It looks like the end of September is going to be pretty exciting. Four of the six division races won't be decided until the final two weeks and the National League Wild Card race should be especially intriguing. Fantasy owners will need to start paying attention to lineups on a day-to-day basis as guys are getting extra rest and others are picking up extra at-bats. Plenty of story lines are already playing themselves out and a blink of the eye could have you missing all sorts of important stuff. Don't fret. We'll help you out, no problem. Here is Wednesday's edition of the Daily Dose:
* Mike Gonzalez blew a lead for the first time in 183 appearances Tuesday to the Rockies. "What?" some of you may be asking yourself. Well, yeah, it's true. I don't just make these things up. I'm not that creative. He hasn't blown a lead since June 25, 2004. Sure, he missed a full season due to Tommy John surgery, but this has to be one of the more under-the-radar feats in all of sports. I don't even know what to think about it. It's not like he's having the greatest season statistically (0-2, 4.44 ERA), but a lot of luck and a good amount of ability has this guy in the history books.
* Brandon Phillips had a fairly bittersweet Tuesday night. He hit a go-ahead single in the top of the 11th inning to help the Reds down the Brewers, but actually suffered a broken finger while trying to bunt earlier in the at-bat. The injury will most likely end Phillips' season. Danny Richar should fill in. Phillips is one of the more underrated players in the majors, and I'm willing to defend that, but he had a disappointing 2008 season. He'll finish up the year with a .261 batting average, 21 homers, and 78 RBI. All of those numbers are down from '07. But, he remains one of the top second basemen in the fantasy universe and projects high on next year's draft boards.
Oh, and since we're talking about the Brewers' loss, I have to say this too: Cardinals, I apologize. Maybe I counted you out too soon. With a win last night you moved within 3.5 games of the Wild Card. Albert Pujols shouldn't be shut down yet. That was dumb. Ride this thing out. And Albert, you're probably deserving of an NL MVP this season. Once again. my bad. Let's just hope that Troy Glaus' shoulder strain isn't too serious.
* Paul Konerko may be done for the season after suffering a right knee injury in the fifth inning Tuesday. He could return during the postseason if it's found to be just a sprained MCL, but that might be a long shot. Nick Swisher should take over first base duties for now. Losing Konerko is a big deal, even though he's having one of his worst seasons in recent history. He's hitting .244 this year with just 16 home runs and 50 RBI. Swisher can put up those kind of numbers. Heck, he's already done a little better. Swisher's replacements in the outfield, Brian N. Anderson, DeWayne Wise, and Jerry Owens should be able to pull their own weight too. But, the White Sox currently hold a one game lead in the AL Central and don't hold a candle in the Wild Card race, so every at-bat matters at this point. As much as his fantasy owners probably want to hang the man, the Chi Sox are going to miss Konerko greatly.
* Travis Hafner is finally back in the Indians' starting lineup. The team activated him from the 60-day disabled list Tuesday and he thanked them with a 2-for-4 night, even drawing an intentional pass. Pronk started having complications with his shoulder in mid-May and was placed on the disabled list May 30. He originally hoped to be back in just 15 days. Four months later, Hafner is finally ready. The Tribe probably won't push him too much down the stretch, so fantasy owners will need to monitor their lineups every single day.
* It appears the Rays are getting close to calling up their prized pitching prospect, David Price. He is currently at Triple-A Durham. The Vanderbilt product has torn through the minor leagues this season with impressive numbers at every stop. The St. Petersburg Times suggested Tuesday that the Rays will wait until the Durham Bulls are done with their postseason run before making the move. That means Price could make his major league debut, likely out of the bullpen, by next weekend. Get excited, Tampa. or St. Petersburg.
U.S. & World
AL Quick Hits:Carlos Guillen should return this weekend when the Tigers take on the White Sox . Ivan Rodriguez suffered whiplash when he was shoved by Torii Hunter during Monday's game . Torii Hunter had to leave Tuesday's game with left quad tightness . Jarrod Saltalamacchia may be asked to play winter ball . Carlos Quentin underwent surgery on his wrist Monday . Evan Longoria probably won't return until next week . Freddy Garcia will make his debut as a Tiger on September 17 . Athletics released veteran Mike Sweeney . The Red Sox have no plans to bring back Clay Buchholz this season . A.J. Burnett earned his 17th victory of the season on Tuesday . Adrian Beltre had an MRI Tuesday and could be out until early net week . Milton Bradley had to leave Tuesday's game with a strained lower back . Robinson Cano is having an awful September .
NL Quick Hits:Carlos Zambrano will start on Saturday . Brad Penny is scheduled to toss a bullpen session Wednesday and hopes to return as a reliever on Friday . Brad Hennessey will replace Kevin Correia in the bullpen, but fantasy owners might want to look away . Kevin Gregg returned on Tuesday, but Matt Lindstrom should hang on to the closer's role . Pat Burrell is in a huge slump . John Smoltz wants to return to Atlanta in 2009 . Wandy Rodriguez is being skipped in the rotation because of a strained right oblique . Chris Volstad was removed from his start Tuesday with a right leg contusion . Ramon Ramirez pitched six innings of one-ht baseball Tuesday to beat the Brewers . Carlos Delgado finished 3-for-3 with three RBI to help the Mets beat the Nationals on Tuesday night.
