News and fantasy notes
* Jeff Kent will be activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday after struggling with left oblique pain. He’s still not 100 percent, but it sounds like he’s itching to give it a try. Kent is expected to play first base until Nomar Garciaparra returns.
* Bartolo Colon, has tendonitis in his right biceps, also has a partial rotator cuff tear in a test on Friday and will likely miss the rest of the season. Colon’s recent elbow problems were the result of his shoulder, which has bothered him since last year. Instead of undergoing surgery, Colón will opt for rehabilitation and could return in September. However, Settler won’t be 100 percent when he returns. “I haven’t received any formal instructions from the medical department yet, but we will talk and they will have an evaluation,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “I know those things take some time. I guess it’s going to be a long one. And with about seven weeks left in the season, it seems doubtful that he’s going to come back. It would be a tall order for him to come back and pitch this season.”
* Justin Verlander has “fatigue” in his right arm and missed his start on Sunday. Has Verlander hit a wall? Well, it’s that time of year when rookie pitchers start to struggle. Verlander, who became the league’s first 14-game winner earlier in the week, has already pitched five more innings (135 1-3) than he had all of last year. There’s a chance the Verlander will be skipped a few more times before the end of the season, and it’s something Fantasy owners should keep in mind.
* Rafael Furcal has extended his hitting streak to 13 games by having one hit Sunday, then stealing his second. Furcal has been red hot lately. Something the Dodgers have been waiting for a while.
* John Smoltz remains unbeaten in his last 10 starts. It’s too bad the Atlanta Braves have struggled most of the year. Smoltz remains a must-start in every fantasy league.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets left Saturday’s start after one inning with a strained pectoral muscle. Is this really a surprise for fantasy owners? The Blades who started the year on the disabled list are likely to have a return trip before the weeks are out.
* I’ve been hitting Ken Griffey Jr. for the past few weeks because of his lack of hitting since the All-Star break. However, Griffey is starting to heat up, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s a viable option in the outfield.
* Joe Maddon, manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, said Scott Kazmir will pitch again on Friday, Aug. 2. 11 against the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir went on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation retroactive to July 24.
* Francisco Liriano, who missed a start Wednesday because of a sore forearm muscle, is scheduled to make his next start Monday in Detroit. This makes Liriano a 2 starting pitcher this week, and he should be ready to pitch in a big game against the Tigers.
* Jim Thome, who has been struggling lately and has been battling back pain, went 2-3 on Sunday and looks like he’s going to be fine. He’s a guy you’ll want to keep a close eye on this week.
* Jose Contreras (10-4) has lost his fourth game in his last five starts. His next start is against the Detroit Tigers. With this tough start, Contreras is looking to sit down.
* Derek Jeter has 3 HRs in his last 8 games. Finally, DJ is starting to give his owners some power.
* Alfonso Sorinano hit his eighth leadoff home run of the season to lead the majors.
* Francisco Cordero is now Milwaukee’s closer.
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weekly planner-11
who shot who didn’t
Ryan Howard, the National League leader in HR, is my pick for this week’s Who’s Hot. Howard has hit .433 with 4 HR, 14 RBI and 5 runs in the last 7 days. It wasn’t like Howard did it against a National League background. Howard took up his power stick and hit the Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. Howard, unlike last year’s HR contest winner Bobby Abreu, hasn’t slumped this year. Howard is an exciting player and has unlimited potential. He is a must start at 1B.
Fausto Carmona has lost his last four appearances and will likely be dropped from Cleveland’s closer role. While the Cleveland Indians certainly aren’t going anywhere this season, they can’t afford to keep beating the confidence of these kids. Giving up game-winning home runs was Carmona’s topic this week. Earlier in the week, Carmona allowed game winners against David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, who did what Ortiz does best, hit a game-winning HR. Then, on Saturday, Carmona gives up a game winning two HR run to Iván Rodríguez. Cleveland needs to make a trade in the closer role, and Carmona will likely be removed from that role. If you need to make adjustments to your team, do it now and release Carmona.
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2 STARTING AND FAILURE STUDS
studious
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JD Drew has favorable matchups this week against the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants. When Drew faces the Colorado Rockies starter this week, all 3 starters he faces (Kim, Francis and Jennings), Drew is hitting .452 against them.
Mark Loretta is hitting .333 (19-57) in his last 12 games with 9 runs. He will face the Kansas City Royals on the road and then at home against the Baltimore Orioles. The Royals have one of the worst pitching staffs in the majors, while Baltimore is just behind the Royals. Loretta will be setting the table and looking forward to a great week.
Michael Barrett in his last 11 games has 3 HR, 6 RBI and a .302 BA (13-43). Barrett will be on the road this week in Milwaukee and then Colorado, both great matchups for Barrett. Barrett is a mandatory start this week.
Brandon Phillips has been red hot for the past 2 weeks. Hitting .366 (15-for-41), 3 HRs, 5 RBI and 6 runs, Phillips is beginning to recapture his early-season slam. An excellent option in 2B this week.
Felipe López is becoming a household name in SS. Not only has Lopez hit for power this year, but with his 30 SB and 70 runs scored this year, Lopez ranks right there with Jose Reyes and Derek Jeter. This week, Lopez faces the Florida Marlins and the New York Mets, two teams he has struggled against. This is Lopez’s statement week, and look for him to have two big series.
Chone Figgins, the Los Angeles Angels table organizer has been anything but that in the last 2 weeks. Figgins is hitting just .184 (9-49), with 5 runs in his last 12 games. Figgins will be on the road this week and will face the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees. Figgins, who can play multiple positions, should find a comfortable spot on his bench.
Brian Giles has been a huge disappointment this year for Fantasy Owners. It won’t be any easier for him this week either. Giles is out on the road this week to face the New York Mets and Houston Astros. In most leagues you can find Giles on the waiver wire, a place where he belongs. If he happens to have it on your list, put him on the bench, or better yet, put him where he belongs, on the waiver wire.
Aubrey Huff finally got his first RBI with the Astro on Saturday night. Huff has struggled since he came over from the Devil Rays. The striped Huff, should come out of his depression at some point, but it won’t be this week. Huff faces the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres this week, although both series are at home for Huff, until Huff starts to flare up, keep him booked.
Richie Sexson, despite his .221 BA, is still on pace for 35 HRs and 110 RBI. Most fantasy owners are frustrated with Sexson’s performance this year despite his HR power. Over the last 2 weeks, Sexson is hitting .196 (9-46), with 5 of those hits being HRs. If you’re short on manpower, you have to start with Sexson, because you just don’t know when he’ll take one down. My thought, Sexson is a fancy trick, and he would try to find a better option if possible.
Pedro Feliz has been struggling a lot in recent weeks. His .167 BA (7-42) in his last 11 games is an indication of how badly Feliz has been. Feliz will be on the road this week in Arizona and Los Angeles, two teams he has had moderate success against. Put Happy on the bench this week, you’ll thank me later.
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