Tigers tried Street or Gregerson for Porcello - Rick Porcello | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that the Tigers tried to get Huston Street or Luke Gregerson from the Padres in exchange for Rick Porcello but were turned down.

Fantasy Baseball: Player Volatility

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Sometimes people miss the point. We’re all guilty of this (even the great Oracle isn’t always understanding of everything that is presented to him). In this piece I thought I would try to explain a few things that might be missed when people look at players and try to discern what is going on with their value.

There is no certainty in baseball. Yes

ADP Analysis of the Mock Draft Army's First Draft -- Part 2

Source: RotoSynthesis

For those of you just joining our program, allow me to re-direct you to the article from Wednesday where we introduced you to the Mock Draft Army, a rotating group of fantasy baseball writers looking to provide you with legitimate mock drafts to help you in your draft prep. The Army had its first draft last Tuesday, a 28-round, standard 5x5 mixed league draft consisting of seven writers and five readers and we started to bring you some ADP analysis as a way to understand some of the rising and falling trends we’ve been witnessing over the last several weeks.

In that piece, we covered most of the first half of the draft – two four-round blocks to be exact. We compared those draft numbers with the ADP

The Swinging Friars

Source: Fake Teams by FantasyNinja8

The Sad Diego Padres are projected by various systems to win between 75 and 80 games this year. With Corey Luebke coming off an injury and the lack of talent in their rotation, the Padres will need to depend on their lineup to get close to .500. With exception of Huston Street, fantasy owners will also need to depend on the Padres hitters for any value from the team this year. While the Padres don't have any real superstars unless Chase Headley repeats his production from last year, they have players at each position that can be useful

2013 Rankings: Relief Pitchers

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

For the sake of comparing apples to apples, I've removed starting pitchers with relief pitcher eligibility from the list. Saves are what relievers are being drafted for, but there are a few relievers that will also make an impact in fantasy leagues with their dynamite ratios. 

Rank First Name Last

Fantasy Baseball 2013 Head-to-Head Points League Rankings: Relievers

Source: Fake Teams by Alex Kantecki

In my final installment of 2013 head-to-head points leagues rankings, I present you with the top 20 relievers. More than ever this year, I think the position is super risky. From the list of 20 you're about to see, there's only one closer I consider "elite" (hint: he's No. 1 on my list), and less than a handful I consider close-to-elite. While you're probably more likely to find a top 10 closer in the front half, a few of the guys from the bottom half will surprise and become top 10 options.

Last year, I had the misfortune of drafting Ryan Madson (season-ending Tommy John surgery), Huston Street (pitched 9.2 innings in April and May), and

Pressing Questions: The San Diego Padres

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Three hundred-plus days of bright sunshine, cool sea breezes, delicious fish tacos and powerless offense on the diamond … these are givens in San Diego.

In order to combat the latter and invigorate a team that’s ranked in the bottom third of the league in runs scored over five straight seasons, the Padres brass, similar to its West Coast counterpart in Seattle, believes it has found the cure for its offensive ills, an alteration that could resurrect a franchise that’s made just two playoff appearances this century – bring in the fences.

Petco’s makeover this off-season was rather dramatic. Dimensions covering approximately 30-percent of the outfield were reduced by 10-12 feet. Additionally, the wall was

Huston Street: Closerblanca

Source: Fake Teams by brad dengler

Our car pulls onto the runway. Slight rain, very foggy. Anyone here at this time of night is not safe. We are here. I have the inspector's closer cheat sheet, so he will not try any heroics. We step out of the car as the last instructions are telephoned to the radio tower. We have only moments.

"Inspector, have your man take care of the luggage."

"Of course."

"Now, you fill in the name on the ticket. That will make it even more official."

"You think of everything." The bitterness was evident. How would he explain this to the Chief? "Only one ticket?"

"Just her."

L interrupted. Fear and panic overwhelmed her. "But I thought you were getting on the plane with me? Last night...." She

2012 Positional Review – Relief Pitchers: Hits

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

Review: Fanball & Sirius Show League

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Two more leagues to review. And yes, the results of these final two leagues was much better than the majority of my efforts that I’ve been detailing over the past week.

FANBALL LEAGUE

For those of you who haven’t been following my work for years, and shame on you if you haven’t, I used to work at Fanball. When the company was closed I took up my mantle as a Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio employee, something that I will discuss further when

The 2012 Razzballies

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

Welcome to the year end Razzball awards.  I’m your host, Grey Albright and I’m joined by Random Italicized Voice, Hey.  Also, on the red carpet for everyone’s arrival we have, MR. AL CAPS, “HOW ARE YOU?”  And up in the balcony critiquing everyone’s outfits we have Clunky Segue, “As you were…”  Before the show even begins, we have a very special musical guest, The Spin Doctors!  Live from opening for Phish!  Not playing on stage with them, but literally opening doors for them.  Anyway, here’s the 2012 Razzball Year End Awards:

Fantasy AL Most Valuable Player – The easy choice here would be Mike Trout, and I’m not one for making things hard.  Mike Trout, do you accept this

Your 2012 RCL Champions: Nobody’s Perfect

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

Congratulations to the 2012 champions, RCL 40′s Rank Railheads. Co-managers Charley and JungleMike guided the Railheads to an incredible 119-point finish, missing out on perfection by a mere 3 stolen bases. While they had pretty much clinched their league title long ago, the overall title was up for grabs, and they continued to carefully make the moves necessary to stay ahead of the pack.

The Draft

I have included each player’s Razzball Player Rater rank [after the name]. The

Moustakas Out Of Beta

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

Mike Moustakas left yesterday’s game with a groin injury that could end his season, which would also end his sophomore slump (the “o” is silent in sophomore, like when you make love to your woman — oofa!)  The 2nd season like the 2nd Greek letter is beta.  Beta is also a testing phase when the most kinks are found.  So, naturally, we should expect guys in beta to perform for stretches and then find they have serious compatibility issues with major league pitching, right?   Well, there’s no scientific evidence to support this.  Sure, Austin Jackson and Jason Heyward’s 2011 seasons were miserable and this year we got the same from Hosmer and Moustakas, but Gaby Sanchez was fine for two years, then hit a

Bottom of the Ninth: Seeking a Save at the End of the Season

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

Only a week left and if you’re reading this you’re probably still in contention somewhere. Congratulations on making it this far!  Otherwise, move on to football already, and leave the waiver wire alone, you’re screwing up the finals! (Don’t you just hate that?) Using, mathematics (NERD!), there’s a good chance you can roughly estimate how many saves you can get in the coming week and whether or not that can win you the category. So you may be better off dropping your closers at this point and using those roster spots for streaming pitchers, SAGNOFs, etc. etc. whathaveyou. But if three or four saves can make or break your season, we’re here to help.

Lots of closers closed games last week so let’s get right to

Anibal Sanchez Victorio

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

Anibal Sanchez threw a complete game shutout with four baserunners and 10 Ks.  I told you to draft him! (Then drop him.)  Shut up, Parenthetical, you know-it-all.  (That’s kinda harsh.)  This is exactly what I expected from Anibal (in the NL).  Seriously, Parenthetical, let me get a train of thought out here.  (My bad).  If there was one pitcher I said to draft this year, it was Anibal (Gio, Price, Latos (but then you dropped him).  Yes, I liked more than one pitcher, your point?  (Oh, nothing, was just saying.  Or Cust kayin’ to use your vernacular.)  This year was obviously a disappointment when you look at the whole thing (you don’t say?).  His Ks are way down from 2011 and his luck hasn’t been

Monday’s Heroes

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I was watching Captain America Saturday night (and don’t worry, I finished at 10 PM leaving me plenty of time to roll out an embarrass myself at the local tavern. Mission accomplished). I gotta say that Chris Evans played the role well, but I’m also concerned that he invaded the comic universe twice since he also played Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in both the Fantastic 4 films. Shouldn’t a fella be limited to one set of tights? Oh, and that Haley Atwell,

Doubront Directs Sawxshank Redemption

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

Yesterday, Felix Doubront went 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 11 Ks and rose The Walking Dead in Boston.  I wonder if Stephen King helped recruit Doubront for the Red Sox.  I wonder if there’s going to be a Red Sox team next year or if they’ll just merge with their Pawtucket minor league team.   I wish I could tell you that the Red Sox fought the good fight, and the Sisters let them be.  Damn you, Morgan Freeman Voice Over, taking over my brain!   Doubront’s actually been an under-the-radar bright spot for the Po’ Sawx.  Through 28 starts and 154 IP, his xFIP is under 4 (ERA is 4.91, which makes him seem gross) and his K-rate is above 9.  Striking out a guy per inning and an xFIP far below his ERA should

Street gets save in return from strained calf - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street earned his 22nd save of the season Sunday in the Padres' 6-4 win over the Giants.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Huston Street, Drew Storen, Ernesto Frieri, Andrew Bailey

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Ernesto Frieri stumbles again, Drew Storen has Davey Johnson thinking, and Huston Street will have its grand re-opening.

Sandoval Would Prefer If You Called Them Pleasantly-Plump Trippers

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

Yesterday, Pablo Sandoval hit two homers, and his third in two days to bring his season total to 11.  The other day when Alberto Callaspo hit his 10th homer, I went into our Fantasy Baseball Player Rater to see who had been more valuable this year, Alberto Callaspo or Pablo Sandoval.  First rule of Fantasy Baseball Player Rater Checking, if you’re looking to see how a player compares to Alberto Callaspo, there’s a problem with said player.  There’s no second rule.  That’s the only rule you need.  Eric Hosmer or Alberto Callaspo?  Oh, man, Hosmer you done messed up.  Alberto Callaspo or Michael Young?  Damn, Michael Young, you smell like a

Bottom of the Ninth: Chapman, Jansen, Street Set To Return; No One Knows When Exactly

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

Column favorite, Aroldis Chapman, who has been struggling with arm fatigue, threw a 25-pitch bullpen session yesterday and said he felt good. Well, that’s great news–but this late in the season? There’s gotta be a catch. In baseball, there’s always a catch. Roldy added that he thought he needed to throw two or three more sessions to get his command where he likes it. With the Reds large lead in the central there’s no reason for Cincinnati to rush him back. Sad to say, but in redraft leagues it might be time to part ways with The One Who Closes. (I know it’s hard). Best case scenario he returns for the final week of the season? 2 saves? Tops!? Pffft! (Actually, I could really use two saves right about now…)

Huston Street could be activated Wednesday - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street (calf) could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Wednesday.

Bottom of the Ninth: Broxton Replaces Chapman, But Not In Our Hearts

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

We don’t play favorite closers here in the closer column but Aroldis Chapman is without a question my favorite closer. Just days after capturing the league lead in saves Chapman imploded last Friday night giving up 3 ER on 4 hits to the lowly Astros and blowing his first save since June 24. Ho hum, just chalk that one up as a bad day and move on. But no, Aroldis struggled again Monday night and was pulled from the game after uncharacteristically walking three batters. It wasn’t just the walks, ‘Roldy (can I call you Roldy?) was showing decreased velocity, consistently throwing 93-94 mph fastballs, and topping out at measely 97 mph.  Pfft! Even my grandmother can throw 97 mph! Fun fact: my grandmother is Randy

Sorry There Ol’ Chapman

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

Aroldis Chapman is being shut down ‘for a couple of days’ with shoulder fatigue.  Dusty actually admitted  ”We’re lucky we got to this point” which made every Cub fan both nod and shake their heads.  To be fair to Dusty, his usage of Chapman seems reasonable.  64G/67 IP this year after 54 G/50 IP last year does not seem abusive.  Perhaps hurling a ball 100 MPH isn’t good for your arm.  In Chapman’s stead, Jonathon Broxton picked up the save.  Broxton should feel comfortable pitching for Dusty as he had the ultimate ‘pen melter in Joe Torre as a coach for 5 years (his 2007 usage – 83 G / 82 IP – makes my arm hurt).  Broxton is a must-own as I think it’s likely that Chapman is shut down for

Bottom of the Ninth: Kenley Still Sidelined with Broken Heart

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

As Boston fans did for a year and a half, Dodgers fans now get to question the heart of their star first baseman, Adrian “I Don’t Run, Cuz’ I Don’t Care” Gonzalez, but it turns out it was LA’s closer, Kenley Jansen, whose heart has been the most questionable. Now on blood thinning medication, Jansen pitched a successful bullpen session yesterday and the Dodgers are aiming for his return sometime between September 17-19th. Ugh. And you know what the worst part is? (besides the obvious health concerns, ours hearts go out to you here, Kenley!) With the expanded rosters there’s no chance, barring a set back, that he even ends up on the DL. Sigh, he’s just sitting there on your roster doing nothing, while

Huston Street: (Calf) Felt Soreness While Running Friday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Huston Street: Street (calf) felt some soreness in his left calf while running Friday, Corey Brock of MLB.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Street (calf) scratched from rehab outing - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street (calf) was scratched from a minor league rehab appearance Friday with Triple-A Tucson.

Closer Watch: Going Gregerson

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

San Diego's Luke Gregerson carried the label of closer-in-waiting since 2009.

With two saves in the last two nights, Gregerson nearly matched the three saves he totaled the previous three seasons. He's the top RP add in Yahoo! leagues right now. Is it finally Sgt. Slider's time?

It could be, at least for the rest of '12. Gregerson brings the goods. He's been a setup man for most of the last four seasons, and since 2011 he owns a 2.50 ERA with 95 Ks in 115 innings. He gives up the occasional home run, but complaints are few.

Gregerson is unique in that his primary pitch is a slider. He's throwing that pitch a bit less this season (57.5 percent), but the two-pitch combination continues to fool hitters.

Bottom of the Ninth: Alfredo Sauced

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

Bobby Valentine opted to go with Andrew Bailey over Alfredo Aceves for the save on Friday night. Initially, I thought it was because Alfie had thrown 37 pitches the night before, but Aceves disagreed. No, this time it was personal. So personal, in fact, that Alfredo let his feelings be known that night and got into a shouting match with the Red Sox manager. Bobby V. will put up with a lot of things but yelling is where he draws the line and Aceves was handed a 3-game suspension. Red Sox Nation rejoiced. They had seemingly gained a new closer, Bailey, and lost a Josh Beckett all in the same night. But Aceves was reinstated Tuesday night, Andrew Bailey had the night off after pitching the 4 days previous,

Huston Street: Nears Return

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Huston Street: Street (calf) will likely be activated from the DL on Sunday, MLB.com's Chelsea Janes reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Kenley’s Heart Being Questioned, Josh Beckett Knows How He Feels

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

It didn’t take long for Josh Beckett to cause people to question the heart of the Dodgers staff.  And they didn’t even have to send them a Valentine.  Look, we wouldn’t wish a heart issue on anyone but of all the Dodger closers over the years, why Kenley Jansen?  Why not Steve Howe?  He was a coke fiend.  Or Eric Gagne?  He was a steroid/HGH fiend.  Or Jonathon Broxton.  He looks like he was on the Josh Beckett diet every day of the week.  This is the same condition that sent Kenley to the DL last year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the same this year.  It’s not really something to mess with (or joke about, except in certain instances, apparently.  Don’t worry, I won’t joke about

Huston Street: (Calf) Could Return This Weekend

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Huston Street: Street (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Lake Elsinore on Friday, the North County Times reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Huston Street (calf) to be activated Sunday - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street (calf) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Sunday.

Deep Impact: Don’t Hate the Playa, Hate the Berry

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

First things first– does Matthew Berry always have to refer to himself as: ‘Matthew Berry – The Talented Mr. Roto’? What is the deal here? Did he marry a chick with the last name ‘The Talented Mr. Roto’ of which he and said wife agreed to combine their last names via the hyphen? Somehow I doubt that, based on a recent conclusive poll I saw the other day. In that poll, given the choice to go down on Matthew Berry or death via water boarding, 1% of female respondents immediately slit their wrists. The other 99% didn’t know who Berry was, but when shown a picture, 100% immediately began searching for a sharp object to enact the slitting of said wrists. If no object could be found, a heavy case of self-induced

Closer Watch: Going Gregerson

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

San Diego's Luke Gregerson carried the label of closer-in-waiting since 2009.

With two saves in the last two nights, Gregerson nearly matched the three saves he totaled the previous three seasons. He's the top RP add in Yahoo! leagues right now. Is it finally Sgt. Slider's time?

It could be, at least for the rest of '12. Gregerson brings the goods. He's been a setup man for most of the last four seasons, and since 2011 he owns a 2.50 ERA with 95 Ks in 115 innings. He gives up the occasional home run, but complaints are few.

Gregerson is unique in that his primary pitch is a slider. He's throwing that pitch a bit less this season (57.5 percent), but the two-pitch combination continues to fool hitters.

Bottom of the Ninth: Axford and You Shall Receive, Save Chances

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

John Axford grabbed his 20th save of the season yesterday, striking out the side to convert his second save chance in as many days. He’s back, folks! Reports claim that John Axford asked, nay, demanded, nay!, politely requested that manager Roe Roenicke return him to the closer role, and well, it seems “please” really is the magic word! After Tuesday’s game Roenicke was quoted as saying, “I think he pitched well enough to allow us the confidence that we think we can put him back in there now.” LIAR! The Milwaukee bullpen must be the death of standards because Axford has had an unimpressive 6.35 ERA in just 5.2 innings in August before yesterdays outing, and a 4.85 ERA since being yanked

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Huston Street, Grant Balfour, Steve Cishek, more

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Surprise: Huston Street needs a longer rehab than originally expected. Plus, Oakland's bullpen changes working out, chaos in Miami and San Fran, plus much

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Dale Thayer, Luke Gregerson, Brewers

Source: KFFL.com MLB

The Padres get news about Huston Street that should surprise ... no one. And whoa is those Brewers.

Bottom of the Ninth: Livin’ on a Thayer

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

Dale used to work down on the docks. Unions was on strike, he was down on his luck. It’s tough. The Padres closer goes on the DL. Dale gets a job, converts every chance he gets for saves. For saaaves. What is that — are those not the lyrics? Irregardless! Fresh off heaps of praise from myself for his amazing 2012 campaign to date, Friar’s closer Huston Street suffered a strained calf and was placed on the DL. This is Street’s second trip to the disabled list this year and fourth time in the past two seasons. Seeing as he just got a contract extension, I imagine the Pads will play it safe with Street and give him all the time he needs to recover. Oh , really? Saves on the waiver wire you say? Perhaps. In

Padres' Street likely out until September - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street (calf) is not expected to return from the disabled list until September.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Casey Janssen, Dale Thayer, Scott Downs, more

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Is Casey Janssen the favorite to hold Toronto's job heading into 2013? Plus, who got the upper hand in the Padres' bullpen without Huston Street?

Jim Henderson (P-MIL)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Brewers, Grant Balfour, Padres, more. Milwaukee doesn't give Jim Henderson much of a trial before changing the rules. The A's do what's necessary, and Huston Street is on the DL again, plus Source: http://www.kffl.com

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Brewers, Grant Balfour, Padres, more

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Milwaukee doesn't give Jim Henderson much of a trial before changing the rules. The A's do what's necessary, and Huston Street is on the DL again, plus

RCL Roundup: August 13

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

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40) stumbled and panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) pounced. The Railheads dropped 4 points to 110 and now sit 2 back of the new leaders in the overall standings, despite another superb week from their pitching staff. They used only 6 starts, and came away with a perfect 6 wins. Yovani Gallardo and Chris Sale each won 2, with Kris Medlen and David Price notching the other victories. Justin Verlander starred for We’ve Got the Runs with a win, 22 strikeouts, and

Huston Street to 15-day DL with strained calf - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Padres placed RHP Huston Street on the 15-day disabled list with a strained calf.

Huston Street: (Calf) Lands on DL

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Huston Street: Street (calf) will be placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday, U-T San Diego reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Machado Man Hits 2 HR, Oh Yeah!

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

Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect Manny Machado showed us exactly why he’s their top prospect last night, putting on an impressive display of power in just his second major league game with two home runs and four RBIs. OMGDROPEVERYTHINGANDGOPICKHIMUP!!! Well, not exactly. All the ‘perts say that Machado isn’t MLB-ready, as evidenced by his .266/.350/.431 line in the minors this year. But Machado is projected to be a stud as soon as next year, so… why not this year? He’s already the youngest player ever to have a multi-homer game. In addition, he’s got 2 hits in each of his first two games starting at third base and if he keeps it up he should be batting in the heart of that Baltimore line up in no time. I

Closing Time: Clay Buchholz bounces back; another Huston Street advisory

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I didn't have any problem burying Clay Buchholz in April. He turned in five horrendous starts (8.69 ERA, 15 walks against 16 strikeouts) and the AL East is full of land mines to begin with. He's also the slowest worker in the game today, so I had no problem keeping this young righty off my television for a few months.

Alas, I've missed a nice comeback story. Buchholz has

Street likely headed to DL with calf injury - Huston Street | SD

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Huston Street was diagnosed with a left calf injury.

Huston Street: Strained Calf

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Huston Street: Street suffered a strained calf while covering first base while making the final out in Friday's win over the Pirates, Leila Ramimi of KAXN-TV San Diego reports. He threw a scoreless ninth inning for his 21st save. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.