Huey Lewis and the News

It's Alive – Boston created their own Frankenstein and now he is going to come back looking for revenge. Ex- Red Sox and current Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez has indicated that he would like to sign with the New York Yankees after this season. While many will complain that this is a move to spite the Red Sox, it is more a solid business move than many understand. For the Yankees, it spares them the at bats against Ramirez in which he bats .321 with 55 HR and 163 RBI. For Ramirez, the Yankees or the Mets may be the only teams willing to take on the circus that follows Ramirez while paying the large amount of money he will command. Also, this deal would allow Ramirez to return to the AL where he can occasionally DH to hide his below average defense.

This would obviously open the outfield back up for Andre Ethier in Los Angeles, but it could also signal the end of the Hideki Matsui era in New York. With speculations of the Yankees making a push for Mark Teixeira this off season, the Yankees will have a tough time affording both sluggers. However, with a large albatross of a contract (Pavano) coming to end and a few smaller contracts, the Yankees will have a few extra dollars to play with.

Putting Down El Caballo – Carlos Lee will miss the remainder of the season with a finger injury. Lee was injured Saturday after being hit by a Bronson Arroyo pitch. This deals a blow that the Astros most likely have no chance of coming back from. Since the All Star break Lee has been a man on fire with a .390 average and 47 RBI since June 20. He has been carrying the Astros on their quest to make up ground in a surprisingly competitive NL Central as well as cut the margin in the NL Wild Card race. In Lee's place, Darin Erstad will see the majority of time, while super-utility man Ty Wigginton should see more playing time as well. With the Astros 12 games out of the division lead and 8 games out of the Wild Card lead, they did not have a great chance of making the playoffs to begin with, but this will surely hamper the likelihood of postseason hopes.

Nicks, Nerds and Notes – Chris Carpenter has come back to help shore up a weak Cardinals rotation. Now Adam Wainwright is on his way back; but he is expected to help strengthen the Cardinals bullpen by closing... The Rays have set a franchise record with their 71st victory Sunday... Orlando Hudson will miss the remainder of the season. Augie Ojeda is expected to fill the void... Milton Bradley is expected to return to the Rangers lineup on Tuesday...Mark Grudzielanek may miss the remainder of the season as well...Michael Cuddyer may miss the rest of the season with a broken foot...Paul LoDuca has signed with the Florida Marlins to help strengthen their catching corps... Ryan Rowland-Smith is expected to fill the rotation hole in Seattle left by Miguel Batista's move to the pen... Matt Capps is expected to be back in early September and closing games once again.

Selling the Farm

The minors are in full throttle now with short-season leagues even starting to get into the mix. We'll follow the prospects you should know about and all the major news that can be gathered.

Guys to Eye

Jhoulys Chacin, SP, COL
After a relatively good start last year in the Pioneer League, Chacin has turned on the jetpack and taken off. Between both Low-A and High-A, Chacin is totaling a 16-2 record with a 1.88 ERA. In 157.2 IP he has racked up 142 K while holding opponents to a .215 average. The most impressive part is that he is doing this now in the hitter happy California League. Chacin's stuff is impressive and with the jump to AA next season basically automatic, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this kid in the big leagues by 2010.

Neftali Feliz, SP, TEX
Feliz has been getting his fair share of press due to being another top pitching prospect of the Rangers (see John Danks). But still he is overlooked by some. Like Chacin, Feliz is only 20 years old and doing great. 8-4 with a 2.47 ERA in AA Frisco is relatively nice, epecially when you see the 138 K in only 109.1 IP. His walks could stand to come down just a bit, but still Feliz will be making some GM happy when the Rangers deal him away eventually.

Weekly Wrap-Up

With Daric Barton having troubles, it will be interesting to see how the team handles masher Chris Carter next season. Carter has 33 HR in Stockton... David Price was promoted to AAA Durham and is expected to start Wednesday... Cardinals prospect David Arburr blasted three bombs Saturday for Palm Beach... Tim Alderson continues to deal in High-A San Jose... Philip Humber has been pitching well since being slotted back into the rotation for Twins affiliate Rochester.

Prospect of the Week

Micah Hoffpauir - Simply put, Hoffpauir blasted 4 homeruns in his first four at bats Saturday to tie a Pacific Coast League record. The four blasts brought Hoffpauir's season total to 19. While he is older than most prospects, four bombs in one night will always get someone some glory.

WAIT A MINUTE MR. POSTMAN

Keep the emails and PM's coming so you can avoid the likelihood that you'll be starting Paul LoDuca this year. To get your questions answered, PM TheSnake at FPM or email pick_six@hotmail.com.


Jake Gott is a writer for FantasyPlaymakers.com. An all around fan of sports, Jake follows the Cardinals of both St. Louis and Arizona as well as the Boston Celtics and the whole NHL. A proclaimed "fantasy nerd", he has hoisted many a belt above his head in league championship glory. To reach Jake, email him at pick_six@hotmail.com or by sending him a message on the FPM site under the name of TheSnake.