Brief Notes from 4-14-08

>Jon Lester was unimpressive against Cleveland walking five in 4.1 innings, but thanks to Joe Borowski he was spared the loss. Borowski and his 18.00 ERA will have his arm checked out so he has something to blame his pitching on. Evidently, something has been wrong with his arm for several years. Keep an eye on the Indians’ bullpen and whether or not Betancourt retains his 8^th inning role he is so comfortable with.

>Pat Neshek has been a disappointing middle reliever so far (7.50 ERA) and blew his second save.

>In AL only leagues Twins’ OF Denard Span may be worth a look as he has been filling in adequately for Michael Cuddyer. He’s currently hitting .300 with a SB.

>The Tigers’ 3-6 hitters exploded for 10 hits in 17 AB’s, finally showing what they are capable of.

>George Sherrill managed his 6^th save despite giving up a 2-run shot to Alex Rios in the 9^th.

>O’s OF Adam Jones was 3-3 with his 2^nd SB.

>Rays’ fans had to be excited seeing B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria hit back to back HR’s in the seventh inning against the Yankees.

>With Joba Chamberlain on the bereavement list, Mariano Rivera pitched more than one inning for the first time this season.

>Ervin Santana managed a W on the road, striking out six in seven innings. He allowed 7 hits, and 3 earned runs, while walking one.

>White Sox leadoff hitter Nick Swisher is getting on base at a .460 clip.

>Zack Greinke threw a complete game (5 H, 1 ER, 4 K’s) and is now 3-0. He has gone at least 7 innings in every start and has yet to give up more than one run in a game.

>Takashi Saito gave up his first 4 hits and first 3 runs of the season as the Pirates won their fourth in a row.

>In his season debut Randy Johnson struck out 7 in five innings. He gave up 3 unearned runs, walked 4 and had no decision. All 5 runs allowed by Arizona pitching were unearned.