Draft Day Challenge, May 23

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Daily baseball is all the rage in the fantasy sports world, so I will be covering the game a couple of times a week here at BaseballGuys.com. To that end, I’ve partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers, that’s you, the chance to play the game on a daily

Shuffle Up: Manny Machado, ahead of schedule

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Here are your Shuffle Up corners for the month of May. Dig into them, think about them, disagree with them. I'll be back with commentary later tonight.

Normal rules apply, of course. We're trying to project 5x5 value to come; what's happened to this point is an audition, not a mandate. Players at the same price are considered even. Don't worry about the prices in a vacuum - what matters is how the players relate to one another. Your intelligent and respectful disagreement is always welcome.

Please remember the golden rule of shuffling: a player doesn't gain (or lose) 15-20 percent of value simply because he's on your roster.

Courtesy injury ranks are at the bottom. I won't debate those (I'm generally not as

Price In The Middle Of Triceps Injury, Word

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Because I can't have anything nice. That is the answer to why David Price left the game injured. For those of you worried about me, I'm gonna be okay. I have the love of a good cougar. Too bad she can't pitch for my goddamn fantasy team! Why do you laugh at me, Fantasy Baseball Overlord? Fantasy Baseball Overlord, "Because you traded Machado for him and no man's love will come before myself or Machado." "I didn't know. Is this a new fantasy commandment? All I saw was David Price's K-rate was down last April too and he went on to win the Cy Young?!" "Are you interrogating me? The man who molded Billy Butler's moobs with my own two hands." Sorry, have I not serviced you correctly? Would you like a reach

Draft Day Challenge, May 14

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

BaseballGuys.com has partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers the chance to play the game on a daily basis. On Tuesday and Thursday’s here at the site, every week, I’ll be giving you some insight into the mind of The Oracle as I will give you

Butler goes 5-for-5 with 5 RBI, 2 runs scored - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Billy Butler abused the Angels on Monday, going 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles, five RBI and two runs scored in an 11-4 win.

Draft Day Challenge, May 7

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Daily baseball is all the rage in the fantasy sports world, so I will be covering the game a couple of times a week here at BaseballGuys.com. To that end, I’ve partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers, that’s you, the chance to play the game on a daily basis. On Tuesday and Thursday’s here at the site, every week, I’ll

Butler delivers three hits, Royals best Rays - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Billy Butler went 3-for-5 Wednesday in the Royals' 9-8 victory over the Rays.

Mostly MLB Notes: Buying Matt Cain and examining what’s wrong with Eric Hosmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Matt Cain entered this season having allowed 129 homers over 1,536.2 innings (0.76 HR/9). This year, he’s already served up nine home runs over 34.2 innings. Put differently, he’s allowed the same amount of long balls this month as he did all of the 2011 season, which spanned 221.2 innings. Cain has never had a season in which his HR/FB% was higher than 8.4. That number currently sits at 19.1% in 2013. While some could view this as regression hitting hard, Cain’s previous sample was too big to be written off as a fluke, and it’s worth pointing out just two of his six starts this year have come at home. Cain’s fastball velocity is down slightly in the early going (about 0.5 mph less compared to last

Finally Home

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I’ve spent the last three days in the hospital with the whopper of all illnesses. Try throwing up 20+ times (literally), having cramps to bad that you can’t straighten out your fingers for nearly two hours, yeah, it was great times, and taken your first ambluance ride ever. On the slow road to recovery now though. Thanks for all the well wishes to all of you, I really appreciate it.

Some observations from my hospital bed.

Why couldn’t the Dodgers activate

Shuffle Up: Michael Cuddyer gets his groove back

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Today's ranking assignment takes us down on the corner, the first basemen and the third basemen. Settle in, settlers.

What you'll see below are prices for most of the Yahoo-eligible cornermen going forward. There are a few rules here: if you're in the minors or on the DL, you don't make this list. Too variable in worth, league to league. If you're catcher-eligible, you don't make the list – everyone's probably going to use you at catcher anyway. Don't obsess over the actual dollar amounts – what matters is how the players relate to one another. When players are at the same number, they're considered even.

The games to this point are merely an audition. We're trying to figure out who's worth the

Rankings Analysis: Week 3

Source: Fake Teams by Brian Creagh

Hitters

Studs Doing Their Thing

Robinson Cano (998)

Billy Butler (923)

Josh Hamilton (824)

Starlin Castro (508)

Nothing much of note with these guys. Slow starts hurt their Week 1 Rankings, but they have returned to form in Week 2. It looks like Hamilton put his slow start behind him faster than I anticipated and it's just in time as the

The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Decoding Davis, believing in Brett and Billy Butler BBQ

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

To the dedicated fantasy player, it would seem Chris Davis was a thirty-something fighting to make his mark as a respected power-hitter. He's been hyped and re-hyped by pundits since he dropped 17 bombs in 295 at-bats as a rookie with the Rangers in 2008. But in reality, he's a 27-year-old who's just now entering his prime. Still, despite his roaring start, many fanatics remain skeptical about this long-term capabilities.

On this week's educational program, Brad Evans and Dalton Del Don decided whether owners should turn a profit or exercise patience with Davis. Our fearless forecasters also touched on Darren

Mostly MLB Notes: Examining hot starts by Justin Upton, Chris Davis and Jeff Samardzija

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Justin Upton posted an .899 OPS as a 21-year-old, got away from a franchise that he clearly didn’t see eye-to-eye with, and there’s a real chance last year’s disappointing season was a direct result of a since healed thumb injury. On the other hand, Upton had actually disappointed two of the past three seasons, finishing as the 122nd ranked fantasy player in 2010 and 47th last year. Upton also left one of the best hitter’s parks for a generally neutral one that happens to depress power for right-handers (Turner Field’s HR Park Index for RHB is 88 over the past three years). Despite the latter, fantasy owners thought more highly of the former and drafted him aggressively, as he was likely gone within

Free Mustache Rides (at least to date) - Cole Hamels

Source: Fake Teams by Daniel Schwartz

Sell Cole Hamels? I ranked creepy mustache guy as the 8th best SP in my top 105 after Madison Bumgarner with a regressed 3.33 ERA over at Rotobanter.

To date in two games, Cole Hamels has a 10.97 ERA and a 1.97 WHIP. What’s the deal? Keep in mind it’s all exacerbated by a Billy Butler grand slam and Atlanta fireworks in Freddie Freeman and

Roto Roundup: Jose Fernandez, Will Middlebrooks, Billy Butler, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Sunday's MLB action marked the debut of Marlins pitching prospect Jose Fernandez, along with some big performances Jeff Samardzija, a possible closer change in Kansas City, and a huge game at the plate by Billy Butler.

Jose Fernandez dominant in his big league debut

Marlins top pitching prospect, 20 year old Jose Fernandez, made his major league debut yesterday in New York, and looked like a pitcher who has pitched in the big leagues for several

Mostly MLB Notes: A 2013 Season Preview

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Editor’s note: I wanted to get this posted much earlier, but I had my first kid recently (well, technically my wife had her), so that’s my excuse for the delay.

National League East

1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (WILD CARD)
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins

Comments/Fantasy Predictions: Both Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper are top-15 fantasy players, while Dan Haren is a top-25 starting pitcher. Ryan Zimmerman proves to be a better pick than Evan Longoria, while Drew

Spin Doctors: Paul Goldschmidt vs. Billy Butler

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

As usual, first base is deep this year, but most fantasy gamers will also use the position for their corner infield spot, so we can’t totally wait until the end game. With so many similar options in the middle tiers, identifying which ones to target will be key. Dalton Del Don and Brad Evans have a differing opinion on whom to take first, Billy Butler or Paul Goldschmidt.

Evans to open: Here’s a shocker: I’m completely enamored with both of these guys. Being the meat in a Goldy/Butler sandwich would fulfill a fantasy. But in a forced game of ‘Fantasy Bachelorette,’ the Schmidt gets the rose.

Butler is a marvelous multi-categorical contributor.

Mostly MLB Notes: Dan Haren bouncing back, avoiding Mark Trumbo and Ryan Zimmerman over Evan Longoria

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Battling through hip and back injuries, Dan Haren posted a 4.33 ERA last season that was his worst since 2004 - his second year in the league. His average fastball velocity dropped to a career low 88.5 mph, and lingering questions regarding his health left him without many suitors during the offseason when he was a free agent. Ultimately, he signed with the Nationals on a one-year, $13 million deal. While not cheap, it was a bit surprising someone with his track record couldn’t fetch a multi-year deal, but he passed his physical and will have every incentive to prove he’s healthy in 2013. Haren is just one season removed from posting a 5.8:1 K:BB ratio (which was second best in baseball) with a 1.02 WHIP,

Head-To-Head Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy, Not Head-To-Head Siamese Twins Dance Strategy

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Though, I would like to read a post about Siamese Twins Dance Strategy. "Xiu, could you stop salsa'ing when I'm friggin' tango'ing! My effin' coconut is about to rupture!" Oh, and you're welcome, Siamese twins who Googled "Siamese Twins Dance Strategy." We don't judge here at Razzball, but, out of curiosity, do you guys share a urinal? Use two at a time? Wait, pee, wait? I will tap my orange Crocs impatiently as I wait for your answer. Head-to-Head, or H2H, doesn’t change a lot to our 2013 fantasy baseball rankings. There are 300 billion suns in the Milky Way galaxy. There are 100s of billions of galaxies in the universe. There are at least

2013 Rankings: First Basemen

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

Next up in the positional rankings is first base. The position offers a lot of offensive talent, young and old. Players will be drafted out of this player pool to fill more than first base, they'll also fill corner infield spots and utility positions as well. 

Rank First Name Last Name Organization 1 Albert Pujols Angels 2 Joey Votto Reds 3 Prince Fielder Tigers 4 Edwin Encarnacion Blue

Top 20 3rd Basemen for 2013 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Yesterday, we went over the top 20 shortstops for 2013 fantasy baseball and today we (hint: it's in the title) go over the top 20 3rd basemen for 2013 fantasy baseball. We should call all the 2013 fantasy baseball rankings where in the world is Marco Scutaro and Martin Prado? Marco...Prado! It's like the Italian guy who went to Asia and brought back knockoff designer handbags. Now, this is not that we like them, and by "we" I mean me, but due to their flexibility on the chart of

Positional Eligibility Matters

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

The Tigers announced, through GM Dave Dombrowski, that Victor Martinez will not catch in 2013 as the Tigers plan to let Alex

Pressing Questions: The Kansas City Royals

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Controversial, lopsided trades are a staple in baseball. Over the years, numerous unbalanced swaps have occurred, leaving fanbases both perplexed and pissed. Pittsburgh’s shipping of Jose Bautista to Toronto for ‘iconic’ catcher Robinzon Diaz back in 2008 immediately comes to mind.

Soon, Royals GM Dayton Moore’s December shipping of uber-prospect Wil Myers to Tampa, along with pitchers Mike Montgomery, Jake Odorizzi and Patrick Leonard, in exchange for James Shields and Wade Davis may be viewed with similar bewilderment.

Myers, the organization’s 2012 Minor League Player

Mariners talking to Royals about Billy Butler - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com hears that the Mariners have had "recent talks" with the Royals about Billy Butler.

Mariners 'covet' Royals slugger Billy Butler - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports was told that the Mariners "covet" Royals designated hitter Billy Butler.

Billy Butler (DH/1B-KC)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Santana says all is fine between him, Butler - When newly acquired Royals pitcher Ervin Santana was being quizzed by reporters, the subject of tense on-field moments with new teammate Billy Butler came up. Source: http://mlb.mlb.com

Ricescapades: Billy Butler, 2012 Fantasy Breakout

Source: Fake Teams by Paul Rice

I remember Billy Butler arriving on the major league scene in 2007 to much fanfare. Well, as much fanfare as could possibly be generated by a prospect on the Royals, a small-market team that hadn't been to the postseason in 22 years and never, ever appeared on national TV. Butler, along with teammate Alex Gordon, was heralded as a can't-miss, up and coming young star who would lift the franchise out of the mire and back to relevance.

It's easy to see why scouts loved him. Butler's minor league numbers were imposing, and he looked

2012 Positional Review – First Base

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Now that the 2012 season is over, it’s time to review how my predictions went for each position in fantasy baseball. To that end, I will review my top-10 at each position and give a brief rundown on how each of the ten performed. I’ll also list which player was a “Hit” (someone who lived up to expectations) as well as a “Miss” (the player who simply failed to impress).

Note: All of these rankings are taken from the

Top 20 3rd Basemen, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Third base finally showed signs of a glimmer in 2012 fantasy baseball.  There were a good ten 3rd basemen and another handful that could’ve covered your corner infidel slot.  The only shizzy thing was that there were more than a few complete curveballs.  Bautista, A-Rod, Moustakas, Reynolds and Sandoval, to name a few, were hot garbage and Headley, Encarnacion, Chris Davis and Pedro Alvarez came relatively out of nowhere.  Also, a lot of them were first basemen or 2nd basemen or shortstops, so it wasn’t like they were hanging out on waivers looking for room on peoples’ teams.  Then there’s Ryan Zimmerman who made me look smart in opposite world.  Also, to recap, this final ranking is from our

Review: SiriusXM Hosts League Draft

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Billy Butler (16)' or find free 'billy butler' pictures via Wylio" href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/5763428842">
The review of my season in the abyss continues as I’ll take a look today at the Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio Hosts’ League club that I put together.

Kurt Suzuki and John Buck were total failures. In the piece I just linked to above I mentioned how close I was to getting Carlos Ruiz. Oh

Top 20 1st Basemen, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

After drudging through an Andy Dufresne-type tunnel for the top 20 catchers for 2012 fantasy baseball, I find myself with a group that actually really hurt or helped your team depending on how you drafted. If you went wrong with your 1st baseman, it could kill your season.  Hey, Eric Hosmer, no hard feelings from me.  We are totally fine.  Please enjoy these cyanide pills I made special for you.  If you went right, you might’ve won your league.  To recap, this final ranking is from our Fantasy Baseball Player Rater with my comments.  Anyway, here’s the top 20 1st basemen for

Fantasy Baseball: Updating My Top 50 Hitters for 2013

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Last week, I posted Part 1 of my Top 100 Hitters for 2013, where I ranked my Top 50 Hitters, but I did not include two hitters who are obvious guys you can include in the "Oops, I forgot about him!" category. Those two names were Royals DH/1B Billy Butler and Red Sox DH David Ortiz. With that said, here is my updated Top 50 Hitters for 2013. The Ortiz ranking assumes he is 100% healthy heading into spring training in 2013.

Here is a look at my updated Top 50 Hitters for 2013:

1. Ryan Braun, MIL

2.

Billy Butler: Emerging Power Hitter?

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

I failed to include Royals DH/1B Billy Butler in my Top 50 Hitters for 2013, but thanks to one of our readers, I updated my Top 50 to include him. Today, I am going to take a closer look at him, to see if his power breakout this season is sustainable.

Let's start by looking at his career stats, courtesy of Baseball-Reference:

Year Age G AB R H 2B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS OPS+

Homer Bailey’s No-Hitter Wins Your Fantasy League

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Despite his unfortunate name, Homer Bailey pitched the first Reds’ no-hitteer since 1988 last night, completely shutting down the Pirates down-and-out offense, allowing just 2 base runners on an error and a walk and striking out a career high 10 batters. If you were lucky enough to be streaming Bailey last night, pat yourself on the back. Well done, Homer Bailey probably just won your fantasy league for you. Alternately, H2H players going against those streaming him may have just lost their season on account of Homer’s gem. My condolences — so sorry for your loss. There’s always next year. Maybe you’ll draft Homer Bailey as a late round bargain in 2013, but more likely you will always have a deep hatred for

Around the Horn: September 26, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Chase Headley now a top-5 3B?

(2) Torii Hunter finds the fountain of youth?

(3) Daniel Murphy finishing strong.

(4) Jeff Keppinger finishing strong.

(5) Pedro Alvarez reaches 30 homers.

(6) Wilin Rosario having remarkable season. Will it continue in 2013?

(7) Paul Goldschmidt and Billy Butler massive weapons facing Tim Lincecum and Justin Verlander.

By Ray Flowers

Butler has three hits in victory over Indians - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Billy Butler had three hits and drove in a run on Saturday, helping the Royals to a 5-2 win over the Indians.

Fighting The Semi, Colon? Pregnant Pause; Found With Excessive Testosterone

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Bay Area sports teams may want to throw out the mother dough.  It’s tainted.   Bartolo Colon was suspended for 50 days after being caught with elevated levels of testosterone.  This much testosterone hasn’t been found in one man since they pumped Rod Stewart’s stomach in the late-70′s.  Sorry, Snopes, it’s a fact.  I see a lot of people on the interwebs saying steroids and Bartolo’s body shape don’t add up.  It says right on the side of the steroids bottle — take these and don’t exercise and you will get Meat Loaf breasts.  (I’m paraphrasing.)  Like Melky, Bartolo Colon started a fake website to try and cover his tracks.  The Go Daddy Website Starter Kit said open a new Safari window so

Lawrie’s Unprime Rib

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some changes.  Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the way we treat each other.  You see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do, to survive.  If that means cutting loose Brett Lawrie with his DL stint, then so be it.  This year he has a 59/9/40/.282/13 line.  Right now, I’m throwing up a “W” with my hands, which is the 14-year-old girl gang sign for Whatever.  Yunel Escobar called, he wants his stats back.  Yu Darvish called and said he’s got the wrong number.  Kelly Johnson called and said, “What’s up, Yunel?”  I then disconnected the phone cause it’s getting too many

Butler's monster game leads Royals over O's - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Billy Butler had a monster day at the dish in Thursday's 8-2 victory over the Orioles, going 3-for-5 with a double, triple, homer and three RBI.

You Two Had Been Gian So Long

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Desperate housewives and team owners rejoice – Evan Longoria is back and he has the mysterious, bedroom-eyed Giancarlo Stanton with him.  Woo-hoo!  Tommy Hutton be my Marlins docent and read me Giancarlo’s stat line.  No, a little to the right.  Ah, yeah, that’s the stuff.  Bad wheels sidelined both these 2nd round picks and I imagine a lot of teams that drafted these two are down in the scrap heap, but this has to be a sweet moment for those of you who managed to keep your teams in contention and can now add these guys back into your lineups.  Enjoy it (I know Rudy is on his RCL team), because it’s still a big question mark whether either of these guys flash the power that warranted

RCL Roundup:July 31

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Rank Railheads continue to set the pace with 113 points and a 4-point lead over The Fugs (Epic Beardmen Division). panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) is another 2 points back, followed by MattTruss223 (Rube Waddell’s Shiny Objects — Magnificent Mustachioed Men) and captainpyper (RCL 3) with 104. AdamH (Sleeve of Wizard — RCL 43), Schmo Hawks — Beef SAGNOF! and Pliny the Elder — Myrtle’s Acres all made jumps this week, joining Beardcrabs (The Gaylords — Conshellation Prize) and Higgins (Gobias Industries — Cust Kayin’) in the 2nd half of the top 10. Check out the

Butler pounds walkoff homer to beat Mariners - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Bill Butler hit a walkoff homer Wednesday in the Royals' 8-7 victory over the visiting Mariners.

Butler pounds walkoff HR to beat Mariners - Billy Butler | KC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Bill Butler led off the ninth inning by pounding a solo homer off Josh Kinney and delivering the Royals an 8-7 victory over the visiting Mariners.

Daily Joust: The Weekend Ahead

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Ever wanted the chance to play in a High Stakes Daily Fantasy Baseball Contest vs one of the best Experts in the industry?

Well, here is your chance to play against me, Ray Flowers, Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Channel Radio Host, owner of BaseballGuys.com, and 2011 FSWA Award Winner.

Jump into a private $5 “50/50” 20 man contest for a chance to play vs. Ray Flowers from Baseball Guys in a FREE 1 on 1 Heads Up Daily Fantasy Baseball contest for $50!!!

In a special contest with Daily Joust – Ray Flowers is putting it all on the

Fantasy Baseball Top 25 First Baseman: Youngsters Emerging as Go-to Options

Source: Bleacher Report MLB

It has been some time since we have reviewed our first base rankings, so the All-Star break is the perfect time to do so. Who is on the rise? Who is plummeting? Let’s take a look:

Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers (1) Albert Pujols – Los Angeles Angels (2) Joey Votto – Cincinnati Reds (3) Prince Fielder – Detroit Tigers (5) David Ortiz – Boston Red Sox (NR) Paul Konerko – Chicago White Sox (7) Mark Teixeira – New York Yankees (9) Adrian Gonzalez – Boston Red Sox (4) Mark Trumbo – Los Angeles Angels (17) Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks (NR) Billy Butler – Kansas City Royals (NR) Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves (6) Eric Hosmer – Kansas City Royals (11) Edwin Encarnacion – Toronto Blue Jays (12)

Shuffle Up: Justin Morneau, part-time power

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

You should know the rules by now, but we'll offer a quick review. Today's assignment is to rank all the corner-eligible players going forward, 5x5 value for rotisserie leagues. What's happened to this point is an audition, not a stat mandate. Anyone in the minors or on the DL is not eligible for a rank; too much variance with the Optimism Parade.

I welcome your intelligent disagreement at all times, but you need to back your angle up with facts. No brief rants, amigos. You're better than that. Further the conversation. And remember the golden rule of roto: a player doens't get a 10-20 percent spike in value simply because he's on your roster. They produce in spite of you, not because of you.

The 1.0 phase is the

You Fly To Majors Now, Little Starling… Fly, Fly, Fly…

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

The Pirates announced the time is nigh for Starling Marte.  The Pirates equipment manager, Buffalo Bill, has to start making a uniform made from Jose Tabata’s skin.  Put the lotion in the basket, Tabata!  Tabata, “I wanna go home!”  You won’t go home, ever.  Because you never get on base, that’s the first step to going home.  Tabata, “But I was a spring sleeper!”  They’re slaughtering the spring lambs.  Can’t you hear their screaming?  I call that piece, The Mash-Up of the Lambs.  I’m guessing Marte will get the call just after the All-Star break.  In Triple-A, he’s hitting .284 with 8 homers and 16 steals *quieter voice* and 12 times caught stealing.  So he’s a bit raw like your

All-Wiener Team 2012: Adrian Gonzalez isn’t cutting the mustard

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Around grills this holiday weekend the Trevor Plouffe's of processed meats, the hot dog, will be devoured in mass quantities.

Frankly speaking, these versatile mystery meats are formed from unknown ingredients no human wants to know the true origin of — mechanically separated "beef," sodium erythorbate, unknown "flavorings." In a phrase, they are unsettlingly fantastic.

Coming off solid 2011 campaigns, this year's saured class of tubed meats, if consumed, were also expected to satisfy the stomach. Acquire them, fanalysts and seasoned owners reasoned in March, and investors were sure to relish consistent production. After all, fantasy commodities, in terms of statistical contribution, are supposed

Mailbag: June28, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

It’s Thursday, so it’s time to answer the questions you’ve sent me at the BaseballGuys’ Twitter accoun.

Mike Stanton for Bryce Harper/Trevor Plouffe/Andre Ethier?
@wekings007

Reality check everyone. As great as Stanton is and will one day be, he’s merely an impressive power hitter right now. The best hitter on the planet in May, he’s been pretty darn blah the other two months of the season.

Enormous & Andy Bamboozled By Injuries

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Yankee pitchers haven’t been hit this hard since Ed Whitson ran into a Billy Martin drinking jag.  You know, Yogi’s always the one quoted from the Yankee archives, but Billy had some good ones too.  Here’s my favorite, “I’d like to mouth f*** that bottle of whiskey.”  Before the Yankees game, CC Sabathia hit the DL with an abductor strain in his groin.  Someone’s got clams!  CC is supposed to be fine to go right after the All-Star break, as long as no one else tries to shuck his groin.  Then, once the game got going, Andy Pettitte was hit in the ankle with a comebacker.  Pettitte is supposed to be out for 6-8 weeks.  At least he didn’t pull a Zumaya during his retirement and hurt himself playing