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2010 Lineup Planner – Week 23

Posted by Todd Lammi on September 6th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 23.

American League:

Alex Rodriguez returned to the New York Yankees lineup on Sunday, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. He should be active in all formats for next week.

Cliff Lee has been scratched from his Tuesday start for the Texas Rangers and could possibly be skipped the entire week depending on how his back feels. Scott Feldman will take the hill on Tuesday at Toronto. Also for the Rangers, shortstop Elvis Andrus is likely to miss the first part of next week with hamstring issues. Cristian Guzman will get starts in his place.

Josh Hamilton is expected to miss a week of action for the Texas Rangers with sore ribs. The team will go with a platoon of Julio Borbon and Jeff Francoeur in his place.

National League:

Johan Santana has been scratched from his Tuesday start by the New York Mets; instead the team will turn to Dillon Gee from Triple-A. Gee had a 4.96 ERA with 165 strikeouts in 161 1/3 innings, with opposing hitters batting .275 against him.

Clay Hensley has supplanted Leo Nunez as closer in Florida for the time being so if you are looking for saves next week, get Hensley in your active line up.

Platoon Roles:

For those players in platoon roles, below you will find the number of games that each player might play based on the current pitching matchups for week 23.

Team	Vs. Righty	Vs. Lefty
Boston – 2B	Jed Lowrie (4)	Bill Hall (2)
Boston – OF	Daniel Nava (4)	Darnell McDonald (2)
Texas – 1B	Mitch Moreland (5)	Jorge Cantu (2)

Arizona – OF	Gerardo Parra (3)	Rusty Ryal (3)
Atlanta – OF	Eric Hinske (6)	Matt Diaz (1)
Atlanta – OF	Rick Ankiel (6)	Melky Cabrera (1)
Colorado – OF	Seth Smith (5)	Ryan Spillborghs (2)
Houston – 1B	Brett Wallace (4)	Jason Michaels (3)
San Diego – OF	Will Venable (4)	Scott Hairston (3)
St. Louis – OF	John Jay (4)	Randy Winn (3)
Washington – 2B	Adam Kennedy (5)	Danny Espinosa (1)

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 22

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 29th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 22.

American League:

The trade of Brian Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins leaves Fernando Rodney in the closer role in Los Angeles so make sure he is active in your lineup next week.

Outfielder Nelson Cruz is expected to return from the disabled list for the Texas Rangers on Monday. Coming off of his third trip to the disabled list, he might be rested a game or two more going forward with the additional depth the Rangers now have.

Outfielder Matt LaPorta of the Cleveland Indians exited Sunday’s game with a strained hip. It was the same hip he had surgery on last year and his status is in question so make sure you have him replaced in your lineup for next week.

Second basemen Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles missed action over the weekend with a strained hip and is questionable for the start of the week. With the amount of middle infielders likely available in your league in free agency, I would plan on starting one of them over Roberts next week.

National League:

Manny Ramirez looks like he is on his way out of Los Angeles and headed to the Chicago White Sox. Details are still sketchy whether it is a straight waiver claim or a trade which could delay his arrival a day or two, meaning he should remain benched for next week still.

Aroldis Chapman is expected to make his major league debut for the Cincinnati Reds early next week in the bullpen. NL only owners in need of strikeouts should look to add him into their active lineup.

Troy Tulowitzki is day-to-day with a strained groin for Colorado and is questionable for Monday’s game. Chris Denorfia of the San Diego Padres is day-to-day after missing some action over the weekend with a sore back.

Platoon Roles:

For those players in platoon roles, below you will find the number of games that each player might play based on the current pitching matchups for week 22.

Team	Vs. Righty	Vs. Lefty
Boston – 2B	Jed Lowrie (3)	Bill Hall (3)
Boston – OF	Daniel Nava (3)	Darnell McDonald (3)
Texas – 1B	Mitch Moreland (5)	Jorge Cantu (1)

Arizona – OF	Gerardo Parra (4)	Rusty Ryal (2)
Atlanta – OF	Eric Hinske (3)	Matt Diaz (4)
Atlanta – OF	Rick Ankiel (3)	Melky Cabrera (4)
Colorado – OF	Seth Smith (4)	Ryan Spillborghs (3)
Houston – 1B	Brett Wallace (4)	Jason Michaels (2)
San Diego – OF	Will Venable (4)	Scott Hairston (2)
St. Louis – OF	John Jay (3)	Allen Craig (3)
Washington – 2B	Adam Kennedy (4)	Alberto Gonzalez (2)

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 21

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 22nd, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 21.

American League:

Francisco Liriano lost his status as a two start pitcher in week 21 when the Minnesota Twins decided to push him back to Thursday and instead moved up Nick Blackburn to start on Monday. Liriano will instead face Cliff Lee and Texas on Thursday.

Oakland A’s closer Andrew Bailey came off of the disabled list on Sunday and worked a scoreless innings with two strikeouts. He should immediately go back into the closer role so he should be active in all formats next week.

If you are looking for batting average in the infield in AL only leagues, Will Rhymes has been doing a good job filling in for the injured Carlos Guillen at second base in Detroit.Rhymes is hitting .310 on the season and has multi-hit games in four of his last five starts.

Bill Hall and Jed Lowrie will see additional at bats going forward in Boston with Dustin Pedroia going back on the disabled list. Hall has homered four times in his last 10 games and Lowrie is hitting .302 on the season.

With Lance Berkman going on the disabled list in New York, Austin Kearns should see additional at bats the next week or two.

Infielder Macier Izturis is headed to the disabled list for the third time this season for the Los Angeles Angels with pain in his shoulder.

National League:

Geovany Soto was supposed to be activated from the disabled list by the Chicago Cubs today, but was instead held back another day. Check the news early Monday for an update as it would reduce the number of at bats for his fill in Koyie Hill.

Eric Young looks to be the man at second base in Colorado and should see the majority of playing time over Clint Barmes. The release of Brad Hawpe earlier in the week should give some extra at bats to Dexter Fowler, Seth Smith and Ryan Spillborghs.

The decision by the Florida Marlins to release outfielder Cody Ross means that Cameron Maybin is headed back to the major leagues and should be a full-time player the last six weeks of the season. Maybin was hitting .300 over his last 10 games with two home runs, six RBI and a stolen base. He was 24-for-29 on stolen bases for the season in Triple-A.

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up catcher Rod Barajas this week and he could see some playing time over Brad Ausmus at catcher going forward. If you are in a deep NL only league and in need of some power, he is a player to take a look at.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 20

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 15th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 20.

American League:

Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers will have an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of his hamstring injury. With this being the third time he has injured his hamstring, I would plan on finding a replacement for him in your line up next week.

Teammate Rich Harden was placed on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis and will miss the next few weeks. Derek Holland is expected to be recalled in time to start Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner returned from the disabled list on Sunday

Ex-closer Bobby Jenks of the Chicago White Sox looks like he will be out for the early part of the week due to recurring back issues. J.J. Putz remains in the closer role despite blowing a save on Sunday.

With Jacoby Ellsbury hitting the disabled list for the third time for the Boston Red Sox, outfielders Darnell McDonald and Ryan Kalish will continue to see at bats in the outfield.

Dustin Pedroia, out for the last seven or so weeks with a fractured foot is scheduled to return to the line up on Tuesday for the Red Sox. Unless you have a stud at second base, I would go ahead and get him back in your line up and take the chance he is back and ready.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy of the Minnesota Twins missed time this past week due to a sore wrist, the same injury that already landed him on the disabled list earlier in the year. If you own him, I would reserve him for next week. Those owners with Alexi Casilla will probably want to have him active next week.

National League:

Jhoulys Chacin was promoted from Triple-A to take the rotation spot of Jeff Francis who was placed on the disabled list by the Colorado Rockies.

Brooks Conrad has filled in at third base for Atlanta with Chipper Jones lost for the season, but he could lose out on some at bats at the end of the week with Martin Prado soon to return from the disabled list and Omar Infante likely sliding over to third base.

If you are looking for a fill in at catcher, Koyie Hill has done a reasonable job filling in for Geovany Soto (disabled list). While he doesn’t produce a ton of stats, it is hard finding a catcher that might be out on the waiver wire this late in the year that can give you a full week worth of plate appearances.

With Shane Victorino back in the outfield in Philadelphia, rookie Domonic Brown is likely headed back to Triple-A at some point.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 19

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 8th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 19.

American League:

A.J. Burnett (back spasms) was scratched from his Sunday start for the New York Yankees and pushed to Tuesday, making him a two start pitcher in week 19 against the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals.

Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann are both questionable for their starts next week for the Tampa Bay Rays. If Davis does not go, Jeremy Hellickson will likely be recalled to start for Davis on Tuesday against Detroit. If Niemann is out, he will likely be replaced again by Andy Sonnanstine against Baltimore.

Kevin Slowey will have his start skipped for the Minnesota Twins next week due to a sore elbow and will be replaced in the rotation by Glen Perkins.

Orlando Hudson is expected to return from the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins which sends Alexi Casilla back to the bench. Casilla sprained his ankle over the weekend and was going to be sitting on the bench regardless but it serves as a reminder to make sure you reserve him for next week.

Vernon Wells of the Toronto Blue Jays suffered a dislocated toe in Sundays game against Tampa Bay and should be benched for next week. His long term status has still not been updated.

Also coming back from the disabled list next week is Carlos Guillen of the Detroit Tigers. His return sends Will Rhymes back to Triple-A.

National League:

Manager Ken Macha of the Milwaukee Brewers decided to give Trevor Hoffman a save opportunity on Saturday and it looks like he could get more chances in the future in some what of a time share with John Axford. With the Milwaukee Brewers struggling in the standings, they are likely trying to ensure that Hoffman can rack up three more saves to get to 600 in his career.

Despite being a two start pitcher in week 19, Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs should still remain on your bench as he will be on a 75 to 80 pitch count meaning it may be tough for him to get in five innings to qualify for a win.

Recent call up Fernando Martinez of the New York Mets looks like he will serve in a platoon role with Jeff Francoeur and see at bats against right-handed pitching.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 18

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 1st, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 18. Be sure to check out the two start pitcher list for week 18 to get the most up to date rotations for next week.

American League:

The Kansas City Royals recalled Kila Ka’aihue from Triple-A on Sunday. Ka’aihue was hitting .391 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI with a 88 to 69 walk to strikeout ratio. The Royals have never given him a prolonged opportunity to show what he can do at the major league level and he really has no spot to play every day unless the Royals plan on sitting Jose Guillen.

Rookie Jeremy Hellickson gets his first start of his major league career on Monday against the Minnesota Twins. The start is just temporary in order to give each starter an extra day of rest. Depending on how Hellickson performs, he could then be shifted to the bullpen, a la David Price of a few years ago. His fantasy baseball value is still on hold until 2011.

Matt Joyce has been on a little power surge of late in Tampa Bay and should see time against left-handed pitching as long as he keeps hitting. He has three home runs and 10 RBI over his last six games.

American League only players in search of an outfielder could grab recent call up Jordan Brown in Cleveland. Brown will have some value in week 18 before Travis Hafner and Michael Brantley return to the Indians line up. Brown was hitting .309 in Triple-A with six home runs, 63 RBI and two stolen bases.

Texas looks to be going with a strict platoon at first base going forward with rookie Mitch Moreland starting against right-handed pitching and newly acquired Jorge Cantu playing only against southpaws. Moreland has already swiped two stolen bases in 11 at bats since being recalled from Triple-A.

The Chicago White Sox have announced that Carlos Torres will start the second game of the double header against the Detroit Tigers. Torres is 7-7 with a 3.41 ERA in Triple-A with 122 strikeouts in 129 1/3 innings.

Jose Lopez has not played since Tuesday of last week for Seattle due to hamstring issues and should be benched for the upcoming week with no set timetable for when he is going to return.

National League:

Injuries were occurring all over the field on Sunday which will definitely impact fantasy baseball lineups next week.

Defensive plays help in real baseball but they can have a negative impact in fantasy baseball leagues. Dexter Flower of the Colorado Rockies could be headed to the disabled list next week after suffering bruised ribs in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

Aramis Ramirez looks like he will be day-to-day next week after re-aggravating his sore left thumb on Sunday. Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies injured his ankle and is expected to miss at least the first part of the week and possibly longer depending on how it responds to treatment.

Brandon Lyon picked up a save for the Houston Astros on Sunday with closer Matt Lindstrom out of action with back issues.

Martin Prado could be headed to the disabled list in Atlanta due to his fractured finger. If so, it will mean extended playing time for Omar Infante over the next two weeks.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 17

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 25th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 17.

American League:

It looks like the Texas Rangers have been scouting corner infielders in the likes of Jorge Cantu from Florida and Ty Wigginton from Baltimore as well as Mike Lowell in Boston. Reading the tea leaves, that could spell trouble for Chris Davis at first base. Since taking over after Justin Smoak was traded, Davis is hitting .200 with no home runs and one RBI in 45 at bats. His strikeout rate is down since coming back to the major leagues but it looks like Texas may not wait for his swing to come around.

Fantasy baseball owners are breathing a sigh of relief after Alex Rodriguez left the game Sunday after being hit on his wrist with a pitch. It looks like he escaped without any pain or broken bones so he is safe to leave active for next week.

Victor Martinez is expected to come off the disabled list for the Boston Red Sox and get the start at catcher at Monday. Matt Wieters came off the disabled list for the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday and hit seventh in the lineup going 1-for-4.

The Detroit Tigers lineup is in flux right now with a string of injuries over the last week. After losing Brandon Inge, the Tigers also saw Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez go on the disabled list. Ordonez is expected to miss almost two months with a broken ankle. It looks like recent call up Jeff Larish could see the majority of time at designated hitter with Ryan Raburn, Scott Sizemore, Ramon Santiago and Don Kelly rotating between second and third base. Larish was hitting .275 in Triple-A with 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 298 at bats.

Ozzie Guillen continues to ride Omar Vizquel at third base for the Chicago White Sox and you can too while he is hot, especially since he can qualify at up to three positions in a line up depending on your leagues requirements for games played at a position. Vizquel is hitting .333 in July in 48 at bats with two stolen bases.

Wilson Betemit gets a shot at the third base job full-time in Kansas City with the trade of Alberto Callaspo to the Los Angeles Angels. Betemit is definitely a play in AL only leagues although his batting average is off to a fluky .382 in 68 at bats this year. If you are a team at the bottom of a dynasty or keeper league, this is the type of guy you pick up to package with another player to a contending team for a better keeper for next season.

Orlando Hudson is headed back to the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins a strained oblique. AL only leagues in search of infield help could pick up Alexi Casilla while Hudson is out of action.

Brett Anderson is expected to return to the Oakland A’s rotation on Friday against the Chicago White Sox. In his last two starts in Triple-A, he threw 10 1/3 innings, allowing 13 hits, four runs and 11 strikeouts.

The Cleveland Indians have tabbed 25-year-old Josh Tomlin to get the start on Tuesday against the New York Yankees. Tomlin was 8-4 in Triple-A with a 2.68 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 107 1/3 innings.

National League:

J.A Happ returned to the rotation for the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, allowing three runs in five innings with eight baserunners and four strikeouts. His numbers were less than stellar in Triple-A so if you have better options for your rotation, I would leave Happ benched for now.

For those that still don’t believe that the place in the batting order has little to no impact on fantasy stats, check out Starlin Castro’s numbers for the Chicago Cubs since being moved to second in the batting order. In 73 at bats, he is hitting .329 with 10 runs scored, two home runs, nine RBI and three stolen bases, numbers that give you a chance to play him now in mixes league formats.

The Colorado Rockies lineup is going to cancel out a lot of players effectiveness this week with the team scheduled to face three left-handed starting pitchers. That means Seth Smith platoons with Ryan Spillborghs and Jason Giambi platoons with Brad Eldred at first base. In addition, the first basemen also have to deal with Brad Hawpe working into the mix with Dexter Fowler seeing more playing time in the outfield.

Troy Tulowitzki is supposed to return to the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday although he may receive a day off here or there more than usual in the early going. His return will move Clint Barmes back to second base and puts Jonathan Herrera back to the bench.

The trade of Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels knocks him out as a two-start pitcher in week 17 and leaves an open slot in Arizona’s rotation for Tuesday.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 14

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 4th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 14.

American League:

The injury to Shin-Soo Choo in Cleveland opens up a spot in the outfield for Michael Brantley who was recalled from Triple-A over the weekend and should see the majority of time going forward in place of Choo.

Felix Doubront was recalled by the Boston Red Sox to replace the injured Clay Buchholz and will get the start Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. It is likely just another spot start for Doubront with a short week after week 14.

Coco Crisp left the game early on Sunday for the Oakland A’s with a tight hamstring. Given how injury prone he is, he is really day-to-day almost every day of the week.

Juan Rivera missed his fifth straight game for the Los Angeles Angels and will likely be out several more games next week. The team called up veteran Paul McAnulty from Triple-A and gave him the start at designated hitter on Sunday.

National League:

Yovani Gallardo of the Milwaukee Brewers is in danger of missing his start next weekend against Pittsburgh after leaving his start Sunday in the third inning with a strained muscle in his side. There will not be an update on his condition until some time on Monday.

Shortstop Jose Reyes is expected to return to the New York Mets line up on Tuesday, but because he is still having trouble swinging left-handed, he might be a platoon type player for next week and only hit against left-handed starters.

Recent call up John Jay and Nick Stavinoha figure to see extended playing time in the outfield for St. Louis with Ryan Ludwick being placed on the disabled list. Jay got the start on Sunday and went 1-for-3 with a home run.

Aaron Cunningham should see some additional starts in the outfield for San Diego in place of Will Venable who was placed on the disabled list. Cunningham got the start in right field on Sunday and went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 12

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 20th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 12.

American League:

The Toronto Blue Jays sent down Edwin Encarnacion to Triple-A, which pushes recent call up Jarrett Hoffpauir or DeWayne Wise into the starting line up. It is interesting the Blue Jays were quick to demote Encarnacion, but they left Lyle Overbay in the majors all season when he was struggling and hitting under .200 for a good portion of the year. Hoffpauir was hitting .328 in Triple-A with nine home runs and 43 RBI in 235 at bats with three stolen bases.

Nelson Cruz is expected to come off the disabled list on Tuesday for the Texas Rangers and resume his starting spot in the outfield which will push David Murphy back to the bench.

Detroit starting pitcher Rick Porcello was sent to Triple-A and the Tigers will hope a short stint in the minor leagues will help him like it seems to have for Max Scherzer.

Shortstop Erick Aybar of the Los Angeles Angels will be re-examined on Tuesday and could still be facing a trip to the disabled list. With him out, Kevin Frandsen and Brandon Wood will see additional at bats in week 12.

Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to return from the disabled list and get the start on Thursday against Colorado.

National League:

Humberto Quintero of the Houston Astros left Sunday’s game after being hit in the head when catching and could be out of action next week. Rookie Jason Castro was called up from Triple-A and could see some starts next week.

The Astros also called up third basemen Chris Johnson from Triple-A where he was hitting .329 with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 149 at bats. His promotion poses a threat to playing time for Pedro Feliz who is hitting only .221 on the season.

Colorado closer Huston Street could be back from the disabled list on Tuesday, but he will likely serve only as a set up man to Manny Corpas initially so there is no rush to get him active in your line up. Street has a 10.29 ERA on rehab in Triple-A with 11 hits and eight runs allowed in seven innings.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will likely use Charlie Haeger or Claudio Vargas to fill in the rotation next week in place of Carlos Monasterios who was placed on the disabled list.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 11

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 13th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 11.

American League:

Rich Harden of the Texas Rangers is headed to the disabled list and will be out of action for the next two weeks as will Dice-K of the Boston Red Sox with a forearm strain. Magglio Ordonez could find himself going on the DL soon after missing action this week with an oblique injury. Orlando Hudson is expected to come of the disabled list and be in the Minnesota Twins lineup on Tuesday after missing time with a sore hand.

Daniel Nava became the latest new Boston Red Sox outfielder this week, starting in right field and batting ninth in the order. It is quite a rise for Nava who was just playing in an Independent League back in 2007. His career minor league batting average is .342 so he can definitely swing the bat so he could see some time if he is over to carry that over against major league pitching.

National League:

Joe Martinez will get the start on Tuesday for the San Francisco Giants, against Baltimore filling in for Todd Wellemyer on the disabled list. Martinez was 5-2 with a 3.07 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 67 1/3 innings with 52 strikeouts. in Triple-A.

Jon Garland becomes a two-start pitcher in week 11 after the San Diego Padres decided to bump him up in the rotation and have him go on three days rest. He will face Toronto and Shaun Marcum and then Chris Tillman and Baltimore at the end of the week.

Catcher Miguel Montero was activate from the disabled list by the Arizona Diamondbacks and is safe to activate for your fantasy baseball lineup next week. Montero went 2-for-4 on Sunday hitting sixth in the line up with a run scored and a RBI.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 10

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 6th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 10.

American League:

The Detroit Tigers called up Danny Worth and sent down Adam Everett, so if you still have Worth reserved in an AL only format from earlier in the year, he should see time over Ramon Santiago at shortstop next week. Worth was hitting .287 in Triple-A with two home runs, 18 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

Orlando Hudson, out of action since May 30th is expected to go on the disabled list sometime in the next few days. Also at risk to go on the disabled list is shortstop J.J. Hardy who was out of action just a short time ago and is still experiencing pain in his wrist. It was not a pretty sight to see the Minnesota infield on Sunday with a combination of Brendan Harris at first base, Matt Tolbert at second base, Nick Punto at shortstop and Danny Valencia at third base, with all four hitters batting under .225.

Doug Fister is headed to the disabled list for the Seattle Mariners and will be replaced in the rotation by either recently recalled Luke French or by Ryan Rowland-Smith.

Minor league pitcher Jake Arrieta was scratched from his start on Saturday and could be headed to the major leagues in either a starter or relief role. If your league allows for daily transactions, I would watch the news on him closely this week as he could have in impact if he gets some starts. I wrote more about him in the minor league report earlier this week.

With Macier Izturis hobbled by a sore knee, Kevin Frandsen could see some additional at bats at third base this week for the Los Angeles Angels. Frandsen is hitting .452 in 31 at bats in a limited role so far in 2010.

National League:

The big news in the National League is the arrival of two rookies on Tuesday with Stephen Strasburg arriving for the Washington Nationals and Mike Stanton coming up for the Florida Marlins. Strasburg is a two-start starter in week 10 which makes him obviously a player to activate. Stanton should move right into the starting line up and hit seventh. Stanton is still a major risk to your fantasy baseball team’s batting average with his high strikeout rate, but if your team needs home runs and RBI, then I would have him active for this week.

Third basemen David Freese of the St. Louis Cardinals is likely out of action until next weekend in order to rest his ankle. He did get one at bat on Sunday in a pinch-hit appearance and could fill that role for half of next week.

Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves is expected to miss the first game or two and possibly more next week as he continues to battle an injured finger which means Omar Infante will see additional time in week 10.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 9

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 30th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 9.

American League:

Max Scherzer returned to the major leagues after two starts in Triple-A and proceeded to strike out 14 of 17 hitters on Sunday, while working 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Oakland A’s. His next start will come against Kansas City next weekend so I would have him active in a mixed league format.

Outfielder Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers is headed back to the 15-day disabled list again, meaning David Murphy will see more at bats over the next two weeks. Craig Gentry was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move but he is nothing more than a backup outfielder.

Third basemen Mark Teahen of the Chicago White Sox possibly suffered a broken finger on Sunday and will have X-Rays on Monday, making it unlikely he will see action next week. Jayson Nix took over Sunday and hit a pinch-hit grand slam and should see additional starts in week nine.

With Kendry Morales likely lost for the remainder of the fantasy baseball season after getting injured Saturday in the winning celebration, Mike Napoli got the start at first base on Sunday. Robb Quinlan was recalled from the minor leagues and could see time there as well, although neither of those options is necessarily long term. With Lyle Overbay heating up the last few weeks and Brett Wallace ready in the minor leagues, Overbay could be a possible trade target for the Los Angeles Angels.

National League:

Buster Posey was called up by the San Francisco Giants and got starts at first base over the weekend. He should see five to six starts per week between first base and catcher so he should be active in all formats going forward.

Carlos Zambrano and Tom Gorzelanny are flip-flopping roles between the starting rotation and bullpen this week with Zambrano getting the start on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Randy Wells also struggling, I would still hold onto Gorzelanny for another week or two to see how that shakes out.

With Joey Votto missing another game this week due to a stiff neck, his status is questionable for next week. It seems a long period of time to miss for a stiff neck and with some of the personal issues he went through last season, hopefully there is nothing more to the situation that is not being reported at this time. Miguel Cairo has done a good job filling in for him this week and is a decent option in NL only leagues for next week.

Andre Ethier is expected to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, sending Xavier Paul back to the bench.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 8

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 23rd, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 8.

American League:

The return of Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron in Boston means that Darnell McDonald goes back to being a bench player or possibly sent back to Triple-A so make sure he is not in your starting lineup in week 8. Same goes for Jeremy Hermida and Bill Hall. Who would have guessed we would see Bill Hall get 20 at bats in a week in 2010?

Since Edwin Encarnacion returned from the disabled list this week, he has hit five home runs with nine RBI in five games. Needless to say it is safe to get him active for week 8. The return of Encarnacion pushes Jose Bautista back to the outfield which means Toronto will have a glut of outfielders when Travis Snider returns from the disabled list next week.

The rise of David Ortiz from the ashes has pushed Mike Lowell back into a reserve role in Boston. Lowell only gets starts against left-handed pitching and with no southpaws on the Red Sox schedule this week, he will likely sit for the majority of the games.

Jason Donald and Trevor Crowe have both moved into the starting lineup in Cleveland due to injuries and are players to start in American League only formats if you are in need of stolen bases.

The combination of Jack Cust coming up from the disabled list and Coco Crisp returning from the disabled list means Eric Patterson will return to the bench. Crisp should be active for AL leagues and possibly mixed leagues if you are desperate for stolen bases.

Michael Saunders had one week of nice stats for the Seattle Mariners and then immediately returned to the bench upon the return of Milton Bradley. Mike Sweeney has quietly taken over for Ken Griffey Jr. as the designated hitter and immediately added a jolt to the Seattle lineup with five home runs and 11 RBI in his last seven games.

Hank Blalock was a hot pickup in free agent pools last week, but the fact remains with all of the options that Tampa Bay has to pick through for their daily lineup, Blalock will sit against left-handed pitching, meaning he likely misses two games in week 8.

National League:

Seth Smith has taken over in the starting outfield in Colorado in place of Dexter Fowler and becomes a nice play for the rest of the season for his batting average and power upside as he gets the majority of starts. He is tough to start in shallow mixed leagues because Fowler will still get starts, bu if you are in a deep mixed league format, it should be okay to roll with him in the starting lineup.

Shortstop Rafael Furcal is expected to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup by the weekend from the disabled list. If you have been using Jamey Carroll in NL only leagues, be aware he might only see at bats for the first half of the week in week 8.

Reed Johnson is a sneaky play in week for the Dodgers with a chance to possibly start four games against left-handed pitching with Andre Ethier out of the lineup. Johnson is hitting .333 against southpaws this season.

NL only leagues looking for outfield help could find some value in San Diego with Kyle Blanks and Scott Hairston both on the disabled list. Tony Gwynn, Oscar Salazar and Chris Denorfia are three players rotating in two spots with Will Venable being the only full-time player for now.

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 7

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 16th, 2010

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 7.

American League:

The Detroit Tigers waited as long as they could for Max Scherzer to turn it around, but after getting bombed again in his last start and allowing three more home runs, he was sent to Triple-A ad will be replaced in the rotation by Armando Galarraga. Galarraga had a 3.92 ERA in seven starts with 38 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings in the minor leagues.

The Detroit Tigers were not demoting players on Saturday as they also sent down second basemen Scott Sizemore. Danny Worth was recalled from the minor leagues as a temporary stop gap measure. Worth was hitting .274 with two home runs and 10 stolen bases. The real news is the announcement that Carlos Guillen will be going back to second base when he returns from the disabled list. This also solidifies Brennan Boesch’s role in the outfield since he had been filling in for Guillen while he was out of action.

Jack Cust (waiver wire – week 7) of the Oakland A’s was promoted from Triple-A and should see the majority of at bats at designated hitter moving forward as the A’s look to add some punch to their lineup. If your team is short on Power, Cust could give your team a boost in home runs while hurting your team batting average.

Javier Vazquez was on the week 7 two-start pitchers list until the New York Yankees decided to push him back to Friday against the New York Mets. Despite his good start this week, it seems like the Yankees brass did not trust him to throw in a divisional game against Boston or Tampa Bay earlier in the week.

The Tampa Bay Rays recalled Hank Blalock from Triple-A and sent out Pat Burrell. Blalock should take over the primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching. Blalock was hitting .349 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 109 at bats in Triple-A.

Justin Duchscherer just back from the disabled list was scratched from his start on Saturday with problems with his hip again and is headed to the doctor to see if surgery will be needed. Watch for news later today to see if you need to reserve him in your lineup for next week.

National League:

Xavier Paul could be back on his way to the Los Angeles Dodgers, depending on the fate of Andre Ethier’s fractured pinkie and if he can play through the injury. Paul would have value in NL only leagues as he can give your team some stolen bases when he gets playing time.

Just when it looked like Huston Street was close to returning, he was pulled from his minor league outing on Saturday. Manny Corpas who picked up a save Saturday night will continue on as closer for another week it looks like.

With Brad Lidge headed back to the disabled list, Jose Contreras takes over as closer in Philadelphia. Contreras picked up a save Saturday night and should be owned in all fantasy baseball leagues moving forward.

John Baker was put on the 15-day disabled list by the Florida Marlins and will be replaced in the line up by Ronny Paulino for the next two weeks.

The Atlanta Braves swapped players on the disabled list, bring off shortstop Yunel Escobar and placing Matt Diaz there. Escobar was back in the lineup on Saturday and wet 0-for-3 with a walk.

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Archive for the ‘Lineup Planner’ Category

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 23

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 22

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 21

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 20

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 19

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 18

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 17

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 14

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 12

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 11

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 10

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 9

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 8

2010 Lineup Planner – Week 7

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