On to the roundup for the week...
Breaking News: we are fast approaching the trading deadline of July 31st. As mentioned last week, we did see the A's move Joe Blanton to the Phillies. Let's look into our crystal ball and see who else may be moving either into or out of the American League by next week.
1. Robinson Cano - Rumors have the Dodgers looking at Cano for Derek Lowe and Matt Kemp. I doubt this would happen.
2. Garrett Atkins, Brian Fuentes, Matt Holliday - All have been mentioned in Trades between the Rockies and the Angels. Nick Adenhart would be moved to the Rockies in any deal. I do not see Holliday moving, but the Angels have enough prospects to get Atkins.
3. Barry Bonds - Yes, his name is out there again, this time in conjunction with the New York Yankees. Again, doubtfull, but the Yankees do like to make a splash.
4. Xavier Nady, Jason Bay - The Yankees could try and pry either guy from the Pirates. Nady could be the most likely to go since the Pirates have Rookie
Steven Pearce waiting in the wings.
Should be fun to see if any of the above players do end up moving.
Injuries:
Erik Bedard (SP, SEA) - He will not pitch again till August.
Jose Contreras (SP, CWW) - Elbow tendinitis has him out indefinitely.
Who's Hot:
Carlos Quentin (OF, CHW) - Now has 26 HRs for the season and leads the AL.
Grady Sizemore (OF, CLE) - Power/speed combination: he has 25 HRs and 24 SBs.
Evan Longoria (3B, TB) - Rookie now has 19 dingers for the year.
Who's Not:
Chone Figgins (3B, LAA) - A .269 BA and 11 RBIs from a corner guy? Please.
Gary Sheffield (DH, DET) - Hitting only .221 with 7 HRs. His time with the Tigers may end soon.
Fantasy Studs (Last 7 Days):
1. Howie Kendrick (2B, LAA) - Went 11-21 , a .524 BA.
2. Robinson Cano (2B, NYY) - Batted .519, going 14-27.
3. Melvin Mora (3B, BAL) - Smashed 3 dingers and had 13 RBIs.
Fantasy Duds (Last 7 Days):
1. Nick Swisher (OF, CHW) - Went 4-18 a .222 BA.
2. Hank Blalock (3B, TEX) - Looked rusty going 4-21, a .190 average.
3. Cliff Floyd (DH, TB) - Getting less playing time, his 1-10 week will not help.
Got a fantasy question you would like answered in my column? Send it to me via
e-mail at mikek@creativesports.com. Until next week, I wish you the best of luck.