
Player	Type	Report

Affeldt, Jeremy (RP) Col (04-05)		The Rocky Mountain News reports that "Rockies manager Clint Hurdle called it "a left-handed thing" when reliever Jeremy Affeldt managed to roll both ankles on one pitch while warming up before the ninth inning. Affeldt said he extended too far, causing his plant (left) ankle to roll, then rolled his right ankle by trying to compensate during his follow-through. After a review by trainer Keith Dugger, Affeldt stayed in the game and retired one batter. Neither injury is believed to be serious." - newsource1


Player	Type	Report
Bonds, Barry (OF) SF		Barry Bonds is one step closer from reaching the most famous record in sports. With a HR in last night’s game, Bonds is 20 dingers away from tying Hank Aaron on the all-time HR list. From a fantasy perspective, can we depend on Bonds to be back in the lineup in tonight’s game? Absolutely. Bonds is looking extremely healthy, making sliding catches in the outfield and even stealing bases. He may be out of the lineup in day games after night games, but that won’t happen until Saturday. - jribando
		As the Contra Costa Times reports, "With his home run in the first inning, Barry Bonds moved past Willie Mays for first place on the San Francisco franchise list with 1,481 runs."
		2006: 365 AB/ 0.268 BA/ 26 HR/ 77 RBI/ 73 R/ 3 SB/ 0.542 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.81 FPI Week: 7 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 1 SB/ 0.714 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 1.13 FPI
Gordon, Tom (RP) Phi		Gordon blew his first save of the season, giving up 3 hits and 2 ER including a HR to Brian McCann. While Gordon should be a good bet to post 35 saves this season, his age combined with last season’s shoulder injury makes me wonder when its all going to break apart for him. There are other closers I’d rather have on my team than Gordon, especially for the 2nd half of the season. He may be a guy you want to shop around in early June for a possible upgrade. - jribando

		2006: 59 IP/ 1.270 WHIP/ 3.35 ERA/ 3 W/ 68 K/ 34 S/ 1.15 K Inning/ 1.38 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 2.500 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -3.25 FPI
Williams, Woody (P) Hou		Williams got roughed up on Wednesday, giving up 8 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), on 2 BB with no K’s in 4.2 IP. He’s a risky option, especially in mixed leagues, for the 2007 season. Taking a look at some of the forecaster tools presented in this pre-season’s drafting software, Williams’ 3-year quality start factor is 46 (measured as percentile from 0-100 with 100 being the highest). At 40, you can also expect Williams to struggle in the 2nd half. His dominance is minimal with a low and declining 3-year K/I and playing in Houston with a ballpark factor of 92 is the icing on the cake. A 4.50+ ERA, 1.40 WHIP is conservative for Williams. Consider him only in NL-only leagues. - jribando

		2006: 138 IP/ 1.310 WHIP/ 3.58 ERA/ 11 W/ 72 K/ 0 S/ 0.52 K Inning/ 1.32 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 2.141 WHIP/ 5.78 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -0.85 FPI
Torres, Salomon (RP) Pit		It doesn’t get any better than three straight saves by Salomon Torres in the first three games of the season. The Pirates obviously think very highly of Torres to 1) use him three straight days and 2) let Mike Gonzalez go in the off-season. He’s the go-to-guy in Pittsburgh so keep him in your rotations while he’s hot. - jribando

		2006: 92 IP/ 1.470 WHIP/ 3.32 ERA/ 3 W/ 70 K/ 11 S/ 0.76 K Inning/ 1.14 FPI Week: 3 IP/ 0.333 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 3 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 2.67 FPI
Suppan, Jeff (P) Mil		Suppan was handed a loss in his first decision of the season, but he actually looked pretty good against the Dodgers. 7.0 IP, 7 hits, 2 ER, 3 BB, and 2 K’s is his line. His move to Milwaukee (a change of ballpark factors from 108 at Busch to 98 at Miller Park) shouldn’t affect his overall performance that much. Looking at 3-year trends, Suppan’s HR/9 has steadily declined over the last 3 years from 1.20, 1.11, to 0.99. We have him forecasted at 0.95 (a total of 21 HR in 200 IP). His ERA and WHIP results have been relatively consistent, hovering in the low 4.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP range. Another year of comparable performance is likely. - jribando

		2006: 190 IP/ 1.450 WHIP/ 4.12 ERA/ 12 W/ 104 K/ 0 S/ 0.55 K Inning/ 1.16 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.428 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.28 K Inning/ 1.14 FPI
Carpenter, Chris (P) StL		Its been a tough week for Chris Carpenter owners. First, he got roughed up in his first start of the season. Then, inflammation in his right elbow will keep him from getting a 2nd start this week. With that said, its looking like Carpenter’s elbow injury may not be that serious and he is expected to take the mound again on Tuesday against the Pirates. He has an appointment scheduled with the team doctor and if he passes the test, his next start should be announced shortly thereafter. If he does pitch on Tuesday and doesn’t have further elbow complications, he’ll get his 2-start week next week and pitch again the following Sunday. - jribando
		The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that "Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter said that his right elbow "felt a lot better" Wednesday and that swelling had decreased enough in two days that he could bend his elbow to touch the top of his shoulder. The inability to do that same move Monday is what prompted concern and will cause Carpenter to miss his scheduled start on Friday. ... Pitching coach Dave Duncan said after talking with Carpenter on Wednesday he wasn't drafting alternate plans for next Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh: "I'm not even thinking about it. I'm assuming that on (Tuesday), Carpenter is going to be ready to pitch. He felt a lot better (Wednesday)." The Cardinals moved every starter up a day for this weekend's series at Houston, starting with Adam Wainwright shifting his debut as a starter from Saturday to Friday night at Minute Maid Park. It's possible the arms available in the bullpen for a few games against the Astros will depend entirely on Carpenter's elbow. If the soreness and stiffness in his elbow are not gone in time for him to pitch Tuesday, the Cardinals may have to find an in-house cameo starter to avoid a roster move. ... If Carpenter is not cleared to start Tuesday's game, the Cardinals have several alternative starters in their bullpen, including righthanders Brad Thompson and Ryan Franklin — both of whom were given innings to win a starting role this spring training. Josh Hancock, who was laced for two homers Wednesday night, could also get a spot start if the Cardinals wanted to keep the other two righthanders available for relief duty. ... There are two apparently two available options in Class AAA. Lefty Randy Keisler would be on turn to start Thursday and prospect Blake Hawksworth could miss his Monday start, if needed. ... Carpenter was scheduled to meet with team doctors during or after Wednesday's game to determine if additional treatment or exams were necessary to identify what caused his elbow to swell after Sunday's start. Carpenter could not completely bend the elbow Monday but has described a consistent decrease in swelling over the past two days."
		2006: 221 IP/ 1.070 WHIP/ 3.09 ERA/ 15 W/ 184 K/ 0 S/ 0.83 K Inning/ 1.92 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.666 WHIP/ 7.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 0.08 FPI
Milton, Eric (P) Cin		Milton threw a 70-pitch simulated game and is expected to return to the Reds on Sunday against the Pirates. Nothing to get excited about here. Milton continues to be a disappointment in Cincy, winning just 8 games in each of the last two seasons while posting a 6.47 and 5.20 ERA in 2005 and 2006, respectively. He may not even be worth the free-agent search in NL-only leagues. Save yourself the 3 minutes of picking him up and pass on this start. - jribando
		According to the Cincinnati Post, "Right-hander Eric Milton threw to batters before Wednesday's game, but avoided reporters after his session and his status for Sunday's possible start is unknown. "We'll evaluate him, re-evaluate him and see how he feels and go from there," manager Jerry Narron said before Wednesday night's game. "Hopefully he'll be ready to start on Sunday." Following the game, Narron said he'd wait to see how Milton felt today before making any kind of decision. If Milton, who is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, isn't ready to pitch on Sunday, right-hander Victor Santos is a possibility to get the start. Kirk Saarloos, Narron said, is unlikely to get the assignment."
		2006: 152 IP/ 1.350 WHIP/ 5.20 ERA/ 8 W/ 90 K/ 0 S/ 0.59 K Inning/ 0.98 FPI
Dempster, Ryan (RP) ChN		You, me, and the entire north-side of Chicago is just waiting for Ryan Dempster to blow a save so he can be replaced. For now, that’s not the case. He earned his first save of the season with a relatively perfect 9th (he walked a batter). He’s the solution for now, but he’s coming off a 4.80 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 2006. I wouldn’t expect anything different from him and the Cubs, who should actually be competitive this year, will not have the same patience to deal with it like they did last year. If you have Dempster on your squad, consider him a temporary source of saves. - jribando

		2006: 74 IP/ 1.530 WHIP/ 4.86 ERA/ 1 W/ 66 K/ 24 S/ 0.89 K Inning/ 0.89 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 3.50 FPI
Beltran, Carlos (OF) NYN		Carlos Beltran’s swing looked perfect Wednesday night. He hit 2 HR and drove in 4 RBI to lead the Mets to a sweep of the Cardinals. Beltran turns 30 in two weeks and he’s certainly entering into his power-prime. Throwing away the 2005 season due to injuries, Beltran has averaged a HR for every 14.0 AB in seasons 2006 and 2004. Expect the same or better production this season, barring any injuries to the star CF. - jribando
		As the New York Post reports, "Carlos Beltran had the 18th multi-homer game of his career."
		2006: 506 AB/ 0.277 BA/ 41 HR/ 116 RBI/ 127 R/ 18 SB/ 0.599 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.84 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.833 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 1.17 FPI
Lilly, Ted (P) ChN		A move to the National League seems to have been the right move for Lilly. He hurled a solid 7.0 IP and gave up just 1 ER while striking out 9 to earn his first win as a Cubbie. Lilly posted a K.9 of 7.9 last year and that rate should increase to over 8.0 with a move out of the AL East and into the NL Central. The winds and day games at Wrigley (with a ballpark factor of 88) could provide some rough outings throughout the Chicago summer, but Lilly should get plenty of run support with a solid offense behind him. 15+ wins isn’t out of the question for Lilly, who could have a career resurgence in the NL. - jribando
		The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "Left-hander Ted Lilly got his first career RBI with a bases-loaded bunt in the fourth."
		2006: 181 IP/ 1.430 WHIP/ 4.32 ERA/ 15 W/ 160 K/ 0 S/ 0.88 K Inning/ 1.15 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.571 WHIP/ 1.28 ERA/ 1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 1.28 K Inning/ 3.71 FPI
Hudson, Tim (P) Atl		Hudson’s walk total was a bit high at 4, but he had a solid outing in his 2007 debut. He made one mistake in his 7.0 IP performance – a solo HR to Carlos Ruiz in the 5th inning. In the end, Hudson’s line was 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 5 K’s, 4 BB’s. Many are picking 2007 as Hudson’s comeback year. At 31, I don’t think we’ll ever see him record a ton of wins and a sub 3.00 ERA again. But, I don’t think a sub 1.30 WHIP and 4.00 ERA is out of the question. His stuff definitely looked really good against the Phillies yesterday. Not disappoint so far, he’s worth the upside for the season. - jribando

		2006: 218 IP/ 1.440 WHIP/ 4.87 ERA/ 13 W/ 141 K/ 0 S/ 0.65 K Inning/ 1.11 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.857 WHIP/ 1.28 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.79 FPI
Furcal, Rafael (SS) LAN		Rafael Furcal is not even close from coming off the 15-day DL this weekend. He has done little in terms of running, fielding ground balls, etc. Furcal was originally scheduled to come off the DL on Saturday, but that’s not looking likely right now. Stick with your backup for now until we hear more, but my guess is that he doesn’t get back on the field until mid-next week at the earliest. - jribando

		2006: 654 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 15 HR/ 63 RBI/ 113 R/ 37 SB/ 0.445 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.72 FPI
Julio, Jorge (RP) Fla		This is the danger in picking up closers off of the waiver wire. Jorge Julio got his first save opportunity on Wednesday and blew it in a big way. Julio recorded only 1 out and gave up 5 hits, 3 ER, and a walk – shattering fantasy owners’ WHIP and ERA while recording his first blown save of the season. His closer job in Florida will not be based on one performance, but if he puts together a string of these disasters, don’t be surprised to see the Marlins make a few adjustments in the 9th. As you may recall, before the Marlins traded for Julio, guys like Matt Lindstrom, Taylor Tankersley, and Henry Owens were all competing for the job. There have been a few injury concerns with those guys, but they may get a shot. - jribando

		2006: 66 IP/ 1.320 WHIP/ 4.23 ERA/ 2 W/ 88 K/ 16 S/ 1.33 K Inning/ 1.45 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 5.263 WHIP/ 20.30 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -8.66 FPI
Cabrera, Miguel (3B) Fla		Miguel Cabrera is giving you everything he has in the 1st fantasy week of the season. This is why Cabrera is my early-season favorite to win the NL MVP: 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 hits, 5 runs, and 5 BB. He has guys like Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham protecting him, who can definitely swing hot bats and help him get plenty of good pitches. But don’t be surprised to see the IBB column rise significantly this year, as pitchers will cut their losses and start putting Cabrera on base. - jribando

		2006: 574 AB/ 0.340 BA/ 26 HR/ 114 RBI/ 112 R/ 9 SB/ 0.570 Slug/ 0.18 KRate/ 0.87 FPI Week: 10 AB/ 0.700 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 1.500 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 2.10 FPI
Maine, John (P) NYN		Maine made Met fans forget about the strength of their rotation (well, at least for now). He was masterful against the Cardinals last night, giving up just 1 hit in 7.0 IP with 6 K’s. Maine is not the next Tom Seaver, but there’s no reason to believe he can’t repeat his 15-start performance from 2006. Recall that he posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and held opposing batters to just a .212 BAA. He’s definitely off to the right start this season and has a great opportunity to post another couple of W’s with expected starts against the Phillies and the Nationals next week (a two-start fantasy pitcher). - jribando

		2006: 90 IP/ 1.130 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 6 W/ 71 K/ 0 S/ 0.79 K Inning/ 1.75 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.428 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.85 K Inning/ 4.29 FPI
Hamels, Cole (P) Phi		He didn’t earn the win, but he pitched the way a top draft pick should – 7.0 shutout innings, 8 K’s, 1 BB. In just 132 IP last season, Hamels recorded 145 K’s (K/9 of 9.9) and should reach the 200-K mark and a K/9 over 10.0 if he stays healthy. - jribando

		2006: 132 IP/ 1.250 WHIP/ 4.09 ERA/ 9 W/ 145 K/ 0 S/ 1.10 K Inning/ 1.51 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.714 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 8 K/ 0 S/ 1.14 K Inning/ 2.93 FPI
McCann, Brian (C) Atl		We forecasted Brian McCann as our top catcher (yes, above Joe Mauer) in our projection software. So far, he’s living up to our expectations. He already has 2 HR and 4 RBI in 9 AB this season. His power production shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, after putting up 24 HR at a rate of a dinger for every 18.4 AB in 2006. He should exceed the 30-HR and 100-RBI mark in 2007 with a 0.75 FPI. - jribando

		2006: 438 AB/ 0.336 BA/ 24 HR/ 93 RBI/ 61 R/ 2 SB/ 0.578 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.82 FPI Week: 9 AB/ 0.556 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 1.333 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 1.94 FPI
Gorzelanny, Tom (P) Pit		It wasn’t an official quality start, but Gorzelanny earned his first win of 2007 with a 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 K performance on Wednesday. He’s one of those young-Pirate pitchers that have been touted as having great stuff without the experience. At 24, he should get plenty of opportunities this year to show of his stuff. In a full-season, he should average a K/9 of about 7.0. Gorzelanny has nice upside potential in NL-only leagues and is a decent flier to get you a dozen wins and 150 K’s in mixed leagues. - jribando

		2006: 61 IP/ 1.320 WHIP/ 3.82 ERA/ 2 W/ 40 K/ 0 S/ 0.65 K Inning/ 1.66 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.80 K Inning/ 1.40 FPI
Saito, Takashi (RP) LAN		Not so fast Broxton owners. Saito may have had a bit of a rough outing last night, but still managed to earn a 5-out save. He gave up a 2-run double in the 8th inning after coming in with the bases loaded and then gave up a HR and a double to JJ Hardy and Prince Fielder to open the 9th. But he held on and earned his first save of the season. There’s no denying Saito’s great 2006 season of 24 saves, 2.07 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and BAA of .177. But the Dodgers have Jonathan Broxton waiting in the wings and at 37, Saito will almost certainly be replaced at some point this season. A few rough outings and that day could come sooner rather than later. - jribando

		2006: 78 IP/ 0.910 WHIP/ 2.07 ERA/ 6 W/ 107 K/ 24 S/ 1.37 K Inning/ 2.71 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.796 WHIP/ 5.38 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 1 S/ 0.59 K Inning/ -1.79 FPI
Peavy, Jake (P) SD
		The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that "Jake Peavy became only the second Padre to win consecutive Opening Day starts. The first was Clay Kirby in 1972-73."
		2006: 202 IP/ 1.230 WHIP/ 4.10 ERA/ 11 W/ 215 K/ 0 S/ 1.06 K Inning/ 1.49 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 0.833 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 3.42 FPI
Scott, Luke (OF) Hou
		As the Houston Chronicle reports, "Astros right fielder Luke Scott was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day with a sprained right elbow capsule. "I feel better," Scott said. "I did a bunch of treatments on my arm, some stretching and just movements to get my range of motion back, and it's feeling a lot better." For now, Scott says he doesn't expect to need surgery on the elbow. "I got an X-ray yesterday, and I talked to the doctor. He said there's no need for surgery. We'll just kind of play it for how it feels," Scott said. "When I woke up (Tuesday) I couldn't straighten my elbow out all the way and it was pretty painful. I didn't know if I did anything to it. I saw a doctor and he said there's no damage requiring surgery or anything like that." Scott, a lefthanded hitter who throws with his right, has more trouble with the elbow when he throws than when he hits."
		2006: 211 AB/ 0.341 BA/ 10 HR/ 37 RBI/ 31 R/ 2 SB/ 0.630 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.91 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.30 FPI
Mets (T) NYN
		As the Newark Star-Ledger reports, "Milledge, Sele, Julio Franco and reliever Ambiorix Burgos each made their season debuts. Only Easley, David Newhan, Ramon Castro and Oliver Perez, tomorrow night's starter in Atlanta, have yet to appear in a game."

Marlins (T) Fla
		According to the Palm Beach Post, "Dontrelle Willis won the season opener and Miguel Cabrera went 7-for-10 with two home runs and six RBI against Washington, but the two veterans have impressed their manager with their leadership skills, too. After starter Scott Olsen came out of Tuesday's game during the sixth inning visibly upset, Willis went over and sat with him for a one-on-one conversation for the rest of the game. "That's a good thing to have when the leaders on the team take care of that stuff and the young guys listen,'' Gonzalez said. Gonzalez also has noticed Cabrera taking on a leadership role. "He's a vocal guy,'' Gonzalez said. "During spring training, when we run fundamentals, if stuff wasn't going correctly, he'd get on people. He takes a lot of pride in doing stuff the right way.''

Howard, Ryan (1B) Phi
		The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News reports that "Ryan Howard's star continues to rise. He will appear on The Late Show With David Letterman Tuesday in New York. The Phillies will be in town for a three-game series against the Mets at Shea Stadium, but Tuesday is a day off. Howard was a natural choice for the show because he was named the National League's MVP last season."
		2006: 578 AB/ 0.313 BA/ 58 HR/ 148 RBI/ 104 R/ 0 SB/ 0.661 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ 0.90 FPI Week: 7 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.286 Slug/ 0.29 KRate/ 0.70 FPI
Duke, Zach (P) Pit
		The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that "Zach Duke will have his next start pushed back one day to Sunday in Cincinnati because of a cracked nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand. The trouble, which developed in the opener Monday, was irritating enough that Duke's bullpen session yesterday was canceled. Tony Armas will move up one day and make his season debut Saturday. That sets up the rotation for the first home series against the St. Louis Cardinals this way: Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny and Paul Maholm."
		2006: 215 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 4.48 ERA/ 10 W/ 117 K/ 0 S/ 0.54 K Inning/ 0.91 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.285 WHIP/ 2.57 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 1.07 FPI
Pelfrey, Mike (P) NYN
		The New York Post reports that "Fifth starter Mike Pelfrey is to pitch Saturday for St. Lucie in high-A ball. He's said he's slated to pitch for the Mets around April 13."
		2006: 21 IP/ 1.750 WHIP/ 5.55 ERA/ 2 W/ 13 K/ 0 S/ 0.62 K Inning/ 0.97 FPI
Lo Duca, Paul (C) NYN
		The Newark Star-Ledger reports that "Paul Lo Duca had three hits and reached base in four of his five plate appearances. He finished the series 5-for-13."
		2006: 508 AB/ 0.319 BA/ 5 HR/ 48 RBI/ 80 R/ 3 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 0.62 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.385 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Uggla, Dan (2B) Fla
		According to the Miami Herald, "With Hanley Ramirez on second and no outs, Gonzalez made the decision to have Dan Uggla attempt a sacrifice bunt in the seventh to move Ramirez to third -- even though he (and just about everyone in the ball park) knew that the Nationals would probably walk Cabrera, who was on deck. ''They were going to put him on anyway,'' Gonzalez said of his decision. ``If Uggla doesn't get him over swinging the bat, they were still going to walk Cabrera and face first and second with [Willingham] at the plate. I took it on myself to try to move him over to third [with the bunt], because it's a little more difficult to play defense with runners at first and third than first and second. And Hammer had some pretty good numbers against [Ryan] Wagner.'' Uggla could not put down the bunt, but moved Ramirez to third with a fly out to center. Cabrera, who is hitting .700 (7 for 10) with two homers and six RBI, was walked intentionally, and Willingham grounded into an inning-ending double play."
		2006: 608 AB/ 0.280 BA/ 26 HR/ 89 RBI/ 104 R/ 6 SB/ 0.474 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.61 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.385 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.37 FPI
Diamondbacks (T) Ari
		As the Arizona Republic reports, "Durbin's awful outing - he allowed seven runs in two-thirds of an inning - brought a quick end to his time with the team. He was designated for assignment after the game, and Owings' contract was purchased. Durbin, who is out of options, was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins a week ago, and the Diamondbacks have 10 days to trade him, release him or put him on waivers. If he clears waivers, he likely would go to Triple-A Tucson. "Hopefully I get to stay with this team," said Durbin, a Scottsdale Coronado High graduate."

Eaton, Adam (P) Phi
		According to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News, "Righthander Adam Eaton, who signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract in the off-season to replace lefthander Randy Wolf, makes his Phillies debut today against Braves lefthander Chuck James. Eaton went 0-3 with a 7.91 ERA in the spring. ... Eaton's problem has been a lack of command with his pitches, something he hopes he can square away tonight."
		2006: 65 IP/ 1.570 WHIP/ 5.12 ERA/ 7 W/ 43 K/ 0 S/ 0.66 K Inning/ 0.76 FPI
Sanchez, Freddy (2B) Pit
		According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "The Pirates' top four affiliates -- Indianapolis, Altoona, Lynchburg and Hickory -- open their seasons today. Sanchez will begin his rehabilitation stint with Indianapolis at Victory Field against Columbus."
		2006: 578 AB/ 0.343 BA/ 6 HR/ 85 RBI/ 85 R/ 3 SB/ 0.472 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Braves (T) Atl
		According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "With the Braves facing a left-hander (Cole Hamels) on Wednesday, Craig Wilson was in the lineup at first base instead of rookie Scott Thorman, and Matt Diaz was in left field instead of Ryan Langerhans. When the Braves traded Adam LaRoche in January, they said Thorman — who entered the game as a pinch hitter in the ninth and hit a go-ahead home run in the 11th — would likely get a chance to play first base every day. But it became apparent in spring training that manager Bobby Cox favored a platoon with the veteran Wilson."

Phillies (T) Phi
		According to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News, "The Phillies are still awaiting the recovery of Freddy Garcia (strained right biceps). They expect him to return around April 15, which means Zack Segovia would start on Sunday against Florida. The 23-year-old righthander will probably return to the minors once Garcia, who is scheduled to throw 45 pitches in a rehab assignment today in Clearwater, returns to the rotation."

Pirates (T) Pit
		As the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports, "The Pirates have some of baseball's most rigid restrictions on their minor-league pitchers, director of player development Brian Graham said the day after Brad Lincoln became the latest in a long line of top prospects to have arm surgery. ... Lincoln was the sixth of the past seven pitchers the Pirates drafted in the first round to have arm surgery. The others are Clint Johnston, Bobby Bradley, Sean Burnett, John Van Benschoten and Bryan Bullington. The latter three were injured in the majors. Lincoln made only six appearances in the Pirates' system after they drafted him in the first round last summer. His total inning count was 24 and, according to Graham, he never threw more than 50 pitches in any outing. The larger issue where Lincoln is concerned might be the risk the Pirates took in drafting him after he logged 127 2/3 innings as a junior at the University of Houston, a total that one American League scout yesterday described as "unbelievably high." That is doubly true, the scout added, within the scope of Lincoln making 17 starts in a 50-game schedule for his team."

Garcia, Freddy (P) Phi
		As the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News reports, "Righthander Freddy Garcia, who is on the disabled list with right biceps tendinitis, will make his first rehab start tonight for single-A Clearwater. Garcia is scheduled to make another rehab start Tuesday. Catcher Chris Coste, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, also is scheduled to play."
		2006: 216 IP/ 1.280 WHIP/ 4.54 ERA/ 17 W/ 135 K/ 0 S/ 0.62 K Inning/ 1.31 FPI
Zito, Barry (P) SF
		According to the Contra Costa Times, "Giants manager Bruce Bochy took aside Barry Zito for a quick chat Wednesday to make sure his ace left-hander understood the quick hook in Tuesday's opener. Zito was lifted for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning with the Giants trailing by three runs in an eventual 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres. "He's not here to pitch five innings," Bochy said. "I talked to him. I said, 'Don't think that's always going to be the case, because it's not.' We had a runner on, and down 3-0, we needed some offense. But there's a lot of times he'll hit there." Zito struck out in his only at-bat Tuesday and is 1-for-30 with 16 strikeouts in his career -- another reason it'll be difficult for Bochy to let him hit in the late innings. "It's going to be an adjustment for him being in the National League," Bochy said. "He was fine. He said, 'Hey, I trust you.' And he's going to get better with the bat. It's just a matter of getting more at-bats."
		2006: 221 IP/ 1.400 WHIP/ 3.83 ERA/ 16 W/ 151 K/ 0 S/ 0.68 K Inning/ 1.38 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.200 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 1.50 FPI
Encarnacion, Edwin (3B) Cin
		The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that "Edwin Encarnacion represented the potential go- ahead run when he batted with a runner on first and two outs in the sixth inning. The Reds third baseman was awarded first base when home plate umpire Bob Davidson called interference on Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. The call kept an unusual streak intact. Encarnacion is the only Reds player the past two seasons to reach base via catcher's interference. It happened four times last season and one time this spring."
		2006: 402 AB/ 0.279 BA/ 15 HR/ 72 RBI/ 60 R/ 6 SB/ 0.478 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.64 FPI Week: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.167 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.21 FPI
Davies, Kyle (P) Atl
		As the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports, "The Braves will recall Kyle Davies from Class AAA Richmond to start Sunday against the New York Mets' Orlando Hernandez in a series finale at Turner Field. ... Cox said Davies threw two innings in a simulated game Tuesday at Class A Rome, before it was stopped for rain. He threw more in the bullpen after the rain. Davies posted a 2.84 ERA in five spring-training starts and progressed after making an adjustment in his delivery. "Kyle's going to get that [Sunday] start," Cormier said. "It's better to have him starting healthy. He'll give the team the best chance to win that game."
		2006: 63 IP/ 1.950 WHIP/ 8.42 ERA/ 3 W/ 51 K/ 0 S/ 0.81 K Inning/ -0.44 FPI
Lopez, Felipe (2B) Was
		The Washington Times reports that "Three games in the books, three different starting shortstops. But the merry-go-round should end there for the Nationals, who yesterday moved second baseman Felipe Lopez to the other side of the bag for at least the next two weeks. Veteran Ronnie Belliard will take over at second base. ... When starting shortstop Cristian Guzman went down with a strained left hamstring on Opening Day, the Nationals' infield was thrown into flux. Backup Josh Wilson played the final four innings once Guzman got hurt, then started Tuesday and struggled in the field (he made one error and could have been charged with two more). So Lopez, who made what was supposed to be a permanent switch from shortstop to second base this spring, was back at his old position yesterday against the Florida Marlins. And he will remain there until Guzman's return, which is expected in about two weeks. Guzman said yesterday he actually hurt himself trying to break up a double play in the third inning Monday. He tried to stay in the game but had to depart when he couldn't run out a ground ball in the fifth. With Guzman on the 15-day disabled list and Lopez now at shortstop, Belliard joins the starting lineup. Acta called the 31-year-old a "Gold Glove caliber" second baseman who knows his role on this club."
		2006: 614 AB/ 0.275 BA/ 11 HR/ 52 RBI/ 98 R/ 44 SB/ 0.383 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.67 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.58 FPI
Cormier, Lance (P) Atl
		The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that "Lance Cormier was placed on the disabled list because of a strained right triceps, manager Bobby Cox confirmed before Wednesday night's game against the Phillies. ... "He's coming along fine," Cox said of Cormier, "but he's not going to be 100 percent [by Sunday], so there's no sense doing it unless he's 100 percent. He's pretty close, but he's not there." Cormier is the second Braves starter on the DL. Left-hander Mike Hampton is rehabbing a strained oblique muscle and is expected to return in early May. ... Cormier hopes to miss only two starts and be ready to pitch April 15 or soon after. His DL assignment will be retroactive to March 31. The Braves considered calling up another player before the weekend, but Martin Prado and others weren't optioned to the minors until last weekend. They must spend 10 days there before being recalled to the big club."
		2006: 73 IP/ 1.760 WHIP/ 4.92 ERA/ 4 W/ 43 K/ 0 S/ 0.59 K Inning/ 0.52 FPI
Rockies (T) Col
		According to the Rocky Mountain News, "Winning pitcher Lopez, veteran utility player John Mabry, and right-handed reliever Taylor Buchholz made their Rockies debuts Wednesday. Mabry fouled out as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning and Buchholz, acquired in the trade that sent Jason Jennings to Houston, surrendered three hits and two runs after being brought in to record the game's final two outs."

Blanco, Henry (C) ChN
		According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Catcher Henry Blanco completed his testimony in Florida early enough that he was able to return to Cincinnati by charter flight just before game. That enabled the Cubs to avoid the risky business of playing without a backup catcher. Blanco traveled to Key West, Fla., during the team's day off Tuesday and arranged to testify on the first day of a federal trial in which one of his agents, Gus Dominguez, is charged with conspiring to smuggle ballplayers from Cuba to the United States."
		2006: 238 AB/ 0.269 BA/ 6 HR/ 37 RBI/ 22 R/ 0 SB/ 0.424 Slug/ 0.16 KRate/ 0.52 FPI
Lieberthal, Mike (C) LAN
		The Los Angeles Times reports that "Mike Lieberthal is scheduled to make his first start Saturday, catching Derek Lowe against the San Francisco Giants."
		2006: 209 AB/ 0.273 BA/ 9 HR/ 36 RBI/ 22 R/ 0 SB/ 0.469 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.55 FPI
Cameron, Mike (OF) SD
		According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Towers said “there's momentum” to contract talks with Cameron's agent. Cameron, who is seeking a three-year extension, can become a free agent in November. Said Cameron: “I'm at peace with whatever they decide to do. If it's not up to their standpoint, hey, turn the page, man.”
		2006: 552 AB/ 0.268 BA/ 22 HR/ 83 RBI/ 88 R/ 25 SB/ 0.482 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 0.70 FPI Week: 8 AB/ 0.125 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.125 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.06 FPI
Willingham, Josh (OF) Fla
		As the Palm Beach Post reports, "It wasn't a diving catch or a runner being thrown out at the plate. Technically, it was a play that lost a game, yet left fielder Josh Willingham was being praised for making a gutsy, last-second decision. "That may go down as one of the best decisions that I've ever seen in a major-league game,'' Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said after Florida's 7-6 loss to the Nationals. With the game tied at 6 in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded, Dmitri Young lofted a fly ball toward the left-field corner. Willingham could have caught the ball easily. But because it was so deep and close to the foul line, he let the ball drop. "He isn't going to throw him out at the plate. If it's foul, then you get a shot at Dmitri maybe hitting into a double play,'' Gonzalez said. But the ball fell about 14 inches inside the line before bouncing from fair territory into the stands, for a game-winning single. "That's basically the only chance we had, for it to be a foul ball. That's why I let it go,'' Willingham said."
		2006: 501 AB/ 0.277 BA/ 26 HR/ 74 RBI/ 62 R/ 2 SB/ 0.497 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 0.65 FPI Week: 14 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Theriot, Ryan (2B) ChN
		According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Utility man Ryan Theriot was a late scratch from the lineup after originally being penciled in at second base. Regular Mark DeRosa started instead. Theriot pinch-hit for Floyd and laid down a sacrifice in the eighth, then took over in left."
		Week: 2 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Alfonzo, Eliezer (C) SF
		The Contra Costa Times reports that " Bochy carried three catchers last year with the Padres, a luxury he doesn't have with the Giants. But he still plans to take advantage of Eliezer Alfonzo's right-handed power off the bench. "It would have to be later in the game, and when we're behind," Bochy said."
		2006: 286 AB/ 0.266 BA/ 12 HR/ 39 RBI/ 27 R/ 1 SB/ 0.465 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 0.53 FPI Week: 1 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
James, Chuck (P) Atl
		According to the Macon Telegraph, "The Braves and Phillies will wrap up their three-game series this afternoon at 3:05 (TBS). Lefty Chuck James (11-4, 3.72 ERA in 2006) will pitch for Atlanta, while righty Adam Eaton (7-4, 5.12) will work for the Phillies."
		2006: 119 IP/ 1.240 WHIP/ 3.78 ERA/ 11 W/ 91 K/ 0 S/ 0.76 K Inning/ 1.66 FPI
Cardinals (T) StL
		As the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, "The Cardinals' four full-season minor-league affiliates open play today. Cuban defector Amaury Cazana Marti, who was drafted last summer, led minor league spring training with five home runs. Nine of Rick Ankiel's 12 hits in minor-league camp were for extra bases, slugging .694 over 10 games."

Dodgers (T) LAN
		As the Los Angeles Times reports, "Reliever Rudy Seanez was a non-roster invitee to spring training, but he is guaranteed a $700,000 salary because he made the opening-day roster."

Griffey Jr., Ken (OF) Cin
		As the Cincinnati Enquirer reports, "A decade after Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's uniform number, Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. thought wearing No. 42 on April 15 would be a fitting tribute. On Tuesday, Griffey spoke with Baseball commissioner Bud Selig and received permission to wear the number on the 60th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier. The Reds will play the Cubs that afternoon at Chicago's Wrigley Field."
		2006: 428 AB/ 0.252 BA/ 27 HR/ 72 RBI/ 62 R/ 0 SB/ 0.486 Slug/ 0.18 KRate/ 0.57 FPI Week: 6 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.13 FPI
Lieber, Jon (P) Phi
		The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News reports that "Righthander Jon Lieber, on the DL with a strained right abdominal muscle, threw three innings and 42 pitches Monday in an extended spring-training game in Clearwater. He will make his first rehab appearance tomorrow for Clearwater."
		2006: 168 IP/ 1.310 WHIP/ 4.93 ERA/ 9 W/ 100 K/ 0 S/ 0.60 K Inning/ 0.92 FPI
Helton, Todd (1B) Col
		According to the Denver Post, "Todd Helton drove in two runs Wednesday, leaving him just two RBIs short of 1,000 for his career. Helton would become just the 12th active player to reach 1,000 RBIs while playing strictly in the National League. Teammate Steve Finley, now with his fifth National League West team, has 1,166 career RBIs."
		2006: 543 AB/ 0.304 BA/ 15 HR/ 81 RBI/ 94 R/ 3 SB/ 0.479 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.72 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.417 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.583 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.06 FPI
Hill, Rich (P) ChN
		The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "Left-hander Rich Hill threw a full bullpen session and said the troublesome blister on his middle finger had calloused enough to be healed. ''It took care of itself. It's fine,'' said Hill, who didn't throw at all Monday and played catch briefly Tuesday. ''I feel great. I'm ready to go Friday.'' Hill, who made it throuh only one inning of a minor-league spring game Sunday because of the blister, pitches the Cubs' series opener at Milwaukee."
		2006: 99 IP/ 1.230 WHIP/ 4.18 ERA/ 6 W/ 90 K/ 0 S/ 0.91 K Inning/ 1.50 FPI
Astros (T) Hou
		The Houston Chronicle reports that "Plate umpire Kerwin Danley and third base umpire Derryl Cousins worked well together to correctly reverse what would have been a costly call against the Astros in the first inning. With the Pirates' Chris Duffy at third, Woody Williams sent a pitch inside to Adam La Roche, who checked his swing and fouled the ball off the end of his bat and toward the visitors' dugout. Without replay, it could easily have appeared as though the ball deflected off catcher Humberto Quintero's mitt. Danley initially ruled it that way as Duffy ran home safely for what he initially ruled a run. At Williams' request, and after talking with Phil Garner, Danley huddled with Cousins and the two umpires reversed the call. Replays proved that La Roche indeed fouled the ball."

Denorfia, Chris (OF) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "Chris Denorfia was at the ballpark Wednesday after having ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow Tuesday. He is expected to miss six months but already has started rehab. "They were stretching it yesterday - as much as I could tolerate it," Denorfia said. "I've got to get used to this sleeping on my back stuff."
		2006: 102 AB/ 0.284 BA/ 1 HR/ 7 RBI/ 14 R/ 1 SB/ 0.363 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.54 FPI
Lohse, Kyle (P) Cin
		The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that "Kyle Lohse is trying a new approach this season. The Reds right-hander, who today will make his season debut against the Cubs, is putting an emphasis on getting first-pitch outs. "It puts the hitters a little bit more on the defensive," Lohse said. "I've always been an aggressive pitcher. It just backfires on you when you're trying to make too good of pitches early in the count. " Lohse suffered a minor hamstring strain during his spring training debut and made four more Grapefruit League starts. In those, which spanned 181/3 innings, he allowed nine earned runs on 17 hits, walked three and struck out 16."
		2006: 126 IP/ 1.540 WHIP/ 5.85 ERA/ 5 W/ 97 K/ 0 S/ 0.77 K Inning/ 0.70 FPI
Floyd, Cliff (OF) ChN
		As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, "Chicago native Cliff Floyd, who entered the game 3-for-6 in his career against Arroyo, got his first start since signing with the Cubs as a free agent during the offseason. He started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a run scored."
		2006: 329 AB/ 0.243 BA/ 11 HR/ 43 RBI/ 44 R/ 6 SB/ 0.404 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.51 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.25 FPI
Prior, Mark (P) ChN
		As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, "Right-hander Mark Prior, who opens the minor-league season on the disabled list in a paper move that allows him to continue to stretch out at extended spring training, officially will be listed as having ''right shoulder fatigue,'' the Cubs said. Prior, who insisted all spring he was 100 percent healthy, wasn't ready to start games in time to join Class AAA Iowa's rotation for the start of its season today. Because he's on the Cubs' 40-man roster, he must be put on the DL if he's not on an active roster. It's the fourth consecutive season Prior has opened on the DL. He has been on the DL nine times in his career."
		2006: 43 IP/ 1.710 WHIP/ 7.29 ERA/ 1 W/ 38 K/ 0 S/ 0.88 K Inning/ 0.22 FPI
Vizquel, Omar (SS) SF
		The Contra Costa Times reports that "Shortstop Omar Vizquel is treating himself to an unusual 40th birthday gift: his 11th Gold Glove award. Gold Glove winners usually receive their award in a ceremony before the home opener, but Tuesday's pregame calendar was already crowded with a reunion of 27 former Giants All-Stars. So Vizquel suggested the Giants delay his moment for April 22, when the club finishes a homestand against Arizona. Vizquel turns 40 on April 24. "I think it'll be nicer that way," he said. Vizquel's actual glove was different this spring after he signed a contract with SSK. But he made three errors in Cactus League games and didn't like the deeper pocket and the heavier weight of his new glove. So he switched models last week."
		2006: 576 AB/ 0.297 BA/ 4 HR/ 58 RBI/ 88 R/ 24 SB/ 0.391 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.64 FPI Week: 9 AB/ 0.222 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 1 SB/ 0.222 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 0.39 FPI
Wright, David (3B) NYN
		According to the Newark Star-Ledger, "David Wright had an infield single to extend his hitting streak to 15 games dating to last season."
		2006: 579 AB/ 0.309 BA/ 26 HR/ 116 RBI/ 95 R/ 20 SB/ 0.530 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.79 FPI Week: 10 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.300 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.65 FPI
Hawkins, LaTroy (RP) Col
		The Denver Post reports that "Following Ken Griffey Jr.'s lead, pitcher LaTroy Hawkins will wear No. 42 on April 15 to honor the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut. The number is universally retired, leading Griffey to ask for and receive permission to wear it on Jackie Robinson Day. Hawkins, a student of Negro League history, didn't hesitate when asked if he wanted to participate."
		2006: 60 IP/ 1.460 WHIP/ 4.49 ERA/ 3 W/ 27 K/ 0 S/ 0.45 K Inning/ 1.06 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 2.247 WHIP/ 10.11 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.37 K Inning/ -1.68 FPI
Guzman, Angel (P) ChN
		The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "Right-hander Angel Guzman, the junior member of the Cubs' bullpen, was presented with the traditional pink backpack he'll be required to keep stocked with seeds, candy and other supplies for the veteran relievers and to carry to and from the bullpen every day. ''It's actually really nice,'' he said. ''I love it.''
		2006: 56 IP/ 1.880 WHIP/ 7.39 ERA/ 0 W/ 60 K/ 0 S/ 1.07 K Inning/ 0.00 FPI
Wood, Kerry (RP) ChN
		As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, "Injured right-hander Kerry Wood (shoulder) still hasn't thrown from a mound as he continues to play catch in his rehabilitation program in Arizona."
		2006: 19 IP/ 1.410 WHIP/ 4.22 ERA/ 1 W/ 13 K/ 0 S/ 0.68 K Inning/ 0.67 FPI
Saarloos, Kirk (P) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "Eric Milton tested his back by throwing to batters before Wednesday's game. What's the plan? "Evaluate him, re-evaluate him," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "Hopefully, he'll be ready to start Sunday." Kirk Saarloos and Victor Santos are the top candidates on the roster to start if Milton can't. But Narron sounds as if he's leaning toward keeping Saarloos in a setup role. "I like Saarloos right where he is," Narron said. "That doesn't mean he won't start for us. (David) Weathers, Saarloos and (Todd) Coffey at the back end of the bullpen would be a huge help for us." Saarloos, Weathers and Coffey are right-handers, but they all throw differently. "All three of them throw strikes and get good movement," Narron said. Saarloos pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Opening Day. He prefers to start but is OK with the bullpen role. "I'm not thinking about starting now," he said. "I did a little bit of everything in Oakland." Saarloos had 16 starts and two saves for the A's last year."
		2006: 121 IP/ 1.670 WHIP/ 4.76 ERA/ 7 W/ 52 K/ 2 S/ 0.43 K Inning/ 0.52 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Clark, Brady (OF) Mil
		According to the Los Angeles Times, "Clark did not start despite having gone 10 for 30 with two home runs against Brewers starter Jeff Suppan."
		2006: 415 AB/ 0.263 BA/ 4 HR/ 29 RBI/ 51 R/ 3 SB/ 0.335 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.47 FPI Week: 2 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.50 FPI
Armas, Tony (P) Pit
		As the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports, "To give Duke an extra day's rest, Duke and Tony Armas traded turns in the rotation. Armas will pitch Saturday in the second game of the series against Cincinnati. The pitching lineup for the opening home series against St. Louis -- Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny and Paul Maholm -- is unchanged. Duke plans to make his regular turn April 13 against San Francisco."
		2006: 154 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 5.03 ERA/ 9 W/ 97 K/ 0 S/ 0.63 K Inning/ 0.94 FPI
Nippert, Dustin (RP) Ari
		According to the Arizona Republic, "Until about a week ago, Dustin Nippert's future with the Diamondbacks appeared to be as a starting pitcher. But Nippert suddenly has been thrust into the mix in the bullpen, and after the first relief appearance of his career went swimmingly Wednesday afternoon, he now is certain to get more. Nippert will make the trip to Washington today - a prospect that seemed unlikely just a few days ago - and manager Bob Melvin spoke glowingly of the 6-foot-8 right-hander's potential. ... Nippert was thought to be keeping a roster spot warm until fifth starter Micah Owings was added. But Nippert's effective inning of work in the sixth and J.D. Durbin's struggles in the eighth factored into the club's thinking. Melvin was pleased with Nippert's development during spring training, particularly the improvement of his changeup, a pitch Nippert feels almost as comfortable throwing as his fastball and curveball."
		Week: 1 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Gwynn, Tony (OF) Mil
		According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "By keeping left-handed-hitting Tony Gwynn instead of right-handed Vinny Rottino for the final bench spot, manager NedYost said he knew there would be times like the sixth inning Tuesday night when Gwynn pinch hit against a lefty (L.A.'s Randy Wolf). The only right-handed hitter on the bench was backup catcher Damian Miller, whom Yost would use only if necessary. "If you can put together a good at-bat, you can put together a good at-bat," said Yost. "I'm not afraid to put Tony, Counsell, (Geoff) Jenkins, any of those guys, up against a lefty."
		2006: 72 AB/ 0.264 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 2 SB/ 0.319 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.42 FPI Week: 1 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Capellan, Jose (RP) Mil
		As the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports, "Reliever Jose Capellan, who asked to be traded after being sent down in the final player cut, reported to Class AAA Nashville as requested. Brewers manager Ned Yost said Capellan really had no choice but to go down and earn his way back to the big leagues. "He didn't have a good spring," said Yost. "You go down and get yourself back here by pitching well. We all like him. We want him to get back on track and be what he can be. You earn your keep every single day." Capellan, a former starting pitcher, might return to that role with Nashville. Capellan's agent, Bill Rego, said the trade request remains in effect."
		2006: 71 IP/ 1.350 WHIP/ 4.42 ERA/ 4 W/ 58 K/ 0 S/ 0.81 K Inning/ 1.40 FPI
Carroll, Jamey (2B) Col
		As the Denver Post reports, "Jamey Carroll didn't make an error at second base last season until July 3, a span that included 243 straight chances. He committed just three errors at second all season and had a team-best .995 fielding percentage. Wednesday, on his first chance of the season, he was charged with an error in the fourth inning when he failed to tag Orlando Hudson as Hudson ran between first and second."
		2006: 463 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 5 HR/ 36 RBI/ 84 R/ 10 SB/ 0.404 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.63 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.750 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.67 FPI

Today's NL report was produced by Fantistics' Joe Ribando

http://www.fantistics.com
http://www.insiderbaseball.com

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Closer Look Week #1