Huston Street - It's hard to believe that there isn't something wrong with Street. After allowing only 12 homers in 199 innings from 2005-2007, he's allowed 3 in 3 2/3 innings this year - one in each appearance. There are small sample sizes and their are performance manifestations of physical problems, and I'm betting the latter on this one. Last year's part-time closer, Alan Embree, could still get a shot at some saves if, as I expect, Street ends up on the DL at some point this month. Former Agegate star Santiago Casilla has been outstanding in five appearances so far this year, so he warrants a look as well. The A's may not be great this year, but either Casilla and Embree would be worthwhile as solid relievers that fall into saves.
Fausto Carmona - Carmona's control has been awfully shaky in his first two starts (9 BB vs. 7 K), but seriously, 30 groundouts versus 2 flyouts? At this rate, he'll be the first guy to go through the year without allowing a homer since the deadball era (note: fact not checked). This lack of control is uncharacteristic of him, but it will bite him if it sticks around. I'm guessing it won't.
Mike Mussina - It wasn't quite turn back the clock time, but Moose looked pretty solid last night, primarily with his offspeed offerings. I didn't see him throw a fastball over 88, but if everything is working for strikes he can survive at that velocity, as evidenced by the 11 groundouts that he engendered in six relatively stress-free innings. Mussina's shot at 300 wins is all but gone after two subpar seasons out of three (he's 49 away after last night), and he's definitely a bit of a risk at this point in his career for fantasy (and real-life) purposes. Still, with the powerful Yankee offense supporting him, wins won't be hard to come by with even average performances, so as a back-of-the-rotation starter he can still be a plus.
Joe Crede - The combination of the standing O Crede received in the pre-game and the one received during his curtain call after the broken-bat grand slam make me think that he'll be in pinstripes all season long, and you might want to remember his last full season in Chicago before you dismiss him out of hand. Especially in light of the fact that this is a contract year (oops, my cynicism is shining through again), I'd be inclined to take a shot on the White Sox 3B this season.
Carlos Quentin - Let's hope the sophomore slump is behind Quentin, who yesterday hit in his fifth straight game to start the season. I remain convinced that Quentin remains significantly underrated, perhaps even moreso than our projection system thinks. There's probably still time to trade for him cheaply.
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