CAN IT LAST WITH SYNDERGAARD?

It’s not fair to compare Noah Syndergaard to others. He’s his own man and will carve out his own path. But last week I was tweeting with a few folks and I noted that it’s just not possible to throw your slider at 93 mph. It simply isn’t (his average slider is thrown 3.3 mph harder than anyone else). I then invoked the name of Kerry Wood who, before injury, profiled exactly as Syndergaard does now. Check out this video of Wood’s sick movement in his 20 strikeout game.

 

I bring this up because Tom Verducci wrote an article Tuesday about Syndergaard, his unearthly slider, and the name of Wood popped up. I tweeted it. Tom wrote about it. Do yourself a favor and read the piece – it’s scary for those of you counting on Syndergaard in a keeper or dynasty league. 

IS THE DL A LOCK?

Yoenis Cespedes is missing a 4th straight game Tuesday with a leg issue. He had the leg drained of a lot of fluid according to reports, and Adam Rubin hinted today about the concerns when he noted that Yoenis likely wouldn’t be pinch hitting so a DL stint count be backdated. As I always warn with Cespedes… in two of four seasons he’s missed at least 27 games. Through four seasons he’s missed an average of 15 games a year. The last three years he hasn’t eclipsed seven steals, and now he has a leg issue. He’s also hit under .261 twice in four years. He was overrated on draft day, and it sounds like the inevitable DL stint could be approaching though this report suggests that Cespedes could return to action Wednesday.

What does the world have against zombies?

 NEWS AND NOTES

Jose Abreu is batting a mere .176 with three homers and a .592 OPS through 20 games. One of those most consistent run producers in baseball the last two seasons, he will be fine. I can’t help but tell you I told you so though. After batting .317 with a .383 OBP and .581 SLG as a rookie, here are his numbers his last 174 games: .278/.338/.483.  #ToldYa

Chris Archer rebounded. Told you he would. Kevin Gausman had a great first outing. Raisel Iglesias has had a solid start though he’s not dominated. Julio Teheran is still someone I’m targeting. Find out my extended thoughts on all those guys in the Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Pitcher Review.

Nolan Arenado is hitting just .150 the last six games. That’s dropped his batting average this season to a mere .260. No one who owns him cares though as he’s hit seven homers with 17 RBI, 17 runs and a 1.50 BB/K ratio this season.

You might have heard that Jose Berrios was called up by the Twins. For my thoughts check out his Player Profile.

Brad Boxberger continues in his push to return from abdomen surgery. He hopes to return in mid-May as he’s been cleared to resume baseball activities as of this writing. In his absence Alex Colome has four saves and a 1.17 ERA and 0.91 WHIP for the Rays. He’s held batters to a .185 batting average against and has done nothing to lose the 9th inning job once BB returns.

Did you know that dogs can surf?

Travis d’Arnaud has been placed on the DL with a right rotator cuff strain. I’m through with him. See my report.

Kyle Gibson is headed to the DL with a shoulder issue that is being described as a shoulder strain at the moment. It’s not known how long he will be on the shelf at this point. A disappointment yet again, Gibson hits the shelf with a 6.10 ERA and 1.74 WHIP over four starts.

Should you be worried about Zack Greinke?

Wilson Ramos has been placed on the bereavement list. He is expected to return later this week against the Cardinals. Over his last seven games Ramos has hit .200 with a .231 OBP as the slowdown has already begun.

Trevor Story is batting .167 with a .271 OBP over his last 11 games. He also has one RBI and 19 strikeouts.

Tyler White has hit .087 his last six games. As a result of the slowdown we’re looking at a guy with a mere .262/.333/.554 slash line. Can’t say you weren’t warned. See his Player Profile.

Yordano Ventura has had walk issues. Michael Pineda never walks anyone. Jerad Eickhoff has had a solid start for the Phillies. Check out my video for a review of all three arms.

 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Friday, 7 PM EDT and Friday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 6 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).