What a week this has been for sports fans. Every major sport is on display with the NFL draft, the basketball and hockey playoffs and the third week of the major league baseball season. What to watch? So many options. So many decisions. For me it was easy. I didn't miss a Diamondbacks game and I kept track of the draft on my computer in the press box. I'm sure you had multiple means of keeping track as well.
Lots of things to talk about from week 3 in baseball and it isn't even over.
We have several pitchers making solid comebacks after miserable 2009 seasons. Fausto Carmona, Nate Robertson and Francisco Liriano are just a few. I think we can buy any of those arms with confidence. I saw Kris Benson totally baffle one of the best offenses in baseball last night. He completely kept the Phillies off balance with a wide range of moving fastballs, sliders and everything else in the cupboard. Is he for real? I want to see it at least one more time before I buy in totally. But last night he was special. He could be a major sleeper. I have to remember that he is, after it's all said and done....Kris Benson.
I get concerned when pitchers leave a game with an arm injury. That was the case today with the Oakland A's Brett Anderson. So far the indication is that he has an issue with a slight cramp in his elbow. That's certainly better than a shoulder. However, we have to keep our eye on Anderson. Vin Mazzaro has been lights out in his minor league assignment and I wouldn't think it'll be too long until we see him back in the big leagues. The A's have outstanding pitching depth and very little hitting at the big league level. However, Chris Carter and Michael Taylor are knocking on the door.
It isn't only Jorge Posada who can't throw out a base runner. Victor Martinez has the same malady. I look for much more playing time for Jason Varitek behind the plate. Truth be told, he isn't much better than VMart. The Red Sox are said to be interested in the Diamondbacks Chris Snyder.
Speaking of the DBacks, Justin Upton reports he is much more comfortable with his swing. He feels he is this close (Bernie snaps his fingers) from returning to hitting form. No, we aren't all wrong about him. He's every bit the monster hitter we think he is. He gets in bad habits, loses patience and chases pitchers sliders down and away.
I saw Albert Pujols hit a home run using one hand while he was almost falling over in the batters box. He is so strong it can't be explained.
Jon Lester looked better on the mound this week. He usually starts slow. Now we wait for Justin Verlander to come back to form. And I'm not crazy about the start of the season for Tommy Hanson. I know they'll both rebound and give us what we're sure they can deliver.
Last year I profiled both Justin Smoak and Ike Davis in my Minor League Report for Rotowire. I said they were both close to the major leagues. Well, it happened for both this week. Smoak is by far the better prospect. Davis is a matter of circumstances. There are few other options for the Mets. I know Davis homered in his first game. Smoak is just a much better all around hitter.
The pressure is on in Washington. Stephen Strasburg has been lights out. I don't think it will be until June. I think he comes up in May. I'm just sayin. I guess I'm just hopin. I have him everywhere.
I don't mean to jinx him but Matt Lindstrom is really throwing the ball well for Houston.
Would you trade Stephen Drew for Bronson Arroyo? Orlando Cabrera is getting up there in years, isn't he? The DBacks need pitching. They can move Tony Abreu to shortstop.
Placido Polanco is such a big boost for the Phillies. He's just a solid, professional hitter and a good defender at third. It's a pleasure to watch him play. Ditto Jayson Werth. Good bat, power, excellent arm.
How about the late inning heroics of the Tigers Miguel Cabrera? What a monster year he's going to have.
Scouts often compare him to Manny. They can both turn a game around with one swing of the bat. Awesome power for Cabrera. Another injury for Manny. Father Time has come a calling.
I don't like moving Carlos Zambrano to the bullpen. What does that do for the Cubs? Yes, it allows a rotation slot for Ted Lilly, but Zambrano can still pitch. That's a whole lot of cold hard cash to pay a set-up man. It's another clue to me that there will be lots of changes on the south side this coming off season.
Clayton Kershaw had a tough outing on the road again today against Washington. And just how much did you pay for all the saves your getting from Jonathan Broxton. Ah, but the season is young (as you watch everyone else leap over you in that category.)
Cole Hamels can look like Cy Young one inning and Cy Old the next. Once he gets hit a little, the wheels come tumbling off. He has such a great arm with great stuff. But when he gets the ball up, see ya.
My featured prospect next week in my Rotowire column will be the Angels Hank Conger. The Angels have some injury issues behind the plate and Conger is gaining experience. Stop by the column and say hello.
That's it for Week 3. Remember- the big bats usually heat up in May. Be patient my friends.---Bernie