 21...cut him a break. He's got nasty stuff and could easily throw a one hitter next time out.

Question #4: What is your outlook on Dontrelle Willis going forward; fine piece of sushi or dog meat? – Dasuke, Osaka, Japan

Dasuke: Dr. Roto has no faith in Dontrell Willis. Stick a fork in him, he's done.

Question #5: What happened to Billingsley? He went from the All-Star team to holding Vicente Padillia’s jock strap? –Franklin, Seneca, SC

Franklin: It has been a shame to see the fall of Billingsley. His mechanics were off and he struggled for the better part of the second half of the season. Torre decided to go with his veterans Wolf and Kuroda in the NLCS instead of Chad. Watch to see if Chad pitches well out of the hullpen and regains Torre's trust. He is does, he may get a start in the World Series (assuming they make it) and be just fine next year.

The Doctor is out...

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Joe Torre may have just turned Clayton Kershaw into Rick Ankiel (or worse, Oliver Perez)

2009-10-16T08:02:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I am watching the Phillies vs. Dodgers NLCS Game 1 and Clayton Kershaw is locked up in an old fashion pitcher’s duel with Cole Hamels. The Dodgers are winning 1 – 0 going to the top of the 5th on a James Loney HR.

So between innings I go to the bathroom. I come back and sit down and I’m thinking, ‘wow, this kid is only 21 years old and he’s throwing a gem in Game 1 of the NCLS!’

Then….the 5th inning from hell including 3 wild pitches!

A single by Ibanaz, a wild pitch, a 5 pith walk to Feliz, a BOMB to Feliz! A walk on 4 pitches to Hamels (yes I typed that correctly). A fielder’s choice, a strikeout and another wild pitch, a walk to Utley, a double to Howard; 4 2/3 Innings pitched, 4 Hits, 5 Runs, 5 Earned Runs, 5 Walks, 3K’s, 1 HR

My god, what the hell was Kershaw doing during the bottom of the 4th that made him lose it? Did get a phone call from Oliver Perez? And Where the hell was Joe Torre? He sat and watched Kershaw meltdown on national TV in front of 50,000 people in Game 1 of the NLCS! Seriously, that is exactly what happens when Perez pitches isn’t it? He’s Cy Young until a certain part of the game and then he loses it!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that Kershaw will turn out to be a basket case, but you CAN NOT let a 21 year old pitcher endure that type of adversity on that big of a stage. I’ll say it again. Where the hell was Torre?

I guess Torre was too busy managing the Yankees in the 2000 playoffs and doesn't recall what happened to another 21 year old pitcher in game 1 of the NLDS, Cardinals pitcher Rick Ankiel. Remember that?
Game 1 started well for Ankiel, who did not allow a run through the first two innings. It was in the third inning that Ankiel lost control; he allowed 4 runs on 2 hits, walking 4 and throwing 5 wild pitches before being removed with two outs. Here is the play-by-play from that inning:

Greg Maddux walked; Rafael Furcal popped to Will Clark in foul territory; Ankiel threw a wild pitch (Maddux to second); Ankiel threw a wild pitch (Maddux to third); Andruw Jones walked; Ankiel threw a wild pitch (A. Jones to 2nd); Chipper Jones was called out on strikes; Andrés Galarraga walked (Maddux scores, A. Jones to 3rd on wild pitch); Brian Jordan singled to Ray Lankford (A. Jones scored, Galarraga to 2nd); Ankiel threw a wild pitch (Galarraga to 3rd, Jordan to 2nd); Reggie Sanders walked; Walt Weiss singled to Lankford (Galarraga scored, Jordan scored, Sanders to 2nd); Mike James replaced Ankiel; Javy López popped to Fernando Viña; 4 R, 2 H, 0 E, 2 LOB.

Ankiel was never the same after that traumatic event. Congrats to him for having the resolve to make it back as a MLB player (as an outfielder) but that day was the beginning of the end for Ankiel as a pitcher.

I hope Kershaw’s fate isn’t the same. Joe Torre, you didn’t do right by your team last night and worse yet, you didn’t do right by your young pitcher. His career and livelihood was in your hands and you may have very well have just eff’ed it up…… - Peter Costa

Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 18 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s now finished last 14 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 again in 2010.

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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.

Pregame Distraction!

2009-10-15T18:27:00.002-04:00

Frank and Jamie McCourt have been the face of the Dodgers for six years, but the McCourts may now turn the Dodgers into part of a divorce. Frank and Jamie McCourt filed for divorce late Wednesday, right before the Dodgers NLCS Opener.

Jamie McCourt doesn't own the Dodgers, but she is Chief Executive Officer, while her husband owns the team.

Six years after the McCourts bought the Dodgers from Rupert Murdoch, things may not have gone well at home, but they have gone well on the field as the Dodgers have Manny Ramirez and are playing in the NLCS for the second year in a row.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the McCourts were not sitting together during the NLDS series against the Cardinals and have rarely been seen together all season, so the divorce filing comes as no surprise.

Looking at other posts on the web, everyone wants to know what effect the divorce will have on the Dodgers in the post season? That has to be the stupidest thing I ever heard of. As long as the divorce doesn’t affect the player’s paycheck, why the heck would it be a distraction for the players during the game?

The Dodgers will either win or lose the series, but neither one will be because of the owners divorce. - Blake Kearny

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

Roto-Rx

2009-10-15T06:53:00.000-04:00

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: When I’m comparing Ben Zobrist to other players, what position do I compare him at to get a gauge for his relative worth? – East Hampton, NY

Hampton: Zobrist should be considered a 2B if you have to give him a position, considering he played the most there last year. Remember, his true value lies in his versatility.

Question #2: Now that the regular season is over, who are your MVP and CY award winners? Does Dr. Roto get an actual vote? – Jose, Ramapo, NJ

Jose: No, Dr. Roto does not get an actual vote...hopefully, he will soon. My MVP's are: Albert Pujols in the NL and Mark Teixeira in the AL. Cy Young will go to Zack Greinke in the AL and Chris Carpenter in the NL.

Question #3: Do you think that Hideki Matsui will have a full time gig in MLB next year of will he go back to Japan? – Roy, Bowling Green, MO

Roy: The only place you'll be seeing Matusi next year will be in Yankee Stadium (so long as they want him). If he is not a Yankee, he will go back to Japan.

Question #4: Did the post season problems of Joe Nathan this year affect your outlook for him for next year’s fantasy season? – Felix, Bethel, CT

Felix: Joe Nathan's struggles in the post-season have not deterred Dr. Roto from him at all. In fact, I would use it to my advantage. When his name comes up at your auction next year, you should clear your throat and say, "Nice job in the playoffs". This should drop his value 3-5 dollars in the room and you get a steal.

Question #5: Would you protect Michael Cuddyer for $12 next year? He qualifies at two spots in my league. – Salvatore, San Mateo, CA

Salvatore: I think I would. He had over 30 HR and looked sharp for most of the year. He is always undervalued to boot. Keep him.

The Doctor is out...

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter......

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Enough with the love fest already….

2009-10-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

Everyone is talking about the Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series as it’s a foregone conclusion.

Will Torre get an ovation louder than Girardi…. Will Mattingly get an ovation louder than Torre…. Will Jeter come over and hug Torre….

Enough with the love fest already…. Has everyone forgotten that the Yankees can’t beat the Angels and that the Phillies are the reining Worlds Champions?

I know the Yankees have the best record in baseball and they certainly have the best players. But there are two teams out there that do not fear the Yankees and they are the Angels and the Phillies. And to be honest, the Dodgers remind me of the Marlins team that beat the Yankees. Most of them are too young and naive to be intimidated by the Yankees, and Manny certainly isn’t.

I know the popular play is to pick the Yankees but I think someone (Angels, Phillies, Dodgers) is going to pick them off. I don’t think it’s going to be so easy to be a Yankee fan at this year’s Halloween party. - 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.

The true measure of Rivera's genius. His resolve.

2009-10-13T10:39:00.000-04:00

On Saturday in the Joe Nathan make Armando Benitez look clutch post we spoke about the troubles that Joe Nathan has had in his playoff career. If you look at the numbers, it’s quite unbelievable really. It’s like he’s a completely different pitcher. But that’s what pressure does.

You squeeze the ball to tight, you muscle up, you aim…… All these things reduce ball movement, velocity and misplace the ball.

There is a great article up today by Mark Newman of MLB.com today that discusses the problem with getting those last few outs that closers are having. In the first round of playoffs alone there have been 6 blown saves! And these were from closers that were from the teams that are good enough to be in the playoffs.

There was Ryan Franklin's blown save for the Cardinals against the Dodgers, Joe Nathan's blown save for the Twins against Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees, Jonathan Papelbon's blown save for the Red Sox that allowed the Angels to clinch, Phillies reliever Ryan Madson in the seventh inning of Game 3 and the eighth inning of Game 4, and Huston Street's blown save for the Rockies in Philadelphia's clincher on Monday night.

Closing out games is not an easy thing to do. It’s as much mental as it is physical. If you do it, well that’s what you are supposed to do, if you don’t, you are a goat. They should probably have psych class for football field goal kickers and baseball closers on how to deal with failing. Look what did to the promising career of Byung Young Kim, he was never the same. Remember Donny Moore? Talk about blowing a save and having it weigh on your shoulders.

These examples all this point to the unbelievable success that Mariano Rivera has had in the post season. And he’s not perfect either. He’s human. As for the few that got away, they motivate him, they make him better. Rivera still says Dave Roberts was out stealing second in the ninth inning of Game 4, Yankees against the Red Sox in 2004 (the beginning of the end even if nobody knew it at the time.) And he still thinks he should have gotten out of that inning and caught Bill Mueller's game-tying single after Roberts did steal second.

He can recite every pitch and every moment of Game 7 against the Diamondbacks in the World Series of 2001, the bottom of the ninth that was the greatest shock of all with Rivera, Arizona scoring two and finally winning the Series on a bloop single by Luis Gonzalez over Jeter's head. It eats at him; it just makes him work harder.

Maybe that is the true measure of Rivera's genius. His resolve. He remembers the ones that got away with as much clarity as that night in Game 7 of 2003 against the Red Sox when he pitched the last three innings and seemed perfectly willing to pitch all night.

Rivera comes in the game, relaxed, composed and seems to be able to block out and of the mental things that makes the body tense up, panic or take him out of his normal routine. And this on the biggest stage in the world.

We all know that Mariano Rivera is great. We know that he’s an all-time great. But he probably deserves even more accolades than that! There will come a time when Mariano will not be around to close out games anymore, and when that time comes, the legend of Mariano will grow, and grow and grow.

Derek Jeter on Rivera - "You want to know how great he really is? The only time you see people really wanting to talk to him after a game is when he occasionally blows one."

Sometimes you think: If he doesn't give up the home run to Sandy Alomar in Game 4 of the ALDS in 1997 … if he gets out of it against the Diamondbacks somehow … if he doesn't walk Kevin Millar to start the bottom of the ninth in Game 4 in '04 … then maybe he has won seven World Series already with the Yankees.

Rivera might not be the greatest baseball pitcher of all time because the most best starting pitchers all-time had to go through batting orders at least three times and sometimes four to get to where they got to in the record books. But Rivera is better at what he does, closing out games, than any pitcher who ever pitched. There has never been anyone better at getting the last out of a big game.

The moral of the story is that Yankee fans shouldn’t take this stuff for granted. You are watching a once in a life time athlete. Enjoy it while you can. - 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.

They Angels will beat the Yankees again. Why? Mike Socia

2009-10-12T12:54:00.000-04:00

There are not many teams that beat up on the Yankees in recent years. That’s not surprising. With the ability to have a payroll like the Yankees have had, you would think that they would have the better players the majority of the time.

But that’s not the case with the Angels. For whatever reason, they are not intimidated. During the legendary Joe Torre era of Yankee baseball that began in 1996 and included four World Series championships and 12 straight trips to the playoffs, only the Angels held a winning record against New York. Including Joe Girardi’s tenure the Angels hold a 79-66 advantage against the Yankees since 1996.

For whatever reason, this combination of management and players for the Angels has been able to do what no other team in baseball does. Routinely beat the Yankees.

One Of The Very Best

With a third consecutive AL West crown, Mike Scioscia became the first manager in history to bring six clubs into postseason play in his first 10 seasons. It’s not like he doesn’t know how to get past the Yankees either. The Socia let Angels and Yankees have some history in October, and the memories are not warm and fuzzy for the Bronx Bombers and their fans.

- In 2002 and in '05, the Angels eliminated the Yanks in ALDS showdowns.

- En route to the franchise's lone World Series championship in '02, the Halos knocked out New York in four games, splitting the first two in the Bronx and then taking two in Anaheim.

- Three years later, in a rematch, the Yankees again split their two home games before going west and losing the decisive fifth game at Angel Stadium.

This year The Angels and Yanks split 10 games this season with the Bombers taking three of four in their new home ballpark.

The Yankees haven't been to an ALCS since 2004, when the Red Sox chased away all their ghosts with their implausible dream of a comeback from a 3-0 deficit. The Angels' most recent visit to an ALCS also was less than satisfying. The White Sox took them out in five games in '05, winning the last four.
With each team sweeping their AL Division Series and having four days off, each team having fully rested rotations. Some would argue too much time.

With the storied history of the Yankee, there aren’t any teams that they feel they have to prove something against, except the Angels. The Yankees have the stars, the Angels have the guts.

Who remembers Mike Scioscia’s dramatic, ninth inning, game-tying home run against the New York Mets' Dwight Gooden in Game 4 of the 1988 National League Championship Series (Click to watch)? The ‘88 Mets do. Take a look at Doc Gooden in the picture. It was the start of the downfall of a “what was supposed to be a Hall of Fame career.”

Scioscia was a key player on the Dodgers' 1981 and 1988 World Series champion teams, and is the Dodgers' all-time leader in games caught (1,395.) He was a winner as a player and a winner as a manager.

The Angels will beat the Yankees again. Why? Mike Socia. - Blake Kearny

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

Roto-Rx – Answering Your Fantasy Baseball Questions

2009-10-11T06:37:00.002-04:00

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: Is Ian Stewart a keeper at $6? He qualifies all over and can really thump… but the batting average! – Evan, Barlow, KY

Evan: Stewart has some pop in his bat, plays multiple positions, and even surprises with a few SB now and then. It's true that his BA is horrendous, but there is too much upside to ignore. He is a Dr. Roto favorite.

Question #2: Troy Tulowitzki or Derek Jeter. Who do I protect for next year - both are $13 and I don’t want to protect 2 SS’s. – Michael, Freemont Hills, MO

Michael: That is a great choice to have, Michael. You are probably the envy of the rest of your league. Why not protect 2 SS though? Dr. Roto doesn't know the makeup of your league, but he does know that you have two of the best players in the game. Sometimes position doesn't matter. It also helps you trade from strength.

Question #3: Do you rank Miguel Montero as a top tier catcher for next year? – Larry, La Habra, CA

Larry: If you are asking whether Montero is a top 12 catcher, the answer is yes. As for higher than that, let's hold off to see what happens in the off-season.

Question #4: All things being equal, would I be better off with David Wright or Pablo Sandoval for next year? – Marv, Yonkers, NY

Marv: That is a tough one Marv. If I am getting David Wright from 2008 I take him for sure. If I am getting the 2009 version, I think I take Sandoval's .330 average and emerging power. That's another let's see question. Let's see where the Mets and Giants are after the off-season....

Question #5: Is David Ortiz worth $9 for next year or should I throw him back? – Ace, Duke University

Ace: Did you know that David Ortiz led the majors in HR from June onwards this year? Let's put it this way...his first two months were the worst they could be. If he improves on those numbers alone, he will be worth it. Keep Him.

The Doctor is out...

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Joe Nathan makes Armando Benitez look clutch!

2009-10-10T00:24:00.004-04:00

Ok, the better team won. No one will dispute that. How can you not call a team that has 4X the payroll of the team it’s playing not the better team. But that’s not the point.

Yes, you can say that the Carlos Gomez base running mistake cost the Twins the game. Yes, you can say that the Joe Mauer fair ball that was called foul cost the Twins the game (How does that happen? It wasn’t even close and the umpire was 6 feet away slooking right at it! Seriously, look at the picture below and see for yourself!)

You can come up with any number of reasons that the Twins lost the game but it all comes down to one thing. Joe Nathan. Joe Nathan costs the Twins the game. And the shame of it all is that Joe Nathan is a huge MLB star making lots of money (the kind that play for the Yankees).

It’s not like the Yankees beat up on a low payroll guy. The guy made $11,250,000.00 this year (yes you have the number of digits to the left of the decimal point correct), and that doesn’t count whatever he received for making the All-Star team or any other performance bonuses he may have.

Joe Nathan is the 2nd highest paid player on the Minnesota Twins and was the higest paid player in uniform last night! His salary is just about 20% of the entire teams payroll! The Twins have a payroll of 60 million. Michael Cuddyer makes 7.66 million, Joe Mauer makes 10.5 million, Justin Morneau makes 11.6 million, Joe Nathan makes 11.25 million and the rest of the team makes a combined approx. 20 million!

Let’s call it as it is, Joe Nathan makes Armando Benitez look clutch. SERIOUSLY! He puts up huge stats in the regular season. The guy is unhittable! Look at the stats, the guy matches or surpasses Mariano Rivera across the board!

Consider this, in the past 5 years Joe Nathan has an ERA well under 2.00 and a WHIP well less than 1.00!

But then there’s the post season. Did you see him hyperventilating out there on the mound? And he was eating his shirt! Don't believe me? Look at the picture! And that was before the HR to A-Rod!

Nathan has now pitched in 7 post season games. In these 7 post season games he’s pitched 7.1 innings, given up 10 Hits, 7 walks and 7 runs. He only gave up 16 runs this entire year! And that was over 70 games! And last year he only gave up 10 runs the entire year! He’s given up 7 runs in 7 games!

I know the best team won and I know it’s inevitable that they will win the series. But Nathan gets paid what he does on the Twins for one reason and one reason only; for games like that one.

What a shame for the other guys on the team playing their hearts out. He’s should give them all a portion of his salary. - Peter Costa

Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 18 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s now finished last 14 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 again in 2010.

What’s wrong with Manny?

2009-10-09T14:08:00.000-04:00

Since September 1st coming down the stretch, including these last two playoff games Manny Ramirez has played 27 games. In those games he’s had 82 at-bats. In crunch time here Many is 18 for 82, a .219 batting average! In this last crucial 27 games he’s has only 4 HR’s and 13 RBI and he has 21 strikeouts!

It’s been widely reported that pitchers have been challenging and even overpowering Manny over the last month. This is something I can’t remember ever hearing other than if he’s been hurt.

Joe Torre has been asked about this repeatedly over the past month or so and Torre’s explanation has been simply that he’s out of sync. Torre has stated that he has no physical ailments and that he’s age is a non factor. Torre contends that he’s still Manny and at any moment and time, the real Manny will appear.

After game #1 Torre admitted, "He was still missing some fastballs."

For his part, Ramirez mumbled his way through a postgame interview Wednesday night. When asked if he felt he was finding his rhythm, he responded, "The picture in this post is from Game #1 against the Cardinals on Wednesday night. It’s Manny missing a Chris Carpenter fastball. It’s hard enough to hit Carpenter when everything is in your favor. How can you hit the ball with hair in your eyes? I’m just saying…….

"The playoffs, everything's different."

"I feel much better at the plate. I took advantage of a couple of pitches they gave me."

Manny is one of the great clutch hitters of our generation; of all time for that matter. This is true for both in post season as well as the regular season, so it’s hard to count him out until you have seen him actually not perform an dthat can't be determined untill the playoffs are over. But to say that everyone in Dodgers camp is concerned is an understatement.

Stay tuned and we’ll all find out together if Manny is still Manny. - 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.

Matt Holliday give-ith and then he take-ith away.

2009-10-09T08:47:00.001-04:00

There are certainly games I can think of that was decided in the waning moments by a fluke. The last one that comes to mind was the on June 12th of this year when the Mets lost on the final play of the game as Luis Castillo dropped A-Rod’s routine pop-up. Remember that one? Catch it Louie… Catch It… CATCH IT! – Oh Louie…

There have been play-off games decided by flukes too but most of them had to do with fan interference, Jeffrey Maier in 1996 and Steve Bartman in 2003, but never have I seen a fluke alter the outcome of a playoff game the way this one did.

Holiday had opened the scoring in the game in the top of the second with a HR to left field. But with the game on the line and the final out in his grasp, the unthinkable happened…..

Holiday obviously lost the ball in the bank of lights behind first base. Lost in the madness was an absolute gem pitched by Adam Wainwright. Wainwright went 8 innings giving up only 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run.

"It's tough to swallow. Obviously, I feel terrible. But I just missed the ball. It hit my stomach. I think I can catch a ball hit right at me."

With CY Young candidates Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright already have thrown and the Cardinals down 2-0 you would have to think that this one is all but over. But yesterday’s game was over too. It’s not over until they play all the games and get all the outs.

We make fun of Yogi for saying, "It aint over till it’s over” but he is smarter then we give him credit for.

I’ve seen a lot of baseball in my career, but this was one of the oddest occurrences I’ve ever witnessed. - 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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Have a Fantasy Football or 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

2009-10-08T07:16:00.001-04:00

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: Delmon Young had a nice finish. Do you see promise for him? – Barry, Merrick, NY

Barry: After all this time, I am sure that you know Dr. Roto's rules. Rule #1 is to exercise patience. Delmon Young HAS the skills. He was the number one minor leaguer at one time. He just hasn't put it together yet. The breakout is coming...give it another year or two, but you will see it happen.

Question #2: I see the Brewers re-signed Trevor Hoffman. He had a pretty good fantasy year. I don’t know anyone who expected that. Do you see him as a quality closer again next year? – Michael, Post University

Michael: One again, Trevor Hoffman defied the age Gods and had another terrific season. Do I love him long term? No way. Do I think he can put up decent numbers for another year? Sure, he doesn't seem like he is slowing down just yet.

Question #3: I’m reading not so good things about Roy Oswalt’s health. Should I be concerned for next year? I was counting on him. – Chris, Washington, DC

Chris: Dr. Roto has some concerns about Oswalt as well. A back is tricky...you wake up one morning and feel great; you wake up the next and can't move. Oswalt is 32 years old and has thrown a ton of innings. If healthy, he could be decent yet again for the Astros. Let's wait and see until the Spring before we make a judgment.

Question #4: Should I protect Bobby Abreu for $12? – Manuel, Howell, NJ

Manuel: As of now, you bet. Abreu is a free agent, so keep a close eye on where he ends up. If he goes to a team that will give him the green light on the base paths, then for sure he looks good at $12. If he goes to a team that doesn't run, he is at value at that price.

Question #5: Are there any publications or web sites that you recommend to check on up and coming talent during the off season? – Levi, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Levi: Check out www.roto-rx.com for your baseball needs in the off-season. Dr. Roto and his expert staff will be posting articles and providing analysis of the Hot Stove moves that affect fantasy leaguers everywhere. Sign up is free. Let Dr. Roto help you win your league!

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These are the memories that grandparents pass on to their grand children

2009-10-07T08:44:00.001-04:00

If you love sports and drama, you had to love last night’s Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins "Play-In game." We see and hear every day what is wrong with sports today, but that that game shows what is good about sports.

And how can you not root for the Twins (unless you are from Detroit). The Twins came from 7 games back in the final month winning 17 of their last 21 games, extending the game to a 163rd game to win the division.

It took 12 innings to crown a champion. Game 163, the "play-in game,” was filled with back-and-forth scoring, pitching showdowns and critical at-bats. The dramatic 4 1/2-hour affair came to an end when Alexi Casilla singled to right field, allowing Carlos Gomez to score from second base and capping off a 6-5 victory for the Twins over the Tigers, giving Minnesota its fifth division title in the past eight seasons.

"That is as good a baseball game as I've ever been involved as far as courage from both teams. We came through at the end. But after 10 innings I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I've never seen anything like this.' It was just back and forth, neither team giving up." - Manager Ron Gardenhire

If you were one of the 54,088 fans (the largest regular-season crowd in Metrodome history) you have a memory that will last you a life time. These are the memories that grandparents pass on to their grand children.

Listening to the Tigers comments reminded me of listening to Peter Rose after the Carlton Fisk HR game in game 6 of the 1975 World Series. He was on the losing end of the game, but he said that it was the greatest game he had ever played in and was privileged to be a part of it.

The game had everything, clutch pitching, clutch hitting, defensive blunders, defensive stellar plays, blown calls by the umpire with the game on the line (the ball did in fact hit the shirt of Brandon Inge) and all with the season on the line. I didn’t have a dog in the fight, but that was definitely the most interest I had watching a game this year, including ones that involved the team I root for.

The Twins now move on to play the Yankees in the 1st round Division Series AL playoffs. To say that they are an underdog is an understatement. After playing a 163rd game yesterday (moved back 1 day because the “Brett Favre” Monday night football game was in the Metrodome) they now have to play a 6:07 pm game at Yankee Stadium in NY. After going 12 innings in a tension filled extravaganza their bull pen is now depleted and they are mmentally and physically exhausted. Oh, and they are without their All-Star 1st basemen Justin Morneau .

Under manager Ron Gardenhire’s tenure they are 3-21 against the Yankees. But there is hope. In the playoffs they are 2-2 against them. And they now have karma on their side.

You would have to be a fool to predict that the Twins will win the series, but unless you are a devout Yankee fan, it’s going to be hard not to root for the Cinderella team of 2009. - 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.

Memo to A.J. Burnett - "Just throw the pitch you want."

2009-10-06T12:55:00.000-04:00

One of the questions on the minds of baseball fans going into this post season is what’s Joe Girardi going to do about Jorge Posada when A.J. Burnett pitches?

There is no secret to the fact that Burnett would prefer to pitch to Jose Molina. But Jose doesn't hit like his older brother Bengie, or even his younger brother Yadier for that matter.

Should a manager let a player dictate his lineup? And if he does, what does he do if C.C. Sabathia says he wants Molina too? Or anyone else for that matter? What if Mariano Rivera wanted to pitch to Molina? Would they have to change catchers along with changing relievers when Mariano came in?

Batters hit .221 against Burnett in 11 starts caught by Molina compared with .270 in 16 starts caught by Posada. Opponents' slugging percentage was .352 with Molina compared with .421 with Posada.

But it’s not like Burnett can’t be successful with Posada. On Aug. 7 I sat in Yankee Stadium and watched what arguably was the righthander's best outing this season. He held the Red Sox to one hit in 7 2/3 innings. Posada's behind was behind the plate.

Jose Molina caught A.J. Burnett this past Sunday against the Rays, not a surprise in that Jorge Posada rarely caught day games after night games this season, but it was the sixth straight start in which Molina caught Burnett.

Going back to 2000, John Flaherty, Randy Johnson's personal catcher in 2005, is the only other Yankees catcher besides Posada to start a postseason game.

Molina hit just .217 this season with a .292 on-base percentage and .268 slugging percentage to Posada's .285-. 363-. 522. It probably also would mean that Hideki Matsui (28 homers, 90 RBIs) would sit as Posada would be the designated hitter.

Here’s the way I see it. It seems pretty simple to me. Posada should catch, he should put down his fingers for the pitch he wants thrown. If Burnett wants to throw something else, he shakes him off and throws the pitch that he wants. Problem solved. Doing anything else sounds silly.

Girardi was a catcher very much in the player mold of Molina. He understands who it works. In fact, it was Girardi who stepped aside as Yankees catcher to let Posada have the wonder career that he's had.- 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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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!

A Delmon Young Sighting!

2009-10-05T12:29:00.000-04:00

On September 18th we posted it here “For the Twinkies the 2009 MLB season starts tonight.” We spoke about the fact that without Justin Morneau that Michael Cuddyer would have to pick up the slack. He certainly has. Over the last 16 games starting with that crucial series against the Detroit Tigers, Cuddyer has hit .327 with 6 HR’s, 19RBI and 15 RS.

But how about the resurgence of Delmon Young? With the season on the line, “For all the marbles” in these last 16 games Young has hit .400 with 4 HR’s, 17 RBI and 12 RS.

As Lee Corso likes to say, “not so fast my friend” for all of you who have written off Young as a bust.
When you nominate Young for $1 in next year’s draft and someone bids $2 you will then hear silence…… When that happens, remember his late season surge and make certain to yell $3 because you’ll get him for that and what a steal that will prove to be. It certainly seems like Young is a veteran, bordering on journeyman, but Delmon just turned 24 years old last month. Delmon Young is finally living up to the hype forecasted for him what seems like so long ago. - 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!

The Yankees have turned Joba Chamberlain into the the Cowardly Lion

2009-10-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

What the hell have the Yankees done to Joba Chamberlain?
In my rotisserie draft this year a big argument ensued because one participant claimed he yelled $21 before the gavel hit and the auctioneer claimed he had not. The other teams were split on the issue and everyone started taking sides. Half the league felt the bidding was still open with $21 as the price and the other half felt that Joba had been had for $20.

The guys in my league have been together for 16 years with no change in ownership and we are a tight bunch. At least we were. We’ve had squabbles before, but never anything like this. The year is almost over and there are still hard feelings over that issue. I would swear on a bible that another owner didn’t make a trade with me this year because of the way I claimed the issue unfolded, and not because it wasn’t good for the longer term outlook of his franchise.

At the time it was thought that this issue might determine the outcome of the league this year. The team that we all thought clearly had the best staff in our league going into the season (Tim Lincecum, Roy Halladay, Zack Greinke, Johan Santana, Chris Carpenter) was about to add Joba to the mix and that was going to be it, he was going to place a lock on virtually all the pitching categories.

Joba was a can’t miss. He was unhittable. The feeling was that Greinke or Carpenter would be on his reserve list awaiting an opportunity if there was an injury. Boy did we all have that wrong.

If you had Grienke and Carpenter on your roster chances are that you did quite well for yourself in the pitching categories this year……. Unless you had Joba too bringing you down.

- 156 1/3 innings pitched
- 4.78 ERA (The last place team in our league has an ERA of 4.67!)
- 167 Hits and 76 Walks for a WHIP of 1.55 (The last place team in our league has WHIP of 1.44!)
- 9 Wins (woop-de-friggin`-do)
- 132 K’s (52 MLB pitchers had more strikeouts then he did!)

The Yankees have taken an absolute guaranteed force and ruined his confidence, his effectiveness, and maybe his future.

I have been of the believe all along that if they wanted to limit his innings (but wanted him to be a starter over the long haul) they should have let him start warming up in the 4th inning and brought him in the game at the start of the 5th inning letting him throw lights out for the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. By having him throw just 3 or 4 innings at the beginning of the game has not only messed him up, it messed up the bull pen. He’s out there counting him pitched in the 1st inning as he throws them knowing he’s got to come out when he gets into the 70’s (usually 3rd inning for him)! And that left the bull pen scrambling around trying to figure out how to mix and match its way for 5-6 innings.

I don’t know who is ultimately responsible for his usage, but they have done both Joba and the Yankees a disservice. He just turned 24, not 18. He should as much have the stamina and power that he will ever have as a pitcher at this point.

The Yankees are so worried about him getting hurt. Would the Yankees really rather have Joba end up with an 18 year journeyman career, or a 12 year career like Sandy Koufax………. They have turned this kid into the Cowardly Lion!

LET THE GUY THROW THE BALL TILL HIS ARM FALLS OFF! If I were his agent I would be pissed. 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.
Have a Fantasy Football or 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

2009-10-03T22:01:00.001-04:00

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: What the heck happened to Mike Pelfrey this year? He showed so much promise last year and did nothing but regress. Who is the real Pelfrey, this year’s or last? – Lawrence, Post University

Lawrence: Hate to say it, but I think this year's Mike Pelfrey is closer to what you will see down the road. He's a decent pitcher without a killer pitch. Maybe if the Mets were better, I could buy in, but right now the Mets are in shambles. Avoid.

Question #2: What is your take on Joba Chamberlain going into next year? – Junior, Newington, CT

Junior: Joba has all the skills to be a top notch AL starter. Dr. Roto thinks that Joba continues his ascent to stardom next year...give him time, he will be a stud.

Question #3: Is J. R. Towles still a top catching prospect or has his time past? – Fred, Perrysburg, OH

Fred: Back in 2007, the Astros thought they had something in Towles. He was high on their radar and looked like their catcher of the future. Since then, he's bounced around over the past couple of seasons, and has been nicked up with injuries. Let's give him a bit more time, but also check out to see what the Astros do in the off-season. That should be telling.

Question #4: Based on a $260 cap, what do you consider fair value for Curtis Granderson? – Kenny, St. Mary’s, PA

Kenny: Granderson has had a pretty good season in 2009. He has 30 HR and 20 SB, not too shabby. His runs scored have been low (due to Detroit's anemic offense). He also is hitting around .280 (big step up for him in that department). If you could get him for $25, be very happy.

Question #5: Guys in my league have soured on Homer Bailey, I haven’t. Am I insightful or a fool? – Aldo, Seneca, SC

Aldo: You may be on to something here, Aldo. Bailey has been excellent as of late. He has all the tools and nothing to prove in the minors. I still hate the bandbox ballpark he plays in and I don't trust Dusty Baker at all. But...he looks like a good sleeper for next year.

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Is the American Idol a cheater too?

2009-10-02T12:07:00.002-04:00

So we had Bronson Arroyo accused of using pine tar on the ball, and now we have Joe Mauer accused of tipping pitches.

While the Twins may be laughing the accusation off, I’m not sure that the kid isn’t onto something. If you’ve played baseball at any competitive level, you know how it works. Take a look here and see for yourself. What do you think? (Btw – the kid is a better analysis than he is a cinematographer. If you are not distracted by him moving the camera, his comments are pretty good. He makes a decent case for it………. You can watch the video at the link above too, it’s better but without the kids commentary)

No one in the Twins' clubhouse denied that there are attempts by teams to steal signs, but manager Ron Gardenhire seemed to find it funny that his team was being accused of actually being able to do it.

"That's the best they can come up with?" Gardenhire said. "Every team in baseball tries to steal signs. Every team in baseball tries to get the coaches' signs, the manager's signs, so ... really, that's old stuff."

Here’s my take. Maybe he was tipping pitches, maybe he wasn’t. But since it’s acknowledged that everyone tries to do it then why chastise someone if they are actually able to do it? It goes both ways too. If you know that someone is tipping pitches you can simply change the sign. And it only takes once. Just one time when you are looking for “Uncle Charlie” and you dive out over the plate to get it only to discover at the last millisecond that you got the “Express” in your ear hole. And that’s the last time you take a signs……… - 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.

Roto-Rx

2009-10-02T06:35:00.004-04:00

f 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: What the heck happened to Mike Pelfrey this year? He showed so much promise last year and did nothing but regress. Who is the real Pelfrey, this year’s or last? – Lawrence, Post University

Lawrence: Hate to say it, but I think this year's Mike Pelfrey is closer to what you will see down the road. He's a decent pitcher without a killer pitch. Maybe if the Mets were better, I could buy in, but right now the Mets are in shambles. Avoid.

Question #2: What is your take on Joba Chamberlain going into next year? – Junior, Newington, CT

Junior: Joba has all the skills to be a top notch AL starter. Dr. Roto thinks that Joba continues his ascent to stardom next year...give him time, he will be a stud.

Question #3: Is J. R. Towles still a top catching prospect or has his time past? – Fred, Perrysburg, OH

Fred: Back in 2007, the Astros thought they had something in Towles. He was high on their radar and looked like their catcher of the future. Since then, he's bounced around over the past couple of seasons, and has been nicked up with injuries. Let's give him a bit more time, but also check out to see what the Astros do in the off-season. That should be telling.

Question #4: Based on a $260 cap, what do you consider fair value for Curtis Granderson? – Kenny, St. Mary’s, PA

Kenny: Granderson has had a pretty good season in 2009. He has 30 HR and 20 SB, not too shabby. His runs scored have been low (due to Detroit's anemic offense). He also is hitting around .280 (big step up for him in that department). If you could get him for $25, be very happy.

Question #5: Guys in my league have soured on Homer Bailey, I haven’t. Am I insightful or a fool? – Aldo, Seneca, SC

Aldo: You may be on to something here, Aldo. Bailey has been excellent as of late. He has all the tools and nothing to prove in the minors. I still hate the bandbox ballpark he plays in and I don't trust Dusty Baker at all. But...he looks like a good sleeper for next year.

The Doctor is out...

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It's only cheating if you get caught, right?

2009-10-01T20:06:00.001-04:00

So was Bronson Arroyo cheating or not? Let’s look at the quotes and facts and you can draw your own conclusion.

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan believe Arroyo used pine star to “sticky-up” baseballs that were slick Wednesday, Sept. 30, devoid of the Delaware mud that is normally rubbed on them before games. La Russa and Duncan both said the stain on the bill of Arroyo's cap was pine tar that helped him grip balls.

A pissed off Reds manager Dusty Baker remarked, “Where I come from, man, you call somebody a cheater and you better know what you’re talking about. That’s like calling somebody a liar, a snitch, a cheat or a thief. Those are strong words when you call somebody a cheater and I’m the man in charge over here.”

St. Louis pitcher John Smoltz said the balls were too slick and La Russa said the balls did not have the mud on them.

Clubhouse attendant Mike Dillon, who rubs mud on the balls, “I had nothing to do with those balls (Wednesday) and I’m the one who rubbed them up, but I had nothing to do with them. I don’t know what happened after they were over there but you look at them (Thursday) and they’ll be the same.”

When La Russa showed Dillon two balls he saved from Wednesday he said, “Do they look rubbed up to you?” Dillon said, “No. I rubbed up the balls but they weren’t like that. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m telling you I don’t cheat. I don’t lie. I had nothing to do with it. Somehow the mud got off them.”

La Russa said, “I knew they were up to shenanigans. I appreciate you saying that.”

Of Arroyo, La Russa added, “The guy’s got pine tar all over his hat and our guy (Smoltz) is out there naked. We’ve got about six of those balls around here. That was pretty lousy. (Arroyo) found a little edge. You can’t let the starting pitcher influence how the balls are prepared for the game.”

Arroyo responded, “I pitch on the road, too, and I can’t tell you how many times I was unhappy with the way the balls are rubbed up. Every time I pitch in Milwaukee I can’t stand the way the balls are rubbed up. They can run out any kind of balls they want and I won’t walk five guys (as Smoltz did).”

Baker said he didn’t hear any complaints about Arroyo rubbing pine tar on the balls until a writer told him Thursday morning.

"If anybody should know, it would be Duncan," Baker said. "I remember they had Julian Tavarez over there. They threw his hat out, remember that? His hat was all messed up. It's not like it's something new."

That was 2004 and Tavarez was suspended eight days for using pine tar (later reduced to four days). “And remember that left-handed relief pitcher they had?” Baker said. That would be Steve Kline, who wore the same hat all season and by season’s end it was no longer red but brownish black — the color of pine tar.

“That is all just stupid,” said Baker. “Nothing went on. News to me. I don’t believe in cheating.”

Arroyo (15-13) finished with 12 consecutive starts in which he went at least seven innings while allowing no more than three earned runs. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he is the first Reds pitcher since at least 1900 to put together such a streak and only the fourth overall in the last 20 years, joining Greg Maddux (12 straight for the Cubs in 1992), Randy Johnson (14 for Arizona in 1999) and Curt Schilling (12 for Arizona in 2002). - Hmmmmmm. – 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.

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

2009-09-30T07:51:00.000-04:00

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.

FOR ALL THE MARBLES

2009-09-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

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.

HASUUNN…. CHOP!

2009-09-28T12:55:00.000-04:00

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....

2009-09-27T06:44:00.001-04:00

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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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

2009-09-26T07:35:00.002-04:00

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!..........

2009-09-25T07:46:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-24T13:14:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-23T14:51:00.001-04:00

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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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!

September Baseball Musings

2009-09-22T10:58:00.000-04:00

- 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.

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

2009-09-21T13:50:00.001-04:00

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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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!

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

2009-09-20T12:32:00.000-04:00

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.

Roto-Rx

2009-09-19T20:16:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-18T10:37:00.003-04:00

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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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!

I want them on MY team....

2009-09-17T11:10:00.003-04:00

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.

Roto-Rx

2009-09-16T17:22:00.000-04:00

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: 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

2009-09-16T08:56:00.000-04:00

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"

An Old Fashion Pennant Race

2009-09-15T08:16:00.000-04:00

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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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!

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

2009-09-14T10:55:00.002-04:00

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.

Roto-Rx

2009-09-13T20:18:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-12T09:15:00.003-04:00

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...........

2009-09-11T10:46:00.004-04:00

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.

Chris Snyder / Miguel Montero = Willy Pipp / Lou Gehrig

2009-09-10T14:42:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-09T21:53:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-09T05:39:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-08T11:38:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-06T14:49:00.000-04:00

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™.

Roto-Rx

2009-09-05T23:15:00.005-04:00

If your question was not answered this time, you can also find Dr. Roto on his web site.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Is Adam Dunn a keeper at $18? – Bruce, Cincinnati, OH

Bruce: Even though Dr. Roto is not the biggest Adam Dunn fan, the answer to your question is Yes. Dunn has mashed over 30 HR this season and has actually hit well over .250. Now that steroids are supposedly out of baseball not too many guys have 40 HR power. Dunn does...which makes him a protect at $18.

Question #2: What do you make of David Wright's lack of power. Only 8 HR’s…. Hate to say it, but does the word Juice apply here? – Vicky, Wilmington, DE

Vicky: Dr. Roto doesn't think David Wright was on the juice the last few years. Random testing has increased and Wright enjoys his position as a fan favorite too much to let the juice get in the way. I think Wright was trying too hard to hit them out earlier in the year. Also, I think Citi Field has played as more of a pitcher's park. Let's call this season an aberration, and project Wright for 20 HR next year and not 30.

Question #3: Derek Jeter is having a wonderful year. Do I trade him in the off season while his value is high or keep him for $16? – Kevin, Bristol, CT

Kevin: To be honest, Dr. Roto is very surprised by the season that Jeter is having. The average and runs scored are exactly where I thought they would be, but the power and speed are significantly higher. That said, Bandbox (er, I mean Yankee) Stadium isn't getting smaller, so Jeter should hit double digit HR next year too. Not sure about the 20 or so SB. Project 10-15 to be conservative. Would you pay $16 for .320 15HR 65 RBI, 100 Runs and 15 SB at SS? I think you would. I also think a few other teams in your league would as well. See what you can get for Jeter, but don't give him away.

Question #4: Mark Teixeira or Prince Fielder? I can only keep one. – Ken, Apopka, FL

Ken: Prince Fielder is an absolute monster. He has tons of power and hits for a good average. The only problem with him is that the Brewer lineup is a bit inconsistent. Tex plays in a great lineup in a hitter's paradise. He hits for average and has tons of power. Dr. Roto sees 50 HR potential in his bat. Take Tex by a hair...

Question #5: Who is the better roto player going into next year. Jacoby Elisbury or Carl Crawford? They will both be in my draft. – Marc, Coconut Creek, FL

Marc: Jacoby Ellsbury is a terrific roto player. He hits for a great average and has speed to burn. His weaknesses are that his power is slight, and he scores fewer runs than you'd think. Crawford, however, is a fantasy beast. He has 20 HR power and can still steal 60. There is a chance he will not be a Ray next year. If he ends up in a place that doesn't give him the green light on the basepaths, he may end up with 30 SB instead of 65. Let's see where he lands first before we make the final decision.

The Doctor is out...

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie football questions.

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.

Pedro has gone "Old School"

2009-09-04T16:00:00.003-04:00

Admit it - you are rooting for Pedro Martinez to succeed in Philly, even just a little bit.

Last night Pedro went old school and pitched like the future Hall of Famer that we remember from the old days outdueling San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum Thursday night to give the Phils a 2-1 win. Over seven innings, the stingy 37-year-old allowed just five hits and one run while striking out nine - his most since his last start in a Mets uniform on September 25th of 2008.

After the first pitch of the game - a solo homer by the immortal Eugenio Velez - Martinez was electric. His pitch total was economical throwing a paltry 87 pitches. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge cleaned everything up in a game which lasted just 2:08.

By the way, Lincecum was equally up to task, striking out 11 and walking only one in his seven innings on the night. Of the four hits he allowed, one was a solo homer to Jayson Werth while the other was an RBI double to Ryan Howard. That's the definition of a hard-luck loss for the 13-5 Lincecum, who has struck eight or more batters 19 times this season and has to be considered the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award.

But Thursday was about Martinez, who is providing a huge boost for the Phillies as they look to extend their lead in the National League East. So far, Martinez is 3-0 with a 3.52 ERA in six starts. His control has been amazing, walking just three in 23 innings while striking out 23.

He’s gone old school on us and is reminding us of what he did back in Boston during his glory days from 1998-2004. Two of those years were among the most dominant seasons in baseball history. He has emerged as an important player for Philadelphia at the perfect time and may actually play a pivotal roll in the playoffs. Who woulda thunk it? - 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.

Think the Matt Holiday trade worked for the Cardinals?

2009-09-03T19:47:00.002-04:00

Somebody throw a bucket of ice water on the Cardinals already because they are on fire. No team in baseball had a better record in August. The St. Louis Cardinals were 20-6.

They put together the best winning percentage in baseball in August (.769) and increased their lead in the NL Central from a half-game at the start of the month to 10 1/2 by the end of the month. The biggest reason has been their phenomenal pitching; Cards hurlers posted a big-league best 3.06 ERA for August. That would make pitching coach Dave Duncan as much of an MVP for this team as Albert Pujols, and make keeping their pitching coach almost as big a priority as keeping their star slugger.

At present, team chemistry is so good that nearly every Cardinals player -- plus manager Tony La Russa and GM John Mozeliak -- showed up at Pujols' charity golf outing on their off-day last Monday. Of course, maybe they just wanted to see if Pujols can do with a golf ball and a driver what he does with a baseball and a Louisville Slugger, but still, impressive. - Blake Kearny

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

Roto-Rx

2009-09-03T14:51:00.002-04:00

If your question was not answered this time, you can also find Dr. Roto on his web site.

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: I have Matt Kemp for $24. If I keep him next year he would be $29 for me. I had planned on throwing him back (because of price) but I’m starting to think he may actually be undervalued @ $29! Would you throw him back and bid on him or keep him? – Nolan, Juneau, AK

Nolan: Dr. Roto is a big Matt Kemp fan. His numbers are great and they are only going to get better from here. $29 may seem like a lot, but then again, I bet that guys like Adam Dunn and Vlad Guerrero went for a similar amount at your auction this year. Try and see if you can get any trade offers for him in the off-season. If you can, you know he's valued by other team owners.

Question #2: Does Tim Hudson have any fantasy value down the stretch? – Brett, Montgomery, AL

Brett: If you are desperate for wins and you think that Hudson can get 4 in his next 6 starts he may be worth a pick. Otherwise, Dr. Roto thinks that Hudson's ERA/WHIP/K's are just middle of the road...

Question #3: At the All-Star break you suggested that Todd Helton would not be able to duplicate his successful 1st half in the 2nd half. He has. Have you changed your opinion on him and if so, is he worth keeping (He would be $7 next year) – Merrill, Phoenix, AZ

Merrill: I sense that you are challenging Dr. Roto here...good for you! But although you may be right here, Dr. Roto is still confident is his evaluation of Helton. His power is sliding, he is injury prone, and age is catching up to him. Enjoy his good season and trade him in the off-season.

Question #4: Is Chris Davis worth taking another shot on now that he is back with the team? - Richard, San Diego, CA

Richard: Chris (Average Killer) Davis was the bain of many a fantasy league team this year. That said, he looks to have gotten his hitting eye back during his trip to Oklahoma. (Maybe BJ Upton can go there too). Dr. Roto would take a shot with Davis but only if you need power. If BA is a tight category in your league, he is a risky investment.

Question #5: What is your take on Edwin Jackson? I have him at a keeper price. Should I trade him in the off season while he has perceived value or do you think he is one of those guys who finally “got it” and we will see more success from him? – Dan, San Francisco, CA

Dan: The answer to both of your questions is Yes. I think Jackson has started to fulfill the potential that has been expected of him. That said, you know Dr. Roto's feelings on AL pitchers by now. If you can make a killer deal by moving Jackson, I would not hesitate to do it. Don't be greedy, but don't undersell either...he is a good one.

The Doctor is out...

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie football questions.

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.

Good Looking and Brain Dead?

2009-09-02T15:08:00.003-04:00

Earlier this month the NY Times ran a piece on new safer batting helmets that Rawlings was introducing that could withstand the impact of a 100-m.p.h. fastball, according to Rawlings and an independent testing organization. Most other models, when hit flush by a ball, are compromised at speeds in excess of 70 m.p.h.

Here were some player quotes about the helmet:

Jeff Francoeur, “No, I am absolutely not wearing that, I could care less what they say, I’m not wearing it. There’s got to be a way to have a more protective helmet without all that padding. It’s brutal. We’re going to look like a bunch of clowns out there.”

Nomar Garciaparra, “I want a helmet that’s comfortable and that doesn’t look bad.”

Mark Teixeira, “That would make me feel as if I were wearing a football helmet in the batter’s box. The one I’ve used for my entire career is fine.”

David Wright, “If it provides more protection, then I’m all for it. I’m not worried about style or looking good out there. I’m worried about keeping my melon protected.”

Shortly after Wright gave that quote he was hit in the head by a Matt Cain pitch and had to go on the 15 day DL. (Interesting that he was the only player the NY Times reporter could find that said that he would wear it)

Wright came back from the DL yesterday, and he did in fact have one of those odd looking helmets on. I see a lot of people on the internet making fun of him today (yes he does look a bit like Kazoo.)

Make fun of him if you wish, but this is his brain he’s protecting. Take one in the head like he did, and (if you got a second chance) you would probably wear one too. I hope Francoeur, Garciaparra, and Teixeira never have to find out for themselves. - 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.

Extra Point (Football Blogs)

2009-09-01T16:34:00.001-04:00

Around The Horn is pleased to announce the official launch of its sister site Extra Point (Football Blogs) covering both NFL and NCAA Football.

Similar to our baseball coverage Extra Point will be providing news, introspective, insight & opinion from around the NFL & NCAA.

You will find a link to Extra Point right on the Around The Horn site and a link on Around The Horn to the Extra Point site so that you can easily toggle between the two.

You will hear from some of the baseball contributors that also cover football and you will also hear from some new contributors that I think you will enjoy.

Check us out when you get a chance and enjoy the football season. - Mike Cardano

A Fight For The Ages

2009-09-01T13:59:00.001-04:00

We get tons of e-mails each day asking us for our opinion on things. Dr. Roto fields questions each week but those are mostly fantasy baseball related or at least they are intended to be.

Once and a while for whatever reason, whether something was published somewhere that a few of you read, or something was said on the air waves that a few of you heard, a number of questions come in on the same topic. It’s kind of odd really, because it’s like when women live together they get their period at the same time….. and after reading us for ¾ of a season you readers are now starting to think alike. (Alright perhaps my thoughts are a wee bit convoluted, but the analogy works never the less.)

Friday, David Fry opined on who he thought was the best athlete to ever play the game of baseball. Today I will address the question - What was the best baseball fight?

For my money it was the Bud Harrelson vs. Pete Rose fight in the 1973 NLCS (straight from the Remember When archives ………)

During the third game of the NLCS, with the Mets leading 9-2, shortstop Bud Harrelson objects to the way Pete Rose upended him on a double-play ball. Rose objects to Harrelson's objection, and the two are soon throwing punches and rolling in the dirt. It wasn’t exactly an Ali vs. Frazier fracas, but as far as baseball goes, you don’t often get a one on one like that for more than a split second before everyone else has jumped in and interfered with the boxing or martial art techniques of the two gents that are on display.

To top off the theatrics the Mets won the series in five, but Rose got a measure of revenge with a dramatic game-winning homer in the 12th inning of game four. I would vote this baseball fight as one for the ages. – 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.

Joba Rules 3.0 - What a joke

2009-08-31T14:45:00.001-04:00

What is it with these Joba Rules? This is Major League Baseball, not a recreational Little League where you can’t throw on consecutive days or more than three innings in a game.

3 innings and 35 pitches and out of the game! Are you kidding me? I am surprised that they let the kid play Guitar Hero, lest he might hurt himself!

If you are going to make it so that Joba Chamberlain can only throw 35 pitches then he should be in the bull-pen and he can pitch the 7th and 8th innings. Phil Hughes gets the starter spot and that’s it.

What’s the point on being a starting pitcher if you can only go 3 innings? The Yankee’s have the best record in baseball in spite of themselves.

Joba may turn out to be a wonderful starting pitcher, something that was worth the wait. But he’s a young healthy strong young man and if he’s got all this talent and upside they are wasting it.

Exactly what are they waiting for? If he pitches for 15 years and has an exceptional 10 years, what’s the problem with those 10 years being his 1st 10 years?

Either Joba has a condition or injury that has yet to be disclosed, one that will find out that he somewhere down the road, or they Yankees are just morons.

What if he gets hit by a car? What if he falls down the steps? There are 50 bazillion combinations and permutations of things that can happen to a person that would prevent him from being a successful MLB pitcher. The Yankees are at risk of having a pitcher on their roster for 3 years that they claim can be one of the very best in baseball, yet never have given him the opportunity to do that. Jerks.

And how the hell am I gonna get any stats from the guy? He can pitch 3 perfect innings and I can’t even get a win! Gee Wiz!

Has there ever been a pitcher more coddled and babied by a manager and front office than Joba Chamberlain?

When he first came up, the initial "Joba Rules" were developed, mostly to protect Joba from Joe Torre, who made a habit of overusing relief pitchers. That version of the rules prevented Torre from using Joba until his arm fell off, as he had done previously with Scott Proctor, Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon, Tanyon Sturtze and others who didn't have nearly the talent Joba had.

Those rules made sense, because Torre was, and is, an idiot when it comes to managing a bullpen.

Version 2.0 of the Joba Rules began last season in the form of an overall innings limit. When arm trouble prevented him from reaching their innings goal, 2.0 carried into the 2009 season.

Now, with Joba closing in on the presumed limit, we've been introduced to the latest set of guidelines to protect him, which apparently include removing him from a game after three innings and 35 pitches.

P.S. - Does anybody in Boston still want to talk about how Mark Teixeira isn't worth the money? - 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.

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can get your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

M * E * T * S or M * A * S * H

2009-08-30T18:14:00.000-04:00

Although official records on the disabled list go back only about 15 years, that's far enough to show how the number of disabling injuries has increased dramatically in recent years.

Not only are players getting hurt more often (despite supposedly being better conditioned with superior offseason training regimens), but because of the money invested in them, teams are quick to throw them on the disabled list rather than have them play through their injuries.

In the first 80 years of baseball, players were loathe to go on the DL for fear of losing their jobs. Who knows how many pitchers plugged on in pain with torn elbow ligaments, before the advent of Tommy John surgery?

Strained quads? Back then they called them "Charley horses" and they'd get 'em rubbed down for a couple of days and be right back out there.
In any case, in 1996 there were a total of 398 DL stints in baseball, an average of 14.2 per team. Over the next decade that number gradually increased until 2007, when it suddenly spiked from 413 to 480 or 16 per team. Last year, the number jumped to 532, or an average of 17.7 per team, with the Nationals surpassing the 2004 Texas Rangers' record of 29 stints on the list.

But the news on the Mets just gets worse and worse and, for them, this season can't end soon enough.

It seems no matter what it is, the Mets come up losers, mired in misery. Would you believe, after all the carnage at Citi Field, the Mets can't even claim the title of the most injured team in history?

Depending on how you choose to look at it, that dubious distinction goes either to the Washington Nationals of last season, who had 30 players go on the disabled list, or the 2004 Arizona Diamondbacks, whose players lost 2,167 days to the DL.

So far this year, the Mets have had 22 players land on the disabled list, which ties them with the Texas Rangers (who, by contrast, have somehow managed to remain squarely in the American League wild-card hunt.) In addition, Mets players, entering the weekend, lost 1,095 days to the disabled list, second to the San Diego Padres' 1,151 days.

But no matter how you look at it, a distinction must be made in the case of the '09 Mets. There has been no team that on Sept. 1 had three of its Opening Day starting pitchers, its first baseman, shortstop and center fielder all on the disabled list and done for the year.

There has been no team that had eight former All-Stars (David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Billy Wagner, Johan Santana, Gary Sheffield, J.J. Putz and Jose Reyes) who all spent time on the DL in the same season.

M * E * T * S or M * A * S * H- Blake Kearny

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

Roto-Rx

2009-08-29T13:16:00.001-04:00

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Who was the best Athlete you’ve seen play baseball? – Frankie, Long Beach, NY

Frankie: A big shout out to everyone in Long Beach. Grandma Roto used to live there when I was a Baby Doc...it's a great place in the summer time. Ok, now to your question...Dr. Roto knows that there have been many amazing athletes to play the game of baseball, but the best that Dr. Roto has seen is none other than---Bo Jackson. How many guys could hit a 450 ft HR, throw a runner out at home from deep CF, and run for a 99 yd TD on Monday night football? Bo was a monster...

Question #2: Alberto Callaspo has had a pretty good year. I have him for $1. Is he worth keeping? – David, Tampa, FL

David: What does Callaspo really do well? He hits for a nice average, but has no speed or power to speak of. Is he decent? Sure. But is he a protect...only if you are desperate. Ask yourself this question: How much did Aaron Hill go for at your draft this year? My guess was not much (assuming you are in a mixed league). Pass on Callaspo.

Question #3: Where will Pablo Sandoval’s permanent position ultimately be? – Rick, San Francisco, CA

Rick: You ask a great question here, Rick. Dr. Roto makes the guess that 3B will be the spot for Sandoval. I am not sure they want to burden him behind the plate (he makes a great 3rd catcher on their roster), and his 1B defense is just so-so. Right now, Juan Uribe is NOT the 3B of the future in SF. Sandoval could fill the position for years if Brian Sabean chooses.

Question #4: What effect if any does expanding the MLB rosters have on Rotisserie Baseball? – Carlos, New Orleans, LA

Carlos: It has a huge effect on rosters. Unless a team is competing for the playoffs, they want to see how their young players stack up at the major league level. Regulars may only play 6-7 innings, they may also sit an extra game or two. Now is the time to really pay attention if you are close to winning your league. You have to know who is getting the AB's and who is getting the green light on the bases. Also, pay close attention to guys who are padding stats. Just watch some guys get 5-10 SB in the last two weeks of the season...it is the easiest thing to inflate when pitchers stop holding them close.

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can get your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

The best athlete to ever play baseball

2009-08-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

Dr. Roto gets about 180-200 requests a week from our readers looking for answers to readers questions. Depending on how hot a topic is, often many of the questions are on similar topics.

For some odd reason, this week there were 14 questions about who the greatest athlete to play the game of baseball was.

Dr. Roto will be answering that himself but it's a question I wanted to weigh in on as well.

When you think of great athletes in baseball you think of Ricky Henderson, Micky Mantle, Barry Bonds, etc. Players with speed and power.

For my money, it was someone that you won't find in the hall of fame, someone you probably weren't thinking about.

Ok, the picture gave it away (so much for suspense). Here's a reprint from the "Remember When" section of our site that I think sums it up quite well.

"Best pure athlete I've ever seen, hands down. "WORLD CLASS." He should have been an Olympian in something. What a shame we didn't get to see more. The breaking the bat over his knee only added to his legend. (Now it's just vogue when someone does it.) He broke a bat over his head too (Haven't see anyone else try to copy that....) In a world where we scour the world to find professional athletes, he was a two sport All-Star in both MLB and the NFL. If he had more time, I'm sure he could have chosen just about any sport he wanted and been world class at it."

If you have a "Remember When" Moment, send it in. It's one of the neatest places to go on this site. - 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.

Roto-Rx

2009-08-27T09:08:00.003-04:00

The Doctor is now in...

Question #1: Will the Texas Rangers be able to pull this off and make the wild card? – Michael, Carrollton, TX

Michael: It will be a close one, Michael. The Rangers picked up a fantastic win against the Yankees on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium (holding off a furious 9th inning Yankee rally). That said, if the Rangers bullpen doesn't do a better job of holding leads, they won't make it to the playoffs. Dr. Roto loves Ron Washington and his magic toothpick, so there is hope...

Question #2: The Rockies are on the verge of the greatest comeback in MLB history (in coming from 15 games back). Will the Rockies make the playoffs? – Maurice, Denver, CO

Maurice: Hold off on those greatest comebacks in history words...as any fan will tell you that the Yankee comeback culminating with Bucky Dent's HR at Fenway is what all comebacks are measured against. Jim Tracy should be up for manager of the year...the job he is doing is superlative. The Rockies are closing in, but never doubt that Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez may have a few aces up their sleeve.

Question #3: Will Billy Wagner get meaningful innings in Boston? - Jennifer, Mesquite, TX

Jennifer: The Red Sox will try to spot Billy as best they can to get some outs, Jennifer. Dr. Roto is not a big fan of Wagner for the long haul, but he should be able to get a big out of two in the 7th or 8th inning in September.

Question #4: Bobby and Barry Bonds or Ken Sr. & Jr. Griffey. Who was the better baseball family? – Bryce, Berkley, CA

Bryce: Although Ken Griffey Sr. was a great player (as is his son, Junior), people seem to forget that Bobby Bonds was the original leadoff 30-30 threat. So, you may not love Barry, but he and his dad deserve their due as the best combo.

Question #5: What players turned out to provide the biggest positive and negative surprises this year? – Paula, Antioch, CA

Paula: Dr. Roto will give you two from each league: National League Positive (Mark Reynolds--who would have thought that he had that type of speed!); National League Negative (Stephen Drew--Baseball Prospectus touted him as the next great NL star). American League Positive (Jason Bartlett--great speed, average, and added power to boot); American League Negative (Chris Davis--a young gun that never hit)

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can can your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

Another update on Beltre's ball...

2009-08-25T17:45:00.004-04:00

Adrian Beltre was back in the Mariners clubhouse yesterday and seemed in good spirits.

For those of you who don't know what happened to Beltre, read Adrian Beltre goes on DL after being hit in the balls (but there's more...) and An update on Beltre's ball... (but I suggest not on a full stomach.)

Beltre - "It's better than it was before, but there's still pain. I haven't moved to see how it's going to be. Maybe today or tomorrow is going to be a good test to see how it's going to be in the next couple of days."

Sitting in Beltre's locker was a brand new cup still in the wrapper. Beltre admitted he didn't know who put it in there, but that he was probably going to have to use it.

Since Beltre hadn't talked with the media since that fateful night, he kind of relived it.

Beltre - "I thought, it exploded!" It was weird, because it hit right on it, right on top of it. I felt like going down, but I saw the ball right next to me, and I wanted to finish the play. Then I made a wild throw. It was on target, but low."

After that, Beltre didn't lay down, he kind of walked around to shake it off. A lesser man would have curled up in the fetal position in pain.

Beltre - "There were camera's around. You can't lie down on the ground."

Not only didn't he lie down on the ground, he also kept playing for the next five innings.

Beltre - "I didn't have any option. I couldn't because Jack (Hannahan) was hurt. He hurt hamstring, so we didn't have an extra infielder. Two or three innings after that, I dove in first, and it really hurt. That's when I started thinking ... but even if I wanted to, we didn't have an extra infielder. Jack was out in the fifth inning. At times it hurt a lot, but other times, it didn't hurt that much because of the adrenalin of the game." It was a close game, nothing-nothing, and we're just trying to get the game over. When I was running, it didn't really feel that bad."

Apparently Ken Griffey Jr. has now given him the nick name of “nutcracker.” Not exactly a nick name you want to have……. - 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.

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can can your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

No Joba - Phil

2009-08-24T15:08:00.004-04:00

I was in bar / restaurant last night watching the Yankees / Red Sox game and I overheard the bartender asking a baseball trivia question to the 30 or so men sitting at the bar.

Anyone who answered the question correctly was to receive free drinks for the rest of the night. The rules were that you had to write the answer on a napkin and put it into a hat.

The question was:

In this decade, there was a New York Yankee 8th inning pitcher who was Mariano Rivera’s set-up guy. During 26 games he threw 31 innings, gave up only 20 hits and 8 walks for a WHIP of .903, gave up only 3 runs having an ERA of .097, had 39 strikeouts. Who is that Yankee player?

When the napkins were collected and the answers read there were NO WINNERS. Every single guy in the bar answered Joba Chamberlain.

The answer was Phil Hughes. Those are the stats from his last 26 appearances. - 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.

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can can your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

Inside the numbers

2009-08-24T13:46:00.007-04:00

HR’s
Albert Pujols – 40
Mark Reynolds – 38
Carlos Pena – 34
Adam Dunn - 33
Prince Fielder – 33
Adrian Gonzalez – 33

SLG
Albert Pujols - .6651
Joe Mauer - .6352
Prince Fielder - .5942
Mark Reynolds - .5929
Adam Dunn - .5857

OBP
Joe Mauer - .4487
Albert Pujols - .4410
Chase Utley – .4229
Hanley Ramirez - .4215
Adam Dunn – 421.2

RBI
Price Fielder – 110
Albert Pujols – 106
Ryan Howard – 99
Justin Morneau – 94
Mark Teixeira – 93
Adam Dunn - 89
Ryan Braun – 89

A few observations:

- Prince Fielder is both a better hitter and a better eater than his father (which is sating quite a lot on both fronts) and the Fielder father / son tandem takes a back seat to only the Bonds and Griffey famlies (but another few years at this pace will undoubtedly place them ahead of the Griffey’s).

- Albert Pujols is really good.

- The numbers that Joe Mauer is putting up as a catcher are 2nd on record to only Mike Piazza’s 1997 year. 40 HR / 124 RBI / .362 BA / 104 RS / .431 OBP / .638 SLG

- Carlos Pena is Dave Kingman from the left side of the plate.

A closer look:

Adam Dunn is batting is batting .288 (not bad right? – you would have signed for that in a heart-beat in the beginning of the year) and having fantastic year!

In all of MLB he ranks tied for 4th in HR, ranks 5th in SLG, ranks 5th in OBP, and ranks tied for 6th in RBI.

But Adam Dunn has it even worse than Adrian Gonzalez in terms of a supporting cast behind him. The guys in front of him are ok but after him, other than Josh Willingham – it is minor league central. How inept can the Nationals be? They don't put out a major league product on the field, heck they can't even dress their players properly? They sent their two best players Dunn and Zimmerman out on the filed with misspelled jerseys! (see pic above)

Dunn has 66 runs score and ½ of those are produced by himself with his 33 Hrs!

Even with his new contract, the Nationals could have gotten quite a lot for Dunn at the trading deadline. They aren’t going to win during the duration of his contract anyway (Strasburg may add 5-7 wins to their total over the course of a year, but that's it.)

The Nationals didn’t move Dunn at the trading deadline; they should do so this off season. – 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™.

REMINDER - Starting September 1st, you can can your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs)

MLB and Twitter

2009-08-23T17:49:00.008-04:00

So the NFL is coming up with a Twitter policy. Apparently they don’t want Chad Eight Five (does he know that Ocho Cinco is 8 - 5 and not 85?) to tweet, “In your face” when he gets to the side lines after scoring a touchdown.

There is a lot of down time on MLB rosters during a game only 9 (10 in the AL) players are playing at any one point and there are more people on the roster not working at any one time then there are working. Unless I’ve missed something, MLB does not have a Twitter policy. There is a sign in the locker room that says you can’t wager, but not one that says you can’t tweet.

It’s only a matter of time before some pitcher on his off day, bored out of his mind, starts tweeting during the game. Either that or Gary Sheffield or one of our other lovable characters of the game will tweet during the game even when they are in the lineup.

Can’t you picture one of the more vocal guys in baseball doing that? I can see it now, the Phillies are pounding someone 12-1, Jimmy Rollins gets up and hit’s his 2nd HR of the game, comes into the dugout and tweets, “this pitcher sucks.”

But my money is on Manny. I can see Manny tweeting from left field during a pitching change, “oh, shit, they are bringing in him!? We are fucked!”

P.S. -

Speaking of Twitter, did you know that you can catch all Around The Horn blog posts and Dr. Roto's daily thoughts on Twitter?

And starting September 1st, you can can your fill of both NFL and NCAA Football on our sister site @ Extra Point (Football Blogs) - James Morrison

Jim (no relation to the dead Door’s guy) is a self proclaimed rotisserie expert. Jim has been participating in an serious Ultra-Rotisserie league (you can protect some minor leaguers too) at $2,600 per team instead of $260 (similar to Ultimate Franchise Baseball ™) for the past 17 years and has finished in the money 14 times with 8 First place finishes and over $260,000 in total winnings over the 17 year period. While the world is full of institutions and people that come with disclaimers on how past performance is no guarantee of future results, Jim is brazen enough to claim that it will be in your best interest to follow his advice going forward. He’ll write it, we’ll publish it and we shall see………

Roto-Rx

2009-08-22T10:19:00.002-04:00

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Who do you think has a better future as a starter, Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes? – Phillip, Kansas City, MO

Phillip: What a great question, Phillip! You should have cc'd this to Brian Cashman. Here's Dr. Roto's take on it: Dr. Roto would love to see Phillip Hughes hang out in the pen for the next couple of seasons and be the shutdown 7th and 8th inning pitcher that the Yankees need to get the game to Rivera. Then in 2011, after Rivera finally hangs them up, Hughes becomes closer. Will this happen? Not a chance! Why you ask? Because it is the Yankees. So, Hughes will go back into the rotation and Mike Francesca will scream on the radio for more bullpen help. While this will be going on, Joba will continue being a solid pitcher while he matures his overall game and learns how to pitch well late into games.

Question #2: What are your thoughts on Micah Hoffpauir as a keeper given that he’s been demoted? I have him for $2. – Mark, Ozone Park, NY

Mark: There is a little known fact called the roto window that Dr. Roto needs to discuss with you. This window is dependant upon age, talent, opportunity, and organization. Whereas the Pirates can give 28 year old Garret Jones a new lease on life in Pittsburgh, Micah Hoffpauir's 29 year old window is running out of time with the Cubs. Basically, Hoffpauir can hit, he's proven that...but unless he gets the PT (or traded), he's not a protect.

Question #3: Do you think Billy Wagner will be a closer somewhere next year? - Joey, Wembley, England

Joey: Dr. Roto is very confused. If you're in England, shouldn't you be asking Dr. Roto about his thoughts on whether Manchester United can get past Arsenal next week? (Go Man U) Ok, Dr. Roto digresses...Billy Wagner will end up somewhere next year for sure. One place he will not end up is ON DR. ROTO'S TEAM! Let someone else have the pleasure of a 38 year old pitcher recovering from TJ surgery.

Question #4: Is Everth Cabrera a top prospect? I hadn’t heard of him. Does he have any other qualities besides speed? – Matthew, Atlanta, GA

Matthew: Just because you haven't heard of him doesn't mean Cabrera can't play. He can and he is good. Dr. Roto had a positive twitter update about him just last week. Cabrera has speed, can hit for average, and should bat high enough in the lineup to score some runs for the Padres. He would make a nice pickup now if he is still out there in your league.

Question #5: Joel Pineiro is having a sweet year. Is this a one -time thing or can he do this again next year? – Ethan, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ethan: Don't be fooled by Pineiro. His last good year came in 2003. Come to think of it a lot of players had great years around then....hmmmm. Put your faith in the fact that Dave Duncan is a genius pitching coach and look for Duncan's next reclamation project in St. Louis. If Pineiro was on any of Dr. Roto's teams, I can guarantee you I would be working the phone lines hard in the off-season to move him (mention his stellar WHIP).

Bonus Question: What’s your best guess as to what Matt LaPorta’s full season numbers will be next year? Will he qualify at more than one position? – Douglas, Iraq (yes that Iraq – say a prayer for me and my buddies)

Douglas: Dr. Roto loves hearing that there is fantasy baseball talk going on in Iraq! Matt Laporta is a beast. Dr. Roto saw this kid play in college and can tell you he will be a stud hitter. If he can get 400 AB next year, put LaPorta down for .260 with 20-25 HR. Dr. Roto predicts that he will start the year in the OF, but when the Indians realize that he fields with an iron glove, they will move him to 1B (probably by the end of next season). So your answer is that he probably will qualify at both positions, but it may take some time depending on the number of games your league uses for eligibility. BTW Douglas...Dr. Roto says a prayer for you and your buddies every day and wishes you all home safely (and soon!)

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Neftali rules?

2009-08-21T14:50:00.005-04:00

When the New York Yankees brought Joba Chamberlain up in 2007, they had Joba rules. For every inning he pitched, he got a day off. In Chamberlain's case, that applied on the front end too (he could pitch two innings if he had two days off before the outing). It was an example of a team being careful with a young starter's arm as he was used out of the bullpen in the majors.

The Rangers now have Neftali rules. Anytime Neftali Feliz is on the mound in a game, he gets a day off. If he pitches 2 innings, he gets two days. If it's 2 1/3 (or a bundle of pitches), that could go to three days.

Last night, Feliz threw 2 pitches to get a huge double play ball to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth. He went back out in the seventh and threw 16 pitches for 18 pitches total. Manager Ron Washington pulled him after that because since he threw just 18 pitches and 1 1/3 innings, that means he could pitch him again on Saturday -- with one day off -- if necessary. No word on whether he would only pitch one inning in that case (but probably so).

Most people probably think this is smart. The argument is that it may seem drastic and it does handcuff the manager to have a guy in the bullpen that has to be used like that, but the organization can't take a chance on hurting Feliz's arm long-term. Better to be cautious with a talent like that.

Nolan Ryan has made a big push this year to let his pitchers throw as much a possible. He was campaigning all over the nation earlier thi syear to let pitchers throw more. They are trying to do away with pitch counts (within reason) in the Rangers minor league system. I don’t understand why this should be any different? Seems like Nolan isn't as keen on that idea as he previously sounded? I wonder if some of their minor leaguers have been getting hurt?

What do you think? Good idea? - 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.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if “Gary was being Many” and “Many was being Gary”??

2009-08-21T14:04:00.006-04:00

So before yesterday’s game, Gary Sheffield asked the Mets for a contract extension, the club rejected the request so Sheffield threatened to leave the team and head home. Baseball has two charters being themselves – “Many being Many”, and “Gary being Gary.” Wouldn’t it be interesting if “Gary was being Many” and “Many was being Gary?”

Here’s how the conversation actually went between Gary and Omar Minaya.

“Omar, if you don’t guarantee me a job for next year I’m going to take my 40 year old ass, go home and sit in my bedroom and hold my breaff. You don’t believe me I’ll do it!”

Mets pitcher Tim Redding actually claims he heard Sheffield had been released. Obviously that didn’t happen, because he pinch struck-out last night. That was just wishful thinking for Redding because he knows that he’s next to be released and he was lucky that Livan Hernandez got released and not him.

Sheffield had been part of the original lineup for Thursday night's game against the Braves, but Jerry Manuel said that Sheffield had pulled himself to clear his head.

Clear his head? How do you clear an empty space?

In large part Sheffield has been a good soldier with the Mets. But it was only a matter of time. He’s ultimately had a problem everywhere he has gone, and this was going to be no different.

He’s had a nice offensive career. You wouldn't have thought it in the late 80's, but Gary certainly ended up having a better overall career than his uncle Doc Gooden. That's Gary and uncle Doc in the picture up there 20 something years ago.

He’s got a few obstacles in his way to make the Hall of Fame though. The steroids are a given, but everyone was doing them, so I’m not sure that will hurt him too much. But the things that have come out of his mouth may make it tough. For me, I found it hard to be a Sheffield fan over the years ever since he was a rookie in Milwaukee and he threw the ball away on purpose because he wasn’t happy. That’s messing with the game and in my eyes isn’t much different then betting on the game AGAINST YOUR TEAM. Not even Pete Rose did that.

Whether he plays next year or not, he does have some impressive stats. Should he be enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame? You decide……

Career BA of .292, .393 OBP, .514 SLG 509 HR’s, 1471 RBI, 1635 RS, 104 SB’s

In short, over 20 + years he’s averaged .292 BA / 32 HR’s / 106 RBI / 103 RS

Not bad. - 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.

The Mets activate Billy Wagner - Excited?

2009-08-20T18:56:00.003-04:00

So the Mets released Livan Hernandez and activated Billy Wagner today.

Excited? Didn’t think so.

I wonder if this will increase the Mets fan confidence rating? Who runs that anyway, is that one of those Quinnipiac University polls?

What a disaster. The stadium has no Franchise presence (well actually it does have a franchise presence, a Dodgers presence.) The Mets recently put up a few team accomplishment banners in the outfield – woopie!

The injuries to Wright, Reyes, Delgado, and Beltran are astounding really. Think about it, they lost ½ of their position players – the best ones.

To put things in perspective last year those 4 players accounted for 114 HR’s 419 RBI and 440 RS. This year those four players total 22 HR’s 133 RBI and 147 RS. That’s devastation. Actually, when you think about it, they are doing pretty well not falling 10 games under .500 (yet).

If the Mets have anything at all go their way this season, Wagner will have 3 or 4 good outings and they can trade him for something. – 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.

Roto-Rx

2009-08-19T20:47:00.002-04:00

Question #1: Now that the 2009 draft signing period has concluded, what team do you think did the best in this year’s draft? – Chris, Atlanta, GA

Chris: Dr. Roto has two answers to this question: 1) The Nationals did the best, especially if Steven Strasburg is as good as the scouts project; 2) This question cannot be answered for at least 3-5 years until we see who has made an impact in the majors. As opposed to the NFL and the NBA where rookies have a big impact, in baseball it can often take years to determine whose scouting was the best.

Question #2: If a batter hits a home run over the fence and gets hurt swinging and can’t even make it to first base, what happens? – George, Stamford, CT

George: Thanks for the question, George. Dr. Roto is more of a fantasy player expert than a MLB rules expert, but if I am correct, in the event a hitter cannot complete his home run trot, a pinch runner can be inserted for him.

Question #3: Fantasy Football season is upon us. What do you consider a harder task, being routinely successful in Fantasy Baseball or being routinely successful in Fantasy Football? – Robert, Philadelphia, PA

Robert: Love this question, Robert. Many people have asked Dr. Roto over the years which sport he finds easier. In truth, it is all about predictability. Football is very volatile due to the injury factor as well as the schedule. So, for instance, you can have the best team for 14 weeks and make the playoffs in your fantasy football league. But, if in Week 15 your team has bad matchups, you may end up losing in the playoffs. In fantasy baseball, that seldom occurs. Players may be streaky, but they normally play to expectation level. Baseball, however, is more of a grind. Players play most everyday and the minor leaguers that come up during the year often make an impact on the outcome. The key to success in both sports is preparation (and patience).

Question #4: If you had room to protect only one based on performance expectation alone for next year, who would you protect, Chris Tillman or Mat Latos? – Ralph, San Jose, CA

Ralph: Dr. Roto has one axiom that must be followed: try to avoid young AL EAST pitchers whenever possible. So, although Dr. Roto likes Tillman, he does not like the fact that 10 of Tillman's starts come against the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Jays. For that reason, plus the fact that Latos is a great strikeout pitcher. Dr. Roto will put his money on Latos.

Question 5: What MLB team did the best job at the trading deadline this year? – Vincent, Lynbrook, NY

Vincent: Dr. Roto likes what Kenny Williams and the White Sox have done. Getting Jake Peavy was a steal and picking up Alex Rios on waivers was worth the risk. The South Side of Chicago should be happy!

Bonus Question: Lots of talk in NY this week on the radio about Gil Hodges and the hall of fame. Do you think he should be in? – Scott, Babylon, NY

Scott: Dr. Roto needs all New Yorkers to step back for a second and try to be objective. Is Hodges a HOF because he was the Amazin's manager in 1969, or because he was one of the best 1B of his time? It's a close call here...370 HR are a bit short, as is the career .273 BA. The Gold Gloves help, as does his managerial success. Tough one...but Dr. Roto will say no HOF for Hodges.

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Would you get fired if you lost 3.4 million at your company?

2009-08-19T10:17:00.003-04:00

There are rumors all over the place that Washington GM Mike Rizzo will be fired.

Fired two days after signing Stephen Strasburg you say? Yes, and here’s why.

Austin Kearns was put on waivers (sounds reasonable - he's been a collassal dissapointment for 8 million) and then claimed (hard to see why anyone would do that - perhaps they should be fired too - given that the team would have to pay his salary.)

But the Nationals didn't wait to find out if anyone claimed him and put him on the DL retroactive to August 4th which in effect, annulled the claim!

Rizzo, obviously concentrating on the Strasburg signing showed that multitasking was not his stregnth. They could have saved 3.4 million by just letting him go to the other team! DOH!

For a team scraping money off the floor to come up with 15 million to sign Stephen Strasburg, that was pretty inept.

Being inept at your job will tend to get you fired. - 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.

Was Strasburg really signed in time?

2009-08-18T14:09:00.004-04:00

Alright, hear me out on this one. So Stephen Strasburg was signed by the Washington Nationals at 11:58 and 43 seconds. So when I do my Peter math, they had 1 minute and 17 seconds to spare.

Strasburg gets a four-year contract covering 2009-12. The exact amount depends on prorating his $400,000 salary for this year, based on the date the contract is official. Nevertheless, the deal is worth $15.067 million. Good for the kid, god for the Nat’s and good luck to all.

But back to that time of agreement, exactly how does that work? Is it like the time of birth where the doctor or nurse looks at the clock and calls it? They do that with time of death too don’t they? You always see them on TV on the operating room working on some poor dude and then when they see it’s a lost cause someone says “call it” and they call out the time of death. But no one breaks it out to seconds.

I once got a traffic ticket for going 67mph in a 65 (was the end of the month – I think he was trying to make his quota.) I argued that my tires may not have been inflated properly and that caused the calibration to be off. The officer actually agreed with me and said that it was actually probably the case, but gave the ticket to me anyway because:

1) It was my fault that the tires weren’t inflated properly
2) He could

My point is leaving only 1 minute and 17 seconds is cutting it pretty close. What clock did they use? Did they use the digital stadium clock at Nationals Park? It’s a new stadium, new clock – gotta be close to accurate right (assuming it was set correct to begin with)? Did Scott Boras whip out his gold train conductor pocket watch and call it? Did Strasburg look down at his Micky Mouse watch his grandmother gave him and yell 11:58:17!

Unless they used the official time kept by the government I would think it would be worth it for the Pirates, Padres, Royals, Orioles, A’s or anyone else that might have a chance to have the opportunity to get him with the 1st pick in the draft next year (The Nat’s can’t take him again unless he agrees and they will defiantly have the worst record and 1st pick again next year) to file a grievance questioning the official time.

You know those people who keep their clock 5 minutes fast so they are not late? (Never understood that, if you know it is 5 minutes fast then you would just take your time because you know your early?) Maybe Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is one of those who keeps his clock 5 minutes slow – (executives always think it’s fashionable to show up at press conferences late – it makes them feel important. Like they were involved in some intense negotiation that made them late.)

I would file a grievance. Make them prove it.

On a separate note - I understand that the French have banned nude beaches! I can't believe the French of all people have become tightwads. What's next, is Amsterdam going to ban drugs and prostitutes?- 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.

Why Todd Helton will be in the Hall of Fame

2009-08-18T10:36:00.004-04:00

Todd Helton has spent his entire 13 year career playing for a small market team, so you may not realize the quality and quantity of his stats without looking into it.

Career Stats
BA - .328
HR's- 321
RBI – 1181
SLG - .569
OBP - .426

One of the most interesting stats that Todd has to his credit is that on July 22, Todd Helton became the fastest MLB player to reach 500 doubles in a career. There have only been 49 players to previously reach the mark and 46 of them are in the Hall of Fame. Craig Biggio, Edgar Martinez and Pete Rose are the only players from the 500 Double club to not currently be in the Hall. Both Biggio and Martinez are not eligible yet and Rose of course is ineligible at this time. To me this makes this club one of the most prestigious in baseball history and to be the fastest player to reach it in history is a remarkable feat.

In the era we are in today with all the acquisitions of performance enhancing drugs being used, Helton has managed to bypass all of them. Sure his power numbers dipped a little bit throughout the years but he was sidelined with a pretty serious back injury which contributed to the decline of those stats.

The Rockies made a remarkable run in 2007 and are in the hunt for the wild card this year. Todd has provided this team and franchise with much needed leadership and has proved to be the greatest Colorado Rockies player to date.

Helton has been a staple for the team since 1997 at the plate and at first base. Tallying three gold gloves and providing leadership to the organization on and off the field, Helton has helped Colorado gain notoriety as a MLB franchise.

All the numbers prove that Helton should be the first Colorado Rockies player to be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame. - James Morrison

Jim (no relation to the dead Door’s guy) is a self proclaimed rotisserie expert. Jim has been participating in an serious Ultra-Rotisserie league (you can protect some minor leaguers too) at $2,600 per team instead of $260 (similar to Ultimate Franchise Baseball ™) for the past 17 years and has finished in the money 14 times with 8 First place finishes and over $260,000 in total winnings over the 17 year period. While the world is full of institutions and people that come with disclaimers on how past performance is no guarantee of future results, Jim is brazen enough to claim that it will be in your best interest to follow his advice going forward. He’ll write it, we’ll publish it and we shall see………

Offered 17 million plus incentives supassing 20 million, if Strasburg doesn't sign the Nat's might draft him again!

2009-08-17T13:15:00.009-04:00

Ok, I’m not looking to make this Stephen Strasburg day today, but the reality of the situation is that it is.

The Washington Nationals have till midnight tonight to sign No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg and it seems like anybody's guess whether the deal will get done or not.

With less than 11 hours to go here is where we stand; MASN the network that has the rights to the Nationals and Orioles games are reporting that Strasburg and his loveable agent, Scott Boras, have a contract in their hands worth $17 million with easily reached incentives that would take the contract to more than $20 million.

Never the less, I don’t know anyone who expects a deal to get done, if it gets done at all, until the 11th hour….. literally.

Here’s the best part – While Scott Boras has attempted to stick it to the Nat’s telling them that if they don’t increase the offer (or the years or whatever the greedy bastard wants) that he might ship his client off to Japan for big money for 1 year instead of playing in the Independent League (which isn’t much of a bargaining chip although J.D. Drew did it). MASN now reports that the Nat’s have now turned around and said that if he doesn’t sign, they will attempt to draft him again next year!

I love it……. I haven’t seen anyone stick it to Boras yet, it’s usually the other way around…. But that would be funny. (Not sure about the MASN reporting thought – I think there is a rule that says Strasburg would have to consent.) Makes for an interesting storyline though doesn’t it?

Can you imagine walking away from $17 million your 1st year out of college? Wow. - 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.

Strasburg going to Japan?

2009-08-17T08:37:00.003-04:00

Sources requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations are reporting that if the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg do not get a deal done by the deadline that agent Scott Boras will have Strasburg renter the draft in 2010. Apparently, Strasburg will not sign for the amount currently offered.

But that’s not the news – apparently, rather than play independent baseball for a year, Boras is considering sending Strasburg to Japan to play for a year.

Washington's current offer has been on the table since the team's ownership group, along with president Stan Kasten and acting general manager Mike Rizzo, traveled to California last week to meet with Strasburg.

This has turned out to be the ultimate game of chicken. The specific amount of the Nats' current offer to Strasburg remains unknown, but it exceeds the $10.5 million awarded to Chicago's Mark Prior in 2001, still the record for an amateur pitcher.

The Nat’s apparently have taken the position that they are going to offer him the richest contract ever, however that number is not negotiable and is a take it or leave it offer.

I don’t know how anyone turns down a sum of money of more than 10.5 million dollars for their first job out of college, but that’s where they are. Almost all involved, to this point, expect the negotiations to go down to the final hours, if not the final minutes. Strasburg has until midnight on Monday to sign with the Nationals.

Boras often gets blamed for these things but he’s just doing his job. If the player really wants to sign, he has the right to tell Boras to just take the deal. So if this deal doesn’t get done – Boras shouldn’t get blamed. The ball is in Strasburg’s court. Tick-Toc-Tick-Toc – 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.

Roto-Rx

2009-08-16T08:25:00.004-04:00

The Doctor is in....

Question #1: My friends and I are definitely going to play in the Ultimate Franchise Baseball League next year. What advice can you give from the standpoint of budgeting $2,600 instead of $260? Should I do anything different besides multiply everything by 10? – Miguel, Tribeca, NY

Miguel: Great question...easy answer. You are right on target with just multiplying everything by 10. While it will seem that paying $400 for Pujols will be high, it is the exact same as paying $40 in a $260 draft.

Question #2: BJ Upton: Buy, Sell, or Hold?--Rob, Staten Island, NY

Rob: Dr. Roto is a big fan of Upton. His shoulder recovery got him off to a rocky start this season, but he seemed to be back on track until the last month or so. Joe Maddon doesn't like his free swinging ways at the top of the lineup, so he put Jason Bartlett at leadoff instead. Here's the rub...the Rays need Upton to be good to have any chance of making the playoffs. He's a Gold Glove caliber centerfielder, and he can carry a team with his hitting when in the zone (see last years playoffs). Dr. Roto says hold. Maddon and Upton will end the struggle and all will be fine in Tampa.

Question #3: What player (that has not been injury ridden) has had the most disappointing season YTD based on your expectations. Do you think he will bounce back next year? – Melissa, San Antonio, TX

Melissa: Lots of guys to choose from here. Dr. Roto can think of a bunch off the top of his cap: JJ Hardy, Corey Hart, Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins, etc. But the one I will discuss with you now is: Russell Martin. Like many out there, Dr. Roto was hoping that Martin was going to take the next step up in his rise amongst the top young catchers in MLB. While he may be great in "real" baseball, his fantasy stats have been poor this year, especially in the power department. 3 HR and 33 RBI's are not going to cut it. While Martin's 9 Sb's have helped, it has not been enough to merit the $$ spent on auction day. Will Martin bounce back next year? Dr. Roto thinks you might get him undervalued, but Martin's days of 15-18 HR may be gone.

Question #4: I was offered Ubaldo Jimenez for Max Scherzer a few weeks ago (both $7) and I didn’t do the deal. I’m starting to think that I made a mistake going into next year. What are your thoughts? - Michael, San Jose, CA

Michael: Dr. Roto thinks you made two mistakes: 1) not consutling Dr. Roto first about the deal, and 2) not making the trade. Dr. Roto LOVES Ubaldo.

Question #5: Is Jason Bartlett the real deal? He went from a slick fielding SS that would get you 20 SB’s to a roto stud out of nowhere. Would you consider him one of the 1st SS’s off the board next year? – Tony, Bronx, NY

Tony: Dr. Roto hasn't put his projections together for next year just yet, but feels confident that Bartlett is in the upper echelon of Fantasy shortstops for sure.

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

The Curse continues...

2009-08-15T22:17:00.007-04:00

Someone pissed someone off when they build Citi Field, and that someone is exacting revenge.

In a season plagued by injury and disappointment, David Wright is the latest Mets player to go down. Wright left Saturday afternoon's 5-4 loss to the Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning after being hit in the helmet with a pitch by Matt Cain. He was in an 0-2 count when Cain's four-seamer struck the left side of his helmet by his ear, and the infielder immediately fell down on his stomach, where he lay motionless until team trainers rushed out. After several minutes, Wright was flipped over and was able to walk off the field under his own power, albeit with some help from the trainers.

Closeup angles of Cain showed him talking with catcher Brian Schneider while Wright was being examined on the field. "He just asked how David was, asked if he was doing all right," Schneider said. "And I didn't have an answer for him."

"I've known Matt Cain for a long time," said Jeff Francoeur, who spoke briefly to Cain during the inning and also spoke with Wright before he was transported to the hospital. "Obviously, I'm sure that no one feels worse than he does."

Following the game, a serious and somber Cain told reporters it was nice to see Wright be able to walk off the field. "Hopefully he'll be all right," Cain said. "I'll try to see if I can get a hold of him [Sunday] or see him on the field."

"I don't know what else we can go through, to be honest with you," said starter Johan Santana, who admitted to retaliating by throwing behind Pablo Sandoval in the seventh inning. "Throughout this whole season, it's been crazy for us, and it's not good to see [Wright] going down that way. It's not good at all."

The Mets lost to the Giants in 10 innings today, by the score of 5-4, in what's becoming an oh-too-familiar blown game by K-Rod.

Wright was brought to the Hospital For Special Surgery about 50 minutes after being hit. A CT Scan was negative, but Wright did suffer a concussion and will remain in the hospital overnight for observation.

So now it's official, the Mets core has been peeled. Wright; Beltran; Delgado; Reyes - all now injured this season. It is not yet known how long Wright will be out, but maybe the Mets will put him on a plane to Colorado..... - 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.

An update on Beltre's ball...

2009-08-14T13:23:00.004-04:00

So a grounder clipped one of his testicles. It’s the best contact he’s made all season!

I heard that when he was reached for comment, Beltre said, “Aw, nuts!”

And after being badgered, he yelled, “Stop busting my balls!”

Turns out, Beltre doesn’t wear a protective cup. He claims it’s uncomfortable. You know what else is uncomfortable? A bleeding testicle!

Beltre could be out for the season, but he hasn’t really been much use this year so his owners shouldn’t worry. On a related note, I wonder if he’ll let his teammates sign his cast...............

The above post was sent in by comedian Dane Cook.

Adrian Beltre goes on DL after being hit in the balls (but there's more...)

2009-08-14T10:58:00.003-04:00

Adrian Beltre has a reputation as a slick fielding third baseman. He possesses great range, soft hands and a cannon for throwing arm. Adrian may have been been too confident in his fielding abilities though, and it could cost him a month or even the rest of the season.

On Wednesday, fate kicked him where it hurts. Beltre said he is likely to have surgery and will miss at least three weeks. In the ninth inning Wednesday night at Safeco Field, Beltre took the brunt of a hard grounder by the White Sox' Alexei Ramirez to the groin area. Beltre recovered the baseball but threw wildly to first base for an error. He remained in the game, but labored for three more at-bats. Amazingly, he collected a single in the 14th inning and scored the winning run on Ken Griffey Jr.'s single.

On Thursday, Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, shaking his head in bewilderment, announced Beltre would be placed on the disabled list with a torn right testicle and was even more stunned when told that Beltre does not wear an athletic supporter, better known as a cup that protects the groin area.

Beltre has never worn a cup, telling reporters in past years that it was uncomfortable. And for the past 11 seasons, he has gotten away with it because of those quick hands. As to whether he'll wear a cup when he returns, the third baseman wasn’t sure.

"That's a good question, I don't know. If it happens every 10 years and you get hit there, it's not bad. I have never been hit right on the spot. It's been close, which hurt but not right on one of the testicles. So this was my first."

So let me get this straight. This guy stands 90 feet from the batter’s box (sometimes less), doesn’t wear a cup, gets hit in the nutz – it’s bad enough that he may need surgery, and he doesn’t know if he’s gonna wear a cup when he gets out there again?!?!

ADRIAN, YOU HAVE A BALL CONTUSION! YOUR HUDAT TORE AWAY FROM YOUR WATTCHAMACALLIT!

You know what Adrian, you deserve to get hit it the other testicle on the first ground ball that comes your way! I hate to kick a guy when he’s down, but you sound like a moron. It’s like a police officer getting shot in the abdomen while wearing no bullet proof vest, then when he gets back to work goes out on the street with no vest again!

I don’t get it, I just don’t get it. I guess at this point Adrian is looking forward to the “happy ending” rehabilitation massages…….- 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.

Albert Pujols’ quest for the Triple Crown

2009-08-13T11:21:00.011-04:00

It’s been 42 years since anyone has won the Tipple Crown in Baseball.

Perhaps you emember reading Professor Lee Moquin’s piece on Carl Yastrzemski back on June 3rd. Carl was the last player to win the Tripple Crown in 1967.

Here are the previous winners….

1967 AL Carl Yastrzemski BOS .326, 44 HR, 121 RBI
1966 AL Frank Robinson BAL .316, 49 HR, 122 RBI
1956 AL Mickey Mantle NYY .353, 52 HR, 130 RBI
1947 AL Ted Williams BOS .343, 32 HR, 114 RBI
1942 AL Ted Williams BOS .356, 36 HR, 137 RBI
1937 NL Joe Medwick STL .374, 31 HR, 154 RBI
1934 AL Lou Gehrig NYY .363, 49 HR, 165 RBI
1933 AL Jimmie Foxx PHA .356, 48 HR, 163 RBI
1933 NL Chuck Klein PHI .368, 28 HR, 120 RBI
1925 NL Rogers Hornsby STL .403, 39 HR, 143 RBI
1922 NL Rogers Hornsby STL .401, 42 HR, 152 RBI
1909 AL Ty Cobb DET .377, 9 HR, 107 RBI
1901 AL Nap Lajoie PHA .426, 14 HR, 125 RBI
1894 NL Hugh Duffy BSN .440, 18 HR, 145 RBI
1887 AA Tip O'Neill STL .435, 14 HR, 123 RBI
1878 NL Paul Hines PRO .358, 4 HR, 50 RBI

Albert’s got a shot. Right now he has the NL and ML lead in HR’s with 38 and the NL and ML lead in RBI with 102. Mark Reynolds has 36 HR’s and Price Fielder has 100 RBI, so it’s not like he can coast to the finish.

Albert is tied for 3rd with Todd Helton @ .327 and has Pablo Sandoval batting .329 and Hanley Ramirez batting .351 ahead of him. Albert does in fact have a realistic shot at it but more than anything he needs Hanley to slump. With only 46 games left for Albert and 48 games left for Hanley there isn’t much time left. Averages are harder to move towards the end of the season because of the number of at bats and that compounds the problem.

If Albert is going to be able to catch Hanley, it will have as much to do with stuff out of his control as it will with stuff that is in his control because he will need Hanley to slump. Hanley won’t get many days off down the stretch because the Marlins are in a pennant race so it’s not like he can sit out at all and protect his lead.

I don’t recall the last person to have a legitimate shot going down the stretch but this one has the chance to be real exciting. Enjoy. I’m not sure why, but I think we are going to be in for a treat. - Robert FairchildRobert

Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in. Robert will NOT give specific wagering advice on any particular proposition in this forum.

Roto-Rx

2009-08-12T11:49:00.002-04:00

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: If you had it to do over again, what mistake(s) did you make during this past year’s draft in any of your leagues. –Andy, Lubbock, TX

Andy: Excellent question, Andy. Two regrets that Dr. Roto can think of is: 1) Sticking with Chris Davis for way too long. Dr. Roto believed then (and still does now) that Davis has 40 HR potential in his bat. However, Dr. Roto turned down a few off-season trades and protected Davis who ended up hitting about .198 2) Trading for J. Soria. Dr. Roto thought that Soria was a lock to be a top three closer, so he invested big $$. Soria got hurt and hasn't had nearly as many chances this year to close out games. Of course, Andy...don't doubt that Dr. Roto had many more successes than regrets this year!

Question #2: What is your take on the White Sox Rios wavier claim? Money well spent? – Andrew, Aurora, IL

Andrew: Dr. Roto scouted Alex Rios closely in spring training a few years back and I can tell you one thing...Rios is an excellent 5 tool player. In fact, Chicago might be a perfect fit for Rios. It is a hitters park and Ozzie Guillen is a players manager (as long as you don't piss him off). Did GM Kenny Williams overspend by a few million? Maybe. But the White Sox are close to the playoffs, and with Peavy joining the team (and with Dye and Thome becoming free agents at the end of the year), it looks like a good move. BTW Kenny Williams is one of Dr. Roto's favorite GM's.

Question #3: If you had to call it today, what teams will make the MLB playoffs? – Grace, Fort Collins, CO.

Grace: Big fan of Fort Collins...Dr. Roto used to have many friends who played for the CSU Rams! Ok, for your question...I will give you three locks for each league and one surprise. Locks in the AL: Yankees, Angels, White Sox (Surprise wild card team: Rays). Locks in the NL: Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers (Surprise wild card team: Braves).

Question #4: What would you say is the most common mistake made by owners on draft day in auction drafts? – Al, Brooklyn, NY

Al: The most common mistake made by owners in an auction draft is falling in love and overpaying for a certain player. For example, Dr. Roto loved Adam Jones at this year's auction, but when the guy next to me said $25, Dr Roto was out of the bidding. Of course, Dr, Roto then drafted Kendry Morales for $4 and Hank Blalock for $6.

Question #5: Who does your crystal stethoscope say will win the AL & NL MVP’s? – Jerry, San Francisco, CA

Jerry: Albert Pujols should be a lock for the NL MVP. As for the AL...Dr. Roto will hedge and give you three guys: M. Teixeira, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer. Smart money is on Tex, unless Mauer hits close to .400 and the Twins make the playoffs.

Question #6: Let’s see if Dr. Roto knows his stuff. Without looking it up, name as many of the ’82 Brewers (my favorite team) as you can. Don’t cheat! – Manny, Las Vegas, NV

Manny: Ok, you're on! Harvey's Wallbangers had: Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Stormin Gorman Thomas, Don (you are so) Money, Ted Simmons, Ben Oglivie, and Pete Vuckovich was on the mound. I am missing a couple of others, but hey you caught Dr. Roto by surprise!

The Doctor is out...

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

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter