Jonathan Broxton looks like he has graduated to the 8th inning role. Granted, Danys Baez may make an appearance there in the short term in order to keep the option of trading him open. However, Broxton is a major part of the reborn, salary-controlled Dodgers.
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Chuck James threw a gem in his first start of the year for the Braves. A lot will be written about his 2:13 GB:FB ratio, but he is a lefty starter with a minor league track record of big strikeout numbers.
He is worth grabbing in all fantasy formats if you need starts. He is a no-brainer in NL-only and keeper leagues.
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The Braves introduced failed starter Jorge Sosa as Closer 3.0. There are no other options so expect a situation where Ken Ray and Sosa share the 8th and 9th inning. As with James, Sosa should be owned in all formats within a day or two.
(Personally, I attempted to acquire Sosa this weekend and was told "No" because his owner wanted to keep him next year at his $1 salary. There was no mention of closing. Use that example as impetus to acquire him despite the obviousness of the Save. Some owners may not be as up to speed yet.)
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Jose Valverde blew-up for four runs on Friday evening. While manager Bob Melvin insists Valverde is only working out pitching issues, I have a very difficult time believing he does not have something seriously wrong. The complete disappearance of effectiveness for a reliever usually signals an injury.
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I watched Jon Papelbon shut down the Phillies Saturday afternoon. Keeper leagues need to account for him remaining a closer next season. Craig Hansen owners' hopes of a Papelbon-to-starter/Hansen-to-closer in 2007 should be fairly down right now.
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Russ Martin stole two bases today - as if he needed to add that dimension to an already impressive combination of OBP/Catch-Stealing one. He is close to being amongst the three best catchers in baseball along with Joe Mauer and Brian McCann.
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I'd have included Victor Martinez, but I suspect his two starts at 1B this weekend signal an impending permanent position change.
It did not help his cause that Kelly Shoppach threw out Ryan Freel in his first start at catcher Friday night. In very deep mixed leagues, Shoppach could be a good pick-up if your team is playing a back-up catcher already. In AL-only league, he would be a good value at a couple FAAB dollars.
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The Giants announced Armando Benitez is dealing with some right elbow tendonitis. I wouldn't be surprised to see a DL stint soon. After all, the All-Star break is very near, and it would provide an additional four days of rest for a player placed on the 15-day DL as of yesterday. Any team looking to get saves should grab Jeremy Accardo. This assumes Tim Worrell is already owned based on his start of the year closing role.