Fantasy happenings: Not Vinny Mazzaro’s day
by Paul SingmanMay 17, 2011
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| Who would replace the rally monkey with this? (Icon/SMI) |
Last night Vin Mazzaro pitched two and a third innings, gave up 14 runs, and Jose Bautista wasn't even in the opposing team's lineup. For comparison's sake it took Mazzaro 78 pitches to get through his two-plus innings while it took Josh Tomlin 81 pitches to get through six. Not many people roster Mazzaro let alone start him, but you know there must be that one guy in a deep AL-only league who had him in his lineup. Feel better about your team now? It will take a steady week or two of dieting on quality starts to trim the fat off that one guy's team ERA.
A.J. Burnett—Cruised through five innings before getting lazy and serving up two gophers in the sixth. He would have been a great pitcher to try to trade away while his ERA was in the mid-threes. With the Mets and Mariners coming as his next two starts you might get another opportunity to get something of value for him.
Sam Fuld—One of those homers given up by Burnett was off of the bat of none other than Statman Fuld. Desmond Jennings didn't have a great week in the minors besides two homers, so the era of Fuld should not end too soon. At least definitely not before the Sam Fuld cape day on the 29th.
Aaron Hill—Went 2-for-4 with a double, which is nice to see from the man with on-base and slugging percentages under .300. I wouldn't drop him in mixed leagues 14 or deeper, but in 12 teamers I would if benches are shallow and you have another second baseman.
Jhonny Peralta—Salvaged his night with a solo homer in the ninth, quietly giving him four home runs in his past five games. At least I think he's doing it quietly.
Jose Tabata—Collected two hits and could resume hitting as he did to open the season, which is really well for those who have forgotten already. Not a bad buy-low option at the moment.
Cliff Lee— Gave up six walks after issuing just seven in all his other starts this season. Still picked up a quality start after what could be one of his worst performances of the year.
Albert Pujols —Started the game at third base, which is the only thing Pujols owners got excited about tonight as he had another 0-for-4 performance.
Allen Craig—Also went 0-for-4 but I would add him in all leagues. Has good minor league numbers and will get second and maybe even third base eligibility soon.
Fernando Salas—Picked up the save—and his last name is the same forwards and backwards. Boggs, Sanchez, Motte, and Franklin can't say that!
Matt Downs - Single-handedly tried to lift the Astros over the Tommy Hanson-led Braves. His 2-for-3 night with a home run and double came raised his average to .318 in 44 at-bats. In Yahoo leagues he is currently one start at third away from third base eligibility and the Astros excuse for an infield of Bill Hall, Clint Barmes and Chris Johnson should not prevent Downs from seeing plenty of at-bats if he keeps hitting. I just added him in my leagues and you probably should too.
Mike Stanton—Not sure what is more impressive: his three home runs in four games or his zero strikeouts in the last three. Either way, this is all good news Stanton owners, who should feel good about the rest of the season.
Justin Turner—Went 2-for-5 with a double. My advice is to ride him while he's hot. This seems to be a common theme tonight; he's another one who could gain third base eligbility in the near future whileDavid Wright is out with back stiffness.
Darwin Barney—Got himself another three hits, raising his average to .345. If singles are your thing, Barney is your guy.
Colby Lewis—Threw a complete game shutout with seven strikeouts. This is his fourth great start in a row so Lewis owners can only hope he is over his early season struggles. I'd be more confident in him if he did it against a competent offense unlike the A's, Mariners and White Sox.
Matt LaPorta —The Porta led the Indians' charge, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a walk and raised his average like 30 points. He's not great, but a solid first base-outfield option.
Tim Lincecum —Was uncharacteristically ineffective against the Rockies offense, allowing seven runs (three earned) and 15 baserunners in five and two-third innings after not allowing a run in his previous 15 innings. He even allowed a home run to...
Carlos Gonzalez—Who now has three home runs in his last six games. I don't own CarGo (once called the Patrol Craft, which I'm a big fan of btw) in any leagues so I personally don't care, but I know
Henry Blanco—Hit two home runs, giving him four in May. I don't know, you try owning him if you really want.
Shaun Marcum —Not his most dominant outing but can't complain with seven innings and just one run for his fifth win. He strangely did not let Ethier or Kemp reach base but allowed hits to Carroll, Miles, Uribe, Loney and Gibbons.
Michael Pineda —Threw a gem: seven innings, three hits, no walks and seven Ks. The Twins are clearly the new team to spot-start against.
Saves: Kyle Farnsworth pitched a perfect ninth with two Ks for save eight, Frank Francisco gave up a quiet solo homer but got save four, Drew Storen gave up two hits but got save number nine, Fernando Salas pitched a perfect inning for save four, Craig Kimbrel fanned three to earn save 11, Leo Nunez struck out two to get save 15, Francsico Cordero picked up save eight, Huston Street didn't allow a baserunner and got save 13, Mike Adams picked up save No. 1 with a four-run Padres lead but no one deserves it more than him, the man with a 0.48 WHIP, John Axford struck out two in a hit-and-walkless ninth for save nine.
Blown saves: Kevin Gregg allowed two walks and then a double to Adrian Gonzalez, which was enough to let two runs score. Koji Uehara narrowly escaped damage of his own, so Kevin Gregg owners shouldn't sweat too much, though his periphs are terrible. He'll be lucky to keep the job all year. Jordan Walden allowed a Crouple (a Coco Crisp single then steal) and then another single after getting the first two batters out.
Programming note: I am going to try to make this a most-days feature here at THT, reacting to the daily happenings in fantasy. That's where I'm trying to step in here. Feel free to ask for specific advice in the comments.
Paul has been managing fantasy baseball teams for many seasons and writing for THT Fantasy over the past three years. He is currently a student at UPenn welcomes readers' thoughts at his email here or in the comments below.
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