David Reiffer

Baseball Instinct | New York Yankees 3 Up, 3 Down

by David Reiffer August 16, 2010

Welcome back to Baseball Instinct’s series: Chin Music. We’re taking a quick snap shot of key player’s in each organization’s major league club as well as their minor league system. This isn’t a “point out the obvious” elite players. We are taking a look at player’s in situations that could help your fantasy team or be a good addition to your fantasy farm. This time we are going to take a look at the New York Yankees. Each Chin Music article will focus on three players up in the big leagues and three prospects down in the minors. So let’s begin!

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Braves | 1B Troy Glaus continues rollercoaster season

by David Reiffer August 15, 2010

Atlanta Braves 1B Troy Glaus came through with a homer and 4 RBI, going 2 for 5, and striking out twice.

Our Instinct: Glaus has to be the streakiest player in baseball. If not for a May where he hit .330 with a .408 OBP, with 6 homers and 28 RBI, Glaus may have been looking for a job and Braves prospect Freddie Freeman would be trying his luck in the big leagues. If you can put up with his inconsistencies, Glaus can help your team if gotten cheaply.

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Braves | SS Alex Gonzalez knocks in 4 runs

by David Reiffer August 15, 2010

Atlanta Braves SS Alex gonzalez collected two hits in three at bats Sunday while driving in 4 runs. The big hit was a triple that scored Omar Infante and Rick Ankiel.

Our Instinct: Gonzalez has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners this year. The 33-year-old shortstop has hit 30 doubles and 20 homeruns this season. Now hitting in the 3-hole in Atlanta will only add to his career season. You don’t find this kinda pop at the SS position every day.

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Brewers | RP John Axford records save against Arizona

by David Reiffer August 14, 2010

Milwaukee Brewers RP John Axford got the final out Thursday night against Arizona to collect his 17th save of the year, pitching a scoreless 1.2 innings with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks.

Our Instinct: A save is a save, I guess, but Axford has walked 5 in his last 2.2 innings. Ken Macha told reporters Sunday that he plans to ration out the save opportunities between Ax and Trever Hoffman. This kind of performance won’t change his mind even though they came out on the winning side. Stay away from this situation if you are in the thick of things in your fantasy league. If you aren’t, now’s the time to try to make a deal for Axford. He’s the future in Milwaukee. For the season, Ax is at 3.03 ERA, 46 K, 17 walks in 38.2 innings.

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Red Sox | DH David Ortiz pops 25th homer this season

by David Reiffer August 13, 2010

Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, during Thursday night’s loss to Toronto, got his 25th homer of the season. Ortiz went 2 for 5 with 2 rbi in the game.

Our Instinct: Big Papi, despite a dismal April, has had very consistent power numbers this year. If all goes well, he should hit at least 30-35 homeruns and pass the 100 rbi mark for the first time since 2007. Ortiz will be 35 years old in November. Don’t count on him repeating this feat. This burst of offensive production makes him a really good “sell high” candidate in keeper leagues.

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Baseball Instinct: Chicago Cubs 3 Up, 3 Down

by David Reiffer August 12, 2010

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Blue Jays | SP Brandon Morrow one-hits Tampa Bay

by David Reiffer August 8, 2010

Toronto Blue Jays SP Brandon Morrow went the distance today recording a one-hitter against Tampa Bay, while striking out 17 batters and walking 2. Morrow’s no-hit bid was busted by a Evan Longoria single in the ninth which moved a runner to third base. To secure his win, Morrow struck out Dan Johnson.

Our Instinct: With a no-hitter in the balance, Brandon had an elevated pitch count. Out of 137 pitches, he threw 97 strikes. And in the ninth, he still reached the mid-ninties on his fastball. This outing lowered his ERA to 4.07 and lifted his k’s count to 151 in 127 innings. Look for Cito Gaston to limited Morrow’s pitch count on his next few outings. The young hurler is heading into uncharted territory in terms of work on the mound this season.

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Blue Jays | C J.P. Arencibia powers his way through big league debut

by David Reiffer August 8, 2010

Toronto Blue Jays C J. P. Arencibia went nuts in his major league debut, hitting 2 homeruns and a double to go 4 for 5 with 3 rbi.

Our Instinct: Arencibia has been waiting in the wings all season to make his big league mark, but unfortunately for him John Buck (the current Blue Jay catcher) was having a career year too. Buck’s recent injury opened the door, however, and clearly, Arencibia took advantage. There shouldn’t be any catcher controversy in Toronto. Buck is a free agent after this year and it’s well documented that J. P. is the future.

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Rays | OF BJ Upton flexes muscles against Twins

by David Reiffer August 4, 2010

Tampa Bay Rays OF BJ Upton smacked a 3-run homer to beat the Minnesota Twins last night. He also went 2 for 4.

Our Instinct: Upton has turned it on as of late. He is hitting .500 in August. And for the last ten games he’s hit a respectable .296. Most of this year, Upton has been pretty over-rated. He’s always been a threat on the basepaths, but what could he do if he were getting on base at more than a .321 clip?

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Pirates | 2B Neil Walker punishes Cincy

by David Reiffer August 4, 2010

Pittsburgh Pirates 2b Neil Walker had a career night against Cincinnati last night. The 25-year-old second baseman drove in 4 runs while going 3 for4 on the night. The big hit was a 3-run double in the 2nd inning. Walker is hitting .308.

Our Instinct: Walker has maintained a nice .300 batting average for most of the season. Formerly a 3b prospect, his moved to second is fitting because of his lack of power. It would be nice to see a few more walks out of him, but for fantasy purposes, Walker remains a cheap solution at a premium position.

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