I don't actually own Jonathan Broxton anywhere, but if I did, I'd be looking for potential trade partners. Mr. Pianowski issued a conditional sell order on Monday, and I can't really argue.
Two seasons ago, when Broxton an absolute monster (36 SV, 0.96 WHIP, 13.50 K/9), his fastball routinely hit triple-digits. On Sunday night, while he was picking up his third save of the 2011 season, he was throwing 94-96 mph and he wasn't missing bats. Broxton has allowed two homers in three innings so far, and recorded just one strikeout. Naturally, no one in LA is outwardly worried. But as Scott put it, "if you can pass him off as an elite closer to an opponent, sell." Or if you can find an owner who thinks he's found a buy-low opportunity, perhaps you should have a conversation.
Broxton, while clearly useful, isn't delivering a decent impression of an elite reliever right now, despite the save total. And of course the Dodgers have solid replacement options should the need arise. (See grid below for details). It's early, and the velocity may trend upward, but this is beginning to have a Jenks-in-2010 feel (albeit with 90 percent less pitcher/manager insanity).
? Tampa Bay hasn't yet won a game, so the bullpen hierarchy hasn't been exposed. For now, you have to accept the fact that it's a committee and Jake McGee is not the chairman ? the 24-year-old lefty has made two appearances, neither of them in the ninth. Kyle Farnsworth is a tough fantasy add, no matter how experienced you are as a manager, no matter how deep your league. But when you join the Don't Pay for Saves Society, Farnsworth becomes your burden. We should note that Joel Peralta actually pitched the ninth inning in the most winnable game the Rays have played thus far, a 3-1 loss in which McGee allowed a late homer.
? We've already spent a fair amount of time on Fernando Rodney and it's only April 5 (click here and here), but it's worth noting that his manager didn't exactly give him a full endorsement following Sunday's mess:
"Some guys did a terrific job on the mound and gave us a chance to win," Scioscia said, "and some didn't. There are some things we're going to sort out. We need to change some things.
"We're four games [and three losses] into this, and you definitely want to balance guys getting their feet on the ground with performance. We need to find some chemistry down in the 'pen. We do have some missing pieces, if you want to evaluate it correctly. We do miss [Scott] Downs. Some guys who need to throw the ball are not throwing the ball well now."
Rodney would be in the not-throwing-the-ball-well group, in case you were confused. With Downs down, Jordan Walden would seem to make the most sense as Plan B in the Angels' bullpen, but that's Mike Scioscia's call. I just spent 10 FAAB bucks on Walden in Tout, trying to protect my foolish investment in Rodney.
? Kevin Gregg earned a save over the weekend, although we should note that it was made possible by Nick Markakis' brilliant game-ending catch at the wall. Meanwhile, Koji Uehara has thrown 1.2 uneventful innings for the O's, picking up a hold on Saturday, and closing out a win on Monday in a non-save situation.
? There have really been nothing but positive reports on David Aardsma's recovery from hip surgery. Stash him wherever possible. … The Jays are already talking rehab assignment for Frank Francisco (pectoral), so his return shouldn't be too far off. … Andrew Bailey is progressing, playing long-toss, looking ahead to mound work. There's no timetable for him just yet, but there's hope. Susan Slusser's guess is a mid to late-April return.
? Check the career minor league K-rate for Royals lefty Tim Collins. Keep him on the radar. He's a 21-year-old lefty, a teacup reliever (5-foot-7, 155 lbs), and he's whiffed six hitters in four inning so far. With Collins and Aaron Crow in the 'pen, the late innings for KC are going to be fun.
Here, at last, is America's most minty fresh closing grid, guaranteed to reduce tartar buildup…
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Photo via US Presswire
Maria Bello Jennifer Gareis Ashlee Simpson Donna Feldman Jodi Lyn OKeefe
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