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Buy on the Rumor Calendar
June 2009
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Monday, June 01, 2009

There’s gold in them thar hills!


The Rockies outfield situation is a true logjam right now. While logjams can cause frustration for fantasy owners who see their players drop into time-shares, logjams are also great places to look for hidden talent.

Right now the Rockies are going predominantly with the lineup of Brad Hawpe in right, rookie Dexter Fowler in center, and Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith splitting the duties in left. That is merely their predominant lineup. Some nights Spilly will slide over to center and a player not even mentioned yet, Matt Murton, will get the start in left. And then there is center fielder Carlos Gonzalez who is raking to the tune of .333/.421/.598 in Triple-A. That makes a potential six players for three positions.

Right now Hawpe is the only definite everyday starter as he is having himself a very nice season, batting .348 with seven home runs and 39 RBI thus far. With a relatively cheap contract and the Rockies slow start however, Hawpe is most likely going to be traded sometime before the trading deadline.

Fowler is having a decent season in the majors; not good but not bad either for a rookie. I do not see him getting sent down to Triple-A and the Rockies probably want him playing everyday, so his playing time seems fairly secure to me.

The other three players—Spilborghs, Smith, and Murton—are all involved a crapshoot as to who will end up getting the most playing time the rest of the way. Right now Murton (who was mashing Triple-A pitching before getting called-up, albeit as a 26 year old) is the odd man-out, although that can change at any moment's notice.

Despite Gonzalez' success in Triple-A, he most likely will remain there until September when he could be a late call up. The Rockies want to see increased maturity and sustained success from him before potentially rushing him to the majors as the A's did last year.

Although murky now, by mid-summer the Rockies outfield situation should be somewhat resolved. My advice is simply to remain aware of what is going on in the Rockies outfield and the player I'd be looking to jump on at the first sign of increased playing time is Matt Murton because 1) he is not owned in most leagues and 2) has the skills to put up solid numbers if given the playing time. Right now you can let him sit in free agency, though.





Posted by Paul Singman at 9:43pm

Playing with your Putz


Quick - name the right-handed reliever in the Mets bullpen that throws 98 mph. It isn't J.J. Putz, at least not these days. Tonight, as in the recent past, Putz hasn't looked sharp, throwing mainly low-90's fastballs and few split-fingers. If you're looking for holds or a few cheap saves, I'd start perusing in the Bobby Parnell aisle.


Posted by Jonathan Halket at 10:19pm (0) Comments

Brewers looking for a front-line starter?


There's been talk lately of the Brewers looking for a front-line starter (like they did last year with C.C. Sabathia). Jake Peavy has been mentioned, and apparently Javier Vazquez (whom I discussed in my article today) is a guy that the Braves could consider dealing as the deadline approaches (h/t MLBTR). This would open up a spot for super-prospect Tommy Hanson even if Tom Glavine comes back healthy and effective (a big IF for sure).

If the Brewers were to acquire a pitcher like this, they'd likely need to trade a top prospect or two (Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar, Jeremy Jeffress, etc) and maybe a younger major league player, and the move would push someone out of their rotation. Jeff Suppan would be the smartest move, though Braden Looper and Dave Bush wouldn't necessarily be 100% safe, depending on how they're pitching at that time.


Posted by Derek Carty at 12:05pm (0) Comments

RSS Feeds


A few people e-mailed me to ask about RSS feeds for "Buy on the Rumor," so I figured I would let all our readers know that BoTR posts have now been integrated into our THT Fantasy feeds. As always, we're here to serve so .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any other requests.

Posted by David Gassko at 10:51am (0) Comments

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Matt Joyce recalled


Rays OF Matt Joyce was recalled from Triple-A this weekend, and he's a must add in AL-only leagues. Mixed leaguers should keep an eye on him as he isn't guaranteed of playing time starting off. Gabe Gross and Gabe Kapler, however, aren't tremendous and certainly aren't long-term options, so there will definitely be an opportunity for Joyce to take some regular playing time if he plays well.

Posted by Derek Carty at 11:23pm (0) Comments

Corey Hart trade looming?


There was a rumor yesterday that Brewers OF Corey Hart could be traded in the coming month or two. Apparently, "the Tigers, Giants, and Red Sox either have scouted Hart or discussed him." If Hart were to get traded, recently-acquired Jody Gerut might benefit the most with more playing time, though Frank Catalanatto could also be an option. There would be at least an outside chance of Mat Gamel getting regular playing time if the team decided to move him to the outfield.

Posted by Derek Carty at 11:19pm (0) Comments


This is Page 1 of 1 Buy on the Rumor pages

Trade Rumors

From MLB Trade Rumors

Trade Deadline Notes: Closers, Phillies, Buyers

Draft Signings: Gonsalves, Williams, Mondab, Hannemann

Astros Notes: Appel, Free Agency

Rockies To Remove Francis From Roster, Add Oswalt

Braves Sign First-Rounder Jason Hursh

Red Sox Sign Trey Ball

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