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Gagne with a spoon!
Gagne with a spoon!  | | Eric Gagne was given a brief mental break. Give us a break. ((US Presswire)) | |
| Drafting the right closers might be the toughest task in all of Fantasy. David Gonos takes a look at what's happened to date at the volatile position and what the future might hold in his latest Around the Diamond. Full story | |
MLB Scores
| Most added players in CBSSports.com leagues (as of 5/12) |
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1.
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Ryan Ludwick, OF, Cardinals
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11.
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Jesse Litsch, SP, Blue Jays
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2.
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Rich Harden, SP, Athletics
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12.
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Gavin Floyd, SP, White Sox
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3.
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Ryan Franklin, RP, Cardinals
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13.
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Greg Smith, SP, Athletics
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4.
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Vicente Padilla, SP, Rangers
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14.
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John Lackey, SP, Angels
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5.
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Justin Duchscherer, SP, Athletics
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15.
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Andrew Miller, SP, Marlins
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6.
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Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies
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16.
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Daniel Cabrera, SP, Orioles
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7.
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Blake DeWitt, 3B, Dodgers
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17.
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Mike Mussina, SP, Yankees
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8.
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Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
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18.
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Garrett Olson, SP, Orioles
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9.
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Chris Snyder, C, Diamondbacks
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19.
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Ryan Church, OF, Mets
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10.
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Milton Bradley, OF, Rangers
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20.
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Aaron Cook, SP, Rockies
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| Complete CBSSports.com player rankings |
Exclusive Features
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 C. Buchholz lands on DL
Clay Buchholz, SP BOS
News: The Boston Herald reports that Clay Buchholz is going to be placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a broken fingernail on his right middle finger. OF Jonathan Van Avery was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket for Wednesday's matinee at Baltimore.
Analysis: With Buchholz on the DL and an off day Thursday, the Red Sox will probably call up Justin Masterson to pitch a game next week, considering his fabulous one-start audition last month. Buchholz remains one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and this shouldn't cost him more than two weeks on the DL.
Profile
 Lackey comes off DL for start
John Lackey, SP ANA
News: The Angels activated RHP John Lackey and 2B/SS Maicer Izturis from the 15-day DL. To make room on the roster, they optioned 1B Kendry Morales and reliever Darren O'Day to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Analysis: Lackey should be a two-start pitcher in Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25), but track his progress coming out of his return start before you make a roster decision on him. He is a must-add in all leagues off the waiver wire immediately, though.
Profile
Feldman pitches well in no decision
Scott Feldman, RP TEX
News: Rangers starter Scott Feldman pitched seven solid innings in a no-decision Thursday afternoon against the Mariners. He allowed three runs -- one earned -- off six hits and did not walk a batter. He struck out four.
Analysis: Feldman has pitched into the seventh inning in two of his last three starts and has quietly been a decent producer in AL-only formats. He's worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues for weeks in which he faces two starts. In Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25), Feldman lines up for two starts at Minnesota and at Cleveland.
Profile
Washburn picks up bonus save
Jarrod Washburn, SP SEA
News: J.J. Putz (1-1) worked two scoreless innings in Thursday's extra-inning win at Texas before Jarrod Washburn, Friday's scheduled starter against San Diego, worked a perfect 12th for his first career save. Washburn was the eighth pitcher used by Seattle.
Analysis: At this time, it does not appear the appearance will affect his scheduled start on Sunday. He was used in a pinch on his throw day and should be fine for his start against San Diego. Think of him as more of an AL-only Fantasy pitcher to be used on two-start weeks.
Profile
Putz picks up extra-inning win
J.J. Putz, RP SEA
News: J.J. Putz (1-1) worked two scoreless innings in Thursday's extra-inning win at Texas before Jarrod Washburn, Friday's scheduled starter against San Diego, worked a perfect 12th for his first career save. Washburn was the eighth pitcher used by Seattle. Putz allowed just one hit and a walk and struck out two batters.
Analysis: Putz has settled in after returning from his ribcage injury and has not allowed a run in his last five innings of work. He saved 40 games for the Mariners in 2007 and should still be considered a No. 1 Fantasy closer in most leagues while healthy.
Profile
Silva leaves with tight lower back
Carlos Silva, SP SEA
News: Carlos Silva overcame a sluggish start Thursday afternoon at Texas to retire 17 of his last 19 batters before leaving with one out in the seventh because of tightness in his lower back. Silva allowed two earned runs off five hits and struck out four. He did not factor in the decision.
Analysis: Silva dealt with a thigh injury earlier this season, but he did not miss a start. Now, he is in danger of missing his next start on May 21 at Detroit. Back injuries are tricky with pitchers and Fantasy owners should definitely monitor his progress over the weekend before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, he's mainly just a matchup AL-only pitcher for Fantasy purposes anyway.
Profile
Washington: Blalock's hamstring is fine
Hank Blalock, 3B TEX
News: Rangers 3B Hank Blalock, out since April 29 with a torn left hamstring, had a pregame workout on the field Wednesday with manager Ron Washington. "He did well," Washington said. "What I put him through today, the hamstring is fine. ... I put him through some vigorous stuff. He was right on it."
Analysis: Blalock is scheduled to play a rehabilitation game Thursday for Double-A Frisco. He could rejoin the Rangers this weekend for the interleague series against Houston. Continue to track his progress leading up to the next scoring period. Blalock last played in a game April 25. He was hitting .299 with three homers and seven RBI before going on the shelf. He has been hit by the injury bug the last few seasons, but looked locked in at the plate before going on the DL. He is a big-time injury-risk sleeper in Fantasy when healthy. Now might be the time to start adding him in Fantasy leagues (owned in 40 percent).
Profile
Vidro out again with back issue
Jose Vidro, DH SEA
News: Mariners DH Jose Vidro missed Wednesday's game at Texas with a recurring case of back spasms. He has missed eight of the last 10 games because of the injury.
Analysis: Vidro lowered his batting average to .193 on Monday. He has batted .105 (2-for-19) over his last five games, and his struggles had much to do with the Mariners calling up C Jeff Clement. Vidro's lack of power makes him not worth using outside of AL-only leagues, especially given his ongoing back issues.
Profile
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