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John Axford Fantasy Baseball News, Notes, Rumors and Statistics
2013 Fantasy Baseball Projections
Access our free Fantasy Baseball coverage for more! The latest John Axford MLB and fantasy baseball news
Thu, 16 May 2013 12:19:43 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP John Axford allowed a run in the eighth inning Tuesday, May 14, to blow a lead, and he left the game with an 0-3 record and a 9.20 ERA on the year. He also has three blown saves. "I definitely am frustrated," Axford said. "I can't lie about that, but I feel strong, I feel good and that's where I've got to keep building off of. The first four games of this season, that wasn't me, and that's something I can get a wash too and brush that away. I felt different; my mechanics weren't quite right." Axford insists that his mechanics are where they need to be and his velocity is better. Fantasy Tip: Axford hasn't helped his cause to eventually win back the closing duties from Jim Henderson, and now Francisco Rodriguez is in the picture. If Axford continues to pitch poorly, K-Rod could easily surpass him in the late-inning bullpen heirarchy. If you still own Axford in an NL-only league, it might be best to let him ride the bench for now.
Thu, 02 May 2013 15:24:37 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP Francisco Rodriguez has obtained a work visa and will start pitching in the minor leagues next week with High Single-A Brevard County, and he'll make three outings with them. He'll then be moved to Triple-A Nashville and make three more appearances there. If Rodriguez is promoted, he'll make $2 million. The team's 30-day window to recall Rodriguez will end May 16. "If we don't call him up, he has the option of staying down there and continuing to pitch or leave and look for a job elsewhere," said assistant general manager Gord Ash. "It has to make sense on both ends for us to bring him here." Fantasy Tip: The timing of this news on Rodriguez is interesting. The Brewers' bullpen has been pretty awful this year, aside from Jim Henderson's performance in the closer's role since John Axford was demoted. Axford continues to struggle, and Ron Roenicke doesn't have a clear setup man. Henderson doesn't have a stranglehold on the ninth inning, either, so Rodriguez could easily enter this mix if he performs well. Speculative closer seekers need to take notice.
Thu, 02 May 2013 15:09:18 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said matchups will determine who he uses for setup men ahead of RP Jim Henderson after RP John Axford blew a lead Wednesday, May 1. Fantasy Tip: This is yet another setback for Axford attempting to regain the closer's role from Henderson. Those that own Henderson have to be rejoicing, and those that are holding out hope for Axford in mixed leagues have to be upset. We wouldn't blame you if you had to let him go for other options.
Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:12:27 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke indicated Wednesday, April 24, that while he is happy with RP John Axford's performance lately, and Axford could return as closer at some point, he is also happy with RP Jim Henderson in ninth-inning duties. "I think right now, we're not going to flip 'Ax' back in the closer's role," Roenicke said. "I think (Henderson) is doing a nice job. But 'Ax', the way he threw (Tuesday), he could win every ball game he went in if he throws that way. I was really impressed with him." Fantasy Tip: Henderson should be owned in all leagues as long as he continues to get outs in the ninth inning. Axford is worth hanging onto in deeper formats if you have the roster flexibility, but those in mixed leagues of 12 or fewer teams will want to discard him for the time being.
Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:23:18 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said he would love to have defined roles in the bullpen for his relievers. For now, RP Jim Henderson is the closer after RP John Axford was demoted, but the rest of the bullpen roles are to be determined. "I'll try to use 'Ax' in a place where it's not always on the line; try to get him right," said Roenicke. "I've said it all along. Guys, however they pitch, is how we're going to use them. If we find somebody that's really doing a great job, they're going to be seventh, eighth, ninth (innings)." Fantasy Tip: Basically, Axford will control his own fate as far as if he's pitching in the sixth or seven innings, as compared to being a setup man for Henderson. This is similar to what Roenicke did with Axford last year before he regained the closer gig at the end of the season. Axford could conceivably earn the right to pitch in the ninth again, but this time it may take Henderson pitching himself out of the role to do so. We wouldn't blame you for dropping Axford in mixed leagues, but if you own him and are holding onto hope, it's probably safest to keep him riding your bench for a while longer.
Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:56:51 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP John Axford has been replaced as the team's closer by RP Jim Henderson, at least until Axford can figure out his early-season struggles. Axford has given up four homers and has a 20.25 ERA in three appearances to start the year, giving up eight hits and six runs in 2 2/3 innings. "I told (Axford) that I want him to be our closer," manager Ron Roenicke told reporters. "How we think is the best way to get him back in that role is pretty much what we did with him last year - put him back in wherever it's going to be: sixth (inning), seventh, maybe eighth, and let him get his stuff back." Fantasy Tip: There is still hope for Axford since he was able to reclaim the closer's job last season. However, it'll likely take more convincing this year, but at least Roenicke is open to the idea of giving him the job back. We wouldn't blame you for dropping Axford if you have other needs, but he's worth hanging onto in deep enough leagues if you can spare the room.
Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:44:00 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP Jim Henderson, not RP John Axford, recorded the save against the Chicago Cubs Monday, April 8. Henderson entered the game in the ninth and allowed a hit and struck out two. Fantasy Tip: Henderson's first closure wasn't without drama. He induced a deep fly out by Starlin Castro to end the ball game. The fact that he received the save opp over Axford is telling, though. Ron Roenicke hinted before the game that a change was imminent. Add Henderson immediately if he's available in your league.
Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:44:02 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke is likely to make a change at closer. He told the media that he had to speak with CL John Axford before making an announcement. Fantasy Tip: Jim Henderson is likely to take over as closer and should be picked up if you need saves. We still like Axford, but his extended struggles are worrisome. After the announcement, he can be dumped in mixed universes.
Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:52:46 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP John Axford came in during a tie game in the 10th inning Sunday, April 7, against the Arizona Diamondbacks and he allowed two earned runs and two hits with one strikeout in one-plus innings of work, taking the loss. Fantasy Tip: Axford did not enter in a save situation, but he was awful nonetheless. He is 0-1 with a 20.25 ERA. While it hasn't been made official, it is likely manager Ron Roenicke will have him work in situations with less pressure, allowing him to straighten out his mechanics. If RP Jim Henderson is available, stash him as a possible close replacement. He worked a perfect ninth inning Sunday, striking out two batters. He hasn't yielded a run in three innings over three appearances.
Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:17:27 -0700 Milwaukee Brewers RP John Axford said his decreased velocity this week has nothing to do with a physical ailment. "Everything looks fine, looks normal," said Axford. "Nothing looks different. Arm slot is the same. Same leg lift, same arm path, front side and back side. Everything was the same, side by side." He was throwing his fastball at only 91-92 mph Wednesday, April 3, instead of 96-97 mph. Axford said he expects his velocity to pick back up in May. Fantasy Tip: The combination of lower velocity and poor command is what really hurt Axford last year and in his first two outings in 2013. If both of those aspects of his game continue to struggle, Ron Roenicke might start to consider making a change. Jim Henderson is the backup plan and is worth stashing if you have the room.
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