Chris B. Young needs to cut down the strikeouts, but is a special player nonetheless.

A TALE OF THREE PITCHERS

Salutations, salivating sports fans. I know you’re chomping at the bit to hear how all the young starters fared this Sunday. During the early games this Sunday I had the privilege of watching the triumphant return of Minnesota’s phenom Francisco Liriano. I was then able to change the channel and watch one of my favorite pitchers in baseball, 23-year-old Tim Lincecum. Finally, after dinner I settled into my recliner and watched the second youngest player in baseball, Philip Hughes; take on Daisuke Matsuzaka, in the nightcap. I don’t know about you, but that is my kind of day.

Francisco Liriano’s start was his first at the major league level since September 13, 2006. After a simply masterful run in his rookie campaign, leading the league in ERA, and earning consideration in both Rookie of the Year and CY Young discussions. Unfortunately, arm problems derailed his season, and after a stint on the DL and one unsuccessful start, Liriano was shut down for the year and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery in November of the same year. So what can we expect from Liriano this year? Well for starters, about what he showed us today. He lasted 4.2 innings, and gave up 4 runs and 5 walks while striking out 5. Clearly not fantasy starter material, yet. Given a chance to shake off his rust and regain his control and velocity, I fully expect him to return to usefulness in all leagues. If, by chance you’re in a shallow league in which Liriano wasn’t drafted, you should grab him and let him ride your bench for a few starts rather than watch him contribute to your competitor’s team for the rest of the year.

You might not have expected a rookie campaign to rival Liriano’s for a few more years, but it turned out we wouldn’t have long to wait. It seems there are more phenomenal prospects each year as teams learn to manage the health risks that accompany their prospects. One of the prospects to make a splash last year was Tim Lincecum. Small in stature but large in ability, Tiny Tim gave us a glimpse of his tremendous skill last year and continued to tantalize fantasy owners today, striking out eleven Cardinals in 6 innings. The only downside to his start today was that it took him 110 pitches to do it. Lincecum found himself stuck in strike out mode, which is great for fantasy owners, but a detriment to his ability to go deep into ballgames. As he continues to mature, he’ll likely learn to induce outs through contact and rely on his tremendous ability to induce the K when he needs to.

Another prospect to make a debut last year, Philip Hughes arrived to tremendous hype and tormenting results. Hughes tore up both the rookie league and the Florida State league in his first full year as a pro, and then repeated the effort in his second year, split between the Tampa Yankees and the Trenton Thunder. His sheer domination of minor league hitters led to him being ranked the #1 prospect by Baseball America in 2006, and earned him a cover shot on their handbook in 2007. Hughes made the show in May last year, and after a shaky first outing he no-hit the Texas Rangers through 6.2 innings before pulling a hamstring, leaving the game, and heading to the DL. Talk about a bittersweet moment for Yankee fans. Although not expected to be an ace yet, Hughes is viewed by some to have a great deal to prove, after the Yankees pulled him off the table in Johan Santana discussions. This was in sharp focus as he made his first start in Fenway Park. Unfortunately for Yankee fans and fantasy owners it looks as though we have a little longer to wait. Hughes gave up six hits and three walk while throwing 65 pitches to record just 6 outs. He did record 3 strikeouts and made 2007 AL rookie of the year, Dustin Pedroia, look foolish twice, but he lacked any semblance of control for the second straight start. Perhaps the cold was a factor, as Daisuke Matsuzaka also struggled to locate his pitches, or perhaps he’s still adjusting to major league hitters, and hey, that ump was calling a tight zone all night. Either way I’m willing to bet he’ll be a fantasy asset very soon as he regains the control that he displayed throughout his professional career in Japan. 

SAN FRANNY AND ARIZOOEY

Today, Arizona is heading to the City by the Bay, and the Giants pitchers will have their hands full trying to cool down some of the hottest hitters in the game. Currently Arizona 3B Mark Reynolds, and RF Justin Upton, are tied for the NL lead with 5 HRs, and teammate Chris B. Young is not far behind with 4 HRs, and a league MLB 12 runs scored.  While most people were predicting CBY to build upon his breakout last year, and most people knew Upton was immensely talented and ready at age 19, few could have predicted the explosive output these three are producing. So, will it last? There have been a few knocks on Young. First, he strikes out too much. Second, he doesn’t walk enough. Interestingly enough, Reynolds shares the same problem with strikeouts and walks to an even larger degree. What does that mean to you? That means there’s no cushion when the hits stop finding the gaps. You have to get on base for good things to happen. That’s one of the reasons Young only scored 85 runs last year. Consider that he drove himself in 32 times and the point really sinks in. In the short season to date, this trend has not changed. Young is already tied for 3^rd in strikeouts, and Reynolds (and to a lesser extent Upton) are not too far behind. My prognosis: Chris Young is a special player, Justin Upton is a very special player, and Mark Reynolds is a more than adequate mixed league third baseman. When things are going well, then things will go very well, but be wary of slumps, as these guys will have trouble getting on base when the hits don’t fall.

A FAREWELL TO ARMS

For the second straight weekend, Eric Bedard was scratched from his start due to a sore hip. Bedard’s start was pushed from Sunday to Tuesday last week, and his performance on Tuesday did not calm the fears of those relying on the Seattle lefty as a fantasy ace. He has now issued 8 walks in only 11 innings after allowing only 2.8 BB/9 last year. Granted this sample size is completely insignificant, but combined with the soreness it’s something to think about. Bedard will throw a BP session today, and based on his hips’ response to the work, the M’s will determine where he slots back into the rotation. Stay tuned to the Grumble and hopefully Mr. Seth Frankel will have an update for you.

Unlike Bedard who has earned a reputation for being, how do I say this politely... somewhat fragile, Tom Glavine has never made a trip to the DL in his illustrious career. This streak might come to an end for pitching’s Iron Man (in theaters soon), as he pulled his hamstring and was removed from his last start. Again, stay tuned to the Grumble for more news on Glavine's status as more info becomes available.

Offsetting this bad news is the return of B.J. Ryan to his role as closer for the Toronto Blue Jays. Ryan picked up where he left off before having Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, by picking up a save in the Blue Jays extra innings win. He didn’t strike anyone out, and he gave up a leadoff triple, but was able to escape the jam. The Blue Jays are instituting a set of Ryan Rules, and B.J. will not make back to back appearances until deemed able to handle the strain. Given that his rehab was shorter than average, I’d expect the Blue Jays to show some caution in this regard and have Jeremy Accardo essentially split duties with Ryan for at least the next month. Tune in Saturday mornings to my Bull Pen reports where I’ll help you stay on top of this situation,n in addition to all the relief corps news.

Ladies and Gentlemen my deadline is upon me, I bid you adieux and wish you luck in all your fantasy leagues this week.