MLB Fantasy News 2011

[HacheMan]

Last place may be first place to look for AL trade partners

The deal that sent infielder Wilson Betemit to Detroit may not be the only one the Kansas City Royals make between now and the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Kansas City is floundering in the AL Central cellar, but the Royals do have several solid veterans who could end up being useful for contending teams down the stretch. Betemit is a great example. He's a switch-hitter who's put up averages of .297 and .281 over the past two seasons and can play a little defense. (With the trade, the Tigers can finally say goodbye to good-field, .177-hit Brandon Inge.)
This year, Betemit has been squeezed out of playing time by K.C.'s youth movement, specificially Mike Moustakas. But with the Tigers, Betemit will join a solid offensive attack and play just about every day. Even in mixed leagues, he could be a valuable addition off the waiver wire.
The Royals could also sell high on outfielders Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur, who are having excellent seasons.
Cabrera is hitting .294 with 12 homers, 54 RBI and a career-high 14 stolen bases. Francoeur is at .264, with 13 homers, 59 RBI and a career-high 16 steals.
However, unlike Betemit, these two are likely to lose fantasy value just about anywhere they might be traded. Francoeur might be a decent fit for the Phillies or Red Sox -- and could end up starting in either city -- but duplicating the playing time he enjoys in Kansas City won't be easy. Ditto for Cabrera, who has profiled as a fourth outfielder for his entire career.
As I mentioned briefly in my AL preview earlier in the week, the Oakland A's (currently last in the AL West) could also find new homes for some of their veterans. Perhaps their most attractive trade chip is outfielder Josh Willingham, who's hitting only .240 but does have decent power. It would certainly benefit Willingham and his fantasy owners if he could get out of Oakland's cavernous home park.
Other A's such as outfielders Coco Crisp and David DeJesus, DH Hideki Matsui and reliever Grant Balfour will likely see their roles -- and fantasy values -- decrease if they're dealt.

 

[HacheMan]

Prepare for rotation adjustments

On tap: One of baseball's most significant dates on the calendar arrives on Sunday, that being the July 31 trade deadline. It's not necessarily the final day teams can trade, but after that date players must first clear waivers. That means the majority of midseason moves are likely to happen within fantasy Week 16. That, of course, complicates owners' plans, especially pertaining to starting-pitching assignments. Jeremy Guthrie, Aaron Harang, Edwin Jackson, Hiroki Kuroda, Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez and Jason Vargas are just seven such candidates to be traded, and all of them except Kuroda are currently scheduled to make a start on Wednesday (July 27) or later in the week. All of them could stay put and make those starts, but there's a chance none of them will, and in the event of a trade, assignments such as Myers' and Vargas' Sunday (July 31) starts could be pushed into the following week by a prospective new team.

As always, I'll keep the Forecaster updated throughout the weekend to account for any possible trades before your lineup deadline, but if you own a player rumored to be on the block, keep it in mind during your planning.


This is a critical week for the upstart Pittsburgh Pirates, who entered play on Friday, July 22, tied for first place in the National League Central. They continue their challenging 13-game stretch with perhaps the most treacherous portion this week: They'll make a four-game stop in Atlanta followed by three games in Philadelphia. The Atlanta Braves (58-41) and Philadelphia Phillies (61-36), incidentally, are at least 5 1/2 games better than the Pirates (51-45) in terms of record, and those foes are a combined 64-34 (.653 winning percentage) in their home games. That's not to say the Pirates cannot win and provide meaningful fantasy stats. But it's quite the test for one of the game's most pleasant surprises.


Reminder: For those of you in weekly-transactions leagues, there is an early start time to Week 16, due to the San Diego Padres-Philadelphia Phillies game beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. Here are this week's other scheduled first pitches by day: Tuesday 7:05 p.m. ET, Wednesday 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday 12:35 p.m. ET, Friday 7:05 p.m. ET, Saturday 1:05 p.m. ET, Sunday 1:05 p.m. ET.


Quick click by section, if you're seeking advice in a specific area:
Projected starting pitchers | Pitching strategies
Team advantages | Hitting strategies
Weather report | Week 16 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
7/25</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
7/26</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
7/27</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
7/28</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
7/29</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
7/30</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
7/31</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="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Simon
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Bergesen
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY-2
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 2
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
TBD

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>KC
Lester
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Miller
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Lackey
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Wakefield
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Lester
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Miller
(LHP)
P: 2</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Danks
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Humber
(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>LAA
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Carrasco
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Huff
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Tomlin
(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>@CHW
Below
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Penny
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Below
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Davies
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Chen
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Francis
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Davies
(RHP)
P: 2</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Haren
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Santana
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Pineiro
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Haren
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Weaver
(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>@TEX
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Baker
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Pavano
(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>SEA
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL-2
Colon
(RHP)
P: 3
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Garcia
(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>TB
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Harden
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
McCarthy
(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>@NYY
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Vargas
(LHP)
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>@OAK
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Price
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Shields
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Davis
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Niemann
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Holland
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Holland
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Wilson
(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>BAL
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 8</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: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Cecil
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Collmnter
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Hanson
(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>@MIL
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Wells
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Dempster
(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>NYM
Leake
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Willis
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Leake
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Cueto
(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>@LAD
Nicasio
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Cook
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Nicasio
(RHP)
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>@WAS
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Hensley
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Nolasco
(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>@STL
Happ
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Myers
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Norris
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Happ
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Myers
(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>COL
DeLaRosa
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
DeLaRosa
(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>CHC
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Gee
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Niese
(LHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Lee
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Worley
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Worley
(RHP)
P: 10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Morton
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Karstens
(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>HOU
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Harang
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Moseley
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Luebke
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Latos
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Harang
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
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>@PHI
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Zito
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Cain
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Lincecum
(RHP)
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>FLA
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Gorzelanny
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 7</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




• It's hard to argue with any pitching staff led by Justin Verlander, 8-2 with a 1.26 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and nine quality starts in 10 tries since June 1, but might it be that the right-hander's recent performance is rubbing off on his teammates? Brad Penny has five quality starts and a 3.98 ERA in his past seven starts; Rick Porcello has won three straight starts with a 3.44 ERA; and Max Scherzer has back-to-back quality starts and a 4.25 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in his past seven turns. But the real reason to exploit the Detroit Tigers' matchups is how brilliantly they've lined up their rotation for that key, opening-week series at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field. Verlander, Tuesday's starter, is 4-1 with a 3.16 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in five starts versus the Chicago White Sox since the beginning of 2010; Scherzer, Wednesday's starter, has five quality starts, a 2.56 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in six starts against them; and Penny, Thursday's starter, is 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three starts, all of those this season. As for the Los Angeles Angels series, keep in mind the Angels have managed .226/.297/.366 rates as a team in July, .189/.275/.294 since the All-Star break.


• If the Tampa Bay Rays indeed are going with the six-man rotation, that's a frustration for fantasy owners, being that it's going to cost David Price a second turn in Week 16. But six starters means an extra streaming option, and yes, every member of the Rays' rotation at least warrants consideration accounting for those matchups at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and Seattle's Safeco Field. In particular: Jeff Niemann, who starts Friday at Safeco, threw seven shutout innings to win in his only career start there, on May 6, 2010. Alex Cobb, on track to start there on Saturday, has four quality starts in his past five tries. Wade Davis is the toughest call of the bunch … but … if he pitches well during his July 22 return from a forearm injury, he'd be worth a look in AL-only formats.


• I'm giving the edge to the Braves, at least, in that four-game set against the Pirates, because one of the primary reasons the Braves have been so successful at home has been their pitching. They have a 3.03 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in home games, the latter third-best in baseball. To begin that series, they have also lined up their three best Turner Field pitchers: Tim Hudson, 6-3 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 12 starts at home, goes Monday; Tommy Hanson, 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in nine starts, works Tuesday; and Jair Jurrjens, 7-1 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in nine starts, starts Wednesday. Keep this in mind: The Pirates' strength is their pitching, not their hitting; their 3.34 team ERA ranks sixth in baseball, but they've scored the sixth-fewest runs (373).


• St. Louis Cardinals at home, St. Louis Cardinals at home, St. Louis Cardinals at home … despite the fact that their 3.53 ERA in home games ranks just 11th in the majors. This is a team that -- historically speaking -- thrives at home, and their two opponents, the Houston Astros (four games) and Chicago Cubs (three), have already flipped their calendars to 2012. Also consider this: The Astros have scored the sixth-fewest runs per game on the road (3.82) while the Cubs have scored the 10th-fewest (3.98), and in 14 games combined against those two teams this season, the Cardinals have allowed 54 runs (3.86 per game). This week's matchups provide bounce-back potential for struggling right-handers Kyle Lohse, Kyle McClellan and Jake Westbrook. Remember, McClellan tossed eight innings of two-run baseball to defeat the Astros on May 19. Westbrook, meanwhile, is coming off one of his better starts of the season and has a 4.07 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in four July starts.


Also favorable: Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Phillies
Unfavorable: Baltimore Orioles, White Sox, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants


For more insight into Week 16 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
7/25</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
7/26</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
7/27</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
7/28</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
7/29</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
7/30</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
7/31</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>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 5
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 6
L: 5
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY-2
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




• Don't let that 4-0 loss on July 20 be the lasting memory you have of the Orioles' offense. It's the 37-game hot spell -- .267/.324/.450 rates, 56 home runs -- that includes that game that should be your measuring stick, especially with the team set to make stops in two hitting-friendly ballparks, Toronto's Rogers Centre and New York's Yankee Stadium. Look at what some current Orioles have done in their careers at either venue: J.J. Hardy, 10-for-23 (.435 AVG) in eight games at Rogers Centre; Nick Markakis, .304/.393/.462 in 45 games at Rogers Centre, .291/.337/.481 in 20 games at Yankee Stadium; Nolan Reimold, .333/.386/.692, four homers in 11 games at Yankee Stadium; and Matt Wieters, four homers in 15 games at Rogers Centre, four in 14 games at Yankee Stadium. Get 'em all into your lineup this week.


• The Yankees' games in Yankee Stadium are usually obvious picks, yes, but with Alex Rodriguez on the shelf and the team having averaged 3.82 runs per game with .249/.312/.371 rates in 17 July contests, it's understandable if you've had some doubts. The bottom line: Don't. Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez will present a challenge on Wednesday, but the Yankees can handle every other opposing starter, including two spot-starters during the weekend Orioles series. The Yankees you need to know about: A-Rod fill-in Eduardo Nunez is a .326/.356/.488 hitter in 12 games in July; Jorge Posada is a .265/.344/.456 hitter in 41 home games, which are respectable numbers from a designated hitter; and Brett Gardner has been a sensation recently, with .333/.413/.454 numbers and 20 steals in 43 games since June 1. You know to use Gardner; you might not have known to activate Nunez and Posada, but this week you absolutely should.


• I'm pouring on the anti-Pirates picks, I know, but "feel-good" stories don't always win fantasy leagues … the best matchups do. The Braves, simply put, match up more favorably of the two squads during their four-game series, and it's a help that during the weekend Florida Marlins series, the Marlins will throw setup man-turned-starter Clay Hensley and the unpredictable Ricky Nolasco in two of the three games. Something to think about, Nolasco owners: He's 4-6 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 17 career games (16 starts) versus the Braves. Now turning to the Braves, they've managed .244/.315/.420 rates, 23 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 17 games in July, their 87 runs scored in the month seventh-best in baseball. Freddie Freeman is one of the hottest hitters in the game, a .308/.392/.646 hitter in 17 games in July. Dan Uggla has regained his power stroke, with 10 home runs in his past 33 games. Meanwhile, here's a sneaky nugget for NL-only owners: Jordan Schafer, who has four stolen bases in his past seven games, could capitalize upon a week where his team is rated a "7" in terms of steals.


• Again, the Pirates aren't known for their hitting, and if they're to succeed during their road trip, it'll need to be with some outstanding pitching performances. These are their seven opponents: Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and the white-hot Vance Worley. That's a brilliant mix of performance and experience, and it's going to prove difficult for the Pirates to overcome. You are not going to sit players like Andrew McCutchen or Neil Walker in any fantasy league. But everyone else on the roster? It's fair game to consider benching them all.


Also favorable: Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Cardinals
Also unfavorable: Arizona Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rays



Weather report




Weatherproof games: Orioles at Blue Jays (3, Tue-Thu); Rangers at Blue Jays (3, Fri-Sun); Cubs at Brewers (3, Tue-Thu); Astros at Brewers (3, Fri-Sun); Rays at Mariners (3, Fri-Sun).



Tristan's Week 16 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. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Tue-@CHW (Peavy), Sun-LAA (Weaver)
2. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Mon-SD (Harang), Sat-PIT (McDonald)
3. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Tue-@PHI (Worley), Sun-@CIN (Cueto)
4. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Tue-@CLE (Carmona), Sun-@DET (Verlander)
5. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Mon-PIT (McDonald), Sat-FLA (Sanchez)
6. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Tue-MIN (Pavano), Sun-@TOR (Morrow)
7. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Tue-PIT (Karstens), Sun-FLA (Nolasco)
8. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-SEA (Fister)
9. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Fri-PIT (Morton)
10. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Tue-COL (Chacin)
11. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Tue-BAL (TBD), Sun-TEX (Wilson)
12. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Wed-@NYY (Hughes)
13. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-NYM (Niese), Sun-SF (Lincecum)
14. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Sat-@SD (Harang)
15. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Thu-@SD (Latos)
16. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Wed-CHC (Zambrano)
17. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Mon-@CLE (Tomlin), Sat-@DET (Below)
18. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Mon-@OAK (Moscoso), Sun-@SEA (Vargas)
19. Mat Latos (SD) -- Thu-ARI (Hudson)
20. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Mon-KC (Davies), Sat-@CHW (Jackson)
21. David Price (TB) -- Tue-@OAK (McCarthy)
22. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Wed-@SD (Luebke)
23. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Thu-HOU (Rodriguez)
24. Matt Cain (SF) -- Thu-@PHI (Kendrick)
25. James Shields (TB) -- Wed-@OAK (Cahill)
26. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Wed-SF (Zito)
27. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Thu-KC (Hochevar)
28. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Wed-HOU (Norris)
29. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Wed-PIT (Maholm)
30. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Tue-FLA (Nolasco), Sun-NYM (Niese)
31. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Sat-KC (Paulino)
32. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Fri-MIN (Liriano)
33. Trevor Cahill (OAK) -- Wed-TB (Shields)
34. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Wed-MIN (Duensing)
35. Ricky Nolasco (FLA) -- Tue-@WAS (Zimmermann), Sun-@ATL (Hanson)
36. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-@MIL (Narveson), Sun-@STL (Westbrook)
37. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Fri-COL (Hammel)
38. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Sat-@CIN (Leake)
39. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Sat-@ATL (Hudson)
40. Phil Hughes (NYY) -- Wed-SEA (Hernandez)
41. James McDonald (PIT) -- Mon-@ATL (Hudson), Sat-@PHI (Lee)
42. Cory Luebke (SD) -- Wed-ARI (Kennedy)
43. Mike Leake (CIN) -- Mon-NYM (Dickey), Sat-SF (Bumgarner)
44. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Sat-HOU (Happ)
45. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Sat-TB (Cobb)
46. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Wed-COL (Cook)
47. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Tue-SF (Lincecum), Sun-PIT (Karstens)
48. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Wed-@CHW (Danks)
49. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Fri-@TOR (Villanueva)
50. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Fri-@OAK (Gonzalez)
51. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Sat-ARI (TBD)
52. Jeff Niemann (TB) -- Fri-@SEA (Beavan)
53. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Mon-@CIN (Leake), Sat-@WAS (Marquis)
54. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Wed-BAL (Arrieta)
55. Derek Holland (TEX) -- Mon-MIN (Blackburn), Sat-@TOR (Cecil)
56. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Fri-@STL (Lohse)
57. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Fri-ARI (Collmenter)
58. Juan Nicasio (COL) -- Mon-@LAD (De La Rosa), Sun-@SD (Moseley)
59. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Thu-CHC (Wells)
60. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-@CIN (Cueto), Sun-@WAS (Zimmermann)
61. Freddy Garcia (NYY) -- Mon-SEA (Vargas), Sun-BAL (TBD)
62. John Danks (CHW) -- Wed-DET (Scherzer)
63. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Fri-@CIN (Willis)
64. Aaron Harang (SD) -- Mon-@PHI (Lee), Sat-COL (Jimenez)
65. Brett Myers (HOU) -- Tue-@STL (Westbrook), Sun-@MIL (Narveson)
66. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Thu-MIN (Baker)
67. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Fri-FLA (Hensley)
68. Javier Vazquez (FLA) -- Wed-@WAS (Hernandez)
69. Chris Narveson (MIL) -- Tue-CHC (Dempster), Sun-HOU (Myers)
70. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Tue-@LAD (Kershaw)
71. Jake Westbrook (STL) -- Tue-HOU (Myers), Sun-CHC (Dempster)
72. Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Fri-HOU (Lyles)
73. Derek Lowe (ATL) -- Thu-PIT (Correia)
74. Kyle McClellan (STL) -- Mon-HOU (Happ), Sat-CHC (Lopez)
75. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Wed-@CLE (Carrasco)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Rubby De La Rosa (LAD) -- Mon-COL (Nicasio), Sun-ARI (Saunders)
Jeff Karstens (PIT) -- Tue-@ATL (Hanson), Sun-@PHI (Worley)
Brandon McCarthy (OAK) -- Tue-TB (Price), Sun-MIN (Pavano)
Dustin Moseley (SD) -- Tue-ARI (Saunders), Sun-COL (Nicasio)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) -- Mon-TB (Hellickson), Sat-MIN (Blackburn)
Carl Pavano (MIN) -- Tue-@TEX (Wilson), Sun-@OAK (McCarthy)
Joe Saunders (ARI) -- Tue-@SD (Moseley), Sun-@LAD (De La Rosa)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Mon-LAA (Haren), Sun-KC (Davies)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Duane Below (DET) -- Mon-@CHW (Buehrle), Sat-LAA (Haren)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Mon-@TEX (Holland), Sat-@OAK (Moscoso)
Kyle Davies (KC) -- Mon-@BOS (Lester), Sun-@CLE (Tomlin)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Mon-@STL (McClellan), Sat-@MIL (Gallardo)
Andrew Miller (BOS) -- Tue-KC (Duffy), Sun-@CHW (Humber)
Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-@NYY (Garcia), Sun-TB (Hellickson)

One-start sleepers:
Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Thu-NYM (Capuano)
Alex Cobb (TB) -- Sat-@SEA (Pineda)
Josh Collmenter (ARI) -- Fri-@LAD (Lilly)
Wade Davis (TB) -- Thu-@OAK (Harden)
Jason Hammel (COL) -- Fri-@SD (Stauffer)
John Lackey (BOS) -- Wed-KC (Chen)
Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Sat-@CLE (Masterson)
Brad Penny (DET) -- Thu-LAA (Pineiro)
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Fri-LAA (Chatwood)

 

[HacheMan]

Is Jacoby Ellsbury a top-10 fantasy option?

Trusted colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft and I had an interesting debate on Friday's Fantasy Focus 06010 podcast, as an emailer wanted to know whether Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury had impressed us enough to warrant top-10 overall status for 2012 drafts. Think about how far Ellsbury has come from back in March, when he was often described as either brittle or a one-trick fantasy pony, or perhaps both.
He enters this fine July weekend as fantasy's No. 3 overall player, a mere base hit behind No. 2 Jose Bautista and certainly within striking distance of top dawg Matt Kemp. We've been raving about Kemp and Bautista all year long, and here comes this stolen base champ, sneaking in with 15 home runs, 28 stolen bases and a career-best .316 batting average.


How many outfielders did you draft instead of Ellsbury? I can raise my hand to choosing Jason Heyward, Jayson Werth and Mike Stanton before him. I tend to avoid powerless hitters on draft day unless it's Round 15 and Juan Pierre is sitting there. In the first few rounds, I target Kemp types who can hit for power and steal bases (though that's not Stanton). I've got Kemp in numerous leagues. I have Ellsbury in one league, a simulation format in which I persuaded Cockcroft to part with him in a dubious draft-day trade (apologies, Tristan, had to do it).
In other words, I didn't see a 25-homer season coming from Ellsbury. I probably didn't see him hitting even double digits, but after smacking a pair in Baltimore on Wednesday he's on pace for precisely 25, with 91 RBIs, 47 stolen bases and 118 runs scored. Leadoff hitters don't generally do this. Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins won an MVP award in 2007 for hitting 30 home runs, knocking in 94 and swiping 41 bases. He hit .296. Ellsbury is having an MVP campaign in real life, not just the fantasy world, folks.
Anyway, after the podcast ended, I put some research into my thought and -- voila! -- I think Ellsbury is a first-round pick in 2012 fantasy drafts. Of course, we still have a third of this season still to be played, as well as a potentially busy offseason, and much can transpire. But based on what I think now, here is my early line on the top 10. Feel free to chime in and speak your mind, and perhaps you can even alter my thinking a bit with intelligent commentary.
1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Chicago Cubs: OK, I'm just kidding about the Cubs. He'll resume his Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinals career. And he takes back the top spot, though I could easily be convinced the mildly younger guy who should have the third base and outfield eligibility by then and is next on this list is a tad better.
2. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays: I still can't find a fault with him; he is leading the world in home runs and might even win the AL batting title.
3. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers: Uh-oh. He hasn't scored or knocked in a run in four days. Time to panic! He falls short of 40-40 but is young enough to go 25-25 for years, no matter who or what entity owns the franchise.
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers: The AL version of Pujols. No, really. 5. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers: He slipped from the first round in some of my leagues this year. Watch him flirt with 30-30.


6. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies: Sorry, I cannot call 29 home runs, 105 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and a .277 batting average -- his current pace across the board -- a disappointing season. I call the shortstop that did go before him on draft day -- he's next -- one of those, though.
7. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins: I'm buying a big final two months for Ramirez, if he feels like playing. Let's hope he does. He's capable of being top 10 -- or top 1 or 2 -- again.
8. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Boston Red Sox: Yes, better than Joey Votto. Gonzalez is outdoing what Votto did a year ago.
9. Jose Reyes, SS, Los Angeles Angels: Sure, there's nothing wrong with Erick Aybar, but c'mon, move him to second or third base. Reyes gets dealt to L.A. next weekend and decides to stick around. He'll hit fewer triples, but fantasy owners will live with it. And no, it's not crazy to place three shortstops in the first round. If anything, based on depth, it's easier to argue that putting three first basemen in the top 10 is crazy.
10. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox: Think about where Carl Crawford went in 2011 drafts. He went third in ESPN average live drafts. Crawford went 19-90-47 last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. Ellsbury is eerily on a similar pace, and he's 27. A year ago he was a top-20 pick, and we didn't think he had power.
Just missed: Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies; Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks; Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays; Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees; Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers.

 

[HacheMan]

Who's Hot, Who's Not?
This week clearly separated the youth from the veterans, though the results were drastically different for the batters than for the pitchers. Veterans ruled the batting world this week, as Jimmy Rollins, Todd Helton, and Carlos Guillen proved that they can be supreme talents down the stretch again after providing huge value over the course of their careers. Meanwhile, youngsters Justin Smoak and Mike Moustakas showed why you can't rely on unproved players in a playoff run. On the other side of the ball the story was very different. The unproven were the ones providing the most value, as Jeff Karstens, Juan Nicasio, and Nick Blackburn shined when Ricky Nolasco and Dan Haren were absolutely brutal. While you make sense of this divide, see who else is Hot or Not this week.

NL Batters

The Hot: Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, SS

Rollins has come back from the All-Star break looking to improve upon his mediocre .268 average. All he's done is hit .393 over the last seven days and smack 3 homers, tied with Albert Pujols for the most of any National League player this past week. Rollins is always a coveted fantasy player thanks to his lucrative spot in the Phillies' order hitting in front of sluggers Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino. Rollins isn't likely to hit .393 through the end of the year, but he could be well on his way to reverting back to his pre-2009 form. With the fantasy trade deadlines approaching, Rollins is a definite buy as you make your push to the playoffs.

The Hotter: Todd Helton, Rockies, 1B

Helton is in the middle of an absolutely sensational season, hitting a robust .324. This is Helton's 12th time in 14 full seasons that he has hit over .300, a truly remarkable stat. This past week Helton was just as hot as he has ever been. He went 7/17, good for a .417 average, and walked another 5 times on his way to posting the 3rd highest OBP in the NL this week (.542). If that wasn't enough, Helton also knocked in 9 runs in his last 6 games, trailing just the surprising Jesus Guzman last week. Helton has been fantastic all season and there is no reason for his production to slow the rest of the way. With Jason Giambi drawing trade interest, Helton might even end up with more playing time down the stretch.

The Hottest: Cameron Maybin, Padres, OF

For years Cameron Maybin has been one of those guys who just hasn't been able to put it all together at the Major League level, either getting hurt, benched, or demoted every year. This week, Maybin showed why he was the centerpiece of the Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis deal years ago. Maybin went 12/29, a .414 average which was the 4th best among NL hitters. However, by far the most impressive stat from this past week was Maybin's 7 steals. He had just 12 heading into the week, but he has gotten on and run with gusto of late. Maybin has all the talent in the world, and he is playing in a park that suits his game. Maybin is a guy to keep your eye on in the future, as the Marlins clearly saw something in him when they acquired him from the Tigers.

The Not: Andre Ethier, Dodgers, OF

Andre Ethier has been so cold this month you could get frostbite just from being in the same room as him. Ethier has hit a paltry .190 the month of July, watching his .320 average drop all the way to .299. This week has been especially tough on Ethier. The Dodger's All-Star managed just 2 hits in 20 at bats, making for a .100 batting average that only Brandon Phillips, Ryan Howard, and David Freese did worse than. As if that wasn't enough, in those 20 at bats, Ethier had 0 RBI. Hitting third in the order, there is no excuse for failing to knock in even one run. Ethier will surely turn it around sooner rather than later, but this cold streak is absolutely killing his owners.

The Not-ter: Prince Fielder, Brewers, 1B

You know you're a great player when you have a .300 on-base percentage and are still the Not-ter for the week. Fielder drew 5 walks, but managed just 4 hits in 25 trips for a meager .160 average this week. Oh, and he too managed 0 RBI. The Home Run Derby has been known to hut a player's swing for the second half, but a guy who's done the Derby as many times as Fielder should be immune to such a drop off in production. Fielder should be good as new soon, but this freezing week definitely did its damage to his owners.

The Not-test: Brandon Phillips, Reds, 2B

Brandon Phillips has been absolutely brutal this month. The powerful second baseman has watched his .300 average drop all the way to .278 in the month of July. This week alone it's dropped a full 12 points. Phillips managed just one hit all week. Just one. He walked twice, but that is hardly any consolation. However, Phillips did knock in two runs, something Ethier and Fielder couldn't do. Phillips is an elite fantasy second baseman, so owners can only cross their fingers and hope that he comes around soon. He can't have another week like this if fantasy owners want to make the playoffs.

AL Batters

The Hot: Carlos Guillen, Tigers, 2B

Not only has Guillen actually come back from the injury that knocked him out last August 16th, but also he has come off hitting at an absolutely insane clip. Guillen has gotten a hit in all 6 of his games off the DL. Guillen has struck out just once in his 6 games. Guillen has knocked in four runs in his 6 games. And Guillen is hitting .412 over the last week, 9th in the AL over that span. Guillen has been on an absolute tear and considering he plays second base, an extremely scarce position, he is a great mixed league option. If Guillen is still floating around the waiver wire, you need to pick him up now.

The Hotter: Brett Gardner, Yankees, OF

I am not a big Gardner fan, but I have to admit that the Yankees' speedster is hitting like a machine of late. He is clearly the Yanks' best option hitting in the leadoff spot. Gardner is 12/25 since the break, good for a .480 average trailing just Joe Mauer in the AL over that stretch. Not only is Gardner hitting, but also he's running like a man possessed, stealing 7 bases in 7 chances. Getting on at a .552 clip, Gardner must be started in all leagues while he's on his hot streak.

The Hottest: Joe Mauer, Twins, C/1B

Mauer's hot streak has breathed life into the Twins team that has been missing Delmon Young, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, and Justin Morneau. Mauer is the only player in the Majors to hit over .500 since the All-Star break (.519). With four runs and four RBI, he has been filling the stat sheet. Mauer's only drawback has been his lack of power. Out of his 14 hits, Mauer has just one extra base hit, a double. That being said, with Mauer's part-time move to first, he now will play day after nights with no issue and will lessen the strain on his body. Mauer is back to his old self.

The Not: Justin Smoak, Mariners, 1B

The days of Justin Smoak hitting well are long over. The M's first baseman hasn't been over .250 since June 27th. Since the All-Star break, Smoak is hitting just .150 and has an OBP of just .190. However, worse than the average, worse than the OBP, is the fact that Smoak has neither a run nor an RBI in the last week. That absolutely mind-numbing fact is why Smoak should be nowhere near fantasy lineups for the time being.

The Not-ter: Torii Hunter, Angels, OF

Hunter's tough season took an even tougher turn this week. He was hitting a meager .247 before the week started, but now sits at an even worse .235. Hunter managed just one hit in 25 trips to the dish, resulting in a .040 average. That one hit was a homer, but that made his only RBI of the week and scored just one other run. The most shocking is that out of his 25 at bats, 10 ended in strikeouts. Hunter's putrid season means he should be on the sidelines of any team trying to make the playoffs.

The Not-test: Mike Moustakas, Royals, 3B

The kid might have a bright future, but the time certainly isn't now the for the Royals' third baseman. He is down to .190 on the season, and with Wilson Betemit out of town, he will continue to start, but he cannot be seriously trusted in any format right now. Over the past week, Moustakas has gotten zero hits. 0 for 20. If there is such thing as a silver lining to such a week, I guess it's that he had only one strikeout out of his 20 outs, so he is at least making contact. He is not ready for the big leagues yet and you shouldn't be resting your fantasy team's hopes on him.

NL Pitchers

The Hot: Jeff Karstens, Pirates, P

Jeff Karstens hasn't had a winning record since 2006 with the Yankees when he went 2-1. Now, Karstens is enjoying a phenomenal year, sporting a 2.28 ERA and an 8-5 record. This past week in particular Karstens has been otherworldly. Against the Astros Karstens went the distance, not allowing a run on 5 hits with no walks. His next start against the Reds Karstens was undone by some shoddy defense, allowing 3 runs, just one earned, in an eventual 3-1 loss. With the way he's pitched all season, Karstens is a good bet to keep up his success throughout the second half.


The Hotter: Juan Nicasio, Rockies, P

Nicasio was effective in his two starts this week, going 7 shutout innings against the Brewers to earn the win, then another 7 of one run ball against the Braves in which he eventually got the no decision. Nicasio fanned 8 in 14 innings and walked just one batter. For the most part Nicasio has been pretty strong this season, but it is still hard to trust the rookie in anything outside NL only leagues. His success might not last all season, but with Nicasio throwing this well it is impossible to leave him on benches.

The Hottest: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers, P

Kershaw is going to win many Cy Young Awards in the future. The kid is just 23 years old, yet he is in his third straight year of having an ERA below 3.00. Kershaw is having a typical fantastic season, but his last two starts have been particularly great. Against the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers let Kershaw down by allowing 4 unearned runs, but Kershaw still managed to get the win thanks to not allowing any earned runs and fanning 8 over his 7 innings of work. His next start against the Giants was an absolute gem. Kershaw went 8 shutout innings striking out 12 while allowing just 4 men to reach base. Kershaw is a super star and should be in all lineups at all times. There aren't many other people I'd rather have in keeper leagues.

The Not: Tommy Hanson, Braves, P

You know you're having a good year when after two stinkers in a row you still have a 3.06 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Hanson struggled against he Nationals, despite striking out 8 in just 5.1 innings. Hanson allowed 5 runs on 8 hits while taking the loss. In his next start against the Rockies wasn't any better, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings despite striking out another 7. Hanson had his usual pinpoint control, walking just 3 over the two starts, but he was just ridiculously hittable. Hanson is a star and will turn it around soon, so just hang in there if you own him.

The Not-ter: Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies, P

As good as Juan Nicasio has been, Chacin has been just as bad. He was mediocre against the Brewers, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over 6.1 innings while taking the loss. Against the Braves he was downright bad. He allowed the same 5 runs, but he lasted just 4.2 innings. Chacin allowed 4 hits, half of which were homers, but he was undone by just total lack of control, issuing 7 free passes. Chacin has bee solid on a whole this year, but he is definitely prone to stretches like these, so it is hard o trust him in anything outside NL only leagues.

The Not-test: Ricky Nolasco, Marlins, P

Nolasco's second start of the week was so miserable, that his win against the Cubs was more than negated to the point where he was the Not-test for the week. Nolasco actually allowed only 2 unearned runs against the Cubs over 7 innings while striking out 7. Then came his start against the light hitting Padres. Nolasco lasted just 1.1 innings, and he got smacked for 9 earned runs on 9 hits. He just kept allowing hit after hit after hit after hit until there was just no coming back for the Marlins. Nolaco's ERA jumped from 3.51 all the way to 4.08. Nolasco has some good talent, but he falls into tough stretches. Nolasco is still a solid play in NL only leagues, but he cant be trusted in mixed leagues right now.

AL Pitchers

The Hot: Nick Blackburn, Twins, P

Nick Blackburn's solid week drops his ERA from 4.24 down to 3.87, yet he managed not to pick up a win. In his first start, Blackburn went 7 shutout innings against the Royals, allowing just 4 hits and two walks. Then, against the Indians, Blackburn allowed 4 runs, just one earned, over 6 innings, still allowing just 4 hits and two walks. This game was almost better than the first because he fanned 7 in just 6 innings. Blackburn wasn't having a great year before this strong week, so he can't be trusted outside AL only leagues. With Kevin Slowey headed to AAA, there isn't much competition for his rotation spot.

The Hotter: C.C. Sabathia, Yankees, P

C.C. Sabathia is still a very, very good pitcher. Even though his control was subpar, allowing 7 walks in the 16 innings this week, he still managed two brilliant starts. His start against the Blue Jays was brilliant, allowing just 3 hits while going 8 innings of 1 run ball with a strong 8 strikeouts. Then, against the Rays, Sabathia went 8 more innings of 2 run ball on just 5 hits, again fanning 8. Sabathia is an elite pitcher and needs to be started in all formats.

The Hottest: C.J. Wilson, Rangers, P

I would have been the first guy to say last year that I didn't think CJ Wilson had what it took to be a starting pitcher after he struggled in the 'pen in 2008, even though he was good in '09. I am even more surprised Wilson has been able to continue last year's success into this season. Wilson was absolutely brilliant this past week. In his start against the Mariners, Wilson went 7 innings of 1 run ball, allowing just 5 hits while striking out 7. After winning against Seattle, Wilson was an extremely tough-luck loser against the Jered Weaver led Angels, despite allowing just an unearned run. Wilson allowed just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8. He has defied the odds in making the jump to the rotation and becoming a borderline elite pitcher. If for some reason his owners are willing to trade him, buy.

The Not: Josh Tomlin, Indians, P

The Indians' starting pitching is heading in the wrong direction as the Tribe is trying to make the playoffs. Tomlin faced the Orioles and managed a win, despite allowing 5 runs over just 5 innings, including being burned by the long-ball 3 times. Then, against the Twins, he was just slightly better, going 6 innings of 4 run ball. His only issue was his 8 hits allowed. He didn't lose this weak, but that doesn't mean he was any good. Tomlin is a low rate option in AL only leagues, despite playing for a solid team.

The Not-ter: Andrew Miller, Red Sox, P

Andrew Miller is still not a good pitcher. Unlike Cameron Maybin, he has yet to prove why the Marlins made him the centerpiece of the blockbuster a few years back. Miller was brutal in his first start of the week, lasting just 2.2 innings before the Rays chased him after allowing 7 earned runs and issuing 5 free passes without striking out a single batter. Against the Orioles he pitched better, and even earned the win after going 5.2 innings of shutout ball. Now, you might be wondering how he is a Not-ter after such a performance. The answer is his whopping 6 walks allowed. Unless Miller figures out his terrible control issues, he'll never be a successful major league pitcher.

The Not-test: Dan Haren, Angels, P

Dan Haren is having a very good year, but this week was a huge step back. His ERA jumped all the way up to 3.10 from the miniscule 2.75 he was at before the week. Against Oakland Haren wasn't terrible, allowing 4 runs in 6.1 innings, but he got tagged for 10 hits in the outing and ended up taking the loss. Against the Rangers Haren was downright terrible. He got battered for 7 earned runs over just 4.1 innings, allowing 9 hits. Yet, he was spared the loss. Haren is an ace in every sense of the word, but he just couldn't find his stuff coming out of the All-Star break. If you own Haren, you must keep him in your lineups, as he will revert back to his superstar self any start now.


And of course, the column would not be complete without what Schultz says: "No one else offered me anything", "It was the best deal that I could find" and "What does it matter, I wasn't keeping him anyway." These are statements made by the people that ruin your league. Given human nature, the person who gives any one of the above excuses when they make a dumbass dump deal trade has usually uttered those phrases before in past years. As these people are usually your friends, no one ever really says anything or stages an intervention to let them know how much their foolhardy selfishness ruins your enjoyment of roto-baseball. Here in this little corner (or more properly subsection, columns really don't have corners) of The Week That Was, Schultz (who loves referring to himself to the third person - only in print though, if you do that in person, you are self indulgent, uninventive or Rickey Henderson) likes to perform the occasional public service . . . and no, it's not court ordered.

Since you are reading a rotisserie baseball column, Schultz is going to presume that you don't need the reasons that each league sets a trading deadline explained to you. If you do need an explanation, go read Too Big To Fail, this roto-stuff isn't for you. With the major league and most keeper leagues trading deadlines approaching, teams that have bollixed up 2011 try to plan ahead for 2012 by trading everything that isn't nailed down for low-priced bargains. In and of itself, there's nothing wrong with that concept. It's the team owner that takes it too far and trades Albert Pujols and Justin Verlander for Ryan Vogelsong and Derek Lee and makes excuses for why he thinks that's a justifiable trade that threatens to tip the competitive balance of any league. While no one has the obligation to consult with every team owner in their league before making a trade to see if they are making the best trade possible (cause lets be honest, some owners are just jerks), they do have the obligation to not bring down an entire league from the inside by making objectively horrific deals out of laziness or friendship with the team in third place.

Nothing can ruin a league quicker or sabotage friendships than a dump deal that makes the entire league wonder if one team has suffered a brain hemorrhage or engaged in drunk trading. The laissez faire aspect of any league - one of the core reasons why winning a fantasy baseball league can be a satisfying challenge - doesn't justify or excuse trades made for the sake of making trades. So as Sgt. Esterhaus would say, "Let's be careful out there."

 

[HacheMan]

Jennings Up; Beltran Out?
Rumors are spreading. Tammy saw what you did behind the bleachers Friday night after the game and she's telling everyone. And just like rumors could be hurtful back in the day, be careful about them during the trade deadline season in fantasy baseball. Since so few of these will actually get completed, if you drop a useful piece to get ahead, you might end up behind. If you have a fungible spot, go ahead. But tread carefully.

Even when the rumors are blazing hot, it's not certain what the outcome will be. The Giants look like the front-runner for the services of Carlos Beltran, who didn't rule out any of the five teams he's been rumored to join, but said he preferred the National League. Nate Schierholtz looks like the possible loser if that happens. You know what though? It's Cody Ross that has a longer body of work that suggests that he's much better against lefties than righties. And with Schierholtz being a lefty, that might turn into a platoon that benefits the one with the long name. Don't drop Schierholtz in deep leagues until you know something for sure. Raul Ibanez would probably lose time if he went to Philly, and yet he has 16 RBI in July and is useful in deeper leagues.

There were 20 scouts watching Ubaldo Jimenez give up five runs in five innings (with eight strikeouts and two walks) in Arizona, but he still seems like one of the less likely pitchers to be traded because of his friendly deal, age, and upside. James Shields is apparently off the market now. Mark Buehrle also probably won't be traded. He has a $15 million salary for next year that kicks in he's traded. That's a killer. Edwin Jackson, on the other hand, seems likely to be traded because he's a free agent at the end of the season. The erratic one held the Indians to two runs on three strikeouts and three walks Sunday. He could receive a boost from heading back to the NL, maybe, but don't assume he's much better than he's shown so far this year. Wandy Rodriguez, who held the Cubs to two runs on seven innings with seven strikeouts and one walk on Saturday, has caught the eye of the Diamondbacks. He's got an okay contract for next year, so this might take an actual, interesting prospect or two to happen. After the Stephen Drew injury, who knows what the D-Backs will do.

Some lesser hitters might move. The B.J. Upton rumors reached a fevered pitch when he was removed from the game Friday and then was not in Saturday's lineup. There's still nothing concrete out there in the industry, other than the fact that he's a possible alternative to Carlos Beltran, so maybe there's not actually a trade coming. There are actually rumored destinations for Colby Rasmus (White Sox), so that could be a possibility but not a probability. Kosuke Fukudome has four teams interested in him. He'll probably be a platoon bat where he ends up, but at least he would bat against righties. Ian Desmond is being actively shopped, but it's unclear how that would help him. If the team ever moved Danny Espinosa over to short in response -- which is where he played in the minor leagues, and he has the arm to do it -- the rookie's value would shoot through the roof.

* Desmond Jennings is finally a big leaguer. He was called up Friday and collected a double and a triple and an RBI while showing elite speed. Sunday he doubled and singled and stole a base. Jennings has been in the minor leagues a bit long, and he's never been young for his age. His strikeout rates have increased of late. His power dipped last year, too. Then again, he had a shoulder injury last year which explains much of the loss of power. He's shown great speed and patience with low strikeout rates when looking at his minor league career as a whole. And there are plenty of different reasons to keep a prospect in the minor leagues. Jennings is absolutely playable in mixed leagues if you have a workable spot the end of your bench. He has the upside to hit better than .280 with five-plus home runs and mid-teens steals in the second half, and the downside to struggle in the bigs as any young player might. Get excited but not too excited. A side note: Because the Rays demoted Reid Brignac as part of the roster shakeup, Ben Zobrist should be playing more shortstop going forward. He'd be a top-five shortstop. Jason Kipnis was another important debut over the weekend, but he went hitless Friday in two at-bats, then was held out of both Saturday and Sunday's games. He's a deep leaguer at best right now.

* Starting pitchers play in 30 to 35 games a year. That means their average start is about five times more important than a position player's average start, in terms of learning about the player. Let's see what we learned from the good starts this weekend. Justin Masterson allowed one earned in a loss, but he struck out six, walked one, and got his ground balls. He's had trouble against lefties that is due to his particular pitching mix and can't be 'solved' without a new pitch, but made a huge step by cutting his walks to lefties. He's mostly for real. Scott Baker picked up right where he left off, shutting out the Tigers through five on Saturday. He shouldn't be on a waiver wire anywhere. Chad Billingsley struck out ten Nationals and gave up just one earned in seven innings. He has a bad stretch every year and stills turns in a dependable performance overall. Madison Bumgarner held the Brewers to one run, and he looked great while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. He doesn't have ace-like whiff rates, but everything else is average or better. He's a really good pitcher. Yovani Gallardo matched him for the most part -- five strikeouts, one walk and two earned in seven innings -- but despite the result his improved control is good news. Matt Garza struck out nine in seven two-run innings against the Astros, and it looks like his new strikeout rate is holding. Good news again.

Deeper in the pool, we can still learn while we're having fun. Jeremy Guthrie is obviously a deep leaguer, but he's been bad the last two months. It was good to see him allow three runs in seven innings against the Angels, and it would be good to see more strikeouts and less walks in his future starts. A move to St. Louis, which was in the rumors Sunday, would definitely help him to the cusp of being a mixed-league bench option. Tyler Chatwood held the Orioles to two runs in seven innings, but the fact that he struck out five, walked one, and got 11 ground balls to his eight fly balls was more impressive. If he can do that again, he's a possible deep leaguer. Dillon Gee has a good enough home park to be relevant in deep leagues, but he was home Sunday and allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings against the Marlins. He struck out three and gave up a home run, and that's about right. Be careful with him. Josh Collmenter gave up three runs in seven innings against the Rockies, which is okay, but it's also only okay. He has excellent control, but most of his strikeouts are being influenced by his funky delivery (his swinging strike rate is below-average), and that might get figured out by the league soon enough. Rick Porcello got more of his contact on the ground, struck out four and walked two in six innings. Especially when going up against a mediocre offense like Minnesota's, giving up two runs like he did is regularly achievable for him if he pitches like that. Alex Cobb held the Royals scoreless in seven, but he only struck out two. He's more of a player to watch than acquire.

The bad starts tell us a lot too. Francisco Liriano struggled with control -- four walks and two wild pitches in 2 1/3 innings -- and it was the fourth straight game in which he's shown iffy control. Michael Pineda gave up seven runs in 4 1/3, to continue a poor stretch for him. Still, it was Boston and it's a long season. He's still getting the strikeouts and limiting the walks and has a bright future. Tim Stauffer gave up five runs in 5 2/3 in Philadelphia, but he did strike out five. He's still a solid start at home -- even though his overall numbers on the road look fine, his strikeout to walk ratio is much higher at home -- and in deep leagues, you can start him most of the time. But in mixed leagues, he's one to be careful with. Ted Lilly gave up six runs to the Nationals on Saturday. His swinging strike rate is in the middle of a long decline and batters are hitting more than a homer and a half off him per game. Lilly has excellent control but is nigh unusable in mixed leagues and shallower right now. Even his upside is so muted that he's droppable. Kevin Correia gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings, which is the danger when you allow so much contact. Jordan Lyles gave up three runs in six innings against the Cubs, but he also struck out five and walked one. He has better whiff rates than strikeout rates, so there's some upside there, but not a ton.

* The bulls in the pen deserve some time in the sun. Antonio Bastardo is still making the most of his stint as the Phillies' closer, but his manager admitted that Ryan Madson is probably headed back the role. Brad Lidge is back but hasn't pitched yet. Bobby Parnell is being groomed to be the closer, but it might not happen until next year. Sunday, he came in to preserve a lead in the eighth, and Logan Morrison took him deep to tie the game. If he can come back and pitch well in his next outing, it might mean that he's learning how to deal with obstacles. J.J. Putz will be back Tuesday says his manager. Rex Brothers is moving up on the bullpen ladder in Colorado, judging by his manager's comments. Kyle Farnsworth blew a one-run lead Saturday against the Royals, which is bad timing with the trade deadline approaching. Still no rumors getting out of that Rays front office. Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless ninth Saturday but he still hit a batter and gave up a single. Still, his manager has said he's on his way back to the role before long. Javy Guerra is not a special reliever, but he's now perfect in seven save chances and has some leash in that Dodger pen.

* Let's head over to the docta, who just diagnosed Adrian Beltre with a grade one hamstring straing and put him on the DL. The doctor also says that Peter Bourjos is back off the disabled list and his manager said he was the starter in center field when he returned. Too bad for Mike Trout, who is the best prospect in the game and hit his first major league home run on Sunday. He's probably headed to the farm soon. Chipper Jones has had two rehab games and is already back. Of course, who knows how long he'll be able to stick together this time. Vladimir Guerrero is also old, but he might only miss the minimum with his fractured hand. He's on a rehab assignment already. David Wright is back! He hit a home run Sunday is and is really back. His back is okay. Back. Placido Polanco's back is feeling better since his epidural and he might be back in a week. Cameron Maybin had to leave Sunday's game with a hip flexor injury, which is too bad because he's killing the ball. He can be a Mike Cameron now and in the future. Angel Pagan should have a better batting average than Maybin over the rest of the season, based on strikeout and contact rates, but he's been unlucky this season. He was removed Sunday from a game in Florida due to dehydration, though, and he seems to have health issues most days. Roy Oswalt will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday. Zack Cozart has been a deep league shortstop replacement and has decent upside, but now he's on the DL with a hyperextended left elbow and Paul Janish is back. Luckily, Cozart won't be out that long. Orlando Hudson had a scary run-in with the wall while making a catch late last week, but he's now back. Denard Span is almost back, which is making Ben Revere very droppable in most leagues. Oh, and Revere's play is doing that too. Luke Scott is done for the season, surgery or no, but he wants more opinions before going under the knife. Scott Rolen is on the DL and can't lift his left shoulder very far. Not good, but he's slid too far to be useful in most leagues.

National League Quick Hits: Mat Latos gave up three runs against the Phillies Saturday, but the seven strike outs in seven innings were a better sign … Justin Upton had four hits in four at-bats Sunday and is flaming hot -- he looks like a top-five outfielder right now … Drew Stubbs walked em off Sunday night and stole a base too … Anibal Sanchez gave up four runs, but struck out eight Mets and walked none, so he's still an every-starter … Geovany Soto hit a home run Saturday, collected three hits Sunday, and has been good enough to play in all leagues over the past month-plus … Homer Bailey gave up two runs in six innings against the Braves, but struck out three and walked three and looked shaky … Rafael Furcal had two hits Saturday and just needs a little more of a boost (from a trade?) to become mixed league usable again … Charlie Morton gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Cardinals; He walked five and that mediocre control will relegate him to deep leagues … There are a few Carlos Lee rumors, but after a home run Sunday he's approaching useful status in deeper mixed leagues … Joe Blanton will have his elbow checked Tuesday and more will be known about his availability for the rest of the season then … Chien-Ming Wang should be up this week, and he might take Tom Gorzelanny's job after he was beater for five runs in three inning Saturday … Kyle Blanks had a hit, a walk and two strikeouts Sunday, is striking out too much to show a good batting average and hasn't flashed the power yet, but that power potential is still enough to keep him around in deep leagues … Allen Craig began his rehab assignment but his major league job is unclear … Chris Volstad was demoted and Brad Hand or Chris Sampson will take his job, but none of them are very fantasy-interesting … Jordan Schafer (finger) missed the weekend but should be back soon … Juan Uribe is struggling with a lower abdomen strain … The Pirates should trade for a reliever, but none that would close, and none that would lose their closing job … The Diamondbacks released Wily Mo Pena, which is just sad but not super fantasy relevant.

American League Quick Hits: Nick Markakis is all batting average, but at least he's got that stat going again, and Sunday he even added a home run … Juan Pierre is all stolen bases and batting average, and he collected two hits Sunday to stay hot this month and relevant in most leagues despite his obvious decline … Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove in four runs Sunday and is moving towards mixed league relevance along with his batting average … Eric Hosmer hit a walkoff RBI double Saturday and should be owned, if not started, in most mixed leagues … Hideki Matsui went five for five Sunday but is now headed home … J.D. Drew is headed to the DL Monday, which means even more time for the streaking Josh Reddick … Bartolo Colon still could turn into a pumpkin at any time just based on the age of his various ligaments, but he held the Athletics to two runs in seven innings at least … Gio Gonzalez got beat up in the Bronx (six runs), but that happens to a lot of pitchers in that park … Felipe Paulino just keeps getting the strikeouts but giving up the runs -- he gave up four in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts against the Rays this time … Brendan Ryan doubled and hit a grand slam and is definitely an AL-only option even if the power was just a momentary outburst … Teammate Mike Carp homered in two straight over the weekend and is a deep league play even if we should be skeptical that he can continue being an every-day major leaguer corner outfielder … Fernando Rodney is back with the Angels … Matt Moore might be the most exciting pitching prospect in baseball, but a report says that if he comes up this year, it will be to work in relief … Brett Cecil shut out the Rangers but is too erratic to be a good choice right now … Aaron Hill earned the golden sombrero and it's not looking good for him … Tyson Ross (shoulder) will made a rehab start Sunday and should be back shortly … Rich Harden is getting trade interest from the Red Sox … Kyle Gibson might be running out of steam and the Twins are considering limiting his innings, which suggests he won't see the major leagues much this year if at all.

 

[HacheMan]

Trends: Maybin Mania SURGING

Cameron Maybin, OF, SD

Stats: .425 avg (17-for-40) with a homer, six RBI, 10 runs scored and 10 steals in his last nine games prior to a Monday afternoon matchup with the Phillies.

Bottom line: Maybin (37 percent owned in Yahoo leagues) is already gone in a lot of competitive formats, but let this be a reminder that he's a must-add player right now if somehow still available in a shallow league. A little bit more power would be nice, but there's little complaining to be done about his .341 average with 15 runs, nine RBI and 11 steals so far in July.

Josh Reddick, OF, BOS

Stats: .326 avg (15-for-46) with three homers, nine RBI and 10 runs scored in his last 13 games prior to a Monday evening matchup with Kansas City.

Bottom line: Reddick was already stealing playing time from J.D. Drew before Drew (shoulder) hit the DL on Monday. Now, the 24-year-old has an even clearer path to continued at-bats (unless the Red Sox deal for an outfielder, as has been rumored). Nevertheless, with 18 combined homers between Triple-A and the majors, plus a spot in the formidable Boston lineup, Reddick definitely warrants mixed league consideration at the moment. It should be noted that Reddick was hitting just .230 (with 14 homers) in the minors, a strong reminder that his average (currently at .358) is eventually quite likely to plummet. With that said, there's nothing wrong with looking to capitalize on his hot streak right now.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Dexter Fowler, OF, COL

Stats: .455 avg (10-for-22) with five runs, six RBI, three triples and two steals in his last six games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Dodgers.

Bottom line: He's still not a great option in shallow mixed leagues due to the lack of power (no homers in 244 at-bats this year), but Fowler is obviously trending in the right direction with a 1.024 OPS, 10 runs scored and three steals in his first 34 at-bats of July. All things considered, fantasy owners in need of runs and a few steals could certainly do worse in deeper mixed leagues.

Jason Bartlett, SS, SD

Stats: .435 avg (10-for-23) with eight runs and three steals in his last five games prior to a Monday afternoon matchup with the Phillies.

Bottom line: Speaking of a frustrating lack of power, Bartlett has just one homer this season and only five in 823 at-bats since his fluke 14-homer campaign in 2009. That aside, he does have 21 steals in 2011 (with 13 of those coming since the start of June) and is only owned in 11 percent of Yahoo leagues. He's hardly dynamic, but definitely worth considering if you're in need of steals.

Hideki Matsui, OF, OAK

Stats: .542 avg (13-for-24) with two homers and 10 RBI in his last six games prior to a Monday night matchup with Tampa Bay.

Bottom line: It's hard to get too excited about Matsui if he keeps playing his home games in Oakland (where he has a 632 OPS this year), but he could see a decent boost in value – and warrant an add in deeper mixed leagues – if he's traded to a better hitting environment/lineup at the deadline.

James McDonald, SP, PIT

Stats: 1.85 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 23/10 K/BB ratio in his last four starts (24.1 IP) prior to a Monday night start against the Braves.

Bottom line: Shaky control (85/52 K/BB ratio on the season) continues to keep McDonald from being a standout mixed league option, but he's throwing well enough at the moment to warrant some spot-start consideration in mixed leagues (with the requisite warning that his control problems could lead to a WHIP-related implosion during any given start).

Juan Nicasio, SP, COL

Stats: 2.22 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 16/6 K/BB ratio in his last four starts (24.1 IP) prior to a Monday night start against the Dodgers.

Bottom line: He's not striking out enough hitters (and is a bit too unreliable) to make himself a must-add in mixed leagues, but Nicasio is a name to remember when pondering spot-start possibilities. One important thing to keep in mind, however: Nicasio has a 1.58 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in six starts at Coors Field, and a 9.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in four starts on the road.

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

STRUGGLING

B.J. Upton, OF, TB (though likely soon to be elsewhere)

Stats: 2-for-30 with no homers, no runs, no RBI and one steal in his last seven games prior to a Monday night matchup with Oakland.

Bottom line: He was positively scalding just a couple weeks ago (seven homers between June 24 and July 9), but trade rumors and the arrival of Desmond Jennings are two key factors that might be currently slowing down Upton, who has seen his OPS drop from 752 to 706 over the last two weeks. Overall it's tough to complain about a player who has posted 15 homers and 23 steals, but Upton's season thus far has been littered with a number of frustrating slumps. Hopefully a trade elsewhere would prompt an awakening from his latest struggles.

Ryan Roberts, 2B/3B/OF, ARI

Stats: 1-for-16 in his last six games.

Bottom line: Roberts has provided nice overall value with 13 homers and 13 steals, but has been a liability in batting average for a while now, hitting just .231 (54-for-234) over the last three months after hitting .313 with five homers in April. Roberts has still collected a respectable eight homers and 10 steals since the beginning of May, but shopping him after his next handful of good games would be a wise choice given the long-term trouble with batting average.

In closing, this week's trend proverb (a nod to Simon and Garfunkel) is either extremely profound or makes absolutely no sense whatsoever (for the record, I'm leaning toward the latter):

 

[HacheMan]

How long can Guerra be Dodgers' closer?

Jason Grey

At the beginning of the year, there were questions as to whether Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Javy Guerra would even see the majors this season, much less wind up somewhere on the closer depth chart.


However, as we enter the last week of July, unexpected attrition at the position for the Dodgers through injury and ineffectiveness has thrust the rookie into the role. He's responded by going a perfect 7-for-7 in save chances. Those seven saves tie for the team lead, which shows how much of a mess the ninth has been for the Dodgers for much of the season. Seven different pitchers have recorded a save for the club, with six doing so in roughly a three-week span at one point.

The 25-year-old right-hander was a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft, but his ascent was delayed by Tommy John surgery in 2005. His command was slow to come back as the club changed his delivery from his amateur days, and he battled his mechanics as a minor league starter in 2006 and 2007 before converting to a relief role in 2008. He was limited to just 29 innings last year due to shoulder and hamstring trouble, though he did add more innings in the Arizona Fall League.

<OFFER>

With the Dodgers bullpen in disarray in early May, Guerra got the call right from Double-A and picked up a save less than two weeks later. He picked up another spot save in June, but has been the go-to guy in the ninth since July 8, recording a win and five saves. Manager Don Mattingly has gone on record praising Guerra's calm demeanor under pressure.


Guerra still has four pitches from his days as a starter, but focuses on just a fastball/slider combination in relief. He has a quick arm that allows his fastball to sit consistently in the 93-95 mph range, and a sharp slider that looks more like a cutter with good velocity at 88-89 mph. Although he continues to show the curve and changeup occasionally, he lacks feel for the change, and while he has good "downer' movement on his curve, he's prone to hanging it.


Guerra's fastball is pretty straight, but he gets the ball into the bottom of the strike zone pretty well despite his 6-foot height. He has not been homer-prone, having yet to give up a long ball in the big leagues. As I've mentioned in the past, I'm obviously a fan of stoppers who keep the ball in the yard and don't allow that big hit to blow the save. That said, Guerra doesn't get a ton of swings and misses with his stuff for a short reliever, especially one trusted to get the final three outs, although he has at least posted a strikeout rate of more than seven per nine innings in a small sample size. I'd like to see him show more consistent overall command, and he can be a little too hittable at times.


One other concern I have with Guerra is that he's had control issues throughout his pro career, and although he's managed to throw strikes thus far in his short stint at the big league level (his walk rate is the best in his pro career), I'm not convinced that's going to continue as the league gets an extended look at him. It certainly can, as his delivery is cleaner than it was in the past, but he also doesn't repeat it very well. That's something to watch, although it is possible he has turned a bit of a corner in that regard.


Sometimes with saves, it's just about being in the right place at the right time, and that certainly applies in this case. Or perhaps "last man standing" is the more appropriate phrase. Still, Guerra has certainly taken the role and run with it to this point. I just don't see him as being the best long-term fit in the closer role. He's a quality piece in a major league bullpen, but not someone I'm going to bank on keeping the role in keeper and dynasty formats.


However, in the short term we certainly try to ride the hot hand. Guerra was unowned in more than 40 percent of leagues as of Monday morning, and as long as Mattingly is entrusting the ninth to Guerra, fantasy owners should run him out there as well.

 

[HacheMan]

Hot Corner Homecoming
After playing in two minor league rehab games over the weekend, Chipper Jones was back in the Braves' lineup Monday night against the Pirates. It was a pretty impressive feat considering that the 39-year-old underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee just a little over two weeks ago.

Jones collected two hits and a stolen base in his return, including a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, he was then forced to leave the game due to a strained right quadriceps muscle suffered while making a play on defense two innings earlier. The veteran third baseman doesn't think the injury is serious, but his status will be reevaluated on Tuesday.

Jones is batting .262/.342/.439 with nine homers, 47 RBI and a .781 OPS in 333 plate appearances this season. That's nothing special really, but in a year where production has been hard to come by at third base (especially in the National League), he still provides value. Of course, his early exit Monday functioned as a reminder that fantasy owners should always have a backup plan at the ready.

While Larry Wayne Jones continues to build on his reputation as a switch-hitting zombie, here are some more news and notes from around a rumor-filled Monday in the baseball world.

- Chipper Jones wasn't the only third baseman in the news Monday, as Pedro Alvarez made his return from Triple-A Indianapolis in the very same game and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an error.

Alvarez was hitting .365 with three homers, a 1.048 OPS and an 18/12 K/BB ratio over 76 plate appearances since his demotion earlier this month. The Pirates originally intended to keep the 24-year-old third baseman in the minor leagues for a bit longer, but plans apparently changed after outfielder Alex Presley went on the disabled list with a thumb injury.

Many fantasy prognosticators expected Alvarez to take a big step forward this season, but he batted just .208/.283/.304 with two homers, 10 RBI through his first 138 plate appearances before going on the disabled list with a quad injury in May. While the 2008 first-round pick has 18 homers and 74 RBI over his first 475 major league at-bats, he has also struck out 162 times.

It's not clear how the Pirates intend to use Alvarez moving forward, but Brandon Wood and Chase d'Arnaud aren't exactly doing anything of significance to take the third base job away. Alvarez is an obvious batting average risk due to his lowly contact rate, but his power potential is worth owning in NL-only and deeper mixed formats.

- Lance Berkman has made John Mozeliak look like a genius so far this season. The Cardinals took plenty of criticism for signing Berkman with the intent of sticking him in right field on two surgically-repaired knees, but the 35-year-old is currently batting .288/.400/.599 and leads the National League with 27 homers and a .999 OPS. While he's been a godsend for fantasy owners, the risk of injury continues to loom large.

Berkman missed Monday's game with a slight strain of his right rotator cuff suffered on his final swing during Sunday's game against the Pirates. He doesn't anticipate missing more than "a day or two," but this may be your latest hint to sell high in fantasy leagues.

NL Quick Hits: Carlos Gonzalez (wrist) won't attempt to swing a bat until this weekend … Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reported Monday that the chances of Ubaldo Jimenez being traded are now 50/50 … Colby Rasmus, also subject to trade rumors, homered and drove in three runs in Monday's win over the Astros … Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Phillies have been "aggressive" in their pursuit of Padres' relievers Heath Bell and Mike Adams … Cameron Maybin (hip) missed Monday's game, but is expected to avoid the disabled list … Placido Polanco (back) hopes to begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday … Angel Pagan underwent blood tests Monday after leaving Sunday's game with dehydration and dizziness … Jon Heyman of SI.com reported Monday that Carlos Pena "will almost surely" be moved before the deadline … Brad Lidge (shoulder, elbow) tossed a perfect inning in his long-delayed season debut Monday … Jason Isringhausen notched his third save in Monday's win over the Reds … Juan Uribe (abdomen) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday … Chris Heisey suffered a bruised left shoulder after colliding with teammate Drew Stubbs while tracking down a fly ball in the outfield Sunday … The Diamondbacks are expected to promote prospect outfielder Collin Cowgill from the minors on Tuesday … Struggling rookie first baseman Brett Wallace is expected to lose playing time …Jason Giambi has drawn interest from the Phillies and Pirates … The Diamondbacks agreed to terms with No. 3 overall pick RHP Trevor Bauer, who will make his first professional start Saturday with High-A Visalia … Astros first-round pick OF George Springer met with the GM of the independent Long Island Ducks over the weekend… Lucas Duda is the leading candidate to take over right field if and/or when Carlos Beltran is traded …

AL Quick Hits: Jon Lester returned from the disabled list Monday and tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a no-decision against the Royals … Kevin Youkilis is day-to-day after Monday's game with right hamstring tightness … Alex Rodriguez remains on track to return in the second week of August following knee surgery … Ian Kinsler went 4-for-6 with a three-run homer and four RBI as the Rangers routed the Twins 20-6 on Monday night … Derek Jeter homered and tripled in Monday's win over the Mariners and is batting .324 since coming off the disabled list … Clay Buchholz (back) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday … Mariners president Chuck Armstrong told Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com that it's "not likely" Brandon League will be traded … Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago reports that the Yankees have interest in White Sox left-hander Matt Thornton … Luke Scott is scheduled to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery Tuesday … Indians' rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis delivered a walk-off RBI single in Monday's comeback win over the Angels … The Orioles are expected to activate Vladimir Guerrero (hand) from the disabled list Tuesday … Erik Bedard (knee) is on track to return to the Mariners' rotation Friday night against the Rays … Rafael Soriano (elbow) could rejoin the Yankees' bullpen as soon as Wednesday while Eric Chavez (foot) is expected to return from the disabled list Tuesday … J.D. Drew (shoulder) will be placed on the disabled list Tuesday … Alex White (finger) will pitch out of the bullpen when he returns from the disabled list … The Athletics agreed to terms with first-round pick RHP Sonny Gray, who is expected to report to Double-A Midland next week … The Athletics activated Tyson Ross (oblique, shoulder) from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento …

 

[HacheMan]

Hop on the Desmond Jennings bandwagon

Eric Karabell

You won't find me leading the charge in defending rookies in any sport too often, but I've been waiting for Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings for a long time. I thought the speedster was ready for the big leagues last season, really. Jennings certainly looks ready now, with three multi-hit games in three attempts and a successful stolen base in each contest. The next Carl Crawford? Hey, I'm game. Perhaps he'll actually be more valuable than the current Crawford for the next two months.

In fact, the most added player in ESPN standard (10-team) leagues -- and this has all happened since Saturday, essentially -- looks like he's going to be more valuable than a lot of players. Jennings, 24, was hitting .275 at Triple-A Durham -- his third consecutive season playing at that level -- with 12 home runs, 19 doubles, 17 stolen bases (in 18 attempts) and 45 walks in 89 games. Honestly, other than financial implications, there was no defending the decision to have him remain in the minor leagues any longer, especially with Sam Fuld, Justin Ruggiano and the sputtering Matt Joyce getting at-bats.
That's not a problem now, and it's easy to see how Jennings can make his mark on fantasy rosters for the rest of the season. The Rays might be undergoing a minor makeover later this week -- it certainly seems like center fielder B.J. Upton is on the trading block -- but regardless of what day it is, it's feasible to recommend Jennings as the team's third-best offensive player, behind only Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist. In fact, if you compare Jennings to Upton right now, the case can be made for the rookie because batting average is important. Upton is hitting .229 and although he really fills the counting stats (15 home runs, 23 steals), Jennings should provide a healthy dose of each as well and avoid killing your batting average.
<OFFER>As of this writing, Jennings is owned in 62.3 percent of leagues. His .545 batting average will obviously go down and he won't steal a base in every single game, but I can see him hitting close to .300 the rest of the way -- his minor league batting average was .294 -- with occasional power and plenty of stolen bases (seven or eight per month?). Jennings can be a top-30 outfielder, and if he's sitting there on your free-agent wire and you're still clinging to -- in order of ownership at over 50 percent -- Bobby Abreu, Raul Ibanez, Michael Brantley, Mitch Moreland, Johnny Damon, Alfonso Soriano, Matt Joyce, Jason Kubel, Alex Rios, Aubrey Huff or Ryan Ludwick, you really should make the switch. In fact, I can make the case for Jennings over the following outfielders owned in 100 percent of leagues: Carlos Lee, Brennan Boesch, Ichiro Suzuki, Corey Hart, Jeff Francoeur, Melky Cabrera, Howard Kendrick, Alex Gordon and, yes, Jayson Werth. In other words, I like Jennings quite a bit.
Here are some other Rays-oriented thoughts:
• Upton is still only 26 years old, by the way, but it's getting pretty difficult to envision him ever hitting .300 again, like he did in 2007. Since then, Upton has hit .273, .241 and .237, and is currently at .229. That, my friends, is what we call a disturbing trend. He's hitting a poor .171 at the beautiful Trop -- be careful of falling light bulbs! -- and .284 on the road. But before we pronounce him solved if he gets traded to some other fair city, note: Upton hit .224 on the road a year ago and .250 at home. His career splits are relatively even. Enjoy Upton's power and speed, but you need to own a Joe Mauer-type for the batting average.
• Closer Kyle Farnsworth ranks 10th for the season among pure relief pitchers on the ESPN Fantasy Player Rater, but rumors abound that the Rays might try to cash in his value this week. If so, I think Joel Peralta is the obvious closing replacement candidate. In most cases, the next closer is the team's setup man, and Peralta boasts nearly half the team's 32 holds (he has 14), and when Farnsworth was unavailable for a game last week against the New York Yankees, Peralta stepped in. Lefty Jake McGee is owned in a lot more leagues because of his potential closing opportunity gone awry from March, but I'd preemptively add Peralta now. As for Farnsworth, I have no idea which team, if any, acquires him and whether he closes or not.
• The team's top starting pitcher over the past month is not James Shields or David Price, but right-hander Jeff Niemann. His July ERA stands at 1.32, his WHIP 1.10 and he's fanned 23 over 27 1/3 innings, including 10 Boston Red Sox on July 17. Niemann also beat the Yankees. He's owned in a mere 21.4 percent of leagues -- though that figure was at 2.2 percent a week ago -- and I'd call him a top-60 starting pitcher right now. I'd still rank Shields, Price and even rookie Jeremy Hellickson ahead of Niemann the rest of the season, but why can't all four guys help fantasy owners?

 

[HacheMan]

Alex Cobb pitching his way into rotation

Jason Grey

At the Arizona Fall League in 2005, James Shields was an under-the-radar pitcher for the Rays (partially due to injuries) that really made me take notice, especially with his changeup. And we know how that turned out.


At the Arizona Fall League in 2010, Alex Cobb was an under-the radar pitcher for the Rays (partially due to the high-profile pitching prospects in the system) that really made me take notice, especially with his changeup. I have a feeling this one will also turn out well.
<OFFER>Cobb is a 23-year-old righty that was a fourth-round pick in the 2006 draft out of a Florida high school who has had nothing but success as a professional. In fact, his ERA has dropped every single season for the past six years (5.19, 3.54, 3.29, 3.03, 2.71 and 1.87 this year at Triple-A), despite advancing a level each year. He led the Double-A Southern League in strikeouts per nine innings last season, and was averaging better than a strikeout per inning at Triple-A this year as well.


After a rough debut on May 1 when he was asked to make a spot start, Cobb has returned to the big leagues to post six straight solid outings. He's pitched well enough that Rays manage Joe Maddon has committed to a six-man rotation for now to keep Cobb in it, as we wait and see how things shake out after the trade deadline. Cobb needed just 81 pitches to throw seven shutout innings his last time out on Sunday before leaving because of a blister.


For now, Cobb's repertoire features two- and four-seam fastballs (mostly the former), a curve and the aforementioned change. He's also been toying with a cutter, something he started adding to his game at the AFL and was working on a lot there, but he hasn't really used it in game situations in the majors yet, presumably because he doesn't want to get beat using his fourth-best pitch at the moment. However, the pitch does have the potential to be very useful for him down the road if he continues to work on it and gain more polish and confidence in it. Cobb has a good ground-ball profile and has the potential to keep the ball in the yard (no small thing in the AL East), thanks to the sink on his two-seamer.


He will sit in the 90-92 mph range, and his M.O. is generally to go inside with the four-seam fastball against left-handed hitters, and away with the two-seamer. For righties, it's two-seamers inside, and four-seamers away. It's all designed to set up his 82-86 mph split-change, which can be an out-pitch at the big league level. He has 11-to-5 movement on his 77-80 curve, which works well to keep batters from sitting on his other stuff, although he could tighten it up more consistently.


Cobb can pepper the strike zone, mixes up his pitches well, will throw any pitch on any count and has that feel and "pitchability" you like to see out of a starting pitcher. I've also seen him be effective working largely with his secondary stuff when he hasn't had his fastball command on a particular day.


With the understanding that it's just a small, seven-start sample size, Cobb has fanned just over five batters per nine thus far, and walked around 3.5, for just a 1.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, I don't think that's indicative of the quality of his stuff, and I expect those marks to show some significant improvement as he gets settled in at the big league level.


Cobb's control comes from repeating a clean delivery well, although at times he has to watch collapsing his back side, which causes him to get underneath the ball, flattening out and elevating his pitches. He needs to make sure he stays tell, and finishes pitches off.


Published reports indicate the Rays may be open to dealing a starter such as Jeff Niemann or Wade Davis. If that happens, or the Rays continue to deploy a six-man rotation, Cobb can fill a rotation spot capably for both the Rays and fantasy owners -- not just for this season, but going forward as well. He needs to be firmly on your radar screen.


Other notes:


• Pirates third basemen have produced a combined stat line of .230/.286/.335 this season, but are hoping the return of Pedro Alvarez (who has contributed 126 at-bats) gives them a boost. Given the depth of the third base pool in fantasy play this year, it would be nice to add another producer at the position as well.

Alvarez was off to a very slow start before injuring his quad in late May, but was sent to Triple-A when he was healthy. He was hitting .365 with three homers in 63 at-bats there, and was called up yesterday when Alex Presley hit the disabled list. Now that he's back, he will again regularly man the hot corner.


I had a good conversation with a scout that follows the Pirates and their system extensively and has seen a lot of Alvarez in both the minors and the majors this season. His assertion is that while Alvarez has struggled to make adjustments, it goes a little deeper than that. His opinion is that Alvarez has tried too hard to be something he's not. Alvarez is and always has been a dead pull hitter. This scout thought that although there would still be some bumps in the road this season, Alvarez would be good for at least a 240-.250 with 25 bombs. Early in the season, he viewed the young left-handed hitter as just going through some standard young player struggles such as not laying off tougher pitches and getting himself out.


He told me that manager Clint Hurdle has always preached to his players to try to use the whole field when they are struggling, and that he thinks Alvarez tried to do this as well, getting away from what works best for him. He tried to go to the opposite field and just didn't take to it, and it kind of toyed with his swing a bit.


The hope is that Alvarez's time at Triple-A has helped him find the swing mechanics that work for him again, and get him back to looking for something he can pull over the fence. That said, Alvarez also has to show he can hit southpaws with authority, something he hasn't done for the past two years, so if you plan on deploying him in mixed leagues as a pure power-category prospect, it would be optimal if you can sit him against left-handed pitchers for now.


• One corner man who has been quietly producing this year has been Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who is having just the kind of growth season you want to see out of a second-year player: He has more walks, is keeping the strikeout rate steady and hitting for more pop. He ranks 13th at the deep position according to our Player Rater. Sanchez has shown an aptitude to make adjustments at the plate from at-bat to at-bat, a trait that has served him well this season. He doesn't have the greatest bat speed, but makes up for it with a great approach and plate discipline, and by being short to the ball.

"One of the biggest things for me [in making improvement this year], was playing all of last year and having that kind of experience coming into this season," Sanchez told me at the break. "I know the pitchers better, and that helps out a lot. Right now I'm just trying to stay consistent and keep doing what I'm doing and not try to do too much at the plate."


The thing I've noticed different about him this season has been that consistency, especially with his swing. Sanchez is a hitter that crouches down in a low stance, and hitters that do that have to pay attention to not coming up out of his swing. In other words, he needs to stay down on his legs and not pop up to go after the ball. That is something he has not been doing as much this year, and I think it shows up in the stats. Sanchez will remain a somewhat underrated, but very effective hitter, and well worth your continued consideration in keeper and dynasty leagues.

 

[HacheMan]

Johnson Down, Cowgill Arrives

More on the arrivals of Collin Cowgill and Yonder Alonso (plus the injury to Brian McCann) in a minute, but first, a couple of bleak updates on the status of Josh Johnson's shoulder.

First, the more negative (and more direct): SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that Johnson isn't expected to pitch again this season. Slightly more optimistic is Marlins beat writer Joe Frisaro, who reports that if Johnson is able to begin a throwing program later this week or early next week, he has a "realistic" shot to return, potentially in early September. However, Frisaro also adds that Johnson "repeatedly says he hopes to pitch in a game before the season ends, even if it is in relief for a game or two." In other words, even in a best-case scenario, fantasy owners shouldn't be expecting much (if anything) from the Marlins ace over the final two months of the year.

Brian McCann will be placed on the DL Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's bizarre 19-inning game in the 10th with a strained left oblique. David Ross is is a respectable waiver wire replacement for McCann's fantasy owners, but it's little consolation given that oblique injuries often take more than two weeks to heal. No official word yet on how long McCann might be out.

Meanwhile, two notable prospects joined the big leagues on Tuesday. Neither is a must-add in mixed leagues, but we'll look first at the one who's likely to get more immediate playing time: Diamondbacks outfielder Collin Cowgill. The diminutive 25-year-old (listed at 5-foot-9, looks like he could be even shorter) had a .354 average, 13 homers, 70 RBI and 30 steals at Triple-A, but hit eighth (and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts) in his big league debut. Obviously, he's going to have to move up in the order if he has any hope of establishing legitimate value outside of NL-Only leagues.

With Jonny Gomes getting dealt to Washington Tuesday, Yonder Alonso (who had an 860 OPS and 12 homers at Triple-A) got the call to take his place. Alonso certainly has name recognition, but enthusiasm needs to be tempered here, as Reds GM Walt Jocketty indicated to the Cincinnati Enquirer that the former first-round pick will share playing time in left field and see the occasional start at first base. With Chris Heisey and Fred Lewis also in the left field picture, the 24-year-old looks unlikely to immediately break through with mixed league value.

The Indians made an offer for Carlos Beltran on Tuesday, but those efforts reportedly fell through due to the fact that Beltran hasn't approved (and doesn't appear likely to approve) a trade to Cleveland. Meanwhile, the frontrunners for the outfielder's services are believed to be the Rangers, Braves, Giants, Phillies and Brewers.

As Ubaldo Jimenez trade chatter continues to escalate, Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Yankees have the best chance to land the right-hander (assuming that the Rockies actually intend to deal him). Other teams in the mix include the Red Sox, Rangers, Tigers, Indians and Reds, with Knobler labeling the Blue Jays a "longshot."

More trade talk, with some ellipses: Ken Rosenthal reports that the Phillies are the "most aggressive" pursuer of Hunter Pence … Meanwhile, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Philadelphia has been scouting Carlos Quentin … B.J. Upton has been linked to the Giants, Pirates, Brewers, Royals and Indians … Rosenthal reports that the Marlins are "unlikely" to trade Leo Nunez … And the aforementioned Danny Knobler writes that the Cardinals appear to be shopping Colby Rasmus "widely."

Jose Bautista got a scare after getting beaned in the helmet and leaving Tuesday's game early, but he appears to have avoided a concussion. The Jays may opt to play it cautious, but early indications are that Bautista is aiming to play on Wednesday.

In other injury news, Lance Berkman (rotator cuff) returned to action Tuesday, but left in the fifth inning after aggravating his shoulder, telling MLB.com that "When you go to accelerate, it's just there. it's like any kind of a strain. It doesn't feel good." He could receive an anti-inflammatory shot on Wednesday, which would reportedly sideline him for two or three games.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Pitcher injury notes: Tim Lincecum was scratched due to an illness … The Diamondbacks activated J.J. Putz (elbow) … Johan Santana (shoulder) will make his first rehab start Thursday as he continues to target a late-August return … The Red Sox are hoping that Clay Buchholz (back) can throw another bullpen Wednesday … Jake Arrieta picked up his 10th win, but left after five innings with a right foot contusion (X-rays were negative) … Jose Contreras (forearm) was slated to get another platelet-rich plasma injection Tuesday, but there's no clear timetable for his return … Joe Blanton (elbow) is reportedly dealing with nerve damage and is unlikely to return this season.

Position player injury notes: Alex Rodriguez (knee) has a chance to return in mid-August in a best-case scenario … Matt Holliday (illness) didn't play Tuesday … Chipper Jones (quad) is expected to be limited to pinch-hitting for at least the next couple of days … Cameron Maybin (hip) returned to the lineup, going 0-for-4 … Jason Giambi (quad) hit the DL, likely delaying his involvement in any trades until after the deadline … Kevin Youkilis (hamstring) sat out, but Terry Francona hopes to have him back Wednesday … Jose Tabata (quad) is aiming to resume his rehab assignment this weekend … Placido Polanco (back) is targeting a weekend return … Angel Pagan (dehydration) had a pinch-hit RBI single and should start Wednesday … Gaby Sanchez was scratched due to a tight hamstring.

Position player injury notes (part 2): Vladimir Guerrero returned from the DL … Chris Heisey (shoulder) got the start in left and went 2-for-4 … Jordan Schafer (finger) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, but entered the 19-inning game against the Pirates off the bench and went 2-for-4 … Allen Craig (knee) has begun a minor league rehab assignment and is expected to need a week or more before he can return … Ryan Doumit (ankle) is targeting an early August return … Eric Chavez (foot) returned from the 60-day DL and started at third base … Daric Barton has been diagnosed with a torn labrum and is headed for a visit with Dr. James Andrews Wednesday.

Miscellaneous notes: Despite the fact that Brett Lawrie is hitting .364 (12-for-33) since returning to the Triple-A lineup after a hand injury, Jays manager John Farrell told MLB.com that "We still don't have a date in the near future when he would be arriving here" …. The Diamondbacks reportedly could promote No. 3 overall pick Trevor Bauer to contribute out of the bullpen this year … The Tigers sent Brandon Inge to Triple-A … Braves pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino is headed for Triple-A, and could reach the majors as a reliever this season … Tony La Russa told MLB.com that Daniel Descalso is likely to see more starts at shortstop against right-handers in relief of the struggling Ryan Theriot … As expected, Zach Britton will start on Saturday against the Yankees in his return from the minors.

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

Notable pitching: C.C. Sabathia allowed just one hit in seven innings with a career-high 14 strikeouts en route to his 15th win (albeit against Seattle) … Tim Byrdak picked up a save, but only because Jason Isringhausen and Bobby Parnell were getting the night off … Kenley Jansen also recorded a save, but only due to the fact that Javy Guerra had pitched on three consecutive days … Josh Tomlin held the Angels to two runs in eight innings in a 2-1 loss … Vance Worley limited the Astros to two runs on just three hits in his first career complete-game … Joe Saunders threw a complete-game six-hitter in a 6-1 win over the Padres to lower his ERA to 3.63 … Brandon McCarthy threw eight innings of one-run ball in a win over the Rays.

Notable hitting: Derrek Lee had a homer and five RBI, giving him five homers and 17 RBI in July … J.J. Hardy homered twice and drove in four … David Ortiz went 4-for-5 with five RBI to raise his OPS to 957 … Dustin Pedroia went 4-for-5 to push his average over .300 (.304) for the first time since April … Adam Dunn homered for the 10th time this season (and first time since July 8), but struck out in his other three at-bats to give him 130 K's (and a .161 average) on the year … Emilio Bonifacio extended his hitting streak to 24 games … Joey Votto homered for the first time since July 14.

 

[HacheMan]

Can't Blame the Midges

Updating the closers during trade deadline season feels a little like walking blindfolded through a mine field. We can have opinions about which relievers might get traded and how a trade might change their value, but we don't know these things. And there are plenty of possible trades that might blow up your fantasy bullpen.

We'll try to hit on all the rumors in this week's edition. With educated guesses about who would be next in line. The guess is that fewer closers are traded than we might anticipate, just because teams seem to be holding their prospects tight to the vest. But that doesn't mean we can't get out in front of this thing.

And in honor of the of the excitement that an infusion of talent can bring to a contending team, we'll name the tiers after previous trade deadline deals that worked out for the buyers.

Because it's all about optimism, even as we navigate the minefield.


Tier 1: Elite (3) (AKA: The "Fred McGriff for Donnie Elliot, Melvin Nieves and Jose Herrera in 1993" Tier.)


Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates

There was some excitement about Melvin Nieves and he did eventually hit 24 home runs one season for the Tigers, but he couldn't control the contact problem and strikeouts did him in. Fred McGriff? Went on to power the Braves all the way to the NLCS and give them their best first baseman in a long, long time. Yeah that worked out for them.
Jonathan Papelbon had a bad save on July fifth. Since then, he's walked one and allowed four hits in nine innings. With twelve strikeouts. That's dominance, even if his ERA is in the mid-threes. Craig Kimbrel hasn't allowed a run in ten outings, and has eight base runners in those innings. With sixteen strikeouts. That's dominance without qualification. Joel Hanrahan has almost five strikeouts to each walk. Fire.


Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "Curt Schilling for Vicente Padilla, Travis Lee, Omar Daal and Nelson Figueroa in 2001" Tier.)


John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

This was a gift that kept on giving for the Diamondbacks. Vicente Padilla was okay, and that's why this is second, but the rest of the package flamed out quickly. And Curt Schilling? Yeah.
Can we get a what, what for Joakim Soria? Since regaining his job, he's been very very close to the Soria of old. In his last ten innings, he hasn't issued a single walk and has nine strikeouts. He's even slowly pushed that velocity boulder back up the hill into the low-to-mid 90s. Whatever was ailing him seems fixed, and he's now the among the best of the second tier.
Brian Wilson has been better over the last week, perhaps meeting the president helped him focus. He has two strikeouts in two appearances in the last week, but more importantly, no walks. Jordan Walden rewarded us for moving up in the tiers by blowing his seventh save of the year, but his overall numbers are still strong. And, other than Scott Downs who is a lefty and life-long setup man, there isn't anyone in the pen to take his job. He's not getting traded, there are no rumors that the Angels are looking for relievers, and he has a great strikeout rate. He's probably fine.
The next two relievers will stick here, but there are trade rumors surrounding them. Andrew Bailey has re-found his strikeout punch (eight in his last five innings) but now there are some whispers that he might be the reliever going to Texas. Heath Bell, of course, was supposed to be that reliever before, but now teams might be in on Mike Adams more than the current closer in San Diego. Most likely, Heath Bell will still be a closer next week (in San Diego or elsewhere), and the same goes for Andrew Bailey. Neftali Feliz, not so much. And Mike Adams? Let's hope all those weeks of owning him were worth it.


Tier 3: OK options (6) (AKA: The "Carlos Beltran for Mark Teahen, John Buck and Mike Wood in 2004" Tier.)


Huston Street, Colorado Rockies

J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles

Comment:
If the Mets score a better prospect for two months of Carlos Beltran now, when their player is seven years older, it will be a further inditement of this deal. Then again, there was a lot of hope for Mark Teahen, and John Buck turned into an okay catcher. They got something back, just not what they wanted.
There are no new rumors about Huston Street, and his salary might have something to with it. He's due another eight million after this year, and that makes him one of the more expensive closers in the league. Even with Rex Brothers moving up in the bullpen, it's unclear which team around baseball wants to take on Street's salary in the bullpen next year. He'll probably stay in Colorado and make Brothers an injury handcuff at best.
The only question about the newly recalled J.J. Putz is his health, but now that he's back he should at least be healthy for the short-term. Drew Storen on the other hand is clearly healthy but inspires questions about his performance. Behind his nice ERA hides a below-average strikeout rate and a below-average swinging strike rate. He gets ground balls, but perhaps none of his three pitches is the dominating sort that a long-term closer usually has. Storen is fine for this year, most likely, but relying on him long-term may not work out as well.

Sergio Santos has a swinging strike rate almost twice that of Storen's. Of course, he also has a much higher walk rate. And a crazy manager that has cost him some saves in recent weeks by mixing and matching with Chris Sale. It doesn't look like a real change is coming to that pen, but Santos still needs to drop a few rungs to reflect his manager's whims.
Brandon League and Jose Valverde represent a choice in taste. Want strikeouts, walks be damned? Valverde is your man, as his swinging strike rate is the same as last year and he should be able to get you a strikeout per inning even with his worst walk rate of his career. Want a nice WHIP, strikeouts be damned? Then pick up League, even if he has three walks in his last four outings. He's had above-average control for the last three years and has turned that into elite control this year.


Tier 4: Question marks (6) (AKA: The "Mark McGwire for T.J. Mathews, Erick Ludwick and Blake Stein in 1997" Tier.)

Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Fernando Salas, St. Louis Cardinals
Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

Comment:
Yes, the Cardinals got Mark McGwire and it was awesome for them. But it was a two-month rental and the names going to the Athletics weren't supposed to turn out amazing. And the Cardinals finished fourth. So, yeah, the 24 home runs were nice, but this wasn't a red-letter trade until Mark McGwire went out and hit 70 home runs the next year after signing an extension.
Chris Perez absolutely deserves to get demoted. He doesn't do anything in an above-average manner really. You want your pitchers to strike batters out, not walk them, and keep the ball on the ground in order to avoid home runs. These are the things they can control. Perez has, frankly, a bad strikeout rate. And it's built on a bad swinging strike rate, so it's not going to get better any time soon. He has poor control and always has. He's an extreme fly ball pitcher and always has been. There are worse days coming for Perez, and it might just be now. In July, he's blown two games and struck out three batters against three walks in 5 1/3 innings. He's also allowed four runs and two home runs. Yuck. Vinnie Pestano hasn't been as awesome recently, but he's probably still the next guy in line.
We never removed Carlos Marmol, but technically Sean Marshall was the closer there at some point. Now Marmol has had four scoreless appearances in a row and is poised to return to the role. Hope you didn't over-react. Fernando Salas blew a save last week and Mitchell Boggs got one. That's okay, Boggs was only in to pitch the eighth in a close game and then when the home team blew it open, he stayed out to finish the game. Not much to see here. Salas got save Tuesday night, with three strikeouts to boot.
Leo Nunez is off the trade market, or so they say. Edward Mujica is the correct call if he goes, but it's looking less likely. Doesn't make sense for the Marlins to hold on to him another year, but that's okay. Maybe he'll be a cheap closer all year.
Francisco Cordero was cheaper than many, but he's in a long decline. Well, he got back on the horse over the last week and now has three straight scoreless appearances… while still in the closer role. Too bad that last blow up didn't get Aroldis Chapman into the role, but he'll be there soon enough.
Joe Nathan? He's safe now. He's got his velocity back up to normal since returning from the disabled list, has only given up one run in his last ten outings, and hasn't walked a batter in July. The strikeout rate is not quite all the way back, but he's looking good.

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

<!--RW-->
Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (7) (AKA: The "Jason Schmidt for Ryan Vogelsong and Armando Rios in 2001" Tier.)

1st Chair: Kyle Farnsworth, 2nd Chair: Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays
1st Chair: Neftali Feliz, 2nd Chair: TBD, Texas Rangers
1st Chair: Mark Melancon, 2nd Chair: Wilton Lopez, Houston Astros
1st Chair: Javy Guerra, 2nd Chair: Blake Hawksworth, Los Angeles Dodgers
1st Chair: Ryan Madson, 2nd Chair: Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies
1st Chair: Jason Isringhausen, 2nd Chair: Bobby Parnell, New York Mets
1st Chair: Jon Rauch, 2nd Chair: Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays

Comment:
Jason Schmidt had some good years for the Giants after they acquired him. And he won seven games with them in 2001. But the Giants fell two games short of the post season, and Schmidt also walked four and a half per nine. Oh, and Ryan Vogelsong might have been better than we thought, eh?
Kyle Farnsworth is in a rough stretch and suddenly there are rumors the Rays might unload him. He's blown three of his last six save chances, and after walking only two batters all year before July, he now has six walks in his last seven outings. Rookie Jake McGee suddenly looks great again, and Joel Peralta has been good enough against righties that the two could make a decent closer together if the professor leaves town. It's not probable, but it's possible.
Is there any way that, after all these rumors, Neftali Feliz stays in the closer's role after the trade deadline? He's just not his dominant self and the team has just been too obviously looking for help in the bullpen. It's not like his six strikeouts against five walks in his last ten innings are a definitive argument against a change. Oh and that blown save Tuesday night probably sealed his fate.
No, Mark Melancon and Javy Guerra are definitely not better pitchers than Ryan Madson or Antonio Bastardo. In fact, they're demonstrably worse, and owning them is enough of a high-wire act that the two have to remain in this tier despite having fairly long leashes as closers. The problem is that while they are just not-terrible enough to keep their jobs in terrible pens, Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo are both great relievers in the same pen. Their manager still says Madson will get his job back, and their manager still keeps putting Bastardo out there in save chances.
Jason Isringhausen is still the closer in New York, but most of his save chances have had a little fear in them. Good plays by his defense have kept him in it, though, and he hasn't allowed a run since his first appearance in July. Bobby Parnell is still getting groomed for the role, but since he's stepped into the more difficult innings, his control problems have resurfaced. He has four walks in his last six innings, and he's blown a game open too. Maybe Parnell is more of a deeper, dynasty reliever until Isringhausen is traded or the team decides they really need to see if Parnell can close next year. Oh, and then Tuesday night Pedro Beato was a batter away from his first save when the team decided to go with LOOGY Tim Byrdak for the final out.
The sudden trade rumor that links the Braves to Jon Rauch might be the best thing for this Toronto pen. Ostensibly, Rauch is the closer right now, but he doesn't have a save in July. Maybe it's Frank Francisco, who got a save on July fourth. Then again, Frankie Frank has been blown up twice since then and Rauch's bad innings have all been the one-run variety. If Rauch leaves, it's definitely Francisco. With the possibility that Nunez doesn't leave town and that Mike Adams is the one leaving San Diego, Francisco is the most likely waiver wire reliever to return saves… if he's on your waiver wire. Especially now that Jason Frasor is in Chicago. I'm happy to discuss these situations on twitter any time.

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


Injured

Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers (elbow)

Comment:
Boy this list cleared out quickly. The Phillies' boys are up in the major leagues, J.J. Putz is putzing about in Arizona, and David Aardsma had season-ending surgery. Jonathan Broxton? He did arm exercises a week ago and hasn't been heard from since. Sigh.

The Deposed:
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles
Ryan Franklin, St. Louis
Brandon Lyon, Houston
Matt Thornton, Chicago A.L.
Vicente Padilla, Los Angeles Dodgers
Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee
David Aardsma, Seattle

Aardsma joins this list, but it seems that some owners disagree about Francisco Rodriguez and his role on the Brewers. At least, a lot of people still own the artist formerly known as K-Rod. If you can get ahead of a trade, drop him. He's not the closer in Milwaukee. He might get another three to five saves just on days where Axford is sitting, but even that would be a stretch with the way Axford is dealing. Health is the only question mark and Axford has been healthy so far in his career.

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

The Steals Department

At least until the Red Sox trade for another outfielder, it looks like Josh Reddick is their starting left fielder. He's fully-formed and ready to go, at 24 and coming off of more than 700 Triple-A plate appearances. he hasn't always shown a good batting average in the minor leagues, but he's also had some surprisingly poor luck on batted balls down on the farm too. Usually poor defenses in the minors lead to higher batting averages on balls in play (BABIP) in the minors, but Reddick didn't see that benefit. Part of the problem is that he's a fly-ball hitter, and fly balls have lower BABIPs. Those fly balls also lead to more power, and Reddick certainly has lots of power. The reason he's listed here is that he also steals bases. He's averaged about 11 per 600 PAs in the minor leagues, so he could hit for a mediocre batting average with good power and handful of steals over the second half pretty easily.

Breaking news is happening all around us. It looks like, in an effort to look to the future, the White Sox will be sitting Alex Rios against righties and trying out 27-year-old lefty Alejandro De Aza. De Aza is hitting .322/.378/.494 with nine home runs and 22 stolen bases in Triple-A but he's 27 and trying out the level for the third time. If he can keep the strikeouts down, he has enough power and speed to put up a good batting average and steal some bases. He won't light the world on fire, but in deeper leagues you just need someone to play often and not hurt you anywhere. That describes the new (at least part-time) White Sox center fielder.

 

[HacheMan]

Who's wasting their power?

Some home run hitters not providing many runs or RBIs with their long balls



By AJ Mass
ESPN.com


When we try to build our fantasy baseball teams, we look for certain hitters to fill specific roles. When we draft someone like Michael Bourn or Juan Pierre, we expect him to steal bases. If he doesn't, he hasn't done his job. When we pick Joe Mauer or Ichiro Suzuki, we expect to get a high batting average in return. Any power numbers these guys put up is simply icing on the cake.

Now when it comes to players we drafted for power, we're actually looking for production in not one, but three fantasy categories: home runs, runs scored and RBIs. If a big bopper is not really helping you in the latter two categories, he's not pulling his weight. Meanwhile, a player like Michael Young may be causing you to pull your hair out when it comes to his home run total this season (only nine overall, with just two in July), but considering he is tied for 10th in the majors in RBIs, perhaps it's not as bad as you might think.


A few years back, I created a stat called "Wasted Power" in an attempt to identify which players are truly helping their fantasy owners across the board in all three power categories, as opposed to simply racking up "empty homers" over the wall.


For example, take Alfonso Soriano. In April, the Chicago Cubs outfielder had 10 home runs, tied for the most in the majors. However, eight of those were solo shots, and he only managed to produce 20 RBIs and 15 runs scored over the first month of the season.


Since May 1, Soriano has hit only five more home runs. Although he is currently tied for 42nd in home runs, among players with five or more round-trippers so far in 2011, he ranks just 83rd in RBIs and 125th in runs scored. The warning signs were there, in the form of Wasted Power.


By taking the run production of each hitter ((R+RBI) - HR) and dividing that by the number of home runs he has hit, we're able to come up with a raw number that tells us exactly how much a player's production has been affected by his inability to drive in runners without the long ball as well as by his teammates' ability to get on base ahead of him in the lineup so he's not constantly settling for solo shots.


Looking at the top culprits in this list (minimum five home runs) yields the following names:


<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Name </TH><TH>AB </TH><TH>HR </TH><TH>R </TH><TH>RBI </TH><TH>Wasted Power Raw </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Jason Giambi </TD><TD>96 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>16 </TD><TD>24 </TD><TD>3.0 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Rod Barajas </TD><TD>195 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>16 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>3.6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mark Trumbo </TD><TD>332 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>38 </TD><TD>46 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ramon Hernandez </TD><TD>198 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>26 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jose Bautista </TD><TD>321 </TD><TD>31 </TD><TD>76 </TD><TD>70 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mark Reynolds </TD><TD>321 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>50 </TD><TD>51 </TD><TD>3.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Lance Berkman </TD><TD>302 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>61 </TD><TD>69 </TD><TD>3.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Nelson Cruz </TD><TD>323 </TD><TD>22 </TD><TD>40 </TD><TD>66 </TD><TD>3.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Carlos Pena </TD><TD>317 </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>46 </TD><TD>51 </TD><TD>3.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mark Teixeira </TD><TD>375 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>57 </TD><TD>75 </TD><TD>3.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>J.P. Arencibia </TD><TD>277 </TD><TD>15 </TD><TD>32 </TD><TD>42 </TD><TD>3.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dan Uggla </TD><TD>374 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>50 </TD><TD>40 </TD><TD>4.0 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Alfonso Soriano </TD><TD>292 </TD><TD>15 </TD><TD>32 </TD><TD>43 </TD><TD>4.0 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



The lower the number, the worse a player's production in the three power categories, and the more Wasted Power. In addition to Soriano, we see some other "frustrating" players, like batting average parasites, Dan Uggla and Carlos Pena.


Jason Giambi's appearance on this list should be no surprise. Throw out interleague play when he could be used as the designated hitter, and his non-pinch-hit playing time is few and far between. He has had little opportunity to provide much more than the occasional home run.


Mark Trumbo is a perfect example of a hitter whose fantasy value has been impacted by virtue of the shaky lineup around him. The Los Angeles Angels are 11th in the American League in runs scored, so it's not a big surprise to learn that 11 of his 18 round-trippers, including eight of his last 10, have been trips Trumbo made by his lonesome.


However, this raw number is only half the story. After all, Jose Bautista is also on this list. If he continues to hit home runs at a pace of one per 10.4 at-bats, even at a lower "payout," you're still going to get a lot more out of him in terms of power going forward than Rickie Weeks, who has a 5.0 raw Wasted Power but hits a home run only once every 21.6 at-bats.


We need to adjust our numbers to factor in the frequency of power by multiplying our raw Wasted Power by each individual's HR/AB ratio. When we do this, we get a more accurate picture of exactly where we should look for our power needs.


Let's take a look at a list of the best and worst players in terms of Adjusted Wasted Power, among hitters with a minimum of eight home runs. First, the tops:


<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Top 10 </TH><TH>AB </TH><TH>HR </TH><TH>R </TH><TH>RBI </TH><TH>WP RAW </TH><TH>HR/AB </TH><TH>WP ADJ </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Curtis Granderson </TD><TD>368 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>89 </TD><TD>76 </TD><TD>5.1 </TD><TD>0.73 </TD><TD>3.75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jose Bautista </TD><TD>321 </TD><TD>31 </TD><TD>76 </TD><TD>70 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD><TD>0.97 </TD><TD>3.58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Kevin Youkilis </TD><TD>333 </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>57 </TD><TD>72 </TD><TD>8.2 </TD><TD>0.42 </TD><TD>3.45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Lance Berkman </TD><TD>302 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>61 </TD><TD>69 </TD><TD>3.8 </TD><TD>0.89 </TD><TD>3.41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Josh Hamilton </TD><TD>260 </TD><TD>13 </TD><TD>43 </TD><TD>58 </TD><TD>6.8 </TD><TD>0.50 </TD><TD>3.38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Adrian Gonzalez </TD><TD>408 </TD><TD>17 </TD><TD>70 </TD><TD>82 </TD><TD>7.9 </TD><TD>0.42 </TD><TD>3.31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ryan Braun </TD><TD>336 </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>62 </TD><TD>68 </TD><TD>5.5 </TD><TD>0.60 </TD><TD>3.27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Napoli </TD><TD>181 </TD><TD>13 </TD><TD>36 </TD><TD>35 </TD><TD>4.5 </TD><TD>0.72 </TD><TD>3.20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Miguel Cabrera </TD><TD>353 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>69 </TD><TD>65 </TD><TD>5.4 </TD><TD>0.59 </TD><TD>3.20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Matt Holliday </TD><TD>274 </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>50 </TD><TD>51 </TD><TD>6.2 </TD><TD>0.51 </TD><TD>3.18 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Not a lot of surprises, except perhaps for the presence of Mike Napoli, owned in 87.4 percent of ESPN standard leagues, compared to our good friend Trumbo (see the bottom 20 list below), who maintains an even higher 92.3 percent ownership.


Now for the bottom 20:


<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Bottom 20 </TH><TH>AB </TH><TH>HR </TH><TH>R </TH><TH>RBI </TH><TH>WP RAW </TH><TH>HR/AB </TH><TH>WP ADJ </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Rod Barajas </TD><TD>195 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>16 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>3.6 </TD><TD>0.41 </TD><TD>1.49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jorge Posada </TD><TD>251 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>22 </TD><TD>29 </TD><TD>4.7 </TD><TD>0.36 </TD><TD>1.67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Alex Gonzalez </TD><TD>382 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>39 </TD><TD>33 </TD><TD>8.0 </TD><TD>0.21 </TD><TD>1.68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Justin Smoak </TD><TD>335 </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>26 </TD><TD>44 </TD><TD>4.8 </TD><TD>0.36 </TD><TD>1.73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>John Buck </TD><TD>309 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>29 </TD><TD>35 </TD><TD>5.4 </TD><TD>0.32 </TD><TD>1.75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Luke Scott </TD><TD>209 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>24 </TD><TD>22 </TD><TD>4.1 </TD><TD>0.43 </TD><TD>1.77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Geovany Soto </TD><TD>257 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>28 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>5.1 </TD><TD>0.35 </TD><TD>1.79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Adam Dunn </TD><TD>295 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>36 </TD><TD>6.0 </TD><TD>0.31 </TD><TD>1.83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jayson Werth </TD><TD>359 </TD><TD>11 </TD><TD>42 </TD><TD>35 </TD><TD>6.0 </TD><TD>0.31 </TD><TD>1.84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Derrek Lee </TD><TD>316 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>35 </TD><TD>34 </TD><TD>5.9 </TD><TD>0.32 </TD><TD>1.87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ramon Hernandez </TD><TD>198 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>21 </TD><TD>26 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD><TD>0.51 </TD><TD>1.87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Aubrey Huff </TD><TD>366 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>32 </TD><TD>47 </TD><TD>7.8 </TD><TD>0.25 </TD><TD>1.91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dan Uggla </TD><TD>374 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>50 </TD><TD>40 </TD><TD>4.0 </TD><TD>0.48 </TD><TD>1.93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mitch Moreland </TD><TD>301 </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>41 </TD><TD>29 </TD><TD>4.8 </TD><TD>0.40 </TD><TD>1.93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Nick Markakis </TD><TD>405 </TD><TD>10 </TD><TD>46 </TD><TD>44 </TD><TD>8.0 </TD><TD>0.25 </TD><TD>1.98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mark Trumbo </TD><TD>332 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>38 </TD><TD>46 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD><TD>0.54 </TD><TD>1.99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jason Heyward </TD><TD>263 </TD><TD>11 </TD><TD>37 </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>4.8 </TD><TD>0.42 </TD><TD>2.02 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ryan Raburn </TD><TD>275 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>33 </TD><TD>32 </TD><TD>6.2 </TD><TD>0.33 </TD><TD>2.04 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Alfonso Soriano </TD><TD>292 </TD><TD>15 </TD><TD>32 </TD><TD>43 </TD><TD>4.0 </TD><TD>0.51 </TD><TD>2.05 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Corey Hart </TD><TD>267 </TD><TD>13 </TD><TD>38 </TD><TD>31 </TD><TD>4.3 </TD><TD>0.49 </TD><TD>2.10 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Other disappointments include Mitch Moreland, Jason Heyward and Justin Smoak, who have double-digit home runs. Perhaps it is time to swap out some of these "wastes" for players such as Victor Martinez, Shane Victorino and Neil Walker.


Remember, one statistic never tells the whole story, and when you go looking for powe, the actual number of home runs a player has hit might be the most misleading of them all.



TOP 125 HITTERS

Note: AJ Mass'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">Ryan Braun, MIL </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">Matt Kemp, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Gonzalez, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Bautista, TOR </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">Jose Reyes, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Albert Pujols, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </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>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joey Votto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robinson Cano, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </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>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Curtis Granderson, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Troy Tulowitzki, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Gonzalez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Pedroia, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </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">Prince Fielder, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andrew McCutchen, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Upton, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hanley Ramirez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rickie Weeks, MIL </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">Paul Konerko, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </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>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kinsler, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Holliday, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Ortiz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Longoria, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jay Bruce, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Howard, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nelson Cruz, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hunter Pence, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Stanton, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bourn, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Youkilis, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Lind, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Young, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carl Crawford, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Beltre, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Rollins, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Stubbs, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Elvis Andrus, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Jones, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Wright, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian McCann, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Berkman, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Zimmerman, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Young, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chase Utley, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Martinez, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shane Victorino, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aramis Ramirez, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Phillips, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">B.J. Upton, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Zobrist, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Beltran, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Reynolds, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ichiro Suzuki, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Morse, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Santana, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Espinosa, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pablo Sandoval, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Quentin, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Ethier, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Mauer, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Starlin Castro, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gaby Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Gordon, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Cuddyer, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Gardner, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexei Ramirez, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Corey Hart, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Markakis, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Neil Walker, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Billy Butler, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Uggla, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhonny Peralta, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Freddie Freeman, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Swisher, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Hardy, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rodriguez, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Martin Prado, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Pena, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Montero, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kelly Johnson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brennan Boesch, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rajai Davis, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erick Aybar, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Heyward, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Coco Crisp, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Francoeur, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Rasmus, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Jeter, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bobby Abreu, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Wells, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Damon, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Angel Pagan, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yunel Escobar, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Avila, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Melky Cabrera, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Trumbo, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jayson Werth, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Napoli, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cameron Maybin, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ty Wigginton, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rios, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Lee, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Hosmer, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Dunn, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derrek Lee, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Howard Kendrick, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Todd Helton, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Logan Morrison, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Seth Smith, COL </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">Torii Hunter, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Desmond Jennings, TB </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">Daniel Murphy, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Brantley, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chase Headley, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Travis Snider, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alcides Escobar, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jemile Weeks, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>122 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Wieters, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Joyce, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gordon Beckham, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aubrey Huff, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Three up



Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays: He went 0-for-3 on Tuesday night, so it's time to cut him, right? Seriously, nobody thought he was going to get two hits and a stolen base in each and every game this season, but it's crystal clear that as long as he continues to get on base, his speed is going to be a fierce weapon. Plus, with B.J. Upton likely to be sent elsewhere before the trade deadline, playing time isn't going to be an issue. This kid is here to stay.


Jeff Francouer, Kansas City Royals: After a strong first month to the season (.314 batting average), Francouer struggled to find his swing until July rolled around. He has hit .295 this month, making his name a popular one in terms of trade rumors. Yes, a move to a new team might result in platoon duties, but that might not be the worst thing for his fantasy value: He's batting .309 against lefties this season, as opposed to just .254 versus right-handers.


Daniel Murphy, New York Mets: When David Wright came off the disabled list, there was some concern that perhaps there'd be no room in the Mets' lineup for Murphy, who hit .328 in 16 games in July at the hot corner. Fear not. Murphy's hot bat moved over to first base, and if Carlos Beltran gets traded, Murphy will take over the team lead in RBIs.


Three down



Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants: I'm just a little concerned about the Panda breaking down as the season wears on. Maybe that's not fair, as he came back rather quickly from his recent quad ailment. Still, even when healthy, he looks so rushed at the plate, seemingly swinging at everything opposing pitchers throw his way. There just doesn't seem to be a plan here, and I don't think it's a fluke he's had just one home run since July 5.


Howard Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels: Kendrick came back from the disabled list on June 4, but he left his power behind. Since then, in 41 games, he has just one home run, 16 RBIs and 17 runs scored. He has also struck out once every 4.8 at-bats while walking just once every 27.5 plate appearances. Like his teammate Mark Trumbo, he appears to be stuck in a rut from which not a single Angels hitter will be able to escape.


Roger Bernadina, Washington Nationals: The addition of Jonny Gomes is just one more obstacle that has been in Bernadina's path to sustained playing time, and the Nationals may well add another outfielder in the next few days. Peter Bourjos and Michael Bourn are just two of the names that have bandied about as possible deadline acquisitions. There's talent here, but with a .231 batting average this month, the opportunity may have passed him by for 2011.


New position eligibility



The following players have become eligible at new positions -- it takes 10 games to qualify at a new spot -- in ESPN standard leagues during the past week: Michael Martinez (3B), Chase d'Arnaud (3B), Mike Carp (OF), Jesus Guzman (1B), Skip Schumaker (OF), Hideki Matsui (OF), Alberto Gonzalez (3B), Josh Wilson (3B).

 

[HacheMan]

Rasmus should thrive with Blue Jays

Eric Karabell

It had become clear that the St. Louis Cardinals organization simply didn't want outfielder Colby Rasmus around anymore, and thus the team sent him packing Wednesday in an odd move that I think we'll all remember years from now. Dump Rasmus? Well, the Cardinals kind of did just that, and kudos to the Toronto Blue Jays for nabbing him, but fantasy owners should swoop right in because this is an impact player worthy of attention in all leagues.

While I don't fully buy into the theory of players needing new starts to reach their potential, with Rasmus it did make sense. He's clearly talented, and a year ago, he smacked 23 home runs, stole 12 bases and batted .276. Sure, he strikes out a bit too much and he's clearly someone Cardinals manager Tony La Russa doesn't call a pal, but this is a budding star. He's 24. And after being an 11th-round choice in ESPN live drafts (and 27th among outfielders), a few too many owners panicked and made him available in roughly 16 percent of ESPN standard (10-team) leagues.
Rasmus leaves the National League for one of the top power hitters' ballparks in the big leagues, and yes, if you haven't noticed, I expect big things the final nine weeks of the season. The lefty hitting Rasmus still takes walks and he's actually done a nice job against left-handed pitching this season, and did I mention he's only 24? The Jays will play him regularly in center field and perhaps hit him second, right ahead of some slugger named Jose Bautista, or he could hit fifth. Rasmus has the ability to hit 30 home runs in future seasons and steal bases. I could see him hitting 10 home runs the rest of this season, and joining a team that ranks seventh in baseball in stolen bases, we could see an uptick there as well. The sloth-like Cardinals, in comparison, recently went more than a month with nobody stealing a base!
<OFFER>Put simply, Rasmus will quickly show the Cardinals they made a mistake -- good luck with Corey Patterson -- and become 100 percent owned in fantasy leagues.
As for the other players in the three-team deal, most of them just don't have fantasy relevance … and to some degree I include the other biggest name, starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, who was first dealt from the Chicago White Sox to the Blue Jays before eventually landing with the Cardinals. Look, I've never been a huge fan of the well-traveled right-hander, and to be honest, nothing changes here. Sure, he should do a bit better in the NL, but weren't we saying this past March when he was preparing to shine for the Arizona Diamondbacks? Jackson's ERA for poor Arizona was 5.16, and he again got shipped to the White Sox (for Daniel Hudson).

Jackson's current 3.92 ERA might look attractive, but the 1.42 WHIP is a big bummer. He's got big-time stuff and the motivation of a contract run, but I think he's overrated. One day he's throwing a no-hitter and the next he's getting shelled. This is Ricky Nolasco, but worse. I wouldn't trust Jackson, who's owned in 18.9 percent of standard leagues, though I concede his value goes up a tad after this deal. He was the No. 55 starting pitcher in this week's 60 Feet, 6 Inches column, but for me he's outside the top 75. Be careful here.
As for other thoughts, I'm assuming the Blue Jays figured out that speedster Rajai Davis is not a great player. He's a great base stealer, and could have swiped 50 bases with health and opportunity, but the .267 on-base percentage is brutal. The Jays should use Travis Snider and Eric Thames in the outfield corners around Rasmus regularly, with Edwin Encarnacion as the designated hitter. Davis might not play much moving ahead, so be ready to look elsewhere for stolen bases. Mark Teahen, acquired in the deal, won't play much, either, and losing relievers Jason Frasor and Octavio Dotel really has little effect on the closing mess with Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco.
For the Cardinals, Jon Jay should remain a fixture in center field and perhaps hitting second in the order, so that's good for him and us. Jay is hitting a legit .312 with double-digit potential in home runs and steals. He's not a must-own in standard leagues, but he's approaching top-50 outfielder status. Meanwhile, Kyle McClellan is likely headed to the bullpen, but you shouldn't have owned him anyway, as he was trending the wrong direction. If closer Fernando Salas runs into trouble, I think Dotel has a better shot at saves than McClellan.
As for the White Sox, congrats to you, Philip Humber, you're back in the rotation. That hardly means fantasy owners should expect him to hold off regression, but I'd rather own Humber than Jackson the rest of the season. Perhaps later this season Humber gets pushed out to the bullpen again when prospect Zach Stewart, the other cog acquired from the Blue Jays on Wednesday, replaces him. Stewart, 24, shouldn't be a fantasy factor this season, but it's problematic whether the White Sox are deadline buyers or sellers at this point.

 

[HacheMan]

Rasmus a Jay; Beltran a Giant
We finally got our first trades of the season, and boy were they doozies. The first was a virtual three-way trade in which the White Sox traded Mark Teahen and Edwin Jackson to Toronto for Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart in a trade that did not have many fantasy implications. However, that was a setup for the Blue Jays sending Jackson, Octavio Dotel, Corey Patterson and Marc Rzepczynski to the Cardinals for Colby Rasmus, Trever Miller, Brian Tallet and P.J. Walters.

Yes, the Blue Jays got Colby Rasmus for that package. St. Louis fans are right to be a little upset with Tony LaRussa. The silver lining is that Jon Jay is a decent real-life player, even if his power and speed aren't really mixed-league worthy except on the bench. Also, Rzepczynski would make for a pretty good NL pitcher with his combination of ground-ball and whiff-inducing stuff. Him and Jackson do get a little fantasy boost with the move.

But Colby Rasmus will enjoy Toronto. He goes from a park that suppresses lefty home run power by 16% to one that entices it by 16%. He goes from a team that was last in the big leagues in stolen bases to one that is near the top of the American League. He goes from a team that shuns strikeouts to one that says they are fine if you are gripping it and ripping it. Watch Rasmus' batting average remain mediocre while his power and speed lurch forward. Unfortunately, it means bad things for Rajai Davis, Travis Snider and Edwin Encarnacion. Eric Thames is playing too well to sit right now, leaving two positions for those three players.

Another National League outfielder switched teams when Carlos Beltran accepted a trade to the San Francisco Giants late Wednesday night. Since much of his power comes from the right side, Beltran figures to make the transition smoothly. The Giants have a terrible park for lefty power, but it's about average for right-handers. Call Beltran's value unchanged. Lucas Duda takes over for him in New York and has pop (he hit his second home run of the season Wednesday even), but El Duderino is a deep league play for now. Zach Wheeler went to the Mets, and he's a top-50 starting prospect with ground balls and strikeouts. He's very exciting and it's nice for his owners that his major league team still has a decent pitcher's park.

* With rumors swirling around him, Hiroki Kuroda pitched six innings of one-run ball against the Rockies, striking out six and walking three. His value would take a little hit if he moved to the Yankees or Red Sox as rumored, so his owners are hoping that the Tigers or Indians win the bidding. James Shields is an excellent pitcher, but he gave up 10 runs in four innings to the Athletics Wednesday. Perhaps it was the rumors circling around his head that distracted him. Still, he's such a great value that it seems unlikely that the Rays move him.

The Brewers are still reportedly in on a shortstop or third baseman, but they may have lost their second baseman for a long time. Rickie Weeks stepped on first base awkwardly, and though X-rays were negative, he might have ligament damage. It looked ugly. Maybe this means Clint Barmes or Jamey Carroll is more likely to make their way to Milwaukee. B.J. Upton is one of the rumors associated with Milwaukee, but the Braves might be more likely. He didn't play Wednesday and sent the rumor mill into overdrive again, but his manager says he was dealing with some tightness in his quad. The Braves might be the most highly motivated to go and get him to play center field for them. The Phillies are looking at Carlos Quentin in order to keep up in the arms race. Someone can get Ryan Ludwick for cheap, but he's looking like plan B for most teams.

Some rumors got shot down. Derek Lowe is probably not leaving Atlanta. Hunter Pence might not be leaving Houston, because the Phillies reportedly offered Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart and a third piece for him and the Astros turned it down. They might not get what they want. A rumor that the Twins would once again make the mistake of trading an everyday player (Denard Span this time) for a Nationals reliever (Drew Storen) died down after a while. Ubaldo Jimenez won't get traded, says one rumor. Other say that the Red Sox, Indians, Reds and Yankees are still hot and heavy on the Rox ace. Supposedly the Mets said no to Erick Aybar, who will go into arbitration for the final time this off-season, for Jose Reyes. Yeah, no.

* Pitching performances potentially provide plenty of promise. We knew Zack Greinke was better than his ERA, and he finally showed it Wednesday. He shut out the Cubs in 6 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts and is a fantasy ace. Ricky Romero is also a fantasy ace (though perhaps not of the same tier) with all those ground balls and strikeouts. He struck out eight and held the Orioles scoreless in 8 1/3 innings. Trevor Cahill may not have pristine numbers like last year, but his strikeout rate is better this year and his groundball rate is still elite. He got tons of grounders and struck out nine while shutting out the Rays in 7 1/3 innings and is a great keeper pitcher. Ian Kennedy doesn't always show strikeouts, which makes his upside a little muted, but he did strike out nine Padres in six innings Wednesday. Yeah, it was the Padres. Cory Luebke opposed him and struck out six in six innings, so it wasn't a terrible start even if he gave up four runs. He's still a good bench pitcher in mixed leagues. Ervin Santana threw a no-no! Why is it so far down here? Well, he gave up a run and isn't really that great at any one facet of pitching. Remember, Edwin Jackson once threw a no-no, too.

Pitching performances don't always tell us everything. Jair Jurrjens held the Pirates to one run in seven innings, but he only struck out four against three walks. He still doesn't get strikeouts or grounders at an average rate. His control is elite now, but will it continue to be? John Danks has been sharp since coming off the DL, and he did hold the Tigers to one run in six innings with ten strikeouts. He's just about worth his current ERA though (3.79). Carlos Zambrano only gave up two runs in 6 2/3 innings, but he struck out three and walked two, so the hints are rather loud that he's a risky own in any league. Brian Duensing only gave up one run to the Rangers in 6 2/3 innings, and he even struck out six. He relies a little too much on control -- he doesn't get grounders or strikeouts at an average rage -- to be a mixed leaguer. In a way, his opponent Colby Lewis, who gave up four runs in 6 2/3 innings with five strikeouts and two walks, is in a similar position. Lewis does get a few more strikeouts, but he also gets by on control and is an extreme fly-ball pitcher. He's a good sit at home. Paul Maholm only gave up one run against the Braves. He even struck out eight in seven innings! He does get ground balls and might be able to keep up a high-threes ERA going forward. Mike Pelfrey threw a complete game against the Reds. Wait till you see his bad side.

* What did we learn at the plate? Justin Upton had two home runs and was playing angry. He's a top-five outfielder going forward, but probably won't have the speed of a Matt Kemp. Joe Mauer hit his first home run of the season, but we know that power is not his game. Batting average is, and he's hitting .345 in July. Dan Uggla had three hits and is finally turning things around slowly. Remember that regression doesn't mean he'll hit .300 from here on out -- it just means that he can return to being the guy he normally is. A .250 hitter with great power for a middle infielder. Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits including a home run and a stolen base. Amazing season for him. Dustin Ackley had three hits against the Yankees and he can continue to do what he's been doing, which is great. Ichiro Suzuki had four hits in that game. Maybe he can hit .300 going forward like he usually does. Alejandro De Aza is going to play regularly over Alex Rios, at least against righties. Alex Rios is finally, mercifully, a definite dropper in most leagues. The lefty center fielder is peaking and only has a little power and patience, but his speed makes him a deep league play.

* The paragraph about the pens! Heath Bell is still the nexus of bullpen rumors, but now it sounds like he'd like to end up in St. Louis. Uh-oh, Fernando Salas. John Axford pitched the ninth again and Francisco Rodriguez pitched the eighth. Why are people holding on to K-Rod in saves leagues? Kenley Jansen is next in line for saves in Los Angeles, but he was hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat Wednesday. He should be back Friday.

National League Quick Hits: Roy Oswalt (back) struck out four in four innings in Triple-A and will need one more outing before he can return … Lance Berkman got a cortisone injection in his shoulder and this older, larger Elvis won't have a second half like his first because of it, most likely … Bud Norris struck out five Cardinals and gave up one run in six innings and continues to be a good mixed league bench starter … Brad Hand is back up for the Marlins but is a risky play … Mike Cameron hit a pair of home runs and is definitely an NL-only play while the Marlins are playing their veterans … Clayton Richard (shoulder) is "not anywhere close to talking about" coming back … Dustin Moseley has a torn labrum but it's in his non-throwing shoulder and he's going to pitch through it for now … Bronson Arroyo gave up five runs in six innings, and even if he's not this bad, he's also not that good … Jordan Schafer (finger) is on the DL and might not be back again if the Braves find an outfielder on the market … Pat Burrell (bone spur) was rumored to be cut, but he can't be released until he's back off the DL … The Braves got Wil Nieves from the Brewers for cash, but David Ross will be the primary catcher while Brian McCann (oblique) is out.

American League Quick Hits: Shin-Soo Choo (thumb) is scheduled to hit balls off a tee Thursday … Clay Buchholz (back) is scheduled to see another specialist, which is not great … Brian Roberts (concussion) is still having migraines … Phil Hughes gave up two runs in six innings, but it was the Mariners and even with his velocity back up, it's not where it was even in his decent 2010 … John Lackey gave up three earned in 5 2/3 innings and got the win, which is about right for him … Austin Jackson hit a home run Wednesday but struck out twice and just won't show a good batting average that way … Mike Carp had four hits against the Yankees but he's come out of nowhere and the 25-year-old was not headed towards being a regular even late last year … Hideki Matsui had three hits and is playable in deeper leagues while he's hot like this … Alexi Casilla left Wednesday's game with a right leg injury … Alfredo Simon allowed three runs over five innings in a loss to the Blue Jays; he struck out seven and could be a matchup play in deep leagues … Bruce Chen gave up ten runs in four innings against the Red Sox and that was expected … Twins prospect Kyle Gibson will miss his next start due to elbow soreness and might not be up this year after all.

 

[HacheMan]

Action on Jackson
Get ready, folks. The next 80 hours or so are going to be very, very interesting. We're rapidly approaching the MLB trade deadline and if the madness of Wednesday was any indication, we should see a flurry of activity between now and 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. Be sure to keep it locked to our player news page for all the latest wheelings and dealings.

I'll go over some of the early trade fallout below, but you won't find Yonder Alonso here since I already included him in my NL-only recommendations last week. Sometimes it pays to try to think ahead.

Let's move on to the good stuff.

MIXED LEAGUES

Edwin Jackson SP, Cardinals (Yahoo: 40 percent owned, ESPN: 18.9 percent)

What better place to start? The Cardinals may have sacrificed a major part of their future in trading Colby Rasmus to Toronto, but Jackson should benefit with the switch over to the National League and the opportunity to work with pitching guru Dave Duncan. While his 3.92 ERA and 97/39 K/BB ratio should already be palatable for many in mixed leagues, consider that the 27-year-old right-hander actually has a 3.13 ERA and 65/22 K/BB ratio since the start of May. Pick him up in hopes that his solid contract year continues.

Josh Reddick OF, Red Sox (Yahoo: 16 percent owned, ESPN: 38.1 percent)

Just in case it wasn't obvious already, it's about time to take Reddick seriously in mixed leagues. Many wondered what would happen to his playing time when Carl Crawford returned from his hamstring injury, but J.D. Drew's struggles and subsequent trip to the disabled list have effectively put those concerns in the rearview mirror. Barring a last-minute trade, anyway. I don't expect Reddick to maintain his current .358 batting average for the long haul, as his production has been buoyed by a rather unsustainable BABIP, but the 24-year-old makes for a solid buy in this juggernaut lineup.

Jeff Niemann SP, Rays (Yahoo: 17 percent owned, ESPN: 21.5 percent)

Niemann has really flipped the switch since returning from a lower back strain in June, posting a 2.23 ERA and 30/9 K/BB ratio over six starts. This includes allowing holding the Yankees and Cardinals to one run and striking out a career-high 10 over eight innings of shutout ball against the first-place Red Sox in the marathon Sunday night game on July 17. Niemann remains a durability risk in the long-term, but recommending him against the Mariners on Friday night is a relative no-brainer.

Jonathan Lucroy C, Brewers (Yahoo: 39 percent owned, ESPN: 45.4 percent)

Lucroy has predictably slowed down a bit from his BABIP-fueled hot start, but he remains a respectable option at a rather thin catcher position. The 25-year-old is batting .289 (11-for-38) since the All-Star break, though it's worth noting that all of his hits have been singles. Hey, I'm all about honesty here. Five of Lucroy's seven home runs came in the span of 17 games in May, so it would be unwise to expect much in the way of power, but if you're looking for an injury fill-in for Brian McCann, you could do much worse.

James McDonald SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 4.1 percent)

Did you know that McDonald is 7-2 with a 2.68 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 90 2/3 innings dating back to April 27? It's true. Even better, the 26-year-old right-hander has a 1.52 ERA and 32/10 K/BB ratio over his last five starts. Granted, McDonald has allowed far too many baserunners overall (1.54 WHIP, 4.28 BB/9) and hasn't completed seven innings in a start this season, but there's simply no reason why he should be available in so many leagues.

Chase Headley 3B, Padres (Yahoo: 28 percent owned, ESPN: 49.2 percent)

Is Headley the most exciting fantasy option in the world? Of course not. But he has provided sneaky value at third base this season, despite slugging just three home runs in 333 at-bats. In addition to his .297 batting average and .384 on-base percentage, the 27-year-old is tied for third in the league with 27 doubles. This has led to a .789 OPS, which is better than other third sackers like Chipper Jones, Ty Wigginton, Placido Polanco, Danny Valencia and Alberto Callaspo, just to name a few. Assuming his recent calf issue is behind him, Headley is a good bet to sprinkle in a few more stolen bases the rest of the way. While I like him in deeper mixed leagues, he makes for a better target for those who have OBP and/or OPS as categories.

Erik Bedard SP, Mariners (Yahoo: 49 percent owned, ESPN: 47.7 percent)

When Bedard went on the disabled list last month with a sprained left knee, the general consensus was that he would be back shortly after the All-Star break, allowing the Mariners plenty of time to showcase him to potential suitors. It hasn't worked out that way, as the oft-injured southpaw will finally rejoin the M's rotation Friday night against the Rays. Bedard will be on a limited pitch count in his return, but remember that he had a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 85/26 K/BB over 15 starts prior to the injury. Hopefully there's still enough time for him to be rescued by a contender.

Jon Jay OF, Cardinals (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 12.4 percent)

We can safely call Jay one of the prominent "winners" in the Colby Rasmus deal, as he should see most of the playing time in center field moving forward. The 26-year-old is batting .311/.361/.439 with an .801 OPS this season and has hit safely in each of his last seven games. While Jay may not have the eventual upside of a player like Rasmus, he should do enough in the power and speed categories to warrant consideration in five-outfielder leagues.

Hideki Matsui UT, Athletics (Yahoo: 11 percent owned, ESPN: 16.4 percent)

I didn't think I would ever mention Matsui in another "Waiver Wired" again, but here we are. The 37-year-old is batting .444 (20-for-45) with three homers and 17 RBI in 11 games since the All-Star break. It's an incredible rate of production when you consider that he had six homers and 34 RBI over the first 76 games of the season.
It's unlikely he'll be able to duplicate his .309/.402/.554 batting line and .955 OPS from the second half last season, especially playing half of his games at O.co (seriously?) Coliseum, but plug him in your utility spot while he's hot.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Alex Cobb SP, Rays (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 6 percent)

The Rays were expected to send Cobb back to the minors when Wade Davis returned from the disabled list last week, but Joe Maddon elected to keep him around as part of a six-man rotation. The 23-year-old right-hander has impressed by posting a 2.57 ERA and 24/16 K/BB ratio over his first seven major league starts. While Cobb doesn't have overpowering stuff, he induces plenty of ground balls. And with a quality defense behind him, that is very good news for fantasy owners. Who knows how long the Rays will stick with this arrangement, but Cobb makes for a quality streaming option Saturday against the Mariners.

Jason Bourgeois OF, Astros (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 6.9 percent)

Say hello to the Astros' new No. 3 hitter. OK, not quite. Bourgeois only batted third Wednesday because Hunter Pence was out of the lineup. Still, the speedy outfielder should see more playing time moving forward. Astros manager Brad Mills said Monday that he will pick his spots for struggling rookie Brett Wallace, which means that we'll likely see more of Carlos Lee at first base and Bourgeois in left field. We all know what the 29-year-old is capable of doing when he gets the green light (17-for-22 in stolen base attempts this season), so hopefully he can stay healthy enough to take advantage of the opportunity. Keep an eye on him in deeper mixed formats.

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AL ONLY

Brandon McCarthy SP, Athletics (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 3 percent)

McCarthy has been up-and-down since returning from a stress reaction in his shoulder, but the overall numbers are very impressive. He has a 3.77 ERA and 23/6 K/BB ratio over 31 innings, which isn't all that far off from what he was doing before he originally went on the disabled list in May. The 28-year-old right-hander tossed eight innings of one-run ball against the Rays on Tuesday in what was arguably his best start of the season. He should be owned in all AL-only formats and comes recommended Sunday against the Twins.

Alejandro De Aza OF, White Sox (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

The White Sox sent a message to the slumping Alex Rios on Wednesday, sending him to the bench and calling up De Aza to replace him in center field. De Aza has a measly .242 batting average and .623 OPS over 198 major league at-bats, but he got off on the right foot by slugging a two-run homer in his first-at bat. I'm don't expect this arrangement to last very long, but the 27-year-old has always shown a capacity to steal bases in the minor leagues. He is worth using in AL-only leagues as along as he continues to play regularly.

Jake McGee RP, Rays (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 7.5 percent)

McGee has been excellent since returning from the minors earlier this month, making six scoreless appearances while giving up two hits and posting a 6/2 K/BB ratio over four innings. The Rays are reportedly dangling Kyle Farnsworth in trade talks, so I'd stash the 24-year-old southpaw in case he gets a crack at he ninth-inning gig. By the way, don't pay too much attention to these ownership numbers. McGee was hyped as a sleeper during spring training, so I suspect he was left on the rosters of those who have ignored their fantasy team since the second week of the season. You know the type.

NL ONLY

Kyle Blanks OF, Padres (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.2 percent)

The Padres sent Anthony Rizzo back to the minors last week after he batted just .143 with 36 strikeouts over his first 96 at-bats, but the good news is that Blanks replaced him on the active roster. Blanks, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, was hitting .351/.421/.716 with 11 homers and 35 RBI over 152 plate appearances with Triple-A Tucson. The 24-year-old hasn't done much of anything so far, batting just .118 with nine strikeouts in 17 at-bats, but he's worth owning because of his power potential.

David Ross C, Braves (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

Losing Brian McCann to an oblique injury obviously hurts the Braves' lineup, but fortunately they have one of the better backup catchers in the league. Ross has experienced something of a renaissance late in his career, batting .287 with 13 homers and 65 RBI in 321 at-bats over the past three seasons. The 34-year-old backstop stepped in for McCann on Wednesday night and drove in only two runs of the game for the Braves, including the game-winner in the 10th inning. See, I do occasionally watch baseball games. Ross is a must pick-up in NL-only leagues and I could even see him getting some play in deeper mixed leagues.

Steve Lombardozzi 2B, Nationals (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: N/A)

There are all sorts of trade rumors going on with the Nationals right now, whether we're talking about potential deals for Denard Span or B.J. Upton. One name we have heard mentioned in talks is shortstop Ian Desmond. If he is traded before the deadline, I believe we would see Danny Espinosa to move back to his natural position and Lombardozzi called up from the minors to play second base. Lombardozzi, 22, is batting .314/.367/.450 with seven homers, 40 RBI and 21 stolen bases between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse this season.
This is a complete speculative add, but it could pay off.

Collin Cowgill OF, Diamondbacks (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

The Diamondbacks promoted Cowgill from Triple-A Reno earlier this week after he was batting .354/.430/.554 with 13 homers, 70 RBI, 30 stolen bases and a .984 OPS over 456 plate appearances this season. Of course, Cowgill isn't the first player to put up monster numbers in the Pacific Coast League, so there is some room for skepticism, but he has shown solid patience and above-average speed during his ascent through the minor leagues. Those skills should be assets on the big league level right away. It's not clear how much he'll play over Gerardo Parra in left field, but he's a must pickup in NL-only formats.

Lucas Duda 1B/OF, Mets (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

It was only a matter of when. The Mets agreed to a deal on Wednesday that will send Carlos Beltran to the Giants for prospect right-hander Zack Wheeler. This move provides Duda with a clear path to playing time in right field. The 24-year-old is batting .276/.350/.455 with an .805 OPS over 140 plate appearances this season and looks to be breaking out of a prolonged power draught with two homers in his last five games. The Mets will likely give him a pretty long look with an eye toward 2012, so don't hesitate adding him where available.

 

[HacheMan]

He smurfs me, he smurfs me not

Matthew Berry
ESPN.com


The whole smurfing thing is smurfing ridiculous.


Make no mistake, Michelle Beadle is out of her smurfing mind.

And if I'm wrong, I'm gonna smurf a lot of smurf up.


Sick of the "using 'smurf' in place of other words" joke? Of course you are. Well, now imagine 103 minutes of that. Because that's what you're gonna get with the new movie "The Smurfs," opening up this weekend. "The Smurfs may be blue, but their movie is decidedly green, recycling discarded bits from other celluloid Happy Meals like Alvin and the Chipmunks, Garfield, and Hop into something half animated, half live action, and all careful studio calculation" says Entertainment Weekly's Keith Staskiewicz. Currently, the average rating on rottentomatoes.com is a 3 out of 10.


Of course, they have only five reviews so far, but whatever. Small sample size or not, this movie is "lame, unoriginal and not particularly funny" as Emmanuel Levy of Emmanuel Levy.com states. I haven't even seen it and I can already tell this movie is horrific. Trust me, I co-wrote "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles." I know a bad movie when I see it.


The reason for all this smurfy negativity is, in case you didn't hear, that I recently made a bet with my colleague and friend, SportsNation's Michelle Beadle. I was on her podcast this summer, doing a summer movie preview with her. As you may know, I play in a longtime fantasy summer movie league with a bunch of college buddies. So we get to "The Smurfs" and she asks why I didn't put it on there.
<INLINE-AUDIO>You can listen to the original podcast

for the bet and my reasoning, but suffice to say I don't think people my age are as nostalgic about the Smurfs as they are for, say, Scooby Doo. So it doesn't have the fun, retro thing going for it and I don't think kids really know enough about it.



But I'm starting to get worried. The bet is based on how much "The Smurfs" will gross domestically by Labor Day. We set the line at $75 million and I took the under. My feeling is that "The Smurfs" needs at least $25 million this weekend to have a shot at that number. Bad reviews or not, 75 percent of the people on Rotten Tomatoes say they want to see this movie. The movie has almost 900,000 fans on Facebook. And BoxOffice.com is currently projecting it for a $25 million opening with a total U.S. gross of $95 million. Of course, they also predicted "Friends with Benefits" would do $24 million last weekend and it did just $18 million, so there's hope that they, just like Beadle, are overestimating America's desire for small blue mushroom-dwelling creatures having wacky adventures in the big city.


According to Wikipedia (so it must be true), they are planning a trilogy with "The Smurfs." A trilogy?!? What is this, "Lord of the Rings"? I can't even handle three commercials of this thing, let alone three movies. Now maybe Wikipedia is wrong, but what do I care? It's "The Smurfs." I'm not doing actual research on this movie.


They have names like "Brainy Smurf," "Handy Smurf" and "Curiously Androgynous Smurf." The whole thing is an outrage, frankly. ESPN is owned by Disney. You know, Disney, home of the Seven Dwarfs, which this is so a rip-off of. Come on, Disney! Don't you have my back here? Can't we get some lawsuit to stop this thing?


There's some plot, apparently, about the Smurfs escaping from their home to New York City, where they try to avoid Gargamel, who wants to use them as charms to make gold. Now that I actually write it out, I'm pretty sure that can't be true. I'll say it now, I'll say it often. Go Gargamel!


Meanwhile, there's apparently no answer to the questions that we all wonder, like why is there no Mama Smurf? How does Papa have all these kids? Why is there only one girl? How does the Smurf race procreate if they are all related? And again, just the one girl. Lots of explaining to do to the kids. Or you could just take them to see "Cars 2" again. See, Disney? I got your back, now hook a brother up with a temporary injunction or something!

If the movie doesn't get there this weekend, it won't be from a lack of promotion. They lit the Empire State Building "Smurf Blue." Papa Smurf threw out the first pitch at a White Sox game, and of course, there's the now-famous underground tape of Athlete Smurf and a Kardashian.


We did a SportNation poll on this and I'm currently losing 51 percent to 49 percent. What does SportsNation know, anyways? The stakes are fairly high, as the loser has to dress as a Smurf and go with the winner to a local bar for happy hour. Which is why I am making this last-ditch effort to plead with the people of America.


Don't see this movie. If you must see this movie, buy a ticket to something else and sneak into "The Smurfs." Besides, do you really want me to lose? Beadle will make a much more attractive Smurf than I would. Look, you may want to see me humiliated. I get it. Luckily for you, I'll be doing that every week during football season with my picks! But just this once, I promise you, you want the Beadle in blue, not Berry. And I'm gonna do my best to run the Smurfs into the ground throughout this column so you're so sick of them, you never want to think about them again.


I hate the Smurfs. Beadle loves them. Which side is America on? We'll find out soon enough. The whole ordeal got me to thinking about the strong feelings we can have about something that could go either way. I'm currently writing the preseason football version of "Love/Hate." So I'm sort of in that mood and I've decided to do a mini "Love/Hate" for the rest of baseball season. One player from each team is either a "Love" (someone I believe will exceed expectations the rest of the year) or a "Hate" (someone I believe will fall short). As always, there are a lot more "loves" than "hates" as most of the people that I'd hate, well, they've already been bailed on. Just like I hope you'll all bail on seeing "The Smurfs."


Players I Love


Nolan Reimold, OF, Orioles: Lot of Baltimore guys I could have put here, as I'm expecting Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy to keep kicking some smurf, but I chose Reimold as someone for AL-only or deeper mixed-league owners to look at if you need power. Currently hitting a home run every 16 at-bats, he just needs some consistent playing time. With Luke Scott out for the year, and Vladimir Guerrero and Derrek Lee on one-year deals (and both also injury prone), I believe the O's find a way to keep Nolan in the lineup.

Josh Reddick, OF, Red Sox: Available in 62 percent of leagues. He's hitting .358, he's surrounded by Red Sox, he's not J.D. Drew. What's not to love?


Colby Rasmus, OF, Blue Jays: Just 24, he's going to a better park and a manager that won't screw with his head. As ESPN Stats and Information notes, Rasmus is tied for third in career home runs among active players under the age of 25. Big second half coming for Rasmus.


John Danks, P, White Sox: Don't look now, but Danks (available in 50 percent of leagues) has a 1.03 ERA over his past five starts (not counting the 1 2/3 innings start versus the Nationals) and a 33-7 strikeout-walk ratio in his past 35 innings pitched.


Max Scherzer, P, Tigers: I am not rational when it comes to Max Scherzer. Let's just move along. (He does have a 1.66 ERA over his past three, though. Just saying.)


Scott Baker, P, Twins: Still available in 25 percent of leagues, he's got a 2.05 ERA and a 61-14 K-BB rate in 66 innings pitched. He may also be a butcher or a candlestick maker. (Pause) Don't groan at that joke. That's Smurf-level gold, Jerry. Gold, I tell you.


Ervin Santana, P, Angels: You throw a no-hitter, you make the "Love" list the next day. It's right there in the rules, next to going to Disney World after you win the Super Bowl. (C'mon, Disney. I'll settle for a tersely worded "cease and desist" letter).


Rich Harden, P, A's: Throw out his start at Texas (he's notoriously terrible in Arlington) and he's had a very respectable 3.44 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, a 21-6 K-BB ratio in 18 1/3 innings and he's available in 95 percent of leagues. Just don't start him in Texas and you'll be fine.


Michael Pineda, P, Mariners: Look, the easy thing to say is the league has figured him out, as Nate and I discussed on the podcast. Here's the key stats: home ERA of 2.44. Road ERA? 4.58. He's also had 12 road starts to just eight home starts. He may not be as dominant as he was, but he's also better than he's been. Especially if they correct the "tipping pitches" issue that Miguel Olivo claims to have noticed. I still believe.


Mike Napoli, C/1B, Rangers: Guess what he's on pace for? Twenty home runs. Exactly. Even with the missed playing time. Twenty home runs. Money in the bank, I tell ya.


Emilio Bonifacio, OF, SS, 3B, Marlins: The No. 2 third baseman on our Player Rater the past 30 days, he's walking more this year and the speed has always been legit. He's bona fide. Ole!


Angel Pagan, OF, Mets: Total gut call here as I've got nothing to back it up. He's been smurfing brutal this month but I feel he turns it around as he gets healthier.


Vance Worley, P, Phillies: Mentioned him in 50 facts last week. The lowest ERA on the Phillies' starting staff, but his peripherals suggest he's gotten lucky. And no, I don't think he's this good. But a K-per-nine of over 6 and he's allowed just three home runs in 71 1/3 innings. Three. You keep the ball in the park, you got a chance, and he needs to be owned in all leagues.


Ryan Dempster, P, Cubs: Podcast listeners know I admitted the day after we posted the rankings that I made a mistake in not ranking Dempster. It was an oversight and just a mistake on my part. Over his past nine, he's got a 3.15 ERA and a 56-16 K-BB rate in 54 1/3 innings.


Jay Bruce, OF, Reds: Two first names. Always a crowd pleaser. What, no like? Meh, I don't give a smurf, some of these are for me.


Chris Narveson, SP, Brewers: Had a 3.89 ERA in the second half last year and a 2.63 ERA over his past four starts with 17 strikeouts and 6 walks in 24 innings. Just a guy I've always liked.


Jon Jay, OF, Cardinals: Gig is all his now.


James McDonald, P, Pirates: Break up the Bucs! Last 10 for the farmer's son? A 2.73 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 56 innings. He's gone 4-1 and is available in 95 percent of leagues.


Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks: An obvious name, but I'm putting him here because he's reached the elite No. 1 fantasy pitcher status and people don't realize. For the year, he is ahead of Tim Lincecum on our player rater. Ahead of Felix Hernandez and David Price, too.


Dexter Fowler, OF, Rockies: Hitting .372 with 11 runs and 8 RBIs in the 13 games since being recalled from Triple-A. Widely available.


Javy Guerra, RP, Dodgers: Available in 30 percent of leagues, 6-for-6 in saves plus a relief win since July 8, he's in a much more stable situation than many other bullpens.


Cory Luebke, SP, Padres: Needs to be owned in every league; 60 percent down, 40 to go. What in the name of all that is smurfy are you guys waiting for?


Ryan Vogelsong, SP, Giants: In case you were wondering whether he's a fluke. He's not.



Players I Hate

Phil Hughes, P, Yankees: He's been a mixed bag since coming off the DL, but before we talk this year, let's talk last year. You know, when he was an All-Star, won all those games, blah blah blah? He had a 4.19 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. In his "breakout" year. He's owned in more than 30 percent of mixed leagues and he shouldn't be owned in any. Any upside in wins is negated by his potential to kill your ERA and he doesn't get enough strikeouts to justify that risk. At this point, he's barely ownable in AL-only leagues.


Wade Davis, P, Rays: You ever run into someone you haven't seen in a while and they look terrible? Like something the cat smurfed in? And you're like, "Whoa! What the smurf happened to you?" Wade Davis is the pitching equivalent of that. There is not a league out there in which he is currently ownable. Not a 12-team AL-only league. Not an AL East-only league. Not a "Only guys named Davis" league. Nothing. I stupidly still own him in Tout Wars, but only because I can't find anyone to take him off my hands. I may actually have to just drop him. A horrific 50/38 K-BB rate in 109 innings pitched should tell you everything you need to know.


Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians: After Grady Sizemore came back and hit a home run in his first game this year, I said on Twitter, "Sell high." I got a lot of people who yelled, cursed and got really angry while demanding that Grady was gonna have a huge year. I've no issue with Grady personally. I've met him -- he's a great guy. And I don't root for players to get injured. But to all those people who yelled and called me names? I hope you're forced to sit through "The Smurfs" this weekend. Twice.


Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals: Now batting below the Mendoza line, he just looks overmatched and not ready for prime time yet. His ownership isn't high (just over 8 percent at this point), but it's more than Wilson Betemit, whom I'd rather have.


Jair Jurrjens, P, Braves: His K/9 is under six, his xFIP suggests he's a 3.78 pitcher this year, which sounds about right. Solid guy, mid-three ERA and some strikeouts and wins. But he's not this good.


Jordan Zimmermann, SP, Nationals: Already going to be shut down early; it can't come too smurfing early as he's allowed four earned runs or more in three of his past four and has a July ERA of 6.00.


Wandy Rodriguez, SP, Astros: This kills me because I love him, but even if he gets traded, his strikeouts are down and believe it or not, he's actually gotten a little lucky this year, with a strand rate of over 80 percent. And if he doesn't get dealt, it's, um, not so good a team.

 

[HacheMan]

Beltran trade boosts Duda, hurts Belt

Eric Karabell

The Mets' Lucas Duda might get another 200 at-bats the rest of the 2011 season. The Giants' Brandon Belt might not get 20. Sometimes life just isn't fair.

The big trade that will send Carlos Beltran from the New York Mets to the San Francisco Giants won't merely affect the National League landscape in October, but also fantasy owners here in July. Duda takes over in right field for the Mets. Belt is heading back to Triple-A Fresno. Duda homered Wednesday night, while Belt was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement for the inferior Aubrey Huff on Belt's last day in the bigs until probably September. On Thursday, Duda might homer again, while Belt will be on an airplane. I have little doubt Belt would outperform Duda, if given the chance, but it's irrelevant.
Fantasy owners should be watching this week and beyond as trades are executed because it's often not the actual members of a trade who see their value shift. Beltran was having a terrific season for the Mets, and I don't see any warning flags now that he's a Giant. Sure, he leaves one tough hitter's park for another, but so what? Beltran boasts a .994 OPS in home games, including 26 extra base hits (nine home runs). He's a career .310 hitter at San Francisco's AT&T Park, and that's against generally strong pitching; over the past four seasons, Beltran has hit .372 there. He'll be fine.
<OFFER>The Giants demoted Belt and reportedly could be releasing Pat Burrell. If you own Cody Ross, prepare for a steep reduction in at-bats, because it sure looks like the general outfield alignment will feature Nate Schierholtz in left field, an Andres Torres/Aaron Rowand platoon in center field and Beltran in right. Perhaps Ross will platoon with Schierholtz, but it looks like the Giants could play the latter regularly.
Currently there are two Giants hitters owned in a decent number of ESPN standard (10-team) leagues, and those are switch-hitters Beltran and Pablo Sandoval. That's it. Huff comes in third at 51.4 percent, but I can't make a good case to roster him. In fact, the Giants should be playing Belt over him, but clearly that's not happening. Torres is not looking like the same player he was last year -- not a surprise at all -- and I can't call him or Schierholtz top-50 outfielders. So the defending champs basically have two hitters who should interest fantasy owners, and one of them was acquired Wednesday. I could make the case for unhappy owners of Rickie Weeks to add Jeff Keppinger to play second base, I suppose.

Hey, good for Duda, right? It's all about opportunity, and he's been playing regularly at first base lately and doing a fine job. Duda has raised his batting average from .248 to .276 in 10 days, with a few solo home runs, seven walks and only two strikeouts. A left-handed batter, Duda is clearly a threat against right-handed pitching (.286 with 13 extra-base hits over 105 at-bats this season) and he's hitting .327 with a .900 OPS at challenging Citi Field. Duda hit .302 with 10 home runs over 38 games at Triple-A Buffalo, and a year ago for Buffalo and Double-A Binghamton, he had 23 home runs, 40 doubles and a strong walk rate. The Mets think he can be a regular player. I can't add him yet in a standard league, but I'll be watching to see how he performs. Certainly he's going to get the chance to shine. If he was on the Giants right now, I'd take him over Schierholtz and Torres.
The Mets acquired Giants top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, but fantasy owners do not need to worry about him for 2011, and probably not until 2013. As colleague Keith Law noted in his blog entry, Wheeler has huge upside, but the Mets have no reason to push him. Plus, Mike Pelfrey hurled a complete game Wednesday! No worries!

 

[HacheMan]

Pence On The Move?
Thursday saw a variety of new faces in new places. Some pretty, some not.

Colby Rasmus made his debut for the Blue Jays, playing nine innings in center field but going 0-for-5 at the plate with two strikeouts. Toronto still squeaked out an 8-5 victory over the Orioles.

Carlos Beltran debuted for the Giants, finishing 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He made a slick sliding catch in the outfield, though, and the Giants were able to grab a 4-1 win over the National League East-leading Phillies.

Both players should settle in as the smoke clears on the always-intense July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

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

* It's looking more and more likely that Astros outfielder Hunter Pence will be traded at this year's deadline. The Phillies have already made a substantial offer, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, and the Braves are expected to counter at some point between now and Sunday. Pence, 28, has registered a .309/.356/.472 batting line with 11 home runs and 62 RBI in 99 games this season for last-place Houston. He's already a reliable second or third fantasy outfielder and his value will only be raised with a move to a more potent lineup. Buying low on him before the week is through might make sense.

* Rays youngster Desmond Jennings continues to impress. He went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI in Thursday's 10-8 victory over the Athletics, launching his first career home run and improving his early slash line to an impressive .500/.607/.864. The dynamic 24-year-old outfielder is 11-for-22 with three doubles, one triple and four stolen bases in five chances since his July 22 promotion. The production is not going to continue at its current pace, but there's little doubt that Jennings is poised to become a fantasy star.

National League Quick Hits: The Brewers placed second baseman Rickie Weeks on the 15-day disabled list with a severe left ankle sprain … Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan tallied his 30th save of the season in Thursday's defeat of the Braves … Aramis Ramirez hinted Thursday that he might be willing to waive his no-trade clause before Sunday's deadline … Giants ace Tim Lincecum tossed six scoreless innings Thursday in a win over the Phillies … Ryan Braun went 3-for-4 with a homer and a double in Thursday's defeat of the Cubs … Chipper Jones is expected to miss another 2-3 games due to lingering soreness in his quad … Wandy Rodriguez limited the Cardinals to one earned run in seven innings Thursday in what might have been his last start with the Astros … Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has recorded three straight three-hit games … Trade candidate Heath Bell notched his 30th save of the season Thursday against the Diamondbacks … Joey Votto has homered in three straight games … Stephen Strasburg (elbow) tossed a three-inning simulated game Thursday in Florida … Cardinals catcher Tony Cruz is day-to-day with a right hand contusion … Johan Santana (shoulder) tossed three scoreless innings Thursday in his rehab debut at High-A St. Lucie … Nick Punto is day-to-day with a strained left oblique … Gerald Laird sprained a finger in Thursday's loss to the Astros … The Brewers acquired infielder Felipe Lopez from the Rays for cash.

American League Quick Hits: The Indians acquired outfielder Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs for minor league right-hander Carlton Smith and minor league outfielder Abner Abreu … The Yankees and Red Sox both scouted A's right-hander Rich Harden on Thursday … Matt Harrison continued to roll Thursday against the Twins, allowing just one run over eight strong innings … Mark Trumbo drove in a career-high five runs in Thursday's victory over the Tigers … The White Sox are now expected to trade outfielder Carlos Quentin before Sunday's non-waiver deadline … Josh Hamilton fell a home run short of the cycle in Thursday's win over Minnesota … Trade candidate B.J. Upton mashed his 16th home run of the season Thursday against the A's … The Red Sox are concerned that Clay Buchholz may be dealing with a structural issue in his back … J.J. Hardy slugged his 17th and 18th home runs in Thursday's loss to the Blue Jays … The Twins placed middle infielder Alexi Casilla on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring … The Tigers have expressed interest in Nationals starter Jason Marquis … The Rangers placed outfielder Craig Gentry on the new 7-day disabled list with a concussion … Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque is day-to-day with inflammation in his forearm … The Yankees are in talks with the Dodgers to acquire starter Hiroki Kuroda … Jed Lowrie (shoulder) took swings Wednesday for the first time since landing on the disabled list … The Rangers are in hot pursuit of Padres closer Heath Bell.

 

[HacheMan]

Ervin's Encore

It's always fun when a pitcher coming off a no-hitter appears among the two-start crop for the following week. In the case of Ervin Santana it's especially good news because he'll be running into some very favorable match-ups, with home nods against the Twins and Mariners. Owners of the talented Angels righty can gleefully place him in their lineups and expect sterling results. Heck, given the general ineptitude of the Minnesota and Seattle offenses, maybe he's got a couple more no-nos up his sleeve.

For a breakdown of the the rest of the week's two-start pitchers, as well as your usual assortment of streamer suggestions, match-ups and injuries, read on..

Going Twice...



American League

Strong Plays
Ricky Romero: @TB (Price), @BAL (Simon)
Doug Fister: OAK (Cahill), @LAA (Santana)
Trevor Cahill: @SEA (Fister), @TB (Hellickson)
Ervin Santana: MIN (Duensing), SEA (Fister)
Max Scherzer: TEX (Lewis), @KC (Davies)
John Danks: NYY (Burnett), @MIN (Duensing)
Josh Beckett: CLE (Huff), NYY (Burnett)

Decent Plays
Colby Lewis: @DET (Scherzer), CLE (Huff)
A.J. Burnett: @CWS (Danks), @BOS (Beckett)
Brian Duensing: @LAA (Santana), CWS (Danks)
Jake Peavy: NYY (Hughes), @MIN (Pavano)
Alfredo Simon: @KC (Duffy), TOR (Romero)

At Your Own Risk
Phil Hughes: @CWS (Peavy), @BOS (Lackey)
Josh Tomlin: @BOS (Lackey), @TEX (Wilson)
David Huff: @BOS (Beckett), @TEX (Lewis)
John Lackey: CLE (Tomlin), NYY (Hughes)

National League

Strong Plays
Jaime Garcia: @MIL (Marcum), @FLA (Hensley)
Chris Carpenter: @MIL (Greinke), @FLA (Vazquez)
Matt Cain: ARI (Kennedy), PHI (Kendrick)
Tim Lincecum: ARI (Hudson), PHI (Hamels)
Cory Luebke: LAD (Kershaw), @PIT (Correia)
Cole Hamels: @COL (Chacin), @SF (Lincecum)
Zack Greinke: STL (Carpenter), @HOU (Norris)
Clayton Kershaw: @SD (Luebke), @ARI (Kennedy)
Bud Norris: CIN (Arroyo), MIL (Greinke)
Jair Jurrjens: @WAS (Hernandez), @NYM (Pelfrey)
Ian Kennedy: @SF (Cain), LAD (Kershaw)

Decent Plays
John Lannan: ATL (Lowe), @COL (Cook)
Livan Hernandez: ATL (Jurrjens), COL (Chacin)
Paul Maholm: CHC (Zambrano), SD (Moseley)
Kevin Correia: CHC (Wells), SD (Luebke)
Kyle Kendrick: @COL (Cook), @SF (Cain)
Mike Pelfrey: FLA (Vazquez), ATL (Jurrjens)
Clay Hensley: @NYM (Capuano), STL (Garcia)
Javier Vazquez: @NYM (Pelfrey), STL (Carpenter)
Jhoulys Chacin: PHI (Hamels), WAS (Hernandez)
Carlos Zambrano: @PIT (Maholm), CIN (Cueto)

At Your Own Risk
Aaron Cook: PHI (Kendrick), WAS (Lannan)
Bronson Arroyo: @HOU (Norris), @CHC (Wells)
Randy Wells: @PIT (Correia), CIN (Arroyo)


Streamer City



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

American League

Wednesday, 8/3: Joel Pineiro vs. MIN
The righty will look to settle back into a groove at home against Minny's weak offense.

Wednesday, 8/3: Erik Bedard vs. OAK
If Bedard looks sharp against the Rays tonight (Friday) in his return from the disabled list, he's a must-play against the A's next week. Assuming he's still with Seattle.

Friday, 8/5: Duane Below @ KC
The rookie southpaw should be able to subdue a Royals lineup that lacks punch.

National League

Wednesday, 8/3: Josh Collmenter @ SF
Collmenter has hurled three straight quality starts, allowing only three runs while striking out 14 and walking one in 21 innings.

Thursday, 8/4: James McDonald vs. CHC
He hasn't allowed a run in either of his past two starts, defeating the Reds and Braves.

Friday, 8/5: Juan Nicasio vs. WAS
The Colorado rookie has been a bit inconsistent, but figures to match up well against the Nats.

<!--RW-->


Total Games



American League

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

National League

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


Lefty/Righty Breakdown



American League

BAL: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
BOS: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CWS: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CLE: 4 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
DET: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
KC: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAA: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
MIN: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
NYY: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
OAK: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
SEA: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TB: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
TEX: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TOR: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP

National League

ARI: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
ATL: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CHC: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CIN: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
COL: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
FLA: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
HOU: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
LAD: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIL: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
NYM: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
PHI: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
PIT: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
SD: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
SF: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
STL: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
WAS: 7 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP


The Infirmary



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

Brian McCann: Out until mid-August
J.D. Drew: Out until mid-August
Zack Cozart: Out indefinitely
Jason Giambi: Out indefinitely
Alexi Casilla: Out until mid-August
Rickie Weeks: Out until late August
Alex Presley: Out until mid-August