Kansas City Royals

Great player comparison here between Hank Blalock and Mike Jacobs.

The Baseball Analysts: Adding Perspective to the Jacobs Deal

No longer able to handle the duties of third base due to a damaged right shoulder, how valuable is Blalock as a DH or even as a first baseman? Are there any comps that could shed light on this question? By golly, there is at least one that I know of, and it's none other than Mike Jacobs, the 1B/DH acquired by the Kansas City Royals ten days ago.

Before we take a look at the stats, be aware that Blalock will cost the Rangers $6.2M next season while Jacobs is likely to earn no more than half of that amount, be it mutually agreed upon or awarded in arbitration during the offseason.

Conveniently, these two players are about as easy to compare as possible. Both hail from San Diego and were born three weeks apart. Both players throw right and bat left. And both are nothing more than first basemen and/or designated hitters.

wow! is that really the best the Florida Marlins can get for Mike Jacobs? A MR? Amazing. I sure the padres never get this cheap. I know as a franchise, they are going cheap, but even the friars would pay the 2 million for 32 homeruns .. right?

The Hardball Times It has been a while since the previous installment of this series, but I was waiting to see who signed by the August 15 draft deadline.

I own Chris Young on a couple of fantasy leagues, so I am of course happy to have him back.

On the other hand, I do not understand why the Padres themselves are rushing him back. They should give him at least one rehab game, maybe even let him sit another week. Heck just shut him down for the year. What do the friars benefit from bringing Chris Young back for 4 or 5 meaningless starts. Are those 30 innings from Young really that important? is it a bonus thing?

Physically, The guy has had a brutal year. Let him heal.

Most teams have now played at least one game. Your Ace has been roughed up and your stud hitter went 0-5. Is it time to panic?!

Of course not! But here are a few early reflections on yesterday's games.

Yeah I realize it is probably a tad early, but that doesn't mean we can't take a look at the ponies in the race, right?

MLB.com reporter, Anthony Di Como has a solid look at the candidates for the 2008 rookie of the year, and as fantasy enthusiasts you really should familiarize yourself with these names right away, if you haven't already of course.

Dayn Perry gives some insight to 10 players you will hopefully hear lots about this year. Some you already know, some you might not.

the Sporting News ranks each American League team's bullpen, and projects who should be the closers, and setup.

MLB: Suspended Kansas City pitcher Jacob Rodriguez for 50 games for failing to take a drug test.

National League

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Phelps on a minor league contract.

Miguel Olivo was the Florida Marlins' primary catcher over past two seasons, but he will probably be backing up John Buck this year in Kansas City. Royals Authority thinks it will be more of an even split. Terms of his deal were not disclosed.

Given that both are at least average, if not above average, defensive catchers, I think we might see Trey Hillman ride whomever is hot at this position. Neither is going to tear up the league for months on end, but a scenario where Buck might play virtually everyday for three weeks, followed by Olivo everyday for the next three may well be what occurs in 2008.