AGRI Biz

Through 82 team games (324 at-bats) this season, Reds’ second baseman Brandon Phillips is tied with Boston’s Kevin Youkilis for the major league lead in runs, with 62. Phillips also has 10 homers and 10 steals at the mid-way point, putting him on pace for his fourth consecutive 20/20 season. Perhaps the most surprising stat, however, is Phillips’ batting average. In 4.5 seasons with the Reds, Phillips has never finished with a batting ...

The term "Batting Average on Balls In Play" (BABIP) has become one of the most popular stats among fantasy managers in recent years.  To put it simply, BABIP measures the number of batted balls that fall safely for a hit (excluding home runs). According to The Hardball Times Glossary, the exact formula for BABIP is: (H-HR)/(AB-K-HR+SF). The major league average for BABIP is usually around .300. Last year it was .299. Through nearly three months this season, it's .298. Generally, if a ...

If you read this article posted back in March, you know why it’s important to keep an eye on your league’s waiver wire as save opportunities get shuffled around major league bullpens. • Just last week, Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls (who saved 24 games in 2009) was relieved of his duties after converting just 12 of his 16 save opportunities with an 8.46 ERA in 22 1/3 innings thus far. Teammate Aaron Heilman earned the four-out ...

Stephen Strasburg dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates in front of a sold out crowd at Nationals Park Tuesday night, allowing just two runs on four hits in seven historical innings. The 21-year-old phenom fanned 14 batters and walked none, becoming the first pitcher ever to strike out 11 or more with zero walks in his major-league debut. Strasburg was efficient with his pitches, needing just 94 offerings to complete seven frames. ...

Photo credit: Gallery 2 Images The first round of Major League Baseball’s 2010 first-year player draft featured many unexpected surprises, including the position at which Bryce Harper was drafted. As expected, the Washington Nationals made the 17-year-old Junior College standout the No. 1 overall pick Monday night. Unexpectedly, they selected the switch hitter as an outfielder instead of a catcher, the position at which Harper has played ...

Today’s edition of Fantasy Baseball Insiders Tonight features not one, but two games scored by the Insider himself… Game No. 26 – Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays • Blue Jays’ starter Shaun Marcum continued his impressive comeback from Tommy John surgery, limiting the Twins to one run on five hits and two walks in seven strong innings Tuesday afternoon. Despite Minnesota’s best efforts, Marcum continually worked out of trouble ...

Continuing our mailbox segment properly titled Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ Inbox, our Insider will answer a question posed by one of our loyal readers. If you have a pressing question for the Insider, whether it be a trade proposal or a spot-start question, drop him a line: nick@fantasybaseballinsiders.com . This week’s question: Looking ahead to week seven, who is the best option among the following starting pitchers? Mike Leake , ...

After a brief Mother’s Day weekend break, Fantasy Baseball Insiders Tonight is back with everything you need to know from Monday night’s action…   HITTERS Hitter of the day: Carlos Ruiz (4-for-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI) • Lost in the potent Phillies lineup is the hot-hitting Carlos Ruiz . The 31-year-old catcher extended his hit streak to six games Monday night, going 4-for-5 with two runs, a HR and two RBI. Through 27 ...

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett got rocked—again—Friday night, allowing nine earned runs in 5 1/3 innings to the Yankees, marking the third time he’s given up seven earned runs or more in a start this season. Through seven starts (41 innings) in 2010, Beckett is 1-1 with a despicable 7.46 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. Two of his three quality starts have come against Kansas City and Baltimore, both of which are in the bottom four ...

Game No. 22 of 162 in the Fantasy Baseball Insiders Tonight summer-long journey featured one of this year’s biggest surprises and a bounce-back performance from one of Oakland’s young guns… Game No. 22 – Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics • After surrendering eight runs (six earned) in five innings in his first start of the season last week, Trevor Cahill rebounded nicely Wednesday against the Rangers. In five innings, the 22-year-old allowed one ...