Time Machine: Pavano and Carpenter Go Two Hitless Innings
Who’s to say that they don’t play Spring Training Games on the Island from LOST. Apparently John Locke’s not the only one that’s been reborn in time. Yesterday we found out that Dontrelle Willis and Matt Clement could still imitate a throwing motion roughly 20 times.
Today, we experience another flash and travel further back in time. A time when Chris Carpenter and Carl Pavano were fantasy aces. Dear God, We’re in the mid-2000s. Whether it’s 2004 when Pavano won 18 Games or 2005 when Carpenter won 21 Games while sporting a 2.83 ERA, just doesn’t matter because we’re living life.
Pavano’s made a good chunk of change without actually pitching the last few years, so karma decided to tear him a new asshole. Pavano must now live in Cleveland and only make 1.5M in these harsh economic times. The Tribe took on the Athletics today, and Pavano pitched two innings while keeping the score sheet clean: No Hits, No Walks, No Strikeouts. Carpenter on the other hand, gave us the exact same line. Both have a shot at nabbing a rotation spot, and thus should be kept on your fantasy-radar.
Royals Ink Juan Cruz
In other news, the Kansas City Royals inked Juan Cruz to a 2yr/6 Million Dollar deal, as reported by MLB.
Cruz signed a contract that would guarantee him $6 million over two years. The deal was believed to be worth $2.25 million for this year, $3.25 million for 2010 and had a club option for $4 million for ’11 with a $500,000 buyout.
Cruz is one of my favourite starting pitchers, turned long relief, turned short relief, pitchers in the show. Cruz has posted consecutive 12+ strike-outs-per-9 seasons over the past two years. Unfortunately he’s got a matching 5ish BB-per-9 during the same time period.
With the trade of Ramon Ramirez for Coco Crisp earlier in the off-season, the Juan Cruz signing makes sense. As the Royals finished in the bottom half of the standings in 2008, they only have to give up a second round pick to sign Cruz, a type-A free agent. With Kyle Farnsworth, Juan Cruz and Joakim Soria, the Royals have a great ass-end of the pen which should only increase the value of Greinke, and Meche.
Baseball American Top-100, Staff Report
I forgot to mention this but Baseball America released their yearly top-100 prospects list earlier in the week. You can find it here. The first few names are what you’d expect: Matt Wieters, David Price, Colby Rasmus, Tommy Hanson, Jason Heyward, Travis Snider, Brett Anderson, Cameron Maybin, Madison Bumgarner, and Neftali Feliz round out the top-10.
Now onto the segment that’s bound to die very shortly: Spring Training Recap, Day 4.
Royals Vs. Padres
Mark Teahan went back to second base today and…DID NOT COMMIT AN ERROR! Brian Bannister used MATHS to pitch two hitless innings. Jose Guillen hit a jack, and I still think he’s a steady producer of runs in a solid Royals’ offense this year. Nothing of note for the Padres.
Marlins vs. Orioles
Jeremy Hermida hit a dinger, and I think he gets pretty close to “there”, this year. Hanley Ramirez committed another error this Spring Training and I’m starting to wonder if he put in any time at all, this off-season. Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson each pitched 3 very unimpressive innings. After Nolasco’s terrific finish to 2008, I still think he’s a top-20 pitcher. Jeremy Guthrie’s on his way to pitch for Team-USA, and he looked good in his tune-up today.
Mets vs. Tigers
Danny Murphy played the whole game in left-field today, and looked solid enough. The Tigers’ line-up looks damn good with everyone healthy, I wonder how long that’ll last. The days of Miguel Cabrera being an undervalued first round pick are over, as everyone’s latching onto him. Matt Treanor threw-out two consecutive steal attempts.
Braves vs. Blue Jays
Jordan Schafer once again impressed, going 2-for-4 while scoring 3 runs. Roy Halladay looked Halladay-esque, striking out 2 in 2 IP. I’m still avoiding Halladay this year due to his 2008 work-load. B.J. Ryan got roughed up, and failed to complete his inning. Newly acquired Derek Lowe looked solid enough giving up 5 hits in 2 innings.
Pirates vs. Astros
Michael Bourn went another game without striking out, and is starting to look like a viable option. Nyjer Morgan lead off for the Bucs again — 25 SB? Paul Maholm went two innings, striking out two, without giving up a hit. Maholm looks like a solid option to fill out the back-end of any fantasy squad. In the battle of closers, Matt Capps bested Jose Valverde. Capps should be a solid CL-option this year, as the Pirates are looking better with every passing day. They should at least be more competitive this year, if nothing else.
Phillies vs. Rays
The Phillies played the Rays again, and once again no one outside of Philly or Tampa watched. Talbot gave up 5 ER in 3IP, no biggy — it’s spring. Ryan Howard hit a home-run, big surprise. One of my favourite sleepers this year, Jayson Werth/The Edge, is still out with a sore shoulder.
Nats vs. Red Birds
Carpenter looked good as mentioned earlier, and Schumaker is still errorless. Ryan Franklin looked good, and is still in the running for the closer’s roll. LaRussa’s a nutty bastard, and the job should go to Chris Perez or Jason Motte, neither of whom pitched today. Daniel Cabrera looked awful in his Nats debut, and there’s no reason to own him. He’ll be useful in a streaming-situation every once and a while though.
Northeastern vs. Bo Sox
Tazawa shines albeit against college kids. On another note: The Red Sox are 7-0 against Northeastern with an 83-4 advantage in total runs scored.
Minnesota vs. Yankees
Jorge Posada’s shoulder is still sore. Liriano didn’t look great, and didn’t even look particularly good, but he’s saying his arm feels good, and I buy it — Draft Away. Joba Chamberlain didn’t look any better, giving up a couple. C.C. Sabathia plans to pitch a simulated game sometime soon. If only he could eat simulated burgers and fries, the Yankees might have themselves a healthy pitcher. The Twins have some serious position battles going on, and Brian Buscher and Delmon Young have been smash-killing the ball to prove their worth.
Angels and Brewers
Finally figured out what’s up with Mat Gamel: He’s going to be a DADDY! Congratulations on not getting married before knocking her up! Braden Looper was scratched because of an oblique strain that he got while sneezing. And that’s that.
Indians vs. Athletics
Athletics Top-Prospect Trevor Cahill pitched well for the Athletics, as did everyone else. What else is there to say in a 1-0 Spring Training Ball Game?
Giants vs. Mariners
In a battle of over-paid AWFUL-TERRIBLE, Zito looked like his old self and so did Silva. Zito struck-out 2 and walked one over 2 innings. Meanwhile Silva gave up 5 hits and 2 Runs over the same amount of innings. Nate Schierholtz looked good again. Velez started ahead of Frandsen, but failed to impress offensively.
White Sox vs. Cubbies
Mets fans laughed when they heard that Aaron Hielman wanted to start, but today he looked solid. He struck out 4 batters in 2 innings without allowing a run. DeWayne Wise started over Jerry Owens today, and played the whole game without nabbing a hit. I’m still very worried about Alexi Ramirez and if he keeps rising on draft boards, he’ll end up being a bust. Kevin Gregg might just have a shot at the CL gig. Marmol’s got the talent, but he may be used solely in high-leverage situations rather than in save situations. Good News for Cubs Fans! Bad News for Marmol Owners!
Rangers vs. Diamondbacks
In the Andruw Jones watch, we have a new sighting: A WALK! Jones scored a run today, but went 0/2 with 2 strike outs. So We’re sitting at 1/9 with 8 strike outs, 1 BB, and 1H. Originally I thought that Nelson Cruz and David Murphy should be downgraded as they’d lose AB to Andruw Jones, but it’s looking like that wont be the case.
Everyones favourite Neftali, Neftali Feliz, pitched an inning today and gave up a run.
Here’s a nice little quote (from the espn) that might make you think twice about assuming Chad Qualls keeps the CL-title all year:
“Tony is a versatile guy,” Melvin said. “He can close, he can set up. He can strike you out, he can get a groundball.”
Asked if sees Pena as a future closer, Melvin said, “I do. But you have to earn it. He knows that.”
Dodgers vs. Rockies
Clayton Kershaw gave up 2 ER in 2 IP. I’m still not sure how Kershaw fares this year. It’s hard to predict how long he’s in the rotation for. I’d still take him over David Price. Is there anything Blake DeWitt can’t do? He played shortstop today. Remember Rafeal Furcal is the starter here…he’ll get hurt.
BoSox vs. Cinci Reds
Boston had a good day today, as they beat Cinci 16-5. Julio Lugo played as well in this game as Lowrie played in the game vs. Northeastern. Clay Bucholz pitched well, and drafting him is wise. Regardless of what you pay, Bucholz is going to be a steal. Injuries are the only thing between a BOS vs. NYY AL Championship.
…and we’re done, aside from a quick note or two:
- Corey Koskie, who’ll play for Team Canada in the WBC, signed with the Cubs today
- I’m off tomorrow to pick up some WBC tickets for the games in Toronto!
