Archive for the 'NL West' Category

Eric Gagne is Back?

gagne-pump
The Dodgers have come to terms with some guy named Eric Gagne. Do not be confused, this is not the same Eric Gagne that won the 2003 NL Cy Young Award while serving as the Dodgers closer. This is not the same Eric Gagne who saved 84 straight opportunities, a record that still stands. No, this Eric Gagne is much different.

This Eric Gagne was not even in the Majors last season. This Eric Gagne played in a Canadian league last year, and was torched for a 4.65 ERA. While dude did get an invite to camp, it would be a shock if he actually made the roster. If he does not make the roster, he will be free to sign with another team if he exercises his “out clause”, which is the most likely scenario.

It is quite baffling that Gagne would go back to the Dodgers, unless he plans on retiring. That would also be a surprise since dude is only 34 years old and had an offer from the Rockies as well. The decision to join the Dodgers will be a head scratcher for a bit, since he has no chance of making their already stacked bully. So look for Gagne to be enacting that “out clause” in the next month, and do not look for him on your fantasy draft board. There is no reason at all to pay this dude one bit of attention. Well, except while reading this post.

The Dependable Freak

Tim Lincecum won his 15th game of the season as he wrapped up his 2009 campaign. Dude finished the season with a 2.48 ERA, 261 Ks, 68 BB and one other freakishly good statistic. Zero home runs given up at home. As a matter of fact, he only gave up ten long balls all year.

Hanson Versus Scherzer?

Last night we got to see Tommy Hanson face off against Max Scherzer.  In a matchup of two of the games best young starting pitchers, Hanson showed why he may be the games best young starting pitcher not named Tim Lincecum.  Both guys fanned seven batters, but Scherzer got blown up to a tune of nine runs, only three of which were earned.  Both gave up six hits, and both gave up a homer (Scherzer actually gave up two long balls).  Hanson got the win, his eighth of the season.

So One of Your Closers Was Just Traded…

If you currently own George Sherrill, Scott Downs, Chad Qualls or Francisco Cordero you have to be worried about your status in saves.  Any of these guys could get moved over the next two days, and as soon as they do you instantly lose a closer on your roster.  So how do you combat this?  Simple, handcuff the guy you have with the guy most likely to get his job if he is moved.

If you own Sherrill, look at Jim Johnson.  No, Johnson is not setting the world on fire, but he is next in line for saves and does get a few strikeouts over time.

Downs?  You obviously need to have him backed up with Jason Frasor.  Frasor has bee a bit disappointing in the saves department, as he only has three on the season.  Hell, he only has seven since the start of 2005 after nabbing 17 for the Blue Jays in 2004, but this season he is helping out in ERA and WHIP too.

Qualls?  Jon Rauch is there for a reason, and that reason will become apparent if they move Qualls.  Remember last year, when Rauch was the closer in DC before getting shipped out to Arizona?  Yeah, he racked up 17 saves for the Nationals, and will rack up some for ‘Zona if they trade Qualls.

If Cordero gets moved things could be interesting.  Dave Weathers is still there, and he is performing well once more.  Also pitching well is Arthur Rhodes.  Which of these old heads will get the nod?  My bet is Weathers, but do not be shocked if Rhodes gets a look or they do a bullpen by committee.

Padres Take Gonzalez and Bell off the Market?

It has been reported that San Diego Padres GM Kevin Towers has taken Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell off of the trading table.  Towers says he has received a “ton of calls” in regards to both players, but that he would have to be blown away to accept a deal to move either.  Interesting stuff here, because I would think that if he had zero desire to move either guy, he would not be announcing that he is getting a “ton of calls” and trying to drive the price up.

As a Braves fan, seeing Gonzalez suit up for Atlanta would be sweet, and it would fill the power bat need of the lineup.  Would Casey Kotchman, Kelly Johnson and a prospect get the deal done?  Probably not, but if I were Frank Wren I would certainly know for sure…

Peavy Says Not So Much to the White Sox

As expected, Jake Peavy squashed the trade that would have sent him to the Chicago White Sox yesterday.  The confusing part here is why the Padres would even attempt to work on a deal with an AL team that is not on Peavy’s short list to begin with.  Note to self, before I try to trade a player with a full no-trade clause it might be a good idea to talk to said player first.  It is not like Peavy does not know that he could be traded, or that the Padres have been trying to move him, so why not talk to Jake before completeing a deal?  Because the Padres and GM Kevin Towers want to try and make Peavy look like an ass for killing the deal.  It is not going to work, Mr. Towers, because we already know who you are.

Peavy to the White Sox?

A deal has been struck that would send super stud Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox.  All that they are waiting on is Peavy’s approval, which is not guaranteed to happen.  It is well documented that Peavy wants to stay in the NL, and that he is happy staying in San Diego.  The players in the deal are unclear, so speculate away.

I do not see this deal going down.  Why would Peavy want to go to the White Sox?  They are not going to be in contention this year, are an AL squad, and just do not make a lot of sense for Peavy.  We’ll stay tuned, and try to let you know if something goes down.

Jason Werth Gets Some Love

There are tons of players in MLB that do not get anywhere near the attention or credit they deserve.  Jason Werth is one of those players, as anyone in the Philly market knows.  Well, now the rest of the league has caught on, because in a recent poll conducted by MLB.com, Major League execs and managers voted in favor of Werth and Adrian Gonzalez as the NL’s two most underrated players.

Lets be clear here, though, anyone who does not know who either Werth or Gonzalez are does not pay a lot of attention to baseball.  Werth just stole home last week, and Gonzalez has racked up a mere 15 homers so far this season (it’s still May in case you have not noticed).  Do not get me wrong, here at the Sports Idiot we are glad that the spotlight has been cast on these two very deserving guys, we just hope that none of our readers needed this poll to bring these guys to their attention.  Underrated?  Absolutely.  Unknown?  Hardly, and the article even says as much.  Good for Gonzalez, but even more so good for Werth.  Neither player should be a free agent in any of your leagues (unless they are AL only!).

Manny Ramirez Suspended for 50 Games – Updated

This is breaking news, people.  According to Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio, ManRam tested positive for a PED and is suspended for 50 games.  I can’t even find a link yet, that’s how breaking this news is.

If you own Manny in your league, it sucks for you.  Either waste a roster spot for 50 games, or drop his ass.

Update

It’s official.

Lincecum Only Goes Three Innings

No need to worry, he was not pulled due to injury rather he was pulled do to suckitude.  No worries here, Lincecum will be fine and is a must start every opportunity.




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