Let’s take a look at some of the bigger stories that developed yesterday:
Three Hot
Texas Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler
There was a lot to like from the Rangers last night, from their offensive explosion to Derek Holland (5 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 8 K, W), who has a chance to emerge in the Rangers rotation not only for the final few weeks of 2010, but for 2011 as well.
One of the most notable performances, however, was from Kinsler. He went 2-5 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, and 1 SB, doing a little bit of everything while hitting out of the leadoff spot in Elvis Andrus’ absence. It was only his third game batting first in 2010, and he showed us just how dynamic of a player he can be when healthy. Could he stick in the leadoff spot even when Andrus returns to the lineup? It’s doubtful, but you never really know. Still, seeing this type of performance gives us hope that he can be the type of player down the stretch that we have been waiting for all year long.
Colorado Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki
Wasn’t he supposed to be having problems with his power thanks to the wrist injury? He hit another two home runs last night, giving him five home runs in his last six games. In his last seven, he has 13 RBI. We all know that he is one of the elite players in the game and has the potential to keep this hot stretch going for the final few weeks of the season. Taking him early in your draft doesn’t look quite as bad now, does it?
St. Louis Cardinals OF Colby Rasmus
Since the drama unfolded between Rasmus and Tony La Russa, Rasmus has suddenly found himself in the lineup everyday. Coincidence? Who knows, but fantasy owners have to hope that he takes advantage of the opportunity that is now being awarded him. He either does his thing and proves that he belongs to be a mainstay in the middle of the Cardinals lineup, or he struggles. Over the last four games he’s gone 5-13 with 1 RBI and 2 R. Time will tell if he can really turn it up, but fantasy owners have to relish this time and keep him active in all five-outfielder formats.
Three Not
New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter
After going 0-4 yesterday, Jeter’s average fell to .262. In fact, he hasn’t had a multi-hit game since August 21. In that time he’s gone 8-61 (.131) with 1 HR and 3 RBI. Yes, he’s still been able to score a few runs, but he clearly isn’t performing up to the standards fantasy owners have become accustomed to. The struggles have stretched even further then that, however. Since June 1 he’s gone 84-355, a .237 average. It’s tough to move him to your bench, because you have to think that he’s going to wake up sooner or later.
Florida Marlins SP Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday, and now the Miami Herald’s Clark Spencer is reporting that, “The Marlins have announced that Josh Johnson has right shoulder inflammation and a mid-back strain, but that there is no structural damage.” (Click here for the full post).
While that would seem like good news, as Spencer points out, there is currently no word on when, or if, Johnson could take the mound again. Considering where the Marlins are, there is a very real possibility that they shut him down for the season. That certainly is not what fantasy owners want to hear, but start planning, just in case.
L.A. Dodgers SP Clayton Kershaw
According to mlb.com (click here for the article), the Los Angeles Dodgers will push Clayton Kershaw’s next start back to Tuesday in an effort to protect his arm. Instead of pitching against the Astros on Saturday (John Ely will take this start), he will take on the Giants in San Francisco. As of now, they are saying that there will be no other adjustments, but having thrown 183.1 innings and with the Dodgers more or less out of contention, we will need to watch this closely. He’s a must start option, regardless, so simply adjust your roster plans for now.
What are your thoughts?
Make sure to check out our extremely early 2011 rankings:
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