Today is July 11, the 97th anniversary of Babe Ruth's major league debut. On this day in 1927, the White Sox sac bunted 8 times in a 7-6 win over the Boston Red Sox, an event that is celebrated everyday in Arlington by Ron Washington, whose attempts to constantly recreate the feat are celebrated by narrow-minded beat writers. 61 years ago today, Ted Williams fractured his left elbow making a catch up against the wall in the All-Star Game. He remained in the game and later contributed an RBI single. On this day in 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr killed Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Happy birthday to Robert the Bruce (1274), John Quincy Adams (1767), the Hollywood Bowl (1922), Tom Emanski (1949), and remembrances to Lady Bird Johnson (2007) and Bob Sheppard (2010). Here are your fantasy baseball links for today:
Updated Third Base Rankings for July | FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball
I'm going to start an email-writing campaign for Ryan Zimmerman, who deserves better.
I Don't Want to Deal With Those Monsters | Sons of Roto
You could call this a Sell High post, but it's probably more practical to label it a warning. The warning being: beware of managers who are trying to trade these players your way. If you're not careful you could accept a trade proposal that includes (or looks like it includes) a Dr. Jekyll and find yourself rostering a Mr. Hyde.
The Trade Counsel: Perceived Value Of Second Half All-Stars | Rotoprofessor
Overvalued and Undervalued second half players
Starting Pitcher xFIP Underperformers | FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball
Carmona, Volstad, Dempster, Arroyo, Garza
Rs and RBIs: Replacing Alex Rodriguez | Roto Hardball
A Tale of Two Citi Fielders | FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball
Even though it would have been nearly impossible to predict before the season, Beltran appears to have completely recovered from his injury. Despite the fact that he’s 34, and no longer a 5-tool fantasy asset, Beltran still appears to have a couple useful years left in the tank. For a player facing so many questions entering the season, he’s been an absolute steal for owners who were willing to take the risk.
Follow the jump for more of the latest fantasy baseball news and analysis from around the web.
Jor-Z Sure Is About To Go Poof | Razzball
If you can find someone — read: sucker — to take Reyes off your hands thinking he’ll be back in a few weeks, go for it.
Eduardo Nunez: Deep League Waiver Wire | FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball
Nunez, 24, has done a great job of limiting strikeouts in his major league career, allowing him to have a solid batting average despite lower BABIPs. Nunez also has some speed on the basepaths, stealing ten bags in fourteen tries this season, but he is no burner who is going to win you the steals category. All in all, Nunez will probably give you a .275 average with a handful of steals if A-Rod misses a month, along with good runs scored and RBIs thanks to the Yankees lineup. Even if you have a solid third baseman, Nunez is eligible at SS, so he’s not just a one trick pony.
Sell High Or Hold ‘Em: Debunking The Second Half "Struggles" Of Yovani Gallardo | Rotoprofessor
In other words, while people will point to Gallardo being a terrible second half pitcher, they are simply looking at numbers and drawing conclusions. When you dig a little bit deeper, there are plenty of reasons to explain the numbers and be optimistic about what he could do in 2011. There certainly is no reason to sell him purely based on those fears, because there is every bit the chance that he produces well as the season progresses.
Collateral Damage: Knee-Death Experience | Baseball Prospectus
Injury Report
Injury Report: July 11: David Price, Carl Crawford, Carlos Gonzalez & More | Rotoprofessor
FANTASY BASEBALL: INJURY REPORT | RotoExperts
Prospect of the Day: Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels | Minor League Ball
On offense, Trout has plenty of bat speed and a good eye at the plate. He shows few weaknesses, handling both fastballs and breaking balls well. There is a bit uncertainty about his future home run power. His pop was to the gaps early in his professional career, but he's been driving more homers as he moves up. All told, he will hit for both average and power, say .300 with 15-20 homers, plenty of doubles and triples, a good on-base percentage, and 30+ steals.
The Wire Troll: The Arrival of Mike Trout | RotoRob
In 323 at-bats at Triple-A Louisville, Cozart has seven homers, 32 RBI, nine thefts, and a great .310 BA. Last season, he smacked 17 homers and stole 30 bags in 553 at-bats at Louisville. Cozart will get a lengthy audition to prove he’s ready for the gig and should be the most sought after player in this week’s free agent frenzy.
Minor Accomplishments, Week 15 | Razzball
Promoted to Triple-A on Independence Day. Has started 6 for 17 with home runs in three straight games. The Padres 12th ranked prospect has thrived since the beginning of this year. [Darnell's] average power and average defense will be limited in the spacious Petco Park. Could be a 17 to 25 home run player in his prime. September call up appears in line.
The Knurve To Say: July 11th, 2011 | COSFBA
My opinion: I’ll arbitrarily say the Braves win four World Series this decade if everybody stays healthy.
Dude, that's just crazy talk. (1) There's no way everybody stays healthy. (2) In the crapshoot that is today's MLB playoff format, I wouldn't pick the 1927 Yankees to win 4 titles in 10 years.
The Top 25 Sports Movies Of All Time (IMHO) | RotoSynthesis
The Top 6 or so are solid, though I would quibble with the order. Raging Bull is a major omission. Stroker Ace, Blue Chips, and The Waterboy have no business being anywhere near this list.