The Scoop

By Dalton Del Don

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about Edwin Encarnacion’s dreadfully slow start. Not only did he enter Thursday with an .083 average, but he’s also committed three errors already. He hit .221 with no homers last April, so slow starts are nothing new to him. Still, a day off Wednesday and extra work in the cage may have done Encarnacion some good, as he clubbed his second homer of the season Thursday. Looking deeper, there are some other encouraging signs; he’s already walked more than a quarter (10) of his total last season (39) in 475 fewer at-bats, so his pitch recognition is really improving. Of course, Dusty Baker probably views this as a negative.

Staying with the Reds, forward thinking owners might want to stash Homer Bailey now, even in shallower leagues. He’s shown a big improvement in the command department during his last two starts in Triple-A and still possesses major strikeout potential. On a team that’s employing Josh Fogg in the starting rotation, there really should be no hesitation to make the switch if Bailey’s control continues to progress.

When I’m driving and go out of my way to let you in my lane, a courtesy wave of acknowledgement really is required. I mean, is that too much to ask?

Don’t look now, but ESPN poster boy Bobby Crosby is off to a fast start. He’s still an obvious injury concern and not displaying the kind of power most thought would develop, but after striking out once every 4.7 at-bats during his career entering 2008, he’s fanned just once during 36 ABs this year. No one should count on him staying healthy, but there is some upside here.

I know how the world is going to end. At least for 90-95 percent of us. It’s not if, it’s when?

Brett Favre hasn’t been retired for more than a month, and we are already subjected to will he come back rumors? This feels like an SNL skit or something.

I’m not sure what to make of Zack Greinke. He’s got upside, but he probably isn’t quite as good as his second half last year (2.42 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). But with his mind finally right, there was potential entering 2008, and after allowing just one run against terrific Tiger and Yankee offenses, optimism is abound. However, that accompanying 5:4 K:BB ratio suggests he’s been mighty lucky.

Adam LaRoche got on the board with his first homer of the year Wednesday, but his history in April is remarkable. Throughout his career, he’s now hit .174/.271/.341 during the first month of the season. That comes with a staggering 96 strikeouts over 299 at-bats.

Chuck James is getting overlooked right now. Sure, he’s pitching with a damaged shoulder, but that’s also true with many pitchers, and he feels much better after an offseason of rest. He posted a legit 2.75:1 K:BB ratio over the second half last season with a 1.21 WHIP. He gives up too many flyballs, but his changeup is nasty, and the shelling during his season debut Wednesday came in Coors Field and with another stellar K:BB rate. Let him get the cobwebs out after a truncated spring, but James shouldn’t be unowned in any deep league right now.

I’ve never been more excited about someone who was born in the 1990s, but Angel Villalona is Babe Ruth and Jesus Christ wrapped into one.

Whether or not Austin Kearns’ power will ever return is up in the air, but his component numbers are very encouraging early on. Dating back to last season, his strikeout and walk rates are both moving sharply in the right direction. He’s going to have quite a bit of RBI opportunities if Nick Johnson somehow stays healthy this season.

If Ned Yost removes Manny Parra from the rotation instead of David Bush once Yovani Gallardo returns, then he’s even more inept than I gave him credit for. He should be fired on the spot if this takes place.

One of the worst trades in recent memory that doesn’t get a lot of play involved Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka for Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young. Of course, the ballparks do skew some of the pitching stats, but imagine what Gonzalez would do out of Petco.

Francisco Liriano seems to be dealing with some psychosomatic problems. The team says he’s perfectly healthy, but he’s afraid to go all out with his fastball and is throwing far too many sliders. This is hardly rare for someone coming back from TJ surgery, but for the good of baseball, hopefully Liriano’s velocity eventually comes all the way back.

The Giants are looking for a left-handed hitting first baseman and are active in trade discussions, but club officials said they have no interest in Dan Johnson, whom the A’s designated for assignment. Of course they don’t! Why would a rebuilding team want to take a cheap flier on a 28-year-old with a career .298/.388/.517 line in the minors and a 1.07:1 K:BB ratio in the majors when they have Rich Aurilia? Also, Johnson’s disappointing last couple of years can at least partially be blamed on injuries. Brian Sabean’s legacy as GM is turning into an even bigger train wreck than this.

Top-5 Rap Songs

1. “Ambition Az A Ridah” (2Pac)
2. “Juicy” (Biggie)
3. “It Was A Good Day” (Ice Cube)
4. “Triumph” (Wu Tang Clan)
5. “Adrenaline” (The Roots)


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17 responses to “The Scoop”

  1. N Avatar
    N

    Adrian Gonzalez = Ryan Howard in Petco.

    And I always give the courtesy wave on principle.

  2. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    I am pretty optimistic about Greinke. He always had been likened to Greg Maddux, although I never remember Maddog hitting 95 on the gun consistently. My point is Maddux seemed to always be extra lucky in that he made batters swing and make poor contact which I think Greinke will do as well. Greinke is my AL Breakout pitcher candidate and think he will help bring the swagger back to the Royals. Butler is a STUD to be also. lol

  3. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    N – Agreed Gonzo would be a monster out of Petco. And glad to hear you observe my wave rules.

    The Jewru – I do like Greinke. And it is weird he’s comped with Maddux when his velocity is much better.

  4. Donald Trump Avatar
    Donald Trump

    If you really need some insurance at 3B, and need some insurance at SP, would you rather stash EE or edwin jackson?
    I don’t understand this Angel Villalona comment.
    Courtesy wave is a must.
    1. U can’t touch this (MC Hammer). Seriously, a little respect please.
    2. Picture me rollin (tupac)
    3. Rabbit Run (eminim)
    4. Murder was the Case (snoop)
    5. Hail Mary (tupac)

  5. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Stash EE.

    Villalona is the man.

    I actually strongly considered Picture me rollin and Murder was the Case. And it’s hard not to like U can’t touch this.

  6. Eddie Avatar

    “Juicy” is just unstoppable.

    I offered an owner Greinke for Billy Butler because I’m kind of hurting at 1B. It’s kind of an upside-for-upside deal, but I’m wondering who has more potential to remain consistent–Greinke’s lack of K’s (granted, in two starts) has me thinking he might not be the type of pitcher I covet.

  7. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    Hey Eddie,
    As you can see from my comments I am a huge on both of the Royals, but Greinke is the clear choice here. You have to remember he faced to of the best hitting lineups loaded with HIGH OBP disciplined hitters. When he faces some of the weaker more free swinging lineups the K’s will be there and the ratio of K’s to BB will widen.

  8. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Last year Greinke struck out 47 over 52 second half innings. Mind you, some of that came in the pen, where it’s easier to rack up Ks since you can go all out 1 inning at a time, but he def. has K potential and I agree with Jewru he’ll start picking up the pace there soon enough.

    However, for me, it’s not a clear choice b/w Greinke and Butler. Basically I’d value them fairly evenly and make that decision based on personal team needs. Although a dominant starter is harder to come by than a dominant DH.

  9. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    Augh, where’s the Kool Keith? Honestly, pfft. Here are The Real Top-5:

    1. “Blue Flowers” (Dr. Octagon)
    2. “Critical Beatdown” (Ultramagnetic MC’s)
    3. “Earth People” (Dr. Octagon)
    4. “3000” (Dr. Octagon)
    5. “Kool Keith Housing Things” (Ultramagnetic MC’s)

    Fuckin’ A.

  10. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I was VERY, VERY close to putting “Blue Flowers” on there but figured no one would even know who he was so I sold out and went mainstream. Good calls, Dreamweapon. Although your utter disregard for Dr. Doom is disappointing.

  11. randy Avatar
    randy

    hi, in the offseason for football keeper league, should i keep or trade selvin young and pierre thomas, do i move them for first round pick or sit because now is the time to do one or the other———-thanks randy

  12. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I actually like both these guys, and surprisingly, I like Pierre Thomas even more. My guess is that Selvin Young is more likely to get touches than Thomas, BUT, Shanahan has bluntly stated he doesn’t view him as an every down back, so even if Denver doesn’t draft a RB (which could easily happen), and Travis Henry goes down, Young would probably still be in a time share – although I do like him as a player and the Denver system brings huge upside.

    P. Thomas may not start the season as much in the picture, but from what I saw last year, he’s easily a better running back than Reggie Bush. And even if Deuce returns, he’s coming off a second torn knee and microfracture surgery on the other knee – translation – he’s done for.

    If you can get a first round pick for Selvin Young – and assuming there will be some decent options there – I’d do it. I’d hold onto Pierre Thomas.

  13. Robby Avatar
    Robby

    Didn’t you say that The Streets was the Radiohead of rap? What gives leaving him off there? Those were some pretty uninspired selections.

  14. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    What is this? Today was the first time you read this site in weeks? I think you’re the uninspired one. And how do you say that and then not give me your personal top-5? Weak. I almost put Willie D on there.

  15. Robby Avatar
    Robby

    Ha – I read this a while back but didn’t respond. I’ll have to think a bit and get back to you on top-5 songs. Top-5 albums is easier. I’ll post in a day or two. Call me sometime…

  16. Robby Avatar
    Robby

    OK, fine – Top 5 Rap songs (subject to change)

    1. I Used to Love H.E.R. – Common Sense
    2. The Seed 2.0 – The Roots
    3. Satisfied – J-Live
    4. Still Standing – The Goodie Mob
    5. Glock Nines Remix – Ratatat, Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel

  17. Robby Avatar
    Robby

    Did you ever DL or listen to any of these songs?

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