Josh Johnson looked good in a rehab start, throwing three perfect innings in a Class A game on Wednesday. The Marlins are considering bringing Johnson back to pitch on Tuesday against the Rockies, which would make him a two-start pitcher next fantasy week. While Johnson's name still has marquee value from his 12-win 2006 season of 3.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, his forearm issues in 2007 have kept his fantasy value way down. In just four appearances this season, Johnson is 0-3 with a 7.47 ERA, 2.43 WHIP, and a .388 BAA. I think the risk of picking up Johnson far outweighs any potential he may have for the rest of the 2007 season. Be careful here.
David Ross dislocated a finger on his right hand on Wednesday. X-Rays show no fracture, but Ross will definitely be out of the lineup for a bit. Ross is an NL-only catcher in deeper leagues. He flexes his muscle with decent power (15 HR at a rate of one for every 16.3 AB), but he consistently hits below the Mendoza line and is currently hitting .196. Put his fantasy production together and you get an FPI of just 0.38. If you're using Ross, you're probably in a deep league with multiple catcher positions to fill (or NL-only). Javier Valentin will ge the call in his place, but I would try to look elsewhere before going with Valentin.
Bill Hall was activated from the disabled list after fully healing from his right ankle sprain. 2007 has been a bit of a fantasy letdown for owners. After getting spoiled with back-to-back seasons of 0.70 FPI performance, Hall is posting a 0.59 this season. The significant decline in power is the big reason. After averaging a HR for ever 15.3 AB in 2006, Hall is at 32.3 in 2007. Hitting the middle of a great lineup in a hitters park, Hall has some upside until the end of the season and could go on a power surge. I especially like the position flexibility Hall offers at OF, SS, and 3B. Up arrow for Hall.
Brett Myers made his third rehab appearance yesterday and threw an effective scoreless inning. He may return by the weekend and the indication from the Phillies is that he'll be in the bullpen, but not as the primary closer. For now, manager Charlie Manual is avoiding the closer talk in Philly, saying it could be Antonio Alfonseca, Tom Gordon, or Brett Myers in any given day to get the save. My inclination is not to believe that claim and to say Myers will be the primary closer by the end of August (maybe even sooner). This makes Myers' fantasy value tricky - keep him around when he gets off the DL hoping that he eventually becomes the closer? Or should you cut him loose and free up a roster spot (this is all assuming you don't have holds in your league anyway). Only you can make this decision, but one thing is for sure: Myers has tested fantasy owners' patience many times this season.
Hold specialist Scott Linebrink was traded from the Padres to the Brewers yesterday in a multi-player deal. Linebrink is the biggest fantasy name (for now) that was included the deal, but I don't think the trade will have a major fantasy impact. He has been traded from one contender to another and will play a similar role in middle relief. Linebrink has posted 25 or more holds in each of the last three seasons and has 15 so far in 2007.
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