MLB Fantasy News 2011

[HacheMan]

June Overall Top 250 Rankings
Welcome to the June rankings. Players are ranked based on how much value I believe they'll provide in 5x5 leagues over the rest of the season. Along with the position rankings, you'll find a fully updated top 250 list.

Click to see other June rankings:
Top 250 | SP | RP | OF | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | C | DH

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Ryan Braun </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Jose Bautista </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Albert Pujols </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Roy Halladay </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Miguel Cabrera </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Felix Hernandez </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Robinson Cano </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Troy Tulowitzki </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Adrian Gonzalez </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Joey Votto </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Carlos Gonzalez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Matt Kemp </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Alex Rodriguez </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Tim Lincecum </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Jose Reyes </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Evan Longoria </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>Cole Hamels </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Carl Crawford </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Mark Teixeira </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Jered Weaver </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Prince Fielder </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Cliff Lee </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Hanley Ramirez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Justin Upton </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Jon Lester </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Matt Holliday </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Ryan Howard </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>CC Sabathia </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Elvis Andrus </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Curtis Granderson </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Victor Martinez </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Tommy Hanson </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Clayton Kershaw </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Ian Kinsler </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>David Price </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Chase Utley </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Nelson Cruz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Justin Verlander </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Rickie Weeks </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Brian McCann </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>Zack Greinke </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Dustin Pedroia </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Andrew McCutchen </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Mariano Rivera </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46 </TD><TD>Brandon Phillips </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47 </TD><TD>Shaun Marcum </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48 </TD><TD>Adrian Beltre </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49 </TD><TD>Brian Wilson </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50 </TD><TD>Josh Beckett </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51 </TD><TD>Kevin Youkilis </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52 </TD><TD>Shin-Soo Choo </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53 </TD><TD>Heath Bell </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54 </TD><TD>Hunter Pence </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55 </TD><TD>Ryan Zimmerman </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56 </TD><TD>Jimmy Rollins </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57 </TD><TD>Josh Hamilton </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>58 </TD><TD>Matt Cain </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59 </TD><TD>Dan Haren </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>60 </TD><TD>Ichiro Suzuki </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61 </TD><TD>Joe Mauer </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>62 </TD><TD>Jonathan Papelbon </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63 </TD><TD>Yovani Gallardo </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>64 </TD><TD>Drew Stubbs </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65 </TD><TD>Michael Young </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>66 </TD><TD>Neftali Feliz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67 </TD><TD>Rajai Davis </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>68 </TD><TD>Madison Bumgarner </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69 </TD><TD>David Wright </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>70 </TD><TD>Paul Konerko </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71 </TD><TD>Carlos Marmol </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>72 </TD><TD>Matt Joyce </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73 </TD><TD>B.J. Upton </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>74 </TD><TD>Mat Latos </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75 </TD><TD>Francisco Rodriguez </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>76 </TD><TD>Josh Johnson </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77 </TD><TD>Mike Stanton </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>78 </TD><TD>Carlos Santana </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79 </TD><TD>C.J. Wilson </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>80 </TD><TD>Craig Kimbrel </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81 </TD><TD>Jay Bruce </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>82 </TD><TD>Ubaldo Jimenez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83 </TD><TD>Michael Bourn </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>84 </TD><TD>Andre Ethier </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85 </TD><TD>Alexei Ramirez </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>86 </TD><TD>Pablo Sandoval </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87 </TD><TD>Trevor Cahill </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>88 </TD><TD>Jason Heyward </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89 </TD><TD>Chris Carpenter </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>90 </TD><TD>Howie Kendrick </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91 </TD><TD>Andrew Bailey </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>92 </TD><TD>Asdrubal Cabrera </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93 </TD><TD>Shane Victorino </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>94 </TD><TD>Jeremy Hellickson </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95 </TD><TD>Chris Young </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>96 </TD><TD>Stephen Drew </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97 </TD><TD>Francisco Cordero </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>98 </TD><TD>Chad Billingsley </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99 </TD><TD>Colby Rasmus </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>100 </TD><TD>Chris Perez </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101 </TD><TD>Billy Butler </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>102 </TD><TD>Starlin Castro </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103 </TD><TD>Ricky Nolasco </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>104 </TD><TD>Alex Rios </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105 </TD><TD>Adam Dunn </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>106 </TD><TD>Roy Oswalt </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107 </TD><TD>Dan Uggla </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>108 </TD><TD>Jayson Werth </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109 </TD><TD>J.J. Putz </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>110 </TD><TD>Justin Morneau </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111 </TD><TD>Tim Hudson </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>112 </TD><TD>Corey Hart </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113 </TD><TD>Derek Jeter </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>114 </TD><TD>Jhoulys Chacin </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115 </TD><TD>Adam Jones </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>116 </TD><TD>Kelly Johnson </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117 </TD><TD>Jose Valverde </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>118 </TD><TD>Adam Lind </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119 </TD><TD>James Shields </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>120 </TD><TD>Ricky Romero </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>121 </TD><TD>Grady Sizemore </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>122 </TD><TD>John Axford </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>123 </TD><TD>Russell Martin </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>124 </TD><TD>Martin Prado </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>125 </TD><TD>Carlos Beltran </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>126 </TD><TD>Gio Gonzalez </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>127 </TD><TD>Ben Zobrist </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>128 </TD><TD>Alex Gordon </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>129 </TD><TD>Drew Storen </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>130 </TD><TD>Yunel Escobar </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>131 </TD><TD>Alfonso Soriano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>132 </TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>133 </TD><TD>Erick Aybar </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>134 </TD><TD>Miguel Montero </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>135 </TD><TD>Bobby Abreu </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>136 </TD><TD>Torii Hunter </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>137 </TD><TD>Huston Street </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>138 </TD><TD>Carlos Quentin </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>139 </TD><TD>Chipper Jones </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>140 </TD><TD>Matt Wieters </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>141 </TD><TD>Coco Crisp </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>142 </TD><TD>Matt Garza </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>143 </TD><TD>Leo Nunez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>144 </TD><TD>Vladimir Guerrero </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>145 </TD><TD>Clay Buchholz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>146 </TD><TD>Gaby Sanchez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>147 </TD><TD>Sergio Santos </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>148 </TD><TD>Brett Gardner </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>149 </TD><TD>Daniel Hudson </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>150 </TD><TD>Jhonny Peralta </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>151 </TD><TD>Joel Hanrahan </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>152 </TD><TD>Angel Pagan </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>153 </TD><TD>Mark Reynolds </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>154 </TD><TD>Max Scherzer </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>155 </TD><TD>Nick Markakis </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>156 </TD><TD>Neil Walker </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>157 </TD><TD>David Ortiz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>158 </TD><TD>Jorge Posada </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>159 </TD><TD>Brett Anderson </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>160 </TD><TD>Jaime Garcia </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>161 </TD><TD>Juan Pierre </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>162 </TD><TD>Ian Kennedy </TD><TD>Diamondbacks </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>163 </TD><TD>Placido Polanco </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>164 </TD><TD>Colby Lewis </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>165 </TD><TD>Austin Jackson </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>166 </TD><TD>Kyle Farnsworth </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>167 </TD><TD>Mike Napoli </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>168 </TD><TD>Anibal Sanchez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>169 </TD><TD>Jose Tabata </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>170 </TD><TD>Aramis Ramirez </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>171 </TD><TD>Ryan Madson </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>172 </TD><TD>Vernon Wells </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>173 </TD><TD>Jordan Zimmermann </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>174 </TD><TD>Michael Cuddyer </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>175 </TD><TD>Andres Torres </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>176 </TD><TD>Joakim Soria </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>177 </TD><TD>Danny Espinosa </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>178 </TD><TD>Chris Iannetta </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>179 </TD><TD>Denard Span </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>180 </TD><TD>Michael Pineda </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>181 </TD><TD>Alexi Ogando </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>182 </TD><TD>Jordan Walden </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>183 </TD><TD>Logan Morrison </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>184 </TD><TD>Hiroki Kuroda </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>185 </TD><TD>Aubrey Huff </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>186 </TD><TD>Fernando Salas </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>187 </TD><TD>Erik Bedard </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>188 </TD><TD>Gordon Beckham </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>189 </TD><TD>Nick Swisher </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>190 </TD><TD>Kevin Gregg </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>191 </TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>192 </TD><TD>J.P. Arencibia </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>193 </TD><TD>Scott Rolen </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>194 </TD><TD>Brandon League </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>195 </TD><TD>Jason Bay </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>196 </TD><TD>Geovany Soto </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>197 </TD><TD>Ted Lilly </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>198 </TD><TD>Brian Matusz </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>199 </TD><TD>Lance Berkman </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>200 </TD><TD>Chris Coghlan </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>201 </TD><TD>Matt Capps </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>202 </TD><TD>Yadier Molina </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>203 </TD><TD>Justin Smoak </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>204 </TD><TD>Wandy Rodriguez </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>205 </TD><TD>Edwin Jackson </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>206 </TD><TD>Ian Desmond </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>207 </TD><TD>Johnny Damon </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>208 </TD><TD>Mark Melancon </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>209 </TD><TD>Kurt Suzuki </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>210 </TD><TD>Gavin Floyd </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>211 </TD><TD>Eric Hosmer </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>212 </TD><TD>A.J. Burnett </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>213 </TD><TD>Jed Lowrie </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>214 </TD><TD>Brian Roberts </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>215 </TD><TD>Alex Avila </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>216 </TD><TD>Seth Smith </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>217 </TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>218 </TD><TD>Michael Brantley </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>219 </TD><TD>Aaron Hill </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>220 </TD><TD>Miguel Olivo </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>221 </TD><TD>Pedro Alvarez </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>222 </TD><TD>Jake Peavy </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>223 </TD><TD>Delmon Young </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>224 </TD><TD>Todd Helton </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>225 </TD><TD>Charlie Morton </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>226 </TD><TD>Derrek Lee </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>227 </TD><TD>Jon Rauch </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>228 </TD><TD>Brandon Morrow </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>229 </TD><TD>Jason Kubel </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>230 </TD><TD>Chase Headley </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>231 </TD><TD>Mike Adams </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>232 </TD><TD>Ike Davis </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>233 </TD><TD>John Danks </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>234 </TD><TD>Jarrod Saltalamacchia </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>235 </TD><TD>Mike Morse </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>236 </TD><TD>Kyle Lohse </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>237 </TD><TD>Jonny Venters </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>238 </TD><TD>Brett Lawrie </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>239 </TD><TD>A.J. Pierzynski </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>240 </TD><TD>Aaron Crow </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>241 </TD><TD>Raul Ibanez </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>242 </TD><TD>Scott Baker </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>243 </TD><TD>Carlos Lee </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>244 </TD><TD>Johnny Cueto </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>245 </TD><TD>Frank Francisco </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>246 </TD><TD>Ryan Ludwick </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>247 </TD><TD>Ryan Dempster </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>248 </TD><TD>J.J. Hardy </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>249 </TD><TD>Josh Willingham </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>250 </TD><TD>Vicente Padilla </TD><TD>Dodgers</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Can Collmenter continue to deliver?

Jason Grey

I distinctly remember Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter's first appearance at last year's Arizona Fall League. Or more specifically, the reaction to it. I had seen Collmenter and his unique delivery before, but many scouts assigned to the AFL had not seen many of the players there previously.


Collmenter heads out to warm up for his first inning of work, and a more vocal scout next to me says rather loudly, "What the hell is that?"

It's a sentence I'm sure many big league hitters have been saying about Collmenter's over-the-top delivery since he made his major league debut in April. The best way to explain it is just to have you look at it, which you can from three different angles in the video that accompanies this blog entry.


That delivery is most of the story about the 25-year-old right-hander. Earlier this season, Buster Olney quoted an anonymous scout who said, "What works for him is that the hitters have a difficult time picking up the ball against him. There's nobody else like him in the majors, throwing that angle, so it's something they're not used to. It's a difficult adjustment, because he hides the ball well."

<OFFER>

Collmenter's delivery is something he's been doing all of his life, and not only does it work for him, he's also never had any significant arm troubles. A 15th-round selection in the 2007 draft, he's ridden his mechanics to a 1.25 ERA and 0.67 WHIP this season in 12 appearances. In his five starts since moving to the rotation, he's posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP. He's been helped by his pinpoint control, as he has walked just slightly more than one batter per nine innings.


The deception in his delivery and his control are necessary, given the quality of his raw stuff. His fastball is anywhere from 85-88 mph and it's pretty straight. Every so often, he gets a little cut on it, but I don't think that's intentional. His changeup is the money pitch for him, a 75-77 mph offering with a split-like drop that is a plus pitch that he sells well and uses to get hitters out in front. He'll leave it up in the zone a little too often, but Collmenter counts on the defense behind him and uses batters' aggressiveness against them. Some scouts who see his changeup for the first time initially think it's a curveball, until they see his actual bender: a 69-71 mph looping pitch that is strictly just a "show me" offering that he occasionally tips.


Essentially, Collmenter is a two-pitch guy just trying to keep hitters off-balance. At times he will work backward and use the changeup to try to sneak the fastball by late in the count. He counts on his deception to make the fastball play up as well as on hitters' unfamiliarity with him, because if you grade him out on the 20-to-80 scouting scale, it's a 40 fastball, 40 curve and a 65 change. His fastball command grades out as average at best. I put a 45 grade on it at the AFL, but it's been a little better this season. Collmenter's only other plus attribute is his control. He's striking out just more than five batters per nine innings, which reflects the raw stuff.


After seeing him multiple times last season, my conclusion was that Collmenter had a place on a big league roster, but as a reliever who can give you some length and ideally goes through the order only one time at most. I think as the scouting reports make their rounds and batters see him more and more often, Collmenter's ability to be effective as a starter will be diminished. It's going to be harder and harder for him to succeed as teams start facing him again, and hitters continue to see him multiple times per game.


We're dealing with very small sample sizes here, but it's worth noting that in 12 appearances this season, he's faced the same team just once. That was the Colorado Rockies, who after getting just one hit in two innings against Collmenter in relief earlier in the year, were responsible for his worst outing of the season when they knocked him out in the fourth inning in a subsequent start. That could be an example of what may happen going forward as batters gain more familiarity with Collmenter's delivery and repertoire. It's also worth noting that Collmenter's .163 BABIP certainly has a lot to do with his early results.


Collmenter's fast start doesn't mean that everyone "missed" on him. Just last season, the D-backs had a pitcher get off to a blazing beginning with a 2.45 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over his first 12 outings. However, Barry Enright couldn't hold a spot in the rotation this season. Obviously, they are very different pitchers, but it illustrates not to get too hyped up about early success.


The bottom line is while there are some positives about Collmenter's game and he's a fun and different pitcher to watch work, I'm skeptical that he can have sustained success as a starting pitcher in the big leagues, and believe his optimal role will ultimately be in the bullpen. I don't think he's worth an add in mixed leagues. I do think you need to keep running him out there in NL-only leagues while he's in the rotation, simply because of the lack of starting pitching depth in that format, but he's very risky going forward.

 

[HacheMan]

Many aces among two-start options

Tristan H. Cockcroft

Reminder: For those of you in weekly transactions leagues, first pitch of Week 10 is 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday. Here are this week's other scheduled first pitches by day: Tuesday 7:05 p.m. ET, Wednesday 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday 4:10 p.m. ET, Friday 7:05 p.m. ET, Saturday 1:05 p.m. ET, Sunday 1:05 p.m. ET.


Quick click by section, if you're seeking advice in a specific area:
Projected starting pitchers | Pitching strategies
Team advantages | Hitting strategies
Weather report | Week 10 pitcher rankings


Projected starting pitchers




The chart below lists each of the 30 MLB teams' schedules and projected starting pitchers, and provides a matchup rating for each day's starter. Pitchers scheduled to start twice this week are in gray/beige boxes.


<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Mon
6/6 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
6/7 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
6/8 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
6/9 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
6/10 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
6/11 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
6/12 </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
TBD

P: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Britton
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Lester
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Lackey
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Aceves
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Lester
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Danks
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Humber
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Danks
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Carrasco
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Talbot
(RHP)
P: 1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Oliver
(LHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Penny
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
O'Sullivan
(RHP)
P: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Francis
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
O'Sullivan
(RHP)
P: 1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Haren
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Santana
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Pineiro
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Baker
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Swarzak
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Baker
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Swarzak
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Nova
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Colon
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Outman
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Anderson
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Fister
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Price
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Sonnnstne
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Davis
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Price
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Holland
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Duke
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Collmenter
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Minor
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Lopez
(RHP)
P: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Wells
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Garza
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Lopez
(RHP)
P: 1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Reineke
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Leake
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Wood
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Reineke
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Leake
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Mortensen
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Cook
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Mortensen
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
TBD

P: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
TBD

P: 1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Myers
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Norris
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Happ
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
A.Rdrguez
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Myers
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Garland
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Garland
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Niese
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Gee
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Morton
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Richard
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Moseley
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Harang
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Latos
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Richard
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Cain
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Maya
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>P: The starting pitcher's matchup rating, which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.





Tristan's pitching strategies



• So are the Chicago White Sox smarter to go with a six- or five-man rotation? Better question: Who cares? Their pitchers feasted on home cooking during May, the collective group combining for six wins, eight quality starts, a 2.61 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 10 May games at U.S. Cellular Field. The venue's homer-friendly confines have hardly bothered them; here are the career ERA/WHIP numbers at U.S. Cellular for their six current starters: Mark Buehrle 3.76/1.27 in 194 games (179 starts); John Danks 4.23/1.28 in 66 starts; Gavin Floyd 3.74/1.20 in 58 games (55 starts); Philip Humber 4.34/1.24 in seven games (4 starts); Edwin Jackson 3.71/1.38 in 15 starts; Jake Peavy 3.09/1.06 in 11 starts.
Danks (0-4, 6.89 ERA in his past five starts) is the only one of the six really struggling, and while he's a risky fantasy play he's also the team's lone two-start pitcher, barring his removal from the rotation following his Monday turn. His opponents are the light-hitting Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics, both of whom are averaging fewer than four runs per game with a sub-.675 team OPS on the road. He's also a combined 4-2 with a 2.47 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in nine starts against those two teams since 2009, meaning this might very well be the week he finally fills the win column. Certainly, I'd risk him in an AL-only league.
• Though the New York Yankees have received surprisingly good starting-pitching performances recently -- their starters have 12 wins, 16 quality starts, a 3.67 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in their past 26 games -- their schedule this week is littered with risk factors. Most notably, there's the week-opening series against the Boston Red Sox, a team that outscored them 18-9 combined during a three-game sweep in Yankee Stadium May 13-15. The Yankees unfortunately don't have their rotation ideally aligned for those three games. They can push Ivan Nova back and get CC Sabathia into the Thursday game, but even then, Sabathia is a mere 4-3 with five quality starts, a 3.43 ERA and 1.13 WHIP and an average of 6.56 innings in his 10 career Yankees starts against the rival Red Sox. Freddy Garcia (Tuesday's starter), A.J. Burnett (Wednesday's) and Nova (Thursday's) combined have a lifetime 4.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP against the Red Sox, and bullpen use might be up in the series, which could adversely impact them during the weekend Cleveland Indians series. Be cautious and don't be surprised if one week from now everyone's saying, "Boy, the Yankees really need to trade for another starter."
• If the defending-champion San Francisco Giants are to successfully survive Buster Posey's season-ending injury, the way they'll do it is with elite pitching, which unsurprisingly was their winning recipe in 2010. Here's a week in which the Giants should thrive as a staff; it's a seven-game week including three against a Washington Nationals offense with a .655 road OPS and four against a Cincinnati Reds team that has scored just 54 runs (3.60 per game) with .236/.303/.345 team rates while losing 11 of its past 15 games. Look at some of those all-time Giants ERAs/WHIPs at AT&T Park: Matt Cain 3.20/1.18 in 94 starts; Tim Lincecum 3.02/1.19 in 66 starts; Jonathan Sanchez 4.09/1.32 in 84 games (52 starts); Ryan Vogelsong 3.83/1.22 in 17 games (five starts). Madison Bumgarner (1-5, 4.76 ERA and 13 starts) is the only one of the five who hasn't historically thrived at AT&T, but he also has an active seven-quality start streak. Load up.
• Exploit those Petco Park matchups for San Diego Padres pitchers, too, because while they have a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies to open their week, two of the Rockies' opposing starters -- Clayton Mortensen on Monday, Juan Nicasio on Wednesday -- are beatable spot-starters, meaning the "W" remains in the equation (if you put significant stock in that sort of thing, of course). Four week-ending games against the Nationals also plays right into their hands.
Two-start pitcher Clayton Richard and Thursday starter Aaron Harang are total splits guys; Richard has a 2.79 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 28 starts at Petco, compared to 5.18 and 1.69 in 29 road starts, during his Padres career. Harang, meanwhile, has a 3.40 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in his seven Petco starts so far in 2011 but 4.84 and 1.52 in four road starts by comparison. The Padres have been fortunate to line up so many of the latter's starts at home, but keep enjoying it while it lasts.
Also favorable: Los Angeles Angels, Washington Nationals
Also unfavorable: Boston Red Sox, Dodgers
For more insight into Week 10 pitching matchups, see my rankings for the top 75 starting pitchers, as well as every two-start pitcher, at column's end.


Team advantages




The chart below lists each of the 30 teams' total number of scheduled games, home games and games versus right- and left-handed pitchers, and provides a matchup rating for the week's games in terms of overall offense, offense for left- and right-handed hitters and base stealing. Matchup ratings for each individual game are listed under the corresponding date.
<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Games </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Overall
Rating </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Mon
6/6 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
6/7 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
6/8 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
6/9 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
6/10 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
6/11 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
6/12 </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 10
L: 8
R: 10
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 5
L: 9
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 2
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 5
L: 9
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 4
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 6
R: 8
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 1
L: 1
R: 3
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 9
L: 8
R: 10
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 6
L: 2
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 5
L: 8
R: 1
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 1
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
S: 2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
4 vs. L
2 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 6
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 7
R: 9
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 6
L: 1
R: 9
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 10
L: 8
R: 10
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 9
L: 10
R: 4
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 3
L: 3
R: 2
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
0 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 5
L: 4
R: 7
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 8
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 8
L: 10
R: 3
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 9
L: 10
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 1
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 2
R: 7
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 5
L: 8
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 2
R: 10
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 3
R: 5
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 1
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 5
R: 3
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 9
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
6 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 4
R: 8
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 7
L: 2
R: 9
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 7
L: 3
R: 8
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 10
R: 2
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 9
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 4
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 6
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 6
L: 5
R: 8
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 7
L: 2
R: 9
S: 4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 7
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Some of the data used to generate this chart is derived from Baseball Musings' Day-by-day database.

H: Hitters' matchup rating, which accounts for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. L: Hitters' matchup rating accounting only for left-handed hitters. R: Hitters' matchup rating accounting for only right-handed hitters. S: Base stealing matchup rating, which accounts for the opponent's catchers' ability to gun down opposing base stealers. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.





Tristan's hitting strategies



• The Giants also stack up well from a hitting standpoint, which is quite a boon for a team that has had considerable trouble at the plate -- even before the Posey injury. During their seven-game week, played entirely at home, the Giants will face three spot-starters: the Nationals' Yunesky Maya on Wednesday and the Reds' Chad Reineke on Saturday and Mike Leake on Sunday. In addition, a few Giants hitters have experienced modest success against the rotation regulars they'll face: Freddy Sanchez is 5-for-14 (.357 AVG) lifetime against Johnny Cueto (Thursday) and has a homer and walk in his only career plate appearances against Travis Wood (Friday); Miguel Tejada has .350/.409/.400 lifetime rates against Cueto; and Eli Whiteside has a home run in two at-bats against John Lannan (Monday).
Sanchez, incidentally, is a .371 hitter with one homer and 11 RBIs in his past 16 games. Cody Ross, meanwhile, has .302/.413/.491 rates in his past 16, securing near-everyday at-bats. Both warrant looks in deeper mixed and NL-only formats.
• The Toronto Blue Jays, however, have the schedule of the week, primarily because they'll play four games against the Kansas City Royals, and any team that plays that many times against Royals pitching is going to generate a high rating. But it's more than that: The Blue Jays are also fortunate that the Red Sox shuffled their rotation, moving Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz into the Yankees series and leaving fresh-off-the-DL John Lackey and spot-starter Alfredo Aceves for the Jays.
This Blue Jays team has batted .292/.353/.478 collectively and won 13 of 21 games since its May 10-11 two-game sweep of the Red Sox, and it's not one-man wrecking crew Jose Bautista responsible for all of that. Here are some of the other hot-hitting Jays since May 10: J.P. Arencibia .279/.333/.515, Rajai Davis .349/.386/.530, Yunel Escobar .346/.442/.538 and Corey Patterson .323/.343/.484. Davis stands out, in particular, thanks to his speed; the Red Sox rank among the worst teams in baseball at throwing out opposing base stealers. And the healthy return of Adam Lind -- expected no later than early this week -- should provide an added boost to this offense.
• You want no part of Tigers hitters this week, that is if you can possibly afford to find better alternatives. (Read: No, this is not advising you to sit Miguel Cabrera.) Look at what the Tigers' seven projected opponents have combined to do since May 15: 23 starts, 11-3 record, 2.03 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 3.26 K's per walk, and not one individual has had higher than a 3.27 ERA during that span (that's Doug Fister's). Meanwhile, the only Tigers who have an OPS higher than .820 since May 15 are Cabrera (1.057), Jhonny Peralta (1.014) and Alex Avila (.933). Add Victor Martinez (.675 OPS since May 15, incidentally) to those three and that might be about the extent of your Tigers starter considerations.
• The Angels' hitting matchups aren't quite as favorable as their pitching matchups, but they're worth a look, nevertheless. While their offense has been up-and-down lately -- they scored six or more runs in seven of their past 27 games but were also held to one or zero runs eight times during that span -- they do have enough useful pieces to fill the back half of a fantasy lineup. In addition, while they might struggle Monday against Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price, they get a soft matchup to make up for it Wednesday against Rays fifth starter Andy Sonnanstine. Add in a three-game weekend series against the Royals and it's a great week.
Fantasy sensation Erick Aybar has maintained a healthy level of production, with .279/.364/.441 rates and four stolen bases in his past 18 games. Torii Hunter has turned around his season with .262/.360/.508 numbers in his past 18, and Mark Trumbo has settled in nicely as a regular, with .254/.314/.476 rates in his past 18.
Also favorable: Red Sox, Chicago Cubs
Also unfavorable: Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals


Weather report




Weatherproof games: Cardinals at Astros (3, Tue-Thu); Braves at Astros (3, Fri-Sun); Red Sox at Blue Jays (3, Fri-Sun); Mets at Brewers (3, Tue-Thu); Cardinals at Brewers (3, Fri-Sun).



Tristan's Week 10 pitcher rankings: Top 75



Rankings take into account several factors: The pitcher's raw talent, historical and recent performance; number of starts; strength of opponent(s); and ballpark factors. Be aware that different leagues might emphasize different pitching statistics that could change these rankings slightly. These are based upon a fairly standard Rotisserie scoring system, like ESPN's.
1. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Mon-WAS (Lannan), Sat-CIN (Reineke)
2. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Tue-@CHW (Humber), Sun-@DET (Porcello)
3. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Tue-@FLA (TBD), Sun-@HOU (Myers)
4. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Tue-NYM (Capuano), Sun-STL (Westbrook)
5. David Price (TB) -- Mon-@LAA (Chatwood), Sun-@BAL (Matusz)
6. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-@NYY (Garcia), Sun-@TOR (Drabek)
7. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Mon-@CHW (Danks), Sat-@DET (Scherzer)
8. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Mon-LAD (Lilly), Sat-CHC (Garza)
9. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Thu-SEA (Fister)
10. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Fri-CHC (Zambrano)
11. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Mon-@FLA (Vazquez), Sat-STL (Carpenter)
12. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Tue-@SD (Stauffer), Sun-LAD (Garland)
13. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Fri-CLE (Carmona)
14. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Tue-TB (Shields)
15. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Wed-TB (Sonnanstine)
16. Jonathan Sanchez (SF) -- Tue-WAS (Zimmermann), Sun-CIN (Leake)
17. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Tue-@PIT (Correia), Sun-@FLA (TBD)
18. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Wed-LAD (Kuroda)
19. Roy Oswalt (PHI) -- Tue-LAD (Garland), Sun-CHC (Lopez)
20. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Thu-@COL (Chacin)
21. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Mon-DET (Scherzer), Sat-@MIN (Baker)
22. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Mon-@BAL (Matusz), Sat-@CHW (Peavy)
23. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Thu-LAD (Kershaw)
24. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Thu-NYM (Niese)
25. Matt Cain (SF) -- Wed-WAS (Maya)
26. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Fri-ARI (Saunders)
27. Mat Latos (SD) -- Fri-WAS (Marquis)
28. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Thu-@FLA (Volstad)
29. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Mon-@PHI (Lee), Sat-@COL (Mortensen)
30. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Fri-@MIN (Duensing)
31. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Thu-@NYY (Nova)
32. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-@LAA (Haren)
33. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Thu-@HOU (Happ)
34. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Tue-@SF (Sanchez), Sun-@SD (Stauffer)
35. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Wed-DET (Oliver)
36. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Mon-@KC (Paulino), Sat-BOS (Aceves)
37. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Fri-@HOU (Rodriguez)
38. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Fri-@BAL (Arrieta)
39. Scott Baker (MIN) -- Mon-@CLE (Tomlin), Sat-TEX (Lewis)
40. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Wed-SEA (Vargas)
41. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Sat-OAK (Gonzalez)
42. Trevor Cahill (OAK) -- Thu-@CHW (Buehrle)
43. Kevin Correia (PIT) -- Tue-ARI (Hudson), Sun-NYM (Capuano)
44. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Sat-@FLA (Vazquez)
45. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Thu-@KC (Hochevar)
46. Philip Humber (CHW) -- Tue-SEA (Hernandez)
47. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Tue-COL (Jimenez), Sun-WAS (Zimmermann)
48. Zach Britton (BAL) -- Wed-OAK (Outman)
49. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Wed-MIN (Pavano)
50. Brian Matusz (BAL) -- Mon-OAK (Gonzalez), Sun-TB (Price)
51. Erik Bedard (SEA) -- Fri-@DET (Penny)
52. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Fri-@COL (Hammel)
53. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Mon-@TEX (Lewis), Sat-SEA (Pineda)
54. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Wed-@PHI (Hamels)
55. Bartolo Colon (NYY) -- Sat-CLE (Talbot)
56. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Thu-CIN (Cueto)
57. Brett Anderson (OAK) -- Fri-@CHW (Jackson)
58. Joel Pineiro (LAA) -- Sat-KC (Paulino)
59. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Fri-CIN (Wood)
60. Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Mon-MIN (Baker), Sun-@NYY (Garcia)
61. Ricky Nolasco (FLA) -- Wed-ATL (Lowe)
62. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Fri-KC (Francis)
63. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Sat-@MIL (Greinke)
64. Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) -- Sat-TB (Davis)
65. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Thu-@SF (Bumgarner)
66. Rick Porcello (DET) -- Tue-@TEX (Harrison), Sun-SEA (Hernandez)
67. Aaron Harang (SD) -- Thu-WAS (Hernandez)
68. Javier Vazquez (FLA) -- Mon-MIL (Greinke), Sat-ARI (Kennedy)
69. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Fri-@MIL (Narveson)
70. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Wed-@NYY (Burnett)
71. Jake Westbrook (STL) -- Tue-@HOU (Myers), Sun-@MIL (Marcum)
72. Travis Wood (CIN) -- Fri-@SF (Vogelsong)
73. Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Wed-NYM (Pelfrey)
74. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Tue-DET (Porcello), Sun-@MIN (Swarzak)
75. Derek Lowe (ATL) -- Wed-@FLA (Nolasco)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Chris Capuano (NYM) -- Tue-@MIL (Marcum), Sun-@PIT (Correia)
John Danks (CHW) -- Mon-SEA (Pineda), Sun-OAK (Moscoso)
John Lannan (WAS) -- Mon-@SF (Lincecum), Sat-@SD (Richard)
Brett Myers (HOU) -- Tue-STL (Westbrook), Sun-ATL (Hanson)
Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Mon-TOR (Morrow), Sat-@LAA (Santana)
Clayton Richard (SD) -- Mon-COL (Mortensen), Sat-WAS (Lannan)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Matt Garza (CHC) -- Mon-@CIN (Reineke), Sat-@PHI (Lee)

Kyle Drabek (TOR) -- Tue-@KC (O'Sullivan), Sun-BOS (Lester)
Freddy Garcia (NYY) -- Tue-BOS (Lester), Sun-CLE (Tomlin)
Jon Garland (LAD) -- Tue-@PHI (Oswalt), Sun-@COL (Jimenez)
Mike Leake (CIN) -- Tue-CHC (TBD), Sun-@SF (Sanchez)
Clayton Mortensen (COL) -- Mon-@SD (Richard), Sat-LAD (Lilly)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) -- Tue-@BAL (TBD), Sun-@CHW (Danks)
Sean O'Sullivan (KC) -- Tue-TOR (Drabek), Sun-@LAA (Pineiro)
Chad Reineke (CIN) -- Mon-CHC (Garza), Sat-@SF (Lincecum)
Anthony Swarzak (MIN) -- Tue-@CLE (Carrasco), Sun-TEX (Harrison)

One-start sleepers:
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) -- Tue-MIN (Swarzak)
Josh Collmenter (ARI) -- Thu-@PIT (Karstens)
Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Fri-@PIT (Morton)
Jason Hammel (COL) -- Fri-LAD (Billingsley)
Livan Hernandez (WAS) -- Thu-@SD (Harang)
Jason Marquis (WAS) -- Fri-@SD (Latos)
James McDonald (PIT) -- Sat-NYM (Dickey)
Charlie Morton (PIT) -- Fri-NYM (Gee)
Juan Nicasio (COL) -- Wed-@SD (Moseley)
Brad Penny (DET) -- Fri-SEA (Bedard)

 

[HacheMan]

Is Roy Oswalt's declined K rate a concern?

Eric Karabell

Most fantasy owners have a pretty good idea which starting pitchers are strikeout options, and which are not. Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester miss a lot of bats, while Bronson Arroyo and Joel Pineiro do not. However, some starting pitchers might be living a bit on reputation in the strikeout category, because the stats don't lie. For example, the Philadelphia Phillies have four aces living up to their name, and three of them are among baseball's top 10 whiff artists. The fourth? Well, he's averaging a career-low 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Right-hander Roy Oswalt has overcome a DL stint for lower-back woes, and I can't imagine having to deal with his issues off the field (the storms at his home in Mississippi), but it could be tough for him to keep his ERA at a solid 2.70 if he doesn't overcome his Pineiro-like strikeout rate. I'm not saying Oswalt has been lucky; he has thrown 2,000-plus innings in his career and is wise enough to find other ways to retire hitters. Nor do I presume he's reinventing himself, despite having failed to strike out as many as four hitters in any of his past five starts. Oswalt has missed a few starts, but that only partially explains why 19 relief pitchers have more strikeouts than he does.


John Danks, Chicago White Sox: Well, Danks has a boatload of issues; he entered Monday with an 0-8 record and 5.25 ERA. The lack of wins shouldn't be what scares fantasy owners away; that could easily change. Half of his outings have been quality starts, and really only his last outing bloated his ERA and WHIP. However, since whiffing eight Detroit Tigers on April 24, Danks has fanned 13 hitters in his past six outings, covering 37 1/3 innings. If the K rate was up -- he fanned 162 hitters a year ago -- it would be far easier to keep Danks around.
Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals: His ERA and WHIP look pretty nice, and I can't say I expected many wins from him, considering his team, but I did expect more strikeouts. As a rookie, Zimmerman fanned 92 hitters in 91 1/3 innings over 16 starts, and now that he's fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, it appears he's still a valuable pitcher, but no longer a whiff machine. He's on pace for 132 strikeouts this season. Hey, we'll take it, but we expected more like 175. Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs: Big Z is actually pitching well, with a 1.26 WHIP that would be his best mark since 2005, and he's done a nice job cutting his walk rate. However, he also has "cut" his strikeout rate, from 8.1 per nine innings in 2009 and 2010 to its current 6.2. Like Zimmermann, fantasy owners can't really complain, but the expectations for strikeouts were higher.

 

[barman]

thanks for the consistent update Pastes

 

[HacheMan]

Ailing Anderson
Some troubling news for the depleted Athletics' starting rotation, as Brett Anderson returned to California on Monday to have his sore left elbow examined by doctors.

Anderson has been knocked around for 14 earned runs on 20 hits over his last two outings, increasing his ERA from 2.84 to 4.00 on the year. The 23-year-old left-hander just hasn't had the usual life on his pitches this season, so the Athletics want to see if an injury is the reason for the noticeable drop in velocity.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle was told by one source that Anderson has expressed concern that he might need Tommy John surgery if the UCL in his elbow is torn. Of course, Anderson gave fantasy owners a pretty good scare last year with two lengthy stints on the disabled list due to elbow and forearm soreness. He still entered the 2011 season as a highly valuable starter following his strong second half, but the health risk has always been there. Let's hope this is nothing more than a false alarm.

While the Athletics cross their fingers, here are some more news and notes from a busy and exciting day around the baseball world.

- There was no obvious No. 1 pick in Monday's First-Year Player Draft, but we knew going in that the Pirates were likely going to take UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole. While the Pirates stuck with the script, the Mariners shocked the room by selecting Virgina left-hander Danny Hultzen with the No. 2 pick when just about everybody expected them to take a position player.

Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon was the favorite to go No. 2, though the Mariners may have been scared away by concerns about his shoulder. He was eventually chosen sixth overall by Washington. And wouldn't you know it, Rendon's agent is Scott Boras. It's a match made in draft day heaven.

You can find analysis of the entire first round by visiting the following links from HardballTalk:

- No. 1 overall pick

- Picks 2-5

- Picks 6-10

- Picks 11-15

- Picks 16-20

- Picks 21-25

- Picks 26-33

- Day One Winners and Losers

Be sure to file these names away, but realize that the great majority aren't going to help your fantasy team in the immediate future.

- While the draft grabbed most of the headlines, Monday was also an exciting day for some of the game's more major league-ready top prospects.

Rafael Furcal was placed on the disabled list with an oblique injury over the weekend, so the Dodgers called up prospect shortstop Dee Gordon from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday. The 23-year-old doesn't possess much pop in his 150-pound frame, but has good on-base skills and ridiculous speed. He'll probably go right back down to the minors once Furcal returns from the disabled list, but he makes for a fine short-term play if you need some speed.

Mark Ellis left Monday's game with a right hamstring injury. And while he was expected to be reevaluated Tuesday, Mychael Urban of CSNBayArea.com reported last night that prospect second baseman Jemile Weeks was being called up from Triple-A Sacramento. Weeks has had a hard time staying on the field, but was off to a fast start this season. While he doesn't have as much power as his brother Rickie, he still has above average speed and excellent plate discipline, which should make him a top-of-the-order hitter in the big leagues. Ellis is no lock to get his job back once he's healthy, so Weeks should be owned in all AL-only leagues.

Brad Hawpe made his first start of the season in right field Monday, which immediately fueled speculation that the Padres were preparing for Anthony Rizzo's arrival. Marty Caswell of XX1090 in San Diego later heard from a team source that there's a "good chance" that Rizzo will be called up from Triple-A Tucson on Wednesday. Padres general manager Jed Hoyer didn't exactly shoot down the idea following the game, so it would be smart to file him away in NL-only leagues where available. The 21-year-old is an exciting prospect, but PETCO will hurt his chances of mixed league relevancy in his rookie season.

- Ned Yost wasn't kidding when he said that Joakim Soria was only being pulled from the ninth inning on a temporary basis. Soria earned the victory in Monday's extra-inning win against the Blue Jays by tossing two scoreless innings, after which Yost said he had regained the closer role from Aaron Crow.

Soria has pitched five scoreless innings since relinquishing ninth-inning duties early last week. He only struck out one of the seven batters he faced Monday, but the velocity on his fastball was very similar to what we saw last season. It's quite possible he's back, which makes him a serious bargain in leagues where he was dropped.

National League Quick Hits: The Marlins placed Hanley Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a strained left lower back … Cliff Lee struck out 10 over seven shutout innings Monday against the Dodgers … Matt Garza returned from the disabled list Monday and allowed four runs over four innings against the Reds … Pablo Sandoval was held out of the lineup with High-A San Jose Monday after feeling some mild soreness in his wrist and forearm Sunday … Zack Greinke improved to 5-1 on the year by allowing two runs over seven innings Monday against the Marlins … Matt Holliday (quad) is expected to return from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible on June 16… Jimmy Rollins underwent an MRI and X-rays on his right knee Monday and is not expected to need a stint on the disabled list … Scott Rolen was held out of Monday's lineup with a head cold … Brad Lidge will be examined Tuesday in Philadelphia due to soreness in his elbow … Jonathan Broxton (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound at about 90 percent effort … Juan Uribe went 2-for-4 with a single and a double Monday in his return from the disabled list … Mike Morse has two homers and seven RBI over his last two games ... The Rockies are expected to place Dexter Fowler on the disabled list with a strained left abdominal muscle and call up Charlie Blackmon from Triple-A Colorado Springs … Jordan Lyles, who gave up four runs over four innings against the Padres on Sunday, will likely be sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City when Wandy Rodriguez (elbow) returns from the disabled list … Wandy Rodriguez was knocked around for six runs over four innings by the Brewers on Monday … Orlando Hudson (groin) is expected to resume baseball activities Tuesday … Mike Minor is expected to be called up from the minors to start Saturday against the Astros … Brandon Lyon (rotator cuff) threw a scoreless inning Sunday in a minor league rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City … Hong-Chih Kuo (anxiety) is close to going on out a minor league rehab assignment … The Dodgers designated Jay Gibbons for assignment …

American League Quick Hits: The Twins activated Francisco Liriano from the disabled list, who is expected to start Tuesday against the Indians … Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton were both held out of the lineup Monday with the stomach flu … Jake Peavy was diagnosed with a mild right groin strain and is considered day-to-day … Max Scherzer yielded five runs over five innings Monday and now has a 4.68 ERA on the season … Nelson Cruz slugged a pair of two-run homers in Monday's loss to the Tigers … The struggling Alex Rios was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight day Monday …Brandon Morrow tossed six innings of one-run ball Monday in a tough-luck no-decision against the Royals … Colby Lewis was smoked for nine runs over 3 1/3 innings Monday against the Tigers and leads the majors with 17 home runs allowed over 78 1/3 innings … John Danks finally found his way into the win column Monday by allowing just one unearned run over 7 1/3 innings against the Mariners … Denard Span batted out of the No. 3 spot for the first time in his career Monday and went 0-for-4 … Josh Willingham (Achilles) went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his return to the lineup Monday … Matt Harrison (kidney stone) still wants to make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Tigers … Brennan Boesch went 5-for-6 with two homers and five RBI Monday against the Rangers … The Athletics optioned Kevin Kouzmanoff to the minors Monday and called up Scott Sizemore from Triple-A Sacramento ... Josh Tomlin has allowed 16 runs over his last three starts … Marco Scutaro (oblique) is expected to rejoin the Red Sox on Tuesday for the series opener against the Yankees … Eric Hosmer delivered a walkoff single in Monday's 11-inning win over the Blue Jays … Kevin Millwood allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings Monday in his second start with Triple-A Pawtucket … Adam Rosales hit a two-run homer Monday in his return from the disabled list ...

 

[HacheMan]

Can Zimmermann, Volquez shine?

Young pitchers still finding way two years after Tommy John surgery



Tristan H. Cockcroft


Two of Tuesday's scheduled starters share a common link: They each had Tommy John surgery approximately 22 months ago, in August 2009.

Both have considerable potential, but neither has completely restored his pre-operation fantasy stock, and though one's career has been slowly trending upward, the other's is perhaps at one of its lowest points.


The former is Jordan Zimmermann, whose six quality starts since May 1 are the third-most in baseball (Madison Bumgarner and Jair Jurrjens have more, with seven).

The latter is Edinson Volquez, who returns to the Cincinnati Reds' rotation Tuesday in what could be a key start in determining his future.


Today, "60 Feet 6 Inches" proposes that the two share another common link: They're both smart discounted-rate investments right now.


Let's start with Zimmermann, the one who will presumably cost you more, the one whose performance was already trending upward to the point that he moved up in the rankings just outside the top 60, and the one who brings a lot more "safety" to the table, if by "safety" we mean "much more likely to develop into a top-25 fantasy starter in a shorter amount of time."


Despite his quality-starts streak, Zimmermann's ownership in ESPN leagues remains at a modest 70.7 percent, perhaps a product of his having won only twice during that span, or perhaps due to the fact that, in spite of his performance, he ranks only 48th among starting pitchers in the past 30 days on our Player Rater. Whatever the reason, Zimmermann, a sabermetric sleeper during his rookie year of 2009, during that time has peripherals that signal two things: One, he's back to his pre-surgery form, and two, having proved the first point, he has recaptured the future breakout potential he had before his surgery. Yes, he could get even better.


The following chart breaks down Zimmermann's peripheral statistics into three relevant time spans: His pre-surgery performance in 16 starts of his rookie 2009, his 12 starts since returning from surgery between August 2010 and April 2011, and his six-start hot streak since May 1.


<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>AVG</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>OBP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>SLUG</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Miss%</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Chase%</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>FBvel</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/BB</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">2009 season</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.271</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.332</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.429</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21.1%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29.7%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93.2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9.07</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.17</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">2010-4/26/11</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.265</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.311</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.445</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12.2%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23.0%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.08</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.73</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Since May 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.225</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.270</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.333</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19.9%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28.6%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93.0</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.78</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Those are small samples, yes, but remember that our game is predicated on small samples; picking the right one start, one week or even one month, matters to us. There's a degree of guesswork involved in fantasy, and looking at Zimmermann's numbers, they hint -- and strongly -- that he's back to pre-surgery form, and that it's safe to guess he gets better from here. And to refresh your memory, remember that at the time in 2009, Zimmermann was riding an eight-start stretch from June 1 through mid-July during which time he had a 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.93 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio and was destined for stardom.


Projected for a 4.33 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 80 K's in 104 innings a week ago, Zimmermann has an upside probably in the neighborhood of a 3.25 ERA, and 1.10 WHIP, with perhaps 90 K's in those 104 frames. One limiting factor: An innings cap -- he did log just 70 2/3 frames a year ago -- is probable, and likely about 160, which if exact would mean only 92 2/3 more this season. That alone is a primary reason he's not ranked higher here, despite his considerable appeal.

Volquez, meanwhile, returns to the Reds after back-to-back quality starts for the team's Triple-A affiliate, during which he allowed a combined three runs on 10 hits in 14 1/3 innings. First-inning issues were a significant issue for Volquez during his 10 starts to begin the year with the Reds; he allowed 20 earned runs (18.00 ERA) in those, compared to just 16 in his 41 other frames (3.51 ERA). Sure enough, he allowed a run during his first Triple-A start.


One would think, however, that the Reds could find a way to solve Volquez's early-outing issues, and looking at his peripherals, there's reason to believe he's no less skilled than he was before surgery. Per FanGraphs, he's averaging 93.8 mph with his fastball, in range with his 2008 (93.6) and 2009 (93.7) numbers; his swing-and-miss percentage is 10.6, again in range with 2008 (11.0) and 2009 (10.0); and he's actually generating more ground balls (54.4 percent of all balls in play from 2010-11) than he did pre-surgery (46.1 in 2008-09).


Volquez's problem appears to be merely location: In 2011, 53.6 percent of his pitches have been classified as "up" or "middle" -- as opposed to "down," which is where he clearly wants to throw them (.146/.297/.293 rates on pitches down in the zone this year) -- and he has allowed .327/.433/.551 combined rates on those pitches. In 2009, pre-surgery, he threw only 49.7 percent of his pitches "up" or "middle," and allowed .226/.327/.376 combined rates in comparison.



TOP 100 STARTING PITCHERS

Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 100 starting pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
Note: Last week, Tristan ranked 125 pitchers when doing his rest-of-season projections, thus there are some pitchers with previous ranks above 100.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rnk </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player, Team <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev
Rnk </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Halladay, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Lincecum, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Hernandez, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">CC Sabathia, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tommy Hanson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Verlander, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Haren, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Sanchez, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Anderson, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clay Buchholz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Baker, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erik Bedard, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Lohse, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bartolo Colon, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Lowe, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Vogelsong, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Travis Wood, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Charlie Morton, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Burnett, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bronson Arroyo, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Jackson, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Zambrano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Stauffer, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Tomlin, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wade Davis, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Guthrie, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Myers, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Matusz, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Peavy, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Javier Vazquez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Liriano, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Pineiro, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Hammel, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wolf, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Correia, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Arrieta, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Vargas, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James McDonald, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Doug Fister, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Harang, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rick Porcello, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wells, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Carrasco, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dillon Gee, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Westbrook, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Minor, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Lackey, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Harrison, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Remember what has often been said about Tommy John surgery returnees: Velocity returns first, command second, and Volquez's issues this season appear entirely related to command. Has his brief stint in the minors corrected that? Perhaps not, being that he walked six batters and struck out seven.


But considering that his fantasy price tag is likely at an all-time low -- he's owned in just 28.0 percent of ESPN leagues -- he's at least worth a flier.


Three up



Bartolo Colon, New York Yankees: Can you believe this success story? Colon won back-to-back road starts during the Yankees' recent West Coast swing -- something few Yankees starters over the past two decades can claim -- and at his current pace might be a shoo-in for American League Comeback Player of the Year honors. Colon's recaptured velocity is astonishing; he's averaging 91.7 mph with his fastball, which, if you compare to his past numbers on FanGraphs, is nearly as good or better than in any year since his 2005 Cy Young campaign. His slider has also regained its zip, resulting in .207/.233/.345 numbers and a 19.1 percent swing-and-miss rate. While I was on the Colon-is-a-sleeper bandwagon in the preseason, I certainly had workload concerns with him, being that he's now 38 years old, threw 348 frames combined in the majors and minors from 2006-10 and had to throw high-leverage innings during winter ball and spring training simply to make the Yankees' roster. All of those concerns remain legitimate today. But here's a fair retort: Is he so automatic a sell-high candidate? Few people might be buyers, most believing it's selling time, and who's to say that the stem-cell treatment he had on his elbow and shoulder in early 2010 hasn't helped in that department? We know so little about the procedure, I wouldn't be so quick to give him away.


Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers: Speaking of six-quality-start streaks, Gallardo is in the midst of one, and his performance during that hot spell has almost entirely restored his fantasy-breakout stock. He's 100 percent owned and 90.3 percent started in ESPN leagues, and during those six starts has 3.07 walks-per-nine and 2.79 K's-per-walk ratios that are as good and arguably better than at any prior stage of his big league career. The improvement appears a mere product of increased velocity: He averaged 91.9 mph with his fastball during his first seven starts, but 92.5 mph in his past six, and his rates against that pitch alone have gone from .370/.458/.605 to .196/.275/.272 in those time spans. Gallardo at peak form is a pitcher who relies on a fastball averaging in the 92.5-mph range, so there's every reason to believe he's one again a top-20 fantasy starter, with the upside to boost his stock into the top 10 overall.


Ryan Vogelsong, San Francisco Giants: I admit it, I blew it on the podcast a few weeks ago when I openly worried that the Giants would be foolish enough to supplant Vogelsong with Barry Zito once the latter was healthy, simply upon the idea that the Giants owed Zito $18.5 million this season. At this point, there's no way that can happen. Vogelsong has thrived as the Giants' No. 5 starter since his elevation into the role April 28; he has the fourth-best ERA (1.84) of any full-time starting pitcher since that date. Eliminating the Zito threat is largely responsible for Vogelsong's substantial rise in the rankings this week, but his own performance also warrants kudos: He hasn't allowed more than one run in a start since May 3, and has gone eight innings in two of his past three turns.


Three down



Wade Davis, Tampa Bay Rays: It's one thing for us to look the other way when a pitcher struggles against the potent Texas Rangers lineup; it's another when he follows up that poor outing in a cozy matchup at Seattle's Safeco Field. But that's what Davis has done: He has allowed 12 earned runs on 17 hits in 9 2/3 innings total his past two outings, where the matchups were polar opposites. Once forecasted (long-term) to be a very good fantasy starter, albeit not necessarily elite, Davis hasn't done much to advance his career in 2011. His K's-per-nine ratio is a career-low 4.33, and his 1.17 K's-per-walk ratio ranks fifth-worst among qualified starters. As an extreme fly-baller -- he has a 50.4 percent fly ball rate, and a 31.7 percent ground-ball rate that ranks third-lowest -- Davis' command ratios are terribly disconcerting. Bench him, or be especially picky, for now.


Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves: A three-start stretch resulting in a 9.22 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, that also sandwiched a missed turn in the rotation due to a back problem the week before Memorial Day, doesn't bode well for Hudson's future prospects. At this point, one must wonder whether he's truly 100 percent. Hudson is a pitcher who relies heavily upon his sinker, a ground ball-generating whiz who needs to hit his spots to be an elite option for our purposes, a pitcher for whom the margin for error is often razor-thin. Consider this: Per Katie Sharp of ESPN Stats & Information, in 2010, 78 percent of Hudson's sinkers put into play resulted in a ground ball. This year, that percentage is 58 percent. To put that another way, per Mark Simon of Stats & Info, if Hudson had been putting sinkers into play this year at the same rate as last, he'd have gotten 62 ground balls with it, but so far he has gotten only 46.


Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers: His fantasy owners can't help but sweat a slump at this particular time of the season; remember that it was about one year ago around this time -- admittedly more like early May, but close nevertheless -- that Scherzer's struggles developed into a significant enough issue that he was demoted to the minors. In his past three starts combined, he has allowed 19 runs on 24 hits, four of those home runs, in 13 2/3 innings (12.51 ERA), and while his schedule was somewhat rough -- Boston Red Sox on May 26, at Texas' Rangers Ballpark on June 6 -- Scherzer did have an extremely favorable matchup against the Minnesota Twins on May 31 and blew it (6 2/3 IP, 9 H, 7 ER). His fastball simply didn't fool those teams: He has allowed .419/.474/.774 rates and generated swings and misses 11.3 percent of the time the past three turns, compared to .302/.384/.457 and 20.3 percent in his first 10. The Tigers should continue to grant him chances to correct it, but for now, fantasy owners should bench him until he does.

 

[HacheMan]

Dee Gordon profile, Brett Anderson update

Jason Grey


Gordon had yet to make it onto my "Top 11 for '11" list of prospects (which returns to my Minor League Watch column this Thursday), but he was on my short list of final cuts. The reason he didn't make it in was because I expected him to be called up closer to the August/September time frame, especially since I'm not sure his bat is ready for the bigs just yet.
But with Rafael Furcal getting hurt yet again, Gordon got the call, even though Dodgers GM Ned Colletti told ESPN Los Angeles that he would have preferred to wait to bring him up.
A fourth-round pick in the 2008 draft, Gordon is a wiry, thin 5-foot-11, 150-pounder who hasn't really succeeded in adding much weight to his frame the past couple seasons. He was primarily a basketball player -- he didn't even play baseball seriously until his senior year in high school -- but was ultimately drafted on the basis of his tools and athleticism. At age 23, many parts of his game remain unpolished, especially since he's relatively short of baseball experience.
I spoke with his Triple-A manager, Lorenzo Bundy, a few weeks ago, and at the time Bundy said, "He's a work in progress, a tremendous talent. Great work ethic. The experience thing is what we're dealing with. He's on the fast track, and we're probably giving him a little bit more to handle than we normally would because of our necessities at the major league level. He's not far away [from] possibly receiving the call, but hopefully we get him as close to being ready as possible."
Gordon is not a finished product, but what can he do in the short term? The key attribute he brings to the table offensively is his blazing speed; he stole a combined 126 bases in the minors in 2009 and 2010, at a 74 percent success rate. Whereas in the past he stole bases strictly on raw speed, this season he has improved his understanding of the nuances of baserunning, going 22-for-25 on the basepaths in 50 Triple-A games.
"Now I think I'm reading pitchers better, understanding the counts I need to run on, and the game situations," Gordon said. "Sometimes I need to try to make things happen [on the bases], and sometimes I don't."

So here's the million-dollar question: How often will Gordon be able to get on base in order to use his wheels? Well, he was hitting .315 at Triple-A, and had hit over .300 in two of his three previous years in the minors. That said, he's an aggressive hitter, drawing just 14 walks in 50 games this season. To his credit, he makes a lot of contact and has some feel for getting the barrel of the bat on the ball, but he's also going to have to show big league pitchers he can make them pay if they challenge him with a lot of strikes, which they are sure to do. So his on-base percentage might be an issue, especially as it relates to his stolen base opportunities.
The lefty-hitting Gordon features a short, quick stroke with good bat speed that can spray the ball all over the field when things are going right, and he should hit for a decent batting average down the road. His swing isn't always consistent, though; there are times in which he'll try to get too big in an effort to make up for his lack of strength. Other times he'll hit too much off his front foot, not getting his hands in sync with the rest of his body, resulting in him just throwing the bat out there and thus limiting what little pop he has. He needs to stay back in order to drive the ball enough to keep outfield defenses honest. Given his speed, bunting will be a key part of Gordon's game, and that facet of his game is not as good as it should be.
"I have to stay relaxed," Gordon said. "Sometimes I get too geared up at the plate, and I'm not a geared-up hitter. I need to just stick with 'see the ball and hit the ball,' and not try to do too much, just get on base."
Gordon projects to have below-average power, and he really needs to add strength to that 150-pound body to get the ball to the gaps more often. He has the frame to do so, but he has had trouble gaining weight despite weight programs and eating multiple times per day.
"I get stronger every year," Gordon said. "I have a small frame, but I'm stronger than I look. I have a disadvantage in that area, so I try to do other things to make up for it."
"He eats all the time," said Bundy. "Every time we walk in the clubhouse, we tell him to eat, and he listens. We have him on a weight program, but he's one of those guys who looks like he's a marathon runner."
One of the main reasons Gordon was called up: his defensive potential at shortstop. He's projected to be an impact defender at the position if he can smooth out the rough edges, having made 34 and 37 errors, respectively, in the past two seasons, and 11 in 50 games this year. The tools are there; he just lacks consistency. He has good actions, a plus arm and can range to make the play deep in the hole or go way up the middle. Many of his errors are on throws, as often he doesn't get his feet in the proper position to make the toss. But the glove and arm will be a big asset at a premium spot.
"Sometimes the mistakes he makes on defense are because he tries to do too much," said Bundy. "We need him to slow the game down mentally and allow his physical abilities to take over."
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said that Gordon will be the regular shortstop while he's with the big club, so fantasy owners needing speed should pay close attention, as Gordon has the wheels to be among the league leaders in stolen bases. I'm not certain the bat is ready to put him into position to do that, but the steals upside is likely worth the risk in deeper mixed and single-league formats.

Other notes

• Our one concern about Brett Anderson appears to have resurfaced again. After struggling in his past two outings, Anderson left the team to get his elbow checked out. Given the fact that he spent time on the disabled list on two separate occasions with elbow problems last year, this is very troubling. The phrase "Tommy John surgery" is already the rumor, although that's merely speculation as of this writing.
Entering the season, there wasn't any question about Anderson's ability to get batters out, just about his ability to stay out of the trainer's room. I wrote last season during one of Anderson's rehab periods that the club was focused on getting him to throw his slider less in order to preserve his long-term health, concerned that throwing as many sliders as he does as a starter wouldn't allow his arm to hold up. However, Anderson continued to fire it early and often this season -- even more often than last year -- and although we can never be entirely certain about these things, it appears the A's, not to mention Anderson's fantasy owners', fears may soon be realized.
• The Mariners' Greg Halman has seven hits in his first eight at-bats this season. That's a good way to assure yourself some regular at-bats in the team's open left field position. That said, Halman and his teammate Carlos Peguero are a similar type of player: Both are young sluggers with prodigious power and an equally prodigious ability to swing and miss. They can both crush mistake pitches and hit fastballs a long way, but both struggle with pitch recognition to the point that I don't see either player making it as a regular, so they shouldn't be keeper-league considerations at this point. Those of you in deep AL-only leagues could be looking for an offensive upgrade in the short term, and might be considering Halman, but I don't see him as a viable option, even if you're desperate for pop.

 

[HacheMan]

Hard to predict Brennan Boesch's value

Eric Karabell

As you're probably aware, Detroit Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch went nuts Monday, hitting a double and a pair of home runs, knocking in five against Colby Lewis and the Texas Rangers. Good for Boesch, a second-year player on pace for 19 home runs, 88 RBIs and 104 runs scored. Of course, checking out Boesch's splits and trying to predict his future is a bit more difficult than looking at his pace. Put simply, I can't find any other player quite like him.


Consider Boesch is a left-handed hitter who has done his best work in the majors against left-handed pitching. That in itself isn't a stunner, but Boesch has, over the course of last season's breakout and this season's inconsistency, been borderline unusable in real life against right-handers. Not that this has affected his playing time, of course, but from a fantasy/statistical aspect, one has to wonder if or when he will hit the right-handers. Because if he does, we've got a desirable player in the fantasy world.
<OFFER>At this point, I can't say Boesch needs to be owned in standard (10-team) leagues; he's at roughly 33 percent at this point. While his power pace would suggest the opposite, he won't be hitting third in the lineup ahead of stud Miguel Cabrera for much longer. That job will go back to the brittle Magglio Ordonez, due to return from the disabled list possibly this week. Boesch probably sees better pitches hitting third than he would anywhere in the lineup, (although I think lineup spots are often overrated), but with him it's just plain hard to tell.
He smacked a pair of impressive home runs off right-hander Lewis on Monday, but it's worth pointing out everyone and their mother is hitting home runs off him; Lewis leads all pitchers in home runs allowed, as he does his Bert Blyleven impression. Later in the game, Boesch doubled off lefty Michael Kirkman and earned his fifth hit with an opposite field single off lefty Arthur Rhodes. Don't opposing managers realize you want to throw a right-hander at Boesch? Last season, Boesch hit .337 off lefties, and .233 off right-handers. The OPS difference was a startling 278 points. Apparently it was not a fluke. This year the OPS difference is far smaller, but Monday changed much of it.
I tried to think of players like Boesch. In 2009 lefty hitting Hideki Matsui smacked 13 home runs off lefties, but remained productive against right-handers. Curtis Granderson has nine home runs off southpaws this year, but he's not Boesch against right-handers. Boesch entered Monday's game with a .245 batting average, .304 OBP and .399 slugging percentage against right-handers (now it's .259/.315/.449). One could reasonably wonder why he was playing against them at all. Of course, manager Jim Leyland isn't blessed with a ton of choices, but he has to be thinking Boesch will improve in this area.
Boesch wasn't a top prospect by any means, but he did swat 28 home runs at Double-A Erie in 2009 (though with 33 walks against 127 strikeouts). That season he easily did his best work against right-handers, slugging more than 160 points better, and the year prior in the Florida State League he was anemic against lefties. So what gives? I think we have to give Boesch more of a chance to hit right-handers in the majors. Let's applaud him for overcoming the tough assignment of hitting lefties, but he's got some work to do. When he does it, fantasy could have a consistent 25-home run, 100-RBI outfielder playable all nights. He's just not close to that point now, and just as likely to struggle next week as thrive. Just remember the splits with him if he does emerge.
Here are some brief thoughts on a few more Tigers outfielders.
Ryan Raburn: He appears to be the everyday second baseman, which is nice for eligibility, but irrelevant if he keeps hitting .201. In deep leagues, I will wait and hope for a repeat of his 2010 second half, when he hit .315 with 13 home runs.
Magglio Ordonez: He's on a rehab assignment from a right ankle problem, having sat for a month. Truth be told, Ordonez wasn't doing much; he is hitting .172 with a mere four extra-base hits and five RBIs in 99 at-bats. Don't project that pace. It wouldn't surprise me if Ordonez got back to some 15-to-20 RBIs per month pace and hit .300 (he was doing this in 2010). Then again, the next injury is probably right around the corner.
Andy Dirks: The 25-year-old with speed has been playing quite a bit, and he hasn't been overwhelmed. Three homers over 48 at-bats are fine, and he's drawn more walks than strikeouts. Frankly, Dirks and his terrific outfield defense should stick around over Casper Wells when Ordonez returns. Perhaps Dirks gets more opportunity in 2012.
Austin Jackson: The highest-selected Tigers outfielder on average in ESPN live drafts (51st among all outfielders, and in the 21st round), Jackson was an obvious regression candidate after his seemingly impossible .396 BABIP from his rookie season. Jackson has regressed a lot, though, and hasn't been ownable. Jackson had a few three-hit games recently, but look at his May for a reasonable expectation: He hit .269 with six stolen bases. Take what you can get.

 

[HacheMan]

Bad Vibes for Brett Anderson

After being placed on the DL Tuesday afternoon with elbow soreness, A's left-hander Brett Anderson ran head-first into nine of the most ominous words in the world of sports on Tuesday: Headed for a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews.

That scheduled appointment certainly doesn't guarantee that the 23-year-old is headed for Tommy John surgery, but it does tilt the arrow in that direction. Anderson had posted a 2.84 ERA before struggling in his last two starts, and if Tommy John does become a necessity, he'd likely be sidelined until sometime next summer.

With his arrival in the big leagues fast-approaching, Padres' first base prospect Anthony Rizzo was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to a left thumb injury and will reportedly head to San Diego Wednesday to be examined by Padres team doctors. If that seemingly precautionary exam goes well, Rizzo could be called up as soon as Thursday or Friday. The 21-year-old is hitting .365 with 16 homers and 65 RBI at Triple-A and will warrant consideration in mixed leagues, but transitioning from the Pacific Coast League to Petco won't do wonders for his hitting stats.

Tuesday was an eventful day of injury updates for Jimmy Rollins, as GM Ruben Amaro first said that the shortstop had a "significant" bone bruise on his knee, only to have Charlie Manuel later say that Rollins could return to the lineup Wednesday. Rollins appeared as a pinch-hitter Tuesday, so either way it doesn't sound like his return to the lineup is far off.

Dodgers' prospect Rubby De La Rosa picked up a win in his first career start on Tuesday (five innings, four hits, five walks, four K's against the Phillies). He's not yet a must-add in mixed leagues, but the 22-year-old right-hander has impressive raw stuff and needs to be watched closely in all formats.

Speaking of notable young Dodgers, shortstop Dee Gordon went 3-for-5 with a run and a steal hitting leadoff in his big league debut. Gordon won't provide any power (zero homers in 200 at-bats at Triple-A), but the 23-year-old had 22 steals in the minors and should continue to be an asset in that category with Rafael Furcal (oblique) expected to miss as much as a month.

Jon Rauch picked up another save on Tuesday, the first by any Blue Jays pitcher since Rauch himself got one back on May 27. With Frank Francisco (6.06 ERA) continuing to struggle, Rauch looks like the preferred closing option in Toronto at the moment.

Edinson Volquez was impressive in his return to the Cincinnati rotation, holding the Cubs to one run on seven hits with two walks and five strikeouts in seven innings. I'm still staying away in mixed leagues given Volquez's control issues this season (and given that he only lowered his ERA and WHIP to 5.74 and 1.62, respectively), but I can understand gambling on him in mixed leagues if you're the sort of person who likes to play spot starter roulette.

Aroldis Chapman (shoulder) has been sent from Triple-A to Double-A to continue his rehab, which obviously doesn't suggest that the Reds plan to rush him back, though the team is only saying at the moment that he'll make at least two appearances at Double-A.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Pitcher injury notes: Jake Peavy (groin) is expecting to land on the DL … Vicente Padilla (neck) received an anti-inflammatory injection, but his timetable remains uncertain … Meanwhile, Jonathan Broxton (elbow) threw a bullpen on Tuesday and is set to throw another one Thursday … John Lackey conceded that his sore elbow, while okay for now, is eventually going to get worse … Barry Zito (foot) was sharp in his first rehab start at Single-A on Monday, but Bruce Bochy reportedly wants him to reach 100 pitches "a couple times" before being activated … The Phillies' team physician found no significant damage in Brad Lidge's elbow … Stephen Strasburg (elbow) is throwing 30-40 fastballs in three bullpen sessions per week, but remains a longshot to return before the end of this season.

Position player injury notes: Mark Teixeira is expected to miss a few days after getting hit on the right knee by a Jon Lester pitch … Pablo Sandoval (wrist) was in the lineup for Triple-A Fresno Tuesday, so he appears to have avoided a significant setback after sitting out Monday… David Freese (hand) hit off a tee and is hoping to be back before the end of June … Yunel Escobar is day-to-day after leaving early with a bruised quad … Jayson Werth (ankle) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, but appeared as a pinch-hitter … Marlon Byrd (facial fractures) hopes to take BP later this week as he targets a return in early July … Allen Craig left Tuesday with a possible knee injury … Travis Hafner (oblique) is expected to take BP Friday, but will need a rehab stint before rejoining the Indians … Carlos Beltran (shin) returned to the lineup Tuesday … Denard Span (neck) was out of the lineup for the Twins.

Position player injury notes (part 2): Jason Heyward (shoulder) could begin swinging a bat in the next few days as his recovery continues to progress slowly … Brian Roberts (concussion) was told that he's at least two weeks from resuming baseball activities … Evan Longoria remained out of the lineup due to illness, but B.J. Upton returned and homered … Elliot Johnson (knee) could be back with the Rays after rehab games on Thursday and Friday … Lance Berkman (wrist) homered in his return to action … Vernon Wells (groin) went 0-for-3 in his return from the DL … Scott Rolen (strep throat) was out of the lineup for a second straight day … Jed Lowrie is headed for an MRI on his injured left shoulder.

Miscellaneous: The A's placed Mark Ellis (hamstring) on the DL and purchased the contract of Jemile Weeks, who should be added in AL-Only leagues … Jonathan Papelbon received a three-game suspension for his actions on Saturday, but has appealed and picked up his 200th career save – albeit a shaky one – on Tuesday … The Indians promoted Nick Johnson to Triple-A … The Mariners recalled Mike Carp (.348 average, 19 homers, 58 RBI at Triple-A), but I'm skeptical that he'll be able to establish value beyond AL-Only leagues while transitioning from the Pacific Coast League to Safeco … The Rockies placed Dexter Fowler (abdominal strain) on the DL and purchased the contract of Charles Blackmon, who's worth a look in NL-Only formats.

Editor's Note: For exclusive columns, rankings, projections and more, check out Rotoworld's MLB Season Pass.

Notable hurling: Matt Harrison cowboy'd up and pitched through an impending kidney stone, but allowed eight hits and four runs (three earned) in four innings … Philip Humber picked up a win with 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball against Seattle … Roy Oswalt was unimpressive, allowing four runs on eight hits with just one strikeout in six innings … Tommy Hanson picked up a win with six shutout innings against Florida … Brad Hand wasn't posting dominant numbers at Double-A, but held the offensively-challenged Braves to one hit in six innings … Carlos Carrasco shut out the anemic Twins' offense for 8 1/3 innings … Francisco Liriano allowed one unearned run with seven K's over five innings in his return from the DL … Daniel Hudson (seven innings, one earned run, seven K's) was solid in a no-decision against Pittsburgh … Jordan Zimmermann held the Giants to one run in seven innings and now has a 3.39 ERA and 1.12 WHIP for the season … Tim Stauffer shut out Colorado for eight innings to pick up his second win … Ubaldo Jimenez held the Padres to two runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts, but fell to 1-6.

Notable hitting: Paul Konerko homered for the third time in four games … Adam Lind homered for the third time in four games since coming off the DL … Juan Miranda broke out of a slump by going 4-for-4 with his sixth homer ... Alex Gonzalez's solo homer accounted for his first RBI since May 8 … Blake DeWitt recorded his second straight three-hit game to raise his average to .316 … Hitting leadoff for a fifth straight game, Johnny Damon had two doubles and a triple to raise his average to .288 … Austin Jackson picked up three hits and three RBI to up his average to .247.

 

[HacheMan]

Soria Back So Soon?

Some magical arbitration date has passed unseen in the night. How else would you explain the rash of teams suddenly deciding that their young players are ready for the big leagues? Our collective unconscious only goes so far.

It's silly that we've been deprived of the services of Brett Lawrie, Dustin Ackley, Anthony Rizzo, Jemile Weeks, and to some extent Charlie Blackmon this long. And yet, under the 'Super Two' rule, it made the most financial sense for their teams to keep those exciting young players in the minor leagues. Can't get too angry about it - hate the game not the player, in other words.

Now we get a week full of debuts in the middle of June. There are worse things. In honor of all the debuts we'll see, let's name the closer tiers this week after some of the more interesting debuts of all time.


Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "Juan Marichal" Tier.)


Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants

Apologies to Stephen Strasburg, who debuted with 14 strikeouts in seven innings and triple-digits on the radar gun, but Juan Marichal was perhaps even more dominating in his debut. After throwing a shutout with 12 strikeouts against one walk, he was well on his way to establishing his legacy.
Good thing that Jonathan Papelbon has an established legacy of his own, because June has not been kind to the closer. He's given up six runs while getting ten outs, but he hasn't officially been hung with a blown save. He's still only walked three guys since May 1st, and he's still an excellent closer. The only other news to report in this tier is that Brian Wilson only has two walks in his last eight appearances, which is a huge step forward for him and solidifies his position in this tier.


Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "J.P. Arencibia" Tier.)


J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

Huston Street, Colorado Rockies

He won't ever have as nice a batting average as he did after his first game, but J.P. Arencibia does have great power and is a good young catcher. He gave lessons in how to debut by hitting two home runs and a double and ending up four for his first five with a boffo slugging percentage.
J.J. Putz has the strikeout to walk ratio of an elite tier guy, but the injury history of a roller coaster guy. He blew his first save of the season against the Marlins last Wednesday, but recovered to strike out four guys in his last two innings. Really, you could say the exact same things about Huston Street. Their strikeout to walk ratios are almost identical, even. As long as those two guys are healthy, they belong here.
It's Carlos Marmol that drops to the bottom of the tier. He blew a save in St. Louis and normally we'd laugh that off as the single and shallow double that it was, but it doesn't come long after his blown save on the last day of May. His velocity is down a couple ticks, too. Still, he's got a double-digit strikeout rate and should be fine going forward.


Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Jeremy Hermida" Tier.)

Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox
Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Comment:
Yup. Jason Heyward debuted with a home run and four RBI, which is great and all, but did you know that Jeremy Hermida did the exact same thing - and did it in a single at-bat? Not bad at all.
Francisco Rodriguez has the specter of a trade looming over his head, and now he's given up eight runs in his last six appearances. He's also showing the worst strikeout rate of his career, held up by the worst swinging strike rate of his career. When he pitches, he's not bad, but the rest of the picture is a toxic portrait that deserves to knock him down a tier.
By only walking one dude in his last three appearances, and throwing 7 2/3 straight scoreless innings, Sergio Santos zooms to the top of this tier. That the rest of the tier has muddled along this week certainly helped. Leo Nunez and Drew Storen both blew saves, John Axford has five walks in his last four innings, and Chris Perez has only one more strikeout than he has walks.
Still, they should all be fine for the most part. Chris Perez has Vinnie Pestano racking up whiffs by the bushel behind him, and it won't take much of a stumble for him to lose the job. The manager can see his strikeout to walk ratio as much as any of us can.



Tier 4: Question marks (6) (AKA: The "Troy Tulowitzki" Tier.)


Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins
Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers

Comment:
Do you remember the debut of Troy Tulowitzi? He'd likely hope you didn't, as he went hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts. Still, it has turned out okay for him since.
As change came quickly for Tulo - he hit his first home run five games later - change could come quickly for this tier. Jordan Walden still has the gas and the strikeout rate of a tier above, but the walks are a little worrisome. He also gave up two runs in a shaky save in the past week. Andrew Bailey has the talent of a better tier, but he's only pitched three times since he returned and one was a blown save. Brandon League doesn't miss bats, but he gets grounders and has given up only five base-runners in his last nine innings.
If you're an impatient fellow, just look to the benefit of patience with the final closer in this tier. It was tempting to say he was in trouble and should be in the bottom tier - and he still hasn't shown the elite skills that he had his rookie year - but in his last four appearances, Neftali Feliz has not given up a run or a walk and has struck out two. A few more strikeouts and he'll make for a buy-low even.

Read more about the most volatile closer situations on the next page.

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Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (7) (AKA: The "Doug Davis" Tier.)


1st Chair: Fernando Salas, 2nd Chair: Eduardo Sanchez, St. Louis Cardinals
1st Chair: Ryan Madson, 2nd Chair: Jose Contreras, Philadelphia Phillies

1st Chair: Joakim Soria, 2nd Chair: Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals
1st Chair: Kevin Gregg, 2nd Chair: Koji Uehara, Baltimore Orioles
1st Chair: Mark Melancon, 2nd Chair: Wilton Lopez, Houston Astros
1st Chair: Jon Rauch, 2nd Chair: Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays
1st Chair: Javy Guerra, 2nd Chair: Matt Guerrier, Los Angeles Dodgers

Comment:
Doug Davis! Davis has been useful to teams as a journeyman innings-eater, but he didn't eat many innings in his first attempt at the league. In fact, he only got seven outs, and in the process gave up ten runs on three home runs. Ug.
Fernando Salas blew his first save of the season right as we were ready to promote him. Then he gave up a run in two innings Tuesday night, but got the save. Neither appearance was terrible, so he'll probably move up next week. The same could be said for Ryan Madson, who is only where he is because of the imminent return of Brad Lidge. Any more updates about Lidge throwing slower than 90 on the gun, though, and Madson zooms up our list.
That was fast. Joakim Soria is apparently back in the closer's chair, only a week after losing it. In the meantime, he's pitched five clean innings and has been declared fit for duty. The strange thing is that he only struck out one batter in those five innings, and none of his velocity readings recovered. This saga is not over, and Aaron Crow may close again this year, wether from injury or trade.
Maybe Kevin Gregg heard us talking crap. In the last week, he saved three straight with five strikeouts against no walks. That kind of work will help him keep his job. Not the three previous innings where he struck out one against six walks. Unfortunately, Frank Francisco has not yet heard us talking trash. He pitched in a non-save situation Monday (and gave up a run and got the loss), and then Jon Rauch got the save Tuesday. It's not *quite* time to drop Francisco, but that time approaches rapidly.
Unfortunately for Mark Melancon, Brandon Lyon is nearing a return. Unfortunately for Brandon Lyon, Mark Melancon has pitched better than him this year. In the last week, M&M struck out seven and walked two while getting two saves. It's the kind of strikeout rate that Lyon can't usually muster, especially not when recovering from rotator cuff issues.
Another tea leaves update for Los Angeles! Tuesday, Matt Guerrier pitched the seventh inning in a close game, meaning his manager was not saving him for the save. By the time that ninth rolled around, Javy Guerra was pitching with a lead too large to get the save. But he did pitch the ninth, and the other best pitcher in the pen, Rubby De La Rosa, started the game. It might be more more and more likely that the Dodgers' closer for the rest of the year is on the disabled list right now. That should narrow it down… a little.

<CENTER>* * * * * * * * * *</CENTER>


Injured

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners (elbow)
Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies (shoulder)
Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers (elbow)
Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros (shoulder)
Vicente Padilla, Los Angeles Dodgers (forearm/neck)
Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins (elbow)

Comment:
David Aardsma doesn't have news-news, but he does have news about news. He'll check in with doctors sometime in the next two weeks to see if he can still avoid Tommy John surgery.
Brad Lidge had a flareup in his elbow but the Phillies doctor declared it normal and said no serious damage was found in the elbow. He still has a little ways to go. Jonathan Broxton is closer to returning, as he threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is scheduled for another on Thursday. Both might actually close when they return, as unbelievable as that may sound right now. Vicente Padilla could also close in Los Angeles, now that his forearm is healed, but he's having trouble with his bulging disk in his neck now. It's an old injury, and there's no timetable yet.
Hopefully, the same can't be said about Brandon Lyon. He did toss a perfect inning Tuesday, and he is on track to return this week, but he isn't really a better pitcher than Mark Melancon. Still, he should be owned just in case his team decides to keep running him out there.

The Deposed:
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles
Joe Nathan, Minnesota
Ryan Franklin, St. Louis

Joe Nathan has not yet resumed throwing. Ryan Franklin is back in the dog-house. Will Frank Francisco officially join this group soon?

<CENTER>* * * * * * * * * *</CENTER>

The Steals Department

Dee Gordon is fast. Dee Gordon has a famous father in Tom Gordon. Dee Gordon is now the starting shortstop for the Dodgers. Dee Gordon collected three hits and a steal in his first game. Dee Gordon has plenty of people excited. But Dee Gordon should also have you apprehensive. Because Dee Gordon has absolutely no power. And Dee Gordon has very little patience. Meaning Dee Gordon will have to rack up the singles and the steals to be worth it. That means Dee Gordon's value is completely dependent on the bounce of the batted ball. So be very careful when you decide whom to drop for Dee Gordon. In conclusion, Dee Gordon.

Brent Lillibridge also has his flaws. He's striking out a little too much to keep his batting average this nice, and though he's showing great power right now, he hasn't before. The former infielder is now a center-fielder-slash-right-fielder, and the team is having some trouble getting Alex Rios going. If you can handle some poor batting average days in the future, though, Lillibridge should at the very least continue playing against lefties. His splits against southpaws throughout the years have been better. In the deepest of leagues, he's not a bad bench spot for a little power and a little speed.

 

[HacheMan]

J.P. Arencibia's power is for real

Eric Karabell


Last season, Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Napoli led all catcher-eligible players with 26 home runs, followed by Brian McCann with 21. In 2009, Joe Mauer led the position with 28 home runs, while Victor Martinez, Jorge Posada and McCann all reached 21 or more. In 2008, McCann and Geovany Soto paced backstops with 23 home runs. So, you know what happened Tuesday that made me think about catchers hitting home runs?

Toronto Blue Jays rookie J.P. Arencibia blasted an eighth-inning shot off Kansas City Royals lefty Tim Collins and became the first catcher to reach 10 home runs this season. Don't scoff at the accomplishment. Over the past 15 seasons, Soto is the only catcher to reach double digits in fewer team games than Arencibia (59 to 61). Arencibia is currently on pace for 27 home runs and 85 RBIs, which really is quite valuable, and it seems unusual.
Sure, Arencibia has flaws, which is why there are 10 other catchers owned in more ESPN standard leagues, including Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers and slumping New York Yankees backstop Russell Martin, living off his fine April. Arencibia is hitting only .208 against right-handed pitching (.372 off lefties with a 1.205 OPS!), his overall batting average is .249 and let's face it, we don't know if he'll hold up in August and September. But he's always had power, and he's showing it.
<OFFER>If you want a ranking of catchers for the rest of the season, I'd go McCann, Martinez, Mauer, Carlos Santana, Alex Avila, Miguel Montero, Napoli, Matt Wieters, Yadier Molina and then Arencibia 10th. I am a bit worried that the batting average could fall more, but a 23-home run season does seem reasonable.
In addition to Arencibia, here are some other things I noticed about catchers from Tuesday.
Tigers hierarchy: I'd still choose Martinez over Avila if offered each in trade, but Avila isn't going away by any means. On Tuesday, each Detroit backstop -- Martinez is generally the designated hitter -- had three hits in five at-bats and scored twice. For the season, incidentally, Avila ranks first among catchers on the Player Rater, with more home runs and RBIs. I also think it's interesting the Tigers, with a few lineup gaps here and there -- notably where their outfielders hit -- have left Avila in the No. 8 lineup slot practically all season. He has a .979 OPS in that spot over 130 plate appearances.
No longer left out: It's well documented that Yankees DH and former catcher Jorge Posada can't really hit lefties anymore. On Tuesday, he came in relief for Mark Teixeira and got his first two hits off a left-handed pitcher all season. Posada was hitless in 27 at-bats against southpaws this season. Now he is hitting .069 against them. I originally ranked Posada my No. 10 catcher, but his inability to compete while hitting right-handed -- and he's not exactly torching right-handed pitching either -- makes him unownable. It wouldn't surprise me if prospect Jesus Montero takes over the DH spot in a month.
Putting the O in Olivo: Over the past seven days, the top 40 catchers in ESPN ownership have a combined 11 home runs. Olivo has three of them. And he's not really a fluke, either. Olivo did smack 23 home runs as recently as 2009, and last season at this time he was fantasy's top-ranked catcher, hitting for power and average for the Colorado Rockies. His new environment in Seattle is a lot different, but I could see Olivo hitting 20 home runs again. He's owned in fewer leagues than Buster Posey.
Getting on base: If you're in a league that counts walks or OPS, then Olivo's former partner in Colorado, Chris Iannetta, is far more interesting. Iannetta ranks 14th on the Player Rater among catchers, but first in on-base percentage and second only to Carlos Santana in walks. Ordinarily an analyst would proclaim this a great sign for Iannetta's development, and I concur. Look at Soto last season; he walked a ton and hit for power and average. I'm starting to believe Iannetta can actually hit .250, which with his 16 or so home runs would make him a reasonable option in standard leagues.
Other catcher thoughts: The Cincinnati Reds situation might be a timeshare, but Ramon Hernandez is the productive player. Ryan Hanigan hit a pair of home runs and knocked in four on April 3, and since then, he has no homers and just eight RBIs. … Rod Barajas is second on the Los Angeles Dodgers in home runs. Of course, that says more about the Dodgers than Barajas. … I do think Soto is going to hit, but since coming off the DL for a groin injury, he has only four hits in 25 at-bats, and one walk. He needs to walk more. … Since May 1, the Yankees' Martin has hit .191. Be careful here. Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox starter Jarrod Saltalamacchia has hit .250 with five home runs in that span. Baby steps.

 

[HacheMan]

Is it time to cut ties with Uggla, Dunn?

Fantasy owners face dilemma with a number of underachieving high draft picks



Tristan H. Cockcroft


Patience: It can be both virtue and vice.
As a whole, fantasy owners tend to get attached to their players, especially those early-round picks, the foundations of our teams. Letting go has never been our strength; we tend to cling desperately to the hope that once a player is an intriguing selection, he'll always be an intriguing selection.


As a result, we tend to wait far too long with struggling stars, often saying such things as "He'll come around," or "He's got to still be as good as he always was, right?" Even I fall prey to these traps; I'm a fantasy owner who typically preaches patience with your slumping superstars.


Stress "typically." Even I have my limits, and those limits include the time you can point to a specific shortcoming of said player that signifies the prospect of no immediate hope of a turnaround. When there's a quantifiable reason for a player's slump, eventually the time arrives when it's time to say, "I'm done."


Today, let's take a look at six such players who, if we haven't yet reached the point of being "done" with them, certainly we're close -- perhaps a matter of days away. These are the players who, without the excuse of a disabled-list stint, have suffered the most significant drops between their preseason average draft positions (ADP) and their current standing on the Player Rater. Numbers below are rankings among hitters only; considering how low some of their Player Rater rankings are, it shows how unbelievably poorly each has performed.

Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves (ADP: 26, Player Rater: 262): He has been one of the most frustrating hitters to own in all of fantasy, primarily because if you picked him, you thought you had locked up one of the more difficult positions to fill. All Uggla has done is give you a major league-worst .170 batting average, having gone all year without back-to-back multihit games and never having had anything longer than a six-game hitting streak. Jayson Stark on Tuesday shared two scouts' takes on Uggla's problems; let's take a closer look at the numbers.


Fastballs have been a particular issue for Uggla. Though he has seen roughly the same rate of them so far in 2011 (46.2 percent of all pitches seen) compared to 2009-10 combined (44.8 percent), his performance in plate appearances that have ended with them has dropped, from .315/.424/.598 in 2009-10 to .154/.250/.319 this year. Lefties have also presented issues; he's a .098/.179/.131 hitter against them after managing .258/.377/.492 rates the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, Uggla's chase percentage -- the percentage of the time he swings at pitches outside the strike zone -- has risen, from 20.5 percent in 2009-10 to 27.5 this year (and 29.3 percent against lefties in 2011 alone).


That sure makes Uggla's problems look more like a timing issue than a clear decline in skills. He's 31 years old, not far removed from his prime, so it's difficult to imagine him suffering such a dramatic career collapse. At the same time, Uggla also isn't showing any signs of nearing a turnaround, meaning that while he's seemingly a buy-low candidate, the move only makes sense if you're acquiring him at a dirt-cheap discount. Approach it like this: If his owner is dangling him at the price of a back-of-your-lineup mixed-league hitter and the move can't significantly damage your roster, go for it. But chances are, the Uggla owner is probably going to be stuck with him, clinging to the desperate hope that he'll figure it out.


Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox (ADP: 31, Player Rater: 290): Like Uggla, Dunn is 31 years old, with many of the same problems. Stark also addressed the Dunn topic, as did Eric Karabell on Monday; I generally agree with Eric on the "you've got one more week" approach with Dunn, but I bet we'd both admit it might be our tendency to preach patience talking.

Dunn, again like Uggla, has had fastball issues in 2011; he's a .165/.310/.243 hitter against them this season, after .309/.399/.652 in 2009-10 combined. There's a key difference between the two, however: Dunn isn't improving in that department with time, and as a result, he's actually seeing an increased rate of fastballs in recent weeks. Through April, 54.4 percent of the pitches he saw were fastballs, 6.9 percent sinkers; since May 1, those numbers have risen to 59.3 and 9.5. Dunn is also a .197/.351/.311 hitter against fastballs since May 1, only marginally improved upon his .174/.309/.261 rates before that date. And surely you've heard all about his miserable performance against lefties, 1-for-42 (.024 avg.) so far. Clearly he's not adjusting, and American League pitchers are challenging him more as a result.


Nevertheless, just like Uggla, Dunn's problems are unlikely a decline in skills, and in his case, he actually has a wider array of explanations for them: the league change, the adaptation to designated hitter -- though his .296/.449/.648 rates in 16 career games as a National League DH during interleague play suggest otherwise -- and his hasty return after an April 5 emergency appendectomy. Those make me slightly more confident in Dunn's ability to bounce back than Uggla's, but at the same time, there aren't any hints that such a bounce-back is imminent.


That is what presents a dilemma, and it's why Dunn and Uggla are so perfectly linked, both in terms of their age and comparably poor performances to date: They're names so familiar in fantasy, so trusted over multiple seasons, and probably so sensible to keep around if you drafted them merely because of their track records and the fact that their numbers really can't go anywhere but up. They're also players with whom patience could mean another three weeks of terrible statistics before a modest rebound -- one that might merely be a "law-of-averages" product, and a so-so one at that -- and those three additional weeks of bad stats would only cut even deeper.


Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners (ADP: 83, Player Rater: 293): His fantasy ownership continues to drop -- he's down to 41.9 percent owned in ESPN leagues -- and it probably should be lower, considering his numbers have only gotten worse as the season has progressed. Figgins batted .204 in April, .163 in May and is hitting .143 so far in June, his well-hit average has gone from .240 in April to .109 in May to .048 in June, his walk rate for the season is a career-worst 6.5 percent, and he has been successful on only 53.8 percent of his stolen-base attempts, also a career worst. Figgins, now 33, should get better from here, but primarily because he can't possibly get much worse. It's long since time to bail.



TOP 125 HITTERS

Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 125 hitters are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
Note: Last week, Tristan ranked 150 hitters when doing his rest-of-season projections, thus there are some hitters with previous ranks above 125.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rnk </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player, Team <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev
Rnk </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Bautista, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Albert Pujols, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Braun, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Gonzalez, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Cabrera, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joey Votto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robinson Cano, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Gonzalez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Kemp, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rodriguez, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carl Crawford, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Reyes, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Teixeira, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Troy Tulowitzki, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Curtis Granderson, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hanley Ramirez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Upton, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jay Bruce, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Hamilton, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andrew McCutchen, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Prince Fielder, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nelson Cruz, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Pedroia, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Longoria, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Howard, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hunter Pence, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Youkilis, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Stubbs, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rickie Weeks, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Holliday, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Stanton, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Elvis Andrus, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">B.J. Upton, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Paul Konerko, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Ortiz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Phillips, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Wright, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kinsler, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shin-Soo Choo, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bourn, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jayson Werth, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shane Victorino, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Beltre, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Young, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexei Ramirez, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rajai Davis, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Martinez, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Rollins, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Corey Hart, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ichiro Suzuki, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Quentin, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Jones, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Lind, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Ethier, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chase Utley, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Young, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stephen Drew, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Neil Walker, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Martin Prado, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Jeter, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Zobrist, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bobby Abreu, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Mauer, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Heyward, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Rasmus, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Hosmer, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian McCann, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Joyce, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Dunn, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Coco Crisp, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Starlin Castro, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Howard Kendrick, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gaby Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Zimmerman, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Reynolds, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Uggla, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Morse, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Santana, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vladimir Guerrero, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Berkman, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rios, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pablo Sandoval, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Billy Butler, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Beltran, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kelly Johnson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denard Span, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Damon, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Juan Pierre, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Espinosa, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erick Aybar, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Gardner, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Logan Morrison, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Montero, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhonny Peralta, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Desmond, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torii Hunter, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Gordon, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Markakis, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Willingham, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gordon Beckham, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hill, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aubrey Huff, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>127 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Morneau, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Brantley, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Tabata, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Ludwick, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Grady Sizemore, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Russell Martin, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alfonso Soriano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Kubel, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Swisher, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>114 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>114 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Pena, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Trumbo, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Napoli, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>133 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peter Bourjos, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>134 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.P. Arencibia, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>130 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andres Torres, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>146 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Lee, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aramis Ramirez, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>122 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mitch Moreland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>138 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Angel Pagan, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>141 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Hardy, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brennan Boesch, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins (ADP: 45, Player Rater: 235): There was a point a week ago when Morneau looked on the verge of reviving his season, as he hit two home runs May 31. Unfortunately, outside of of that performance, he has done little to warrant close to the respect his ADP commands. Morneau's well-hit average has gone from .260 in April to .160 in May to .105 in June (that one a small, five-game sample), and his chase percentage on pitches out of the strike zone has gone from 30.1 to 35.8 to 43.1 percent by month. He also has that history of second-half injuries and offensive struggles, and at 30 those questions remain relevant. If you can recoup any value in a trade, you should do it.


Alex Rios, White Sox (ADP: 41, Player Rater: 212): He's an incredibly up-and-down player, yet it's remarkable how much trust people tend to have in him; he's still owned in 77.2 percent of ESPN leagues. Remember when Rios began his White Sox career with .199/.229/.301 rates in 41 games late in 2009? They demonstrate two things: This season-opening funk isn't entirely out of character, and he's streaky enough to be an appealing option for a month or two at a time, but also one you don't want anywhere near your roster for his bad months. In a shallow mixed league, Rios is actually more add-when-he's-hot, cut-when-he's-not than the type of player you consistently want on your roster.


Casey McGehee, Milwaukee Brewers (ADP: 67, Player Rater: 204): His might be the quietest miserable season; you hear so much said about Dunn or Uggla or Rios but so little about McGehee, who is off to the worst start of his young career. His ground-ball rate is a problem; his has risen sharply, from 37.3 percent in 2009, to 47.1 percent in 2010, to a career-high 54.5 percent this season. He's also struggling with off-speed pitches, a dead-red fastball hitter who has managed but .177/.195/.215 rates combined and a mere .114 well-hit average on all other offerings. It sure looks like opposing pitchers have found some of the holes in McGehee's swing and are exploiting them, which isn't surprising for a player who spent four full years in the Double- and Triple-A levels before breaking into the big leagues permanently at 26. Something to think about: McGehee's OPS by half-season have gone .928 to .811 to .797 to .806 to .620, meaning there has been a gradual decline as his career has progressed. He's probably better than this, but maybe not much more than league-average, and a marginal mixed-leaguer.


Three up



Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers: The simplest argument for Andrus' swift rise in the rankings is his current No. 3 status among shortstops on the Player Rater, but the more detailed case is the noticeable improvements he has made in two key aspects of his game, his base-stealing efficiency and ability to drive the ball. Andrus is a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen-base attempts this season, a substantial improvement from the 68.1 percent success rate in 2010 (32-for-47), putting him on pace for 50 steals. To put that into perspective, only six shortstops in the past quarter-century have swiped as many as 50 bases in a season: Barry Larkin (51 in 1995), Pat Listach (54 in 1992), Jose Reyes (78 in 2007, 64 in '06, 60 in '05 and 56 in '08) and Hanley Ramirez (51 in both 2006 and '07). But that's not all: After managing the fourth-worst single-season isolated power since World War II in 2010 (.036), Andrus has upped that number to .082 this year, thanks to three home runs in 58 games. That's not to say that he's on the verge of becoming a premier power source, but if he's even marginally better than he was in the home run department in 2010, he'll be a clear top-five fantasy shortstop all season.


J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles: That's "J.J. Hardy, leadoff hitter" to you. Perhaps thanks to the second-best on-base percentage (.346) of anyone on the Orioles, Hardy earned a spot atop the lineup Tuesday, and continued his hot hitting with a home run. That gives him three in six games in June alone, to go along with a .429 batting average (9-for-21). While Hardy's time in the leadoff spot might be short -- Brian Roberts and Robert Andino are typically ticketed for it -- it's clear he has earned a more prominent role in the offense. Hardy, now 28 years old, has always had underrated power, with a .166 isolated power and an average of one home run per 28.5 at-bats since 2007, and that's a valuable asset from a shortstop. Injury questions might be the one thing preventing him from a run at top-10 status at his position from this date forward.


Michael Morse, Washington Nationals: Remember this sleeper power source from the preseason? Morse might have begun the season slowly, earning him a high-ranking spot on our most-dropped list in April and early May, but if you were patient with him through his struggles in an NL-only league, or recently scooped him back up, he's finally rewarding you. Beginning with a 2-for-4 effort on May 22, Morse has batted .369 (24-for-65) with seven home runs and 22 RBIs in his past 16 games. Why is that date important? Simple: It represents the first of a 16-game string of starts at first base, as the Nationals have committed to him as their every-day first baseman during that time. Perhaps Morse has found his comfort zone playing first base, which will lead to an interesting debate: Morse or Adam LaRoche, once the latter is healthy? Morse's owners will surely be rooting for him, and at the rate he's currently playing, the Nationals should consider keeping him there.


Three down



Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels: Just as quickly as he seemed to be turning around his season, Hunter has slipped into another mild funk -- Tuesday's two-hit effort notwithstanding -- as he's a .130 hitter (3-for-23) with only one RBI in six games so far in June. He continues to exhibit many of the issues that have plagued him all year: As with some of the hitters mentioned above, fastballs have given him problems, as he has .198/.297/.342 full-season numbers against them, and he has a 22.2 percent strikeout rate that represents his worst number in any full season. That might not be a problem for a Dunn or an Uggla, both of whom are four years younger; it's a greater concern for a 35-year-old like Hunter. His career indeed might be hitting its steep-decline phase, not a good thing for a player who is typically more .285-25-90 than .300-30-100 hitter.


Hideki Matsui, Oakland Athletics: Speaking of aging hitters, Matsui is even older than Hunter -- he's 37 -- and he's in an even deeper, more disconcerting funk. Matsui went 0-for-3 on Tuesday, in what was only his ninth start in the Athletics' 15 games since returning from San Francisco -- where they lacked the designated hitter due to interleague play -- on May 23, giving him a .111 batting average (4-for-36) and zero extra-base hits during that span. There hasn't been any reported injury to explain the days off; Matsui's poor play is apparently the reason. Remember, he's a player typically used to every-day at-bats -- he once had a streak of 518 consecutive games played in the U.S. alone (1,768 if you include time in Japan) -- so there's no saying that some time off is going to straighten him out.


Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs: In six games since returning from a groin injury, Soto is a .143 hitter (3-for-12) with eight strikeouts, and his funk could easily be explained as his having yet recaptured his timing following a three-week absence. But here are the two problems with that argument: One, he was struggling at the plate before getting hurt, with .226/.322/.387 rates and only three home runs in 31 games. Two, his Cubs are in a monstrous funk offensively, having scored just 27 runs as a team in their past 11 contests (2.45 per game), and that means diminished runs/RBI potential even if Soto was hitting. Fantasy owners can't be patient through slumps like this, not from players on average-to-below offenses, because the counting numbers simply aren't there.

 

[HacheMan]

Knee Surgery for Pedroia?
Late last night, the doctor came calling. Dustin Pedroia has been playing with an injured knee since mid-May. Now he may have surgery on it that would keep him out a month. If the surgery gets him right, maybe his owners won't be so upset about the missed time. More news will come down the pipe on Thursday as he further considers his options.

In the meantime, Jed Lowrie will probably move over to second base, or take over shortstop, and play every day. Lowrie himself was just been cleared to play again, since his shoulder was bothering him. He hasn't been as good as he was early in the season, but the fundamental skills are still there to put up a decent batting average with above-average power at three tough positions on the infield. He's the perfect fantasy glue guy to put on your bench or use as a fill-in for an injury.

* If there's one flaw in my fantasy game, it's my love of upside. Is there nothing better than drafting a prospect in your final rounds and then having that dude go off on the league? Free early-round production for late-round prices. It's what the game is all about. Zach Britton has debuted this year and provided some of his owners with great production. We've been pointing out that he still needs to strike more batters out despite his great ground-ball rate, and Wednesday he finally stuck out six in 6 1/3 in a win against the A's. He could pull a Trevor Cahill and improve his peripherals to match his results. Juan Nicasio didn't get the strikeouts that he had in the minors, but he did only allow three earned runs in his first 13 innings and now has a spot in the Rockies' rotation for the time being (the team moved Clayton Mortensen to the pen) and is worth a look in deeper leagues. Ben Revere, after collecting three hits Wednesday, looks like he might take his speed-only game into regular time even once Jason Kubel and Jim Thome return. Second baseman Cord Phelps is up in Cleveland, and should steal most at-bats against righties from Orlando Cabrera, but his strikeout rate in the minors this year suggests that his transition might not be seamless.

Yeah, not every young player debuts gangbusters. Danny Duffy has upside oozing out of his left arm, but he walked four and struck out just one against the Blue Jays Wednesday night. Keep him on your bench as long as you can in deeper leagues because he could just be a few adjustments away. Anthony Rizzo, now that he's past his thumb issue, will not platoon at first base in San Diego, says his manager. He's still a lefty in a park that suppresses lefty power by half. He might have issues this year too. Mike Carp lost twenty pounds and started raking this year, but it was his third try at Triple-A and he's in his peak years. They'll play him three-to-four times a week in Seattle according to his manager, and he has park issues of his own. Leave him for the deep leaguers. Jemile Weeks has a little bit of both success and failure so far. Rickie Weeks' little brother went hitless in his debut, but then followed that up with two hits Wednesday night. He doesn't have Rickie's power, but he does have speed and a job for now. Brett Lawrie is rumored to be called up soon for the Jays, but he'll have to wait two-to-three weeks (plus) after he was diagnosed with a fracture in his left hand. He'll be exciting again in July.

* What about the pitchers? Even shallow leaguers are loving Alexi Ogando right now. His excellent control held against the Tigers (two walks), but more big K nights like his Wednesday night (seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings) would mean big things for him going forward. He needs to strike people out as a fly-ball dude in order to stave off the regression. Bud Norris, who is normally about the strikeout and wonky control, showed half of the package in a strong outing against the Cardinals. Unfortunately, he walked five and struck out one. Fortunately, he only gave up one run on one hit and is ownable in all but the shallowest of leagues if for his (usual) strikeouts alone. Derek Lowe is striking out more (and walking more) batters than he ever has, but he's still got that elite ground-ball rate. Wednesday, he had a no-hitter going until the seventh inning and left with five strikeouts and two walks in 6 2/3 scoreless. He's a back-of-staff guy in most leagues. Despite his excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio both this season (70/17) and in the game (five strikeouts, one walk), Ricky Nolasco got a no-decision for his 7 1/3 two-run innings against the Braves. He's still ownable in all leagues. Ryan Dempster held the Reds to one run and struck out eight in six innings despite having some hip issues. He's been unlucky on home runs so far this year and should be better going forward.

Lefties! Randy Wolf only allowed one run on six baserunners against the Mets, but he's been a little lucky on the batted ball and is more of a matchups guy in mixed leagues despite his nice ERA. Jason Vargas held the White Sox to three runs in 7 1/3 innings, but it was most notable that he did so in Chicago. He doesn't strike people out, and he's a fly-ball guy, but he's doing just enough to be a deep leaguer for now. Paul Maholm is in the easier league and is more ownable, even if he's getting lucky on home runs right now. After holding Arizona to one hit in six scoreless innings, he's worth owning even with the mediocre strikeout rate. Zach Duke, on the other hand, only stuck out one batter while giving up one run in the game. He's the worst lefty of the bunch.

* Bullpen update! Craig Kimbrel blew his fifth save, but is still safe. A walk, a double and a single was enough to blow the save, but he held on and got the win. Hey, Mike Stanton will do that to pitchers his whole career. Brandon Lyon should be activated Thursday and his manager says they will ease him into the closer role. That's too bad, because Mark Melancon has been a better pitcher this year. Matt Capps blew his fifth save (his third in his last four), and a healthy Joe Nathan could still take the job away from him.

* Catchers stepped to the fore Wednesday night. It looks ugly right now for Miguel Olivo, and it's not going to get any better. But look at the rest of the catcher position and you realize that his power plays in most leagues. He hit a home run and collected three RBI Wednesday night in Chicago. Ronny Paulino used to only start against lefties, but after going four for four and taking righty Kameron Loe deep, he might start taking some time from Josh Thole in New York. Chris Snyder and Russell Martin have dueling back injuries, but it's more worrisome for Snyder, who began the season on the DL for a back problem.

National League Quick Hits: Don't call it a comeback, Andrew McCutchen has been here for years - he hit a walkoff home run for the Pirates and the time to buy-low has passed … Prince Fielder isn't striking out any more and hit his 16th and 17th home runs against the Mets Wednesday … Jimmy Rollins (knee) should be back in the lineup Thursday … Ditto Martin Prado (knee) … Chase Utley just got a day off to rest … Hanley Ramirez (back) could begin a rehab assignment Friday … Jaime Garcia will be back for his next start; Some impostor in his jersey struck out one, walked two, and gave up three runs in five innings against a bad Astros offense … Jayson Werth (ankle) should return Thursday … Lance Berkman hit his 14th but running around that outfield will eventually slow him down … Chipper Jones said that Jason Heyward (shoulder) needs to get back on the field; Whatever … Hiroki Kuroda stuck out seven and allowed only one run against the Phillies and is an every-start pitcher in all leagues … Michael Bourn found a way to steal a base in a game he didn't start by making the most of a pinch hit appearance … Wandy Rodriguez (elbow) pitched well in a rehab start and might be back June 13th when he's eligible … Pedro Alvarez (quad) tweaked his quad and won't be back soon … James Loney doesn't have the power to play at first base, and now he's getting platooned; he's a dropper in most leagues … Todd Helton doesn't have first baseman power either, but after going four for four Wednesday night, he's looking spry for his age and can contribute in batting average at least … Cameron Maybin (knee) will begin his rehab assignment in the next few days … Allen Craig (knee) should miss a few days, and Jon Jay will take his at-bats … Brandon Crawford, who got two hits (one a triple) against the National, should stick at shortstop most days once Pablo Sandoval returns, spelling doom for Miguel Tejada, who is rumored to be released … Aroldis Chpaman allowed three runs and only got two outs in his first rehab appearance … The Padres might field offers for Ryan Ludwick soon, and if he ends up with the Reds that would be nice for his value … Bronson Arroyo gave up three earned in 6/13 innings against the Cubs, but there's just not much to like about what he's doing … Padres catcher Nick Hundley is back from the DL … Dustin Moseley, already borderline because of his peripherals, now has an injured non-throwing shoulder and more news is on the way … Aaron Cook is also perpetually borderline, and he gave up three runs on ten baserunners in 5 2/3 innings against the Padres in San Diego … Yunesky Maya only gave up one run to the Giant, but his one strikeout says more about his ownability.

American League Quick Hits: Adrian Beltre hit his 12th home run and once his luck changes on batted balls, he'll have had a strong season at a tough position … Evan Longoria missed Wednesday's game with an illness but expects to be back Friday … Adam Lind hit a grand slam against the Royals and has four home runs since he returned from the DL this week … Ian Kinsler will miss the next two or three days for paternity leave (congratulations) … Carlos Quentin may never have the great batting average again, but he hit two home runs Wednesday night and the power is of course real … Brian Roberts (concussion) was encouraged by a doctor's visit but won't begin baseball activities for another two weeks … Melky Cabrera and his peripherals say that he can keep up this 15/15 type of mediocrity all year after hitting his seventh out … Jake Peavy (abductor strain) is on the DL now and will probably be again this year … Alex Rios finally started a game Wednesday, his first since Saturday; he's been very unlucky on batted balls … A.J. Burnett allowed eight runs to the Red Sox, and the underlying numbers are worse than last year's in many categories and more blowups could be on the way … J.P. Arencibia (thumb) will return Thursday … Carlos Villanueva allowed four runs to the Royals but it was most impressive that the former reliever went seven innings … He's been strong in relief this year, but now Joba Chamberlain is on the DL with a strained flexor muscle … Derrek Lee will miss the weekend to attend his grandfather's funeral … Josh Outman has a great pitcher's name, but not a great game; He gave up three runs in six innings with four strikeouts and is not very dependable going forward … Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has been surprisingly good recently, has regular old stomach problems and should be fine soon … Mark Reynolds hit his tenth home run (ninth since April 24th) but is still hitting for a dreadful average and that won't change … Reid Brignac plated the winning run and hit a home run in the Rays win Wednesday night … Carl Pavano has re-found his ground-ball ways and after holding the Indians to one run in seven innings he's a matchup starter in AL-only leagues … Another converted reliever, Phil Coke gave up four earned on 13 baserunners against the Rangers and isn't a strong play in any league …. Francisco Cervelli collected three hits, but he's not very ownable in most leagues anyway … Graham Godfrey will make his debut for the A's on Friday and is worth a look in AL-only leagues since he has improved his strikeout and walk rates in the minor leagues this year.

 

[HacheMan]

Danks for Shopping
I don't mean to pour cold water on Anthony Rizzo's major league debut later today. I'm just as psyched as the rest of you. But let's have a quick conversation about the tendency to overvalue prospects based on hype.

Listen, I think Rizzo is going to be a nice player. He was highly regarded before the Adrian Gonzalez trade and his numbers with Triple-A Tucson were nothing short of fantastic, but I'm just not convinced that he's going to be a mixed league asset right away.

Think about it. He's going to be playing half of his games in PETCO Park, a place that is easily the least favorable environment in the majors for left-handed hitters. A place where Adrian Gonzalez could "only" muster a .442 slugging percentage and .808 OPS over 1650 plate appearances. All I'm saying is, let's temper our expectations a bit.

And really, the same goes for Dee Gordon. I like him a little more than Rizzo in fantasy since he plays shortstop, but he had seven home runs and a .383 slugging percentage over 1709 plate appearances in the minors. Not only that, but he walked in just 6.6 percent of his plate appearances. Sure, the speed is great, but it's tough to steal first base. If you need to fill a MI (middle infielder) slot for a month, fine, but just don't get carried away and drop someone like J.J. Hardy or even Maicer Izturis, who is eligible at multiple positions.

With that rant out of the way, excuse me while I go order my Anthony Rizzo jersey.

MIXED LEAGUES

Nyjer Morgan OF, Brewers (Yahoo: 11 percent owned, ESPN: 8.3 percent)

Morgan, who went 2-for-4 with a walkoff double in Wednesday's win over the Mets, is now batting .343 over his first 70 at-bats this season. Carlos Gomez is only playing against left-handed pitching these days, so Morgan should get most of the playing time in center field if he continues to produce. The speedster has batted out of the No. 2 spot in five out of his last six starts, which is a pretty good place to be with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder hitting behind him. There will likely be some correction with his batting average on balls in play, but he simply needs to be owned in more leagues right now.

John Danks SP, White Sox (Yahoo: 48 percent owned, ESPN: 38.1 percent)

Finally. After beginning the season 0-8, Danks held the Mariners to one unearned run over 7 1/3 innings Monday en route to his first victory. Yes, this is the Mariners we're talking about here, so it's not enough to say he's definitively "back," but his first 11 starts weren't enough for me to completely give up on him in the first place. While his strikeout rate is down a tick this season (6.03 K/9) from his career average (6.88 K/9), he is still averaging 3.01 BB/9 and 91.5 mph on his fastball, both of which are very much in line with his career norms. He's still a great buy low, though likely not for much longer.

Freddie Freeman 1B, Braves (Yahoo: 24 percent owned, ESPN: 36.5 percent)

Let's have some fun with arbitrary end points. Remember when I recommended Freeman back on May 12? OK, maybe you don't, but the point is, since that day, the 21-year-old first baseman is batting .322 (29-for-90) with one home run, nine doubles and 10 RBI. The weirdest thing about it is that his ownership has barely changed over the past month. It's about time to start noticing him in deeper mixed formats, especially in leagues with a CI (corner infield) spot.

Edinson Volquez SP, Reds (Yahoo: 36 percent owned, ESPN: 32.7 percent)

Volquez returned from the minors Tuesday and tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the scuffling Cubs. GIve an assist to his freshly-shaved dome if you want, but the 27-year-old right-hander managed to avoid trouble in the first inning and only walked two batters against five strikeouts. That's a nice change of pace. Command is often the last thing to return for a pitcher after Tommy John surgery, which is especially problematic for a pitcher who was never all that great about limiting walks in the first place. However, if Volquez can at least get back to his 2008 levels (4.27 BB/9), we could really have something here.

Daniel Murphy 1B/2B/OF, Mets (Yahoo: 12 percent owned, ESPN: 28.7 percent)

While the Mets are missing Ike Davis and David Wright due to injury, Murphy has emerged as one of the most consistent bats in their lineup. Now handling first base, the 26-year-old is batting .435 over his last 62 at-bats, pulling his batting average up from .233 to .301 for the year. He recently had multi-hit games in seven consecutive starts. Sure, he doesn't have the power we normally look for from a first baseman, but his eligibility at second base should come in handy right now.

Kurt Suzuki C, Athletics (Yahoo: 48 percent owned, ESPN: 34.4 percent)

Like the rest of his teammates, Suzuki is doing absolutely nothing at the plate right now. He went 0-for-3 with a walk Wednesday night against the Orioles and is now batting .239 with four homers and 14 RBI over his first 197 at-bats this season. Still, there's reason for some optimism here. While he is striking out more often, his walk, line drive and fly ball rates are all on the upswing from last season. Suzuki was a guy who was mentioned as a potential top-10 catcher prior to the season, so I'd buy low if given the opportunity.

Jon Niese SP, Mets (Yahoo: 15 percent owned, ESPN: 4.7 percent)

You may be surprised to learn this, but Niese has very quietly posted a 2.83 ERA over his last nine starts dating back to mid-April. If that's not enough, he has allowed two runs or less in each of his last four outings, posting a 25/7 K/BB ratio in the process. The young southpaw has been a better play at home this season than on the road, but the opposite was the case last year. When you induce ground balls roughly 50 percent of the time, that will sometimes happen. He's undervalued right now.

Desmond Jennings OF, Rays (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 1.4 percent)

Talk about knocking on the door. Just as folk hero Sam Fuld has all but lost his grip on the starting left field job, Jennings is batting .379 (11-for-29) with one home home run, one triple and two doubles over seven games with Triple-A Durham this month. The Rays have played things pretty close to the vest as far as a potential call-up date, but as we recently learned from our friends at the Process Report, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said during a radio appearance last weekend that Jennings will be up "in a few weeks." The Rays won't call him up to sit on the bench, so his plus-speed should be an asset in mixed leagues right away.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

(Players owned in less than 10 percent of Y! and ESPN.com leagues)

Javy Guerra RP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 1.6 percent)

No, I don't have the faintest idea what is going through Don Mattingly's head right now. The constant injuries in his bullpen have made the ninth-inning a complete guessing game. However, Matt Guerrier was used in the seventh inning Tuesday against the Phillies while Guerra pitched in the ninth inning. Granted, Guerra was pitching with a four-run lead at the time, but this has to mean something. Or not. Still, with someone who is owned in so few leagues, you could do worse than to stash him until the Dodgers' next save opportunity.

Mike Moustakas 3B, Royals (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 2.7 percent)

It's only a matter of time. Sure, Wilson Betemit is producing well enough at third base, but after a rough start to the season, Moustakas is batting .321 with six home runs and 26 RBI at Triple-A Omaha since the start of May. I actually see Moustakas as a very different case than Rizzo, who I mentioned above, as the former plays a much thinner position from a fantasy perspective. The 22-year-old should be relevant in most mixed formats as soon as he comes up from the minors. Which should be soon, by the way.

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AL ONLY

Jemile Weeks 2B, Athletics (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 1.3 percent)

Weeks was dropped from leadoff to ninth in his second major league game Wednesday night against the Orioles, but collected his first two hits (including a double) and also scored two runs. The 24-year-old will get a chance at regular playing time over the next couple of weeks while Mark Ellis is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Weeks doesn't hit for as much power as his brother Rickie, but has good on-base skills and stole 10 bases over his first 45 games with Triple-A Sacramento this season. He's someone I would keep around even after Ellis returns, as he's clearly the future as long as he can stay healthy.

Scott Sizemore 2B, Athletics (Yahoo: 0 percent, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

It sounds like the newly-acquired Sizemore will share playing time with Adam Rosales at third base now that Kevin Kouzmanoff is in the minor leagues. It's somewhat of a tricky platoon since both players are right-handed, but I still like Sizemore's power-speed combo and his pending eligibility at third base.

Mike Carp 1B, Mariners (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

The offense-starved Mariners simply couldn't ignore this guy any longer. Carp was called up to the majors late Tuesday night after batting .348 with 19 homers and 58 RBI over his first 57 games with Triple-A Tacoma. Of course, Carp is 25 years old and these numbers were accomplished in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast league, so there's reason to be skeptical about him suddenly evolving into a legitimate power bat. Still, most in AL-only leagues should be able to find some room.

Cord Phelps 2B, Indians (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 0 percent)

Frustrated with Orlando Cabrera's lack of production at second base, the Indians called up Phelps on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is expected to get most of the playing time at second base against right-handed pitching in the short-term. Phelps has some power and modest speed, but he is best known for his patient approach at the plate. He's worth a flier in AL-only leagues, but keep in mind that Jason Kipnis is a more highly-regarded prospect and could eventually replace him.

Ben Revere OF, Twins (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.3 percent)

There haven't been many positives for the Twins this season, but Revere is making a strong case to stick in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old went 3-for-5 with a go-ahead single on Wednesday and is now batting .302 with one double, four RBI, seven runs scored and four stolen bases over his first 63 at-bats with the big club this season. He's not going to hit for any power, but his plus-speed should be very helpful while Denard Span is sidelined and Jason Kubel and Jim Thome are on the disabled list. He should have an everyday role once the Twins start making deals.

Casey Janssen RP, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN:

It wasn't pretty, but Janssen picked up his first save since 2009 in Wednesday's win over the Royals. Blue Jays manager John Farrell said after the game that he went with Janssen in the ninth inning because Jon Rauch was dealing with "a little bit of a lat issue." Janssen isn't a lock to get another opportunity in Farrell's closer-by-committee, but his 2.08 ERA and 21/6 K/BB ratio aren't going to hurt you in the short-term.

NL ONLY

Charlie Blackmon OF, Rockies (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

With Dexter Fowler sidelined due to an abdominal injury, the Rockies promoted Blackmon from Triple-A Colorado Springs earlier this week. The 24-year-old is expected to see most of his time in left field while Carlos Gonzalez will slide over to center. Blackmon, a left-handed hitter, was batting .337 with 10 homers and 12 stolen bases over his first 58 games at the Triple-A level this season. He isn't one of the higher-profile prospects in the game, but fantasy owners should use that to their advantage.

Rubby De La Rosa RP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 1.4 percent)

De La Rosa walked five of the first 11 batters he faced Tuesday night against the Phillies, but bounced back to allow just one run over five innings. All in all, not bad for his first major league start. The 22-year-old right-hander was still throwing in the mid-90s in his final inning, so he didn't lose much velocity at all with the move from the bullpen. Jon Garland is still sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury, so De La Rosa is absolutely worth filing away in NL-only and even some deeper mixed formats.

Xavier Paul OF, Pirates (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.3 percent)

Paul, who was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers in late April, is quietly finding his way into semi-regular playing time. The 26-year-old outfielder is batting .286 with a pair of triples and six RBI over his first 63 at-bats with the Pirates. The most interesting thing from a fantasy perspective is that he has stolen six bases in eight attempts. And while he has just one home run over 230 major league plate appearances, he has shown at least modest pop in the minors. I'm not convinced that he belongs as a major league regular, as his patience is severely lacking, but he could easily end up with 15-20 stolen bases before the season is through.

Ronny Paulino C, Mets (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

After going 4-for-4 with a three-run homer Wednesday against the Brewers, Paulino is now batting .344 over his first 64 at-bat this season. The 30-year-old backstop was brought in to play primarily against left-handed pitching, but he could see more playing time with Josh Thole struggling and the Mets hurting desperately for offense.

 

[HacheMan]

There's always a chance …

Matthew Berry


I'm not in it to name-drop.


By this, I mean that the point of me bringing up the fact that I interviewed Peter and Bobby Farrelly, the movie directors, is not to brag. Even though I totally talked to them in the same room for, like, 10 whole minutes. Rather, it's because of a surprising thing I learned when I talked with them. Again, in case you missed it, it was in person. In, like, a small room. But no biggie. I mean, whatever. I don't really want to go on and on about it.

We talked about quotes from their movies. I asked them, like to their face and everything (enough already! I said I didn't want to discuss it!) about what gets quoted back to them the most.


They said they get a lot from "Something About Mary" and "Kingpin," but "Dumb and Dumber" is usually the most popular, and by far, the most frequent quote they get is this one.


Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me … ending up together?
Mary: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really …
Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary: Not good.
Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance … *YEAH!*


Analyzing why something is funny or not is about the most pointless thing in the world, but I will say that I believe there is a reason that line resonates so much, more than 15 years later. People, especially guys, cling to hope. We are a never-say-die group, especially with women, our sports teams and fantasy.


Hold that thought for a second. The other day on our podcast, Eric Karabell was filling in for Nate and we read an email about a guy who was in a league with a real-life couple. The girlfriend, thanks to some early-season losses and Buster Posey's injury, had dropped out of the league and now the guy was, in effect, running two teams. He was, in the opinion of our listener, running the girlfriend's team to the benefit of himself. Anyway, we ruled on the subject with "Hard Justice," as we do every Wednesday, but it started me thinking about giving up. I believe when you join a league, you play that league out, no matter what, till the finish. But even if you don't have the strong fantasy moral fiber to do that, this struck me as a little too early to bail on the season. As I write this, we are halfway into the 10th week of the season.


So with all that in mind, I asked the great Mike Polikoff, who oversees our League Manager products, to pull a bunch of data from last season. Mike used a sample from our prize-eligible leagues and an active 10 percent of our standard leagues; these are all active leagues that play out the year, you see, so as to not to skew the data. It's also how we calculate ownership percentages so as to exclude as many dead leagues as possible.


One of the first things he did was pull the stats through nine weeks into the season and see what percentage of teams that were in the bottom half of the standings in 5x5 standard roto categories, 10-team mix leagues finished the year in first.


Week 9 rank and season finish, 2010

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Wk 9 </TH><TH>First </TH><TH>2nd </TH><TH>3rd </TH><TH>4th </TH><TH>5th </TH><TH>6th </TH><TH>7th </TH><TH>8th </TH><TH>9th </TH><TH>Last </TH></TR><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>1 </TD><TD>42.4% </TD><TD>22.1% </TD><TD>14.0% </TD><TD>9.1% </TD><TD>5.5% </TD><TD>3.4% </TD><TD>1.7% </TD><TD>1.1% </TD><TD>0.3% </TD><TD>0.4% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2 </TD><TD>21.6% </TD><TD>23.7% </TD><TD>18.5% </TD><TD>13.1% </TD><TD>9.1% </TD><TD>6.0% </TD><TD>4.0% </TD><TD>1.9% </TD><TD>1.4% </TD><TD>0.6% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>3 </TD><TD>13.8% </TD><TD>17.5% </TD><TD>17.3% </TD><TD>16.5% </TD><TD>12.1% </TD><TD>8.6% </TD><TD>6.6% </TD><TD>4.1% </TD><TD>2.3% </TD><TD>1.1% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>4 </TD><TD>9.0% </TD><TD>12.3% </TD><TD>15.2% </TD><TD>15.7% </TD><TD>14.8% </TD><TD>12.7% </TD><TD>8.9% </TD><TD>6.3% </TD><TD>3.5% </TD><TD>1.6% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>5 </TD><TD>5.7% </TD><TD>9.4% </TD><TD>12.2% </TD><TD>13.9% </TD><TD>15.4% </TD><TD>13.5% </TD><TD>12.0% </TD><TD>9.1% </TD><TD>5.7% </TD><TD>3.1% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>6 </TD><TD>3.8% </TD><TD>6.2% </TD><TD>9.7% </TD><TD>11.1% </TD><TD>13.9% </TD><TD>14.8% </TD><TD>15.1% </TD><TD>11.5% </TD><TD>9.1% </TD><TD>4.7% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>7 </TD><TD>2.7% </TD><TD>3.8% </TD><TD>6.0% </TD><TD>9.0% </TD><TD>11.7% </TD><TD>14.8% </TD><TD>16.0% </TD><TD>16.3% </TD><TD>12.6% </TD><TD>7.0% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>8 </TD><TD>1.3% </TD><TD>2.7% </TD><TD>4.0% </TD><TD>6.0% </TD><TD>8.5% </TD><TD>12.2% </TD><TD>16.1% </TD><TD>18.6% </TD><TD>17.8% </TD><TD>12.7% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>9 </TD><TD>0.6% </TD><TD>1.5% </TD><TD>2.4% </TD><TD>3.5% </TD><TD>6.7% </TD><TD>8.6% </TD><TD>13.0% </TD><TD>18.7% </TD><TD>24.1% </TD><TD>21.0% </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>10 </TD><TD>0.3% </TD><TD>0.6% </TD><TD>1.0% </TD><TD>1.9% </TD><TD>2.9% </TD><TD>4.4% </TD><TD>7.4% </TD><TD>12.3% </TD><TD>22.6% </TD><TD>46.6% </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



The results were interesting. Those currently in first, second or third through the first nine weeks of the season have an almost 77 percent chance of winning it all. Which is a lot. But it's not 100 percent. Of the teams that were sixth or worse at this point last season, 8.7 percent ended up winning the title.



Yup, 8.7 percent. So you're saying there's a chance …


Indeed I am. So are the stats. It's not a great chance, but it's a chance. It's also fair warning not to get cocky. Some 2 percent of the teams that were in first, second or third place at the end of Week 9 last season ended up finishing dead last.


OK, so if you're saying there's a chance … how do I take that chance? I'm in the lower division and I want to make a move. What can I do?


Well, we start by looking at categories. Here's some more data that Mike pulled, this time by category. Here's how teams that finished in first place -- and remember, more than half of them were in second or worse at this point -- were in each category after nine weeks, and how they finished the year in those categories. Let's see if we can figure out how those teams pulled away from the competition.
Category gains for first-place teams, Week 10 to end of season.

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Stat </TH><TH>Mid-Season </TH><TH>Points </TH><TH>Final </TH><TH>Final Points </TH><TH>+/- </TH></TR><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>AVG </TD><TD>.276 </TD><TD>6.4 </TD><TD>.277 </TD><TD>7.1 </TD><TD>0.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>HR </TD><TD>93 </TD><TD>7.2 </TD><TD>273 </TD><TD>8.2 </TD><TD>1.0 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>R </TD><TD>402 </TD><TD>7.6 </TD><TD>1113 </TD><TD>8.9 </TD><TD>1.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RBI </TD><TD>375 </TD><TD>7.4 </TD><TD>1064 </TD><TD>8.6 </TD><TD>1.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>SB </TD><TD>65 </TD><TD>6.2 </TD><TD>173 </TD><TD>7.2 </TD><TD>0.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>WHIP </TD><TD>1.255 </TD><TD>6.8 </TD><TD>1.226 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>0.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>ERA </TD><TD>3.415 </TD><TD>7.2 </TD><TD>3.401 </TD><TD>7.9 </TD><TD>0.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>K </TD><TD>476 </TD><TD>6.9 </TD><TD>1379 </TD><TD>8.8 </TD><TD>1.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>W </TD><TD>37 </TD><TD>6.6 </TD><TD>103 </TD><TD>8.4 </TD><TD>1.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>SV </TD><TD>46 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>137 </TD><TD>8.3 </TD><TD>0.8 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


So the greatest category gains from the end of Week 9 last year until the end of the season were in strikeouts, wins, runs scored, RBIs and HRs. In that order. The same holds true for second and third place. The bottom three, not surprisingly, were the average stats; ERA, WHIP and AVG.


This is just a one-year sample and stats are different this year. There's much more quality pitching, etc. And, of course, every team and league is constructed differently, so you may be way out ahead in wins and middle of the pack in ERA, but you have two picthers go on a Max Scherzer-type second half and you gain five points there as you pull away from the pack. It's all possible.


But for our purposes, in general, wherever you are in the standings right now, you need to concentrate on two categories and two categories only.


At-bats and innings pitched. Period. You're collecting as many of those as you can.


The categories in which you can make a move are the "accrued stats" categories, the ones in which you need to keep piling on the stats. You can sit on a .297 batting average all season, but you've not even hit half of the home runs you'll need by the end of the season, let alone your runs scored and RBIs. From the mound, it's all about the strikeout. Wins are hard to chase but you've got a better shot at them with a lot of starters going rather than trying to coddle your ERA and WHIP with middle relievers.


So you want as many at-bats as possible, and to do that, you need to use your three bench slots on hitters to make sure you have as many guys batting (and starting) every single day. It's not always going to be possible. Sometimes you'll set your lineup for a day game only to find out that your guy playing at Oakland is taking a day off. But as much as possible, you want guys getting at-bats, and in shallow leagues like ESPN standard roto leagues, there are always plenty of those guys available. Think Shin-Soo Choo; even if he goes 1-for-4 with a run scored, it's better than taking a zero from that slot that day. And there's always a chance he'll hit a homer, steal a base or drive in multiple runs that day. And if the Indians aren't playing? You bench Choo for someone who is playing that day. It's a long season; the stats will add up if you work at it.

It also means you're dropping Brett Lawrie, rather than hoarding him for when he comes up. It means if you have too many DL guys you're gonna start having to make some hard choices. But all of your offensive slots plus your three bench slots need to be dedicated to players to try to maximize production and statistics in runs scored, home runs and RBIs. That's where the opportunity is. Look at the chart again. The teams that ended up in first, on average, went from a 3.42 ERA after nine weeks to a 3.40 in ERA. From 1.26 to 1.23 in WHIP. And .276 to .277 in batting average. They gained less than one roto point in each case. In general, the margin just isn't there, and it holds true again for teams that finished in second or third. It's all about maximizing runs, RBIs, home runs, strikeouts and wins.


So with all the bench slots taken up by offensive players, what does this mean for your pitching staff? It means the "Wandy line" concept is in effect. Look, we just showed that, basically speaking, as long as you don't load up your pitching staff with dregs, you're not going to be making any significant moves in ERA or WHIP. So we're just looking for guys that have a decent chance at wins and strikeouts. Innings-eaters, come on down.


Obviously, you need to be aware of start limits in your league, but I would be pounding the waiver wire and streaming as much as possible. If a pitcher wasn't starting that day and wasn't one of the elite guys that you can't drop (i.e., above the Wandy Line), I'd dump that pitcher and grab someone who is starting, or if there isn't anyone appealing, I'd pick up a middle reliever with strikeout and vulture win potential for the day. I'm not chasing saves at this point; again, that's a category in which all the top three teams gained less than a point from this part of the season until the end. If a closer emerges and you can get him, great. But don't bother owning a guy just because he "might" get saves down the line. A strikeout in the hand is worth two in the bush.


Remember, you can't get hung up on names on your pitching staff. You need innings and lots of them. The more innings, the more strikeouts and the more chances you have at wins, generally speaking.


The odds says there's a better than average chance you're finishing close to where you are right now in the standings. But it's not set in stone. If you are vigilant, read our daily notes, make moves every day and accumulate as many at-bats and innings pitched as possible, the potential is there for you to take home the title, even if you're in last place. So yes, I'm saying there's a chance.

 

[HacheMan]

Potential risks, upside plays

Warning signs for Papelbon, Perez? Good things for Walden, Madson?


Tristan H. Cockcroft


Change might be a-comin'. After all, we're talking about closers, where "change" might as well be included in the job description, and it has been, oh, 10 days since the last closer job changed hands.

Looking at this week's rankings, I can't help but sense a changing of the guard is on the horizon. For the most part, the closers currently ranked in the top 10 have remained that way for quite some time, as have those ranked between 11th and 20th. But this week, it certainly feels like the names in the latter group are the ones on the upswing, and have closed the gap between them and the former group.


It's all a matter of upside/downside, and the hints are there. So today, let's examine two of my current top 10 whose potential for a statistical -- and rankings -- collapse has recently increased, as well as two well outside the top 10 who have the skills -- and upside -- to potentially reach that group by year's end.


Getting riskier

Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox: Papelbon has been no stranger to questions during the past calendar year, having been rumored on the trading block for nearly that long, but difficult for the Red Sox to move due to his $12 million salary. He has again shown disconcerting signs of fading skills, as he did in 2010. He has been scored upon in six of his past 12 appearances, and has a 7.15 ERA and 1.59 WHIP.


Ultimately, when Papelbon is struggling, his command is shaky and he's serving up untimely home runs. As expected, during the 12-game slump, he has averaged 2.38 walks and 1.59 homers per nine; he had 3.76 and 0.94 numbers in 2010, when his ERA was a troubling 3.90. On top of the walks, though, there's this: A whopping 36 percent of Papelbon's pitches during his 12-game cold spell were judged "middle," merely vertically speaking, and 8.9 were in the middle of the strike zone (as in, middle both horizontally and vertically). From 2009 through May 7, 2011 (the day before his slump began), however, those numbers were 29.9 and 7.4. The former is a small sample size, yes, but that Papelbon is leaving pitches over the middle of the plate at a higher rate, even in a briefer mount of time, hints that his command could, once again, be wavering.


Potential benefactor: Daniel Bard. He outpitched Papelbon in 2010 and he has outpitched him the past three weeks as well, and at some point within the next calendar year the Red Sox are going to have to consider a switch. Bard throws harder and has become increasingly accurate; he has averaged 97.4 mph with his fastball during his career and has averaged 2.01 walks per nine so far this season, down from 4.01 per nine as a rookie in 2009.


Between the Red Sox's first-place standing and Papelbon's contract, a trade of the veteran, clearing the role for Bard, seems unlikely this season. But if Papelbon's struggles persist, a change wouldn't be unthinkable in 2011.


Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians: It doesn't seem that many people have been concerned with Perez's diminished velocity this season, this columnist included, judging by his lofty ranking all season and generous projection a week ago. But after a loss Wednesday, and another strikeout-less outing, Perez's numbers warrant further discussion. Among pitchers with 20-plus innings this season, the Indians finisher has the 14th-worst strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.08), and among closers, only the Texas Rangers' Neftali Feliz (0.86), who has battled injuries, has a lower ratio.


The drop is stark: Perez, who averaged 9.68 strikeouts per nine innings and 94.4 mph with his fastball from 2009-10, has seen those numbers slip dramatically this season, to 5.01 and 92.9. Nevertheless, his manager, Manny Acta, told the team's official website a few weeks ago that it didn't concern him.



TOP 75 RELIEF PITCHERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 75 relief pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rnk </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player, Team <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev
Rnk </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mariano Rivera, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Wilson, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Heath Bell, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Neftali Feliz, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Papelbon, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Craig Kimbrel, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Marmol, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Huston Street, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Perez, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Putz, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Storen, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Rodriguez, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Leo Nunez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Cordero, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Valverde, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Axford, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Hanrahan, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Farnsworth, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sergio Santos, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Walden, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andrew Bailey, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Madson, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon League, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fernando Salas, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joakim Soria, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Gregg, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Capps, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonny Venters, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Melancon, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Adams, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eduardo Sanchez, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Bard, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Guerrier, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Crow, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Francisco, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Koji Uehara, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brad Lidge, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Rauch, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tyler Clippard, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sean Marshall, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lyon, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sergio Romo, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Hernandez, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Luke Gregerson, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Thornton, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Nathan, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Contreras, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ernesto Frieri, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Broxton, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Downs, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Robertson, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Grant Balfour, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vicente Padilla, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fernando Rodney, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Pauley, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joey Devine, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Louis Coleman, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Sale, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Fuentes, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Peralta, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Octavio Dotel, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hong-Chih Kuo, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rafael Betancourt, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Oliver, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wilton Lopez, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Meek, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Lindstrom, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joaquin Benoit, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Qualls, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Belisle, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Sipp, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jesse Crain, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Motte, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Sanches, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kenley Jansen, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




"How hard did [ex-Indians closer] Doug Jones throw when he saved the games over here?" said Acta. "[Perez] is healthy and he's doing a nice job for us. I've seen him throw 94 or 95 [mph] in different games. As long as he gets the saves and he's healthy, I'm fine with it."


The problem, however, is that Perez's peripherals show that he's walking a proverbial tightrope, his 3.36 FIP (fielder independent pitching score, on an ERA scale) and 4.93 xFIP (expected FIP) hinting that his current 2.70 ERA is a fluke. His line-drive rate has also soared to 24.1 percent, and he's continuing to serve up fly balls at a high rate (46.3 percent). Perez continues to get the job done -- he's 15-of-16 in save chances and 25th among relief pitcher eligibles on our Player Rater -- but the low strikeout rate is bothersome in fantasy and if you wanted to say he's been somewhat of a magician so far, you'd have a point.


Perez offered an explanation for his diminished velocity in early May: "I'm not worried about it at all. It's not far off from where I was at this same time last year. People seem to forget about the beginning of last season."


While it's true that Perez's velocity was down early in 2010 -- he averaged 93.7 mph in April of last year -- the numbers don't entirely support his claim. Through June 8 of the 2010 season, he had averaged 94.3 mph with his fastball. And if you're curious if it's improving, consider that Perez has averaged 93.8 mph with the pitch the past 30 days, but 93.4 mph in June so far. It's not a devastating drop, but it's something that bears watching, especially accounting for his peripherals.


Potential benefactor: Vinnie Pestano. He's a relative unknown, a 2006 20th-rounder who snuck onto the Opening Day roster thanks to a lights-out spring (1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 13.50 K/9 in 9 G), and a reliever who has soared into a prominent setup role thanks to sparkling 1.80/1.00/12.60 numbers in those categories since May 1. Like Perez, Pestano is a former minor league closer who has translated his success into the big leagues, his low- to mid-90s fastball and slider helping him generate a 36.9 swing-and-miss rate, third best among relievers.


Pestano has been the strikeout artist and has the stronger peripherals of the Indians' two late-inning men, and in the event Perez eventually crumbles, he'd be a natural choice to step in, even if only as the leading man of an initial committee.


Upside plays



Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels: When you've got a fastball that averages 97.5 mph on the radar gun, you can't help but have people raving about your potential to close. That's why Walden was such a preseason sleeper, and how he so quickly overtook Fernando Rodney for the role early this season. It was a quick swap, albeit a deserved one, and when I look at Walden, I really see only one shortcoming: He either needs to improve his changeup, or if it's a major league-worthy pitch already, he needs to use it more.


Walden's fantasy owners probably recall the three blown saves he had in May, or fret about his 5.14 ERA since May 4, the date of his first blown save. But looking closer at his individual outings, there's reason to believe the skills are there, and that if the Angels are patient with him, the experience should quickly turn him into one of the premier closers in the league.


Consider that of Walden's five worst outings during that span (on May 4, 8, 11, 16 and 29) left-handed hitters managed .692/.722/.923 rates and walked in four of 16 plate appearances. The entire remainder of the year, however, lefties have managed .087/.176/.152 rates against him. I'm picking and choosing stats, yes, but among some of the lefties that had hits off him in those games were Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Morneau, Asdrubal Cabrera and Grady Sizemore, which represents some lofty competition. Considering Walden has thrown a changeup -- usually a preferred pitch by a right-hander against lefty hitters -- only 13 times all year (2.7 percent of the time), one can only wonder whether his improving that pitch to use against such elite hitters would make a world of difference.


That's not to say Walden can do that; it's not always easy to just develop a new pitch or improve an existing one. But even if he can't, the skills are there for him to be a top-20 fantasy closer, even if not a top-10 one. After all, Jonathan Broxton and Carlos Marmol are two other hard-throwing, fastball/slider closers who have thrived; Walden's skills really aren't much less.

Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies: It's a gut pick, and I readily admit that last week's projections had Madson saving 10 more games, Brad Lidge eight and Jose Contreras two. At the same time, I'll point out that in the April 28 "Relief Efforts" I noted that, "in terms of sheer talent, Madson would be a potential top-10 fantasy closer," and that in my chat on the same day, I said that "in no way would I be surprised if he thrives in the role, holds it and saves 30." I've long admired Madson's talent; the reason for the hedging in projections and ranking is that Lidge makes "closer money" ($11.5 million this year, to be exact) and is a "proven closer," and that the Phillies might lean on those when he returns.


Plus, there's this doozy from the preseason: "There's no question that we think that Ryan is a great fit for us, but Ryan has not proven to us he can be a closer in the major leagues," said Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Can that happen? That's possible. Can we necessarily rely on him? I don't think so."


Madson has been fine in the role since taking over in late April; he's a perfect 14-for-14 in save chances with a 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 9.45 K's-per-nine ratio in 20 appearances. And since his return from a broken toe 11 months ago, he has been one of the most effective relievers in all of baseball, with a 1.77 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 10.65 K's-per-nine and 4.67 K's-per-walk ratios in 73 appearances, remarkable statistics for a pitcher who calls cozy Citizens Bank Park his home.


On skills alone, Madson is instantly worth top-10 treatment, and I'll leave it to you to judge how relevant you consider the Lidge threat. Madson earns a No. 22 ranking this week, but if I'm his owner, I won't be trading him at beneath top-15 value. He's too valuable for the foreseeable future, meaning the two-plus weeks more Lidge should probably be out, potentially longer if Lidge's recent setback is deemed more significant, and perhaps the entire remainder of the year if the Phillies decide to stick with him, contracts be damned.


Remember, sometimes, teams gets these decisions right. (Even if it takes time.)

 

[HacheMan]

Minors: Charlie Blackmon profile, Top 11

Jason Grey

If some major league teams had their way, Charlie Blackmon would be working on the mound instead of patrolling the Colorado Rockies outfield. Blackmon was drafted as a pitcher twice, once out of high school and once out of junior college, before spending one season as a hitter at Georgia Tech. That one year was enough to get him taken in the second round of the 2008 draft, and, after Dexter Fowler's abdominal injury, Blackmon got the call to the big leagues in his fourth professional season.

Given all the time he had spent on the mound, Blackmon was raw when he was drafted, but he was also athletic, a proverbial "five-tool" outfielder. Combined with his great work ethic and makeup, he was able to start turning those tools into baseball skills rather quickly, and he has been hitting well since turning pro. After missing the first two months of 2010 because of a hamstring injury, Blackmon put together a good finish to the year in Double-A, posting an .843 OPS. That earned him an invitation to the Arizona Fall League, where he continued to perform well. And this season, he was on fire at Triple-A (admittedly in a great hitting environment) when he was summoned, hitting .337 with 10 homers and 12 steals.

Lefty-hitting Blackmon has a short, solid stroke with a nice bat path. He is more of a line-drive hitter who can hit the ball to both gaps with authority, thanks to his strong wrists and forearms, but he does have high-teens power potential. Blackmon also makes good contact and has solid bat control, striking out less than 14 percent of the time over his past two seasons, which bodes well for his ability to hit for average at the big league level. One of the other positives is that Blackmon has not demonstrated any platoon splits, and his swing is geared to hit both left- and right-handed pitching. His one weakness is a willingness to expand the zone a bit too much, with the results of that being more along the lines of weaker contact as opposed to swings and misses.
Despite his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame, Blackmon is actually an above-average runner -- one opposing pitcher called him "sneaky fast" -- and he's capable of swiping 20 bags. That speed also helps cover up some shaky routes in the outfield on occasion. Blackmon is capable of playing all three outfield positions, as the ex-pitcher has the arm to play right field and his long strides can cover a lot of ground in center.
Blackmon is a good example of why scouts like to get multiple looks at players whenever possible because he's a player who has grown on me. When I got my first extended look at him, I had him pegged as a fourth outfielder, albeit a very good one. However, after seeing him more late last year and this year, I've upgraded him to a player who can stick as a big league regular.
Now that it looks as if he's going to see regular playing time, Blackmon has the chance to be one of those quietly effective across-the-board contributors who won't hurt you in any one fantasy category and who help you a bit in batting average, homers and steals.

Top 11 for '11


The now-standard caveats: There's a certain throwing-darts-at-the-wall nature to determining a list such as this because there's no telling when a player will actually arrive on the scene. Who will get the summons obviously depends on a variety of factors, such as team needs, injuries and performance.
Thus, for the purpose of this list, I try to balance a prospect's upside with who is likely to get an opportunity in the near future. I look for potential paths to big league playing time, factor in service-time concerns and rank only players who: (1) are still rookie-eligible and (2) are not already in the major leagues. To highlight some different names, I'm also not including players such as Mike Minor who have already been in the big leagues this year but have been sent back down, nor do I include players, such as Blackmon and Anthony Rizzo, who have gotten the call in the past week.
Please note that this list is for 2011 fantasy value only, not for the long haul, so you won't see names such as Bryce Harper on it. Not yet, anyway. It spotlights players who could help fantasy teams this season, with no regard for 2012 and beyond. Season the list to your particular taste and your fantasy team's needs.
Looking for more information on recent call-ups? Here's my scouting report (with video) of Dodgers call-up Dee Gordon, and you can see scouting video of A's second baseman Jemile Weeks (called up Tuesday) by clicking here and of Indians infielder Cord Phelps (called up Wednesday) by clicking here.
Thursday's big call-up was aforementioned Padres slugger Rizzo, whom I've profiled (and discussed plenty) in the past. You can watch an updated scouting video of him by clicking here.
1. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays: Jennings is getting on base regularly at Triple-A, and he has nine homers and 10 steals (in 11 attempts) to go with his .381 OBP. Even though Jennings would be the team's best option in left field right now, we're still waiting patiently for him to arrive. His speed makes him very enticing to fantasy owners.

2. Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners: Ackley's defense (at second base) continues to concern the Mariners, and there's talk that he'll eventually have to be moved to left field. However, he has been on fire with the bat since the beginning of May. He had a .445 on-base percentage and slugged .605 last month, and he hasn't slowed down since the start of June, batting .407 with two homers in seven games. He has his batting average over .300 for the season, with nine homers, six steals and more walks than strikeouts, and his call-up could come at any time.
3. Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals: Moustakas has been hitting the ball well since correcting a "drifting" problem in his swing that plagued him the first month of the season. He has his slugging percentage back up around .500. Given the relative lack of depth in the third-base pool, Moose is worth an immediate add when he arrives because of his power potential.
4. Brett Lawrie, 3B, Blue Jays: When Lawrie was hit on the hand by a pitch at the end of May, it was not thought to be serious. However, after the swelling went down, it was revealed that he had a non-displaced fracture that will keep him out of the lineup at least 2-3 weeks, and we might not see him until after the All-Star break. It was bad timing because he was expected to be called up earlier this week. We have to wait a little longer now, but he can still do plenty of damage in two and a half months. He would have ranked No. 2 on this list if not for the injury. (Note: He initially will be eligible only at second base in ESPN standard leagues when he arrives.)
5. Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs: Jackson has returned to action at Double-A after missing three weeks because of a finger injury. Oneri Fleita, Cubs VP of player personnel, recently told ESPN Chicago that Jackson could be ready for the bigs soon: "The beauty of Brett Jackson is he always had a good eye," Fleita said. "He takes his walks. He's always going to throw to the right base. He has a good foundation that will allow him to have success. If the opportunity comes up [for a promotion], why not?"
6. Kyle Gibson, SP, Twins: The next opening in the Twins' rotation could go to Gibson, as the 2009 first-rounder has fanned 68 and walked just 14 in 65 1/3 innings in 12 Triple-A starts this season, with a nice ground ball profile to go with it.
7. Yonder Alonso, 1B/OF, Reds: With the Reds' situation in left field still unsettled, and former No. 7 overall pick (2008) Alonso hitting .323 and slugging .509 playing there at Triple-A, do they overlook his defensive struggles at the position and give him a shot?
8. Collin Cowgill, OF, Diamondbacks: Gerardo Parra has played some stellar defense in left field for the D-backs but hasn't provided much offensively. Meanwhile, Cowgill has come out of nowhere to provide video-game numbers in a great batting environment at Triple-A Reno, so if the club wanted some more offense at the position, Cowgill could be an option, even though he might not profile as a regular long term. Cowgill has hit .366 with 11 homers and 18 steals this season, but, to provide context, his 1.041 OPS and .612 slugging for the year are still just the ninth-highest marks in the PCL.
9. Trayvon Robinson, OF, Dodgers: Will Robinson be the next player in the Dodgers' youth movement to get the call? He's hitting .284 with 12 homers and seven steals at Triple-A but went though a stretch in which he was pressing and opening up his swing too much. Still, he's on the club's radar screen for the second half.
10. Kyle Weiland, SP, Red Sox: He's a bit of a sleeper pick that I put on here so I could talk about him briefly, as the Red Sox don't have a lot of rotation depth right now. Weiland is their best option at Triple-A. A third-round pick in the 2008 draft, the 6-foot-4 righty has fanned 69 batters in 63 innings, and his good sinker and ability to keep the ball in the park give him a chance to have short-term success if called upon.
11. Jorge Vazquez, 1B, Yankees: Perhaps a bit of a stretch, but the Yankees' DH slot has hit just .195 and slugged .368 this season, and Jesus Montero has been underwhelming offensively (and defensively) at Triple-A. Will the 29-year-old "El Chato" get a shot? Lots of strikeouts, but lots of homers, as well.

 

[HacheMan]

Moustakas Arrives
Prospects galore.

Not to be outdone by the Padres, who officially promoted top first base prospect Anthony Rizzo on Thursday morning, the Royals purchased the contract of third baseman Mike Moustakas from Triple-A Omaha after their Thursday afternoon tilt with the Blue Jays.

Moustakas will be in uniform and will likely draw his first big league start at third base on Friday night in Kansas City's series-opener out in Anaheim. A 22-year-old from Los Angeles, he was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft and has been lighting up minor league scoreboards ever since. In 118 games between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha last season, Moustakas slugged 36 home runs and tallied 134 RBI against a .999 OPS. In 55 games this year at Omaha, he smashed 10 home runs and registered a total of 26 extra-base hits.

Moustakas isn't the best defender and may have to move away from the hot corner eventually, but he has a major league-ready bat and the Royals have committed to giving him everyday starts over Wilson Betemit going forward.

It's been tough -- maybe tougher than ever -- to find steady fantasy production at third base this season. David Wright is all wrong, Evan Longoria has been battling injuries, Ryan Zimmerman has played in only eight games and Aramis Ramirez is … well … looking like all the other members of the ever-disappointing Cubs.

Moustakas might not make a ton of noise right away, but he should be good for double-digit home runs if he remains in the big leagues through the end of the season and he's likely to see a decent amount of RBI chances while hitting near the heart of the Royals' improving batting order. In fantasy circles, any kind of pop at third base is big. Moustakas immediately becomes a fantasy star and a must-add in all eligible leagues.

This is Friday's edition of the MLB Daily Dose...

* While we're railing against the long list of disappointing third basemen in baseball this year, consider this: if Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols makes two more starts at third base or appears at the position in six more games, he'll become eligible at the hot corner in Yahoo! fantasy leagues. That eligibility would then carry over to the 2012 season. We're talking nearly 10 months of Pujols: The Third Baseman, and that's a pretty exciting thought now that he is sufficiently raking.

Albert scored two runs and tallied an RBI in Thursday's 9-2 stomping of the Astros. He has an extra-base hit in each of his last six games and has bumped his OPS from .721 to .833 since May 29. The Cards have a have a 2.5-game lead over the Brewers in the National League Central and the best record in baseball at 38-26.

* The Red Sox got fantastic news Thursday on All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia. According to Sean McAdam of CSN New England, who had the story an hour before anyone, the knee scope performed in Boston on the infielder's right knee showed no structural damage and only bruising around the knee cap. Pedroia is going to join back up with the Sawx on Friday in Toronto and could even start in Friday night's series opener against the Blue Jays.

Great, right? But there are still questions to be answered. Pedroia, who carries a proud .299/.369/.449 career batting line, is hitting just .247/.361/.338 through 275 plate appearances this season and is sporting a .676 OPS since the beginning of May. He's clearly playing injured, and the only fix for that is rest. It seems likely that he might eventually miss a chunk of time.

* One more big note: Yankees setup man Joba Chamberlain was diagnosed Thursday with a torn ligament in his throwing elbow and is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery within the next couple of weeks. If he has the procedure, he won't return until the 2012 season.

The Yankees are going to be accused of babying Chamberlain ineffectively in the early part of his career, and there's little doubt that management would go back and tweak some things if given the opportunity to do it all over again, but injuries can't be blamed on the front office or coaching staff. The ligament tear is the price Joba pays for throwing tens of thousands of baseballs at weird arm angles and big league-level speeds, not an innings limit or a role change. Pitching isn't a normal activity for most human arms. Pitchers get injured.

Chamberlain, 25, has turned into a nice setup man and should return to form when he regains his health by either rehab or surgery. The success rate for Tommy John surgery these days is remarkably high.

National League Quick Hits: Phillies closer Ryan Madson blew his first save of the season in Thursday's loss to the Cubs … Slumping Mets outfielder Jason Bay will sit for at least one more game in an effort by management to get him going offensively ... Pirates catcher Chris Snyder will undergo potentially season-ending surgery Friday on his lower back … Jimmy Rollins is back in the Phillies' lineup after missing four games with a bruised knee … Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez has been cleared to return to action Monday against the Braves … Will Venable has been recalled after a production-related demotion to Triple-A Tucson … Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Monday … Mike Stanton hit his 14th home run Thursday against the Braves … The Mets are expected to promote outfielder Lucas Duda from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday … Huston Street earned his 18th save Thursday in the Rockies' defeat of the Dodgers … Marlins closer Leo Nunez is pitching through a bit of back soreness … Troy Tulowitzki drove in four runs Thursday against the Dodgers … The Padres placed reliever Luke Gregerson on the disabled list with an oblique strain … Nick Evans was designated for assignment by the Mets … Bill Hall is drawing free agent interest from the Nationals and Orioles … The Dodgers optioned promising young outfielder Jerry Sands back to Triple-A … J.J. Putz was unavailable Thursday due to back and neck soreness … Jonny Venters earned his second save of the season Thursday against the Marlins … Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin could be activated from the disabled list Monday … Martin Prado has a knee injury and is not expected back until Saturday or Sunday … The Marlins signed former All-Star Jose Lopez to a minor league contract.

American League Quick Hits: The A's fired manager Bob Geren and named Bob Melvin interim skipper due to "communication issues" … The Twins placed outfielder Denard Span on the 7-day disabled list with whiplash and concussion-like symptoms … Joakim Soria earned a shaky save Thursday in his first appearance back in the closer's role … Tigers ace Justin Verlander struck out 10 in a win over the Mariners Thursday … Trevor Cahill allowed six runs to the White Sox Thursday in his fourth straight poor outing … Indians DH Travis Hafner is scheduled to take batting practice Friday for the first time since landing on the disabled list … The Orioles placed first baseman Derrek Lee on the bereavement list … Yunel Escobar is day-to-day with quad discomfort … Derek Holland struck out 10 batters Thursday in a no-decision against the Twins … Red Sox lefty Franklin Morales is scheduled to begin a short rehab assignment Friday … Josh Hamilton hit a solo homer in Thursday's extra-innings loss to Minnesota … Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer in Thursday's win over the A's … Scott Feldman could resume his rehab assignment Saturday … Jason Kubel is nearing the start of a minor league rehab assignment … The Royals optioned Mike Aviles to Triple-A Omaha after recalling Moustakas … Ricky Romero took a complete-game loss Thursday against Kansas City, pitching eight strong innings in a losing effort … Jeff Niemann was roughed up Wednesday in a rehab start at Triple-A Durham.

 

[HacheMan]

Surprise Treasure

What do Jeff Karstens and Paul Maholm have in common? They're both lined up for two stARRRRts in the upcoming week.

Lame pirate jokes aside, the two Pittsburgh starters have both been huge surprises this season, though their low rate ownership in fantasy leagues suggests that many haven't taken notice.

Kartsens, through 14 appearances (10 starts), sports a 2.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Prior to this season, the 28-year-old right-hander had amassed a 12-27 record and 5.07 ERA as a big-leaguer. Karstens' immaculate control has been a huge factor in his success; he's issued 12 walks in 64 1/3 innings, including just one in his past four starts. He is also averaging a career-high 6.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He'll probably come back to Earth a bit as his .274 BABIP normalizes, but he's been legitimately excellent this year.

The lefty Maholm, also 28, is cruising along as well, with a 3.39 ERA through 13 starts that has him on pace for the best season of his career. His control hasn't been quite as sterling, but he's done a tremendous job of limiting hits, holding opponents to a .223 average.

Of course, despite their impressive efforts this year, Karstens and Maholm have only five wins between them. That's the nature of pitching in Pittsburgh, sadly.

Going Twice...



American League

Strong Plays
Alexi Ogando: @NYY (Sabathia), @ATL (Jurrjens)
James Shields: BOS (Wakefield), FLA (Volstad)
Jason Vargas: LAA (Haren), PHI
Josh Outman: KC (Duffy), SF (Cain)
CC Sabathia: TEX (Ogando), @CHC (Wells)
Dan Haren: @SEA (Vargas), @NYM (Niese)
Justin Verlander: CLE (Masterson), @COL (Cook)
Justin Masterson: @DET (Verlander), PIT (Karstens)
Gavin Floyd: @MIN (Pavano), @ARI (Collmenter)

Decent Plays
Carlos Villanueva: BAL (Jakubauskas), @CIN (Arroyo)
Alex Cobb: @DET (Coke), FLA (Nolasco)
Carl Pavano: CWS (Floyd), SD (Moseley)
A.J. Burnett: CLE (Carrasco), @CHC (Dempster)
Danny Duffy: @OAK (Outman), @STL (Garcia)
Phil Coke: TB (Cobb), @COL (Jimenez)
Carlos Carrasco: @NYY (Burnett), PIT (Maholm)
Tim Wakefield: @TB (Shields), MIL (Gallardo)

At Your Own Risk
Chris Jakubauskas: @TOR (Villanueva), @WAS (Maya)

National League

Strong Plays
Jaime Garcia: @WAS (Maya), KC (Duffy)
Matt Cain: @ARI (Collmenter), @OAK (Outman)
Jeff Karstens: @HOU (Norris), @CLE (Masterson)
Paul Maholm: NYM (Pelfrey), @CLE (Carrasco)
Cole Hamels: FLA (Volstad), @SEA (Vargas)
Hiroka Kuroda: CIN (Arroyo), HOU (Norris)
Bud Norris: PIT (Karstens), @LAD (Kuroda)
Ricky Nolasco: ARI (Duke), @TB (Cobb)
Jair Jurrjens: NYM (Niese), TEX (Ogando)
Derek Lowe: @HOU (Rodriguez), TEX (Harrison)

Decent Plays
Dustin Moseley: @COL (Cook), @MIN (Pavano)
Jonathon Niese: @ATL (Jurrjens), LAA (Haren)
Yovani Gallardo: @CHC (Wells), @BOS (Wakefield)
Randy Wolf: @CHC (Dempster), @BOS (Lester)
Wandy Rodriguez: ATL (Lowe), @LAD (De La Rosa)
Aaron Cook: SD (Moseley), DET (Verlander)
Zach Duke: @FLA (Nolasco), CWS (Humber)
Josh Collmenter: SF (Cain), CWS (Floyd)

At Your Own Risk
Yunesky Maya: STL (Garcia), BAL (Jakubauskas)
Mike Pelfrey: @PIT (Maholm), LAA (Chatwood)
Chris Volstad: @PHI (Hamels), @TB (Shields)
Bronson Arroyo: @LAD (Kuroda), TOR (Villanueva)
Randy Wells: MIL (Gallardo), NYY (Sabathia)
Ryan Dempster: MIL (Wolf), NYY (Burnett)


Streamer City



The following pitchers are generally available in over 50 percent of fantasy leagues and have favorable match-ups this week:

American League

Wednesday, 6/15: Nick Blackburn vs. CWS
The Twins have handled the White Sox this year and Blackburn is always a good bet at Target Field.

Thursday, 6/16: Edwin Jackson @ MIN
Since the beginning of May, Jackson has posted a 3.26 ERA while issuing only 12 walks in 38 innings.

Friday, 6/17: Jeremy Guthrie @ WAS
Despite a rough showing against the Blue Jays in his last start, Guthrie owns a 3.25 ERA over his past six outings and is routinely pitching deep into games.

National League

Wednesday, 6/15: J.A. Happ vs. PIT
Happ holds a 2.70 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in six home starts this season.

Friday, 6/17: Clayton Richard @ MIN
Richard is generally a recommended play when facing a weak offense in a pitcher-friendly park. This certainly qualifies.

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Total Games



American League

6: BAL, BOS, CWS, KC, LAA, MIN, OAK, SEA, TEX, TOR
7: CLE, DET, NYY, TB

National League

6: CIN, COL, LAD, SD, SF,
7: ARI, ATL, CHC, HOU, MIL, NYM, PHI, PIT
8: FLA


Lefty/Righty Breakdown



American League

BAL: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
BOS: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CWS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CLE: 7 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
DET: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
KC: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
LAA: 2 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
MIN: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
NYY: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
OAK: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
SEA: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TB: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
TEX: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TOR: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP

National League

ARI: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
ATL: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
CHC: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
CIN: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
COL: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
FLA: 4 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
HOU: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAD: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIL: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
NYM: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
PHI: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
PIT: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
SD: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
SF: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
STL: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
WAS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP


The Infirmary



You can get a full listing of injured players at Rotoworld's Injury Page, but here's the latest on a few prominent players who have been out of action:

Bobby Jenks: Out indefinitely
Dexter Fowler: Out until late June
Jake Peavy: Out until late June
Hanley Ramirez: Out until late June
Denard Span: Out until mid-June
Joba Chamberlain: Out for the season
Brett Anderson: Out indefinitely
Chris Snyder: Out for the season