News: The Denver Post reports that RP Justin Speier is likely to report to the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs. Speier, who was released by Colorado last Saturday, has the option of signing with another team, but he has shown interest in remaining with the Rockies' organization.
Analysis: Speier's flyball-prone ways seem like a bad match for Coors Field, but in any event, he is a Fantasy afterthought. Should he stay with the Rockies, and should he be recalled, Speier would be pitching in middle relief. He will be without value in any format.
News: Colorado agreed Thursday to minor league contracts with left-hander Jimmy Gobble and right-hander Justin Speier. They will go to spring training with the big league team.
Analysis: Speier and Gobble are major league quality arms, but they are nothing more than middle relievers for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if they make the team out of spring training.
News: The Angels unconditionally released RP Justin Speier on Tuesday night, finally tired of waiting for the veteran reliever to regain his form. Speier was 4-2 with a 5.18 ERA in 41 appearances for the Angels, whose historically reliable bullpen has struggled this season.
Analysis: The Angels dropped Speier four days after the struggling reliever gave up three homers in one inning by the Rangers, but general manager Tony Reagins said the move has been contemplated for longer than that. "We saw Justin's time here coming to an end," Reagins said. "We felt this route would give Justin the opportunity to seek other employment quicker." As an out-of-work middle reliever, Speier has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Angels RP Justin Speier was blown apart by the Yankees on Sunday in the final game before the All-Star break. Speier failed to get an out in the game as he gave up two runs on two hits and a walk. His ERA is 4.64 on the year.
Analysis: Speier is 0-1 in July with four runs allowed in four innings pitched. Outside of a decent June in which he allowed just one run in 8 2/3 innings, Speier has been pretty bad this season. He's a right-handed specialist and can be used in Fantasy leagues that use middle relievers. That's about it.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Justin Speier entered Wednesday's game in the seventh inning and struck out all three batters he faced on called third strikes. Speier has allowed just three earned runs over his last 16 innings (a 1.69 ERA).
Analysis: Right-handed batters are hitting only .155 (9 for 58) against him this season. Consider him a solid middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Justin Speier had his second consecutive poor outing Wednesday against Toronto. He retired just one of the six batters he faced in New York on Thursday. Against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, he allowed five runs in the eighth inning.
Analysis: In two innings, Speier allowed three hits, walked four, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch. Speier is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career. He should be avoided even in those leagues while he is struggling.
News: A high pitch from Josh Beckett to Bobby Abreu as time was being called touched off a bench-clearing incident in the first inning of Sunday's game between the Red Sox and Angels. With Chone Figgins at second base, one out and a 1-2 count on Abreu, Beckett remained in the stretch position for several seconds while getting the sign he wanted from catcher Jason Varitek. Just as plate umpire Paul Schreiber jumped out to call time, Beckett threw the ball over Abreu's head as he backed out of the batter's box. Abreu said something to Beckett and was held back by Schreiber, then both dugouts and bullpens emptied. No punches were thrown, and the Angels were ordered back to the dugout by manager Mike Scioscia, who was in the middle of a conversation with crew chief Joe West when Beckett came off the mound and said something to Scioscia. Suddenly, the benches and bullpens spilled onto the diamond again, and this time there was some pushing and shoving. Angels center fielder Torii Hunter was ejected by West and had to be restrained by teammate Howie Hendrick. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher and reliever Justin Speier also were ejected.
Analysis: Hunter could be facing a suspension, which would affect his status for a series the next time he near in New York, which is where they hear such disputes. For now, consider him a viable start in any format. Speier is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point in his career.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Angels right-hander Justin Speier pitched a scoreless inning on Wednesday. Speier has lost his status as a setup option in the Angels bullpen while posting a 6.26 ERA and an 0-3 record since the end of April. Even with Wednesday's perfect inning, Speier has allowed 29 hits and walked 13 over 27 1/3 innings in his past 26 appearances. The Angels video coordinator Diego Lopez put together a video of clips to remind Speier about his successes. "That was a 'Dig Me' video, that's what that was," Butcher said. "Some highlights that Diego cut up for him -- all his strikeouts, his great plays covering first. A 'feel-good' video." Speier said viewing the video just confirmed in his mind that his problems this season have been based mainly on occasional poorly located pitches. "What I found was my stuff is the same, my work ethic is the same," Speier said. "The difference between last year and this year is that last year the mistakes I made would get fouled off or hit at somebody. This year, when my location has been off, I've paid the price."
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men.
News:Jhonny Peralta went deep against reliever Justin Speier, leading the Indians to a 5-2 victory that snapped the Angels' five-game winning streak and pulled Cleveland out of the AL Central basement. Justin Speier has given up 10 homers in 39 2/3 innings of relief.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men.
News: After struggling mightily earlier in May, Justin Speier has pitched back-to-back scoreless outings, one inning apiece.
Analysis: Speier's role makes him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men -- albeit one with a nice arm and some potential to help in ERA and WHIP from here on out.
News:Justin Speier allowed one earned run on two hits in one inning against Baltimore on Sunday.
Analysis: Speier has allowed an earned run in just that one game in his past seven outings. Speier remains just a Fantasy middle reliever, but his eight holds are tied for fifth in the majors.
News:Travis Hafner hit a two-run homer off emergency closer Justin Speier with two outs in the ninth inning, and Jake Westbrook earned his first complete game since 2006 to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Speier, forced to close because of Francisco Rodriguez's ankle problems, got the last out in the eighth and retired his first two batters in the ninth before walking Asdrobal Cabrara. Hafner drove the right-hander's next pitch far over the right-field fence for his second homer, costing Speier his first save since 2004 with Toronto. Rodriguez, who was charged with his first blown save Monday, had an MRI on his sore right ankle. X-Rays were negative.
Analysis: Speier finished off the Indians Tuesday but not before the damage was done. His ERA ballooned to 9.00 and he took his first loss. Speier has now allowed a run in two of three outings this season. Rodriguez is not expected to be sidelined long, and if that were the case, probably Scot Shields would be the new closer in L.A. Speier remains just a Fantasy middle reliever.
News: The Press-Enterprise reports that Justin Speier and Darren Oliver got into a clubhouse fight Thursday that had to be broken up by teammates.
Analysis: The details of the fight are pretty lame, basically Speier dumping a box of Oliver's stuff out trying to be funny. Manager Mike Scioscia downplayed the quarrel, by saying, "These guys are like brothers." We downplayed their Fantasy value by saying, "These guys aren't very good."
News: Justin Speier (knee) allowed one hit in two-thirds of an inning at the White Sox on Sunday.
Analysis: Speier is only worth a look in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Angels RP Justin Speier (knee) did not return to the mound Saturday against the White Sox.
Analysis: Speier is only worth a look in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle men when healthy. He is day to day.
News: Angels RP Justin Speier said he has a strained ligament in his right knee, which explains the pain he's been experiencing.
Analysis: Speier is only worth a look in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle men when healthy. He is day to day.
News: Justin Speier (2-3) gave up one run and two hits in 1 1/3 innings of relief on tuesday at Seattle for the win. He also struck out two batters in the 26-pitch appearance.
Analysis: Despite the win in relief, Speier is only worth a look in deeper AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle men.
News: RHP Justin Speier worked in three of the four games of the weekend series. He struck out the only batter he faced Sunday after allowing four runs in one inning Saturday.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: RHP Justin Speier had stranded all 17 of his inherited baserunners until giving up an RBI double to Minnesota's Jason Bartlett in the eighth inning.
Analysis: Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Justin Speier (1-2) pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Monday against Boston for his first victory with Los Angeles. Scot Shields struck out Coco Crisp looking with two on in the eighth, and Francisco Rodriguez got three outs for his 28th save in 31 chances, striking out Brandon Moss with two on to end the game.
Analysis: Despite the victory, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez pitched two perfect innings in Sunday's game against the Rangers, but Justin Speier (0-1) came on in the 11th and threw a 3-2 pitch that Mark Teixeira deposited into the first row of seats above the 18-foot wall in right field.
Analysis: Speier's Fantasy appeal is limited to the deepest of AL-only formats which use true middle relievers.
News: Angels RP Justin Speier, sidelined since May 1 because of an intestinal infection, was activated from the 15-day DL Friday. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder had lost 12 pounds while he was ill, and also lost some of his strength. "It's just been an unbelievable road (back), being away from the team for 2 1/2 months," Speier said before the Angels' game against Texas. "I feel like I'm making my debut again. I'm definitely excited about getting back out there and getting that first outing out of the way."
Analysis: The 33-year-old Speier, who signed a four-year, $18 million contract in November, had a 1.69 ERA in 15 appearances spanning 16 innings before he went on the disabled list. Manager Mike Scioscia plans to ease Speier back into the picture. "That was something extraordinary that happened to him, so I think we'll try to give him an inning or two to get his feet on the ground, work him in somewhere and then go from there," Scioscia said. When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Justin Speier continued his minor league injury-rehabilitation assignment by pitching another inning for Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. He is likely to continue his rehab through the All-Star break.
Analysis: Speier has been sidelined since the end of April with an intestinal infection. He tried to come back earlier but had his rehab assignment shut down in early June when he had renewed problems with dizziness and nausea. When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Angels RP Justin Speier restarted his injury-rehabilitation assignment by giving up a run on two hits in one inning for Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday.
Analysis: Speier has been sidelined since the end of April with an intestinal infection. He tried to come back earlier this month but had his rehab assignment shut down in early June when he had renewed problems with dizziness and nausea. When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers. Keep him reserved until at least mid-July.
News: Angels RP Justin Speier, out since May 1 because of an intestinal infection, will pitch at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday.
Analysis: When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers. Keep him reserved until at least mid-July.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he spoke with RP Justin Speier and the pitcher is "very upbeat" about the progress he is making in his recovery from an intestinal infection that has sidelined him since late April. Speier is throwing at the team's spring training complex in Arizona but has not been on a mound since a minor league injury-rehabilitation assignment was shut down at the beginning of June. Speier most likely won't return until after the All-Star break, Scioscia said.
Analysis: When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers. Keep him reserved until at least mid-July.
News: Angels manager Mike Scioscia said RP Justin Speier's recovery from a viral condition is going slower than expected. Speier landed on the 15-day disabled list May 21 and began rehab but returned to Arizona for extended spring training. No date has been set for when he'll being rehab, again.
Analysis: When healthy, Speier is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Justin Speier, who had to cut his minor league rehab assignment short because a recurrence of symptoms from an intestinal virus that has sidelined the reliever since April 30, threw a simulated game Monday at Angel Stadium. "He's staying as close as he can to being ready," manager Mike Scioscia said. "So when he feels like his strength is there and he's ready to go, I don't think it will be a huge jump to get him to be able to be able to pitch in a major league game for us."
Analysis: Speier has been on the 15-day disabled list since the end of April due to the intestinal problem. When healthy, he is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: RHP Justin Speier went 1 2/3 innings for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday and was scheduled to pitch an inning again Sunday to test his stamina in back-to-back appearances. That plan was scratched due to the number of pitches Speier threw in Saturday's game.
Analysis: Speier might continue his rehab assignment with an appearance Monday. Speier has been on the disabled list since the end of April due to an intestinal problem. When healthy, he is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Justin Speier will continue his minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment by pitching on consecutive days for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga Saturday and Sunday.
Analysis: Speier has been sidelined since the end of April with an intestinal problem. "I'm just taking it day by day," Speier said. "The good Lord willing, hopefully, I'll be back with the team soon." When healthy, he is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Justin Speier (viral infection) made a rehab appearance for Class A Rancho Cucamonga, allowing a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning of work.
Analysis: Speier has stranded all 13 of his inherited baserunners and has a 1.69 ERA. The 33-year-old reliever has been sidelined since April 30 because of an intestinal virus that affected his eating and sleeping habits, resulting in persistent nausea and a loss of about 10 pounds. When healthy, he is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: RHP Justin Speier (viral infection) returned to the Angels clubhouse on Tuesday to prepare for a minor league rehab stint beginning Thursday with Class A Rancho Cucamonga. "I just thought it was the flu. And since I was still pitching well, I just kept dealing with it and figured it would just go away. But it didn't," said Speier. "I knew I had to take a step back and evaluate things. I'm not totally out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination, but things are headed in the right direction. I've gained back five pounds and my sleeping habits are getting back to normal. I definitely feel relieved, but I'm not going to come back to soon and then have this start up again. So there's no timetable."
Analysis: Speier has stranded all 13 of his inherited baserunners and has a 1.69 ERA. The 33-year-old reliever has been sidelined since April 30 because of an intestinal virus that affected his eating and sleeping habits, resulting in persistent nausea and a loss of about 10 pounds. When healthy, he is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: RHP Justin Speier threw two innings in a simulated game at the Angels' extended spring training camp in Arizona Friday and was scheduled to throw another inning Monday before joining the Angels in Anaheim Tuesday, where his status will be evaluated.
Analysis: Speier has been out all month with a viral condition. Continue to keep him reserved in all AL-only Fantasy leagues. When healthy, he is a middle relief option in Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Injured Angels RP Justin Speier (illness) pitched in a simulated game in Tempe, Ariz., on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Speier faced four batters. He allowed a bloop single while throwing 11 strikes and three balls with "good command," according to Tony Reagins, director of player development.
Analysis: Speier has appeared in 15 games with a 1.69 ERA. He has also held hitters to a .130 average. Continue to keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues. He is a middle relief option in Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: According to MLB.com, Angels SP Justin Speier (illness) will be re-evaluated on Friday. However, it is not yet known when he will return from the DL with an unspecified medical condition.
Analysis: Speier was placed on the DL retroactive to April 30, making him eligible to return May 15, but he remains out of commission. Continue to keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues. He is a middle relief option in Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: RHP Justin Speier wasn't at the ballpark again Wednesday, a day after going on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 30 because of a medical condition unrelated to baseball. Speier said Sunday he had flu-like symptoms. Privacy rules prevent the Angels from revealing Speier's condition without his consent.
Analysis: Manager Mike Scioscia said the pitcher "was weak and was having trouble sleeping." Asked if he thought Speier would be out another week, Scioscia said, "I hope not." Speier was placed on the DL retroactive to April 30, making him eligible to return May 15.
News: Reliever Justin Speier was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday because of what the team called a medical condition unrelated to baseball. Speier wasn't at Saturday's game against the Chicago White Sox, but returned Sunday and said he had flu-like symptoms. He said then he was getting better and hoped to be available to pitch in the near future. "It doesn't seem like he's going to be available to pitch here this series," manager Mike Scioscia said, referring to a three-game set with the Cleveland Indians that ends Thursday. "It just looks like it's going to take a little bit of time."
Analysis: Citing federal privacy laws, Scioscia said he couldn't discuss Speier's health, although he did say the pitcher "was weak and was having trouble sleeping." Asked if he thought Speier would be out another week, Scioscia said, "I hope not." Speier was placed on the DL retroactive to April 30, making him eligible to return May 15. To replace Speier on their 25-man roster, the Angels recalled infielder Kendry Morales from Triple-A Salt Lake of the Pacific Coast League.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Justin Speier was unavailable for Saturday and Sunday's games against the White Sox. "Things are going in the right direction," Speier said. "I'm still a little weak right now. I'm getting over it. I'm going to rest up and see how I feel later."
Analysis: Speier is expected to be available on Tuesday when the Angels begin a series against the Indians. He is only worth a look in the deepest of AL-only Fantasy leagues which use true middle relievers.
News: Angles RHP Justin Speier has missed the Angels' past two games with an undisclosed, non-baseball-related illness. Opposing batters are hitting .130 (7 for 54) against him this season.
Analysis: When healthy, Speier is worth a look in all leagues that reward the use of true middle men. Monitor his status if this applies to your league's format.
News: RHP Justin Speier entered Thursday's game vs. the Indians in Milwaukee with runners on first and second and no outs in the seventh inning. He retired all three batters he faced and has now stranded all nine runners he has inherited in six relief appearances this season.
Analysis: Speier has allowed just one hit in 7 1/3 innings. He's worth a look in all leagues that reward the use of true middle men.
News: Justin Speier, signed by the Angels as a free agent during the offseason, threw 1 1-3 scoreless innings, and Scot Shields closed with two perfect innings in Tuesday's game against the Rangers..
Analysis: Speier and Shields have been peerless to start the 2007 season. Despite the solid performances to start the year, Speier won't do much for your Fantasy team this season. Only use him in the largest of AL leagues.
News: Scot Shields and Justin Speier combined for three scoreless innings against Texas Monday. "That's kind of the way we draw it up; have the starter hold them to one and we come out and do our job," Shields said. Both relievers recorded a hold. Darren Oliver came in before Shields and allowed a hit and a walk without recording an out.
Analysis: Speier won't do much for your Fantasy team this season, so only use him in the largest of AL-only leagues. Oliver is not worth owning in Fantasy play.
News: Justin Speier gave up a homer and walk and struck out two in his spring debut.
Analysis: Speier won't get any save opportunities, which cements his status as a solid middle reliever for the deeper Fantasy leagues that use them.
News: Reliever Justin Speier agreed to terms of a four-year contract Sunday with the Angels, who will become his seventh major-league club. The deal, worth about $18 million, is contingent on the 33-year-old free agent passing a physical. The right-handed Speier went 2-0 with a 2.98 ERA in 58 appearances for Toronto last season, mostly in a setup role. He struck out 55 and walked 21 in 51 13 innings and held opposing batters to a .235 average in what was his second season for the Blue Jays.
Analysis: Speier, who spent time on the DL in 2004 and 2006 with a strained right forearm, joins a bullpen that already ranks among the AL's strongest. It will keep him from any save opportunities, but will cement his status as a solid middle reliever for the deeper Fantasy leagues that use them.
News: The following pitchers have filed for free agency through Sunday: Tony Armas, Joe Borowski, Roger Clemens, Octavio Dotel, Adam Eaton, Alan Embree, Shawn Estes, Jesse Foppert, Aaron Fultz, Matt Herges, Orlando Hernandez, Jason Johnson, Ray King, Brian Lawrence, Ted Lilly, Steve Kline, Gil Meche, Tom Martin, Brian Moehler, Tomo Ohka, Russ Ortiz, David Riske, J.C. Romero, Rudy Seanez, Jason Schmidt, Justin Speier, Mike Stanton, Steve Trachsel, David Weathers, Rick White, Randy Wolf and Kerry Wood.
Analysis: A total of 89 players have filed since the World Series from a potential free-agent class of about 200. Players can file through Nov. 11, and free agents can talk money with all teams beginning the following day. Track their offseason destinations before finalizing a judgment on their Fantasy value for 2007.
News: Justin Speier (forearm) returned from the DL and allowed one hit in one inning on Sunday against the Angels.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: RHP Justin Speier, sidelined since Aug. 4 because of a forearm strain, threw 17 pitches in his second simulated game this week and reported no discomfort. He should be available on Sunday. "I'm happy I'm back and happy I'm available to help this team win again," Speier said. "The past month I haven't really felt like I've been a part of this team because I haven't contributed, so I'm just anxious to get back out there. I just want to finish this year out healthy and strong so I can help this team win and gain momentum going into the next season."
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues when healthy. There are far more intriguing options in the role. Ignore Speier at this point.
News: RHP Justin Speier (right forearm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday. If all goes well, he could be activated from the DL Sunday or Monday.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues when healthy. There are far more intriguing options in the role. Ignore Speier at this point.
News: RHP Justin Speier (right forearm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday and if all goes well he could be activated from the DL.
Analysis: Speier isn't worth holding onto in Fantasy play.
News: RHP Justin Speier (right forearm strain) played catch Monday and Tuesday and reported no problems.
Analysis: Speier said he hopes to return Sept. 8. When he does, he's still nothing more than a low-end AL-only reliever.
News: RHP Justin Speier said he'll return to the team in probably three or four weeks. Toronto placed Speier on the 15-day DL on Tuesday night with right forearm tendinitis. An MRI didn't show anything more than that. Speier said he'll rest for a week before throwing again.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues when healthy.
News: The Toronto Blue Jays placed reliever Justin Speier on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday night with tightness in his right forearm. Speier was placed on the DL after allowing a go-ahead, three-run double in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 8-4 loss to Baltimore. "It's a big blow," said manager John Gibbons, who intends to use Jeremy Accardo and Brandon League in the eighth inning while Speier recuperates. Speier is 1-0 with a 3.05 ERA in 51 appearances this season. The right-hander said he's been dealing with the problem over his past six outings, but the pain intensified in the past week.
Analysis: "I was just trying to get as much treatment as I could to see if I could work it out," he said. Speier is still nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues when healthy.
News: RHP Justin Speier has 14 strikeouts in his last 8 2/3 innings.
Analysis: Speier is still nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Scott Schoeneweis, Justin Speier and B.J. Ryan each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Blue Jays on Sunday.
Analysis: Speier is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of AL-only leagues.
News: Justin Speier has posted five holds during the month of July and he is currently second in the American League in that category with 20.
Analysis: Speier is one of the better relief options in leagues which reward holds. Also consider him for ERA help as a middle reliever in deeper Fantasy leagues that use them.
News: Jimmy Rollins' RBI triple off Justin Speier and Chase Utley's run-scoring off Scott Schoeneweis cut it to 3-2 in the seventh Saturday.
Analysis: Speier's ERA rose to 2.84 after the bad outing. Consider him for ERA help as a middle reliever in deeper Fantasy leagues that use them.
News: Justin Speier worked two perfect innings of relief on Monday against the Orioles, striking out four batters, as he lowered his ERA to 3.04.
Analysis: Speier can help Fantasy owners in AL-only Roto leagues in the ERA and WHIP categories, but he is not worth using in any other format.
News: Justin Speier surrendered a two-run home run to Tampa's Ty Wigginton in the ninth inning of Wednesday's loss marking just the fourth time this season (18 appearances) that he has allowed an earned run. It was also the first time he has allowed more than one run.
Analysis: Speier (1-0, 2.65 ERA) has recorded 12 strikeouts and eight walks in 17 innings of work this season. He won't see save opportunities, so his value is limited to deeper AL Rotisserie formats.
News: Justin Speier had his 10 consecutive scoreless innings streak snapped after giving up a run-scoring double in the eighth on Saturday vs. the Angels.
Analysis: He warrants consideration in AL Rotisserie leagues for assistance in the ERA and WHIP categories.
News: Justin Speier, who struggled through the early part of last season, is off to a solid start in '06. The veteran right-hander appeared in his eighth game of the season Tuesday night and retired the Baltimore Orioles in order in the eighth inning.
Analysis: Speier has allowed just two hits in 33 at bats, and pponents are hitting a meager .061 off him overall. He warrants consideration in AL Rotisserie leagues for assistance in the ERA and WHIP categories.
News: The knock against Justin Speier the previous two seasons was that he was a slow starter, a reliever who needed time to build up his arm strength and his velocity. He never bought into that thinking, however, and in the opening two weeks he's been solid.
Analysis: Speier has not allowed a hit or a walk to a right-handed batter (0-for-13) and has allowed just one hit against left-handed batters -- a home run by the Twins' infielder Luis Rodriguez. He warrants consideration in AL Rotisserie leagues for assistance in the ERA and WHIP categories.
News: Justin Speier, who missed time because of an injured finger on his right hand, was a fastball-slider pitcher in his first two spring outings and wasn't throwing his splitter as a precaution. Now he's back to 100 percent. "I threw it for the first time the other day in a minor league game," said Speier. "Everything felt fine, there wasn't any pain or anything.
Analysis: Speier, who will serve as a reliever for the Blue Jays, was left unselected in the B.I.G.S. AL Head-to-Head Experts League. However, he is worth a late-round selection in deeper AL Roto drafts.
News: Blue Jays reliever Justin Speier, slowed by a sprained right middle finger, made his first appearance of the spring against the Reds Friday, striking out two and walking one in 1 1/3 innings. "I didn't feel any pain," said Speier, "It's a step in the right direction. I'm really looking forward to staying with the team now and with two or three more outings like this I should be out of the woods."
Analysis: Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league. If Ryan falters as the closer or gets injured, the team could turn to Speier.
News: Justin Speier (finger) threw about 30 pitches Tuesday and is scheduled to make his first appearance Friday. "I let it go and I was really happy," Speier said. "It felt great. There was no pain and I was throwing free and easy. My location was a little bit off, but that's to be expected."
Analysis: Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: Justin Speier (strained tendon right middle finger) is to throw his second bullpen session on Tuesday and could get in a game as early as Friday.
Analysis: Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: Justin Speier, who has missed time because of a ligament injury to the middle finger of his right hand, threw a second bullpen session Saturday, will throw a simulated game Tuesday and will get in his first spring training game Friday against Cincinnati.
Analysis: Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: MLB.com reports Justin Speier (finger) threw 30 fastballs in the bullpen Thursday without any lingering pain. The successful session means he should be able to make an appearance in a game around March 16-17. "I'm not out of the woods yet. Once I get in some games, though, I'll be a lot more hopeful," Speier said. "I mean, I'm hopeful now because I feel good. But once you get into games and really let it go, and have no pain, then that's a true indication of how it's going to feel."
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Speier should make appearances in some spring training games soon. If he still experiences pain, he will receive a cortisone shot and probably be questionable for the regular-season opener. Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: MLB.com reports Justin Speier has been throwing with a splint on his injured middle finger for the past four or five days. However, he played catch without wearing the splint Tuesday. Speier said that his finger was feeling better and that he was on pace to test it in a bullpen session on Thursday.
Analysis: Barring setbacks, Speier should make appearances in some spring training games soon. If he still experiences pain, he will receive a cortisone shot and probably be questionable for the regular-season opener. Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: Justin Speier, who strained a tendon in his finger at the beginning of spring training, is hoping to throw off a mound by Thursday. He has been limited to throwing with a splint on the finger, which hinders its range of motion.
Analysis: If Speier develops lingering pain from a scheduled bullpen session next week, he'll receive a cortisone shot and might not be ready for the start of the regular season. In that case, Jays manager John Gibbons said Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Ben Weber or James Baldwin could be possible replacements. Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: MLB.com reports Justin Speier was able to throw Wednesday with a splint on his injured finger. "It's a little awkward to throw with that splint on," Speier said. "But the reason I have that on there is so I don't push the finger back too far, to let it heal in there a little more."
Analysis: If Speier develops lingering pain from a scheduled bullpen session next week, he'll receive a cortisone shot and might not be ready for the start of the regular season. In that case, Jays manager John Gibbons said Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Ben Weber or James Baldwin could be possible replacements. Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: RHP Justin Speier (tendon strain right middle finger) threw long toss Tuesday and reported no problems.
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues. He was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: The Toronto Sun reports Justin Speier (strained right middle finger) saw a specialist in Baltimore on Thursday and is expected to miss two weeks. "A couple of weeks and it should calm down," Jays manager John Gibbons said. "There's nothing major there. He won't throw but he will work out."
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues. He was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL experts league.
News: MLB.com reports Justin Speier took a day off from workouts Thursday and was going to have his right middle finger looked at by a specialist in North Carolina. "All indications from the MRI are that it's nothing serious," manager John Gibbons said. "You've got to let it calm down. He had that tendon problem last September, and of course it healed. It just flared up on him. ... In about a couple weeks, it'll calm down. So it's nothing major."
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues. He was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League.
News: MLB.com reports Justin Speier's middle finger on his pitching hand starting hurting when he was throwing on Wednesday, so he cut his workout short in order to avoid further aggravation. The finger was the same one Speier sprained last Sept. 27. "It's that same area where he had that problem last year," Jays manager John Gibbons said. "So he only threw a few pitches and shut it down. After you have an injury, it might just be some scar tissue."
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues. He was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League.
News: Justin Speier was the 248th overall selection (Round 21) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League.
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues.
News: Shea Hillenbrand's and Justin Speier's hand injuries, both suffered in the final week of the season, are not expected to be an issue come spring training.
Analysis: Speier will serve as a setup man for new closer B.J. Ryan. It's a role that limits his Fantasy value to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only Rotisserie leagues.
News: RHP Justin Speier had not allowed a run in his past nine appearances out of the bullpen. He pitched 10 1/3 innings during that span.
Analysis: Speier's Fantasy value is limited to being a middle reliever in deeper AL-only leagues.
News: Speier entered Wednesday's game having allowed just one earned run over his last 10 starts. Manager John Gibbons said Speier is throwing harder now than he did earlier in the year.
Analysis: Speier is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA. He has minimal Fantasy value as a middle reliever.
News: Justin Speier will be used as the primary setup man for new closer Miguel Batista to start the season.
Analysis: Speier now only has Fantasy value in Roto leagues to help out in the ERA and WHIP categories.
News: Billy Koch, Scott Schoeneweis, Jason Frasor, Kerry Ligtenberg, Brandon League and Justin Speier have already locked up relief positions in the Blue Jays bullpen.
Analysis: Speier or Frasor will get the bulk of save chances in the early part of the season, but the immense upside of League should not be ignored. The Blue Jays' top prospect, according to Baseball America, is a candidate to close or start games at some point this season.
News: The Blue Jays re-signed Justin Speier to a two-year contract on Tuesday.
Analysis: Speier was a decent reliever, posting seven saves in 62 games a year ago. He will challenge for save opportunities in the spring.
News: It took Justin Speier 43 pitches to log just 1 1/3 innings Thursday against Tampa Bay. He allowed two hits, three walks and three runs.
Analysis: Speier increased his ERA to 5.47 after the poor outing. He has no true Fantasy value unless he can reclaim the closer's duties.
News: Justin Speier (elbow) was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.
Analysis: Speier is best used as a reserve in AL-only leagues until he can secure the closer's job again.
News: Justin Speier (sore right elbow) threw a scoreless inning for Class A Dunedin on Saturday in his second rehab appearance.
Analysis: Speier might be activated on Tuesday. When healthy, he is best used as a reserve in most AL-only leagues.
News: Justin Speier was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday due to a sore right elbow.
Analysis: Aquilino Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take his spot in the bullpen.
News: Justin Speier (elbow) struck out one in a perfect inning of relief against the White Sox Friday.
Analysis: Speier is safe to activate once again. He is part of Toronto's closer committee.
News: Justin Speier was unavailable on Wednesday due to a sore elbow.
Analysis: Speier might be back in action on May 7. Keep him reserved in daily leagues until he can officially return.
News: Justin Speier retired the only batter he faced in Monday's home opener against Detroit.
Analysis: Speier will be among the triumvirate of pitchers in manager Carlos Tosca's closer-by-committee.
News: Justin Speier and a player to be named were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday for Mark Hendrickson.
Analysis: Speier is only worth using in AL-only leagues if he can secure the closer's job with Toronto.
News: The Denver Post reports that Justin Speier will share closing duties with Brian Fuentes in Colorado.
Analysis: Both pitchers might end up sharing the closing duties with recent closer Jose Jimenez. Pick up one of these pitchers in NL-only leagues if you need saves and can spare the ERA damage.
News: The Rockies recalled Speier from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday. He will work out of the bullpen and isn't worth a pickup at this point.
Analysis:
News: The Rockies designated Speier for assignment on Monday to clear a roster spot for newly-acquired Mac Suzuki. Drop Speier if by some chance he was on your Fantasy team.
Analysis:
News: The Rockies claimed Speier off waivers from the New York Mets on Tuesday. The 27-year-old right-hander had a 6.97 ERA in 12 games for the Indians this season, after posting a 5-2 record and 3.29 ERA in 47 games for Cleveland in 2000. Speier is very unlikely to help a Fantasy team pitching for Colorado, so don't bother picking him up.
Analysis:
News: Speier was designated for assignment by the New York Mets on Sunday, one day after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Indians. The 27-year old Speier appeared in 12 games for the Indians this season, going 2-0 with a 6.97 ERA.
Analysis:
News: The New York Mets got Speier from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for a player to be named. Speier was 2-0 for Cleveland this season despite a 6.97 ERA in 12 games.
Analysis:
News: Speier has recently been used as the Indians' long reliever in the absence of the injured Steve Woodard. We wouldn't recommend using Speier. He is 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA.
Analysis:
News: Keep an eye on Speier. He pitched well in the majors last season and may get a chance to be a setup man if Steve Karsay moves into the rotation. Speier was 5-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 47 games. Being a setup man on the Indians would make him a nice player to have on a Fantasy team.
Analysis:
News: Cleveland has claimed right-handed reliever Justin Speier off waivers from Atlanta. Speier, 26, finished with a 5.65 ERA in 28 2/3 innings for the Braves last season.
Analysis:
News: A hard thrower who is still developing, Speier was hit hard at the major-league level in 1998. He has good strikeout potential, but won't make much of a Fantasy impact in 1999.
Analysis:
