Howard gets three RBI, Phillies beat Marlins - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard went 3-for-5 with three RBI in the Phillies' 7-3 win over the Marlins on Tuesday.

Ryan Howard: (Knee) Starting Tuesday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Howard (knee) will start Tuesday's game in Miami, CSN Philly reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Ryan Howard (knee) back in lineup Tuesday - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard (knee) is back in the Phillies' starting lineup on Tuesday night.

Ryan Howard receives cortisone shot in knee - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard received a cortisone shot in his left knee on Sunday.

Ryan Howard: MRI on Tap

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Howard will have a precautionary MRI on his left knee Monday, MLB.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Ryan Howard: (Knee) MRI on Tap

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Howard will have a precautionary MRI on his left knee Monday, MLB.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Howard (knee) to undergo precautionary MRI - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard will have a precautionary MRI on his left knee Monday.

Ryan Howard: Injured Knee

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Howard has sustained a knee injury, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

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

Closing Time: Andrew Bailey is dinged up again

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The Boston bullpen was tidy and orderly just a few days ago. Joel Hanrahan was fresh off the disabled list but headed for a non-closing role; Andrew Bailey's electric start to the season (1.46 ERA, 20 strikeouts in 12.1 innings) couldn't be ignored.

But just when Hanrahan seemed out of the picture, he's pulled back into the mix.

Hanrahan worked the ninth inning of Thursday's win at Toronto, dodging one hit and securing his fourth handshake. The surging Red Sox are off to a dazzling 20-8 start, a whopping 10.5 games ahead of the star-crossed Blue Jays. Hanrahan's season numbers are messy (9.45 ERA, five walks, four strikeouts), though he has just one blown save in his five

Ryan Howard: (Groin) Likely Back Sunday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Howard (groin) will "more than likely" play Sunday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Ryan Howard (groin) sitting again Saturday - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard (groin) is out of Saturday's lineup again against the Cardinals.

Ryan Howard out Friday with groin soreness - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard is out of Friday's lineup against the Cardinals due to groin soreness.

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

Royal pain in the 9th: Kelvin Herrera earns save on Sunday

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

On Saturday, Royals closer Greg Holland blew a save chance against the Phillies, walking the first three batters he faced, failing to protect a two-run ninth inning lead. After the loss, Holland received a partial vote of confidence from his manager:

“We’re not going to lose (many) games like that,” [Ned] Yost said, “without making an adjustment. But we’re not near that point yet.

“You don’t like losing games like that. And every time you do, everybody wants to pop the closer question."

Not the strongest endorsement you'll ever hear, but technically it still

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

Bouncing Back: Roy Halladay

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

If there was a bounce back "team" this season it would be the Fightin’ Phils. They have more guys who underperformed or battled injuries in 2012 than you can shake a stick at. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and new addition Michael Young come to mind. But the one guy whose bounce back season could be the key to winning for both the Phillies and your fantasy roster is Roy Halladay.

The post Bouncing Back: Roy Halladay appeared first on Fantasy Baseball Blog at Razzball.com.

Shortstops To Target, 2013 Fantasy Baseball

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

Like the 2nd basemen to target post, this is necessary. You want to take flyers on late shortstops. You want to avoid taking high-priced shortstops. Position scarcity is a buzzword(s) that fantasy baseballers (<--my mom's term!) like to throw around. It's the same as someone using ten-dollar words in conversation they don't really understand. I'm drafting Tulo because of position scarcity! That's you after reading an ESPN analcyst. We talk about position scarcity on our first fantasy baseball podcast of the year, too. At

Fantasy Baseball 2013: First Base Primer

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

First base has always been a power position, dating back to the days when your great-great-grandfather owned Dan Brouthers* in his 4X4 league down at the Elks Lodge.

Last year, 27 different major league players reached the 30-homer plateau, and nine of them had first base eligibility. Eighteen hitters drove in at least 100 runs, and seven were first basemen. The average top-20 player at this position in 2012 delivered 80 runs, 28 homers and 95 RBIs while hitting .288. If you somehow fail to pile up power stats at first — not easy to do, but possible — then hopefully you'll invest in Bautista, Stanton, Cabrera or some other elite power

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,

Ryan Howard, the most under-appreciated, undervalued name in fantasy

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

There's an easy profit to be made on Ryan Howard this season. Easy.

No, maybe not for his real-life team — the Phillies owe Howard no less than $105 million over the next five years, so they probably don't feel great about the price tag. But if you're a fantasy owner willing to wait until Rounds 8-10 to draft your first baseman, then this is your guy. At Howard's current price — his average Yahoo! draft position is 98.7, his auction value $11.4 — he seems, to me, like the most absurdly under-appreciated name in the player pool.

[Baseball 2013 from Yahoo! Fantasy Sports:

Ryan Howard, the most under-appreciated, undervalued name in fantasy

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

There's an easy profit to be made on Ryan Howard this season. Easy.

No, maybe not for his real-life team — the Phillies owe Howard no less than $105 million over the next five years, so they probably don't feel great about the price tag. But if you're a fantasy owner willing to wait until Rounds 8-10 to draft your first baseman, then this is your guy. At Howard's current price — his average Yahoo! draft position is 98.7, his auction value $11.4 — he seems, to me, like the most absurdly under-appreciated name in the player pool.

[Baseball 2013 from Yahoo! Fantasy Sports:

Pressing Questions: The Philadelphia Phillies

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Three aces can take you a long way, be it on the poker table or the baseball diamond. But a stacked starting rotation might not be enough to save the 2013 Philadelphia Phillies. They're almost down to the felt.

The Phillies have the most aging collection of name-brand talent south of Yankee Stadium. The four infield starters are 33, 34, 34 and 36 years old. Mound stalwarts Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay are in their mid-30s. You almost expect Greg Luzinski and Mike Schmidt to emerge from the dugout, bats in hand.

There are other problems to deal with. Carlos Ruiz, last year's surprise star behind the plate, is grounded for 25 games per league suspension. There's plenty

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

Burning Fantasy Baseball Questions: Philadelphia Phillies (with video)

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Doc losing his license? Can Ryan Howard and company get it going again? Will Michael Young help them?

Burning Fantasy Baseball Questions: Philadelphia Phillies

Source: KFFL.com MLB

Doc losing his license? Can Ryan Howard and company get it going again? Will Michael Young help them?

2013 FSTA LEAGUE

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

In 2011 I was the FSTA Champion even though I selected Carl Crawford in the first round (he appeared in just 130 games hitting .255 with 65 runs and 18 steals in his worst season of more than 100 games played.). In 2012 I had another first round selection fail to live up to expectations as

Player Profile: Justin Upton

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I just finished eating a bologna sandwich. Probably not the best thing I could have put in my mouth but my pork shoulder is currently doing it’s thing in my oven so it wasn’t quite ready to consume. The reason I bring that up is that we can all agree that a hunk of pork shoulder is a better meal than a slab of bologna on a couple of pieces of white bread. Somehow though the Diamondbacks front office has convinced itself that Justin Upton is a piece of bologna and not something that

Ben Revere (OF-PHI)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Manuel also waiting to see what comes next for Phillies - WILL MICHAEL YOUNG hit second? Or is Ben Revere best suited for that spot? With Carlos Ruiz set to sit out the first 25 games with a suspension, who will hit behind Ryan Howard? Source: http://www.philly.com

Fantasy Baseball Analysis: Ben Revere to the Phillies

Source: Fantasy Baseball Dugout by ballparkbob34

 

Phillies fans are quite used to general manager Ruben Amaro making the blockbuster big ticket move.  And, it’s no wonder.  The Phillies pack the stadium every night at Citizen’s Bank Park.  Last year, it’s consecutive sellout record finally came to a halt at 257 games.  Although, quite frankly, there were times when I sat in my season ticket seats in section 117 and saw a lot of empty seats in the upper corners.

So, when the Phillies acquired Ben Revere from the Twins this week, knowledgeable Phillies fans were happy, but

2013 Minor League Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

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

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America
2012 (27) | 2011 (11) | 2010 (18) | 2009 (12) | 2008 (22)

2012 Affiliate Records
MLB:  [81-81] NL East
AAA:  [75-68] International League — Lehigh Valley
AA:  [76-66] Eastern League — Reading
A+:  [72-60] Florida State League — Clearwater
A:  [62-76] South Atlantic League — Lakewood
A(ss):  [30-46] New York-Penn League — Williamsport

Arizona Fall League Players — Peoria Javelinas
Jay Johnson (LHP); Tyler Knigge (RHP); Colby Shreve (RHP); Kyle Simon (RHP); Tommy Joseph (C); Cody Asche (3B); Zach Collier (OF)

Top 20 Outfielders, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

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

Went over the catchers, 1st basemen, 2nd basemen and shortstops and top 20 3rd basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball. Guess what’s next!  No, not pitchers. Read the title, man.  In 2010, there were only 5 outfielders that hit 30 homers, in 2011 there were 9, this year there were

Ryan Howard: (Toe) Done For Season

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Ryan Howard: Howard broke his toe and will not return this season, Comcast's Jim Salisbury reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Ryan Howard done for year due to broken toe - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard is done for 2012 due to a broken toe.

MLB: The Final Friday

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The Dodgers gave Andre Ethier a 5-year, $85 million deal signaling that he is one of the building blocks of their offense. Then we get this. Manager Don Mattingly said the following about Ethier’s inability to hit left-handed pitching. “I can say all day long that I think he’s capable of hitting against lefties, but if the numbers keep telling us that maybe he can’t, then we have to go a different route,” he said. I’m not going to disagree with Mattingly because he’s right. Ethier is

RCL Roundup: September 24

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

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40) are looking like champions with 10 days to go, stretching their lead atop the Master Standings to 6. The Railheads are still scoring 119 league points, and a perfect 120 is a possibility. They are now a mere 3 runs behind Chin Music after outscoring them 46 – 35 this week. RR was solid in most categories, hitting .292 with 13 home runs, 50 RBI, and 7 stolen bases. On the pitching side, they had 39 strikeouts in 36.1 innings with 1 win, 9 saves, a 2.97 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.13.

Meanwhile, panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) dropped to 111 points, but held on to

Howard goes yard in fourth consecutive game - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard homered for the fourth consecutive game in a loss to the Braves on Saturday afternoon.

Howard homers in fourth consecutive game - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard homered for the fourth consecutive game in a losing effort against the Braves on Saturday afternoon.

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

Howard smashes grand slam, plates five in win - Ryan Howard | PHI

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Ryan Howard smashed a grand slam homer and drove home five, leading the Phillies in a 16-1 rout over the Mets in New York on Thursday.

Kris Continues Medlen With Opposing Hitters

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

Spare me while I talk about my team for a moment. I almost missed out on my head to head playoffs. Another team grabbed the final spot one week before the postseason was to begin. Oh no, it was that mean old Mr. McGaragle, and he would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for that Medlen Kris (and that dumb dog!) Yes, Kris Medlen continued his brilliance last night pitching 7.0 innings, giving up just 1 ER with 13 Ks. I really want to take this moment to thank Grey, because I literally own Medlen everywhere and he’s the only reason I made the playoffs in one league, and the only reason I’m still contending in the others. K-Med is 8-1 with a 1.62 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 102 Ks in 117 IP (9 starts including 2

OPS Fantasy Leagues: Two Out Of Three Ain’t Good

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

We’ve all heard about the three true outcomes: walk, strikeout, and home run. This week I looked at players who only have two of the three true outcomes, specifically those that strikeout and homer often but do not walk at a relatively high level. My parameters were guys that have had at least 200 plate appearances this season, strikeout at least 25% of the time, walk no more than 10% of the time, and have a home run to fly ball rate of at least 20%. For reference, some guys who strikeout and homer at that level, but walk more than 10% of the time, include who you’d expect, such as Adam Dunn, Curtis Granderson, Mike Napoli, and Mark Reynolds. The following players are listed from highest to lowest strikeout rate.

Ryan

Phillies Let Us Enter The Ruf Age

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

The Phils promoted power-hitting prospect, Darin Ruf, who hit a minor league-leading 38 homers (with 20 of them coming in August).  That was at Double-A and he’s 26 years old.  In scout speak, that’s not good.  Scouts speak in short sentences so they don’t miss the Early Bird Specials.  Based not on facts but my gut (and Ruf’s), “Babe” Ruf reminds me of Matt Stairs.  Ruf’s a righty, but like Stairs he’s got two beer kegs for legs and the upside of a guy who would be fun to hang out with in the dugout.  Though Ruf’s position is 1st base, the Phils said they will try to find him playing time.  Specifically, Charlie Manuel said, “If Ruf can sling up the flapjacks, we’ll make sure there’s

RCL Roundup: September 3

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

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40) showed this week they weren’t giving up without a fight, adding 2 points and retaking the lead as panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) slipped back into second, 2 behind in the Master Standings. The Railheads have an amazing 117 league points, and will have to keep it up there to make up for a lower league competitive index. They have a shot of matching or even beating the unbelievable mark of 118 set last year by Mike Stark (Better Lucky Than Good). The Railheads are currently scoring 10 points in steals, and sit 4 behind Marble Mountaineers and just 6 back of the

Daily Joust: The Weekend Ahead

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Who should you be playing Friday and Saturday? In addition to that info, I’ll hit on a few of the relevant stories in the game as well.

The Dodgers, to the frustration of everyone, will use Ronald Belisario and Brandon League in the 9th inning with Kenley Jansen (heart) on the sidelines. Way to clarify that situation for us Mr. Mattingly. I’d favor Belisario, 60/40, for 9th inning work. Also, Chad Billingsley will

Hasta Bautista

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

It’s a wrap for Jose Bautista in 2012.  See you around like a donut in 2013.  It’s far from breaking news that he’s done for the year.  It looked like it was headed that way for the last few days.  As an aptly-named, pessimistic Polish man would be named, Bummerooski.  He didn’t have the year you grew accustomed to after having a few years that you weren’t accustomed to. (Or maybe it’s, Bautista had a season you were expecting if he didn’t have the years you weren’t expecting?  Or maybe, he had a season you knew was coming because of seasons you didn’t know were coming?  I’ve painted myself into a logic corner and I’m getting hungry.)  Too bad the Jays weren’t in the pennant race,

Trevorcantdo And Tyler Too!

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

In 2010, the Diamondbacks traded Dan Haren to the Angels for Joe Saunders (and Patrick Corbin and Tyler Skaggs).  Turned out in that parenthetical lied the rub.  At the time of the trade, ESPN Fantasy said, “…this looks like highway robbery for the Angels, and a salary dump for the Diamondbacks. …it’s actually hard to imagine this was the best package the Diamondbacks could’ve gotten.”  Sure, I never miss an opportunity to mock ESPN, but in reality it’s always too early to judge most trades with prospects when they first happen.  That doesn’t mean people don’t try.  Really, as William Goldman said about Hollywood, no one knows anything.  Even the teams themselves.  Maybe they received Corbin

Bring Me The Stream Of Jaime Garcia

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

The Pirates and Cardinals played a marathon game yesterday.  19 innings that saw 47 lineup changes, 16 different pitchers and 12,000 fans at Busch Stadium leaving simply because the beer cutoff was in the 7th inning.  ”This is baseball sober?  Damn, I’d prefer a third divorce.”  Tim Kurkjian’s voice is cracking at the sheer craziness of the game.  Can you believe this game, fellas?!  They used more electricity to light the scoreboard than was generated in the entire Sudan all of last year?!  Andrew McCutchen saw a total of 42 pitches, that’s more pitches than Michael Pineda threw this year!?  Michael McKenry went 0-for-8 and caught all 19 innings, which means he crouched down more than Jon Rauch trying to

Hitter Ranks: Ride with Rolen

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

Scott Rolen was an elite third baseman -- arguably the game's best -- from 1997-2006 with the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals.

He ranked second only to Atlanta's Chipper Jones in homers and RBIs in that stretch.

It's been a while since we've touted Rolen as a top-15 player at third base in our Hitter Rankings since, but we're there now. Rolen, ironically, hasseven games against the Phillies and Cardinals next week.

That factored into the decision. Rolen is a .322/.395/.475 lifetime hitter against Philadelphia and a .280/.362/.477 lifetime hitter against St.

Are you a Buyer or a Seller?

Source: Fantasy Baseball Dugout by ballparkbob34

KNUCKLE DOWN: And make the deal for the injured Carlos Ruiz now if you are a seller.

Prior to August 1, many MLB teams had to make the tough decision: are we buyers or are we sellers?

The Pittsburgh Pirates, second in the National League Central were in the unusual position of actually not being sellers in late July.  Same with the Baltimore Orioles who are competing for a coveted wild card post season position.  Certainly, the addition of the extra wild card team this year has made more teams buyers than in previous seasons.

The Philadelphia Phillies, with 5 consecutive NL East championships, were also in an