Beyond the Boxscore--Fantasy MLB News and Notes 5/9/08

Given the struggles/injuries to Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, the Yankees were basically forced to give Kei Igawa another shot at the majors (not to mention his huge contract). Well, Igawa was back to his old major league self on Friday, as he got spanked around again. Igawa lasted just three innings, gave up 11 hits, six runs and didn't strike anyone out. Do not touch Igawa if he was the last pitcher on Earth.

40+ year old Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers was a little bit more than serviceable for the fourth consecutive start. During this time, Rogers hasn't given up more than three runs, and has run his record up to 3-3. It would take either a 16 or more team league, or a desperate injury situation before I picked up Kenny Rogers though.

From the very old to the very young, Brewers' rookie Manny Parra has moved to the land of the unownable (is that a word?). Parra has still yet to get through more than 5.1 innings, and has yet to give up less than two runs. He needs to show any sign of consistency before you can even think about adding him to your roster. Continue to monitor Parra, but if he keeps pitching like this, he should spend the whole year on the waiver wire.

After a really tough start, it looks like Ted Lilly is back to the form he showed in 2007. Lilly threw his fourth straight start in which he allowed three runs or less, and today he struck out ten batters in just seven innings. If he happened to be dropped in your league, definitely find a way to get Lilly on your roster in most traditional leagues.

For the second time in three starts, James Shields threw a shutout tonight. Of course he threw a total stinker out in the start between the shutouts, but he is absolutely a must start every time out. Tonight was his best start yet, as he allowed only one hit. Shields is keeping the strikeout level in the ball park of one per inning, and is turning himself into a top 20 pitcher.

Jimmy Rollins made the most of his return to the Phillies lineup Friday night, as he hit his third homer of the season. I'm not breaking any news here, but the reigning MVP needs to get immediately back into your lineup now that he is off of the DL.

Mariners 1B Richie Sexson was hit with a six game suspension after he charged the mound and threw his helmet at the opposing pitcher. Sexson is appealing the suspension, and was in the starting lineup on Friday. This shouldn't be big fantasy news, Sexson lost his fantasy appeal years ago.

C.C. Sabathia has now thrown four straight impressive starts. Ok, there was a four earned run game, but in that one he was cruising until he had just had one bad inning. Sabathia struck out nine in just seven innings, while giving up just one run. Even with this good start, his ERA is still 6.55, however, that is way down from the 13.50 it peaked at. Sabathia will go back to being a top ten pitcher after his horrible start.

For the second time in three games Alex Gordon has left the yard. Gordon is looking to improve on his disappointing rookie season, and for the most part he is doing that. After having his average around the .230-.240 range in 2007, Gordon is hitting nearly .290 in 2008 with now five homers and nearly 20 RBI. I believe it will be 2009 before Gordon realizes the potential numbers that have been thrown out there for him as his ceiling, but he should have a very respectable 2008. Look for .285, 23 HRs, and 85 RBI.

Rangers' rookie Brandon Boggs has been impressive since he was called to the majors. Boggs did hit 19 HRs in just 104 games in AA in 2007, so he has some pop, but he isn't listed as one of the top few prospects for the Rangers. In 11 games for the Rangers, Boggs is hitting .385 with two homers and eight RBI. If you have an empty or unproductive roster spot, you can give him a chance, but don't expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, my, Lance Berkman is a man possessed. As of right now Berkman is 2-2, raising his average to .378 and hit his 14^th double and 12^th HR of the year. He is exceeding his expectations by so much it is ridiculous. Berkman is capable of 40 homers, and it looks like this season he may approach that number.

As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.