Fantasy Baseball: Tuesday News and Notes

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• Stop me if you have heard this before. Red Sox face a pitcher for the first time. Said pitcher is also left-handed. Red Sox get impatient. Pitcher throws a gem. This is basically how Boston ends up looking against nearly every young pitcher, but it is particularly bad when the guy is a lefty. Brett Anderson was dominant, and not having to work very hard to get the win and giving up just two hits. He struck out nine, a new career high.
• John Smoltz continued to show some inconsistency in his performance. While there is something to be said for wanting to do well in his first home start, Smoltz had almost no command last night. His breaking pitches were up in the zone, causing him to get hit pretty hard. His fastball was ok, but his secondary pitches created the runs for Oakland.
• Jason Marquis now leads all of baseball in wins, recording his 11th of the season last night by beating the Nationals. His key has been keeping the ball on the ground, as he has recorded double-digit ground balls in nine of 10 starts. He has thrown 17 consecutive scoreless innings. Many of his peripherals suggest this pace cannot be maintained. If the right offer comes along, sell high.
• Take it for what you will, but Jimmy Rollins now has a five-game hitting streak, and multiple hits in four of his last five. In those games, Rollins is hitting 10-for-18 and has scored six runs. He looks better, there is no doubt about that. Owners should ride it out, but remain skeptical.
• The Giants placed Randy Johnson on the DL with a strain in his rotator cuff. Johnson felt discomfort during his last start, and needed to be removed early. It is likely that Jonathan Sanchez takes Johnson's spot in the rotation on Friday, according to initial reports.
• Dallas Braden will not make the start for the A's in Boston tonight. He has been placed on the bereavement list and Dana Eveland will make the start in his place. Eveland was roughed up in his last visit to Fenway Park, and has not made a good start on the road at all in his time in the majors.
• Raul Ibanez began his rehab assignment last night for the Phillies. He went hitless in two at-bats for Double-A, and will move to Lehigh Valley to get a couple games in at the Triple-A level. Ibanez reported no issues with the groin that has sidelined him since the middle of June. He is looking to return before the All-Star break.
• Simply amazing is the best way to describe the game thrown by Jarrod Washburn last night. The Mariners' pitcher threw a complete game shutout against the Orioles, allowing just one hit and not walking a batter. According to ESPN, the major change in Washburn has been the addition of a sinker to his pitch selection. It has helped him keep the ball in the park more effectively, and is shown in his 3.08 season ERA.
• Aramis Ramirez did indeed return to the Cubs' lineup last night. The third baseman was unable to record a hit, going 0-for-4, but his presence alone will help the Cubs' offense. He made contact in each at-bat, which is a good thing. Still, he is likely to be spelled here and there as he gets back in to game shape. Just be aware.

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