Mike Gonzalez- ATL- Rise Value- With Bob Wickman out, Gonzalez is one of two Braves who will be sharing the save opportunities. The other is Rafael Soriano. There was no save opportunity last night, as Atlanta won with a walkoff homer, but Gonzalez entered the top of the 9th of the tie game and earned the win, retiring all three batters he faced. Gonzalez has been effective, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks in his last 7 appearances, covering 6-2/3 IP. With some saves coming his way, he's not a bad pickup if available.
Alfonso Soriano- CHN- Hot- Soriano's surge continues, as he extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a 2-for-4 effort against the Pirates. His batting average is now at a season-high .270. The rest of Soriano's game has still not kicked into gear, as we are still waiting for his first homer of the year, he managed to knock in just 1 run in the month of April, and he has stolen only 2 bases. The stars seemed aligned for Soriano to have a monster year after signing with the Cubs, but it's not happening yet. It's not time to give up on him, but Soriano did have relatively poor seasons the first time through with the Yankees and the Rangers. It's possible that 2006, his only season with the National, was the aberration in this regard, but it's too early to jettison him based on that theory.
Chris Carpenter- Inj Update- It looks like Carpenter may be back in the St. Louis rotation as early as Saturday. He came through his Saturday throwing session with no ill effects and the Cardinals have made no moves to replace Randy Keisler, who was sent down last week. Saturday is the next day they don't have a scheduled starter and they are thinking that Carpenter will be ready to return.
Chan Ho Park- NYM- Get Rid of Player- Park was an emergency callup to make yesterday's spot when El Duque went on the DL and Jorge Sosa had pitched for AAA New Orleans on Sunday. Park may have been already sent back to New Orleans by the time you read this. As often happened when Park was with the Rangers (not that, as a Texas fan, I'm bitter, mind you) Park was cruising along and then imploded. The details are not that important. "I still remember when I had it good," Park said, alluding to his 113-87 career record. "One hundred wins is not that easy." We remember also, but the bulk of them came on the other coast and during the Clinton Administration. There's not much here now to look forward to.
Ricky Nolasco- FLA- Inj Update- Nolasco will start against the Mets today. However, he will be on a short leash, with a target pitch count of about 70. This means that the probability of his earning a win, even if the Marlins are victorious, goes down. Given that, it would probably be best to leave him off your active roster until he shows he has effectiveness and more stamina.
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