Should we have concerns about Cole Hamels after getting crushed (3.2 innings, 7 runs, 11 hits) in Coors today? I'd say watch closely. Did anyone have the Rockies dominating the Phillies today when looking at the Marquis vs. Hamels matchup this morning?
Miguel Cabrera looks like a Triple Crown threat after another big day. If he can get his average back up to it's '05-'07 levels (.329) he has as good of a shot as anyone. The only concern could be depth behind him if Carlos Guillen doesn't age gracefully this year.
Carlos Villanueva continues to reward those who picked him up after Hoffman's injury news. His victory today came at the expense of Kevin Gregg who blew the save chance. Apparently Hoffman will be out till the end of April but Villanueva, regardless of role, looks like a rosterable fantasy player. When used out of the bullpen in '08 his ERA was 2.12 with a K/9 of 9.4.
Ryan Spilborghs looked great today with 2 opposite field doubles off Cole Hamels. His job security looks stronger than ever with a nice first 4 games (5 doubles, 4 runs, 4 RBI). At home or against lefties he's a must start at this point.
Nelson Cruz hit his 3rd homerun of the season in a blowout v. Detroit. He's looking more and more like he belongs in the middle of that lineup everyday.
Dodgers opening day starter Hiroki Kuroda was just placed on the DL with a strained left oblique. The Dodgers starting pitching was already thin because of youth (Kershaw & McDonald) and injury risks (Kuroda & Wolf). With a lengthy DL stint for Kuroda, the Dodgers may start looking like the All Hit-No Pitching Orioles, Rangers, and Tigers.