Allen Iverson Practice Video

This may be old and over "played", but you have to love it.

What are you talkin about AI?

The Homer Bailey Debut

Homer Bailey will make his major league debut Friday night against the Cleveland Indians. Bailey is the Reds top pitching prospect and was their No. 1 pick in the June 2004 draft (the seventh pick overall). He was the Reds minor league player of the year last season while at Class A Sarasota and Double-A Chattanooga.

In 07, Bailey has been at Triple-A Louisville and is 6-1 in 10 starts with a 2.31 earned run average and 51 strikeouts and 24 walks in 58 innings.

Bio: (MLB.com)
Given name is David...is called Homer after his great-grandfather...in 2004 graduated from La Grange (TX) High School...in his prep career went 41-4, 0.98 with 536 strikeouts in 298.0 innings...led La Grange to Texas state baseball titles in 2001 and 2004...as a freshman outdueled former Red Ryan Wagner in the championship game...also led La Grange to the state title as a senior, when he was named National High School Player of the Year by USA Today, Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and the National High School Coaches' Association...also in 2004 was the Tri-County and Texas' 3A Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the district and state tournaments...participated in the 2007 Reds Winter Caravan.

2006 Highlights: (MLB.com)
Entered the season as the organization's top prospect and received the Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award as its Minor League Player of the Year...combined to go 10-6, 2.47 in 26 starts split evenly between Class A Sarasota and Class AA Chattanooga...was a Baseball America Minor League and Class AA All-Star... in a Baseball America in-season poll was voted Best Pitching Prospect and Best Fastball in the Florida State League...was the winning pitcher in Major League Baseball's All-Star Futures Game in Pittsburgh...pitched an inning in the Florida State League All-Star Game (12 pitches, 10 strikes)...was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June (4gs, 3-0, 0.56, 26ip, 9h, 28k)...didn't allow a run in 11 of his 26 starts...3 times threw 6.0 hitless innings and in another start allowed 1 hit in 7.0 innings...began the season with the FSL Reds and made his 13 starts there before he was promoted in June...on 6/22 vs Carolina threw 6.0 scoreless innings in his Class AA debut...in that start, his 96th and final pitch was clocked at 98mph...didn't allow a run in his first 3 starts at Chattanooga (17ip)...was Southern League Pitcher of the Week for 6/26-7/2...twice recorded a season-high 11 strikeouts, on 5/8 at Jupiter (6ip) and 8/13 vs Tennessee (5ip)...in his last appearance of the season, on 9/2 at West Tenn, allowed 4 runs without retiring a batter (3h, 4bb)...his ERAs excluding that final appearance drop to 1.06 for Chattanooga and 2.21 for the season...following the season was voted by Baseball America as the top prospect in both the Southern League and Florida State League.

Scouting Report:
Bailey has all the tools to be a number one starter for years to come. He’s tall (6-4, 185 lbs) with a big league frame and superb arm action. His mid-90s heat is nasty, especially when combined with a tremendous curveball. He has a 3/4 slot motion that allows him to stay tall along with two plus pitches (fastball at 89-97 mph with good movement and a curveball at 75-80 mph with a dominant 12-to-6 break) which when he has working makes him virtually untouchable. He has been trying to develop his changeup which is currently below average. The only concern scouts have had with this youngster is his lack of control at times. Bailey has the makeup of a stud pitcher and once he is able to improve his changeup, he could be close to unhittable.

Schilling...so close in bid for no-no

Don't shake off your catcher...especially Varitek.

The Red Sox 40 year-old starting pitcher Curt Schilling came within one out of his first career no-hitter Thursday, losing his bid when Shannon Stewart lined a clean single to right field in Boston's 1-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Schilling retired Mark Kotsay and Jason Kendall on grounders to shortstop for the first two outs of the ninth. Then Stewart stepped up and lined the first pitch through the hole between first and second for Oakland's only hit. Schilling said he shook off catcher Jason Varitek on that pitch, going with a fastball instead of a slider.

"We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big what if for the rest of my life."

It's not the first time a Boston pitcher shook off Varitek in the ninth inning only to see a no-hitter get broken up. Pedro Martinez did it in 2000 against Tampa Bay, giving up a single to John Flaherty on a fastball instead of the curve that Varitek called for.

Hopefully the Red Sox pitchers have learned a lesson: if you are pitching a no-no into the ninth, don't shake off Varitek.

"Hindsight is always 20-20," Varitek said. "It wasn't the first time he shook off all game. We had like a half-dozen. It doesn't really matter. He made a quality pitch."

Didn't they see Bull Durham and learn from Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh? You don't shake off the catcher when you are going good.



[Crash calls for a curve ball, Ebby shakes off the pitch twice]
Crash Davis: Hey! HEY!
[walks to meet Ebby at the mound]
Crash Davis: Why are you shaking me off?
Nuke LaLoosh: [Gets in Crash's face] I want to give him the heat and announce my presence with authority!
Crash: Announce your fucking presence with authority? This guy is a first ball, fast ball hitter!
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Well he hasn't seen my heat!
Crash: Allright meat, show him your heat.
[Walks back towards the box]
Crash: [to the batter] Fast ball comin'.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Crash Davis: Charlie, here comes the deuce. And when you speak of me, speak well.

Mechanized bull noises in background]Crash Davis: Well, he really hit the shit outta that one, didn't he?
[laughs]
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: [softly, infuriated] I held it like an egg.
Crash Davis: Yeah, and he scrambled the son of a bitch. Look at that, he hit the fucking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
[laughs]
Crash Davis: You having fun yet?
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Oh, yeah. Havin' a blast.
Crash Davis: Good.
[pause]
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: God, that sucker teed off on that like he knew I was gonna throw a fastball!
Crash Davis: He did know.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: How?
Crash Davis: I told him.

Maybe Schilling should have been wearing a garter (the rose goes in the front big guy) or breathing out of his eyelids. Still, a solid performance for Schilling, not bad for a 40 year old. Schilling would have been the third-oldest pitcher to pitch a no-hitter. Nolan Ryan did it as a 43- and 44-year old, and Cy Young was 41 when he pitched a no-hitter for the Red Sox in 1908.

MLB Player Notes

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
The A's reportedly called the Red Sox to gauge interest in Rich Harden, according to Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown. After he got hurt? No word on what the conversations entailed, but if they progressed it all, it can be assumed the A's asked about both Wily Mo Pena and top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz. A healthy Harden is about as dominant as any pitcher in baseball, but the A's wouldn't be able to get equal value for him unless he comes back this month and then blows AL hitters away for a month or so. An in-season trade is quite unlikely.
Source: Yahoo! Sports

Vernon Wells - OF - Blue Jays
Vernon Wells, out Monday with the flu, is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game. He's batting second against left-hander C.C. Sabathia. Wells will probably remain in the third spot versus righties, but usual No. 2 hitter Adam Lind has been dropped to seventh tonight.

Luis Castillo - 2B - Twins
Luis Castillo, who had been out since April 19 with a quad strain, is finally back at second base on Tuesday.

J.D. Drew - OF - Red Sox
J.D. Drew was scratched from Tuesday's lineup because of an illness. Eric Hinske will start in his place in right field.
Source: Boston.com

Frank Catalanotto - OF - Rangers
Rangers placed outfielder Frank Catalanotto on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 30, with a strained right shoulder. An MRI revealed no tears, so Catalanotto might be back in the minimum 15 days. Brad Wilkerson and Nelson Cruz are in line for more at-bats while he's out, and Victor Diaz will also get some starts in the outfield.

Ryan Shealy - 1B - Royals
The Royals reassigned Ryan Shealy to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. This was long overdue, as the first baseman was mired in a season-long, 6-for-53 slump (.113 AVG, 19 strikeouts, three walks). Ross Gload figures to get most of the playing time at first base.

Bobby Kielty - OF - Athletics
Athletics placed outfielder Bobby Kielty on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 29, with a strained left calf. Danny Putnam apparently will stick around until either Kielty or Milton Bradley comes off the disabled list. Dan Johnson could get additional starts against left-handers with Kielty sidelined.

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne (hip) played catch Monday and said afterward that he hopes to return in about a week. "It feels pretty good," Gagne said. "I've worked it pretty hard, hitting the weights and things the last couple of days. I'm just going to have to strengthen it the way I do my back."
Source: Dallas Morning News

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
General manager Brian Cashman said Monday that he's not considering placing Johnny Damon (back) on the disabled list. Damon spent Monday visiting a chiropractor in Florida and the Yankees may decide he's best off with some time to rest.
Source: New York Times

Carlos Guillen - SS - Tigers
Manager Jim Leyland said Monday that he's concerned about Carlos Guillen's sore shoulder, but added that "I think it is getting better." "I'm a little concerned about it," Leyland said. "It does feel better, and I think it is getting better, but there are certain times, he told me yesterday, that when he throws it feels like it's pinching. That concerns me a little bit, but it is getting stronger." Guillen is expected to play through the injury.
Source: Detroit Free Press

Jeremy Bonderman - SP - Tigers
Jeremy Bonderman is pitching through a blister, which had to be trimmed during Monday's start. Bonderman has altered the grip on his two-seam fastball and the blister may have led to his leaving one batter into the sixth inning of Monday's win. "I've never had it before," Bonderman said. "It doesn't affect me. I'll be fine."
Source: Detroit News

Rob Mackowiak - OF - White Sox
Despite the presence of Ryan Sweeney on the roster, manager Ozzie Guillen said Monday that Rob Mackowiak will continue to start against right-handed pitching. With Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik out, Guillen has the option of starting both Sweeney and Mackowiak. ''I believe Mackowiak can hit,'' Guillen said. ''He's not the only one not hitting. The whole ballclub isn't. Mackowiak has hit in the past, and he has good at-bats. He's always in on the play and does things, and that's why we keep playing him.''
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Julian Tavarez - SP - Red Sox
Julian Tavarez said Monday that Daisuke Matsuzaka has agreed to help him learn to throw a cut fastball, with the pair scheduled for a lesson twice per week. "I told him, 'I think you're one of the greatest pitchers I've ever seen,'" Tavarez said. "There are little things I want to learn. He's going to work with me twice a week on a cutter. That pitch has kept a lot of guys in baseball. Mike Timlin, Doug Jones. He says it's OK with him." Oh, to be a fly on the wall for those pitching lessons.
Source: Boston Globe

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Placed on the disabled list with right shoulder soreness, Jaret Wright is expected to meet with Dr. Lewis Yocum regarding potential surgical options. "We'll decide from there whether it's a serious thing," manager Sam Perlozzo said. "I think what we saw was a guy that is a tremendous competitor, and his arm wouldn't let him compete. I'm sure there was a thought in the back of his mind that, 'Maybe I can't pitch anymore.' I don't know."
Source: Washington Post

Maicer Izturis - 3B - Angels
After leaving Sunday's game in the fifth inning, Maicer Izturis (hamstring) was out of the lineup Monday. According to manager Mike Scioscia, Izturis was available to pinch-hit or play defense. With out Izturis out, Robb Quinlan got his second straight start.
Source: Orange County Register

Garret Anderson - OF - Angels
Garret Anderson (hip) sat out his third straight game Monday. Manager Mike Scioscia said that he expects Anderson back in the lineup by the end of the Angels' current four-game series with the Royals.
Source: Orange County Register

Fausto Carmona - SP - Indians
Two days removed from his near complete-game shutout, Fausto Carmona was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday. With Cliff Lee slated to come off the disabled list Thursday night vs. Toronto, Carmona was simply the odd-man out of Cleveland’s rotation. And just when he started falling into a groove, having delivered three straight quality starts in a row. Talk about bad timing. Don’t expect a long stint in the Minors.
Source: MLB.com

Roy Halladay - SP - Blue Jays
Roy Halladay was sensational on Monday against the Rangers, allowing one run on five hits with eight strikeouts in the complete-game victory. Halladay's record now sits at a perfect 4-0 to go along with a sparkling 2.28 ERA and equally impressive 0.89 WHIP. He'll take his 33/7 K/BB ratio to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for his next start.

National League

David Eckstein - SS - Cardinals
David Eckstein has been dropped to the eighth spot in the Cardinals lineup for Tuesday's game. Skip Schumaker is leading off. It's the first time in three years as a Cardinal that Eckstein has started a game outside of the leadoff spot. Eckstein is batting .226/.290/.262 in 84 at-bats so far this season. He'll go back to batting first as soon as he warms up.

Ricky Nolasco - RP - Marlins
Marlins activated RHP Ricky Nolasco from the 15-day disabled list. Nolasco will make his first start in more than three weeks tonight against the Mets.

Juan Encarnacion - OF - Cardinals
Juan Encarnacion (wrist surgery) is just 2-for-26 (.077) during his rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield. The Cardinals' plan on keeping Encarnacion on the rehab assignment for at least another week and his poor hitting shouldn't convince them to change their mind.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Chris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals
Chris Carpenter's elbow felt great after Saturday's bullpen session and he will throw a simulated game on Tuesday. "My elbow is doing good," Carpenter said. "No swelling. No nothing. ... There was no reaction." If all continues to go well, Carpenter could return to the rotation next Tuesday.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Xavier Nady - OF - Pirates
Xavier Nady felt "a little grab" in his hamstring while doing sprints on Sunday. Nady hopes to return to running on Tuesday after giving his hamstring a day off. He won't start the next two games, but remains available as a pinch-hitter.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sergio Mitre - SP - Marlins
Sergio Mitre (finger) allowed two hits over six shutout innings during a rehab start with Single-A Jupiter on Monday. Mitre didn't walk or strike out a batter in the outing. He is scheduled to return from the disabled list to start Saturday's game against the Padres.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Micah Owings - SP - Diamondbacks
Micah Owings (hamstring) threw a 45-pitch bullpen session on Monday. Owings is healthy and could be activated from the disabled list to start Thursday's game. Edgar Gonzalez is still listed as Thursday's probable starter, but that could change according to manager Bob Melvin. "We still have to iron out exactly what direction we are going in," Melvin said.
Source: East Valley Tribune

Conor Jackson - 1B - Diamondbacks
Conor Jackson (hand laceration) won't return to the starting lineup until Wednesday at the very earliest. Jackson could be used as an emergency replacement, but the team hopes to give him a few extra days to allow the cut on his finger to heal.
Source: Arizona Republic

Dave Roberts - OF - Giants
Dave Roberts didn't play in Monday's game against the Rockies because of an inflamed left elbow. Todd Linden started in his place. Roberts could be back on Tuesday.

Clint Barmes - SS - Rockies
The Rockies demoted infielder Clint Barmes to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday, and recalled infielder Omar Quintanilla to take his place. This just further solidifies Troy Tulowitzki’s job security at shortstop, as Barmes was seen as his main competition there despite going 2-for-20 (.200 AVG) in 10 games.

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez (elbow inflammation) played catch on flat ground on April 29, but still hasn't thrown a bullpen session. It marked Lopez's first action since landing on the disabled list in mid-April. The Rockies aren't counting on him returning anytime soon.
Source: MLB.com

Kazuo Matsui - 2B - Rockies
Kazuo Matsui (lower back) has started swinging the bat again, but running is still an issue. Having baserunning problems isn’t particularly good news for a player who relies on his speed. Matsui appears at least a few weeks away from returning to full strength.
Source: MLB.com

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Chris Young drilled two solo homers in Monday night’s win over the Dodgers -- Nos. 3 and 4 of the year. The buy-low window appears to be shutting fast on Young, who’s gone 5-for-9 with two homers and a swipe in the last two contests. Another few games like this and you’ll actually have to pay full price for the 20-20 season he’s likely to deliver. The rebound is real.

Felipe Lopez - SS - Nationals
Felipe Lopez struck out in all four of his at-bats against the Padres on Monday. Lopez went 3-for-23 over the final five games of April to finish the month with an underwhelming .266 batting average and .613 OPS. The lack of offense wouldn’t be so bad if he were more active on the basepaths, but Lopez has only three swipes after stealing a career-high 44 bases last year. It may be time to bench the struggling shortstop and check out the other options available on the waiver wire.

Henry Owens - RP - Marlins
Henry Owens tossed a perfect ninth inning to record the save against the Mets on Monday. Owens has settled nicely into his role as Florida's new closer with a pair of saves in as many opportunities and a nifty 2.45 ERA.

Jose Reyes - SS - Mets
Jose Reyes continued his early-season MVP campaign on Monday, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a run and a stolen base. It was just another day at the office for Reyes, who is now batting .356 with a Major League-leading 17 stolen bases.

Marcus Giles - 2B - Padres
Marcus Giles was out of the Padres lineup Monday night with a rib injury. San Diego's second baseman was hoping that a day of rest would give his bruised ribs a chance to heal. "[Padres Trainer Todd Hutcheson] said to me that if I play [on Monday], there's a good chance that the ribs would tighten up or blow out," said Giles, "and that would definitely mean the DL and maybe even 3-5 weeks. Hopefully it will be just one day and I'll be in there [on Tuesday]." Utilityman Oscar Robles started in his place and singled in four at-bats.

Bob Wickman - RP - Braves
Braves closer Bob Wickman was placed on the disabled list Monday with a sore upper back. The odds of Wickman staying healthy all season were slim, especially considering his age (38) and checkered health record. Short term, look elsewhere for saves.

Mike Gonzalez - RP - Braves
While Bob Wickman is out with what is believed to be a minor injury, the Braves will use both Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez in the closer's role. If you have the roster space, obviously, both Soriano and Gonzalez are worth snatching up. It's unclear if one of the two young fireballers will see a larger share of save opportunities. The left-handed Gonzalez has fireman experience, with 24 saves for Pittsburgh last year, while the right-handed Soriano has pitched five scoreless innings in his last five appearances.

MLB Player Notes

Monday, April 30, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Orlando Hernandez - SP - Mets
Mets placed RHP Orlando Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 25, with shoulder tightness. The Mets had to know when they were re-signing El Duque that they'd be fortunate to get 150-160 innings per year from him. Going carefully with him now with an eye towards having him close to 100 percent in October is the correct strategy. Chan Ho Park will start in his place tonight.

Xavier Nady - OF - Pirates
Xavier Nady tested his hamstring prior to Sunday's game by taking batting practice and running the bases. Nady, who struck out while pinch hitting in the game, still has no timetable for a return to the starting lineup.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Wilson Betemit - 3B - Dodgers
Wilson Betemit, who missed Saturday's game due to food poisoning, is expected to return to the starting lineup on Monday. Betemit is hitting just .133 this season. Wilson Valdez will continue to see increased playing time while Betemit struggles.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Jason Jennings (elbow) threw a bullpen session using breaking balls on Sunday. "Just trying to get command back and get the feel of it back and throwing where I want to," Jennings said. "I'll see how I feel (Monday) and Tuesday, but (Sunday) was pretty good. I can't be disappointed, I guess." Jennings could return from the disable list in a week if his rehab continues to go smoothly.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Jorge Julio (calf strain) gave up three unearned runs on six hits during a three inning rehab start with Single-A Jupiter on Sunday. Julio had four strikeouts and did not walk a batter. The former closer is able to be activated from the disabled list on Thursday.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sergio Mitre - SP - Marlins
Sergio Mitre (finger) will make his second rehab appearance with Single-A Jupiter on Monday. Mitre is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday or Sunday's game. Lee Gardner or Wes Obermueller will be returned to the minors when Mitre is activated.
Source: Miami Herald

Kaz Matsui - 2B - Rockies
Kaz Matsui (lower-back) has started to play catch and swing a bat, but hasn't resumed running yet. The Rockies are being very careful with Matsui's rehab program. He won't begin a minor league rehab assignment for another week at the earliest.
Source: Denver Post

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez threw Sunday for the first time since feeling tightness in his right elbow. Lopez threw lightly from a distance of 50 feet. He is still a few weeks away from pitching in a game situation.
Source: Denver Post

Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Reds
Ken Griffey Jr. (pleurisy) was feeling much better Sunday and should return to the starting lineup on Tuesday. "He looks better," manager Jerry Narron said. "He's talking, laughing. The other day he hurt so bad he couldn't talk or laugh. Hopefully, he'll be 100 percent by Tuesday." Griffey hasn't played since waking up with chest pains on Thursday morning.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Angel Guzman - RP - Cubs
Angel Guzman, who was penciled in to start for the Cubs on May 1, will start for Triple-A Iowa instead. The Cubs didn't need their fifth starter due to the postponement of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Guzman is expected to be recalled to start Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Troy Tulowitzki - SS - Rockies
Troy Tulowitzki turned the 13th unassisted triple play in the game's history on Sunday. With Kelly Johnson and Edgar Renteria running from first and second on a 3-2 pitch, Tulowitzki caught a liner by Chipper Jones behind the second base bag. Tulo stepped on second base to double off Johnson, then tagged Renteria for the third out of the inning. Tulo was unsure if he had completed the play properly, so he went back to touch second again and then threw to first even though the inning was already over.

Matt Diaz - OF - Braves
The Braves' trade of Ryan Langerhans to Oakland appears to make Matt Diaz the club's primary left fielder. For now. If Diaz doesn't start hitting .300 with decent power, it shouldn't be too difficult for the team to upgrade in a trade. Craig Wilson and Willie Harris also figure to see some time in left field.

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson, making his second start since coming off the disabled list due to a back injury, gave up three runs -- two earned -- in six innings against the Giants on Sunday. Johnson struck out five and walked just one, but gave up six singles and a homer to account for the three runs. Although he didn't factor into the decision, it was an encouraging outing for Johnson. He has a tough matchup against the Mets later in the week, but NL-only leaguers will have to stick with him.

Marcus Giles - 2B - Padres
Marcus Giles left Sunday's game in the ninth inning with a bruised left rib cage. Giles was hurt trying to break up a double play. He should be day-to-day. Geoff Blum could start in his place on Monday.

Bob Wickman - RP - Braves
Bob Wickman blew a save against the Rockies on Sunday after giving up two runs while retiring just two batters in the bottom of the ninth. Wickman entered a 9-7 game and promptly walked three of the first four batters he faced. An infield single and a groundout scored two runs to tie the game, and Wickman was pulled after hitting Chris Iannetta to load the bases. Luckily for Wickman, Tyler Yates retired Clint Barmes to send the game into extra innings. Wickman blew a save two outings ago and then gave up three runs in a non-save situation on Friday, but unless he's hurt, he's still going to get the next save opportunity the Braves generate. Should he continue to struggle or require some time off, Mike Gonzalez would likely step in.

Chipper Jones - 3B - Braves
Chipper Jones extended his hitting streak to nine games Sunday with a single in six at-bats. Jones is playing through tightness in his quadriceps muscle, but that hasn't slowed him offensively, having gone 14-for-41 (.341 AVG) over the past nine games.

Hunter Pence - OF - Astros
Making his second consecutive start, Hunter Pence went 2-for-4. Pence is quickly proving that he belongs by smacking three hits in his first two games (.429 AVG). He should be picked up in all formats as he looks to replace Houston's Opening Day center fielder -- Chris Burke -- who is homerless and batting just .255 for the season.

John Maine - SP - Mets
John Maine improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season in a win against the Nationals on Sunday. He gave up three hits and three walks while striking out eight in seven shutout innings. Maine has been brilliant this season as he sports a sparkling 1.35 ERA to go with 1.05 WHIP and a 30/17 K/BB ratio. He'll look for win No. 5 in cozy Chase Field against the Diamondbacks in his next start.

American League

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne (hip) is expected to start a throwing program Monday. Gagne is reportedly no longer having pain in his hip and hopes to return from the disabled list when he's eligible on May 8.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Frank Catalanotto - OF - Rangers
Frank Catalanotto left Sunday's game in the fifth inning after feeling a "tearing sensation" in his shoulder while making a throw from left field. "I felt the tearing sensation and then it felt kind of hot, like it was burning," Catalanotto said. "It felt a little like it did when I ended up having surgery on my shoulder 10 years ago." Catalanotto had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in 1997, but it's possible what he felt was merely scar tissue tearing. He's expected to undergo an MRI Tuesday.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Jorge Cantu - 1B - Devil Rays
Jorge Cantu made his first career appearance at first base Sunday. The key for Cantu getting significant playing time will be hitting well and learning to handle first base defensively, because the odds are against him seeing time at second base or third base. "I'm ready," Cantu said. "I've been playing there down in Durham and I'm ready to do the job."
Source: Tampa Tribune

Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
According to the Seattle Times, Felix Hernandez (forearm) is "penciled in" to start Friday against the Yankees. The Mariners may still decide to give Cha Seung Baek the start Friday and push Hernandez back to Saturday, which would involve bumping Jeff Weaver from the rotation.
Source: Seattle Times

Nick Swisher - 1B - Athletics
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Nick Swisher (hamstring) has "an outside shot" of returning to the lineup Tuesday. Swisher did some light running Sunday, but the newspaper suggests that a return "Friday at Tampa Bay might be more realistic."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Bobby Kielty - OF - Athletics
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Bobby Kielty's strained calf may require a trip to the disabled list. The injury reportedly may be related to the knee surgery Kielty underwent during spring training. He remained on the active roster Sunday, but a move could be coming early this week.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Jeff Karstens - SP - Yankees
Manager Joe Torre said Sunday that he expects Jeff Karstens (fibula) to miss at least 6-8 weeks. After pitching well in relief of Karstens Saturday, Kei Igawa will be moved back into the rotation in his place. Assuming the Yankees' pitching staff gets reasonably healthy at some point, they may not need Karstens as a starter once he does return in a couple months.
Source: New York Times

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
The Angels are expected to activate IF/OF Chone Figgins (fingers) from the disabled list Monday. Figgins will join the team in time for Monday night's game in Kansas City and is expected to take over starting duties at third base. Brandon Wood was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for Figgins on the roster.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Ryan Langerhans - OF - Athletics
Athletics acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Braves for a player to be named or cash considerations. It's odd that the Braves would just give up their primary left fielder for nothing, even if Langerhans was hitting .068 in 44 at-bats. The A's get themselves a fine fourth outfielder capable of playing an above average center field. It's not going to make a lot of sense to use him regularly if Nick Swisher can return this week, but he is decent insurance.

Scott Kazmir - SP - Devil Rays
Scott Kazmir struck out a season-low one batter but still held the Athletics to two runs in seven innings to pick up his second win of the season. Both runs scored when Kazmir gave up back-to-back homers to Mark Ellis and Eric Chavez in the first. The only other trouble the left-hander got into was in the fifth, when he loaded the bases with two outs before retiring Ellis to end the rally. Kazmir will face the Athletics again on Saturday.

Johnny Damon - OF - Yankees
Johnny Damon, who finished April with a .229 average, is going to see a doctor Monday about his bad back. Now that Hideki Matsui is back, maybe it's for the best that Damon rest his back for a week or two. He's a lot more help to the Yankees when he's 100 percent than he is when he's 80. Melky Cabrera could take over in center field. While there's no certainty that Damon will miss time, mixed leaguers may want to sit him for the week.

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
One day after coming off the disabled list, Jaret Wright was placed back on the DL Monday with a recurrence of right shoulder soreness. This has the looks of becoming a long-term problem, so don’t rely on Wright contributing anytime soon. Jaret Wright felt soreness in his troublesome shoulder during his outing Sunday and could be on his way back to the DL. "It doesn't feel too good," Wright said. "I tried to get through it. It hurts, basically. It felt bad and kept getting worse. We'll give it 24 hours and come up with a plan." The Orioles don't lose much with Wright gone. What hurts them is trying to use him when he's less than 100 percent. Jeremy Guthrie could be called on to make several starts in his place.

Rocco Baldelli - OF - Devil Rays
Rocco Baldelli, who left Thursday's game with a swollen knee after running into the outfield wall, returned to the lineup Sunday and went 2-for-5 with a solo homer. The club wasn't expecting Baldelli to be ready for the weekend series initially, but he recovered quickly and is fine to activate for this week's games.

Jose Guillen - OF - Mariners
Jose Guillen ended April batting just .239 with two homers and five RBIs. Fielding aside, the mediocre combination of a .292 on-base percentage and .373 slugging percentage won’t cut it as an everyday right fielder. More inconsistent offense could mean less playing time for Guillen, who’s swatted just five extra-base hits.

Al Reyes - RP - Devil Rays
Al Reyes pitched a perfect ninth inning as he recorded his ninth save on Sunday against the A's. Reyes has been surprisingly impressive in the closer role for the Devil Rays, sporting a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings of work. He is tied with Joe Borowski for the American League lead in saves.

Brandon McCarthy - SP - Rangers
Brandon McCarthy struggled with his command again on Sunday against Toronto, issuing four walks in three innings while giving up five runs on six hits. A forgetful season so far for the White Sox farmhand who fell to 1-4 and now sports a 9.90 ERA. Look for him to head back to the bullpen after he pitched two innings of scoreless relief on April 25 against the Indians.

Joe Torre - Manager - Yankees
Yankees manager Joe Torre won't lose his job anytime soon, owner George Steinbrenner revealed in a statement Monday. "The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans," the statement read. "However, Brian Cashman our general manager, Joe Torre our manager and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly. I believe in them. I am here to support them in any way to help them accomplish this turnaround. It is time to put excuses and talk away. It is time to see if people are ready to step up and accept their responsibilities. It is time for all of them to show me and the fans what they are made of. Let’s get going. Let’s go out and win and bring a world championship back to New York. That’s what I want."

MLB Player Notes

Saturday, April 21, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Brian N. Anderson - OF - White Sox
Brian Anderson will make his third start of the season on Saturday against the Tigers and lefty Nate Robertson. Anderson, who was left on the bench in favor of Rob Mackowiak on Friday, needs to have a big game to impress manager Ozzie Guillen.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Jon Lester - SP - Red Sox
Jon Lester (cancer) allowed three runs on six hits, including two home runs, in five innings during a rehab start at Single-A Greensville on Friday night. Lester struck out five in the outing. He will meet with the Red Sox medical staff on Saturday and then make a final rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday. He is expected to be optioned to Pawtucket after Wednesday's start until the Red Sox need him to join their rotation.
Source: Boston Globe

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) was able to take batting practice on Friday, but he will remain on the disabled list until at least early next week. The Orioles are looking into sending Hernandez on a minor league rehab assignment at the beginning of next week. If they decide to have him play in the minors he likely won't return from the DL until Wednesday or Thursday.
Source: Baltimore Sun

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Jaret Wright (shoulder) played a pain-free game of catch on Friday. Wright is scheduled to be activated from the disabled list and start on April 29 at Cleveland.
Source: Washington Post

Vladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels
Vladimir Guerrero picked up right where he left off Friday, going 3-for-5 with a homer in the win over the Mariners. Guerrero missed two games with a bruised right hand sustained Monday against the Red Sox. He's hitting .388 with four homers and 13 RBI in 14 games.

Casey Kotchman - 1B - Angels
Casey Kotchman collected three hits, including a double, in four at-bats Friday against the Mariners. Kotchman was in a 2-for-26 slump that lowered his average from .400 to .235. The Angels have the alternative now of going to Kendry Morales at first base in the event of another slump from Kotchman. However, the team should be rooting for Kotchman, the superior defender, to hang on to the job.

Brandon McCarthy - SP - Rangers
Brandon McCarthy lasted just over one inning, the shortest start of his big-league career, as he lost again on Friday. McCarthy is really scuffling now, and he blamed his mechanics for tonight's debacle. While the gopher ball wasn't his undoing Friday, McCarthy was simply bad -- as in six hits, four runs and two walks bad. With an ERA that's now 10.20, it will be interesting to see how patient the Rangers, losers of five of six, will be with the youngster. He still figures to have some value in AL-only leagues this year.

Mariano Rivera - RP - Yankees
After entering with a four-run lead and two on in the eighth, Mariano Rivera was charged with his second blown save and second loss of the season Friday against the Red Sox. It's time for the annual "what's wrong with Mariano?" columns. Usually, we wouldn't worry at all about a couple of early blown saves from the future Hall of Famer. However, he couldn't spot his pitches while blowing a two-run lead on Sunday and he just didn't seem to have any movement on his cutter Friday night. There was nothing in his body language to suggest he was pitching hurt, but maybe the elbow is bothering him a little. If not -- if he's healthy -- then he'll go back to being the usual Mariano within a week or two.

Coco Crisp - OF - Red Sox
Coco Crisp continued his recent resurgence, delivering a two-run triple to tie the game in the eighth before scoring the go-ahead run as Boston rallied to stun the Yanks 7-6 on Friday. Boston roared back from 6-2 down with a five-run eighth before Hideki Okajima nailed down his first MLB save. Crisp was scuffling badly to start the year, but he really began showing signs of life in Toronto when manager Terry Francona decided to shift him up in the batting order. Back in his eighth spot Friday, it was great to see him keep hitting, lashing two hits to inch closer to the Mendoza Line. Crisp also ensured lots of blooper reel time for flipping right over the bullpen wall on A-Rod's second long ball.

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Hideki Matsui (hamstring) played left field and went 1-for-3 Friday in his first game for Single-A Tampa. Matsui will again play for Tampa on Saturday. Barring a setback, he'll be activated from the DL when eligible on Monday.

Andy Pettitte - SP - Yankees
Andy Pettitte was foiled in his efforts to bag a win Friday despite a solid outing in which he gave up just two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte scattered eight hits, one of which was a homer, and walked two, fanning three in seeing his ERA rise to 1.85. The bullpen, including Mike Myers, Luis Vizcaino and Mariano Rivera, allowed the game to slip away. All told, Pettitte tossed 100 pitches, 64 of which were strikes, in his third straight quality start.

A.J. Burnett - SP - Blue Jays
A.J. Burnett pitched seven effective innings on Friday in a no-decision against the O's. In his longest outing of the year, Burnett gave up only three hits and two runs, but he battled control problems with five walks, fanning just two. Still, he pitched well enough to win, entrusting the beleaguered Jay bullpen with a 4-2 lead which they promptly let slip away. Shaun Marcum was again at the center of the meltdown and Casey Janssen helped deny Burnett his win. The Jays are desperately missing B.J. Ryan and will need to make a deal soon if the situation doesn't turn around.

Rondell White - OF - Twins
Rondell White, on the DL with a strained right calf, wasn't activated when eligible Friday. "He's still having some issues," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's a little frustrated right now. Just have to continue working. It will be a few more days for him."

Jason Kendall - C - Athletics
A's manager Bob Geren said he was leaning toward resting Jason Kendall and starting Adam Melhuse on Saturday. It'd be Kendall's second day off of the season.

Jorge Posada - C - Yankees
Jorge Posada left Friday's game against the Red Sox because of a bruised left thumb. Posada was hurt catching an Andy Pettitte pitch. The Yankees took him in for precautionary X-rays, which came back negative. If Posada can't go Saturday' Wil Nieves will start in his place.

Torii Hunter - OF - Twins
The Twins had Torii Hunter back in center field for Friday's game. Hunter missed two contests due to a bruised left shoulder.

Brad Wilkerson - OF - Rangers
Brad Wilkerson was scratched from Friday's lineup after his sore knee locked up on him during batting practice. Wilkerson was expected to start over Nelson Cruz, but Cruz replaced him in the lineup. Wilkerson might be back on Saturday.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Milton Bradley started in center field on Friday after missing 10 days with a strained hamstring. He batted fifth instead of his usual third. Eric Chavez replaced him in the third spot against the Rangers.

Vernon Wells - OF - Blue Jays
Vernon Wells, who is 1-for-19 in his career against Daniel Cabrera, got a routine day off Friday. Matt Stairs started in the outfield with Wells sitting. Wells entered the lineup later in the game and went 1-2 with an RBI.
Source: Toronto Globe

Jay Payton - OF - Orioles
Orioles activated outfielder Jay Payton from the 15-day disabled list. Payton and Kevin Millar will share time against right-handers for now, with both playing against southpaws. Both are minor assets in AL-only leagues.

Luis Castillo - 2B - Twins
Manager Ron Gardenhire said Thursday that Luis Castillo (quadriceps) is "day-to-day." Castillo left Thursday's game after aggravating a quadriceps injury while running out a double. "He told me before the game he was fine. He was going to get three hits," Gardenhire said. "You saw when he hit the ball and tried to stretch out, he hurt himself, so we'll just go day-to-day with a quad." Alexi Casilla will likely fill in at second base for as long as Castillo is out.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

John Buck - C - Royals
Despite a .440 batting average, manager Buddy Bell said Thursday that he'll continue to platoon John Buck with Jason LaRue. Buck has appeared in eight of the Royals' first 15 games and LaRue is hitting just .154. "Their primary job is the way they handle pitchers," Bell said. "Both of them are doing a good job there. That’s my first consideration. Some guys really like throwing to Jason, and some guys really like throwing to John."
Source: Kansas City Star

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
Right-hander Rich Harden (shoulder stiffness) played catch in the outfield before Friday's game but remained non-committal about making a side session in the bullpen Saturday. Harden might not be activated on April 24 as expected. "So far, it felt all right," Harden said. "We'll see how it feels [Saturday]. I'm not sure. We'll just see how it feels then." Stay tuned for an update.
Source: MLB.com

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
Bartolo Colon (rotator cuff) will make his season debut Saturday against the Mariners. This will be Colon's first start since July of last season. Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels ace can "easily throw 100 pitches if need be."
Source: MLB.com

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
The White Sox have no timetable for Scott Podsednik's return from a right thigh strain. Podsednik owners might want to begin exploring other sources of speed. "We can't do any updates until he starts running," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's doing none of that right now."
Source: MLB.com

Chien-Ming Wang - SP - Yankees
Chien-Ming Wang (right hamstring pull) allowed three earned runs, five hits and one walk with four strike outs in five innings in his last rehab start for Triple-A Tampa Thursday. Wang is expected to rejoin the Yankees as early as this weekend for their series against Boston.
Source: MLB.com

National League

Woody Williams - SP - Astros
Woody Williams is receiving treatment for a severe bruise he on his right shin. "I don't know how far it's going to linger, but I got smoked pretty good," Williams said. "Hopefully I'll have no problem going in my next start." Williams was hit on the shin by a Brandon Phillips line drive during Thursday's game.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Jason Jennings (elbow) is expected to throw Saturday for the first time since going on the disabled list on April 9. "It feels good right now," Jennings said. "Obviously it's not a true test, but I'm optimistic." Jennings hopes that the tendinitis is gone after resting his arm for 10 days and a cortisone injection.
Source: Houston Chronicle

Ricky Nolasco - RP - Marlins
Ricky Nolasco (elbow) says he "felt great" after throwing batting practice on Friday. Nolasco is available to come of the disabled list on Sunday, but he will need to make one or two minor league rehab starts before the Marlins will activate him.
Source: Miami Herald

Alfonso Soriano - OF - Cubs
Alfonso Soriano (hamstring) said he felt around 90 percent after running in the outfield prior to Friday's game. ''He's going to run again [Saturday]," said manager Lou Pinella. "The outcome of that will determine when we get him back. The trainer said possibly Sunday or Monday. We could use him to pinch-hit. But it's a risky thing. We'd probably stay away from it if we can.''
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Shawn Hill - SP - Nationals
Shawn Hill strained his shoulder while diving back into third base during a rundown on Friday. "It was stupid on my part, period," Hill said. "I don't know what exactly is wrong with it. "It's tender right now." Hill is questionable for his next start.
Source: Washington Post

Mike Jacobs - 1B - Marlins
Mike Jacobs suffered a bruised right thumb in the 14th inning of Friday's game against the Nationals. Jacobs was hurt trying to handle Chris Snelling's go-ahead single. X-rays were negative, and he said he expects to play Saturday.

Randy Wolf - SP - Dodgers
Randy Wolf fanned 10 while allowing one run in six innings Friday in a victory over the Pirates. Wolf has gone exactly six innings in all four of his starts. The last three have all been quality starts and each has resulted in a win, leaving him 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA. He could be a sell-high candidate if he keeps this up for another month or so, but he should have value in NL-only leagues all season long.

Tony Armas Jr. - SP - Pirates
Tony Armas Jr. was torched for eight runs in 2 2/3 innings by the Dodgers on Friday. Armas hadn't pitched in 12 days after having his start last weekend rained out, so it's not surprising he wasn't sharp. Still, the Pirates had to hoping for a little more than this. He has an 18.90 ERA in two starts, and he should be in danger of being replaced by Shawn Chacon if he's not a whole lot better next time out. Chacon is the superior pitcher anyway.

Stephen Drew - SS - Diamondbacks
Stephen Drew went 1-for-5 Friday in his first game out of the leadoff spot this season. The slumping Drew hit second, with Eric Byrnes occupying the leadoff spot. Drew will likely be dropped to sixth or seventh in the order if he doesn't pick it up soon.

Juan Pierre - OF - Dodgers
Juan Pierre had three hits, two steals and three runs scored Friday versus the Pirates. Pierre has had five straight multihit games, raising his average from .180 to .278. He's 7-for-10 on the basepaths so far.

Micah Owings - SP - Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks placed RHP Micah Owings on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Yusmeiro Petit is expected to be called up to start in Owings' place on Sunday. With Randy Johnson set to return next week, Owings might not have a rotation spot once he's ready to return.

Tim Hudson - SP - Braves
Tim Hudson hurled eight shutout innings at the Mets Friday, leading Atlanta to an 8-3 win over New York. Dominating the Marlins and Nats was one thing, but Hudson cooled off a Mets team that had piled up 28 runs over its last three games. This is clearly no fluke anymore -- the Hudson the Braves thought they were getting in 2005 has definitely arrived. After scattering five hits and two walks in moving to 3-0, Hudson has given up a measly two runs in 29 innings this season. Is it too early to talk about Comeback Players of the Year?

Chad Cordero - RP - Nationals
Chad Cordero was charged with a second straight blown save after giving up a solo homer in the ninth Friday against the Marlins. The good news for the Nationals is that the club has won both games. Still, it's very disappointing for his fantasy owners, if for no other reason than that the Nats will be lucky to generate more than 30 save chances all year.

Scott Olsen - SP - Marlins
Scott Olsen was removed after giving up five runs in five innings Friday in a no-decision against the Nationals. Olsen won his first two starts, but because he's struggled to throw strikes all along, he still hasn't lasted six innings in any of his outings. He's pitching far under his potential, and the Marlins need more with three starting pitchers currently on the disabled list.

Chipper Jones - 3B - Braves
Chipper Jones crushed his fifth home run in nine games Friday to help stake the Braves to an early lead as they regained first place in the NL East. Jones smoked a two-run jack in the first and wound up scoring three runs on the night. He just seems to love playing the Mets -- that's 37 career homers in 167 games against them. Jones has now driven in 10 runs and will be extremely valuable as long as he avoids the DL.

David Wright - 3B - Mets
David Wright went 0-for-3 Friday, snapping his club-record hitting streak at 26 games. The streak dates back to last season, so Hubie Brooks and Mike Piazza still share the one-season Mets mark of 24 games. Wright has dropped to .310, but he did draw a walk, so he has still gotten on base in every game this year.

Jon Lieber - RP - Phillies
Jon Lieber allowed one hit over 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Reds in his first start of the year Friday. Lieber will get the Nationals next, so he'll definitely be worth using in NL-only leagues then. He probably won't have a lot of long-term value, though his respectable WHIP will help balance out an ERA that's likely to climb over 4.00.

Tom Gordon - RP - Phillies
Tom Gordon surrendered a two-out home run in the bottom of the ninth to Scott Hatteberg before giving up the game-winning single in the 10th inning Friday. Jon Lieber, who pitched extremely well in his return to the Philadelphia rotation, was denied the win because of Gordon, who could suddenly be on thin ice with Brett Myers in the Philadelphia pen. The Phillies can't keep Myers in a setup role forever, so he'll probably either go back to the rotation or close eventually. Flash blew his first save chance of the year, but had recorded three straight going into tonight. He's likely to be effective when healthy, but with the Phillies still trying to shake things up, he can't afford any additional missteps.

Paul Lo Duca - C - Mets
Paul Lo Duca was back in the lineup for Friday's game after resting his sore hand on Thursday. He's batted second versus the Braves.

Scott Rolen - 3B - Cardinals
Scott Rolen returned to action on Friday and went 0-for-4 against the Cubs. Rolen, who missed two games with food poisoning, is now batting just .196.

Miguel Cabrera - 3B - Marlins
Miguel Cabrera felt ready to play Friday, but manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to rest him for a day. Cabrera left Thursday's game with a mild oblique strain. He'll likely be back at third base on Saturday.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sergio Mitre - SP - Marlins
Marlins placed RHP Sergio Mitre on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 18, with blister on right middle finger. Scott Tyler was called up to replace him, but the Marlins will likely bring in someone else when they need to replace Mitre on Sunday. Veterans Wes Obermueller and Chris George are candidates, as is top prospect Gaby Hernandez.

Juan Encarnacion - OF - Cardinals
Juan Encarnacion homered Wednesday as a designated hitter in an extended spring game. Encarnacion should begin a rehab assignment next week. Considering that he didn't see any action this spring, he might require a couple of weeks down on the farm regaining his swing.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Aaron Harang - SP - Reds
Aaron Harang said he didn't tweak his back during Wednesday's start. Instead, he was just fatigued. "I was just tired from throwing so many pitches in the fourth and fifth innings," he said. "I thought it would be best (that I come out). The bullpen had been so good." Harang could be hurting and choosing not to talk about it, but he can be counted on to make his next start.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Rowand - OF - Phillies
Aaron Rowand says his surgically repaired ankle has been giving him issues lately. "When the weather was halfway decent, the last couple innings it would start hurting," Rowand said. "All this week, since the rainouts, it's been miserable." Rowand, who has two screws in the ankle from last year's fracture, says he doesn't think it affect his swing or speed.
Source: Philadelphia Daily News

Mark Prior - SP - Cubs
After visiting orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday, Mark Prior (shoulder) is still waiting to visit Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion. While Prior waits to get an opinion from Dr. Andrews he isn't throwing and the arm strength and stamina he built up during spring training is going away. "I don't know [if he has lost] all of it, but it goes backward a little bit," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "You can't pick up where you left off because he has had a couple of weeks off now. So we'll see."
Source: Chicago Tribune

Kerry Wood - RP - Cubs
Kerry Wood (shoulder) hasn't resumed throwing and there is not a timetable for when he will begin. "He has had some good days with the rehab, and we'll just see where it goes," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) had another productive bullpen session on Thursday. Cormier will begin a minor league rehab assignment by pitching for the Rome Braves on Sunday. If that outing goes well he will make two or three starts for the Richmond Braves before being activated from the disabled list.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chris Iannetta - C - Rockies
Rockies rookie catcher Chris Iannetta (0 HR, .107 AVG) was benched again Friday night in favor of Yorvit Torrealba (.300 AVG). Call it the curse of Ben Petrick. The highly-touted Iannetta has started only three of the past eight games after being named the Opening Day starter. Though the 24-year-old backstop is the likely long-term solution, expect manager Clint Hurdle to go with the hot bat, as the struggling Rockies (7-10) look to turn things around.
Source: MLB.com

Adam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates
Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche went 0-for-3 Friday night with three strikeouts, lowering his season average to .100. The 28-year-old has really been struggling to make contact this year, providing his owners with a disappointing 9/20 K/BB ratio to go along with his miserable production (two home runs, five RBIs). However, as long as Jason Bay continues to bat behind him, expect the former Brave to turn things around.
Source: MLB.com

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B - Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff was replaced in the lineup at third base by Russell Branyan Friday for the second game in a row. After tearing up the Minor Leagues, Kouzmanoff has struggled in the bigs. The former Indians prospect is hitting .146 with one home run and three RBIs in 41 at-bats. Manager Bud Black said Kouzmanoff hasn't been benched, but at this pace, the rookie is well on his way to losing his starting third-base gig.
Source: MLB.com

Edwin Encarnaction - 3B - Reds
Edwin Encarnacion went 0-for-4 Friday night against the Phillies, dropping his batting average to a paltry .154 on the season. In the midst of a 1-for-32 deep slump, Encarnacion is in danger of losing more playing time to Ryan Freel, who started in place of the cold 23-year-old on back-to-back days from April 17-18.

Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Reds
Right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. missed his second consecutive game on Friday because of an undisclosed illness. Griffey remains homerless in 50 at-bats, so hopefully the time off will help rejuvenate his powerless bat.

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez hit his fourth home run of the season -- a three-run shot -- in the first inning of Friday night's game at Colorado. Gonzalez has a whopping .642 average (9-for-14), two home runs and 10 RBIs with runners in scoring position so far this season.

Josh Johnson - SP - Marlins
Josh Johnson (biceps nerve) threw long toss before Friday's game. On the 15-day disabled list since Opening Day, the 6-foot-7 right-hander aims to throw off the mound on May 1. The earliest Johnson is expected to be ready to join the Marlins is June 1.
Source: MLB.com

Ryan Howard - 1B - Phillies
For the second game in a row, Ryan Howard was out of the starting lineup on Friday with a sprained left knee. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Howard would be available to pinch-hit Friday and play at some point over the weekend. "If he feels like he could stay in and we get in a spot where I had to use him at first base," Manuel said, "I wouldn't be afraid to use him." Howard’s status remains day-to-day.
Source: MLB.com

Jimmy Rollins - SS - Phillies
Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday’s win over the Nationals. Rollins has drawn plenty of attention for his early season power outburst (6 HR), but he’s also gone for multiple hits in five of his last six games to boost his batting average to .302. He hasn’t been particularly active on the basepaths yet (1 SB), but owners shouldn’t worry too much about that, as it’s not like his speed disappeared overnight. Before long, the 28-year-old shortstop will revert back to normal by running more and showcasing a little less power. Chase Utley (2B) Apr 20 2007, 10:15 am ET Bio | News Archive

Chase Utley - 2B - Phillies
Chase Utley's performance (.224 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBIs, 0 SB) has been disappointing so far, but he’s showing signs of life with seven doubles, tying him for the NL lead. Have faith, owners, as fantasy’s top-ranked second baseman will eventually get into a groove and remind you of why you invested a high pick in him.

John Patterson - SP - Nationals
Patterson is struggling right now (0-3, 7.00 ERA, 8/14 K/BB ratio in 18 IP), but it’s mainly because he’s still trying to build up arm strength after last summer’s forearm surgery. He’s likely to get knocked around for a little while, and as a result, he’s really not worth holding onto in any format. Owners will want to keep posted to his progress, however, as a healthy Patterson has the ability to shut down opposing lineups while ringing up a lot of strikeouts. After a few more weeks, we could see the ace version of Patterson start to resurface.

A-Rod continues hot start

Alex Rodriguez continued his ridiculously torrid play, smashing another pair (Nos. 11 & 12) of long balls among a three-hit, three-run, four-RBI night on Friday.

A-Rod's blasts tie him with Mike Schmidt as the fastest to reach a dozen. Schmidt also hit 12 in the first 15 games back in 1976. Rodriguez is simply unconscious right now. He has hit in all 15 games this year, and 20 straight dating back to last year. Even his outs are long, as he flied to the warning track in his first at-bat. With 476 career dingers, Rodriguez has moved into the Top 25 of all time, passing Willie Stargell and Stan Musial on Friday. In addition to pacing the majors in long balls, A-Rod also tops baseball with 30 RBI and 65 total bases.

It will be interesting to see if he can keep up the pace because he has the talent to do so. We are not talking about Chris Shelton (remember his hot April last year?). Can he reach 70 plus homers this year? Stay tuned.

MLB Player Notes

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

American League

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Victor Martinez is in the starting lineup Tuesday for the first time in 12 days. Martinez, recovered from a strained left quad, is doing the catching against the Yankees tonight.

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Angels activated RHP Jered Weaver from 15-day disabled list. Weaver will make his season debut against the A's tonight.

Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox
White Sox placed outfielder Scott Podsednik on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, with a pulled groin muscle. We're guessing this is related to his offseason hernia surgery. Podsednik was off to a nice start at the plate, hitting .303/.378/.455. Still, the White Sox don't lose much by giving more at-bats to Rob Mackowiak and Brian Anderson against right-handers. Pablo Ozuna will likely continue to play against lefties.

Rich Harden - SP - Athletics
Rich Harden (shoulder) said Monday that he's "pretty sure" he'll make his scheduled start Saturday against the Rangers. Harden was pulled from Sunday's game after experiencing right shoulder tightness, but said Monday that he "feel[s] good about it."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Dan Johnson - 1B - Athletics
Dan Johnson (hip) homered Monday in an extended spring training game. He's expected to be re-evaluated at the end of the week and could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon after that.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Jeff Karstens - SP - Yankees
Jeff Karstens (elbow) threw four shutout innings in a minor league rehab start Monday at Single-A. The Yankees have an opening in the rotation Saturday against the Red Sox and Karstens may get the call.
Source: New York Times

Cliff Lee - SP - Indians
Cliff Lee (abdomen) threw three innings Monday in an extended spring training game. Assistant general manager Chris Antonetti said afterward that Lee "felt fine." The Indians have said previously that Lee's return won't be considered until he's able to throw at least five innings.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Andy Marte - 3B - Indians
Hitting coach Derek Shelton said Monday that Andy Marte is "progressing" at the plate despite a .179 batting average. Marte has hit just .201 in 249 career at-bats dating back to 2005 and has struggled defensively, but doesn't appear to be in danger of losing his starting spot. "I look at smaller stuff, such as how he takes pitches, and I'm seeing good signs," Shelton said. "He's putting the work in. He's going to be fine."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
The Angels will have Bartolo Colon (shoulder) come off the DL and start Saturday against the Mariners. Colon was to pitch Friday before Sunday's game was rained out. Since he'll be facing the Mariners, he should probably be activated right away in AL-only leagues.

Troy Glaus - 3B - Blue Jays
Blue Jays placed third baseman Troy Glaus on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 13, with a bone spur in his left heel. Glaus doesn't want to have surgery to take care of the problem. Two weeks off should do him a fair amount of good, but it probably won't make him 100 percent. Jason Smith, John McDonald and Ryan Roberts can fill in at third base.

Zack Greinke - SP - Royals
Zack Greinke was pulled from Monday's game in the first inning after giving up a grand slam and walking three Tigers. Greinke was more just missing than all over the place, but since he was up to 49 pitches and still not out of the inning, manager Buddy Bell decided to remove him. The 23-year-old was pitching for the first time since his grandparents died last week. No one is going to hold this one against him.

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) took part in a soft toss session Monday and will take batting practice Tuesday. The Orioles are hoping to get Hernandez back on Wednesday.

B.J. Ryan - RP - Blue Jays
The Blue Jays expect B.J. Ryan to miss 4-6 weeks due to a strained ligament in his left elbow. Ryan avoids Tommy John surgery for now, but that still may be a possibility if he doesn't recover as hoped. Jason Frasor is set to occupy the closer's role in his absence. Shaun Marcum and Victor Zambrano are the fallbacks.
Source: ESPN.com

Nick Punto - 3B - Twins
The MRI on Nick Punto's ankle showed only a sprain. He's expected to avoid the disabled list. The Twins hope that Punto will be able to return within the next few days. Luis Rodriguez could get a couple of more starts in his place.

Reed Johnson - OF - Blue Jays
Reed Johnson will undergo surgery for a herniated disc in his back and isn't expected to return before July. Back surgery can be tricky, so Johnson can't be counted on to show up at full strength after the All-Star break. Fortunately, the Jays have Adam Lind to cover for him in left field and should be fine there. However, now the only backup they have for the outfield, first base and DH is Matt Stairs. They'll want to add some depth, even if it's just a quad-A player. Alex Rios is likely to remain in the leadoff spot until Johnson returns, giving him some additional value.

Vladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels
X-rays on Vladimir Guerrero's right hand were negative. He's day-to-day with a soft tissue contusion. The Angels' season is saved. Reggie Willits will fill in if Guerrero needs to miss a few days after getting hit by a Josh Beckett pitch in the first inning of Monday's game.

Nelson Cruz - OF - Rangers
According to the Dallas Morning News, manager Ron Washington wants Nelson Cruz playing more often. Cruz has lost playing time to both Sammy Sosa and Brad Wilkerson early, but has impressed in whatever at-bats he's been given. Expect Sosa's at-bats to diminish.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Manager Bob Geren said Sunday that Milton Bradley (hamstring) may need a trip to the disabled list. "It gets to the point where you have to think about putting him on the disabled list," Geren said. "Our target date is Tuesday. If he's not ready, we'll have to make a decision."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Hideki Matsui - OF - Yankees
Hideki Matsui (hamstring) took fly balls prior to Sunday's game. Matsui is expected to return to the Yankees when he's eligible to come off the disabled list next Monday. "My guess is that he will be activated on the day he is scheduled to be activated," manager Joe Torre said. "Hopefully, that is the case but everything is going well."
Source: New York Daily News

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
Jaret Wright (shoulder) threw 30 pitches off flat ground Saturday and reported no problems. "It was a little bit stiff in the beginning, but I thought it loosened up pretty well in the end," Wright said. No timetable has been established yet for Wright throwing off a mound.
Source: Washington Post

National League

Jason Jennings - SP - Astros
Astros placed RHP Jason Jennings on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 9, with elbow tendinitis. Jennings, already scratched from a start over the weekend, will likely miss another two weeks. Matt Albers will fill in and make his first start of the season on Friday.

Alfonso Soriano - OF - Cubs
Alfonso Soriano hopes to return in a week or so after an MRI on his hamstring came back negative. There's still a chance that he'll land on the DL, but he avoids the assignment for now. Felix Pie has been called up to start in center field and hit leadoff in his place.

Freddy Sanchez - 2B - Pirates
Freddy Sanchez was out of the lineup Tuesday with a sore left wrist. Manager Jim Tracy said Sanchez hurt the wrist on a checked swing. "His grip strength is fine," Tracy said. "When he goes to finish his swing it's bothering him." Jose Castillo filled in.

Rodrigo Lopez - SP - Rockies
Rodrigo Lopez had no problems during a throwing session Monday and is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Dodgers. Lopez missed his last start with right elbow inflammation.
Source: Denver Post

Tony Armas Jr. - SP - Pirates
Tony Armas Jr. has had his next scheduled start pushed back until Friday, giving him 12 days between starts. "Ideally, you want to be out there every five days," Armas said. "But with the weather being so bad, what can you do but wait? It's part of the game." Armas is available out of the bullpen for middle relief on Tuesday.
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mark Mulder - SP - Cardinals
Mark Mulder (shoulder) is scheduled to check in with team doctors next week to see how his rehab is progressing. Mulder has just started a light throwing program. He hopes to return to the Cards' rotation around late July.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Juan Encarnacion - OF - Cardinals
Juan Encarnacion (left wrist) is scheduled to play in extended spring training games by the end of this week. If Encarnacion is pain-free during the extended spring training games he could move on to a minor league rehab assignment next week.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Oliver Perez - SP - Mets
Oliver Perez has had his next scheduled start pushed back until Saturday due to back-to-back rainouts. Perez will throw four bullpen sessions and might make an appearance out of the bullpen prior to Saturday's start. His last outing was Wednesday when he gave up three runs and walked seven in just 2 2/3 innings.
Source: New York Daily News

Matt Kemp - OF - Dodgers
Matt Kemp (shoulder) took batting practice prior to Monday's game. Kemp, who must remain on the disabled list for another seven days, said his shoulder is pain-free. It sounds like he will come of DL the first day he is eligible.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt underwent an MRI on his right arm Monday even though he claims it isn't sore. "We are exploring every area," manager Grady Little said. "We've had coaches, players and his former coaches look at video of him, trying to reconstruct his mechanics from square one." Schmidt has lost velocity lately and was able to last just two innings in his start against the Padres on Saturday.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Josh Fogg - SP - Rockies
Josh Fogg, who is still scheduled to start on Thursday, pitched two scoreless innings of relief on Monday. This was the first relief appearance for Fogg since Sept. 26, 2005. He used Monday's relief outing as a substitute for his regular between starts bullpen session.
Source: Rocky Mountain News

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) had another pain-free bullpen session on Sunday. Cormier is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Thursday and then leave for a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday. He is around two weeks away from possibly joining the rotation.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson will make one more rehab start Thursday for Triple-A Tucson. "I didn't feel I was ready," Johnson said. "I'm coming off back surgery. I didn't have a regular spring training, absolutely. I'm feeling good about everything, and I want to have one more productive start and know that it's my last start." Johnson is now set to make his season debut against the Padres on April 24.

John Maine - SP - Mets
John Maine's start has been pushed back to Wednesday following another rainout on Monday. Tom Glavine will start Tuesday as previously scheduled. Maine will be followed by Orlando Hernandez, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez in the rotation.
Source: The Journal News

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks activated outfielder Carlos Quentin from the 15-day disabled list. Quentin started in right field and batted fifth on Monday night. Brian Barden was sent down to make room on the roster, and Scott Hairston will return to the bench role he was supposed to occupy this year.

Tom Gorzelanny - SP - Pirates
Tom Gorzelanny limited the Cardinals to one run and four hits over 8 1/3 innings in Monday's victory. Gorzelanny has been dominant against the Cardinals in back-to-back outings, giving him a 1.33 ERA after three starts. It's still pretty early to be thinking about grabbing him in shallow mixed leagues, but he's capable of remaining an above average starter for the Pirates as long as his elbow holds up.

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez went 4-for-7 with two doubles and an RBI as the Padres edged the Cubs 4-3 in 14 innings on Tuesday. Khalil Greene doubled over right fielder Ryan Theriot's head and Geoff Blum blooped a double to left to give the Padres to go-ahead run in the 14th. Trevor Hoffman then picked up the save. Gonzalez entered the game in a 2-for-20 slump, but he's back hitting .288 for the year. He's tied for sixth in the NL with 10 RBI.

MLB Player Notes

Thursday, April 12, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Josh Bard - C - Padres
Padres placed catcher Josh Bard on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. He was injured during Wednesday's game. Rob Bowen will get most of the starts behind the plate while Bard is sidelined, and Khalil Greene and Kevin Kouzmanoff figure to move up in the order. Pete Laforest was recalled to serve as a backup.

Taylor Tankersley - RP - Marlins
Marlins activated LHP Taylor Tankersley from the 15-day disabled list. Tankersley probably won't be put in save situations right away, but he's as good of a bet as anyone to be the Marlins' most effective reliever this year. He's well worth owning in NL-only leagues at least, he may be a potential candidate for the closer role.

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt's next start has been moved up to Saturday, with Randy Wolf getting pushed back to Sunday. Manager Grady Little says it's because he wanted to separate Schmidt and Brad Penny in the rotation. Of course, he had plenty of opportunity to do that during spring training, but he settled on the odd course of using his No. 4 starter in the second game of the season.
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal isn't assured of returned to the starting lineup Friday as scheduled after feeling tightness in his injured ankle Wednesday. "It's tight when I push off," Furcal said. "There's no pain and no swelling, but it's like when you feel tight and you want to move and it feels heavy. I don't want to take a chance." Furcal was scheduled to rejoin the Dodgers today. If he's feeling better, he still could be activated on Friday. If not, his return could be pushed back three or four days.
Source: Dodgers.mlb.com

Cristian Guzman - SS - Nationals
Christian Guzman (hamstring) isn't expected to participate in baseball activities until Monday. Guzman has remained in Washington rehabbing the sore hamstring. He will likely head to Florida next week for some extended spring training at-bats.
Source: Associated Press

Adam Kennedy - 2B - Cardinals
Even though Adam Kennedy sat back-to-back games in favor of Aaron Miles he remains the Cardinals' starting second baseman. "Adam Kennedy is our starting second baseman. That's not a question," La Russa said. "This isn't a platoon situation. He's been fighting it a little and [Aaron] Miles had four hits. With another left-hander going today, it makes sense. There's nothing beyond that." Kennedy is in the middle of an 0-for-10 slump.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Chase Utley - 2B - Phillies
X-rays on Chase Utley's hand were negative and he shouldn't miss any games. Utley was hit in the left hand by Pedro Feliciano during Wednesday's game. The X-rays were for precautionary reasons.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Jorge Julio has been told he is no longer the Marlins' closer. Julio, who blew two saves in the past week, was told by manager Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday that he will now work in the sixth or seventh innings. "It is best for me right now," said Julio. "I need to work on my game, especially my command. I like this team, and I want to help it, not hurt it." Gonzalez says he hasn't decided on a replacement, but Henry Owens, Lee Gardner and Matt Lindstrom are candidates.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Lance Cormier - RP - Braves
Lance Cormier (shoulder) is pain-free after lifting weights and throwing in the outfield the past few days. The Braves won't need a fifth starter until April 19, at the very earliest, so they are not in a hurry to bring him back.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (shoulder) went 0-for-3 during an extended spring training game on Wednesday. Quentin will play in the next four or five games for Triple-A Tucson and then should be activated from the disabled list early next week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Randy Johnson - SP - Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson (back) said his projected return to the rotation on April 19 is not a sure thing. "I've had probably the most makeshift spring training you could possibly have," Johnson said. "Everybody says that I'm targeted to come back on the 19th. Don't put that in stone." Johnson, who has thrown just 15 innings so far this spring, will have a better idea when he will return following Friday's start for Triple-A Tucson.
Source: Arizona Republic

Edwin Encarnacion - 3B - Reds
Edwin Encarnacion was removed from Wednesday's game because he didn't run out his popup in the first inning. The lesson, as always, is that you got to have a 30- or 40-homer season under your belt before you decide to stop running out flyballs. Somehow, we don't think Ken Griffey Jr. would have gotten the same treatment from manager Jerry Narron. Still, Encarnacion figures to get the memo and at least jog to first base next time.

Rickie Weeks - 2B - Brewers
Rickie Weeks had a two-run homer, a triple and three runs scored against the Marlins on Wednesday. Unfortunately, Weeks' power won't result in a lot of RBI from the leadoff spot. Still, he'll be a top-five fantasy second baseman for however long he's healthy. He has two homers and nine runs scored.

Orlando Hudson - 2B - Diamondbacks
Orlando Hudson went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday night's loss to the Reds. The D-backs' second baseman has hit safely in nine of 10 games and sports a robust .390 batting average.

Oliver Perez - SP - Mets
Oliver Perez was all over the place on Wednesday night, issuing seven walks to the Phillies in just 2 2/3 innings en route to his first loss. One start after walking nobody, Perez returned to his wild ways, throwing just 32 of his 73 pitches for strikes. Look for the inconsistency to continue until Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson tames his left arm.

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Center fielder Chris Young (strained groin) ran at "about 95 percent" on Wednesday. If all goes well, Young will likely be back in action during the April 13-15 weekend series with Colorado. "We're just being on the cautious side," said Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin. "We'll get him through the off-day [on Thursday], and he'll be out there on Friday."
Source: MLB.com

American League

Travis Hafner - DH - Indians
Travis Hafner hit a three-run homer off Scot Shields in the bottom of the eighth inning to lead the Indians to a 4-2 win over the Angels on Thursday. Grady Sizemore, who homered for the Indians' first run, and Trot Nixon opened the eighth with walks before Hafner's blast put the Indians on top. It was the first homer of the year for Hafner, who entered with one RBI in six games.

Tim Wakefield - SP - Red Sox
Thursday's game between the Mariners and Red Sox was postponed due to rain and will be made up on May 3. Jarrod Washburn and Tim Wakefield, today's scheduled starters, both figure to go on Friday. The Red Sox can send Julian Tavarez to the back of the rotation if they'd want, though the better bet is that they'll push him back two days and slow him in between Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett, ensuring the Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka each get an extra day off.

Shea Hillenbrand - DH - Angels
Shea Hillenbrand, still not fully recovered from a groin strain, sat out Thurday's game. Hillenbrand was healthy enough to DH, but manager Mike Scioscia wanted to stick Vladimir Guerrero in that spot today. Hillenbrand will probably be in the lineup on Friday.

Carl Crawford - OF - Devil Rays
Manager Joe Maddon said that wet dirt around first base in Texas led to Carl Crawford being thrown out twice Tuesday. He stopped just short of accusing the Rangers of anything. "I don't know if they had a sprinkler problem or whatever it may have been, but it was a little bit damp on the first-base side," Maddon said. It was the first time in Crawford's career that he's been gunned down twice in the same game.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Milton Bradley - OF - Athletics
Milton Bradley sat out Wednesday's game because of a sore hamstring. Manager Bob Geren indicated that Bradley likely could have played if needed, but the A's decided to give him two straight days off with an off day Thursday.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Gary Sheffield - DH - Tigers
In an effort to get him going at the plate, manager Jim Leyland is expected to start Gary Sheffield in right field Thursday. Magglio Ordonez will take over as the designated hitter while Sheffield tries to break a slump that has him batting .103 through eight games. "We'll change the scenery a little bit for him," Leyland said.
Source: Detroit News

Victor Martinez - C - Indians
Manager Eric Wedge said Wednesday that the Indians should know by this weekend if Victor Martinez (quadriceps) needs to go on the disabled list. By that point, we should hope so. Martinez is reportedly in Cleveland rehabbing the injury, with Kelly Shoppach serving as the everyday catcher until he returns.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Jon Lester - SP - Red Sox
After throwing four scoreless innings at Single-A Tuesday, manager Terry Francona said Jon Lester is "begging for more innings." "He's the best text messager in the game," Francona said. "He text messaged me this morning, said he felt good. He's begging for more innings. He'll go five in his next start."
Source: Boston Globe

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
Jered Weaver (biceps) threw seven scoreless innings and struck out seven Wednesday in his second rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. This should end talk of him requiring a third start in the minors. He's likely to come off the DL to face the Red Sox on Monday.

Mike Mussina - SP - Yankees
Mike Mussina said he believes he'll miss his next start but avoid the disabled list after suffering a strained left hamstring on Wednesday. That's what he says, but it's better than 50-50 that he lands on the DL. Darrell Rasner can fill in for him next week.
Source: The Journal News

Darrell Rasner - SP - Yankees
Darrell Rasner will start on April 17 against the Indians in place of the ailing Mike Mussina (hamstring). Avoid Rasner, who got battered around by the Orioles in his last outing.

Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles
The Orioles placed starter Jaret Wright on the disabled list Thursday due to right shoulder soreness. Wright’s absence seemingly would have provided a perfect opportunity for top Baltimore pitching prospect Hayden Penn to step into the rotation. However, Penn has health problems of his own, having been scratched from his second start for Triple-A Norfolk for elbow and forearm soreness. Jeremy Guthrie is considered the favorite to take Wright’s rotation slot.
Source: MLB.com

Ramon Ortiz - SP - Twins
Ramon Ortiz limited the Yankees to only one earned run on three hits in eight innings Wednesday to notch his second win. Ortiz -- who from 2005-06 had ERAs over 5.00 in the National League -- lowered his 2007 ERA to 1.80. Don't get your hopes up too high, though, as the 33-year-old right-hander has proven to be little more than an innings eater throughout his career.

Felix Hernandez - SP - Mariners
Felix Hernandez flirted with a no-hitter in a complete-game shutout of the Red Sox at Fenway Park Wednesday. The 21-year-old issued two walks and struck out six to improve to 2-0. Hernandez’s no-no bid was broken up by a J.D. Drew single to lead off the eighth inning. The right-hander, who has yet to allow an earned run in 17 innings and sports a 0.47 WHIP, will face the Twins at home in his next start on April 17.

MLB Player Notes

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - MLB Player Notes

National League

Adam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates
Adam LaRoche didn't play Wednesday because of back stiffness. LaRoche is expected to be available after Thursday's off day. Brad Eldred replaced him at first base today.

Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins
Manager Fredi Gonzalez wasn't willing to commit to Jorge Julio as closer after another blown save on Tuesday. A big change from Sunday, when Gonzalez made it clear he was still behind Julio. "We'll do what's best for the team, the organization and the individual," Gonzalez said Wednesday. It sounds like Henry Owens might be the new favorite for saves in Florida.
Source: Marlins.mlb.com

Chris Duncan - OF - Cardinals
Pinch-hitter Chris Duncan homered off Salomon Torres in the top of the ninth to break a tie and help the Cardinals beat the Pirates 3-2 on Wednesday. Duncan had started against a couple of lefties, but So Taguchi got the nod over him versus Paul Maholm today. The home run was Duncan's second in 25 at-bats this season.

Salomon Torres - RP - Pirates
Salomon Torres, who blew a save on Tuesday night, lost on Wednesday after giving up a solo homer in a tie game. Meanwhile, Matt Capps extended his scoreless streak to 6 1/3 innings to start the year. It's doubtful that the Pirates will be quick to make a change, but they may eventually find they'd be better off with Capps closing games.

Scott Rolen - 3B - Cardinals
Scott Rolen missed a second straight game with upper back spasms on Wednesday. Scott Spiezio got another start at third base. Rolen said he was only slightly improved from where he was Tuesday. Still, he hopes to return for Friday's game.

Rich Hill - SP - Cubs
Rich Hill will next start Saturday after his outing Wednesday against the Astros was rained out. Carlos Zambrano will start Friday as previously scheduled. Ted Lilly is being pushed back to Sunday, with Jason Marquis to follow on Monday.

Wandy Rodriguez - SP - Astros
Wandy Rodriguez won't make his next start until Monday after Wednesday's game was rained out. The Astros will stick with Roy Oswalt, Jason Jennings and Woody Williams for this weekend's series against the Phillies. Rodriguez will face the Marlins.

Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers
Rafael Furcal (ankle) went 0-for-4 with a walk while serving as the designated hitter for Single-A Inland Empire on Tuesday. Furcal, who faced the Angels' Bartolo Colon in the game, will start at short in his final rehab game Wednesday. He will rejoin the Dodgers on Friday.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Chris Sampson - SP - Astros
Chris Sampson, who left Tuesday's game after five scoreless innings due to a sore calf, doesn't expect to miss his next scheduled start. "It's numb right now because I just finished icing, so I can't really feel it, but it's fine," Sampson said. "Pitching, walking — all that doesn't bother it. When I try to run on it, that's when it starts getting pretty sore."
Source: Houston Chronicle

Eric Milton - SP - Reds
LHP Eric Milton will have his next scheduled start pushed back one day so that Kyle Lohse will pitch on regular rest. Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Lohse will be the starters for this weekend's series against the Cubs. Milton will start on Monday against the Brewers.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Carlos Quentin - OF - Diamondbacks
Carlos Quentin (shoulder) is expected to get three at-bats in an extended spring game on Wednesday. Quentin could begin a minor league rehab on Friday and should return to the D-Backs early next week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Adrian Gonzalez - 1B - Padres
Adrian Gonzalez went 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBI in the loss to the Giants on Tuesday. Gonzalkez has three homers and nine RBI in 31 at-bats, but he needs some more help from his teammates. He's scored just one run when he wasn't driving in himself.

Josh Hamilton - OF - Reds
Josh Hamilton's first major league hit was a two-run homer off Edgar Gonzalez Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. Hamilton also walked twice while filling in for Ryan Freel atop the order. He'll probably get a start in place of Ken Griffey Jr. sometime this week. Still, playing time will be hard to come by until either Freel or Griffey gets hurt. Adam Dunn can't sit at all with the way he's playing, and the Reds seem resistant to the idea of using Freel in the infield now that he's a regular outfielder.

Brett Tomko - SP - Dodgers
Brett Tomko pitched six innings of one-hit ball and struck out nine Tuesday against the Rockies. No rust on Tomko, who hadn't made an appearance since the beginning of the season. Outings like this figure to be few and far between for the 34-year-old, but with Dodger Stadium aiding him, he could have a little fantasy value for as long as he remains in the rotation. Unfortunately, he's a weaker play next week, as he'll be pitching in Arizona.

Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers
Jason Schmidt said he felt fine on Tuesday and planned to make his next start Sunday as scheduled. Schmidt left Monday's game with right hamstring tightness.

Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3B - Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff is expected to sit out a few games with a bruised left elbow, manager Bud Black said. Russell Branyan started in his Tuesday tonight. Geoff Blum could play Wednesday with the Giants set to throw lefty Noah Lowry. It sounds like Kouz will be back on Friday.

Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins
Hanley Ramirez didn't start Tuesday and may not return to the lineup until Friday's game. Ramirez feels he can play on his stiff right hamstring, but the Marlins are being especially cautious. "We have the off day Thursday, we'd like to give him another day," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Again, he is progressing." Alfredo Amezaga is playing shortstop in his place.

Chris Young - OF - Diamondbacks
Chris Young may be held out of the lineup until Friday's game because of his groin injury, manager Bob Melvin said. It sounded like Young would return Tuesday night. Instead, Alberto Callaspo is getting another start in the outfield.

American League

Jermaine Dye - OF - White Sox
Jermaine Dye hit a game-tying homer in the eighth and the White Sox scored three in the ninth to beat the A's 6-3 on Wednesday. Dye also singled. He had been 2-for-20 with no extra-base hits this season. Now his average is up to .160.

Huston Street - RP - Athletics
Huston Street took a loss after giving up three runs in the ninth Wednesday against the White Sox. Street wasn't happy about some ball-and-strike calls when he walked back-to-back batters to load the bases with no outs. Darin Erstad followed with a routine fly to shallow left. Fortunately, that's where Shannon Stewart was stationed, so the White Sox had no problem getting a run home. After an intentional walk to Jim Thome, Paul Konerko doubled over Stewart's head to put the game away.

Tadahito Iguchi - 2B - White Sox
Tadahito Iguchi returned to the starting lineup and went 1-for-3 with a walk on Wednesday. Iguchi rested a bruised finger on Tuesday.

Jonny Gomes - DH - Devil Rays
Despite leading the Rays in home runs this spring, Jonny Gomes is on the bench Wednesday for the seventh time in eight games this season. Even Carlos Pena, who was sent down and then recalled when Greg Norton got hurt, is making his third start. Gomes doubled and walked in his only start, so this isn't about production. Instead, this has a lot more to do with Elijah Dukes. The Rays want to start Dukes and all three of their outfielders, closing off the DH spot, and they're not willing to try Gomes at first base, even though he wanted to play there last month. Gomes will get another shot eventually, but it seems like it's going to take time.

Eric Gagne - RP - Rangers
Eric Gagne pitched a perfect inning Tuesday in his third and final appearance for Double-A Frisco. Gagne is expected to come off the DL on Friday. Manager Ron Washington indicated yesterday that Gagne would return to the closer's role immmediately.

Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals
Manager Buddy Bell said Tuesday that the "best-case scenario" for Octavio Dotel's (oblique) return is now April 20. Dotel's timetable continues to be pushed back, this time by about a week. "He hasn’t really had any setbacks," Bell said. "We’re just being real cautious with him. He’s going to throw off of the mound on Thursday."
Source: Kansas City Star

Wily Mo Peña - OF - Red Sox
Manager Terry Francona indicated that Wily Mo Pena will get his first start of the season Thursday against Jarrod Washburn. Pena will likely start in right field in place of J.D. Drew. Francona initially said that he planned to get Pena 400 at-bats this season, but that's going to be impossible starting him once every two weeks or solely against left-handers.
Source: Boston Globe

Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles
Ramon Hernandez (oblique) is expected to be activated from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible to return Sunday. "Ramon had a little progress yesterday," manager Sam Perlozzo said. "He has minimal discomfort in the oblique and is on a throwing program." Alberto Castillo should start packing.
Source: Washington Post

Chone Figgins - OF - Angels
X-rays showed that the fractures in Chone Figgins' fingers have healed and he's begun taking dry swings. Figgins is expected to begin throwing by this weekend and could then begin a brief minor league rehab assignment. "Once he gets his arm stretched out and takes some swings, he won't be that far away," manager Mike Scioscia said.
Source: Los Angeles Times

Jered Weaver - SP - Angels
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jered Weaver's (shoulder) scheduled Monday return against the Red Sox "is looking a little iffy." Weaver is expected to throw 90 pitches in a start at Single-A Wednesday, but the Angels could decide that he needs one more minor league appearance before returning. "It's penciled in," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It will depend on how he feels. If he can pitch a little deeper into the game and get his pitch count where it needs to be and maintain his velocity, we'll certainly look at doing that. But there's a chance he could need one more rehab start."
Source: Los Angeles Times

Bartolo Colon - SP - Angels
Bartolo Colon (shoulder) gave up two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday in his second rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He struck out five and walked none. Colon is probably going to make two more starts before coming off the disabled list.

Dan Johnson - 1B - Athletics
Dan Johnson (hip) could get into an extended spring training game in the next week to 10 days. He'll need a couple of weeks after that before he's ready to rejoin the A's, but it looks like he could be back at first base in early May. Travis Buck might head to Triple-A then.

Zack Greinke - SP - Royals
Zack Greinke allowed one run in six innings and struck out five in a victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Greinke has walked just one batter in a couple of very impressive showings so far. His flyball tendencies will begin to result in homers before long, and it seems unlikely that he'll finish with a great ERA. Still, all signs point to him being the Royals' best pitcher this year.

Alex Gordon - 3B - Royals
Alex Gordon hit his first career homer Tuesday in the win over the Blue Jays. It was a two-run shot off Josh Towers. Gordon is still just 2-for-24 with a 10/0 K/BB ratio. At least he was nowhere to go but up.

Nate Robertson - SP - Tigers
Nate Robertson shut out the Orioles for 7 1/3 innings on Tuesday to improve to 2-0. Robertson had a 1.86 ERA in three starts against Baltimore last year, and the Orioles might be even worse against left-handers this season than they were then. Robertson's next start will come against Toronto, the team he beat in week one.

Brian Roberts - 2B - Orioles
Brian Roberts went 0-for-4 and committed an error on a double-play ball that gave the Tigers two runs Tuesday in a 3-1 loss. Roberts had a lousy spring and is off to a 5-for-30 start during the regular season. He thought he'd be a better hitter this season with his elbow healthier than it was a year ago, but he's hurt the Orioles so far.