MLB Fantasy News 2012

HacheMan · Jun 27, 2012

Trust in returning Utley, Drew?

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

It is a week of 2012 debuts, and lost in the hubbub of those hotshot rookie prospects -- Trevor Bauer and Anthony Rizzo -- getting promoted are the season debuts of two well-known fantasy veterans: Chase Utley and Stephen Drew, both of whom are expected to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday.

But should fantasy owners party like it's 2009?

OK, OK, technically Utley's greatest fantasy season was probably his 2006, when he led the National League in runs scored (131), had his first of two 30/15 seasons and his only year of at least a .300 batting average, 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. Drew, meanwhile, had his best year in 2008, when he batted a career-high .291 (counting only batting title-eligible seasons) and set personal bests in home runs (21), RBIs (67), runs scored (91) and total bases (307).

Fantasy owners are (mostly) realistic, though, and accounting for these players' injury situations on draft day, wouldn't remotely project a return to their career bests. Utley is now 33 years old, Drew 29, after all. More likely, the hope would be that Utley, at least, restores his 2009 value: That was the last time he appeared in at least 150 games, and in that season, Utley topped all second basemen on the Player Rater. Drew's owners might not wish for him to return to 2009 form, when he finished 25th among shortstops; they might merely be hoping for him to repeat his 2010, the last season he appeared in at least 150 games and one during which he earned a No. 7 ranking at his position on the Player Rater.

Utley is certainly the more intriguing fantasy player of the two, and not simply because he's the only one to have topped his position on the Player Rater previously in his career. Much has been made of his Philadelphia Phillies' offensive struggles this season; yet despite all that, the team ranked 12th in the majors in runs per game (4.34), home runs (73) and team OPS (.727) without him. A healthy Utley injects more life into this offense, and if he can quickly work his back into the every-day lineup as well as his former No. 3 lineup spot -- he started there in 88 of his 103 games last season -- there's no question he'd benefit in the counting-number categories (runs scored, RBIs).

Here's the question with Utley, though: How much have his knee issues the past year-plus diminished his physical ability, perhaps preventing him from being that every-day player? Stephania Bell discussed this in detail on Tuesday, a column well worth reading if you're interested in his level of health risk looking forward. As she notes, the Phillies have been cautious with Utley, so his fantasy owners might want to temper their expectations for now, at least until they see him recapturing said every-day heart-of-the-order role. A guess: He might not quite be ready for that until the All-Star break, so don't be too quick to judge.

Statistically speaking, Utley's 2011 might be the proper measure of his fantasy prospects. He batted .195 in his first 11 games fresh off the knee problem and failed to make 10 consecutive starts until a little over a month (approximately six weeks) into his return. He then batted .297/.379/.505 with seven home runs, 30 RBIs and 10 stolen bases from Games 16-65 (a 50-game stretch), before cooling off to the tune of .221/.299/.356 rates in his final 38 contests. This might be what Utley is at age 33: An up-and-down, extract-the-streaks, risk-of-reinjury player whose proper projection in the remaining 86 Phillies games might be 70-75 played, a .270 batting average, 8-10 home runs, healthy counting-number stats (think 30-35 apiece), but perhaps few steals as the team gives him more red lights.

That's very much a top 10-capable fantasy second baseman, albeit one with a steeper downside than most of the names usually in that group. Look at the 2011 numbers of Neil Walker: .273 batting average, 12 homers, 83 RBIs, 9 stolen bases, 76 runs scored, earning him the 10th spot. That seems about right for Utley, perhaps with a bit more power.

Drew, meanwhile, returns 11 months and one week to the day he fractured his right ankle on a slide into home plate, an injury that's even more disconcerting on a rest-of-the-year basis than Utley's. Drew's prognosis was also discussed by Bell on Tuesday; it seems that there's less of a chance he'll quickly recapture every-day at-bats, and his reputation is less of a heart-of-the-order hitter, too.

Drew might have made his most starts as a cleanup hitter last season (54), and he has made 51 percent of his career starts in one of the top two spots in the order. But with the exception of the leadoff spot, where the Arizona Diamondbacks have been using a combination of frozen-cold Chris Young and utilityman extraordinaire Willie Bloomquist, there isn't an obvious top-half-of-the-order spot for a healthy Drew.

TOP 125 HITTERS

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

Between the prospect of sporadic starts -- think something like five out of seven games in a typical week -- and no guarantee of the leadoff role, Drew might not be the counting-number asset that Utley could be. Here's the other issue: Drew's reputation is considerably higher than his true value, his career-per-162-games averages settling at a .270 batting average, 15 homers, 71 RBIs, 7 steals and 83 runs scored. Now extract only his ages 25-27 seasons -- his theoretical "prime years" -- and scale them to 162: .277-18-72-7-91. These are good numbers for a shortstop, but remember that last season's No. 10 fantasy shortstop (Derek Jeter) managed .297-6-61-16-84 stats in those categories.

Drew does have an advantage Utley does not, though: He remains available in 84.3 percent of ESPN leagues, whereas Utley is out there in only 4.4 percent. Drew might struggle to be much more than a top-20 fantasy shortstop from this point forward, but at least, he bears watching and perhaps stashing in all but the most shallow leagues (if your bench is already packed).

Three up

Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox: It has hardly been ignored in the fantasy-spin portion of the Kevin Youkilis trade aftermath, but simply put, Youkilis' departure is huge news for Middlebrooks. Playing-time math alone supports it: During a 25-game stretch for the Red Sox from May 28 to June 24, Middlebrooks made 15 starts, two late-game defensive substitutions and manned 136 innings at third base, or 60 percent of the team's available innings at the position. Youkilis played the entire remaining 40 percent, making 10 starts. Now, it's Middlebrooks' gig on an every-day basis, meaning perhaps a 150 percent increase in playing time over what we've seen from him in the past month. By the way, even with the rookie's playing time coming sporadically, he was a .357/.415/.625 hitter with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 65 plate appearances during that span. If there's anything to doubt about Middlebrooks' potential the remainder of the year, it's that a player with a 26.3 percent career minor league strikeout rate, 22.5 percent at the Triple-A level and 23.2 percent so far in the majors might be more likely to bat beneath than above .300. But even if he's, say, a .280 hitter with above-average to good power, in a lineup like that, wouldn't he fall into enough runs/RBIs to remain easily in any fantasy lineup for the remainder of the season?

Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins: He continues to crush the ball, batting .333 (28-for-84) with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs in 22 games in the month of June, boosting his full-season pace to 33 homers, and there might yet be reason to believe that he'll get to that number. According to Parker Hageman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Plouffe has made some necessary adjustments to his batting stance and mechanics, which could explain his unexpected power burst. Plouffe's peripherals back it up: In the month of June, his isolated power is .417, up from .162 previously in his big league career (125 games) and .189 during his Triple-A career (337 games); his fly ball rate is 52.4 percent, up from 38.3 percent previously in his big league career; and his well-hit average is .298, up from .207 previously in his big league career. This is not some flash-in-the-pan, couple-week hot spell; this is a player who has made necessary adjustments to improve his performance. And he's a shortstop-third base-outfield eligible player in ESPN leagues with the shortstop eligibility making him particularly attractive long-term.

Colby Rasmus, Toronto Blue Jays: Talk about making adjustments; Rasmus is a .322 hitter (39-for-121) with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in his past 28 games and has made some tweaks that back him up as a potentially legitimate breakout threat. It's all about his approach against breaking pitches, which is something I discussed in the June 6 edition of "Hit Parade." At the time, Rasmus still wasn't hitting curveballs and sliders, as his .182 batting average, 30 percent chase rate (rate of swings at non-strikes) and 35 percent miss rate on swings through May 25 demonstrated. From May 26 forward -- coinciding with those past 28 games of improved play -- he has batted .303 against them, chased 27 percent of them and missed them on 27 percent of his swings. It's improvement … exactly the kind of improvement that should have any fantasy owner warming to him. I said he was a "sell-high" then. I'm less convinced of that today, though I stress it's still a four-and-a-half-week sample of 142 such pitches (34 that ended a plate appearances), meaning this isn't an "all-in" investment. If that's changing my stance too quickly, I'd reply: Shouldn't anyone change his stance when the player has made a sudden, and unexpected, skills improvement?

Three down

Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox: I'll state it up front, this might be nitpicking. But with Dunn, who had one of the worst seasons in fantasy baseball history in 2011, even the shortest of short-term cold spells spawns worry. He's 3-for-36 (.083 AVG) with zero extra-base hits and 21 strikeouts -- that is a 47.7 percent K rate -- in his past 10 games, and during that time, he's showing some of the same troubling signs he did during his awful 2011: He's 0-for-15 with 12 K's versus left-handers, which, by the way, now makes him a .157/.283/.416 hitter with a 46.2 percent K rate against that side for the season; he is 1-for-10 when a plate appearance ends on a pitch up in the zone, missing on nine of his 15 swings against them; and he has missed 10 times on 20 swings against pitches clocked 93 mph or higher, the aspect of his game in which he had showed the most improvement previously this season. Again, it's a small sample, and it might be nitpicking. But here's a fair inquiry: What if Dunn entered 2012 refreshed from the winter, yet in truth, he's indeed in career decline and merely running out of fuel in the tank? Fantasy owners in on-base percentage leagues have less to fret, and Dunn might still have some homers to offer his traditional Rotisserie owners. But he's on pace for an astonishing, all-time record 265 strikeouts, his .208 batting average judged the 11th-worst performance in the category in fantasy per our Player Rater (that includes qualifiers, non-qualifiers, whatever). I think it's an ideal time to cash in your chips and get the best return you can for the guy.

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins: His health, as well as poor second-half, histories are the factors most responsible for his removal from this week's Top 125, but even if you're on the Morneau-for-the-short-term bandwagon, you've got good reason for doubt. After returning from a wrist injury in mid-May, he belted five home runs in his first 10 games. In 25 contests since, however, he has but one homer and .206/.284/.309 triple-slash rates. For the season, Morneau's swing-and-miss rate is much higher (25 percent) than it was in either 2009 (22 percent), 2010 (21 percent) or 2011 (19 percent), and he came to the plate more in each of those years than so far in this one. He has also become an instant out against left-handed pitching, which caps his value in a way that didn't during his prime; he's a .087/.135/.188 hitter with a 29.7 percent strikeout rate against that side this season. There might yet be more value to squeeze out of Morneau, but it'd likely be short-lived and difficult to predict when. And considering he has a lifetime OPS nearly 100 points lower after the All-Star break (.786) than before it (.885), it's not necessarily worth waiting it out.

Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals: The poster boy for struggling stars profiled in last week's "Hit Parade," Zimmerman had his best game all season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with one double and home run. But let's toss some cold water on that hot performance, shall we? It came at Coors Field, where he's now a lifetime .375/.429/.656 hitter in 24 games, and it came on the heels of a week that did nothing but diminish his rest-of-the-year fantasy outlook. Even with that big game, Zimmerman batted .250 (7-for-28) with the lone home run in the seven days since last week's column, and worse, he admitted during the weekend that his shoulder, which cost him a DL stint earlier in the season, indeed is not 100 percent, opening up the possibility of a return there. A cortisone shot on Sunday could help him get to the All-Star break, during which time he'd have another three days' rest, per the Washington Times, but at this point, his fantasy owners might want to consider the prospect that a DL stint might be best for all. It could provide the necessary rest for him to return at full form after the All-Star break; if he presses through, the chances that his struggles continue all year are greater.

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: Taylor Green (3B), Jeff Keppinger (3B), Jose Lopez (1B), Michael Martinez (2B), Luis Valbuena (3B).

Nearing new position eligibility

The following players are on track to earn new eligibility in the coming weeks: Wilson Betemit (8 games played at 1B), Billy Butler (9 games played at 1B), Steve Clevenger (8 games played at 1B), Chris Davis (8 games played at OF), Matt Downs (8 games played at 3B), Maicer Izturis (9 games played at SS), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), Hector Luna (9 games played at 1B), Buster Posey (8 games played at 1B), Kyle Seager (9 games played at 2B), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B), Justin Turner (8 games played at 1B, 8 games played at SS).

HacheMan · Jun 27, 2012

Is Jason Hammel for real?

Eric Karabell

I've been a bit critical in analyzing the contending Baltimore Orioles and whether they are capable of sustaining their fine start, mainly because it's tough to buy into their starting pitching in baseball's toughest division. However, when it comes to right-hander Jason Hammel, freed from what has to be the most frustrating place to pitch (Coors Field), his numbers don't scream fluke.

Hammel is scheduled to face ballyhooed right-hander Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, and while many would simply assume Weaver is having the superior season and is far more deserving of an All-Star spot, whatever glorification that really holds, perhaps that's not so. After all, entering Wednesday, Hammel ranks 15th among starting pitchers on ESPN's Player Rater this season, while Weaver is … 16th.

Hammel is owned in all ESPN standard (10-team) leagues, but it sure took a while to get him there. A few days ago, he was still in the 95 percent range. Hammel's past two outings have been exemplary, with 18 strikeouts and nary an earned run allowed in wins over the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. Yes, those are National League East teams, and no division truly compares to the mighty American League East. Perhaps this is where Hammel's numbers will regress to more of what was expected.

After all, this is a pitcher who entered 2012 with a career 4.99 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, and he certainly wasn't Ubaldo Jimenez in the strikeout department, either. The problem wasn't all Denver's hitter-friendly stadium and atmosphere. Hammel started his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and posted a 5.90 ERA over 207 1/3 innings. While with the Colorado Rockies, Hammel didn't exactly dominate in road games, either. His career splits between home and road are nearly even.

Hammel has faced the New York Yankees twice this season and wasn't terrible either time, though in the second outing he allowed five runs (four earned). He struck out eight Red Sox in a May appearance. In 14 starts, Hammel has permitted two or fewer runs 10 times, and he is among the league leaders in Wins Above Replacement.

What's shocking is that he is displaying a strikeout rate unlike anything he has ever shown before, at 8.7 per nine innings, likely buoyed by extra fastball velocity from previous seasons and increased and successful reliance on his slider, a pitch that likely works better out of Colorado. Maybe he is just throwing it better.

There is likely a confidence angle going on as well. Shouldn't pitchers be happy to leave the thin air? Think Jeremy Guthrie, the fellow traded for Hammel, is happy with his 6.34 ERA and demotion to the bullpen? (Matt Lindstrom went to Baltimore as well, and he has a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings.)

Frankly, and I didn't start to believe this until mid-May, Hammel is a different pitcher now. His batting average against is excellent despite brutal career marks, and he has become more of a ground ball option as well. It hasn't hurt that Baltimore's bullpen has been among baseball's best, helping to keep the runners Hammel has left on base from scoring and aiding him for victories. His .267 BABIP is also well below career marks. Ultimately, however, the strikeout rate is the biggest difference-maker.

The broader question is how much does pitching in the AL East hurt a guy like Hammel, someone blossoming unexpectedly at 29 and potentially pitching over his head? It's quite different facing the Washington offense last week, in which he fanned 10 hitters without a walk and didn't need 100 pitches to get through eight innings, and meeting Robinson Cano, David Ortiz, Jose Bautista and their respective pals three or four more times. Is Hammel a natural sell-high simply due to who he is or is it the expected change in schedule variance? He won't be facing the Nationals or Braves again, after all. Let's say there are a few factors in Hammel's future performance.

Some natural regression is likely, based on Hammel's past and the fact that a 2.61 ERA and 1.12 WHIP are tough for any hurler to sustain. A year ago, even in this hitter-challenging baseball world, only five qualified starting pitchers posted a final ERA better than 2.61.

I don't think it's fair to put all Orioles pitchers in the same boat -- or Blue Jays, Rays and even lesser Red Sox and Yankees, for that matter -- because of strength of division, though three of the top run-scoring teams in baseball are AL East members. Yes, September and October should be rougher than June has been for Hammel, as the Orioles face each division foe six times, but there is also a pair of road series in friendly Seattle and Oakland. And let's be clear, Hammel is good. Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta and Tommy Hunter are not nearly on this level, and I'm selling on hittable lefty Wei-Yin Chen.

Hammel is pitching at a high level and deserves to represent the Orioles in the All-Star Game. This has not been a fluky start. However, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the second half, and I'd be prepared to avoid him if he struggles in September. He shouldn't fall apart if he maintains his rates in strikeouts, ground balls and hits, though, so an ERA around 3.75-4 and WHIP of 1.25 from here on out seem a bit more appropriate. That's still worth using in most fantasy leagues.

HacheMan · Jun 27, 2012

Rizzo Takes Wrigley
“I’m here to stay,” new Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo told beat writer Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune when he arrived at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon.

And we have little reason to doubt the kid's confidence.

Rizzo was batting .342/.405/.696 with 23 home runs, 18 doubles and 62 RBI in just 284 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa at the time of his late-Monday call-up and finished 2-for-4 with a sharply-struck infield single and an RBI double in his debut for the Cubs on Tuesday night -- a 5-3 defeat of the visiting Mets.

Rizzo is already a polished defender at first base and certainly seems ready to be a legitimate offensive threat in the major leagues at the ripe age of 22. He deserves to be owned in all NL-only fantasy leagues and most mixed formats given his power potential and homer-friendly home park.

Sure, power-hitting first basemen are a dime a dozen. But Rizzo’s talents extend beyond the mundane.

Drew Finally Ready To Rejoin Snakes

Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew hasn’t appeared in a major league game since July 20, 2011 because of a fractured right ankle. He was supposed to be ready for Opening Day this April, but a few minor setbacks leading up to the start of spring training caused Arizona's medical team to torch that plan.

Now let’s go ahead and fast forward nearly three months.

Drew is scheduled to return to Arizona’s starting lineup on Wednesday evening against the Braves after a long and arduous rehab process that included a number of physical roadblocks and publicized questions from upper management about the 29-year-old’s motivation (or lack thereof) to make a swift return.

With that stuff firmly in the past, Drew will look to get his career on the right track heading into free agency this winter. The 29-year-old batted just .252/.317/.396 with five home runs in 86 games last season, but he carries a .773 career OPS -- which is pretty solid for a shortstop -- and he’s flashed 20-homer power in seasons past.

Drew needs to be added in all mixed fantasy leagues, considering the scarcity of value at the position he plays.

Friars Bringing Back A Fired-Up Cashner

The Padres sent hard-throwing setup man Andrew Cashner down to Double-A Tucson on June 10 and asked that he return as a reliable big league starter. Mission accomplished. Er, somewhat. Almost.

Cashner posted a superb 1.88 ERA and 22/3 K/BB ratio across 14 1/3 innings at the Double-A level, and will be called back to the major leagues on Thursday for a start against the light-hitting Astros.

The 25-year-old right-hander possesses a fastball that has averaged an outrageous 98.8 mph this year in the majors and a slider and changeup that work well as complementary pitches to that heat. He should post some rather gaudy numbers while making half his starts in the cavernous confines of Petco Park and is obviously worth owning in pretty much all mixed fantasy leagues.

National League Quick Hits: Diamondbacks right-hander Daniel Hudson left Tuesday’s start against the Braves with elbow discomfort and could be out for an extended period of time … Giancarlo Stanton is up to 17 home runs … Ryan Howard could begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday … Reds closer Aroldis Chapman bounced back to collect his ninth save Tuesday night against the Brewers … Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie hit his 14th home run of the season in Tuesday’s defeat of the Padres … Ike Davis was ejected Tuesday night after making contact with first base umpire Manny Gonzalez while arguing a pickoff call. He could face a small suspension … Ryan Zimmerman has tallied three extra-base hits since getting a cortisone shot Sunday in his right shoulder … Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz raised his season batting line to .361/.427/.579 with Tuesday’s 3-for-4 effort against the Pirates … Adam LaRoche slugged his 14th and 15th home runs on Tuesday night in a win over the Rockies … Bud Norris (knee) is scheduled to return to the Astros’ starting rotation on Friday … Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel is batting .298/.371/.518 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI … The Rockies placed infielder Hector Gomez on waivers … Yadier Molina already has 12 home runs this season and is just two short of his career high … Brian Schneider is out 3-5 weeks with a badly-sprained right ankle … The Brewers are likely to shop Zack Greinke if they can’t sign him to an extension before the July 31 trade deadline.

American League Quick Hits: Rangers closer Joe Nathan collected his 17th save of the season in Tuesday’s win over the Tigers … Josh Beckett (shoulder) has been cleared to rejoin the Red Sox rotation on Saturday against the Mariners … Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is no longer wearing a brace on his knee and is beginning to steal more bases … Gavin Floyd hurled seven shutout innings Tuesday in a victory against the Twins … Nick Markakis (hand) has been ruled out through the All-Star break … Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz has been diagnosed with esophagitis and is out indefinitely … Martin Perez is a candidate to start for the Rangers on Saturday against Oakland … An MRI taken Tuesday on Henderson Alvarez’s right elbow showed only inflammation … Yu Darvish has 106 strikeouts through his first 95 1/3 major league innings … Jarrod Saltalamacchia belted his 14th home run of 2012 in Tuesday’s defeat of the Blue Jays … Adam Lind went 2-for-4 in his return to Toronto's’ starting lineup on Tuesday … White Sox closer Addison Reed is up to 10 saves … Phil Hughes tossed eight scoreless innings Tuesday night against the Indians … Jamie Moyer’s minor league contract with the Blue Jays only guarantees him two minor league starts … Grady Sizemore (back, knee) still hasn’t resumed running … The Rangers placed Colby Lewis on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right forearm … Kosuke Fukudome was released by the White Sox … Russell Martin (back) is aiming to return to the Yankees’ starting lineup Wednesday ... The Indians are expecting Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona) to return to the majors soon.

HacheMan · Jun 27, 2012

The Waiting Game Well LeBron James 'finally' has a ring.

It's not that he's such a villain -- he's probably not as bad as he's come off in the media, which can exacerbate situations like his -- it's that he really hadn't waited all that long. Sure, he is either the best or second-best player in his sport, but his title came in his eighth year. Others as good have waited longer. Much longer.

So, in the interest of putting LeBron James in his place among the pantheon of ring-less baseball players, we'll dedicate the tiers to the best players that played the longest and didn't ever get that special ticker tape parade. You'll see that while it was admirable for the admiral in Miami to stick to it and finally win, he hasn't quite suffered like Dan Marino. Or Carl Yastrzemski.

In a roundabout way the pairing makes sense -- sometimes even the best relievers end up setting up all year. Rafael Soriano has. Vinnie Pestano has. Greg Holland might. Even Mariano Rivera spent a year in setup. That's why we have to look at roles before skills -- sometimes the best question is 'who's the closer now?'

Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "Carl Yastrzemski" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

The Red Sox' string of futility should rank first because it probably created the two most egregious title-less players in baseball history. The Yaz played 23 seasons and ended up an All-Star in 18 of them. He didn't get a title. Ted Williams hit .344 over 22 seasons and is one of baseball's top five players of all time. He didn't get a title. So really the team 'wins' this one -- all those years with great players, and none of them brought home the biggest win.

Is there a chance that Jason Motte doesn't belong in this tier? The rest of the tier has elite strikeout rates, control, or both. Motte has a nice swinging strike rate (11.2%, average is 8.9% this year) and just around a strikeout per inning, but that's not elite for a closer. He walks a little over three per nine, and that's just about average. He gets an average amount of ground balls. This year, he has a bit of a homer problem. Any sign of trouble and he may find himself dropping. It took him what felt like forever to get the job in St. Louis (not quite Red Sox-ian), but that doesn't mean he'll keep it forever. For now, he's going to stick, but Motte's on notice.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "Barry Bonds" Tier.)

Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Let's not make this about that issue. Let's just appreciate that this dude played 22 seasons and made one World Series. Despite hitting .471 with four home runs in that series, he ended his career ringless. Well, he couldn't take the ball from Russ Ortiz and close the game out or anything. That's baseball's career leader in home runs, walks, and intentional walks -- and he never won it all.

We've ben waiting all year for an injury from J.J. Putz, who knows when it will come. We waited for a while for a blowup from Joe Nathan, but it doesn't seem like it's on the way. Some are waiting for a trade for Rafael Betancourt -- Rex Brothers is looking better and better -- but Betancourt is signed for a reasonable team option in 2013. It would take a nice prospect to pry him loose. All these waiting games probably won't work out, so don't worry about rostering their handcuffs in saves leagues. On the other hand, we've been waiting for John Axford to find his control, and just when he finally looks like he had, he pitches the eighth inning Tuesday night. He hadn't pitched in four days, though, and his last appearance was a save. Don't wait too long for Francisco Rodriguez to close again.

Despite having nearly six strikeouts to every walk and almost two strikeouts per inning, Aroldis Chapman found himself in some hot water last week. In consecutive appearances, he gave up home runs and blew saves. That sort of thing happens. You can point out that he has three home runs and eight earned runs in his last ten appearances if you like, but he hadn't given up a run before that. And his strikeout-to-walk ratio in those same ten appearances was 17 to three. That's somersault-worthy, and Tuesday night Chapman showed us that same excellence (three strikeouts and one walk in a clean inning) and also the calisthenics we've been anticipating from the Cuban.

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Roy Halladay" Tier.)

Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants
Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays
Heath Bell, Miami Marlins
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Halladay 'only' has 192 wins, and with 1990 strikeouts, he probably won't end his career with many records in the counting stats. He played for a long time with a team in the Yankees' division. He's only made the postseason twice, and though he's been great, he hasn't played in a World Series game. Still, think about current title-less greats, and he comes to mind. He's still got time, even after 15 years of pitching and waiting.

Santiago Casilla joins the tier because of some shaky work last week in Oakland. He gave up runs in three straight games. One of those outings, he didn't get an out, and gave up a walk and two hits to make a blowout win close. In the other, he gave up a game-winning home run. Maybe it was about pitching on back-to-back-to-back days. He took a day off and then got the save with a clean slate Tuesday night. Still, the fact that Clay Hensley is an able reliever that was called on to close a game that Casilla was supposed to finish -- that fact is not one that supports Casilla's candidacy for the Rock Steady tier.

In the interest of symmetry, some part of me was rooting for a closer to rise up out of this tier. But each gave me reasons not to.

Some were performance related. Heath Bell has been better -- 15 strikeouts against three walks in his last ten outings -- but then he blew a game wide open with a four-run inning last week. He looked terrible doing it, too. Addison Reed has been better, and in particular, his three walks in his last ten-plus innings were a good sign that he'd found the elite control he used to show. But he doesn't quite have the crazy strikeout rate that he showed in the minors, either, and then he walked another and gave up two runs in save Tuesday night. Doesn't sound Rock Steady. Jim Johnson is great, but playing him still means you're spotting 15-20 strikeouts against other closing tandems in your fantasy league.

Some of these guys are not moving up because of other reasons. Huston Street is on a team that is renowned for trading their relievers. Fernando Rodney has been great, but supposedly Kyle Farnsworth looked excellent in his rehab appearances. Rodney's unique story -- finding the plate this late in his career -- could still pumpkin at any time. We could be waiting for Godot, or we could be waiting for regression. Just depends on when he reverts.

At the top of the tier, though, sit two enigmas. Consider this fact: Rafael Soriano gets many many more whiffs than Chris Perez does. His swinging strike rate is an elite-ish 10.2%, while Perez has a swinging strike rate of 6.9%. Average, again, is 8.9%, and our research at FanGraphs showed that swinging strike rates and velocity combined are very good predictors of future strikeout rate. At least Perez has a tick-plus on Soriano. If you believe that Perez suddenly has elite control after more than 200 innings of poor control, you'll slide him ahead of Soriano and consider him a great candidate for the second tier. If you think Soriano can continue to avoid giving up home runs despite pitching in that Yankee park (none so far this year), then you might advocate for Soriano. If, like me, you don't think either of these things will hold, you end up leaving them in this tier and scratching your head.

Tier 4: Question marks (6) (AKA: The "Josh Hamilton" Tier.)

Ernesto Frieri, Los Angeles Angels
Ryan Cook, Oakland Athletics
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals

Tom Wilhelmsen, Seattle Mariners
Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox

Josh Hamilton has played six seasons, but could easily have debuted before his 26th year on this planet. If he'd arrived any earlier, he'd fit LeBron James to a tee. They've both come within a win or two of a title, they've both burned bright at the top of their sports, and neither has shown many signs of decline yet. That's right, LeBron's suffering would only end up in the fourth tier among great baseball players.

The Mariners did say that they wanted to get Brandon League back in the closer's role last week. Tuesday night, their manager used League in the seventh inning and he gave up two hits while getting an out (and a blown save). Actions speak louder than words, and roles speak louder than skills most times. Wilhelmsen is in the ninth and his not screwing up, finally doing just what some of us have been waiting for all year. He's got great strikeout punch, and if his control holds, he'll be a great closer all year. In some leagues, he's even starter-eligible, which makes him even more attractive. Not that I'm saying he's attractive. Which would be fine if I was.

We waited for a short while for Ernesto Frieri to be the closer, and he's still not alone in that role in Los Angeles of Anaheim. We thought that Brian Fuentes wouldn't be the closer all year, and Ryan Cook is the shutdown guy none of us were waiting for long. Some were waiting for Jonathan Broxton to refind his excellence, some of us were waiting for Greg Holland to take his job. We'll both wait all year.

Alfredo Aceves moves down to the bottom of this tier through no fault of his own -- it's just that Andrew Bailey is nearing return. At times, Aceves did it ugly, but if you look at his peripherals this year, they are all at or near career highs. If you held on to him, congratulations. Thank Aceves for his work so far and start looking for his replacement. It's not about 'if' with him, it's about 'when.'

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

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (6) (AKA: The "Bryce Harper" Tier.)

Tyler Clippard (first chair), Sean Burnett (second chair), Washington Nationals
Jose Valverde (first chair), Joaquin Benoit (second chair), Phil Coke (third chair), Detroit Tigers
Brett Myers (first chair) Brandon Lyon (second chair), Wesley Wright (third chair), Houston Astros

Jared Burton (first chair), Glen Perkins (second chair), Minnesota Twins

Bobby Parnell (first chair), Jon Rauch (second chair), Miguel Batista (third chair), New York Mets
Carlos Marmol (first chair), Shawn Camp (second chair), Chicago Cubs
Casey Janssen (first chair), Francisco Cordero (second chair), Jason Frasor (third chair), Toronto Blue Jays

It's really been too long since Bryce Harper won a championship.

Once again, it seemed like someone should leave this tier and graduate, but other than Wilhelmsen, there wasn't a great candidate. Tyler Clippard has been excellent, and now the news is that Drew Storen might set him up when he returns. But narrative still has some power -- Storen was drafted to be the Closer of the Future, and he did nothing to warrant losing the job. This is no fait accompli -- look at Seattle, where the team keeps saying they want Brandon League in the job, and they keep running Wilhelmsen out there. If Clippard does indeed keep the role, it's been a sorry waiting game for those that kept Storen on their roster all year. Then again, you've waited this long, why give nup now? Jose Valverde obviously has some leash, and he earned it with that crazy save streak, but he's hurt right now and hasn't appeared in a game in almost two weeks. Brett Myers righted the ship, but the fanbase for any team with a need in the bullpen has been talking about him as a target for weeks.

With Matt Capps on the DL with shoulder issues, there's a real opportunity in Minnesota. Glen Perkins is the better pitcher of the contending duo, for sure. Though Burton has altered his pitching mix significantly this year -- he's using his changeup more than ever and has reduced his use of the slider -- and has had good swinging strike rates throughout his career, he's never been this good. Perkins has been this good ever since he moved to the bullpen. There's one problem -- Perkins is a lefty, and lefties are half as likely to be closers as they should be. So you have to ding Perkins for using his left arm, and then you'll notice Burton has gotten the last couple of saves. Still, if Burton's strikeout rate falters, or his batted ball luck changes, Perkins will still be there, pitching excellently.

It's a shame the Mets didn't win Tuesday night so that we could find out what they would do with chicken-farmer Frank Francisco on the DL. Bobby Parnell is the obvious favorite, but that organization has had many chances to make him the closer, and haven't really ever taken the opportunity. Jon Rauch has the vaunted closer experience, but other than his height and excellent control, there's not much to recommend him. Miguel Batista might not even be a major leaguer on any other team, but he's actually pitching high-leverage innings right now. The Mets will hope that Francisco isn't out long.

Was anyone really waiting for Carlos Marmol to return? He's back, but let's just say he's not 'back.' He hasn't yet shown the oomph he needs, given his terrible control. A few borderline calls got him the save Tuesday night, and he really didn't seem to be fooling people.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Injured

Andrew Bailey (thumb), Boston Red Sox
Kyle Farnsworth (elbow), Tampa Bay Rays
Drew Storen (elbow), Washington Nationals
Sergio Santos (shoulder), Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Capps (shoulder), Minnesota Twins
Frank Francisco (oblique), New York Mets

It really looked like the waiting game might end up badly for Sergio Santos owners, but he's throwing again, so that's good. Still, this could end up going either way. Andrew Bailey also had a setback, and if you've been following your career, you know that despite the fact that he's ahead of Santos, he's no sure thing either. Drew Storen is going to throw a simulated game sometime this week, but will he be a closer when he returns? The MRI didn't show anything serious for Matt Capps, and it's a cortisone shot and two weeks of rest. He might be fine, even though we all waited for a long time for this chance for Glen Perkins. Frank Francisco is part of perhaps the worst bullpen in the league, and after he called the Yankees chickens, and admitted he had a chicken farm (ostensibly to prove his expertise in the matter), he also admitted that his oblique was hurting. We'll see how long this takes to heal, but Francisco is only good for about 50 innings a year anyway, if past is prologue.

The Deposed

Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels
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

Sean Marshall might have been close for a minute this week, and he does still get saves from time to time, but Brandon League looks like the only name that might come back to the closer's role.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Steals Department

A reader emailed me last week asking about a leaderboard of sorts. He'd seen all the names I'd put forth in the Steals Department, and he wanted to know how they stacked up against each other. So that's what I'll do! This week, I gathered the ZiPs rest-of-season projection numbers that we house on FanGraphs.com and sorted for stolen bases the rest of the way. Then I removed the guys that should be owned in all leagues -- like leader Michael Bourn, Mike Trout, Jacoby Ellsbury, B.J. Upton and Hanley Ramirez -- so that we could focus on free agents. Then I removed a couple names that I didn't think would be relevant in most leagues -- like Darin Mastroianni in Minnesota and Kevin Mattison in Florida -- so that we could focus on those that will see more playing time.

Hopefully the results are helpful. (As a bonus, it's sortable, in case you really want to find the best power guy with steals on this list.)

<table style="width: 480px;" class="sortable" border="1" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0"><thead><tr bgColor="#edf1f3"><th align="left" sorttable_columnindex="0">Name</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="1">AB</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="2">HR</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="3">R</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="4">RBI</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="5">SB</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="6">AVG</th><th align="center" sorttable_columnindex="7">OBP</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="left">Dee Gordon</td><td align="center">338</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">40</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">0.26</td><td align="center">0.302</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Tony Campana</td><td align="center">230</td><td align="center"> </td><td align="center">33</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">25</td><td align="center">0.274</td><td align="center">0.317</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Eric Young</td><td align="center">211</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">34</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">0.256</td><td align="center">0.342</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Ben Revere</td><td align="center">288</td><td align="center"> </td><td align="center">36</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">0.285</td><td align="center">0.325</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Rajai Davis</td><td align="center">204</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">22</td><td align="center">20</td><td align="center">0.26</td><td align="center">0.306</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Juan Pierre</td><td align="center">277</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">36</td><td align="center">22</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">0.289</td><td align="center">0.337</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Jarrod Dyson</td><td align="center">221</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">0.24</td><td align="center">0.298</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Coco Crisp</td><td align="center">213</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">20</td><td align="center">17</td><td align="center">0.249</td><td align="center">0.309</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Ichiro Suzuki</td><td align="center">340</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">43</td><td align="center">25</td><td align="center">17</td><td align="center">0.276</td><td align="center">0.31</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Cameron Maybin</td><td align="center">292</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">46</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">0.243</td><td align="center">0.314</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Xavier Avery</td><td align="center">285</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">32</td><td align="center">17</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">0.256</td><td align="center">0.307</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Everth Cabrera</td><td align="center">189</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">15</td><td align="center">0.238</td><td align="center">0.313</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Angel Pagan</td><td align="center">276</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">36</td><td align="center">28</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">0.279</td><td align="center">0.328</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Alcides Escobar</td><td align="center">319</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">40</td><td align="center">25</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">0.279</td><td align="center">0.318</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Alejandro De Aza</td><td align="center">279</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">43</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.276</td><td align="center">0.338</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Jose Tabata</td><td align="center">284</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">43</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.264</td><td align="center">0.333</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Peter Bourjos</td><td align="center">268</td><td align="center">6</td><td align="center">39</td><td align="center">25</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.257</td><td align="center">0.307</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Michael Brantley</td><td align="center">322</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">45</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.273</td><td align="center">0.328</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Cliff Pennington</td><td align="center">295</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.241</td><td align="center">0.305</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Jordan Schafer</td><td align="center">230</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">0.226</td><td align="center">0.295</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Craig Gentry</td><td align="center">180</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">24</td><td align="center">17</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">0.267</td><td align="center">0.332</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Carlos Gomez</td><td align="center">184</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">18</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">0.245</td><td align="center">0.296</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Nyjer Morgan</td><td align="center">237</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">34</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">0.262</td><td align="center">0.32</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Jemile Weeks</td><td align="center">297</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">23</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">0.256</td><td align="center">0.318</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Jason Bourgeois</td><td align="center">170</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">0.276</td><td align="center">0.315</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Will Venable</td><td align="center">250</td><td align="center">7</td><td align="center">35</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">0.244</td><td align="center">0.314</td></tr><tr><td align="left">Erick Aybar</td><td align="center">304</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">28</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">0.27</td><td align="center">0.313</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Danny Espinosa</td><td align="center">326</td><td align="center">10</td><td align="center">44</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">0.227</td><td align="center">0.31</td></tr><tr bgColor="#c7d9ec"><td align="left">Ian Desmond</td><td align="center">328</td><td align="center">8</td><td align="center">38</td><td align="center">35</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">0.259</td><td align="center">0.302</td></tr><tr bgColor="#ffffff"><td align="left">Tony Gwynn</td><td align="center">211</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">28</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">0.256</td><td align="center">0.31</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jun 28, 2012

Adds, drops and skating monkeys

By Matthew Berry | ESPN.com

I'm on vacation next week. Been a while, so I'm looking forward to it. You know what else has been a while? Ten lists of 10. So, with topics suggested by my followers on Facebook, here, once again, are 10 lists ... of 10.

List One: Ten players owned in more than 50 percent of ESPN standard leagues that can -- and in most cases, should -- be dropped, as there are better options out there. (Suggested by Brad Dickson, who wanted 75 percent but will take what he's given).

1. Carlos Lee, Astros. Just five home runs (95 percent owned).

2. Desmond Jennings, Rays. Hitting .240 on the year, .205 since he came back. (94 percent).

3. Marco Scutaro, Rockies. Not a ton of power or speed. (87 percent).

4. Matt Joyce, Rays. Injured and not worth wasting a non-DL spot on. (79.7 percent).

5. Roy Oswalt, Rangers. Match-up play but not above Wandy line. (81 percent).

6. Chris Davis, Orioles. The bad Chris Davis is back (59 percent).

7. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers. Never been a believer, and one good start doesn't undo the previous three bad starts in a row. (57 percent).

8. Brett Gardner, Yankees. Out until late July, also not worthy of wasting a non-DL slot on. (54 percent).

9. Rickie Weeks, Brewers. Hitting .227 the past seven days ... which is an improvement. (59 percent).

10. Tim Lincecum, Giants. After last night I'm probably holding onto him and hoping, but I still have no issue if you wanna drop him after his next stinker (100 percent).

List Two: Ten players whose stats are lying. (Suggested by David Hermann)

1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mets. Striking out way too much (29.5 K percentage) to maintain his level of play.

2. Bryan LaHair, Cubs. We've already seen this. There's a reason I ranked him so low in May. Hitting .211 in June. Another strikeout machine.

3. Ben Revere, Twins. I actually like him, but just a .146 well-hit average and a 2.9 walk percentage. He's solid, but he's not this good.

4. Adam Dunn, White Sox. The 33.3 percent homer-per-flyball rate is unsustainable, even for him (career 21.9 percent). He's on pace for 52 home runs. He'll wind up with 40, but not 50.

5. Dayan Viciedo, White Sox. Just a 3.7 walk percentage, a 23 percent strikeout percentage and a 22.4 percent HR/FB rate. The power is legit, but it's not this legit (on pace for 28; think he winds up in the 20 range). I don't even think his .253 average is sustainable with those walk and strikeout rates; he has just a .189 well-hit average.

6. Tommy Hanson, Braves. Strikeout rate is down, walk rate up, has a FIP of 4.77, an x FIP of 4.44. You think he's been only a little worse than last year, but he's actually been getting lucky this year. (An 82.7 left on base percentage).

7. Yu Darvish, Rangers. If the heat and increased workload don't catch up to him, his 4.70 walks per nine will.

8. Jose Quintana, White Sox. Just 24 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings, he has less than 50 innings experience at Double-A (and none at Triple-A), his xFIP is 3.86, so I don't put much stock in his 1.25 ERA so far.

9. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals. Another case of good, but not this good. He is inducing more ground balls this year, but a FIP of 3.88 and an xFIP of 3.59 along with a BABIP of .265 (career .292) and a left-on-base percentage of over 81 percent ... his ERA will wind up in the mid-to-high 3s.

10. Johnny Cueto, Reds. I know, it looks like a mirror image of last year, but he's actually lost a little velocity on his fastball this year, he's inducing fewer ground balls, and his strand rate is at an all-time high. Feel like his 3.63 xFIP is closer to what his ERA should be.

List Three: Ten prospects that haven't been called up yet who could be useful in the second half. (Suggested by Oscar Gutierrez)

1. Danny Hultzen, SP, Mariners
2. Wil Myers, OF, Royals
3. Anthony Gose, OF, Blue Jays
4. Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs
5. Nick Franklin, SS, Mariners
6. Chris Tillman, P, Orioles*
7. Ryan Lavarnway, C, Red Sox
8. Charles Leesman, P, White Sox
9. Jean Segura, SS, Angels
10. Andrew Cashner, SP, Padres*

*I cheated a bit. Tillman is a "former" prospect and Cashner has been up already, but both are still young (24), in the minors, and could help you.

List Four: In honor of Nora Ephron, 10 "chick flicks" it's OK for dudes to admit they like. (Suggested by Brant Patrick Parsons)

1. "When Harry Met Sally"
2. "Mean Girls"
3. "Pretty Woman"
4. "Notting Hill"
5. "The Devil Wears Prada"
6. "Four Weddings and a Funeral"
7. "Bring it On"
8. "SoapDish"
9. "Thelma & Louise"
10 (Tie). "Sixteen Candles"/"The Breakfast Club"

List Five: Ten semi-interesting stats (through June 26). (Suggested by me. I can do some of my own ideas, you know.)

1. Catcher A.J. Ellis of the Dodgers (available in 80 percent of leagues) is second in the majors in terms of pitches seen per plate appearance (4.52).

2. Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera and Andrew McCutchen all have six intentional walks on the season. The same number as ... James Loney? Yes. James Loney.

3. Only Melky Cabrera and Ian Kinsler have more two-hit games this year than Jose Altuve.

4. When Max Scherzer is caught by Gerald Laird, his ERA is 2.89 (28 innings).

5. When Scherzer is caught by Alex Avila, his ERA is 5.88 (52 innings).

6. A stolen base has been attempted 16 times against A.J. Burnett this year. And 16 times it was successful. Most in major league baseball.

7. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Stephen Strasburg induces 29.5 percent of swings that miss, the most in baseball among qualified pitchers (those who have pitched at least one inning for every game their team has played).

8. If he'd pitched 2 1/3 more innings, Francisco Liriano would qualify and his 29.7 percent swing-and-miss rate would be the league-leading mark.

9. In the month of June, Alex Rios has five home runs, 13 RBIs, 18 runs scored, six steals and is hitting .326.

10. The Texas Rangers have hit 95 home runs. The same number as ... the Baltimore Orioles.

List Six: Ten Buy Low Guys (First suggested by Anthony Gibbs)

1. Eric Hosmer, Royals. Dammit, I still believe.

2. Carl Crawford, Red Sox. His price will never be cheaper. What do you have to lose?

3. Jemile Weeks, A's. BABIP at crazy career lows (including minors) and he's walking significantly more this season than last.

4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies. Very quietly, hitting .317 with 19 runs, six home runs, 15 RBIs and two steals in June, and is traditionally better in the second half.

5. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox. The homer-per-flyball rate is insanely low, despite his hitting fewer ground balls and more fly balls than last year.

6. Max Scherzer, Tigers. I know. I'm not rational about him. But crazy strikeout numbers, and walks have gotten under control.

7. Jon Lester, Red Sox. Is he the elite Jon Lester? No. But is he this bad? Also no. Velocity same as last year, getting very unlucky with strand rate and BABIP. Also has a career-best 2.58 walk rate this season.

8. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals. Has a 2.70 ERA over his past four starts, trending toward his 3.13 xFIP. Last chance.

9. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins. Recent four-game skid may provide buying opportunity. Just a blip; still a very good pitcher.

10. Matt Garza. I refuse to believe he's this bad, and an xFIP of 3.52 agrees with me. Velocity is the same as last season, as are most underlying numbers. Been victimized by the long ball, but once the HR/FB rate normalizes, he should be a lot closer to the guy you drafted.

List Seven: Ten best movies where an animal plays sports and someone in the movie says "Well, there's nothing in the rules that says a (whatever the animal is) can't play!"

1. "Babe" (Damn right I'm counting sheep-herding as a sport)
2. "Gus" (The field goal kicking mule!)
3. "Air Bud" (The one where he plays hoops; you know, the classic Air Bud.)
4. "MVP: Most Valuable Primate" (They love this one in Canada!)
5. "Karate Dog" (Always love when the plot of a movie is in the title.)
6. "Ed" (Matt LeBlanc's finest moment? Matt LeBlanc's finest moment.)
7. "MXP: Most Xtreme Primate." (Does Bjorn Leines play himself? You bet he does. How did they ever get Bjorn Leines?)
8. "Air Bud: Golden Receiver" (Points for the pun in the title.)
9. "Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch" (A sequel so bad, I'm amazed I didn't write it.)
10. "Teen Wolf" (Still the champ.)

List Eight: Ten guys available in at least 70 percent of leagues that should be the first added at their positions if you need someone. (Click on their names to see recent stats.)

1. Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies (89 percent available)
2. Tyler Moore, 1B, Nationals (99 percent)
3. Chris Nelson, 2B, Rockies (83 percent)
4. Ryan Theriot, SS, Giants (87 percent)
5. Chris Johnson, 3B, Astros (83 percent)
6. Quintin Berry, OF, Tigers (86 percent)
7. Rajai Davis, OF, Blue Jays (81 percent)
8. Michael Saunders, OF, Mariners (70 percent)
9. Norichika Aoki, OF, Brewers (97 percent)
10. Juan Pierre, OF, Phillies (77 percent)

List Nine: Ten guys available in at least 65 percent of leagues to grab if you're chasing saves.

1. Bobby Parnell, Mets (67 percent available)
2. Andrew Bailey, Red Sox (81 percent)
3. Jared Burton, Twins (90 percent)
4. Glen Perkins, Twins (83 percent)
5. David Hernandez, Diamondbacks (98 percent)
6. Sergio Santos, Blue Jays (76 percent)
7. Jason Grilli, Pirates (97 percent)
8. Brandon Lyon, Astros (100 percent)
9. Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers (97 percent)
10. David Robertson, Yankees (85 percent)

List Ten: Ten worst suggestions for a list for this column.(Suggested by Stephen Wirsch).

1. Ten best facial hair designs.
2. Ten reasons baseball sucks.
3. Ten best players named Patrick.
4. Ten scenarios where I would have to leave my job (in or out of handcuffs).
5. Ten things you've learned about women.
6. Top 10 zoo animals.
7. Ten favorite varieties of legume.
8. Ten facts about Aquaman.
9. Top 10 varieties of cheese.
10. Ten sexiest major league managers.

HacheMan · Jun 28, 2012

Impact of closers and K rate

Pitchers getting saves with few strikeouts seeing their fantasy values plummet

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

So long, Danny Graves. The era of closers like you has passed.

We are in an age of strikeouts, specifically a season on track to set all-time records in the category. Major league pitchers, in 2012, have combined to average 7.50 K's per nine innings and a 19.6 K percentage going by individual batters faced, both of those representing a 5 percent increase upon the 7.13 and 18.6 numbers of 2011, which at the time set single-season records in either category. Pitchers have already struck out an individual, Adam Dunn, a major league-leading 121 times. Sixty years ago, there wasn't a major leaguer who struck out that often the entire year.

Relievers have demonstrated even greater success in the strikeout department in 2012. They sport an 8.27 K's-per-nine ratio and 21.6 K percentage per batter faced, also on track for single-year bests, and also up 5 percent from in 2011.

But here's where strikeout performance gets really interesting: Narrowing that relief pool to current closers -- and because of their season-long contributions up until the past week, let's include injured ex-closers Matt Capps of the Minnesota Twins and Frank Francisco of the New York Mets -- the 30 major league finishers have combined for a 10.03 K's-per-nine ratio and 27.0 K percentage per batter faced. Meanwhile, the 30 team leaders in saves combined for 8.93 and 24.1 numbers in those categories in 2011.

It's clear, therefore, that these days, it's all the more important to invest in a high strikeout rate as you seek saves. Colleague Matthew Berry annually stresses his mantra, "Don't pay for saves" … but might it be smart, during this strikeout-happy era, to amend that to read, "Don't pay for saves that come with a low strikeout rate"?

TOP 75 RELIEF PITCHERS

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

Returning to Capps for a moment, he's an ideal example of the ever-shifting bar for strikeouts. He averaged a career-low 4.66 K's per nine in 2011, but rebounded slightly in the category this season before getting hurt, to 5.47. Now look at what that performance means to fantasy owners, using only Player Rater earnings in the category: Capps' strikeouts were worth minus-0.30 in 2011, but this season, despite his improvement in this department, his K's have been worth minus-0.50. And if you want to play the "volume" card, pointing out his missed time recently adversely impacting that number, consider that he's on pace for 57&frac13; innings, or only 8&frac13; fewer than in 2011. He's also on pace for 35 K's … or one more than he had last season.

That's not to say that Capps is entirely without value now that he's on the disabled list. The Minnesota Twins' decision to go with a co-closer arrangement between Jared Burton and Glen Perkins demonstrates a lack of clarity in long-term replacements. Capps might return only shortly after the minimum DL-stay requirement -- he's eligible to return July 9, the first day of the All-Star break -- but he might by all rights instantly recapture the ninth inning once he does. The issue isn't job security; it's that the "replacement level" for strikeouts has risen, pushing him even further beneath it. Throw the DL absence into the mix and he's a much more questionable stash, and second-half option, than you might think.

Now, you might be wondering whether this shifting bar applies to the other prominent Rotisserie categories, like, say, ERA?

Examining ERA, major league relievers have combined for a 3.66 number this season, only a hair beneath 2011's 3.67. Narrowing the field only to those 30 closers, the group this season has a 2.87 number. Last season, the 30 team saves leaders had a 2.89 ERA. And to pick a specific example, Aaron Crow has a 2.65 ERA this season, after 2.76 in 2011, and his earnings in the category this season (0.72) are only 0.07 beneath those last year (0.79). It's a slight shifting of the bar, not nearly as extreme.

It's for this reason that it's puzzling fantasy owners are so quick to question the short-term struggles of strikeout-getting closers, like the Cincinnati Reds' Aroldis Chapman. Yes, Chapman has blown three of his past six save chances, and has a 9.82 ERA, .290 batting average allowed and three homers served up during that eight-game cold spell dating back to June 7. But the left-hander has that elite strikeout potential -- and let's stress that the definition of "elite" is ever-rising -- that few pitchers in history have; his 15.85 K's-per-nine ratio would rank third highest all-time (among pitchers with at least 50 innings in the given season). Most importantly, what has made Chapman great all season, that being his huge strides in terms of command, hasn't wavered even during his recent cold spell. Take a look:

Through June 6 (0 ER in 24 G): 8.5 BB%, 2.79 BB/9, 56.8 Zone%*
Since June 7 (8 ER in 8 G): 8.6 BB%, 3.68 BB/9, 53.1 Zone% * Zone%: percentage of pitches thrown within the strike zone; Chapman's number in this category in 2011 was 43.8.

Do those look like panic-button numbers? More likely, they represent natural regression to Chapman's ERA/WHIP, after what had been a record-setting first two months of 2012. Any short-term struggles by a closer -- especially in this season of quick-changing relief roles -- bear watching, but there isn't a lot in Chapman's slump to suggest anything more than a short-term blip. Besides, even if he does eventually lose his role, reverting to setup relief, he's still a handy fantasy helper in terms of ERA, WHIP and K's. Among pure relievers, our Player Rater scores him first in K's, 17th in ERA and third in WHIP. There's something comforting about knowing the closer you own wouldn't be devoid of value even in the event of a demotion.

Ernesto Frieri, whose 14.97 K's-per-nine ratio would rank fourth all-time (fifth if you include Chapman's 2012 number), is another pitcher whose perceived fantasy value is puzzling. His owners constantly sweat Scott Downs' presence, despite the fact that, in the month of June, Frieri has seven saves to Downs' one.

Shouldn't fantasy owners appreciate Frieri's contributions more? His strikeout contributions place second only to Chapman's on our Player Rater, he's second in ERA and 14th in WHIP … and he does rank among the top 25 in the majors in saves despite not recording his first of 2012 until May 23. In addition, the track record of relievers who strike out hitters at a rate as high as Frieri's (or Chapman's, for that matter) is a quick ascension to a full-time closer role. Consider this: Every single one of the 21 closers in the history of baseball to average more than 13 K's per nine innings either closed in the given season or the following one. And, yes, that includes David Robertson (13.50 in 2011), who closed albeit for only a couple of days earlier this year when Mariano Rivera first was injured.

In addition to Chapman and Frieri, nine other current closers have managed better than the 10.03 K's per nine and 27.0 K rate numbers in 2012: Craig Kimbrel, Kenley Jansen, John Axford, Huston Street, Joe Nathan, Jonathan Papelbon, Tom Wilhelmsen, Tyler Clippard and Joel Hanrahan.

Five closers, meanwhile, have statistics in those categories more than 25 percent worse than those average rates: Jonathan Broxton, Brett Myers, Jose Valverde, Jim Johnson and Capps.

Valverde's troubles this season were previously the topic of a "Relief Efforts" column, as were Myers'. But in Myers' case, while today his job security within his own Houston Astros bullpen seems high, remember that we're 33 days away from the trade deadline, and there's a good chance he'll wind up with a team that might use him merely in setup relief. And accounting for his poor strikeout performance -- he has a 6.23 K's-per-nine ratio and 16.7 K percentage of total batters faced -- he'd be entirely robbed of his value without the prospect of saves.

As for Capps, while fantasy owners now have the maddening headache of trying to guess which between Burton or Perkins is likely to garner save chances on any given night, let's conclude with this: Perkins is the one of the two fill-ins who has higher-than-closer-average numbers in terms of both K's-per-nine (11.65) and K percentage of total batters faced (30.6 percent).

Is there a sleeper second-half save-getter to be had there? Hmmm …

HacheMan · Jun 28, 2012

Comebacker Mars Comeback
That’ll spoil the party.

Two hours after CC Sabathia’s out-of-nowhere placement on the disabled list with a groin injury, Andy Pettitte was sailing through his afternoon start against the Indians when a Casey Kotchman comebacker ricocheted off his left ankle.

Despite crumpling to the ground as he attempted to field the ball, Pettitte tried to pitch through the pain. He was yanked after throwing an ugly pitch to Lou Marson, however, and diagnosed with a broken ankle less than an hour later.

Whereas Sabathia is expected to miss only two outings, Pettitte is likely to miss two months. It’s two severe blows for a Yankees rotation that’s fueled the team’s 19-5 June, and means the Bombers must reinsert a decrepit Freddy Garcia into their starting five.

Given Pettitte’s timeline, it could be tempting to drop him in shallower mixed leagues, but giving up on a pitcher who’s managed a 3.22 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 59/15 K/BB ratio through 58 2/3 innings might not seem so shrewd come August.

As for Sabathia, expect to see him on the mound against the Angels when the Yankees return from the All-Star break on July 13. Steer clear of Garcia in all but the deepest of AL-only leagues.

Daniel Hudson

In the midst of a nightmare season that’s seen him put up a 7.35 ERA through nine starts and 45 1/3 innings, things got much, much worse for Daniel Hudson on Wednesday.

One day after leaving his latest disaster outing against the Braves with “forearm tightness,” Hudson received bad news that seemed somewhat inevitable: his right UCL was torn.

Torn UCLs are, of course, repaired via Tommy John surgery. Tommy John surgery, of course, sidelines players for roughly 12 months. Despite his injury-marred struggles this season, Hudson is worth holding onto in keeper leagues

Chase Utley

Now that’s a comeback. After a 7-for-37 rehab assignment fueled speculation that Utley’s knees had finally wrecked what was once (and still should be) a certain Hall-of-Fame career, he went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in his 2012 debut.

One good game is only one good game, but if Utley is to be believed, his knees feel better than they have in “years.” Looking forward to the second half, Utley is one of fantasy’s biggest wild cards.

Now 33, his persistent patellar tendinitis cost him Philadelphia’s first 46 games in 2011 and first 76 this season. Translation: what his future holds, particularly after he hit “just” .259/.344/.425 last year, is anyone’s guess.

But at a position where the league OPS is .695, Utley still has considerable upside. His days of leading second basemen in every offensive category are long gone, but his days of perhaps being the final piece to your team’s fantasy puzzle are now.

Stephen Drew

Also making his 2012 debut Wednesday was Stephen Drew, who went 1-for-4 in Arizona’s loss to the Braves.

Despite manager Kirk Gibson’s claim that Drew might be a part-time player for the time being, he comes with fewer risks than Utley. Before his brutal ankle injury, Drew had been a reasonably durable player, averaging 147 games between 2007-10.

He’s also still only 29, and is playing for a new contract. If you can weather some initial struggles and benchings, stashing Drew now could prove to be richly rewarding a month from now.

Ryan Zimmerman

One of this season’s biggest disappointments, Ryan Zimmerman ripped two extra-base hits for the second straight game in Wednesday’s win over the Rockies.

Less than one week after admitting his shoulder might land him back on the disabled list, Zimmerman is now 8 for his past 17 with five extra-base hits and five RBI.

The catch is that, save for one RBI, all the production has come in the thin air of Colorado. That means it’s possible Zimmerman’s renaissance isn’t really a renaissance at all.

The good news is, he’ll get one more crack at Coors Field this afternoon. If his hot hitting carries into this weekend’s series in Atlanta, the long national nightmare for those who spent a second- or third-round pick on Washington’s franchise third baseman might finally be over.

Game Notes: Tim Lincecum had his best start of the season. The two-time Cy Young award winner has at least proven he can handle the A’s and Dodgers of the world. He’ll get the Nationals in Washington next week. … Chipper Jones and Chris Young both hit their first home runs in a long time. … Robinson Cano homered again. … So did Adam Dunn. … Ike Davis hit one of four Mets bombs in Wednesday’s 17-1 shellacking of the Cubs. Mr. Valley Fever himself has now gone deep four times in his past seven starts. … David Murphy and Daniel Murphy both homered twice. … James McDonald allowed more than three runs for the first time all season. … Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion kept doing their thing.

National League Short Hops: Andre Ethier was diagnosed with a strained left oblique. He’ll almost certainly be placed on the disabled list today. … Brandon Phillips left Cincinnati’s loss to the Brewers with a head injury, but appears to have avoided a concussion. … Chris Carpenter (shoulder) resumed throwing. He remains without a timetable for facing hitters, however. … Ryan Braun is day-to-day with a minor elbow injury. … Ryan Howard (Achilles) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Lakewood this afternoon.

American League Short Hops: Luke Scott (back) will come off the disabled list this afternoon. … Kevin Millwood aggravated his right groin injury. He’s likely headed to the D.L. … Would-be top Yankees prospect Dellin Betances was demoted to Double-A. … The White Sox and Cubs are among the favorites to sign Cuban prospect Yasel Puig.

HacheMan · Jun 29, 2012

Burnett's Bounce Back
One of baseball's most interesting redemption stories continued on Thursday afternoon, as A.J. Burnett limited the Phillies to three runs over 6 2/3 innings as part of a 5-4 victory. The veteran right-hander improved to 9-2 with the win and now owns a surprising 3.31 ERA over his first 13 starts this season.

Gee, the Yankees could really use a starting pitcher like Burnett while CC Sabathia (groin) and Andy Pettitte (ankle) are sidelined. I kid, I kid.

Many thought Burnett would see better results with the change of scenery and by virtue of pitching in the easier league, but few saw this level of success coming, especially after he got a late start on the season after suffering a fractured right orbital bone during spring training. I realize you can't do this, but if you take out his 12-run disaster against the Cardinals on May 2, he has a microscopic 2.05 ERA in his other 12 starts. That's pretty incredible.

Similar to what I wrote about Burnett's rotation mate James McDonald a week ago, I really don't see this as a sell-high situation. Fair or unfair, there's still somewhat of a stigma attached to Burnett from his final two seasons in the Bronx, so most fantasy owners will probably be unhappy with the return offers. I think Burnett's ERA will end up a lot closer to 4.00 than 3.00 before the season is through, but he should remain a useful starter in all formats the rest of the way.

Bauer Has Uneven Debut

After dominating his way through Double-A and Triple-A this season, 2011 No. 3 overall pick Trevor Bauer made his major league debut Thursday night against the Braves. The 21-year-old right-hander was a little shaky, allowing two runs over four innings while striking out three, walking three and hitting a batter.

Things could have been much worse, but Bauer was able to wiggle out of trouble on a couple of occasions, including a bases-loaded jam in a 30-pitch third inning. The inning also included a mound visit from a team trainer, which Bauer later downplayed as a minor groin cramp which he has battled on and off this season.

Bauer threw a total of 74 pitches before Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson pulled him for a pinch-hitter in the top of the fifth. While that seems like a quick hook for the rookie, remember that he threw 50 pitches Sunday in his final tuneup start with Triple-A Reno.

We saw some of Bauer's flaws on display, as he struggled with his control and his pitch count built quickly, but there was also a lot to like here. He was sitting in the 93-95 mph range with his fastball for most of the night and his varied arsenal kept hitters off balance at times, even though he didn't have his best curveball. There will surely be more bumps in the road in the short-term, but Bauer should be owned in most fantasy leagues on pure potential alone.

Cashner Returns in Style

Andrew Cashner's return to the majors was overshadowed by Bauer's major league debut, but he ended up stealing the show on Thursday night.

Fresh off posting a dominant 1.88 ERA and 22/3 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings while being stretched out as a starter with Double-A San Antonio, Cashner carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Astros. The 25-year-old right-hander gave up his first hit on a one-out single by Carlos Lee and was then chased from the game after serving up a two-run homer to Brian Bogusevic. Still, this was a very impressive outing.

Cashner struck out nine and walked one in the no-decision. He threw 60 out of 101 pitches for strikes and reached 99 mph on his 99th pitch of the ballgame. That's Verlander-like. His command has been an issue at times in the majors and there are questions about whether he'll hold up as a starter after his shoulder scare last year, but Thursday's outing serves as a good example why he's worth stashing in most mixed leagues.

Waiting on Victor

Some forward-thinking fantasy owners in AL-only leagues have stashed Victor Martinez in hopes that he'll be ready to help down the stretch. He may still make it back this season, but he'll likely only have a small window to make an impact.

Tigers athletic trainer Kevin Rand said Thursday that the best-case scenario is that V-Mart will return in mid-to-late September. The timetable was determined after the 33-year-old underwent a follow-up MRI on his surgically-repaired left knee. Martinez is going to focus on strengthening the leg for now before beginning a running progression in August.

The Tigers still owe Martinez $13 million next season and $12 million in 2014, so they aren't going to rush him back if his progress slows. Anything they get from him this year should be considered a bonus and fantasy owners should think the same.

NL Quick Hits: The Dodgers broke the bank Thursday by reportedly agreeing to sign Cuban outfielder Yasel Puig to a seven-year, $42 million contract … Andre Ethier (oblique) is currently considered day-to-day and will avoid the disabled list for now … Brandon Phillips was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to lingering effects from taking a forearm to the head during a play at second base on Wednesday … Ryan Howard went 2-for-4 with two singles, a sacrifice fly and three RBI on Thursday in his first rehab game with Class A Lakewood … Madison Bumgarner allowed just one hit in his first career shutout Thursday against the Reds … Jose Altuve (hamstring) isn't expected to return until Sunday at the earliest … Bobby Parnell notched a save in Thursday's win over the Dodgers … Jason Bay (concussion) rode a stationary bike Wednesday for 20 minutes, but is not expected to return until after the All-Star break … Citing concerns over his effort level, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle indicated Thursday that the struggling Jose Tabata could soon face a demotion … Tyler Colvin homered and drove in five runs in Thursday's win over the Nationals … The Phillies have made Jim Thome available for American League teams who are in need of a DH … Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) will be shut down until September and is unlikely to pitch in the majors this year … Ramon Hernandez (hand) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week … Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd indicated that prospect third baseman Nolan Arenado will likely finish the season in the minors …

AL Quick Hits: Jose Bautista slugged his 26th home run of the season (and his 14th this month) in Thursday's loss to the Angels … Felix Hernandez tied his career-high with 13 strikeouts while tossing a complete game shutout in a 1-0 win over the Red Sox on Thursday night … Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox … Rays manager Joe Maddon indicated Thursday that there will be no update on a possible timetable for Evan Longoria (hamstring) for at least the next several days … The Yankees placed Andy Pettitte on the 60-day disabled list on Thursday, which rules him out until the end of August … Carl Crawford (elbow) went 1-for-3 with a walk while playing left field Thursday in his third rehab game with the GCL Red Sox … Dayan Viciedo hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning to lead the White Sox past the Yankees on Thursday night … Franklin Gutierrez is likely headed to the 7-day disabled list after suffering a mild concussion when he was hit in the side of the face by an errant pickoff throw Thursday … Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo homered in Thursday's win over the Blue Jays … Rays manager Joe Maddon confirmed Thursday that Fernando Rodney will continue to serve as the team's closer when Kyle Farnsworth (elbow) is activated from the disabled list … Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) said Thursday that he expects to be sidelined through the All-Star break … Travis Hafner (knee) could be activated from the disabled list Monday …

HacheMan · Jun 29, 2012

Burnett Goes For Two
After a few tumultuous seasons in New York, A.J. Burnett was hoping for a fresh start when he was dealt to the Pirates in February.

Fantasy owners who have been frustrated by the mercurial right-hander collectively groaned when he was lit up by the Cardinals in his third start this year for Pittsburgh, surrendering 12 runs in just 2 2/3 innings. "Same old A.J."

Except, as it turns out, that start has been the only road bump in an otherwise resurgent season for Burnett. In his 12 other turns on the rubber, he's delivered 10 quality starts and a 2.05 ERA. Only twice all season (including that disastrous outing in St. Louis) has Burnett allowed more than two runs in a start. He's working with his lowest walk rate since 2006 and he's uncorked only three wild pitches after leading the league with 25 a year ago.

Whether it's the reduced difficulty level in the National League, or strides made with new pitching coach Ray Searage, Burnett has turned a corner with his control and as a result he's on pace for a career year. He goes twice in the upcoming week, with home match-ups against the Astros and Giants, and he's a highly recommended option.

You can read more about Burnett's bounce-back in D.J. Short's Daily Dose piece from earlier today.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

Jarrod Parker: BOS (Matsuzaka), SEA (Millwood)
Jered Weaver: @CLE (Jimenez), BAL (Hammel)
Max Scherzer: MIN (Blackburn), KC (Mendoza)
Chris Sale: TEX (Oswalt), TOR (Cecil)
Doug Fister: MIN (Hendriks), KC (Teaford)
Wei-Yin Chen: @SEA (Hernandez), @LAA (Haren)
Jason Hammel: @SEA (Millwood), @LAA (Weaver)

Decent Plays

Brett Cecil: KC (Mendoza), @CWS (Sale)
Ricky Romero: KC (Teaford), @CWS (Floyd)
Roy Oswalt: @CWS (Sale), MIN (Blackburn)
Matt Moore: NYY (Garcia), @CLE (JImenez)
Kevin Millwood: BAL (Hammel), @OAK (Parker)
Ivan Nova: @TB (Shields), @BOS (Morales)
Dan Haren: @CLE (McAllister), BAL (Chen)
Zach McAllister: LAA (Haren), TB (Shields)
Ubaldo Jimenez: LAA (Weaver), TB (Moore)
Franklin Morales: @OAK (Ross), NYY (Nova)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: @OAK (Parker), NYY (Garcia)

At Your Own Risk

Freddy Garcia: @TB (Moore), @BOS (Matsuzaka)
Liam Hendriks: @DET (Fister), @TEX (Darvish)
Nick Blackburn: @DET (Scherzer), @TEX (Oswalt)
Everett Teaford: @TOR (Romero), @DET (Fister)
Luis Mendoza: @TOR (Cecil), @DET (Scherzer)

National League

Strong Plays

Jordan Zimmermann: SF (Lincecum), COL (Friedrich)
Kyle Lohse: COL (White), MIA (Zambrano)
A.J. Burnett: HOU (Keuchel), SF (Lincecum)
James McDonald: HOU (Lyles), SF (Vogelsong)
Vance Worley: @NYM (Niese), ATL (Hanson)
Jon Niese: PHI (Worley), CHC (Samardzija)
Zack Greinke: MIA (Sanchez), @HOU (Keuchel)
Chris Capuano: CIN (Cueto), @ARI (Bauer)
Johnny Cueto: @LAD (Capuano), @SD (Cashner)
Tommy Hanson: CHC (Samardzija), @PHI (Worley)

Decent Plays

Joe Kelly: COL (Francis), MIA (Sanchez)
Tim Lincecum: @WAS (Zimmermann), @PIT (Burnett)
Andrew Cashner: ARI (Bauer), CIN (Cueto)
Marco Estrada: MIA (Zambrano), @HOU (Lyles)
Anibal Sanchez: @MIL (Greinke), @STL (Kelly)
Chad Billingsley: CIN (Bailey), @ARI (Cahill)
Dallas Keuchel: @PIT (Burnett), MIL (Greinke)
Jordan Lyles: @PIT (McDonald), MIL (Estrada)
Homer Bailey: @LAD (Billingsley), @SD (Richard)
Tommy Hanson: CHC (Samardzija), @PHI (Blanton)
Trevor Bauer: SD (Cashner), LAD (Capuano)
Trevor Cahill: SD (Richard), LAD (Billingsley)

At Your Own Risk

Clayton Richard: @ARI (Cahill), CIN (Bailey)
Carlos Zambrano: @MIL (Estrada), @STL (Lohse)
Alex White: @STL (Lohse), @WAS (Strasburg)
Jeff Francis: @STL (Kelly), @WAS (Gonzalez)
Christian Friedrich: @STL (Wainwright), @WAS (Zimmermann)
Jeff Samardzija: @ATL (Hanson), @NYM (Niese)

Streamer City

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

American League

Wednesday, 7/4: Hector Noesi vs. BAL
Noesi has a 3.20 ERA at home this season, with five quality start in six turns.

Wednesday, 7/4: Carlos Villanueva vs. KC
The right-hander has been quite effective out of the bullpen this year, with a 3.24 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings.

Thursday, 7/5: Rick Porcello vs. MIN
Porcello has been solid in June, overcoming a bulky .386 BABIP to post a 2-1 record and 3.72 ERA.

National League

Wednesday, 7/4: Randall Delgado vs, CHC
The young hurler has had his ups and downs, but he's generally found a lot more success at home.

Thursday, 7/5: Ross Detwiler vs. SF
Detwiler has been highly effective for the Nats this year, putting up a 3.09 ERA and 1.21 ERA in 16 starts.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

BAL: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
BOS: 7 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
CLE: 6 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CWS: 2 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
DET: 3 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
KC: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
LAA: 5 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIN: 7 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
NYY: 3 vs. RHP, 4 vs. LHP
OAK: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
SEA: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
TB: 7 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
TEX: 3 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP
TOR: 4 vs. RHP, 3 vs. LHP

National League

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

The Infirmary

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

Daniel Hudson: Out indefinitely (elbow)
Joe Saunders: Out until mid-July (shoulder)
Nick Johnson: Out indefinitely (wrist)
Justin Maxwell: Out until August (ankle)
Matt Capps: Out until July (shoulder)
Andy Pettitte: Out until late August (ankle)
CC Sabathia: Out until mid-July (groin)
Brandon McCarthy: Out indefinitely (shoulder)
Brian Schneider: Out until mid-July (ankle)
Anthony Bass: Out indefinitely (shoulder)
Colby Lewis: Out until mid-July (arm)

HacheMan · Jun 29, 2012

Top 12: Josh Vitters joins list

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, 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.

It was a big week on the 12 for 12, with good news and bad news. The good news is the Chicago Cubs, to absolutely nobody's surprise, finally called up Anthony Rizzo, while with Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers getting injured like it's going out of style, Trevor Bauer finally got the call. The bad news was the injury bug, as a knee injury will keep Toronto Blue Jays catcher Travis d'Arnaud on the sidelines for six to eight weeks, while Texas Rangers third baseman Mike Olt has missed the past week with a hamstring issue. The silver lining means four new names make the list.

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

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 7-for-29 (.241), 1 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .321-25-65, 5 SB in 76 games
Update: Myers might not be crushing it like in previous weeks, but he did become the overall minor league home run leader, thanks in part to Brad Eldred heading to Japan. His numbers are still remarkable, and when you think of the top offensive prospects in the minors, he's one of the first names who comes to mind.
What he can do: Hit, hit for power and draw walks at a rate suitable for a No. 3 hitter in a big league lineup. He'll even steal a base now and then.

2. Ryan Lavarnway, C, Boston Red Sox (Last week's rank: 9)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Pawtucket): 9-for-19 (.474), 3 RBIs
Season totals: .320-7-35 in 60 games.
Update: Lavarnway was arguably the hottest hitter during the second half of the season last year, and now he's looking for a repeat performance. It's still tough for him to find a path to Boston, but he has a path with plenty of other teams, and that could come into play at some point before the July 31 trade deadline.
What he can do: Lavarnway combines plus hitting ability with at least average power, if not a bit more. If a team believes he can catch, he could have significant fantasy value.

3. Jedd Gyorko, 2B, San Diego Padres (Last week's rank: 10)

Last week's stats (Triple-A Tucson): 13-for-30 (.433), 1 HR, 9 RBIs
Season totals: .305-15-52, 2 SB in 74 games
Update: The Padres keep having problems scoring runs, and Gyorko has gone on a tear again. I realize Gyorko isn't sexy enough for a "Bonus Player X" movement, but free him already. The guy just flat-out rakes.
What he can do: Gyorko is short and stocky and doesn't make it look pretty, but he just has a feel for hard contact, uses all fields and has a bit of power. If he can hold his own at second base, he's a very interesting fantasy prospect.

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

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tacoma): 7 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 9 BB, 9 K
Season totals: 8-4, 1.75 ERA, 1.057 WHIP, 82 1/3 IP, 88 K
Update: As dominant as Hultzen was at Double-A, he had some occasional and quite surprising control issues, and that's come up again in his first two Triple-A outings. It has certainly moved his timetable back a touch, as you don't get to go to the big leagues if you don't throw strikes.
What he can do: Hultzen's move to Triple-A put him at the brink of the big leagues, but he'll need a run, even a brief one that resembles his Double-A lines, to get the call. When he does, he's an immediate No. 3 starter.

5. Travis Snider, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (Last week's rank: 2)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Las Vegas): 9-for-31 (.290), 5 RBIs
Season totals: .320-8-39, 2 SB in 37 games
Update: While the Blue Jays' 2012 season has reached nightmare proportions in terms of injuries, it has been a fantastic year down on the farm. Snider is hardly a new name, but the 2006 first-round pick is once again putting up huge numbers.
What he can do: Snider can hit, at least in the minors. He'll likely got at least one more shot to prove he can hit in Toronto, and the team, at this point, is best served using the second half of the season to answer these kinds of questions.

6. Yasmani Grandal, C, San Diego Padres (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 12-for-22 (.545), 5 RBIs
Season totals: .335-6-35 in 56 games
Update: Grandal's first big league stint was surprisingly brief, consisting of a grand total of one plate appearance, so he's back at Triple-A and hitting the cover off the ball while the big league club keeps throwing Nick Hundley and his sub .500 OPS out there. No, I don't get it, either.
What he can do: Grandal is not a power threat, and even less of one since he'll play his home games in San Diego, but few catchers will be able to match him in the average and on-base departments, while his slightly below average defense will have no effect on his fantasy value.

7. Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Indianapolis): 11-for-31 (.355), 3 HRs, 12 RBIs
Season totals: .274-8-46, 16 SB in 74 games
Update: Don't look now folks, but the Pirates are kind of in the hunt for a playoff spot. Their run differential screams fluke, but wins in the bank are wins in the bank, and the club could be looking to improve this month. While Marte is naturally a center fielder, he has enough arm for right, and Jose Tabata has been a nonfactor there.
What he can do: Marte can do a little bit of everything. He's a potential .275-.285 hitter who could reach the 15-20 mark in home runs to go with 25-30 stolen bases. If the Pirates give him a shot, he's an outstanding second-half pickup.

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

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Iowa): 10-for-26 (.385), 1 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .289-12-40, 1 SB in 77 games
Update: The third overall pick in the 2007 draft, Vitters has had plenty of stops and starts to his development, but scouts have always remained at least a bit optimistic about him, as he always has been a contact machine and always had the potential for power. Still just 22, he's hardly an old prospect blooming too late, but he's definitely blooming, and there are few more wide-open positions and team combinations than third base for the Cubs.
What he can do: This is hardly Vitters' first hot streak, but his slugging percentage is currently at a career high, and he could be in line for a look as the club figures out which few players on its roster will play a role in its future. Third base has become a tough place to find offense, and while he doesn't look like a future star, Vitters should provide some batting average and power down the road.

9. Corey Brown, OF, Washington Nationals (Last week's rank: 12)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Syracuse): 12-for-29 (.414), 2 HRs, 6 RBIs
Season totals: .304-18-48, 6 SB in 74 games
Update: Brown's biggest problem right now isn't his play, it's that of red-hot Tyler Moore, who just went 7-for-17 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs in a four-game series at Colorado. To Brown's credit, he keeps hitting, and he'll eventually get another chance.
What he can do: It's hard to find players who can contribute power and a bit of speed, and Brown helps to make up for what should be a low batting average by drawing plenty of walks.

10. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Colorado Rockies (Last week's rank: 6)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Colorado Springs): 5.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 4 K
Season totals: 4-4, 2.31 ERA, 1.520 WHIP, 50.2 IP, 50 K
Update: The Rockies keep getting hammered, and Pomeranz keeps lowering his ERA while pitching in one of the minors' best hitting environments. The Colorado front office is feeling plenty of heat as the team continues to slip in the standings, so bringing up the key player in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal should help to temporarily satiate the masses.
What he can do: Pomeranz can get a little wild at times, but it's hard to find 6-foot-5 lefties with plus velocity and a power breaking ball. It will be tough for him to get wins with Colorado, but he can get strikeouts with a manageable ERA.

11. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Last week's rank: 11)

Last week's stats (at Double-A Tulsa): 5-for-13 (.385), 2 RBIs
Season totals: .293-7-38 in 75 games
Update: Another week for Arenado, another solid performance and another week waiting for a breakout. At this point, it's just looking like he might get nothing more than a September look, as Chris Nelson has been hot in the big leagues of late.
What he can do: Everyone keeps waiting for Arenado's big step forward, but now that we've reached the midpoint of the season and we're still waiting, maybe this is just what he is: a high-average hitter who offers little else.

12. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Last week's rank: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Memphis): 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K
Season totals: 4-6, 5.70 ERA, 1.648 WHIP, 71 IP, 81 K
Update: One of the biggest disappointments in the minors this year, Miller delivered a glimmer of hope in Wednesday's dominant start, and beyond the numbers he showed some of his best velocity of the year.
What he can do: Entering the season, Miller looked like a future No. 1 starter in the mold of Matt Cain. He still has plenty of time to regain that status.

HacheMan · Jul 1, 2012

Andy Says "Ouch -- Quit It"
Andy’s bad break highlights this week’s Week That Was.

Before jumping into the baseball news, I just wanted to make sure you all know to tune into Colton and the Wolfman Tuesdays from 8-11pm eastern on SiriusXM (Sirius 210, XM 87). Don’t miss it.

Ok, now back to business . . . .

Andy Pettitte: In what was both a figurative and literal bad break, Andy Pettitte will miss two months with a left leg fracture. Simply put, Pettitte has been great since returning to the show (3.22 ERA and 59/13 K/BB ratio). The fantasy implications are many. First, Pettitte will likely return around labor day. For those of you who think he will not be able to return and be effective, think David Cone in 1996 (he was great that season, culminating with a must win gem over Tom Glavine in game three of the World Series with his team down 2-0). Second, the Yankees will start by giving the ball to Adam Warren and Freddy Garcia. Both should be avoided in all but the deepest of deep leagues. Third, with such weak starters and such huge bats, the opportunities for vulture wins in the Yankee pen are substantial (Boone Logan, Clay Rapada and even Cody Eppley have just gone up in value). Finally, the chance that a top flight NL hurler ends up in the AL in the Bronx (Dempster, Garza, etc.) is substantial, so those in AL-only leagues should save some FAAB dollars.

Fernando Rodney: It appears that Fernando Rodney will keep the closer role even when Kyle Farnsworth returns from the DL. Frankly, given Rodney’s success this is not a huge surprise (1.07 ERA and 21/22 in save chances). That said, neither pitcher has a long history of consistency in the closer role. If you can sell high on Rodney, do it. After all, this is a guy who has not had an ERA under 4.00 since 2006 (yes, you read that correctly). Farnsworth, on the other hand, has been a closer in waiting forever, and only had one good year in the role, and that was at the age of 35. Bottom line -- if you have them both, trade them both now while you still can.

Jim Thome: Jim Thome will now be the prime DH in Baltimore after being traded from the Phillies to the O’s. Yes, Thome is 41 but there is opportunity with the injuries to Nolan Reimold, Endy Chavez, Nick Markakis and Nick Johnson and those short fences are sure inviting. Bottom line here -- if you need power in an AL only league, it just arrived on the free agent wire. The casualty of this is Xavier Avery whose second big league stint lasted just a couple of days. Look for him to be back in September and provide some key roto steals down the stretch.

Jeremy Hellickson: Jeremy Hellickson came off the shelf and got the ball Saturday. Thus far this year, Jeremy has a 3.45 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP with a marginal K rate. This is exactly what Hellickson is at this state of his career -- decent ratios and mediocre K’s. Expect more of the same.

Ruben Tejada: Ruben Tejada waa on fire Friday, going 4-5 with a RBI. With a .318 average through Friday Tejada has been a very pleasant surprise and is helping Met fans get over Jose Reyes. In fact, Reyes is hitting a full 50 points lower. Ok, reality check -- Tejada will never be the fantasy player that Reyes is because Tejada has no power or SB speed. However, in NL-only leagues, Tejada is undervalued because to of the inevitable comparisons to Reyes. Buy Tejada now while you can if you are one of those NL-only players.

Matt Harrison: Matt Harrison just keeps on keeping on. Friday, Harrison won his eleventh in a row allowing the A’s just two runs over eight innings while striking out 7. Leaving the numbers aside, I strongly advise that you watch Harrison pitch and then make a deal for him -- especially if you are in a keeper league. He is a big lefty (6’4” and 240 lbs) who has clearly learned how to pitch. He is well on his way to beating his breakout year of 2011 so enjoy the ride.

Aaron Cook: Aaron Cook was out of his mind Friday, shutting out the Mariners with just 81 pitches. The good news is he should get the A’s next, so his ride could continue just a bit longer. However, once he finishes with the A’s move him. Cook has never posted a WHIP under 1.34 and NEVER struck out 100 in a season. NEVER. Sell now or at the latest next week.

Nick Hundley: Nick Hundley now catches in AAA. Wow, what a mess. This year, Hundley has an atrocious .166 average with just three jacks. Last year, Hundley hit .288 with 9 HR in just 281 AB. The great promise of 2011 now seems like a faint memory. The only silver lining is that Yasmani Grandal will take over the catching duties and has to be better than Hundley was. If you play in a deep NL league, stash Hundley. He is better than his 2012 performance and could provide value later in the season at the tough to fill C2 position.

Ian Kennedy: Ian Kennedy finally looked like Ian Kennedy Friday, giving up just one earned run on six hits in 7 innings while striking out 7. Kennedy is better than his 4.20 ERA and should continue his return to his proper level when he takes on the Padres next week. Remember, Kennedy is only 27 and made the show at age 22 during the Yankees playoff run of 2007. As I preach in this column, players who make the show at a young age are often very talented and blossom after many have written them off. Kennedy is that pitcher. He may not be the superstar he was in 2011 but he is a top tier pitcher who should pitch that way during the remainder of 2012. Buy.

Jason Marquis: Jason Marquis gave up 6 runs in 6 innings in his outing at Coors and in so doing provides Exhibit A in the case for streaming pitchers. In the case of Marquis, he should be started at home or in a big park like SF but should be sat against the big hitting teams or at pitcher’s parks such as his next destination -- a Wednesday start in Arizona.

And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “No matter how hard you plan, starting pitching rarely works out as planned. If you started the season with a rotation that included Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Clayton Kershaw, the victory jig danced before the season over your impending domination of the starting pitching categories now seems premature and misguided. Especially if it included a taunt of the owner that decided to go with a rotation that had R.A. Dickey as its centerpiece and filled a spot with Lance Lynn. (Although, given the mercurial nature of knuckleballers, you would have to think that once Dickey's miraculously dominant run ends, it's going to resemble an episode of Toonces the Driving Cat). This week, with Trevor Bauer serving as catnip for the pitching disadvantaged, teams may want to cast their eyes elsewhere in a search for other, less FAAB budget draining, mid-season pitching help.

One area that should be avoided is the AL East. After walking off the mound with elbow discomfort this past week, Henderson Alvarez seemed poised to join on Drew Hutchison and Brandon Morrow on the disabled list. Meanwhile, in the Bronx, Andy Pettitte suffered a fractured fibula within hours of the relatively indestructible CC Sabathia going on the disabled list. This should result in hurlers like Aaron Laffey, Carlos Villanueva, Brett Cecil, Freddie Garcia and Adam Warren receiving starts in a decidedly tough division. While a random start may provide good results, using any of the fill-ins will be the equivalent of a spin of the roulette wheel.

A better locale for starting pitching would be the NL Central, where the Astros, Cubs, Pirates and Brewers present less daunting lineups then those on the east coast. Houston's geographically incorrect Dallas Keuchel could pull off a very competent imitation of Mark Buehrle over the rest of the season while Joe Kelly seems to be the next in a long line of Cardinals starters that provide value beyond their price tag. If his interleague numbers are any indication, Milwaukee's Michael Fiers could be an interesting mid-season find as well. No one will bat an eye if you grab any of the lesser-known names from the NL Central over Trevor Bauer, at least not until you slowly begin creeping up the pitching categories.”

Response: Drat. Quality analysis again. However, I would look to the NL West for pitching help as they often get to pitch against SD or SF or even better, get to call one of those parks home. The aforementioned Jason Marquis makes a nice target when pitching in Petco as does Barry Zito when he pitches at home or in Petco (his 6 BB Saturday were ugly but it was still 6 innings of one run ball).

HacheMan · Jul 1, 2012

Forecaster: July 2-July 8

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Fantasy Forecaster updated Sunday, July 1 at 7:21 p.m. ET.

On tap: Baseball's traditional -- as well as mathematical -- "first half" concludes this week, the traditional "half" ending with the conclusion of Sunday's games, the mathematical "half" -- half of all scheduled 2012 regular-season games -- ending once the first six games on Wednesday are in the books. How appropriate: Independence Day marks the mathematical "one-half" point. It's a good time, therefore, to reassess your team's standing, strengths and weaknesses, a few days in advance of the All-Star break … which arrives upon the conclusion of the week.

Two of the past week's most anticipated rotation arrivals get two-start weeks: Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Trevor Bauer, who lasted just four innings in his June 28 debut, gets two starts at home, facing the light-hitting San Diego Padres and ice-cold Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner, who tossed 6 1/3 no-hit innings en route to a quality start in his return to the rotation on June 28, is Bauer's and the Diamondbacks' Tuesday opponent, before returning home to Petco Park as the Padres host the Cincinnati Reds.

They're not the only intriguing two-start pitchers, in what's a week of fascinating two-start narratives: Tim Lincecum, who has back-to-back quality starts capped by seven shutout innings on June 27, makes trips to Washington's Nationals Park and Pittsburgh's PNC Park. Meanwhile, A.J. Burnett, who is riding an eight-start winning streak, gets a pair of home starts, one against the Houston Astros and the other against the San Francisco Giants and Lincecum. Among one-start storylines: Francisco Liriano, who is riding a three-quality start streak and four out of five, heads to Texas' Rangers Ballpark for perhaps his best test yet. And Ryan Vogelsong, in the midst of a major league-best 11 quality start streak, has an excellent chance at a 13th in a row on Saturday (he also starts against the Reds on July 1), when he pitches at Pittsburgh's PNC Park.

Forecaster note: Due to the upcoming All-Star break, the next Fantasy Forecaster -- for Week 14 of the fantasy season -- will be published during the All-Star break, rather than next Friday, July 6. This will allow all for second-half rotations to be properly collected; many teams wait until the break to announce their second-half rotation order. Week 14 will span games of July 13th through July 22nd.

ESPN leagues: Week 13

Monday is a "normal" Monday with its first game, New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays, scheduled at 7 p.m. ET, meaning another late lineup deadline. The rest of the week, however, is anything but "normal," due to the Independence Day holiday. Take note if you play in a daily-transactions league: Tuesday has a rare early start time of 4:10 p.m. ET (Miami Marlins at Milwaukee Brewers), while Wednesday/Indepence Day kicks off with an 11:05 a.m. ET start time (Giants at Washington Nationals). 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 7/2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYY, TB</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 7/6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, CLE, COL, DET, KC,
PHI, PIT, SF, TB, WAS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 7/3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">MIA, MIL</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 7/7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:35 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BOS, NYY</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 7/4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11:05 a.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">SF, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 7/8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, DET, KC, TB</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 7/5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">DET, MIN</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 13 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
7/2 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Tue
7/3 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Wed
7/4 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Thu
7/5 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Fri
7/6 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Sat
7/7 </center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Sun
7/8 </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"> @SEA
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @SEA
Chen
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @SEA
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
Eveland
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
TBD

P: 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @LAA
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @LAA
Chen
(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"> @OAK
Matsuzaka
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @OAK
Lester
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @OAK
Morales
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> NYY
Cook
(RHP)
P: 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> NYY-2
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 5
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> NYY
Matsuzaka
(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"> TEX
Sale
(LHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TEX
Axelrod
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TEX
Quintana
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TOR
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TOR
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> TOR
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> LAA
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> LAA
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> LAA
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TB
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> TB
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> TB
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> TB
McAllister
(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"> MIN
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIN
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIN
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIN
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> KC
Smyly
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> KC
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> KC
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @TOR
Teaford
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @TOR
Mazzaro
(RHP)
P: 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @TOR
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @TOR
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @DET
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @DET
Chen
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @DET
Teaford
(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"> @CLE
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CLE
Haren
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CLE
Santana
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BAL
Richards
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BAL
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> BAL
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> BAL
Haren
(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"> @DET
Hendriks
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @DET
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @DET
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @DET
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @TEX
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @TEX
Hendriks
(RHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @TEX
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @TB
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @TB
Nova
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @TB
Phelps
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @BOS
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @BOS-2
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 4
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @BOS
Nova
(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"> BOS
Parker
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BOS
Colon
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BOS
Griffin
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SEA
Milone
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SEA
Blackley
(LHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> SEA
Parker
(RHP)
P: 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BAL
Iwakuma
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> BAL
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> BAL
Noesi
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @OAK
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @OAK
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @OAK
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> NYY
Moore
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> NYY
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> NYY
Price
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CLE
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CLE
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CLE
Moore
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CLE
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

$tex.gif$

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CHW
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CHW
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CHW
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIN
Perez
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIN
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIN
Oswalt
(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"> KC
Romero
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> KC
Cecil
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> KC
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> KC
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @CHW
Laffey
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CHW
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @CHW
Cecil
(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"> SD
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> SD
Bauer
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SD
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> LAD
Miley
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> LAD
Collmnter
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> LAD
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> LAD
Bauer
(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"> CHC
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CHC
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CHC
Delgado
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CHC
Minor
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PHI
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @PHI
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @PHI
Jurrjens
(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"> @ATL
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @ATL
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @ATL
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @ATL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @NYM
Wood
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @NYM
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @NYM
Volstad
(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
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @LAD
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAD
Leake
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @SD
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @SD
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @SD
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @SD
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @STL
Outman
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @STL
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @STL
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @STL
Pomeranz
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @WAS
Outman
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @WAS
Francis
(LHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @WAS
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @PIT
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PIT
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PIT
Keuchel
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PIT
Norris
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIL
Happ
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIL
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIL
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CIN
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CIN
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CIN
Harang
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @ARI
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @ARI
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @ARI
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @ARI
Capuano
(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"> @MIL
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @MIL
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @MIL
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @MIL
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @STL
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @STL
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @STL
Sanchez
(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"> MIA
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIA
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIA
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIA
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @HOU
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @HOU
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @HOU
Estrada
(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"> PHI
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> PHI
Young
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> PHI
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CHC
Santana
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CHC
Gee
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CHC
Niese
(LHP)
P: 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @NYM
Worley
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @NYM
Kendrick
(RHP)
P: 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @NYM
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> ATL
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> ATL
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> ATL
Worley
(RHP)
P: 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> HOU
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> HOU
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> HOU
Correia
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> HOU
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SF
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> SF
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> SF
Burnett
(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"> COL
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> COL
Kelly
(RHP)
P: 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> COL
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> COL
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> MIA
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIA
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> MIA
Kelly
(RHP)
P: 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @ARI
Richard
(LHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @ARI
Cashner
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @ARI
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CIN
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> CIN
Wells
(RHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CIN
Richard
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> CIN
Cashner
(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"> @WAS
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @WAS
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @WAS
Cain
(RHP)
P: 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PIT
Zito
(LHP)
P: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @PIT
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> @PIT
Lincecum
(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"> SF
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SF
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> SF
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> COL
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> COL
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> COL
Zimmrmnn
(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 13 pitcher rankings: Top 75

1. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Tue-BAL (Chen), Sun-@OAK (Parker)
2. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Mon-@CLE (Jimenez), Sat-BAL (Hammel)
3. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Mon-MIA (Zambrano), Sat-@HOU (Rodriguez)
4. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-@LAD (Capuano), Sun-@SD (Cashner)
5. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Wed-MIN (Duensing)
6. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Tue-TEX (Oswalt), Sun-TOR (Cecil)
7. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Tue-SF (Lincecum), Sun-COL (Friedrich)
8. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Fri-@ARI (Collmenter)
9. Matt Cain (SF) -- Thu-@WAS (Detwiler)
10. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Fri-COL (Outman)
11. James McDonald (PIT) -- Mon-HOU (Lyles), Sat-SF (Vogelsong)
12. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Fri-ATL (Hudson)
13. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Wed-@WAS (Jackson)
14. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Wed-COL (Friedrich)
15. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Thu-PHI (Lee)
16. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Tue-@NYM (Niese), Sun-ATL (Jurrjens)
17. David Price (TB) -- Wed-NYY (Phelps)
18. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Sat-COL (Francis)
19. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Sat-@PIT (McDonald)
20. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Tue-@WAS (Zimmermann), Sun-@PIT (Burnett)
21. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Fri-BAL (TBD)
22. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Thu-@NYM (Dickey)
23. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Fri-CHC (Wood)
24. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Mon-CHC (Samardzija), Sat-@PHI (Blanton)
25. Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Mon-BOS (Matsuzaka), Sun-SEA (Hernandez)
26. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-@OAK (Colon)
27. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Wed-@MIL (Wolf)
28. Jason Hammel (BAL) -- Mon-@SEA (Iwakuma), Sat-@LAA (Weaver)
29. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Thu-@SD (Volquez)
30. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Thu-LAD (Eovaldi)
31. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Tue-MIN (Blackburn), Sun-KC (Teaford)
32. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Thu-@ATL (Minor)
33. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Sat-MIN (Hendriks)
34. Doug Fister (DET) -- Mon-MIN (Hendriks), Sat-KC (Chen)
35. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Fri-@HOU (Happ)
36. Trevor Bauer (ARI) -- Tue-SD (Cashner), Sun-LAD (Capuano)
37. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Fri-TOR (Laffey)
38. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Fri-@PHI (Hamels)
39. Matt Moore (TB) -- Mon-NYY (Garcia), Sat-@CLE (Jimenez)
40. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Fri-TB (Cobb)
41. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Tue-@CLE (McAllister), Sun-BAL (Chen)
42. A.J. Burnett (PIT) -- Tue-HOU (Harrell), Sun-SF (Lincecum)
43. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Wed-@CLE (Lowe)
44. Tommy Milone (OAK) -- Fri-SEA (Millwood)
45. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-NYY (Nova), Sun-@CLE (McAllister)
46. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Wed-SD (Marquis)
47. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Wed-SF (Bumgarner)
48. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Mon-SD (Richard), Sat-LAD (Billingsley)
49. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Thu-@CHW (Quintana)
50. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Sat-MIL (Greinke)
51. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Fri-@BOS (Cook)
52. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Mon-LAA (Weaver), Sat-TB (Moore)
53. Dillon Gee (NYM) -- Sat-CHC (Samardzija)
54. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-PHI (Worley), Sun-CHC (Volstad)
55. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Fri-SF (Zito)
56. Travis Blackley (OAK) -- Sat-SEA (Vargas)
57. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Tue-CIN (Cueto), Sun-@ARI (Bauer)
58. Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Fri-@SD (Wells)
59. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Thu-COL (Pomeranz)
60. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Fri-@TEX (Perez)
61. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Tue-@MIL (Estrada), Sun-@STL (Kelly)
62. Franklin Morales (BOS) -- Wed-@OAK (Griffin)
63. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Mon-COL (Outman), Sat-MIA (Zambrano)
64. Andrew Cashner (SD) -- Tue-@ARI (Bauer), Sun-CIN (Cueto)
65. Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Tue-@TB (Shields), Sun-@BOS (Matsuzaka)
66. Alex Cobb (TB) -- Fri-@CLE (Masterson)
67. Bud Norris (HOU) -- Thu-@PIT (Karstens)
68. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Mon-KC (Teaford), Sat-@CHW (Floyd)
69. Roy Oswalt (TEX) -- Tue-@CHW (Sale), Sun-MIN (Blackburn)
70. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Tue-CHC (Volstad), Sun-@PHI (Worley)
71. Jake Arrieta (BAL) -- Wed-@SEA (Noesi)
72. Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Mon-@LAD (Billingsley), Sat-@SD (Richard)
73. Jose Quintana (CHW) -- Thu-TEX (Harrison)
74. Clayton Richard (SD) -- Mon-@ARI (Cahill), Sat-CIN (Bailey)
75. Lucas Harrell (HOU) -- Tue-@PIT (Burnett)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Mon-CIN (Bailey), Sat-@ARI (Cahill)
Wei-Yin Chen (BAL) -- Tue-@SEA (Hernandez), Sun-@LAA (Haren)
Marco Estrada (MIL) -- Tue-MIA (Sanchez), Sun-@HOU (Lyles)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) -- Mon-@PIT (McDonald), Sun-MIL (Estrada)
Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) -- Mon-@OAK (Parker), Sun-NYY (Nova)

No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Tue-@DET (Scherzer), Sun-@TEX (Oswalt)
Brett Cecil (TOR) -- Tue-KC (Mazzaro), Sun-@CHW (Sale)
Jeff Francis (COL) -- Tue-@STL (Kelly), Sat-@WAS (Gonzalez)
Christian Friedrich (COL) -- Wed-@STL (Wainwright), Sun-@WAS (Zimmermann)
Freddy Garcia (NYY) -- Mon-@TB (Moore), Sat-@BOS, Gm. 2 (Doubront)
Liam Hendriks (MIN) -- Mon-@DET (Fister), Sat-@TEX (Darvish)
Joe Kelly (STL) -- Tue-COL (Francis), Sun-MIA (Sanchez)
Zach McAllister (CLE) -- Tue-LAA (Haren), Sun-TB (Shields)
Josh Outman (COL) -- Mon-@STL (Lohse), Fri-@WAS (Strasburg)
Jeff Samardzija (CHC) -- Mon-@ATL (Hanson), Sat-@NYM (Gee)
Everett Teaford (KC) -- Mon-@TOR (Romero), Sun-@DET (Scherzer)
Chris Volstad (CHC) -- Tue-@ATL (Jurrjens), Sun-@NYM (Niese)
Carlos Zambrano (MIA) -- Mon-@MIL (Greinke), Sat-@STL (Lohse)

Pitching notes

• The recent performances of Mat Latos and Aroldis Chapman might taint the fantasy perception of the Reds' pitching staff; their up-and-down Junes might have you thinking the team isn't trustworthy as a Baseball Challenge choice. I think they are. Their recent numbers tell the true story: In their past 19 games, Reds starters have 14 quality starts, a 3.50 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, while the staff as a whole has a 3.83 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Hidden beneath the radar is an impressive recent performance by Reds starters in the walk department; during their past 19 contests Reds starters have averaged but 1.90 walks per nine innings. Now they head west to Los Angeles and San Diego, where first they'll face a Dodgers team with major league worsts in the month of June in batting average (.219) and slugging percentage (.295), and one that has .249/.317/.342 triple-slash rates and a 3.63 runs-per-game average in contests during which time Matt Kemp has been on the DL, then a Padres team batting .221 and averaging 3.05 runs per game at Petco Park. Among other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Los Angeles Angels (@CLE-3, BAL-4), Diamondbacks (SD-3, LAD-4), Giants (@WAS-3, @PIT-3), Detroit Tigers (MIN-4, KC-3).
• In defense of Francisco Liriano's challenging Rangers Ballpark matchup, he has three quality starts in four career starts there, and current Texas Rangers are combined .227/.289/.364 hitters with a 22.7 percent strikeout rate in their careers against him. My ranking above accounts for the difficulty of matchup; but his recent uptick in performance makes him difficult to sit.
• Ian Kennedy might be a frustration to his fantasy owners, but a Padres matchup is an effective must-start for the right-hander. He has six consecutive wins/quality starts against them, and has a 1.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 12.08 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio in eight career starts against them. Current Padres hitters, meanwhile, have combined .213/.231/.303 triple-slash rates and a 37.4 percent K rate in their careers against him.
• Rookie Jarrod Parker has a two-start week that perhaps signals his being deep into his "second trip around the league." This is the pro-Parker argument: He has a 1.57 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and five quality starts in six games at O.com Coliseum, where he'll make both of his starts this week, and he managed a better performance in Start No. 2 (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER on June 22) than No. 1 (2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER on May 18) against the Giants, the only team he has faced multiple times during his career. Now, the anti-Parker argument: The opposing Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners have faced him before, which is an advantage for them, and the Red Sox specifically rank second in the majors in runs per game (5.22) and fourth in slugging percentage (.449). The former is a more compelling case, but let the latter help keep your expectations from the rookie realistic.
• Phil Hughes -- and for the most part the Yankees' rotation -- is a no-go at Fenway Park. He has had one quality start in four career starts at Fenway, and a 10.80 ERA and 2.16 WHIP (only starts, excluding relief work) in those four games there. Here's the scariest part: Current Boston Red Sox combined have .317/.358/.550 lifetime triple-slash rates against Hughes. In addition, Ivan Nova has a 4.97 ERA and .333 batting average allowed in three career games (two starts) at Fenway, and Freddy Garcia has a 5.05 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) at Fenway and was hammered there this April 21 (1 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER). Hiroki Kuroda, Friday's starter, tossed a quality start in his only career game at Fenway, on June 20, 2010. He's the only one of the four Yankees to pitch there who can be called "safe."

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 13, here are my picks by day:

Monday, July 2: Daisuke Matsuzaka at Oakland Athletics
Tuesday, July 3: Jair Jurrjens versus Chicago Cubs
Wednesday, July 4: Jake Arrieta at Seattle Mariners
Thursday, July 5: Rick Porcello versus Minnesota Twins
Friday, July 6: Tommy Milone versus Seattle Mariners
Saturday, July 7: Dillon Gee versus Chicago Cubs
Sunday, July 8: Andrew Cashner versus Cincinnati Reds

Past picks
Friday, June 22: Kevin Millwood -- 5 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Saturday, June 23: Clayton Richard -- W, QS, 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Sunday, June 24: Jonathan Sanchez -- 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
Monday, June 25: Tommy Milone -- W, QS, 7 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Tuesday, June 26: Dillon Gee -- 5 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Wednesday, June 27: Jonathon Niese -- W, QS, 7 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Thursday, June 28: Franklin Morales -- QS, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

Week's total: 7 GS, 3 W (42.9%), 4 QS (57.1%), 43 1/3 IP, 45 H, 19 ER, 17 BB, 36 K, 3.95 ERA, 1.43 WHIP
Season total: 77 GS, 33 W (42.9%), 44 QS (57.1%), 473 2/3 IP, 432 H, 194 ER, 168 BB, 360 K, 3.69 ERA, 1.27 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
7/2 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Tue
7/3 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Wed
7/4 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Thu
7/5 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Fri
7/6 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Sat
7/7 </center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Sun
7/8 </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"> 7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center"> H: 2
L: 4
R: 3
S: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @SEA
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 4 </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: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> @LAA
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

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

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

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

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

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

$tex.gif$

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Acquiring Kevin Youkilis was a huge plus for the Chicago White Sox; he's a lefty-killing slugger joining a team that has .239/.309/.392 triple-slash rates against that side. Youkilis, a .298/.418/.508 lifetime hitter versus left-handers, and the White Sox will face four consecutive southpaws to end a six-game week. Youkilis isn't the only White Sox hitter to lean on this week. Dayan Viciedo is a .321 hitter with four home runs in 53 at-bats against that side, while Alexei Ramirez is a .286 hitter against lefties. There is only one player on the team to downgrade as a result of the schedule: Adam Dunn, a .165 hitter versus left-handers. But even in his case, he's AL-only/deep-mixed worthy, thanks to a .418 slugging percentage against them.

• The Nationals are another of the four teams to face as many as four left-handed starters this week -- the Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and aforementioned White Sox complete the quartet -- and that's a plus considering their recent success against that side. The Nationals have actually faced a high volume of lefty starters recently, 10 in their past 19 games, and they have averaged 6.10 runs in those games, compared to 3.11 in games against right-handed starters. Ian Desmond, a .302/.330/.563 hitter in 24 games in June, is specifically the standout: He's 7-for-9 (.778 AVG) in his career against Monday opponent Tim Lincecum, and 2-for-7 (.286 AVG) against Wednesday foe Matt Cain, the only two righties he'll battle. Meanwhile, Desmond is a .274 hitter slugging .548 against lefties this season. Weeks loaded with lefties also favor Tyler Moore, a .314/.385/.543 hitter against southpaws in 2012; Danny Espinosa, .329/.427/.543 against them this year; and Michael Morse, a .307/.368/.521 lifetime hitter versus left-handers.

• The Tigers' Delmon Young is a noted lefty killer, so keep him in mind even in shallow mixed leagues. He's a .308/.316/.487 hitter against left-handers this season, .307/.341/.479 against them in his career, and hasn't batted lower than .300 against that side since 2007 (.299, in 164 at-bats).

• There isn't an offense hotter than that of the Angels, who have averaged 5.56 runs per game with .304/.363/.494 team offensive rates in their past 27 contests, and this week they won't face a starting pitcher any more threatening than Ubaldo Jimenez (Monday's opponent) or Jason Hammel (Saturday's). Their slow-starting middle infielders, Erick Aybar and Howard Kendrick, have restored much of their fantasy stock, Aybar batting .315 in 24 games in June and Kendrick .313 in 22 games. In addition, Aybar is a .295 hitter and Kendrick .291 versus left-handers this season, and the Angels face two lefty starters.

HacheMan · Jul 2, 2012

The Shot Heard Round DC

A week ago, it looked like Ryan Zimmerman’s wonky right shoulder would send him to the disabled list. So, naturally, the third baseman then proceeded to put together his best week of the season.

After receiving a cortisone shot prior to last Sunday’s game, Zimmerman has gone 14-for-37 (.378) with three homers and 13 RBI over the next six games. He’s gone deep three times in the last six contests after managing just one longball over the previous 30 games.

"I’m starting to feel better,” Zimmerman told the Washington Post Sunday after going 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI. “Feeling a lot healthier."

It’s obvious that the cortisone injection has done wonders for the third baseman, but it’s natural to be curious about how he’ll fare once the shot wears off. Zimmerman has pledged to take as many shots as he needs over the course of the season, but it’s not healthy for him to receive too many. At some point, surgery might eventually be an option, but for now, fantasy owners will be happy to ride his hot streak.

Back to Minors for Matusz

Brian Matusz was pummeled for five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and three walks over just four innings against the Indians Sunday. As it turns out, it will be his last start in the majors for a while, as the former No. 4 overall pick was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk immediately after the game.

The outing pushed Matusz's ERA up to an ugly 5.42 and his WHIP to a hideous 1.71. Over his last five starts, the left-hander held an 8.44 ERA while failing to go beyond 5 2/3 innings in any outing.

Matusz, of course, is coming off a disastrous 2011 campaign that saw him put together a 10.69 ERA and 2.11 WHIP over 12 starts, so we can’t be totally surprised that he’s fallen flat again. But, after putting together a nice spring and showing improved velocity (according to Fangraphs, his average fastball has come in at 91 mph this season, up from 88 mph in 2011), fantasy owners were hoping for a bounce-back season.

It hasn’t been in the stars to this point, and we have to figure Matusz will be in the minors for a while until he sorts things out. The Orioles have yet to name a replacement for him in the rotation.

Brews Still Hungry like the Wolf

Randy Wolf sure has done his best to get booted from the rotation, but the Brewers aren’t biting. Not yet, anyway.

Wolf was battered for eight runs – seven earned – over just four innings in his last outing, pushing his ERA up to 5.78 and WHIP up to 1.59 for the season. He’s won just two games on the year, with the last one coming on April 30. Yet, manager Ron Roenicke is sticking with the veteran left-hander.

"That's not even on my mind right now," Roenicke said in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "It has been a hard year for him. I'm hoping (Friday) night doesn't set him back because I thought the four previous games were good."

We can’t really blame the manager for sticking with Wolf for the time being, as his options are limited with Chris Narveson out for the season and Shaun Marcum still sidelined by an elbow injury. But, Roenicke will likely have a decision on his hands when Marcum returns, as both Marco Estrada (4.50 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 46/9 K/BB ratio over 42 innings) and Michael Fiers (2.29 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 41/8 K/BB ratio over 39 1/3 innings) have out-pitched Wolf by a wide margin.

National League Quick Hits: Carlos Lee has refused to waive his no-trade clause, killing a potential deal that would have sent him to the Dodgers … Roy Halladay (lat) is aiming to return shortly after the All-Star break. Doc has had no issues to this point throwing from a mound and should be able to start a rehab assignment before long … Andrew McCutchen (wrist) didn’t play Sunday, but his wrist ailment is considered minor and he should be back in the lineup in a day or two … Joey Votto sat out Sunday’s game after leaving Saturday with knee inflammation. He’s considered day-to-day … Ben Sheets has signed a minor league deal with the Braves and could possibly join their rotation in a couple weeks if he fares well in the minors. Mike Minor and Randall Delgado would be on the chopping block … It’s been reported that the Phillies are calling teams to gauge their trade interest in Cole Hamels. The Phils don’t want to admit defeat, but it’s looking like they’ll be deadline sellers … Chris Young didn’t start Sunday for the fourth time in the last seven games. He’ll continue to share time in center field with Gerardo Parra until he develops more consistency … Drew Pomeranz allowed just one unearned run on two hits over six innings in his return to the rotation Sunday. He could develop some mixed league value … Scott Rolen was scratched from Sunday’s game shortly after the first pitch due to back spasms. Even NL-only leaguers have to be desperate to rely on Rolen at this point, anyway, as he’s down to .184/.243/.312 for the season.

American League Quick Hits: Orioles manager Buck Showalter wouldn’t rule out top prospect Dylan Bundy being called up at some point later this season should the club remain in the playoff race. The reality, though, is that probably not likely … David Price (back) threw a pain-free bullpen session Sunday and is on track to make his next scheduled start Wednesday … Chad Qualls was traded from the Phillies to the Yankees in exchange for a player to be named later or cash … Carlos Santana (back, side) sat out a fourth straight game Sunday. He’s improving, though, and has a good shot to play Monday … Lonnie Chisenhall is expected to be sidelined 10-12 weeks following surgery to repair a broken bone in his right forearm. Any setback could result in his season being over … Erasmo Ramirez landed on the disabled list Sunday with a mild right elbow flexor strain. It’s not considered to be a big deal, and he should be ready to return before the end of the month … Adam Jones hasn’t taken batting practice for most of the last two weeks due to nagging soreness in both wrists. It doesn’t seem to be a big deal, and it hasn’t really affected him at the plate.

HacheMan · Jul 2, 2012

Power shifts in June

By AJ Mass | ESPN.com

I am very happy to be able to bring you today's edition of Vantage Point, because for a large portion of the weekend, I was unsure it was going to happen at all. I was one of the many victims of Friday's derecho, a word that until this weekend, I had no idea actually existed.

A derecho is sort of a "ninja hurricane" that strikes with just as much force as a hurricane yet gives absolutely no warning that it is on its way. Trust me when I tell you that when you get woken up in the middle of the night to sheet lightning, 70 mph winds and the sound of your roof getting pelted with balls of ice raining down with more force than a Giancarlo Stanton home run blast, you'll not soon forget what a derecho is.

So I spent most of the weekend unexpectedly without any power, which -- to link this story back to the world of fantasy sports -- is what can often happen to owners who have sluggers who suddenly aren't hitting the ball over the wall nearly as much as they used to.

It's not just a matter of checking the home run leaderboards and making sure that your power hitter still ranks in the top 20 and deciding that all is well. If you do that, this kind of dip in power can often sneak up on you. You need to see how frequently your top bats are rounding the bases, and then compare their recent rate of success to that from earlier in the season in order to see if the change is worth getting into a panic about.

In the following cases, the past month has certainly been something to take seriously in terms of a huge dip in home run production:

<table><thead><tr><th> Player </th><th> Team </th><th> AB </th><th> HR </th><th> 2012 AB/HR </th><th> June AB/HR </th><th> Change </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Adam Jones </td><td> BAL </td><td> 311 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 16.4 </td><td> 34.3 </td><td> -17.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Carlos Gonzalez </td><td> COL </td><td> 288 </td><td> 17 </td><td> 16.9 </td><td> 32.7 </td><td> -15.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Josh Hamilton </td><td> TEX </td><td> 280 </td><td> 25 </td><td> 11.2 </td><td> 23.5 </td><td> -12.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Paul Konerko </td><td> CHW </td><td> 263 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 18.8 </td><td> 27.7 </td><td> -8.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Dayan Viciedo </td><td> CHW </td><td> 246 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 17.6 </td><td> 26.0 </td><td> -8.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Josh Reddick </td><td> OAK </td><td> 292 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 16.2 </td><td> 24.0 </td><td> -7.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Carlos Beltran </td><td> STL </td><td> 271 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 13.6 </td><td> 20.2 </td><td> -6.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Adrian Beltre </td><td> TEX </td><td> 294 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 21.0 </td><td> 27.0 </td><td> -6.0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Edwin Encarnacion </td><td> TOR </td><td> 285 </td><td> 22 </td><td> 13.0 </td><td> 17.4 </td><td> -4.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Giancarlo Stanton </td><td> MIA </td><td> 280 </td><td> 19 </td><td> 14.7 </td><td> 19.0 </td><td> -4.3 </td></tr></tbody></table>

We're not saying that there's no chance at a rebound for these guys. But certainly, there's enough of a dip where you'd want to take some notice and perhaps supplement your lineup with some guys who have been surging as of late until they do come around. Players to consider include Jim Thome (8.8 AB/HR in June), Brandon Moss (9.6), Justin Maxwell (10.4), Mark Trumbo (11.6) and Paul Goldschmidt (11.7).

On the flip side of the equation, if you want to look at some power hitters who may be due for a regression of sorts, the following names have been well outpacing their typical rate of home run success to the point that their production may well decline slightly over the next 30 days:

<table><thead><tr><th> Player </th><th> Team </th><th> AB </th><th> HR </th><th> 2012 AB/HR </th><th> June AB/HR </th><th> Change </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Trevor Plouffe </td><td> MIN </td><td> 200 </td><td> 18 </td><td> 11.1 </td><td> 4.7 </td><td> 6.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Robinson Cano </td><td> NYY </td><td> 303 </td><td> 20 </td><td> 15.2 </td><td> 9.1 </td><td> 6.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Alfonso Soriano </td><td> CHC </td><td> 267 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 17.8 </td><td> 12.3 </td><td> 5.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Colby Rasmus </td><td> TOR </td><td> 294 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 19.6 </td><td> 14.6 </td><td> 5.0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Miguel Cabrera </td><td> DET </td><td> 318 </td><td> 16 </td><td> 19.9 </td><td> 15.1 </td><td> 4.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Adam LaRoche </td><td> WSH </td><td> 259 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 17.3 </td><td> 12.6 </td><td> 4.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> A.J. Pierzynski </td><td> CHW </td><td> 246 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 17.6 </td><td> 13.0 </td><td> 4.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jose Bautista </td><td> TOR </td><td> 289 </td><td> 26 </td><td> 11.1 </td><td> 6.9 </td><td> 4.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Pedro Alvarez </td><td> PIT </td><td> 238 </td><td> 15 </td><td> 15.9 </td><td> 12.0 </td><td> 3.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jed Lowrie </td><td> HOU </td><td> 257 </td><td> 14 </td><td> 18.4 </td><td> 14.5 </td><td> 3.9 </td></tr></tbody></table>

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"> 1 </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"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, SP, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cole Hamels, SP, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> J. Bautista, 3B/OF, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wright, 3B/OF, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> S. Strasburg, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX </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;"> M. Bumgarner, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, 1B, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Greinke, SP, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> M. Cabrera, 1B/3B, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Braun, OF, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, SP, LAA </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;"> Chris Capuano, SP, LAD </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;"> CC Sabathia, SP, NYY </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;"> Johnny Cueto, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> E. Encarn., 3B/OF, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, SP, PIT </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;"> A. McCutchen, OF, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, SP, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, OF, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fernando Rodney, RP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Beltre, 3B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Kimbrel, RP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, SP, TEX </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 Harrison, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, 1B, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, 3B/OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jim Johnson, RP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, 1B, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Hanrahan, RP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, 1B/OF, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A. Cabrera, SS, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, H, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, SP, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C. Granderson, OF, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, SP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, C, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, SP, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rios, OF, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hill, 2B, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, SP, STL </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;"> Josh Reddick, OF, OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Beachy, SP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, OF, ATL </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;"> G. Stanton, OF, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ivan Nova, SP, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, OF, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, SP, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis, SP, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, OF, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Bruce, OF, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, DH, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A. Chapman, RP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda, SP, NYY </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;"> Rafael Furcal, SS, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, SS, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Lawrie, 3B, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Dempster, SP, CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, OF, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> H. Ramirez, SS/3B, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, C, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Desmond, SS, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathon Niese, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> M. Cuddyer, 1B/OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields, SP, TBR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shaun Marcum, SP, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, OF, DET </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;"> Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE </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;"> Chris Perez, RP, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jul 2, 2012

Will rookie Matt Moore turn it around?

Eric Karabell

Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale -- that's All-Star left-hander now -- is having a monster season in his first year as a full-time starter. He's top-5 statistically, according to the ESPN Player Rater, and that's pretty much what I expected … from Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Matt Moore. That's right, Moore has the stuff to dominate as well, but entering Monday's AL East matchup with the New York Yankees, he's barely in the top 150 among pitchers on our Rater.

Moore's ERA and WHIP are inflated, and among the pitchers that have apparently helped fantasy owners more are Minnesota Twins relievers Alex Burnett and Jared Burton, Houston Astros' Lucas Harrell and Wilton Lopez and Toronto Blue Jays "youngster" Darren Oliver, who was pitching in the South Atlantic League for the Gastonia Rangers when Moore was born. That's ridiculous. This all saddens me, since Moore was my AL Rookie of the Year pick (it will be Mike Trout, quite clearly), and owners made him the 75th choice in ESPN average live drafts. He should be awesome.

Well, I'm buying low on Moore, and it's not because I'm stubborn. I'm more than willing to admit I'm wrong about a player (such as Moore's teammate Fernando Rodney, for example), but I cannot give up on the hard-throwing Moore. I don't think this is a case in which playoff performance -- Moore started Game 1 of the playoffs and ultimately permitted only one run in 10 innings against the Texas Rangers -- overrated a player, either. I still really like the 23-year-old player. We're halfway through the season, and as I look further into Moore's lesser numbers, I see someone that at least made strides in June; Moore's ERA in those five starts was 3.16, and his WHIP was 1.27. His strikeout rate was terrific, as it was in May. The walks and home runs allowed are a bit inflated as well, but there's another factor at work here: Left-handed hitters are teeing off on Moore.

In fact, the southpaw boasts odd splits in that he's having few issues with right-handed hitters (.230 batting average allowed, .695 OPS), but lefties are hitting .294 off him with a .900 OPS. No AL lefty has more strikeouts against right-handed batters than Moore's 78 in 71 innings, but when compared to other lefties facing lefties, Moore's numbers are brutal. He sports a 1.82 WHIP and 4.76 ERA with 11 walks versus 12 strikeouts. Fellow struggling lefties Ricky Romero, Mike Minor and John Danks have had similar issues against same-sided hitters. In Romero's case, he has always been a reverse-splits guy in that his off-speed stuff works better against right-handers. Now that he's walking more hitters and can't locate his fastball, everyone is having fun hitting against Romero (though I'd stick with him in fantasy, too).

Like Romero, Moore's changeup is a critical pitch to retire right-handed hitters, and it's earning him many strikeouts. But against lefty hitters, he's relying on his fastball, and pretty much all hitters can hit a fastball. Moore's breaking ball just isn't a weapon against lefties. Last week, Kansas City Royals left-handed hitting third baseman Mike Moustakas homered on a Moore first-pitch fastball in the first inning, but overall, of the 10 hits Moore permitted in his 7 1/3 innings, lefties accounted for only two of them. That's progress, I suppose. And really, one must assume the Rays, in their infinite wisdom (how else to explain their All-Star closer's performance?), are aware of Moore's woes and working on it.

Moore has not faced the Yankees this season, but one thing fantasy owners should know is that lefty hitters such as Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano really aren't poor plays against him. I'd never sit those guys against any pitchers, but perhaps in a daily league, you would sit slightly lesser lefties such as Alex Gordon or Shin-Soo Choo. Well, I wouldn't! Not against Toronto's Romero, either! And really, if Yankees manager Joe Girardi looked into it further, he'd use streaking Dewayne Wise or even Raul Ibanez (each a lefty hitter) on Monday instead of Andruw Jones or Jayson Nix in left field, and those lefties would be reasonable sleeper choices. I suspect, however, that Nix will start.

It's July now, and Moore's owners must feel burned on a top prospect that we at ESPN Fantasy projected to have terrific numbers, but there's immense potential here, Chris Sale potential. That could be Moore, and soon. He needs to adjust against lefties and be more consistent, find better command and control the home run ball, but one of the best ways for a fantasy owner to change his fortunes on a struggling pitching staff is to invest not in guys already in the top 10 like Chris Sale, but in struggling pitchers about to turn things around. Moore is one of those options.

HacheMan · Jul 9, 2012

Here Comes Howard
Desperate times call for desperate measures. And we could be witnessing that with the last-place Phillies right now.

After a crushing walkoff loss to the Mets on Thursday night which dropped the Phillies to 37-47 on the year, 13 games back in the division and 8 1/2 back for the Wild Card, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. announced that Ryan Howard will likely be activated from the disabled list to play Friday against the Braves. The rehabbing first baseman confirmed as much via his Twitter account, saying, "Excited to be back in Philly tomorrow."

Howard, who is in the first year of a five-year, $125 million extension, hasn't played in a major league game since rupturing his left Achilles tendon on the final out of the NLDS against the Cardinals last October. The Phillies originally hoped to have him back sometime in May, but his timetable was pushed back a bit after he required a procedure to clean out an infection in the wound. The 32-year-old finally began a rehab assignment last week and while most assumed that he would return immediately following the All-Star break, the Phillies think he's ready to go right now.

Howard went 10-for-20 (.500) with a homer, a double and five walks over seven games between Class A Lakewood and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, so his bat appears ready, but he just played a full nine innings at first base for the first time Thursday. His baserunning is a work in progress and it will likely take a while for him to get back into his regular playing shape. Similar to Chase Utley's schedule, he should get a day or two off per week for routine maintenance.

The Phillies have already acknowledged that Howard likely won't be 100 percent again until 2013, so while he's worth having around in most mixed leagues, it would be unfair to expect the massive power numbers we have seen in the past. He's no savior for your fantasy team. Or the Phillies' season, for that matter.

Haren Hits DL

Here's something you don't see very often. Or, well, ever. Dan Haren was placed on the disabled list Thursday with lower back stiffness. Not only is it his first ever trip to the disabled list, but Sunday will be the first time he has missed a start since becoming a full-time starting pitcher with the Athletics back in 2005.

It wasn't until Haren was knocked around for seven runs (six earned) over 4 1/3 innings against the Indians on Monday that he finally acknowledged his back has been an issue for "pretty much the whole year." The 31-year-old right-hander has an uncharacteristic 4.86 ERA through 17 starts this season and his average fastball velocity is down to 88.8 mph (down from his career average of 90.9 mph), so it's not surprising to hear that his struggles are injury-related.

The big question is how much time Haren will need to miss. Tests haven't revealed anything more than inflammation, so the Angels are hopeful he'll return as soon as he is eligible. We should know a lot more once he starts throwing again.

Storen Begins Rehab Stint

The first-place Nationals are close to getting a valuable piece of their bullpen back, as Drew Storen tossed a perfect inning Thursday in his first minor league rehab appearance with High-A Potomac.

Storen, who saved 43 games last year, underwent surgery in April to remove bone fragments from his throwing elbow. The current plan calls for him to make three more rehab appearances before rejoining the Nats' bullpen when the second half of the season begins next Friday against the Marlins.

Brad Lidge and Henry Rodriguez were initially given opportunities to close games in Storen's absence, but Tyler Clippard has moved seamlessly into the ninth-inning role of late, going a perfect 13-for-13 in save opportunities. He owns a 1.78 ERA on the year and hasn't allowed an earned run since way back on May 16. Things could change down the road, but Nationals manager Davey Johnson doesn't plan to take Clippard out of the closer role just because Storen is back.

NL Quick Hits: Giancarlo Stanton (knee) has already been ruled out for Friday's game and remains questionable for the weekend and the upcoming Home Run Derby and All-Star Game … Roy Halladay (lat) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday and is quickly closing in on a rehab assignment … Carlos Lee went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored Thursday in his Marlins' debut … David Wright homered and drove in four runs in a win over the Phillies on Thursday, including a walkoff RBI single against Jonathan Papelbon … Dee Gordon needs surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb and is expected to miss six weeks … Jayson Werth (wrist) isn't expected to begin swinging a bat until after the All-Star break … Jonny Venters landed on the disabled list Thursday with a left elbow impingement … Lance Lynn tossed six scoreless innings Thursday against the Rockies for his 11th victory … Freddy Sanchez underwent back surgery Thursday and will miss the rest of the season … Michael Fiers struck out nine while allowing two runs over 7 1/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Marlins and now has a 2.31 ERA and 50/9 K/ BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings … Frank Francisco (oblique) is expected to begin throwing from a mound Saturday … Alex Presley was placed on the 7-day disabled list Thursday with a concussion … Kirk Nieuwenhuis (hand) went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Thursday in his return to the lineup … Matt Carpenter made his first professional start at second base in Thursday's game against the Rockies …

AL Quick Hits: Dustin Pedroia (thumb) is expected to be placed on the disabled list Friday … Nick Markakis (hamate bone surgery) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with Double-A Bowie and should rejoin the Orioles right after the All-Star break … Brandon Morrow (oblique) threw from a distance of 150 feet on Thursday … Luke Hochevar left Thursday's start against the Blue Jays after five innings with a sprained ankle, but still picked up the victory … Travis Hafner (knee) homered Thursday in his second game back from the disabled list … Kevin Youkilis went 6-for-13 with two home runs and six RBI during the White Sox three-game sweep of the Rangers … Jose Quintana tossed eight innings of one-run ball Thursday against the Rangers and now has an unlikely 2.08 ERA through eight starts … Matt Capps (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, which could clear the way for him to begin a minor league rehab assignment … Matt Joyce tweaked his lower back during a minor league rehab game Wednesday with Triple-A Durham … Luke Scott went 0-for-3 against the Indians on Thursday and is now hitless over his last 39 at-bats … The Mariners demoted struggling right-hander Hector Noesi to Triple-A Tacoma … Chris Davis was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to a muscle strain in his back … The Blue Jays released Jamie Moyer after he was blasted in two starts with Triple-A Las Vegas …

HacheMan · Jul 9, 2012

Break Time!
Teams across baseball will enjoy the longest respite on their schedules in the upcoming week, with no games scheduled Monday through Thursday other than, of course, the Midsummer Classic.

This means no two-start pitchers. It also means a number of pitchers won't even get one start. Today, we'll take a look at some of the hurlers who are expected to be skipped in the coming week.

(Please keep in mind that these are all very much subject to change because managers often tweak their rotations at the break and potential appearances in the All-Star Game on Tuesday can throw an added wrench into the equation.)

Here's a tentative listing of pitchers NOT scheduled to go in The Week Ahead, followed by some injury updates:

American League

Matt Moore
James Shields
Phil Hughes
Franklin Morales
Bruce Chen
Ricky Romero
Gavin Floyd
Ubaldo Jimenez
Derek Holland
Freddy Garcia
Felix Doubront
Jason Hammel
Jered Weaver
Jason Vargas
Jarrod Parker
Zach McAllister
Everett Teaford
Max Scherzer
Wei-Yin Chen
Felix Hernandez
Bartolo Colon
Roy Oswalt
Ivan Nova
Jon Lester

National League

Zack Greinke
Wandy Rodriguez
Jeff Francis
Gio Gonzalez
Ryan Vogelsong
James McDonald
Jeff Samardzija
Dillon Gee
Carlos Zambrano
Kyle Lohse
Tommy Hanson
Joe Blanton
Homer Bailey
Clayton Richard
Chad Billingsley
Trevor Cahill
Jordan Zimmermann
Jair Jurrjens
Vance Worley
Tim Lincecum
A.J. Burnett
Marco Estrada
Jordan Lyles
Anibal Sanchez
Joe Kelly
Johnny Cueto
Ross Ohlendorf
Chris Capuano
Jon Niese

The Infirmary

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

Dan Haren: Out until late July (back)
Jonny Venters: Out until late July (elbow)
Brian Roberts: Out indefinitely (groin)
Daisuke Matsuzaka: Out until late July (neck)
Jesse Crain: Out until late July (shoulder)
Dee Gordon: Out until late August (thumb)
Andre Ethier: Out until mid-July (ribs)
Alex Presley: Out indefinitely (concussion)
Andrew Cashner: Out until August (shoulder)
Chien-Ming Wang: Out until late July (hip)

HacheMan · Jul 9, 2012

Ryan Zimmerman - Buy or Sell? The question of what to do with Ryan Zimmerman highlights this week’s column.

Before jumping into the baseball news, I just wanted to make sure you all know to tune into Colton and the Wolfman Tuesdays from 8-11pm eastern on SiriusXM (Sirius 210, XM 87). This Tuesday we will focus on football as fantasy baseball will be on hiatus during the mid-summer (used to be?) classic. We will be doing an expert mock draft to get people back into the football state of mind. Now is as good of a time as any to get the jump on your football competition.

Ok, now back to business . . . .

Ryan Zimmerman: Ryan Zimmerman continues to swing a hot bat. Friday, he hit his 8<sup>th</sup> jack and is hitting .333 (18-for-54) with five homers and 17 RBI over his last 12 games. That is the good news. That bad news is that his season long batting average is still a paltry .241 and he had a middling campaign in 2011 to boot. So, the obvious question is do we recommend buying or selling Zimmerman? Well, if you ask me, and presumably you are if you are reading this column, I vote sell. The weak performance over the last 18 months is clearly relevant. However, the big reason is that Zimmerman has been battling a bad shoulder that required a cortisone shot recently. The risk is just too great, and as you know this column advises avoiding risk. Sell high while you can and before the next sore shoulder report surfaces.

Tommy Milone: Tommy Milone was sharp Friday, giving up just one run in seven innings, while striking out nine. Milone is on fire -- pure and simple. In his last 28 innings, Milone has given up just 3 earned runs and has an eye-popping 22/2 K/BB ratio. Over the whole season, Milone has a solid 3.57 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Let people talk about how Milone doesn’t throw 95. Let them carp about how his strikeout rate is unsustainable and land a quality starter who pitches in a pitcher’s park. Buy! What? BUY!

Alex Rodriguez: ARod delivered three hits and swiped two bases as the Yanks beat up on the Sox Friday (yes, I am biased and enjoyed writing that). ARod presents a very interesting question for fantasy players. Yes, he is not the roto-monster he was in his 20’s and early 30’s, however, he is far better than people think. First, he is on pace for 25 HR and 17 SB. I actually think those numbers will be far better as he hits throughout the summer. However, the biggest reason I advocate buying ARod for fantasy teams is what I see when I watch him play -- hustling, stealing bases, taking extra bases and going with pitches rather than trying to pull everything. Buy!

Yovani Gallardo: Yovani Gallardo was strong again Friday, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out six in a win over the Astros. Gallardo presents a big time buying opportunity for smart fantasy owners. Thus far this year, his numbers are solid -- 3.74 ERA with 107 strikeouts. I recommend that you call or email the Gallardo owner in your league and point out the substandard 1.38 WHIP and steal Gallardo while you can. How many times can you land a pitcher who has struck out over 200 hitters each of the last three years and is on pace to do it again for a fourth year in a row?

Evan Longoria: In what seems to be a very old story now, Evan Longoria will not resume baseball activities until after the All-Star break. There is nothing a Longoria owner can do other than voice frustration. Fortunately, I have this column in which to do exactly that [expletives deleted!]. No, I do not feel better but I will get back to the analysis nonetheless. There is no way I pay more than 60% of anticipated value for Longoria until he establishes a record of staying on the field. He just seems to get nicked up every year and more importantly, does not seem to heal quickly. Worse, players do not heal more quickly as they get older. This is his fifth season and he has never managed 600 AB. Re-read this column before your 2013 draft.

Justin Masterson: Justin Masterson was tattooed Friday, giving up eight runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. He even allowed a hit to Luke Scott -- the first hit for Scott in 43 AB! There has been much written about Masterson and much hype. Some (read Schultz) want you to believe that Masterson is a better roto pitcher than he really is. Well, let's look at the numbers. Through the first half of this year, Masterson has 5 wins, a 4.40 ERA, a K/BB under 2 and a very pedestrian 1.35 WHIP. So, what do you do if you own Masterson? Point to all the hype, block and copy some Schultz love sonnets about Masterson and sell while you still can. Will Masterson be a big time roto pitcher one day? Maybe. Is he today? No.

Brian Roberts: After finally making it back from concussion issues, Brian Roberts suffered a tear in his right hip. One has to feel for Roberts after working so hard to get back on the field. What happens now in Baltimore? Three things seem clear. One, Roberts will be out quite some time. Two, Robert Andino will take over as the O’s 2B. Three, Xavier Avery will get a shot to prove he can lead off in the majors. Both Andino and Avery should provide value in deep AL leagues. Avery has the speed to add value in that category (but is not likely to add much more). Andino, on the other hand, is hardly a star, but he does produce decent MI counting numbers. In the last 7 games, Andino has 4 R, 2 RBI and a SB. Not bad from your MI guy, really your 13<sup>th</sup> hitter (with catcher 2 being the 14<sup>th</sup>).

Dee Gordon: Staying with MI injury news, Dee Gordon had surgery on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb Friday. Fantasy owners will definitely miss his speed (30 SB in the first half) but will not miss his .229 average or 1 HR. Who plays in his stead? It really is not clear. Luis Cruz, Adam Kennedy, Elian Herrera, Mark Ellis and Jerry Hairston Jr. likely will get time in the Dodgers MI. None are stars but Cruz was hitting .318 with eight homers, 46 RBI at AAA before being called up and could provide some value. Also, it is worth noting that the Dodgers invested more than many thought they should in Mark Ellis and may want to give him the time to succeed and prove management right (plus Ellis did hit .290+ in 2010).

Carl Crawford: In more injury news, Carl Crawford said this week that he may have to have elbow surgery in the offseason. What else can go wrong? Oh wait, he was also pulled from a rehab game because of a groin issue, that is what. Bottom line, this looks like it will be a lost season for Crawford. If he does get back and provides even a little glimpse of what he was before he joined the Red Sox, sell as soon as you can!

Dan Haren: And yet more injury news but news that should not have come as a surprise, Dan Haren landed on the 15 day DL with a sore back. Why was it not a surprise you ask? Good question. Answer: When top flight consistent starting pitchers experience a sudden drop in effectiveness, the cause is almost always a hidden injury. In 6 of the last 7 years, Haren had an ERA under 4.00 (4.11 was the only aberration). This year, the ERA is approaching 5.00. Similarly, Haren has not had a WHIP over 1.27 since 2004. This year, it sits at an ugly 1.41. You get the point.

And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “With the fireworks of July 4th a distant boom on the horizon and the All Star break looming, the dumping season of 2012 should be moving in to full swing in most roto-leagues. Long time readers of this little part of the column are likely aware that Schultz is predominantly averse to the practice of dumping. Just to be clear, Schultz (yes, we are relishing the third person this week) does not have any problem with the concept of dumping; many championship teams have risen like a phoenix out of the ashes of a failed effort. Rather, Schultz detests the way it's predominantly executed with too many owners relishing their failure - sometimes the same ones year after year - and attempting to bring their league down from the inside by trading everything that isn't nailed down for something shiny that may turn into gold in the future. In your effort to spin silk from cheesecloth, owners would be wise to stay away from the unproven prospects like Nolan Arenado, Wil Myers or Dylan Bundy, especially in auction leagues in favor of trying to loosen your league's bargains from their present owner. Did someone wager correctly on Jose Bautista three years ago when all pundits were proclaiming him a fluke? Was there only one person in your league that believed that Adam Dunn wasn't done? Did someone horde Stephen Strasburg during his lost Tommy John season? If you are going to build for next year, you might as will build smartly.

All keeper leagues should have some sort of anti-dumping rules in place. If your league has been around long enough, Schultz wagers that you've had to implement quite a few rules to account for addle-minded rebuilding and unethical collusion. While long time readers may think of Schultz as solely a bard of baseball, others are aware of Schultz' status as the Greatest Commissioner in the History of Rotisserie Baseball. If your auction league is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of colluding owners, here's a couple rules that may help you shepherd the weak through your valley of a dumping season. 1) Pick a salary level that seems to be the demarcation line that separates the elite talent from the above-average (Schultz suggests $25). Require any owner that acquires a player at or above that level to keep them for the next season with a standard raise in salary. You will be amazed how many people think twice about acquiring superstars when they are saddled with them at or above market value for the next season. 2) Prevent any team from reacquiring any player they traded away in the two months before your trading deadline through a trade (whether directly or via a third-party) until the close of next year's auction. Shocking as it may seem, the words "I'll trade him back to you next year" have been uttered in trade discussions more than you could possibly imagine. Now go forth and benefit from my genius.

Next week: the Mid-Season All-Schultz Awards”

Response: I don’t know about the greatest ever, but Schultz makes some good points about anti-dumping. I look forward to his pro-Masterson diatribe next week!

HacheMan · Jul 9, 2012

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Many say that spending big free agent money on a reliever is foolhardy, and they have yet another example to point to.

Heath Bell imploded again Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while recording just two outs in Sunday’s walk-off loss to the Cardinals. It was Bell’s sixth blown save of the season, and he’s now the owner of a hideous 6.75 ERA and 1.82 WHIP through 40 appearances this season.

Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen had given his big free agent reliever a vote of confidence not long ago, but he indicated after Sunday’s meltdown that a change in the ninth inning might be coming.

“I stand behind him, but on another hand he’s got to be better than that. He is better than that,’’ Guillen said in the Miami Herald. “If he doesn’t get better, I will find a solution because I just get tired to watch this, very disappointing to watch this every day. I try to give this kid confidence, hopes, but you get to the point where we have to win some games... I have to make a decision, a solution, it will be drastic. But I will do it. We’ll wait until the All-Star break, and I will pick whoever is better out there to do the job.’’

Guillen had already indicated before Bell’s latest blown save Sunday that Juan Carlos Oviedo could at least have a chance to share the closer job when he returns later this month.

"We’ll see how Bell’s throwing and we’ll flip-flop each for whatever reason," Guillen said.

Of course, Oviedo won’t be back until July 23, so it’s possible the Marlins could mix-and-match right after the All-Star break. Steve Cishek and Edward Mujica would be in line for some save chances from the right side, while Randy Choate could be called upon when left-handed hitters are due up.

Long Ways Away for Longo

Evan Longoria (hamstring) hasn’t played a game for the Rays since April, and it will be a while longer before he suits up again.

The All-Star third baseman suffered a setback last month and has yet to resume baseball-related activities. Even if he progresses as hoped from this point on, he likely won’t begin a rehab assignment until late this month and won't be back in the Rays lineup until mid-August.

"I have no idea when … he's going to be able to play again," manager Joe Maddonsaid in the Tampa Bay Times. "It's such a hard one to create conjecture with, other than if you wanted to bend to the negative side on this one, you may have to, as opposed to the positive side of it, meaning that it's probably going to take more as opposed to less time to get him back on the field."

To say that the Rays are spread thin offensively with Longoria out would be an understatement, as there might not be another player in baseball that’s more important to their team. Going into Sunday's game, the Rays have used seven third basemen since Longo has been out, and those players have hit just .231 with three homers while making 15 errors over 60 games.

Bucs Shopping for Outfield Help

The Pirates are perhaps the biggest first-half surprise in baseball, and if they had their druthers, they’d add a big offensive bat to the lineup prior to the July 31<sup>st</sup> trade deadline.

Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Pirates have engaged in preliminary trade discussions with the Diamondbacks involving Justin Upton and with the Padres involving Carlos Quentin. A deal doesn’t appear to be close at this point, but it’s clear that the Bucs are intent on upgrading an offense that could use a big bat.

A trade for Upton would be much harder to accomplish. He’s had a disappointing season, no doubt, but he doesn’t turn 25 until August and is under contract through 2015. Upton, of course, is also one of the most talented outfielders in the game, despite his inconsistency. Quentin is hitting .268/.406/.518 with seven homers in 33 games this season. But, he’s five years older than Upton and is a free agent after the season, so he’ll require less to part with and might be a more realistic trade target for Pittsburgh.

National League Quick Hits: Andrelton Simmons suffered a broken right pinkie finger in Sunday’s game and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Tyler Pastornicky could be called back up to fill in … Trevor Bauer’s third career start was easily his best, as he spun six shutout innings while allowing just two hits and a walk. It’s possible he’ll now remain in the rotation after Joe Saunders (shoulder) returns just after the break … Hanley Ramirez needed three stitches to close a laceration on his right hand Sunday. He suffered the injury when he punched a cooling fan following an at-bat. Ramirez should be OK to start the second half … Roy Halladay (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater Thursday if he gets through Tuesday's bullpen session. … Brian McCann clubbed a homer in his fourth straight game Sunday. McCann has been red-hot since getting some hitting tips from his brother … Ian Desmond homered Sunday for the second straight game and the fourth time in the last six contests. It’s clear that the oblique injury that will keep him out of the All-Star game isn’t a big deal.

American League Quick Hits: Clay Buchholz (esophagitis) has declared himself fit to rejoin the rotation on Saturday after a short rehab appearance Sunday at Triple-A Pawtucket. Buchholz has been out since mid-June and might be on a pitch count against the Rays … Colby Lewis (forearm) will rejoin the Rangers' rotation on July 18 at Oakland. He’s been out since late June with right forearm tendinitis. Lewis didn’t go on a rehab assignment, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be under a pitch count … Yoenis Cespedes left Sunday’s game with a sprained left thumb. It doesn’t appear to be an injury that will keep him out long … Salvador Perez went deep again Sunday, blasting his fourth homer in 13 games since making his 2012 debut on June 22 … C.J. Wilson has been scratched from the All-Star game due to a blister on his pitching hand. He’s expected to be OK to take his first turn after the break. Jake Peavy replaces him on the roster … CC Sabathia (groin) will throw a simulated game Friday before rejoining the Yankees rotation on July 17.

HacheMan · Jul 9, 2012

Hitters steal show at Futures Games

Eric Karabell

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Fantasy owners looking for offense either this year or in the future certainly were able to see plenty of it in Sunday's Futures Game, as the USA team exploded for a record 17 runs on 17 hits. A number of fantasy relevant prospects contributed to the highest-scoring game in Futures history at steamy Kauffman Stadium, so let's discuss some of the hitting prospects that put on quite the show Sunday!

• Kansas City Royals outfielder Wil Myers knocked in three runs for the hometown crowd, which has to be wondering (again) why he's not already in the big leagues. Myers has 27 home runs across two levels of the minor leagues. Current Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur … does not. Francoeur boasts a lowly .667 OPS and seven home runs for a fourth-place team that would like to deal him. Look for Myers to get the call to the Royals soon, whether Francoeur is traded or not. While there are never guarantees with young hitters (or pitchers, for that matter) it's likely Myers will at least hit for power immediately.

• Cincinnati Reds shortstop Billy Hamilton did not get the chance to wow the crowd with yet another stolen base, but he did turn a fly ball into a fourth-inning triple, reaching third base with ridiculous ease. This fellow has stolen 104 bases in a mere 82 games so far and is scheduled to make his Double-A Pensacola debut this week. Hamilton could lead the majors in stolen bases immediately, but there's little indication that kind of promotion is pending in 2012. By the way, Reds leadoff hitters this season (mostly shortstop Zack Cozart) entered Sunday hitting .201 with a .246 on-base percentage. I spoke to Hamilton prior to the game and he says he's ready for the majors, and it's tough to argue with him. He's getting on base and has cut down on the strikeouts, and the speed is readily apparent.

• Texas Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar got the offensive onslaught started with a first-inning home run while batting left-handed, and in his next at-bat against Seattle Mariners lefty Danny Hultzen, he turned around to the right side to line a single to right field. Profar is a mere 19 years old, but he's played 80 games at Double-A Frisco and hasn't seem a bit overwhelmed. He's hit nine home runs and stolen nine bases and walked 40 times versus 51 strikeouts. There's nothing wrong with current Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, but Profar is the future at that spot.

• Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos took MVP honors, launching a majestic center-field home run with two men on base and also hitting a pair of singles. He scored three runs. Castellanos is the future at third base for the Tigers, but like Profar, that's not happening this season. Castellanos is 20, and Miguel Cabrera doesn't have to worry about job security at third base (though his defense needs major work). Castellanos doesn't need to be added in redraft fantasy leagues in 2012, but don't wait too long in dynasty formats.

• Houston Astros first baseman Jonathan Singleton singled three times, took a walk, scored twice and was thrown out trying to steal second base for good measure. I also spoke to Singleton earlier Sunday and he mentioned the strides he has taken driving the ball to the gaps this season, all while maintaining his excellent plate discipline as well. Singleton downplayed the fact the Astros recently traded first baseman Carlos Lee to the Miami Marlins and how that could open up playing time for him next season, but that's a legitimate possibility. Singleton is only 20 and might be back in the Futures Game in 2013, but the former Philadelphia Phillies prospect clearly has a bright future.

Other hitting notes: Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Anthony Gose made a highlight reel diving catch on an Oscar Taveras line drive. At the plate Gose, singled and walked. I asked Gose about Hamilton's ridiculous stolen base prowess and he laughed, calling it "unbelievable." Gose has swiped 29 bases at Triple-A Las Vegas, and if the Blue Jays fall out of the AL race, he could be a fantasy factor this year. Gose stole 69 bases in Double-A in 2011. … I also asked Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado about the lure of soon hitting in Coors Field. He smiled but said, "Right now, I'm just worried about Tulsa." Arenado has not hit for much power in Double-A Tulsa (.405 slugging percentage), and fantasy owners hoping for a 2012 promotion likely will be disappointed. He's 21. But we should see him next year.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, a superior overall prospect than Hamilton but not a starter Sunday, doubled in two runs. He turned 20 last week, so don't look for a big league promotion anytime soon, but Machado is someone to add now in dynasty formats. … Chicago Cubs outfielder Jae-Hoon Ha hasn't hit for much power at Double-A Tennessee this season, but he drove a Gerrit Cole pitch way over the right-center field wall in the second inning Sunday. Ha also singled. Cubs fans aren't likely to see the 21-year-old until 2014. … Rangers third baseman Mike Olt has 22 home runs at Double-A Frisco, and he drove a long double to center field in five at-bats. Olt is someone to watch in fantasy this season; he's 23 and could be summoned to play first base. Or he could be traded since he's blocked at third base by Adrian Beltre.