The Baseball Chick

Unless your world only encapsulates incessant Yankees-Red Sox coverage, the 2010 World Series has actually amounted into quite an interesting little affair.  After all, the Giants have not won it all since 1954 (when the team was still in New York), and the American League is represented by the perennially mediocre Texas Rangers, who have never even appeared in a World Series, whether residing in Washington, D.C. or Arlington.  Usually these franchises are masters of futility.  So while this is clearly exciting for both teams’ loyal fans, it can also be an intriguing World Series for anyone else tuning in.  After all, America is guaranteed to not witness another Yankees’ champagne bath, video montage to George Steinbrenner, or cascade of projectile vomit coming out of the mouths of Phillies fans and landing directly on little children for the remainder of this season.

Moving on.  We have quite a cute little pitching battle to look forward to.  Game 1 is the marquee matchup between pitching superstars Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee.  Cliff Lee’s 2010 postseason numbers have been off the chain.  Lee is 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA the past two years in the postseason, and has struck out 34 and walked 1. Lee also threw a complete game in Game 5 of the ALDS. He has a 0.75 ERA this postseason, while pitching a total of 24 innings in 3 games, and an impressive 3.18 ERA cumulative for the entire 2010 season.  Pitching for the Giants on Wednesday night, Tim Lincecum has a career 3.04 ERA and a 2010 postseason ERA of 1.93.  However, Lee’s stuff this postseason has been pretty nasty in the best way.  He made an impressive and powerful Phillies’ lineup look like the Pittsburgh Pirates.  All pitching well this postseason, Matt Cain has had a 0.00 ERA this postseason, Colby Lewis a 1.45, Jonathan Sanchez a 2.93 and C.J. Wilson a 3.93.  Needless to say, tough pitching is going to be on exhibition from both sides during the 2010 World Series.

The Giants seem to have the better bullpen, and certainly some of these games will be tight in the later innings.  In terms of closers, Neftali Feliz has been pretty damn good, but is virtually untested in postseason play.  However, Brian Wilson, freaky beard and all, has done the job in sticky situations this postseason, and has gotten the big out when absolutely necessary.  Unfortunately, he’s caused some ulcers in his 9^th inning appearances this postseason.  Wilson needs to have better command of his stuff, and cannot fall behind as often as he did against Philadelphia.  Ultimately, his backdoor cutter is going to have to be on-point against the powerful Texas Rangers, who are often looking to demolish a fastball mistake.

But ultimately, this World Series will come down to offense and the big bats of the Rangers.  There is no doubt in my mind that this will become a battle between San Francisco’s ace pitching staff and the Rangers’ stacked lineup.  And quite frankly, once Cody Ross cools down (history and his career dictate that he most certainly will), what potency do the San Francisco Giants really have offensively? They have offensive talent sprinkled throughout their lineup, including the phenomenal Buster Posey, but the Giants lineup top to bottom is simply not intimidating… at all.  Cumulative, the Giants had a .257 batting average this season.  Meanwhile, the Rangers have big-time bats like Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, David Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Elvis Andrus.  And these threats come from both sides of the plate.  And let us not forget that Josh Hamilton is currently showcasing why he is becoming one of the preeminent ballplayers in the league.  The Giants pitching staff will need to bring their best off-speed stuff to each and every game if they hope to keep Hamilton off the bases.

The Giants will not be able to keep Elvis Andrus off of the bases, at least not entirely, and their defense will need to be spectacular.  And unfortunately for the Giants, Chase Utley isn’t playing second base for the Rangers this time around.

The Texas Rangers win the World Series in an exciting 7-game series.

With the first half of the 2010 fantasy baseball and major league baseball seasons coming to an end, here are 10 position players to check for on the waiver wire that might be good injury replacements or sleepers that could help your fantasy team make that final push for a win.

Gaby Sanchez – 1b – Marlins – .307 avg, 38 runs, 8 hr, 34 rbi, 3 sb

The Marlins rookie first baseman got off to a bit of a slow start but has really started to show why he was one of the organizations top prospects for the last few years. Available in most mixed fantasy leagues due to a deep first base position, he could be worth a grab if you have a weak corner infield spot or an injured starter.

Tyler Colvin – OF – Cubs – .294 avg, 22 runs, 9 hr, 23 rbi, 1 sb

The Cubs seem to be frustrated with Alfonso Soriano and the main beneficiary of this has been Colvin. Colvin has taken advantage of the extra at-bats with some consistent pop. If you have Soriano and want his platoon-mate or you are in a deep league in need of some homers, give Colvin a shot.

Justin Smoak – 1b – Rangers – .221 avg, 26 runs, 8 hr, 34 rbi, 1 sb

A lot of owners jumped on the Smoak bandwagon when he first got called up and then quickly bailed when he struggled out of the gate. The Smoak Monster wasn’t known as a power hitter in the minors but he can certainly hit for average and put up RBI’s at the major league level. He has really gotten hot lately and has a lot of protection in the Ranger’s offense. I’d grab Gaby Sanchez first, but if he’s not available you could certainly do worse than Smoak.

Pat Burrell – OF – Giants – .244 avg, 16 runs, 6 hr, 23 rbi, 0 sb

Pat Burrell may very well end up being this fantasy baseball season’s most added/dropped player by the time the year is over. Everyone knows what you get with Pat The Bat, power and a slight ding to your team average. Average is just one category, however, and with more playing time coming his way he could be a nice 2-category boost for those owners looking for homers and RBI’s for their late season push.

Brennan Boesch – OF – Tigers – .344 avg, 24 runs, 11 hr, 40 rbi, 3 sb

A virtual unknown heading into the 2010 Major League Baseball season, and even more so going into the 2010 fantasy baseball season, the 6’6″ Boesch has been quietly making a name for himself in Detroit. An injury to Carlos Guillen got him the playing time he needed and he has taken advantage in a big way. He has done so well that Guillen is now playing second base. If you have any hesitation about adding Boesch to your fantasy baseball roster, just look at the numbers, they definitely speak for themselves and have been put up in just 189 at-bats.

Mark Ellis – 2b – A’s – .278 avg, 18 runs, 2 hr, 16 rbi, 2 sb

In my opinion, Ellis has always been underrated as a fantasy contributor. Playing a shallow position, he brings some decent pop (could hit another 10 homers), above average speed (could steal another 10 bases), and consistent hitting (should finish around .280). He won’t score or drive in many runs in the yawn-inspiring A’s lineup, but in deeper leagues and some shallow leagues it would be worth the 30 seconds it takes to compare what Ellis is doing to what your current starter is putting up.

Russell Branyan – 1b – Indians – .261 avg, 24 runs, 10 hr, 24 rbi, 0 sb

If any player is going to challenge Burrell for the “most added/most dropped” title this season, it would be Branyan. No matter what your feelings are about K-rate, there is no questioning this guy’s raw power. With the potential to hit at least another 15-20 homers this season, Branyan is definitely worth a look.

Alcides Escobar – SS – Brewers – .254 avg, 29 runs, 2 hr, 21 rbi, 5 sb

It’s a bit sad to have to mention Escobar in a waiver wire article this late into the season. He was a sleeper pick for a lot of fantasy owner’s at this year’s drafts, but a slow start and a surprising lack of stolen bases have lead a lot of owners to send him back to the lumber yard. He has a couple of stolen bags in the last 10 games and his bat is heating up, so now would be the time to check and see if an impatient owner gave up on this talented rookie.

Melky Cabrera – OF – Braves – .266 avg, 25 runs, 2 hr, 20 rbi, 3 sb

Ok, I have to be honest here, I’m not a Melky fan. A popular late pick this year after he was named the starting center fielder for the Braves, The Melk Man rewarded these savvy owners by starting the season exactly how I thought he would, horribly. Nate McClouth batting .180 turned out to be a better option for the Braves and for fantasy owners. But in the last 20 games Melky is batting .328. It would have to be a deep league or NL-only league to pick him up because he doesn’t really help in any other category, but you can’t ignore a hot bat when you’re trying to make a run at a title.

Conor Jackson – 1b, OF – A’s – .256 avg, 24 runs, 1 hr, 14 rbi, 5 sb

Another sleeper at drafts this year, Co-Jack is another player sent back to the lumber yard after a dismal start to the season. A change of scenery has done him good, however, and he is batting .333 in the 10 games since being traded from the Diamondbacks to the Oakland A’s. Owned in only 3% of yahoo leagues, Jackson is only 2 years removed from a .306/.376/.446 slash line. Any team in need of percentages should give Co-Jack a look and hope he doesn’t come down with a case of Bay Area Fever.

By The Fantasy Dick

The Fantasy Dick has been handpicked by The Baseball Chick to be her resident fantasy baseball expert and to dispense fantasy baseball advice to her readers. Contact The Fantasy Dick via email:  thefantasydick at yahoo.com, with any fantasy baseball questions.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is batting .343 in 18 games for Oklahoma City with five doubles, three homers, and an on-base percentage of .400.

Saltalamacchia hit the disabled list with a back injury just two games into the season.  Now he’s ready to come back, but Saltalamacchia is struggling with his throws back to the pitcher’s mound. In Salty’s last game, 12 of his throws back to the pitcher landed either short of the mound or in center field. He had five errant throws in the first inning alone.

“He’s just got to keep playing until he gets it right,” RedHawks manager Bobby Jones said. “I don’t know what else to do. It’s a shame. It’s definitely what’s keeping him here. He’s blocking the ball well and swinging the bat well. He’s just got to figure it out. It’s a shame.”

Easy.  He just needs to memorize the details of the Victoria’s Secret catalog.  But I think he has bigger problems on his hands.  What’s he going to do about the circa 1998 Justin Timberlake hair???

(Eric Byrnes, Currently No MLB Affiliation)

The Seattle Mariners released outfielder Eric Byrnes this weekend, two days after a late-game gaffe and bizarre exit from the clubhouse on a bicycle. Seattle signed Byrnes in January after the Diamondbacks released him. He was batting .094 in 15 games, including a strike out looking on three pitches with the bases loaded Sunday.

On Friday night, he inexplicably pulled his bat back on a botched suicide squeeze. Ichiro Suzuki was tagged out on the play. Byrnes then rode this beach cruiser bicycle out the front door of the clubhouse minutes after the game ended. He made a right turn down a tunnel and then made a 90-degree left turn around the approaching Mariners GM.  Okay, I clearly would rather get a bikini wax then watch the Mariners play baseball, but according to ESPN, this is what happened:

With one out, the game tied 0-0 in the 11th inning and Ichiro Suzuki on third base, Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu called for a squeeze. Byrnes offered at the pitch but for some reason pulled his bat back and left Ichiro out to dry. Worse yet, Byrnes apparently realized his mistake and weakly attempted to bunt again after the pitch had already crossed home plate!

The whole thing was so astounding that Texas manager Ron Washington got ejected for arguing that the pitch should have been a strike because Byrnes had tried to bunt. When the umpire told him that Byrnes had pulled back the bat, Washington refused to believe him and continued to argue. He said that in all his years in baseball he had never seen anyone pull back the bat on a squeeze. He said he couldn’t even fathom it. It was impossible. So he continued arguing and was ejected.

When Eric Byrnes was in Arizona, this guy was such a jagoff blow hard that he even had “The Eric Byrnes Show” on Fox Sports Arizona.  I turned it on once to find out that he had put on a fashion show in Scottsdale for his new clothing line.  Everything looked like horrendous Ed Hardy and Affliction rip offs.  The audacity of this guy to be a glorified, good-for-nothing fourth outfielder and think that people would actually want to dress like him, or buy anything even affiliated with his name. Eric Byrnes should just get a tattoo on his face that says DOUCHEBAG.  I bet if I cut him open he would be full of nothing but water and vinegar.

(Eric Gagne - Isn't ache a sign of steroid use?)

Beginning his attempt at returning to the majors, former Cy Young winner Eric Gagne responded to questions about performance-enhancing drugs by saying “There are a lot of regrets.”

He also told reporters, “I’ve said it 150 times, it’s always going to be on my resume for the rest of my life. People will second-guess everything I do and if I have a good year they’ll all second guess. That’s normal. I’m not expecting anything else. But for me it’s over. I have to go on. I can talk about it every day. It doesn’t matter. I still have to go out and pitch and perform.”

But in a later interview with the Los Angeles Times published this past Saturday, Gagne became a little less obtuse in his admissions when asked about his alleged use of HGH:

“I did,” [Gagne] says. “I hate to talk about it. It just doesn’t do anyone any good. But I thought it would help me get better when I hurt my knee. I just don’t want that to sound as an excuse.

“I’m so ashamed. It wasn’t smart. If I knew what I know now … I didn’t need it. I regret it so much, just now maybe getting over the guilt. It was stupid.”

The once imposing and feared closer signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, guaranteeing him a relatively meager $500,000 if he makes the Opening Day roster.

I hate to toot my own horn, but I was preaching this news to all the people creaming their leopard print thongs in Los Angeles over Eric Gagne years before his name ever showed up in the Mitchell Report.  Now, this news is pretty much a “duh” situation, but I always like to make formal announcement of how right I consistently am.

In this past Saturday’s Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Milton Bradley responded to the question regarding whether he enjoyed this season with the Chicago Cubs as follows:

Not really.  It’s just not a positive environment.  I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment.  There’s too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly.  Everything is just bashing you.  You got out there and you play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it.  It’s just negativity.

And you understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here, because it’s negative.  That’s what it is.

Jim Hendry, the Cubs’ GM, responded by suspending Bradley for the remainder of the season.  He also released a statement saying:

Recently it’s become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has.  We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best for him to go home for the rest of the season.

While my initial reaction is to question Mr. Hendry on his definition of the “best fans in baseball,” I will move beyond that for now.  I guess if a bunch of fat broads with no jobs sitting in the bleachers for weekday afternoon games wearing bikinis is the definition of quality baseball fans, then he has a very valid point.  However, my intention at this point is to honor the irrational rage and arrogant genius that is, Mr. Milton Obelle Bradley, Jr.  Milton Bradley, this is your life!

April 15, 1978:    Milton Obelle Bradley, Jr. is born.  His father, desirous of a “junior,” filled out the birth certificate without his wife’s permission.

May 10, 1985:    Tragedy strikes, when someone unbeknownst to the young Mr. Bradley sneaks into the family home and shits in his cereal.

1986:  Milton Bradley suffers humiliation when his classmates realize he was named after a popular board game pioneer.

1996:    Milton is drafted by the Montreal Expos.

July 19, 2000:   Milton makes his Major League debut of the Montreal Expos.

July 31, 2001:   Milton is traded to the Cleveland Indians for Zach Day.

April 11, 2002:   Right quadricep injury, day-to-day.

May 2, 2002:    Eye Contusion, 15-day DL. (misses 29 games)

August 14, 2002:    Appendicitis, 15-day DL.

April 18, 2003:   Hamstring injury, day-to-day.

April 26, 2003:   Strained right hamstring, 15-day DL.

August 15, 2003:   Back injury, 15-day DL.

August 29, 2003:   Misses 46 games to the end of the regular season (back injury).

April 2004:   Milton is abruptly traded to the Dodgers following an altercation with Indians’ manager Eric Wedge during spring training.

2004 Season:   Milton slams a plastic bottle at the feet of a fan at Dodger Stadium after someone threw it onto the field, which led to a 5 game suspension.  He also earned a 4 game suspension for tossing a bag of balls onto the field after an ejection.

April 30, 2004:   Ankle injury, day-to-day (misses 3 games).

May 31, 2004:   Ankle injury, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

August 12, 2004:   Hamstring, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

2005 Season:   Milton feuds with Jeff Kent, accusing him of being racist.  This seems to be a major catalyst in his trade from the team the following season.

June 3, 2005:   Finger injury, 15-day DL.

July 23, 2005:   Misses 47 games (finger injury).

August 23, 2005:   Knee injury, day-to-day.

August 25, 2005:   Torn left Patella Tendon, 15-day DL.

September 2, 2005:   Transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL (torn left Patella Tendon).

2006 Season:   Milton seemingly takes high doses of tranquilizers, which render him unable to publicly bitch and moan about the sorry, tragic life of a Major League baseball player.

May 7, 2006:   Right knee injury, 15-day DL.

June 6, 2006:   Misses 36 games (right knee injury).

June 20, 2006:   Shoulder injury, 15-day DL.

August 30, 2006:   Ankle injury, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

2007 Season:   Milton carries on public disagreement with A’s GM Billy Beane.  On June 21, 2007, the A’s designate him for assignment.  He is acquired by the Padres 8 days later.  They do not require him to pass a physical examination of any kind for fear he would fail it and go elsewhere.  On September 23, 2007, Milton tore his right ACL while being restrained by Padres manager Bud Black during an argument with umpire Mike Winters.  Bradley was accused of throwing a bat in another umpire’s direction during a previous at-bat.  Winters used profanity towards Milton, Milton moved towards Winters, Milton was held back by Black and then Milton fell to the ground resulting in the injury.  He missed the last week of the season as a result, and the Padres lost their lead in the division and failed to make the playoffs.

April 13, 2007:   Hamstring, day-to-day (misses 6 games).

April 23, 2007:   Hamstring, 15-day DL.

May 17, 2007:   Hamstring, day-to-day (misses 4 games).

May 23, 2007:   Hamstring, 15-day DL.

June 8, 2007:   Calf injury, 15-day DL.

July 1, 2007:   Oblique injury, 15-day DL.

August 4, 2007:   Hamstring, day-to-day (misses 4 games)

September 11, 2007:   Right oblique muscle strain, day-to-day. (misses 12 games)

September 24, 2007:   Torn ACL, sidelined indefinitely.

2008 Season:  Milton makes his first All-Star team as a DH while playing for the Texas Rangers.  However, Bradley attempts to confront a Kansas City Royals’ announcer following a game after he believes negative comments were made about him on the air.  After the Rangers’ manager and GM chase him down and stop him, Bradley returns to the clubhouse in tears.

May 1, 2008:   Hamstring, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

May 13, 2008:   Right shoulder injury, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

May 30, 2008:   Dizziness, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

June 18, 2008:   Quadricep injury, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

June 22, 2008:   Strained left quadriceps, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

July 11, 2008:    Left knee injury, day-to-day (misses 1 game).

July 30, 2008:   Quadricep injury, day-to-day (misses 5 games).

August 5, 2008:   Strained left quadriceps, day-to-day (misses 5 games).

August 16, 2008:   Illness, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

September 6, 2008:   Wrist injury, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

September 16, 2008:   Left wrist injury, day-to-day (misses 2 games).

2009 Season:  Milton signs a 3 year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.  On April 16th, Milton is suspended for 2 games for making contact with an umpire.  On June 13th, Milton throws a ball caught in left field into the stands with only 2 outs in the inning.  He is also ordered to leave the dugout by Lou Piniella after he throws a tirade following a fly out.  Piniella and Milton continue this argument in the locker room where “words” are exchanged.

April 13, 2009:  Groin injury (misses 2 games).

April 17, 2009:  Groin injury (misses 1 game).

April 23, 2009:  Groin injury (misses 1 game).

April 25, 2009:  Groin injury (misses 2 games).

June 3, 2009:  Calf injury (misses 2 games).

August 14, 2009:  Hip injury (misses 1 game).

September 9, 2009:  Leg injury (misses 1 game).

This leads us to September 20, 2009, and his suspension for the remainder of the year.  No one can ever say that Milton Bradley is inconsistent.  He consistently is moved from team to team, while generally having decent production, an obscene amount of injuries, and a severe behavioral disorder.

The Major League Baseball regular season is winding down, which means fantasy baseball seasons are nearing their sad, miserable conclusions. If you are lacking the supreme drafting skills of yours truly, then I’m sure you have been frustrated with one or more of your high draft picks.  I simply wanted to point out ten guys that probably screwed a lot of fantasy teams in 2009.

1.  Jose Reyes – SS – New York Mets - 147 ab, .279 avg, 2 hr, 15 rbi, 11 sb

As a top three pick in most fantasy leagues, Jose Reyes had the hopes of many managers resting on his shoulders. Reyes was projected to steal 50+ bases this season while potentially improving on his power numbers in the stacked Mets lineup. However, injuries derailed these lofty hopes and in turn derailed the chances of many a fantasy baseball team unfortunate enough to draft him. Top Bust.

2.  Brad Lidge – P – Philadelphia Phillies – 25 sv, 30 op, 6.90 era, 1.77 whip

In 2008, Brad Lidge did not blow a save and finished with a 1.95 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Fantasy owners may not have been expecting perfection, but they were not expecting eight blown saves and an ERA closer to ten than two. Some of his problems can be blamed on the knee injury, but more likely than not Lidge has just lost it. This sad sack of shit is a major headcase.  Lidge has the mental fortitude of the scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz . Additionally, this is not the first time his confidence has been severely shaken, as the mammoth blast he gave up to Albert Pujols in the playoffs a few years back began a quick downward spiral for him that many may remember. He recovered from that last year, but seems to have fallen back into the funk and I’m not so sure that he’ll be able to get out of it this time. It should be noted that I love this guy though; he makes me giggle.  Bust.

3.  David Wright – 3b – New York Mets – 426 ab, .324 avg, 8 hr, 55 rbi, 24 sb

David Wright came into the 2009 season #1 on many people’s draft boards. He combines power and speed with a high average. Whether it’s the new pitcher-friendly Citi Field or the injuries to the power bats behind him in the line-up, David Wright just does not have his power this year. With his high average draft position and due to the fact he was projected by most to hit over 30 homeruns, Wright definitely qualifies as a bust for 2009.

4. Alfonso Soriano – OF – Chicago Cubs – 459 ab, .240 avg, 19 hr, 52 rbi, 9 sb

Soriano was a mid to late first round pick in most fantasy drafts in 2009. Most projected him to hit over 30 homeruns and steal over 20 bases. He fell in some drafts due to his diminishing speed, but the power should have remained. He has never been a player to help a team average, but he has also never batted below .268 in his career. The season is not quite over yet, but it appears that Soriano will not even reach 25 homers, will struggle to steal even his tenth bag, and will finish with an average below .250.  However, his “skip-and-catch” approach in left field is in peak form and it makes him look like a pretty ballerina. Bust.

5. Chris Davis – 1b – Texas Rangers – 258 ab, .202 avg, 15 hr, 33 rbi, 0 sb

Chris Davis may have been the top “sleeper” pick (that everyone knew about) in 2009. Projected to reach 30 homers and 100 RBIs while qualifying at both corner infield spots, Davis was primed for a big year. Unfortunately, strikeouts and an early season slump knocked him off course and even landed him back in the minors. Since his early season hype bumped him way up draft boards, Davis is most definitely a bust.

6. Garrett Atkins – 3b – Colorado Rockies – 298 ab, .225 avg, 8 hr, 39 rbi, 0 sb

Garrett Atkins came into 2009 with three straight 20 plus homerun and 99 plus RBI seasons. The lowest he batted in the last three years was .286. A guy is entitled to an off year, but having less than 10 homers and 39 RBIs with a .225 batting average in only 298 at bats is just plain horrific. Yes, he had distractions such as the trade rumors and Ian Stewart breathing down his neck, but he had been the definition of consistency for three straight years. Garrett Atkins makes it hard to ever trust him again, much like every other man in my life. Bust.

7. Chris Young – OF – Arizona Diamondbacks – 315 ab, .194 avg, 7 hr, 28 rbi, 11 sb

Much like the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season, Chris Young has been a major disappointment. Many thought that this year would be his breakout year. Young has 20/20, perhaps even 30/30, potential, but he just cannot stop striking out. He is down in the minors right now killing the ball, but has not shown that he can consistently hit at the major league level. A smart manager would probably bat him fifth or sixth because his on-base skills are not those of a major league lead-off hitter.  This guy sucks. Chris Young is nothing but a bust.

8. Rick Ankiel – OF – St. Louis Cardinals – 308 ab, .234 avg, 10 hr, 34 rbi, 2 sb

Rick Ankiel was one of the best “feel-good” stories of 2008. He accomplished the rare feat of transitioning from major league pitcher to major league position player. With a big bat and a cannon for an arm, Ankiel was the talk of every ballpark he visited. However, his lack of mental toughness was the reason for his breakdown and subsequent transition. The pressure of being a major league pitcher brought about one of the worst meltdowns in MLB history. Now in his second full year as a major league hitter, he is starting to come back down to earth and we will see if he is still a mental weakling. He has battled some injuries this season, but fantasy owners who drafted him looking for power don’t want to hear the excuses.  Everyone was prepared to take a hit in average, but 10 homers in 300 at bats equals a 2009 fantasy bust.  The only thing he had going for him was his 1970s-circa policeman’s mustache, and he shaved that off too.  Therefore, he is worthless.

9. Magglio Ordonez – OF – Detroit Tigers – 351 ab, .274 avg, 7 hr, 37 rbi, 3 sb

A drop off for Magglio Ordonez was to be expected as he is now 35 years old, but after a 2008 in which he hit .317 with 21 homers and 103 RBIs, the drop off was not expected to be this severe. Mags has heated up a bit in August, but he is still three homers shy of double digits and one good month is not going to be enough to save his fantasy owners. Bottom-line, Mags is a bust.

10. Cole Hamels – P – Philadelphia Phillies – 139.1 inn, 7 wins, 4.78 era, 1.35 whip, 119 Ks

A lot of fantasy owners suspected that Cole Hamels may be a bust in 2009 because of the injury risk he presented.  After all, in the 2008 season, Hamels pitched a staggering 227 innings. Nobody considered the notion that he could be a bust while being totally healthy, but that is exactly what happened (and is happening) this season. At first the assumption was that it was simply rust following some injuries in spring training, but now it’s just silly. Cole Hamels has been consistently mediocre in 2009 and because of his high average draft position, he is a total bust.  In punishment, I think that his super-hot wife should dump his ass and take up with Cliff Lee.  Cole Hamels and his stupid mid-90s hair need a serious slump buster.

Dishonorable Mention

Jay Bruce – OF – Cincinnati Reds -  299 ab, .207 avg, 18 hr, 41 rbi, 3 sb

Alex Gordon – 3b – Kansas City Royals -  96 ab, .198 avg, 3 hr, 11 rbi, 4 sb

J.J. Hardy – SS – Milwaukee Brewers -  371 ab, .245 avg, 11 hr, 45 rbi, 0 sb

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.