Ever read the Game Notes at the bottom of a game recap?  I do. Sometimes I even learn something.  Today's post looks more like streaks and injuries.

I cheated a bit and actually read a beat writer's article this morning.  Tom Gage of The Detroit News covers some of the changes that Jim Leyland is implementing in the Detroit line up.  Not least among them is "that Carlos Guillen has been working out in left field, with the thought of that position being added to others where Guillen can be used."  I'm a big fan of having players eligible at multiple positions.  To me it makes them much more valuable to a team.  If Guiilen does begin playing LF, he wll be eligible at four positions (1B, 3B, SS, and LF).  For a 20/100 player who consistently hits .300 that's value.

For those Dice-K owners who live under rocks, just came out from under them and read my blog first thing..."The Red Sox placed RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day DL and recalled 1B/OF Jeff Bailey from Triple-A Pawtucket. Bailey struck out in the ninth."  For the rest of us, Bailey was a crusher in the minors but he's no Jay Bruce.

Yet another reason Chase Utley is getting MVP talk.  "The left-handed hitting Utley has nine homers against left-handers, tops in the majors. Utley has 12 RBI in the past four games."

Play. These. Guys.  "Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games... Texas' Ian Kinsler extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a seventh-inning double...Michael Young stretched his hitting streak to 15 games with a first-inning single...Jose Reyes extended his hitting streak to 15 games with an infield single in the first. He has reached base safely in 30 straight games, the longest run from the leadoff spot in team history."

"Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal, on the disabled list retroactive to May 6 with a sore lower back, was examined in Los Angeles by Dr. Robert Watkins, a back specialist. There is no timetable for Furcal's return. "We're not close yet," Torre said."  Tough, tough break for Furcal owners.  He's had a great year so far and is very much worth a reserve spot.  "We're not close yet" does not bode well...

"Chicago (SS) Juan Uribe (strained right hamstring) is expected to reinstated from the 15-day disabled list and rejoin the team for Saturday's game."  Uribe isn't of much fantasy value except in AL-only leagues.

"With INF Ben Zobrist optioned to Triple-A Durham, the Rays plan to use rookie 3B Evan Longoria as their backup shortstop. Longoria played the position for about 20 games in college at Long Beach State, however manager Joe Maddon stressed he is the team's third baseman." See my Guillen comments...minus Thursday's hemorrhoid reference.

"Braves OF Mark Kotsay went on the 15-day DL with a strained lower back." 25% of fantasy owners care.  Really.  They do.

"RHP John Smoltz is expected to make another rehabilitation appearance for Class A Rome on Saturday. If he comes through that without a problem, he could be activated on Monday and go into the bullpen. Smoltz went on the DL on April 29 with a sore upper arm and shoulder."  I don't think Smoltz is going to the Braves bullpen. I have a deep affection for John Smoltz.  We're from the same area and we're the same age.  I love that an old guy like me is still in the big leagues as a player.  I simply think that the body has had enough.

I think its obvious that Derek Jeter is having a poor season by Derek Jeter standards. "Jeter, who has struggled since he was hit by a pitch on the wrist 10 days ago, went 0-for-5 and is in a 3-for-37 slide."  I wonder how much getting plunked has truly affected him.  It would not surprise me to see Jeter go on the retroactive DL at some point to rest.

Todd Wellemeyer is quietly putting together a career year for the Cardinals.  " Wellemeyer had four strikeouts, giving him 36 in 37 2/3 innings for his career against the Pirates."  More importantly, he's 6-1 with a better than 2 to 1 K to BBI and a WHIP of 1.14.  But 86% of you knew that already...

"Albert Pujols also singled in the third and has 10 hits in his past 18 at-bats, raising his average to .364."   So much for injury concerns for Prince Albert.

"Washington RHP Jason Bergmann starts Saturday night against the Diamondbacks. Bergmann (1-1, 4.50 ERA) has thrown 19 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings."  This is not the same guy who was sent down to the minors earlier this year.  For larger leagues, this guy is worth a flier.

And finally from the TMI files, "Giants 1B Rich Aurilia was sidelined for the second straight day still waiting to pass a kidney stone."

For games played on Thursday, May 29, here's the fantasy value I gleaned from the Game Notes.

"Ryan Theriot reached base four times." (3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 2 BB) If this is a slump, I'll take it. I originally picked up The Riot for a roto league for his average. I have to say I have not been disappointed.

The Braves relief appears to be in fine hands. Current closer "... Manny Acosta struck out all four batters he faced." While "Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless ninth after being activated from the disabled list Wednesday night. Soriano had missed 45 games with right elbow tendinitis, and said he felt good after the outing." Tomes of fantasy posts have been made about whether or not John Smoltz will return to the Braves bullpen. Personally, I think the competition is now between Acosta and Soriano.

"Since moving to third in the White Sox batting order 15 games ago, Quentin has 19 RBI." Like I need another reminder that I was late picking Carlos Quentin off the waiver wire.

"Padres RHP Chris Young, whose nose was broken by a line drive by Albert Pujols on May 21, was scheduled to see a doctor Thursday afternoon. Manager Bud Black said the main concern is with a small fracture in Young's skull. Black also said Young probably will need surgery to straighten his septum." I think a late June return is wishful thinking on the part of the Padres. I would not be surprised to see Young lost for the season.

"Eight times in the past 10 years Kansas City has endured losing streaks of nine or more games." Whenever I thought the Tigers sucked especially hard, I would just look to the Royals and thank my lucky stars I didn't root for them. Its a shame what they are going through after such a promising start under new manager Trey Hillman. Too bad they are playing like the Royals again.

"Jose Reyes singled twice and has reached base in 29 consecutive games." Nice to see Reyes finally rewarding the fantasy owners who stuck with him.

"Lance Berkman leads the majors with 150 total bases and 57 runs." Freak.

"Michael Bourn stole his major-league leading 24th base." If this guy had a better OBP (.279) , he would be a roto must have rather than a liability. Bourn is owned in only 60% of CBS leagues.

"Arizona has three of the five players with the most strikeouts in the NL -- Justin Upton (64), Mark Reynolds (63) and Chris Young (57)." Koske Fukudome should give these guys a lesson about learning the strike zone.