Mostly MLB Notes: Albert Pujols’ decline, Carlos Santana’s emergence and examining David Price

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

We held a mid-season draft Monday, and I ended up taking Albert Pujols with the 19th pick. Judging by Yahoo’s updated rest of season rankings, I guess this could be considered something of a reach. I’m not necessarily going to argue against that, but it’s remarkable someone who was a unanimous top-three pick last year and was generally considered a top-10 pick this year is now a

Fantasy do-over: Auditing results from an in-season experts draft

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

At the risk of tearing down the entire "fantasy expert" scam, we begin today with an admission: Occasionally, fantasy gurus get stuff wrong.

It's rare, but it happens. Back in March, it's possible that some of us led you to believe Roy Halladay was salvageable and that Adam Dunn was not terrible at baseball. We apologize for these misunderstandings.

With six weeks of MLB data in the books, it's time to reassess the player pool. We've assembled a group of 10 experts for an in-season baseball draft. The league settings are fairly standard: 5x5, mixed player pool, CI & MI, head-to-head, weekly lineups. Nothing too exotic.

[You can still own Paul Goldschmidt! It's not too late! Sign-up today for

Mound Mayhem

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Yovani Gallardo' or find free 'yovani gallardo' pictures via Wylio" href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/3832566414">Fantasy baseball revolves around two key things – hitting and pitching (a genius statement I know). Today I’ll break down some of the arms on the hill. Which underperformering arms should you be looking at? What will the Cubs and D’backs do in the 9th inning? I know, riveting ain’t it?

Yovani Gallardo is

Shuffle Up: The Tony Cingrani Problem

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Alright, gamers, settle in and let's get to work. Of all the baseball shuffles, this is the one that really matters: the starting pitcher shuffle. The fickle men of the mound are sure to define our season, for good or for bad.

We're trying to gauge everyone's 5x5 value going forward - everything to this point is merely an audition. We're only playing for 2013 here, and we're assuming a mixed-league environment. Don't worry about what the prices mean in a vacuum - they're only tools to compare the players with one another. Players at the same price tag are considered even.

I'll add comments as the night goes along, and I reserve the right to make rank changes over that time frame. Your intelligent

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

To Stream or Not to Stream - Corbin vs. Saves

Source: Fake Teams by Daniel Schwartz

Each week I will respond to requests on Fake Teams.

Here’s a good one on streaming a starting pitcher versus going for saves:

I am fairly solid in every category but saves (7 pts.) and HRs (7pts). My pitchers are Adam Wainwright, Yovani Gallardo, Jake Peavy, Tommy Milone, Homer

Over/Under: Is Giancarlo Stanton a fried fish?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

Inadequately protected Giancarlo Stanton, who is still looking for his first homer and RBI on the year, combined HRs and RBI over the rest of the season 124.5

Andy – UNDER. Don't get me wrong: I think he can still be great, and he makes for a nice buy-low. But if you assume 35 homers rest-of-season, then he'll need to find 90 RBIs somehow. That's the trick. Plus he'll need to stay healthy.

Scott – UNDER. He's already hurt, I hate the lineup, I hate the negative

Over/Under: Is Gincarlo Stanton a fried fish?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

Inadequately protected Gincarlo Stanton, who is still looking for his first homer and RBI on the year, combined HRs and RBI over the rest of the season 124.5

Andy – UNDER. Don't get me wrong: I think he can still be great, and he makes for a nice buy-low. But if you assume 35 homers rest-of-season, then he'll need to find 90 RBIs somehow. That's the trick. Plus he'll need to stay healthy.

Scott – UNDER. He's already hurt, I hate the lineup, I hate the negative

Gallardo The New Coxswain Of The Brew Crew

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

Yesterday, Yovani Gallardo was arrested for a DUI. So that explains why his pitches are all over the place! He blew a 0.22. That's six-plus runs better than his ERA. Gallardo's mugshot looks like a still from a PSA. "More than 79% of Americans feel the most significant social problem facing America is the physical absence of a decent 1st baseman." "I'm Yovani, and our 1st baseman is Alex Gonzalez some days. Other days, it's Yuniesky Betancourt. Please stop this needless crime against run support." I wonder if he was driving home from the Miller Brewery tour, because it's awesome, but, man, you should not

Yovani Gallardo: DUI Arrest

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Yovani Gallardo: Gallardo was arrested and cited for DUI on Tuesday morning, ESPN Wisconsin reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Report: Yovani Gallardo arrested for DUI - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Drew Olson of ESPN Wisconsin, Yovani Gallardo was arrested Tuesday morning in Milwaukee and cited with a DUI.

The Sky is Falling

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

A hypochondriac is someone who is obsessed by the idea that they have an illness of some kind when, most of the time, there is no actual condition to be concerned with. I bring that up because in the world of fantasy baseball it seems like there is an epidemic of hypochondria akin to the zombie apocalypse that is portrayed in the television show The Walking Dead. People are freaking out. I’m talking, losing their minds type of situations.

The world is ending.
Life is

Shuffle Up, Starting Pitchers: Exhuming McCarthy

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Alright, amigos, let's get to the prices on the mound. Here's how I rank the Top 90 arms or so for the 2013 season, 5x5.

Players at the same prices are considered even. Don't worry about the numbers in an isolated sense; what matters is how the players relate to one another. I reserve the right to tweak the list as the evening goes along. Win the debate, win the rank.

And remember the golden rule: a player doesn't gain 15-20 percent of bonus value simply because you roster him.

I'm sure there's more to the preamble but it's not coming to mind right now. I'll add commentary after the US and Mexico are done on the pitch. Make the jump, jumper.

$33 Clayton Kershaw
$32 Justin Verlander
$30

2013 Livin’ The Fantasy Draft

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

And the fantasy baseball drafts just keep on coming… Kay Adams and I hosted the Livin’ the Fantasy Draft for SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM87). The league consisted of myself, Kay, Kyle Elfrink, two producers (Drew Phelps and Phil Backert), and six listeners (one was unable to make it). That means we had a shallow 11 team, mixed league draft that we took part in. I had the #2 selection in the draft, and here is how my

2013 SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio – Experts Draft

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I just keep doing fantasy baseball drafts don’t I? Seems like every time I wake up I get my bowl of cereal, my Red Bull (sometimes there is vodka in it), answer a plethora of tweets and emails, and then I end up being in a draft of some kind. Which draft am I talking about in this article? It’s the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio draft, populated by the genius minds of the network. How did my team turn out? Before I get to that, here are the rules.

12 team mixed

The Value of Relief Pitching

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

I recently detailed how my team turned out in KFFL’s K -BAD League. As a review of that club will show, I waited in pitching and assembled what I believe to be a strong group of starting pitchers –

Gallardo cleared to start Friday vs. Team USA - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Yovani Gallardo has been cleared to start for Mexico on Friday night against Team USA.

Yovani Gallardo: Threw Bullpen Session Sunday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Yovani Gallardo: Gallardo (groin) threw a successful bullpen session Sunday and is on track to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Gallardo (groin) on track to pitch in WBC - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Yovani Gallardo (groin) threw a successful bullpen session Sunday.

Yovani Gallardo dealing with groin tightness - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Yovani Gallardo has been scratched from his next scheduled spring start due to groin tightness.

Yovani Gallardo: Minor Groin Injury

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Yovani Gallardo: Gallardo is dealing with a minor groin injury, mlb.com's Adam McCalvy reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Yovani Gallardo dealing with groin injury - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Yovani Gallardo has been scratched from his next start due to groin tightness.

K-BAD – 2013: Part III, BBGuys Team

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The fellas over over at KFFL.com have a fantasy baseball league nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, and for the 5th straight year I’m honored to have been asked to participate (the proceeding link takes you to an analysis by every participant on the league). In Part III of this three part review I’ll break down how my squad turned out.

C:

K-BAD – 2013: Part I, Rounds 1-14

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

For the fifth straight year I was invited to play in an expert’s league by the folks over at KFFL.com (you can click on the link to see how everyone else in the draft evaluated their own selections). Nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, the league pits 11 of the top minds in the game against one flunky (that would be your truly). I thought I would give my analysis

Player Profile: Kris Medlen

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Kris Medlen of the Braves had one of the greatest half seasons of pitching in recent memory. Medlen was so dominating in the second half of last season that if your tripled his second half ERA it would still be under 3.00 (it was 0.94). He also went 9-0 while holding batters to a .189 batting average against. Fueled

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: Paul Maholm

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Paul Maholm‘s name likely elicits, let’s see, a yawn? Before you lock that thought into your head as to what your reaction should be when the Braves’ lefties name as mentioned remember this:

Maholm had a better ERA than

Top 40 Starters, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

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

So, how’s everyone holding up without fantasy baseball every day?  I don’t know what to do with myself!  This weekend I wandered into a Starbucks and told the coffeerista about Giancarlo Stanton for 2013.  Then I laughed hysterically for a good twenty minutes until someone asked me to leave.  We’ve gone over the final 2012 fantasy baseball rankings for hitters and the top 20 starters.  There’s no more of these godforsaken recap posts left before we’re into 2013 fantasy baseball.  You’re welcome.  Well, there are Rudy’s recap of every fantasy sites projections that are coming on Thursday and Friday.  Those should be fun!  Hmm,

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

Shields Runs Into Orioles Lucksaw

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

Yesterday, James Shields yields 15 Ks, 1 run, but a win ain’t won.  Murray Chass just bid a penny on the world’s smallest violin on eBay so he can play it just for Shields.  Murray had this to say, “When men were gristled, and ladies were more gristled, we had a name for yellow-bellies like James Shields.  That name was ‘Can’t do what needs to be done for a win.’  It may not have been the most succinct of names, but before Al Gore went and invented the Internet, we didn’t need succinct.  We needed appropriate.  Now you only have 140 characters to say something and it’s never appropriate!”  I’ll say this for Murray.  He sure has ornery in spades.  ”Now kids are playing spades on their

The user’s guide to two-start pitchers, Week Last

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I don't know that there's a best way to present the final 10 days of the regular season, but this is how we'll look at it.

In this post is a listing, and ranking, of every pitcher slated to work twice over the final 10 days of the season. It's as tentative as tentative can be. Some contending clubs will get ready for the post-season once a spot is secured (and maybe go easy on stars). Some non-contenders might shift into shutdown mode. We'll keep producing daily streaming pieces during the week, but if you need to plan for 10 days now, what's below is for you.

Hope you're in the finals, or fighting for a much-coveted roto title.

National League, Sept. 24-Oct. 3

Scherzer’s Shouldzer Is Hurtzer

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

The Tigers playoffs hopes just took a shot in the lower extremities.  Now if they get to the playoffs, they’ll have to pitch Verlander 4 times in a 5 game series with Miggy pitching the other game.  That’s not our concern though, is it?  Of course, it isn’t.  Our concern is on the fantasy diamond, which is also what you proposed to your baby’s mama with.  ”Shizz is on layaway, baby, you know I got you when my checks come in.  Now let’s run off to City Hall, and make this thing official before your pops comes for my nuts.”  Max Scherzer left after 2 innings yesterday due to right shoulder fatigue.  Here’s what his left shoulder had to say, “I told that honkey-ass shoulder to take a damn

The user’s guide to two-start pitchers, Week 24

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

No pressure this week, gamer. You pick wrong, you lose.

National League

Beast Mode
Cliff Lee — at NYM, vs. ATL
Jordan Zimmermann — vs. LAD, vs. MIL
R.A. Dickey — vs. PHI, vs. MIA
Tim Hudson — at MIA, at PHI

They Might Be Giants
Tim Lincecum — vs. COL, vs. SD
Kyle Lohse — vs. HOU, at CHC
Madison Bumgarner — vs. COL, vs. SD
Yovani Gallardo — at PIT, at WAS

Wheel of Fortune
A.J. Burnett — vs. MIL, at HOU
Homer Bailey — at CHC, vs. LAD
Ian Kennedy — vs. SD, at COL
Travis Wood — vs. PIT, vs. STL

Yeast Mode
Aaron Harang — at WAS, at CIN

Reynolds Smoking Homers Like A Bandit

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

This weekend, my Cougar’s dog had diarrhea all over my foot.  So, I wrote a list of Don’ts and taped it to his bed.  1. Do not poop my foot.  2. Do not ever poop my foot.  Seriously.  3.  There’s no three.  Now if you were to switch out “foot,” with “fantasy team” that could’ve been Mark Reynolds prior to this weekend.  Carrying him on your team, you may as have been walking behind him with a plastic bag and a spray bottle.  It was like Mini Donkey forgot all the brays that was heaped on him in the past and why.  You strikeout, Mini Donkey, but you also homer.  Without the latter, you’re not reaching your heights.  Pun point!  This weekend he put on a show in The Home They Built Across The

Around the Horn: August29, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Jose Bautista (wrist) done for the year.

(2) Matt Kemp escapes serious injury.

(3) Todd Frazier will not lose playing time when Joey Votto returns.

(4) Wade Miley starring for D’backs. Should you be wary?

(5) Wilin Rosario having special year.

(6) Greg Holland locking it down for Royals.

(7) Yovani Gallardo on patented hot streak.

 

By Ray Flowers

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,

Gallardo outstanding in victory over Cubs - Yovani Gallardo | MLW

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Yovani Gallardo was outstanding Tuesday's victory over the Cubs, allowing just one run on three hits over seven frames.

Fantasy Baseball 2012: 2-Start Pitchers Log for Aug. 27-Sept. 2

Source: Bleacher Report MLB

For head-to-head league owners looking to squeeze out another six to nine strikeouts or one more win per week with unassuming free agents like Vance Worley, Luis Mendoza, Tommy Milone or Arizona rookie Tyler Skaggs...this list might have a purpose.

For a top-10 ranking of this week's biggest two-start stars, click here.

David Price, Rays Justin Verlander, Tigers Felix Hernandez, Mariners Chris Sale, White Sox Matt Cain, Giants Yovani

The user’s guide to two-start pitchers, Week 21

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

We've replaced Andy's usual fine content here with Folger's Crystals. Let's see what the patrons say.

National League

Cookie Monster
Matt Cain -- at HOU, vs. CHC
Stephen Strasburg -- at MIA, vs. STL
Wade Miley -- vs. CIN, vs. LAD

It's going to be a fun Rookie of the Year chase between Miley and Todd Frazier, unless Dusty Baker pulls the plug on his candidate.

The Amazing Mumford
Paul Maholm -- at SD, vs. PHI
Yovani Gallardo -- at CHC, vs PIT
Kyle Lohse -- at PIT, at WAS
Bronson Arroyo -- at ARI, at HOU

RCL Roundup: August 20

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

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40)  gained back 3 of the 4 points they lost last week, but panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) added 2 points as well to hold on to the lead in the overall standings, 114-113. The Fugs (Epic Beardmen Division) moved up 6 spots into third with 108 points, while Higgins (Gobias Industries — Cust Kayin’) jumped 12 positions and is now tied with Bombo Rivera (Prague Defenestrators – Conshellation Prize) in 4th place with 107. captainpyper (RCL 3) is next at 105, followed by Pig Charmer (Grunge Ball —

Shuffle Up: The riddle of Zack Greinke

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I'm not trying to slander every pitcher from Angels history, it just seems that way. I'll try to tackle Frank Tanana, Mike Witt and Chris Knapp before the New Year.

You should know the Shuffle Up rules by now. We're talking 5x5 roto value for the rest of the season. This isn't a keeper-league list, and it's not an A-to-Z ranking of what they've already done. I'll add comments as the day goes along, maybe tweak a ranking here and there.

Your respectful disagreement is always welcome, just make sure you defend your argument. It's good that you disagree; that's why we have a game. Just make sure you'd adding to the discussion when you comment; respect the room, gamer. And remember the golden rule: a player doesn't add

2012 Fantasy Baseball Projections: How Good Is Giants' Madison Bumgarner?

Source: Bleacher Report MLB

With his five-hit complete game against the Washington Nationals Tuesday night, Madison Bumgarner extended his quality starts streak to seven. In 16 of his 24 starts this season he’s allowed two runs or less. And here’s another mind-bender: He’s walked more than two batters in an outing just once all year.

This is the kind of consistency that warrants ace status. And whether or not Bumgarner gets the credit he deserves, he’s already at that level.

Since his major-league debut in 2009 (he logged only 10 innings with the Giants that year), Bumgarner has the 11th-best ERA

McDonald Grabs Win and He’s Lovin’ It

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

Old McDonald got a win, K, K, K, K, K! And in this win he struck out seven….Yes, James McDonald finally showed flashes of his first half form again last night, pitching 6.0 innings, surrendering just 2 hits, 0 ER, and striking out 7 for his 11th win.  It was a huge rebound for J-Mac, who’s been downright awful since the All-Star break. Pirates GM Neal Huntington decided to give McDonald a few extra days rest and well, give that GM a raise, sir! You know, his mother had been saying the same thing all along. “What are ya doing, Jimmy! Giving up  so many runs, destroying so many ratios, you’re just tired, sweetheart! Get some sleep, you stay up too late. You need rest, you’re a growing boy, Jimmy!” Mother

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

Daily Joust – Wk 18: Did We Learn Anything?

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Yovani Gallardo' or find free 'yovani gallardo' pictures via Wylio" href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/5699293580"> On Monday each week I take a look at the fantasy baseball game breaking down players who have produced noteworthy performances of late – not just positive outings mind you, but I’ll also delve into some of the players that have been sucking wind of late. Can you use this information to your benefit over at DailyJoust?

To get your daily fantasy baseball fix make sure you head over to DailyJoust.com to set

RCL Roundup: August 6

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

With just 59 days left in the season, the Rank Railheads (RCL 40) are looking tough to beat with 114 points after adding another one to their total this week. Their pitching staff continued to shine, finishing the week with a 2.68 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. The Railheads are carefully managing their starters, as they have used 159 starts already. In 4 starts this week, David Price, Kris Medlen, and Yovani Gallardo combined for an ERA of 1.65. panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) managed to pull within 4 points of the leaders, jumping from 107 to 110 points. Pliny the Elder (Myrtle’s Acres) gained 5 points and moved into third place

The user’s guide to two-start pitchers, Week 18

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I know what you're thinking, gamer. Was Andy Behrens shut down early? Is he already at his word count for the 2012 MLB season? As it turns out, Behrens just needs to skip a start. He's expected to get some Ryan Zimmerman cortisone over the next day or so, and no visit with Jimmy Andrews will be required. Doc Behrens will be back in the rotation shortly.

Let's get you set up with the double-dips for Week 18.

National League

Hero Sandwich
Johnny Cueto — at MIL, at CHC
Matt Cain — at STL, vs. COL
Yovani Gallardo — vs. CIN, at HOU

Normally I wouldn't put Gallardo anywhere near these other two guys, but that "at

Pitcher Ranks: Mr. Consistent?

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

Yovani Gallardo has never had a bad season. He's also never had a particularly great season, at least in terms of fantasy production, but since entering the league in 2007, Gallardo has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers.

That probably doesn't jibe with your personal memories of Gallardo. If you've owned him, you know that he can just as easily throw a complete-game, 10-K shutout as he can get lit up for eight runs in 3.1 innings. Case in point, just look at his four second-half starts this year:

July 15: 7 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 R, 14 Ks

July 21: 5.2 IP, 9 H, 0 BB, 4 R, 1 Ks

July 26: 5 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 7 R, 6 Ks

July

Pitcher Ranks: Battling Bailey

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

Cincinnati Reds fans gave 2004 first-round pick a standing ovation before his first start in 2007.

Do you remember that? It was a presumptuous move at the time, and Bailey certainly didn't back it up by going 25-23 with a 4.89 ERA while bouncing between the majors and minors from 2007-11.

Bailey, however, is earning that applause in '12. He's enjoying his best season, and that includes a 4-0 record, 1.43 ERA and 34 Ks in 37.2 innings in July. For that, Bailey is ranked No. 14 in our latest SP Rankings.

Granted that lofty ranking is partly because Bailey is a two-start pitcher (vs. SD, vs. PIT), and owners

Tulo Acquaintances Be Forgot

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

About a month ago, Troy Tulowitzki had surgery to have scar tissue removed from his groin.  Tulo now sings, “Scar tissue that I wish you saw, because I’m kinky.”  Yesterday, the Rockies announced nothing, but people familiar with Tulo’s groin — hey now! — have said he probably won’t return this year.  ”It looks like an Asian person’s garbage can after a cat picked through it with kumquats and a baby corn.”  That’s Tulo’s groin doctor.  He was only supposed to be out for two months, but he hasn’t started any baseball activity, which is a bad sign, since, you know, you want him to play baseball.  Yo, yo, yo, what’s the best case scenario?  He returns in the last few weeks of the season,