Atomic RoadRunners

With Chris Carpenter out for several months, the Cardinals are giving some of their pitching prospects a shot at the fifth starter job. First was P.J. Walters, who didn’t do well, but will stick in the bullpen. Now prospect Michell Boggs has the opportunity, and he did well last Saturday, with a win, one run (zero earned) in 5-2/3 innings. He’ll get the start against a weak Nationals team on Thursday, so we’ll give him a shot. “He always had the intangibles,” said pitching coach Dave Duncan. “He needed to develop the skills that seem to be coming together for him now.”

Originally drafted by The Pi Train in the 12th round of the minor league draft, Chad Gaudin finished third in the Cubs fifth-starter competition, and the Cubs released him in early April. The Pi Train followed suit. Gaudin then signed in the best possible situation – with the pitching-starved Padres in cavernous Petco Park. He’ll get the start today, so we’ll see how it goes before activating him. Gaudin is a high-risk option for the deepest of NL-only leagues, but the two starts make him at least mildly intriguing. Consider taking that flier now if you need a starter in Fantasy Week 4.

Versatile to play four infield positions, Brian Barden, the former Diamondbacks prospect, is in a good situation with the Cardinals. He’s half of the 3B platoon while Troy Glaus is out (through June, at least), and he’s also capable at SS and 2B. He can play 1B, but usually Chris Duncan will fill in for Pujols first. Barden has been seeing some time at short and will find himself in the lineup as long as he can remain productive. His ceiling is not very high, so this could end fairly quickly. However, anyone on this type of run is worth taking a flier on in NL-only play at least. He already has 3 HR and a .391 average in just 23 at-bats so far.

Braves OF Matt Diaz is finding his way into more playing time in Atlanta. Diaz will continue to make on-and-off starts for the Braves this season. He’s an excellent contact hitter with above-average pop, but because he doesn’t get regular at-bats, he’s not worth owning outside of deeper NL-only leagues. However, with platoon-mate Garrett Anderson hitting the Disabled List for a strained quadriceps, Diaz looks to be the go-to-guy in left, at least through April.

Diamondbacks reliever Juan Gutierrez wasn’t high on the closer food chain, but he has already moved past Jon Rauch to sit closer to manager Bob Melvin in his bullpen Circle of Trust. (Rotowire) Gutierrez has long-term potential, but he is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point. Acquired from Houston in the Jose Valverde-Chad Qualls del, Gutierrez has been very solid this season, and he struck out five in two scoreless innings Sunday, and looked good doing it.

Houston starter Felipe Paulino has teased us in the past. Once a high-profile (at least for the Astros) starter, injuries have cost Paulino most of 2007, and he was ineffective last season. However, in a spot start filling in for the injured Brian Moehler, he did not allow a run on three hits over six innings on Sunday against the Reds but still didn’t pick up the win. Paulino was saddled with a no decision as the Reds ended up winning by besting Geoff Geary later in the game. Paulino walked two and had six K’s. “We got a great start from Paulino,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “I think he did a terrific job today. He just kind of ran out of pitches a little bit, but I thought he was really overpowering, and he opened a lot of eyes.” Paulino was called up to make this start from Triple-A. If it was up to us, Paulino would not be going down to the minors again so soon after Sunday’s performance. He was dazzling while in the game. Paulino had only three career starts coming in to Sunday’s game and he was 2-1 with a 7.11 in 2006. Paulino was a top pitching prospect before arm injuries set him back. It seems his career is on track and now Houston will give him a shot. Consider him a NL-only Fantasy SP unless the matchups are great in his favor. That won’t be in Week 3 (April 20-26) however as he only pitches once against the Brewers and Yovani Gallardo on Friday. (CBS Sports)

In the mercurial St. Louis bullpen, Josh Kinney has an outsider’s chance at getting a few saves, but specifically, he should be a decent reliever. With Jason Motte’s blown save yesterday in the home opener, Kinney may have a chance to move up in the bullpen. Here’s his Rotoworld 2009 Outlook: The hope was that Kinney would be ready to pitch last April following March 2007 Tommy John surgery, but he was unable to make it back until September. At least he did impress when he finally returned, throwing seven scoreless innings down the stretch. Kinney throws 88-91 mph and has a pretty good slider that’s proven surprisingly useful against left-handed hitters. The Cardinals are essentially penciling him into Russ Springer’s old role, so the pressure will be on for him to become an effective setup man this year. He would be a possibility in the closer’s role if the younger relievers fail to secure the job, but he’s not a realistic long-term option there. (Rotoworld)

Cardinals rookie RP Jason Motte is an elite relief prospect, but he is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men down the stretch. If the Cardinals go with someone on staff as the closer in spring 2009, it would likely be Perez as the first choice at this point. Motte has 110 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings, so he clearly has good stuff. A converted catcher, he has not played in the majors, but he has good strikeout numbers in the minors. As a reliever, though, he shouldn’t matter much in Fantasy.

Braves SP James Parr tossed six sharp innings and combined with three relievers for a five-hitter to beat the Nationals in his major-league debut Thursday. Parr surrendered just two hits — both to Ronnie Belliard — walked three and struck out three. The 22-year-old right-hander didn’t allow a runner past second base. “What a night he had,” Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said. “He’s sneaky quick. He doesn’t light up the radar gun, but he’s got a little looping curve and a changeup. I was impressed. It’s a great way to break in.”

Parr, who was promoted on Tuesday, September 2nd, went 5-3 with a 3.23 ERA with Richmond, going 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA in his last three starts. “I didn’t want to change anything,” Parr said. “I just pitched the way I had been.” He threw 60 of his 101 pitches for strikes, and was never clocked at more than 88 mph. “I was a little nervous, just uncomfortable early,” he said. “It was very uncharacteristic of me to walk three guys (all in the first three innings). I struggled early, then turned it around later.” Parr might have impressed the Braves enough to get a second start, but he remains just a low-end NL-only option for now.

Parr pitched six more scoreless innings on September 9th, extending his scoreless streak to 12 innings since coming up from the minors and left with a 4-0 lead. The 22-year-old Parr was denied the win but did become the first Braves pitcher since Kyle Davies in 2005 to pitch 12 scoreless innings at the start of his career, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. And he’s the first Atlanta hurler since Larry McWilliams in July 1978 to go at least six scoreless innings in each of his first two big-league starts. Parr has had some beginner’s luck, but remains just a low-end Fantasy SP. (CBS Sports)

Mets RP Luis Ayala, acquired Sunday from Washington, pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two for his first save of the season Friday against the Astros. Aaron Heilman, who had filled in as closer with Billy Wagner (elbow) on the DL, pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out one. “Might see more of that as long as we’re seeing more of those types of results,” manager Jerry Manuel said of using Heilman and Ayala in the eighth and ninth. Heilman thrived in his short stint as Mets closer, so Manuel pulling the plug on him so soon makes little sense. Still, he’s the one calling the shots, so you have to consider Ayala the more favorable Fantasy option out of the Mets bullpen right now. He’ll likely have a short leash, though, so consider him only a No. 3 option. (CBS Sports)

Giants INF/C Pablo Sandoval moved over the first base on Sunday to earn a start against the Padres. Sandoval delivered again. He went 2-for-3 with an RBI, his third of the season in 31 at bats. Sandoval went 0-for-3 in his debut against Houston back on Aug. 14 and since has gotten at least one hit in every game he’s played. That’s eight straight now and he’s getting starts at first base and catcher as well. It looks as if the lowly Giants will give him the shot to play consistently and that could bump him up to a useful NL-only Fantasy catcher. (CBS Sports)

Reds rookie OF Chris Dickerson singled in the first inning Sunday, ending his extra-base streak. His first six hits in the majors were for extra bases — four doubles, a triple and a homer. Since the trade of Adam Dunn, Dickerson has taken over as the Reds’ leadoff man and a starter in center and/or left. Consider him a nice sleeper in Rotisserie leagues down the stretch, especially NL-only and long-term keeper formats. (CBS Sports)

Giants SP Noah Lowry is a protected-list gambit who is out for the season. Formerly a 14-game winner (though never that great a pitcher), he’ll have 2 years remaning on his $1 contract. He was acquired in the 2008 auction by Misogynistic Padres. Lowry (left arm surgery on March 7) opened the season on the 15-day disabled list, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 30. He was told April 30 to stop rehabbing. He resumed throwing in late July, and trainer Dave Groeschner said he could begin throwing off a mound in mid-August. Lowry is likely to miss the remainder of the season. Lowry won’t be able to help in Fantasy leagues until spring 2009 at this point. Consider him a candidate to be a nice comeback player, but drop him in annual formats right now. (CBS Sports)

Marlins RP Matt Lindstrom allowed one hit and no runs in 1 1/3 innings in relief of Scott Olsen during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Mets. Lindstrom struck out two. The Marlins optioned Lindstrom to the minors in late June when he posted a 0-1 record with a 16.62 ERA in 4 1/3 innings spanning six June outings. He returned in early July and has been nothing short of spectacular. He has not allowed a run in 11 outings spanning 11 1/3 innings. He also has 11 strikeouts in that span. The old Lindstrom is back and is once again a reliable Fantasy middle reliever. (CBS Sports)

Brandon Moss went 2-for-4 with two RBI as the Pirates fell to the Diamondbacks on Monday night. Moss had a two-run double to open a 3-0 lead Monday. The double gave the Pirates a double in each of their last 36 games. Since being acquired by the Pirates, he’s gone 4-for-12 with a homer, a double and two RBI. He should continue to see regular playing time in Pittsburgh’s outfield, and could prove a solid option in NL-only leagues this season. Moss is an outstanding addition in NL-only leagues at this point. There is pop in his bat and the rebuilding Pirates will give him a good long look down the stretch. (Rotoworld, CBS Sports)

Casey Blake, acquired by the Dodgers from Cleveland on Saturday for a pair of minor leaguers, started at third base Saturday night and was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Blake, who was batting .234 through the end of May, is hitting .352 in 45 games since then with 29 RBI. He is the fifth player to start at third base this season for Los Angeles. Blake is an outstanding addition in all NL-only leagues and is a streaky player that can impact any mixed Fantasy format, too. Consider him hot and a solid start in any league right now.

Blake was batting .289 for the Indians, but he’s been hot over the last month, with a .347 average, four home runs and 12 RBI in his last 21 games. This would obviously be a blow to anybody who owns him in AL-only formats, but Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues should get ready to invest on Blake off the waiver wire. He’ll get regular at-bats at third base it appears and will be a solid corner infield option in those leagues. (CBS Sports)

Phillies starter Joe Blanton was making his first start for the Phillies since being acquired from Oakland last week to solidify a shaky rotation on Tuesday vs. the Mets. He took the spot of Adam Eaton, who was 3-8 with a 5.71 ERA. Blanton came in having thrown 15 shutout innings against the Mets in two starts for the A’s and he looked as if he were pitching to form until he walked Jose Reyes on four pitches to open the third. He gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings and picked up a no decision. Blanton didn’t have the debut Philly fans would have liked, but the Phils won the game anyway. Still, Blanton hasn’t exactly been on target in his last eight outings. He’s given up at least four runs five times over that span and is just 2-5. Target him in NL-only leagues because he works deep into games and has better potential than he’s shown so far, but he obviously won’t give you an instant ace the way CC Sabathia and Rich Harden did. He was a two-start pitcher this week and his next start comes Sunday against the Braves. (CBS Sports)

Jaime Garcia will make his first major league start next Sunday against the Padres. “Garcia is here, so we should see what he can do,” said pitching coach Dave Duncan. “It’s a good spot to see how he handles himself.” He tossed two scoreless innings in relief on Friday night, but his fastball topped out at 90 mph and he couldn’t seem to locate his curveball. The 22-year-old was 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season, while fanning 98 batters in 103 2/3 innings. He projects as a solid third starter, but it’d be ill-advised to expect big things this season.

Making his major league debut last week, Jaime Garcia pitched two scoreless innings of relief to help secure a victory over the Pirates. Garcia looked pretty fantastic. He allowed just one hit while striking out two and won a lot of individual battles after falling behind in the count. He’s definitely worth checking out in NL-only leagues if he joins the Cards’ rotation after the All-Star break. For now, he provides the Cardinals with some much-needed left handed relief. (Rotoworld)

Minor League Ball’s John Sickels had a glowing review, but questions the timing of the move for the Cardinals:

Jaime Garcia was drafted by the Cardinals in the 22nd round in 2005. He made his pro debut in the Midwest League in 2006 and was quite effective, entering 2007 as one of the better left-handed prospects in the game. But he was erratic last year for Double-A Springfield. He went 5-9, 3.75 with a 97/45 K/BB in 103 innings, with 93 hits allowed. Not bad at all for the Texas League, but not dominant. Of greater concern was inconsistent velocity: he was his usual 89-93 MPH self at times, but also had several starts where he was working in just the mid-to-upper 80s with less life in the ball. His command was also inconsistent, and the pieces of the mystery came together when he went on the DL last July with a sore elbow.

The pain was traced to a strained ligament, but surgery was avoided. He rehabbed, and looks like he’s come back healthy this spring. His stuff is back to 2006 standards, upper-80s to lower-90s fastball with a very strong curveball. He’s also continued to make progress with his changeup, and right now it looks like he got through the elbow problem without ill effect.

His performance has been solid this year. He began back at Springfield for a tuneup, going 3-2, 2.06 with a 41/16 K/BB in 35 innings. Promoted to Triple-A Memphis, he’s held his own in his first look at the PCL, going 4-4, 4.06 wtih a 56/21 K/BB in 64 innings, 64 hits allowed. He has a 1.98 GO/AO ratio in Triple-A and is keeping the ball in the park with just five gophers given up.

He’s doing well, but I would be leery about promoting him to the majors right now. His control is still a bit shaky at times, and he’s alternated some outstanding outings (June 26th, 10 Ks in 6.2 innings for example) with weaker ones (eight walks in ten innings combined on June 15th and 21st). He is showing a reverse platoon split, with lefty hitters tagging him at .333 but right-handed hitters just .230.

I like Garcia but he needs more consolidation time in Triple-A. If I were the Cardinals, I would consider him a possible September call-up, but would avoid promoting him to the majors in July or August unless it was a huge emergency and no one else was available. He is still refining his command and needs to get further down the road from the elbow trouble. I gave him a Grade B in the book this year, and right now I will keep that rating the same.

Reds RHP Jared Burton, a Rule 5 pick two years ago, is on a four-game winning streak and owns a 0.73 ERA over his last 20 appearances (24 2/3 innings, two earned runs). Burton is a solid middle reliever for deeper leagues that use true middle men. He could develop into a closer someday, but Francisco Cordero has a long-term deal he signed this winter, so don’t expect it at this point. He’s certainly a better option than David Weathers in the Cincinnati bullpen.

Braves prospect Tommy Hanson threw a 14-strikeout no-hitter for Double-A Mississippi on Wednesday night. The right-hander issued three walks in the 6-0 win against Birmingham in Pearl, Mississippi. The 21-year-old hadn’t been blowing people away so far in Double-A and the no-hitter only lowered his ERA to 4.32 through 50 innings in Mississippi. He does average nearly a strikeout per inning and is certainly on the map now with the impressive no-hitter. Fantasy owners don’t need to worry about adding him off the waiver wire in seasonal formats just yet as the Braves have no plans to call him up this season, but he’s worth at least keeping an eye on in keeper formats. (CBS Sports)

Sean Marshall will start for the Cubs on Tuesday, taking the roster spot of Carlos Zambrano. In three starts since missing time with a hamstring issue, Marshall has allowed just five runs in 16 innings, including an eight-inning, one-run effort on Thursday. He’ll likely make just two starts, against the Orioles and White Sox, before Carlos Zambrano returns, but could have short-term value in NL-only leagues. (Rotoworld)

Marshall was also on the 2007 Atomic Roadrunners. He was acquired for $6 FAAB on May 29th, 2007 (OF Todd Linden was cut to create the roster spot). Welcome back Sean!

Marlins SP Josh Johnson, who had Tommy John surgery last August, made his first rehab start Saturday, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out seven in five innings for Class A Greensboro. He’s expected to make his next rehab start for Class A Jupiter. Johnson wasn’t expected back until September or so, but if he can get through a month of rehab without any trouble, he could be back in Florida next month. He is a top prospect and a DL stashee for all leagues where you can afford to wait until his return. There will be plenty reports on his progress in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. (CBS Sports)

Brewers SP Seth McClung continued his resurgence as a starter, lifting the Brewers to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. McClung (4-3) continued his superb turnaround since leaving the long relief role in the bullpen, scattering two runs and four hits, including a solo home run by Jason Kubel. He didn’t issue a walk and struck out four. The righty nicknamed “Chucky” after the horror movie character has pitched six innings in each of his last three starts, giving up a total of five earned runs with 13 strikeouts against just one walk. “My mechanics have always been fine, it’s just mentally, a mindset of just really not trying to overthrow that’s gotten me where I am right now,” said McClung, who was once a top-rated prospect in the Tampa Bay system before injuries and inconsistency eventually led the organization to trade him last season. McClung has done well with the Brewers, but we still like him more just as a NL-only Fantasy option. His next scheduled start is for Saturday against the Orioles. (CBS Sports)

Charlie Morton won in his major league debut, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 9-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. Morton, whose contract was purchased from the Braves’ Triple-A Richmond club earlier in the day, allowed three runs and five hits in six innings with four strikeouts and a walk. The 24-year-old right-hander is the ninth pitcher to start a game for the Braves, who have John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton on the disabled list. A third-round pick in the 2002 draft, Morton threw 64 of his 104 pitches for strikes. He was 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in his first season at Triple-A and didn’t allow a home run in his 79 innings. He now finds himself in a contender’s rotation and is a must-add in all NL-only leagues and long-term keeper leagues at this point. His numbers suggest he can help in mixed leagues as well. His next start is slated for Thursday afternoon at Texas. (CBS Sports)

Astros RP Doug Brocail, in to close a one-run game Saturday against the Phillies because Jose Valverde needed night off after taking a line drive to the face, loaded the bases with one out before left fielder Darin Erstad caught a Shane Victorino fly ball and threw out Pedro Feliz attempting to score. “I felt like a 4-year-old child running out to high-five Erstad,” said Brocail, who earned his second save in as many chances. “It’s rejuvenating.” Brocail looks like the fallback option for Valverde, but Houston won’t use him to close games very often. Leave him for deeper NL-only leagues that require the use of true middle men. (CBS Sports)