MLB Fantasy News 2011

HacheMan · Jun 12, 2011

A Panda in Shin Guards?
A catching Panda? That story and others are explored in this week's Week That Was.

Pablo Sandoval: According to reports, the Giants are seriously thinking of having the Kung Fu Panda don the tools of ignorance a couple of times per week. This is a classic example of where fantasy and real baseball diverge. In fantasy, having Panda as a catcher will be a huge boon to Panda owners' ability to achieve fantasy nirvana. Imagine being able to replace a second catcher like Dane Sardinha or Koyie Hill with a revitalized Panda bat. However, the move makes no sense in real baseball. The Giants are built on pitching and defense. Why risk both by putting Panda behind the plate? The move becomes even more illogical when you consider that it would only add Brandon Crawford or Miguel Tejeda's bat to the lineup. All that said, I believe the Panda's bat is for real. So, for me, catching or not, I say buy a Panda!

Emmanuel Burriss: With the injuries to Freddy Sanchez and Mike Fontenot and the slump of Miguel Tejada, it is only a matter of time before Emmanuel Burriss gets a serious look. If you have a need for speed, think about Burriss. "Manny" is hitting a solid .292 so far in the bigs and has speed to burn. At 26, all he needs is an opportunity. Invest the buck. No guarantees, but it could be a sweet return. Why not speculate?

Jose Lopez: The Fish took a good risk and invested a bit in former fantasy darling Jose Lopez. At .208 this year, Lopez has been pretty poor – and it wasn't much better last year at .240. However, Lopez is just 27 and did hit 42 HR with 185 RBI and a composite average over .280 in 2008-09. The Marlins could use the bat, have the time to invest in Lopez and may be the home he has needed. Lopez is far from a sure thing. However, where else are you going to find a free agent MI with a record of strong major league success? Again, speculate.

Anthony Rizzo: Anthony Rizzo made his San Diego debut, going 1-2 with a triple and two bb Thursday. The bad news is that the Padres lineup is sorry and the ballpark destroys hitters. However, Rizzo is a real talent, was the centerpiece of the Adrian Gonzalez deal and could well do what Eric Hosmer has done for the Royals. For those in one year and keeper leagues, Rizz is a buy. Just don't expect superstar numbers just yet.

Martin Prado: Martin Prado landed on the DL with, of all things, a staph infection. Best guesses thus far have Prado missing 2-3 weeks. Bad news for Prado owners as the Braves OF had raised his average to .277 to go with 8 HR and 33 RBI. Unfortunately for Prado owners, it is hard to figure who will play in Atlanta. I figure Eric Hinske and Joe Mather platoon but who knows given that Jordan Schaefer in CF is hardly lighting it up, Matt Young is just that, and Nate McClouth should return at some point. Bottom line, other than those in very deep NL leagues should just go to the next entry in this column.

Joba Chamberlain: Doh! Joba Chamberlain will undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss at least the next 12 months. Of course, the obvious is that Joba will be missed in both real and fantasy baseball. What does this mean for those in fantasy leagues? Well, the Yankees will make a deal for a bridge to Mariano Rivera. Indeed, it would not be a surprise to see them overpay. Thus, those with closers on bad teams should be very worried. It would not shock me to see the Yankees repeat what happened with Kerry Wood last year – grab a closer to become an 8th inning guy. Beware. Final note here – this is why the T in SMART stands for team. If you own a closer on a good team, you have no risk of him being dealt into the set up role.

Ryan Zimmerman: In news that has been too long in coming for the Nats and Ryan Zimmerman owners, the 3B will return to action within the next few days. If he happens to be available on the free agent wire (because you play in a league with owners in cryogenic freeze) or if you can get him in a trade (because your league-mates overreact to injuries), do it. Over the last three years, Zimm has average .293 with 24 HR and that was from ages 23-25. Buy!

Cliff Pennington: Responding to Bob Melvin's vote of confidence and hitting in the two-hole, Cliff Pennington went 3-5 with two doubles, an RBI and run Friday. Hmmm. On the one hand, the A's cannot hit and the ballpark can be found in the dictionary under "pitchers' park." However, Pennington has been around for 3 years and is just 26. Over those three years, he has hit a decent .250+. He also showed serious speed, swiping 29 bags last year. As I have preached many a time in this space, when a player makes the majors young, has three or four years under his belt by age 26 or 27, he is a buying opportunity as he will likely outperform the misleadingly low baseline. At MI, Cliff is a good speculative buy.

Alex Rodriguez: Yeah, I know, I write about Yankees sometimes (ok a bit more than sometimes). But hey, this is worthy of mention. Alex Rodriguez jacked his 12th dinger last night. Why am I telling you this? Well, to give you a buying opportunity of course. Alex is as reliable as any fantasy player in recent memory. However, expectations have been set so high (see 54 HR in 2007), that owners may wrongly conclude ARod is fading. Alex is on pace for 31 HR, 95 RBI and 100 runs. Who would complain about that? So, if you have an ARod owner who is getting frustrated about not getting 40 dollars of value or who is worried about the latest tabloid story, pounce. ARod is money in the bank.

Paul Konerko: Last week, I was incredulous about Paul Konerko's ability to come back two days after wrist surgery. Well, I should have kept the faith. Last night, Konerko went 2-4 with a home run and two RBI. That makes 16 on the year to go with a very pretty .321 average. Like ARod, Konerko is fantasy money in the bank. His three year average is 30 HR, with 87 RBI and a .278 average. In my mind, that is the floor and he should post even better numbers than that floor. Buy.

And last, but not least, Schultz says: "We are well past the first trimester of the baseball season and for roto-purposes that means there's enough of a statistical sample size to make it an appropriate time for each owner to start assessing their chances for the rest of the season. Personally, I feel too many roto-owners are too quick to throw in the towel, start dumping and play for next year. For the most part, they are gutless: anyone starting to play for 2012 in early June has a) no faith in the team they loved just two short months ago and b) wants to start making excuses for why they aren't performing well ("well, of course I'm in 11th place, I started dumping in May because Albert Pujols started slow"). Dump if you must but it should be a last resort after everything else has failed.

The simplest method of determining whether you have a chance to get back in your league's race seems to elude 95% of the people that play the pseudo-sport. Simply go through your roster, player by player, and decide for yourself whether you are getting the numbers from them that you were expecting at the beginning of the year. When you get to names like Hanley Ramirez, Joe Mauer, any Yankee hitter not named Curtis Granderson (or Teixeira for that matter), you can check the "Hell, no" category. When you get to names like Matt Joyce, Kyle Lohse, Lance Berkman and Alexi Ogando, you can check the "Hell yes, and then some." (If you haven't guessed, I'm exploring whether I can say "hell" in this column - I wonder what this will look like if the answer is "hell no, you can't say hell).

If you find you're getting less out of your team than you expected, you have reason for optimism. If the Yankees don't Gillooly Jorge Posada, he's probably going to improve on his .203 average. Albert Pujols? Unlikely to finish the season at the .277 clip he's hitting at now. Cliff Lee's 3.62 ERA and 1.25 WHIP? Don't those feel high? You also need to take a hard luck at the players on your team that are exceeding expectations and candidates for a regression to the mean. This is an infinitely tougher call. Ogando, Berkman, Justin Masterson, Charlie Morton are all potentially due for a fall from grace but then again, they have to make the leap at some point in time - why not now? There's nothing anyone can tell you that will dissuade you from your opinion of your overperforming players - you either believe or you don't and most likely nobody's going to change your mind.

The point here is to trust the instincts you had in late March when you put your team together. Then again, if you're team is being paced by Alex Gonzalez, Macier Izturis, Chone Figgins, Dexter Fowler and Brian Fuentes, ignore everything I've just said, it presumed competence and you're probably are reading this cause you mistook us for Grantland."

HacheMan · Jun 12, 2011

AL Notes: Moose Citing in K.C.
I'm certainly not going to bash the Royals for calling up Mike Moustakas. However, I'm unconvinced that the 21-year-old is ready now or is an upgrade over Wilson Betemit at third base. Whereas Eric Hosmer absolutely tore up PCL pitching for a month, hitting .439/.525/.585 in 98 at-bats, Moustakas wasn't at all exceptional, coming in at .287/.347/.498 in his 223 at-bats.

That gave Moustakas an .845 OPS in a league in which the average hitter has an .804 OPS. Compare that to Betemit, who had a .759 OPS in a league in which the average hitter had a .718 OPS. 41 points of OPS in each case.

I could see a better argument for making the move if Moustakas were a clear upgrade defensively. However, he's another shaky third baseman who might be forced to move to the outfield at some point.

Again, I don't really have a problem here. Moustakas is an excellent prospect, and maybe his overall Triple-A line sells him short, since he did struggle in April. Like everyone else, I'm going to be very curious to see how he performs over the next couple of months. My guess is that he'll post decent power numbers, hitting 10-12 homers, but that the average won't be there to make him a useful mixed-league third baseman.

As for Betemit, well, he has earned his shot to play regularly, and I believe the Royals should have traded him before calling up Moustakas. The deal likely will come eventually, but Betemit doesn't figure to pick up any trade value while starting a game or two a week off the bench.

American League notes

- Aaron Crow never even got a save chance in his brief stint as the Royals' closer. Joakim Soria returned to the role with a shaky outing Thursday and then a much better one Friday against the Angels, earning saves both days. My expectations are that Soria will be just good enough to hold on the role and rack up a solid save total. Maybe he'll get his best stuff back as the year goes on, but I don't see it right now.

- Mike Aviles got the boot to make room for Moustakas, leaving light-hitting Chris Getz as the Royals' everyday second baseman. That's not ideal: Aviles should be up and starting against lefties at least. However, he was in an awful slump for the last month. He'll return once Betemit is traded, if not before.

- New A's manager Bob Melvin appears to be a big fan of Cliff Pennington and Hideki Matsui, installing them as the team's new No. 2 and No. 3 hitters, respectively. It probably won't make either worth playing in mixed leagues, but both should get modest value boosts. That's especially the case for Matsui, who had been sitting against lefties. Matsui has always hit southpaws as well as right-handers, but since he really hadn't been hitting anyone at all this year, old manager Bob Geren had turned him into a platoon player.

- I'm not very optimistic about Oakland's latest rotation stopgap, Graham Godfrey, though anyone who pitches for the A's is worth taking a look at. Godfrey can get it up to 93-94 mph with his straight fastball and his walk rate has come well down last year after a disappointing 2010, but his command is still nothing special and he lacks a plus breaking ball. I don't think he'll last in the team's rotation.

- Ideally, Scott Sizemore and Jemile Weeks would run away with starting jobs after getting their chances last week. I thought Sizemore would have to wait at least another week or two, but the A's installed him as their everyday third baseman and dropped Kevin Kouzmanoff. Weeks' opportunity is the result of a hamstring injury to Mark Ellis, but if he hits and proves adequate defensively, then he'll deserve to keep the job. Sizemore is the better bet of the two in AL-only leagues right now, mostly because he doesn't have to worry about Ellis. Weeks has the higher ceiling.

- The Twins won't say whether they plan to activate Joe Mauer (legs) and Tsuyoshi Nishioka (leg) from the disabled list on Tuesday. Mauer caught three straight games for Single-A Fort Myers and homered on Friday. As little as the Twins are getting from Drew Butera, one would think the team would be eager to bring him back, even if he's going to need frequent days off initially. Still, the Twins won't confirm their plans. I think AL-only leaguers should take the chance on activating Mauer this week. Barring some sort of setback, he'll probably return by Friday.

- It's looking like Wednesday for Nishioka, who is expected to take over as the Twins' shortstop. The team opened the season with Nishioka at second and Alexi Casilla at short, but Casilla will go back to second now.

- Ben Revere has value in AL-only leagues with Denard Span (concussion) on the disabled list. He could take playing time away from Delmon Young in left field after Span returns.

- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he won't take Brian Duensing out of the rotation in favor of Anthony Swarzak, even though Duensing gave up seven runs -- three earned -- in two innings Friday to fall to 1-6 in his last nine starts. Duensing's peripherals aren't bad, but the Twins' defense is and I don't have a lot of confidence that Duensing is going to bounce back right away.

- With a 15.15 ERA and a 13/17 K/BB ratio through four rehab starts, Scott Kazmir is on the road to being released by the Angels. Tyler Chatwood, who has the nice 3.79 ERA despite an ugly 34/35 K/BB ratio in 71 1/3 innings for the Angels, has no worries about his rotation spot. I think Chatwood is headed for a fall, though. His strikeout rate will come up and he's a solid enough long-term prospect, but he's due to start giving up more homers and hits.

- Russell Branyan failed to make any real in-roads while Vernon Wells was out and might not be long for Anaheim. It's going to hard to find him at-bats with Wells and Howie Kendrick healthy. Kendrick's new-found versatility is a big plus for the Angels, but it's mostly going to open up playing time for Alberto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis when Kendrick isn't at second.

- Bartolo Colon appears DL bound after straining his left hamstring covering first base on Saturday. My first guess was that Hector Noesi would come up to replace him in the rotation, but now it looks like David Phelps could be the choice. Phelps is 4-4 with a 2.95 ERA and a 66/20 K/BB ratio in 76 1/3 innings for Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre. His arsenal is pretty average and I'd worry about him giving up homers at Yankee Stadium, but he'd be one to try in AL-only leagues if he gets the call.

- I gave my thoughts on the Yankees' bullpen problems over at HardballTalk.

- Sergio Santos has suddenly lost his slider and given up seven runs in his last two appearances as a result, taking his ERA from 1.24 to 3.23. Santos throws awfully hard, but his fastball is straight and he needs the breaking ball in order to be effective. Santos is just in his third year in the mound, and he's still got plenty to learn about pitching; no one expected him to be so good so fast. If the growing pains continue, the White Sox may have to pull him from the closer's role for a bit. Still, they'd prefer not to go that route. If Santos leaves them with no other choice, then I'd expect Matt Thornton to get the majority of the save chances.

- Rather than call up Lonnie Chisenhall to platoon with Jack Hannahan at third base, the Indians opted to try Cord Phelps last week. Phelps was a full-time second baseman until this year, when he split time between second and shortstop in the crowded Triple-A Columbus infield. Along the way, he hit .299/.391/.488. Phelps does strike out quite a bit, so I'm not sure what kind of average he'll hit for in the majors. However, he's always posted solid OBPs and he should be a substantial offensive upgrade over Orlando Cabrera if the Indians want to try him at second. He's no sure thing, but he's worth a pickup in AL-only leagues.

- The Indians dropped Shelley Duncan from the roster to make room for Phelps last week. One wonders if Austin Kearns might be next to go when Travis Hafner returns from a strained oblique. He hopes to make it back next weekend. There's the chance that could demote Phelps instead, but that'd be counterproductive. They need to give one of their young infielders a chance to make an impact, whether it's Phelps, Chisenhall or Jason Kipnis.

- Dustin Pedroia's knee scope last week might have done him more good psychologically than anything else. Since returning to the lineup on Friday, he's gone 6-for-9 in two games. Now that Pedroia knows there's nothing wrong with the knee than can be aggravated or worsened while playing, he should be more willing to cut loose on the field.

- It looks like the time away did John Lackey some real good. He's no world-beater these days, but his curve has regained some snap and his fastball command is improved. As long as he doesn't regress again, he'll be a nice AL-only starter. It's hard to expect much more than that.

- With the Brett Lawrie callup countdown off for now, the Jays have been sticking with Jayson Nix at third base for the most part. But while Nix got off to a pretty good start in April, he's down to .191 at the moment. Edwin Encarnacion is at .409 with a homer and four walks in 22 at-bats this month, so he's due more playing time. A lot of it will come at DH, but he's likely to get more starts at third, too.

- The Jays confirmed last week that Jon Rauch is back in the closer's role. Now if they could just get him some save chances; they've had only one in two weeks.

- With his ERA up to 4.98 and his K/BB ratio at 43/48 through 68 2/3 innings, Kyle Drabek has put his rotation spot in jeopardy. Jesse Litsch (shoulder) is still at least two weeks away, so Drabek should have a couple of more starts to turn it around. That said, one more disastrous outing would probably get him sent down immediately and replaced by Brad Mills. Brett Cecil has a 6.04 ERA in nine starts for Triple-A Las Vegas and doesn't look like a candidate for a promotion.

- Carlos Peguero and Greg Halman are hitting, and now the Mariners have Mike Carp up, too. It makes one wonder if they'll cut bait on Jack Cust, who is slumping again this month after a solid May. They'll probably want to see more from Halman and Carp first. I don't think Halman is a major league hitter. Carp might be, but he's also a poor defensive left fielder who probably makes more sense as a designated hitter. No one in the group is a great bet in AL-only leagues at the moment, though I would take Carp over Halman.

- Starters don't get much flakier than Colby Lewis has been this season. He was pulled in the second inning Saturday, and he's given up 15 runs over 4 2/3 innings in his last two starts. As a result, his ERA is up to 4.97. Still, I don't think it's cause to drop him in mixed leagues, especially with interleague play coming up. Lewis was 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA against NL teams last year.

- Shortstop J.J. Hardy isn't exactly an ideal option in the leadoff spot, but he'll be a nice play in mixed leagues while the Orioles give him an extra at-bat per game.

- The Orioles will activate Derrek Lee on Tuesday after a short stay on the bereavement list. Brandon Snyder is expected to return to Triple-A.

- Jeff Niemann (back) is expected back in the Tampa Bay rotation next weekend after making his final rehab start Monday. AL-only leaguers desperate for wins could take a chance on activating him for his start against the Marlins. Others should pass. Alex Cobb is likely to be optioned out to make room for Niemann.

- Reid Brignac finally hit his first homer for the Rays on Wednesday and later won the game with a squeeze bunt. Hopefully for him, the Rays remember that when they activate Elliot Johnson (knee) from the disabled list, which could happen Sunday. Sending Brignac back to Triple-A is something they could consider in light of his .180 average and 32/4 K/BB ratio.

- The Tigers are expected to activate Magglio Ordonez (ankle) from the DL on Monday. Mixed leaguers should wait as long as possible to activate him. He might not be worth keeping around in shallower formats.

- Finally, here's a quick look at some interleague ramifications with play starting again Friday. The Angels, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, White Sox and Yankees will have three games in NL parks next weekend.

The Angels will likely play Bobby Abreu in the outfield at least once, with Peter Bourjos and/or Wells getting a day off.

Juan Rivera will sit for the Jays, making him a weaker play in AL-only leagues.

Vladmir Guerrero isn't expected to see any outfield time, so mixed leaguers should go in a different direction.

The Rangers will play Michael Young in the field, giving Mitch Moreland less value.

The Royals are going to have to bench either Eric Hosmer or Billy Butler each game. My guess is that Hosmer sits twice, with Butler taking a seat once.

The Tigers will have Victor Martinez catch once or twice in Alex Avila's place.

Although he's swinging the bat a whole lot better, Jorge Posada doesn't figure to do any catching for the Yankees, making him a weak play in mixed leagues.

HacheMan · Jun 12, 2011

Interleague play returns

Tristan H. Cockcroft

On tap: It's baaaaaaaaaaaack. By that we're referring to interleague play, which begins Friday, June 17 (fantasy's Week 11), and extends through Sunday, July 3 (the final day of Week 13).

Pitching battles are largely the storyline of the interleague weekend: Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners might appear a mismatch at first glance, but consider that the Mariners will throw Michael Pineda (Friday) and Felix Hernandez (Saturday) in that series, while the Phillies will counter with Roy Oswalt (Friday) and Cole Hamels (Sunday), meaning it could be a low-scoring series entirely up for grabs. Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who ranks second in the majors (through June 9) in WHIP (0.94), wins (7) and strikeouts (93), concludes his two-start week with an often-feared matchup at Colorado's Coors Field on Sunday. Minnesota Twins lefty Francisco Liriano, who threw five innings of one-run (unearned), seven-strikeout baseball in his return start from the disabled list on June 7, gets a comfy-cozy Saturday matchup versus the light-hitting San Diego Padres. And San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum gets another start against the across-the-bay rival Oakland Athletics, significant in that he has defeated them in five consecutive starts, totaling 44 strikeouts with a 0.64 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in those outings.

Among other notable storylines: Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford battles his ex-teammates in Tampa Bay from Tuesday through Thursday, the first time he has faced the Tampa Bay Rays on the road since leaving as a free agent this past winter. It's good timing; he's a .355/.394/.726 hitter in his past 16 games. In that same series, Rays ace David Price will try on Thursday to extend a five-game quality start streak versus the Red Sox; he has a 4-1 record, 2.62 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in those starts. The Houston Astros welcome Wandy Rodriguez back to their rotation Monday, setting him up for a two-start week (Monday versus Atlanta Braves, Saturday at Los Angeles Dodgers). The St. Louis Cardinals, meanwhile, get Kyle McClellan back in their rotation Wednesday at Washington's Nationals Park.

Reminder: For those of you in weekly-transactions leagues, first pitch of Week 11 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 1:05 p.m. ET, Thursday 12:37 p.m. ET, Friday 2:20 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 11 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
6/13 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
6/14 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
6/15</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
6/16 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
6/17 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
6/18</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
6/19 </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><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>@TOR
Britton
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Jakubasks
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Britton
(LHP)
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>@TB
Wakefield
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Lackey
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Wakefield
(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>@MIN
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Danks
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Humber
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Floyd
(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>@NYY
Carrasco
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Talbot
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Carrasco
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Coke
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Penny
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Coke
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Verlander
(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>@OAK
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Francis
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Mazzaro
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Duffy
(LHP)
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>@SEA
Haren
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Santana
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Pineiro
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Haren
(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>CHW
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Baker
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Nova
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Colon
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9</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>KC
Outman
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Godfrey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Outman
(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>LAA
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Shields
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Price
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Davis
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

$tex.gif$

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Holland
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 10</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>BAL
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Villnueva
(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>@FLA
Duke
(LHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Collmnter
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Duke
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Collmnter
(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>@HOU
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Minor
(LHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Wells
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Davis
(LHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Wells
(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>@LAD
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Wood
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Leake
(RHP)
P: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Arroyo
(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
Cook
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Nicasio
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Cook
(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>ARI
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI-2
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 7
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Hand
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Volstad
(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>ATL
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Norris
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Happ
(LHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
A.Rdrguez
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Myers
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Norris
(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>CIN
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
DeLaRosa
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Gallardo
(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>@PIT
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Niese
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Gee
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Niese
(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>FLA
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA-2
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 3
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Worley
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Hamels
(LHP)
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>NYM
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Morton
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 4</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>@WAS
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Garcia
(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>@COL
Moseley
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Harang
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Richard
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Moseley
(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>@ARI
Cain
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</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
Maya
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Maya
(RHP)
P: 5 </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

• I'll write it week after week until I'm blue in the face: You need to take the Mariners' rotation -- and their closer, for that matter -- seriously in every fantasy league. Mariners starters have 19 quality starts in their past 26 tries, with a 2.72 ERA and 1.06 WHIP during that span, while closer Brandon League has eight saves, 10 shutout innings and a 0.50 WHIP in his past 10 appearances. Safeco Field games always play right into the hands of the pitchers, and the opposing Los Angeles Angels and Phillies both rank among the bottom half in baseball in runs scored and OPS. Incidentally, the last time the Mariners and Angels battled, in a two-game series May 18-19, Jason Vargas and Doug Fister, who are scheduled to pitch in this series as well, combined for 15 innings of one-run, 10-hit baseball. Two-start pitcher Vargas is the week's standout: He has a 1.71 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in six starts against the Angels since the beginning of last season.
• If you're going to trust Coors Field matchups, surely the ones you want to exploit include three games against the light-hitting Padres, who rank last in the majors in runs per game (3.47) and next-to-last in home runs (36) and OPS (.637). The Colorado Rockies will throw Aaron Cook (Monday), who is 14-4 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 26 career games (24 starts) versus the Padres, and Jhoulys Chacin (Wednesday), who has six quality starts and an 8.13 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio in his past eight turns, in two of those three games. Even Juan Nicasio, who has two quality starts in his first three big league turns, warrants a look in NL-only formats. As for the weekend series against the Tigers, keep in mind the Rockies have lined up Jason Hammel (Friday), 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in six interleague starts from 2009 to 2010, and Ubaldo Jimenez (Saturday), who has back-to-back quality starts of a 1.13 ERA and 15 K's compared to zero walks, for two of those three.
• If there's a concern regarding Wandy Rodriguez during his return to the Astros' rotation this week, it should be workload rather than matchup. He's returning after throwing 60 pitches in a June 5 bullpen session, then another 56 in a Double-A rehabilitation outing on June 8, meaning the prospects of a 100-pitch effort Monday are slim. I typically advise fantasy owners to avoid pitchers fresh off the DL and Rodriguez is no different; at the same time, his matchups warrant a look if you need him in an NL-only league. After all, he has a 2.03 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in his past seven starts versus the Braves, and a 1.48 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in his four career starts at Dodger Stadium. Matchups for the remainder of the Astros' starters are also favorable; two-start pitcher Bud Norris is especially appealing considering he has posted quality starts against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dodgers this season already.
• The Milwaukee Brewers face a somewhat treacherous week, concluding with a three-game series against the hot-hitting Red Sox in Boston. Shaun Marcum's matchup Friday at Fenway Park is particularly troublesome; he has a 5.28 ERA in his past eight starts against the Red Sox. Not that you're going to sit Marcum, Zack Greinke or Yovani Gallardo in most leagues, but temper your expectations for all three, especially Gallardo, who is coming off a shaky outing and had a 5.01 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in four career starts at Chicago's Wrigley Field.
Also favorable: Athletics, Dodgers, Phillies, Twins
Also unfavorable: New York Yankees, Texas Rangers
For more insight into Week 11 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: 12%; 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
6/13</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
6/14 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
6/15 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
6/16 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
6/17 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
6/18</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
6/19</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
0 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 7
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 5
L: 9
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 10
L: 7
R: 10
S: 6</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: 6
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
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>6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 1
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 1
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 4
L: 4
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 4
L: 1
R: 7
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 9
L: 8
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
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
3 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 8
L: 6
R: 10
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 3
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
0 vs. L
7 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>TB
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 5
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 10
L: 10
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 10
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
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 6 </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>@STL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 1</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: 1
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
4 vs. L
2 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 7
L: 4
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
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>6 total
6 home
2 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>CHW
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 6
L: 1
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
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
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 8
L: 2
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 6 </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>@CHC
H: 5
L: 6
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>6 total
6 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 9
L: 8
R: 10
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 7 </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>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: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
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
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
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: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 5
L: 2
R: 8
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 4
L: 6
R: 4
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

$tex.gif$

</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: 2
L: 4
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
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: 4
L: 3
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 2
L: 5
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>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 9
R: 5
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 7
L: 2
R: 9
S: 4 </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: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 9
L: 10
R: 5
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 7
L: 10
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
6 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 5
L: 2
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
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
6 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 6
L: 3
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 5
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 7
L: 9
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
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
7 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 9
L: 10
R: 9
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: 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>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 5
L: 8
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 9
L: 10
R: 4
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 4
L: 2
R: 7
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
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 10
L: 10
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
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>8 total
1 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 7 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 4
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI-2
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 7
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>7 total
4 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 8 </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>PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 3
L: 5
R: 3
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 4
L: 3
R: 6
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 4
L: 6
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>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 7
L: 10
R: 3
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 5
L: 1
R: 6
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
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>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 9 </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>@CHC
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 6
L: 2
R: 8
S: 10</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: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
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
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA-2
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
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
1 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 5
L: 8
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>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 6
L: 10
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 9
L: 8
R: 10
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
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 7
L: 4
R: 9
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 1
R: 8
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 5
L: 1
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 6
L: 2
R: 9
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 designated hitter is always a prominent storyline for fantasy during interleague play, and for 16 of the 30 big league teams this week, half of their schedule will be interleague contests. Here's a rundown of the players who should be adversely affected by the elimination of the DH in National League parks:
Baltimore Orioles (@WAS-3): Would the Orioles play Vladimir Guerrero in the field? Probably not. He's a poor defender, Nick Markakis mans right field and the Orioles are scheduled to face two right-handed starters in this series.
Chicago White Sox (@ARI-3): Slumping Adam Dunn will probably take a cozy seat on the bench for three more games.
Tigers (@COL-3): Catchers Alex Avila and Victor Martinez have been rotating behind the plate and at DH; now they'll only do so at catcher.
Kansas City Royals (@STL-3): Billy Butler probably suffers most, as left-handed Eric Hosmer mans first base. Butler could sneak in a start at Hosmer's expense Sunday, when the Cardinals are slated to pitch lefty Jaime Garcia.
Angels (@NYM-3): Vernon Wells' healthy return clutters the outfield, meaning Bobby Abreu likely sits against the Mets' two lefty starters in the series.
Yankees (@CHC-3): Sit Jorge Posada, as he's unlikely to start at first base ahead of Mark Teixeira, and the Yankees face three lefties during Week 11 besides.
Rangers (@ATL-3): The Rangers could get creative and shift Josh Hamilton to center field, in which case Endy Chavez would be most impacted.
Toronto Blue Jays (@CIN-3): Adam Lind and Juan Rivera have been sharing time at first base, but keep in mind the Reds will pitch three right-handers. Lind might score all of those starts at first base.
Conversely, the following players could receive additional at-bats this week thanks to the addition of the DH in American League parks:
Florida Marlins (@TB-3): Greg Dobbs might shift to DH, clearing up third base for a Emilio Bonifacio-Wes Helms platoon.
Brewers (@BOS-3): Finally, a way for the Brewers to get Carlos Gomez, Corey Hart and Nyjer Morgan into the lineup at the same time!
Phillies (@SEA-3): DH will probably be a "day off" arrangement for Phillies veterans such as Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, as Wilson Valdez could fill in for the infielders. Where's John Mayberry Jr. when you need him?

Pirates (@CLE-3): Matt Diaz and Garrett Jones could both score spots in the lineup, or the Pirates might opt for Xavier Paul over Diaz since they'll face three righty starters.
Padres (@MIN-3): Jorge Cantu would be a natural DH now that Anthony Rizzo is up, or the Padres could just rotate bench players in the spot.

Giants (@OAK-3): If Pablo Sandoval returns this week as expected, he could be eased back in as a DH, leaving a few more at-bats at third base for Miguel Tejada.
• It's not merely the Cardinals' three games against the Royals and their 29th-ranked 4.71 team ERA that boosts their weekly rating, though that helps. It's the individual starters they're scheduled to face: Livan Hernandez (Wednesday), 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in his past three starts against the Cardinals, and Jason Marquis (Thursday), 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in his past four starts against them, are the most accomplished starters they'll battle all week. Five of the starters the Royals are scheduled to face are right-handed -- and all six could be if rehabbing Kyle Davies takes Danny Duffy's spot on Sunday -- and the Cardinals are loaded with hitters with good numbers against righties: Lance Berkman (.348/.465/.659), Allen Craig (.348/.425/.478), Jon Jay (.304/.355/.464) and Yadier Molina (.324/.360/.439). Oh, plus some dude named Albert Pujols, who is a .344/.447/.906 hitter overall in eight games in June.
• Eight games, 'nuff said, as the Marlins lead the way in terms of total games, and with the total-games lead comes the best potential for "counting numbers" (runs, RBIs, home runs). Four of those games will be played at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, and while tough pitchers named Hamels, Halladay and Lee are the Marlins' scheduled opponents, that's still a favorable venue for hitting numbers. Logan Morrison is a .421/.556/.737 hitter in six career games there, Gaby Sanchez .275/.310/.450 in 11 games, Mike Stanton .324/.343/.647 in eight games and Chris Coghlan .355/.420/.532 in 15 games. As for the weekend series at Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field, while Morrison has never played a game there, the other three have numbers at that venue comparable to their Philly numbers.
• The Blue Jays just scored 18 runs in a three-game series at Baltimore's Oriole Park from June 3-5, and in the rematch in Toronto they stack up favorably yet again. Since the beginning of last season, here are the Blue Jays' individual numbers against the division-rival Orioles: Jose Bautista .276/.404/.737 in 21 games, Rajai Davis .364/.333/.545 plus three steals in three games, Yunel Escobar .333/.375/.467 in 14 games, Adam Lind .312/.354/.532 in 20. As for the weekend interleague series at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, the Reds' three scheduled starters, Mike Leake (Friday), Edinson Volquez (Saturday) and Bronson Arroyo (Sunday) are a combined 5-7 with a 5.83 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 20 games (17 starts) combined since May 1.
Also favorable: Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians
Also unfavorable: Royals, Mariners

Weather report

Weatherproof games: Braves at Astros (1, Mon); Pirates at Astros (3, Tue-Thu); Orioles at Blue Jays (3, Tue-Thu); Giants at Diamondbacks (3, Tue-Thu); White Sox at Diamondbacks (3, Fri-Sun); Angels at Mariners (3, Mon-Wed); Phillies at Mariners (3, Fri-Sun); Red Sox at Rays (3, Tue-Thu); Marlins at Rays (3, Fri-Sun).

Tristan's Week 11 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. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Tue-FLA (Volstad), Sun-@SEA (Vargas)
2. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-TEX (Ogando), Sun-@CHC (Wells)
3. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Tue-CLE (Masterson), Sun-@COL (Cook)
4. Matt Cain (SF) -- Tue-@ARI (Collmenter), Sun-@OAK (Outman)
5. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Wed-FLA, Gm. 2 (TBD)
6. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Tue-@SEA (Fister)
7. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-@OAK (Gonzalez)
8. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Sat-PHI (TBD)
9. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Tue-@CHC (Wells), Sun-@BOS (Wakefield)
10. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Thu-FLA (Vazquez)
11. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Mon-@SEA (Vargas), Sun-@NYM (Niese)
12. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Tue-CIN (Cueto)
13. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Tue-NYM (Niese), Sun-TEX (Ogando)
14. David Price (TB) -- Thu-BOS (Buchholz)
15. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Tue-@NYY (Sabathia), Sun-@ATL (Jurrjens)
16. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Fri-TEX (Lewis)
17. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Tue-@WAS (Maya), Sun-KC (Duffy)
18. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Sat-DET (Coke)
19. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Thu-@CHC (Garza)
20. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Sat-MIL (Wolf)
21. Ricky Nolasco (FLA) -- Mon-ARI (Duke), Sat-@TB (TBD)
22. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Fri-KC (Paulino)
23. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Fri-PHI (Oswalt)
24. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Wed-SD (Latos)
25. Bud Norris (HOU) -- Tue-PIT (Karstens), Sun-@LAD (Kuroda)
26. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Wed-@PHI, Gm. 1 (Kendrick)
27. Roy Oswalt (PHI) -- Fri-@SEA (Pineda)
28. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Mon-CIN (Arroyo), Sun-HOU (Norris)
29. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Fri-CHW (Danks)
30. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Wed-@TB (Hellickson)
31. Jonathan Sanchez (SF) -- Sat-@OAK (Moscoso)
32. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Tue-@MIN (Pavano), Sun-@ARI (Collmenter)
33. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Fri-HOU (Myers)
34. Erik Bedard (SEA) -- Wed-LAA (Santana)
35. Mat Latos (SD) -- Wed-@COL (Chacin)
36. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Wed-BOS (Beckett)
37. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Thu-@NYY (Colon)
38. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Thu-SF (Vogelsong)
39. Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-LAA (Haren), Sun-PHI (Hamels)
40. Scott Baker (MIN) -- Fri-SD (Richard)
41. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Fri-@BOS (Lackey)
42. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Mon-MIL (Wolf), Sat-NYY (Burnett)
43. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Sat-BAL (Jakubauskas)
44. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Fri-SF (Lincecum)
45. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-@LAD (Kershaw)
46. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Wed-NYM (Gee)
47. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Wed-CIN (Wood)
48. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-BOS (Wakefield), Sun-FLA (Volstad)
49. Derek Lowe (ATL) -- Mon-@HOU (Rodriguez), Sat-TEX (Harrison)
50. Carlos Zambrano (CHC) -- Wed-MIL (Narveson)
51. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Sat-@MIN (Liriano)
52. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Thu-@ARI (Kennedy)
53. Josh Collmenter (ARI) -- Tue-SF (Cain), Sun-CHW (Floyd)
54. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Sat-SD (Stauffer)
55. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Wed-@ARI (Saunders)
56. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Wed-@SEA (Bedard)
57. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Fri-@CIN (Leake)
58. Trevor Cahill (OAK) -- Wed-KC (Hochevar)
59. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Thu-MIL (Greinke)
60. A.J. Burnett (NYY) -- Mon-CLE (Carrasco), Sat-@CHC (Dempster)
61. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Wed-BAL (Arrieta)
62. Carl Pavano (MIN) -- Tue-CHW (Floyd), Sun-SD (Moseley)
63. Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Wed-@ATL (Hudson)
64. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Thu-@TB (Price)
65. Brian Matusz (BAL) -- Fri-@WAS (Lannan)
66. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Fri-@ATL (Hanson)
67. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Tue-@DET (Verlander), Sun-PIT (Karstens)
68. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Thu-@WAS (Marquis)
69. Mike Pelfrey (NYM) -- Mon-@PIT (Maholm), Sat-LAA (Chatwood)
70. Philip Humber (CHW) -- Sat-@ARI (Duke)
71. Brett Myers (HOU) -- Fri-@LAD (Lilly)
72. Bartolo Colon (NYY) -- Thu-TEX (Wilson)
73. Edwin Jackson (CHW) -- Thu-@MIN (Duensing)
74. Kevin Correia (PIT) -- Fri-@CLE (Tomlin)
75. Charlie Morton (PIT) -- Wed-@HOU (Happ)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Mon-@LAD (Kuroda), Sun-TOR (Villanueva)
Zach Britton (BAL) -- Tue-@TOR (Villanueva), Sun-@WAS (Maya)
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) -- Mon-@NYY (Burnett), Sat-PIT (Maholm)
Paul Maholm (PIT) -- Mon-NYM (Pelfrey), Sat-@CLE (Carrasco)
Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-@ATL (Jurrjens), Sun-LAA (Haren)
Josh Outman (OAK) -- Tue-KC (Duffy), Sun-SF (Cain)
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Mon-ATL (Lowe), Sat-@LAD (De La Rosa)
Tim Wakefield (BOS) -- Tue-@TB (Shields), Sun-MIL (Gallardo)
Randy Wells (CHC) -- Tue-MIL (Gallardo), Sun-NYY (Sabathia)
Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Mon-@CHC (Dempster), Sat-@BOS (Lester)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Phil Coke (DET) -- Mon-TB (Cobb), Sat-@COL (Jimenez)
Aaron Cook (COL) -- Mon-SD (Moseley), Sun-DET (Verlander)
Danny Duffy (KC) -- Tue-@OAK (Outman), Sun-@STL (Garcia)
Zach Duke (ARI) -- Mon-@FLA (Nolasco), Sat-CHW (Humber)
Jeff Karstens (PIT) -- Tue-@HOU (Norris), Sun-@CLE (Masterson)
Yunesky Maya (WAS) -- Tue-STL (Garcia), Sun-BAL (Britton)
Dustin Moseley (SD) -- Mon-@COL (Cook), Sun-@MIN (Pavano)
Carlos Villanueva (TOR) -- Tue-BAL (Britton), Sun-@CIN (Arroyo)
Chris Volstad (FLA) -- Tue-@PHI (Hamels), Sun-@TB (Shields)

One-start sleepers:
Mark Buehrle (CHW) -- Wed-@MIN (Blackburn)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) -- Sat-@NYM (Pelfrey)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Wed-PIT (Morton)
Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Sat-@ATL (Lowe)
Mike Minor (ATL) -- Thu-NYM (Dickey)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Fri-PIT (Correia)
Edinson Volquez (CIN) -- Sat-TOR (Drabek)

HacheMan · Jun 12, 2011

Good news for Pedroia; bad news for Joba

Stephania Bell

It wasn't enough for the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox to face each other in a three-game series this week. Each team vied for the top injury headline Thursday, but in the contest no one wants to win, the Yankees appeared to beat out their rival when the day was through.
While Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia returned to Boston to have his right knee examined, Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was learning the results of the contrast MRI taken of his right (throwing) elbow. According to ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes, Pedroia underwent an in-office exam with team physician Thomas Gill, who used a needle with a fiber-optic camera to look inside Pedroia's knee. The verdict? A bruised patella (kneecap), which Pedroia believes he injured in mid-May after taking a hard fall directly on the knee. He has been playing since then, but the knee had reportedly been bothering him more of late. While it's not clear whether Pedroia will take some time to rest the knee (he is back in the lineup for Friday's game), it appears, at least for the time being, that no surgery is required.

The outlook was not quite as optimistic for Chamberlain. According to ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand, Chamberlain's MRI showed a torn ligament in his elbow, a significantly worse prospect than the original flexor tendon strain diagnosis that landed him on the DL the day before. Both manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman indicated that Tommy John surgery appeared forthcoming (suggesting that Chamberlain's MRI showed a completely torn ulnar collateral ligament), yet Chamberlain acknowledged having no pain, just tightness in the elbow. In fact on Wednesday, the day after experiencing tightness following a throwing session which led to the evaluation, Chamberlain said: "If you asked me to pitch today, I would tell you I could pitch today."
While not all pitchers experience an acute injury of the ligament in the form of a sudden pop or jarring pain, most see something more dramatic than tightness, perhaps in the form of a drop in velocity or lack of command. Chamberlain's last appearance on the mound was Tuesday and there was no indication of a problem. Even the following day, he had what Girardi described as a "normal long-toss for him." Chamberlain's post-throwing tightness, however, led to further examination, followed by a fairly startling result. From the sounds of it, Chamberlain has a significant injury and the road to recovery is expected to be lengthy. The current plan is for some form of secondary consultation with Dr. James Andrews, after which a more definitive outline of next steps for Chamberlain should emerge. (Update: Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced Friday that Chamberlain will undergo Tommy John surgery Thursday, with Dr. Andrews performing the procedure.
Now, on to quick hits heading into the weekend:
• For those waiting to hear the verdict on Oakland Athletics pitcher Brett Anderson, you will have to wait a little longer. Anderson is expected to see Dr. Andrews early next week for a second opinion on his left elbow. Anderson has been evaluated by team orthopedist Dr. Jon Dickinson, but as the Oakland Tribune points out, the results of that visit have not been made public. Given Anderson's history of difficulty with his elbow (two DL stints last year and recent problems with velocity and command), there is cause for concern.
• Florida Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson is still limited to throwing on flat ground. According to the Miami Herald, Johnson says the shoulder is improved, yet he still has residual mild discomfort. It's worth noting that Johnson has not thrown from a mound since his last start on May 16, when a comebacker to his forearm forced him out of the game. He also exhibited a loss of velocity that outing, and after going on the DL, acknowledged feeling some discomfort in the shoulder for the better part of the season but said he had previously been able to work through it. His return has now been pushed back twice and there is no new target date for him to rejoin the team.
• Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer continues to make progress as he goes deeper into rehab games. He is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Monday, but it sounds as if manager Ron Gardenhire wants Mauer to get some more innings under his belt. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Gardenhire would like to see Mauer get some time at Triple-A Rochester, which is expected to happen this weekend. On Sunday, the team will assess his status. Given the fact this episode has been attributed to Mauer trying to do too much too soon in spring training (following offseason knee surgery), the Twins will no doubt be cautious in moving him back to the majors. After all, they want him to play on a regular basis and not find themselves in the midst of a recurrent pattern. Still, it does appear that Mauer's return to the big leagues is now in sight.
• Meanwhile Twins reliever Joe Nathan is feeling better. After a successful bullpen session Thursday in which Nathan said his arm felt "great," he is expected to throw again this weekend after which, the Pioneer Press reports, a rehab assignment could follow.

HacheMan · Jun 13, 2011

NL Notes: Taking On Bruce
Even my mother wrote me last week to take issue with Jay Bruce's placement in last week's outfield rankings. I didn't think listing him 21st was an insult. Certainly, no one complained when he was ranked 28th in the outfield after April. Should a 12-homer month really change everything?

It's fair to say I have a history of being slow to react to both cold and hot streaks. I need to see a real change if I'm going to overhaul my evaluation of a player during a season. Injury issues or changes in playing time or lineup position, those get my attention. But when someone just sucks for a month or plays out of his mind for a few weeks, my opinion isn't likely to be swayed a great deal. Now, if one can give me a reason for a performance change, that's something worthy of notice. Derek Jeter trying a new batting stance, Pablo Sandoval dropping 30 pounds, Adam Dunn having big problems adjusting to a league switch, Brian McCann dealing with eye issues… those are things that would cause me to reevaluate my take.

With Bruce, I don't see it. I think he was a good player having a great month. Maybe it was a legitimate step forward, but I won't simply take it for granted.

And I think it's well worth noting here that for three years, Bruce was a very disappointing fantasy outfielder, even as he was putting up generally solid numbers for the Reds. He didn't hit for a decent average until last year, and even while batting .281 with 25 homers last season, he still finished with just 70 RBI. His career high for steals is five. When Bruce isn't going good, he's a one-category player and not even all that good in the one category.

I don't want to slam Bruce. I projected him to blow away his previous career highs by finishing with 31 homers and 92 RBI this year. Now it seems like a very good bet that he'll finish with at least 35 homers and 100 RBI. But I'm not convinced he's a top-tier fantasy outfielder yet.

And that's why I ranked him 21st. Of course, he's been so good so far that even if he is merely the No. 21 outfielder the rest of the way, he'd likely finish the year as around the 10th-12th best outfielder overall. Which sounds about right to me. The homers will be there in the end, but I don't think he'll keep up his current pace in any category.

National League notes

- I probably should have dropped the Mets' Jason Bay further than 50th in the outfield rankings. After an 0-for-20 start to June, he was benched Thursday and Friday. Upon returning Saturday, he went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. Bay does have a tendency to look worse than most when he slumps, and I wondered if he'd ever pull out of it during the stretch for the Red Sox in the summer of 2009 when he hit .185 over 124 at-bats. Still, this isn't just a slump; it looks like lingering residue from last year's concussion. I honestly don't have a clue if he'll go back to being useful in mixed leagues. His average will come up, but the power might not be there at any point.

- Tim Lincecum hasn't been the same since his 133-pitch shutout of the A's on May 21, and he hit a new low in giving up seven runs over four innings in a loss to the Reds on Saturday. He maintains that there's no injury, though. From here, it looks like he's struggling with his release point. The catcher change to Eli Whiteside could be another factor, though probably not a big one. I'm not particularly concerned about him, and I certainly wouldn't recommend selling.

- Giants manager Bruce Bochy spoke last week about Pablo Sandoval doing some catching after returning from his broken hamate bone. However, after the subsequent Freddy Sanchez injury left them even more short-handed in the infield, I think it's less likely they'll go that route. They need Sandoval healthy and in the middle of their lineup, and having him catch, even if it's just once or twice per week, would put him at risk. As nice as it would be if Sandoval had catcher eligibility, I'd be surprised if it happened right away.

- The Giants did add Bill Hall after losing Sanchez to a dislocated shoulder. The apparently minor groin setback Mike Fontenot suffered on his rehab assignment made that pickup even more necessary. Sandoval is still expected to be activated Tuesday, but Fontenot probably won't join him. That would leave the Giants with Hall and Emmanuel Burriss at second, Brandon Crawford at short and Sandoval at third this week. Miguel Tejada is expected to get a crash course at second, but he could be limited to playing shortstop against left-handed pitchers for now.

- Barry Zito (foot) was pretty good in his second rehab start Saturday, allowing two earned runs and six hits in seven innings for Single-A San Jose. He's probably due two more starts in the minors. The Giants have no intention of pulling Ryan Vogelsong out of the rotation, so unless someone gets hurt over the next couple of weeks, Zito will likely return as a reliever.

- The Dodgers made some changes last week, calling up top prospect Dee Gordon, demoting Jerry Sands and introducing Rubby De La Rosa to the rotation.

Gordon is getting his chance to act as the Dodgers' shortstop after being bypassed initially after Rafael Furcal returned to the disabled list. He'll amass some fantasy value in NL-only leagues by stealing bases, but he's not ready to hit in the majors yet.

Sending Sands down looked like the wrong move to me. He was hitting just .200 in 125 at-bats, but his strikeout rate wasn't excessive and he did have 10 doubles and 17 walks. The homers and singles would have come with a little more patience. Now Don Mattingly is going back to Tony Gwynn Jr. in left field, and we already know how that will work out. Gwynn has a little value in NL-only leagues, but only a little. Maybe Trent Oeltjen will get a chance to challenge him for at-bats, but Oeltjen doesn't have much upside either.

I was more intrigued by De La Rosa as a potential closer candidate, at least for the short term, but he's worth playing in NL-only leagues as a starter. He'll have to bring out his slider more frequently while in the rotation, and he is prone to hanging the pitch.

- The Reds have turned things around a bit over the last week, easing the pressure on Dusty Baker to make a change at shortstop or in left field. I think it is time for them to give Zack Cozart a try, though. Cozart has been red-hot of late, hitting .490 with two homers and three steals for Triple-A Louisville this month. Overall, he's at .328/.365/.504 in 232 at-bats. He's not the defender at shortstop that Paul Janish is, but he's certainly not bad and he's the better bet of the two to serve as Cincinnati's long-term regular. Edgar Renteria has offered the Reds little offense, average defense at short and no versatility for a bench player. Dropping him to make room for Cozart wouldn't cost them much of anything.

- There's also been speculation that the Reds could trade Ramon Hernandez and pair top prospect Devin Mesoraco with Ryan Hanigan behind the plate. That would cause a whole lot more upheaval, given that Hernandez has been on the team for three years now and does a pretty good job of handling the pitchers. Plus, he's been extremely productive this year, hitting .310/.371/.527 in 129 at-bats. As risk averse as teams are these days, I really don't see the Reds making that change.

- The Marlins will activate Hanley Ramirez (back) from the disabled list on Tuesday. As poorly as the shortstop has played this year, some might be tempted to leave him reserved for the week. I wouldn't recommend it, though.

- Leo Nunez missed out on a save chance for the Marlins on Friday because of a stiff back. That ended up going to rookie Steve Cishek, who turned in a scoreless ninth against the Diamondbacks. Nunez might be ready to pitch on Monday.

- 21-year-old Brad Hand turned in a strong major league debut Tuesday against the Braves before faltering a bit Sunday versus the Diamondbacks. A left-hander with an 89-93 mph fastball, a nice curve and a change that's progressed from poor to average over the last two years, he might have a future as a fourth starter for the Marlins. Control is an issue, so he's not a great bet for short-term success. He's OK to have stashed away, but NL-only leaguers need not rush to add him.

- In his first three major league games, Anthony Rizzo homered, tripled, doubled and walked four times. It has me wavering on whether he might turn out to be a decent mixed-league first baseman after all. Petco Park puts him at an obvious disadvantage, and he's not going to have as many runs scored and RBI as he should. Still, he's so talented that he might be able to overcome it all and put up nice numbers as a rookie. He's worth using in mixed leagues this week with the Padres on the road.

- The Padres could activate Cameron Maybin (knee) from the DL and send third catcher Kyle Phillips down Monday.

- Orlando Hudson (groin) won't be ready until Friday at the earliest. Once he's back, the Padres are expected to drop rookie Logan Forsythe.

- The Nationals will get Ryan Zimmerman (abdomen) back on Tuesday. Brian Bixler will likely be sent down, and Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora figure to lose a lot of playing time.

- With neither Roger Bernadina nor Rick Ankiel showing any signs of life, the Nationals are still looking at center fielders, with B.J. Upton serving one possibility if the Rays make him available. Gregor Blanco has hit just .198 in 81 at-bats for Triple-A Syracuse since the Nationals picked him up from the Royals, so he's hardly pushing for a callup. There aren't any other internal options worth trying. Perhaps they'll start playing Hairston there against lefties.

- Tom Gorzelanny (elbow) is likely to rejoin the Nationals' rotation next weekend if his rehab start Monday goes well. He'll replace Yunesky Maya.

- The Rockies put Dexter Fowler (abdomen) on the disabled list instead of sending him down, but he might yet be demoted to Triple-A in the end. The Rockies weren't just thinking about a short-term switch when they opted to move Carlos Gonzalez back to center field. Charlie Blackmon has some value in NL-only leagues.

- While the outfield is looking more settled at the moment, the Rockies are still trying to figure out how best to work in Jonathan Herrera, Chris Nelson, Ty Wigginton and Eric Young Jr. between second and third. I like what Nelson is doing so far -- he's struck out just four times while hitting .324 in 34 at-bats -- and he seems to be the latest preferred option at second. Wigginton is mostly hitting lefties and appears miscast as a regular, but he's starting at third most days. Young has started just three games so far this month, same as Herrera. Manager Jim Tracy has been sticking with the hot hand and that's Nelson right now.

- Kyle McClellan (hip) will come off the DL and start for the Cardinals on Wednesday, and it looks like Matt Holliday (quad) could be back a day later. Holliday's return was set to cut into Allen Craig's fantasy value, but Craig just went on the DL on Sunday with a bruised knee. Holliday can be activated in NL-only leagues this week. Mixed leaguers may want to hold off since he'll only play in three or four games.

- Those Mark Melancon owners who feared the Astros might put Brandon Lyon back in the closer's role obviously have nothing to worry about at the moment. Lyon has allowed five runs while getting just three outs in his first two appearances back from the disabled list. Melancon has given up six earned runs in 32 1/3 innings for the season.

- Jordan Lyles' latest solid outing Saturday against the Braves should see to it that he sticks in the rotation over Aneury Rodriguez with Wandy Rodriguez (elbow) coming back Monday. It'd be quite disappointing if the Astros sent him back to Triple-A.

- As a result of Martin Prado's staph infection, the Braves' entire starting outfield is on the disabled list. However, there is a chance that Nate McLouth (oblique) and Jason Heyward (shoulder) could be activated on Friday. McLouth looks like the better bet at the moment.

- Brandon Beachy (oblique) is slated to make the first of three minor league rehab starts this week. His replacement, Mike Minor, should have value in NL-only leagues through the end of the month.

- The Cubs are expected to activate Alfonso Soriano (quad) from the disabled list on Wednesday. With Darwin Barney slumping, it will be interesting to see if the Cubs start giving Blake DeWitt playing time at second base against right-handers. DeWitt is a defensive downgrade there, but he is hitting pretty well at the moment. The one issue there: DeWitt, a left-handed hitter, actually has a reverse platoon split in his career. The right-handed-hitting Barney has a subpar .663 OPS against righties this season, but DeWitt hasn't really been any better at .672.

- Jeff Baker (groin) and Reed Johnson (back) are likely to be activated Monday, and the Cubs could send Tyler Colvin right back to Triple-A. Baker will go back to being the right fielder against left-handers, and Johnson will probably get most of the starts in center field until Marlon Byrd (face) returns. Tony Campana should lose what little fantasy value he had.

- The Pirates are down to their fourth and fifth catchers on the depth chart after Chris Snyder required back surgery and joined Ryan Doumit (ankle) and Jason Jaramillo (elbow) on the disabled list. Fortunately, they did have about as good of a fourth catcher as a team can possess in Dusty Brown. However, they are looking to acquire some help there. Snyder is expected to miss at least two months and could be forced to sit out the rest of the season. Doumit isn't expected back until after the All-Star break.

- 23-year-old first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is up to 21 homers in Double-A, but with Juan Miranda sporting a solid .813 OPS and Xavier Nady starting to warm up as a starter against left-handers, the Diamondbacks haven't been tempted to make a switch yet. If Miranda falters, I imagine they will give Goldschmidt a look at some point. He's been tremendous in hitting .344/.465/.687 for Double-A Mobile. Against left-handers, he's batted .433 with 10 homers and a 6/15 K/BB ratio in 60 at-bats. No one is penciling him in as a long-term regular just yet, but he's done everything he can to earn a look.

- The following NL teams will be playing in the road in AL parks next weekend: the Brewers, Giants, Marlins, Padres, Phillies and Pirates. Let's look at the ramifications:

The Brewers are expected to call up Mat Gamel to help out as a DH against right-handers. The former third baseman and now full-time first baseman has hit .303/.374/.522 with 11 homers in 228 at-bats for Triple-A Nashville. There's no real role for him on the team apart from the DH games, so he's not going to have any long-term value in NL-only leagues.

The Giants aren't going to have Brandon Belt (wrist) back yet, so Pat Burrell should be the regular DH, making him worth using in NL-only leagues. How Burrell performs will likely determine whether he stays on the roster after the AL games are over.

The Marlins will likely use Greg Dobbs at DH a couple of times, with Emilio Bonifacio starting at third base.

The Padres should stick Brad Hawpe at DH against righties and use Chris Denorfia and Will Venable in right field. Jorge Cantu will DH when the lefties come up.

The Phillies can use the DH spot to rest Chase Utley's knee a couple of times. Ben Francisco will also pick up some extra at-bats when Raul Ibanez DH's.

Unless they decide to call up Alex Presley and give him a shot against righties, the Pirates are going to be reduced to giving Xavier Paul and Matt Diaz extra at-bats.

HacheMan · Jun 13, 2011

Breaking New Ground
Call it the weekend of firsts even though it wasn't the first weekend of June.

First, Mike Moustakas and Anthony Rizzo didn't take long to hit their first major league home runs. Moustakas, who has been long anticipated in Kansas City, is somehow more raw than the younger Rizzo - at least when it comes to plate discipline. He's paired poor walk rates with good strikeout rates and lots of power, so he's not an easy prospect to project. Moose Tacos has also struggled at new levels, but so far so good with the major leagues, or so says his home run Saturday off of Joel Pineiro. Rizzo is a lefty in the worst park for left-handed power hitters in the league, but obviously he didn't have a problem Saturday when he went yard off of John Lannan. Save those balls, rooks!

Jemile Weeks is closing in on his first week in the bigs. He doesn't quite have the same power as older brother, but he has managed two triples in his first week. Owners needing steals should consider him a deep-league prize if Dee Gordon is gone. If he keeps it up, he might even keep the job once Mark Ellis returns near the end of the month. The next prospect at the position, Dustin Ackley, wasn't in the lineup Sunday night. When asked, though, his Triple-A manager said it was a 'routine' thing. It was his first time out of the lineup all year. Kevin Towers admitted that Paul Goldschmidt and Colin Cowgill will make their debuts sometime this year. A pair of prospects not highly thought of before the season, the two have played too well to ignore this year. Oh and Michael Pineda had his first… stumble. He gave up five earned in 5 1/3 innings to the Tigers, but should be all systems go for the rest of the season.

* Tommy Hanson also had a first! His 14 strikeouts against the Astros on Sunday were a career-high. The only obstacle separating Hanson from the elite starters in the league is his ability to continue his excellent work late into the season. Jordan Zimmermann struck out ten against the Padres, but it wasn't the first time he's reached double digits in strikeouts… this year. The good news is that the only thing that had been missing from the young man's game this year was strikeouts. The future is bright for this young man. Another good, young pitcher is Rubby De La Rosa. He has excellent strikeout stuff with okay control, and struck out six Dodgers Sunday in five three-run innings. It's about raw stuff with him, and he should be fine after leaving the game with a forearm cramp. Philip Humber doesn't have the raw stuff, but after holding Oakland to three earned in seven innings with seven strikeouts, he's on a roll. His excellent control and increased use of the slider under a strong pitching coach say that he can continue to be useful, but his average stuff seems to suggest that regression is on the way anyway. Mike Minor continues to get better every time out. He kept the Astros to two runs in six innings with four strikeouts and makes for a good spot start in the short term.

Old dudes can still get it done. Of course, when I say 'old' I mean baseball old, not old old. 33-year-old Roy Oswalt has lost the swinging strikes so far this year, and is getting lucky on fly balls, but holding the Cubs to three earned in seven innings (with five strikeouts) shows that his always-excellent control and growing ground-ball rate will keep him useful in all leagues. Kevin Correia is on the wrong side of thirty, but seems to have figured something out this year. He's a lesson, in a way. By keeping the ball on the ground and not walking many batters, he's teaching us ignore his dismal strikeout rate. Still, that lack of strikeouts hurts his value. Sunday he gave up four earned to the Mets - and struck out four against no walks in 7 2/3 innings. Really, that's should be considered a typical outing. Freddy Garcia bounced back from his first terrible start of the season with a 6 2/3 inning, one-run, six-strikeout effort against the Indians. He's still a fly-baller without much strikeout punch overall, but he'll make a fine spot-start in the right situation. Javier Vazquez… never mind. He did get his fastball up to 92 MPH, but the results weren't pretty, and he's not getting it done right now.

* Even older dudes on the other side of the ball can can it done. Adam Dunn hit two home runs over the weekend, and should be able to get back on track soon. There is, of course, the DH penalty - which holds that hitters don't hit as well as DHes as they do as position players - but Dunn is still young enough to continue his high-powered ways as soon as he gets used to the AL pitchers. Johnny Damon hit a home run Sunday and is almost batting .280 with power and speed in Tampa Bay after seemingly finding the end of the rope in Detroit. He's a viable bench piece in most leagues. Dan Uggla took Brett Myers deep and he got on base eight times over the weekend. Like Dunn, he can put up poor batting averages like he used to as long as he regains that power at that tough position. Call him a good bet to out-homer Carlos Lee despite Lee's resurgence recently. Lee got two hits on Sunday, but his three-year decline in power is powerful negative evidence. Aramis Ramirez has been doing everything he always has, except hit for power. Sunday he hit his second home run in five games and he could be heating up.

* The hardest thing to do in fantasy baseball might be to spot the true buy-low pitcher. Ubaldo Jimenez has a career track record and has gotten unlucky with baserunners. He's still getting the strikeouts and seems to just be struggling with his control. Except his velocity is down and he's not getting the swinging strikes he used to. Sunday, against a weak Dodgers offense, he walked one, struck out two, and gave up 11 hits and seven runs (two earned). Three home runs in 5 1/3 innings is sign enough that something is wrong, and the risk is high that he's not a great buy-low. Francisco Liriano was probably in the same exact position - except that he still was getting the swinging strikes. Now he has that nine-strikeout, no-walk, one-earned performance against the Rangers on this year's resume, and he looks a lot nicer as a cheap target. Riskier than Jimenez health-wise, the numbers favor Liriano in some ways. Brett Myers had a nice year last year, but we can definitively say he's not a buy-low. He's lost all the swinging strikes and ground balls he showed in his resurgence and allowed four earned in seven innings against a struggling Braves offense. He's not really a strong play in any league. Wade Davis' pitch-to-contact experiment is backfiring. Despite getting the win, he only struck out three Orioles in six innings. He hasn't struck out more than five in any outing this year and has allowed more than three runs in seven straight.

Dan Hudson has been long touted as a buy-low, and Sunday's outing against the Marlins was a great step in the right direction. He struck out seven, walked three, and held Florida to one run. That's two straight excellent starts, but a whole season of great control and strong strikeout ability for "the other" Hudson. Was there ever really a time to buy low on Jon Lester? He's an excellent young pitcher that hit a rough stretch and will be fine. He stuck out eight and walked only one in the romp against the Blue Jays Sunday, and if there's any way to get him any cheaper than ace-prices, go do it. Down a little deeper, Felipe Paulino always could get the swinging strikes, but was such a fly-ball pitcher with poor control that he never made it work. Suddenly, in Kansas City, he's showing good control and is a viable AL-only play. That's the lowest you can buy a guy.

* The doctor will see you now. He'll tell you that he's happy that Ryan Zimmerman had eight hits in sixteen rehab games and will finally return from his abdominal surgery on Tuesday. He'll mention that Bartolo Colon obviously wasn't going to stay healthy all year, so you should have seen the hamstring injury coming. Really, it's ditto for Aaron Harang, who has some right foot injury and will take some time off despite having pitched through the malady recently. This doctor has never heard of bilateral leg weakness, but won't rule out a Thursday return for Joe Mauer either. Though Magglio Ordonez will be back from his ankle injury on Monday, the doctor expects to see him again sometime this season. And as bad as it looked and sounded for Hanley Ramirez, he had three hits in his last rehab game and should be ready to go Tuesday. Without really looking at that shoulder, the doctor won't be able to tell you if Jed Lowrie is fine, but missing Sunday's game with pain isn't a good sing. Like the fact that Jason Bourgeois is getting an MRI on his sprained ankle Monday - they can say it's not a big deal, but the fact of the test means he'll miss some time. And in San Francisco, where they are discussing surgery with Freddy Sanchez after he dislocated his shoulder - that's not good. Don't have to be a doctor to know that. And good luck to Mike Napoli, felled by the dreaded oblique. He might be gone until the break. This doctor also knew that there was something fishy going on with the one-day-and-back wrist surgery Paul Konerko had. Apparently, they just moved a bone fragment in his wrist to a spot where it wouldn't hurt. He admits that it might hurt again at any time. Uh-oh.

* Friend James Quintong reminded me that there is no shame, only saves. So don't feel bad if you pick up Jonathan Broxton, who is scheduled to throw a bullpen Tuesday and could be the Dodgers closer by July. Stranger things have happened, and that bullpen is strange. Lefty Scott Elbert got the save Sunday, but only because a lefty was up. Blake Hawksworth started the inning, but may have only done so because Javy Guerra pitched both Friday and Saturday. And once Vicente Padilla's neck feels better, he might still be the dude. J.P. Howell got the save Sunday in Tampa Bay, but Kyle Farnsworth was just not available because of a stomach problem. Still, it's useful to know who's next in line. Sergio Santos has given up eight earned in his last three appearances, with two losses and a blown save sprinkled in. Matt Thornton owners perked their ears for a second. But also included in those appearances is Santos' successful save Sunday against the Athletics. That his manager continues to throw him out there in save situations is argument enough that he has leash remaining. Jonny Venters has great enough rates and ratios that he deserves to be owned in most leagues. But don't expect him to take the closer's job from Craig Kimbrel, even after some wobbles from the kloser in Atlanta (he spells it with a 'K' right). Kimbrel threw a lot of pitches Saturday, and was therefore not available. It's a tandem. He's not a closer on his own team, and he might be headed to the disabled list with a blister problem, but Kerry Wood has been excellent this year and could close for another team. Takaishi Saito was scratched from his scheduled oblique rehab appearance for upper back tightness. That's the second time this year that he's been scratched from a rehab appearance for an unrelated problem. John Axford is safer with every mishap. Brandon Lyon came back, was given a high-leverage inning (the top of the tenth), and blew the game open. Really, Mark Melancon should keep the closer gig all year, but who knows with the Astros. Kevin Gregg blew a save Saturday and Koji Uehara remains a better pitcher, fundamentally. That bullpen should see change this year.

National League Quick Hits: Continuing to make his argument to stay in New York, Jose Reyes hit a home run and collected two more hits to raise his batting average to .346 on the year … Matt Holliday (quad) is still planning to return Thursday when eligible … Hunter Pence missed most of the weekend with back issues but is still planning on returning Monday … Jayson Werth hit leadoff over the weekend, and all that means is that he'll steal a few more (he stole his ninth Sunday) and get more at-bats … Pablo Sandoval is up now and hasn't played a game at catcher yet, but the idea is out there and it's delicious … Aroldis Chapman (shoulder) threw two scoreless innings in Double-A Sunday, and still managed to walk two guys … Enjoy Shaun Marcum while he's healthy; The Brewer changeup master struck out eight cards in seven three-run innings to get the win … After playing five innings at Triple-A Sunday, Alfonso Soriano is on track to be activated Wednesday … Leo Nunez (back) could be back in action early this week … Tim Stauffer isn't top-shelf young talent, but he threw seven innings of shutout ball against the Nationals, and despite only racking up five strikeouts, he gets the groundballs to be started in most games in mixed leagues … Seth Smith hit a home run and would be an excellent starting outfielder in any league were it not for his platoon splits - as is, he's still useful in most leagues … Orlando Hudson (groin) could begin his rehab by mid-week … He's a second baseman now and still is interesting going forward, but Allen Craig will be out a couple weeks with his right knee contusion … James Loney has the power of a middle infielder at a power-driven position, but he hit a grand slam off of Ubaldo Jimenez on Sunday or something … Mat Gamel, who was hitting .303 with power in Triple-A, might come up to be an extra bat during interleague play this week … Chris Capuano does just enough of everything to be relevant; He struck out five and walked two in seven shutout innings against the Pirates and should be considered among spot-starters in most leagues … Brad Hand gave up four earned in five innings at home against Arizona Sunday and isn't really ready for major league success just yet … Jake Westbrook gave up four runs in five innings against the Brewers, and his one walk would have been more impressive if it was paired with any strikeouts at all … Doug Davis gave up ten baserunners in five innings against the Phillies and hasn't been making it far into games to register value even as an innings-eater.

American League Quick Hits: He was incredible last year, but Jose Bautista hit his 21st Sunday and is now ahead of last year's pace … Curtis Granderson went four-for-four on Sunday and should continue having his career year … Asdrubal Cabrera stole two of the five bases against Yankee catcher Russell Martin on Sunday … Kyle Drabek gave up eight runs in four-plus innings against the Red Sox and despite his pedigree, he's not getting the ground balls to be playable in any league right now, despite his manager's insistence that he won't be demoted … Elvis Andrus was removed from Sunday's game for failing to run out a ground ball, but should be fine going forward … Matt Joyce is still missing games against lefties sometimes, as he sat against Brian Matusz … With his ground-ball rate, there's some risk that Justin Smoak won't keep up the power stroke; At least he hit his 12th Sunday … Denard Span (concussion) has shown improvement … Ian Desmond missed Sunday with a mystery upper leg ailment … Jason Kubel (foot) still hurts … Michael Cuddyer hit a home run on Sunday, but his production is really only playable on the (middle) infield if he's eligible there for you … Alex Avila collected two hits Sunday and looks like he'll continue to be a play in all leagues even if the power is a little surprising and the batting average a little luck-driven … Brian Matusz doesn't have a great strikeout rate, and gave up four runs while getting four outs on Sunday against the Rays, but he's still an interesting young lefty … Rick Porcello allowed three runs and nine baserunners in seven innings, but got more ground balls than fly balls and struck out five … Mark Reynolds, who has five home runs in the past week, had x-rays on his forearm, but they were negative … Josh Willingham missed Sunday with a sore Achilles … Derrek Lee will return to the lineup Tuesday … Alberto Callaspo (hamstring) is only day-to-day … Josh Tomlin gave up six runs on 12 hits in Sunday's loss, but there wasn't really much to believe in him other than strong control - he needs a second skill to be trusted in any leagues going forward … Tyler Chatwood gave up five earned to the Royals in fewer than four innings and there's little reason to roster him in any league … Matt Harrison took a line drive off of his left triceps but should make his next start, which is about when the wheels will begin to fall off despite his decent showing against the Twins (one earned, three strikeouts in six innings) … Guillermo Moscoso gave up four earned in 6 1/3 innings against the White Sox but his 11 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings means he's not very useful in even deeper leagues … Brandon Webb (shoulder) will resume his rehab assignment on Tuesday.

HacheMan · Jun 13, 2011

Trends: Good, Bad and Uggla SURGING

Dan Uggla, 2B, ATL

Stats: 4-for-6 with a homer, two RBI, four runs and three walks in his last two games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Astros.

Bottom line: It's way fewer at-bats than most of the streaks discussed in this article, but when dealing with a slump as wretched as Uggla's, you have to start somewhere. In addition to reaching base seven times the past two days, Uggla also hit his first homer since May 15 on Sunday, and is finally looking like he may be recapturing his long-absent mojo. It'll be a lot more difficult to buy low now than it was a few days ago, but Uggla's .183 average may afford you the opportunity to acquire him at a discount. And if you can, I would vote in favor of doing so.

Rubby de la Rosa, SP, LAD

Stats: 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 10/8 K/BB ratio in his first two starts (10.0 IP).

Bottom line: The WHIP and walks are a little bit lofty thanks to five walks in his first career start against the Phillies, but De La Rosa looked considerably more sharp in his second career start against the Rockies on Sunday (five innings, three hits, three runs, three walks, six strikeouts before leaving with a forearm cramp). And if you haven't yet taken note of his explosive arm, here's a suggestion to do so: De La Rosa, who regularly operates in the high-90's, struck out Troy Tulowitzki with Verlander-esque 100 mph heat on Sunday. I won't call him a must-add just yet, but the 22-year-old needs to be watched very closely in mixed leagues.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL

Stats: .405 avg (15-for-37) with four homers, seven RBI and 10 runs in his last 10 games.

Bottom line: Currently hitting leadoff for the Orioles, Hardy – first mentioned here last month – continues to look like a very respectable way to occupy a middle infield spot in mixed leagues. The 28-year-old is hitting .287 with six homers and an 836 OPS on the season.

Miguel Olivo, C, SEA

Stats: .244 avg (10-for-41) with six homers and 14 RBI in his last 11 games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Angels.

Bottom line: He's tough to rely on in formats that use on-base percentage (Olivo's .238 OBP this month is actually lower than his June batting average), but there's no questioning the legitimacy of his power. Among catchers, only Mike Napoli and J.P. Arencibia have as many homers as Olivo (10).

Dillon Gee, SP, NYM

Stats: 5-0 with a 2.02 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 22/7 K/BB ratio in his last five starts (35.2 IP).

Bottom line: I've watched Gee throw on multiple occasions this season, and while it's clear that he has a good idea of how to pitch (which is my polite way of saying that he's not overpowering), I don't see him keeping his ERA (3.05) and WHIP (1.10) this low for the duration of the season. In his last five starts, Gee has had the good fortune of facing the Pirates twice in addition to the Nationals, Cubs and Braves, which collectively rank as four of the seven lowest-scoring teams in the league. I can understand carrying Gee on mixed league rosters right now, but don't expect his numbers to stay this impressive for the long run.

Jordan Schafer, OF, ATL

Stats: .250 avg (6-for-24) with six steals and six runs scored in his last six games.

Bottom line: I'll admit that Schafer's mention here is partially influenced by the fact that I'm a grotesquely rabid Braves fan, and even I haven't been able to bring myself to add him in my main mixed league. With that said, six steals in six games is notable regardless of who it comes from, and Schafer could warrant consideration as a runs/steals specialist in deeper mixed leagues.

STRUGGLING

Casey McGehee, 3B, MIL

Stats: 3-for-41 with one run and one RBI in his last 12 games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Cubs.

Bottom line: Expanding the trend even more, McGehee has hit just .141 (13-for-92) in his last 25 games as his season continues to descend deeper into the commode. It's worth noting that he was pretty hit-or-miss on a month-to-month basis during his 23-homer, 104-RBI campaign in 2010, but it's not remotely encouraging that McGehee's OPS, now down to 605, has spent less than a week above 750 all season. However, given his streaky nature last season, I'd be inclined to give him at least a few more weeks before cutting him loose in mixed leagues.

Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN

Stats: 2-for-27 with one RBI through his first seven games of June.

Bottom line: Now dealing with a left wrist problem in addition to his neck trouble, Morneau has been almost invisible since his pump-fake two-homer game against the Tigers on May 31. With an OPS that has yet to creep above 680 all season, it's looking more and more like Morneau's injuries may render him largely useless in mixed leagues all year, unless the Twins wise up and give him a few weeks on the DL to get healthy.

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

Russell Martin, C, NYY

Stats: 2-for-31 with one RBI (and three steals) in his last nine games prior to a Monday night matchup with Cleveland.

Bottom line: Slowed by a back injury of late, Martin has been pretty maddening since hitting his ninth homer on May 24, but as the only big league catcher with more than three steals – and just one of six to have hit nine or more homers – he's done enough to earn a little bit of our patience. The plummeting batting average (now .232) is a concern, but I'd give him at least a couple more weeks before truly panicking.

Matt Joyce, OF, TB

Stats: .143 avg (5-for-35) with a homer and four RBI in June prior to a Monday night matchup against the Tigers.

Bottom line: Recently dealing with a shoulder injury, Joyce is just 3-for-27 since homering on June 2, but his situation is considerably less bleak than the stories of McGehee and Morneau mentioned above. Joyce was obviously playing over his head while hitting in the .350's, .360's and .370's for much of May and the early part of June, but I still have faith in his ability to produce and don't think it's a disaster if you missed your opportunity to sell high a few weeks ago. Assuming his shoulder injury isn't quietly worse than anyone's letting on, there should still be plenty of solid weeks ahead for Joyce this summer.

HacheMan · Jun 13, 2011

Jonny Venters dominant in setup role

Jason Grey

The Atlanta Braves are blessed with two relievers at the end of the game with raw stuff that can best be described as ridiculous.

Closer Craig Kimbrel has his inconsistencies, but when he's finding the strike zone he can be as unhittable as they come. For some more background, I did a whole blog entry on Kimbrel's stuff and those inconsistencies early last year.

On many other teams, you wouldn't even think about using someone else to close if you had Kimbrel at your disposal. But many other teams don't have southpaw Jonny Venters, either.

"I've felt comfortable all season just going out and going right at guys," Venters said, "and it's been working out thus far."

<OFFER>

Clearly it has, as the stats for Venters kind of speak for themselves. A 0.44 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, almost a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, almost 80 percent ground balls and no homers allowed. The rubber-armed Venters has appeared in 56 percent of the Braves games and is currently in the midst of a 22-inning scoreless streak.

As you may have heard, the key for Venters is a 93-95 mph two-seamer with sharp sinking movement that is extremely tough to barrel up and almost impossible to elevate. Venters has given up just one homer in 123 2/3 major league innings. Obviously, Venters had a big season in a setup role in 2010, but what has taken him from great to otherworldly this year has been a step up in control. His walk rate has dropped from 4.2 batters per nine last year to 2.4 in 2011.

I credit that to more consistent mechanics. Venters' control wanders when he opens up his front shoulder too soon, instead of staying back, keeping that shoulder in and letting his arm work. The occasions in which his timing has been off have been more infrequent this year, and it has been showing up in the numbers. Venters doesn't nibble, because he's obviously not afraid to pitch to contact.

"I don't think I've ever really been a strikeout guy," Venters said. "I don't have one of those heaters like Craig has that I can throw by people. It seems like if it's in the zone they're going to get a little piece of it. The movement is what is good for me, when it looks like it's in the zone and then it dips out. I'm super pumped when I get a ground ball early in the count."

What's funny is that Venters sells himself a little bit short. He's striking out more than a batter per inning and has a higher percentage of swinging strikes this season than Kimbrel does.

Venters pairs his sinker with a sharp, mid-80s slider that neutralizes left-handed batters. The sinker is so good that he has scrapped the changeup that he used as starter in the minors because he doesn't even need it.

"I threw it once this year [second outing of the season on April 3] and gave up a double," Venters said. "I thought, 'OK, I'm not doing that anymore.'" It was just one of two extra-base hits Venters has allowed all season.

Let's be clear: Venters needs to be owned in all leagues. His ownership percentage has been between 45 and 65 percent for much of the season, and he bumped up to 75 percent as of Monday morning, but that's presumably because Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez may be working Venters into the ninth more and not necessarily because more people are recognizing his considerable worth as a setup man, even if he failed to get a single save. Venters registered two saves this week, including one on Sunday because Kimbrel was unavailable after throwing 30 pitches the previous day.

Quality setup men and middle relievers are generally underappreciated commodities in fantasy, especially in mixed leagues without innings or games started caps, and many owners don't consider them unless it's to handcuff their closer. Consider that according to our Player Rater Venters -- with just three saves -- is the highest-ranking pure relief pitcher this season (Alexi Ogando, currently a starter for the Texas Rangers, is the top relief-eligible pitcher). Even if you took the three saves out of the equation, he'd still rank third. A heavily used reliever who can rack up strikeouts and grounders can often be a lot more appealing than taking a chance on a matchup starter and hoping he doesn't blow up. For example, take the saves out of the equation and last week Venters' stat line looks like this: 5 IP 3 H 0 ER 0 BB 8K. I'm making the point about Venters, but it can go for any dominant non-closing reliever in general, such as Hong-Chih Kuo in 2010. You may even want to consider a pitcher such as Mike Adams, if Venters is unavailable in your league.

As far as being heavily used, Venters has been worked hard after throwing 83 innings last year and has already had to sit a few days in April with biceps soreness, but we'll continue to ride him while he's pitching, as he could even lose a little bit off of his stuff and still be fairly dominant, given his movement.

Even if I knew a healthy Venters would not register another save for the rest of the season, he'd still have a place on my team. He's still available in 25 percent of ESPN leagues. That should be rectified.

HacheMan · Jun 13, 2011

Bob Melvin a positive for Oakland A's

Eric Karabell

Perhaps there aren't too many others like me watching the anemic Oakland Athletics offense closely, but I did exactly this over the weekend, intrigued by the potential of new manager Bob Melvin's lineup. The immediate results might not have showed in losing a few close games -- and winning one with a furious rally! -- to the Chicago White Sox, but Melvin's lineup changes can help fantasy owners. Let's face it, not much was going well offensively under Bob Geren's watch.

<OFFER>Athletics hitters aren't exactly in demand in ESPN standard leagues, but I wouldn't assume that will remain the case. Leadoff hitter Coco Crisp is among the stolen-base leaders, which is why he's owned in more than 92 percent of leagues, but he's capable of producing a better all-around game. Fellow outfielder Josh Willingham is at 46.1 percent owned because he's in double digits in home runs and on pace for 100 RBIs, but he can hit for average, too. Catcher Kurt Suzuki is owned in roughly a third of leagues based on preseason reputation and the scarcity of the position, but he has been productive in the past. After that, let's just say you can find available Athletics.

I think that will change soon. I was a big fan of Athletics shortstop Cliff Pennington last season, when he swiped 29 bases in 34 attempts. Pennington isn't a particularly good hitter, as he doesn't have much power, nor does he figure to hit for a high batting average, but he can take a walk and he's fast, and a shortstop with 29 steals is eminently ownable in all formats. One of Melvin's first moves was to install the switch-hitting Pennington in the No. 2 lineup slot -- most of his at-bats came hitting ninth -- and while this isn't proof he will run more, I did smile when Pennington stole his sixth base of the season Friday, his first game at the spot. Plus, Pennington had a productive May, hitting .287, and he's hitting .307 in road games this season. And he can run. There's upside.

Melvin clearly wants his hitters to have more clarity than before, when there was none, and in addition to the Pennington move, designated hitter Hideki Matsui is going to get a chance to lock down the No. 3 lineup slot. Melvin told reporters he thought it was important from a psychological standpoint to have some set roles, and one of them was with the veteran Matsui. He's not having a good season at all, but he has averaged 25 home runs and 87 RBIs the past two seasons. I don't think his bat is complete toast yet. In most leagues, a guy with 87 RBIs gets owned.

So, what actually happened in Chicago this past weekend for the Oakland offense? Well, on Friday, Pennington hit a pair of doubles and a single. Matsui hit fifth and delivered a pair of singles. New third baseman Scott Sizemore had the game's big hit, a three-run double in a four-run ninth inning off closer Sergio Santos. Rookie Jemile Weeks singled and tripled. On Saturday, Crisp and Pennington each scored runs, and Crisp had a go-ahead, eighth-inning home run stolen away from defensive outfield stalwart Brent Lillibridge. Matsui and Willingham knocked in the runs. Crisp scored two more runs and stole a base Sunday, while Sizemore hit his first home run.

For now, those in standard leagues should be owning Crisp (speed) and Willingham (power), and I really think that as long as Pennington keeps on running, he will be viable as well. Matsui is more for the deeper formats, but note that last season he hit .309 with a .402 on-base percentage and .553 slugging percentage in the second half. Perhaps you ignored him a year ago this month, but you didn't thereafter.

I'd also keep an eye on Sizemore; let's face it, I've talked/written about him quite a bit since the start of 2010, and he's been a bust, but the guy can clearly hit, and in a week he'll add third-base eligibility. Sizemore was hitting .408 at Triple-A Toledo, and I was surprised the Tigers dealt him for left-handed relief pitcher David Purcey. The Tigers didn't want him, and the Athletics didn't wait long to demote starting third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. They think Sizemore will be an improvement. I agree. I could see standard league owners with a hole at middle infield becoming interested in the coming weeks.

Other thoughts: Speaking of Weeks, colleague Jason Grey covered the Jemile Weeks promotion and his expectations for the speedy second baseman. I think Sizemore will be better, but cheap speed is always in vogue. … Daric Barton led the AL in walks a year ago, contributing to his .273 batting average and 79 runs scored, mainly because of his No. 2 lineup slot. Pitchers have figured out that throwing him strikes is a wiser course of action. Barton is now hitting lower in the order, he's unownable, and frankly in danger of losing playing time. … I don't see Conor Jackson as a standard league option, but in daily leagues when you know the Athletics are facing a lefty pitcher, Jackson is a good choice, since he's hitting .339 against southpaws.

HacheMan · Jun 14, 2011

History on Hold
It's no secret that Derek Jeter hoped to reach the 3000-hit plateau during the Yankees' current homestand, which concludes Thursday. And he actually had a pretty good chance of accomplishing his goal. Until Monday night, that is.

Jeter, who collected hit No. 2,994 with a first-inning single, left Monday's game after running out a fly ball in the fifth inning. While the injury was originally announced as a sore right calf, an MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain.

Fortunately this type of strain is the least severe, but the Yankees won't make a decision about a potential stint on the disabled list until Tuesday. Of course, the 36-year-old shortstop hasn't been on the disabled list since suffering a dislocated left shoulder in the first game of the season in 2003.

If it turns out that Jeter only has to miss a few days, there's a good chance that he will either make history in Chicago or Cincinnati. If the injury requires a DL-stint, Jeter would be eligible to return for the final two games of an interleague series against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium before heading to Citi Field to take on the Mets.

While Jeter's chase is temporarily on hold, here are some more news and notes from a busy Monday around baseball.

- The Braves may soon get some help for their depleted outfield. Jason Heyward began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday night, going 1-for-3 with a double and walk while playing seven innings in right field.

Heyward is scheduled to play again on Tuesday before being reevaluated. There's a chance he could return as soon as Wednesday against the Mets, which just happens to be Jason Heyward Bobblehead Day at Turner Field. It's fate.

Heyward has been on the disabled list since May 22 due to recurring soreness in his right shoulder. Coincidence or not, his rehab has really kicked into gear since some pointed comments by Chipper Jones last week. Heyward hit off a tee for the first time on Friday and took batting practice Sunday, so hopefully he's not pushing himself before he's actually ready.

- See everyone? Sometimes we do get good news from Dr. James Andrews.

The Athletics announced Monday that Brett Anderson was given a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in his ailing left elbow and will rehab the injury for six weeks. Many speculated that the young left-hander would need Tommy John surgery, but the Athletics have avoided the worst-case scenario here.

Anderson is expected to be reevaluated in three weeks, after which we'll get a better idea about his status moving forward. However, fantasy owners can safely rule him out until August.

- If you stashed Johan Santana on your DL in hopes of using him at some point later this season, you might be waiting for a while. Santana stopped throwing off a mound on June 3 because of soreness in his surgically-repaired shoulder.

The Mets were very careful not to use the word setback here, but it's hard to look at this any other way. Each little hiccup, even a minor one, will push his timeline back a bit further. While the Mets have mentioned late-July as a potential target for his return, we're now looking at early August. And that's if everything else goes right.

The silver lining here is that Santana wasn't sent to a doctor for the soreness and is expected to attempt to throw from a mound again later this week. It's still not a bad gamble to stash Santana if you have the proper room on your disabled list, but he's no sure thing to return this season, nor do we know what pitcher he will be upon his return.

National League Quick Hits: Hunter Pence (back) extended his hitting streak to 23 games in his return to the lineup Monday … Scott Rolen was scratched from Monday's lineup with a sore left foot … David Wright is scheduled to have his back examined on June 24 while Ike Davis will have his left ankle examined on June 22 … Wandy Rodriguez tossed six scoreless innings Monday in his return from the disabled list … Brandon Beachy (oblique) will make his first minor league rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Gwinnett … Cameron Maybin went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in his return from the disabled list Monday … Vicente Padilla will undergo neck surgery Thursday … Dexter Fowler (abdominal strain) could begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Colorado Springs … Adam LaRoche (shoulder) will sit down with Nationals' officials Tuesday to make a decision about potential season-ending surgery … Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a blister on his right index finger … Evan Meek was advised to continue rehabbing his right shoulder following a meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Monday … Wade LeBlanc will start in place of Dustin Moseley (shoulder) Tuesday against the Rockies …

American League Quick Hits: An MRI on Justin Morneau's left wrist came back clean … Vernon Wells hit two homers in Monday's win over the Mariners … David Aardsma played catch Monday for the first time since being diagnosed with a strained ulnar collateral ligament last month … Russell Martin was scratched from Monday's lineup with lower back stiffness … Phil Hughes (dead arm) is slated to throw 45 pitches Tuesday in an extended spring training game … Travis Hafner (oblique) could begin a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Akron as soon as Tuesday … The Orioles hope to sign J.J. Hardy to a contract extension … Carlos Carrasco tossed seven scoreless innings against the Yankees on Monday night and hasn't allowed a run over his last 15 1/3 innings … Jeff Niemann (back) will make his final rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday … Fernando Rodney was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with an upper back strain … Alex Cobb allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings Monday against the Tigers and is expected to make one more start before being sent back to Triple-A Durham …

HacheMan · Jun 14, 2011

Avoid starting pitchers fresh off DL

Even best arms need adjustment period after returning from injury

Tristan H. Cockcroft

Wandy Rodriguez spoiled us.

Six shutout innings in his return start from the disabled list on Monday had to represent his best possible outcome: a 69 game score that ranked in the 86th percentile among all starts by any pitcher in 2011. He was a clear "start" in fantasy, as my suggestion of using him merely in NL-only leagues fell a bit short.

In two words: I'm sorry. I got this one wrong.

But just because I was wrong about one fresh-off-the-DL starter doesn't mean I'm going to blindly endorse the next one. Be it Homer Bailey, Brandon Beachy, Bartolo Colon, Josh Johnson -- or even Kyle McClellan on Wednesday -- I remain firm in my belief that you shouldn't, if granted the luxury, activate a pitcher making his first start after returning from the disabled list.

For a long time, that was a blind feeling, a gut instinct, having witnessed too many instances of recently activated starters being held to strict pitch counts, showing diminished velocity or spotty command, or simply wearing out a few innings into the game. And that's not to say it was a one-size-fits-all strategy; certain pitchers/matchups -- Zack Greinke, earlier this year, immediate comes to mind -- were granted an exception.

With Rodriguez marking his return from the DL, however, I decided, once and for all, to see whether the stats support my claim. To do that, I examined 58 of the best starting pitchers in baseball since the start of the 2008 season -- a group that made 103 combined trips to the DL during that time -- to see how each fared in his appearance following his return. To qualify, a pitcher needed to have made at least 30 starts since the start of the 2008 season, with an ERA under 4.50 and WHIP under 1.40. In addition, these pitchers were activated directly into a team's rotation; none of them were activated into the bullpen or went to the minor leagues for a start or two first.

The numbers do not bode well for start No. 1:

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Start
No.</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>QS%</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>BB/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Average
Game score</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Average
pitch count</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27.7%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49.7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84.1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54.8%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.43</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.71</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.76</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54.6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92.9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56.2%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.84</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.93</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.53</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52.3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95.3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57.5%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.87</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51.7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96.8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5+</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56.6%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.84</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.56</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.57</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53.4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98.4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

To put some of those numbers into perspective, consider that the 2011 major league average for quality-start percentage is 55.3 percent, almost exactly double that fresh-off-the-DL number. The league's starters' ERA is 3.97 and WHIP is 1.31, their average game score is 52, and they've averaged 97 pitches per outing. Granted, pitching has taken a noticeable step forward this season, but remember that major league averages include everyone, even the 5-plus-ERA starters; and even if you go back to 2008, the major league averages (48.3 quality start percentage, 4.46 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 49 average game score, 95 pitches per start) were really no worse than this fresh-off-DL group's.

Repeat injuries, or instances where the pitchers in the group subsequently returned to the DL, also weren't uncommon. Two pitchers returned to the DL immediately following their first start back from it, three were DL-bound after two, and 11 were back on the DL within five starts of their initial DL stints.

Things improve, however, if you tighten the criteria for a "good" pitcher. Of that group of 58, 20 have had ERAs beneath 3.75 and WHIPs beneath 1.30 -- remembering that over a three-year span the ratios tend to be higher than in a single year due to regression to the mean -- and here's how they fared:

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Start
No.</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>QS%</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>BB/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Average
Game score</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Average
pitch count</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34.4%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.82</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53.6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82.9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59.4%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.94</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.02</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.55</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58.9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92.6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61.3%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.43</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53.9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95.3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62.1%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.64</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.20</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.40</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.59</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53.8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95.3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5+</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63.7%</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.41</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.19</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55.8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98.6</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This is where Greinke and Rodriguez come in; they were the 20th and 25th starting pitchers selected on average in ESPN live drafts in the preseason. Both warranted attention in certain formats during their activation starts -- I argued "deeper leagues" in Rodriguez's case -- but the chart above demonstrates, still, that even the fantasy aces had workload/quality start concerns. The ratios were fine, but they simply don't pitch deep enough into their outings to be elite fantasy plays right away. It seems it's all a matter of whether a shorter start helps in your particular league format.

Not that, again, this is a one-size-fits-all discussion. An individual pitcher's skill set, the specifics of his injury, any possible rehabilitation reports and the return-start matchup all come into play when making activation decisions. Obviously, a pitcher who missed a brief amount of time and who faces a light matchup -- like an assignment at Petco Park -- is going to be more attractive than the one who was out for an extended period and marks his return at Coors Field.

But with those numbers in mind, I urge you to stick fairly closely to the strategy: Avoid the fresh-off-the-DL starters, in the absence of any compelling data otherwise.

TOP 100 STARTING PITCHERS

Note: 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.
<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">Felix Hernandez, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </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>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee, PHI </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">Jered Weaver, LAA </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>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </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>9 </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>10 </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>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </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>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Haren, LAA </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">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </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">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </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">Josh Johnson, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </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>20 </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>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos, SD </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">Ubaldo Jimenez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </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">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </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>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </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>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </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">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza, CHC </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">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </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>38 </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>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </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>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </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>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </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">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </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>49 </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>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Liriano, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </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>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erik Bedard, SEA </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">Ryan Dempster, CHC </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">Ryan Vogelsong, SF </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">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Lowe, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </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>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Stauffer, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bronson Arroyo, CIN </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">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Lohse, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Travis Wood, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edinson Volquez, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Charlie Morton, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Zambrano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </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>75 </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>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Carrasco, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Humber, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dillon Gee, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Jackson, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Guthrie, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </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>82 </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>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Tomlin, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bartolo Colon, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Matusz, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Peavy, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </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>87 </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>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James McDonald, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Doug Fister, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rick Porcello, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Leake, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wade Davis, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Hammel, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Pineiro, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Lackey, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Minor, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Harrison, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wells, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Westbrook, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Three up

Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies: Move over, Ubaldo Jimenez, there's a new ace in Colorado. Chacin, once advertised as a potential staff ace himself at the time of his big league debut, has significantly outpitched rotation-mate Jimenez all year. Thanks to Chacin's eight-shutout-innings masterpiece against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, he actually places 16th among all starting pitchers on our Player Rater. And while earlier in the year he had been relying more on generating grounders than striking hitters out -- the latter a key ingredient to his 2010 success -- he's returning to 2010 form in the K department recently, with 31 whiffs in 34 innings his past five turns. Oh, incidentally, he's still generating ground balls at the identical rate as earlier in the year, to go along with an elevated strikeout rate; he had a 60.4 percent ground ball rate in his first eight starts, and sure enough, he also has a 60.4 percent ground ball rate in his past five starts. Not that he's guaranteed to keep those numbers at quite those levels, but when you're talking about a 60-plus percent ground ball rate and a strikeout rate north of eight, you might be talking Cy Young votes.

Philip Humber, Chicago White Sox: It's time. The White Sox were hesitant to declare Humber a guaranteed long-term starter, and I was subsequently hesitant to rank him generously in this space, but now, with Jake Peavy on the DL and Humber riding a streak of eight quality starts in his past nine outings, he is actually shaping up as a sound fantasy investment. In a way, he's like the American League's answer to Ryan Vogelsong, a pitcher who not long ago appeared on his way toward journeyman status but has performed so well during a fill-in situation that his team cannot possibly consider yanking him from the rotation. Beginning with a near no-hitter at Yankee Stadium on April 25, Humber has turned in eight quality starts in nine tries, winning five of them with a 2.53 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. A .200 BABIP during that span -- not to mention a 1-to-1 ground ball/fly ball ratio for a pitcher who calls homer-friendly U.S. Cellular Field his home -- hints that he's bound to regress in the ratio categories. But Humber has proved he belongs, and at the bare minimum he should be a matchups choice looking forward, even in shallow mixed leagues.

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals: The headliner of last week's 60 Feet 6 Inches, Zimmermann was every bit as productive as advertised in his two starts during the past week, allowing one earned run on nine hits while striking out 13 in 14 innings combined. That the assignments came at San Francisco's AT&T Park and San Diego's Petco Park, two favorable pitchers' venues, might lead some to dismiss the outings as matchups-driven, but I've long said that one mark of a good pitcher is that he dominates the matchups he's supposed to. Heck, Zimmermann's past eight starts have come against lighter competition, but during that span, he has registered a 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 8.19 strikeouts-per-nine and 4.27 K's-per-walk ratios, and has perhaps generated some momentum he can carry into tougher assignments ahead. His ERA and WHIP are bound to rise against stronger foes, but he's also getting stronger the further he's removed from Tommy John surgery, and he pitches in a division that's hardly loaded with elite offenses. To the latter point, not one team in the National League East ranks higher than 14th in either runs scored or OPS. Zimmermann's schedule should remain generally favorable.

Three down

Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics: (Almost) every pitcher struggles sometime. Cahill, who began the season 6-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in his first eight starts, has seen his numbers slip; he's 0-4 with a 5.35 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in six starts since. His sinker simply hasn't been fooling hitters; he held them to a line of .218 AVG/.301 OBP/.257 SLG through his May 9 start (those first eight), but has been tattooed to the tune of .324/.422/.515 since. Criticize Cahill's recently decreased strikeout rate if you will -- he has averaged 5.60 K's per nine in his past six starts after 7.74 per nine in his first eight -- but he's still throwing his curveball, his swing-and-miss pitch, about as often and effectively, generating 10 whiffs on curves in 21 plate appearances in his past six turns after 13 in 32 PAs in his first eight. This might be a mere blip on the Cahill radar screen, not unexpected from a pitcher who typically relies more on his defense than blowing away hitters. It could, in fact, be a prime buying opportunity.

Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers: Boy, were his past week's performances ugly. After getting blasted for nine runs on 10 hits, four of them home runs, in 3 1/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers on June 6, Lewis was even more disappointing in a soft-on-paper matchup at Target Field on Saturday, affording the light-hitting Minnesota Twins six runs on seven hits in 1 1/3 innings of work. It was a somewhat unexpected cold spell; he had a 4-2 record, 2.04 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in his seven starts that preceded it. Two starts probably shouldn't send anyone scurrying for the hills, but there are mild warning signs to take from them. One is that Lewis' fastball usage is up and his slider usage is down, going from 59.3 percent fastballs and 22.0 percent sliders through his June 1 start, to 65.0 and 18.6 in his past two; another is that his fly ball rate has remained steady at an elevated 52.0 percent this season, up from 42.8 in 2010, while his line drive rate is a bloated 25.0 percent his past two turns. One could wonder whether there might be an underlying issue.

Ricky Nolasco, Florida Marlins: In case you're curious about where Nolasco's Monday meltdown (3 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 5 ER, 4 BB) ranks among his worst all-time performances, using Bill James' game score calculation, his 14 placed fifth-worst out of his 129 career starts. But here's what's especially bothersome: Two of the five worst outings of his career have come in the past three weeks -- the other was an even worse outing on May 29 (5 IP, 15 H, 8 ER, 8 game score) -- and the four walks compared to three strikeouts on Monday run counter to everything sabermetricians love about him, notably his usually good command. Point to Nolasco's bloated .341 BABIP as a reason he'll turn this around, but I'll counter with his 23.1 percent line drive rate and .246 well-hit average; he should have a bloated BABIP because opponents are hitting the ball harder and more effectively against him. He's also throwing his fastball slightly slower than usual, which backs that up; he's averaging 90.3 mph with the pitch this season, after 91.5 in 2009 and 90.9 in 2010. I'm taking an understandable step backward with him in my rankings.

HacheMan · Jun 14, 2011

Should mixed leaguers cut Derek Jeter?

Eric Karabell

If Yunel Escobar, Ian Desmond and Darwin Barney were placed on the disabled list Tuesday, you would probably cut them in ESPN standard (10-team) mixed leagues and look for another shortstop. Perhaps Desmond and his lofty stolen base totals are a bit different, but still, in general, you would probably move on, since none of them are big names, and they're not exactly performing at an awesome level. These fellows are just outside the top 10 among shortstops on the ESPN Player Rater.

Guess who is directly behind them, sputtering along at No. 14? Yep, it's Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. Well, Jeter, approaching his 3,000th hit, suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right calf Monday night. As of this writing, we don't have an update on how many games he'll potentially miss, if he'll need a DL stint, etc.

In a way, it's not relevant. Look, if you took out the Hall of Fame name and just looked at the statistics, Jeter is no longer a must-own fantasy player in a shallow league, and if I knew that said player was going to miss at least a few weeks, when about 14 weeks remain for the season, I would have to consider cutting him depending on what else is available and how much bench space I had. Jeter is contributing in a truly valuable way in one fantasy statistic: runs scored. The seven stolen bases are nice, but can we really count on that pace continuing, especially with a leg injury added to the equation? I'm not saying you should cut Jeter right now, because he might be back in the lineup in a few days, and as it stands, he's a league-average shortstop and useful. But you shouldn't feel dirty about considering it. He's performing even worse than last year, at barely replacement level, with no reason to believe it's a fluke.
From a true baseball sense, as colleague David Schoenfield noted overnight in the SweetSpot blog, the Yankees can survive a few weeks without him (long term would be a problem because of the team's lack of depth at shortstop). Outfielder Brett Gardner has more speed and better on-base skills and can capably lead off. Fill-in shortstop Eduardo Nunez is not a better fantasy option than Jeter, and to be blunt, he's not a defensive upgrade, either, but it appears he can steal a base and hit the same insane number of ground balls as Jeter. And don't give me intangibles as a separating factor. This isn't about Jeter's Hall of Fame career, this is only about his value to a fantasy roster for the next three months.
Way too many fantasy owners underestimate the importance of batting average and its grand effect. Jeter is 15th in the major leagues in at-bats, which makes his .260 batting average pretty impactful, perhaps more so than the guys really struggling in batting average but batting far less (Adam Dunn, for example). For years, Fantasy Focus podcast co-host Nate Ravitz and I have extolled the virtues of Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, often recommending him and selecting him earlier in drafts than our colleagues were comfortable with. Ichiro bats 700 times, and his .330 batting average is every bit as critical as a player who hits 30 home runs. Of course, this season is a different story (regarding Ichiro), but that's a different blog. Point is, Jeter's batting average hurts a fantasy team just as much as the runs scored and occasional stolen base help it, perhaps more.
Let's put it this way: If Barney can keep hitting .300 while providing the same numbers as Jeter in runs scored, home runs, RBIs and stolen bases, which he is, it stands to reason that if Barney plays more games than Jeter from here on out with the extra 40 points in batting average, he is more valuable. I'll stop a bit short of proclaiming that to actually be true, because Barney is a rookie and hasn't done much since April and appears an obvious regression candidate. But my point is Jeter was a sixth-round pick in ESPN average live drafts and has not played like one, even with reasonably lower expectations and shortstop being a position that lacks fantasy depth. The undrafted and still casually owned Barney has been better. Both have been barely replacement-level players this season, which is why neither should be held to a high standard in terms of trust and high ownership. Jeter isn't a bad player. I should point out that there are worse leadoff hitters in terms of OBP (he ranks 22nd out of 47 leadoff hitters with a .336 OBP). Jeter is hitting .391 when he is the first batter of the game and .344 leading off an inning. He's important to the Yankees -- statistically and psychologically -- and he has a place in fantasy leagues. But if he hits the DL and has to miss a few weeks, or potentially more if this injury lines up with what befell Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins a season ago, look elsewhere. It's the smart thing to do, and your fantasy team is not the New York Yankees.

HacheMan · Jun 14, 2011

What's wrong with Carlos Santana?

Jason Grey

Patience hasn't exactly been a virtue for Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana this season. Santana was expected to be among the top offensive catchers in baseball entering 2011 after an impressive 46-game stint last year that was cut short by a season-ending knee injury. That hasn't exactly been the case, but it's not because he has been a free swinger.

The 25-year-old Santana, who drew more walks than strikeouts in six minor league seasons and has carried that trend to the majors, actually leads the big leagues in pitches per plate appearance (4.42). So his lowly .218 batting average and mediocre .726 OPS do not appear to be tied to selectivity at the plate.
<OFFER>I went back and looked at video of a number of his recent at-bats, solicited the opinion of a pro scout who follows the Indians. Our own Keith Lipscomb -- who knows a thing or two about the Tribe -- chimed in as well. The consensus appears to be that Santana probably could stand to be a little less patient.
We often talk about young hitters finding that balance of being "selectively aggressive" at the big league level, and Santana simply hasn't done that yet. Santana has remained patient to a fault; he's not attacking drivable pitches early in his at-bats as often as he should, especially when he's ahead in the count. I'm all for young hitters showing patience at the plate, but one of the facets of plate discipline is putting a charge in the ball in favorable situations, taking a free pass only when the opposing pitcher doesn't give in and throw a pitch that the hitter can drive. (Logan Morrison is a good example of a young player who appears to be finding that balance well.)

The other issue I see regarding Santana is overswinging. The times he does offer at something, he has been prone to taking more of an exaggerated cut, as if he's trying to raise his batting average 30 points with one swing of his bat. Trying to do too much with a bigger swing has resulted in weaker contact, such as "rollover" grounders and pop flies. That's a fixable issue, though. Santana just needs to relax, trust his normal mechanics on both sides of the plate and let it happen.
One thing I don't see as being an issue: Santana's past knee injury. I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe that last season's injury is affecting his hitting mechanics. All he needs right now is a touch more aggressiveness and a more consistent, natural swing. And a little more luck: His low .236 batting average on balls in play is partly as a result of that weaker contact but illustrates some bad luck, too.
I'm still very high on Santana over the long term and do expect him to pick it up in the last three and a half months of the season. He's too talented a hitter not to. Santana currently ranks 15th among catchers on our Player Rater, and I still think he can finish in the top 10 despite his slow start.

Other notes

• I'm not concerned about Brandon Morrow. Although some might be panicking about his 5.63 ERA and 1.49 WHIP (in 10 starts), some bad luck appears to be playing a significant role in those inflated numbers. The walk and strikeout rates are right in line with where they were last season -- although we'd obviously like the walk rate to come down a bit -- and his velocity is right where it should be.

That said, I have noticed a change in Morrow's repertoire of late. When I saw Morrow earlier in the year, I noted that he had a full four-pitch mix working for him, just as he did in the second half of last season. That hasn't been the case as much in recent starts. It appears he has gotten into the habit of falling back on his fastball/slider combination a bit too much, especially when he gets into jams, instead of working his changeup and curveball a little more into the mix. Obviously a pitcher likes to go with his best stuff, but I think Morrow has become a little predictable, and it hasn't helped that his slider has been inconsistent from start to start.
Morrow's sustained velocity is a positive sign that the forearm problem that affected him at the end of spring training is not an issue. Once he gets back to mixing up his repertoire a little as well as having more luck on balls in play, Morrow should be fine. I'm not overly concerned at this point.
• The woes just keeping adding up for Justin Morneau. I blogged about Morneau a few weeks ago, and things have only gotten worse since then. He hasn't been 100 percent, and there's no reason to think he will be in the near future. Morneau is still taking medication to deal with the effects of last season's concussion, lost 10 pounds in April as a result of an illness and is battling a pinched nerve in his neck/shoulder. (He has already gotten two cortisone shots to deal with an injury that he said might be an issue the remainder of the season.) Now we add a left wrist issue on top of that. It's reportedly just fluid buildup in the joint, and an MRI was negative, but add it to the list of maladies. Wrist issues are never good for power hitters, especially one dealing with other things.
"He's been run through the mill and he's really, really, really playing beat up," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told the Minneapolis Star Tribune last week. "But he also realizes the situation we're in, that he needs to be out there for this team." We're getting to the point where he doesn't need to be out there for yours despite what we know he can do when he's right. He might be able to make contact despite all the issues, but his ability to hit for authority remains very much in question right now.

HacheMan · Jun 15, 2011

Dose: Josh Johnson Delayed

Tuesday was not an enjoyable day of news on the Josh Johnson front, as manager Edwin Rodriguez told the Palm Beach Post that the right-hander won't be back before July as he continues to deal with shoulder trouble. Later in the day on Tuesday, the Marlins moved Johnson to the 60-day DL, making it official that we won't be seeing the Florida ace back in the rotation until after the All-Star break at the earliest.

I don't think it's time for full-scale panic, but the continual delays in Johnson's recovery are definitely becoming cause for concern. As reported in the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Johnson has yet to throw off a mound, and unless he begins a throwing program soon, he could easily get pushed back later into July. It's important to remember here that the All-Star break isn't a definite return date for Johnson – at this point, it's basically a best-case scenario.

On a slightly happier note for Florida, Hanley Ramirez (back) returned from the DL, but tempered that optimism but going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts to lower his average to 205. He did have four homers and eight steals despite a .219 average in May, so hopefully the time off helps him start hitting despite a rough first game back on Tuesday.

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times believes that Dustin Ackley could be promoted to the big leagues as early as next Monday. With a .300 average, 905 OPS, nine homers, 34 RBI and seven steals at Triple-A, the 23-year-old has a chance to come up and make an immediate impact in mixed leagues.

With just six hits to go until his 3,000th hit, the Yankees delayed any ceremonies by placing Derek Jeter (calf) on the DL. Eduardo Nunez will take over in his absence, but is only a fringe consideration in AL-Only leagues. On another Yankees injury note, Joe Girardi told MLB.com that Russell Martin (back) "feels better," and the catcher is still hoping to avoid a trip to the DL.

Joe Mauer told reporters that his legs are feeling better than they have all year, but Ron Gardenhire said that he doesn't expect the All-Star catcher to be activated Thursday. Assuming Gardenhire doesn't change his mind, it sounds like Mauer will likely be back on Friday. In other Twins injury news, Justin Morneau (wrist) was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 10. Given how badly Morneau has been hitting, some time off to get healthy could actually be a good thing.

Three prominent right-handers threw complete-game shutouts on Tuesday. The most notable belonged to Justin Verlander, who lost a bid at another no-hitter in the eighth inning and ended up with 12 strikeouts against the Indians. Also hurling shutouts were James Shields (who lowered his ERA and WHIP to 2.60 and 1.05 with his stellar outing against the Red Sox) and Jered Weaver, who allowed just five hits against the Mariners but threw 128 pitches in the outing.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Johan Santana (shoulder) could be out until August after experiencing a minor setback earlier this month. At this point, I can understand cutting Santana loose in NL-Only leagues if you need the roster space.

On the same day that it became official that Adam LaRoche (shoulder) will need season-ending surgery, the Nationals got some positive news on the injury front, as third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (abdomen) was back in the lineup after being sidelined for more than two months. Zimmerman went 1-for-5 with a double and an RBI and should be activated in mixed leagues immediately.

Phil Hughes (dead arm) hit 91-93 mph with his fastball in extended spring training on Tuesday, setting him up for a minor league rehab start at Single-A on Sunday. This positive news opens the possibility that Hughes could be back before the end of this month, but early next month may be the safer estimate.

Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox are expected to add Andrew Miller to their rotation next week. Miller has a 2.54 ERA at Triple-A, and the notoriously wild lefty has been especially sharp lately with a 22/1 K/BB ratio in his last three starts. However, Miller's overall 51/34 K/BB ratio in 60 1/3 innings underscores why he shouldn't yet be a consideration in mixed leagues.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Pitcher injury notes: Cole Hamels left in the eighth inning with back trouble, but expects to make his next start … Jake Peavy (groin) will make a minor league rehab start on Thursday in anticipation of potentially being activated next week … Rubby De La Rosa is expected to make his next scheduled start after leaving early on Sunday with forearm cramping … Matt Harrison (bruised triceps) is on course to make his next start Saturday … Hong-Chih Kuo (anxiety disorder) will make an appearance at Triple-A on Wednesday, which should help determine if he's getting close to a return … Joe Blanton (elbow) played catch Tuesday and is expected to rejoin the rotation sometime before August, according to pitching coach Rich Dubee … Brad Lidge is scheduled to play catch Wednesday as he targets a return around the All-Star break … Indians right-handed pitching prospect Jason Knapp, a key component of the Cliff Lee deal in 2009, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

Position player injury notes: Rafael Furcal (oblique) has begun light workouts, but is still expected to be out until early July … Travis Hafner (oblique) began a rehab assignment on Tuesday as he targets a return this weekend … Brian Roberts (concussion) has been increasing his exercises, but still can't do any baseball activities until at least June 21 … Denard Span (concussion) won't be ready when eligible for activation on Thursday … Tsuyoshi Nishioka (fibula) reportedly could be back as soon as Wednesday … Freddie Freeman was scratched due to a mild right oblique strain, and it sounds like manager Fredi Gonzalez may hold him out an additional day or two … Justin Turner (thumb) will be out until at least Thursday, with Daniel Murphy shifting to third and Lucas Duda at first … Darwin Barney is headed for the DL due to a strained PCL, with Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker taking over second base in his absence … Josh Willingham (Achilles) returned to the lineup and went 1-for-5 … Ian Desmond (leg) returned and went 1-for-4 … Brandon Inge (mono) is hoping to return when eligible on Friday.

Lineups/miscellaneous: The Blue Jays sent Kyle Drabek (5.70 ERA) to Triple-A … Derrek Lee returned from the bereavement list … Drew Stubbs is expected to get a routine day off Wednesday after picking up three hits and two steals on Tuesday … The Twins-White Sox game was postponed, pushing Tuesday's scheduled starters Gavin Floyd and Carl Pavano back to Wednesday.

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

Notable pitching: Young Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio threw seven innings of two-run ball with one walk and nine K's against the Padres … Yovani Gallardo struck out 10 in a no-decision against the Cubs … Danny Duffy picked up his first big league win with six innings of two-run ball (four walks, two strikeouts) against the struggling A's … Speaking of struggling A's, Trevor Cahill walked seven and struck out none in another shaky start … Despite some knee soreness, Jeff Karstens lowered his ERA and WHIP to 2.66 and 1.08 with 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Astros … Bud Norris struck out nine while throwing seven innings of one-run ball against Pittsburgh … Alexi Ogando took his first loss of the year, giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Yankees … Josh Collmenter began the inevitable regression of his ERA and WHIP by giving up five runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings.

Notable hitting: Dan Uggla homered for the second time in three games … Aramis Ramirez hit his third homer in the last week … Justin Ruggiano went 2-for-4 with a homer to raise his average to .372 in 43 at-bats … Jose Reyes went 3-for-5 with two steals to raise his league-leading average to .346 … Domonic Brown hit his third and fourth homers of the year, including an upper deck shot … Charlie Blackmon (2-for-4) picked up a steal for a fourth consecutive game.

HacheMan · Jun 15, 2011

Which Way Will You Go, Sergio?

We've all seen it before. The obvious blown call. Especially when the call goes the wrong way for your team, the emotions that run through your body are priceless: incredulity, anger, disbelief, and maybe a little nihilism might explode within you. Some Tampa Bay Rays fans have this toxic mix still coursing through their veins after the phantom swipe tag of Justin Ruggiano on Monday.

Maybe there is a little similarity between the prominent blown call and the dominant closer. Both can leave you pretty f'in upset depending on your allegiances.

So, in the spirit of the moment, we will name the tiers after the most egregious blown calls in recent baseball history. We'll do this even though there's no way that you, personally, could blame an unsuccessful at-bat against one of these guys on the umpire. No, it was probably the high nineties stuff that broke hard in on your hands that decided that at-bat.

Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "Derek Jeter - Jeffrey Maier home run" Tier.)

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

In 1996, the Orioles weren't so bad. They could have even beaten the Yankees that year in the playoffs. Unfortunately, a twelve-year-old fan turned a Derek Jeter fly ball into a home run. Apologies to Cards fans, who may rightfully believe the Denkinger calls to be worse, but 1985 was a long time ago.
Heath Bell had a bad week - he gave up the deciding two runs in two games and looked human. He's also walked five batters in his last seven outings, and only 11 all year. Lastly, former GM Jim Bowden said recently that Bell would be the most surprising player to remain with his team after the trade deadline this year. So maybe it's a good time to shop your excellent closer and go find Mike Adams on the wire. But not at the same time, that would be too obvious. Brian Wilson moves up because he's only walked three batters in June, which bodes well for him. (To be fair, though, his last strikeout may have been a blown call.)

Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "Armando Galarraga (im)perfect game" Tier.)

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

It didn't decide the game. It didn't decide a series. But the blown call on what should have been the final play of a no-hitter by Armando Galarraga was egregious. Everyone immediately knew the call was wrong and even the umpire, Jim Joyce, admitted that he got it wrong.
Craig Kimbrel had a bad week, but it wasn't as bad as Joyce's week after the blown call. He gave up three earned runs in two outings and blew his fifth save of the season. The second appearance came in a non-save chance, and Jonny Venters also managed a save this week, so it made sense to wonder if the closer was on shaky ground. Despite Venters' amazing ground-ball rates and dominating presence, Kimbrel is still the closer. He doesn't have the same career platoon splits as Venters, and managers usually prefer strikeout pitchers to ground-ball dudes in the ninth inning. He'll be fine.
Jose Valverde deserves some positive attention. He hasn't given up a run since May 29th, and he's struck out six batters in five June outings. Sure, he's been walking a few more than normal, but he's been one of the best values at the position all year. Kudos to those that drafted him. Of course, Joel Hanrahan was cheaper and has been even more dominant, but that's besides the point.

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Kent Hrbek lifting Ron Gant's leg" Tier.)

Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Comment:
No, this one had nothing to do with urinating. Ron Gant was trying to get back to the bag and Kent Hrbek helped him travel right past it for the successful pickoff. It came in a big moment, in the World Series that the Twins eventually won. It didn't have quite the same feel of injustice as the others, however: it was equal parts Hrbek craftiness, Gant over-aggressiveness, and umpire negligence.
John Axford sure overcame his early-season issues. He has ten straight appearances without a run, and though he walked the bases loaded a couple weeks ago, his walk rate has settled into mere Axford-ian territory. While he's still throwing 95 MPH gas and striking out 11+ per nine innings, he can afford that slightly wonky walk rate.
Jordan Walden finally makes the jump he's deserved for a while now. We were ready to move him up in the last week of June, but then he had a little blip. Now he's held June scoreless, with seven strikeouts and no walks in four innings this month. His 98 MPH, coupled with better than Axford-ian control, means that there's even more upside with this young man. With every successful save, he makes his case to move up the rankings.
The risk with these rankings comes from the sample size. Most of these closers have pitched only about 20+ innings so far this year, and it's hard to take away a ton from that kind of a sample. Consider Francisco Cordero, who had a poor strikeout rate this year and looked like he was furthering his three-year decline. Monday, Cordero struck out the side. Now his strikeout rate looks about the same as last year's rate, and his improved control makes him interesting. Until he walks three batters in his next outing and returns to his career rate there. This much is true, though. He's not a great pitcher, and he's getting extremely lucky on balls in play. If there were better pitchers behind him in the pen, and his luck was worse, we might be discussing a change here.

Tier 4: Question marks (7) (AKA: The "Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano and Mike Napoli get in a pickle" Tier.)

Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins

Fernando Salas, St. Louis Cardinals

Comment:
Talk about incredulity. Jorge Posada gets hung up in a pickle between home and third. Then Robinson Cano gets too close to third base. Then Mike Napoli tags em both out. Then Cano is safe at third. Wha?
Sergio Santos has a "Wha?" story of his own. Just two years ago, he was a failed shortstop looking to revitalize his career by moving to the mound. Then this spring he lost a game of 'nose' and was made the closer. He was excellent until just this past week, where he gave up eight runs in three outings and re-started the familiar White Sox closer chatter. He's *probably* fine. But it's worth noting that he has worse control and less strikeout punch than Axford, which is not good news. Santos also walked six batters in those three innings, so control is part of this picture. Watch his walks going forward if you're thinking about acquiring him cheap.
Andrew Bailey got his first save of the season and is poised to jump tiers, but also hasn't pitched in back-to-back games yet. Kyle Farnsworth has been improving his strikeout rate recently - he's had seven straight outings with a K - but he did get hung with the loss on Monday. He's still safe. Matt Capps hasn't pitched in a week, when he blew a save, and the Twins are apparently regretting their Wilson Ramos trade now. Sorry, but that's a 'duh.' Neftali Feliz also has three strikeouts in his last three outings - and now walks. Maybe he's healthy now.
Finally, Fernando Salas deserves to move up. Sure, he's given up some runs recently, but his manager keeps running him out there and his overall rates still look great. Even those runs he's given up have come in small doses - one at a time. Given the state of the rest of the bullpen, it's starting to look like Salas will be the closer all year.

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


Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (6) (AKA: The "Did Matt Holliday touch the plate" Tier.)

1st Chair: Joakim Soria, 2nd Chair: Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals
1st Chair: Ryan Madson, 2nd Chair: Jose Contreras, Philadelphia Phillies
1st Chair: Kevin Gregg, 2nd Chair: Koji Uehara, Baltimore Orioles
1st Chair: Jon Rauch, 2nd Chair: Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays
1st Chair: Mark Melancon, 2nd Chair: Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros
1st Chair: Javy Guerra, 2nd Chair: Blake Hawksworth, Los Angeles Dodgers

Comment:
Do you think Matt Holliday touched the plate? Or are you sure he didn't? We can't blow up the umpire too badly if we haven't all decided what happened.
Don't mistake the lack of arrows for a lack of activity here in the bottom tier. Joakim Soria regained his job and successfully converted three save opportunities in the last week. His velocity has also shown some life in his most recent outings. He now has six strikeouts in his last four innings, which might be the best sign of 'em all. With the contract options in the Royals' back pocket, it's hard to see what happens here. He could recover and remain the closer for the next three years, even. He'll move up the rankings with another good week.
On talent alone, Ryan Madson deserves to be higher in the rankings. But with the negativity that Madson used to inspire in Philadelphia, it's worth being cautious with his place in the tiers. Brad Lidge is still rehabbing with mixed results, and with every blown save, Madson's detractors wish for their old closer back. And Madson blew one this week by allowing a ninth-inning home run to Geovany Soto.
Kevin Gregg bettered his control the week before last, and then he blew his fourth save of the season in Tampa. Still, he finally has his strikeout-to-walk ratio above one for the season and he's only allowed one run in June. Could he be an ugly-but-effective closer all year? Maybe. Koji Uehara is still a better pitcher.
The difference between the two candidates in Toronto is not huge. Jon Rauch is the closer now, and he has good control but lacks the strikeout punch of your normal closer. Frank Francisco is in the dog house now, and does have a home-run problem, but he has the strikeout punch of a closer. The bet is still that Frankie Frank gets the job back once fewer balls leave the park, and buying low on him presents one of the better opportunities for cheap saves on this list right now.
No mincing words about it: Brandon Lyon's return has gone terribly for the mediocre pitcher. In three outings since returning, he's given up eight runs. He's only struck out one batter since returning, against two walks and three home runs. He says he's healthy, his manager says he's healthy, but the numbers do not, and nor does the radar gun. He might end up on the DL again. Mark Melancon is probably a better pitcher anyway. Don't drop M&M yet.
Only one pitcher has notched a save in Los Angeles over the past week, and it wasn't one of the front-runners for the closing job. Scott Elbert's save on Sunday was a product of the fact that he was a lefty and a lefty was needed. He replaced Blake Hawksworth, who may now be in the mix for saves. Javy Guerra pitched the ninth in a four-run win on Saturday. Matt Guerrier seems to be the "setup man." All of this may change tomorrow.

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

Injured

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

Comment:
David Aardsma threw some! We should know more in the next week-plus. Brad Lidge will also provide news soon. He's scheduled to play catch Wednesday. Joe Nathan will throw batting practice on Wednesday, too. Hey! Even Jonathan Broxton is going to throw a bullpen this week. He could even return to closing, since Vicente Padilla is going to have neck surgery and will be out for an 'extended period of time.'

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

Expect Brandon Lyon shortly.

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

The Steals Department

It's time to talk about Ben Revere. His game is not without flaws. He has no power at all and might not even hit one home run all year. He needs to walk a little more. Right now he's getting on base at a sub-par rate for a guy that builds his value on his legs. But what Revere does well, he does extremely well. He's stolen five bases in six attempts and should have the green light on the basepaths after topping 40 steals three straight years in the minors. He also plays an excellent center field, which is important. Denard Span's defense in center is not great, so even when he returns from his concussion symptoms he could slide to the corners. Jason Kubel and Jim Thome returning will squeeze Revere's time some - but those two are extreme candidates for mid-season trades. Someone could use them and the Twins need to focus on next year.

Charlie Blackmon is not Dexter Fowler. He does not have the same physical tools. He does not switch-hit and he does not have blazing speed. Then again, Charlie Blackmon also does not have a problem making contact. He can take a walk (though he hasn't yet in the majors), but most importantly he won't strike out a lot. He does have good speed (he's stolen four bases already this year), and he has some power. He's polished and ready to go. And now Dexter Fowler is supposedly going to take his time rehabbing in order to figure out his approach at the plate. He might even stop switch-hitting. There's a chance Blackmon sticks.

HacheMan · Jun 15, 2011

Top hitting prospects getting called up

How excited should fantasy owners get over Moustakas, Rizzo, Ackley, etc.?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

It's prime time to be a prospect.

In this era of eight-figure salaries for veteran superstars but cost-controlling measures for youngsters, June tends to be a popular time for top prospects making big league debuts. You'll hear these words tossed about a lot: "Super Two." That refers to the group of arbitration-eligible players with between two and three years' big league service time, a percentage of which are granted arbitration early, advancing their salaries more quickly than those who miss it. As a result, teams tend to go out of their way to prevent prospects from reaching Super Two arbitration status, suppressing them in the minors until such time they believe they're "safe" from the Super Two cutoff. Jim Bowden explains the process well here.

For some reason, the beginning of June has become a widely assumed time for the Super Two cutoff, despite the process dictating no specific date and instead dependent upon how quickly teams promote their prospects. (Look at it like this: If every team waited until exactly -- and only -- Sept. 1 to recall prospects, the Super Two cutoff would probably be on that date or later.)

That is why, in the past 10 days, we've seen the big league debuts of such exciting young names as Dee Gordon, Mike Moustakas and Anthony Rizzo. It's why we might see prospects such as Dustin Ackley and Brett Lawrie in the coming days. For a full list -- and detailed analysis -- of the soon-to-come prospects, check out David Schoenfield's SweetSpot blog on the topic, or read any of Jason Grey's work on the individual names.

But today's "Hit Parade" isn't about the prospects to come. Rather it's about the likelihood of fantasy impact of the prospects who have -- and will -- come. It's all well and good to talk about these hotshot prospects, as fantasy owners always want to read about the next big thing. But do these kids really matter?

Though each represents an individual case, for the most part, I say yes.

Think about this: Between May 29 and June 22 in the past three seasons (2008-10), 15 members of Baseball America's Top 100 prospect lists in those years were promoted by their respective big league clubs. Twelve of them were hitters and six, in fact, were deemed top-10 prospects overall. (The full list of 15: Pedro Alvarez, Homer Bailey, Gordon Beckham, Kyle Blanks, Jay Bruce, Jason Castro, Carlos Gonzalez, Tommy Hanson, Chase Headley, Andrew McCutchen, Buster Posey, Carlos Santana, Mike Stanton, Stephen Strasburg and Matt Wieters.)

These players, in spite of the oft-mentioned-on-these-pages prospect failure rate, were surprisingly productive players following those promotions. Take a look:

<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>Time span</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>SLG</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>HR
(per 162 G)</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>SB
(per 162 G)</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>RBI
(per 162 G)</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>R
(per 162 G)</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">1st 30 games</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.256</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.322</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.427</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Full season</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.267</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.335</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.448</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

A .267-22-79-8 stat line might not overwhelm you -- and remember that Castro's performance adversely affected that -- but in a deep-mixed or AL-/NL-only league, they matter, and certainly justify the expenditure of your high waiver ranking. It's why, if pressed to make a blanket statement about top prospects being promoted, I'd say, "Yes, it's definitely worth spending your No. 1 waiver position for them."

It explains why during Monday's FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) run of the NL-only version of the League of Alternative Baseball Reality (LABR), I invested 86 of my 96 remaining dollars in Rizzo. That's a huge chunk of change, but for full details, it's a 13-team NL-only league with standard 24-man rosters, a rule that stipulates that you cannot demote any active player from your starting lineup (you can only cut struggling performers), and a six-man bench. Almost everyone is owned. Jerry Sands ($63), Charles Blackmon ($24), Javier Vazquez ($21; he was cut earlier in the year), Ryan Vogelsong ($13) and Vance Worley ($11) have been the five next-most expensive pickups this season. Gordon? Draft-day reserve pick. Domonic Brown? Jeez, I bought him for $9. Even Shelby Miller is owned!

The Rizzo buy was a bold move, eerily similar to my David Wright purchase -- I lack the specifics but believed he was a $90 buy as well during his debut year -- of several seasons ago. The thinking is that three-and-a-half months of potential production beats a possible two from any high-impact player moved into the National League at the trade deadline. Rizzo has the bat to be a .280-plus hitter with double-digit homers in spite of Petco Park's spacious dimensions; the hope here is that he has an impact similar to that of Kyle Blanks, a .250/.355/.514 hitter in 54 games of his debut year of 2009 (scaled to a larger number of remaining games, of course).

As for the other kids? Here's a quick-hitting look at each, whether they have already debuted this season, in the order in which I like them:

Moustakas: He's a third baseman, which has quickly morphed into a thinner position than expected in fantasy, and has comparable offensive potential to Rizzo in a better ballpark; a .280, 12-homer kind of stat line is possible. My worry is that he has occasionally struggled to adapt quickly each time he has stepped up to a higher level of competition, so patience is required.

TOP 125 HITTERS

Note: 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.
<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">Albert Pujols, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </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>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Braun, MIL </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">Adrian Gonzalez, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Kemp, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </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>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </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>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robinson Cano, NYY </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">Alex Rodriguez, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </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>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Reyes, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carl Crawford, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Troy Tulowitzki, COL </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">Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS </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">Mark Teixeira, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </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>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Prince Fielder, MIL </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">Justin Upton, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jay Bruce, CIN </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">Josh Hamilton, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </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>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Longoria, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Stubbs, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hunter Pence, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Howard, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rickie Weeks, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Youkilis, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Stanton, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Ortiz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Elvis Andrus, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Pedroia, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Paul Konerko, CHW </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">Matt Holliday, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bourn, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Phillips, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kinsler, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">B.J. Upton, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Wright, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shane Victorino, PHI </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">Chris Young, ARI </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">Alexei Ramirez, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Martinez, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </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>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Beltre, TEX </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">Jimmy Rollins, PHI </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">Chase Utley, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pablo Sandoval, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Quentin, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </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>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jayson Werth, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </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">Corey Hart, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shin-Soo Choo, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stephen Drew, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ichiro Suzuki, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Ethier, LAD </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">Neil Walker, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Zobrist, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Heyward, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Mauer, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rajai Davis, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Hosmer, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </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>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian McCann, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Reynolds, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Morse, WAS </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">Michael Young, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gaby Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Berkman, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Beltran, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Rasmus, STL </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">Starlin Castro, CHC </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">Adam Dunn, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Billy Butler, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Coco Crisp, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Uggla, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </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>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Gardner, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Espinosa, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Martin Prado, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Howard Kendrick, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kelly Johnson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Damon, TB </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">Matt Joyce, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Juan Pierre, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Montero, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aubrey Huff, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aramis Ramirez, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rios, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vladimir Guerrero, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </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>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erick Aybar, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Gordon, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Tabata, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Desmond, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denard Span, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gordon Beckham, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Brantley, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Jeter, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Markakis, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhonny Peralta, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Ludwick, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alfonso Soriano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Grady Sizemore, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brennan Boesch, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Swisher, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Cuddyer, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Delmon Young, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Hardy, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Moustakas, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>114 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Avila, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Smoak, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peter Bourjos, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.P. Arencibia, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andres Torres, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Domonic Brown, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anthony Rizzo, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Angel Pagan, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123 </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>122 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Wieters, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Lee, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torii Hunter, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Desmond Jennings: People forget that he, unlike the others in this list, accrued service time in the big leagues in 2010 and that the Tampa Bay Rays are notoriously conservative promoting prospects, so that he's not up yet shouldn't be that shocking. But he has earned a shot, with .286/.376/.433 rates and 64 steals in 71 chances in 204 career games in Triple-A, and has the skills to make a quick impact. I think he's up by month's end.

Gordon: No power to speak of, but he's quick, as much so as anyone currently in the majors. His slap-hitting approach might give enough pitchers fits that he'll get on enough to be a top-10 speed source looking forward. Long term, I worry about the potential for lengthy slumps.

Jesus Montero: Now that Jorge Posada is hitting, the New York Yankees don't have a compelling reason to promote Montero. But the instant Posada gets hurt -- if it happens at all -- Montero almost assuredly will get the call. That he's a catcher makes all the difference here.

Lawrie: He's currently injured in Triple-A and plays in one of the most hitter-friendly environments in the minors (Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League), so don't take those .354/.415/.677 rates too seriously. But he has double-digit power and speed potential and could score second- and third-base eligibility. In addition, the Toronto Blue Jays have a good hitting coach in Dwayne Murphy, who might be able to help Lawrie through any potential adjustment period. I still say Lawrie might not be up before the All-Star break, though.</P< p>
Ackley: I'm more a fan because of the position he plays -- second base can be tough to fill in fantasy -- than his actual skills. Ackley isn't elite in power or speed but he's sound with the bat, a shouldn't-hurt-you kind of player with his batting average. The problem is the Seattle Mariners' offense is awful, so a player who generates much of his value with his batting average probably won't be helped enough in terms of counting numbers to make a significant impact. Ackley, incidentally, might be recalled within the week.

Three up

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers: Not that you need us to tell you Kemp is a fantastic fantasy player, but it's the magnitude of his recent hot streak that has him in this week's "three up." In 13 games in June he's a .422/.536/1.000 hitter with 16 RBIs and 13 runs scored, a performance about as valuable as his April, when he managed .368/.446/.613 rates, 19 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 20 runs in 28 contests. It puts him on an astonishing full-year pace: .332 batting average, 47 home runs, 131 RBIs, 38 stolen bases, 110 runs scored, which would be an all-time-great kind of fantasy campaign. Naturally, Kemp shouldn't be expected to quite attain all of those numbers, but there's reason to believe he'll remain a top-10, and perhaps top-5, player overall the rest of the year. For one thing, his strikeout rate, which was a career-high 28.2 percent during his disappointing 2010, has dropped to 25.2 percent, while his walk rate has soared to a career-best 12.1 percent. He's also performing significantly better against right-handers; he's a .323/.394/.641 hitter against them, after .233/.299/.444 in 2010.

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox: He keeps on truckin', even at 35 years old. In his past 31 games, Ortiz is a .361/.418/.795 hitter with 27 RBIs and 27 runs scored, and not coincidentally, during that span the Red Sox are 22-9. You can credit the depth of his lineup if you wish -- that obviously has a direct impact on his runs/RBI production -- but let's heap some kudos on him, as he's enjoying a 23.0 percent line-drive rate and .329 well-hit average, meaning he's locked in. This is vintage Ortiz -- and the strength of his supporting cast has helped restore that status -- and there's little indication that's going to change over the next few months.

Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles: Speaking of "vintage" versions of hitters, Reynolds in recent weeks has shaped up as the Reynolds we've come to know and get incredibly frustrated by, an all-or-nothing slugger with the home run potential to tantalize us but the strikeout rate to positively kill our team batting averages. In his past nine games, he has five home runs and 11 RBIs but a 32.4 percent strikeout rate that ranges not far off his 38.0 percent career rate. Reynolds has batted .300 during the hot streak, but much of that was a product of the homers; he has a .286 batting average on balls in play that's closer to his .313 career number (he's a .238 career hitter) than his .257 of 2010 (when he batted .198). Enjoy this while it lasts, as Reynolds might spend his career annually tallying 30-plus homers. But there will also be lengthy spells in which he's tough to have in your lineup.

Three down

Jason Bay, New York Mets: His struggles have reached the point to which he's a legitimate drop candidate in all but the deepest of leagues -- think NL-only formats of 10 or more teams. Through more than a third of the season, he's 273rd on our Player Rater among the 520 hitters to have appeared in a game so far. Bay's struggles in New York have even earned him a seat on the bench to begin four of the Mets' past nine contests; he's a .067/.216/.067 hitter with 13 strikeouts in 30 at-bats in the nine games he has played in June. That brings his Mets career numbers to .243/.333/.363 in 137 games since the beginning of last year. Don't blame Citi Field for all of his problems, either, as he has a 4.7 home run/fly ball percentage in his road games during that span, lower than his 4.9 home number. Bay is swinging at more bat pitches, hitting a few more grounders and struggling with the fastball; that all points to problems that aren't easily fixable.

Rajai Davis, Toronto Blue Jays: I'm a Rajai Davis fan, primarily because I believe he's as productive a stolen bases asset as anyone in the game, but even accounting for that it's difficult to overlook his current cold spell. In his past nine games, he's 2-for-34 (.059 BA) with one walk, his .086 on-base percentage obviously responsible for his single stolen base chance during that time (it was a caught stealing). When Davis is struggling, he's chasing bad pitches; he's 11th among players with 200 or more plate appearances with a 37.7 chase percentage, and that number has risen to 39.3 percent in his past nine contests. Obviously you should remain patient with him, since his 50-steal potential is difficult to replace, but those in shallow-mixed leagues should bench him until he heats up.

Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays: One of the hottest hitters in fantasy the first two months of the season, Joyce has seen his bat cool in June, but at least in his case there's a potential explanation. He has complained of recent shoulder soreness, an injury that cost him games this past Friday and Sunday and one that he claims has bothered him since the beginning of June. Sure enough, Joyce is a .150/.222/.300 hitter in 11 games this month. In situations such as this, fantasy owners can't help but wonder whether a brief disabled-list stint would help; at the same time, the missed games would adversely affect his short-term value.

HacheMan · Jun 15, 2011

Joe Mauer leads list of banged-up Twins

Stephania Bell

It is evident injuries have taken a toll on a number of teams. However you want to measure the injury impact -- number of players who have visited the DL, total days lost to the DL (read: cost, in terms of salary for injured player and replacement cost) or severity of injury (there have been an unusual number of serious and season-threatening or season-ending injuries) -- it is present. Whether or not it's an actual fact, some teams just feel as if they're taking a bigger hit than others.

The San Francisco Giants have lost two key players -- Buster Posey (done for the season) and Freddy Sanchez (it's possible he won't return this year) -- to serious injuries. The youthful Florida Marlins have seen several key 20-somethings spend time on the DL, including first-time shortstop Hanley Ramirez and ace Josh Johnson (who has just been transferred to the 60-day DL and won't return until at least post-All Star break). But perhaps the most dramatic effects are playing out up north, where the Minnesota Twins, projected by many before the season started to take the AL Central, seem to be literally taking a beating (currently in last place in their division), largely as a result of injury. Just look at their disabled roster as of Wednesday:
Jason Kubel, OF, left foot sprain
Joe Nathan, P, right elbow soreness (post-Tommy John surgery in 2010)
Glen Perkins, P, right oblique strain
Kevin Slowey, P, abdominal strain
Denard Span, OF, concussion
Jim Thome, DH, left quad strain
Justin Morneau, 1B (just added!), sore left wrist
And that doesn't count the 60-day DL:
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS, broken left fibula (there's good news here! He could be activated after being re-evaluated by the team medical staff Wednesday)
Now you know there's only one name left, and we all know who it is. The face of the Twins, the amazing athlete with the giant contract and perhaps the most puzzling injury scenario of all:
Joe Mauer, C, bilateral leg weakness
What are we to make of Mauer's health?

The latest on Mauer, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, is that Mauer had five at-bats in a simulated game Tuesday. He is scheduled to take batting practice off Joe Nathan Wednesday and will then be re-evaluated. It looks as if Mauer will not rejoin the team Thursday (that idea had been floating around), but his return does not appear to be too far off. Or so we think.
If the Twins seem reluctant to commit to a firm timetable, they probably are. Given that Mauer has only played in a handful of games this season and that his injury issues have been, well, unusual, no one probably dares venture out on that limb again.
Coming into the 2011 season, Mauer was recovering from a "minor" surgical procedure on his left knee, the same knee that caused him to miss extensive time in 2004, ultimately requiring surgery to address cartilage damage. He appeared in the Opening Day game, made three subsequent appearances and, a few days later, was placed on the DL with "bilateral leg weakness." At virtually the same time, Mauer was felled by a severe viral infection that sent him to the hospital. Early comments from the team suggested a relationship between Mauer's illness and the weakness that sent him to the DL. When Mauer expressed his belief that the two issues were unrelated, the murmurings began as to what really was the source of his disability.
After consulting with several specialists, including the physician in Baltimore who treated Mauer for his sacroiliac condition in 2009 (another unusual presentation that arose not long after a kidney issue) and physicians at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Mauer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune he had been "checked for everything" and there was no serious medical condition present. Mauer acknowledged he may have rushed his return from his offseason knee surgery, which he believed led to attempts to compensate with his right (throwing) shoulder, causing it to become sore. Even Mauer found it difficult to describe the cascade of events which led to his extended DL stay. "It's tough to explain," Mauer said. "Your body compensates. You try to play through it, and it started to get bad."
Amidst the whirlwind of conversations brewing about Mauer's condition, how long his recovery might be and whether he could even return long term to his catcher's role, Mauer quietly pursued regaining his health. Gradually he built up enough strength to resume baseball activities, followed by some DH at-bats and eventually progressive innings of catching. Mauer recently indicated he's feeling the best he has this season, but the unanswerable question for anyone is whether this will last. His medical course has been anything but typical, so how can anyone predict what happens next?
Mauer and the Twins will no doubt refrain from making any projections when it comes to his timetable or expectations going forward. Instead they will proceed one day at a time and hope for the best. After all, it appears they could be getting Nishioka and Perkins back soon, and they hope Thome and Nathan are not far behind. They've even managed to string together some wins recently, winning seven of their past nine games. Maybe they think they've paid their dues with the injury bug. As manager Ron Gardenhire told the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "Every team goes through injuries. We've had our share of them and then some."

HacheMan · Jun 15, 2011

Starlin Castro: Potential versus production

Eric Karabell

Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro delivered his first career walk-off hit to win Tuesday's extra-inning game. I smiled. I want this guy to be good, because he's young and exciting and brimming with potential. Certainly this is someone who will be a fantasy star someday … but I don't think that day will be in 2011.
Despite being 21 years old, Castro ranks as the No. 7 shortstop on the ESPN Player Rater, with a future bright for power and speed potential. As for the present, he's hit only one home run and stolen seven bases. Frankly, and this is generally viewed as a bad thing in fantasy, Castro has been a hollow batting average guy, and while I can't wait to see what he becomes, potential won't win you a championship this season.

Perhaps expectations were unfairly high for such a young and -- let's face it -- raw player. Watching Castro as much as I have, it's easy to see how he'll grow into his body, add more muscle, develop power, and become an elite shortstop. I mean, this guy is 21! For most organizations, he's probably riding buses in Double-A at this point, being taught the value of drawing a walk (he's currently on pace for only 25), working on reading certain pitches better and the pitchers themselves when he's attempting to steal, and certainly in the field, where his arm and range scream Gold Glover (someday), but focus and maturity have resulted in 41 errors in 187 games.
On Tuesday, I wrote about the statistical ghost that has unfortunately become future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, and how name value and not actual production was preventing fantasy owners from moving on. Since that blog, Jeter was placed on the disabled list. Castro is not Jeter. He hit .300 as a rookie and is hitting .309 now, and he's trending up, but using the name value as a comparison, I do have to admit Castro might be better used as trade bait for those of you in redraft leagues -- don't part with him in keeper/dynasty formats! -- as opposed to leading you to a 2011 championship.
I expected Castro to be a bit overdrafted this season, but that wasn't really the case; he was a modest 15th-round pick in ESPN average live drafts, 11th at a scarce fantasy position. Castro wasn't overdrafted. But I do wonder if his owners are rebuffing trade inquiries -- I've seen it in a few of my leagues, and perhaps I've been guilty of it as well -- based on potential. Hey, potential can be a dangerous thing, and I just don't see Castro delivering power this season or lofty stolen base totals. He's on pace for two home runs, 74 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, and one of those numbers is unrealistic (the RBIs) because he probably won't be hitting in the No. 3 lineup spot moving forward.
Castro was miscast as Chicago's No. 3 hitter, a spot he's held in half of the team's games this season. Castro has hit .245 in that role, with a .272 on-base percentage and zero home runs. Put simply, that's unacceptable. Perhaps the Cubs, like fantasy owners, have been guilty of expecting more. On Tuesday, Castro hit second in the order, as second baseman Darwin Barney was injured (and is now on the DL) with Aramis Ramirez (he has his own problems hitting home runs) and Carlos Pena following. It's a more natural spot for Castro, and it will cost him RBI opportunities. I've made it clear I really like Castro, but if he doesn't drive in runs at the same rate and he loses marginal batting average points, without gaining elsewhere, he's probably not a top-10 fantasy shortstop. He is 100 percent owned, and should be.
I'll keep Castro in the dynasty league in which I own him, but would be interested in trading him in the head-to-head format. In that league, Castro just isn't helping me much, except as a steady batting average option. Seven steals in 11 weeks isn't much, and if there's any offensive statistic sitting around on free agency, it's that one. By 2013, I could see 15 home runs, maybe 30 steals annually. It will be fun. For now, it's just kind of fun.
As for the other Cubs middle infielders, Barney was prominently mentioned and compared to Jeter in my Tuesday blog entry. If you dropped Jeter, then drop Barney. The sore knee might not keep Barney out for more than a few weeks, but he was a regression candidate to start with, and ranks 48th among middle infielders on the Player Rater over the past 30 days (Castro is 27th, incidentally). Barney is hitting a more hollow .294, but with far fewer extra-base hits, and not much speed. Among the names I'd look to replace Barney and Jeter with include, in order, J.J. Hardy, Danny Espinosa, Alexi Casilla, Ty Wigginton, Dee Gordon and Jason Bartlett.
Look for Blake DeWitt, the team's out-of-place left fielder of late, to see extensive playing time at second base, in concert with lefty-killing Jeff Baker. I used to like DeWitt, a walker with batting average potential, but two walks in 104 plate appearances doesn't cut it. The Cubs could promote Bobby Scales, who has seemingly been hitting well at Triple-A Iowa for a decade, or maybe sign a sad Felipe Lopez type.

HacheMan · Jun 16, 2011

Up With Romero, Morse & Ackley
A group of breakout stars shined brightly Wednesday night, but really these performances have been coming for a while.

Ricky Romero may not have had the great minor league numbers that usually predate work like he's been putting in this year. Down on the farm, he did have worse command and his strikeout ability waxed and waned, but he was still able to get groundballs throughout. And that hasn't left him in the major leagues, as more than half of his contact burns worms. Wednesday night, Romero struck out twelve batters in eight innings while holding Baltimore to one run. He's been striking more batters out and walking fewer every year in the major leagues, and he's now a fantasy ace. No doubt about it.

Jhoulys Chacin only gave up one run in six innings against the Padres at home Wednesday, but it was the seven strikeouts that were so awesome. He's always been a ground-ball dude -- and he's inducing over 60% of his contact on the ground this year -- but he's adding strikeout punch in the major leagues and is an excellent play going forward. Dillon Gee didn't get his eighth win, but he didn't lose the game either. He struck out five in four innings in a rain-shortened appearance, but reports of his minor-league stuff doesn't quite match the results he's been getting in the major leagues this year. He does have a decent changeup, and if he pairs it with his current control, might be able to do just enough to stick on the back end of mixed-league rotations.

On the other side of the ball, the prognostication is not as clear. Yes, Mike Morse hit two home runs against the Cardinals, and yes they were his 11th and 12th of the year. Though he was once a light-hitting middle infield prospect, you can actually see the power coming. In 2009, he started striking out more and hitting for more power, and that string has continued until today. The strikeouts are a bit of a problem though. With the amount of whiffing he does on a per-pitch basis, he could only hit about .270 or so going forward. And still he'd be a value to those that picked him up for free.

* Other young players are making their case for playing time. Dustin Ackley is now in the major leagues and gets to make his case. His good plate discipline means that his transition might go well, but he doesn't have much power or speed. Still, in deep leagues he should be picked up, and even in some mixed leagues he might fill a need. Brennan Boesch has been on fire this month, with a .368 batting average. He hit his fourth home run of the month on Wednesday too. The thing is, he always showed higher strikeout rates in the minor leagues and it just seems like that same batting average dip is coming in the future. Ben Revere collected two hits and a stolen base, and along with his excellent center field defense, looks like he might be able to stick even once Jason Kubel and Jim Thome return. Once the older dudes return, they should really be traded so that the Twins can focus on next year. Pick up Revere in most keeper leagues if you have a need for speed and an open spot. Saves & Steals favorite Charles Blackmon is in a similar situation. He got three hits and a stolen base Wednesday and looks comfortable in the majors. He's the opposite of Dexter Fowler in that he doesn't have the same tools, but he's also opposite in that he makes loads of contact. Supposedly Fowler will take his time in the minor leagues and try to get back on track. Maybe Blackmon can make his case in the meantime.

* Some difficult starts Wednesday hide upside that still remains. Mat Latos gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Rockies and only struck out two. His velocity is also not all the way back. The good news is that he's young and still striking out batters at an above-average rate. He's a decent buy-low even for this year. Derek Holland ran into a Yankee buzzsaw and couldn't manage a strikeout. He gave up home runs to Mark Teixeira and Eduardo Nunez while allowing six runs in five innings. Still, he's a young lefty with a 94 MPH fastball and a legit four-pitch mix. It's not a bad time to get him in deeper keeper leagues. Gavin Floyd gave up 11 hits and four runs in a loss. That might sound like a bad game, except it came in nine innings. He struck out six and has improved his already strong control this year. Floyd is getting a little lucky on balls in play, but he's still a good pitcher. Jeremy Hellickson allowed three runs in seven innings, but it was to the Red Sox, so that's a good start. He's got the swinging strikes to support a better strikeout rate, and he's had better control his whole life. He's an excellent buy in keeper leagues.

* The prominent loss of Captain Derek Jeter headlines the group of players headed to the DL. He won't resume baseball-related activities for another ten days, but his calf sprain is of the mild variety and he should miss the minimum. Shortstop took a hit. Surprise Darwin Barney also will miss time. His sprained right knee will need at least three weeks, but he was mostly an empty batting average anyway. Brandon Lyon went back on the DL and now the team is concerned that he has structural damage. He was so terrible after coming back that it's a good idea to at least check. Hopefully you didn't drop Mark Melancon in the meantime. Allen Craig was already on theDL, but now he's been diagnosed with a small fracture in his right kneecap and will miss anywhere from three to six weeks. Josh Johnson was moved to the 60-day DL, but the Marlins think he'll come back when eligible July 16.

* A few returns from the DL might perk your interest. Jason Heyward returned and drew a walk off of the surprising Dillon Gee Wednesday night. Joe Mauer comes back Friday, finally. Travis Hafner said his oblique felt fine after his first rehab game, but his manager says Pronk must play three games at least before returning. Kyle McClellan returned and gave up three earned runs in five innings against the Nationals. He struck out three, walked none and kept most of his contact on the ground, which is about what can be expected of him going forward. He was an average reliever, there's not much reason to expect him to be an above-average starter. Tsuyoshi Nishioka returned and should start for the Twins shortly. Alfonso Soriano is back, too. Jeff Niemann said that his back feels fine after his 5 1/3 scoreless innings for Durham Tuesday. He could make sense in deeper leagues. Jake Peavy will get the ball for Triple-A Charlotte Thursday, but his manager says it might take more than one rehab start to get him back up to speed. Kenley Jansen could be back Friday and might even factor into the closing mix with the way things look in Los Angeles right now. Brandon Webb threw three scoreless innings in Triple-A and said he felt like he could get major leaguers out. No word what his velocity was. Nate McLouth (oblique) will begin an assignment Thursday, but Jordan Schafer has made a compelling case for playing time while he was gone. Tom Gorzelanny is also back and will start Sunday. John McDonald will be back Friday! Rich Harden will begin a rehab assignment Monday after looking great in a bullpen session! Eric Chavez jogged on a treadmill! These things don't deserve exclamation marks!

* Borderline pitching made their cases (good and bad) Wednesday. Charlie Morton's time in the spotlight might be fading. He did get the win, but he allowed ten baserunners in five innings and has given up 39 in his last 22 innings. It looks like Carl Pavano has re-found his control and ground-ball ways, and after holding the White Sox to one run, he also looks like he is playable in deeper leagues. Brad Penny didn't strike a batter out, gave up four runs to the Indians, and isn't a great start in any league for now. Ditto his opponent Fausto Carmona, who also gave up four runs, but in five innings with three strikeouts. Once so many of his fly balls stop turning into home runs he'll be more playable than Penny and Pavano in deeper leagues, but his lack of strikeouts keeps him from mixed league relevance. Chris Narveson has good rates but the results aren't quite there yet in Milwaukee. He gave up four runs in 5 1/3 against the Cubs and is just hanging out on the periphery. The bench is the best place for him. Jake Arrieta stuck out five and gave up three runs in six innings against the Blue Jays, but his control remains an issue despite only walking two. Kyle Kendrick doesn't strike anybody out, and gets groundballs and issues walks at an average rate, so don't believe despite his one-run seven-inning outing against the Marlins. Josh Outman kept the Royals down (seven scoreless innings), but he only struck out two and is a fly-ball dude. Pass, except perhaps at home agains weak offenses. His opponent, Luke Hochevar, is getting ground balls at least. And showing improved control. He gave up two runs in seven innings and is a deep-league spot starter. Travis Wood held the Dodgers to one run, but his control (five walks) is a problem recently. Livan Hernandez struck out six, walked none, and pitched a shutout against the Cardinals. He's still a pass as a fly-ball pitcher with a severely below-average strikeout rate.

National League Quick Hits: Hanley Ramirez is back, but his manager said that he won't play day games after night games for two weeks … Albert Pujols is one start away from third-base eligibility … Chase Utley is showing signs of life, as he doubled and tripled Wednesday … Jayson Werth hit his first home run in 22 games but is still a great power/speed outfield option, even with the bad batting average … Angel Pagan hit a home run Wednesday and is definitely a mixed league play going forward … Anibal Sanchez stuck out six, walked four, allowed two runs, and showed that you can pitch him away from home in all leagues … Madison Bumgarner struck out six, walked one, and allowed two runs in six innings in Arizona to continue his strong work …Chad Billingsley is showing his inconsistency again, after being tagged for seven runs by the Reds; He's still getting whiffs at an average rate and is still a mixed-leaguer … Freddie Freeman has been hitting better of late, and will be back in the lineup Thursday after missing two games with an oblique issue … Scott Rolen hit two doubles and a single Wednesday and seems to be heating up … Aubrey Huff is also showing life, as his two hits have his June average up to .315 … Jason Bay is still the left fielder "hands down" says his manager, but there's little reason to expect a great bounce-back at this point … Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison (oblique) won't hit the DL … Homer Bailey will make a rehab start Thursday and might make one more before returning … Jose Lopez is with the Marlins now but if he couldn't make it happen in Colorado … Once-closer Eduardo Sanchez is headed back to St. Louis to get his shoulder examined … Takashi Saito finally pitched (a perfect inning) after a couple unsuccessful attempts to rehab his myriad injuries … Rick Ankiel missed Wednesday's game with an intercostal strain and is day-to-day … Yunesky Maya was optioned to the minors after an ugly stint with the Nationals …The Cardinals returned Matt Carpenter to the minors … Jorge Cantu was designated for assignment and is not fantasy relevant in any leagues right now.

American League Quick Hits: Josh Beckett was awesome against the Rays (a one-hit shutout), and though his ERA and WHIP won't stay this ridiculously low he's an ace again … Rafael Soriano (elbow) will rest another week … Jed Lowrie (shoulder) returned to the lineup and went hitless … Ichiro Suzuki stole two bases and doubled twice and isn't quite done yet … Joe Nathan (elbow) is getting close after throwing batting practice … It looks like Alberto Callaspo (hamstring) will avoid the DL; Maicer Izturis (foot) should be back Friday … Jemile Weeks got a hit and a stolen base and just might stick with the A's to provide speed at a rough position … Alcides Escobar had three hits in the game and is a fringe MI player in deep leagues if he can keep up an okay batting average … Brent Morel singled and collected an RBI and is okay enough in AL-onlies … Jim Leyland indicated that Ryan Raburn will continue to see his playing time dwindle if he doesn't pick up his play, meaning Ramon Santiago becomes more relevant with every day … Matt Harrison (triceps bruise) will make his next start, but regression is coming … Tommy Hunter (groin) pitched 3 2/3 innings in Triple-A, but there isn't a timetable for his return yet … Boston is calling up Andrew Miller, who found some success at Triple-A, but he was also walking people and is a very risky pickup … Brandon Inge (mono) worked out and wants to be back Friday but his team will be cautious … Orlando Cabrera collected three hits, but he's still splitting time with Cord Phelps and is on shaky ground … Brian Gordon will start for the Yankees Thursday, and had nice minor league numbers, but is a 32-year-old with marginal stuff still … The Shutdown Sauce is shut down as Alfredo Simon is on the 15-day DL with a right hamstring strain … Scott Kazmir was released by the Angels after a terrible rehab stint and might only make it back to the majors as a reliever.

HacheMan · Jun 16, 2011

Act on Ackley?
One of the coolest parts of this gig is getting the opportunity to talk fantasy baseball with you guys and gals over email and Twitter. That people actually want to hear my opinion on baseball is still a very humbling thing. Most of the time, I get asked about trades and various players on the waiver wire, which is always fun stuff, but I always appreciate it when I receive friendly advice or constructive criticism. Don't be shy.

Just to remind everyone, my general definition of "widely available," at least for the purposes of this column, is those players who are owned in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN.com leagues. I think it's a pretty solid threshold that allows me to identify players who could be of use in standard mixed leagues, but I understand that sometimes these players are already gone in deeper formats. I'm very conscious of this fact, so if given the opportunity to look a little bit deeper in a given week, I absolutely will. Well, consider this one of those weeks.

As you'll see below, I have listed five players who are owned in 10 to 50 percent of mixed leagues and five players who are owned in less than 10 percent of mixed leagues. Hopefully most of you will be able to find at least one player who can be an upgrade for your squad.

Let's move on to the good stuff.

MIXED LEAGUES

Scott Baker SP, Twins (Yahoo: 38 percent owned, ESPN: 21.5 percent)

Yes, Baker can be inconsistent at times, mostly due to his extreme fly ball tendencies, but he's severely underappreciated in fantasy leagues considering that he owns a 3.55 ERA and 78/23 K/BB ratio over 83 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old right-hander allowed one run in a complete-game victory over the Rangers in his last start and has a delicious matchup against the Padres on tap this Saturday. Dive in.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka 2B/SS, Twins (Yahoo: 16 percent owned, ESPN: 18.3 percent)

He's back. Nishioka was activated from the disabled list Wednesday and is expected to return to the starting lineup for Thursday's matinee against the White Sox. The Japanese import was batting just .208 (5-for-24) prior to fracturing his left leg in early April, so he's become something of a forgotten man in most mixed formats. I felt like Nishioka had a legitimate chance to contribute in batting average, stolen bases and runs scored coming into the season and I'm certainly not ready to give up after a handful of at-bats and a freak injury, especially when he can help at two rather weak positions.

Vernon Wells OF, Angels (Yahoo: 42 percent owned, ESPN: 35.3 percent)

You may find this hard to believe, but things are finally looking up for Mr. Wells. He had a two-homer game Monday against the Mariners and a three-hit night with a stolen base Saturday against the Royals. Sadly, those are arguably his best two games at the plate this season. In turn, it's fair to say that his recent DL-stint was exactly what the doctor ordered, even if it was just to clear his head for a couple weeks. I still think Wells can be a top-50 outfielder the rest of the way, which certainly gives him value in most mixed formats.

Scott Rolen 3B, Reds (Yahoo: 32 percent owned, ESPN: 20.2 percent)

I'll admit that Rolen has been a major disappointment this season. The 36-year-old third baseman is batting just .252 on the year and has only two home runs over his first 163 at-bats. The encouraging part, though, is that he has collected five doubles, one triple and six RBI over his last six games, including a three-hit game against the Dodgers on Wednesday. While I have little faith in his ability to stay healthy, I do think he can be a viable alternative until David Wright and Martin Prado are ready to return from their respective injuries.

Phil Hughes SP, Yankees (Yahoo: 30 percent owned, ESPN: 18.5 percent)

Well, look who is finally making some progress. Hughes reached 91-93 mph with his fastball during an intersquad game Tuesday and is slated to make his first minor league rehab start Sunday with Class A Staten Island. He'll likely need a couple more starts in order to build up his pitch count, but there's a real chance that he could rejoin the Yankees' starting rotation in early July. Stash him if you have the room, but if his velocity is truly back, he becomes an immediate must-own again.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Jeff Karstens SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 9.6 percent)

There are lots of things to like about Karstens right now. For instance, he currently ranks fifth in the National League with a 2.66 ERA while averaging just 1.52 BB/9. On the other hand, his .259 batting average on balls in play and 83.1 percent strand rate tells us that he's been at least somewhat fortunate. While it would be smart to expect some correction moving forward, I'm willing to take my chances with a matchup against the reeling Indians this weekend.

Charlie Blackmon OF, Rockies (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 1.7 percent)

We probably won't see Dexter Fowler in the major leagues again for a while. Blackmon, who was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs last week to replace the injured Fowler on the active roster, is batting .343 (12-for-35) over his first nine major league games. Even more enticing for fantasy owners is that he has stolen a base in each of his last five games. And while only one of his hits have gone for extra bases, he showed sneaky pop from the left side of the plate in the minors. The 24-year-old should continue to provide some value in mixed leagues as long as he gets regular playing time in left field.

Dustin Ackley OF/2B, Mariners (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 3.6 percent)

The wait is over. The Mariners finally did the inevitable following Wednesday's game, calling up 2009 No. 2 overall pick Dustin Ackley from Triple-A Tacoma. The 23-year-old was hitting .303/.421/.487 with nine homers, seven stolen bases and an impressive 38/55 K/BB ratio over his first 66 games this season, a marked improvement from what he showed in Triple-A last year. We surely won't see the same production now that he's calling Safeco Field home, but he won't embarrass himself in the power and speed categories. While it will take him a few games to gain second base eligibility in Yahoo! leagues (thanks a lot!), he should be worth a flier in most mixed leagues right away.

Cliff Pennington SS, Athletics (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 1.2 percent)

There's a new sheriff in town. Well, sort of. Bob Geren was given his walking papers last week and new skipper Bob Melvin has a different way of doing things. One of the most notable changes is that he has installed Pennington as his No. 2 hitter. The lineup tweak has worked out pretty nicely so far, as the speedy shortstop has reached base safely in all six games. Runs are still hard to come by in this lineup, but Pennington will obviously provide much more value out of the No. 2 spot than he was batting ninth.

Carlos Carrasco SP, Indians (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 3.1 percent)

Everyone is rightfully buzzing over Carrasco's current 15 1/3 innings scoreless streak, including seven shutout frames against the Yankees on Monday night, but the truth is that he's been an effective starter for most of the year. In fact, if you take out his season debut against the White Sox back on April 2, the 24-year-old right-hander has a 3.55 ERA and 43/20 K/BB ratio over 11 starts. Not too bad. I wouldn't hesitate using him against the Pirates on Saturday.



AL ONLY

Andrew Miller SP, Red Sox (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Faced with the possibility that Miller would use the out-clause in his minor league contract, the Red Sox have decided to add the southpaw to their starting rotation next week against the Padres. Miller, a former top prospect with the Tigers and Marlins, has a 2.47 ERA and 61/35 K/BB ratio over 12 starts and one relief appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket this season. Keep in mind that the 26-year-old has an awful 5.84 ERA over 294 1/3 major league innings, so it would be wise to temper expectations, but this is a pretty nice first matchup.

Dayan Viciedo 3B, White Sox (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said earlier this week that Viciedo is "ready" for the big leagues. And, really, it's hard to argue. The Cuban defector is hitting .318/.365/.518 with 10 homers and 45 RBI over his first 62 games with Triple-A Charlotte this season. He also has a 43/16 K/BB ratio over 245 at-bats, which is actually a nice improvement from what we've seen in the past. It will be interesting to see how the White Sox use him, as he has played exclusively right field this season, but I'd stash him where available.

Eduardo Nunez 3B/SS, Yankees (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

You might have missed this story, but Derek Jeter went on the disabled list this week with a calf injury. Crazy, I know. Anyway, Nunez should get the majority of the playing time at shortstop during his absence. The 24-year-old already has back-to-back multi-hit games under his belt, including a home run and two stolen bases in Wednesday's win over the Rangers. He's an obvious add in AL-only leagues and may even have some temporary value in deeper mixed formats that use a MI (middle infielder) slot.

NL ONLY

Lucas Duda OF, Mets (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Duda recently earned a promotion from Triple-A Buffalo by batting .438 with five homers and 12 RBI over his first nine games in June. It hasn't translated to much success in the big leagues, as he is just 3-for-16 (.188) since being called up from the minors, but Mets manager Terry Collins continues to give him looks against right-handed starters. The Mets face all right-handers this weekend against the Angels, so it might be worth playing him in case he finally goes deep.

Jose Lopez 2B/3B, Marlins (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 16.9 percent)

It didn't take long for Lopez to find another opportunity. After being cut loose by the Rockies earlier this month, he is already on the Marlins' major league roster. The Marlins seem pretty satisfied with their current platoon of Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms at third base, but I could at least see Lopez stealing at-bats against left-handed pitching, if not more. Remember, he's only two years removed from hitting 25 home runs, so there's still some potential here if given the chance.

Kenley Jansen RP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 0.7 percent)

It's basically a requirement at this point to mention at least one member of the Dodgers' bullpen in each column, so here's Jansen's turn. The hard-throwing right-hander could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Friday. It's possible his return could be pushed back a day or two after his final scheduled rehab appearance was rained out Wednesday, but he should absolutely be on your radar considering the uncertainty in the Dodgers' bullpen. While he has an ugly 6.43 ERA in 20 appearances this season, he has struck out 35 batters in just 21 innings.