This season’s top underachievers are brought to you by the name “Carlos.” First up, Carlos Guillen, who has been an utter flop, and is now heading to the 15-day DL with a knee injury. For the year, he’s sitting on a stat-line that reads: five homers, 23 RBI, two SB, and no-satisfied owners. After last season’s very nice production, and with the addition of Magglio Ordonez to the lineup, hopes were flying high for this 30-year-old. Unfortunately, that potential was piddled away through a very forgettable season. No need to stash him away for later either: he’s hitting .256 over the last month. Jettison immediately.
Meanwhile, Carlos Beltran is trying to make believers out of anybody who is still gullible enough to be tricked. In his first game back from his injury, he went 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs, and one steal. Treat Beltran as though you are a lover-scorned…don’t forgive, don’t forget, and don’t relapse. He will only burn you again.
The other half of the collision that injured Beltran, Mike Cameron, won’t be returning as soon. He underwent successful surgery to repair a broken nose and two fractured cheekbones. The surgery probably will keep him from returning this season, but even if he does heal faster than expected, his un-useful season makes Cameron a nice guy to avoid.
Brady Clark, on the other hand, has been a nice surprise this season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s hitting .311, with nine homers, 76 runs and 198 total bases. The Brewers placed him on the 15-day DL, retroactive to August 11, with bruised ribs. For leadoff-type men, Clark has been a good mix of power and speed, all while holding a nice average and OBP. He should return in a week or so, and continue with his solid season.
Mike Hampton is back again (pun intended) from the DL and pitched well in his first start since mid-July, giving up three earned runs on nine hits and one walk. This pushed his record to 5-2 for the year, and with a 2.73 ERA, Hampton is worth the starts while healthy. Macay McBride was the casualty of this return, as he was optioned back to Triple-A. Down the stretch, Hampton can generate some wins and has maintained a solid ERA and WHIP throughout, so ride him for now.
Speedster Scott Podsednik was placed on the 15-day DL retroactively to Saturday, with a strained left adductor. This epitomizes Scott’s growing slump, and decreasing fantasy worth. In the first four months of the season, he stole 10, 16, 12 and 14 bases. Through half of August, however, he has only swiped two in five
attempts (clearly his worst steal-to-thrown out ratio of the season). In addition, he’s batting a woeful .190 with a .227 OBP over that same period. For most of the season, Podsednik has been enough to win the SB category, and his runs, batting average and OBP were all decent as well. As of late, however, he’s proving to be much less reliable and owners would be wise to compensate accordingly. It is possible soreness can be blamed for the down month, but hedge your bets.
The Yankees received a huge boost when Jaret Wright returned from the DL, and pitched his first game since late April. (Yes, since April you have probably pitched as many games as Wright has. But did you make as much money? Hmm?) In his return to the pinstripes, Wright gave up two earned runs on four hits and K’d two while walking one. Those six IP might be a sign of things to come, so grabbing Wright while he’s available could be a good move. Caution is the keyword, however, because he has a history of injury and could burn the unprepared owner.
This little piggy went to the market. This little piggy went home. This little piggy had roast beef. And this little piggy suffered a non-displaced fracture, forcing the Padres to send it to the 15-day DL. Unfortunately, Khalil Greene will be joining his toe on the DL, and he could miss two or three weeks as a result. He hasn’t produced much this season, and his .257 BA is only dropping (.229 over the last month). Greene’s replacements won’t be of much value either.
In a season filled with relief pitcher busts, Armando Benitez’ return is nothing else if not admirable. Originally considered lost for the entire season, Benitez has been vigorously working to return from a torn hamstring, and his hard work appears to have paid off. On Monday, the Giants activated him from the 60-day DL.
Tyler Walker has been filling in as the team closer, but erratic pitching and inconsistency are likely to unseat Walker sooner rather than later. Though Walker does has 22 saves, his ERA is over 4.00 and his WHIP is over 1.50. Tuesday was Walker’s first save opportunity since Armando’s activation, and Walker gave up a homer before earning the save. If you have Walker, be concerned. If you have Benitez, watch him a few games before relying on him. And if you still have Barry Bonds, I’m laughing.
Regular readers may remember last week’s suggestion proposed for on-again off-again Red Sox player Kevin Youkilis. Hopefully Kevin was reading, because John Olerud was activated, and to make room on the roster the Sox sent Youkilis back to Triple-A. (Fire up that RV.) In his last five games before getting injured, Olerud was heating up considerably (two homers and 10 RBI, while raising his BA 31 points). Despite this, Olerud is not an everyday starter and should only be considered during his short hot streaks. Oh, and poor Youkilis remains valueless.
Rafael Palmeiro returned to the Orioles lineup this week to a flurry of boos at home. Even if the test results were somehow wrong (easy with the laughter) this poor welcome has got to hurt Palmeiro’s confidence and comfort. He has been getting hotter with each passing month, and July saw him post great numbers (.299 BA, six homers, 19 RBI). So far his August numbers have taken a hit, and it is likely that they will continue to do so as he struggles with the media and fan backlash. (And that little Congressional investigation.)
Nomar Garciaparra continues to erode memories of his early career (where he actually played) by once again leaving a game with an injury. This time he was forced to leave the Cubs-Astros game with stiffness in his lower back. Ordinarily such an injury, and the day-to-day listing wouldn’t concern owners. But this is Nomar, and all discomforts are a huge deal. It’s best to simply forgo relying on him at all. If he plays, consider it an unforeseen boost. Just don’t rely on him.
Anybody remember Clint Barmes? Well he’s scheduled to begin a rehab assignment. He was the Rockies 26-year-old SS who was having his breakout year, until a collarbone foiled his plans. Some patient owners might still be storing this guy someplace in the recesses of their squad. It’s a bit premature to suggest activating him, but it might be OK to dust off some of those cobwebs. And hope.
J.D. Drew is making sure he doesn’t rush things this time and won’t be activated before September. If you’re relying on him, then your fantasy title hopes are much like his wrist….broken.