Kuzul

Ubaldo Jimenez continues to roll.  Hanley Ramirez was returned to the leadoff spot. Matt Capps could be in jeopardy of losing his job.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:

Hitters:

• Jeff Francoeur (2-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R) – He started fast, went into an extremely deep slump, but now has put things back together again. He’s now on a 10-game hitting streak, going 18-36 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R and 2 SB over the streak. It’s tough to depend on him, considering how hot and cold he runs, but it’s safe to use him in five-outfielder formats while he’s streaking like this.
• Hanley Ramirez (0-2, 1 R) – The Marlins shuffled the lineup and returned Ramirez to the leadoff spot. IF this is a long-term move it will certainly hurt his RBI opportunity, but may open up his chances to run once again. All we can do is wait to see if this was a one-time occurrence or not.
• Victor Martinez (2-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R) – He’s streaking, having now scored runs in five straight games. Over his last seven he’s gone 12-27 with 2 HR, 9 RBI and 7 R. We all know he’s among the best offensive catchers in the league so it’s nice to see some numbers to back it up.
• Paul Konerko (1-2, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R) – He now has 17 HR and 41 RBI on the year. It seems like 40 HR is a realistic possibility now, doesn’t it?
• Raul Ibanez (0-4) – Just how long do you stay patient with him?  His average is down to .229. He hasn’t homered since May 14. I know it’s a huge disappointment, but you have to think, sooner or later, he’s going to get scorching hot. In shallower formats maybe move on, but in five outfielder formats there’s not much you can do. Do you want to have endured all this negative then ditch him in time for a hot stretch?
• Juan Uribe (2-5, 2 RBI, 1 R) – He’s eligible all over the diamond and has done a solid job at the plate, now hitting .276 with 8 HR, 33 RBI and 25 R. The Giants are so thin in the middle of the lineup, he’s been slotted there every day, meaning the RBI opportunities should continue. In deeper formats, what more can you ask for?
• Kevin Kouzmanoff (3-4, 1 RBI, 1 R) – He extended his hitting streak to seven games, going 10-25 with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 4 R over that stretch. No, those aren’t blow away numbers, but in deeper leagues they certainly are usable. Don’t underestimate his potential value moving forward if you are in need of a corner infielder.
• John Jaso (3-5, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB) – Once again the Rays slotted him in the leadoff spot and boy did it pay off. We’ve discussed him in the past (click here for our Scouting Report), so click there for more. Clearly, though, it doesn’t matter who else the Rays have to catch, if he’s going to hit like this he’s going to find himself in the lineup more days then not. In 2-catcher formats he certainly is usable.
• Mike Napoli (4-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R) – Today it was catching, but regardless of the position he is hitting well right now. Over the past two days he’s gone 6-10 with 1 HR, 3 RBI and 4 R.

Pitchers:

• Brandon Morrow (7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K) – This is his second straight strong start against a tough opponent. In his previous start he allowed 1 ER over seven innings against the Rays, though he only had 1 K in that one. He has a ton of talent and it is possible that he’s started to put things together. His next start comes in Colorado, so if you are in a deeper format he is potentially usable.
• Jeremy Bonderman (5.2 IP, 7 ER, 11 H, 1 BB, 2 K) – He entered the game with a 1.24 WHIP and it actually came courtesy of realistic numbers (.294 BABIP, 2.9 BB/9). This game was an aberration and with the Pirates next on the schedule, he is usable in deeper formats. However, if you are in a shallower format, chances are there is a more dependable option available for you.
• Matt Capps (0.2 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K) – It wasn’t a good day to be a closer in the Washington-Cincinnati game, as Francisco Cordero also struggled (1.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K). Capps has been spectacular this season, though he’s already blown three saves in June.  Should he struggle a little bit more, Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard are laying in wait.
• Brett Myers (6.2 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 6 K, W) – It’s easy to ignore him, but that would be a mistake.  He’s allowed 2 ER or less in each of his last four starts (5 ER over 26.2 IP). He’s also been striking guys out at a pretty good clip.  Of course, when he draws a start in Yankees Stadium, you’re probably better leaving him on the bench. Still, he’s proven usable in all formats at this point, with a 3.01 ERA.
• Ubaldo Jimenez (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 8 K, W) – What? He gave up runs?  That’s almost unheard of in 2010, as he saw his ERA increase all the way to 0.93.  It must be time to sell high, right? Ha! He’s now 11-1, and having an incredible year, to say the least.
• John Ely (5.0 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 2 K) – He was bound to have a bad start sooner or later. We all can’t be Ubaldo Jimenez. Don’t downgrade him based on this outting. His next start comes against the Angels.
• Manny Parra (5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 10 K) – It appears that he may be moved to the rotation fulltime, which makes him worth watching. We’ve long heard that he has the ability to be a useful fantasy option, but he needs to actually show us.  A career ERA over 5.00 and WHIP over 1.65 tells us that, at least for now, he’s not someone you should be depending on.

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