It's hot.  At least, out here on the West Coast, it's hot.  I mean the kind of hot where, if your oven's not working, come over to my apartment.  Set whatever you want on my carpet.  It'll be done in an hour or so.  Yet at SMM headquarters, heat is relative.  Most of the heat this weekend was on the Cubs/White Sox series.  But we weren't watching that here.  Nor did Mark Teixeira's three home run performance matter to us.  Did Andy Pettitte's continued mastery of the craft of pitching versus the Reds get us excited?  Uh-uh.  And so what if Kevin Youkilis hit two homeruns, including a 13th inning walk-off gem?  Who cares.

Tim Lincecum's only loss came on April 29, when San Francisco dropped a 3-2 decision to Colorado. Photo Credit: bryce_edwards

You see, we were busy watching one of the most exciting and improbable comebacks of the year.  Both the Giants and Royals were 32-43 going into Sunday's game.  Both came into this game with little chance of affecting the outcome of their respective divisions, unless they trade their used parts to help someone else build a better vehicle.  Yet the Giants, at one point managing to establish a fifth inning lead of 10-3, led by one of the most capable pitchers in the League, Tim Lincecum, somehow let the Royals overtake them for an 11-10 shocker.  Large market teams?  We don't need no stinkin' large market teams.

Weather aside, the trade deadline is just over a month away, and the trade rumors are heating up.  Whether you have to go get the next piece to apply to your ever-morphing jigsaw puzzle, or whether you have to ship off a top notch player for prospects that will make your team a contender next season, everyone around the league knows that good trades can be the difference between mediocrity and a title run.  For the small markets, this often means you should go ahead and send that "going away" care package to your top flight talent, because you'll be without their services very soon.  You hear me Rockies fans?  There are even rumors of Matt Holliday being moved.  Our esteemed Jon Williams of Rotoexperts.com adds his analysis to probable trades and whether they make sense or not this week. Check it out.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Week: 3-3           L10: 6-4          Overall: 41-34, 2nd AL WEST

The worry about fatigue setting in for Justin Duchscherer appears to be misplaced.  He may have once been an ace reliever, but now he's just an ace.  His three starts in June resulted in three victories against four top-15 offenses, including the Tigers, who are on the rise.  In June, he has posted four quality starts and given up a total of five earned runs.  These four games have been outstanding, lowering Duchscherer's ERA to a scarce 1.99 and reducing his WHIP to 0.97.  He has been showing sick command with a 2.83 K/BB ratio.  Thus, Duchscherer appears to be getting better as the year goes on.  At 30 years old, it's hard to make the case for keeper status.  Yet, seeing how some pitchers take to the craft of pitching as they get older, Duchscherer may have several good years to come.  Even with his one DL stint, he may fatigue as the year wears on, but he seems like the real deal.

The A's get Santiago Casilla back this week and assign Kiko Calero back to the minors.  In his first game back, Casilla was hammered for three hits, two earned runs, and one long ball.  I think it's safe to say that we can expect some rust, but don't forget how crazy good his numbers were before the injury.  In time, he'll return to form.

Donnie Murphy also returns from the minors to add depth at third base and to backup Bobby Crosby and Mark Ellis.  Don't expect much more than spot starts from him, especially if Eric Chavez keeps his health. 

The demotion from the top of the lineup has apparently helped Kurt Suzuki.  Since May 13, his last day at the top spot, he's batted 33-for-102, a .324 clip, with two homeruns and 13 RBI.  He's now batting .279 for the season.  Tommy Landry recommended him as a waiver option on Monday, and I can hardly argue with his thinking.

UPCOMING SERIES: PHI (6/24-6/26), ARI (6/27-6/29), @LAA (6/30-7/2)


ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Week: 3-4           L10: 4-6           Overall: 40-37, 1st NL WEST

Will the 50-steals edition of Eric Byrnes please stand up?  OK, will the 50-steal edition of Eric Byrnes please slowly rise then, on your two bad legs?  Please?  For fantasy owners who invested in Byrnes, his return to the field brings mixed feelings.  Two torn hamstrings mean that the odds of Eric Byrnes reaching the 20 steal mark are the same as me marrying Jennifer Aniston.  In seven attempts, Byrnes has managed only four steals this year while being nailed three times.  He was caught all of seven times in 2007.  In his three game rehab stint, Byrnes didn't attempt a steal, though he was on base only twice in his 12 at-bats.  That didn't stop Bob Melvin from pushing Byrnes to the top of the lineup this week, but don't expect that Eric will be running much at all, especially with a pedestrian .285 OBP.  However, he is a team leader, and his overall presence should give a lift to the Diamondbacks, who are just 9-16 without him.

Even though Justin Upton continues to slump, don't expect Chris Burke or Jeff Salazar to get a whole lot more playing time unless you find the Diamondbacks falling out of the race.  Upton is only 20, and the investment by the team of allowing him to log time now can only pay off in conditioning and experience for the rookie.  It's viable to sit Upton every now and then, particularly against right-handers, against whom he's hitting .220, versus his .288 BA against lefties.

How much longer can Randy Johnson pitch?  If the saying goes that the writing is on the wall, then in Johnson's case, I think it's a full-on mural.  Watching how RJ lost his last four decisions with a combined ERA of 7.66, I'd get rid of him now if you can find someone who'll invest in him.  The most worrisome part is that, in his last three starts, he has struck out a total of seven batters while also walking seven in 18 innings. Sure, he may recuperate momentarily after the All-Star break.  But the season is long, his age is against him, and the moment he stops throwing the ball by people, I'd begin to worry.  My worrying has already begun.

UPCOMING SERIES: @BOS (6/24-6/25), @FLA (6/27-6/29), MIL (6/30-7/3)

FLORIDA MARLINS
Week: 2-3           L10: 4-6           Overall: 40-35, 2nd NL EAST

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez has been trying to find a leadoff guy for the entire year, shifting between Alfredo Amezaga, Hanley Ramirez, and Cody Ross at the top spot.  Now he loses Amezaga, cementing Ramirez back at the top spot for the foreseeable future.  It's good news if you were hoping Ramirez would duplicate his 51 steals from the past two years.  It's disappointing if you were suddenly thinking, "Wow, he's going to be my RBI guy!"  Robert Andino may see some extra playing time in the outfield, as he filled in when Amezaga went down.  He was recalled June 11 and has simply provided bench depth, but now he could garner some at-bats again.  I'm not leaping on his bandwagon, but he's worth mentioning for deep NL-only leagues, especially if his time should increase.

Burke Badenhop's move to the DL signals an even longer look for rookie Ryan Tucker, who is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts.  Tucker is a Class-AA phenom who so far has figured in on all three decisions, yet has struck out only 12 while walking 10.  So, if you intend to use him, it won't be for his WHIP. That stat will probably remain high due to inconsistency with his fastball control, which was on display against Tampa Bay.  While his numbers at for Carolina were stronger (62K/27BB, for a 2.3 K/BB ration), you can get away with a lot more when facing the free-swinging batters of the Southern league.  

UPCOMING SERIES:  TAM (6/24-6/26), ARI (6/27-6/29), WAS (6/30—7/2)

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Week: 1-6          L10: 4-6          Overall: 30-48, 5th AL EAST

Nationals fans are trying to stay patriotic, even though their home town citizens are 6-14 in the month of June.  June has seen the Nationals fail to score more than three runs in 15 of the 22 games they've played through June 24.  They are 6-1 in the other seven contests.  Imagine what it would be like if any of their middle lineup were healthy.  Ryan Zimmerman is still recovering from a small labrum tear in his shoulder, Austin Kearns has elbow problems and has been on the DL since May 22, and Nick Johnson has not improved.  He will visit the Mayo Clinic this week for another opinion on his torn tendon sheath. 

Elijah Dukes had a week to remember, raising his average to .270 on a 5-for-6 night, with a double and a homerun against Texas.  Unfortunately, the weekend arrived to the sound of a giant breeze, that of Dukes striking out three times in eight at-bats.  However, don't kid yourself: Dukes is improving, at least offensively.  Just 23 years old, if he can keep his head on straight (he's shown a tendency to spin it occasionally as if he required an exorcism) expect him to end up near 10 homeruns and 15 stolen bases.  He still takes odd angles to fly balls and occasionally simply misplays the ball altogether.  Your biggest concern is that bad defense pushes him into Acta's doghouse.  At 17 games under .500, your worry right now is minimal.  Dukes is another guy who we highlighted on Monday as a Waiver Wire option. 

The pitcher's mound has not been kind to you if you're last name is Hill.  Shawn Hill spent the first few weeks of the season on the disabled list.  Since then, he's averaged just over about 5.2 IP-per-start through April and May, with his June numbers dipping to 5.0 IP-per-start.  It doesn't help any starting pitcher to know that his team has more trouble scoring than a sumo wrestler in a wet t-shirt contest, but Hill has stated outright that he's struggling with his control.  Shawn is 1-4 after failing to get out of the fourth inning against Minnesota Thursday, walking three of the first five batters he faced.

UPCOMING SERIES: @LAA (6/24-6/25), BAL (6/27-6/29), @FLA (6/30-7/2)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Week: 4-2          L10: 6-4           Overall: 38-36, 4th AL EAST

Dave Trembley's conundrum at shortstop continues.  What was it Bananrama once said?  It's a cruel, cruel summer, now you're gone.  First, it was the demotion of Luis Hernandez, who hit .241 through 36 games.  Freddy Bynum, who made a month-long run in May with a .236 average, saw June turn incredibly mean to the tune of a .136 average.  Now, veteran Alex Cintron now takes the starting role, as Bynum returns to Class-AAA Norfolk.  Pitcher Ryan Bukvich will take Bynum's spot on the roster.

At 29, Cintron is a mediocre contact hitter at best.  He's almost always been in platoon situations, as the maximum plate appearances he's ever logged was 613 (2004).  He is not a health risk, but considering his GB/FB ratio is almost 3-to-1, he would be useful for teams in AL-only formats who absolutely need the at bats.  Baltimore's offense is coming along, but they're not a high-powered team.  Even with the team's 12-8 record in June, their winning is more attributable to timely hitting and good luck then statistical reality.  Bukvich arrives from Norfolk boasting a 5-2 record and a 3.45 ERA, after starting four games and tossing 47 innings.  He's expected to work in middle relief and offer Trembley another option out of the bullpen.

For those of you hoping that Radhames Liz would offer some fantasy innings, you got the innings.  However, you also have a 6.27 ERA in 18.2 IP, with 13 earned runs and nine walks.  While his strikeout totals in the minors were impressive, his control has not come around as much as the Orioles need, and Trembley will have to make a decision soon. 

Lastly, Chad Bradford owners have to be happy at the Baltimore Sun's report that Trembley will have him close on days when George Sherrill is not available.  Even though the major league's second best closer has reported a fatigued arm, don't expect him to bow out just yet.  For the week, Sherrill went 3-for-3 in save opportunities.

UPCOMING SERIES: @CHC (6/24-6/26), @WAS (6/27-6/29), KC (6/30-7/3)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Week: 2-4           L10: 4-6           Overall: 36-40, 4th NL CENTRAL

Jose Bautista has finally shaken off a slow start and clubbed four home runs in an eight game stretch.  He's gone 10-for-25 during this run.  Bautista is prone to streaks of power, but seven of his eight homeruns have come on the road.  Clearly he's less of a threat in a pitcher's park.  Nyjer Morgan returns to the Pirates as Marino Salas was optioned back to Class-AAA Indianapolis.  Morgan's a good base-runner and, if used, could provide some steals.  However, considering that he has been struggling with a .220 OBP this year, expect Nyjer to be used as only a pinch runner and spot starter for now.

Ian Snell reported elbow pain during his last stint, which saw the Pirates ace deliver another subpar pitching outing.  Though he didn't take the loss, Ian tossed only four innings for his second straight game, relinquishing eight hits, four runs, and four walks.  Snell hasn't seemed right all year long, and this recent mentioning of elbow pain adds to his uncertainty.  The once reliable Phil Dumatrait also hit the DL with bursitis in his shoulder.  For now, the only reliable starters for the Pirates are Zach Duke (who was also covered in Waiver Wire Tips), and Paul Maholm, but only when Maholm takes the mound at PNC.  With both Snell and Dumatrait hurting, there's another chance John Van Benschoten will make an appearance. 

T. J. Beam takes Dumatrait's place for long relief duty.  In the minors, Beam led Indianapolis relievers with a 2.03 ERA and struck out 39 batters in 40 innings.  He sports a fastball, slider, and a split-change.  With the Buccos bullpen seeing so much action due to unpredictable starting pitching, expect Beam to get a true audition.

UPCOMING SERIES: NYY (6/24-6/26), TAM (6/27-6/29), @CIN (6/30-7/2)

TEXAS RANGERS
Week: 4-2            L10: 5-5            Overall: 39-38, 3rd AL WEST

One Gerald down, one Jarrod ready to go. The high-flying Rangers offense has pushed the Arlington crew to one game over .500, but just as they seemed to be shifting into high gear, both Milton Bradley and Gerald Laird were felled by injury.  Laird is on the DL with what could be a hamstring tear, and Bradley is trying to work out his quad injury without missing too much time.  This means that Jarrod Saltalamacchia owners will begin rejoicing.  Well, if you're rejoicing at someone else's injury, you really need to get a life, but lest we say, sad for Gerald, happy for Jarrod.  I feel like I just entered an episode of Newhart.  The switch-hitting "Salty" is hitting a putrid .173 against left-handed pitching.  So perhaps it's not surprising that the Rangers took a cue from the Marlins and dipped into Class-AA ball to scoop up Max Ramirez of the Frisco Rough Riders.  Ramirez roughed up pitchers down there to the tune of a .363 average, pounding both lefties and righties with reckless abandon.  Max had 17 home runs in 67 games – he also walked 36 times.  No doubt, the Rangers want to audition this guy against lefties, meaning "Salty" is probably in a true platoon situation for the time being.

Brandon Boggs, who had seen his time diminish with the hot-hitting Bradley and advancing progress of Marlon Byrd, steps in until Milton repairs his wheels.  Although Bradley is one of the reasons the Rangers are in the AL West race, it wouldn't shock me to see him or Byrd dealt at the deadline.  As the highest powered offense in the majors, the Rangers are deep enough in the outfield to go find some pitching via a trade.  Byrd's .300 May and .321 June come at very opportune times, especially if the goal is to increase his trade value.  But it would take a tremendous investment to re-sign Bradley after a year like this, not to mention that Bradley's unpredictable behavior makes him still a greater risk.  Whether it is this year or next, the Rangers cannot close the gap on the Halos and A's without pitching.  Bradley is the most attractive "carrot" for teams making playoff runs, because it's unlikely his injury/behavioral history will impact in such a short period of time.  At the same time, the Rangers could actually snag a few solid and viable arms that might be useful now.  Considering that Kason Gabbard and recent call-up Ramirez were obtained in trades for Kenny Lofton and Eric Gagne, releasing Bradley now is a distinct possibility.

UPCOMING SERIES: @HOU (6/24-6/26), PHI (6/27-6/29), @NYY (6/30-7/2)

TAMPA BAY RAYS
Week: 4-2           L10: 6-4           Overall: 44-31, 2nd AL EAST

It's impossible to call the Rays an upstart anymore.  I think contender would be more like it.  When addressing the Rays pitching staff, the names that always spring to the forefront are Scott Kazmir and James Shields.   However, as we are apt to do in small market country, we tend to stare at the little guy.  Well, Andy Sonnanstine has quietly put together one of those seasons that you need to get from your fourth starter if you want to contend.  Granted, the 8-3 Sonnanstine would point out that the Rays offense has been potent when he's on the mound.  In games that he has pitched, the Rays offense is averaging just over six runs; in the games where he's been victorious, they've averaged seven.  So, those of you who have been reveling in your amazing foresight, understand that the Rays right now are ranked 18th in scoring.  Don't expect them to continue to plate runs at that pace forever.  Nevertheless, Sonnanstine has walked only 27 batters in 130 IP.  As long as his control stays sharp, he should keep the Rays in the game.

The pieces of the puzzle just keep falling into place for Tampa Bay.  Gabe Gross, acquired from the Brewers in the trade during April, continues to get big at-bats when they count.  He's hitting .571 when there's a runner on third and less than two outs, also pitching in nine RBI in just seven at-bats.  This isn't to say that Gross is an everyday guy or that he ever will be.  But when it comes to bringing a man in, Gross is going to get a lot of calls. 

UPCOMING SERIES: @FLA (6/24-6/26), @PIT (6/27-6/29), BOS (6/30-7/2)

COLORADO ROCKIES
Week: 4-3         L10: 6-4            Overall: 32-45, 5th NL WEST

Both Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes returned to the Rockies lineup in the last five days.  Tulowitzki came into the league like a tornado, but unfortunately 2008 has truly become a fantasy disaster.  Looking at Tulowitzki's numbers, we find that he's an aggressive swinger, as evidence by the fact that only eight of his 119 at-bats have gone to a full count.  Sixty-five of his at-bats come with an 0-1 count.  That means that half the time Troy is seeing one pitch and then uncorking the lumber.  In 2007, he did that 110 of 609 at-bats – still aggressive, but almost as common as his 2-2 swings.  Thus, he was looking at more pitches and probably getting a better selection to hit.  Now, one might argue that aggression isn't his problem, as he hit .400 swinging right away last year.  However, that couldn't continue, and this year it's not working for him as he's hitting a mild .273 when swinging at the first pitch.  And after the 0-1 count this year, he's batting a troubling .154.  Thus, it's not surprising he has totaled just nine walks in his 128 plate appearances.  Compare him to the top NL hitters like Chipper Jones, Lance Berkman, and Albert Pujols who have walk rates near fifteen percent, and you'll notice that Tulowitzki's rate is half that...and declining.  His BABIP is incredibly low at .184, so he's had his share of bad luck, and this should take an upturn.  But unless his plate patience numbers improve, I wouldn't expect him to return to those 2007 numbers anytime soon.

By the same token, Clint Barmes has been incredibly fortunate, for his numbers mirror Tulowitzki's, except that his five percent walk rate is at his career best, along with his homerun rate which is at one per 27 at-bats.  Barmes BABIP is .376 this year – very high, as his highest tally was .298 during the two seasons in which he got more than 300 at-bats .  His numbers are due to turn the other way.

UPCOMING SERIES: @KC (6/24-6/25), @DET (6/27-6/29), SD (6/30-7/2)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Week: 6-1              L10: 8-2           Overall: 34-43, 5th AL CENTRAL

Mike Aviles didn't get a whole lot of playing time in May.  Of course, a lot of that had to do with the fact he was called up on May 29.  But in early June, he was given another start against the Yankees and came through with a 2-for-3 day with two doubles.  Since then, he's gone on to hit .328 with 3 HR, 12 RBI, and 13 runs.  Fantasy wires are always alive when a rookie call-up begins to hit like Aviles has.  And in most cases, it's not worth the excitement.  Looking at Aviles, he's a mixed bag.  In 64 plate appearances, he has walked only twice – it reeks of a rookie status.   Yet at the same time, he's struck out only nine times.  So the kid can really hit.  Needless to say, it's likely he won't continue to post that kind of average if he continues to be a free-swinger.

While Aviles comes in relatively young, the recent promotion of Horacio Ramirez may come with some baggage.  For two years, Ramirez struggled to find the handle with the Yankees and the Mariners.  Now he finds himself back in the bigs after taking a few months to heal his sore shoulder.  In Class-AAA Omaha, he posted a stellar 1.42 ERA in three starts.  More importantly, he gave up only 13 hits in 19 IP.  At 29, Ramirez isn't getting any younger, so expect him to be thrown into the fray immediately.

And nothing shocking here, but for those of you stashing Brett Tomko for some nostalgia on your bench, you can release him.  Because that's exactly what the Royals did after hitters feasted on the southpaw for a .314 BAA.

UPCOMING SERIES: COL (6/24-6/25), STL (6/27-6/29), @BAL (6/30-7/3)

MINNESOTA TWINS
Week: 6-0               L10: 8-2          Overall: 40-36, 2nd AL CENTRAL

At the beginning of the season, it became clear that Ron Gardenhire had a problem at third base.  Brian Buscher may be putting those fears to rest, as he continues to garner starts and impress.  He's 7-for-18 with 7 RBI in the last five games and has a total of 12 RBI in just 10 games.  Considering Buscher is also a left-handed hitter like original starter Mike Lamb, his success is foreboding for Lamb owners.  Also, Brendan Harris owners should prepare for the return of Nick Punto, who is expected to cut into Harris' playing time at shortstop.

Nick Blackburn returned from elbow soreness for his strongest outing of the year, pitching seven innings of three-hit baseball.  Blackburn has been incredibly consistent for the year, having pitched less than six innings only twice since mid-April.  His 3.26 command ratio is well above par.  In addition, his BABIP is above average, at .330, so it's possible he'll actually improve his performance as the season rolls on.  Realizing the Twins offense is not a juggernaut, should they provide even decent offensive support, Blackburn could easily get you a 15 win season and continue his low WHIP count.  According to ESPN, he's owned in only three percent of their leagues.


UPCOMING SERIES: @SD (6/2406/26), MIL (6/27-6/29), DET (6/30-7/2)

Jonathan Phillips would like to share a secret with you.  Of course, if he did that, then it wouldn't be a secret for very long now would it?  So instead, he'd prefer to chat baseball.  Send all questions, comments or topics to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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