Phil Rogers says that many in the Cubs front office feel it would be "foolish" to trade prospect Starlin Castro to Detroit for Curtis Granderson.
Castro has quickly established himself as the best Cubs prospect after his showing in the Arizona Fall League. Granderson, conversely, has been one of the best centerfielders in the game (against right-handed pitching) and is thought to be available. Rogers, who writes for the Chicago Tribune, says that Cubs GM Jim Hendry "appreciates" what Granderson brings to the table and wonders if new hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo could help address Granderson's platoon issues. If the Cubs won't give Castro up in a Granderson deal, it will be extremely tough to pull off.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock is unhappy with his top line of Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi.
"That line hasn't been very good," Babcock said. "Pav, Bert and Homer haven't been as good. They turn the puck over way too much and haven't had enough substance playing in the offensive zone. For Homer to score goals and be effective, they gotta be on the grind in that zone and he's gotta be at the net. That's a key for him." Babcock is not going to break up the line at this point in time, but with Detroit struggling, anything is possible.
Josh Smith had just nine points, but added eight rebounds, three assists and four more blocks on 3-of-7 shooting in Friday's exciting win over the Rockets.
Smoov's put back dunk with 0.7 seconds remaining won the game for the Hawks, who are now 7-0 at home and a league-best 11-2 overall. Smith is on pace to lead the league in blocks and is putting up monster fantasy stats, despite tonight's quiet line.
Monta Ellis had a huge game in Friday's win over the Blazers, playing all 48 minutes and hitting 13-of-28 shots and a 3-pointer on his way to 34 points, two rebounds, eight assists, six steals and two blocks.
He was a beast tonight and despite the constant rumors about him being unhappy and wanting to be traded, should remain in all fantasy lineups until further notice.
Ray Emery stopped just 23 of the 29 shots he faced in the Flyers 6-3 loss to the Sharks on Friday.
The loss brings Emery's record to 11-5-1 on the year. Don't expect Emery to have this type of performance game in and game out.
Rudy Fernandez hit 6-of-11 shots and three 3-pointers for 19 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals in Friday's loss to the Warriors.
Yes, it was against the Warriors, but Rudy looked good tonight and got a ton of minutes (38). We have been preaching owners to pick him up, and this is why.
Claude Giroux scored twice and added a helper in the Flyers 6-3 loss to the Avalanche Friday night.
Giroux scored his second and third goals of the season. He assisted on Danny Briere's first period goal.
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