Francisco Cordero has been promoted to the closer position for the Toronto Blue Jays. He replaces Sergio Romo who is expected to be out at least 3-4 weeks. He is worth a roster spot if you are looking for saves.
Justin Upton appears to be regaining his health after nursing a thumb injury. He drove in his 1st run of the season and added a solo homer as well. He hit the ball extremely hard in all three at bats, opening up on the ball with authority. Buy low on Upton if you can.
Corey Luebke is a very quiet ace for the San Diego Padres. The 27-year-old lefty shut down the Phillies Saturday night allowing 2 hits and no runs in 8 innings beating Roy Halladay. He was shaky in his first start but has only given up 2 runs in his last 20.1 innings pitched. His command was extremely impressive, able to spot his fastball on the corners and off-speed pitches for strikes.
I watched Tim Lincecum pitch yesterday versus the Mets and was not impressed even though he only gave up 1 run in 5 innings. His velocity was down pitching in the 88-91MPH range, and couldn’t throw his slider for strike. He walked 5 batters and averaged over 20 pitches an inning. I would sell now if you can.
Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas are heating up for the Kansas City Royals after getting off to a slow start.
Hosmer has hit in 4 straight games clubbing 2 homeruns, including one to the opposite field last night. Moustakas is 12-33 in his last 9 games and 5-8 in his last 2 games including doubles in each contest. Moustakas may be available in your league and warrants a roster spot, while Hosmer is a buy low candidate.
Keep an eye on Cubs 1B/OF Brian Lahair who is a great fastball hitter with good plate discipline. He is batting .361/1.106 OPS with 2HR/9RBI’s. His 12 pitch at bat versus Cardinals closer Jason Motte Monday night was impressive leading to a come from behind win.
Colby Rasmus appears to be much more patient at the plate recently. His 2 HR game Saturday night made people take note, but he had hit in 6 straight games before that. Add him now because this may be his career year.
Jake Peavy pitched a gem last night versus the Oakland A’s allowing 0 runs/3 hits/2 walks in 9 innings. It appeared he was getting tired in the later innings but battled for a complete game. He did give up a lot of fly balls, which could hurt him later on when the wind is blowing out in Chicago. For the time being he is a must start.
This is the best I have seen Alex Rodriguez play in a couple of seasons. He has been very patient at the plate and is driving the ball on a line up the middle and to the gaps. He is also a solid buy low candidate.
Kyle Lohse has been extremely impressive early on for the Cardinals and needs a roster spot in all leagues. He has not faced a good lineup all season, but pitches in one of the weakest divisions in all of baseball and should see plenty of win opportunities all season.
