#10 – If you haven’t dropped Daniel Hudson already, go ahead and do it. Long term I’m still a fan, but he is clearly pitching hurt.
#9 – Kevin Millwood was injured for the 2nd time this month, so a DL stint appears imminent. The Mariners didn’t want to bring Danny Hultzen up until sometime after the All Star break, but he may be due for a cameo now. Owners, add accordingly.
#8 – Alex Rios is on fire. 10/21 in his last 5 games with 7 R 2 HR 5 RBI 2 SB. He appears to be a guy that only hits in years when no one expects him to.
#7 – Daily league owners struggling at OF, another name to throw into the fire for a quality platoon – David Murphy. I seem to end up with him on at least a couple of teams this time of year every year. He’s nothing special as a whole because he hits in the bottom of the order and sits vs. lefties, but against righties he’s tripple slashing .269/.371/.481 with 6 stolen bases. This is in line with his career norms.
#6 – In a 17 run performance, amazingly, only 4 Mets had RBI. Hope you owned one of the 4!
#5 – Surprise, surprise – Jose Bautista went yard again. At this rate he’ll pace the steroid era by the trade deadline.
#4 – C.C. Sabathia owners, don’t fret, he’ll only miss one start and two tops before a post All Star break return. If the Yankees weren’t rolling along like they are they would not have given the big guy the rest. This is just precautionary.
#3 – Ryan Zimmerman is hitting? Must be in Coors! I won’t believe until he does it at sea level.
#2 – I’m sure I’m not the only one who picked up Dillon Gee for what looked like a golden starting opportunity vs. the hapless Cubs. Don’t give up, as he’s been too good lately, but while he’s starting again for me July 1 vs. the Dodgers he’s on a very short leash.
#1 – Now excuse me while I (double) summersault my way out of this column a la Aroldis Chapman after striking out the side for a save Tuesday night. Aroldis, one of your bats are going to be upset you did this the next time you face the Brewers. This writer smells a plunking. And I’ll be watching with popcorn in hand.