Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Thumb surgery likely for Bailey
Reds 1B Joey Votto has agreed to a 10-year, $225 million contract extension. Giants SP Matt Cain got a five-year, $112.5 million extension of his own. As a Yankee fan, this offends me. I thought my team was the only one able to offer contracts like this!
On to the news:
- Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will get a second opinion today on his injured right thumb, but the initial recommendation is that he needs surgery, according to the Boston Globe. We could know the official prognosis later today, and it's uncertain how much time Bailey would miss.
- As noted here yesterday, either Alfredo Aceves or Mark Melancon would be Bailey's likely replacement. Manager Bobby Valentine has said some really nice things lately about Aceves, which makes you think. However, in the Sox blogosphere, Over the Monster calls Melancon a "ready-made replacement" for Bailey. and a few people in this Sons of Sam Horn thread point out that Aceves' biggest strength may be his ability to throw multiple innings in relief. In an AL-only league, I'd take a flier on Aceves, as Melancon is probably owned already. Otherwise, Melancon is the safer choice, for both you and the Red Sox. Before you ask, I highly doubt they'd consider putting Daniel Bard back in the bullpen right now.
- As expected, Sean Marshall has officially been named as the Reds' closer. Marshall is owned in just 37.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, so grab him if you can. Flamethrowing Aroldis Chapman will also start the season in the Reds' bullpen, but that might only last until the team's other lefty relievers get healthy.
- Indians SP Ubaldo Jimenez has received a five-game suspension for plunking former teammate Troy Tulowitzki over the weekend, but will appeal. If I have my usual suspension protocol figured out, Jimenez will make his scheduled start on Saturday, drop his appeal, serve the suspension and then pitch again the following weekend. If you're a Jimenez owner, this should be a non-issue.
- Tyler Pastornicky will be the Braves' starting shortstop, while Randall Delgado will begin the season as their fifth starter. Despite the results of the fifth-starter competition, dynasty leaguers should still feel good about the long-term prospects of Julio Teheran.
- Guess who's hosting his first weekly fantasy baseball chat of the season today at 2 p.m. ET? Stop by, ask me some questions and tell your friends!
- A's SS Cliff Pennington left Monday's game with a strained groin, and his status for Opening Day is uncertain. The injury doesn't sound serious, though.
- Still no closer announcement from White Sox manager Robin Ventura. No hurry, Robin. It's not like we're trying to draft fantasy teams or anything.
- Nationals' outfielders Mike Morse and Rick Ankiel will start the season on the DL, but both are expected to return within 10 days.
- Craig Gentry has beaten out Julio Borbon for the Rangers' reserve outfielder/pinch-runner role. That news doesn't matter unless you're an AL-only owner, but it reminds us that Josh Hamilton will spend most of his time in center field, with David Murphy starting in left.
- The Rays plan to use either 1B Carlos Pena or OF Luke Scott in the second spot of their batting order.
- It looks like Cameron Maybin and Will Venable will bat 1-2 for the Padres.
- Oft-injured Mets closer Frank Francisco had an MRI on his knee Monday, but results haven't been released yet. If you're in speculating mode and have a bench spot available, Jon Rauch could be worth an add.
- Here's an interesting story on Twins' utilityman Trevor Plouffe, who qualifies at shortstop, and got some love in yesterday's Free Agent Frenzy.
- The Astros sent Jordan Lyles to the minors, meaning that rookies Kyle Weiland and Lucas Harrell have earned spots in the rotation. Weiland and Harrell can be considered if you're in an 84-team NL-only league.
See you back here tomorrow morning, unless you're around for today's chat.
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