MLB Fantasy Baseball: Tuesday News and Notes

• When you look at how CC Sabathia has simply dominated the NL, you have to question if there really is that much strength coming from that league at all. Sabathia was pitching well for Cleveland, but has managed to now throw five complete games and go 7-0 against his NL opponents. He's a good pitcher, but is he really this dominant?
• Greg Maddux going back to the Dodgers doesn't necessarily have any material fantasy impact. He was dominant in Petco because of how large the park was. Dodger Stadium is still a pitcher's park, but not to the same degree. Maddux has struggled as much in NL West parks as he has in other road parks. Take note and don't look to use him until he pitches well at home once first (when the trade has been completed).
• In what can only be considered complete bad news, Ian Kinsler has been put on the 15-day DL with a sports hernia that could likely end his season. Kinsler has been one of the two best second basemen in the American League and has carried many teams that grabbed him early on in drafts. Guys like Mike Aviles are still around in a few leagues, and there is still the opportunity to look to Kaz Matsui or Mark Ellis in many cases. We just can't tell you the production will be the same.
• In a piece of news that has to be put in just because it is beyond funny, Carl Pavano is in the mix to start for the Yankees on Saturday. Insert your own joke here.
• Paul Maholm pitched at least six innings for his 19th-straight start, the most since Doug Drabek did so back in 1992 (thanks to Yahoo! sports for that one). He gave up just two runs in seven innings, but came up with the no decision. Maholm isn't given much respect because of playing for Pittsburgh, but the fact is he can flat out pitch and has dominated left-handed hitting all season.
• The 'Table doesn't like to talk about injuries, but that's what we're doing here again. Justin Duchscherer left last night's game against the Twins with an apparent hip injury that could sideline him for his next start. Kirk Saarloos stapped in to pitch well in the A's win and could get the turn in the rotation if it gets to that point.
• Ryan Braun left last night's game in the sixth inning with tightness in his back. This is something that he has experienced a couple times already this season and seems to be a lingering problem. The Brewers need him healthy, so expect them to be cautious this series for certain. If you have another option ready, use them today and potentially tomorrow.
• Jeremy Guthrie pitched another solid game for Baltimore, giving up just two runs over seven innings. He suffered the loss, but this was a game that was pitched well on both sides. He gave up just two solo home runs to Jason Bay and Jason Varitek, but lowered his ERA at home to 3.40 for the season. He's only 65 percent owned, but is pitching much better than that this month, going 3-1 so far with a 1.50 ERA.
• Nick Blackburn went eight solid innings last night, but suffered the loss against Oakland. Blackburn's benefit is largely when he pitches at home, and that's something that is not unique to the Minnesota staff. Minnesota pitchers should be started in almost every opportunity at home.
• Checking in from the "This Was Obvious" department, Randy Wolf was roughed up on the road and Jarrod Washburn was roughed up period. Wolf's situation got so bad he gave up a bases loaded single to Sabathia that scored two runs.

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