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HacheMan

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Murphy, Mets Meet Doctor
More than a few hearts sank this weekend, especially in New York. Jose Reyes left the game Sunday with a sore hamstring. It was the same hammy that caused him to lose time earlier this season. The team is calling it a mild pull but hasn't stated how much time he might miss. The Mets were hit hard over the weekend as Daniel Murphy, who has stepped forward as a cracker-jack infielder with a professional bat, suffered an MCL tear when Jose Costanza slid into him at second base. The Irish Hammer is out for the season. Even a former Met was hit. Carlos Beltran sprained his wrist and might miss a few games.

Other assorted health updates from the weekend are due. Chase Headley broke his pinkie but he's not on the DL yet. The team will try to figure it out soon. Add Hanley Ramirez to the list of players with cloudy futures. He sat out again Sunday but says he wants to play. He also says he doesn't have full range of motion in his shoulder. Sit him out if you can.

Some guys are on their way back. Alex Rodriguez will probably begin his rehab Friday, which would be not a moment too soon for his owners. Brian McCann has taken two straight days of batting practice without pain in his oblique. He think he'll be back in a week-plus. Jair Jurrjens just went on the DL with his knee issues, but the team backdated the move and it looks like he'll be back as soon as he's eligible August 17th. Mike Minor is a great young pitcher that should be a decent spot start in the next week-plus. Victor Martinez might be back Tuesday from his left knee sprain, according to his manager. Shin-Soo Choo is going to begin a rehab assignment Monday. Indians former and present getting healthy. Stephen Strasburg only got five outs in his first rehab start, but he was in the upper 90s on the gun so it was a huge first step. Juan Nicasio had surgery to repair a fracture in his neck after that scary line drive incident. The Rockies trainer said the prognosis for recovery is good, even if the surgery and injury were rare.

* Like a first kiss, a first home run must stick in the memory banks forever. Brett Lawrie broke the seal with a solo job off of Alfredo Simon. After his weekend, it seems that he might be an immediate boon in leagues of all sizes. He has a little power and speed and doesn't strike out a ton, and he's looked comfortable so far. Lawrie is supposed to have more power than fellow second base prospect Jason Kipnis, who hit his fifth home run this weekend, all before his 60th plate appearances. The Blue Jay is a definite add. Though Trayvon Robinson also hit his first home run (another solo home run, off of Tyler Chatwood), he's not as much of an immediate add. He strikes out enough that it might be an issue for his batting average, and his power is not no-doubt enough to depend on in Seattle. He's more of a deep league play, highlight real catches or no.

* Let's look at the notable pitching performances of the weekend. Roy Oswalt had his first start since June, but it wasn't good. He gave up 12 hits in six innings in what should have been a nice matchup for him. You can't cut him in mixed leagues, but it's possible that his back is going to bother him the rest of the season. Now you know what paragraph this is. Javier Vazquez has re-found some of his velocity, but he's still living on the edge. He gave up four runs in six against the Cardinals. Call the six strikeouts a good sign if you want to be positive. Bud Norris gave up six runs in five innings, but it was the fact that he only struck out two that is more worrisome. Usually, he'll give you the strikeouts and be iffy with the rest. Tommy Hanson gave up seven runs in 3 1/3 on Saturday. It wouldn't be of much concern except that he faded down the stretch the last couple of years and has had a few bad starts in a row now. He's still a fantasy ace.

Ian Kennedy only struck three in seven innings, but he headlines the good paragraph because he only allowed three runs. He should be owned in all leagues. John Lannan only gave up one run in six-plus innings, so he gets to hang with these pitchers right now. But he doesn't belong here, as he has no strikeout punch (three on Sunday), and with an average walk rate, his ground-ball ways only make him interesting in deeper leagues. Ervin Santana held the Mariners to one run in 8 1/3 innings and is smoking hot. He might not be this good, but why deal him away when his downside is workable? Jaime Garcia gave up two earned runs in five innings, and struck out five. He's an excellent young pitcher, and shouldn't really see a cap this season. At worst, the team will skip a start or two of his down the stretch to keep him fresh. Trevor Cahill gave up three runs in four-plus against the Rays, but he also struck out seven. In some ways, he's pitching better this year, but the results haven't shown it recently. Don't drop him in mixed leagues. Mat Latos is worth picking up for anything less than full price. He struck out seven and gave up two runs in seven against the Pirates. He's a fantasy ace.

* What about the players at the plate? Albert Pujols hit his 26 and 27th home runs this weekend. Did we think this was a bad season? There's no way Adam Dunn makes this season a good one. Now his manager is thinking about giving him another extended break from the lineup. Yuck. Adam Jones hit his 20th home run of the season, a career-high for him. He's probably a little above his head right now, considering his career power numbers. Jorge Posada has been benched and the Yankees are thinking about calling up Jesus Montero in the next couple of weeks. Montero is an exciting catcher prospect in most leagues, given the state of the position. Apparently Aubrey Huff won't get the same treatment. His manager says he's going to hit Huff in the middle of his lineup the rest of the way. Huff's been better over the past two weeks but he's still pretty useless.

* Closers close the paragraphs too. Ron Washington says now that Neftali Feliz is in no danger of losing his closing duties, but that was right before Mike Adams saved the game with Feliz unavailable. And Feliz did blow a save Saturday. And Feliz does have worse peripherals than his fellow late-inning relievers. Maybe all those Adams owners held on to him all season for a reason! Javy Guerra collected his tenth save Friday with a four-out scoreless effort against the Diamondbacks. He might be good enough to hold the job all year.

National League Quick Hits: Zack Greinke pitched like the great pitcher he is when he held the Astros to one run in seven with six strikeouts Sunday … Brandon Phillips sprained his ankle and is day-to-day … Dan Uggla's hit streak is up to 28 games … Will Venable had three hits and two stolen bases Sunday and is playable against righties on the road in more leagues than you might think … Corey Hart was hit in the hand, but X-rays were negative … Placido Polanco (hip) will be out of the lineup for a few more days … Jason Bay had three hits on Sunday and is starting to look worthy of a mixed league bench spot … Dee Gordon (shoulder) missed Sunday after hurting his shoulder on a dive and is day-to-day … Chipper Jones singled in his return from a quad issue … David Freese (concussion) worked out some and should be fine … Jose Altuve had two hits Sunday but the diminutive one is surviving on batted ball luck right now … Todd Frazier doubled and homered and is an option in all deeper leagues right now … The Dodgers' Nathan Eovaldi held Arizona to two runs in five innings and is an interesting sleeper for deeper leagues … Alex Presley (thumb) will begin his rehab this week … Cody Ransom hit his first home run as a D-back and could begin to steal at-bats from Willie Bloomquist … Barry Zito (foot) will begin a rehab assignment Monday … Yonder Alonso hurt his ankle on a sprinkler head, no lie, but should be day-to-day at worst … Team-mate Chris Heisey hit the DL though, so Dave Sappelt and Fred Lewis will split time in left field … Justin Turner hit two home runs for the Mets on Sunday but doesn't have power like that and isn't a mixed leaguer … Big Man Kyle Blanks had five RBI Saturday (a grand slam helped) and power is his best attribute, but he's a deep leaguer for now.

American League Quick Hits: Adrian Beltre (hamstring) won't be ready for another three weeks after aggravating his hamstring running the bases Saturday … Jed Lowrie will be back Monday and will jump right back into competing with Marco Scutaro for time … Max Scherzer struck out five in five, but labored some and allowed four runs to the Royals … J.J. Hardy's ankle will be fine long term, but he's still day-to-day … Jake Peavy held the Twins scoreless and struck out six in eight innings, so he's a play while he's healthy … Mark Reynolds hit two solo jacks Sunday … Colby Rasmus hit his first home run as a Blue Jay and has been better of late … Josh Reddick got the walk-off single to end the extra-inning affair Sunday night against the Yankees and useful in all leagues … Phil Hughes lost that game, which probably doesn't mean much other than a possible missed start … Alex Rios homered and is now five for his past nine; He could he be on the comeback trail perhaps … There's some speculation Kevin Slowey could rejoin the Twins rotation soon, perhaps to the detriment of Nick Blackburn, especially since the two pitchers are on the same schedule and Slowey is pitching well … Matt LaPorta (sore foot) was hit by a pitch Friday and thinks he'll be back by Tuesday … Coco Crisp has a strained calf and missed Sunday's game … Mike Carp had three hits (one a home run) but he's getting insanely lucky on batted balls and won't show a batting average like this going forward … Justin Smoak said his thumb felt better and he's a day or two away … Alex Cobb has some numbness in his right hand and dead-arm, so he's on the DL … An MRI on the shoulder of Chris Davis revealed nothing serious.
 
HacheMan

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Trends: McCarthy On Point
SURGING

Brandon McCarthy, SP, OAK

Stats: 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 28/4 K/BB ratio in his last five starts (32.1 IP).

Bottom line: McCarthy isn't throwing that hard these days (generally topping out in the 90-91 mph range), but he's locating pitches extremely well and has shown standout control all season (a 74/16 K/BB ratio in 108.2 innings). I don't expect him to keep up his recent pace in wins with Oakland's offense behind him, and he has definitely been better when pitching at home (2.39 ERA, 1.14 WHIP in Oakland; 4.18 ERA, 1.20 WHIP on the road). With that said, McCarthy is now carrying a 3.31 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season, and the 28-year-old looks like a reliable option down the stretch in mixed leagues.

Mike Carp, 1B/OF, SEA

Stats: .368 avg (25-for-68) with three homers and 15 RBI in his last 17 games prior to a Monday night matchup with Texas.

Bottom line: Still owned in just four percent of Yahoo leagues, Carp has a somewhat disconcerting 9/29 BB/K ratio in his first 103 at-bats, but is producing well enough to qualify as a viable mixed league add right now.

Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE

Stats: .303 avg (10-for-33) with five homers and seven RBI in his last eight games.

Bottom line: Kipnis got everyone's attention by homering in four straight games early last week, but the 24-year-old, who added his fifth homer on Saturday, remains owned in just 13 percent of Yahoo leagues. Make the add if you're looking for a boost at a middle infield spot.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Johnny Giavotella, 2B, KC

Stats: 5-for-11 with a homer and a steal in his first three big league games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Rays.

Bottom line: Speaking of middle infielders, there are already plenty of 2B considerations out there with the aforementioned Kipnis and the arrival of Brett Lawrie, but Giavotella (zero percent owned in Yahoo leagues as of Monday morning) is absolutely a viable mixed league add after hitting .338 with nine homers, 72 RBI and nine steals at Triple-A this year.

Kyle Blanks, 1B, SD

Stats: 6-for-13 with two homers, two doubles and six RBI in his last three games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Mets.

Bottom line: He still has some significant holes in his swing (17 strikeouts in his first 45 at-bats of the season), but there's no denying Blanks' power potential (15 homers in 295 career big league at-bats) and the 24-year-old is worth a look in deeper mixed leagues in hopes of capitalizing on a short-term power binge.

Eric Young Jr., 2B/OF, COL

Stats: .321 avg (9-for-28) with five runs, three RBI and three steals in his first seven games of August prior to a Monday night matchup with Cincinnati.

Bottom line: The Rockies' current leadoff hitter and left fielder, Young has yet to prove he can consistently hit big league pitching (.242 average in 318 career at-bats), but his elite speed (nine steals in 89 at-bats this season) makes him an asset in mixed leagues as long as he has a spot atop the lineup. In terms of pure value I'd prefer Kipnis or Giavotella if available, but there's nothing wrong with adding Young if you're looking to make up ground in steals right now.

Ivan Nova, SP, NYY

Stats: 2-0 with a 1.84 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 16/1 K/BB ratio in his first two starts (14.2 IP) since being recalled from Triple-A.

Bottom line: Nova dominated the White Sox on Thursday (7.2 innings, one run, no walks, 10 strikeouts), and though he's fighting somewhat of a numbers game in the Yankees' current six-man rotation, the 24-year-old is at the very least a strong spot-start option in mixed leagues. Expanding the trend further, Nova has a 6-0 record, 2.91 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 38/12 K/BB ratio in his last seven big league starts (46.1 innings) dating back to early June.

Rick Ankiel, OF, WAS

Stats: .313 avg (10-for-32) with four homers, nine RBI, seven runs and a 1.236 OPS in his first seven games of August prior to a Monday night matchup with the Cubs.

Bottom line: Though he's played just seven games thus far in August, Ankiel's four homers represent his best single-month power output since his career-best 25-homer campaign in 2008. This isn't a suggestion that he's about to go berserk from here on out, but there's nothing wrong with trying to capitalize while he's got his home run swing working.

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

Garrett Jones, 1B/OF, PIT

Stats: .364 avg (8-for-22) with three homers and six RBI through his first seven games of August prior to a Monday night matchup with San Francisco.

Bottom line: He remains completely unstartable against left-handers (440 OPS in 42 at-bats on the season), but Jones is otherwise trending upward and warrants consideration in deeper formats if you can pick your spots to rotate him in against right-handers. And yes, I realize that isn't exactly the most hearty endorsement, but there's a reason Jones is listed last among all the players discussed in this week's column.
 
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Reyes Returns to Disabled List
The Mets officially placed Jose Reyes on the 15-day disabled list Monday after he aggravated his left hamstring during Sunday's loss to the Braves. Reyes suffered the injury while running out a ground ball in his lone at-bat of the ballgame.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said during an appearance on WFAN in New York on Monday that the injury is similar in severity to the hamstring strain that sent him to the disabled list last month, which means the speedy shortstop will likely be sidelined for the next two to three weeks.

Reyes was one of the hottest hitters in the sport at the time of the initial injury, but batted just .256/.280/.410 with four doubles, one triple, two homers and four stolen bases over 82 plate appearances between DL-stints. Assuming he can rejoin the Mets by the end of August, he will have about four to five weeks to finish strong headed into free agency this winter.

Without Reyes and Daniel Murphy, the Mets are likely headed nowhere fast in the standings, but you wouldn't know it by their performance Monday night. They pounded out nine runs on 12 hits in a comeback victory over the Padres. Jason Bay homered for the second time in the past three games and now has his OPS over .700 for the first time since early May.

While Mets fans and fantasy owners hope that they are finally seeing the real Jason Bay, here are some more news and notes from a busy Monday in the baseball world.

* Perhaps it's time to worry about Tommy Hanson. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and pitching coach Roger McDowell plan to meet with the right-hander to determine whether he will have his next start pushed back or possibly skipped altogether. At issue is the health of his right shoulder, which previously sent him to the disabled list in mid-June.

Hanson was smoked for a season-high seven runs over 3 1/3 innings against the Mets on Saturday and has an 8.10 ERA over his last five starts, so there is legitimate concern that he is pitching through an injury. For what it's worth, he averaged 90.42 mph on his fastball Saturday, down a tick from his season average of 91.2 mph.

The Braves have a scheduled off-day on Thursday, so they have the option to skip Hanson in the rotation and use left-hander Mike Minor on regular rest Friday against the Cubs. The Braves expect Jair Jurrjens to return from a right knee strain as soon as he's eligible next Wednesday, so they would likely be covered in the event that Hanson needs another trip to the disabled list. Of course, fantasy owners hope it doesn't come to that.

* It looks like Scott Baker is headed back to the disabled list. He allowed five runs over six innings in a loss to the Red Sox on Monday night, after which he admitted that he is still dealing with discomfort in his surgically-repaired right elbow. Baker was previously placed on the disabled list early last month with a right flexor muscle strain. He plans to meet with the team's training staff on Tuesday to see if he can continue to pitch through the discomfort.

It's a shame, really, as Baker has emerged as a must-own option in mixed leagues this season. While his last two starts have done some damage to his overall numbers, the 29-year-old right-hander still has a very respectable 3.21 ERA and 120/32 K/BB ratio over 131 2/3 innings. While he continues to live dangerously as a fly ball pitcher, he has struck out batters at a career-high rate of 22.3 percent.

NL Quick Hits: Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) said Monday that he might need a couple more days before returning to the starting lineup … Brandon Phillips (ankle) slugged a pinch-hit homer in Monday's loss to the Rockies … Dan Uggla extended his hitting streak to 29 games in Monday's win over the Marlins … Shane Victorino was suspended three games for his actions in Friday's benches-clearing brawl with the Giants … Carlos Beltran (wrist) could return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday after an MRI on Monday revealed no structural damage … Brian McCann (oblique) took batting practice on the field Monday and hasn't ruled out a return on Friday … Jay Bruce connected for his first home run since the All-Star break in Monday's loss to the Rockies … Josh Johnson (shoulder) threw for 10 minutes Monday at a distance of 75 feet … Chase Headley is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a fractured left pinky finger … Placido Polanco was diagnosed with a sports hernia … David Freese (concussion) is expected to return to the Cardinals' lineup on Tuesday night … Seth Smith slugged a pair of two-run homers in a win over the Reds on Monday … Stephen Strasburg (elbow) will throw a side session Tuesday before the Nationals determine the location of his next rehab start, scheduled for Friday … Logan Morrison was held out of Monday's lineup after getting five stitches in his right knee on Sunday … Derrek Lee (hand) went 1-for-4 with a triple in his return to the starting lineup Monday … Charlie Morton tossed eight innings of shutout ball in a win over the Giants on Monday night … Juan Nicasio (neck) was able to walk and move around on his own Monday … Jose Tabata (quad) will play some right field during his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis … The Mets placed Daniel Murphy on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a torn MCL in his left knee … Yonder Alonso took ground balls at third base Monday and is not expected to play left field again "in the near future," according to Reds manager Dusty Baker … After meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Monday, Joe Blanton (elbow) will continue to rehab in hopes of pitching out of the bullpen this season … Kevin Millwood signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on Monday and is expected to make his debut for Colorado on Wednesday … Wade LeBlanc was called up from the minors Monday and is expected to start Tuesday against the Mets … Rockies' right-hander Alex White (finger) tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings Monday in his second minor league rehab start with Double-A Tulsa …

AL Quick Hits: David Ortiz was 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Monday's win over the Twins … Justin Morneau (neck) went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in his fourth minor league rehab game with Triple-A Rochester … Shin-Soo Choo (thumb) was 0-for-2 in his first minor league rehab game with Class A Lake County on Monday … J.J. Hardy (ankle) homered and drove in four runs in his return to the lineup Monday … Jeremy Hellickson tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a win over the Royals on Monday … Phil Hughes will be skipped from Tuesday's scheduled start after making a relief appearance Sunday against the Red Sox … The Blue Jays are hoping Jon Rauch (knee) will be ready to pitch by Tuesday … Melky Cabrera (ankle) went 2-for-4 with a double in his return to the starting lineup Monday … The Indians placed Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow tendinitis … Jed Lowrie (shoulder) went 1-for-4 with a single in his return from the disabled list Monday … Zach Stewart will stay in the White Sox rotation to start Friday against the Royals … J.D. Drew (shoulder) will likely need a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the disabled list … Zach Britton (shoulder) is scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start Sunday with Double-A Bowie … The Blue Jays are expected to promote prospect right-hander Henderson Alvarez to start Friday against the Angels … Bobby Jenks (back) underwent a colonoscopy Monday … ESPN's Keith Law reports that the Angels plan to call up prospect right-hander Garrett Richards … The Mariners placed Brendan Ryan on the 15-days disabled list with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder … Alexi Casilla (hamstring) is expected to be activated from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible Friday … Arthur Rhodes passed through waivers and will become a free agent on Wednesday … John Jaso (oblique) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Durham … The first-place Tigers announced Monday that they have extended general manager Dave Dombrowski through 2015 and manager Jim Leyland though 2012 … Twins prospect right-hander Kyle Gibson (elbow) is scheduled to undergo further diagnostic testing Tuesday … The Yankees released left-hander J.C. Romero …
 
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D-backs have most favorable schedule

Play the matchups.


It's a piece of advice you'll often read on these pages, and in no other aspect do we say it more frequently than when referring to individual starting pitching assignments. Exploiting matchups is critical to fantasy baseball success; there is more volatility at the position than at most others, not to mention more choices with which to exploit matchups.

Do the math: At any given time, there are approximately 150 starting pitchers on active major league rotations. Of those, about 25 qualify as "must-start" -- or "Above the Wandy Line," if you prefer that description -- options, and another 25-40 are rostered in the majority of leagues, many slotted in and out of active lineups as matchups and streaks dictate. (To be precise, 64 starting pitchers are owned in at least 50 percent of ESPN leagues.) That still leaves 90 starters who, at any given time, can be scooped up off waivers and started, and those who have been successful with this "streaming" strategy will happily sing you its praises.


But what, exactly, constitutes a good matchup, and who has the most remaining? That is the grand question, as we're headed into these concluding weeks, the stage of the year where championships are won.


A "good matchup" is somewhat subjective; statistics can give us a sense, but often it's a matter of opinion. Looking at the state of teams' offenses following the trade deadline, here's how I rank all 30, from strongest to weakest:


<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">1. Boston Red Sox</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">11. Arizona Diamondbacks</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">21. Washington Nationals</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">2. New York Yankees</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">12. New York Mets</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">22. Chicago White Sox</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">3. Texas Rangers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">13. Kansas City Royals</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">23. Cleveland Indians</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">4. St. Louis Cardinals</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">14. Florida Marlins</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">24. Minnesota Twins</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">5. Toronto Blue Jays</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">15. Atlanta Braves</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">25. San Francisco Giants</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">6. Milwaukee Brewers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">16. Tampa Bay Rays</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">26. Los Angeles Dodgers</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">7. Philadelphia Phillies</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">17. Baltimore Orioles</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">27. San Diego Padres</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">8. Detroit Tigers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">18. Chicago Cubs</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">28. Pittsburgh Pirates</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">9. Colorado Rockies</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">19. Oakland Athletics</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">29. Seattle Mariners</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">10. Cincinnati Reds</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">20. Los Angeles Angels</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">30. Houston Astros</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Now, with approximately 48 games -- slightly less than 30 percent of the season -- left on each team's schedule, let's look at who stacks up as the best and worst, matchups-wise, the rest of the year. These are determined in two ways: by using the above offensive rankings, as well as by using year-to-date statistics of opposing offenses, including such measures as runs per game and team OPS. You can see the full charts detailing my schedule analysis at column's end, but for now, let's take a quick-hitting look at the most and least favorable schedules.


Before we begin, the standard caveat: Strength of schedule is just one factor to consider when making future plans. Just because the Rockies have a favorable schedule and the Red Sox unfavorable doesn't mean you should trade Jon Lester straight up for Jhoulys Chacin, because elite starters like Lester tend to rise above the matchups. What these lists are meant to do is help make the tougher decisions -- what I like to call "breaking ties" -- when making roster moves.



TOP 100 STARTING PITCHERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 100 starting pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rnk </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player, Team <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev
Rnk </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Verlander, DET </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">Roy Halladay, PHI </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">CC Sabathia, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Hernandez, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </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">Tim Lincecum, SF </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">Dan Haren, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tommy Hanson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Stauffer, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez, HOU </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">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Baker, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Vogelsong, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bartolo Colon, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Jackson, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Doug Fister, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Leake, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Harrison, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cory Luebke, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Sanchez, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Myers, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Peavy, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vance Worley, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Humber, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Harang, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Phil Hughes, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Freddy Garcia, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Tomlin, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Niemann, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wolf, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erik Bedard, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Liriano, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon McCarthy, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Vargas, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">R.A. Dickey, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathon Niese, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Cecil, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Javier Vazquez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Zambrano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Guthrie, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rick Porcello, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James McDonald, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Buehrle, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ivan Nova, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felipe Paulino, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Lohse, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Pelfrey, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Saunders, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Lackey, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Duensing, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Burnett, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Luke Hochevar, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Marquis, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Best remaining schedules



1. Texas Rangers: That's right, it's an American League team that tops the list, despite the fact that AL pitchers as a whole have a higher ERA (3.94) than their National League (3.86) brethren, while AL hitters have an OPS 12 points higher (.721). Let that underscore the strength of the Rangers' matchups; they also rank this high despite having to play seven more games against the Red Sox. How is that possible? Simple: Look at their schedule from Labor Day (Sept. 5) until season's end. The Rangers don't play a single team with more than a .709 OPS or 4.27 runs per game in their final 21 games, including six apiece against the Athletics and Mariners. If the Angels can keep the AL West race close -- and they should -- the Rangers will trot out their best starters on turn right into most head-to-head championship matchups. Something to consider: Rangers starters are a perfect 10-for-10 in quality starts with a 1.45 ERA against the Mariners, have a 3.19 ERA in 10 starts against the Athletics and have a 3.14 ERA in nine starts against the Angels.


2. Arizona Diamondbacks: Jason Marquis and Joe Saunders owners rejoice! The NL West is a good place for a pitcher to be this season; three of the six worst teams in terms of OPS hail from that division. But it's the non-division games that puts the Diamondbacks' schedule over the top: four against the Astros, four against the Nationals and three against the Pirates. Marquis has a 3.30 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 55 career games (50 starts) against the Diamondbacks' four NL West foes, while Saunders has a 3.81 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 23 starts against those four teams. They might very well be standout September streaming specialists.


3. Detroit Tigers: This one's more of a personal opinion than a year-to-date statistics pick, as using my offense rankings above, the Tigers have the third-most favorable remaining schedule in the majors. It's not hard to tell why: The two most productive teams they'll face the remainder of the year are the Orioles and Royals, and they have a 2.78 ERA and 1.18 WHIP as a team against the latter. The Tigers play 33 of their final 48 games within the AL Central, and as a team, they have 25 wins, 17 saves, a 3.34 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in their 39 intradivision games. There's only one potential fault with the Tigers looking forward: If they further extend their four-game lead over the Indians, they might be resting starters and lining up for the postseason during their final-week homestand (Sept. 22-28).


Other favorable schedules: Giants, Reds, Rockies, Cardinals


Worst remaining schedules



1. Tampa Bay Rays: Unsurprisingly, it's the AL East teams that face the most treacherous schedules the remainder of the year; that division claims the bottom three spots on the chart at column's end, and places no individual team higher than 24th (Yankees). That's what you get when you hail from a division that boasts the two most productive offenses in the game (Red Sox and Yankees), teams whose OPSes are more than 10 percent higher than the major league average, as well as two others with OPSes higher than said average (Blue Jays and Orioles). There is scarcely a breather on the Rays' schedule: They play a pair of three-game road series in New York and Boston from Aug. 12-17, the Red Sox series including a doubleheader; they play the Rangers six times and Red Sox three during a 12-game stretch from Aug. 30-Sept. 11; and finish the season with four games against the Red Sox, three against the Yankees, three against the Blue Jays and three against the Yankees, that stretch perhaps after their potential point of playoff elimination. It's fair to point out that the Rays are 21-19 within their division with a 3.34 ERA and 1.19 WHIP as a team; much of that has been James Shields' (1.83 ERA, 0.93 WHIP in 9 starts) doing. It's not like you're going to sit Shields or David Price, but Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann aren't their equals in terms of talent, and the team might choose to ease off Jeremy Hellickson if and when it falls out of the race.


2. Oakland Athletics: They're on the list partly because of the nine remaining games against the Rangers, but also because their interdivision games are especially challenging. Out of those 27 remaining contests, seven are against the Blue Jays and three apiece are against the Red Sox and Yankees, not to mention the four against the Tigers. The Athletics' pitching, once their strength, has cooled considerably; their 4.99 ERA since the All-Star break is third-worst in the majors. In particular, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez, once rock-solid weekly fantasy plays, are a combined 2-6 with a 7.07 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in nine starts during that span. Couple that with their increasingly difficult matchups looking forward and this might be an entire staff of mere matchup plays (at best).


3. Pittsburgh Pirates: You had to know regression was coming to this once surprisingly stout staff, and their remaining schedule dictates that more is in order. This squad has 10 more games apiece against the Brewers and Cardinals, the NL's two best offenses, and six against the Reds out of their 49 remaining contests. Combined, Pirates starters have eight wins and nine quality starts in 20 games against those three teams, their ERA a so-so 3.96 and WHIP 1.36; take out Charlie Morton's 4-for-5 in quality starts (1.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) and the team's ratios rise to 4.97 and 1.54. Morton, incidentally, is 3-for-11 in quality starts with a 4.78 ERA and 1.66 WHIP since June 1, a mixed bag whose 2011 numbers against those division foes can therefore hardly be trusted. This might be an ugly end for the Pirates.


Other unfavorable schedules: Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, Phillies


Three up



John Danks, Chicago White Sox: Though he has hardly been lights-out since his return from the disabled list on July 20, registering a 3.20 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in four starts, consider the context. Danks hopped back into a rotation for a team that, since his return date, has battled the Nos. 12, 14, 10, 1, 2, 22 and 16 offenses in terms of runs per game, and has struggled offensively so much that it has averaged 3.76 runs per contest during that span. These are the more important takeaways from Danks' recent output: He has lasted six-plus innings each time, has 5.60 K's per walk and a 49.3 percent ground ball rate, even higher than the 45.7 and 45.6 he managed in 2009 and 2010. You'll see below that the White Sox have the game's eighth-most favorable schedule looking forward, so that means plenty of matchups to exploit, if you can stomach Danks' so-so win potential. Frankly, he might warrant every-start status, being that the toughest matchups he could face the rest of the season are during the Aug. 19-21 series versus the Rangers, or the season-ending, Sept. 26-28 series versus the Blue Jays.


Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers: It's nice to see a young pitcher like Gallardo finally enjoying some success after the All-Star break; he turned in 4.56 and 5.77 ERAs during the season's second half in 2009 and 2010, but that number is a healthy 2.81 in his first five second-half turns this season. More importantly, it's encouraging after Gallardo posted both the highest first-half ERA (3.76) and WHIP (1.36) of his career this season. Polished command is the reason for the improvement. Consider that he averaged 4.56 walks per nine in his first qualified career season in 2009, that the fourth-worst number in the majors, but this season he's averaging 2.83, which ranks 64th out of 106. And in his past 12 starts, granted many of those against weaker foes, he has averaged 2.22 per nine; that number is also a sparkling 0.84 since the All-Star break. Maybe that long-advertised Gallardo breakout is finally here.


Vance Worley, Philadelphia Phillies: It's time to finally give Worley some credit as a strong matchups play who borders on regular use even in mixed leagues; he's now 6-0 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in nine starts since joining the Phillies' rotation. He's not an overpowering type, yet has been surprisingly effective against both sides despite mostly relying on a low-90s fastball and slider; but that slider has limited opponents to .175/.212/.175 rates in 67 plate appearances that ended with one. Two other things stand out as pluses for Worley: One is that Citizens Bank Park, once hailed one of the most hitter-friendly venues in baseball, has actually leaned more toward being pitcher-friendly this season, per our Park Factor page; the other is that the addition of Hunter Pence has paid huge dividends for the Phillies' lineup, meaning increased run support. Be cautious of the untimely slump with Worley, but right now he needs to be active in all formats.


Three down



A.J. Burnett, New York Yankees: If the Yankees made their rotation decisions based solely upon recent performance, Burnett would clearly be the man who deserves to go. In six starts since July 1, he's 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and zero quality starts, and during that time he has not faced a single team that ranks higher than 14th in terms of runs per game. His Yankees history late in the season also isn't stellar; he's 8-15 with a 5.22 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 35 second-half starts in pinstripes, and in the month of August alone is 0-8 with a 7.28 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 12 career starts for them. The Yankees might have the AL East's most favorable schedule, per the chart below, but it's also a bottom-10 schedule among all major league teams. You'll need to be choosy with a pitcher like Burnett, and he might not even be worth your while in half of his remaining outings.


Philip Humber, Chicago White Sox: Is the magic gone? Humber has lost four consecutive starts with a 7.97 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, and while he can be forgiven against some of those offenses because of the treacherous schedule (Twins, Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees), there might very well now be a book on him. He's hardly a strikeout artist, his 5.81 K's per nine ranking 76th out of 106 qualified starters, and during that four-start slump he has been particularly tattooed: .271 well-hit average, up from .214 for the season; .129 isolated power, up from .110; 23.9 percent line drive rate, up from 17.7. Humber's skill set looks like that of a matchups specialist and clearly he's now slipping back into that status; pick carefully moving forward.


Derek Lowe, Atlanta Braves: The Braves have remained faithful in Lowe, keeping him in their rotation despite his 6.18 ERA in his past 11 starts, only two of those quality-start efforts, but they'll face an interesting decision once Jair Jurrjens is healthy. This team has rotation depth; "sixth man" Mike Minor has had a couple of strong spot starts this season (albeit not his most recent), and "seventh man" Julio Teheran is one of the most promising pitching prospects in baseball. It's not unthinkable that, if Minor outpitches Lowe during Jurrjens' absence, the Braves might need to keep Minor in the rotation ahead of the veteran. Lowe's problem is that he's slipping into some of the same bad habits that troubled his owners during his disappointing 2009, his 56.6 percent ground ball rate even lower than the 58.6 number -- itself a low one by his standards -- he had in that season. He's primarily successful when he's generating a slew of grounders, typically 60 percent or more. Perhaps age truly is catching up to him.


Full schedule analysis



The following chart ranks teams' remaining schedules from Aug. 8 through season's end in order of most to least favorable using the average offense ranking -- per my rankings above -- of all remaining opponents (a higher number is better). "Projected runs allowed" totals each opponent's year-to-date runs scored per game for each remaining game on the schedule.


<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>Games remaining</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=6><CENTER></CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Team</TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tot</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Hm</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rd</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Avg.
Rk</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Proj.
runs
allowed</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Runs
per G</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>OPS</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Park
Factor:
Runs</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Park
Factor:
HRs</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Diamondbacks</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21.3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>193.38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.03</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.694</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.064</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.055</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Giants</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20.2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>191.80</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.08</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.703</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.009</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.931</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tigers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20.0</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196.60</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.701</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.001</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.974</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rockies</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19.3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>192.10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.08</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.700</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.083</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.118</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rangers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>191.03</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.07</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.699</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.021</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.031</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dodgers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17.3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>203.73</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.708</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.975</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.979</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Indians</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17.2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>207.89</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.709</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.997</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.950</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">White Sox</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>203.79</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.705</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.043</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.117</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cardinals</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>192.11</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.09</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.703</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.968</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.901</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reds</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>193.36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.03</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.700</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.039</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.098</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brewers</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>198.50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.715</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.978</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.019</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Royals</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>200.51</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.711</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.006</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.945</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Astros</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196.55</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.708</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.010</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.072</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cubs</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16.0</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>193.80</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.708</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.036</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.049</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Padres</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15.8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196.33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.714</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.933</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.922</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marlins</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196.76</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.705</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.991</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.955</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Braves</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15.2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>197.04</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.19</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.712</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.986</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.966</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Twins</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15.1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>205.97</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.721</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.985</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.802</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yankees</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15.1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>209.37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.715</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.018</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.103</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Phillies</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14.9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>206.55</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.721</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.006</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.085</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mets</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14.9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196.26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.08</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.700</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.946</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.909</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Blue Jays</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14.5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>210.64</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.39</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.727</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.994</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.104</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nationals</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14.0</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>205.47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.717</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.010</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.009</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pirates</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13.8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>207.20</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.722</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.989</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.935</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mariners</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13.4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>215.44</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.40</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.726</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.942</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.897</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Angels</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13.0</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>204.78</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.718</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.987</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.011</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Red Sox</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12.4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>219.49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.729</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.045</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.948</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Athletics</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12.1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>211.81</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.42</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.731</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.960</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.920</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Orioles</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11.1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>232.68</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.57</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.739</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.024</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.084</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rays</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>239.14</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.90</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>.765</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.985</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.027</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

hacheman@therx.com
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Scouting Johnny Giavotella, Matt Wieters

Jason Grey
ESPN Insider
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The youth movement in the Kansas City Royals' infield continued last week, as second-base prospect Johnny Giavotella joined former Omaha teammates Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas.

Giavotella, the Royals' second-round pick in the 2008 draft, hit .322 with a .395 on-base percentage in the Double-A Texas League in 2010, and followed it up with .338 and .390 marks (albeit in a great hitter's league) at Triple-A this season to earn his promotion.
A stocky, strong 5-foot-8, Giavotella's ability to hit for batting average and shoot the ball to the gaps is going to have to carry him at the big league level. He has a short swing with good bat speed, which allows him to regularly square up a lot of balls. He just seems to have a good feel for getting the barrel of the bat on the ball. He has good pitch recognition and controls the strike zone well.
In the past, the 24-year-old would get too enamored with tinkering with his swing and approach, even from at-bat to at-bat. But the past few seasons, Giavotella has shown more consistency, sticking with what works well for him, even when he gets in a rut. The righty-hitting Giavotella is never going to hit for much power (even though he homered in his third major league contest), maybe pulling enough balls out of the yard to reach double-digit homers in a full season. He'll have occasional problems with his swing getting too big as he tries to pull the ball for homers. That's something he must be careful of at the major league level because he's at his best when he's using the whole field and taking outside pitches the other way.


As a runner, Giavotella is just average; he lacks the good acceleration to post a high steals total. I see him maxing out at about 10 steals per season. Defensively, Giavotella has an average glove at best, but as he told me earlier this season while playing at Triple-A, "my defense has drastically improved since I came into pro ball." It's true, he has made himself into a more sure-handed defender, one who can at least consistently make the routine plays and catch what is hit to him. However, he lacks range (especially to his right), and his arm isn't anything special. Simply put, his bat has to carry him, because he doesn't have the defensive abilities to be a utility player.
I do think Giavotella can stick as a regular and hit for batting average and some doubles in the big leagues, but he won't offer enough homers or stolen bases to really entice fantasy owners. As such, he's more of an AL-only play (because of the at-bats he's going to get), as opposed to a mixed-league option.

Other notes


• Like Giavotella, the Reds' Dave Sappelt has hit better than .300 each of his past two minor league seasons and is a right-handed hitter who stands a good deal shorter than the 6-foot mark (he's listed at 5-9, but I think he's a touch shorter than that).
Sappelt, an outfielder, was called up Sunday after Chris Heisey went on the disabled list. He hit .342 across three minor league levels last season, racking up 53 extra-base hits. Sappelt then went on a ridiculous 22-for-38 (.564) rampage this spring to turn some heads before being sent down. He proceeded to hit .314 in 297 at-bats at Triple-A -- he missed some time because of a strained oblique -- before being promoted.
A ninth-round pick in the 2008 draft, Sappelt told me this spring that his career took off in 2010 because he "gave up the idea of going for home runs, used the whole field and kept my approach the same." He started incorporating his lower half into his swing better.
While most players strive for consistency regarding their hitting stances and swing, Sappelt goes the complete opposite route. He has been known for constantly changing his stance and his swing. While he keeps some fundamentals regarding his approach the same, he's continually trying different things. "My own personal theory is as long as I keep changing my stances, I'll never go into a slump," Sappelt said. "Every 15 games or so, I'll have a new stance. It's like hitting the refresh button on your browser. If your hands stay back and in position, you can use whatever stance you want."
That's a good point, but I have noticed that Sappelt sometimes is unable to get his front foot down on time -- sometimes he'll even swing while his foot is still in the air because he's so late getting it down -- and it can be tough to find consistent timing while regularly tinkering with a swing.
That said, Sappelt has made it work because he has very good bat control and hand-eye coordination. He can sting line drives all over the field, though I don't see him being much of a power threat. He has above-average raw speed but is a raw, unrefined base stealer who isn't projected to post big steals totals even with extended at-bats. Like Giavotella, his offensive game is focused on hitting for a good batting average with a lot of doubles.
To me, Sappelt projects as more of a fourth outfielder in the bigs rather than a regular, especially since he has the range to play center field and the arm to play right field, making him versatile enough to handle all three spots. He could have some utility in deep NL-only leagues, but that's about it.

• Even though he made the American League All-Star team, Matt Wieters' bat has cooled off after a solid start to the season. As of Tuesday morning, he ranks just 11th among catchers on our Player Rater, and hasn't shown many signs of putting up the big offensive numbers that many projected when he was a prospect. That said, he's still just 25 and in growth mode, and as a switch-hitter, he has the added challenge of trying to keep two swings in order.
One thing I've noticed Wieters doing recently is standing a bit taller in the batter's box. I like this adjustment because I think it gives him a better opportunity to tap into his raw power and hit the ball with more authority. One thing is for sure: He's certainly a better hitter than his .399 slugging percentage suggests.
Wieters needed a little time to get used to the different angle, but it appears to be paying off now, as he has been putting better swings on the ball lately. It would not surprise me if he has a little power spike over the final month and a half, hopefully setting himself up nicely for a breakout 2012 campaign.
Sometimes I'm as guilty of not doing this as anyone, but we need to be patient with premium prospects; we can't always expect them to put up big numbers right out of the gate. It can take some time for them to find their footing offensively at the big league level, especially with catchers, who also need to worry about handling pitching staffs. I think Wieters is starting to figure it out.
 
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Broxton Nowhere Close

Not that anyone was exactly holding out great hopes for Jonathan Broxton in 2011, but Tuesday provided a more definitive update on his relatively bleak outlook for the remainder of the season.

The once-dominant closer threw for a second straight day Tuesday, but manager Don Mattingly explained to MLB.com that Broxton is "kind of [at] the beginning of a process" as he attempts to come back from elbow trouble. Mattingly added that Broxton likely won't be ready for a rehab stint until after the minor league season ends, meaning that we won't be seeing the former closer until sometime in mid-to-late September at the earliest. In other words, if you've held onto Broxton on a DL spot this entire time, it's looking safe to go ahead and cut him loose.

After seeing Tommy Hanson get hit for seven earned runs in 3 1/3 innings in his last start (and post an 8.10 ERA in his last five starts), the Braves decided to push back the right-hander from Friday until next Tuesday. Per beat writer David O'Brien, Hanson has also been flown back to Atlanta to have his shoulder examined as the team attempts to make sure that he's not dealing with something more serious. Mike Minor will start against the Cubs on Friday, but is too risky to trust as a spot-starting option outside of NL-Only leagues.

Some high-profile position player injury updates: Alex Rodriguez (knee) ran the bases Tuesday as he continues to target a potential return next week … Justin Morneau (neck) went 3-for-5 at Triple-A and could return as soon as Monday … Though previous indications were that he could be back Friday, Brian McCann (oblique) appears likely to return on Sunday or Monday … Carlos Beltran (wrist) could be back in the lineup as soon as Wednesday … Jack McKeon told MLB.com that it's "getting close" to the point at which the Marlins may have to place Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) on the DL.

The Angels are promoting Garrett Richards from Double-A to replace Joel Pineiro in the rotation and make his major league debut against the Yankees on Wednesday. The 23-year-old right-hander has gone 12-2 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in the minors, but a 100/40 K/BB ratio in 141 innings at Double-A is an indicator that his value is likely to be limited to AL-Only formats for the time being.

Also being called up to the majors from Double-A (and also worth a look in AL-Only formats): 21-year-old Blue Jays' prospect Henderson Alvarez (2.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 66/17 K/BB ratio in 88 innings at Double-A), who will make his major league debut against the A's on Wednesday.

The Twins officially placed Scott Baker on the DL with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow, recalling Kevin Slowey from Triple-A to take Baker's place in the rotation on Sunday against the Indians. Slowey has yet to make a start in the majors this year, but has posted a 3.55 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 29/5 K/BB ratio at Triple-A, making him a potential spot-start consideration in mixed leagues.

In other Twins pitching news, prospect right-hander Kyle Gibson has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow. He'll avoid Tommy John surgery (instead attempting rehab) for now, but the 23-year-old ends his 2011 campaign having posted a 4.81 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 91/27 K/BB ratio in 95 1/3 ininings at Triple-A.

Huston Street was unavailable for Tuesday's game due to a lat injury, and with Matt Lindstrom (sore arm) headed for the DL, Rafael Betancourt picked up his first save of the year. Street is listed as day-to-day and isn't currently expected to need a trip to the DL, but Betancourt could be worth a short-term add while we make sure that Street's injury doesn't prove to be worse than the Rockies are letting on.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Pitcher injury notes: Stephen Strasburg (elbow) will make his next rehab start on Friday with High-A Potomac … Jhoulys Chacin (hand) remains on course to start Thursday against the Reds … Rubby De La Rosa underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss most (and potentially all) of the 2012 season … Barry Zito (foot) is slated to make at least one more rehab start and could return to the Giants as an absurdly expensive long reliever … Ross Ohlendorf (shoulder) could be activated to start on Sunday.

Position player injury notes: Manny Acta said Tuesday that Grady Sizemore (knee, sports hernia) could begin some baseball activities this week, but won't be back before the end of August, which is in line with his original timetable … Rickie Weeks (ankle) is reportedly walking without pain, but remains just two weeks into a 2-6 week timetable and doesn't appear to be particularly close to a return … Brandon Phillips (ankle) returned to the starting lineup Tuesday, though he admits his ankle isn't 100 percent … Other notable names returning to action: Corey Hart (hand), Victor Martinez (knee), David Freese (concussion) and Chris Davis (shoulder) … Juan Uribe (abdomen) is approximately a week away from beginning a minor league rehab assignment … Logan Morrison (knee) returned after a one-game absence on Tuesday and got his first major league start at first base with Gaby Sanchez getting the night off, but went 0-for-4.

Position player injury notes (part 2): Aramis Ramirez was scratched due to back spasms … Zack Cozart (elbow) is leaning toward having season-ending surgery … Alexi Casilla (hamstring) remains on course to be activated when eligible on Friday … Justin Smoak (thumb) is targeting a return to the starting lineup on Friday … Brian Roberts (concussion) experienced more headaches on Tuesday as his status for the rest of the season remains in question … Coco Crisp (calf) remained out of the lineup and is still considered day-to-day … Orlando Hudson hit cleanup on Tuesday before leaving with a strained right groin … Dee Gordon (shoulder) left in the eighth inning and could be headed for the DL … Pat Burrell (foot) is headed for an examination on his foot Wednesday … Allen Craig (knee) is expected to be activated Wednesday.

Miscellaneous notes: Phil Hughes will make his next start on Saturday against the Rays ... The Cardinals are skipping Kyle Lohse's next turn after he lasted just three innings in his most recent start … Jason Heyward was out of the lineup as Fredi Gonzalez continues to favor the streaking Jose Constanza (for those following this competition closely, Heyward got picked off after entering the game as a pinch-runner late, but Constanza went 0-for-4 to snap an eight-game hitting streak) … The Reds recalled Travis Wood from Triple-A … Adam Dunn told the Chicago Tribune that he plans to hit more this offseason, a break from his normal routine in which he typically doesn't swing a bat during the winter … Kevin Millwood will make his 2011 (and Rockies) debut on Wednesday in a start against the Reds … The Pirates released Lyle Overbay.

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

Notable pitching: James Shields threw his seventh complete game in a six-hit shutout against the Royals … Cliff Lee threw eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and hit what proved to be the decisive homer in a 2-1 win … Ted Lilly threw eight innings of two-run ball in the loss … Rich Harden held Toronto to one run in seven innings with eight strikeouts … Madison Bumgarner struck out 10 in seven scoreless innings against Pittsburgh … Brandon Beachy allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts … Brett Cecil allowed three runs over seven innings to give him a 2.70 ERA in his last seven starts … Dontrelle Willis struck out 10 – his most in almost exactly four years – in eight innings of a loss to the Rockies … Chien-Ming Wang allowed just one hit (with one strikeout) in six shutout innings against the Cubs.

Notable hitting: Josh Willingham homered for the sixth time in his last 15 games … Bobby Abreu hit his fifth and sixth homers of the year … Aubrey Huff went 3-for-4 with a homer to raise his average to .249, its highest point since April … Evan Longoria drove in all four Rays' runs and homered for the third time in his last six games.
 
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Izzy? How Much Longer?

Now that the contenders have all stocked up with trade deadline acquisitions, our attention turns forward. Who will emerge victorious?

But not all division races are created equal, since not all of them will create the same sense of excitement. In some cases, like the National League East, the division is all but sealed away already as the Phillies are already running away with things on the backs of their dominant staff. In other cases, it just doesn't seem like the rivalry at the top has the same juice as other divisions.

So for today's Saves and Steals, we'll name the tiers after the division races. The more exciting the race, the better the closer. It's intuitive for once!


Tier 1: Elite (3) (AKA: The "Milwaukee vs St. Louis" Tier.)


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

What this matchup has is a winner-take-all urgency. Most likely, Boston or New York will take the wild card as a consolation prize, but that's not the case in the National League central. In fact, there's the added fact that the Brewers have gone all-in on this year after mortgaging most of their prospects to acquire upgrades. This may end up the most exciting, in the end. There's even a little David and Goliath in this.
Before last year, Mariano Rivera hadn't blown five saves in a season since 2003. Now he's done it two years in a row, with his blown save Tuesday night making it six on the year. Still, there's not much in his peripherals that is worrisome. Well, his swinging strike rate has been merely average over the last three years after spending years in elite territory, and his groundball rate is at a career low. Still! He's excellent. Just not vintage Rivera.
Everyone else on the list continued to be excellent, so there's not much to report. Well, Joel Hanrahan hasn't gotten a save in August yet, but bad teams get save opportunities, too. Even if the Pirates fall out of the race, they'll get their closer more opportunities in the future.


Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "Boston vs New York" Tier.)


John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
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J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks

Apologies to those that think that the media is already too friendly to the east coast, but if this weekend was any indication, the coming two months in the American League East will contain plenty of drama. It's funny that the two juggernauts are a tier behind their closers, but this is the wild card era and the loser gets quite the consolation prize. Top-flight baseball between two giants. It will be good.
Is there something going on with Heath Bell? He just blew a save in New York, but more worrisome are his seasonal peripherals. He's got the lowest swinging strike and strikeout rates of his career. He's getting fewer strikeouts per walk than he ever has before. His velocity is right at career levels, and he's still a fastball/curveball guy, but batters are making more contact than ever. It's hard to say why this is happening, but this will surely go down as Bell's worst season as a closer.
Jordan Walden, for example, is striking out two-and-a-half more batters per nine innings than Bell. He's not even walking half a batter more per inning despite having 'control issues' on the way up. Walden is having a much better season, but since neither has pitched more than 50 innings, we have to note their career performances some, too.
J.J. Putz is back on the mound and healthy. He hasn't quite shown his elite strikeout rate since returning, but his elite control has been there. The team is winning, and the odds that he can stay healthy for nine weeks have to be okay now that he's had his yearly health scare… right?


Tier 3: OK options (6) (AKA: The "Detroit vs Cleveland" />" Tier.)


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Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Huston Street, Colorado Rockies

Comment:
Neither one of these teams comes from a large market, which actually ups the intrigue some. Cleveland seemed like such a longshot at the beginning of the season, and has so many young players in their lineup, that they might be the popular favorite. On the other hand, is there any pitcher more exciting than Justin Verlander right now? He could throw a no-hitter in any start, it seems.
Brian Wilson drops in the rankings for a few reasons. Lately, he's only been okay, with six strikeouts and six walks in his last ten outings. And that poor control has hounded him all year. He's walking almost five per nine, which would be Marmol-ian, but his strikeout rate isn't elite to make up for it. His added use of the cutter has probably led to some of his move from strikeouts to ground balls, but in fantasy we prefer the almighty K because it's a scoring category.
Sergio Santos got his first Kimbrel of the year, and it's kind of surprising considering his improved control this year. He's got almost three strikeouts to every walk and hasn't blown a save since July fourth. The problem? His manager. Ozzie Guillen has cost Santos at least two saves in the past month with his use of Chris Sale and Tuesday night was an out away from giving Sale another save. Of course, that's a great way to run the real-life team, since you want to use your pitchers to their strengths and the White Sox have two excellent pitchers of different handedness. But in fantasy, it's the only thing holding Santos back.

What's going on with Huston Street? His strikeout to walk ratios for the year (over six) and the last ten outings (five and a half) are still really great. He's also on an historic home run pace for a closer and has given up eight runs in his last ten innings (and five in his last four). Looking at his peripherals, it's probably just that he's not a great fit for his home park. He's a fly-ball pitcher in Coors. This sort of thing will happen. Now he's got a lat injury bugging him and Rafael Betancourt got the save Tuesday night. He'll avoid the DL, but maybe that has been hindering him some too.


Tier 4: Question marks (7) (AKA: The "Texas vs Los Angeles" Tier.)


Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Fernando Salas, St. Louis Cardinals
Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
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Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies
Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds

Comment:
This could go down to the wire, but there's no clear 'Milwaukee' in this arrangement. To the casual fan, these are two powerhouses going up against each other without the same name value of the Red Sox against the Yankees. Plenty of exciting pitching on the Angels, and a well-rounded incumbent in Texas are compelling. But in this subjective rankings, it doesn't seem like the Angels will have enough in the tank to keep this going to the very end.
Joe Nathan is not quite ready to move up in the rankings, it seems. He has pitched poorly in two straight non-save situations now, and only has five strikeouts in his last ten outings. Boston and Chicago have enough offense to make most pitchers nervous, though, so maybe this doesn't mean a ton, long-term. Carlos Marmol zips by him by walking only one batter in his last five innings - against seven strikeouts. That's the way to keep your slates clean.
Kevin Gregg is pitching a little better of late -- 11 strikeouts in his last ten appearances. But his control is still poor -- seven walks in the same time frame. No matter, with Koji Uehara gone, Gregg's moderately safe even if he's only a mediocre pitcher.
Ryan Madson looks like he's the closer in Philadelphia the rest of the way. Brad Lidge has been okay since he's returned, but only okay. His velocity is not all the way back and he's spiked more than a few sliders. Antonio Bastardo is a lights-out-lefty, but managers seem to prefer right-handed closers. Madson hasn't really given his team any reason to think he shouldn't be the closer either. He only has twelve walks all year, and one in his last ten appearances. He hasn't blown a save since returning, either. He'll move up this list as the season progresses, most likely.

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

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Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (7) (AKA: The "San Francisco vs Arizona" Tier.)


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1st Chair: Chris Perez, 2nd Chair: Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians
1st Chair: Kyle Farnsworth, 2nd Chair: Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays
1st Chair: Javy Guerra, 2nd Chair: Blake Hawksworth, Los Angeles Dodgers
1st Chair: Mark Melancon, 2nd Chair: Wilton Lopez, Houston Astros
1st Chair: Neftali Feliz, 2nd Chair: Koji Uehara, Texas Rangers
1st Chair: Jon Rauch, 2nd Chair: Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays
1st Chair: Jason Isringhausen, 2nd Chair: Bobby Parnell, New York Mets

Comment:
This probably will go to the every end, and if that's the only way to judge excitement, then this ranking for the National League West might seem wonky. But it's not the only way to judge things. You want the challenger to be up to the task, and if there's any one unit on these two teams that's dominant, it's the Giants' pitching staff. The other major elements of these two teams are actually mediocre. So, the talent level overall has to be considered. Lastly, if the Giants are the favorite, and they seemingly are, incumbents are less exciting, in general, then underdogs or teams that could be relatively new to the postseason.
Chris Perez continues to free fall. We've been harping on his lack of strikeout stuff all year, and the chickens are coming home to roost recently. In his last ten outings, he's given up eight runs and three home runs. He's been lucky to only blow two saves, actually. And his six-to-five strikeout to walk ratio over that stretch is just as bad as his seasonal ratio. Who knows if the Indians would ever make the change in the middle of a playoff run, but Vinnie Pestano has twice the strikeouts as Perez… and fewer walks. He's got next.
The Professor, Kyle Farnsworth, has more strikeouts than Chris Perez and half as many walks. He's also on a team that could look to the future at the position at any time. Then again, Jake McGee has been wild lately (six walks in his last ten outings) and isn't demanding the job just yet.
Maybe Javy Guerra isn't as mediocre a pitcher as it at first seemed. he had control issues throughout the minor leagues, but has only walked seven in 26 2/3 in the major leagues this year, so he's fine there. He hasn't had a good strikeout rate for a closer so far this year, but he does have twelve strikeouts in his last ten appearances. Could Jonathon Broxton take the role back if he was healthy? Yes, but it doesn't look like he'll get back to the majors in time to take do so.
In Houston, the attention is turning next year in more ways than one. Could Melancon be a keeper closer? It's not a crazy question. He gets groundballs at an elite rate and has average control, so two parts of the equation are there. Right now, the strikeout rate is not. But he's only about twenty innings into his first stint as The Closer, and with the direction of the team, it makes more sense to open next year with M&M as the closer over Brandon Lyon. Still, he's not an elite guy, so he's not a keeper except in deep and dynasty leagues.
Jon Rauch has blown two of his last six save chances, so he's not on firm footing with Frank Francisco behind him. Frankie has two holds in last four appearances and hasn't walked a man in his last ten. Perhaps confidence in him is rising. This closer job could change hands once again.
Hey Neftali Feliz blew another save! Despite finding the plate a little better of late (three walks in his last ten outings), he's been hit around twice in his last six outings. Mike Adams owners, your wait might be over very soon!
Jason Isringhausen is one save away from 300. That might be relevant because he's blown two of his last four games and hasn't looked dominant in his return to the closer role. As the Mets fall further out of the race, the more likely they are to try fireballer Bobby Parnell in the role. Although, to be fair Parnell hasn't been great recently anyway, hung with two losses of his own in his last four appearances. Still, this is a pen to watch closely if looking for saves. I'm happy to discuss these situations on twitter any time.

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


Injured

Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers (elbow)

Comment:
Big man Jonathan Broxton has thrown for two straight days, but is only 'beginning the process' according to his manager. Don Mattingly also said that he wouldn't likely be ready to start a rehab session before the minor league season ends. Ug.

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

One more save until we see Jason Isringhausen?

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

The Steals Department

Recent Steals nominee Angel Pagan is finally turning it around, and last week's deep league pick, Will Venable, is on fire. What will we do this week? Maybe another Padre! Bad teams are often great breeding grounds for fantasy sleepers, and Bartlett is probably on your waiver wire. He's a stronger option for steals than Cliff Pennington, and he's not a bad fill in if you just lost Rafael Furcal. There's a little room left for him to improve his .256 batting average, and he should steal 30 this year, which is not nothing. Of course, if you're looking for help at the utility spot, there's probably a better option. But Bartlett might be the most Reyes-like of the fill-in options on your wire.

Johnny Giavotella is up with the Kansas City Royals and already has his first home run and first stolen base in his only four games. He's not really a volume base stealer, but he does have speed (22 stolen bases in 2010 and 2011 combined, 26 in 2009) and is playing daily. He could help your deep league at second base without hurting you in power. Baby steps are all you can manage on a deep league waiver wire anyway.
 
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Atlanta Making News
It must be Hotlanta because the Braves burned up the news wires on Wednesday, badumching. Mostly, it was good news. Dan Uggla extended his streak to 31 games and had three hits. He's at .224 for the year, so that's how bad he was earlier in the season. Brian McCann's oblique has healed to the point that he will begin rehab games on Friday, and tests confirmed that Tommy Hanson's shoulder is healthy. Also, the Bravos called up one of their bevy of pitching prospects, Arodys Vizcaino. Vizcaino is probably behind Randall Delgado, Julio Teheran and Mike Minor on the depth chart, but the right-hander that came over in the Javier Vazquez trade is a hard-thrower with a nice fastball. The lack of developed secondary pitches makes him a reliever for the short run, and limits his long term upside. He's a deep dynasty play at this point.

The biggest news might have been Jason Heyward's return to the lineup. Fredi Gonzalez has been platooning him in order to hide the young left-hander from southpaws, but Heyward also missed a start against a right-hander on his 22nd birthday. What a present. Heyward's current fantasy value is limited not only by his role on the team right now, but by the fact that he's beating the ball into the ground. In Double-A, though, Heyward only hit 40% of his balls on the ground, meaning that more fly balls (and more home runs) should be in his future. He still has the potential to hit .280+ with 25ish home runs and a hand full of stolen bags every year, so don't sell low in dynasty leagues. But with the (silly) way that he's being used by the Braves, the Say Hey Kid is only a utility (or bench) play in mixed redraft leagues the rest of the way.

* What about the pitching performances you say? Well, Jeff Karstens certainly had his day. He'd never struck out more than six before in his career, and yet felled nine Giants on Wednesday. Suddenly he's got an average swinging strike rate, average ground ball rate, and the best control of his life. Even if he pitches to a four-plus ERA the rest of the way, he'll end up with a 3.5ish ERA on the year and be one of the best surprises of the season. Just don't keep a player with that peripheral profile for next year. Ivan Nova held the Angels to three runs in six innings on Wednesday, and it looks like he'll probably stay in the rotation. Still, he's not the best fantasy option because he's mostly about his ground balls. Mike Leake struck out five, walked one and allowed two runs in 7 1/3 against the Rockies. He doesn't get the swinging strikes, but gets enough ground balls and has good enough control to be a fringe mixed leaguer. Ubaldo Jimenez held the Tigers to three runs in eight innings with six strikeouts and, perhaps most importantly, only one walk. Don't trade him away, the move out of Colorado could help him as much as moving to the AL could hurt him.

That isn't to say it was all poops and whistles on Wednesday night. Jonathan Sanchez walked four in 4 1/3 (while giving up four runs to the Pirates) and apparently his next start might be in jeopardy. This is how you deal with six starters good enough to pitch, maybe. Vance Worley gave up six runs in four innings in the same game. He was pitching above his head anyway, as his strikeout numbers don't match his swinging strike numbers. Anibal Sanchez gave up five runs while getting five outs and is hitting a bit of a wall here. A bunch of singles gave him the death by paper cuts, though. For those that think above-average control and above-average ground balls is enough to get by despite a lack of strikeouts, consider Rick Porcello. He does exactly that, has had relatively normal luck, and after getting shelled by the Indians on Wednesday, has an ERA near five. Jon Lester gave up four runs in 7 1/3 against the Twins (and his opponent Nick Blackburn held the Red Sox to one run in 6 1/3). Play that one a hundred times more and that might not come close to happening again.

* Assorted medical items around the league could be significant in your leagues. Hanley Ramirez finally hit the DL, but it was backdated to the third, so he's not too far away from returning. Matt Holliday will miss a game or two after tweaking his back while lifting weights. This sort of thing will happen as he gets older -- he already lost his speed on the basepaths. Justin Morneau will be back with the Twins on Friday! He's worth a pickup in any league really. Brandon Phillips tweeted that he'll miss five days with his elbow injury, which might be good news after his previous tweets, which described his elbow as a balloon. Carlos Beltran missed Wednesday, but his manager thinks he'll be back Friday. Dee Gordon will hit the DL even though and MRI only showed a bruised right shoulder. Speed-starved deep leaguers might want to look at Jason Bartlett in the meantime. Juan Nicasio was released from the hospital, which is just awesome after all that he's gone through.

* The Phillies bullpen seemed like one to watch, but now Ryan Madson is slamming the door shut. Brad Lidge struggled in the seventh inning, Antonio Bastardo was summoned to save him, and Madson saved his third straight game. That pretty much seals the deal on the Phillies pen. In the Rockies' pen, Huston Street missed his second straight game with his lat muscle situation. Rafael Betancourt is the man while he's out, especially with Matt Lindstrom now on the DL with a nerve injury, but the team keeps saying Street will be back shortly. Joakim Soria blew his first save since June first, but Aaron Crow helped him, so it was a group effort. David Hernandez got the save in Arizona because J.J. Putz was a little sore from his diving stop to end Tuesday night's game. No mention if Putz would miss time, though.

* At the plate, Andrew McCutchen was the star of the night. He homered, scored four runs, and stole two bases… in one official at-bat. That's what three walks will do for you. What a line from an exciting young player. Well, superman Sam Fuld also did some work, tripling in two runs to cap a five-run ninth-inning rally for the Rays. He's still only a deep leaguer. Melky Cabrera pushed the issue by hitting a three-run bomb off of Jake McGee. It's been a career year for Cabrera but it's at least partially propped by the best batted ball luck he's ever had, too. Most years he's still a .275 10/10 kind of player, which is only okay. Brett Lawrie hit the first grand slam of his career, and other than some good luck on balls in play, most systems are go for the young stud. He's a little ahead of Jason Kipnis (who had five hits and a home run Wednesday) because he doesn't strike out nearly as much as the Indians' second baseman. Jesus Guzman had two hits and two stolen bases against the Mets. Without the batted ball luck he's more of a contact-heavy first baseman with less power than the average first sacker, but he's helpful right now, especially in leagues where he's a shortstop. Mike Carp had two hits to continue his sizzling stretch. Without his insane batted ball luck, though, he's an underpowered corner outfielder slash first baseman with a bad batting average though. And scouts remain very skeptical that he'll ever make it as a regular.

National League Quick Hits: Wandy Rodriguez might be placed on waivers this week and could be claimed, but that doesn't mean he'll necessarily be dealt … Jayson Werth had two hits (one a home run) and is percolating … Derrek Lee (hand) was scratched with lingering soreness … Angel Pagan was pulled from Wednesday's game for back spasms but hopes to be back Friday … Josh Collmenter doesn't get swinging strikes or ground balls, is getting lucky on batted balls and is surviving based on his funky delivery, but he did hold the lowly Astros offense to two runs in seven innings with five strikeouts, so at least he has that … Randy Wolf held the Cards to one run in eight innings but is a matchups play as his one strikeout attests … Chris Narveson will head to the DL after slicing his hand trying to repair his glove (d'oh) … R.A. Dickey gave up three earned in six with only one strikeout, continuing his fringe fantasy worthiness … Jake Westbrook gave up three runs in eight innings to the Brewers, which counts as a good thing compared to how he looked in the first half … It looks like Jonny Gomes has taken the starting job from Laynce Nix in Washington for now … Juan Rivera had three hits and a home run but only plays against lefties … Henry Sosa debuted for the Astros after coming over in the Jeff Keppinger trade, and he allowed four runs to the Diamondbacks in six innings with four strikeouts; wait and see because he's no can't-miss … Zack Cozart will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, which is too bad because he was playing a passible shortstop for many fantasy teams … Orlando Hudson (groin) should miss the DL … Allen Craig is back with the Cardinals, but where he'll play now on a mostly healthy team is up in the air … Ian Stewart is back in Triple-A, sad face emoticon.

American League Quick Hits: Curtis Granderson hit two home runs and his 31 are already a career high -- what a year … Asdrubal Cabrera was pulled after being hit by a pitch on the foot but should be okay … Coco Crisp (calf) is still not back yet, remains day-to-day, and won't return Thursday … Michael Brantley has some soreness in his hand and will likely sit out a few days after visiting a hand specialist … J.D. Drew took some swings in the cage and should begin rehab early next week … Brennan Boesch (thumb) got good news from the X-rays but is now slated for an MRI … Henderson Alvarez struck out four, walked one, and allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings against the Athletics, which is pretty good for a debut … Derek Holland held the Mariners to two earned in in six with seven innings and is a great matchups play, perhaps even better; We've been touting him as a sleeper all year based on his velocity, age, and handedness alone … Alexi Casilla (hamstring) returns Friday … Garrett Richards is more polished and doesn't have the same stuff as Alvarez; He gave up six runs (two home runs), but he also drew the Yankees in his debut … Jason Vargas held the Rangers to three runs in seven innings in Texas, but trying to predict his better matchups is like trying to catch falling soap … Alex Cobb will undergo season-ending surgery on his rib cage but showed enough to be a late-round flier in many leagues next year … Nolan Reimold hit a walkoff home run and is nothing but power right now … The Rays also promoted shortstops Tim Beckham and Hak-Ju Lee to Double- and Triple-A respectively, but even if Lee is a little further away, his stats have looked better this year … Jake Arrieta will undergo season-ending surgery Friday … Dustin McGowan (forearm) made his eighth rehab appearance but his timetable and eventual role are still up in the air.
 
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Just Jake
One of the more surprising things I found while putting together this week's column is that Justin Morneau is owned in 69 percent of Y! leagues and just 49.2 percent of ESPN.com leagues. Really. That's it.

Just for some perspective, this means Morneau is owned in less Y! and ESPN.com leagues than the likes of Brennan Boesch, Jeff Francoeur and Emilio Bonifacio. I don't include players in "Waiver Wired" unless they are owned in less than 50 percent of both Y! and ESPN.com leagues (hence the reason you won't find Brett Lawrie or Jesus Guzman in this week's column), but this little tidbit was just too egregious to ignore.

I really don't care that Morneau is batting just .225 with just four homers this season. He has ripped the cover off the ball during his minor league rehab assignment and we all know what he is capable of doing offensively when healthy. He should be owned in all formats and that's that.

Let's move on to the good stuff.

MIXED LEAGUES

Casey Kotchman 1B, Rays (Yahoo: 14 percent owned, ESPN: 19.8 percent)

He can't be denied any longer. After going 2-for-4 in last night's win over the Royals, Kotchman is now batting .340/.399/.476 on the year to go along with an .875 OPS. This includes a .438 batting average over his last 12 games. Kotchman obviously isn't going to hit for much power (his three homers in August notwithstanding) and his batting average on balls in play is likely unsustainable, but he should be owned in deeper mixed formats, especially those with CI (corner infielder) spots.

Jake Peavy SP, White Sox (Yahoo: 40 percent owned, ESPN: 31.8 percent)

Others may shy away from Peavy due to his 4.63 ERA, but we all know better. Or at least we should. The veteran right-hander has a very healthy 63/16 K/BB ratio over 81 2/3 innings this season, including a career-best walk rate of 1.76 BB/9. He has been especially stingy lately, walking just three batters in 27 innings over his last three starts. Peavy's ownership numbers have begun to build since he tossed eight shutout innings against the Twins on Sunday, so grab him now before it's too late.

Mike Leake SP, Reds (Yahoo: 21 percent owned, ESPN: 12 percent)

Leake earned his 10th win Wednesday night against the Rockies by allowing two runs over 7 1/3 innings while striking out five and walking one. He now has a 3.84 ERA for the year and a 3.09 ERA over 14 starts since returning from the minors at the end of May. With improved peripherals and a ground ball rate approaching 50 percent, Leake could make for a legitimate "steal" down the stretch. I know, too easy. Please forgive me.

Jason Bartlett SS, Padres (Yahoo: 15 percent owned, ESPN: 12.1 percent)

Bartlett has really flipped the switch since the All-Star break, batting .318 with four doubles, one homer and 11 RBI over 84 at-bats. Finally getting on base out of the No. 2 spot, he has scored 16 runs over 21 games after scoring just 32 times during the entire first half. He has also stolen four bases, giving him 22 for the season. If you're out there looking for a replacement for Hanley Ramirez, Stephen Drew or Jose Reyes at shortstop, you could do a lot worse.

Peter Bourjos OF, Angels (Yahoo: 14 percent owned, ESPN: 4.5 percent)

Not surprisingly, Bourjos has experienced some ups and downs during his first full season in the big leagues. The good news is that he is in one of his upswings right now. The 24-year-old is batting .317 (13-for-41) with two homers, four doubles, one triple, seven RBI, 11 runs scored and four stolen bases over his last 13 games. I believe that's called filling up the boxscore. His lowly contact rate puts him at risk for another slump, but he's plenty useful in deeper mixed leagues at the moment.

Chris Iannetta C, Rockies (Yahoo: 27 percent owned, ESPN: 14.1 percent)

I mentioned Iannetta a couple of months ago, but I see that he continues to get overlooked in mixed leagues. It's about time that changes. Coming into Wednesday's action, Iannetta ranked sixth among fantasy catchers in OPS (.812) and was tied for eighth with 12 homers. And while you aren't buying him for his batting average, he is hitting .407 (11-for-27) with two homers and two doubles this month. What else do you want from your catcher? Get on it, people.

Mark Buehrle SP, White Sox (Yahoo: 40 percent owned, ESPN: 32.4 percent)

Looking for strikeouts? Well, you won't find them here. But if you want consistency, Buehrle should be pretty high on your list. Don't look now, but the veteran left-hander has allowed three runs or less in 17 consecutive starts dating back to April 22. He actually has a 1.03 ERA and 20/6 K/BB ratio over his last five starts, lowering his ERA from 3.66 to 3.04 in the process. Sure, he has been somewhat fortunate with his stand rate and batting average on balls in play this season, but I like his chances of keeping it going against the last-place Orioles on Thursday.

Stephen Strasburg SP, Nationals (Yahoo: 36 percent owned, ESPN: 18.3 percent)

No real need to explain this one. Strasburg kicked off his minor league rehab assignment Sunday with Class A Hagerstown and was clocked in the high 90s on the radar gun. He is slated to throw 50 pitches Friday with High-A Potomac as he continues to increase his workload. One setback could quickly put things to a halt for 2011, but Strasburg is currently on track to rejoin the Nationals' starting rotation in late-August or early-September. Nothing wrong with stashing him on your DL, as he has the potential to be a difference-maker in all formats down the stretch.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Johnny Giavotella 2B, Royals (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 1.5 percent)

We haven't heard nearly as much about Giavotella as we have with fellow rookies Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Aaron Crow and Danny Duffy, but he would be considered a top-10 prospect in many other organizations. The 24-year-old was promoted from Triple-A Omaha last week and is batting .318 (7-for-22) with one homer, two doubles, one triple, three RBI and a stolen base over his first six major league games. Giavotella has a polished approach at the plate and while he doesn't have plus-speed, he has stolen at least nine bases in each of his four seasons in the minors. The Royals are giving him the opportunity to sink or swim at second base, so he's a worthwhile addition for those looking to fill a middle infielder (MI) spot.

Mike Minor SP, Braves (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 1.5 percent)

The Braves have pushed Tommy Hanson's next start back to Tuesday due to concerns about his shoulder, so Minor will get another start Friday against the Cubs. The young left-hander was handed a no-decision Sunday against the Mets, but all seven of the hits he gave up were singles and he notched five strikeouts (including three in the fifth inning, all of them swinging) while walking a pair. Minor has actually pitched much better than his 4.85 ERA this season would have you believe, so he comes recommended as a streaming option.

Rafael Betancourt RP, Rockies (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 1.2 percent)

Here's one if you're in the mood to speculate. Huston Street hasn't pitched since Sunday due to triceps soreness and while he hopes to pitch Thursday afternoon, there's a chance he could be sidelined for even longer. Primary set-up man Matt Lindstrom was just placed on the DL on Wednesday with a nerve injury in his throwing arm, so Betancourt may be Jim Tracy's best alternative for the ninth inning. Remember, the veteran right-hander just got his first save of the season Tuesday night.

<!--RW-->

AL ONLY

Salvador Perez C, Royals (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 0 percent)

The latest call-up by the Royals, many consider Perez to be the team's "catcher of the future." Highly-regarded for his ability behind the plate, the 21-year-old managed a .285/.328/.397 batting line over parts of five seasons in the minor leagues. While Perez makes contact and has decent pop, his complete lack of plate discipline could be a bit of an issue in his first go-around in the big leagues.
Still, he is worthy of attention in AL-only leagues, as the Royals plan to install him as their No. 1 catcher.

Kevin Slowey SP, Twins (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Didn't see this one coming. I expected Slowey to be traded by now, but not only did the Twins keep him past the deadline, they are putting him back in the starting rotation now that Scott Baker is on the disabled list. Slowey has a 4.43 ERA in the big leagues, so there's not a ton of upside here, but he has at least shown to be a reliable back-end starter in the past. I would start him against the Indians on Sunday, but leave him in reserve with a matchup against the Yankees next week.

Vinnie Pestano RP, Indians (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Do I really think the struggling Chris Perez is going to lose his job in the middle of a pennant race? Probably not. But Pestano isn't the worst pickup if you're willing to speculate on a change. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 2.86 ERA and 62/16 K/BB ratio over 44 innings this season. Only six relievers are better than his strikeout rate of 35.2 percent. Even if nothing changes in the ninth inning, the strikeouts will come in handy.

NL ONLY

Will Venable OF, Padres (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 1.1 percent)

After going 4-for-5 against the Mets on Wednesday night, Venable is now batting an even .400 (20-for-50) over his last 15 games, raising his batting average from .238 to .270 along the way. He already has three games with at least three hits this month. Venable has always had an intriguing power-speed combo, so pick him up while he's healthy and playing regularly. He could even be worth a look in five outfielder mixed formats.

Dontrelle Willis SP, Reds (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 2.9 percent)

I never thought I would put Willis in a "Waiver Wired," but it feels pretty good to do so. Even though he took the loss against the Rockies on Tuesday night, Willis allowed three runs over eight innings and struck out 10 for the first time since 2007. The 29-year-old left-hander now has an impressive 3.41 ERA and 27/12 K/BB ratio over his first six starts since being called up from the minors last month. Is it possible he's back? Those in NL-only leagues can afford to speculate.

Nick Hundley C, Padres (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 2.9 percent)

Hundley has only appeared in 45 games this season due to an oblique injury and elbow surgery, but he is currently out on a minor league rehab assignment and could be back with the Padres as soon as this weekend. While the 27-year-old backstop is batting just .222 with three homers over 153 at-bats this season, remember that he has shown useful pop behind the plate in the past. His value couldn't get much lower right now, so he could prove to be a solid pickup down the stretch.

Scott Hairston OF, Mets (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Injuries. If I could sum up the Mets' season in one word, injuries would probably be somewhere in the top five. Now that the Mets have lost Daniel Murphy for the season with a torn MCL in his knee, Lucas Duda should see most of his playing time at first base. This should open the door for Hairston to get more playing time in right field. And that's a good thing. The 31-year-old has 15 extra-base hits (including seven homers) and an .862 OPS over just 113 at-bats this season.
 
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The TRUM: One night only

By Matthew Berry
ESPN.com


Before I ever joined ESPN, I had my own website. And before I had my own website, I had an idea.

The year was 2004, and the idea was a way to engage all the readers of TalentedMrRoto.com (only the worst URL in the history of URLs) on a regular basis. So I decided to do a nightly (and I mean every single night) blog. We posted it on the site, and we also emailed it to all our subscribers.


I called it TRUM, which stood for "Thoughts, Ramblings, Useless information and Musings." And while unwieldy (I was big with the long names, apparently), it was also appropriate, as it never really had any form. Just a free-flowing brain dump of whatever I noticed or was thinking about that day or night. I discussed issues with the site, my personal life, fantasy sports and whatever random thoughts popped into my head. Once, on a slow night, I merely published a list of everything that was on my desk. Got lots of compliments on that one. The early versions of the TRUM were unedited -- it appeared just how I wrote it -- a raw first draft that went out late every night. For whatever reason, it was wildly popular. Maybe I'm better when I don't think about it. Who knows?


I tried to continue doing the TRUM when I first started at ESPN, but it soon became apparent that it was impossible. We were building a new team here and that takes a lot of time. I had more demands on my time than ever, and the editing and posting process for a piece that would run on ESPN.com was more elaborate and time-consuming than just throwing it up on a small, independent blog. As it should be.


So eventually, sadly, quietly, after a decent run on Mondays during the 2007 football season, the TRUM finally went away for good. Or so I thought.


My editor, Pierre Becquey -- who was the main editor of the TRUM when we brought it to ESPN, and wrote many himself back in the day -- suggested that for my final baseball column of the year -- that's right, final -- I bring it back for one night only. And I liked the idea. Not the one night only part -- I reserve the right to dust this off from time to time -- but just one final romp through baseball and whatever else is on my mind.


We will still have a lot of baseball content here on the site and I'll continue to do my Fantasy Focus baseball podcast through the end of the season, but there are only so many hours in the day and preseason football is where I need to focus my efforts. So with all that said, let's take one stroll through the box scores for Wednesday night. I've written this entire thing the way I used to back in the day; my thoughts, as they occur to me, with no self-editing. [Editor's note: Since we're bringing back the TRUM in its original form, the editor reserves the right to bring back the editor's notes portion of the TRUM, where we keep Matthew honest and humble.]


And now for the ever-impressive, the long-contained, the often-imitated but never duplicated (duplicated, duplicated, duplicated) Genie of the TRUM!

Three hits, two runs, four RBIs and a home run for Juan Rivera, who is now hitting .338. Sure, that makes sense. Any time you can move to Dodger Stadium away from Toronto, you always start hitting. I always liked Rivera when he was with the Angels and didn't like the deal that sent him to the Blue Jays. In fairness, you could have sent me the T-Mobile Girl and I would have thought it was a bad deal if I was also stuck with Vernon Wells. Anyway, Rivera was batting fifth, and while he's not this good, of course, I never thought he was as bad as he was in Toronto. [Editor's note: Are you sure he ever played for our Blue Jays? We're scouring our recollection of the season and there's a big blank there as to whom you're referring to, eh?]


Ten baserunners in just 4 1/3 innings for Chad Billingsley. Ugh. ERA is now 4.17. Inducing fewer ground balls seems to be one of the problems. He's got no chance of equaling his draft-day value next season; he'll either be a great bargain or fall way short.


So Ryan Howard hits home run No. 25. And he is now hitting an exciting .252. He's on pace for an 86-run, 35-home run, 126-RBI season to go with the low batting average. We took such crap in the preseason for our low rank of Howard, especially me, and you know what? We were right, dammit. Where are all the Howard defenders now? Other than the RBIs, he's been a disappointment. Howard was drafted as the No. 26 player overall. He's currently 64 on our Player Rater. I shouldn't get so worked up over stuff like this -- like with all preseason predictions, I get a lot right and I get a lot wrong -- but it just seemed the two that people had the biggest issues with were Ryan Howard and Josh Johnson, and both turned out right. Happy about that. Sometimes, it's the petty things. [Editor's note: Sometimes? Have you met you?]


There's the Pirates! Whew. And there's my little Jeff Karstens, still available in 60 percent of leagues, with six innings, two earned runs, nine strikeouts and no walks. I know people keep saying he's lucky and want to say the bubble's gonna burst, but he's walked just 25 batters in 136 innings. You walk that few guys, you're gonna have a chance.


I'm just sort of scrolling around our player pages. They really are terrific. I don't know who designed them but I love how you can go to any player on any team, how it tells you if the guy is available in your league. Just very cool.


How is Curtis Granderson not a first-round pick next year? … Another win for Ivan Nova. I think he's sticking. … I mentioned on the podcast that I traded Philip Humber and Wade Davis for Neftali Feliz and David Murphy. Boy, did I bail at the right time. Never fun when we see them turn into a pumpkin before our very eyes, is it? It was fun while it lasted, Philip ….Adam Dunn goes 0-4 with three strikeouts. Take that, Nate. [Editor's note: It's a Board thing.When raised for comment, Nate Ravitz had only two words to say. "Ben Francisco."]

Another good game from Jason Kipnis. Goes 5-for-5, four runs, three RBIs, his sixth home run and is now hitting .295. Available in 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues.


Ugh. Another bad start for Gio Gonzalez. Nate and I discussed him on the podcast yesterday and I actually benched him, fortunately, for his start in Toronto. He's now given up at least four earned runs in four straight games. I'm only starting him at home for the time being, and even then I'm a bit cautious. Something's not right.


Mmmmm, Brett Lawrie. … Jesse Litsch gets the save. Of course he does. Not touching. [Editor's note: In all fairness, nobody asked you to.]


… Kevin Millwood?!!? Kevin Millwood. …


HanRam to the DL (sigh), but Justin Morneau is being activated Monday. How lucky do you feel?


Break up the Padres! I'm buying Jesus Guzman, Kyle Blanks and Will Venable. But then again, I'm not rational when it comes to that team. … I have Anibal Sanchez and Rick Porcello in deep NL- and AL-only leagues, respectively, where there's no bench (everyone on your team is active at all times unless on the DL). Good times. … Another game from the plucky Jose Constanza. For all the big-name rookies that have come up and flopped, we're seeing a bunch of less-heralded guys produce recently. I've already mentioned some of them; add Constanza and the Astros' J.D. Martinez to the list.


I follow way too many people on Twitter. Waayyyyy too many. … Matt Joyce batting leadoff? Matt Joyce batting leadoff, and hitting a home run. Nice! Add Johnny Giavotella to the unheralded rookies contributing. Like him less than Kipnis or Lawrie, but more than any of the other guys. … Another home run for Melky Cabrera. He is going to be one of the toughest guys to evaluate next year.


Josh Hamilton hits home run No. 14. And Ian Kinsler hits No. 18. Would not have guessed that at the start of the year. … Weird that Mike Adams and Neftali Feliz were used in non-save chances. Against the Mariners.


My mind is crammed with fantasy football. I'm in the middle of writing my Love/Hate preseason football piece. I'm at 7,000 words and not done. What the hell is wrong with me? Why do I write so long? [Editor's note: We have our theories. Alternate response: What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you write so long? The copy desk quickly seconded that emotion.]


Very quietly, Tony Campana now has 14 steals in just 100 at-bats. Something to file away for next year in deeper leagues. And Ryan Braun now has 21 bags on the season, a new career high.


I've really enjoyed writing for you this year in baseball. Thank you for reading it. I don't mean it lightly when I say it is truly a privilege and an honor to get to do what I do. So thank you.
 
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Which 2011 busts will bounce back in '12?
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Eric Karabell

Adam Dunn is not going to hit 38 home runs this season. Heck, he probably won't even hit half that many, or bat .200, for that matter. But if you're in a deep keeper league, or already planning out your 2012 draft strategy, Dunn is a perfect sleeper candidate. His owners are so angry with him they might never forgive and forget. Perhaps you really think Dunn is "done" at age 31 -- and definitively, he might be -- but let's just say that if he's sitting there in Round 15 of a standard-league draft next March, he's worth the pick


I could make a list of the top 10 fantasy disappointments from this season, and Dunn would be on there. He might even lead the list. I'm not at all interested in adding or trading for Dunn for the rest of this season, because there are no signs that things will be getting better. He's hitting .163 for the season, and he's 3-for-78 against lefties. He's hitting .142 at a home ballpark that so many people figured would be a blessing for his power. But Dunn has admitted lately that his offseason workout program was lacking, and you'd better believe that will change this winter. I believe him. If he can hit .250 with 30 home runs next year, you'd draft that at some point. Five months ago we'd laugh at Dunn hitting only 30 home runs. We figured he'd be closer to 38, a number he reached every season from 2003 to 2010.
So here are some top-100 players from 2011 drafts who become automatic sleepers for 2012 based on the premise that I don't think they're officially "toast." You haven't enjoyed their statistics this season, but I like the possibility of a bounce-back, at least to some degree. I mean, how's Lance Berkman working out for us in 2011? Quite well for a 21st-round draft pick, I'd say. Josh Beckett and J.J. Hardy have been pretty nice as well. One sad season doesn't always mean the end.
Carl Crawford, OF, Boston Red Sox (3rd pick in in 2011 ESPN average live drafts): Sure, pressure is a factor for some players, but Crawford still has the same skills he had in Tampa Bay. Entering Thursday, he's hitting .359 in August, and his meager walk rate is way up. He might not ever swipe 50 bases again, but he can easily get to 30. I'm not picking Crawford in the first round again, but the top 50 range makes sense. He's 31! Remember how far you dropped Jacoby Ellsbury -- the pending AL MVP? -- this season? Crawford can't be this bad in 2012. My projected 2012 draft round: 4th.
Adam Dunn, 1B, Chicago White Sox (37th pick): I'm sure Dunn is more frustrated than you are. Dunn will qualify at first base, and he will work hard this winter. A year ago, Berkman hit .248 with 14 home runs and was anemic against southpaws. When Dunn's focus and confidence return, the power will as well. My projected 2012 draft round: 12th. Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves (43rd pick): I admit I was wrong in predicting immediate greatness for him. I'm surprised he's hitting only .218 with such a high ground-ball rate that the lack of power makes sense. I do, however, believe that a shoulder injury is the main culprit for why Heyward is hitting poorly and being sat -- and deservedly so -- against southpaw pitchers. He's 21. Perhaps like the rushed Upton brothers, it will take him a few years to figure it out, but Heyward should bounce back when healthy. Do not abandon him in keeper/dynasty leagues. My projected 2012 draft round: 7th.


Jayson Werth, OF, Washington Nationals (47th pick): Perhaps this is proof that a hitter's environment -- both ballpark and lineup support -- is a factor in his performance. Maybe contract drives are as well! I think Werth's skills remain, though, and he might still hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases this season. He's still drawing walks. He's nothing like Crawford tools-wise, but the enormous contract likely played a role. You know, if a 20/20 season comes with a .270 batting average, nobody complains. There's little reason why that cannot happen. My projected 2012 draft round: 9th.
Alex Rios, OF, Chicago White Sox (53rd pick): Well, it's not the first time this fellow took a year off, statistically speaking. We can say the .284 batting average in 2010 was a fluke, but it wasn't. Even including his current .218 mark, Rios sports a career average of .275. And we'd take 15 home runs and 25 steals with a .275 batting average. I won't predict that in 2012, though. Something has always scared me about selecting Rios, or ranking him well, and unlike Dunn, I think he needs a change of scenery. But he's only 30. We can't ignore him. My projected 2012 draft round: 13th. Other thoughts: Most of the other big-time disappointments from the top 100 did so because of obvious injuries. St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright should be ready to pitch in spring training, and I'll probably make him a top 30 starting pitcher. San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey should still be considered a top-10 catcher, though I'll stop short of top-five. I can't say I'll trust Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, but he's like Dunn; you can't ignore him because there's big upside there. Last year Morneau was hitting .345 with 18 home runs in half a season! Nice 14th-round gamble in 2012, eh? I'd take him over Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales. And Morneau's teammate Delmon Young was also clearly hurt this year. He might never knock in 100 runs again, but the skill set for a decent batting average and occasional power remains.
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Tough draw for Diamondbacks hitters

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com


On tap: Week 19 could be termed the "matchup-seeker's delight," because few of fantasy's top starting pitchers are scheduled to work twice. Only two of the top 20 starters on our Player Rater (through the games of Thursday, Aug. 11) are two-start pitchers: Tim Hudson (14th) of the Atlanta Braves and Cliff Lee (9th) of the Philadelphia Phillies. Those Monday-Tuesday/Saturday-Sunday assignments are mostly going to pitchers who are either unproven, struggling or facing some sort of reasonable question, which is why you'll notice that, of my top-30 ranked starters this week, only seven are two-start pitchers.


Two Braves starters, Jair Jurrjens (No. 18 starter on the Player Rater) and Tommy Hanson (No. 23), are two prominent names facing questions. Jurrjens is scheduled to return from the disabled list Wednesday versus the San Francisco Giants, exactly 16 days after his last outing; he was out with a strained right knee. Hanson, meanwhile, is expected to start Tuesday against the Giants, putting him in line for a two-start week, his second turn coming against the Arizona Diamondbacks. That'd mean a 10-day rest between starts due to his shoulder injury, so it's understandable if he, too, is approached with caution.


Speaking of that Braves-Giants series, what a set of pitching matchups we'll get for those four games Monday-Thursday: Tim Hudson versus Madison Bumgarner, Hanson versus Jonathan Sanchez, Jurrjens versus Matt Cain and Derek Lowe versus Tim Lincecum. Expect the focus for both teams to be on pitching, and don't overlook that the Giants then head to Houston for a three-game weekend set.


The Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers tangle again, this time in a three-game series at Detroit from Friday through Sunday. Ubaldo Jimenez again starts for the Indians on Sunday, his second in a two-start week; he threw eight strong innings, allowing only three unearned runs, to beat the Tigers on Aug. 10. Tigers ace Justin Verlander, meanwhile, is currently scheduled to miss that series, but considering the team shuffled its rotation the last time these teams tangled, it might happen again.


Reminder: For those of you in weekly-transaction leagues, the first game of Week 19 begins Monday at 7:00 p.m. ET. Here are this week's other scheduled first pitches by day: Tuesday 1:05 p.m. ET, Wednesday 1:35 p.m. ET, Thursday 2:10 p.m. ET, Friday 2:20 p.m. ET, Saturday 4:10 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 19 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
8/15</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
8/16</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
8/17</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
8/18</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
8/19</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
8/20</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
8/21</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
bal.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Simon
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
bos.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB-2
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8
Lester
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Lackey
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Wakefield
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
chw.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Humber
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Danks
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
cle.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Huff
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
det.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Penny
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
kan.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Chen
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
laa.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Richards
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Santana
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Haren
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Richards
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
min.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Slowey
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
nyy.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Nova
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Colon
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
oak.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Harden
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Moscoso
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sea.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Furbush
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tam.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS-2
Davis
(RHP)
P: 2
Niemann
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Price
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Shields
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Davis
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tex.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Holland
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Holland
(LHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tor.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Mills
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Romero
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Cecil
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Mills
(LHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
ari.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Collmnter
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Collmnter
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
atl.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
chc.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Lopez
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Wells
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Lopez
(RHP)
P: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
cin.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Leake
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Willis
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Leake
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
col.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Cook
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Rogers
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
fla.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Hensley
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Hensley
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
hou.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Sosa
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Myers
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Norris
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Sosa
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
lad.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
mil.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
nym.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Gee
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
phi.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Worley
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
pit.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Correia
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Morton
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
stl.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sdg.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Harang
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Luebke
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Latos
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
LeBlanc
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Harang
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Luebke
(LHP)
P: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sfo.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Cain
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
was.gif
</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Wang
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 4</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



• Many of those early-week pitching matchups stack up as smarter "bench-and-evaluate" propositions than true "start 'em" options, and let's take a look at a few of the more important ones: Coming off an Aug. 11 shutout for Triple-A Norfolk, Brian Matusz is tentatively scheduled to rejoin the Baltimore Orioles' rotation Tuesday at Oakland. The conservative play is to bench him, especially since the Oakland Athletics have 45 runs and 13 homers in nine games in August (5.00 runs per game), but Matusz does have solid back-to-back outings in Triple-A. A.J. Burnett might not even make his Monday start, as the New York Yankees prefer reverting to a five-man rotation beginning with this week's seven-game road trip, but if he does, he'll be under intense pressure in almost every turn looking forward. Ivan Nova and Bartolo Colon could become surprise two-start options if Burnett shifts to the bullpen; fantasy owners should be far more confident in either of them. The aforementioned Jonathan Sanchez, 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in two starts since returning from the DL, will presumably be pitching for his rotation spot come Tuesday in Atlanta. Barry Zito is a candidate to steal his scheduled second turn.
• A Toronto Blue Jays youngster also qualifies as an arm under the microscope, though unlike Matusz, Burnett and Sanchez, there are reasons to be optimistic about Henderson Alvarez's prospects. He was 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and a 3.88 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 15 games (14 starts) for Double-A New Hampshire, allowed three runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings in his major league debut on Aug. 10 and now gets a pair of favorable matchups in assignments at Seattle's Safeco Field and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The risk of using him is that the Athletics, who were noted above for their recent hot spell, have already seen him once, but that Mariners matchup is quite an attractive one. As for the midweek starters, Brandon Morrow (Wednesday at Safeco) has back-to-back quality starts, Ricky Romero (Thursday at Oakland) has three in a row and Brett Cecil (Friday at Oakland) four in a row. Every one of those pitchers is worth activating.

• While the Tigers didn't overwhelm from a pitching standpoint during their recent three-game set against the Indians (4.75 ERA Aug. 9-11), shifting the series to Detroit could provide them an advantage. Since June 1, Tigers starters have 13 wins, 20 quality starts and a 3.82 ERA in 31 games at Comerica Park. Brad Penny, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander have a combined 17 wins, 28 quality starts (71.8 QS%), a 3.23 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 39 home games in 2011. If Verlander gets a second start, Rick Porcello, pounded by the Indians for eight runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings on Aug. 10, would lose his second turn. Oddly enough, Porcello is the riskiest Tigers starter this week. As for the bullpen, closer Jose Valverde is riding a franchise-record 33 consecutive save streak, and he has 20 saves, a 2.39 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 28 appearances since June 1.
• Yes, questions surround the Braves' rotation, but things look favorable for them this week. The opposing Giants are baseball's worst hitting team since the All-Star break, with .236/.283/.344 rates and just 2.88 runs per game. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have historically performed worse on the road than at Chase Field, even if they've been better in that regard in 2011 (4.34 R/G, .703 OPS). It's for that reason that both Hanson and Jurrjens earned top-75 rankings below, my giving them the "OK" being a rarity considering their injury status. Something to think about regarding that Diamondbacks series: They rank fifth in the majors in strikeouts (914), and among pitchers with 90-plus innings, Friday's starter Brandon Beachy ranks fifth in K's per nine innings (9.74) and Sunday's starter Hanson ranks fourth (9.88). As for Saturday starter Tim Hudson, he's 5-0 with a 1.54 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in seven career starts against the Diamondbacks.
Also favorable: Cincinnati Reds, Yankees, San Diego Padres, Giants
Unfavorable: Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates
For more insight into Week 19 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
8/15</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
8/16</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
8/17</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
8/18</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
8/19</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
8/20</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
8/21</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
bal.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 8
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 8
L: 10
R: 2
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
bos.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB-2
H: 8
L: 6
R: 10
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 7
L: 1
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
chw.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 3
L: 2
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 4
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 7
L: 1
R: 10
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
cle.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
det.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 5
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
kan.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 6
L: 10
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
laa.gif
</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: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 6
L: 1
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 10
L: 5
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 5
L: 8
R: 2
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
min.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 7</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: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 9
L: 7
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 5
L: 9
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
nyy.gif
</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: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 1
R: 10
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 5
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
oak.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
4 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 5
L: 8
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 7
L: 3
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 8
L: 4
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 5
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sea.gif
</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: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 4
L: 3
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 5
R: 9
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tam.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS-2
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tex.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 7
R: 1
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 8
L: 10
R: 2
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
tor.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 8
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
ari.gif
</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: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 4
L: 1
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 4
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
atl.gif
</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: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 4
L: 1
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
chc.gif
</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: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
cin.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 8
L: 6
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 8
L: 8
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 8
L: 10
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
col.gif
</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: 5
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 1
R: 9
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 6
R: 9
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
fla.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 3
L: 4
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>@SD
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 2
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
hou.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
lad.gif
</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: 10
R: 6
S: 7</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: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
mil.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 8
L: 4
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
nym.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 9
L: 9
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 2
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 2
L: 1
R: 5
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: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
phi.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 3
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 8
L: 6
R: 8
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
pit.gif
</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: 6
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
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: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
stl.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 8
L: 1
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sdg.gif
</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: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 3
L: 1
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 3
R: 7
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
sfo.gif
</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 4
L: 8
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>
was.gif
</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: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 7
L: 10
R: 2
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</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

• It's hinted above, but the Diamondbacks have a potentially treacherous set of hitting matchups, so Week 19 will be a true test of the National League West leaders' (as of Friday, Aug. 12) mettle. Look at their six opposing starters: Cliff Lee, Vance Worley, Cole Hamels, Brandon Beachy, Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson. Current Diamondbacks have a poor track record against Worley, and none against Beachy; combined they have .185/.223/.288 rates against the other four, each of whom has made at least three career starts against the Diamondbacks. In addition, to talk up the Diamondbacks' propensity for strikeouts once more, Lee ranks sixth among qualified starters in K's-per-nine (9.26) and Hamels 24th (8.08). Gerardo Parra (.161 OPS differential between home and road), Chris Young (.138), Willie Bloomquist (.131) and Kelly Johnson (.024) are the four Diamondbacks hitters who most suffer from road matchups, and you should consider benching all four depending upon your alternatives. It's Justin Upton, however, who actually has the steepest home/road OPS differential (.266) … but with .250/.325/.464 road rates this year, all it means is he might be human, not superhuman, for one week.
• The Los Angeles Angels' offense might have underperformed for much of the year, averaging 3.86 runs per game with .250/.312/.384 season rates, but in their past 13 games, they've totaled 55 runs (4.23 per game). That number might continue to rise this week, not necessarily because they match up brilliantly with the rival Texas Rangers, but because Rangers starters as a bunch have hit a cold spell, plus the visiting Orioles (Friday-Sunday) have a patchwork rotation. In their past 21 games, Rangers starters have six wins, 11 quality starts, a 4.52 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, with Tuesday foe Derek Holland perfectly encapsulating their up-and-down nature: He has three shutouts in his past eight starts … but also three outings of a game score of 25 or worse. Alberto Callaspo, .329/.420/.447 in his past 22 games, is the Angels' hottest hitter since the All-Star break. Torii Hunter is their slugger most helped by home matchups (.814 home OPS, .645 road). And Peter Bourjos is the Angel who has most terrorized Rangers pitching this season: .318/.375/.636 in six games.
• Despite it being a six-road-game week, Reds hitters should feel right at home against the reeling Washington Nationals and Pirates' pitching staffs. In 51 combined games since the All-Star break, those two teams are a combined 19-32, primarily because their ERAs together are 4.58. In particular, the Reds should thrive against veteran right-handers Livan Hernandez (Thursday) and Kevin Correia (Friday); they're a combined 2-6 with a 7.45 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 10 starts since the All-Star break. There are two potentially sneaky-good fantasy plays among the Reds: Edgar Renteria, a .286/.306/.500 hitter in 18 second-half games, and Ramon Hernandez, a .291/.345/.443 hitter in 23 games since July 1. Both need to be in all NL-only lineups.
Also favorable: Boston Red Sox, Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals
Unfavorable: Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Blue Jays, Nationals


Weather report




Weatherproof games: Cubs at Astros (3, Mon-Wed); Giants at Astros (3, Fri-Sun); Dodgers at Brewers (4, Mon-Thu); Blue Jays at Mariners (3, Mon-Wed); Mariners at Rays (3, Fri-Sun).



Tristan's Week 19 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. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Tue-ARI (Collmenter), Sun-@WAS (Detwiler)
2. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Tue-MIN (Blackburn)
3. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Tue-LAD (Billingsley), Sun-@NYM (Dickey)
4. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Mon-SF (Bumgarner), Sat-ARI (Marquis)
5. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Sat-@WAS (Wang)
6. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Fri-@TB (Hellickson)
7. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Thu-@ATL (Lowe)
8. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Mon-@ATL (Hudson), Sat-@HOU (Lyles)
9. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Thu-@MIN (Duensing)
10. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Thu-ARI (Kennedy)
11. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Wed-LAD (Eovaldi)
12. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Fri-BAL (Guthrie)
13. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Thu-TEX (Lewis)
14. Mat Latos (SD) -- Wed-NYM (Gee)
15. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Tue-@PIT (Karstens)
16. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Thu-@OAK (Cahill)
17. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-TB, Gm. 2 (Niemann)
18. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Mon-TOR (Alvarez), Sun-@TB (Davis)
19. Matt Cain (SF) -- Wed-@ATL (Jurrjens)
20. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Thu-@MIL (Estrada)
21. James Shields (TB) -- Sat-SEA (Furbush)
22. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Wed-@SEA (Beavan)
23. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Tue-@CHW (Floyd), Sun-@DET (Porcello)
24. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Fri-SEA (Hernandez)
25. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Thu-@PHI (Hamels)
26. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Wed-@WAS (Zimmermann)
27. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Wed-TEX (Wilson)
28. Cory Luebke (SD) -- Tue-NYM (Niese), Sun-FLA (Sanchez)
29. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Fri-ARI (Hudson)
30. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Thu-@KC (Hochevar)
31. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Tue-FLA (Sanchez)
32. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Tue-SF (Sanchez), Sun-ARI (Collmenter)
33. Javier Vazquez (FLA) -- Thu-@SD (Stauffer)
34. Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Mon-LAD (Lilly), Sat-@NYM (Capuano)
35. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Wed-@LAA (Santana)
36. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Fri-SF (Vogelsong)
37. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Mon-BAL (Hunter), Sat-TOR (Alvarez)
38. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Thu-FLA (Vazquez)
39. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Mon-@LAA (Richards), Sat-@CHW (Danks)
40. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Sat-STL (Jackson)
41. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Thu-@CHW (Buehrle)
42. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Mon-@SD (Harang), Sun-MIL (Gallardo)
43. David Price (TB) -- Wed-@BOS (Lackey)
44. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Fri-@COL (Hammel)
45. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Fri-@ATL (Beachy)
46. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Fri-CLE (Tomlin)
47. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Tue-CLE (Jimenez), Sun-TEX (Holland)
48. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Mon-@MIL (Wolf), Sat-@COL (Rogers)
49. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Fri-@NYM (Pelfrey)
50. Rick Porcello (DET) -- Mon-MIN (Liriano), Sun-CLE (Jimenez)
51. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-@HOU (Myers)
52. Brandon McCarthy (OAK) -- Wed-BAL (Simon)
53. Mike Leake (CIN) -- Tue-@WAS (Detwiler), Sun-@PIT (McDonald)
54. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Fri-TEX (Harrison)
55. Derek Holland (TEX) -- Tue-@LAA (Chatwood), Sun-@CHW (Floyd)
56. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Tue-@COL (Chacin), Sun-@SD (Luebke)
57. Roy Oswalt (PHI) -- Fri-@WAS (Lannan)
58. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Thu-@LAA (Weaver)
59. Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Tue-@KC (Duffy)
60. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Fri-@HOU (Rodriguez)
61. John Danks (CHW) -- Sat-TEX (Ogando)
62. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Wed-CIN (Cueto)
63. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Fri-@CHC (Wells)
64. Bartolo Colon (NYY) -- Wed-@KC (Chen)
65. Doug Fister (DET) -- Sat-CLE (Huff)
66. Carlos Zambrano (CHC) -- Wed-@HOU (Norris)
67. Freddy Garcia (NYY) -- Sat-@MIN (Liriano)
68. James McDonald (PIT) -- Mon-STL (Westbrook), Sun-CIN (Leake)
69. Mark Buehrle (CHW) -- Thu-CLE (Masterson)
70. Brett Cecil (TOR) -- Fri-@OAK (Harden)
71. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Wed-SF (Cain)
72. Jake Westbrook (STL) -- Mon-@PIT (McDonald), Sun-@CHC (Lopez)
73. Jeff Niemann (TB) -- Tue-@BOS, Gm. 2 (Lester)
74. Rich Harden (OAK) -- Fri-TOR (Cecil)
75. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Wed-ARI (Saunders)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Henderson Alvarez (TOR) -- Mon-@SEA (Pineda), Sat-@OAK (Gonzalez)
Erik Bedard (BOS) -- Tue-TB, Gm. 1 (Davis), Sun-@KC (Duffy)
Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Tue-@MIL (Gallardo), Sun-@COL (Millwood)
Wade Davis (TB) -- Tue-@BOS, Gm. 1 (Bedard), Sun-SEA (Pineda)
Aaron Harang (SD) -- Mon-NYM (Dickey), Sat-FLA (Hensley)
Brad Mills (TOR) -- Tue-@SEA (Vargas), Sun-@OAK (Moscoso)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Tue-@DET (Verlander), Sun-NYY (Burnett)
A.J. Burnett (NYY) -- Mon-@KC (Paulino), Sun-@MIN (Blackburn)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) -- Tue-TEX (Holland), Sun-BAL (Hunter)
Josh Collmenter (ARI) -- Tue-@PHI (Lee), Sun-@ATL (Hanson)
Ross Detwiler (WAS) -- Tue-CIN (Leake), Sun-PHI (Lee)
Danny Duffy (KC) -- Tue-NYY (Nova), Sun-BOS (Bedard)
Clay Hensley (FLA) -- Mon-@COL (Millwood), Sat-@SD (Harang)
Tommy Hunter (BAL) -- Mon-@OAK (Gonzalez), Sun-@LAA (Chatwood)
Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Mon-@DET (Porcello), Sat-NYY (Garcia)
Rodrigo Lopez (CHC) -- Mon-@HOU (Sosa), Sun-STL (Westbrook)
Kevin Millwood (COL) -- Mon-FLA (Hensley), Sun-LAD (Billingsley)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) -- Tue-BAL (Matusz), Sun-TOR (Mills)
Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Mon-NYY (Burnett), Sat-BOS (TBD)
Garrett Richards (LAA) -- Mon-TEX (Ogando), Sat-BAL (Reyes)
Jonathan Sanchez (SF) -- Tue-@ATL (Hanson), Sun-@HOU (Sosa)
Henry Sosa (HOU) -- Mon-CHC (Lopez), Sun-SF (Sanchez)

One-start sleepers:
Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Thu-@WAS (Hernandez)
Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Wed-@SD (Latos)
Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Fri-@CHW (Peavy)
John Lackey (BOS) -- Wed-TB (Price)
Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-@SD (Luebke)
Bud Norris (HOU) -- Wed-CHC (Zambrano)
Tim Wakefield (BOS) -- Fri-@KC (Francis)
Dontrelle Willis (CIN) -- Sat-@PIT (Morton)
 
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Five pitchers to get, five to avoid
in.gif


Eric Karabell

We've talked quite a bit about offenses this week from a fantasy baseball aspect, but as we head to yet another weekend -- use your sunscreen, folks! -- it's time to focus on spot starters who can help you win your weekly head-to-head matchups, and others that probably won't. So without further ado, and using 50 percent owned in ESPN standard leagues as a benchmark …

… Weekend starters to add


Blake Beavan, Seattle Mariners: I realize he's facing the mighty Boston Red Sox, but Beavan faced them three starts ago at Fenway Park and handled himself just fine, allowing three runs and pitching into the seventh inning. He's not walking anyone, and against the brutal John Lackey, he has a shot to win. Beavan is a 6-foot-7 right-hander acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, and while his lack of strikeouts weakens his long-term case, he's the first rookie to begin his career with six or more quality starts since Jered Weaver in 2006. Use him while he's pitching well.
Brandon McCarthy, Oakland Athletics: He has won only five times in 16 starts, but aren't ERA and WHIP categories in your league, too? McCarthy boasts a 2.39 ERA at his spacious home ballpark, but he also fired off eight shutout innings at Tampa Bay in his last outing. Even against the Texas Rangers, I'm using him.
Bud Norris, Houston Astros: OK, so the Astros are a bad team, but you know what? The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't playoff-bound, either, and the last time Norris faced the Dodgers, also in their home, he tossed six innings of one-hit, no-run baseball (and of course, he didn't win). The Dodgers offense still doesn't scare me much, and Norris is on pace for 181 strikeouts. Not too shabby.
Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox: He still scares me quite a bit in the long term, but his ERA over his past four outings is a useful 3.33, and his strikeout rate is up. Peavy has faced the Kansas City Royals twice since July, with one good and one bad outing.
Kevin Slowey, Minnesota Twins: I've been a fan of this right-hander, who is replacing the injured Scott Baker in the rotation, since the 2008 season, when he posted a 1.15 WHIP. I don't think he's Dave Bush (longtime readers know the deal there). Slowey's ERA never seems to match his WHIP, and he's never going to fan 200 hitters in a season, but I like him in his first start of the 2011 season. I like his Cleveland Indians left-handed foe, David Huff, almost as much. Huff has allowed just one earned run in his three starts.
Also adding: Javier Vazquez, Florida Marlins; Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays; Doug Fister, Detroit Tigers; Rich Harden, Oakland Athletics; Chris Capuano, New York Mets.
… Weekend starters to avoid


Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds: Sure, you see the lowly San Diego Padres coming to town and it looks beautiful for Arroyo, but realize the Padres enter Friday leading all of baseball in runs scored so far in August. No, I'm serious, just click here and you'll see. And Arroyo ranks dead last on fangraphs.com among 109 qualified starting pitchers in WAR (wins above replacement). I'm avoiding fellow right-hander Homer Bailey on Saturday, too; he has permitted 14 earned runs in his past two home starts, over seven innings to the Rockies and Mets! (I am, however, and with a smile on my face, trusting lefty Dontrelle Willis on Sunday!)
John Lackey, Boston Red Sox: Proponents will point out Lackey's best outing over the past month was against the Mariners, and this game is at a pitcher-friendly locale … but I still can't get on board, even if Lackey wins the game 7-6 (which he shouldn't because Beavan will pitch well). Folks, Lackey should not be owned in 27 percent of ESPN standard leagues. The potential for wins isn't worth it. I realize he hasn't lost in six starts and his ERA in that span is 3.57, but we've been fooled before.
Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves: I have to say I haven't been impressed. He doesn't look to be a future All-Star to me; he has one win in seven starts and a 1.59 WHIP. And Friday's foe, the Chicago Cubs, are fourth in runs scored this month! The strangely unowned Carlos Zambrano, with four consecutive strong outings, is a far better choice.
Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals: The Colorado Rockies aren't world-beaters on the road, and certainly not with this lineup, but Lohse hasn't completed six innings in a start for more than a month. I'll recommend Edwin Jackson on "ESPN Sunday Night Baseball" against Esmil Rogers, but Lohse's time has passed. Also avoiding: Brad Penny, Detroit Tigers; Zach Stewart, Chicago White Sox; Paul Maholm, Pittsburgh Pirates; Brian Duensing, Minnesota Twins; Chien-Ming Wang, Washington Nationals; Jeff Francis, Kansas City Royals.
 
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Hideki Matsui continues torrid stretch
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Eric Karabell

• Oakland Athletics outfielder/designated hitter Hideki Matsui hit four singles Thursday, scoring two runs and batting in two others, and he boasts the highest batting average since the All-Star break at .431. Matsui is on ESPN's most-added list, but is still available in 15.9 percent of standard leagues.


<OFFER>• Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann won his sixth consecutive decision Thursday, holding the Kansas City Royals to one run in 6 1/3 innings. Niemann registered two strikeouts, after averaging eight over his previous four starts. Still, after setting a club record with his 1.06 July ERA, he's available in 17 percent of leagues.

• Cincinnati Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto lowered his NL-leading ERA to 1.94 with seven shutout innings Thursday, and he added nine strikeouts. Cueto entered play fanning only 5.5 per nine innings. He has been an extreme ground ball pitcher, but Thursday we saw the old version. Each is worth owning.


• New York Yankees right-hander Bartolo Colon allowed two runs in six innings Thursday, the fifth consecutive outing he has permitted two or fewer runs since his first-inning blowup July 14. Colon has remained reliable, yet he's available in nearly half of ESPN's leagues.


• Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa singled and walked in five plate appearances, and was caught stealing twice. Still, fantasy owners should appreciate the effort; Espinosa is mired in a long second-half slump, and before Thursday hadn't tried to steal a base in more than a month. Espinosa appears on ESPN's most-dropped list, but that's a mistake. The power and speed potential remain.


• St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal led off Thursday's win with his third home run of the season, second since joining his new team. Furcal hasn't been great with the Cardinals, hitting .234 in 11 games, but he has scored eight runs. He was hitting .197 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Furcal is owned in 32 percent of leagues, but it should be more.
 
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A-Rod Cleared For Rehab Games
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera earned his 30th save of the year Thursday in a 6-5 defeat of the Angels. He now has nine straight 30-save seasons, the most in major league history.

But the news isn't all positive.

Rivera allowed a home run to the Angels' Bobby Abreu on Tuesday night and a homer to Russell Branyan on Thursday, marking the first time in Mo's career that he's been taken deep in consecutive relief appearances.

Everyone has their opinion as to why he's struggling. Maybe old age is finally catching up to him. Or maybe, as ESPN's Mark Simon suggests, he's simply finding the middle of the plate too often with his cutter. Either way, Rivera remains a top fantasy closer with the skill and talent to return to dominance down the stretch. Owners have no choice but to weather the minor storm.

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

* Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Tampa. He'll serve as the designated hitter in his debut, but should play several innings at the hot corner on Saturday before starting a whole game at third on Sunday. The 36-year-old has been on the disabled list since undergoing surgery on his right knee in early July. He'll return by the end of next week to a .295/.366/.485 major league batting line, 13 home runs and 52 RBI. A-Rod is an obvious must-start down the stretch.

* The Giants knew what they were getting themselves into when they acquired outfielder Carlos Beltran from the Mets back in late July. He's a highly productive player and capable of providing a jolt to San Francisco's weak-hitting offense. But the 34-year-old is also susceptible to injuries, both of the minor and major variety. It should come as no surprise, then, that he's been sidelined since Sunday with a strained right wrist and could be headed to the 15-day disabled list.

Beltran was given a cortisone shot Thursday to help ease the pain in his wrist. He's already been ruled out for Friday's series opener against the Marlins and probably won't play Saturday either. If the injury lingers into Sunday, the Giants could easily grow impatient with the lack of progress.

Beltran is 11-for-45 with two triples, a double and two RBI since joining up with San Fran.

National League Quick Hits: Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was given a day of rest Thursday due to lingering soreness in his left hamstring and calf … Matt Holliday remains sidelined with a tweaked back muscle … Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin homered and stole two bases Thursday against the Mets … Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 with a solo homer and RBI single Thursday in a defeat of the Brewers … Mike Morse is considered day-to-day with a left elbow contusion … Cardinals utilityman Nick Punto (oblique) is aiming to return within the next three weeks … The Dodgers agreed to terms with first-round pick LHP Chris Reed … Johnny Cueto blanked the Rockies for seven innings and struck out nine in Thursday's victory… Brandon Phillips remains day-to-day with a left elbow contusion … The Cardinals signed left-hander Arthur Rhodes, who was released earlier this week by the Rangers … Ryan Dempster earned his 10th win of the season Thursday in the Cubs' defeat of the Nationals … Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is up to 26 saves on the season … Angel Pagan is day-to-day with back spasms … Reds shortstop Zack Cozart will undergo Tommy John surgery Friday on his non-throwing elbow … Jhoulys Chacin struck out nine batters over eight innings Thursday against the Reds … The D'Backs claimed infielder Tommy Manzella off waivers from the Astros … Orlando Hudson is day-to-day with a mildly strained right groin.

American League Quick Hits: Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano hit a grand slam Thursday in a 6-5 win over the Angels … Justin Verlander struck out 10 batters over seven innings Thursday in a defeat of the Indians … The Blue Jays are not expected to find a common ground with first-round pick Tyler Beede before the August 15 deadline … Carlos Santana slugged his 18th home run of the year Thursday … A's DH Hideki Matsui is batting .432 with five home runs and 24 RBI in 24 games since the All-Star break … Brennan Boesch is day-to-day with a second degree sprain of his right thumb … Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz hurled a shutout Thursday at Triple-A Norfolk … Ben Zobrist tripled, doubled and drove in two runs Thursday versus the Royals … The Rangers activated outfielder Craig Gentry (concussion) from the disabled list … A's outfielder Coco Crisp has missed four straight games with lingering discomfort in his right calf … Tigers closer Jose Valverde is now 33-for-33 in save opportunities this season … The Orioles optioned struggling right-hander Chris Tillman back to Triple-A Norfolk.
 
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Rookie Showcase

The upcoming week provides an opportunity for some lesser-known rookies to shine on the two-start stage. As we move toward the final portion of the season, many clubs are slotting youngsters into their rotation, either with hopes of providing a late-season contention boost or with an eye toward the future. The list of fresh hurlers scheduled to toe the rubber twice includes Henderson Alvarez, Garrett Richards and Henry Sosa.

Of the three, the only one that can be confidently recommended is Alvarez of the Blue Jays, who was solid in his big-league debut and will face the weak-hitting Mariners and A's. Richards has a bright future but he struggled against the Yankees in his first start for the Angels and things won't get much easier with a home nod against the Rangers on deck. Meanwhile, Sosa will see how his live fastball plays against the Cubs and Giants.

With a relatively thin offering of top-flight options, especially in the AL, you might be inclined to take a flier on one of these unproven arms. All three will certainly be worth monitoring going forward. And if you're looking for more of a sure thing, well, there's always Cliff Lee.

Going Twice...



American League

Strong Plays
Brandon Morrow: @SEA (Vargas), @OAK (Moscoso)
Alexi Ogando: @LAA (Richards), @CWS (Peavy)

Decent Plays
Henderson Alvarez: @SEA (Pineda), @OAK (Gonzalez)
Derek Holland: @LAA (Chatwood), @CWS (Danks)
Wade Davis: @BOS (Bedard), SEA (Pineda)
Michael Pineda: TOR (Alvarez), @TB (Davis)
Guillermo Moscoso: BAL (Tillman), TOR (Morrow)
Gio Gonzalez: BAL (Hunter), TOR (Alvarez)
A.J. Burnett: @KC (Francis), @MIN (Blackburn)
Tyler Chatwood: TEX (Holland), BAL (Hunter)
Rick Porcello: MIN (Liriano), CLE (Jimenez)
Ubaldo Jimenez: @CWS (Floyd), @DET (Porcello)
Erik Bedard: TB (Davis), @KC (Francis)
Tommy Hunter: @OAK (Gonzalez), @LAA (Chatwood)

At Your Own Risk
Nick Blackburn: @DET (Verlander), NYY (Burnett)
Francisco Liriano: @DET (Porcello), NYY (Hughes)
Garrett Richards: TEX (Ogando), BAL (Reyes)
Jeff Francis: NYY (Burnett), BOS (Bedard)

National League

Strong Plays
Jake Westbrook: @PIT (McDonald), @CHC (Lopez)
Madison Bumgarner: @ATL (Hudson), @HOU (Lyles)
Cory Luebke: NYM (Niese), FLA (Sanchez)
Cliff Lee: ARI (Collmenter), @WAS (Detwiler)
Yovani Gallardo: LAD (Billingsley), @NYM (Dickey)
Mike Leake: @WAS (Detwiler), @PIT (McDonald)
Tommy Hanson: SF (Sanchez), ARI (Collmenter)
Tim Hudson: SF (Bumgarner), ARI (Marquis)

Decent Plays
Ross Detwiler: CIN (Leake), PHI (Lee)
Aaron Harang: NYM (Dickey), FLA (Hensley)
James McDonald: STL (Westbrook), CIN (Leake)
R.A. Dickey: @SD (Harang), MIL (Gallardo)
Randy Wolf: LAD (Lilly), @NYM (Capuano)
Chad Billingsley: @MIL (Gallardo), @COL (Millwood)
Ted Lilly: @MIL (Wolf), @COL (Rogers)
Anibal Sanchez: @COL (Chacin), @SD (Luebke)
Clay Hensley: @COL (Millwood), @SD (Harang)
Josh Collmenter: @PHI (Lee), @ATL (Hanson)

At Your Own Risk
Jonathan Sanchez: @ATL (Hanson), @HOU (Sosa)
Henry Sosa: CHC (Lopez), SF (Sanchez)
Kevin Millwood: FLA (Hensley), LAD (Billingsley)
Rodrigo Lopez: @HOU (Sosa), STL (Westbrook)


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, 8/17: Alfredo Simon @ OAK
Simon was roughed up by the Blue Jays in his last turn, but has been fairly reliable in favorable match-ups.

Wednesday, 8/17: Brandon McCarthy vs. BAL
On the flip side, you've got McCarthy, who has been absolutely fantastic as of late, particularly at home.

Friday, 8/19: Freddy Garcia @ MIN
With a 3.16 ERA, Garcia has been surprisingly effective. He should have no trouble with the light-hitting Twins at Target Field.

National League

Wednesday, 8/17: Mike Minor vs. SF
The talented young lefty will look to straighten things out at home against the Giants.

Wednesday, 8/17: Dillon Gee @ SD
Gee will look to build on his 10-3 record in Petco Park.

Friday, 8/19: Homer Bailey @ PIT
Bailey has been struggling as of late, but might be able to get back on track against the fledgling Pirates.

<!--RW-->


Total Games



American League

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

National League

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


Lefty/Righty Breakdown



American League

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

National League

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

Jair Jurrjens: Out until late August
Matt Lindstrom: Out indefinitely
Juan Nicasio: Out for the season
Hanley Ramirez: Out until late August
Scott Baker: Out indefinitely
Chris Narveson: Out indefinitely
Chase Headley: Out until September
Alex Cobb: Out for the season
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Hot and Not One More Time
I hope you've enjoyed my Hot or Not series these past few weeks, as next week I'll be handing it back over to the regular Week That Was. This week featured an abundance of hot veteran hurlers, sluggers playing for their next contract, and out of character performances for a Royal, a Pirate, a Tiger, and a Ranger. Catch up on all of baseball's hottest and not-test this week.

NL Batters

The Hot: Prince Fielder, Brewers, 1B

Prince Fielder is in the midst of a scorching August. The slugger is hitting .394 with 2 homers and 12 RBI. In July, Fielder hit just .277 and managed only 3 homers and 7 RBI. This past week went a long way in helping Fielder post his gaudy August numbers. Fielder hit .435 with 2 homers and 9 RBI, which is essentially better than his entire July. Fielder is a star and he must be started every day. Let's not forget that Fielder is playing for his next contract over the final month and a half.

The Hotter: Will Venable, Padres, OF

Will Venable still isn't playing everyday quite yet, but he is raking right now. He only started 4 of the last 7 games, but he has a ridiculous 11 hits in that span. If you take out his 3 unsuccessful pinch hits, his average for the week leaps from .500 to an off the charts .579. Venable added 8 runs, 5 RBI, 5 extra base hits, and 3 steals this week. He is entirely too risky in mixed leagues thanks to inconsistent playing time, but if Bud Black ever gives him back his everyday job, he is a must add.

The Hottest: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies, SS

If you thought Prince Fielder was hot this month, look at Tulowitzki who has hit .444 this month. This week Tulowitzki hit .500 with 6 RBI, 5 runs, and 2 homers. Tulo had the highest slugging percentage in the NL this week as well. Tulowitzki is having another fantastic season and will be a key part of your team's playoff run.

The Not: Jason Bourgeois, Astros, OF

You know you're having a bad week when you have a 3/5 night and you raise your week's average all the way to .148. Bourgeois is one of the most senior members of the Astros' new-look lineup, but he has been he has been brutal since the trade deadline, hitting just .167 with ZERO steals. Last month he had 25 at bats and stole 5 bases. This month he has no steals in 36 at bats. Bourgeois' speed makes him an intriguing fantasy option, but he just might not have enough to be an everyday player in the Major Leagues. If you are a big risk taker, go ahead and pick up Bourgeois in mixed leagues since he has 22 steals in part time duty this year. However, if you are more conservative, leave Bourgeois on the waiver wire in mixed leagues thanks to his horrendous month and his constant injuries this year.

The Not-ter: Gaby Sanchez, Marlins, 1B

Sanchez has hit a major bump in the road this week, hitting just .100 in 20 at bats. What he does have, however, is a steal, just his 3rd of the year. Sanchez has not been the same hitter since May, when he hit .345 for the month, but he does have enough talent to warrant a spot on mixed league rosters. Hopefully, the return of Hanley Ramirez in the next week or so will allow Sanchez to get some protection in the order and will get his average back up. If you already own Sanchez in mixed leagues, sit tight. If you were considering picking him up, wait a little longer.

The Not-test: Raul Ibanez, Phillies, OF

Ibanez might be the only Phillie in the lineup not worth your while in mixed leagues. Ibanez is hitting just .240 on the year. This week, Ibanez hit just .095 in 21 at bats and knocked in just 2 runs despite the loaded Phillie lineup. Ibanez is clearly nearing the end of the line. With him likely moving out of Citizens Bank Park (where he's hitting .288), he is due for a steep drop off next year.

AL Batters

The Hot: Jason Kipnis, Indians, 2B

If only the Indians had called up Kipnis sooner. The rookies second baseman hit .346 this week, cranked 2 homers, swiped 2 bases, knocked in 6 runs, and scored an AL high 8 runs. Kipnis is a guy that must be on mixed league rosters thanks to his weak position and strong production albeit in limited action. Now, if only he could cut down on his strikeouts (8 this week).

The Hotter: David Ortiz, Red Sox, DH

David Ortiz bounced back in a big way this week. After going 3/25 last week, Big Papi went 10/23 this week, good for a .435 average. Ortiz's 3 bombs this week also lead to his .913 slugging percentage, tops in the AL for the week. Big Papi, like Fielder, is playing for his next contract over the next month and a half, so look for big time production.

The Hottest: Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays, 3B

Turns out all Encarnacion needed was to have a youthful injection at third base. Encarnacion hit .529 this week, which just so happened to be Brett Lawrie's first week in the Majors. Encarnacion also added a homer, 3 RBI (product of his team), and 6 runs scored. Best of all, Encarnacion showed patients and drew 5 walks compared to ZERO strikeouts. For the year, Encarnacion has nearly double the amount of strikeouts as walks (51/26).

The Not: Mark Reynolds, Orioles, 3B

Mark Reynolds is a strikeout machine. If your league gives points for strikeouts, Reynolds would be a first round pick. Unfortunately, your league likely doesn't give points for that. This week, Reynolds hit .115 and struck out 14 times. That's almost 5 times more than the number of hits he got this week. Reynolds is tough to start in mixed leagues, despite his 26 homers. He's your typical one-trick-pony.

The Not-ter: Alex Gordon, Royals, OF

I guess the old adage "What comes around, goes around" held true for Alex Gordon. Last week the breakout outfielder hit .520. This week? .107. Gordon did swipe his 10th base however, putting him in double digit steals for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2007. Expect Gordon to hit somewhere in between .520 and .107 the rest of the way, making him a fine mixed league play.

The Not-test: Vladimir Guerrero, Orioles, DH

Vladimir Guerrero is so cold that he has been demoted from the cleanup spot. Guerrero went just 1/22 this week with just one walk and one run scored. The silver lining is that Guerrero fanned just twice, meaning he's making contact and has had a bit of bad luck. Guerrero hasn't shown great power or a great average this year, so if you feel you have a better option in mixed leagues, go right ahead.

NL Pitchers

The Hot: Cliff Lee, Phillies, P

Since the Padres roughed up Lee on July 25th, Lee has been on an absolute tear. The latest team to fall victim to Lee's wrath was the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lee allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks over 8 innings. Lee also wracked up his 8th double-digit strikeout performance of the year with 10 K's. Lee is one of the top pitchers in baseball again this year.

The Hotter: Chris Carpenter, Cardinals, P

Carpenter strung together two very good starts this week after coming up short against the Brewers last week. Carpenter's first outing was against the Marlins, where the veteran went 6.2 innings of 1 run ball. Carpenter earned the win after allowing just 7 base runners while striking out 7. The former Cy Young award winner's next start was even better. Carpenter got his revenge against the Brew Crew in St. Louis. He twirled 8 innings of 2 run ball, despite allowing 10 hits and 3 free passes. Carpenter is hitting his stride and must be owned in all leagues.

The Hottest: Tim Hudson, Braves, P

Tim Hudson stretched his Quality Start streak to 10 games thanks to two more gems this weak. The Mets managed just one run on three hits over seven innings against Hudson. Hudson also dismantled another NL East foe when he tore down the Marlins, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits over 7.1 innings. Tim Hudson is an elite pitcher on a playoff bound team. He is a must start in all formats.

The Not: Jeff Karstens, Pirates, P

Karstens had one solid start, and one absolutely miserable one. The surprising part is that Karstens tamed the Giants' bats, but was shredded by the Padres. The Padres managed 9 runs on 9 hits over just 3.1 innings. He redeemed himself by stifling the Giants over 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs while striking out 9. Despite the rebound start, his ERA still sat at 10.61. Karstens has had a great year, so he is still a useful mixed league option.

The Not-ter: Tommy Hanson, Braves, P

Tommy Hanson has been miserable since the All-Star break, posting an 8.10 ERA over 5 starts. This week was more of the bad Hanson. The Braves' hurler lasted just 3.1 innings against the Mets while allowing 7 runs including 4 homeruns, in Citi Field of all places. Hanson can't be started in mixed leagues until he moves closer to the pitcher who had a 2.44 ERA before the break.

The Not-test: Jonathan Sanchez, Giants, P

The Giants just can't get their rotation sorted out. First Jonathan Sanchez goes on the DL with some mysterious injury to be replaced by Barry Zito. Next, Zito goes on the DL with the same foot injury that he had weeks before, just to be replaced by Sanchez. Now, Sanchez has posted back-to-back duds and could be replaced by Zito all over again. Anyway, Sanchez lasted just 4.2 innings against the Phillies allowing 5 runs. Then, he lasted 4.1 innings against the Pirates allowing another 5 runs (4 earned). Sanchez is unusable in any format for the time being.

AL Pitchers

The Hot: Jason Vargas, Mariners, P

Jason Vargas pitches for the Mariners, so most average fans have never heard of him. However, Vargas is in the midst of his second solid season playing in Seattle. This week's starts pitted Vargas against the top two teams in the AL West. First, against the Angels, Vargas hurled 6 shutout innings, but took a no decision thanks to literally no run support. Then, against the Rangers, Vargas threw 7 innings of 3 run ball and managed to get the win. Vargas is not consistent enough to start in mixed leagues, but he is a great AL only option.

The Hotter: Justin Verlander, Tigers, P

Verlander's ERA actually rose 11 points this week, despite getting two wins. In his first start, Verlander stifled the Royals allowing just 3 runs in 7 innings while striking out 8. His next start was just as good, limiting the Indians to 3 runs on just 3 hits through 7 more innings, this time striking out 10. Verlander is one of the top in the game and a front-runner for the Cy Young award.

The Hottest: Mark Buehrle, White Sox, P

Buehrle is having another goodl season. This week his first start came against the Twins where he allowed 3 unearned runs on just 4 hits over 8 innings. Then, against the Orioles, Buehrle won his 10th game of the season, again going 8 strong. This time Buehrle surrendered 3 earned runs on 6 hits while fanning 6. Buehrle must be in all lineups down the stretch.

The Not: Brad Mills, Blue Jays, P

Mills was not good this week. He managed a win against the Orioles, but he lasted just 5.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits with 4 free passes. Then, it went straight downhill for the lefty. The A's battered him for 6 runs in just 3 innings of work. Mills isn't worth starting in AL only leagues right now.

The Not-ter: Rick Porcello, Tigers, P

Rick Porcello had been brilliant since the start of July, before his most recent start. Porcello was strong in his first start of the week, going 6.1 innings of 3 run ball against the Royals. But his start against the Indians was an utter disaster. Porcello lasted only 3.2 innings allowing 8 runs on 11 hits. Porcello was so good since the start of July that you still have to keep him on the roster in mixed leagues, as he should bounce back from this speed bump.

The Not-test: Alexi Ogando, Texas, P

Ogando got blasted by the Mariners this week. The first year starter lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits while walking 2 batters and fanning zero. This is just a hiccup for Ogando, as the Rangers' starter was sporting a 2.88 ERA before the start against the Mariners. He is a must own in all leagues.


And of course, no week is complete without what Schultz says: "As we reach the Ides of August, a period of time that lacks Shakespearean import, it's as good as time as any to recall the old adage that the race to a rotisserie baseball championship is not a sprint but a marathon. Well, it might not be that long and boring, but it's definitely some sort of long distance race in which the person who dashes out into the lead rarely, if ever, breaks the tape at the finish line. While some racers simply aren't up to the challenge, others fall of the pace as they aren't ready to go the distance. This is worth keeping in mind as the Mariners and Nationals begin to play one game more meaningless than the next and become mindful of the innings being logged by Michael Pineda and Jordan Zimmermann.

Pineda has been a revelation this season, supporting his Rookie Of The Year bid with a 3.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while striking out a batter an inning and posting a winning record for one of the most abysmal teams in baseball. Spurning the Neil Young philosophy of burning out rather than fading away, Eric Wedge and the Mariners braintrust aren't going to risk damaging their most promising young star and have already announced that they will end the 22-year-old's season early. Similarly, the Nationals have no desire to test the limits of Jordan Zimmermann's surgically repaired elbow by having him throw unnecessary innings in September and are also going to prematurely shut down their young hurler. Atlanta may be gunning for a wild card spot but if they fall from the hunt, you can rest assured that Tommy Hanson, Brandon Beachy and the beleaguered Jair Jurrjens will not throw one more pitch than required by the situation.

For the roto-owners that have been riding their young pitchers to the top of the standings, such circumspect behavior on the part of these real life managers may pose a significant obstacle to securing the fortune and glory of a championship. (Say that last part like Short Round and it's much funnier. "No time for love Dr. Jones!"). If you are one of those smart owners, you've already accounted for the upcoming absence of key cogs of your rotation. If not, you could do worse than to scavenger for Jason Marquis, who should be a little more than serviceable now that he's in the NL West pennant race, Freddy Garcia, who has been remarkable sturdy for the Yankees, or Tim Wakefield, who should rack up wins in the Red Sox lineup. You won't be excited about having them on your team and they probably won't win you a title. However, they may keep you from losing one."
 
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Melting All the Way Down
After a major meltdown both on and off the field for Carlos Zambrano on Friday night, the pitcher finds himself suspended by the Cubs and the subject of a petition by the player's union. After blowing the game, he blew a stack and then claimed he was retired as he cleaned out his locker. It all seems like we've heard it before from the Big Mercurial, but it's beginning to mean less and less every year. This year, Zambrano has the worst swinging-strike and ground-ball rates of his career. Even one of his better walk rates can't hide the fact that he's pretty much deserved his high-fours ERA. There aren't too many fantasy owners out there right now that are upset about his suspension, in other words. The next time he blows up like this, you'll see it in the dot-dots.

There are much smaller pieces of news from a baseball standpoint that mean so much more in fantasy. Like the fact that Alex Rodriguez homered in his rehab stint and is ready to return to his major league team Thursday. Brian McCann homered Saturday on rehab and is back on the major league roster, too. Then, there are the rehab updates where the real and fantasy coverage converge: Stephen Strasburg. Breathless reporting about his strong rehab starts makes baseball in our capital more interesting, and yet knowing Strasburg might be back in September is also important in most leagues. He shouldn't be on any waiver wires by now.

But, yeah Zambrano should be on all waiver wires by now. And, like the fact that Dan Uggla's hitting streak was halted at 33 games, his meltdown marks a difference between baseball reporting and fantasy baseball analysis. One worth pointing out before dropping Carlos Zambrano into the fantasy dustbin.

* The best is when fantasy coverage can stay a step ahead of the regular reportage. For example, Brandon Belt homered two times in his return to the major leagues. Fantasy owners trying to find upside plays for the stretch run would be well aware of the name, and also know that his manager has steadfastly stuck with his veterans for too long in some cases. With Andres Torres on the DL now (nursing a lower leg bruise after fouling a ball off his shin), and Carlos Beltran trying to get healthy (he's still feeling pain in his right hand and missed his sixth straight Sunday), there might be a few at-bats for Belt to show what he can do. In two weeks, Belt might be rosterable in many leagues and the real-life pennant race in the NL West could be effected by this young man with power and patience at the plate. And fantasy owners would be a step ahead if it happened.

* Not all of the medical news was fun over the weekend. Justin Smoak was hit with a ground ball and now gets to deal with a hairline fracture in his cheek, a broken nose, and at least 15 days where he won't be in the major leagues. Now more than 800 plate appearances into his career, Smoak has really only shown a plus walk rate in the major leagues. The power needs to arrive eventually or he'll never be a good fantasy option. He still has the upside to be Derrek Lee without the steals… and speaking of Lee, he's on the DL now with a fractured wrist. Buyer beware. The Braves lost Tommy Hanson to the DL, but there's nothing structurally wrong with him, and with his stint backdated, he's still targeting August 23rd for his return. Another top prospect (Randall Delgado this time) will come up and make a start for him. Jose Reyes probably won't be activated as soon as he is eligible, which is just the way these hamstring things go. Sigh. Rajai Davis just tore his left hamstring, so he's worse off. Probably done for the year.

* How about the pitching? Glad you asked. Edwin Jackson was on his way to a good start when he grabbed his hamstring and left the game. More on that coming. Charlie Furbush got his mojo rising Sunday as he held the Red Sox to one run in seven innings. He struck out six! He's a deep league play at home just because he can be average enough with the strikeout and walk rate that his fly-ball stuff will work in SafeCo. Charlie Morton is in the good paragraph because he held the Brewers to one run in seven plus -- in Milwaukee. Still he's not striking anyone out and he is walking people and some of those ground balls will find holds. He's one to trade, not to hold. Brandon Beachy struck out eight Cubbies, walked none, and gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings. He racks up the strikeouts, doesn't walk anyone, so who cares about his extremely low ground-ball rate? Beachy's a hold. Ryan Vogelsong struck out eight and walked two Marlins. He only gave up two runs in just short of eight innings. It's time to stop wondering if he can keep this control up all year and start wondering if he can do it again next year. Homer Bailey struck out seven and held the Padres to one run in seven Saturday. He gets some swinging strikes and has been showing the best control of his life, so he could be usable in some leagues, but tread lightly.

Dontrelle Willis more like DON'Trelle Willis, am I right? He gave up four runs while getting eight outs and left with a forearm injury. Matt Harrison was this year's version of Matt Harrison plus two walks a game last year. Sunday, he walked three guys in 5 1/3 innings and allowed the Oakland offense four runs, in Oakland. Don't be too sure that he's awesome this year. Fellow Matt, Matt Garza, is in the bad paragraph because he allowed four runs in five innings against the Braves… but two of them were un-earned. He's been a much better pitcher than his line suggests, and that's because of the defense behind him. Tim Stauffer got roughed up by the Reds (nine runs in three innings). Five home runs will do that to you, so maybe Stauffer is a guy you play in pitcher's parks. Jeremy Hellickson gave up four runs in four-pus, but he also struck out four and only walked two. Oh, and it was the Yankees, in New York.

* Dudes doing work at the plate like Lucas Duda deserve recognition. After hitting his fourth homer Sunday night, his line looks useful and it's probably sustainable. The question that he could start to answer is how much upside remains. He'll need to hit a few more fly balls to really take advantage of that Ox-like power. Paul Goldschmidt doesn't please the scouts but he's got wonderful numbers, just wonderful. He had three hits Sunday. Brett Lawrie is owned in your league, right? He better be. He stole a base and tied the game off of Jordan Walden Sunday.

* Kevin Gregg allowed four runs on four hits with two walks without retiring a batter Sunday afternoon, opening the door for the Tigers to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth. Jim Johnson barely shut the door and could be next in line if he wasn't also the sixth starter. With Gregg counting as one of the worst closers in baseball, the Baltimore bullpen bears watching. Brian Wilson's back hurts and that's not good after he missed time at the beginning of the season with the ailment. Sergio Romo might get some saves in the meantime, but he's also dealing with a tweaked elbow. Jeremy Affeldt? No, Ramon Ramirez got the save Sunday. Neftali Feliz also earned his 23rd save. There's no way he could hold the job all year, is there? David Hernandez got a save, but J.J. Putz was just unavailable. Ozzie Guillen used Chris Sale to get a save against two lefty batters in the ninth inning Saturday, and that's been happening. In a way, it makes Guillen one of the most forward-thinking managers in the business.

* A wholesale rumor came down the pipe. Chris Capuano, Bruce Chen, Rodrigo Lopez, Jason Vargas, Chien-Ming Wang, Ted Lilly, Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Zambrano have all cleared waivers. Almost all of them would suffer in a move, as they would either leave a comfy home park or take a reduced role with their new team. Still, that's your main pool for cross-league pitching movement in deep leagues if you're interested.

National League Quick Hits: Albert Pujols hit the ball a Busch-record (and Pujolsian) 465 feet out Sunday night ... Mike Morse is superman, or so his quick return from his beaning suggests … Cole Hamels says he's dealing with a dead arm phase, and that's why his velocity was down Friday … Brandon Phillips returned to the lineup, but it was Jay Bruce that hit his fifth home run in seven games to steal the headlines … Rickie Weeks (ankle) took grounders and thinks he's ahead of schedule … Hiroki Kuroda held the Astros scoreless in seven with six strikeouts and one walk, but it was the Astros … Placido Polanco (sports hernia) thinks he can aid the disabled list after taking some grounders Sunday … Alex Presley and Jose Tabata both played in rehab games for the first time over the weekend … Chris Nelson is getting the starts at third with Ian Stewart out … Logan Morrison has the second-most home runs on the Marlins and yet was demoted; Now he's thinking about a grievance, so don't drop him yet in those deeper leagues … Barry Zito (foot) sprained his ankle and might be sidelined for a little bit … Don Mattingly admitted that Nathan Eovaldi might hit an innings limit before the year is up … Wade LeBlanc allowed three runs in six innings, with six strikeouts, and that start against the Reds probably makes him a great streamer for his next start at home against the Marlins … Jason Marquis had his leg broken by a come-backer, then pitched a little while longer, bunted in an at-bat, pitched some more, hit Josh Thole, and then figured out his leg was broken; He's out for the year … Jordan Lyles gave up seven earned to the Dodgers, though, and the only skill he's showing right now is control … Jordan Schafer (broken finger) took batting practice, but he's not very ownable, even when he comes back and plays daily in center field for the Astros … The Diamondbacks put Xavier Nady on the DL with a fractured hand (he was hit by a pitch Friday) and then they went out and signed Lyle Overbay.

American League Quick Hits: Jose Bautista took Dan Haren deep, so hopeful that'll get him going again … John Danks held the Royals to two runs in six innings Sunday, but he's borderline enough that he could be a sit against the Rangers at home next week … Trevor Cahill held the Rangers to one earned in seven-plus and has been better, by peripherals, then he was last year (amazingly) … Colby Lewis gave up just one run in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking none; he's still a mixed-league matchups or bench play because of his combo of fly ball ways and home park … Phil Hughes gave up two runs in six innings against the Rays Saturday, and the loser of the Yankee pitching battle has still not emerged … Brennan Boesch (thumb) should be back Tuesday … Michael Cuddyer (neck) sat out his third straight game and is still day-to-day … J.D. Drew (shoulder) will keep swinging in cages until Friday … Austin Jackson had three hits on Sunday, but he won't hit much better than .250 with all those strikeouts … Michael Brantley (wrist) missed his fifth straight but now the hope is for Tuesday … Jorge Posada had a grand slam Saturday, just his second home run in thirty games … Hideki Matsui reportedly cleared waivers and could be traded, to his benefit … Brandon Allen had three hits Sundays and should take time away from Conor Jackson against right-handers at least … Surprise, Carlos Guillen has a sore wrist and is on the DL … Will Rhymes and Ryan Raburn will get time there … Brent Lillibridge had two hits (one a home run) and is playable in deep leagues against lefties -- really deep leagues … Zach Britton (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the Orioles next weekend … Trevor Plouffe will get an extended look in Minnesota with Alexic Casilla on the DL but doesn't look like a fantasy option.
 
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Trends: Time to Trust Bailey?
SURGING

Homer Bailey, SP, CIN

Stats: 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 13/4 K/BB ratio in his last three starts (18.0 IP).

Bottom line: Bailey has been neither reliable nor durable this season, but the 25-year-old still showcases electric stuff, and despite his inconsistency, could be gearing up for another strong finish. And I say another because last season from Sept. 1 onward, Bailey had a 3.44 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 41/13 K/BB ratio in 34.0 innings. There's certainly some potential for an ERA and WHIP implosion (Bailey gave up nine earned runs in just four innings on July 28), but if you're playing spot-starter roulette in an attempt to make a move down the stretch, I'd consider Bailey (seven percent owned in Yahoo leagues) one of your top options.

Jose Constanza, OF, ATL

Stats: .382 avg (21-for-55) with two homers, eight RBI, 13 runs and five steals in his first 15 big league games prior to a Monday night matchup with the Giants.

Bottom line: I seriously considered discussing Constanza in last week's column, but decided that I was probably getting carried away as a Braves fan. Now, after scoring two more runs and picking up two more steals on Sunday, the 27-year-old antithesis of a germaphobe has given me no choice but to discuss him as he makes an emphatic bid to be added in more mixed leagues.

With that said, I'm still skeptical about Constanza's long-term fantasy potential. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that he can hit for average (and he definitely has elite speed), but the power is a fluke – he had just seven extra-base hits in 333 at-bats at Triple-A this year, and his most recent homer was a Wait a second, how'd that get out of here? number against the Cubs. I have no argument against adding Constanza while he's swinging well enough to keep Jason Heyward on the bench, but the lofty value he's shown thus far is unsustainable.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Jesus Guzman, 1B, SD

Stats: .348 avg (16-for-46) with a homer, nine RBI and five steals in August prior to a Monday night matchup with the Mets.

Bottom line: After hitting .345 with three homers and 18 RBI last month, Guzman (29 percent owned in Yahoo leagues) has made a run toward must-add status in mixed leagues with a surprise base-stealing binge. It would be somewhat of a shock if he kept stealing bases given that his minor league career-high in steals is nine, but the steals are actually somewhat of a bonus anyway given how well Guzman has been hitting of late.

Casey Kotchman, 1B, TB

Stats: .400 avg (18-for-45) with four homers and eight RBI in his first 12 games of August.

Bottom line: File this under "completely unexpected power outbursts." Kotchman's four homers this month equals his total from his first 92 games combined. And while it's hard to recommend chasing power from a player who last hit double-digit homers back in 2008, it makes things a bit easier when the player in question is hitting .335 on the season. He's still not a must-own player, but after seeing his career take a significant downturn in recent years, Kotchman does have some relevance in mixed leagues right now.

(Note: I've already written about him the past couple of weeks, but I would definitely prioritize the 11 percent Yahoo-owned Mike Carp – hitting .380 with two homers and 15 RBI in August – ahead of Kotchman if he's available.)

Brandon Belt, 1B, SF

Stats: 2-for-4 with two homers on Sunday.

Bottom line: It is true that the trends in this column normally span more than one game, which technically isn't really a trend at all. With that said, Belt gets mentioned here as a prospective add in mixed leagues in the event that Carlos Beltran (hand) goes on the DL. If that happens (and depending on when you read this column, that may have already been decided), Belt could be in line for some regular starts, and some short-term mixed league value.

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

Brandon Allen, 1B/OF, OAK

Stats: 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI on Sunday.

Bottom line: He's still behind Conor Jackson at first base for the time being, but Allen is on my watch list in the event that the A's decide to get logical and give him a look down the stretch. The 25-year-old hit .299 with 21 homers and 72 RBI at Triple-A this year.
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Scouting Lucas Duda; Heyward thoughts
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Jason Grey

Ike Davis' ankle injury and Carlos Beltran's departure have given 25-year-old Lucas Duda a chance at some regular playing time with the Mets, and he has held his own thus far, hitting .276 with a .448 slugging percentage and handling the strike zone well while playing first base and the outfield.


Duda is a strong, 6-foot-4, left-handed hitter who, up until 2010, was known more for his "5 o'clock power," a scouting term for a player who puts on a big show in batting practice but isn't able to carry over that power to the game. A seventh-round pick out of USC in 2007, Duda didn't hit for the kind of power his size and raw strength in college suggested he should, nor did he do so the first three seasons of his pro career, although he did post good on-base percentages. In 2010, Duda had a breakout minor league campaign, cranking out 65 extra-base hits between Double-A and Triple-A and hitting .304 with 23 homers in 425 at-bats. He hit just .202 in 29 big league contests but did have 10 more extra-base knocks, including four homers.

• Jason Heyward owners, especially those in keeper and dynasty leagues, have to be feeling a little nervous about their guy right about now. Where is that superstar outfielder who was supposed to emerge? His swing is messed up, he has been unproductive and he continues to lose playing time to Jose Constanza in the short term.
While I don't think I can offer much solace to those hoping for Heyward contributions this season (although it's certainly possible he could turn things around in the next month and a half), I think I can ease the concerns of those of you who own him in long-term formats.
In my mind, a lot of Heyward's issues this season can be traced back to his shoulder problems; his shoulder reportedly has been an issue for much of the season. When he went on the disabled list in May, I recommended picking him up on the cheap, if he was available. In hindsight, it appears I underestimated just how much that shoulder was affecting him and would continue to do so. By the way, this Stephania Bell blog about Heyward's shoulder injury and how it turned into a bit of a "thing" is a must-read to refresh your memory.
Now, Heyward did go on record last week as saying his shoulder was not the cause of his recent struggles, but I'm not certain that's accurate. While he might not be feeling any pain (or perhaps is reluctant to make any excuses publicly), his swing hasn't been right for quite some time. Shoulder injuries can sap power and mess up swing mechanics as players compensate for discomfort or pain by changing their swing, even if they don't realize they're doing it.
Heyward has, at times, had trouble getting the bat started and has appeared to have problems getting through the ball, things that I think can be traced to his shoulder problems. The result: He's having trouble driving the ball, which is not a good thing for a batter who had a moderate ground ball profile to begin with. Just because Heyward hasn't had to miss any more time due to the problem doesn't mean it's 100 percent healed or isn't an issue in other ways. The hope is an offseason of rest allows the 22-year-old to come back strong in 2012, not only with renewed health but a renewed swing that is more like the one we saw in 2010.
 
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