LestersLegends.com

 
6/1/09

Hitters
Hanley Ramirez – 3 for 5, 2 Runs, HR, RBI
Colby Rasmus – 3 for 4, 2 Runs, Double, HR, RBI
J0e Thurston – 3 for 3, Run, 2 Doubles, Walk
Seth Smith – 3 for 4
Juan Pierre – 3 for 5, RBI, SB
Carlos Lee – 3 for 3, Run, HR, 2 RBIs, Walk
Jack Wilson – 3 for 4, Run, RBI
Adam LaRoche – 3 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 Doubles
Andy LaRoche – 2 for 4, 2 Runs, Triple, 3 RBIs
Wilson Valdez – 2 for 4, Run, Double, Triple, 3 RBIs
Jim Thome – 2 for 4, Run, HR, 3 RBIs

Pitchers
Rich Hill – W, 7 IP, 0 Runs, 2 Hits, 7 Ks
Billy Buckner – W, 6 IP, 0 Runs,
Roy Oswalt – W, 7 IP, 1 Run, 8 Ks
Joba Chamberlain – W, 8 IP, 2 Runs, 4 Hits, 5 Ks
Joe Blanton – W, 7 IP, 3 Runs, 5 Ks
Gavin Floyd – ND, 7 IP, 2 Runs, 4 Hits, 8 Ks
Jarrod Washburn – 7 IP, 1 Run

Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Edison Volquez was placed on the 15-day DL because of back spasms.  The move was made retroactive to May 17th making Volquez eligible to come off the DL on June 1st.  He was 4-2 with 45 Ks, a 4.25 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

Homer Bailey got the call to fill Volquez’s roster spot.  Bailey is 3-5 with a4.57 ERA and 1.39 WHIP for Triple-A Louisville.  He has struggled in the big leagues going 4-8 with a 6.72 ERA for the Reds in 2007 & 2008.

Joba Chamberlain left the Yankees game in the first inning after taking a line drive off his knee.  The injury does not appear serious, but is worth noting.  His teammate Chien-Ming Wang will make another rehab start before re-joining the Yankees.  The want to make sure his stuff  is up to snuff before tesing Major League hitting.

Francisco Liriano – Liriano exploded on the scene in 2006 going 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA.  He missed 2007 and struggled early last year following Tommy John surgery.  After tearing up the Minors, Liriano returned to go 6-1 with a 2.74 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and .236 BAA in eleven starts in August and September.  His September numbers (4.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, .289 BAA in five starts) were a little alarming, but he was probably dealing with arm fatigue.  The Twins are one of the best at pacing their starters so that shouldn’t plague Liriano in 2009.  If he stays healthy he should be able to win 16+ games with a 3.30 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.

Joba Chamberlain - The Yankees are taking it slow with their young star as well.  When he’s healthy he is nearly unhittable, as evidenced by his career 2.17 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and .217 BAA.  With the addition of C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and a healthy Chien-Ming Wang, there won’t be as much pressure on Joba to perform. He’ll settle into that fifth spot in the rotation, behind Andy Pettitte, and the early schedule should allow him the opportunity to miss a start or two if that’s in his best interest.  The limitations the Yankees will put on him will keep him from having a monster year, but he should be able to win 12-14 games with a low ERA, WHIP, and BAA. 

Yovani Gallardo – A knee injury cost Gallardo the opportunity to build on the solid 2007 season (9-5, 3.67 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .245 BAA).  In just four starts last year Gallardo had a 1.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and .256 BAA.  With the departure of C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, Gallardo will have a chance to be a key member of the Brewers Pitching Staff.  With their solid Offense, he could win 14-16 games if he stays healthy with low ERA, WHIP, and BAA. 

David Price - Price toyed with Major League competition last year posting a 1.93 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and a .176 BAA.  His success spilled over into the postseason posting a 1.59 ERA in five relief appearances.  Whether Tampa Bay uses his as a Reliever or a Starter, Price will give your fantasy team a boost in ERA and R.

Jonathan Broxton – Broxton took the Closer job last July and ran with it.  He recorded 14 Saves with a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and .200 BAA with 42 Ks in 29.3 Innings after the All-Star Break.  He was solid in a setup role the previous two and a half seasons so his success isn’t a fluke.  Now that the Dodgers have secured Manny Ramirez’s services, they’ll likely build on their success of last year meaning Broxton could have plenty of Save opportunites.  I don’t think he’ll have a problem reach 30-35 Saves.

Josh Johnson – Johnson went 7-1 last year with a 3.61 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP.  Opponents did bat .275 on him, but his other numbers are still solid.  In 2006 he was 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and .236 BAA.  He is also trying to continue a successful return from Tommy John surgery.  If he stays healthy he could win 12-14 games with a sub-4.00 ERA

Clayton Kershaw – Clayton went 5-5 with a 4.26 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP, and a .265 BAA.  He did show improvement after the All-Star Break going 5-3 with a 4.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and .262 BAA.  In the Minors he went 12-10 with a 2.49 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.  His K/9 ratio in the Minors was 11.3, and a decent 8.4 in the Bigs.  He could win 12+ games with a sub-4.00 ERA.

Max Scherzer – Max failed to pick up a Win last year in seven starts (16 Games), but did manage a 3.05 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and .234.  He recorded 66 Ks in 56 Innings (10.6 K/9).  He’s been battling shoulder inflammation and may not have a spot in the rotation initially, but he’s too good of a talent to not get a chance.  In thirty Minor League starts Max is 8-5 with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.  His Minor League K/9 ratio is 11.9.  Given that his role has yet to be determined, his Win total likely won’t help fantasy teams, but he’ll be a nice source for Ks, ERA, and WHIP.

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Wednesday, July 30th
Kelly Shoppach went 5 for 5 with 4 Runs, 3 Doubles, 2 HRs, 3 RBI, and a Walk.  Curtis Granderson went 5 for 7 with 3 Runs, and 2 RBI.  Bobby Abreu went 3 for 4 with 4 Runs, a Double,2 HRs, 3 RBI, and a Walk.  Garrett Anderson went 4 for 5 with a Run, a Double, a HR, and 4 RBI.  Shane Victorino went 3 for 5 with 3 Runs, a HR, and 3 RBI.  Carlos Quentin went 3 for 5 with a Run, a Double, a HR, and 4 RBI.  Adam Dunn went 3 for 5 with a pair of solo HRs.  Ben Franciso went 4 for 7 with a pair of solo HRs.  Miguel Cabrera went 3 for 5 with a Double, a HR, and 4 RBI.  Gary Sheffield and Asdrubal Cabrera each had 4 Hits.  Joe Inglett, Mike Aviles, Omar Infante, Chone Figgins, Joey Votto, Troy Tulowitzki, Jose Bautista, Willie Harris, Marlon Anderson, Alfonso Soriano, Reed Johnson, Ryan Theriot (3 RBI), Ichiro Suzuki, each had 3 Hits.  Alex Gordon had 5 Walks.  Torii Hunter and Brandon Inge each scored 3 Runs.  Chris Iannetta, Alexei Ramirez, Grady Sizemore, Ken Griffey Jr., Placido Polanco, and Damion Easley each had 3 RBI.

Chad Billingsley tossed a Complete Game five-hit Shutout with 8 Ks to improve to 11-9 with a 3.05 ERA.  Ryan Dempster gave up 1 Run on 5 Hits in 7 Innings with 9 Ks to improve to 12-4 with a 2.90 ERA.  Joba Chamberlain gave up 1 Earned Run on 5 Hits in 6 Innings with 6 Ks to improve to 4-3 with a 2.24 ERA.  Joe Saunders gave up 2 Runs on 5 Hits in 6 Innings to improve to 14-5 with a 3.09 ERA.  Gavin Floyd allowed 1 Run on 4 Hits in 7-2/3 Innings to improve to 11-6 with a 3.43 ERA.

Friday, July 25th
Brian McCann hit a pair of HRs (one a Grand Slam) and drove in 5 Runs.  Kevin Millar and Adam LaRoche each hit a pair of solo shot and scored 3 Runs.  Endy Chavez had 4 Hits.  Denard Span, Alexei Ramirez, Magglio Ordonez, Matt Stairs, Willy Taveras, Michal Youngand  Chris Davis (3 Runs) each had 3 Hits.  Joe Inglett, Mark Reynolds, and David Murphy each had 3 RBI.

Joba Chamberlain tossed 7 scoreless Innings allowing 3 Hits with 9 Ks as he improved to 3-3 with a 2.30 ERA.  Josh Beckett gave up 1 Run in 7 Innings with 6 Ks, but took the heartbreaking Loss.  Cliff Lee continued his push for the Cy Young allowing 2 Runs on 6 Hits in 8 Innings with 10 Ks to improve to 14-2 with a 2.29 ERA.  Ryan Dempster gave up 1 Run on 2 Hits (although he walked 6) with 6 Ks in a no-decision.  Jair Jurrjens tossed 8 scoreless Innings allowing 3 Hits with 6 Ks to improve to 10-5 with a 3.02 ERA.  Aaron Cook gave up 1 Run on 5 Hits in 8 Innings to improve to 13-6 with a 3.46 ERA.  Mike Pelfrey gave up 1 Run in 7 Innings to improve to 9-6 with a 3.367 ERA.  Wandy Rodriguez gave up 1 Run in 6 Innings with 7 Ks to improve to   6-3 with a 3.18 ERA.  Dan Haren gave up 2 Runs in 8 Innings with 9 Ks to improve to 10-5 with a 2.56 ERA.  Chad Billingsley gave up 2 Runs on 5 Hits in 7-2/3 Innings to improve to 10-9 with a 3.26 ERA.

Satuday, July 19th
Robinson Cano went 4 for 6 with 2 Runs and 2 Doubles.  Shin-Soo Choo went 3 for 5 with 2 Runs, 2 Doubles, a HR, and 3 RBI.  Albert Pujols had 3 Hits and 4 RBI.  Pat Burrell went 3 for 5 with 3 Runs, a Double, 2 HRs, and 2 RBI.  Jorge Cantu had 4 Hits.  Placido Polanco went 4 for 6 with 3 Runs, 2 Doubles, an RBI, and a Walk.  Justin Morneau had 5 RBI.  Evan Longoria hit a Grand Slam.  John Baker and Miguel Cabrera each had 4 RBI.  Scott Podsednik went 4 for 5 with 2 Runs and 3 Doubles.  Joe Mauer scored 3 Runs and had 3 RBI.  Brad Hawpe, Cody Ross, Willie Harris (3 Runs), Gregor Blanco, Gary Sheffield, Melvin Mora (3 RBI), Kevin Millar, Luke Scott, Ryan Theriot, Delmon Young, David Wright, Freddy Sanchez, and Ryan Braun each had 3 Hits.  Erick Aybar, Cristian Guzman, Ramon Hernandez, Mike Aviles, Billy Butler, John Buck, Joey Votto, and Edgar Gonzalez each had 3 RBI.

Matt Garza tossed 7-2/3 Innings of two-hit scoreless ball with 6 Ks to improve to 8-5 with a 3.68 ERA.  Dan Haren gave up 4 Hits in 7 scoreless Innings with 7 Ks to improve to 9-5 with a 2.58 ERA.  Joba Chamberlain gave up 1 Run in 6 Innings with 8 Ks, but got a no-decision.  Joe Saunders gave up 2 Runs in 6-2/3 Innings, but got a no-decision.  John “Stawberry Fields Forever” Lannan gave up 1 Run in 6 Innings to improve to 6-9 with a 3.29 ERA.  Gil Meche gave up 1 Run on 2 Hits in 6-1/3 Innings to improve to 7-9.  Wandy Rodriguez gave up 1 Run in 6-2/3 Innings to improve to 5-3 with a 3.31 ERA.  Livan Herandez gave up 2 Runs on 5 Hits in 7 Innings to improve to 10-6.  Josh Fogg gave up 1 Earned Run in 6 Innings to improve to 2-2.  Jorge de la Rosa gave up 1 Run in 6 Innings to improve to 4-5.

Wednesday, June 25th
Carl Crawford hit a pair of HRs with 5 RBI.  Bobby Abreu had 3 Hits and 4 RBI.  Carlos Guillen had 4 Hits and 3 RBI.  Jay Payton hit a pair of HRs with 4 RBI.  David Wright smacked a pair of HRs with 3 RBI.  Rick Ankiel had 2 HRs, 3 Runs, and 3 RBI.  Gary Sheffield and Chase Utley each had 4 Hits.  Kelly Johnson, Geovany Soto,  Jose Reyes, Kevin Cash each had 3 RBI.  Dustin Pedroia, Coco Crisp, Derek Jeter (3 Runs), Jose Castillo, Robinson Cano, Jack WIlson, Alex Rios, Evan Longoria (3 RBI), Ross Gload, and Carlos Gomez each had 3 Hits.  Mike Lowell and Brian Buscher each scored 3 Runs.

Eric Stults pitched a Complete Game four-hit Shutout to improve to 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA.  Kyle Kendrick gave up 4 Hits in 8 scoreless Innings to improve to 7-3.  Joba Chamberlain continued to prove The Boss II right by firing 6-2/3 scoreless Innings improving to 2-2 with a 2.03 ERA.  Tim Wakefield knuckled 7 scoreless Innings allowing 2 Hits with 6 Ks to improve to 5-5 with a 3.88 ERA.  Jorge Campillo gave up 2 Runs on 4 Hits with 6 Ks in 7 Innings to improve to 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA.  Randy Johnson gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings, but took the Loss.  Barry Zito shocked Giants fans by going 6-2/3 Innings allowing just 1 Run on 4 Hits to improve to 3-11.  Tim Redding gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings, but got a no-decision.  John Maine gave up 2 Runs in 6 Innings to improve to 8-5 with a 3.73 ERA.  James Shields gave up 1 Run on 4 Hits in 7 Innings to improve to 5-5 with a 3.76 ERA.  Luke Hochevar gave up 2 Runs in 8 Innings to even his record at 5-5.