Some additional players making news that could impact your fantasy team:
Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins: After going 10-2 with a 3.28 ERA for Triple-A Rochester, he’s finally expected to take Livan Hernandez’s spot in the starting rotation. I would take a chance by putting him in my starting lineup. Liriano probably won’t pitch like it’s 2006 (when he was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 121 innings), but he’ll win his share of games down the stretch.
Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals: He had an encouraging first start in his return from Tommy John surgery (one run in four innings and 67 pitches July 30 against the Braves). If you need pitching help (don’t we all?), this 2005 Cy Young Award winner could be worth a spot start or two.
Jeff Samardzija, RP, Cubs: You likely know him as a Notre Dame football player. Cubs fans eventually might appreciate him as their closer. Owners of Kerry Wood, currently on the disabled list with a blister problem on his throwing hand, couldn’t have been encouraged by the closer’s recent quote: “It’s not a blister anymore. It’s an open wound. It’s an open sore on my finger.” I’m no Dr. James Andrews, but that doesn’t sound good. Wood might return as soon as next weekend against the Cardinals. That leaves a week for Samardzija, who recorded his first save July 27, to split the closer duties with Carlos Marmol. Both are fringe starters in deeper category leagues until Wood is back.
David Price, SP, Rays: Owners can’t wait for this top prospect to get the call from Triple-A. A potential problem: There’s speculation he could be a setup man for closer Troy Percival, since the Rays don’t want to overextend this future stud. If that’s the case, Price won’t make a fantasy impact until 2009.
