Fantasy Notes: The Two Towers
To say Josh Towers has been rancid seems kind. (Mop-Up Duty)
Today we look at some recent Fantasy developments for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Let us count the ways in which Josh Towers pitched himself out of the Jays’ rotation this year. Could it be stuff that would allow a Little Leaguer to light him up (86 hits allowed in 54 1/3 IP, .355 BAA)? How about the gopheritis (16 homers surrendered)? Or maybe the 15 walks against just 29 Ks? Anyway you slice it, Towers’ ERA — appropriately 9.11 — could only mean one thing: call for help! Since being sent down to Triple-A at the end of June, Towers has been much better, recording a solid 3.69 ERA with tremendous command (35 K/four BB). However, he’s still way too hittable (.294 BAA). This is the fine line Towers walks. If he’s off just a hair with his control, as he was in the majors this year, big league hitters will punish him. He is simply unable to compensate for any lack of command. At any rate, he’s proving in Triple-A that he may still factor into the Jays’ plans at some point this season. Just pray that if he returns, that of the two Towers, the one with great command shows up, or else it will be another disaster.
- Alex Rios, who’s been out over a month now because of a staph infection, is expected back in the Jays’ lineup on Friday. He was supposed to get in another rehab game last night, but Triple-A Syracuse was rained out. Of his three rehab games to date, he’s DHed twice and none of the appearances has been longer than five innings, so there is some question about how game-ready he is. Wait to see how Rios does over the next couple of games before activating him, and pray that this period of inactivity doesn’t sabotage what has been a wonderful breakout year. Memo to Jays’ cleaning staff: disinfect the locker room, please!
- Vernon Wells, after missing a couple of games earlier this week with back spasms, has gone 4-for-9 since returning, so it’s safe to get him back in your lineup. He acted as DH Wednesday, and Thursday he was back in centre field.
- Still with the Jays, Dustin McGowan may be called up and join the rotation very shortly, possibly even Saturday. Casey Janssen will be the casualty there.
- The Jays would like to beef up their rotation and have been making inquiries about Mark Redman. Redman has a winning record, but his ERA is over 5.00. He was actually the Royals’ All-Star rep, but that’s like describing a politician as the most honest of his peers. Redman was rocked by the Orioles his last time out yet won. The start before that he was brilliant against the BoSox… but lost. Such is life in K.C. Note that Redman’s ERA on turf (3.89) is well over half a run lower than his numbers on grass the past three years. Something to think about if he winds up pitching on the Rogers Centre fake grass.
