Friday's Roto Roundup: Is Pedro Alvarez The Next Prospect To Get The Call??

Friday's action is highlighted the Carlos Santana's first major league game. He went 0-3 with a walk and a run scored. Jason had a very nice writeup on his fantasy value on Friday evening.

Here are the rest of my thoughts after reviewing Friday's boxscores:

Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorff gave up 6 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings of work. The Pirates drafted two of the top pitching prospects in the draft earlier in the week in James Taillon and Stetson Allie. I like what the Pirates front office is doing to improve the ballclub.

Speaking of the Pirates, it should be anyday now before they promote third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez should be a mainstay in the middle of the Pirates lineup within the next few days. ESPN's Jayson Stark quoted a scout who opined that Alvarez is not ready for the major yet and would strike out 200 times before he hits 25 HRs. I don't see that happening after the way he has hit this year. Here is what Baseball America had to say about Alvarez in their weekly Hot Sheet:

Alvarez has left no doubt that he can handle Triple-A pitching. He finished a single shy of hitting for the cycle in a 3-for-4 outing on Wednesday against Pawtucket, which included his 12th home run of the season. His .291/.380/.552 season line has proven he can hit for power and average, and he has cut his strikeout-to-walk ratio down to 35-to-23 over his last 138 at-bats. Alvarez ranks among the IL leaders in nearly every offensive category, including RBIs (50), hits (65), extra-base hits (30) and runs (40).

Rockies closer Huston Street had a setback of sorts in his second straight rehab appearance on Friday night at AAA Colorado Springs. He gave up 3 runs on 4 hits in 0.2 innings. I am curious if he will be activated this weekend as some have reported. Manny Corpas owners have another lease on life.

More thoughts after the jump:

More proof that the Phillies GM Ruben Amaro made a terrible mistake dealing pitcher Cliff Lee in the offseason-from Baseball America's Hot Sheet:

• Philippe Aumont, rhp, Phillies. Aumont's season keeps getting worse. After picking him up in the Cliff Lee trade, the Phillies moved him back into the starting rotation and tweaked his delivery. The results, up to now, haven't been pretty. Aumont, 21, was demoted from Double-A Reading after going 1-6, 7.43. His first start at high Class A Clearwater was even worse: 2/3 IP, 3 H, 5 R, R ER, 4 BB, 0 Ks.

Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez had the best game of his career Friday night going 4-5 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs. He is now hitting .282-.355-.459 with 7 HRs and 28 RBIs. Logan Morrison is hitting well in AAA, so Sanchez will have to continue hitting well to keep his job in the second half of the season.

Marlins outfield prospect Mike Stanton went 2-5 with 2 RBIs and 3 strikeouts. Stanton's work ethic should keep him in the majors for many years and I am confident he will improve his plate patience. He is a must pickup in all leagues. I traded for him in the UBA league this offseason and am happy I did.

The Giants moved Buster Posey to the third spot on the lineup on Friday to help spark the offense. He responded with a 1-4 night with one RBI. Posey will be a mainstay in the Giants lineup for years to come. I own him in one of my NL-only keeper leagues.

Albert Pujols went 0-4 and is now hitting "just" .300-.415-.547. His SLG of .547 is his lowest since 2007 when he hit 32 HRs and drove in 113. He is on pace to go 38-118 this season, not what fantasy owners expected, I am sure.

Red Sox starter John Lackey appears to be back on track after holding the Phillies to 2 runs in 7 innings on Friday night. He struck out just 3, but did induce 12 ground balls. Lackey has allowed just 2 runs in 3 of his last 4 outings.

Twins starter Francisco Liriano dominated the Braves on Friday night, giving up just one run on 5 hits and striking out 11. He has struck out 21 and walked just 2 in his last 15 innings pitched.,

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward went 0-4 with 4 strikeouts on Friday night, and has struck out 18 times in his last 36 at bats. Even with that bad stretch, Heyward has a 55-38 K/BB rate in just over 200 at bats.