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Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - June 27

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

Injury Report

Josh Hamilton, OF (Texas Rangers) - Hamilton had been sidelined for the past few games due to left knee inflammation. The Rangers attempted to bring him back for Thursday's game against the Astros, but after he was hit on the left hand by a pitch in his first at-bat, they took him out to avoid further injury. If Hamilton is out for an extended period, Brandon Boggs, Frank Catalanotto and Marlon Byrd will receive more playing time. Monitor Hamilton's injury closely.

Shaun Marcum, SP (Toronto Blue Jays) - Marcum is currently on the 15-day DL with a strained right pitching elbow. He is eligible to return July 4, but I don't anticipate him pitching again until after the All-Star break. Marcum has been one of the most consistent pitchers this season, and I believe if he stays healthy, he will continue to pitch effectively.

Josh Johnson, SP/RP (Florida Marlins) - Johnson is making a surprisingly fast return from offseason Tommy John surgery. The last time Johnson pitched a full season for the Marlins, he went 12-7 with 3.10 ERA. He had a positive rehab start Tuesday for Double-A Carolina, throwing five innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking none. Once he is accustomed to throwing higher pitch counts, he will surely be called up and put into the Marlins rotation. Those in deep leagues should keep an eye on his progress.

Dump Or Grab

With the fantasy trade deadline approaching in a couple weeks, here are a few players you will want to grab and some players you might want to shop.

Justin Verlander, SP (Detroit Tigers) - Verlander has stepped up his game the past month, posting a 2-1 record and 2.95 ERA, and has at least eight strikeouts in three of his four June starts. With Detroit heating up lately, Verlander is an excellent pick to be a legitimate top-five fantasy pitcher in the second half for the Tigers. Last year after the All-Star break Verlander was 8-3, and was 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in September.

Rich Harden, SP (Oakland Athletics) - Few pitchers have been more dominate per start than Harden so far. The problem I see with Harden is that he has amassed only 25 starts during the past 21/2 years. He frequently has arm and elbow problems and seems to miss at least a month or two because of injuries every season. I foresee an injury coming soon for Harden and, in my opinion, it would be wise to part ways with him.

Ichiro Suzuki, OF (Seattle Mariners) - Although Ichiro is having a decent season, many people would say his .287 average is disappointing because he has never finished a year with less than 208 hits and a .300 average. You can bet Ichiro will raise his average considerably after the All-Star break. He is a good trade buy candidate.

Chipper Jones, 3B (Atlanta Braves) - Yes, Jones has the opportunity to hit .400 for the season and accomplish what has not been done since Ted Williams, but it is very unlikely Jones will be able to stay healthy enough for Manager Bobby Cox to keep inserting him in the lineup. Jones is currently dealing with strained quadriceps, which has limited him to hitting in the DH position or pinch hitting. Remember, Jones has played more than 150 games in a season only once in the last six years. He is a strong sell-high candidate that some owners may jump on because of his current stats and what he is trying to achieve.

Waiver-Wire Bargains

Luke Scott, OF (Baltimore Orioles) - Scott is hitting nearly .340 in June and has five home runs in his last 13 games started. Scott is one of my sleeper picks to hit at least 15 homers after the All-Star break, giving him roughly 30 for the season. His average is likely to stay around .275 to .285, but he most certainly has the potential to drive in 100 runs for the Orioles.

Dave Bush, SP (Milwaukee Brewers) - Bush has been very impressive lately, going at least seven innings in his past two outings while giving up only one run in each start. Bush is a good short-term pickup that will help your team in wins and WHIP.

John Lannan, SP (Washington Nationals) - If not for an inconsistent Nationals offense, Lannan might be considered for an All-Star Game spot. In 14 decisions, he has a 3.34 earned run average and has given up three runs or less in eight of his last nine starts. Saturday, Lannan is a good play against the Baltimore Orioles at home.

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