MLB Fantasy News 2012

[HacheMan]

What to do About Vernon?

Vernon Wells is expected to rejoin the Angels by the end of July, but the question is what the team’s plans are for him.



The 33-year-old was batting just .244/.282/.422 with six homers and 12 RBI over 38 games before going down with a thumb injury in late May that required surgery. He was playing regularly before getting hurt, but since then, Mark Trumbo has settled into an outfield role and the 20-year-old Mike Trout has blossomed into a star. With Torii Hunter also needing everyday at-bats, Kendrys Morales providing nice production in the designated hitter slot and defensive whiz Peter Bourjos around to back up, that seemingly leaves Wells without a role.



As much as the Halos would probably hate to have a guy making $21 million sitting on the bench, it’s simply the best thing for the team. The Angels were 18-24 and in last place in the AL West when Wells was hurt, and since then they’ve gone 30-14 and vaulted into the lead for one of the Wild Card spots.



Trading Wells’ contract is virtually impossible even if the Angels would be willing to eat most of it. Besides, the veteran outfielder has a no-trade clause that he’s reportedly not keen on waiving. The team’s higher-ups understandably don’t want to commit on a particular strategy with Wells until they have to.



"That remains to be seen," GM Jerry Dipoto said in the Los Angeles Times. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. If you plan too far ahead on how you intend to use players you could lock yourself into something that might not be in the best interest of anybody."



Added manager Mike Scioscia: "We're going to take it one step at a time with Vernon. Depth of the club is going to be important. When the time is right, we'll see what our decisions are going to be."



Draft Talk



There was plenty of draft news to go around Monday involving first-round holdouts. No. 6 overall pick Albert Almora inked a $3.9 million deal with the Cubs, but No. 8 pick Mark Appel and No. 4 pick Kevin Gausman reportedly are seriously contemplating returning to college next season.



Appel returning to school rather than signing with the Pirates wouldn’t be too surprising. The consensus No. 1 talent in the draft, he fell to the Pirates at No. 8 after reportedly turning down a pre-draft offer from the Astros (who held the No. 1 pick) of $6 million. The Pirates can only offer him $3.8 million without losing a pick next year, and he likely assumes he can get more than that after returning to Stanford for his senior season and re-entering the draft next year.



Gausman not signing would be much more of a surprise, as most pundits fully expected him to begin his professional career. He still very well may, as Orioles scouting director Gary Rajsich told the Baltimore Sun that the team and Gausman are "talking and it is progressing. We are making progress." A report from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, however, stated that the righty was strongly considering returning to school.



We’ll know by Friday at 5 ET, which is the deadline for picks to sign. Other first-rounders that have yet to put their name on the dotted line include Andrew Heaney (9, MIA), Lucas Giolito (16, WAS), Richie Shaffer (25, TB) and Ty Hensley (30, NYY).



Prince the King of Derby Again



Prince Fielder won the 2009 Home Run Derby in St. Louis, and now he’s taken home the same crown from the other side of the state.



Fielder topped Jose Bautista in the final round Monday in Kansas City, tying a finals record with 12 bombs. He started off with just five longballs in the first round but then made up for it in a big way with 11 dingers in the second round before easily besting Bautista in the finals.



The story of the night was Robinson Cano being booed relentlessly by the Kansas City crowd for not including Billy Butler among the AL participants. Clearly affected, the 2011 champ failed to go deep a single time in the first round.









National League Quick Hits: A report from CBSSports.com says the Reds, Indians and Pirates are all interested in trading for the Padres’ Carlos Quentin. The 29-year-old is slated for free agency after the season and is likely to be dealt sometime later this month … CBSSports.com reports that the Giants are expected to target Michael Bourn when he hits free agency this winter. They also want to retain their own impending free agent, Melky Cabrera … Ben Sheets allowed two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in his second start for Double-A Mississippi Monday. His next outing will likely come on Sunday with the Braves … Andrelton Simmons was placed on the disabled list Monday with a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his right hand. He’ll be in a cast for a month before being re-evaluated … Wilton Lopez was activated from the disabled list Monday after missing a month with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. He’s not a bad roster stash given that Brett Myers could be traded.



American League Quick Hits: Nick Markakis was activated from the disabled list Monday after being out of commission for the last month following surgery to remove a broken hamate bone removed from his right hand … Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has shot down any speculation that he could trade Felix Hernandez, saying the right-hander “ain’t going anywhere.” Hernandez is in the third year of a five-year, $78 million contract … A pair of left-handers found out Monday that they need Tommy John surgery. The Blue Jays’ Luis Perez and the Twins’ Matt Maloney will be sidelined until around midseason next year. … Lorenzo Cain was activated from the DL Monday after sitting out nearly three months with groin issues. He should regain his job as the everyday center fielder but could be eased back into things … A report from CBSSports.com says Mariners pitching prospect Danny Hultzen isn’t close to a promotion and could spend all season in the minors.​

 

[HacheMan]

Burned by Bell
Greetings from vacation (of a sort). I'm in Hawaii with extended family and babies are screaming everywhere. Work is a bit of respite if you can believe it.



Especially since I burned my kneecaps at the beach the other day. My kneecaps! Only my kneecaps! How does that happen? It's probably not the first time this sort of thing has happened, but it confounded me. Just the kneecaps.



In honor of all the sunburns out there, this week's tiers will be named after the terrible, terrible things a sun can do to us. The worse the sunburn, the better the closer -- stepping in against most of these guys probably feels about as nice as a category-five sun storm on your face, but we'll go granular to separate out those closers that truly deserve reverence for the heat they bring.



Tier 1: Elite (5) (AKA: The "Blister" Tier.)



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

Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers



Really, any burn that blisters is terrible. You can't put clothing on it, and at least that first night of sleep is out the window. It's going to peel, it's going to hurt, and in general your life is going to suck for anything from two days to a week, depending on how much aloe you can pack on the area without turning your house into a grease pit. Can you sleep in a bathtub full of aloe without risking your life? Can you fit in your freezer? Is there a way to sit on your couch without touching the couch at all? These are the questions you ponder when you've got a blister burn.



Speaking of blisters, Papelbon has the worst heater in this tier at 93.6 mph, and fastball velocity is well-correlated with strikeout rate. Well, Kenley Jansen throws his fastball around 92 mph, but it's really a cutter, which makes the velocity function better. Should we be worried that he's throwing that pitch almost 95% of the time? Maybe. Except there was once another famous pitcher that threw the cutter most of the time and got similarly great swinging strike rates. Speaking of Mariano Rivera, there's a thought he might return this year! We'll believe it when we see it -- early returns from 40-year-old players are rare -- but that might make for a late-year waiver wire pickup supreme.



The blisteriest blister on this blister list? Craig Kimbrel throws 96.8 mph with his heater. There's only one dude on this entire list that can beat that, but Kimbrel has been healthier and doing his job longer than that guy, so that's why the different tiers.



Kudos to Joe Nathan for his comeback. Dude is 37 and coming off Tommy John surgery, and he's got his fastball velocity back up to levels he hasn't seen since 2007, and his swinging strike rate is as good as any he's shown in his career save one. His always excellent control is incredible this year -- he's walked fewer than one man per nine innings! His ligament should be fresh, his team will score enough and his bullpen is good enough to hand him leads, and there's little to not like about his work.



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



Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees

Ernesto Frieri, Los Angeles Angels



You go out for a bit thinking you'll just run a few errands and then you end up in line outside waiting for a torta at that one great taco stand, and then you end up hanging out at the park for a bit, and your wife wants some stuff from the garden store and then you get home, take off your sunglasses and oh no. The worst thing about the sunglasses/raccoon sunburn is that everyone can see it, you can't do anything about it, and when it starts pealing you look like a leper. So there's nothing good about it, really. Maybe you can sleep a little better than having a blister burn on your back, maybe.



Aroldis Chapman could be a blister burn -- only Andrew Cashner has been throwing a faster fastball this year than Chapman's 97.6 mph heater -- but there are just a couple asterisks to his candidacy. First, he's had elbow and shoulder issues over the past couple of years. Second, and perhaps related, he's not really willing to pitch back-to-back-to-back days after only just now getting used to back-to-back days. Sean Marshall has gotten a couple save chances since Chapman was made the closer. That's just enough to keep him here.



And really, like the sunglasses burn vs. the blister burn, these are comparatively similar tiers. Joel Hanrahan is a really good closer. He gets a strikeout per inning, and though his walk rate is a little high, he's been limiting the hits so far to mitigate that. In the end, there's nobody to take his job, and the surging Bucs probably wouldn't trade him. He could be elite, too. Rafael Betancourt has walked more guys than he did in 2010 or 2011, but he still has great control. There's still the chance the Rockies get a good trade offer, so that's more of an asterisk than the walks. J.J. Putz has given up as many homers in the first half as he did in 2010 or 2011, but he's still got great control and could be elite, if not for the injury asterisk.



Ernesto Frieri could even be considered elite! Of course his huge asterisk is lack of track record and a short leash perhaps -- Scott Downs is still there -- and you might even call his control iffy. On the other hand, his strikeout rate is more than excellent. That's how he ends up between tiers. We'll move him up even though he's got six walks in his last ten innings. Nobody seems to see his fastball well. Maybe they need sunglasses.



Tier 3: OK options (8) (AKA: The "Chest and Back" Tier.)



Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays
Huston Street, San Diego Padres
Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Tom Wilhelmsen, Seattle Mariners
Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants

John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles



You put sunscreen lotion on your arms and face and then you take your shirt off. It's a classic summer move. Maybe you didn't plan on jumping in, or you thought it wouldn't be that hot. Whatever the reason, you're now burnt in all the places you normally wear clothes. That makes sleeping and wearing clothes more uncomfortable, but at least you can hide your shame.



Some research of mine has found that first-strike percentage is the most important peripheral for walk rate. Unfortunately, John Axford has a below-average first strike rate this season after a couple years spent on the other side of average. That same research found that zone percentage was not as important as the ability to get whiffs on pitches outside the zone -- that action turns a ball into a strike, so it makes sense. After years of getting batters to reach, Axford isn't getting the same reaches this year. So the peripherals paint the same picture: he's lost the zone a little this year.



Santiago Casilla drops in the rankings but not off his tier. It's not like blisters will tank him from the job, given the way the Giants have been so reluctant to hand the full-time closer role to Sergio Romo. The time off should be the salve he needs.



That leaves surprises Chris Perez and Fernando Rodney at the top of the tier. Perez has two Kimbrels this year -- three strikeouts and no baserunners -- and in the other five years of his career, he'd done that once. Once! Rodney had one walk in June, two in May and two in April. Before this year, over his nine-year career, he'd had a two-walk month four times (five-plus innings in the month). Three times in three months vs. four times in 45 months! So these guys are doing things they haven't done before. Kudos.



Tier 4: Question marks (5) (AKA: The "Book on Chest" Tier.)



Ryan Cook, Oakland Athletics
Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals
Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers



Don't fall asleep at the beach with a book on your face or chest. Again, you can hide the damage if you do it on your chest, but you'll know how stupid you've been when you look at yourself in the mirror.



This group keeps getting smaller. Honestly, you could move Ryan Cook into the next tier if you wanted. But he's still walking almost five guys per nine innings, and that's in line with his minor league rates. He hasn't given up a home run in his major league career yet, and that won't continue. He's stranding runners at a rate above the league average, and balls are not falling for hits. That probably won't continue to happen all year. So Cook's on shakier ground than you might expect for a guy with an ERA under two.



Tyler Clippard lost a tie a game going into the break, which isn't great timing for a guy that's in front of a returning Closer of the Future in Drew Storen. Clippard's rates and peripherals all look great, and he's been pitching like a closer for years, but Storen sill provides the question mark. Jonathan Broxton looks fine, but he could get traded -- there are even some rumors to the effect -- and his swinging strike rate says he's not exactly what he used to be. Alfredo Aceves has been better than his ERA, but he's got a returning closer coming too, in the form of Andrew Bailey. Those are all question marks.



Does Jose Valverde deserve to be this far down the list? He's fallen far. It's not about the three-run inning he had before he went into the break, although the two walks were concerning. It's more about the fact that he's showing the second-worst walk rate of his career (and wasn't known for control anyway), the worst swinging strike rate of his career (and the accompanying worst strikeout rate), and the worst ground-ball rate of his career. Joaquin Benoit is worth owning.



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



Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (5) (AKA: The "Farmer Burn" Tier.)

Heath Bell (first chair), Juan Carlos Oviedo (second chair), Steve Cishek (third chair), Miami Marlins
Brett Myers (first chair) Brandon Lyon (second chair), Wesley Wright (third chair), Houston Astros
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
Glen Perkins (first chair), Jared Burton (second chair), Minnesota Twins
Bobby Parnell (first chair), Jon Rauch (second chair), Miguel Batista (third chair), New York Mets



Eh, it's a farmer tan squared. Once you put a t-shirt and socks on again, it looks like you're just a well-tanned individual. No harm done.



Heath Bell limped his way into the break with a three-run, two-out blown save in St. Louis that featured two walks and three hits. Talk after the game then turned to Juan Carlos Oviedo's July 23rd return from suspension. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said that the closer job would be a committee responsibility when games started up again. Oviedo could take the job -- he was decent back when he was Leo Nunez -- or Steve Cishek might in the meantime. Since Oviedo has to wait until July 23rd, take a shot at Cishek first. Unless he's gone, then you might as well try Oviedo. Don't drop Bell just yet. He turned it around once this season, he could do it again.



Carlos Marmol also used his last inning before the break to give up three runs, but it wasn't even a save situation. He's been a little better since he returned from the disabled list -- he has 16 strikeouts in his last ten appearances, and that's at least like the Marmol of old -- and there's nobody else in that bullpen that can take that job from him if he's on the roster. Would someone trade for him? There are better relievers on the market, they just might cost a little more.



The bottom three closers are all injury-dependent. Check out the injury list below for more information about their chances of keeping their jobs into the future.

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

Injured



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



All of these guys were due back 'after the All-Star break' at some point. Well, now it's time to pony up since it's after the All-Star game at least. Frank Francisco begins his rehab this week and should be back early next week, so he's doing his part. So is Matt Capps, who is already on his rehab stint and should be back any day. Drew Storen is also pitching in High-A and should be back any day -- but will he be the closer when he gets back? Now Andrew Bailey is talking about late August, though, since he had a setback. And Sergio Santos is fresh off a setback of his own, but now he thinks he'll be on the mound this week. Looks like they'll take a little while longer.



The Deposed



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



Heath Bell may just be on his way. Make room for him on the bench, guys -- a lot of room.



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



The Steals Department



It's interesting to see Danny Espinosa available in over two-thirds of the leagues on certain platforms. He won't give you a good batting average, but he might steal thirty bases this year and pairs that with 15-20 home run power. Yes, with that strikeout rate he'll never hit much better than .240. But with that much power and speed, he's still valuable. Especially those in H2H leagues should check their historical stats. If you've been losing batting average most weeks, think about punting the category and picking up players like Espinosa. He might just be the Mike Cameron of second base.



Man, every time you make an off-hand comment, it comes to bite you in the butt in baseball. Like I said Darin Mastroianni wouldn't factor in much, playing-time wise, and so he wouldn't be worth owning. In the past two weeks, Mastroianni has stolen seven bags and gotten into nine games. Of course, he stole three bases in one game, and one bag he stole as a pinch runner, but it does mean that the Twins are giving him a look. He can play against lefties and might be in a platoon with Ben Revere by the looks of things. His current numbers look kind of sustainable, too. There are worse deep-league pickups out there, and he deserves more than an off-hand comment. He could steal 15 bags in the second half.

 

[HacheMan]

Mets Explore Options After Gee
It might not be long before Mets' prospect Matt Harvey finds his way to the big leagues.


Dillon Gee is headed to the 15-day disabled list after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in the artery of his right shoulder.


In the short-term, Miguel Batista is moving from the bullpen to the starting rotation. The Mets are expected to promote Harvey if Gee requires an extended absence. The severity of the Gee's injury isn't yet known, but the fact that there's surgery involved indicates it's more than just a minor issue. Josh Edgin or Robert Carson are expected to be promoted as bullpen depth.


The Mets could arrange their starting rotation so they wouldn't need a fifth starter until July 21, when they should have a better indication on how much time Gee will miss. Harvey, 23, has a 3.39 ERA in 18 starts with Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets have yet to deem him ready for the majors, but he should be a factor during the second half of the season.




Marlins revoking Heath Bell's status as closer


The Marlins will use a closer-by-committee approach in the second half of the season.


"I have to make a decision, and if I have to make [one] that will be drastic, I will do it," manager Ozzie Guillen said in an apperance on The Dan LeBatard Show. "I'm going to pick whoever is better out there. That's the bottom line. If you can't do the job, we'll find someone else."


Steve Cishek figures to be first in line for saves, but Randy Choate and Edward Mujica could also get looks in certain situations. Cishek is averaging 92.6 mph on his fastball this season. Juan Carlos Oviedo will rejoin the Marlins' bullpen later this month after serving an eight-week suspension.





American League Quick Hits: The Mariners have discussed sending Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak to the minors ... Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to be activated from the disabled list ... Neftali Feliz will begin his rehab assignment Sunday at Triple-A Round Rock ... The Blue Jays have exceeded their international bonus pool by signing three of the top 20 prospects ... Orioles reliever J.C. Romero has elected free agency ... Joba Chamberlain (elbow, ankle) topped out at 97 mph in his first rehab apperance with the Gulf Coast League Yankees ... The Angels are reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring Zack Greinke if he's made available.





National League Quick Hits: The Dodgers acquired Osvaldo Martinez for cash considerations ... Roy Halladay (lat) will make a minor league rehab start Thursday with High-A Clearwater ... The Brewers purched the contract of Jeff Bianchi ... Ben Sheets will make his Braves' debut Sunday against the Mets ... The Phillies are "reaching a critical stage" in negotations with Cole Hamels ... Reds prospect Billy Hamilton has improved his on-base percentage drastically this season.

 

[HacheMan]

Should you sell high on Melky Cabrera?

Eric Karabell

ANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Fantasy baseball owners certainly didn't need to see contributions from outfielder Melky Cabrera, third baseman Pablo Sandoval, catcher Buster Posey and right-hander Matt Cain in Tuesday night's All-Star game at Kauffman Stadium to know how valuable those players are to their teams, yet alone the San Francisco Giants.


<offer></offer>However, three of those fellows have been fantasy assets pretty much their entire careers. Sandoval hit .345 as a rookie and has a career .307 batting average. Posey won the 2010 Rookie of the Year award and is arguably a top-3 fantasy backstop. Cain has been a top-25 starting pitcher, at times considerably better, for more than six years.


For Cabrera, however, acceptance as a terrific fantasy option has surely been a challenge, but he's earning praise this season. Cabrera seemed a fourth outfielder in his New York Yankees days, a guy who hit .269 for that organization with modest totals in home runs and stolen bases. As an Atlanta Braves starter, Cabrera had a poor 2010 season. And even after posting a terrific 2011 campaign for the Kansas City Royals, finishing 23rd in the final Player Rater with 18 home runs, 87 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and a .305 batting average, his name showed up on many bust lists for 2012, especially as he moved back to the NL in a tough hitter's ballpark.
Well, not that anything that occurred Tuesday should mean anything in the big individual picture, but after mashing a two-run home run and single in the 8-0 blowout win for the National League, it's going to be a bit tougher for fantasy owners to pry Cabrera away from fellow owners. Cabrera earned MVP honors for his performance, only the sixth time a center fielder produced two-plus hits and two-plus RBIs in an All-Star game and, hey, it's not like it came from nowhere. Cabrera does, after all, lead the majors in hits with 119 (a pace for 224!) and he's second to Andrew McCutchen in batting average. Cabrera is on pace for a better fantasy season than in 2011!


So one might wonder why I ranked Cabrera only 66th in the ESPN Fantasy mid-July rankings, which were posted Tuesday. Good question. His final rank ended up at 65, up quite a bit from mid-May when it was No. 123 and even more from the ESPN average live drafts in the spring, where he was a 14th-round selection. I thought about ranking Cabrera in my top 50, as three of my colleagues did, but that .388 BABIP scares me a bit.


Cabrera hit only .300 in April and .304 in June -- which is still plenty valuable -- but .429 with a .475 BABIP in May, and it's clear the middle month there is the outlier. In addition, Cabrera isn't likely to continue embarrassing left-handed pitching for a .436 batting average and .713 slugging percentage (.450 BABIP) for much longer, and to hit .338 at hitter-challenging AT&T Park is also quite a feat. Is Cabrera capable of reaching 200 hits again and batting .300 the rest of the season? Absolutely! He'll hit a few home runs per month and hopefully keep on running -- though he stole only one base in three attempts in June -- and I see him continuing his success, to a degree. Perhaps I sold him a bit short in the rankings, I admit.


Ultimately, Cabrera is obviously owned in every league, and by the definition I just described, he's more of a sell-high option than buy-low, due to the expected regression in batting average. That doesn't mean I'd be looking to move him, though. It's tough to hit .353 over six months. Cabrera is on pace for 224 hits; no Giants player has finished with as many as 212 hits since 1954, prior to the team being in San Francisco. But it seems unlikely he'll completely fall apart, either. I don't recommend owners trade Stephen Strasburg, even though we know he has an eventual innings cap. Enjoy the next two months, I say. Well, Cabrera's value should drop some, for a different reason, but again I'd enjoy what he will do well the rest of the way.


Good for Cabrera. He's 27, hardly past his prime, but his story is a reminder that not all fantasy stalwarts come running out of the gate as immediate superstars. No, I didn't think we'd be talking about Cabrera leading the majors in hits at the All-Star break, and I couldn't imagine he'd be an All-Star starter an eventual MVP, either. According to Baseball Reference, Cabrera is tied for fifth in the NL in offensive WAR. It's not R.A. Dickey, but still, it's a great story.


As for other Tuesday night All-Star game thoughts, I thought it was 50-50 that Sandoval would take home MVP honors. He did, after all, smack a three-run triple in the first inning, the first bases-loaded triple in All-Star game history. Sandoval continues to amaze with his consistency year after year; I assume his 2010 is the aberration as he admitted to being out of shape, and last year he bounced back by hitting .315.


Sandoval missed a month with a broken hand, and any fears about loss of power have been assuaged by his three home runs in his past nine games. Sandoval might never hit 30 home runs, but the batting average is safe and hardly fluky, and he has enough power to matter. As with Cabrera, I probably could have ranked Sandoval a bit better than I did, as I generally value consistency and batting average quite a bit. I'd call Sandoval a buy-low option.


Anyway, I really enjoyed my first trip to Kansas City. While the All-Star game was a bit anticlimactic -- thanks in large part to these Giants -- it was certainly an experience, from the Futures Game to the Home Run Derby and, of course, the barbecue I consumed. Here are my SweetSpot blog entries on the Futures Game and Derby as well! Thanks for reading and get ready for the second half of the season!

 

[HacheMan]

Second Half Injury Primer
Five no hitters, four home runs in one game by Josh Hamilton, three four-strikeout efforts by Adam Dunn, two perfect games, one Melky Cabrera — that was one heck of a first half.

But at the end of the day, the first half is really only good for one thing: setting the stage for the second. And what a doozy it will be. Save for the American League East, every division has at least three teams within 4.5 games of first (that includes the first place teams). And while baseball’s toughest division might not be so cozy at the top, all five of its inhabitants are at least .500.

So unless you’re a fan of the Padres, it’s time to buckle up...on Friday. For the first time in recent memory (forgive me for not having the energy to look this up), the All-Star break is four days long for all 30 teams. With another slow news day ahead, there’s no better time to get caught up on the league’s various bumps and bruises. As you may have heard, there’s been a lot of star players landing on the shelf this season. Here’s when most are expected back, with an emphasis are those returning this month.

American League East Injury Update: Nick Markakis (hand surgery) has already been activated, and will return Friday against the Tigers. … Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder) is all systems go to return tomorrow against the Rays. … Carl Crawford (elbow) is expected to make his season debut Monday against the White Sox. … Clay Buchholz (illness) will come off the DL Saturday against the Rays. … CC Sabathia (groin) is set to return Tuesday against the Blue Jays. … Brandon Morrow (oblique) remains without a firm timetable, but should be back before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. … Dustin Pedroia (thumb) won’t be back until late-July, at the earliest. … The same is true for Brett Gardner (elbow). … Matt Joyce (oblique, back) could be back as early as Friday against the Red Sox. It’s doubtful he’ll be sidelined beyond the weekend. … Evan Longoria (hamstring), however, won’t be back before mid-August.

American League Central Injury Update: Matt Capps (shoulder) could resume closing as early as Friday. … Philip Humber (elbow) will rejoin the White Sox rotation on Tuesday against the Red Sox. … Luke Hochevar (ankle) won’t miss a start.

American League West Injury Update: Colby Lewis (forearm) will return on Wednesday against the A’s. … Neftali Feliz (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday, putting him on track to rejoin the Rangers rotation before the end of the month. … Dan Haren (back) could be activated when first eligible on July 19. … Vernon Wells (thumb) will be back before the end of the month. … Jerome Williams (chest) will rejoin the Angels immediately following the break. … Yoenis Cespedes (thumb) should be with the A’s this weekend. … Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) is unlikely to return before August 1. … Brett Anderson (elbow) and Dallas Braden (shoulder) are both tentatively in line for August returns. … Franklin Gutierrez (concussion) is unlikely to be activated this weekend.

National League East Injury Update: Roy Halladay (shoulder) should rejoin the Phillies rotation on Tuesday against the Dodgers. … Jayson Werth (wrist) has a shot at returning before the end of the month. … Xavier Nady (wrist) should rejoin the Nats bench before the end of the month. … Jonny Venters (elbow) is expected to return when first eligible on July 20. … Giancarlo Stanton (knee surgery) won’t be back until mid-to-late August. … Juan Carlos Oviedo (suspension) should return soon after he’s first eligible on July 23. … Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) will be in Friday’s lineup.

National League Central Injury Update: Barring a setback during his weekend rehab assignment, Lance Berkman (knee surgery) will rejoin the Cardinals on Monday in Milwaukee. … Jaime Garcia (shoulder) is tentatively hoping to return in the first or second week of August. … Jonathan Lucroy (hand surgery) will definitely return before August 1. … Shaun Marcum’s (elbow) timetable is murky, but he should be back before the end of the month. … Justin Maxwell (ankle) will be activated when first eligible Friday. … Alex Presley (concussion) will be back before August 1.

National League West Injury Update: Matt Kemp (hamstring) will be manning center field on Friday against the Padres. … Andre Ethier (oblique) will return Monday at the latest. … Ted Lilly (shoulder) is doubtful to pitch this month. … Joe Saunders (shoulder) is expected to return Saturday against the Cubs. … Ramon Hernandez (hand) will likely return next week. It’s unclear if he’ll do so wearing a Mets or Rockies uniform. … Troy Tulowitzki (groin surgery) won’t be back before the end of the month, and should be sidelined until mid-August. … Jhoulys Chacin (pectoralis muscle) should return soon after August 1. … Juan Nicasio (knee surgery) will likely be sidelined at least another month. … Andrew Cashner (lat) should be back in early August. … Tim Stauffer (elbow) is doubtful to return in July. … So is Anthony Bass (shoulder). … Aubrey Huff (knee) should return to the Giants bench this weekend.

Prospects To Monitor in the Second Half: Wil Myers, Tyler Skaggs, Starling Marte, Matt Harvey, Danny Hultzen, Julio Teheran, Jacob Turner, Nick Franklin, Grant Green, Brett Jackson, Adam Eaton, Anthony Gose, Jedd Gyorko, James Darnell, Jake Odorizzi.

First Half Stats: Five players posted sub-.600 OPSs: Justin Smoak, Jamey Carroll, Cameron Maybin, Cliff Pennington, Dee Gordon. … Austin Jackson posted the highest BABIP at .417. Joey Votto’s .408 was second. … Votto and Andrew McCutchen are 1-2 in a lot of things, including OPS+. ... 36.8 percent of Adam Dunn’s plate appearances ended in strikeouts. … Of the National League’s top four pitchers by ERA (Ryan Dempster, Ryan Vogelsong, James McDonald and Johnny Cueto), none made the All-Star Game. … Derek Jeter’s 88 singles led the league. … Despite having his OPS bottom out at .657 on May 5, Robinson Cano entered the break tied for second in extra-base hits with 47. … Edinson Volquez leads the league in walks. … Jason Kipnis and Mike Trout are the only players with at least 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases. … Carlos Santana hasn’t homered since May 15. … Adrian Gonzalez has one fewer home run than Omar Infante. ... Going by Baseball Reference’s dWAR, Brett Lawrie has been the best defensive player in the league.

 

[HacheMan]

Play With Fiers Have no fear, the extra-long All-Star break is almost over. While going four days without watching your favorite team can be pretty tough after you've been in a routine for the previous three months, this week provides an excellent opportunity to take an honest look at your fantasy squad and evaluate your chances of success moving forward.

Maybe you can still make a run if you can catch up in stolen bases or find some saves. Or maybe a few home runs or strikeouts could put your team into first place. Perhaps you are in a keeper league and have realized it's time to cash in your chips on this season and focus on buying low on undervalued assets. Folks scan the waiver wire for all sorts of reasons and I'm here to help make some suggestions. I'll continue have my share of misses along the way (my apologies about Jose Tabata and Hector Noesi), but hopefully the good outweighs the bad.

Let's get ready for the second half.

MIXED LEAGUES

Michael Fiers SP/RP, Brewers (Yahoo: 39 percent owned, ESPN: 46.7 percent)

While the first half of the season didn't go according to plan for the Brewers, Fiers qualifies as a pleasant surprise. Called up due to injuries in the starting rotation, the 27-year-old right-hander has a 2.31 ERA and 50/9 K/BB ratio over his first 46 2/3 innings in the big leagues. Not too shabby for a guy who averages 88 mph on his fastball. Fiers owes some of his success to his deceptive overhand delivery, so the league may catch up to him eventually, but he's well worth using in mixed leagues until they do.

Cameron Maybin OF, Padres (Yahoo: 45 percent owned, ESPN: 45.5 percent)

One of the biggest disappointments of the first half, Maybin is hitting just .212 with four homers, 24 RBI, 16 stolen bases and a .596 OPS through 80 games. His struggles have found him dropped to the seventh spot in the batting order in recent weeks. And don't blame PETCO Park, as he's actually been better at home (.237 batting average, .689 OPS) than on the road (.184 batting average, .488 OPS). While things look pretty rough right now, Maybin is actually making contact at a career-high rate of 79.3 percent. Should he get a little better luck on balls in play, not impossible given his speed and career BABIP, he should find himself back near the top of the Padres' lineup and the stolen bases and runs scored should follow.

Jonathan Lucroy C, Brewers (Yahoo: 27 percent owned, ESPN: 11.7 percent)

Lucroy was looking like a top-10 fantasy catcher through the first two months of the season, but everything came to a screeching half in late May after he required surgery to repair a fracture in his right hand. The good news is that he began taking some dry swings late last week and has tentatively set July 20 as his goal date to return from the disabled list. That may be overly optimistic, as Lucroy may need a few extra days to get ready, but he should still be a useful catcher in most formats during the second half. Go ahead and stash him away in a DL-spot.

Mike Leake SP, Reds (Yahoo: 15 percent owned, ESPN: 10.1 percent)

Leake had a 7.11 ERA over his first six starts of the season, but he has turned things around in dramatic fashion since, posting an outstanding 2.55 ERA and 51/11 K/BB ratio in 67 innings across 10 starts. His recent run of success includes nine starts of three earned runs or less and seven of at least seven innings pitched. Leake isn't going to strike out a ton of batters (6.14 K/9), but he throws strikes (2.03 BB/9 since 2011) and has a career ground ball rate approaching 50 percent. The 24-year-old right-hander makes for a fine staff anchor in most formats.

Jhonny Peralta SS, Tigers (Yahoo: 43 percent owned, ESPN: 44.2 percent)

Coming off his most productive offensive season since 2008, Peralta is hitting just .260 with five homers, 27 RBI and a .728 OPS through 77 games this year. While he's actually hitting line drives at a career-high rate, his fly ball rate has tumbled from 44.2 percent last year to just 32.4 percent this season, his lowest since 2009. He'll need to hit more fly balls to provide the power fantasy owners expected from him on draft day, but those hungry for offense from the shortstop position can afford to take the risk.

Delmon Young OF, Tigers (Yahoo: 27 percent owned, ESPN: 33.8 percent)

While Young would probably like to forget everything that happened during the first half of the season, both on and off the field, he at least finished things off on a high note by homering in four straight games going into the All-Star break. He's actually hitting .279 with nine homers and 32 RBI in 60 games since returning from the restricted list on May 5. Not terrible. You know, as long as you can overlook his complete inability to draw walks and his underwhelming production against right-handed pitching (.653 OPS this season). Chances are he'll continue to frustrate the heck out of us, but he should still be owned outside of shallow leagues.

Justin Ruggiano OF, Marlins (Yahoo: 19 percent owned, ESPN: 45.5 percent)

Through 96 plate appearances, Ruggiano is hitting .390/.457/.756 with six homers, 17 RBI, three stolen bases and a 1.214 OPS. Where the heck did this come from? We're talking about a guy with an unsustainable .448 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) and a home run-to-fly ball rate of 25 percent, so it's fair to chalk this up to the small sample size. Then again, the 30-year-old has shown some pop and speed in the minor leagues, so there's a chance he could remain helpful even after regression comes calling. While Emilio Bonifacio is expected to take back center field this weekend, Ruggiano should see most of the playing time in right field as Giancarlo Stanton recovers from knee surgery. I wouldn't drop anyone important for him in a shallow league, but he should be owned in all five-outfielder formats.

Doug Fister SP, Tigers (Yahoo: 49 percent owned, ESPN: 48.6 percent)

It's been pretty tough to get a read on Fister this season, as he owns a 4.75 ERA in 11 starts in between two stints of the disabled list with a strained side. While the 28-year-old right-hander is walking a few more hitters this year (2.23 BB/9 as compared to 1.54 BB/9 last year), he has improved both his strikeout and ground ball rates. The big bugaboo has been the home run ball, as he has already served up eight in 60 2/3 innings after allowing only 11 in 216 1/3 innings last year. However, his 3.45 xFIP is pretty intriguing and hints at better days ahead during the second half.

Elliot Johnson 2B/SS, Rays (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 9.7 percent)

Johnson has been pretty useful in fantasy leagues this season by batting .275 with four homers, 15 stolen bases and a .726 OPS through 73 games. Believe it or not, he's eighth among major league shortstops (with at least 200 plate appearances) in wOBA (weighted on-base average), ahead of high-profile names like Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins, Rafael Furcal and Starlin Castro. While this I have my doubts about his ability to maintain his .353 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) over the long haul, Johnson should continue to be an asset as long as he steals bases.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Wil Myers C/OF, Royals (Yahoo: 5 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

The Royals' outfield will get a bit more crowded this week, as Lorenzo Cain is coming off the disabled list and should take the starting center field job back in short order. This means the best chance for Myers to get into the lineup is if the Royals find a taker for Jeff Francoeur before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. While a deal looks unlikely right now, those in deeper formats would do well to stash Myers just in case. Widely regarded as one of the top hitting prospects in the minors, the 21-year-old has 27 home runs and a 1.079 OPS in 83 games this season between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. The catcher eligibility could make him quite a find down the stretch.

Greg Holland RP, Royals (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 1.1 percent)

Jonathan Broxton is likely to be dealt to a contender before the trade deadline, so it's time to look ahead at some potential replacements for the closer gig. Holland's walk rate has doubled this season, but he is throwing harder than ever and has struck out 44 batters over 29 2/3 innings. He may see some better luck once his unusually high .425 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) evens out. Ned Yost could also turn to Aaron Crow, Tim Collins or Kelvin Herrera, but my money is on Holland getting the nod.

Mark Ellis 2B, Dodgers (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 1.7 percent)

Ellis was off to a nice start as the Dodgers' No. 2 hitter this season until Cardinals' infielder Tyler Greene took him out during a play at second base on May 18. The 35-year-old ended up needing emergency surgery on his leg and also suffered some damage to the MCL in his knee. Fortunately he made a quick recovery and rejoined the Dodgers' starting lineup earlier this month. Ellis isn't going to wow you in any one category, but his modest power-speed combo fits the bill for a MI (middle infielder) option and he should score plenty of runs if he maintains his career-high walk rate.

Juan Carlos Oviedo RP, Marlins (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 1 percent)

Heath Bell has been a complete disaster in the first year of a three-year, $27 million contract with the Marlins, posting a 6.75 ERA and 32/20 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings while blowing six saves in 25 chances. With time running out for the Marlins to make a playoff run, manager Ozzie Guillen announced this week that he will implement a closer-by-committee approach coming out of the All-Star break. Steve Cishek (Yahoo: 13 percent owned, ESPN: 4.2 percent) is the one to own in the short-term, but Oviedo should be back from his eight-week suspension on July 23. Don't forget that he saved 92 games for the club from 2009-2011. <!--RW-->

NL ONLY

Matt Harvey SP, Mets (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 0 percent)

Dillon Gee needs surgery to prevent a recurrence of a blood clot in his shoulder and could miss the rest of the season, so Harvey's major league debut is likely right around the corner. Selected No. 7 overall in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, the 23-year-old right-hander has a 3.35 ERA and 9.9 K/9 over his first 234 pro innings, including a 3.39 ERA and 102/42 K/BB ratio through 98 1/3 innings this year with Triple-A Buffalo. There are some questions about his secondary stuff depending on who you listen to, but my guess is that the Mets run out of patience with Miguel Batista quickly.

Scott Moore 2B/3B, Astros (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.5 percent)

Seeing regular playing time in the wake of the Carlos Lee trade, Moore is batting .306 (11-for-36) with three homers and four RBI in nine games since being called up from the minors in late June. The 28-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010 as a member of the Orioles and has underwhelmed in previous opportunities, so he's no lock for continued success, but his versatility between the infield and outfield could make him a useful option for Astros manager Brad Mills moving forward.

Luke Gregerson RP, Padres (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 0.5 percent)

If you play in a competitive NL-only league, chances are that Gregerson is already gone, so let this function as a reminder that he's a must-own moving forward. NL All-Star Huston Street is probably the best reliever on the trade market, so it's a good bet that the Padres move him before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Dale Thayer could get another look out of the closer role if that happens, but Gregerson is plenty worthy of an opportunity. After averaging just 5.50 K/9 last year, the 28-year-old right-hander has bounced back with 9.46 K/9 this season.

AL ONLY

Darin Mastroianni OF, Twins (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.5 percent)

My colleague Eno Sarris mentioned Mastroianni in his must-read Saves and Steals column yesterday, but it seems his recent exploits on the basepaths have gone overlooked in many fantasy leagues. The 26-year-old outfielder has swiped seven bases since June 30, including three in one game back on July 5. The speed is no fluke, either, has he had 214 stolen bases over 578 games in the minors. Keep in mind that his playing time will likely be limited since the Twins' outfield is already pretty full -- a weak side of a platoon with the similarly speedy Ben Revere is probably the best-case scenario here -- but he could have some value during the second half.

Miguel Gonzalez RP, Orioles (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Gonzalez was pretty impressive in his first major league start last Friday against the Angels, allowing only a solo homer over seven innings while striking out six and walking a pair. The 28-year-old right-hander was never considered a top prospect as an Angels' farmhand and dropped off the radar after missing the 2008 and 2009 seasons following knee and Tommy John surgeries, but he posted a 1.61 ERA and 53/10 K/BB ratio over 44 2/3 innings with Triple-A Norfolk this year and has a 1.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts over his first 18 2/3 innings in the majors. Skepticism is warranted, but he could hold down a rotation spot until the O's deem Brian Matusz or Zach Britton ready to return to the big leagues.

Jake Odorizzi SP, Royals (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 0 percent)

Similar to the Matt Harvey situation with the Mets, Odorizzi's arrival to the big leagues appears more likely by the day. Acquired from the Brewers in December of 2010 as part of the Zack Greinke deal, the 22-year-old right-hander has a 3.05 ERA and 92/26 K/BB ratio over 85 2/3 innings this season between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. Fresh off starting the Futures Game for Team USA, Odorizzi sits in the low-90s with his fastball and his curveball and changeup are considered above average pitches. With his strikeout potential and solid control, it won't take much for him to be an improvement in the Royals' rotation.

 

[HacheMan]

Roy to the Rescue? The Phillies stumbled into the All-Star break by losing four straight and 10 out of their last 11. They'll enter the second half of the season at just 37-50 on the year, 14 games behind the Nationals in the division and 10 games back in the Wild Card race. With the trade deadline just two and a half weeks away, it's more likely that the Phillies become sellers than make a postseason run. But there is some pretty significant help on the way.

On the heels of Chase Utley's return late last month and Ryan Howard's activation last week, Roy Halladay made a minor league rehab start Thursday with High-A Clearwater. It was his first game action since being placed on the disabled list in late May with a strained right lat muscle.

Halladay gave up one unearned run on four hits over three innings while striking out four and walking none. He danced around trouble in his final inning of work by notching a strikeout to strand runners at second and third. The veteran right-hander threw 43 out of 61 pitches for strikes and topped out at 91 mph on the radar gun.

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com notes that the plan calls for Halladay to join the Phillies in Denver on Friday and throw a bullpen session over the weekend. If all goes well, he will rejoin the starting rotation on Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Halladay was 4-5 with a 3.98 ERA and 56/14 K/BB ratio over 72 1/3 innings prior to being placed on the disabled list. It might be too late for Doc to resuscitate the Phillies' season, but he can still provide a lift to fantasy owners who invested an early pick on draft day.

Puma Nears Return

While Lance Berkman will not be activated from the disabled list for Friday's second-half opener against the Reds, his return could happen any day now.

Berkman's right knee felt fine after batting practice Thursday and he was able to convince the Cardinals that he will not require a minor league rehab assignment. While the 36-year-old will be with the team in Cincinnati, they want to see how he responds to increased activity before activating him from the disabled list. Still, he's expected to return at some point during the team's upcoming six-game road trip.

After hitting .301/.412/.547 with 31 homers, 94 RBI and a .959 OPS with the Cardinals in 2011, Berkman has been limited to just 13 games this season and has been sidelined since surgery on May 25 to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.

Even though Berkman will be eased back in the starting lineup, his return will cut into the playing time of both Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter. Craig is hitting .313 with 13 homers, 44 RBI and a .991 OPS in 46 games this season, so the Cardinals should do everything they can to find ways to fit him into the lineup. Carpenter recently made his first professional start at second base and there's a chance we could see more of that during the second half.

Edwin Gets Paid

We were starting to hear some speculation in recent days that the Blue Jays could dangle Edwin Encarnacion to contenders leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Well, it's safe to say that won't happen now.

The Blue Jays announced Thursday that they agreed to terms with Encarnacion on a three-year contract extension with a club option for 2016, thus preventing him from testing the open market this winter. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the 28-year-old is guaranteed $29 million over the life of the contract, including $8 million next season, $9 million in 2014, $10 million in 2015 and a $2 million buyout on the $10 million club option.

Encarnacion has always had good pop, but he has emerged as one of the game's top sluggers this year after making some changes to his swing. He's hitting .295/.382/.565 through 83 games and is tied for fourth in the league with 23 home runs and ranks seventh with a .947 OPS. Just icing on the cake, he's not hurting the Jays as much on defense anymore, as he has mostly split time between first base and the DH spot.

I'm cautiously optimistic that the power spike is for real, as Encarnacion is hitting more fly balls than ever before and chasing less pitches outside the strike zone. It's also important to note that Rogers Centre is one of the most favorable environments for right-handed power. Encarnacion doesn't have to be a star to be worth his contract, but the Jays could come out looking pretty good if his breakout first half is legitimate.

NL Quick Hits: ESPN's Jayson Stark hears that the Phillies are preparing a "substantial offer" for impending free agent Cole Hamels … Stephen Strasburg told ESPN's Buster Olney on Thursday that he has not discussed an innings limit with the Nationals … Hanley Ramirez (hand) expects to play Friday against the Nationals … Giants manager Bruce Bochy indicated that Tim Lincecum's next start could be skipped if he struggles Saturday against the Astros … Citing insufficient evidence, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that Pablo Sandoval is not expected to be charged for an alleged sexual assault … Drew Storen (elbow) gave up one run over two innings while striking out five Thursday in his fourth rehab appearance with High-A Potomac. He's on track to return shortly after the All-Star break … Emilio Bonifacio (thumb) is slated to be activated from the disabled list Friday … The Nationals are hoping that Jayson Werth (wrist) will be ready to return from the disabled list in early August … Santiago Casilla (blister) is expected to be available Friday … The Mets haven't ruled out prospect right-hander Matt Harvey as an option to start next week … The Dodgers could use Bobby Abreu out of the leadoff spot … Andrew Cashner (lat) will likely be sidelined until mid-August at the earliest … Kyle McClellan underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder … With Friday's 5 p.m. ET deadline looming, Jim Callis of Baseball America reports that the Marlins will not sign their first round-pick Andrew Heaney …

AL Quick Hits: Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday … Carl Crawford (wrist, elbow, groin) restarted his rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Pawtucket and went 2-for-3 with a run scored while playing five innings in left field. He's on track to be activated Monday … Dustin Pedroia (thumb) took batting practice Thursday and hopes to return from the disabled list when he's first eligible … Dan Haren (back) threw a bullpen session Thursday for the first time since landing on the disabled list … Matt Joyce (oblique, back) said Thursday that he's aiming to return from the disabled list "within two weeks" … Jesus Montero (concussion) has been cleared for baseball activities … Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is expected to return to the starting lineup Friday … Brandon Morrow (oblique) is scheduled to progress to mound work this weekend … Neftali Feliz (elbow) is slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Round Rock and will be stretched out as a starter … Matt Capps (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday … White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said during a radio appearance Thursday that John Danks (shoulder) is unlikely to return in the next two or three weeks … Jerome Williams (chest) is slated to return from the disabled list Saturday against the Yankees … Alexi Ogando (groin) tossed a scoreless inning Thursday in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Round Rock … Phil Humber allowed one run over six innings Thursday in a rehab start with Double-A Birmingham and remains on track to return from the disabled list Tuesday against the Red Sox … Jeff Niemann (fibula) is expected to return at some point in August … Zach Britton tossed seven shutout innings Thursday with Triple-A Norfolk and is projected to join the Orioles' rotation next Tuesday against the Twins … The Yankees signed first-rounder Ty Hensley for $1.2 million … The Rays are reportedly close to an agreement with first-round pick Richie Shaffer … Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com hears that the Orioles have made "significant progress" with No. 4 overall pick Kevin Gausman and that a deal "seems likely" before Friday's deadline …

 

[HacheMan]

Back in Action With a thrilling (not) All-Star Game now in the rear-view mirror, it's time to embark on the home stretch. A little less than half the season remains, so now is the time for fantasy owners to lock in and begin positioning their teams for the playoffs.

After last week's absence of two-start pitchers, we've got a sizable crop this week, although with rotations resetting on Friday we'll see a lot of middle and back of the rotation types (thus the concentration of "Decent Play" options). The downside is that owners of top-end guys mostly won't get to see them throw twice; the upside is that tons of the two-start pitchers listed below are widely available, so if you see any you like, you might consider taking a waiver.

Note, also, that the Rangers play only five games while the Nationals are scheduled to play eight.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

CC Sabathia: TOR (Cecil), @OAK (Colon)
Scott Diamond: BAL (Gonzalez), @KC
Phil Hughes: TOR (Alvarez), @OAK (Parker)

Decent Plays

Matt Moore: CLE (Tomlin), SEA
Alex Cobb: CLE (McAllister), SEA (Vargas)
Bartolo Colon: TEX (Oswalt), NYY (Sabathia)
Luis Mendoza: SEA (Iwakuma), MIN (Diamond)
Drew Smyly: LAA, CWS (Humber)
Rick Porcello: LAA (Santana), CWS (Floyd)
Zach McAllister: @TB (Cobb), BAL (Gonzalez)
Josh Tomlin: @TB (Moore), BAL (Britton)
Gavin Floyd @BOS (Cook), @DET (Porcello)

At Your Own Risk

Aaron Cook: CHW (Floyd), TOR (Alvarez)
Jason Vargas: @KC, @TB (Cobb)
Henderson Alvarez: @NYY (Hughes), @BOS (Cook)
Samuel Deduno: BAL (Eveland), @KC
Zach Britton: @MIN (Deduno), @CLE (Tomlin)
Miguel Gonzalez: @MIN (Diamond), @CLE (McAllister)

National League

Strong Plays

Edwin Jackson: @MIA (Zambrano), ATL (Sheets)
Chris Capuano: PHI (Blanton), @NYM (Niese)
Wade Miley: @CIN (Arroyo), HOU (Happ)

Decent Plays

Ross Detwiler: NYM (Niese), ATL (Jurrjens)
Lance Lynn: @MIL (Lynn), CHC (Wood)
Joe Blanton: @LAD (Capuano), SF (Vogelsong)
Jon Niese: @WAS (Detwiler), LAD (Capuano)
Carlos Zambrano: WAS (Jackson), @PIT (Burnett)
Anibal Sanchez: @CHC (Wood), @PIT (Karstens)
J.A. Happ: @SD (Wells), @ARI (Miley)
Jeff Francis: PIT (Karstens), @SD (Wells)
Homer Bailey: ARI (Bauer), MIL (Wolf)
Bronson Arroyo: ARI (Miley), MIL (Gallardo)
Travis Wood: MIA (Sanchez), @STL (Lynn)
Jair Jurrjens: SF (Zito), @WAS (Detwiler)
Trevor Bauer: @CIN (Bailey), HOU (Lyles)
Jordan Lyles: @SD (Ohlendorf), @ARI (Bauer)

At Your Own Risk

Kip Wells: HOU (Happ), COL (Francis)
Jeff Karstens: @COL (Francis), MIA (Zambrano)
Barry Zito: @ATL (Jurrjens), @PHI (Blanton) <!--RW-->

Streamer City

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

American League

Wednesday, 7/18: Francisco Liriano vs. BAL
Liriano remains unowned in most fantasy leagues despite a 3.63 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 67 innings since the start of May.

Thursday, 7/19: Franklin Morales vs. CWS
The lefty has been an intriguing addition to Boston's rotation despite a hiccup in his last start. He's fanned 48 hitters in 46 innings this year.

Thursday, 7/19: Luke Hochevar vs. SEA
It seems Hochevar is always either very bad or very good. This home match-up against the Mariners portends the latter.

National League

Tuesday, 7/17: Jordan Lyles @ SD
The young Astro turned in three quality starts in his four turns leading up to the break.

Wednesday, 7/18: Mike Minor vs. SF
Minor is a good bet for a second-half rebound, and this tilt against the Giants could serve as a suitable launching point.

Friday, 7/20: Drew Pomeranz @ SD
Pomeranz hasn't allowed an earned run in either of his past two outings and is a good bet to shut down the Padres at Petco.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

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

National League

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

The Infirmary

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

Jerome Williams: Returning this week (head)
Andrelton Simmons: Out indefinitely (finger)
Dustin Pedroia: Out until late July (thumb)
Dillon Gee: Out until September (shoulder)

 

[HacheMan]

Yu Is Not The Guy for You The question of whether Yu Darvish will sink or swim in the 2d half 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). This week it is back to our baseball/football mix as we approach baseball’s dog days of August and the opening of football training camps.

Ok, now back to business . . . .

Yu Darvish: Yu Darvish was blasted for seven runs in 6 1/3 innings by the light hitting Mariners yesterday. Hardly a good beginning to the second half for the Ranger hurler. At this point in the season, Yu stands at a respectable 10-6 with a 3.96 ERA. The question is buy or sell? My answer: SELL. First, Texas is a miserable place to pitch in the summer. Second, Yu has never pitched through an entire season of the MLB length. Third, everyone he faces from here on in has seen him, studied MLB film and will have a better idea how to attack. Fourth, 14 ER in last 20 inning hardly inspires confidence (last two of those games versus Oak and Sea). SELL

Marco Estrada: Marco Estrada was mowing them down yesterday, registering 11 K’s against the Pirates. If you are looking for pitching in a deep NL league, Marco could be your man. His numbers as a starter in 2011 were much stronger than his overall stats would indicate. 66K in 56.2 innings with a 1.04 WHIP this year says quality. 32K in last 17 innings says potential monster. He is not Bob Gibson but he makes a great addition. BUY.

B.J. Upton: B.J. Upton went yard to help the Rays beat the Sox Saturday. B.J., like his brother Justin, continues to confound. I honestly don’t know what Justin will do with all the trade talk, etc. However, I think B.J. is going to have a huge roto second half. First, he is playing for a contract and that motivates players who have a reputation for checking out at times. See Reyes, Jose. Second, Upton had a huge end of season surge last year and it looks like another is on the way. Yes, the .246 average is not pretty and it may not go much higher. However, he has averaged 17 HR and 40 SB over the last three years and there is every reason to think that power and speed will be on display in the second half. BUY.

Alcides Escobar: Alcides Escobar went yard twice Saturday to set the stage for a potentially strong 2d half. Through Saturday, Escobar had a .311 average with four homers, 27 RBI and 13 stolen bases. It may be too early in his career to expect a major power breakout but the rest of the numbers are real. Escobar broke in at 22 and has been pigeonholed as a defense and speed guy before he even hit his prime age. Escobar is a major buy low target. After all, people forget he hit .304 in his first gig in Milwaukee at the tender age of 22.

Mark Buehrle: Mark Buehrle continued to excel Saturday, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings while striking out seven. Flying under the radar is the fact that Buehrle has mowed down 7 or more in each of his last four outings. Thus far, he is giving the Fish their money’s worth with 9 wins, a 3.18 ERA and 73/18 K/BB ratio. Lefties who move from the AL to the NL tend to improve and strike out more than their AL benchmarks. Buehrle fits that bill and is a big time BUY.

Jason Hammel: Bad news for Oriole pitching continues as Jason Hammel is on the DL and looking at knee surgery. The replacement options are not appealing. Tommy Hunter has not been good since his surprising short run of success early in the season. Brian Matusz and Zach Britton have both been disappointments and do not seem ready to shine in the bigs. It looks like Joel Pineiro may get a shot. In any event, only those in the deepest of deep leagues should even think of rostering replacement Oriole pitching.

Mike Leake: Mike Leake looked strong again Saturday, allowing just two runs on seven hits in 6 innings. On the year, his 3.96 ERA and 1.27 WHIP are not too bad. However, that does not tell the full story. Leake has given up only 8 ER in his last 37 innings with a 21:3 k/bb ratio. Bottom line, the window on buying Leake at a discount is closing. Don’t get shut out.

I am going to stop here and turn it over to the Carlton the Doorman of Fantasy Sports -- Schultz says: “If there is anything I've learned over the years that I've been contributing to this column, it's that people like lists. Just like deli meats taste better between two slices of rye bread, information seems to be more easily digested and eagerly enjoyed when it is in list form. So, in that vein, The Week That Was is pleased to present the 2012 edition of the Mid-Season ALL-SCHULTZ AWARDS

The 2012 Jerry Springer Special Team. The trashy TV host (and former mayor of Cincinnati) loved to surprise his unwitting guests by bringing out cuckolded spouses, second girlfriends and long-lost siblings. If you had anyone on this team on your roster, you were as surprised as any one of Springer's guests, only less embarrassed.

C A.J. Pierzynski (CWS) Always a solid, non-threatening option at the catcher position, this year, AJP has been hitting at a torrid pace. With his next home run, he will equal his totals for the last two years combined.

1B Adam Dunn (CWS) After breaking into the AL with a .159 11 HR effort, expectations could not have been lower for 2012. The rare scenario where a hitter with 365 career homer runs is a sleeper for surprising owners by hitting 26

2B Jose Altuve (HOU) In 2011, the diminutive Astro who spawned a new measure of distance showed he was capable, he didn't shows signs that he would be a steady .300 hitter with speed and a little pop.

SS Ian Desmond (WAS) After two mediocre seasons, the Nationals shortstop is finally living up to his potential. His 17 homers are already a career high and he will surpass all of his career bests with ease.

3B Todd Frazier (CIN) Not only were there no expectations for Frazier in 2012, there wasn't a spot for him in the lineup. With injuries to Scott Rolen and Drew Stubbs and the disappointment known as Chris Heisey, Frazier's 10 HR and .280 average are nice surprises.

OF Josh Reddick (OAK) Traded by Boston to the ball park where hitters go to fade into obscurity and become footnotes in Moneyball sequels, Reddick's 20 homers (and even his 8 steals) are sorely missed in Beantown.

OF Brian LaHair (CHC) The poster boy for the Quad-A insult thrown around by pundits like your humble creator of lists, LaHair was one of the hottest hitters in baseball through May. He's cooled considerably (he can't hit lefties) but owners can't complain.

OF Mark Trumbo (LAA) It wasn't Trumbo's ability that rendered him a 2012 sleeper, it was the dearth of a spot for him to play. With the Angels spending spree seemingly freezing out Trumbo, they almost left 23 HR, 60 RBI and .308 on the bench in favor of Peter Bourjos and Vernon Wells.

SP RA Dickey (NYM) Anyone predicting that a 37-year-old journeyman that mastered a knuckler late in his career would be baseball's most dominant pitcher would likely have been doing on a street corner while everyone avoided them. Yet, with a 12-1 record, 2.40 ERA, .93 WHIP and 123 Ks, that's exactly what happened.

RP Fernando Rodney (TB) There have been stretches of time in past years, where Rodney wouldn't be called upon if the game was anywhere in doubt. His 25 saves, .93 ERA and .75 WHIP are numbers you wouldn't even expect from the great Mariano.

The 2012 John Carter team. Such high hopes and such disastrous results.

C Carlos Santana (CLE) Since suffering a concussion in late May, the Indians budding superstar just hasn't been right at the plate. His 5 HR, 30 RBI are well off the pace from his breakout 2011 and he hasn't knocked one out of the park in two months.

1B Kevin Youkilis (BOS/CHW) You had to suspect things weren't going swimmingly when Bobby Valentine thought it was a good idea to question the commitment of baseball's most psychotic competitor. Between injuries and weak hitting, the Sox dumped him for Zach Stewart.

2B Rickie Weeks (MIL) The Brewers infielder usually disappoints by hurting himself. This year, it's by staying healthy and hitting .300 while exhibiting little power.

SS Jose Reyes (MIA) Last year's batting champion is engaging in the time honored tradition of signing a lucrative, long term contract and then taking the first year of it off. He hasn't been a disaster but he also hasn't played like the superstar he is being paid to be.

3B Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) Hitting .250 with 9 HR while battling a shoulder injury has left much to be desired about the Nationals third baseman that was supposed to make the leap to the level of Longoria.

OF Justin Upton (ARZ) One of the pre-season MVP candidates (that's why we play the games), Upton has been so affected by a thumb injury that there are now trade rumors swirling around the D'Backs once and future franchise player.

OF Desmond Jennings (TB) With a .227, 5 HR, 23 RBI stat line, his magical summer of 2011 is a distant memory and may turn out to be a statistical outlier.

OF Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) He just needs to be on this list somewhere, even if making him an outfielder is cheating a bit. His paltry 6 home runs and subpar (but now on the rise) batting average are even more anemic when set next to those put up by Big Papi.

SP Tim Lincecum (SF) Perhaps the 2 time Cy Young winner's unusual motion and slight build are starting to claim their toll on the Giants phenom. Whatever the cause, an ace putting up a 6.42 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP while pitching home games in a pitcher's park is an unmitigated disaster.

RP Jordan Walden (LAA) After a stellar rookie campaign, the closer for the thought-to-be indomitable new look Angels flamed out quicker than New Coke.

The 2012 Antiques Roadshow Team. These players were likely sitting on your league's waiver wire just waiting for someone to realize they had value.

C A.J.Ellis (LA) He's fallen off the Ichiro-like pace he set for himself over the first couple months of the season. Nonetheless, the career minor league has been remarkably consistent and offering fine numbers at a traditionally erratic position.

1B Anthony Rizzo (CHC) His disastrous stint from the Padres was quickly erased when the once-top prospect hit .365 with 4 home runs in his first two weeks back in the bigs. Chris Davis and his 14 home runs without hitting .200 also deserves mention here.

2B Kyle Seager (SEA) Cheating somewhat on eligibility to get him in here. Seager has been a rare bright spot amidst the Mariners' punchless lineup. He's pushed Chone Figgins to the wayside, slugged 10 homers and driven in an impressive 52 RBIs.

SS Trevor Plouffe (MIN) Trevor Plouffe has 19 home runs. You would not be incorrect to doubt that number even if you knew he had already hit 18. Plouffe's 2012 would be inconceivable and implausible if it wasn't actually happening.

3B Will Middlebrooks (BOS) The man that drove Kevin Youkilis to the Windy City. His 10 HR, 37 RBI and .291 average in his first 50 games bodes well for his future with the Sox.

OF Mike Trout (LAA) Unless you've been in a coma, you are well aware that the frontrunner for the AL MVP started the season in the minor leagues. His .344, 12 HR, 40 RBI and 28 steals while leading off is simply jawdropping. Vernon Wells meet Wally Pipp.

OF Bryce Harper (WAS) Another player you are intimately familiar with in the absence of the above-referenced coma. That Harper has talent isn't surprising. That's he's played this well as a 19-year-old rookie is somewhat expected. Plus, he does not suffer clowns.

OF Michael Brantley (CLE) Usually overlooked when discussing the Indians, the 25-year-old outfielder has quietly raked at a .293 clip, driven in 42 runs and swiped 10 bags. Fine numbers from someone almost universally undrafted in March.

SP Chris Capuano (LA) Even though he had a fair season with the Mets, there was nothing appealing about Capuano at the start of the season. Even when he started striking out batters at an above-average clip, it didn't seem sustainable. A 2.91 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 100 Ks from an afterthought is found money indeed.

RP Ernesto Frieri (LAA) The Angels literally stole the fire-throwing Frieri from the Padres. Of the 114 outs he has recorded, 63 have been by strikeout. He walks more people that can hit him but still retains a WHIP of 1.00 and an ERA of .71.

The 2012 She's All That Team. The wallflower takes off her glasses and to everyone's surprise, she's gorgeous. For this team, we can start the third act of the movie where they are overlooked no more.

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (BOS) His average still leaves much to be desired but in Boston, the Rangers reject has found a home for his power stroke. He could be a cheap source of 30 home runs for years to come.

1B Edwin Encarnacion (TOR) Joey Bats isn't the only masher north of the border. After years of flailing at the plate, Encarnacion has thrived since being moved off the hot corner. His 25 homers aren't a fluke.

2B Jason Kipnis (CLE) Just imagine Chase Utley with more speed. Barring injury, the standard-bearer for second base roto-production now resides in the 3-spot of the Indians lineup.

SS Jed Lowrie (HOU) Playing his first season as a National Leaguer and as an uninjured everyday starter hasn't helped Lowrie's average but it has allowed him to reach an unparalleled 14 homers in half a season.

3B Mike Moustakas (KC) Yet another of the Royals prospects coming into his own. Now that his power is coming around, he may eclipse Billy Butler and Alex Gordon as the most feared hitter in the Royals lineup.

OF Josh Willingham (MIN) Always a dependable and often underrated source of power, his average has risen in Minnesota and his 21 jacks and 63 RBIs are Morneau-like in scope.

OF Colby Rasmus (TOR) Freed from being tyrannized by Tony LaRussa, Rasmus' June looks to be the catalyst that will vault him from puzzling disappointment to self-actualized All Star. Hard to remember that he's still only 25.

OF Melky Cabrera (SF) Hard enough for Royals fans to watch Jonathan Sanchez do whatever he refers to as pitching, but watching the guy they traded for him take home the MVP of the All Star game was probably a bit much. His breakout season with the Royals wasn't a fluke.

SP Jason McDonald (PIT) Many have had their hair turn grey with frustration waiting for McDonald to become the pitcher he is right now. Finally, getting his pitches under control, he's now living up to the hype that surrounded his tenure with the Dodgers.

RP Chris Perez (CLE) Possessed with the fiery temperament of closer, Pure Rage has become one of baseball's more dependable closers. Since self-destructing on Opening Day (he came back from injury too soon), Perez rattled off 24 straight saves.

The 2012 #^%#$ Team. High roto-hopes were placed on these gentlemen to carry teams to the fertile valleys of fantasy nirvana. Their failure to remain on the field and off the disabled list has frustrated those dreams. If this list hits too close to home, my condolences.

C Wilson Ramos
1B Lance Berkman
2B Dustin Pedroia
SS Troy Tulowitzki
3B Evan Longoria
OF Matt Kemp
OF Jason Bay
OF Jacoby Ellsbury
SP Roy Halladay
RP Mariano Rivera”

Response: Great stuff if a bit irreverent. Nice work!

 

[HacheMan]

Seeking long-term sleeper, bust pitchers

Eric Karabell

I went into the 2012 season thinking Tampa Bay Rays right-hander James Shields was about as safe as could be for fantasy owners and left-hander Matt Moore was a breakout star capable of taking home top rookie pitcher honors. Instead, these guys enter the second half of the season as major disappointments each on the outside of the top 50 for starting pitchers on the Player Rater. Their cumulative WHIP is 1.43. Those thinking it's a good time to buy low won't take solace in the fact the team's pending schedule for the next month might only make things more difficult.


Trusted ESPN colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft went to painstaking measures to map out each team's pitching rotation for the next four weeks (changes per team could be forthcoming, so keep checking), and the results are substantial: Some pitchers you might not be thinking about and might not even be owned in your league seem blessed with favorable schedules and should not be ignored. Others that you might be counting on heavily are quite the opposite. Perhaps you're a Shields or Moore owner and haven't really thought about it at all. Perhaps you really should.
The rating system measures the strength of the matchups, but also notes pitcher skill, ballpark and recent results as factors, which play a role in why Shields and Moore, for example, didn't fare so well. A simple look at the Rays' schedule might mislead some; after what could be a grueling home series with the offensively-charged Boston Red Sox, the Rays pitchers figure to fatten up on the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners. Well, the Tribe enter the second half 11th in runs scored. Later, the Rays face the improving Los Angeles Angels and formidable Toronto Blue Jays. The three tough matchups are enough to sway the overall results and make certain Rays more dangerous than others. Lefty David Price, for example, is scheduled to avoid the Angels and Blue Jays.

<offer></offer>

Ultimately, the chart can be interpreted a number of ways. Is a Moore owner simply going to drop this potential ace or deal him for Ty Wigginton simply due to a difficult schedule? Of course not. The goal here is to disseminate information potentially helpful in getting an extra edge on your opponents. There are caveats, of course, in that teams alter rotations seemingly at will and without provocation, and this assumes five-man rotations (except the Colorado Rockies) and no Rockies shenanigans with lower pitch counts. Plus, the MLB trade deadline falls in the midst of this stretch, and who knows whether Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels remain on schedule if traded, and who else would be affected.


For an example about how a manager's decision can affect results, right up until this article and Cockcroft's charts were published, San Francisco Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong was one of my featured pitchers to own/acquire. Then the Giants decided struggling lefty Barry Zito would be rescheduled to make the Aug. 2 home start against the New York Mets. Well, that's certainly good news for Zito for ballpark and opponent factors. Vogelsong was pushed to the next day on the road at Coors Field, which also strips him of one start for the four-week period. Eh, sometimes life isn't fair.


Anyway, here are some pitchers whose values have been augmented by planned schedules and others that have not. It hardly means Rockies lefty Drew Pomeranz, who fared extraordinarily well in this exercise but would be nowhere near one of my 10-team rosters, is better than Stephen Strasburg, but it is compelling if you're in a deeper league and the cost to add Pomeranz for a spot start or two is minor. We're leaving out some of the more obvious pitchers owned in all leagues, such as Chris Sale or Matt Cain. Enjoy!


Pitchers to like

Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins: Time is running out to acquire a potential ace -- and he certainly can be every bit of that -- at less than market value. Johnson's numbers are relatively meager, a 5-5 record with 4.06 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Of course, he was pummeled in April, and in his last outing before the break, he permitted five runs at Milwaukee. His June ERA, however, was 1.87, and the ghastly batting average against from April (.350) was among the best in June (.205). Johnson is scheduled to face the Nationals twice, the Padres, Mets, Cubs and Braves. That's pretty sweet and enough for me to see if Johnson can be acquired for less than market value.



Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves: Like Johnson, Hudson is owned in all leagues, but he's having a better overall season. Hudson has always been one of my favorites, a ground ball machine who's consistent not only from year to year but from start to start. Things should get even better the next four weeks, as he's scheduled to attack the Mets and Marlins twice each, the Giants and Astros, and probably the Phillies, who even in its recent offensive heyday wasn't a great deterrent for the reliable Hudson.


Tommy Milone, Oakland Athletics: This rookie lefty has extreme home/road splits in 2012, which isn't surprising considering he possesses average stuff, and Oakland's O.co Coliseum is favorable for pitchers. Milone, owned in roughly half of ESPN's standard formats, is scheduled to start at Minnesota (nice!) and Toronto (not so nice), but notably gets home matchups with the Yankees, Rays and Blue Jays, and gets to avoid the Rangers and Angels all together. At home, Milone boasts a 1.03 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. On the road, he doesn't. Yeah, I'd use Milone for the next month and consider youngster teammate Jarrod Parker as well. His toughest matchups are also at home. For right-hander Bartolo Colon, on the other hand, the schedule is considerably more treacherous.


Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres: Location, location, location. From realtors to fantasy advisors, information plays a role in happiness! Richard is available in more than 80 percent of ESPN standard leagues, and his numbers won't win your league, but he's a capable last starter. In June, Richard delivered a 2.21 ERA, and he's won four of his past six outings. If you're concerned about Padres starters away from Petco Park, Richard's splits should assuage fears; at home his ERA is 3.61, on the road it's 4.14. Richard gets to pitch at Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami. He avoids the Rockies, Reds and the suddenly streaking Pirates offense. And at home, he'll get the Astros and Mets. Talk about being fortunate!


Travis Wood, Chicago Cubs: Like Richard, Wood is readily available, and the pending schedule couldn't work out much better. Wood has won four consecutive starts for a truly awful team and earned the praise, posting a 3.05 ERA over 10 season starts. He is slated to face the Cardinals twice, once at home, but also has road outings in Los Angeles and San Diego, and while teammate Ryan Dempster faces the Pirates (MLB-leading 146 runs in June) twice, as does Paul Maholm, Wood avoids each series.


Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants: Well, at least the schedule is relatively friendly, other than a trip to Coors Field. Four of his six outings should be at home, where he's palatable (3.99 ERA, one home run in eight starts). Look, I'm not dropping the guy yet. He is on pace for 196 strikeouts, boasts a world of talent and his career splits show second-half improvement.



Others to watch: Chris Young, New York Mets; Michael Fiers, Milwaukee Brewers; A.J. Griffin, Oakland Athletics; Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins; Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals; Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros.


Pitchers to avoid

Roy Oswalt, Texas Rangers: Perhaps it's too early to evaluate the right-hander, who has permitted 40 hits in 23 messy innings. No, expecting perfection immediately is imprudent, but it's unlikely improvement is pending with two matchups against the Boston Red Sox, along with one start each against the Royals and White Sox. Teammate Derek Holland similarly faces a difficult schedule (Red Sox, Angels, Tigers), and while I'd avoid trading for him, I wouldn't bench him. I can't use Oswalt until he gets past this stretch, if he does.


Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs: The fact this right-hander seems to have figured things out his past two outings is only partially relevant; his June ERA was an unsightly 10.41. Unlike teammate Wood, he has disturbing home/road splits, and also unlike Wood, he has to face the Pirates and Reds. I'm not so much concerned about an innings limit, but the going-nowhere Cubs might just leave the guy in there even when he struggles.


Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers: Everyone's preseason AL Central fave might end up pulling the division out, but the next month hardly looks kind to such a run. Scherzer is scheduled to face the Orioles and Angels, then later pitches at Boston and Texas. Yikes. You're not sitting Justin Verlander, but for those relying on Scherzer, Doug Fister and, for those in AL-only or deep formats, Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly, be concerned. Scherzer is on pace for 228 strikeouts and perhaps he gets all the way there, but runs will be allowed for the next month.

Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox: In three of his past four outings, he's allowed nary a run, which was impressive enough to get him owned in nearly half of ESPN's leagues. His next three outings are scheduled to be road tilts in Boston, Detroit and Texas. Um, you don't want Floyd or fellow White Sox right-hander Philip Humber, also scheduled for the same unlucky fate.


Lance Lynn, St. Louis Cardinals: He's somewhat tough to evaluate, because the All-Star is having a terrific season, but he was also shredded for 17 runs in 15 1/3 innings to finish June. Like teammate Kyle Lohse, Lynn has a road tilt in Coors Field scheduled in a few weeks, and sometimes one worrisome outing is enough. The other road matchups are in Milwaukee, Chicago and Philadelphia, only one a clear cakewalk. Own Lynn, but you have to be a bit concerned about a future rough patch.


Others to avoid: Derek Lowe, Cleveland Indians; Bud Norris, Houston Astros; Erik Bedard, Pittsburgh Pirates; Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano, Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

[HacheMan]

Forecaster: July 16-22

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: In the first full seven-day week of baseball's traditional "second half," the American League has a fairly full schedule. Eleven of the 14 AL squads play a full seven games, though oddly enough, the Texas Rangers play a league-low five times. Over in the National League, we have an eight-game week, the result of an Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals Saturday doubleheader. Seven other NL teams play seven times, with the other six teams playing six apiece.

ESPN leagues with weekly transaction deadlines would have already locked lineups; the scoring period began this past Thursday, July 13, and runs through Sunday, July 22. So consider this Forecaster update a handy helper for those of you in ESPN leagues with daily lineups, or those of you in off-site leagues (for shame!).
For further analysis of the week's matchups, see the full "Week 14" Forecaster right here. Today's update simply refreshes the pitching and hitting grids as well as the top 75 starting pitching rankings.
Several notable starting pitchers will mark their returns from the disabled list in the early stages of the week. The Philadelphia Phillies will welcome Roy Halladay back to their rotation for a Tuesday start at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, though that is tentatively scheduled to be his only turn of the week. The New York Yankees get CC Sabathia back on Tuesday versus the Toronto Blue Jays, putting him in line for two turns (the second is expected to be Sunday at Oakland's O.co Coliseum). And Colby Lewis rejoins the Rangers' rotation on Wednesday at Oakland, though that's his only scheduled start.

ESPN leagues: Week 14


Monday's first game is Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers on ESPN and ESPN3, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. 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 7/16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">DET, LAA</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 7/20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, BAL, CHW, CLE, DET,
MIA, PHI, PIT, SF, WAS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 7/17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">DET, LAA, NYM, NYY,
TOR, WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 7/21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, WAS</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 7/18</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYY, TOR</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 7/22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CHW, DET</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 7/19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ATL, CLE, SF, TB</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 14 pitcher rankings | Hitting ratings

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
7/16</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
7/17</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
7/18</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
7/19</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
7/20</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
7/21</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
7/22</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">@MIN
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Britton
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Chen
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Gonzalez
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Britton
(LHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHW
Cook
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Morales
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Cook
(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
Axelrod
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Humber
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Quintana
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Sale
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Axelrod
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Humber
(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">@TB
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" 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;" align="center">@TB
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BAL
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BAL
Tomlin
(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">LAA
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Turner
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Fister
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHW
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHW
Turner
(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">SEA
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Teaford
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Chen
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIN
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIN
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">@DET
Santana
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Richards
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Williams
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Santana
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Richards
(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">BAL
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BAL
Deduno
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
De Vries
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@KC
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@KC
Deduno
(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">TOR
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Nova
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Colon
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Blackley
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Griffin
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Milone
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Parker
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Colon
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@KC
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@KC
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Iwakuma
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TB
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
TBD

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">CLE
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CLE
Moore
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Price
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Shields
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Moore
(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;" align="center">@OAK
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Holland
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYY
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Cecil
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYY
Romero
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Laffey
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Miley
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Bauer
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Miley
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Bauer
(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">SF
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Minor
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@WAS-2
Sheets
(RHP)
P: 3
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@WAS
Jurrjens
(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">MIA
Wood
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Wood
(LHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ARI
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ARI
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
Leake
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Cueto
(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">PIT
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PIT
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Pomeranz
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Francis
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
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">@SD
Happ
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Norris
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Happ
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 2</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">PHI
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PHI
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Harang
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Eovaldi
(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">WAS
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHC
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
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">STL
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CIN
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CIN
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@WAS
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Young
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@WAS
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Santana
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAD
Niese
(LHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAD
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Lee
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Worley
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Blanton
(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">@COL
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Correia
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIA
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Kelly
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CHC
Lynn
(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">HOU
Wells
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">HOU
Ohlendorf
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Richard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">HOU
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Wells
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Ohlendorf
(RHP)
P: 1</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ATL
Zito
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ATL
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Cain
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Zito
(LHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYM
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYM
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL-2
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 7</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 14 pitcher rankings: Top 75


1. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Fri-CHW (Sale)
2. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Wed-PHI (Lee)
3. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Thu-@KC (Hochevar)
4. Matt Cain (SF) -- Sat-@PHI (Hamels)
5. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Fri-ATL (Hanson)
6. David Price (TB) -- Thu-CLE (Jimenez)
7. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Sat-SF (Cain)
8. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Thu-@ATL (Hudson)
9. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Wed-STL (Wainwright)
10. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Thu-@WAS (Gonzalez)
11. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Fri-TEX (Holland)
12. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Fri-@DET (Verlander)
13. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Thu-NYM (Dickey)
14. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Wed-NYM (Young)
15. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Wed-@CHC (Samardzija)
16. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-TOR (Cecil), Sun-@OAK (Colon)
17. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Thu-SF (Bumgarner)
18. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Wed-@MIL (Greinke)
19. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Wed-@DET (Fister)
20. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-ARI (Bauer), Sun-MIL (Fiers)
21. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Thu-@BOS (Morales)
22. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Sat-@LAA (Santana)
23. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Wed-@LAD (Kershaw)
24. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Wed-ARI (Kennedy)
25. Johan Santana (NYM) -- Fri-LAD (Harang)
26. Matt Moore (TB) -- Tue-CLE (Tomlin), Sun-SEA (TBD)
27. James McDonald (PIT) -- Wed-@COL (Guthrie)
28. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Tue-@LAD (TBD)
29. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Wed-@ATL (Minor)
30. Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) -- Thu-@TB (Price)
31. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Wed-@SD (Richard)
32. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Sat-@CIN (Arroyo)
33. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Wed-TOR (Romero)
34. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Fri-@WAS (Strasburg)
35. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-@WAS (Detwiler), Sun-LAD (Eovaldi)
36. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Thu-LAA (Williams)
37. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Sat-@NYM (TBD)
38. Anibal Sanchez (MIA) -- Tue-@CHC (Wood), Sun-@PIT (Karstens)
39. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-CHW (Humber)
40. Phil Hughes (NYY) -- Mon-TOR (Alvarez), Sat-@OAK (Parker)
41. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Tue-SF (Zito), Sun-@WAS (Detwiler)
42. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Fri-CHC (Dempster)
43. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Wed-BAL (TBD)
44. Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Sat-NYY (Hughes)
45. Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Fri-@OAK (Milone)
46. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Sat-@STL (Westbrook)
47. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Mon-@MIL (Fiers), Sun-CHC (Wood)
48. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Fri-SF (Lincecum)
49. Matt Harrison (TEX) -- Sun-@LAA (Richards)
50. James Shields (TB) -- Fri-SEA (Iwakuma)
51. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Mon-@MIA (Zambrano), Sat-ATL, Gm. 1 (Sheets)
52. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Wed-@OAK (Blackley)
53. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Mon-@CIN (Arroyo), Sat-HOU (Happ)
54. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Wed-@TB (Hellickson)
55. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Fri-@STL (Lohse)
56. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Fri-HOU (Norris)
57. Tommy Milone (OAK) -- Fri-NYY (Nova)
58. Travis Wood (CHC) -- Tue-MIA (Sanchez), Sun-@STL (Lynn)
59. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Mon-@DET (Porcello), Sat-TEX (Darvish)
60. Clayton Richard (SD) -- Wed-HOU (Rodriguez)
61. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-@PHI (Worley)
62. Edinson Volquez (SD) -- Thu-HOU (Harrell)
63. Joe Blanton (PHI) -- Mon-@LAD (Eovaldi), Sun-SF (Zito)
64. Drew Pomeranz (COL) -- Fri-@SD (Marquis)
65. Luke Hochevar (KC) -- Thu-SEA (Hernandez)
66. Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Mon-ARI (Miley), Sat-MIL (Gallardo)
67. Scott Diamond (MIN) -- Mon-BAL (Tillman), Sat-@KC (Sanchez)
68. Alex Cobb (TB) -- Mon-CLE (McAllister), Sat-SEA (Vargas)
69. Trevor Bauer (ARI) -- Tue-@CIN (Cueto), Sun-HOU (Lyles)
70. Lucas Harrell (HOU) -- Thu-@SD (Volquez)
71. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Wed-CLE (Masterson)
72. Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Fri-MIL (Estrada)
73. Ross Detwiler (WAS) -- Tue-NYM (Niese), Sun-ATL (Jurrjens)
74. Chris Young (NYM) -- Wed-@WAS (Zimmermann)
75. Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-@KC (Sanchez), Sat-@TB (Cobb)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Bartolo Colon (OAK) -- Tue-TEX (Oswalt), Sun-NYY (Sabathia)
Aaron Cook (BOS) -- Mon-CHW (Axelrod), Sun-TOR (Alvarez)
Nate Eovaldi (LAD) -- Mon-PHI (Blanton), Sun-@NYM (Niese)
Michael Fiers (MIL) -- Mon-STL (Lynn), Sun-@CIN (Cueto)
Jeff Francis (COL) -- Mon-PIT (Karstens), Sat-@SD (Wells)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) -- Tue-@SD (Ohlendorf), Sun-@ARI (Bauer)
Zach McAllister (CLE) -- Mon-@TB (Cobb), Sat-BAL (Tillman)
Jonathan Sanchez (KC) -- Mon-SEA (Vargas), Sat-MIN (Diamond)
Chris Tillman (BAL) -- Mon-@MIN (Diamond), Sat-@CLE (McAllister)
Jacob Turner (DET) -- Tue-LAA (Richards), Sun-CHW (Humber)
Kip Wells (SD) -- Mon-HOU (Happ), Sat-COL (Francis)
Barry Zito (SF) -- Tue-@ATL (Jurrjens), Sun-@PHI (Blanton)

No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Henderson Alvarez (TOR) -- Mon-@NYY (Hughes), Sun-@BOS (Cook)
Dylan Axelrod (CHW) -- Mon-@BOS (Cook), Sat-@DET (Porcello)
Samuel Deduno (MIN) -- Tue-BAL (Britton), Sun-@KC (Teaford)
Christian Friedrich (COL) -- Tue-PIT (Bedard), Sun-@SD (Ohlendorf)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Mon-@SD (Wells), Sat-@ARI (Miley)
Philip Humber (CHW) -- Tue-@BOS (Lester), Sun-@DET (Turner)
Jeff Karstens (PIT) -- Mon-@COL (Francis), Sun-MIA (Sanchez)
Ross Ohlendorf (SD) -- Tue-HOU (Lyles), Sun-COL (Friedrich)
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Mon-LAA (Santana), Sat-CHW (Axelrod)
Garrett Richards (LAA) -- Tue-@DET (Turner), Sun-TEX (Harrison)
Everett Teaford (KC) -- Tue-SEA (Beavan), Sun-MIN (Deduno)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Tue-@TB (Moore), Sun-BAL (Britton)
Carlos Zambrano (MIA) -- Mon-WAS (Jackson), Sat-@PIT (Burnett)
Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Tue-STL (Kelly)


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
7/16</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
7/17</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
7/18</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
7/19</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
7/20</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
7/21</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
7/22</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
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 5
L: 10
R: 2
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6</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">@CLE
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 6
L: 9
R: 3
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
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
H: 5
L: 7
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
H: 4
L: 8
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 7
L: 5
R: 7
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[HacheMan]

No More Hammel Time

Jason Hammel has been a big bright spot among some questions marks in the Orioles’ rotation this season. Unfortunately, the O’s will now have to get by without him for a while.



Hammel aggravated a nagging right knee injury in Saturday’s start, and he’s decided to undergo surgery Monday to remove a piece of loose cartilage. The operation is expected to sideline him for 3-4 weeks, but manager Buck Showalter isn’t counting on having the big right-hander back until September.



“I think it is smart for me, personally, to plan that way, than if you get your birthday present early … I’d rather look at the worst case,” Showalter said in the Baltimore Sun. “I think I’ll have a better feel for it when Dr. Wilckens gets out of there and (reports) what he found.”



The knee has bothered Hammel for the last two months and he was planning to have it scoped over the offseason, but the pain he felt Saturday convinced him to go ahead and get cut open now. The Orioles want to leave Brian Matusz at Triple-A Norfolk to continue to work on things, so it looks like we’ll see Tommy Hunter taking Hammel’s spot in the rotation Wednesday.



Down Goes Santos



The Blue Jays appeared to get a bargain when they traded for Sergio Santos over the offseason, but so far the transaction has yet to bear fruit.



Santos posted a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over six appearances in April before going down with what appeared to be a relatively minor shoulder injury. But, the rehab has dragged on much longer than expected, and after he experienced more pain in a recent throwing session, the right-hander finally decided to have season-ending surgery.



“Initially when we backed him down to address some strengthening issues or take the approach of rehab and strengthening, hopefully that would have been the remedy,” said manager John Farrell in the Toronto Star. “As he got back to his throwing program of flat-ground long toss he felt good in that regard but when he gets on the mound with that increased intensity, that’s when he feels the discomfort.”



The good news is that Santos’ rotator cuff is intact. The labrum, though, needs to be repaired. The Jays anticipate him being ready to roll by spring training next season. While the loss of Santos certainly weakens the Toronto bullpen as a whole, they should be able to survive in the ninth with Casey Janssen. The 30-year-old is a perfect 13-for-13 in save chances this season and boasts a 2.21 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 37/5 K/BB ratio over 36 2/3 innings.



Two ‘Stros Go Down



The Astros aren’t exactly a deep ballclub, and their depth will be tested after they placed a couple key cogs on the disabled list Sunday.



Jed Lowrie suffered a right leg injury when he was involved in a collision at second base Saturday. He was officially placed on the DL with a right ankle sprain, but he also has damage to the peroneal nerve in his leg, and a more in-depth diagnosis will be provided once he’s examined further in Houston Monday.



Lowrie needed crutches to get around after the game Saturday, and the fact that he has nerve damage certainly isn’t promising. Plus, it’s hard not to be pessimistic about a guy who can call the disabled list his second home thus far in his career. As previously mentioned, we will know more later Monday, but it’s an expect-the-worst-and-hope-for-the-best situation.



Another former first-round pick, Jason Castro has also landed on the disabled list due to soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee.



“I’ve been told that this is somewhat normal for coming off the surgery I had,” Castro said in the Houston Chronicle. “Up to this point, I haven’t had swelling or anything like this before, and with the amount of playing time I was having before the All-Star break, it was a fairly common thing to happen.”



While it’s a discouraging development, it doesn’t sound like something that the Astros should be terribly worried about. Marwin Gonzalez will handle most of the shortstop duties while Lowrie is out, while Chris Snyder will be the primary catcher in Castro’s absence.







National League Quick Hits: Roy Halladay (lat) will return from the disabled list to start Tuesday against the Dodgers. He’ll be on a pitch count initially but should be back in fantasy lineups immediately …

Chad Billingsley was scratched from Sunday’s start with an elbow injury and told the media that he has inflammation in his elbow flexor tendon. More will be known after further testing Monday, but a stint on the disabled list seems like a distinct possibility … Ben Sheets was fantastic Sunday in his first major league start since 2010, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out five. He certainly won’t be this good regularly, and he’s hardly a safe bet to stay healthy, but Sheets is a worthy gamble in all fantasy leagues while he’s upright … Ian Desmond aggravated his oblique injury Saturday and could miss the next several games. The Nationals don’t think he’ll need a DL stint at this point … Juan Carlos Oviedo had to leave a minor league appearance Saturday due to an elbow injury. He’ll have an MRI … Johnny Cueto was scratched from Sunday’s start due to a blister, but he was able to throw a bullpen session and is fully expected to be ready to start Tuesday.



American League Quick Hits: Dan Haren (back) will make a rehab start Monday and is expected rejoin the Angels’ rotation on Sunday. He’ll be coming back from his first ever stint on the disabled list … Gavin Floyd will have his next scheduled start pushed back due to elbow tightness. An MRI came back clean, and it's possible he could be ready as soon as Wednesday … Torii Hunter is expected to rejoin the Angels’ lineup Monday after missing two games with a groin injury … Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik expects impending free agent Ichiro Suzuki to return to Seattle next season. Suzuki, 38, has had his struggles for the second straight season but evidently isn’t seriously contemplating retirement … Robert Andino left Sunday’s game with a left shoulder injury. An X-ray came back negative, but he still needs an MRI. Already without Brian Roberts (hip), the Orioles used Ryan Flaherty to finish the game at second base … Carlos Villanueva spun six shutout innings while allowing just three hits in Sunday’s win over the Indians. He’s now been unscored upon over 12 frames in his last two starts and is worth scooping up in mixed formats … Coco Crisp will have his ailing left shoulder checked out Monday. It’s possible he’ll need a DL stint.​

 

[HacheMan]

What to expect from key lineup returns

Eric Karabell

The first weekend after the All-Star break each season is generally notable for important players coming off the disabled list, and certainly fantasy owners had much to think about the past few days, with numerous key hitters reappearing in lineups. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury might not be the biggest name of the bunch (there's a certain Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder as well), but in Ellsbury's case, his actual fantasy value likely elicits mixed feelings.

Ellsbury finished last season second on the ESPN Player Rater, and fantasy owners seem far more confident in that fellow (Matt Kemp) than Ellsbury. For one, Kemp at least has some interesting numbers this season, with 12 home runs and a .369 batting average in 38 games. Kemp missed six weeks because of a hamstring injury, and while it likely will restrict his stolen base potential -- he's a mere 2-for-5 in attempts this season anyway -- his owners don't seem concerned about his power or batting average. They're just elated to have him back.


With Ellsbury, fantasy owners don't seem to know what they have, what they are trading for, or what type of numbers he'll provide. After all, his 2011 campaign was so different from the rest of his career. Ellsbury didn't start 2012 particularly well before suffering a severe shoulder injury that cost him three months, as he hit .192 with nary a home run or stolen base in seven games. It's a ridiculously small sample size to determine anything. Ellsbury had three hits Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, raising his batting average from .229 to .275 in one afternoon. That happens with a mere 40 at-bats.


However, I do have concerns about Ellsbury being able to provide large power totals. While his shoulder might be fully recovered today, or feel well enough to play, it's wishful thinking to presume all his strength is back or fatigue won't become an issue. Plus, as we saw with Kemp's hamstring, there's a greater threat of re-injury. I like Ellsbury quite a bit, but I'm looking at his 2008-09 statistics for guidance, not expecting a return to last year's form, when he mashed 32 home runs. A healthy Ellsbury should hit for average, steal bases -- perhaps at a greater rate than in 2011, when he swiped roughly six per month -- but treating him as a top-10 player the rest of this season, as he was on draft day, seems optimistic knowing what we know about his shoulder injury.


There are roughly 10 weeks left of the 2012 regular season. I think Ellsbury can remain healthy, as this injury and the one that ruined his 2010 campaign were awfully fluky. But I'll predict he finishes the year with only 10 home runs, 19 stolen bases and a .276 batting average. That would make him a top-20 outfielder the rest of the way, and worth trading for, within reason. It just doesn't make him top-10 overall.


As for the other hitters that returned to action Friday, I don't think Kemp will steal bases. He wasn't running before when healthy, and the risk of re-injuring the hamstring and the monster effect his absence has on an otherwise brutal Dodgers lineup is enough to make him cautious. I think he'll hit .300 the rest of the way with big power, though. I'd prefer Kemp to Ellsbury for the rest of 2012, and beyond.

Meanwhile, Miami Marlins outfielder/shortstop/third baseman Emilio Bonifacio doubled and walked Sunday, reaching base five times and stealing a base in three weekend games. Bonifacio hadn't played in eight weeks, yet his 21 stolen bases are eclipsed by only five players, a testament to just how eager he was to run when he was healthy. Bonifacio, who had thumb surgery, isn't 100 percent owned, but he should be.


Be aware that the Marlins might not re-install Bonifacio into the No. 2 lineup spot anytime soon, and perhaps fantasy owners would prefer he settle in lower in the lineup. After all, Bonifacio is hitting .240 with no extra-base hits over 27 games and 122 plate appearances in the No. 2 spot . I'm not reading much into that, as he also stole 15 bases there, but the Marlins might leave Omar Infante and the extra-base power (23 doubles, seven home runs) he brings splitting Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez.


The Baltimore Orioles welcomed back outfielder Nick Markakis on Friday, but to a strange role. Markakis, out since May with a wrist injury, was hitless in four at-bats Sunday, but hit four doubles and scored twice over the weekend. What's interesting is that Markakis and his career .363 on-base percentage hit leadoff this weekend, a first for him. Markakis, still available in many leagues, has hit for power this year, though it should not be expected to continue after his wrist injury, and he is capable of stealing double-digit bases. If the lineup oddity continues -- the Orioles lack alternatives with Brian Roberts out again -- he'll score more runs as well.


Lance Berkman didn't start Friday for the St. Louis Cardinals, but he did pinch hit Saturday and then was in Sunday night's lineup. Berkman missed eight weeks after knee surgery, and as with Ellsbury, it's folly to expect monster 2011 numbers again. That said, Berkman can still hit. Expect the Cardinals to sit him more than in the past, perhaps against left-handed pitchers in a platoon with Allen Craig. Berkman and Craig can be top-100 players the rest of the year, though. Look for Craig to also see time in right field in lieu of Carlos Beltran.


Finally, much of the talk with the Kansas City Royals' lineup centers around the power-hitting prospect that has yet to be promoted to be a part of it. Eventually, Wil Myers will be a big leaguer. For now he waits for Jeff Francoeur to be traded. Myers is capable of playing center field, but the Royals aren't likely to push matters; Myers profiles as a corner outfielder. Lorenzo Cain is the center fielder of the future the Royals acquired in the Zack Greinke deal, and he performed well at Triple-A Omaha last season. Like all the others in this blog entry, Cain came back Friday (from a torn hip flexor), but he's not at a similar level for fantasy prowess. Cain, owned in 5 percent of ESPN leagues, is more likely to hit lower in the Royals' order and be eased back into regular duties. The 16 home runs and 16 steals he produced for Omaha might be overrating the expectations somewhat.

 

[HacheMan]

Sabathia, Halladay return

How trustworthy are starting pitchers in first starts off disabled list?

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Monday was a rough day on the injury front: We learned that Joey Votto, the 2010 National League MVP, would miss the next three to four weeks due to knee surgery, while we watched in horror as both Jose Bautista, whose 124 home runs since the beginning of 2010 lead every other major leaguer by 30, and David Ortiz, whose 343 homers and 1,086 RBIs since the beginning of 2003 rank second and fourth in the major leagues, left games early with injuries.

Tuesday, in contrast, provides fantasy owners some hope: It is the day that two fantasy aces -- that label judged by their preseason average draft positions of No. 1 and 8 among starting pitchers -- mark their returns to the mound, as the Philadelphia Phillies welcome Roy Halladay back, while the New York Yankees restore CC Sabathia to their starting five.


Halladay's and Sabathia's owners have reason to be encouraged. They are, after all, two of the three pitchers to have managed a top-10 rank among starting pitchers on our Player Rater in each of the past three seasons (2009-11); Justin Verlander is the other. Combined, Halladay and Sabathia averaged an annual stat line of 19 wins, 212 strikeouts, a 2.85 ERA and 1.13 WHIP during those three years.


Halladay's and Sabathia's owners, too, might be well served breaking a long-standing fantasy baseball rule of mine, that being: If you can possibly avoid it, do not start the pitcher in his first start fresh off the disabled list.

Yes, the conservative approach is justifiable with every pitcher, especially in an ESPN standard mixed league of 10 teams, where replacement-level value is considerably higher, or a league with stringent caps on starts or innings. History shows that there's more risk with a pitcher in start No. 1 fresh off the DL; but that history is also changing along with the recent shift in baseball toward pitching. These days, pitch-count concerns might be the most valid argument against slotting either Halladay or Sabathia into your lineup immediately. But the reason both pitchers make compelling cases is their individual pedigrees.


One of the reasons for my rule was the lengthy history of pitchers who struggled in that first start back from the DL. So many have been subject to pitch counts, some exhibited diminished velocity or command and some simply wore out a few innings into the game. In fact, the last time I did analysis of pitchers' performances in their first several starts back from the DL, the data showed something ominous: Their ERAs were a half a run higher in their first starts back (4.34) than in their fifth starts and beyond (3.84).


This year's study, however, showed something different. Once again, I collected data since the beginning of the 2009 season for 62 regular, above-average starting pitchers in baseball (that group determined by those with at least 30 starts, an ERA lower than 4.50 and WHIP lower than 1.40), who made at least one trip to the DL. This group made a combined 103 trips to the DL totaling 3,836 days' worth of missed action, and every one of these pitchers was activated directly into his team's rotation; none was activated first into the bullpen or to the minor leagues (other than for rehabilitation assignments).


Here is the breakdown of the group's fresh-off-the-DL performance:



<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;">Start
No.</th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>QS%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>ERA</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>WHIP</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>BB%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>K%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg.
GmSc</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg.
Pitch/GS</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>IP/GS</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg. FB
Vel.</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">40.2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.98</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">19.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">50.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">85.4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">89.9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">2-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">55.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.95</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.26</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">18.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">52</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">95.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">89.6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">5+</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">58.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.89</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.26</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">19.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">52.9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">99.4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">90.5</td></tr></tbody></table>




As you can see, the differential in ERA/WHIP between the groups is inconsequential, and the average Bill James Game Score ("Avg. GmSc") is considerably higher for the group in start No. 1 (50.8) than it was in last year's study (49.7). There's a simple reason for that: Since the beginning of 2011, 22 of the 55 pitchers making their first starts back from the DL earned a game score of 60 or higher -- to give you a sense of value, Phil Hughes' stat line from Monday night earned a 62 -- whereas only 11 of the 42 pitchers making start No. 1 in 2009-10 reached that threshold.


Now, those numbers reveal noticeable differences in terms of quality-start percentage, average game score and average pitches and innings per start. The walk rate, too, is slightly troubling. All of that points to these pitchers' managers/pitching coaches approaching their recovery more conservatively … and that would be the argument for a conservative approach in a fantasy league, too.


Of the two returning aces, Halladay is the one more likely subject to a pitch count, justifying a conservative approach in a shallow league. He threw just 63 pitches in what was three innings of a rehabilitation start for Class A Clearwater this past Thursday, though reports had him upping that pitch count by a bit while throwing in the bullpen following his removal from the game. While there has been no formal announcement of Halladay's pitch count for Tuesday, a smart guess would be in the 80-100 range, probably on the lower end.



But if 80 Halladay pitches equals, say, 5&frac13; innings of two-run baseball, are many fantasy owners going to quibble?
Here's another reason to consider making both Halladay and Sabathia exceptions to my rule: They're … well … really good. Though this is slicing the sample size further, here are the per-start statistics of the 14 pitchers in the study to have managed at least 30 starts of lower than a 3.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP since the beginning of 2009 -- meaning the most successful men in the group:



<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;">Start
No.</th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>QS%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>ERA</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>WHIP</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>BB%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>K%</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg.
GmSc</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg.
Pitch/GS</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>IP/GS</center></th><th style="width: 10%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Avg. FB
Vel.</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">50</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.05</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">26</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">58.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">83.8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">91.3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">2-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">66</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.14</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.09</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">20.2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">57.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">96.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">91.4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">5+</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">66.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">21.2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">56.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">101.5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">91.4</td></tr></tbody></table>




That 2.40 ERA and 1.05 WHIP certainly stands out, as does the fact the group's average game score was higher in that first start despite an average pitch count considerably lower in subsequent outings. It's an obvious commentary, but good pitchers pitch well, and that's the most compelling argument in favor of either Halladay or Sabathia on Tuesday.


Incidentally, if you're wondering about a pitcher's length of absence, here's something you might find curious: The data revealed little to no difference in any of these categories regardless of the breakdown in terms of length of DL stay. So to the Sabathia supporters, who claim that his injury was "minor" and his stint short, I'll caution that history does not support that argument. The average pitcher exhibited the same progression of recovery whether he spent 20 or 120 days on the shelf. Sabathia might be less subject to a pitch count on Tuesday than Halladay, but that's not why he gets my endorsement; he gets that on sheer skill.


Now, all this doesn't mean exceptions should be made for everyone. Tuesday is also the anticipated return date of Philip Humber, who tossed a perfect game earlier in the year, and Colby Lewis is due back with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. And, though the recommendation would've been an incorrect one, Ben Sheets would never have been granted said exception by me on Sunday. This is a game of playing the odds; the odds against Sheets were every bit as poor as they'll probably be for less-than-fantasy-ace types like Humber or Lewis. In a week rife with pitchers on the comeback trail, we must remember that it's a matter of who the individual is and what matchup he is facing.


The lesson here is that you cannot always paint recovering pitchers with a black or white brush; there is room for shades of gray.


Most of the time, though, the rule makes it a black-and-white call.



TOP 100 STARTING PITCHERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 100 starting pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued. "Prev Rnk" refers to my rankings in our All-Star break top 250 re-rank.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, LAA </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;"> Madison Bumgarner, SF </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;"> Cole Hamels, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, Wsh </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;"> Zack Greinke, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Wainwright, StL </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;"> C.J. Wilson, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yovani Gallardo, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Zimmermann, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Johnson, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Garza, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> R.A. Dickey, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Lester, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SF </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;"> Vance Worley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johan Santana, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Haren, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Hudson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Max Scherzer, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ivan Nova, NYY </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;"> James Shields, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Dempster, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Jackson, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, StL </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;"> Matt Moore, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Harrison, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathon Niese, NYM </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;"> Trevor Bauer, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kennedy, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, Mia </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;"> Phil Hughes, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jarrod Parker, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Fister, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Francisco Liriano, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Romero, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Lincecum, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez, Hou </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;"> Trevor Cahill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ubaldo Jimenez, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Masterson, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Beckett, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Sheets, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, 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;"> Brandon McCarthy, Oak </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;"> Wei-Yin Chen, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Holland, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jair Jurrjens, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clay Buchholz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Milone, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ervin Santana, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shaun Marcum, Mil </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;"> Jose Quintana, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Hellickson, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Billingsley, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luke Hochevar, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ricky Nolasco, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Erik Bedard, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Buehrle, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Homer Bailey, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Samardzija, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bud Norris, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Pettitte, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marco Estrada, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bartolo Colon, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edinson Volquez, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Doubront, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gavin Floyd, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Blanton, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Richard, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Fiers, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Diamond, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ted Lilly, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bronson Arroyo, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Villanueva, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Minor, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Harang, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Travis Blackley, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




Streamer's delight



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


Tuesday, July 17: Jordan Lyles at San Diego Padres
Wednesday, July 18: Clayton Richard versus Houston Astros
Thursday, July 19: Luke Hochevar versus Seattle Mariners
Friday, July 20: Drew Pomeranz at San Diego Padres
Saturday, July 21: Ben Sheets at Washington Nationals
Sunday, July 22: Joe Blanton versus San Francisco Giants
Monday, July 23: Erik Bedard versus Chicago Cubs


Past picks
Friday, July 13: Chris Young -- 3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Saturday, July 14: Aaron Harang -- QS, 7 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Sunday, July 15: Carlos Villanueva -- W, QS, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 8 K
Monday, July 16: Alex Cobb -- 3 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K



Week's total: 4 GS, 1 W (25.0%), 2 QS (50.0%), 19 1/3 IP, 18 H, 10 ER, 14 BB, 17 K, 4.66 ERA, 1.66 WHIP
Season total: 91 GS, 37 W (41.4%), 48 QS (52.9%), 543 2/3 IP, 524 H, 237 ER, 194 BB, 416 K, 3.92 ERA, 1.32 WHIP


Three up



Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs: One of the most prominent names on the trade market, Dempster's stock hardly has suffered due to his current circumstances. Well, at least not recently it hasn't. Though there was a stint on the disabled list sprinkled in, he's in the midst of a five-start winning streak during which he has totaled 33 innings without allowing an earned run. Dempster is now the major league leader in ERA (1.86), having pitched the requisite innings to qualify. Though he's unlikely to improve that number, or his recent winning streak, with a new team, a trade would certainly benefit him in terms of fantasy value: He'd surely receive more run support than the 5.67-per-nine that the Cubs offer; that ranks 31st-lowest out of 99 ERA qualifiers.


Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers: He struck out a career-high 14 Pittsburgh Pirates this past Sunday, and before you cast that fact aside with an, "Oh, but it was the Pirates," comment, keep in mind that the Pirates as a team have managed .279/.334/.475 triple-slash rates while averaging 5.54 runs per game since June 1, ranking them among the game's most productive offenses during that time. That gave Gallardo seven consecutive quality starts, during which time he has four wins, a 2.18 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 9.93 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio (26.5 K%, going by total batters faced). It's a plus for the right-hander, who has exhibited his share of shaky second halves during the early stages of his big league career -- he has had ERAs north of 4.50 after the All-Star break twice (2009, 2010), yet never an ERA higher than 3.76 before the break -- and it's a good first step toward attempting to duplicate his 2011 second half: 14 starts, seven wins, a 3.20 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.30 K's-per-nine.


Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins: He's incredibly aggravating to own, twice this season managing a Bill James Game Score higher than 70 but two times registering a number in the category beneath 30. However, Liriano is coming off one of the best outings of his career, a 15-strikeout, eight-inning masterpiece this past Thursday against the Oakland Athletics. In it he managed 30 swings and misses, the most by any individual in a game all season; 30 swings at pitches outside the strike zone, second most by any pitcher in 2012; and 12 K's on sliders, also tops in the majors this year. Those statistics exemplify Liriano's upside; at his best he's flashing a nasty slider and missing a slew of bats. And here's why that matters to fantasy owners right now: He's picking the right time to excel, as one of the more attractive pieces on the July trade market. That could result in either of two scenarios: A) He lands with a team with which he thrives, particularly in terms of wins if he gets more run support, or B) His hot spell plus seemingly more favorable circumstances post-trade could elevate his perceived fantasy value to the point where he'd be a brilliant sell-high candidate.


Three down



Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers: What a crazy July for one of the game's more marketable trade chips. Greinke recently became the first pitcher in nearly 100 years to start three consecutive games, beginning the July 7, 8 and 13 contests, then was scratched from his scheduled start this Wednesday as the Brewers claimed a desire to let him "recharge his batteries." Combining his three-straight-start stat lines, the right-hander surrendered nine earned runs on 14 hits in eight innings, so it's understandable if his fantasy owners are now worried about his change in schedule. Certainly it diminishes his prospects of being traded, so if you were hoping on a big boost in run support on a better-hitting team, don't count on it.


Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks: He has but four quality starts in his past 10 turns, and hardly earned his fantasy owners' trust during his first turn of the season's second half, allowing six runs on seven hits in five innings against the Cubs. Unfortunately, what went right for him -- a lot of good breaks in the right spots -- last season seems to be working entirely against him this year. Kennedy's BABIP is .330, up from .274 last season, while his left-on-base percentage is 71.2, down from 79.2. Amazingly, he has a .199 well-hit average (hard contact on all at-bats), which is lower than his .248 number in 2011. Those hint at a possible rebound for the right-hander, but after 18 starts, it's understandable if Kennedy's owners aren't particularly confident. His true value might be something outside the top 40 starters.


Johan Santana, New York Mets: Were his back-to-back stinkers merely a short-term cold spell, or the signal of his 2012 workload having caught up to him after his 2011 season-long absence? One reason for alarm: His changeup, his signature pitch, hasn't been nearly as effective in July as during the three months that preceded it. Opposing hitters have batted .417 with two home runs against it in 12 plate appearances that ended in one during those two starts; Santana had allowed only one homer on a changeup in his first 16 turns, and had limited opponents to a .157 batting average. His overall velocity, meanwhile, has slipped, his pitches combined averaging 83.2 mph in July, down from 84.4 mph through June. Now, this isn't the first time Santana struggled -- his June 8 and 14 starts were so-so at best -- so it's not time to completely panic. But it'd be smart to expect his rest-of-the-year ERA to be closer to four than three.

 

[HacheMan]

Votto out 3-4 weeks with torn meniscus

Stephania Bell

Hard-hitting Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was dealt his own blow Monday when he found out he would need to miss three to four weeks to address a torn meniscus in his left knee. Votto originally injured his knee on June 29 while sliding into third base, but he remained in that game. (The flexed and rotated position of his knee underneath his body as his foot contacts the bag is a vulnerable position for the meniscus, which is often injured via a twisting mechanism.) Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek appeared on ESPN's Baseball Tonight on Monday and said, Votto "didn't feel right" the day after the injury. Votto took the first two days of July off to rest the knee and then returned to play, trying to push through the injury gamely despite lingering discomfort.

The effects made themselves increasingly apparent however, as Votto struggled at the plate (14 HRs and 27 RBIs before the injury, 0 HR and 2 RBIs since) and appeared slow at times in transitional movements, like trying to get back to first base quickly after leading off. After aggravating the knee again via a twisting maneuver in recent days, Votto felt the need to address the problem now.


"It is in my best interest and in the best interest of the team to do it now, so that I can be healthy during the last two months of the pennant race," Votto said in a statement. As Kremchek noted, "It got to the point where he couldn't perform the way he felt he needed to to help the team. He decided it was the right thing to do to fix this now and get him ready for August, September and a playoff run."


So can he really return within the projected three to four weeks? Kremchek, who will be performing Votto's surgery Tuesday, said the time frame is definitely "reasonable," adding that Votto is in "tremendous shape," which can only help in his recovery. The rehab is straightforward focusing on resolution of swelling and restoring normal motion, walking without a limp and progressively increasing strengthening. The critical element is restoring adequate muscle strength before returning to play so that the knee is not at risk for other injury, not to mention being able to deliver the proper power while swinging the bat. If all goes without a hitch, expect Votto to rejoin the team within a month.

 

[HacheMan]

Pedro Alvarez makes great strides

Eric Karabell

There's little debate about the best player on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen is having an MVP-type season, and it was good to see him recognized for his success at the All-Star Game. There's certainly been some focus on how McCutchen has been carrying his team's offense, which the numbers bear out: McCutchen's slash line is a ridiculous .372/.424/.649. The team's line is .246/.300/.405, and it was far worse before the Pirates led all of baseball in runs scored in June.


However, McCutchen really isn't acting alone. ESPN.com colleague Jerry Crasnick recently profiled hometown hero/second baseman Neil Walker, but there's another fellow crossing over into the land of fantasy legitimacy, and it's third baseman Pedro Alvarez. I admit I haven't been so optimistic about Alvarez, but I can't gloss over his excellent June and recent strides.

<offer></offer>

The second overall pick in the 2008 draft, Alvarez had some moments of success as a rookie in 2010, but looked completely lost (and injured) at the plate last season. He was a strikeout machine and non-factor against left-handed pitching. Alvarez, who bats left-handed, wasn't exactly pounding right-handers, either, and he's no Brooks Robinson at the hot corner. Plus, there were concerns about his motivation after he reported to camp overweight. His struggles earned him a demotion to Triple-A, and this past winter the Pirates weren't sure what they had in him, picking up Casey McGehee on the cheap to perhaps start or platoon with Alvarez. Would I have used a pick in a standard league on Alvarez? Nope.

On Monday night, Alvarez launched a game-tying, three-run home run off tough Colorado Rockies lefty Rex Brothers in the ninth inning. Sure, it was Coors Field, but the hard-throwing Brothers isn't easy to face, and Alvarez took him 405 feet over the wall in left field. Hey, I was impressed. Last season, Alvarez hit .158 with one home run off lefty pitching. Alvarez has home runs off two difficult lefties (Brothers and Javier Lopez of the San Francisco Giants) in just the past 10 days, and four for the season.


Alvarez has joined McCutchen and Walker as the only other Pirates hitters owned in more than 35 percent of ESPN standard leagues (he's at 68.8 percent), and he's done it with his power. Yes, Alvarez still has a long way to go in terms of making contact and being a larger factor against lefties, but he has hit 18 home runs, after all. Only 17 players in baseball have more. In June, Alvarez hit .262 with a .354 on-base percentage, along with seven home runs and 20 RBIs, and all four of those statistics represent grand improvement and a harbinger of better days. Over his past 30 days he's hitting .300 -- I never thought I'd see a stretch like that for him! -- with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. For perspective, in that span McCutchen has 10 home runs and 27 RBIs (and is hitting .485).


Ultimately, it all starts with the plate discipline. Alvarez drew three walks in April. That's miserable. In each of the past two full months, he's been in double digits, and when a hitter shows patience, pitchers treat him differently. The power was never much in question for Alvarez, and he remains annoyingly streaky, so much that in any given week he might not get more than a hit or two, but power is power. Alvarez could hit 30 home runs this season. The Pirates have to play him.


That is the reason why even I would take a look at acquiring Alvarez if I needed the power. He might never hit .270 consistently, not with his strikeout rates/contact issues, but he's become more than simply a mistake hitter, too. In the past, pitchers could flummox him and make him chase anything off the plate. That's not the case now. And, let's remind people that he's 25. He can improve.


In general, I avoid low-batting average players, but in some leagues it's tough to do this if you need the power. I mean, Adam Dunn might end up baseball's top home run hitter this season, and he's hitting .212. Alvarez is at .227. Jay Bruce, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson and the now-injured Jose Bautista have each hit 18 or more home runs but aren't anywhere near .270. Welcome to the new era of baseball!


While Alvarez has become a mixed league factor, deeper formats should also take a look at the aforementioned McGehee, who plays first base, does decent work against left-handed pitching and has hit .318 with a pair of home runs in the past 15 days. If McGehee and Garrett Jones were one player, at least you'd have a fairly competent No. 6 hitter, I suppose. Fantasy owners know when these guys will play based on the opposing pitcher. Expect the Bucs to upgrade at the trade deadline, as they're getting no production from quite a few lineup spots, and Drew Sutton isn't the answer. Prospect Starling Marte isn't, either. Now, if Justin Upton could somehow end up in Western Pennsylvania …

 

[HacheMan]

Sadness in Cincy

The Reds kicked off their second half in fine fashion with a sweep of the division-rival Cardinals. The celebration didn’t last long, though, as it was revealed that Joey Votto needs surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks.



Votto originally hurt the knee on June 29 and has tried to play through it, but the ailment became increasingly painful in recent days, and he decided it was best to take care of it now so that he could be healthy down the stretch.



"It's a very simple procedure," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It takes 20 minutes. It's a very simple scope. We think it will be three, four weeks. Joey feels very comfortable with it. He wants it to be done right away so he can come back and be sharp for the last two months of the season."



The Reds will be hard-pressed to replace Votto’s production, but they do have Todd Frazier to play first base. Frazier doubled in four at-bats while starting there Monday and is now batting .278 with 10 homers this season. Of course, with Frazier playing first base regularly, that means Scott Rolen and his .199 batting mark will have to play every day, which certainly isn’t ideal.



Joey Bats Banged Up



The Blue Jays received a scare Monday when Jose Bautista went down with a left wrist injury on a swing. Although X-rays came back clean, the slugger will need an MRI Tuesday.



Bautista admitted to feeling, according to manager John Farrell, “a little bit of a popping sensation," which isn’t a good sign, but we’ll have to wait and see what the MRI says. At the very least, he figures to be sidelined for a few games.



We certainly hope Bautista can avoid the DL, but if he does need at least a couple weeks of down time, the Blue Jays reportedly plan to promote exciting prospect Anthony Gose from Triple-A Las Vegas. A terrific athlete with lightning-quick speed, Gose entered play Monday hitting .293/.376/.434 with five home runs, 41 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 91 games at the Triple-A level this season. He’s worth a speculative stash in AL-only leagues immediately and will be a worthy mixed league add if he’s indeed promoted.



Axford Could Get the Axe



John Axford was one of the elite closers in the game last season, but things haven’t gone so smoothly this year.



The long-haired right-hander blew his sixth save of the season Monday against the Cardinals, and his latest blowup could cost him his job.



“We talk about it all the time,” Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel regarding a possible change at closer. “We talked about it just (after Monday’s game) and we will again (Tuesday).”



Axford is still throwing hard and boasts a 12.4 K/9 rate for the season, but he’s walked way too many (5.1 BB/9), and the command of his pitches just hasn’t been there. He’s certainly capable of righting the ship in time, but it’s looking unlikely that he’ll get that chance. Francisco Rodriguez (3.67 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) hasn’t exactly set the world on fire this year, either, but he’s the obvious choice to replace Axford in the ninth inning if a switch is made.







National League Quick Hits: Carlos Quentin was scratched from Monday’s lineup due to soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. It doesn’t seem to be a major concern at this point, but it’s certainly bad timing with the Pads dangling him in trade talks … Michael Dunn notched his first save of the season Monday for the Marlins. It appears that manager Ozzie Guillen will indeed play the matchups, with Dunn, Steve Cishek, Randy Choate and Edward Mujica all in the mix. One guy who won’t be involved anytime soon is Juan Carlos Oviedo, who has been diagnosed with a sprained UCL in his right elbow … Ian Desmond (oblique) hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday, as does Jason Kubel (hamstring) … Jonathan Lucroy (hand) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday. He should return before the end of the month … A second MRI has confirmed the initial diagnosis of right flexor tendon inflammation for Chad Billingsley. He’s expected to miss only one start … Zack Greinke’s next outing was pushed back so he could get some rest. He’s scuffled a bit of late … Juan Nicasio underwent season-ending surgery on his left knee. The operation was intended to be minor, but it turns out that he needed a microfracture procedure.



American League Quick Hits: David Ortiz injured his right Achilles while rounding the bases Monday and will undergo an MRI. The Red Sox don’t think the injury is serious at this point, but he figures to miss at least a few games … Jonathan Sanchez was battered for seven runs over 1 1/3 innings Monday, pushing his ERA and WHIP up to 7.76 and 2.04, respectively. It’s possible he could be booted from the Royals’ rotation … Brett Gardner has had another setback with his right elbow and will undergo an MRI. He seems likely to undergo season-ending surgery at this point … Brandon Morrow (oblique) threw another successful bullpen session Monday and will be ready for live batting practice in a week. He’ll need 3-5 rehab starts, meaning he’s still probably a month away … Robert Andino will be sidelined 3-4 weeks after being diagnosed with a left shoulder sprain. Ryan Flaherty and Steve Tolleson will handle second base for the O’s … Vernon Wells (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment this weekend. He’s expected back before the end of the month … Carl Crawford got a hit and scored two runs in his season debut Monday.​

 

[HacheMan]

Second-half bargain bats

Votto, Bautista owners could look to these players for lineup help

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

This has been one painful season -- literally.

Moments after news broke that Joey Votto would miss the next 3-4 weeks following knee surgery, and subsequently Jose Bautista was lost to the disabled list, fantasy owners were abuzz with frustration about how damaging the losses were to their respective squads. I received a few tweets, in fact, within minutes from people who actually owned both players.


Replacing a Votto or Bautista is never easy. It is something rarely done with a waiver-wire gem, and there's no denying the truth: Owners of either player are going to suffer in the standings to some degree while said players are absent.


But here's the other, oft-overlooked truth: You can absorb such a blow by making a timely, smart deal for an undervalued slugger right now.


Many fantasy owners believe that replacements are something easily found on the scrap heap. I'm sorry, but the unfortunate reality is that Brandon Moss, the highest-ranked first baseman on our Player Rater (available in more than 75 percent of ESPN leagues), is not going to give you Votto-like numbers during the time that Votto misses. But a few players whose skill improvements in the past several weeks warrant attention might well do so.


Consider these five names my "second-half bargain bets," players who, despite possessing nowhere near the reputation of a Votto or Bautista, stand realistic chances at approaching their statistical levels the remainder of the year:

Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks: I was concerned about Goldschmidt at the beginning of spring training, witnessing some of the flaws in his swing that I believed might take months to fix. Sure enough, through his first 34 games, he batted .223, hit only two home runs and struck out 36 times in 112 at-bats, or a 29.0 strikeout percentage when applied to plate appearances (which is my preferred measure of strikeout performance). But then, like flipping a light switch, something changed for Goldschmidt. He has batted .348 in 44 games since, belted 10 home runs and struck out only 20.3 percent of the time, a rate that, applied to batting average qualifiers in the 2011 season, would have placed him in the 25th percentile (calculating that with strikeouts being a bad thing), rather than in Mark Reynolds/Drew Stubbs panic-mode territory.


All of Goldschmidt's improvements address the problem areas I discussed in the preseason. At the same time I noted that he could make said adjustments, but it was a matter of how quickly. Comparisons to Giancarlo Stanton's career progression were legitimate, if Stanton is to be described as one of the quicker examples in recent history to make those adjustments. Let's put Goldschmidt's performance into statistical perspective:


He's a .308/.376/.538 hitter, up from .147/.224/.294 as a rookie in 2011, against off-speed stuff (curves, sliders, changeups or knuckleballs), and has lowered his miss percentage on swings by a whopping 11 percent.
On pitches "down" and "away" -- those measured as the lower third of the strike zone and beneath as well as the outer third and outside -- he has increased his batting average by 123 points, chased 5 percent fewer non-strikes and drawn a walk 13 percent more often.


This is no longer a "heat or cheat" player, but rather one of the burgeoning power sources in baseball. Goldschmidt, still only 12th among first basemen on the Player Rater, stands an excellent chance at being a top-10 player at his position going forward, so inquire with his owner whether he's still cheap via trade. Here's a bold call for him: I think he could bat .270 yet hit 20 homers the rest of the season.


Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves: Opinions on whether Freeman's 2012 season has been respectable or a total disaster seem varied -- at least judging by many of the questions received about him during the first half -- and it's that perception that makes him a potential buy-low candidate today. He remains 16th among first basemen on the Player Rater, yet has top-10 potential, based upon his underrated power potential. Taking simply Freeman's full-season statistics, these stand out: He has improved his well-hit average by 10 points, his isolated power by 34 points, and has hit 6 percent more fly balls and 3 percent more line drives than he did in 2011. He has also chased 4 percent fewer pitches out of the strike zone. Remember, part of Freeman's problem during what was an awful, .188-hitting, 27-game stretch from May 7-June 19 was an issue with his eyes: It took him several days to receive goggles to help ease the issue.


Freeman batted .292 after the All-Star break last season, hitting eight home runs and driving in 33 in 69 games. There's no reason he can't bat close to that with similar run production, while approaching 15 homers.

Tyler Colvin, Colorado Rockies: Be it at first base or in right field, the Rockies need to get a sense of just what they have in Colvin looking forward. Todd Helton's DL status paves the way for Colvin to play; Colvin's .323/.374/.747 triple-slash line, 10 homers and 27 RBIs in his past 28 games surely have earned him a regular place in the lineup the rest of the season. Coors Field might have inflated his numbers somewhat, but his .283/.308/.525 road rates show that he's not a complete Coors product. Two things have spawned his breakout: Improved performance against lefties (his batting average is 241 points and OPS 692 points higher than in 2011 in that split) and plate coverage on the outside third (his batting average is 166 points, OPS 509 points, higher). Batting average is likely to remain a problem for a hitter with a 25.4 percent lifetime strikeout rate, but Colvin's could be the sneakiest 15 homers available the rest of the way.


Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays: He's easily the least trustworthy name on the list because of his lengthy big-league history of extremes -- both scorching hot and freezing cold streaks -- but that might also make him the least difficult to acquire of the bunch. He is, after all, available in more than 50 percent of ESPN leagues. Thanks to his work with Triple-A Las Vegas hitting coach Chad Mottola, primarily shortening his stance and beginning his swing earlier, Lind has looked like a different hitter since his June 24 recall. He's a .339/.400/.644 hitter with five home runs in 18 games since that date, and more importantly, has missed on only 14 percent of his swings, an extremely low rate compared to his history. Lind's improvement shows in his performance against lefties (235 points higher in batting average after his recall than before it in 2012), his numbers on pitches on the outer half (256 points higher in batting average) and his stats on pitches clocked at 93 mph or faster (200 points higher in batting average). Whether he can sustain that for an extended period -- think seasons rather than weeks -- is a valid question, but Lind might yet have a mini-breakout during the second half.



TOP 125 HITTERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 125 hitters are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics they already have accrued. "Prev Rnk" is the player's rank among hitters in our All-Star break Top 250.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Braun, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Cabrera, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew McCutchen, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Kemp, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, Tex </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;"> Curtis Granderson, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Beltre, Tex </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;"> Jose Bautista, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </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"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Lawrie, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Upton, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Phillips, Cin </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;"> Edwin Encarnacion, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Bruce, 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;"> Starlin Castro, ChC </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;"> Alex Rodriguez, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Gonzalez, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shin-Soo Choo, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Ortiz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Heyward, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, 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;"> Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buster Posey, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Hosmer, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Zobrist, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nelson Cruz, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pablo Sandoval, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Desmond, Wsh </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;"> Allen Craig, StL </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;"> Dan Uggla, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Rasmus, Tor </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;"> Bryce Harper, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Gordon, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Goldschmidt, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> B.J. Upton, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Cuddyer, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Moustakas, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Giancarlo Stanton, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Ethier, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yadier Molina, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Corey Hart, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Dunn, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Youkilis, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Napoli, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neil Walker, Pit </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;"> Jose Altuve, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Plouffe, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Angel Pagan, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Ruiz, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Zimmerman, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Wieters, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </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"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Freddie Freeman, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kubel, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian McCann, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rios, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfonso Soriano, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yoenis Cespedes, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Revere, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Santana, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Montero, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Swisher, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Freese, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ike Davis, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alejandro De Aza, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Erick Aybar, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </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"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Juan Pierre, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anthony Rizzo, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Morse, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Berkman, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 103 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Salvador Perez, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 104 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Troy Tulowitzki, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 105 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Young, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 106 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torii Hunter, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 102 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 107 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pedro Alvarez, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 108 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Evan Longoria, TB </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;"> Emilio Bonifacio, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alexei Ramirez, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 120 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 111 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lucas Duda, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 112 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Utley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 110 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 113 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Davis, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 101 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 114 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Howard, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 122 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dexter Fowler, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 115 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 116 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Logan Morrison, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 117 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carl Crawford, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 126 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 119 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rickie Weeks, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 130 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 120 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Will Middlebrooks, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 118 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Howard Kendrick, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 121 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 122 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tyler Colvin, Col </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 137 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 123 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Headley, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 124 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Espinosa, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 134 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 125 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Delmon Young, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 135 </td></tr></tbody></table>




Delmon Young, Detroit Tigers: His has been a tumultuous season, but in his past 29 games, Young is a .308/.311/.453 hitter, and his second-half history hints that he might yet have more to offer looking forward. Here's what stands out about his recent uptick: He has cut his strikeout rate from 19.7 percent before June 12 to 15.6 since it; his well-hit average is up, from .209 to .248; and his ground-ball rate has dropped, from 41.9 to 35.6 percent. Considering Young's off-the-field issues coupled with his years of failing to realize his full potential, might he not, at age 26, recognize he's running out of chances for big-league teams to grant him regular at-bats? Surely he'd like to finish his free-agency walk season on a positive note, and his recent performance hints at that. Young's average career second half -- scaled to 70 games -- is a .296-8-43 stat line, and there's no reason he can't match or even exceed those numbers.


Three up



Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels: Few players, let alone shortstops, have quietly revived seemingly lost seasons as effectively as Aybar has done in the past month. In his past 30 games, he's a .355/.397/.564 hitter with four home runs and 16 runs scored, earning himself the No. 5 spot at his position in that period on the Player Rater. Dismiss the homers if you wish -- some might point out that two were hit at Yankee Stadium on humid days -- but in defense of Aybar's Yankee Stadium power outburst, both homers were second-deck shots that would have exited any ballpark in baseball except for maybe Petco. At his current rate of improvement, Aybar might not be far off reclaiming the No. 2 spot in the lineup, which would provide a healthy boost to his runs scored total. He did, after all, start two of the Angels' past three games out of that spot.


Kevin Youkilis, Chicago White Sox: If the Boston Red Sox mistakenly gave up on him assuming he was done (or close to it), it wouldn't be the first time that's happened. Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez or Manny Ramirez, anyone? Youkilis has thrived sporting his new pair of Sox; he's a .319/.415/.551 hitter in his first 18 games for his new team. More importantly, Youkilis has resumed many of the positive things he did during his better years in Boston: He has a 13.4 percent walk rate that almost matches his 13.2 percent number from 2009-11 combined and a .217 well-hit average that isn't far removed from his .257 number from 2009-11. Though this might be a bit more of a hot streak than total rebirth, Youkilis is playing like he has new life in his bat, and he's in a favorable circumstance hitting high in an order with sluggers who can drive him home and in a ballpark that plays well for power. There's no reason he shouldn't be one of the 10 most valuable third basemen the remainder of the year.


Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals: So much for his shoulder threatening to return him to the disabled list. In fact, it was a June 24 cortisone shot for the injured AC joint in his shoulder that coincided with Zimmerman's improved play; he is a .354/.420/.722 hitter with seven home runs, 21 RBIs and 18 runs scored in 19 games since. During that span, he has hit more than 7 percent more fly balls, nearly 3 percent more line drives and has a .342 well-hit average, considerably better than his .218 well-hit average before hat date. Questions about Zimmerman's health are no longer warranted; he has shown that he's back to his prior top-eight fantasy third baseman form.


Three down



Lucas Duda, New York Mets: July has been a rough time for Duda and his Mets. Once the team's leading home run hitter -- the honor was entirely his as recently as June 29 -- Duda has batted .138/.286/.241 with one home run and a 31.4 percent strikeout rate in nine games in the calendar year's seventh month. His Mets have won only three of 11 games. Coincidence? Mostly, in all probability, but Duda's struggles certainly don't help. He's also nursing a strained left hamstring that required a cortisone shot on Monday; he's scheduled to return to action Wednesday, but it's too soon to tell whether he'll enjoy a Zimmerman-esque rebound or continue to struggle until he returns to full health. Two reasons for concern: Since June 8, a span of 29 games played for Duda, he has struck out 6 percent more often and hit 5 percent more ground balls.


Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox: Where have you gone, Paul Konerrrrkoooo … your power stroke has left and gone away ay-ay-ay. In all seriousness, Konerko's power drought now extends 13 games and 60 plate appearances, and he's a .238/.317/.331 hitter with only three homers in 34 games since the beginning of June. That's an important time span; it roughly coincides with a wrist injury that cost him three games in early June and might have contributed to his power outage since. Sure enough, Konerko has a .169 well-hit average since June 1, down from .250 in the first two months, as well as .092 isolated power and a 6.1 home run/fly ball percentage. Argue for correction to those categories if you prefer an optimist's approach, but if Konerko is playing at less than 100 percent, those stats are more understandable.


Mike Napoli, Texas Rangers: He has been one of the most maddening catchers to own this season. Regression to his batting average has gone to the extreme, and now he has been battling a quadriceps injury that cost him a couple games of late. Napoli is a .154/.290/.231 hitter with only one home run plus a 32.3 percent strikeout rate during his past 23 games and ranks 42nd among catchers on our Player Rater the past 30 days. For the season, he has struck out more than 10 percent more often than he did in 2011, and his well-hit average has tumbled by more than 100 points. The problem with that is that the Rangers were ambitious using him frequently behind the plate when he was hitting like he did the second half of last season; they're more likely to look to Yorvit Torrealba for defense if Napoli doesn't turn it around soon with the bat.


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: Billy Butler (1B), Matt Downs (3B), Maicer Izturis (SS), Kyle Seager (2B), Drew Sutton (OF), Justin Turner (1B).


Nearing new position eligibility



The following players are on track to earn new eligibility in the coming weeks: Robert Andino (8 games played at 3B), Jeff Baker (9 games played at OF), Ronny Cedeno (9 games played at 2B), Pedro Ciriaco (8 games played at 2B), Steve Clevenger (9 games played at 1B), Brooks Conrad (9 games played at 3B), Jason Donald (8 games played at SS), Brandon Hicks (9 games played at SS), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), Jayson Nix (8 games played at SS), Donovan Solano (8 games played at OF), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B), Justin Turner (8 games played at SS).

 

[HacheMan]

Now here's a guy 'worth' checking on

Eric Karabell

Four members of the Washington Nationals' offense are owned in 100 percent of ESPN standard mixed leagues, and underrated first baseman Adam LaRoche isn't far from that at 88 percent. Second baseman Danny Espinosa has been hot of late and is starting to be added in more leagues as well, which gives the National League East leaders a pretty strong offensive base in helping fantasy owners despite the fact that this is hardly a prominent run-scoring team (22nd in runs scored).

The Nationals are scheduled to get another key member of the offense back in the coming weeks, providing yet another option for fantasy owners. Say what you will about how disappointing outfielder Jayson Werth was in 2011 -- those who made him a top-50 option on draft day probably have -- but the bearded wonder has all-around skills that entice the statistical community. When he comes off the disabled list soon after missing months for a broken wrist, he is going to matter.


Werth certainly isn't worthless. A ninth-round selection in ESPN average live drafts (22nd among outfielders), he remains owned in 29.6 percent of ESPN standard leagues. That's up a bit over the past week because owners are looking for a late push, and adding him after he homers or steals a base will likely be too late.


At the time of his injury, suffered while diving for a fly ball in right field in a Sunday night game on ESPN, Werth was hitting .276 with three home runs and three stolen bases. While 27 games is a small sample, Werth's walk rate was up and his strikeout rate considerably down. I had been expecting bounce-back numbers anyway, another 20-homer, 20-steal campaign but with a better batting average than in his Nationals debut (when he hit .232). Werth still provided 20 home runs and 19 steals that year.


Wrist injuries tend to sap power, which will certainly be a concern for Werth, who will need a rehab assignment to get his timing back at the plate. According to Amanda Comak of the Washington Times, the Nationals aren't particularly concerned with reinjury and manager Davey Johnson speculates Werth is two or three weeks from returning.


But here's another angle: Werth's return sends scrappy Stephen Lombardozzi to the bench. He has been leading off but doing a poor job in the role, with a .290 on-base percentage over 130 at-bats. He doesn't possess power, he hasn't been stealing bases, and he's not an outfielder, but rather a second baseman. Shortstop Ian Desmond has proven to be less than ideal for OBP as well. Espinosa should be hitting seventh, ahead of the team's catcher only.


So how about Werth as the leadoff hitter? He takes walks, gets on base and has the speed to steal and take extra bases. Nationals' leadoff options have posted a cumulative .302 OBP this season. Most of Werth's at-bats came in the No. 5 lineup spot, but the heart of the lineup shouldn't be tinkered with, as Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, LaRoche and Desmond have been handling things from Nos. 2-6 quite capably. Bat Werth first! It's the right thing to do!


Regardless of how the Nationals react, fantasy owners should make room on their bench. No matter which outfield spot Werth settles into -- Harper can play center field -- he is a major upgrade on what the team has now. Perhaps he is a major upgrade on what your fantasy team has as well.

 

[HacheMan]

Sadness in Cincy

The Reds kicked off their second half in fine fashion with a sweep of the division-rival Cardinals. The celebration didn’t last long, though, as it was revealed that Joey Votto needs surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks.



Votto originally hurt the knee on June 29 and has tried to play through it, but the ailment became increasingly painful in recent days, and he decided it was best to take care of it now so that he could be healthy down the stretch.



"It's a very simple procedure," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said in the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It takes 20 minutes. It's a very simple scope. We think it will be three, four weeks. Joey feels very comfortable with it. He wants it to be done right away so he can come back and be sharp for the last two months of the season."



The Reds will be hard-pressed to replace Votto’s production, but they do have Todd Frazier to play first base. Frazier doubled in four at-bats while starting there Monday and is now batting .278 with 10 homers this season. Of course, with Frazier playing first base regularly, that means Scott Rolen and his .199 batting mark will have to play every day, which certainly isn’t ideal.



Joey Bats Banged Up



The Blue Jays received a scare Monday when Jose Bautista went down with a left wrist injury on a swing. Although X-rays came back clean, the slugger will need an MRI Tuesday.



Bautista admitted to feeling, according to manager John Farrell, “a little bit of a popping sensation," which isn’t a good sign, but we’ll have to wait and see what the MRI says. At the very least, he figures to be sidelined for a few games.



We certainly hope Bautista can avoid the DL, but if he does need at least a couple weeks of down time, the Blue Jays reportedly plan to promote exciting prospect Anthony Gose from Triple-A Las Vegas. A terrific athlete with lightning-quick speed, Gose entered play Monday hitting .293/.376/.434 with five home runs, 41 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 91 games at the Triple-A level this season. He’s worth a speculative stash in AL-only leagues immediately and will be a worthy mixed league add if he’s indeed promoted.



Axford Could Get the Axe



John Axford was one of the elite closers in the game last season, but things haven’t gone so smoothly this year.



The long-haired right-hander blew his sixth save of the season Monday against the Cardinals, and his latest blowup could cost him his job.



“We talk about it all the time,” Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel regarding a possible change at closer. “We talked about it just (after Monday’s game) and we will again (Tuesday).”



Axford is still throwing hard and boasts a 12.4 K/9 rate for the season, but he’s walked way too many (5.1 BB/9), and the command of his pitches just hasn’t been there. He’s certainly capable of righting the ship in time, but it’s looking unlikely that he’ll get that chance. Francisco Rodriguez (3.67 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) hasn’t exactly set the world on fire this year, either, but he’s the obvious choice to replace Axford in the ninth inning if a switch is made.







National League Quick Hits: Carlos Quentin was scratched from Monday’s lineup due to soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. It doesn’t seem to be a major concern at this point, but it’s certainly bad timing with the Pads dangling him in trade talks … Michael Dunn notched his first save of the season Monday for the Marlins. It appears that manager Ozzie Guillen will indeed play the matchups, with Dunn, Steve Cishek, Randy Choate and Edward Mujica all in the mix. One guy who won’t be involved anytime soon is Juan Carlos Oviedo, who has been diagnosed with a sprained UCL in his right elbow … Ian Desmond (oblique) hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday, as does Jason Kubel (hamstring) … Jonathan Lucroy (hand) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday. He should return before the end of the month … A second MRI has confirmed the initial diagnosis of right flexor tendon inflammation for Chad Billingsley. He’s expected to miss only one start … Zack Greinke’s next outing was pushed back so he could get some rest. He’s scuffled a bit of late … Juan Nicasio underwent season-ending surgery on his left knee. The operation was intended to be minor, but it turns out that he needed a microfracture procedure.



American League Quick Hits: David Ortiz injured his right Achilles while rounding the bases Monday and will undergo an MRI. The Red Sox don’t think the injury is serious at this point, but he figures to miss at least a few games … Jonathan Sanchez was battered for seven runs over 1 1/3 innings Monday, pushing his ERA and WHIP up to 7.76 and 2.04, respectively. It’s possible he could be booted from the Royals’ rotation … Brett Gardner has had another setback with his right elbow and will undergo an MRI. He seems likely to undergo season-ending surgery at this point … Brandon Morrow (oblique) threw another successful bullpen session Monday and will be ready for live batting practice in a week. He’ll need 3-5 rehab starts, meaning he’s still probably a month away … Robert Andino will be sidelined 3-4 weeks after being diagnosed with a left shoulder sprain. Ryan Flaherty and Steve Tolleson will handle second base for the O’s … Vernon Wells (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment this weekend. He’s expected back before the end of the month … Carl Crawford got a hit and scored two runs in his season debut Monday.​