Poppin' out of the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.While the main drama happened on Heinz Field last night, there was plenty of drama to be found in Washington D.C. No, President Obama didn't sign a health plan into law. But the Phillies entered the ninth inning down six and ended up losing by one after having the tying run on third base with only one out. Let's see how we got there.
Joe Blanton has been fantastic this year, and he entered the game with a 3.80 ERA and a 136/43 K/BB ratio in 166 innings. That's why it was surprising to see him perform so terribly in Thursday's game, where he gave up eight runs in less than five innings of work. The big blow came in the fifth inning, when Blanton gave up two homers to hitters at very different points in their careers.
One came off the bat of Ian Desmond, who was the starting shortstop in what was his first major-league game. The 2004 third-round draft pick had just 43 HRs in over 2,00 career minor-league at-bats before being called to the majors. If he eventually sticks with the big club, he's more likely to help you in the steals department, if at all. He also added an RBI double to finish the day 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs.
The other fifth-inning homer came thanks to Adam Dunn, which gives him 313 more than Desmond in his career. The 36 HRs this year are to be expected, and anyone that's followed his career hopes he gets exactly four more dingers this season, which would make this his fifth straight season with exactly 40 HRs. What's been a surprise is the average, which sits at .281 after this game. I know many people that refuse to draft Dunn due to his normally-low average, so congrats if you drafted him at a great value in March.
So that left the game at 8-2. After Charlie Manuel effectively removed Brad Lidge from the closer role, vowing to use him in low-pressure situations, Lidge pitched a solid eighth inning by striking out two batters while allowing one walk. Then came the drama.
Raul Ibanez popped out. Jayson Werth reached on an error. Pedro Feliz singled off the pitcher. Carlos Ruiz walked. Manuel brought Matt Stairs in to pinch hit, and Stairs launched a grand slam to right-center. Now within two, Washington called upon closer Mike MacDougal to shut the door.
But he allowed a single and a double, plating another run to bring the game within one. Out went MacDougal, in came Ron Villone. After a Chase Utley single that sent Shane Victorino to third, Ryan Howard grounded into a double play. After all the drama, Howard's failure meant the Phillies came up just short.
Since there wasn't much baseball on the docket, I wanted to give you an extended look at one game. I wouldn't want you to feel like you didn't get your money's worth. Let's see what else happened around baseball on Thursday.
Bits From the Box Scores
• If it wasn't embarrassing enough to let the Marlins come to town and sweep you, the Mets have to be doubly embarrassed by the fashion it happened. An 8 for 16 game by the Florida 1-2-3 hitters led the Marlins to a 13-4 win. Chris Coghlan threw up his seventh multi-hit effort in nine September games, while Hanley Ramirez matched Coghlan's 3 for 6 day. Dan Uggla contributed his 27th homer of the season, which is his fourth already in September.
• Another outstanding start from John Lackey, this time against Seattle. The Angels pitcher need 115 pitches to go the distance in the 3-0 shutout, striking out seven guys while walking one. This came on the heels of a complete-game, one-run no-decision on September 5th and an eight-inning, no-run win on August 30th; Lackey owners are sure getting their money's worth lately. Torii Hunter smacked his 20th homer, and he's been awesome for a guy you likely drafted as your OF3.
• Great job by the Rockies bullpen, as Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Rincon and Matt Belisle combined for six scoreless innings and eight strikeouts. Amazing considering all three guys have ERAs over 5.00. Two days after hitting the first homer and first double of his career, Eric Young Jr stole his first two bases, and I'm sure many will follow in 2010 and beyond. On the Cincinnati side of the 5-1 loss, Brandon Phillips went 3 for 4 with a steal. He's not getting back to 30/30, but he shown improvement from 2007's disappointing season.
• The Houston-Atlanta game featured 16 runs and 29 hits, so there was a lot of offensive fantasy production to be had in the game. Nate McLouth homered, Brian McCann went 4 for 5, and Yunel Escobar went 3 for 5 with a steal to highlight the Braves win. Roy Oswalt gave up six runs and ten hits in two innings, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Astros shut him down. If he's still dealing with injury, there's nothing to be gained from running him out there every five days.
• In Brett Cecil's last start of the season, the Blue Jay rookie threw six innings of two-run ball against Minnesota, landing a win and moving to 7-4 on the season. He'll be in the mix for a rotation spot in 2010. Five relievers combined for three hitless innings, with Jason Frasor slamming the door in the ninth for his eighth save. On the Minnesota side, Scott Baker put up a quality start by going 6.2 innings and allowing three earned runs. Owners had to love his seven strikeouts and hate his four walks.
• Since I hit every other game, I'd be remiss to not say something the Detroit-Kansas City game. Alex Gordon had a homer and a steal, but I wouldn't add him. Oh, and Jarrod Washburn struggled again, and the Tigers likely have buyer's remorse as far as he's concerned.
The Afflicted: Ian Stewart and Troy Tulowitzki both missed another game with back pain. Tulo should be good to go this weekend, but the Rockies might just keep him out until they suffer another loss. Stewart probably won't be back till next week.
Lineup Lock Time: The Reds take on the Cubs at 2:20 ET, and the rest of the games will be played at night.
