Monday Mish Mash, NL Version

Some Senior League notes at the end of April with a fantasy bent:

2008 Braves Closer Preview

Ol’ Man Wickman went on the DL today with upper back pain. His performance yesterday, blowing a 7-5 lead in the ninth against the Rockies, was painful indeed.

Starting this week we’ll get a preview of next season's battle for the closer job between Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. Soriano has pitched in 13 games, and has an ERA of 4.38 and a sterling WHIP of 0.97. Plus, he’s striking out 1+ per inning.

The lefty Gonzalez got off to a bad start, and has a tweaky elbow, but has pitched better since he returned from a few days off. His ERA is down to 1.93, but his WHIP is almost as high at 1.82. He hasn’t given up a run in his last 6 outings and his WHIP in those games is a more normal 1.26.

We really tried to own them both after the auction, but Geo kept bidding Soriano up. We just couldn’t say 13. The Braves aren’t a bad team, and one of those guys will be anointed for next season. Let the May tryouts begin! We know who we are rooting for, but our money is on Soriano. Rotoworld is guessing Gonzalez.

Up For Good?

Our top farm player, Hunter Pence, came up this week, and we are faced with a classic ROTO dilemma: activate now, or try to preserve his farm status?

It is clear that he was brought up to be the starting centerfielder for Houston. But a quick failure could send him back to Round Rock before his 45 days is up. Pence hit .345 in 85 at bats in AAA and slugged .588. Plus, he tore up spring training (although so did Todd Linden). He’s off to a a quick 3 for 7 start.

Chances are good that we’ll go ahead and activate him tomorrow, with Valentin now on the DL. As for Valentin, a partial ACL tear? That can’t be good.

Up With Upton

Justin Upton hit a homer yesterday in his fifth straight game. Maybe it’s time we saw this guy hit at the AA level? What does he have to prove in single-A?

Mets Rotation

El Duque went on the DL today (there’s a surprise), and will be replaced by Chan Ho Ho Ho Park. The bad news is it looks like we’ve got to suffer a while longer with stat-killer Mike Pelfrey.

You'll remember Chan Ho Park, the man who gave up #71 (and #72) to Barry Bonds. He also gave up 2 grand slams to Fernando Tatis in the same inning. There is a record not likely to be broken. The year was 1999, and his BABI owner was yours truly.

We love you, man!

Cousin Brucie

Jay Bruce is tearing up A Ball for the Reds, though he’s still striking out too much. The recently turned 20 year old is batting .330/.380/.571. The Lickers’ other sure thing farm player from 2006, Andrew McCutchen, is not doing as well. He’s slugging less than Bruce’s BA.

Renewal

The Cardinals brought up RHP Dennis Dove from AAA to replace Josh Hancock. Talk about mixed feelings: he’s going to the show for the first time, but he’s replacing a dead guy in the process. Hey Dennis, keep your eyes peeled for Rod Serling in the bullpen.

How They Gonna Keep Him Down on the Farm?

Hasn’t Tim Linsecum spent enough time in Fresno? He threw another gem yesterday, 6 IP, 3 hits, no runs, no walks and 14 strikeouts. I’m sorry, but they are wasting this kid, and it is time the Giants got him on the big club. He was just dominating, with 62 strikes in 86 pitches.

His totals this season are now 4-0, 31 innings, 12 hits, 11 walks, 1 run and 46 strikeouts for an ERA of 0.29 and a WHIP of 0.74. My guess is once more through the rotation, and he’ll be in San Francisco.

By the way, Kevin Frandsen is hitting .390. The Giants are completely faking it in the infield. They need to unload Niekro or Sweeney. Aurilia is not only the starting first baseman, he’s also the only backup at second, third and short.

Oy for Seven

Mike Cameron was 0 for 7 yesterday in the Dodger-Padre 17 inning game.

Repositioning the Camera

An MRI on Friday revealed no structural problems in LaTroy Hawkins' elbow, but he’s not expected back from the DL when eligible on May 6.

That's like that old joke: They took an MRI of his head and found nothing.

April NL Fantasy MVP’s

Jimmy Rollins - .299, 9-18-6
Jose Reyes - .343-2-16-16 (wow, 16 steals in April!)
John Maine – 4-0, 1.35, 1.05
Jose Valverde – 10 saves, 1.64 ERA, although his 1.55 WHIP may be a sign of the future.