In some recent news coming out of Japan, it seems the Boston Red Sox are seriously pursuing amateur free agent Junichi Tazawa, currently pitching in the Japanese Industrial Leagues. Also rumoured to be interested are the Mets, Braves and, of course, most NPB teams. The 22-year-old righthander is enjoying a solid year for Eneos Oil and is most worthy of the attention. In 54 IP, Tazawa has allowed 46 hits, a scant four — yes four – free passes and has struck out 56 with an ERA of 1.00.
A probable early round choice heading into this year’s NPB draft, Tazawa throws a low 90s fastball, a curve and a shuuto, which is a pitch common to NPB hurlers that breaks down and in to right-handers when thrown by a righty (it’s essentially a reverse slider). It looks like the Red Sox are being very serious in their efforts to both scout and recruit from the Asian market and it is going to be very interesting to see the reaction from the NPB should Boston or any other MLB team sign Tazawa prior to the draft.
This is definitely a name and a situation that merits monitoring over the next several months.
Derek Jeter helped the Yankees snap a two-game losing skid with a huge game Monday, going 2-for-3 with three walks, three runs and his first two RBI since August 20. He is still without an extra-base hit since August 20, but after batting .345 in August and getting off to such a fine start in September, his owners have to be pleased with recent developments. Overall, as we’ve discussed, it’s been a tough year on Jeter owners. He’s headed for his lowest hits total since 2003, when injuries cost him 43 games. Worse still, his power numbers have completely evaporated and so have his steals. — RR
Mariano Rivera, meanwhile, hasn’t appeared in a game since he saved Friday’s win over the Jays. He was worked pretty hard in August, so a few days off might not be such a bad idea. Having him fresh for the Tampa Bay series will be important – especially considering how effective he’s been against the Rays in recent years. Between 2005 and 2007, Mo recorded a 1.35 ERA against Tampa Bay, giving up just 16 hits and six walks in 26 2/3 IP, while fanning 37. This year, he’s been even more effective, going 4-for-4 in save chances while putting up a 1.23 ERA and surrendering just four hits and one walk against 11 strikeouts in 7 1/3 IP. That’ll do. — RR
Monday night marked the return of Adam Jones and he responded in fine fashion, hitting one deep for the Orioles. For those of you who might be remiss, Jones was on his way to a great start to the second half before the broken bone in his foot derailed him at the beginning of August. I really like the potential heading into 2009 for this 23-year-old and, in keeper formats, would find a home for him right smartly. — TM
Other than the purveyors of Asian talent (that would be me, and RotoRob, although he tends to focus more on lovely Asian ladies), and the few Indian fans still admitting it, has anyone noticed the numbers currently being produced by Shin-Soo Choo? Choo has been on fire and is doing everything in his power to convince the Indians that he should be penciled in every day heading into ‘09. In his past five games, he’s smacked three homers, produced seven RBI and is hitting to the tune of a .579 BA. This would be one case where I think you have to agree with Mary Murphy and get on the train, the Choo Choo train, before it leaves the station. — TM
The stars must have been aligned just about perfectly Monday as we got to witness not one, but two players hitting for the cycle. Stephen Drew and Adrian Beltre both accomplished this feat, the first time two players did it on the same day since September 17, 1920 when George Burns (I wonder if Gracie was in attendance) and Bobby Veach each turned the trick. Beltre also managed to chip in with five runs scored, and looks to be heading for a strong finish for the Mariners. — TM
For a player that most had written off heading into ‘08, Carlos Delgado has had a truly outstanding season. Monday, he mashed his 31st long ball in leading the Mets to a come-from-behind victory over the Brew Crew. Having already surpassed both his home run and RBI totals from 2007, isn’t it just about time to give the big guy some justifiable recognition as an NL MVP candidate? The return to form for Delgado has certainly been a big factor in the Mets holding off the Phillies for first in the NL East thus far. — TM
My apologizes to all for both the lateness and abbreviated version of The Wire Troll this week. An extended road trip to Toronto got in the way this week, and five days without Internet makes for some serious catching up. Without further ado let’s take a look at some potential wire acquisitions for this week.
Blake DeWitt, Los Angeles Dodgers, 3B: The Dodgers are still waiting for the MRI results on Jeff Kent’s left knee, but it isn’t looking good. DeWitt is likely to be the benefactor here and the Dodgers are certainly going to give him a good look at second base over the balance of 2008. He managed four homers, 18 RBI, and a fine .306 BA in 111 at bats at Triple-A Las Vegas while working on the conversion from third to second base. DeWitt is a solid acquisition in NL-only and deep leagues that use corner and middle infielders.
Matt Lindstrom, Florida, RP: The newest spin the wheel on the closer candidate is Lindstrom of the Marlins. Kevin Gregg has hit the shelve for at least the next week with a knee problem, and it would appear that Lindstrom is the front runner for saves. He has been slated as the closer of the future for a couple years so this should give the Fish an opportunity to take a good look at him down the stretch. He’s walked 23 in only 47 IP this season — not a good sign — but he does appear to have the job. If your fantasy squad is needing a push in the saves category, he is worth the gamble.
Joaquin Arias, Texas, 2B: Doesn’t it seem like over the past month or so, every week brings us a new middle-infield prospect with speed potential? This week’s candidate is Arias. He enjoyed a fine season at Triple-A Oklahoma with 23 thefts. Arias is batting .325 since his promotion and has stolen three bases in replacing the injured Ian Kinsler, making him a solid option down the stretch if your fantasy squad needs a push in the speed department.
Brandon Wood, Los Angeles Angels, SS/3B: Isn’t it hard to believe that Wood is still only 23? He strikes out too much and has, so far, been over matched when given the opportunity, but we still have those 31 homers and 84 RBI at Triple-A Salt Lake to remind us of that enormous potential. With both Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick nursing sore hamstrings right now it looks like Wood (at least over the next couple of weeks) will get playing time opportunities. The potential is there, so roster him in both keeper and AL-only formats.
Kila Ka’aihue, Kansas City, 1B: Since being promoted to the Triple-A Omaha Royals, Ka’aihue has been on fire. In 105 at bats, he has amassed ten homers, 19 RBI, and a fine .305 BA. Combined at both Double and Triple-A, he has hit 36 long balls and produced 98 RBI. A September call-up is in order and, really, what is holding him back from playing time opportunities in Kansas City — Ross Gload?
Jonathon Niese, New York Mets, SP: The 22-year-old southpaw is being promoted from Triple-A New Orleans this week, and is scheduled to start Tuesday in place of the injured John Maine. Niese went 5-1 with the Zephyrs and struck out 144 over 164 IP at two levels this year. The Mets will definitely be able to supply him with the offensive support, so if you’re looking at an opportunity to garner some potential wins down the stretch, he is worth a flier in both keeper and NL-only leagues.
Tim Wakefield, Boston, SP: Wakefield is scheduled to come off the DL this coming Tuesday, starting in place of the injured Josh Beckett. For those playing in H2H formats, Wakefield is a potential two-start pitcher heading into this week. Sidelined since early August with tightness behind his shoulder, he is currently sporting a very solid 3.67 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The Sox are in tight in both the division and wild card races, and that should provide opportunities for Wakefield to win down the stretch. He’s currently owned by only 37 per cent of all teams playing in CBS leagues, so get that 65 mph floater active in AL-only, H2H, and deeper keeper formats for this coming week.
Jim Johnson, Baltimore, RP: The injury to George Sherrill has created the opportunity for the 25-year-old Jim Johnson to be annointed the new closer for the Orioles. Johnson is enjoying a very fine 2008 season, sporting a sweet 2.33 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He has also yet to yield a big fly, a major reason for his success. If one is looking for potential cheap saves heading down the stretch, Johnson is a solid addition in all formats.
Ronnie Belliard, Washington, 1B/2B/3B: The former Cardinal is currently in the midst of a very, very hot streak. In his past ten games, how does a 19-for-38 line work for you? He’s also managed to hit one long ball and produce seven RBI. This is another situation where going with the hot hand could pay dividends. Belliard is eligible to be slotted in all the infield positions excepting shortstop, making him a solid acquisition in NL-only and deeper mixed formats that require both middle and corner infield slots.
Ryan Garko, Cleveland, 1B: In his past ten games, Garko has put together a very nifty .342 BA, with two homers and 11 RBI. He is currently owned in a scant 38 per cent of CBS leagues so he’s most certainly available. He’s out there and he’s hot; what more could one be looking for heading into those last several weeks of the season? Grab him in all formats and ride the streak.
Manny Burriss, San Francisco, 2B/SS: Burriss is another of those no power, all speed middle infielders that is probably currently sitting on your league waiver wire. In 27 at bats since August 13, he is batting .370 with three stolen bases. If your fantasy squad is in the market for a push in the stolen base category, Burriss is worth a flier.
Jose Bautista, Toronto, 3B/OF: What a difference a week or so can make. Bautista went from riding the pine in Pittsburgh, to being demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis, to finally being the leading home run hitter on his new team, the Jays. Bautista has never been a threat to claim a batting title, but has demonstrated he can hit the long ball, with 31 homers over the past two seasons. The 27-year-old is currently in the midst of an 0-for-August slump, but Manager Cito Gaston has indicated that he is going to see some significant playing time down the stretch, making him a worthwhile addition in AL-only leagues.
Barry Zito, San Francisco, SP: I hate this one already and I haven’t even started discussing the many pros and cons regarding Zito. In his past two starts, both of which resulted in victories, he has pitched rather well. Treat this one with kid gloves, but if you need aggravation and the potential for wins and… (well, let’s leave it at wins), Zito is at least worth a look in very deep and NL-only formats. If the phrase, “desperate times require desperate measures” relates to your current fantasy pitching rotation, Zito is certainly an option.
Dana Eveland, Oakland, SP: Eveland, who was just recently demoted to Triple-A Sacramento, was recalled by Oakland August 21. In his first game since the recall, he went seven strong innings Saturday, and even though it was against the anemic Mariner offense, he held them to just one run over seven innings in picking up the victory. The 24-year-old southpaw allowed only five hits, striking out seven with only one free pass. The injuries to both Sean Gallagher and Justin Duchscherer should guarantee playing time down the stretch for Eveland, making home a solid acquisition in all deep keeper formats and AL-only leagues.
Carl Pavano, New York Yankees, SP: Whew. After being activated off the three-year DL, Pavano actually made it through five innings Saturday and is at least rumoured to be still healthy and capable of starting next week. Added to this amazing accomplishment, he actually got the win and other than an ugly second inning where he allowed three hits and a walk, which contributed to all three runs scored against him, he actually didn’t look all that bad. The Yankees will certainly supply the offense necessary to generate wins, so rolling the dice in AL-only leagues would be a legitimate option.
Chris Lambert, Detroit, SP: Lambert, acquired from the Cardinals last August for Mike Maroth, will make his major league debut for the Tigers this coming Tuesday. Lambert has enjoyed a very solid 2008 for the Triple-A Mud Hens — a 12-8 record, with a 3.50 ERA, and 124 strikeouts in 149.1 IP certainly makes him a decent option for AL-only leagues.
Chris Ray, Baltimore, RP: Okay he’s probably not going to see any action this year, but he is the Orioles closer of both the past and the future. The Orioles have repeatedly said they have no interest in rushing Ray back into the Baltimore lineup, and are working towards a healthy return for Spring Training next year. For those of us in deeper dynasty keeper formats that are now planning ahead to 2009, it would be getting to the time to add him to your roster.
Luis Ayala, New York Mets, RP: Since the injury to Billy Wagner, the Met bullpen has been a mess. Aaron Heilman, given the first opportunity, has certainly not stepped up his game with any level of consistency. The Mets, looking to bolster their bullpen, acquired Ayala from the Nationals for the PTBNL (player to be named later) this past week. Ayala does have some history as way, way back in 2003 he managed five saves in a great season for the Montreal Expos. He has now pitched three scoreless innings for the Mets and picked up his first save this past Friday. When Manager Jerry Manuel comments “if the opportunity comes up, I wouldn’t hesitate to go with him again,” that should be a good indicator that future save opportunities are going to be there. If he’s still out there in your league, get him rostered quick.
Zach Miner, Detroit, SP/RP: Since July 21 when he was inserted into the rotation, Miner has been on a roll. The 26-year-old righthander has allowed one earned run or less in four of his five starts and managed to garner three wins in the process. The key to this recent success has been his improved control with just five walks issued over these five games. Miner should be owned in all AL-only formats and on the radar in deeper mixed formats.
Chris Dickerson, Cincinnati. OF: The trade of Adam Dunn to the Diamondbacks has opened a window of opportunity for Dickerson. The 26-year-old accumulated 11 homers, 53 RBI and 26 stolen bases with the Triple-A Louisville Bats prior to his promotion. He also managed the whopping total of 102 strikeouts at Louisville, so it would appear that strike zone judgment might not be his forte (of course, doesn’t that just make him the perfect candidate to replace Dunn, he of the prodigious K totals?). Just what the Reds needed, two potential Corey Pattersons in the same outfield. The opportunites for playing time will be there in Cincinnati over the last six weeks of the season. If you can live with his potential low batting average, and are in need of stolen bases, Dickerson could contribute in that category for your fantasy squad.
Jed Lowrie, Boston, SS/3B: Is Julio Lugo going to be on the bench when he does eventually return from that strained quadriceps injury he suffered back in July? Lowrie is certainly doing everything he can to see this is a very real possibility, something RotoRob pointed out earlier this week. Since the beginning of August, he is batting a very robust .353 and has contributed 18 RBI. Lowrie is another of those no power, no speed middle-infield types, but the strong average and RBI opportunities in a powerful Boston lineup make him a solid play in AL-only leagues and deeper formats that require middle and corner infield slots.
Omar Infante, Atlanta, 2B/SS/3B/OF: Infante falls into the category of super-sub, as he qualifies all over the place. Playing on an Atlanta team that has had more than its fair share of injuries, Infante is certainly taking advantage of his opportunities. Infante is yet another no power, no speed middle infielder that, when he’s going right — which he currently is — gives you batting average and some RBI potential. In his past ten games, Infante is batting a solid .309, with eight RBI and eight runs scored. He’s a solid acquisition in NL-only leagues and deeper mixed formats that use corner and middle infield slots.
Ryan Feierabend, Seattle, SP: Feierabend is looking at a promotion from Triple-A Tacoma and is scheduled to pitch Sunday. The 22-year-old southpaw has put together a fine season at Tacoma with a 7-1 record and a great 2.04 ERA in 75 IP. He has limited the opposition to only 15 walks and a meagre .232 BA thus far in 2008. The Mariners are going to be looking ahead to 2009, and with the failure of R.A. Dickey, they should give be giving Feierabend a decent audition. He’s a solid acquisition in AL-only formats and deep keeper formats.
Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland, OF: Every time I see the name Shin-Soo Choo, it brings me back to that unbelievable 2004 season at Double-A San Antonio. Choo managed 15 homers, 84 RBI, and 40 — yes, 40 – stolen bases as a 21-year-old at Double-A. Injuries over the past three seasons have certainly taken their toll, but it seems that now that he is finally healthy, he’s starting to demonstrate the skills that had most of us fantasy players salivating in days gone by. Since the beginning of August, Choo is batting a solid .306, with six RBI and ten runs scored. He should garner plenty of playing time down the stretch and is a solid acquisition in AL-only leagues, and should be on the radar in mixed formats.
Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels, 2B/SS: The injury to Maicer Izturis (a torn ligament in his left thumb that will leave him sidelined over the balance of the year) has the Halos are turning to the 24-year-old Aybar to fill in at shortstop over the remainder of 2008. Aybar is not a bad option for the Angels, as he is currently sporting a fine .306 BA, three homers, 30 RBI, and six stolen bases. That catch falling backwards into the outfield Saturday afternoon that robbed the Indians of a scoring opportunity was very impressive. Aybar is a solid addition in AL-only leagues, and deeper formats requiring middle and corner infielders.
Jesse Litsch, Toronto, SP: Why did he get sent down to Triple-A in the first place? Litsch was 8-7 with a 4.46 ERA at the time of his demotion to Syracuse on July 24. This is just another in a series of befuddling moves made by J.P. Ricciardi and Company in 2008. In his first start since being recalled August 12, Litsch pitched seven innings of four-hit ball against the Tigers. He is an innings eater type that fits in very nicely as a fourth or fifth starter and should be owned in AL-only formats and on the radar in deep mixed formats.
Adam LaRoche, Pittsburgh, 1B: LaRoche has just this past week returned to the Pirate lineup and if one is looking for a late-season power boost, he could be a solid acquisition. He has accumulated 15 homers and 52 RBI thus far and is currently rostered in only 48 per cent of CBS leagues. LaRoche makes a solid acquisition in all formats at this time.
Grant Balfour/Dan Wheeler, Tampa Bay, RP: In what would have to be termed a shocking development, Troy Percival has found his way back to the DL with more knee woes, so it’s back to the closer-by-committee strategy for the Rays. The last time Percival was on the DL, the saves were split fairly evenly, so moving forward I’d give the slight edge right now to Balfour and that high heat. The Rays are in tight in that battle in the AL East and are playing very solid baseball so the opportunities will be there. Roll the dice and grab one or both and hope for the best if saves are a need down the stretch.
Jesus Flores, Washington, C: Now here is a guy that simply is getting no respect. Flores is currently ranked seventh among all major league catchers with 52 RBI, and is owned by only 28 per cent of all teams playing in CBS Leagues. Why? The 23-year-old currently is sporting a .268 BA and has eight homers, to boot. It has to be the fact that he plays for the under-the-radar Nats that is contributing to the relative lack of respect. Grab him quick in all NL-only leagues and two catcher formats before the rest of your league figures this one out.
Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees, OF: Matsui is currently on the rehab tour down in Tampa and is rumoured to be coming off the DL this coming week. Prior to the knee woes, he was hitting to the tune of a .323 BA, with seven homers and 34 RBI. I don’t expect him to resume playing in the outfield any time soon, but will probably be in the lineup facing righthanded pitching as a DH for now. That knee is very fragile, so one should be a bit conservative in the expectations, but if homers and RBI are needs on your fantasy squad, Godzilla has the potential to provide relief in those categories heading into September.
Brett Gardner, New York Yankees, OF: The Yankees finally tired of Melky Cabrera and that .242 BA and shipped him off to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The benefactor in this move is Gardner, who was recalled to patrol centrefield for the Yankees. The Yankees have stated that Gardner was recalled with the intent of playing full-time and Saturday he took immediate advantage, going 3-for-5, driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 13th. There is little doubt that he can run, with 37 thefts at Triple-A in 2008, so for those in need of stolen bases late in the season, Gardner is a solid option.
