| Players of the Week: May 5 - 11 |
| American League |
| Kevin Youkilis |
 | Team: Boston Red Sox |
| Pos: 1B |
| Stats: Led the AL with five home runs and tied the lead for RBI with 10. He hit .375 with a .938 SP, three doubles, eight runs and 30 total bases. |
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| National League |
| Lance Berkman |
 | Team: Houston Astros |
| Pos: 1B |
| Stats: Led the majors with a .682 average, 15 hits, 10 runs scored, a 1.136 slugging percentage and a .741 on-base percentage. |
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Alphabetical Listing
Position Listing
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Fantasy Updates
 Mets call up Vargas as No. 5 SP
Claudio Vargas, SP NYM
News: The Mets made a flurry of moves Tuesday. Pitchers Matt Wise and Claudio Vargas were added to the Mets roster, while hurlers Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa were designated for assignment. Wise was activated from the DL and Vargas was added to the 40-man roster. Club officials said Vargas will start Wednesday's game against the Nationals. Adam Bostick had been an option for that spot start, but now Vargas becomes the Mets' No. 5 starter until Pedro Martinez (hamstring) can return in June. The club also put Angel Pagan on the 15-day DL and recalled infielder Fernando Tatis from the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs.
Analysis: Vargas tossed seven shutout innings last time out in Triple-A and is a sleeper for all deeper leagues. Any potentially consistent innings eater for the Mets can be a winner in Fantasy, so take the flier on Vargas now.
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Gagne already back as closer
Eric Gagne, RP MIL
News: Eric Gagne is back -- apparently for good. After a one-day break from his role as the Brewers' closer, Gagne pitched a scoreless ninth inning to save a 5-3 victory Tuesday against the Dodgers. Gagne's outing wasn't without some drama. The struggling reliever allowed a single and a walk before getting Juan Pierre to hit into a pop fly and earn his 10th save. "It feels good," Gagne said. Manager Ned Yost admits he's taking a gamble by giving Gagne his job back so soon after blowing five saves a little more than a month into the season. But Yost said taking a by-committee approach to closing can disrupt a bullpen, and he ultimately had to trust his player. "Sure, I could not pitch him so that nobody thinks that I'm stupid for pitching him," Yost said. "But I've never done that. I believe and I trust in my guys, and Eric Gagne's my closer."
Analysis: Milwaukee's closer situation had been up in the air since Saturday, when Gagne said after he didn't deserve to pitch in the ninth anymore. Gagne said before Monday's game that he wanted another shot at closing, but Yost used him in the seventh and eighth innings Monday. Given a chance to close Tuesday, Gagne allowed a leadoff single to Russell Martin before getting Blake DeWitt to hit into a fielder's choice and Mark Sweeney to fly out. DeWitt advanced to second on a passed ball, and Gagne walked Andruw Jones before getting Pierre to pop out. Yost said Gagne made a "simple adjustment," although he wouldn't provide specifics. "I just think that he just needed a day to get away from closing, and that day was yesterday," Yost said. Well, Gagne is back as closer, but don't trust him outside of a No. 2 Fantasy RP until he really proves himself.
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 Willis sticking around Triple-A
Dontrelle Willis, SP DET
News: MLB.com reports injured Tigers SP Dontrelle Willis (knee) will stay with Triple-A Toledo instead of returning to Detroit in-between rehab starts. Willis is expected to make his third rehab start Saturday. Willis resumed his rehab regimen Monday as he pitched for the Mud Hens. He allowed five runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings against Charlotte. Three of the runs and four hits came in the sixth and final inning for Willis after the hurler gave up back-to-back solo homers in the second. "(Mud Hens manager) Larry Parrish (and other club officials) were actually pretty pleased," manager Jim Leyland said. "He really pitched well until the sixth. (He) ran out of gas a little bit."
Analysis: Willis, acquired in the offseason from Florida, has made just two starts for the Tigers because of a hyperextended right knee he suffered when he slipped off of the mound April 11 against the White Sox. He made his first rehab start with Toledo May 2, but was brought back from rehab after he had aggravated his knee injury. He didn't suffer any setbacks Monday and could be ready to rejoin the Tigers rotation as early as Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25). Keep an eye on his status over the weekend before setting lineups. Willis has struggled with Detroit and didn't have a very good 2007 with the Marlins, either. But he is still a talented youngster and worth owning in most Fantasy formats when healthy.
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Wigginton sits with ribcage injury
Ty Wigginton, 3B HOU
News: Astros 3B Ty Wigginton was held out of the lineup Tuesday at San Francisco after getting hit in the left ribcage area Monday. He had X-rays and could need a couple of days off, manager Cecil Cooper said.
Analysis: Wigginton is hitting only .226 with one home run through 53 at-bats. Expect him to finish near 20 home runs if he can ever get his stroke going, making him a low-end Fantasy third baseman. Reserve him for now in daily leagues, though.
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 Drew leaves after spraining wrist
J.D. Drew, RF BOS
News: Red Sox OF J.D. Drew sprained his left wrist diving for a third-inning liner in right field Tuesday at Baltimore. He had to leave the game, finishing 0-for-2 to end his hitting streak at seven games.
Analysis: Drew is known for his injuries, and this latest one might not go away so easily. Wrists play a huge role in hitting, obviously, so unless this sprain is minor, Drew faces the distinct possibility of going on the disabled list. Fortunately, he hasn't done much to help Fantasy owners this season, hitting only three home runs. Keep an eye on his progress.
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Doumit likely headed for DL
Ryan Doumit, C PIT
News: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit left Tuesday night's game after one inning, not long after injuring his left thumb while muffing a high strike for a passed ball. Ronny Paulino pinch-hit for Doumit, who had been in the cleanup slot against the Cardinals, and flied out to start the second. Manager John Russell said after the game that Doumit has a small fracture near the tip of his thumb. The manager said Doumit would return to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to be examined, and likely would be sidelined from 10 days to three weeks depending on the severity of the break.
Analysis: Doumit had two hits, including his eighth double, one run and one walk in three at-bats during Game 1 of a doubleheader Monday against the Braves. Doumit extended his hitting streak to four games. He is 6-for-16 (.375) with three RBI in that span. It's unfortunate an injury comes when he has been hot at the plate. Doumit increased his batting average to .350 Monday and is having a fine start to the 2008 season. He is seeing most of the starts behind the plate in Pittsburgh, but is losing some time to Paulino. However, Doumit's numbers are still Fantasy worthy enough to use him as a No. 1 catcher when healthy. He is likely headed for the DL and will be out a couple of weeks. Tough break (pardon the pun).
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Blalock ready to play Friday?
Hank Blalock, 3B TEX
News: MLB.com reports that injured Rangers 3B Hank Blalock (hamstring) ran the bases at full speed and took infield practice before Tuesday's game against the Mariners. He said afterward that his leg is 100 percent. "My mind feels good about it, too," Blalock said. "Three days ago my mind was still thinking about me coming back, but now I know I'm completely healed because my mind has let it go." The plan is for Blalock to play two games for Double-A Frisco starting Wednesday and have him ready for activation off the 15-day DL as early as Friday against the Astros. "We're going to work him again (Wednesday) and take him through some strenuous stuff, and if he gets through that, we'll get him out of here," manager Ron Washington said. "Let's see how it goes. With a hamstring, you can do it fine under controlled conditions."
Analysis: Washington said Blalock will not play all four games scheduled against the Twins at the Metrodome (turf) next week, if activated in time. The fact that Washington is already talking about Blalock playing in games during Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25) is a great sign the slugger is on the verge of returning. Continue to track his progress leading up to the next scoring period. Blalock last played in a game April 25. He was hitting .299 with three homers and seven RBI before going on the shelf. He has been hit by the injury bug the last few seasons, but looked locked in at the plate before going on the DL. He is a big-time injury-risk sleeper in Fantasy when healthy. Now might be the time to start adding him in Fantasy leagues (owned 39 percent).
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A-Rod eyes return next Tuesday
Alex Rodriguez, 3B NYY
News: MLB.com reports that Alex Rodriguez (quadriceps) told reporters on Tuesday that he is planning to rejoin the Yankees' lineup next week during a three-game series against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. "We're aiming for Tuesday at home," Rodriguez said. "You've got to be smart, so it's a good way to go."
Analysis: Rodriguez was recently ruled out of the three-game series against the Mets over the weekend despite the fact he's eligible to come off the disabled list on Thursday. Rodriguez will not travel with the team when it returns to New York after Thursday's series finale with the Rays at Tropicana Field. The Yankees' main concern is the first aggressive burst Rodriguez would make after jumping out of the batter's box at game speed, which was how he re-aggravated the injury against the Orioles. At this time, it sounds like A-Rod may be able to be activated for Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25).
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Dodgers place Furcal on 15-day DL
Rafael Furcal, SS LA
News: The Dodgers placed Rafael Furcal on the 15-day DL after they realized his back injury is worse than originally thought. He is eligible to return May 21, but might not be ready by then, according to MLB.com. The team's official site expects Luis Maza to be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is hitting .402, third in the Pacific Coast League. Chin-lung Hu is expected to start in Furcal's absence.
Analysis: Furcal was off to a great start in a contract year, but the 30-year-old's best years appear to be behind him -- especially when you consider his speed and slap-hitting skill set. Consider him a stashee in any league with reserves and DL spots. He should return before June, but with back injuries, you never know.
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Gallardo has successful knee surgery
Yovani Gallardo, SP MIL
News: Brewers SP Yovani Gallardo had surgery Tuesday morning to repair the ACL he tore in his right knee May 1. Assistant general manager Gord Ash said the results were "outstanding" and Gallardo would begin rehabilitation Wednesday.
Analysis: The 22-year-old right-hander was expected to play a prominent role as the No. 2 starter behind Ben Sheets after he went 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA following his midseason callup last year. But Gallardo, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee just before spring training, made three starts before being injured while trying to hurdle a baserunner against the Chicago Cubs on May 1. Gallardo was on the ground for a few minutes, but managed to walk it off and keep pitching, completing the fifth inning and another. In his three starts, he didn't have a decision with a 1.80 ERA in 20 innings. It's unlikely Gallardo will be back in 2008, so unless you have ample DL spots, cut him in seasonal leagues. But he still has great value in long-term keeper formats.
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Injury forces Paulino to step up
Ronny Paulino, C PIT
News: Ronny Paulino was ready when Pittsburgh catcher Ryan Doumit broke his left thumb. It helped that the Pirates were facing the St. Louis Cardinals. Paulino singled in the go-ahead run in a four-run 10th inning for his second crucial hit in an 8-4 victory over the Cardinals on Tuesday night. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities," manager John Russell said. "He came up big for us tonight." Doumit was injured in the first inning and Paulino entered in the second. He went 2-for-5 and drove in two runs to improve his career numbers against the Cardinals to a .316 batting average with 17 RBI.
Analysis: Doumit was injured on a passed ball in the first, and Russell said he has a small fracture near the tip of his thumb. The manager said Doumit would return to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to be examined, and likely would be sidelined from 10 days to three weeks depending on the severity of the break. That means Paulino, who is hitting .224 will likely see the majority of starts behind the plate while Doumit is out. Paulino is primarily a NL-only Fantasy option at this time.
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Danks suffers tough-luck draw
John Danks, SP CHW
News: White Sox SP John Danks had a hard-luck no-decision during Tuesday's game against the Angels. Pitching against the Angels for the first time in his career, he scattered seven hits and two walks over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. He struck out five and never retired the side in order. Danks departed with one out and the bases loaded in the seventh after walking Gary Matthews Jr. with his 99th and final pitch. Octavio Dotel struck out Erick Aybar and Vladimir Guerrero to escape the jam. Danks was matched Tuesday by Jered Weaver, who also took a no decision despite allowing one hit in seven scoreless innings.
Analysis: Danks pitched well enough to win a second consecutive start, but he was involved in a great pitcher's duel Tuesday. Danks has allowed two earned runs over his last 11 1/3 innings and has not allowed more than two earned runs in his last six starts. He is looking every bit the top prospect we heard about coming through the Rangers' system before his move to Chicago. Danks is quietly emerging as a decent Fantasy SP in mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is for Sunday at San Francisco.
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K-Rod shuts door on Chicago, again
Francisco Rodriguez, RP ANA
News: Angels RP Francisco Rodriguez allowed a one-out double to Carlos Quentin in the ninth inning Tuesday against the White Sox, but retired the next two hitters on four pitches for his league-leading 16th save in a 2-0 win. Rodriguez struck out Jermaine Dye to end the game as he chased a curveball in the dirt. Rodriguez has two saves in as many days.
Analysis: Rodriguez almost had a 1-2-3 inning Tuesday as Torii Hunter nearly made a highlight reel grab of Quentin's double off the wall. It didn't happen but K-Rod didn't panic. He went back to work and retired Jim Thome and Dye with ease. K-Rod has not allowed an earned run in his last 10 outings spanning nine innings. He is back to being the lockdown closer we have come to know over the years and has put behind him an early season struggles. Start to the free-agent-to-be in all Fantasy formats.
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Cain homers in impressive victory
Matt Cain, SP SF
News: Giants SP Matt Cain provided his own insurance in going eight strong innings for the win Tuesday against the Astros. He hit a solo home run -- his second this season -- and earned his first victory in three starts. He allowed two runs on seven hits and four walks, striking out five.
Analysis: Cain allowed five runs on nine hits in his last start at Pittsburgh and has been generally inconsistent this season. Hopefully, this start will help get him in line because he has the upside to serve as a No. 2 Fantasy SP when going well. His next start -- and second of Fantasy Week 7 -- is scheduled for Sunday against the White Sox.
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Weaver one-hits the White Sox
Jered Weaver, SP ANA
News: Jered Weaver and two relievers combined to pitch a three-hitter and Mike Napoli hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth, leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. A.J. Pierzynski's leadoff single in the fifth was the only hit off Weaver, who pitched seven innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked one, coming out of the game after 109 pitches. He took a no decision as John Danks matched him for 6 1/3 scoreless innings.
Analysis: Weaver was 1-4 with a 7.02 ERA in his previous six starts after pitching seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball in a 2-1 win over Texas on April 5. He looked locked in Tuesday as his slider was fooling hitters and his curveball was dropping out of the sky. This is the type of potential we all know Weaver possesses. It's kind of ironic that he has one of his best outings on the eve of John Lackey (shoulder) making his season debut. Perhaps the pressure is now off Weaver to act like an ace. He still remains a high-end Fantasy SP. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Dodgers. He was 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in two starts against L.A. last season.
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O'Day optioned back to minors
Darren O'Day, RP ANA
News: The Angels activated INF Maicer Izturis (back) from the disabled list Tuesday and optioned RP Darren O'Day to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Analysis: O'Day pitched his way onto the Angels roster after an impressive spring training. He wasn't that bad with L.A., posting a 3.43 ERA, but it was a numbers crunch and he is back in the minors since he has options. When active, he is nothing more than an AL-only Fantasy middle reliever.
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