The season is winding down. If you’re falling out of the race for your league title but still want to play fantasy baseball (of sorts) through the winter I suggest looking into Out of the Park Baseball. It’s a text based baseball sim with a large community of users that create some really amazing mods for the game.
There’s a free version of the game from a few years back that will give you a good intro to what the game is like. I’ve become a huge fan of the series over the years and find the online league play almost more addicting than fantasy baseball itself.
Now, on to the weekly look around the league.
Kansas City Royals
Royals manager Buddy Bell is considering giving Todd Wellemeyer a chance to close some games in the final few weeks despite the fact that current closer Joe Nelson is six-for-six in save chances since replacing Ambiorix Burgos as closer in mid-August. “His stuff is good enough,” Bell told the Kansas City Star. “For me, he’s a guy who we have to figure out what we’re going to do with him. I really like his makeup, and I like his stuff.” AL-only leaguers in need of every last save might consider taking a chance on Wellemeyer.
Injuries
Armando Benitez, SF (knees) – Benitez’s arthritic knees are not improving and he’s scheduled to get a second opinion from orthopedist Dr. Michael Dillingham in the coming days according to the Oakland Tribune. Mike Stanton will continue to close while Benitez is sidelined.
Mike Gonzalez, PIT (elbow) – Gonzalez has been throwing long toss and is expected to throw off a mound soon. According to comments by manager Jim Tracy, Gonzalez won’t immediately return as the Pirates’ closer upon his activation from the disabled list. Salomon Torres has converted six save chances with Gonzalez on the disabled list and should continue to be the favorite for saves until Gonzalez is ready to reassume his closing role.
Eddie Guardado, CIN (arm) – Guardado underwent surgery on Friday to repair a torn ligament and tendon in his left elbow. He’s done for the season and he’ll miss significant time in 2007 as well. The Reds will go with a committee headed by David Weathers and Scott Schoeneweis. Both are worth owning in NL-only leagues.
Jason Isringhausen, STL (hip) – Isringhausen had a cortisone shot in his sore hip on Monday and is out until at least the weekend. The rest of Isringhausen’s season appears to be hanging on the effectiveness of the cortisone shot. If it doesn’t work Izzy is likely done for the season. Adam Wainwright is the favorite for saves while Isringhausen is out and is a fine pickup in any format.
Bobby Jenks, CHI-A (hip) – Jenks has blown two of his last three save chances while struggling with a sore hip. The closer says the blown saves were unrelated to the hip injury. Should Jenks have to miss any time Mike MacDougal would likely get an opportunity to close games for the White Sox.
Jonathan Papelbon, BOS (shoulder) – Papelbon said last Thursday that he won’t pitch again this season if the Red Sox fall out of playoff contention. Papelbon has no serious damage in his shoulder but there’s also no need to rush back. Since the Red Sox don’t look like they are serious contenders this season, it’s likely we’ve seen the last of Papelbon until 2007. Mike Timlin is the favorite for saves in Boston and should be owned in all formats.
Mariano Rivera, NYY (sore elbow) – Rivera will throw off a mound on Wednesday and says he will need to throw at least one more time after that before he considers returning to game action. Kyle Farnsworth will fill in as the Yankees’ closer for as long as Rivera needs to rest.
Pen Names is your guide to bullpen situations around the majors. Questions for inclusion in future columns can be emailed to Pelowski@CREATiVESPORTS.com.