The Scoop

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

Jorge Julio is currently sporting a hard to fathom 2/11 K/BB ratio. If you haven’t already, cut bait, and don’t look back.

Matt Cain has allowed a total of three hits over the last 14 innings pitched and has zero wins to show for it. He’s 0-1 on the year despite a 1.80 ERA.

Kyle Lohse is worth picking up. He probably won’t maintain an ERA better than 4.0, but the NL has transformed worse pitchers into valuable fantasy commodities. He’s pitching for a contract at season’s end, and that 19/2 K/BB ratio is hard to ignore.

Scott Olsen makes for a good buy low candidate right now. His control problems won’t lead to a great WHIP, but he does figure to improve his command enough to get his ERA in the 3.80 range. Plus, he’ll be a big asset in strikeouts. Go after him before he faces the Nationals later this week, as there isn’t a better cure for your ills than Washington’s impotent lineup.

Tim Lincecum has been flat-out dominant at Triple-A Fresno, striking out 28 in 18 2/3 scoreless innings. He’s worth a roster spot right now.

Last week in my deep, 15-team NFBC league, I bid $195 (out of my allotted $1,000 FAAB) on Adam Lind, only to lose him to the top bidder at $205. I’m mad I didn’t go ahead and go higher because in a league this deep, he’ll be worth it. Especially if he sees more time in the No. 2 hole like he has been.

I can admit when I’m wrong. I clearly underrated Ian Snell going into this year. Score one for the RotoScoop readers who called me out on it, because Snell has opened the year on a tear, striking out 20 batters in as many innings. Although shutting down the Cardinals’ offense, whom he has faced twice, isn’t quite as impressive as it used to be.

Alfonso Soriano and Manny Ramirez have as many home runs as I do this year.

How about the Dallas Mavericks sitting out basically their whole team against Golden State Tuesday, almost asking for the Warriors in round one. If I’m the Clippers, I’m none too pleased. Golden State, by the way, is the only team with a winning record against Dallas this year, sweeping the season series 3-0.

There isn’t a better block of television than HBO Sunday night’s right now. Of course you’ve got The Sopranos and Entourage, but also De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7 – a four part series leading up to the May 5 fight. Bringing in trainer Freddie Roach could be key to De La Hoya’s chances, and he certainly looks motivated for what could be his last fight. And I also worry about Mayweather’s confidence, as he doesn’t seem to have much of it. Forget Roy Jones, pound for pound, Mayweather is the best (non-heavyweight) boxer of our generation, and he’s going to prove it by soundly beating the Golden Boy come May 5.