Tuesday’s Roto Roundup: Roy Halladay Wins His 20th

At the beginning of the season, I predicted that Phillies starter Roy Halladay would not win 20 games, when all the experts were predicting him to win 22-25 games pitching in the weak National League. Well, I was wrong. Halladay went out and threw 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. He didn't have his best stuff, but he came up big for the Phillies who have extended their NL East lead to 5 games now. Halladay should win the NL Cy Young award, and could be a first round pick in 2011 drafts.

Royals outfielder Alex Gordon went 0-4 with a run scored and is now hitting .227-.326-.367 with 7 HRs and 17 RBIs. I am starting to think that it is time to label Gordon a bust, as in his career he is hitting just .247-.331-.409 in 1,403 major league at bats with 44 HRs and 158 RBIs. Does he end up in Pittsburgh which is accumulating more and more former prospects similar to a AAA team does.

Speaking of former prospects, Royals starter Bruce Chen won his 11th game of the season, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk in 6 innings of work. His ERA of 4.69 is not rosterable in mixed leagues, but it is nice to see a former prospect persevere and be successful.

Yankees starter Phil Hughes won his 17th game of the season, but he did not pitch well in doing so. He gave up 3 runs or 4 hits and 5 walks in 6+ innings. Hughes has walked 5 batters in 3 of his last 6 starts, and I am curious if he starts for the Yankees in the playoffs.

Astros rookie third baseman Chris Johnson went 3-4, including his 11th HR of the season. I own Johnson in an NL-only league, and am curious how long he can continue to hit .327-.354-.527. I am pondering dealing him for someone with more experience, but his salary is just $4, and he has hit 11 HRs and driven in 49 runs in 300 at bats this season.

The Cardinals lost again on Tuesday night, and they are in complete freefall at this point. I am wondering if the Cardinals will shock the baseball world by dealing Albert Pujols this offseason. Other than Pujols, Matt Holliday and Colby Rasmus, the Cardinals lineup is horrific. Should be interesting.

Orioles outfielder Adam Jones went 3-4 with 2 runs scored, and is hitting .286-.329-.453 this season with 19 HRs, 64 RBIs and 5 SBs. Is 2011 the breakout year for Jones?

The Marlins have several roster decisions to make this offseason, and one of them is what to do with Logan Morrison. He's a natural first baseman, who hasn't hit for much power to date, but is projected to display power as he matures, but current first baseman Gaby Sanchez is hitting so well that it will be difficult to move him off first base. Sanchez went 3-4, with a HR, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He now has 19 HRs and 81 RBIs in his first full season in the majors.

Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano held the Giants scoreless for 6 innings, giving up just 3 hits, but walking 5 and striking out 8. Since moving back into the rotation, Big Z has given up 2 runs or less in 9 straight starts, and has given up just 10 runs in his last 57 innings pitched.

Reds starter Edison Volquez gave up just one run in 8 quality innings on Tuesday. He held the Brewers to 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out 6. It appears Volquez has worked things outs since being sent to the minors back in July. Volquez has lowered his ERA to 4.45 from 6.17 in his last 3 starts. Volquez should outperform his draft position in 2011.