The Fantasy Focus Baseball Podcast will take you around the world of Major League Baseball. We will fill you in on the studs of duds in fantasy baseball. We'll give you the injury report as well as all the breaking news in fantasy baseball.
September 07, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - fantasy baseball talk
Fantasy Focus - Fantasy baseball podcast show 29
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Posted by billpowers at 09:07 PM
August 31, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - fantasy baseball talk
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Posted by billpowers at 11:23 PM
August 23, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - fantasy baseball fun
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Posted by billpowers at 11:59 PM
August 16, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - edge of your seat excitement
Edge of your seat excitement this week from Bill and Porterhouse
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Posted by billpowers at 11:02 PM
August 10, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Sea legs
Here we go....
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Posted by billpowers at 08:39 AM
August 03, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Bullshit and baseball
The fantasy baseball show you have been waiting for,.... NOT!!!!
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Posted by billpowers at 10:15 PM
July 27, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Not holding back
Some fantasy talk and a lot of bullshit
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Posted by billpowers at 11:02 PM
July 20, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Trade opportunities
All the things you need to know.
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Posted by podsumer at 03:35 PM
July 07, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - All-Star game prep
A tight race into the All-Star game. We are taking an All-Star break next week ourselves. Don’t worry; we will be back the following week.
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Posted by billpowers at 07:45 AM
June 30, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - A tight race
It is a tight race for the top.
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Posted by billpowers at 10:29 PM
June 22, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - A fantasy day!!!
Here we go...
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Posted by billpowers at 05:35 PM
June 14, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - This weeks show
And here we go again....
Posted by billpowers at 09:46 PM
June 09, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - We are back ...
Here is this weeks show.
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Posted by billpowers at 11:27 PM
May 31, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - We are back ...
It's the Portherhouse does not have to pay someone to call him Daddy any more addition of High and Tight Fantasy Baseball...After a one week hiatus, we're back...Download the show now
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News –
Clemens back for pro-rated 22 million dollar contract…Should get about 20 starts…
Bonds passes The Babe…
Will Sweet Lou take over the Dusty in Chicago?
New York Mets
Placed OF Xavier Nady on the 15-day disabled list and recalled OF Lastings Milledge from Triple-A Norfolk.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Acquired RHP Jorge Julio from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP Orlando Hernandez.
Boston Red Sox
Activated OF Coco Crisp from 15-day disabled list; recalled RHP Manny Delcarmen from Pawtucket; placed RHP Mike Timlin and OF Wily Mo Pena on 15-day disabled list.
Activated LHP David Wells from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Dustan Mohr to Triple-A Pawtucket. Then put Wells back on the DL today…
Atlanta Braves
Placed C Brian McCann on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 24, with a sprained left ankle; activated LHP Horacio Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list.
Philadelphia Phillies
Activated OF Aaron Rowand from 15-day disabled list.
Washington Nationals
Placed OF Jose Guillen on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring injury
Detroit Tigers
Placed LHP Mike Maroth on the 15-day disabled list
Texas Rangers
Activated INF Ian Kinsler from the 15-day disabled list…
Recalled DH/OF Jason Botts from Triple-A Oklahoma and optioned INF Drew Meyer to Oklahoma.
Los Angeles Angels
Recalled INF Kendry Morales from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned RHP Jason Bulger to Salt Lake; Activated RHP Chris Bootcheck from the disabled list and optioned to him Salt Lake.
Duds…
Todd Helton – 4/23, 1 Run, 174 Avg.
Robinson Cano – 3/19, 3 Runs, 1 RBI, 158 Avg.
Brad Hawpe – 3/21, 1 Run, 143 Avg.
Jim Edmonds – 1/10, 1 Run, 100 Avg.
Clint Barmes – 1/24, 1 Run, .042 Avg.
Josh Willingham – 3/19, 1 Run, 1 RBI, .158 Avg.
Victor Martinez – 3./16, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, 188 Avg.
Johjima – 3/17, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 176 Avg.
Aubrey Huff – 3/22, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 136 Avg.
Khaliel Greene – 4/23, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 174 Avg.
Carlos Delgado – 2/20, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 100 Avg.
Queens of the Hill
Scott Kazmir – 5.1 IP, 8.44 ERA, 1.88 WHIP
Chris Young – 3 IP, 18.00 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Fred Garcia – 5.1 IP, 8.44 ERA, 2.25 WHIP
Kevin Millwood – 5 IP, 12.60 ERA, 2.00 WHIP
Mark Mulder – 10.2 IP, 9.28 ERA, 1.88 WHIP
Brett Tomko – 4.2 IP, 11.57 ERA, 2.36 WHIP
Andy Petitte – 3 IP, 21.00 ERA, 2.67 WHIP
Studs…
Sultans of SWAT…
Alphonso Soriano – 11/27, 10 Runs, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 407 Avg, 2 SB
Alex Rodriguez – 10/23, 8 Runs, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 435 Avg.
Ryan Howard – 8/22, 6 Runs, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 364 Avg.
Carlos Beltran – 11/29, 6 Runs, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 379 Avg. 1 SB
Miguel Cabrera – 9/18, 7 Runs, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 500 Avg. 2 SB
Curtis Granderson – 11/30, 5 Runs, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 367 Avg.
Carl Crawford – 15/31, 7 Runs, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 484 Avg., 8 SB
Manny Ramirez – 10/21, 5 Runs, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 476 Avg.
Kings of the Hill –
Pedro Martinez – 7 IP, 10k’s, 2.57 ERA, .71 WHIP
CC Sabathia – 9 IP, 1 Win, 8 K’s, 0 ERA, .67 WHIP
Joe Nathan – 4 IP, 2 Wins, 1 SV, 6k’s, 0 ERA, .50 WHIP
Otsuka – 4 IP, 1 Win, 3 SV, 1 K, 0 ERA, .25 WHIP
John Verlander – 16 IP, 2 Wins, 12K, .56 ERA, .88 WHIP
Player of the Week –
Jason Bay – 13/26, 11 Runs, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 1 SB, 500 Avg.
Trade in the Gap League – Chris Ray for Vernon Wells…I did the move to make room on the roster for Aaron Rowand…
Posted by billpowers at 03:07 PM
May 16, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - The return of Porch
Porterhouse is off while his wife gives birth...But the show continues with the return of the Porch, Chris Adams...
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Items to discuss…
Scott Rolen…Refusal to use Pink bat on Mothers Day and vocal about it…
Cole Hamel – Worth the Hype?
Francisco Liriano – Now in the starting rotation for the Twins…Will pitch on Friday…
What is the Mendoza Line? San Jay Gmail…
Definition:
If you are hitting below .200, you are known to be hitting below the Mendoza line.
But where did the Mendoza Line come from and when did it originate? Below are some theories on the subject:
"We all know it's named for former shortstop Mario Mendoza, but nobody I've talked to knows who came up with the phrase-a sportswriter? a broadcaster? a teammate? Chris Berman? It's lasted so long that it's now too good to go unacknowledged. (Incidentally, Mendoza is managing in the Texas League these days)."
"My understanding is that George Brett made some comment as a throwaway line during an interview, and that the reporter saw a good thing and made the most of it. As a Pirate fan, I still think of Mario Mendoza as a slick, dependable shortstop first of all. It's a shame he gets credit for being so bad with the bat, but that's baseball."
"The Mendoza line is actually named after Minnie Mendoza, a career minor leaguer, who finally made it with the Minnesota Twins in 1970 At age 36. Mendoza hit .188 in sixteen games with the Twins that year. I remember seeing the term Mendoza Line first mentioned in The Sporting News in either 1970 or 1971. It mentioned that some hitters could not even get their averages above the Mendoza Line. It then stated that the term was named after the Twins light hitting infielder Minnie Mendoza. Mario did not come along until 1974. It burns me every time I hear an announcer Mention Mario instead of Minnie when referring to the Mendoza Line. Long live Minnie!"
Sunday
Baltimore Orioles
Activated C/DH Javy Lopez from the 15-day disabled list and designated OF Luis Terrero for assignment.
Washington Nationals
Placed C Brian Schneider on the 15-day disabled list with a sore left hamstring; activated C/1B Robert Fick from the disabled list.
Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers
Placed 3B Bill Mueller on the 15-day disabled list with right knee inflammation and recalled INF Oscar Robles from Triple-A Las Vegas.
New York Yankees
Placed OF Hideki Matsui on the 15-day disabled list with a left wrist fracture, retroactive to May 11 and recalled OF Kevin Reese from Triple-A Columbus.
Philadelphia Phillies
Placed OF Aaron Rowand on the 15-day DL with a fractured nose. Recalled OF Chris Roberson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Thursday
Cincinnati Reds
Activated CF Ken Griffey Jr. from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Chris Denorfia to Triple-A Louisville.
Wednesday
Milwaukee Brewers
Placed RHP Ben Sheets on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 3, with tendinitis in his right shoulder; Recalled LHP Dana Eveland from Triple-A Nashville.
Tuesday
New York Yankees
Placed OF Gary Sheffield on the 15-day disabled list with a left hand contusion, retroactive to May 6 and recalled OF Melky Cabrera from Triple-A Columbus.
Chicago White Sox
Placed RHP Jose Contreras on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 5 and recalled RHP Charlie Haeger from Triple-A Charlotte.
Players who can burn in Hell
Tadahito Iguchi – 3/20, 4 Runs, 1 RBI, 150 Avg.
Barry Bonds – 1/18, 2 Runs, .056 Avg.
Victor Martinez – 2/23, 1 Run, 2 RBI, .087 Avg.
JJ Hardy – 0/11
Bobby Abreu – 1/11, 2 Runs, .091 Avg.
Clint Barmes – 1/17, .059 Avg.
Aubrey Huff – 1/19, 2 RBI, .053 Avg.
Bill Mueller – 1/11, 2 Runs, .091 Avg.
Jason Varitek – 1/12, 1 RBI, .083
Queens of the Hill
Curt Schilling – 5 IP, 5 K, 10.80 ERA, 2.00 WHIP
Chad Cordero – 2.2 IP, 3 K, 16.88 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Javier Vasquez – 5.2 IP, 2 K, 11.12 ERA, 1.76 WHIP
Daniel Cabrera – 9 IP, 9 K, 7.00 ERA, 2.33 WHIP
Joe Blanton – 6 IP, 10.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP
Dontrelle Willis – 2.2 IP, 23.63 ERA, 4.5 WHIP
Kevin Millwood – 1.1 IP, 60.75 ERA, 7.50 WHIP
Gustavo Chacin – 3 IP, 15.00 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Jon Garland – 5.1 IP, 11.81 ERA, 2.44 WHIP
Studs…
Albert Pujos – 9/21, 8 Runs, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 429 Avg.
Justin Morneau – 10/24, 4 Runs, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 417 Avg.
Nomar Garciapparra – 12/25, 5 Runs, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 480 Avg.
Miguel Cabrera – 9/26, 7 Runs, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 346 Avg.
Kings of the Hill
Chris Carpenter – 13 IP, 10K, .69 ERA, 1.23 WHIP
JJ Putz – 3 IP, 1 SV, 5 K, 0 ERA, .67 WHIP
Freddie Garcia – 8 IP, 1 Win, 6 K, 1.12 ERA, .63 WHIP
Scott Kazmir – 7 IP, 1 Win, 9 K, 0 ERA, .57 WHIP
Felix Hernandez – 7.2 IP, 1 Win, 8 K, 1.17 ERA, .91 WHIP
Billy Wagner – 2 IP, 1 SV, 6K, 0 ERA, .50 WHIP
Danny Haren – 16.1 IP, 2 Wins, 13 K, 2.20 ERA, .86 WHIP
Johan Santana – 7 IP, 1 Win, 10 k, 1.29 ERA, .86 WHIP
Jake Peavy – 7 IP, 1 Win, 13 K, 0 ERA, .50 WHIP
Roy Halladay – 16 IP, 2 Wins, 9 K, 1.00 ERA, .50 WHIP
Jon Lieber – 8.2 IP, 1 Win, 6 K, 0 ERA, .23 WHIP
Tony Armas – 13 IP, 2 Wins, 10 K, .69 ERA, .62 WHIP
Last weeks picks –
Mark Loretta – 9/19, 3 Runs, 5 RBI, 1 SB, 474 Avg.
Pitcher –
Scott Olsen – 6 IP, Win, 9 K, 4.50 ERA, 1.33 Whip
Do not Play
Derek Jeter – 7/23, 4 Runs, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 SB, 304 Avg.
Player of the Week – Jeff Kent – 7/23, 5 Runs, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 304 Avg.
Posted by billpowers at 03:01 PM
May 09, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Porterhouse still in the ...
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Monday
Los Angeles Angels
Placed OF Darin Erstad on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 1, and activated DH/OF Juan Rivera from the DL.
Giants Activate Noah Lowry from the DL
Sunday
5/7/06 Atlanta Braves
Placed LHP Horacio Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
New York Mets
Purchased the contract of RHP Jose Lima from Triple-A Norfolk; placed RHP Victor Zambrano on the 60-day disabled list with a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.
Oakland Athletics
Placed OF Milton Bradley on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 27, with a sprained right knee.
Saturday
San Francisco Giants
Placed OF Moises Alou on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle; recalled C Justin Knoedler from Double-A Connecticut.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Placed RHP Dan Miceli on the 15-day disabled list and selected RHP Chad Harville from Triple-A Durham.
Friday
Baltimore Orioles
Activated OF Luis Matos from the 15-day disabled list and placed DH-C Javy Lopez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 28, with a mid-back strain.
Colorado Rockies
Activated 1B Todd Helton from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Ryan Spilborghs to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Detroit Tigers
Activated DH Dmitri Young from the 15-day disabled list; Designated OF Alexis Gomez for assignment.
Hitters who can Burn in Hell…
Mike Piazza – 3/16, 1 Run, 188 Avg.
Morgan Ensberg – 3/23, 1 Run, 130 Avg.
Ryan Freel – 3/24, 1 Run, 125 Avg.
Brandon Phillips – 2/20, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 100 Avg. 2 SB
Clint Barmes – 1/16, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, .063 Avg.’
Chris Shelton – 3/22, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 136 Avg.
Jeff Kent – 4/24, 2 Runs, 167 Avg.
Craig Wilson – 3/21, 143 Avg.
Joey Gathright – 2/24, 4 Runs, .083 Avg. 2 SB
Pitchers who sucked big time
Ben Sheets – 2.1 IP, 27.00 ERA, 3.86 WHIP
Dan Haren – 5.2 IP, 7.94 ERA, 2.12 WHIP
El Duque – 3.2 IP, 14.73 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Eric Bedard – 8 IP, 7.88 ERA, 2.50 WHIP
Roy Halladay – 6 IP, 7.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP
Greg Maddux – 5 IP, 9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP
Jason Marquis – 5.2 IP, 7.94 ERA, 2.12 WHIP
Sultans of Swat…
Chad Tracy – 8/28, 4 Runs, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 286 Avg.
Ryan Howard – 7/22, 3 Runs, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 318 Avg.
Travis Hafner – 10/26, 6 Runs, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 385 Avg.
Bill Hall – 9/23, 5 Runs, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 391 Avg.
Eric Chavez – 11/27, 4 Runs, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 407 Avg.
Chase Utley – 12/25, 9 Runs, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 480 Avg. 1 SB
Kings of the Hill
Pedro Martinez – 6 IP, 9 K’s, 1.50 ERA, .67 WHIP
Kelvim Escobar – 6.2 IP, 1 Win, 6 K, 0 ERA, .75 WHIP
Tom Glavine – 7 IP, 1 Win, 10 K, 0 ERA, .57 WHIP
Tom Gordon – 5 IP, 4 Sv’s, 7 K, 0 ERA, .20 WHIP
Mike Mussina – 13 IP, 2 Wins, 12 K, 2.08 ERA, .92 WHIP
Johan Santana – 7 IP, 1 Win, 9 K’s, 1.29 ERA, .86 WHIP
Aaron Harang – 8.1 IP, 1 Win, 12K. 1.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Jose Contreras – 7.1 IP, 1 Win, 4 K, 1.23 ERA, .95 WHIP
Jason Schmidt – 9 IP, 1 Win, 7 K, 0 ERA, .56 WHIP
Brett Tomko – 7 IP, 9 K, 0 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Brandon Webb – 16 IP, 2 Wins, 10 K, 1.69 ERA, .81 WHIP
Joel Pineiro – 17 IP, 2 Wins, 6 k, 1.59 ERA, .76 WHIP
Bill Powers Player of the Week…
Javier Vasquez – 13.2 IP, 2 Wins, 13 K, 1.32 ERA, .95 WHIP
Last Week Players to Watch –
Hideki Matsui – 8/19, 5 Runs, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 421 Avg.
Mike Lieberthal – 2/6 333 Avg.
Tim Hudson.
Posted by billpowers at 03:19 PM
May 01, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - All you need to know ...
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Sunday…
Cleveland Indians
Activated RHP Fernando Cabrera from the 15-day disabled list; Optioned RHP Fausto Carmona to Triple-A Buffalo.
Texas Rangers
Activated INF Mark DeRosa from the 15-day disabled list; Optioned OF Adam Hyzdu to Triple-A Oklahoma
Saturday
Kansas City Royals
Placed OF Shane Costa on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain and selected the contract of OF Kerry Robinson from Triple-A Omaha
Friday
New York Mets
Placed RHP Brian Bannister on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring; recalled OF Victor Diaz from Triple-A Norfolk.
Oakland Athletics
Placed RHP Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a muscle strain in his back and recalled LHP Ron Flores From Triple-A Sacramento.
San Francisco Giants
Placed 2B Ray Durham on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain;
Washington Nationals
Placed RHP John Patterson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 22, with a right forearm strain and activated RHP Zach Day.
Wednesday
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Placed 2B Jorge Cantu on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 25, with a fractured navicular bone in his left foot and selected INF/OF Greg Norton from Triple-A Durham.
Tuesday
Atlanta
Activated 3B Chipper Jones from the 15-day disabled list
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Activated LHP Mark Hendrickson from the disabled list
Players who can burn in Hell
Morgan Ensberg – 3/23. 1 Run, .130 Avg.
Justin Morneau – 2/12, 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .167 Avg.
Ryan Freel – 4/22, 2 Runs, .182 Avg.
Robinson Cano – 3/16, 1 RBI, .188 Avg.
Ramon Hernandez – 3/22, 3 Runs, 2 RBI, .136 Avg.
Mark Loretta – 3/21, 1 Run 2 RBI, .143 Avg.
Jeff Kent – 2/20, 1 Run, 3 RBI, .100 Avg.
Raphael Furcal – 2/21, 5 Runs, .095 Avg.
Josh Barfield – 1/18, .056 Avg.
Tori Hunter – 1/20, .050 Avg.
Craig Biggio – 3/23, 2 Runs, .130 Avg.
Javy Lopez – 0/11
Richie Sexson – 3/19, 3 Runs, .158 Avg.
Queens of the Hill
Randy Johnson – 5 IP, 1 Win, 10.80 ERA, 2.00 WHIP
Jeff Weaver – 2.1 IP, 30.86 ERA, 4.29 WHIP
Felix Hernandez – 5 IP, 1 Win, 7.20 ERA, 2.40 WHIP
Matt Morris – 5.2 IP, 6.35 ERA, 2.12 WHIP
Josh Beckett – 3.2 IP, 19.64 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Francisco Liriano – 4 IP, 1 Win, 11.25 ERA, 2.50 WHIP
Jake Peavy – 6.1 IP, 8.53 ERA, 2.05 WHIP
Jason Marquis – 5 IP, 12.60 ERA, 2.40 WHIP
Studs…
Sultans of Swat…
Lance Berkman – 8/24, 4 Runs, 4 HR, 9 RBI, .333 Avg.
Moise Alou – 12/24, 4 Runs, 4 HR, 12 RBI, .500 Avg.
Shea Hillenbrand – 11/19, 6 Runs, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .579 Avg.
Kevin Mench – 10/23, 6 Runs, 4 HR, 10 RBI, .435 Avg.
Johnny Damon – 9/21, 10 Runs, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .429 Avg. 5 SB
Jason Giambi – 6/15, 3 Runs, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .400 Avg.
King of the Hill
John Lackey, 8 IP, 1 Win, 8 K, 0 ERA, .75 WHIP
Mike Mussina – 12 IP, 2 Wins, 14 K’s, 1.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Derek Lowe – 13 IP, .69 ERA, .85 WHIP
Kevin Millwood – 12 IP, 1 Win, 11 K, 1.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP
Chris Capuano – 16 IP, 2 Wins, 12 K’s, .56 ERA, .56 WHIP
Bronson Arroyo – 8 IP, 1 Win, 8 K, 0 ERA, .38 WHIP
Jeff Suppan – 13 IP, 2 Wins, 6 k’s, 1.38 ERA, .85 WHIP
Player to watch this week –
Hideki Matsui – in Boston, Texas and Tampa Bay
Mike Lieberthal – Braves and Marlins…
Items to discuss –
Denise Richards bangin Richie Sambora…Heather pissed…
Immigrants March today…No lawns get mowed…
President Bush Look-a-like…
Kelly Pickler off Idol…Look for her to do Porn…
Football Draft
Posted by billpowers at 03:11 PM
April 24, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Fun, Fun, Fun
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News and Injuries from MLB.COM
Sunday
Colorado Rockies
Placed 1B Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list with stomach discomfort; Purchased the contract of OF Ryan Spilborghs from Triple-A Colorado Springs;
San Diego Padres
Activated OF Mike Cameron off the 15-day disabled list and optioned RHP Jon Adkins to Triple-A Portland.
Saturday
Los Angeles Angels
Placed OF-DH Juan Rivera on the 15-day disabled list and recalled OF Reggie Willits from Triple-A Salt Lake.
Toronto Blue Jays
Placed RHP A.J. Burnett on the 15-day disabled list and recalled RHP Shaun Marcum from Triple-A Syracuse.
Friday
Chicago Cubs
Placed INF Derrek Lee on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured distal radius and a fractured distal ulna; Selected OF Michael Restovich from Triple-A Iowa and transferred RHP Wade Miller from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.
Cleveland Indians
Placed RHP Rafael Betancourt on the 15-day disabled list with a strain of the right latissimus dorsi muscle; Recalled RHP Brian Slocum from AAA Buffalo.
Detroit Tigers
Activated RHP Todd Jones
Kansas City Royals
Placed CF David DeJesus on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring and purchased the contract of RHP Joe Nelson from Triple-A Omaha; transferred RHP Mike MacDougal from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.
Thursday
San Francisco Giants
Activated RHP Armando Benitez from the 15-day disabled list; optioned LHP Jack Taschner to Triple-A Fresno; activated 1B Lance Niekro from the bereavement list
Wednesday
Los Angeles Angels
Placed RHP Bartolo Colon on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, with inflammation in his right shoulder.
New York Mets
Placed 2B Anderson Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his lower back; activated 2B Kazuo Matsui from his Major League rehabilitation assignment.
Texas Rangers
Placed INF Mark DeRosa on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 15, with a sprained left foot; Purchased the contract of INF Drew Meyer from Triple-A Oklahoma
Tuesday
Baltimore Orioles…
Placed OF David Newhan on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right fibula and recalled OF Val Majewski from Triple-A Ottawa.
Cincinnati Reds
Reinstated C Jason LaRue from the 15-day disabled list.
Colorado Rockies
Placed RHP Sun-Woo Kim on the 15-day disabled list with a right shin contusion; Actived RHP Scott Dohmann from the 15-day DL.
Monday
Cincinnati Reds
Placed Ken Griffey Jr. on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 13.
Florida Marlins
Placed OF Jeremy Hermida (right hip flexor) and RHP Carlos Martinez (right elbow strain) on the 15-day disabled list; Purchased the contract of OF Matt Cepicky and recalled RHP Randy Messenger from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Some News and Notes from the last week to discuss…
Barry Bonds hits his first HR on the season in Colorado…
Curt Schilling has the look of a CY Young Award Candidate…
Greg Maddux has found the fountain of Youth…
Derrick Lee, injury prone and Brittle…
Is Frank Thomas finished???
Players who can burn in hell…
Justin Morneau – 1/18, 1 Run, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .056 Avg.
Prestin Wilson – 2/22, 1 Run, .091 Avg.
Josh Willingham – 3/19, 1 Run, 3 RBI, .158 Avg.
Jeff Francoure – 3/19, .158 Avg.
Jose Reyes – 3/28, 2 Runs, .107 Avg., 1SB
Matt Murton – 2/18, 1 Run, .111 Avg.
Johnny Damon – 3/22, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, .136 Avg.
Jimmy Rollins – 2/17, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, .118 Avg. , 2 SB
Chris Shelton – 3/22, 3 Runs, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .136 Avg.
Jeff Kent – 2/18, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, .111 Avg.
Kenji Johijima – 4/22, .182 Avg.
Richie Sexson – 5/26, 1 Run, 2 RBI, .192 Avg.
Pitchers who sucked…
Matt Morris – 6.1 IP, 9.95 ERA, 1.74 WHIP
Joe Blanton – 4.1 IP, 14.54 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Doug Davis – 7.2 IP, 14.09 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Francisco Cordero – 3.1 IP, 18.90 ERA, 1.80 ERA
Jake Westbrook – 4.2 IP, 15.43 ERA, 2.57 WHIP
Brad Radke – 5.0 IP, 10.80 ERA, 2.40 WHIP
Jeff Suppan – 2 IP, 36.00 ERA, 5.50 WHIP
Sultans of SWAT…
Morgan Ensberg – 11/23, 9 Runs, 6 HR, 11 RBI, .409 Avg.
Victor Martinez – 12/31, 9 Runs, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .387 Avg.
Ryan Howard – 7/17, 4 Runs, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .417 Avg
Josh Barfield – 13/33, 9 Runs, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .394 Avg., 3 SB
Kevin Mench – 8/21, 5 Runs, 3 HR, 12 RBI, .381 Avg.
Miguel Tejeda – 18/28, 6 Runs, 3 HR, 10 RBI, .536 Avg.
Nick Swisher – 6/17, 6 Runs, 4 HR, 8 RBI, .353 Avg.
Edwin Encarnacion – 7/23, 10 Runs, 2 HR, 11 RBI’s, .304 Avg.
Kings of the Hill
Chris Carpenter – 8 IP, 1 Win, 6 K’s, 0 ERA, .38 WHIP
Pedro Martinez – 13.2, 2 Wins, 19 K’s, 2.63 ERA, .88 WHIP
Javier Vasquez – 8 IP, 1 Win, 7 K’s, 0 ERA, .38 WHIP
Tom Gordon – 2 IP, 1 SV, 6 K’s, 0 ERA, .50 WHIP
Tom Glavine – 8 IP, 5k’s, 1.12 ERA, .50 WHIP
Bronson Arroyo – 8 IP, 1 Win, 8k’s, 1.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Player of the Week –
Brandon Phillips – 14/31 6 Runs, 3 HR, 17 RBI, .452 Avg.
Players to Watch from last week…
Mark Texiera, Jhonny Peralta and Jason Michaels…
Peralta 7/29 5 Runs 1 Hr 6 RBI 0 .241 AVG
Jason Michaels 4/27 4 Runs 0 Hr 2 RBI 1 SB .148 AVG
Mark Texiera 6/25 6 Runs 1 Hr 4 RBI .240 AVG
This week…
Javy Lopez breaks out…
Chris Carpenter excels…
Posted by billpowers at 02:52 PM | Comments (1)
April 18, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - How are we doing
Another week of High and Tight Fantasy Baseball....Did our players to watch pan out this week? Who is the Fantasy Player of the week? Download the show now...
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Ken Griffery Jr OF Knee Strain Place on the DL
4/17/06 David Newhan
BAL OF Leg fracture Out indefinitely
4/17/06 Juan Rivera
LAA OF Rib Day to day
4/17/06 Ryan Drese
WAS SP Elbow Out until mid-to-late May
4/17/06 Carlos Martinez
FLA RP Elbow Placed on DL (4/17)
4/17/06 Jeremy Hermida
FLA OF Hip Placed on DL (4/17)
4/17/06 Cliff Floyd
NYM OF Rib Day to day
4/17/06 Fernando Cabrera
CLE RP Heel DL (return unclear)
4/17/06 Armando Benitez
SF RP Knee DL (could return by weekend of 4/21)
4/17/06 Jim Edmonds
STL OF Shoulder Likely out until 4/21
4/17/06 John Mabry
CHC OF Neck/shoulder Day to day
4/17/06 Carlos Beltran
NYM OF Hamstring Day to day
4/17/06 Noah Lowry
SF SP Oblique DL (return unknown)
4/17/06 Edgar Renteria
ATL SS Rib cage strain Day to day
4/17/06 Roy Halladay
TOR SP Forearm Expected to start 4/22
4/17/06 Lance Niekro
SF 1B Foot Day to day
4/17/06 Nomar Garciaparra
LAD 3B Rib cage DL (4/20 return?)
4/17/06 Jeff Kent
LAD 2B Concussion Day to day
4/17/06 Royce Clayton
WAS SS Arm Day to day
4/16/06 Julio Lugo
TB SS Abdominal strain DL (hopes to return around 4/25)
4/17/06 Tim Salmon
LAA DH Groin Day to day
4/17/06 Francisco Rodriguez
LAA RP Hamstring cramp Day to day
4/16/06 Jose Guillen
WAS OF Oblique Expects to play Tues.
4/16/06 Mark Hendrickson
TB SP Shoulder DL (return unknown)
4/16/06 Mike Cameron
SD OF Oblique strain DL (could return 4/21)
4/16/06 Rafael Furcal
LAD SS Finger Playing through injury
4/16/06 Cesar Izturis
LAD SS Elbow DL (May return possible)
4/16/06 Ryan Bukvich
TEX RP Elbow DL (May return?)
4/16/06 Ryan Doumit
PIT C Hamstring Placed on 15-day DL
4/16/06 Denny Bautista
KC SP Pectoral muscle Placed on 15-day DL
4/16/06 Doug Mirabelli
SD C Back Day to day
4/16/06 Rick Helling
MIL RP Sprained elbow Placed on 15-day DL
4/16/06 Horacio Ramirez
ATL SP Hamstring DL (won't return earlier than 4/26)
Injury list courtesy of The Sporting News Fantasy Source…
Hitters who can burn in Hell…
Adrian Beltre – 1/22, 2 SB, .045 Avg
Manny Ramirez – 3/21, 1 RBI, 143 Avg.
Craig Biggio – 3/20, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, 150 Avg.
Luis Gonzalez – 2/16 125 Avg.
Ryan Zimmerman – 5/27, 3 Runs, 4 RBI, 185 Avg.
Jose Guillen – 2/16, 1 RBI, 125 Avg.
Barry Bonds – 2/11, 1 RBI, 182 Avg.
Javy Lopez – 2/14, 1 Run, 2 RBI, 143 Avg.
Mark Ellis – 0/13
Pitchers who can burn in hell…
Felix Hernandez – 4.2 IP, 4 K’s, 9.64 ERA, 2.36 WHIP
Jon Lieber – 6.1 IP, 1 k, 9.95 ERA, 1.58 WHIP
Javier Vasquez – 6 IP, 10.50 ERA, 1.67 ERA, 1.67 WHIP
Kelvim Escobar – 4.1 IP, 4 K’s, 8.31 ERA, 2.31 WHIP
Joe Blanton – 6 IP, 4 K’s, 10.50 ERA, 2.17 WHIP
Jon Garland – 5 IP, 12.60 ERA, 2.80 WHIP
Esteban Loiaza – 4 IP, 13.50 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
Oliver Perez – 4.2 IP, 4 K’s, 11.57 ERA, 3.00 WHIP
El Duque – 10.1 IP, 14K’s, 9.58 ERA, 1.74 WHIP
Kings of the Hill
Tom Gordon – 3.2 IP, 4 Saves, 4 K’s, 0 ERA, .82 WHIP
Tim Worrell – 3.1 IP, 3 Saves, 1 K, 0 ERA, .60 WHIP
Jon Papelbon – 3 IP, 3 Saves, 2 K’s, 0 ERA, .33 WHIP
Chris Ray – 3.1 IP, 3 Saves, 1 Win, 7k’s, 0 ERA, .60 WHIP
Cliff Lee – 13.1 IP, 1 Win, 14k’s, 2.02 ERA, .98 WHIP
Josh Beckett – 14 IP, 2 Wins, 7 K’s, 1.29 ERA, 1.oo WHIP
Curt Schilling – 8 IP, 1 Win, 7 K’s, 1.12 ERA, .38 WHIP
Tom Glavine – 6 IP, 1 Win, 11 K’s, 0 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Roy Oswalt – 8.1 IP, 1 Win, 2K’s, 0ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Sultans of Swat…
Jeff Francour – 9/24, 5 Runs, 3 Hr, 6 RBI, 375 Avg
Austin Kearns – 9/25 4 Runs, 3 Hr, 8 RBI, 360 Avg.
Chris Shelton – 4 Runs, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 375 Avg.
Morgan Ensberg – 9/21, 6 Runs, 3 Hr, 7 RBI, 429 Avg.
Albert Pujols – 8/21, 9 Runs, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 381 Avg., 1 SB
Nick Swisher – 10/25, 7 Runs, 3 Hr, 8 RBI, 400 Avg.
Jason Giambi – 8/14, 6 Runs, 4 Hr, 10 RBI, 571 Avg
Paul Konerko – 12/23, 9 Runs, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 522 Avg.
Vernon Wells – 11/24, 4 Runs, 3 Hr, 9 RBI, 458 Avg, 1 SB
Ty Wigginton – 8/25, 5 Runs, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 320 Avg.
Cody Ross – 8/25, 5 Runs, 2 Hr, 9 RBI, 583 Avg.
Player of the Week is:
Craig Wilson – 8/22, 8 Runs, 5 Hr, 10 RBI, 364 Avg.
Players to Watch this week…
Jhonny Peralta who hit 345 against the Orioles and Royals last season…Look for Jason Michaels to pick it up this week…
Mark Texiera is ready for a major tear….
Posted by billpowers at 02:33 PM
April 10, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball
The first week of the season is up and running...Players are breaking down...If you had Garciaparra and the less than 1 day, you won big...We check out the injuries, fantasy players to watch this week...And who was a stud this week or should burn in hell...
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Saturday
Baltimore Orioles
Purchased the contract of LHP John Halama from Triple-A Ottawa and designated LHP Eric DuBose for assignment
Toronto Blue Jays
Activated C Gregg Zaun from the 15-day disabled list
Friday
Cincinnati Reds
Acquired INF Brandon Phillips from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a PTBN or cash (Phillips was designated for assignment on April 1); Designated 2B Matt Kata for assignment.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Purchased the contract of RHP Takashi Saito from Triple-A Las Vegas; placed OF Jayson Werth on the 60-day disabled list.
San Diego Padres
Placed LHP Shawn Estes on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to April 6) due to a strained left elbow; Recalled RHP Scott Cassidy from Triple-A Portland.
San Francisco Giants
Placed LHP Noah Lowry on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique; recalled RHP Kevin Correia from Triple-A Fresno.
Thursday
Atlanta Braves
Purchased the contract of RHP Ken Ray from Triple-A Richmond; Recalled RHP Joey Devine from Triple-A Richmond; Placed LHP Horacio Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list and optioned RHP Blaine Boyer to Triple-A Richmond.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Placed RHP Eric Gagne on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 1.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Placed SS Julio Lugo on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 4 with an abdominal strain; Released RHP Jesus Colome; Signed INF Tomas Perez to a one-year contract;
Tuesday
Cleveland Indians
Placed LHP C.C. Sabathia on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle, retroactive to April 3; Recalled RHP Jason Davis from Triple-A Buffalo; Acquired OF Ramon Alvarado from the A's for RHP Kazuhito Tadano.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Placed 1B Nomar Garciaparra on the 15-day disabled list and recalled 1B James Loney from Triple-A Las Vegas.
Players who should burn in Hell…
Scott Posednik – 1/18, 1R, .056 Avg
Frank Thomas – 2/22, 3 R, 1HR, 4 RBI, 091 Avg
Aubrey Huff – 3/18, 4 R, .167 Avg.
Ronnie Belliard – 2/17, 1 R, 1 RBI, .118 Avg
Rondell White – 2/22, 1 Runs, 2 RBI, .091
Corey Patterson – 1/10, 2 Runs, 1 RBI, .100 Avg
Michael Cuddyer – 0/7
Dan Johnson – 0/19, 2 Runs
Pitchers
Tim Hudson – 8 IP, 3 K’s, 12.28 ERA, 2.50 WHIP
Bartolo Colon – 7 IP, 5 Ks, 12.86 ERA, 2.57 WHIP
John Lackey – 4 IP, 4 Ks, 11.25 ERA, 2.50 WHIP
John Garland – 5.1 IP, 6 K’s, 15.19 ERA, 2.25 WHIP
Freddie Garcia – 4 IP, 2 K, 15.75 ERA, 2.75 WHIP
Hot this Week
Hideki Matsui – 10/25, 6 Runs, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .400 Avg
Andrew Jones – 9/29, 7 Runs, 2 HR, 12 RBI, .310 Avg
Ryan Freel – 6/11, 8 Runs, 1 RBI, 5 SB, .545 Avg
Lance Berkman – 8/21, 4 Runs, 3 Hr, 9 RBI, 375 Avg
Edger Renteria – 12/31, 7 Runs, 1 Hr, 10 RBI, .387 Avg
Michael Barrett – 6/19, 4 Runs, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .316
Pitching Studs
Derrick Turnbow – 4 IP, 4 Saves, 1.75 WHIP 2 K’s
Rich Harden – 12.2 IP, 1 Win, 2.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 12 Ks
Jon Papelbon – 4 IP, 3 Saves, .25 WHIP, 4 K’s.
Joe Blanton – 8 IP, 1 Win, .38 WHIP, 6 K’s
Huston Street – 2.1 IP, 1 Win, 2 Saves, 1.29 WHIP, 2 k’s…
Brad Penny – 12 IP, 2 Wins, 1.50 ERA, .83 WHIP, 14 K’s
Mark Hendrickson – 9 IP, 1 Win, .50 WHIP, 2 K’s…
Players to watch this week:
Ryan Howard hit four home runs in eight games against the Braves last season. This week, he hits against the bottom three in the rotation, before heading to the launching pad knows as Coors Field for three games…
Ramon Hernandez is off to a terrific start this season (.688 with six RBIs through Sunday), and the O's have a great start to the week. Baltimore gets four games against Tampa Bay
Cliff Lee was 3-0 in five starts last season against the Tigers and Mariners, the two teams he faces this week. He had a 2.31 ERA and 1.06 in those games…Lee could be huge for wins and ERA, but k’s will be really low with a somewhat elevated WHIP…
Posted by billpowers at 06:40 AM
April 05, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Draft Show follow up
Recap of the draft show and the usually Fantasy Baseball fun.
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Posted by billpowers at 08:56 PM
March 25, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - The Draft Show
Welcome to the Draft show...This was a face to face draft for a league that Porterhouse and I participate in with friends from the old office we used to work at...It is a mixed 5x5 league which had three keepers per team...
Here are all of the picks...Make sure you listen next week when we break down the draft and we will answer your questions...If you have any individual questions or want to comment on the draft, send your emails to fantasyfocus@gmail.com...Or leave us a voice mail at (631) 458 - 0536...
Download the draft show now...
Team 1 - The Kirby Puckets - Kevin Ward - Keepers - Michael Young, Konerko, Soriano
Team 2 - The Radio Warriors - Chris Simmons - BJ Ryan, Andy Petitte, Lee
Team 3 - Brick Tamland - Bill Powers Adam Dunn, Victor Martinez, David Ortiz
Team 4 - Gino's Boys - Gino - mariano Rivera, Chris Carpenter, Pedro Martinez
Team 5 - Sexual Chocolate - Porterhouse - Crawford, Bay, Texiera
Team 6 - Stuck in Third - John Shea - Tejeda, Guererra, Hafner
Team 7 - The Barroids Bonds - Chris P - Santana, Wright, Damon
Team 8 - Titties and Beer - Eli Izsakson - AROD, Pujols, Sheffield
Team 9 - The Brooklyn Cyclones - Frank - Blaylock, Bonds, Ramirez
Already off the board...
Barry Bonds
Mark Texiera
Carl Crawford
Jason Bay
David Ortiz
Victor Martinez
Adam Dunn
Hank Blaylock
Chris Carpenter
Pedro Martinez
Mariano Rivera
Vladie Guerraro
Albert Pujols
Arod
Gary Sheffield
David Wright
Johan Santana
Johnny Damon
Andy Petitte
Manny Ramirez
Michael Young
Travis Hafner
Miguel Tejada
Paul Konerko
Derrick Lee
BJ Ryan
Alfonso Soriano
Round 1
Team 1 - Miguel Cabrera
Team 2 - Roy Halladay
Team 3 - Bobby Abreu
Team 4 - Brad Lidge
Team 5 -Chase Utley
Team 6 - Lance Berkman
Team 7 - Ichiro
Team 8 - Carlos Beltran
Team 9 - Jake Peavy
Round 2
Team 9 - Roy Oswalt
Team 8 - Randy Johnson
Team 7 - Huston Street
Team 6 - Carlos Zambrano
Team 5 - Grady Sizemore
Team 4 - Billy Wagner
Team 3 - Joe Nathan
Team 2 - Hideki Matsui
Team 1 - Carlos Lee
Round 3
Team 1 - Chone Figgins
Team 2 - K Rod
Team 3 - Derek Jeter
Team 4 - Rich Harden
Team 5 - Jose Reyes
Team 6 - Aramis Ramirez
Team 7 - Bobby Jenks ?
Team 8 - Todd Helton
Team 9 - Jason Isringhausen
Round 4
Team 9 - Ryan Howard
Team 8 - Eric Gagne
Team 7 - Juan Pierre
Team 6 - John Smoltz
Team 5 - Felix Hernandez
Team 4 - Jason Schmidt
Team 3 - Bartolo Colon
Team 2 - Scott Posednik
Team 1 - Vernon Wells
Round 5
Team 1 - Coco Crisp
Team 2 - Jimmy Rollins
Team 3 - Brandon Webb
Team 4 - Andrew Jones
Team 5 - Ben Sheets
Team 6 - Jeff Kent
Team 7 - Carlos Delgado
Team 8 - Raphael Furcal
Team 9 - Trevor Hoffman
Round 6
Team 9 - Felipe Lopez
Team 8 - Josh Beckett
Team 7 - Dontrelle Willis
Team 6 - Chad Cordero
Team 5 - Barry Zito
Team 4 - Jim Thome
Team 3 - Richie Sexson
Team 2 - Morgan Ensberg
Team 1 - Mark Buerhle
Round 7
Team 1 - Curt Schilling
Team 2 - Jose Contreras
Team 3 - Tim Hudson
Team 4 - Eric Chavez
Team 5 - Jeff Francour
Team 6 - Jason Varitez
Team 7 - Jojima
Team 8 - Marcus Giles
Team 9 - Jorge Cantu
Round 8
Team - 9 - Francisco Cordero
Team 8 - Chipper Jones
Team 7 - Robinson Cano
Team 6 - Cliff Lee
Team 5 - Joe Mauer
Team 4 - Brian Roberts
Team 3 - Troy Glaus
Team 2 - Tadahito Iguchi
Team 1 - Bob Wickman
Round 9
Team 1 - Paul LoDuca
Team 2 - Jorge Posada
Team 3 - Derrick Turnbow
Team 4 - Jhonny Perhalta
Team 5 - Armando Benitez
Team 6 - Eddie Guardado
Team 7 - Brandon Backe
Team 8 - I Rod
Team 9 - Scott Rolen
Round 10
Team 9 - John Patterson
Team 8 - AJ Burnett
Team 7 - Aubrey Huff
Team 6 - Jim Edmonds
Team 5 - Oliver Perez
Team 4 - Ryan Freel
Team 3 - Mark Loretta
Team 2 - Chris Capuano
Team 1 - Tom Gordon
Round 11
Team 1 - Jon Garland
Team 2 - Pat Burrell
Team 3 - Mark Prior
Team 4 - Willy Tavares
Team 5 - Mike Gonzalez
Team 6 - Matt Holiday
Team 7 - Melvin Mora
Team 8 - Brian Giles
Team 9 - Ken Griffey Jr
Round 12
Team 9 - Cliff Floyd
Team 8 - Zach Duke
Team 7 - Shawn Chacon
Team 6 - Freddie Garcia
Team 5 - Adrian Beltre
Team 4 - Kevin Mench
Team 3 - Brett Myers
Team 2 - John Lackey
Team 1 - Mark Mulder
Round 13
Team 1 - Scott Kazmir
Team 2 - Garrett Anderson
Team 3 - Keith Foulke
Team 4 - Aaron Rowand
Team 5 - Justin Mourneu
Team 6 - Ryan Dempster
Team 7 - Nomar
Team 8 - Todd Jones
Team 9 - Dan Haren
Round 14
TM 9 - Kerry Wood
TM 8 - JD Drew
TM 7 - Chin Ming Wong
TM 6 - Joe Blanton
TM 5 - Valverde
TM 4 - Noah Lowry
TM 3 - Jason Giambi
TM 2 - Julio Lugo
TM 1 - Danyz Baez
Round 15
TM 1 - Bill Hall
TM 2 - Tom Glavine
TM 3 - Roger Clemens
TM 4 - Benji Molina
TM 5 - Jeremy Bonderman
TM 6 - Raul Ibanez
TM 7 - Brady Clark
TM 8 - Javier Vasquez
TM 9 - Preston Wilson
Round 16
TM 9 - Richie Weeks
TM 8 - CC Sabathia
TM 7 - Mike Mussina
TM 6 - Chad Tracy
TM 5 - Edwin Encarnacion
TM 4 - Dan Johnson
TM 3 - Magglio Ordonez
TM 2 - Lyle Overbay
TM 1 - Milton Bradley
Round 17
TM 1 - Frank Thomas
TM 2 - Tori Hunter
TM 3 - Rocco Baldelli
TM 4 - Curtis Granderson
TM 5 - Clint Barmes
TM 6 - Jermaine Dye
TM 7 - Prince Fielder
TM 8 - Randy Winn
Posted by billpowers at 07:40 PM | Comments (1)
March 12, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Outfielders
We are getting closer to draft day... This week we run down our top 25 outfielders...Remember to email us your questions at fantasyfocus@gmail.com and voicemail us at (631) 458 - 0536...
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Bill Powers Outfielders…
1) Vladie Guerrero – 32 HR, 108 RBI, 95 Runs, 13 SB, 317 Avg.
2) Manny Ramirez – 45 HR, 144 RBI, 112 Runs, 1 SB, 292 Avg.
3) Carl Crawford – 15 HR, 81 RBI, 101 Runs, 46 SB, 301 Avg.
4) Miguel Cabrera – 33 HR, 116 RBI, 106 Runs, 1 SB, 323 Avg.
5) Jason Bay – 32 HR, 101 RBI, 110 Runs, 21 SB, 306 Avg.
6) Carlos Beltran – 16 HR< 78 RBI, 83 Runs, 17 SB, 266 Avg.
7) Gary Sheffield – 34 HR< 123 RBI, 104 Runs, 10 SB, 291 Avg.
8) Bobby Abreu – 24 HR, 102 RBI, 104 Runs, 31 SB, 286 Avg.
9) Andrew Jones – 51 HR, 128 RBI, 95 Runs, 5 SB, 263 Avg.
10) Ichiro – 15 HR, 68 RBI, 111 Runs, 33 SB, 303 Avg.
11) Hideki Matsui – 23 HR, 116 RBI, 108 Runs, 2 SB, 305 Avg.
12) Carlos Lee – 32 HR, 114 RBI, 85 Runs, 13 SB, 265 Avg.
13) Grady Sizemore – 22 HR, 81 RBI, 111 Runs, 22 SB, 289 Avg.
14) Johnny Damon – 10 HR, 75 RBI, 117 Runs, 18 SB, 316 Avg.
15) Lance Berkman – 24 HR, 82 RBI, 76 RBI, 4 SB, 293 Avg.
16) Ken Griffey Jr – 35 HR, 92 RBI, 85 Runs, 301 Avg.
17) Adam Dunn – 40 HR, 101 RBI, 107 Runs, 4 SB, 247 Avg.
18) Vernon Wells – 28 HR, 97 RBI, 78 Runs, 8 SB, 269 Avg.
19) Cliff Floyd – 34 HR, 98 RBI, 85 Runs, 12 SB, 273 Avg.
20) Juan Pierre – 2 HR, 47 RBI, 96 Runs, 57 SB, 276 Avg.
21) Pat Burrell – 32 HR, 117 RBI, 78 Runs, 281 Avg.
22) Barry Bonds – 5 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs, 286 Avg.
23) Matt Holiday – 19 HR, 87 RBI, 68 Runs, 14 SB, 307 Avg.
24) Coco Crisp – 16 HR, 69 RBI, 86 Runs, 15 SB, 300 Avg.
25) Brian Giles – 15 HR, 83 RBI, 92 Runs, 13 SB, 301 Avg.
Cleveland Indians
Signed SS Jhonny Peralta to a five-year contract with a club option for 2011.
Kansas City Royals
Signed CF David DeJesus to a five-year contract worth $13.8 million, with a club
Posted by billpowers at 07:56 AM
March 05, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Catchers and Third Baseman
The anticipation is building as we head towards draft day...This week we run down our top 10 Catchers and Third baseman...Remember to email us your questions at fantasyfocus@gmail.com and voicemail us at (631) 458 - 0536...
Next week we have our Outfielder run-down followed by two weeks of draft shows...Download the show now...
And remember - F Porterhouse
Packed houses at the Tokyo Dome…Unbelieveable excitement for the World Baseball Classic Dawg…
Items to mention –
1) Our Fantasy Baseball League Against Listeners
2) New Name of the Show – High and Tight Fantasy Baseball
3) Spread the Word – Numbers suck right now…
4) Items for sale at FantasyFocusPodcast.com…
5) Be Carefull..Itunes not always helping…Subscribe at above website…
6) Skype Voice Mail…(631) 458-0536
7) So far, we have covered Pitchers, First, Second and Shortstop…This week we cover Catchers and Third baseman. Next week we get you the Outfielders…Then the draft shows begin…We’ll give you the first 8 Rounds….
In the News –
Injury Report
Jose Guillen – Wrist Tendon – Will begin baseball related activities again in 1 week
Kerry Wood – Knee Scope – Late April return expected…
Bill Powers Catchers
1) Victor Martinez – 20 HR, 80 RBI, 73 Runs, 305 Avg…Last season 210 with 4 homers…147 games
2) Joe Mauer – 9 HR, 55 RBI, 61 Runs, 294 Avg. 131 games
3) Jason Varitek – 22 HR, 70 RBI, 70 Runs, 281 Avg. 133 games
4) Ramon Hernandez – 12 HR, 58 RBI, 36 Runs, 290 Avg., 99 games
5) Jorge Posada – 19 HR, 71 RBI, 67 Runs, 262 Avg., 142 games
6) Javy Lopez – 15 HR, 49 RBI, 47 Runs, 278 Avg., 103 games
7) Ivan Rodriguez – 14 HR, 50 RBI, 71 Runs, 276 Avg., 129 games
8) Benji Molina – 15 HR, 69 RBI, 45 Runs, 295 Avg., 119 games
9) Michael Barret – 16 HR, 61 RBI, 48 Runs, 276 Avg., 133 games
10) Brian McCann – 5 HR, 23 RBI, 20 Runs, 278 Avg., 59 games
Players to Watch – Josh Willingham – Marlins
Ryan Doumit – Pirates
Bill Powers Third Baseman
1) Alex Rodriguez – 48 HR, 130 RBI, 124 Runs, 321 Avg., 21 SB
2) Aramis Ramirez – 31 HR, 92 RBI, 72 Runs, 302 Avg.,
3) David Wright – 27 HR, 102 RBI, 99 Runs, 306 Avg., 17 SB
4) Morgan Ensberg – 36 HR, 101 RBI, 86 Runs, 283 Avg., 6 SB
5) Troy Glaus – 37 HR, 97 RBI, 78 Runs, 258 Avg., 4 SB
6) Eric Chavez – 27 HR, 101 RBI, 92 Runs, 269 Avg., 6 SB
7) Melvin Mora – 27 HR, 88 RBI, 86 Runs, 283 Avg., 7 SB
8) Hank Blaylock – 25 HR, 92 RBI, 80 Runs, 263 Avg., 1 SB
9) Chipper Jones – 21 HR, 72 RBI, 66 Runs, 296 Avg., 5 SB
10) Scott Rolen – 5 HR, 28 RBI, 28 Runs, 235 Avg., 1 SB
Player to Watch – Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals
Garrett Atkins – Rockies
Comeback Year – Mike Lowell
Posted by billpowers at 08:35 AM
February 26, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Middle Infielders
Week number 5 of the baseball show season and we get your ready for your drafts by running down the top Middle Infielders...Don't forget to call and leave us voice mail at (631) 458-0536...
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Updated Player Team Pos. Injury Status
2/25/06 Kip Wells
PIT SP Arm fatigue Will be examined by specialist
2/25/06 Brian Lawrence
WAS SP Shoulder Out until All-Star break
2/25/06 Kevin Correia
SF SP Back Pitched 2/24 pain free
2/25/06 Bobby Crosby
OAK SS Shoulder Day to day
2/25/06 Russ Springer
HOU RP Ribs Day to day
2/25/06 Paul Wilson
CIN SP Shoulder Return unknown
2/25/06 Derrek Lee
CHC 1B Triceps Limited throwing of late
2/25/06 Ken Harvey
KC DH Achilles' tendon Out until at least June
2/25/06 Matt Miller
CLE RP Elbow Now throwing batting practice
2/25/06 Edgar Renteria
ATL SS Back Day to day
2/25/06 Carl Crawford
TB OF Wrist Now taking batting practice
2/25/06 Frank Thomas
OAK DH Ankle Cleared to intensify workouts
2/25/06 Kerry Wood
CHC RP Shoulder Threw off a mound 2/24
2/25/06 Barry Bonds
SF OF Knee Opening day in question
2/25/06 Justin Speier
TOR RP Finger strain Will resume pitching next week
2/25/06 Reed Johnson
TOR OF Elbow Will rest for a few days
2/25/06 Vernon Wells
TOR OF Quadriceps Should be fine for opening day
2/25/06 Luis Ayala
WAS RP Elbow Not considered serious
2/25/06 David Wells
BOS SP Ankle Return unknown
2/25/06 Brian Roberts
BAL 2B Elbow Hopes to play opening day
2/24/06 Ramon Nivar
STL OF Knee No timetable for return
2/24/06 Brandon Medders
ARI RP Shoulder Day to day
2/24/06 Chin-hui Tsao
COL RP Shoulder Hopes to return in June
2/24/06 John Van Benschoten
PIT SP Shoulder Throwing again, but limited
2/24/06 William Bergolla
CIN 2B Hernia No return date set
2/24/06 Pedro Martinez
NYM SP Toe Day to day
2/24/06 Carl Pavano
NYY SP Back Could throw off mound 3/1
2/24/06 Rafael Furcal
LAD SS Knee Could play week of 2/27
2/24/06 Eric Gagne
LAD RP Elbow Opening day still a question
Bill Powers Second Baseman
1) Chone Figgins – 8 HR, 57 RBI, 113 Runs, 290 Avg, 62 SB
2) Chase Utley – 28 HR, 105 RBI, 93 Runs, 291 Avg, 16 SB
3) Alfonso Soriano – 36 HR, 104 RBI, 102 Runs, 268 Avg, 30 SB
4) Jeff Kent – 29 HR, 105 RBI, 100 Runs, 289 Avg, 6 SB
5) Marcus Giles – 15 HR, 63 RBI, 104 Runs, 291 Avg, 16 SB
6) Jorge Cantu – 28 HR, 117 RBI, 73 Runs, 286 Avg, 1 SB
7) Brian Roberts – 18 HR, 73 RBI, 92 Runs, 314 Avg, 27 SB
8) Mark Loretta – 3 HR, 38 RBI, 54 Runs, 280 Avg, 8 SB
9) Richie Weeks – 13 HR, 42 RBI, 56 Runs, 239 Avg, 15 SB
10) Tadahito Iguchi – 16 HR, 79 RBI, 74 Runs, 281 Avg, 16 SB
Player to Watch – Ian Kinsler – Texas
Possible Drop – Off – Robinson Cano
Shortstops
1) Michael Young – 24 HR, 91 RBI, 114 Runs, 331 Avg, 5 SB
2) Miguel Tejada – 26 HR, 98 RBI, 89 Runs, 304 Avg, 5 SB
3) Derek Jeter – 19 HR, 70 RBI, 122 Runs, 309 Avg, 14 SB
4) Jose Reyes – 7 HR, 58 RBI, 99 Runs, 273 Avg, 60 SB
5) Jimmy Rollins – 12 HR, 54 RBI, 115 Runs, 290 Avg, 41 SB
6) Jhonny Peralta – 24 HR, 78 RBI, 82 Runs, 292 Avg, 0 SB
7) Rafael Furcal – 12 HR, 58 RBI, 100 Runs, 284 Avg, 46 SB
8) Felipe Lopez – 23 HR, 85 RBI, 97 Runs, 291 Avg, 15 SB
9) Edgar Renteria – 8 HR, 70 RBI, 100 Runs, 276 Avg, 9 SB
10) Julio Lugo – 6 HR, 57 RBI, 89 Runs, 295 Avg, 39 SB
Player to Watch – Bill Hall Milwaukee
Come Back Year – Renteria
Down Year – Lugo
Posted by billpowers at 07:43 AM
February 19, 2006
High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Getting you geared up for your Fantasy Draft
Getting you geared up for your Fantasy Draft...We check out your Closers and First Baseman this week...Don't forget to call us at 8pm on Wednesday night at 631-458 - 0536
Play the Show
Bill Powers First baseman…
1) Albert Pujols – 41 HR, 117 RBI’s, 129 Runs, 16 SB, 330 Avg
2) Mark Texiera – 43 HR, 144 RBI’s, 112 Runs, 4 SB, 301 Avg
3) Derrick Lee – 46 HR, 107 RBI, 120 Runs, 15 SB, 335 Avg
4) Carlos Delgado – 33 HR, 115 RBI, 81 Runs, 301 Avg
5) Paul Konerko – 40 HR, 100 RBI, 98 Runs, 283 Avg
6) Ryan Howard – 22 HR, 63 RBI, 52 Runs, 288 Avg – 312 AB…
7) Richie Sexson – 39 HR, 121 RBI, 99 Runs, 1 SB, 263 Avg
8) Adam Dunn – 40 HR, 101 RBI, 107 Runs, 4 SB, 247 Avg
9) Jason Giambi – 32 HR, 87 RBI, 113 Runs, 271 Avg
10) Todd Helton – 20 HR, 79 RBI, 92 Runs, 3 SB, 320 Avg
11) Aubrey Huff – 22 HR, 92 RBI, 70 Runs, 8 SB, 261 Avg
12) Jim Thome – 7 HR, 30 RBI, 26 Runs, 207 Avg
Over Achiever – Lyle Overbay…
Under Achiever – Mike Jacobs
Bill Powers Relief Pitchers…
1) Mariano Rivera – 7 Wins, 43 Saves, 80 K’s, 78.1 IP,1.38 ERA
2) Brad Lidge – 70.2 IP, 4 Wins, 42 Saves, 2.29 ERA, 103 K’s
3) Francisco Rodriguez – 2 Wins, 45 Saves, 2.67 ERA, 91 K’s, 67.1 IP
4) Billy Wagner – 4 Wins, 38 Saves, 1.51 ERA, 87 K’s, 77.2 IP
5) Joe Nathan – 7 Wins, 43 Saves, 2.70 ERA, 94K’s, 70 IP
6) Huston Street – 78.1 IP, 5 Wins, 23 Saves, 2.28 ERA, 72 K’s,
7) Chad Cordero – 2 Wins, 47 Saves, 1.82 ERA, 74.1 IP, 61 K’s
8) BJ Ryan – 70.1 IP, 1 Wins, 36 Saves, 2.43 ERA, 100K’s,
9) Trevor Hoffman – 57.2 IP, 43 Saves, 2.97 ERA, 54 K’s,
Over Achiever – Ryan Dempster
Under Achiever – Todd Jones…
Posted by billpowers at 08:43 AM
February 12, 2006
High and tight fantasy baseball - New name show
New name same great show... Maybe...
1) Johan Santana – 231.2 IP, 16 Wins, 238 K’s, 2.87 ERA, .97 WHIP
2) Roy Oswalt – 241.2 IP, 20 Wins, 184 K’s, 2.94 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
3) Pedro Martinez – 217 IP, 15 Wins, 208 K’s, 2.82 ERA, .95 WHIP
4) Chris Carpenter – 241.2 IP, 21 Wins, 213 K’s, 2.83 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
5) Jake Peavy – 203 IP, 13 Wins, 216 K’s, 2.88 ERA, 1.04 WHIP
6) Randy Johnson – 225.2 IP, 17 Wins, 211 K’s, 3.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
7) Roy Halladay – 141.2 IP, 12 Wins, 108 K’s, 2.41 ERA, .96 WHIP
8) Ben Sheets – 156.2 IP, 10 Wins, 141 K’s. 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
9) Bartolo Colon – 222.2 IP, 21 Wins, 157 K’s, 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
10) Carlos Zambrano – 223.1 IP, 14 Wins, 202 K’s, 3.26 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
11) Felix Hernandez – 84.1 IP, 4 Wins, 77K’s, 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
12) Roger Clemens – 211.1 IP, 13 Wins, 185 K’s, 1.87 ERA, 1.10 WHIP
13) Dontrelle Willis – 236.1 IP, 22 Wins, 170K’s, 2.63 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
14) Andy Pettite – 222.1 IP, 17 Wins, 171K’s, 2.39 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
15) John Smoltz – 229.2 IP, 14 Wins, 169K’s, 3.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
16) Mark Buehrle – 236.2 IP, 16 Wins, 149K’s, 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
17) Jon Garland – 221 IP, 18 Wins, 115K’s, 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
18) John P atterson – 198.1 IP, 9 Wins, 185K’s, 3.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
19) Barry Zito – 228.1 IP, 14 Wins, 171K’s, 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
20) Mark Prior – 166.2 IP, 11 Wins, 189K’s, 3.67 ERA, 1.21 WHIP
21) AJ Burnett – 209 IP, 12 Wins, 198K’s, 3.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP
22) Cliff Lee – 202 IP, 18 Wins, 143K’s, 3.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP
23) Zach Duke – 84.2 IP, 8 Wins, 58K’s, 1.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
24) Rich Harden – 128 IP, 10 Wins, 121K’s, 2.53 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
25) Curt Schilling – 93.1 IP, 8 Wins, 87K’s, 5.69 ERA, 1.53 WHIP
Posted by billpowers at 08:56 AM
February 09, 2006
Fantasy Focus - Baseball call in show
Team fantasy focus take on some callers for the first time. Here is the number 631-458-0536. Call and leave us a voice mail or call during the next showtime and get on the show.
Play the Show
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Ramon Hernandez will take over the catching duties after landing a hefty four-year, $27.5 million contract, Jeff Conine signed for a year to play wherever the O's need him, and former Boston first baseman Kevin Millar landed a one-year pact to pick up a moody clubhouse. Cubs castoff Corey Patterson probably will start in center. And the O's now have the best pitching coach in the business: former Atlanta rocker Leo Mazzone. They lost closer B.J. Ryan to Toronto .
Lowdown: The Orioles have had it hard this winter. White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko turned down huge money to stay in Chicago for less. Jeromy Burnitz was close to a deal, but turned his back on the O's at the last second. Star shortstop Miguel Tejada complained, demanded a trade, then retracted the demand. If Patterson works out, if Conine and Millar can be productive at first, if the O's keep Javy Lopez as a designated hitter, and if Chris Ray or newly acquired LaTroy Hawkins can close, the Orioles haven't lost any ground. Any way you look at it, though, they sure haven't gained any.
BOSTON RED SOX
The Sox took advantage of the Marlins' payroll chopping and landed potential ace Josh Beckett in a trade; they also got third baseman Mike Lowell and reliever Guillermo Mota in the deal. Boston took San Diego for a ride, too, getting second baseman Mark Loretta while giving up only backup catcher Doug Mirabelli. The Sox shored up the bullpen by signing free-agent relievers Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez. They traded disappointing shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Braves for infield prospect Andy Marte . But they lost center fielder Johnny Damon to the Yankees, and a bunch of other stalwarts from their '04 title team -- including Millar and Bill Mueller -- left in a wild, uneven offseason.
Lowdown: The Yanks' offer for Damon just proved to be too rich, so now the Sox have to find a replacement in center, a good leadoff man, and (after trading away Renteria) a shortstop. Manny Ramirez is staying, it seems, but the Sox still are looking to deal lefty David Wells. For this offseason to be successful, Lowell will have to have a bounceback year at third, and the combination of Kevin Youkilis and free-agent pickup J.T. Snow must be good at first. And, of course, there are still those center-field and shortstop problems ...
NEW YORK YANKEES
The Yanks lost setup man Tom Gordon , so they signed free-agent Kyle Farnsworth (three years, $17 million). They needed a boost in center, so they went out and bought Damon (four years, $52 million -- ouch). They shored up their bullpen with the signings of Octavio Dotel and lefty Mike Myers.
Lowdown: Strangely under control most of the winter, the Yankees did well in replacing Gordon, strengthening their bullpen, and finding a top replacement for Bernie Williams in center. They still have a lot of ifs in their rotation, and there's no telling how Jason Giambi will hold up as an everyday first baseman. A new starter would have helped, but the market was thin, and the Yanks smartly didn't overpay for someone -- for once.
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
The Rays have been a little slow, but they're moving some. They recently swapped their long sought-after closer, Danys Baez, and one-time All-Star reliever Lance Carter to the Dodgers for a couple of much-needed starters. Earlier, they picked up discarded third baseman Sean Burroughs in a trade with San Diego for disappointing starter Dewon Brazelton, and signed Japanese reliever Shinji Mori. Nothing franchise-shattering, but these are, after all, the Devil Rays.
Lowdown: It's all about baby steps for the Rays. They had a surprisingly good second half last season (39-34) and now have new ownership, a new manager (Joe Maddon), a lot of new faces ... and, alas, some of the same old problems. They may still trade shortstop Julio Lugo or outfielder Aubrey Huff to get more starting pitching and bullpen help (someone has to close now that Baez is gone). Then they'll hope guys like Carl Crawford, Jorge Cantu, a healthy Rocco Baldelli and up-and-coming shortstop B.J. Upton can hit enough to stay close in the division.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The biggest movers of the winter, the Jays signed what they needed: another top-tier starter ( A.J. Burnett) and a stopper (lefty B.J. Ryan). They traded for power in third baseman Troy Glaus and a good hitter in first baseman Lyle Overbay . All the action came at a price, of course. Burnett cost the team $55 million, Ryan $47 million.
Lowdown: The Jays overpaid, sure, but they now have arguably the most reliable rotation in the division ( Roy Halladay , Burnett, Ted Lilly, Gustavo Chacin and Josh Towers ) and some of the power they lost when Carlos Delgado left after the 2004 season. Toronto won 80 games last year and came awfully close to winning a lot more than that (the Jays were a horrific 16-31 in one-run games). These moves could -- no, they should -- put the Jays into wild-card territory, at least.
AL CENTRAL
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The world champs had a couple of touchy moves to make, and they pulled them off flawlessly. They enticed first baseman Paul Konerko back with a five-year, $60 million deal (he turned down $65 million from the Orioles). They traded for slugger Jim Thome, who should make a terrific designated hitter. They strengthened an already ridiculously strong rotation with a trade for Javier Vazquez. They traded for a good utility man, Rob Mackowiak. Did they make a misstep at all?
Lowdown: This team is stronger, which should be absolutely scary. The biggest question mark is in center field, where Brian Anderson takes over for Aaron Rowand (traded to Philly in the deal for Thome). Other than that, every area is at least as strong as it was when the Sox whipped through the postseason with just one loss.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd, a crafty sort, was signed to take the place of last year's ace, ERA champ Kevin Millwood (who was eventually handed the keys to the Rangers' kingdom). The Indians replaced Scott Elarton (signed by the Royals) with free-agent Jason Johnson of the Tigers. Cleveland didn't get the closer it was after ( B.J. Ryan, Trevor Hoffman), but is fine bringing back aging Bob Wickman (45 saves in '05). Still, the loss of bullpen standout Bobby Howry (signed with the Cubs after 79 games and a 2.47 ERA) is going to hurt.
Lowdown: Arguably the best team in baseball during the second half of the season, their final week slide was an absolute killer. But the Indians still have all that young offensive talent ( Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta, Grady Sizemore) and a rotation second only to that one in Chicago. The Tribe will challenge for the title again. But that questionable 'pen is going to have to do its share.
DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers hope free-agent lefty Kenny Rogers , with all his baggage (and his two year, $16 million contract), helps prop up the rotation. They're counting on Matt Mantei (from Boston) and resurrected closer Todd Jones (Florida) to do the same for the bullpen. Rogers may be a step up from Jason Johnson, but the rotation is still lacking. Detroit made a run at a lot of free agents this winter, but talking top talent into moving to Motown is still not an easy task, even if new manager Jim Leyland is doing the pleading.
There's talent here, but the rotation isn't much stronger than it was last season (4.85 ERA, 10th in the AL ). And in this division, the Tigers have to get a lot better in every phase of the game to even start thinking about competing with the Indians and White Sox.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
With $22 million to spend, the Royals went after big names galore. What they got was an entirely different story. Lots of new starting pitching, veterans all ( Joe Mays, Elarton, Mark Redman) will help, though finding an ace in that group is impossible. Reggie Sanders, Mark Grudzielanek and Doug Mientkiewicz are wonderful clubhouse guys and solid in the field, but are any of them difference-makers?
Lowdown: Losers of 106 games in '05, the Royals are looking up. But it's one heck of a view from down there. They're better, no doubt, and with all the graybeards, it'd be difficult to think that this team would tank for any length of time. But in this division, a rotation filled with Nos. 3s and 4s isn't going to cut it. And the bullpen is iffy, too.
MINNESOTA TWINS
It has not been a kind winter for the Twins, who find themselves falling behind badly in the division. Talks for Alfonso Soriano and many others went nowhere. So Minnesota had to settle for getting second baseman Luis Castillo, one of the Marlins' castoffs, to help its leaky infield. The Twins signed Rondell White to serve as a designated hitter/right fielder (taking Jacque Jones' spot). Tony Batista, after a season in Japan, will assume duties at third base.
Lowdown: With Johan Santana, Brad Radke and Carlos Silva at the top of the rotation, the Twins won't get blown out of the division. But they need to be stronger in the infield. When the White Sox and Indians sport much deeper rotations, it will be tough. Real tough.
AL West
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Pitchers Paul Byrd (to Cleveland) and Jarrod Washburn (Seattle) found big money outside of Southern California. The Angels offset their pitching losses, a little, with 36-year-old Hector Carrasco (from Washington ) and a trade for lefty reliever J.C. Romero (from Minnesota ). Still, hitting -- power hitting -- is where the Angels needed the most help, and they've whiffed. They traded light-hitting outfielder Steve Finley to the Giants, getting light-hitting infielder Edgardo Alfonzo in return, and they'll lose catcher Bengie Molina to free agency. That's not getting them anywhere.
Lowdown: The AL West champs have spent the offseason gabbing and rearranging but getting little done. They couldn't pull the trigger on deals for Konerko or Manny, so they'll try to get more oomph in their lineup (which hit just .175 in the loss to the White Sox in the AL Championship Series, scoring just 11 runs in five games) by moving first baseman Darin Erstad back to center, giving young Casey Kotchman the first base job, hoping Dallas McPherson heals from hip surgery sooner rather than later, and trying to work Juan Rivera into a regular designated hitter role. They did well in locking up super utility guy Chone Figgins (he'll start at third), but Vladimir Guerrero is still looking for some help.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Never turn your back on GM Billy Beane. A three-year, $21 million deal for pitcher Esteban Loaiza surprised quite a few -- since when do the A's shell out that kind of dough for free agents? The trade for often-in-trouble outfielder Milton Bradley bowled over anyone left standing. Plus, despite all the early talk, Barry Zito wasn't traded. The A's lost relievers Octavio Dotel and Ricardo Rincon to free agency. But this is still a pitching-rich team with one of the best rotations (Zito, Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Joe Blanton and Loaiza) in baseball and a rock of a bullpen. The lineup may not be especially powerful, but it's deep with a lot of versatile, moving pieces.
Lowdown: The No. 1 priority was a middle-of-the-order bat to go with lefty-swinging Eric Chavez (the team was 10th in the AL in OPS), and what they came up with was Bradley, a career .269 switch-hitter coming off surgery. Bradley has never hit more than 19 homers or 67 RBIs in a season and has worn out his welcome everywhere he's been. (Backup infielder Antonio Perez came in the deal, too.) The A's are hedging their bet on Bradley by still talking about slugger Frank Thomas as a possible DH, but Beane insists he's content with his team as is. With that pitching, it's no wonder.
SEATTLE MARINERS
Kenji Johjima will become the first Japanese catcher in the Major Leagues after signing a three-year contract worth nearly $17 million. He fills a big hole for a team that struggled in '05. The Mariners, tweaking their rotation, went hard after AL ERA champ Kevin Millwood, but had to settle instead on reliable but unspectacular lefty Jarrod Washburn. They also got some lineup pop -- not a lot, but some -- with the signings of free agents Matt Lawton and Carl Everett.
Lowdown: It seems like only yesterday that the Mariners won 116 games. But that was 2001, and by last year, the M's were an aging, powerless, 93-loss team. They still have a steady bullpen, with Everyday Eddie Guardado at the back end, and their rotation with Washburn, sensational Felix Hernandez and steady Jamie Moyer, will be OK. The M's are banking on Everett, Lawton and a much better year from one of last season's big additions -- third baseman Adrian Beltre -- to spark the offense. And that may be banking on too much.
TEXAS RANGERS
The Rangers needed pitching, so they spent big -- not A-Rod big, but still big -- on Kevin Millwood ($60 million for five years). He'll be the new ace of the rotation, which lost Kenny Rogers (the camera-shy lefty ended up in Detroit), but now boasts Adam Eaton (trade from San Diego ) and Vicente Padilla (trade from Philadelphia). The Rangers freed up some money by finally dealing slugging Alfonso Soriano to Washington, getting top-of-the-order outfielder Brad Wilkerson in the swap. And they've added pieces in the bullpen ( Akinori Otsuka came in the Eaton deal). Millwood's the key, and he's a good one.
Lowdown: Hitting is not a problem Texas, especially in that ballpark, but by trading Soriano, the Rangers have left themselves with a hole at second base (prospect Ian Kinsler is a front-runner for that spot). The Rangers still will be scary at the plate, with newly reminted first baseman Mark Teixeira, third baseman Hank Blalock, shortstop Michael Young and the rest. No matter how you cut it, the pitching, from the starters to the back end, is better. No, they're not as good as the A's or the Angels yet, but the Rangers are getting there.
Posted by billpowers at 09:03 PM
February 07, 2006
Remember the call in show
Reminder that we are having our call in show on 2/8 at 8:00 east coast time. Here is the number 631-458-0536.
Be prepared to get made fun of for all to hear!
Posted by billpowers at 07:30 PM
February 01, 2006
Fantasy Focus for now - Kick off the baseball season
Hello again everybody and welcome to Fantasy Focus for now…I'm Bill Powers…With Darren Porterhouse DiPrima bringing you the world of Fantasy Baseball…This is the first show of the season where we will bring you the latest and greatest in Fantasy Baseball through Spring Training, the World Baseball Classic and of course the regular baseball season…This week, we'll take a look at the hot stove moves made by the National League teams and how they will effect the Fantasy stars in the League…
Play the Show
Are you ready to roll Porterhouse?
Some business we need to cover first…Next weeks show, we want your phone calls…We will be doing the show beginning Wednesday Night at 8pm….Just call into_____and you will be able to speak with Darren and I…The show will then be available via the regular download on Thursday Night…You can also email us at Fantasyfocus@gmail.com.
Another thing we ask is that you go to Fantasyfocuspodcast.com where you will answer the questions, what should the
new name of the baseball show be…You choices are…
Rawhide Wrap-up...
Outside the Stike Zone...
Around the Horn Fantasy Baseball
Grand Slam Fantasy Baseball
High and Tight Fantasty Baseball...
High and inside Baseball Podcast
Take your pick…Some of these names have been submitted by you the listeners…If your choice wins we'll send you an F Porterhouse Beer Stein…So vote now…The new name will be announced in two weeks…
You can also buy your F Porterhouse Merchandise when you go to Fantasyfocuspodcast.com…Also, make sure you subscribe to the show which you can do easily through Itunes and also by going to our website Fantasyfocuspodcast.com.
It's hard to believe we need to start getting ready for another baseball season…
Porterhouse…
I think we need to take on our listeners once again…So if your interested in taking us on in a fantasy baseball league, just send us your request at Fantasyfocuspodcast.com…First come first serve…
This week P, we will run down some of the moves in the National League and how they will effect the fantasy values of some of the top players in the league…Next week, we will cover the American League…Then we will start running things down by position…Who you should draft and who you need to stay away from…Each week we will cover another position and maybe two…
Their was a great article by John Donovan at SI.com…He really covers things well and we will reference his article to run everything down…
NL EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES : The Braves took a double hit when shortstop and leadoff man Rafael Furcal grabbed the Dodgers' big money and closer Kyle Farnsworth took big bucks from the Yankees. The defending NL East champs also saw Julio Franco , a key bench player and half of their first-base platoon, sign with the rival Mets. Atlanta rebounded a bit by trading prospect Andy Marte to the Red Sox for shortstop Edgar Renteria, and bolstered the bullpen somewhat by trading catcher Johnny Estrada to the Diamondbacks for Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal. Strangely for the Braves, though, they've been more reactive than proactive.
Lowdown: Second baseman Marcus Giles is penciled in at leadoff right now, and the Braves are still looking for a closer. Chris Reitsma is about all they have. Renteria should return to his All-Star form in the NL. The rest of the team is largely intact, including a solid rotation, a lot of good, young position players and some outstanding veterans such as Giles, Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones. That all bodes well for a run at a 15th straight division title. But as far as getting better, the Braves didn't.
FLORIDA MARLINS Gone are first baseman Carlos Delgado (Mets), pitcher Josh Beckett (Red Sox), infielder Mike Lowell (Red Sox), catcher Paul Lo Duca (Mets), center fielder Juan Pierre (Cubs) and second baseman Luis Castillo (Twins). Free agents Jeff Conine (Orioles), A.J. Burnett (Blue Jays), Todd Jones (Tigers) and Juan Encarnacion (Cardinals) left too.
Lowdown: The franchise's two youngest and best stars, pitcher Dontrelle Willis and now-third baseman Miguel Cabrera, are about all that remains. They'll be joined by a load of possibly talented but definitely untested prospects that the Marlins got in all those trades. The Marlins signed Joe Borowski to close, and Pokey Reese to play second base, but for the most part, you're going to need a scorecard to figure out who these guys are.
NEW YORK METS No NL team benefited more from the Marlins' selloff than the Mets, who traded for first baseman Carlos Delgado and catcher Paul Lo Duca, both of them All-Stars who plug gaping holes. Mets GM Omar Minaya also landed the closer he needed, signing free-agent lefty Billy Wagner (four years, $43 million), cleared some salary by trading right fielder Mike Cameron to the Padres for new right fielder Xavier Nady, and signed solid bench players in Julio Franco and Jose Valentin. A late trade sent Jae Seo to the Dodgers in exchange for righty relievers Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll added depth to the bullpen.
Lowdown: Minaya didn't get Manny Ramirez after all that talking, but that is about the only significant player the Mets wanted who wasn't lured to Queens. With a blockbuster offseason, every part of this team is better, with the possible exception of the starting pitching depth now that Seo is gone. The shortcomings at catcher and first base have been filled wonderfully, the bullpen problems are addressed and the bench is better. If the Mets stay relatively healthy and their creaky rotation doesn't fall apart, the Braves will face their toughest test in more than a decade. Horrible deal sending Kris Benson to the Orioles for Jorge Julio…They will be in big trouble in Heilman cannot start…Zambrano does not improve…Any remaining start breaks down…
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES : New GM Pat Gillick completed his biggest offseason task when he traded first baseman Jim Thome to the White Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand. Gillick couldn't talk closer Billy Wagner into staying, so the Phils settled on former Yankees setup man Tom Gordon. The Phils also traded starter Vicente Padilla, signed starter Ryan Franklin and versatile infielder Abraham Nunez and brought in a few bullpen arms in various trades and signings. They also bought a backup catcher.
Lowdown: The Phils spent much of the winter dangling right fielder Bobby Abreu, only to find no takers, and dabbling in other blockbuster talks, only to come up empty. They lost out on Wagner, the closer they really wanted, and are still hurting in the bullpen. They also could have used more help in the rotation (Philly starters had a 4.20 ERA in '05, ninth in the NL). The Thome trade was good, though, because it filled a trouble spot in center, cleared up the first base problem and helped ease the payroll.
Players to watch…
Jason Michaels, Chase Utley, Aaron Rowand, Bobby Abreu…
WASHINGTON NATIONALS t: Indefatigable GM Jim Bowden pulled off a whopper of a trade for a slugger: Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano . But it seems that the Nationals will have to drag him kicking and screaming into the outfield. The Nats are now without outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge (both went to the Rangers for Soriano), and free-agent Preston Wilson, who signed with Houston. Contenders for much of 2005 before finishing .500, the Nats lost a couple of free-agent starters, too, in Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco. Bowden tried to offset that in an early trade for San Diego 's Brian Lawrence and the later signing of free agent Ramon Ortiz. The Nationals will also have a newcomer at third ( Vinny Castilla was traded to the Padres for Lawrence ), new infield backup and a new lefty out of the bullpen: veteran Mike Stanton.
Lowdown: The lowest-scoring team in baseball needed punch. Bowden thinks he has it in Soriano, though his numbers undoubtedly will drop from what they were in Texas due to the expanse of RFK Stadium. Soriano, at least, will contribute some offense along with Nick Johnson , Jose Guillen and Jose Vidro. But in losing Loaiza and Carrasco, the Nats' starters took a step back from '05, when they were seventh in the NL with a 4.03 ERA.
Still has decent pitching with Tony Armas, Livian Hernandez, John Patterson and Brian Lawrence…
NL CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS Florida's Juan Pierre, who will lead off and play center, both troublesome spots last year, and fortified his bullpen -- another scary spot -- with two better-than-average free-agent signings: lefty Scott Eyre (from the Giants) and righty Bobby Howry (Indians). The Cubs spent $23 million to lock those two up for the next three years. The other noteworthy signing was free agent right fielder Jacque Jones (Minnesota), who won't blast as many homers as the departed Jeromy Burnitz but offers better defense and more on the basepaths.
Lowdown: The restructured and now possibly dominant bullpen should help prop up the always-touchy rotation. The biggest non-pitching question remains at shortstop, where veteran Neifi Perez and 23-year-old Ronny Cedeno will try to do what the Cubs wanted Furcal to do. Still, when the smoke clears, this offseason will be judged on how well the hard-working Pierre does. He improves the defense and, if he's at top form, he'll provide many more RBI opportunities for Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.
Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Juan Pierre and Pitchers stay on your radar…Plus Ryan Dempster could be a top closer…
CINCINNATI REDS Pitching was Priority No. 1 for the Reds, and they addressed it -- some -- by dealing away popular first baseman Sean Casey to the Pirates for lefty starter Dave Williams. That wasn't the extent of their moves this winter, but it's pretty close. Adam Dunn now will man first base, leaving the outfield to Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena. Infielder Rich Aurilia re-signed, too, and the Reds traded for light-hitting utility man Tony Womack , which should give them some options off the bench. Lefty reliever Chris Hammond signed up. But, so far, there aren't a lot of new faces in Cincinnati.
Lowdown: One new starting pitcher -- and a lower-rung one at that -- won't make a lot of difference for the Reds, who should have learned that last season with Eric Milton. Like a lot of teams, the Reds are leaning on their youngsters (Kearns, Pena, Dunn, shortstop Felipe Lopez, versatile Ryan Freel) and the occasional vet (Griffey, Aurilia) to get them through. But the pitching -- this team has no closer -- is just not there.
Awful pitching…No closer…Ryan Freel was solid…Griffey rebounded…Willy Mo everyday could produce nice numbers later in the draft…
HOUSTON ASTROS The NL champs re-signed catcher Brad Ausmus, a must, along with outfielder Orlando Palmeiro and pitcher Russ Springer. They signed Preston Wilson, who adds to a glut of outfielders. But the Astros will figure out who plays where later. The uncertainty of first baseman Jeff Bagwell's return makes the need for more power in the lineup more crucial. (The Astros hit .203 in the World Series against the White Sox.)
Lowdown: This is, in large part, the same team that worked its way into the World Series, with one huge exception: Roger Clemens. No one yet knows whether the ace will return in '06, and that (along with the inflated payroll) has stymied the Astros. Still, the pitching's good enough to compete, and Wilson is a slight upgrade, offensively, for a team that needs all the pop it can find.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS Their biggest move was a necessary one: trading first baseman Lyle Overbay to make room for Prince Fielder. GM Doug Melvin made a good deal, getting starter Dave Bush, outfielder Gabe Gross and pitcher Zach Jackson, a former first rounder, from the Blue Jays. The Brewers and Jays also traded to get third baseman Corey Koskie to Milwaukee (for righty Brian Wolfe), and Melvin sent pitcher Wes Obermueller to Atlanta to get back the Brewers' former closer, Dan Kolb . The bullpen, though, is still a soft spot.
Lowdown: After years of ineptitude, the Brewers are seeing their effort at developing talent begin to pay off. With players like Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks and shortstop J.J. Hardy, the Brewers have a lot of potential to go with outfielders Carlos Lee and Geoff Jenkins and, now, third baseman Koskie. The team's starters, sixth in the NL with a 4.02 ERA last year, remain largely intact, and now Bush joins them. The big question? The bullpen, which could make or break the Brewers.
Prince Fielder will be good, just not yet…Maybe a late round flyer pick…Weeks and Hardy have a full season under their belts and should improve…Carlos lee was a first half monster last year…Solid Pitching with Sheets, Capuano, Doug Davis…Is Turnbow for real? Will he tuck in his pants/
PITTSBURGH PIRATES Cubs free agent Jeromy Burnitz -- capping a very good run for the Pirates. The Bucs also found a useful hitter and great clubhouse guy in first baseman Sean Casey (who came in a trade with the Reds for lefty starter Dave Williams). Ditto for third baseman Joe Randa (a free agent from San Diego ). They also bought reliever Roberto Hernandez (2.58 ERA in 67 appearances for the Mets in '05) and filled out the bullpen. Their closer ( Mike Gonzalez) is untested, and their rotation is pretty young. But the Pirates are looking up.
Lowdown: Littlefield would like a little more power from his corner infield spots, but Randa and Casey are respectable at getting on base, at least. The Pirates will rely on the revamped lineup and their young, talented rotation ( Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Kip Wells, Paul Maholm) to get them to .500 or better, somewhere they haven't been since 1992.
Solid Pitchers, but can you draft them with this bullpen…
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS This has been a tumultuous offseason for the reigning NL Central champs. The Cardinals lost most of their outfield when Reggie Sanders signed with Kansas City and Larry Walker retired. Solid second baseman Mark Grudzielanek also left (K.C.) and third baseman Abraham Nunez signed with Philadelphia . Starter Matt Morris (101-62 in eight years with the Cardinals) bolted to San Francisco for a three-year, $27 million deal. The Cards also traded lefty reliever Ray King to the Rockies and saw reliever Julian Tavarez sign a two-year deal with Boston . Reliever Cal Eldred, who appeared in 145 games in the past three years for the Cards, retired.
Lowdown: GM Walt Jocketty isn't one to stand still. Though the Cardinals lost out on a lot of free agents, they did find a decent hitter and a replacement outfielder in Juan Encarnacion, and landed capable outfielder Larry Bigbie from the Rockies in the trade for King. Wayward free agent starter Sidney Ponson was a relatively cheap gamble at $1 million for this year, and the Cards tried to replenish the bullpen with former Mets closer Braden Looper and former Oakland lefty Ricardo Rincon. Free-agent pickup Junior Spivey and Aaron Miles (also from Colorado in the King deal) will probably compete for the starting job at second base. That's a lot of movement, and not all of it is an improvement. But with solid starting pitching, a good closer in Jason Isringhausen, third baseman Scott Rolen healthy again and guys like Jim Edmonds and MVP Albert Pujols still hanging around, the Cards will hope it's enough.
So many questions marks for this team…
NL WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS They dealt disappointing starter Javier Vazquez to the White Sox for Orlando Hernandez, a reliever and a stud center-field prospect. They swapped big-swinging third baseman Troy Glaus to the Blue Jays for starter Miguel Batista and Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson. They picked up catcher Johnny Estrada in a trade with Atlanta. And they signed a starting center fielder in Eric Byrnes. All of them fill holes. But ...
Lowdown: It's very possible that Hernandez and Batista will be worse than Vazquez and Shawn Estes (who signed with the Padres). The two new D'backs certainly are older. Glaus' bat -- no getting around this -- will be missed. Expecting youngsters like Chad Trady and first baseman Conor Jackson to immediately pick up the slack is asking too much. But the beauty in these deals, in Arizona's eyes, is in guys like Hudson, who's just entering his prime, and that young stud center fielder, Chris Young, who has shown great power in the minors. Estrada, too, is a good find if he ever shakes off the collision he had last year with the Angels' Darin Erstad. The D'backs still have problems in the bullpen, and their rotation could be tr?s shaky ( Brandon Webb notwithstanding), but there's enough young talent (Tracy, Jackson and others) and veteran know-how ( Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green) to keep things interesting.
COLORADO ROCKIES the Rocks added some experience in free agent closer Jose Mesa, re-signed starter Byung-Hyun Kim and added to their bullpen savvy by re-signing Mike DeJean and trading for St. Louis lefty Ray King. They also traded for a catcher, landing the Mariners' Yorvit Torrealba. What's that? Not excited about any of those guys?
Lowdown: Well, those guys are all useful players, and all are needed, but the Rockies will still ride their youngsters (third baseman Garrett Atkins, shortstop Clint Barmes, right fielder Brad Hawpe, outfielder Matt Holliday) and stumble because of a mostly lightweight rotation in a pitchers' purgatory. That's just life, and near-death experiences, in Coors Field.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS :Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal (the Cubs thought they had him), hired new manager Grady Little and generally did not stop for weeks at a time. The Dodgers probably missed on as many players as they got -- Paul Konerko, Manny Ramirez and several big-name pitchers turned them down -- but they did sign Nomar Garciaparra to play first base, Bill Mueller to play third and Kenny Lofton to play center. Colletti also calmed the clubhouse by sending Milton Bradley to the A's. He added two starters by trading for the Mets' Jae Seo and signing Giants free agent Brett Tomko . The bullpen was re-stocked with closer Danys Baez and reliever Lance Carter from Tampa Bay. All in all, an incredible workout for a team that started so far behind.
Lowdown: Whether the Dodgers are better in '06 depends largely on the health of J.D. Drew, Jayson Werth and Garciaparra. But Furcal helps, as does Mueller, while Seo and Tomko at least make up for the free-agent loss of Jeff Weaver. The whole place should be much more upbeat, too.
SAN DIEGO PADRES Towers made sure the Padres kept what good they had by re-signing on-base machine Brian Giles. Then he solidified the strongest part of a pretty good bullpen, getting closer Trevor Hoffman, a San Diego favorite, to re-up. Beyond that, the Padres' moves were truly dizzying. A big breath now ... They dumped uninspiring third baseman Sean Burroughs on the Devil Rays in exchange for uninspired pitcher Dewon Brazelton, then upgraded their offense at third by trading pitcher Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for sometime-slugger Vinny Castilla. They shored up their outfield defense, and added some offense, by trading Xavier Nady for the Mets' Mike Cameron. They lost some offense, though, by trading second baseman Mark Loretta to the Red Sox for catcher Doug Mirabelli, though that was necessary with the loss of free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez (who signed with Baltimore). Starter Adam Eaton and bullpen stalwart Akinori Otsuka were traded to the Rangers for starter Chris Young and backup outfielder Terrmel Sledge.
Lowdown: The rotation, the best part of the team in '05, may be a little shakier without Eaton and Lawrence. Newcomers Young and free-agent pickup Shawn Estes (from Arizona) aren't quite their equals, though there's always ace Jake Peavy. The previously strong bullpen will be without Otsuka, Chris Hammond and Rudy Seanez , but with Hoffman bearing down on the all-time saves record, it should be good enough. The weak offense has improved, and the defense, a key part of this team in spacious Petco Park, is better with Castilla and Cameron.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Barry Bonds' return is critical because, for the most part, this has been a sleepy offseason in San Francisco . The starting pitching got a shot in the arm with the signing of righty Matt Morris (three years, $27 million). Longtime starter Kirk Rueter is gone (released last August) and Brett Tomko signed with the Dodgers. The bullpen is a little iffy, too. A trade for Baltimore's Steve Kline (for righty LaTroy Hawkins) and the signing of Tim Worrell looks good, but the loss of steady lefty Scott Eyre (Cubs) was a big blow. Veteran first baseman J.T. Snow, who played in nearly 1,200 games for the Giants over the past nine years, has moved on to the Red Sox, clearing the way for young Lance Niekro.
Lowdown: The Giants should be much improved after a 75-87 showing, but it won't be because of any moves they've made this winter, the landing of Morris aside. The Giants will be better because of the return of Bonds (assuming he's healthy), a full season from closer Armando Benitez (if he's healthy, too) and the improvement of young pitchers Noah Lowry, Matt Cain and Brad Hennessey. If all those things go right, that should be enough to put the Giants in the middle of the division race.
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