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Dealing To The Dish: American League Weekend Edition 6.24-6.25
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB,
The following games take place on American League territory. Saturday and Sunday’s probable starters are listed:
Philadelphia Phillies @ Boston Red Sox
SAT: B. Myers (5-3, 3.77) vs. C. Schilling (9-2, 3.55)
SUN: C. Lidle (4-6, 5.00) vs. T. Wakefield (5-8, 3.82)
We know Myers can beat his wife, but can he beat the Red Sox and Curt Schilling? And despite pitching well, Wakefield just isn’t getting the offensive support to win more games.
Houston Astros @ Chicago White Sox
SAT: T. Buchholz (4-6, 5.82) vs. J. Garland (6-3, 5.58)
SUN: R. Oswalt (6-3, 3.32) vs. J. Vázquez (8-4, 4.43)
The Astros lost the first game of the series in this rematch of last season’s World Series participants. Sunday’s night game should be fun to watch with Roy Oswalt and Javier Vazquez on the hill.
Cincinnati Reds @ Cleveland Indians
SAT: B. Arroyo (9-3, 2.47) vs. P. Byrd (5-5, 4.78)
SUN: E. Ramírez (2-6, 3.69) vs. J. Sowers (0-0, 0.00)
Boy, couldn’t the Red Sox use Bronson Arroyo right now. Especially considering how well he’s doing in the Queen City. Watch rookie Jeremy Sowers on Sunday. He could really be special.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League Weekend Edition 6.24-6.25
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WHAT? Really? No way! Did anyone see this coming?
Okay, everyone saw this coming - it was just a matter of time before it happened. While a 23-59 record certainly justifies Larry Brown being fired, should he be the only one to take the fall for this sad showing of basketball ineptitude? Most New York Knicks fans (and I’m one) would tell you - Are you kidding? No, the blame for the Knicks 2005-2006 performance, or lack of it, can be spread around all over the organization.
And if you ask me, it starts from the top on down.
Click to continue reading New York Knicks Fire Larry Brown
American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. West
Posted by Tom Massimo Categories: Fantasy, MLB, News,
TEXAS RANGERS
Kameron Loe was placed on the DL with a sore right elbow. Robinson Tejada is expected to take his place in the starting rotation. This will be Tejada’s second tour with the big league club this season. In his first go around, he started 4 games and had an ugly 7.71 ERA and 0.86 K/BB ratio. As an extreme flyball pitcher, he is miscast as a starter in Texas and should be avoided.
Hank Blalock has sacrificed power for better contact and plate patience. This has led to a higher batting average with less home runs. Two factors working in favor of this change in approach are that he plays half his games in a high scoring stadium and he bats in a powerful line-up. The upshot of being on base more often is that he is scoring more runs and it does not seem to be hurting his RBI production. The only category negatively affected is home runs.
Gary Matthews Jr. is on a tear, raising his batting average to .341. Considering that he is 31 years of age and the highest batting average he has had in a season is .276, fantasy owners may want to try and sell high.
Click to continue reading American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. West
Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.23.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB, Rumors,
Interleague games played on National League grounds:
Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies
J. Koronka (5-4, 5.00) vs. J. Francis (5-6, 4.13)
- This could be a slugfest, folks. Coors Field has a reputation, well-earned by the way, for being a notorious hitter’s park, what with the thin air and all. However, this season, not as much as previous years. Regardless, tonight we have two very good offenses that could potentially have the final score looking like a football game was played, instead of a hardball game. BUT, surprisingly, Jeff Francis, former Minor League Player of the Year and most pitied high-caliber pitcher for being taken by the Rockies, pitches better at Coors. It’s wierd. Francis on the road - 4.59 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and .225 BAA. Francis at home - 3.50 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .200 BAA. Hmm… so maybe it’ll end up that Francis only gives up a field goal, while the Rockies score a touchdown or two.
Los Angeles Angels @ Arizona Diamondbacks
E. Santana (7-3, 4.10) vs. E. Gonzalez (2-0, 3.67)
- The Angels are looking to upgrade their offense and it seems that Ervin Santana is the main bait to get that going. It’s unfortunate for Santana, a young pitcher with plus stuff, but it could be even more unfortunate for the Angels considering Santana’s recent numbers. For the month of June, Santana is 3-0 with a 2.29 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and .164 BAA. Who does Ervin think he is - Johan?!?!?
Seattle Mariners @ San Diego Padres
G. Meche (7-4, 4.10) vs. J. Peavy (4-8, 4.81)
- The K/9 rate is there. So is the K/BB rate. As well as the WHIP and BAA, for the most part. So, what’s up with Jake Peavy’s ugly looking record and ERA? It’s tough to say, but he’ll need to pitch well tonight against a Mariners team that has won eight of nine interleague games this season. Meanwhile, Gil Meche is pretty much having the month you’d expect from Peavy - 3-0, 1.71 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and .213 BAA.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.23.06
Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.23.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Injuries, MLB,
Interleague games on American League soil:
Washington Nationals @ Baltimore Orioles
J. Patterson (1-0, 3.86) vs. R. López (4-8, 6.85)
- John Patterson last pitched on April 21st and has since been on the shelf due to a strained right forearm. He comes back tonight against cross-district rival, the Baltimore Orioles. Patterson will try to end the Nats three-game losing streak. Rodrigo Lopez and the rest of the Orioles starting staff, for the most part have not fully seen the effects of pitching coach, Leo Mazzone, who succeeded so much for the Atlanta Braves. Maybe the O’s rotation just doesn’t have the talent?
St. Louis Cardinals @ Detroit Tigers
C. Carpenter (6-3, 2.46) vs. J. Verlander (8-4, 3.21)
- Chris Carpenter is in his prime right now, while Justin Verlander is only a rookie. Tonight’s matchup between the Central division’s best, both in the A.L. and N.L., should be a great pitching contest. Enjoy the show.
Philadelphia Phillies @ Boston Red Sox
R. Madson (7-4, 5.79) vs. J. Beckett (8-3, 5.09)
- Josh Beckett hopes to build off of his last performance and extend the Red Sox winning ways to seven games in a row. Beckett has pretty much been inconsistent his last four starts, but it talented and competitive enough to right his ship. There won’t be a Matt Clement-type meltdown. The Phillies just continue to eat the dust of the N.L. East leading New York Mets who are starting to put more and more distance between themselves and the rest of the division.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.23.06
Interleague games played in National League ballparks:
Toronto Blue Jays @ Atlanta Braves
A. Burnett (0-1, 6.30) vs. H. Ramírez (2-2, 5.06)
- A.J. Burnett makes his first start coming off the DL and he couldn’t be pitching against a sadder sack of baseball players right now than the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are losers of nine straight games and spiraling down the division standings. Will the Braves actually NOT win the N.L. East division? Or will they make a huge turn at the All Star break? I think it’s the Mets season, personally.
Minnesota Twins @ Houston Astros
F. Liriano (6-1, 2.16) vs. R. Clemens (0-0, 0.00)
- Roger Clemens is back! The Rocket will be launching! You all know this already, don’t you? There was only more overexposure when Barry Bonds was chasing The Babe. In any case, Clemens has looked dominant in his rehabilitation starts and should do well tonight. However, for the other team, the Minnesota Twinkies, young gunner Franscisco Liriano (aka the Johan Santana clone) will try to ruin the old man’s season debut. Liriano has been stellar as a starter and don’t be surprised to see a 1-0 game.
Seattle Mariners @ Los Angeles Dodgers
F. Hernández (7-6, 5.02) vs. B. Tomko (5-6, 5.45)
- The Mariners are 8-0 in interleague play this season and look to sweep the Dodgers tonight. “King” Felix Hernandez takes the mound for the Mariners and has won four straight decisions, despite looking very shaky in two of those outings. The Dodgers have dropped five games in a row and need to stop the losing because the N.L. West leading Padres have been winning.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.22.06
Interleague games being played in American League ballparks:
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Tampa Bay Devil Rays
É. González (0-0, 0.00) vs. S. Kazmir (8-4, 3.39)
- The Devil Rays go for the sweep of the Diamondbacks this afternoon down by the bay. Scott Kazmir, the D-Rays ace takes the mound goes for his ninth win. CF Rocco Baldelli has been raking the ball since coming off the DL on June 7, hitting .388 with two homers, six RBI, eight runs, and a 1.067 OPS. Edgar Gonzalez makes his debut with the Diamondbacks this season and will try to cool off Baldelli and the rest of the Rays.
San Diego Padres @ Texas Rangers
C. Hensley (4-5, 4.05) vs. J. Rheinecker (2-1, 3.60)
- The Padres are looking to sweep the Rangers this afternoon, with the slumping Clay Hensley trying to do the job. He started off hot in May, but is winless thus far in June. The Rangers are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have fallen one game behind the A.L. West leading Oakland Athletics.
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Kansas City Royals
P. Maholm (2-5, 4.50) vs. S. Elarton (2-8, 5.09)
- The Royals actually have a chance to sweep a series… the Royals! I guess that isn’t saying much for the Pirates team, huh? In any case, the Royals will also go for their first four-game winning streak of the season. Could newly-acquired speedster Joey Gathright really be a difference-maker? Okay, no, not really. However, he will have an impact. The Royals have a good chance to achieve the aforementioned benchmarks as Pirates starter, Paul Maholm is winless on the road and is going through a six-game losing streak.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.22.06
Summertime…
Posted by Sean O'Connor Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB, NBA, NFL, Soccer, Trades,
Yesterday was the first day of Summer. Two days ago the NBA Season came to an end with the Miami Heat’s first title, ending a flat out fantastic NBA Playoffs. Three days ago the NHL Season came to an end as the Carolina Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup title behind the heroics of a rookie goalie.
So, as the seasons and sports officially transition, what are sports geeks to look forward to during the summer of 2006? Here is my Top 11{ref1} list for what to expect during upcoming 3 months.
11. MLB All Star Game and Home Run Derby: There is usually at least one memorable moment from the All Star Game and Home Run Derby. In Pittsburgh this year.
10. MLB record watch: Can Barry Bonds catch the Babe? Will Ichiro break more records. Someone will set a record, surely.
9. Wimbledon: I don’t even know who the tennis stars are these days, but I’m looking forward to the traditional 6:00 am breakfast for Wimbledon.
8. NFL Kickoff Weekend: The return of professional football will signal the next season change.
7. Return of NCAA Football and the Longhorns defending their first title in years: We’ll find out a lot about this team on September 9th when they host Ohio State.
6. The British Open: Can Phil make up for his debacle at the US Open?
5. The NBA Draft: Who will draft the Stache? Who will draft the next Sam Bowie?
4. Fantasy Football Season: Ah, the best time of the year. Productivity goes down and trash talking goes up. Everyone thinks that they can be the next best Billy Beanesque type General Manager.
3. World Cup Quarterfinals: The action really heats up and the top teams have to be on their game to move on.
2. World Cup Semifinals: Can the United States advance further than they ever have before? They have yet to reach the final 4, this might be the year.
1. World Cup Finals: Seriously, it doesn’t even matter who is playing. This is the number one event of all of 2006.
It’s gonna be a hot summer, enjoy!
Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.21.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
Interleague games to be played on National League ground:
Detroit Tigers @ Milwaukee Brewers
N. Robertson (7-3, 3.43) vs. C. Capuano (7-4, 3.30)
- This is the early game today, being played at 2:05pm EST, so all of you fantasy baseball fans - update your lineup! In any case, the Tigers are looking to sweep their second consecutive N.L. team. Capuano may have something to say about that as he’s been on lately. Regardless, folks, the Tigers are for real.
Los Angeles Angels @ San Francisco Giants
J. Weaver (3-9, 6.02) vs. N. Lowry (2-5, 4.20)
- Why is Jeff Weaver still in the rotation? Hello, Angels organization, you have the wrong Weaver in there! It should be Jeff’s little brother, Jered, who is now down in Triple A that’s starting for the big club. But this decision-making might be one reason why the Angels are in last place in the A.L. West.
New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies
J. Wright (3-4, 4.86) vs. C. Hamels (1-2, 4.91)
- The much hyped Hamels (I’m guilty of spreading it myself) has looked ugly since coming off a stint on the DL with a shoulder strain, going 1-2 with a 6.28 ERA. If Hamels should have a bad outing, he can only hope that 1B Ryan Howard goes off again like he did last night when Howard hit a couple of dingers and drove in all seven Phillies runs. The Yankees are hoping to keep up with the Red Sox, who are riding a five-game winning streak.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.21.06
Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.21.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
Interleague games being played in American League ballparks:
Florida Marlins @ Baltimore Orioles
R. Nolasco (5-3, 3.06) vs. E. Bedard (6-6, 5.60)
- Don’t look now, but the Marlins are in the midst of a big winning streak and will look to extend it to ten tonight at Camden Yards. Not bad for a team with 18 rookies on their squad. It’s hard to believe that they are in third in N.L. East with the defending division champion, Atlanta Braves, in last place. Meanwhile, the Orioles have lost five of their last seven and will probably be without Melvin Mora, who suffered a knee contusion after being hit by a pitch.
Washington Nationals @ Boston Red Sox
S. Hill (1-1, 2.42) vs. J. Lester (1-0, 3.48)
- The Red Sox have won five straight, including a sweep of the abovementioned Braves. The Nationals are 3-7 in their last 10 games and have allowed the Marlins to move past them in the standings. Both teams throw out rookie pitchers who have been effective in only a smattering of starts.
Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians
C. Zambrano (5-3, 2.82) vs. C. Sabathia (5-3, 3.08)
- Zambrano has started 15 games, but only received a decision in just over half of them. This is unfortunate as Zambrano has been pitching stellar this season, leading the league in Batting Average Against (.187) and in strikeouts (102) tied with the New York Mets’ Pedro Martinez. Zambrano will try to make it five road start wins in a row against the Indians. Sabathia started off hot, putting up a 5-1 record and a 1.71 ERA in is first seven starts. In his last three outings - 0-2 and 6.88 ERA. The portly lefty is 8-4 with a 3.82 ERA in interleague games, never facing the Cubbies.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.21.06
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