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Welcome to Fantistics Fantasy/Roto Baseball

by Jeffrey Ackerman

Park Factor

For my initial First Pitch of the year I thought it would be a good idea to revisit the Park Factor statistic. This should provide you with a handy reference that you can use to determine which ballparks really play in either the hitter's or pitcher's favor. We will use this data to see if we can challenge any of our commonly held assumptions, and also take a look at some of the newer parks and parks that had changes last year to see how they fared over a full season's worth of data. Included will be data updated to include last season, as well as updated 3-year averages (for 2004 – 2006).

The Park Factor statistic measures the effect that a ballpark has on a particular stat. To create a Park Factor, you take all of the chosen statistic scored at a ballpark by both the home and away teams, then divide it by the same statistic for the road games of the team that plays its home games at the ballpark in question. For example, if we were looking at Park Factor for Runs, the formula would look like this:

Park Factor = ((homeRS + homeRA)/(homeG)) / ((roadRS + roadRA)/(roadG))

A neutral Park Factor has a value of 1.000, thus a value over 1.000 means the park favors the hitter in that category, while a value of lower than 1.000 means the park favors the pitcher in that category.

There are no new major league ballparks opening this year, as well as no significant changes to existing parks (that I’m aware of). Last year, however, there was one new ballpark (New Busch Stadium), and there were significant changes made at two existing (albeit relatively new) ballparks: Citizen’s Bank Park in Philly, and PETCO Park in San Diego.

First let’s look at our first full year’s worth of Park Factor data from New Busch Stadium:

Park Name	Runs	HR	H
New Busch Stadium (2006)	0.950	0.887	0.968
MLB Rank	20^th	19^th	22^nd

So far after one season the data says New Busch is playing as a fairly strong pitcher’s park, landing in the top 25% (benefiting pitchers) in Runs and Hits. In comparison to Old Busch Stadium, the Park Factors in these three categories are down across the board, although not by a lot. Remember that this is still a small data sample, ad we’ll have to see how this changes over time.

One of the parks with significant changes last year was Citizen’s Bank Park in Philly. The Phillies raised the left field wall and moved it back in an effort to prevent so many home runs and dismiss the “bandbox” notion. Did it work? Here is the Park Factor data for CBP in 2006 compared to the prior two seasons:

Park Name	Runs	HR	H
Citizen's Bank Park (2004-2005)	1.093	1.212	1.049
Citizen's Bank Park (2006)	1.063	1.201	1.007
Change	-3%	-1%	-4%

It looks like there is mixed news here. On the one hand, there was definitely a decrease in HRs, albeit only by 1%. The single year decrease in HR Park Factor from 2005 – 2006 was a more pronounced 7%. By the Phillies own measure, the move prevented 28 home runs from leaving the park last year that would have previously been out. (By the way, it’s pretty cool that they tracked exactly what hitters and pitchers benefited. Guess how many homers Ryan Howard lost in 2006 that would have left the yard the year before? Three. Do the math. 61. Read more about it here.) Bottom line is that CPB got a little better, but is still a very strong hitter’s park.

The other ballpark that saw significant renovations for the 2006 season was PETCO Park in San Diego. Here, the walls were moved in, in an effort to stimulate more offense. Once again, we start with the numbers:

Park Name	Runs	HR	H
PETCO Park (2004-2005)	0.820	0.721	0.899
PETCO Park (2006)	0.860	0.982	0.905
Change	5%	36%	1%

Wow. There was a huge 36% jump in HR Park Factor at PETCO last year compared to the prior two seasons. There was a moderate increase in Runs Park Factor as well. Overall, PETCO still plays as an extreme pitcher’s park, but it is less so now.

Here is the way all the ballparks shake out in terms of 3-Year average Park Factor in the categories of Runs, HR, and Hits.

Extreme Hitter’s Parks: Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies), Coors Field (Rockies), Rogers Centre (Blue Jays).

Strong Hitter’s Parks: Rangers Ballpark (Rangers), U.S. Cellular Field (White Sox), Wrigley Field (Cubs).

Slight Hitter’s Parks: Fenway Park (Red Sox), Great American (Reds), Minute Maid Park (Astros).

Extreme Pitcher’s Parks: Jacobs Field (Indians), PETCO Park (Padres), RFK Stadium (Nationals).

Strong Pitcher’s Parks: Busch Stadium (Cardinals), Dolphins Stadium (Marlins), Safeco Field (Mariners), Shea Stadium (Mets).

Slight Pitcher’s Parks: Angel Stadium (Angels), AT&T Park (Giants), Dodger Stadium (Dodgers), Miller Park (Brewers).

Neutral Parks: Camden Yards (Orioles), Comerica Park (Tigers), Kauffman Stadium (Royals), McAfee Coliseum (Athletics), Metrodome (Twins), Tropicana Field (Devil Rays), Turner Field (Braves).

Finally, I will leave you with some quick hits that I noticed while compiling the updated 3-year average Park Factor data. We will get these materials posted soon in the Reference Toolbox.

§ As stated before, although we only have one season of data, New Busch Stadium is playing as a pitcher’s park.

§ Dodger Stadium saw increases in Park Factor in all three categories last year, nudging it from strongly favoring pitchers to just slightly favoring pitchers over the last three seasons.

§ Dolphins Stadium went from being an extreme pitcher’s park to just a strong pitcher’s park.

§ Fenway Park becomes an anomaly in that it strongly favors hitters, except in terms of home runs, where it actually favors pitchers. In fact, Fenway is in the bottom 25% for HR Park Factor over the last three years (and was 29^th in MLB in 2006).

§ McAfee Coliseum was previously considered a strong pitcher’s park, but as of the updated 3-year average data is considered neutral.

§ Rangers Ballpark still strongly favors hitters, but actually became neutral in terms of HR Park factor. Thus, it is no longer considered an extreme hitters park.

§ Both Safeco Field and Shea Stadium went from moderately favoring pitchers to strongly favoring pitchers.

§ Turner Field is now considered neutral after previously being an extreme pitcher’s park.

§ Both of the Chicago ballparks went from slightly favoring hitters to strongly favoring hitters.

Players Included in todays Daily News Report

Catchers -

NL McCann,B.

1st Base -

NL Lee,D. , Helton,T. , Johnson,N. , Gonzalez,A. , LaRoche,A. , Fielder,P. AL Sexson,R. , Millar,K. , Gload,R. , Johnson,D. , Garko,R.

2nd Base -

NL Thurston,J. , Phillips,B. , Weeks,R. , Callaspo,A. AL Grudzielanek,M. , Cantu,J. , Iguchi,T.

Shortstop -

NL Castro,J. , Furcal,R. , Izturis,C. , Greene,K. , Ramirez,H. AL Jeter,D. , Bartlett,J.

Thirdbase -

NL Counsell,C. , Rolen,S. , Spiezio,S. , Tracy,C. , Atkins,G. , Cabrera,M. AL Cirillo,J. , Rodriguez,A. , Inge,B. , Figgins,C. , Harris,B. , Gordon,A.

Outfield -

NL Bonds,B. , Jones,A. , Nady,X. , Hamilton,J. , Freel,R. , Dunn,A. , Amezaga,A. , Hall,B. , Hawpe,B. , Church,R. , Quentin,C. , Murton,M. , Ethier,A. , Young,C. , Kemp,M. , Casto,K. AL White,R. , Dye,J. , Payton,J. , Pena,W. , Suzuki,I. , Mackowiak,R. , Crawford,C. , Matsui,H. , Granderson,C. , Cabrera,M. , Cruz,N. , Dukes,E.

DH -

AL Sheffield,G. , Giambi,J. , Sweeney,M. , Hillenbrand,S.

Starters -

NL Hampton,M. , Carpenter,C. , Milton,E. , Davis,D. , Zito,B. , Marquis,J. , Zambrano,C. , Lohse,K. , Harang,A. , Saarloos,K. , Vargas,C. , Grabow,J. , Francis,J. , Young,C. , Rodriguez,W. , Gorzelanny,T. , Vanden Hurk,R. AL Mussina,M. , Pettitte,A. , Loaiza,E. , Wright,J. , Colon,B. , Wright,J. , Weaver,J. , Beckett,J. , Westbrook,J. , Buehrle,M. , Sabathia,C. , Towers,J. , Robertson,N. , Lee,C. , Loewen,A. , Greinke,Z. , Chacin,G. , Hernandez,F. , Woods,J. , Weaver,J. , Hammel,J. , Lester,J. , Matsuzaka,D.

Relievers -

NL Wheeler,D. , Keisler,R. , Julio,J. , Fuentes,B. , Lyon,B. , Sanchez,D. , Tsao,C. , Tankersley,T. , Sampson,C. AL Timlin,M. , Rhodes,A. , Walker,J. , Dotel,O. , Williamson,S. , Gagne,E. , Romero,J. , Guthrie,J. , Ledezma,W. , Wood,M. , Wilson,C.


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