http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/197 Recent articles about Kelvim Escobar en-us It looks like the season is coming to a close for Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Kelvin Escobar. I know its hard to say its coming to a close when it hasn't even started yet. Escobar has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Escobar decided to go the rehab route instead of surgery, and the team was becoming optimistic that he would be able to return after the All-Star break in a relief capacity. Unfortunately after two minor league starts the pitcher has experienced a setback. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:24:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287378 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287378 Garret Anderson has been a huge disappointment this season. He's one of the best players in franchise history and a good 2007 gave Angel fans hope he could still be a valuable hitter. But things had gotten so bad that between May 9 and June 30, GA had hit exactly one home run and seen [...] Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:38:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284942 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284942 In this weekly fantasy column, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter takes a look at the walking wound in the world of fantasy baseball. Find out which guys are set to return, news and updates concerning some key players, as well as the newest additions to the DL. Fri, 30 May 2008 08:49:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272408 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272408 At the end of the 2008 season, Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez will be looking for a new contract. Seeing as he'll probably want something in the $14-million+ range, he may not get it from the Angels - especially considering the Yankees are expected to make a strong push for him as the successor to Mariano Rivera (Joba's move to the rotation makes this an even more likely scenario). But can the Angels afford to let K-Rod walk? Unlike many other major league clubs, the Angels aren't familiar with having to find an arm to plug in the closer's role. Before Rodriguez, they had Troy Percival, the Angels all-time saves leader. In fact, it was Rodriguez who essentially pushed Percival out the door. Right now, no one's pushing K-Rod out the door, except of course a few Benjamins. A lot of Benjamins..... Fri, 23 May 2008 13:29:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/270352 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/270352 The Angels moved into a tie for 1st in the west with the Oakland As with their 7-4 road win over the Texas Rangers. I know it is early, but with Lackey and Escobar being out, it is nice to see the Angels bats carry the team. We know that was not the staus quo from last year. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:15:07 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238515 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238515 In this weekly fantasy column, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter takes a look at the walking wound in the world of fantasy baseball. Find out which guys are set to return, news and updates concerning some key players, as well as the newest additions to the DL. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:48:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234247 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234247 In "Sizzlers and Fizzles," I will evaluate the past week's performances, injuries, and job security, and then predict which players will sizzle (do well) or fizzle (drop off) in the upcoming week. We'll get you started with Andre Ethier (OF, Los Angeles Dodgers). In probably the most shocking lineup move, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Joe Torre opted to tab Andre Ethier the starting RF over incumbent Juan Pierre. It's shocking for a few reasons: (1) It's the correct move. (2) Joe Torre tends to favor veterans. (3) Juan Pierre will make $36.5 million over the next four seasons. Ethier might be on short-leash, but at least it's a leash. Ethier is a huge talent who is finally getting a shot, so he's a good option in the fantasy world. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:58:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/228744 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/228744 In this article, we discuss the severity and fantasy impact of injuries sustained by pitchers during spring training. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:14:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224185 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224185 Position Battle Winners Joe Crede will be the starting 3B for the White Sox beating out Josh Fields…..wait this just in, Crede is injured already!?!?!?! He fouled a ball off his foot and it is possible that he might miss Opening Day. Still think that Crede is only playing to increase his trade value, but knowing his injury history, maybe Fields isn't going to AAA just yet. As previously reported, it is official that Jorge Cantu will man third base for the Marlins. If he is able to continue what he did in Spring Training and regain his 2005 form, Cantu could be a major sleeper who could also still have 2B eligibility in your league. Jayson Nix was also named the starter at 2B for the Rockies. Those of you in keeper leagues were hoping for Ian Stewart to score an upset win here, but he has been sent to Colorado Springs. Nix will hit for a decent average and run some, but don't count on him to give big production. Former Mets' prospect Carlos Gomez has been named the starter in center for the Twins. Was he the best man for the job, or are the Twins just trying to show they got SOMETHING from the Santana trade? Gomez will run a lot, just don't expect too much more. After his last spring performance it is now very likely that the 5th starter for the Mets will be Orlando Hernandez. El Duque gave up just one run in 5 innings, while Mike Pelfrey blew the game in the 9th. It's just a matter of time, before Hernandez gets hurt, but it looks like to start the year he will be the Mets' last starter. After cutting Claudio Vargas, it is likely that the last three spots in the Brewers' rotation will go to Carlos Villanueva, Dave Bush, and rookie Manny Parra. Parra has the most upside of the three, with big time strikeout potential, although he did have some injury problems while in the majors. He is worth a flyer in larger leagues. Villanueva and Bush will most likely be owned in most leagues as well, and you can expect them to produce similar to the way they did last year. Shockingly Sent to the Minors After fighting to get back after Tommy John surgery sidelined him all of 2007, Francisco Liriano will start this season in the minors. Now before you lose your mind, he is scheduled to start one game for single-A and one game for Triple-A before being reevaluated where he stands. If Friday night's performance means anything, he won't be gone long. Liriano went five innings giving up just one run and striking out seven against the Pirates. Ok, so maybe he was already pitching against AAA talent. Another shocker was the news that Gerald Laird beat out top prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia for the starting catching job in Texas. Fantasy players all over are now searching for other options to start at catcher before Opening Day. I don't expect it to be long before the Rangers realize they made a mistake, but for now are JR Towles, Chris Snyder, or John Buck available for you? Not as much of a surprise was the news that Evan Longoria, the Rays' top prize was optioned to the minors. Most expected this after news that if Longoria spends a month in the minors the Rays can put his free agency off until 2014. If you own him, don't release him unless you really can't afford the roster spot, Evan will be back before the middle of May. Finally, superstud in waiting Cameron Maybin was sent down to AAA after struggling at the end of spring, going hitless in his last 18 at bats. Maybin is another guy that I don't expect to be in the minors for long, so if you own him and can afford to stash him, do yourself that favor he could have a major impact when recalled. Last, Reds big pitching prospect Homer Bailey was sent to the minors this week. Bailey was passed by Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez this spring, and now you have to wonder if all the predictions that we have been reading about for the last few years will come to fruition. Cueto and Volquez are hot pickups as young arms that have big time strikeout potential. If they are available, I would suggest grabbing one of them. Injury News B.J. Ryan threw a bullpen session on Thursday and now it seems that he is back on track for a mid April return. Ryan reported no soreness after 22 pitches, and is looking to return in the April 11-13 range. Scott Rolen now has a timetable to be on the shelf. Reports out of Toronto have him out a minimum of six weeks, meaning it will be mid May before the former Gold Glove winner is back at the hot corner for the Jays. John Smoltz also threw in the bullpen, and said that he is targeting April 6th as his return to the mound. Kelvim Escobar may have suffered a major setback in his attempt to the mound. Escobar reported discomfort in his shoulder after his latest bullpen session and he has been shut down indefinitely. After 18 wins last year, owners were expecting another big season out of him, but now I can't say that I wouldn't just cut ties with him now before worse news comes down. Perpetual Sleeper Jeremy Hermida will start 2008 on the disabled list due to a tight hamstring. He is eligible to be activated on April 5th, but given the fact that he has bought a summer home on the DL, this sends up big red flags on Hermida. Horrible Performances Newly acquired star Eric Bedard didn't exactly instill a lot of confidence in his last spring start. Bedard gave up four runs in just six innings. You can still expect big things out of Bedard this season as long as he stays healthy, don't put to much stock in his spring stats (8.63 ERA). Brewers oft-injured ace Ben Sheets didn't finish his spring off the way he would like either, as he gave up a whopping nine runs in just five innings. If he can stay healthy, Sheets has the ability to be a top 15 starter, but that is about as likely as Rocco Baldelli staying healthy. Lastly, soon to be out of the rotation Mike Mussina had another crappy outing on Friday. Mussina gave up 5 runs in 5 1/3 IP, but will still be part of the Yankee rotation anyway. Good Performances Rays number 2 starter Matt Garza completed his excellent Spring Training with five strong innings. Garza gave up two runs, while walking two and striking out two. Because of the injury to Scott Kazmir, Garza will be starting the second game of the season for Tampa Bay. After posting a 2.45 ERA this spring, you can expect good stats from him this year, just don't expect too many wins. Stephen Drew doubled and tripled in the same game on Wednesday, and 10 of his 15 hits are for extra bases. He is one of my big sleepers for the 2008 season, and the fact that he is starting to hit for more power, makes me more confident in that prediction. Florida 1B Mike Jacobs hit a pair of homers against the Yankees on Sunday as he tries to live up to his hype that is now a couple of years behind him. Other News The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that 3B Bill Hall will bat 5th, while Corey Hart will be in the 6th slot to start the season. This could have a positive effect on Hall's RBI numbers, and a slightly negative effect on the number of runs scored that Hart will have. It really shouldn't have much effect on how you draft Hart, although I think many expected him to bat higher, but this could bump Hall back to a late round selection, hoping he can duplicate his breakout season after this vote of confidence from his manager. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:54:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/223461 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/223461 The Los Angeles Angels were in the news as much as any other major league team this offseason. That's what happens when you are a major player in the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes. Not only did the Angels go after ARod, but Miguel Cabrera, Manny Ramirez, Paul Konerko, and every other big bat that might have been available. If first you don't succeed, try and try again, and the Angels did.... Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:00:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222859 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222859 With pitchers John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar both out indefinitely, who starts Opening Day for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Manager Mike Scioscia still hasn't announced his starting rotation members or the order of the players. But if you look at the Angels current spring rotation, you can easily break it down and figure which young gun it is. So who is it? Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:29:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220661 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220661 The Texas Rangers, yet again, illustrate the fallacy of spring training statistics; Kelvim Escobar's ailing right shoulder; why Franklyn German's purported control epiphany isn't likely to last. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:05:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220408 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220408 Yesterday, we reported that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar experienced a setback in his rehabilitation. We even said that if its NOT to serious his return would be pushed back to June. Well guess what, things have gotten worse for him, much worse. It was finally revealed that Escobar had a tear in his shoulder and could possibly require season ending surgery. Even worse, it may end his career. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:35:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/219110 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/219110 Alright ladies and gentleman, here's todays part 1 update on various baseball injuries, it's a long one. This one contains updates on the St Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:05:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218354 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218354 The Seattle Mariners struggled down the stretch and missed the playoffs as the LA Angels of Anaheim won the division by 6 games. Can Seattle get by the Angels? Is it the Angels' division to lose? Or will the Athletics or Rangers surprise everyone? Here a preview of all four teams, their projected starting lineups, rotations, fantasy impact players, and overall outlook. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:49:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217709 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217709