Now onto America’s pastime and what makes it great… Baseball.

When on the top of his game, Bud Norris is absolutely filthy. Norris struck out 11 Brewers in 7 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just three hits along the way. He now has 43 K’s (12 BB) in 35 2/3 innings on the season, a total good for fourth in the National League. With his command on the incline, he’s a scary sight for opposing batters. Right-handed hitters aren’t getting a sniff: 7 hits in 59 AB (.119 BA).

Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 27 games (second in Dodgers history) with a single in the seventh inning. He’ll face left-hander James Russell on Monday seeking to continue the roll.

The Indians won their 13th straight game at Progressive Field on Sunday, upping their record to 19-8 overall (4.5 ahead of second place Kansas City). Justin Masterson (5-0) continued his “masterful” mound work, pitching seven innings of two-run ball, seven-strikeout ball in a no decision effort. The Tribe seemingly have a new offensive hero each day, with Matt LaPorta stepping up with two-hits and three RBI to clinch a sweep of Detroit.

Derrek Lee took home the Golden Sombrero on Sunday, striking out in all four at bats. He’s not quick enough inside to get around on good heat, and he opens up early on sliders away. Not a good combination. His .228 BA and four RBI’s are not an aberration. Look on the bright side O’s fans, his defense is stellar!

Lee’s futility is not easily matched, but Alex Rios gave him a strong run. Rios went 0/5 leaving EIGHT men on base. To his credit, however, he was shafted on a third-strike call in the 9th inning. He’s now hitting .155. Take cover.

On a positive White Sox note, Sergio Santos has now thrown 12 2/3 shutout innings to open the new campaign. If he isn’t firmly entrenched as the closer, something’s wrong.

Despite winning his third game on Sunday, Pittsburgh starter Charlie Morton is flirting with disaster. He’s walked 23 batters in 38 1/3 innings, striking out just 19. That is one ugly ratio. Morton throws a devastating sinker (68% GB) that’s tough to square up, but his 3.52 ERA won’t last long with the base paths consistently jammed.

Is it possible that Jose Bautista, at 30 years of age, is still improving? A natural regression to the mean was expected following last year’s outburst, but he’s showing improved plate discipline in 2011. He’s drawn 30 walks in 25 games (16 K) and has 11-multi BB games. The result: .357, 9 HR, 16 RBI and a sick 1.312 OPS. While Bautista obviously won’t hit .350, there is no doubt he’s out-adjusting opposing pitchers right now.

The Giants Aubrey Huff added another 0-fer to his tally, going hitless in three plate appearances versus Jordan Zimmermann and the Nationals.  Huff is batting .196 overall, and a frightening .149 against right-handed pitching. Since April 19th his BA has dropped .56 points. Huff was a picture of consistency last season, so what gives?

Felix Hernandez struck out ten Red Sox in a seven-inning two-run performance, but (in a flashback to 2010) the Mariners sticks could not muster sufficient offense. Their only two runs crossed the plate on bases loaded walks. Carl Crawford singled home the game winner in the 9th as the Red Sox avoided the home sweep.

Ryan Roberts is a Dustin Pedroia clone, plus a few inches. He has a long, max-effort swing, but you can’t throw a fastball by him. He deposited his sixth homer into the left field seats at Chase Field, picking up RBI number 16 and boosting his average to .328. Roberts is likely the hottest waiver pickup in fantasy circles, and rightfully so.

Justin Morneau launched his first homer since July 6th, 2010 in a losing effort at KC. The Royals completed the three-game sweep piling up 21 runs in the final two games of the series.

Injury news: Zack Greinke (rib) is scheduled to make his season debut Wednesday. Carlos Lee (chest) was carted off the field following a collision with SS Angel Sanchez; X-ray came back negative. David Freese (left hand) will be sidelined after getting plunked late in Sunday’s game. 

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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