Thursday: Felix Looks Like A King

Ted Lilly - 7 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 10 K. A good start for Lilly with the exception of the ERs. This should have been expected against a weakened Texas lineup. His only problem was the 2 HRs allowed in the 2nd inning, but Arlington Stadium is well know for that.

Victor Diaz - 1/3, 2 run HR (9). 9 HRs in 90 AB for Diaz. That's good. 30:1 K:BB ratio for Diaz. That's bad. He'll get fairly consistent playing time, but he won't hit for good AVG unless he can cut down on the Ks. I think with injuries to Teixeira and Blalock, Texas will keep playing him as they need power outside of Sosa in their lineup.

Felix Pie - I'd leave him either reserved or on your waiver wire at this point. I thought he had a fighting chance, but he's not hitting well at all. Chicago will continue to give him the chance to get out of it, but it might be a while before he starts hitting well enough to become relevant in fantasy leagues. Keeper leaguers with a bench spot can speculate on success later on this season, but redrafters shouldn't bother.

Roger Clemens - 4 1/3 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. Colorado got him, too. They're one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, and Roger was just giving up too many singles last night. It's back to the AL for him next, so I'm curious to see how he'll pitch.

Troy Tulowitski - 3/4, solo HR (4). I think he's a year away from making a fantasy impact. Kaz Matsui has settled into the #2 hole, and Tulo only has 4 HR and 2 SB on the season. He's a guy to remember for next year, though.

Hideki Matsui - 1/4, run HR (8). Matsui has quietly put together a very nice hot streak, getting his AVG up to .290, and he's also had 13 RBI over the past 10 games. He's back into his groove now and should be a very good fantasy OF the rest of the way. A poor April has held back his overall numbers, so you might want to inquire about him if you need some OF help.

Erik Bedard - 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, W. Another great start from Bedard, although he left early due to a strained left hamstring. It's the least severe type of strain, so don't expect him to miss any time.

Miguel Tejada - This is why some records are stupid. Tejada had a streak of 1,152 consecutive games played, but he's been battling some wrist pain and couldn't play last night. In a lame attempt to keep the streak going, he hit 2nd instead of 3rd, bunted into a fielder's choice, then was pinch-run for. It hurt the team because Tejada as a #3 hitter is not going to be a good bunter, and they got Roberts erased from the basepath as a result. I have no idea if it was Tejada's or Perlozzo's idea, but regardless, it was one of the stupidest things I've seen a while. Be a man and sit out if you're hurt...your streak doesn't mean shit if you're going to do stuff like this to extend it.

Mike Cameron - 2/4, R, RBI. He's raised his AVG 28 points the last 10 days, adding 3 HR, 9 RBI, and 11 R during that span. He's well worth using in mixed leagues the rest of the year. He won't do much for your AVG, but he has 25/20 skills.

Chad Billingsley - 3 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. Not the best outing for Billingsley, but it's a step towards building his stamina back up as he threw 70 pitches last night. Plus, Toronto is a fairly tough offense to face on the road. I think he'll have fantasy value before too long.

Jeff Kent - 2/5, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR (10). He's been bad dead for a while, so perhaps this will get him going again. Age has caught up to him, unfortunately, so he's only a fringe fantasy 2B these days.

Felix Hernandez - 8 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K. Baby steps. Finally, something to get a bit excited about. Yes, it's the Pirates, but I read that he was throwing high 90s for most of the game, and he exhiibited much better control of his pitches last night. Boston is up next, so I'd keep him benched again for that one, but that'll be a big test to see if he's starting to make his way back or not. Us Felix owners finally have a little something to feel good about. Pick him up if some impatient owner dumped him...he's too good not to at least stash on your bench.