Scott White

I try not to unleash The Observations on back-to-back days. I sometimes fail.

Daisuke Matsuzaka walked eight Tigers on Monday, which is fine if he works in the circus, but disgusting otherwise. With 27 walks and 40 2/3 innings, he has to be the most discouraging 5-0 with a 2.43 ERA in the history of this fine sport.

So ... Mike Lowell collected his first RBI on May 5, which puts him well off the pace of the 120 he had last year. Yeah, don't expect him to hit higher than .285 either.

With the demotion of Jacque Jones, Gary Sheffield moved to left field, saying he felt uncomfortable at DH. If he keeps starting there, you have to love the added versatility. Of course, it won't mean anything if he doesn't start hitting higher better than .183.

Dustin McGowan has allowed four hits in 7 1/3 innings in each of his last two starts. If that doesn't get you excited, you must have cut him prematurely.

Javier Vazquez came within one out of joining the Roy Halladay club. You know what I mean.

I still don't know what to make of Ryan Dempster. He didn't allow an earned run at Cincinnati, which is good, but he allowed five unearned runs, which should count against him somehow. Then again, with five baserunners and seven strikeouts in six innings, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Victor Martinez is looking like a poor man's Geovany Soto. The latter homered again Monday and actually raised his average to .352.

If you want to get back to trusting Johnny Cueto after his eight strikeouts in six innings, I won't blame you. But I can only get so excited about a performance that yields a 4.50 ERA.

Ervin Santana pitched a shutout, and he didn't do it in home whites. He didn't do it in any kind of alternate uniform either. He wore GRAY. I think we've witnessed the birth of a new Fantasy ace.

Scott Podsednik got a second straight start in center field. With six stolen bases already, he's not a bad desperation type for Rotisserie leagues. Just remember you're using him strictly for steals.

Yeah, Max Scherzer didn't look so hot against the Phillies, but don't bail on him yet. He still struck out five in four innings and no doubt had a lot of nervous energy. He might lose his spot in the rotation once Doug Davis returns, but you have to hang on to him if only to see what happens. He has way too much talent.

Dana Eveland gave up three hits in seven shutout innings against the Orioles, giving the Athletics no clear choice to bump from the rotation once Rich Harden returns. Surely, they won't send Greg Smith to the minors. Any chance they bounce Justin Duchscherer back to the bullpen?

That's all for now.