Fantasy FanHouse

Steve Smith Fought Karma and Karma Won

Will Brinson — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Injury Report, NFL Sleepers, Fantasy Football, Injury Report

It should come as no tremendous surprise that Steve Smith's life, after punching teammate Ken Lucas squarely in the middle of the face when he was not expecting it, has not gone back to normal just quite yet.

He is being hounded by the media, questioned by fans, has been suspended two games and now, is dealing with a concussion (via that charming, brilliant and humble gentleman that runs Mister Mittens) that he suffered in Saturday night's preseason game.

Smith took a helmet-to-helmet shot from a Colts defender on a 19-yard reception from Matt Moore, Smith's only reception of the game. Coach John Fox said Smith, who is suspended for the Panthers' first two regular-season games, was day-to-day with the injury.

It really shouldn't be shocking though -- and if you think about it, if Smith gets off with a two game suspension and a mild concussion for knocking a teammate in the face, well, that's pretty light, actually.

In terms of being ready for the season, he's got time (because of the suspension) so again, probably not a big deal. What is interesting though, is how he suffered this: a helmet-to-helmet on a 19 yard catch in a preseason game. That screams that we normal people aren't the only ones outraged by his violence on a teammate.

And it means that Smith could be facing plenty of hard tackles from opposing DB's all season long. And yes, by "tackles" I mean "attempted decapitations."

Fantasy Spin: Smith is quickly dropping down draft boards; once a lock job top two round pick, you can get him in the fourth at this point, and I'm still advising that you go after him in a strong manner. No one in the NFL plays better with a chip on their shoulder, and Smith is going to have people gunning for him all year long, not to mentioning questioning his abilities to be a normal human being and football player. At that stage of the draft, he's essentially your WR2 and if you can limp through the first two weeks at no worse than 1-1, then you're going to have a sickner WR corps.

Steve Smith Fought Karma and Karma Won originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Smith Fought Karma and Karma Won

Will Brinson — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST

Smith took a helmet-to-helmet shot from a Colts defender on a 19-yard reception from Matt Moore, Smith's only reception of the game. Coach John Fox said Smith, who is suspended for the Panthers' first two regular-season games, was day-to-day with the injury.

Steve Smith Fought Karma and Karma Won originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Holmgren's Farewell Tour Just Got More Funner: Bobby Engram Out Two Months

Will Brinson — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Sleepers, Fantasy Football, Injury Report

Mike Holmgren might be learning the hard way why you don't announce your retirement in advance (instead, you just make random decisions, holding the hopes and whims of those that love you in a constant metaphorical tornado state).

First we had last evening's speculation that Matt Hasselback might have a wonky back and now it appears that Seattle's best healthy wide receiver, Bobby Engram (a indicative statement all its own), is sea.

Seahawks leading receiver Bobby Engram will miss six to eight weeks with a cracked shoulder, coach Mike Holmgren says.

The 35-year-old Engram set a Seattle franchise record last season with 94 catches and then skipped offseason minicamps while in a dispute over his contract that expires after this season.

And really, nothing says "quick comeback" like "35 year old with a cracked shoulder". Deion Branch is on the PUP currently, leaving the Seahawks with ... Nate Burleson! Nate flashed brilliance for a few months in Minnesota, once upon a few fantasy football destroying seasons ago, but hasn't amounted to much more than a return man in Seattle.

So, with Julius Jones the most important piece of Seattle's offense *shiver*, if there ever was a time to harness his potential, that time would be now.

Fantasy Spin: Okay, so this is nightmarish for the Seahawks of course. Engram was probably going to go too early in a lot of leagues, PPR especially, but this plus the back bumps Hasselback down a few notches on QB draft lists.

Courtney Taylor and Ben Obomanu are suddenly pretty awesome late round fliers, depending on who wins the battle for the WR2 spot, so keep monitoring (we will too, naturally) their preseason action.

Also, don't do anything crazy with Burleson, but if you can snare him as a WR3 that you don't have to entirely rely on, you might have yourself a sleeping fantasy giant. Maybe.

Mike Holmgren's Farewell Tour Just Got More Funner: Bobby Engram Out Two Months originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Torain Fractures Elbow, Out Three Months

Matt Snyder — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Injury Report, Fantasy Football

Selvin Young just lost one obstacle in his quest for 2,000 yards. Rookie RB Ryan Torain -- who had been very impressive in camp thus far according to the coaching staff -- just had a very bad day:

Torain was carrying the ball in a nine-on-seven drill when he was tackled. As he fell, Torain stuck out his left hand to brace his fall and his elbow popped.He suffered fractured bone fragments in the elbow. He was to be taken for an MRI around noon.

All told, Torain is going to miss two to three months. Being a running back and having to to take blows to the elbow often, I'm estimating this is more like three than two. This is a big blow for the talented Arizona State product, as he had a realistic shot of getting meaningful time on a team that makes studs out of ordinary running backs.

Within the article it was mentioned that Mike Shanahan thought Torain had a realistic shot at the tailback job in Denver. Now Andre Hall and Michael Pittman are left to push Young, who should have a pretty clear path to the starting gig.

Young's main threat at this point sounds like Hall, but Pittman has always found a way to get in the game and be productive. He's also an established pass-catcher out of the backfield. It's entirely possible that Young plays the first two downs and short-yardage with Hall occasionally spelling him, while Pittman is the third down back.

Fantasy Spin:
As I said earlier today, Young is going to be the number one running back in Denver. He's going to have a productive season. All this injury does is make that prediction much more realistic. It does, however, likely shoot Young a bit higher on draft boards ... which is bad for those of us who were loving how late he could be drafted. Your handcuff at this point sounds like Hall, but don't forget about Pittman.

Torain Fractures Elbow, Out Three Months originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Furcal to Miss Eight More Weeks Following Back Surgery

Will Brinson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:30:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Dodgers, NL West, MLB Injuries, MLB Rumors, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

The injuries seemed like they were maybe, possibly, kind of taking a turn for the better for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then they got the brutal news early Thursday that leadoff hitter and sparkplug of the offense Rafael Furcal will miss another eight weeks after undergoing back surgery.

Manager Joe Torre would not concede that Furcal will be lost for the rest of the season, but neither did he say he's holding his breath awaiting Furcal's return.

"From all the numbers I've heard, he'll probably miss a minimum of eight weeks," said Torre, meaning a return of September at the earliest.

That's probably overly optimistic. Watkins performed a similar procedure in 2002 on Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown, whose disc was badly ruptured. Brown rushed back after two months, but quickly had to shut it down because he was not fully healed. Reliever Eric Gagne underwent a similar operation by Watkins at St. Vincent's Hospital on July 8, 2006. Like Brown, Gagne was also trying to return from elbow woes at the time and did not pitch again that season.

Like I mentioned the other day (link above), I'll believe it when I see it regarding recovery. Eight weeks is still a looooong time anyway and the odds that Furcal will be completely healthy by the beginning of September is possible but as soon as KB and EG's names get tossed around, I get a little skeptical.

And no, the "would not concede" line does not help anything either.

Fantasy Spin: I'm heading to drop him in a 12 team league right now (non-keeper) and grab someone that can help me now. Bear in mind though, that this is a head-to-head league, so not only will I be able to grab him later, but the loss of steals isn't permanent, so to speak. Still, I think he's done.

Furcal to Miss Eight More Weeks Following Back Surgery originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Large, Old, Injured, Ill-Tempered, and Unknown: State of the Yankee Rotation

Matt Snyder — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Injury Report, Fantasy MLB, MLB Waiver Wire

I'm sure this is the way Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman drew it up coming into the season. The last turn through the Yankees rotation went like this: Mike Mussina, Dan Giese, Andy Pettitte, Darrell Rasner, and Joba Chamberlain.

Ok, so Mussina and Pettitte: check. Joba? Wasn't he supposed to be setting up? Instead Yanks fans get treated to a rousing rendition of Kyle Farnsworth in the 8th ... woo hoo! Rasner was an uninspiring injury replacement last year, and who the heck is Dan Giese? Sidney Ponson is next to the party. You remember him, right? He's the fat dude pictured here who got kicked off the Rangers for being a royal pain in the arse and enjoys driving after a few pops.

Injuries got them here.

The major issue is Chien Ming-Wang's foot injury -- because the NL hasn't grown up.

Ian Kennedy is on his way back from injury and threw impressively -- seven K in three shutout innings -- in a rehab start last Monday.

Finally, Carl Pavano is apparently closer to a MLB return than Phil Hughes.

Whaddaya say we fantasy spin it up for each dude after the jump ...

Here's what we can expect from here on out:

Mike Mussina -- Apparently he listened to Hank, because he's made the necessary adjustments to succeed as an old dude. He's actually on pace for 20 wins. Expect more like 17, but he should remain along this same path -- low strikeouts, high hits, and wins.

Andy Pettitte -- For a guy that's only 36 and has always been a finesse pitcher, you wouldn't expect him to slow down too considerably. He's been a tad bit consistent, and you can expect a similar final line to last season (15-9, 4.05, 141 K).

Joba Chamberlain -- He's finding his groove, and last Wednesday he collected his first career victory as a starting pitcher. Expect a lot more, starting with eight more this season. In his last three starts, he rocks a 0.98 ERA in 18 1/3 innings. As the season progresses he'll be able to work later in the game, and he's punched out 16 guys in the last two games. By August he's a strikeout-per-inning guy with shutout stuff nearly every start. Plus, he won't break down because he became a starter well into the season. He should never be benched from here on out.

Darrell Rasner -- Since a dazzling start (3-0, 1.89, 11/2 K/BB), he's fallen apart. In his last five starts, Razzy (doesn't work? ok, sorry) is 1-4 with a 7.00 ERA. He figures to be the one left out when the fat man joins, which means he's dead to you.

Dan Giese -- He handcuffed the Reds in his first career MLB start, and overall sports a 3.50 ERA. The thing is, he's 31 and just now made it to the bigs. He's always been good, but never great, in the minors. He does, however, strike out nearly a batter per inning. On the flip side, if Ponson sticks, Giese is only in the rotation until Kennedy returns. Use him only in deep AL-only leagues or as a short-term fix.

Sidney Ponson -- It's tough to trust him, but as of right now he actually looks like a good fantasy option moving forward. The Yanks will keep his personality in check, his run support should remain nice, his ballpark is now more pitcher friendly, and he was throwing the ball really well for Texas.

Ian Kennedy -- I mentioned Kennedy's rehab start earlier, which is a great sign. The 23-year-old was awful earlier in the season, but things are different in the Bronx now. His career minor league numbers are 14-3 with a 1.79 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 180/52 K/BB in 160 innings. He's ready this time, and is a big-time second half sleeper. Stash him immediately.

Carl Pavano -- I don't care if he comes back before Hughes. There are enough other options. Don't waste your time.

Phil Hughes -- Sounds like the Yanks are thinking late-August. If Kennedy and Ponson work out behind the top three on this list there won't be any reason to rush the young stud. He's a stashee in large leagues, but can be ignored for a while in shallower ones.

Chien Ming-Wang -- He's gotta be stashed. If he's sitting on your waiver wire, get him now. He'll be back in September to join a hotly contested pennant race. One in which I predict the Yanks outduel the Rays for the AL Wild Card.

The Large, Old, Injured, Ill-Tempered, and Unknown: State of the Yankee Rotation originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Mulder to Start Saturday?

Matt Snyder — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, NL Central, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB, MLB Waiver Wire

This is news I didn't think I'd be reporting this season, and it's most certainly something I didn't think would happen in June. This is nothing short of miraculous. After all the setbacks Mark Mulder has experienced, he might start this weekend in Kansas City for the Cardinals. As reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

Tonight's outing is considered a tuneup more than a full-blown start, suggesting the Cardinals have made a decision but will wait to see how Mulder exits the appearance before confirming his return to the major leagues.

"It depends on how it goes. We're not really putting a day on it," general manager John Mozeliak said.

Asked when Mulder would start, Mozeliak said, "We'll know that by Tuesday."

So he's going tonight for Triple-A Memphis, and unless his arm falls off he could be inserted into the rotation? After everything that we've been reading up to this point, it's an absolutely stunning revelation. I'm still skeptical that he's physically okay. I mean, just a month ago we thought he'd never pitch again because they had no idea what was wrong with the shoulder. Now he's ready to pitch in the bigs? C'mon.

Fantasy Spin: Don't bother. There's no way he'll hold up over the course of the season. Even if he somehow does, he's been completely ineffective in triple-A, compiling a 13.50 ERA in 13 1/3 innings of work. He's only punched out eight, while he's allowed 28 hits en route to a horrifying 2.48 WHIP. If that's what the minor leaguers were doing the major leaguers (yes, even the Royals) will tattoo him.

Mark Mulder to Start Saturday? originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brad Penny DL Bound with Shoulder Injury

Will Brinson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Dodgers, NL West, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

Brad Penny, loser of five consecutive starts including a 3.2 inning, seven run, no strikeout outing against the Tigers the last time he took the mound, was placed on the disabled list today. Penny is dealing with an "inflammation of the bursa sac" (which sounds like something a lot worse, I think) and "mild tendinitis in his right shoulder", according to the Dodgers website.

Penny had complained of discomfort in the shoulder for more than a month without missing a start, but the pain worsened during pregame warmups before his last start, on Saturday against Detroit. An MRI performed on Monday revealed no structural damage.

Tough skids for the Dodgers, of course, but the reality is that Penny had not been pitching well. And if he was performing poorly as a result of shoulder woes -- which seems likely -- then giving him a few weeks to heal up and get right is the correct move.

Fantasy Spin: Penny is obviously DL'd or benched on your roster now (and hopefully before now) but he's not really droppable unless you're in a really shallow league. He finally put together a good second half last year and seems like a reasonable buy low at this point. Always better to inquire before he starts to head back.

Brad Penny DL Bound with Shoulder Injury originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Troy Tulowitzki, Dynamic Healer

Matt Snyder — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rockies, NL West, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

Remember when Troy Tulowitzki went down with that injury earlier in the season? Remember when "they" (whoever that might be) said he'd be out until "at least after the All-Star break?"

Well, he must be some kind of bad-ass, because now the Rockies are expecting him back on Friday. This Friday. As in June 20th.

He's already gotten in five games in Class-A without lingering complications and is headed to Triple-A this week to complete his rehab assignment.

So basically as fast as all the injured Rockies went down, they're coming back just as quickly ... after Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday recently returned and having Clint Barmes back shortly as well. It sounds ridiculous to say, but with the entire NL West sputtering: they actually have a shot. The defending NL Champs are only 8.5 games out of first entering Monday night. Crazier things have happened, and we learned last year to not give up on this bunch.

Fantasy Spin: Tulo really struggled early in the season (.152, 1 HR, and a horrifying 19 OPS+ ... not a typo), but he's a better player than that. Last season he went .291-24-99 as a rookie. Yes, he also brings stellar defense ... but that's of no consequence in fantasy.

Regardless, he's a must-start shortstop in all but the shallowest fantasy leagues ever invented. Even in those he's a consideration. Rank him no worse than 10, and possibly higher; depending on the format.

Troy Tulowitzki, Dynamic Healer originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad News for Chris Carpenter

Matt Snyder — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Injury Report, Fantasy MLB, MLB Waiver Wire

Here on Fantasy FanHouse we've been monitoring the progress of Chris Carpenter for a bit. I covered him a few weeks ago and Greebs hit him again yesterday. There's a reason for that, which is ... when healthy, he's a stud. Well, that "when healthy" part is an issue this year, and it just became a little more unlikely.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Carp's comeback hit a snag this week. He even went in to have an MRI on his "repaired" elbow ligament yesterday. Why?

Carpenter returned to St. Louis to be seen by team medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta after becoming increasingly concerned about what he was feeling following a Wednesday side session at the club's minor-league complex in Jupiter, Fla.

Oh boy. Also contained in the piece were that the Cards' GM is "concerned," and an admission that Carpenter won't be pitching "around the All-Star break" like they had hoped.

Look, we all knew he wasn't coming back that quickly, but the team was pushing for that date. Now they aren't, and they haven't even set an amended timetable. That sounds bad. It sounds like they are scared. Once the results of yesterday's MRI are made public we'll know much more, but this doesn't look good.

In light of this most recent news, I predict you won't see the '05 Cy Young winner on the hill this season.

Fantasy Spin: If you have already taken the initiative to stash him on your bench, keep him there until there is definitive bad news (unfortunately, my prediction doesn't qualify). You don't want to drop him and then watch someone else reap the September awards because of what turned out to be a minor setback.

Bad News for Chris Carpenter originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now We Know Why Everyone on the Braves and Indians Are Hurt

Matt Snyder — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta, Cleveland, Indians, Braves, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

Apparently the ghosts of deceased Native Americans finally decided to take matters into their own hands in regards to team names like "Braves" and "Indians" this baseball season. I'm not going to get into the whole discussion on the insensitivity of these names because that's neither my inclination nor my job.

Still, it's quite eerie they way these two franchises in particular have been plagued this year.

Both were expected to be contenders for the World Series, chock full of fantasy gems. Instead the disappointments and injuries are plentiful, and sometimes hand-in-hand.

The most recent casualty is Victor Martinez, and he already fit the bill as a bust. He's normally picked in the first five rounds (earlier many times). His owners have been treated with pathetic numbers this year relative to expectations (.277, 0 HR). And now he's on the DL with a bum wing (inflamed right elbow, if you must know ... but "bum wing" is so much more fun). The catcher could be out until the All-Star break, so this is a big blow to both the Tribe and your fantasy squad. Unfortunately, I believe you have to sit on him in fantasy, because he's liable to get hot when he does come back and no one will give you anything valuable for an injured bust in a trade.

More haunted individuals ...

Indians

-Travis Hafner was awful earlier in the season (.217-4-22 currently) until he was mercifully placed on the DL with a knee injury.

-Fausto Carmona, expected to help lead this team to the promise-land in a 1-2 rotation punch along with C.C. Sabathia, currently sits on the DL with an injured hip. An injured hip? What is he, an 80 year-old woman?

-Jake Westbrook was supposed to be a rotation fixture -- much moreso than Cliff Lee -- and now he's having Tommy John surgery and ending his season.

-Sabathia's on his way back (shutout earlier this week), but really started poorly beyond their wildest fears in Cleveland. After four starts he was 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA. It has since been whittled down to 4.34, but if you told Indians fans before the season that the big man would be 4-8, 4.34 in mid-June they'd have freaked out.

-Asdrubal Cabrera was beyond bad at the plate before finally being optioned to triple-A in favor of last year's bust, Josh Barfield. Three days later Barfield was headed to the DL himself after six hitless at-bats and a strained middle finger.

-Grady Sizemore and Ryan Garko have fallen deeply short of expectations with the stick as well.

-Boy, I'm shocked they are 6.5 games out before June 15, aren't you?

Braves

Brinson covered their woes earlier today some in his detailing of Tim Hudson's dehydration issues. He also covered the Tom Glavine injury earlier in the week, but there are more:

-Jair Jurrjens fell down the stairs on his way down the clubhouse in Wrigley Field earlier this week. He already missed a start -- in which his replacement was tattooed -- and now he could be headed to the DL.

-Mike Hampton. No explanation needed.

-John Smoltz's season is already over and possibly his illustrious career.

-Chipper Jones is destroying everything in his sight, yet he's recently become ailed with a hamstring injury.

-Rafael Soriano was supposed to be a quality fantasy closer this season, instead he can't rid himself of elbow pain/soreness.

-Matt Diaz and Mark Kotsay are currently battling injuries on the DL as well.

-Boy, I'm shocked they are 7.5 games out before June 15th, aren't you?

I think it's pretty obvious the spirits are telling us enough is enough with these archaic names and logos. It's pretty clear you are much better suited to root for an animal (like a baby bear, for example), a color of a sock, something inanimate (Phillie), or something Godly (Angel).

Now We Know Why Everyone on the Braves and Indians Are Hurt originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brandon Webb Should Totally Be Fine, But That 'Dead Arm' Thing Is a Little Troublesome

Will Brinson — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Phoenix, Diamondbacks, NL West, MLB Injuries, MLB Rumors, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

That's right, Mr. Diamondback fan, you can leave Mr. Cub fan out on the ledge and step on inside. It would seem, at second glance, that Brandon Webb is going to be just fine. We hope. At least it does not seem like the line drive he took off the sternum is going to be the problem.

"He felt it a little bit, but at that point, the way we had been riding him, I didn't want to run him out there for two more innings and get his pitch counts up," Melvin said. "Innings-wise he's pitched quite a bit for us. Just wanted to give him a little blow."

Melvin pulled Webb (likely "just being cautious" as Mullet said) after he took a "line drive off his belt in the fifth."

Good for freaking you, Bob Melvin. Now, which session of your Managing for Dummies Summer School do you have Ned Yost signed up for again?

Because, really, the sooner the better for him. But despite solid bench work, there's still something a little troubling about the decision, if only because it unveils some potential arm issues.

Webb said his velocity has been down in recent starts and allowed for the possibility that he might be experiencing a "dead arm," in which everything feels healthy and sound but the ball doesn't come out of his hand in the usual manner.

"Yeah, it doesn't hurt," he said. "Maybe a dead-arm period or something like that. Like I said, it doesn't hurt, so it's tough to tell. Everything feels good."

Now for all my medical wisdom, I believe that "dead arm" is not something other than just being tired, no? Which means a little extra rest should actually prevent further injury. So consider the non-fatal liner actually a good thing.

You know, if you're into that sort of pink-cloud/optimism type thing.

Fantasy Spin: I'll admit. I totally and utterly freaked when I saw that Webb left the game after 58 pitches (and wasn't watching so I was confused to boot.) My initial reaction was "okayquickwhocanItradeWebbto?!?!?!" or some variation of that. But the reality is that Webb -- freakiness like last night's liner back to the mound aside -- is one of the healthiest and best fantasy pitching options available.

Because he's been hit recently, both in the box score and on the belt, Webb might actually be a nice trade target right now. I wouldn't trade him for any other pitcher in baseball, honestly (maybe Cole Hamels but I m-crush him), but that doesn't mean someone else won't. Inquire about him now while he's got the red cross hanging out by his name.

Brandon Webb Should Totally Be Fine, But That 'Dead Arm' Thing Is a Little Troublesome originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfonso Soriano Could Miss Up to Six Weeks

Matt Snyder — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Cubs, NL Central, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB, MLB Waiver Wire

On his second at-bat of the game tonight, Alfonso Soriano was beaned on the left wrist. ESPN just reported that he has a mildly displaced fracture of the fourth metacarpal. Translation: broken hand. He's reportedly out six weeks.

This is a blow to the Cubs, but hardly devastating. He's a stud and has been hitting as well as anyone in the everyday lineup, but the team is loaded with capable hitters and he's a defensive liability. They dealt without him for two weeks earlier in the season and played quite well, going 9-5.

For the Cubs, several guys will benefit playing-time wise. The options are plentiful thanks for the versatility of the bench and Mark DeRosa. Mike Fontenot or Ronny Cedeno can play second base while DeRosa shifts to LF. Micah Hoffpauir -- sure to get the call from triple-A -- will get some looks in LF as well. Finally, should Lou Pinella decide to stray from his CF platoon, Reed Johnson can play left while Jim Edmonds stays in center. There won't be an everyday lineup. Musical chairs is more like it.

Fantasy Spin: Soriano can't be replaced by anyone on the waiver wire, but you have to stash him on your bench and try to make do as best you can. None of the Cubs spare parts listed above that would be free agents (should be everyone but DeRosa) are worth owning because they won't play full time.

Take a look at Luke Scott, Lastings Milledge, or Adam Jones; for example. Just like I said earlier today with Pujols, this has to suck if you own him.

I do recommend shopping him, especially if there is a Cubs homer in your league. The team is playing so well now our fans are likely to have delusions of grandeur in any deal involving one of "our own." You can probably be a bit felonious here.

Specific lineup/trade questions? Hit us up.

Alfonso Soriano Could Miss Up to Six Weeks originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need Saves? Go Grab Brandon Morrow, Now

Matt Snyder — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB, MLB Waiver Wire

Hot off the presses, J.J. Putz left the mound with an ailing pitching elbow today in Toronto, and young fireballer Brandon Morrow took over to garner his first career save.

Putz already had some injury woes earlier this season, and if this is indeed an injury to his pitching elbow he may be lost for the season. It's not like the Mariners are going to literally give up on the 2008 season, but if they have to make a decision on whether they want him healthy for the start of next season or not, no chances will be taken with his long term health.

As for Morrow, I have mentioned a Joba-like rotation move for him, but this could change everything. He's got sick stuff and would easily become a dominant closer. Coming into today, Morrow sported a 1.06 ERA with 23 whiffs in 17 innings.

The only downside is that the Mariners do, in fact, suck. His save opportunities would be few and far between. Still, that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a valuable contributor to the category ... Brian Wilson has 18 saves for the hapless Giants. Unlike Wilson, Morrow will provide stellar help in ERA and WHIP when he's on the hill.

Keep an eye on Putz in shallow leagues because you don't want to jump the gun for a middle reliever.

In deeper leagues where Morrow is still available, go get him now and beat the crowd.

Need Saves? Go Grab Brandon Morrow, Now originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phat Albert Scaring People -- Just Not His Opposition for Once

Matt Snyder — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, NL Central, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

Albert Pujols collapsed with an injured calf Tuesday night, much to the chagrin of Cardinals fans and Phat Albert's fantasy owners alike.

Now, the latest news is that he'll miss at least three weeks due to the injury.

Chris Duncan was already recalled from Triple-A Memphis and was in Pujols' spot at first base against the Reds.

We should see Pujols placed on the DL very soon and then it's a waiting game. I'm sure we'll hear more in the coming weeks as to the severity and a possible timetable for the big man's return.

Fantasy Spin: Look, I don't have to tell you how good this man is. For my money, he's the best player in baseball. Not only is he currently the heart and soul of the St. Louis franchise, but he was also your first round fantasy draft pick. You can't replace him. You will have to try by working the waiver wire for someone like Kevin Millar, Carlos Delgado (who is heating up), Adam LaRoche, or even Duncan. It sucks, doesn't it? Going from Pujols to Millar sounds as enticing as a shot to the groin.

You could try to shop Pujols to an owner that believes this is a minor injury, but it's murky now with the "at least three weeks" stamp placed on him. You don't want to move him for 50 cents on the dollar only to see him return raking in July. I'd have to recommend holding him and sucking it up with a lesser 1B for a bit. As always, you can email us for specific advice on your squad.

Non-Fantasy and totally personal spin: I can't say this bothers me!

Phat Albert Scaring People -- Just Not His Opposition for Once originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eric Byrnes to the DL as the Diamondbacks Slow Their Roll

Will Brinson — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, NL West, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

Well, at least we all knew that first month of the season wouldn't last forever; the Diamondbacks are totally legit and a stacked World Series contender, but something had to give. The offense caved a little first and then the pitching stopped getting quite as lucky. Now, there are some injuries creeping in. Eric Byrnes is the latest victim, heading to the DL with sore hamstrings, for the first time in his career.

'I'm not thrilled about it, but that's just my competitive nature,' he said. 'I wanted to keep playing. It's something I've been dealing with for a month now, and in my mind I feel like I've gone through the worst of it.'

Manager Bob Melvin said he and general manager Josh Byrnes made the decision that rest was required for the outfielder to regain the ever-hustling style that is his trademark.

'He's not 100 per cent, in my opinion not really even close. Both hamstrings are bothering him,' Melvin said. 'He needs all his weapons to be Eric Byrnes, and we need him 100 per cent. We need him to play a certain way and he's not able to do it right now.'

Of course, the Snakes are still four games up on the Dodgers and the NL West is still theirs to lose at the moment, but it definitely feels like there is a little less confidence in this Arizona team than there was earlier in the year, which is completely understandable.

Give Arizona management credit though, for putting Byrnes on the DL and actually getting him some rest, though. That at least signifies a legitimate long term concern. Although it might be nice to have Carlos Quentin filling that spot right about now.

Fantasy Spin: Obviously reserve Byrnes immediately but certainly hold onto him. Jeff Salazar, his likely replacement, is a decent option in NL-Only leagues, but that's about it.

Eric Byrnes to the DL as the Diamondbacks Slow Their Roll originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rafael Furcal Is Headed to the DL

Will Brinson — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Dodgers, NL West, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

It seems like once we get past NFL season, coaches and teams could stop acting the fool re: players being injured, but for some reason, they seem wont to keep hiding injuries. And it's really freaking irritating. Such is the case with Rafael Furcal, who has been day-to-day for what feels like a week now. But he is headed to the disabled list, apparently.

Shortstop Rafael Furcal, who has missed the Dodgers' last five games because of lower back pain, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday. The move is retroactive to May 6, meaning the earliest Furcal can be activated is May 21 for the final game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium against Cincinnati.

I guess at least it's retroactive, so that's not as bad (unless you started him this week in fantasy! *muffled scream*). Or unless you're the Los Angeles Dodgers, who desperately need Furcal doing intangible type things at the top of their lineup to really get them going.

Seriously. I don't buy that much into that sort of hype, but they were white hot before he got hurt and have gone 1-4 without the guy. They need him. Not to mention he was making a legitimate case for MVP (even if it was driven by an absurd BABIP) and absolutely tattooing the ball everywhere. Nightmare all around.

Fantasy Spin: Reserve him and go fishing for a cheap SS eligible type guy like Clint Barmes. I'm also going to suggest throwing out feelers while he's hurt and dealing him when he comes back. It's unlikely that he keeps up his previous pace and we saw how he struggled when hurt last year. Oh, and don't punch any walls. It hurts.

Rafael Furcal Is Headed to the DL originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 12 May 2008 23:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yovani Gallardo Has a Torn ACL, Likely Out for the Rest of the Season

Will Brinson — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, NL Central, MLB Injuries, Milwaukee, Injury Report, MLB Dynasty Diaries, Fantasy MLB

Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breaths, Brewers fans and fantasy owners. Yovani Gallardo is headed to the 15 day disabled list with a torn ACL that he suffered during yesterday's game against the Cubs. And 15 days is something you might be praying for in a few hours/days when the team makes the call on whether or not he'll have surgery.

Because real life is a bear, I was not able to watch the game. Fortunately, we have video after the jump -- the commerical is only eight seconds long. And as Snyds was able to watch the game, because he makes millions off of TGSOE, he relayed that after the ridiculous fall that Gallardo took, he never hit more than 85 mph on the gun, 78 with offspeed stuff. Yeah, that's right. He went back out on the mound after this.

Again, yes, he went back out on the mound yesterday. In fact, the Brewers somehow thought he was fine until this morning, when they sent him to a doctor. (I am absolutely shellshocked at this medical/managerial behavior right now, by the way.)

An examination in Milwaukee this morning revealed Gallardo suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in that collision with Chicago's Reed Johnson near first base in the fifth inning. He was placed on the 15-day DL and right-hander Dave Bush was recalled from Class AAA Nashville to replace him.

No decision will be made on surgery until the swelling subsides in Gallardo's knee. But he in all likelihood will miss most if not all the rest of the season, a severe blow to the Brewers' chances in 2008.

Hey, Ned Yost: just quit it, man. Word is that everyone who saw that play immediately thought "Wow! Yovani could be dunbar for the season". And yet, you let, no, sent him back out to pitch. Same with Sheets on the rain delay. Seriously, just stop it. Not that he wasn't already going to be injured, but you're putting careers on the line, and for what? Two innings of work? It's inexcusable. This stinks for the Brewers. Badly.

Fantasy Spin: Hey, Ned, my hand hurts from punching the wall. Think I should hop back on the keyboard? Or maybe see a doctor? Or even just sit the rest of the afternoon out? Gallardo is probably out for the season, meaning you can drop him in all seasonal leagues. No chance he comes back and is effective this year after that type of injury, especially when you consider that he will likely have two surgeries -- one on each knee -- within the course of two months. Keeper leagues are in one hell of a nightmare (I have him in one, actually, hence the rage) because the guy is a future ace/stud, in theory. If you have him cheap in an auction or late in a draft, you have to think about holding, but it's a looong time until next April. I'd try to move him while we wait to hear about the surgery, but hold off on dropping him until then.

Yovani Gallardo Has a Torn ACL, Likely Out for the Rest of the Season originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Smoltz Heads Back to the Disabled List

Will Brinson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta, Braves, NL East, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

It's almost like he just popped his head up to record his 3,000 career strikeout, and then, just as quickly as he came, John Smoltz is gone again, hitting the disabled list Tuesday with an inflamed biceps muscle and rotator cuff. I kid about the head-popping thing; Smoltz was actually around long enough to make five starts, three of them wins and two of them where he struck out 10 different batters.

The crazier thing is that, according to MLB.com, Tom Glavine was called up for his Atlanta debut only because the Braves sent Doyle Alexander to Detroit for this Smoltz guy. And then today, they swapped sides as Glavine was activated to take Smoltz' place on the roster.

Before sending Glavine to the mound to start Tuesday night's series opener at Nationals Park, the Braves seemingly found some good news regarding Smoltz's right shoulder. But they will still be without the 40-year-old hurler for at least two more weeks, while he goes on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season.

'We're going to let him rest for a little bit and see what happens, said Braves manager Bobby Cox after learning that noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews didn't find any significant structural damage while evaluating Smoltz on Tuesday.

That's at least good news -- DJA is the most terrifying name you can hear when you're talking baseball injuries, so any time someone gets out of 'Bama able to come back at any point of the season. The Braves have said, though, that there is "no timetable" for Smoltz' return and that they want him to be as healthy as possible before returning.

Fantasy Spin: There's not a lot you can do, other than DL or bench Smoltz. If you don't own him though, I'd probably consider him a nice buy low; the guy has been relatively healthy for his career and usually goes through some semi-extended injury each season.

John Smoltz Heads Back to the Disabled List originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Francisco Liriano Reassigned to Minors

Will Brinson — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minnesota, Twins, AL Central, MLB Injuries, Injury Report, Fantasy MLB

The fantastic ideas we had for Francisco Liriano's return in 2008 were not single game pitching lines like this: 0.2 innings pitched, 35 pitches, five hits, six earned runs, three walks and zero strikeouts. But that's exactly what he produced in an Oakland shellacking of the Twins.

Liriano's peripherals are down across the board (BB/9 is up to 9.31 and his K/9 is down 6.10). Of course, they're not the only things down now, as Frankie as been reassigned to Triple-A Rochester.

Liriano took the loss in all three of his starts with the Twins so far this season, including giving up six runs in two-thirds of an inning Thursday afternoon at Oakland. In those three starts, Liriano has allowed 15 hits, walked 13 and struck out seven while posting an 11.32 ERA.

[...]The Twins have had problems with Liriano since Spring Training, when the pitcher arrived late to Fort Myers after having problems acquiring his visa.

Well, that seems unnecessary, doesn't it. Sure, there may have been some mishandling on both sides of this debacle, but there's no reason to take a shot at Liriano now. He went from "greatest pitcher of all time" hype-status to "done-cakes" in less than two years. There's still a chance that he will be able to come back and pitch in the majors again; certainly aided by the fact that he apparently "feels no pain", even though he has not pitched like it.

I hope he does. He was a thrill to watch in 2006 and utterly untouchable for a really brief period. But after he failed to mention the pain to the team and then the team [most likely] brought him back to early, well, it seems like too much to ask for Liriano to ever bring back 2006.

Bonus Fantasy Spin: Liriano is a strong enough talent that you can't drop him just yet, unless you're in a small league. In fact, because of the "pain free" element to his pitching status, I almost think he's a buy low at this point, if you already have a stout pitching staff or deep bench and can afford to take an upside-riddle risk.

Francisco Liriano Reassigned to Minors originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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