Yardbarker: Scott Downs

Is B.J. Ryan Expendable?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:52:57 -0500

Thus far in the 2008 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays have enjoyed having statistically the best bullpen in the American League and one of the best in baseball. One of the biggest surprises this season has been 27 year old rookie LHP Jesse Carlson, who has been the Jays most reliable reliever this season(6-1 record, 1.82 ERA, 52 K's, 22 BB's, 2 Saves, .195 Opponents Avg., 1.05 WHIP). He has a very deceptive delivery and can get righties out just as easily as lefties. He often K's righties with a good, hard sweeping curve that gets in on their hands. This gives the Jays 3 solid left-handed relievers in Carlson, Scott Downs and closer BJ Ryan. With Carlson's unexpected emergence, does this mean the Jays could potentially trade Ryan to fill in a gap in another position? It's hard to say because Carlson is just a rookie but he possesses a closer's mentality, strong composure, extreme confidence, above average repetoire, etc. And Ryan is currently in Year 3 of his 5 year, 47 million dollar deal. In his first year as a Jay, Ryan was nearly unhittable through most of the season but he was over-worked by then Jays manager John Gibbons, who would often have Ryan come in to get a 4 or 5 out Save. His 2nd year was wiped-out due to Tommy John Surgery and so far in his 3rd year, Ryan's been good but not great, which is to expected has he's a year and 4 months removed from having his Tommy John Surgery. The Jays could potentially trade Ryan to a team in need of a closer for a Shortstop plus Prospects. With Francisco Rodriguez being the most sought after Free Agent reliever, the Jays could dangle Ryan and see what offers come out of it.

Posted by Will M.

Is B.J. Ryan Expendable?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:49:17 -0500

AccuScore: Waiver Wire Wonders

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:48:58 -0500

The latest wave of injuries has taken Albert Pujols, Alfonso Soriano, and Victor Martinez down for an extended period of time. While AccuScore fantasy expert Tim Williams can't repair the injuries to your star performers, he can provide a quick fix that will make the summer a little more bearable.

AccuScore Closer Report - 6/10

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:39 -0500

Brandon Lyon hasn't given up a run since April 6. J.J. Putz suffered another injury, and Troy Percival is set to return. Find out where these three rank, and expanded middle reliever rankings in this week's Closer Report.

AccuScore Closer Report - 6/3

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:07:07 -0500

John Smoltz lasted just one game before electing to undergo season-ending surgery. Rafael Soriano, coming off his own injury, takes over for the Braves who also await the return of Mike Gonzalez. Most other bullpen situations have stabilized for now, but some players will be prime candidates to be traded to contenders very soon. Find out who in this week's Closer Report plus rankings for middle relievers.

AccuScore: MLB Waiver Wire Wonders

Sat, 24 May 2008 00:25:05 -0500

If you play in a league that starts two catchers, you probably are constantly scouring the waiver wires for a solid number two option. It took a trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond for AccuScore fantasy expert Tim Williams to decide that the second catcher really doesn't matter. This week's waiver wire wonders gives you better options who will do more for your team than guys like Yadier Molina.

AccuScore Closer Report - 5/12

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:17:41 -0500

There are new closer situations in St.Louis and Milwaukee, and a pitcher in Philadelphia returns to the ranks of the elite. Get the lowdown on all the bullpen situations including new middle reliever rankings in this week's edition of the AccuScore Closer Report.

AccuScore Closer Report - 5/6

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:42:14 -0500

An injury sends Chad Cordero to the DL, John Smoltz will make his return in the bullpen, and Eric Gagne blows yet another save. See how it all shakes out in this week's AccuScore Closer Report.

MLB Salary arbitration figures

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:14:33 -0500

"NEW YORK -- A total of 106 players filed for salary arbitration Jan. 12 (x-free agent who accepted arbitration). Players and teams exchanged proposed salaries Tuesday if they couldn't come to agreement on a 2007 contract." For those who care...It's actually an interesting list if not just to see what specific players were making in 2006.