MLB Fantasy News 2012

[HacheMan]

The Butler is Doing It The emergence of Billy Butler highlight this week’s edition.

Before jumping into the baseball news, I just wanted to make sure you all know that Colton and the Wolfman will be on at a special time Tuesday June 12, 2012. We will be live from the FSTA conference in San Francisco from 6-8pm eastern. Don’t miss it.

Ok, now back to business . . . .

Billy Butler: With a his start at 1B Saturday, Billy Butler will have his 5 games at 1B and will be eligible in many leagues. This is big news for those who invested in Butler at a discount because of his “DH only” status in March. Butler has lived up to his longstanding hype this year, raking at a .292 clip with 11 HR and 35 RBI through 216 AB. At 26 in his 6^th big league season, this breakout was eminently predictable. Those who said Butler was only a doubles hitter forgot he made the majors at the tender age of 20 and is now just reaching that prime power age. If you take nothing else away from this week’s column, please do not forget these two fantasy truisms: 1) only the most talented players make the majors at 20 or 21 years old and 2) those players break out at age 25 or 26 and pay substantial profit to the smart fantasy owner. Billy Butler and Adam Jones are classic examples of these truisms.

Tyler Clippard: The Nats made clear this week what most already knew -- Tyler Clippard will be the closer at least until Drew Storen returns. My view -- invest in Clippard and don’t worry about Storen. Yes, Drew could take the closer role back eventually. However, until then, Clippard should rack up the saves as the Nats cannot blow anyone out. Thus, almost every game they win will be a potential save opportunity. Add in the fact that Clippard has substantial value even if he eventually goes back to setting up and you have a bargain worth pursuing. With over 100 Ks in each of the last two years, he is just as good in the K category as many mid-level starters. Buy.

Joe Kelly: Joe Kelly will start in place of the injured Jaime Garcia Sunday. Move along. There is nothing to see here from a fantasy perspective. With only 45K in 72 AAA innings this year, Kelly is more risk than upside. Obviously, if you cannot whiff AAA hitters, you will not mow down the big boys. You can do better.

Jaime Garcia: Speaking of Jaime Garcia, the situation is just not good. According to reports, Garcia will get opinions from both Dr. Andrews and Dr. Yocum about his left shoulder. If you own Garcia, it is time to start looking at other options. If you are in contention and it is a keeper league, move Garcia to the last place team now as in a few weeks, we may all learn that part of all of the 2013 season is in jeopardy.

Jed Lowrie: Jed Lowrie is raking. Thursday, home run. Friday, home run. Saturday, home run. Saturday’s was number 12. Is this power sustainable? Yes. Were there clues to this outbreak? Yes. Over the last two years, Lowrie hit 15 home runs in less than 500 AB while battling injuries that had to effect his power and performance. But, given that he has been hurt so much, Jed really does not have the experience of a 28 year old, but more like that of a 25 year old. Thus, he fall into what the Woflman calls the 25/26 and 1000 AB club -- a club for players ready to take the next step. If Lowrie can stay healthy, he will have a very, very good year. However, that is a mighty big IF. Those in contention for this year should think about selling high while they can.

B.J. Upton: B.J. Upton likes hitting clean up. Thursday the Rays mercurial star went 2-4 with a double and an RBI. Simply put, B.J. is a better roto player than he is a real world player. However, in both he has the potential to be a MONSTER. Many out there pooh-pooh the contract year effect. For many, the contract year indeed does not matter. For some, I think it makes all the difference (see Reyes, Jose). B.J. Upton is likely in the Reyes mold. If you have an opportunity to buy Upton cheap or even slightly below value, do it. For the rest of the year, I could easily see Upton notching 15-20 HR and 25+ SB. Buy.

Matt Cain: Matt Cain is proving he is worth the big bucks the Giants shelled out. Thursday, Cain let up zero earned runs over seven innings and struck out nine. Thus far in 2012, Cain is 7-2 with a very tasty 2.41 ERA and is on his way to yet another very strong season. In his last three seasons, Cain has recorded 171, 177, and 179 strikeouts. However, this year, his k rate is way up and he is on pace for 229. Bottom line: Cain is on his way to a season like his teammate the Freak used to post. If you can get Cain, do it now. He is the type of anchor every real and roto team needs.

Santiago Casilla: Santiago Casilla returned to the hill and registered a four out save. Yes, he has some health questions and yes, Romo and Affleldt could close and probably want to. However, Bruch Bochy has made clear that Casilla is his man. Saves are a direct result of opportunity and all signs point to Bochy continuing to give Casilla those opportunities no matter how well Romo or Affleldt ptiches. Buy.

Brandon Moss: Brandon Moss is the latest to enter the revolving door that is the Oakland first base slot. Barton is in the minors, Kila has been given his walking papers and the next short term tenant is Mr. Moss. One reason for optimism is that the 28 year old had 15 dingers in AAA already, however, that was in the PCL and loyal readers know those numbers are always inflated for hitters. In the end, there is not much to get excited about here unless you are in a very deep AL only league and need ABs for a couple of weeks.

Yu Darvish: Yu Darvish was not good this week. Thursday, Yu gave up six runs in just 5 1/3 innings against the anemic hitting A's. Personally, I think Yu is a major sell high candidate. He has a respectable 3.72 ERA but that 1.51 WHIP (with a BB rate over 5) will spell big time trouble in the dog days of summer in that hitter haven in Arlington Texas. You have been warned.

And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “For better or for worse, like its real world counterpart, the world of rotisserie baseball "journalism" has been significantly affected by the Moneyball phenomena with FIP, BABIP, OBP, SPF and STD becoming universally accepted predictors for assessing future performance. In the old days, when Bill James was simply a true crime aficionado, these type of decisions were made in a more subjective manner - you would just watch the player play. In the movie, this was what you are led to believe was the reason all those poor old agents lost their jobs to Jonah Hill and his Excel spreadsheet. Advanced metrics have their place - probably more so in roto-ball than anywhere else. It's still no substitute for watching a player hit or pitch and realizing that they have talent. Last night in extra innings of the Blue Jays/Braves tilt, Jason Heyward single-handedly won the game. After beating out a high bouncer to second, he moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and then scored the winning run when JP Arencibia's throw sailed into the outfield. In the box score, its just a hit, a run and a steal. In the real world, Heyward looked like the type of player that is on the verge of being a dominant force . . . and he doesn't even turn 23 until later this summer.

Speaking of 23-year-old future stars, Jesus Montero caught his first Major League no-hitter last night. You all might remember Montero from his role in last summer's version of West Coast Story and "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Montero." Far be it for the prevailing wisdom on a player to be wrong (when could that EVER happen) but Montero did not look like the tremendous liability behind the plate that he has been rumored to be. No one's going to mistake him for Ivan Rodriguez or Benito Santiago but he may last there longer than people are expecting. In a non roto-sense, Montero did provide the comic relief last night. After Tom Wilhelmsen induced the last out of the combined Seattle no-hitter, Montero ran wildly to the mound looking to jump on Wilhelmsen as most catchers are want to do at the end of a no-no. Understanding his limited role in the proceeding, Wilhelmsen looked like he was trying to convince a 4-year-old that he was not Spongebob Squarepants and to use his indoor voice.

The Mariners combi-no-no came about due to 37-year-old Kevin Millwood walking off the mound after injuring himself while warming up in the bottom of the seventh. For those of you riding the wave of a resurgence of pitchers who are essentially relics from the 90s (i.e. Pettitte (40), Colon (39), etc), you would be well served to remember that it's no longer an era when 42-year-old pitchers pick up Cy Young awards with a 1.87 ERA and 185 strikeouts. I would include Jamie Moyer in that thought but if he's still on your roto-team, you need more help than this column can provide. Temper expectations for those whose bodies are a little more susceptible to the rigors of a lengthy season and have alternatives at the ready.”

Response: Probably the best Schultz installment I have read. Great points about watching with your own eyes, denouncing the fountain of youth as it does not exist and creating a laugh or two at Montero’s expense. Well done!

 

[HacheMan]

Forecaster: June 11-18

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: It's the first of two full weeks of interleague play, and that means a schedule populated with nothing but three-game series, and equal numbers of six games played for all 30 teams. As said frequently in this space: It's a week that emphasizes quality, not quantity, of matchups. And, because it's an interleague week, it means one in which you won't have nearly the opportunities to rely upon historical matchups; most players will be facing teams and individual foes they've rarely seen before, so invest more in skills and recent performance.

As always, the most notable fantasy nuance of interleague play is the impact of the designated hitter rule: American League teams lose theirs during trips to National League parks, while NL teams gain a DH when traveling to AL parks. This week, there are more interleague games (48) and series (16) in AL parks than in NL (36 and 12), and only three AL teams -- the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees -- will play all of their games in NL parks. Meanwhile, five NL teams -- the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres -- will play all of their games in AL parks. For an overview of the DH/no-DH fantasy impact on specific players, see the Hitting notes section below.


Revenge might be a theme, as three prominent fantasy starting pitchers battle their former teams for the first time: Zack Greinke makes a road start at the Kansas City Royals, who traded him following the 2010 season, on Tuesday. Dan Haren makes his first career start versus the Diamondbacks, who traded him in July 2010, on Friday. And Josh Beckett, traded by the Miami Marlins (then the Florida Marlins) following the 2005 season, returns to Miami on Monday; incredibly, Beckett has never faced the Marlins in seven seasons since the trade. Among some of the other "revenge" storylines: Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, formerly the Red Sox's general manager, watches his Cubs take on the Red Sox at Wrigley Field during a weekend series. Erik Bedard, who began his career with the Baltimore Orioles, returns to Camden Yards on Thursday. And Joe Saunders, who was in the aforementioned Haren trade, returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim, where he had a 5.54 ERA in 11 starts in 2010, to start Saturday.


ESPN leagues: Week 10



Monday is a light day for baseball, with the first game beginning at 7:07 p.m. ET, so fantasy owners have a later deadline this week. 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 6/11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:07 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">TOR, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 6/15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2:20 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CHC, BOS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 6/12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, PIT</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 6/16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYY, WAS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 6/13</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:37 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">TOR, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 6/17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, COL, DET, PIT</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 6/14</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:35 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CIN, CLE</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 10 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
6/11</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/12</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/13</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/14</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/15</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/16</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/17</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">PIT
Chen
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ATL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Matsuzaka
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHC
Beckett
(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;" align="center">@STL
Quintana
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Humber
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
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
Gomez
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PIT
Gomez
(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">@CHC
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Crosby
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Smyly
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Scherzer
(RHP)
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">MIL
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Mazzaro
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Paulino
(RHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAD
Richards
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Williams
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Haren
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Santana
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ARI
Richards
(RHP)
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">PHI
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Walters
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Blackburn
(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">@ATL
Nova
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Pettitte
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@WAS
Nova
(RHP)
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">@COL
Colon
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Milone
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Parker
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Blackley
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Colon
(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">SD
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Beavan
(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">NYM
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Price
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Moore
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Shields
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIA
Cobb
(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">ARI
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Hutchison
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Romero
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PHI
Morrow
(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">@TEX
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Miley
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAA
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Delgado
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Minor
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BAL
Delgado
(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">DET
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Wood
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BOS
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 2</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
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Leake
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Latos
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Cueto
(RHP)
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">OAK
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Outman
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
White
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Guthrie
(RHP)
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">@SF
Norris
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Happ
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TEX
Norris
(RHP)
P: 2</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
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Harang
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHW
Capuano
(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">BOS
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TB
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@KC
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Greinke
(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">@TB
Young
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Santana
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Gee
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CIN
Young
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
Worley
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TOR
Kendrick
(RHP)
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">@BAL
Lincoln
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Correia
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Lincoln
(RHP)
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
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Richard
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Bass
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Richard
(LHP)
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">HOU
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Zito
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SEA
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TOR
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
Wang
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr></tbody></table>P: The starting pitcher's matchup rating, which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.




Tristan's Week 10 pitcher rankings: Top 75



1. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Tue-@KC (Paulino), Sun-@MIN (Blackburn)
2. Matt Cain (SF) -- Wed-HOU (Happ)
3. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Fri-CHW (Sale)
4. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Mon-WAS (Jackson), Sun-PHI (Kendrick)
5. David Price (TB) -- Wed-NYM (Dickey)
6. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Tue-CHW (Quintana), Sun-KC (Paulino)
7. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Fri-COL (Francis)
8. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Thu-@TB (Hellickson)
9. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Tue-HOU (Norris), Sun-@SEA (Beavan)
10. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Wed-@MIN (Walters)
11. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Fri-ARI (Cahill)
12. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Wed-@LAD (Eovaldi)
13. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Sat-@TOR (Romero)
14. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-@ATL (Minor)
15. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Tue-@TEX (Lewis), Sun-@LAA (Richards)
16. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Wed-@TOR (Drabek)
17. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Wed-@TB (Price)
18. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Fri-@LAD (Kershaw)
19. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Wed-NYY (Kuroda)
20. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Tue-ARI (Kennedy), Sun-HOU (Norris)
21. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Mon-@MIA (Johnson), Sun-@CHC (Maholm)
22. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Fri-NYY (Hughes)
23. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Mon-BOS (Beckett), Sun-@TB (Cobb)
24. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-CLE (Gomez), Sun-@NYM (Young)
25. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Thu-@KC (Mazzaro)
26. James McDonald (PIT) -- Fri-@CLE (Masterson)
27. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Wed-@STL (Lynn)
28. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Sat-@TB (Shields)
29. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Sat-SF (Lincecum)
30. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Mon-LAA (Richards), Sun-CHW (TBD)
31. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Thu-NYM (Santana)
32. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Sat-@MIN (TBD)
33. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Sat-PHI (Lee)
34. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Fri-@SEA (Vargas)
35. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Mon-@TOR (Morrow), Sun-NYY (Nova)
36. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Sat-@SEA (Hernandez)
37. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Sat-BAL (Hammel)
38. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Wed-DET (Crosby)
39. Matt Moore (TB) -- Fri-MIA (Zambrano)
40. James Shields (TB) -- Sat-MIA (Sanchez)
41. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Fri-BAL (Hunter)
42. Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Fri-SD (Bass)
43. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Wed-CHW (Peavy)
44. Andy Pettitte (NYY) -- Sat-@WAS (Zimmermann)
45. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Thu-CLE (Tomlin)
46. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Wed-ARI (Miley)
47. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Sat-NYY (Pettitte)
48. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Sat-@CHC (Dempster)
49. Alex Cobb (TB) -- Tue-NYM (Young), Sun-MIA (Johnson)
50. Carlos Zambrano (MIA) -- Fri-@TB (Moore)
51. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Wed-@ATL (Beachy)
52. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Sat-CHW (Humber)
53. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Thu-@TEX (Harrison)
54. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Fri-PIT (McDonald)
55. Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Mon-@ATL (Delgado), Sun-@WAS (Jackson)
56. Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Fri-CIN (Arroyo)
57. A.J. Burnett (PIT) -- Sat-@CLE (Jimenez)
58. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Tue-@CHC (Maholm), Sun-COL (Guthrie)
59. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Sat-CIN (Bailey)
60. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Sat-PIT (Burnett)
61. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Sat-BOS (Lester)
62. Wei-Yin Chen (BAL) -- Tue-PIT (Lincoln), Sun-@ATL (Delgado)
63. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Thu-ARI (Hudson)
64. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Thu-@BAL (Arrieta)
65. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Thu-@SF (Zito)
66. Jeff Samardzija (CHC) -- Fri-BOS (Matsuzaka)
67. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Wed-@TEX (Darvish)
68. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Tue-@MIA (Buehrle)
69. Randall Delgado (ATL) -- Mon-NYY (Nova), Sun-BAL (Chen)
70. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Fri-MIL (Fiers)
71. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Fri-@LAA (Haren)
72. Bartolo Colon (OAK) -- Tue-@COL (Guthrie), Sun-SD (Richard)
73. Drew Hutchison (TOR) -- Fri-PHI (Worley)
74. Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Fri-SF (Vogelsong)
75. Felix Doubront (BOS) -- Wed-@MIA (Nolasco)



Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Blake Beavan (SEA) -- Tue-SD (Richard), Sun-SF (Bumgarner)
Bud Norris (HOU) -- Tue-@SF (Bumgarner), Sun-@TEX (Lewis)
Felipe Paulino (KC) -- Tue-MIL (Greinke), Sun-@STL (Wainwright)
Clayton Richard (SD) -- Tue-@SEA (Beavan), Sun-@OAK (Colon)
Garrett Richards (LAA) -- Mon-@LAD (Capuano), Sun-ARI (Kennedy)



No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Tue-PHI (Kendrick), Sun-MIL (Greinke)
Jeanmar Gomez (CLE) -- Tue-@CIN (Cueto), Sun-PIT (Lincoln)
Jeremy Guthrie (COL) -- Tue-OAK (Colon), Sun-@DET (Scherzer)
Kyle Kendrick (PHI) -- Tue-@MIN (Blackburn), Sun-@TOR (Morrow)
Brad Lincoln (PIT) -- Tue-@BAL (Chen), Sun-@CLE (Gomez)
Paul Maholm (CHC) -- Tue-DET (Scherzer), Sun-BOS (Beckett)
Chris Young (NYM) -- Tue-@TB (Cobb), Sun-CIN (Cueto)



Pitching notes



• Lincecum, Schmincecum. Tim Lincecum's season-to-date struggles might have dominated the discussion surrounding the San Francisco Giants' pitching staff, but they've marred an otherwise outstanding recent stretch for their rotation, Lincecum's performance included. During an 11-game stretch from May 27-June 7, Giants starters have eight wins, nine quality starts, a 2.08 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, and their four most fantasy-prominent relievers -- Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez -- have combined for nine saves in 10 chances, a 1.26 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. Whoever is closing for them -- and it appears that Casilla is now healthy enough to do so -- the Giants are pitching well and have a favorable set of matchups with three home games versus the Houston Astros, followed by a three-game road set at Seattle's Safeco Field. They're my Baseball Challenge pitching staff pick of Week 10, and Lincecum's owners examining individual matchups might even like his: He's scheduled for Saturday at Safeco. Among other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Brewers (@KC-3, @MIN-3), Tampa Bay Rays (NYM-3, MIA-3), Toronto Blue Jays (WAS-3, PHI-3), Los Angeles Dodgers (LAA-3, CHW-3).


• The White Sox might get John Danks (shoulder) back in time for Sunday's start at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, as the left-hander is scheduled for a rehabilitation outing on Tuesday for Triple-A Charlotte. He's not recommended in fantasy leagues even if he does, but his potential return could steal a second start this week from Jose Quintana, who has two quality starts in three tries thus far.


• Felipe Paulino, 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in his past five starts, is a risky two-start pitcher due to a groin injury suffered during his most recent start (June 6). He's a candidate for the disabled list, is ranked conservatively and should be closely monitored before being used in fantasy leagues.


• With Derek Holland on the disabled list, the Texas Rangers have moved Alexi Ogando into their rotation, beginning with what should be an abbreviated June 10 start. He'll take turn No. 2 Saturday versus the Astros, a favorable matchup albeit one that might again afford him a limited number of pitches. This is the matchup for which to activate him -- unless your league affords an extremely limited number of starts for the week/season -- and remember that he was 13-8 with 17 quality starts, a 3.56 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 29 games as a starter in 2011.


• The Rays have shown they don't regard Alex Cobb as a traditional fifth starter, pitching him instead every fifth turn in the rotation regardless of off days, which lines him up as a favorable two-start option with two home starts, one versus the New York Mets, the other against the Marlins. Cobb has allowed more runs than he has completed innings only once in 13 career big-league starts, he has seven quality starts, a 3.64 ERA and 1.32 WHIP overall, and he tossed a solid game against the Marlins on June 18, 2011 (6 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER).


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 10, here are my picks by day:


Monday, June 11: Garrett Richards at Los Angeles Dodgers
Tuesday, June 12: Wei-Yin Chen versus Pittsburgh Pirates
Wednesday, June 13: Brian Matusz versus Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, June 14: Scott Diamond versus Philadelphia Phillies
Friday, June 15: Jarrod Parker versus San Diego Padres
Saturday, June 16: Alexi Ogando versus Houston Astros
Sunday, June 17: Alex Cobb versus Miami Marlins


Past picks
Friday, June 1: Felipe Paulino -- W, QS, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Saturday, June 2: Luke Hochevar -- 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Sunday, June 3: Trevor Cahill -- W, QS, 9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Monday, June 4: Scott Feldman -- 1 2/3 IP, 7 H, 8 ER, 1 BB, 3 K Tuesday, June 5: Homer Bailey -- 3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Wednesday, June 6: Jerome Williams -- 5 2/3 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Thursday, June 7: Clayton Richard -- 5 2/3 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (pitched June 6)


Week's total: 7 GS, 2 W (28.6%), 2 QS (28.6%), 35 2/3 IP, 48 H, 29 ER, 12 BB, 25 K, 7.32 ERA, 1.68 WHIP
Season total: 57 GS, 27 W (47.4%), 34 QS (59.6%), 352 1/3 IP, 316 H, 141 ER, 114 BB, 252 K, 3.60 ERA, 1.22 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
6/11</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/12</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/13</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/14</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/15</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/16</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/17</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
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 4
R: 6
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
H: 4
L: 2
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
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
H: 6
L: 4
R: 8
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
H: 8
L: 5
R: 9
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
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 3
L: 2
R: 2
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 1</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">@LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
H: 5
L: 1
R: 6
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
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: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
H: 7
L: 7
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
3 home
4 vs. L
2 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 10
L: 6
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
H: 8
L: 5
R: 9
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 9</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">COL
H: 8
L: 5
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
H: 10
L: 10
R: 8
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
3 home
1 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

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

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

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

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">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: 7
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
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: 7
L: 10
R: 3
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 7
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
H: 6
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 9
L: 9
R: 8
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 7
L: 10
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">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: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 8
L: 5
R: 10
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
H: 4
L: 7
R: 1
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 3
R: 8
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 6
L: 3
R: 8
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
H: 7
L: 2
R: 8
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
H: 9
L: 8
R: 10
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
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 4
R: 9
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
H: 10
L: 6
R: 10
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 5
L: 2
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
S: 4</td></tr></tbody></table>Some of the data used to generate this chart is derived from Baseball Musings' Day-by-day database.

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




Hitting notes



• Two of the three AL teams that play all six of their games at NL parks, the Red Sox and White Sox, have regular designated hitters who might shift to first base for one or more games this week: The Red Sox's David Ortiz might play there, with Adrian Gonzalez shifting to right field and Kevin Youkilis and Will Middlebrooks duking it out for third-base at-bats. The White Sox's Adam Dunn, who started two of three games there ahead of Paul Konerko during their May 18-20 series at Chicago's Wrigley Field, might play more than half the time there again, what with the White Sox facing four right-handed starters and Konerko not far removed from a wrist injury. Six other AL teams will make three-game stops at one NL ballpark this week: The Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Royals, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics. Among the usual DHs for those teams, the Orioles' Chris Davis could return to third base at Wilson Betemit's expense; the Tigers' Delmon Young might steal some at-bats in left field from Don Kelly; the Royals face a difficult daily lineup decision at first base between Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer, one which we might gain insight during the team's June 8-10 series at Pittsburgh; and the Angels sound likely to sit the third-base duo of Alberto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis, as Kendrys Morales shifts to first base and Albert Pujols to third base.


• Among the five NL teams that play all six of their games at AL parks, the following players stand to receive extra at-bats thanks to the DH: Justin Upton should surely return to the everyday lineup, the DH granting a space for all four Diamondbacks' outfielders (Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra and Chris Young being the others). The Brewers can put Taylor Green into their lineup, opening up DH for Aramis Ramirez, Rickie Weeks or Ryan Braun (Corey Hart would return to the outfield in the latter instance). The Phillies should use John Mayberry Jr. at DH, especially with two games scheduled against left-handed starters. And the Padres can get Yonder Alonso, Jesus Guzman and Carlos Quentin back into the same lineup. As for the six NL teams that play merely one series at an AL park -- the Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Marlins, New York Mets, Giants and Washington Nationals -- here are a few other hitters who might get extra DH at-bats: The Reds' Chris Heisey and Ryan Ludwick both have a place to play; Jason Giambi or Tyler Colvin could serve as the Rockies' DH; Greg Dobbs might man third base for the Marlins, while Hanley Ramirez slides to DH; Jason Bay could ease his way back into the lineup as the Mets' DH; Brandon Belt and Brett Pill should both have a place for play for the Giants; and Rick Ankiel should return to center field for the Nationals, shifting Bryce Harper back to right field and Michael Morse to DH.


• Small sample, but the Athletics, at least through the first seven days of June, ranked second in the majors in runs scored (33) and 12th in OPS (.737), and now they get the benefit of a three-game series at Colorado's Coors Field against a reeling Rockies rotation, as well as three home games versus a Padres pitching staff that had a 5.12 ERA in its past 20 games. Yoenis Cespedes' health might have an impact upon the team's performance, as he'd traditionally be their cleanup hitter, plus he's a .400 hitter (10-for-25) with one home run in seven games since returning from the DL. Jemile Weeks, meanwhile, is a .277 hitter (28-for-101) with five stolen bases in his past 27 games. Seth Smith, a lifetime .296/.366/.559 hitter in 235 games at Coors, returns there for the first time since the Rockies traded him this past winter.

 

[HacheMan]

Top 12: Domonic Brown resurfaces

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

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 7-for-24 (.292), 4 HR, 10 RBIs
Season totals: .335-21-52, 4 SB in 56 games
Update: Myers returned to the outfield this week and also returned to hitting bombs. After entering 2012 with a career-high mark of 14 home runs in a season, he already has 21, and we're not even to the midway point yet. The only question is where he'll be hitting balls out of during the second half of the season, Omaha or Kansas City.
What he can do: Myers continues to play only center field for Omaha, and while Lorenzo Cain has barely had a chance to prove himself, he has to feel some pressure from one of the hottest prospects in baseball.



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




Last week's stats (at Double-A Jackson): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K's
Season totals: 6-3, 1.44 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 62 1/3 IP, 67 K's
Update: The fair question right now is what Hultzen is still doing at Double-A? He has allowed just two runs over his past five starts (31 2/3 innings), and he's not being challenged in the Southern League. Then again, many scouts feel the Pacific Coast League won't provide much of a challenge for him either.
What he can do: Hultzen is not only the starting pitcher prospect most likely to reach the big leagues first and remain there, he's also the most likely to succeed from the get-go.



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




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 12-for-24 (.500), 2 HR, 10 RBIs
Season totals: .305-12-38 in 55 games
Update: That season stat line doesn't do justice to what Gyorko is doing right now; in 21 games since his promotion to Triple-A, he's hitting .366-7-21. Still splitting time between second and third base, Gyorko is ready for a big league call-up to play a to-be-determined position.
What he can do: He's short, stocky and frankly a bit awkward, but all Gyorko has done since arriving in pro baseball is hit, and you can expect that to continue in the big leagues.



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




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Iowa): 7-for-15 (.467), 2 RBIs
Season totals: .362-17-48 in 53 games
Update: Thankfully, Rizzo's wrist injury last week turned out to be minor, and he's smacking balls all over the field again. The Cubs maintain an extra year of control if they wait until late June to bring up Rizzo.
What he can do: First base prospects have to be able to hit, and Rizzo can do just that. He'll be a centerpiece in the Cubs' offense for years to come.



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





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Las Vegas): 6-for-19 (.316), HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .329-13-37 in 51 games
Update: Last week's top prospect didn't exactly cool down in the past week; rather, the prospects below him in the ranks went off. But d'Arnaud is still easily the best catcher prospect in the game.
What he can do: d'Arnaud has yet to hit a triple this year, and he has just one stolen base. That's pretty much the extent of what he can't do offensively.



6. Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Double-A Frisco): 10-for-22 (.455), 7 HR, 12 RBIs
Season totals: .311-18-48 , 3 SB in 55 games
Update: Arguably no prospect in baseball is as hot as Olt, whose hitting display included three consecutive two-homer games. The biggest question is where he fits in with Texas. He's certainly not going to usurp Adrian Beltre at the hot corner, and he hasn't been getting much time in at first base or left field.
What he can do: There are some holes in Olt's swing, as evidenced by his 63 strikeouts in 55 games. But he has more than enough power and patience to make up for what will be merely an acceptable batting average.



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

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Reno): 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K's
Season totals: 9-1, 1.96 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 73 1/3 IP, 91 K's
Update: Bauer has big league stuff, to be sure, but those people shouting for him to be called up need to cool it. Look at that WHIP. Does that look like a dominating number to you? Bauer is going to be great, but he still has work to do.
What he can do: Bauer should get plenty of strikeouts immediately, but expect some bumps in the road outside of that because he's still learning how to harness his stuff.



8. Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Lehigh Valley): 9-for-23 (.391), 3 HR, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .276-4-21, 4 SB in 42 games
Update: Once upon a time, Brown was one of the hottest fantasy prospects in the game, but since a disastrous showing in spring training 2011, he has been either hurt or strangely ineffective. Still just 24 years old, Brown remains an ultra-athletic outfielder, and his recent offensive surge is creating optimism for his future.
What he can do: Brown has 20-homer/20-steal potential, and while there's no room at the inn for him right now in Philadelphia, many other major league franchises see him as an excellent change-of-scenery candidate and would love to have him. His name could be heard plenty as the summer trade rumors heat up.



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





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 4-for-13 (.308), HR, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .316-5-27 in 37 games
Update: Grandal's mysteriously short big league stint consisted of a grand total of one at-bat before being sent down, so he remains on this list. Much like the aforementioned Gyorko, it's hard to figure out what the Padres are waiting for, especially considering the nightmare season at the plate Nick Hundley can't seem to wake up from.
What he can do: Grandal has the potential to be a catcher who can hit for average and reach base consistently, but he's not a pure power hitter, and playing half of his games in San Diego's spacious Petco Park certainly won't help him in that department.



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




Last week's stats (at Double-A Tulsa): 6-for-21 (.286), HR, RBI
Season totals: .297-5-31 in 58 games
Update: Arenado's slow slide continues, but the numbers don't tell the whole story here. Granted, it's a small sample size, but Arenado has drawn four walks in six June contests after not having drawn a single walk in 28 May games. His numbers haven't exploded yet, but a better approach at the plate sure would help him.
What he can do: Few minor league hitters have as much .300-average potential as Arenado, but it's looking like he might not be as close as we expected.



11. Corey Brown, OF, Washington Nationals (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Syracuse): 5-for-24 (.208), 2 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .287-14-33, 6 SB in 55 games
Update: After one week in the big leagues, Brown returned to the minors, and he would have ranked higher on this list had he not ended the week in an 0-for-10 rut. He deserved more than just three major league at-bats and could help the Nationals right now.
What he can do: Brown will never be a high-average hitter, but he does get on base (.383 OBP) thanks to his ability to draw walks, has 14 home runs in 209 at-bats and has enough speed to collect 10-15 stolen bases per season as well.



12. Tyler Cloyd, SP, Phillies (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Lehigh Valley): 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's
Season totals: 8-1, 2.11 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 76 2/3 IP, 60 K's
Update: Cloyd doesn't have much of a prospect profile, as he's a 25-year-old former 18th-round pick who entered the year as barely a blip on the radar. And really, there's nothing sexy about his stuff. But he pounds the strike zone, changes speeds and keeps hitters off-balance. Simply put, he's a pure pitcher.
What he can do: Cloyd should reach the majors, but he'll never be a star. He figures to be a back-of-the-rotation battler in the bigs, the type of pitcher who can hold his own for six innings and keep his team in the ballgame. The way things are going right now in Philadelphia, he could be of use.



Bonus round: Little men, big bats





I make no secret of my affection for undersized second basemen who can hit, and here are my three current favorites:


Ryan Brett, 2B, Rays (5-foot-9, 180 pounds): The furthest from the big leagues, the 20-year-old Brett is a line-drive machine with gap power and plus speed. He's hitting .324-5-18 with 17 stolen bases in 49 games for low Class A Bowling Green.


Scooter Gennett, 2B, Brewers (5-foot-9, 164): No player in baseball looks more like a "Scooter," and while he still has plenty to work on defensively, his bat has impressed scouts for years. He's hitting .307-3-19 with seven stolen bases in 60 games at Double-A Huntsville.


Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals (5-foot-9, 190): A first-round pick in 2011, Wong has the highest pedigree of this trio, as well as the clearest path to a big league job. There are few weaknesses in his game, and he's batting .314-5-23 with nine stolen bases in 52 games for Double-A Springfield (Mo.). We could see him in the bigs at some point in 2013.

 

[HacheMan]

Jumbo Trumbo

Many were chalking Mark Trumbo’s 2011 campaign up as a fluke, noting his ugly K/BB ratio and stating with certainty that he was likely to get exposed as pitchers discovered the holes in his swing.



But, as it turns out, the dude actually can hit a little bit.



Trumbo notched the second multi-homer effort in his past five games Sunday, blasting a pair of three-run bombs in the victory over the Rockies. The owner of an impressive .326/.380/.632 batting line, Trumbo has now gone deep 14 times while driving in 39 runs this season.



Is he going to continue to sport a near-.330 batting clip? No. It’s probably not even going to be close to .300. But, it’s pretty clear at this point that Trumbo’s talents have been underestimated. For a guy that entered the season with playing time questions and worries about a foot injury, he’s surpassed expectations by a wide margin.



League To Return To Old Role?



When Mariners manager Eric Wedge removed Brandon League from the closer role just over two weeks ago, he vowed that the hard-throwing right-hander would return to the ninth inning eventually. It appears that that day might be coming soon.



Wedge said before Sunday's game that League will get his job back “sooner rather than later.” At the time of Wedge's statement, the 29-year-old had allowed just one run while striking out six and walking one over 6 2/3 frames since being demoted. Wedge did say that even after League retakes the ninth, he wouldn’t rule out Tom Wilhelmsen seeing the occasional save chance.



“If Brandon does close, it doesn’t mean Tom (Wilhelmsen) or someone else won’t get opportunities, too,” Wedge said in the Tacoma News Tribune.



Of course, things didn't go so well for League against the Dodgers Sunday, as he allowed four hits and two runs over an inning of work. It remains to be seen whether the appearance will change Wedge's line of thinking. But, regardless, it's clear that the manager intends on giving League his job back at some point.



Wilhelmsen has nailed down all three save chances since unofficially taking over as closer, allowing just one hit and no walks over 3 2/3 innings. He’s been unscored upon over his last 8 2/3 frames, boasting a 0.46 WHIP and 8/1 K/BB ratio over that stretch. Keep in mind that League is a good bet to be moved at the trade deadline, so Wilhelmsen could find himself back in the ninth inning eventually. If you have roster space, it might be a good idea to hang on to him even after League regains his job.



Ogando DL-bound?



Alexi Ogando’s opportunity in the rotation wasn’t supposed to last long, but it looks like it will be an even shorter stint than the Rangers anticipated.



The hard-throwing right-hander strained his right groin while beating out a bunt single Sunday and admitted after the game that it “feels pretty bad.” He’ll receive an MRI Monday, but at this point a trip to the disabled list seems probable.



So if Ogando is indeed placed on the DL, what will the Rangers do about the back-end of their rotation? Roy Oswalt isn’t ready, as he’s slated to make his third rehab start Tuesday and thus would be pitching on three days’ rest on Saturday, when Ogando’s spot comes up again. Most likely, we would see the Rangers go with Robbie Ross for a spot start before handing a rotation spot over to Oswalt the following week.





National League Quick Hits: Troy Tulowitzki (groin) could be activated from the disabled list Friday, the first day he’s eligible. He’s expected to begin a rehab assignment early this week … Melky Cabrera (hamstring) is expected to return to the Giants' starting lineup Tuesday. He missed the entire weekend series against the Giants … Carlos Zambrano is not expected to miss a start after exiting his last outing with lower back tightness … Andrew Cashner has been sent down to Double-A San Antonio following an abbreviated start Saturday. Cashner will be stretched out and re-enter the Padres rotation later this month … Tim Hudson is expected to be ready to take the ball his next time out after having his last start skipped due to bone chips in his ankle … Drew Stubbs (oblique) has missed the last five games, and his return to the lineup isn’t imminent. The Reds still think he’ll avoid the DL, but they’ll have to make a decision on him soon if the ailment continues to linger … Gaby Sanchez was recalled by the Marlins Sunday and doubled in a run in four at-bats in his first game back. Sanchez should receive the bulk of the playing time at first base, but he’s not a recommended mixed league play.



American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver (back) could rejoin the Angels rotation next weekend. He’ll throw off a mound Monday for the first time since landing on the DL … The Tigers were hoping that Doug Fister (left side strain) would rejoin the rotation Wednesday, but he’s not quite ready after still experiencing some soreness and stiffness following Saturday’s bullpen session … Nelson Cruz missed a start Monday due to a sore Achilles. The ailment isn’t considered serious … Adam Dunn is expected to start in left field for all three games of the White Sox’ upcoming interleague series in St. Louis. That means Dayan Viciedo and his 12 home runs will be on the bench … Jonathan Sanchez (biceps) is expected to be activated from the DL sometime this week. It could either be Wednesday, which would be after four days of rest, or the Royals could wait until Saturday, when a need for a fifth starter comes up … Russell Martin helped the Yankees sweep the Subway Series with a walk-off solo homer Sunday. It was his second longball of the day … Colby Rasmus went deep again as part of a three-hit day Sunday. He’s finally heating up, batting .308 so far in June with a pair of longballs … Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler is expected to sign on with someone by Monday. The Cubs are viewed as the favorites, but the Yankees might be a close second.​

 

[HacheMan]

The Cliff Lee line

What determines 'must-start' status among pitchers in points leagues?

By AJ Mass | ESPN.com

Philip Humber threw a perfect game and earned a whopping 41 fantasy points in one day. Johan Santana threw a no-hitter and got 35 fantasy points for the effort. Max Scherzer gave up two runs and four hits in seven innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates and got 32 points thanks to an impressive 15 strikeouts.

These three performances are just a few of the ones that stand out so far this season as the most memorable outings by a starting pitcher this season, and the points earned by each in their moment in the spotlight certainly reflect their dominance on that given day when they clearly were far greater than "the average pitching performance."


But what is average? Exactly how many points should we expect from the typical pitcher each and every time he takes the mound? How many pitchers consistently exceed that "average" mark and, as such, should be started no matter what? In other words, when it comes to points leagues, where exactly is, as my colleague Matthew Berry would put it, the Wandy Line?


To figure this out, we first need to see what the average 2012 statistics per team starting staff have been this season and then convert that average to a value using ESPN standard fantasy scoring:


<table><thead><tr><th></th><th> IP </th><th> ER </th><th> BB </th><th> SO </th><th> H </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> MLB Average Team </td><td> 352 </td><td> 162 </td><td> 116 </td><td> 277 </td><td> 348 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Per Start Average </td><td> 6 </td><td> 2.75 </td><td> 1.97 </td><td> 4.69 </td><td> 5.90 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Taking these per-start numbers yields us 9.2 points per start for the average pitcher. Of course, that does not factor in the chances of a win, which would add five points to the mix. Nor does it take into account the possibility of a five-point deduction for a loss.



<table><thead><tr><th> Player </th><th> Team </th><th> PPG </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Matt Cain </td><td> SF </td><td> 19.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> R.A. Dickey </td><td> NYM </td><td> 19.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Chris Sale </td><td> CWS </td><td> 18.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Gio Gonzalez </td><td> WAS </td><td> 18.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Stephen Strasburg </td><td> WAS </td><td> 18.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Cole Hamels </td><td> PHI </td><td> 18.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Justin Verlander </td><td> DET </td><td> 17.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jake Peavy </td><td> CWS </td><td> 17.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Lance Lynn </td><td> STL </td><td> 16.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Andy Pettitte </td><td> NYY </td><td> 16.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jered Weaver </td><td> LAA </td><td> 16.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Clayton Kershaw </td><td> LAD </td><td> 16.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> James McDonald </td><td> PIT </td><td> 16.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Scott Diamond </td><td> MIN </td><td> 16.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brandon Morrow </td><td> TOR </td><td> 16.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> David Price </td><td> TB </td><td> 16.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Chris Capuano </td><td> LAD </td><td> 15.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brandon Beachy </td><td> ATL </td><td> 15.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> CC Sabathia </td><td> NYY </td><td> 15.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Ryan Vogelsong </td><td> SF </td><td> 15.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Zack Greinke </td><td> MIL </td><td> 15.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> C.J. Wilson </td><td> LAA </td><td> 15.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Ryan Dempster </td><td> CHC </td><td> 15.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Cliff Lee </td><td> PHI </td><td> 14.7 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Since winning and losing is such an arbitrary factor anyway, let's add a percentage portion of the five points for a win, based on the to-date probability of a starter earning a win this season: 35.6 percent. That means we'll add 1.8 points (35.6 percent of the five points) to the 9.2 points we've got as a baseline.


That raises our average points output for the average pitching day to 11.0. There are 63 pitchers earning at least 11 points per start on the season. By total chance, here are the last three names on this list: Roy Halladay (currently on the disabled list), Zach McAllister (currently in Triple-A) and our old friend Wandy Rodriguez.


However, this is not where we'd draw the line for a "must-start pitcher" by any means. In order to put a pitcher in our lineup, day in and day out, regardless of the matchup, we'd want to be a lot more certain of a victory. So let's add the full five points to our 9.2 per start and see how many pitchers have been giving us 14.2 points per game.


This list contains a far more reasonable amount of names, and if we remove those pitchers with fewer than 40 innings pitched, we have these "points league reliables" on the right.


So points leaguers, welcome to the "Cliff Lee Line." If you have a name on this list, don't even think about a sit right now. Set it and forget it. In 2012, they've earned your trust.
Pointing Up




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;"> R.A. Dickey, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </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"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cole Hamels, SP, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> S. Strasburg, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, 1B, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </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"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, SP, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> M. Cabrera, 3B/1B, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Ortiz, DH, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, SP, TB </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;"> A. Chapman, RP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, OF, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, SP, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, SP, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> E. Encarn., 3B/1B, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, SP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, SP, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, SP, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J. Bautista, 3B/OF, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Greinke, SP, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Braun, OF, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fernando Rodney, RP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Hanrahan, RP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Beachy, SP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, 1B, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Kimbrel, RP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, 3B/OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jim Johnson, RP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> M. Bumgarner, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Furcal, SS, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> G. Stanton, OF, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, SP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, OF, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, C, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, SP, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Romero, SP, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, SS, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C. Granderson, OF, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, C, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, OF, OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A. McCutchen, OF, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Uggla, 2B, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Harrison, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A. De Aza, OF, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shaun Marcum, SP, MIL </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;"> Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Vargas, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, SS, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jed Lowrie, SS, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, OF, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, 1B, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, OF, SF </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;"> Adrian Beltre, 3B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, SP, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, SS, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Aviles, SS, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A. Cabrera, SS, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, SS, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rios, OF, CHW </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;"> Matt Kemp, OF, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> M. Cuddyer, 1B/OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Hardy, SS, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Seager, 3B, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </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"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, 1B/OF, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, 1B, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> B. McCarthy, SP, OAK </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;"> Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

Jason Kipnis a surprise 30/30 candidate

Eric Karabell

The topic of potential 30-homer, 30-stolen base players is always popular, and not only for fantasy baseball owners. It's not so easy to finish a baseball season with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, despite the fact four players did so last season (Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Jacoby Ellsbury, Ian Kinsler). In 2010 nobody did it. A total of three players achieved this from 2008-10 (Kinsler, Grady Sizemore, Hanley Ramirez). It's tough to do!


As for this season, entering Monday Braun and Andrew McCutchen are the only players on pace for 30/30 -- so much for a big letdown season for Braun, eh? -- but there's a new surprising candidate in the race: Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis homered for the 10th time Sunday, a tiebreaking three-run blast off St. Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte in the ninth inning, and earlier stole his 15th base. Kipnis enters the week on pace for 27 blasts and 41 steals, and let's just say back in March we didn't forecast either of those numbers to come from the bat or legs of Cleveland's sophomore second baseman. Frankly, even after his strong April, who expected it then?
<offer>Kipnis was good last season over 150 plate appearences, hitting .272 with seven home runs and stealing five bases in as many attempts, posting a .841 OPS, and I blogged about his fine start and place atop the Player Rater for second basemen a month ago. He's still at the top, though now with a bigger lead. I think it's safe to say he's no fluke.


That said, I doubt Kipnis will continue to lead the AL in steals for long, but he's the first in the AL to reach double digits in home runs and stolen bases. Braun, Ramirez and McCutchen have done so in the NL. Ultimately, I'll predict 24 home runs and 29 stolen bases for Kipnis, which is obviously very good, and I think he has a real shot to stick with Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia and Robinson Cano as fantasy's top second baseman for the season. I blogged about Ben Zobrist on Friday, and he had a nice weekend, but as much as I like him wouldn't you have to choose Kipnis over Zorilla? I would. I'd still take Kinsler, Pedroia and Cano over Kipnis, but that's it for second base.


McCutchen was my surprise March pick to go all Matt Kemp this year, and while I hardly think the best player on the Pittsburgh Pirates will get that far, I do think he's graduated to current and future top-10 overall status. McCutchen homered for the 11th time Sunday and stole his 11th base. He has three home runs in his past seven games, but hadn't stolen a base in two weeks. It's amazing how much better McCutchen is than his woeful offensive teammates; for perspective, McCutchen is a top-10 option on the Player Rater. No other Pirates batsman is in the top 130!

</offer>I think Braun is the only player that will get to 30/30 this season. He clearly has motivation, so trade for him with confidence. I had Braun as my top player for the rest of the season in the mid-May rankings, and wouldn't alter it today. McCutchen's career best in home runs is 23. I think he falls short of 30 home runs, but he gets the 30 steals. Kemp could return in June, but I'd say the All-Star break is more like it. Still, with two DL stints for hamstring injuries, I'm skeptical he'll be running in the final three months. He's hit 12 home runs and stolen a measly two bases (in five attempts) over 36 games so far; I say he hits 34 home runs but steals only 14 bases. It's a tad disappointing for a top player, but injuries do happen.


It will be difficult for someone else off the board to rock in the final three-plus months and challenge Braun for 30/30 status. It's worth noting that last season no player managed as many as 15 home runs with 15 stolen bases after the All-Star break, so it's tough to surprise if you haven't built up a strong foundation in these categories. Only eight players supplied double digits in home runs and steals in the second half last year, the four eventual 30/30 guys plus Alex Gordon, Curtis Granderson, Pedroia and Desmond Jennings. Gordon, Granderson and Pedroia haven't even combined for 10 stolen bases yet, so I'm skeptical they'll start running all of a sudden. Jennings will, but he lacks big-time power. I see him as a 15-homer, 35-steal guy in the future.


Of course, all those gentlemen are owned in every league. I see a 20/20 season (at least) for Cincinnati Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs (96.7 percent owned, and dropping due to a recent injury). Colorado Rockies outfielder Dexter Fowler has the skills to do this, but rarely shows them in non-Coors Field games. Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa is much like Stubbs in terms of the low batting average and high strikeouts, but he can provide the counting stats, too. And if you're just hoping for double-digits in homers and steals from a free agent pickup, I'd look at Michael Saunders, Colby Rasmus, Chase Headley, Cameron Maybin, Alexei Ramirez (still!), Neil Walker, Marco Scutaro, Norichika Aoki and believe it or not, New York Mets outfielder Scott Hairston. He stole two bases in the past week and has enough power to matter in a deep league.

 

[HacheMan]

What's wrong with struggling aces?

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

It has been a grueling season for fantasy-ace starting pitchers.

Roy Halladay, our projected No. 1 starting pitcher during the preseason, suffered a precipitous strikeout decline in April and May, before succumbing to a strained right latissimus dorsi muscle that threatens to sideline him into August.


Cliff Lee, projected No. 4, missed 20 days earlier in the year with a strained oblique. Oh, plus, he's winless, and you know that means trouble. (Kidding, kidding.)


Felix Hernandez, projected No. 5, exhibited diminished velocity during early starts, and on Tuesday night will be making his first start in 11 days, the lengthy absence a result of a back injury that threatened to land him on the disabled list.


Jered Weaver, projected No. 6, hasn't pitched since May 28, when he left a start after only two batters due to a lower back strain, spasms and disc inflammation.


Tim Lincecum, projected No. 7, is in the midst of a nightmare campaign, his ERA (6.00) and WHIP (1.58) representing the fourth worst numbers among qualified starters, and his No. 194 ranking among starting pitchers on our Player Rater easily the worst of anyone we had ranked among our preseason top 20.


And Jon Lester, projected "unlucky" No. 13, indeed has suffered poor fortune. Besides his losing record and middling ERA and WHIP, he has surrendered a .316 BABIP -- that is the highest number he has allowed in any single year.


Putting aside Lee, whose only crime is that he has somehow failed to find a scientific means of extracting his raw talent from his left arm and injecting it into his hitters' bats, and Weaver, whose back has sufficiently healed to the point where he is expected to return in about a week, that's four pitchers you presumably picked to lead your fantasy squad who have let you down. Today, let's take a closer look at each, discussing the hopes of any of them restoring their preseason stock.

Lincecum's story has been one of the most aggravating of 2012. Just three seasons ago, he finished the No. 2 starting pitcher on our Player Rater as well as No. 3 in WAR (wins above replacement). Today, he is the fifth worst ERA-qualifying starting pitcher on the Player Rater, directly ahead of Mike Minor.


Granted, Lincecum's most recent poor outing -- his second worst of the season by Bill James Game Score (32) -- came against the Texas Rangers, so his defenders will be quick to play the matchups card. But if that's true, his June 5 start at San Diego's Petco Park should've resulted in something greater than a 53 game score, right? In nine career starts at Petco before it, Lincecum's average game score was 67. He also has only two quality starts in 13 tries all season.


Lincecum's fastball velocity has been an oft-cited reason for his struggles. So you can judge for yourself, here are his per-start averages, going from Start No. 1 to 13: 90.0 90.8, 90.0, 89.8, 88.8, 89.7, 91.1, 89.5, 89.9, 91.7, 90.6, 91.0, 90.3. Since 2009, the first season for which our pitch-tracking tool has data, Lincecum has 11 starts during which his fastball averaged 90.0 mph or slower; seven of those have happened this season. He has also averaged 90.2 mph with his fastball for the season, down from 92.2 in 2011 and 92.4 during his outstanding 2009.


But, as Justin Havens of ESPN Stats & Information points out, it's the impact of Lincecum's lost fastball velocity on his changeup that is perhaps most responsible for his poor performance. Consider that the difference in average velocity between his fastball and changeup this season is 7.0 mph; last season it was 8.5. Opposing hitters' numbers have approved accordingly: He has surrendered a .237 batting average, .770 OPS and 9.5 percent walk rate on changeups in 2012, after .160, .490 and 6.0 in 2011.


Ultimately, unless Lincecum can restore some of that lost fastball velocity, improving the separation in speed between the two pitches, there's not much hope of him restoring top-25 fantasy starter potential, let alone all of his preseason draft stock. Yes, there are examples of pitchers inexplicably recapturing velocity midseason -- Javier Vazquez last year is a prime one -- but it's a blind assumption to say that Lincecum can do so. There's every reason to be pessimistic if you own Lincecum, and he's ranked accordingly in this space.


As for what to do if you own him, you might have no choice but to be patient, even with a limited prospect that he straightens himself out. Let the rankings at the right be your barometer for trade or add/drop value.


Halladay, meanwhile, is currently shut down, the most recent update on his rehabilitation repeating the six to eight week timetable for absence and noting that he won't resume a throwing program for another two to three weeks (discounting the five days since that report was published). Taking June 1 as the starting point for his rehab, six weeks would represent a July 13 return and eight weeks July 27, and let's not discount the possibility of setbacks or the need for a lengthier rehabilitation assignment. Ten weeks, incidentally, would represent Aug. 10.

There are 75 Philadelphia Phillies games from July 13 forward, 63 from July 27 forward and 51 from Aug. 10 forward, and assuming Halladay pitches exactly every fifth game, he'd be on track for 15, 12-13 and 10 starts depending upon those timetables. We're talking about, at best, a half-season remaining in his tank.


Here's the problem with that: Halladay is now 35 years old and has 1,267 innings on his arm -- plus another 38 during the postseason -- since his 30th birthday, averaging 242 frames per year during his ages 31-34 seasons. This season, he has averaged 6.97 strikeouts per nine innings, or one and a half fewer than he averaged in 2011 and his lowest number since 2007, and the velocity of his cutter, his most frequently utilized pitch, has slipped from 90.5 mph in 2011 to 88.9 mph on average. Opponents are batting .270 against it, up from .226 a year ago.


What if Halladay's extensive career workload is coming back to haunt him, and he's unable to recapture his prior Cy Young form even after his return? It's certainly possible, as is the chance that he'll need a full winter's recovery time -- or a surgery -- before fully returning to form. If he ever does again. Like Lincecum, Halladay is ranked accordingly, and it might be smarter to treat him as something closer to a top-25 starter even in his remaining healthy games, rather than expecting upon his return that you've got your "staff ace" back.


Velocity has also been the question with Hernandez; he has averaged 91.3 mph with his fastball, down from 93.2 in 2011 and 94.0 and 93.9 numbers in 2009 and 2010. He has but one quality start in his past five outings, and for the season, he has a 3.42 ERA that's higher than his 3.25 career mark, and his 1.26 WHIP would represent his highest in the category since 2008 (1.39).


But there's an important difference between Hernandez and, say, Lincecum: Hernandez's changeup effectiveness hasn't been compromised as a result of his velocity drop. His most valuable pitch, Hernandez's changeup has also lost velocity, dropping from 89.2 mph on average in 2011 to 87.9 this year, and opposing hitters have but .184/.211/.276 triple-slash rates and a 44 percent swing-and-miss rate against it, comparable to 2011's .170/.210/.243 and 31 percent numbers. Even better: The differential in average velocity between his changeup and fastball is 3.4 mph this season, whereas it was 4.0 in 2011.

What that means is that, while Hernandez's stuff might not be quite as filthy today as it was during his 2010 Cy Young campaign, it's also not far removed from it, and with a spacious home ballpark like Safeco Field helping him, he's capable of maintaining his ERA-WHIP-K's contributions to the point that he'll make a run at the top-10 starters from today forward. His strikeout rate, after all, is a career-best 8.93 per nine, and his FIP (3.67) and xFIP (3.39) numbers aren't far removed from those in some of the better seasons in his career.


The back problem that cost Hernandez some time bears watching, but at the same time it didn't result in a DL stint, making it a potential, proverbial blip. Dan Haren's owners can remind you of a better-case scenario of a pitcher recovering from back issues: Haren has three wins, a 2.39 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 9.23 K's-per-nine ratio in his past four starts, after facing similar back questions earlier in the year.


Buy Hernandez now … if you can. And you might have mere hours to do so.


Finally, Lester, like Halladay, has suffered a precipitous strikeout decline that troubles his fantasy owners. Lester has three wins, seven quality starts, a 4.57 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in his 13 starts, terribly disappointing numbers for a Boston Red Sox ace which put him outside the top 100 starters on our Player Rater.


Some of Lester's problems can be explained by poor fortune on balls in play: He has a .316 BABIP and 64.6 left on base percentage, both of those his worst numbers in either category. But Lester has also afforded a .202 well-hit average, higher than any of his 2009-11 numbers, and his 20.1 percent line-drive rate ranks 22nd highest out of 115 qualified starters.



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;"> Clayton Kershaw, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee, Phi </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;"> Matt Cain, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cole Hamels, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </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;"> David Price, TB </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;"> Gio Gonzalez, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Haren, LAA </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;"> Madison Bumgarner, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Beachy, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kennedy, Ari </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;"> James Shields, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Wainwright, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Zimmermann, Wsh </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;"> Shaun Marcum, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yovani Gallardo, Mil </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;"> Chris Sale, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Romero, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Garza, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, NYM </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;"> James McDonald, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </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"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Johnson, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Lester, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, Atl </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;"> R.A. Dickey, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, Cin </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;"> Lance Lynn, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Moore, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </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"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Beckett, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Lincecum, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Daniel Hudson, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Jackson, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Hudson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Dempster, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vance Worley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Billingsley, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathon Niese, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Pettitte, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon McCarthy, Oak </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;"> Matt Harrison, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Samardzija, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bud Norris, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Erik Bedard, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ted Lilly, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Fister, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wei-Yin Chen, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ubaldo Jimenez, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Cahill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Max Scherzer, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Nolasco, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ivan Nova, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Matusz, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Zambrano, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jarrod Parker, Oak </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;"> Homer Bailey, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Phil Hughes, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clay Buchholz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Cobb, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ervin Santana, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gavin Floyd, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Smyly, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Masterson, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Francisco Liriano, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bartolo Colon, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bronson Arroyo, Cin </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;"> Scott Diamond, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Carpenter, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Doubront, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alexi Ogando, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felipe Paulino, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Bauer, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jaime Garcia, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dillon Gee, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Oswalt, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Millwood, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Barry Zito, SF </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;"> Henderson Alvarez, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Harang, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




A compelling question regarding Lester: Why isn't he throwing his cutter more? He has thrown it a mere 17 percent of the time this year, down from 28 percent in 2011, though opposing hitters are batting .282 against it, up from .225 last season. Last year, Lester managed 90 of his 182 K's on cutters (49 percent). This year, he has 17 K's on cutters, or 27 percent of his 62 whiffs. That hints that there are greater things at play here than mere "bad luck."


Some correction to Lester's ERA/WHIP is probably in order, but not to the point where he's a lock for top-20 starter status from today forward. Consider him a buy-low candidate, though not to the extent that Hernandez is.


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, June 12: Wei-Yin Chen versus Pittsburgh Pirates
Wednesday, June 13: Brian Matusz versus Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, June 14: Scott Diamond versus Philadelphia Phillies
Friday, June 15: Jarrod Parker versus San Diego Padres
Saturday, June 16: Alexi Ogando versus Houston Astros
Sunday, June 17: Alex Cobb versus Miami Marlins
Monday, June 18: Brian Matusz at New York Mets


Past picks
Tuesday, June 5: Homer Bailey -- 3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Wednesday, June 6: Jerome Williams -- 5 2/3 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Thursday, June 7: Clayton Richard -- 5 2/3 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (pitched June 6)
Friday, June 8: Luke Hochevar -- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Saturday, June 9: Trevor Cahill -- W, QS, 7 1/3 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Sunday, June 10: Philip Humber -- 5 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Monday, June 11: Randall Delgado -- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 5 K


Week's total: 7 GS, 1 W (14.3%), 1 QS (14.3%), 38 IP, 54 H, 29 ER, 14 BB, 31 K, 6.87 ERA, 1.79 WHIP
Season total: 58 GS, 28 W (48.3%), 35 QS (60.3%), 361 2/3 IP, 316 H, 140 ER, 124 BB, 267 K, 3.48 ERA, 1.22 WHIP


Three up



Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox: It has been one roller coaster of a season for Buchholz thus far, has it not? In his first six starts, the right-hander surrendered at least five runs and six hits every time, his ERA 9.09, WHIP 2.02 and triple-slash rates allowed .343/.428/.613 in total during that span. Buchholz has picked up the pace in six starts since, however: He has three wins, four quality starts, a 3.10 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, .253/.329/.353 triple-slash rates allowed and has even strung together quality starts in each of his past three starts against nothing but American League East competition (TB, @TOR, BAL). As always, it's about location for Buchholz; he has thrown 50 percent of his pitches within the strike zone and 35 percent of those have been "down" (bottom third) during his past six starts, considerably better than the 46 and 26 percent numbers during his first six. This is not a strikeout pitcher -- Buchholz has averaged 6.71 K's per nine during his career -- so he needs that kind of command in order to succeed. In other words, enjoy this improvement, because it restores his AL-only/matchups/deep-mixed stock, but at the same time don't necessarily assume it means he's "safe" straight through September.


A.J. Burnett, Pittsburgh Pirates: When it comes to A.J. Burnett, the only truly fair way to analyze the right-hander is to strip the name from his statistics, and if we do that, we realize that he has five wins, five quality starts, a 2.12 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in his past seven starts since a drubbing at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals on May 2. In addition, thanks to superb command of his changeup, he has a 56.5 percent ground ball rate, his best in more than a half-decade, and his curveball has been positively filthy, responsible for 36 of his 56 strikeouts and limiting opponents to .121/.159/.182 rates. So here's the only-somewhat-fair question: As Burnett did enjoy some brief hot spells during his New York Yankees career, before crumbling as summer temperatures rose, are we to apply his name and assume a reputation of a pitcher sure to decline in the coming weeks? Or might all of his troubles been a product of the New York spotlight, which, now removed from the equation, might mean he keeps this up all summer? Considering the mere league and ballpark switches this season, the latter might greater warrant a "yes."


Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox: Wow. Sale has now made six starts since the White Sox's silly one-week closer experiment, and in that time he has four quality starts -- all of those in his past four turns -- a 1.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 9.94 K's-per-nine ratio and .174 BAA. He is the No. 1 pitcher on our Player Rater for the season, he possesses fairly balanced lefty-righty splits and he sports a solid 46.2 percent ground ball rate. Granted, Sale's schedule during his past four outings has been light (MIN, @TB, SEA, HOU), but at this point is there really any question about his rest-of-2012 prospects other than a possible innings cap? Frankly, if we had a guarantee from the White Sox that he'd be afforded 200-plus innings, he'd make a compelling case to be in the top 15 starters.


Three down



Kyle Drabek, Toronto Blue Jays: After a solid spring training that earned him the Blue Jays' fifth-starter role, as well as an encouraging April that included quality starts in three of his first five outings and a 2.40 ERA overall, Drabek has struggled, his ERA 6.08 and WHIP 1.81 in seven turns since May 1. Most troubling: He has 30 walks compared to 20 K's during that span, and he has walked at least as many batters as he has struck out in each of his past four games. Point to his schedule if you wish -- he had games against the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox sprinkled in there -- but when Drabek is struggling, his command is usually the culprit. The way he's throwing, he might not be able to handle one of the league's weaker offenses.


Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs: Speaking of command questions, Samardzija, who rattled off six quality starts in a seven-turn stretch from April 24-May 29, is coming off disappointing back-to-back outings at San Francisco and Minnesota, two matchups you'd normally have expected a hot hand such as him to dominate. He walked five hitters in five innings during his June 4 start at AT&T Park, then produced an astonishingly low 8 percent swing-and-miss rate while being pummeled for eight runs on nine hits in 3&frac23; innings at Target Field. Remember, Samardzija walked 50 hitters in 88 innings in 2011 and could face an innings cap of his own, after throwing only those 88 frames last season. He's an exciting, live, young arm, but he's also one who might experience a few more rough patches such as this one.


Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels: No matter what the Angels say, Santana might not be long for the team's rotation, not with Weaver nearing a return. In his past four starts, Santana has a 10.18 ERA, 2.07 WHIP, .321 BAA and has allowed six home runs, and sprinkled among those matchups were two turns versus the light-hitting Seattle Mariners. During that span his fastball velocity has slipped to 91.8 mph on average -- it was 92.2 mph in his first nine starts, and his slider, his "out" pitch, has resulted in a 25 percent swing-and-miss rate, down from 38 percent in his first nine. Santana's stuff is clearly lacking of late, with no specific hint of a quick turnaround, but if he can't find a way to do so, he might soon suffer a demotion rather than Garrett Richards.

 

[HacheMan]

Making sense of Pirates pitching

Eric Karabell

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Tuesday tied for first place in the NL Central, and it's certainly not because of the likes of Pedro Alvarez and Clint Barmes. Pitching has carried this team, and two surprise fantasy assets have been right-handers A.J. Burnett and James McDonald, two of the top 13 pitchers on ESPN's Player Rater for the past 30 days. While I liked Burnett and, to some degree, left-handed teammate Erik Bedard as late-round sleepers and admit to wanting little part of McDonald, the fact is few expected this kind of performance. This trio has a 3.14 cumulative ERA and 190 strikeouts in 201 1/3 innings.


While McDonald has really blossomed this season, at 27 years old, the case can be made Burnett is just as big a surprise after a few painful seasons with a plus-5 ERA in New York Yankees pinstripes. He enters Tuesday among the top 45 starting pitchers for the season with a 3.61 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 56 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings. Remove the 12-run disaster from May 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals, and Burnett boasts a 1.96 ERA in nine starts. Of course, we can't simply forget that outing, but if you happened to have him on your bench that day but active the rest of the time, congrats.
Burnett hasn't posted a final-season ERA on the good side of 4 since 2007 with the Toronto Blue Jays, so it's no guarantee he'll continue to pitch this well. After all, Burnett did feature a usable 4.15 ERA in the first half of last season, only to see it blow up to 6.85 after that. The point is, Burnett has always had the ability. He beat the Kansas City Royals on Sunday with 7 1/3 solid innings, winning for the fifth consecutive start, which is surprising because the Pirates are having one of the worst offensive seasons of the past 30 years. They've just happened to score enough to win the past seven times Burnett has started, or since the 12-run game.


Some of Burnett's success can be attributed to leaving a home ballpark that is friendly to left-handed power hitters (Yankee Stadium) and moving to the lesser National League, specifically an NL Central division in which the teams have been outscored by 49 runs. Perhaps leaving the constant spotlight of Gotham has also served him well. Burnett's strikeout rate matches his 2011 mark, but he's cut down on the walks and home runs allowed. Last season, he threw an unimaginable 25 wild pitches (to go along with 31 home run balls), but through 10 starts he's permitted only three of the former and four of the latter. That's major improvement.


I don't see Burnett pitching to a 1.96 ERA the final three-plus months, or winning 60 percent of his starts, but 14 wins, a 3.80 ERA and 165 strikeouts are worth owning in 10-team leagues. Burnett is among the most added players in ESPN standard mixed leagues, up 33.2 percent from the past week to 56.5 percent, and it's warranted.


The fact Bedard is pitching reasonably well isn't a surprise; that's never been his problem. Pitching enough has been. His career ERA is 3.69, and his strikeout per nine rate is 8.8. I still think Bedard is potential trade bait for a contender in late July, but obviously if the Pirates continue their success, they'll be buyers, not sellers. However, with their brutal offense averaging three runs per game, they should sell Bedard. Really, Bedard's numbers are a bit misleading. His WHIP is high at 1.37 and only a third of his outings have been quality starts. Bedard's high walk rate leads to high pitch counts and early exits; he's reached the seventh inning only three times in 12 starts. While he's striking out nearly a batter per inning, over his past four outings he has 17 strikeouts against 13 walks. That's not a recipe for success. Based on his durability issues -- the last time he made 25 starts in a season was 2007 -- I'd say Bedard isn't a must-add in fantasy, and if you've got him, try to sell before he gets hurt.


McDonald was the toughest sell for me, but a 2.39 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and pace for 200 strikeouts are legit numbers. Yes, McDonald wasn't impressive in Sunday's no-decision, lasting only four innings against the Royals, and some of you seem to want to jump off the bandwagon after he allowed three runs on five hits, and fanned only two hitters, but in May, McDonald posted a 1.54 ERA. My problem with McDonald in the past has been the walks, but they haven't been an issue in 2012. He's attacking hitters more aggressively. McDonald has credited adding a slider to his repertoire as a key to his success. He's in the top 10 for pitcher Wins Above Replacement, his Fielding Independent Pitching is 2.71 and there are no obvious red flags elsewhere other than a .257 batting average on balls in play. This really is a guy that could finish the season with an ERA better than 3 and close to 200 strikeouts, which is hard to believe, but at this point, believable.


Finally, I've been asked quite a bit recently about 27-year-old right-hander Brad Lincoln, who breezed through his first 26 innings with a 1.04 ERA, then got tagged in his last start for five runs in four innings at Cincinnati. Lincoln has been too hittable in recent seasons, majors and minors, and his rotation spot is likely short-lived. He is not a mixed-league option.

 

[HacheMan]

Analyzing next-level pitching stats

Which starting pitchers are for real, and which are due for a regression?

By Todd Zola | Mastersball.com

Is this Brandon Beachy kid for real? What's wrong with Max Scherzer? Was Jeff Samardzija's recent shelling the beginning of the end for him? Is it time to finally give up on Phil Hughes?

The fantasy community is getting much better at discerning how much of a pitcher's result is due to skill (or lack thereof) and how much is simple happenstance. In that respect, Voros McCracken's DIPS (defense-independent pitching statistics) Theory is truly epic. The fact that a pitcher has, at best, limited control over the fate of a batted ball has forever altered the way we look at the game of baseball and has implications that transcend deep into the fantasy realm. If you are not incorporating at least some of the advanced means of analyzing pitching in your team management, you are at a competitive disadvantage.


<offer>Today, we will put pitching "under the microscope" and review the first level of this analysis. We will then put the theory into action by looking at 10 starting pitchers in terms of what they have done and what they are likely to do going forward.</offer>



Skill versus luck




It used to be that a pitcher's ERA was the chief indicator of his talent. We now know to separate the skills from luck and focus on the skills as the primary means of projecting future performance. If a hurler has been lucky or unlucky, we anticipate regression, which means that going forward, the pitcher should realize neutral luck. What follows is a brief review of the components that influence what the pitcher can and cannot control.

Strikeouts and walks


These two elements will be discussed as a pair, as they are the entities for which the pitcher exerts the most control. Below is a three-year review of strikeout and walk rates broken out by starter and reliever, with a look at where we stand so far in 2012:



<table><thead><tr><th> Category </th><th> 2012 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2009 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Starter K/9 </td><td> 7.1 </td><td> 6.8 </td><td> 6.8 </td><td> 6.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Reliever K/9 </td><td> 8.2 </td><td> 7.9 </td><td> 7.9 </td><td> 7.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Starter BB/9 </td><td> 3.0 </td><td> 2.9 </td><td> 3.1 </td><td> 3.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Reliever BB/9 </td><td> 3.5 </td><td> 3.6 </td><td> 3.7 </td><td> 4.0 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Other than to corroborate that pitching is indeed on the upswing (or hitting is declining), the primary purpose of this chart is to provide a number we can use to compare to the league-average. Perhaps the initial mainstream application of advanced pitching metrics in fantasy analysis was the LIMA (Low Investment Mound Aces) plan, which was the brainchild of fantasy baseball pioneer Ron Shandler. While this is an oversimplification, a filter of 6.0 K/9 was set as the minimum acceptable level for a viable "LIMA" pitcher. Even if we don't directly follow the LIMA Plan, 6.0 has become our internal litmus test. Back in 2002, the league-average K/9 for starting pitching was 6.2, almost a full punchout lower than today. It's time we adjusted our eyeball filter to 7.0 to match the league-average. For what it's worth, the BB/9 for starters 10 years ago was 3.2, basically the same as now.


Although the metrics K/9 and BB/9 are conventionally used, K% and BB% might in fact be better for precision. K% and BB% is strikeout or walk per plate appearance. As will be discussed shortly, sometimes a pitcher enjoys a better-than-average rate of retiring hitters on batted balls in play. Not only does the pitcher need fewer outs to get out of the inning, he also is facing fewer batters. Therefore, if a pitcher has been fortunate with respect to hits on balls in play, his K/9 may be lower, even though his K% is the same. The reverse is true if a greater-than-normal number of batted balls become hits. A pitcher needs that extra out to finish the inning, which could lead to a higher K/9 but a similar K%. The same holds true for walks.


Home runs

Years ago, a pitcher's ability to limit homers was thought to be primarily a skill. More recently, it has been suggested that there is also a great deal of fate involved. Here is a look at home run rates from the previous three seasons compared to thus far in 2012:



<table><thead><tr><th> Category </th><th> 2012 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2009 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Starter HR/9 </td><td> 0.98 </td><td> 0.99 </td><td> 1.10 </td><td> 1.10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Reliever HR/9 </td><td> 0.85 </td><td> 0.90 </td><td> 0.94 </td><td> 0.96 </td></tr></tbody></table>



In a nutshell, the number of homers a pitcher surrenders is a function of the number of fly balls given up and the percentage of fly balls that clear the fence (HR/FB). The number of fly balls is certainly within the pitcher's control. The best means to limit fly balls is minimizing contact, while inducing as many grounders as possible.


HR/FB has been shown to be out of the pitcher's control. The past few seasons, the league-average has been about 10 percent. So far in the present campaign, it's 11 percent, but since this number is influenced by weather and venue, we need to complete the season before drawing any conclusions. If a pitcher is above this mark, they have been unfortunate with respect to homers allowed, and vice versa.


Perhaps the best way to explain HR/9 is if every pitcher worked in a neutral park, unaffected by weather, their seasonal HR/FB should be 10-11 percent. Their actual HR/FB is influenced by their home park, and the ensuing HR/9 impacted by their ground ball rate.


Batting average on balls in play (BABIP)


BABIP emanates directly from McCracken's DIPS Theory cited above. Pitching analysis forever changed once it was demonstrated that whether a fairly batted ball went for a hit or an out was largely happenstance. Here is the league-average BABIP from 2009-2011, along with the present mark this year:


<table><thead><tr><th> Type of pitcher </th><th> 2012 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2009 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Starter </td><td> .295 </td><td> .296 </td><td> .297 </td><td> .301 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Reliever </td><td> .291 </td><td> .291 </td><td> .298 </td><td> .296 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Keeping in mind that DIPS theory suggests the fate of a batted ball in play is largely luck, the fact that these numbers display the same pattern as K/9 and BB/9 is at minimum curious, with the possibility there is more skill involved than is presently believed. That said, improved defense and positioning is also a possibility.


Since fly balls that stay in the yard are caught at a higher frequency than ground balls are converted into outs, a fly ball pitcher should sport a WHIP lower than league-average. However, the recent trend is more ground balls are being induced, which further suggests the BABIP trend may be a result of overall increased pitching skills.


BABIP is worthy of its own column -- those details will be shared another time -- but here's a brief argument in favor of BABIP being more of a skill than is presently thought. If BABIP is indeed a skill, it should display the same patterns as K/9 and BB/9. If you examine handedness of matchup and home versus away, BABIP indeed has identical traits as K/9 and BB/9 rates. To wit, a southpaw facing a lefty hitter sports the highest K/9 and the lowest BABIP. A righty facing a lefty batter has the worst K/9 and highest BABIP. The home K/9 exceeds that on the road, while the home BABIP is a few points lower than on the road. There is growing evidence that a pitcher, in fact, exerts a measure of control over BABIP, beyond that influenced by fly ball-versus-grounder, and it is something I am comfortable using in analysis.


Ground ball rate

As already discussed, ground ball pitchers tend to allow more hits, but serve up fewer homers. The result is an extreme ground ball pitcher will sport an ERA lower than the league-average (good for the real game and fantasy) but a higher WHIP (not so good for fantasy). An extreme fly ball pitcher will give up fewer hits but more homers, resulting in a higher ERA (bad for real baseball and fantasy) but a lower WHIP (good for fantasy). A fly ball pitcher carrying a K/9 above and a BB/9 lower than the norm, while pitching half his games in a big park with strong outfield defense, can be just as effective as a ground ball specialist.


For comparison purposes, here are the league-average ground ball rates since 2006:



<table><thead><tr><th> 2012 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2009 </th><th> 2008 </th><th> 2007 </th><th> 2006 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> 45.4% </td><td> 44.4% </td><td> 44.3% </td><td> 43.3% </td><td> 43.9% </td><td> 43.5% </td><td> 43.7% </td></tr></tbody></table>




The next level




This also is a topic deserving its own treatment, but here is a cursory look at where pitching analysis is headed. The primary reasons this type of analysis is not yet in the mainstream is due to a lack of readily available data, along with ample years of the necessary data, to statistically draw significant conclusions.

1. Batted-ball data is being further classified by how well it was struck: hard, medium and weak contact. As expected, BABIPs differ according to how well the ball is hit, with hard-hit balls obviously carrying the highest number. If it can be proven a pitcher can control the type of contact, a lower BABIP can indeed be deemed a skill.

2. Pitches are now being tracked as balls, called strikes and swinging strikes, with the pitch being in and out of the strike zone. Contact is also tracked on pitches in and out of the zone. One application of this could be to help determine if a pitcher's strikeout rate that's different from his career norm is a new skill level, good or bad. There are also implications regarding quality of contact.


3. Electronic collection and computer analysis has refined the archiving of the speed, break and classification of a pitched ball. This will add to the arsenal for evaluation, delineating a new skill level from randomness.


Putting theory into action




What follows is an evaluation of the performance of selected starting pitchers, chosen to best illustrate the tools described herein. Specimens are restricted to starters since the small number of innings registered by relievers tends to exaggerate the luck element. Stats are through games as of Sunday, June 10.

James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates (2.72 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, .48 HR/9, 39.7 GB%, 5.2% HR/FB, .257 BABIP): McDonald has been both good and lucky. His BB/9 has been especially stellar, as it's well below his career mark of 3.8. The K/9 is less surprising, although it's still a career high. While McDonald's BABIP is well below the league norm, meaning he has been a recipient of some good fortune, his extremely low HR/FB is the real charm. Since the Pirates' new ace is a fly ball pitcher, this luck has an extra impact, resulting in a sub-3.00 ERA.

There's no doubt McDonald is a different pitcher than previous seasons, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain his newfound control. In addition, while it has been suggested that not all of the reason for the low BABIP and HR/FB is luck, some regression must be anticipated. While McDonald is likely going to be the poster child for selling high, my inclination is to buy high, feeling that while he will see his ERA climb, there is something positive going on here, and the correction will not be as steep as some may assume. At least some portion of McDonald's low BABIP and HR/FB is the result of good pitching, which should remain even after his hit and home run rates regress.

Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs (3.96 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 8.9K/9, 3.1 BB/9, .62 HR/9, 47.5 GB%, 8.3% HR/FB, .332 BABIP): After the recent pasting Samardzija took at the hands of the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox, many are wondering if his 15 minutes of fame are over and the wild Samardzija resurfaces. In contrast to McDonald, Samardzija has been victimized by an unlucky hit rate, although his home run rate teeters on the lucky side. He has also reduced his free passes, while continuing to rack up the whiffs.

There's just something a bit more tenuous about what Samardzija is doing as compared to McDonald. There is a very real chance Samardzija is an improved hurler; it just feels like he is less likely to sustain his newfound control than McDonald. That said, his hit rate is high and should regress, helping to compensate for the chance of increased free passes. Samardzija is not a guy I would target unless he came at a discount and you need to take a risk, as the reward could be substantial.


Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals (2.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, .12 HR/9, 49.1 GB%, 1.9% HR/FB, .244 BABIP): An improvement in peripherals was expected for Gonzalez as he moved to the Senior Circuit. That said, his strikeout rate is even higher than expected. Some of that is because he's facing hitters who aren't yet familiar with his stuff and delivery; even so, Gonzalez owners are rightfully thrilled with his performance so far.


The primary incongruity is his HR/FB rate. As in, there's no way that can remain so miniscule. Expect a few more big flies as the season wears on, with a corresponding ERA correction. And as suggested, Gonzalez is likely to see a dip in K/9 rate as the season progresses.


While I would not be eager to sell high on Gonzalez because he's going to continue to be a top starter even when his K/9 and HR/9 rates adjust, if you can fetch a top bat, now might be the time to do so. I'm talking about obtaining a hitter of the ilk that a Cole Hamels or C.J. Wilson would bring you, as I expect Hamels and Wilson to be better than Gonzalez going forward.

Brandon Beachy, Atlanta Braves (1.98 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, .70 HR/9, 41.5 GB%, 7.0% HR/FB, .206 BABIP): Sell, Mortimer, sell! In the spring, Beachy was on a ton of sleeper lists for his exceptional strikeout potential. Despite a precipitous decline in strikeouts this season, Beachy is sporting one of the best ERAs in the league. The thing is, it's completely a result of an obscenely low BABIP that is going to correct. This is just old-fashioned good, make that great, luck.


Unless Beachy is able to regain his strikeout prowess (his K percentage has dropped the same amount as his K/9 rate, so the decline is real), his ERA is going to double. Did I mention you should sell?


Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks (5.79 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 1.4 HR/9, 40.7 GB%, 14.3% HR/FB, .333 BABIP): If good pitching can positively influence BABIP and HR/FB, then bad pitching can exert a negative effect, which is likely happening here. That is, not all of Hudson's elevated BABIP and HR/FB is just bad luck. The wild card is how much of this poor performance is injury-related, although the instances where health is not a concern are few and far between.


Historically, Hudson is a guy who whiffs more and walks fewer than he has this season, so there's a strong chance that, as he continues to recover from early shoulder woes, he will return to form, a mid-3s ERA guy. But the problem is, even when healthy, Hudson is not especially dominant, as his career K/9 is just 7.0, which we now know is only league-average. His margin of error is thus reduced.


If I owned Hudson and was able to stash him on reserve until his K/9 ramped back up, I am reasonably confident he will have a much better second half. However, he is not the type to target, even if you are in dire need of a shot in the arm and buying low, as his upside is limited. Samardzija would be a better option.


Phil Hughes, New York Yankees (4.76 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 1.99 HR/9, 31.9 GB%, 14.3% HR/FB, .293 BABIP): My first reaction to Hughes' line is if you put this guy in a big park, you'd have a Cy Young Award candidate. His strikeout and walk rates are both better than league-average. His BABIP is right where it's supposed to be. But wow, those home runs are unsightly.


Hughes has everything going against him with respect to HR/9. He's a fly ball pitcher with a launching pad for a home park. His high HR/FB rate is doing him no favors. That mark should be above league-average due to Yankee Stadium, but not that much.


The park limits Hughes' fantasy value, but if situated properly on a fantasy staff, he can be quite helpful. The key is planning your staff such that Hughes' ERA and WHIP are akin to a third, fourth or even fifth fantasy starter, but he is more valuable than your typical mid-staff guy due to his greater wins and strikeout potential. So if you can deal for Hughes at the cost of a back-end starter and don't expect too much in terms of ratios, you can come out ahead. Not all your pitchers are going to have a great ratio; some are going to be mediocre. At least with Hughes, you get the greater potential of help in other areas.


Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers (5.88 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 11.2 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 1.8 HR/9, 37.6 GB%, 18.1% HR/FB, .378 BABIP): There might not be a more maddening pitcher on the planet to dissect than Scherzer. While his walk rate is a touch above league-average when compared to his strikeout rate, it is fine, suggesting strong skills. But his BABIP and HR/FB suggest there has to be some bad pitching happening as well.


Scherzer is likely a prime candidate for the next level of analysis to try to figure out what's really occurring. Something that sticks out is, while Scherzer's fastball velocity is normal, he is throwing his slider and changeup three mph faster than usual. In this instance, faster is not better, especially regarding the changeup. The increased velocity on his offerings could be inhibiting movement, and it's surely not disrupting timing as much as normal.


I would not suggest acquiring Scherzer unless you can stash him away. If you are able to stash him, the indicator I would track is how fast he is throwing his off-speed stuff. Those strikeouts may look good, but right now they come with too much collateral damage.


Felix Doubront, Boston Red Sox (4.34 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 1.2 HR/9, 43.1 GB%, 14.8% HR/FB, .317 BABIP): Doubront is different than the other pitchers being examined in that not much was expected from him, so you have a bit of wiggle room with respect to what you actually get if you invested early. The more pertinent question: Is he worthy of a waiver pickup if you are in need of strikeouts and wins?


Doubront's K/9 is obviously excellent. The BB/9 is high, but within reason, considering the stellar K rate. With his limited track record, it's necessary to question whether Doubront will be able to sustain such a lofty K rate as he makes his way through the league a few more times.


That brings us to his BABIP and HR/FB and the conundrum of how much is bad luck and how much is bad pitching? Though Doubront's BABIP is high, it is not exceedingly so, especially since the Green Monster in Fenway Park turns outs into hits, elevating BABIP. The HR/FB, however, is disturbing and probably a result of some fat pitches coming from an inexperienced left arm.


If you took a flier on Doubront in the spring and can spot him in favorable matchups, he can be useful to a degree, since the expectation is low. But even if you need strikeouts, he's too risky too trust until he shows he can avoid the home run ball.


Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays (4.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, 54.7 GB%, 15.6% HR/FB, .248 BABIP): There are some that will contend that all that's happening to Romero is payback for the good fortune he enjoyed last season. Unfortunately, there is more to it than that, and it's not particularly encouraging.


Romero's biggest issue is giving back all the gains he made with respect to control. His walk rate has ballooned to a career high, while he has fanned fewer. So even if the fantasy gods are getting even with him, he is not helping matters with his free passes. Even when he's on, Romero is a below-average strikeout pitcher. If he is contributing below-average ratios, Romero is a fantasy detriment. Many drafted the Blue Jays southpaw as their third or fourth starter and have been sorely disappointed with little hope for a turnaround due to his lack of dominance. If possible, Romero should be benched until he demonstrates the ability to throw more strikes.

 

[HacheMan]

The Chase Is On

Chase Utley has already missed the Phillies’ first 62 games this season, but he’s finally progressing enough that it appears possible he'll return to play in most of their remaining 100.



After getting through a pair of extended spring training games, the veteran second baseman has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater Tuesday. Utley will initially serve as Clearwater’s designated hitter before working his way into second base duty. He has a 20-day window of rehab games, and it sounds like Utley will use most or all of those days.



"He's got to get enough defensive innings where he's comfortable physically and has a rhythm in the field," general manager Ruben Amaro said. "He also needs enough at-bats to be comfortable and in a rhythm at the plate. I'm glad he's started and, unless there is an issue, he should be able to help us in the early part of July."



It’s tough to predict how Utley’s knee will handle game action at second base, as he’s almost surely going to have to play with some level of pain even in a best-case scenario. The knee isn’t really an issue in the batter’s box, though, making him a viable roster stash if he’s currently sitting on your waiver wire.



Strained Oblique Sidelines Morrow



Brandon Morrow entered Monday’s outing against the Nationals coming off his league-leading third shutout of the season and in the midst of what has been shaping up as a career year.



His night ended after nine pitches.



The hard-throwing right-hander suffered a strained left oblique while pitching to the second batter of the game, and Blue Jays manager John Farrell referred to the injury as "probably substantial" and said Morrow was in "considerable pain." Although the team has yet to officially make a move, Morrow is almost surely headed to the disabled list, and a minimum stay on the DL is probably unlikely.



Since Morrow isn’t on the DL yet, we obviously don’t know for sure who will take his spot in the rotation. Aaron Laffey was promoted after the game, though, and he’s an option. Also under consideration figure to be Joel Carreno and Brett Cecil, who has rebounded lately at Triple-A Las Vegas after a slow start.



Good News for Carp



The Cardinals have been itching for some good injury news, and they finally got some with Chris Carpenter.



Carp’s shoulder is feeling good enough that he’s ready to test it out on the mound sometime later this week.



"Where I'm at right now compares to where I'm at when I start preparing myself to go to spring training," Carpenter said in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I've been doing everything: strengthening my upper body, running, everything. I feel great."



If all goes well, Carpenter is expected back in about five weeks, which would put him in line to rejoin the rotation at the start of the second half. Now, given that he hasn’t thrown from the bump since spring training, there’s no telling how he’s going to feel. He’s been long-tossing without any issues, though, offering hope that the veteran right-hander can help fantasy teams after the All-Star break.







National League Quick Hits: Word spread late Monday night that the Dodgers and Andre Ethier might be close to a five-year, $85 million extension. The contract would also include a vesting option for 2018 which could bring the overall value to over $100 million. If the deal goes through, it would take one of the premium bats off next winter's free agent market ... Most have viewed the Cubs as the team to beat for Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, and on Monday it was indeed the Cubs that landed the 20-year-old with a nine-year, $30 million contract. Soler, who has the ability to opt out of the deal when he’s arbitration-eligible, is likely to begin his professional career at the Low-A level … Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said there’s no timetable for Matt Kemp’s (hamstring) return. It seems safe to say that we probably won’t see him until July … Brandon Beachy’s next start will be pushed back a few days due to some minor elbow soreness. It doesn’t appear to be a big concern at this point … Drew Storen threw off a mound Monday for the second time since elbow surgery. He’s still aiming to rejoin the Nationals bullpen around the All-Star break … Ted Lilly (shoulder) has yet to resume throwing. He has no structural damage, though, so it shouldn’t be too long before he ramps up the activity … Tim Hudson (ankle) made it through a bullpen session Monday and has been cleared to rejoin the rotation Wednesday … Placido Polanco (finger laceration) was able to take batting practice Monday and could return to the lineup Tuesday after missing five games … Roger Bernadina left Monday’s game with a right hamstring injury. He’s considered day-to-day for now … Josh Johnson spun seven innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox Monday, striking out seven. He’s now posted a quality start six of the last seven times out, lowering his ERA from 6.61 to 4.27 over that stretch.



American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver (back) threw 30 pitches off the front of the mound Monday and will throw a full bullpen session Tuesday before participating in a simulated game by the end of the week. Assuming all goes well, he should rejoin the Angels rotation next week … Sergio Santos experienced renewed discomfort in his right shoulder following a bullpen session last week. What was originally deemed as a relatively minor injury has now cost the closer over seven weeks, and he’s still out indefinitely … Brett Gardner will receive a third opinion on his right elbow Thursday and could possibly need surgery. It’s not clear how long an operation would sideline him, but Gardner will be out through the All-Star break regardless … Carl Crawford (elbow) thinks he’s still at least a week or two away from returning to game action. He was only recently cleared to resume throwing … Dustin McGowan’s (shoulder) throwing program has been slowed, and it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to throw from a mound … Daniel Bard allowed one run on a hit and a walk while striking out two in his first relief outing for Triple-A Pawtucket Monday … Rafael Soriano was unavailable to pitch Monday due to a blister issue but expects to be ready to roll Tuesday.​

 

[HacheMan]

Big names get off to slow starts

Can we trust star hitters to return to their past greatness this year?

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Think it has been a rough year for pitchers?

Take a look at the troubles of our projected first-round -- or first- and second-round in an ESPN standard league -- hitters, and you might recognize it a rough year for all members of fantasy's elite.


Albert Pujols, our projected No. 2 hitter during the preseason, endured an atrocious first month-plus as he adjusted to his new digs in the American League, batting .197 with one home run in his first 35 games.


Matt Kemp, projected No. 3, for 34 games looked like he'd carry every fantasy team on his back, batting .359 with 12 home runs, before succumbing to a hamstring injury that has twice since landed him on the disabled list. As things stand, there is no timetable for his return.


Troy Tulowitzki, projected No. 6, was batting .287 and on pace for 26-homer and 89-RBI numbers before straining his groin on May 30 and landing on the DL.


Jacoby Ellsbury, projected No. 8, appeared in seven games, batting .192 with nary a stolen base, before suffering a partially separated shoulder that has him on the DL for at least another few weeks.


Justin Upton, projected No. 9, has stayed healthy, unlike the previous three, but currently sports a .245 batting average and a 13-homer pace. His struggles, in fact, reached a point at which he was benched in consecutive games last week.


Evan Longoria, projected No. 11, managed a .329 batting average and 28-homer and 134-RBI paces through his first 23 games, before tearing his hamstring on April 30 and landing on the DL.


And Adrian Gonzalez, projected No. 13, finds himself batting just .260 with a 13-homer pace, numbers that would represent easily his worst in any of his seven full big league seasons.


Let's focus first on Upton, because his owners might be most understandably frustrated -- remember the difficulty in predicting injuries -- of the bunch. This is a player who, after all, is 24 years old and coming off a breakout 2011 during which he managed 31/21 numbers, a .289 batting average and earned one first-place vote en route to a fourth-place finish in the National League MVP balloting. He's also a player who, on average, was selected 13th in ESPN leagues in the preseason, and whom I even touted a player who, based upon projected 2012 performance, might make a compelling case for No. 1 overall status entering 2013.

Upton's statistics tell the tale of a slugger enduring perplexing struggles. Examining his numbers, there's not a lot to pinpoint as a specific cause:


• K rate: 23.5 percent in 2012, 18.7 percent in 2011. This is a problem, yes, but in defense of the number, Upton's K rate in 2009, when he managed .300-26-84 numbers as a 21-year-old, was 23.3 percent. It's not like this is monstrous regression.
• BB rate: 11.7 percent in 2012, 8.8 percent in 2011. OK, so he has improved in this regard, which helps ease worries about the K rate increase.
• BABIP: .307 in 2012, .319 in 2011, .334 career. Perhaps Upton has suffered a few unlucky bounces, but there's not enough to explain how he lost 44 points in batting average since 2011, and 29 points comparative to his career number.
• Well-hit average: .235 in 2012, .259 in 2011, .239 from 2009-12 combined. He's still making quality contact, so no real worry there.
• Isolated power: .117 in 2012, .240 in 2011. This is a problem. Upton clearly is not driving the ball with as much authority. Still, that's more identifying the problem rather than the specific cause.
• Chase rate up 4 percent (27 percent in 2012, 23 percent in 2011), zone rate (pitches to him thrown in the strike zone) up 1 percent (48-49), miss rate down 0.4 percent (26.8-26.4). He's also hitting .378 with a .486 slugging percentage against pitches clocked at 93 mph or higher, which compares favorably to his .305 and .558 numbers of 2011. In short, there's nothing to indicate that Upton's bat speed has slowed, that he has become excessively impatient (à la Rickie Weeks), or that opposing pitchers merely aren't challenging him as much.


There's only one, specific aspect of Upton's game in which he has shown a marked decline in performance between this and last season, and it's his performance against curveballs. Take a look:


2012: 0-for-19, 10 K's (50 percent rate), 40 percent miss.
2011: .327 AVG (17-for-52), 24 percent K rate, 30 percent miss.


This is Upton's performance against every other type of pitch:

2012: .271/.362/.401 triple-slash, 21.3 percent K, 25 percent miss.
2011: .285/.362/.520 triple-slash, 18.5 percent K, 27 percent miss.


Yes, it's a twofold problem, Upton against curveballs and Upton's isolated power, but some of that could perhaps be explained by a thumb issue he played through in April (and reportedly since), and it's difficult not to think that he'll improve if he makes some adjustments. The key is that he continues to play … and players with Upton's raw talent, coupled with past results that back it up, tend to figure these things out given enough time.


We've perhaps reached -- or are at least approaching -- the lowest point of Upton's seasonal value curve, so he's a steal of a buy-low target today. Judging by many of the trade proposals I've read involving him, he's unquestionably the type of player you should be acquiring, not questioning.


Addressing the other preseason fantasy studs:


Pujols: Since his aforementioned 35-game, season-opening cold spell, he's batting .349/.409/.651 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs, which represent seasonal paces of 46 homers and 145 RBIs. Pujols' seasonal career averages are .326/.417/.610, 42 homers and 125 RBIs, meaning the "Pujols of old" has been back ever since that apparent league adjustment period. No longer any questions here. Unless you're so fortunate as to play in a league in which Pujols' owner cares for nothing other than season-to-date statistics, your buy-low window has long since closed.


Injured studs Kemp, Tulowitzki, Ellsbury and Longoria: Injuries are Stephania Bell's area of expertise, but let's take a look nevertheless at these four in terms of quantity and quality of remaining games they might give you.


In Kemp's case, setbacks stink, because they sometimes beget further setbacks. There's little question that Kemp has been the most valuable fantasy player during his healthy games since the beginning of last season. The question, however, is just how many of those games he might provide you looking forward, as he already raced back too soon last time and is now out for even longer. The Los Angeles Dodgers play 75 games after the All-Star break, out of 99 remaining contests, or roughly 75 percent of their remaining schedule. Considering the lack of an estimated timetable on Kemp's recovery, that sounds about right as an expectation. And the problem with the quality of his remaining games is that, since this was a hamstring injury, his current five-steal pace might not be far off.



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;"> Miguel Cabrera, 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;"> Ryan Braun, Mil </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;"> Joey Votto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Bautista, Tor </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;"> David Wright, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew McCutchen, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </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"> 14 </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"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Giancarlo Stanton, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </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"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, Tex </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;"> Justin Upton, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Uggla, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Kemp, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Gonzalez, Bos </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;"> Edwin Encarnacion, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Starlin Castro, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Bruce, Cin </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"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, Phi </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;"> Jose Reyes, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rodriguez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Phillips, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Lawrie, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shin-Soo Choo, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, Phi </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;"> Jason Kipnis, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, SF </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;"> Eric Hosmer, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, LAD </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;"> Nelson Cruz, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Corey Hart, Mil </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;"> Mike Napoli, Tex </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;"> Billy Butler, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Cuddyer, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Santana, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Evan Longoria, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </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"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, CWS </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;"> Martin Prado, Atl </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;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Zobrist, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Heyward, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Wieters, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </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"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pablo Sandoval, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buster Posey, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bryce Harper, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Young, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Desmond Jennings, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, StL </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;"> Drew Stubbs, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian McCann, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Zimmerman, Wsh </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;"> Cameron Maybin, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Joyce, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J.J. Hardy, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kelly Johnson, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Altuve, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Young, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Morse, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alejandro De Aza, CWS </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;"> Allen Craig, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Freddie Freeman, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Gordon, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neil Walker, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Furcal, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Swisher, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yoenis Cespedes, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Moustakas, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ichiro Suzuki, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Youkilis, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfonso Soriano, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dexter Fowler, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jesus Montero, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jed Lowrie, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Freese, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gordon Beckham, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Quentin, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Morneau, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </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"> 104 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lucas Duda, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </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"> 106 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Goldschmidt, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Seager, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 109 </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"> 110 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Aviles, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam LaRoche, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Headley, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Espinosa, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 116 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Rasmus, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Davis, Bal </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;"> Alex Rios, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dayan Viciedo, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torii Hunter, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Montero, Ari </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;"> Kendrys Morales, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Plouffe, Min </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;"> Carlos Ruiz, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Pierzynski, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Howard Kendrick, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Revere, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




Tulowitzki is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment on Wednesday, while Longoria will run the bases Thursday to determine his rehab plan, putting his estimated return in the one to two week range, per the Tampa Tribune. It's rare that I'd call a trade for a currently DL'ed player smart; but these are two who qualify. Tulowitzki might have four DL stints on his résumé, but the facts speak volumes: From 2007 to 2011 his average second-half stat line was .327/.395/.576, 13 homers, 51 RBIs and 64 games played, not one of those second halves fair to classify as anything less than excellent. Longoria, meanwhile, was performing like an MVP candidate before getting hurt, and his career history shows improved power during the second half. He has averaged one homer per 16.3 at-bats after the All-Star break, compared to one per 20.6 at-bats before it. Both should be ready to play every single remaining game from July 1 forward, if not sooner than that.


That brings us to Ellsbury, whose injury issues have become even more maddening than Kemp's. This will be Ellsbury's second season in the past three during which he failed to appear in even 100 games, and the earliest timetable for his recovery, per the Boston Red Sox's official website, appears to be the first week of July. There's plenty of time for a setback, and we won't know how much his shoulder has sapped his power until after he returns. If Ellsbury plays every second-half game for the Red Sox, he'd appear in 76 more out of 100 remaining Red Sox games (76.0 percent). I'm iffy about him, and might consider selling if I could.


Gonzalez: Per ESPN Stats & Information, one of his flaws this season is a much more aggressive approach at the plate. On first pitches in the count, Gonzalez has swung 35 percent of the time and batted .244 (46 PA-enders); he swung 28 percent of the time and batted .449 on that count in 2011 (81 PA-enders). Gonzalez's numbers also exhibit the same in pitchers' counts: 52 percent swing rate, .378 average in 2012; 46 percent swing rate, .466 average in 211. He also went a career-high 26 games without a walk from May 12-June 10, further compounding the problem. Gonzalez is at least aware of the issue, however, and it seems like something that, as with Upton, might require a mere adjustment. A player of his age (30), talent and stature should be able to correct it given time, meaning he's an attractive buy-low candidate in his own right. The rankings to the right show that he's no longer in the discussion for first-round status … but would anyone be surprised if he was a top-five fantasy first baseman from today forward?


Three up



Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals: I was wrong. Apparently a 19-year-old with only 129 games of minor league experience, 57 of that at Double- (37) or Triple-A (20), can become an instant fantasy mega-stud. I like to adjust in-season call-ups' pace numbers to scheduled remaining games, so let's do so with Harper: 95 games played, .307 batting average, 17 home runs, 45 RBIs, 47 walks, 71 runs scored, 19 doubles, 9 triples. Consider that among all teenagers in the history of Major League Baseball, no one has ever managed more than 24 homers, 82 RBIs, a .322 batting average or 100 runs scored, and remember, the players who achieved those benchmarks at age 19 or younger all played more games than Harper possibly could in 2012. This is a historic campaign thus far from Harper, his .247 isolated power one of his most telling statistics. He's no longer a mere dynasty-league franchise chip; he's a meaningful, must-start even in all redrafts.


Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins: Speaking of isolated power, Plouffe's is .276. There are only 10 batting title-eligible hitters who have a greater number than his, and it's not like his home run/fly ball percentage is entirely driving it; his is 19.2, a tad high, but not substantially above the 14.0 rate in his 513 career big league plate appearances (149 of them this season). Where did this power come from? Who knows, because his lifetime minor league isolated power was .148, though he did manage a .322 mark in 51 games for Triple-A Rochester in 2011. Now 25, Plouffe absolutely warrants plug-in status at the bare minimum, and you never know with players like this … they might just earn mainstay status in time.


Carlos Quentin, San Diego Padres: He's in the midst of a massive power tear since his return from right knee surgery, batting .432 (16-for-37) and clubbing five home runs with 10 RBIs in 11 games since activation. Whatever happened to Quentin's power drying up at Petco Park? He has two homers in his first five contests there, and they were measured at 431 and 429 feet. Quentin, simply put, has the kind of power that can clear any fence, and his tendency to pull for power capitalizes upon the one soft spot at Petco: The left-field line. This isn't to say that he's destined to finish among the top five in homers from today forward. It merely states that he shouldn't be a mere afterthought in homers/RBIs.


Three down



Brett Gardner, New York Yankees: As with the Matt Kemp example above, Gardner has endured setback after setback with his injured right elbow, and now questions are being raised as to whether he'll return this season. He visited with Dr. James Andrews on Monday, and per the Newark Star-Ledger, Gardner learned at least that there are no issues with his elbow ligaments, eliminating the prospect of season-ending Tommy John surgery. "It really doesn't matter what [Dr. Andrews] said," Gardner said. "I think I'm going to play [this season]." Still, that's a vague prognosis, and there remains no timetable for Gardner's recovery. He might play -- at best -- half of the Yankees' remaining season. That's approximately 50 games, and it's not necessarily worth waiting for in shallow mixed leagues.


Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox: Maybe now we have our answer. Pedroia, who is pushing to play through a thumb injury, has batted .129/.222/.161 with a 25.0 percent strikeout rate in eight games since returning to the lineup, numbers that hint that he's probably well beneath 100 percent. The strikeout rate represents a massive increase from his 11.4 percent number in April and May combined, his well-hit average has slipped from .200 in the first two months to .129 in June and he has missed on 23 percent of his swings in June, up from 14 percent in April and May. Now, some of that is the adjustment required to play through the issue, but what percentage of his usual form might Pedroia reach given time? Ninety percent? Eighty? Here's the worst part: If the true answer is, say, 50-60, might the Red Sox consider asking him to undergo surgery to correct it?


Chris Young, Arizona Diamondbacks: Whereas Young got off to a scorching start to the season, batting .410 with five home runs in 11 games, before landing on the DL with a shoulder injury, he hasn't looked remotely close to the same player since his May 18 activation. In Young's past 18 games he has batted .175/.288/.222 with only three extra-base hits, all doubles, he's 0-for-2 in stolen base chances and he has struck out 17 times in 63 at-bats. He has historically been a streaky player, yes, but those recent statistics demonstrate a player less the breakout candidate he seemed in April, and more his historical, 2007-11 self: That's a .240-hitting, 23-homer, 71-RBI, 20-steal, yet 23.0 percent K rate player.


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: Greg Dobbs (1B, OF), Matt Downs (1B), Eduardo Escobar (3B), Adrian Gonzalez (OF), Josh Harrison (SS), Elian Herrera (3B), Eric Hinske (1B), Omar Quintanilla (SS), Steve Tolleson (3B), Kevin Youkilis (1B).


Nearing new position eligibility



The following players are on track to earn new eligibility in the coming weeks: Tyler Colvin (9 games played at 1B), Matt Downs (8 games played at 3B), Maicer Izturis (9 games played at SS), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), Hector Luna (8 games played at 1B), Tyler Moore (9 games played at OF), Jayson Nix (8 games played at OF), Buster Posey (8 games played at 1B), Will Rhymes (9 games played at 3B), Kyle Seager (8 games played at 2B), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B).

 

[HacheMan]

Braves' Medlen, Teheran drawing interest

Eric Karabell

The plot thickened for the Atlanta Braves rotation Tuesday, leaving fantasy owners to wonder which members of this pitching-rich organization can really be counted on the final few months. Left-hander Mike Minor seemed ticketed for the minors, but he tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the New York Yankees. Right-hander Kris Medlen threw reasonably well for Triple-A Gwinnett in what is expected to be his final minor league start before promotion. And All-Star Game-bound right-hander Brandon Beachy, who is dealing with elbow soreness, had his start pushed back a few days to Saturday.




Seven different Braves pitchers have started a game this season, and by this time next week, Medlen should be the eighth. I like Medlen's future and can make the case he's the best buy-low option among all the rotation candidates for this season. Now 26 and recovered from Tommy John surgery, Medlen performed well as a starter through the minors and in 2010 with the Braves. Medlen also pitched well as a reliever this season until the Braves sent him down a few weeks ago to stretch out as a starter again. His last start for Gwinnett was supposed to be Tuesday, but Minor complicated matters with his performance.

<offer>My guess is Medlen could replace Minor or right-hander Randall Delgado by next week, or get another Triple-A start. On Tuesday, Medlen went six innings at Pawtucket, allowing six hits and four walks over six innings, including a home run to veteran minor league first baseman Mauro Gomez, who is, in fairness, slugging nearly .600. In Medlen's other two starts, he threw 7 1/3 innings, allowing four runs.</offer>


Those in NL-only leagues should add Medlen now, though. He's not an ace in the making, but by 2013, I envision him getting 30-plus starts, 150-170 strikeouts and a 3.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. If you like those numbers, Medlen is a guy to add for this season as well in deeper formats. Back in 2010, he was viewed as an upside guy, and we should see it soon, at someone's expense.


Minor, meanwhile, thrived Tuesday, but his season ERA is 6.01, his WHIP 1.42. Last week, he allowed only one run to the Miami Marlins, but walked five in five innings and threw only 55 of 103 pitches for strikes. Once a top prospect, himself, Minor looks like an unfinished product. Right-handed hitters entered Tuesday with 12 home runs and a .538 slugging percentage off him. Don't give up on Minor in dynasty formats, but I'd call him free-agent fodder for 2012 and wouldn't be drawn in by his Tuesday performance.


As for the current Braves right-handers in the rotation, it sure looks like they're mainly sell-high options, at least to some degree. We shouldn't shy away from Beachy just because he's dealing with elbow soreness. A month ago, Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale supposedly had a sore elbow as well, and he has been baseball's top pitcher since then. Beachy is, however, a regression candidate. He's been more successful this season because he's going deeper into games, with a reduced but still valuable strikeout rate. He enters Wednesday 11th among starting pitchers on the ESPN Player Rater, leading the NL in ERA and third in WHIP. He won't fall apart, unless an injury ruins things, but he's also unlikely to finish with a sub-2.00 ERA (he's at 1.98 now). Beachy hasn't come close to 200 innings in a season before, either, and even though Sale has looked great, that doesn't mean Beachy will overcome his elbow woes.


Meanwhile, right-hander Tommy Hanson has nice statistics, but last year's rotator cuff tear (no surgery) and this year's reduced velocity still scare me. Like Beachy, that doesn't mean I'd move Hanson at first opportunity, but I worry about his durability. His WHIP is 1.31, and his May numbers weren't good at all (4.65 ERA, 1.61 WHIP). I can't view him as a buy-low option.


As for the accomplished Tim Hudson, who missed a weekend start because of an ankle injury and should face the Yankees on Wednesday (on ESPN), I can't say I'm too concerned. His WHIP is 1.19, and he has been a bit all-or-nothing so far, with five outings of two or fewer runs and three others with five or more. He has allowed a mere one home run in 54 innings, which is obviously excellent, but likely unsustainable, even for an extreme ground ball pitcher. Additionally, the gains he made in strikeout rate last season have gone away. Hudson should keep his WHIP low and win games, but he's not a top-30 starting pitcher anymore.


Add it all up and the best buy-low options among potential Braves starting pitchers really are Medlen and perhaps 21-year-old Julio Teheran, who produced a misleading outing Sunday. He actually pitched well but put a few men on base in the fifth inning, and reliever Livan Hernandez -- who has not started a game -- allowed them to score. Teheran was sent back to Gwinnett but will be back at some point.


At this point, it's easier to expect something from Teheran than 2011 All-Star Jair Jurrjens. I was at Triple-A Lehigh Valley last Friday to see Jurrjens -- as well as Domonic Brown and others -- and while Jurrjens' line seems fine, with two runs and six hits allowed in six innings, his velocity was down and Iron Pigs hitters were having little issue squaring up his fastball and off-speed offerings. Jurrjens had a 2.96 ERA over 23 starts for the Braves last year and was a 22nd-rounder in ESPN average live drafts this year (66th among starting pitchers), but it's hard to envision him helping the Braves anytime soon. His ERA at Triple-A is 5.26 with only 4.5 strikeouts per nine innings.


Ultimately, according to the current Player Rater, the top Braves starting pitchers are Beachy, Hanson, Hudson, Delgado, Medlen (in relief) and then Minor, Teheran and Jurrjens. For the rest of the season, I'd rank this crew Hudson, Beachy, Hanson, Medlen and Teheran.

 

[HacheMan]

The Chase Is On

Chase Utley has already missed the Phillies’ first 62 games this season, but he’s finally progressing enough that it appears possible he'll return to play in most of their remaining 100.



After getting through a pair of extended spring training games, the veteran second baseman has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater Tuesday. Utley will initially serve as Clearwater’s designated hitter before working his way into second base duty. He has a 20-day window of rehab games, and it sounds like Utley will use most or all of those days.



"He's got to get enough defensive innings where he's comfortable physically and has a rhythm in the field," general manager Ruben Amaro said. "He also needs enough at-bats to be comfortable and in a rhythm at the plate. I'm glad he's started and, unless there is an issue, he should be able to help us in the early part of July."



It’s tough to predict how Utley’s knee will handle game action at second base, as he’s almost surely going to have to play with some level of pain even in a best-case scenario. The knee isn’t really an issue in the batter’s box, though, making him a viable roster stash if he’s currently sitting on your waiver wire.



Strained Oblique Sidelines Morrow



Brandon Morrow entered Monday’s outing against the Nationals coming off his league-leading third shutout of the season and in the midst of what has been shaping up as a career year.



His night ended after nine pitches.



The hard-throwing right-hander suffered a strained left oblique while pitching to the second batter of the game, and Blue Jays manager John Farrell referred to the injury as "probably substantial" and said Morrow was in "considerable pain." Although the team has yet to officially make a move, Morrow is almost surely headed to the disabled list, and a minimum stay on the DL is probably unlikely.



Since Morrow isn’t on the DL yet, we obviously don’t know for sure who will take his spot in the rotation. Aaron Laffey was promoted after the game, though, and he’s an option. Also under consideration figure to be Joel Carreno and Brett Cecil, who has rebounded lately at Triple-A Las Vegas after a slow start.



Good News for Carp



The Cardinals have been itching for some good injury news, and they finally got some with Chris Carpenter.



Carp’s shoulder is feeling good enough that he’s ready to test it out on the mound sometime later this week.



"Where I'm at right now compares to where I'm at when I start preparing myself to go to spring training," Carpenter said in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I've been doing everything: strengthening my upper body, running, everything. I feel great."



If all goes well, Carpenter is expected back in about five weeks, which would put him in line to rejoin the rotation at the start of the second half. Now, given that he hasn’t thrown from the bump since spring training, there’s no telling how he’s going to feel. He’s been long-tossing without any issues, though, offering hope that the veteran right-hander can help fantasy teams after the All-Star break.







National League Quick Hits: Word spread late Monday night that the Dodgers and Andre Ethier might be close to a five-year, $85 million extension. The contract would also include a vesting option for 2018 which could bring the overall value to over $100 million. If the deal goes through, it would take one of the premium bats off next winter's free agent market ... Most have viewed the Cubs as the team to beat for Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, and on Monday it was indeed the Cubs that landed the 20-year-old with a nine-year, $30 million contract. Soler, who has the ability to opt out of the deal when he’s arbitration-eligible, is likely to begin his professional career at the Low-A level … Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said there’s no timetable for Matt Kemp’s (hamstring) return. It seems safe to say that we probably won’t see him until July … Brandon Beachy’s next start will be pushed back a few days due to some minor elbow soreness. It doesn’t appear to be a big concern at this point … Drew Storen threw off a mound Monday for the second time since elbow surgery. He’s still aiming to rejoin the Nationals bullpen around the All-Star break … Ted Lilly (shoulder) has yet to resume throwing. He has no structural damage, though, so it shouldn’t be too long before he ramps up the activity … Tim Hudson (ankle) made it through a bullpen session Monday and has been cleared to rejoin the rotation Wednesday … Placido Polanco (finger laceration) was able to take batting practice Monday and could return to the lineup Tuesday after missing five games … Roger Bernadina left Monday’s game with a right hamstring injury. He’s considered day-to-day for now … Josh Johnson spun seven innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox Monday, striking out seven. He’s now posted a quality start six of the last seven times out, lowering his ERA from 6.61 to 4.27 over that stretch.



American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver (back) threw 30 pitches off the front of the mound Monday and will throw a full bullpen session Tuesday before participating in a simulated game by the end of the week. Assuming all goes well, he should rejoin the Angels rotation next week … Sergio Santos experienced renewed discomfort in his right shoulder following a bullpen session last week. What was originally deemed as a relatively minor injury has now cost the closer over seven weeks, and he’s still out indefinitely … Brett Gardner will receive a third opinion on his right elbow Thursday and could possibly need surgery. It’s not clear how long an operation would sideline him, but Gardner will be out through the All-Star break regardless … Carl Crawford (elbow) thinks he’s still at least a week or two away from returning to game action. He was only recently cleared to resume throwing … Dustin McGowan’s (shoulder) throwing program has been slowed, and it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to throw from a mound … Daniel Bard allowed one run on a hit and a walk while striking out two in his first relief outing for Triple-A Pawtucket Monday … Rafael Soriano was unavailable to pitch Monday due to a blister issue but expects to be ready to roll Tuesday.​

 

[HacheMan]

Harper And The Nats Most baseball enthusiasts figured the Nationals would take a step forward this season. But few could have predicted how large of a leap it would turn out to be.

With sinkerballer Chien-Ming Wang delivering five solid innings and teenage phenom Bryce Harper belting his seventh career home run (a booming blast off the right-center field facade at Rogers Centre), Washington rolled to a 4-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday evening.

It was the Nats’ fifth-straight win, and they’ll be going for their second-straight series sweep on Wednesday.

Harper is batting .307/.390/.553 with 19 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and 30 runs scored through his first 40 major league games. The 19-year-old is already a fantasy monster, and there’s no reason to think that a significant regression is coming given his work ethic, bat speed and uniquely ferocious approach to the game of baseball.

This “Natitude” stuff is real. And the National League East might be D.C.’s for the taking.

B-Rob Provides A Spark In First Game Back

It wasn’t all that long ago that Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was considered a highly valuable commodity in fantasy baseball circles. And the 34-year-old may soon regain that reputation.

Roberts went 3-for-4 with an RBI Tuesday at Baltimore’s Camden Yards as the Orioles topped the Pirates by a score of 8-6 and moved to within a game of the Yankees at the top of the American League East standings.

It was Roberts’ first major league action since May 16 of last season. But he didn’t appear rusty in the batter's box or on defense at second base and seems poised to inject the Baltimore lineup with exactly what it needs down the stretch -- a reliable, consistent presence in the leadoff spot.

Roberts boasts three seasons of 50-or-more doubles and a cool .281/.353/.416 career batting line. In his last full year of baseball (2009), he stole 30 bases. If the 12-year major league veteran can manage to avoid a recurrence of his post-concussion symptoms and give the O’s four or five starts per week, he could help that team stay afloat in baseball’s toughest division and provide strong waiver-wire value for crafty fantasy owners.

It’s Officially Cook Time Out In Oakland

A’s manager Bob Melvin told reporters this past weekend that he was going to employ a committee at closer going forward. But major league skippers rarely stick by that type of strategy, and it’s already becoming quite clear that there’s only one reliever worth owning in the Oakland bullpen: rookie Ryan Cook.

The 24-year-old right-hander earned the first save of his MLB career Tuesday in Colorado, pitching his way out of a ninth-inning jam while racking up two strikeouts as the A’s finished off an 8-5 defeat of the Rockies.

Cook has the kind of mid-90s fastball that you want in a big-league stopper, and he’s had an incredible amount of success this year with his entire arsenal. Through 27 innings, the Clovis, California native owns a 0.67 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and 27 strikeouts. He may be in line for some amount of regression, but the water is just fine at present. Scoop him up. Jump on in. There should be plenty more saves to come.


National League Quick Hits: Reds ace Johnny Cueto allowed just one earned run Tuesday in a complete-game victory over the Indians … Chase Utley finished 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in his first rehab game Tuesday … The Giants have no plans to skip Tim Lincecum’s spot in the starting rotation despite his ongoing struggles … Drew Stubbs remains day-to-day with a strained left oblique muscle … Cubs speedster Tony Campana tallied his 19th, 20th and 21st steals on Tuesday night … Troy Tulowitzki (groin) is scheduled to begin playing in minor league rehab games Wednesday night at Triple-A Colorado Springs … Bud Norris was pulled in the fourth inning Tuesday against the Giants after suffering a left knee sprain … Rockies starter Jeremy Guthrie is sporting a brutal 6.91 ERA and 1.75 WHIP through 10 starts this season … Jimmy Rollins is 20-for-59 (.339) with seven extra-base hits since May 29 … Zack Greinke struck out eight batters without issuing a walk Tuesday in his return to Kansas City … The Phillies are optimistic that Placido Polanco will be ready to return from his finger laceration on Wednesday … Joey Votto hit his 11th home run of the season on Tuesday night and raised his season slash line to .357/.479/.643 … Cardinals utilitymen Skip Schumaker (hamstring) and Matt Carpenter (oblique) are close to beginning minor league rehab assignments … The Marlins are hoping that Emilio Bonifacio can return from his left thumb surgery shortly after the All-Star break … Stephen Drew (ankle) is on track to return to the Diamondbacks this weekend … The Cubs fired hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo …. Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reported Tuesday that the Dodgers are “definitely interested” in working out a trade for Chicago right-hander Ryan Dempster.

American League Quick Hits: Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis has fired off two straight complete-game performances … Alex Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam on Tuesday night against the Braves, tying Lou Gehrig for the all-time MLB record … Evan Longoria (hamstring) could begin a minor league rehab assignment as early as Friday … Blue Jays manager John Farrell acknowledged Tuesday that there is no timetable for Brandon Morrow’s return from an oblique strain … Adam Dunn launched his 21st home run of the season in Tuesday’s defeat of the Cardinals … Brian Matusz is expected to start Wednesday after X-rays came back negative from his taking a batting practice ball to the nose on Tuesday … Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz has given up two or fewer runs in four straight starts … The A’s have scratched Brandon McCarthy from his scheduled Wednesday outing due to renewed shoulder discomfort and will have him undergo an MRI … Luis Mendoza carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning Tuesday night against the Brewers … The Indians acquired right-hander Esmil Rogers from the Rockies on Tuesday evening for cash considerations … Jered Weaver threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday and is on track to return next week from his lower back strain … Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen is 6-2 with a 3.68 ERA through 73 1/3 innings this year … Jonathan Sanchez (biceps) will be activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday to start against the Brewers … Orioles closer Jim Johnson is up to 19 saves … Roy Oswalt was roughed up in another minor league outing Tuesday at Double-A Frisco … Jose Bautista hit his 18th home run in Tuesday night’s loss to the Nationals … The A’s are optimistic that Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) will be ready to play Wednesday … Ben Zobrist is day-to-day with a bruised hand … The Blue Jays released veteran Vladimir Guerrero.

 

[HacheMan]

It Takes Two to Handcuff It takes two. Well, at least it does in monogamous relationships and chess matches.

This year, it takes two to capture the baseball fan's attention -- there's a pair of rookies that are taking the league by storm. Mike Trout and Bryce Harper are already doing things that haven't been seen from a pair of guys who aren't of drinking age yet. They could become the best duo to debut in the same season without doing much better from here on out.

Most years, it takes (at least) two in your better bullpen. There are days when the primary closer has pitched too many games in a row, for example. And about a third of all pitchers hit the DL in a given year, so there will be the odd two-week stint where the number two has to step in for number one. Handcuffs are good, at least in monogamous relationships and chess matches.

In honor of these two types of twos, we'll name the tiers after dynamic duo debuts, and we'll point out the robins behind the batmen in each bullpen. Is it too much? You decide.

Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "Evan Longoria and Joey Votto" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2008, you had a trio of youths, really, with Jacoby Ellsbury playing out his rookie eligibility to great success along with Longoria and Votto. Even if you use Ellsbury instead of Votto (since the Red Sox center fielder accrued three-tenths of a win above replacement more than the Reds first baseman), you get just over nine wins from your 2008 pairing. Harper and Trout are projected for just under nine wins, though, so they do belong in this conversation. And what a conversation it is -- Votto hit .297 with 24 home runs and seven stolen bases, Longoria hit .272 with 27 home runs and equalled his stolen base total while playing third, and Ellsbury hit .312 with 50 stolen bases in center field. What was in the water that year? Mike Aviles even put up four WAR that year.

In this tier, the backup men are likely to be of little use. Jonny Venters isn't having the year he had last year, but he's still the setup man. Probably won't see many saves. Once the Phillies get going, it will be Jonathan Papelbon getting all the saves, and Antonio Bastardo dominating the eighth inning. Even after a little hiccup, Mitchell Boggs is behind Jason Motte in St. Louis. Well behind.

Newcomer Kenley Jansen has always had the elite strikeout rate, but the former catcher had a control problem. That was before this year. Now his walk rate is hovering around average, and he's actually throwing more balls into the zone than the league-average pitcher. And still nobody can make any contact -- he has 48 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings! 12 walks in that sample doesn't mean he'll never have trouble with his control again, and he has walked batters in four of his last eight appearances, but Jansen looks dominant and deserves this. Josh Lindblom is probably next in line. Doesn't matter much.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (7) (AKA: The "Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez" Tier.)

Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

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

Four wins above replacement makes you an All-Star player most years. In 2006, Dan Uggla (4.5 WAR) and Hanley Ramirez (4.6 WAR) managed that feat as teammates, which is pretty sweet. The teammate tandems that make up this tier are also pretty sweet.

Aroldis Chapman spits fire. Well, he blew a save this week and finally gave up some runs, but his work in back-to-back games cements his status as the closer, and makes Sean Marshall a backup. But Marshall will get some saves still, considering Chapman's reluctance to warm on consecutive nights. At least nights when Chapman has pitched twice in a row still seem open for Marshall.

We've been waiting for him find the plate again and return to the elite form that he found the last two years, but it's not coming. John Axford keeps walking too many batters, and he's now throwing balls in the zone at his career-lowest rate. There's no reason to think that he will have a nice WHIP going forward -- he'll probably keep his job and give his owners plenty of strikeouts and saves, but he'll also give up plenty of walks. Francisco Rodriguez isn't having a K-Rod season, but he's still the second half of that back-end tandem in Milwaukee.

Santiago Casilla hopped right back on the horse and rewarded our patience in him by proving he was still the sole closer over the past week. In the meantime, Sergio Romo showed that he's the handcuff, even if Javier Lopez will get the occasional situational save. Casilla might use his backup more than others, since Romo is so excellent, but J.J. Putz will need David Hernandez at some point. And Joe Nathan might need Mike Adams to take the ball once or twice, considering his age. Joel Hanrahan left town to deal with family stuff for a little bit, and Juan Cruz was the guy who got his save chances, but it's Jason Grilli who's doing more of the setup work these days. Pick one. Matt Belisle would step in for Rafael Betancourt if there was an injury, but probably not because of poor play.

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Jemile Weeks and Ben Revere" Tier.)

Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays
Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Heath Bell, Miami Marlins

Two WAR makes you an average major league player, or so goes the general benchmark. To have a rookie turn in a major league average season in his first year is actually an impressive feat, even if it doesn't sound like it. Maybe it's old hat to some -- we've seen three duos turn in exactly two wins above replacement since 2005. Ryan Church and Clint Barmes did so in 2005 and Casey McGehee and Will Venable did it in 2009. But last year we had two speedsters that might factor into fantasy seasons for a long time manage the feat in Jemile Weeks and Ben Revere, and that just seems like a fun oddity. This tier is made up of an odd assortment of vets and young closers, but it'll work.

Addison Reed is looking safer these days. He's only walked one batter in his last nine appearances, and he always had excellent control in the minors. Suddenly, though, Jesse Crain is the setup man there and might be next in line. We learned when Huston Street was out that the mustachioed Dale Thayer was his backup. Thayer and Crain could see some saves, but if Reed and Street stay healthy, they won't see many. Pedro Strop backs up Jim Johnson, and might be the future closer in Baltimore, even if he did blow a game last week. Rafael Soriano blew a save, too, but it wasn't a huge blowup -- no walks, no home runs, and just three hits that led to a run and a blown save -- and the guess here is that David Robertson is his backup when he returns. Fernando Rodney and Chris Perez aren't the most stable relievers, so their partners in crime are interesting. At the same time, Fernando Rodney might have done enough to stave off Kyle Farnsworth's return. Chris Perez has also improved and Vinnie Pestano didn't get many chances while Perez was bad, so he's not likely to get many when Perez is better.

Should Heath Bell move up? He straight up stunk -- he couldn't locate his slower fastball and he was bouncing his curve -- until he was returned to the closer role May 28th. Since that day, he's struck out ten in 6 2/3 innings and only walked two. He's looked good, too. His contract already meant that Steve Cishek was likely to remain his backup, but now the performance is starting too look Bell-ian. Let's move him up.

Tier 4: Question marks (6) (AKA: The "Billy Butler and Delmon Young" Tier.)

Brett Myers, Houston Astros
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals

Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins
Frank Francisco, New York Mets
Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox

There were actually two rookies in 2007 that managed to play to exactly zero wins above replacement, but Mike Rabelo didn't really have much of a career. So it's more impressive to find that Billy Butler and Delmon Young only managed three-tenths of a win together, considering how much playing time they got that year (over 1000 plate appearances). But if you pair a bad-glove outfielder with a no-glove designated hitter and neither walks at an average rate, that's what you get. A replacement player.

Brett Myers could stay in Houston all year and make his owners happy for the return they got on their cheap investment. But his contract vests at a certain number of games finished, and we all know what happened to Francisco Rodriguez when an uncompetitive team was faced with the same situation. The new crew in Houston has no loyalty to Myers, and all they need is a decent prospect back and he'll be gone. And if he's gone, so will his save chances disappear. It's probably Wilton Lopez back in Houston if Myers leaves -- his ground-ball heavy approach isn't quite ideal for the closer's role, but he's back to his elite walk rate, and striking out batters at a career-best rate. He'd be a pretty good closer, and a better Jim Johnson than Jim Johnson even. Brandon Lyon's numbers look good -- even in the peripherals -- but they are so out of line with his career numbers that they look ridiculous. Believe the other 590 or so innings before you believe the 20-plus he's put up this year.

Tuesday night, Jonathan Broxton saved a game -- not news -- but he struck out two batters -- that's news. With 16 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings, he's obviously not the ox he used to be. Greg Holland is back and has leapt ahead of the rest of the bullpen by putting up two Kimbrels (three strikeouts, no walks, not hits) since he's returned. Holland is the long-term own in this bullpen still, and at some point the Royals may just look to the future to see what they have before they make a decision on Joakim Soria's contract option.

Jose Valverde… well, he's the big potato. It's probably best to own his handcuff, Joaquin Benoit, if you're rolling Valverde to the mound. Valverde's strikeout rate (and swinging strike rate) and ground-ball rate have disappeared, leaving him alone with his terrible control. This closer change could really happen, and we'll demote Valverde to reflect that chance.

Frank Francisco is safe in perhaps the worst bullpen in the league. His handcuff is probably Jon Rauch, but if you want to know how bad the bullpen is, Miguel Batista is probably next in line -- Manager Terry Collins said so at least, and maybe in response to Rauch's troubles against the Yankees. Matt Capps can't get the strikeouts of a Francisco, but he's in a better pen and has only blown one save all year. You can hang on to Glen Perkins if you like, but he doesn't look like he'll get many saves unless a deal happens. Capps probably wouldn't net them anything interesting like a decent catching prospect (cough cough Wilson Ramos), but that boat has sailed. Alfredo Aceves has one foot in the bottom tier and one foot in this tier. He saved a perfect frame Tuesday night, but he'd blown two of his last three games before that. He's still got an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio, and his peripherals look good. And Andrew Bailey continues to talk about his return. And there's no clear backup ready to take the job.

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

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (6) (AKA: The "David McCarty and Jeff Branson" Tier.)

Ernesto Frieri (first chair), Scott Downs (second chair), Los Angeles Angels
Tom Wilhelmsen (first chair), Brandon League (second chair), Seattle Mariners
Tyler Clippard (first chair), Sean Burnett (second chair), Washington Nationals

Ryan Cook (first chair), Brian Fuentes (second chair), Sean Doolittle (third chair), Oakland Athletics
Shawn Camp (first chair), Carlos Marmol (second chair), James Russell (third chair), Chicago Cubs
Casey Janssen (first chair), Francisco Cordero (second chair), Jason Frasor (third chair), Toronto Blue Jays

Twins first baseman David McCarty wasn't quite the worst rookie ever by WAR -- that feat belongs to another former Twin in Christian Guzman -- but he did share a debut year with Jeff Branson in 1993. That year, the two of them combined to hit five home runs in nearly 600 plate appearances, and they didn't make up for it with any patience. Together they cost their respective teams over four wins combined, the worst for any pair of qualified rookies in a single calendar year. At least they were atop the leaderboard in a category? These closers probably won't lead any categories at all.

Yes, on talent, Ernesto Frieri is no David McCarty, and yes, he might actually lead some leaderboards (particularly strikeout rate ones). He's more of an Albert Pujols actually (most rookie WAR), since his funky release and great movement make his 93 mph fastball nearly invisible. But Scott Downs is still getting saves chances -- he had one Sunday. This is a real tandem, and if that's the case, the split in saves would most likely reflect the 1/4 vs 3/4 split in the league's handedness. Downs gets the lefty-heavy lineups 1/4 of the time, Frieri gets the rest. Without that quirk, Frieri would jump up a tier-plus.

The Mariners have made some noise about moving Brandon League back into the ninth, and they have used their erstwhile closer as the setup man recently, so League is back in the mix. But right now, Wilhelmsen is the better pitcher. He's striking out double-digit batters per nine and is showing above-average control for once. Everything about what he's doing looks sustainable -- even if his control regresses a little, he has the strikeout punch to erase innings. League, on the other hand, has had inconsistent control over his career, and right now is showing a bad walk rate. His ground balls have also disappeared. He gave up two earned on four hits in his last eighth inning appearance, and that might have given Wilhelmsen more leash.

Tyler Clippard is the sole closer in Washington, but we're back to playing the "All Year" game -- is there any chance he's the closer the rest of the year? It doesn't seem likely, with Drew Storen on his way back. Clippard was probably always the best pick to replace Storen, but it took Henry Rodriguez to predictably walk a lineup or two for the team to see the light. While Storen is out, Clippard's backup is lefty Sean Burnett.

There's a new closer in our midst. Ryan Cook got his first save… and walked a guy. That's going to happen. He has 27 strikeouts and 16 walks in 27 innings, and his minor league career showed some bad walk rates, too. Keep Brian Fuentes close, maybe, since Sean Doolittle is pitching in the (sixth and) seventh in tight games, but Cook could take this and run with it. Grant Balfour is droppable -- they're shopping him and he pitched in the seventh Tuesday night.

We put Shawn Camp as the closer before he ever got a save, and there he was Tuesday night… saving a game for… Carlos Marmol. That bullpen is probably worse than New York's (okay definitely worse), but that's your relevant duo, considering James Russell has such terrible platoon splits.

Every piece of bad news for Sergio Santos is good news for Casey Janssen. Janssen isn't great -- his only elite rate is his walk rate, and his mediocre strikeout rate isn't backed up by a great ground-ball rate -- but he's better than his partner in crime, Jason Frasor… probably. Well, at least while Frasor can't find the plate. In fact, if Santos loses the year, Frasor becomes an interesting own. He's got the best swinging strike rate of his career.

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

Injured

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

Bad news. Sergio Santos felt renewed discomfort in his throwing shoulder last week and had to be shut back down. There's no timetable for him now. Andrew Bailey is playing catch and might be back soon, but Kyle Farnsworth actually has a target date -- June 28. Drew Storen is throwing off a mound and feels good, so he's probably the second-closest on this list.

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

Let's not put Brian Fuentes here just yet, but he's destined for this list for sure. James Russell might be too, although his reign on the top was short like leprechauns.

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

The Steals Department

There's a trio of speedsters atop the leaderboard for steals this year, and all of them are sparsely owned. That might be because Tony Campana, Juan Pierre, and Jordan Schafer are all left-handed and are better used in a platoon (or actually used in a platoon in real life). Here's an idea for those that are hurting in steals but weren't that interested in one of these guys because of they don't play every day: create your own platoon. Pick up two of these guys and make sure you always have a banjo-hitting speed-only lefty facing a righty in your lineup. Hey, Tony Campana leads the majors in stolen bases. And it's easier to steal against a right-hander. It does make sense, even if it will rob you of a bench spot. Admitted: it's a better strategy in leagues with deep benches.

If you wanted a little power in your platoon, you could add in lefty Michael Saunders, who is raking in Seattle. The power is real (seven home runs so far), and so is the speed (ten stolen bases), but the .281 batting average looks like it will regress. Saunders has figured some things out, but isn't making a ton of contact, and his luck on the batted ball is probably going to regress. With his power, he's a good deep league pickup. Since he's a lefty, he's a better pickup than Rajai Davis, a righty who only enjoys the platoon advantage one-fourth of the time. It's lefty day in the steals department!

 

[HacheMan]

Voting for All-Stars via the Player Rater

Eric Karabell

We're four weeks away from the All-Star Game in Kansas City, and if you've been to a ballpark recently, you know that you can and should do your part by voting. You can also vote online. I've voted recently and will continue to do so until the balloting ends on June 28. I'm often asked about whether I vote for my favorite players, the best or most accomplished players or, as many of you probably do, all the players from my favorite team, even if they've having poor seasons. I vote for the players I think combine the best and most deserving. Hey, whether we like it or not, the game counts! The Los Angeles teams, New York teams, Ohio teams, the Washington Nationals, who knows, someone's getting home-field advantage from this game.


As plenty can still change between now and when the final voting is due, this is merely how things look on the ides of June, but I thought I'd go position by position to separate/combine fantasy and reality, and see if they match. In some or many cases it will not, but that's OK. We're just having some fun and crediting performances you might not have realized, and we'll rely heavily on the unbiased Player Rater for guidance.


<offer></offer>

Catcher: The current battle at the Rater top is between Carlos Ruiz and Yadier Molina. Each should be an All-Star. Buster Posey is a distant third on the Rater, but also deserving, especially considering his situation returning from last year's gruesome injury. In the AL, and you might not believe this, the top catcher has been A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox. Pierzynski isn't even 100 percent-owned in ESPN standard leagues, but he's hitting .292 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs, stats on pace to crush his best season. No Matt Wieters or Mike Napoli? Batting average counts! And based on draft-day value, in which Pierzynski had none … he's the AL pick. Told you this would be surprising!
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Posey, Napoli.
Top fantasy options: Ruiz/Molina, Pierzynski.


First base: Cincinnati Reds hitting machine Joey Votto is baseball's OPS leader, and by a lot. He's in for the vote and fantasy. Miguel Cabrera is second on the Player Rater and eligible at first base, but for this discussion goes to third base. Toronto Blue Jays surprise Edwin Encarnacion is next. He's a shade better -- on the Rater -- than Mark Trumbo and Paul Konerko. This is a deep position. Kudos to the voters for not blindly choosing Albert Pujols when he's not having a great season (though I think he will). I've been picking Konerko, personally. No, I don't always go with the Rater, but Encarnacion is deserving.
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Votto, Prince Fielder.
Top fantasy options: Votto, Encarnacion.

Second base: I've blogged about wonderful Cleveland Indians breakout Jason Kipnis, and he's simply dominating this position on the Rater. The NL leader is Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros, which I admit makes me smile. Perhaps he'll end up Houston's rep in Kansas City, because each team needs one, or his double play partner could go. I don't expect the voters to be aware of Kipnis or Altuve, but it's not like the current leaders or even Robinson Cano make for poor choices, either. Kipnis and Altuve are simply having better seasons. It depends how much you value past achievements, too.
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Dan Uggla, Ian Kinsler.
Top fantasy options: Kipnis, Altuve.


Shortstop: And here's the Chicago Cubs representative, Mr. Starlin Castro. Say what you will about his focus -- and his manager certainly has -- but he hits for average and has 16 stolen bases, though only one in June. Hanley Ramirez is the No. 2 shortstop, but fifth at third base. The only AL player in the Rater top five at this position is a familiar All-Star. Kudos to Derek Jeter. No, he's clearly not done. I admit to being surprised that Altuve's teammate Jed Lowrie is only ninth on the Rater, despite having more home runs than the eight guys ahead of him. By the way, I have no problem with the current NL vote leader and repeat All-Star starting, assuming he's healthy, but the deserving Rafael Furcal is right there in the voting.
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Troy Tulowitzki/Furcal, Jeter.
Top fantasy options: Castro, Jeter.


Third base: Detroit's Cabrera and Toronto's Encarnacion are also eligible here for fantasy, though Encarnacion isn't playing third base. I think Jose Bautista, another Blue Jay not playing third base (it's Brett Lawrie!) will end up the top option on the Rater by October, and he's a deserving All-Star. There's little argument about the NL choice and fantasy owners that believed David Wright was still a great player (he was in my top 20) have been rewarded.
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Wright, Adrian Beltre.
Top fantasy options: Wright, Cabrera/Encarnacion.

Outfield: We dig a bit deeper at this position since three options in each league are voted in. Everyone loves Josh Hamilton. So do I. Curtis Granderson is also headed to Kansas City as a starter, based on the voting. He's 14th on the Rater among outfielders. Matt Kemp, if healthy, is going, but injury has pushed him out of the Rater top 20. He's deserving. I don't see many surprises on the Rater among outfielders (Melky Cabrera is sixth, and should be an All-Star), but note that awesome rookie Mike Trout is ninth for the season, even though his season started late. Trout is not on the ballot, but you can write him in. Would you believe he's the No. 3 AL outfielder on the Rater? That is awesome. How about Alejandro De Aza being 10th at outfield, fourth in the AL, for the season? I don't think he's headed to K.C., though. Josh Reddick is 15th. Is Andre Ethier an All-Star? He's knocking in many runs, which is awesome if you're into the RBI category, but he's 18th on the Rater among outfielders, pretty much even with Michael Cuddyer, Angel Pagan and Martin Prado. I'm just offering perspective. By the way, Bryce Harper is 44th among outfielders on the Rater. Perhaps we all want to see him on this big stage, but statistically he's not quite there.
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Kemp, Carlos Beltran and Ryan Braun in the NL (and all deserving), with Hamilton, Granderson and Nelson Cruz (only 36th on the Rater) in the AL.
Top fantasy options: Carlos Gonzalez, Braun, Beltran in the NL, Hamilton, Adam Jones, Trout in the AL! CarGo needs more love in the voting (10th in NL voting, behind Shane Victorino!).


Designated hitter: It's an AL park and the talented, deserving David Ortiz will be voted in. Among DH-eligible players in fantasy, Encarnacion is better on the Rater, but Ortiz is thriving as well, on pace for 39 home runs. There is no voting in the NL for the DH, but that seems like a fine role for Beltran should he get voted into the starting lineup. Encarnacion is on the ballot at DH, but getting fewer votes than Raul Ibanez, by the way. Just put E-5 on the team!
Leading vote-getters on June 15: Ortiz, then Michael Young.
Top fantasy options: Encarnacion/Ortiz.

 

[HacheMan]

Prospects: Hultzen ready for call

By Kevin Goldstein | Baseball Prospectus

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

<offer>Last week's stats (at Double-A Jackson): 13 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K's
Season totals: 8-3, 1.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 75 1/3 IP, 79 K's
Update: OK, now it's getting downright silly. Hultzen has fired 24 2/3 shutout innings in his past four starts and has a 0.63 ERA in his past 12 starts. There's absolutely no reason to keep the 2011 first-round pick in Double-A other than to reward him for a job well done by having him start the Southern League all-star game. Once he does that, he'll likely move up, and there's no reason to think he'll need 13 Pacific Coast League starts before reaching the big leagues.
What he can do: Hultzen is not only ready for Triple-A, some scouts believe he's ready for the big leagues. While he might not dominate in the majors right away, he has the stuff and makeup to have decent success upon call-up.</offer>



2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs (Last week's rank: 4)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Iowa): 10-for-25 (.400), 5 HRs, 9 RBIs
Season totals: .367-22-57, 2 SBs in 60 games
Update: Rizzo came back from a minor wrist injury, slugged a bunch of home runs, then bruised his knee sliding into a fence trying to field a foul ball. The good news is that he's only day-to-day and should be healthy by the time the service-time clock is at a point that makes sense for him to be called up, which is just more than a week away. The Cubs need to shuffle some deck chairs to get Rizzo everyday playing time, and they're working on it.
What he can do: With every week that Rizzo keeps bashing, more and more scouts are convinced that we won't see a repeat of last year's big league struggles. He will provide plenty of offense, even for a first baseman.



3. Travis d'Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays (Last week's rank: 5)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Las Vegas): 14-for-30 (.467), 2 HRs, 10 RBIs
Season totals: .346-15-47 in 58 games
Update: Look at those season numbers, then consider that d'Arnaud hit just .239-1-8 in his first 18 games. Do the math and you get a .390-14-39 mark in his past 40 games, and these numbers are not solely a function of playing in the friendly confines of Las Vegas, as his home/road splits are more than reasonable.
What he can do: d'Arnaud is the best catching prospect in the game and the rare backstop who can hit in the middle of a big league lineup. With J.P. Arencibia hitting just .143 (5-for-35) with 13 strikeouts in the month of June for a slumping Blue Jays team, the pressure is now on him to perform.



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




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 9-for-28 (.321), 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, SB
Season totals: .333-23-60, 5 SBs in 63 games
Update: The Royals continue saying they want Myers to get more at-bats, though the rumor mill suggests Jeff Francoeur is on the trade block in order to get Myers to the big leagues. All Myers does is keep hitting, and hitting for power, and July 31 is looking like the absolute longest we'll have to wait to see him in the big leagues.
What he can do: While Myers has been playing primarily center field this season, he profiles better at a corner outfield spot, and his bat will play just fine there. He's one of the best, if not the best, offensive prospects in the game.



5. Ryan Kalish, OF, Boston Red Sox (Last week: unranked)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Pawtucket): 8-for-23 (.348), HR, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .367-4-9, 2 SBs in 13 games
Update: While Kalish is not technically a prospect anymore, he is in the minors and still just 24 years old. He makes for a fine deep-league pickup right now, as he's eligible to return to Boston next week after recovering from offseason shoulder issues. He's healthy, he's hitting, and few teams need outfield help more than Boston. It's all lining up perfectly for Kalish.
What he can do: Kalish is not a future fantasy stud, but he does a little bit of everything, as he can hit for a decent average and has the power and speed for 15 to 20 home runs and 15-plus stolen bases per year. He just needs the chance, and he needs to stay healthy.



6. Jedd Gyorko, 2B, San Diego Padres (Last week's rank: 3)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 8-for-28 (.286), RBI, SB
Season totals: .303-13-40, 2 SBs in 62 games
Update: Gyorko slid a bit from last week, but he's still hitting .347-7-23 in 28 games since moving up to Triple-A. Let's not pretend the Padres don't need some major offensive help, and with their record, it's not as if they have anything to lose.
What he can do: It's not pretty to watch, but Gyorko sure can hit. His power is more of the doubles than home run variety, and he's not much of a runner, but again, he sure can hit.



7. Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers (Last week's rank: 6)





Last week's stats (at Double-A Frisco): 9-for-28 (.321), HR, 7 RBIs, SB
Season totals: .312-19-55, 4 SBs in 62 games
Update: Look, we can't expect him to hit seven home runs every week. Olt still has some of the best numbers at the Double-A level, and at the big league level, Mitch Moreland is in a 7-for-38 (.184) slump for a Rangers team that is suddenly and surprisingly feeling some heat in the standings.
What he can do: "He impacts the ball as well as anyone in the minors," said an American League scout who recently saw Olt. He has plenty of power, but there might be some issues in the batting average department due to a high strikeout rate.



8. Trevor Bauer, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Last week's rank: 7)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Reno): 12 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 13 K's
Season totals: 11-1, 2.11 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 85 1/3 IP, 104 K's
Update: Bauer had one great start and one not-so-great start last week, and while there have been sightings of "Free Trevor Bauer" signs at Diamondbacks games, take a step back and look at that WHIP. Is that the WHIP of a pitcher ready to dominate at the big league level?
What he can do: Make no mistake, Bauer is getting close to a big league look, and he'll be a boon for any team's strikeout total. But it could come at the expense of his WHIP.



9. Leonys Martin, OF, Rangers (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Round Rock): 10-for-27 (.370), 2 HRs, 11 RBIs
Season totals: .344-5-22, 7 SBs in 31 games
Update: After missing just more than a month because of a thumb injury, Martin has returned to action and hit the ground running. I use that metaphorically; while he has plus speed, he didn't steal a base. Martin was expected to play a big role for the Rangers in 2012, and moving Josh Hamilton back to a corner outfield spot takes away some of his health risk.
What he can do: Martin could be a fantasy boon, with a solid average to go with a bit of power and speed. Plus, playing for the Rangers (and in Texas) leads to more opportunities in the runs and RBI departments.



10. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Last week's rank: 10)




Last week's stats (at Double-A Tulsa): 6-for-25 (.240), HR, 4 RBIs
Season totals: .291-6-35 in 65 games
Update: Arenado stays put in our top 12 ranks, as he's not hitting, and with the Rockies being one of the biggest disappointments in the majors, there's no need to rush the kid. If there's any good news surrounding Arenado's recent play, it's that his walk rate is improving. That said, his hitting will get him to the big leagues, and he's not there yet in that respect.
What he can do: Arenado can hit, but his showing in Tulsa is leaving scouts wondering what else he does to go with that, as he's not showing much power, and he's no threat on the basepaths.



11. Corey Brown, OF, Washington Nationals (Last week's rank: 11)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Syracuse): 5-for-20 (.250), 2 HRs, 6 RBIs
Season totals: .284-16-39, 6 SBs in 60 games
Update: Tyler Moore's two-homer game probably didn't help Brown's case for a call-up, but unlike Moore and Bryce Harper, Brown is an adept center fielder. Sorry, folks, Bryce Harper is awesome in pretty much every way, but he's a bad outfielder. Brown can help, but it doesn't seem as if the Nationals agree.
What he can do: Brown is a "secondary skills" player who will never hit for a high batting average, but he'll do plenty in other categories to make up for it.



12. Matt Davidson, 3B, Diamondbacks (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Double-A Mobile): 7-for-18 (.389), 3 HRs, 6 RBIs
Season totals: .278-15-40, 2 SBs in 65 games
Update: A newcomer to the list, Davidson entered this season as more of a 2013 play, but with the Diamondbacks making a move and still having no good answer at third base, that timetable could be accelerated. The most exciting thing for scouts about Davidson isn't the power or the walks, it's his greatly improved defense; he appears to be a good fit for the hot corner.
What he can do: Davidson is a "power-and-patience" hitter who strikes out a ton but can hit 25-plus homers a year while getting on base. He'll likely require some adjustments at the plate, but he also could be a much-needed long-term answer for the D-backs.


Bonus round: Walkin' after midnight




In 5x5 leagues, walks become an important aspect to follow, as more times on base tends to turn into more runs scored. Here are three prospects putting up big walk totals early in the season:


Jackie Bradley, OF, Red Sox: A supplemental first-round pick last June, Bradley has average-to-plus tools across the board and is a fantastic defensive outfielder, and while his .366-3-33 line with 15 stolen bases at High-A Salem is impressive enough, his 51 walks gives him a gaudy .484 on-base percentage.


Jared Mitchell, OF, Chicago White Sox: A former first-round pick who had all but fallen off the prospect radar, Mitchell's strikeout rate remains disturbing, but he has shown some signs of life with a .278-4-37 season that includes 14 stolen bases and 43 walks.


Matt Skole, 3B, Nationals: While one always needs to be careful evaluating a college-based player beating up on Low-A pitching, Skole's .294-14-58 line in Hagerstown has been bolstered by a minor league-leading 60 walks.

 

[HacheMan]

Forecaster: June 18-24

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: Interleague play comes to a close with the second of back-to-back full weeks of interleague matchups, so once again, we've got a schedule populated with nothing but three-game series and equal six-game weeks for all 30 squads. These are your "quality over quantity" weeks, but there is an important difference between this week and the one before it: Seven of the 28 interleague series scheduled are rematches of series we've already seen this season. In fact, 13 of the 21 individual games in those seven series involve identical starting pitcher matchups from earlier in the season. Both of the New York Yankees' series this week are rematches, and three of their starting-pitcher matchups, too, are rematches.

What this means is that there's an unusual hint of familiarity in the Week 11 interleague matchups, so it's fairer to lean on the past when making your decisions. Here's an example: We haven't seen the last of the Derek Lowe-Dusty Baker feud, as Lowe and the Cleveland Indians host Mat Latos and the Cincinnati Reds, in a rematch of the June 13 contest in which Latos was the victor and superior fantasy choice, yet both managed quality starts. Think Lowe won't be motivated to trump the effort, this time back home at Progressive Field?


As always, the most notable fantasy nuance of interleague play is the impact of the designated hitter rule: American League teams lose theirs during trips to National League parks, while NL teams gain a DH when traveling to AL parks. This week, there are an identical number of interleague games (42) and series (14) in AL as NL parks. There are also an identical number of AL teams (4) that play all of their games in NL parks (Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays) as NL teams that play all of their games in AL parks (Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants). For an overview of the DH/no-DH fantasy impact on specific players, see the Hitting notes section below.


ESPN leagues: Week 11



Without any weekend wrap-around series -- you'll rarely find these during the interleague portion of the schedule -- there's another late start to the week, the first game Monday scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN3: Braves at Yankees. Fantasy owners can wait a little longer to set their lineups in weekly leagues. 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 6/18</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, NYY</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 6/22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BAL, DET, PHI, PIT,
TB, WAS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 6/19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, CIN, CLE, COL,
DET, MIN, NYY, PHI,
PIT, STL, TB, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 6/23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">MIA, TOR</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 6/20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, NYY</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 6/24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CIN, MIA, MIN, TOR</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 6/21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">DET, STL</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 11 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
6/18</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/19</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/20</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/21</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/22</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/23</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/24</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Matusz
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Chen
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
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">MIA
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Matsuzaka
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Humber
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Peavy
(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">CIN
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Gomez
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Lowe
(RHP)
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
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Crosby
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Fister
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Mazzaro
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">STL
Sanchez
(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">SF
Williams
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Haren
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Santana
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Richards
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAD
Williams
(RHP)
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">@PIT
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Hendriks
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Pettitte
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Nova
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Sabathia
(LHP)
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">LAD
Milone
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Parker
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Blackley
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Colon
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Milone
(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">@ARI
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Ramirez
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Noesi
(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">@WAS
Price
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Moore
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Price
(LHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Harrison
(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">@MIL
Chavez
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Hutchison
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Romero
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Chavez
(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">SEA
Miley
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
Miley
(LHP)
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">@NYY
Minor
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Delgado
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Minor
(LHP)
P: 2</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">@CHW
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Wood
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Garza
(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">@CLE
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Leake
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIN
Latos
(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">@PHI
Outman
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
White
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TEX
Outman
(LHP)
P: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Happ
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Norris
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CLE
Happ
(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">@OAK
Harang
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAA
Harang
(RHP)
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">@BOS
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Buehrle
(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">TOR
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BAL
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Santana
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Gee
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Niese
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Young
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Dickey
(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">COL
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Worley
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TB
Hamels
(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">MIN
Correia
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Lincoln
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">DET
Correia
(RHP)
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">@DET
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Kelly
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@KC
Lynn
(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">TEX
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Bass
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Ohlendorf
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Richard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Marquis
(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">@LAA
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Zito
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TB
Wang
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Wang
(RHP)
P: 2</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 11 pitcher rankings: Top 75



1. Matt Cain (SF) -- Mon-@LAA (Williams), Sun-@OAK (Milone)
2. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Mon-ATL (Minor), Sun-@NYM (Dickey)
3. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Wed-TB (Hellickson)
4. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Mon-BAL (Arrieta), Sun-NYY (Sabathia)
5. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Thu-@OAK (Blackley)
6. David Price (TB) -- Tue-@WAS (Wang), Sun-@PHI (Hamels)
7. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Fri-TB (Shields)
8. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Wed-STL (Westbrook)
9. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Tue-COL (Outman), Sun-TB (Price)
10. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Mon-SEA (Noesi), Sun-CHC (Garza)
11. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Tue-SF (Zito)
12. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Sat-@CHW (TBD)
13. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Mon-CHC (Garza), Sun-MIL (Wolf)
14. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Wed-CHC (Dempster)
15. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Thu-TB (Moore)
16. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Tue-@DET (Porcello), Sun-@KC (Sanchez)
17. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Sat-@OAK (TBD)
18. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Sat-@SD (Richard)
19. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Sat-@KC (Mendoza)
20. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Sat-TOR (Alvarez)
21. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Mon-@CHW (Peavy), Sun-@ARI (Miley)
22. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Tue-BAL (Hunter)
23. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Wed-SF (Vogelsong)
24. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Tue-MIA (Buehrle), Sun-ATL (Minor)
25. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Tue-TOR (Drabek)
26. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Fri-@BOS (Lester)
27. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Mon-@SD (Marquis), Sun-COL (Outman)
28. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Sat-MIN (TBD)
29. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Sat-CHC (Maholm)
30. James McDonald (PIT) -- Thu-MIN (Hendriks)
31. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Tue-SEA (Ramirez)
32. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Sat-ATL (Delgado)
33. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Tue-ATL (Hudson)
34. Andy Pettitte (NYY) -- Fri-@NYM (Niese)
35. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Fri-ATL (Beachy)
36. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Wed-@LAA (Haren)
37. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Mon-@CLE (Lowe), Sun-MIN (Diamond)
38. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Wed-TOR (Hutchison)
39. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Sat-COL (Guthrie)
40. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Fri-@HOU (Harrell)
41. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Fri-@BAL (Hammel)
42. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Wed-@CHW (Sale)
43. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Wed-@NYY (Hughes)
44. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Fri-@LAA (Santana)
45. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Wed-@SD (Bass)
46. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Wed-SEA (Vargas)
47. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Tue-@NYY (Kuroda)
48. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Fri-TOR (Romero)
49. Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Wed-LAD (Eovaldi)
50. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Wed-@PIT (Bedard)
51. James Shields (TB) -- Fri-@PHI (Lee)
52. Matt Moore (TB) -- Thu-@WAS (Gonzalez)
53. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Fri-@MIA (Sanchez)
54. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Thu-COL (Francis)
55. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Sat-@BAL (Chen)
56. Jonathan Sanchez (KC) -- Mon-@HOU (Happ), Sun-STL (Lynn)
57. Phil Hughes (NYY) -- Wed-ATL (Hanson)
58. Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Sat-@NYM (Young)
59. Doug Fister (DET) -- Fri-@PIT (Burnett)
60. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Wed-@WAS (Strasburg)
61. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-@OAK (Colon)
62. Scott Diamond (MIN) -- Tue-@PIT (Correia), Sun-@CIN (Latos)
63. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Wed-MIN (Liriano)
64. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Tue-KC (Hochevar)
65. Nate Eovaldi (LAD) -- Wed-@OAK (Parker)
66. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Wed-CIN (Arroyo)
67. A.J. Burnett (PIT) -- Fri-DET (Fister)
68. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Fri-NYY (Pettitte)
69. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Sat-@PIT (Lincoln)
70. Felix Doubront (BOS) -- Wed-MIA (Nolasco)
71. Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Wed-BAL (Matusz)
72. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Thu-@DET (Crosby)
73. Aaron Harang (LAD) -- Tue-@OAK (Milone), Sun-@LAA (Williams)
74. Bartolo Colon (OAK) -- Fri-SF (Lincecum)
75. Kevin Millwood (SEA) -- Fri-@SD (Ohlendorf)



Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Mark Buehrle (MIA) -- Tue-@BOS (Buchholz), Sun-TOR (Chavez)
Kevin Correia (PIT) -- Tue-MIN (Diamond), Sun-DET (Porcello)
Derek Lowe (CLE) -- Mon-CIN (Latos), Sun-@HOU (Happ)
Tommy Milone (OAK) -- Tue-LAD (Harang), Sun-SF (Cain)
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Tue-STL (Lynn), Sun-@PIT (Correia)
Chien-Ming Wang (WAS) -- Tue-TB (Price), Sun-@BAL (Arrieta)
Jerome Williams (LAA) -- Mon-SF (Cain), Sun-LAD (Harang)
Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Mon-TOR (Chavez), Sun-@CHW (Peavy)

No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Jake Arrieta (BAL) -- Mon-@NYM (Dickey), Sun-WAS (Wang)
Jesse Chavez (TOR) -- Mon-@MIL (Wolf), Sun-@MIA (Buehrle)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Mon-KC (Sanchez), Sun-CLE (Lowe)
Jason Marquis (SD) -- Mon-TEX (Harrison), Sun-SEA (Noesi)
Mike Minor (ATL) -- Mon-@NYY (Sabathia), Sun-@BOS (Buchholz)
Hector Noesi (SEA) -- Mon-@ARI (Miley), Sun-@SD (Marquis)
Josh Outman (COL) -- Tue-@PHI (Hamels), Sun-@TEX (Harrison)



Pitching notes



• Though the Arizona Diamondbacks have a ho-hum, 17th-ranked 3.99 team ERA for the season, it is time to exploit what is a favorable set of weekly matchups for them; they are my Baseball Challenge pitching staff pick of Week 11. During their past 22 games (May 20-June 14), Diamondbacks starters have 13 quality starts, 11 wins, a 3.26 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, and they play all six of their games at home against terrible offenses. Heck, let's just call them terrible teams: The opposing Mariners and Chicago Cubs combined have a .375 winning percentage, meaning an outstanding chance at a win every day, and the Mariners rank 21st in runs scored and the Cubs 28th (the Cubs also rank 27th in runs per game on the road, with 3.61). Two-start pitcher Wade Miley has had back-to-back outstanding starts, including a June 13 outing at Texas' Rangers Ballpark, and Ian Kennedy should rebound from a poor performance at Texas in a Saturday turn versus the Cubs. Among other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Yankees (ATL-3, @NYM-3), Philadelphia Phillies (COL-3, TB-3), Giants (@LAA-3, @OAK-3), Dodgers (@OAK-3, @LAA-3).


• Matt Cain makes his first start since his perfect game and his second within the same week, too, as he's a two-start pitcher with road turns at the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics. Readers might recall my April analysis of pitchers fresh off no-hitters, when at the time I declared Philip Humber, fresh off a perfect game of his own, a sell-high candidate. The points made in that column, however, applied to the perception of a pitcher fresh off such a historical performance being inflated beyond reality; Cain is a pitcher whose perception is that he is already excellent. Fantasy owners might have the Johan Santana no-hitter example fresh in their minds: He threw a career-high 134 pitches to no-hit the Cardinals on June 1 and has allowed 10 runs in 10 innings in two starts since. I'll nominate Roy Halladay, who threw the last perfect game before Humber, as the smarter comparison point: He tossed 115 pitches in his May 29, 2010, perfecto, had back-to-back quality starts after that and a 3.00 ERA in his five starts following his masterpiece. Cain did throw 125 pitches in his perfect game, his most in a game since Aug. 10, 2008, but he'll also be pitching against two of the bottom nine teams in baseball in runs scored, as well as two venues that favor pitchers.


• Clay Buchholz is one of the aforementioned "rematch" pitchers; he and the Boston Red Sox host Mark Buehrle and the Miami Marlins in a rematch of their June 12 contest, won by Buchholz. That made Buchholz 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in his four career interleague starts, and as his two starts this week are both at Fenway Park, it's worth noting that he has an ERA nearly three-quarters of a run lower at home (3.58) than on the road (4.21) during his career. Another pro-Red Sox starters note: In the other "starters' rematch," Felix Doubront versus Ricky Nolasco on Wednesday, be aware that Doubront tossed seven innings of two-run, three-hit, nine-strikeout baseball for a win of his own. All four pitchers, actually, managed quality starts during their first meetings, but it's the Red Sox who have the advantage in the rematch against the Marlins, who are hitting .224 as a team in June.


• Sunday's Rays-Phillies game at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park pits two ace left-handers against one another: David Price versus Cole Hamels. Unfortunately, during their regular season careers, each has one miserable start against the other team; Price had a 10.38 ERA in his one previous start against the Phillies (in 2009), while Hamels had a 12.27 ERA in his (in 2006). I say toss those ERAs out. These Rays have managed .215/.298/.330 team triple-slash rates while averaging 3.85 runs in their past 26 contests, favoring Hamels. These Phillies, meanwhile, have averaged the sixth-fewest runs per game (3.52) and 12th-worst OPS (.715) in home games this season, favoring Price.


• R.A. Dickey, the No. 1 pitcher in fantasy baseball during the past 30 days, is a two-start pitcher whose matchups versus American League East foes (Baltimore Orioles, Yankees) should inspire no fear in his owners. Both games are at home, and he has a 2.63 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 35 career games (34 starts) at Citi Field, plus a 5-0 record, 1.45 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in six starts there in 2012. Plus, Dickey's scarier matchup, Sunday versus the Yankees, comes against a team he limited to .154/.267/.308 triple-slash rates in two starts last season.


• If there is one matchup that has historically flustered the productive Ryan Dempster, it's one against the Chicago White Sox. Since starting full-time in 2008, he's 2-4 with a 5.23 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in seven starts, and remember, these teams do battle often as cross-city rivals. Current White Sox have .291/.395/.491 lifetime triple-slash rates against him in 130 plate appearances. The smart move is to expect a performance somewhat in range of his most recent meeting against the White Sox on May 19: 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER.


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 11, here are my picks by day:


Monday, June 18: Jonathan Sanchez at Houston Astros
Tuesday, June 19: Aaron Harang at Oakland Athletics
Wednesday, June 20: Erik Bedard versus Minnesota Twins
Thursday, June 21: Francisco Liriano at Pittsburgh Pirates
Friday, June 22: Kevin Millwood at San Diego Padres
Saturday, June 23: Clayton Richard versus Seattle Mariners
Sunday, June 24: Jonathan Sanchez versus St. Louis Cardinals


Past picks
Friday, June 8: Luke Hochevar -- 6 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Saturday, June 9: Trevor Cahill -- W, QS, 7 1/3 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Sunday, June 10: Philip Humber -- 5 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Monday, June 11: Randall Delgado -- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 5 K
Tuesday, June 12: Wei-Yin Chen -- 6 1/3 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Wednesday, June 13: Brian Matusz -- injury scratch, moved to Friday
Thursday, June 14: Scott Diamond -- 6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K


Week's total: 6 GS, 1 W (16.7%), 1 QS (16.7%), 36 IP, 40 H, 22 ER, 16 BB, 29 K, 5.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP
Season total: 63 GS, 28 W (44.4%), 35 QS (55.6%), 388 1/3 IP, 356 H, 163 ER, 130 BB, 279 K, 3.78 ERA, 1.25 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
6/18</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
6/19</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
6/20</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
6/21</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
6/22</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
6/23</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
6/24</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
1 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: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
H: 9
L: 10
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
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
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: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 7
L: 1
R: 9
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
H: 7
L: 4
R: 7
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
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
H: 6
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </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: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 8
L: 4
R: 9
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
0 vs. L
6 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 6
R: 8
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 5
L: 4
R: 7
S: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 9
L: 7
R: 10
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
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: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 8
L: 4
R: 9
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 7
L: 4
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
H: 6
L: 8
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: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">6 total
0 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 6
L: 4
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
H: 3
L: 2
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
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 4
L: 4
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 3
R: 9
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 7
L: 10
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
0 home
2 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 5
L: 6
R: 3
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 7
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
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
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
H: 5
L: 9
R: 4
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 4
S: 4</td></tr></tbody></table>Some of the data used to generate this chart is derived from Baseball Musings' Day-by-day database.

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




Hitting notes



• Fortunately, this isn't a week where the loss of the DH will hurt a substantial number of AL squads. Of the four AL teams that play all six of their games at NL parks, only Jesus Montero of the Mariners is a prominent fantasy name likely to lose a noticeable number of at-bats, but because he qualifies at catcher and might catch a few games, he should remain in his owners' lineups. The Twins might sit Ryan Doumit more often, while shifting Justin Morneau to first base, the Blue Jays will almost assuredly move Edwin Encarnacion to first base all six days, while the Rays will probably use Hideki Matsui as a mere pinch-hitter. Six other AL teams will make three-game stops at one NL ballpark this week: The Orioles, Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Yankees and Texas Rangers. Among the usual DHs for those teams, the Orioles' Chris Davis could return to third base at Wilson Betemit's expense, the Tigers should continue to play Delmon Young in left field, the Royals will continue to alternate Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer at first base and the Rangers should give Michael Young a handful of starts at first base ahead of Mitch Moreland. The Indians and Yankees, who typically use the DH as a "day off" place for their regulars, simply won't have that luxury for three games.


• Among the four NL teams that play all six of their games at AL parks, the following players stand to receive extra at-bats thanks to the DH: The Braves will presumably continue with their straight platoon of right-handed Matt Diaz and left-handed Eric Hinske in the role, the Dodgers have an extra place to squeeze Juan Rivera and Adam Kennedy into the lineup, the Cardinals finally have an opportunity to get both Matt Adams and Allen Craig into the same lineup and the Giants can shift Pablo Sandoval to DH to open up third base for Joaquin Arias. As for the six NL teams that play merely one series at an AL park -- the Cubs, Reds, Colorado Rockies, Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals -- here are a few other hitters who could pick up extra at-bats: The Cubs should continue to use Alfonso Soriano at DH with Reed Johnson in left field, the Reds have a place to play both Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey, the Rockies have an opportunity to use Tyler Colvin for all three games, Greg Dobbs might man third base while Hanley Ramirez shifts to DH, the Brewers can continue giving players like Ryan Braun or Aramis Ramirez a "rest" at DH, with players like Cody Ransom and Taylor Green picking up additional at-bats and the Nationals can keep Michael Morse in the DH role with Stephen Lombardozzi and Tyler Moore in left field.


• The Indians have a favorable set of hitting matchups, avoiding Reds ace Johnny Cueto to begin the week, then facing the struggling side of the Houston Astros' rotation. It's Shin-Soo Choo who stands out this week, however, thanks to his history of interleague success. In addition to lifetime .296/.395/.472 triple-slash rates in 70 interleague contests, as well as .300-plus batting averages during interleague play in each season from 2009-11, he's 6-for-12 (.500 AVG) with four home runs in his career versus Wednesday opponent Bronson Arroyo.


• Though the Rangers begin their week with a three-game series at San Diego's Petco Park, their overall hitting matchups are entirely favorable. Consider that their Padres opponents are Jason Marquis, Edinson Volquez and Anthony Bass; they then face three mightily struggling Rockies starters during the weekend. Red-hot David Murphy is the Rangers hitter to watch: He's 8-for-27 (.296 AVG) with two home runs in 10 games in the month of June.

 

[HacheMan]

Maxwell a Smart Pick?
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.



Justin Maxwell: Justin Maxwell hit his 7th dinger of the year Friday. In just 104 ABs, Maxwell has 20 RBI to go with the 7 HR. He may not be a star, but he is a player who has long been touted as an athletic power/speed combo and is finally getting his chance to shine in the rebuilding project that is the Houston Astros. I would not be surprised to see the Astros move El Caballo (Carlos Lee) before the trading deadline, opening up even greater opportunity for Maxwell. Those in deep leagues should buy and hold. Those in shallow leagues should ride the current wave. Just be warned that Maxwell's 13K/2BB over the last two weeks of the hot steak shows a low batting average will likely accompany the power Maxwell provides.



Kyle Drabek: In terrible news for Kyle Drabek and the Jays, Drabek has a ligament tear in his right elbow and likely will undergo Tommy John surgery. If you own Drabek in a fantasy league and can divorce yourself from the human issue of not wanting to see anyone get hurt, you will see that you caught a break. Drabek was not going to give you quality ratios as his whopping WHIP of 1.60 shows. On the other hand, the injury does open the door for the return of Brett Cecil. The southpaw has been doing quite well in the minors since his surprise demotion in March -- 3.47 ERA and 40/14 K/BB ratio over 49 1/3 innings. Cecil makes a nice speculative buy especially in AL only leagues.



Ryan Vogelsong: Ryan Vogelsong was dealing Friday, giving up just two runs and four hits in seven innings. Thus far this year, Vogelsong is proving doubters wrong with a 6-2 record and 2.29 ERA. Vogelsong has posted at least 7 straight quality starts and won 5 of those. Can this continue? Yes. Not only is Ryan hot, he pitches in a great pitcher's park. Having been there to see the game Tuesday night, I can tell you that the dimensions seem even bigger in person. Notch up the value of all Giant pitchers when they pitch at home.



Anthony Bass: Anthony Bass continues to struggle. He is no longer the quality roto spot starter he was a month ago. Last night Bass was filleted for seven earned runs in 5 1/3 innings by the offensively challenge A's. With an ERA of 4.88 and rising, Bass should be reserved or cut in all but the very deepest NL only leagues. If the A's hit him hard . . . nothing good is likely to come about in the near future.



Brandon Phillips: Brandon Phillips is en fuego. Phillips went yard for the third straight game yesterday. Yes, he is a frustrating player to own as he never seems to have that monster year you think he should have. However, he plays the weak 2B position and has been great all month-- .339, 4HR and 15 RBI in 13 games. If you can snag Phillips away from his owner, do it. Talk up his failure to hit even .280 in four of the five years before 2011 and his failure to hit more than 21 HR since 2007 and maybe you can get yourself a bargain.



Jason Bay: The cursed tenure of JasonBay with the Mets continues. After finally having a good game -- his first in memory -- on Thursday hitting a homer and stealing a base, Bay now has a concussion and is likely headed back to the DL. It may just be time to give up on Bay and his .187 batting average. The only silver lining is that the Mets can go back to playing Andres Torres for speed and defense and the productive Kirk Nieuwenhuis (.297, 6HR, 38 runs scored). If you own one of those players in an NL league, your team just got better.



Phil Hughes: Phil Hughes had another good start last night leading the Yankees to their 7th straight win. The good news is that Hughes mowed down 9 Nats while walking only 2. The bad news is that he still loses focus at critical points. The only run he did give up was when he mysteriously hung a curveball to Michael Morse after blowing two fastballs by him. For roto purposes, Hughes strikes out a lot of guys, pitches for a team that will give him plenty of run support and opportunities for wins. In the world of real world baseball, you just have to worry about the big mistake in close games.



Carlos Marmol: Carlos Marmol is again the closer for the Cubs. The question is: how long will it last this time? My view -- he will lose and regain the role a few more times this year. Given the wildness and miserable ratios (1.98 WHIP and more BB than K), you should chase Marmol only if you are desperate for saves. If you own James Russell, hold him. The lefty will still vulture a few saves and wins pitching in front of the mercurial Marmol.



Aubrey Huff: Doing his best Jason Bay imitation, Huff has followed stone cold performance (.155) with an injury. I think the era of Huff producing big roto numbers is over. In fact, I think with Brandon Belt, Gregor Blanco and of course, Melky Cabrera all hitting, there is little reason for Bruce Bochy to make room for Huff when he returns. Nothing more to see here. Move on.



Josh Beckett: According to reports, Josh Beckett will miss one or two starts due to shoulder inflammation. This is very frustrating for his roto owners. First, he has been solid (1.15 WHIP, K/B over 3.00) and will be out. Second, the fact that he may miss just one start means it is hard to know whether to reserve him. My view, do it. Even if you miss one start, it could be a rush back variety where the results are not up to par. Franklin Morales will take Beckett's turn and will likely be on a pitch count. However, he does have ability so he is worth watching for now.



And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “If you've read this little part of the column for any period of time, you may have come to the realization that Schultz (mmm hmmm, third person again this week) is a fan of the Cleveland Indians. Yes, my friends, no bandwagons here. This will likely not come as much of a surprise but Mr. Schultz - the official father of Schultz Says - is also a Cleveland Indians fan. Since it's Father's Day this Sunday, Schultz thought an all-Cleveland Schultz Says might be appropriate.


Hopefully, you all remember the first Schultz Says (by the way, this week I'm breaking the Guinness World Record for saying Schultz in a 500 word blurb) of the year where Schultz said to ignore Chris Perez' horrific appearance on Opening Day. You may also remember this as the column where Colton the Overlord opined that Pure Rage would be traded at the All Star break because he forgets that a healthy Indians team is actually quite good. The outing was so bad, it made my 70-year-old father text his furious anger (mainly because he thinks Twittering is something that the men do on America's Top Model to show that they're FABulous). Since Opening Day, Perez rattled off 21 consecutive saves and leads the majors in that category, all while rallying the Cleveland fan base that wasn't paying him and his teammates the proper respect. There's no reason to think that Perez will falter in the second half or to believe that he'll be pitching elsewhere.


The other Opening Day Tribe hurler to raise eyebrows was Justin Masterson, who looked utterly dominant and seemed poised to live up the pre-season hype. Oh, strike that. Everyone was lining up to malign the centerpiece of the Victor Martinez trade and has gleefully rejoiced in his troubles the past six weeks. The difference between last year's model and this year's was control. Last year, Masterson hardly walked anyone; this year, it was free passes for all and it's made all the difference. Take note though, in his last four starts, Masterson has struck out 26 and only walked 6. This is a drastic turnaround from his May outings. Very likely someone cut Masterson and he's sitting on your waiver wire. Quietly pick him up and reap the benefits.


Happy Father's Day Mr. Schultz.


Oh yes, one last thing: GO THUNDER!!!! ”



Response: Yes, Chris Perez has been great, though a trade in July still could happen. Roster Vinnie Pestano too if you can. As to Masterson, next week Schultz will tell you why you should (or should not) believe Masterson can get lefties out consistently (something he has not done in the past). And Yes, GO THUNDER!!!! ”



Final Thoughts: Best wishes to all fathers out there and most importantly to my own! Dads, enjoy the day, some baseball and here is wishing that your roto teams are thriving!

 

[HacheMan]

Blue Jay Blues

Injuries are going to hit every team, but the Blue Jays have been hit particularly hard of late, especially when it comes to their starting rotation.



Brandon Morrow went down with an oblique ailment a week ago. Then it was Kyle Drabek with an elbow injury, and next came Drew Hutchison with a similar elbow malady. The 34-32 Jays have their hands full in the AL East, and now they’re scrambling for arms to fill out their rotation.



At least Morrow’s injury won’t be a long-term one. He figures to miss more than the minimum time on the disabled list, but he should be ready to go before the All-Star break. Drabek’s and Hutchison’s ailments are more severe, though, as it’s possible both young right-handers could be facing Tommy John surgery. Drabek has been diagnosed with a tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, and it would be a surprise at this point if he doesn’t undergo season-ending surgery. We’ll know more about Hutchison’s status after he undergoes a second opinion, but he’s likely to miss at least a month, and possibly more.



The only rotation replacement that’s set in stone thus far is Brett Cecil, who was decent Sunday in his first major league start this season. As far as the other two spots go, the Jays are expected to choose from Jesse Chavez, Robert Coello and Carlos Villanueva. Villanueva probably holds the most appeal for AL-only leaguers, but Toronto manager John Farrell seems hesitant to move him in from the bullpen after the righty had arm trouble following the conversion from reliever to starter last season. The Jays could also seek help outside the organization, as they’ve talked to the Rockies about Jeremy Guthrie.



Jurrjens to Get Another Shot



The Braves’ plan was to send Kris Medlen to Triple-A Gwinnett in order to be stretched out before joining the big league rotation. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has reversed course, though, and Jair Jurrjens will be given another chance, replacing the injured Brandon Beachy among the starting five.



“He’s made some progress,” Gonzalez said in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Jurrjens. “His velocity has been up there. There’s some separation there with his change-up, so we’re going to give him a shot. He’s been an All-Star; he has the experience. Give him an opportunity again. I’m curious when he comes back to see how he pitches.”



Jurrjens’ 5.27 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings at Gwinnett hardly inspire confidence. Earlier this month, he had an outing where he allowed 10 runs – six earned – on 12 hits over just 4 2/3 innings of work. He responded with a couple decent starts after that, but it would be foolish to recommend him outside of NL-only leagues. His first test will come Friday in Boston, and we’re expecting a rude re-welcoming back to the majors.



Timmy’s Troubles



The Giants are puzzled by Tim Lincecum’s struggles, and they’re really not sure what to do to combat the problem. For now, though, they’ll let the two-time NL Cy Young winner plug along and hope he figures things out.



"He's healthy. He feels good," manager Bruce Bochy said to CSNBayArea.com. "I know the results haven't been great for Timmy, but you just see too many good signs. Even after the first inning (Saturday), he had bad luck there. At this point we think the best thing is to let him fight through this. If we felt different, we'd do it."



Bochy and general manager Brian Sabean have discussed routes to take with the right-hander that range from skipping his turn to sending him to the bullpen. But, at the moment they apparently see enough positives that they’re not ready to take drastic measures. Fantasy owners have a much easier decision to make, though. Lincecum is a risky proposition in mixed leagues right now, even in juicy matchups like the one he has coming up Friday against the A's.







National League Quick Hits: Pedro Alvarez ripped a pair of homers for the second straight game Sunday. Alvarez was benched for a few days in a row earlier this month due to his slump, but he looks ready to go on another hot streak … Brad Lidge was designated for assignment by the Nationals. His control abandoned him after he returned from the DL, but someone in need of relief help will give him a shot … Carlos Gonzalez was scratched from Sunday’s game with a strained knee. He’s considered day-to-day … Geovany Soto (knee) could be activated from the DL for Monday’s game. He’s missed the last month of action … Stephen Drew (ankle) played in a third straight rehab game Saturday. He currently has no timetable for a return, but it’s likely we’ll see him before the end of the month … Jeremy Guthrie was put on notice by Rockies manager Jim Tracy last week, and he responded by going just three innings Sunday. He could be bumped from the rotation, or he could be traded, as the Blue Jays, among other teams, are showing interest … Freddie Freeman received two cortisone shots in his knuckle Saturday. He’s been nursing the hand ailment for over a week … Matt Holliday was removed from Sunday’s game with what’s being vaguely referred to as a leg issue. Evidently it’s something that’s bothered him for a month, but it’s not clear if it’s bad enough to keep him out of the lineup Tuesday following Monday’s off day … The Cards could be without Holliday Tuesday, but they’ll at least get another bat back in the form of Skip Schumaker (hamstring), who showed he was healthy during a short rehab assignment. Matt Carpenter (oblique) should also be activated this week, and Jon Jay (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday.



American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver (back) threw another bullpen session Sunday without any issues and should be ready to rejoin the rotation this week. He’ll likely bump Garrett Richards, despite how well Richards has pitched … Bartolo Colon left Sunday’s start with an oblique strain. He seems likely to land on the DL … Josh Hamilton plans to return to the lineup Monday after being hospitalized earlier this week with an intestinal virus … Colby Rasmus stayed hot Sunday with a 3-for-4 performance that included a double and his 10^th home run. He’s gone deep seven times since May 26 and should be ridden by fantasy owners while he’s in the midst of a hot streak … Joe Mauer left Sunday's game with a bruised right quad muscle. He’s been banged up this month with thumb, hamstring and now quad ailments but is only considered day-to-day … Andy Dirks (Achilles) may not return until around the All-Star break. His recovery has dragged on much longer than expected … Jose Quintana was brilliant in a no-decision Sunday, requiring just 77 pitches to get through eight shutout innings. It’s looking more and more like it will be Philip Humber -- and not Quintana – that loses his rotation spot when John Danks (shoulder) returns … Carl Crawford (elbow) could be ready to begin a rehab assignment soon. It will be a lengthy one and he still probably won’t be back before the All-Star break … Ivan Nova won his ninth game Sunday with 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Nationals. He is now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA. 0.86 WHIP and 15/3 K/BB ratio in June and is should be back in mixed league lineups.​