Cincinnati Reds SP Travis Wood almost joined the perfect game club Saturday as he blanked the Philadelphia Phillies for eight innings, until he gave up a lead-off double to Philly C Carlos Ruiz in the bottom of the ninth. Cincy then lost in the 11th after giving up a Jimmy Rollins rbi single.
Our Instinct: Earlier this year, Cincy struck pay dirt when they put 2009 first-rounder Mike Leake on the major league club and he blossomed. Now another string of terrific pitching performances by youngster. Wood, in 20 innings of work, has given up only 5 earned runs and struck out 17, while maintaining a .68 WHIP. Wood still might be available in your league. Check him out if you need a decent arm for the second half.
