Cliff Lee made his season debut.  Ryan Zimmerman returned to the lineup.  Matt Kemp is in the midst of a major slump.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:

 

Pitchers

 

• Brandon Morrow (6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 9 K, W)

He’s now allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last three starts (19.0 IP).  Over that streak he has 25 Ks, so maybe he’s finally settling in and realizing his potential we’ve all heard so much about.  With the Indians next on the schedule, he’s worth using in all formats if you are in need of a fill-in (though, he has the potential to be a whole lot more).

 

Fausto Carmona (6.0 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K)

We didn’t expect him to dominate forever, did we?  He entered the night with a .219 BABIP, so it really was only a matter of time.

 

Colby Lewis (9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K)

If the Rangers could only score a run.  Still, it was a tremendous start and the third time this season that Lewis has picked up 10 strikeouts in a start.  With a 2.76 ERA and 1.10 WHIP on the year and the A’s on the schedule for next week, he’s a must use in all formats (especially with Kurt Suzuki now on the DL).

 

Cliff Lee (7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 8 K)

Now that’s the way to make your debut, isn’t it?  We all know he’s one of the better starters in the game and is a must use in all formats.

 

Clayton Richard (6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K, W)

He hasn’t given up more than three ER in a start yet this season.  While his WHIP is an unfavorable 1.43, he has suffered from some bad luck (a .328 BABIP).  He’s certainly a pitcher worth having on your bench due to his potential, though I wouldn’t be throwing him out there every week. 

His next start comes against the Rockies, so this probably isn’t the best time to throw him out there if you have other viable options available to you.

 

Barry Zito (8.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K, W)

I’m speechless.  Seriously, what is there to say about Zito, who is now sporting 1.53 ERA and 0.88 WHIP to go along with 24 strikeouts.  He has been exceptionally lucky, with a .209 BABIP, and his control has been the best of his career.  The good times are going to stop, sooner or later, so be prepared for the impending regression.

 

Hitters

 

Paul Konerko (1-2, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R)

He has become a fixture in this column, now hasn’t he?  That’s what happens when you’ve hit six home runs in your last seven games and lead the league with 11.  Just because the calendar is turning to May doesn’t mean he’s going to slow down. 

With Javier Vazquez on the hill, would it be a surprise to see him add to his lead?  Obviously, it’s impossible he maintains this pace, but owners are surely reaping the benefits of a low risk pick in the early going.

 

Austin Jackson (5-5, 2 R, 1 SB)

I know he’s hitting .364 and has multi-hit games in six of his last seven.  Still, I give this advice…Sell, and do it now.  He entered the day with a .492 BABIP and 34 percent strikeout rate.  Clearly, something is bound to give and an extended slump is likely in his future.  Cash in on his hot start, because you may not get a better chance to maximize his value.

 

Alfonso Soriano (2-3, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R)

He’s hitting .292 with three home runs and 11 RBI.  He’s clearly not the top player he once was, but he’s certainly still usable in five outfielder formats.

 

Angel Pagan (3-5, 2 RBI, 1 R)

I was going to talk about Rad Barajas (3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R), but really, what is there to say?  Pagan, meanwhile, is on a four-game hitting streak, going 6-17 with four RBI, five runs and one stolen base.  With the Mets scorching hit and Pagan, hitting atop the lineup, starting to hit, he’s a viable option in all five-outfielder formats.  He should score plenty of runs and also chip in with a few stolen bases.

 

Ryan Zimmerman (3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R) – He returned to the lineup with a bang.  Make sure you get him active in all formats immediately.

 

Jay Bruce (3-4, 2 RBI, 1 R)

He started slow, but things have come together quickly now.  In his last five games he’s gone 10-19 with one HR, four RBI and five runs.  He’s a solid play in all formats and hopefully you didn’t give up on him due to the slow start.

 

Matt Kemp (0-4) – He hasn’t hit a HR or picked up an RBI in nine games.  He hasn’t scored a run in eight games.  Clearly, he’s better then this (maybe not if you ask Ned Colletti), but clearly let’s not hit the panic button quite yet.

 

What are your thoughts from yesterday’s games?  Which of these stories interests you most?  Did anything else catch your eye?

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