GnomeGirl » Rusty Pate

Randy Johnson Can Now Die a Happy Man

Rusty Pate — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:58:35 +0000

Randy Johnson earned career victory number 300 on Thursday against Washington and he pitched a beauty. Johnson pitched six innings of two-hit shutout baseball. It was far from vintage Johnson as he only struck out two batters, but the historic milestone should be the cap to a brilliant career. The other guy was pretty good too. Jordan Zimmerman only gave up two runs on three hits over six innings. He struck out seven, but took the loss. Meanwhile... Chris Carpenter continued his remarkable 2009 campaign with a complete game three-hitter against the Reds. Aaron Harang took the loss. Like Zimmerman, Harang had great stuff. He pitched eight innings, giving up three runs on eight hits. He struck out four and walked two in the loss. B.J. Upton, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder all hit home runs. David Wright scored two runs and stole a base, Carl Crawford hit a home run and had a steal and all was right in fantasy baseball land. Thursday also featured a five-hit game, a couple of two-homer games and Vladimir Guerrero's first stolen base since Sept. 7, 2008.

Fantasy Review: Tuesday, June 2

Rusty Pate — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:47:24 +0000

Tuesday featured big fantasy games from some big fantasy names, including several amazing pitching performances. Jake Peavy's shortest ever career start may have the biggest fantasy impact. Peavy gave up four runs on three hits and two walks and left with an upper respiratory infection - or so says the team. Peavy rolled his ankle a little over a week ago and a trip to the DL could be in order. However, many pitchers around the league threw great games on Tuesday - including some fantasy heavyweights.

Break It Down: The Cincinnati Bengals’ Schedule, Part One

Rusty Pate — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:20:09 +0000

The Cincinnati Bengals come into the 2009 season with so many questions.
Can Carson Palmer bounce back after his injury? Can the young offensive line protect him? Is this a potential top 10 defense? How much will the rookies contribute?
These questions get answered a little more than three months from now. For those who can’t wait, I feel your pain.
Over the next four weeks, we will look at four games a week on the Bengals schedule and I will gaze into my crystal ball and give guaranteed predictions.
(note-picks are not guaranteed)

Slumpers: The Worst MLB Performances of the Last 14 Days

Rusty Pate — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:13:07 +0000

Grady Sizemore owners know something is not right. The usually reliable slugger has struggled with a sore elbow and could see the DL if it doesn't clear up. Sizemore has been mired in an early season slump with a batting average of just .222 on the year and .213 over the last two weeks. He has stolen just one base in that same time frame. Even if Sizemore avoids the DL, his numbers are not very Grady Sizemore like. I would expect a huge second half from a healthy Sizemore, but some owners have opted to sit him. Nearly 12 percent of Sizemore owners in cbssports.com leagues have benched him. Three weeks ago only 2 percent had him on the bench. Something is not right with Grady, and I would expect the Indians to play safe with their talented speedster.

Streakers: The Hottest MLB Players over the Last 14 Days

Rusty Pate — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:42:30 +0000

The Captain Obvious Award of the Week - Mark Teixeria It is no secret that Mark Teixeira can rake, but his numbers in the last two weeks have been crazy. .407 BA, 8 HR, 13 runs, 20 RBI While Big Tex will be owned in every league, several guys on the right side of streaky should be available in most leagues.