
Player	Type	Report
Rolen, Scott (3B) StL (04-11)		The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that "Cleanup hitter Scott Rolen was scratched about two hours before Tuesday's first pitch with what the club described as upper back spasms. The condition was rough enough for Rolen to walk out of an indoor hitting session with coach Hal McRae and to ease his way through pregame stretch. ... Rolen experienced similar back problems during a road swing through Cincinnati and Pittsburgh last August. He called the current situation just as uncomfortable. ... Rolen had an RBI single in four at-bats in the Cardinals' 3-0 win Monday, lifting his average to .192 with six RBIs in 26 at-bats. Tuesday marked the first game Rolen has missed this season, leaving first baseman Albert Pujols and shortstop David Eckstein as the only players to make every start." - newsource1

King, Ray (RP) N/A (04-11)		The Washington Post reports that "Reliever Ray King pitched two-thirds of an inning and was charged with four runs in the 8-0 loss Tuesday, but the larger concern was that he was removed from the game with inflammation in his left shoulder. Manager Manny Acta said King would be "shut down for a few days." "Today, it really barked on me," King said. "A couple pitches at the end, feel like I couldn't get anything on it." - newsource1


Player	Type	Report
Vanden Hurk, Rick (P) Fla		I had an opportunity to watch Rick Vanden Hurk start his first MLB game yesterday and came away quite impressed. The kid is a raw talent with lots of potential. The Dutch Giant (6’5”), easily hits the mid-90s with his fastball and has a 12-6 curve that left many Brewers off stride yesterday. At only 22, Vanden Hurk was only recently converted into a pitcher (former catcher) by the Marlins International Scouting academy. Only a year removed from TJ surgery, Rick played winter ball this year in Hawaii and posted an impressive 63/17 K/BB ratio in 40 Innings. Most impressive about his fastball is the “screwball” movement on the tail end. Last night he didn't hit the catchers target as often as you would like to see, which is an indication that he still needs to work on his control. I couldn't help think that this kid could turn into one of the best pitchers in MLB if and when he can gain control of his pitches. In a sense I got the same impression when I saw Vlad Guerrero come up for his first game: Tons of raw ability with nothing but upside. He could keep the rotation spot and definitely worth a flyer for your reserve spot especially for those in Keeper type formats. - aperri


Jones, Andruw (OF) Atl		Jones went deep for the first time this year last night. After a breakout 2005 season of 51 home runs, Jones “slumped” to 41 homers last year. Jones has a nice BB% rate and hits the ball hard, which makes up for his low contact skills. Two consecutive years of a very low BHIP%, .192 in 2005 and .213 in 2006, have depressed his batting average. Expect a bump up from the low .260’s, where he has been the last couple of years. At 30 years of age, he is in the peak years of his power and he is playing for a big free-agent contract. Look for a big year from Jones in 2007. - tmassimo
		According to the Macon Telegraph, "Andruw Jones hit a fourth-inning home run Tuesday night, his 343rd of his career. That's sixth on the all-time home runs list for players younger than 30. He was tied for sixth with Mel Ott and Hank Aaron. Jones, who will turn 30 on April 23, won't catch Eddie Mathews for fifth. Mathews hit 370 home runs before his 30th birthday."
		2007: 26 AB/ 0.154 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.346 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.37 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.190 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.48 KRate/ 0.54 FPI
Wheeler, Dan (RP) Hou		The Astros finally pulled the plug on Brad Lidge as their closer and inserted Wheeler into the role. Just because Wheeler has the role, do not assume that he will be a K-Rod or Joe Nathan. His 2006 numbers of an 8.6 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 are closer-worthy, but the best closers have significantly higher K/9’s. His 2006 ERA of 2.53 was aided by an 81% strand rate. What has to be of some concern was the rise in his fly ball rate to 49% in the second-half of last year, as he will close his home games in a park that greatly benefits left-handed batters. What it comes down to is that Wheeler has the potential to get the job done, but also to run into trouble. - tmassimo

		2007: 4 IP/ 2.250 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ -1.50 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 1.872 WHIP/ 6.74 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 0.74 K Inning/ -0.18 FPI
Johnson, Nick (1B) Was		Johnson, who is out with a broken leg, is not expected back until early June. The biggest problem with the 28-year old, first baseman is health, as he has only reached 500 AB once in his career. Several key indicators of his skills are in three-year growth trends, power 7HR/15HR/23HR, batting eye, .69/.92/1.11, and FB%, 33/35/36. He is also in the peak years of power output. Another little interesting statistic is the 10 for 13 in steals, without hitting a triple. That shows that he may not be fast, but he is a smart base runner. Keeping him on your DL, could pay dividends later in the year. - tmassimo


Marquis, Jason (P) ChN		When Marquis had a 15-7 record, with a 3.71 ERA, in 2003, it was supported by a good skill set of a 6.2 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, and a 56% GB%. However, a ground ball pitcher without high K’s has a thin margin of error. Two years later the K/9 dropped to 4.5 and the GB% fell to 43%, with the result being an ugly 6.03 ERA. This should be a warning sign to those fooled by his first two starts, in which he has allowed 4 ER in 11 innings. In those 11 innings he has walked 6, struck out just 4, and is not getting the ground balls, 1.33 GB/FB, which he will need for consistent success. - tmassimo

		2007: 11 IP/ 1.270 WHIP/ 3.27 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.36 K Inning/ 1.86 FPI Week: 11 IP/ 1.272 WHIP/ 3.27 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.36 K Inning/ 1.86 FPI
Keisler, Randy (RP) StL		Keisler got the first shot at replacing the injured Cris Carpenter in the Cardinals rotation and responded with 6 innings and just 2 ER. That will earn him another start. The 31-year old Keisler is a Triple-A level pitcher who keeps getting shots in the big leagues, despite, prior to this start, having a career ERA of 6.82 in 133.1 innings. His K/9 of 6.41 is adequate, but no one will succeed with his career BB/9 of 5.3. Add in a propensity to give up the longball, including the one last night it now stands at 30 in 139.1 lifetime innings, and you have a pitcher that is beyond the magic of Dave Duncan. Don’t be fooled by last night’s performance. - tmassimo

		2007: 6 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 1.75 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 1.75 FPI
Izturis, Cesar (SS) ChN		Considering that he is in there for defensive purposes, it is not a good sign for Izturis’ job security that he committed three errors in yesterday’s game. Izturis actually does make very good contact, but is among the most powerless of hitters in baseball. He had some fantasy value in 2004, when he stole 25 bases, while getting caught 9 times. In the following two seasons combined, he has stolen 9 bases while getting caught an absurd 12 times. In his defense he has battled injuries, Tommy John surgery and a strained hamstring. Unless he begins to run again with success, he holds no fantasy value. - tmassimo
		According to the Arlington Daily Herald, "Shortstop Cesar Izturis, a former Gold Glove winner, made 3 errors."
		2007: 25 AB/ 0.240 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.238 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.54 FPI
Julio, Jorge (RP) Fla		Julio blew another save last night. His problems as a closer should come as no surprise to anyone except for the Florida management that traded for him. A 4.8 BB/9 in 2006, with a 6.0 in the second-half, are not the seeds of success to close games. - tmassimo

		2007: 3 IP/ 4.370 WHIP/ 14.75 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -4.79 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 5.639 WHIP/ 20.30 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -7.91 FPI
Dunn, Adam (OF) Cin		Dunn blasted his fourth home run of this young season last night. There is no questioning Dunn’s power; his 2004/2005/2006 home runs were 46/40/40. The problem is with a contact rate that has hovered between 65% and 69% the last five seasons, there will be some serious batting average risk. If his hot start continues, the prudent thing to do would be to deal him before a prolonged slump comes that will wreak havoc on your team batting average. - tmassimo

		2007: 30 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 4 HR/ 7 RBI/ 7 R/ 2 SB/ 0.767 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 1.13 FPI Week: 26 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 2 SB/ 0.577 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.93 FPI
Amezaga, Alfredo (OF) Fla		Hanley Ramirez sat out last night with a tight right hamstring and may be out until Friday. Amezaga should pick up a few more starts at shortstop. If you want to plug him in your lineup for few days, just beware that speed is his only skill. He has no power and for someone with that skill set, his contact rate, 86% last year, is just ok. One final caveat, although he is a switch-hitter, you may want to sit him down when facing left-handers. Last year, he batted .086 in 58 AB as a right-handed hitter. - tmassimo
		According to the Palm Beach Post, "As third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves last year, Fredi Gonzalez remembers seeing Marlins utility player Alfredo Amezaga in center field, not in the infield. One day, Hall of Famer Tony Perez, a Marlins special assistant, told Gonzalez about Amezaga's best position. "Tony thought he was the best (defensive) shortstop on the field,'' Gonzalez said. "He said, 'Fredi, this guy can play some shortstop.' '' As Marlins manager, Gonzalez is seeing firsthand just how solid a backup Amezaga has been this week as Hanley Ramirez rests a stiff right hamstring. ... Ramirez is feeling better since he left Sunday's game in the first inning. He was available to pinch hit Tuesday but is not expected to start again until Friday in Atlanta. That gives him an extra day to rest because of Thursday's off day."
		2007: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.533 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.69 FPI Week: 14 AB/ 0.357 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.571 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.77 FPI
Gonzalez, Adrian (1B) SD		Gonzalez is off to a hot start with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs in his first 31 AB. It is always a good sign when a player in their first full season shows growth in the second-half of the year. A look at his first-half of 10/27/.278, with a .34 batting eye and a 47% GB%, versus his second-half of 14/55/.326, with a .55 batting eye and a 41% GB%, shows some nice growth across the board. Look for further development from the 24-year old, budding star. - tmassimo

		2007: 32 AB/ 0.344 BA/ 3 HR/ 9 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.656 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.90 FPI Week: 28 AB/ 0.357 BA/ 3 HR/ 8 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.714 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.97 FPI
Young, Chris (P) SD		The Padres’ signing of Young to an extension through 2110, will keep the pitcher in a home park perfectly suited for his skills. In his first two major league seasons, Young has sported a nice K/9, 7.5 in 2005 and 8.2 last year. With FB%’s of 49% in 2005 and 56% in 2006, Young qualifies as an extreme fly ball pitcher. Pitching half his home games in spacious Petco Park will keep many of those fly balls in the field of play. - tmassimo
		As the North County Times reports, "Chris Young, 27, and the Padres settled on a four-year, $14.5 million contract through 2010 with an $8.5 million team option for 2011, Young's first year of free agency. The deal also includes a $500,000 signing bonus. The Padres already had a team option in place for 2008 but ripped it up as part of the new deal, which gives Young a raise from $600,000 this season to $750,000 along with the signing bonus. Young also receives $2.5 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009 and $6.25 million in 2010. Essentially, the deal is good for both sides: Young gets compensation while the Padres avoid arbitration and control the right-hander's first year of free agency."
		2007: 12 IP/ 1.180 WHIP/ 2.13 ERA/ 1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.13 FPI Week: 12 IP/ 1.183 WHIP/ 2.13 ERA/ 1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.13 FPI
Murton, Matt (OF) ChN		Rather than a strict platoon, Cubs’ manager Lou Piniella has equally split the time in left field between Murton and Cliff Floyd. Giving Murton a chance to play against some right-handers may give him the opportunity to seize the full-time job. Murton is showing a nice, developing skill set of making good contact and having plate patience. He is still hitting too many balls into the ground, 58% GB% in 2006, to have a power breakout. But it is encouraging that he cut down on his GB% in the second-half of last year to 54% from a first-half mark of 61%. At 25-years of age, his power is in the growth stages, so his GB/FB should be monitored. He is worth using in NL-only leagues and mixed leaguers should keep an eye on him. - tmassimo
		As the Arlington Daily Herald reports, "For the second game in a row, the Cubs’ lineup featured Cliff Floyd in left field and Jacque Jones batting second — meaning Matt Murton again was out of the mix. Manager Lou Piniella advised not to read too much into it. “Look, I like Murton, and Murton’s going to get playing time,” Piniella said. “I really do like him — he can swing the bat. “But we’re very right-handed. I’m trying to get a little left-handed hitting into the lineup. Milwaukee’s bullpen only had one lefty. This team has only one lefty. So I’m trying to get some left-handers into the lineup.” Tuesday’s game marked the fourth time Piniella has used Jones in the second spot. Murton has done it twice, and Cesar Izturis and Ryan Theriot each have hit there once. “Floyd can swing the bat,” Piniella said. “It has nothing to do with Murton. Murton’s going to get some playing time, too. He’s not in there because he’s doing anything wrong. It just so happens that’s what Floyd can play — left field.”
		2007: 15 AB/ 0.267 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.267 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.38 FPI Week: 11 AB/ 0.273 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.273 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.42 FPI
Gorzelanny, Tom (P) Pit		After two starts covering 12 innings, Gorzelanny has looked very good with 9 K’s, 1 BB, and just 2 ER. He had a mixed performance last year, going 2-5, with a 3.79 ERA in 62 innings. His BB/9 of 4.5 was too high for anyone, but especially for a pitcher with a 5.8 K/9. In the minors, he has shown some nice K/9 rates and if he can combine that with the high GB% of 49% from last year, the 24-year old could be ready to show why he has been considered a top prospect. - tmassimo

		2007: 12 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/ 1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 2.38 FPI Week: 12 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/ 1 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 2.38 FPI
Ethier, Andre (OF) LAN		Manager Grady Little said that Ethier and Matt Kemp are in competition for the starting right field position. That comment is surprising because so far he has played them in a strict platoon. With Kemp going on the 15-day DL with a separated right shoulder, Ethier should get a chance to hit against southpaws, as he did last night against Rodrigo Lopez. He will have to do better than the 0-3 performance from that game. It is possible that Little is trying to light a fire under Ethier and see if he can handle left-handed pitching. What does seem to be clear is that Luis Gonzalez is going to be a full-time player. - tmassimo

		2007: 14 AB/ 0.143 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.214 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.10 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.19 FPI
Callaspo, Alberto (2B) Ari		With Chris Young sidelined until possibly Friday, Callaspo has been picking up some starts in the outfield. In the small sample of 25 AB, Callaspo above-average contact skills have held up well, 92% ct%. He has yet to draw a walk, but with the batting eye that he showed in the minor leagues, that should change soon. At just 22 years of age, Callaspo lacks speed and power, so the only area he will really help in right now is batting average. - tmassimo

		2007: 25 AB/ 0.280 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.360 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.42 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.217 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.304 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.24 FPI
Rolen, Scott (3B) StL
		As the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports, "St. Louis scratched third baseman Scott Rolen shortly before the game because of upper back spasms. He likely will miss the series finale today, too."
		2007: 26 AB/ 0.192 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.346 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.24 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.15 FPI
Davis, Doug (P) Ari
		The Arizona Republic reports that "Left-hander Doug Davis said he was bringing his arm too far back in his delivery Monday, but pitching coach Bryan Price pointed it out to him before the start of the fifth inning. "He said to work on it during my eight warm-up pitches, so I worked on it, and I started feeling right again," Davis said. "I had two quick innings, just 16 pitches in both of them, and that's more Doug Davis than the guy falling behind in counts and everything else."
		2007: 11 IP/ 1.910 WHIP/ 1.64 ERA/ 0 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 0.91 K Inning/ 0.55 FPI Week: 11 IP/ 1.909 WHIP/ 1.63 ERA/ 0 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 0.90 K Inning/ 0.55 FPI
Hawpe, Brad (OF) Col
		The Rocky Mountain News reports that "Hawpe has a .373 average at Dodger Stadium, the best in the park for anyone with at least 40 at-bats since the start of 2005."
		2007: 29 AB/ 0.345 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.448 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ 0.72 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.450 Slug/ 0.35 KRate/ 0.64 FPI
Francis, Jeff (P) Col
		As the Denver Post reports, "Jeff Francis dropped the appeal of his five-game suspension, leading to a slight tweak in the rotation. He will now start Monday at home against San Francisco, with Rodrigo Lopez facing the Diamondbacks on Sunday."
		2007: 12 IP/ 1.340 WHIP/ 2.84 ERA/ 1 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 0.79 K Inning/ 1.74 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.199 WHIP/ 2.69 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.89 K Inning/ 2.18 FPI
Church, Ryan (OF) Was
		According to the Washington Post, "Church played all weekend with bad flu-like symptoms in temperatures in the 30s, but he finished with a .296 in 27 at-bats. More important, he had drawn four walks and six of his eight hits were for extra-bases -- two homers and four doubles -- for a slugging percentage of .667. ... Church began the year as the left fielder but has started in center every game since Nook Logan suffered a foot injury on Opening Day. Church said he still prefers the corner outfield spots, but said: "It's fine. I'm getting more comfortable."
		2007: 27 AB/ 0.296 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.85 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.762 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.98 FPI
Kemp, Matt (OF) LAN
		As the Los Angeles Times reports, "As the wording of the diagnosis changed, so did Matt Kemp's demeanor. Less than 24 hours after joking about what was originally termed a bruised right shoulder, the Dodgers right fielder sat at his locker Tuesday afternoon and glanced sideways as reporters asked him about what was now being called a mild shoulder separation. More bothersome to Kemp than the discrepancy in medical terminology was a new prognosis that called for him to sit out two weeks instead of only a couple of days after being put on the disabled list. "It's an injury that takes time, and you want to make sure it's healed so it won't cause other injuries," said Kemp, who banged into the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium on Monday while attempting to make a leaping grab of Jeff Baker's triple. Stan Conte, the Dodgers' director of medical services, said he initially suspected the separation but was reluctant to use that phrase until Kemp was re-examined Tuesday morning. ... The absence of Kemp, who was hitting .429, will mean more playing time for Andre Ethier, who had started only three of the Dodgers' first seven games. Manager Grady Little would not say whether Kemp would automatically reclaim a starting role on his return, saying "we'll make those decisions when he's ready to come back."
		2007: 14 AB/ 0.429 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.90 FPI Week: 10 AB/ 0.600 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.700 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 1.41 FPI
Marlins (T) Fla
		According to the Miami Herald, "It's too early to evaluate any trade, but the package the Marlins got from the Mets in November is looking better every day. Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom, career minor-league pitchers who had little chance of making the Mets' roster, have helped redefine a Marlins bullpen that -- with the exception of closer Jorge Julio -- has been one of the biggest reasons for the team's fast start. Owens and Lindstrom were sent to Florida on Nov. 20 for pitchers Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick. The Mets liked Vargas, but he did not make their team. ... Neither Owens nor Lindstrom had allowed a run entering Tuesday's game. Lindstrom had thrown two hitless innings, and Owens allowed two hits in five innings. ... Owens got his first major-league save Monday, but didn't know where to put the ball and the lineup card."

Hampton, Mike (P) Atl
		According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Mike Hampton had successful surgery on his left elbow Tuesday morning in New York to repair the torn flexor tendon in his elbow. The prognosis was as predicted — he'll miss six to nine months, Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. Hampton, who missed last season following ligament transplant surgery, will miss his second consecutive season. ... The Braves have Mark Redman, Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier to cover Hampton's absence. ... Hampton, who has two years left on his contract, is the highest paid Braves player this season at $14.5 million. An undisclosed portion of that will be paid by insurance, but losing his productivity makes Hampton's salary a hot topic among Braves fans."

Carpenter, Chris (P) StL
		As the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, "Cardinals medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta confirmed Tuesday that bone spurs are the source of an elbow impingement affecting ace Chris Carpenter but called it a "low to moderate" condition that should not imperil his season. Carpenter will be evaluated for the next 10-14 days, at which time the club will determine whether current methods will calm the persistent stiffness and swelling Carpenter has experienced since his opening day start against the New York Mets. ... Paletta said the club ordered an MRI of Carpenter's arm in February for insurance purposes after signing him to a three-year extension two months earlier. Results of the MRI performed Monday in St. Louis were consistent with the earlier exam, Paletta said. Paletta said he did not perform an MRI after Carpenter's elbow first swelled because a diagnosis was apparent without it. "Based on his complaints and his exam and his X-rays, it was very clear this looked like an impingement reactive inflammation," Paletta said. "That's not a diagnosis we need an MRI for." Paletta said the need for eventual surgery "is a legitimate question" and allowed, "If he doesn't turn the corner and has continued swelling after throwing, we may have to make that decision before the end of the season." The Cardinals would prefer that surgery wait. Such a procedure would prevent Carpenter from throwing for four to six weeks, keeping him out of the rotation for two to three months, Paletta said."
		2007: 6 IP/ 1.670 WHIP/ 7.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ 0.08 FPI
Furcal, Rafael (SS) LAN
		The Los Angeles Times reports that "California League fans got a taste of the Freeway Series on Tuesday night when Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal led off against the Angels' Bartolo Colon in Rancho Cucamonga. In his first rehabilitation start for Class-A Inland Empire, Furcal went 0 for 4 with a walk as the designated hitter. Furcal, recovering from a sprained left ankle, could rejoin the Dodgers as soon as Friday."

Ramirez, Hanley (SS) Fla
		As the Miami Herald reports, "Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez (hamstring) could have played Tuesday, but Gonzalez doesn't want to take any chances. ''If this were September and we were in a pennant race, he would play,'' Gonzalez said. ``But this is April. You would rather him miss two or three days than a week or a month.''
		2007: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 8 R/ 3 SB/ 0.600 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.98 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.563 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.69 FPI
Young, Chris B. (OF) Ari
		According to the Arizona Republic, "Center fielder Chris Young (left groin strain) could be back in the lineup tonight, but Melvin might be tempted to keep him out one more game."
		2007: 26 AB/ 0.192 BA/ 1 HR/ 9 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.346 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.31 FPI Week: 17 AB/ 0.235 BA/ 1 HR/ 9 RBI/ 2 R/ 1 SB/ 0.471 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.56 FPI
Weeks, Rickie (2B) Mil
		As the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports, "For the first time this season, second baseman Rickie Weeks was out of the lineup. Craig Counsell, who started at third, batted in the leadoff spot and Tony Graffanino started at second base. Weeks entered the game in the ninth when Graffanino was ejected for disputing a called third strike."
		2007: 29 AB/ 0.207 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 5 R/ 1 SB/ 0.448 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.56 FPI Week: 22 AB/ 0.227 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 4 R/ 1 SB/ 0.545 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.70 FPI
LaRoche, Adam (1B) Pit
		As the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports, "With LaRoche not hitting for average or power seven games into the season, manager Jim Tracy dropped LaRoche to No. 6 in the order Tuesday night against just-recalled Cardinals left-hander Randy Keisler. Tracy didn't say how long LaRoche would stay down in the lineup, but suggested it won't be long. Jason Bay hit fourth, with Xavier Nady moved up to fifth. The day before, Bay hit fifth for the first time this season and Nady hit sixth. The move nearly worked in the first inning — batting with the bases loaded and two out, LaRoche drove a ball to the center field wall for a long fly ball out, missing a grand slam by about two feet. However, the Pirates went on to lose 3-2 in 12 innings as LaRoche went 0-for-4, dropping his average to 0.97. ... LaRoche had 32 homers, 38 doubles and 90 RBIs last season in 149 games with Atlanta last season and 65 homers in fewer than three full seasons."
		2007: 31 AB/ 0.097 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.226 Slug/ 0.45 KRate/ 0.10 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.130 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.304 Slug/ 0.39 KRate/ 0.23 FPI
Diamondbacks (T) Ari
		According to the Arizona Republic, "Micah Owings, 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, makes his second start tonight when the Diamondbacks close out a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. And just like the first time, he doesn't appear to be nervous in the least. ... Owings, a bit of a surprise in winning the No. 5 spot in the rotation, looks forward to pitching in front of Arizona's home crowd."

Spiezio, Scott (3B) StL
		According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "La Russa responded to Rolen's absence by inserting still-woozy Scott Spiezio at third base and in the cleanup spot. Only moments before the switch was made, Spiezio said he could push himself to make a pinch-hit appearance if necessary after dealing with a suspected case of food poisoning Monday. ... Spiezio said he began experiencing symptoms Sunday in Houston. His wife, Jenn, also felt ill before returning to California. Spiezio made it through Sunday's 10-1 win over the Astros without a problem but felt worse when the team charter arrived in Pittsburgh. Already bothered by back soreness, Spiezio became ill overnight and didn't arrive at PNC Park until 30 minutes before Monday's first pitch. Finding it hard to remain upright, Spiezio never dressed before leaving the park in the eighth inning. "It probably wasn't the best thing for it," Spiezio said. Team trainers gave Spiezio medication that left him feeling significantly better Tuesday. ... Tuesday was Spiezio's second start. He aggravated an upper back condition by crashing into a wall while chasing a foul ball Saturday night in Houston. La Russa considered him available only to pinch-hit Sunday."
		2007: 10 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.67 FPI Week: 8 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.375 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.60 FPI
Milton, Eric (P) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "The Reds aren't skipping Eric Milton in the rotation. They're merely moving him back to keep Kyle Lohse on his regular turn and keep Milton from pitching against the Chicago Cubs. Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Lohse will start the three games in Chicago - in that order. "We got pretty good performances from Harang, Arroyo and Lohse last week (against the Cubs)," Narron said. "So we'll see." Lohse went 61/3 innings, allowing two runs on 10 hits, in the Reds' 5-2 win over the Cubs Thursday. "Chicago is a pretty right-handed-dominant club," Narron said. Milton, of course, is a left-hander. He was 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA against the Cubs last year. Milton will start Monday's series opener at Great American Ball Park. The start will come eight days after Milton's first start. ... The only way the Reds could have skipped Milton was to bring Harang and Arroyo on short rest to pitch against Milwaukee."
		2007: 5 IP/ 1.940 WHIP/ 6.35 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.06 K Inning/ -1.14 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.940 WHIP/ 6.34 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.05 K Inning/ -1.14 FPI
Zambrano, Carlos (P) ChN
		As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, "More than a week after the sale of the Cubs' parent company put contract talks with pitcher Carlos Zambrano in limbo, team president John McDonough still would not clarify the issues holding up the process nor say how concerned the organization is about possibly losing Zambrano because of the delay. ... Until the sale of Tribune Co. was announced on Opening Day, general manager Jim Hendry and Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, were closing in on a five-year extension believed to be worth $80 million to $85 million. But after the Cubs spent a record $300 million for players and a new manager in the offseason, the brakes suddenly were slammed on the Zambrano extension when an agreement was struck with Sam Zell to buy Tribune Co. Team officials, including McDonough, say Tribune Co. will continue to run the team until selling it after the season. But unless a handshake deal has been struck privately with Zambrano and Praver pending the dust settling on the Zell sale, the same company that broke the bank over the winter seems willing to lose perhaps its most valuable on-field asset to free agency. Hendry said Monday he hoped a deal could be finalized and approved in ''the near future'' and said he wasn't worried about it. But McDonough said he couldn't say whether it might be a matter of days or months. ... Zambrano has made it clear he wants to remain a Cub, and Hendry has made it clear he wants to keep the ace pitcher. And Hendry and Praver remain in touch."
		2007: 12 IP/ 1.500 WHIP/ 6.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 8 K/ 0 S/ 0.67 K Inning/ 0.63 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 3.85 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.85 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Hamilton, Josh (OF) Cin
		As the Dayton Daily News reports, "Josh Hamilton did his best to low-key it as he sat in an overstuffed leather chair early Tuesday afternoon in the visitor's clubhouse. He was at the park early, taking extra batting practice with Ken Griffey Jr., preparatory to making his major-league starting debut Tuesday night — batting lead off and playing center field."
		2007: 5 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.800 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 1.00 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 1.21 FPI
Quentin, Carlos (OF) Ari
		As the Arizona Republic reports, "Right fielder Carlos Quentin (left shoulder) will get three at-bats today during extended spring training in Tucson."

Tankersley, Taylor (RP) Fla
		The Miami Herald reports that "Gonzalez will have to make a decision Friday because left-hander Taylor Tankersley, who pitched an inning each Monday and Tuesday in Jupiter, appears ready to come off the disabled list. Tankersley had shoulder tendinitis and missed most of spring training. The Marlins began the season with one left-handed reliever, RenyelPinto, and could use another. With Julio's recent problems, Tankersley might be a closer candidate if Julio keeps blowing saves."

Lohse, Kyle (P) Cin
		As the Cincinnati Post reports, "Lohse is perfect at the plate this season, picking up his first hit of the season Tuesday. He also walked and scored a run. "I even got dirty," Lohse said after the game, referring to his slide when he was forced on a double play after his fifth-inning hit. "I looked good sliding, too." In his previous start, Lohse had two sacrifice bunts, so for the season he's 1-for-1 at the plate and has no decisions in his first two starts. Lohse gave up four runs, including two home runs, in his seven innings, but didn't allow a hit after Chris Snyder's solo home run in the fourth. Both home runs came with two outs."
		2007: 13 IP/ 1.280 WHIP/ 4.05 ERA/ 0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 0.53 K Inning/ 0.75 FPI Week: 13 IP/ 1.275 WHIP/ 4.05 ERA/ 0 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 0.52 K Inning/ 0.75 FPI
Bonds, Barry (OF) SF
		The Contra Costa Times reports that "Barry Bonds might make sense as a No. 3 hitter, but the Giants need him to bat cleanup. Manager Bruce Bochy came to that conclusion after watching his offense struggle to score just 14 runs during the club's 1-6 start. So he reinstalled Bonds in his familiar No. 4 spot Tuesday night and wedged Rich Aurilia in front of him. The result is a lineup that better mixes the club's right-handed hitters, which had been clustered in the lower half of the order. ... Bochy reserved the right to change back after a few days, but his goal is to create lineup stability and he won't achieve that by moving parts every time his hitters have a bad week. ... Bochy still likes the reasoning behind hitting Bonds third. It guarantees an at-bat in the first inning, and allows him to exit on a double switch for a defensive replacement without having the pitcher in the cleanup spot. But those became luxuries after the club's offensive struggles."
		2007: 22 AB/ 0.227 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 1 SB/ 0.409 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.68 FPI Week: 19 AB/ 0.211 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.421 Slug/ 0.16 KRate/ 0.58 FPI
Cabrera, Miguel (3B) Fla
		As the Palm Beach Post reports, "The Marlins got a brief scare in the first inning Tuesday night when a throw from left fielder Josh Willingham smacked third baseman Miguel Cabrera in the face. After Prince Fielder singled to left, Willingham's throw took an awkward bounce after it hit the edge of the grass on the infield. Cabrera, last week's NL Player of the Week, was examined by medical staff and stayed in the game."
		2007: 28 AB/ 0.429 BA/ 3 HR/ 11 RBI/ 8 R/ 0 SB/ 0.893 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 1.29 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 6 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.714 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.93 FPI
McCann, Brian (C) Atl
		The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that "Brian McCann received his Silver Slugger award as the NL's best hitting catcher before Tuesday night's game. He hit.333 last year with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs. Andruw Jones received his ninth consecutive Gold Glove."
		2007: 25 AB/ 0.360 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.720 Slug/ 0.16 KRate/ 1.02 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.524 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.74 FPI
Casto, Kory (OF) Was
		According to the Washington Times, "Kory Casto made it to the major leagues in part because of his patience at the plate. The Washington Nationals rookie outfielder always has been willing to take pitches, work the count and not kill himself with poor selection. One week into his big league career, Casto is learning the downside of that approach because of a stark difference between the two levels of competition. "Big league pitchers get ahead of you," he said. "That's what they want to do: get ahead of you so they can go to their out pitch. So right now, I've been getting behind in the count a little bit." The result was a difficult week at the plate for Casto, who entered last night's game against the Atlanta Braves with a .174 overall average and only two hits in his last 14 at-bats. Nationals manager Manny Acta gave his rookie the night off and started Chris Snelling in his place in left field. Acta said the temporary lineup swap had more to do with Snelling than Casto. ... Acta will continue to put Casto out there on a regular basis, hoping he benefits from the experience and learns how to better approach big league pitching."
		2007: 23 AB/ 0.174 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.174 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.14 FPI Week: 19 AB/ 0.158 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.158 Slug/ 0.32 KRate/ 0.05 FPI
Harang, Aaron (P) Cin
		The Cincinnati Post reports that "The Reds should finally get settled into their regular rotation following Thursday's day off. Aaron Harang, the Reds' Opening Day pitcher, is scheduled to pitch Friday in Chicago against the Cubs. Harang will be followed by Bronson Arroyo, Kyle Lohse, Eric Milton and Matt Belisle."
		2007: 12 IP/ 1.340 WHIP/ 3.55 ERA/ 2 W/ 11 K/ 0 S/ 0.87 K Inning/ 1.74 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.587 WHIP/ 7.93 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.05 K Inning/ 0.80 FPI
Sampson, Chris (RP) Hou
		According to the Houston Chronicle, "Astros righthander Chris Sampson, who was pulled after five scoreless innings Tuesday because of a tender left calf, says he doesn't expect to miss his next scheduled start. "Believe me, I didn't want to come out of the game. But for the long run, it was the best decision," Sampson said after extending his scoreless streak to eight innings this season. Against the Cubs, he has thrown 12 scoreless innings, dating to the seven he threw last year in his first major league start. Sampson injured his left calf muscle Friday at Minute Maid Park while running in the outfield. He treated the injury and limited his exercises to the stationary bike. He aggravated the injury running out of the box on his grounder to short in the fourth inning Tuesday. "It's numb right now because I just finished icing, so I can't really feel it, but it's fine," he said. "Pitching, walking — all that doesn't bother it. When I try to run on it, that's when it starts getting pretty sore."
		2007: 8 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.63 K Inning/ 3.19 FPI Week: 8 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.62 K Inning/ 3.19 FPI
Fielder, Prince (1B) Mil
		The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that "First baseman Prince Fielder was visibly - and audibly - upset in the clubhouse Monday night after the Brewers stumbled to a 5-3 loss to the Marlins. Fielder went 1 for 5 with an RBI groundout in a game in which the Brewers were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. ... Already emerging as a club leader in his second year in the majors, Fielder said he didn't feel compelled to say things in the clubhouse to fire up his teammates."
		2007: 33 AB/ 0.303 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.485 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 0.69 FPI Week: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.440 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.68 FPI
Nationals (T) Was
		According to the Washington Times, "Several players have been battling a virus for several days. Ryan Church was the first to come down with flu-like symptoms, but it has spread to Ryan Zimmerman, Austin Kearns, John Patterson and Matt Chico. None of the players was sick enough to be sent home, but several looked listless before the game."

Pirates (T) Pit
		The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports that "Outfielder Jamie Romak, who arrived along with Adam LaRoche in the Mike Gonzalez trade, got off to a hot start at Single-A Hickory. In five games, Romak, 21, was batting .375 with two doubles, two homers and six RBI."

Zito, Barry (P) SF
		The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that "Barry Zito, one of the game's winningest pitchers this decade at 102-65, will face the Pirates for the first time Saturday night when the San Francisco Giants visit PNC Park. Zito signed a seven-year, $126 million in the offseason after seven years across the Bay in Oakland, but the early returns have been poor: He is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in his first two starts."
		2007: 11 IP/ 1.640 WHIP/ 8.18 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.55 K Inning/ 0.27 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 12.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.66 K Inning/ -0.75 FPI
Greene, Khalil (SS) SD
		According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Khalil Greene moved his batting practices indoors to start the season, and it is paying off. ... Greene has improved his hitting at Petco Park, where he had been far less effective than on the road. Visiting shortstops tend to disappear at Petco, batting .226 in the park's history, with a .295 on-base percentage and .340 slugging percentage, compared with Greene's .234/.301/.362."
		2007: 33 AB/ 0.273 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 6 R/ 0 SB/ 0.636 Slug/ 0.18 KRate/ 0.68 FPI Week: 28 AB/ 0.286 BA/ 2 HR/ 3 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.714 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.79 FPI
Rodriguez, Wandy (P) Hou
		The Houston Chronicle reports that "Lefthander Wandy Rodriguez (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will start for the Astros today. He is 2-3 with a 4.70 ERA in his career against the Cubs. Lefthander Rich Hill (1-0, 1.29 ERA) will start for Chicago."
		2007: 7 IP/ 0.570 WHIP/ 3.86 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.21 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 0.571 WHIP/ 3.85 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 2.21 FPI
Giants (T) SF
		As the Contra Costa Times reports, "Wherever Bonds hits, the Giants need to create more run-producing situations for him. Through Monday night, Bonds stepped to bat with multiple runners on base just once in 24 plate appearances -- in the fifth inning April 5. He walked, and not coincidentally, the Giants scored four runs in the inning -- one of just two innings in which they had scored multiple runs this season. Leadoff hitter Dave Roberts (.208 average, .240 on-base percentage) and No. 2 hitter Omar Vizquel (.160, .192) have struggled to set the table, but Bochy said he wasn't concerned about either player."

Rockies (T) Col
		As the Rocky Mountain News reports, "Right- hander Greg Reynolds, the Rockies' No. 1 draft choice in June, pitched eight shutout innings for Double-A Tulsa (Okla.) in a 7-0 win against Corpus Christi (Texas)."

Freel, Ryan (OF) Cin
		The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that "Getting Josh Hamilton a start Tuesday gave the Reds a chance to rest Ryan Freel. Narron would like to rest Freel and everyone else periodically. "I want to do everything I can to keep guys rested and strong," Narron said. "Like I've said numerous times, we need 25 guys. We can't just use eight guys and win. We'd love to have somebody step up and carry us and be the most valuable player in the National League." Freel being out meant Hamilton hit leadoff. That won't be the case if Hamilton is in the lineup for someone else. "If Freel's in the lineup," Freelie's going to be leading off," Narron said. "I'm sure there will be some times when Freel and Hamilton are in the lineup at the same time."
		2007: 27 AB/ 0.222 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 5 R/ 4 SB/ 0.296 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.63 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.174 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 4 R/ 4 SB/ 0.217 Slug/ 0.35 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
Phillips, Brandon (2B) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, "Brandon Phillips had a good night Monday. He went 2-for-3 with two walks. But he nearly had a great game. "I'll tell you what - he just missed giving us the lead in the ninth," Narron said. Phillips hit a rocket to left with a runner in the ninth."
		2007: 30 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 2 HR/ 3 RBI/ 5 R/ 2 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.53 FPI Week: 28 AB/ 0.214 BA/ 2 HR/ 3 RBI/ 4 R/ 2 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 0.57 FPI
Nady, Xavier (OF) Pit
		According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, "Tracy likes how Xavier Nady is settling in, especially now that he is playing nearly every day in right field rather than shuttling between the outfield and first base as he did late last season. Nady also made one start in center field. Nady already has nearly as many homers (2) as he did in his two months with the club last season (3 homers). ... Still, Tracy would like to see Nady show more plate discipline. Nady struck out seven times in his first 25 at-bats, then went 0-for-5 Tuesday."
		2007: 30 AB/ 0.233 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.47 FPI Week: 22 AB/ 0.182 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.273 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.14 FPI
Hall, Bill (OF) Mil
		The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that "Bill Hall will not be the only Brewer wearing uniform No. 42 Sunday in St. Louis as a tribute to Jackie Robinson during Major League Baseball's celebration of the 60th anniversary of his breaking the game's color barrier. Joining an ever-growing list of clubs doing so, every player will wear No. 42 that day. The Cardinals are expected to do so as well."
		2007: 28 AB/ 0.179 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.357 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.31 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.150 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.30 KRate/ 0.20 FPI
Atkins, Garrett (3B) Col
		According to the Rocky Mountain News, "Garrett Atkins was hitless for the first time since the first game this season. He was 0-for-1 but was hit by a pitch and walked twice."
		2007: 29 AB/ 0.241 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.379 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 19 AB/ 0.316 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.474 Slug/ 0.16 KRate/ 0.76 FPI
Tracy, Chad (3B) Ari
		The Arizona Republic reports that "Third baseman Chad Tracy is starting to get his batting average up to par after a slow start. It was at .231 entering Tuesday's game, but the swings have been better, and the results are coming. After hitting a key, seventh-inning double Monday, he stroked a three-run homer in the first inning Tuesday."
		2007: 31 AB/ 0.226 BA/ 1 HR/ 7 RBI/ 7 R/ 0 SB/ 0.452 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.53 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.261 BA/ 1 HR/ 6 RBI/ 6 R/ 0 SB/ 0.565 Slug/ 0.22 KRate/ 0.69 FPI
Helton, Todd (1B) Col
		As the Rocky Mountain News reports, "Todd Helton's absence from the lineup Monday was the first time he didn't start an April game while on the active roster since April 13, 2001, against Randy Johnson of Arizona. The only other April start Helton missed was April 24, 1999, at San Francisco. Other than the time he spent on the disabled list last year (April 20 to May 4), Helton missed only three starts. Monday, he pinch hit for the 43rd time, the first since he drew a walk Sept. 18, 2005, at Arizona. He is 6-for-37 with six walks in as a pinch hitter."
		2007: 27 AB/ 0.259 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.07 KRate/ 0.56 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.33 FPI
Lee, Derrek (1B) ChN
		The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "First baseman Derrek Lee remains a bright spot during the Cubs' struggles. He had two more hits Tuesday, his fourth multihit performance in five games, and has hit safely in all eight games."
		2007: 33 AB/ 0.424 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.515 Slug/ 0.21 KRate/ 0.87 FPI Week: 30 AB/ 0.400 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 5 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.82 FPI
Vargas, Claudio (P) Mil
		According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Vargas' nine strikeouts in five innings matched his career high, previously established on Aug. 2, 2005, while pitching for Arizona against Houston."
		2007: 7 IP/ 1.430 WHIP/ 5.14 ERA/ 0 W/ 11 K/ 0 S/ 1.57 K Inning/ 0.50 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.428 WHIP/ 5.14 ERA/ 0 W/ 11 K/ 0 S/ 1.57 K Inning/ 0.50 FPI
Grabow, John (P) Pit
		The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that "Reliever John Grabow will pitch two innings in an extended spring training game today, then another game or two at that level before beginning a rehabilitation stint with Class AAA Indianapolis. No firm timetable has been set, Littlefield said. But, if all goes well, Grabow could rejoin the Pirates late next week."

Saarloos, Kirk (P) Cin
		As the Cincinnati Enquirer reports, "Kirk Saarloos was convinced that the count was 3-2 when he served up the home run to Orlando Hudson Monday night. When it was pointed out it was 2-1, Saarloos went to video to check. It was 2-1. "I'm crazy," he said. "3-2, 2-1, you're still behind."
		2007: 4 IP/ 1.430 WHIP/ 2.14 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.43 K Inning/ 0.21 FPI Week: 3 IP/ 1.562 WHIP/ 2.81 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 1.56 K Inning/ -0.34 FPI
Reds (T) Cin
		According to the Dayton Daily News, "Opposing teams routinely overshift to the right side against Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr., putting the shortstop to the right side of second base. Dunn, though, is giving Griffey a rough time about Griffey's recent spate of balls hit to left field and says maybe teams will start shifting Griffey to the left side, putting the second baseman to the left side of second base. "That way the pitcher will have to cover first and the first baseman will have to turn double plays at second base," Dunn said with a laugh. Griffey said it isn't because his left hand, broken in December, is bothering him. "I've hooked some balls to right field, I just can't get anything to stay fair. I'll be all right."

Fuentes, Brian (RP) Col
		The Denver Post reports that "Closer Brian Fuentes' early-season struggles reinforced the Rockies' plan to get him more work. Fuentes appeared in only three of the first seven games, twice allowing runs. "Frequency is important with him. I'd like him not to sit more than two days at a time," pitching coach Bob Apodaca said."
		2007: 3 IP/ 1.670 WHIP/ 9.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -0.17 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 1 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -1.25 FPI
Counsell, Craig (3B) Mil
		The Palm Beach Post reports that "Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Craig Counsell will be honored before tonight's game with a plaque commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Marlins first World Series championship. In Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, Counsell scored the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning on Edgar Renteria's single."
		2007: 23 AB/ 0.261 BA/ 0 HR/ 6 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.478 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.58 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.550 Slug/ 0.05 KRate/ 0.73 FPI
Tsao, Chin-Hui (RP) LAN
		According to the Los Angeles Times, "The Dodgers recalled reliever Chin-hui Tsao from triple-A Las Vegas, where the right-hander had given up one run and struck out four in two innings this season. Little said Tsao, whose bid to become Colorado's closer had been derailed by shoulder injuries that forced him to sit out most of the 2005 and 2006 seasons, was "someone who can pitch a couple of innings for us whenever we need him to."

Sanchez, Duaner (RP) NYN
		According to the New York Post, "Duaner Sanchez had surgery yesterday for his shoulder fracture. Sanchez is slated to start rehabbing in about 6-8 weeks."

Castro, Juan (SS) Cin
		According to the Cincinnati Post, "Reds infielder Juan Castro still isn't feeling well, but he said he feels well enough to play. But just to make sure, on Monday he went out to take fly balls. Castro said his head feels congested, especially in his ears. It's similar to how he felt two winters ago while playing Mexico. During a game, he felt dizzy going for a pop-up and lost it, dropping a sure out. Two batters later there was another pop-up and he wasn't able to come up with that one, either. "I've never done that before," Castro said. "They wanted to kill me." He was able to catch the pop-ups during infield practice Monday, so he didn't expect any problems during the games. Castro entered the game as a pinch runner in the ninth inning Monday night. Tuesday he did the same in the 10th and stayed in to play second. He didn't have a ball hit to him."
		2007: 2 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.50 FPI Week: 2 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 1.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.50 FPI
Lyon, Brandon (RP) Ari
		As the Arizona Republic reports, "Setup reliever Brandon Lyon has issued a few more walks than he hoped - four - but he is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA after his first five appearances, staying as sharp as he was during Cactus League play. "He never even broke a sweat in spring training," Melvin said. "I don't think he threw more than 13 or 14 pitches an inning in spring. It's almost good he got a run (scored upon him) the other day. . . . At least he's got an ERA now."
		2007: 5 IP/ 1.800 WHIP/ 1.80 ERA/ 1 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 1.80 FPI Week: 3 IP/ 2.666 WHIP/ 3.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ 0.33 FPI
Thurston, Joe (2B) Was
		As the Washington Times reports, "The Nationals swapped minor league infielders with the Philadelphia Phillies. Washington acquired Brent Abernathy from Class AAA Ottawa for future considerations. Joe Thurston, who had been released by the Nationals after failing to make the club out of spring training, signed with Ottawa."


Pettitte, Andy (P) NYA		Nice outing for Andy Pettitte in Minnesota on Tuesday allowing 4 hits to the Twins and a walk over 6 IP (0.83) while striking out 3. Not the best K rate, but not bad considering. Health of course is an issue with Andy. It appears his back issues are (no pun intended) behind him for now, but in regard to his elbow, our own Joe Ribando made a nice point on my radio program yesterday. The Yankees would seem to be pretty confident that Andyâ€™s elbow is sound based on their willingness to trot him out in relief late last week. That, and yesterdayâ€™s start from Andy, is a good omen for a pitching staff desperately seeking QSs. - lblasi

		2007: 11 IP/ 1.360 WHIP/ 1.64 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.55 K Inning/ 2.05 FPI Week: 11 IP/ 1.363 WHIP/ 1.63 ERA/ 1 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.54 K Inning/ 2.05 FPI
Colon, Bartolo (P) LAA		Bartolo Colon (shoulder) went 5.2 effective innings for A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. Thatâ€™s his second rehab appearance and he is scheduled for two more. He may not be that far away from a health standpoint but stalling an extra week for some Global Warming to kick in isnâ€™t the worst idea at this point. We are looking at a possible week #4 return. - lblasi
		The Los Angeles Times reports that "Bartolo Colon stays on course for a late-April return. The right-hander, recovering from a rotator-cuff tear, threw 75 pitches over 5 2/3 innings for Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday, allowing two runs — one earned — and five hits, striking out five and walking none. Colon is scheduled to pitch for Salt Lake on Sunday at Las Vegas, where he will look to increase his pitch count to 90. Barring a setback, he could return to the Angels on April 20 or 25."

Wright, Jaret (P) Bal		Jaret Wright was doing ok against the Tigers yesterday (2 runs, 1 earned allowed in 5 IP on 4 hits, 1 walk and 5 Ks) before leaving the game in middle of the sixth with some right shoulder stiffness. He says that this feels like the type of stiffness heâ€™s had in the past prior to significant shoulder issues. Not good. Brace for bad news. - lblasi

		2007: 7 IP/ 1.910 WHIP/ 6.14 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.82 K Inning/ 0.13 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.909 WHIP/ 6.13 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 0.81 K Inning/ 0.13 FPI
Varitek, Jason (C) Bos		The host of Red Sox This Week, WBZ TVâ€™s Dan Roche told me yesterday on my radio show that Jason Varitek is very confident about his approach at the plate despite a slow spring and an even slower start to the 2007 season. The Sox staff seems to think heâ€™s putting good swings on the ball and much of last yearâ€™s problems stemmed from his appearance in the WBC. I speculated that that sounded like whistling past the graveyard. So of course, Jason went out and collected 3 hits in 4 trips including a double and 3 Rbi raising his average to .250. I still think his bat looks slow but to be honest there were times in his prime when I thought that as well. Hopefully for Varitek owners this means a return to form for the Red Sox Captain. - lblasi

		2007: 20 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.350 Slug/ 0.15 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.313 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.438 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Weaver, Jeff (P) Sea		Ooooo. Ugly. Jeff Weaver contributed one of the worst innings I can recall seeing in an MLB game yesterday. He needed 49 pitches to get out of the Red Sox 4-run 4th and he needed 70 pitches to get 6 outs overall. The bottom line was 7 runs allowed in 2 IP on 7 hits and two walks while striking out 1. Jeff threw just 38 strikes and was visibly frustrated just three batters into the game. Once again, Scott Boras has taken a player who was perfectly comfortable and thriving in an environment, (in this case Weaver in St. Louis) and hornswaggled him into putting his head into the lions mouth (in this case returning to the AL) for a few extra bucks. The change in leagues aside, the major problem with Weaver is that this type of start comes out of the deck with unnerving regularity. He remains in the only-if-you-have-to category of starters. - lblasi

		2007: 2 IP/ 4.500 WHIP/ 31.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ -8.25 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 4.500 WHIP/ 31.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ -8.25 FPI
Hernandez, Ramon (C) Bal		The Orioles expect to activate Ramon Hernandez off of the 15-day DL on Sunday. Heâ€™s recovering from a strained oblique but barring a setback he should be available for your Week #3 lineup. - lblasi
		According to the Washington Post, "Catcher Ramon Hernandez (strained left oblique) likely will be activated soon after he is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday. "Ramon had a little progress yesterday," Perlozzo said. "He has minimal discomfort in the oblique and is on a throwing program."

Beckett, Josh (P) Bos		The new and improved Josh Beckett made his second start for the Red Sox in their home opener in Tuesday pitching very effectively against the Ms. Beckett held Seattle to 1 run in 7 IP on just two hits without a walk while striking out 8. Of course, the Mâ€™s hadnâ€™t seen live pitching since Truman was President, but Josh continued to feature his change and what was an outstanding curve. The changes in Joshâ€™s mental approach and the real-world implementation of that change are significant and real. Of course, those changes havenâ€™t been challenged yet and the true test will be if he sticks with this new plan when some team starts hitting him in the first inning or two in some start. Yesterday however, he needed just 84 pitches (61 strikes) and added 9 GB to his 8 K accounting for 17 of the 21 outs he got. Only 5 hitters got the ball out of the infield and Beckett retired the last 14 he faced. This was the Josh Beckett that the Sox traded Hanley Ramirez et al for - very encouraging. If he can string a few of these together, Josh will return to the starting pitching top shelf, especially in AL-only leagues. - lblasi
		The Providence Journal reports that "In striking out Suzuki for the third time, Josh Beckett joined an exclusive club. Tim Hudson — now with Atlanta, then with Oakland — is the only other pitcher to fan Ichiro three times in the same game. That came on Sept. 19, 2003. The last time Ichiro struck out three times in a game was May 3, 2005."
		2007: 12 IP/ 0.670 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/ 2 W/ 13 K/ 0 S/ 1.08 K Inning/ 3.83 FPI Week: 12 IP/ 0.666 WHIP/ 1.50 ERA/ 2 W/ 13 K/ 0 S/ 1.08 K Inning/ 3.83 FPI
Sabathia, C.C. (P) Cle		An interesting start yesterday for C.C. Sabathia as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim face the Cleveland Indians of Milwaukee, Hasenpfeffer Inc. He gave up 3 runs, just one earned in 7 IP while â€˜scatteringâ€ 10 hits and 2 walks and striking out 7. That is a 1.71 WHIP on the day and probably should have resulted in about 5 runs. C.C improves to 2-0 on the year with a 2.77 ERA. Heâ€™s given up 18 hits in 13 IP along with 2 walks for a 1.53 WHIP. He did improve his K rate yesterday after striking out two in 6 IP vs. the White Sox in his first start. Opponents are hitting .329 off of Sabathia to this point and he needs to reign that in and quickly. Heâ€™ll see the White Sox for the second time this weekend and if you have a comparable alternative you may want to use it. - lblasi

		2007: 13 IP/ 1.620 WHIP/ 2.77 ERA/ 2 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.69 K Inning/ 0.81 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.714 WHIP/ 1.28 ERA/ 1 W/ 7 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.07 FPI
Inge, Brandon (3B) Det		Brandon Inge got most of the night off last night to sit and think about his 0- for -20 start to the season. He entered the game in the 7th as a defensive replacement ... By the way ... we tried this a couple of years ago and it's time to try it again. We need a name for our little snowman here. When we hand out this cold player icon it sometimes help to be able to put a name to the ... face, I guess ... Baseball related would be best, but the floor is open for your creativity!! So let's hear your suggestions for the name our our snowman! - lblasi
		According to the Detroit Free Press, "Leyland gave Brandon Inge (0-for-20) the night off and replaced him at third base with Neifi Perez (who entered 4-for-8 lifetime off Jaret Wright). Leyland said Inge would return to the lineup tonight against left-hander Adam Loewen. Perez was 1-for-3 in Tuesday night's 3-1 victory, including 1-for-2 against Wright."
		2007: 20 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ -0.24 FPI Week: 17 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.47 KRate/ -0.29 FPI
Martinez, Victor (C) Cle		Victor Martinez was not in Milwaukee with the Indians on Tuesday. Heâ€™s out, probably until the weekend with a strained left quad, but he stayed home to celebrate the birth of his baby girl yesterday. - lblasi
		The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that "Victor and Margret Martinez welcomed daughter Maria Victoria into the world Tuesday. She weighed 6 pounds and 5 ounces. The Indians still haven't put Martinez on the disabled list after he strained his left quadriceps muscle running out a grounder Friday. "We're going to play it day by day," said Wedge. The Indians must feel confident Martinez is going to be healthy soon because they sent Mike Rose back to Class AAA Buffalo before Tuesday's game. Rose spent the weekend in Cleveland and made the trip to Milwaukee but was never activated."
		2007: 12 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 5 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.667 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 1.23 FPI Week: 8 AB/ 0.500 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.625 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 1.20 FPI
Figgins, Chone (3B) LAA		Chone Figgins has been cleared to swing a bat but he hasnâ€™t been cleared to hit anything with that bat. Heâ€™s recovering from a pair of fractured fingers and he could start a rehab assignment early next week if all goes well. He may make an appearance with the big club late next week but we are a bit ahead of ourselves at this point. Still, you should be aware that heâ€™s looking like a solid possibility for week #4. The problem is that the fingers are crucial to hitters and sometimes (Coco) a finger injury (Crisp), let alone (Coco) two (Crisp) can have a lingering (Coco Crisp) affect. Thatâ€™s more a problem with power hitters generally but it impacts all (Coco) hitters (Crisp) to some extent. - lblasi
		As the Los Angeles Times reports, "An X-ray showed the fractures in the index and middle fingers of Chone Figgins' right hand have healed, and the Angels third baseman began stretching the fingers and taking dry swings Tuesday. Figgins, who had splints removed from the fingers, should be able to throw by this weekend and begin a brief minor league rehabilitation assignment late next week. Barring a setback, he could return to the Angels in late April. "Once he gets his arm stretched out and takes some swings," Scioscia said, "he won't be that far away."

Robertson, Nate (P) Det		Nate Robertson was outstanding against the Oâ€™s on Tuesday tossing 7.1 shutout IP on just 4 hits and a walk while striking out 5. Heâ€™s always pitched well against the Oâ€™s with a 2-0, 1.35 mark in four starts against them dating back to last season. One of the things that bothers me about Nate is a tepid K/9 (sub 6.0 in 2005 and 2006) and too me that closes down a pitchers margin of error especially when your WHIP hovers over 1.30 and you give up HRs. So his 5 K yesterday is a good sign as was his lone walk and 8 GBOs. Nate improves to 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and so far heâ€™s shown some progress in areas that normally worry me. - lblasi

		2007: 12 IP/ 1.100 WHIP/ 1.41 ERA/ 2 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.70 K Inning/ 2.35 FPI Week: 12 IP/ 1.096 WHIP/ 1.40 ERA/ 2 W/ 9 K/ 0 S/ 0.70 K Inning/ 2.35 FPI
Greinke, Zack (P) KC		Zack Greinke continued to look solid in his second start of the year against a good Jays lineup on Tuesday. He held the Jays to 1 run over 6 IP on 6 hits without a walk while striking out 5. He threw 64 strikes in 98 pitches and have a pretty level GB/FB split. Combined with his strong outing against the Red Sox in his first start (1 run in 7IP on 8 hits, a walk and 7 K) this is just what the doctor ordered for a start for Zack. Once a very bright prospect felled temporarily by social anxiety. Heâ€™s the closest thing to a whiffleball pitcher in the majors today (I saw him throw a 58 mph curveball for a strike once â€¦without a bounce) and he backs it up with a low-to-mid 90s fastball which has always made him very intriguing. Hopefully heâ€™s gathered some personal strength concerning his issues and is back on course. This is the kind of thing we expected from him when he made the show the first time around. - lblasi

		2007: 13 IP/ 1.150 WHIP/ 1.38 ERA/ 1 W/ 12 K/ 0 S/ 0.92 K Inning/ 1.73 FPI Week: 13 IP/ 1.153 WHIP/ 1.38 ERA/ 1 W/ 12 K/ 0 S/ 0.92 K Inning/ 1.73 FPI
Granderson, Curtis (OF) Det		Curtis Granderson was 2- for -3 with a pair od doubles on Tuesday. Heâ€™s now collected extra base hits in 5 of 7 games. - lblasi
		According to the Detroit News, "Curtis Granderson was a popular preseason pick for Tigers Breakout Player of the Year, not that such an award formally exists. But his start suggests his second full season as the starting center fielder could be turning him into one of baseball's headliners. Entering Tuesday, Granderson was tied for second in the American League in triples (two) and in extra-base hits (five), and was tied for third in total bases (18) and RBIs (eight). He also was tied for fourth in home runs (two) and was sixth in slugging percentage (.750). He promptly shook up the pecking order Tuesday with a pair of doubles and a walk in four plate appearances, raising his average to .333. The only Tiger outdoing him is Placido Polanco , who had two hits and is batting .448."
		2007: 27 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 7 R/ 1 SB/ 0.815 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 1.10 FPI Week: 22 AB/ 0.318 BA/ 2 HR/ 8 RBI/ 6 R/ 1 SB/ 0.864 Slug/ 0.27 KRate/ 1.14 FPI
Iguchi, Tadahito (2B) ChA		Tadahito Iguchi got the night off to rest a bruised finger last night. He was available however if needed and he should be ready for a return to the White Sox lineup. - lblasi
		As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, "Sox second baseman Tadahito Iguchi missed the game Monday because it was his scheduled day off. He was out of the lineup Tuesday, however, because of a bruised left index finger suffered Sunday against Minnesota. ''[Monday] I had a hard time bending my finger,'' Iguchi said through translator David Yamamoto. ''Today I can bend it. It's a lot better.'' Iguchi said he was able to play if needed, but Guillen wanted him to give it one more day. Alex Cintron got his second consecutive start at second base. ''He's got a little bruise on his finger,'' Guillen said of Iguchi. ''When he hit [in batting practice], he felt it a little bit, but he should be ready [today]. He was ready just in case we needed him, but I wanted to give him one more day to make sure he wasn't getting worse.''
		2007: 14 AB/ 0.143 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.429 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.38 FPI Week: 11 AB/ 0.182 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.545 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.58 FPI
Weaver, Jered (P) LAA		As I speculated a couple of weeks ago the return target for Jered Weaver (shoulder) is beginning to slip. Heâ€™s â€œpenciled inâ€ to face the Red Sox on Monday after throwing 90 pitches tonight in a single-A rehab start. The Angels however are already speculating about a second rehab outing. They will of course be overly cautious with Weaver and rightfully so. Weâ€™ll know more tomorrow morning but if I were a betting man I wouldnâ€™t lean too heavily on two starts out of Weaver next week. - lblasi
		According to the Los Angeles Times, "Jered Weaver's anticipated return against the Boston Red Sox on Monday in Fenway Park, a game that would match Weaver against Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, is looking a little iffy. Weaver, slowed this spring by shoulder tendinitis, is scheduled to throw 90 pitches for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga tonight, but the right-hander could need one more rehab start, probably for triple-A Salt Lake, before being activated. "It's penciled in," Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said of Weaver's possible start in Boston. "It will depend on how he feels [today]. If he can pitch a little deeper into the game and get his pitch count where it needs to be and maintain his velocity, we'll certainly look at doing that. But there's a chance he could need one more rehab start."

Matsuzaka, Daisuke (P) Bos		If you have MLB.tv and/or MLB Extra Innings, I donâ€™t want you to miss this one at Fenway tonight as Daisuke Matsuzaka faces Felix Hernandez. Get there on time as the first matchup of the night is Daisuke against Ichiro. The two had an extended face-to-face on the field prior to yesterdayâ€™s home opener at Fenway. Hernandez was outstanding in his first start, as was Matsuzaka, and it will be great theater in the Fens tonight. - lblasi

		2007: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.29 ERA/ 1 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 1.43 K Inning/ 2.21 FPI Week: 7 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 1.28 ERA/ 1 W/ 10 K/ 0 S/ 1.42 K Inning/ 2.21 FPI
Gordon, Alex (3B) KC		Alex Gordon is on the board! He snapped a 13 AB hitless streak and a 1- for -24 start to the season when he took Josh Towers deep in the sixth inning of Tuesdayâ€™s game. Good for him. Hopefully for Gordonâ€™s owners this will get the monkey off of his back and he can relax a bit at the plate. Normally possessing decent plate command Alex has fanned 10 times in 26 ABs without drawing a walk. Even accounting for the weather heâ€™s clearly pressing and he needs to find some sort of comfort level before the Royals start thinking about finding it for him. Young players are emotionally volatile; this may be an icebreaker. - lblasi

		2007: 26 AB/ 0.077 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.192 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ -0.15 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.087 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.217 Slug/ 0.35 KRate/ -0.11 FPI
Indians (T) Cle
		As the Akron Beacon Journal reports, "Hector Luna homered, singled and drove in two runs as Buffalo beat Ottawa 8-3. Keith Ginter had three hits and an RBI, and Adam Miller yielded three runs and 10 hits in six innings.... Wesley Hodges homered and singled, but Kinston dropped a 2-1 decision to Wilmington in Class A.... Matthew McBride had four hits, and Jared Goedert homered twice in Lake County's 14-8 win over Greensboro in Class A. Matt Whitney and Nick Weglarz also homered."

Yankees (T) NYA
		As the Newark Star-Ledger reports, "Three Yankees are candidates to wear No. 42 on Sunday in honor of the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut. (Besides Mariano Rivera, that is; Rivera wears No. 42 all the time and is the last active player grandfathered in when the number was retired 10 years ago.) Asked if he will wear No. 42 on Sunday, Jeter said, "I don't know," and then gave a knowing grin that said, "Yes." Robinson Cano, named for Jackie Robinson, said he plans to ask to wear No. 42 on Sunday. Kevin Thompson said that before he was called up, he planned to wear the number Sunday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. But he isn't sure if he can do it with the Yankees. "I wouldn't mind," he said, "but I don't want to step on any toes."

Sheffield, Gary (DH) Det
		As the Detroit News reports, "Gary Sheffield never has come close to striking out 100 times in a season, making his first seven games all the more bizarre. Sheffield is batting .120 with eight strikeouts. At that pace, he would strike out 176 times over 154 games, the amount of games he played in 2004 and '05. But it won't happen. Leyland understands Sheffield -- his history, as well as his celebrated hitting skills that figure to kick in once the weather warms up. "I think Gary's just trying too hard," Leyland said. "He's out of his zone a little bit. "But he'll be absolutely fine."
		2007: 25 AB/ 0.120 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.240 Slug/ 0.32 KRate/ 0.11 FPI Week: 22 AB/ 0.136 BA/ 1 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.273 Slug/ 0.32 KRate/ 0.18 FPI
White, Rondell (OF) Min
		As the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports, "Rondell White will be eligible to come off of the disabled list on April 20, when the Twins open a three-game series in Kansas City."
		2007: 9 AB/ 0.111 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.111 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 0.14 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.25 FPI
Millar, Kevin (1B) Bal
		The Washington Post reports that "Kevin Millar started at first base Tuesday night for the first time this year. But it was his Ray Lewis impersonation during Monday's player introductions that still had the clubhouse buzzing. "I knew that if it was caught on camera it was going to get some attention," Millar said. "I didn't know how much it was going to be. Somebody caught it on tape and next thing you know it's on 'Baseball Tonight.' Next thing you know they're breaking down my swing and it's on ESPN." Millar said he's never met Lewis."
		2007: 23 AB/ 0.217 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.565 Slug/ 0.09 KRate/ 0.65 FPI Week: 15 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.867 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 1.13 FPI
Bartlett, Jason (SS) Min
		As the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports, "Shortstop Jason Bartlett has three more errors (four) than hits this season. The next several games will test the argument that early results can be misleading. ... Bartlett's strong play down the stretch last season helped stabilize the infield and helped the Twins win the AL Central. Gardenhire appears committed to allowing Bartlett to play himself into form."
		2007: 20 AB/ 0.050 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 1 SB/ 0.050 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ -0.09 FPI Week: 13 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ -0.23 FPI
Rodriguez, Ivan (C) Det
		The Detroit News reports that "Leyland isn't sure what the training staff's report might be today on Pudge Rodriguez , who in the fourth inning took a nasty foul ball off his left foot. "I'm a little concerned," Leyland said. "He got it naked. The shin guard didn't protect him." Leyland intended to give Rodriguez the day off Thursday at Toronto. The timetable could be pushed up a game if Rodriguez is limping."
		2007: 29 AB/ 0.276 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.483 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.53 FPI Week: 25 AB/ 0.320 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.560 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.70 FPI
Rodriguez, Alex (3B) NYA
		The New York Post reports that "Alex Rodriguez is the fourth player in the last 50 years to have an extra base hit in his teams' first seven games. Others are Ken Griffey Jr. (1997), Phil Nevin (2001) and Larry Walker (2001)."
		2007: 28 AB/ 0.357 BA/ 6 HR/ 15 RBI/ 10 R/ 1 SB/ 1.107 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 1.41 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.348 BA/ 5 HR/ 13 RBI/ 8 R/ 0 SB/ 1.130 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 1.36 FPI
Gagne, Eric (RP) Tex
		The Dallas Morning News reports that "The more Rangers manager Ron Washington thought about breaking Eric Gagne in via a role other than closer, the more he thought about breaking his word. And so, and after further consideration, Washington said that when Gagne returns to the active roster Friday, he will do so as the uncontested ninth-inning closer. ... Gagne pitched a perfect ninth inning in Double-A Frisco's 11-9 loss to Springfield on Tuesday and struck out one. The Rangers had discussed returning Gagne to the active roster and letting him gradually assume the ninth inning. Instead, Gagne will take over the ninth inning, and Akinori Otsuka will move into the eighth-inning setup role."

Matsui, Hideki (OF) NYA
		According to the Newark Star-Ledger, "Matsui, on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring, will accompany the team to Oakland. He has been riding a stationary bike but is doing no baseball activity other than throwing."
		2007: 12 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ 0.43 FPI Week: 9 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 0.60 FPI
Cabrera, Melky (OF) NYA
		The New York Post reports that "Going into last night's action, Melky Cabrera had two hits in 21 at bats (.095), but Joe Torre wasn't thinking about resting his left fielder. Asked if recently recalled Kevin Thompson could start for Cabrera, Torre said that wasn't in the plan. Torre did say if he played Thompson it would be to give Johnny Damon or Bobby Abreu a rest against a tough lefty. Cabrera rewarded Torre's confidence with an RBI single in the second inning and leadoff singles in the fifth and ninth. He finished 3-for-4."
		2007: 25 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.15 FPI Week: 25 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.12 KRate/ 0.15 FPI
Jeter, Derek (SS) NYA
		According to the New York Post, "Derek Jeter's steal of second in the fifth inning was the 250th of his career. He is one shy of tying Willie Randolph for second place on the Yankees' all-time list. Rickey Henderson leads with 326 steals."
		2007: 31 AB/ 0.355 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 9 R/ 1 SB/ 0.387 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 0.66 FPI Week: 27 AB/ 0.370 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 9 R/ 1 SB/ 0.407 Slug/ 0.04 KRate/ 0.71 FPI
Wilson, Vance (C) Det
		As the Detroit Free Press reports, "Tigers catcher Vance Wilson said Tuesday he won't need surgery on his right elbow, and he expects to play again in four to six weeks. Wilson gave the report after he was examined by famed sports orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. "Dr. Andrews saw what our doctors in Detroit saw," Wilson said. "I obviously have degeneration in a ligament in my arm, but it's not a big deal. I'm 34, and I've been catching for a long time. "I definitely have a tear in the pronator (arm muscle) mass, but I won't need surgery. I need to rest it for about a month. I can resume building it up a little bit in about 3 1/2 weeks." Wilson was placed on the disabled list three days before Opening Day. He had originally hoped to miss only two weeks. But by the time he visited Andrews, he faced possible surgery."

Hillenbrand, Shea (DH) LAA
		According to the Los Angeles Times, "Shea Hillenbrand, who missed five games because of a tight right groin, returned to the lineup Tuesday, singling once in five at-bats, but he moved gingerly on the base paths and will be re-evaluated today. There is a chance he could be placed on the disabled list."
		2007: 13 AB/ 0.231 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.231 Slug/ 0.08 KRate/ 0.04 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.20 KRate/ 0.10 FPI
Pena, Wily Mo (OF) Bos
		The Boston Globe reports that "Francona said he planned to give Wily Mo Pena his first start tomorrow, a year to the day after Pena made his first start for the Sox and went 2 for 3, including a home run. Pena would be facing lefthander Jarrod Washburn, against whom he is hitless in two at-bats. The tentative plan, Francona said, is for Pena to play right field in place of Drew. It would make little sense to sit Coco Crisp, who is batting .556 (10 for 18) lifetime against Washburn."
		2007: 3 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ -0.50 FPI Week: 2 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Buehrle, Mark (P) ChA
		According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "After several days of spculation that Mark Buehrle would start the series finale today, Guillen made it official. Buehrle had been receiving treatment for a bruised left forearm suffered in his first start when a Ryan Garko comebacker knocked him out in the second inning against Cleveland."
		2007: 1 IP/ 2.260 WHIP/ 6.77 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -3.39 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 2.255 WHIP/ 6.76 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ -3.39 FPI
Lee, Cliff (P) Cle
		As the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports, "Cliff Lee, in a rehab start for Class A Kinston, threw two scoreless innings Tuesday. He struck out four and allowed one hit. Lee has been on the disabled list since the start of the season with a strained abdominal muscle."

Ledezma, Wilfredo (RP) Det
		According to the Detroit News, "Leyland insists Wilfredo Ledezma will be coming out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future, as he and Bobby Seay are the only left-handed relievers. "He could be a huge weapon for us down there," Leyland said. Ledezma was outstanding Monday, allowing one hit in 2 1/3 innings. On the season, he has pitched four scoreless innings."
		2007: 4 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.25 K Inning/ 3.38 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.25 K Inning/ 3.38 FPI
Loewen, Adam (P) Bal
		As the Baltimore Sun reports, "Adam Loewen makes his second start tonight, opposing right-hander Justin Verlander. Loewen made his 2007 debut at Yankee Stadium, allowing two runs in five innings and being credited with the win. Verlander didn't get a decision Friday night after limiting the Kansas City Royals to two hits and an unearned run over six innings."
		2007: 5 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.600 WHIP/ 3.60 ERA/ 1 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.40 K Inning/ 2.00 FPI
Mussina, Mike (P) NYA
		According to the New York Post, "Considering Mike Mussina's dominance of the Twins, he couldn't have drawn a better team tonight when he attempts to rebound from a dismal first outing last week, right. Mussina is 20-5 with a 3.17 ERA in 28 starts against the Twins. In the Metrodome he is 10-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 15 outings. So, was the schedule maker working in Mussina's benefit? "What has happened in the past has no bearing on what will happen [tonight]," Mussina said. "You have to prepare." Mussina and the Yankees are looking for a rebound performance after the Orioles spanked Mussina for six runs and eight hits in four innings last Friday at Yankee Stadium in a 6-4 Yankees loss."
		2007: 4 IP/ 2.750 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -2.00 FPI Week: 4 IP/ 2.750 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -2.00 FPI
Payton, Jay (OF) Bal
		As the Washington Post reports, "Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jay Payton, on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, is likely a week, or possibly two, from rejoining the team. Payton is eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday, but he won't be ready. "He is a day or two from starting a running program," Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo said. "He's been doing some light jogging and some backpedaling and things like that." Jay Gibbons will continue to replace Payton in left field, Perlozzo said."

Lester, Jon (P) Bos
		As the Boston Globe reports, "Jon Lester threw 51 pitches in four innings for Single A Greenville in a 3-0 victory last night. He retired the first eight batters he faced, striking out five."

Cirillo, Jeff (3B) Min
		The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that "Infielder Jeff Cirillo will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee at 7:30 a.m. today. Twins physician Dr. John Steubs will preform the surgery. The club will wait until after the surgery to determine the extent of the damage and Cirillo's timetable for recovery. What's known for sure is that there is a slight meniscus tear in the knee and that a cortisone shot last week didn't work."
		2007: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.75 FPI Week: 1 AB/ 0.000 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.000 Slug/ 1.00 KRate/ -0.50 FPI
Johnson, Dan (1B) Oak
		According to the Contra Costa Times, "First baseman Dan Johnson's stay on the disabled list may not be as long as originally thought. After a strong spring training allowed him to all but sew up the starting first base job, Johnson suffered a tore labrum in his left hip during an exhibition game March 26. It was initially thought he might be out until July. However, he is rehabbing much faster than anticipated. "He's already taking some soft toss and swinging the bat a little," A's manager Bob Geren said Tuesday. "There's talk that he might get into a game next week, maybe 7-10 days." Geren said Johnson's first return to action would likely be at extended spring training but added that the improved timetable could still change. "It might be a little way out there," the manager said, "but it's still encouraging to hear."

Dukes, Elijah (OF) TB
		According to the St. Petersburg Times, "For now, rookie OF Elijah Dukes will spend more time at DH with Baldelli in center. But Maddon remains concerned how Dukes, 22, will handle the sometimes challenging assignment, and he wants to establish some kind of rotation with LF Carl Crawford and RF Delmon Young as well. That doesn't leave much opportunity for Jonny Gomes, and it may be that way for a while. "It's tough," Maddon said."
		2007: 23 AB/ 0.217 BA/ 2 HR/ 2 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.522 Slug/ 0.26 KRate/ 0.57 FPI Week: 20 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 1 HR/ 1 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.400 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.41 FPI
Devil Rays (T) TB
		The St. Petersburg Times reports that "The Rays will try, for now, to improve their bullpen by using the relievers they have in different roles, with journeyman Gary Glover and rookie Jae Kuk Ryu next in line for more important late-inning work. Should they decide to look outside for help, deposed Houston closer Brad Lidge could be an interesting option if the Astros make him available. Manager Joe Maddon insisted he wasn't demoting struggling RHPs Shawn Camp and Ruddy Lugo, who have a combined 18.71 ERA and allowed 19 of 32 batters faced to reach base, but merely giving others a try. ... Glover, 30, has been primarily a starter and middle/long reliever (with two professional saves) and Ryu almost exclusively a starter in the minors. Glover, who has impressed Maddon with his aggressiveness, has thrown 32/3 scoreless innings; Ryu (after working three innings Tuesday) has allowed one run in 51/3. Maddon plans to use veteran Al Reyes as the closer and rookie Brian Stokes "more toward the end," but said the rest of the alignment is "a little bit up in the air." Lidge, 30, is a former star closer (42 saves in 2005) who has struggled recently and was demoted Monday from the closer's job. He also has fallen out of favor with the Houston fans, which could accelerate his departure given the operating style of owner Drayton McLane, as could his $5.35-million salary. On Tuesday, general manager Tim Purpura told the Houston Chronicle there was "no doubt" Lidge had the physical ability "to be as successful as he ever was," that he didn't think a change of scenery was needed and they weren't in any hurry to deal him."

Westbrook, Jake (P) Cle
		According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "Westbrook starts tonight in the second game of the series. It will be his first start since April 4, when he went five innings against Chicago in the second game of the season. He allowed seven runs on seven hits."
		2007: 5 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 12.60 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -0.80 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 12.60 ERA/ 0 W/ 5 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -0.80 FPI
Mariners (T) Sea
		The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that "Seattle is hitting a grim .167 after getting four hits Tuesday. Struggling are Adrian Beltre (.077), Jose Vidro (.067), Guillen (.167), Johjima (.182), Yuniesky Betancourt (.167) and Jose Lopez (.083). ... Jason Ellison got his first hit as a Mariner, a single in the ninth. He's the first Mariners bench player to get a hit this season."

Rangers (T) Tex
		The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that "Before Tuesday's game, the Rangers purchased the contract of starter Jamey Wright and optioned pitcher Mike Wood to Triple A. Pitcher Daniel Haigwood was designated for assignment, which means he has to clear waivers. That will likely happen, and Haigwood would probably be assigned to Double A Frisco."

Hernandez, Felix (P) Sea
		As the Seattle Times reports, "Hernandez, coming off a brilliant effort against Oakland, denied that he was "pumped up" for the anticipated matchup."
		2007: 8 IP/ 0.630 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 1 W/ 12 K/ 0 S/ 1.50 K Inning/ 3.69 FPI
Dotel, Octavio (RP) KC
		According to the Kansas City Star, "The Royals are now aiming for April 20 as a best-case scenario for Dotel to return to active duty. That’s five days longer than the previous timetable. Dotel is nursing a strained left oblique that surfaced in his final spring-training appearance. He is undergoing rehab work at the club’s year-round facility in Surprise, Ariz. “He hasn’t really had any setbacks,” Bell said. “We’re just being real cautious with him. … He’s going to throw off of the mound on Thursday.”

Towers, Josh (P) Tor
		According to the Toronto Sun, "The pep talk on the mound from manager John Gibbons and the pat on the back from ace Roy Halladay en route to the clubhouse were meant to tell Josh Towers to keep his chin up, that he deserved better Tuesday night. The fiery right-hander, however, didn't want to hear it. The first start in his quest for redemption wasn't nearly as bad as the numbers looked, but that didn't make the Toronto Blue Jays' 6-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals any easier for him to take. ... Looking to bounce back from a disastrous 2006 in which he went 2-10 with an 8.42 earned-run average, Towers (0-1) came off a lengthy layoff of 10 days to throw 5 2-3 dogged innings, allowing six runs - three earned - on 10 hits. ... Towers' next start is Sunday against the Detroit Tigers and he's hoping to rediscover his spring groove for it. He lost his first seven starts last year and was eventually banished to the minors. The leash won't be as long for him this year although Gibbons believes in his pitcher."
		2007: 5 IP/ 1.920 WHIP/ 5.19 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.15 K Inning/ -1.46 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.923 WHIP/ 5.19 ERA/ 0 W/ 6 K/ 0 S/ 1.15 K Inning/ -1.46 FPI
Angels (T) LAA
		The Los Angeles Times reports that "Garret Anderson had three hits, and Maicer Izturis had two hits and three runs batted in Tuesday night. The Angels went five for 15 with runners in scoring position but stranded two runners in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings."

Grudzielanek, Mark (2B) KC
		The Kansas City Star reports that "Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek returned to the starting lineup Tuesday but is expected to be on the bench again for today’s series finale. The aim is to reduce any potential impact from the artificial surface at the Rogers Centre on Grudzielanek’s surgically repaired left knee."
		2007: 28 AB/ 0.214 BA/ 0 HR/ 6 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.286 Slug/ 0.14 KRate/ 0.21 FPI Week: 23 AB/ 0.130 BA/ 0 HR/ 3 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.174 Slug/ 0.17 KRate/ -0.07 FPI
Loaiza, Esteban (P) Oak
		As the Contra Costa Times reports, "Geren stated there has been no change in Esteban Loiaza's recovery from a bulging disc in his neck. The A's right-hander is still not throwing, and Geren said he wouldn't until he is completely symptom-free."

Crawford, Carl (OF) TB
		As the Tampa Tribune reports, "LF Carl Crawford was thrown out by C Gerald Laird while attempting to steal second in both the first and third innings. It was the first time in Crawford's career he was caught stealing twice in a game."
		2007: 28 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 2 HR/ 5 RBI/ 5 R/ 1 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.11 KRate/ 0.56 FPI Week: 24 AB/ 0.208 BA/ 2 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 R/ 0 SB/ 0.500 Slug/ 0.13 KRate/ 0.43 FPI
Athletics (T) Oak
		The Contra Costa Times reports that "Almost two weeks after his first day with the A's, Todd Walker is still in a little bit of an adjustment phase. After the utility infielder signed with the A's on March 30, many anticipated he would see his share of time at first base in place of the injured Johnson. But when Oakland kept rookie Travis Buck as its starting right fielder, Nick Swisher essentially became the everyday first baseman and Walker's opportunities to get on the field got much slimmer. "It's definitely a new spot for me," Walker said before Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. "It's just something that you learn to adjust to." Walker, who played in a 138 games last season with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres, got his lone start this season against the Los Angeles Angels when Milton Bradley was a late scratch from the lineup Saturday. He played first base and went 1-for-4."

Cruz, Nelson (OF) Tex
		As the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports, "Outfielder Nelson Cruz has been rested against some of the tough veteran pitchers as Ron Washington breaks him in slowly. But with the youthful Devil Rays in town, Cruz started the first two games and Washington said he'll start again tonight."
		2007: 20 AB/ 0.300 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.300 Slug/ 0.40 KRate/ 0.54 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.375 BA/ 0 HR/ 4 RBI/ 3 R/ 0 SB/ 0.375 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.76 FPI
Giambi, Jason (DH) NYA
		As the New York Post reports, "Jason Giambi took cold wood into last night's game against Boof Bonser. The DH was hitting .174 (4-for-23) but Torre didn't see much wrong with his swing. Giambi went 1-for-3."
		2007: 26 AB/ 0.192 BA/ 1 HR/ 7 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.308 Slug/ 0.23 KRate/ 0.40 FPI Week: 21 AB/ 0.143 BA/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.286 Slug/ 0.24 KRate/ 0.35 FPI
Chacin, Gustavo (P) Tor
		The Toronto Sun reports that "Gustavo Chacin (0-0) faces Jorge De La Rosa (1-0) in the series finale."
		2007: 6 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.33 K Inning/ 0.50 FPI Week: 6 IP/ 1.000 WHIP/ 4.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.33 K Inning/ 0.50 FPI
Suzuki, Ichiro (OF) Sea
		According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "Ichiro Suzuki doesn't strike out much, so it makes news when he strikes out twice in a game. When he strikes out three times, people take notice. Boston starter Josh Beckett struck out Ichiro in the first, third and sixth innings Tuesday to become just the second pitcher to fan him three times in one game. The other was Oakland's Tim Hudson."
		2007: 13 AB/ 0.308 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.462 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ 0.64 FPI Week: 5 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.60 KRate/ 0.33 FPI
Cantu, Jorge (2B) TB
		As the St. Petersburg Times reports, "Jorge Cantu (hitting .238) will be used at first base (he played there Monday) for Triple-A Durham and also at second and third to increase his versatility and, perhaps, his value."

Garko, Ryan (1B) Cle
		According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "Ryan Garko, the Tribe's emergency catcher, spent the weekend catching bullpen sessions. "I still feel confident back there," said Garko."
		2007: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.50 FPI Week: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.50 FPI
White Sox (T) ChA
		The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "Considering Guillen's history, it's no surprise it didn't take long for the fourth-year skipper to start dipping into his bench while keeping his starters fresh. Mackowiak got the nod in right field Tuesday, and Brian Anderson will get his first start of the season this afternoon, replacing Darin Erstad in center field. ''I try to get those bench guys some time, just in case we need them with the game on the line,'' Guillen said. ''At least we can expect something better.'' Anderson and catcher Gustavo Molina are the only position players who haven't started a game."

Sexson, Richie (1B) Sea
		According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "If Richie Sexson hadn't hit a two-run, ninth-inning double Tuesday in Boston, the Mariners would have matched the franchise record (22) for the largest combined margin of defeat over two games. The Mariners lost 14-3 after dropping their previous game on April 4 versus Oakland by a 9-0 score. Even with Sexson's two-run double, this is the seventh time in 30-plus years the Mariners have lost back-to-back games by a margin of 20 or more runs."
		2007: 13 AB/ 0.231 BA/ 2 HR/ 7 RBI/ 2 R/ 0 SB/ 0.769 Slug/ 0.38 KRate/ 0.73 FPI Week: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 2 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.50 KRate/ 0.17 FPI
Woods, Jake (P) Sea
		As the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports, "The Mariners recalled left-handed pitcher Jake Woods from Triple-A Tacoma to take Rhodes' spot on the roster. Woods got into the game against the Red Sox after starter Jeff Weaver lasted just two innings."
		2007: 2 IP/ 3.500 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -2.00 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 3.500 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 0 K/ 0 S/ 0.00 K Inning/ -2.00 FPI
Royals (T) KC
		As the Kansas City Star reports, "The Royals’ rotation, if things go according to plan, could get a little crowded by early May. Scott Elarton and Luke Hudson are each scheduled to pitch today in extended spring training and should be ready for minor-league rehabilitation assignments later this month. “Elarton is probably a little ahead of Hudson,” Bell said. “Elarton is supposed to be pitching somewhere (on a rehab assignment) on the 16th.” That’s next Monday. Rules permit pitchers to serve 30 days on a minor-league rehab assignment before clubs must make a roster decision. Elarton is recovering from surgery last August to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Hudson was in line to fill the No. 3 slot in the rotation until an inflamed biceps tendon forced him to the disabled list."

Sweeney, Mike (DH) KC
		According to the Kansas City Star, "DH Mike Sweeney isn’t likely to start in the series finale after doing so in the first two games. “He’s going to rest at times this year,” Bell said. “And if I’m going to rest him, then why not rest him on this surface?”
		2007: 20 AB/ 0.200 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.200 Slug/ 0.10 KRate/ 0.23 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.125 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.125 Slug/ 0.06 KRate/ 0.06 FPI
Timlin, Mike (RP) Bos
		As the Boston Globe reports, "As expected, the Sox activated Mike Timlin yesterday, with lefthander Javier Lopez optioned to Triple A Pawtucket. Lopez had options left, so it was a given he would be shipped out. Lopez appeared in four of the six games on the season-opening trip, and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits while walking one and hitting a batter. ... Francona left little doubt that the 41-year-old Timlin, who had been on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle, would be slotted into the same role he has held since he came to the Sox."
		2007: 1 IP/ 3.000 WHIP/ 18.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -1.50 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 3.000 WHIP/ 18.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ -1.50 FPI
Gload, Ross (1B) KC
		As the Kansas City Star reports, "Outfielder Ross Gload missed a third straight start against a right-hander because of a sore quadriceps muscle but is tentatively scheduled to return to the lineup this weekend in Baltimore."
		2007: 16 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.313 Slug/ 0.19 KRate/ 0.38 FPI Week: 12 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.333 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ 0.42 FPI
Rhodes, Arthur (RP) Sea
		The Seattle Times reports that "The Mariners have placed left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes on the disabled list with inflammation in his left elbow and recalled left-hander Jake Woods. The move is retroactive to April 1. Rhodes, 37, has yet to appear in a game this season. He had been sidelined a week in spring training with elbow problems, and they returned on Sunday in Cleveland during a bullpen session, manager Mike Hargrove said."

Dye, Jermaine (OF) ChA
		According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Before the speculation even began, Jermaine Dye was putting up the roadblock Tuesday. While a 2-for-20 start (.100) was not the way the White Sox right fielder had envisioned his 2007 season beginning, Dye quickly dismissed the idea that he is pressing because it's a free-agent year. ... Dye was out of the starting lineup Tuesday, a day off that was scheduled before the series so that manager Ozzie Guillen could get Rob Mackowiak some needed at-bats. As far as any thoughts that Dye, 33, is looking ahead to his walk year, he pointed out that when the Sox signed him as a free agent before the 2005 season, he was coming off a 2004 campaign in which he hit .265 with 23 home runs and 80 RBI in 137 games with the Oakland Athletics. His impending free agency wasn't a big deal in the Oakland newspapers then, and he doesn't see that happening now."
		2007: 20 AB/ 0.100 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.100 Slug/ 0.25 KRate/ -0.05 FPI Week: 16 AB/ 0.063 BA/ 0 HR/ 1 RBI/ 0 R/ 0 SB/ 0.063 Slug/ 0.31 KRate/ -0.11 FPI
Twins (T) Min
		According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "Infielder Alexi Casilla and outfielder Josh Rabe have joined the team after being called up from Class AAA Rochester. Rabe started. Casilla will be used off the bench, to give Bartlett and Castillo some time off."

Hammel, Jason (P) TB
		The St. Petersburg Times reports that "In two Durham starts, Hammel has allowed one run in 10 innings."

Wood, Mike (RP) Tex
		According to the Dallas Morning News, "To make room for RHP Jamey Wright on the roster, the Rangers optioned RHP Mike Wood to Triple-A Oklahoma. Wood is expected to work as a starter at Oklahoma."
		2007: 2 IP/ 1.720 WHIP/ 3.86 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.86 K Inning/ 0.85 FPI
Wilson, C.J. (RP) Tex
		As the Dallas Morning News reports, "LHP C.J. Wilson said he threw his first gyroball of the regular season Sunday to Boston's Kevin Youkilis, who took it for a strike."
		2007: 2 IP/ 0.750 WHIP/ 3.38 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.38 K Inning/ 2.62 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 0.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.75 K Inning/ 4.50 FPI
Blue Jays (T) Tor
		As the Toronto Sun reports, "The Blue Jays sat regulars LF Reed Johnson, SS Royce Clayton and Zaun for LF Stairs of Fredericton, SS Jason Smith and C Jason Phillips. It was the first start of the season for Stairs and Smith."

Williamson, Scott (RP) Bal
		According to the Baltimore Sun, "Reliever Scott Williamson still is battling an illness that he said could be a reoccurrence of the bronchitis that shelved him briefly in spring training. "The last six or seven days, I've had a real bad headache and kind of been fatigued a little bit. But I should be fine," he said. Williamson pitched one scoreless inning last night, giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one."
		2007: 1 IP/ 2.400 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 1.20 K Inning/ 0.31 FPI Week: 1 IP/ 2.000 WHIP/ 0.00 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 1.00 K Inning/ 1.00 FPI
Wright, Jamey (P) Tex
		The Dallas Morning News reports that "In order to get Wright on the 40-man roster, the Rangers designated RHP Daniel Haigwood for assignment."
		2007: 2 IP/ 3.640 WHIP/ 20.45 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.45 K Inning/ -3.91 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 3.636 WHIP/ 20.45 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.45 K Inning/ -3.91 FPI
Mackowiak, Rob (OF) ChA
		According to the Contra Costa Times, "Former A's outfielder Jermaine Dye was not in the Chicago lineup on Tuesday as the White Sox wanted to give Mackowiak a start in right field."
		2007: 6 AB/ 0.167 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.167 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 0.00 FPI Week: 4 AB/ 0.250 BA/ 0 HR/ 0 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 0.250 Slug/ 0.00 KRate/ 0.25 FPI
Romero, J.C. (RP) Bos
		According to the Boston Globe, "It appears the lefthanded roles in the bullpen are becoming more clearly defined. Hideki Okajima will get the call for multiple innings, while J.C. Romero will usually be used, Francona said, if there's one lefthanded batter the Sox need to retire. Romero is capable of throwing multiple innings and getting out righthanded batters if he throws strikes, but he was unable to do either last season; righties batted .382 against him (.280 lifetime), and he walked 28 in 48 innings."
		2007: 2 IP/ 2.250 WHIP/ 10.11 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.37 K Inning/ -2.24 FPI Week: 2 IP/ 3.000 WHIP/ 13.50 ERA/ 0 W/ 1 K/ 0 S/ 0.50 K Inning/ -4.50 FPI
Harris, Brendan (3B) TB
		According to the St. Petersburg Times, "Utility INF Brendan Harris did early work in the outfield Tuesday."
		2007: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.333 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 1.50 FPI Week: 3 AB/ 0.333 BA/ 1 HR/ 3 RBI/ 1 R/ 0 SB/ 1.333 Slug/ 0.33 KRate/ 1.50 FPI
Guthrie, Jeremy (RP) Bal
		As the Baltimore Sun reports, "Despite being a reliever with the Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie must feel like he's on a starter's schedule. Guthrie has made only two appearances, throwing a total of 5 2/3 innings after replacing Jaret Wright in Minnesota and against the Detroit Tigers last night. Such is the life of a long reliever. He wants to pitch, but not if it means the starters are getting knocked out early and the Orioles are losing."
		2007: 5 IP/ 1.590 WHIP/ 3.17 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.71 K Inning/ 0.80 FPI Week: 5 IP/ 1.587 WHIP/ 3.17 ERA/ 0 W/ 4 K/ 0 S/ 0.70 K Inning/ 0.80 FPI
Walker, Jamie (RP) Bal
		The Baltimore Sun reports that "Detroit Tigers general manager David Dombrowski and manager Jim Leyland presented Orioles reliever Jamie Walker with his American League championship ring during batting practice."
		2007: 3 IP/ 1.360 WHIP/ 2.45 ERA/ 0 W/ 3 K/ 0 S/ 0.82 K Inning/ 1.51 FPI Week: 3 IP/ 1.328 WHIP/ 2.99 ERA/ 0 W/ 2 K/ 0 S/ 0.66 K Inning/ 1.68 FPI

Today's NL report was produced by Fantistics' Tom Massimo

Today's AL report was produced by Fantistics' Lou Blasi

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