Wednesday's action was highlighted by the Cubs dealing first baseman Derrek Lee to the Braves for three minor league prospects. You can read the Cubs and Braves reactions to the deal here and here. It appears Xavier Nady will replace Lee at first base for the Cubs, so he should be picked up in NL-only leagues and deeper mixed leagues.
Wednesday’s Roto Roundup: Derrek Lee Traded To The Braves
Troy Renck from the Denver Post reported that the Rockies will waive outfielder Brad Hawpe after Wednesday's game to allow Seth Smith to see more time. Hawpe will become a free agent, while Smith should be picked up in mixed an NL-only leagues.
Brewers reliever Trevor Hoffman earned his 7th save of the season after coming in to get the last out of the game with men on base in a one run game. For some reason Brewers manager Ken Macha brought in John Axford after he threw 1.2 innings in Tuesday night's win.
Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre went 2-5 with his 23rd HR and 3 RBI on Wednesday. Is he back on the juice? He is having an excellent bounceback season after his injury plaqued 2009 season. I see him getting a 3 year deal in the offseason, and would love to see him sign with the Dodgers.
Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins went 3-5 with a HR and 3 RBIs. He also stole 2 bases, giving him 14 SBs on the season. Rollins, along with Chase Utley, has become injury prone and is a risky early round pick in 2011 drafts.
BJ Upton went 2-4 with 2 SBs and 2 runs scored. He is only hitting .243-.330-.423 with 11 HRs and 43 RBIs, but has 35 SBs now, which makes him very valuable again in 2011 fantasy drafts.
Miguel Cabrera went 2-3 with 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Miggy is now hitting .340-.433-.640 with 30 HRs and 98 RBIs. It appears Josh Hamilton is the favorite for the AL MVP award, but we still have 25% of the season left, so alot can change between now and the end of the season.
The contact machine Juan Pierre had 4 hits in 5 at bats on Wednesday and chipped in with 2 SBs, giving him 47 on the season. Could he steal 60 bases this season? He is well on his way. 70? He would have to run wild to do that.
Phillies outfield prospect Domonic Brown did not start on Wednesday, but gave us a glimpse of his power as he hit a Guillermo Mota offering into the second deck at Citizens Bank Park for his 2nd major league HR. The ball travelled 440 feet. Brown should be rostered in all keeper leagues.
Did I read recently that the A's are sticking with Daric Barton at first base? Why? The guy has put up a .390 SLG this season, hitting 5 HRs and driving in 40 in 418 at bats. Hardly what fantasy owners want to see from a power position.
The Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham landed on the DL and will have surgery on his knee to end his season. He finishes with the following stat line: .268-.389-.459 with 16 HRs and 56 RBIs. Replacing him on the roster is Nyjer Morgan, but I question whether he will be playing everyday with the Nationals plan to let Roger Bernadina play everyday. Bernadina has been playing CF in Morgan's absence.
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