FOXSports.com Fantasy Buzz » posts from September 2012

• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Rest for Reds' Chapman?

  September 11, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  Never forget.

  ***

  Eric Stults gave us an acceptable effort last night, raising the streaming starter record to 94-55 for the season. Today's pick is Milwaukee's Marco Estrada (owned in 8.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Braves, while Wednesday's selection is San Diego's Clayton Richard (11.1 percent owned) versus the Cardinals at PETCO.

  On to the news:

  • Aroldis Chapman had his second straight bad outing on Monday, walking three of five batters before getting yanked. The Reds are worried about Chapman, with Dusty Baker citing shoulder fatigue and saying after the game that "we might need to rest him for awhile." With a 9.5-game lead in the NL Central, the Reds can afford to be cautious with Chapman. I don't know what "awhile" means when it comes to a brief vacation for Chapman, but unless the Reds expressly define it, you need to hold him and hope for the best.
  • Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira will miss approximately 10-14 more days thanks to his calf strain. Counting today, there are 23 days left in the regular season. If you can find an everyday player - like Tyler Colvin, owned in just 17.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues - to replace Teixeira, go ahead and cut him. Nick Swisher and Steve Pearce have been filling Teixeira's shoes, and figure to keep doing so.
  • As mentioned here yesterday, Jered Weaver (shoulder) is listed as the Angels' probable starter on Thursday against the A's.
  • Padres OF Carlos Quentin left Monday's game due to soreness in his right knee. You should consider Quentin day-to-day, and not expect him to play tonight.
  • Lance Lynn will take Jake Westbrook's place in the Cardinals' rotation on Thursday. Remember in June, when everyone thought Lynn would be the NL Rookie of the Year? Lynn seems to be working out some control issues since his recent switch to the bullpen, and I'd consider giving him an NL-only spot start this week.
  • The Pirates have promoted speedy SS prospect Chase d'Arnaud, and will use him as a pinch runner. You need to be really desperate in any fantasy format to pick up a pinch runner, even if he has 37 steals this season.
  • The Phillies seem prepared to give slugging Darin Ruf a chance to play left field down the stretch. Ruf had 38 homers in Double A this season, including 20 (!!!) in August. NL-only owners with power needs should give Ruf a look.
  • Once-ballyhooed prospect Jenrry Mejia () is expected to make three starts for the Mets before the end of the season, starting with Saturday against the Brewers. Mejia had a 3.54 ERA at Triple A this season, but didn't miss many bats (39 K in 73 2/3 IP). I'll pass.
  • Brewers 1B Corey Hart (foot) is still day-to-day after missing Monday's game. Hart talked Monday about getting a cortisone shot, which would make him miss a couple of days.
  • Indians 3B Lonnie Chisenhall homered last night in his first game since June 29. The Indians' website says that Chisenhall will be worked into the lineup "gradually."
  • Rockies C Ramon Hernandez left Monday's game with a hamstring injury, and could be out for awhile.
  • The Cubs hope to get rookie OF Brett Jackson (knee) back in the lineup tonight after a three-game absence. Jackson has hit four homers, but has struck out an astonishing 48 times in 94 at bats.
  • Braves SS Andrelton Simmons returned to the lineup last night after a two-month absence. He's just OK if you need everyday at bats from the shortstop position.
  • FYI, we're discontinuing my weekly Tuesday baseball chats for the rest of the season. Hopefully you already know that you can find me on Facebook and Twitter if you have any questions.

   

  See you back here tomorrow morning.

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• Fantasy Football Morning Update: Spiller time for Bills

  September 11, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  I stayed up to watch the late game last night, and was intrigued by the Raiders' innovative offense. Carson Palmer either handed the ball to Darren McFadden, or dropped back and threw the ball to McFadden. It's a good thing McFadden has proven to be durable enough to handle such a heavy workload ...

  As for the other Monday game, holy Joe Flacco!

  On to the news:

  • Bills RB Fred Jackson is expected to miss at least four weeks with a sprained LCL ligament in his right knee. Head coach Chan Gailey said Monday that, "It's not going to be three (weeks) but I don't think it's going to be eight." C.J. Spiller (169 rushing yards and a TD in Week 1) is already owned in 78.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, but he becomes a must-start for the near future. Tashard Choice will back up Spiller.
  • In other Bills' news, WR David Nelson is done for the season due to a torn ACL. I wouldn't grab any of the other Buffalo wideouts in the wake of this news.
  • Packers WR Greg Jennings (groin) is on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Bears, but there's not a lot of information available. Don't worry too much about Jennings just yet.
  • I try not to get too worked up over any player after one game. That goes for Wes Welker, who caught just three passes for 14 yards on Sunday. The guy has averaged 111 catches over his last five seasons, so let's give him a little more time before freaking out.
  • The Titans think that QB Jake Locker (separated left shoulder) will be ready to go against the Chargers on Sunday. The Tennessean reports that If Locker plays, he might wear a harness, and that could affect his willingness to run.
  • On Sunday morning, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com tweeted that Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster would catch 80 passes this season. I thought, "Dexter McCluster? Come on ..." McCluster caught six passes for 82 yards on 10 targets against the Falcons, and at 6.5 percent ownership on FOXSports.com is a very interesting free-agent target in PPR leagues.
  • Jets CB Darrelle Revis suffered a concussion against the Bills, and his status for Week 2 is TBD. The Jets seem to think Revis will play, but he needs to pass some league-mandated tests first.
  • Falcons RBs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers split snaps on Sunday. This can't make Turner owners happy.
  • Jets RB Shonn Greene (27 carries, 94 yards, TD) fumbled twice against the Bills, but didn't lose either one. Greene doesn't have a history as a fumbler, but let's keep an eye on him.
  • Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (hip) is hurting after a busy Week 1, so watch his status as the week progresses.
  • Bengals WR Andrew Hawkins, brother of FOX Sports Radio Daybreak host Artrell Hawkins, caught eight passes for 86 yards last night. PPR owners should take a look at Hawkins, as he could get open underneath if A.J. Green keeps getting quintuple-covered.
  • Speaking of Green, Browns CB Joe Haden has received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy. Green should have an easier time of it against the Browns this week.
  • Jaguars RB Rashad Jennings' knee injury doesn't sounds serious, but his usefulness as anything other than a handcuff is pretty much gone, anyway.
  • Low-ankle sprains are better than high-ankle sprains, but John Skelton's injury will probably keep him out this week, anyway. Kevin Kolb is expected to start at QB for the Cardinals, and that's not good.
  • We'll have to wait until later in the week for an update on Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle).
  • Giants CB Prince Amukamara (ankle) might return this week. His absence helped make Kevin Ogletree look like Jerry Rice in Week 1.
  • Speaking of Ogletree, he'll be a popular guy on the free-agent wire this week, along with McCluster, Redskins RB Alfred Morris (owned in 7.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) and Jets WR Stephen Hill (3.3 percent owned). I'm also eyeing Colts TE Coby Fleener (25.3 percent owned) after he was targeted 10 times by college teammate Andrew Luck. Fleener caught six passes for 82 yards, and could be an upgrade over your low-end TE1 (e.g., Brent Celek, Greg Olsen, etc.)
  • Did you know that Davone Bess was the only Dolphins WR to catch a pass in the first three quarters on Sunday? As bad as that sounds for the Fins, it's good for Bess' owners and those considering him in PPR leagues. I read one preseason comment that said he was the team's best receiver "by a lot."
  • Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET, and I'll make my weekly visit on Thursday at 2 p.m. Send your questions!

   

  See you back here later today with a baseball post, and on Friday with a new football entry.

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• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Teixeira out again

  September 10, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  If I ever get hit in the head by a line drive and have brain surgery, I hope I'm as funny as Brandon McCarthy is afterward. On Sunday, after a baseball writer tweeted that McCarthy was doing well, McCarthy replied with the comment, "He is also frequently peeing into a bucket located next to his bed."

  ***

  When in doubt, pick against the Astros. Homer Bailey and Bronson Arroyo proved that for us with strong outings over the weekend, and San Diego's Andrew Werner continued a successful weekend for us with a nice game on Sunday. With the streaming starter record up to 93-55, today's pick is San Diego's Eric Stults (owned in 8.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Cardinals at PETCO, and Tuesday's selection is Milwaukee's Marco Estrada (6.2 percent owned) versus the Braves. The Brewers are making a nice late-season surge, aren't they?

  On to the news:

  • Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira will have an MRI today after re-injuring his calf over the weekend, and manager Joe Girardi wondered on Sunday if Teixeira will return this season. Teixeira doesn't think it's that serious, but let's keep an ear out for those test results. He's expected to miss at least a few games.
  • Orioles OF Nick Markakis broke his left thumb on Saturday, and while his impending surgery might get him back for some of the playoffs, his regular season is over. What do Teixeira and Markakis have in common? They're both on my first-place AL keeper league team - ugh. Anyway, non-outfielder Chris Davis projects to get much of Markakis' playing time in right field, and that should open up DH at bats for the underrated Wilson Betemit, who is eligible at 1B/3B.
  • The Dodgers hope to get OF Matt Kemp (shoulder) back in the lineup on Tuesday after missing a couple of games over the weekend.
  • In other Dodger news, ace Clayton Kershaw had his Sunday start pushed to (hopefully) Tuesday because of a sore hip. The injury doesn't sound serious.
  • After getting sent back to the minors last month in the wake of Brett Anderson's return, rookie Dan Straily is scheduled to start for the A's on Tuesday against the Angels. AL-only owners should remember that Straily led the minor leagues in strikeouts this season, and posted two really good starts in three tries during his brief time with the A's in August.
  • In case you haven't heard, the Nationals ended Stephen Strasburg's season after his shaky Friday start. Move on if you own Strasburg - there won't be any surprises or changes of heart from the Nats. Not-so-crafty lefty John Lannan takes Strasburg's rotation slot starting on Wednesday against the Mets.
  • It sure sounds like David Ortiz's season is over due to his lingering Achilles injury. The Sox are using a hodgepodge of guys to fill in for Ortiz, but Ryan Kalish (five HR, 11 SB in 64 games between the minors and majors) made two starts over the weekend, and is worth an AL-only look.
  • On Saturday night, Donald Belisario entered the eighth inning of a tie game for the Dodgers, and Brandon League got the save after they took the lead. League is still available in 52.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
  • Cubs SP Jeff Samardzija has been shut down after a really nice season. Samardzija's 180 strikeouts rank him 11th in the majors, and he'll be an interesting starter to rank for 2013.
  • Reds SS Zack Cozart is day-to-day with an oblique injury. The Reds have a big enough divisional lead that they can afford to be cautious with Cozart, and while that's good for them, it's bad for his fantasy owners.
  • Look for Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki to return sometime this week, albeit not in an everyday role.
  • Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera left Sunday's game due to a sore right wrist. His status for tonight is TBD.
  • Jered Weaver's recovery from his shoulder injury seems to be going well, and he could fill the Angels' open rotation slot on Tuesday.
  • The Brewers lost Ryan Braun (wrist) and Corey Hart (ankle) to injuries yesterday. Neither one sounds serious, but their status for tonight is TBD.
  • If Padres' closer Huston Street gets through a simulated game today without any issues, he could be back in action in a week or so.
  • With Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook (oblique) out for his Thursday start, Chris Carpenter and rookie Shelby Miller are two of the potential replacements. Lance Lynn seems likelier than both, though.
  • Rays OF Desmond Jennings missed two games over the weekend with a stiff back, but plans to play Tuesday.
  • Speaking of the Rays, did you notice Chris Archer's terrific Saturday start? Archer had some major control issues in Triple A this season, but he's gotten things straightened out over the past couple of months. I'd be intrigued enough to grab him in a deep mixed league.
  • Adam Dunn's is expected to miss at least some of this week's four-game series against the Tigers because of a strained oblique. In other White Sox news, Gavin Floyd might return to the mound on Wednesday after missing a couple of weeks with a sore elbow. If Floyd was good, this news would be interesting.
  • Finally, make sure to check out this week's edition of Free Agent Frenzy!

   

  See you back here tomorrow morning.

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• Week 1 Injury Report

  September 08, 2012 by JoelBeallFOX

  QB

  Andy Dalton (Biceps) - Probable

   

  RB

  Arian Foster (Knee) – Questionable

  Shane Vereen (Foot) – OUT

  Dion Lewis (Hamstring) – Questionable

  Trent Richardson (Knee) – Questionable

  Brandon Jacobs (Knee) – Questionable

  Marshawn Lynch (Back) – Questionable - reportedly IN

  Chris Wells (Hamstring) – Questionable

  Jonathan Stewart (Ankle) – Questionable - reportedly OUT

  Rashard Mendenhall (Knee) – Doubtful

  Ryan Mathews (Shoulder) - OUT

   

  WR

  T.Y. Hilton (Shoulder) – Questionable

  Austin Collie (Head) – Questionable

  Earl Bennett (Hand) – Probable

  Steve Johnson (Groin) – Questionable

  Marques Colston (Foot) - Questionable

  Denarius Moore (Hamstring) – Questionable

   

  TE

  Dustin Keller (Hamstring) – Questionable

  Ben Watson (Thigh) – Questionable

   

  • TAGS:
  • 2012 NFL season
  • Arian Foster
  • NFL
  • NFL Injury report
  • Trent Richardson
  • fantasy football news

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• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Still waiting on Bucs' Walker

  September 07, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  Some people have criticized the Yankees this season for being over-reliant on the home run. I wonder what those people thought of the Orioles HITTING SIX HOMERS en route to beating the Yanks, 10-6, last night and moving into a first-place tie in the American League East. Because, as we all know, laying down six sacrifice bunts would be a much better way to score 10 runs.

  ***

  Our pal Marco Estrada didn't help much yesterday, so the streaming starter record is down to 90-55 for the season. The weekend selections are Homer Bailey (owned in 17.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) today, fellow Red Bronson Arroyo (21.6 percent owned) on Saturday, and Padres' rookie Andrew Werner (0.2 percent owned) against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. With the Reds playing the Astros this weekend, the Friday/Saturday picks seem like no-brainers. Werner has had three really good starts for the Pads since coming up from the minors.

  On to the news:

  • Why are we leading off today's post with Pirates 2B Neil Walker? Because he's been one of fantasy's top-10 second basemen this season, and hasn't played for almost two weeks because of back issues. Walker isn't expected to play this weekend, but the Bucs hope to have him back on Monday.
  • The Yankees hope to have 1B Mark Teixeira (calf) back in the lineup tonight. In other Yankee overpaid player injury news, Joel Sherman of the New York Post wondered last night if Alex Rodriguez is having some leg issues. That was no more than speculation, but let's keep an eye on A-Rod.
  • Best wishes to A's SP Brandon McCarthy, who had surgery Wednesday to relieve issues related to a skull fracture. Send McCarthy a get well tweet to @BMccarthy32.
  • Reminder: Angels SP Jered Weaver will not start tonight against the Tigers because of a bruised shoulder (Ervin Santana takes Weaver's place). Look for news on Weaver's next start to be announced sometime this weekend.
  • Not a bad return-from-the-DL start for Jason Hammel last night, huh? Hammel is available in 54.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
  • Stephen Strasburg starts tonight against the Marlins. After that, he takes the hill next Wednesday, and then again on Opening Day 2013. The Nationals aren't sure when John Lannan will replace Strasburg in their rotation.
  • Look for rookie Chris Archer (3.66 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 139 K in 128 IP at Triple A) to make a spot start for the Rays sometime in the next week. He can be an AL-only consideration.
  • Forget six-man rotations. The Mariners will use a seven-man rotation between now and the end of the season. Details are in this Tacoma News Tribune article. No, this doesn't mean Felix Hernandez will get skipped.
  • Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez missed Thursday's game due to a back strain, and is day-to-day.
  • You know how we like the phrase "water reaches its level" around here? Orioles' 1B Mark Reynolds has eight homers in his last seven games, and is up to 20 for the season. Sure, we entered the season expecting a total in the 30s, but he's getting closer. Reynolds is available in 51.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
  • It's never too early to scout for the future, right? Check out MLB.com's revised Top 100 prospects list.

   

  See you back here Monday morning.

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• Fantasy Football Morning Update: Many running back questions in Week 1

  September 07, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  What on Earth will you do to help with lineup decisions after reading this blog entry? Here are your options for the weekend:

  • Send your questions to me via Facebook or Twitter. You can also tweet lineup questions to my colleagues Joel Beall, Ryan Fowler and Mike Harmon.
  • Listen to hosts Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy on the FOX Fantasy Freaks on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon ET. You can tweet questions to those guys as well.
  • Join a pregame chat with Beall and me on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  • Review my Week 1 rankings, along with all the great information at our fantasy football news page.

  On to the news:

  • Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said the team should have all the information it needs to make a final call on Adrian Peterson's (knee) status by later today or tomorrow morning. That doesn't mean they'll necessarily make an announcement before Sunday, but they probably will. Stay tuned.
  • Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) was again limited and not cleared for contact in Thursday's practice. A final decision hasn't been made, but it doesn't sound like Mathews will play, and with a Monday night game, you can't take a risk with him unless you know he's going to play by the time you set your lineup. Ronnie Brown appears to be Mathews' fill-in, and while I'm not that high on him, I've seen worse flex options. If Mathews is out, and with so-so options at wide receiver, Philip Rivers might throw to Antonio Gates 87 times on Monday.
  • Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) was back at practice in a limited fashion on Thursday, and is still TBD for Sunday. Lynch's status may be a gametime decision, meaning you might not know until about 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, so set your lineups accordingly. Robert Turbin will have RB2 value in Week 1 if Lynch can't play.
  • You've probably heard some news this week about the accelerated recovery of Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee). Today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that Mendenhall practiced again Thursday, but the "coaches would prefer to hold him out a little longer." I wouldn't expect to see Mendenhall against the Broncos, meaning that Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer are the Steelers' tailback options (read Mike Tomlin's vague comments about them here). I'm cautiously preparing to start Redman in one league, because my alternatives aren't great.
  • Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice. It sounds like Richardson will play, and one beat writer estimates that he'll get 15-18 carries if he does.
  • In my continuing quest to decipher the Redskins' running back mess, I submit this article for your consideration. It contains much praise for rookie Alfred Morris, but still makes this Sunday look like a mystery.
  • Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is unlikely to play against the Bucs. DeAngelo Williams probably becomes an RB2 for Week 1 in the event of Stewart's absence.
  • Saints WR Marques Colston was limited in Thursday's practice due to a foot injury, but he's expected to play.
  • Raiders WR Denarius Moore (hamstring) practiced Thursday for the first time since August 4, and his status will be a gametime decision. Again, since the Raiders play Monday, you shouldn't risk starting Moore. I get the feeling that Carson Palmer will look in Darrius Heyward-Bey's direction a LOT.
  • Jets TE Dustin Keller has been limited with a hamstring injury this week, but thinks he'll be ready to go on Sunday.
  • The Bills' website reports that WR Stevie Johnson is expected to play Sunday despite suffering a groin injury at practice this week, but you'll want to keep an eye on his status as gametime approaches. Johnson will be on Revis Island, where he caught 11 passes for 159 yards and a TD in two games last season.
  • Trying to figure out the Dolphins' receivers? Beat writer Ben Volin projects a "heavy rotation" of Brian Hartline, Legedu Naanee, Davone Bess and Anthony Armstrong on Sunday. In a PPR league, I'd be OK starting Bess.
  • I'll be interested to see what kind of timeshare the Cardinals use in their backfield. I'm still on Team Beanie Wells, but Ryan Williams has been a popular sleeper pick.
  • With Bernard Scott (hand) not expected to play on Monday, BenJarvus Green-Ellis will be the man for the Bengals. I'm not a huge fan of the Law Firm, but I'm also not of the opinion that you should be terrified of starting him against the Ravens.
  • It sounds like Colts WR Austin Collie will play on Sunday. If he's active, he's a low-end PPR starter, but don't get too attached to him.
  • Patriots RB Shane Vereen (foot) didn't practice on Thursday. Let's see what you've got, Stevan Ridley. I might be underrating Ridley at RB25 this week.
  • There's been no news to change the Jaguars' early-week suggestion that Maurice Jones-Drew will serve as a backup to Rashad Jennings this week. That doesn't mean MJD won't score a touchdown, but he's a risky start.
  • So, the 49ers might give backup QB Colin Kaepernick some snaps on Sunday to run read-option plays? If you're starting Alex Smith in a two-QB league, keep an eye on this potentially Tebow-esque situation.
  • Despite the presence of two promising rookies, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson and Steve Smith are the top three wideouts on the Rams' depth chart. Yippee?

   

  Good luck in Week 1!

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• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Weaver to miss Friday start

  September 06, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  I've been telling you all year, Bobby Valentine. If you talk that much, you're eventually going to say something stupid. It doesn't matter if you're kidding - you'll look bad, anyway.

  ***

  Mike Minor's oustanding start (he's had a lot of those lately) raised our streaming starter record to 90-54 for the season. Today's pick is Milwaukee's Marco Estrada (owned in 8.8 percent of FOXSports.com leagues), while Friday's selection is Homer Bailey (15 percent owned) against the terrible Astros. Every day, the first thing I do before picking a streaming starter is to see who's pitching against the 'Stros.

  On to the news:

  • Angels' ace Jered Weaver will almost certainly miss his Friday start due to a bruised pitching shoulder, and it's not yet clear when he'll pitch again (hopefully early next week). Ervin Santana is expected to start in Weaver's place against the Tigers.
  • A's SP Brandon McCarthy spent the night in a Seattle hospital after getting hit in the head by a line drive on Wednesday. McCarthy was reportedly "conscious and doing well" last night, but there's no word yet on how much time he's expected to miss.
  • Today's five-game schedule includes a pair of afternoon starts: Rockies-Braves at 12:10 p.m. ET, and Brewers-Marlins at 12:40. Set your lineups accordingly.
  • Rookie southpaw Tommy Layne got Wednesday's save for the Padres, but don't read too much into it. Luke Gregerson hit Shane Victorino with two outs, and Layne was summoned to face lefthanded slugger Adrian Gonzalez.
  • Speaking of the Padres, Andrew Cashner will return to the mound on Friday after missing two months with a shoulder injury. I often like to recommend starters at PETCO Park, but Cashner will reportedly be limited to five innings and/or 70 pitches, so he's a risky proposition.
  • The Toronto Star reports that a rehabbing Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie (oblique) is "close to returning." The guess here is that we won't see him in Toronto until at least early next week.
  • Pirates OF Starling Marte (oblique) began a minor-league rehab assignment last night, and could be back very soon.
  • Mike Napoli's rehab from a quad injury is progressing slowly, but there's no timetable yet for his return.
  • Cardinals' rookie Shelby Miller whiffed four batters over two relief innings in his big league debut yesterday. Don't look for him to start anytime soon, though.
  • Look for underrated Mariners OF Michael Saunders (groin) to return to the lineup on Friday. He's been out since August 31.
  • Twins OF Josh Willingham was relegated to pinch-hitting duty yesterday due to a hamstring injury. He hopes to play on Friday.
  • Don't you need to be better than Chris Perez to say stuff like this?
  • Astros 2B Scott Moore will probably miss a few days due to a strained groin suffered on Wednesday.
  • Joey Votto was two-for-three with a walk in his return to the Reds' lineup on Wednesday. Todd Frazier played third base, and Scott Rolen was on the bench. Look for some sort of Votto/Frazier/Rolen/Ryan Ludwick rotation over the next few weeks. The Reds have a big lead in the National League Central, so they can afford to rest people.

  See you back here tomorrow morning with a football post by 8 a.m. ET, and a baseball entry by 11.

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• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Good news, bad news for Dodgers

  September 05, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  Dear Yankees,

  Anytime you want to stop this "be nice to the Orioles for a change" nonsense, I'd appreciate it. It's gone way too far.

  Thanks,

  JOHN

  ***

  As a reminder, here's our Fantasy Quality Start Criteria: Minimum of 5 IP, and must meet at least two of the following: 4.00 ERA/1.30 WHIP/4 K/Win

  Sometimes the criteria works against us after a seemingly good game, and other times - like last night's effort by Toronto's Carlos Villanueva - it works in our favor after a shaky start. With the streaming starter record up to 89-54, tonight's pick is Atlanta's Mike Minor (owned in 11.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Rockies, and Thursday's selection is Milwaukee's Marco Estrada (6.4 percent owned) versus the Marlins. Did you know that Estrada has allowed just one earned run in his last three starts, with 27 strikeouts against five walks in 18 innings over that span?

  On to the news:

  • Dodgers' closer Kenley Jansen (heart condition) will not need to miss the rest of the season, and is targeting Sept. 18 as a return date. Jansen needs to be on blood thinners for 10 days, and rest for a few more before pitching again. He'll have surgery in the offseason.
  • Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley, on the other hand, is probably done for the season.
  • The Angels' website says it's "looking unlikely" that Jered Weaver (shoulder) will make his scheduled start on Friday.
  • Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira (calf) probably won't be ready to play on Thursday, but is still hoping for a weekend return. No hurry, Mark. Things have been going just fine in your absence.
  • Look for Joey Votto to be back in the Reds' lineup today. That doesn't mean he'll be there every day from now on, though.
  • That Phillies-Reds game starts at 12:35 p.m. ET, and is one of four afternoon games on today's schedule. Set your lineups accordingly.
  • Does anyone out there own Philip Humber in an AL-only league? If so, please don't look at last night's Twins-White Sox boxscore. It's hideous.
  • Early-season surprise Jason Hammel will come off the DL on Thursday to start for the unstoppable Orioles against the Yankees. Hammel, who has been out since July 13 due to a knee injury, will be on an unspecified pitch count.
  • Andrew Bailey got his second save last night for the Red Sox. Why is he still available in 72.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues?
  • Orioles SP Chris Tillman received good news on his elbow MRI, and it sounds like he could return to the rotation sometime next week.
  • Diamondbacks OF Chris Young is expected to miss somewhere between three and seven days with a quad injury. Rookie Adam Eaton (.375 BA, 7 HR, 44 SB between Double A and Triple A) started in Young's place last night, and one beat writer thinks the D-backs should let Eaton play.
  • It sounds like the Cubs are planning to shut down Jeff Samardzija sometime in the next two weeks. This'll hurt the Cubs' playoff chances.
  • Minor League Player of the Year Wil Myers will reportedly come to spring training next year positioned to win a starting job with the Royals, according to the Kansas City Star. But what are they going to do with Jeff Francoeur?
  • The Cardinals have a couple of day-to-day outfielders: Matt Holliday (back) and Carlos Beltran (knee).
  • Speedy Anthony Gose is back with the Blue Jays, and the team's website reports that he'll play right field against righthanded pitching. The Jays' site also says that C J.P. Arencibia is slated to come off the DL on Friday.

  See you back here tomorrow morning.

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• Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: The Votto confusion

  September 04, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  Hey, it's my second blog entry of the day! For those who haven't been paying attention, I'll be doubling up with baseball and football posts on Tuesdays and Fridays through the end of MLB's regular season, so on those days look for the football posts by 8 a.m. ET and baseball following by about 11.

  ***

  Who needs Stephen Strasburg when you have Ross Detwiler? The Nats' lefty tossed seven shutout innings last night to raise our streaming starter record to 88-54. Today's pick is Toronto's Carlos Villanueva (owned in 11.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Orioles, while Wednesday's selection is Atlanta's Mike Minor (10.6 percent owned) against the Rockies.

  On to the news:

  • Reds 1B Joey Votto played another Triple-A rehab game on Monday, but because that minor-league team's season is over, Votto is back with the Reds. When will he return to the lineup? I don't know, and neither does Dusty Baker, who said Monday: "We want him right. We have a bit of a luxury the way guys are playing now, where we don’t have to rush him back." Keep Votto on your bench until you actually see his name on a lineup card, and plan him getting occasional off days for a little while after that.
  • Troy Tulowitzki's minor-league rehab assignment is expected to run through at least Friday, after which the Rockies will assess his progress.
  • Braves C Brian McCann missed his second straight game on Monday after getting a weekend cortisone shot in his shoulder, and his status for tonight is TBD.
  • Yankees 2B Robinson Cano isn't sure if he'll play tonight after injuring his hip on Monday. 
  • The Angels aren't sure if Jered Weaver will be able to make his Friday start. Weaver was hit in the shoulder by a Dustin Ackley line drive on Saturday.
  • Did Kris Medlen sell his soul to the devil in order to become the world's greatest pitcher? Holy $#@!
  • Why did rookie Phillippe Aumont get Monday's save for the Phillies? Because Jonathan Papelbon had pitched in four of the previous six games and warmed up in the other two, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. There's nothing to get excited about here, folks.
  • The newest member of this month's six-man rotation club is the Miami Marlins. Zzz ...
  • The Indians say that DH Russ Canzler (22 HR, .815 OPS at Triple A this season) will get plenty of at bats in September. AL-only owners, take note.
  • The timetable for Huston Street's return to the Padres is uncertain after he suffered a setback while rehabbing his calf injury last week. Luke Gregerson blew last night's save for the Padres.
  • Mariners OF Michael Saunders, who hasn't played since Friday, is day-to-day with a groin injury.
  • Chris Carpenter might return for the Cardinals before the end of the season? Really? From a fantasy standpoint, unless you're in an NL-only league and might need to scramble for starters near the end of the month, you should probably pretend you never heard this news.
  • I'll make my weekly appearance in the FOXSports.com fantasy baseball chat room today at 2 p.m. ET. Make sure to stop by and send questions!

   

  See you back here tomorrow morning.

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• Fantasy Football Morning Update: Vikes' Peterson iffy for Week 1

  September 04, 2012 by JohnHalpinFOX

  Welcome to the first regularly-scheduled installment of my fantasy football blog entries. Look for posts here every Tuesday and Friday by about 8 a.m. ET.

  ***

  On Monday, Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier answered some questions about RB Adrian Peterson in a way that should have Peterson's fantasy owners alarmed. Frazier said that a decision on Peterson's status will come down to Sunday "without question," and that if Peterson does play it will be with "limited exposure." The Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that the team wants to "put Peterson through a demanding week of practice" and "evaluate how he responds as he continues to absorb some contact." The Daily Norseman doesn't think Frazier is blowing smoke here, as some coaches might (I'm looking at you, Belichick). With all that said, would you be shocked if Peterson got 18 carries? I wouldn't, but that's a hunch.

  If you own Peterson, you'll need to watch for practice reports as the week progresses, and wait until late Sunday morning for definitive word on his status. I own Peterson in a couple of leagues, and while I'll probably start him if he's active, I could see benching him if my backup was very strong. Toby Gerhart appears to be a solid Week 1 start, and a better one than Peterson right now. But remember: It's only Tuesday, and a lot can happen before gametime.

  On to the rest of the news:

  • Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey said Monday that he envisions Maurice Jones-Drew "being a third-down back" this week against the Vikings, but MJD's exact workload is TBD. Rashad Jennings is expected to start, and I'd be hesitant to activate MJD for fantasy purposes. He didn't report until Sunday, and has a new system to learn.
  • Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (broken clavicle) returned to practice on Monday, but still sounds iffy for Monday's opener. Unless you can wait until Monday night to decide on Mathews, you should expect to bench him unless the Chargers clearly state before Sunday morning that he's playing.
  • Giants WR Hakeem Nicks missed Monday's practice due to lingering soreness in his foot, but it sounds like he'll be ready to go against the Cowboys. On a related note, please make sure to decide on your Giants and Cowboys before the game starts on Wednesday. You don't want to be that person in your fantasy league who forgets about the first unusually scheduled game. Everyone else makes fun of that person.
  • Cowboys TE Jason Witten will have his injured spleen checked today, and he says that he'll play if he gets cleared by the doctors. Stay tuned.
  • It sounds like Cowboys NT Jay Ratliff (ankle) won't play tomorrow. Owners of the Giants' running backs should like that news.
  • Shanahan, you rascal. The Redskins' depth chart has Evan Royster listed first at running back, followed by Roy Helu and then rookie Alfred Morris. This information should be taken with a grain of salt, and I'm still betting on Helu after his big game last Wednesday, since he's their best back. It's not a big bet, though. Like a dollar or two.
  • The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that if Browns RB Trent Richardson gets through the week of practices without any setbacks, he's "likely" to start against the Eagles on Sunday. However, I suspect that the Browns don't want to overload Richardson right away, and will give some carries to Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson. You should start Richardson if he plays, but manage your expectations.
  • The Jets will incorporate a wildcat package featuring Tim Tebow starting this week. Please don't ask me if you should start a quarterback who will probably get fewer than 10 snaps.
  • Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart tweeted last night that his injured ankle is getting better, but his status for Sunday is TBD.
  • Colts WR Austin Collie (concussion) might play in Sunday's opener. Yes, I'm as surprised as you are, but he might be a good PPR option.
  • Looking for a deep PPR sleeper to keep on your free-agent radar? Read this article on Patriots WR Greg Salas, who caught 27 passes in six games for the Rams last season before breaking his leg.
  • Are we playing the Revis Island game this season? This week's guest is Bills WR Stevie Johnson, who has had some success against Revis.
  • It sounds like Raiders WR Denarius Moore (hamstring) is looking good for Monday, but if there's any question before you set lineups, you'll have to sit him.
  • Seahawks WR Golden Tate (knee) didn't practice Monday, and could miss a couple of weeks, according to the Seattle Times.
  • Speaking of the Seahawks, you heard that they released TE Kellen Winslow, right? Zach Miller's value just got a boost as a possible fantasy TE2.
  • Remember that Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (two games) and Titans WR Kenny Britt (one game) will serve suspensions to start the season.
  • If you have questions on players not mentioned here, you can always contact me via Facebook and Twitter. Also, I'll host live chats on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET, and Sunday at noon ET (Joel Beall will precede me from 11 a.m. until noon).

   

  See you back here with more football news on Friday morning.

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