Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.After having some problems his last two starts, Tuesday night Rick Porcello looked like the phenom the Tigers drafted. The 20 year-old upped his record to 2-3 after hurling 7 scoreless innings against the Twins. He allowed 7 baserunners in as many innings, struck out 3, and -- most importantly -- kept the ball in the yard. In his first four starts, Porcello allowed at least 1 home run per game, 6 total. Tuesday night, Porcellos allowed only three fly balls to the outfield.
The 2 double-plays were also a sign of maturity. Giving up a baserunner to lead off the inning didn't make him overthrow in an attempt to get out of the inning on his own. If his ability to keep the ball down against future opponents and trust his stuff -- not trying to strike everyone out -- he'll be showing growth beyond his years. There will be ups and downs, he is, after all, only 20, but the sky is the limit as to his upside.
As of Wednesday, his ERA (4.71) and WHIP (1.29) aren't horrible by any stretch. When he learns to keep the ball in the park consistently and pitch within himself, the strikeouts will return. He's a must-own in all keeper leagues, and he's going to be worth monitoring in yearly AL-only formats for now -- with the chance he works into mixed leagues by the end of the season. His stuff is electric.
Bits From the Box Scores:
• Kosuke Fukudome is now 1 for his last 18 since having a 5 RBI game in St. Louis on April 26. This is shades of 2008 for many people who saw him storm out of the gates and dwindle down to worthless by August. I feel compelled to point out that this is different -- and people who only look at stat-lines would never see this. Last year he became overmatched when pitchers learned how to work him. This year his approach is different, and he's still hitting balls hard. He's currently hitting balls right at people. That's what we call a temporary slump. In the meantime, he has stolen 2 bases and still sports a .436 OBP.
• Another day, another Blue Jays pitcher throwing an inexplicable gem. Brett Cecil was knocked around in three minor league starts this season (8.31 ERA, 0-3 record), yet comes up to the bigs due the injuries in the Jays' rotation and holds the Indians in check. Due to a bullpen meltdown he didn't get the win, but he struck out 6 in 6 innings and allowed only 1 earned run while walking no one.
• Pat Burrell is hitting only .241 with a single home run. If history has taught us anything, it's that Pat the Bat is incredibly streaky. Of course, we also know this bad streak could last another month. It wouldn't be horrible to trade for him in roto leagues, but I'd hold off in weekly formats until there's a few multi-hit games.
• Note from Erik Bedard owners: How in God's name, Mariners offense, can you get one-hit by freaking Vicente Padilla through 8 innings? That's ridiculous. A solo shot from Nelson Cruz in the 7th inning is the only blemish for Bedard, as he worked 7 and struck out 7 -- only to go home with a no-decision. His ERA is now 2.37 and he's striking out more than a batter per inning. He's back to ace form. Believe it.
• As for Padilla, that was an aberration.
• Clete Thomas was plugged right into the middle of the Tigers lineup last night, and he came through in a big way. He went 3-4 with a double, triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. He even threw in a walk for good measure. With Marcus Thames and Carlos Guillen struggling, Thomas could find a bevy of available at-bats -- and he can run. Cheap speed in AL-Only leagues? Absolutely.
• J.J. Hardy? You there? I think we just saw a 3-4 night with a double a 4 RBI. This could be the beginning of the hot streak we've been waiting for. Why is he available in so many leagues? Grab him if you can.
• We preached about a bounce-back season for Brandon Phillips continually during Spring Training. Instead, he scuffled along (.205 average with 11 RBI entering Tuesday night). All of a sudden he's up to .226 with 11 RBI after a huge night in Florida. A sign of things to come? I think so ...
• Is Alberto Callaspo for real? You'll just have to wait until later today for a Stud or Shelton to find out ...
• Gavin Floyd continued his rough beginning to the season. He's had two good outings, one decent one, and three really bad ones. Now we're looking at a 6.29 ERA and 1.75 WHIP (due to an atrocious 18 walks in 34 1/3 innings). He's going to have to show last season wasn't a fluke, and fast, because his minor league track record wasn't great. I'd start looking for better options.
• Jimmy Rollins went 2-5 with a double and a warning track fly-out. He's slowly rounding into form. If you can still grab him via trade for less than his 2nd-round value, do it now.
• Shane Loux is settling in nicely for the Angels. The 29 year-old has spun a quality start in three of his last four tries. He has a chance to land the 5-spot in the rotation until Kelvim Escobar. If you can afford the lack of strikeouts, he is a temporary fill-in for an injured pitcher.
• Jeff Weaver? Seriously? Truly, everything the Dodgers touch in 2009 is turning to gold.
• Matt Holliday hit a home run. Woo hoo. Sell if you can, based upon that.
The Afflicted: Jacoby Ellsbury left with hamstring tightness, though it appears just a precaution. Matt Capps will be out for the next few games, and this is actually a good sign. It means his recent three-game skid of pathetic pitching had something to do with elbow discomfort and not that he sucks now. Let's just hope it's very minor and a few days off fixes it.
Lineup Lock Time: You've got all day, boys and girls. The puck doesn't drop until 7:05 PM ET.
A-Rod watch: Alex Rodriguez is out of his mind in the minors right now, so the Yanks can't keep him down too much longer. Look for him to return for the weekend series.
Down on the Farm: Tommy Hanson struck out 10 hitters Tuesday night in 6 innings. Meanwhile, Jo-Jo Reyes continues to struggle at the bigs. I ask again, what are the Braves waiting for?
Angels' Aces: John Lackey just dealt for 4 2/3 innings Tuesday night in triple-A. He allowed only two baserunners and struck out 3. The previous night, Ervin Santana was just as impressive -- working 4 2/3 with 3 strikeouts and no walks. Both pitchers threw exactly 60 pitches, which means they'll each go about 80 pitches next rehab start. After that, welcome them back to your fantasy teams. If either is still somehow lingering on your waiver wire and you have bench spots, now is the time to jump.
