Fantasy Baseball Tonight: Apr. 19

Rookie Rick Porcello finally had the kind of outing that we thought was possible when he joined the team out of Spring Training. Porcello allowed just one run over seven innings, struck out three, and most importantly didn’t walk a batter. 

It might not have been against the most potent of offenses, but it was an improvement over his first start.  Porcello still has the chance to be fantasy relevant this year, but there will certainly be some bumps in the road along the way.

Carl Pavano had more success today in the new Yankee Stadium then he ever had in the old.  Of course, I think he pitched the same number of innings today as he did over his whole four year contract. 

He allowed only one run over six innings and whiffed four guys, but unfortunately didn’t factor in the decision.  After one horrible start and one below average one, Pavano showed a flash of what he had before he went to New York. Is this the sign of things to come?  I wouldn’t bet on it.

Todd Coffey got an eight out save today for the Brewers. Is this something that might continue in the future?  Carlos Villanuevawas supposed to be the closer until Trevor Hoffman was able to come back, but he has proven to be completely unable to do the job, allowing a run or more in each of his last three outings. 

Coffey did close for a short time in Cincinnati a few years back, so it is possible, but I would try to stay away from it completely if possible.

Zach Duke showed what I think are his true colors today as he allowed six runs in six innings, striking out just two.  Duke got off to the best start of his career since his rookie season, but I just don’t see it lasting. I predict you will see many more games like this, and fewer of his complete game shutout efforts of his last start.

Raul Ibanez has always been a quietly effective player, but this year he is off to an amazing start. Ibanez is hitting near .400 and connected on his fifth homer of the season on Sunday. 

He has only averaged 22 home runs over the past two seasons, so chances are he will go on a prolonged cold spell sometime soon. I would try to trade him away now, before that cold spell comes.

Toronto rookie Ricky Romero continued his incredible start, throwing seven shutout innings while striking out six.  After his first three starts, Romero’s ERA sits at an impressive 1.71. 

His minor league numbers suggest that this can’t continue, but so far, so good.  He has pitched at least six innings in each of his starts, and hasn’t walked more than two in any of them. 

Those are two areas where rookies tend to struggle.  Keep running Romero out there until the ride ends, but just be aware that it might not be running much longer.

Twins’ pitcher Glen Perkins continued his great start as he pitched eight innings for the third straight start. He still hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his three starts, and while his strikeouts keep him out of the elite, he is someone to consider grabbing to see how long this hot streak lasts. 

Perkins was 12-4 last season for Minnesota, this could be for real.

Injury News

B.J. Upton left the game on Sunday with some right quad tightness.  He isn’t supposed to miss much time.  In fact, he could be back as soon as Wednesday.  Take him out of your lineup when the Rays play again on Tuesday for sure.

Joe Mauer is targeting May 1st as his return from injury.  He is supposed to play a simulated game on Monday, before playing a serious of games with the rookie team and the minors. 

It will still be a couple of weeks if all goes well, but at least there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Brian McCann’s slump and absence from games is a result of blurred vision in his left eye.  He has been trying a few things to help it, but nothing has worked so far.  Some sort of surgery is a possibility, so I would suggest sitting McCann over the next couple of days if you have any alternative.  Hopefully a trip to the DL will be avoided.

As always, your comments and questions are welcome [e-mail]. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. 

To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru.  The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back!  Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries.  A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. 

I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site.  

They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.