4/1 Recap

Through two days, my team has five hits, three from Rangers today. Not exactly the best way to open the season.

Yankees 3, Blue Jays 2
Wang and Halladay both put in strong efforts, Halladay picking up the loss after a Melky Cabrera homer squeaked over the short right field fence. I'm really not big on Melky, I feel he's essentially an average AL outfielder who you can usually pick up on the wire. Marco Scutaro (?!?) picked up two stolen bases while he subs for Scott Rolen, matching last seasons total. I can't really recommend him, although if he starts stealing bases, who knows. Stranger things have happened. The most notable development for the Yanks is Cano hitting 6. He was already a very solid second rounder, this bumps his value up even more. Think .310, 25 bombs, 120 RBIs as an upside this year.

Angels 9, Twins 1
Well Jon Garland seems to like his new team. Despite the sparkling 8 innings of 6 hit ball, he struck out no one. He won't be able to get by like that against most teams, and the Twins being a average offensive team. Nice to see Jason Kubel in the lineup, follow this closely. It was a pretty strong game all around for the Angels. This could be an underrated lineup. Boof Bonser, who lost 30 pounds this offseason, had an encouraging start. A 4/0 K/BB ratio for him is terrific after he struggled with control last year. Grab him if he's available.

Red Sox 2, Athletics 1
Another great pitching matchup. Dice K seemed much more at home in Oakland than in Japan. Over 6.2, he struck out 9 while walking none. He was plenty inconsistent last year, but I expect him to be better this year, although not Cy Young numbers. Blanton also was strong allowing two earned runs over 6 innings. He's going to be good for whoever trades for him. It's encouraging to see Crisp and Ellsbury in the lineup, which bodes well for owners of both. If Francona will play one in right with Drew in and out of the lineup, play time questions all the sudden go away. Word is Drew will play tomorrow, but might miss the weekend series on the turf in Toronto. Jack Cust hits a bomb, hopefully he plays everyday, but I have a feeling he won't. Kurt Suzuki was caught stealing, which I've always viewed as a positive, just to show he's willing to run. Double digit steals from him can be expected. And assuming you didn't panic and trade Papelbon, it looks like he's going to be alright, with 3 Ks in 1.1 IP. Speaking of closers, Keith Foulke? I don't even know what to say. He might actually be next in line after Street. Yikes.

Rangers 5, Mariners 4
Another game, more good pitching. For your benefit, ignore the Padilla start, and focus on the Felix start. Felix is being overlooked this year I feel, and he could have as much value as anyone this year. Josh Hamilton crushed one off Putz. If he's healthy, 40 homers is approachable. Nice to see Broussard in the lineup again, he should be owned in most AL leagues. Nesky Betancourt goes 4-5 with two doubles. He's nothing special at short, but he won't hurt you. CJ Wilson gets the save whiel Benoit gets rocked. Although it wasn't a dominant save, looks like Wilson earned himself a while more at closer, if nothing else than the failues of others.