-Dexter Sports
10:04 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Frank Wren is an "I accept" away from having arguable the best starter in major league baseball. Someone who has been known to have great leadership skills and be a silent leader on the field. His stuff is unmatchable in my opinion. And heck, he is a hunter. Doesn't he belong in Atlanta? Some may look back and say it was the wrong decision for Frank Wren not to part with his top prospects to land the Ace.

I don't blame him one bit.

Sure, Jake Peavy is intriguing. He adds a depth to an already young and talented rotation. But he is not worth dumping top prospects for. Throughout his career, Peavy has never tallied 20 or more wins. Maybe that is a product of the organization he plays for. Or maybe part of it has to do with his history of injury.

Though he put up an astonishing 2.85 ERA in 17 starts, much of Peavy's consistency was hampered by two visits to the disabled list. Heck, he has only had three winning seasons in his career. When you lose 90+ games this move doesn't make sense. Peavy's injury ridden past balances out with the probabilty of a guy like Tommy Hanson, who the Braves Covet. And with the natural power of Jason Heyward, you hate to trade what could be a future franchise five tool player.

I will jump on the bandwagon of many and say that trading Peavy would be more of a value to the Padres than any other team in the league. His long term deal could be what scares a lot of clubs as well. It's hard to think a pitcher will remain at his caliber throughout 2012. The probability is less likely.

Either way, he will be dealt soon, Its just a matter of when and where.

-Dexter Sports
3:16 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Maybe it isn't quite of a buzz, but hey, I have some news and analysis for you.

• Blues Notes has the grades of the 2008 Dodgers posted today. I was surprised a bit with Furcal's A. But Hey, when he was on the field, he was a game changer. Unsurprisingly Andruw Jones got an F. But hey, he's got a hefty contract, doesn't that automatically give him a C?

• Metsmerized plays "Should I stay or should I go" in a recent post. It seems that they don't want to bring back anyone over there. The Mets will undoubtedly have one of the most interesting off-seasons. If they don't bring in a top tier pitcher and resign Oliver Perez, then I will be shocked. Imagine, Johan Santana, Ben Sheets/Derek Lowe, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey. Pretty good rotation. I think that the Bullpen has to be an issue here. If a top tier starter isnt brought in then expect Frankie Rodriguez to be closing out games in New York. They have to add someone to that pen. I'll suggest Braden Looper.

• The Boston Herald has a bunch of good information this afternoon. Micheal Silverman covers the to do list for Theo epstein this off-season. One major on the list has to be add bullpen help. Especially if Justin Masterson is not going to be a full time reliever. But I agree with Silverman. The Red Sox need to lock up the young guns to compete in the AL East in the not to distant future. Silverman also touched upon how hard it will be to obtain Jake Peavy. All I got to say is, Forget about it!

• According to the New York Daily News, Former Yankee and Met manager Willie Randolph is high on the list of potential managers to fill the void left when the team let go of Interm Dale Sveum. Randolph was interviewed by the Brewers in 2000 as a managerial candidate, but was not choosen. There is also rumor that he could join Manny Acta's staff in Washington. Heck, its a win win for Willie. He will make 2.9 million in 2009 if he isnt hired.
  

• And Finally, Bobby Abreu wants to stay in Pinstripes according to the New York Post. I think this would be a wise move, but Abreu could pick up a bit more money on the open market. The Outfield is a pretty weak position in the upcoming free agent market, and Abreu brings a pressence a lot of teams are looking for. Abreu hit .333 in clutch situations for the New York Yankees last season.
  

-Dexter-Sports
7:24 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Trevor Hoffman comes in and gets the save for the Padres in an 8-6 ballgame. The Padres sweep the Mets thanks to a pinch hit home run by Tony Clark in the bottom of the eighth. If the Padres continue to play this well, they could get back into the hunt pretty quickly. The Padres are 7-3 in the last ten games. That has been without starters Jake Peavy and Chris Young and second baseman Tadihito Iguchi.

Many have been talking that the Padres could be sellers, but at this rate, they could be buyers for a solid bat in the middle of the order, or even a defined lead off hitter. Matt Holliday is out of the question, because the Rockies are a division foe, but Jason Bay, Tony Gwynn Jr., Kenny Lofton and many others are not out of the question. The pitching seems fine though. The Padres are high on newly acquired Cha Seung Baek and Randy Wolf alongside Greg Maddux have been hot as of late.

-Dexter Sports
11:47 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Proper Name: Wade Matthew LeBlanc
Born: Aug. 7, 1984 in Lake Charles, La.
School: Alabama Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L

Wade LeBlanc has always been on the fast track to the Major Leagues. Like Tim Lincecum, Mark Prior and Andrew Miller before him, this lefty's fastball is way above average, his off speed is near major league ready, and the San Diego Padres considered him as the 5th starter in spring training just one year after being drafted. Later in this season, Leblanc could be the next power pitcher to make a name for himself as a major leaguer.

Baseball America's Freshman of the Year in 2004, LeBlanc led Alabama with a 8-4 record in his freshman campaign, with a 2.08 ERA. He missed most of his sophomore season due to injury, but he came back strong his junior season leading the Crimson Tide to the super regionals. Leblanc's success continued as a professional. Last year, he led the Padres organization in strike outs (145) and ended up with 13 wins and a 2.95 ERA in time at HiA and AA.

LeBlanc's signature pitch is his change up, which is an 80 on the scouting scale, has fooled batters whether it has been thrown in the dirt or for a strike. Since Leblanc's fastball only reaches 90 MPH, it is imperative for Leblanc to work his change and curve ball to perfection. Like many young starters, Leblanc has a hard time maintaining his mechanics in points of the game but is quickly improving in that aspect.

Making his debut at AAA Portland at the beginning of the season, LeBlanc put up 11 strikeouts, tying the Portland record. He settled in and only gave up four hits and struck out 6 of his first 8 hitters. Leblanc is very close to being an everyday major leaguer.

My Projections and ETA:

I believe that LeBlanc will be up by mid July, especially with the Padres struggles so far this season. If Greg Maddux is dealt or Chris Young and Jake Peavy stay out for longer than expected, LeBlanc is the best option for the Padres. Ultimately I believe that LeBlanc becomes a solid middle rotation type of pitcher that can dominate against lefty lineups. He will hold the third spot of that rotation for a long time into the future. That is saying something, considering the two men who will be in front of him. The Padres could have the best rotation for the next decade.

-Dexter Sports
3:03 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox


Nobody has to look at the standings in Major League baseball to know that the Detroit Tigers have dug a hole in last place. Who would know that Justin Verlander would have more losses than wins (2-7) and that the rest of this pitching staff would be this bad. For the Brewers, It has been much of the same story. The Brewers started off well, and for once this far in the season we see Ben Sheets pitching and not on the DL. Young ace Yovani Gallardo has landed on the DL and bullpen issues have kept them from being the powerhouse of the NL Central. These two teams are some of the biggest upsetting teams in the Major Leagues. Here are a list of "contenders" at the beginning of the season and how I believe they will end up this season.

Seattle Mariners: Many has this team slated in a battle with the LA Angels to win the AL West crown. The addition of Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva was supposed to propel this rotation to the top. Bedard has started most of the season on the DL and Silva, who gave up 7 runs last night to the Tigers has been on and off and plainly this offense just stinks. The Brad Wilkerson signing failed, Richie Sexson still doesn't know how to hit a baseball and the rest of the young infield has continued to struggle. Ichiro at the top still gives them a pretty good top of the order, but nobody is driving him in. The Mariners are 23rd in RBIs and cannot muster any offense. It seems that Adam Jones and Jose Guillen could have been better options. Add the horrid start by this bullpen and it doesn't look good for the Mariners

My Prediction: I Do not think this team has enough to put a rally together to get back in this thing. The offense is just horrible and the pitching is having a hard time staying in ball games as of late. Last Year, this teams good start is what propelled them into playoff contention. This team will finish near the bottom of the AL West.

San Diego Padres: This team was a game away from the playoffs last year and in the off season, we only saw this team get better. Though they lost Milton Bradley and Mike Cameron, they were able to bring in a couple pitchers that possibly had a lot of success in Randy Wolf and Mark Prior. We also saw the pads reach out and bring in Tad Iguchi to play second base, in what I believed was a good move. This pitching staff was going to carry the light offense. I bought into the idea that the Padres would compete in the NL West. Boy was I wrong. The Padres are a major league worse 17-30.

My Prediction: The Padres do not have what it takes to compete on the field and that has been apparent so far this season. I think sooner rather than later we will see a Padres fire sale that could see anyone go beyond Chris Young, Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez. This team is just a bit too old, lacks just too much talent and also needed a hot start to make a move in the NL West.

New York Yankees: The Yankees are one of the interesting teams in the league that has seen it all so far in 2008. They have seen a young rotation falter (Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes) yet the veterans they were hoping on have pitched well (Petitte and Mussina). The offense has been slowly pulling out of slumps but still is no where near the caliber they need to be. At 20-25 there could be a lot worse things to worry about. Yet again, who knows what this bullpen will do throughout the season, especially if Joba Chamberlain becomes a starter.

My Prediction: Last year, we saw this team in the same situation throughout the first half and many were more worried than they are now. Granted they had a great manager in Joe Torre, and the emergence of Roger Clemens helped a lot, this team still has the staff and players to get back in a playoff run. If this team adds a pitcher at the deadline they are in the hunt for the wild card. If not, Hank will have fits and the Yankees could rebuild with big cash and free agents available.

Colorado Rockies: Many thought that this team was not ready to compete everyday because of their young everyday players. Analysts stated that last years run to the World Series was just that, a run that just happened to carry them. Though I agree to some extent, I went into this season feeling this team would compete. The Rockies didn't make too many free agent moves but they still had a great lineup. Now with an 18-28 record, many believe the rebuilding is about to begin. Some of the losing has to be credited to the slow offensive start. Not bringing back Kaz Matsui might have stung just a bit. He was a major spark that is clearly missing off that roster. Either way things can only go better for the Rockies.

My Predictions: Initially my thoughts were that the Rockies would simply not be able to rebound and go on a run like they did late in 2007. This team just didn't seem to have that spark that it carried into every post season game. Thinking about it more, I just can't deny that this team will compete with the Dodgers to fight for a wild card spot in the NL. Veterans like Todd Helton and Garrett Atkins are a big part of that feeling. Soon enough Troy Tulowitzski will warm up and Matt Holliday is a tremendous talent. Plus, the pitching is young and will continue to improve as we go throughout the year and the bullpen will get stronger. This Rockies team should be in the hunt when it comes down to it, though it will be hard to catch up to that amazing Diamondbacks team.

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers have been one of the most interesting teams of 2008. They have seen the offense slump while the pitching was very strong. Now, we are seeing the offense explode while the pitching struggles. It doesn't hurt that they have lost their best pitcher stuff wise and all of their youngsters continue to struggle. Carlos Villanueva has moved to the bullpen and Ned Yost is searching for the stop gap. Seth McClung will get the next chance. Eventually though, this bullpen will straighten out (not that it is bad now) and become shut down. I truly believe that. Soon enough Jeff Weaver will make his way to the Majors and maybe he can be the Weaver of St. Louis. Adding a pitcher or a speedy lead-off hitter wouldn't be bad, but I don't believe that it is necessary.

My Prediction: I still stick to my prediction that this team will find a way to make the playoffs. The Brewers have too good of a lineup and what I believe is the best potential bullpen in all of baseball. The Rotation, though shaky will hold together and we will see Mike Cameron, Corey Hart and Ryan Braun continue their tears and if JJ Hardy doesn't awake his bat soon, we could see a Khailil Greene or Chone Figgins make their way to Milwaukee. I just don't see this team sitting on their hands. Especially after the offensive display last night. This team finds a way to get in the playoffs. I also think we will see the cubs falter down the line (bullpen has no history of logging long innings beyond Bobby Howry). The Cubs just have too many injury prone players to hope they can stay healthy throughout 2008.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers were supposed to field possibly the best lineup in baseball history this season, but for some reason the offense struggled out of the gates. Then we saw a surge in offense the propelled Detroit to 5th in the league in runs scored. It didn't matter though because the pitching staff was simply horrible. Ranked Last in ERA, this staff has improved, and last night we saw the offense explode. Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman have had good starts back to back and the bullpen is only going to get better with flamethrower Joel Zumaya and change up master Fernando Rodney coming back soon. Jim Leyland has exploded in the clubhouse and recently on the Detroit Radio Network, told Jim Price that he shoulders all the blame, but these players have to be responsible as well. It will be the one heck of a story if this team accepts the responsibility of play so far, and moves on to be the team they are supposed to be.

My Predictions: I left the Tigers for last because they are simply the hardest to gauge. They have been way up and they have been way down. The Offense seems to be awake, but who really knows. I really like the prospect bullpen near the middle of June, when this team will add two of the leagues best relievers to its squad. I still think this team will bust out of the gates and rip a 15 game win streak along the line. This team is just too good to not win the AL Central. They will pull out of this and give the White Sox a run for the money. Though I might be crazy, I still believe this team has what it takes to win it all

-Dexter Sports
10:50 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

The Cubs have signed Jim Edmonds and though he isn't a long term option as the fourth outfielder, he has replaced Felix Pie at least for the rest of the season. Again, the cubs have failed to allow their young talent to develop at the major league level. Pie wasn't given a fair amount at bats from the right side and yet the Cubs continue to bring in veteran players that are past their prime. I agree with the signing of Reed Johnson, but bringing in Jim Edmonds and hoping for a spark is a reach at best. Though it is too soon to tell, if the Cubs have officially given up on Felix Pie, he could be available around the deadline in a deal that would bring them either more offensive firepower or one more solid pitcher.

It has been clear from the get go that the Cubs did not have faith in Felix Pie. Their first attempt was to get Coco Crisp from the Red Sox to take over in center. Then it was even Marlon Bryd of the Rangers who they thought would do better than Pie. If the right deal comes along then I think the Cubs will jump on it. Allowing him to rot in AAA, much like another former outfield prospect is not the right answer. With that being said, here is a few scenarios that I can see happening.

San Diego Padres: We know the need for a true center fielder overlies nearly every other need on this squad. If the Cubs want to re-evaluate the thought of bringing in shortstop Khalil Greene, if Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot are not getting the job done. Though Greene isn't that much of an upgrade, he did show power last year. The Padres would also be able to clear 4.5 million dollars for next year. Other players that could be available are Brian Giles, Trevor Hoffman(bit of a reach), Greg Maddux, Wilfredo Ledezma, and even possibly pitching prospects. Even third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff could be available, because the Pads would love to give
a chance to shine. The Cubs could use Kouzmanoff in the outfield, but he is most likely an option to another team, considering Aramis Ramirez is not going anywhere and their top prospect is third baseman Josh Vitters.

Baltimore Orioles: I still think that Brian Roberts is a possibility in Chicago and one of the pieces of the puzzle could be Pie. Though the Orioles are very happy with what they have got in the outfield right now, Pie could be a solid addition for the future, and though they are having success the future is the biggest thing on Andy MacPhail's mind. Eventually, with the departure of Kevin Millar, we could see Luke Scott or Nick Markakis move to first base, which would make room for Pie in center. Though Pie wouldn't be the only required piece of the deal, something like Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie and Sean Gallagher/Sean Marshall is a possibility. The Orioles will be asking for a lot though.

Oakland Athletics: If Billy Beane can sweep in and grab Pie under his terms, I am sure that he would do it. The A's lack any depth at center field currently and Ryan Sweeney is still struggling to put up numbers. Though the A's have Carlos Gonzalez waiting in the wings, an outfield prospect who could play center field, Beane could swing this move just to clear a bit of salary to add a pitcher at the deadline if needed. Beane won't be willing to give up much, probably offering someone like Bobby Crosby to give Donnie Murphy time or Jack Cust and a prospect. Though Beane is very high on his prospects. The Cubs though could use someone like Cust to pinch hit, if Daryle Ward doesn't come back healthy in two weeks.

San Fransisco Giants: Though Brian Sabean claims he isn't going to make any more deals, Felix Pie could be a piece of the future of San Fransisco. Though the Giants don't have much to offer that could help the Cubs immediately, I do like the idea of the Giants sending a pitcher Midwest. I think that Brian Wilson, Jonathon Sanchez, Tyler Walker, Vinnie Chulk and maybe even Barry Zito (with the right price reduction and improved outings). The move would put Fred Lewis in left and give them possibly the fastest outfield in the league. Ray Durham could also be a possibility.

-Dexter Sports
2:14 PM

Man Alive, I have never imagined that so many Milestones could be breached within one day. In this edition we take a look at what milestones we could see very soon.

• Chicago Cubs- The franchise could see it's 10,000th win tonight against the Rockies in Colorado. Rich Hill will take the mound in a rubber match. Franklin Morales will look to defend his home turf tonight. The Cubs are 14-6, which is the best start for the north side since 1975. Here is a list of the best starts in team history.

• Atlanta Braves: Veteran John Smoltz eclipsed 3,000 strikeouts last night. Smoltz is the only pitcher to have 250 wins and 150 saves in his career. It is good to see one of the good ol' boys reach another milestone. Smoltz is a definite hall of famer.

-Dexter Sports
10:01 AM

Good Morning. Well if you are the Rockies or Padres, then heck your just going to bed. Man, who would think when I went to bed that the Rockies would of played the equivalent of two and a half games. Heck, I'm surprised that Jake Peavy didn't pitch all 22 innings. Anyways, lets get to what I have for you this wonderful Monday morning.

• Speaking of the Rockies and Padres, Did you know that Rockies Lefty Reliever Brian Fuentes was cut from his high school baseball team as a junior? It's interesting because he is the type of guy that puts the team first, though teams have spited him before. Five million a year ain't bad for someone who shouldn't have made it in the college game. Fuentes has become one of the best setup men in the league.

• The Detroit Tigers bats should wake up again this weekend against the Toronto Blue Jays. Today, the tigers will take on 25 year old call up David Purcey to make a spot start because of the emergency relief appearance of A.J. Burnett this week. Dustin McGowan will go for the Jays on Saturday. He is 1-2 with a 9.95 ERA in three starts against the Tigers in his career. The numbers for A.J. Burnett do not get any better. He is 1-1 with a 9.88 ERA in three starts against the tigers.
  

• This weekend's best pitching match up will take place today. Johan Santana will take the ball for the Mets, while Cole Hamels, the changeup wizard will go for the Phillies. Not only is this a rivalry, but Johan looks to improve after giving up four home runs against the brewers in his last start.

• Wow, It sure hasn't been talked about much but Manny Ramirez is inching closer to 500 homers for his career. I wonder where we will rank him all-time when it is all said and done. He is the first player, I can say that i have witnessed his whole career, that is in the 500 Homer club.

• Mike Sweeney stuck out for the first time this season Wednesday night. That is interesting, especially since that is all he could do in Kansas City.
  

• Detroit Tigers' outfielder Curtis Granderson will began a rehab assignment today. He will start off in Low A West Michigan, but make his way to AAA Toledo for the weekend. Granderson should be up and ready in the tiger's lineup next week. The free press also notes that Reliever Joel Zumaya has been throwing off the ground. Manager Jim Leyland said he was, "firing the ball." that is good news for this weak pen.

-Dexter Sports
2:39 PM

He is the pitcher that most fantasy owners don't know about, yet he leads the league in ERA at 0.00. Shocking yes, but buried beneath the Solid three of Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux, lies this wonderful gem that could solidify your starting staff.

Justin Germano is the Dexter Sports Pick Up of the week for many reasons. Though he is still winless in two starts and has only thrown 6 strikeouts, Germano could be a guy that just eats innings for your team. We all know that the reason he hasn't won is simply no run support in San Diego. That is the beautiful thing about it. We should start to see Germano's run support jump anytime soon with Jim Edmonds back in the lineup and the offense beginning to click. Plus, Germano has a high strike out to walk ratio. That is great for those in WHIP leagues. Though his past numbers don't look too shabby, he could be a great asset if you missed out on the Zack Grienkes of your league.

Though Germano will only be in the rotation until Mark Prior is ready to go, he is a good option to look at. Germano is owned in 9 % of ESPN Leagues. Germano will be making his next start on Wednesday against the Rockies. That start would be a great time to pick him up. The Rockie's offense is really really shaky to start the season. Despite Matt Holliday's recent tear, they are still 24th in runs scored so far this season.

--Dexter Sports

Here is the Latest on the Baseball front-

• Announced less than an hour ago by the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles have released OF Jay Gibbons. The Orioles have now finalized their roster, meaning that Scott Moore will make the team as a spare outfielder, third baseman and first baseman. The Orioles will have to still pay the more than 11 million dollars owed to him, but it is the best move for the future. Gibbons is suspended for the first 15 games due to failing the MLB Drug Test.

• Claudio Vargas could be signing with a club sooner, rather than later. Vargas, who was released by the Brewers earlier this week could be heading to inner-division rival Houston. The Astros released starter Woody Williams, who struggled all spring. Vargas is a good fit, especially if Shaun Chacon struggles. The Mets also seem to be in the picture, especially with Orlando Hernandez struggling with velocity and heading to the disabled list. Vargas could be a spot starter and work in the pen for the mets.

• Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Davis will make his first two starts of the year and then will undergo treatment. He expects a full recovery and will be back with the parent club within a month and a half. Our thoughts go out to him and his family.

• Finally, the Padres have placed Center fielder Jim Edmonds on the 15 day disabled list. This means that talks between the cubs and padres could heat up on the Matt Murton front.
  

Thats all for this round-up, up next Ill put together the Rule 5 Draft All-star team!