News: Cubs RP Bob Howry retired on Saturday, reports MLB.com. Howry's last game was July 28 at Houston with the Cubs. He finished with a career 3.84 ERA, 66 saves and 787 2/3 innings over 769 games.
Analysis: Howry had not collected a save since 2008 and was just a middle reliever in the later stages of his career. He has no Fantasy value now that his career is over.
News: The Cubs officially reinstated SP Carlos Zambrano from the restricted list on Friday and gave RP Bob Howry his unconditional release to make room on the roster. Howry, who was released from the Diamondbacks earlier in the year, went 0-3 with a 5.66 ERA in 24 appearances with the Cubs. "It was a little difficult," Piniella told MLB.com. "I'm not entirely sure he was surprised. I wish him well. He's a good person and he's had a heck of a career."
Analysis: Howry has an ERA over 7.00 between his two teams this season. Being that he has not collected a save since 2008, Fantasy owners should continue to ignore the 36-year-old while he's looking for a new job.
News: RP Bob Howry, who was released by the Diamondbacks after posting a 10.67 ERA in his first 14 appearances, has rediscovered his form with the Cubs, posting a 1.38 ERA in 17 appearances. "It's nice to know you're not that bad," Howry told MLB.com. "I made some mechanical changes that helped me be more consistent with my delivery and make better pitches -- doing some drills to make sure I was staying on top (of the ball)."
Analysis: Howry often pitches just one-third of an inning at a time, and he isn't the strikeout pitcher he used to be. Even though his ERA is approaching respectability, you wouldn't want to use him in Fantasy.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry was on the mound when Carlos Gomez scored the game winning run for the Brewers on Thursday. Howry walked Gomez to start the 10th inning, and Gomez raced all the way from first to third on a Craig Counsell sacrifice, then kept heading home on a wild throw to give the Brewers a 5-4 victory. Howry pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit with a walk.
Analysis: Howry has a 7.40 ERA in 22 outings between Arizona and Chicago this season. He has not been particularly effective with 10 walks compared to seven strikeouts and 23 hits allowed. Consider Howry nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry has always been a better second-half pitcher. He has a career 3.28 ERA after the All-Star break compared to the 4.28 ERA he has before the break. "I've never tried to think of myself that way -- I always thought I could do it from the beginning," Howry said Tuesday. "But statistically, it's shown that. If that's the case, it looks like it's ready to turn."
Analysis: This year with the Diamondbacks, Howry gave up 17 earned runs on 18 hits over 14 1/3 innings for a 10.67 ERA. He had a scoreless 1/3 of an inning in his debut with Chicago on Sunday against the Rangers. "We'll use him in the middle," Cubs manager Lou Piniella told MLB.com. "It gives us some experience. He was working with [pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] on some things [Monday], working on his split finger. We want him to use that more." Consider Howry nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men.
News: MLB.com reports that the Cubs have signed RP Bob Howry and that he will join the team for Friday's series opener at Texas. Howry was released by Arizona on Monday. He will take the place of RP Justin Berg, who was sent to Triple-A Iowa. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Howry, the Cubs designated RP David Patton for assignment.
Analysis: Howry made 14 appearances and was not pitching well, to the tune of a 10.67 ERA. He would be used as a middle reliever with the Cubs and would not be a viable Fantasy option.
News: According to the Cubs' official website, the team may be in interested free agent reliever Bob Howry. The former Cub was released by Arizona on Monday.
Analysis: Howry made 14 appearances and was not pitching well, to the tune of a 10.67 ERA. He would be used as a middle reliever with the Cubs and would not be a viable Fantasy option.
News: The Diamondbacks placed struggling RP Bob Howry on unconditional release waivers on Monday, as reported by the Arizona Republic. The move was made to clear a roster spot for RP Saul Rivera, who was acquired from Cleveland for cash. Howry had appeared in 14 games for Arizona, compiling a 10.67 ERA with only six strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings.
Analysis: Howry had been a very reliable middle reliever over the years, but the wheels came off this season. He allowed plenty of contact and was utterly hittable. Even if another team picks him up, you can ignore Howry in Fantasy this season.
News: Diamondbacks RP Bob Howry allowed four runs on two hits and did not retire a batter Sunday against the Braves. "I wasn't going to leave him out there to bury himself," manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com to why he took him out when he did. "And I didn't feel like he was going to be able to get himself out of that jam."
Analysis: Howry's ERA is now up to 10.67. He has allowed at least one run and not recorded a strikeout in his last three appearances. He is still the setup man but consider him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men or value the hold statistic.
News: Diamondbacks RP Bob Howry gave up a two-run homer to Alfonso Soriano on Sunday to blow the lead in a 7-5 loss to the Cubs. Howry, who played for Chicago from 2006-2008, relieved Dan Haren and allowed a one-out single to Marlon Byrd in the seventh inning. Two batters later, Soriano came up and belted a full-count pitch over the centerfield wall to tie the game at 5-5. Howry struck out Mike Fontenot to end the inning but the damage was already done. It was Howry's first blown save of the year.
Analysis: Howry has not been very effective early on in 2010. He has given up four home runs and nine runs overall in 10 2/3 innings pitched this season. He is the setup for the time being, so he still has some Fantasy value in the deepest of leagues that use true middle men or value the hold statistic.
News: The Diamondbacks have signed reliever Bob Howry to a one-year contract with a club option for 2011. The 36-year-old right-hander was 2-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 63 appearances with the Giants last season. Right-handed batters hit just .207 against him. Howry has a 44-49 career record in parts of 12 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco. Howry grew up in the Phoenix area and attended Deer Valley High School in Glendale.
Analysis: Howry will be a setup man for the D-Backs, specializing in getting right-handers out in tough situations. Consider him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men or value the hold statistic.
News:Colby Rasmus hit a leadoff homer in the 10th inning after rookie third baseman Pablo Sandoval dropped his foul pop earlier in the at-bat, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. Sandoval circled the rookie's foul ball off a 2-2 count against Bob Howry (0-4), arriving late and missing with what appeared to be a casual stab with his glove. Three pitches later, Rasmus homered to straightaway center for his first game-ending hit.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News:Bob Howry pitched a perfect ninth Tuesday to finish the five-hit shutout for the Giants, who won back-to-back games for the first time since a three-game winning streak from May 10-12. It was San Francisco's sixth shutout and the fifth time the Braves have been blanked this year.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News:Manny Ramirez opened the ninth Tuesday against Bob Howry (0-2) with his third double. Andre Ethier followed one out later with his double and Matt Kemp tripled home Ethier. "I made bad pitches and he's too good of a hitter to miss them," Howry said of Ramirez. "I threw an 0-2 slider off the plate and tried to come back with a splitfinger and hung it over the middle of the plate."
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point.
News: Giants RP Bob Howry has only pitched two innings so far this season, the second fewest among San Francisco relievers.
Analysis: At 35, Howry isn't the youngest reliever out there, and the Giants probably know they have to take things a little easy with his old arm. He had a poor 2008, but could get some hold opportunities in 2009 with the nice Giants rotation. He remains just a low-end flier option for deeper NL-only leagues for now.
News:Luis M. Perdomo, Merkin Valdez and Alex Hinshaw will likely start the season in the Giants' bullpen along with closer Brian Wilson and setup men Bobby Howry and Jeremy Affeldt. Rookie Joseph Martinez has also emerged as a strong candidate to be the long reliever with Keiichi Yabu and Ramon Ortiz also in the mix. Martinez led the Eastern League with a 2.44 ERA last season. "We like the way (Martinez) throws," Bochy said. "It's a way to develop young pitchers. He holds runners and does all the little things on the mound. He handles the bat. He throws strikes. He has a good sinker."
Analysis: Wilson has saves potential behind a great rotation, but all of these others are nothing more than low-end middle relievers for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men. Ignore them on Draft Day.
News: Giants RP Bob Howry gave up his first two runs of the spring in Monday's loss to the Angels. He yielded four hits, including a bunt single and a broken-bat single. He had given up one hit and no walks in his first five appearances covering six innings.
Analysis: Howry had the worst statistical season of his 11-year major league career in 2008, when he was 7-5 with a 5.35 ERA and gave up a career-high 13 home runs in 70 2/3 innings. His career record is 42-43 with a 3.68 ERA. Consider him a viable reliever in deeper leagues that use them and with the shaky nature of closer Brian Wilson.
News: Even though Bob Howry is no longer a closer, he still thinks like one. "Just because you are not getting the final three outs doesn't mean that you are not coming in at a crucial time," said Howry, one of the most successful setup men over the past four seasons. Who knows? Who's to say the guy coming in in the seventh and eighth innings is not going to face the 2-3-4 or 3-4-5 hitters in the opposing lineup? It is still a critical point in the game if you have a lead to hold onto." The Giants' bullpen failed to hold five leads for Tim Lincecum last season. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he plans to use Howry mostly in the eighth inning, with left-hander Jeremy Affeldt more likely to pitch the seventh inning as the primary setup man to closer Brian Wilson.
Analysis: Howry had 28 saves as the White Sox's closer in 1999. Since then, he has been primarily a setup man. Since 2005, he has 87 holds, a statistic determined with the same formula used to calculate saves. That is the fourth-highest total in the majors. Howry had the worst statistical season of his 11-year major league career in 2008, when he was 7-5 with a 5.35 ERA and gave up a career-high 13 home runs in 70 2/3 innings. His career record is 42-43 with a 3.68 ERA. Consider him a viable reliever in deeper leagues that use them and with the shaky nature of Wilson.
News: San Francisco took another step to bolster its bullpen Wednesday, agreeing a $2.75 million, one-year contract with free agent reliever Bobby Howry. The Giants had been looking for a reliable right-handed reliever to be their primary setup man and filled the spot with Howry, who was declined salary arbitration by the Chicago Cubs on Monday. San Francisco already signed lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt last month, and Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy figure those two veterans will help bring the younger pitchers along. "I'm sure it's a comfort to Boch," Sabean said. "This was a big part of the puzzle and showed how much these guys respected our interest and took the punch to sign with us. The sooner the better that the organization has an idea of what's going on and the players are more comfortable."
Analysis: The 35-year-old Howry, 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, is looking to bounce back from a down year. He went 7-5 with a 5.35 ERA in 72 appearances and 70 2/3 innings for the Cubs in 2008, his 11th major league season. "I know after last season, there may be some people out there who don't think I'm up to the role I've done most of my career in setting up," Howry said. "I look at it as I had an off year. I expect this next year to be more up to par of what I've done. I struggled last year with being consistent with mechanics, trying to find that smooth place where it's consistent all the time. I wasn't as sharp as normal." Consider him nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men on Draft Day.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: The Cubs have settled on their bullpen for the time leading up to September call-ups. Kerry Wood came off the DL on Tuesday, but he won't return to his role as closer until the Cubs feel he is throwing well enough. When the bullpen returns to normal, the Cubs will have a pair of left-handers: Sean Marshall and Neal Cotts. Marshall, a starter by trade, can work as a long man. Carlos Marmol is the interim closer until Wood takes over again. When that happens, Marmol will return to his role as the eighth-inning setup man. Jeff Samardzija and Chad Gaudin may supplant Bob Howry, who has been struggling, in the sixth and seventh. "Now that we've got Woody back and get him to throwing the way he was throwing, our bullpen now really falls into a situation that we really, really like," manager Lou Piniella said.
Analysis: Marmol likely won't be the closer by Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 11-17), which should be about the time Wood takes over again. Consider Wood a solid closer in any format once he is officially designated as the stopper. The rest of the Cubs bullpen are nothing more than middle relievers, although Marmol and Samardzija are pretty intriguing ones.
News: Cubs reliever Kerry Wood threw in the bullpen on Monday, but manager Lou Piniella said his closer is not close to returning from a blister on his pitching hand. Wood is eligible to return Tuesday at Milwaukee, but still hasn't fully recovered from the blister on his right index finger that's kept him out since July 11. It's left the Cubs with no clear closer.
Analysis: Rookie Jeff Samardzija saved his first game with two scoreless innings on Sunday, but he wasn't available Monday night as the team monitors his workload. Other closing options include Carlos Marmol, who has four saves this season, and Bob Howry, who has struggled recently and is 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA over five appearances in the last 10 days. "We're going to pitch whoever is available, whoever's freshest. I've got three people that I can call on to close," Piniella said. "We'll just rotate it around it and throw the freshest arm." This news really hurts Marmol's Fantasy value since he was expected to be the guy that was expected to replace Wood. We still feel Marmol is the best candidate of the trio, but NL-only Fantasy owners might want to use Samardzija and Howry as low-end RPs as well.
News: After his traditionally bad start, Bob Howry has compiled a 1.98 earned-run average in May. "When did the tradition start, by the way?" Howry told the Chicago Tribune. "I hope so. For the last couple of weeks I've been throwing good. I've worked on some mechanical stuff, and hopefully that, along with warm weather, will bring good results."
Analysis: Howry opened spring as a closer candidate, but he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the Cubs and the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. If Kerry Wood fails or is injured, Carlos Marmol is the closer to be.
News: After a disastrous April, Cubs RP Bob Howry has turned up his performance in May. He has a 2.89 ERA through 9 1/3 innings, lowering his season mark to 5.96.
Analysis: Howry doesn't have much Fantasy appeal as a middle reliever, but he could pick up the occasional save when Kerry Wood needs a breather. Carlos Marmol is still the future closer on this team.
News:Bob Howry has a 6.14 ERA in his past six outings (7 1/3 innings) for the Cubs.
Analysis: Howry doesn't have much Fantasy appeal as a middle reliever, but he could pick up the occasional save when Kerry Wood needs a breather. Carlos Marmol is still the future closer on this team.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry worked the 10th inning for a save Sunday at Philadelphia only because closer Kerry Wood had worked earlier in the game. Howry allowed a hit and a walk in his one inning of work.
Analysis: Howry has actually been in the doghouse a bit with his pitching of late, and he had an ERA of 8.59 even after his one scoreless inning Sunday. He doesn't have much Fantasy appeal as a middle reliever, but he could pick up the occasional save when Wood needs a breather.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs are shifting struggling reliever Bobby Howry to earlier innings until he gets straightened out, and moving Michael Wuertz and rookie Kevin Hart to the later innings. "'It's probably a combination of (velocity and location)," manager Lou Piniella said of Howry's problems. ''I'm going to use him in a different role, with more steady work. I might even use him in games we're behind, so we might have to slip someone else into his (late-inning) role. The biggest thing is we need to get Howry straightened out. We need to get Bob going because he's a horse."
Analysis: Howry has allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings, including the loss against Milwaukee on Opening Day. Hart and Wuertz have yet to all a run. "He knows how to pitch, he likes to compete and has good pitches in his repertoire," Piniella said of Hart. "He's a durable kid." At this point, only Howry is worth holding onto outside of larger NL-only leagues because of Kerry Wood's injury history and Carlos Marmol's inexperience at saving games.
News: According to the Sports Xchange notes: RHP Bob Howry, who struggled in spring training, gave up two hits and the game-winning run in the 10th inning of Monday's loss to the Brewers. Howry has had problems in the past getting his velocity and sharpness to where it needs to be in the early part of the season. However, he said he felt as good as he's ever felt this early in the season and that he just needs to make better pitches.
Analysis: Howry opened spring as a closer candidate, but he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the Cubs and the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. If Kerry Wood fails or is injured, Carlos Marmol is the closer to be. Howry should not be owned in many of the 21 percent of CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues he is owned in.
News: The Brewers went ahead in the ninth at the Cubs Monday off closer Kerry Wood. After the Cubs chose to intentionally walk Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun hit an RBI single before falling down coming out of the batter's box, and Corey Hart's two-run double made it 3-0. Carlos Marmol struck out three batters in 1 1/3 innings to set Wood up. Bobby Howry allowed an earned run on two hits in one inning to get tagged with the loss.
Analysis: Wood allowed three earned runs on two hits and a walk in one inning. Wood is still a solid closer in all leagues, albeit a relatively risky one. Carlos Marmol remains an intriguing fall-back reliever in deeper Rotisserie leagues, and Howry is nothing more than a deeper NL-only leagues.
News:Kerry Wood once struck out 20 batters. Now, he'll finish off opponents. As expected, the Cubs made Wood their closer Monday. Converted to a reliever last season to preserve his troublesome right arm and shoulder, the oft-injured Wood entered spring training in a three-way competition for closer after the Cubs moved Ryan Dempster to the rotation. Manager Lou Piniella chose Wood over Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol because he values durability in his setup men and believes closing will put less stress on the right-hander's arm. It didn't hurt his fastball has been clocked in the high 90s, either. "He's thrown the ball exceedingly well all spring," Piniella said. "He's got experience, and he's earned it."
Analysis: Wood worked out of the bullpen last year, going 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 22 appearances, and has looked strong this spring. He has allowed just one run over his last nine appearances. By pitching three times in four days and on back-to-back afternoons, he eased any concerns the Cubs might have had after he missed a game last week because of back spasms. In 10 spring outings, he has a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings and has not walked a batter while striking out 10. "Kerry has thrown the ball really well, I mean really well," Piniella said. Wood is a solid closer in all leagues, albeit a relatively risky one in the injury department. Marmol remains an intriguing fall-back reliever in deeper Rotisserie leagues, while Howry is nothing more than a deeper NL-only Rotisserie reliever at this point.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kerry Wood was scratched for Wednesday's spring training game because of lower back spasms. He was being treated by Cubs trainers at HoHoKam Park. "Look, he's been throwing the ball well all spring," manager Lou Piniella said. "Look, we do have one setback with Kerry (Wednesday) -- his back is really, really stiff and he's not going to be able to pitch Wednesday. It has nothing to do with his shoulder, or elbow, it's just with his back. He went to see a doctor, and hopefully we'll get him out there (Thursday) or the next day.
Analysis: "It's just a little bit of a setback, but nothing, nothing serious," said Piniella. "Just a minor thing that he goes through every spring." That's part of the problem, Sweet Lou -- injuries every spring. Obviously it's good news that his arm isn't in trouble, but don't be too quick to disregard Carlos Marmol just yet. "We have three people here that in my mind that can close and I'm very comfortable with," the manager said of Wood, Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry. "So a bad back doesn't change our plans, but we do still want to see him throw the ball back-to-back, and we want him to pitch an inning plus (in a game)." Howry might have the most experience at saving games, but he's probably third on the Cubs' depth chart at closer.
News: MLB.com reports the only concern whether Cubs RP Kerry Wood is ready to handle the job as closer has been his durability. Manager Lou Piniella said Saturday that setup pitchers usually have a tougher workload than closers, which indicated that the Cubs might be leaning toward naming Wood the team's closer. "I've said a couple things -- one about durability, and two, we're trying to find one more arm who can pitch late in the ballgame, and I think I've found it in (Kevin) Hart," Piniella said. "The closer spot is a very important spot in the bullpen but I think the biggest thing with the closer's spot is having good stuff, having the confidence you can do it, and being able to bounce back from adversity at times."
Analysis: Wood continues to battle it out with Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol for the closer's job. Marmol has looked the best this spring and Howry has suffered. Howry, however, has the experience and Piniella has not been totally concerned with his bad spring. Wood has been doing well this spring, as he has allowed just three runs in six innings. However, injury concerns are always a possibility with him. They will all pitch down the stretch and Piniella will then make his decision. "We'll have something to say about the closer's spot here after the pitchers go back-to-back," he said. We still feel that Marmol is the best candidate to close for the Cubs, but it looks as though it could be a tight race between him and Wood. Whoever wins the job will be a valuable Fantasy item.
News: According to The Sports Xchange: RHP Kerry Wood has touched 98 mph on his fastball, according to the Cubs. Wood recovered from non-surgical rehab of his right shoulder to pitch in 22 games last season. He's in the mix for the closer's job this year, but it's most likely he'll begin the season as a setup man. RHP Bob Howry is not worried about a slow start to the Cactus League season. In his first two appearances, Howry had given up seven hits and four runs in two innings. He noted his slider was keeping batters off-balance and most of the hits off him were grounders through a hole. Howry has struggled early in past regular seasons because his velocity was down. He began throwing off a mound earlier this offseason to remedy the problem. Howry is one of the Cubs' candidate to close games. Carlos Marmol has been the only impressive one of the Cubs' closer prospects trio.
Analysis: We have said we liked Marmol the best of the trio and it is bearing out early in spring training. Consider him the reliever to have, especially since he will be a productive middle reliever for Rotisserie leagues even if he doesn't get the save chances initially.
News: MLB.com reports Cubs manager Lou Piniella would have preferred a 1-2-3 ninth inning from RP Bob Howry during Monday's spring game against the Mariners after the closer candidate gave up three runs and five hits in one inning. "It's a mystery why he struggles in the spring and early into the season," Piniella said. "It looked like he was throwing the ball fairly well. I talked to (pitching coach Larry Rothschild) in the ninth inning and said, 'What can we do different?' We're going to talk about it."
Analysis: Howry, one of three candidates for the closer job, does seem to improve after getting more work. "I'm sure pitching him every day in spring training is not the answer," Piniella said. The Cubs are thinking about telling Howry to throw more offspeed pitches and sliders, so he doesn't have to rely on his fastball. He is still believed to have the inside track for the closer's job, but can't afford to tank in the spring. Howry did well in closing situations in 2007. He closed out eight of 12 games and was able to post a 3.32 ERA spending most of the season as the back end of the bullpen. Howry might just be keeping the closer's spot warm for Carlos Marmol or Kerry Wood, but it is definitely good for Fantasy purposes that he will close out games for one of the best teams in baseball to start the season.
News:The Sports Xchange reports RP Kerry Wood has impressed the Cubs with his early spring throwing. During live batting practice, Wood has been sharp with both his fastball and breaking ball. He is in the closer mix with RPs Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol, although manager Lou Piniella is leaning toward Howry as his opening day closer because of his experience. Marmol is entering his second full season as a relief pitcher, and despite his "electric" stuff, Piniella may want to ease him in. Wood pitched in only 22 games last year after rehabbing without surgery from shoulder woes. Piniella says he'll stay away from a "closer-by-committee" system. Each of the candidates has stated a desire to know an assigned role.
Analysis: Howry did well in closing situations in 2007. He closed out eight of 12 games and was able to post a 3.32 ERA spending most of the season as the back end of the bullpen. Howry might just be keeping the closer's spot warm for Marmol or Wood, but it is definitely good for Fantasy purposes that he will close out games for one of the best teams in baseball to start the season. It's not yet a given Howry will start as the closer, but no one would blame you for taking a flier on him in NL-only and larger mixed leagues.
News:Kerry Wood, whose career has been plagued by an assortment of injuries and trips to the disabled list since he was NL Rookie of the Year in 1998, made a surprising recovery from shoulder problems last year and pitched 22 times out of the bullpen over the final two months. He was 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA. Now the 30-year-old Wood, who has started 178 games in his career, could be the Cubs' closer. With Ryan Dempster moving to the rotation, that role will go to Wood, Bob Howry or Carlos Marmol. "Whatever role I end up doing, obviously I want to go out and pitch and be successful and feel strong doing it. We've got plenty of guys down there who could go it. We're in a good situation," Wood said Thursday. "Obviously it would be an exciting role to be in, but is it a goal? My goal is just to go out and get through spring training and be ready to go when the season starts, whatever role that will be."
Analysis: Marmol has the best chance in our estimation going into the spring, if the Cubs feel they can trust his young arm. Wood would be a lock if there was any certainty he could stay healthy for a full season. Howry was the temporary closer last year over Marmol, while Dempster was rumored to move to starting because he couldn't hack the closer's role. If we had to rank the Cubs' closer options we would go: Marmol, Wood, Howry and then Dempster at this point.
News: Manager Lou Piniella said the Cubs will probably settle on a closer about three-quarters of the way through spring training. Bob Howry, Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood are the top candidates and there is an outside chance Ryan Dempster could move back.
Analysis: Marmol has the best chance in our estimation going into the spring, if the Cubs feel they can trust his young arm. Wood would be a lock if there was any certainty he could stay healthy for a full season. Howry was the temporary closer last year over Marmol, while Dempster was rumored to move to starting because he couldn't hack the closer's role. If we had to rank the Cubs' closer options we would go: Marmol, Wood, Howry and then Dempster at this point.
News:Kerry Wood agreed Monday to a $4.2 million, one-year deal to return to the Cubs, spurning what GM Jim Hendry said were numerous multiyear offers elsewhere. Wood, the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year, can make an additional $3.45 million in performance bonuses based largely on games finished from 20 to 55. Wood joins Carlos Marmol and Bobby Howry at the back end of the bullpen, with exact roles to be determined by manager Lou Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild this spring.
Analysis: Howry served as the closer in place of Ryan Dempster for part of last season and now that Dempster will try his hand at starting again, Howry will be in the mix to close. That amps up his Fantasy value -- especially in Rotisserie leagues where you can draft him as a setup man and get the added bonus of saves. We figure he is behind Marmol and Wood going into spring -- if only because he is older and has served the team well as the setup man. Consider the Cubs closer a sleeper in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day, but track this position battle closely before making your choice. The Cubs just might wait all spring to declare a winner of the derby.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Bob Howry was called on to pitch the eighth and ninth innings in Wednesday night's 3-2 victory over Cincinnati because closer Ryan Dempster was not available because of dehydration.
Analysis: Howry held the Reds scoreless and earned the win. Howry might receive a few more save opportunities down the stretch, especially if Dempster continues to struggle. Otherwise, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry bailed out Ryan Dempster on Friday to earn his eighth save in 12 chances. Dempster came into the ninth inning with a 5-1 lead. He allowed two run to cross the plate and Howry was then brought in to close out the game. He allowed two hits and loaded the bases before getting Aaron Miles to ground out to end the game.
Analysis: Howry might receive a few more save opportunties down the stretch, especially if Dempster continues to struggle. Otherwise, he is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Manager Lou Piniella planned to rest RHP Bob Howry after the late-inning reliever pitched in four of the previous five games. Howry hadn't allowed a run in 27 of his past 32 appearances. "He has really pitched well," Piniella said. "He's resilient, he's dependable. He's indispensable in our bullpen."
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of Fantasy leagues that use true middle men.
News: Bobby Howry pitched a scoreless eighth Tuesday and Ryan Dempster pitched a perfect ninth for his 22nd save in 24 chances.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men, while Dempster is hot and a solid option for saves in most leagues down the stretch.
News: Pinch-hitter Josh Hamilton hit a two-run, tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and the Reds beat the slumping Cubs 11-9 Wednesday night. With one out in the eighth, Ryan Jorgensen singled off Cubs reliever Bob Howry (5-7). Hamilton followed with his second pinch-hit homer of the season and 15th overall. "I just got in good hitting position and reacted to it," Hamilton said. "(It was) a fastball, up and away. It probably would have been ball three. I should have taken it but then again (Adam) Dunn hit his ball (Wednesday night) and it was up and away."
Analysis: Hamilton has started just once since his DL return, but consider his potentially potent bat one that can help you in all leagues down the stretch. Take the flier now, before it's too late.
News: Closer Ryan Dempster said he'll still take the approach he is going to finish games, although manager Lou Piniella said last week he'll also use Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol in that role. Piniella said he has an understanding with Dempster, who needs more work and hasn't been as sharp since coming off the DL with an oblique strain.
Analysis: Marmol has the most long-term potential, but Dempster is likely to get most of the save chances. Consider him the primary source of saves in deeper leagues. Howry and Marmol are far more intriguing than most middle relievers now.
News: Manager Lou Piniella rested Bob Howry, who pitched in three consecutive games and gave up the go-ahead home run to Arizona's Stephen Drew in Saturday's loss.
Analysis: Piniella said Howry would be ready to go Tuesday. With Ryan Dempster back, Howry has been moved back to a setup role anyway, making him someone to consider in NL-only leagues.
News: The Chicago Cubs put infielder Daryle Ward on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a torn right calf muscle and activated closer Ryan Dempster. In corresponding moves, the Cubs called up infielder Scott Moore from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-hander Sean Gallagher to the same team.
Analysis: Dempster, who had been on the 15-day DL since June 26 with a left oblique strain, is 16-for-18 in saves this season with a 3.38 ERA. He had two scoreless rehab stints for Iowa. Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry have filled in during late-game situations during Dempster's absence. Get ready to activate Dempster for the Week 17 scoring period. Marmol and Howry are still worth holding onto in larger NL-only leagues. Marmol has potential to close games in the future for Chicago, making him a nice keeper pick as well.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry pitched a perfect ninth inning during Thursday's 9-8 win over the Giants for his seventh save. He struck out two in the inning. Howry has not allowed an earned run in four appearances since the All-Star break and has three saves in that same span.
Analysis: Howry will continues to work as the Cubs closer as long as Ryan Dempster (oblique) is on the 15-day disabled list. Continue to use Howry as a stopgap Fantasy option, but it appears his days as a closer are numbered.
News: Bob Howry worked a perfect ninth inning in Monday's game against San Francisco for his sixth save in 10 chances.
Analysis: Howry will continues to work as the Cubs closer as long as Ryan Dempster (oblique) is on the 15-day disabled list. Continue to use Howry as a stopgap Fantasy option, but it appears his days as a closer are numbered.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry pitched a scoreless ninth inning during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Astros for his fifth save. He has not allowed an earned run in any of his five saves.
Analysis: Howry will continues to work as the Cubs closer as long as Ryan Dempster (oblique) is on the DL. Continue to use Howry as a stopgap Fantasy option, but it appears his days as a closer are numbered.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry pitched a perfect ninth inning during Thursday's 4-2 win over the Nationals for his fourth save. All four saves have come since June 23. He also has two relief wins in that span.
Analysis: Howry's run as the team's closer might be done prior to the All-Star break with Ryan Dempster (oblique) ready to come off the DL. Continue to use Howry as a stopgap Fantasy option, but it appears his days as a closer are numbered.
News: Bob Howry will be used as the team's closer until Ryan Dempster (left oblique strain) is ready to return. The Cubs used potential closer of the future Carlos Marmol to save a game on Thursday night, but that was because manager Lou Piniella wanted to give Howry a breather after he was used so much over the weekend and early in the week, according to the Sports Xchange.
Analysis: Marmol has an excellent arm and great numbers in relief so far. The Cubs, no matter what they say, apparently are ready to count on him in save situations. Consider Marmol a sleeper for saves in deeper leagues. Howry's status as the temporary closer in is jeopardy. Heck, Ryan Dempster's status as closer might be in jeopardy if Marmol can string some outing together. Ohman is nothing more than a mildly intriguing middle reliever for his own potential to get saves in the Cubs' bullpen mess.
News: Carlos Marmol struck out two in a perfect ninth Wednesday for his first career save, finishing a six-hitter. Bobby Howry was not used in a save situation for the second consecutive game after blowing a save Monday and getting the victory. Will Ohman picked up a save Tuesday night, but he was used in a situational lefty role Wednesday.
Analysis: Marmol has an excellent arm and great numbers in relief so far. The Cubs apparently are ready to count on him in save situations (although he was rough Tuesday night). Consider Marmol a sleeper for saves in deeper leagues. Howry's status as the temporary closer in is jeopardy. Heck, Ryan Dempster's status as closer might be in jeopardy if Marmol can string some outing together. Ohman is nothing more than a mildly intriguing middle reliever for his own potential to get saves in the Cubs' bullpen mess.
News: The Chicago Cubs put closer Ryan Dempster on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle, and transferred Wade Miller to the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday. Dempster's move was retroactive to June 23. The Cubs called up right-hander Billy Petrick from Double-A Tennessee.
Analysis: Howry is the Cubs' closer while Dempster is unavailable. Consider him an option for saves in deeper leagues at this point. It looks like Dempster is out through the All-Star break.
News: After Todd Helton doubled in a run with none out in the ninth Monday off reliever Scott Eyre, Bob Howry (4-4) was greeted by consecutive RBI singles from Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe. Troy Tulowitzki followed with a three-run shot to put the Rockies ahead 9-8. Howry then got three outs in the ninth and ended up with a win after blowing the save.
Analysis: Howry is the Cubs' closer while Ryan Dempster is unavailable because of a strained oblique muscle. Consider him an option for saves in deeper leagues at this point. It looks like Dempster could wind up on the DL, so Howry could get a ride as the closer through the All-Star break. Eyre is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men.
News: Closer Ryan Dempster was unavailable to pitch Sunday and likely will not be used Monday against the Rockies because of a strained oblique. Manager Lou Piniella said he will use RHP Bob Howry in Dempster's role. Howry pitched a scoreless ninth in Saturday and Sunday's games for his first two saves of the season.
Analysis: Howry won't be a long-term solution at closer at this point, but he could develop into one. Obliques are tricky injuries for a pitcher, so consider Howry in deeper leagues if you need saves in Fantasy Week 13 (June 25-July 1). Dempster should be kept reserved in all formats at this point.
News: Bob Howry got three outs for his second save Sunday. He is getting time in the closer's role with Ryan Dempster nursing a strained oblique.
Analysis: Howry won't be a long-term solution at closer at this point, but he could develop into one. Oblique's are tricky injuries for a pitcher, so consider Howry in deeper leagues if you need saves in Fantasy Week 13 (June 25-July 1).
News: Bob Howry pitched the ninth against the White Sox Saturday for his first save in four chances, with closer Ryan Dempster nursing a strained oblique.
Analysis: Dempster injured himself on the first pitch he threw Friday and won't be available for a few days, manager Lou Piniella said. Consider reserving Dempster for the upcoming scoring period and possibly picking up Howry in NL-only formats as a replacement.
News: Bob Howry has not allowed an earned run in seven appearances so far this June. He has given up only three hits and one walk in 8 2/3 innings for the month.
Analysis: Get Howry active in NL-only Rotisserie formats for help in the quantitative categories.
News: Bob Howry (2-3) pitched a perfect eighth for the win on Thursday at San Diego. Ryan Dempster got his 10th save in 11 chances by working a perfect ninth.
Analysis: Howry remains useful only in the deepest of NL-only Fantasy leagues despite the win on Thursday night.
News: Bob Howry picked up the relief win on Saturday against the White Sox. He pitched one inning, allowing a run on two hits.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men. He has a 5.79 ERA in the month of May.
News: After a delay of 2 hours, 18 minutes, Tuesday's Cubs game was suspended Tuesday with the Pirates about to bat in the seventh. After play resumed, relievers Bob Howry, Will Ohman and Ryan Dempster gave up one run in three relief innings.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men.
News: Bob Howry (back) did not get into the game on Monday at Pittsburgh, as starter Rich Hill worked seven strong innings before giving way to Michael Wuertz for an inning of shaky relief and a loss.
Analysis: Howry remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all deeper NL-only Fantasy leagues until he can officially get back into the game and prove his health.
News: Sunday night's Cubs-Cardinals game was postponed due to the death of Cardinals reliever Josh Hancock in a car accident. No makeup date has been announced yet.
Analysis: In the grand scheme of things, it's pitty to think about the baseball ramifications of this tragic event. However, Bob Howry should still be considered day to day.
News: Cubs RP Bob Howry (back) did not come on for a relief appearance during Saturday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Howry's a decent setup man, who just happens to be struggling right now. He's worth owning in NL-only play when healthy.
News: Setup man Bobby Howry tweaked his back moving his barbecue grill off his patio so he was unavailable to pitch at the Cardinals Friday.
Analysis: Howry's a decent setup man, who just happens to be struggling right now. He's worth owning in NL-only play when healthy.
News: Last year, Bob Howry was 4-5 with a 3.17 ERA in 84 relief appearances and Scott Eyre was 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 74 appearances. Both middle relievers were fairly consistent during a 66-96 season in which everything else went downhill. This year, the two have struggled early. The left-handed Eyre gave up three runs in an inning against Milwaukee in a 9-4 loss Sunday and has a 22.50 ERA. The right-handed Howry came into Monday's game against struggling Houston with the score tied 3-3 and gave up two runs on a home run by Adam Everett. Howry got the loss -- he has two of the Cubs' four losses -- and his ERA is 7.36. With southpaw Will Ohman and right-hander Michael Wuertz hoping for break-out seasons in the bullpen, manager Lou Piniella could opt to give those two more late inning responsibility if Howry and Eyre continue to struggle.
Analysis: None of these guys are candidates to close at this point, so consider them middle relievers for the deepest of leagues that use true middle men.
News: Bob Howry has allowed six ER in 10 innings so far this spring. He has struck out four batters, to go with two walks and 11 hits allowed.
Analysis: Even as a middle reliever, Howry's a solid option for deeper Rotisserie leagues because of his ERA and WHIP. He'll set up for Ryan Dempster once again this year.
News: Bob Howry made his 84th relief appearance Sunday to tie a franchise record, held by Ted Abernathy (1985) and Dick Tidrow (1980).
Analysis: Howry might be a potential closer in spring 2007, so track the Cubs' moves in the offseason. Even as a middle reliever, he's a solid option for deeper Rotisserie leagues because of his ERA and WHIP.
News: Manager Dusty Baker talked Monday to struggling closer Ryan Dempster about not using his slider as much. Dempster then pitched a scoreless ninth in a non-save situation.
Analysis: Bobby Howry has been considered the Cubs fill-in closer for the struggling Dempster, who should be considered nothing more than a middle reliever for NL-only leagues down the stretch. Pick up Howry if you need help for saves in deeper leagues, perhaps.
News: Bob Howry tossed a perfect ninth inning in Thursday's game against the Dodgers for his fifth save of the season. Manager Dusty Baker went with Howry instead of regular closer Ryan Dempster, who appears to be out of favor.
Analysis: Howry might get a few save chances in the final few weeks of the season, so consider scooping him up in larger NL-only leagues. Don't bother with him in mixed Fantasy formats, however.
News: Bob Howry pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save Wednesday. Regular closer Ryan Dempster was unavailable after pitching three innings in the 18-inning game Tuesday night.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deeper leagues that use true middle men, but his potential for spot saves will be there. Consider him if you're desperate for saves, perhaps.
News: Bobby Howry didn't get dealt before the trade deadline, so he will remain a primary setup man for well-paid closer Ryan Dempster.
Analysis: Howry is nothing more than a middle reliever for the deeper leagues that use true middle men.
News: The Cubs won't deal lefty Scott Eyre or righty Bobby Howry, but they could move righty Scott Williamson, according to the New York Post.
Analysis: A Cubs reliever dealt to a contender would have increased potential for relief wins obviously. None of them would become candidates to close at this point, though.
News: Scott Eyre or Bob Howry, struggling closer Ryan Dempster's top setup men, could be candidates to close if (or when) the Cubs decide to make a change at the position.
Analysis: The Cubs say they will stick with the well-paid Dempster as the closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Bob Howry has allowed just one earned run and three walks in his past seven appearances (6 IP, 1.50 ERA), dating back to June 3.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Manager Dusty Baker is concerned about overworking his bullpen lately. Reliever Scott Eyre has worked four consecutive days and reliever Bobby Howry was used in three of the past four games. Jae Kuk Ryu, who started Sunday for the Cubs, wasn't effective and reliever Glendon Rusch had to work four innings. The Cubs recalled RHP David Aardsma to help with the bullpen needs and he pitched a scoreless inning against the Reds on Monday. "You can't say enough about the job Aardsma did. He came in and gave us a tremendous shot in the seventh inning, that was a key inning," Baker said.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: The Cubs continue to go Bob Howry in late relief. In his past six games, he has pitched an inning each time (six total) to go with a 4.50 ERA and seven hits allowed.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Bob Howry (2-0) worked 2/3 of an inning for the win against Pittsburgh Monday. "When you see a guy (Sean Marshall) go out and pitch a game like that, the last thing you want to do is come in and give up his runs and turn it into a bad outing," Howry said.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Bob Howry has been a solid setup man for the Cubs this season. He has allowed only nine hits in 11 1/3 innings so far as one of their top options in late innings out of the pen.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Howry has been a solid setup man for the Cubs this season. He has allowed only four hits in 5 2/3 innings so far.
Analysis: The Cubs continue to go to Ryan Dempster as their closer, but Howry could be the man they turn to if Dempster gets injured. His ERA and WHIP help makes him a solid NL-only middle reliever to own.
News: Bobby Howry got two outs in the eighth, allowing one hit and striking out one, against St. Louis Saturday for his first relief win of the season.
Analysis: Howry is a solid pitcher to own in Fantasy play because of his ERA and WHIP help. He'll also gain a number of holds, if you use that category, and the Cubs could give him a few save opportunities if Ryan Dempster gets overused.
News: Bob Howry struck out three batters in 1 2/3 innings of work Friday vs. St. Louis.
Analysis: Howry will work the late innings for the Cubs, setting up for Ryan Dempster. He's worth owning for help in ERA and WHIP in Rotisserie play.
News: Bob Howry pitched a solid eighth inning at the Reds Monday. He struck out one and walked one.
Analysis: Howry will work the late innings for the Cubs, setting up for Ryan Dempster. He's worth owning for help in ERA and WHIP in Rotisserie play.
News: In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, Cubs RP Bob Howry was selected in the 17th round (196th overall).
Analysis: Howry's numbers as a middle reliever last season were on par with anyone in baseball in that role. Howry will serve a right-handed setup role for closer Ryan Dempster. Fellow free-agent signee Scott Eyre is the LH setup man. Consider Howry a solid Fantasy pick in leagues that use relievers and expected a good WHIP and ERA.
News: The Cubs and right-handed reliever Bobby Howry finalized terms of a three-year, $12 million contract Tuesday. Howry, 32, was 7-4 with a 2.47 ERA in 79 relief appearances with the Indians last season, while holding batters to a .191 average. He has a 3.58 ERA in 434 relief appearances, with 52 saves and a 25-26 record.
Analysis: Howry's numbers as a middle reliever last season were on par with anyone in baseball in that role. Howry will serve a right-handed setup role for closer Ryan Dempster. Fellow free-agent signee Scott Eyre is the LH setup man. Consider Howry a solid Fantasy pick in leagues that use relievers and expected a good WHIP and ERA.
News: Bobby Howry agreed to a $12 million, three-year contract with the Cubs on Wednesday. Howry spent the last two seasons with the Indians and appeared in 79 games last season, going 7-4 record with a 2.47 ERA. He allowed only four homers in 73 innings.
Analysis: Howry's numbers as a middle reliever last season were on par with anyone in baseball in that role. Howry will serve a right-handed setup role for closer Ryan Dempster. Fellow free-agent signee Scott Eyre is the LH setup man. Consider him a solid Fantasy pick in leagues that use relievers and expected a good WHIP and ERA.
News: Closer Bob Wickman filed for free agency Thursday along with pitchers Scott Elarton and Bobby Howry.
Analysis: Howry went 7-4 and set a club record with 79 appearances. The right-hander could become Cleveland's next closer if the Indians choose not to pursue Wickman, who tied for the AL lead with 45 saves.
News: Manager Eric Wedge says RHP Bob Howry in the role of main setup man has saved the bullpen after Arthur Rhodes was injured. "Even gone beyond (our expectations) after losing Arthur," Wedge said. "Obviously Bobby's been the main guy before Wicky (closer Bob Wickman)." Howry is 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA in 64 games.
Analysis: Howry has decent value as a middle reliever in AL-only or larger Rotisserie leagues.
News: RHP Jason Davis (2-1) has been given credit for Friday night's win, which originally went to RHP Bob Howry. The official scorer changed his mind Saturday and took the victory from Howry (2-1), who had worked one perfect inning. Davis retired seven consecutive batters after yielding a homer and single to the first two men he faced.
Analysis: This was not a function of Howry, but more of a change of opinion on Davis' performance. Howry is a decent short reliever in AL-only leagues, and he could eventually be considered for save opportunities if something happens to Indians closer Bob Wickman. Howry has posted a strong ERA and WHIP, which could give him some immediate value in the deeper Rotisserie leagues, too.
News: Bob Howry pitched two perfect innings Wednesday against the Twins. He struck out two and notched his second win of the year.
Analysis: Howry has decent numbers (2-1, 1.64 ERA), but has limited value in AL-only formats.
News: Cleveland signed Bobby Howry to a one-year contract in mid-October.
Analysis: Howry is helpful in WHIP and ERA as a middle reliever in AL-only leagues. He has an outside chance at closing next season.
News: The Indians might ask Bob Howry to serve as their closer next season, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "He's a guy that's aggressive, trusts his stuff and obviously utilizes his experience," manager Eric Wedge said. "I believe he could do that. He's done it before. I believe he could do it again. ... The bullpen starts with the closer. We need to know we've got somebody on the back end that we can count on and that's done it before."
Analysis: This hardly serves as a guarantee that Howry will get the call as the Indians' 2005 closer, but it does make him worth adding in larger AL-only keeper leagues.
News: Bob Howry pitched a perfect ninth inning and earned his first win since 2002 when Cleveland rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday.
Analysis: Howry has allowed just one run in 8 2/3 innings this year. He has been very effective from the bullpen, but does not pitch enough to make a Fantasy impact.
News: The Akron Beacon Journal reports that Bobby Howry (elbow) has pitched two innings and allowed only one hit in two appearances for Triple-A Buffalo.
Analysis: "If he doesn't have any setbacks, he might be ready sometime next month," said manager Eric Wedge. "He's been making consistent progress." Howry's Fantasy value is limited, however, as a middle reliever unless he gets save opportunities.
News: Bob Howry (elbow) was reassigned by the Indians on Saturday.
Analysis: Howry is not expected to pitch again until June. Even if he is healthy then, he will not have any Fantasy value.
News: Bobby Howry (elbow surgery) began a long-toss program on Tuesday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He is not expected to be ready to pitch for the Indians until June.
Analysis: Howry would likely serve as a middle reliever once healthy. He has no Fantasy value.
News: Howry (shoulder surgery) reported to Indians camp on Tuesday.
Analysis: Howry might challenge for a spot in the bullpen, but he is not a useful Fantasy player even if he wins a job.
News: Bobby Howry has been slow to recover from elbow surgery and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Analysis: Howry would have had to earn a bullpen role during spring training, so he might wind up in the minors for most of the year as a result. He has no Fantasy value.
News: Bobby Howry (elbow) was moved from the 15-day disabled list to teh 60-day disabled list by Boston on Friday.
Analysis: Howry is done for the season. He should be ready for 2004.
News: The Boston Globe reports Bob Howry will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar nerve in his right elbow.
Analysis: The recovery period is usually three to four months. Howry is expected to be ready for the 2004 season.
News: According to the Boston Herald, Bob Howry is again experiencing discomfort in his right elbow and forearm.
Analysis: The team was close to promoting Howry, but they elected to recall Jason Shiell from Triple-A Pawtucket instead.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Bobby Howry might be recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket later this week.
Analysis: Howry would pitch in middle relief and wouldn't be worth adding to a Fantasy roster.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Bob Howry, on the Triple-A disabled list with a strained right forearm, should return to action this week.
Analysis: Howry should be back with the Red Sox at some point this year, but he has no Fantasy value.
News: Bob Howry (right forearm stiffness) is on the 7-day disabled list at Triple-A Pawtucket. According to the Providence Journal, he is expected to throw a bullpen session for Triple-A on Friday.
Analysis: Howry might return next week for the PawSox. He will likely be recalled by the big club at some point, but he has no Fantasy value.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Bob Howry, who is with Triple-A Pawtucket, was placed on the seven-day disabled list over the weekend due to stiffness in his right forearm. He had a 1-0 record and 1.46 ERA in nine appearances for Pawtucket.
Analysis: Howry might be back with the Red Sox later in the season, but it won't be anytime soon. He doesn't warrant any consideration in Fantasy leagues.
News: Grady Little told the Providence Journal that Bobby Howry's outing on Monday for Triple-A Pawtucket was "the best he's looked since he's been down there." Howry might be recalled by the Red Sox before the team activates Robert Person, who is expected back sometime between Thursday and Tuesday.
Analysis: The Red Sox currently have no plans to use Howry to close games, so he won't be worth adding to a Fantasy roster even if he is recalled.
News: The Boston Globe says Bobby Howry will now close games for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Analysis: He is not expected to close for Boston if and when he is recalled.
News: Bob Howry was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday. Hector Almonte might be recalled to take his roster spot on Wednesday.
Analysis: Howry does not warrant any Fantasy consideration.
News: Bob Howry (elbow) was back on the mound Thursday. He allowed a solo home run in one inning of work.
Analysis: Howry only warrants minimal attention in AL-only leagues based on Boston's closer-by-committee scenario.
News: Bobby Howry (elbow tendinitis) returned to a bullpen mound Tuesday in Fort Myers, according to the Boston Globe. He threw for eight minutes with no problems. "It doesn't appear to be serious," manager Grady Little said. "I think we've been overly cautious."
Analysis: Howry only warrants minimal attention in AL-only leagues based on Boston's closer-by-committee scenario.
News: Howry is available to pitch again after missing 11 games with right elbow tendinitis. "Everything's back to normal and I'm ready to go for the last week or so," he said. "I don't want to finish the season shut down for three weeks. I want to finish strong."
Analysis:
News: Howry has been resting since Wednesday with minor tendinitis in his pitching elbow, according to The Boston Globe. He will throw lightly on Monday, and his return to active status is day to day. Don't use Howry even in larger leagues this week.
Analysis:
News: Howry has been traded to Boston for two minor league pitchers. He will be used mostly as a setup man and will have minimal Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Howry has an outside shot at the closer's role in Chicago, now that Keith Foulke has lost his job. However, manager Jerry Manuel has said Antonio Osuna and Damaso Marte are the primary options in save situations currently. The two young pitchers are hard throwers, more closely suited for closing, but Howry has the experience. He closed out 28 games in 1999 for the White Sox. Monitor the situation closely and if the two youngsters fail, consider Howry for your Fantasy roster.
Analysis:
News: Howry was throwing in the high 80s in his first appearance of the season, and the Chicago Sun-Times reports that he could be close to getting his old setup role back. He's still not worth Fantasy consideration, however, unless he's being used frequently in late-inning situations.
Analysis:
News: Howry, who has an 11.57 spring ERA, has been booted out of a setup job, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He won't have any Fantasy value unless he gets moved to a team that will give him a chance to close games.
Analysis:
News: The Chicago Sun-Times says rumors continue to persist that The Dodgers are trying to acquire Howry or Keith Foulke to be their closer. Howry is the more likely candidate to be moved. "Someday I definitely want to get a chance to close again. But I'm not going to say, 'I wish I would get traded so I can go do that.' This is a great team here and a great chance to win." Howry said. His value in mixed leagues would increase considerably if he were dealt to the Dodgers.
Analysis:
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers rejected a trade of Howry for Eric Gagne over the offseason. This suggests that it's unlikely that Gagne, who is out of options, will make the Dodgers out of spring training. On the other hand, it suggests that the White Sox might consider trading Howry to a team where he could close. Bump up Howry's value a dollar or two.
Analysis:
News: Howry had surgery on his right shoulder Thursday. The surgery was performed by team physician Dr. James Boscardin. "Bob will begin rehabilitation next week in Phoenix, and we are looking forward to a full recovery by spring training," White Sox trainer Herm Schneider said. Howry, a setup man, appeared in 56 games this season. He was 2-4 with seven saves and a 3.17 ERA.
Analysis:
News: Manager Jerry Manuel has asked Howry to drop one of his two breaking pitches, most likely his curveball, after watching him struggle with his consistency in spring training and the first week of the season. With a plus fastball, slider and changeup, Howry should have more than enough 'stuff' to get hitters out. But Howry's walk rate was too high last season - he gave up more than a walk every other inning - and Keith Foulke is breathing down his neck if he continues to struggle.
Analysis:
News: White Sox reliever Bobby Howry recorded his first save since May 8 vs. Oakland. He has allowed one run in his last 6 1-3 innings after giving up nine runs in his previous 5 1-3 innings. It is safe to assume he has regained closer status.
Analysis:
News: Bobby Howry has been removed as closer for the White Sox. He has been completely ineffective as of late seeing his ERA rise to 6.06. Simas will get the majority of the save opportunities while Howry tries regain his form. Howry should close at some point again this season. He is a much better pitcher than he has displayed as of late and is still considered a major part of the team's plan for the future.
Analysis:
News: Howry blew his first save of the year on May 4 after converting his first seven chances. He allowed two runs in one inning of work against the Orioles. Don't expect him to squander too many more opportunities. In his first 11 innings of work this year, he has struck out 18 batters, and should instantly rebound from this recent setback.
Analysis:
News: Howry emerged as a closer in August, and should begin the season as Chicago's fireman. He converted 18 of 20 save opportunities and allowed only 37 hits in 54.1 innings. He has the ability to strike out one batter per inning, and finished with a 1.03 WHIP ratio. Howry is a hard thrower who may surprise a lot of people in 1999. The White Sox may not do very well this year, but Howry may earn a lot of saves. Sometimes, the best closers don't always play for winning teams.
Analysis:
