Pitching, Prospects, and Pain; Injury Notes and Other News of the Week

Brewers' SP Manny Parra has gotten on a little bit of a roll lately. He was one of the big stories coming out of Spring Training, but immediately fell on his face when the season started. But the young fireballer has gotten his groove back, and has won three of his last four decisions. In fact, Parra has allowed one earned run or less in four of his last five starts. He is worth a look in all formats, and definitely grab the 25-year old in keeper formats.

Don't give up on Yankees' pitcher Joba Chamberlain after one horrible start. The Yankees put him on a very public pitch count and the Blue Jays took advantage by working the count, drawing four walks, and getting him out of the game in the third inning. Joba does have a ton of talent, and although I can’t say for sure that he will be a dominant starter, he has the tools needed to be successful.

Zach Greinke has had a couple of shaky outings now, and I believe that he will end up with a record under .500 by the end of the season. In two of his last three starts, Zach has given up six or more runs. His record still looks good, so I would try to sell high on him before it is too late.

Prospect News

Carlos Gonzalez was called up by the A's, and even though he is struggling so far, he is a big time prospect. Gonzalez was one of the main pieces that brought Dan Haren to Arizona, and if he sticks in the majors he is worth adding. In fact, if you are in a keeper league, and somehow he isn’t owned already definitely pick him up. Gonzalez has 25 HR/20 SB capabilities, and is one of the top 15-20 prospects in baseball.

The Rockies' Ian Stewart was in the competition for the 2B job in Spring Training, which he didn’t win, but with the injuries in Colorado he is getting a second chance. Stewart has huge offensive potential. He had 12 homers and 43 RBI in just 46 games at AAA this season, and if he gets this job for the season in Colorado, he could be a huge sleeper for the second half.

Homer Bailey made his first start of the season in the majors on Thursday, and although it wasn't great, it wasn’t horrible either. The Reds committed three errors, and of the five runs he allowed, only two were earned. However, he did walk four batters in 6.1 innings and only struck out one. I am starting to lose faith in Bailey as a top prospect, but you have to keep an eye on him, as he has the talent to be a great pitcher. But, will he ever put it all together? I'm not sure anymore.

Injury Notes

John Smoltz will be having season ending, and perhaps career ending, surgery by Dr. James Andrews. It is time to let go of Smoltz in all formats, yearly and keepers. We thought we would get a cheap source of saves from Smoltz when he returned from the DL, but after one outing he called it a season.

Jacoby Ellsbury injured his wrist diving for a ball Thursday night, and although the x-rays came back negative and the MRI came back clean, he is still day-to-day. Keep the young speedster on your bench until you see that he is back in the lineup. Ellsbury has shown to be quite a source of steals for fantasy teams as he leads the majors in steals. In his absence, is Carlos Gomez or Michael Bourn available? They won't fill all the categories, but could replace some of Ellsbury's SBs.

Carlos Pena will miss the next two to three weeks with a broken finger after being hit by a pitch by the Red Sox Justin Masterson. Pena has been a major disappointment after his breakout season in 2007, but he had been at least to start providing some power with his 11 HRs. Eric Hinske will most likely see some at-bats at first.

Jorge Posada finally returned to the Yankee lineup on Thursday night after missing over a month with tendonitis in his rotator cuff. His injury was a crushing blow to not only the Yankees, but to fantasy teams as well. Have you looked at your free agent pool for catchers lately? It isn’t pretty I’m sure. Those who have Posada, happily put him back into your lineup.

After spending a week on the bench the Nationals finally put Ryan Zimmerman on the Disabled List, and it is unsure how long he will be out. Zimmerman has a small tear in his shoulder, and this is the kind of injury that has a way of lingering. It is conceivable that Zimmerman could be out until the All-Star Break, but this kind of injury could hinder his performance all season long. He was a disappointment this season to begin with, but if you own Zimmerman you have to stash him on your injury spot, he is too talented to drop.

Reigning Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy is very close to a return to the mound. Peavy threw 45 pitches from a mound on Wednesday and is due to throw either a minor league game or simulated game on Saturday. Peavy said he will pitch in the majors before the end of the current homestand which ends on June 12^th, so be ready to activate the ace when he is ready to pitch. Those who don’t own Peavy, see if you might be able to get him cheap before he returns.

Vernon Wells is well ahead of his schedule of returning from a broken wrist, in fact he entered the game on Saturday as a pinch hitter and went 2-3 with an RBI. It is now safe to get Vernon back in your lineup. However, I offer you this word of caution. Broken wrists have a way of lingering with a player and sapping his power long after he returns from the disabled list. Keep your expectations in check for Vernon and you won't be disappointed.

Rockies’ MVP Matt Holliday is very close to a return, in fact he is already on a rehab assignment. Friday night Holliday was 0-2 in a game for Colorado Springs and he should be activated in time for Tuesday’s game against the Giants. Those of you (and I) who own Holliday, begin your dance of joy as you get to put your first round pick back into your lineup. Perhaps with Holliday’s imminent return, and the return of Brad Hawpe, the Rockies can get back on track on their mission to defend their National League Championship.

Breakout candidate Ryan Doumit returned to the Pirates’ lineup on Friday, and although he didn’t get a hit, it is nice to get another catcher into the game who can actually hit. If you have a garbage catcher and he was dropped, give Doumit a chance. He has the potential to hit 20+ homers from a position that is crying out for offensive production.

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