Articles from May 2011

Top 1: Marlon Byrd struck out swinging against Edinson Volquez

Top 4: Byrd struck out swinging against Volquez

Top 6: Byrd struck out swinging against Volquez

Top 8: Byrd struck out swinging against Jordan Smith

Final Line: 0-4, 4K

Notes: Byrd simply couldn’t touch Volquez on Tuesday, striking out swinging in each of his three at-bats against the Reds’ starter.  Although he is hitting .309, Byrd’s non-existent power continues to leave people thinking, “What the hell was that first half of 2010 all about?”

Total 2011 Sombreros: 25

It is that time of the year for owners to come to grips with the reality of their team.  Your guys have either performed at or above the level you expected when drafting them, or have fallen short of reaching your expectations.  But even if you might have flopped on draft day, chances are you have at least a couple of guys on your roster that other owners would love to have.  If you only have a couple guys worthwhile on your roster, it’s probably time to make some moves and expand.  Turn your one stud into a couple of players that allow you to upgrade at multiple positions.  If you are an owner that currently has a hard time fitting everybody into the lineup on a daily basis, it is time to consolidate and bring in that one stud that will help ensure your team reamins in the top tier of your league.  If you refuse to make a move now, you might find yourself dwelling in the cellar for the rest of the season, and that makes for a miserable summer.

(more…)

With the first month of the MLB season in the books, and some of the baseball’s best prospects now suiting up for their respective big league squads, it’s time to reflect on the performances of our Top 50 Prospects.  Today we look at 39-35, which includes: Casey Kelly, Jennry Meija, Jonathan Singleton, Derek Norris and Jake Odorizzi.

39. Casey Kelly, RHP, San Diego Padres

Double-A: 3-1, 3.38 ERA, 45.1 IP, 14 BB, 33 K, 1.301 WHIP

38. Jennry Mejia, RHP, New York Mets

Triple-A: 1-2, 2.86 ERA, 28.1 IP, 14 BB, 21 K, 1.059 WHIP

37. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

High-A: .276/.394/.333, 2 2B, HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 31 K

36. Derek Norris, C, Washington Nationals

Double-A: .194/.354/.323, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 14 BB, 24 K, 4-for-5 SB

35. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

High-A: 3-0, 1.97 ERA, 32 IP, 8 BB, 51 K, 0.938 WHIP

Bottom 1: Josh Willingham struck out swinging against Mark Buehrle

Bottom 2: Willingham struck out looking against Buehrle

Bottom 6: Willingham struck out looking against Buehrle

Bottom 7: Willingham struck out swinging against Jesse Crain

Bottom 9: Grounded into fielders choice against Sergio Santos

Final Line: 0-for-5, 4 K, 7 LOB

Notes: After fanning in each of his first four at-bats on Sunday, Willingham had the opportunity to be the hero when he stepped up the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning.  With the A’s down one run with runners on first and third and two outs in the inning, Willingham swung at the first offering he saw from Santos, chopping it to White Sox third baseman, Omar Vizquel.  His current average and OPS are classic-Willingham: .228 BA, .717 OPS.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 24

The move to the cleanup spot prompted four strikeouts

Top 1: Juan Rivera struck out swinging against Nick Blackburn

Top 3: Rivera struck out swinging against Blackburn

Top 6: Once again, Rivera struck out swinging against Blackburn

Top 8: Struck out swinging against Matt Capps

Top 11: Four-pitch walk against Jim Hoey

Final Line: 0-5, 4 K, BB

Notes: Serving as the Blue Jays’ cleanup hitter with Adam Lind out of the lineup, Rivera did his best impersonation of Vernon Wells on Saturday when he fanned in four of his five at-bats.  The designated “hitter” is now batting .217 and slugging a dismal .272. Don’t be surprised if he is a repeat offender this season.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 23