Yardbarker: Roy Oswalt

MLB Injury Extra: Replacements - Week 17

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:40:26 -0500

Screaming Sports' Drew Thibodeau breaks out another Screaming Sports original. With so many valuable fantasy studs going down with injury, Drew decided it was time to take a look at several replacements. So if you're one of the many fantasy GM's who have been ravaged by injury, then this piece is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Astros become Wolf's Pack

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:38:06 -0500

Sheer idiocy, we thought so at first, but after a minutia of consideration before rushing to publish, the boy at Dome-Dogs give the Randy Wolf deal their seal of approval. However, we have now changed our tune, Ed Wade, Drayton McLane, and the entire Astros organization are just doomed to be idiotic.

Unfounded optimism?

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:00:36 -0500

The Astros had some high hopes going into this season and have vastly underperformed. While we held high hopes for the team, a look at their payroll allocations should have had us all writing them off from the start.

Break Work: One Sentence to Sum Up Each MLB Team

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:13:52 -0500

LA Angels (57-38): Pitching, Pitching, Pitching has the Angels tied for the best record in baseball.

Chicago Cubs (57-38): The Cubs are also tied for the best record, their reason though is that they never ever lose at Wrigley.

Boston (57-40): The youth pitching is once again paying off major dividends for the Sox who behind JD Drew have regained the AL East lead despite the absence of Papi.

Tampa Bay (55-39): If the Rays played all their games at the Trop they would probably be 30 games over .500.

Chicago Sox (54-40): Anybody who said that they saw Carlos Quentin having 70 rbi at the break to help the ChiSox to first place is a liar.

Minnesota (53-42): The Twinkies have gotten solid pitching from a bunch of youngsters and should be bringing Liriano up to increase the push to the division.

St. Louis (53-43): Ludwick and Ankiel both have 20 homers getting the Cardinals to a spot where they probably shouldn't be.

Milwaukee (52-43): CC has already shown his worth in one 1 week, with him and Sheets leading the rotation the Brewers look to be in the hunt for both the Wild Card and the division.

Philadelphia (52-44): After Cole Hamels there's a big gap in the starting rotation that needs to be addressed.

Oakland (51-44): Selling off pitchers despite being 7 games above .500 seems like giving up to me.

NY Mets (51-44): A 9 game winning streak to close out the first half of the season certainly makes the future look brighter.

NY Yankees (50-45): For some reason despite having all stars at every position the Yankees get shut out a lot.

Florida (50-45): Hanley Ramirez is a golden god who can be stopped by no one.

Texas (50-46): Check that, Josh Hamilton is a platinum god who can be stopped by no one.

Detroit (47-47): Dug themselves out of a hole when their bats finally started to heat up, poised for a second half explosion.

Toronto (47-48): The Blue Jays have been terribly inconsistent despite Roy Halladay being a beast.

Arizona (47-48): Starting the NL Western theme the reason the Diamondbacks are under .500 is because they don't have any good hitters.

LA Dodgers (46-49): Rafael Furcal has been a massive kick in the junk to both my fantasy team and the Dodgers who really really really need him in the lineup to score runs.

Baltimore (45-48): Um, I really have no idea how the Orioles are only slightly below .500 this season and I'm guessing they don't either.

Cincinnati (46-50): Edinson Volquez's dominating season has been balanced out by Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Haraang's poor seasons.

Atlanta (45-50): Injuries to the starting rotation and bullpen and an inability to win on the road has plagued the Braves this year.

Pittsburgh (44-50): Snell and Gorzy were both solid last season, this year they both have ERAs well above 6.

Houston (44-51): The questionable starting rotation has not been helped by #1 starters Roy Oswalt's inconsistencies.

Kansas City (43-53): The Royals don't have the worst record in their division which has to be seen as a big positive in KC.

Cleveland (41-53): Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner were terrible disappointments this season, and that was before both got placed on the DL.

San Francisco (40-55): When Fred Lewis, Randy Winn, and Aaron Rowand are your best hitters, you know you're not going to score many runs.

Colorado (39-57): The magical run that was slaughtered by the Red Sox, has remained dead this season.

Seattle (37-58): If anything could go wrong in Seattle, it has.

San Diego (37-58): Once again, hitting is entirely optional for the fathers.

Washington (36-60): A lineup as bad as the Giants and Padres, except with no starting pitching either.

Burnett Appears to be Out of the Mix

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:39:51 -0500

Phillies fans who are hoping A.J. Burnett is the pitcher the Phillies acquire before the July 31st trading deadline shouldn't hold their breath. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Phillies have minimal interest in Burnett, and the feeling appears to be mutual as the Phillies are one of the 15 teams on Burnett's no-trade list. While I was against the Phillies pursuing Burnett for health reasons, if he could stay healthy he'd be a good addition. I don't view him as the impact pitcher the Phillies need, but he's one of the best available. With the option of Burnett off the table, you'd have to think the Phillies are going to be keeping a close eye on Erik Bedard. Bedard is currently on the disabled list, but he's not seriously injured. It was a move that was made by the Mariners to take Felix Hernandez off the DL without making a major roster move (sending someone down to Tacoma). Bedard is scheduled to start on July 21st. If the Phillies are unable to land Bedard, going to "Plan B" is the ONLY option as there will not be anything else available. Roy Oswalt isn't leaving Houston, and all the rumors about Derek Lowe are unfounded. The Dodger are only two games behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West. The "Plan B" list will not be pretty and include the likes of Jarrod Washburn, Bronson Arroyo, & Tim Redding. These aren't exactly the caliber of players Phillies fans were hoping the team would be looking at this summer. Unfortunately they might not have any choice.

Examining the Wizard: Long Balls and Luck

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:49:18 -0500

A look at the inflated HR's that Roy Oswalt has allowed in 2008, using HitTracker data, reveal that maybe the Wizard has just caught a bad break in the 1st Half.

Longoria, Hart Win Fan Vote on MLB.com. Record Set

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:27:19 -0500

Tampa Bay Rays rookie third baseman Evan Longoria and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart were chosen by fans as the winners of the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote in record-shattering voting exclusively on MLB.com (http://mlb.com/), the official website of Major League Baseball. Baseball fans supported the 10 candidates named by All-Star managers Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle in unprecedented fashion by casting a record 47.8 million votes since the program commenced on Sunday, July 6 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). This year’s record number of votes represents an increase of 107 percent from the previous mark of 23.1 million set in 2007. Since its inception in 2002, the Monster All-Star Game Final Vote has now recorded nearly 130 million votes. The American League winner, Longoria, received the highest total number of votes ever and led all vote-getters with nine million en route to becoming the second consecutive rookie to win the balloting, following Boston’s Hideki Okajima last year. He was followed by Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox; Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees; Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles; and Jose Guillen of the Kansas City Royals. On the National League ballot, Hart became the second Milwaukee player to win the Monster All-Star Game Final Vote by holding off a late charge from David Wright of the New York Mets to claim the final spot on the National League All-Star roster with a final tally of eight million votes. Hart and Wright were followed by Pat Burrell of the Philadelphia Phillies; Aaron Rowand of the San Francisco Giants; and Carlos Lee of the Houston Astros. Previous winners of the Monster All-Star Game Final Vote include: Okajima (AL, 2007); Chris Young (NL, 2007); A.J. Pierzynski (AL, 2006); Nomar Garciaparra (NL, 2006); Scott Podsednik (AL, 2005); Roy Oswalt (NL, 2005); Hideki Matsui (AL, 2004); Bobby Abreu (NL, 2004); Jason Varitek (AL, 2003); Geoff Jenkins (NL, 2003); Johnny Damon (AL, 2002); and Andruw Jones (NL, 2002).Source: MLB Advanced Media Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network (http://www.businessofsportsnetwork.com/), which includes The Biz of Baseball (http://www.bizofbasketball.com/), The Biz of Football (http://www.bizoffootball.com/), The Biz of Basketball (http://www.bizofbasketball.com/) and The Biz of Hockey (http://bizofhockey.com/). He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus (http://baseballprospectus.com/news/?author=124), and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. (http://www.businessofsportsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content view=article id=47 Itemid=18) He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (http://www.businessofsportsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_contact view=contact id=2 Itemid=29).

Examining the Wizard: Diagnosis

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:11:26 -0500

A look at what Roy Oswalts injury means for Roy Oswalt and the Astros as an organization.

AccuScore: MLB Trade Market

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:47:18 -0500

Sending a blank offer is not enough when making trades in your fantasy league. AccuScore fantasy expert Tim Williams gives you an example of a deal he sold in his NL only league this past week.

"Fans" Say the Darnded Things

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:01:23 -0500

You've been there. You're at the ballpark and the Jack-@$$ behind you won't stop prattling on about things that don't even make sense, while the morons he's with nod and approve as though the guy was the Dhali Lama. We'll come read about our experience recently and share your own.

Mad Max: Ramirez Homer Powers Rangers Over Astros, 3-2

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:54:50 -0500

Max Ramirez's breakout performance brings the Texas Rangers one step closer to claiming the coveted Silver Boot trophy for 2008.

A must read for phillies fans, Victorino trade bait for starter? Phils interested in Fuentes?

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:42:22 -0500

Do Phils have stuff to acquire pitching? By Jim Salisbury Inquirer Staff Writer The Phillies are well into their annual midseason quest to land a starting pitcher. C.C. Sabathia, Greg Maddux, Roy Oswalt and Erik Bedard are some of the names being tossed around. Any of them could help. Teams, however, just don't push a button and make a deal. No-trade clauses must be waived. Salaries must be fit into payroll structures. The hope of winning now must be weighed against the risk of mortgaging potential stars. First and foremost, though, a team seeking a commodity must have the wherewithal to acquire it. There lies the rub for the Phillies. Their farm system is thin in the kind of high-upside, almost-major-league-ready talent that other clubs desire when in a selling mode. So, the Phils may have to include a big-league player in a package for a pitcher. The outfield is the one area where the Phils have depth. It's also where they have a young, inexpensive, productive player that other teams have coveted for a couple of years: Shane Victorino. "I know I could be a chip," the 27-year-old outfielder said. "My name has come up ever since I had that good year in triple A [in 2005], and I understand this year it might be different because the farm system is not the deepest. "In some ways, it's a compliment when you hear other teams might want you. But rumors are rumors, and I can't worry about it. I really don't want to leave this team. I love the chemistry and the guys." Victorino could be attractive because he is under control for three more seasons. He will be eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this winter. Outfielder Jayson Werth, who can't be a free agent until after 2009, could also be a trade chip. "Obviously, when you look at the team, the only depth is in the outfield," he said. "If that's what they're looking to do to make the team better, I understand. This game is a business. "I just want to play. Wherever I'm given an opportunity, I'll be giving 100 percent." Werth acknowledged the team's need for another pitcher. "The pitching is doing great, but if you want to get to the next level and win a World Series, that's usually what teams do," he said. "It wouldn't be surprising. Last year, we got Lohse." Righthander Kyle Lohse, who arrived from Cincinnati in a July 30 deal, proved to be one of the best midseason acquisitions by any team in 2007. He made 11 starts for the Phils, and the team won nine. The Phils could look to make another midlevel pitching acquisition, such as Lohse. Why? There are two reasons: (1) They have had good success going that route with Lohse and Jamie Moyer in 2006, and (2) They might not have enough advanced prospects in their system to get a top pitcher such as Sabathia, last year's Cy Young Award winner in the American League. That doesn't mean the Phils don't covet Sabathia. He could be the piece that helps them get to the World Series. However, he also could be the piece that helps get the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston, the New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee to the Series. The Dodgers, Red Sox and Yankees all have deeper farm systems than the Phillies, and the Cubs, who haven't won a World Series in 100 years, might be willing to empty the cupboard for Sabathia, especially with ace Carlos Zambrano suffering a recent shoulder strain. Any team that pursues Sabathia must be cognizant that he will be a two-month rental. He is due to be a free agent at the end of the season and will seek a multiyear deal in the neighborhood of $120 million. Only a contract extension in that range would keep him off the market. The Phillie most teams want is double A pitcher Carlos Carrasco. The Phils would surely have to surrender him, and possibly Victorino, in a deal for Sabathia. Would they do it? Only team officials know. "We have to balance going for it now versus the future," assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle said. "We have to keep in mind that this is not a club that is all-or-nothing this year. We have to be careful about absolutely wiping out the best young players in the system to do it now. That is not to say we don't want to win now and won't move good players if we feel the deal is right. It's just something we're looking at carefully." Phils officials said Carrasco, a 21-year-old righthander, was close to being ready to contribute in the majors. Catcher Lou Marson, also at double A, is drawing attention from other clubs. Dealing him would be a tough call given the state of catching in the system. He projects as a No. 1 catcher and could be in Philadelphia in a year or so. Outfielder Greg Golson, currently sidelined by a wrist injury, and second baseman Adrian Cardenas might be the Phils' top minor-league trade chips, at least among advanced prospects. Cardenas swings a good bat but is blocked by Chase Utley, and a move to the outfield could be in his future. The Phils might be more open to moving prospects if they got back a pitcher they could control beyond this season. Bedard, the Seattle lefty, who won't be a free agent until after 2009, fits that description, as does Oakland's Rich Harden. Houston's Roy Oswalt, who is signed through 2011 but at a cost of $47 million, could be worth watching. The Astros had a high-ranking scout in Philadelphia on Sunday. While a rental player might not be totally to the Phils' liking, they could take a run at Maddux, who will be owed about $3.3 million at the July 31 trade deadline. Maddux would not carry an exorbitant price tag. However, he has a no-trade clause, and it remains to be seen if he'd waive it to come to the East Coast. Maybe playing privileges at Pine Valley would help. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- according to ESPN Insider: Victorino could help Phils land starter According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Shane Victorino could be a key chip for the Phillies in their effort to acquire a front-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Victorino would be an attractive piece to teams looking to sell at the deadline because he is under control for three more seasons and will be arbitration eligible for the first time this winter. Jayson Werth, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Greg Golson and Adrian Cardenas are some of the other players in the organization who could be used in a package for a starter. However, the decision to gut the farm system in an attempt to win the World Series this season is not an easy one, and only team officials know for sure what direction the club is leaning. AND Fuentes continues to draw interest Brian Fuentes | Rockies | Interested: Phillies? Athletics? Mets? Red Sox? Yankees? According to the Denver Post, several major league sources have confirmed that the Phillies and A's have now joined the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees as teams interested in the left-handed closer.

Report: Phillies sent a scout to watch Roy Oswalt

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:42:19 -0500

Although he is not believed to be on Houston's trading block, several teams – including the Yankees, Angels, Braves, Mets and Phillies, sent scouts to watch the right-hander, according to MLB.com. [Link] Oswalt is under Houston control through 2011 and is earning $13M this season. The deal includes a no-trade clause and an option, however, and goes up to $14M in '09, $15M in '10 and $16M in '11. His numbers have dropped off sharply this season (5-7, 5.06 ERA,...

Top 10 Most Disappointing MLB Players of 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:18:20 -0500

With the first half of the 2008 Major League Baseball season drawing to a close it's time to take a look at the most disappointing players so far. It was hard to narrow the list to just 10, but I did it. Names you won't see on this list include Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. Want to know who is number one? Check it out.

MLB Stock Market - June 19th Edition

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:15 -0500

Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon runs down several baseball Bulls and several baseball Bears in the latest edition of Stock Market. Marcus Thames? Oh yea, he's definitely a bull. Roy Oswalt? Ehhhh ... not so much.