Blogs

Lance Berkman

First Baseman
Position
1B
Bats
S
Throws
L

Contract: Signed through 2010.

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 220 lbs
  • Born: Feb 10, 1976

  • Debut: July 16, 1999

SEASON

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Newsbreakers

October 3, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in the Astros 5-1 loss to the Mets on Saturday.

Our View:

The Astros slugger is hitting just .274 this season and is on pace to compile his worst batting average total since his rookie year when he only played 34 games.

September 29, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 and cracked his 25th homer of the season in the Astros 7-4 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.

Our View:

Berkman is having a down season, but is coming on as of late. After hitting just one home run in all of July and August combined, he's now popped seven in the season's final month and has driven in 13.

September 25, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with a single and a two-run homer off Pedro Viola in tonight's 10-4 loss to Cincinnati at Minute Maid Park.

Our View:

Berkman collected his sixth homer of September, but is only hittig .239 over 67 at-bats. He has 24 homers for 2009.

September 21, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with a single and a solo homer off Kyle Lohse in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

Our View:

Berkman hit a homer in five of his last nine games, and has 23 for 2009. He is generating good power right now, but is still only batting .246 this month.

September 21, 2009

The Houston Astros have fired manager Cecil Cooper, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

The Astros looked lifeless in enduring a weekend sweep in Milwaukee, and have dropped seven straight overall to fall to 70-79. Cooper's tactics have been questioned by many in 2009, and it's probably good the team got his inevitable firing out of the way now instead of prolonging it any longer. Maybe the team will finally loosen up in its final 13 games, and you can get some decent fantasy production out of the likes of Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence. Third base coach Dave Clark will finish out the season as manager.

September 18, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-4 with a solo homer off Chris Narveson in tonight's 3-2 loss at Milwaukee.

Our View:

Berkman launched a homer in four of his last six games, and has 22 for 2009. He has a hit in six of his last seven games as well.

September 16, 2009

Lance Berkman was a late scratch from the Astros' lineup on Tuesday with back spasms, according to the Houston Chronicle. Berkman is expected to be out until at least Friday with the injury.

Our View:

Berkman said his back locked up on him Monday after the team's game, and he must be in some pretty serious pain. Find another option until the weekend, and check back to make sure he is back on Friday.

September 13, 2009

Lance Berkman provided all the offense the Astros could muster on Sunday with one swing. His solo homer in the ninth inning off Pirates closer Matt Capps was the only tally in the 2-1 loss.

Our View:

Berkman now has 21 home runs on the season and has hit three in his last four games. It appears his power stroke is heating up, but it's too little to late for the floundering Astros.

September 10, 2009

Lance Berkman hit his first home run since July 9th in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Braves.

Our View:

Berkman was 2-for-4 in the game and drove in three (all coming via the long ball). He now has just 19 homers this season and 69 RBI and is on pace to have his worst statistical season since his rookie year in 2000.

August 23, 2009

Lance Berkman was productive in Sunday's 7-5 loss to Arizona at Minute Maid Park, as he went 2-for-4 with two RBI. He hit a single and a double.

Our View:

Berkman is hitting .342 over 38 at-bats this month, but only has five RBI over the span. He ranks third on the Astros with 60 RBI for 2009.

August 14, 2009

Lance Berkman was 0-for-2 with two walks in his third game since coming off the disabled list, as the Astros lost 11-2 in Milwaukee.

Our View:

The Big Puma has reached base seven times in three games since being activated, and looks like he hasn't missed a beat.

August 13, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-4 with a run in his second game off the DL on Thursday in Houston's 7-2 loss at Florida.

Our View:

The Big Puma didn't have a big offensive night one day after his explosion, but neither did any other Astro. Berkman is 100 percent to be reinserted into your lineup.

August 12, 2009

Lance Berkman didn't miss a beat in his return to the lineup on Wednesday, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in the Astros 14-6 win in Miami.

Our View:

Well, that should answer your question about whether or not he's ready to get back into your lineup every day. He is.

August 12, 2009

According to the Twitter page of Houston Chronicle reporter Richard Justice, the Astros have activated first baseman Lance Berkman off the DL. Berkman is scheduled to be in the lineup tonight against the Marlins.

Our View:

Berkman has wanted to play for a few days, and now it looks like the team feels as if he is ready to go. He should be safe to deploy in all fantasy lineups tonight, so if you need him get him in.

August 11, 2009

According to the Twitter page of Astros' beat writer Brian McTaggart, Houston first baseman Lance Berkman will not play on Tuesday. It had been reported that Berkman could be activated on Tuesday.

Our View:

McTaggart said that Berkman grumbled at him, so he must not be happy about not being able to go today. It should still be soon, but Berkman owners will have to wait a bit longer. We will keep you updated on his condition.

August 10, 2009

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Astros' first baseman Lance Berkman is expecting to be activated by the team as early as Tuesday. Berkman will take grounders and run on the field on Monday, and if all goes well he could be ready by Tuesday.

Our View:

It sounds like Berkman is close, but he did mention that he hasn't run at full speed yet, so a Tuesday activation isn't a sure thing. Check back tomorrow to be sure, but if he isn't ready to go then it shouldn't be long until he is.

August 5, 2009

According to the Houston Chronicle, Lance Berkman experienced "plenty of soreness" after running for the first time on Tuesday and likely won't return to the Astros when his DL stint is up on Friday.

Our View:

Berkman stated that he wants to be 100 percent before pushing his calf injury and risking a serious setback. Looks like it may be next week before the 'Stros get him back.

July 23, 2009

As expected, Lance Berkman has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf muscle, according to the Sports Network. Infielder Edwin Maysonet was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to fill his roster spot.

Our View:

The ailment has bothered Berkman since July 16, and admitted that it is best for him to be shut down on the DL. He is looking forward to returning to action in a couple of weeks.

July 23, 2009

According to Richard Justice's Twitter account, the Astros are placing Lance Berkman on the disabled list.

Our View:

Berkman has been limited to pinch hitting duty because of a severely strained left calf, and it looks like it finally got the best of him. The 'Stros feel it's better to give him time to let the injury heal 100 percent, rather than keep trotting him out their while he's ailing and risk further injury. No word yet on who is being called up to take his place, but make sure you DL Berkman in your league and try to find a quasi-suitable replacement ASAP.

July 23, 2009

Lance Berkman appeared in Wednesday's game against the Cardinals as a pinch hitter. He singled in his only at-bat.

Our View:

Berkman, who has been sidelined five of the last six games with a calf strain, was removed for a pinch runner after singling in Wednesday's contest. The Astros have an off day Thursday, so he should be able to rest up a bit and may play in the weekend series. Condsider him day-to-day right now.

July 21, 2009

Contradicting an earlier report, Alyson Footer of MLB.com now says Lance Berkman is not in the Astros starting lineup on Tuesday night, and will be out 2-3 days with a grade two left hamstring strain.

Our View:

He will be available to pinch hit. It seems unlikely that he will land on the DL, but watch out for updates.

July 21, 2009

Lance Berkman is in the Astros lineup against the Cardinals tonight, likely indicating that the MRI on his left hamstring came back negative on Tuesday, according to Alyson Footer of MLB.com.

Our View:

The Big Puma looked pretty banged up yesterday, but must not be suffering from anything too serious. Get him in your lineup, even though he's hobbling, as he has famously punished Cardinals pitching. Todd Wellemeyer going for the Birds also works heavily in his favor.

July 20, 2009

Lance Berkman is slated for an MRI Tuesday to determine the extent of his left calf strain, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

He returned to the starting lineup Monday, but his ailing calf has been bothering him for the past several days. GM Ed Wade noted that the MRI is precautionary.

July 20, 2009

Lance Berkman is back in the Astros lineup on Monday, and will bat his usual third, according to Alyson Footer of MLB.com.

Our View:

The Big Puma had missed three straight games with a calf injury. It's likely still bothering him, but he should be in your starting lineup unless you have a really good alternative.

July 20, 2009

Lance Berkman sat out his third straight game on Sunday, and could undergo some tests on his ailing left calf if it does not improve soon, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

Berkman's injury comes at a terrible time for the Astros (not that there is ever a good time for him to get hurt, as he had finally heated up after an awful start to 2009. He has been available for pinch hitting duties, however, and if the injury improves at all on Monday, he is likely to go as the Astros start a crucial three game series with the Cardinals in Houston. Stay tuned for an update before game time.

July 18, 2009

Lance Berkman may return to the Astros' lineup Sunday against the Dodgers, according to MLB.com. He exited Thursday's game with a minor left calf strain.

Our View:

Berkman would like to return to the diamond ASAP, and noted that there is a decent chance he can play Sunday if his ailment improves enough between now and tomorrow.

July 17, 2009

According to the Houston Chronicle, Lance Berkman injured his left calf in the eighth inning of Thursday night's game.

Our View:

Berkman seemed concerned about the mild strain and he looks to miss a few days. He had this to say after last night's game, "It's been bothering me for a while, to be honest with you. It's been manageable, but it's as hard as I've run in a while. It doesn't feel great, but hopefully in the morning it will feel better." Darin Erstad will likely play first if Berkman isn't up to snuff.

July 11, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-4 with a single and an RBI in tonight's 13-2 loss to the Nationals at Minute Maid Park.

Our View:

Berkman is hitting .351 with eight RBI over 37 at-bats so far this month. He leads the Astros with 18 homers and 55 RBI.

July 9, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored in tonight's 9-4 win over the Nationals at Minute Maid Park. He hit two singles and a three-run homer off Mike MacDougal.

Our View:

Berkman extended his hitting streak to 11 games, and continues to lead the Astros with 18 homers and 54 RBI.

July 8, 2009

Lance Berkman finished Wednesday afternoon's game 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and two RBI. The Astros beat the Pirates by a score of 5-0.

Our View:

Berkman has been a solid performer for the Astros after a slow start to the season, and he is hitting .273 with 17 homers and 51 RBI. He is still a solid play in all leagues, and should continue to be so all season.

July 2, 2009

The Astros/Padres game Thursday afternoon at Petco Park has been delayed after a swarm of bees stormed the field.

Our View:

A truly bizarre sight. The Astros were winning 6-1 at the time of the invasion. A beekeeper is en route, and the game is expected to resume soon.

June 27, 2009

Lance Berkman had a nice day against Detroit on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, a double and a stolen base.

Our View:

Berkman has two stolen bases over the past three days and has also gotten his batting average back on the right side of .250, which should go nowhere but up from here on out.

June 25, 2009

Lance Berkman had his first multi-home run game game of the season on Thursday, swatting two homers and driving in four as the Astros beat the Royals 5-4.

Our View:

Berkman now has 16 home runs and 42 RBIs in 2009, but is still batting just .248. A year ago on June 25, the Big Puma was hitting .360. Hopefully for his owners, he can ramp up his run production while also raising his average, and resemble more of the Berkman we are used to seeing.

June 24, 2009

Lance Berkman did not start for the Astros on Tuesday against the Royals after he chose to be late to the ballpark to be with his wife after the birth of their fourth daughter on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

He did record a ninth inning pinch hit off of Royals closer Joakim Soria, but the Astros still lost 2-1. He is scheduled to play on Wednesday.

June 13, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer off Jon Garland in Saturday's 6-4 win at Arizona.

Our View:

Berkman collected his 12th homer of 2009, and No. 300 for his career. He needs four more RBI to reach 1,000.

June 10, 2009

Lance Berkman's home run Tuesday night was the 299th of his career.

Our View:

Berkman's 300th home run shouldn't be the last "hundred" he gets to, either. Although he has been struggling some this season, he is still an elite fantasy player and has raised his average 86 points since May 1. He should finish up with around 25 home runs and 100 RBIs.

June 10, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 and recorded the Astros' lone RBI in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Cubs at Minute Maid Park.

Our View:

Berkman ended a four-game slump without an RBI, and only has 33 for the season. He has a hit in seven of his last eight games.

June 2, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Rockies at Minute Maid Park.

Our View:

Berkman recorded his 10th multi-hit game of the season, but is only hitting .238.

May 25, 2009

Lance Berkman was 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, two RBI, and two runs scored as the Astros lost to the Reds 8-5 on Monday.

Our View:

Berkman was 0-for-8 in his last two games, but he is still hitting .301 in May compared to just .162 in April. He is hitting .293 on the road and just .167 at home. However, he has hit five home runs both on the road and at home.

May 22, 2009

Lance Berkman was 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, and a run scored in the Astros 6-5 loss to the Rangers on Friday.

Our View:

Berkman has looked like his old self of late as he has raised his average from .184 to .239 over the last nine games. He has reached base 22 times in that stretch and accounted for nine RBI.

May 17, 2009

Lance Berkman went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, a run scored, and an RBI in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Cubs.

Our View:

Berkman has reached base 13 times in the last four games and he seems ready to bust out of his early season struggles. There's still plenty of time left in the season for Berkman to re-emerge as one of the top offensive options in fantasy baseball.

May 13, 2009

On a night where the Astros banged out 24 hits, Lance Berkman had a 4-for-4 game, scored three runs and drove in two. The Astros were on the winning end of the slug fest 15-11.

Our View:

Berkman has been awful this season, but tonight showed a glimmer of hope. He's too talented a hitter to go on slumping like he has been, but he struggled down the stretch last season after having an MVP caliber first half. Looks like it carried over to 2009.

May 13, 2009

As expected, Lance Berkman returned to the Astros' lineup Tuesday following his bout with a sore left wrist, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

He batted in his usual No. 3 spot in the order, and went 1-for-4 with a single. Berkman should be fine to pencil back into fantasy lineups.

May 12, 2009

According to the Houston Chronicle, Lance Berkman is expected to be back in the Astros' lineup on Tuesday after missing the last three games with a wrist injury.

Our View:

Berkman took some swings in the cage on Monday and said he is feeling much better. Wrist injuries can always be a bit unpredictable for hitters, so it may take Berkman some time to start hitting effectively. Feel free to put him in your lineup tonight, but a wait and see approach may be better with Berkman at this point.

May 11, 2009

Lance Berkman has missed three straight games with a sore left wrist, but noted that he is feeling better, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

The team re-signed Jason Smith for depth in case Berkman is not ready to return Tuesday when the Astros start a three-game set with the Rockies at Coors Field. We will keep you posted on his status.

May 9, 2009

Lance Berkman will miss his second straight game Saturday while nursing a sore left wrist, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

He was only able to take one dry swing prior to the game due to the pain, and it seems likely he will be out for Sunday as well. Darin Erstad could fill in at first base until Berkman is ready to return.

May 9, 2009

Lance Berkman was scratched from Friday's lineup due to a sore left wrist, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

He was replaced at first base by Darin Erstad. Berkman is listed as day-to-day.

May 5, 2009

According to the Associate Press, Tuesday's game between the Astros and the Nationals has been suspended. The score is tied 10-10 in the 11th inning and will be resumed on July 9th in Houston.

Our View:

Due to the fact that the Astros aren't scheduled to return to Washington again this season, the Nationals will be the home team when the two clubs resume play in Texas.

April 29, 2009

Lance Berkman won't be in the lineup for the Astros on Wednesday. He took early, extra batting practice during the day, and he is sitting in order to take a mental break. "It stinks to stink," Berkman tells the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

As fantasy owners know all too well, this slugger has had an awful April, and it's clearly wearing on him. A day or two off may be a good thing.

April 25, 2009

Lance Berkman is hitting just .186 on the young season though there is no hint of an injury limiting his performance, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

Berkman has been striking out in nearly a third of his at-bats (he usually strikes out once every five), and he has been terribly unlucky with a .194 BABIP (career .325). It's far too early to panic, but dating back to the All-Star break last year Berkman is hitting .244-11-39 in 73 games, and that's awful production for the star.

April 21, 2009

According to the Houston Chronicle, Lance Berkman has begun taking early batting practice with hitting coach Sean Berry. Berkman is trying to break out of his early season slump in which he is hitting .205.

Our View:

It seems like early batting practice could do this guy some good. Berkman has struggled mightily so far in 2009, but the guy can still hit so he should be able to bounce back. The early BP will hopefully hurry that process along.

April 20, 2009

Lance Berkman hit his third home run of the season against the Reds on Monday.

Our View:

While it was nice to see Berkman leave the yard, he still went just 1-for-4 and was unable to do much to boost his .205 batting average this season. Hopefully his homer on Monday can serve as a jump-start to his production at the plate.

April 16, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in the Astros 6-3 win over the Pirates on Thursday.

Our View:

Berkman has had a bit of a rocky start this season, but we fully expect him to have another strong season. Regardless of the hitters around him, his power and average make him a dangerous fantasy player.

April 1, 2009

Lance Berkman was pleased with the progress of his left shoulder following batting practice on Tuesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has not played since Friday due to biceps tendinitis, but he could be available to hit in Wednesday's game.

Our View:

Berkman should be ready for opening day, but there is a chance that the ailment dogs him throughout the season.

March 31, 2009

Lance Berkman may return to the diamond today against the Braves, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has been dealing with biceps tendinitis in his left shoulder, but he said, "I was very concerned about it, but it certainly feels better Monday than it did (Sunday), and that is always a positive."

Our View:

Berkman wants to serve as a DH, but manager Cecil Cooper does not intend to use one, so Berkman is more likely to return Wednesday. Either way, it sounds like he will be ready to go for opening day, assuming his tendinitis does not get worse.

March 30, 2009

MLB.com reports that Lance Berkman hit off of a tee on Monday and could return to game action as soon as Tuesday. The first baseman was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left triceps over the weekend. The injury seems to bother him more when hitting right handed and he feels that he could avoid further pain by keeping both hands on the bat when hitting southpaws.

Our View:

Tendinitis is not something that disappears with much ease. Don't be surprised if Berkman takes an extended trip to the DL if the ailment continues to worsen throughout the course of the season. An Astros lineup without Berkman would seemingly hurt the value of every player on their roster.

March 29, 2009

Lance Berkman will miss at least two days while recovering from biceps tendinitis, according to the Houston Chronicle. He could barely lift his fist past his shoulder this morning. He said, "It is not pending surgery, I do not think, but it is more painful and worse than I initially thought it was going to be."

Our View:

The injury isn't structural, and skipper Cecil Cooper is not too concerned. If needed, a cortisone shot could be given to speed his recovery.

March 28, 2009

Lance Berkman was scratched from Houston's lineup on Saturday due to bicep tendinitis, though the injury is not serious and he's listed as day-to-day, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

Manager Cecil Cooper stressed that the injury was nothing to worry about and that part of the reason for keeping Berkman out was to get Darin Erstad some extra at-bats. This doesn't appear to be anything that would merit docking Berkman down on your cheat sheet for.

March 23, 2009

Lance Berkman cracked a pair of home runs on Monday against the Marlins. He finished the day 2-for-4 with three RBI.

Our View:

Berkman now has three home runs during what has been a slow exhibition season for the slugger. Still, he could bat 0-for-spring training and still be a widely coveted fantasy commodity.

March 20, 2009

Lance Berkman went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Friday's 4-2 win over Cincinnati. That marks his first homer of spring training.

Our View:

Berkman has not been impressive in spring training, but his fantasy stock remains strong as a top-5 first baseman.

March 4, 2009

Lance Berkman has a rough day at the plate against Venezuela. He was 0-for-3, leaving three men stranded.

Our View:

Back in action after nursing a sore left shoulder, Berkman should return to form shortly. He's still a strong fantasy option at first base and will likely be drafted in the top-5 at the position in all leagues.

February 27, 2009

Lance Berkman returned to action Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a sore left shoulder, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

Berkman looks to be fine, and his fantasy stock holds strong as a top-8 first baseman.

February 25, 2009

Lance Berkman will sit out today's Grapefruit League opener against the Nationals for precautionary reasons as he is dealing with soreness in his left shoulder, according to MLB.com. He said, "It is a little bit sore, but it is not a problem. You start to throw and have not thrown in a while, it might be a little bit sore."

Our View:

He expects to play Thursday against the Braves, and his fantasy stock holds strong.

January 16, 2009

Lance Berkman has been named the Astros' MVP for 2008, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View:

Berkman batted .312 last season with a .420 OBP, while collecting 29 homers, 106 RBI, 114 runs, and a career-high 18 stolen bases. He should once again rank as a rock solid fantasy first baseman for 2009.

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