James Shields: The unlikely breakout candidate that few have heard about. So far Shields has posted 3 Ws, 45 Ks, a 3.74 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. The ERA doesn't match the WHIP, so if Shields can continue to limit his walks and posted a strong BAA, he'll bring that down some. That he's in the AL East will hurt having to face NY, Boston, and Toronto multiple times, but he's added a few MPH to his fastball, and has a devastating changeup, and those added MPH will make his changeup that much better. Expect solid W numbers, a strong K rate, and an ERA under 4 for this kid if he keeps it up.
Tom Gordon/Brett Myers: Tom Gordon heads to the DL with a sore shoulder, so Brett Myers is now Philly's new closer. If someone in your league didn't hang onto him to see what happened with his situation, grab him immediately. Myers had the stuff to be a staff ace, so he most certainly has the stuff to be an ace closer as well. If Myers dominates as a closer, expect Gordon to possibly come back to a setup role. This makes Philly's decision to move him to the bullpen a little easier to swallow, but it was still the wrong move.
Jon Papelbon: Papelbon was held out of a save chance last night despite not working the previous day. It's officially time to worry about the health of his shoulder given this. Mike Timlin is on the DL, so J.C. Romero got the save last night, but he's not a long term answer should Papelbon head to the DL. Keep a close eye on Hideki Okajima as he's already earned a save, and could become the closer should Papelbon miss extended time. Okajima had pitched 3 out of the previous 4 days, so Romero likely only got the call because Okajima needed a day off.
Mike Mussina: Well, I guess I should have started him last night, but it's always best to wait an appearance before activating a hurt pitcher. He threw 5 strong innings last night and looks to be in good health, so he's fine to use from here on out. His return is great news for a Yankees rotation ravaged with injuries.
Mariano Rivera: 2 days and 2 saves, although he did allow 2 hits last night. Now's still a good opportunity to buy low on him, so make sure to point out his ghastly ERA to this point and see if you can land an elite closer at a discount. He seems to be turning the corner.
Moises Alou: He went down again with some sort of ailment, so if you've been using him, get him out of your lineup. Anyone drafting him this season knew he'd be in and out of the lineup, so he's likely a reserve/matchup outfielder anyways. His knee is likely bothering him again, so assume he'll probably miss this weekend's games until something official is announced. He was actually hitting very well until the injury, so he's worth stashing if you have room, especially given the lineup he hits in.
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