There have been a string of injuries during the past week to big name players, causing plenty of budding ulcers to burst and brewing headaches to swell. And not just the headaches caused by incessant booing (see Rafael Palmiero). So here's the quick 'n' dirty:
Palmiero's teammate Sammy Sosa, for example, was placed on the 15-day DL with a lesion to his right big toe. When asked why he couldn't play through the pain, Sammy responded "No hablo ingles." A quick Google search revealed that the only known cure for this ailment is cork.
Oakland's Bobby Crosby broke his ankle and the hearts of owners everywhere this week. Though he seems bent on returning to action, his looming CAT scan could reveal what owners are probably thinking. Season over.
Phillies' pitcher Cory Lidle was placed on the 15-day DL as well, following a strained left oblique. Lidle has not been very good this year as his stat line reflects: 4.75 ERA, 9-10 record. Despite this, Lidle has notched 101 K's in 155 IP, and managed to keep a respectable 1.36 WHIP. He is winless in his last four starts, and is 1-4 in his past nine outings. For now, the Phillies will go with a four-starter rotation, and Lidle may return before they need a fifth man.
For those scoring at home, Jim Thome was moved to the 60-day DL. This is basically irrelevant – just like Thome's impact this season.
Roy Halladay is out for the remainder of the season because of that broken leg. Please send all hate mail to Kevin Mench.
Rich Harden will skip his scheduled start on Thursday due to stiffness and pain, and could miss a few more starts healing. Let's just forward this frustrated mail to Mench as well.
Kerry Wood is done for the year. So is anyone who's relied on him at all this year.
Child heartthrob Zach Duke (admit it, you have a man-crush on him, too) suffered an ankle injury, which will cost you at least two of his starts while he makes his first stint on the DL. It's crazy to think there are teams relying on Duke's pitching, but his ERA is still under 2.00, his WHIP barely over 1.10, and he's 6-0. He should be back in time for fantasy playoffs.
Mike Piazza's broken hand will keep him out longer than expected, perhaps through mid-September, perhaps for the remainder of the season. If the Mets manage to secure that NL wild card, don't bet on Piazza sitting out. Post-season trips are a rarity for baseball's NY stepchild. If they are in, he'll play. If not, he may just ride out his vacation through the offseason. His fantasy value, however, is another case entirely. There are at least 12 catchers who are having better years, so its unlikely Piazza is the backbone of any team. Nonetheless, he is one of the better power-hitting backstops in the league, so his upside could justify stashing him away. Just remember he's brittle.
The slumping White Sox placed Joe Crede on the 15-day DL to clear up space on their roster for Willie Harris. Crede has not been too valuable this season, despite playing for the once red-hot Sox. At least two-dozen players who qualify at 3B have more runs and RBI, and with a .232 BA, Crede is not making any dreams come true. Throw him to the Stuart Scott side of the pillow.
Another injury victim is Pedro Astacio, who will also be spending time on the DL with a strained right quadriceps. (It has to be plural, trust me.) Don't let his season totals fool you, though: over the last month Astacio has been very good, going 2-0 in his last four starts, with 15 K's, a 2.42 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. His absence should be short.
In good news, the Pirates finally activated Craig Wilson from the DL. Wilson has been out for the vast majority of the season – seeing only 103 at-bats – but his return could be good news for owners. Though he's been horrible this year, he's coming off the best season of his career in '04. Despite a .264 batting average, he had 90+ runs, 29 homers, 80+ RBI, and an OBP over .350. Watch him.
Also in good news, Keith Foulke is nearing his return to the Red Sox roster. He didn't pitch well in his previous minor league outing (giving up two earned runs), so yes, this is good news...for Yankee fans. It appears Foulke is just about ready to resume his role as save-blower.
Meanwhile, his teammate David Wells has been feuding publicly with Bud Selig following the six-game suspension he received for "bumping an official." In his defense, Wells jeered, "I've got a perfect game. Who wants some?" He's been great as of late, going 5-1 in his last nine starts. Six games = one start. Big deal, he'll be back soon.
There is still the possibility that Aramis Ramirez will return from the DL sometime next week (he's eligible to return September 9). He's been awesome this year, so we'll take any hope. Any at all.
Ryan Freel is creeping back from injury, much like he creeped onto the fantasy stage this year. He's been a pleasant surprise, putting up a five-steal performance against the Dodgers. That's just sick.
On Monday, Scott Podsednik rejoined the ranks of the healthy, and was activated by the White Sox. Having this speedster back at the head of the order is fantastic news, and hopefully this time off has given Scott a chance to remember his early-season success. Over the last month, he's only hitting .211 with a pitiful .237 OBP. Consequently, he only has three SB during that time. If Podsednik is to have any worth, he needs to get on base. Hopefully this rest will help that.
Other news:
The Yankees continue to baffle the world with their stupi...well, their moves. Tuesday they signed Mark Bellhorn, who was rotting on the rival Red Sox roster until that time. Clearly the Yankees were after his power (seven homers) and speed (three SB), though they are delighted to also acquire his hitting proficiency (.213 BA). Hey Cashman, I have some magic beans...
The Yankees also tossed Carl Pavano onto the 60-day DL, which is not good or bad, it just is. Pavano remains a big gamble since he might have seen the mound for the last time this year. Because it's New York, a Pavano return would provide wins, but other than that he's been a big disappointment for anyone who bought into the pre-season hype (cough cough, Cashman, cough).