It’s hump day! The sun is out here in Northern Michigan, and my computer has been running non stop, keeping up with the baseball action on MLB.tv. Now that the baseball action has slowed (for a few hours at least) the news has been gathered for you. Let’s get it started in here!
NBA:
-Blake Griffin will be making the jump. There isn’t a doubt that Griffin will have fantasy value in 2010. Griffin, who averaged just above 22.5 points a game in his colligate career, could put up similar numbers that Kevin Durant put up in his rookie season.
-Kevin Martin could be out for the rest of the season. This is tough for Martin owners who rode his scoring streak to the finals. Martin’s left ankle has a bone spur. Five games remaining means that Martin could just sit out, considering that the Kings are out of it.
- Greg Popovich isn’t convinced that Tim Duncan will play today. Duncan logged 33 minutes in the Spurs last game, but the Spurs are concerned about wearing down Tim Duncan. It seems that he could come off the bench tonight. Popovich won’t make a decision until close to the game time.
- Scratch guard Raja Bell as well. Bell will be out for the rest of the season with an oblique strain. It will be interesting to see how this will affect Larry Brown’s chance of signing Allen Iverson in the post season. A player to now watch is D.J. Augustin, who is owned in 19% of ESPN leagues.
- Other collegiate basketball players entering the NBA Draft: Chase Budinger- Arizona (Agent Hired) Jodie Meeks- Kentucky (No Agent Representation) Devan Downey- South Carolina (No Agent Representation).
National Football League:
Hey Marvin Lewis and CO. when are you going to learn? The Bengals have signed former Cowboy defensive tackle Tank Johnson. There is no doubt that the 27 year old will help a depleted front line, but seriously, are they trying to put together their own crime unit? If he can stay out of trouble though, he could help improve this lackluster defense in 2009.
The Jets are stretching it out another Mile- The Jets are interested in talking to Restricted Free Agent Miles Austin. Austin, who could be the secondary receiver to Roy Williams would still most likely remain a Cowboy, because Jerry Jones would match almost any respectable offer. Miles is the supposed reason Jerry Jones was fine with cutting T.O.
With the first pick overall, The Lions select Wide Reciever….- Ok, maybe not the case, but according to the Detroit News, the Detroit Lions will bring in Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin has already had private workouts with the Bengals and Raiders. It would seem the Lions would have to trade up to get Maclin, which doesn’t seem like a possibility. The Jets have also set up a personal workout.
JaMarcus in ’10?- The Raiders have signed yet another journeyman. This time it is former Buccaneer Jeff Garcia. My first instinct tells me that this is just an insurance policy on former first rounder JaMarcus Russell. But Tom Cable came out and told the USA Today in Febuary that JaMarcus is the face of the franchise and, “It’s yours and you have to handle that the right way.” Garcia is a player to watch on his hometown team, and a youngster leading the Squad.
MLB-
Geovany Soto could miss up to three games after leaving yesterday’s contest against the Astros. Soto, who suffered right shoulder soreness could sit up to the weekend series against the Brewers. Koyie Hill will catch for Ted Lilly today.
Worried about Hanley in the three hole? Well worry no more. Ramirez hit hist first grand slam of his career on Tuesday, while also having an RBI double. This is a good sign that Hanley will reach 100+ runs driven in. It is still early, but Ramirez has adjusted well to the change so far.
Players to Watch:
Here are some players to watch on the Waiver Wire-
Brandon Inge, Detroit- He often comes close to falling below the mendoza line, but Inge has 20+ homer power and is back to his comfortable infield position at third base. Inge has two homers in just as many games, and is also eligible at the weak catcher position.
Though I have ridiculed Bob Melvin for sitting youngsters Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton, it seems to be paying off. Tony Clark crushed two homers on opening day. If he steals some starts from Mark Reynolds, you might want to swap the two.
Jordan Schafer, Atlanta- could be a good investment at the fifth outfield position. There is a lot of hype here, because Schafer has never spent time above AA.
Closer Report:
Heath Bell, San Diego- According to Roto World, Bell busted out of the pen with Blow me Away by Breaking Benjamin. Interesting Choice. Bell came in to shut down the Dodgers in pretty fashion. He walked the first batter, and then struck out the side.
Brandon Morrow, Seattle- Morrow blew the lead against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Control and the lack of his top notch fastball led to giving up two runs after recorded two straight outs. If you are worried about his injury to his forearm, this could be evidence to your feelings. I wouldn’t give up on Morrow yet.
Brandon Lyon/Fernando Rodney, Detroit- If you have either of these guys, bail out now. First and foremost they are on rotation, and secondly they have both pitched horridly so far in 2009. Rodney came into the 8th and gave up two runs, while Lyon came in the ninth to close out the game and ended up blowing the game. Ryan Perry anyone?
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FanSided
Zach Thompson
