Stars on the Shelf: TheFantasyFix.com’s Week 8 DL Report

May 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Chase
Here is TheFantasyFix.com’s week eight update on notable injured players. Here you will find an update on a player’s progress as well as my spin on their expected return dates and fantasy impact upon return. The players are listed by expected return date.

The big additions here are a pair of star second basemen, Chase Utley and Ian Kinsler. While Kinsler should be back after the stint is up, Utley could be a month or more.

NEW ON THE SHELF: Chase Utley, Ian Kinsler, Ryan Vogelsong, Jaime Garcia, Alexi Ogando, Andy Pettitte

BACK IN ACTION: Jason Heyward, Andrew Bailey, Matt Garza, Michael Cuddyer, AJ Pierzynski, John Danks

PLAYER EXPECTED RETURN DATE LATEST UPDATE
Josh Reddick 5/27/2013 As of now surgery is not needed for Reddick, and as long as he feels good taking hacks could be back in less than a week. Stay tuned though. Wrist injuries are tough.
Jered Weaver 5/28/2013 The Angels’ wildman is ready to rejoin his team after a 75 pitch rehab game Wednesday. He will likely either pitch on Monday or Tuesday against the stumbling Dodgers. Expect typical Weaver here.
Kevin Youkilis 5/31/2013 Youkilis, recovering from the back injury that sidelined him, has begun playing in simulated games. He has yet to be cleared to play in extended spring training games, which is the real test. Assuming he is cleared to play in real games soon, and gets through a few in a row without aggravation in his back, he could rejoin the Yankees in a week.
Cameron Maybin 5/31/2013 Maybin has finally been cleared to play in minor league games. They will ride it out several games to make sure he doesn’t feel renewed discomfort in his wrist. If all goes well he could be back a week from today.
Andy Pettitte 6/1/2013 Pettitte hit the DL simply because he is about to be 41 years old. It isn’t serious, and it was likely made so they Yanks could call someone up while Andy rested his back. He is scheduled to come back when the initial 15 days are up.
Josh Beckett 6/2/2013 The struggling Beckett did some throwing the other day without any issues with the groin. Next step is the mound. I don’t even know if the Dodgers will make him go on a rehab assignment. That team is so messed up right now that they might as well just get him back in the mix and hope he turns his season around fast. He should be back in a week or more unless he experiences a set back.
Mark Teixeira 6/3/2013 Teixeira has finally passed the test of taking batting practice. that is a huge hurdle to pass with a wrist injury. he should be on his way to a rehab assignment early next week. The Yankees will make sure he can play consecutively with no issue, and with results of course so they’ll have him play in several games. Considering how well the Yankees are playing and Overbay as his replacement, there is no rush (fantasy owners don’t want to hear that of course). I think Mark will rejoin the Yankees on June 3rd against the Indians, so as not to enter him right into the fire of a Red Sox series.
Ian Kinsler 6/4/2013 Kinsler was placed on the DL after sitting a couple games with soreness around his ribs he felt while swinging. This doesn’t appear to be all that serious, more of a precautionary stint, and I think he’ll be back when eligible.
Austin Jackson 6/4/2013 According to Jim Leyland, Austin Jackson is feeling good and if it was up to AJax he would be back already, but Leyland said he wants him at 100%, not 85, so they aren’t rushing him. Owners shouldn’t worry, the strain was minor initially. With Miguel Cabrera hitting enough for nine guys on his own, this just seems like a “I’m in charge around here” power move by Leyland. I think AJax will be back soon.
Hanley Ramirez 6/4/2013 Ramirez has been testing out his injured hamstring by running before games. He looks to be on track to make it back in a couple of weeks. Fantasy owners are well aware they can count the amount of games he has played this year with their fingers, so other than an MVP-esque second half, Hanley was an absolute bust draft pick considering how high he is ranked each year.
Josh Johnson 6/5/2013 Johnson had a successful first rehab start with no pain, and is set to throw again Saturday (5/25), probably getting up to 5 innings or so. He will likely go one more start after that around 5/30 and then rejoin the Blue Jays at the end of the first week in June.
Colby Lewis 6/14/2013 Lewis threw abot 6-7 mph lower than his usual speed in a recent rehab start, a sign that he is not ready to return yet. The hope here is a few more rehab starts could build the strength up to get him where he needs to be. Lewis is recovering from Tommy John Surgery so this isn’t abnormal. The next start is four innings on Saturday. The optimistic timeframe now is mid-June.
David Price 6/15/2013 One of my favorite player tweeters, Price wrote “I don’t know what to do with myself” in regards to his boredom from not being able to pitch right now. Price will not be ready to come off he DL when eligible as I expected. I am holding on to that 1 month timeframe for this injury, so I’m sticking with my guns, mid-June. Hopefully when he returns, fantasy owners will see the David Price of old emerge.
Alexi Ogando 6/15/2013 Ogando is on the DL with a bicep injury. He is throwing on flat ground, but not at full speed. He needs to build that up slowly, then once he is at 100% arm speed, he can hit the mound for bullpens sessons. If those are successful he will need a couple of rehab starts, so I think three weeks should do it barring any setbacks.
Brandon Beachy 6/15/2013 Beachy is making a rehab start tonight (Friday), and is on pace to rejoin the Braves mid-June. He is still only owned in 36% of yahoo leagues (up 8% from last week). Go get him and stash him now, stop reading! Then come back and keep reading please.
Giancarlo Stanton 6/15/2013 Stanton has started participating in batting practice, so its a step in the right direction but he is still a few weeks away. Owners obviously hope the injuries will be behind him when he returns, and hope he does some mashing for Miami.
Adam Eaton 6/21/2013 Eaton has had the pump the brakes once again. More soreness in his elbow has him shut down for at least 2 weeks. As long as an MRI doesn’t show ligament damage, he could return in two weeks, play in a week or rehab games and be back after mid-month. Eaton himself tweeted that it is a “minor speedbump”, so at least he’s positive about it…………kids.
Corey Hart 6/30/2013 It is unlikely Hart will be cleared to play in minor league games until mid-month, and the Brewers have already said when that does eventually happen, it will be an extensive rehab process. We will see Hart back with the Brew Crew late June/early July at the earliest.
Aaron Hill 6/30/2013 Hill is going back to the doctor on Memorial Day to look into his hand’s healing progress. He is way behind the initial diagnosis, and I’m not sold on recent estimates of mid-June. I am sticking with a late June return but that is completely arbitrary until we hear what the doctor says about is hand.
Daniel Hudson 7/1/2013 When asked how he felt after throwing in an extended spring training game, Hudson tweeted ” Feeling good but still knocking on wood each morning!” He will throw in another spring training game to see if he can replicate the 92mph average on his fastball before going on a minor league assignment. If all goes well, I still say July.
Michael Pineda 7/1/2013 Pineda tossed 5 innings in extended spring training. He isn’t far away from a rehab assignment, and could join the Yankees in July. He is worth a stash, although his role upon return is uncertain, although if it was up to be he would replace HR derby pitcher Phil Hughes.
Chase Utley 7/1/2013 Utley is back in familiar territory, on the shelf. Due to his track record over the last 4 seasons he earned his place as the featured image for this week’s piece. Utley is out with a “mild strain”, but don’t be fooled, nothing with Utley should be considered mild anymore. It is said to be a 2-4 week DL stint, bank on at least 4 weeks. I am saying he will be back to start July, and that’s because I’m in a good mood. Easily one of the most frustrating players to own in fantasy baseball, top second baseman with power, but a major injury risk annually. He hasn’t played more than 115 games since 2009.
Ryan Vogelsong 7/5/2013 Vogelsong had surgery on his hand that was fractured when he was hit by a pitch while batting. He was actually pitching well that day too. Initial return date is said to be 6 weeks which I agree with. The Giants pitching has been really bad this year, so they will welcome him back hoping for a return to the 2011, early 2012 Vogelsong to help them try and win the NL West. From all interviews with him and what people say about him, he is one of the best dudes in baseball so here’s hoping for a quick bounce back.
Ryan Ludwick 7/5/2013 Ludwick is on the 60-Day DL recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. The late round thumper should be back around the All-Star break, he may be available on your FA list if you are hurting for a UTIL/OF power spot upon his return.
Brett Anderson 7/17/2013 So that discomfort in Anderson’s ankle was validated when it was discovered he had a fracture. He is now shut down for another few weeks, then he has to build up his arm again and rehab, etc. I don’t think we’ll see him back until most of the Tommy John guys come back after the All-Star break. This guy just can’t stay healthy.
Alex Rodriguez 7/17/2013 ARod, besides selling mansions for $15 million profits, is taking grounders and swings in the batting cages. There will be no change in his return as is still slated to return after the All Star break.
Cory Luebke 7/17/2013 mid-July is still the target for Luebke’s return from Tommy John Surgery. He is stash-worthy if you have the open DL spot. When healthy the lefty is good for a low ERA and good strikeout numbers.
Jose Reyes 7/17/2013 The Blue Jays are still convinced Reyes could be back by the end of June. Perhaps they think shaving lines into ones eyebrow boosts the healing process. There is nothing about Reyes’ history that tells me he will be back sooner than later. I am sticking with my prediction of around the All-Star break.
Derek Jeter 8/1/2013 Jeter is having his walking boot removed and was told his ankle is finally healing. I still have him coming back August 1st due to the Yankees ultra-conservative approach to rehabbing players. He could very well be back after the All Star Game but I doubt it.
Chris Carpenter UNKNOWN Forget Tim Lincecum, 38 year old Chris Carpenter is the Freak. Going from likely not able to pitch at all in 2013 and possibly retire to being cleared to face live hitters is simply incredible. He could join the Cardinals rotation in early July, and they could use it if he is effective now that Garcia is done. Worth a stash if you have a roster spot and are desperate for pitching, but don’t have visions of prime Carpenter dancing in your head.
Jayson Werth UNKNOWN Werth had what sounds like a pretty severe setback when he was just about to return to action. They are playing this pretty close to the vest, and I have read two more weeks, but this sounds more serious to me.
Jaime Garcia UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Garcia was diagnosed with a tear in his labrum in his left shoulder. He will require surgery. It hasn’t officially said that his season is toast, but for fantasy purposes………drop away.
Ryan Madson UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Madson had yet another setback, feeling soreness once again in his surgically repaired elbow. He is offically completely shut down. Ernesto Frieri owners are happy, as his job security just got that much better. I think Madson’s season could be a lost cause at this point. This is his third setback with pain in that elbow. I wish him all the best in a comeback.
Matt Harrison UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Harrison is falling apart at the seams. Harrison had his second back surgery in two weeks and words being used to describe him pitching again this season are words like “hopeful”. Maybe a September return at best?
Roy Halladay UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Halladay’s doctor said Roy’s post-surgery range of motion was excellent. This is vague when applied to pitching of course, but sounds good right? Halladay is convinced he can pitch again this year. Rest and rehab points to September, so approaching fantasy playoff time. I suppose he is worth a hold if you have an empty DL spot anyway, but don’t bother if you need the spot for someone who isn’t possibly out for the season.
JJ Putz UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Putz said he will try to return before the end fo the season. That wording alone screams that his 2013 is toast. He is ok to be dropped in all formats as Heath Bell has taken over as closer with David Hernandez waiting in the wings.
Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , , ,

Stars on the Shelf: TheFantasyFix.com’s Week 7 DL Report

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Here is TheFantasyFix.com’s week seven update on notable injured players. Here you will find an update on a player’s progress as well as my spin on their expected return dates and fantasy impact upon return. The players are listed by expected return date.

The big addition here is David Price, who was just placed on the DL due to triceps-tightness.  Like Johnny Cueto and Josh Johnson, he could miss anywhere up to a month with this type of injury.

NEW ON THE SHELF: Michael Cuddyer, Josh Reddick, Josh Beckett, David Price and Austin Jackson

ON THE FENCE: Bryce Harper

BACK IN ACTION: Curtis Granderson, Jayson Werth, Johnny Cueto, Zack Greinke

OUT FOR THE SEASON: Joel Hanrahan

PLAYER EXPECTED RETURN DATE LATEST UPDATE
Jason Heyward 5/17/2013 Heyward could be activated Friday (5/17) but it sounds like he may get eased back into the lineup rather than thrown back in full time.
Andrew Bailey 5/21/2013 Bailey is throwing in a simulated game today and hopes to return after the 15-day DL minimum is over. He could be back early next week, which seems likely considering his replacement isn’t fairing very well. His injury history is a concern going forward. He is just simply not very reliable in that regard.
AJ Pierzynski 5/21/2013 The Rangers have been happy with what they’re hearing from AJ and feel that after a couple of successful, pain free rehab assignments he can get back to the team after the initial DL stint is over, much earlier than initially expected when there was no indication how long he would be dealing with the injury.
Matt Garza 5/24/2013 Garza is ready to return, its just a matter of who the Cubs move down to make room for him on the roster. They’ll certainly want to get him in the mix sooner than later to showcase him for a mid-season trade. He should be back in a week at most.
Michael Cuddyer 5/24/2013 Cuddyer hit the DL with a neck injury. He received a shot to subdue it and as of now he is expected back as soon as the 15 day DL stint is over
Austin Jackson 5/28/2013 Jackson was put on the DL with a minor hamstring strain. It sounds minor, considering it was said its the type of injury that could be played through, but the Tigers being cautious, and being that it had been lingering for more than a week, they decided to shut him down. he should be back by the end of the month for the Tigers and your team.
Kevin Youkilis 5/28/2013 Youkilis is doing basic hitting drills, like soft toss and things like that, to ease his back into the motion of swinging. His progress has been slow which indicates the epidural shot he received wasn’t as effective as it should have been. It still looks like he could be 10-14 days away, perhaps longer. He is currently down to 45% owned in Yahoo leagues, and with his injury history and ARod’s return looming in 7-8 weeks, I really wouldn’t bother with him anymore unless you are in a deep league and are reaching for a 3B later on.
Josh Johnson 5/28/2013 Johnson has been long tossing and needs to go on a rehab assignment once he feels his tricep is ready to handle the rigors of pitching at full speed from a mound. They are still targeting the end of the month, but The Jays would be wise to ease Johnson back, his injury track record is long and distinguished.
Josh Beckett 5/31/2013 Beckett was placed on the DL with a minor groin strain. It doesn’t sound serious, moreso cautious and a move that was probably easier to make considering how bad he has been pitching. This could be a mental breather for the right hander as well. He should be back once the 15 days are up.
Ryan Madson 5/31/2013 Madson is ready to go, The Angels don’t care what he thinks. So far the Angels haven’t had much to be positive about except their closer. Ernesto Frieri has 7 saves with a low ERA and 25Ks in 17 innings. So although Madson is ready to go, they don’t seem to be in a hurry and when he comes back it doesn’t appear he will be closing games soon, if at all this year.
Jered Weaver 5/31/2013 Weaver is ramping up his bullpen sessions and should go on a rehab assignment soon. If it was up to him he would have been back already. The intense Angels’ ace is supposedly supposed to make 2-3 rehab starts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if its a one and done scenario, taking into consideration his eagerness to get back, and the Angels obvious need for him.
Brett Anderson 5/31/2013 Anderson got torched in a double A rehab start, while feeling discomfort in his ankle. They will throw him out there for more rehab starts in hopes it is just normal soreness as he looks to rejoin the As hopefully in a couple of weeks.
Mark Teixeira 5/31/2013 Teixeira is optimistic about a “May 30/May 31″ return, but he still needs to hit off live pitchers in BP, as well as rehab game at bats. That is two weeks away so it is possible. Either way it shouldn’t be much longer form that timeframe unless he reaggravates his wrist.
Colby Lewis 5/31/2013 Lewis felt soreness in his tricep, but apparently its minor and he is still on track. Lewis is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, and is making his first rehab assignment today. After a few turns through, once he gets his pitch count and endurance up, he could return to Texas before June.
Cameron Maybin 6/1/2013 Maybin has still yet to resume any baseball related activities. He was tentatively schedule to do so starting next week. If you don’t hear about that happening that means his wrist is still bothering him which isn’t good obviously. I can’t find out any new updates on him, so I am saying early June as a best guess here, that’s assuming all goes the right way.
Adam Eaton 6/1/2013 Eaton is finally set to play in the outfield Friday so the home stretch has arrived. He could be back in 1-2 weeks, so I’m keeping it at the latter for now.
Hanley Ramirez 6/4/2013 Ramirez may return on the early side of the 4-6 week timetable which could have him back the first week of June. Ramirez has had another disappointing year for fantasy owners, at the expense of more than one injury. He has only played in a handful of games and regardless of what he produces when he comes back (assuming he stays healthy for the rest of the season) he was a wasted pick as early as he went in the draft. Hopefully Ramirez owners can get some quality numbers from him in the second half to make up for it.
Corey Hart 6/14/2013 Hart’s rehab is taking longer than expected, and will extend beyond his 60 Day DL expiration date. Could be another month for Hart, unless there is a drastic change in his progression. He is merely doing light running at this point.
David Price 6/15/2013 Price left the game last night against Boston after trainers saw him shake his pitching arm. He left with what wound up being tricep-tightness. The same injury Cueto is just coming back from, and the same Josh Johnson went down with. The realistic timetable here is a month. He will miss several starts, and will certainly need rehab starts. I have him back mid-June. Hopefully when he returns, fantasy owners will see the David Price of old emerge.
Brandon Beachy 6/15/2013 Beachy is making his first rehab start Sunday, and is on pace to rejoin the Braves mid-June. He is still only owned in 28% of Yahoo leagues, so its possible he is still out there for you to stash on your DL for a couple weeks if you have the room. If back to his old-self Beachy is an ace quality pitcher.
Giancarlo Stanton 6/15/2013 Stanton has started hitting off of a tee and throwing, but running will be the key indicator of when he could come back. He still thinks he isn’t far off but hamstrings are tricky to predict. I think mid-June is the best case scenario.
Aaron Hill 6/30/2013 My pessimism about Hill’s return has some validity as his broken hand has still not healed. Hill has done nothing aside from light running and is far off from a return. He will well exceed the latter end of his initial 4-6 week return time. I am figuring the end of June, but if his hand continues to heal at this slow of a pace, we could possibly be waiting until the All-Star break.
Daniel Hudson 7/1/2013 Hudson has been relegated to bullpen sessions and has yet to be given the green light for any kind of rehab assignment. He is always sure to update fans via his twitter account, which is one of the more candid in baseball. He has had no soreness or set backs so early July is still the place to look on the calendar for his return.
Michael Pineda 7/1/2013 Cashman said if Pineda can throw 65-70 pitches in back to back outings they will green light him to go on a rehab assignment. He has been throwing all of his pitches and hitting upwards on 95mph on his fastball. it is not ridiculous to think he could return before the All-Star break. He is stash worthy if you have the open DL spot. A healthy Pineda could give you high strikeout numbers with a mid to high 3 ERA.
Ryan Ludwick 7/5/2013 Ludwick is on the 60-Day DL recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. The late round thumper should be back around the All-Star break, he may be available on your FA list if you are hurting for a UTIL/OF power spot upon his return.
Alex Rodriguez 7/17/2013 Rodriguez has started baseball activities in Tampa. He has begun hitting off of a tee, so he is currently hitting a first grade level (that was a joke, yes). Although he is ahead of projected timelines, the Yankees wont rush to bring him back so I still think we wont see the headline grabbing star until after the All-Star break.
Cory Luebke 7/17/2013 mid-July is still the target for Luebke’s return from Tommy John Surgery. He is stash-worthy if you have the open DL spot. When healthy the lefty is good for a low ERA and good strikeout numbers.
Jose Reyes 7/17/2013 Blue Jays GM said it wouldn’t surprise him if Reyes is back by he end of June. It wouldnt surprise me if he was back at the end of June and back on the DL a week later. Reyes’ long list of injuries isn’t quite in Brian Roberts territory, but its significant enough to not rely on him heavily in fantasy baseball. I stay away from him every year for this reason, enough so to write an article about it. I still stand with the All-Star break return date for the excitable shortstop.
Derek Jeter 8/1/2013 Jeter is doing light exercises as he rehabs from the second crack in his ankle. He is still in a walking boot and there is nothing on the horizon in terms of baseball related activity. If we see a 100% Jeter by August 1st I’ll be surprised. He seemed to have rushed himself back in spring training before the second fracture was identified so he probably has little say about his rehab this time around.
Joel Hanrahan OUT FOR SEASON Hanrahan had non-Tommy John elbow surgery that ended his 2013 season. Tommy John Surgery is also still a possibility for him. I wish Joel all the best to come back next season.
Josh Reddick UNKNOWN Reddick is on the DL with a wrist injury. He has been feeling better of late, but has yet to swing a bat. That is the real test as to whether he can rest and rehab it or if he needs surgery, which can put him out for several months. Stay tuned here.
Matt Harrison UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Harrison is falling apart at the seams. Harrison had his second back surgery in two weeks and words being used to describe him pitching again this season are words like “hopeful”. Maybe a September return at best?
Roy Halladay UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Doc Halladay had successful shoulder surgery and feels like he can “turn back the clock a couple years” upon his return, but his return should be doubted considering it was surgery on two areas of his shoulder and considering his age. He may return in September, and I wouldnt be surprised knowing his competitive nature, but I doubt it.
JJ Putz UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Putz said he will try to return before the end fo the season. That wording alone screams that his 2013 is toast. He is ok to be dropped in all formats as Heath Bell has taken over as closer with David Hernandez waiting in the wings.
Filed Under: Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , ,

Matt Harvey: There’s a New Doctor in Town

May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
- Matt Harvey - photo by: Southpaw Captures

– Matt Harvey -
photo by: Southpaw Captures

October, 2006: a 17 year old Matt Harvey is a senior at Fitch Senior High School in Groton, Connecticut, eight months away from being selected by the Angels in the MLB draft, and less than a year away from attending North Carolina and playing baseball for the Tar Heels.  During that same time, the National League Championship Series between the Cardinals and the Mets took place.

October 19, 2006: the night Mets fans would unknowingly be submersed into the throes of a six year period of darkness.  An Adam Wainwright curveball swooping down at the knees over the outside corner to a frozen Carlos Beltran ended their season and jettisoned the Mets into six years of turmoil both on and off the field.

Flash forward to present day and the darkness has started to subside.  The Mets and their fans now have something to be hopeful about, something to be proud of, and someone to get behind.  Matt Harvey has burst onto the scene to usher in a new dawn for the Mets and their fans.  They can finally use those Jason Bay t-shirts to wax their cars before they throw on a fresh number 33 as they head to Citi Field this summer.

There is an intangible quality that certain players possess that can change the culture of a team.  It’s a certain swagger, a projection of unbridled confidence that can alter the attitude and aura of an entire franchise.  Matt Harvey may be that player for the New York Mets.  Every time he takes the mound he expects to win, and after watching him for over 100 innings so does everyone else.   Yes, the Mets are not going to seriously contend this season, but they are building something that can certainly be a winner sooner than later.  The buzz around Matt Harvey is what I imagine the buzz was like when Mets fans saw Tom Seaver or Dwight Gooden emerge as their aces.

The only question that remains is how good will Matt Harvey be?  We all know how good he can be, but we’ve also seen pitchers rise and fall quickly, Doc Gooden being an unfortunate example of that type of decline.  I did some research to compare the starts of the careers of both Matt Harvey and Dwight Gooden.  When put side by side, as surprising as it may sound to old school Mets fans, Harvey is actually better so far through their first 100 plus innings.

IP SO ERA WHIP SO/9 IP SO/BB BAA
Matt Harvey 108 128 2.07 0.939 10.9 3.37 0.171
Dwight Gooden 111 133 2.84 1.17 10.8 3.17 0.213

 

Now I realize we are talking about 100 innings, but this kid is the real deal.  His mechanics are flawless, he has a powerful arm, and his attitude and demeanor are that of a ten year veteran.  Mets fans of the early 80’s went crazy for Dwight Gooden, and the same thing is happening nearly thirty years later with Matt Harvey.  The sky is the limit in regards to what he achieves for his career.   If Harvey goes about his business the right way, and the Mets don’t screw him up, he will be in New York for a long time and do a lot of winning in the process.  It’s not exactly time to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy yet in Queens, but as far away as the Mets are from 1986, they’re that much closer to the next one.  The future is bright for the Mets, because there is a new doctor in town: Matt Harvey.

Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , ,

Stars on the Shelf: TheFantasyFix.com’s week 6 DL Report

May 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Here is your fantasy baseball week 6 update on notable injured players. Here you will find an update on a player’s progress as well as my spin on their expected return dates and fantasy impact upon return. The players are listed by expected return date.  This will be a weekly posted list so you can stay ahead of the game when it comes to information about injuries across baseball that at one point or another affect all fantasy rosters. The big additions this week are Roy Halladay and Hanley Ramirez, with Doc possibly out for the season and Ramirez out until possibly mid-June.  This will be a weekly posted list so you can stay ahead of the game when it comes to information about injuries across baseball that at one point or another affect all fantasy rosters.

NEW ON THE SHELF: Roy Halladay, Hanley Ramirez, Andrew Bailey, Joel Hanrahan, JJ Putz, AJ Pierzynski

OUT FOR THE SEASON: Jason Motte

PLAYER EXPECTED RETURN DATE LATEST UPDATE
Andrew Bailey 5/14/2013 Bailey is going to resume throwing today and hopes to return after the 15-day DL stint. His injury history is a concern going forward. He is just simply not very reliable in that regard.
Curtis Granderson 5/15/2013 Granderson is participating in rehab games and is trying to get a decent amount of at bats, he should join the Yankees as scheduled next week, perhaps as soon as Tuesday when they return home.
Brett Anderson 5/15/2013 Anderson sprained his ankle, was thought of as day-to-day, then the A’s used him in emergency relief and he injured it further. If a team these days used a guy knowing he was already hurt, it can’t be a bad sprain so I am saying 15 day DL and he’ll be good to go.
Kevin Youkilis 5/17/2013 The Greek God of Injuries is back in familiar territory. Youkilis has a bulging disc in his back, and although he claims an epidural shot and a quick 15 day vacation on the DL will take care of it, you never know with this guy. I’ll take him at his word for now. He was dropped hard in Yahoo leagues (-17%) so if you are hurting bad for 3B help and have a DL spot open, scoop him up if he’s out there, but don’t waste a high waiver on him.
Ryan Madson 5/17/2013 Madson has progressed well from the April setback and is set to pitch in extended spring training this weekend, and barring any setbacks will play in rehab games next week. He could return in 2 weeks and could ascend back into the closer role at some point. The struggling Angels haven’t had many opportunities for saves in the early going, but current closer Ernesto Fieri has a loss and a blown save no decison in his last 4 save opportunities.
Johnny Cueto 5/22/2013 Cueto had that minor oblique setback that stopped him from making his rehab start last week. He had a short bullpen session a few days ago and is slated to throw again today or tomorrow. Assuming all goes well I figure one or two rehab starts and he should be back.
Matt Garza 5/25/2013 Garza is on the DL with a strained lat muscle. He has made his second rehab start and all went well. He is throwing all of his pitches effectively, and for strikes. He is on target to come back in three weeks or less once he gets his pitch counts up to a normal level.
Cameron Maybin 5/25/2013 Maybin hurt is wrist in February, and was put on the DL because he has felt recurring pain. The fact that this has gone on for over two months isn’t great news. Wrist injuries are tricky to estimate healing and return, it could be a 15 day thing or it could be something that affects him all year. He is slated to get back to “baseball activities” in two weeks, then after a short rehab assignment he could be back at the end of the month, but I can’t lock that in.
Josh Johnson 5/28/2013 Johnson, on the DL with an injured tricep, will need to get back up to speed where he is throwing a bullpen before going out on rehab starts. His replacement Ricky Romero was simply awful yesterday so they need him back. But Johnson is no stranger to injury so its probably wiser they take their time with him and bring him back when he is 100% ready, so maybe end of May but I wouldn’t be shocked if that took longer.
Jered Weaver 5/29/2013 Weaver is rehabbing from that fracture in his left arm, after throwing a bullpen session he will hit a rehab assignment for two or three turns before rejoining the Angels during the last week of the month, likely against the Dodgers.
Corey Hart 5/30/2013 Hart is recovering from surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his knee. He will need to go on a 7-10 day rehab assignment to show he can do everything necessary to play full time being that the Brewers are in the NL and he can’t DH. He should rejoin his team once his 60-Day DL stint expires at the end of May.
Coco Crisp 5/31/2013 Crisp strained his left hamstring, and has just started feeling better enough to try and get back to baseball related activity. The A’s are taking this one slow, probably considering his age and the fact that Cespedes has been doing some work in CF. He should be back by the end of the month though.
Mark Teixeira 5/31/2013 Teixeira is set to take full on-field batting practice Friday which will be a huge test and indicator of projecting his return. He will need to go on a rehab assignment for I’m guessing at least 10 days. I think barring any pain reoccuring he can be back by around Memorial Day.
Colby Lewis 5/31/2013 Lewis is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, and is making his first rehab assignment today. After a few turns through, once he gets his pitch count and endurance up, he could return to Texas before June.
Adam Eaton 6/1/2013 Eaton is rehabbing from his sprained UCL and my estimation appears to have been accurate. Although mid-May was a target, his inability to play the field fully due to his arm strength is a problem. He will continue to DH in rehab games until they clear him to play the field. He will need a few games in the field before they bring him back into the mix so I am still stubbornly stuck on early June.
AJ Pierzynski 6/1/2013 Pierzynski has been trying to play through a sore oblique and the Rangers finally shut him down and sent him to the DL. It has been reported that they were concerned with the results of an MRI so a normal 15 day stint wont happen. I have set the bar at a month for him to return and be able to catch full time.
Zack Greinke 6/3/2013 Greinke must be taking his vitamins, because he is coming back from this broken collar-bone much faster than anyone imagined, he is already throwing bullpen sessions, popping 90mph out of the gate and can go on a rehab assignment soon. If all goes well after a couple of goes in the single-A rotation he could be back by month’s end. I am thinking June 3rd though, when they return home to face, yup you guessed it, Carlos Quentin‘s Padres. I’ll make the popcorn.
Aaron Hill 6/7/2013 Like I said last week, always bank on the latter when it comes to hand injuries. Hill’s healing isn’t going as quickly as anticipated so not only could it be the latter of the 4-6 week timetable, it is very realistic to be exceeded. I will hold firm with my estimate of June 7th though.
Jason Heyward 6/11/2013 “SAMSONITE! I was way off” I didnt’ like what I was hearing regarding Heyward’s return but my concerns were unwarranted. He is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance today, and after a weekend of games could be back early next week.
Brandon Beachy 6/15/2013 Beachy is a bullpen and side session away from hitting the rehab trail. it’s reported he will need a half dozen or so starts to build his pitch count up and fine tune his mechanics. He could still make the Brave’s rotation by mid-June, which is impressive considering he was targeted for after the All-Star Break after having Tommy John Surgery last year.
Giancarlo Stanton 6/15/2013 initial reports had Stanton likely out until late May, but being that he is figuratively the entire franchise and they are clearly not going anywhere, the Marlins will take their sweet time with Stanton. If trade rumors are true that they could be sellers mid-season, the Marlins will certainly want to shop a full healthy, 500 foot bomb hitting Stanton so he will not be rushed. my initial guess was mid-June, and even though he has done zero baseball related exercises to this point, I am sticking with it.
Hanley Ramirez 6/18/2013 Ramirez is back on the shelf and I will now refer to him as Kaiser Soze because he is a usual suspect when it comes to injuries. Hanley strained his hamstring running from second to third and should be out until mid-June at the earliest. The timetable was 4-6 weeks but Ramirez no longer gets the benefit of the doubt from me. I think he could be back on June 18th when the Dodgers go to NY to play the Yankees.
Daniel Hudson 7/1/2013 Hudson who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery tweeted his excitement of pitching his first outs in 11 months in a simulated game on Monday. He is progressing well and after his rehab appearances, he should be back by the end of June, perhaps a start or two before the All-Star break.
Ryan Ludwick 7/5/2013 Ludwick is on the 60-Day DL recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. The late round thumper should be back around the All-Star break, he may be available on your FA list if you are hurting for a UTIL/OF power spot upon his return.
Alex Rodriguez 7/17/2013 Rodriguez has started baseball activities in Tampa. He has begun hitting off of a tee, so he is currently hitting a first grade level (that was a joke, yes). Although he is ahead of projected timelines, the Yankees wont rush to bring him back so I still think we wont see the headline grabbing star until after the All-Star break.
Cory Luebke 7/17/2013 Luekbe felt discomfort in his surgically repaired pitching elbow recently and was shut down from throwing. His trainer’s expressed little concern though, and feel its merely normal soreness but you can rule out any early return from initial projections of mid-July. At this point that is no guarantee either. But if you have a DL spot to use, he is stash worthy for a late season playoff push.
Jose Reyes 7/17/2013 Reyes (60 Day DL) was photographed out of his walking boot around batting cages, but that doesn’t really mean all that much, it could have been a temporary break from it. Reyes thinks he’ll be back in June, but I, like the Blue Jays apparently see July as a more realistic timeframe. Based on his famous DL resume, I don’t see him coming back until after the All-Star break.
Michael Pineda 7/17/2013 Pineda has been throwing between 93-95 mph on his fastball in extended spring training, a good sign considering he topped off at 91 last year before going down for shoulder surgery. The Yankees haven’t announced a rehab game schedule for him, but all signs seem to be pointing in the right direction for him to return, as previously estimated, around the All-Star break.
Derek Jeter 8/1/2013 Jeter is doing light exercises as he rehabs from the second crack in his ankle. He is still in a walking boot and there is nothing on the horizon in terms of baseball related activity. If we see a 100% Jeter by August 1st I’ll be surprised. He seemed to have rushed himself back in spring training before the second fracture was identified so he probably has little say about his rehab this time around.
Jason Motte OUT FOR SEASON Motte threw in the towel for 2013 and accepted his fate. He had successful Tommy John Surgery which will put him out of action until around June-July 2014.
Matt Harrison UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Harrison is falling apart at the seams. Harrison had his second back surgery in two weeks and words being used to describe him pitching again this season are words like “hopeful”. Maybe a September return at best?
Roy Halladay UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Doc Halladay was told by actual Docs that he needs shoulder surgery to remove bone spurs and assess a rotator cuff problem. Halladay and the Phillies are optimistic about a return this season, but it should be considered doubtful, considering its multiple areas of his shoulder, and his age. If you have avaiable DL spots store him away, but don’t let him rot on your bench. He has been dropped in 31% of Yahoo leagues already.
Joel Hanrahan UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Handrahan got his closer job back when Bailey went down but that didn’t last long at all. Handrahan is now on the DL with “forearm tightness” which usually points to elbow issues. They have sent x-rays to the famous Dr. James Andrews and it is possible Handrahan can join the long list of Tommy John Surgery recipients. He is out indefinitely.
JJ Putz UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Putz left a game in a save situation with a shooting pain from his elbow down to his fingers. Tommy John Surgery has been ruled out and they believe rehab will suffice. However, they have already thrown out scenarios of him possibly returning towards the end of the season so his fantasy value is shot for 2013. Heath Bell will close for now, and my guess is David Hernandez will eventually be the long term closer for the 2013 campaign.
Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , ,

Stars on the Shelf: TheFantasyFix.com’s week 5 DL Report

May 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Here is your fantasy baseball week 5 update on notable injured players.  The big one this week is Giancarlo Stanton, out for at least a month with a grade 2 strain in his right hamstring. This will be a weekly posted list so you can stay ahead of the game when it comes to information about injuries across baseball that at one point or another affect all fantasy rosters. Here you will find an update on a player’s progress as well as my spin on their expected return dates and fantasy impact upon return. The players are listed by expected return date.

PLAYER EXPECTED RETURN DATE LATEST UPDATE
Michael Bourn 5/8/2013 Bourn represents the dumbest injury on the list as he just had stitches removed after slicing his finger open sliding head first into first base, which is what five year olds are taught not to do back in T-ball. The cut has yet to heal so he can’t return as expected this week.
Johnny Cueto 5/10/2013 Cueto is on his way to pitch in a rehab assignment and should rejoin the Reds soon after that so I’m sticking with my May 10 return date.
Francisco Liriano 5/11/2013 Liriano represents our freak injury on the list, as he fractured his arm playing with his kids. It seems like he is having no issues as he is putting up video game type numbers in his rehab starts. He is on his way back to pitch against the Mets on May 11, but I just don’t trust this guy. I can totally see him coming back with all of those flashy rehab numbers and getting torched by falling behind in counts trying to be too fine.
Curtis Granderson 5/15/2013 Granderson is recovering from a fractured forearm and is estimated to return to the Yankees in mid-May. He is already at full speed in terms of hitting, taking at bats in extended spring training games, so mid-May still seems right on target.
Jered Weaver 5/15/2013 Weaver fractured his non-pitching arm falling down while dodging a come-backer. Someone get this dude a glass of milk. He is currently doing long toss on a daily basis, feeling no pain in his non-pitching arm anymore. Combine that with his stubborn attitude and I don’t see why mid-May isn’t an attainable target to reach for a return.
Coco Crisp 5/15/2013 Crisp strained his left hamstring but it doesn’t sound like its Stanton-esque. Although he is no spring chicken anymore, he still should be back in a couple weeks. Have you noticed he has 5 homers already? What’s that about?
Brett Anderson 5/15/2013 Anderson sprained his ankle, was thought of as day-to-day, then the A’s used him in emergency relief and he injured it further. If a team these days used a guy knowing he was already hurt, it can’t be a bad sprain so I am saying 15 day DL and he’ll be good to go.
Kevin Youkilis 5/17/2013 The Greek God of Injuries is back in familiar territory. Youkilis has a bulging disc in his back, and although he claims an epidural shot and a quick 15 day vacation on the DL will take care of it, you never know with this guy. I’ll take him at his word for now. He was dropped hard in Yahoo leagues (-17%) so if you are hurting bad for 3B help and have a DL spot open, scoop him up if he’s out there, but don’t waste a high waiver on him.
Josh Johnson 5/20/2013 Johnson was placed on the DL with an injured tricep. They were going to let him make his next start but considering how awful he has been this year, its a no brainer. Their hope is its just a simple 15 day stint, but Johnson is no stranger to injuries.
Matt Garza 5/25/2013 Garza is on the DL with a strained lat muscle. The Cubs are going to try and trade him, so they want him out there, but out there showing value. My best guess is late May, early June, in hopes they can get a month out of him to showcase for a mid-season trade to a contender. He finally appeared in a rehab start with no issues and decent results. He didn’t have much of a pitch count so he will probably take two more rehab starts to get up to a full workload and be back before Memorial Day.
Cameron Maybin 5/25/2013 Maybin hurt is wrist in February, and was put on the DL because he has felt recurring pain. The fact that this has gone on for over two months isn’t great news. Wrist injuries are tricky to estimate healing and return, it could be a 15 day thing or it could be something that affects him all year. I have to give the benefit of the doubt and say end of the month for now but keep your eye out.
Corey Hart 5/30/2013 Hart is recovering from surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his knee. He is at the point where he is strengthening the muscles in his legs. He should rejoin his team once his 60-Day DL stint expires at the end of May.
Mark Teixeira 5/31/2013 Teixeira is making progress in his comeback from the wrist injury he developed during warm ups for the WBC. He has finally taken some batting practice and he personally sounds the most optimistic out of anyone about his return (although remember he thought May 1 was a likelihood a few weeks ago). I think barring any pain reoccuring he can be back by around Memorial Day.
Colby Lewis 5/31/2013 Lewis is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, and has finally reached “game speed” in terms of pitching to live batters for an inning. he will need to obviously build on that and get up to throwing at least 90 pitches in an outing before the Rangers bring him back, but everything sounds good for Lewis coming back at the end of the month.
Adam Eaton 6/1/2013 Eaton is rehabbing from his sprained UCL. Arizona appears to be practicing patience in his rehab and bringing him back so although many had him back mid-May, my guess of early June appears closer to reality. The delay seems to be his ability to throw and play the field being that his injury was arm related. So it looks like the Snakes wont bring him back until he can do everything, which makes sense being they are an NL team with no DH (most of the time).
Jason Heyward 6/1/2013 Heyward had his appendix removed and is rest and recovery mode. It doesn’t sound like he’ll be back soon, so maybe early June is realistic.
Aaron Hill 6/7/2013 Hill’s left hand was fractured after being drilled by a pitch. He is out 4-6 weeks, and I always bank on the latter. After recovery and a rehab assignment, some expect a return at the end of May, but I have him back June 7th when the Dbacks return home to host the Giants.
Zack Greinke 6/15/2013 Greinke is throwing long toss on a regular basis and apparently he feels good. Greinke represents the most unnecessary injury on the list, as he is out until mid-June with a broken clavicle thanks to Carlos Quentin. This time table is solid being that it’s not an arm or even muscle injury. He’ll be back to make a few starts before the All-Star break, perhaps pitching with football shoulder pads from here on out, especially against San Diego.
Brandon Beachy 6/15/2013 Beachy is another pitcher recovering from Tommy John Surgery. All appears to be going well for Beachy in his recovery. Julio Teheren hasn’t done well in his place so the Braves can’t wait to get their ace back. Beachy was shown throwing off a mound to catcher Brian McCann which certainly excites Beachy owners. He may begin a rehab assignment very soon and actually return before the All-Star break, possibly mid-June. Good news here.
Giancarlo Stanton 6/15/2013 the limitless power swinging Stanton hit a two foot dribbler against the Mets and pulled his hamstring trying to beat it out. He has a grade 2 strain and estimated recover, rehab and return is a month. For a 23 year old, Stanton is building quite the injury resume early in his career. Keeping that in mind I am taking the back end of the return scale so I’m saying mid-June as a blend of optimism and reality.
Daniel Hudson 7/1/2013 Hudson who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery is ramping up his extended spring training schedule and apparently is approaching the point where he is doing a normal five day rotation of pitching. He could be back before the All-Star break.
Ryan Ludwick 7/5/2013 Ludwick is on the 60-Day DL recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. The late round thumper should be back around the All-Star break, he may be available on your FA list if you are hurting for a UTIL/OF power spot upon his return.
Alex Rodriguez 7/17/2013 Rodriguez is rehabbing from his hip surgery and claims he is feeling good and getting stronger. Since the offseason he has been slated to return around the All-Star Break. Keeping the Yankees conservative approach to treating injuries, he’ll be back after the break, so I’m saying July 17th the earliest.
Cory Luebke 7/17/2013 The Padres ace is recovering nicely from Tommy John Surgery last year and should rejoin the Padres barring any set-backs after the All-Star Break. If you were wise to draft or pick up and stash him, he will help you for your late season run to the playoffs.
Jose Reyes 7/17/2013 Reyes is on the 60-Day DL, currently shut down trying to heal from what was called a “severe” ankle sprain after he awkwardly slid too close into second base. You’ll see him after the All-Star break unless he has a miraculous recovery, which isn’t exactly his track record.
Michael Pineda 7/17/2013 Pineda is rehabbing from his shoulder surgery and is apparently already throwing all of his pitches from a mound which is obviously a great sign. The Yankees are severely conservative with how they rehab their players so mid-season at best for Pineda to return, and there’s no guarantee he is getting thrown right into the rotation unless there is a clear need.
Derek Jeter 8/1/2013 After coming off surgery to repair a broken ankle, Jeter aimed to return for opening day. He experienced a set-back after playing back to back games, and it was ultimately realized in an MRI that he had a new crack in the same ankle. He is out until at least after the All-Star Break, realistically August., and even then it’s unclear whether he can play full time out of the gate.
Chad Billingsley NEXT SEASON Billingsley’s injury history is as long as a Mother of eight’s grocery store receipt. He is easily one of the most frustrating pitchers to own. Billingsley feeling pain in his elbow should be alarming if it was the first instance, but it’s not. This dates back to last season where he chose to rehab instead of having Tommy John Surgery, which appears he is likely going to end up having anyway. My guess is he is gone for the year.
Jason Motte UNKNOWN Motte has been throwing every few days from mound length distances and claims he feels good on days following throwing. He is dealing with what is at this time being called a mild-strain in his elbow. The Cardinals aren’t in love with their closing situation this season even though it looks like Mujica has settled in finally. The Cardinals apparently really want Jason back so much so that they extended his “do or die” deadline of May 1 due to his recent report of feeling good throwing several times. The odds still rest with season ending Tommy John Surgery, but its still unclear. If you have an open DL slot, you can’t drop him yet.
Ryan Madson UNKNOWN Madson’s rehab was slowed down when he felt soreness in his right elbow again and there has been no news of him throwing since, I can’t find anything. If he was ok and able to go he certainly would, especially since Ernesto Frieri has been stumbling a bit of late, and the Angels as a team are simply playing terrible baseball. This doesn’t sound good to me. Hopefully I can find more info over the weekend.
Matt Harrison UNKNOWN – OUT INDEFINITELY Harrison is falling apart at the seams. He had back surgery recently to correct a herniated disc and apparently it didn’t take and is now going in for an additional surgery. They are saying three months, but his season could very well be finished. Back injuries are tough on players as it is, and even worse for pitchers.
Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , ,

Stars on the Shelf: TheFantasyFix.com’s Week 4 DL Report

April 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Here is your fantasy baseball week 4 update on notable injured players.  This will be a weekly posted list so you can stay ahead of the game when it comes to information about injuries across baseball that at one point or another affect all fantasy rosters. Here you will find an update on a player’s progress as well as my spin on their expected return dates and fantasy impact upon return. The players are listed by expected return date.

PLAYER EXPECTED RETURN DATE LATEST UPDATE
Yoenis Cespedes 4/28/2013 Cespedes is set to come back as soon as this Sunday from a strained hand muscle. Cespedes spent more than one stint on the DL last year from quirky hand injuries, which I feel come from his incredibly violent swing.
Michael Bourn 4/30/2013 Bourn represents the dumbest injury on the list as he just had stitches removed after slicing his finger open sliding head first into first base, which is what five year olds are taught not to do back in T-ball. He’ll be back in less than a week.
Aramis Ramirez 5/1/2013 Aramis Ramirez is scheduled to come back from the mild knee sprain next week, as he is apparently skipping any kind of rehab minor league assignment.
Brian McCann 5/3/2013 McCann is rehabbing a shoulder injury but should be on his way for a minor league rehab assignment this week. Barring any setbacks or extenuating circumstances he should be back with the Braves in a week or two.
Hanley Ramirez 5/3/2013 Hanley had successful surgery to repair the thumb ligament he tore during the WBC. Ramirez is way ahead of schedule, already doing full team workouts, including batting practice. He could be back as early as next week.
Joel Hanrahan 5/3/2013 Hanrahan is coming back from a seemingly minor hamstring, and was cleared to hit the minors for some rehab games this weekend. He’ll probably appear in a couple of games spread out from each other so if all goes well I see him coming back next Friday. His role however, is unclear, as Andrew Bailey is killing it in his place as closer. Keep an eye on that.
Johnny Cueto 5/10/2013 Cueto has been cleared to throw and was going through pitching motions throwing on flat ground Tuesday. He will work his way up to a mound and if there is no lingering soreness will probably have to hit a rehab assignment before being reinstated. I am figuring a mid-May return for the Reds’ ace.
Francisco Liriano 5/13/2013 Liriano represents our freak injury on the list, as he fractured his arm playing with his kids. It seems like he is having no issues and wants to come back sooner than the Pirates are willing. They are running him out for three low level minor league games before he is cleared to return. My target is anywhere within May 7-19th , where they’ll need him because they’ll be entering a stretch of 13 games without a day off.
Curtis Granderson 5/15/2013 Granderson is recovering from a fractured forearm and is estimated to return to the Yankees in mid-May. He has been taking soft toss, hitting off of tees, and stated that he should get 50 +/- at bats on a rehab assignment before he is ready to join the Yankees in mid-May.
Jered Weaver 5/15/2013 Weaver fractured his non-pitching arm falling down while dodging a come-backer. Someone get this dude a glass of milk. He has started playing catch and based on the Angels need for pitching and Weaver’s bull-headed demeanor he should be back in a couple weeks to take on the Royals at home.
Ryan Zimmerman 5/20/2013 Zimmerman strained his left hamstring, and it must have been a significant strain because the Nationals had an MRI done and shut him down immediately. So if you take the minimum 15 days plus running, rehab, and a possible quick stop in the minors for some at bats, I have him back the third week in May at the earliest. Hamstrings are tricky though and it could linger.
Matt Garza 5/25/2013 Garza is on the DL with a strained lat muscle, and there is no exact timeframe for his return. Lat muscles for a pitcher are impossible to predict in terms of rehab/return because of how much toque a pitcher puts on those muscles during their motion. The Cubs are going to try and trade him, so they want him out there, but out there showing value. My best guess is late May, early June, in hopes they can get a month out of him to showcase for a mid-season trade to a contender. He was just scratched from a rehab start with what is called a “dead arm”, which just means sore/tired, nothing serious as of yet. If he can get over the injury he can be huge for a second half fantasy run.
Corey Hart 5/30/2013 Hart is recovering from surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his knee. He is at the point where he is strengthening the muscles in his legs. He should rejoin his team once his 60-Day DL stint expires at the end of May.
Mark Teixeira 5/31/2013 Teixeira is making progress in his comeback from the wrist injury he developed during warm ups for the WBC. He is no longer wearing a brace full time. There is no clear date for his return. The closest thing he has done is swinging a bat underwater (whatever that means). He has yet to take full swings or hit off of a tee. Late May is still his optimistic target for a return.
Adam Eaton 6/1/2013 Eaton is rehabbing from his sprained UCL. It has been reported he should return mid to late May but the All indications appear as though the later end of the return spectrum is the most realistic. They appear to be taking slow steps in bringing him back.
Colby Lewis 6/1/2013 Lewis is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, and with no setbacks to date, is anticipated to return by June for the Rangers. He has already been throwing pitches, with no setbacks reported, so that’s a great sign.
Aaron Hill 6/7/2013 Hill’s left hand was fractured after being drilled by a pitch. He is out 4-6 weeks, and I always bank on the latter. After recovery and a rehab assignment I have him back June 7th when the Dbacks return home to host the Giants.
Zack Greinke 6/15/2013 Greinke represents the most unnecessary injury on the list, as he is out until mid-June with a broken clavicle thanks to Carlos Quentin. This time table is solid being that it’s not an arm or even muscle injury. He’ll be back to make a few starts before the All-Star break.
Ryan Ludwick 7/5/2013 Ludwick is on the 60-Day DL recovering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. The late round thumper should be back around the All-Star break, he may be available on your FA list if you are hurting for a UTIL/OF power spot upon his return.
Alex Rodriguez 7/17/2013 Rodriguez is rehabbing from his hip surgery and claims he is feeling good and getting stronger. Since the offseason he has been slated to return around the All-Star Break. Keeping the Yankees conservative approach to treating injuries, he’ll be back after the break, so I’m saying July 17th the earliest.
Brandon Beachy 7/17/2013 Beachy is another pitcher recovering from Tommy John Surgery. All appears to be going well for Beachy in his recovery. Julio Teheren hasn’t done well in his place so the Braves can’t wait to get their ace back. He has been estimated to return at the All-Star Break from the get-go and that doesn’t appear to be changing. If you have a DL spot open and by some miracle an owner in your league doesn’t already have him, stop reading this now and go get him. Drop your worst player, you’re going to do it eventually anyway.
Cory Luebke 7/17/2013 The Padres ace is recovering nicely from Tommy John Surgery last year and should rejoin the Padres barring any set-backs after the All-Star Break. If you were wise to draft or pick up and stash him, he will help you for your late season run to the playoffs.
Daniel Hudson 7/17/2013 Hudson who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery is throwing short amounts in extended spring training games. So far there are no setbacks and he is targeted to rejoin the DBacks rotation after the All-Star Break. He is a nice stash to help your team for a late season run.
Jose Reyes 7/17/2013 Reyes is on the 60-Day DL, currently shut down trying to heal from what was called a “severe” ankle sprain after he awkwardly slid too close into second base. You’ll see him after the All-Star break unless he has a miraculous recovery, which isn’t exactly his track record.
Derek Jeter 8/1/2013 After coming off surgery to repair a broken ankle, Jeter aimed to return for opening day. He experienced a set-back after playing back to back games, and it was ultimately realized in an MRI that he had a new crack in the same ankle. He is out until at least after the All-Star Break, realistically August., and even then it’s unclear whether he can play full time out of the gate.
Chad Billingsley NEXT SEASON Billingsley’s injury history is as long as a Mother of eight’s grocery store receipt. He is easily one of the most frustrating pitchers to own. Billingsley feeling pain in his elbow should be alarming if it was the first instance, but it’s not. This dates back to last season where he chose to rehab instead of having Tommy John Surgery, which appears he is likely going to end up having anyway. My guess is he is gone for the year.
Jason Motte UNKNOWN Motte is dealing with what is at this time being called a mild-strain in his elbow. He is currently completely shut down strictly for rest/healing until May 1, which is his do or die date. If his elbow shows no progress that would allow him to begin throwing, he will be shut down and added to the list of victims that receive Tommy John Surgery, which would end his season.
Ryan Madson UNKNOWN Madson’s rehab was slowed down when he felt soreness in his right elbow again. It’s normal soreness and not another injury as far as they know. Ernesto Frieri has the closer job for the Angels right now and assuming he pitches as well as he did last year, the Angels will take a slow approach to Madson’s return.
Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Yu Darvish: Five Pitches, One GIF -Flawless Arm Action On Each Offering

April 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Watch this GIF, it is a blend of Yu Darvish throwing all five of his pitches.

Watch each pitch do their thing, yet Darvish’s mechanics, motion, arm speed and action is the exact same for every pitch.

That is the ultimate gift of a great pitcher, absolute perfect blend of deception and mechanical discipline. Click on the image to see it in action.

Yu GIF

Credit to @DShep25 for creating this GIF.

Filed Under: Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: ,

Buy Before the Break: Second Half Performers You Should Trade For

April 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

As a supplemental piece to my article last week, fantasy owners should also take a look into players that pay off in the second half of the season.  If you have these types of players, obviously hang on to them.  These are the players that other owners in your league are undoubtedly frustrated with for not putting up the numbers they anticipated, especially if they are unaware that they are career second half performers.  Prey on these owners’ frustrations and buy these players low for a player on your team of overall lesser value, and you’ll give your team that needed second half boost to march to playoff glory. Here are three examples of star players that put up much better numbers in the second half of the season.

photo by: mrzeising

photo by: mrzeising

IKE DAVIS – 1B – NEW YORK METS

Ike Davis’ horrible start to 2012 was well documented and covered in the media.  By June 1st he was hitting .179 with 5 home runs, and thanks to a powerful second half, wound up finishing with 32 home runs and 90 RBI.  In the early going this season, Davis is off to as bad of a start as last year, currently hitting .136 with 13 strikeouts in 44 at bats.  He will turn it around as the summer heats up, so my advice is to buy him low before June and reap the benefits for the rest of the summer.   There has to be someone on you roster you feel comfortable parting with in trade for watching this guy his 450 foot bombs for your squad.

CAREER SPLITS

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.237

.316

..423

.739

SECOND   HALF

.263

.356

.493

.849

 

2012

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.201

.271

.388

.659

SECOND   HALF

.255

.346

.542

.888

 

CHASE HEADLEY – 3B – SAN DIEGO PADRES

Chase Headley had a breakout season in 2012, smashing career highs (by a lot) in runs, home runs, RBI, slugging percentage, and OPS.  That career year vaulted him closer to the front of fantasy draft boards.  Excited owners were disappointed when he went down with a broken hand and missed the first three weeks of the season.  Now that he is back, they will expect immediate results to make up for missed time.  Don’t get me wrong, I anticipate Headley to play well before the break, but his career numbers, including his star year in 2012, show that you should try and pry him away before the break.

CAREER SPLITS

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.267

.344

.394

.738

SECOND   HALF

.280

.360

.446

.806

 

2012

 

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.267

.368

.413

.780

SECOND   HALF

.308

.386

.592

.978

 

JIMMY ROLLINS – SS – PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins is still a top of the line fantasy shortstop thanks to his annual 20+ home run and 30 steal potential. Although his batting average was lower in the second half of 2012, (“That little guy? Don’t worry about that little guy”), he hit 15 homeruns in 72 games, compared to only 8 in the first half. For his career he is known to light it up after the All Star break, and has plenty of memorable big home runs in September helping the Phillies to the postseason, which happens to be the same month he’ll help your fantasy team in the playoffs.

CAREER SPLITS

 

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.264

.319

.411

.730

SECOND   HALF

.277

.338

.456

.793

 

2012

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.256

.310

.402

.713

SECOND   HALF

.243

.322

.458

.780

 

These are just three examples of many second half performers that you should look into as the mid-season mark approaches.  Look at your team needs and then go get a deal done and reap the rewards.  You’ll help out your team and drive the selling team nuts when the player he drafted is taking you to the promise land in the second half.

Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , ,

2013 Fantasy Baseball, Hold or Fold: Melky Cabrera

April 19, 2013 by 2 Comments
photo by: Lottonbaseball

photo by: Lottonbaseball

Melky Cabrera had a huge impact on fantasy baseball teams and baseball in general last season with his performance up until his suspension for using performance enhancing drugs.  He won the 2012 All Star game MVP award by leading the NL to victory, and by doing so locked up home field advantage for the NL which helped his team, the San Francisco Giants, win their second World Series in three years.  Cabrera also would have been named the NL batting champion but he forfeited his contention for the award after it was revealed he was a cheater.  If you told me in 2010 that Melky Cabrera would be an All Star game MVP and a batting champion in two years, I would have told you that you know nothing about baseball, but here we are.  We now obviously know that his numbers were assisted by steroids, and this is why when it comes to the question “Hold or fold?” I am saying fold, and fold fast. I will use Cabrera’s own stats against him to show the stark differential from his first six years in the majors to the last two, and explain why it’s time to fold and sell him now while you can still convince someone to give you something of value for him.

162 GAME AVERAGE

R

2B

HR

RBI

BA

SLG

OPS
2005-2010

68

27

10

62

.267

.319

.707
2011-2012

113

42

18

89

.322

.489

.849

 

Now I understand that some players “figure it out” and improve their game, but this is ridiculous.  Cabrera was drafted way too early this year, and those owners are going to pay for it.  Looking back at draft day rankings, Melky was ranked before the following outfielders just to name a few: Chris Davis, Josh Willingham, Nick Swisher, Nick Markakis, and Andre Ethier.  Not to mention the other position players and pitchers with way more value than Melky.

I know it is still early on, and small sample sizes cause over-reaction on both sides of the spectrum, but to me it is no coincidence that Melky’s 2013 numbers in the early going match his 05-10 stats, what I presume are his pre-PED numbers.  Granted I have no idea when Cabrera actually abused the PEDs but I can only go by the statistics.

YEAR

GAMES

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

2013

15

.259

.323

.293

.616

 

Melky was Bruce Banner from 2005-2010, then turned into the Hulk in 11-12, and now he has woken up on the side of the road with a pair of tattered purple sweatpants on.  Welcome back to Earth Melky, Earth in this instance being no better than fourth outfielder status.

Cabrera’s fantasy value is diminishing rapidly, so fast in that you probably could have gotten more for him in a trade before you started reading this article.  Do your fantasy team a favor and trade him now while you still can. If you don’t, you’ll drop him by June for less.

Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , ,

Deal Before the Dog Days: First Half Performers To Sell

April 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment
photo by: Keith Allison

photo by: Keith Allison

There are certain baseball players that fall into the category of “first half performers” in that their career splits indicate their best stats come before the All-Star break on a yearly basis.  These are the type of players you want to trade before mid-season when they hold peak value.  There are a lot of players in the game who are guilty of this so I recommend assessing your roster using this filter.  Thanks to statistical splits provided by baseballreference.com, here are three good examples accompanied by their career averages and 2012 season splits before and after the All-Star break.  These three players, among many others, will see their maximum value in late June/early July so if you plan on trading up, that is the time to deal them.

IAN KINSLER – 2B – TEXAS RANGERS

Ian Kinsler is one of the top fantasy second basemen.  He represents a 25-30 HR/25-30 SB ceiling threat every season at a middle infield position.  Going into 2013 he was the third highest ranked 2B behind Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia, but as recent as last season, he dropped off 50 points in batting average and 76 points in OPS in the second half of the year.  You can certainly deal him before the “dog days of summer” for second half value in other players in areas your team needs improvement.

CAREER SPLITS

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.282

.364

.479

.843

SECOND   HALF

.258

.333

.437

.770

2012

 

BA

OBP

SLG

OPS

FIRST   HALF

.279

.341

.442

.783

SECOND   HALF

.229

.308

.399

.707

  [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2013 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Tagged With: , , , , ,
«Older Posts