Thursday MLB Busts
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Busts
Andy Pettitte - SP - Yankees
Andy Pettitte surrendered four runs -- two earned -- in four-plus innings Thursday against the Rays. It's not surprising that Pettitte would get off to a slow start after missing the end of the spring with back troubles. He was hurt by his defense tonight, but he wasn't very good anyway. Expect a better showing next time out.
Jason Bergmann - SP - Nationals
Jason Bergmann gave up four runs and walked six in 3 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Diamondbacks. Bergmann walked three during a three-run first. He was better after that, but the Nationals don't have the firepower to come back very often and they fell a little short tonight. Bergmann is expected to make at least two or three more starts before Jason Simontacchi returns.
Adam Eaton - SP - Phillies
Adam Eaton was pounded for eight runs -- seven earned -- in 4 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Braves. Including his final two starts of the spring, Eaton has given up 18 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings in his last three outings. He should be held on to in NL-only leagues, but it'd be a mistake to play him against the Mets next week.
Ryan Howard - 1B - Phillies
Ryan Howard was put back into the cleanup spot on Thursday and went 0-for-4 with a walk against the Braves. Howard hit ahead of Chase Utley in the Phillies' first two games. Utley was back in his usual third spot today and went 3-for-5. Pat Burrell doubled twice and walked as the No. 5 hitter. With the Phillies now 0-3, manager Charlie Manuel might keep experimenting.
Joe Saunders - SP - Angels
Angels left-hander Joe Saunders gave up three earned runs, nine hits and three walks with five Ks over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the A's Thursday night. Despite posting a 4.71 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, Saunders managed to win seven games in just 13 starts last season. Stay away from him as he faces the hard-hitting Indians at Jacobs Field in his next start.
Clay Hensley - SP - Padres
Padres right-hander Clay Hensley took the loss as he was tagged for five earned runs, seven hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Giants Thursday night. Hensley also struck out two in a disappointing performance. After posting a 3.71 ERA last season, look for the 27-year-old to bounce back next start in a rematch against the Giants at Petco Park.
Jae Seo - SP - Devil Rays
Devil Rays right-hander Jae Seo allowed 11 hits, one walk and five earned runs in 6 1/3 innings while striking out two in a no-decision against the Yankees Thursday night. Seo should not be owned in even the deepest of leagues as he posted a 5.00 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with just 39 strikeouts in 90 innings last season for the D-Rays. He'll face the Rangers in Texas in his next start.
Michael Barrett - C - Cubs
Michael Barrett went 0-for-4 with a strikeout on Thursday. Barrett is hitless in his first 11 at-bats, but it’s probably only be a matter of time before he starts swinging the bat well enough to justify his ranking as a top 5 fantasy backstop. Last year, Barrett set career highs in batting average (.307) and slugging percentage (.517), while tying his career high for homers (16).
