WEEK 2 STUFF TO KNOW

First, before I get to the baseball, I want to offer a giant ‘mea culpa’ regarding “The Ruins”. I’m ashamed of what they did to the book. Hope you didn’t waste your money like I did on the movie. Why is Hollywood so dumb?

Second, I had to relay something that I encountered at a McDonalds this weekend, which left me laughing my hindquarters off.

I was enjoying my usual cheeseburger happy meal, when I happened to pick up the box it comes in and started to read the fine print on the contest. Here is how it reads, word for word. Remember, I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP.

‘No purchase necessary. Many will play, only 15 will win. Open to residents of the U.S., Canada (excluding Quebec) and other markets as defined in the rules. Game begins March 14, 2008 and ends April 10, 2008. To win, a Canadian resident must correctly answer a skill-testing question.’

Talk about stacking the deck against Canadians! First, those from Quebec are banned altogether. Then, if you somehow manage to defy the ridiculous odds and win a trip to Disney World, you then would have to sit down and take an exam just to collect your prize.

As you should all know, I’m not much of a fan of our friends from the Great White North. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to visit the happiest place on earth, does it?

By the way, the next happy meal is going to be based on American Idol. I hope to get some of Paula’s prescriptions as my toy.

Well, week one is in the books. Hopefully you’re teams have not been too decimated by injuries. It’s only one week, but you should be able to identify your needs, even after just seven days. Especially in head to head leagues. Roto leagues have a little more leeway.

I was decimated in my mixed league head to head, losing 1-8-1. I lost all five pitching categories, mainly thanks to my relievers. Manny Corpas, Eric Gagne and Matt Capps all got hammered in week 1, ballooning my ERA over 5 for the week.

But there are plenty of good finds out there, waiting to be had. Here are some you should pounce on, if they are still available in your league. Remember, your draft is important, but you’re not going to win if you don’t get some steals off the waiver wire throughout the season.

Jeff Keppinger-SS-Reds-It’s a no brainer that Keppinger should be in your NL only starting lineup, but if he keeps hitting like in week 1, he might be mixed league worthy as well. Keppinger smacked two homers, drove in 4 and stole a base in his first 6 games. Oh yeah, he also hit over .400! Alex Gonzalez who?

Dana Eveland-SP-A’s-Eveland has been a prospect for a long time, bouncing from the Brewers, to the D-Backs, and now to the A’s. This spring he seemed to put it together and in his first start, the train kept rolling. You might have missed it, since it was late Saturday night, but Eveland struck out 7 over 7 innings, giving up just 1 run in a win over CC Sabathia and the Indians. The 24 year old lefty could be one of this years finds.

Nate McLouth-CF-Pirates-There’s no way Nate should be available in any of your leagues, but if he is, consider yourself lucky. McLouth was dynamite the last 3 months of 2007 and he is proving it wasn’t a fluke. Just because he plays for the Pirates doesn’t mean you should ignore him. He’s leading off, hitting over .400 and stealing bases. Plus, he could get you 20 homers as a bonus.

Edinson Volquez-SP-Reds-Everyone is talking about Johnny Cueto, but I was just as impressed with Volquez. He’s likely still available in your league, but if he keeps pitching like he did in start number one, he won’t be a free agent for long. Volquez is another longtime prospect who the Rangers dealt to Cincy for Josh Hamilton. Edinson could join with Cueto to carry the Reds as this year’s surprise team.

Jeremy Accardo-RP-Blue Jays-I know there is no way Accardo is still available in your league, but I had to mention him because his stuff is so filthy. Since taking over as closer last year, Accardo has gone 33 of 38 in save opportunities. I just don’t see how the Jays can justify removing him completely from the closer position, even when BJ Ryan returns. Everyone was going ga-ga over Ryan at this year’s draft, while Accardo slipped to the final rounds. Nice work if you grabbed him.

Jack Wilson-SS-Pirates-Hopefully you don’t have Wilson as your starting shortstop. If you do, it had better be a very deep NL only league. Wilson is on the DL with a strained calf and the Bucs have recalled propect Brian Bixler to start in his place. If you are looking for a stopgap, here he is.

Brandon Backe-SP-Astros-I liked Backe heading into the season, mainly because he was flying way under the radar. Injuries have sidetracked his career, but he seems finally back at full strength this year and the Astros can still score runs. Backe has had two decent starts already. He’s not somebody who will serve as an ace, but in NL only leagues, he’s a solid start.

Boof Bonser-SP-Twins-According to the Twins, Bonser stepped up his offseason conditioning and started to take his career seriously this winter. A 5.10 ERA will do that to you. Bonser is in his third year and could be a breakout. Through two starts, he has yet to issue a walk, something that was a major issue to the Boofster in the past. He’s a definite for those of you in AL only leagues. Keep an eye on him, because he strikes out enough guys to possibly warrant mixed league ownership if he keeps the ball in the yard.

Kevin Millwood-SP-Rangers-Through two starts, he hasn’t been terrible. That’s saying a lot for the former Phil. Remember, it was just 2005 when Millwood had an ERA under 3 for the Indians. He has the ability, but just doesn’t seem to have the drive. Maybe his wife smacked him around this winter and told him to pull his head out of his ass. I’d wait one more start, which will be against Toronto this weekend. If he’s solid again, take the risk.

Dioner Navarro-C-Rays-As if the catching pool wasn’t thin enough. Navarro sliced his hand open trying to catch a foul pop against the Yankees over the weekend. Shawn Riggins will be the beneficiary, as he now starts for Tampa. If you’re desperate, there you go. Don’t dump out on Navarro, either. He should be back in 15 days and he’s a definite sleeper at a very shallow position.

Mark Lowe-RP-Mariners-Lowe is the guy, but the Mariners have to be worried. Lowe blew his first save opportunity against the lowly Orioles. Lowe has a total of 22 innings worth of experience in the majors, so I don’t really compute how he is their best option at closing. If JJ Putz is able to come back in 15 days, the Mariners will probably just bite the bullet and ride Lowe. If Putz is going to be out longer, don’t expect Lowe to hold onto the job. Keep an eye on the transaction reports….if Brandon Morrow gets recalled, GO GET HIM!

Wes Helms-3B-Marlins-Yes, somebody actually gave Wes Helms a job. The Phillies finally found a home for Helms, which should tell you something about the state the Marlins are in. The fish gave up cash consideration for Helms, which Pat Gillick promptly spent buying a gallon of milk. Helms could actually start in Florida…all that stands in his way is Jorge Cantu. Can you believe this team has won two World Series the past decade?