The Day in Review

Well, it was a day of homeruns, so there is a lot to report. First, let's look at any injuries...

There weren't any. That was easy. So now for the special format of the daily review.

Notable Hitters:

• The big news on ESPN was Joey Votto's three homeruns. We talked a lot about his power in the other post today, but I'd like to point out the stolen base. Votto was tagged with 20 SB upside, and while 15 might be more reasonable, a 30 HR, 15 SB year would make him a fantasy MVP considering his ADP.
• Kevin Youkilis had 2 homers and doesn't get the credit he deserves. While Todd Helton enjoys the name recognition and Loney the hype, Youkilis will probably outperform them both.
• Ryan Zimmerman has been streaky, but today was one of those games where you understand what the analysts prophesize. Add another two-homer night.
• Placido Polanco is really a catalyst for the Tigers offense, and delivered five hits today. But as a fantasy player, too many of those hits are "empty" for him to be of much value. Sheffield went 3-4 (also empty), but Leyland seemed to be right about the move to left boosting his offense, and I'm glad I've held onto him.
• Carlos Gomez hit for the cycle today, and for those who aren't familiar, it is about as rare as a pitcher throwing a no hitter (specifically, there have been 276 cycles, including Gomez's, while there have been 255 no-hitters). I hope Gomez continues his success, if only because using his name in the possessive case is so enjoyable to pronounce.

Notable Pitchers:

• Cliff Lee threw another gem against the Yankees, and I'm still stunned. Add another 7 K's with zero walks and you'll get an idea what the Indian has been doing right. And to think Lee, Phillips, and Sizemore were traded for Bartolo Colon.
• Regarding pitchers I've touted, Greinke (8 K's in 7 innings of three-run ball), Shaun Marcum (9 K's in 8.2 innings of two-run ball, both in the nineth) and Edinson Volquez (10 K's in 7 shutout innings) were again dominant. I'm glad Greinke succeeded against the Angels, who presented his first major challenge since last month's shutout against the Yankees.
• On the other hand of Votto's success were three Cubs pitchers--Lieber, Marshall, and Gallagher--who all had a chance of displacing Rich Hill. Hill on the other hand walked just one in his first start since being demoted, and I bet he'll be back sooner rather than later.

That's what you need to know about the day.