Here is a brief round-up of Wednesday's notable efforts. I am sure I missed a few. Which ones should I have noted?
Detroit Tigers SP Armando Galarraga: And the 2008 season continues. Galaragga ran his record to 2-0 this season with 6.1 shutout innings. For the young season, he has struck out 13 in as many innings while issuing three walks. The GB/FB is just .80 but not so far from last season's 1.15 as to cause too much concern.
Thank God the Rangers' offense and minor league system is garnering so much attention. Otherwise, the pitching-starved club would be getting hammered over some of its pitching decisions.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Orlando Hudson: Yesterday on Fantasy Focus, a discussion of selling high ensued around Florida Marlins 2B/3B Emilio Bonifacio, and a guest said he'd deal the hot Marlins' speedster for Orlando Hudson. O-Dog is now hitting .368 after a 3-5 day. Would the Hudson owner accept Bonifacio should have been the question.
Los Angeles Dodgers SP Clayton Kershaw: Striking out 13 hitters while walking one does wonders for any pitcher. It immediately places him into the top echelon of fantasy players' minds if only as a potential sell high candidate. With 19 Ks over 12 innings, I'm leaning more towards permanent top echelon status.
Seattle Mariners SP Jarrod Washburn: Just as a high strikeout total in an early season game will garner plenty of fantasy attention, a 2-0 record with a 1.29 ERA does the same. Washburn's gem against the division rival Angels included zero walks. In 14 innings, he has issued just one free pass. That is notable, but I wonder if one should heed the 5.1 K/9 and .75 GB/FB ratio. Sell high?
Minnesota Twins SP Scott Baker: In his 2009 debut, consensus mixed league sleeper Scott Baker allowed four HRs in four innings of work. If he weren't coming off a brief DL stint for shoulder discomfort, this wouldn't even be a note. Am I over-reacting to worry?
Texas Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler: 6-6 with a HR, a SB, five runs scored and four RBI. Is this the season's best performance by a hitter? Bonifacio's 4-5 Opening Day with 1 HR, 3 SB, 4 runs scored and 2 RBI is the competition. Would you be able to get Kinsler if you offered David Wright for him? I'm not so sure.
Florida Marlins 3B Emilio Bonifacio: Given he appears to be this season's most talked about and compared player, I thought noting his 1-6 effort last night was telling. He struck out four times. With just a SB in his last seven games, is it imperative you sell high now?
Colorado Rockies RP Jason Grilli: After closer Huston Street turned a 5-1 lead into a save opportunity, Grilli was called on to close the door. I can't see Grilli as a serious Saves candidate especially since Manny Corpas had already pitched. I can see Street as not long for the role though.