After what seemed like forever (College Graduation can be more draining than ever thought) The Full Court Press is back with more baseball notes for your Tuesday May 5th 2009. While the weekend saw a lot of great action, it also saw a fair amount of injuries. Let’s get right to it with your Tuesday afternoon match ups:
Toronto vs. Cleveland 12:37 PM ET: Brett Cecil (0-0 0.00) vs. Anthony Reyes-(1-0 7.58)-
Cecil, who is the the best pitcher in the Blue Jays organization, makes his Major League Debut today against Matt LaPorta and the Cleveland Indians. Cecil has two top notch pitches; a 90-93 two-seam fastball and a hard 82-84 MPH slider. He also features a decent curveball. Toronto has continued to work with the youngster on hiding the ball and having a better flowing delivery. One reason I would stay away from Cecil if you are the pitch and ditch type is simply because this kid only went past six innings in just 5 of his 41 starts last season.
Meanwhile, Anthony Reyes takes the hill for the Indians. He has had success in small bunches, but his ability to chuck the bases full of runners is awfully scary. Stay away from Reyes against a still potent Toronto offense.
Houston vs. Washington 12:35 PM ET: Roy Oswalt (0-2, 3.82) vs. Scott Olson (1-3, 6.08)-
Oswalt has looked good, but simply hasn’t gotten much run support from his Astro teammates. Oswalt threw only 17 pitches in his last start, but should be fresh as the Astros look to split their series with the Nationals.
Scott Olson had his bet outing of the year in his last start, where he at one point struck out 6 out of the seven batters faced. Olson seems to be on the rebound, and his pitches seem to be at full strength. Olson is a good waiver wire candidate, considering he is 3-0 in his career against Houston.
Chicago vs. San Francisco 2:20 PM ET: Sean Marshall (0-1 3.32) vs. Tim Lincecum (2-1 3.16)-
Sean Marshall has struck out 15 in 18 innings pitched so far this season. His is only owned in 5% of leagues, and could be a pretty good flier in his next upcoming start. If he dominates a rather weak Giant offense, I would give him a chance in five days. Lincecum struck out 8 in seven innings in his last start against the power potent Dodgers, who roughed up Doug Davis last night.
Baltimore @ Tampa Bay 4:08 PM ET: Koji Uehara (2-2 4.50) vs. Matt Garza (2-2 3.82)-
Don’t get comfy with Koji, who suffered a bruised sternum in his last start. He has lasted in his starts though, and despite many believing that Uehara cannot strike out enough value, the Oriole starter has struck out 5 or more in his last three starts.
On the opposite side of the diamond, Matt Garza had one of his best starts to date, throwing a perfect game through six in his last start. Garza started ahead of the hitter 17 of his 24 batters faced. Garza is in control, and if you can somehow sneak a deal for this dealing maniac, do it.
Injuries and Notes:
Stephen Drew on the comeback- D-Backs shortstop Stephen Drew is about a week away from making his way back into the lineup. Drew is expected to start a rehab stint on Thursday. Drew’s hamstring is coming along pretty well, and is a big part of that offense. He should be back in the lineup at the end of the Diamondbacks’ homestand.
No Ankiel Fractures- MRI and Cat scans on the ankle of one Rick Ankiel show that there are no fractures. This is a good sign for the Cardinals, who will send Colby Rasmus out there in place of Ankiel. There has not been a decision yet on whether the Cardinals center fielder will hit the DL.
Cole will start- Hamels will throw a bullpen session today, and is still on pace to start Friday against the Braves. Many think that Hamels is back to full strength and his pitches are up to maximum velocity. We will have to wait and see until Friday.
Posada’s Hammy- Jorge Posada said he felt his hamstring “grab” this weekend. He is scheduled to have an MRI, and Kevin Cash will be called up if Posada needs some DL time.
Zambrano on the DL- Carlos Zambrano has been sent to the 15 day DL. Hours after Cubs management thought that Zambrano could miss his next start, the team placed him on the disabled list, after he tweaked his hamstring, running out a bunt single.
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