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Dealing To The Dish: National League 7.17.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB,
Colorado Rockies @ Pittsburgh Pirates
B. Kim (5-5, 4.89) vs. K. Wells (0-4, 12.42)
I have to be honest here… I have no idea what to tell you about this matchup because it’s so bad. How about the fact that both teams are last in their respective division, although the N.L. West is so bad, the Rockies are only 4.0 games out of the lead held by the San Diego Padres.
Washington Nationals @ Florida Marlins
T. Armas (6-4, 4.44) vs. R. Nolasco (6-6, 5.00)
The Battle for the Bottom! Both teams reside at the bottom of the N.L. East, but the Marlins are showing some good signs to being ultra-competitive in a few years, if not sooner. However, for now, they’re just also-rans and probably pretenders for the N.L. Wild Card.
Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals
H. Ramírez (4-3, 4.65) vs. J. Weaver (0-0, 0.00)
Uh oh… here we go. The Braves are 12.0 games away from the New York Mets, but they are in second place after some time of being in last place. Is it time to panic for the Metropolitans and the rest of the N.L. East? I don’t know. The logical person in me says, “Aw hell naw!” But, we can’t overlook the Braves winning eight of their last ten games, including five in a row. If they ever get bullpen help, I think them making a sweet turn to their season is wholly possible.
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Dealing To The Dish: American League 7.17.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB,
Oakland Athletics @ Baltimore Orioles
J. Windsor (0-0, NA) vs. A. Loewen (0-2, 7.12)
Young prospect versus young prospect! Those in fantasy leagues should keep an eye on this matchup, especially those in keeper leagues. We’ve seen some of Adam Loewen who has shown he can K batters (25 in 30.1 innings), but also walk them (21). Jason Windsor is 12-1 in the minors this season, including 8-0 in Triple A. Will he be the next in line of great young pitchers to come out of the organization?
Seattle Mariners @ New York Yankees
J. Washburn (4-9, 4.58) vs. C. Wang (9-4, 4.00)
I cannot believe that the Yankees swept the defending world champion, Chicago White Sox over the weekend. This bodes well for the injured Yankees… although, you have to admit that even with Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui out til possibly September, a team of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina, and to every now and then Randy Johnson is pretty good.
Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox
L. Hudson (2-3, 5.79) vs. T. Wakefield (7-8, 4.05)
The Red Sox’s lead in the A.L. East is starting to get smaller, but thank goodness for them and Red Sox Nation, the lackluster Kansas City Royals come into Beantown. Nothing like a rag doll to beat around and add a few W’s on the board. Of course, if the Royals sweep the Sox, it’ll be a sure sign that the unraveling is beginning.
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American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. East
Posted by Tom Massimo Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB,
BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox quickly found out that Jason Johnson was not the solution to their 5th starting pitcher problem. Royal castoff Kyle Snyder was called up for a start on Sunday against the A’s, where he up 5 runs in 4.2 innings. He is likely not the answer either. The Red Sox believe that David Wells could be back in a few weeks to claim that starting spot.
Coco Crisp, who has been very ordinary since returning from a broken finger, could be a good buy low candidate. His power improved steadily in his first three seasons. At 26 years of age he was at the right age to take his power up another level this year. The finger injury has probably affected his poor power production so far this season. With his G/F right around last season’s output, the power should return as his finger becomes less of an issue. An added bonus is that he has 9 steals for a team that supposedly does like to run.
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Kobe Bryant Has Surgery - Out 8 to 12 Weeks
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Championship, Editorial, Fantasy, NBA,
Lakers shooting guard and the NBA’s leading scorer last season, Kobe Bryant, had minor surgery on this right knee on Saturday and is expected to miss the World Championships later this summer. The normal recovery time for the surgery performed on Bryant is usually 8-to-12 weeks.
While Kobe will not be able to play on the World Championship United States squad, he will still travel with the team to China and South Korea for exhibition games and to Japan where the tournament is taking place. This is an excellent public relations move for Bryant, still showing his support of his U.S. teammates and the country itself.
Of course, he just might conveniently be skipping out on “daddy duty” with his young baby girl, whom I doubt will travel with Bryant. And, of course, he’ll also get out of “hubby duty” and be able to hang with the fellas. Naturally, this is pure speculation on my part, but it’s easy to be cynical of Bryant ever since his shenanigans in Colorado.
Don’t get me wrong, I hope Bryant is sincere in everything he does and he’s shown no inkling otherwise. But, in order for Bryant to get back in my heart (and McDonalds-loving belly), he’ll have to be on top behavior for as long as he plays. Unfair or not, this surgery will see Bryant NOT playing for some time.
However, Lakers fans and fantasy basketball fans, have no worries - Bryant should be ready by the time the regular season comes around. Barring any setbacks, of course… like, say, someone that just wants to “love Kobe long time” getting very wild.
LeBron, Dwyane, and James: Four Years From Now
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, Front Office, NBA,
As most of you probably know by now, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be signing three-year extensions with their respective teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. For both, there will be a fourth year player option…
... but I really don’t think they’ll be taking it.
Yes, yes, yes, I know. It’s four years from now, that is to say 48 months or 1461 days from now (there is a leap year, right?), or about the time it takes your fat mama to put a belt around her waist. Ugh, sorry for that last comment, but I have to admit that I actually watched MTV’s Yo Momma hosted by Erik Estrada’s love child, Wilmer Valderrama, but I promise you I hated myself every second. Anyway, back to the talented ballers and not the non-talented wannabe’s that somehow still get prime babes like Mandy Moore and Lindsey Lohan. WTF?
Okay, I am making a prediction here, folks. I am looking four years ahead when James and Wade’s contract will be over. Are you ready? Strap yourself in for this monumental statement… LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be playing together on the New York Knicks.
OH SHIZNIT! WHAT? YOU ARE DUMB, D! STRAIGHT UP BANANAS!
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Dealing To The Dish: National League 7.14.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
S. Trachsel (8-4, 4.67) vs. G. Maddux (7-9, 4.89)
The Mets will look to build upon their first-half success and continue to run away with the N.L. East. However, the expected return of ace pitcher, Pedro Martinez, has been delayed further. The Cubs just want to win games, as well as Greg Maddux, who may be traded before the July 31 trade deadline to a contender.
Washington Nationals @ Pittsburgh Pirates
R. Ortiz (6-7, 4.85) vs. Z. Duke (5-8, 5.17)
Kudos to the Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden. I don’t know how you did it, but you were able to steal away Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez, and Ryan Wagner for a few bullpen arms, a prospect, and Royce Clayton. I’m betting the devil can’t wait to have your soul.
Colorado Rockies @ Cincinnati Reds
J. Jennings (6-6, 3.67) vs. A. Harang (9-6, 3.70)
Aaron Harang is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game, and he’s getting it done pitching half his games at a cigar box of a home stadium. Let’s see if he can shut down a very good young Rockies offense. To be honest with you, I think this series is just going to be a slugfest.
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Dealing To The Dish: American League 7.14.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
We’re back with a full set of games in both leagues, so let the second half begin!
Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees
J. Contreras (9-0, 3.38) vs. R. Johnson (10-7, 5.13)
Jose Contreras has won 17 straight decisions and will try to make it 18 against his former team, the New York Bankees. Needless to say, Contreras will be “up” for this game. He goes up against an inconsistent Randy Johnson who the Yankees will need to start a 17-game win streak himself in order for the Yankees to go deep into the playoffs.
Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers
M. Redman (6-4, 5.27) vs. K. Rogers (11-3, 3.85)
It’s an All-Star vs. All-Star matchup tonight, but you better believe that Kenny Rogers and the Tigers will win tonight. In case, you haven’t heard or if you still don’t believe, the Tigers are for real in 2006, my friends.
Oakland Athletics @ Boston Red Sox
B. Zito (8-6, 3.29) vs. J. Beckett (11-4, 4.75)
As some of you may know, I’m a huge Athletics fan (see my comments creaming over Blanton, Haren, and Harden in previous posts) and was ecstatic the A’s took last night’s extra-innings game against the Red Sox. Last night’s win is exactly the way this A’s team can get it going in the second half, per usual, as they came back after being down 3-1 until the 7th inning. Tonight’s pitching matchup sees two excellent youngsters with different styles. Barry Zito can bring the heat, but it’s his curveball that separates him from other pitchers. Josh Beckett is all about the heat and he does it effectively. If he ever mastered an off-speed pitch, he’d be even more effective and straight up devastating.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League 7.14.06
Dealing To The Dish: National League 7.13.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
Ay, carumba. What spell is it that the American League holds over the National League? The N.L. can’t beat the A.L. in interleague play and they couldn’t stop the bleeding in this year’s All-Star game. I think it might be destiny that the A.L. team in the World Series will win the whole shebang. I’d recommend that the N.L. get a new mascot - a voodoo witchcraft doctor - in order to break free from the reigns of the A.L.
Houston Astros @ Florida Marlins
R. Oswalt (6-6, 3.15) vs. D. Willis (6-7, 3.94)
Here is the pitching matchup of the night and a pretty good one for the season. Roy Oswalt probably won’t win 20 games again this season, but the guy is a gamer and is still one of the top pitchers in the game. Dontrelle Willis started off slow, but has been rolling as of late. And speaking of gamers, is there anyone more game than Willis? It’d be a shame if Willis gets traded because he could anchor that Marlins pitching staff for years and succeed. The Marlins are on the come up and will be making noise in a year or two. In the meantime, enjoy Willis dealing for the Marlins.
Colorado Rockies @ Cincinnati Reds
J. Francis (6-7, 4.05) vs. E. Milton (5-4, 5.24)
Is Great American Ballpark the new Coors Field? It seems that way since Coors Field isn’t as much of an offensive juggernaut factor this season. Can the Rockies pitching actually be getting better? Or are the bats just sleeping? Well, the answer is a bit of both. Jeff Francis pitches better at home than on the road, an oddity for a Rockies pitcher, and will face one of the better offenses in the majors. I expect he’d get lit, but so will Eric Milton. It’ll be a matter of who gets lit less.
Los Angeles Dodgers @ St. Louis Cardinals
C. Billingsley (0-2, 5.27) vs. J. Marquis (11-6, 5.55)
Jason Marquis is a prime example of how you can’t predict wins. He’s tied with the New York Mets’ Tom Glavine in wins for the lead in the National League, but has a horrendous 5.55 ERA! Marquis is one lucky pitcher to have that much run support. Chad Billingsley, the Dodgers’ uber-prospect is still finding his way in the league, but that’s to be expected considering he just started growing peach fuzz on his face.
Dealing To the Dish: American League 7.13.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
And… we’re back! It was a nice All-Star break, okay, maybe not for the National League who are now 0-9-1 in the past ten All-Star games, but it’s back to pennant races and to see which teams will rise up to the occassion and who can’t take the heat and falters.
Texas Rangers @ Baltimore Orioles
V. Padilla (8-5, 4.44) vs. D. Cabrera (4-6, 5.15)
The Rangers did a total rehaul of their pitching staff for this season with Vincente Padilla being a prime acquisition, along with Kevin Millwood and the still-injured, but coming to an A.L. ballpark near you, Adam Eaton. While Padilla did show flashes with the Philadelphia Phillies, he now finds himself doing well with the Rangers. It’s safe to say that Padilla has more than met expectations. On the other hand, with pitching coach Leo Mazzone coming over from the Atlanta Braves, many thought that Daniel Cabrera would go bonkers. The strikeouts are still coming in bunches, but unfortunately, so have the walks. If Cabrera could just reign in the walks, we have a superstar in the making. Right now, all we have is fizzling.
Oakland Athletics @ Boston Red Sox
E. Loaiza (3-5, 6.43 vs. J. Lester (4-0, 3.06)
The Athletics are tied for first in the A.L. West with the Texas Rangers and it’s about that time for another Athletics post-break run. However, they start the second half of the season against a strong A.L. East leading Red Sox team. On the hill for the A’s will be the veteran Esteban Loaiza, who’s been a disappointing free agent pick-up thus far. Jon Lester, on the other hand, has been very solid since being called up from the minors earlier in the season to pick up the slack for the injured David Wells.
Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers
B. Duckworth (1-1, 5.33 vs. J. Bonderman (8-4, 3.46)
Last place versus first place in first place’s ballpark. Good luck, Royals. Brandon Duckworth was once a promising pitcher in the Phillies organization, but just couldn’t put it together. So, he ends up with the Royals, a team that just can’t put it together. Perfect fit. Jeremy Bonderman is a pitcher on the rise, especially if he can stay strong in the second half and not falter like he did last season.
Cleveland Indians @ Minnesota Twins
C. Lee (8-6, 4.76) vs. F. Liriano (10-1, 1.83)
Francisco Liriano is an impressive pitcher. All things considered, he’s arguably better than teammate Johan Santana thus far this season. And Santana is widely regarded as the best in the business. I don’t really know what else to say about Liriano other than the boy is just sick! I’m sure the Indians are disappointed with their season thus far, but they did go on a hot streak at this time last year and can do it again. The Indians have a few mashers in their batting order, so this will be a good test for Liriano.
LeBron James Agrees To Three-Year Extension
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Editorial, NBA, News,
People of Cleveland, take a deep breath and let it out. After about a week and a half of speculation, the King has spoken and LeBron James says he will be signing a three-year extension with a fourth year player option that will keep James with the Cleveland Cavaliers through the 2009-2010, and possibly the 2010-2011 season if James opts to come back another season. The extension takes effect after this upcoming 2006-2007 campaign.
James is expected to make $60 million for the three years. The Cavs offered James the maximum contract of five years for $80 million, but there were whispers that James want to see how much the team progresses before making such a long commitment. The Cavaliers made it into the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs before losing the series to the Detroit Pistons.
Fellow 2003 draftees Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) are now rumored to be thinking of taking the same tactic as James and eschewing their respective teams’ maximum contract offers and sign three year deals with a fourth year player option. It’s not often that players will reject longer contracts for more guaranteed money, but considering the star power of the three players, they will make up any “lost” money with various endorsements.
Many in Cleveland would have wanted James to sign a five-year extension, but it must come as some consolation that James agreed to a three-year deal after big-time rumors said that James was going to test the free-agent waters early and jump ship to a contender, most notably, the New Jersey Nets. James could have played out this season and followed his dreams of a ring as a restricted free agent. Considering that the Cavs would have in all likelihood matched any offer, it was possible to see James in another uniform for the 2009-2010 season.
I’m glad that James opted to come back and give the Cavs a legit chance for a championship in a championship-starved city. Plus, you couldn’t write it any better if James does in fact lead the team to the “promised land” - a hometown boy bringing a trophy back for his city. With even the faintest possibility of James leaving, hopefully the Cavs management is smart enough to surround James with whatever he needs to go deep into the playoffs. Otherwise, before you know it, the city of Cleveland will be witnessing the glory of the King from afar.
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