Fantasy News and Notes

* Jeff Kent will be activated from the 15-day DL on Monday after having a sore left oblique. He’s still not 100 percent, but it looks like he’s eager to give it a try. Kent is expected to play first base until Nomar Garciaparra returns.

* Bartolo Colon, has right biceps tendinitis, also has a partial rotator cuff tear in an examination on Friday and will most likely miss the rest of the season. Colon’s recent elbow troubles were a result of the shoulder, which has bothered him since last year. Rather then have surgery Colon will elect for rehab, and could have a September comeback. Colon though will not be 100 percent when he return. “I haven’t gotten any formal direction from the medical department yet, but we’ll talk and they’ll have an assessment,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “I know those things take some time. I would assume it’s going to be lengthy. And with about seven weeks left in the season, it would seem doubtful that he’s going to return. It would be a tall order for him to come back and pitch this season.”

* Justin Verlander has "fatigue" in his right arm and missed his start on Sunday. Has Verlander hit a wall? Well, it's that time of year where rookie pitchers start to struggle. Verlander, who became the league’s first 14-game winner earlier in the week, has already thrown five more innings (135 1-3) than he did all of last year. There is a chance, the Verlander could be skipped a few more times before the end of the season, and it’s something that Fantasy Owners need to be aware of.

* Rafael Furcal has extended his hitting streak to 13 games by bunting for a hit Sunday, then stole second. Furcal has been red-hot of late. Something the Dodgers have been waiting for, for a while.

* John Smoltz remains unbeaten in his last 10 starts. It’s too bad the Atlanta Braves have been struggling most of the year. Smoltz continues to be a must start in all fantasy leagues.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets left Saturday’s start after one inning because of tightness in a pectoral muscle. Is this really any surprise to Fantasy Owners? Sheets who started the year on the DL, is likely to have a return trip before weeks end.

* I’ve been beating up on Ken Griffey Jr. over the last couple of weeks because of his lack of hitting since the All-Star break. Griffey though, is starting to heat up, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s a viable outfield option.

* Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager, said Scott Kazmir will return to pitch on Friday, Aug. 11 against the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir went on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation retroactive to July 24.

* Francisco Liriano, was skipped from a Wednesday start with inflammation in the forearm muscle, is scheduled to make his next start on Monday at Detroit. This make Liriano a 2 start pitcher this week, and should be ready pitch in a big game against the Tigers.

* Jim Thome, who has been struggling of late, and has been fighting back pain, went 2-3 on Sunday and looks as though he’s going to be fine. He’s a guy your going to want to monitor very closely this week.

* Jose Contreras (10-4) has lost his fourth game in his last five starts. His next start is against the Detroit Tigers. With this tough start, look to sit Contreras.

* Derek Jeter has 3 HR’s in his last 8 games. Finally, DJ is starting to give his owners some power.

* Alfonso Sorinano hit his 8th lead-off HR of the season to lead the Major Leagues.

* Francisco Cordero is now the closer in Milwaukee.

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Ryan Howard, leading the National League in HR’s, is my choice for this weeks Who’s Hot Award. Howard hit .433 with 4 HR’s, 14 RBI, and 5 Runs over the last 7 days. It wasn’t as if Howard did it against the bottom of the NL. Howard took his power stick and slammed the Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, and the New York Mets. Howard, unlike Bobby Abreu, last years HR Contest Winner, hasn’t slumped this year. Howard is an exciting player, and has unlimited potential. He’s a mus start at 1B.

Fausto Carmona has lost his past four appearances and will likely be taken out of Cleveland’s closer’s role. While the Cleveland Indians are certainly not going anywhere this season, they cannot afford to continue to batter this kids’ confidence. Giving up game winning HR’s was the theme for Carmona this week. Earlier in the week Carmona gave up game winners against the Boston RedSox’s David Ortiz who did what Ortiz does best, hit a game winning HR. Then on Saturday, Carmona gives up a game winning two run HR to Ivan Rodriguez. Cleveland needs to make a change in the closers role, and Carmona will likely be taken out of that role. If you need make adjustments to your team, do it now, and bench or even release Carmona.

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2 START STUDS & DUDS

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JD Drew has favorable match ups this week against the Colorado Rockies and The San Francisco Giants. When Drew faces the Colorado Rockies startem sitemthis week, the 3 starters he’s facing (Kim, Francis, and Jennings), Drew is hitting .452 against them.

Mark Loretta is hitting .333 (19-57) over his last 12 games with 9 runs. He’ll face the Kansas City Royals on the road and then at home against the Baltimore Orioles. The Royals have one the worst team pitching staffs in the majors, while Baltimore is right behind the Royals. Loretta will be setting the table, and look to have a great week.

Michael Barrett over his last 11 games has 3 HR’s, 6 RBI, and a .302 (13-43) BA. Barrett’s on the road this week in Milwaukee and then Colorado, both excellent match ups for Barrett. Barrett is a must start this week.

Brandon Phillips has been red hot over the last 2 weeks. Hitting .366 (15-41), 3 HR, 5 RBI, and 6 Runs, Phillips is starting to regain his stroke from earlier in the season. An Excellent option at 2B this week.

Felipe Lopez is becoming a house hold name at SS. Not only has Lopez hit for power this year but with his 30 SB and 70 runs scored this year, Lopez ranks right there with Jose Reyes and Derek Jeter. This week Lopez faces the Florida Marlins and New York Mets, two teams he’s struggled against. This is Lopez’s statement week, and look for him to have two great series.

Chone Figgins, the table setter for the Los Angeles Angels has been anything but that over the last 2 weeks. Figgins is hitting only .184 (9-49), with 5 runs in his last 12 games. Figgins will be in on the road this week and will face the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees. Figgins, who can play several positions, should find a comfy spot on your bench.

Brian Giles has been a huge disappointment this year for Fantasy Owners. It won’t get any easier for him this week either. Giles goes on the road this week to face the New York Mets and Houston Astros. In most leagues you can find Giles on the waiver wire, a place where he belongs. If you happen to have him on your roster, bench him, or better yet put him where he belongs, on the waiver wire.

Aubrey Huff finally got his first RBI with the Astro’s Saturday night. Huff has struggled since coming over from the Devil Rays. The streaky Huff, at some point should break out of his slump, it just won’t be this week. Huff faces the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres this week, although both series are at home for Huff, until Huff starts to break out, keep him reserved.

Richie Sexson, despite his .221 BA, is still on pace to hit 35 HR and 110 RBI. Most Fantasy Owners are frustrated with Sexson performance this year despite his HR power. Over the last 2 weeks Sexson is batting .196 (9-46), with 5 of those hits being HR. If your short on HR’s you have to start Sexson, because you just don’t know when he’ll knock one out. My thought, Sexson is a Fantasy hack, and I’d try to find a better option if possible.

Pedro Feliz has been struggling a lot over the last few weeks. His .167 (7-42) BA over his last 11 games is an indication of bad Feliz has been. Feliz will be on the road this week in Arizona and Los Angeles, two teams he’s had mild success against. Put Feliz on the bench this week, you’ll thank me later.

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