MLB Fantasy News 2012

HacheMan · May 14, 2012

Ryan Dempster does everything but win

Eric Karabell

Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster enters Monday leading the major leagues with a 1.02 ERA, his WHIP is an outstanding 0.85, and he's fanned 36 hitters in 35 1/3 innings. Still, you somehow won't find his name among the top 40 pitchers on ESPN's Player Rater. OK, how is that possible? Oh yeah, Dempster somehow remains winless on the season.

Blame the Cubs' offense and sketchy relief corps, as Dempster has allowed only six runs in his five starts -- he missed two starts with a disabled list stint for a right quad injury -- but brings a 0-1 record into Monday night's game on ESPN at the St. Louis Cardinals. Tampa Bay Rays right-hander James Shields is 6-1 despite a 3.52 ERA. Tommy Milone of the Oakland Athletics has a 3.92 ERA and is 5-2, and Boston Red Sox enigma Clay Buchholz is 4-1 despite a brutal 8.31 ERA and 1.97 WHIP plus more walks than strikeouts this season. Dempster's ERA is nearly half of Buchholz's WHIP, yet he's the one without a victory.

Sometimes life isn't fair, but fantasy owners shouldn't be leery of owning or trading for Dempster just because his terrific start hasn't been rewarded with wins. If there's anything fantasy owners should know by now, it's that wins aren't predictive. In 2010, Dempster won 15 games despite a pedestrian 3.85 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. The ERA and WHIP didn't hurt fantasy owners too much, but they sure didn't help, either. That's been the rub on Dempster for years even while he was closing games for the Cubs, that the ERA and WHIP just weren't worth it. Well, they are because of his strikeouts.

Last season, the only number Dempster delivered that helped statistically were the 191 strikeouts, as his ERA and WHIP were sky-high. In fact, of the 20 pitchers who registered more whiffs than Dempster in 2011, nobody had a higher ERA or WHIP. Only one other pitcher even had an ERA above 4 (Max Scherzer). Dempster was not a popular fantasy option despite the strikeouts and finished as the No. 115 starting pitcher on the ESPN Player Rater. That's not good. Still, thanks to the strikeouts, Dempster was the No. 62 choice on average in ESPN live drafts this spring, a 22nd-round pick. He is 100 percent owned.

Dempster's current numbers -- other than the unlucky wins total -- actually appear somewhat legitimate, which is why despite his low ERA, it's tough to call him an obvious sell-high choice. The Cubs, on the other hand, aren't playing for a fantasy title in 2012 and really should consider moving an expensive, 35-year-old pitcher (hello, Red Sox!), but that's another matter. For fantasy purposes, of course Dempster's ERA and WHIP will rise; Dempster's ERA and WHIP have steadily done so since 2008, but his strikeout rate has increased in that span. Dempster is thriving in part because of an unsustainable hit rate (a .164 batting average against; last season, Justin Verlander led the bigs at .192) and BABIP (.221), and those figures will normalize, perhaps quite a bit. But even when Dempster allows runs in some form of bunches, the strikeout rate makes him unique. Since the start of the 2008 season, he's 12th in the majors in strikeouts but with an ERA (3.70) that looks nothing like those of the 11 fellows ahead of him (next-worst is Dan Haren with a 3.43 ERA). Still, he's fanned more hitters in those four-plus seasons than Clayton Kershaw, Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Cain and Yovani Gallardo.

The strikeouts are why Dempster has been worth owning the past few seasons and why even when his current numbers regress -- and they unfortunately have a lot of room to do precisely that -- he'll remain an attractive fantasy option. The strikeout rate isn't fluky. Some might argue his walk rate is, though; Dempster has really controlled the free passes with a career-low walk rate of 2.5 per nine innings so far. Dempster is going to keep missing bats, but if he can keep avoiding walks as his hit rate rises -- and Monday's opponent, the Cardinals, are second in the majors in hits and batting average -- we could be looking at a repeat of 2008, when Dempster allowed a .227 batting average against and posted a 2.96 ERA. Dempster won 17 games that season, which seems unlikely with his current crew of Cubbies, but everywhere else he looks like a deserving top-40 starting pitcher, even if the Player Rater doesn't show it.

HacheMan · May 15, 2012

Hamstrung

Matt Kemp’s MLB-leading streak of 399 consecutive games played in came to an end Monday, and it’s not the last one he’s going to miss.

The Dodgers slugger has been placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, an injury that he first suffered a week ago and aggravated on Sunday. Kemp and the Dodgers seem optimistic that he’ll only be sidelined for a couple weeks, but it will just depend on how his recovery goes, as hamstrings can be tricky.

Tony Gwynn Jr. figures to be the Dodgers’ primary center fielder while Kemp is on the shelf. The injury will also open up more playing time for Bobby Abreu, Scott Van Slyke and The Royals entered play Monday with a 4.58 team ERA, good for 12<sup>th</sup> among American League teams and 26<sup>th</sup> overall in baseball. Now, they’ll have to make do without the most talented member of their rotation.

The 23-year-old Duffy had been inconsistent so far this season, posting a 3.90 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through six starts. He struck out a batter per inning, though, and his ability to occasionally touch the upper-90s with his heater was just part of the reason why he was so intriguing. But, assuming he indeed does have the operation, he’ll now miss the rest of season and likely most of the first half of 2013.

The Royals’ options to replace Duffy aren’t very exciting, especially with

Jonathan Sanchez (biceps) also on the disabled list. Currently, the back end of the rotation is filled by Vin Mazzaro and Luis Mendoza. They have some promising arms in the minors, but Jeff Niemann had been on quite a roll for the Rays, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.16 WHIP while striking out 30 over 33 2/3 innings through his first six starts of the season. Unfortunately, he won’t be making another start anytime soon.

Niemann took an Adam Lind comebacker off the lower right leg Monday, suffering a small fracture of his fibula. The tall right-hander is expected to be sidelined for at least 4-6 weeks, and manager Joe Maddon made it sound like it will probably be on the longer end of the projection.

The Rays haven’t decided who will replace Niemann in the rotation. They could move Wade Davis in from the bullpen. Davis has posted a tidy 2.04 ERA and 1.19 WHIP out of the pen, but he made 29 starts in each of the previous two seasons for Tampa. If they decide that they like Davis where he’s at, With the Yankees nursing an 8-5 lead over the Orioles Monday, we figured we would see David Robertson warming up in the top of the ninth inning in preparation for his third save chance since taking over for the great Instead, it was National League Quick Hits: Troy Tulowitzki left Monday's game with a left leg injury that was the result of him being hit with a foul ball while waiting for his turn to bat. He initially stayed in the game and even legged out an infield single but was then removed. The early word is that he should be OK, but we'll know more later Tuesday ... Bryce Harper launched the first homer of his career in Monday’s win over the Padres. He's now hitting just .232/.313/.393 and probably won’t be a great mixed league option this season, but obviously there’s a ton of upside … Stephen Drew (ankle) could begin a minor league rehab assignment Sunday … Juan Uribe was placed on the DL Monday with recurring left wrist soreness. Adam Kennedy and Elian Herrera figure to see the bulk of the time at third base while Uribe is out … Freddy Sanchez will undergo an MRI on his lower back. He’s still not totally over his shoulder injury and should be considered out indefinitely … Jason Bay (rib) has been cleared to resume baseball activities and is hoping to be back before the end of the month … Carlos Beltran was scratched from Monday’s game after feeling some soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. He was able to pinch-hit, though, and says he isn’t worried … Henry Rodriguez was pulled from a save opportunity Monday after walking the bases loaded. Nats manager Davey Johnson had expressed confidence in the hard-throwing righty, but after a couple blown saves and a near-disaster in the last week, he might change his mind … Sandy Leon’s major league debut Monday didn’t even last four innings, as he suffered a high-ankle sprain that will land him on the 60-day DL.

American League Quick Hits: Desmond Jennings has finally landed on the DL with a left knee sprain. The Rays waited a week for him to get better but decided not to wait any longer … Torii Hunter has been placed on the restricted list after leaving the team following the arrest of his son for alleged sexual assault. It’s not clear at this point how long he’ll be away from the team … Ivan Nova was diagnosed with a contusion and sprain of his right foot and ankle after being hit with a liner Monday. He initially stayed in the game, though, and he could make his next start … Addison Reed closed out the White Sox’ win Monday, following Hector Santiago and Matt Thornton. Manager Robin Ventura has mentioned using a committee of the three relievers in the closer gig, but we’d bet on Reed over the long haul … Jon Lester spun a gem Monday, notching his first nine-inning complete game since June of 2010 … Jonathan Broxton converted his seventh straight save chance Monday and has allowed just one run over his last 11 appearances … Daniel Schlereth experienced a setback recently and will have his shoulder checked out … Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder) is not expected back when eligible on June 13. He’s yet to resume baseball-related activities … Justin Morneau (wrist) took 30-40 swings Monday in batting practice. He's eligible to return from the disabled list on Wednesday, though it's unclear if he’ll be activated at that time.

HacheMan · May 15, 2012

Young prospect evaluation

One of the most important factors in evaluating prospects is age. A 19-year-old finding some success in Double-A is typically much more promising than a 25-year-old dominating Triple-A. It’s a notion that every scout I’ve discussed prospects with weighs heavily.Bryce Harper’s MLB promotion last month left Triple-A with zero teenagers. Of the 90 teenagers playing in full-season leagues as of May 1, only 11 were in High-A (7) or Double-A (4).Utilizing data from Minor League Central, I’ve combed through the minors to put together an all-teenager prospect team. Many of the players on it are ones I’ve scouted in person or studied on film. I also put weight into how each player is performing this season as well as long-term defensive value.Part one of a two-part series, this article profiles teenage hitters who are playing in full-season minor leagues. The second part of the series will profile the minor’s top teenage pitchers.

Catcher
Austin Hedges, SD, Low-AAge: 19.7Very polished behind the plate and physically mature, Hedges is hitting for power, making regular contact and showing patience in the Midwest League. It’s rare to see high schoolers arrive in pro ball with such a well-rounded skillset. A case could be made that Hedges is already the best catching prospect in baseball, particularly among the players who are likely to stick behind the plate.

Honorable Mentions: Gary Sanchez (NYY, 19.4, Low-A), Gabriel Lino (BAL, 19.0, Low-A) and Jorge Alfaro (TEX, 18.9, Low-A).
First Base
Teenage first baseman isn’t a very good prospect profile. The amount of offensive output required at the position makes it almost unfair to call out any teenagers. Miguel Sano (MIN, 19.0), who I have listed at third base, may hit enough to move to first base and remain an elite prospect.

Second Base
Rougned Odor, TEX, Low-A
Age: 18.2

Similar to first base, second base isn’t a great present position to find future big leaguers. But as the youngest player in the minors, Odor certainly deserves mention. He’s hitting for an exceptional amount of power given his age and size (5-foot-11, 170 pounds). Odor could enter 2013 as a consensus top 100 prospect if he keeps up his offensive pace in the South Atlantic League.

Honorable Mentions: None

Shortstop
I’ve written up four shortstops below, as it’s a position where many athletic teenagers play and it’s loaded right now. Each player below would be among the game’s top second base and/or third base prospects if he was moved off short.

Jurickson Profar, TEX, Double-A
Age: 19.2

At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Profar isn’t built like a potential superstar, but he’s hitting for a ridiculous amount of power. His bat speed and arm are elite. And his outstanding makeup was surely a factor in the Rangers’ decision to skip him over High-A entirely. Last off-season was too early to talk about what Texas will do with Andrus and Profar. Next off-season won’t be.

Manny Machado, BAL, Double-A
Age: 19.8

Similar to Profar, Machado is making a smooth transition to Double-A in just his second full season, an amazing accomplishment. Machado passes the eye test as a potential shortstop with power. There’s a non-zero chance that he moves to third base long-term but he’s a better bet than most prospects his size to remain at the short.

Xander Bogaerts, BOS, High-A
Age: 19.6

One of the biggest knocks on Bogaerts last off-season was his strikeout rate. He’s made huge strides in that area this season but his power numbers have also taken a big hit. That said, he’s one of six teenage hitters in High-A and the only one who’s finding success at the plate. Bogaerts is the least likely of the four shortstops on this list to remain at the position. He has enough bat to perhaps be an all-star third baseman someday.

Francisco Lindor, CLE, Low-A
Age: 18.5

Lindor doesn’t have a weakness, though he doesn’t have as much offensive upside as Profar, Machado or Bogaerts. He’s a solid bet to stick at shortstop, hit for above-average power for the position and reach base regularly.

Honorable Mention: Alen Hanson (PIT, 19.6, Low-A)

Third Base
Trevor Story, COL, Low-A
Age: 19.5

One of the main reasons I have Story over Sano here is because Story, who’s primarily playing shortstop right now, is a much better bet to stick at third than Sano. Story brings a well-rounded skillset, mature, projectable frame and advanced feel for the game. I haven’t seen many teenagers who identify pitches as well as he does. His power and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect to follow.

Honorable Mentions: Miguel Sano(MIN, 19.0, Low-A), Cheslor Cuthbert(KC, 19.5, High-A), Hanser Alberto (TEX, 19.6, Low-A)
Center Field
Luigi Rodriguez, CLE, Low-AAge: 19.5Center field typically has some athletic prospects who don’t have the hands for the infield. It’s relatively weak right now, though. Rodriguez split 2011 between rookie ball and Low-A. He’s striking out less and hitting for more power in his second time facing Low-A competition.

Honorable Mentions: None

Corner Outfield
Oscar Taveras, STL, Double-AAge: 19.9One of the hardest-swinging prospects I’ve ever seen, Taveras makes an amazing amount of contact and hits for a ton of power. He’s primarily playing center field in the minors now -- with some right field -- but he’ll likely end up in a corner. Like Profar, he made the jump from Low-A in 2011 to Double-A in 2012. Taveras also played in the Arizona Fall League last year. He could be in the big leagues at some point this season.Jorge Bonifacio, KC, Low-AAge: 18.9Built quite dissimilarly from his older brother Emilio, Jorge has potential above-average power and an outstanding arm. He currently expands the zone a bit too much, leading to strikeouts and some weak fly outs. But he squares up on the ball regularly, generates a lot of leverage and has elite bat speed. Bonifacio holds his own in right field but he may slow down as he continues to mature.

Honorable Mentions: None

HacheMan · May 15, 2012

Mid-May re-ranks: Top 250

By Fantasy Staff | ESPN.com

The time to be patient is over. With roughly one-fifth of the season already in the books, your job as a fantasy owner is to re-evaluate everything you thought you knew and to react accordingly. How much do you weigh Josh Hamilton's injury risk versus a potential Triple Crown performance? How likely is it that Albert Pujols is pulling an Adam Dunn? How worried are you about Matt Kemp's hamstring? Is Lance Lynn really this good, and Ubaldo Jimenez really this bad?

With that in mind, we asked seven of the original fantasy baseball preseason rankings voters to recast their ballots. Each one was asked to rank their top 250 players for an ESPN standard 10-team rotisserie league for the rest of the season. That means that stats accrued to this point do not count (sorry, Josh Hamilton!). For rankings of how players have performed to date, check out Player Rater. For our thoughts on how the rest of the season will play out, the results are below.

The rankers: Fantasy analysts Matthew Berry (MB), Eric Karabell (EK), Tristan H. Cockcroft (TC) and AJ Mass (AJM), fantasy editor Brendan Roberts (BR), and the Answer Guys' Dave Hunter (DH) and Shawn Cwalinski (SC). Overall rank and preseason rank (in parentheses, as of April 4) appear on the left. Positional eligibility is determined by ESPN standard game rules.

2012 Fantasy Baseball Mid-May Top 250

Filter By Position: Top 250 | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | DH | SP | RP
To sort by column, click on header.
<table><thead><tr><th class="header headerSortDown"> Rank, Player, Team, Positions </th><th class="header"> MB </th><th class="header"> EK </th><th class="header"> BR </th><th class="header"> TC </th><th class="header"> AM </th><th class="header"> DH </th><th class="header"> SC </th><th class="header"> AVG </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last even"><td> 1. (4) Ryan Braun, Mil, OF </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 2. (1) Miguel Cabrera, Det, 3B, 1B </td><td> 3 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 3. (16) Carlos Gonzalez, Col, OF </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 4. (10) Joey Votto, Cin, 1B </td><td> 5 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 5.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 5. (6) Troy Tulowitzki, Col, SS </td><td> 6 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 8.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 6. (40) Josh Hamilton, Tex, OF </td><td> 1 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 9.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 7. (5) Jose Bautista, Tor, 3B, OF </td><td> 9 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 9.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 8. (7) Robinson Cano, NYY, 2B </td><td> 11 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 9.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 9. (15) Dustin Pedroia, Bos, 2B </td><td> 14 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 9.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 10. (19) Ian Kinsler, Tex, 2B </td><td> 13 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 10.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 11. (2) Albert Pujols, LAA, 1B </td><td> 7 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 12.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 12. (17) Justin Verlander, Det, SP </td><td> 17 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 13.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 13. (3) Matt Kemp, LAD, OF </td><td> 22 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 13.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 14. (23) Curtis Granderson, NYY, OF </td><td> 18 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 14.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 15. (14) Adrian Gonzalez, Bos, 1B </td><td> 10 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 14.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 16. (20) Clayton Kershaw, LAD, SP </td><td> 19 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 18.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 17. (12) Roy Halladay, Phi, SP </td><td> 30 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 18.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 18. (13) Hanley Ramirez, Mia, SS, 3B </td><td> 36 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 18.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 19. (9) Justin Upton, Ari, OF </td><td> 8 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 19.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 20. (29) David Wright, NYM, 3B </td><td> 15 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 20.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 21. (31) Jered Weaver, LAA, SP </td><td> 23 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 20.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 22. (26) Andrew McCutchen, Pit, OF </td><td> 21 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 21.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 23. (18) Prince Fielder, Det, 1B </td><td> 25 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 22.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 24. (27) Adrian Beltre, Tex, 3B </td><td> 12 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 22.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 25. (28) Felix Hernandez, Sea, SP </td><td> 31 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 24.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 26. (38) Jay Bruce, Cin, OF </td><td> 28 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 25.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 27. (25) Giancarlo Stanton, Mia, OF </td><td> 20 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 26.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 28. (21) Jose Reyes, Mia, SS </td><td> 16 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 26.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 29. (35) Michael Bourn, Atl, OF </td><td> 27 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 29.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 30. (30) Matt Holliday, StL, OF </td><td> 26 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 31.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 31. (39) Cole Hamels, Phi, SP </td><td> 42 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 32.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 32. (22) Cliff Lee, Phi, SP </td><td> 32 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 32.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 33. (36) Paul Konerko, CWS, 1B </td><td> 24 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 33.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 34. (57) Starlin Castro, ChC, SS </td><td> 38 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 35.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 35. (76) Adam Jones, Bal, OF </td><td> 33 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 36.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 36. (24) Mark Teixeira, NYY, 1B </td><td> 48 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 39.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 37. (37) Hunter Pence, Phi, OF </td><td> 41 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 39.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 38. (43) CC Sabathia, NYY, SP </td><td> 43 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 39.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 39. (42) Dan Uggla, Atl, 2B </td><td> 29 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 40.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 40. (48) Zack Greinke, Mil, SP </td><td> 34 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 40.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 41. (66) David Ortiz, Bos, DH </td><td> 40 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 42.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 42. (74) Stephen Strasburg, Was, SP </td><td> 35 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 42.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 43. (60) Elvis Andrus, Tex, SS </td><td> 37 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 43.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 44. (55) Shane Victorino, Phi, OF </td><td> 39 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 44.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 45. (53) David Price, TB, SP </td><td> 49 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 45.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 46. (61) Matt Cain, SF, SP </td><td> 53 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 46.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 47. (110) Carlos Beltran, StL, OF </td><td> 44 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 48.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 48. (46) Brett Lawrie, Tor, 3B </td><td> 45 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 49.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 49. (44) Nelson Cruz, Tex, OF </td><td> 47 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 52.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 50. (68) C.J. Wilson, LAA, SP </td><td> 60 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 55.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 51. (64) James Shields, TB, SP </td><td> 50 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 56.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 52. (77) Madison Bumgarner, SF, SP </td><td> 54 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 57.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 53. (52) Carlos Santana, Cle, C, 1B </td><td> 68 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 57.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 54. (47) Mike Napoli, Tex, C, 1B </td><td> 57 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 57.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 55. (41) Dan Haren, LAA, SP </td><td> 51 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 58.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 56. (67) Alex Rodriguez, NYY, 3B </td><td> 73 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 58.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 57. (32) Tim Lincecum, SF, SP </td><td> 52 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 59.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 58. (82) Matt Wieters, Bal, C </td><td> 58 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 59.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 59. (54) Brandon Phillips, Cin, 2B </td><td> 56 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 60.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 60. (51) Ben Zobrist, TB, 2B, OF </td><td> 46 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 61.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 61. (62) Craig Kimbrel, Atl, RP </td><td> 75 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 62.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 62. (45) Eric Hosmer, KC, 1B </td><td> 59 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 62.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 63. (34) Ryan Zimmerman, Was, 3B </td><td> 79 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 63.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 64. (50) Alex Gordon, KC, OF </td><td> 62 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 63.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 65. (98) Billy Butler, KC, DH </td><td> 66 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 66.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 66. (63) Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle, SS </td><td> 69 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 68.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 67. (93) Michael Young, Tex, 1B, 3B </td><td> 76 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 69.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 68. (69) Brian McCann, Atl, C </td><td> 84 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 70.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 69. (90) Michael Cuddyer, Col, 1B, OF </td><td> 80 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 70.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 70. (104) Jason Heyward, Atl, OF </td><td> 74 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 74.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 71. (108) Derek Jeter, NYY, SS </td><td> 78 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 75.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 72. (115) Freddie Freeman, Atl, 1B </td><td> 63 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 75.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 73. (49) Jimmy Rollins, Phi, SS </td><td> 61 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 76.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 74. (135) Andre Ethier, LAD, OF </td><td> 91 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 76.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 75. (96) Corey Hart, Mil, OF </td><td> 71 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 78.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 76. (56) Jon Lester, Bos, SP </td><td> 67 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 79.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 77. (97) Matt Garza, ChC, SP </td><td> 82 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 80.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 78. (71) Ian Kennedy, Ari, SP </td><td> 81 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 81.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 79. (78) B.J. Upton, TB, OF </td><td> 70 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 82.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 80. (79) Ricky Romero, Tor, SP </td><td> 88 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 83.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 81. (11) Evan Longoria, TB, 3B </td><td> 77 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 83.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 82. (128) Gio Gonzalez, Was, SP </td><td> 86 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 84.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 83. (120) Yu Darvish, Tex, SP </td><td> 87 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 85.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 84. (86) Jonathan Papelbon, Phi, RP </td><td> 113 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 86.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 85. (118) Brandon Beachy, Atl, SP </td><td> 65 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 86.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 86. (33) Pablo Sandoval, SF, 3B </td><td> 55 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 86.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 87. (65) Yovani Gallardo, Mil, SP </td><td> 100 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 87.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 88. (87) Ichiro Suzuki, Sea, OF </td><td> 83 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 89.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 89. (198) Edwin Encarnacion, Tor, 3B, 1B </td><td> 64 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 90.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 90. (105) Jordan Zimmermann, Was, SP </td><td> 106 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 90.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 91. (123) Buster Posey, SF, C </td><td> 108 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 92.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 92. (113) Howard Kendrick, LAA, 2B, OF </td><td> 99 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 92.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 93. (147) Johnny Cueto, Cin, SP </td><td> 109 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 94.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 94. (75) Shin-Soo Choo, Cle, OF </td><td> 119 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 95.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 95. (102) Chris Young, Ari, OF </td><td> 96 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 97.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 96. (59) Lance Berkman, StL, 1B, OF </td><td> 85 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 98.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 97. (133) Anibal Sanchez, Mia, SP </td><td> 89 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 102.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 98. (58) Aramis Ramirez, Mil, 3B </td><td> 111 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 103.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 99. (99) Desmond Jennings, TB, OF </td><td> 101 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 103.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 100. (106) J.J. Hardy, Bal, SS </td><td> 131 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 107.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 101. (146) Nick Swisher, NYY, OF </td><td> 95 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 108.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 102. (111) Tommy Hanson, Atl, SP </td><td> 105 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 108.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 103. (92) Mat Latos, Cin, SP </td><td> 122 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 108.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 104. (107) Drew Stubbs, Cin, OF </td><td> 121 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 110.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 105. (94) Adam Wainwright, StL, SP </td><td> 93 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 110.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 106. (127) Joe Mauer, Min, C </td><td> 137 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 110.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 107. (91) John Axford, Mil, RP </td><td> 125 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 111.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 108. (8) Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos, OF </td><td> 94 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 113.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 109. (166) Jason Kipnis, Cle, 2B </td><td> 117 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 114.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 110. (89) Jeremy Hellickson, TB, SP </td><td> 162 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 114.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 111. (188) David Freese, StL, 3B </td><td> 110 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 115.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 112. (177) Josh Willingham, Min, OF </td><td> 107 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 116.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 113. (81) Rickie Weeks, Mil, 2B </td><td> 97 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 119.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 114. (281) Jake Peavy, CWS, SP </td><td> 124 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 220 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 120.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 115. (117) Shaun Marcum, Mil, SP </td><td> 90 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 121.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 116. (206) Emilio Bonifacio, Mia, SS, 3B, OF </td><td> 72 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 122.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 117. (211) Adam Dunn, CWS, 1B </td><td> 102 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 122.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 118. (109) Rafael Betancourt, Col, RP </td><td> 165 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 122.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 119. (112) Miguel Montero, Ari, C </td><td> 127 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 123.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 120. (132) Jason Motte, StL, RP </td><td> 140 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 123.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 121. (114) Joel Hanrahan, Pit, RP </td><td> 128 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 124.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 122. (138) Cameron Maybin, SD, OF </td><td> 133 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 127.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 123. (145) Melky Cabrera, SF, OF </td><td> 92 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 219 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 127.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 124. (140) Nick Markakis, Bal, OF </td><td> 135 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 127.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 125. (83) Michael Morse, Was, 1B, OF </td><td> 118 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 128.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 126. (88) Brett Gardner, NYY, OF </td><td> 130 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 128.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 127. (95) Kevin Youkilis, Bos, 3B </td><td> 98 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 128.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 128. (228) Kenley Jansen, LAD, RP </td><td> 114 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 129.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 129. (163) Brandon Morrow, Tor, SP </td><td> 148 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 132.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 130. (129) Dee Gordon, LAD, SS </td><td> 116 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 203 </td><td> 133.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 131. (116) Alex Avila, Det, C </td><td> 129 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 133.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 132. (85) Alexei Ramirez, CWS, SS </td><td> 103 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 135.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 133. (160) Wandy Rodriguez, Hou, SP </td><td> 139 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 136.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 134. (73) Matt Moore, TB, SP </td><td> 138 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 137.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 135. (167) Kelly Johnson, Tor, 2B </td><td> 141 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 137.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 136. (201) Matt Joyce, TB, OF </td><td> 152 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 138.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 137. (84) Daniel Hudson, Ari, SP </td><td> 104 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 140.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 138. (179) Yadier Molina, StL, C </td><td> 166 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 141.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 139. (601) Lance Lynn, StL, RP </td><td> 149 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 141.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 140. (103) Josh Beckett, Bos, SP </td><td> 126 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 141.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 141. (181) Jesus Montero, Sea, C </td><td> 136 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 143.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 142. (161) Martin Prado, Atl, 3B, OF </td><td> 194 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 147.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 143. (136) Neftali Feliz, Tex, RP </td><td> 144 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 147.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 144. (121) Jose Valverde, Det, RP </td><td> 161 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 121 </td><td> NR </td><td> 121 </td><td> 149.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 145. (165) Colby Lewis, Tex, SP </td><td> 187 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 150.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 146. (137) J.J. Putz, Ari, RP </td><td> 163 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 153.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 147. (253) Austin Jackson, Det, OF </td><td> 134 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 153.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 148. (158) Ted Lilly, LAD, SP </td><td> 189 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 153.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 149. (130) Max Scherzer, Det, SP </td><td> 132 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 154.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 150. (186) Carlos Pena, TB, 1B </td><td> 183 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 156.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 151. (232) Jose Altuve, Hou, 2B </td><td> 153 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 157.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 152. (124) Josh Johnson, Mia, SP </td><td> 123 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 159.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 153. (170) Angel Pagan, SF, OF </td><td> 171 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 161.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 154. (122) Jhonny Peralta, Det, SS </td><td> 115 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 157 </td><td> NR </td><td> 133 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 162.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 155. (149) Logan Morrison, Mia, OF </td><td> 146 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 163.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 156. (153) Tim Hudson, Atl, SP </td><td> 112 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 164.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 157. (171) Brandon McCarthy, Oak, SP </td><td> 169 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 164.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 158. (298) Rafael Furcal, StL, SS </td><td> 159 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 165.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 159. (150) Jaime Garcia, StL, SP </td><td> 145 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 165.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 160. (550) Bryan LaHair, ChC, 1B, OF </td><td> 215 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 166.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 161. (185) Brandon League, Sea, RP </td><td> 151 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 169.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 162. (151) Carlos Lee, Hou, 1B, OF </td><td> 192 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 169.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 163. (197) Ryan Dempster, ChC, SP </td><td> 181 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 169.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 164. (755) Fernando Rodney, TB, RP </td><td> 160 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 171.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 165. (143) Neil Walker, Pit, 2B </td><td> 188 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 172.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 166. (142) Hiroki Kuroda, NYY, SP </td><td> 186 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 172.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 167. (119) Chase Utley, Phi, 2B </td><td> 210 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 172.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 168. (139) Doug Fister, Det, SP </td><td> 185 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 174.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 169. (312) Johan Santana, NYM, SP </td><td> 176 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 174.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 170. (195) Joe Nathan, Tex, RP </td><td> 223 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 175.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 171. (183) Mike Moustakas, KC, 3B </td><td> 173 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 178.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 172. (141) Torii Hunter, LAA, OF </td><td> 143 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 167 </td><td> NR </td><td> 143 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 179.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 173. (268) Chris Davis, Bal, 3B, 1B </td><td> 157 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 179.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 174. (414) Mike Trout, LAA, OF </td><td> 191 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 179.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 175. (209) Chase Headley, SD, 3B </td><td> 209 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 179.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 176. (237) Jim Johnson, Bal, RP </td><td> 154 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 181.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 177. (245) Vance Worley, Phi, SP </td><td> 174 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 182.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 178. (164) Dustin Ackley, Sea, 2B </td><td> 195 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 182.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 179. (187) Gavin Floyd, CWS, SP </td><td> 225 </td><td> 218 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 183.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 180. (155) Ervin Santana, LAA, SP </td><td> 147 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 231 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 183.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 181. (216) Yoenis Cespedes, Oak, OF </td><td> 201 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 234 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 187.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 182. (193) Jason Kubel, Ari, OF </td><td> 198 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 210 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 190.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 183. (125) Erick Aybar, LAA, SS </td><td> 167 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 190.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 184. (221) Mark Trumbo, LAA, 1B </td><td> 150 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 190.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 185. (238) Omar Infante, Mia, 2B </td><td> 224 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 180 </td><td> NR </td><td> 136 </td><td> 191.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 186. (70) Carl Crawford, Bos, OF </td><td> 120 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 219 </td><td> 249 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 192.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 187. (204) Aaron Hill, Ari, 2B </td><td> 247 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 193.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 188. (210) Brett Myers, Hou, SP </td><td> 250 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 193.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 189. (294) Alejandro De Aza, CWS, OF </td><td> 213 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 193.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 190. (131) Adam Lind, Tor, 1B </td><td> 168 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 204 </td><td> NR </td><td> 154 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 194.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 191. (233) Chris Perez, Cle, RP </td><td> 220 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 195.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 192. (100) Ubaldo Jimenez, Cle, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 179 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 108 </td><td> NR </td><td> 196.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 193. (457) Bryce Harper, WAS, OF </td><td> NR </td><td> 142 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 197.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 194. (169) Chris Sale, CWS, RP </td><td> 229 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 197.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 195. (156) Gaby Sanchez, Mia, 1B </td><td> 193 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 218 </td><td> NR </td><td> 192 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 198.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 196. (230) Ian Desmond, Was, SS </td><td> 214 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 210 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 200.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 197. (405) Josh Reddick, Oak, OF </td><td> 170 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 226 </td><td> NR </td><td> 178 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 200.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 198. (297) Mike Aviles, Bos, 2B, 3B, SS </td><td> 172 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 237 </td><td> NR </td><td> 169 </td><td> 202.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 199. (319) Adam LaRoche, Was, 1B </td><td> 237 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 204.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 200. (205) Lucas Duda, NYM, 1B, OF </td><td> 206 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 193 </td><td> NR </td><td> 164 </td><td> 204.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 201. (217) Chad Billingsley, LAD, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 220 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 222 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 204.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 202. (239) Derek Holland, Tex, SP </td><td> 197 </td><td> 237 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 205.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 203. (235) Sean Marshall, Cin, RP </td><td> 234 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 165 </td><td> NR </td><td> 228 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 205.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 204. (192) Bud Norris, Hou, SP </td><td> 222 </td><td> 238 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 243 </td><td> 205.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 205. (352) Kyle Lohse, StL, SP </td><td> 184 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 139 </td><td> NR </td><td> 152 </td><td> 206.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 206. (191) Alex Rios, CWS, OF </td><td> 246 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 206.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 207. (260) Allen Craig, StL, OF </td><td> 156 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 207.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 208. (199) Matt Capps, Min, RP </td><td> 232 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 207.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 209. (172) Jeff Francoeur, KC, OF </td><td> 228 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 186 </td><td> NR </td><td> 205 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 208.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 210. (162) Marco Scutaro, Col, SS, 2B </td><td> 202 </td><td> 222 </td><td> 232 </td><td> NR </td><td> 158 </td><td> 220 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 208.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 211. (196) Jemile Weeks, Oak, 2B </td><td> 200 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> 163 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 208.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 212. (244) Kendrys Morales, LAA, 1B </td><td> 182 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 242 </td><td> 239 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 248 </td><td> 210.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 213. (315) David Robertson, NYY, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 187 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 137 </td><td> NR </td><td> 245 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 210.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 214. (219) Edwin Jackson, Was, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 247 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 203 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 210.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 215. (241) Jonathan Broxton, KC, RP </td><td> 248 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 180 </td><td> NR </td><td> 168 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 212.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 216. (168) Huston Street, SD, RP </td><td> 233 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 218 </td><td> 244 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 215.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 217. (134) Coco Crisp, Oak, OF </td><td> 142 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 205 </td><td> NR </td><td> 213 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 215.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 218. (212) Ricky Nolasco, Mia, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 229 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 215.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 219. (306) Jed Lowrie, Hou, SS, 3B </td><td> 216 </td><td> 175 </td><td> NR </td><td> 176 </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> 184 </td><td> 215.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 220. (464) Jeff Samardzija, ChC, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 198 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 215.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 221. (182) Danny Espinosa, Was, 2B </td><td> 196 </td><td> 231 </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 185 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 216.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 222. (317) Carlos Zambrano, Mia, SP </td><td> 178 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 221 </td><td> NR </td><td> 193 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 216.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 223. (437) Luke Scott, TB, OF </td><td> 190 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 245 </td><td> NR </td><td> 202 </td><td> 216.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 224. (605) Santiago Casilla, SF, RP </td><td> 164 </td><td> 214 </td><td> NR </td><td> 155 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> 218.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 225. (254) Aroldis Chapman, Cin, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 232 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 221.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 226. (194) Yunel Escobar, Tor, SS </td><td> 231 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 227 </td><td> NR </td><td> 181 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 221.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 227. (231) Daniel Murphy, NYM, 2B, 3B, 1B </td><td> NR </td><td> 202 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 223.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 228. (329) Erik Bedard, Pit, SP </td><td> 177 </td><td> NR </td><td> 209 </td><td> 234 </td><td> NR </td><td> 182 </td><td> NR </td><td> 226.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 229. (514) Jordan Schafer, Hou, OF </td><td> 199 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 164 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 210 </td><td> 226.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 230. (392) Raul Ibanez, NYY, OF </td><td> 180 </td><td> 232 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 207 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 222 </td><td> 226.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 231. (227) Chipper Jones, Atl, 3B </td><td> NR </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 232 </td><td> 196 </td><td> NR </td><td> 177 </td><td> 226.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 232. (189) Mike Minor, Atl, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 236 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 230 </td><td> NR </td><td> 230.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 233. (190) Ryan Howard, Phi, 1B </td><td> 245 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 237 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 170 </td><td> 237 </td><td> 230.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 234. (175) Paul Goldschmidt, Ari, 1B </td><td> 230 </td><td> 243 </td><td> 230 </td><td> NR </td><td> 175 </td><td> 229 </td><td> NR </td><td> 232.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 235. (152) Mark Reynolds, Bal, 3B, 1B </td><td> 211 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 206 </td><td> NR </td><td> 221 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 234.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 236. (248) Delmon Young, Det, OF </td><td> 155 </td><td> NR </td><td> 239 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 227 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 234.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 237. (202) Ike Davis, NYM, 1B </td><td> NR </td><td> 192 </td><td> 238 </td><td> 220 </td><td> NR </td><td> 231 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 234.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 238. (267) Justin Morneau, Min, 1B </td><td> 158 </td><td> NR </td><td> 185 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 234.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 239. (255) Alcides Escobar, KC, SS </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 196 </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> NR </td><td> 191 </td><td> 235.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 240. (144) Heath Bell, Mia, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 210 </td><td> NR </td><td> 201 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 241 </td><td> NR </td><td> 235.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 241. (339) Pedro Alvarez, Pit, 3B </td><td> 203 </td><td> 233 </td><td> NR </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> 235.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 242. (502) Drew Smyly, Det, SP </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 238 </td><td> NR </td><td> 184 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 236.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 243. (270) Addison Reed, CWS, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 234 </td><td> NR </td><td> 167 </td><td> NR </td><td> 234 </td><td> 244 </td><td> 237.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 244. (512) Henry Rodriguez, Was, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 241 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 172 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 224 </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 245. (258) J.D. Martinez, Hou, OF </td><td> 175 </td><td> 250 </td><td> NR </td><td> 229 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 233 </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 246. (200) Colby Rasmus, Tor, OF </td><td> NR </td><td> 239 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 187 </td><td> 201 </td><td> NR </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 247. (482) Rafael Soriano, NYY, RP </td><td> 249 </td><td> NR </td><td> 243 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 249 </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 238.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 248. (246) Alfredo Aceves, Bos, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 215 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 239 </td><td> 238.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 249. (310) Bartolo Colon, Oak, SP </td><td> 218 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 158 </td><td> NR </td><td> 239.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 250. (395) Travis Hafner, Cle, DH </td><td> NR </td><td> 217 </td><td> 222 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 201 </td><td> 240.0</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · May 15, 2012

Comparing mid-May pitching ranks

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Everyone has an opinion, and perhaps in no other facet of fantasy baseball does that opinion come out more strongly than in the exercise we call rankings.

Rankings are a favorite exercise of mine; loyal readers of 60 Feet, 6 Inches -- as well as Hit Parade and Relief Efforts later in the week -- know they can always find my weekly rankings in those three spaces. These rankings change every day; there's so much more philosophy behind them than can possibly be fully explained in this space; and, in essence, they represent merely one man's opinion.

Well, except this week.

This is the week that we, as an ESPN Fantasy team, collaborate on our updated, year-to-end top 250 rankings. Those rankings can be found here, and are sortable by individual ranker (if you desire). Our group efforts give you an even greater sense of the worth of individual players, as well as illustrate relative value amongst different positions -- like, say, a third baseman versus a closer.

Those rankings also show me the many ways that my rankings are wrong.

Or … is that, I show the others all the ways in which they are wrong?

Ah, the fun of rankings debate.

I always say, no two sets of rankings are identical, and it's the differences of opinion that warrant the most discussion. That's where value lies; you can't sneak an extra little piece from your counterpart in a trade if you completely agree on a player's worth. And as I look at our group's rankings, here's where my opinion differs the most from the rest. I suppose this means that I regard these players buy-low or sell-high candidates, or they simply could be players I would or would not invest in comparative to others. Or, maybe, it just means someone here is crazy.

Is it me? That's for you to decide.

I like them more

Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers: I believe, but I've also believed for a very long time, and I mean well before he signed his deal with the Rangers. Darvish has been a special talent for quite some time -- he never, ever had a season of a 2.00 ERA or higher in five years in Japan, four times had 200-plus strikeouts and once had a WHIP of 1.00 or higher -- and so far, he looks as good as any pitcher in this game beneath only the elite class of Cy Young candidates (think Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez …). I said in the preseason that I feared Darvish would be a hot starter who cooled later in the year, as the high Texas temperatures and a lengthier U.S. season wore him down. That might well happen, but then, at the same time, he looks like a pitcher who is still working on improving his command, meaning he might yet get better in the coming weeks. Darvish ranks in the top five in baseball in two key categories: strikeouts (51, fourth) and swing and misses (89, eighth). He has faced three challenging matchups -- at Detroit, versus New York Yankees, at Toronto -- and excelled in them: 21 2/3 innings, 2 earned runs, 24 K's. And as he whittles down his arsenal to which pitches he finds most effective, leaning increasingly on those, he might yet bring his 4.87 walks-per-nine-innings ratio, his most troubling stat of the bunch, closer to his 1.94 career number in Japan. It is time to buy, not sell, Darvish.

Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays: He has been discussed so often in this space that maybe it should earn him a space in the title, but apparently I'm the only one moved by his career-best 2.73 walks-per-nine ratio to date, which is a good three-quarters of a walk lower than his 2011 number (3.46). Morrow's schedule has been light, yes, but when a pitcher who had xFIPs in the 3.50 range in each of the past two seasons -- hinting at his ERA and WHIP being misleading -- begins polishing his command to the extent that he has, his ERA/WHIP is bound to follow. Morrow's xFIP this season is 3.70, well within range, and he has even whiffed 34 batters compared to eight walks in his past four turns. There's something here.

Vance Worley, Philadelphia Phillies: I've been a Worley fan for quite some time, arguing this preseason that the "regression" case for him was overstated. My case is tied to one number in particular: He has 104 K's in 99 2/3 innings since last Aug. 1, thanks entirely to the strength of his cutter (to handle lefties) and slider (to put hitters away). Talk about Worley's 16 percent career swing-and-miss rate all you want; his slider has limited opponents to .238 AVG/.253 OBP/.363 SLG and a 23 percent miss rate in his career, making it a bona fide out pitch that he throws 26 percent of the time with two strikes. Simply put, he has the stuff to strike out hitters, and if he finishes with a near-even K's-to-inning ratio, he's going to make a serious run at the top 30 starters, even if his ERA and WHIP aren't necessarily elite.

Chad Billingsley, Los Angeles Dodgers: I'm not an especially big Billingsley fan and cautioned earlier in the year that he had faced an easy-as-cake schedule, but even with his recent return to earth he's still seemingly a better pitcher today than he was a year ago. His walk rate is down (from 4.02 to 3.10 per nine) and his swing-and-miss rate up (from 19 to 23 percent) and his four-seam, two-seam, cutter, curve arsenal has also proved more effective against lefties. You might need to carefully manage Billingsley over the course of a season, at least in standard ESPN leagues, but his per-start upside is as good as anyone on the fringe of the top 40.

Jonathon Niese, New York Mets: His xFIP continues to identify him as a bargain candidate in fantasy leagues -- at least larger mixed and NL-only formats -- as after he posted a 3.28 number in 2011, he has a 3.60 through seven starts of 2012. Oh, Niese's ERA and WHIP look quite a bit better this year than last, too, and let's not forget that each of his past three starts, which looked pretty ordinary, came on the road, and generally speaking Niese's ERA is usually noticeably higher in road games than at Citi Field. I think he's a better pitcher than last-man-on-your-roster status -- we ranked him as that in the preseason -- and one who deserves to stick around even in ESPN standard leagues, more worthy than a mere eight-spot rankings bump between our preseason to mid-May sets.

I like them less

Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays: I hate to criticize Matt Moore. Hate it. I placed Moore on my All-2015 Team last July, hinting at his considerable long-term potential, and have not changed my mind about the pick one bit.

For this season, however, I've taken a noticeable step back from Moore, who is in a clear "adjustment phase" of his career, one in which the length is difficult to determine. I was high on Moore this season, putting him in my top 25 starters before the season. We, as a group, were even higher on him. And we're still too high on him. Moore has a 5.08 walks-per-nine ratio thus far; that's third-worst among qualified starters. He has thrown strikes 61 percent of the time, 17th-worst among qualified pitchers and 2 percent beneath the big-league average. And his xFIP is 5.00; that is sixth-worst. Moore's command is spotty at best right now, exemplified by stinkers he has accumulated against soft competition in recent turns, and until he corrects it he's a no-go in fantasy leagues. He'd be off my rankings entirely if not for his massive long-term upside. Moore might realize it by as early as Memorial Day. But my ranking accounts for the possibility he might not until Labor Day.

Doug Fister, Detroit Tigers: I might have underranked him, considering his strong performance since returning from a costochondral strain, but I was also down on Fister more than the group in the preseason, ranking him 179th (compared to 139th). I've dropped him 46 spots, and perhaps that's somewhat unfair, though 46 spots at the late rounds of a mixed-league draft isn't substantial, and many of the concerns about the Tigers' defense in the preseason remain. It is, after all, ranked second-worst in Ultimate Zone Rating (minus-14.2), every one of its infield positions "in the red." I still think all our questions about Fister in March remain valid today.

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals: I don't buy his hot start, and I'd put him at the head of a sell-high list, that is if your potential trade partners weren't probably expecting it. These were Lohse's stats as of this date last season:

8 GS, 6 QS, 4 W, 2.31 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 5.09 K/9, 1.85 BB/9

These are Lohse's stats as of Tuesday:

7 GS, 5 QS, 5 W, 2.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.61 K/9, 1.66 BB/9

They're eerily similar, are they not? Now, Lohse did finish last May on a high note, but from June 1 forward, he had seven quality starts, seven wins, a 4.33 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 19 turns, which are pretty ordinary numbers in what was a pitching-rich season. Lohse has a career 4.09 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in April, both of those easily his lowest in any individual month of the season. I just don't see how, at 33 years old, he has finally found a way to sustain this all year.

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 </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cole Hamels, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Greinke, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Madison Bumgarner, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Garza, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Beachy, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Haren, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Zimmermann, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kennedy, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Lincecum, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Romero, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Lester, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Wainwright, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yovani Gallardo, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Hellickson, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shaun Marcum, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vance Worley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ted Lilly, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Daniel Hudson, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Billingsley, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neftali Feliz, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon McCarthy, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Hudson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Beckett, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jaime Garcia, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ervin Santana, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Holland, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Johnson, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gavin Floyd, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathon Niese, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Max Scherzer, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Minor, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Nolasco, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Dempster, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bud Norris, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Moore, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Jackson, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Henderson Alvarez, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Zambrano, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ubaldo Jimenez, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Fister, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Samardzija, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Harrison, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Erik Bedard, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Smyly, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Arrieta, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wei-Yin Chen, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Cahill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Pettitte, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Danks, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ivan Nova, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Christian Friedrich, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bartolo Colon, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Barry Zito, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Daniel Bard, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ross Detwiler, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philip Humber, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Westbrook, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Stauffer, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edinson Volquez, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Phil Hughes, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Drabek, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> R.A. Dickey, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jarrod Parker, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jerome Williams, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Saunders, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bronson Arroyo, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randall Delgado, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anthony Bass, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr></tbody></table>

Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers: At some point, "potential" leads to continued frustration, and while Scherzer's past two starts might inspire optimism I think the smarter play is to trade him now while his value has received a slight uptick. Scherzer gets K's; he has never been consistently reliable in any other category. Heck, his past two outings came against two of the four most strikeout-prone teams in baseball, the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics. Fantasy owners love to look at things like strikeouts and increased velocity -- talk up how his average fastball velocity is 93.6 mph, up from 2011's 93.1 -- and speculate about a potential breakout. I do believe Scherzer's ERA/WHIP will rebound. I do not believe they'll do so to the point at which he belongs near my top 25 starters.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians: Talk about pitchers who are frustrating to own. Jimenez has effectively alternated good and bad starts all season, not even following traditional matchups patterns; he dominated the Texas Rangers but couldn't handle the Kansas City Royals. There is one number that petrifies me about Jimenez, and it's his fastball velocity. His average number in that department has gone from 95.9 mph in 2010 to 93.2 in 2011 to 91.8 in 2012. That is not an encouraging sign, especially for a pitcher whose fastball was his most effective pitch during his career year of 2010. Here's another reason I'm not buying Jimenez's return to glory: His xFIP is a major league-worst 5.82.

Streamer's delight

Among streaming starter options -- something I define as single-start options in daily leagues among pitchers owned in 25 percent of ESPN leagues or fewer -- for the upcoming week, here are my picks by day:

Tuesday, May 15: Wade Miley at Los Angeles Dodgers
Wednesday, May 16: Jerome Williams versus Chicago White Sox
Thursday, May 17: Aaron Harang at San Diego Padres
Friday, May 18: Jarrod Parker at San Francisco Giants
Saturday, May 19: Ryan Vogelsong versus Oakland Athletics
Sunday, May 20: Henderson Alvarez versus New York Mets
Monday, May 21: Tommy Milone versus Los Angeles Angels
Tuesday, May 22: Trevor Cahill versus Los Angeles Dodgers

Past picks
Tuesday, May 8: Joe Blanton -- 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Wednesday, May 9: Anthony Bass -- 5 2/3 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Thursday, May 10: Henderson Alvarez -- W, QS, 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Friday, May 11: James McDonald -- QS, 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Saturday, May 12: Trevor Cahill -- 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Sunday, May 13: Jake Arrieta -- 3 2/3 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Monday, May 14: Ryan Vogelsong -- QS, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K

Week's total: 7 GS, 1 W (14.3%), 3 QS (42.9%), 43 2/3 IP, 44 H, 19 ER, 19 BB, 32 K, 3.92 ERA, 1.44 WHIP
Season total: 34 GS, 16 W (47.1%), 22 QS (64.7%), 217 1/3 IP, 176 H, 68 ER, 71 BB, 158 K, 2.82 ERA, 1.14 WHIP

Three up

Chris Capuano, Los Angeles Dodgers: Who's laughing now? Though the Dodgers took much heat for signing the injury-prone, occasionally erratic Capuano to a two-year, $10 million deal this winter, the left-hander has been quite an addition thus far, his 2.06 ERA ranking among the top 10 qualified starters. He's in the midst of a streak of five consecutive quality starts, and while his competition hasn't been particularly challenging, let's not forget that he calls pitching-friendly Dodger Stadium his home, plus he'll get to face more light competition in the weeks ahead, including bottom-five teams in terms of runs in the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Capuano's 3.95 xFIP -- a hair north of 2011's 3.67 -- shows that his true value is probably somewhere between his 4.55 ERA of last season and 2.06 this, but that'd still be a pitcher worth owning in NL-only and deep mixed leagues.

Wei-Yin Chen, Baltimore Orioles: Speaking of beneath-the-radar offseason acquisitions, Chen has been one of the most quietly successful members of the American League East, with a 2.68 ERA that rates third-best among qualified members of that division. Granted, some of his success might be capitalizing upon competition unfamiliar with him, but at the same time he deserves credit for what were impressive outings against offenses such as those of the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Sure, Chen might be a short-term, streaky play, potentially regressing during the season's second half as teams get familiar with him, but for now he has the kind of balanced splits -- righties have a .673 OPS against him, compared to .575 for lefties -- that should keep him valuable for the next several weeks.

James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates: Credit Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage for a "win" so far working with McDonald, because he sure appears to have transformed the right-hander into a much more efficient pitcher this season. McDonald's numbers speak volumes: He has slashed his walk rate, from 4.11 last season to 3.02 per nine this; he has induced more swing and misses, his miss rate going from 20 to 23 percent; and he has been more aggressive with two strikes at Searage's suggestion, increasing his rate of pitches thrown within the strike zone on those counts by 5 percent (43 to 48). This is a clear skills improvement, and one that backs up what has been an encouraging start to McDonald's 2012. He might not quite possess the stuff and/or command of an elite, top 40 starter, but if he can remain this aggressive all year, he might not finish far from that class.

Three down

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox: Forget about "Golf-gate," Beckett's pitching performance his last time out is much more deserving of criticism. After missing a turn with a lat injury, the right-hander was pounded by the Cleveland Indians on May 10, surrendering seven runs on seven hits, two of them home runs, in 2 1/3 innings. Overall this season, Beckett's velocity is down -- he's averaging 91.4 mph with his fastball, down from 92.9 mph in 2011 -- and he's serving up more fly balls -- up from 41 to 44 percent -- which hints that his injury might have been a greater concern than he's letting on. He's a risky fantasy play until he proves himself with a couple of solid outings.

Erik Bedard, Pittsburgh Pirates: Speaking of injuries, Bedard is the poster boy for the injury-risk pitcher, and now, after he left his most recent outing after one inning and eight pitches, he's again facing those questions. He had his scheduled Monday start scratched, then bumped back two days to Wednesday, and the back spasms that forced it threaten to impact his on-field performance. Bedard's inability to work deep enough into games is also a concern; he has thrown more than five innings in two of his seven starts this season. He's still a factor in NL-only leagues, but in mixed you need to be choosy with his matchups, plus formulate a contingency plan in the event he misses future time.

Bartolo Colon, Oakland Athletics: One bad start, because that's really what it was -- one awful outing against the Detroit Tigers on May 10 -- wouldn't normally cause such a precipitous drop in rankings for a pitcher. After all, that's a challenging matchup. But in Colon's case -- or for any pitcher ranked in the lower tiers of the top 100 -- 25 spots in the rankings might mean one good or bad outing, not to mention that his command hasn't been the sharpest of late. In his past four turns, Colon has issued six walks compared to nine strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings, a noticeable drop-off from the 19 K's compared to two walks he allowed in 27 1/3 innings in his first four starts. He's a streaks-and-matchups pitcher through and through, and there's reason to believe he has hit a cold spell.

HacheMan · May 15, 2012

Determining which SP to start

By Todd Zola | Mastersball.com

It's the year of the pitcher. Yeah, right!

Tell that to the guy whose colon was "Bartolo'd" last week.

Starting even the upper-tier pitching options can bring anxiety when a tough matchup is on the docket, but deciding between two fringe options is the real challenge. You examine everything from Player A's head-to-head matchups to the length of Player B's fingernails in an attempt to determine which one will put up superior numbers in their single starts.
Forget BABIP and xFIP. As long as you can count to three, I can help you determine the best course of action to take regarding your starting-pitcher decisions. I'm going to show you how a relative unknown, Drew Smyly, can be a safer start than Jason Vargas, who is No. 23 among all pitchers on the Player Rater. I will show you why hot starters such as Jason Hammel are still risks, while slow starters such as Jon Lester can be "safe" starts even in tough matchups.

<offer>The mantra of many a successful fantasy baseball player is this: bully hitting, manage pitching. That philosophy suggests that although there are definite means to gain lineup advantages for your hitters (as discussed last week), simply accruing as many at-bats as possible is the best way to maximize offensive output, especially in standard 5x5 rotisserie scoring. Four of the categories -- home runs, RBIs, stolen bases and runs -- are of the counting variety, with only batting average being a ratio category. Maximizing pitching, on the other hand, involves a bit of finesse. Not only do you want to amass innings to boost strikeouts and increase your chance of wins, but you also need to strive for quality innings to keep your ERA and WHIP in check while still leaving roster slots to pick up saves.</offer>

In other words, a hitter can contribute in four categories simply by having steady at-bats; this is the bullying effect. However, a starting pitcher can contribute counting stats in only two categories, and those areas augment or damage the other two in the process.

Today we put starting pitcher selection "under the microscope." The objective is to determine how to balance the accumulation of wins and strikeouts with the protection of ERA and WHIP. It is important to note that although the analysis will concentrate on rotisserie-league dynamics, the results transcend all formats and are just as applicable in points-based and/or head-to-head leagues.

Always start your studs

Instead of simply delivering this cliché and moving on, let's derive a practical means to identify which starters deserve a spot in your lineup regardless of the scenario. In rotisserie-style scoring, an owner usually must accumulate at least 75-80 percent of the maximum roto points to win the league. In other words, in the standard 10-team ESPN format, an owner must finish with somewhere around 80 roto points, or an average of third place per category. Last season's results from standard ESPN leagues corroborated this perfectly: The average league champ scored just more than eight points per category, including 7.95 roto points in ERA and 7.86 roto points in WHIP.

Using third place as the target, the average ERA was 3.36, while the average WHIP was 1.19. A total of 19 starting pitchers who fanned at least 120 batters met that mark in both metrics. This number makes intuitive sense, as most two 10-team-league squads have two starters they consider studs.

The practical means of defining a stud pitcher is whether he meets both the ERA and WHIP performance metrics. Keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean the pitcher will be in the top 20 on the ESPN Player Rater since that also factors in strikeouts and wins. By way of example, Brandon McCarthy is a must-start based on his ERA and WHIP, while Tim Lincecum misses the cut thanks to a high walk rate leading to a high WHIP. Jordan Zimmermann, and his excellent ratios, is in this group of 19, while David Price, like Lincecum, projects to a WHIP missing the cutoff. But no worries regarding Lincecum and Price; as we will soon discuss, it's going to take a very extreme situation not to start them, one that might not even occur in a season.

Another note: This does not refer to your starters' stats in-season. That is, just because they happen to fall below the 3.36/1.19 cutoff does not make them "automatics" in your lineup. Rather, by season's end, your ace hurlers will have the numbers you expect, so if they are below their career norms, continue to start them or you will miss out on some of the good outings that got them to that level.

To emphasize that last point, more than 40 starting pitchers that meet the "stud" requirements, including Craig Stammen, Lance Lynn and Jeff Samardzija. How comfortable are you starting Samardzija without even looking at his opponent? On the other hand, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Dan Haren have started slower than usual, but I'd still consider them no-brainer starting options.

It is important to note that if this exercise (determining the number of players above the third-place average in ERA and WHIP) is done for any size league, the result is much the same: The number of stud pitchers will equate to roughly two per team.

Now you have some wiggle room

One small problem with analysis of this nature is that we are not dealing with absolutes; each team and league is different. Although I'll continue using average numbers from standard ESPN leagues, it's important to keep everything in context. Perhaps your preferred strategy is to roster only one ace, or maybe you favor more than two. Your strategy with respect to saves is also integral to this exercise. The point being, the ensuing numbers use averages, while your mileage may vary, as the saying goes.

Using the assumption that you have two of the top 20 pitchers on your roster, you now have about 420 innings with a 2.85 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. The target for saves is around 110, meaning you have a minimum two closers active per week with a third being deployed somewhere between half and all of the time. We'll split the difference and tack on 180 innings with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.15 from our closers, which was based on the final numbers for last season's closers. Something tells me this year's version won't be as impressive, but we'll hit on that in a bit.

At this point, your pitching staff has about 600 innings with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Most teams will total about 1,500 innings, though this is another area your own situation could impact the numbers. But using 900 more for this demonstration, an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.28 is needed to finish with the desired third-place mark.

This is where you have some wiggle room. You don't need these 900 stanzas to all be under those marks, just the cumulative totals.

The next tier: Looking for a reason not to start

Let's use the above 3.70 ERA and 1.28 WHIP to define the next tier. After relaxing the strikeout filter to 100, there are about another 30 starters who meet both filters. Here is where Lincecum and Price appear, along with Lester, James Shields and Zack Greinke, all hurlers normally thought to be of the top-20 variety.

The aggregate ERA of this set is 3.31, while the group sports a 1.21 WHIP. A fair question to pose is why not start this group all the time, since those numbers will keep our team ERA and WHIP below our third-place targets at 3.07/1.13? Doing the math, if we automatically started this set of 30 hurlers, we would need to find another 330 innings or so with cumulative numbers below 4.37/1.39.

But here's the problem: There are nine pitching spots to use. In theory, five are now dedicated to automatic starters, with almost three more occupied by a closer. That leaves one full slot, and whatever is remaining from the third closer slot, to capture the 330 missing frames.

The season is 26 weeks long, which means that to meet the 1,500 innings that teams average, that last spot must account for about 12-13 innings per week, depending on how many times three closers are deployed. Think about that for a moment. To accomplish that, you will need to find a two-start pitcher every week who will make it into the seventh inning in both games while keeping his ERA and WHIP in the 4.37/1.39 neighborhood.

Granted, about 30 more hurlers fit the bill, but remember they are spread out over the other 10 teams, so you may have just two or three depending on how you use your reserves. But the more important consideration is in a 26-week season, a starter will be scheduled for a maximum of eight double-dip weeks, and this number is considerably less for most pitchers, since the average number of starts is lower than the 34 starts the horses get. That said, there are some high-upside examples in this set, including Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, Justin Masterson and Wandy Rodriguez, so it's quite possible to extract some positive innings. In fact, this is the area in which most leagues are won, as acute owners select pitchers initially projected to be in this range but end the season higher.

Even so, at some point, you will be faced with the conundrum of starting Randy Wolf or Aaron Harang as you try to keep up in strikeouts and hopefully wins. And once injuries set in, you may even learn how to pronounce Luke Hochevar.

Putting this all together, to accrue the 1,500 innings most champions total so they can compete in wins and strikeouts, some creative management is necessary to both avail more spots to deploy a two-start guy and to buffer the damage in the event that a poor choice was made. This calls for being a bit judicious with this second tier of pitching and not just running hurlers out there regardless of the circumstances. That said, this group is still quite talented, so you are really looking for a reason not to start the pitcher as opposed to justifying his being active.

The point system: Quantifying the edge

There are three areas in which a pitcher can gain or lose an edge:

1. Home versus away: Last week, I illustrated that a hitter's numbers are, on average, superior at home than on the road. The same holds true for pitching, as displayed in this table from 2011:

<table><thead><tr><th> Place </th><th> W-L% </th><th> ERA </th><th> WHIP </th><th> K/9 </th><th> BB/9 </th><th> HR/9 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Home </td><td> 0.53% </td><td> 3.82 </td><td> 1.28 </td><td> 7.21 </td><td> 2.96 </td><td> 0.90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Away </td><td> 0.47% </td><td> 4.07 </td><td> 1.35 </td><td> 7.05 </td><td> 3.26 </td><td> 0.98 </td></tr></tbody></table>

Something lost in these numbers: A starting pitcher also is likelier to go deeper into a game at home, so not only is his strikeout rate higher, he is also in the game longer to rack up extra punchouts.

2. Pitcher's park versus hitter's park: When considering whether to start a pitcher, usually on the road, the primary consideration is the runs factor and not the home run factor, unless the starter is a notable fly-ball pitcher. This is perhaps the biggest mistake when making a decision regarding whether to use a guy based on the venue.

Keep in mind, the park factor determines how the park plays regardless of the teams. A strong offense can still score a lot of runs in a so-called pitcher's park; it just would have scored more, on average, in a more favorable venue. Similarly, a weak offense is not suddenly going to turn into the '29 Yankees in a favorable hitting park. The following is a breakdown of the 30 stadiums' runs factor determined in such a manner to remove the bias of the home team.

Strong pitcher's parks: Seattle, Tampa, San Diego
Good pitcher's parks: Cleveland, L.A. Angels, Minnesota, Atlanta, San Francisco, L.A. Dodgers, St. Louis
Neutral: Baltimore, Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland, Toronto, Cincinnati, Washington, Florida, Milwaukee, N.Y. Mets, Houston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia
Good hitter's parks: Chicago White Sox, N.Y. Yankees, Chicago Cubs
Strong hitter's parks: Texas, Arizona, Boston, Colorado
Most notable here is that perceived hitting parks in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Houston are in fact neutral when it comes to run scoring, while assumed pitcher's parks in Detroit, Kansas City, Washington, Florida and especially the Mets' Citi Field are also neutral. It is likely the home run factor of these parks that can be misleading.

As suggested, it's necessary to avoid using fly-ball pitchers in parks conducive to homers. Here is a rundown of those parks: Baltimore, Chicago White Sox, N.Y. Yankees, Texas, Toronto, Colorado, Houston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Arizona and Chicago Cubs.

3. Strength of opposition: While park factors flesh out the influence of the opposition, the impact is very real to the man toeing the rubber. Which hand he throws with also plays a part, as some teams fare better or worse against lefties or righties. The easiest stat to eyeball when rating a team's scoring potential is OPS, which is more easily broken down versus RHP and LHP than is runs scored. Keeping in mind that part of the goal of this is to make intelligent decisions in an efficient and timely manner, the following points system is quite effective when it comes to making what used to be a subjective decision more objective:

<table><thead><tr><th> Scenario </th><th> Scale </tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Home start </td><td> +1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start </td><td> -1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start in strong pitcher's park </td><td> +2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start in good pitcher's park </td><td> +1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start in neutral park </td><td> 0</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start in good hitter's park </td><td> -1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Road start in strong hitter's park </td><td> -2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Fly-ball pitcher in a dangerous park </td><td> -1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Opposing OPS versus LHP > .780 </td><td> -2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus LHP between .750 and .780 </td><td> -1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus LHP between .720 and .750 </td><td> 0</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus LHP between .675 and .720 </td><td> +1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus LHP < .675 </td><td> +3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus RHP > .760 </td><td> -2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus RHP between .730 and .760 </td><td> -1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus RHP between .705 and .730 </td><td> 0</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus RHP between .675 and .705 </td><td> +1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td> opposing OPS versus RHP < .675 </td><td> +3</td></tr></tbody></table>

Using the results to make smart decisions

Given that the intent is to determine which second-tier starters not to start, the easiest rule of thumb is that it's safe to use anyone who scores zero or above while ranking all his starts that week. Depending on your personal level of risk aversion, those starters closer to the top tier, such as Lincecum and Price, can be allowed to have a negative point or two and still be started. Or if you are a bit apprehensive about the pitchers lower in this group, only deploy them if they score at least one point on the above scale.

The same chart should be used to evaluate the back-end starters, with the caveat that you need an initial filter to eliminate some options irrespective of all other factors. The safest cutoff: Ignore all pitchers whose ERA and WHIP are worse than that of the last-place team.

The next step is to determine the points target. Take the ERA and WHIP of the pitcher in question and estimate the place in the standings (above) to which they correspond. For example, if the pitcher's ERA would get you two roto points and his WHIP four points, average them and call it three. Then, subtract this number (3) from eight, with eight being the number of points you are aiming to finish. The result is five, so in order to start this particular pitcher, he needs to score at least five on the chart above, again including both of his starts for the week, if he has a pair.

Crude, perhaps, but this is actually an effective means of helping to make an objective decision when deciding between hurlers. There can still be some subjectivity involved, of course. Perhaps early in the season, you opt to play it safe and require the pitcher to score more points than there is a difference in standings place. Then later, if you need to make up some ground and need to take chances, you can adjust the necessary target.

What if I play in a league with more than 10 teams?

As mentioned earlier, while the provided examples use the average results from standard ESPN leagues, the philosophy and implementation translates to all formats. The first key is the top tier of no-brainer starts is usually equal to twice the number of teams in the league. Next, the following tier usually has three times the number of teams in the league. In other words, it doesn't matter the size of your league; you always will be looking for a reason not to start your SPs 3-5 while looking for a reason to start your SP6 and SP7.

With respect to identifying the back-end starters to use in any given week, the same rule of thumb applies: Do not even consider someone whose numbers are worse than the last-place team's. Of course, the last-place team in a larger league will have an ERA and WHIP worse than that of a 10-team league, so your inventory of available starters runs deeper.

The process, meanwhile, is the same as above, with one exception. In 10-team leagues, the largest differential possible is seven, emanating from when the pitcher's stats are like those of the last-place team. In larger leagues, this differential can be greater than seven. The problem is, the maximum number of points that can be scored on the scale is eight, occurring only when a guy is at home for two starts against poor offenses. Remember, if he were any good, he wouldn't have made it into this lower tier, so he needs everything in his favor to even be worthy of consideration. Anyway, the point is, if the target differential is larger than eight, then only use the pitcher if he in fact scores all eight points on the scale. For example, in a 15-team league, the goal is to finish with 12 points in each category, equating to 80 percent of the maximum. So if the pitcher's ERA and WHIP match up with anyone lower than 12th in the standings, the difference is going to be greater than eight, so default it to eight.

How many times can I mess up?

It was determined that at least 330 innings are going to be a result of a decision on a lower-tier pitcher, with the possibility of more on the rare occasion someone from the middle tier has a poor week scheduled. This comes out to well more than 50 decisions, which makes sense, since at minimum you are looking at two pitching spots for 26 weeks.

Sparing you the math, every 70 innings with a 5.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP will cost one point in the standings. This means you have about 10 or so mulligans before it's time to get nervous.

Grading some pitchers

Let's wrap up this week's discussion by putting four guys with two scheduled starts this week under the microscope and score them according to the above criteria:

Jon Lester, Red Sox: The southpaw falls in the category of "give me a reason not to start him." His first tilt is (was) at home versus the Mariners, so he scores a plus-4, getting one home point and three opposing OPS points as the Mariners are sporting a woeful .663 versus lefty pitchers. The second game is at Philadelphia, which checks in at 0, scoring one point for the Phillies being below .681 OPS versus LHPs while losing a point for being on the road. Citizens Bank Park is neutral for run scoring. Obviously, with a score of plus-4, Lester is a go this week. But what if he had only the single matchup in the City of Brotherly Love? Some may have been persuaded by the Phillies' reputation and sat Lester for the week, but using the point system, we learned the Phillies are not hitting the ball well and their home digs are not as intimidating as many believe.

Jason Hammel, Orioles: Despite his stellar start, Hammel must be considered a lower-tier option since his track record is not yet established enough to put him in the top 50. That said, some leniency can be given when deciding where his expected ERA and WHIP fall in the standings. His initial effort is at home facing the Bronx Bombers. Being at home gives him a point, but he is docked two for facing the .806 OPS Yanks, so he starts the week with a minus-1. The weekend encounter is in the nation's capital. Washington's OPS versus RHP is at .715, so that is no points. The stadium plays neutral for runs, so the only point of the ledger is minus-1 for an away game. Hammel's total is minus-2, so we don't even have to decide where his end of season ERA will end up. The interesting aspect is that Hammel has pitched well this season, but as I alluded to, his track record suggests that, at minimum, we need to wait and see whether he has indeed improved his skills. One might have been tempted to start him this week, but with a minus-2, the possibility exists that this is the week when regression kicks in and begins to correct his stats. It certainly seems to have happened in his first start (versus the Yanks on Monday).

Drew Smyly, Tigers: Smyly is in the same boat as Hammel, as we don't have a strong handle on what to expect from him by season's end. He opens away against the White Sox, scoring minus-1 for away and minus-1 for weak pitcher's park but a plus-3 for the Pale Hose's lowly .600 OPS versus LHPs. The sum is plus-1, illustrating that the weak opposition is more important than the game being on the road in a slightly unfavorable park. Smyly closes the week at home against the Pirates, which scores a plus-4, with one point for it being at home and three for facing the Pirates' putrid .634 OPS versus LHPs. For the week, Smyly is a plus-5. This means we need to look at the eighth-place average standings, where we see and ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.28. Those are impressive numbers for a rookie, but based on his preseason projections and strong early peripherals, he's well within that range. Smyly has amassed ample points to be deployed comfortably this week despite what some may perceive to be a tough go in the Windy City.

Jason Vargas, Mariners: Vargas is off to a smoking start. His history, however, is not so glowing. His first contest is at Fenway Park. The southpaw is docked 3 for a tough road venue and one more point for Boston's .775 OPS, totaling minus-4. Vargas then moves on to Coors Field, where he is socked with another minus-3 right off the bat, plus a minus-1 for the Rockies' .756 OPS. The minus-8 for the week is a strong deterrent for anyone at all tempted by the start Vargas is enjoying. And sure enough, he allowed five runs in six innings in losing at Fenway.

That wraps up this week's edition. The beauty of the system is while it is based on logic and real numbers, there is ample leeway to inject your own seasoning to best suit your league's criteria, personal strategy and philosophy, especially as it pertains to risk tolerance. It can also be readily adapted to a spreadsheet for those more Excel-inclined.

Before I take off my lab coat and safety goggles, I'd like to extend a hearty thanks to all those who commented after last week's debut effort and invite more of the same this week. In my next "experiment," middle relievers will be put ... Under the Microscope.

HacheMan · May 16, 2012

The Wonderful Wei-Yin

The Orioles carried a unique approach into free agency this past offseason, ignoring most of the available big-ticket major leaguers and instead focusing their efforts (and dollars) on a couple of under-the-radar starting pitchers from Japan's top professional league.

The older of the two international signees, 31-year-old Tsuyoshi Wada, has been ruled out for the year following Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He didn’t throw a pitch in a regular-season game.

But the other is making a strong claim for an American League All-Star nod.

Wei-Yin Chen, a 26-year-old native of Taiwan, allowed just four hits and two earned runs in seven impressive innings Tuesday night against the Yankees. He’s now 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 32/14 K/BB ratio through the first 44 innings of his big league career. The regression is coming and it could hit him hard, but the left-hander is worth grabbing in all fantasy formats until his early-season magic runs out.

Baltimore is off to a surprising 23-14 start, good enough for a share of first place in the American League East.

Tigers Pull Valverde Due To Back Discomfort

Detroit closer Jose Valverde was one strike away from wrapping up a victory Tuesday afternoon against the White Sox when he began experiencing tightness in his lower back. A trainer was called out and Valverde exited the field after a short chat, leaving Octavio Dotel to close things out for his first save of 2012.

It doesn’t sound like a serious injury, but there’s a good chance Valverde will be rested for the Tigers’ next handful of games -- leaving an opportunity for a dedicated fantasy owner’s favorite thing: vultured saves.

Dotel got the opportunity Tuesday against Chicago, but Joaquin Benoit seems like the guy to grab in fantasy leagues. He has a 2.87 ERA and 25 strikeouts through 15 2/3 innings of setup work this season, and is capable of locking down any save chances sent his way.

Missing Mo And Dave, Yanks Turn To Raffy

The Yankees were hoping that David Robertson, one of the top setup men in the sport, would grab ahold of the ninth-inning role and run with it in Mariano Rivera’s extended absence.

But Robertson was diagnosed Tuesday morning with a strained left oblique and could need around three weeks of recovery time. Which means Rafael Soriano is suddenly relevant again in non-holds fantasy leagues.

Soriano saved 45 games in 48 chances alongside a 1.73 ERA and 8.2 K/9 in 2010 with the Rays. He hasn’t achieved that kind of dominance since agreeing to a take on a setup role with the Yankees for three years and $35 million before the 2011 season. But he has been significantly better this year and needs to be owned in all fantasy formats as the closer-by-default on one of baseball’s best teams.

Lawrie Likely Facing Punishment For Helmet Throw

Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie was rightfully upset about those back-to-back called strikes in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Rays. They were both hideous.

But he crossed the line by hurling his batting helmet in the direction of home plate umpire Bill Miller and seems likely to hear from the commissioner's office within the next 48 hours about a lengthy suspension. The 22-year-old plays with admirable and infectious intensity, but he’s already a crucial part of Toronto’s offense and that’s a team that needs every win it can get this year in the AL East. If he’s out five games, it’s going to make a dent.

Lawrie is batting .289/.333/.394 with three home runs, five steals and 17 RBI through 152 plate appearances this season. The Jays are in third place in baseball's toughest division with a record of 19-18.

National League Quick Hits: Nationals phenom Bryce Harper homered in a second straight game Tuesday … Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Chris Young (shoulder) could return from the disabled list this weekend … Vance Worley has been scratched from his scheduled Wednesday start against the Cubs due to arm soreness … The Cardinals placed center fielder Jon Jay on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder sprain … Cliff Lee fanned 10 batters and allowed just one run Tuesday in a no-decision against the Astros … Cardinals closer Jason Motte was charged with his second blown save of the season on Tuesday afternoon, but picked up the relief win … David Wright went 2-for-2 on Tuesday night and is now batting .408/.497/.608 this year … Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg was bothered by stray heating ointment in his jock during his tough four-inning effort Tuesday against the Padres … Michael Morse (lat) has begun taking batting practice in indoor cages … Omar Infante went 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI in Tuesday’s defeat of the Pirates … Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia may be shifted to the bullpen at Triple-A Buffalo … Travis Ishikawa belted two home runs in the Brewers’ blowout victory over the Mets on Tuesday … Dexter Fowler (eye) is expected to return to the Rockies’ starting lineup on Wednesday … Reds ace Johnny Cueto was handed his first loss of the season Tuesday by the Braves … Giants manager Bruce Bochy has pegged Gregor Blanco as his new starting right fielder … The Cubs signed veteran reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league contract.

American League Quick Hits: The Angels fired longtime hitting coach Mickey Hatcher after Tuesday’s game … Yoenis Cespedes (left hand strain) has been cleared for most baseball activities … The Twins are planning to activate Justin Morneau from the disabled list on Wednesday … Mike Moustakas hit his fifth home run of the season on Tuesday and is now batting .310/.371/.540 on the season … Adam Dunn is expected to play the outfield for three games this weekend against the Cubs … Orioles closer Jim Johnson is now tied for the major league lead with 12 saves … Mike Trout went 3-for-4 and hit his eighth career home run in Tuesday’s win over the A’s … Adam Jones hit his 11th home run of the season and collected his 23rd RBI in Tuesday’s defeat of the Yankees … White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski went 5-for-5 and tallied three RBI in Tuesday’s loss to the Tigers … Curtis Granderson is already up to 13 home runs … The Rays are deciding between Alex Cobb and Chris Archer to fill Jeff Niemann’s rotation spot … Kevin Youkilis (back) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Pawtucket … Rays closer Fernando Rodney is up to 11 saves … Edwin Encarnacion hit his 12th home run of the season in Tuesday’s loss to the Rays … A’s second baseman Jemile Weeks already has 10 stolen bases … Vladimir Guerrero reported to the Blue Jays’ spring training complex on Tuesday morning … Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold may need a second epidural in his back … Brandon Inge is still day-to-day with groin soreness … Manny Ramirez is scheduled to join the A’s on May 30 in Minnesota.

HacheMan · May 16, 2012

New York, New York

Summer is in full swing, and the closer carousel is practically flying off its hinges. In New York, it's been spinning out of control for weeks now.

Two years removed from New York City, I have a little perspective now on what it's like to live in that media cycle. The talking heads are always on -- David Robertson went from savior to pariah in the matter of minutes, most likely. Frank Francisco was Armando Benitez and then he was a cheaper Francisco Rodriguez and then he was Tier 1: Elite (3) (AKA: The "Sheep's Meadow Sunday" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

Sheep's Meadow is a section of Central Park that fills with crazy people of all types during the summer. Everyone's sitting on blankets and enjoying themselves and the sun. Early in the summer, the meadow is particularly impressive, as the novelty of good weather hasn't worn off and practically everyone comes out and shows off their bodies in some shape or fashion. Best part of the Meadow might be that it's free.

In the exuberance of Craig Kimbrel's rookie season, we coined a term here. The Kimbrel is a three-strikeout, no walk, no-hit save. Really, it probably should have a walk or two sprinkled in, since we know Kimbrel has some trouble controlling his stuff sometimes, but since we're talking about dominance, let's run with it.

This year, Kimbrel has one Kimbrel. John Axford has none. Neither does Tier 2: Rock Steady (5) (AKA: The "Free Shows at South Street Seaport" Tier.)

Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds

Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers

Glad to hear they are still doing these. And you'll actually find that most cities around the states have free summer shows that benefit some sponsor or another. There is one tiny downside to enjoying good music for no cost -- the lines can be gargantuan. Everyone else thinks it's a good idea, too.

J.J. Putz has elite control, but his velocity is down more than a tick and he has four home runs in his last eight outings. Plus, there's his injury history. Jason Motte was supposed to rise in the rankings today -- he has great strikeout punch, elite control and average ground-ball ability, and it looks like the young, healthy closer is developing some leash -- but a poorly timed blown save says it's time to wait a week. Hey, sometimes the music at a free show is bad. Doesn't mean you don't go back.

Rafael Betancourt update! He walked a guy Tuesday night, bringing his walk total to five on the year. He walked eight all year the past two years. This is probably not a big deal, since he's had months without walks in the past and that would tidy up his pace real nicely. He didn't flinch Tuesday night, even with the tying run at second.

We've got to give some credit where credit is due. Joe Nathan has his gas back where it used to be. With it came his old swinging strikes, too. His pinpoint control never left town. He has a great ERA and WHIP -- and there's upside for better. He's giving up home runs on 16.7% of his fly balls so far this year. Across baseball, that number is between nine and ten percent every year. So once the home run rate normalizes -- and yes, it could do so even if he plays half his games in Texas -- he should survive any age-related regression that might be coming. He's Rock Steady.

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Outdoor at a Restaurant" Tier.

Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners

Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

This is another universal element of summer, although to be fair, New York City does have the best bars and restaurants in the country. Then again, they are the most expensive in the country, the outdoor spaces are not always so impressive since it's a cramped city, and an expensive, crowded, sweaty backyard at the wrong place is a little bit less exciting than your other options.

Jim Johnson might move up, but it's still worth pointing out why he's not in the second tier yet. He has 12 strikeouts in 16 and 2/3 innings. That's about six and half strikeouts per nine innings. That's below average in the major leagues (a little over seven), but it's way below average for a closer. Closers average right around eight strikeouts per nine. So if I had a team full of average closers and you had a team full of Jim Johnsons, I'd probably end up with 200 more strikeouts than you. Or more.

Right behind him is Santiago Casilla, who's only striking out about seven guys per nine right now. And he hasn't always shown the elite ground-ball rate he's showing now, either. But Casilla has some upside beyond Johnson. He's struck out eight per nine over his career and has an above-average swinging strike rate. Johnson's swinging strike rate is below average for his career and well below average this year. Both are decent establishments with a straight-forward menu and a nice outdoor space. One of them just attracts better fauna from time to time. (Ignore the Tuesday home run from Marco Scutaro, at least for another week.)

Newcomer Fernando Rodney is a risky proposition, even now. He had 430 innings before this year where he had terrible control. Last year, he walked almost eight betters per nine in Los Angeles Anaheim. He's never had a walk rate that was better than average. He's always gotten the whiffs and the grounders, but his control has been so legendarily bad that he's lost the closer's role for two teams before he joined the Rays. Now he suddenly has great control. The Rays moved him on the rubber, and that could be it. Or it could just be a one-month blip that will make us scratch our heads forever. "Remember that time we found that hole in the wall with the two seats out front and those tacos were amazing…"

A pair of injury situations wrap up the tier. The easy one first -- Jose Valverde, despite all his flaws, is the closer in Detroit. A diagnoses of back tightness doesn't seem like a harbinger of DL time. Joaquin Benoit is the handcuff -- he's been used in the eighth inning and he doesn't have a platoon split as bad as old man Octavio Dotel's.

In New York, it seemed like a lock that David Robertson would step right into the shoes of Mariano Rivera. He was striking out fifteen batters per nine! Now he has a strained left oblique, and the whispers that he's better as a setup man have begun. Of course, Tier 4: Question marks (7) (AKA: The "Grilling on a Rooftop" Tier.)

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals
Brett Myers, Houston Astros
Frank Francisco, New York Mets
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins
Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox

Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

This summer option could be cheap and great. Or you could arrive late to the party, find the coals cooling down, the food eaten, and the drinks warm. You could get a great view of the setting sun, or you could enjoy looking at the building across the street and the pigeons circling overhead. You could relax on some lawn furniture and take in the Hudson, or you could feel your feet sinking into melting tar as you take in Atlantic Station. Could go either way.

We'll just move Kenley Jansen right to the top of this tier. We never should have doubted him. He doesn't have a Kimbrel yet, but he's a great bet for one, considering he's struck out three in a frame four times already this year. Now that he's still whiffing everyone, but has his walk rate close to league average, there's really no reason to think he'll lose the job. Especially when Javy Guerra is being used in the fifth inning like he was Tuesday night.

Broxton has the pristine ERA of a real-life lockdown closer, and his velocity is back up to 2010 levels. But all is not well for the Brox Ox. His swinging strike rate is well below average, and he wasn't about being average in that category. His strikeout rate is also still suffering. With Greg Holland back, it's not impossible to dream up a scenario where he loses his bounce-back job.

Frank Francisco gave everyone shades of Armando Benitez this week in New York, but his manager stuck by him. There really isn't anything going wrong with Francisco's peripherals other than some terrible batted ball luck. He still has a great whiff rate, his velocity is still there, and he's still using his split finger as much as ever. Well, Frankie Frank is walking too many batters and he's struggled with that from time to time. But it's been over since 2007 since he really had a bad walk rate in a full season, so he should be able to find the plate again soon. It's not like Jon Rauch's really blowing them away.

And Chris Perez. Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (8) (AKA: The "The Subway" Tier.)

Addison Reed (first chair), Matt Thornton (second chair), Hector Santiago (third chair), Chicago White Sox

Henry Rodriguez (first chair), Tyler Clippard (second chair), Washington Nationals

Heath Bell (first chair), Steve Cishek (second chair), Edward Mujica (third chair), Miami Marlins

Brian Fuentes (first chair), Grant Balfour (second chair), Oakland Athletics
Scott Downs (first chair), Ernesto Frieri (second chair), Jordan Walden (third chair), Los Angeles Angels

Dale Thayer (first chair), Andrew Cashner (second chair), Luke Gregerson (third chair), San Diego Padres
Rafael Dolis (first chair), Kerry Wood (second chair), Michael Bowden (third chair), Chicago Cubs

Casey Janssen (first chair), Francisco Cordero (second chair), Jason Frasor (third chair), Toronto Blue Jays

There's practically no upside whatsoever to the subway experience -- okay, riding over the Manhattan Bridge during sunset can be pretty sweet -- but the subway does get you somewhere. In an extremely uncomfortable fashion during the summer. Sweat sticking to plastic, terrible smells emitting from the other passengers, and sauna-like conditions even in the middle of the night make this the tier full of uncomfortable closers.

Sometimes the closer situation in Chicago seems overwhelming, but there's a simple test that can put the whole thing in perspective -- who's actually getting the saves? Addison Reed has three saves in May, which is three more than anyone else. He's the closer! Hector Santiago is pitching earlier in games, and Matt Thornton blew a game. Addison Reed is the new Kenley Jansen -- the pitcher that was finally rewarded for his excellence. I doubt he's on your wire any more, but if he is, go for broke. And you might want to drop the other guys to hunt for saves elsewhere.

Heath Bell supposedly got his job back last week, but the only time he's pitched since, he blew a game wide open. He allowed two hits and one unintentional walk, and he still can't corral the curve. Until he stops bouncing the pitch, he doesn't have anything but (reduced) gas. Steve Cishek is a better pitcher right now, but he doesn't have the same contract. This might take a while to settle down.

Brian Fuentes is the new closer in Oakland, but those with longer memories might remember that he once upset the team's entire management with his comments about the manager. He has barely above (league) average strikeout stuff these days, doesn't get ground balls, and is surviving on a walk rate that is about a third of his career rate. The lefty's platoon splits are okay, even though his strikeout-to-walk ratio halves against righties, but they were getting worse in recent years. Even the manager agrees that Grant Balfour might get his job back.

In Los Angeles of Anaheim, there's still a fierce war being waged. Scott Downs is the nominal closer, but he's a lefty, and it's no good to have your closer be worse against righties -- the league is three-quarters right-handed. jump-step delivery used to lead to bad control in the minor leagues, so it's no surprise that it's doing so today. Ernesto Frieri is the guy that should own the job based on his peripherals, but he's also the newest guy. Based on usage, Frieri is the setup man and now next in line. He should be owned by all saves hawks.

Dale Thayer, huh? Thayer is a journeyman who never showed strikeout stuff like this. Well, his stuff hasn't changed, but by eschewing the fastball for more sliders, his strikeout rate has. He's always had decent control and he should avoid the home run, so he'll keep the job while Huston Street is out. The only question is how long that will be.

Rafael Dolis is the worst closer in baseball. There, I said it. He does get groundballs, but he's no Jim Johnson. Or Brandon League. Heck, he's not even as good as Wilton Lopez. Because he has terrible control and a poor, unrepeatable delivery. To top it off, he is striking out fewer guys than he's walking. If that team had a better option -- and it might still be Michael Bowden long term -- they'd be using him. Kerry Wood apparently has too shaky of an injury history to trust. Carlos Marmol could close again this year. Dolis is the equivalent of a long subway ride to work in August, when your suit is already sticking to you before you even start your day, but some will find him a necessarily evil just the same.

Casey Janssen is a better pitcher, but he's in a worse situation. Injured

Andrew Bailey, Boston Red Sox
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

Andrew Bailey is going to see the doctor this week and hopes to be cleared to throw. He says he feels good and could make it back by the All-Star break. If the news is positive, and he's on your wire, and you've been fortunate enough to avoid injury, he might make a good stash. Drew Storen threw Monday and felt great. He's still on track to start rehab sometime late this month. Trade Henry Rodriguez if you can. Sergio Santos is throwing on flat ground and is on track to return sometime around the end of the month. Carlos Marmol's MRI showed minimal damage to his hamstring, and the team is still looking to trade him if just to save a buck on his contract. He could close again once healthy. We'll see if The Deposed

Heath Bell, Miami Marlins
Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox

Hector Santiago is pitching earlier and earlier in games, Carlos Marmol is deposed AND injured, Jordan Walden is part of a three-man scruffiest, and The Steals Department

Tony Gwynn Jr.is the Dodgers' starting center fielder while Matt Kemp is out. Never mind the fact that he's not the greatest defensive center fielder. Never mind the fact that he strikes out just a tad too much to have a great batting average. Never mind the fact that he has no power. Just mind the fact that he has 40-stolen-base speed and has a regular job. He's a great churn-and-burn speedster for you mixed league head-to-head guys.

Another injury replacement stars in the deep league portion of our steals performance today. With Evan Longoria out in Tampa Bay, Eliot Johnson is taking most of the playing time. He's almost a full-time player, and he has some wheels -- he stole 30 bases in Triple-A in 2010 before losing much of 2011 to injury. He strikes out too much to show a good batting average long-term (think more like .250), but he has just under league average pop and could steal as many as ten bags while Longo is out.

HacheMan · May 16, 2012

Mid-May re-ranks: Top 250

By Fantasy Staff | ESPN.com

The time to be patient is over. With roughly one-fifth of the season already in the books, your job as a fantasy owner is to re-evaluate everything you thought you knew and to react accordingly. How much do you weigh Josh Hamilton's injury risk versus a potential Triple Crown performance? How likely is it that Albert Pujols is pulling an Adam Dunn? How worried are you about Matt Kemp's hamstring? Is Lance Lynn really this good, and Ubaldo Jimenez really this bad?

With that in mind, we asked seven of the original fantasy baseball preseason rankings voters to recast their ballots. Each one was asked to rank their top 250 players for an ESPN standard 10-team rotisserie league for the rest of the season. That means that stats accrued to this point do not count (sorry, Josh Hamilton!). For rankings of how players have performed to date, check out Player Rater. For our thoughts on how the rest of the season will play out, the results are below.

The rankers: Fantasy analysts Matthew Berry (MB), Eric Karabell (EK), Tristan H. Cockcroft (TC) and AJ Mass (AJM), fantasy editor Brendan Roberts (BR), and the Answer Guys' Dave Hunter (DH) and Shawn Cwalinski (SC). Overall rank and preseason rank (in parentheses, as of April 4) appear on the left. Positional eligibility is determined by ESPN standard game rules.

2012 Fantasy Baseball Mid-May Top 250

Filter By Position: Top 250 | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | DH | SP | RP
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<table><thead><tr><th class="header headerSortDown"> Rank, Player, Team, Positions </th><th class="header"> MB </th><th class="header"> EK </th><th class="header"> BR </th><th class="header"> TC </th><th class="header"> AM </th><th class="header"> DH </th><th class="header"> SC </th><th class="header"> AVG </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last even"><td> 1. (4) Ryan Braun, Mil, OF </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 2. (1) Miguel Cabrera, Det, 3B, 1B </td><td> 3 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 2.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 3. (16) Carlos Gonzalez, Col, OF </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 4. (10) Joey Votto, Cin, 1B </td><td> 5 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 5.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 5. (6) Troy Tulowitzki, Col, SS </td><td> 6 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 8.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 6. (40) Josh Hamilton, Tex, OF </td><td> 1 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 9.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 7. (5) Jose Bautista, Tor, 3B, OF </td><td> 9 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 9.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 8. (7) Robinson Cano, NYY, 2B </td><td> 11 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 9.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 9. (15) Dustin Pedroia, Bos, 2B </td><td> 14 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 9.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 10. (19) Ian Kinsler, Tex, 2B </td><td> 13 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 10.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 11. (2) Albert Pujols, LAA, 1B </td><td> 7 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 12.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 12. (17) Justin Verlander, Det, SP </td><td> 17 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 11 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 13.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 13. (3) Matt Kemp, LAD, OF </td><td> 22 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 13.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 14. (23) Curtis Granderson, NYY, OF </td><td> 18 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 14.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 15. (14) Adrian Gonzalez, Bos, 1B </td><td> 10 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 14.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 16. (20) Clayton Kershaw, LAD, SP </td><td> 19 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 9 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 18.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 17. (12) Roy Halladay, Phi, SP </td><td> 30 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 18.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 18. (13) Hanley Ramirez, Mia, SS, 3B </td><td> 36 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 18.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 19. (9) Justin Upton, Ari, OF </td><td> 8 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 12 </td><td> 19.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 20. (29) David Wright, NYM, 3B </td><td> 15 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 20.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 21. (31) Jered Weaver, LAA, SP </td><td> 23 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 20.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 22. (26) Andrew McCutchen, Pit, OF </td><td> 21 </td><td> 21 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 21.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 23. (18) Prince Fielder, Det, 1B </td><td> 25 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 22.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 24. (27) Adrian Beltre, Tex, 3B </td><td> 12 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 22.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 25. (28) Felix Hernandez, Sea, SP </td><td> 31 </td><td> 24 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 24.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 26. (38) Jay Bruce, Cin, OF </td><td> 28 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 25.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 27. (25) Giancarlo Stanton, Mia, OF </td><td> 20 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 26.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 28. (21) Jose Reyes, Mia, SS </td><td> 16 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 26.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 29. (35) Michael Bourn, Atl, OF </td><td> 27 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 29.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 30. (30) Matt Holliday, StL, OF </td><td> 26 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 23 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 31.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 31. (39) Cole Hamels, Phi, SP </td><td> 42 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 32.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 32. (22) Cliff Lee, Phi, SP </td><td> 32 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 32.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 33. (36) Paul Konerko, CWS, 1B </td><td> 24 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 33.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 34. (57) Starlin Castro, ChC, SS </td><td> 38 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 35.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 35. (76) Adam Jones, Bal, OF </td><td> 33 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 36.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 36. (24) Mark Teixeira, NYY, 1B </td><td> 48 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 28 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 39.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 37. (37) Hunter Pence, Phi, OF </td><td> 41 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 27 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 39.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 38. (43) CC Sabathia, NYY, SP </td><td> 43 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 29 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 39.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 39. (42) Dan Uggla, Atl, 2B </td><td> 29 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 37 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 40.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 40. (48) Zack Greinke, Mil, SP </td><td> 34 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 40.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 41. (66) David Ortiz, Bos, DH </td><td> 40 </td><td> 38 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 42.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 42. (74) Stephen Strasburg, Was, SP </td><td> 35 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 35 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 41 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 42.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 43. (60) Elvis Andrus, Tex, SS </td><td> 37 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 43.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 44. (55) Shane Victorino, Phi, OF </td><td> 39 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 36 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 44.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 45. (53) David Price, TB, SP </td><td> 49 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 45.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 46. (61) Matt Cain, SF, SP </td><td> 53 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 46.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 47. (110) Carlos Beltran, StL, OF </td><td> 44 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 48.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 48. (46) Brett Lawrie, Tor, 3B </td><td> 45 </td><td> 39 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 49.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 49. (44) Nelson Cruz, Tex, OF </td><td> 47 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 52.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 50. (68) C.J. Wilson, LAA, SP </td><td> 60 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 55.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 51. (64) James Shields, TB, SP </td><td> 50 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 56.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 52. (77) Madison Bumgarner, SF, SP </td><td> 54 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 57.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 53. (52) Carlos Santana, Cle, C, 1B </td><td> 68 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 57.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 54. (47) Mike Napoli, Tex, C, 1B </td><td> 57 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 57.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 55. (41) Dan Haren, LAA, SP </td><td> 51 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 58.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 56. (67) Alex Rodriguez, NYY, 3B </td><td> 73 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 58.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 57. (32) Tim Lincecum, SF, SP </td><td> 52 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 31 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 59.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 58. (82) Matt Wieters, Bal, C </td><td> 58 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 45 </td><td> 59.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 59. (54) Brandon Phillips, Cin, 2B </td><td> 56 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 60.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 60. (51) Ben Zobrist, TB, 2B, OF </td><td> 46 </td><td> 43 </td><td> 51 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 61.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 61. (62) Craig Kimbrel, Atl, RP </td><td> 75 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 42 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 62.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 62. (45) Eric Hosmer, KC, 1B </td><td> 59 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 65 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 62.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 63. (34) Ryan Zimmerman, Was, 3B </td><td> 79 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 63.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 64. (50) Alex Gordon, KC, OF </td><td> 62 </td><td> 52 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 49 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 63.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 65. (98) Billy Butler, KC, DH </td><td> 66 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 66.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 66. (63) Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle, SS </td><td> 69 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 47 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 68.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 67. (93) Michael Young, Tex, 1B, 3B </td><td> 76 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 61 </td><td> 69.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 68. (69) Brian McCann, Atl, C </td><td> 84 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 70.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 69. (90) Michael Cuddyer, Col, 1B, OF </td><td> 80 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 70.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 70. (104) Jason Heyward, Atl, OF </td><td> 74 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 74.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 71. (108) Derek Jeter, NYY, SS </td><td> 78 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 59 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 75.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 72. (115) Freddie Freeman, Atl, 1B </td><td> 63 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 75.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 73. (49) Jimmy Rollins, Phi, SS </td><td> 61 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 76.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 74. (135) Andre Ethier, LAD, OF </td><td> 91 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 76.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 75. (96) Corey Hart, Mil, OF </td><td> 71 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 78.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 76. (56) Jon Lester, Bos, SP </td><td> 67 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 79.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 77. (97) Matt Garza, ChC, SP </td><td> 82 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 54 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 80.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 78. (71) Ian Kennedy, Ari, SP </td><td> 81 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 69 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 81.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 79. (78) B.J. Upton, TB, OF </td><td> 70 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 82.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 80. (79) Ricky Romero, Tor, SP </td><td> 88 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 83.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 81. (11) Evan Longoria, TB, 3B </td><td> 77 </td><td> 57 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 83.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 82. (128) Gio Gonzalez, Was, SP </td><td> 86 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 70 </td><td> 58 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 84.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 83. (120) Yu Darvish, Tex, SP </td><td> 87 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 48 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 85.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 84. (86) Jonathan Papelbon, Phi, RP </td><td> 113 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 68 </td><td> 86.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 85. (118) Brandon Beachy, Atl, SP </td><td> 65 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 60 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 86.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 86. (33) Pablo Sandoval, SF, 3B </td><td> 55 </td><td> 53 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 86.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 87. (65) Yovani Gallardo, Mil, SP </td><td> 100 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 63 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 87.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 88. (87) Ichiro Suzuki, Sea, OF </td><td> 83 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 66 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 89.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 89. (198) Edwin Encarnacion, Tor, 3B, 1B </td><td> 64 </td><td> 55 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 90.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 90. (105) Jordan Zimmermann, Was, SP </td><td> 106 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 81 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 90.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 91. (123) Buster Posey, SF, C </td><td> 108 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 64 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 92.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 92. (113) Howard Kendrick, LAA, 2B, OF </td><td> 99 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 82 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 92.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 93. (147) Johnny Cueto, Cin, SP </td><td> 109 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 74 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 94.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 94. (75) Shin-Soo Choo, Cle, OF </td><td> 119 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 76 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 95.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 95. (102) Chris Young, Ari, OF </td><td> 96 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 62 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 97.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 96. (59) Lance Berkman, StL, 1B, OF </td><td> 85 </td><td> 78 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 88 </td><td> 98.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 97. (133) Anibal Sanchez, Mia, SP </td><td> 89 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 102.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 98. (58) Aramis Ramirez, Mil, 3B </td><td> 111 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 103.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 99. (99) Desmond Jennings, TB, OF </td><td> 101 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 103.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 100. (106) J.J. Hardy, Bal, SS </td><td> 131 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 107.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 101. (146) Nick Swisher, NYY, OF </td><td> 95 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 108.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 102. (111) Tommy Hanson, Atl, SP </td><td> 105 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 89 </td><td> 108.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 103. (92) Mat Latos, Cin, SP </td><td> 122 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 108.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 104. (107) Drew Stubbs, Cin, OF </td><td> 121 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 93 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 110.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 105. (94) Adam Wainwright, StL, SP </td><td> 93 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 103 </td><td> 110.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 106. (127) Joe Mauer, Min, C </td><td> 137 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 110.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 107. (91) John Axford, Mil, RP </td><td> 125 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 111.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 108. (8) Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos, OF </td><td> 94 </td><td> 84 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 113.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 109. (166) Jason Kipnis, Cle, 2B </td><td> 117 </td><td> 72 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 114.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 110. (89) Jeremy Hellickson, TB, SP </td><td> 162 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 79 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 85 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 114.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 111. (188) David Freese, StL, 3B </td><td> 110 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 115.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 112. (177) Josh Willingham, Min, OF </td><td> 107 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 116.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 113. (81) Rickie Weeks, Mil, 2B </td><td> 97 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 119.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 114. (281) Jake Peavy, CWS, SP </td><td> 124 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 86 </td><td> 220 </td><td> 83 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 120.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 115. (117) Shaun Marcum, Mil, SP </td><td> 90 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 104 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 121.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 116. (206) Emilio Bonifacio, Mia, SS, 3B, OF </td><td> 72 </td><td> 71 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 122.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 117. (211) Adam Dunn, CWS, 1B </td><td> 102 </td><td> 77 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 122.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 118. (109) Rafael Betancourt, Col, RP </td><td> 165 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 122.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 119. (112) Miguel Montero, Ari, C </td><td> 127 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 123.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 120. (132) Jason Motte, StL, RP </td><td> 140 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 123.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 121. (114) Joel Hanrahan, Pit, RP </td><td> 128 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 124.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 122. (138) Cameron Maybin, SD, OF </td><td> 133 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 108 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 127.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 123. (145) Melky Cabrera, SF, OF </td><td> 92 </td><td> 106 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 98 </td><td> 92 </td><td> 219 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 127.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 124. (140) Nick Markakis, Bal, OF </td><td> 135 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 101 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 127.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 125. (83) Michael Morse, Was, 1B, OF </td><td> 118 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 128.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 126. (88) Brett Gardner, NYY, OF </td><td> 130 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 128.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 127. (95) Kevin Youkilis, Bos, 3B </td><td> 98 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 107 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 128.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 128. (228) Kenley Jansen, LAD, RP </td><td> 114 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 90 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 129.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 129. (163) Brandon Morrow, Tor, SP </td><td> 148 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 73 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 132.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 130. (129) Dee Gordon, LAD, SS </td><td> 116 </td><td> 87 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 113 </td><td> 203 </td><td> 133.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 131. (116) Alex Avila, Det, C </td><td> 129 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 112 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 133.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 132. (85) Alexei Ramirez, CWS, SS </td><td> 103 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 102 </td><td> 111 </td><td> 135.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 133. (160) Wandy Rodriguez, Hou, SP </td><td> 139 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 129 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 136.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 134. (73) Matt Moore, TB, SP </td><td> 138 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 100 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 97 </td><td> 109 </td><td> 137.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 135. (167) Kelly Johnson, Tor, 2B </td><td> 141 </td><td> 110 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 137.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 136. (201) Matt Joyce, TB, OF </td><td> 152 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 105 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 138.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 137. (84) Daniel Hudson, Ari, SP </td><td> 104 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 140.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 138. (179) Yadier Molina, StL, C </td><td> 166 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 99 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 141.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 139. (601) Lance Lynn, StL, RP </td><td> 149 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 96 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 141.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 140. (103) Josh Beckett, Bos, SP </td><td> 126 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 123 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 128 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 141.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 141. (181) Jesus Montero, Sea, C </td><td> 136 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 124 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 143.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 142. (161) Martin Prado, Atl, 3B, OF </td><td> 194 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 94 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 115 </td><td> 147.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 143. (136) Neftali Feliz, Tex, RP </td><td> 144 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 114 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 147.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 144. (121) Jose Valverde, Det, RP </td><td> 161 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 121 </td><td> NR </td><td> 121 </td><td> 149.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 145. (165) Colby Lewis, Tex, SP </td><td> 187 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 118 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 150.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 146. (137) J.J. Putz, Ari, RP </td><td> 163 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 153.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 147. (253) Austin Jackson, Det, OF </td><td> 134 </td><td> 139 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 126 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 153.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 148. (158) Ted Lilly, LAD, SP </td><td> 189 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 135 </td><td> 153.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 149. (130) Max Scherzer, Det, SP </td><td> 132 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 154.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 150. (186) Carlos Pena, TB, 1B </td><td> 183 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 156.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 151. (232) Jose Altuve, Hou, 2B </td><td> 153 </td><td> 95 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 157.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 152. (124) Josh Johnson, Mia, SP </td><td> 123 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 122 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 159.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 153. (170) Angel Pagan, SF, OF </td><td> 171 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 120 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 161.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 154. (122) Jhonny Peralta, Det, SS </td><td> 115 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 157 </td><td> NR </td><td> 133 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 162.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 155. (149) Logan Morrison, Mia, OF </td><td> 146 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 163.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 156. (153) Tim Hudson, Atl, SP </td><td> 112 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 164.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 157. (171) Brandon McCarthy, Oak, SP </td><td> 169 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 164.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 158. (298) Rafael Furcal, StL, SS </td><td> 159 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 165.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 159. (150) Jaime Garcia, StL, SP </td><td> 145 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 150 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 165.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 160. (550) Bryan LaHair, ChC, 1B, OF </td><td> 215 </td><td> 91 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 158 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 132 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 166.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 161. (185) Brandon League, Sea, RP </td><td> 151 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 131 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 169.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 162. (151) Carlos Lee, Hou, 1B, OF </td><td> 192 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 169.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 163. (197) Ryan Dempster, ChC, SP </td><td> 181 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 161 </td><td> 169.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 164. (755) Fernando Rodney, TB, RP </td><td> 160 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 80 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 171.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 165. (143) Neil Walker, Pit, 2B </td><td> 188 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 172.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 166. (142) Hiroki Kuroda, NYY, SP </td><td> 186 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 164 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 142 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 172.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 167. (119) Chase Utley, Phi, 2B </td><td> 210 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 130 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 172.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 168. (139) Doug Fister, Det, SP </td><td> 185 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 134 </td><td> 174.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 169. (312) Johan Santana, NYM, SP </td><td> 176 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 174.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 170. (195) Joe Nathan, Tex, RP </td><td> 223 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 117 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 175.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 171. (183) Mike Moustakas, KC, 3B </td><td> 173 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 177 </td><td> 154 </td><td> 178.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 172. (141) Torii Hunter, LAA, OF </td><td> 143 </td><td> 137 </td><td> 167 </td><td> NR </td><td> 143 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 179.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 173. (268) Chris Davis, Bal, 3B, 1B </td><td> 157 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 143 </td><td> 179.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 174. (414) Mike Trout, LAA, OF </td><td> 191 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 127 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 179.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 175. (209) Chase Headley, SD, 3B </td><td> 209 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 175 </td><td> 170 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 151 </td><td> 179.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 176. (237) Jim Johnson, Bal, RP </td><td> 154 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 181.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 177. (245) Vance Worley, Phi, SP </td><td> 174 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 121 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 182.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 178. (164) Dustin Ackley, Sea, 2B </td><td> 195 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 140 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 159 </td><td> 182.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 179. (187) Gavin Floyd, CWS, SP </td><td> 225 </td><td> 218 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 174 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 183.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 180. (155) Ervin Santana, LAA, SP </td><td> 147 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 231 </td><td> 146 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 183.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 181. (216) Yoenis Cespedes, Oak, OF </td><td> 201 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 187 </td><td> 234 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 187.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 182. (193) Jason Kubel, Ari, OF </td><td> 198 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 210 </td><td> 171 </td><td> 190.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 183. (125) Erick Aybar, LAA, SS </td><td> 167 </td><td> 156 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 153 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 190.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 184. (221) Mark Trumbo, LAA, 1B </td><td> 150 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 190.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 185. (238) Omar Infante, Mia, 2B </td><td> 224 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 180 </td><td> NR </td><td> 136 </td><td> 191.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 186. (70) Carl Crawford, Bos, OF </td><td> 120 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 219 </td><td> 249 </td><td> 141 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 192.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 187. (204) Aaron Hill, Ari, 2B </td><td> 247 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 178 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 193.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 188. (210) Brett Myers, Hou, SP </td><td> 250 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 152 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 193.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 189. (294) Alejandro De Aza, CWS, OF </td><td> 213 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 136 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 193.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 190. (131) Adam Lind, Tor, 1B </td><td> 168 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 204 </td><td> NR </td><td> 154 </td><td> 119 </td><td> 226 </td><td> 194.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 191. (233) Chris Perez, Cle, RP </td><td> 220 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 201 </td><td> 160 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 182 </td><td> 195.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 192. (100) Ubaldo Jimenez, Cle, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 179 </td><td> 199 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 144 </td><td> 108 </td><td> NR </td><td> 196.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 193. (457) Bryce Harper, WAS, OF </td><td> NR </td><td> 142 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 192 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 197.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 194. (169) Chris Sale, CWS, RP </td><td> 229 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 172 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 145 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 215 </td><td> 197.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 195. (156) Gaby Sanchez, Mia, 1B </td><td> 193 </td><td> 184 </td><td> 218 </td><td> NR </td><td> 192 </td><td> 147 </td><td> 196 </td><td> 198.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 196. (230) Ian Desmond, Was, SS </td><td> 214 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 210 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 200.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 197. (405) Josh Reddick, Oak, OF </td><td> 170 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 226 </td><td> NR </td><td> 178 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 200.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 198. (297) Mike Aviles, Bos, 2B, 3B, SS </td><td> 172 </td><td> 212 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 237 </td><td> NR </td><td> 169 </td><td> 202.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 199. (319) Adam LaRoche, Was, 1B </td><td> 237 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 133 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 204.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 200. (205) Lucas Duda, NYM, 1B, OF </td><td> 206 </td><td> 168 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 193 </td><td> NR </td><td> 164 </td><td> 204.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 201. (217) Chad Billingsley, LAD, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 220 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 138 </td><td> 222 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 176 </td><td> 204.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 202. (239) Derek Holland, Tex, SP </td><td> 197 </td><td> 237 </td><td> 149 </td><td> 163 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 235 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 205.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 203. (235) Sean Marshall, Cin, RP </td><td> 234 </td><td> 180 </td><td> 169 </td><td> 165 </td><td> NR </td><td> 228 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 205.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 204. (192) Bud Norris, Hou, SP </td><td> 222 </td><td> 238 </td><td> 173 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 243 </td><td> 205.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 205. (352) Kyle Lohse, StL, SP </td><td> 184 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 247 </td><td> 139 </td><td> NR </td><td> 152 </td><td> 206.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 206. (191) Alex Rios, CWS, OF </td><td> 246 </td><td> 157 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 165 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 206.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 207. (260) Allen Craig, StL, OF </td><td> 156 </td><td> 125 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 207.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 208. (199) Matt Capps, Min, RP </td><td> 232 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 207.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 209. (172) Jeff Francoeur, KC, OF </td><td> 228 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 186 </td><td> NR </td><td> 205 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 208.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 210. (162) Marco Scutaro, Col, SS, 2B </td><td> 202 </td><td> 222 </td><td> 232 </td><td> NR </td><td> 158 </td><td> 220 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 208.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 211. (196) Jemile Weeks, Oak, 2B </td><td> 200 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> 163 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 230 </td><td> 208.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 212. (244) Kendrys Morales, LAA, 1B </td><td> 182 </td><td> 207 </td><td> 197 </td><td> 242 </td><td> 239 </td><td> 155 </td><td> 248 </td><td> 210.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 213. (315) David Robertson, NYY, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 187 </td><td> 188 </td><td> 137 </td><td> NR </td><td> 245 </td><td> 195 </td><td> 210.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 214. (219) Edwin Jackson, Was, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 247 </td><td> 228 </td><td> 208 </td><td> 203 </td><td> 179 </td><td> 148 </td><td> 210.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 215. (241) Jonathan Broxton, KC, RP </td><td> 248 </td><td> 205 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 180 </td><td> NR </td><td> 168 </td><td> 181 </td><td> 212.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 216. (168) Huston Street, SD, RP </td><td> 233 </td><td> 185 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 193 </td><td> 218 </td><td> 244 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 215.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 217. (134) Coco Crisp, Oak, OF </td><td> 142 </td><td> 167 </td><td> 205 </td><td> NR </td><td> 213 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 215.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 218. (212) Ricky Nolasco, Mia, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 229 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 190 </td><td> 191 </td><td> 211 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 215.3 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 219. (306) Jed Lowrie, Hou, SS, 3B </td><td> 216 </td><td> 175 </td><td> NR </td><td> 176 </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> 184 </td><td> 215.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 220. (464) Jeff Samardzija, ChC, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 198 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 227 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 198 </td><td> 215.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 221. (182) Danny Espinosa, Was, 2B </td><td> 196 </td><td> 231 </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 185 </td><td> 209 </td><td> 229 </td><td> 216.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 222. (317) Carlos Zambrano, Mia, SP </td><td> 178 </td><td> 245 </td><td> 233 </td><td> 221 </td><td> NR </td><td> 193 </td><td> 186 </td><td> 216.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 223. (437) Luke Scott, TB, OF </td><td> 190 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 183 </td><td> 245 </td><td> NR </td><td> 202 </td><td> 216.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 224. (605) Santiago Casilla, SF, RP </td><td> 164 </td><td> 214 </td><td> NR </td><td> 155 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> 218.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 225. (254) Aroldis Chapman, Cin, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 166 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 232 </td><td> 214 </td><td> 221.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 226. (194) Yunel Escobar, Tor, SS </td><td> 231 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 227 </td><td> NR </td><td> 181 </td><td> 236 </td><td> 194 </td><td> 221.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 227. (231) Daniel Murphy, NYM, 2B, 3B, 1B </td><td> NR </td><td> 202 </td><td> 224 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 202 </td><td> 221 </td><td> 213 </td><td> 223.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 228. (329) Erik Bedard, Pit, SP </td><td> 177 </td><td> NR </td><td> 209 </td><td> 234 </td><td> NR </td><td> 182 </td><td> NR </td><td> 226.0 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 229. (514) Jordan Schafer, Hou, OF </td><td> 199 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 246 </td><td> 164 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 210 </td><td> 226.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 230. (392) Raul Ibanez, NYY, OF </td><td> 180 </td><td> 232 </td><td> 225 </td><td> 207 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 222 </td><td> 226.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 231. (227) Chipper Jones, Atl, 3B </td><td> NR </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 232 </td><td> 196 </td><td> NR </td><td> 177 </td><td> 226.9 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 232. (189) Mike Minor, Atl, SP </td><td> NR </td><td> 236 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 189 </td><td> 200 </td><td> 230 </td><td> NR </td><td> 230.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 233. (190) Ryan Howard, Phi, 1B </td><td> 245 </td><td> 206 </td><td> 237 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 170 </td><td> 237 </td><td> 230.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 234. (175) Paul Goldschmidt, Ari, 1B </td><td> 230 </td><td> 243 </td><td> 230 </td><td> NR </td><td> 175 </td><td> 229 </td><td> NR </td><td> 232.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 235. (152) Mark Reynolds, Bal, 3B, 1B </td><td> 211 </td><td> 223 </td><td> 206 </td><td> NR </td><td> 221 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 234.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 236. (248) Delmon Young, Det, OF </td><td> 155 </td><td> NR </td><td> 239 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 227 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 234.4 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 237. (202) Ike Davis, NYM, 1B </td><td> NR </td><td> 192 </td><td> 238 </td><td> 220 </td><td> NR </td><td> 231 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 234.6 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 238. (267) Justin Morneau, Min, 1B </td><td> 158 </td><td> NR </td><td> 185 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 234.7 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 239. (255) Alcides Escobar, KC, SS </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 196 </td><td> NR </td><td> 219 </td><td> NR </td><td> 191 </td><td> 235.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 240. (144) Heath Bell, Mia, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 210 </td><td> NR </td><td> 201 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 241 </td><td> NR </td><td> 235.6 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 241. (339) Pedro Alvarez, Pit, 3B </td><td> 203 </td><td> 233 </td><td> NR </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> 194 </td><td> NR </td><td> 235.7 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 242. (502) Drew Smyly, Det, SP </td><td> 240 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 238 </td><td> NR </td><td> 184 </td><td> 216 </td><td> 236.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 243. (270) Addison Reed, CWS, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 234 </td><td> NR </td><td> 167 </td><td> NR </td><td> 234 </td><td> 244 </td><td> 237.0 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 244. (512) Henry Rodriguez, Was, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> 241 </td><td> 250 </td><td> 172 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 224 </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 245. (258) J.D. Martinez, Hou, OF </td><td> 175 </td><td> 250 </td><td> NR </td><td> 229 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 233 </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 246. (200) Colby Rasmus, Tor, OF </td><td> NR </td><td> 239 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 187 </td><td> 201 </td><td> NR </td><td> 238.1 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 247. (482) Rafael Soriano, NYY, RP </td><td> 249 </td><td> NR </td><td> 243 </td><td> 204 </td><td> 249 </td><td> 203 </td><td> NR </td><td> 238.3 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 248. (246) Alfredo Aceves, Bos, RP </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 215 </td><td> 217 </td><td> 241 </td><td> 240 </td><td> 239 </td><td> 238.9 </td></tr><tr class="last even"><td> 249. (310) Bartolo Colon, Oak, SP </td><td> 218 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 158 </td><td> NR </td><td> 239.4 </td></tr><tr class="last odd"><td> 250. (395) Travis Hafner, Cle, DH </td><td> NR </td><td> 217 </td><td> 222 </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> NR </td><td> 201 </td><td> 240.0 </td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · May 16, 2012

Comparing mid-May hitter ranks

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Mid-May rankings week is a fun week. It's a week when our "big three" columns -- "60 Feet, 6 Inches" and "Relief Efforts" being the other two -- provide an opportunity to discuss some of the differences in my rankings comparative to those of the ESPN Fantasy group as a whole.

Here's one that stood out: Apparently, I'm more pro-pitching than the group. We ranked 101 pitchers in the overall top 250; I had nine more, or 110, in my personal top 250. And as I compared my rankings to those of the group, I found that, most often, hitters ended up ranking lower on my list than the others.

That's no surprise to me; I've been a bit more pro-pitching than most in recent seasons, as league ERAs have dropped. I've also long argued that pitching tends to be easier to project once a season begins than before it, meaning that the investments on the pitching side are somewhat safer in May than in, say, March.

Still, pitchers weren't the only ones whose rankings resulted differently on my list than the group's. As with "60 Feet, 6 Inches" on Tuesday, Wednesday's "Hit Parade" examines the hitters with the greatest differential in rankings.

I like them more

Jordan Schafer, Houston Astros: Go figure, he was the player I ranked highest comparative to the rest of the group, and I'm not even that big a fan. It's a numbers thing; these are Schafer's full-season paces: .248 batting average, 9 homers, 41 RBIs, 50 stolen bases, 95 runs scored. Now take a look at Cameron Maybin's final 2011 numbers: .264 average, 9 homers, 40 RBIs, 40 steals, 82 runs. Maybin finished 81st on the Player Rater. I'm not saying that Schafer is Maybin's equal, or that I expect Schafer to steal 50 bases; he has averaged 29 per 162 games played as a professional. But all of the other paces are reasonable, especially for a player who is going to remain in the lineup regularly due to a lack of stronger alternatives. Schafer has appeared in 34 of 36 Astros games and started 31 of them, 30 of those out of the leadoff spot. Why can't he remain one of the game's most underappreciated sources of steals and runs?

Cameron Maybin, San Diego Padres: It's only fitting that I follow up a Maybin reference with an actual listing of Maybin. He was one of the most frustrating fantasy players in the month of April, sporting a .188 batting average in the month, but he has picked up the pace of late, his .371 on-base percentage in his past 22 games (some of those in April) supporting his candidacy as a top source of stolen bases. Sure enough, he has eight in those 22 contests. Like Schafer, Maybin also finds himself on pace for nearly 50 steals -- his pace is exactly 48 -- except that I prefer him to Schafer as a hitter. I think Maybin is exactly what he was in 2011, at the least, and that's a clear top-100 player overall.

Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers: I'm surprised that more people aren't boarding the Austin Jackson bandwagon, because his numbers back up his torrid start as being legitimate. Jackson's strikeout rate has dropped by approximately 10 percent (27.1 in 2011, 18.6 in 2012), his walk rate risen by 5 percent (8.4 to 12.8), his chase rate (swings at non-strikes) has dropped by 6 percent (26 to 20) and he has done a remarkable job of improving his performance against fastballs from right-handers, helping boost his numbers on that side to .372/.465/.547 (he managed .279/.334/.393 triple-slash rates versus righties in 2010-11). If Jackson indeed has become the patient hitter we never saw in either of his first two seasons, he's absolutely capable of a breakout year. Heck, at 126th overall, I've probably underrated him if his plate-discipline stats stay even close to their current rates.

Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays: Matt Joyce is the kind of player who has always looked like one capable of more, yet through multiple big league seasons hasn't taken the big leap. Three times from 2008 to 2011, he managed 200-plus plate appearances and an OPS of .800 or greater, and during that four-year span, he ranked among the top 60 in baseball in OPS (minimum 1,000 PAs). This season, however, he has kicked his OPS north of .900, with .256 isolated power that would trump the .201 he managed during his first "full-time" season of 2011. Joyce does have a weakness -- he's a .235/.297/.324 hitter versus left-handers -- but he's 27 years old, smack dab in his prime, and might do enough simply against righties to make a run at top-100 status.

Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves: I might be somewhat too high on Prado, putting him at the back end of my top 100, but considering the state of third base right now, I think it's justifiable. Look at his paces: .301 batting average, 83 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, 101 runs scored, and be aware that in 2010 he managed a .307 average, 66 RBIs and 100 runs, meaning his paces aren't completely out of hand. Prado's shortcoming is his power; a 5.4 percent home run/fly ball rate, the worst he has managed in his career as a full-timer, shows that his current pace is probably a tad unlucky. I think he's a buy-low candidate.

TOP 125 HITTERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 125 hitters are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Braun, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Cabrera, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Gonzalez, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Curtis Granderson, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Bruce, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Bautista, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Beltre, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Upton, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wright, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Kemp, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew McCutchen, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Starlin Castro, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Giancarlo Stanton, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Ortiz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Uggla, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Santana, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Wieters, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Napoli, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Heyward, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rodriguez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Lawrie, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Hosmer, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Young, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Gordon, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Phillips, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian McCann, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nelson Cruz, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Corey Hart, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Zimmerman, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Cuddyer, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buster Posey, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Zobrist, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Encarnacion, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Swisher, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shin-Soo Choo, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Freddie Freeman, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Freese, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cameron Maybin, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Evan Longoria, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Howard Kendrick, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Desmond Jennings, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Joyce, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pablo Sandoval, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Berkman, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> B.J. Upton, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ichiro Suzuki, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Young, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jesus Montero, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Emilio Bonifacio, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Markakis, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kelly Johnson, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Hardy, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Montero, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Avila, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Altuve, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Stubbs, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Gardner, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Youkilis, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Morse, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bryan LaHair, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Furcal, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Pena, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Schafer, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Aviles, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Davis, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Headley, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Utley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jed Lowrie, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dee Gordon, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Moustakas, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luke Scott, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neil Walker, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yoenis Cespedes, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rickie Weeks, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Logan Morrison, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Allen Craig, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alejandro De Aza, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Lee, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 116 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Ackley, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Cozart, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Raul Ibanez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 120 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Desmond, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam LaRoche, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 122 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 120 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Omar Infante, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Doumit, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bryce Harper, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>

I like them less

Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers: I sincerely wonder whether there's something physically wrong with him, and not just the hand injury that cost him a brief spell during the past week. Weeks is on pace for a career-worst 198 strikeouts, his miss rate on swings has risen by 3 percent (28 in 2011 to 31 in 2012), his well-hit average (percentage of his at-bats that resulted in hard contact) has dropped from .227 to .135 and on "fast stuff" (pitches clocked at 93 mph or higher) he has managed miserable .087/.192/.217 triple-slash rates in 26 plate appearances. Combine those and I wonder whether bat speed is an issue, something that seems odd for a 29-year-old. If Weeks misses some time, or takes weeks to break this funk, I won't be at all surprised.

Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers: We as a group ranked Peralta 122nd in the preseason, and have now dropped him a mere 32 spots. Thirty-two spots? That's hardly enough for a player whose current pace is this: .252 batting average, .351 slugging percentage, 5 home runs, 50 RBIs. Even if Peralta improves those paces, his numbers don't look much different from the player we saw in either 2009 or 2010. Incidentally, this is where he finished on our Player Rater in those seasons: 357th in 2009, 291st in 2010. He was 93rd last season, or 60 spots higher than where we as a group have him ranked for the remainder of 2012. It's simply too generous.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox: I worry about his separated shoulder, especially in light of how long it took him to recover from fractured ribs in 2010. Ellsbury is out until at least mid-June -- that because he's on the 60-day disabled list -- so at the bare minimum he'll give us approximately 75 percent of the Red Sox's remaining schedule. Even after that, there are questions: Will he require time to return to form as the hitter we saw in 2011? Might he be less aggressive on the base paths initially? In a month, maybe I'll feel like he's a top-50 player again, but with a month to go at least before his activation, I think a hesitant approach is warranted.

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals: Thanks, Bryce, you had to hit home runs in back-to-back games to make my ranking look foolish, didn't you? Harper earned a bump of a few spots thanks to his sudden power surge, cracking this week's top 125 list, but I'd still like to see more. Before that he seemed to possess only "doubles power," and his penchant for walks, too, wasn't something that showed up in his traditional Rotisserie statistics. Harper is 19; I need to see more than a two-day homer hot streak before I'll call him a bona fide top-200 player. But I'll say this: I was wrong about his being able to stick as a big leaguer. I think he's here for good, and I do think he'll matter even in larger mixed leagues.

Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox: Alexei Ramirez has had exactly one season that could be classified as "elite-caliber," and it was his rookie year of 2008. He has never batted higher than .290, hit more than 21 home runs, driven in more than 77 runs or stolen more than 14 bases, and per 162 games during his career, he has managed .274, 18, 77 and 13 numbers in those categories. Ramirez is also on pace for two troubling numbers: 18 walks and 96 strikeouts, which would represent his worst in either category as a big leaguer. He's chasing more bad pitches -- 33 percent chase rate in 2011, 39 percent in 2012 -- and he's a .111/.172/.111 hitter in 30 PAs against pitches clocked at 93 mph or higher. I'm not so sure he's even the player he was in 2011, and he finished 147th on the Player Rater then.

Three up

Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals: He has seven multihit performances and five home runs in 12 games so far this season. So much for any sluggish performance initially upon his return from knee surgery! Craig has started nine consecutive Cardinals games, six at first base, two in right field and one in left field, and has quickly emerged as a middle-of-the-order regular for the team. He's a .305/.355/.546 hitter with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs in 131 career big league games -- those project to 25 homers and 94 RBIs per 162 -- and if the Cardinals cannot recognize those as deserving of everyday at-bats, they're in trouble. Fantasy owners should plan as if Craig will get those regular at-bats.

Rafael Furcal, St. Louis Cardinals: St. Louis sure seems to agree with him. Furcal, the No. 2 shortstop on our Player Rater, currently sports a career-low strikeout rate (9.9 percent), and his 9.9 percent walk rate is his best in any full season since 2006. Those are pluses for a leadoff man; they assure the kind of competitive on-base percentage that should rank him among the game's leaders in runs scored, not to mention they diminish the risk of slumps or a mediocre full-season batting average. In a season when so many shortstops have disappointed, it's two veterans -- Furcal and Derek Jeter -- who have stepped up not only as surprises, but clear top-10 fantasy options for the long haul.

Raul Ibanez, New York Yankees: Yankee Stadium certainly seems to agree with him. He's a .297/.373/.635 hitter with seven home runs in 22 career games there, but don't dismiss those as ballpark-induced; those seven homers averaged 411 feet in distance. Yes, Ibanez will inevitably benefit from the venue's favorable confines, but all that does is support his candidacy as -- at the bare minimum -- a "streaks" pickup even in shallow mixed formats. He's a must-play in weeks loaded with either home games (he's a .294/.357/.627 hitter this year at home) or games against right-handed starters (.268/.330/.585 against them).
Three down

Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners: It's not often that a player riding a 11-game hitting streak lands in "Three down," but even during that streak, Ackley is a .293 hitter with exactly one home run and one RBI. He'll probably enjoy a lengthy, productive career, and in a keeper league he's well worth having around. In shallow mixed redraft leagues, however, his potential in the counting numbers (homers, runs, RBIs) leaves much to be desired. Ackley is on pace for 9 homers, 43 RBIs, 9 stolen bases and 77 runs scored, and even before the season few -- myself included -- believed he'd be much more than a 15/15 player.

Brett Gardner, New York Yankees: A setback with the strained arm muscle -- he also landed on the disabled list due to a bruised right elbow -- has effectively restarted Gardner's DL clock, as ESPNNewYork.com reported on May 11. "It's the muscle that he strained, that healed, that he's re-strained basically," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He will not pick up a bat for 10 days, and then we'll go from there." That puts Gardner's return somewhere in the range of June 1, if not later, and it means that, like Ellsbury, he's probably only going to provide you with approximately 80 percent of the Yankees' remaining schedule.

Dee Gordon, Los Angeles Dodgers: I am nothing if not consistent with Gordon. He's a .212 hitter with a .248 on-base percentage and he has two stolen bases in his past 16 games, yet manager Don Mattingly inexplicably continues to slot him in the leadoff spot night after night. Granted, that's better for Gordon's fantasy prospects; as a No. 8 hitter he might get the green light to steal less often with the pitcher due up next. But at his current pace, Gordon's role needs come into question in the near future. He's no longer drawing walks at the surprising pace that he did during spring training and in the early regular-season weeks, and he has the majors' worst well-hit average (.074) among qualifiers. Gordon is a one-category fantasy player, and one with a monstrous downside that includes a possible demotion to the minors. You know, exactly what I explained he was during the preseason.

New position eligibility

The following players have become eligible at new positions -- it's 10 games to qualify at a new spot -- in ESPN standard leagues during the past week: Josh Donaldson (3B), Jonathan Herrera (3B).

Nearing new position eligibility

The following notable fantasy players are on track to earn new eligibility in the coming weeks: Joaquin Arias (8 games played at 3B), Allen Craig (9 games played at 1B), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), John Mayberry Jr. (8 games played at 1B), Andy Parrino (9 games played at 2B), Nick Punto (9 games played at 3B), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B).

HacheMan · May 16, 2012

At what point is Melky Cabrera not a fluke?

Eric Karabell

A year ago, the three starting outfielders for the Kansas City Royals produced the best statistics of any outfield trio in the game. Perhaps that's hard to believe, but Melky Cabrera finished eighth among all outfielders on the Player Rater, Alex Gordon was ninth and Jeff Francoeur was 13th. Combined, this threesome provided 61 home runs and 59 stolen bases, all three knocked in precisely 87 runs, and they hit a cumulative .297. It was a bit hard to believe, thus not surprising when only Gordon was trusted to be a top-30 outfielder in 2012 ESPN average live drafts.

<offer>It's not that fantasy owners thought Cabrera, now with the San Francisco Giants, and Francoeur would be terrible, mind you; Cabrera was a 15th-round pick and Frenchy was an 18th-round pick. But who thought Cabrera would reach 200 hits again (he was fifth in baseball in 2011) and Francoeur would hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases (only 12 players did that in 2011)? Let's just say I was skeptical, as well.</offer>
<offer></offer>
<offer>Six weeks into the season, Cabrera is again flourishing, while Francoeur is not. Cabrera has been hitting third for the offense-starved Giants of late, at least until Pablo Sandoval returns from the disabled list, and his opposite-field, two-run double to deep right field off Colorado Rockies lefty Josh Outman on Tuesday gave him 16 RBIs on the season to go with a .333 batting average. Cabrera might be a tad miscast as a No. 3 hitter, but he's on pace for 225 hits (his 50 hits are currently fifth in baseball), 99 runs, 72 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. Cabrera enters Wednesday 19th among outfielders on the Player Rater.

Put simply, I don't think the 27-year-old switch-hitter can be considered a fluke anymore. His numbers a season ago were outstanding, especially considering the context of his prior career work, but even switching leagues and heading to a pitcher's park, Cabrera is hitting for average and contributing in other categories. There are reasons to expect regression in his batting average, starting with his inflated .375 BABIP and .432 batting average against lefties (he had a .332 BABIP and hit .304 versus LHPs in 2011), but this is a player who should hit .300 with roughly 12-14 home runs, 75 RBIs and 15-20 steals this season, and that would mean he's not a sell-high option. He doesn't carry fantasy teams, but you're glad you can count on him, certainly more than the left-hander the Royals got for him in a trade, the injured and wild Jonathan Sanchez.

As for Francoeur, his career has been filled with more ups and downs, and his current work is leaving much to be desired. Francoeur is owned in 43 percent of ESPN leagues, and it's tough to make the case for more attention. He finally hit his first home run of the season this past weekend, but he's on pace for a lowly 37 RBIs and still hasn't stolen a base, though he has made three attempts.

Francoeur is hitting .250. Unfortunately, we've seen this Francoeur multiple times before, including in 2010, when he underachieved for the New York Mets. It is possible this is merely a slow start for him, as numerous Royals are struggling (notably Eric Hosmer and Gordon), and Francoeur did hit .310 with an .878 OPS in the second half of 2011, but I'm not buying a repeat of that, not given his track record. I'm not sure how the Royals can even trade Francoeur in July to a contender if he's knocking in barely a run per week.

Then again, I could have ranked Francoeur worse than I did for our ESPN Fantasy mid-May rankings this week; I had him at No. 211, right around where the staff placed him. That's outside the top 50 outfielders, but still worth owning in a standard 10- or 12-team league. If Francoeur doesn't improve, though, he won't be in my Top 250 a month from now. Meanwhile, Cabrera just missed my Top 100. It's certainly feasible that by mid-June he'll safely make it, because yes, I'm a believer.

By the way, there is some reason for concern regarding the aforementioned Gordon. People are tempted to still view him as a young player, but he's 28, actually older than Cabrera and only a month younger than Francoeur. Asking for a repeat of his 2011 was more presumed than the others, and he's on pace for 19 home runs and 74 RBIs, but hitting .246. He's not running, but last season 11 of his 17 steals came in the second half, along with a .307 batting average and 12 home runs. Perhaps it's more of a gut feeling that Gordon is more likely to produce a similar second-half performance to 2011 rather than Francoeur, but for now I'm sticking with it.
</offer>

HacheMan · May 17, 2012

Hosmer's Hitting Woes

If a 15-inning game between the Royals and Orioles to be played in Kansas City in mid-May had been foretold before the start of the season, it would have been easy to envision any number of grisly sights.

An 0-for-7 performance with five strikeouts from Chris Davis. A 2 2/3 inning start from Luke Hochevar. Seven at-bats from Jeff Francoeur where he sees a total of 10 pitches. Five combined errors between the Orioles’ corner infielders. A jersey that read “Baltmiore” instead of “Baltimore.” (Even though the Orioles’ jerseys are lettered in cursive script.) A quarter full Kauffman Stadium watching two of the majors’ most perennially depressing teams.

The list of plausible possibilities could go on and on.

What you might not have predicted was an 0-for-7 night from 2011 Rookie of the Year candidate and former super prospect Eric Hosmer.

Alas, that’s what we got in our come-to-life O’s/Royals marathon on Wednesday, and the would-be Wizard of Hoz is now batting an unseemly .174/.237/.319 through his first 156 plate appearances.

That Hosmer is struggling shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise. Sophomore campaigns can often be tougher than rookie seasons. The book is out, and it’s up to the sophomores to adjust.

But .174/.237/.319? For a player who hit .293/.334/.465 as a rookie? Who was a career .312/.393/.493 minor-league hitter and two-time Top 25 prospect on Baseball America’s annual list?

That’s surprising.

So what does it mean? If you go by what I will assume the Royals’ radio and T.V. announcers are saying, he’s due.

If you go by the fact that Hosmer is still only 22 years old and probably has as little confidence right now as he’s ever had playing baseball, he might be in line for a minor-league pit stop if this keeps up much longer.

Hosmer is talented enough to snap out of it at any given moment. But he’s also raw enough that it just might not be possible without a change in circumstance/scenery. The Hoz is still an excellent bet for a great career and possibly even a great 2012. But don’t be shocked if the Royals soon decide they’ve seen enough and send their first baseman of the present and future to Triple-A Omaha for a 2-3 week tune up.

Too Good to Be True?

Carlos Beltran has 13 home runs in 35 games this season. That’s exceptional, but not too good to be true for a player who entered 2012 with 302 bombs in 1,768 career games.

But you know what is too good to be true? That a player who appeared in only 145 games between the 2009-10 seasons has made only one trip to the disabled list in the past two years.

So as Beltran prepares to sit out for the fourth consecutive game with knee and foot soreness this afternoon, the question is, is this a routine, minor injury for a 35-year-old veteran, or the sands of time and karma catching up with a player who broke down following an electrifying 10-year start to his career?

Beltran insists it’s the former, saying Wednesday that he felt "much better,” and that he wants to "make sure that when I'm back, I'm back."

But he also refused to completely rule out a D.L. stint, and with it still being May and the Cardinals having the depth to overcome injury, don’t believe that’s not where Beltran is headed until you see him back on the field for 2-3 straight games.

From Bad to Worse

Things haven’t been going well for the Twins and Giants in May. On Wednesday, they got a little bit worse.

While the Giants learned Melky Cabrera was dealing with a toe injury, the Twins were forced to send Ryan Doumit to the disabled list with a strained right calf.

Cabrera has arguably been the Giants’ best hitter this season, while Doumit has been one of the Twins’ top bats in May.

The good news is that Cabrera was able to pinch hit in Wednesday’s loss to the Cardinals. The bad news is that Doumit is expected to need more than the minimum 15 days on the shelf.

Cabrera’s status will be updated this afternoon.

Game Notes: Albert Pujols put his name alongside such superstars as Clint Barmes and Jeff Mathis in the Two Home Run Club. 2K Sports is scrambling to put together a new Kate Upton promotion. … Jamie Moyer had a quality start. And, oh, he also became the oldest player in major-league history to drive in a run. … David Freese snapped an 0-for-16 skid by going 3-for-4 with a home run and double. … Giancarlo Stanton homered for the seventh time in May. … Kyle Drabek surprisingly dominated the Yankees while Jose Bautista ripped his ninth home run. … Clay Buchholz had his best start of the season. Even if it is only ever so slightly, his stock is trending upward. … Carlos Ruiz homered again. … So did Adam Jones and Edwin Encarnacion. … Yu Darvish breezed by the A’s.

National League Short Hops: Carlos Beltran’s most logical fill-in, Allen Craig, was removed from Wednesday’s game with “left hamstring discomfort.” He’s questionable for this afternoon, and possibly “beyond.” … Chase Utley (knee) fielded grounders for the first time this season. If he wakes up without any abnormal soreness today, it would be a huge step in the right direction. … An MRI of Vance Worley’s pitching elbow revealed only inflammation. It’s possible he could spend the minimum 15 days on the disabled list. … Carlos Quentin received a cortisone shot in his ailing right knee. He could resume his rehab assignment early next week. ... Drew Storen (elbow) is hoping to return near the All-Star break. That could be too late to reclaim his closing job depending on how things are going in the Nationals bullpen.

American League Short Hops: Brett Lawrie will continue to play as he awaits the appeal of his four-game suspension. … Austin Jackson left Wednesday’s game with a “mild abdominal strain.” He’s currently day-to-day, but his prognosis could quickly change. … Jackson’s teammate Jose Valverde is also day-to-day with a lower-back strain. … Denard Span sat out for the second straight day with a tight hamstring. He’s day-to-day. … Andrew Bailey (thumb) will begin a throwing program next week. He’s aiming to return near the All-Star break. … Per manager Bobby Valentine, Bailey’s would-be teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) won’t rejoin the Red Sox at the conclusion of his rehab assignment.

HacheMan · May 17, 2012

Danny Boy

I'm happy to report that this week's edition of Waiver Wired is completely closer-free. It's been a while since I could say that.

Sure, Rafael Soriano is a must-add now that he's filling in for the injured David Robertson (oblique), but I already recommended him last week. I also recommended keeping Addison Reed around on the chance that Chris Sale was legitimately injured or the White Sox had a change of heart in regard to using him as a starter. Of course, they did. Brian Fuentes has taken the Athletics' closer job from Grant Balfour, but we saw that one coming two weeks ago.

It usually pays to get out in front of this stuff if at all possible, so feel free to keep Steve Cishek and Jon Rauch stashed if Marlins' closer Heath Bell and Mets' closer Frank Francisco continue to struggle, but their respective contracts probably give them a larger margin for error. As for the Nationals, they don't really have a great alternative to Henry Rodriguez for the ninth inning right now, especially if they prefer to keep MIXED LEAGUES

Danny Espinosa 2B, Nationals (Yahoo: 30 percent owned, ESPN: 47.6 percent)

There were whispers of a possible demotion not too long ago, or at least the possibility of Steve Lombardozzi seeing increased playing time at second base, but Espinosa has shown some signs of life recently by batting .300 (9-for-30) with two homers, two doubles, two stolen bases and four runs scored over his past eight games. While the 25-year-old still strikes out way too much to be an asset in the batting average department, his power-speed combo makes him worth owning in the great majority of mixed formats. Don't give up on him yet.

Chris Heisey OF, Reds (Yahoo: 15 percent owned, ESPN: 0.2 percent)

Heisey had some momentum as a sleeper after slugging 18 homers and swiping six bases in 120 games last year, but he has slipped off the radar in most mixed leagues due to a lack of production and a timeshare with Ryan Ludwick in left field. However, with Ludwick in the midst of a miserable slump, Heisey has started four straight games. Granted, it's tough to trust Reds manager Dusty Baker and this could go back to a full-fledged timeshare again next week, but Heisey should at least be in the lineup this weekend with the DH in play against the Yankees. He's an ideal short-term play if you're fishing for options in a deeper daily league.

A.J. Ellis C, Dodgers (Yahoo: 16 percent owned, ESPN: 6.4 percent)

One of the biggest surprises of the early part of the season, Ellis is hitting an unlikely .322/.455/.500 with three homers, 15 RBI and a .955 OPS over his first 114 plate appearances. And if that isn't impressive enough, consider that only Ben Zobrist and Joey Votto have walked more often this season. I have my doubts about whether Ellis' early success will continue, as his .394 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is bound to come down to earth and he had a grand total of 19 homers over 2,119 plate appearances in the minors, but his elite plate discipline is for real. The 31-year-old makes for a fine option in deeper leagues and two-catcher formats, particularly if you are in search of a replacement for Wilson Ramos.

Michael Brantley OF, Indians (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 18.2 percent)

Brantley is very quietly one of the hottest hitters in the American League right now. After going 2-for-3 on Wednesday night against the White Sox, the 25-year-old outfielder is hitting .448 (13-for-29) with five doubles, one triple, five RBI and a stolen base over his last seven games. Brantley owns a lousy success rate in stolen base attempts (30-for-45) in the big leagues, so I'm not as excited about him as a fantasy option as I was two years ago, but he does just enough in all categories to be relevant in deeper leagues and five-outfielder formats.

Ryan Vogelsong SP, Giants (Yahoo: 44 percent owned, ESPN: 14.4 percent)

Six starts into the 2012 season and it looks like Vogelsong has picked up from where he left off last year. The 34-year-old right-hander owns a 2.66 ERA and has allowed exactly one run in each of his last three outings. It's worth noting that he has walked 19 batters in just 40 2/3 innings and has seen declines in his velocity and swinging strike rate, so continue to monitor to monitor these trends, but he remains a pretty safe play this weekend against the light-hitting Athletics.

Erick Aybar SS, Angels (Yahoo: 43 percent owned, ESPN: 47.2 percent)

Aybar was considered a top-12 shortstop on draft day, but his production has completely dropped off the table in the early part of 2012. The 28-year-old switch-hitter is batting just .190 on the year and .127 over his last 19 games. So, what the heck is going on here? On first glance, Aybar's .224 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) indicates that he's hitting in bad luck, but he's actually hitting less line drives, more ground balls and more infield fly balls. In other words, he's a pretty easy out. However, his history suggests that he should rebound. And his four-year, $35 million extension should five him plenty of rope. There are better options to start in shallow mixed leagues right now, but Aybar makes for a fine buy-low if you are willing to be patient.

Justin Morneau 1B, Twins (Yahoo: 36 percent owned, ESPN: 31.8 percent)

Morneau was finally starting to come around with the bat in mid-April before he began dealing with soreness in his surgically-repaired left wrist. While he eventually required a stint on the disabled list, he returned as soon as he was eligible Wednesday and doubled in a win over the Tigers. For what it's worth, Morneau has told Twins manager Ron Gardenhire that he would rather play first base than serve as the designated hitter. His injury history is still a major red flag, but perhaps he's finally feeling healthy. Those looking to fill a CI (corner infielder) spot can afford to gamble, anyway.

James McDonald SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 36 percent owned, ESPN: 48.1 percent)

I recommended McDonald in the second Waiver Wired of the season when he was owned in just two percent of Y! leagues and 0.5 percent of ESPN.com leagues. While I thought he could be useful in deeper leagues and in certain matchups, I certainly didn't think he would have a 2.42 ERA through seven starts. McDonald's .250 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) suggests that he has been a bit fortunate and he has only allowed two home runs in 44 2/3 innings after giving up 24 in 171 innings last year, but I'm encouraged that he has induced more ground balls while improving his walk and strikeout rates. The wins might be hard to come by with the weak Pittsburgh offense, but we might have a breakout candidate on our hands here.

Brennan Boesch OF, Tigers (Yahoo: 43 percent owned, ESPN: 40.4 percent)

If there's anything we have learned about Boesch since he made his major league debut back in 2010, it's that he's notoriously streaky. The good news is that he appears to be in one of those streaks right now. The 29-year-old is hitting .333 (11-for-33) with two doubles and two RBI over his last eight games and has hit safely in all of them. Some power would be nice, but we already know that he has the potential to reach 15-20 homers. Now would be a good time to check to see if someone gave up on him too soon in your league.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

John Mayberry, Jr. 1B/OF, Phillies (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 2.8 percent)

Another popular sleeper on draft day, Mayberry found himself buried on Charlie Manuel's bench after getting off to a slow start. However, with the Phillies starved for offense, Mayberry has started nine straight games. And wouldn't you know it, he's finally hitting, too. While he took an 0-fer Wednesday night against the Astros, Mayberry is batting .286 (10-for-35) with one homer, two doubles, four RBI and five runs scored during the nine-game span. Remember, this is a guy who smacked 15 homers and stole eight bases to go along with an .854 OPS in 104 games last year, so those in five-outfielder mixed formats should be willing to see if he has turned the corner.

Ben Revere OF, Twins (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 1.8 percent)

With Ryan Doumit and Denard Span both nursing injuries, the Twins have called up Revere to serve as insurance for their outfield. The speedy 24-year-old was sent down to Triple-A Rochester in mid-April so that he could play every day, but there's a chance he could find regular playing time in left field now that Justin Morneau is back playing first base and Chris Parmelee has been demoted to the minors. Revere doesn't pack much power or patience, but he stole 34 bases in just 117 games last season. It should be pretty easy for fantasy owners to forgive his flaws. He's worth a flier for anyone looking to catch up in the stolen base department.

Todd Frazier 3B, Reds (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

You probably won't believe me, but I planned to include Frazier here before he slugged two home runs against the Mets on Wednesday night. Honest, I did. Getting an opportunity at regular playing time while Scott Rolen nurses his nagging shoulder injury, Frazier socked six homers in 41 games for the Reds last year and has reached double-digits in homers and steals in each of the past two seasons in the minors. His lofty strikeout rate renders him a poor bet to hit for a high batting average, but his power and speed should make up for it. With a number of prominent third basemen still sidelined due to injury and Brett Lawrie likely to serve his suspension soon, Frazier is worth considering in deeper leagues.

Suitable steamer:

Wei-Yin Chen SP, Orioles (Yahoo: 16 percent owned, ESPN: 10.9 percent)

The O's gambled and lost on Tsuyoshi Wada, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery last week, but Chen has proven to be a real surprise in the early part of the season. After limiting the Yankees to just two runs over seven innings on Tuesday night, the 26-year-old southpaw owns an impressive 2.45 ERA and 32/14 K/BB ratio in 44 innings over his first seven major league starts. Chen is only averaging 90.1 mph on his fastball thus far and has allowed fly balls 45.2 percent of the time, so he's likely to have some rough outings pitching in the American League East, but he should continue to have value in certain matchups. A date with the Nationals this weekend under National League rules should be one of them. 

NL ONLY

Jesus Flores C, Nationals (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

The Nationals were struck by the injury bug yet again on Saturday night as Wilson Ramos tore the ACL in his right knee while chasing after a passed ball. He'll undergo surgery in two or three weeks and is expected to miss the rest of the season. This opens the door for Flores to get regular playing time behind the plate. Of course, it wasn't too long ago that Flores was considered the Nats' catcher of the future, but a lengthy absence following shoulder surgery changed all that. The 27-year-old only has 145 plate appearances in the majors since 2009 and his plate discipline still leaves something to be desired, but there's enough pop in his bat to make him interesting.

Charlie Culberson 2B, Giants (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Desperate for some offense from a second base spot which ranks last in the majors with a .449 OPS, the Giants called up Culberson from Triple-A Fresno over the weekend. The 23-year-old is coming off a disappointing year with Double-A Richmond, but he was hitting .284 with five homers, 24 RBI and an .816 OPS over his first 36 games at the Triple-A level. Those numbers come with the obvious Pacific Coast League caveat, of course. I'm not convinced Culberson will be successful in his first taste of the big leagues, as he is better against southpaws than righties and his plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired, but with Emmanuel Burriss and Brandon Crawford struggling and Pablo Sandoval sidelined following hamate bone surgery, the opportunity should be there.

Tony Gwynn, Jr. OF, Dodgers (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

The Dodgers had no other choice but to place Matt Kemp on the disabled list earlier this week, which means Gwynn should get plenty of playing time in center field over the next two weeks. The 29-year-old owns a .248/.320/.325 batting line in the big leagues, so there's not a lot to get excited about, but he has a 9.3 percent career walk rate and stole 22 bases in 28 attempts last year. He's a logical pickup in NL-only leagues, but he could have some fleeting relevancy in deeper mixed leagues, as well.

Nate McLouth OF, Pirates (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Alex Presley earned a chance at the starting left field job after batting .298 with four homers, 20 RBI, nine stolen bases and an .804 OPS in 52 games last year, but the Pirates demoted him to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday after he batted just .220 with two homer and a 30/4 K/BB ratio over his first 34 games this season. We'll likely see a platoon of McLouth and Yamaico Navarro in the short-term, possibly with Garrett Jones mixed in. McLouth is hitting .207 with a .635 OPS dating back to the start of 2010, so he doesn't inspire much confidence, but I like him better than Navarro since he hits left-handed and should be on the strong side of a timeshare. Sometimes playing time is king.

AL ONLY

Alex Cobb SP, Rays (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

The Rays suddenly have an opening in their starting rotation now that Jeff Niemann is expected to miss the next four to six weeks with a fractured right fibula. Wade Davis is expected to stay in the bullpen, which leaves Cobb and Chris Archer as the most likely alternatives for the rotation. I'd give a slight edge to Cobb here because he had a 3.42 ERA in nine starts with the big club last year, but whoever is promoted is worth an automatic add in AL-only leagues.

Hank Conger C, Angels (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

The Angels acquired Chris Iannetta from the Rockies over the winter to serve as their starting catcher, but he's expected to be sidelined through at least late June after undergoing right wrist surgery last week. While the underwhelming duo of Bobby Wilson and John Hester will fill in for now, Conger could be fully recovered from a sprained elbow within in the next couple of weeks. Angels manager Mike Scioscia has a history of frustrating fantasy owners, particularly with his choices behind the dish, but Conger is far and away the best in-house alternative to Iannetta. Stash him away in case he gets a chance to prove it.

Xavier Avery OF, Orioles (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Looking for a spark in their outfield with both Nolan Reimold and Endy Chavez on the disabled list, the Orioles called up Avery from Triple-A Norfolk over the weekend. The 22-year-old is 5-for-18 (.278) to begin his major league career and has hit leadoff in three out of four games. Avery still strikes out too much to hit for a high batting average, but he was making strides with his patience early this season and has stolen 125 bases over 483 games in the minor leagues. That kind of speed just can't sit on the wire in AL-only leagues.

Manny Ramirez UTIL, Athletics (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.9 percent)

That's right, it's almost Manny-time. The enigmatic slugger will report to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday as he serves the tail end of his 50-game PED suspension and is on track to make his A's debut on May 30 against the Twins. And on his 40th birthday, no less. My expectations are pretty modest, as he is coming off a year layoff and had a .721 OPS in 31 games after the All-Star break in 2010, but he's a must-own in AL-only formats with the prospect of at least part-time at-bats at DH.

HacheMan · May 17, 2012

Guys I like more, guys I like less

By Matthew Berry | ESPN.com

Honesty time.

I wrote the body of the column first. Normally, I have an idea of the players or themes I want to discuss in the column along with the research I've done or plan to use. Then I write the intro that ties into those players, themes, what have you. Then, once the intro is done, I start shaping the body of it. So there you go. A little peek behind the curtain for you. It's not exactly a Motley Crue <!note: insert html tags post-link> concert back here, but it's how I've done it for almost 13 years.

The plan for this week was to do my intro about the annual summer movie league I play in, to talk about the league and what my movie ranks were for this summer. That story on movie ranks would transition into baseball rankings, specifically my top 250 rankings that were published this week as part of our Mid-May re-ranks. My ranks were different from my colleagues' on many players, so I would take five I was higher on, five I was lower on and explain my ranking. Simple, right?

Well, I wrote the baseball part first. I haven't done all the movie research that I wanted to, so I thought I would knock out the baseball first, then get to the movie part. Of course, I write this Wednesday night, I have the Lakers game on as I write, and my Lakers blow a seven-point lead in the last two minutes to lose to Oklahoma City. Crushing. It was mostly due to Kobe's failure down the stretch, and I'm a huge Kobe defender/apologist. So I wasn't feeling real funny. I certainly didn't feel like looking up movies. I was just angry. Good times.

So there's no wacky opening in this week's column. Sorry. Or, you're welcome, depending on how you look at it. Next week I'll discuss the movies. In the meantime, we did rankings. (See? I'm so angry that I'm not even trying a lame semiforced transition between the intro and the advice.) These rankings were for the rest of the year going forward (so players don't get credit for stats accrued or, in Albert Pujols' case, a failure to accrue), and they're based on an ESPN standard 10-team league, where the replacement pool is deep and you can stream your way to the 200-start limit.

Five players I was higher on:

Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (my rank 1, overall: 6): I was shocked I was the only ranker to have him No. 1. I mean, it's been a helluva six weeks. For the nonbelievers, it's two questions, right? Can he stay healthy? And can he keep up the pace if he does? Let's start with the health, because that's the biggest question. I say yes. He's done it before, playing 156 games in 2008 and not missing a ton of time in 2010, when he wound up with 571 plate appearances. As colleague Stephania Bell likes to say, there is a difference between being injury-prone and being unlucky. It was one of the reasons I was all in on Matthew Stafford last football season; I also felt he was more unlucky than injury-prone. Hamilton's injury last year? The slide into home? Freak accident. It's a contract year for him, so maybe he's taking my advice and not hustling as much. (Nothing good comes from hustling!) Maybe he'll play through some stuff that he might normally not. Maybe he's taking multiple drug tests a week, and having a constant supervision is helping. Who knows? The point is that so far, Hamilton has been healthy, and I believe he will continue to be.

But let's say Hamilton doesn't stay healthy. He has averaged 447 at-bats the past three years. At his current pace of production, here's what his final numbers would look like over 447 at bats: 107 runs, 63 home runs, 152 RBIs, 9 stolen bases. And, of course, he's hitting over .400.

Crazy numbers, right? And he'll probably regress some. But by how much? Hamilton is so far above everyone else on the Player Rater that he has quite a bit of cushion to fall and still be No. 1. We know he can be a special player. He was a preseason "Love" (Love/Hate is holding up nicely six weeks in, I must say) for me, and I've often said that this is going to be a magical season for him, so you know I believe. Yes, there will be regression. But it would have to be a ton for him to drop below No. 1, and I don't see that happening. I guess it boils down to this: If we were drafting today for the rest of the year and I have the No. 1 pick, would I pass on Hamilton? Or, more to the point, if I owned Hamilton in a non-keeper league, would I trade him straight-up for anyone in baseball right now? And the answer is no.

Jose Reyes, SS, Mets (my rank: 16, overall: 28): This one is super-simple. I'm amazed that so many people are dropping him in the ranks after six weeks, especially given the scarcity at shortstop. Did you know he's actually walking more and striking out less than he did at any other point in his career? Speaking of his career, check out these career numbers by month and see what you notice:

April: 182 games, 120 runs, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 58 SB, .272
May: 194 games, 123 runs, 11 HR, 83 RBI, 70 SB, .290
June: 187 games, 146 runs, 16 HR, 86 RBI, 67 SB, .303
July: 179 games, 131 runs, 10 HR, 65 RBI, 57 SB, .310
August: 178 games, 133 runs, 20 HR, 70 RBI, 79 SB, .303

Emilio Bonifacio, SS, 3B, OF, Marlins (my rank: 72, overall: 116): As long as we discussing Miami, I'm baffled as to why I am 44 spots higher than the collective on this bona fide fantasy star. The .264 average is not ideal, of course, but it doesn't kill you, and considering he is walking significantly more and striking out slightly less than he did in last year's breakout season, I think it might nudge up into the more livable .275-.280 range. The position flexibility is great, as are the steals. He has 20 as of this writing, eight more than the second-place guy, and is on pace for 88. You don't think he can get there? What if he actually starts hitting? You realize he has not been caught stealing this year, right? He also has an outside shot at scoring 100 runs, especially as Miami starts to play better. Bonifacio is a top-five shortstop, a top-five third baseman and even a top-15 outfielder on our Player Rater, and nothing in his underlying numbers suggests he's playing over his head. If anything, he's struggled a little except for the steals. Olé, indeed.

Melky Cabrera, OF, Giants (my rank: 92, overall: 123): As I was writing this column, I discovered that Eric Karabell already had written positively about Melky in his KaraBlog on Wednesday, but at 92, I am higher than Eric (he has him at 106) and higher than everyone else except AJ Mass, who also has him at 92. The thing about Melky isn't that the production this year is a fluke (he's on pace for 99 runs, 72 RBI, 23 steals, 9 home runs and a .333 average, currently 19th on the Player Rater for outfielders), and his production last year wasn't a fluke (top-10 outfielder on the Player Rater). No, the fluke was that he got playing time last year, with more than 650 at-bats, when he'd had fewer than 500 in the three previous seasons. Underlying numbers suggest that last year was more the result of extra playing time than good luck. I don't expect the batting average to stay at this level, but the rest is legit. He's on pace for 675 at-bats this year and will be the Melky from last year. Just nobody but Eric, AJ and I realize it.

Brandon Beachy, SP, Braves (my rank: 65, overall: 85): Here's what I wrote in my preseason "Love/Hate" on Beachy: "His 10.74 strikeouts per nine last season were the most among any pitcher who threw at least 140 innings. By comparison, Justin Verlander's K/9 was 8.96. When the Current Mrs. Roto and I had twin daughters earlier this year, did I attempt to name them Brandon and Beachy? Mayyyyybe." At 13th overall on the Player Rater among starting pitchers this year (1.60 ERA, 0.96 WHIP), Beachy is ahead of guys like David Price, Roy Halladay and CC Sabathia. His K/9 rate is actually lower than it was last year, and certainly, his FIP, xFIP and BABIP numbers suggest he's been a little lucky. But he's also been inducing a lot more ground balls this year and keeping the ball in the park (just one home run allowed). He's an ace; he's just not being treated as such.

Five players I was lower on

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Brett Myers, RP, Astros (my rank: 250, overall: 188): I think Brett Myers will be traded. It's a terrible contract that Houston wants to get out of, and teams always need bullpen help at the deadline, especially teams that can absorb payroll (Red Sox? Yankees? Angels?), so I just don't think he'll be the Astros' closer all year. But more to the point, you'll see that in general I am lower on closers than my colleagues. Why? Say it with me, kids. Never. Pay. For. Saves. Not in a 10-team mixed league. Here's a list of guys who started spring training as the clear-cut closer or got the first save of the season for their teams: Andrew Bailey, Carlos Marmol, Hector Santiago, Ryan Madson, Joakim Soria, Jordan Walden, Javy Guerra, Mariano Rivera, Grant Balfour, Huston Street, Brian Wilson, Kyle Farnsworth, Sergio Santos, Drew Storen. Fourteen guys, and you can make a strong argument that Heath Bell should be on the list. Saves always come into the league, and I say it every preseason to those who say, "The uncertainty is why you gotta get a sure thing." Who is a sure thing? Three weeks ago, you would have said Rivera. I don't pay for saves in the preseason, and I am sure as hell not paying for them after half the teams have had turnover. Your best closers so far are Jim Johnson and Fernando Rodney.

Bryan LaHair, 1B, Cubs (my rank: 215, overall: 160): This is probably my most controversial rank, and if I'm being honest, I'm probably a bit too low on him. But I wanted to make a point here, and it's that I am not buying this. At 29 years old, he's a little old for a true breakout. Could he be Jose Bautista? Sure, anything's possible. But when I did the ranks, he had a 30 percent strikeout rate (it's since lowered a bit to 28 percent), and as Zach Jones of ESPN Stats & Information points out, there's no way LaHair can maintain a high average while striking out that much.

Here's the list of guys who have struck out 30 percent of the time in a full season over the past three years, and what they batted that season.

(NOTE: This is among players with 500-plus plate appearances during the season, which is a really high threshold, but the point remains, and LaHair has a shot at getting to that number anyway.)
2011, Mark Reynolds (.221)
2011, Drew Stubbs (.243)
2010, Mark Reynolds (.198)
2010, Adam Dunn (.260)
2009, Mark Reynolds (.260)
2009, Jack Cust (.240)

Bradley Woodrum had a good article on FanGraphs.com about LaHair about a week ago. Among the points he makes (the stats for which I am updating) is that his home run pace (currently 44) would be only the seventh season of more than 44 home runs since 2008. (Those other six? Bautista, Ryan Howard twice, Pujols, Prince Fielder and Reynolds). Is LaHair, at age 29, one of those types of players? Especially given that his current BABIP (second-highest in MLB) and home runs per fly ball rate (third-highest in MLB) suggest regression? Yeah. As great as LaHair has been, he's outside the top 20 on our Player Rater, with low totals on runs and RBIs given his power numbers. At best, he's Carlos Pena, with a lot of power while he hurts your average. At worst, he completely loses it, and Anthony Rizzo is playing in the second half of the season. Too much data suggest that except for the power on some level, he's getting way too lucky for it to continue.

Hanley Ramirez, SS, 3B, Marlins (my rank: 36, overall: 18): Why, it's a Miami-themed article, apparently. Colleague Tristan Cockcroft and I talked about this on Wednesday's podcast, in which I said that at some point, maybe you have to just accept he isn't what he used to be. Last year was a lost year for HanRam; we know that. But did you know he is actually walking less and striking out more this season than he did even then? That his contact rate is the same if not slightly lower than it was last year? I get the position-scarcity thing, and certainly, his on-pace numbers (31 home runs, 109 RBI, 26 steals) are strong, but his average has me legitimately worried. Maybe it's the third-base thing; maybe he's pressing too much; maybe it's something I have no idea about. But hitting .228 a year after hitting .243 says he's a top-40 player, not top-20.

Colby Lewis, SP, Rangers (my rank: 187, overall: 145): I need to do an updated Wandy line; maybe I'll do that next week. But certainly, Lewis, with his 2.08 HR/9 (third-highest in MLB), is below it. A 4.84 FIP and a LOB percentage over 80 percent suggest he's getting a bit lucky this year. The strikeouts are nice and totally legit, but after a hot start, he's given up 27 baserunners in his past 19 1/3 innings. He'll probably have a great game against Houston this weekend, but he's a matchup play at best whose worst is yet to come.

Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees (my rank: 48, overall: 36): I just don't like Teixeira. Yes, the significant increase in ground balls doesn't help, nor does his .234 batting average. His on-pace numbers would leave him at 22 home runs, which, combined with the low average, stinks. Yes, he tends to get better as the year goes along, but he hit .255 after the All-Star break last year. At some point, you just have to accept that the average is gone. So now you're left with power, and right now that power is outside the ballpark, hailing a cab. But mostly, I just don't like him.

Matthew Berry -- The Talented Mr, Roto -- thinks you should thank him for not having a 2,000-word rant about the last two minutes of the Lakers' Game 2 playoff loss. Because you were very close to getting it. Berry is the creator of RotoPass.com, a website that combines a bunch of well-known fantasy sites, including ESPN Insider, for one low price. Use promo code ESPN for 10 percent off.

HacheMan · May 17, 2012

Comparing mid-May relief ranks

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

My how quickly things change in this game.

Two days ago, we published, as an ESPN Fantasy team, our updated top 250 rankings. They were based on a standard ESPN 10-team mixed league with rotisserie 5x5 scoring and projected player value from Tuesday, May 15 through the end of the 2012 fantasy baseball season.

On that date, we ranked David Robertson our No. 213 player overall and No. 18 relief pitcher. I ranked Robertson 137th overall and my No. 11 reliever.

But it wouldn't be this crazy closer year if, two whole days later, Robertson's ranking looked entirely wrong, would it?

The New York Yankees placed Robertson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique, mere hours after our rankings were published. In an instant, I'd have altered my ranks, dropping Robertson to 175th and moving new Yankees closer Rafael Soriano to 185th. It wouldn't have been my first rankings change this week; I made no fewer than 10 changes to my top 250 between Sunday and Tuesday.

That's simply how fantasy baseball works. Injuries happen, streaks happen, roles change, supporting casts change. We must be prepared to react with our rankings, and no other position exemplifies that this season than closer.

Here's the other fun part about rankings: It's impossible to create one set that covers every anticipated span of time. Ours -- and the ones found weekly in this space -- are to-year's-end rankings. They are not rankings for merely today, the next week or the next month. They are through Oct. 3, or longer if there are any tiebreaker games.

That explains why, despite Robertson's DL status, I still rank him higher than Soriano. There's no doubt that, for at least the next two weeks, Soriano is the superior fantasy option. Heck, I could make the case that Soriano will be the more valuable reliever of the two for at least the next month.

But through Oct. 3, why can't Robertson outperform Soriano? Take saves out of the equation and Robertson appears to have the edge: Since the beginning of 2011, Robertson leads in ERA (1.33-3.71), WHIP (1.14-1.37), strikeouts per nine innings (13.78-8.27) and K's per walk (3.02-1.88). Robertson also received the first two save chances in the post-Mariano Rivera era and appeared to be the leader in the race for future opportunities before May 11, the day he initially got hurt. Barring Soriano being lights out in Robertson's absence, who's to say Robertson won't be reinstated to the role upon activation?

That's only one rankings explanation of mine. Another important one addresses the fact that, of our group, why I ranked relievers most generously?

It's simple. In the preseason, we ranked 12 closers among our top 150 players. I ranked 11 among my top 150. On our Player Rater as of today, 15 pure relief pitchers rank among the top 150. Saves remains one of the 10 rotisserie categories, so no matter how much we kid about the volatility of the category or that investments in closers are foolish, we still have to fill said category. I chose to put 14 closers in my top 150 -- three between 141st and 150th -- because I felt that they represented the "safest" of the bunch.

Despite my generous overall relief pitcher rankings, I did have a few examples of individuals who stood out in rank from the rest of the pack. As with 60 Feet, 6 Inches and Hit Parade the past two days, this week's Relief Efforts discusses some of these outliers.

Unlike the previous two columns, this only includes individuals I liked better than the rest of the group, because apparently I liked all relievers better than the group. Every one, however, was an example where I ranked the pitcher at least 30 spots higher than the group average.

TOP 75 RELIEF PITCHERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 75 relief pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Kimbrel, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Papelbon, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenley Jansen, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Axford, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Motte, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Nathan, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Valverde, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Betancourt, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon League, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Hanrahan, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fernando Rodney, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Putz, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jim Johnson, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Myers, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Santiago Casilla, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Perez, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sean Marshall, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aroldis Chapman, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Addison Reed, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Henry Rodriguez, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Robertson, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Broxton, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Soriano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Downs, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Capps, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Huston Street, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Heath Bell, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Adams, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Dolis, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sergio Santos, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfredo Aceves, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Walden, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonny Venters, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Grant Balfour, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Francisco, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Hernandez, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Casey Janssen, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sergio Romo, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dale Thayer, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alexi Ogando, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Fuentes, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Cishek, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tyler Clippard, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vinnie Pestano, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Cook, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Cashner, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Storen, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ernesto Frieri, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joaquin Benoit, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Francisco Rodriguez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Javy Guerra, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Rauch, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Bailey, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edward Mujica, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luis Perez, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mitchell Boggs, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Peralta, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pedro Strop, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Thornton, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bryan Shaw, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wilton Lopez, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Juan Cruz, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Holland, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Crow, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luke Gregerson, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Farnsworth, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Octavio Dotel, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kris Medlen, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Marmol, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sean Burnett, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Russell, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rex Brothers, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hector Santiago, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jesse Crain, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lyon, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers: I love Jansen, and it's time for fantasy owners everywhere to fall in love with him. He has soared into the closer role on the strength of a 2.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 13.73 K's-per-nine ratio. The ERA/WHIP represent improvements on his 2011 numbers, and the K's per nine ranks him among the 10 best relievers in the game. Jansen actually has a 15.46 K's per nine in 73 1/3 innings pitched since the beginning of last season. To put that into perspective, the only pitcher in the history of baseball to manage better than that in a single season of 70-plus innings was Carlos Marmol (15.99, 2010). Jansen has lights-out stuff that more than makes up for his occasionally shaky command -- at least in the short term -- and the case could be made that he'll be the No. 1 relief pitcher in fantasy from this point forward.

Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers: Though his year-to-date statistics have yet to show it, Nathan looks a heck of a lot closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery, fantasy-elite self from 2009 than the slow-to-recover pitcher we saw for the majority of 2011. His average fastball velocity is nearly identical this season (93.6 mph) to 2009 (93.5), his swing-and-miss rate of 33.3 percent is almost identical to 2009's 33.2 percent and well up from 2011's 21.3, and his breaking pitches (curveball and slider) have been nearly as effective this year (.200/.200/.300 triple-slash rates allowed) as in 2009 (.143/.224/.238). Nathan has merely been unlucky with his fastball, as his .400 BABIP with the pitch suggests. He'll always remain slightly more risky with the Rangers than he was pre-surgery, due to both the ballpark and his age, but he's a top-10 fantasy closer for sure.

Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers: Gee, thanks a lot, Jose, for straining your back mere hours after we published our rankings. I did say that this has been a wacky year for closers, didn't I? My Valverde ranking was mostly a leap of faith that the Tigers would remain faithful in their $9 million closer; a 7-for-9 performance in save chances plus a 5.51 ERA hardly screams "panic button." Today, the ranking looks awful. Tomorrow? Valverde could be entirely healthy, throwing a perfect frame for a save, and he'd be right back among the top 10 in fantasy.

Brandon League, Seattle Mariners: What can I say, I do love those ground-ballers. Here's what most perplexes me about League, though: He has improved both his ERA and OPS allowed in each of the past three seasons, yet no one seems ready to perceive him as a top-10 potential fantasy closer. Well, I sure do. The Mariners back League with one of the game's better defenses -- ranking third in the majors in Ultimate Zone Rating, per FanGraphs -- which alleviates concerns about his modest strikeout rate, and they're sure to call on him often to protect what should be a decent share of tight leads due to the team's weak offense.

Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles: He's another ground-baller, an even more extreme one than League. His 72 percent rate is second among relievers to only Brad Ziegler's 73.9. Like League, Johnson's ground-ball tendencies -- his fair to classify among the most extreme in the game -- help compensate for his 6.11 K's per nine to date. He has become phenomenal locating his two-seam fastball, often classified a sinker by our pitch-data tool, between this and last season, and just as I hinted he might be, he's quietly becoming to 2012 what League was to 2011. League finished last season 15th on the Player Rater with 37 saves and a 2.79 ERA. Johnson is third on the Player Rater this year, is on pace for 55 saves and has a 0.51 ERA.

Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants: Again, it figures that two of Casilla's worst outings of the season came the day before and the day we published our updated rankings. But let's not be too rough on him simply for that. His 1.84 ERA still ranks in the 82nd percentile among qualified relievers. Sure, Sergio Romo has a sparkling 0.00 ERA and a strikeout rate substantially greater than Casilla's, but don't ignore that the Giants have afforded Romo the opportunity to face only 12 left-handed hitters all season. Casilla, meanwhile, has faced 27. It's pretty clear that the Giants regard Romo as a situational reliever and Casilla as a one-inning type, and it's for that reason I think Casilla's leash is lengthy.

Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians: His ranking was less an endorsement of him as a pitcher than it was my questioning who would steal his closer job, especially since his 12 saves currently rank tied for second in the majors. Suggest Vinnie Pestano if you wish; I see Pestano's lifetime .286/.375/.460 triple-slash rates allowed to left-handed hitters, his OPS allowed against that side 413 points higher than against righties, as a limitation. It reminds me a bit of Cla Meredith during his brief, dominant run as a setup man, and like Octavio Dotel, who possesses similarly steep platoon splits, Pestano might be a frustrating nightly option if given a chance to close. But let's also credit Perez for a key improvement: He has slashed his walk rate from 3.92 per nine last season to 3.07 per nine this year.

Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox: In a season as messy as this, you need to take some wild stabs at upside. (See Jansen, Kenley.) Reed qualifies. He managed a 1.41 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 12.88 K's-per-nine ratio during his minor league career, then made Keith Law's preseason top 100 prospects (No. 97), an impressive feat for a relief pitcher. Reed has experienced success in his brief time as a big leaguer; he has had only three bad outings so far and hasn't afforded a run in any of the other 18, allowing only nine hits in 15 2/3 innings in the latter. Sure, White Sox manager Robin Ventura has been unpredictable with his ninth-inning strategy thus far, but he's not going to be able to afford to do so for much longer, not when it is becoming increasingly clear that Reed, the team's "closer of the future," is also his best option today. Reed has converted all three of his save chances this month, and fantasy owners should prepare as if he'll lead the team the rest of the way.

HacheMan · May 20, 2012

Twist in the Lind

It wasn't too long ago that Adam Lind was considered one of the most promising young sluggers in the American League, but he was given a rude awakening Thursday.

After struggling to the tune of a miserable .186/.273/.314 batting line over his first 132 plate appearances this season, Lind was sent down to Triple-A Las Vegas. It's quite a fall from grace for someone who batted .305 with 35 homers, 114 RBI and a .932 OPS back in 2009, but the 28-year-old simply hasn't come close to matching that level of production. He owns an underwhelming .709 OPS dating back to the start of the 2010 season and hitting left-handers has been a constant struggle.

The move came at an interesting time for the Blue Jays, as Lind was 43 days shy of having five full years of major league experience, which would have given him the right to refuse a minor league assignment. He's still owed $5 million in each of the next two seasons and has club options for 2014-16, so the Jays would obviously like to see him turn things around. Playing in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League might not be a bad way to boost his confidence.

The Jays called up Yan Gomes in a corresponding roster move, making him the first ever Brazilian to play in the major leagues. The 24-year-old was hitting .359/.391/.565 with five homers, 22 RBI and a .956 OPS over his first 33 games with Triple-A Las Vegas this year. He has primarily played catcher in the minors, but also has experience at first base and the hot corner. The catcher eligibility makes him worth monitoring in AL-only leagues, but his playing time figures to dry up once Brett Lawrie returns from his suspension.

Edwin Encarnacion should get most of the playing time at first base with Lind in the minors, which opens up some interesting possibilities for the DH spot. Travis Snider might be the most intriguing option from a fantasy perspective, though he has struggled a bit since returning from a wrist injury. Vladimir Guerrero just reported to the Jays' complex in Florida earlier this week after signing a minor league deal with the club, but he had a career-low .733 OPS last year and isn't being promised anything. Feel free to stash either in AL-only leagues, though.

Padres Unveil New Double-Play Combo

The Blue Jays weren't the only team who pushed a disappointing veteran aside on Thursday. The Padres also got into the act by releasing second baseman Orlando Hudson and placing Jason Bartlett on the disabled list with a knee strain while calling up Alexi Amarista and Everth Cabrera from Triple-A Tucson.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before Hudson was shown the door. The 34-year-old has been a major bust since inking a two-year, $11.5 million deal in December of 2010, posting an ugly .238/.313/.344 batting line over 585 plate appearances. The Padres still owe him the remainder of his $5.5 million salary this year and the $2 million buyout on his $8 million club option for 2013, but he should draw interest once he clears release waivers and can sign anywhere at the major league minimum. Many are already speculating that the Giants could be a fit.

Bartlett has a .231/.299/.292 batting over 716 plate appearances with the Padres, including a lousy .133 batting average in 83 at-bats this season. He has already been told that he may not have a starting job when he gets back from the disabled list. The 32-year-old is making $5.5 million this season while his $5.5 million club option for 2013 includes a $1.5 million buyout.

Amarista, who was recently acquired from the Angels in the Ernesto Frieri deal, should get a chance to claim the starting second base job with Hudson out of the picture. The diminutive 23-year-old has a .312/.368/.439 batting line over parts of six seasons in the minors and has swiped double-digit bases every year as a pro. Many think he's best suited as a super utility man in the long-term, but he's worth grabbing in NL-only leagues as long as he's getting regular playing time.

Most fantasy owners are probably already familiar with Cabrera, who batted .255/.342/.361 with 25 stolen bases as a 22-year-old with the Padres back in 2009. The former Rule 5 pick has continued to get on base at a good clip in the minors, including a solid .333/.389/.410 batting line over 34 games with Triple-A Tucson this year. He's not going to hit for any power, but his speed should make him relevant in NL-only leagues and even some deeper mixed formats.

Morse Ahead of Schedule?

You guys aren't going to believe this, but I have some positive injury news for the Nationals to pass along.

While the Nats were originally aiming for Michael Morse to return from the disabled list on June 8 so that he could be eased into action as a designated hitter during interleague play, manager Davey Johnson told Mark Zuckerman of CSNWashington.com on Thursday that the 30-year-old slugger thinks he could be back as soon as June 1.

Nice to hear, but Morse still has some hurdles to cross. His torn right lat was only about 80 percent healed on last check and he only recently began swinging a bat and doing light throwing. The plan calls for him to head to extended spring training in Florida next week to get some at-bats while the Nationals are on the road. If all goes well, he could be sent out on a minor league rehab assignment from there.

The Nationals' offense hasn't had many bright spots this season aside from the surprising production of Adam LaRoche at first base, so a healthy Morse would be a major boost. The team's left fielders entered play Thursday dead-last in the majors in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS.

NL Quick Hits: Matt Kemp (hamstring) aims to return from the disabled list as soon as he's eligible on May 29 … David Wright doubled and walked three times in Thursday's win over the Reds, bringing his batting line up to .411/.513/.621 on the year … Brandon Beachy tossed his first career shutout in Thursday's win over the Marlins and currently leads the majors with a 1.33 ERA … Roy Halladay allowed three runs over eight innings Thursday en route to his first win since April 16 … James McDonald struck out a career-high 11 in a win over the Nationals on Thursday and has a 2.68 ERA over his first seven starts this year … Carlos Beltran (knee) appeared as a pinch-hitter in Thursday's game against the Giants, which is a sign that he could be ready to return to the starting lineup soon … Andrew McCutchen slugged a pair of homers in Thursday's win over the Nationals … Chris Young (shoulder) could be activated from the disabled list Friday and serve as the designated hitter against the Royals this weekend … Adam Wainwright was tagged for five runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 innings Thursday against the Giants and has a 5.77 ERA across his first eight starts this season … The hot-hitting Allen Craig will likely need to miss a couple days due to tightness in his left hamstring … Geovany Soto was held out of Thursday's lineup with left knee irritation and is slated to undergo an MRI on Friday morning … The Diamondbacks have promoted prospect right-hander Trevor Bauer from Double-A Mobile to Triple-A Reno. His control has been an issue during his brief pro career, but he's clearly on the fast track to the big leagues …

AL Quick Hits: Jose Bautista has five homers in his last seven games and appears to be busting out of his early season slump … Albert Pujols homered in a second straight game in Thursday's loss to the White Sox … Brett Lawrie dropped his appeal and began serving his four-game suspension Thursday night … Adam Jones homered in his third straight game Thursday, bringing his tally to 13 on the year … Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) allowed five runs (four earned) over 6 2/3 innings Thursday in his latest rehab start and doesn't appear close to being ready to join the Red Sox … Torii Hunter won't rejoin the Angels until his son's legal matter is resolved … David Ortiz is expected to play one game at first base this weekend in Philadelphia, which will push Adrian Gonzalez to right field … Josh Reddick continued his early success surge by socking his 10th homer in Thursday's win over the Rangers … Ivan Nova (foot, ankle) is on track to start Saturday against the Reds after throwing a bullpen session Thursday … Brandon League blew his third save in Thursday's loss to the Indians and has already walked as many batters this season as he did all of last year … Justin Morneau went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in his return from the disabled list Thursday … Brennan Boesch hit his fifth home run of the season in Thursday's loss to the Twins and currently holds a 10-game hitting streak … The Twins decided against placing Ryan Doumit (calf) on the disabled list and he is currently considered day-to-day …

HacheMan · May 20, 2012

Yu Times Two

Through the first six weeks of the season, Yu Darvish has lived up to the hype.

After shutting down the Athletics in his latest start, the Japanese phenom is now 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA to begin his major-league career. His arsenal has overwhelmed hitters, as he's whiffed 58 men in 52 innings and posted double-digit strikeouts totals in two games. His control was shaky early on – he issued four or more free passes in each of his first three starts – but he has shown marked improvement by allowing three or fewer walks in four of his past five turns.

Darvish is set to pitch twice in the coming week, once in Seattle and once at home against the Blue Jays. Obviously, he's a no-brainer "Strong Play."

Keep an eye on the home/road splits for a few other pitchers who are set to go twice. Gavin Floyd is slated to make two starts in Chicago, where he's 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA in four starts.

Conversely, Clayton Richard is lined up for two starts away from Petco, which has the makings of a disaster since he's 0-3 with a 7.99 ERA on the road.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

Yu Darvish: @SEA (Hernandez), TOR (Drabek)
Jeremy Hellickson: TOR (Drabek), @BOS (Buccholz)
Felix Hernandez: TEX (Darvish), LAA (Williams)
Hiroki Kuroda: KC (Paulino), @OAK (Milone)
C.J. Wilson: @OAK (McCarthy), @SEA (Noesi)
Jerome Williams: @OAK (Milone), @SEA (Hernandez)
Gavin Floyd: MIN (Walters), CLE (Jimenez)

Decent Plays

Kyle Drabek: @TB (Hellickson), @TEX (Darvish)
Tommy Milone: LAA (Williams), NYY (Kuroda)
Felipe Paulino: @NYY (Kuroda), @BAL (Hunter)
Rick Porcello: @CLE (Jimenez), @MIN
Tommy Hunter: BOS (Buchholz), KC (Paulino)

At Your Own Risk

Hector Noesi: TEX (Harrison), LAA (Wilson)
Ubaldo Jimenez: DET (Porcello), @CWS (Floyd)
Clay Buchholz: @BAL (Hunter), TB (Hellickson)

National League

Strong Plays

Gio Gonzalez: @PHI (Kendrick), @ATL (Beachy)
Jaime Garcia: SD (Richard), PHI (Kendrick)
Matt Cain: @MIL (Marcum), @MIA (Nolasco)
Madison Bumgarner: @MIL (Wolf), @MIA (Buehrle)
Edinson Volquez: @STL (Wainwright), @NYM (Dickey)
Erik Bedard: NYM (Santana), CHC (Garza)
Roy Halladay: WAS (Zimmermann), @STL (Wainwright)
Johan Santana: @PIT (Bedard), SD (Richard)
R.A. Dickey: @PIT (McDonald), SD (Volquez)
Ricky Nolasco: COL (Nicasio), SF (Cain)
Mark Buehrle: COL (Moyer), SF (Bumgarner)
Chris Capuano: @ARI (Corbin), HOU (Norris)
Bud Norris: CHC (Garza), @LAD (Capuano)
Matt Garza: @HOU (Norris), @PIT (Bedard)
Brandon Beachy: @CIN (Latos), WAS (Gonzalez)

Decent Plays

Adam Wainwright: SD (Volquez), PHI (Halladay)
Mat Latos: ATL (Beachy), COL (Moyer)
Patrick Corbin: LAD (Capuano), MIL (Wolf)

At Your Own Risk

Clayton Richard: @STL (Garcia), @NYM (Santana)
Kyle Kendrick: WAS (Gonzalez), @STL (Garcia)
Randy Wolf: SF (Bumgarner), @ARI (Wolf)
Jamie Moyer: @MIA (Buehrle), @CIN (Latos)
Mike Leake: ATL (Minor), COL (Moyer)
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, 5/23: Jarrod Parker vs. LAA
The rookie hurler has been immediately effective for the A's and will look to keep it going against division rival Los Angeles.

Thursday, 5/24: Philip Humber vs. MIN
Humber hasn't pitched very well since his perfect game earlier this season, but should be able to handle the lowly Twins at home.

Saturday, 5/26: Wei-Yin Chen vs. KC
Chen has been excellent thus far for Baltimore and is an excellent streamer option at home against the Royals.

National League

Wednesday, 5/23: Marco Estrada vs. SF
He's still looking for that first win, but his 1.10 WHIP and 27/6 K/BB ratio serve as evidence that Estrada has been throwing well.

Wednesday, 5/23: Charlie Morton vs. NYM
Morton has registered a 2.63 ERA in four home starts this season.

Friday, 5/25: A.J. Burnett vs. CHC
Burnett had one nightmare outing earlier in the month, but he's pitched very well at home and has a 14/1 K/BB ratio in his past two starts.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

BAL: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
BOS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CLE: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CWS: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
DET: 6 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
KC: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
LAA: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIN: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
NYY: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
OAK: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
SEA: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
TB: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TEX: 6 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
TOR: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP

National League

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

The Infirmary

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

Mark Reynolds: Out until late May (ribs)
Darnell McDonald: Out indefinitely (ribs)
Carlos Marmol: Out until late May (hamstring)
Danny Duffy: Out for the season (elbow)
Matt Kemp: Out until late May (hamstring)
Nick Blackburn: Out until June (quadriceps)
Brandon Inge: Out until late May (groin)
Vance Worley: Out until late May (elbow)
Jason Bartlett: Out until June (knee)

HacheMan · May 20, 2012

Robbie Cano Does Know
Timeout for a shameless piece of self-promotion: Don’t forget to tune in to hear Rick Wolf and me on Colton and the Wolfman on SiriusXM fantasy sports radio Tuesday nights from 8-11pm eastern time. It’s a fun three hours of sports, fantasy and goofy humor.

Ok, now back to business . . .

Robinson Cano: Robbie Cano went 2-3 with a mammoth home run in the Yanks win on Friday. Yes, Andy Pettitte was great and deserves the press, but let's not forget about one of baseball's best hitters. After an atrocious start, Robbie is up to .310 but with power numbers that are still way down (just 4 HR and 16 RBI). If there is a Cano owner in your league who is frustrated by the fact that they spent 35+ or a number one pick on Robbie, take advantage. Talk all about that one aberrational year in which Cano hit .271 (2008), and leave out the fact that 2008 was the only year Robbie has failed to hit .300 plus since 2005 (when he hit .297). Also harp on the fact that if you multiply by 4, Robbie would finish with a pedestrian 16 HR and 64 RBI. Make no mistake -- Robbie will finish with .310+, 100+ runs and RBI, 30 HR and a hand full of steals. If there is a nonbeliever, act now as no one will move Cano once Memorial Day arrives.

Denard Span: Denard Span had a monster night last night going 4-5 with three RBI. Thus far this year, Span is hitting .310 with a tasty .372 OBP and 4 SB. Sell! What, louder? Ok. SELL!!!!! Span is a good player but not nearly as good as the hype or this year's performance. Span hit .264 in each of the last two years with a combined total of 5 HR (actually that includes the first quarter of this year as well). Yes, he will steal some bases but he is not a dominant force in that category. Plus, the Twins can't hit and play in a park that is super pitcher friendly. Sell high on Span while you still can.

Scott Diamond: Speaking of sell high, Scott Diamond won his third straight start Friday in the same game Span went off. Kudos go out to Scott and the owners that picked him up. Thus far, he has a great but unsustainable 1.40 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. The good news is, as mentioned above, the Twins play in a pitcher's haven. The bad news is that they will not often give him the 11 run support he got last night. The other bad news is that there is nothing in his minor league record to support these stats. Indeed, Diamond has not posted a WHIP under 1.40 for a minor league season since A ball. Sell high while you still can.

: Joe Saunders gave up three runs in six innings Friday. The good news is that he has a very respectable 3.55 ERA thus far. Unfortunately, the bad news far outweighs the good. Saunders has given up 15 earned runs in his last 14 1/3 innings and has a year-long strikeout rate of around 5 per 9 -- hardly a quality number. The bottom line here is simple -- you have about one more week to sell high. Saunders is a worthwhile innings eater at the back end of a real rotation, but as a fantasy starter who strikes out very few and pitches in a bandbox, he should be on only the deepest of NL-only league teams. Sell.

Edwin Jackson: Proving the maxim that pitchers on good hitting teams win more games, Edwin Jackson took a no decision last night despite tossing 8 innings of one run ball, while striking out 8 and walking only 1. Unfortunately, since the Nats cannot hit, Jackson is winless for the last month despite his season ERA of 3.31 ERA. I like EJax to have a solid ratio and strikeout year pitching in that stacked rotation against NL East teams that are offensively challenged. Just do not count on too many wins.

Alex White: Alex White looked pretty good last night, giving up just two earned runs over seven innings against Seattle. [Note -- it is almost always good to start pitchers against Seattle, San Diego or Minnesota]. His next start comes against the hardly hot Marlins, so NL-only league owners should pay attention. Of course, the bad news for White is that he pitches for Colorado. The good news is that this kid has talent. All of his minor league stops have resulted in ERAs under 3.00 and WHIPs under 1.12. If you are in a deep league where you can spot start him against weak teams or on the road, he is a worthwhile addition.

Delmon Young: Delmon Young went 2-4 with a home run and three RBI last night to help the Tigers beat the Pirates. Young has been very mediocre this year but he has a universe of talent, thrived in Detroit last summer and is only 26 despite being in his 7th major league season. Young is a HUGE buy low candidate who will produce in the warm weather this late spring and summer. You have heard me say it before, young players who make the bigs really early are often judged too harshly too quickly. There is a reason he was in the show at 19 -- he is a huge talent. His maturity is atrocious but roto players don’t lose points for that. Buy.

Eric Stults: Eric Stults will get the ball early in his Padres career. Stults will start today after just being claimed off waivers from the White Sox. Stults has not given roto owners any reason to think he will be a star in the major leagues. However, since grandiose names such as Danny Duffy: Royals youngster Danny Duffy has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Of course, this is a tough break for the kid and the Royals. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery and be ready to pitch in the second half of 2013. In dynasty leagues he should be kept. Otherwise, cut him and do a FAAB reclaim. The only hidden good news is that Duffy was not likely to live up to his potential this year and roto owners who would have ridden that elevator down can now get off and avoid some losses.

Allen Craig: The Wolfman always says "injury prone players get injured." Yes, it sounds like a Yogi-ism, but it is true. Unfortunately, Allen Craig continues to prove the point. The Redbirds placed Craig on the 15-day DL with a strained left hamstring. This is a bad break for Craig, the Cards and fantasy owners as Craig was en fuego hitting .373 with five homers, 19 RBI and a 1.188 OPS. If you own
And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “I for one loved Ozzie Guillen's work this off-season as Escalante on Luck. I was disheartened to learn that HBO cancelled the series after Guillen made insensitive comments about Fidel Castro and threatened the network's relationship with the Cuban population surrounding its Time Warner headquarters. It seemed like a bizarre turn of events. Presumably, HBO didn't have a role for Guillen on Girls so he has returned to his day job as the manager of the Miami (nee Florida) Marlins. One of the biggest beneficiaries of Guillen's return to baseball has been Emilio Bonifacio, one of the lesser known names that usually resonates more with roto-baseball fans than their reality based kin. With blazing speed and an infielder's glove, Bonifacio has been on the roto-radar since he came up with the Nationals in 2008. He's been tagged with the prospect label, started out one season with something like 11 straight hits resulting in the bankruptcy of free agent reserves in early April and matured into a vital cog on championship roto-teams. Guillen likes to run and Bonifacio's 20 steals by mid-May are what many expected from Derek Lowe and Kevin Millwood threw shutouts this week and Andy Pettitte struck out 9 over 8 shutout innings against his former division rivals, the Cincinnati Reds. If you were wise enough to hang on to this trio of pitchers since 2004, you likely had the good pitching week you've been waiting for near on a decade. As all of these gentlemen are likely still on your league's free agent wire, tread circumspectly. Lowe has been wonderful for the FIRST PLACE CLEVELAND INDIANS but there is realistic chance that his WHIP may be higher than his ERA at some point in the season. Pettitte is a bit more of an X-Factor; the Mariners hit him very hard in his first outing. Since it was his first outing since 2010, that may be the explanation. It also may be what's in store for Pettitte for the rest of the season. After all, for one batter on a Friday afternoon, As for the rest of the weekend, I look forward to seeing what Response: You have to admire Schultz's loyalty to the Indians. Yeah, they are in first place in May but no one ever remembers that. A Major League ending is not the in the cards in 2012.
http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=MLB&id=4341

HacheMan · May 20, 2012

Young prospect pitchers
Part two of a two-part series, this article profiles the top teenage pitchers who are playing in full-season minor leagues. You can read Part One Here. I’ve written up five teenage pitchers who look like potential above-average starters and listed eight honorable mentions.Dylan Bundy, BAL, Low-AAge: 19.5Some people may rank Bundy as baseball’s No. 1 prospect today. It’s still a small sample, but he’s making Clayton Kershaw’s Low-A numbers look somewhat pedestrian. Physically mature with a frame that already looks the part of a big leaguer, Bundy has elite arm speed and pitches with a very good tempo. Hitters have very little time to react and adjust to his deep, powerful arsenal. He won’t keep up his current 40 percent-plus strikeout rate, as he begins to throw 5-plus innings an outing, but Bundy is off to a historic start to his professional career.Taijuan Walker, SEA, Double-AAge: 19.7After getting off to a blazing April, Walker has slowed in May. But it’s still amazing to see a teenage pitcher finding success in Double-A, especially one who came out of high school with raw mechanics. A big athlete (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), Walker has made steady progress with throwing strikes as he’s ascended through the minors. He has a power, swing-and-miss arsenal that could allow him to become a top-of-the-rotation starter. Even if he’s unable to make it as a starter, his power curveball and mid-90s fastball could allow him to dominate in a bullpen role.Noah Syndergaard, TOR, Low-AAge: 19.7The ground ball doesn’t get enough respect in many circles. A pitcher who can induce ground balls and miss bats, while throwing strikes, can be dominant. And that’s what Syndergaard has been so far in Low-A. The vast majority of his strikeouts have been swinging. And aside from a four-walk performance last month, he’s hardly been walking anyone. Tall, lean and athletic, Syndergaard has good body control, a live arm and plenty of upside. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up having the best MLB career of any pitcher on this list.Cody Buckel, TEX, High-AAge: 19.9Buckel, a guy I’m kicking myself for not ranking on my Top 100 this offseason, didn’t have quite enough fastball velocity to win me over entering the year. But he had everything else. Well, he’s added some velocity this year and he’s dominating High-A hitters so far. He’s also just one of two teenagers pitching above Low-A right now, along with Taijuan Walker. Relatively short, Buckel is a long-strider with a high arm slot, excellent tempo and advanced feel for pitching. He could move quickly and someday surface as a No. 2 starter.Jose Fernandez, FLA, Low-AAge: 19.8Built like a taller Bartolo Colon -- that got you excited, didn’t it? -- Fernandez is making Low-A hitters look like little leaguers. The 14th overall pick from the 2011 Draft throws a lot of strikes, a rarity for teenage pitchers, and pitches with an excellent tempo. There’s a lot of effort in his delivery, though, which is hardly ideal for a starting pitcher. That said, young pitching prospects who can throw in the mid-90s as starters are uncommon. Fernandez certainly has upside.Honorable Mentions: Clayton Blackburn (SF, 19.3, Low-A), Michael Fulmer (NYM, 19.1, Low-A), Matt Wisler (SD, 19.6, Low-A), Vicente Campos (NYY, 19.8, Low-A), Jason Garcia (BOS, 19.5, Low-A), Joe Ross (SD, 18.9, Low-A), Jefferson Olacio (CHW, 18.3, Low-A) and Archie Bradley (ARI, 19.7, Low-A).

HacheMan · May 20, 2012

Forecaster: May 21-27

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: After a three-day interleague appetizer, the schedule returns to intraleague play this week, and it's another busy one for 10 of the 30 teams. Eight of those 10 teams that play seven games are in the National League, meaning plenty of attractive two-start candidates, like Brandon Beachy, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Chris Capuano, Jaime Garcia, Matt Garza, Gio Gonzalez, Roy Halladay, Johan Santana and Adam Wainwright. Unfortunately, the American League is considerably weaker in two-start candidates: Yu Darvish, Jeremy Hellickson, Felix Hernandez and C.J. Wilson are obvious choices, but the talent pool peters out after them.

We've got another showdown of American League East rivals, as the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays battle during the weekend in Boston; the Red Sox also have their work cut out for them with a week-opening three-game series at Baltimore's Camden Yards. Remember, the Orioles swept these Red Sox in a three-game series at Fenway Park on May 4-6.

Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves during the weekend is another compelling battle of playoff contenders, and the Nationals also have to tangle with the Philadelphia Phillies, whom they'll face on the road to begin the week. The Braves and Phillies, though, hardly have it much easier; the Braves' other series is a four-gamer at the Cincinnati Reds, while the Phillies' other series is a four-gamer at the National League Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals.

ESPN leagues: Week 7

It's another week with a late lineup deadline on Monday, as ESPN's Monday Night Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds kicks off Week 7 at 7 p.m. These are the specific start times of the first games each day:

<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Time (ET)</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;">Teams</th><th style="width: 1px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;">Date</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Time (ET)</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;">Teams</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Mon 5/21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, CIN</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 5/25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, CHC, KC, PIT</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 5/22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, BOS, CLE, DET, KC,
NYM, NYY, PHI, PIT, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 5/26</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYM, SD</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 5/23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:35 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, BOS, NYM, PIT</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 5/27</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CIN, COL, MIA,
NYM, SD, SF</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 5/24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, DET</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>

Quick click by section, if you're seeking advice in a specific area:
Probable starting pitchers | Week 7 pitcher rankings | Pitching notes
Streamer's delight | Hitting ratings | Hitting notes

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 at least twice this week are in gold/beige boxes.

<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 35px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Team</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Mon
5/21</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
5/22</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
5/23</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
5/24</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
5/25</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
5/26</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
5/27</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BOS
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Chen
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Bard
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Lester
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TB
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIN
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Humber
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Danks
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CLE
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">DET
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Gomez
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Fister
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Smyly
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYY
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Teaford
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Williams
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Haren
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Santana
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Williams
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Walters
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">DET
Walters
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Pettitte
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Nova
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Milone
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Parker
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Ross
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Colon
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Milone
(LHP)
P: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Moore
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Shields
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Price
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

$tex.gif$

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Feliz
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Holland
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TB
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Hutchison
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TEX
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAD
Corbin
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Miley
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Corbin
(LHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Minor
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Delgado
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Minor
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Garza
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Garza
(RHP)
P: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
Leake
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Leake
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Moyer
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Nicasio
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
White
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Moyer
(LHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
Norris
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Happ
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAD
Norris
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Harang
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Santana
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Niese
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Batista
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Gee
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Santana
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYM
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Morton
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PHI
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PHI
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Richard
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Suppan
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Bass
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Richard
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Zito
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ATL
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 8</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 Week 7 pitcher rankings: Top 75

1. Matt Cain (SF) -- Tue-@MIL (Marcum), Sun-@MIA (Nolasco)
2. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Tue-@CIN (Latos), Sun-WAS (Gonzalez)
3. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Fri-HOU (Harrell)
4. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Mon-TEX (Darvish), Sat-LAA (Williams)
5. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Tue-WAS (Zimmermann), Sun-@STL (Wainwright)
6. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Thu-@CLE (Masterson)
7. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Mon-@SEA (Hernandez), Sun-TOR (Drabek)
8. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Mon-@PHI (Kendrick), Sun-@ATL (Beachy)
9. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Wed-@OAK (Parker)
10. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Tue-@OAK (McCarthy), Sun-@SEA (Noesi)
11. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Mon-@MIL (Wolf), Sat-@MIA (Buehrle)
12. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Sat-@OAK (Colon)
13. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Mon-@HOU (Norris), Sun-@PIT (Bedard)
14. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Wed-WAS (Jackson)
15. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Tue-ATL (Beachy), Sun-COL (Moyer)
16. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Sat-@ATL (Minor)
17. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Mon-@PIT (Bedard), Sat-SD (Richard)
18. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Tue-SD (Volquez), Sun-PHI (Halladay)
19. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Sat-@ARI (Miley)
20. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Fri-@STL (Lohse)
21. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Mon-TOR (Drabek), Sun-@BOS (Buchholz)
22. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Thu-SF (Vogelsong)
23. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Tue-MIN (Walters), Sun-CLE (Jimenez)
24. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Wed-SD (Suppan)
25. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Mon-SD (Richard), Sat-PHI (Kendrick)
26. Neftali Feliz (TEX) -- Wed-@SEA (Millwood)
27. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Fri-TB (TBD)
28. Bud Norris (HOU) -- Mon-CHC (Garza), Sun-@LAD (Capuano)
29. Brandon McCarthy (OAK) -- Tue-LAA (Wilson)
30. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-@MIA (Johnson)
31. David Price (TB) -- Sat-@BOS (Beckett)
32. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Sat-CLE (Lowe)
33. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Tue-SF (Cain)
34. James Shields (TB) -- Wed-TOR (Romero)
35. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Fri-@SEA (Beavan)
36. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Fri-MIL (Gallardo)
37. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Wed-CHC (Samardzija)
38. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Tue-@PHI (Halladay)
39. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Fri-WAS (Detwiler)
40. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Thu-@SEA (Vargas)
41. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Mon-KC (Paulino), Sun-@OAK (Milone)
42. Ricky Nolasco (MIA) -- Tue-COL (Nicasio), Sun-SF (Cain)
43. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Fri-SF (Lincecum)
44. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Fri-@TEX (Holland)
45. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Wed-@TB (Shields)
46. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Fri-@PIT (Burnett)
47. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Mon-@ARI (Corbin), Sun-HOU (Norris)
48. Jeff Samardzija (CHC) -- Wed-@HOU (Rodriguez)
49. Doug Fister (DET) -- Wed-@CLE (McAllister)
50. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Wed-@CIN (Arroyo)
51. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Fri-COL (Friedrich)
52. James McDonald (PIT) -- Tue-NYM (Dickey)
53. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Tue-@PIT (McDonald), Sun-SD (Volquez)
54. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Wed-MIN (Diamond)
55. Carlos Zambrano (MIA) -- Wed-COL (White)
56. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Wed-@ARI (Saunders)
57. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Tue-DET (Porcello), Sun-@CHW (Floyd)
58. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Fri-@ARI (Kennedy)
59. Wei-Yin Chen (BAL) -- Sat-KC (Teaford)
60. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Mon-NYM (Santana), Sun-CHC (Garza)
61. Jerome Williams (LAA) -- Mon-@OAK (Milone), Sat-@SEA (Hernandez)
62. Drew Smyly (DET) -- Fri-@MIN (Marquis)
63. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Thu-@MIA (Sanchez)
64. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Wed-@PIT (Morton)
65. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Sat-HOU (Lyles)
66. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Sat-TB (Price)
67. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Sat-@MIN (TBD)
68. Derek Holland (TEX) -- Fri-TOR (Morrow)
69. Edinson Volquez (SD) -- Tue-@STL (Wainwright), Sun-@NYM (Dickey)
70. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Sat-TOR (Alvarez)
71. Mark Buehrle (MIA) -- Mon-COL (Moyer), Sat-SF (Bumgarner)
72. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Tue-@SEA (Noesi)
73. Christian Friedrich (COL) -- Fri-@CIN (Cueto)
74. Phil Hughes (NYY) -- Tue-KC (Hochevar)
75. Anthony Bass (SD) -- Fri-@NYM (Gee)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Tommy Milone (OAK) -- Mon-LAA (Williams), Sun-NYY (Kuroda)
Mike Minor (ATL) -- Mon-@CIN (Leake), Sat-WAS (Strasburg)
Hector Noesi (SEA) -- Tue-TEX (Harrison), Sun-LAA (Wilson)
Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Mon-@NYY (Kuroda), Sun-@BAL (Hunter)
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Tue-@CLE (Jimenez), Sun-@MIN (Walters)
Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Mon-SF (Bumgarner), Sun-@ARI (Corbin)

No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Mon-@BAL (Hunter), Sun-TB (Hellickson)
Patrick Corbin (ARI) -- Mon-LAD (Capuano), Sun-MIL (Wolf)
Kyle Drabek (TOR) -- Mon-@TB (Hellickson), Sun-@TEX (Darvish)
Tommy Hunter (BAL) -- Mon-BOS (Buchholz), Sun-KC (Paulino)
Kyle Kendrick (PHI) -- Mon-WAS (Gonzalez), Sat-@STL (Garcia)
Mike Leake (CIN) -- Mon-ATL (Minor), Sat-COL (Guthrie)
Jamie Moyer (COL) -- Mon-@MIA (Buehrle), Sun-@CIN (Latos)
Clayton Richard (SD) -- Mon-@STL (Garcia), Sat-@NYM (Santana)
P.J. Walters (MIN) -- Tue-@CHW (Floyd), Sun-DET (Porcello)

Pitching notes

• Any time the St. Louis Cardinals play a full slate of games at their pitching-friendly home ballpark, Busch Stadium, it's time to rely on their pitchers. But when their opponents are the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies, two teams that rank in the bottom half in the majors in both runs scored and team OPS, it's time to go a step further and tab them my Baseball Challenge pitching staff pick for Week 7. Two-start pitcher Jaime Garcia is coming off an outstanding performance at San Francisco, allowing one run on nine hits in 7 1/3 innings while striking out nine. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2010, he's 2-0 with an 0.96 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in four starts versus the Phillies, and he has 15 shutout innings allowing only seven hits and six walks in two starts versus the Padres. Lance Lynn and Adam Wainwright, meanwhile, have sub-three career ERAs at Busch, and Kyle Lohse's ERA in 60 career starts there is 3.72. Here are my other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Los Angeles Angels (@OAK-3, @SEA-3), New York Mets (@PIT-3, SD-4), Chicago White Sox (MIN-3, CLE-3).

• Rick Porcello, fresh off a two-runs-in-four-innings performance versus the Minnesota Twins, gets a chance at redemption in one of his two starts this week. This time, however, he is making his two starts at venues where he has been successful in his career: He's 3-1 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in seven career starts at Cleveland's Progressive Field, where he'll pitch on Tuesday, and 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in four career starts at Minnesota's Target Field, where he'll pitch on Sunday.

• Edinson Volquez's owners should temper their expectations for his two road matchups this week, especially in light of his mediocre performance on May 17 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Volquez's numbers, for one, have been enhanced by his having made seven of his nine starts at Petco; this will be the first time that he's tested with back-to-back road starts. Busch Stadium also has been rough on him historically, as he has a 7.50 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in four career games (three starts) there. You'll see that Volquez made my top 75 starters despite the matchups concern, and that's testament to his performance to date. But he's hardly an automatic in shallow mixed leagues this week.

• Most pitchers enjoy working at Seattle's Safeco Field, one of the game's most pitching-friendly environments, but Matt Harrison is one of the lower-tier fantasy starters who well warrants a look when his one assignment comes there. He's 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in five career games (three starts) at Safeco.

• This will be a fun week for Yu Darvish owners. He's a two-start pitcher, but more important, both of the teams he's scheduled to face have faced him before: the Seattle Mariners on April 9 (5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 5 ER) and the Toronto Blue Jays on April 30 (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 9 K). There's always a question about how "rookie" pitchers will fare during their second time around the league, but in the case of Darvish, his stuff is that special, that difficult to hit, that his adjustments shouldn't be nearly as difficult as those of a typical rookie. Start him with confidence, though monitor his performances, as they'll tell us plenty about his full-season prognosis.

• Two useful rookies won't be facing opponents they have before; both Drew Smyly and Wei-Yin Chen will battle teams for the first time when Smyly starts Friday at Minnesota's Target Field and Chen starts Saturday versus the Kansas City Royals. Both represent favorable matchups, so start them in all formats.

• Tim Hudson has back-to-back quality starts and now faces an opponent with which he's extremely familiar. He's 14-3 with a 2.05 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 23 career starts versus the Washington Nationals, including 6-2 with a 2.77 ERA in 10 starts against them in 2010-11.

• Yovani Gallardo is a perfect 3-0 in his three career starts at Arizona's Chase Field, his ERA 1.59 and WHIP 1.06 in those games.

Streamer's delight

Among the streaming starter (something I define as single-start options in daily leagues among pitchers owned in 25 percent or fewer of ESPN leagues) options for Week 7, here are my picks by day:

Monday, May 21: Tommy Milone versus Los Angeles Angels
Tuesday, May 22: Phil Hughes versus Kansas City Royals
Wednesday, May 23: Jonathon Niese at Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, May 24: Philip Humber versus Minnesota Twins
Friday, May 25: Anthony Bass at New York Mets
Saturday, May 26: Jerome Williams at Seattle Mariners
Sunday, May 27: Rick Porcello at Minnesota Twins

Past picks
Friday, May 11: James McDonald -- QS, 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Saturday, May 12: Trevor Cahill -- 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Sunday, May 13: Jake Arrieta -- 3 2/3 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Monday, May 14: Ryan Vogelsong -- QS, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Tuesday, May 15: Wade Miley -- W, QS, 6 2/3 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Wednesday, May 16: Jerome Williams -- W, QS, 8 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Thursday, May 17: Aaron Harang -- W, QS, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Week's total: 7 GS, 3 W (42.9%), 5 QS (71.4%), 46 IP, 45 H, 16 ER, 13 BB, 35 K, 3.13 ERA, 1.26 WHIP
Season total: 37 GS, 19 W (47.1%), 25 QS (64.7%), 239 IP, 198 H, 71 ER, 72 BB, 174 K, 2.67 ERA, 1.13 WHIP

Hitting ratings

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: 35px; 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
5/21</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
5/22</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
5/23</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
5/24</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
5/25</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
5/26</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
5/27</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
6 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 4
R: 9
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 4
L: 6
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 3
L: 3
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
0 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 5
L: 1
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 5
L: 9
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 6
L: 9
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 10
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 8
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 5
L: 9
R: 4
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 9
L: 7
R: 10
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 3
L: 2
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 7
L: 3
R: 9
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 4
L: 10
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

$tex.gif$

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
0 vs. L
6 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 6
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
H: 7
L: 10
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 6
L: 2
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 7
L: 10
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
6 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 3
L: 6
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
3 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 7
L: 10
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 2
R: 10
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 8
L: 2
R: 9
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 7
L: 6
R: 9
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
7 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 5
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 5
L: 9
R: 3
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 3
L: 4
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 3
L: 8
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 9
L: 3
R: 10
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
4 vs. L
2 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 3
R: 6
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 5
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 6
L: 1
R: 9
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
3 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
6 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 3
L: 2
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 4
R: 8
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 10
L: 10
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 5
L: 9
R: 2
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 5
L: 9
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 3
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 2
L: 5
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7</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 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.

Hitting notes

• Alex Rodriguez's career dominance against former teammate Bartolo Colon needs to be noted. Colon is scheduled to face the New York Yankees on Saturday, and A-Rod has hit .431/.456/1.059 in his career against the right-hander, including eight home runs. In fact, A-Rod had a three-homer game against Colon in 2005.

• The Yankees as an offense get a heck of a favorable schedule this week, beginning the week with three home games against the injury-riddled Kansas City Royals rotation, then three at Oakland's O.com Coliseum, two of those against the struggling Colon and Tyson Ross. Sunday starter Tommy Milone might be the most challenging individual matchup for Yankees hitters this week, so load your lineup with Yankees, including the red-hot Raul Ibanez, a .297/.381/.676 hitter in 12 games in May.

• Shin-Soo Choo's fantasy owners continue to wait for the form that made him one of the game's best in 2009-10, yet since the beginning of last season he has been nothing but a disappointment. This week, however, presents him with a handful of favorable matchups against pitchers he has historically hit well: He's 8-for-16 (.500) with two home runs in his career against Detroit's Doug Fister, his Wednesday opponent; and against the three pitchers the Chicago White Sox will throw during the weekend, he's a lifetime .365 hitter (23-for-63) with three home runs.

• Though Zack Cozart has struggled in May, this week's matchups should help restore him to many a fantasy lineup. He and the Cincinnati Reds play all seven of their games at home, three of them against left-handed starters. Cozart is a .317/.359/.517 triple-slash hitter in 16 home games, and a .345/.367/.448 hitter versus left-handers this season.