BY ADAM RONIS
So far I have received no angry emails or comments regarding recommendations. I know I have pimped Pirates closer Matt Capps strongly and don't be upset after tonight's performance. The line stinks, but look at it realistically. He came into a 9-4 game with two runners on in the top of the ninth against the Braves. He walked the first two, very uncharacteristic for him, to score one run and allowed a two-run single to Chipper Jones. He retired Mark Teixeira for the second out and the game should have been over when Brian McCann hit a fly ball to left, but Jason Bay apparently lost in the lights and Jones scored all the way from first to tie the score at 9. He didn't enter in a save situation and won't lose his job. It's one game. Don't worry!!!
Xavier Nady ended that game with a three-run homer, his second of the night. Nady is streaky and should only be used in NL-only leagues or very deep mixed leagues.
Two guys I have touted also had good games. It's just one game, so I won't go crazy. Nate McLouth went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs. He played very well late last season and helps in the stolen base category too.
Yunel Escobar went 3-for-4 with a walk, triple and three RBIs. In some leagues he is eligible at second, short, and third, which is very valuable.
Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson left the game with a knee injury. He is the usual "day-to-day." This is something to keep an eye on because he experienced soreness during the spring. Martin Prado replaced him tonight, but if Johnson misses times, I see Ruben Gotay playing against the Mets on Friday and having a big day. Can't you see it now?
The Cardinals-Rockies game was postponed with the Cards ahead 5-1. The game will be started over Tuesday and the stats won't count. So those Albert Pujols owners laughing after a home run today, hold it back. Adam Wainwright owners get hurt, while Jeff Francis owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
The day of ex-Mets excelling continued in the Twins-Angels game. Carlos Gomez went 2-for-3 with two runs, a double and two steals. The only question is if he can get on base regularly because he stuggled last season with the Mets. His speed makes him a solid fantasy player.
Speaking of speed, Michael Bourn stole two bases for the Astros. Again, the question with him is can he get on base enough to steal? He should be a great source of steals and runs.
Comments (2)
Man,I was the same way about Capps,I was talking all winter about what a great reliver he could be,then had to hear trash talk when I drafted him,then he blows up opening night. Hopefully it's only a one night thing,or I'min some bad trouble.
Don't worry about Capps. If the fly ball wasn;t lost by Jason Bay, it wouldn't be an issue.