Dice K not OK

It was only a matter of time before Justin Masterson joined the Red Sox starting rotation. With a brittle staff, which pitcher he would displace was the only question. With Daisuke Matsuzaka putting together a string of miserable performances, he drew the short straw. His DL designation is convenient for fantasy owners who were struggling with every game he started, but is it believable? When a pitcher puts together back-to-back-to-back poor outings, and then appears on the DL, do you really trust that? Inflammation in the right shoulder? Riiiiiiiiiight. Inflation of the ERA is what I call it. Masterson gets the nod Monday in his place. The young right-hander pitched four innings of scoreless ball, with two hits and six strikeouts in his recent relief effort vs. Oakland. He would have opened the season as a starter on most teams, but the Red Sox were stacked. This so-called injury will be a good break for him.


Who’s hot…

Ricky Romero - yielded only two runs in eight innings in his second Major League start Sunday, improving his ERA to 2.57. Owned in only half of Yahoo leagues.

Jeremy Hermida – Also available in half of Yahoo leagues, Hermida boasts a .316 average with three HRs. No shortage of good outfielders, but he's another good prospect if you're growing impatient with your crew.

Wandy Rodriguez – Still available in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, he’s off to a fantastic start with a 1.89 ERA. Struck out 10 in his victory over the Reds on Saturday. Hopefully, this year he turns the corner and puts up respectable numbers on the road.


Looking ahead….

Tommy Hanson - Keep you eye on this bright young stud for Atlanta who is currently in Gwinnett. High strikeout-to-walk ratio. Low ERA. Gave mediocre performance today, but look for good things out of this kid.

Brian Barden – Owned in only 6 percent of Yahoo leagues, this utility infielder for St. Louis will get more playing time for the ailing Troy Glaus. Batting .409 with 3 HR.


Marc Vandermeer’s Scramble for Junior Achievement Golf Tournament

Recently, Voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer hosted the 17th Annual tourney for Junior Achievement. Notice, he’s not handing me an award. I had a fun team, but I think next time we’ll cheat, or at least cheat better. I really wanted one of those little plaques to put in my office to impress visitors.


Discount Houston Astros Tickets

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Have a question? E-mail Erin at erskelley@yahoo.com.