I know. I get it. You've watched way too much football this weekend and are now lost as to what's going on in Major League Baseball. Well, let me guide you through some of the top stories. Here's Tuesday's edition of The Daily Dose:
* It sounds like Albert Pujols might move forward with Tommy John surgery this offseason. I say "why not get the surgery now then, Albert?" He's known for a couple of seasons that the procedure would eventually have to be done and now, with his Redbirds 5.5 games back in the Wild Card race, the time has come. If he has the procedure in late October, there's no way he'll be ready for the start of next season. He has it now? There's a chance. If King Albert wants to wait another month or two to decide, the Cardinals have to step in and force him to play another season in pain. They host the All-Star Game in 2009 and will want the face of their franchise around to participate. Albert knows that. He's also hoping to play in the World Baseball Classic. A decision needs to be made. with a little hustle.
* Jack Wilson was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right index finger. Man, I love writing about NL Central teams that aren't in contention. Kidding. This is important. I'll explain. He's probably going to miss the rest of the season and will be wrapping up his first sub-300 at-bat season of his career. That doesn't bode well for a guy who's likely to be tossed around the trading block this winter. The free agent shortstop market is pretty bleak (Orlando Cabrera, Cesar Izturis, Felipe Lopez, David Eckstein, Alex Cora. let's stop now) and teams could be knocking on the Pirates' door for a try at ole Captain Jack.
* In other Tommy John surgery news, Billy Wagner. well, yeah, he's considering having it. That was an awful lede, I know. Let's move on. It's a terrible scenario for the Mets, who already have a weak bullpen heading down the stretch, but let's focus on Wagner individually. If he has the procedure, his 2009 season will be a wash. He'll come out on the other side as a 39-year-old free agent reliever and probably won't command much of a salary. Teams tend to shy away from closers that are a tick away from heading "over the hill." Those guys don't tend to "bring it" like the youngsters. Man, I hope the Tigers' organization has some Rotoworld readers. I'd be open to a job in the front office. Anyway, the point is: If Wagner truly needs the surgery, we might never again see B-Wags contributing positively on a major league mound.
* Tim Lincecum was impressive again Monday night, taking a shutout into the ninth inning. He's 16-3 with a 2.54 ERA on a team that's 17 games under .500. Yes, impressive. He has a really strong case for the National League Cy Young award this year. Timmy leads Major League Baseball in strikeouts (225) and leads the NL in ERA. Let's take a look at the other candidates. Come on, it could be fun.
C.C. Sabathia: It's ridiculous that he's in the running. Not "ridiculous" because he's pitched horribly, but consider this: He has been a member of the National League for a little over two months! Incredible. But, hey, he has been that brilliant. The big man is 9-0 as a member of the Brewers with a 1.42 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He is striking out a batter per inning and has amassed six complete games, including three shutouts, in 12 starts against National League lineups. Deserving is spelled... D-E-S-E-R-V. okay, you get it.
Brandon Webb: He has fallen off of the radar after a few bad weeks. B-Webb has been rocked for three straight important outings, including two consecutive blowouts to the team his Diamondbacks are battling atop the NL West, the Dodgers. His numbers are still great, but he'll need a really nice turnaround to pick up enough interest for the award. A lot of eyes will be on that NL West race down the stretch, so the opportunity is there.
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Ryan Dempster: I've only heard his name tossed around in a few circles. And I kind of like it. He has carried the Cubs' pitching staff this season and is probably deserving of the team's MVP. A 15-6 record, 2.99 ERA, and his squad hosts the best record in the league. Why not Dempster?
I'm leaving this one open for discussion, but I will say this: It's a two-horse race at this point and the more diminutive of the pair is out in front by a length or three. (I'm a dork).
AL Quick Hits:B.J. Upton will miss a few games with a strained left quad . Torii Hunter could be facing a suspension for shoving Ivan Rodriguez . J.D. Drew has been activated from the DL and could be back in the starting lineup later this week . Evan Longoria is hoping to rejoin the Rays on Friday . Bartolo Colon will start one part of next Saturday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays . Dontrelle Willis is going to get another shot with the Tigers later this month . Travis Hafner will return from the disabled list Tuesday . Milton Bradley is expected back in the lineup Tuesday . Jered Weaver had a successful bullpen session Sunday and is on track to start Tuesday . Jeremy Guthrie will be skipped once again in the rotation as he's still battling flu-like symptoms.
NL Quick Hits:Carlos Zambrano tossed a bullpen session Sunday and appears ready to make his next scheduled start this weekend . Nate McLouth is back in the starting lineup after sustaining a cut above his left eye during Sunday's game . Chris Carpenter could be in line for a few save opportunities if Chris Perez continues to struggle . Jason Schmidt will undergo another shoulder surgery Wednesday, and hopes to be ready for the start of the 2009 season . Jody Gert's left middle finger is still swollen . Matt Lindstrom might retain the closer's role for the rest of the season . Mike Cameron should rejoin the lineup on Monday . Geoff Geary is very close to returning to the Astros' bullpen . Jon Lieber has been shut down by the Cubs and has returned to his home in Alabama.
