MLB Fantasy News 2012

[HacheMan]

Looking beyond the obvious ...

By AJ Mass | ESPN.com

There's a commercial airing right now in which Zooey Deschanel asks her iPhone, "Is that rain?"

For those of you who have not seen the ubiquitous spot, Zooey happens to be staring out her window while making her inquiry, a window that is being pelted with giant water droplets falling from the sky. Of course, "Siri" is far more patient than I'd be; she simply responds, "Yes, it appears to be raining, Zooey."


Deschanel is the poster child for "adorkability," so for her this occurrence is supposed to pass itself off as quirkiness. Personally, I'd prefer hanging out with someone who has a bit more going on "upstairs" than someone who cannot recognize a form of precipitation. (Amy Dallen, recently seen on Wil Wheaton's "Tabletop," comes to mind.)


But when it comes to fantasy baseball, it might not be such a stupid question to see a pitcher like Ted Lilly, who has a 5-1 record and 3.14 ERA, and ask, "Is this pitcher good?" A win-loss record and an ERA do not tell the whole story, especially in points leagues.


Pitchers earn points for each batter they retire, so the longer a pitcher works into games on a regular basis, the less impact those hits and walks will have on his final point total. In order to have that wiggle room for error, you need to be throwing at least 90 pitches per start. Anything less than that and the odds of a pitcher giving you a quality start drop to around 50-50.


Here is a list of those pitchers with at least eight starts in 2012 who have averaged between 80 and 90 pitches per appearance:



<table><thead><tr><th> Player </th><th> Tm </th><th> Pit/GS </th><th> Pit/BF </th><th> QS% </th><th> W </th><th> L </th><th> ERA </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Ted Lilly </td><td> LAD </td><td> 88.4 </td><td> 3.50 </td><td> 75 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 3.14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Kevin Correia </td><td> PIT </td><td> 86.3 </td><td> 3.53 </td><td> 67 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 4.30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Edwin Jackson </td><td> WAS </td><td> 89.8 </td><td> 3.50 </td><td> 56 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 3.38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jeanmar Gomez </td><td> CLE </td><td> 89.5 </td><td> 3.81 </td><td> 50 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3.94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Bartolo Colon </td><td> OAK </td><td> 86.9 </td><td> 3.32 </td><td> 46 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 4.52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Mike Leake </td><td> CIN </td><td> 88.2 </td><td> 3.64 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 5.47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Blake Beavan </td><td> SEA </td><td> 87.1 </td><td> 3.66 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 4.38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Ross Detwiler </td><td> WAS </td><td> 85.0 </td><td> 3.71 </td><td> 44 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3.88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Luke Hochevar </td><td> KC </td><td> 89.0 </td><td> 3.87 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 6.19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Carl Pavano </td><td> MIN </td><td> 84.4 </td><td> 3.43 </td><td> 40 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5.46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Erik Bedard </td><td> PIT </td><td> 85.2 </td><td> 3.89 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3.12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Chris Volstad </td><td> CHC </td><td> 87.1 </td><td> 3.65 </td><td> 13 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 7.46 </td></tr></tbody></table>




TOP 100 OVERALL PLAYERS

Note: AJ Mass' top 100 overall players are ranked based on statistics that have already been accrued in ESPN standard points formats and should be used as a supplement to the ESPN Player Rater.
<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, SP, 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;"> Cole Hamels, SP, PHI </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;"> Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, SP, LAA </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;"> Jake Peavy, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, SP, STL </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;"> Adam Jones, OF, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Beachy, SP, ATL </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;"> David Wright, 3B, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Braun, OF, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fernando Rodney, RP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain, SP, SF </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;"> Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Encarnacion, 1B/3B, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Ortiz, DH, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, SP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, SP, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aroldis Chapman, RP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, 1B, CIN </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;"> Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> R.A. Dickey, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX </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;"> David Price, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, 3B/OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, SP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, OF, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Cabrera, 1B/3B, DET </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;"> Bud Norris, SP, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Furcal, SS, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Kemp, OF, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jim Johnson, RP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Beltre, 3B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, OF, OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez, SP, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, SP, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Vargas, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Aviles, SS, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Madison Bumgarner, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Greinke, SP, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Giancarlo Stanton, OF, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, SP, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, DH, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Samardzija, SP, CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Omar Infante, 2B, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay, SP, PHI </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;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT </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;"> Colby Lewis, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, C, STL </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;"> Joel Hanrahan, RP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, SP, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, SS, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Romero, SP, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, SP, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Curtis Granderson, OF, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, SS/3B, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, 1B, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, OF, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Milone, SP, OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ted Lilly, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Hellickson, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Buehrle, SP, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Kimbrel, RP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Papelbon, RP, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Markakis, OF, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, C/1B, MIN </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;"> Chris Perez, RP, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, 1B/OF, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Joyce, OF, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr></tbody></table>




As you can see, Lilly is the only member of this group with a winning record, in no small part because his offense has scored a lofty 6.32 runs per game for him. But we can't count on that run support average remaining that high over the long haul.


Generally speaking, in points leagues, I'd look to avoid pitchers who reside in this neighborhood. In any given week, they may do well for you, but if left in your rotation for too long, the best you can hope for is some "(.500) Days of Summer."



Pointing up




Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins: Stanton is slugging .696 since May 15 and even went 2-for-2 in steals during that stretch, sweetening an already-sweet stat line even more. More importantly, perhaps, is that opposing pitchers are finally beginning to fear him a bit. Stanton has walked 10 times in his past 13 games after earning only 11 free passes in the previous 35 contests.


Melky Cabrera, OF, Giants: Earlier this month, Cabrera had an 11-game hitting streak in which he posted a .468 batting average. It ended, and some people jumped off the bandwagon. Four days later, he started a nine-game hitting streak and proceeded to post a .487 batting average. Then on Saturday, he went 0-for-4. Did you jump off then? I hope not, because Sunday he went 4-for-4 with a home run. Let the new streak continue.


Joel Hanrahan, RP, Pirates: In case you hadn't noticed, the Pittsburgh Pirates went 4-2 last week and are now just one game below .500. Pitching the ninth inning for a team that is starting to win games, including five walk-off victories in 2012, one must like the chances for increased success for this closer. In his last six appearances, he has five saves and a win, no earned runs allowed and a .143 batting average against. It's time to buy in.


Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies: The "Flyin' Hawaiian" has kept his weekly points total between 15 and 25 all season long, but last week he finally surged higher. Thanks to a .400 OBP and seven RBIs over the course of the week, the outfielder earned 29 points in Week 7. Victorino has fanned just once in his past nine games, not surprising for a batter ranked 11th in the majors with only a 10.2 swing-and-miss percentage so far in 2012.


Johan Santana, SP, Mets: It's time to believe in Johan as well. He's one Michael McKenry home run away from having seven straight quality starts under his belt, during which time opposing hitters have just a .261 on-base percentage. Regardless of the opponent, when you fire a shutout with only 96 pitches, 74 of which go for strikes, you're in a groove, and fantasy owners need only sit back and enjoy it. Nobody knows how long his shoulder will stay healthy, but clearly he's back.


Mark Buehrle, SP, Marlins: With a K/9 rate of just 4.4 and a BB/9 rate of only 1.4, it's no secret that Buehrle allows the opposition to put the ball in play more often than most pitchers. As such, his BABIP is going to dictate his success, and at .262, that number is the best it has been in more than a decade. Considering he's doing that with one of the worst defenses in the league (in terms of UZR), we're going to have some faith that what he's doing well right now will overcome any regression due to luck and the lack of glovework behind him.


Pointing down




Josh Willingham, OF, Twins: A "golden sombrero" on May 26 was just the latest embarrassment for Willingham in a stretch that has seen him fan 16 times and post just a .182 batting average since May 18. He may have been hitting over.300 as recently as just a few weeks ago, but when about one of every two at-bats ends in a slow walk back to the dugout, you're points-league poison.


Derek Lowe, SP, Indians: In his last start, Lowe didn't walk a single batter, and he matched his second-highest strikeout total for 2012 (three). He also allowed 10 hits and eight earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings of work. Since May 5, opposing hitters are batting .331 against Lowe. There's just not enough upside here, even when he does manage to last into the seventh inning, something he has done just three times all year.


Wei-Yin Chen, SP, Orioles: This is a case of Chen hitting a wall in terms of potential fantasy value. You can pretty much pencil him in for a stat line of six innings pitched, six hits, one walk and five strikeouts every time he takes the mound. That means if he gives up three runs and wins, you're maxing out at 11 points for the day. Decent? Sure. But as a ceiling for his success, there are far bigger apartments you might want to rent. Plus, all this assumes he doesn't lose his effectiveness on his second trip around the league.


Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves: They always say that you can't hit what you can't see. Usually that refers to the heat that a pitcher is dishing out. In this case, it's all about Freeman's poor eyesight. After a 2-for-25 stretch since May 19, the first baseman was pulled from the Atlanta lineup due to blurriness caused by dry eyes. Until he finds a remedy for this recurring condition, the eyes of his fantasy owners will continue to be filled with tears.


Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, Rays: Just when it looked like Zobrist was taking some steps forward, he made like MC Skat Kat and took "two steps back." With a .111 batting average since May 16, including an 0-fer in the series against the Boston Red Sox, Zobrist can't even stay on base when he does get on. He has been caught stealing twice over the past two weeks.


Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies: Even before Sunday's start, you could tell there was something not quite right with Doc. His control was still solid, as evidenced by a 10.7 K/BB rate, but with an ERA of 5.40 and a.305 batting-average against, there was reason for concern. After seeing Halladay leave after just two innings against the St. Louis Cardinals and shoulder soreness being blamed, it's time to get a little bit concerned, even if no MRI is currently in the works.

 

[HacheMan]

Time to sell high on Sale?

Potential innings caps could limit value of some surprisingly good starters

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

How silly does the Chris Sale pingpong game -- the one where his role fluctuated between starter and closer in a matter of a week -- look today?

When a pitcher comes off the kind of effort that Sale put forth on Monday, setting career highs in strikeouts (15) and Bill James Game Score (81), most would answer, "Incredibly." Single-game performances at either extreme tend to inspire the strongest reactions about a player's role and perceived value.


Thanks to a four-start stretch during while Sale's Game Score has improved each time -- 42 on May 12, 60 on May 17, 77 on May 23, 81 on Monday -- he has risen to 11th among starting pitchers on our Player Rater, and among qualified pitchers, he's now eighth in ERA (2.34), 12th in WHIP (1.01), sixth in strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio (9.52) and 19th in K's-per-walk ratio (3.81). Sale hasn't surrendered more than three runs or walks in a single outing all year.


Two things have made Sale a breakout reliever-turned-starter this season: enough depth in his arsenal to have "out" pitches versus both right- and left-handed hitters, and a slider that has been a true put-away pitch. To the former point, Sale has both a changeup and two-seam fastball to help neutralize righties; his changeup has limited righties to .083/.083/.125 triple-slash rates in 24 plate appearances that ended in one, and has generated a 33 percent miss rate on swings. And, per FanGraphs, his two-season fastball has been worth 4.6 runs prevented above average, tops among any individual pitch he throws.


As for Sale's slider, per ESPN Stats & Information, he generated 11 of his 15 strikeouts on sliders during Monday's game, those 11 the second-most K's on sliders by any pitcher in the past four seasons (since 2009). His 37 K's on sliders are third most in the majors this season, and of the 172 K's he has recorded during his brief big league career, 65 percent (112) were on sliders.

It's those skills that establish Sale's hot start as legitimate, his fifth-ranked 2.45 FIP and 2.97 xFIP backing that up, and if he's capable of staying both healthy and in the Chicago White Sox's rotation all summer, there's no question he'd be capable of being a top-25 fantasy starter the rest of the season.


But if we take a step back from that outstanding single game, we might realize Sale might not yet be done playing "role pingpong."


Sale has two obstacles standing in his path: One is the elbow tightness that initially caused the White Sox to begin his pingpong game the first week of May; the other is the possible innings cap -- which is somewhat related to the first point -- that looms over him the deeper we get into the summer.


Like many significant fantasy names from the past two seasons (including Michael Pineda, Jordan Zimmermann and Mat Latos), Sale, due to both his young age (23) and limited workloads so far during his professional career, is likely to have his innings carefully managed by his team. Sale currently finds himself on pace for 188 2/3 innings; he threw 71 innings as a reliever last season after 138 2/3 combined between college, the minors and majors in 2010. In other words, he's on track to exceed his single-year innings high by nearly 50.


Count on the White Sox preventing that from happening.


White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper told the team's official website as far back as in January that Sale's innings would be capped; the debate now is what that number might be. Considering many teams don't allow their young starters to increase their innings by more than 30 over past professional highs, Sale might not exceed 170, which would give him only 112 1/3 more innings. At his current rate of 6.3 innings per start, that means he'd make only 17-18 more starts. Granted, the White Sox's playoff positioning might have a lot to do with the team's plans for Sale, but if you're his owner, the smart move is to prepare for those numbers accordingly.


That perhaps makes Sale a smart sell-high candidate today. Sure, he might provide you dominant statistics for another month or more, but as the stretch run of the fantasy season -- the most critical weeks in head-to-head leagues -- arrives, Sale might find his turns frequently skipped, or he might be shut down altogether. Take a look at what happened to those three aforementioned 2010-11 examples:


Michael Pineda, 2011
Through May 31: 10 GS, 8 QS, 6 W, 2.42 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 9.38 K/9
June: 6 GS, 4 QS, 1 W, 3.03 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 7.68 K/9
July 1 on: 12 GS, 7 QS, 2 W, 5.35 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 9.65 K/9, 4 skipped turns


Jordan Zimmermann, 2011
Through May 31: 10 GS, 7 QS, 2 W, 3.88 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 6.56 K/9, 1 skipped turn
June: 6 GS, 6 QS, 3 W, 0.85 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 5.74 K/9
July 1 on: 10 GS, 3 QS, 3 W, 4.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 8.13 K/9, 1 skipped turn, then shut down after Aug. 28 start


Mat Latos, 2010
Through May 31: 10 GS, 7 QS, 5 W, 3.08 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 7.34 K/9
June: 5 GS, 3 QS, 3 W, 2.37 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 10.09 K/9
July 1 on: 16 GS, 11 QS, 6 W, 3.00 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 10.16 K/9, 2 skipped turns


In each example, the pitcher remained remarkably productive through June before experiencing some regression from that point forward, including at least two missed rotation turns after July 1. The hint is that the month of June is the ideal time to peddle an "innings cap" pitcher, if you're unwilling to accept the headaches that come with owning such a young starter.


Sale isn't the only youngster who fits into this class. Two more members of the top 20 starters on our Player Rater, as well as another within the top 30, also qualify.






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




Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals: The topic of his trade value, comparative to his potential innings cap, came up during this past Friday's Fantasy Focus podcast, and Strasburg might be the most critical pitcher included within this group. He's 23 years old, the gem of the organization, only half a season removed from Tommy John surgery, and the Nationals previous demonstrated during his rookie season of 2010 that they're meticulous about his workload management. Strasburg is on pace for 196 innings, or 151 2/3 more than he pitched between the majors and minors last season and 72 2/3 more than his professional high of 123 1/3 set in 2010. And like Sale, the Nationals' playoff positioning might have everything to say about his innings cap. The number 160 -- Zimmermann's cap in 2011 -- has been most frequently cited, and perhaps the 185 that Latos threw during the San Diego Padres' 2010 playoff push is possible. Either way, Strasburg probably has only 100-125 innings remaining, or 17-22 more starts at his current rate of innings per start.


Strasburg's owners with innings fears should begin shopping him now, but considering how productive he might remain through the All-Star break, he shouldn't be swapped for much less than a top-15 starter.


Lance Lynn, St. Louis Cardinals: He's 25 years old, the No. 5 starter on the Player Rater … and on pace for a whopping 208 2/3 innings. Lynn might be the most equipped pitcher of the bunch to approach 200 frames, having thrown as many as 164 in the minors in 2010, but a 208 2/3-inning number would exceed his 2011 combined total between the majors and minors by 99. The Cardinals, too, have playoff aspirations, but that might also lead to them being more cautious with his workload during the season's second half, sparing some of his innings for the postseason. After all, remember that this team has Chris Carpenter working his way back from a shoulder injury, as well as top prospect Shelby Miller only a phone call away in Triple-A; either could contribute sometime after the All-Star break.


Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs: He's 27 years old, older than your traditional "innings cap" candidate, but accounting for his 88 innings thrown in 2011, his current 192-innings pace might seem a tad excessive. Samardzija has bounced between starting and relieving throughout his professional career, throwing as many as 141 2/3 innings in 2007, 131 in 2008 and 130 2/3 in 2010, but he has never gotten even close to the 200-inning threshold as a pro. My concern is that a pitcher who has his history of command issues might not take to such a workload increase, and even if the Cubs don't cap his innings in the 160-170 range, he might suffer in terms of performance during the season's second half.


Streamer's delight



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


Tuesday, May 29: Homer Bailey at Pittsburgh Pirates
Wednesday, May 30: Anthony Bass at Chicago Cubs
Thursday, May 31: Jeremy Guthrie is the only under-25-percent-owned pitcher scheduled on this date; he is not a recommended streaming option.
Friday, June 1: Felipe Paulino versus Oakland Athletics
Saturday, June 2: Luke Hochevar versus Oakland Athletics
Sunday, June 3: Trevor Cahill at San Diego Padres
Monday, June 4: Joe Blanton versus Los Angeles Dodgers
Tuesday, June 5: Homer Bailey versus Pittsburgh Pirates


Past picks
Tuesday, May 22: Phil Hughes -- W, QS, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Wednesday, May 23: Jonathon Niese -- W, QS, 7 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Thursday, May 24: Philip Humber -- 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Friday, May 25: Anthony Bass -- 5 1/3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Saturday, May 26: Jerome Williams -- W, QS, 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Sunday, May 27: Felipe Paulino (pitched 5/26) -- 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Monday, May 28: Matt Harrison -- W, QS, 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K


Week's total: 7 GS, 4 W (57.1%), 4 QS (57.1%), 43 IP, 41 H, 22 ER, 17 BB, 35 K, 4.60 ERA, 1.35 WHIP
Season total: 48 GS, 24 W (50.0%), 31 QS (64.6%), 303 IP, 258 H, 106 ER, 97 BB, 220 K, 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP


Three up



R.A. Dickey, New York Mets: It's often said that you cannot predict the performance of a knuckleballer, but in Dickey's case, that's not true. Very quietly, he has become an automatic in his Citi Field starts -- he has 11 consecutive quality starts in home games and a 2.73 ERA there during his Mets career -- and he's remarkably effective on the road, too, recording quality starts in 12 of his past 13 road turns. The majors' lone remaining knuckleballer -- unless you count batter Mitch Maier -- Dickey this season has limited opposing hitters to .212/.267/.365 triple-slash rates and a 26 percent swing-and-miss rate with his knuckler. Even better: He has thrown 55 percent of them in the strike zone and gotten strikes on them 68 percent of the time; among all pitches thrown in the majors this season, the league averages in those departments are 49 and 63 percent. So yes, Dickey indeed is a "predictable" knuckleballer: Predictably good.


Dan Haren, Los Angeles Angels: Is the "Haren of old" back? Tuesday's start versus the New York Yankees might provide a truer test than his most recent outing, a 14-strikeout shutout against the Seattle Mariners on May 24, but that performance at least eases some of the worries about his back. Haren's fastball velocity in that game represented a season high (89.0 mph), his 35 percent swing-and-miss rate was his second-best number of 2012 and he notched seven of his 14 K's on sliders. He's back in the top 15 this week, and with another strong outing on Tuesday, he might soon restore his top-10 status.


James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates: McDonald has gotten a lot of love in this space this season, and he's due some more after managing his third single-game performance of greater than a 75 Game Score on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds. The point has previously been made that the polish on his command is primarily responsible for his breakthrough; he has slashed his walk rate from 4.11 per nine innings in 2011 to 2.62 this season. But here's another reason for McDonald's performance, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information: He has added a slider this season, he has caused opposing hitters to miss on 50 percent of their swings against it, and his 54 percent strikeout rate on sliders ranks third among starting pitchers. Granted, he has thrown only 80 sliders all season, but apparently the depth it has provided his arsenal is a plus.


Three down



Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs: He's coming off back-to-back stinkers, most distressing in that they were against the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates, matchups that most fantasy owners would consider outstanding. Garza allowed 13 runs (12 earned) on 12 hits, five of them home runs (resulting in 30 total bases), in eight innings in those games. Chalk them up as fluky if you wish, but there's one underlying number that bears watching during his coming outings: Garza has averaged 92.8 mph with his fastball in his past five starts, after averaging 93.8 mph during his first four, and his swing-and-miss rate on his slider was 32 percent in his past five, after 55 in his first four. His stuff has been lacking in recent turns, so don't be so quick to write them off.


Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies: We -- fantasy owners as a whole -- hate the waiting. Halladay departed his Sunday start after only two innings with a sore right shoulder, and at publishing time we were awaiting a doctor's report from a scheduled examination on Tuesday. That puts Halladay's rank entirely in flux; his seven-spot drop accounts mostly for the prospect of a disabled-list stint, however brief, yet by day's end it might look like too little as much as too big a drop. A two- to three-week absence for a top-10 starter would probably result in a drop in ranking to just within the top 25; Halladay's performance to date, specifically his decline in strikeout rate, offers enough concern about his injury if he needs to miss time.


Phil Hughes, New York Yankees: If the Yankees had a viable replacement for Hughes in their rotation, might they consider it, given how poorly he has performed this season? The right-hander has three quality starts in 10 tries, two of them coming against the Kansas City Royals and the third versus the Seattle Mariners. He has allowed a home run in every start this season and has a 5.01 FIP that rates 12th worst among 117 ERA qualifiers. Here's what should bother fantasy owners most: Hughes' 8.37 K's-per-nine ratio might rank 32nd out of those 117 pitchers, but his 18 percent swing-and-miss rate is well beneath the major league average of 22 percent. He's effectively a streaming candidate, and only against the game's worst, and his strikeouts might be a bit of a mirage.

 

[HacheMan]

Reddick for real, don't worry about Manny

While the baseball world anxiously awaits the return of Manny Ramirez -- I sense the fantasy baseball world is less bullish on this comeback -- there are bigger and more pertinent stories happening with the Oakland Athletics lineup. Sure, Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes has done some nice work and should again when he comes off the disabled list, but if we had told you a month ago that a member of the Athletics entered the final days of May on pace for a whopping 46 home runs this season, my guess is you wouldn't have believed it.


With his three homers in the past four games, including Monday's blast at Minnesota's Target Field, that's exactly what's going on with Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick. He might not have seemed like a critical part of the December 2011 trade that sent closer Andrew Bailey to the Boston Red Sox, but check out the leaderboards and there's Reddick with 14 home runs, a figure topped by only five players, while Bailey still has nary a save nor inning pitched for his new team. The Red Sox have used 12 outfielders this season, including Adrian Gonzalez and Scott Podsednik, so I'm sure they don't miss Reddick, right? Those many outfielders have hit 15 home runs.

Reddick, meanwhile, has smacked 10 home runs in May alone, one behind Josh Hamilton, Adam Dunn and Giancarlo Stanton, each of whom has delivered major power numbers in the past. Reddick, 25, hit seven home runs for the 2011 Red Sox in 87 games, and over August/September hit .235 with three home runs in 136 at-bats. He didn't walk much and, frankly, didn't look like much of a factor leaving cozy Fenway Park for spacious O.com Coliseum and a similarly crowded outfield situation in Oakland. Instead, Reddick had a big spring and has batted third in 44 of the team's 49 games, and he's fifth in the majors in isolated power.

Reddick's Monday blast came on a hanging curveball up in the strike zone. According to ESPN Stats & Information, all 10 of Reddick's home runs this month and all but one of his 13 extra-base hits have come on pitches at the belt or up in the zone. He's hitting .327 and slugging .927 on those pitches in May. In April, he hit .254 and slugged .444 on belt-level or high pitches, so it appears that clearly the batter has made some adjustments. Overall, Reddick is hitting .275 in May and slugging .659.


When I look closer at Reddick's stats, I also like the 15 walks this month; in March/April with more at-bats he drew a total of two walks. Sure, some of the reason Reddick is getting walked might be that pitchers don't fear the uninspiring lot following him in the lineup, especially with Cespedes and his strained hand muscle on the DL. Cespedes and Jonny Gomes are second on the club with five home runs. Reddick is the lone Athletic batting better than .245, so this really has been an impressive solo act largely being overlooked because the team is 22-27 and has lost six consecutive games.


Of course, fantasy owners want to know if the 100 percent-owned Reddick is legit. Reddick did hit for modest power in the minor leagues, and judging him solely on his work for the Red Sox, over 403 plate appearances in three seasons, is unfair. In the minors, Reddick wasn't posting prominent batting averages or on-base percentages. He wasn't a base stealer. In 2011 for Triple-A Pawtucket, he smacked 14 home runs over 52 games, perhaps quietly turning a corner for power potential and plate discipline (33 walks, 39 strikeouts), but the .230 batting average overshadowed things. Clearly the Athletics saw something. The question is how much of this breakout can be maintained.


A month ago, I would have labeled Reddick an obvious sell-high, but now that there's an actual walk rate to monitor and he's been producing with no help, I feel different. I don't think he'll swat 46 home runs, though. We need to see him maintain his walk rate, for one, and his rate of home runs to fly balls is high, though perhaps somewhat sustainable (his 19.4 rate would not have made the final 2011 top 10). Also, he's an impressive 17th on the Player Rater and has five stolen bases in as many attempts. Reddick isn't fast; the Athletics are, however, third in baseball in steals, showing an organizational decree. Reddick isn't likely to steal 20 bases, though, and since he's not impressing in batting average, even in his torrid May, what's left?



The power is left, and I say Reddick hits 34 home runs. It's only five home runs per remaining month. The left-handed hitter is not a true liability against lefties -- power, but only two walks -- and his home/road numbers are nearly identical. I'm going to predict a .265 batting average (down some), 34 blasts and 93 RBIs (these are, after all, the Athletics) with 14 stolen bases. As an undrafted outfielder in ESPN average live drafts, nobody's complaining.


As for Ramirez, he's owned in 1.5 percent of ESPN standard leagues but has struggled at Triple-A Sacramento, playing nine games there with nary an extra-base hit. While his 50-game suspension ends on Wednesday (his 40th birthday), the A's will keep him in Sacramento until he's ready for big league action. The career numbers and Hall of Fame path are irrelevant to 2012 expectations. Over his past 86 big league at-bats for the Chicago White Sox (2010) and Tampa Bay Rays (2011), Ramirez produced two extra-base hits. Further, he's not outfield eligible in ESPN leagues. It's a no-risk proposition for the Athletics, as they can cut Ramirez at any point, but their designated hitters are hitting .207 with four home runs. It's hardly a big deal to see if he can help them. Fantasy owners shouldn't bother, though.

 

[HacheMan]

The art of the fantasy baseball trade

How to see offers through the eyes of your team, not other teams

By Todd Zola | Mastersball.com

Imagine this: One fine day you sit down at your computer, open your inbox and click on the email with the subject line "Trade Offer." And the email reads, "Any interest in Emilio Bonifacio for Troy Tulowitzki or Miguel Cabrera?"

Unbelievable, right? I mean, not only is Bonifacio not even in the same stratosphere as M-Cab or Tulo in terms of fantasy value, but he's also out 4-6 weeks following thumb surgery! Sigh. So you consider your options. Perhaps just taking the high road and ignoring this fool is the right thing to do. But that's no fun. Maybe countering with your Luke Hochevar for their Clayton Kershaw will get the message across. The heck with that! This bozo just insulted you with a ridiculous low-ball offer; time to paste this nonsense on the league message board.
<offer>Slow your roll, my friend. Given some specific circumstances, that offer isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. Really. You don't believe me? Grab your safety goggles and let's head into the laboratory.</offer>


The Internet is packed with essays talking about trading in fantasy baseball. The theme is usually tactical, the human element, referring to the psychology and gamesmanship involved with negotiation. More often than not, the piece is alliteratively titled something like "Top 10 tricks of the trade." While there's nothing wrong with this approach -- I've offered similar renditions in years past -- there is a dearth of information focusing on proper evaluation of trades. Today I discuss the means to determine if a trade will benefit your team.



Forget value; it's about impact




Tools like the ESPN Player Rater, rankings lists, dollar values and the like are useful in the right context. But context is the key, because nothing is absolute. Perhaps the most efficient use of your favorite value measurement is to determine relative value of one player to the next, in the proverbial vacuum. The trick is taking the player out of the vacuum and evaluating their worth to your team.

Let's say you need speed. If you go to the ESPN Player Rater and sort by stolen bases, Michael Bourn and Jordan Schafer are projected to help your team about equally in that category. Overall, due to a superior batting average and more runs scored, Bourn is the higher-ranked player, but what if your team had a large cushion in average and was doing exceptionally well in runs scored, a scenario that is logical since getting on base leads to scoring? In the context of your team, Schafer and Bourn are of equal value.


Now let's say you have an excess of starting pitching and were offered Bourn for Cole Hamels. So you go to the Player Rater and see that Bourn and Hamels are ranked very close, so you accept. But what if the offer was Schafer and not Bourn, would you be so quick to accept? I didn't think so, but under the right circumstances, you should.


Admittedly, we are still a little early in the season for this to be applied verbatim; too much can still happen. But the right circumstances involve the same net gain of Roto points with Schafer or Bourn. That is, Schafer's lower average and fewer runs scored will not cost your squad any points. If the Schafer-for-Hamels offer is the best deal you can get -- as in, you couldn't sub in a pitcher closer to Schafer's rank, such as R.A. Dickey -- and your team benefits, then the deal is a good one, regardless of what the Player Rater (or your league mates) might contend.



It's not just impact, but net impact




The above example was devoid of an integral consideration that is obligatory for complete trade analysis: Does the acquisition of a base stealer such as Schafer or Bourn truly net more points than the loss of Hamels may cost in pitching? This is perhaps the biggest mistake made by those evaluating if a swap is helpful, and is absolutely the most egregious error usually made by third parties, most often other league members when the rules call for owner approval of all deals.


What matters is overall impact on your squad. Who does Schafer or Bourn replace, and who replaces Hamels? It's not just the production of the players that matter, but rather the upgrade or downgrade the players offer and how that influences the standings.


To illustrate this, let's say Starlin Castro is the player being offered for Hamels. On the surface, Castro is nearly identical to Bourn in terms of bottom-line Roto production, so he should influence your team in the same manner, right? Not necessarily. It depends on the player being replaced. What if Bourn or Schafer would take the spot of Austin Kearns, who in turn was taking the spot of Bonifacio, explaining your need for speed, while Castro can replace only your shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, since you have a second baseman in your middle infield spot? The relative difference between Bourn and another replacement-level outfielder far exceeds the difference between Castro and Rollins. So while in a vacuum, Bourn and Castro are similar in terms of production, in context to your roster, Bourn has much more intrinsic value to you. On the flip side, if your outfield is stacked and Castro bumps Alexei Ramirez from your lineup, then Castro has more intrinsic value to your team than Bourn.


The part of the equation that has been omitted from the analysis is how Hamels' loss impacts the pitching side of the ledger. Thus far it has been inherently assumed the points gained from steals exceed those lost from replacing Hamels. The complete analysis entails doing the math on both sides of the fence to verify there is a net gain in your favor.


Sometimes the best thing to do, especially if there are multiple players involved, is to jot down your roster before and after the deal, stripping out the players overlapping on either side. Now look at it objectively, considering the roster spot and not just the players.


This is especially relevant if the deal involves an exchange of an uneven number of players. Trading away a pair of players worth $40 for a trio worth $40 is, on paper, dead even. However, if the player you replace by acquiring the third player in the deal is worth as little as $1, from a pure value viewpoint, you lose since you are replacing $41 worth of talent with $40. Of course, the categorical impact is what really counts, but using numbers in this manner serves to emphasize the need to look at the big picture. Basically, it's "roster before" versus "roster after."


Taking it to the next level




You also must incorporate some forward thinking. Let's flip things around and look at things from the point of view of the party acquiring Hamels. The determination has been made that the acquisition of a front-line starter such as Hamels compensates for the loss of speed. Perhaps Hamels takes the place of a quickly regressing Derek Lowe. On paper, this makes sense. But what if you have Brandon McCarthy on your disabled list and Trevor Bauer on your farm roster? Or perhaps your league has a few impatient owners and the likes of Clay Buchholz or Phil Hughes are available on waivers? The point being, trading for Hamels is not your only means of replacing Lowe, or if you do make the trade, the impact Hamels may have is lessened since you are due an improvement in pitching soon enough anyway and will only need to make another move. Maybe replacing Lowe with a solid middle reliever until the reinforcements are ready would be a better course of action than sacrificing Bourn for Hamels. Obviously it depends on the intrinsic value Bourn supplies to your roster.


As implied above, with so much of the season remaining, it may be too early to rely strictly on categorical analysis as the final determinant. It is fine to address a perceived weakness, but an injury to, say, Josh Hamilton could see your cushion in homers and RBIs dissolve quickly. Your ERA and WHIP may be leading the league, but as soon as regression corrects James McDonald's and Lance Lynn's hit rates, your ratios suffer. We're still at the juncture where accumulating value is a viable strategy. You have plenty of time to deal from strength to improve your weaknesses. However, whether your trade currency is player value or standings impact, the key is still to do the math by looking at the big picture, "roster before" versus "roster after," with some forward thinking involved with respect to alternative means of strengthening your squad.
Trading myths




We'll spend the second half of this discussion addressing some common trade evaluation mistakes made by fantasy owners.


Myth: In a multiple-player trade, always make sure you are acquiring the best player in the deal.


First off, any advice prefaced with absolutes is always suspect. Everything is contextual. If after dissecting a deal, you come out ahead by dealing a superstar for a few lesser pieces, the deal is a good one. Just make sure you consider all the forward-thinking alternatives. Anyone less than the best player at a position is a candidate to be upgraded. This is purposely hyperbolic, but if the ultimate goal is to have the best player at each position on your roster, you cannot accomplish this by dealing away one of the top players. However, if you dial this down to something practical, forfeiting a superstar to maximize your overall potential is fine if there is no alternative means to reach this same goal.


Myth: Never trade hitting for pitching.

There's one of those catch words: never. This notion has evolved from the belief that there is always pitching to be had on the waiver wire or from free agency. And in many leagues, this is indeed the case. But in others, the pickings are rather slim. The more widespread understanding of some advanced pitching metrics has resulted in better identification of hurlers whose skills are not representative of their surface stats. Pitchers such as Jonathon Niese and Chris Capuano used to be available as free agents, to be picked up after a good start or two. Now astute owners studied their peripherals, recognized their potential and drafted them. This is not to say there isn't any help from the free-agent ranks, just that the inventory is not nearly as plush. Plus, you may not be the only league member who understands xFIP, inflated HR/FB and BABIP, so you may have competition for the jewels that do emerge.


If you are in a league that has impatient owners who routinely drop guys like Max Scherzer, perhaps you should rely on the waiver wire and resist dealing sticks for arms. But if you are in a league in which five guys cursed when Bud Norris was picked, the emerging pitching inventory may not be so helpful.


Myth: Trade from strength to improve your weaknesses.


We have already touched on one problem with this, and that is a strength in June may no longer be a strength in September. Right now, an offer of Emilio Bonifacio for Miguel Cabrera or Troy Tulowitzki is laughable. It does not matter how far ahead in homers, average and RBIs you are, and how far behind in steals you may be. Even if healthy, there are more efficient means of addressing your steals deficiency at this point in the season than dealing Cabrera or Tulowitzki for Bonifacio. That said, the situation changes if this offer is made the day of your trade deadline, and barring a scenario involving one of your players being hit by a bus, you can gain more points with Bonifacio than you lose by dealing away Cabrera or Tulowitzki. Now it's all about the points; throw "value" out the window.


Instead of the above phrase (in italics), the axiom should really be to deal from an area where you can lose fewer points to improve in an area you can gain more points. Strength connotes you are situated near the top of a category. But what if the competitors below you are tightly bunched? It is all about the distribution within each category. You could be third to last in a category, a team weakness. But what if this category is saves, and two other teams completely eschewed closers, and the person above you was ahead by 15 saves? Maybe you can deal your Jose Valverde to a team at the bottom of a tightly bunched cluster in saves for help elsewhere. Here it's all about the net gain in categorical points, not how you are faring in the categories.


The final issue with the above general statement is specific to points leagues. Points are points, regardless of where they come from. In the Rotisserie format, robbing from Peter to pay Paul is a viable strategy, as has been discussed. However, in points leagues, your goal is to maximize the number of points you total. The key here is to construct your team to best take advantage of the "free" means of upgrading your team, namely waivers and free agents. Trading a solid middle infielder to upgrade a weak outfield does not make sense unless net points gained from that outfield spot exceeds net loss in the middle, keeping in mind that using net points entails utilizing the "roster before" versus "roster after" analysis. In addition, forward thinking is necessary here as well. Which is easier to upgrade via waivers, a weak outfield spot or a weak middle infield spot? More often than not, outfielders are more readily available than middle infielders, so you may be able to gain more points by just dropping the weak outfielder and not dealing for a replacement.

The same principle holds true for pitching. It makes no sense to deal a starting pitcher just because you have a strong staff because the points from a pitcher count the same as the points from a position player. However, if you observe some quality free-agent pitching, maybe trading Justin Verlander and Adam LaRoche for Joey Votto and Bartolo Colon makes sense if you can drop Colon and pick up Brandon Morrow, who was dropped after his recent debacle in Texas, or Jeff Samardzija, if your league is slow on the uptake and doesn't believe his improved control is for real. The take-home lesson is not to just shift points around, but cleverly construct your roster to take advantage of upgrades from sources other than trades.


Myth: It's possible to trade for the future while still competing for the title this season.


Well, I suppose it is possible, especially in shallow leagues. More often than not, however, playing both sides of the fences results in coming up short in both. By trading away some future chips, but holding back some as well, you often finish in third with a subpar keeper list. Either trade all future assets for help this season or deal your non-keepers for a future foundation. Simple as that.


The exception is dynasty leagues, but this is a different discussion for a different time. The Cliffs Notes version is keeper leagues have player turnover that replenishes the player pool with top talent as contracts expire or become cost-prohibitive to keep. In dynasty leagues, there is minimal player turnover, so the rebuilding process takes multiple seasons. Therefore, not dealing away everything in dynasty leagues is the wiser avenue. Unless, of course, you are virtually assured of winning since, after all, flags fly forever.


Myth: It's impossible to gain points in the rate categories later in the season.



We're again about to tangent into a topic worthy of its own treatment, but the party line is it's a waste of time to make a deal to improve your batting average or your ERA and WHIP past a certain point in the season. The fact of the matter is it's actually easier to gain or lose points in the ratio categories, up to and including the last day of the season. This will be discussed in future columns, but the fact that the top-to-bottom distribution of stats within the rate categories are tighter than the counting ones, along with the fact that you and your competitors can both improve and worsen rate stats allow for more movement in these categories.


Myth: By dealing for "X," I can make up "Y" points.


A very common error made is forgetting to prorate the distance one needs to make up points in a particular category. We'll oversimplify this, but let's say it's exactly halfway through the season and you are in the middle of the pack on homers, scoring five points in the category. However, with a mere 10 more bombs, you would have nine points. Ignoring the fact that even if this was done properly, there is no guarantee what happened in the first half will repeat. Too many owners target 10 more homers as what they need to capture those four dangling points. The real target is 20 homers, not 10. If the first half did in fact repeat, the gap doubles.



And finally … proper evaluation can facilitate negotiation




We'll end today's discussion by bringing things back to the bevy of "tricks of the trade" pieces. In addition to the psychology and gamesmanship, understanding how to properly evaluate a potential deal can significantly aid in the process by which an offer is generated. The ability to explain to your dance partner how a particular offer helps them can often grease the skids and get the deal consummated.

 

[HacheMan]

What to Expect From Moore The best part about watching Matt Moore pitch is seeing how much he has to learn and how quickly he’s learning. Equipped with three plus pitches, Moore has the arsenal to make mistakes at the big league level and get away with it. He’s a potential ace and an interesting young arm to study.Evidenced by his high walk rates in the low minors, he didn’t turn pro ready to shoot up to the majors. He’s been a work in progress. And though he found success against big leaguers last year, Tampa Bay’s 22-year-old lefty has metamorphosized into a different pitcher this year.Moore’s made two big changes from 2011 to 2012. He’s now pitching with a quicker tempo, which adds to his deception and helps all of his pitches play up. He’s also gone from a big, slurvey curveball to a sharper, downward-breaking pitch.The new curveball makes him a very different pitcher. While he can use it as a weapon in the dirt against righties, it lacks the horizontal break to get lefties to chase out of the zone. In concert with his changeup, it’s a power off-speed offering that he can surprise hitters with and will be able to use to finish them. He just needs to get a better feel for burying the new pitch. I’d put a 60 present grade on it and a 70 future grade.His four-seam fastball sits in the mid-90s with excellent life. Though he has solid command of it, he’ll get more swing-throughs as he gains confidence pitching inside and locates better up in the zone. He doesn’t have the sink or plane to get a lot of ground balls, but he’s starting to throw a sinker, which has good movement and velocity. His four-seamer is at present an 80 grade pitch. His sinker could be just as good.Moore has gained a lot of confidence in his changeup, which has solid tumble and fades away from righties. He’s able to get righties to chase it off the outside corner as well as in the dirt. He does a good job selling the pitch. I’d give it a 65 present grade and a 75 future grade.On top of some speed bumps with nibbling too much on the outside corner and struggling to get ahead of hitters, Moore currently doesn’t have many pitch sequences to shut down lefties. His old curveball broke with enough horizontal movement to get them to chase outside -- like a slider. Now, he’s trying to put lefties away with his four-seamer more than with his curveball. And it’s not really working: 1.017 OPS against lefties vs. 0.686 OPS against righties. He should be able to figure things out though.Moore has shown the ability to hit his spots with his fastball and to overpower hitters. I’d give him a 45 present grade for control/command. With reasonable progress, he could up that to 50 by year’s end and begin to string together outings like his last one more consistently. I see a high-probability No. 1-2 starter long term -- that can rarely be said about guys his age -- and a solid bet to be a well-above-average starter for the rest of 2012.


Another Notable ArmEarlier this month, I wrote about some of the top teenage pitching prospects in the minors. Let’s look at a high-upside arm who could be ready to pitch in the big leagues this season.

Danny Hultzen, SEA, Double-AHultzen pitches from a low-3/4 arm slot that’s far from pretty. But Double-A hitters are having more trouble making contact against him than any other young pitcher at that level. Over his last 19.0 innings (three starts), Hultzen has struck out 25 batters while walking four. He’s adjusted to pro ball quickly and could reach the big leagues -- and make an impact -- before the all-star break.

 

[HacheMan]

Mike Trout looks like the real deal

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com


This season, kids rule the school.

It has been 32 days since the 2012 debuts of two of the most anticipated prospects in baseball: April 28 represented Game 1 of the seasons for Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, the Nos. 1 and 2 prospects on Keith Law's preseason list.


Since that date, Trout, all of 20 years old, has been as valuable as almost anyone in fantasy baseball. Although he kicked off his 2012 campaign with an 0-for-7 combined performance in his first two games, perhaps instilling a sense of fear in his owners that he'd repeat his mediocre 2011 (.220/.281/.390 triple-slash rates), he has since gone on a monstrous 30-game tear. That's a convenient number; our Player Rater scores players on seven-, 15- and 30-day periods as well as for the entire season, and in the past 30 days, Trout has been the eighth-best hitter in fantasy.


Trout's statistics are eye-popping, and as said in this space a week ago, his full-season paces compare to numbers that scouts forecasted for him during his prime -- something that people probably wouldn't have expected for four or five more years. Assuming he maintains his current per-game levels of production, Trout's final "pace" stat line would look like this:


.304 AVG, .364 OBP, .522 SLG, 23 HR, 65 RBI, 37 SB, 93 R

(Note: These numbers do not match the "pace" stats on Trout's ESPN player card because, whereas those account for all Los Angeles Angels games played thus far, these don't dock him the 20 games the Angels played before his promotion.)


Those are historic statistics. Although it's perhaps a stretch to assume Trout can maintain those lofty paces, let's put them into perspective: The home runs and stolen bases would rank him among the 10 best single-season numbers in those categories among players in their age-20 seasons or younger, and the batting average would make him only the fifth player to manage a .300 mark or better during the expansion era (1961 forward). He'd become only the second player in an age-20 season or younger to manage a 20-20 season with a .300-plus batting average, joining Vada Pinson (1959, .316, 20-21), and he'd become the first player in history to manage a 15-30 season of .300-plus.


It's that .300, 15-30 stat line that has frequently been cited as Trout's expected prime, and his per-162-game minor league rates support it: He managed a .342 batting average, 13 homers and 61 steals per 162 games during his minor league career.


But can Trout, who won't turn 21 until Aug. 7, really keep that up?


Trout's strikeout numbers might seem troubling -- he has a 22.5 percent K rate, higher than the major league average of 19.5 -- and his .361 BABIP hints that regression is in order. But a closer examination shows that both numbers might be misleading. Trout's miss rate on his swings is 16 percent; that's significantly better than the 22 percent major league average. His BABIP is also fueled by a .382 number on ground balls, but as one of the quicker players in baseball, he should be able to sustain a BABIP well north of .300 on grounders.


Here's what's most encouraging about Trout's breakthrough: He's swinging at more non-strikes, his 28 percent "chase" rate three-tenths of a percent higher than the major league average, but he's also succeeding a good share of the time that he does. Those who watched his Tuesday night performance might recall the Andy Pettitte slider he went down and pulled for a triple; our pitch-tracking tool shows that that's Trout's first hit of 2012 on what it calls a "noncompetitive" pitch (meaning well outside the strike zone). Trout also has 10 hits on nonstrikes, which is 15th-most in the majors since his April 28 debut this season.


Last season, Trout performed horribly on pitches outside the strike zone: He managed .136/.283/.273 rates and missed on 35 percent of his swings. He's a noted low-ball hitter who, in a comparable number of plate appearances (58 in 2012, 57 in 2011), has stepped up his ability to recognize his pitch and hit those that sink low out of the strike zone. That's testament to his performance being legitimate.


Sure, Trout's elevated BABIP hints that some regression is in order, but it might be to the level of a .280 hitter during his weakest stretches of the year, not to the .220 he batted in 2011. We might indeed be looking at a player whose final line looks something like this: .290 AVG, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 35 SB, 70 R.


That's a top-60 caliber hitter this year, even from today forward.



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"> 1 </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"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, Tex </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;"> Joey Votto, Cin </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;"> Matt Kemp, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Bautista, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, Mia </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;"> Ian Kinsler, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, Col </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;"> Andrew McCutchen, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wright, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </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;"> Robinson Cano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Giancarlo Stanton, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, Bal </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;"> Adrian Beltre, Tex </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;"> Curtis Granderson, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Upton, Ari </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;"> Paul Konerko, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, Tex </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;"> Jay Bruce, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, Atl </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;"> Matt Holliday, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Gonzalez, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Starlin Castro, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Encarnacion, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, Mia </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;"> David Ortiz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Uggla, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, 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;"> Shane Victorino, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nelson Cruz, Tex </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"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Corey Hart, Mil </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;"> Shin-Soo Choo, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </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"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Napoli, Tex </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;"> Brandon Phillips, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Santana, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Heyward, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rodriguez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Wieters, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Cuddyer, Col </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;"> Ben Zobrist, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Hosmer, KC </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;"> Brian McCann, 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;"> Chris Young, Ari </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;"> Buster Posey, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Zimmerman, Wsh </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;"> Kelly Johnson, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Young, Tex </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;"> Evan Longoria, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> B.J. Upton, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Hardy, Bal </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;"> Joe Mauer, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </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"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Joyce, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Freddie Freeman, Atl </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;"> Pablo Sandoval, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, Phi </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;"> Josh Willingham, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cameron Maybin, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Markakis, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ichiro Suzuki, 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;"> Rafael Furcal, StL </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;"> Desmond Jennings, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Stubbs, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Morse, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Youkilis, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Altuve, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jesus Montero, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alejandro De Aza, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Gardner, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Aviles, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bryce Harper, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Swisher, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Freese, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam LaRoche, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Ruiz, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yoenis Cespedes, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Desmond, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Moustakas, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mitch Moreland, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jed Lowrie, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Ackley, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Omar Infante, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Gordon, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Raul Ibanez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Howard Kendrick, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Davis, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Schafer, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.P. Arencibia, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Lee, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 116 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neil Walker, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Headley, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Espinosa, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 116 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Seager, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Morneau, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Emilio Bonifacio, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfonso Soriano, </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;"> Brennan Boesch, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dexter Fowler, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 122 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Francoeur, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Montero, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dayan Viciedo, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yonder Alonso, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 120 </td></tr></tbody></table>




Harper, meanwhile, might rank only the No. 59 player during the past 30 days per our Player Rater, but many of his accomplishments cannot fairly be measured there. Just 19, Harper has shown he belongs in the majors, and many of his non-rotisserie-standard statistics hint that greater things lie ahead.


Harper's 14 walks and 11.2 percent walk rate are the first; they show that he's not pressing, swinging at everything in an effort to prove his worth. And, like Trout, when Harper swings at a non-strike, he's reasonably effective: He has seven hits on those and two on noncompetitive pitches, both of which were thrown well higher than the strike zone. Harper has a 24 percent miss rate on his swings, higher than the 22 percent major league average since his debut, but not by a margin that inspires a great deal of fear that a dreadful, lengthy slump is coming.


Harper also has been an extra-base machine with 14 since his promotion, as well as a .239 isolated power and 57 total bases, the latter ranking 35th in the majors since April 28. Much of that has come in the form of doubles and triples, but as he matures, those should eventually become the home runs fantasy owners desire.


Perhaps Harper's .284-20-55 pace -- that forgiving him the 20 Washington Nationals games played before his promotion -- isn't eye-popping in fantasy, but he might not finish far from it. That could land him easily within the top 100 hitters.


Three up



Angel Pagan, San Francisco Giants: So far this season, Pagan has looked much more like the spark plug he was for the New York Mets in 2010 than the streaky, so-so outfielder he was in 2011. Oddly enough, it was a move to the middle of the Giants' order that has fueled Pagan's recent hot spell; he is a .429/.493/.556 hitter with 10 RBIs in 17 games since May 12, which was the first day of a string of 17 in which he batted third, fourth or fifth (though he did bat leadoff on May 23). Fantasy owners might have drafted him for his stolen-base and runs-scored contributions, but in Pagan's defense, he has five steals and 11 runs during that 17-game span, illustrating how speedsters like him don't necessarily stop running simply because of a drop in the batting order.


Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels: If only he could get those two additional games played at third base to qualify there in ESPN leagues. No matter, because Trumbo's fantasy owners -- and the Angels -- can find a place for a bat as productive as his. He has home runs in three consecutive games and is a .352 hitter with six homers and 15 RBIs in 27 games in May, starting all but one Angels game during the month. What has made the difference for Trumbo has been improved discipline, as his walk rate has risen from 4.4 percent in 2011 (3.5 during the second half) to 7.3, and his "chase" rate (swings at non-strikes) has dropped from 41 percent in 2011 (43 during the second half) to 36. A .393 BABIP shows that his batting average is largely fluky, but Trumbo's power is legitimate.


Dayan Viciedo, Chicago White Sox: There's no question that Viciedo is a powerful slugger; the question is whether he'll be patient enough over the long haul to remain a consistently useful fantasy option. For now, however, his owners are thrilled. He has eight home runs and 22 RBIs in his past 15 games, and because he has whiffed only four times in 59 at-bats during that span, he has a sparkling .424 batting average. That Viciedo has only four walks all season, as well as a 37 percent chase rate, underscores that there's going to be a cold spell at some point in his 2012. But this is your classic ride-the-streaks player, and his home ballpark is conducive to power. Enjoy it while it lasts.


Three down



Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals: Was he a one-year wonder? It sure seems it, as Gordon has followed up his miserable .232 April batting average with a .231 mark in May, and after hitting four homers in April, he hasn't hit one yet this month. Remember when Gordon was an aggressive hitter, attacking pitches early in the count? No longer: He's a .250/.294/.375 hitter in 17 PAs on first pitches in the count this season, swinging just 17 percent of the time, after managing .403/.411/.833 rates in 74 PAs, while swinging 30 percent of the time, in 2011. It seems that opposing pitchers, during the winter, caught on to Gordon's attacking the first pitch, or those when he's ahead in the count, and simply aren't giving him as good pitches to hit in those situations this season. He has failed to adjust accordingly, and until he does, he's an effective no-go in fantasy.


Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox: A top-10 overall caliber hitter when healthy, Pedroia hasn't had the best fortune in the injury department during his career. His health has come into question again this week, which has cost him in the rankings; he has a torn abductor muscle in his thumb that cost him Tuesday's game. Pedroia plans to play through the injury, but there's a good chance that he'll either press through and perform at a lower level or eventually succumb to a disabled-list stint. In his defense -- and to explain his still-top-20 ranking -- Pedroia did suffer a knee injury on May 16, 2011, nearly succumbed to surgery yet played through the pain, and batted .295 with 23 RBIs, 24 runs scored and 6 stolen bases in his next 30 games. He's capable of contributing even when at less than 100 percent … but his health indeed bears watching in the coming days.


Nick Swisher, New York Yankees: Speaking of playing through injuries, Swisher's hamstring injury, which cost him six games at the beginning of May yet didn't cost him a DL stint, apparently has taken a toll on his numbers since his return. He's a .202/.244/.321 hitter in 22 games in the month, striking out 23.3 percent of the time, which is a higher K rate than he has managed in any single season during his major league career. Swisher might return to form the further removed he gets from his injury, but his performance is frustrating nevertheless, and until he shows signs of improvement, he's probably better reserved in shallow mixed leagues.


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: Jamey Carroll (3B), Elian Herrera (2B), Joe Mather (3B), Logan Morrison (1B), Donnie Murphy (2B), Trevor Plouffe (3B), Nick Punto (3B).


Nearing new position eligibility



The following players are on track to earn new eligibility in the coming weeks: Allen Craig (9 games played at 1B), Greg Dobbs (9 games played at 1B), Matt Downs (8 games played at 1B), Eduardo Escobar (8 games played at 3B), Taylor Green (8 games played at 1B), Josh Harrison (9 games played at SS), Eric Hinske (8 games played at 1B), Orlando Hudson (8 games played at 3B), Maicer Izturis (9 games played at SS), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), Stephen Lombardozzi (9 games played at OF), Andy Parrino (9 games played at 2B), Nick Punto (9 games played at 3B), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B), Omar Vizquel (8 games played at 2B).

 

[HacheMan]

Oswalt a popular add, but should he be?

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Perhaps it's just me, but when I look at right-hander Roy Oswalt, who agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, I don't see a fantasy (or real-life ) savior. I see an experienced starting pitcher who can provide some decent innings, but at 34 and coming off back problems, he's no lock to return to any semblance of his prior greatness. For those of you planning to rush to the free-agent wire in ESPN standard leagues (or who already have), I think some perspective is needed. Let's just say you shouldn't count on Oswalt to effectively replace current injured right-handers Jered Weaver or Roy Halladay.

Oswalt made 23 starts for the Philadelphia Phillies last season, and while they were certainly competent ones, this is no longer a fantasy ace or even a top-40 starting pitcher. It's one thing for Oswalt to be worth a midseason addition for the postseason-bound Rangers, though of all the teams reportedly in the market for him, they probably needed him the least. But in fantasy, is Oswalt even an upgrade on younger right-hander Neftali Feliz? We'll find out in about three weeks after Oswalt has pitched for Triple-A Round Rock a few times and then gets the call by the Rangers.


<offer>The point is this: Fantasy owners should not jettison a decent starting pitcher just because a newly signed guy with good career achievements has become available.</offer>


Feliz, the closer-turned-starter, is on the disabled list because of an elbow injury that appears to be a short-term issue. He now seems ticketed for long relief. That's fine for a playoff team that needs all the depth it can get, but Feliz had posted a 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, .187 batting average against and a strong strikeout rate of 7.8 whiffs per nine innings over 42 2/3 impressive innings. Oswalt didn't pitch nearly to that level in 2011, as he dealt with a back injury. Perhaps it's all healed now, but regarding Oswalt as a must-add for 10- or even 12-team fantasy leagues seems premature.


Feliz has now lost much of his value and can be safely dumped in shallow leagues, though it's worth pointing out that he could return to the rotation if someone gets hurt or is ineffective. For now, no such path exists. Feliz is owned in 65.9 percent of ESPN standard leagues, down from 85.4 percent a week ago. I agree this move by the Rangers is enough to send a signal to Feliz owners, and I feel other Texas hurlers Yu Darvish, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland and even Matt Harrison, who has won consecutive starts, are safe.


Oswalt finished 85th among starting pitchers on the 2011 Player Rater. One might say that was accomplished despite injury and over a shortened campaign, to which I'd reply there's no guarantee of anything different this summer. There's just no way I'd cut a younger, more reliable but struggling starter such as Ian Kennedy, Mat Latos or Ervin Santana, or a talented youngster like Matt Moore, to acquire him. Those fellows still bring strikeout upside, have shown varying degrees of success in May, and were counted on in March drafts for a reason. None are owned in 100 percent of standard leagues.

The earliest we'll see Oswalt is likely mid-June. That gives him a bit more than half a season, perhaps as many as 18-20 starts, in theory. But he has had no spring training, so assuming a quick start from him is folly. Oswalt also has never pitched for an American League team. The Rangers clearly have depth, so at the first sign of trouble, Feliz, Scott Feldman (who is about to lose his rotation spot) or Alexi Ogando (who pitched well in the Rangers' rotation last season) could be summoned. The leash for the Angels' Santana, for example, is far greater. And while the other Rangers pitchers are thriving this season, with an AL-best 3.32 ERA (and that mark is even lower in their home games), that hardly means Oswalt will pitch like they have. He was on a staff of aces in 2011 and was ordinary, with his lowest strikeout rate, worst batting average against and highest WHIP of his career. Also, in eight starts at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Oswalt boasts a 4.78 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, though it's worth noting that it's still a relatively small sample size (52 2/3 innings) and he was facing Rangers hitters. Now he'll face Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics hitters.


One can't fault the Rangers for signing Oswalt; it's added depth for them, and the cost is merely financial. We'll find out in October if it was worth it. Plus, the Rangers kept him away from other contenders. It's worth noting, however, that last October Oswalt was handed a lead in Game 4 of the Phillies' first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Cardinals and allowed five runs. His career postseason ERA is 3.73, his WHIP 1.34. Simply put, this is a guy trending the wrong way, His velocity was down last year, he didn't induce as many swinging strikes as normal, he might have gotten a bit lucky on his home run-to-fly ball rate, and he has gone to the wrong league and ballpark to mask his deficiencies. Sure, he's skilled and can probably fake it on some nights, but don't buy the name or career numbers.


Oswalt does not crack my top-60 starting pitchers. Among those starters owned in fewer than 75 percent of standard leagues, I'd still prefer to rely on Ryan Vogelsong, Ervin Santana, Andy Pettitte (yes, I know how old he is and how he did Tuesday night), Edwin Jackson, Gavin Floyd, Carlos Zambrano, Brandon McCarthy, Mark Buehrle and Matt Harrison. Oswalt is about to appear on ESPN's most-added list -- as of this writing, he's up 8.4 percent in standard-league ownership over the past week, to 16.9 percent overall -- but I'm not sure he should be.


He's owned in more leagues than Homer Bailey, A.J. Burnett, Jonathon Niese, Trevor Cahill, Tommy Milone and Jarrod Parker. I certainly would consider dropping anyone from that group for Oswalt, but the fact that it's even a decision is notable, and I wouldn't do it today. For now I'm hoping Oswalt can make 18 starts, win half of them, keep his ERA around 3.75 and strike out seven hitters per nine innings. I just don't assume that's going to happen.

 

[HacheMan]

Halladay, Weaver go on DL; Pedroia hurting

Stephania Bell

Halladay lasted just two innings in Sunday's start, leaving with what the team originally called shoulder soreness. He reportedly felt discomfort in his prior start last Tuesday but managed to pitch through it. By Sunday that was no longer something he could do, hence the follow-up tests and ultimate DL assignment.



Despite a solid start to the 2012 season, Halladay has not been very Halladay-like in the month of May. A blown six-run lead on May 2 and a string of subsequent subpar performances had many wondering if something was amiss even before this abbreviated outing. Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the lack of consistency in Halladay's pitching was more at issue than the slight drop in his velocity. "He is just not completing his delivery as he has in the past for whatever reason," Dubee said.


Still, Halladay's velocity is down compared to 2011. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Halladay averaged 91.7 mph on his fastball in 2011; in 2012, it is down to an average of 90.7 mph. Perhaps more interesting is that Halladay has actually decreased the reliance on his fastball this year (down 23 percent in terms of types of pitches thrown from 2011) and increased the usage of his cutter (up 17 percent when compared to last year). Combine that with the 1.6 mph drop in velocity on Halladay's cutter and some perceived location changes, and now his most commonly thrown pitch is one that seems to be easier for opposing batters to hit. While there is no way to definitively link the drop in velocity or change in pitch type to Halladay's current shoulder woes, it is certainly interesting to consider since other pitchers have at times exhibited similar fluctuations before yielding to injury. It's worth noting that there were rumblings during spring training about the health of Halladay's arm when he appeared to struggle at times.


After Sunday's game, Halladay offered up his rationale as to why he did not think the shoulder issue to be serious. According to CSNPhilly.com, Halladay said, "I really don't anticipate there being something in there that is shocking," he said. "I think if that were the case, it would have been something I felt more often and probably be a lot more severe." While the results were not "shocking," they certainly merit some concern. Latissimus dorsi, or "lat" strains, as they are commonly called, can prove finicky for both pitchers and hitters in terms of recovery time. The lat is very involved throughout the throwing motion, and although it is not a member of the group of muscles that form the rotator cuff, it is critical for normal function. Like most muscle strains, treatment requires a combination of rest and rehabilitation with a gradual return to activity in the hopes of avoiding aggravation. Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock says Halladay will be shut down for a minimum of three weeks -- meaning no throwing whatsoever -- then will gradually work his way back to the mound. The general timetable suggests Halladay will not return until after the All-Star break.


Halladay has experience with shoulder pain, although it's been quite some time -- eight years, in fact -- since he was sidelined as a result. In 2004, Halladay spent two separate stints on the DL because of shoulder pain but insists he is "smarter now," and he had hopes this would simply be a case of allowing the shoulder to quiet down without a big interruption. While Halladay might not want to acknowledge it, now that he is 35 his shoulder has accumulated significantly more pitching mileage since the last time it ailed him. Despite his best efforts at warding off trouble over his career, this may be a signal that the cumulative trauma of the job is beginning to catch up with him.


Weaver lands on DL

Within one calendar month, Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver has experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, delivering a no-hitter on May 2 and then forced off the mound due to injury on May 28. The Angels indicated immediately after the game that Weaver had a lower-back injury, and he underwent further testing, including X-rays and an MRI on Tuesday.


Late Tuesday, the Angels officially placed Weaver on the DL with "inflammation near [a] disc," according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. That Weaver had lingering severe pain hours after he left the mound hinted early on that this was more than a minor spasm. According to the Angels' website, Weaver's pain was in his lower right side, a pain he described as feeling like somebody stabbed him. After the game, Weaver was clearly still limited, telling reporters, "I can't really bend over too much." The inability to bend forward is a hallmark sign of a disc problem, so the news is not altogether surprising. Perhaps more surprising for anyone who has seen the unique delivery of the 6-foot-7 hurler is that he has not had more problems with his back in the past. Weaver's only other DL stint before Tuesday was related to biceps tendinitis back in 2007.



Weaver is hopeful that he will only miss the minimum time, but back problems are very unpredictable. Just ask Roy Oswalt, who, incidentally, just signed with the Texas Rangers. For now, Weaver's status is in the wait-and-see department.


Pedroia waiting for more news on thumb



Boston Red Sox All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers after jamming his right thumb Monday. Pedroia appeared to injure his thumb while making a diving play to field a ball in the fifth inning and did not return for the sixth. It turns out the original injury happened long before that diving play; three weeks before to be exact. According to ESPNBoston's Joe McDonald, manager Bobby Valentine explained that Pedroia then aggravated the already sore thumb in his final at-bat Monday. After Monday's game, Valentine indicated Pedroia had swelling in the thumb and predicted he would miss at least Tuesday's game. While it sounded initially as if the Sox did not believe the injury to be particularly serious, Pedroia was scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. The results have not yet been reported and it is unclear whether Pedroia will miss more time.


Addendum (May 30): The results of Pedroia's MRI revealed a torn adductor muscle in his right thumb, according to Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. The medical staff will attempt to craft a brace to pad the area and support the thumb while still allowing Pedroia to play with the injury. If that doesn't work, Pedroia will be forced to the DL, and he could miss several weeks. For more details, check out Gordon Edes' piece on ESPNBoston.com.

 

[HacheMan]

Not A Happy Halladay For the Phillies, 2012 has been a nightmare.

Yes, they’re still one game over .500 at 26-25 and only four games back of the Nationals in an up-for-grabs National League East. And, sure, impact performers Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are due to return eventually.

But the Phightins just lost one of the most durable of durable -- and irreplaceable of irreplaceable -- starting pitchers in the game.

Roy Halladay was diagnosed Tuesday evening with a strained right latissimus dorsi muscle and is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks. A 35-year-old right-hander with a stellar 3.25 career ERA and 1.17 career WHIP, he had rattled off six straight seasons of 220 innings or more heading into the 2012 campaign. That will be snapped.

And Philadelphia’s run of five consecutive division titles would also appear to be in danger.

Oswalt Signs With Five Months To Spare

As first reported by staff writer Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers agreed to terms on Tuesday afternoon with veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt.

He gets a one-year major league contract with a $5 million guaranteed salary. He can also earn another $1 million through performance-based incentives. That $5 million is not prorated, meaning Oswalt will be paid the full amount no matter how long he’s on the big league roster.

Oswalt is scheduled to make his first professional start of 2012 on Saturday at Triple-A Round Rock and should only need an additional two or three minor-league rehab outings before gaining clearance to join the Texas rotation.

The 34-year-old registered a decent 3.69 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 93/33 K/BB ratio across 139 innings last season for the Phillies while battling chronic back issues. On a dynamite Rangers team and with health presumably on his side, Oswalt should carry considerable mixed-league fantasy value.

Angels Lose Dream-Weaver To Back Strain

The Angels placed right-handed ace Jered Weaver on the 15-day disabled list before Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over the Yankees. He has been diagnosed with a strained lower back muscle and inflammation near one of his cervical discs, and could be on the shelf for the next four weeks.

Weaver, 29, has posted a 2.61 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a 57/15 K/BB ratio in 69 innings (11 starts) this season for the second-place Halos. He suffered the dual back injuries in the first inning of his start Monday against the Yankees.

24-year-old right-hander Garrett Richards was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill Anaheim’s vacant rotation spot. The former supplemental first-round pick was sporting a rough 4.31 ERA and 1.60 WHIP through 56-plus innings this season in the minor leagues and can be ignored in pretty much all fantasy formats.


National League Quick Hits: The Mets are planning to make an extension offer to David Wright at some point this season … Anibal Sanchez allowed no earned runs over seven innings Tuesday in a victory over the Nationals … David Freese is likely out until Friday due to a mild hand sprain … Reds third baseman Todd Frazier has 14 extra-base hits in 28 games this season … Freddie Freeman could return to the Braves’ starting lineup Wednesday if his prescription goggles work right … James Russell earned his first career save Tuesday in the Cubs’ defeat of the Padres … Marlins closer Heath Bell has converted six consecutive save opportunities … Yadier Molina finished 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Tuesday’s loss to the Braves … Vance Worley (elbow) is aiming to rejoin the Phillies’ rotation June 4 against the Dodgers … The Padres signed veteran right-hander Jason Marquis to a minor league deal … Cameron Maybin remains day-to-day with a sprained right wrist … Chad Tracy is likely done for the season after undergoing groin surgery Tuesday … Dodgers fill-in starter Nathan Eovaldi held the Brewers to two runs over seven innings Tuesday in the place of injured lefty Ted Lilly … Matt Kemp went 1-for-4 in his return from the disabled list ... Steve Clevenger will serve as the Cubs’ primary catcher while Geovany Soto and Welington Castillo recover from their respective injuries.

American League Quick Hits: The Tigers demoted second baseman Ryan Raburn to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday night … Dustin Pedroia has been diagnosed with a torn abductor muscle in his right thumb and could miss 3-4 weeks if he’s unable to play through it … Hideki Matsui homered in his second official at-bat with the Rays … Oakland closer Brian Fuentes blew his second save of the season on Tuesday night … Adam Jones hit his 15th and 16th home runs in Tuesday’s loss to the Blue Jays … Justin Verlander yielded five runs on 10 hits over six innings Tuesday against the Red Sox … A’s right-hander Brandon McCarthy is on track to return Saturday against the Royals … Jarrod Saltalamacchia is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday’s game with an illness … The Orioles demoted struggling starter Tommy Hunter to Triple-A Norfolk … Dayan Viciedo is batting .333 with eight home runs and 23 RBI so far this month … The Angels welcomed outfielder Torii Hunter back on Tuesday night … Toronto’s Rajai Davis is expected to get the bulk of playing time in left field in the wake of Eric Thames’ demotion … Magglio Ordonez will announce his retirement Sunday at Detroit’s Comerica Park.

 

[HacheMan]

Age in a Young Man's Game Jamie Moyer is still hanging on by a thread in the Rockies rotation. Roy Oswalt is coming back. Hideki Matsui is playing with the Rays. Manny Ramirez might be up any day. Barry Bonds was spotted in the Giants' broadcast booth. Are we having a little mid-life crisis here in baseball?

Going into this year, we thought we might see an elite season from a 40-something reliever, but then Mariano Rivera went down to injury. And, as often as it's physical decline that contributes to a player's age-related exit from the game, it's health that does the same. After all, since the free agency era begin in baseball, only seven players over 40 have managed to even rack up 600 plate appearances.

The odd ageless wonder still comes through in the end. So let's name our tiers after the men over 40 that provided strong numbers for their teams. The better the production, the better the closer.

Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "Randy Johnson" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

In 2004, Randy Johnson put up the best season by a pitcher over 40, and it wasn't particularly close. He won 16 games, which is fine, had a 2.60 ERA, which is good, walked fewer than two per innings, which is great, and struck out 10.62 per nine, which is elite, and threw 245 2/3 innings… which is unbelievable. Then you scan down the leaderboard and see that he's in the top 25 four times, and you realize that he doesn't get enough credit for producing so late into his career.

Craig Kimbrel almost got a Kimbrel Tuesday night -- two strikeouts and no baserunners, so just a K short -- but he's been walking fewer guys recently, and that's the only flaw in his game. John Axford has the same flaw, but he's slowly pushing that ERA and WHIP to the elite territory where it belongs. Nine straight appearances without a walk for Jonathan Papelbon, and four on the year.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (5) (AKA: The "Nolan Ryan" Tier.)

Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers

By wins above replacement, Nolan Ryan had the second- and third-best seasons by a quartogenarian in league history. In 1989, he, like Randy Johnson, won 16 games and struck out batters at a double-digit rate. It's just that his ERA was over three and his walk rate was below average. Eh. He threw TWO no-hitters after turning 40. Maybe he should be first, but there's always that walk rate as an asterisk.

Speaking of asterisks, J.J. Putz has his age. Joe Nathan too, with recent surgery to boot. Joel Hanrahan has some walk issues from time to time. Rafael Betancourt still hasn't had a season with double-digit saves. There's really nothing wrong with Santiago Casilla, though. He doesn't have the strikeout rate of an elite closer, but he's got everything else right now.

And now Kenley Jansen, who does have the elite upside, based on his 13.5 strikeouts per nine. Now Jansen even has a league-average walk rate, which is quite an accomplishment for him. He did blow his last save, so the timing is a little curious, but just watch him once and you know he deserves this. Even when he 'blew up,' it was one walk and one hit against four outs. That's not the kind of blown save that costs you your job.

Tier 3: OK options (6) (AKA: The "Carlton Fisk" Tier.)

Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

It's time for the position players to get a little attention here. In 1990, Carlton Fisk had a season that may not have looked amazing on the surface. He only hit 18 home runs with a .285 batting average. Then again, he was 43, and he was a catcher. That position runs roughshod through a man's knees, and here was Fisk, hitting over 30% better than the league average at the time, at an incredibly important position. By wins above replacement, he had the best position player season over 40 in history, and it's only 'okay' because the counting numbers might not wow the layman.

Whether Fernando Rodney is enjoying the framing of his excellent defensive catcher, the new spot on the rubber, or just the crazy Rays clubhouse, something has changed. Prone to long stretches of control problems, Rodney hit a blip last week -- he 'blew up' with a walk and a home run and lost a game in Boston -- and then he just got back on the horse the next night with a clean slate against the same opponent. He might not have the old strikeout punch he used to have, and so he might not rise up the tiers too much, but he looks to have leash and a new lease on life, and kudos to those that picked him up.

As the White Sox pen settles into their roles (a little slower than a certain former White Sox catcher), people will begin to realize how good Addison Reed is. Dude has a 95 MPH fastball with great movement, a wicked slider, and a show-me change to keep lefties honest. He's had double-digit strikeout rates and only double-digit strikeout rates. Once his walk rate starts to dip below two like it did in the minors, he'll make people do spit-takes. He kinda looks like a right-handed Chris Sale even. Remember how wicked Sale is?

Since Rafael Soriano became the closer in New York, he's struck out six batters against no walks in five and a third. He's given up an earned run, just one, and there's a chance he holds on to the job all year. After all, when Dave Robertson returns in June, will they shake things up if Soriano is still dealing. History suggests no.

Tier 4: Question marks (8) (AKA: The "Jamie Moyer" Tier.)

Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Brett Myers, Houston Astros

Heath Bell, Miami Marlins
Frank Francisco, New York Mets
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins

Jamie Moyer is famous for pitching longevity -- he's 49 this year and has inspired more age jokes than anyone in baseball -- but the seasons have not all been excellent. Yes, there was 2003, when he won 21 games with a 3.27 ERA, but he only struck out about five and a half per nine innings that year and didn't really have a standout peripheral statistic. And that was his only season in the top 30 among 40+ year-olds, despite having another eight chances to pad his lead. His second-best season after 40, for example, was 2008, when he won 16 games with a 3.71 ERA. This was about being willing to go out there and throw the changeup, rack up high ERAs, and win some games at the back end of a competitive team. It was remarkable and admirable, but it was not elite.

Alfredo Aceves has been a little up and down, and in the last week he blew two games by allowing home runs. He's not really a fly ball guy, so this probably won't continue, but really his peripherals have been all over the map in his career so far. Because he's changed roles, it's hard to know what he is. This year, he's showing great strikeout ability. Last year, it was more about control. At times, he's been a ground-ball guy. The main thing is that the Red Sox don't really have competition for him now.

Heath Bell looked a little Moyer-esque for a while, but he's now saved two in a row, with two strikeouts in each appearance, and he might just keep the job all year. He has the salary to keep it, and for sure that must factor in on some level. His velocity drop wasn't that huge, and really it was about the curveball. If he can locate it and has confidence in it again, he'll be fine. Probably not worth $30 million, but that's another story.

Frank Francisco is labeled as a question mark, but he's not so much of a question mark as many in his tier. He now has five strikeouts against no walks in his last four appearances, and 24 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings on the year. That's what you pay your closer to do. The walks were a problem for a while, but he's regressing back to his career levels now and though Jon Rauch is next in line, Jon Rauch is no Frank Francisco.

Glen Perkins hasn't been quite as dominant as he was last year, and he is left-handed, but he does have nine strikeouts in his last five innings, which shows the kind of strikeout punch he's found since moving to the pen. He's now at 27 in 21 innings on the year… and Matt Capps? He has 10 strikeouts in 19 innings, and blew a save last week. Perkins is a decent pickup if all the rest of the save speculators have picked your wire mostly clean.

Read more about the most volatile closer situations on the next page.<!--RW-->

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (7) (AKA: The "Pete Rose" Tier.)

Scott Downs (co-first chair), Ernesto Frieri (co-first chair), Jordan Walden (third chair), Los Angeles Angels
Brian Fuentes (first chair), Ryan Cook (second chair), Oakland Athletics

Tom Wilhelmsen (first chair), Lucas Luetge (second chair), Steve Delabar (third chair), Seattle Mariners
Dale Thayer (first chair), Andrew Cashner (second chair), Luke Gregerson (third chair), San Diego Padres

Tyler Clippard (first chair), Sean Burnett (second chair), Henry Rodriguez (third chair), Washington Nationals
Casey Janssen (first chair), Francisco Cordero (second chair), Jason Frasor (third chair), Toronto Blue Jays

Shawn Camp (first chair), James Russell (second chair), Michael Bowden (third chair), Chicago Cubs

In 1982 Pete Rose got 720 plate appearances, the record for a man over 40. He hit .271 and scored 80 runs. But he was terrible in the field, didn't really show nay power (three home runs that year), and generally hit like a middle infielder while playing first base. That's how you go to the plate 720 times and don't offer any value above a replacement player. In 1983, he came to the plate 555 times. This time he hit .245 without any power -- not a single home run -- and walked even less. That's how you go to the plate 555 times and cost your team more than a win and a half at the plate. Rose was probably the opposite of a graceful ager.

The Angels situation might be too close to call. Both Scott Downs and Ernesto Frieri can save any given game depending on the matchups at the end of the game. You can be tempted to check Tuesday night's box score and see that Frieri pitched in the ninth, and Downs in the eighth, but it was a five-run game and nobody got a save. Frieri is awesome and has an intense strikeout rate (43 in 23 2/3 innings). Downs hasn't given up a run this year. Frieri had a save on the 23rd and the 26th. Downs got the save on the 27th. This one is a tough one to suss, but both should be owned at all costs right now, and it looks like Frieri has the rates to take it.

Brian Fuentes blew a game last week, but Ryan Cook picked an interesting time to start showing his wildness again. He himself blew a save last week. And he has six walks against four strikeouts in his last six appearances. Cook has good stuff, but his control might keep the veteran in the job.

We knew Brandon League might lose his job eventually -- but we thought maybe the team would try to get him on track so they could trade him. But here we are, and League is out of the role. The manager says they will try many guys, but Tom Wilhelmsen is the get. The former prospect was out of baseball for a while, wandered about the country in a youthful state, and then found himself wondering what would have happened if he'd stuck with baseball. He tried out for the Mariners, they saw his gas and incredible hook, and looked past the inconsistent control. Of course, the control is still inconsistent, but he seems to have found the zone. He's the one with closers stuff in that pen. The rest are interesting, but they're either young (Steve Delabar), left-handed (Charlie Furbush), or both (Lucas Luetge). Go with the setup-man, since roles are often more important than skills.

It kinda looks like Tyler Clippard is the man in Washington right now, but Drew Storen is on his way back. I traded Henry Rodriguez twice before he lost his job, and that seems to be the way to go with Clippard, too.

Told you so. Rafael Dolis was the worst closer in the bigs, and now he's just a mediocre reliever. James Russell got one of the first post-Dolis saves, but he's got a wicked platoon split, and as a lefty was not the preferred option anyway. Shawn Camp might keep this all year. He's okay, and that's an achievement in that Cubs pen. Next on the list is probably a healthy Carlos Marmol, who just returned from his rehab assignment. He needs to recover some trade value, and organizational needs sometimes do factor into these things. He's a decent pickup, even if you keep him on the bench until he closes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *​

Injured

Andrew Bailey (thumb), Boston Red Sox
Kyle Farnsworth (elbow), Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Storen (elbow), Washington Nationals
Sergio Santos (shoulder), Toronto Blue Jays
Huston Street (lat), San Diego Padres

Carlos Marmol is back, but the rest of this list is still pretty far away. Andrew Bailey is throwing, but not even long-tossing yet. Kyle Farnsworth threw fastballs off the mound and wants to return late in June. Drew Storne threw and is aiming to return by the All-Star break. It seems like Sergio Santos has had a setback, but it's not termed as such. So far, he's just not long-tossing yet. It might be another month-plus for him. Huston Street, on the other hand, is ready to start his rehab assignment any day.

The Deposed

Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox
Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers
Sean Marshall, Cincinnatti Reds
Henry Rodriguez, Washington Nationals
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Rafael Dolis, Chicago Cubs

Carlos Marmol has a chance to get up off this list. Jordan Walden has been better, but Ernesto Frieri and Scott Downs have been lights-out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *​

The Steals Department

Hey look who's healthy. Coco Crisp. He's not rocking the afro any more, but he's back. With the power he's been putting up in Oakland, and considering the 32-year-old is in the latter half of his career, it's probably not right to expect another year like last year. But take the batting average, shave a few stolen bases off, and you could expect a .260 average and 20+ steals the rest of the way. That's rosterable and useful. It's worth mentioning, though, that Michael Brantley is younger, playing well, and has a tiny bit more upside the rest of the way.

There's a pair of possible pickups in San Diego's middle infield, but both have limited upside. Alexi Amarista, freshly acquired from Anaheim of Los Angeles, is younger, but that doesn't mean he has a ton more ceiling to him. Right now, he's whiffing too much and showing too little power to have a nice batting average. He might whiff less, but he'll always lack power. He stole 38 bases in 2009, but he was caught 20 times and hasn't topped 25 in a season since. He also doesn't walk a ton. Best-case scenario, he hits around .260 and steals another ten to fifteen bases while playing second base for the Padres. Everth Cabrera, we've seen before. He had that one strong year when he hit .255 with 25 stolen bases, but even that came with a little batted ball luck. With his strikeout rate (and lack of power, again), he's probably good for a batting average at his career rate (.235) and another 15 to 20 steals. You'll pay dearly for your steals if you pick these guys up.

 

[HacheMan]

Down Go The Stars
Some nights, the stars align. Others, they go down.

Such was the case Wednesday, where Matt Kemp and Troy Tulowitzki both suffered injuries that appear to have them DL-bound.

For Kemp, it was an aggravation of the hamstring ailment that held him out from May 13-29. It’s a serious blow for the 32-18 Dodgers, and an even bigger one for Kemp’s MVP chances.

If Kemp lands on the disabled list for the second time in three weeks, it will happen after he didn’t spend so much as a day on the shelf from 2008-11. It will also mean Los Angeles will be back to playing defensive specialist Tony Gwynn Jr. in center field.

It's a distinct possibility Kemp will be sidelined more than the minimum 15 days. It’s fairly evident he came back too quickly the first time, and he admitted late Wednesday the pain is worse this time around.

Yes, it’s true the Dodgers were able to weather their superstar’s first absence — they went 9-5 — but nine of those games came at Dodger Stadium, where they are an absurd 21-8 this season. Beginning Friday, their next 10 games will be on the road, where they are a considerably more pedestrian 11-10.

The Dodgers have built a big enough cushion in the National League West (5.5 games) that Kemp’s injury will be far from a death knell, but things should be much tighter out West a month from now.

If you’re a Kemp owner, hope for the best, expect the worst and check for updates this afternoon.

The Travails of Tulo

Less than an hour after Kemp went down, Tulo pulled up lame with a strained left groin in Colorado’s rout of the Astros. The injury is tentatively expected to send him to the disabled list, though Tulo insisted Wednesday that wasn't a foregone conclusion.

Whereas injuries are a new phenomenon for Kemp, they’re old hat for Tulowitzki. Or at least that’s the perception.

Tulo missed 19 games last season, but actually hasn’t been sent to the disabled list since June 18, 2010, when he broke his wrist. Regardless, this will be the fourth DL-stint of Tulo’s seven-year career (if it happens, of course), and a particularly ill-timed one for the 20-29 Rockies.

A notorious second-half player, Tulo had been playing like he thought it was September of late, batting .406/.457/.875 to go along with four home runs, three doubles and 11 RBI in his past eight games coming into Wednesday.

Including Wednesday, the torrid hitting helped fuel a 5-4 run for the Rox, and put them in position to at least dream about one of their patented second-half sprints. As it is, now, though, a season that was going nowhere for a disappointing club may have already reached its destination.

End of the Line?

Tulo’s injury wasn’t the only news in Colorado Wednesday. Six hours earlier, Jamie Moyer — the oldest pitcher to ever win a game, as well as the oldest player to ever drive in a run — found out he was getting designated for assignment.

49 years and 185 days young, Moyer certainly saw the move coming. Averaging an absurd 77.4 miles per hour on his fastball — down from 80.2 in 2010 — Moyer had allowed at least six runs in four of his past five starts. Through 53 2/3 innings, he posted a 5.70 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 36/18 K/BB ratio.

Even by the standards of Colorado’s rotation, those are unacceptable numbers.

Although it’s possible Moyer hasn’t thrown his final pitch — the Padres do still exist, after all — there’s a distinct possibility the curtains are closing on one of the longest and strangest careers in baseball history.

If Moyer is indeed done, consider:

As of late April, he had faced 8.9 percent of the players to ever play baseball. Major League Baseball, of course, has existed in its current form since 1903.

The Rockies, who played their first game on April 5, 1993, didn’t even exist until seven years after Moyer made his major-league debut.

Moyer has been a Major League Baseball player every day of my life. In fact, he threw a shutout the day I was born, August 16, 1986. Simply unbelievable.

For more Moyer facts, see here and here.

Parade of Pain

The Cardinals apparently prefer their bad news in threes. At least that’s how they got it Wednesday.

First, word came down that Jaime Garcia was dealing with “elbow discomfort,” and would be skipping his next start. Supposedly, an MRI came back negative, and Garcia will pitch on Tuesday.

“Supposedly” because “negative” is what two of Jon Jay’s (shoulder) MRIs were said to have read earlier this season...only now he’s being shut down again. At this point, we’ll be lucky to see the Chief Justice before July.

Which brings us to one of the men who have been manning center field in Jay’s absence, Skip Schumaker. Skip left Wednesday night’s game against the Braves with a pulled hamstring, and is expected to be placed on the disabled list this afternoon. The silver lining is that Allen Craig (hamstring) will be taking his roster spot.

Game Notes: Carlos Gonzalez hit three home runs. … Justin Smoak hit two, driving in six of the Mariners’ 21 runs in their 21-7 shellacking of the Rangers. Kyle Seager and Jesus Montero also had big nights. … Outfitted with a new pair of goggles, Freddie Freeman went 3-for-5 with a home run in his return to the lineup. … Francisco Liriano threw six innings of shutout ball. … Giancarlo Stanton homered...again. He went deep 12 times in May, driving in 30 runs in 29 games. … Darwin Barney (yes, that Darwin Barney) walked off the Cubs. … Edwin Encarnacion and David Ortiz kept homering. … Derek Holland went off the tracks. … Tim Lincecum appeared to get back on them.


American League Short Hops: Travis Hafner will be sidelined 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery. … Doug Fister landed on the 15-day disabled list with an aggravation of his left side strain. He’s in danger of missing all of June. … Brandon Morrow is day-to-day after taking a line drive off his right shin. Don’t be surprised if he ends up missing at least one start. … Dustin Pedroia (thumb) will sit out through the weekend and be re-evaluated on Monday. … Nick Markakis (wrist) will meet with a hand specialist this afternoon. … Yoenis Cespedes (hand) is expected to return Friday. His teammate Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) will come off the DL Saturday. … Desmond Jennings (knee) will begin a rehab assignment today.

National League Short Hops: Secretive Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. let slip that Ryan Howard (Achilles) isn’t guaranteed to return before the All-Star break. … Howard’s teammate Roy Halladay got a second opinion on his strained right lat. … Strange things happened to Aroldis Chapman. … Jesus Flores (hamstring) hopes to return on Friday. … The Braves called up Andrelton Simmons and sent down Tyler Pastornicky.

 

[HacheMan]

Welcome Back, Carlos
One of the most popular waiver wire adds this week is Roy Oswalt, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Rangers. He's making his first tune-up start Saturday with Triple-A Round Rock and should be ready to join the Rangers' rotation in late June.

It's a good fit for the Rangers, as Neftali Feliz is on the disabled list with a strained UCL in his right elbow and is likely to return as a reliever, but I have some doubts about whether Oswalt will make a major impact in mixed leagues the rest of the way. Keep in mind that the 34-year-old right-hander has never pitched full-time in the American League before and is coming off a season where he posted the lowest strikeout rate of his career (6.02 K/9) and had two stints on the disabled list due to a lingering back condition.

Oswalt is a no-brainer pick-up in AL-only leagues if you can swing it and he's worth waiting for in deeper mixed formats, but those in shallow leagues likely have comparable options on the waiver wire that can contribute right away. Sure, Oswalt should do well enough if healthy and the Rangers' offense should put him in line for plenty of wins, but don't get too carried away by name recognition and past performance.

If you missed out on Oswalt in a deeper mixed league, don't fret. Kris Medlen was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this week in order to be stretched out as a starting pitcher and should be ready to join the Braves' rotation around the same time that Oswalt is projected to join the Rangers. There's serious sneaky potential there.

MIXED LEAGUES

Dexter Fowler OF, Rockies (Yahoo: 49 percent owned, ESPN: 21.4 percent)

Look who has turned things around in a hurry. After hitting just .230 over his first 113 at-bats this season, Fowler has collected 10 hits (including three homers) in his last 15 at-bats to raise his batting average to .281 on the season. Thanks to his recent hot streak, he has also found himself back atop the Rockies' lineup, which is a pretty nice place to be given his strong on-base skills. Many fantasy owners invested after Fowler's strong second half last year and while he was a dud early on, perhaps he's finally ready to deliver. The 26-year-old makes for a strong add in most formats right now.

A.J. Burnett SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 19 percent owned, ESPN: 15.2 percent)

Go ahead, keep dismissing Burnett because of the way he imploded in New York. You are missing out on a pretty good pitcher. The 35-year-old right-hander had another strong outing Wednesday night against the NL Central-leading Reds, allowing just one unearned run over seven innings. Setting aside his 12-run clunker against the Cardinals, he has a 1.52 ERA in his other seven starts. That's right, a 1.52 ERA. What's not to like here?

Carlos Quentin OF, Padres (Yahoo: 45 percent owned, ESPN: 39.1 percent)

Quentin's long-awaited return won't be enough to save the last-place Padres, but he can still help most fantasy owners. The 29-year-old outfielder has been red-hot since coming off the disabled list Monday, going 7-for-12 with three homers, three doubles and six RBI in three games. I don't doubt that he'll miss hitting in U.S. Cellular Field, but PETCO Park isn't nearly as hard on right-handed batters as it is left-handed batters. Besides, with Quentin due to hit free agency this offseason, he's likely to be trade bait in the days ahead. He's well worth a look if you need some pop in your lineup.

Erik Bedard SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 43 percent owned, ESPN: 18.4 percent)

Yes, here's another Pirates' starting pitcher for your consideration. I actually mentioned Bedard a little over six weeks ago, but he continues to get very little love from fantasy owners, despite posting a very solid 3.12 ERA and 51/22 K/BB ratio in 52 innings across his first 10 starts this year. Bedard's recent back issue functions as a reminder that he could hit the disabled list at any time, but he should continue to be effective as long as he takes the hill.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia C, Red Sox (Yahoo: 45 percent owned, ESPN: 25.2 percent)

One of the game's most productive catchers so far this season, Saltalamacchia is batting .274 with nine homers, 22 RBI and an .883 OPS through 39 games. The 27-year-old is tied with Mike Napoli and J.P. Arencibia for the home run lead among catchers and ranks fifth in OPS behind Carlos Ruiz, Jonathan Lucroy, A.J. Ellis and Yadier Molina. Saltalamacchia doesn't walk a lot and strikes out too much to maintain a high batting average, but he has a strong chance at reaching 20 homers and 60 RBI for the first time in his career. That's good enough for him to be a top-12 catcher in mixed leagues.

Felix Doubront SP/RP, Red Sox (Yahoo: 27 percent owned, ESPN: 21.3 percent)

We're two months into the season and Doubront has very quietly been the Red Sox best starting pitcher. Not bad for someone who had to compete for a rotation spot during spring training. The 24-year-old southpaw holds a 3.86 ERA and 59/24 K/BB ratio in 56 innings over his first 10 starts and hasn't allowed more than two runs in each of his last four outings. While his control (3.86 BB/9) could be better, his 3.53 xFIP suggests that his early success is for real. He shouldn't be sitting on the wire in 12-14 team mixed leagues.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Tom Wilhelmsen RP, Mariners (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 5.4 percent)

Brandon League lost his closer job over the weekend after blowing three out of his final five save opportunities. He has walked 12 batters over 21 1/3 innings this season after walking just 10 in 61 1/3 innings last year, so he clearly isn't the same pitcher right now. While the Mariners try to get him back on track and perhaps resuscitate his trade value, Wilhelmsen is the one to speculate on in mixed leagues. The 28-year-old right-hander brings mid-90s heat to go along with a big breaking curveball and owns a 3.72 ERA and 60/22 K/BB ratio over his first 58 innings in the big leagues. Charlie Furbush is another possibility for saves, but because he's left-handed, he'll likely only be used in matchup situations.

Shawn Camp RP, Cubs (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 3.7 percent)

We all knew it was just a matter of time before Rafael Dolis lost his grip on the closer role, but the Cubs went a step further this week by demoting him to the minors. James Russell was trusted with the first post-Dolis save chance on Tuesday and holds a 1.54 ERA this season, but I'm just not a big believer. We're talking about a southpaw who throws in high-80s and has succeeded this year with a strand rate of 92.5 percent and a fly ball rate of 49.3 percent. That's probably not going to last. Camp isn't a hard-thrower either, but at least he's right-handed and keeps the ball on the ground. This isn't a strong endorsement, mind you, but Camp is the better bet moving forward. By the way, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep Carlos Marmol stashed.

Steve Lombardozzi 3B/OF, Nationals (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 1.4 percent)

Lombardozzi isn't the most exciting option in shallow mixed formats, but he is hitting .320 right now while batting leadoff for the Nationals. And there's a good chance that will continue for a while, as Davey Johnson plans to play him in the outfield even after Michael Morse returns from the disabled list. A switch-hitter, Lombardozzi has a knack for making contact and hitting line drives. And while he hasn't shown it thus far, he has enough speed to steal double-digit bases. With his multi-position eligibility, Lombardozzi should be a pretty useful player in deeper leagues.

Rajai Davis OF, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 2.6 percent)

The Blue Jays demoted the struggling Eric Thames to Triple-A Las Vegas earlier this week, clearing the way for Davis to get significant playing time in left field in the short-term. Most savvy fantasy owners should know why this is good news. The speedy 31-year-old has 185 stolen bases in just 607 major league games, including eight in 10 tries this year. While you are primarily buying for the speed, it's nice to see that Davis has already cranked three homers this year after hitting just one in 338 plate appearances last year. He's a solid buy in deeper mixed leagues, including five-outfielder formats.

Wilin Rosario C, Rockies (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Ramon Hernandez was placed on the disabled list last week with a hand injury, so Rosario is getting his first chance at extended playing time in the big leagues. He's actually been plenty productive until now, clubbing seven homers in just 87 at-bats this season. Of course, he has also struck out 28.7 percent of the time and has drawn only four walks, so you aren't buying him for his batting average or on-base ability. There are obvious flaws in Rosario's game at this point, but the plus-power and regular playing time render him a fine option in two-catcher formats, at least in the short-term.

Anthony Rizzo 1B, Cubs (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 3.7 percent)

When will Rizzo make his Cubs' debut? It's hard to say. Some believe it will happen during interleague play next weekend while others think the Cubs will hold off until late June due to service time implications. Either way, he's close. While the 22-year-old recently suffered a minor wrist injury, he's hitting .354/.415/.713 with 17 homers, 46 RBI and a 1.128 OPS through 48 games this season with Triple-A Iowa. It's worth remembering that he fell flat on his face in his first taste of the big leagues last year, so you can bet that GM Jed Hoyer won't call him up this time until they think he's ready. But those in deeper formats would be smart to stash. <!--RW-->

NL ONLY

George Kottaras C, Brewers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.2 percent)

One of the better backup catchers around, Kottaras will get regular playing time behind the plate now that Jonathan Lucroy is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his right hand. While Kottaras is hitting just .217 in 66 plate appearances this year, he also has three home runs and more walks (19) than strikeouts (12), hence his impressive .881 OPS. His combo of pop and patience makes him a worthy pickup in NL-only leagues and even some deeper mixed leagues.

Michael Fiers RP, Brewers (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Stepping in for the injured Marco Estrada, Fiers made his major league debut Tuesday night against the Dodgers and tossed seven innings of one-run ball while striking out three and walking none. The 26-year-old right-hander was never considered a top prospect in the minors, despite some impressive peripherals (9.6 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9), but he locates his pitches well and has a very deceptive delivery. He's worth keeping around until Estrada returns, especially with a start against the light-hitting Pirates up next.

Nathan Eovaldi SP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 1.3 percent)

Another injury replacement, Eovaldi filled in for Ted Lilly on Tuesday and allowed two runs over seven innings as part of a tough-luck loss to Michael Fiers and the Brewers. Considered one of the Dodgers' top pitching prospects, the 22-year-old right-hander throws in the mid-90s with his fastball and also features a hard slider. His control has been an issue at times in the minors (3.7 BB/9) and some wonder whether he's best suited as a reliever in the long run, but it's well worth taking a chance on his electric stuff. I'd think twice about using him in Colorado on Sunday, though.

Andrelton Simmons SS, Braves (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Tyler Pastornicky wasn't doing the job on offense or defense, so the Braves demoted him to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday night while calling up Simmons from Double-A Mississippi. Simmons only has 200 plate appearances above High-A, so many question whether he's ready to hit in the big leagues, but he makes contact and has enough speed to be useful. That said, his stolen base success rate (54-for-78) isn't anything to crow about and his running opportunities will likely be limited since he'll be batting eighth. The Braves are mainly calling him up for his glove, but the 22-year-old should be relevant as long as he's getting regular playing time.

AL ONLY

Stephen Pryor RP, Mariners (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 0 percent)

You know how I mentioned earlier that Tom Wilhelmsen is the one to own in the Mariners' bullpen right now? I still think that's true, but Pryor has all the makings of a "closer of the future." The 22-year-old right-hander reaches the high-90s with his fastball and has a dominant 0.64 ERA and 39/12 K/BB ratio over 28 innings between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Tacoma this year. The Mariners are expected to call him up on Thursday, so now is a pretty good time to tuck him away.

Casey Crosby SP, Tigers (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Doug Fister is back on the DL with a strained side, so Crosby is poised to make his major league debut Friday night against the Yankees. The 23-year-old left-hander has struck out 307 batters over 304 innings in the minors, including 57 over 50 2/3 innings this year with Triple-A Toledo. While he has three promising pitches in his arsenal, including a low-to-mid 90s fastball, a curveball and a changeup, he has had trouble commanding them. That he was rushed up the organizational ladder, even with elbow woes, probably didn't help his development. I wouldn't trust Crosby in this first matchup, but his upside is worth stashing given that we don't know when Fister will be back.

Endy Chavez OF, Orioles (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Chavez is back from the disabled list and should get a decent amount of playing time now that Xavier Avery is back in the minors and Nick Markakis is in danger of missing time with to a wrist injury. The 34-year-old outfielder was hitting just .123 (8-for-65) prior to his oblique injury, but he batted .301 with five homers, 27 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a .749 OPS in just 83 games last year for the Rangers. He's plenty relevant in AL-only leagues.

Garrett Richards SP, Angels (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

The Angels lost their ace Jered Weaver to a lower back injury earlier this week. While he's hoping to get back as soon as possible, there's no clear timetable for his return. Richards will take his spot in the starting rotation after posting a 4.31 ERA and 48/29 K/BB ratio over his first 10 starts this season with Triple-A Salt Lake. Those aren't special numbers, but keep in mind he was pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. The 23-year-old hasn't racked up big strikeout numbers in the minors (7.9 K/9), even with a mid-90s fastball, but he at least has a favorable ground ball tilt. While he still has a lot to prove, I would consider using him next week against the Mariners.

 

[HacheMan]

From Wandy Line to Lincecum Limbo

By Matthew Berry | ESPN.com

What the hell is wrong with me?

Stop talking, I can't actually hear you. It was rhetorical. And we don't have all day.


I am speaking, specifically, of this column.


I have written and rewritten my intro this week twelve different times. I hate every single one of them. What the hell is wrong with me?


Last week, Maxim magazine once again released its "Hot 100" list, and once again, I set out to make fun of it.


I've done that for a number of years now and have always enjoyed it. The rankings are always insane and, as usual, seem to have been done without any thought or semblance of reason. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and we all have different definitions of what makes a woman beautiful, but whatever that definition is, Stephen Colbert is not a beautiful woman.

He is hilarious, I will grant him that. Insanely popular, and rightfully so. And kudos to Colbert's large and loyal audience for sending write-in votes, but come on. Just because I don't take it seriously doesn't mean Maxim shouldn't, right? I mean, shouldn't the self-proclaimed "definitive list of the world's most beautiful women" have, you know, all women on it?


So when I saw that, I figured this column would write itself. I made copious notes. Stacy Keibler helps answer the question "What is George Clooney worth?" The answer is 21 spots, from 72 to 51. Interesting. The Clooney bump only gets you 21 spots, but Jason Sudeikis is worth 10 spots (as Olivia Wilde jumps from 15 to 5 this year)? Any volunteers to tell Carmelo Anthony that Maxim thinks a cartoon character (Lois Griffin from "Family Guy," No. 85) is more attractive than his wife, No. 91 La La Anthony? Yeah. Defies logic. I was all set to ask the "Maxim" staff how Cameron Diaz (last year's No. 4) dropped off the list completely this year. I didn't agree with the rank last year, but if they had her at four, what possible un-hot activities could she have done to drop upwards of 97 spots in the global ranks? Has she been seen using baby seals to club other baby seals while wearing ivory earrings made from an endangered rhino she forced immigrant refugees to poach for her during a blood diamond-purchasing trip?


I was all set to link to this "US Weekly" article about top-five-pick-for-three-years-running Katy Perry; to congratulate Maxim on including Katharine McPhee (so help me, the wife and I love to watch "Smash"); and to warn Zoe Saldana that the gang at Maxim is trying to send her a message that her hotness is in a free-fall. From No. 3 in 2010 to 37 last year, she clocks in at 45 this time around. Clearly, she needs to get to camp early, work on fundamentals and prove that her skill set is not in decline but was merely a matter of her being worried about her contract.


So I have that open all laid out, right? Copious notes on many of the people ranked and where, or whether, they were ranked last year; little pop-culture tidbits; an excuse to run inline photos of gorgeous women; you name it. Fun, easy breezy, transition to baseball (in this case, a new Wandy Line with a bunch of good pitcher research); call it a day. Bingo, bango.


But as I kept trying to get into the premise a bunch of different ways, I kept coming back to the simple fact that I just, um, didn't care.


I'm normally a pretty tough self-critic and rarely really like anything I write, but this was extreme even for me. None of these opens were even passable.


What. The hell. Is wrong with me?


I write this column every year. This is a fun one for me. Practically writes itself. So what's different this year? And it slowly dawned on me as I started to freak out.

I'm married. And I have baby twin daughters. That's what's new. Even though the column is more about the absurdity of Maxim's ranks and logic than it is commenting on anyone's looks, the fact is … I wasn't enjoying any of what I wrote. Even in the most superficial of ways, I didn't feel like commenting on these women.


A horrifying thought occurred to me. Am I … growing up?


In a previous life, I would have tried to go to the Maxim Hot 100 party they had in New York on Monday night. But now, my Monday night was dinner with the wife, changing diapers and doing the 3 a.m. feeding. Never occurred to me to go, with or without the wife.


I don't know if it's because my babies are girls. Or if it's because I'm married. Or just getting older. Obviously I've changed a lot -- we all do -- but this was one of the first times it really hit me how different I am. It's the first time it's significantly altered my work life. TMR doesn't want to write about attractive women or make fun of something? Nothing makes sense anymore.


And as I was re-evaluating this shocking turn of events, it seemed like a good time to also re-evaluate where the Wandy Line was this year. I wrote about it six weeks ago, and in fantasy baseball, a lot can change in six weeks.


For those unfamiliar (and too lazy to click the link above), the Wandy Line represents those starting pitchers who are, in essence, above replacement level for fantasy in ESPN standard 10-team mixed leagues. It's a streaming strategy that maximizes innings and at-bats by keeping only certain pitchers on your bench. Those are above the Wandy Line. For everyone else, an equal or better option can be found in the free-agent pool, allowing you to stream, play matchups or fill your roster with elite relievers, so that whatever small hit you take from the streaming more uncertain pitchers, you more than make up for in offense and the bonus ERA/WHIP/vulture wins/strikeouts you get from relievers rather than filling your pitching slots with starters who aren't pitching that day.


So here's who is above the current Wandy Line, in no specific order.

Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Jered Weaver, Felix Hernandez, Zack Greinke, Stephen Strasburg, CC Sabathia, David Price, Dan Haren, Matt Cain, C.J. Wilson, Madison Bumgarner, Brandon Beachy, Yovani Gallardo, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, Adam Wainwright, Shaun Marcum, Chris Capuano, Lance Lynn, James McDonald, Chris Sale, R.A. Dickey, Anibal Sanchez.


That's it. That's the list of players I would never cut and would start every time out, no matter what.

Now, since we're into this whole "evolution of TMR" thing, let's evolve the Wandy Line along with it and add a new category: Lincecum Limbo.


I'm not dropping Tim Lincecum, of course. But I'm also not starting him every time out, either. Consider this a list of pitchers who are in one of two boats. Either they are established studs who have performed worse than expected this year or have some sort of injury issue and will be dropped below the Wandy Line if those concerns aren't addressed; or they are up-and-comers who have been terrific this year and could be put permanently above the line but, due to a lack of track record, we are holding on to and taking a "wait and see" approach.

Those currently in Lincecum Limbo are: poster boy Tim Lincecum, James Shields, Ricky Romero, Jon Lester, Ian Kennedy, Matt Garza, Josh Johnson, Tommy Hanson, Mat Latos, Daniel Hudson, Johnny Cueto, Josh Beckett, Yu Darvish, Jake Peavy, Johan Santana, Wandy Rodriguez, Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel, Jake Westbrook, Brandon Morrow.


That's it. If they are not on one of these two lists, then it's not a player I would keep on days they aren't starting. I'd have no problem dropping them, and if someone else gets them, so be it. Enjoy your Colby Lewis, your Bud Norris and your Wade Miley. Good luck chasing those Jason Vargas wins. Have fun with Tommy Milone's road starts. It's all you, brother.


With the help of "The Swan," Zach Jones of ESPN Stats & Information, here's some more info on some of the more surprising guys who have dropped into Lincecum Limbo or are new to being above the Wandy Line. And since we named a whole section after him, let's start with Big Time Timmy Jim.

Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants: The problem is the fastball. The velocity keeps going down. From an average of 92.2 in in 2011 (and max of 96.6) to an average of 90.1 and max of 93.7 this year, it's clear he's lost some zip on the fastball. He's also having issues with the control, as he's walking a career-high 4.89 per 9 innings. Lots of underlying numbers -- his BABIP, LOB% and xFIP -- suggest luck hasn't been on his side, but five straight starts of giving up at least four earned runs before Wednesday's one-earned-run performance (in which he still allowed five walks) and a Player Rater number (minus-1.62) that is significantly lower than -- wait for it -- Barry Zito's (1.81), he's no longer an automatic start.


Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox: Lester's ERA is now at 4.79, and his low strikeout rate (6.38/9IP) could have a lot to do with it. And it's been on the decline for a while. His strikeout percentage has been in decline (26.7 percent in 09, 15.8 this year) and well-hit average has been rising (.143 in 09, .185 this year) for four straight years and his curve is just getting crushed; he's throwing it for strikes only a quarter of the time (as opposed to almost half the time in 2010) and opponents are getting on base at a .318 clip against it, as opposed to .136 in '10, and all these numbers were worse in 2011 than in '10 as well. He's got to stop his slide or he's going to slip out to under the Wandy Line.


Jason Hammel, SP, Orioles: In limbo only due to lack of track record, but he's been terrific (and was on my preseason Love list for deeper leagues). Right now there are eight pitchers in baseball who are getting ground balls on at least 52 percent of balls in play while also having a strikeout percentage of over 20 percent; Cliff Lee, David Price, James Shields, C.J. Wilson, Anibal Sanchez, Adam Wainwright, Dillon Gee (oddly) and … Jason Hammel.


Jake Westbrook, SP, Cardinals: Has struggled recently after a hot start but I'm keeping him here because he is giving up the least hard contact of any starter in the majors right now, and it's not close. Even though his .314 BABIP isn't that high, it is high considering how weakly the ball is being hit; the other guys on this list have benefited from significantly lower rates.

2012 Lowest Well-Hit Average (Well-Hit Balls Per AB)

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th> WHAV </th><th> BABIP </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Jake Westbrook </td><td> .075 </td><td> .314 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Anibal Sanchez </td><td> .106 </td><td> .284 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Justin Verlander </td><td> .122 </td><td> .248 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jordan Zimmermann </td><td> .123 </td><td> .265 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Jeff Samardzija, SP, Cubs: Six of his past seven starts have been quality starts and he hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of them. During that span he has a 49-13 K-BB rate (2.5 BB/9 IP). Obviously we want to see more of it, but he's currently a top-20 pitcher on our Player Rater, and his 65 strikeouts rank 13th in the majors.


James Shields, SP, Rays: It's really close, and the strikeouts are still there, which is great. But over his past seven starts he has a 4.74 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. He was the last guy off the Wandy Line and into Lincecum Limbo, but given his struggles against good teams, I can't say that I'm still automatically starting him every fifth day.


Ricky Romero, SP, Blue Jays: It's the control issues for me. A 4.79 BB/9 is just too many free men on base in the tough AL East. Only one walk in his last start against Baltimore is a step in the right direction, but has given up four earned runs in three of his past four games.


As for a couple of new guys who are now above the Wandy Line, here's why I'm a believer despite short track records.


Lance Lynn, SP, Cardinals: He can get guys out without using secondary pitches; 23.7 percent of the plate appearances that end on his fastball are strikeouts, which is the third-highest among starters, behind only Max Scherzer and Gio Gonzalez, who are the kings of the fastball punchouts this season.

James McDonald, SP, Pirates: Another guy I've always liked, McDonald is currently the No. 12 pitcher on our Player Rater. I've always sort of liked him, but if you're looking for something different this season, he added a slider, which he literally didn't throw it before, and it's been a really effective pitch for him. Half the time batters swing at it, they miss, and 54 percent of the plate appearances that end with the slider are strikeouts. That's what you call a wipeout pitch. Now keep in mind, he's only thrown 80 of those sliders this season (as opposed to 571 fastballs), but apparently it's just enough to give batters something else to think about.


R.A. Dickey, SP, Mets: Feel like we've talked about him a lot in this column and on the podcast, but in addition to being a quality start machine (9 of his 10 starts this season have been quality starts), you could argue there has been no more consistent starter over the past year or so; he has 21 quality starts since July 25, 2011 -- four more than any other player in the majors. The really crazy thing is that he's made 22 starts during that span, so only one of them was not of "quality." In addition, his strikeout rate is up (on pace for 198 K's) and he's currently 13th on the Player Rater. Start him every single time.


Chris Sale, SP, White Sox: Just read this Dave Schoenfield blog about him. It does a better job than I will telling you why you should be sold on Sale.


Bonus guy: For deeper leagues, this is someone to use as a spot starter and keep an eye on.


Felix Doubront, SP, Red Sox: He's young and he strikes guys out. Here's a list of guys age 24 or younger (he's 24 this season) who started at least 25 games while striking out 9.4 or more per 9 IP (Doubront is currently at 9.48) since 2005.

Brandon Beachy (2011)
Tim Lincecum (2008)
Yovani Gallardo (2009, 2010)
Scott Kazmir (2008)
Clayton Kershaw (2009, 2011)
Edinson Volquez (2008)

And just for giggles, let's compare him to another Red Sox lefty in his age-24 season:

 

[HacheMan]

Frieri, Downs share saves for Angels

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

The Los Angeles Angels have what managers would call a good problem: an abundance of quality late-inning relievers.

To think, a little over a month ago -- April 27, to be specific -- their bullpen was crashing down. At the start of that day, the Angels sported the majors' fewest saves (1), most blown saves (5) and third-worst ERA (4.96). Their closer, Jordan Walden, the No. 13 pure relief pitcher in fantasy baseball per our preseason rankings and No. 15 in terms of average draft position, had just blown an ugly save the afternoon before, surrendering a pinch-hit, walk-off home run to Brandon Allen. Despite it being Walden's first blown save of the season, it bloated his ERA to 8.31 and earned him a demotion from the closer role.


Since that date, things have certainly looked up for the Angels.


Walden has been outstanding since being demoted. In 12 appearances since, he has two wins, four holds, a 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and .122 BAA. Walden has 12 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings, and the only black mark is that he has issued six free passes. But performance-wise, he's pitching like someone deserving of another opportunity as the team's closer.


The problem, however, is that two other Angels have pitched better than Walden since that date.


Between Scott Downs and Ernesto Frieri, the Angels have a two-headed monster of a closer, meaning that besides the difficulty fantasy owners face sorting out which might close on any given night, it's anyone's guess when or if Walden might ever sniff another save chance. Take a look at the stats:


Downs, since April 27, has compiled 11 shutout innings with a 0.73 WHIP and .154 BAA, going 5-for-5 in save chances while tallying five holds.


Frieri, acquired from the San Diego Padres on May 3, has 12 shutout, hitless innings for the Angels and a 0.83 WHIP. He has converted both of his save chances and added three holds.

Examining the saves breakdown between Downs and Frieri, be aware that on eight occasions thus far, Frieri entered the game in a later stage than Downs, including in both of his saves and four of their past five common appearances. Downs does have an equal number of saves to Frieri since May 23 (2), so it seems that manager Mike Scioscia is perfectly content picking between the two on any given night depending on the matchups.


In the long term, though, Frieri might have an edge in terms of fantasy value. And as a pitcher available in more than 50 percent of ESPN leagues (60.6 percent, to be exact), he might be one of the best saves bargains available.


No, Frieri isn't going to extend his shutout, hitless streak all season. But he does have an underrated skill set, and it's worth noting that he has 16.35 K's per nine to date, tops among relievers this season. Through 117 big league appearances over four seasons, Frieri has a 2.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 12.12 K's per nine, and most importantly, his performance with the Angels demonstrates that he's no Petco Park product. Remember, he had a 2.20 ERA in 57 career appearances at Petco. Here's the fun counterargument: Frieri has a 2.00 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 60 career games at the other 29 big league ballparks.


For another statistic that supports Frieri's cause as a smart long-term investment, related to pitchers with strikeout rates as high as his: In the past three seasons, there have been 16 instances of a reliever throwing at least 25 innings with a K's-per-nine ratio of 12 or greater before the All-Star break. Ten of them managed a lower second-half ERA, and the group collectively managed a lower second-half ERA (2.43) than first-half (2.54). Arguably, the only pitcher from 2009-11 who qualifies and significantly declined in overall fantasy value during the season's second half was Jonathan Broxton (his 2010 second-half collapse year).



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> Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rank </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;"> Kenley Jansen, LAD </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;"> Jonathan Papelbon, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aroldis Chapman, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Nathan, Tex </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;"> Jason Motte, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Axford, Mil </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;"> Santiago Casilla, SF </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;"> Jim Johnson, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </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"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Perez, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Myers, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Betancourt, Col </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;"> J.J. Putz, Ari </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;"> Jose Valverde, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Soriano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Heath Bell, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </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"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Robertson, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ernesto Frieri, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tyler Clippard, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Capps, Min </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;"> Alfredo Aceves, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </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"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Broxton, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Francisco, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Huston Street, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Hernandez, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Adams, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon League, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Casey Janssen, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sergio Santos, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dale Thayer, SD </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;"> Vinnie Pestano, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Fuentes, Oak </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;"> Sergio Romo, SF </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;"> Sean Marshall, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Walden, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Cook, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alexi Ogando, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Javy Guerra, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Cishek, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Storen, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joaquin Benoit, Det </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;"> Carlos Marmol, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonny Venters, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Cashner, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Holland, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </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"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sean Burnett, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Francisco Rodriguez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edward Mujica, Mia </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;"> Grant Balfour, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Bailey, Bos </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;"> Joel Peralta, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Thornton, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Lindblom, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wilton Lopez, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pedro Strop, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Koji Uehara, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mitchell Boggs, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Farnsworth, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Glen Perkins, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Grilli, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Arredondo, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Rauch, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Stammen, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lyon, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luis Perez, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Crow, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hector Santiago, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake McGee, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric O'Flaherty, Atl </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;"> Henry Rodriguez, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr></tbody></table>




Between Downs and Frieri, fantasy owners should squeeze a fair share of value out of the Angels' bullpen, and Walden's owners -- most of them stashing him on AL-only benches -- might find themselves waiting all year.


Hold out hope?



Walden's mention brings to light the many ex-closers -- highly ranked relief pitchers two short months ago who have since lost their jobs -- battling to restore their status as top save-getters. Walden is one of the most productive relievers in the group but is one of four relievers we had ranked in our top 25 who have since been demoted. Let's take a quick look at the other three relievers' quests to recapture past glory:


Brandon League, Seattle Mariners: He was the most recently demoted closer in our preseason top 25, having been removed from the closer role Saturday, and his team's bullpen state might represent the polar opposite of that of his division rival, the Angels. In the month of May, the Mariners' 3.89 relief ERA ranked 20th, they're tied for the fewest saves (3), and their four blown saves rank among the 10 highest totals in the majors. What supports League's candidacy to recapture his closer role at some future point is a lack of outstanding alternatives within the Mariners' bullpen. The only one of the team's six active relievers with an ERA lower than four is Charlie Furbush (3.57). Tom Wilhelmsen is the most natural fill-in for League in the short term, but even he has questionable ratios (4.26 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this season).


League's problem, however, isn't easily fixed overnight. As an extreme ground-baller rather than a strikeout artist, his command needs to be pinpoint, and this season it simply has not been that. There's no more telling statistic than the fact that 71 percent of League's sinkers have been thrown in the upper two-thirds of the zone (what our pitch-tracking tool describes as "up" or "middle"), whereas during his outstanding 2011, that percentage was just 60. League has also thrown his sinker in the strike zone 10 percent less often this season than last.


Ultimately, League is the Mariners' best option when he's throwing well, meaning he'll probably be reinstated the moment he recaptures a feel for his sinker. But that'll take time, meaning you might be waiting a few weeks.


Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs: Like the Mariners, the Cubs might not have many viable alternatives to Marmol, one of fantasy baseball's most valuable closers just two short seasons ago. Still, his command has been so poor, merely hoping to outlast his weak competition might not be enough to assure him future saves. Among relievers who have faced at least 50 batters this season, Marmol has the majors' lowest swing (33 percent) and strike (54 percent) rates, and his 46 percent rate of pitches thrown in the strike zone ranks beneath the major league average (49 percent). Opposing hitters know they can sit back and wait for their pitch, considering how infrequently he throws a strike, and it's for that reason his slugging percentage allowed has risen each of the past two seasons, his strikeout rate dropping accordingly. Marmol, fresh off the disabled list, surrendered two walks in an inning in his first appearance back on Wednesday.


While Marmol might appear to be the most obvious projected Cubs leader in saves from today forward, why couldn't it be James Russell? Russell has been one of the team's most productive relievers to date, with a 1.54 ERA and 1.37 WHIP, and in his past six appearances, he has six shutout innings without a walk. As uncommon as it might seem for a manager to pick a left-hander to close and as strong as Marmol's reputation is as the Cubs closer, Russell might be a sneaky source of saves from that bullpen. Don't be so quick to assume Marmol's future is bright.


Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers: Like Walden, Guerra has been outstanding since being demoted from the closer role, totaling 11 1/3 scoreless innings with a 1.06 WHIP and .195 BAA in 12 appearances. But like Walden, Guerra might have two relievers he'd have to outperform in his quest to recapture his former gig. Kenley Jansen, since taking over, has four saves, a 1.13 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in eight appearances, while Josh Lindblom has a 1.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and .194 BAA in his past 10. Most notably, while Lindblom has made each of his past nine appearances in the eighth inning of a game or later, Guerra has generally been working the middle frames; he has, on four occasions, come on in the seventh inning and three times in the sixth or earlier.


Guerra's skill set makes him a worthwhile NL-only source of ERA and WHIP, but he'd probably need some sort of extended slump from both of the men now ahead of him to get another chance in the ninth. Plan accordingly.

 

[HacheMan]

Key takeaways from M's-Rangers slugfest

Eric Karabell


Whenever one of the worst offensive teams in the big leagues breaks out with consecutive eight-run innings and ends up scoring the equivalent of three touchdowns, and does so against arguably the top team in baseball, it's newsworthy for fantasy owners. So let's switch up the normal KaraBlog format and discuss seven things I noticed from this somewhat historic Seattle Mariners-Texas Rangers 21-8 game, both positive and negative.




1. Just one Mariners hitter is owned in 100 percent of ESPN standard leagues. And wouldn't you know it, that player, Ichiro Suzuki, was given the night off. Figures, right?

<offer>2. The No. 2-owned Mariners hitter is second baseman Dustin Ackley, but … he's hitting only .251 and starting to be dropped in ESPN leagues (92.3 percent owned). Ackley smacked a three-run home run off Rangers lefty Derek Holland (more on him later), which is noteworthy because the lefty-hitting Ackley entered play Wednesday hitting .190 off southpaws, with no home runs. He also hadn't homered on an inside pitch all year, so perhaps he's making adjustments. I think Ackley is still worth owning in 10-team leagues as a 12-homer, 15-steal guy and a borderline top-10 second baseman with a bright future.</offer>


3. Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak is only 25 … though it seems like he's been disappointing fantasy owners for years. Well, he has. Smoak blasted two home runs and knocked in six runs Wednesday, though both were on sub-90 mph fastballs when he was ahead in the count. Not that he should hit those 450 feet, but I need to see more. In May he has six home runs and 18 RBIs, but his .255 batting average doesn't impress. I personally don't think Smoak is a top-20 first baseman in fantasy yet. Entering Wednesday, his May OBP was .282. This is a deep position, and a 20-homer guy with a .250 batting average isn't special.


4. The main reason I'm watching third baseman Kyle Seager is because he's close to second-base eligibility. He's at seven games, needing three more to qualify. As a third baseman/corner infielder, Seager doesn't excite me, especially since he really hadn't done much in three weeks. But he had four hits and scored four times Wednesday, and his first two RBIs since May 19. He is walking more in the month of May, but I don't see a big power bat here. He's on pace for 15 home runs and 15 steals, which sounds about right, but that looks far better at Ackley's position. In fact, it would make him look a lot like Ackley.

5. You knew it was an odd night when Mariners catcher/DH Jesus Montero drew a fourth-inning walk. Earlier in the night, Montero whacked an opposite-field home run and a two-run double to left center. Look, the guy can rake, but he concerns me. The right-handed power hitter is hitting .197 against right-handers and .396 against lefties. There are at least two right-handed starters for each lefty in baseball. I've never thought of Montero as a J.P. Arencibia-like producer, with the 25 home runs and low batting average, but this year it might happen. Montero has drawn 10 walks in May, though. I think he's a top-10 catcher but will hit around .240.


6. On the Rangers side of things, fantasy owners have to be concerned about Holland, who has become an all-or-nothing pitcher. Last season, Holland led the AL with four shutouts, but since the start of 2011, he also has failed to make it through the second inning on three occasions, tied for the most in baseball among qualified starting pitchers. Eight runs in 1 2/3 innings is painful to fantasy owners. Holland's 4.05 ERA (entering Wednesday's start) jumped to 5.11. But the number I'm still looking at is 3.06. That was Holland's second-half ERA in 2011, when he was 9-1 with a 1.21 WHIP and 8.2 K/9 rate. We need more consistency, of course, and fewer two-inning poundings, but this is someone to invest in. I saw speculation after Wednesday that perhaps Roy Oswalt replaces Holland in the rotation, that Neftali Feliz might start after all. But I feel Holland is safe; in his previous outing, he fanned nine Toronto Blue Jays over 7 1/3 innings, allowing just two runs. Pitchers have bad outings from time to time, but that's when you invest. For example, look at Pittsburgh's A.J. Burnett. The 12-run, 2 2/3-inning disaster on May 2 was a downer, but in his other seven starts, he's 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA.


7. One noted Rangers reliever is struggling. Lost in the pitching carnage from the past two days -- the Mariners also scored 10 runs Tuesday, and six came in the eighth inning -- is the troubling work of reliable right-handed reliever Mike Adams. He has faced nine hitters and retired just two of them, permitting five hits and being charged with six runs (though only four were earned). His ERA has jumped from 2.08 to an even 4.00. And he's owned in 8.4 percent of standard leagues, one of the highest percentages for a reliever who doesn't figure to earn saves, as Joe Nathan is safe and thriving. Adams was arguably baseball's top setup man from 2009-11 (combined 1.42 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 rate). And now? His struggles might be a mere blip, or they might be repercussions from a recent illness. But they also might be a sign that even the safest non-save relief pitchers have a short shelf life. Those who use holds in their leagues or play in AL-only formats should watch this situation. Feliz, Alexi Ogando or even Koji Uehara are also eighth-inning candidates.

 

[HacheMan]

Mixing It Up
Interleague play will ramp up next week, as clubs prepare to face unfamiliar opponents and American League pitchers hit the cages hoping to avoid embarrassing themselves.

The two-start roster for the upcoming week holds a dearth of high-quality options in the AL. The better pitchers on the list are either struggling or lined up for tough road match-ups (or both), and there are several guys who should probably be outright avoided. The Senior Circuit is much more flush with strong candidates, including Cliff Lee, Clayton Kershaw and the surging Jeff Samardzija.

If you're hurting for help in an AL-only league, check out the streamer suggestions on the next page or gamble on one of the "Decent Plays." NL players shouldn't have much trouble finding palatable options.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

Jason Vargas: @LAA (Richards), LAD (Billingsley)
Jon Lester: BAL (Arrieta), WAS (Jackson)

Decent Plays

Ricky Romero: @CWS (Humber), @ATL (Delgado)
Derek Holland: @OAK, @SF (Lincecum)
Scott Feldman: @OAK (Parker), @SF (Vogelsong)
James Shields: @NYY (Pettitte), @MIA (Sanchez)
Jarrod Parker: TEX (Feldman), @ARI (Cahill)
Andy Pettitte: TB (Shields), NYM (Gee)
Drew Smyly: CLE (Jimenez), @CIN (Bailey)

At Your Own Risk

Cole DeVries: @KC (Smith), CHC (Dempster)
Garrett Richards: SEA (Vargas), @COL (Friedrich)
Will Smith: MIN (De Vries), @PIT (Morton)
Philip Humber: TOR (Romero), HOU (Harrell)
Jake Arrieta: @BOS (Lester), PHI (Lee)
Ubaldo Jimenez: @DET (Smyly), @STL (Lohse)

National League

Strong Plays

Edwin Jackson: NYM (Gee), @BOS (Lester)
Kyle Lohse: @HOU (Harrell), CLE (Jimenez)
Ryan Vogelsong: CHC (Samardzija), TEX (Feldman)
Cliff Lee: LAD (Billingsley), @BAL (Arrieta)
Yovani Gallardo: CHC (Dempster), SD (Stults)
Anibal Sanchez: ATL (Delgado), TB (Shields)
Clayton Kershaw: @PHI (Blanton), @SEA (Millwood)
Homer Bailey: PIT (Morton), DET (Scherzer)
Ryan Dempster: @MIL (Gallardo), @MIN (De Vries)
Jeff Samardzija: @SF (Vogelsong), @MIN (Diamond)

Decent Plays

Jake Westbrook: @NYM (Hefner), CLE (Tomlin)
Tim Lincecum: @SD (Stults), TEX (Holland)
Eric Stults: SF (Lincecum), @MIL (Gallardo)
Charlie Morton: @CIN (Bailey), KC (Smith)
Dillon Gee: @WAS (Jackson), @NYY (Pettitte)
Chad Billingsley: @PHI (Lee), @SEA (Vargas)
Randall Delgado: @MIA (Sanchez), TOR (Romero)
Joe Saunders: COL (Friedrich), OAK

At Your Own Risk

Joe Blanton: LAD (Kershaw), @BAL (Hunter)
Jeremy Hefner: STL (Westbrook), @NYY (Hughes)
Lucas Harrell: STL (Lohse), @CWS (Humber)
Christian Friedrich: @ARI (Saunders), LAA (Richards)
<!--RW-->
Streamer City

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

American League

Tuesday, 6/5: Bruce Chen vs. MIN
The crafty southpaw has largely pitched well at home and should fare well against Minnesota's lefty-heavy lineup.

Friday, 6/8: Hector Noesi vs. LAD
The rookie has turned in three straight quality starts and will face a Dodgers club that has never seen him before.

Friday, 6/8: P.J. Walters vs. CHC
It's hard to say whether his hot start is legit, but he's shown no signs of slowing down thus far and is supporting his results with solid peripherals.

National League

Wednesday, 6/6: Wade Miley vs. COL
Miley is rocking a dazzling 2.41 ERA and Colorado's team OPS is almost 200 points lower on the road than at Coors.

Thursday, 6/7: J.A. Happ vs. STL
Happ has been on a roll lately and is coming off a 10-K performance.

Friday, 6/8: Nathan Eovaldi @ SEA
The promising prospect gets a favorable match-up against the punchless Mariners.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

BAL: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
BOS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CLE: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CWS: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
DET: 6 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
KC: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
LAA: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIN: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
NYY: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
OAK: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
SEA: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TB: 4 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
TEX: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TOR: 5 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP

National League

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

Jered Weaver: Out indefinitely (back)
Travis Hafner: Out until early July (knee)
Troy Tulowitzki: Out until mid-June (groin)
Doug Fister: Out until late June (abdomen)
Matt Kemp: Out until July (hamstring)
Ted Lilly: Out until late June (shoulder)
Jonathan Lucroy: Out until late June (hand)
Roy Halladay: Out until late July (shoulder)
Skip Schumaker: Out indefinitely (hamstring)

 

[HacheMan]

Forecaster: June 4-10

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: Interleague play resumes Friday, but not before four days' worth of intraleague play from Monday-Thursday. It's a busier week for the National than American League; six of the 16 NL teams play a full seven games, whereas the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers, thanks to a week-opening four-game series at O.com Coliseum, are the only AL squads to play seven times.

Once interleague play begins, it will dominate the schedule for 17 consecutive days, spanning the second half of this fantasy Week 9, as well as Weeks 10-11 in their entirety. As always, the most significant fantasy impact of interleague play is the designated hitter: AL teams lose theirs during trips to NL parks, while NL squads gain the DH when traveling to AL venues. With interleague play encompassing only three of the seven days this week, the impact won't be felt as much as in the subsequent two weeks, but it's worth pointing out that there are more AL teams visiting NL parks (8) than NL teams visiting AL parks (6) this week. For an overview of the DH/no-DH fantasy impact on specific players, see the Hitting notes section below.


Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee is winless in eight starts despite a 3.00 ERA and six quality starts, and he'll be challenged to avoid making it nine in a row during his first of two turns this week, as he'll be pitted against reigning NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw on Monday. The Rangers and San Francisco Giants battle at AT&T Park during the weekend, in a rematch of the 2010 World Series, and the Rangers will be out for revenge against two of the Giants' five worst starters to date, including Tim Lincecum, who defeated them twice during that Fall Classic. And the Cleveland Indians, still second in the American League Central race despite an 11.89 ERA from their starting pitchers from May 25-30, play an important series at the Detroit Tigers to begin the week. Remember, they swept the Tigers at Progressive Field during a May 22-24 series.


ESPN leagues: Week 9



Two weekend wrap-around series concluding Monday create an early start time to fantasy's Week 9, as the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, only slightly more than 12 hours after appearing on "Sunday Night Baseball," conclude a four-game set at Citi Field with a 1:10 p.m. ET start time. Chicago Cubs at Giants is another Monday day game, with a 3:45 p.m. ET start time. Here are the scheduled 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 6/4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYM, STL</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 6/8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, KC, NYM, NYY,
PHI, PIT</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 6/5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, DET, LAD, NYM,
NYY, PHI, TB, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 6/9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CHC, MIN</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 6/6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6:35 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">SD, SF</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 6/10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYM, NYY</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 6/7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, DET, LAD, NYM,
PHI, WAS</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 9 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
6/4</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/5</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/6</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/7</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/8</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/9</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/10</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><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">@BOS
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Chen
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PHI
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 3</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">BAL
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Bard
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Lester
(LHP)
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">TOR
Humber
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Quintana
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Humber
(RHP)
P: 9</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: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Gomez
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Jimenez
(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">CLE
Smyly
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Crosby
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Smyly
(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">MIN
Smith
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Chen
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Adcock
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Smith
(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">SEA
Santana
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Richards
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Williams
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Haren
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@COL
Santana
(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">@KC
DeVries
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Walters
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
DeVries
(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">TB
Pettitte
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Nova
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYM
Pettitte
(LHP)
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">TEX
Parker
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Blackley
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Colon
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Milone
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Parker
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Blackley
(LHP)
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">@LAA
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAD
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 6</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">@NYY
Shields
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Price
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Moore
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Shields
(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">@OAK
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Holland
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SF
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SF
Holland
(LHP)
P: 4</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
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Hutchison
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ATL
Romero
(LHP)
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">COL
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Miley
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">OAK
Saunders
(LHP)
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">@MIA
Delgado
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Minor
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Delgado
(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
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Wood
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Dempster
(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">PIT
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Leake
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">DET
Bailey
(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
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Outman
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Nicasio
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
White
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 4</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">STL
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Norris
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Happ
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Harrell
(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">@PHI
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Harang
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Billingsley
(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">ATL
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TB
Sanchez
(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">CHC
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Gallardo
(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">STL
Hefner
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@WAS
Gee
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Santana
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Niese
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYY
Hefner
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYY
Gee
(RHP)
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">LAD
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
TBD

P: 1</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">@CIN
Morton
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Correia
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Morton
(RHP)
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">@NYM
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CLE
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CLE
Garcia
(LHP)
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">SF
Stults
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Bass
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Richard
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Suppan
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Stults
(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">CHC
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Zito
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Lincecum
(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">NYM
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Wang
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 3</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 9 pitcher rankings: Top 75



1. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Mon-@PHI (Lee), Sat-@SEA (Millwood)
2. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Mon-LAD (Kershaw), Sat-@BAL (Hunter)
3. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Sat-@CIN (Arroyo)
4. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Tue-CHC (Dempster), Sun-SD (Stults)
5. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Thu-LAD (Harang)
6. Matt Cain (SF) -- Thu-@SD (Richard)
7. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Wed-@SD (Bass)
8. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Tue-ATL (Delgado), Sun-TB (Shields)
9. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Thu-NYM (Dickey)
10. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Wed-@LAA (Williams)
11. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Tue-@CHW (Humber), Sun-@ATL (Delgado)
12. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Wed-@HOU (Norris)
13. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Thu-TB (Price)
14. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Fri-TOR (Drabek)
15. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-BAL (Arrieta), Sun-WAS (Jackson)
16. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Sat-HOU (Lyles)
17. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Fri-@BOS (Doubront)
18. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Wed-CHC (Maholm)
19. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Fri-@COL (Nicasio)
20. Jeff Samardzija (CHC) -- Mon-@SF (Vogelsong), Sat-@MIN (Diamond)
21. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Sat-@COL (White)
22. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Mon-CHC (Samardzija), Sat-TEX (Feldman)
23. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Fri-SD (Volquez)
24. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Wed-ATL (Hudson)
25. Andy Pettitte (NYY) -- Tue-TB (Shields), Sun-NYM (Gee)
26. James McDonald (PIT) -- Sat-KC (Adcock)
27. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Tue-@PHI (TBD), Sun-@SEA (Vargas)
28. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Wed-@WAS (Wang)
29. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Fri-OAK (Milone)
30. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-@NYY (Pettitte), Sun-@MIA (Sanchez)
31. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Thu-TOR (Alvarez)
32. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Fri-DET (Porcello)
33. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Wed-@MIA (Johnson)
34. David Price (TB) -- Thu-@NYY (Sabathia)
35. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Wed-@CHW (Quintana)
36. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Thu-@OAK (McCarthy)
37. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Sat-TOR (Hutchison)
38. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Wed-@OAK (Colon)
39. Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Tue-PIT (Morton), Sun-DET (Smyly)
40. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Fri-@MIA (Nolasco)
41. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Wed-PIT (Burnett)
42. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Wed-BAL (Hammel)
43. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Thu-@WAS (Strasburg)
44. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-@MIL (Gallardo), Sun-@MIN (DeVries)
45. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Thu-@HOU (Happ)
46. Matt Moore (TB) -- Sat-@MIA (Zambrano)
47. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Sat-@BOS (Bard)
48. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Tue-COL (Guthrie)
49. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Tue-NYM (Gee), Sun-@BOS (Lester)
50. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Fri-@SF (Zito)
51. Bud Norris (HOU) -- Wed-STL (Wainwright)
52. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Wed-CLE (Gomez)
53. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Wed-@PHI (Kendrick)
54. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Fri-NYM (Niese)
55. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Thu-@MIL (Wolf)
56. Philip Humber (CHW) -- Tue-TOR (Romero), Sun-HOU (Harrell)
57. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Fri-@CHW (Floyd)
58. Luke Hochevar (KC) -- Fri-@PIT (Bedard)
59. A.J. Burnett (PIT) -- Wed-@CIN (Cueto)
60. Ricky Nolasco (MIA) -- Fri-TB (Hellickson)
61. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Tue-@SD (Stults), Sun-TEX (Holland)
62. Kevin Millwood (SEA) -- Sat-LAD (Kershaw)
63. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Fri-HOU (Rodriguez)
64. Anthony Bass (SD) -- Wed-SF (Bumgarner)
65. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Fri-KC (Hochevar)
66. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Mon-SEA (Vargas), Sun-@COL (Friedrich)
67. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Sat-OAK (Parker)
68. Carlos Zambrano (MIA) -- Sat-TB (Moore)
69. Felix Doubront (BOS) -- Fri-WAS (Gonzalez)
70. Brian Matusz (BAL) -- Fri-PHI (Blanton)
71. Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Wed-MIN (Pavano)
72. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Tue-@KC (Chen)
73. Jerome Williams (LAA) -- Wed-SEA (Hernandez)
74. Mike Leake (CIN) -- Thu-PIT (Correia)
75. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Wed-COL (Outman)



Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Randall Delgado (ATL) -- Tue-@MIA (Sanchez), Sun-TOR (Romero)
Scott Feldman (TEX) -- Mon-@OAK (Parker), Sat-@SF (Vogelsong)
Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Tue-@HOU (Harrell), Sun-CLE (Jimenez)
Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Tue-@WAS (Jackson), Sun-@NYY (Pettitte)
Derek Holland (TEX) -- Tue-@OAK (Blackley), Sun-@SF (Lincecum)
Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Mon-@NYM (Hefner), Sat-CLE (Masterson)
Joe Saunders (ARI) -- Mon-COL (Friedrich), Sun-OAK (Blackley)
Drew Smyly (DET) -- Tue-CLE (Jimenez), Sun-@CIN (Bailey)
Eric Stults (SD) -- Tue-SF (Lincecum), Sun-@MIL (Gallardo)
Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-@LAA (Santana), Sun-LAD (Billingsley)



No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Jake Arrieta (BAL) -- Tue-@BOS (Lester), Sun-PHI (TBD)
Travis Blackley (OAK) -- Tue-TEX (Holland), Sun-@ARI (Saunders)
Cole DeVries (MIN) -- Mon-@KC (Smith), Sun-CHC (Dempster)
Christian Friedrich (COL) -- Mon-@ARI (Saunders), Sun-LAA (Santana)
Lucas Harrell (HOU) -- Tue-STL (Garcia), Sun-@CHW (Humber)
Jeremy Hefner (NYM) -- Mon-STL (Lohse), Sat-@NYY (Hughes)
Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Tue-@DET (Smyly), Sun-@STL (Garcia)
Charlie Morton (PIT) -- Tue-@CIN (Bailey), Sun-KC (Smith)
Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Mon-TEX (Feldman), Sat-@ARI (Cahill)
Will Smith (KC) -- Mon-MIN (DeVries), Sun-@PIT (Morton)



Pitching notes



• Fresh off a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, becoming the first visiting team to do that in 19 years, the Milwaukee Brewers return home for a pair of three-game series with excellent pitching matchups. Games versus the Cubs (Tuesday-Thursday) and San Diego Padres (Friday-Sunday) are what make the Brewers my Baseball Challenge pitching staff pick of Week 9. Those opponents have combined to average 3.57 runs per game on the road this season, and both have sub-.700 team OPS in road games. Two-start pitcher Yovani Gallardo is coming off a string of six consecutive quality starts, and the Brewers' rotation as a whole has 15 quality starts and a 3.30 ERA in its past 22 contests. Among my other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Rangers (@OAK-4, @SF-3), Arizona Diamondbacks (COL-3, OAK-3), Cincinnati Reds (PIT-3, DET-3).


• The aforementioned Tim Lincecum, a two-start pitcher this week, has two of the most polar matchups a pitcher could ask for: He begins the week at the game's most pitching-friendly ballpark, San Diego's Petco Park, on Tuesday, before returning home to face the game's most potent offense, the Rangers, on Sunday. To add to the complexity: Lincecum is 10-4 with a 1.84 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 19 career starts versus the Padres, including four consecutive quality starts against them capped by an eight-inning gem against them April 28 (3 H, 1 R, 0 ER). Meanwhile, he's only 7-5 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 15 career interleague starts, numbers considerably worse than those against NL foes. Lincecum's Padres matchup is an attractive one, making him a useful daily-league choice, but those in weekly leagues should approach him with caution. After all, since that April 28 start, he's 0-4 with a 5.88 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in six turns.


• Another questionable starter this week, Jaime Garcia, is also lined up for a two-start week, should his sore elbow be healed in time for him to pitch Tuesday. Accounting for the injury, as well as his history against his scheduled foes, however, he's smarter to avoid in shallow formats. Garcia has never managed a quality start against the Houston Astros, whom he'll face on the road Tuesday, and he's 0-4 with a 6.89 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in six career starts against them. He's also 2-3 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in seven career interleague starts.


• Exploit those Pittsburgh Pirates, exploit those Pirates, exploit those Pirates. They're a team, after all, that has scored more than five runs only once in 25 games between May 4-30, and has .202/.257/.341 team triple-slash rates and an average of 2.92 runs per game during that span. This week, these Pirates foes stand out: Homer Bailey (Tuesday), 6-0 with seven quality starts, a 1.79 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in eight career starts against them; Johnny Cueto (Wednesday), 5-2 with seven quality starts, a 1.65 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in nine starts against them since 2010; Mike Leake (Thursday), who has a 3.60 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and is 3-for-4 in quality starts against them since the beginning of last season; and Luke Hochevar (Friday), who has a 2.96 ERA and 9.25 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio in his past four starts and will be facing a Pirates team that has never before seen him. Also, in leagues with daily transactions, keep tabs on the Kansas City Royals' rotation, as Jonathan Sanchez, if he's healthy enough to pitch and throws well Monday, would warrant a look during Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.


• John Danks might be ready to return to the Chicago White Sox's rotation Wednesday, but he's not recommended in his first start fresh off the DL. He's 1-4 with a 6.46 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in six career starts versus the Toronto Blue Jays, and current Blue Jays have lifetime .288/.383/.462 triple-slash rates against him.


• In a two-start week for the left-hander, Jon Lester is an automatic simply considering the strength of his Tuesday matchup. He has never lost to the Baltimore Orioles in 19 career starts, going 14-0 with 14 quality starts, a 2.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP against them. He's also 10-4 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 18 career interleague starts, including wins in both career turns versus the Washington Nationals (in 2006 and '09).


• Forgive Bud Norris for his awful May 31 start; it came at Colorado's Coors Field, where he now has a 17.55 ERA in two career turns. He has a tremendous bounce-back opportunity Wednesday, against a Cardinals team he has owned throughout his career. Norris is 7-2 with seven quality starts, a 2.17 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 11 career starts versus the Cardinals, and current Cardinals combined have .248/.318/.380 lifetime triple-slash rates against him.


Streamer's delight



Among streaming starter -- something I define as single-start options in daily leagues among pitchers owned in 25 percent of ESPN leagues or fewer -- options for Week 9, here are my picks by day:


Monday, June 4: Scott Feldman at Oakland Athletics
Tuesday, June 5: Homer Bailey versus Pittsburgh Pirates
Wednesday, June 6: Jerome Williams versus Seattle Mariners
Thursday, June 7: Clayton Richard versus San Francisco Giants
Friday, June 8: Luke Hochevar at Pittsburgh Pirates
Saturday, June 9: Trevor Cahill versus Oakland Athletics
Sunday, June 10: Philip Humber versus Houston Astros


Past picks
Friday, May 25: Anthony Bass -- 5 1/3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Saturday, May 26: Jerome Williams -- W, QS, 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Sunday, May 27: Felipe Paulino (pitched 5/26) -- 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Monday, May 28: Matt Harrison -- W, QS, 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Tuesday, May 29: Homer Bailey -- W, QS, 9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Wednesday, May 30: Anthony Bass -- 4 2/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Thursday, May 31: No pick.


Week's total: 6 GS, 3 W (50.0%), 3 QS (50.0%), 38 2/3 IP, 35 H, 20 ER, 15 BB, 26 K, 4.66 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
Season total: 50 GS, 25 W (50.0%), 32 QS (64.0%), 316 2/3 IP, 268 H, 112 ER, 102 BB, 227 K, 3.18 ERA, 1.17 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
6/4</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/5</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/6</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/7</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/8</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/9</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/10</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
3 home
2 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
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
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 3</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: 9
L: 9
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 5
L: 10
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 6
L: 1
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 10
L: 10
R: 8
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 8
R: 6
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 7
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
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
3 home
0 vs. L
6 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
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: 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">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: 5
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 3
L: 7
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 8
L: 10
R: 3
S: 8</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: 9
L: 10
R: 6
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
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
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
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
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 5
L: 3
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
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
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 9
L: 4
R: 9
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 2
R: 10
S: 5</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: 5
L: 9
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 5
L: 3
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 9
L: 1
R: 10
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
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 4</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: 7
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">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: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 4
L: 1
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 8
L: 7
R: 10
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
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: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 9
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
H: 6
L: 4
R: 6
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: 2
L: 3
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
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 2
L: 4
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 5
L: 8
R: 2
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 5
L: 6
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
4 vs. L
2 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
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">COL
H: 6
L: 4
R: 8
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 5
L: 7
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 9
L: 6
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 4
L: 9
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">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: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 10</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">@MIL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 6
L: 3
R: 7
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 8</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: 9
L: 8
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </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">PIT
H: 6
L: 5
R: 8
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">DET
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
S: 6</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">DET
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 9
L: 1
R: 10
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
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: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
H: 3
L: 6
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
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">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: 5
L: 7
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 2
L: 3
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">TB
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 5
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 10
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 8
L: 3
R: 9
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 10
L: 10
R: 10
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
H: 6
L: 3
R: 7
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
1 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 7
L: 10
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
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: 5
L: 3
R: 9
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
H: 4
L: 1
R: 7
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
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 10
L: 7
R: 6
S: 4</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: 7
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 9
L: 1
R: 10
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 8
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: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 8</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
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 6
L: 9
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 7
L: 2
R: 9
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 4
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 3
L: 3
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: 1
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </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><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 10</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
4 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 1
R: 10
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 5
L: 4
R: 7
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
H: 5
L: 1
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 5
L: 1
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 3
R: 10
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 7
L: 3
R: 8
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
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: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 5
L: 2
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 6</td></tr></tbody></table>Some of the data used to generate this chart is derived from Baseball Musings' Day-by-day database.

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




Hitting notes



• With the designated hitter out of the picture from Friday to Sunday -- a span of three Week 9 games -- for eight AL teams, a handful of meaningful fantasy names might lose at-bats and therefore be somewhat less attractive options. Defensively challenged Tigers DH Delmon Young might not start at all at Cincinnati, as the Reds' rotation is entirely right-handed. The Royals will face a decision at first base between usual DH Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer, and a guess is that Butler might sit the two games versus right-handed starters. Los Angeles Angels DH Kendrys Morales has yet to play in the field this season, meaning he might be a pinch hitter for three of the Angels' six games this week. The Athletics might be holding Manny Ramirez back in the minors with an eye on their interleague schedule; as the A's games at NL parks finish on Thursday, June 14, midway through fantasy Week 10, he wouldn't have a place to play for those six games anyway. Tampa Bay Rays DH Luke Scott hasn't played in the field yet this season, and might not at Miami, either, especially not with fellow DH candidate Hideki Matsui also on the roster. The Rangers might rotate usual DH Michael Young around the infield, with first baseman Mitch Moreland most in jeopardy of sitting multiple times. And Blue Jays rookie David Cooper will probably sit as Edwin Encarnacion mans first base.


• Among NL hitters who stand to receive a few extra at-bats thanks to the DH: Cubs speedster Tony Campana, if not Reed Johnson, might sneak in a couple of starts with Alfonso Soriano shifting to DH. Astros utility man Matt Downs might man first base, with Carlos Lee at DH. Bobby Abreu is a natural DH for the Dodgers, opening up outfield spots for some mix of Tony Gwynn Jr., Elian Herrera and Scott Van Slyke. The Mets could sneak Mike Baxter in for two or more starts, as they did in Toronto in May. John Mayberry Jr. makes sense as a DH for the Phillies. And Michael Morse, due off the DL sometime within the week, can be eased back as a DH, allowing the Nationals to play both Morse and Adam LaRoche.


• Things have picked up for the Angels of late; they have .267/.323/.405 triple-slash rates as a team and have averaged 4.24 runs per game in their past 25 contests, and their .725 team OPS in the month of May significantly improved upon their .650 number in April. Much of that was the performances of Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo, but all three should continue their stellar hitting with three games versus the Seattle Mariners -- only one against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez -- followed by three at Colorado's Coors Field. Even lesser options like Erick Aybar, Torii Hunter and Howard Kendrick warrant a look.


• Unsurprisingly, the White Sox have been one of the most productive teams in baseball in home games this season; they have averaged 5.16 runs per game at U.S. Cellular Field, their .779 OPS there is eighth-best among home teams. Red-hot Dayan Viciedo is a lifetime .307/.340/.520 hitter with 11 of his 17 home runs at U.S. Cellular; A.J. Pierzynski is a .333/.388/.654 hitter in 23 games there this season; and Alejandro De Aza is a lifetime .316/.391/.505 hitter in 68 games there.

 

[HacheMan]

Top 12 for '12: d'Arnaud is ready

By Kevin Goldstein | Baseball Prospectus

Note: The top 12 fantasy prospects (players currently in the minor leagues) for 2012 are below. These rankings are a bit different from other prospect rankings; these are strictly for 2012 fantasy purposes. So not only do talent and recent performance play a role in the rankings, but potential paths to the big leagues also factor in. All young players in the minors are eligible, including those in "prospect purgatory" -- those who have exceeded rookie status but are still young and unproven commodities.




1. Travis d'Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays (Last week's rank: 8)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Las Vegas): 16-for-33 (.485), 3 HRs, 11 RBIs
Season totals: .330-12-34 in 46 games
<offer>Update: d'Arnaud has gone from being the hottest catcher prospect to arguably the hottest prospect, period. Look again at d'Arnaud's season line as I remind you that he got off to a very slow start while still recovering from offseason wrist surgery. The only question now is how he gets to Toronto, but it's worth noting that he has been seen taking some ground balls at first base this week.
What he can do: He's a catcher who can hit in the middle of a big league lineup. That's a rare commodity.</offer>



2. Danny Hultzen, SP, Seattle Mariners (Last week's rank: 3)

Last week's stats (at Double-A Jackson): 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K's
Season totals: 5-3, 1.59 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 56 2/3 IP, 61 K's
Update: In his first start of the season for Jackson, Hultzen allowed five earned runs in four innings. In his nine starts since, he has allowed five earned runs over 51⅔ innings. That's an ERA of 0.87 for those of you scoring at home. Hultzen has nothing left to prove at Double-A, and once he moves up to the Pacific Coast League, he should be just two or three decent starts away from getting the call by the Mariners.
What he can do: Hultzen's greatest value to fantasy owners will be his ability to hit the ground running. He's a "safe" prospect in that he has a high "floor." While many scouts don't see him as a future star, even those scouts do see him adjusting to the big leagues with few problems.



3. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals (Last week's rank: 1)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 8-for-26 (.308), 2 HRs, 7 RBIs
Season totals: .340-17-42, 4 SB in 43 games
Update: A rare week of mortality for Myers, who has been hitting out of the DH role over the past 10 days. The Royals insist Myers will still get some time at third base, though he'd likely play in the outfield for Kansas City were he to be called up now.
What he can do: Myers' arrival in Kansas City has moved from "if" to "when," but it might take a trade of someone (we're looking at you, Jeff Francoeur) for him to have consistent at-bats. He projects as a middle-of-the-order run-producer.



4. Jedd Gyorko, 2B, San Diego Padres (Last week's rank: 9)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 13-for-33 (.394), 3 HRs, 6 RBIs
Season totals: .281-11-29 in 49 games
Update: Gyorko's offense took off when the Padres moved him to second base, and the high-octane hitting environment in Tucson has buoyed his numbers even more. The Padres aren't going anywhere, so it's about time they get Gyorko's feet wet in preparation for a full-time gig.
What he can do: Much of Gyorko's fantasy value lies in his future position. If his defense is adequate enough for him to remain at second base, he'll have fantasy value. If he is moved back to third base, not so much.



5. Trevor Bauer, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Last week's rank: 5)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Reno): 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 8 K's
Season totals: 9-1, 1.74 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 67⅓ IP, 84 K's
Update: Bauer continues to pitch well, but he also continues to have control and efficiency issues. At 4.8 walks per nine, with high pitch counts, he has something to work on. But that likely won't keep him from hitting the big leagues in the second half of the season.
What he can do: Bauer should be able to generate strikeouts in the big leagues immediately, but the WHIP might be higher than you expect.



6. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Last week's rank: 4)




Last week's stats (at Double-A Tulsa): 7-for-25 (.280), 1 HR, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .298-4-30 in 46 games
Update: Arenado continues to slide down the "Top 12 for '12" ranks. He has been anything but bad, but he hasn't dominated, and there are understandable concerns about his impatient approach catching up to him in the big leagues. He's still coming, just maybe not as quickly as many had hoped.
What he can do: Arenado is one of the best pure hitters in the minors, but his power, speed and on-base skills are all currently below average, so he's not a multi-category fantasy producer at this time.



7. Yasmani Grandal, C, San Diego Padres (Last week's rank: 6)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 8-for-26 (.308), HR, 2 RBIs
Season totals: .317-4-23 in 34 games
Update: The question isn't how much longer Grandal can keep hitting at Tucson but how much longer the club can stick with Nick Hundley, who's hitting .169/.234/.282. Grandal was not brought in as a key part of the Mat Latos trade to play at Triple-A, and it's time to see what he can do.
What he can do: Grandal might be a tick below average defensively, but he's more than acceptable, and he makes up for it with his ability to hit for average, draw walks and provide a handful of home runs.


Editor's note: The Padres announced that Grandal will be called up Friday.


8. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs (Last week's rank: 2)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Iowa): 3-for-8 (.375), 1 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .354-17-46, 2 SB in 48 games
Update: Cubs Nation seemingly lost its mind when Rizzo was pulled from a game earlier this week. Unfortunately, he wasn't removed because he was heading to Wrigley; rather, it was because of a minor wrist injury. Barring setbacks with the wrist, Rizzo still should arrive sometime toward the end of June.
What he can do: Rizzo has some of the best numbers in the minors, and while they make him look like Albert Pujols, he's more like a good first baseman who can hit .280-.300 with 25-plus home runs in his prime. That's not Pujols-like, but it makes him plenty valuable.



9. Anthony Gose, OF, Blue Jays (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Las Vegas): 14-for-32 (.438), 3 RBIs, 7 SB
Season totals: .296-3-26, 24 SB in 53 games
Update: Gose has some of the best tools in the business, including plus-plus speed, the potential for average power and fantastic defense in center field. It's his hitting that has always been in question. But a slight tweak to his swing has led to some fantastic results of late, and while he's blocked for now (by Colby Rasmus), with Eric Thames having been sent down, Gose could find an opening if he stays hot.
What he can do: There is plenty of swing-and-miss in Gose's game, and he might not hit better than .260. But he still has the potential to be a fantasy stud, with double-digit home runs and 50-plus steals a season. The Jays likely will find a way to make him an everyday player by 2013.



10. Trayvon Robinson, OF, Mariners (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tacoma): 12-for-33 (.364), 2 HRs, 7 RBIs
Season totals: .269-6-26, 10 SB in 52 games
Update: Robinson arrived in Seattle at last year's trade deadline, but he struggled in the bigs; his stock took another hit with a horrible April at Triple-A. He has turned things around, though, thanks in part to his improved patience at the plate. After walking just three times in April, he drew 17 walks in May in posting a .297/.384/.458 triple-slash line. Despite the Mariners' offensive explosion earlier this week in Texas, the club still needs plenty of help offensively, and Robinson could be part of the solution.
What he can do: When Robinson is seeing pitches and drawing walks, he's a multifaceted outfielder who can make up for a low batting average with speed and occasional power.



11. Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Iowa): 9-for-24 (.375), 3 HRs, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .275-7-25 in 50 games
Update: It's hard to tell if his recent resurgence is just another tease or the beginning of something real, but it's worth noting that Vitters, the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, still has one of the prettiest swings in the minors. Although scouts have often been frustrated by his slow development, they've never been willing to give up on him either. It's pretty clear that Ian Stewart is not the answer at third base for the Cubs, and if Vitters stays hot, he might finally have a chance to prove he is.
What he can do: Well, let's not guarantee anything yet. This is more of a shot across the bow to point out a player who might be in line for some big league playing time.



12. Matt LaPorta, 1B, Cleveland Indians (Last week's rank: 10)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Columbus): 5-for-26 (.192), HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .307-14-32 in 46 games
Update: OK, this is it, I promise. LaPorta has cooled a bit, so if he doesn't got hot, or if Casey Kotchman starts doing anything of note, this will be the last time I remind you that LaPorta could be called up to play first base and provide a much-needed right-handed bat for the Tribe. Of course, I reserve the right to break this promise.
What he can do: Could he be better than Casey Kotchman? Probably, and he'd certainly give manager Manny Acta some flexibility against southpaws.


Bonus round: Veteran power




These are players whose prospect status has long gone away, but they're hitting well at Triple-A, which could lead to late-season call-ups. Perhaps they can provide a few September home runs to put your team over the top.


Jeff Clement, 1B, Pirates: The third overall pick in the 2005 draft washed out with the Mariners and Pirates, but a .290/.380/.490 line at Triple-A Indianapolis could get him a late-season look as a bench bat.


Jack Cust, DH, Yankees:Yes, he's still around, and yes, he's still a walk machine with big-time power. He's hitting .276/.425/.485 for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.


Brad Eldred, 1B, Tigers: Eldred is the minor league home run leader (with 20). He already had a brief big league stint in April, and he should return when rosters expand later this year to provide power (albeit with way too many strikeouts).

 

[HacheMan]

How to find hitting help off the waiver wire

Eric Karabell

Injuries are the great equalizer in fantasy sports. You're cruising along in your head-to-head baseball keeper league with Matt Kemp, Troy Tulowitzki, Roy Halladay, Dustin Pedroia and Nick Markakis -- OK, so that would be a really good team! -- then all of a sudden, to differing degrees they're all gone. It stinks. But you can't give up, you've got to make adjustments, find a way to fill the production. There's no crying in fantasy baseball.


There are also no asterisks for why you didn't win your league, and your league mates won't have sympathy for you no matter how bad it gets. I have a ravaged experts-league team and there's little to be done about it, choosing between Daniel Descalso and Vinny Rottino to fill holes in a 13-team NL-only format. Ah, but in ESPN standard 10-team mixed leagues, free agency is more bountiful, notably for the hitters. There's pitching everywhere, but not power. June baseball begins Friday and it seems a wise time to go around the diamond to find those under-owned offense choices.

Catcher: There are 13 catchers owned in more than half of ESPN's standard leagues, which is plenty since only one backstop per team is needed. Los Angeles Dodgers surprise A.J. Ellis still isn't one of them. He hit second Thursday, takes a ton of walks and seems legit to me to replace injured Jonathan Lucroy or, for the short term, Carlos Santana. And the home run leader behind the plate is actually owned in a mere 29.9 percent of leagues; go get Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Boston Red Sox. He's hit six home runs since May 13. In multi-catcher or really deep leagues, look at Ryan Doumit, Wilin Rosario and Salvador Perez, who should return soon for the Kansas City Royals. This really is a good year for catchers, so much so that I'm seeing teams using a catcher at utility, and it makes perfect sense.


Corner infield: Likewise, first base is proving deeper than originally expected, and third base is fine. People are giving up on Yonder Alonso, Logan Morrison and Todd Helton, but I expect better things from each of them. Matt Adams and Allen Craig might be platooning soon for the St. Louis Cardinals, but each is worth owning in a 12-team format. Ty Wigginton is streaky, but on pace for his typical numbers. And I like Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier; I think he's got another 15 home runs in him. For deeper leagues, Mark Reynolds, Justin Smoak, Paul Goldschmidt and Brandon Inge should supply some power and RBIs, and you're running out of time to stash Anthony Rizzo and Lance Berkman away. Both will produce in the final two months.


Middle infield: Erick Aybar, Danny Espinosa and Jemile Weeks are clearly and annoyingly struggling, but they are too talented to be this bad, and all can run. I continue to own Tyler Greene in a deep league, because he has power and speed. Stephen Lombardozzi is the opposite, but he's leading off and hitting .320, and he should find playing time even when Michael Morse comes back. I think Orlando Hudson and Everth Cabrera will steal bases, as will new Atlanta Braves rookie Andrelton Simmons. If you own Tulowitzki, hope it's a short DL stint. There's little power up the middle, and it's all owned.


Outfield: There are 67 outfielders owned in more than half of ESPN standard formats, some of them injured. Replacing a 30-homer, 30-steal type like Kemp is wishful thinking, but for a month, you can survive. Does your team lack steals, since Kemp wasn't providing them anyway? Denard Span, Jordan Schafer and Coco Crisp run enough to be owned in double the leagues they're actually owned in. Act fast on Crisp -- he has three stolen bases this week. For help in home runs and RBIs, I'm no Delmon Young or J.D. Martinez fan, but they're playing. So is Juan Pierre, and he's hitting a mostly non-fluky .324. I'm hoping talented Colby Rasmus and Peter Bourjos will figure things out. I'm hoping Ben Revere, Quintin Berry and Tony Campana keep playing, and suspect that Rajai Davis and Tony Gwynn will. Will Venable doesn't hurt a fantasy team. What's missing here? It's power. Speed is everywhere. Add Travis Snider of the Blue Jays, just in case, and to a lesser degree Hideki Matsui and Jason Bay. Each has issues but does possess power.

 

[HacheMan]

Johan No No but Cargo Go Go
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 . . . . You have all read about Johan's No-No and the risk of 130+ pitches on his post-shoulder surgery, so I assume you have that covered (and if not, Schultz does at the south end of this piece.



Carlos Gonzalez: There is no one hotter in major league baseball (or maybe all of sports) than Cargo. On Wednesday/Thursday, Cargo hit dingers in four straight at bats. In his "lesser" of the two nights, Cargo went 3-4 with three runs, three RBI, an HR and a SB. Check out these numbers so far: .332, 14 homers, 44 RBI and eight steals. That is a pace for 47 HR, 148 RBI and 27 SB. Monstrous! The bottom line here is that Cargo was undervalued at draft time this year because he missed some time last year with nagging injuries. Healthy, in Colorado, at the ripe young age of 26, this big year should have been very predictable. There may be a doubter in your league thinking he or she is selling high because of last year's "down" numbers (26-92-.295). Wow, wouldn’t that be sweet?



Nick Markakis: Nick Markakis landed on the shelf this week after hamate bone surgery. This is not what the O's, Nick or Nick's fantasy owners wanted to see. Markakis, who had not reached the 20 HR plateau since 2008, was finally showing some power (25 HR pace) before getting hurt. Given that hitters who suffer hand or wrist injuries often return to the field long before their power returns, the prognosis for Nick in 2012 is not very good. He will be out a month or more and then return without the power and looking at a .256 average. Bottom line here -- wait for Markakis to return and sell after the first good game or two.



Travis Blackley: Travis Blackley is going to take Tyson Ross's spot in the A's rotation and start Tuesday. A few thoughts come to mind. First, it is just a matter of time before the A's turn that spot over to Brad Peacock. Second, Blackley provides a perfect example of how important it is to watch matchups. Do NOT be fooled by Blackley's five innings of one-run ball Monday against the Twins. The Twins are just plain old bad at the dish. Blackley's opponent on Tuesday is the exact opposite -- the Texas Rangers. If you need me to tell you to stay far, far, far away from this matchup, then I have little faith in your pennant chances.



Yasmani Grandal: The Padres, desperate for offense, have called up their catcher of the future, Yasmani Grandal. Thus far this year, Grandal has hit .317 with four homers at AAA. The good news is that Grandal is not likely being called to the show to watch. The bad news is two-fold. First, young catchers rarely hit right away in the bigs. Second, 4 homers in the hitter friendly PCL hardly inspires confidence that a ball will leave Petco off of Grandal's bat. Grandal is good fodder for dynasty leagues or super deep NL leagues, but that is about it for now.



Brad Lincoln: The Bucs announced that Brad Lincoln will take Charlie Morton's (DL) spot in the rotation and get the ball Tuesday against the Reds. This is an interesting story. Bad -- Great American is not pitcher friendly. Good -- 26K in 25 innings with strong ratios mostly out of the pen. Bad -- 4.86 ERA career in the bigs with a pedestrian walk rate. Good -- he is now 27 and it is time he shows the promise we have long heard about. Bottom line -- it is just hard to predict which Lincoln will show up if he is allowed to stay in the rotation. Those in deep NL leagues should grab him and play matchups. Those in shallower leagues can do better -- and should. [NB -Lincoln pitched in relief Friday night so it is not clear if he will still take the ball Tuesday].



Yoenis Cespedes: Yoenis Cespedes came off the shelf Friday and will man LF for the A's. Thus far this year, Cespedes has struggled to hit for average (.245) but had some pop (5 HR) and some speed (4 SB) through 119 AB before getting hurt. I think this is a fair set of expectations for the Cuban defector -- some speed, some power, bad average. Act accordingly. [NB - the return of Cespedes and the imminent arrival of Manny Ramirez means less time or even demotion/DFA for one or more of Barton, K'aahue, or Cowgill].



Andrelton Simmons: Andrelton Simmons arrived from Double-A Mississippi to take over as the Braves starting SS with Tyler Pastornicky heading to Triple-A. Given that fielding doesn’t count in fantasy, there is not much to see here. Simmons was hitting .292 with three homers and 10 steals at AA, but expecting more than a punchless .250 in the bigs is expecting too much. Dynasty leaguers should take notice. Others should move right along.



Elian Herrera: Elian Herrera continued his hot streak Thursday, going 2-3 with two walks and a stolen base. This is a sell high situation if there ever was one. Yes, the Dodgers are looking for production wherever they can get it while superstar Matt Kemp sits again. However, given that Herrera has whiffed 15 times in 17 games, did not make the majors until his age 27 season and has not hit over .300 since rookie ball in 2006, his .328 major league average is likely an illusion. Sell high while you still can.



Delmon Young: I know I have written about him before, but Delmon Young is the kind of buy low player for the second half that could carry you to fantasy nirvana. Thursday, DYoung went 3-5 with a pair of RBI and his 4th dinger. I know I sound like a broken record but . . . like Melky Cabrera, Young made the majors at age 20, has a world of talent and at age 26 (Melky's age last year) is ready to break out. The investment window is closing. Ignore his off the field idiocy and roster the stats.



Josh Beckett: Josh Beckett has been much better this year than people realize. With all the attention to Red Sox beer, chicken and golf stories, Beckett's success has flown under the radar. In his last seven starts, Beckett has 35 K against 11 BB. Outside of one clunker in those seven starts, Becket has tossed 42 innings with just 10 ER against. The bottom line here is that the Red Sox are starting to turn things around and Josh Beckett is a bulldog starter who will continue to take the ball and put up solid roto numbers. He may be undervalued now but it will not last long.



And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “I think it's safe to say that, right now, Johan Santana may be the most dominant pitcher in baseball. The possessors of the title of Best Pitcher Going tend to have short reigns and those that don't, like Justin Verlander in 2011, usually wind up with an MVP trophy to set next to whatever you are given for winning the Cy Young. If you are the type of baseball fan that reads this far down in this little column, you are quite well aware that Santana followed up his complete game shut-out against the AA squad dressed in Padres' uniforms by throwing the first no-hitter in Mets history. (Little piece of trivia: not only have the Padres never had anyone throw a no-hitter, they've never had anyone hit for the cycle. Try making roto-use of that information. I dare you). In proclaiming Santana the best in baseball, it feels more like June of 2004, not June of 2012. If you were brave enough to take a flyer on Santana as he recovered from shoulder surgery, you cannot be more pleased as to how his season has turned out. However, two things to be concerned about: 1) the 130+ pitches Santana threw last night can't help but take a toll on his next couple starts and 2) Santana has a no-trade clause which may keep him on the surprisingly spunky Mets through the end of the season instead of being swapped into a pennant race.


Santana's old team, the Minnesota Twins, are putting on a perfect example of life imitating art or in our case, actual baseball imitating fantasy baseball. There is no bigger recipe for roto-failure then spending most of your budget on two players who underperform and spend time on the disabled list (i.e. Mauer and Morneau), adding a front-line starter that completely implodes (i.e. Francisco Liriano) to a staff that comes nowhere close to living up to expectations (e.g. Carl Pavano and everyone else). Of course, the one bright spot would be the veteran that you weren't altogether that excited about getting (i.e. Josh Willingham) that ends up being your brightest star. It's always nice when you can see the same issues that trip up roto-owners do the same to actual owners. Makes what we are all doing seem that much more important.


Since this column takes a liberal view on promoting other ventures (tune in to Colton and the Wolfman, Tuesday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on SiriusXM fantasy sports radio), you all might be interested to know that Schultz scribes Hitting The Trunk Road, a bi-weekly column that appears exclusively on the Hidden Track web site. Hidden Track covers rock music from classic to modern as well as the indie scene. They also have an article or two on Phish. It's one of the best music sites on the Web.”



Response: Quality analysis of the Johan situation. Maybe it is worth checking out whether Schultz knows music or Didley.