The Baseball Chick

The Major League Baseball trade deadline has come and gone and quite a few moves have been made in the last few days that will impact fantasy baseball teams everywhere. I will cover the trades with the greatest fantasy impact, starting with:

• The San Diego Padres traded pitcher Jack Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for lefty starter, Clayton Richard, and 3 other pitching prospects. Jake Peavy is due back sometime in September and could help the White Sox make a playoff push. Clayton Richard becomes an intriguing fantasy starter in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues with this move to the spacious Petco Park.
• The Cleveland Indians traded slugging catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez to the Boston Red Sox for major league ready pitcher Justin Masterson, promising lefty Nick Hagadone, and one other prospect. The move should not impact Martinez’s fantasy value and Masterson could find his way into the Cleveland rotation very soon. Mike Lowell will probably be the biggest loser in this deal as he stands to lose some playing time.
• The Red Sox made another move, sending recently acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman. LaRoche’s fantasy value should increase as he will be the Braves’ everyday first baseman. Kotchman’s value will remain largely unchanged, but Boston seems like the winner here as Kotchman is 3 years younger and has slightly better career averages.
• The Cincinatti Reds sent 3 players, including third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, to the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran third baseman Scott Rolen. Encarnacion has the potential to deliver decent offensive numbers, but the Blue Jays will suffer a large drop in defense. If Rolen’s recent power surge is not a fluke, then he will love playing at Great American Ballpark and becomes a must-add in all NL-only leagues.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up lefty reliever George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles for prospects. This move greatly improves the Dodgers’ tired bullpen, but greatly reduces any fantasy value Sherrill had as a closer, unless your league counts holds. Early reports are saying that Jim Johnson will get first shot at closing duties in Baltimore, as was predicted by The Baseball Chick a few days ago in the Fantasy Sports Corner.
• The Detroit Tigers traded prospects to the Seattle Mariners for left-handed starter Jarrod Washburn. Washburn may see an increase in his ERA and WHIP since he was aided by a superior Mariners outfield, but he should still be a reliable fantasy starter. The Detroit Tigers now have 3 of the top 7 starting ERAs in baseball in their rotation.
• The Oakland A’s, always active at the trade deadline, dealt second baseman Orlando Cabrera to the Minnesota Twins for a prospect.  Cabrera will immediately bat second and should prove to be a nice upgrade over Nick Punto and Brendan Harriss.  The veteran should get a nice boost in runs scored batting in front of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.
• Surprising buyers at the deadline, with a pair of moves, the San Francisco Giants picked up former batting champ and second baseman Freddy Sanchez from the Pittsburgh Pirates for promising pitching prospect Timothy Alderson.  The Giants also added Ryan Garko, courtesy the Cleveland Indians, to replace struggling first baseman Travis Ishikawa.  Garko should see a little more playing time in San Fran and Ishikawa could lose all of his fantasy value.  Sanchez’s value should remain about the same.
• The Chicago Cubs picked up lefty set-up man John Grabow and starter Tom Gorzelanny from the Pittsburgh Pirates for starting pitcher Kevin Hart and 2 other prospects.  Grabow will help to set-up Kevin Gregg in Chicago, leaving his fantasy value largely unchanged.  It appears Matt Capps will stay the Pirates closer for the remainder of this season.
• Finally, the Florida Marlins picked up first baseman Nick Johnson from the Washington Nationals for a prospect.  Johnson’s value may take a hit in Florida unless they decide to bench Emilio Bonafacio and move Jorge Cantu to third base, opening up regular playing time for Johnson at first.

Not only does your baseball team blow, but apparently your entire town sucks a big fat one.  Not that it’s a big surprise…

Hey, it could be worse…at least your superstar basketball player isn’t counting the days till he moves to New York…oh wait…

(Source: stltoday.com)

Colby Rasmus has been trying to grow a mustache since the end of June and this is how far he’s gotten.  It’s disturbing to me.  It looks like he was napping before the game and someone rubbed poop on the corners of his mouth as a joke and he went out to play without looking in the mirror, and hasn’t looked in 4 weeks.

But the good news is we know he isn’t roiding up.  Everyone knows that high testosterone levels will cause excessive body hair growth.  It’s sad, because you know he’s thinking, “Sweet, I’m a pro baseball player now and I’m going to get laid!”  Then his a-hole teammates decided to screw him over by making him grow the most ridiculous facial hair since Dustin Hermanson.

In fantasy baseball and fantasy sports, trades are a fast way to improve your team, but they can also be difficult to pull off.  The Fantasy Sports Corner at thebaseballchick.com is here to help.  The following are 5 tips that will allow you to complete the fantasy trades that could be the difference between a long, disappointing off-season and a fantasy league title.

• Know Your League

The best way to get a trade accepted is to know the people in your league.  Most of us are in leagues with friends and coworkers and chances are this is not the first season.  If this is the case, then you know your competitor’s favorite teams and players and also their usual fantasy sports strategy.  Use this to your advantage.  If Chad Billingsley is struggling but you have a Dodgers fan in your league, why not make him an offer? 

• Know Their Needs

Before making an offer, take a good look at the detailed league standings.  If you need stolen bases, don’t make an offer to another team that also needs stolen bases, it’s never gonna happen.  Need for need trades are the most likely to be accepted.

• Do Not Low-Ball

It is always a good idea to try to get a little more than you are giving, but if you offer too little you may anger the other manager.  This goes hand-in-hand with knowing your league.  Some managers will be fine if you come in too low with the first offer, they know you are just starting a conversation.  However, there are some managers that will just refuse to even listen if they feel they are being low-balled (although I’ve found that if you make a good enough offer, even someone that has said they won’t deal with you will at least take a look).

• Pay Attention To Counter-Offers

Counter-offers are a great way to see what players of yours the other manager is high on.  Once you know this, you can use those players to get the ones you want from their team.

• Timing

The majority of trades are all about timing, so always be ready to pounce.  A team lower in the standings may lose a big name player to the 15-day DL and cannot afford to go 2 weeks without the stats.  If you are in a position to wait, you should immediately try to get the big name at a discount.  If you are in a keeper league and you see a team that seems about ready to throw in the towel and start rebuilding for next season, then you want to be the first one to make an offer for the free agents and big contract players.

Today, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi informed the media that the likelihood of a deal for Roy Halladay was “very slim.”  According to Ricciardi:

“We’ve said that we would listen, but that we would have to be motivated and wowed.  Right now we haven’t been.  I’ve said all along my gut tells me I won’t be.  I still stand by that.”

Earlier today, it was reported that the Blue Jays rejected the Phillies’ trade offer of J.A. Happ, Michael Taylor, Carlos Carrasco and Jason Donald.  The Jays apparently want the promising pitcher Kyle Drabek to be part of the deal.

It sounds like a lot of people are getting “sticker shock” regarding the Jays high asking price for Halladay.  But this isn’t my first rodeo and I think 1) the statement was all posturing by Ricciardi and 2) some team is going to realize that a healthy Halladay could mean the difference between going to the playoffs or spending October at home.  That team will eventually offer up the goods.  He should definitely miss those awesome baby blue uniforms though…

Well, I give it 4 weeks until he’s dealt to a real team.  I mean, let’s face it, the Pirates have turned themselves into simply another farm team for major league baseball teams.

Well besides the fact that he likes ponies and long walks on the beach, he was drafted in the 14th round by the Atlanta Braves all the way back in 1999.  After being released by the Braves, he spent the last 3 years with the Twins’ AAA affiliate.  Jones was signed by the Pirates after last season, didn’t make the opening day roster and was called up on June 30th.  He batted .307 at AAA Indianapolis with 12 HRs and 49 RBIs in 72 games.

Since then?  He’s already hit 10 homeruns, his OBP is .402, his average is .350, his OPS is 1.227 and he is slugging .825.  Additionally, he has 3 stolen bases.

The major question is whether this guy is the real deal.  After all, he’s already 28, which is a bit old for the typical promising major leaguer to make it up to the show.  It’s also a shame that he’s so freaking ugly.

I couldn’t post this on Friday when the trade actually happened because I was temporarily rendered comatose by the thought of what Matt Holliday can do batting behind Albert Pujols and what Albert Pujols can do batting in front of Matt Holliday.

Whew!  I almost just blacked out again.  It’s shocking and actually a bit nauseating, just like when you find out you’ve been living in the matrix.

Anyways, the A’s acquired third baseman Brett Wallace, righthanded starter Clay Mortensen and outfielder Shane Peterson in the deal for Holliday.  Holliday hit .286 with 11 homers and 54 RBI for Oakland this season.  Interestingly, Holliday had eliminated his high leg kick during off-season training with Mark McGwire; however, he had returned to his old plate technique in his last month with the A’s.  Not surprisingly, it was also his most productive month.

The Major League Baseball season is more than halfway over which means time is running out to make a run in your fantasy baseball league.  With the trade deadline approaching, now is the time to start looking at those set-up men that will inherit the closer position when teams decide to make a change.  The Fantasy Sports Corner has a list of ten potential closers for those in need of saves for the stretch run:

1.  Leo Nunez (Marlins) – 3.56 era, 1.19 whip, 13 holds, 7 saves

If Nunez is still available in your league and you are in need of saves, stop reading and go pick him up.  When closer Matt Lindstrom first went down with an injury, the Florida Marlins went to a committee of lefty Dan Meyer and righty Leo Nunez.  Nunez has emerged as the favorite by getting the last 3 save chances and converting them all.  The plan is to ease Lindstrom back into closing duties, so Nunez will have a chance for a few more saves.  If Nunez continues to pitch well and Lindstrom does not improve on his miserable first half, then the closer’s job could be handed to Nunez permanently.

2.  C.J. Wilson (Rangers) – 2.86 era, 1.27 whip, 8 holds, 10 saves

Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco got off to a stellar start in 2009.  However, injuries and a current case of pneumonia have limited him.  When Francisco has not be available, C.J. Wilson has filled in admirably.  Wilson won’t be handed the full-time job anytime soon, but Francisco has not shown that he has trouble staying healthy.  So if you are in need of saves, C.J. Wilson is a set-up man to own.

3.  Jon Rauch (Diamondbacks) – 4.25 era, 1.35 whip, 6 holds, 2 saves

The numbers don’t look great, but Jon Rauch has really turned things around lately.  He has only allowed 3 earned runs in his last 10 innings and with the Arizona Diamondbacks looking like sellers at the trade deadline, he may get another shot to close.  There are trade rumors around current Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls, so Rauch could be in line for some second-half saves.

4.  Ramon Troncoso (Dodgers) – 1.95 era, 1.25 whip, 10 holds, 5 saves

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton is dealing with a nagging toe injury that manager Joe Torre feels could be a problem for the rest of the season.  When Broxton has been unable to pitch, set-up man Ramon Troncoso has filled in and has proven very dependable.  Broxton has done well since the All-Star break, but with a chance of missed days and a D.L. stint, Ramon Troncoso makes a nice second-half sleeper.

5.  Jim Johnson (Orioles) – 3.05 era, 1.26 whip, 14 holds, 1 save

Trade rumors are swirling around Baltimore Orioles closer George Sherrill.  The Orioles are definitely sellers and with quite a few teams showing interest there is a good chance Sherrill will be moved.  Jim Johnson would get the first crack at the closer’s job and should do just fine.  Johnson’s strikeout rate leaves a lot to be desired, but the 25-year-old can be relied on to get outs.

6.  John Grabow (Pirates) – 3.65 era, 1.50 whip, 16 holds, 0 saves

Current Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps has a lot of job security and isn’t a free agent until 2012.  However, there have been some trade rumors (with the Marlins showing interest), and if he were to be moved then John Grabow would step into the closer’s role.  The Pirates have been winning some games this year, so with a Capps trade Grabow would become a solid fantasy closer.

7.  Matt Thornton (White Sox) – 2.85 era, 1.20 whip, 15 holds, 1 save

Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has given up six runs in his last four appearances.  Ozzie Guillen has been quoted as saying that Jenks will remain the closer.  His actual quote was, “He’s my closer and if people don’t want him to be my closer, don’t come to the God damn games.”  With a strong bullpen, the White Sox could look to trade Jenks or he could just pitch himself out of a job.  If either of these things happen, Matt Thornton should get first shot at the closer’s role.

8.  Joe Beimel (Nationals) – 3.35 era, 1.33 whip, 10 holds, 1 save

Mike MacDougal is surprisingly doing a fine job closing games for a struggling (to say the least) Washington Nationals baseball team.  However, Manager Jim Riggleman has said that he wants to use the dreaded closer-by-committee approach.  MacDougal will be the favorite in the committee, but his peripherals suggest he is due for a big fall.  Next in line would be Joe Beimel.  Beimel is only 1 for 5 in save opportunities this year, so he is a risky option as well and probably best left for NL-only fantasy leagues.  Sean Burnett is a sleeper here and has pitched extremely well in his short time with the Nationals.

9.  LaTroy Hawkins (Astros) – 2.36 era, 1.24 whip, 11 holds, 10 saves

Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde has been great so far in the second half.  LaTroy Hawkins filled in quite well for Valverde while he was on the D.L. and would do so again if Valverde were to succumb to injury (which is always a possibility).  If the Astros were to fall out of the race there is the potential for Valverde to be traded as he is a free agent.  Hawkins is also a free agent which is why he is toward the bottom of the list.

10.  Ryan Madson (Phillies) – 3.10 era, 1.20 whip, 16 holds, 4 saves

Ryan Madson was one of the best set-up men in baseball for the Philladelphia Phillies in the first half.  When current closer Brad Lidge went on the D.L., Madson got a chance to see if his 8th inning skills would translate to the 9th inning.  Madson learned quickly that closing games is not easy and he struggled mightily in the role.  Brad Lidge is back closing games for the Phillies and Madson is settling back into his set-up role here in the second half.  However, Lidge is still proving to be awfully hittable and although he says his knee is 100% there is always the possibility of another trip to the D.L.  All of this makes Ryan Madson a sleeper closer and his numbers will not hurt you if you’re looking for help in ERA, WHIP, and K/9.

Lance Berkman is on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf.  According to Ed Wade, the Astros GM, “We are in agreement that keeping Lance active will only put him in a position of wanting to help the club and re-aggravating the injury.  I also spoke to Lance, and he understands. It’s not easy to disable one of your key guys, but we want him strong for the stretch drive, so it’s the right move.”

It was clear something was wrong on Tuesday night when he stretched a hit of his into a double, grimaced half way between first and second, and then sort of limped into second.  But that’s good, because apparently someone forgot to tell the Houston Assholes they were supposed to stink this year.  Maybe now they will play to everyone’s lower than low expectations. 

Hey Astros, that’s enough already!

As everyone on the planet already knows, Mark Buehrle pitched only the 18th perfect game in baseball history today.  He is one of only two active pitchers with a pair of no-hitters (Randy Johnson is the other).  The White Sox won 5-0.

The heart stopper occurred in the 9th when Gabe Kapler hit a long ball to center, DeWayne Wise ran to the left-center wall, jumped and pulled the ball back in, juggled it and fell, but held on.  Buehrle then got a strike out and a ground out to end the game.

I think I’m having a caffeine crash right now because I know I should be wayyyy more pumped about this.  History has been made and we will always remember Mark Buehrle because he not only pitched this perfect game, but also had another no-hitter in his career.  There has only been a handful of dudes who have done this…blah blah blah…  Right now all over Chicago, people are pretending to be Sox fans so they can get wasted.  Don’t let it fool you, there really aren’t that many Sox fans.

Here’s a picture of Mark after the White Sox traditional post perfect game bukkake ritual:

Don’t laugh, it’s TRADITION.