Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.The only downside of the NBA playoffs is that I feel like I miss some baseball that I would normally get to see. But with the Lakers (sigh) crowned champs now, both Kobe Bryant and I -- he was at the stadium, I was pantsless in my apartment, natch -- got the chance to watch the Angels and Dodgers go to civil war on Sunday Night Baseball.
And what I was treated to was a very impressive showing from my current favorite mancrush, Clayton Kershaw. You might know him as the "next Sandy Koufax" if you're a real devote, but more than likely, you know him as the "inconsistent southpaw who has yet to really flourish in the Dodgers rotation."
Particularly impressive was a jam that Kershaw found himself in -- bases loaded, fifth innings and facing Bobby Abreu. Abreu hit a soft chopper back to the mound, Kershaw grabbed the ball, looked to his right to check third and quickly fired home; Russell Martin then gassed Bobby at first for an absolute monster and rare 1-2-3 double play that left even the Mamba saying, "Wow!". On the next at bat, Kershaw ended the inning and had suddenly escaped, damage free. Savvy. Guile. Etc. Kid has it.
Which is why I'll go ahead and tell you that he's the real deal. (Because he is.) And now is actually a decent time to trade for him; he reminds me distinctively of a Cole Hamels type, albeit with a 12:6 backbreaking curve in place of a filthy changeup.
And he hasn't been amazing this season. He's been very, very good at times and flashed potential at others, but he hasn't really broken out. However, I think we can all expect (and no, I do not have any major statistical data to back this up) a big second half from the youngster. Perhaps limited innings at times, but, hey, whatever -- he's going to be dialed in, he's going to be slinging strikes and you're going to want to own him. Trust me on this one. I've never been wrong before*.
Down on the Farm: Normally we talk about what someone did. But I want to talk about what people in Durham are going to see tonight. Namely, Clay Buchholz versus Scott Kazmir in an inexplicably awesome Triple-A matchup at the Durham Bulls Baseball Park (or whatever the hell the acronym stands for). I expect to see somewhat of a duel but watch Buchholz out-gun Kazmir based on savvy, guile, and, okay, based primarily on the fact that he's just there because the Boston rotation is full while Kazmir's rehabbing. Still, quite the treat for a casual Monday minor league baseball game. Wish I could be there.
Bits from the Box Score: I love it when you call me "Big Papi" -- David Ortiz appears to be "back" (it's all relative!) hitting his sixth homer of the season. He's still a slugger and people are still scared of steroids, so why not, right?
-- Albert Pujols continues to be, well, Albert Pujols. Two more taterjacks. Sigh. He's quite good. Can you imagine if you picked David Wright over this guy in a draft?
-- Now is actually a decent time to trade for the aforementioned Hamels; he's had two really shoddy starts in terms of luck and what the Phillies were able to put behind him, and he's actually pitching quite well. If his owner isn't paying attention or is concerned, make a play.
-- Andruw Jones is quietly picking up the pace and appears motivated (judging by his McCourt-directed reaction when the Dodgers were in Arlington, even after a loss) to hit some homers this year. If he's there, he's going to be cheap, obviously. And there's a decent chance that you'll see the Rangers moving bats for pitching as the deadline approaches, so who knows how playing time will shake out. Regardless, he can't be as horrible as Chris Davis.
-- Barry Zito, who do you think you are? El Mono (long story, but he hangs out on my championship-less buddy's back to be short about it) had a no-no rolling until late, when he coughed up a tater to the above referenced Mr. Jones.
Tuesday's Ace in the Hole: Andrew Miller. I have literally no good reason for picking this kid. He's burnt me time after time after time in fantasy leagues and he's a Carolina guy. But it's a gut thing when I look up and down the people pitching on Tuesday. If I had to pick one guy who's a lock-job waiver claim and starter who I'd grab. It's Miller. My gut
