Achievers/Bums - 8/01/08

I'm in a good mood because I'm going to go see the Reds square off against the Nats today. Yes, both of these teams suck, but as a Reds fan I have a mandatory man crush on Jay Bruce. The downside is that Josh Fogg is on the bump for the Reds. Anyway, all achievers today.

ACHIEVERS

Ubaldo Jimenez - SP - Colorado Rockies - Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 10 K's - I'm not getting too excited yet, but check out his numbers since the break: 4-0, 1 CG, 1.24 ERA, 20 K's. Pick him up if he's available; he gets to pitch at Washington, L.A., San Diego and twice at San Francisco from here on out. Also, his name is Ubaldo, and that's a pretty cool name. Not as cool as this one, but cool.

Jason Bay - OF - Boston Red Sox - 1/3, 3B, 2 R, 2 BB - Bay scored the first and last runs last night in his debut with the Red Sox. I like that Francona is batting him fifth as it takes a little pressure off. Remember he is coming from Pittsburgh where there is more pressure on Cheese Chester to win the Great Pierogi Race than on Pirates hitters. I think Bay will be a good third or maybe second outfielder the rest of the way.

Ken Griffey, Jr. - OF - Chicago White Sox - 2/3, 2 RBI, BB - Although he's in a less hitter-friendly park and is apparently going to be hitting seventh, I actually think Junior's fantasy value went up with the move to Chicago. Simply put, I think he's going to try harder in Chicago. They're letting him play center, and he is going to try to make Kenny Williams look good for believing in him. Plus he's now motivated by the chance of winning a World Series (not gonna happen). His two RBI were the difference last night against the Royals; let the love-fest begin.

The Nats Youth Movement - Granted, it was against the atrocious Homer Bailey, but the new-look Nationals got off to a good start last night. All the kids got hits last night, and that new middle-infield of Alberto Gonzalez and Emilio Bonifacio looked great in the field, especially when turning an inning-ending double-play in the 7th. None of that helps you in fantasy, but there are a couple of useful players in the mix that you'll want to keep an eye on. Elijah Dukes' multiple restraining orders in real life shouldn't extend to your roster as he is developing into a real power/speed threat. Catcher Jesus Flores has quietly put together a nice season with 45 RBI, and with Estrada and Lo Duca released, he appears to be the Nats catcher of the future. He's probably only worth a roster spot in NL-only leagues, but I like his upside.

This Ain't 'Nam #4

"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

Rule #1 - Ken Griffey Jr. will disappoint you.

Rule #2 - It's ok to have one teeny-bopper, pop song in your iPod rotation at a time. Just one. Currently mine is Sneakernight by Vanessa Hudgens - a song ostensibly about sneakers and, uh, dancing. What? It's catchy. Plus I've got a thing for tube socks.

Rule #3 - When offering a trade to another owner, do not insult his team (or intelligence) in the process. Here's an example of what not to do: "Dude, I see you're starting that piece of crap Howie Kendrick at 2b for some reason. Are you retarded? I wouldn't start Howie Kendrick on my co-ed, church softball team. I've got Cano and B. Roberts. I'll take J. Santana off your hands, as he's clearly having an off year. Let's do it!"

Rule #4 - A save is a save is a save. Unless you close for the Tigers. Then a save is a roller-coaster is a blown save.

Rule #5 - You are not as cool as Mr. Belding, but compared to Screech you're Miles Davis.

Griffey Traded to the White Sox

If Ken Griffey Jr. doesn't veto the trade, it looks like he's headed to Chi-Town. Not sure where he'll play. Or what the Reds get in return. More later...

UPDATE: The Reds will get RP Nick Masset and 2B Danny Richar in return for Griffey Jr. Griffey has ok'd the deal, so it looks like a done deal.