I'll be taking a brief blog vacation, and I'm scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 1. Please don't miss me too much.
FRIDAY
First pitch: The Indians and Cubs start today's interleague slate at 2:20 p.m. ET. Here's the full schedule.
Pitcher to start: It''ll be a sad day when people finally realize how good Ubaldo Jimenez is, and pick him up in enough leagues so that I can't select him here anymore. He had another strong start yesterday, and raised our record to 42-44.
Tonight, we'll take Nats' rookie Jordan Zimmermann (3.2 percent owned) against the Jays.
SATURDAY
First pitch: The Indians and Cubs lead things off again, this time at 1:05.
Pitcher to start: At 44.2 percent owned, I guess Scott Baker still qualifies, so I'll take him against the Astros. To make sure there's a pitcher you can definitely get, we'll add Colorado's Jason Hammel (1.1 percent owned), who takes the mound against the Pirates. Hammel has allowed two runs or less in each of his last three starts.
SUNDAY
First pitch: The Brewers and Tigers begin the interleague day at 1:05.
Pitcher to start: M-E-T-S, Mets, Mets, Mets! Let's go with Mike Pelfrey (22.4 percent owned) against the Rays.
By the way, did you know that the Rays have scored the most runs in the majors, and have the best run differential in the American League? Don't let anyone tell you they played over their heads last year - they're going to make a lot of noise in the second half.
On to the news:
- Phillies OF/steroid non-user/blog hater Raul Ibanez is on the DL with a strained groin. Ibanez was scheduled for an MRI last night, and we should know today if the injury is expected to require more than the standard 15-day recovery period.
- D'backs SP Brandon Webb was supposed to throw a bullpen session yesterday. Instead, he canceled it and returned the Phoenix with shoulder discomfort. If you own Webb and he's taking up roster space that might be better used on a productive player, you can seriously consider cutting him. He might come back this season, but I wouldn't count on it.
- Tigers manager Jim Leyland says he's benching OF Magglio Ordonez "indefinitely" to help him get over his hitting troubles. Who wants to bet that "indefinitely" ends next Tuesday?
- In other Tigers' news, SP Dontrelle Willis is back on the DL due to social anxiety disorder. Willis was quoted by the Detroit Free Press as saying his problems feel "mechanical." With that pitching motion? No way!
- Hardthrowing Alfredo Figaro has been called up from Double A to replace Willis in the rotation, and he should only be considered as a flier in AL-only leagues.
- Here's how the Blue Jays handled the save thing in their first day without Scott Downs: Jason Frasor entered the game with two outs in the eighth, and gave up a single that tied the game. He then got out of the inning when a runner was caught stealing. B.J. Ryan started the ninth with a one-run lead, and walked Chase Utley before whiffing Ryan Howard. Jeremy Accardo then came on to close things out. Since Frasor was removed for a pinch hitter, we can take all this to mean ... absolutely nothing.
- D'backs CF Chris Young left last night's game with a groin injury, but it doesn't seem too serious. We should know more today.
- Mariners 2B Jose Lopez has been placed on the bereavement list, as he has returned to Venezuela to be with a sick family member. Manager Don Wakamatsu said he doesn't expect Lopez to be back for "at least five days," so plan accordingly.
- After a five-and-a-half hour rain delay, the Yankees decided that Derek Jeter and his stiff ankle should stay on the bench yesterday. Expect him to return tonight.
- In other Yankee news, woozy OF Brett Gardner is day-to-day after crashing into the wall while making a nice catch.
- A dehydrated Joel Pineiro was carried off the field last night, but he'll be fine ... except for the embarrassment of having to be carried off the field.
- Daisuke Matsuzaka might be pitching for his rotation slot tonight.
- This was a save for Huston Street? An inning with two runs on three hits? What an awesome rule.
- One person around the Reds thinks 1B Joey Votto might return during the Tuesday-Thursday series against the Blue Jays.
- Even though it was rain-shortened, Ricky Nolasco had another solid start yesterday. He's still only 42.5 percent owned. Your time is running out, people!
- Finally, watch out for Grady Sizemore news this weekend, as he's expected to hit and throw while the Indians are at Wrigley. If all goes well, he could be back in a week or so.
See you in 10 days or so.
What is with all of these ball players having social anxiety disorder? I for one miss the good OL' days when players just came out and said that they were drinking too much. Ball players are using these disorders to cover up for drug and alcohol problems.
RoyOswaltRules04:11 PM EST