Note: You are reading this message either because you do not have a standards-compliant browser, or because you can not see our css files.
Welcome to Yahoo! Fantasy Sports: Skip to Content Skip to Section Navigation
Player Notes
Stat Sub Navigation
(StL - RP) 
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Franklin defied the odds with 38 saves and a 1.92 ERA with the Cardinals in 2009.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Franklin has found a second career with St. Louis, and even Jason Motte and other future closers on the roster, Franklin will probably get the ball in the ninth again in 2010.
(Min - C)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Mauer, who had been playing with hip flexor pain during the playoffs, was given a clean bill of health by doctors, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The exam also found no problems with the sacroiliac joint in his back which caused him to miss the first month of the season when it became inflamed.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: He looks fully healthy heading into 2010 despite some late season concern when he had an issue in his hip. Now Mauer and the Twins can turn their attention to extending his contract as he's currently set to be a free agent after the 2010 season.
(StL - RP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Reyes led the Cardinals with 75 appearances and 18 holds in 2009.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Reyes split the lefty specialist role with Trever Miller in 2009, but Miller pitched much better and will probably have a bigger role with the Cardinals than Reyes will in 2010.
(ChC - SP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Lilly had arthroscopic surgery to "clean up" his pitching shoulder on Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: A timetable for his throwing program is going to be established in early January. No certain word yet if Lilly will be ready for the start of the regular season, but Cubs currently believe he will be ready to go in April and it sounds like he should be OK given that this was a relatively minor procedure. - Lilly had surgery on his left shoulder on Tuesday. The Cubs said the arthroscopy and debridement procedure performed Tuesday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles revealed no major damage.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: The Cubs said they will determine after the first of the year a timetable for Lilly to start a throwing program. The left-hander was 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts last season.
(StL - RP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- McClellan had four wins, three saves, and 15 holds with the Cardinals in 2009.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: McClellan has turned into a solid-if-unspectacular reliever in his two years in the league. He improved upon his rookie numbers to post a 3.38 ERA and 1.35 WHIP this year, though his 51:34 K:BB ratio was a decline from the previous year's 59:26 ratio.
(StL - SP,RP) NA
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- The Cardinals released Thompson on Wednesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Thompson will become a free agent after going 2-6 with a 4.84 in 32 appearances (eight starts) for the Cardinals this year. Bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen probably didn't help his cause.
(Fla - RP) NA
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Proctor has signed a one-year, minor league contract with Atlanta, Treasure Coast Newspapers reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: He missed all of 2009 after Tommy John surgery and probably will need to spend the first half of 2010 in the minors getting back to form.
(NYY - OF)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Damon left Wednesday's Game 6 before the start of the fourth inning with a calf strain.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: He was replaced in left field by Jerry Hairston Jr. If the Yankees finish off the series against the Phillies on Wednesday night, it could mark the end of Damon's stint in the Bronx.
Tue, Nov 3
- Damon had three hits and scored two runs Monday in an 8-6 loss to the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Damon is batting .381 in the World Series as he seeks his second title. He won in 2004 with Boston.
Mon, Nov 2
- LF Johnny Damon made as strong a case as he could for a return to the Bronx next season -- by showing a veteran's mental experience can help offset some of the natural deterioration that comes with age. Damon used his head both at the plate and on the bases in the ninth inning of Game 4 to help the Yankees to a 7-4 win and a 3-1 Series lead. While battling through a nine-pitch at-bat against Phillies closer Brad Lidge, Damon said he went against the book and sat on Lidge's slider because he had a tougher time hitting it -- even though players are taught to wait on a fastball because it could be too tough to catch up to it otherwise. He eventually caught up to the fastball anyway and singled, then stole second on the first pitch because he saw Lidge was slow to the plate. There, Damon noted Phillies 3B Pedro Feliz had covered the base because of a shift on Mark Teixeira, and Damon made a mad dash for third because no one was covering. That play might have prompted Lidge to abandon his slider because of the risk of a wild pitch, and Alex Rodriguez ended up ripping a double on a fastball. "I was like, 'Where's he going?' and you know there's nobody on third base so it was a heads-up play, it really was," Jorge Posada said. Said Rodriguez: "The key to the whole inning was the tenacious at-bat by Johnny Damon."(Yahoo! Sports)
(LAD - SP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Padilla, who revived his career in the Dodgers' run to the National League Championship Series, was treated for a minor self-inflicted gunshot wound in his right leg at a hospital in his native Nicaragua on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: News reports out of Nicaragua stated that Padilla was hurt at a shooting range. At least two news outlets reported that Padilla was accidentally shot by his "escort," who was trying to fix Padilla's malfunctioning gun. Padilla is expected to file for free agency in the coming weeks, but the Dodgers said that they are interested in re-signing the 32-year-old right-hander. - Padilla accidentally shot himself in the leg in Nicaragua. Dr. Eduardo Reguera said Padilla didn't need surgery after spending time at Managua's Metropolitan Hospital.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Police spokesman Vilma Reyes said Wednesday that Padilla's pistol apparently jammed during a target shooting session late Tuesday. Padilla was trying to clear a round from the chamber when the pistol went off. His agent, Adam Katz, told the Los Angeles Times that it was a ``hunting accident.'' Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for the Dodgers the final two months of the regular season.
(NYY - OF)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Matsui became the first Japanese-born player to win the World Series MVP award that started in 1955.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: He homered, doubled and singled, highlighting a Series in which he hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Matsui became the first player to win the award as a full-time DH in the Series. Toronto DH Paul Molitor played in the field when the Blue Jays won the 1993 title. Matsui became the 11th Yankees player to win the award, joining teammates Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, along with the likes of Reggie Jackson and Whitey Ford.
Sun, Nov 1
- DH Hideki Matsui had been reportedly considered a possibility to play the outfield despite not playing there all season, but manager Joe Girardi instead kept him on the bench and he turned out to be quite useful there. Matsui hit a pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning to give the Yankees an insurance run during their 8-5 win over the Phillies in Game 3. It was the second homer in as many games for Matsui, whose clutch hitting may again give the Yankees something to consider in the offseason. Because of the club's desire for roster flexibility, team officials have reportedly leaned toward letting Matsui go, but he has demonstrated how much they might miss his clutch bat during the postseason.(Yahoo! Sports)
Sat, Oct 31
- Matsui will not be in the starting lineup for Game 3 on Saturday, reports The Journal News.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: With the DH spot unavailable while playing in the Phillies' National League ballpark, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has elected to play Johnny Damon in left field and leave his regular DH on the bench. Matsui will be available as a great pinch-hitting option off the bench.
Fri, Oct 30
- Matsui homered for one of his two hits Thursday in a 3-1 win over the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Matsui notched his eighth career postseason homer. "I was able to make a good adjustment and put a good swing on it and fortunately it led to the result," he said through a translator.
(Phi - SP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday that he would have confidence in sending Hamels out to the mound for a potential Game 7 Thursday, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Hamels was quoted as saying he could not wait for the season to be over after his last outing, which was interpreted by some to mean that he had given up on pitching well in the postseason. Hamels said he did not realize how his answer to a question about how he would assess his season would look in print. "I think Charlie knows me," Hamels said. "He's managed me for quite a few years. I think the only doubt it left in people's minds was the fans', and that hurts because I love the city of Philadelphia and I play as hard as I possibly can. I might not necessarily have the results that they hope, but I know that if I go out there and do everything I possibly can, and in the end, if they see that I've left everything I possibly can out on the field, then I think they can respect that."
Tue, Nov 3
- Hamels isn't ready to call it a season. Hamels wants to pitch again if the Phillies need him against the New York Yankees in the World Series.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Hamels angered fans and created a stir on talk radio with his comments after his latest poor outing Saturday night. He clarified those remarks after the Phillies avoided elimination with an 8-6 victory in Game 5 on Monday night. "Sometimes I might not say the best things or the smartest things, but I've learned and am learning," Hamels said. "I wasn't able to sleep the past couple of nights because of it."
Mon, Nov 2
- LHP Cole Hamels is nearing the finish of a frustrating season, and after coming unglued Saturday night in Game 3 of the World Series, he said, "I can't wait for it to end. It's been mentally draining. At year's end, you just can't wait for a fresh start." Some context: Hamels had just gotten through saying he'd relish a chance to start a potential Game 7 Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. So, Hamels was neither bailing on his teammates nor racing home to book reservations for a winter vacation. But his comments were poorly worded, catching manager Charlie Manuel off guard and sparking questions about whether Hamels is in the right frame of mind to start a decisive Game 7. "I was totally surprised with what he said," said Manuel, sitting in his office Sunday before Game 4 at Citizens Bank Park. "I was totally surprised. I don't know exactly what he meant by that. But at the same time, I understand his frustration. He was the MVP of the World Series last year. This guy's been a good pitcher ever since he came up. This year has been tough on him."(Yahoo! Sports)
Sun, Nov 1
- LHP Cole Hamels gave up Alex Rodriguez's two-run home run in the fourth inning and three more runs in the fifth in an 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Unless the Phillies change their rotation, Hamels would be the Game 7 starter. Of course, they need strong performances from Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez to assure that Hamels even gets another chance. "I really do hope I have that opportunity," Hamels said. "It's one of those games where you can really redeem yourself." And Hamels, after a season to forget, certainly could use redemption. "I can't wait until it's over," Hamels said. "It's been mentally draining."(Yahoo! Sports)
(StL - RP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Miller was 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 70 appearances with the Cardinals in 2009.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Miller was fourth on the team with 13 holds and pitched much better than the other lefty specialist on the team (Dennys Reyes). He had a 46:11 K:BB ratio in 43.2 innings pitched. He'll be a big part of the St. Louis pen again in 2010.
(Det - C,3B,OF)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Inge underwent successful surgery on both his knees Tuesday, the Detroit News reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Inge will have to rest his knees for the next six weeks before being able to begin a strenghtening and rehab program. With that timetable, the Tigers expect Inge to be at full strength when spring drills begin. Inge's knees were a big part of his second-half decline, so he could put together an even better campaign next season if the rehab goes well.
(Phi - OF)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Victorino was in Philadelphia's starting lineup Wednesday night for Game 6 of the World Series despite a finger injury.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Victorino was struck on his right index finger by a fastball from A.J. Burnett in the first inning of the Phillies' 8-6 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday night. X-rays were negative, but the injury appeared to bother him throughout that game. - Victorino (hand) will be in the starting lineup for Game 6 against the Yankees on Wednesday night, the Phillies' official site reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: "He said he can move his finger. The swelling has gone down," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He said he can hold a bat. He said he can grip the ball. That's what I took and that's what it is. If there's any problem, I'll take him out of the game." Victorino will once again bat out of the No. 2 spot for the Phillies on Wednesday night.
Tue, Nov 3
- Despite leaving Monday's game with a hand injury a few innings after being hit by an A.J. Burnett pitch, Victorino says he plans to play in Wednesday's Game 6, ESPN.com reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Victorino was 0-for-3 in the game and was clearly bothered by the injury throughout the night, but X-rays following the game were negative. Perhaps if the swelling goes down, he'll be his usual self on Wednesday.
Mon, Nov 2
- CF Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch on his right index finger in the first inning. X-rays were negative, and he stayed in the game until the top of the seventh inning when he was replaced by Ben Francisco. The Phillies are hopeful that he'll be able to play in Game 6 on Wednesday night in New York. "He started getting some swelling in it, and it was bruised and it started getting bigger," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He was having a hard time. He couldn't grip the ball, and he also couldn't grip the bat. Eventually, he had to come out of the game. Probably (Tuesday) his finger is going to be sore. A couple days it's probably going to be OK. I think the fact that it started swelling and everything, that's what caused it to get real stiff and sore."(Yahoo! Sports)
(NYY - 1B,OF)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Swisher will be in the lineup for Game 6 against the Phillies on Wednesday, the Newark Star-Ledger's Marc Carig reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Swisher continues to struggle this postseason, hitting just .136 (6-for-44) with 14 strikeouts. The Yankees replaced him with Jerry Hairston Jr. in Game 2, but otherwise Swisher has started every postseason game despite his struggles.
Sun, Nov 1
- RF Nick Swisher enjoyed his moment on the postseason stage after shrinking in it for most of October. He rewarded his manager's faith with a home run and a double. "I want to remember this," Swisher said as he took photos of the reporters from the post-game podium. "I think tonight just kind of really, really turned things around for me. I mean, obviously this postseason has been kind of a struggle for me but ... to get by that and have the night I had tonight was extremely gratifying." Swisher had that night because manager Joe Girardi said he liked the switch-hitter's right-handed at-bats in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series. Girardi had benched Swisher, who had started 4-for-35 in this postseason, in Game 2 of the World Series for Jerry Hairston Jr., who had good numbers against Phillies starter Pedro Martinez, but the manager put Swisher back in against LHP Cole Hamels in Game 3. "The thing about hitting this time of year is you're going to struggle at times," Girardi said. "He came out and swung the bat very well. Swish has been doing it for us all year."(Yahoo! Sports)
(SD - 2B,OF) NA
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Gonzalez (shoulder) was outrighted off the 40-man roster, the Associated Press reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: He may chose to become a free agent rather than simply accept the assignment to Triple-A Portland.
(StL - SP,RP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Wellemeyer followed up a decent 2008 campaign with an awful 2009 for St. Louis. He had a 5.89 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 122.1 innings.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: Wellemeyer doesn't strike out enough batters to be so hittable. He had just 78 strikeouts, but opposing hitters hit him at a .328 clip. The Cardinals will probably part ways with him as they have better options for 2010.
(Ari - 1B,OF) DL
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Jackson (Valley Fever) has gone 14-for-40 (.350) with a homer, 10 RBI and six stolen bases through 13 games in the Dominican Winter League this season.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: He appears to be re-energized after struggling with fatigue throughout the 2009 while trying to get back from the DL in a battle with Valley Fever. As it stands now, the D-Backs need to shuffle some players off of their 40-man roster if they're going to tender Jackson a contract for 2010 and keep him in their plans. If he's a healthy again, Jackson could be a nice low-cost value for a team in need of a productive bat in their outfield next season.
(StL - SP)
Wed, Nov 4Recent News
- Smoltz was 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in seven starts with the Cardinals in 2009.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: The Cardinals picked Smoltz off the scrap heap in August after an abysmal eight-start tenure with the Red Sox. Smoltz had an excellent 40:9 K:BB ratio in 38 innings with St. Louis, so it looks like he has a little left in the tank for 2010.
Mon, Nov 2
- Smoltz and the Cardinals have expressed a mutual interest in him returning as their fourth starter next year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.(Rotowire.com)
Recommendation: We'll see if a deal gets done, but the odds have to be in favor of him returning. As it currently stands, only the top three spots in the rotation are set, between Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter and Kyle Lohse.
(NYY - SP,RP) 
Tue, Nov 3
- The mother of Chamberlain faces up to 20 years in prison when she's sentenced next month on a felony drug charge. Jackie Standley pleaded no contest Monday to an amended charge of delivery of a controlled substance, according to court records. The 44-year-old Standley was arrested in May after selling a gram of methamphetamine to an undercover officer at her Lincoln residence.(STATS, Inc.)
Advice: Chamberlain's Yankees are preparing for Game 6 of the World Series on Wednesday against Philadelphia. He has a 3.38 ERA in nine postseason appearances.
Mon, Nov 2
- RHP Joba Chamberlain had the radar gun cranked up and seemingly set the clock back to 2007 in an overpowering eighth inning that still ended with the stunned pitcher giving up the lead. Chamberlain looked more like the dominant setup man he had been as a rookie two years earlier than the inconsistent pitcher he's been most of this season when he overpowered the first two batters he faced in the eighth with a one-run lead. His fastball hit 96 mph as opposed to the low 90s it's been at more frequently recently, and he appeared unhittable. But Pedro Feliz tagged him for a home run to tie the game, and Chamberlain was seen holding his head in frustration in the dugout after finishing the inning by striking out the side. The Yankees bailed him out by scoring three in the ninth, and C Jorge Posada, who singled in two insurance runs, hugged the pitcher tight and said something in his ear. Posada later said most of the lineup came in and told Chamberlain he had done a great job and the offense would pick him up, but the catcher also told him he had "rushed there" against Feliz. "Just getting into a rhythm," Chamberlain said of his overpowering performance against the first two hitters. "Believing in yourself and having confidence."(Yahoo! Sports)