Erik Bedard is down for the count.

With the rosters expanded to 40 at the beginning of the month, and most of the call-ups already having been made, there are very few impact moves being made still at this date in the season. That is not to say they are not out there, though.

The ones of most importance involve the disabled list. At this point, most players do not get placed on the disabled list – with the expanded rosters players like Manny Ramirez instead simply sit around for a week or two without playing, leaving fantasy owners in a lurch over what to do with him, if they even can. However, one player of major fantasy importance has gone on the disabled list, the 60-day DL, ending his season. That is Erik Bedard, whose end to his season officially seals the door on any Cy Young hopes he might have had. Bedard ends the season 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA, having recorded 221 strikeouts and walked only 57 in 182 innings. Bedard’s season did not start off strong, with just two quality starts in his six in April, but he would go on to pitch 20 quality starts from May 1 on in 22 opportunities.

Another season ended with Ryan Doumit being placed on the 60-day DL as well. The Pirates had been playing games the previous few weeks with when Doumit will be back, if he would be back, but this ends any chance of his coming back before the end. Doumit finishes the season with a .274 batting average, nine home runs, 32 RBI, and 33 runs in 252 at-bats – not amazing numbers, but respectable for a catcher, which is where he will qualify next year after slapping on the tools of ignorance 28 times this year. He will also qualify in the outfield, but he has significantly less value there.

The rest of the big DL moves involve those returning from the disabled list. First, we have Marcus Giles, who has been horrific this season for the Padres. Giles played on the day he returned, September 9, but has played just twice since, with Geoff Blum still appearing to be the primary second baseman for the Padres. Do not expect that to change, and Giles’ at-bats will be limited.

Claudio Vargas made his return to the active roster the same day. His first appearance back was out of the pen, but he is expected to rejoin the rotation. If you are desperate for wins or strikeouts, he might be of some assistance over the next two weeks.

Another returning starter is Tigers’ pitching prospect Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens picked up a win in his return on September 11, holding the Rangers to three hits, one walk, and one earned run in five innings, and he struck out one. Jurrjens has struggled with his control numbers – seven strikeouts and seven walks in 20 innings, but this very talented young pitcher is one to have with 2008 in mind, and he might even pick up another win or two before the season’s end.

Lastly, despite my saying that most of the call-ups had petered out, there was one of note, which was the arrival of Daric Barton in Oakland. A stud prospect acquired by the Athletics in the Mark Mulder trade, Barton was a catcher before moving over to first after the trade, and his true skill is a Moneyball general manager’s delight – more walks than strikeouts throughout his minor league career. While not much of a power hitter so far, the homers should start coming with time due to both his patience at the plate and the high number of doubles he has posted. Barton is now an everyday player for the Athletics, hitting .409 with a home run, two RBI, six runs scored, and one stolen base in 22 at-bats over five games. Barton is not only here to stick, but he has to be considered one of the 2008 Rookie of the Year favorites.

That wraps up this week’s transactions. Your usual In Focus columnist, Jon Williams, will be back next week as the season winds down.

Questions and comments may be sent to markhaverty@sportsgrumblings.com