MLB Fantasy News 2012

[HacheMan]

Dempster's Disastrous Debut
One wonders whether Ryan Dempster is already having second thoughts about accepting a trade to the Rangers rather than the Braves or another National League club. The veteran right-hander received a rude welcome to the American League in his Rangers' debut on Thursday night, giving up a season-high eight runs on nine hits (including two home runs) and three walks over just 4 2/3 innings as part of a no-decision against the Angels. The poor outing caused his season ERA to jump from 2.25 all the way up to 2.82.

To be fair, some regression for Dempster was probably inevitable, regardless of whether he accepted a trade to the Rangers, Dodgers, Braves or elsewhere. Coming into Thursday's outing, the veteran right-hander had a .242 batting average on balls in play and an 84 percent strand rate. Both are well outside his career norms and league averages. The concerning part is that he's now pitching in the American League and will make half of his starts in one of the game's most hitter-friendly ballparks.

Fantasy owners would have been wise to sell high on Dempster a while ago, but I still think he'll be relevant in most mixed leagues the rest of the way. The Rangers still have a powerhouse offense, even after a subpar July, so the run support should be there. They certainly bailed him out Thursday by scoring 15 runs. And don't forget that the Rangers' divisional foes all play in pitcher-friendly home ballparks, so there are still some appealing matchup plays here. But those expecting some sort of rotation savior down the stretch will probably be disappointed.

Introducing Dan

We live in an age where every prospect is tracked and scrutinized from the moment they sign with a professional team. That's what makes Dan Straily's meteoric rise so refreshing.

Straily was a 24th-round pick of the A's back in 2009. He put up solid numbers from 2009-2011, but wasn't even ranked among the organization's top 30 prospects by Baseball America coming into this season. However, the 23-year-old right-hander posted a 3.38 ERA and 108/23 K/BB ratio over his first 14 starts with Double-A Midland this season before being promoted to Triple-A Sacramento in June. He actually saw better results upon arriving to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, registering a dominant 1.36 ERA and 67/14 K/BB ratio in eight starts while holding opposing batters to a .147 batting average. His 175 strikeouts lead all of baseball, including major league hurlers.

The second-place A's are clearly trying to catch lightning in a bottle here, as they have called up Straily to make his major league debut Friday against the Blue Jays. Straily isn't going to blow people away at 100 mph, he sits pretty consistently in the 92-94 mph range with his fastball and his changeup and slider are both considered above average offerings. Things could get pretty crowded in Oakland's starting rotation once Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson are ready to return from the disabled list, but Straily is well worth a look in most formats for now.

Welcome Back, Werth

Jayson Werth was finally activated from the disabled list for Thursday's game against the Phillies, nearly three months after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured left wrist. Werth started in center field and batted sixth in his return, finishing the night 1-for-3 with an RBI ground out and a walk.

Werth was a complete bust last year in the first year of his seven-year, $126 million contract with the Nationals, but he was off to a nice start this season prior to the injury, batting .276/.372/.439 with three home runs, 12 RBI and an .810 OPS in 113 plate appearances. It will be interesting to see whether the wrist has an impact on his power the rest of the way, but he should be owned in more than 55 percent of Y! and 50.1 percent of ESPN.com leagues.

NL Quick Hits: Joey Votto (knee) fielded grounders Thursday without a knee brace, but his return has been ruled out this weekend … Giancarlo Stanton (knee) homered and drove in four runs Thursday in his first rehab game with High-A Jupiter … Jose Reyes tripled Thursday to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, matching a career-best … Ryan Zimmerman (back) went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in his return to action Thursday … Cole Hamels gave up three runs over seven innings Thursday in a loss to the Nationals … Yadier Molina missed Thursday's game with a sprained right thumb and is scheduled to undergo X-rays on Friday … Rafael Furcal (back) missed his fifth straight game Thursday … R.A. Dickey is still expected to be used on short rest in the coming weeks … Todd Frazier homered and drove in three runs in Thursday's win over the Padres and now has 13 homers and 40 RBI through 78 games this season … Adam LaRoche launched his 20th home run of the season in Thursday's win over the Phillies … Lance Berkman is scheduled to have his right knee examined Friday after it buckled on him during Thursday's game … Josh Rutledge homered in his fourth straight game Thursday … Ross Detwiler allowed just three hits over seven shutout frames in Thursday's win over the Phillies …The Diamondbacks released Scott Podsednik after he refused an assignment to Triple-A Reno …

AL Quick Hits: Josh Hamilton showed some signs of busting out of his prolonged slump by knocking in four runs in Thursday's win over the Angels … David Ortiz (Achilles) said Thursday's that he's at about "50 to 60 percent" and acknowledged that he's likely three or four days away from doing "power running" drills … C.J. Wilson was tagged for a season-high eight runs in a no-decision Thursday against the Angels … Carlos Santana homered in Thursday's loss to the Royals and is hitting .302 (19-for-63) with six homers and 16 RBI since the All-Star break … Dan Haren (back) made it through a bullpen session Thursday with no issues and will start Sunday against the White Sox … Josh Beckett (back) was unable to throw a bullpen session Thursday and is considered questionable to start Sunday against the Twins … Jon Lester allowed three runs over seven innings in a tough-luck loss to the Twins on Thursday … Coco Crisp (hamstring) went 0-for-5 in his return to the lineup Thursday … Mike Olt started at first base Thursday in his major league debut against the Angels and went 1-for-3 with a run scored. He's expected to see at-bats at first base and DH against left-handed pitching … Brandon Morrow (oblique) is scheduled to make his second rehab start Friday with High-A Dunedin … Bartolo Colon blanked the Blue Jays over eight innings Thursday … Seth Smith left Thursday's game against the Blue Jays with a strained left hamstring and is scheduled for an MRI on Friday … The Red Sox and Orioles are among the teams who could have interest in acquiring the recently-DFA'd Derek Lowe …

 

[HacheMan]

Gearing Up For the Stretch Run The trade deadline came and went this past week, with several high-profile players switching teams. Now, as we venture into August, the finish line is beginning to materialize on the horizon.

In these final months, we'll see non-contending teams call up intriguing prospects for a late-season look (Corey Kluber of the Indians, one of this week's two-start pitchers, is a good example), while others will lock in for the stretch run.

Here are a few notes on the upcoming week:

* In the AL, I struggled with placing James Shields and Yu Darvish in the "Strong Plays" category this week. Both are looking ahead to at least one tough match-up, and neither has been especially effective lately – though they've both been racking up tons of strikeouts. Ultimately, it was their talent and whiff potential that swayed me to recommend them, but there's reason to proceed with caution.

* The Dodgers are slated to face five lefties in six games, including four straight to begin the week. Consider benching Andre Ethier (627 OPS vs. LHP) and get ready for a big week from Matt Kemp (1497 OPS vs. LHP).

* My favorite mid-tier two-start plays in the NL this week are Jake Westbrook, Jeff Karstens and Patrick Corbin.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

James Shields: TOR (Villanueva), @MIN (Diamond)
Yu Darvish: @BOS (Beckett), DET (Porcello)
Jason Vargas: @BAL (Tillman), @LAA (Haren)
Dan Haren: @OAK (Parker), SEA (Vargas)
Scott Diamond: @CLE (McAllister), TB (Shields)
Justin Verlander: NYY (Nova), @TEX (Holland)
Jake Peavy: KC (Mendoza), OAK (Parker)
Zach McAllister: MIN (Diamond), BOS (Buchholz)

Decent Plays

Carlos Villanueva: @TB (Shields), NYY (Hughes)
Jarrod Parker: LAA (Haren), @CWS (Peavy)
Phil Hughes: @DET (Porcello), @TOR (Villanueva)
Ivan Nova: @DET (Verlander), @TOR (Laffey)
Luis Mendoza: @CWS (Peavy), @BAL (Tillman)
Rick Porcello: NYY (Hughes), @TEX (Darvish)
Josh Beckett: TEX (Darvish), @CLE (Kluber)
Chris Tillman: SEA (Vargas), KC (Mendoza)

At Your Own Risk

Jeremy Guthrie: @CWS (Sale), @BAL (Britton)
Corey Kluber: MIN (Deduno), BOS (Beckett)
Zach Britton: SEA (Beavan), KC (Guthrie)

National League

Strong Plays

Edwin Jackson: @HOU (Keuchel), @ARI (Miley)
Lance Lynn: SF (Zito), @PHI (Worley)
Matt Cain: @STL (Westbrook), COL (Pomeranz)
A.J. Burnett: ARI (Miley), SD (Marquis)
Vance Worley: ATL (Sheets), STL (Lynn)
Jon Niese: MIA (LeBlanc), ATL (Sheets)
Yovani Gallardo: CIN (Arroyo), @HOU (Lyles)
Johnny Cueto: @MIL (Fiers), @CHC (Wood)
Ben Sheets: @PHI (Worley), @NYM (Niese)
Wade Miley: @PIT (Burnett), WAS (Jackson)

Decent Plays

Ross Detwiler: @HOU (Lyles), @ARI (Corbin)
Jake Westbrook: SF (Cain), @PHI (Lee)
Barry Zito: @STL (Lynn), COL (Sanchez)
Jeff Karstens: ARI (Corbin), SD (Wells)
Wade LeBlanc: @NYM (Niese), LAD (Capuano)
Chris Capuano: COL (Pomeranz), @MIA (LeBlanc)
Bronson Arroyo: @MIL (Gallardo), @CHC
Patrick Corbin: @PIT (Karstens), WAS (Detwiler)

At Your Own Risk

Kip Wells: CHC, @PIT (Karstens)
Jordan Lyles: WAS (Detwiler), MIL (Gallardo)
Drew Pomeranz: @LAD (Capuano), @SF (Cain)
Jonathan Sanchez: @LAD (Fife), @SD (Zito)
Dallas Keuchel: WAS (Jackson), MIL (Estrada)
Travis Wood: @SD (Ohlendorf), CIN (Cueto)
<!--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, 8/8: Kevin Millwood @ BAL
A nice surprise sound in the Seattle rotation, Millwood owns a 3.90 ERA on the season and has been quality in four of his past five starts.

Friday, 8/10: Scott Feldman vs. DET
The Texas righty is hot right now, as he's allowed only one run over 17 innings with no walks in his past three outings.

National League

Wednesday, 8/8: Joe Kelly vs. SF
The rookie right-hander has turned in seven straight quality starts for the Cards. No reason to think he'll stop now.

Wednesday, 8/8: Jeff Samardzija @ SD
In five July starts, Samardzija posted a 1.91 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 33 frames.

Thursday, 8/9: Lucas Harrell vs. WAS
Dating back to mid-June, Harrell has a 2.17 ERA and 47/18 K/BB ratio in 45 2/3 innings.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

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

National League

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

The Infirmary

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

Jair Jurrjens: Out until mid-August (groin)
Tommy Hanson: Out until mid-August (back)
Jim Thome: Out until mid-August (neck)
Logan Morrison: Out indefinitely (knee)
Trevor Plouffe: Out until early August (thumb)
Placido Polanco: Out until mid-August (back)
Yasmani Grandal: Out until late August (ribs)
Aubrey Huff: Out indefinitely (knee)
Adam Lind: Out until mid-August (back)

 

[HacheMan]

Deadline Dealt - Buy or Sell?
The fantasy impact of the deadline deals highlights this week’s Week That Was.



Before jumping into the baseball news, I just wanted to make sure you all know that Colton and the Wolfman has changed timeslots. We are now on Tuesdays from 10pm-1am ET on SiriusXM (Sirius 210, XM 87). All you need to know for fantasy baseball pennant races and fantasy football drafts.



Ok, now back to business . . . .



Ryan Dempster: The Rangers thought they had to make the move to get Dempster to counter the Angels’ acquisition of Zack Greinke. The question is, do you go after Dempster with equal zeal in fantasy. Answer: No. Certain facts are undeniable: 1) Dempster is good but not great; 2) His 2.82 ERA, 1.10 WHIP was going to inflate even without his being shipped to Texas (he only had an ERA under 3.00 as a starter once in his 15 seasons and has never posted a WHIP under 1.20); 3) Wrigley is not a great place to pitch but Texas is surely worse; and 4) there is no pitcher to strike out 2x per game in the AL. All in all, Dempster is probably better than your 5^th starter in an AL only league but he comes with a serious warning label for the dog days of August. Buyer beware. [Note, I formed this opinion before the 8 ER, 12 baserunner 4.2 inning debut in a Texas uniform].



Joe Blanton: Unlike Dempster, “Officer Joe” goes from a bandbox to a cavernous pitcher’s park. Moreover, he gets to pitch a bunch of away games in other pitcher havens like SF and SD. Officer Joe has pitched FAR, FAR better than people credit him for. Yes, he has a 4.59 ERA but look at the other numbers: an otherworldly 115/18 K/BB ratio and 1.19 WHIP. Plus, he has 5 QS in his last 6 in which he averaged 7 punchouts a game. Bottom line -- Officer Joe is a major buy for your fantasy pennant race.



Shane Victorino: The Flyin Hawaiian also escaped Philly in search of a shot at the playoffs. In fact, like Officer Joe, he will be donning Dodger Blue. As noted, Philly is a better place to hit but the big park in LA should help Victorino use his speed. People are down on Victorino in fantasy circles, but frankly, I am not sure why. Thus far this year, he has 9 HR and 25 SB. Yes, the .258 is disappointing but how many 15-35 guys are there out there? Plus, there is reason for optimism in the batting average area. In the 5 games before the deal, he was hot, going 8-19. Bottom line here is that Victorino is not a superstar but remains a solid roto category producer. Buy.



Hunter Pence: In another tit for tat deal, the Giants matched the Dodgers’ outfield acquisition with one of their own -- Hunter Pence. Pence, like Victorino, is a good roto player, but not the roto superstar people make him out to be (a point made quite nicely by one of the fantasy greats, Nate Ravitz, during his appearance on Colton and the Wolfman last week). Thus far this year, Pence is hitting a pedestrian .266 with only 5 SB, however, he is on pace for 26 HR and 94 RBI. The change to a pitcher’s park will be much harder for Pence than Victorino. First, Pence has never played anywhere but hitter havens (Houston and Philly). Second, Pence is a power hitter who has abandoned the speed game and thus will be more affected by the big park. Bottom line here: Pence is a good player but not a superstar so bid or trade accordingly [he has never hit more than 25 HR and has never reached 100 RBI or runs scored].



Geovany Soto: In a move that is flying under many fantasy radars, the Rangers acquired Geovany Soto from the Cubs and DFA’d Yorvit Torrealba. Soto has been inconsistent his entire career [e.g., .285, .217, .280, .228 respectively in the last four years]. This year, Soto has been “so-low,” hitting a paltry .201. I still think Soto represents perhaps the biggest buying opportunity for AL-only owners who are invariably playing guys like Chris Stewart, Tyler Flowers and Jose Molina. Soto has been double digit dingers four years in a row and Texas should only help his power numbers. AL-only owners should invest but recognize the need to average protect if rostering Soto.



Omar Infante: Infante’s return to Detroit is a mixed blessing. Good news: Infante has hit .290 or better in 3 of the last 4 years (respectable .276 in the other year). Bad news, those were the four years since he left Detroit. More bad news -- he never hit above .276 for the Tigers. This year, Infante has been a solid MI option with a .280 average, 8 HR and 10 SB, though he has been ice cold over the last two weeks (.222 with no HR or SB). So, what is an AL fantasy owner to do? Buy! Just like Soto, Infante enters at a scarce MI position and will take the place of guys like Jamey Carroll, Robert Andino or Adam Rosales if you can roster him. Expect some helpful HR and SB numbers with an average that at worst won't kill you. Not superstar material but still much better than what you are likely getting now from your MI3.



Kurt Suzuki: One of the rare guys that went from AL to NL this year. Suzuki has been lost since hitting .274 with 15 HR and 88 RBI in 2009 and it has been getting worse -- .242 in 10, .237 in 11 and .218 this year. Like in the AL (where Soto arrived), NL owners are surely playing C2’s with far less ability than Suzuki (yes, you, the Brian Schneider owner). Other than being better than bad hitters, there is reason for some optimism. Suzuki had hit in 5 straight before the trade and is hitting .316 over the last two weeks. Suzuki will never hit like Jorge Posada or Johnny Bench but he is better than he has been this year and his last two weeks give us reason to invest in NL only leagues.



Gaby Sanchez: One of the great mysteries of the 2012 season is what happened to Gaby Sanchez? Did the Monstars steal his talent like they did in the movie Space Jam? After hitting 19 HR in each of 2010 and 2011 and knocking in an average of 80 runs per year in those years, Sanchez is hitting .199 with only 3 HR this year. Ouch. It is hard to get too excited by Gaby and Pittsburgh is not committed to playing him every day. So, unless you are in a very deep NL only league, Gaby is not the answer. If you already own him, well, glass half full, at least he is back in the majors.



Brandon League: Bad news, League lost the closer job a long time ago. Worse news, he will not be a closer now that he is a member of the Dodgers. Once again the SMART system rears its head. The T in SMART is team and says that closers on bad teams get traded to good teams to be set up guys. Here, the former closer got traded from his bad team and lost any chance to regain his closer status. Even NL only teams don’t want to play in this league.



Cliff Lee: Finally, a bit about the one guy who I thought would be traded but stayed put. Lee responded by winning his second game of the year. Yes, second. Despite the sorry win-loss record, Lee presents a major buying opportunity for the savvy fantasy owner. Carp about the wins and keep to yourself the fact that Lee has a 5/1 K/BB ratio, a 1.18 WHIP and a 3.73 ERA that is sure to reduce as 2012 progresses into August. Buy and do it quickly.



And last and but not least, this from the Baron of the Bottom of the Page -- Schultz says: “There are certain teams that just seem to generate quality starting pitchers. When Dave Duncan oversaw St. Louis' pitching staff, the Cardinals were (and frankly still are) a fine source for roto-stats with Kyle Lohse, Jaime Garcia, Lance Lynn and Jake Westbrook providing excellent numbers for a fraction of the cost. In the American League, the Oakland A's are turning into that same fount of quality pitching. Although the Moneyball movie ignored them, most roto-players have fond memories of Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito putting up insane numbers in the early part of the aughts (funny to see something nice said about Barry Zito, I know) and most recently, the A's have fostered the careers of Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Dan Haren (oh where have you gone Rich Harden). For our current purposes, the A's rotation continues to sport options for the back end of your roto-rotation. Bartolo Colon continues to defy logic by keeping an ERA around 3.50 and, while growing pains have occurred, Tommy Milone is learning to add strikeouts to his pinpoint control repertoire. This past Friday, Dan Straily, who has 175 strikeouts in just over 133 innings made his major league debut. Since Straily's success comes from mastering a healthy number of pitches, not by overpowering hitters, it's unlikely that Straily maintains his strikeout pace at the big league level. However, his spot in the A's rotation and the dimensions of his home park make him an attractive late season pickup.


Those looking beyond 2012 might be interested to know that Joba Chamberlain threw his first pitch in more than a year this week. Since he last donned the Pinstripes, Chamberlain has undergone Tommy John surgery, broken his ankle, had a brain transplant, survived the Ludovico technique as administered by Dr. Brodsky and both knees replaced. Showing tremendous rust, Chamberlain was pounded in his return. Despite Mariano Rivera's optimism, it is medically unlikely that a 44-year-old pitcher returns from ACL reconstruction on the leg he uses to push off the rubber. With the Yankees closer position relatively open, you would have to think the Yankees see if they could turn the Joba rules into JOBA RULES.


Carter Capps is another name to keep in mind for the future. The Mariners' 21-year-old reliever made his debut last night in Yankee Stadium, facing a total of three batters. He didn't fare all that well: giving up a hit, a walk and a sacrifice bunt while letting Russell Martin steal a base. However, he consistently hit 99-100 mph with a fastball that had nice movement. There's nothing to see here from a roto-standpoint but like Kenley Jansen two years back, Capps is a name to file away.”



Response: All I can say is that I am not betting against Mariano. He is determined to return and will.

 

[HacheMan]

Forecaster: Aug. 6-12

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

On tap: A mediocre road trip that involved series losses at Cleveland, Toronto and Boston (six of nine games overall) puts the Detroit Tigers under the microscope, as they're 2½ games back in the American League Central race (through Aug. 2) with series against the AL East-leading New York Yankees (four home games) and AL West-leading Texas Rangers (three road games) due up this week. Both the Yankees and Rangers have stumbled lately, comparatively speaking to their full-season records, and the Tigers have an ace in the hole: Justin Verlander is a two-start pitcher scheduled to face each team. Look at those Tigers hitting ratings further down the column; they reflect the fact that both the Yankees' and Rangers' rotations have had some issues recently. Consider this a pro-Tigers week, both hitting and pitching wise, at least in comparison to what you might have expected had they faced these matchups a month ago.

Matt Garza might not have been traded at the July 31 deadline by the Chicago Cubs, primarily because of a triceps injury that has sidelined him since July 21, but he's expected to return to the mound for a Tuesday start at San Diego's Petco Park. He's not the only healing fantasy star: Sluggers David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to return early in the week. As always, it's the hitters who warrant immediate activation in all fantasy leagues, but in Garza's case, that favorable matchup might earn him an exception.
There might not be a more important start to monitor as rest-of-the-season evaluation is concerned than that of Chris Sale, who will return to the mound Tuesday after sitting since July 27 due to arm fatigue. That'd represent a 10-day absence for a pitcher who allowed 10 earned runs on 13 hits in 13 1/3 innings combined in his previous two turns, though in his defense those were challenging matchups (at Detroit and Texas). Sale gets another generous rating in this week's Forecaster and is too talented to sit facing the Kansas City Royals in a home game, but the extended absence makes him riskier than usual.
The Stephen Strasburg "innings cap" chatter will only intensify with each passing week, and this might be a week in which he's under the microscope more than usual. He's coming off the worst outing of his career, and pitches once: Friday at Arizona's Chase Field, a hitter-friendly venue. If Strasburg indeed will be shut down once he reaches 160 innings for the season, he has exactly 38 2/3 frames to go. That means seven more starts, going by his year-to-date, per-start average.

ESPN leagues: Week 17


It's another Monday-evening deadline for fantasy owners in weekly-transaction leagues, as the week's opener, Yankees at Tigers (Monday Night Baseball on ESPN and ESPN3), begins at 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 8/6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">DET, NYY</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Fri 8/10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2:20 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CHC, CIN</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tue 8/7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">ARI, ATL, BAL, CLE, DET,
MIN, NYY, PHI, PIT, SEA</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sat 8/11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:07 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">NYY, TOR</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wed 8/8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">CLE, MIN</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sun 8/12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1:05 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">BOS, CLE</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Thu 8/9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12:10 p.m.</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">MIA, NYM</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 17 pitcher rankings | Pitching notes
Streamer's delight | Hitting ratings | Hitting notes

Projected starting pitchers



The chart below lists each of the 30 MLB teams' schedules and projected starting pitchers, and provides a matchup rating for each day's starter. Pitchers scheduled to start at least twice this week are in gold/beige boxes.



<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 35px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Team</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Mon
8/6</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
8/7</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
8/8</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
8/9</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
8/10</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
8/11</center></th><th style="width: 14%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
8/12</center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Britton
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Hunter
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Chen
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Gonzalez
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">KC
Britton
(LHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Cook
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TEX
Lester
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Doubront
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Cook
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Lester
(LHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Quintana
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Sale
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Humber
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Liriano
(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">MIN
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIN
Kluber
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIN
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BOS
TBD

P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BOS
McAllister
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">BOS
Kluber
(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">NYY
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TEX
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TEX
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TEX
Porcello
(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">@CHW
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Chen
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Smith
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Mendoza
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BAL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@OAK
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@OAK
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
Haren
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SEA
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 10</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CLE
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Deduno
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
De Vries
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TB
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TB
Diamond
(LHP)
P: 9</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Nova
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@DET
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TOR
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TOR
Nova
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@TOR
Hughes
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAA
Parker
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Colon
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAA
Straily
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Griffin
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Milone
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHW
Parker
(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">@BAL
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Beavan
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Millwood
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Iwakuma
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAA
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 6</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">TOR
Shields
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Cobb
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Moore
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Price
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIN
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@BOS
Darvish
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Feldman
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">DET
Holland
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">DET
Darvish
(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">@TB
Villnueva
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Alvarez
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Cecil
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Romero
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Laffey
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">NYY
Villnueva
(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">@PIT
Miley
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Corbin
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Miley
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Corbin
(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">@PHI
Sheets
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Minor
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Medlen
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
Sheets
(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">@SD
Wood
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SD
Garza
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SD
Samardzija
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Germano
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Coleman
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CIN
Wood
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">CIN
Garza
(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">@MIL
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIL
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Latos
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Leake
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHC
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@CHC
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 8</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@LAD
Pomeranz
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
White
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAD
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Friedrich
(LHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@SF
Pomeranz
(LHP)
P: 3</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Keuchel
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">WAS
Lyles
(RHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Galarraga
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Harrell
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIL
Norris
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Keuchel
(LHP)
P: 1</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIL
Lyles
(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">COL
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Fife
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIA
Harang
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@MIA
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 5</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@NYM
LeBlanc
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Eovaldi
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">LAD
LeBlanc
(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">CIN
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Fiers
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Rogers
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 7</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">MIA
Niese
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Young
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">MIA
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Hefner
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Harvey
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ATL
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">ATL
Worley
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Lee
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">STL
Worley
(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">ARI
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">ARI
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ARI
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SD
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">SF
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">SF
Lynn
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Kelly
(RHP)
P: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SF
Wainwright
(RHP)
P: 10</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PHI
Lynn
(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">CHC
Wells
(RHP)
P: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Ohlendorf
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHC
Richard
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PIT
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 2</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@PIT
Wells
(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">@STL
Cain
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@STL
Zito
(LHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@STL
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">COL
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 8</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
Cain
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">COL
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">@HOU
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@HOU
Detwiler
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 9</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Strasburg
(RHP)
P: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 3</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">@ARI
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 17 pitcher rankings: Top 75


1. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Mon-@OAK (Parker), Sun-SEA (Vargas)
2. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Mon-NYY (Nova), Sat-@TEX (Holland)
3. Matt Cain (SF) -- Mon-@STL (Westbrook), Sat-COL (Friedrich)
4. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Fri-@LAA (Santana)
5. David Price (TB) -- Sat-@MIN (Blackburn)
6. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Fri-@MIA (Buehrle)
7. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-@MIL (Fiers), Sun-@CHC (Garza)
8. Zack Greinke (LAA) -- Wed-@OAK (Straily)
9. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Thu-@STL (Wainwright)
10. Stephen Strasburg (WAS) -- Fri-@ARI (Cahill)
11. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Thu-SF (Bumgarner)
12. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Mon-CIN (Arroyo), Sun-@HOU (Lyles)
13. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Thu-@HOU (Harrell)
14. Gio Gonzalez (WAS) -- Wed-@HOU (Galarraga)
15. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Tue-ATL (Minor)
16. R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Thu-MIA (Johnson)
17. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-TOR (Villanueva), Sun-@MIN (Diamond)
18. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Sat-STL (Westbrook)
19. Josh Johnson (MIA) -- Thu-@NYM (Dickey)
20. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Tue-@SD (Ohlendorf), Sun-CIN (Cueto)
21. Wade Miley (ARI) -- Mon-@PIT (Burnett), Sat-WAS (Jackson)
22. C.J. Wilson (LAA) -- Tue-@OAK (Colon)
23. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Wed-@DET (Sanchez)
24. A.J. Burnett (PIT) -- Mon-ARI (Miley), Sat-SD (Marquis)
25. Chris Sale (CHW) -- Tue-KC (Chen)
26. Jarrod Parker (OAK) -- Mon-LAA (Weaver), Sun-@CHW (Liriano)
27. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Wed-KC (Guthrie)
28. Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Wed-@STL (Kelly)
29. Ben Sheets (ATL) -- Mon-@PHI (Worley), Sun-@NYM (Niese)
30. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Fri-STL (Lohse)
31. Hiroki Kuroda (NYY) -- Thu-@DET (Fister)
32. Phil Hughes (NYY) -- Tue-@DET (Porcello), Sun-@TOR (Villanueva)
33. Lance Lynn (STL) -- Tue-SF (Zito), Sun-@PHI (Worley)
34. Matt Moore (TB) -- Thu-TOR (Cecil)
35. Wei-Yin Chen (BAL) -- Thu-KC (Smith)
36. Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-MIA (LeBlanc), Sun-ATL (Sheets)
37. Doug Fister (DET) -- Thu-NYY (Kuroda)
38. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Mon-@BOS (Cook), Sun-DET (Porcello)
39. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Wed-@PHI (Blanton)
40. Vance Worley (PHI) -- Mon-ATL (Sheets), Sun-STL (Lynn)
41. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Wed-@PIT (Rodriguez)
42. Chris Capuano (LAD) -- Mon-COL (Pomeranz), Sun-@MIA (LeBlanc)
43. Mat Latos (CIN) -- Wed-@MIL (Wolf)
44. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-COL (Francis)
45. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-TEX (Dempster), Sun-@CLE (Kluber)
46. Mike Fiers (MIL) -- Tue-CIN (Cueto)
47. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Sat-SEA (Iwakuma)
48. Jeff Samardzija (CHC) -- Wed-@SD (Richard)
49. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Thu-@CLE (Jimenez)
50. Ross Detwiler (WAS) -- Tue-@HOU (Lyles), Sun-@ARI (Corbin)
51. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Fri-@MIN (De Vries)
52. Scott Diamond (MIN) -- Mon-@CLE (McAllister), Sun-TB (Shields)
53. Edinson Volquez (SD) -- Fri-@PIT (Bedard)
54. Erik Bedard (PIT) -- Fri-SD (Volquez)
55. Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-@BAL (Tillman), Sun-@LAA (Weaver)
56. Mike Minor (ATL) -- Tue-@PHI (Hamels)
57. A.J. Griffin (OAK) -- Fri-@CHW (Humber)
58. Edwin Jackson (WAS) -- Mon-@HOU (Keuchel), Sat-@ARI (Miley)
59. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Fri-@TEX (Feldman)
60. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Wed-COL (Sanchez)
61. Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Mon-@MIL (Gallardo), Sat-@CHC (Wood)
62. Wandy Rodriguez (PIT) -- Wed-ARI (Kennedy)
63. Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Fri-@CHC (Coleman)
64. Bartolo Colon (OAK) -- Tue-LAA (Wilson)
65. Zach McAllister (CLE) -- Mon-MIN (Diamond), Sat-BOS (Cook)
66. Kris Medlen (ATL) -- Sat-@NYM (Harvey)
67. Trevor Cahill (ARI) -- Fri-WAS (Strasburg)
68. Carlos Villanueva (TOR) -- Tue-@TB (Shields), Sun-NYY (Hughes)
69. Tommy Milone (OAK) -- Sat-@CHW (Floyd)
70. Matt Harvey (NYM) -- Sat-ATL (Medlen)
71. Paul Maholm (ATL) -- Fri-@NYM (Hefner)
72. Ryan Dempster (TEX) -- Tue-@BOS (Lester)
73. Patrick Corbin (ARI) -- Tue-@PIT (Karstens), Sun-WAS (Detwiler)
74. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Fri-@PHI (Halladay)
75. Jake Westbrook (STL) -- Mon-SF (Cain), Sat-@PHI (Lee)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Zach Britton (BAL) -- Tue-SEA (Beavan), Sun-KC (Chen)
Jeff Karstens (PIT) -- Tue-ARI (Corbin), Sun-SD (Wells)
Wade LeBlanc (MIA) -- Tue-@NYM (Niese), Sun-LAD (Capuano)
Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Mon-@DET (Verlander), Sat-@TOR (Laffey)
Chris Tillman (BAL) -- Mon-SEA (Vargas), Sat-KC (Mendoza)
Travis Wood (CHC) -- Mon-@SD (Wells), Sat-CIN (Arroyo)

No-thank-yous, among two-start pitchers:
Bruce Chen (KC) -- Tue-@CHW (Sale), Sun-@BAL (Britton)
Aaron Cook (BOS) -- Mon-TEX (Darvish), Sat-@CLE (McAllister)
Dallas Keuchel (HOU) -- Mon-WAS (Jackson), Sat-MIL (Estrada)
Corey Kluber (CLE) -- Tue-MIN (Deduno), Sun-BOS (Lester)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) -- Tue-WAS (Detwiler), Sun-MIL (Gallardo)
Luis Mendoza (KC) -- Mon-@CHW (Quintana), Sat-@BAL (Tillman)
Drew Pomeranz (COL) -- Mon-@LAD (Capuano), Sun-@SF (Zito)
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Tue-NYY (Hughes), Sun-@TEX (Darvish)
Kip Wells (SD) -- Mon-CHC (Wood), Sun-@PIT (Karstens)
Barry Zito (SF) -- Tue-@STL (Lynn), Sun-COL (Pomeranz)


Pitching notes


• It's a six-game week -- granted, in a week where 14 other teams play seven times -- but the Los Angeles Angels' pitching staff is far and away my Baseball Challenge pitching staff pick for Week 17, and it's because of who they have starting most often: Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. The six-game week affords them the luxury of skipping Ervin Santana in the rotation -- take note if you're his owner in an AL-only league, as Santana isn't scheduled to start at all in Week 17 -- and puts Weaver and Wilson in line for starts against both the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners, the two lowest-scoring teams in the American League. Combine the track records of the Angels' top four, and they have a 3.08 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 82 career games (49 starts) against the Athletics and a 2.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 101 career games (62 starts) against the Mariners. Among other recommended BBC pitching staffs: Rays (TOR-3, @MIN-3), Arizona Diamondbacks (@PIT-4, WAS-3), St. Louis Cardinals (SF-4, @PHI-3).
There are no games scheduled at Colorado's Coors Field, the No. 1 ballpark in runs scored on our Park Factors page and home to the Colorado Rockies, baseball's No. 1 team in terms of runs scored per game and OPS in home games.
The following pitchers are scheduled to pitch at San Diego's Safeco Field, No. 25 in runs scored on our Park Factor page and home to the San Diego Padres, No. 29 in both runs scored per game and OPS in home games:
• Travis Wood (Monday): 2 career GS, 2.63 ERA, 1.10 WHIP. Start, at least in deep mixed and NL-only leagues.
• Matt Garza (Tuesday): 1 career GS at Petco, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 8 K's last Sept. 27. Start, a rate time a fresh-off-injury pitcher gets my endorsement.
• Jeff Samardzija (Wednesday): Has never started a game at Petco. Start, as back-to-back quality starts have his value on the upswing.
There are no games scheduled at Seattle's Safeco Field, No. 28 in runs scored on our Park Factor page and home to the Mariners, baseball's worst team in terms of runs scored per game and OPS in home games.
• Keep exploiting Houston Astros matchups, as the rebuilding Astros have .224/.292/.342 triple-slash rates while averaging 2.97 runs per game in their past 32 contests. Three Astros opponents -- Gio Gonzalez (Wednesday), Jordan Zimmermann (Thursday) and Yovani Gallardo (Sunday) -- are owned in 100 percent of ESPN leagues, but three others are available in more than 90 percent: Ross Detwiler (Tuesday), Mark Rogers (Friday) and Marco Estrada (Saturday). Detwiler and Estrada each have exactly one career start against the Astros, and each was a quality start; Estrada's was on July 30 (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 6 K). Detwiler, meanwhile, has three quality starts in his past four outings overall.

• Jonathon Niese, available in more than 50 percent of ESPN leagues, might be the sleeper two-start pitcher of the week. He has three quality starts in four tries since the All-Star break, and in his past 11 starts overall, he has a 3.11 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 6.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Niese also has a 3.99 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 10 starts this season at Citi Field, where he'll make both his turns, and one of them will come against the Marlins, who have averaged just 2.45 runs per game since the break.
• Coming off a poor debut for the Rangers, Ryan Dempster faces a second consecutive treacherous matchup: He's scheduled to start Tuesday at Boston's Fenway Park against a Red Sox team that has averaged 5.37 runs per game at home this season. It will be the second in a string of four consecutive awful matchups for Dempster, who's also on pace to pitch Aug. 13 at New York's Yankee Stadium and Aug. 18 at Toronto's Rogers Centre.
• When he takes the mound Wednesday at St. Louis' Busch Stadium, Ryan Vogelsong will be trying to extend his streak of 16 consecutive quality starts, most of any pitcher in baseball this season (no one else has a streak longer than 11) and the sixth-lengthiest such streak since 2000. He has pitched there precisely once in his career, limiting the Cardinals to one run in five innings on May 31, 2011.

Streamer's delight


Among streaming starter -- something I define as single-start options in daily leagues among pitchers owned in 25 percent of ESPN leagues or fewer -- options for Week 17, here are my picks by day:
Monday, August 6: Chris Tillman versus Seattle Mariners
Tuesday, August 7: Ross Detwiler at Houston Astros
Wednesday, August 8: Clayton Richard versus Chicago Cubs
Thursday, August 9: Brett Cecil at Tampa Bay Rays
Friday, August 10: Erik Bedard versus San Diego Padres
Saturday, August 11: Marco Estrada at Houston Astros
Sunday, August 12: Patrick Corbin versus Washington Nationals

Past picks
Friday, July 27: Carlos Zambrano -- 5 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
Saturday, July 28: Barry Zito -- 5 1/3 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Sunday, July 29: Clayton Richard -- 5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Monday, July 30: Marco Estrada -- QS, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Tuesday, July 31: Kris Medlen -- W, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Wednesday, August 1: Bronson Arroyo -- W, 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Thursday, August 2: Barry Zito -- 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Week's total: 7 GS, 2 W (28.6%), 1 QS (14.3%), 38 IP, 38 H, 24 ER, 13 BB, 22 K, 5.68 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Season total: 108 GS, 44 W (40.7%), 56 QS (51.9%), 649 IP, 628 H, 287 ER, 221 BB, 488 K, 3.98 ERA, 1.31 WHIP

Hitting ratings



The chart below lists each of the 30 teams' total number of scheduled games, home games and games versus right- and left-handed pitchers, and provides a matchup rating for the week's games in terms of overall offense, offense for left- and right-handed hitters and base stealing. Matchup ratings for each individual game are listed under the corresponding date.



<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 35px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Team</center></th><th style="width: 12%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Games</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Overall
Rating</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Mon
8/6</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Tue
8/7</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Wed
8/8</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Thu
8/9</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Fri
8/10</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sat
8/11</center></th><th style="width: 11%; vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Sun
8/12</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
7 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 10
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 6
L: 9
R: 2
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SEA
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 6
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
H: 9
L: 8
R: 9
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
5 vs. R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(239, 230, 186);" align="center">H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 7</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 5</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 4
L: 3
R: 6
S: 6</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CLE
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Hitting notes


• The Orioles' offense has picked it up since the All-Star break, averaging 4.59 runs per game with .269/.328/.438 triple-slash rates in their past 17 contests (their seasonal numbers are 4.18 and .244/.306/.407). Having a healthy Nick Markakis back has helped; he is a .368/.404/.506 hitter in his past 20 games and, despite lackluster numbers in terms of home runs (2), RBIs (6) and stolen bases (0) during that span, he warrants activation in all formats. Yes, that's in spite of the three left-handed starters the team is expected to face, as he's a .299/.365/.455 hitter against southpaws this season. That lefty-heavy schedule is a plus for another well-known Oriole, however: Matt Wieters, who has .337/.398/.528 triple-slash rates versus lefties this season. It's also big news for J.J. Hardy, who has broken out of a midseason funk by batting .305 (18-for-59) with two home runs and nine RBIs in his past 15 games.
• Besides the aforementioned David Ortiz, Giancarlo Stanton and Evan Longoria, two other start-worthy fantasy names are scheduled to return from the disabled list early in the week: The Minnesota Twins expect to get Trevor Plouffe back sometime during their week-opening series versus the Indians, while the Angels might have Erick Aybar back in time for their week-opening series at Oakland.
• Don't underestimate the value of the Los Angeles Dodgers' trade acquisitions in terms of how much they boost their lesser-known starters' runs/RBI potential. Mark Ellis is an excellent example; he has been fitting in as a handy No. 2 hitter, posting a .341 on-base percentage out of that spot. He's also a .365/.427/.581 hitter versus left-handers this season, which is a huge plus considering the Dodgers are scheduled to face four lefty starters this week.
• Expect a challenging week for Cardinals hitters, and they're rated accordingly because of the strength of the individual starters they're scheduled to face. Though the Cardinals as a team have averaged 4.95 runs per game with .279/.360/.440 triple-slash rates since the All-Star break, this team is set to face Matt Cain (Monday), the aforementioned Vogelsong (Wednesday) and Madison Bumgarner (Thursday) in three of the four San Francisco Giants games, then Roy Halladay (Friday) and Cliff Lee (Saturday) in two of the three Philadelphia Phillies games. This is a week where, in a shallow mixed league, it's well worth considering benching Allen Craig, Rafael Furcal and Jon Jay.

 

[HacheMan]

Profile: Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs

By Kevin Goldstein | Baseball Prospectus

The situation: With Reed Johnson having been dealt to the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs torching their roster at the trade deadline for all the right reasons, the club sent down Tony Campana to make room for Brett Jackson as their everyday center fielder for the remainder of the season, and maybe beyond.
<offer>Background: It was a surprise to see Jackson drop to 31st overall in the 2009 draft, but he has put up impressive numbers at every level, earning the call with a career minor league batting line of .282/.379/.488, which included a 20-homer/20-steal season in 2011. He was hitting .256/.338/.479 at Iowa this year, with 15 home runs and 27 stolen bases in 106 games, though most of the focus has been on his alarming strikeout rate; he whiffed 158 times in just 407 at-bats.</offer>


What he can do: If Jackson can close some of the massive holes in his swing, he's a true five-tool player. He has above-average raw power and speed, and the ability to post a string of 20/20 seasons. That gives him excellent long-term potential. However, the "ifs" regarding his swing are gigantic. He has a good understanding of the strike zone and is not prone to chasing, but he's not a sound hitter. There isn't an obvious flaw in his swing, or a tendency to chase sliders. He's just not that good a hitter. The hope is that he can display enough power, speed and defense to make up for a low batting average.


Immediate big league future: Jackson is expected to get full-time play in center field as the Cubs evaluate just how ready he is to assume a full-time role in 2013. He certainly has the ability to help immediately in terms of home runs and stolen bases, but it's hard to imagine any situation in which he hits for average right away.


Long term: Jackson has star potential, but it doesn't come without risk. He's a better long-term play than immediate one, but his secondary skills will always make him enticing.

 

[HacheMan]

Is Marlins Park a pitchers park?

Many fantasy owners already consider it so, but what do the numbers show?

By Todd Zola | Mastersball.com

We have a pretty good idea why David Wright is smiling a lot more this season. Just look at his numbers. Is the change in dimensions of his home ballpark a factor in that? Meanwhile, down in Florida, the Miami Marlins are 25th in baseball in home runs at their park, yet their pitching staff is 21st in baseball in home ERA. What can we make of that?

In both these instances, the early returns on how Citi Field and Marlins Park are playing yield surprising results … which could offer the astute fantasy gamer an edge down the stretch.


<offer>Here's a theory: Park factors are useful only after a venue has three years of data to pull from. At least that's what has been drummed into us. This is not completely true, however. Conventionally, park factors are presented as a three-year rolling average, but some trends and generalizations can be gleaned from fewer data points, as long as the conclusions are applied in a global sense and used as an aid in making a decision, not as the primary deciding point.</offer>


The primary purpose of today's exercise is to get an early read on Marlins Park, and to determine if moving the fences in at Citi Field has had any effects. We'll also take a look at Target Field to see if our perceptions of it as being an extreme pitchers park continue to ring true.


Let's begin by looking at the home run and runs scored park indices from the past three seasons for each venue, then compare them to how the park is playing through the games of Aug. 5. We'll include only the 27 parks with three years of data, excluding Marlins Park, Citi Field and Target Field. The three-year average will be computed and compared to the present factor.


There are several versions of the park factor calculation. To compute the HR factor, the numerator is the sum of the home runs totaled and allowed by the home team, divided by the total number of at-bats for both teams; the denominator is the sum of the number of home runs totaled and allowed while the squad is on the road, divided by the total number of at-bats for both teams during these away games. This number is multiplied by 100 to yield the familiar index, with 100 being neutral. To determine the run factor, runs replace homers and games replace at-bats.


Here is the data looking at home runs going back to 2009. The final column labeled "Difference" measures how far off the present (2012) index is from the three-year average: a positive result indicates a higher-than-expected index and a negative outcome represents a lower-than-anticipated factor.



Park Factors: HR indexes

<table><thead><tr><th> Ballpark </th><th> 2009 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 3-year </th><th> 2012 </th><th> Difference </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> U.S. Cellular Field (CHW) </td><td> 120.2 </td><td> 156.6 </td><td> 124.7 </td><td> 133.8 </td><td> 133.9 </td><td> 0.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Progressive Field (CLE) </td><td> 67.0 </td><td> 94.7 </td><td> 106.5 </td><td> 89.4 </td><td> 90.3 </td><td> 0.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Minute Maid Park (HOU) </td><td> 105.2 </td><td> 109.8 </td><td> 113.5 </td><td> 109.5 </td><td> 108.6 </td><td> -0.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Coors Field (COL) </td><td> 105.1 </td><td> 144.0 </td><td> 130.0 </td><td> 126.4 </td><td> 128.6 </td><td> 2.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> O.co Coliseum (OAK) </td><td> 95.3 </td><td> 71.5 </td><td> 81.3 </td><td> 82.7 </td><td> 80.0 </td><td> -2.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Dodger Stadium (LAD) </td><td> 87.9 </td><td> 101.4 </td><td> 93.7 </td><td> 94.3 </td><td> 97.1 </td><td> 2.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Rogers Centre (TOR) </td><td> 101.8 </td><td> 134.8 </td><td> 114.0 </td><td> 116.9 </td><td> 113.7 </td><td> -3.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Wrigley Field (CHC) </td><td> 101.7 </td><td> 109.9 </td><td> 98.7 </td><td> 103.4 </td><td> 100.3 </td><td> -3.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Comerica Park (DET) </td><td> 99.6 </td><td> 90.5 </td><td> 99.6 </td><td> 96.6 </td><td> 105.0 </td><td> 8.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Yankee Stadium (NYY) </td><td> 125.7 </td><td> 142.8 </td><td> 125.9 </td><td> 131.5 </td><td> 122.3 </td><td> -9.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Busch Stadium (STL) </td><td> 74.1 </td><td> 77.5 </td><td> 80.7 </td><td> 77.4 </td><td> 86.9 </td><td> 9.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Rangers Ballpark (TEX) </td><td> 119.0 </td><td> 114.2 </td><td> 145.6 </td><td> 126.3 </td><td> 116.5 </td><td> -9.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Tropicana Field (TB) </td><td> 93.5 </td><td> 96.8 </td><td> 91.1 </td><td> 93.8 </td><td> 82.7 </td><td> -11.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Camden Yards (BAL) </td><td> 115.0 </td><td> 122.3 </td><td> 112.4 </td><td> 116.5 </td><td> 129.7 </td><td> 13.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Nationals Park (WAS) </td><td> 95.4 </td><td> 98.6 </td><td> 112.5 </td><td> 102.2 </td><td> 89.0 </td><td> -13.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Citizens Bank Park (PHI) </td><td> 101.5 </td><td> 113.0 </td><td> 94.4 </td><td> 103.0 </td><td> 120.5 </td><td> 17.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Turner Field (ATL) </td><td> 86.5 </td><td> 103.4 </td><td> 94.5 </td><td> 94.8 </td><td> 76.6 </td><td> -18.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Fenway Park (BOS) </td><td> 100.1 </td><td> 87.1 </td><td> 85.2 </td><td> 90.8 </td><td> 111.3 </td><td> 20.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> PNC Park (PIT) </td><td> 102.8 </td><td> 80.2 </td><td> 80.7 </td><td> 87.9 </td><td> 62.8 </td><td> -25.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Petco Park (SD) </td><td> 74.0 </td><td> 87.6 </td><td> 87.4 </td><td> 83.0 </td><td> 56.4 </td><td> -26.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Angel Stadium (LAA) </td><td> 123.3 </td><td> 82.3 </td><td> 79.9 </td><td> 95.2 </td><td> 68.1 </td><td> -27.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Kauffman Stadium (KC) </td><td> 73.7 </td><td> 89.6 </td><td> 70.1 </td><td> 77.8 </td><td> 105.7 </td><td> 27.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Safeco Field (SEA) </td><td> 87.6 </td><td> 67.7 </td><td> 106.3 </td><td> 87.2 </td><td> 58.3 </td><td> -28.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> AT&T Park (SF) </td><td> 99.0 </td><td> 90.0 </td><td> 60.5 </td><td> 83.2 </td><td> 47.5 </td><td> -35.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Chase Field (ARI) </td><td> 103.0 </td><td> 104.5 </td><td> 107.9 </td><td> 105.1 </td><td> 141.3 </td><td> 36.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Great American Ball Park (CIN) </td><td> 118.6 </td><td> 113.7 </td><td> 133.3 </td><td> 121.9 </td><td> 168.4 </td><td> 46.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Miller Park (MIL) </td><td> 108.0 </td><td> 122.7 </td><td> 105.7 </td><td> 112.1 </td><td> 167.4 </td><td> 55.2 </td></tr></tbody></table>



What we'll do now is focus on the difference column and decide what that means in a big-picture sense. To do this, we must accept that park factors are best thought of as ranges and not a static number. It shouldn't be too hard to convince yourself of this; just look at the variance between the three years on almost all of the venues. If you are still reticent, draw a parallel to how you evaluate players when putting together your cheat sheets. Most employ value tiers, where players within each tier are considered the same, even though their dollar value or ranking may be a little different. All we are doing is "tiering" the ballparks.


Now let's think about the park factor itself, and what it means for player performance. A player with a neutral home park should hit about as many homers at home as on the road. Let's say he hit 30 for the season, 15 home and 15 away. Using the same hitter with a home-field HR index of 110, his projected home total would then be 16.5, meaning he would have smashed 31 or 32 dingers instead of 30. If the factor were 90, his total would have been 28 or 29. In other words, 10 park factor units equal only one or two homers per season.


Looking at the above data, 12 of 27 ballparks, or 44 percent, have a difference of 10 or fewer. Eighteen of the 27 ballparks (67 percent) show a difference of 20 or fewer. That means two-thirds of the teams sampled show a 30-homer hitter to still hit 27 to 33 homers in their ballparks.


Now let's look at the park factor for runs.



Park Factors: Runs indexes

<table><thead><tr><th> Ballpark </th><th> 2009 </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 3-year </th><th> 2012 </th><th> Difference </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Rogers Centre (TOR) </td><td> 93.7 </td><td> 105.8 </td><td> 115.2 </td><td> 104.9 </td><td> 104.5 </td><td> -0.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Rangers Ballpark (TEX) </td><td> 108.5 </td><td> 109.1 </td><td> 140.9 </td><td> 119.5 </td><td> 120.2 </td><td> 0.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Tropicana Field (TB) </td><td> 99.6 </td><td> 80.0 </td><td> 81.7 </td><td> 87.1 </td><td> 86.3 </td><td> -0.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Petco Park (SD) </td><td> 74.1 </td><td> 88.2 </td><td> 81.9 </td><td> 81.4 </td><td> 79.6 </td><td> -1.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Dodger Stadium (LAD) </td><td> 102.0 </td><td> 86.4 </td><td> 82.6 </td><td> 90.3 </td><td> 86.9 </td><td> -3.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Nationals Park (WAS) </td><td> 100.8 </td><td> 96.5 </td><td> 95.5 </td><td> 97.6 </td><td> 101.9 </td><td> 4.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Comerica Park (DET) </td><td> 102.6 </td><td> 98.1 </td><td> 106.1 </td><td> 102.3 </td><td> 106.8 </td><td> 4.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Citizens Bank Park (PHI) </td><td> 102.8 </td><td> 99.1 </td><td> 99.7 </td><td> 100.5 </td><td> 95.0 </td><td> -5.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Yankee Stadium (NYY) </td><td> 96.5 </td><td> 117.7 </td><td> 113.1 </td><td> 109.1 </td><td> 102.5 </td><td> 6.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Progressive Field (CLE) </td><td> 83.8 </td><td> 94.7 </td><td> 96.0 </td><td> 91.5 </td><td> 83.4 </td><td> -8.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Wrigley Field (CHC) </td><td> 114.6 </td><td> 117.0 </td><td> 93.4 </td><td> 108.3 </td><td> 99.5 </td><td> -8.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Busch Stadium (STL) </td><td> 91.9 </td><td> 93.7 </td><td> 89.6 </td><td> 91.7 </td><td> 100.8 </td><td> 9.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Great American Ball Park (CIN) </td><td> 97.5 </td><td> 100.7 </td><td> 108.2 </td><td> 102.1 </td><td> 111.8 </td><td> 9.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Minute Maid Park (HOU) </td><td> 113.6 </td><td> 104.3 </td><td> 92.0 </td><td> 103.3 </td><td> 91.4 </td><td> -11.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Turner Field (ATL) </td><td> 89.5 </td><td> 100.7 </td><td> 95.3 </td><td> 95.2 </td><td> 107.3 </td><td> 12.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Camden Yards (BAL) </td><td> 103.7 </td><td> 111.2 </td><td> 99.5 </td><td> 104.8 </td><td> 118.3 </td><td> 13.6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Kauffman Stadium (KC) </td><td> 93.0 </td><td> 86.4 </td><td> 110.0 </td><td> 96.5 </td><td> 110.3 </td><td> 13.9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> O.co Coliseum (OAK) </td><td> 97.4 </td><td> 95.6 </td><td> 94.7 </td><td> 95.9 </td><td> 80.1 </td><td> -15.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Fenway Park (BOS) </td><td> 107.2 </td><td> 108.3 </td><td> 117.3 </td><td> 110.9 </td><td> 126.7 </td><td> 15.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Coors Field (COL) </td><td> 124.7 </td><td> 136.4 </td><td> 134.7 </td><td> 131.9 </td><td> 148.3 </td><td> 16.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Safeco Field (SEA) </td><td> 94.7 </td><td> 81.3 </td><td> 85.5 </td><td> 87.2 </td><td> 67.7 </td><td> -19.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> U.S. Cellular Field (CHW) </td><td> 106.2 </td><td> 113.5 </td><td> 99.1 </td><td> 106.3 </td><td> 129.4 </td><td> 23.1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Chase Field (ARI) </td><td> 119.3 </td><td> 104.9 </td><td> 114.6 </td><td> 112.9 </td><td> 140.6 </td><td> 27.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Angel Stadium (LAA) </td><td> 111.3 </td><td> 100.7 </td><td> 99.2 </td><td> 103.7 </td><td> 76.0 </td><td> -27.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> AT&T Park (SF) </td><td> 105.2 </td><td> 94.2 </td><td> 73.7 </td><td> 91.0 </td><td> 62.3 </td><td> -28.8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> PNC Park (PIT) </td><td> 102.2 </td><td> 102.6 </td><td> 95.9 </td><td> 100.2 </td><td> 66.7 </td><td> -33.5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Miller Park (MIL) </td><td> 88.6 </td><td> 100.5 </td><td> 104.1 </td><td> 97.7 </td><td> 134.2 </td><td> 36.5 </td></tr></tbody></table>



In this table, 13 parks fall within 10 units of the anticipated, and 21 of the 27 teams within 20 units of what is expected. The player impact is a bit different, as runs are more relevant to pitchers. In a neutral venue, a pitcher with an ERA of 3.50 over 180 innings surrenders 70 earned runs. This amounts to about three to four runs per every 10 park units. Even 10 park units are only about seven runs. You may question the word "only," but realize that over the course of a season, so many other factors go into runs allowed (which is why we spent two previous installments looking at the components of ERA) that even a difference of 20 park units is going to be just one of many contributors, not the deciding factor.


What does this all mean in terms of small sample reliability? Well, let's recall what we are trying to accomplish: deciding how dependable the early returns are for Marlins Park and Citi Field. Obviously, the certainty is not absolute. But we are at the point in the season where even the slightest edge could be the difference between winning and losing, especially in head-to-head formats. Sure, it would have been better if all the teams were within the discussed ranges, but what we have is pretty significant, especially when you consider how many other decisions are made with data that have similar noise. Your mileage may vary, but at this point, I'm comfortable looking at the data for Marlins Park and Citi Field in an effort to glean an edge down the stretch.


Marlins Park




As of this writing, the HR index for Marlins Park is 87, and the run index is a somewhat surprising 108. The perception coming into the season was that the new facility would favor pitchers. Well that's half right; homers are indeed depressed. But overall, run scoring is above average, even on par with U.S. Cellular Field and Yankee Stadium. While the quality of opponent is more important than the park factor, I am certainly going to think twice before I automatically start Mark Buehrle, Nate Eovaldi, Wade LeBlanc or especially Ricky Nolasco just because the Marlins are at home.


The same holds true for marginal visiting pitchers, though the Triple-A lineup the Marlins currently have trumps the park index. I'll certainly trust a visiting pitcher with a strong strikeout rate facing the mediocre Marlins attack. With regard to enemy batters: Although homers are depressed, run production in general gets a boost, which buoys the RBI and runs scored totals.



Citi Field (with the new dimensions)

The Citi Field construction workers who spent the winter moving the right-field fence closer to home plate, not to mention David Wright and Ike Davis, should be pleased. The renovation seems to have had the desired effect. Homers have risen to an index of 109 at Citi Field after averaging 84 for the ballpark's first three campaigns.


Curiously, the runs index is actually down a few points, sitting at 83 after settling around 91 previously. If this holds fast, it is the best of both worlds; the Mets' home run hitters can continue to add to their totals, but their pitchers need not be concerned that their ERAs will be negatively affected by the closer and shorter fences. To be completely frank, I'm skeptical the run index will continue to be that low. However, the reasons for my skepticism extend beyond the scope of this treatment (but are tentatively scheduled to be discussed, along with a more in-depth treatment of park factors in general, during the offseason).


I suspect Citi Field will still be pitcher-friendly, just not to the extent currently thought. As such, the Mets' staff is still fine to start at home. And if you have been benching opposing hitters, especially lefties, at Citi Field, it is time to loosen the reins. It's not exactly Coors Field, but home run hitters should no longer be intimidated by the place.



Target Field




Before calling it a day, let's take a gander at Target Field, revealing what may be surprising results. Here's the data for its first two seasons, along with the current campaign:



<table><thead><tr><th> Target Field (MIN) </th><th> 2010 </th><th> 2011 </th><th> 2012 </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Runs index </td><td> 96.2 </td><td> 94.4 </td><td> 109.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Home run index </td><td> 65.0 </td><td> 90.0 </td><td> 90.0 </td></tr></tbody></table>



It sure looks as though Target Field is not quite as daunting as we first thought. Reasons for the above fluctuation in HR index will be broached in the future, but the take-home lesson is that Target Field, while still not favorable for power, is not nearly as intimidating as it appeared to be in its inaugural season. Not to mention, with respect to run scoring, it has been playing almost neutral the entire time.


In my eyes, this is especially relevant in leagues in which starts and innings are at a premium. Minnesota arms are even less desirable; their wins potential was already suspect, and now it appears a good offense can inflict some damage that the park will not suppress. React accordingly.

 

[HacheMan]

A's in the Hole

It was a good news/bad news Sunday for the A’s rotation.



Oakland decided to place impressive rookie A.J. Griffin on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, an injury he suffered during Saturday’s start. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) is ready to come off the DL to replace him.



McCarthy cruised through six shutout innings for Triple-A Sacramento Saturday to convince the A’s he was ready, striking out nine batters in the process. It’s no given that the tall right-hander’s shoulder issues are behind him, but he’s put up a 2.54 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 12 starts this season, so obviously he needs to be in all fantasy lineups when healthy.



Griffin’s shoulder ailment isn’t considered to be a big deal, but the A’s could afford to play it safe with him given all their rotation depth. That brings us to this question:



What are the A’s going to do when (if) all of their starters are healthy?



Not only is McCarthy ready to return this week and Griffin likely to be ready before the end of the month, but Brett Anderson (elbow) is also nearing the end of his rehab assignment. Bartolo Colon and Jarrod Parker are locked into two spots, and McCarthy is, as well, as long as he’s healthy. Tommy Milone’s numbers overall this season (3.91 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) are pretty rock-solid, but he’s really struggled on the road (5.77 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) and has been knocked around the last three times out. If he doesn’t right the ship soon and Dan Straily – who was impressive in his MLB debut – pitches well, Milone’s spot could be in jeopardy when Anderson returns later this month.



We haven’t even mentioned Travis Blackley (3.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP in 19 games – 10 starts) and Dallas Braden (shoulder), who could still be ready sometime in September despite a recent groin strain that’s set him back.



It’s a fluid situation that could change from start to start and week to week. No matter how it shakes out, though, it seems likely that a starter or two deserving of a rotation spot will be left out in the cold.



Cubbie Kids



Cubs fans have very little to look forward to most nights. But, Anthony Rizzo has provided a spark to their lineup, and the team is hoping Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters can do the same.



The Cubbies called up both former first-round picks Sunday and immediately inserted Jackson into the lineup, batting him second and sticking him in center field. The former Cal Bear had an immediate impact, picking up a pair of hits, a walk and a run scored against the Dodgers. Vitters appeared in the game as a pinch-hitter and flew out.



Jackson is an intriguing talent because he has power and speed, profiling as a potential 20/20 man during his prime years. He batted .256/.338/.479 with 15 homers and 27 steals at Triple-A Iowa this season, which is pretty good. He also struck out 158 times in 467 plate appearances, which is awfully bad. He’s unlikely to help out in the average department, but Jackson is worth a gamble in mixed leagues, anyway, due to his power/speed combo.



With Jackson taking over in center field and David DeJesus moving over to right field, Bryan LaHair is without a job. He already had been sitting regularly against left-handed pitching, and he’s really struggled the last couple months, putting up a .686 OPS in June and a .517 OPS in July. The All-Star can probably be dropped in mixed leagues.



Even though Vitters wasn’t in the lineup Sunday, he figures to be most days. The 2007 No. 3 overall pick was on the way to his best minor league season, hitting .304/.356/.513 batting line with 17 homers over 452 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa. He doesn’t have the swing-and-miss issues like Jackson, but he also draws very few walks and doesn’t run. He’s more of an option in NL-only formats.









National League Quick Hits: A.J. Burnett on Sunday against the Reds came within one out of his second complete game of the season in another impressive showing. He now boasts a 3.19 ERA and 1.15 WHIP for the season … Chipper Jones reiterated his plans to retire after the season despite what has been a fine year … Pablo Sandoval (hamstring) is expected back from the disabled list in about a week. He’s been able to do sprints without any issues … Brandon Phillips (calf) sat out a fifth straight game Sunday. He could be back in the lineup Monday, though … Chris Johnson went deep again Sunday, giving him three homers in six games since joining the Diamondbacks. It won’t last, but he can be played in fantasy leagues while he’s hot … Andrew Cashner (lat) will resume throwing from a mound Wednesday. He could begin a rehab assignment after that and is hoping to rejoin the Padres’ rotation in late August or early September ... Matt Garza (triceps) isn’t quite over his injury and looks headed to the disabled list. The Cubs are likely to call up Casey Coleman to fill in … Jaime Garcia (shoulder) had another successful rehab start Saturday and will make what’s likely to be his final one Thursday. He’ll then rejoin the Cards’ rotation, likely bumping Joe Kelly to the bullpen.



American League Quick Hits: Rays manager Joe Maddon said there’s a 50/50 chance that Evan Longoria (hamstring) returns to the lineup Tuesday. Longo has admitted that his hamstring still isn’t quite 100 percent, so the Rays are hesitant to commit to his return date … Francisco Liriano left Sunday’s start with a right quad contusion. The White Sox don’t think it’s serious and at this point expect the left-hander to make his next start … Ryan Cook could be removed from the A’s closer role after blowing his fourth save in the last six chances Saturday. If the A’s do wind up making a move, Grant Balfour is likely to take over the ninth inning … The Red Sox acquired Danny Valencia from the Twins Sunday. He’ll represent depth at Triple-A … Jeff Baker was picked up by the Tigers Sunday. He probably won’t see a ton of playing time but makes for a threat off the bench against left-handed pitching … The Royals will use Jeff Francoeur and Jarrod Dyson in a timeshare, with Dyson likely to wind up seeing more playing time as a left-handed batter. It could only be a matter of time before we see Wil Myers, though … Chris Perez was touched up for five runs on three hits and two walks in Sunday’s extra-innings loss to the Tigers. He had been unscored upon in the second half before the meltdown, so it’s unlikely the Tribe will make a change at closer at this point.​

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy trade deadline targets

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Tick, tick, tick …

The countdown to the trade deadline in ESPN standard leagues has reached a measure of hours; it arrives Friday at noon ET, or less than 72 hours from the publishing of this week's "60 Feet, 6 Inches." This is a hard deadline, unlike the waiver-trade funny business in the real game, with a Joe Blanton or Kurt Suzuki being moved post-"deadline." Get your trades in now, as there is no better way to address your team's needs than via trade!


To help get you started, this week's "60 Feet" -- and "Hit Parade" and "Relief Efforts" following it the next two days -- identifies players who appear especially attractive underpriced acquisitions, or overpriced comparative to projected remaining value. I stop a step short from calling them straight "buy-low, sell-high" candidates; these are name-brand players, almost all of them. They just happen to be players whom, today, I view worth the anticipated price tag (or more) on the "buy" side, or not quite their perceived value on the "sell" side.


Go get 'em



<!-- begin player card -->

Matt Moore

#55 SP
Tampa Bay Rays

2012 STATS

• GM21
• W8
• L7
• BB60
• K118
• ERA3.84

<!-- end player card -->

Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays: The sky -- career-wise -- has always been the limit for Moore. He was Keith Law's No. 3 prospect overall this preseason. He was ESPN Fantasy's consensus No. 19 starting pitcher in our preseason rankings. He was the No. 20 starting pitcher selected, on average, in live drafts in the preseason. There was scarcely an individual out there who didn't have great expectations from Moore, even in 2012.


But, as rookies so often do, Moore struggled initially. Come the All-Star break, he was the owner of a 4.42 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 41.2 percentage of quality starts (7-for-17). Moore only truly contributed in the strikeout column in the season's first half, whiffing 96. In four starts since then, however, he has shown improvement, winning three with a 1.46 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 22 K's. Yes, that included a win/quality start at the Los Angeles Angels, one of the game's most potent offenses since the beginning of June.


Considering Moore is now 23 starts into his big league career -- let's credit him his 2011 postseason start toward that measure of "experience" -- how unlikely is it that his disappointing first half was merely the dreaded adjustment period that all young pitchers face at this level? The truly best pitching prospects often make said adjustments quickly, 23 remains a tiny number, and let's not criticize Moore for his first half as if he was one of the worst pitchers in baseball during that time. He wasn't Tim Lincecum-bad, after all.


I buy Moore as a potential top-25 starter, right within range of preseason expectations, the remainder of the way. As you can see, he's ranked as such this week, and there's not a question in my mind that I'd trade any one of the pitchers ranked beneath him straight up for the rookie lefty. Moore's No. 28 is a rock-solid, non-fluid ranking; I'd even say it's on par with any of the top 60 ranked hitters you'll read in Wednesday's "Hit Parade."


<!-- begin player card -->

Cliff Lee

#33 SP
Philadelphia Phillies

2012 STATS

• GM19
• W2
• L6
• BB24
• K124
• ERA3.78

<!-- end player card -->

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies: Ten runs allowed combined in his past three starts or, for more novice fantasy baseball owners, his "pathetic" two-win season total, formulate your case for acquiring Lee on the cheap. Here's another, for Player Rater lovers: He's the No. 57 starting pitcher, that calculating year-to-date earnings.


Now, here's what matters: In his past six starts, all since July 1, he has four quality starts, a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 35 strikeouts. He has a 1.02 walks-per-nine innings ratio during that span that ranks fifth among pitchers with at least five starts and a 7.00 K's per walk ratio that ranks fourth. And, for the season, he has an xFIP of 3.18, seventh-best among all qualified starters. With the exception of his late-April disabled-list stint and a four-start slump in June, Lee hasn't performed beneath a top-10 fantasy starter -- at least outside of the wins category. Granted, the Phillies' recent trades of Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino, coupled with the injury to Carlos Ruiz, diminishes the amount of run support Lee will receive. But if he's a 3.00-ERA, 1.00-WHIP, near-K-per-inning starter who wins, say, five of his final 10-12 starts, who's going to complain?


Looking at the rankings, there are only two starters ranked beneath Lee whom I might not trade for him straight up: Roy Halladay, for whom an argument can be made that his rest-of-2012 upside is equal to Lee's, and Stephen Strasburg, whose rest-of-year prognosis is discussed later in the column. And in either example, I'm more confident in Lee from a "safety" standpoint.


<!-- begin player card -->

Josh Johnson

#55 SP
Miami Marlins

2012 STATS

• GM22
• W7
• L7
• BB41
• K118
• ERA3.85

<!-- end player card -->

Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins: Josh Johnson has thrown his team's first pitch -- recorded, not ceremonial -- of a game 22 times this season, and on only three of those occasions did he do so while sporting an ERA beneath four. He also is a pitcher who ranked high on the "health risks" list entering 2012; shoulder problems limited him to nine starts in 2011 and cast doubts upon his bounce-back potential this season.


To be fair to Johnson, though, his year-to-date ERA was done in by three separate poor outings in his first six turns of the season, but in his 16 starts -- a more sizable sample -- since, he has looked every bit the part of the make-a-run-at-the-top-10 starter that he played a little over a calendar year ago. During that span, Johnson has a 3.00 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 8.12 K's-per-nine ratio and 68.8 percentage of quality starts (11-for-16), numbers that might look even more outstanding if not for a three-start "blip" from July 4-18 during which he allowed 14 runs total.


Johnson might possess nearly an equal amount of health risk today as he did in March, but it's at this stage of the season -- with less than one-third of the schedule left to play -- during which a roll of the dice is warranted. Play up the injury issues and his near-4.00 ERA for the season, and see if you can acquire him cheaper than a price worthy of the No. 16 starter the rest of the year. Frankly, I think I'm going to wind up having under-ranked him when August-September stats are in.


<!-- begin player card -->

Mike Minor

#36 SP
Atlanta Braves

2012 STATS

• GM20
• W6
• L7
• BB44
• K99
• ERA5.01

<!-- end player card -->

Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves: Talk about poor year-to-date ERAs: Minor's is 5.01. He also had only four quality starts in his first 15 turns of the season, had a 3.99 walks-per-nine ratio -- feel free to call that "four" in your trade discussions -- and wasn't even guaranteed his rotation spot coming out of the All-Star break. All of this is relevant data if you're trying to talk his owner down on Minor's price tag.


This is what counts: Minor has a 1.74 walks-per-nine ratio in his past five starts, four of which were quality starts. He struck out 24.1 percent of the hitters he faced during that span, nearly five percent more than the major league average. And that's ignoring the considerable contributions he has made in ERA and WHIP during that span; I am focusing entirely upon the command gains he has made.


It is those command improvements that have put Minor, Keith Law's No. 61 prospect overall in 2011, back into the "upside" class of fantasy starting pitchers, capable of sneaking into the top 40 at his position, a group that is nearly "must-start" every remaining turn. Minor might cost you little -- I'd bet you can get him straight up for a Tim Lincecum, James McDonald or Francisco Liriano, and from a hitters angle, perhaps a Josh Reddick -- but the payoff could be huge.


<!-- begin player card -->

James Shields

#33 SP
Tampa Bay Rays

2012 STATS

• GM22
• W9
• L7
• BB44
• K145
• ERA4.24

<!-- end player card -->

James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays: Shields has driven his fantasy owners crazy, not only this season, but also during his inexplicably poor 2010, and he's the kind of pitcher fantasy analysts are talking about when they say, "His numbers are due some statistical correction." Perhaps there isn't a greater example from the past half-decade of a pitcher whose raw Rotisserie statistics waver at the whims of his peripheral/sabermetric measures; Shields always seems to be "regressing to the mean."


A guess: Shields' owner might part with him for anything that even feels "safer," meaning even a Jon Lester, a Ryan Vogelsong or Lance Lynn. I bet that Shields' owners feel anything but "safe." But here's the truth: Shields' FIP (3.65) ranks 36th out of 99 qualified starters and his xFIP (3.39) ranks 16th; his 4.24 ERA ranks 66th by comparison. He is coming off the best outing of his season, a three-hit shutout, 11-strikeout performance at Oakland, and he has three consecutive games of double-digit strikeouts.


Perhaps Shields' recent upturn might have his owners warming to him. Toss this at them: "Shields is going to face a lot of the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays the rest of the year." It's the truth: Twenty-two of their remaining 54 games are against those teams. I say there's no reason to sweat, and despite the challenging schedule, he might yet make a run at the top 25.


Sell, SELL!!!



<!-- begin player card -->

Stephen Strasburg

#37 SP
Washington Nationals

2012 STATS

• GM22
• W12
• L5
• BB34
• K160
• ERA2.97

<!-- end player card -->

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals: I love Stephen Strasburg, as both fan and fantasy owner.


I do not believe in the slightest that he will tally more than 170 innings in 2012.


Those are my two firm feelings about Strasburg, and "selling" him is a matter of the math. On a per-start basis, he's as valuable as any pitcher on my list. If you disagree with my assessment of his anticipated innings total, clinging to the hopes that the Nationals' contender status (World Series?) might cause them to throw the "innings cap" book out the window, by all means don't sell. Strasburg sans limitation is a commodity I would not trade for a single name on this list beneath Felix Hernandez. Yes, that is a top-five fantasy starter.


But the Nationals will cap Strasburg's innings. They want to win the war, not the 2012 battle, and their strategy was right there, in black and white, in Jordan Zimmermann's 2011 innings total, his first full season following Tommy John surgery. I rank Strasburg assuming 170 innings -- that's 42 2/3 more, or approximately seven more starts -- knowing full well even that might be generous, since Zimmermann threw 161 last season. That's where the "math" comes in: Strasburg's No. 18 ranking this week accounts for performance in only seven remaining starts, whereas the other pitchers slotted around him are on track for another 11-12 apiece. Considering the difference in quantity, a No. 18 ranking might seem somewhat surprising.


If you play in a league where losing Strasburg, completely and without much advanced warning at the most critical stage of your season, might crush your championship hopes, you've got three days to trade him. Do so. I could make the case, in this example, to trade him for anyone in my rankings down to Moore (28th).


<!-- begin player card -->

Lance Lynn

#31 SP
St. Louis Cardinals

2012 STATS

• GM21
• W13
• L4
• BB45
• K127
• ERA3.40

<!-- end player card -->

Lance Lynn, St. Louis Cardinals: Lynn's inclusion is less an innings-cap concern than it is a worry that the Cardinals might go in the opposite direction: They'll keep throwing Lynn.


Facts are facts: Lynn has a 5.16 ERA, 1.58 WHIP is 50.0 percent in quality starts (4-for-8) since mid-June, effectively contributing only in the strikeout department during that span, with 41 in 45 1/3 innings. Whether it's fair to attribute that slump to his increase in workload or not -- he threw 109 2/3 innings between the majors and minors in 2011, and he already has thrown 127 this year -- there's enough historical evidence that such innings spikes adversely affect a pitcher's stats. Some pitchers get hurt, some get their routines altered and struggle afterward, and some just keep pitching and stink in terms of fantasy value.


Lynn's No. 38 ranking shows that I don't see him becoming entirely useless the remainder of the year. It does, however, show that he's no automatic every-week starter. Digging beneath him on the list, I'd give serious thought to trading him straight up for Wandy Rodriguez, Ben Sheets or Minor.


<!-- begin player card -->

Phil Hughes

#65 SP
New York Yankees

2012 STATS

• GM21
• W11
• L8
• BB31
• K109
• ERA3.96

<!-- end player card -->

Phil Hughes, New York Yankees: He's like the anti-James Shields, a guy whose peripherals show that he has been somewhat lucky thus far. Hughes' FIP-ERA differential of -0.76 (3.96 ERA, 4.72 FIP) ranks ninth-most on the wrong side of the ledger.


Here's why that's a problem: Hughes, mostly because of his bandbox home ballpark, gives up far too many home runs to consistently walk the path of good fortune. He has a 1.77 home runs per nine innings ratio, second highest among qualified starters to Ervin Santana. Hughes also has a homers-per-nine ratio greater than 1.00 in each of the past three seasons, which is troubling considering the two biggest reasons for his 2012 rebound are his wins total (11) and his improved walk rate; if he gives back even a little of the 1.06 walks-per-nine differential between his 2011 (3.25) and 2012 (2.19) numbers, he's in trouble.


Yankees pitchers often catch a break on the fantasy trade market, due to the amount of coverage they receive. I say capitalize; he is barely a top-40 fantasy starting pitcher but probably the one I felt least comfortable putting in there. (That's mostly because of I hate giving a pitcher credit for win potential.) If you can get anyone ranked noticeably higher -- or a start-every-week hitter like Ben Revere -- I say you should do it.


<!-- begin player card -->

R.A. Dickey

#43 SP
New York Mets

2012 STATS

• GM23
• W14
• L3
• BB36
• K156
• ERA2.82

<!-- end player card -->

R.A. Dickey, New York Mets: No, Mets, no you do not want to throw Dickey on three days' rest the remainder of the year!


Perhaps the temptation to do so a month ago, when Dickey was performing as well as any pitcher in baseball, might have been irresistible. But today, when Dickey is in a seven-game, six-start stretch during which is ERA is 4.69? This simply is not a prime time to experiment, especially not since his Mets have slipped in the standings to the point where their wild-card hopes aren't great anyway.


The other concern about Dickey is his decreased usage and effectiveness of his "hard knuckler" during that six-start cold spell. In that time, he has thrown his 80-plus-mph knuckleball 14 percent of the time, and opponents have batted .300 against it while missing on 20 percent of their swings. In the season's first three months, to compare, he threw it 17 percent of the time, and they batted .072 and missed 39 percent of the time. Whether that's a product of regression to the mean, the weather (increased humidity adversely impacts a knuckler) or fatigue is unclear, but some degree of each seems likely.



TOP 100 STARTING PITCHERS

Note: Tristan H. Cockcroft's top 100 starting pitchers are ranked for their expected performance from this point forward, not for statistics that have already been accrued.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> 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"> 4 </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"> 6 </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"> 5 </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"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, TB </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;"> CC Sabathia, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee, Phi </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;"> Zack Greinke, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Wainwright, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Zimmermann, Wsh </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;"> Roy Halladay, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Johnson, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Wilson, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hiroki Kuroda, NYY </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;"> Yovani Gallardo, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> R.A. Dickey, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Fister, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kennedy, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Haren, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Moore, TB </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;"> Jake Peavy, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Hudson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade Miley, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Shields, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </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"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Max Scherzer, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Dempster, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Phil Hughes, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jon Lester, Bos </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;"> Mike Fiers, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Edwin Jackson, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jarrod Parker, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Yu Darvish, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Sheets, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Minor, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clay Buchholz, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon McCarthy, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vance Worley, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wei-Yin Chen, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </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"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathon Niese, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Harrison, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James McDonald, Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anibal Sanchez, Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </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"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Billingsley, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Samardzija, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Hellickson, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shaun Marcum, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Holland, Tex </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kris Medlen, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Francisco Liriano, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Garza, ChC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Milone, Oak </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;"> Trevor Cahill, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marco Estrada, Mil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Beckett, Bos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </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"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Blanton, LAD </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;"> Paul Maholm, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Diamond, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bartolo Colon, Oak </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;"> Ross Detwiler, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Homer Bailey, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jaime Garcia, StL </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;"> Bronson Arroyo, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dan Straily, Oak </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;"> Mark Buehrle, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Vargas, Sea </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;"> Ricky Romero, Tor </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </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"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bud Norris, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Young, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Cobb, TB </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;"> Jose Quintana, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Feldman, Tex </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;"> Andy Pettitte, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hisashi Iwakuma, Sea </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;"> Ricky Nolasco, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Karstens, Pit </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;"> Gavin Floyd, CWS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trevor Bauer, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Luke Hochevar, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr></tbody></table>




Dickey is currently the No. 3 starting pitcher on our Player Rater. If you can get anything in the top 20 in these rankings, do it.


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, August 7: Ross Detwiler at Houston Astros
Wednesday, August 8: Clayton Richard versus Chicago Cubs
Thursday, August 9: Mike Leake at Chicago Cubs
Friday, August 10: Homer Bailey at Chicago Cubs
Saturday, August 11: Marco Estrada at Houston Astros
Sunday, August 12: Patrick Corbin versus Washington Nationals
Monday, August 13: Alex Cobb at Seattle Mariners


Past picks
Tuesday, July 31: Kris Medlen -- W, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Wednesday, August 1: Bronson Arroyo -- W, 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Thursday, August 2: Barry Zito -- 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Friday, August 3: Clayton Richard -- W, QS, 7 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Saturday, August 4: Mark Rogers -- 5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Sunday, August 5: Freddy Garcia -- W, 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Monday, August 6: Chris Tillman -- W, QS, 7 1/3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K


Week's total: 7 GS, 5 W (71.4%), 2 QS (28.6%), 39 2/3 IP, 42 H, 21 ER, 14 BB, 19 K, 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP
Season total: 112 GS, 47 W (42.0%), 58 QS (51.8%), 673 1/3 IP, 653 H, 296 ER, 229 BB, 502 K, 3.96 ERA, 1.31 WHIP


Three up



A.J. Burnett, Pittsburgh Pirates: Let's put aside the remarkable stretch of performance in the wins category for a moment; Burnett's 13 wins in his past 15 starts warrants merely a mention. What he truly deserves credit for during his recent upswing, however, has been his command. During his past eight starts, he has averaged 3.62 K's per walk and 7.34 K's per nine innings. Six of his past eight turns have been quality starts, and if you have the luxury of picking and choosing his matchups -- heads up to those of you in innings/starts cap leagues -- he's 7-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 10 starts at PNC Park this season.


Mike Fiers, Milwaukee Brewers: To think, a little over a month ago, Fiers was only deserving of the label "fill-in starter." No longer. He's on a streak of seven consecutive quality starts, and during that time he has 49 K's compared to 12 walks in 46 innings. In other words, Fiers has done for the Brewers precisely what he did in the minors: rack up a better-than-a-K-per-inning rate while keeping his walks in check. Whether the usual adjustment period for young pitchers caveat applies or not, Fiers' ERA/WHIP shouldn't entirely go in the tank, not with command numbers like this. In as little as a month, he has put himself into the discussion of every-start fantasy options.


Kris Medlen, Atlanta Braves: Initially regarded as a temporary rotation fill-in, Medlen's spot appears more secure, as despite the Paul Maholm acquisition, the Braves put the ineffective Jair Jurrjens on the disabled list to clear a space. It's the right move, as he has shown at times around his injuries between the majors and minors in 2009, 2010 and 2012 that he has the kind of stuff to make a sneaky run at top-50 status. Medlen has back-to-back outings of at least five innings pitched and no more than one run allowed, but it's the 14 K's he has in his past 13 1/3 innings that are eye-opening. After all, this is a pitcher who managed a 5.27 K's-per-nine ratio as a reliever the first half of the season. Medlen's stuff is more swing-and-miss worthy than that, and it's a plus to see him rebounding in the strikeout category.


Three down



Chris Capuano, Los Angeles Dodgers: He has proven a good signing for the Dodgers (thus far) after all and been one of the better fantasy values of 2012, but at some point Capuano's ERA/WHIP was bound to regress, and in recent weeks it indeed has. He has a 5.25 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in his past six starts, only three of them quality starts, and that's during a span in which he faced the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies (at home) and ice-cold New York Mets. Capuano has now shown over a year and a half that he's no longer a significant health risk, but at this point he warrants careful matchup consideration the rest of the way.


Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers: On the podcast Tuesday morning, Matthew Berry and I entertained the idea of cutting Darvish in a standard mixed ESPN league of 10 teams. It's not a crazy thought; that the right-hander has averaged 6.03 walks per nine innings in five starts since the All-Star break is the trouble spot that stands out. Darvish has now made 21 starts and thrown 134 innings, and my concern about him in the preseason was that he might struggle late in the season, due to both the lengthier U.S. schedule and the scorching temperatures of Texas. There's every reason to think he might even be over-ranked at No. 45 this week.


Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays: Speaking of cut candidates, Romero is a much more obvious one than Darvish (in ESPN standard, naturally). Though Romero managed a quality start at Oakland this past Saturday, let's not discount the strength of that matchup; O.com Coliseum remains a pitcher-friendly venue, and the Oakland Athletics, despite their walk-off heroics, aren't a top-shelf offensive team. Romero also has a 6.81 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in his past seven starts, numbers that would ruin a team in any scoring format. He's also a member of the American League East; that note above about Shields certainly applies.

 

[HacheMan]

What's Wrong with Yu?

Yu Darvish arrived in the states with plenty of fanfare and high expectations.



He’s certainly had his moments, making the All-Star team in his first major league season while also piling up 154 strikeouts over 134 innings. Lately, though, those bright spots have been few and far between.



Darvish was pounded for six runs on a career-high 11 hits in Monday’s loss to the Red Sox. It’s the fourth time in the last five starts that he’s allowed at least six runs, as he’s put up an ugly 7.76 ERA so far in the second half. His ERA is now up to 4.57, which is the highest it’s been since his second start of the season, and his WHIP is sitting at an unsightly 1.46.



So what’s caused Darvish to seemingly hit a wall?



I mentioned back on June 20 that I was worried about Darvish’s escalating workload. He threw a career-high 122 pitches that night just a week after admitting to being fatigued, which didn’t seem like a wise move on manager Ron Washington’s part. Darvish set a new career high with 123 pitches Monday, and he’s now tied with Jake Peavy for the third-highest pitches-per-start average in the league at 109.71.



Keep in mind that Darvish is working with one fewer day of rest in the states than he did in Japan, so it’s certainly possible that he’s wearing down. It’s not showing up in his velocity, which has been fine. And, despite recent struggles, Darvish is still piling up the strikeouts. But, fatigue can manifest itself in different ways, and perhaps it’s what’s caused Yu not to be as sharp of late.



Darvish will get the Tigers at home and the Blue Jays in Toronto the next two times out, so things might get worse before they get better.



Garza Shut Down



Matt Garza was pumped and ready to go for Tuesday’s start in San Diego following a successful bullpen session this past Saturday. But, the right-hander tried to play catch the next day, and he had to shut things down after feeling some stiffness in his pitching elbow.



A subsequent exam revealed a stress reaction in the back of Garza’s right elbow, which will send him to the disabled and out of commission for an indefinite period of time.



‘‘He felt really good on Saturday,’’ Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said in the Chicago Sun-Times. ‘‘I think that’s probably the surprise of it.’’



Known for being high strung and ultra-competitive, Garza is expected to push hard to return at some point later this season. The reality, of course, is that the Cubbies are well out of contention, and they won’t let their best pitcher (who is under team control next season) come back unless they’re 100 percent sure he can’t do further harm to himself. Garza’s fantasy owners would be wise not to expect him back.



As for what the Cubs will do to fill his rotation spot, well, they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel at this point. Brooks Raley, who has been considered little more than a warm body in the minors, will be summoned to start in Garza’s place Tuesday. He’ll join a rotation that also includes the likes of Chris Volstad and Justin Germano.







National League Quick Hits: Joey Votto (knee) is running at close to full speed and has ramped up other activities. The Reds haven’t provided an updated timetable on his return, but it shouldn’t be long ... The Brewers called up Jean Segura Monday after Cesar Izturis was claimed off waivers by the Nationals. Segura struggled in his debut, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He’s probably not ready to hit at the major league level, but his speed makes him worthy of attention in mixed leagues ... Shaun Marcum (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Wisconsin Thursday. He seems likely to require at least three minor league outings before rejoining the Brewers’ rotation ... Todd Helton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. The 39-year-old is under contract next year but could be looking at a reduced role ... The Giants claimed left-hander Jose Mijares off waivers from the Royals. His arrival will allow the team to use Jeremy Affeldt later in games ... Tony Gwynn Jr. was designated for assignment by the Dodgers Monday. He’s under contract for next year, so the Dodgers might have to end up eating some money.



American League Quick Hits: Evan Longoria (hamstring) will be activated from the disabled list prior to Tuesday’s game. Longo, who has been out since April, admitted that he still has some soreness, but the Rays are ready to let him give it a shot ... Justin Verlander was brilliant Monday, matching a career high with 14 strikeouts while allowing two unearned runs over eight innings in a win over the Yankees. He boasts a 2.51 ERA and 0.98 WHIP and might be the favorite to win another AL Cy Young award ... Chris Sale returned from a long layoff in style Monday, striking out seven while allowing two runs over eight frames in a win over the Royals. It appears that the “dead arm” phase is behind him ... David Ortiz received an injection Monday to reduce the inflammation in his ailing right Achilles. He could be back soon if the shot works, but it’s not a given ... Yoenis Cespedes didn’t start Monday’s game, marking the second time in the last three days he’s sat out with an ailing right wrist. The disabled list doesn’t seem to be a consideration at this point, but we’ll have to see how he recovers over the next few days ... Jim Thome will be shut down from all baseball activities for 30 days following an epidural injection for a herniated disk in his neck ... Roberto Hernandez will make what’s expected to be his final minor league start Friday before rejoining the Indians’ rotation.​

 

[HacheMan]

Raging Wild Fiers
Brewers right-hander Michael Fiers was a 22nd-round selection in 2009 out of Nova Southeastern University and didn’t make it anywhere close to Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list this past winter. But everybody is taking notice of him now.

Fiers carried a perfect game into the seventh inning on Tuesday night against the National League Central-leading Reds and is now sporting a 1.80 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 80/16 K/BB ratio through the first 80 innings of his major league career.

His fastball is far from dominant -- with an average velocity of 88 mph -- but he mixes in a deceptive cutter, a sweeping curve and a changeup, and has been able to keep big league hitters off balance thus far without showing any signs of a looming regression.

Fiers had a 2.80 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 9.6 K/9 across 346-plus innings in the Brewers’ minor league system before being promoted to Milwaukee in late May. The 27-year-old should be up for good, and he should be started in all standard fantasy leagues going forward no matter what the matchup looks like.



D’Backs Strike Gold With Johnson Acquisition

When the Astros dealt third baseman Chris Johnson to the Diamondbacks just before the July 31 trade deadline in exchange for prospects Bobby Borchering and Marc Krauss, most called it a victory for Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow.

Johnson had reached his peak with the ‘Stros, the analysts said, and Luhnow did well to inject some more talent into his farm system. But suddenly a case can be made that Arizona’s acquisition of the 27-year-old from Naples, Florida was the most impactful move made by any team last month. Because he has been an absolute force here in August for the Snakes.

Johnson hit two home runs and tallied a total of five RBI on Tuesday night in a 10-4 defeat of the Wild Card-leading Pirates. He now has five home runs and 15 RBI in just eight games played with his new club.

Johnson has always carried decent power potential and is now playing for a team that boasts one of the most power-friendly home parks in Major League Baseball. Perhaps this is a match made in heaven.



San Fran Turning To Affeldt, Romo For Saves

Giants manager Bruce Bochy finally opened up to reporters on Tuesday evening about his strategy for the club’s ninth-inning role, and it should please some opportunistic, waiver-hunting fantasy owners.

Jeremy Affeldt, a left-hander with a 2.56 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings this year, will split save opportunities down the stretch with Sergio Romo, a right-hander with a 2.06 ERA and 0.94 WHIP through 35 innings. This according to Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com.

Javier Lopez will also be in line for opportunities should those two need rest. All three warrant ownership in standard fantasy leagues, though it was Affeldt who was called upon to close out Tuesday night's 4-2 victory over the defending World Series champion Cardinals.



National League Quick Hits: The Reds aren’t planning to activate Joey Votto (knee) from the disabled list until early next week … Troy Tulowitzki fielded 70 grounders on Tuesday without feeling any lingering discomfort in his groin … Nationals closer Tyler Clippard collected his 23rd save of the season in Tuesday’s defeat of the Astros … Tommy Hanson (back) is aiming to return to the Braves when first eligible on August 15 … Cole Hamels tossed his first shutout since 2009 in Tuesday’s victory over the Braves … Allen Craig has 17 home runs and 58 RBI in just 69 games played this season … Brewers reliever Jim Henderson earned his first career save in Tuesday’s win against the Reds … Pablo Sandoval (hamstring) could return to the Giants on Sunday … Pirates youngster Starling Marte launched the third home run of his career in Tuesday’s loss to the Diamondbacks … Alfonso Soriano is day-to-day with a bruised right hand … Steve Cishek tallied his seventh save of 2012 in the Marlins’ win over the Mets on Tuesday … Ryan Howard has five home runs and 12 RBI in 25 games since returning to the Phillies … Nationals starter Ross Detwiler lowered his season ERA to 2.99 with another fine performance Tuesday against Houston … Jose Reyes could need some time off soon to rest his sore right hand … The Cubs placed starter Matt Garza on the 15-day disabled list with a stress reaction in his right elbow … Yonder Alonso is day-to-day because of a minor hamstring issue … The Giants have expressed interest in free agent first baseman Lyle Overbay … Henry Blanco is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb … The Astros placed Jordan Schafer on the disabled list with a separated shoulder … Jason Bay has been stripped of his role as the Mets’ everyday left fielder.

American League Quick Hits: Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera homered for a third consecutive game Tuesday while boosting his league-leading RBI total to 95 … Brett Lawrie remains day-to-day with an aggravated oblique … Evan Longoria singled and drove home a run with a sacrifice fly in his return from the disabled list Tuesday … White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup because of a sore right knee but expects to return on Wednesday … Jose Bautista is still experiencing pain in his left wrist and is scheduled to visit with a specialist later this week … Indians closer Chris Perez blew his second straight save opportunity in Tuesday’s loss to the Twins … Colby Rasmus hit his 20th homer and tallied his 66th RBI in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday … Ryan Dempster held the Red Sox to three (unearned) runs over 6 1/3 innings Tuesday in his second start since joining the Rangers … Yankees corner infielder Eric Chavez has three home runs in his past six starts … Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 33rd save of the season in Tuesday’s defeat of the Blue Jays … Alejandro De Aza (back stiffness) is hoping to return to action on Wednesday … Carlos Villanueva will return to Toronto’s starting rotation on Wednesday after missing a couple of days while taking care of a private matter … The A’s activated shortstop Cliff Pennington from the disabled list … The Rays designated infielder Brooks Conrad for assignment … Brendan Ryan missed a third straight game Tuesday with a left elbow bruise … Jose Lopez was designated for assignment by the Indians.

 

[HacheMan]

Olympian Bullpen Moves You picked up two closers at the trade deadline thanks to Saves and Steals. You've got a couple sleeper speedsters on your bench. You're in the home stretch, and feeling a little hubris. So instead of that baseball game, you channel surf just a little bit.

Odds are, you'll run into the Summer Olympics. Since it's a collection of sports, the odds are good that you'll run into a sport that is not up to par with baseball. Steeplechase? Have you watched any of the sailing so far? This guy did, and he understands just about as much as I did. How these sports are Olympic and baseball isn't seems a travesty that stinks of politics.

And so, with the underlying given that none of these sports ascend to the level of baseball (and also the assumption that you're most likely to end up watching beach volleyball), let's name the tiers after Olympic sports. They are not created equal, and neither are these closers.

Tier 1: Elite (5) (AKA: The "100m Dash" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds
Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers

There's almost a direct link between these closers boring their high heat down on the batter and the athletic power demonstrated by a sprinter giving his all for 100 meters. It's remarkable to see such definitive expressions of physical strength. There's no pacing if you only have 100 meters to go, and there's no pacing if you only have three guys to get out. Grip the ball and go. Hear the gun and go.

Joe Nathan is great. Joe Nathan has an above-average strikeout rate for a closer (still above the 10 K/9 that closers are putting up right now), and Joe Nathan has his customary minuscule walk rate. There is one asterisk that has creeped up in his old age, a problem that he hasn't had since he was meat in San Francisco -- the home run. Even with his excellent run this year, he's giving up more than a home run per nine innings. That's probably a function of his below-average ground-ball rate and his home park. In any case, even with the occasional solo home run, he'll remain excellent this season. It won't quite look like the brute force of a 100-meter dash, but it's elite in it's own way.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (7) (AKA: The "Olympic Soccer" Tier.)

Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies

Huston Street, San Diego Padres
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees
Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Okay, it's not quite World Cup soccer. And some will choose Olympic basketball over soccer, but those ballers don't seem to try as hard, and the outcome isn't really in doubt if the Americans are playing these days. Olympic soccer has its flaws -- it's an under-23 tournament with three over-age exceptions, and most professional leagues are in session -- but there's something about the mix of team dynamic with patriotic pride that makes for compelling matches. This goes extra for handball -- aka water polo on solid ground -- which is a sport worth at least a few minutes of your time.

Now that the trade deadline is past, there's really only one reason to not love Huston Street. It's not strikeouts -- he's re-found his double-digit strikeout ways in San Diego, after two years in which he dipped. It's not walk rate -- he's always had an elite walk rate. It's not ground-ball rate -- well, he's only average there, but his home park has helped him suppress home runs (he hasn't given up a single one so far). The only reason to hang an asterisk on him is that he gets injured. He hasn't topped 60 innings since 2009, and he won't this year. Oh, and if you're hurt in the season, you're more likely to return to the DL than a pitcher that's been healthy all season. But at this point, it's not the biggest asterisk. Kudos to Street, and to the Padres for inking him to a reasonable deal (especially compared to Heath Bell's deal).

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "Synchronized Swimming" Tier.)

Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals
Tom Wilhelmsen, Seattle Mariners

Ernesto Frieri, Los Angeles Angels
Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Okay, as a 'sport,' this one would rank lower. The scoring is impossible to understand, there's no one-on-one competition, and nobody scores a goal, ever. Perhaps water polo should be here -- at least it's a team sport, with scoring, and incredibly impressive athleticism (try treading water with your hands over your head for ten minutes; they do that for a full hour). But synchronized swimming gets the spot for the utter bizarreness of the sport. It's probably unlike any other sport you've ever seen before. That makes it a strange mix with these less remarkable closers, but such is life.

Ernesto Frieri still has a great strikeout rate, that hasn't disappeared. He's struck out 13 in his last nine innings. But Freiri does have a bit of a control problem, and always has. He's walked seven in those last nine innings, and has two multiple-walk innings on his register since July first. Recently, those walks have led to two blown games, and if they lead to more, we already know that the Angels have a quick hook at the closer position. Thankfully for his owners, Scott Downs and Jordan Walden are hurt and LaTroy Hawkins isn't going to take the job from him right now. Tom Wilhelmsen has control problems, a great strikeout rate, and is reasonably safe, so it makes sense to pair the two.

Chris Perez? Well, he's blown two saves in a row and is showing a strikeout rate and walk rate that don't jive with his career numbers, but that's fine. We'll leave him here for now. Giving up seven hits and three walks while getting his last four outs is not reassuring though.

Tier 4: Question marks (5) (AKA: The "Men's Field Hockey" Tier.)

Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals
Casey Janssen, Toronto Blue Jays
Alfredo Aceves, Boston Red Sox

Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

This might seem as bizarre as synchronized swimming, but to other countries, it's an everyday affair. In many parts of England, field hockey is just the spring sport for men. So, when you balk at watching men -- not in skirts -- follow each other around with sticks on a blue field, you're just having an educational moment. Culture!

Carlos Marmol may seem like a strange guy to move up in the rankings, but there are some things going for him. There's nobody behind him in that pen that can take the job from him capably, for one. And he's been more like his old self recently, too. He even has nine straight appearances without walking multiple batters! Baby steps. In those nine appearances, he has 11 strikeouts against four walks, and that's almost vintage Marmolian. He won't be nice to your WHIP, but he'll get you saves and strikeouts.

Jose Valverde is still just hanging on. He got a save Tuesday night in which he gave up two runs on four baserunners. He's not managing a league-average strikeout rate, let alone a closer's average strikeout rate. His control -- always bad -- is at its worst in a while. But he's the Big Potato, as long as he's still the Big Potato and we aren't coming up with a nickname for Joaquin Benoit.

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

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

John Axford (first chair), Jim Henderson (second chair), Milwaukee Brewers
Steve Cishek (first chair), Heath Bell (second chair), Mike Dunn (third chair), Miami Marlins

Ryan Cook (first chair), Grant Balfour (second chair), Oakland Athletics

Frank Francisco (first chair), Bobby Parnell (second chair), Jon Rauch (third chair), New York Mets
Wilton Lopez (first chair), Wesley Wright (second chair), Houston Astros

Sergio Romo (first chair), Jeremy Affeldt (second chair), Santiago Casilla (third chair), San Francisco Giants
Jared Burton (first chair), Glen Perkins (second chair), Minnesota Twins

I'm not hating on horseback riding in general. I even did a little riding in my day. But dressage… I don't know about that. It's like synchronized swimming -- all about judges and strange, indecipherable rules -- but without the bizarre. It's elitist in terms of rules and equipment, and it's tough to see the athleticism of the human involved. Perhaps the definition of the word 'sport' needs some unpacking.

John Axford could move up, but some guy named Jim Henderson just got his first career save Tuesday night. It's probably because Axford got a five-out save on Monday night. Henderson is a 29-year-old journeyman who's just getting his first taste of the major leagues. He might have figured something out over the past two years, because his strikeout rate did shoot up, but Axford is still in the first seat.

Steve Cishek could move up, but Heath Bell is suddenly pitching better -- and pitching in the eighth inning. How much of a stumble would it take from Cishek before the highly-paid pitcher was back in the saddle again? Bell hasn't given up a run since he was demoted, and has seven strikeouts against three walks in those eight and a third innings. That's not the Bell of old, but it's not the Bell of earlier this season either.

Ryan Cook finding himself in trouble was somewhat predictable. His walk rate is not good. But the Athletics have already tried the other guy in that pen, Grant Balfour, so it's not likely they go to him. Would they use lefty converted first baseman Sean Doolittle? It's possible, but we already know managers prefer righties. Cook is a wait-and-see guy, but the Oakland pen does offer some opportunity for future saves.

Even with those two strikeouts in his last inning, Wilton Lopez, had he been your closer all season, would have cost you 15 strikeouts against the average closer. Then again, with only seven weeks remaining, he might only cost you five or six strikeouts the rest of the way. Probably worth the saves, but you better make sure.

There might be a couple real-life closer platoons happening right now. Often, a manager talks about having a committee at the position, but usually something happens to shake a full-time stopper out of the group. In this case, though, the platoons might last all season. In Minnesota, Glen Perkins looks like the better pitcher overall, so if you're only going to own one, own him even though he's the lefty. Both him and Jared Burton own two saves in August so far, and yes, managers prefer righty closers, but Perkins is that much better -- and he's owned by the team into the future. They have some motivation to find out if he can be a Closer with a capital C.

In San Francisco, there are three pitchers that could legitimately end up with the role, but the team is in win-now mode, and they might just play matchups the rest of the way. Sergio Romo is probably the best hurler of the group, but he throws a ton of sliders (which have a platoon split and can be murdered by lefties), his frame is slight and his elbow is often tender. The team has not trusted him in the past and he hasn't gotten a save since July 6th. Santiago Casilla was the closer for a while, and he's maybe the second-best pitcher of the bunch, but a couple of bad appearances in back-to-back-to-backs has cost him the confidence of his manager, who says the team is in full committee mode right now. Jeremy Affeldt, the lefty, got the last save chance, but it was against three lefties. Expect Romo to get the lion's share -- left-handed hitters are more rare after all -- but this might take a while to get figured out.

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

Injured

Andrew Bailey (thumb), Boston Red Sox
Sergio Santos (shoulder), Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Capps (shoulder), Minnesota Twins

Still no news on Capps since July, and since it's a shoulder thing, the bet here is that he doesn't pitch again this season. Sergio Santos is still out for the season, and Andrew Bailey is still in the minor leagues even though he pitched in back-to-back games this week.

The Deposed

Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels
Hector Santiago, Chicago White Sox
Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
Brian Fuentes, St. Louis Cardinals
Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers
Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds
Henry Rodriguez, Washington Nationals
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Rafael Dolis, Chicago Cubs
Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals

Could Ryan Cook swap places with Grant Balfour? It's not an impossible idea. The rest of these guys are stuck here for the rest of the season, most likely.

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

The Steals Department

It's time to drop Juan Pierre. The "Building for the Future" Phillies don't have room for him in their daily lineup. You might consider picking up the Juan Pierre of shortstops, Dee Gordon, if he was dropped. The first news had Hanley Ramirez playing shortstop, but it's not like the team has great options at third base either. So the second (predictable) update was that Hanley would probably play third, and since Gordon's glove is better, he'll get some starts at shortstop. Now, Gordon might still get platooned, but at least he's a lefty. That means he starts 2/3 of the time, and could be a stolen base boon for your team.

While David Ortiz is out, there's a young guy with speed that's virtually unowned patrolling the Boston outfield. Ryan Kalish has power and speed -- in 2010 he hit 17 home runs and stole 34 bases -- but strikes out a fair amount. If you don't need batting average, he can play for you in the short term. Even once Ortiz returns, Kalish might split some time with Cody Ross (Ross is much better against lefties), and spell oft-injured Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury enough to be an own in deeper leagues. Especially in dynasty leagues, Kalish is worth a look.

 

[HacheMan]

Josh Hamilton: Biggest wild card of all

Eric Karabell

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton enters Wednesday ranked a sterling 13th on the ESPN Player Rater this season, so one might think he'd be a great guy to trade for in fantasy this week. Perhaps you're contemplating moving the incredible Mike Trout for Hamilton plus a pitcher such as Zack Greinke. Or maybe you're enjoying the fine work of Colorado Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge and love your middle infield depth, so you figure it'd be OK to move New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano for Hamilton.




Here's the thing: Trends are far more significant than season numbers this time of year. Hamilton is an obvious but important case of a player who clearly has not done his best work lately -- or in his specific case, since May -- and that makes each of the above potential trades seem unbalanced today.


<offer>For example, Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera has been incredible since the All-Star break, and is about the only fellow currently keeping up with Trout for AL MVP honors. But for the season, Cabrera and Hamilton boast similar numbers. </offer>
Each has hit 29 home runs, tied with a few others for second in baseball behind Adam Dunn. Cabrera and Hamilton rank No. 1 and 2 in season RBIs with 95 and 91, respectively. Neither provides much in terms of stolen bases, and the main Player Rater difference is, of course, in the batting average category, where Cabrera has a big edge. That said, Hamilton is hitting .284, so it's not like, in a vacuum, his batting average has been an issue. However, it certainly has been the past two months!

The Hamilton owner in one of my leagues has been trying to trade him for a month, without success, mainly because we don't want to give what would appear to be proper season-long value for a player who enters Wednesday not only hitting .202 with an Omar Vizquel-like .552 OPS since the All-Star break, but after hitting .368 through May, Hamilton is hitting .208 since.

Essentially, if you trade for Josh Hamilton this week, in advance of Friday's ESPN standard-league trade deadline, you're getting a guy who has been Adam Dunn, but with half the power, for more than two months. Since June 1, Hamilton has eight home runs and 34 RBIs with that .208 batting average. Dunn has hit .184 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs.


OK, so those numbers aren't easy to look at if you own Hamilton, but the point, again, is that trends are far more important than season numbers as we get to the final two months of the season. Look at Boston Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz; I'm guessing the reason he remains available in roughly 20 percent of leagues -- and that's up 20 percent in the past week -- is because his season ERA is 4.48. It's also 1.98 in five starts since the All-Star break, and in nine starts since the start of June -- when Hamilton started struggling -- his ERA is 2.17. Now, would you trade Hamilton for Buchholz? Whether you needed pitching or not, based on more than two months of data, you should! Hamilton is hurting fantasy teams since June began, and even the most optimistic among us wouldn't predict a return to April/May production. Hopefully he can hit .275 the rest of the way and increase his power a bit.


I can't begin to imagine what it's like to be Hamilton. By now we all know of his past, the demons he has dealt with, but he's also one of the most skilled, talented hitters in the game, and he'll make tons of money as a free agent this winter. Rangers president Nolan Ryan recently ripped his star about his plate discipline, which was dead on. Hey, Hamilton walked Tuesday night. The last time he drew a free pass prior to that was July 29. Season numbers tell us he's not a wild, impatient swinger, but in the past few months, he has been.
Hamilton is not the same hitter he was in April and May, and fantasy owners need to take this into serious account this week. Do you trade for him, hoping he turns things around? Do you trade him away, assuming he won't? Do you do nothing because of all the players in the game, his value is the toughest to pinpoint? Um, yeah, the final one makes sense there.


Baseball fans and fantasy owners often forget these people are not machines. They're human beings, and other issues factor into on-field performance. Hamilton claims he has been trying to quit using smokeless tobacco, and there have been rumors of off-field problems. It's possible that Hamilton hits .350 the rest of the season with 15 home runs. It really is. But it's also possible he continues to hit about .200 with modest power.


What am I doing with Hamilton this week? Well, if I can get anything close to market value for him, I trade him. And if I can acquire him for a package that would have seemed embarrassing in May, I do it. But neither of those situations seems viable today. With Buchholz, Cabrera, Trout and a hundred others, we know the value. With Hamilton, he's just a big risk.

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy trade deadline targets

Some surprising names show up as players to buy or sell

By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

Time's a-wasting.
All this week, we're examining trade possibilities as we count down the hours to the ESPN fantasy baseball trade deadline. Here's the bad news: Since the first of our big-three rankings columns, "60 Feet, 6 Inches," published on Tuesday, another 24 hours have rolled off the clock. There are now less than 48 hours until the deadline, which arrives Friday, Aug. 10 at noon ET. Get those trade offers in now!


Just as in "60 Feet," this week's "Hit Parade" identifies players who seem especially attractive trade targets, or overpriced comparative to expected value from this point forward. I'm not terming them straight "buy-low, sell-high" candidates; most of these are name-brand players. They just happen to be players I view as worth their price tags (or more) on the "buy" side, or not quite their perceived value on the "sell" side.

Go get 'em



<!-- begin player card -->

Carlos Santana

#41 C
Cleveland Indians

2012 STATS

• GM95
• HR12
• RBI51
• R45
• OBP.366
• AVG.239

<!-- end player card -->

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians: When seeking underpriced trade candidates on the hitting side, look for proven players who, for the vast majority of the current season, have dealt with a specific problem in need of fixing and appear to be on the road to correcting it. This is somewhat similar to colleague Matthew Berry's "proven players off a bad year" theory from his Draft Day Manifesto, merely adapted for in-season bargain hunting.


Santana is one such player. Projected to make a run at No. 1 status in fantasy at his position this preseason, Santana's season was interrupted briefly by a concussion in late May/early June, after which point he managed .180/.302/.247 triple-slash rates in 26 games between his return and the All-Star break. Since then, however, he has batted .284/.437/.630, hit seven homers and driven in 20 in 25 games, much more in line with his preseason projections. Now take a look at his next-level numbers during those two time frames:


June 5-July 8 (26 G): 26% Miss, .176 well-hit AVG, 20.0 K%
July 13-Aug. 7 (25 G): 15% Miss, .296 well-hit AVG, 13.6 K%


Though Santana's true value lies somewhere in between -- a .296 well-hit average and 23.3 home run/fly ball percentage (also in the latter period) are unsustainable -- the latter group illustrates that whatever ailed this backstop immediately following his return to action dissipated in mid-July. His full-season paces are currently .237-18-73, but his preseason projection was a .250-23-83 stat line. The latter line is the correct valuation going forward, and that's well worth the price of any player ranked 15 spots higher than him downward, or a starting pitcher from Tuesday's "60 Feet, 6 Inches" ranked 22nd or lower.


<!-- begin player card -->

Shane Victorino

#8 CF
Los Angeles Dodgers

2012 STATS

• GM107
• HR9
• RBI40
• R47
• OBP.320
• AVG.257

<!-- end player card -->

Shane Victorino, Los Angeles Dodgers: I sang his praises in last week's "Hit Parade" and, despite his 5-for-25 start with the Dodgers, Victorino still gets every bit the endorsement I gave him a week ago. New places mean a new routine, and any player challenged with a change of scenery deserves more than an eight-day grace period before fantasy owners begin questioning him.


In Victorino's case, there's one set of stat splits that stand out:


Versus RHP, first half: .224/.287/.302, .078 ISO, .142 well-hit AVG
Versus RHP, second half: .309/.333/.509, .200 ISO, .236 well-hit AVG


As with Santana, Victorino's numbers in these situations are bound to decline -- he managed .271/.333/.456, .185 and .203 stats in those categories against righties in 2011 -- but if the criticism of him pre-trade was that he was slipping into the classification of bad-side platoon mates, he seems to be addressing it since. There is a perception Victorino is no longer close to a top-100 fantasy player overall. If that's what his owner thinks, this is the prime time to swoop in.


<!-- begin player card -->

Erick Aybar

#2 SS
Los Angeles Angels

2012 STATS

• GM93
• HR5
• RBI31
• R35
• OBP.303
• AVG.266

<!-- end player card -->

Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels: Before getting hurt, Aybar was a poster boy for what ailed the Angels' offense early in the year; he was a .215/.248/.278 hitter with five stolen bases in his first 57 games. It cost him his spot in the upper third of their lineup, and between that and the fractured toe that cost him two weeks, his value might never be lower than it is right now.


Granted, Mike Trout's breakthrough almost assures Aybar won't return to the first or second spot in the lineup, adversely affecting Aybar's run production, but his .328/.373/.525 triple-slash rates in 34 games before landing on the disabled list show that he might be able to make up for it with his bat. He's 5-for-8 with a home run in his first two games back, meaning this is likely your final opportunity to acquire him at a discount. Aybar has more power than people think, he's capable of hitting for a high average and he can steal a base. There's every reason to believe he'll be a top-10 fantasy shortstop the remainder of the year.


<!-- begin player card -->

Matt Wieters

#32 C
Baltimore Orioles

2012 STATS

• GM99
• HR15
• RBI52
• R42
• OBP.319
• AVG.244

<!-- end player card -->

Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles: Is Wieters a second-half hitter? Can he replicate the solid finish, especially in the power department, that he had in 2011? Just consider this for a moment:


Through Aug. 7, 2011: 97 G, .253/.311/.388, 10 HR, 39 RBI
Through Aug. 7, 2012: 99 G, .244/.319/.419, 15 HR, 52 RBI


Aug. 8, 2011, until year's end: 42 G, .283/.366/.592, 12 HR, 29 RBI


It's selecting arbitrary endpoints, yes, but Wieters does have .286/.353/.471 lifetime rates with 12 homers and 44 RBIs in 76 career games in September -- both his 2009 and 2011 were solid -- so it's not unthinkable that he has plenty left in his tank. He won't (or shouldn't) cost you even the price of a top-five fantasy catcher, but on skills alone, he should well be worth one the rest of the year.


Sell, SELL!!!



<!-- begin player card -->

Andrew McCutchen

#22 CF
Pittsburgh Pirates

2012 STATS

• GM105
• HR23
• RBI69
• R75
• OBP.431
• AVG.372

<!-- end player card -->

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates: There won't be a player included on any of my lists all week who earns me more hate mail than McCutchen, and I'll start out by advising you listen to Tuesday's "Fantasy Focus" podcast, where the topic of the expected trade return for a fantasy stud came up. The quick take for here: The only time you should trade a top-flight fantasy stud -- think unquestioned first-rounder -- is straight up for a similarly valued player, or for multiple, slightly lesser-valued players if said stud is in the midst of an unsustainable full-season pace.


This is where McCutchen's pace comes in: He has the major league's leading BABIP (.421) and a 11th-ranked 20.9 percent home run/fly ball rate. He is on pace for a .372 batting average, 34 home runs, 103 RBIs, 21 stolen bases and 111 runs scored.


Care to guess how many players in history have managed a .350-30-100 season of at least 20 steals and 100 runs? One: Larry Walker, in 1997 for the calling-Coors-Field-home Colorado Rockies. How about how many have managed a BABIP greater than .421? Five, not one of them since 1925, and all of them all-time greats: Ty Cobb (.444, 1911, and .425, 1912), Rogers Hornsby (.422, 1924), Shoeless Joe Jackson (.434, 1911), Babe Ruth (.423, 1923) and George Sisler (.422, 1922).


Can McCutchen complete a 2012 season that would rank among the all-time greats? Certainly he can, but the odds against him are great, and regression to the point where he's more like the 10th-best than second-best -- that's his current Player Rater ranking -- is pretty likely. So if you can by any means trade him for two second- or third-tier studs, like Curtis Granderson and Starlin Castro, to address a pressing need on your club, it makes plenty of sense to do so.


<!-- begin player card -->

Josh Reddick

#16 RF
Oakland Athletics

2012 STATS

• GM106
• HR25
• RBI57
• R62
• OBP.333
• AVG.260

<!-- end player card -->

Josh Reddick, Oakland Athletics: Sorry, I just don't buy that he's a 37-homer -- that's his full-season pace -- slugger. Let's go back to his May, when he hit 10 homers in 26 games, and adjust what was a 24.4 home run/fly ball percentage to a more realistic 10 percent (his precise rate in both April and June). He'd have hit four home runs in that month … to go along with four in April, four in June and four in July. The guy's a mid-20s, not mid-30s, homer hitter, and that's a pretty big difference in a season in which only 14 players are on pace for as many as 35 homers, while 47 are on pace for as many as 25. Reddick is also on pace for 84 RBIs and 91 runs scored, while batting .260. He's in this week's Top 125 because he's well worth owning in any fantasy league. He's at the back end of said Top 125 because he's a back-of-your-lineup mixed-league player.


<!-- begin player card -->

Bryce Harper

#34 RF
Washington Nationals

2012 STATS

• GM88
• HR10
• RBI30
• R58
• OBP.330
• AVG.254

<!-- end player card -->

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals: What Harper has done this season has been extraordinary, considering he's only 19 years old. If he remains on his current full-season pace of 15 home runs, 19 stolen bases and 85 runs scored, he'd become only the second teenager in history to go 15/15 (Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989 was the other), and he'd finish tied for the third-most single-season runs by a teenager. Still, Harper has hit a rough patch of his rookie campaign, batting .210/.288/.297 with only two homers in his past 34 games. Considering the media scrutiny he has faced his entire professional career, a slow finish would be forgivable, and the Nationals might prepare accordingly. After all, they now have a healthy Jayson Werth, affording them the outfield depth to rest Harper occasionally down the stretch. In re-draft leagues, consider dealing Harper now, playing up his extraordinary rookie feats from several weeks back.


Happy birthday, Mike Trout -- You're No. 1




TOP 125 HITTERS

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




Mike Trout's historic rookie season evidently is without limits. He celebrated his 21st birthday on Tuesday with his 20th home run of the season; it made him only the fifth player in history to homer on his 21st birthday, as well as made him the youngest player to ever manage at least 20 homers and 30 stolen bases in a single year, according to ESPN Stats & Information.


It also marks a stage in the "Hit Parade" rankings at which handing him the No. 1 spot overall would be foolish. Surely you have heard all the calls for his BABIP to regress, or for him to inevitably slow his pace. Such claims are rarely ever substantiated with anything greater than an, "Oh, he just has to." Take a look at his month-by-month statistics since May:


May: .324/.385/.556, .390 BABIP, 15.2% HR/FB, .241 well-hit AVG
June: .372/.419/.531, .438 BABIP, 11.1% HR/FB, .212 well-hit AVG
July: .392/.455/.804, .412 BABIP, 28.6% HR/FB, .320 well-hit AVG
August: .276/.389/.517, .353 BABIP, 40.0% HR/FB, .207 well-hit AVG


Where is this so-called "regression"? If it's a conversation regarding Trout's long-range prospects -- think projecting his next 3-5 seasons -- then yes, naturally he's going to have a difficult time sustaining a .314-32-96-51 per-162-games seasonal pace. But over 51 games, the Los Angeles Angels' remaining amount, where is the sign that a cooling-off period is imminent?


Yes, the same caveat about McCutchen above applies to Trout. If you can deal Trout for two to three fantasy studs, by all means pursue it in a re-draft league. But there are two critical differences between them: Trout leads McCutchen on our Player Rater by a significant margin, taking their actual scores into account. I'd imagine that McCutchen probably has more "trust" built into his owners due to his lengthier experience at the major-league level, meaning he'd command more in a trade. I might be wrong about that, but that's my impression.


Three up



Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays: One game, during which he was 1-for-3 with an RBI while he was serving as the designated hitter and exited early for a pinch runner, might not seem enough to vault Longoria several dozen spots in the "Hit Parade" rankings. But admit it: Isn't it nice to simply have him back, the hit hinting that he shouldn't take extremely long to recapture his prior form? Three-plus months of rehabilitation and setbacks with his hamstring caused Longoria's owners plenty of frustration, but let's not forget that he was a .329/.433/.561 hitter in April, plus plays a position that has suffered several injuries (Jose Bautista, Alex Rodriguez) and slumps (Michael Young, Mike Moustakas) in recent weeks. A week from now, Longoria might be making a compelling case to join the top 20.


Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox: The time has come to remove Rios from the "streaky" class and put some faith in him sustaining a healthy amount of fantasy value through the remainder of the year. Two things stand out as substantial gains for him this year: Though his 12.1 percent strikeout rate is practically identical to his 2011 number (11.9 percent), a drop in swing-and-miss rate, from 15 to 13 percent, shows that he's making more consistent contact. Rios also has made strides in terms of plate coverage; he's a .327/.374/.430 hitter on pitches on the outside third of the plate this season, up from .155/.218/.204 in 2011. There are simply fewer holes in his swing this year than last, and it's for that reason that his 27/24 pace with a .300-plus batting average looks legit.


Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals: Referenced above, Werth has shown no ill effects of the broken wrist that cost him nearly three months, hitting in six consecutive games -- Tuesday's pinch hit included -- since his activation. Considering the risks involved with that injury, specifically the prospect that such a player needs weeks, not days, to recapture pre-injury form, that's quite encouraging. So is the fact that the two things most responsible for his early-season success appear to have remained: he's 5-for-10 with three walks versus left-handers, and 3-for-6 with a walk on pitches on the inner third of the plate. When Werth is at peak performance levels, those are strengths of his, and they signal that he might already be nearing a return to top-50 form.


Three down



Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians: He's in the midst of a 42-game homerless streak, during which time he has .220/.331/.273 triple-slash rates and only eight extra-base hits. What's more, Kipnis is 4-for-7 in stolen-base attempts during that time, meaning he has let his fantasy owners down in terms of both power and speed. The power outage, at least to some degree, should've been expected. During his first 101 career games, he had a 15.1 percent home run/fly ball rate, his 19.4 number in that category in 2011 alone widely criticized as unsustainable. Through 107 games of 2012, he has a 9.1 percent rate … which might actually be low considering his skill set. Kipnis is probably in the midst of an adjustment period in his young career, but let it remind you that he's more of a 20-homer than 30-homer candidate over the long haul (e.g. future seasons).


Juan Pierre, Philadelphia Phillies: He has long been described a "one-category" fantasy player, but lately that has been literally true. While during his prime, Pierre's contributions in terms of runs scored and, yes, batting average were overlooked by those who applied that label, what made the difference between then and now was the requisite at-bats to influence his counting numbers. Since the July 31 trade deadline, that the day both Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence were shipped out of Philadelphia, Pierre has one start, three pinch-hitting and/or pinch-running appearance in eight games. The Phillies have started Domonic Brown in left field in seven consecutive games and seem comfortable with a Brown-John Mayberry Jr.-Nate Schierholtz outfield, relegating Pierre to pinch-hit/pinch-run duty. He's scarcely even going to help NL-only owners in such an arrangement.


Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves: At some point his elevated strikeout rate was bound to catch up with him, and in this, his age-32 season, it appears it finally has. Struggles aren't completely new to Uggla; he endured an awful .185/.257/.365 first half of 2011, but unlike last season, he has been unable to get out of his funk in 2012. Here's a telling statistic: Uggla is a .225 hitter with a 24.4 strikeout rate and 24 percent miss rate on swings against fastballs clocked at 90 mph or faster this season; he had .286, 17.2 and 16 numbers against those pitches from 2009-11. That could signal declining bat speed, and it's enough to warrant concern that he'll never quite recapture his past 30-homer form this year.


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: Alexi Amarista (SS), Robert Andino (3B), Emilio Bonifacio (2B), Miguel Cairo (1B), Pedro Ciriaco (2B), Daniel Descalso (SS), Ryan Doumit (OF), Yan Gomes (1B), Josh Harrison (2B), Scott Moore (3B), Marco Scutaro (3B), Donovan Solano (3B, OF), Michael Young (2B).


Nearing new position eligibility



The following players are nearing new position eligibility: Dustin Ackley (8 games played at 1B), Jeff Baker (8 games played at 2B), Yuniesky Betancourt (8 games played at 3B), Ronny Cedeno (9 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), Elliot Johnson (9 games played at 2B), Munenori Kawasaki (8 games played at 2B), Donnie Murphy (8 games played at 3B), Drew Sutton (8 games played at 2B), Chad Tracy (8 games played at 1B), Mark Trumbo (8 games played at 3B), Justin Turner (8 games played at SS), Omar Vizquel (9 games played at SS).

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy trade deadline targets

Keep eye on closers ready to emerge as well as potentially lose jobs


By Tristan H. Cockcroft | ESPN.com

We've reached the final hours before ESPN's fantasy baseball trade deadline -- it arrives on Friday, Aug. 10, at noon ET -- and in this last of the "big three" columns' look at potential trade targets, let's shift our focus to the closers.

It's fitting that closers go last, not simply because they're typically the last men standing on their respective teams' mound each night. It's because they're among the easiest commodities to trade, important when we're talking about an approximate 24-hour window left to get your trades in. There is always someone in your league with an abundance of saves, and there is always someone who desperately needs said saves. As long as you're realistic in your valuation of the category, deals for saves typically aren't difficult.


To illustrate, take a look at the recent Tout Wars NL-only transactions. Since July 23, a staggering six different closers have been traded, and remember, we're talking about a pool of only 17 closers (the 16 National League teams plus former National Leaguer Ernesto Frieri).


To help you on your way to trade success, this week's "Relief Efforts" identifies players who appear especially attractive acquisitions or overpriced comparative to their remaining value. I stop a step short of calling them straight "buy-low, sell-high" candidates. They just happen to be players whom today I view worth the anticipated price tag (or more) on the buy side, or not quite their perceived value on the sell side.


Go get 'em



<!-- begin player card -->

Greg Holland

#56 RP
Kansas City Royals

2012 STATS

• GM46
• W5
• L3
• BB25
• K61
• ERA3.35

<!-- end player card -->

Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals: Three numbers tell the story of Holland's season. His .384 BABIP is sixth highest among qualified relievers, his well-hit average allowed (percentage of his at-bats -- not plate appearances, at-bats -- that resulted in hard contact) is .140, 25th lowest (85th percentile), and his ground ball rate is 53.4 percent, 38th highest (77th percentile). This is a pitcher who, on a season-to-date basis, has been unlucky. Case in point: No pitcher who has allowed 50 or more ground balls has surrendered a higher batting average on them than Holland's .379. The major league batting average on grounders is .227.


That's why Holland's performance as Royals closer since Jonathan Broxton's trade needs be taken so seriously. He's 3-for-3 in save chances with one win and six innings of one run allowed, and since his return from a left rib stress reaction, he has a 2.06 ERA and 11.67 strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio in 39 appearances. This is Holland's gig, he's the most productive Royals reliever of the past month-plus, and he ranks among the game's better relievers since the beginning of May. As a new-to-the-role closer, he might come at a dirt-cheap price, but his ranking this week shows that he's well worth the investment.


First, try to scoop him up at the price of a lower-tier starting pitcher, like Ben Sheets (No. 47 in the "60 Feet 6 Inches" rankings on Tuesday) or Vance Worley (No. 51). If you must, feel free to go as high as No. 36, Max Scherzer.


<!-- begin player card -->

Drew Storen

#22 RP
Washington Nationals

2012 STATS

• GM11
• W1
• L0
• BB5
• K5
• ERA2.57

<!-- end player card -->

Drew Storen, Washington Nationals: He's going to close for the Nationals at some point, and it's because both the team wants him to be its future finisher and he has pitched effectively enough to justify a chance in the coming weeks. Storen was one of fantasy's best closers in 2011, and in 11 games since his return from surgery to remove a small bone fragment from his elbow, the only significant statistical difference from last season has been his walk rate: He has averaged 6.43 per nine innings, after averaging 2.39 in 2011.


Current closer Tyler Clippard, meanwhile, has blown 3 of 12 save chances since the All-Star break, his ERA 6.00 and WHIP 1.47 during that span. He has been anything but rock-solid in the role; the Nationals, a contending team, need to get their bullpen in order before playoff time; and they might not even be maximizing his usage in his ninth-inning role. To that end: Clippard threw more than an inning in 27 of his 72 appearances in 2011 but hasn't done so once all year. There's a reason manager Davey Johnson said back in March, when Storen was initially ailing, that he preferred Clippard in a setup role; it's because he could deploy him at any time in the game for any length of outing desired.


This isn't to say that a change is imminent. Johnson, in fact, recently said that there won't be a change in the near future. Based on recent returns, though, one might not be far off. Why not acquire Storen now, when his price might be a back-of-your-roster part, speculating that he might be the team's closer for all of September?


Sell, SELL!!!



<!-- begin player card -->

Rafael Betancourt

#63 RP
Colorado Rockies

2012 STATS

• GM41
• W1
• L3
• BB10
• K39
• ERA2.70

<!-- end player card -->

Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies: This one has everything to do with his team and nothing to do with his individual performance. It's also a recommendation to shop him, not give him away, during a time in which his owners might think that the passing of the July 31 trade deadline assures him the role through year's end. The truth is that Betancourt, of any of the top-20-ranked closers, is the one most likely to suffer a Jonathan Broxton-like instant drop in value.


Betancourt is owed more than $5 million through the end of next season, making him a candidate to sneak through waivers, and if he does and news of it breaks, he's not going to fetch the price that he might right now. He'd be a useful setup man, à la Broxton, for another contender, but just like Broxton, the loss of save chances would rob him almost entirely of his fantasy value. Here's the other concern: The Rockies, at 40-69 the second-worst team in the National League, might like to take a longer look at closer of the future Rex Brothers. Even if Betancourt remains in Colorado, Brothers might steal a couple of save chances come September.


<!-- begin player card -->

Jose Valverde

#46 RP
Detroit Tigers

2012 STATS

• GM47
• W3
• L2
• BB21
• K34
• ERA3.94

<!-- end player card -->

Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers: He's as shaky as a closer comes this season, and despite plenty of job security, he'll likely be a headache to own the remainder of the year. Among closers with at least 10 saves in 2012, Valverde's 3.94 ERA and 1.27 WHIP are both seventh worst, and his 1.62 K's-per-walk ratio is second worst only to Carlos Marmol (1.38). Valverde, a strikeout pitcher for most of his career, has suddenly stopped missing bats.


Valverde has averaged 6.70 K's per nine innings, a 17.3 percent K rate (calculated as a percentage of total batters faced) and generated misses on 20 percent of opponents' swings. The average major league reliever, by comparison, has an 8.30 K's per nine ratio, a 21.7 percent K rate and 24 percent miss rate. What's worse, Valverde's well-hit average allowed is .214, considerably higher than the .183 league average for a relief pitcher. He's not missing bats, and when opponents make contact, they're hitting the ball with authority.


Saves are saves, but understand that if you're a Valverde owner, that's all the contribution you should be expecting. Talk up his track record -- three seasons in the past five he led his respective league in saves, and his ERA since 2007 is 2.88 -- and see if you can get anything ranked higher than him in this week's column. Or, if it's starting pitching help you seek, send over a move straight up for Matt Moore, ranked 28th in this week's "60 Feet 6 Inches."



TOP 75 RELIEF PITCHERS

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




Grading saves



When it comes to trading for or trading away saves, however, it's all about judging who will keep getting them. With the exception of the truly elite -- top-three closers Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen -- navigating the saves market is as simple as addressing pickups: It's the pitchers occupying the closer role on any given day who matter; all the rest, for the most part, do not.


For that reason, in addition to the four players profiled above, I'm grading the 30 current closers in terms of their "job security," in other words, how likely they are to lead in the saves category alone between now and year's end. As a suggestion, if your team needs saves and saves alone, target a player as highly graded below as you can. You want volume at this stage of the season.


Grade A: Kimbrel, Jansen, Fernando Rodney, Jason Motte, Joel Hanrahan, Huston Street, Jonathan Papelbon


Grade B: Chapman, J.J. Putz, Jim Johnson, Addison Reed, Casey Janssen, Tom Wilhelmsen, Rafael Soriano, Greg Holland


Grade C: Carlos Marmol, Alfredo Aceves, Joe Nathan, Ernesto Frieri, Jose Valverde, Rafael Betancourt, Chris Perez


Grade D: Tyler Clippard, Ryan Cook, Bobby Parnell, Glen Perkins, Steve Cishek, Wilton Lopez


Grade F: Jeremy Affeldt/Sergio Romo, John Axford/Jim Henderson


Failing marks



And what of those two bullpens that received "F" grades?


The San Francisco Giants, due to a combination of Santiago Casilla's poor performance and blister issues, have reverted to a true closer-by-committee approach. This is not unlike what they said they would do at the time Brian Wilson succumbed to Tommy John surgery; they just mean it this time.


That means that on any given night, the Giants could deploy anyone from a group of Jeremy Affeldt, Sergio Romo, Javier Lopez or even Casilla to cover individual outs in the late innings, including the all-important final out (which brings with it the save, if it applies given the situation).



Allow Affeldt's save this past Tuesday to illustrate: Right-handed Romo began the eighth inning. Two of the first three hitters he faced were right-handed and the other a switch-hitter (Carlos Beltran). Then left-handed Affeldt came on to face lefty Jon Jay, the inning's final batter. Affeldt was then held over to pitch the ninth, during which time the Cardinals had due up a switch-hitter (Rafael Furcal) and two left-handed hitters (Matt Carpenter and Daniel Descalso).


For now, expect Romo and Affeldt to dominate the save chances. Romo has an edge because of the greater percentage of right-handed hitters in baseball, while Affeldt will have his opportunities because he's one of the few pitchers the Giants appear comfortable leaving in against hitters from either side. An astonishing 75 percent of hitters Romo has faced this season have been right-handed, and on 18 of 44 occasions this season, he faced three or fewer hitters, showing the team's specialist approach with him.


Perhaps Romo should be given the next full-time opportunity to close, but that doesn't mean he will. Again, this seems like a true committee, yet one of the rare valuable ones, as both can make positive contributions to your ERA and WHIP even if they're evenly splitting the saves.


As for the Milwaukee Brewers, a new wrinkle was tossed into their closer-by-committee approach when Jim Henderson saved Wednesday's game, giving him saves on back-to-back days. Henderson's is quite a story (and you can hear more about it on Wednesday's "Fantasy Focus" podcast): He's 29 years old, was a 26th-round pick of the Montreal Expos in 2003, has spent time in three organizations as well as parts of six seasons in the Double-A and Triple-A levels and has only eight career big league appearances on his résumé.


The reason it was a telling move to have him close was that John Axford, the team's closer to begin the season, their closer this past Monday and a pitcher whom the team expressed a desire to quickly restore to the role full time, pitched the eighth inning of a game the Brewers trailed at the time. Axford emerged with the win, but that he got the call in that situation, while the team held back Henderson, at least signals that the two are in some sort of partnership in the role.


Henderson's minor league track record doesn't speak to him being the greatest of pickups -- he has a 3.96 career ERA -- but in his defense he had 15 saves, a 1.69 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 10.50 K's per nine in 35 appearances for Triple-A Nashville. With all the Brewers' late-inning troubles, they're desperate enough to audition a journeyman minor league closer. Henderson averages 95 mph with his fastball to go with a good slider; opponents are 1-for-12 with six of his 10 K's and a 47 percent swing-and-miss rate on the slider in his eight appearances.


If you're in an NL-only or deep mixed league, consider stashing Henderson, at least at the expense of a bench piece you weren't likely to use. After all, sometimes success in the saves market is grabbing those five to eight cheap saves that appear out of nowhere on the free-agent list in the season's waning weeks.

 

[HacheMan]

Machado Madness
And boom goes the dynamite.

Nevermind the ominous run differential, patchwork rotation or general existence of Wilson Betemit — the Orioles are going for this thing, and as well they should.

But recalling Manny Machado? That’s a power move, one with long-term ramifications, and questionable short-term benefits.

There’s no debating the heart of the matter — Machado is an elite prospect. The fifth best in baseball by Rotoworld’s estimation, third by Keith Law’s and ninth by Baseball America’s.

But he’s also extremely raw. Hitting .266/.350/.431 as a 19 (now 20) year old in Double-A isn’t easy, but it’s not tantamount to major-league readiness. The Orioles are also tinkering with one of the most fundamental aspects of Machado’s eliteness — his position. A shortstop by development, he’ll play third base down the stretch.

.266/.350/.431 hitting 19-year-old third basemen are impressive — .266/.350/.431 hitting 19-year-old shortstops are special. Machado will now lose over a month’s worth of defensive development at baseball’s toughest position, and will run the “risk” of getting entrenched at third in the bigs.

That is not to say Machado can’t/won’t be shifted back to shortstop with relatively little fuss in 2013, or that his 6-foot-3 frame won’t eventually become too big for short, anyways. But it’s still a potentially fateful decision for an organization that’s done extremely little winning in the 21st century.

And all that ignores the fact that Machado has handled all of seven career chances at third base. It’s unlikely he’ll be worse than the horror show Wilson Betemit has proven to be at the hot corner, but Machado’s glove certainly won’t be a slam dunk as he learns to handle smashes from the likes of Jose Bautista and Dustin Pedroia.

Nevertheless, the Orioles are going for it. Whether you, they, or most importantly, their 20-year-old meal ticket is ready, they’re going for it.

Jose Bautista’s MRI Reveals Only Inflammation

Alarm bells went off Tuesday when Bautista revealed he was still dealing with pain from the wrist injury he suffered on July 16, but an MRI revealed only inflammation.

It’s obviously not ideal that Bautista is still feeling soreness, but it’s soreness he should be able to rehab through. He has been cleared to resume hitting off a tee, and could begin taking dry swings as early as Monday.

Wrist injuries tend to be tricky, and the 53-57 Blue Jays have little incentive to rush their superstar third baseman, but it would be surprising if Bautista isn’t back before the end of the month to help with your fantasy playoff push.

Paul Konerko Has “Mild” Concussion

It’s not clear when Konerko suffered the “mild” injury (ask a football player about “mild” concussions), but it’s not a given the 36-year-old first baseman is headed to the seven-day disabled list. With the Sox off this afternoon, a final decision likely won’t be made until Friday morning.

If Konerko does indeed head to the shelf, he could return as early as next Wednesday in Toronto. A revelation in the first half, Konerko is hitting “just” .275/.337/.429 in 24 games since the All-Star break.

O’s Promote Dylan Bundy To Double-A

Manny Machado wasn’t the only Orioles prospect getting a promotion Wednesday. Bundy didn’t quite pillage High-A the way he did Standard-A (this isn’t a real term), but he dominated nonetheless, turning in a 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 56/15 K/BB ratio over 49 innings.

On the record as wanting to reach the major leagues before his 20th birthday, Bundy will have an outside shot at doing so as a September call-up if he impresses in Double-A the way he did in his first two minor-league stops. But unlike Machado, Bundy is one Orioles prospect who’s unlikely to be rashly promoted. He’s trending toward next season’s Opening Day rotation, however.

Game Notes: In his second game back from the disabled list, Giancarlo Stanton took Chris Young deep for a pair of two-run homers. … Ryan Howard homered for the second straight game. … Dan Uggla had just his second three-hit night since June 6, driving in three runs in the process. He’s doubled in four of his seven August games. … Marco Scutaro went 3-for-6 with his third career grand slam and seven RBI as the Giants rained down justice upon the Cardinals. He now has 13 RBI in 12 games as a Giant. … Gio Gonzalez tossed his second career complete game, and also launched his first career home run. Yes, both still count even though they came against the Astros. … Matt Wieters and Neil Walker both drove in five runs. … Clayton Richard shut out the Cubs. … Zack Greinke got lit up for the second time in three starts as an Angel. … Josh Hamilton hit his 30th home run. … Ryan Vogelsong was quality for the 19th time in 21 starts.

Short Hops: Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) will make his first start since June 19 — and just his third start since May 17 — on Friday. The risk of a setback is high, but the reward of getting him back into your lineup is higher. … Brett Lawrie (oblique) sat out his fourth straight game Wednesday, and will miss his fifth straight this afternoon. He’s questionable for Friday. … Travis Hafner (back) could land on the disabled list this afternoon. … David Ortiz (Achilles) could return Sunday. … The owner of a 0.00 ERA in nine innings since the All-Star break, Heath Bell may soon resume closing games for the Marlins. … With only four starts to his name since July 27, Rafael Furcal received a pain-injection in his ailing back. It’s possible he won’t return before next week. … Furcal’s teammate Allen Craig is day-to-day with chest discomfort. He’s 50-50 to play this afternoon.

 

[HacheMan]

Send Me an Angel The Orioles shocked the baseball world late last night by announcing that they were calling up top prospect Manny Machado from Double-A Bowie. My colleague Patrick Daugherty gave his take on the situation in this morning's Daily Dose, so be sure to check that out. I have only seen Machado play a couple of times and I'm certainly not a scout, so I don't want to pretend that I'm an expert on his development, but it sure feels like the Orioles are calling him up too soon. Still, it's pretty cool to see them going for it.

J.J. Hardy is firmly entrenched at shortstop, so Machado is expected to get most of the playing time at third base. While the 20-year-old has only played two pro games at the position, it probably won't take much for him to be an improvement defensively over Wilson Betemit and Mark Reynolds. But with a .263/.344/.432 batting line in the minors and zero at-bats above Double-A, I wouldn't call him a must-add in all fantasy formats. AL-only? Sure, that's a no-brainer. In fact, he's probably already gone. With his shortstop eligibility, he could even be worth a flier in deeper mixed leagues if you're relying on the likes of Darwin Barney for a MI (middle infielder) spot. But he's likely a couple of years away from being a fantasy stud. The Orioles just got a lot more interesting, though.

MIXED LEAGUES

Jeremy Affeldt RP, Giants (Yahoo: 13 percent owned, ESPN: 3.3 percent)
Sergio Romo RP, Giants (Yahoo: 39 percent owned, ESPN: 21.6 percent)

Santiago Casilla has really struggled since the start of June and continues to be bothered by a blister issue, so Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced on Tuesday that he'll use a closer-by-committee moving forward. Affeldt and Romo figure to get most of the save chances while Javier Lopez could get mixed in if either needs a rest. Normally I'd say Affeldt would be at the disadvantage here since he's left-handed, but the Giants have been reluctant to lean on Romo too heavily in the past due to concerns over his throwing elbow, so this could be closer to a 50-50 split.

Grant Balfour RP, Athletics (Yahoo: 40 percent owned, ESPN: 39.2 percent)

Ryan Cook managed to notch his 12th save of the season Wednesday against the Angels despite giving up two runs on three hits. The 25-year-old right-hander has allowed nine runs over his last eight appearances after giving up just six runs over his first 40 appearances this season. The A's are currently in the thick of the playoff race, so it might be best to give him a bit of a break from the closer role. Balfour is the likely alternative if Bob Melvin decides to make a change and while he gave up a solo homer in Wednesday's game, he was unscored upon his in previous 13 appearances. Stash if you need saves.

Bartolo Colon SP, Athletics (Yahoo: 23 percent owned, ESPN: 18 percent)

Colon rejuvenated his career last season with the Yankees, but he's been even better this year with Oakland. On the strength of a career-best 22 1/3 inning scoreless streak, the 39-year-old right-hander owns a 3.38 ERA through 22 starts. He isn't striking out as many batters as last year, but he's averaging a career-best 1.4 BB/9 while his 4.10 K/BB ratio is the best in the American League. He's worth using for starts against the Royals and Indians next week at the very least.

David Murphy OF, Rangers (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 10.7 percent)

Murphy has seen most of his playing time against right-handed pitchers this season, but Rangers manager Ron Washington said Wednesday that he plans to use him as an everyday player for now. The 30-year-old is hitting .379 (22-for-58) over his last 17 games, so it's pretty easy to see why. Murphy has nine homers and eight stolen bases in just 95 games this year and has produced pretty consistently dating back to 2008, so he's hardly new to most fantasy owners. However, knowing that he'll be playing everyday makes it easier to start him in a weekly league.

Erick Aybar SS, Angels (Yahoo: 33 percent owned, ESPN: 30.2 percent)

I mentioned Aybar in this space just before the All-Star break, but he dropped off the radar in many mixed leagues after he broke his big right toe on July 21. The switch-hitting shortstop is 7-for-13 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored in three games since returning from the disabled list this week, so fantasy owners are running out of time to take advantage of the situation. Aybar's season still looks disappointing on the whole, but he's hitting .315 with all five of his homers since the start of June. It would be nice if he ran a little more, but he should be able to help in all formats.

Joe Blanton SP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 22 percent owned, ESPN: 15.5 percent)

The Dodgers didn't end up getting Ryan Dempster before last week's trade deadline, but Blanton is a pretty decent fallback option for fill out their starting rotation. The 31-year-old right-hander has a 4.59 ERA this season to go along with a career-best 1.4 BB/9 and a major-league best 5.71 K/BB ratio. Of course, he also leads the National League with 23 home runs allowed, but at least Chavez Ravine is a more forgiving home environment than Citizens Bank Park. Blanton's upcoming projected starts include matchups against the Marlins, Pirates, Giants and Padres, none of which would scare me off in deeper mixed leagues.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Marco Estrada RP/SP, Brewers (Yahoo: 8 percent owned, ESPN: 2.7 percent)

Estrada has yet to win a game this season, but he continues to be a pretty useful arm in fantasy leagues. The 29-year-old right-hander has allowed three earned runs or less in six out of his last seven starts and holds an excellent 83/16 K/BB ratio over 80 2/3 innings. The home run ball has been his biggest problem and his fly ball rate suggests that it may be something we have to live with, but he's a pretty safe streaming option this weekend against the lowly Astros.

Eric Chavez 3B/1B, Yankees (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 0.9 percent)

I never thought we would see this guy be relevant in mixed leagues again, but he has filled in quite admirably for Alex Rodriguez, who is currently nursing a broken bone in his left hand. Chavez is hitting .462 (12-for-26) with three homers, two doubles and eight RBI over his last eight games and has 11 homers and an .855 OPS in 76 games overall this year. Injuries have limited the 34-year-old to 198 games since the start of the 2008 season, so the party could be over at any minute, but he's a worth a look if you need a temporary fill-in at third base or a CI (corner infielder) spot.

Brett Jackson OF, Cubs (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 2.3 percent)

The Cubs have sold off Ryan Dempster, Paul Maholm, Geovany Soto, Reed Johnson and Jeff Baker in recent days, so they are now looking toward the future. Jackson was called up from Triple-A Iowa over the weekend and should play nearly every day in center field over the final two months of the season. The 24-year-old struck out in 33.8 percent of his at-bats in the minors this season and is 2-for-11 with eight strikeouts over his first three games in the majors, so don't look for him to hit for a high batting average, but his speed-power combo makes him flier-worthy in deeper leagues and five-outfielder formats.

Jean Segura 2B/SS, Brewers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

Acquired from the Angels late last month in the Zack Greinke deal, Segura was called up from the minors this week after the Brewers let Cesar Izturis go on waivers to the Nationals. While the 22-year-old was blocked by Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick with the Angels, he'll get the next two months to prove that he can be the everyday shortstop in Milwaukee. It may take a couple of years for his power to fully develop, but Segura was a .313/.367/.439 hitter in the minors and swiped 139 bases in 399 games. He's a decent MI (middle infielder) target at the moment.

Derek Norris C, Athletics (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.3 percent)

It's not often that you see a contending team trade a veteran catcher in order to make room for a rookie, but that's exactly what the A's did last week. Norris has seized the opportunity by hitting safely in each of his last five games, including a homer and three RBI on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old strikes out a lot, so he'll probably never hit for a high batting average, but he has plenty of power and patience. Heck, he can even swipe a base on occasion. Give him a shot in two-catcher formats.

Jim Henderson RP, Brewers (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 0.9 percent)

Could we have a new closer in Milwaukee? There's nothing official yet, but Henderson is certainly making his case. Originally drafted by the Expos back in 2003, the 29-year-old right-hander spent 10 seasons in the minors before finally making his major league debut last week. He has a solid 10/1 K/BB ratio over his first seven innings in the big leagues and notched saves in back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Control has been an issue at times for him in the minors, but Henderson sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and was serving as the closer this season with Triple-A Nashville. I still think John Axford is the best bet for the long haul, but Henderson should continue to get looks in the ninth inning until he stumbles.

Eric Young, Jr. 2B/OF, Rockies (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 1 percent)

Getting a chance at regular playing time in the corner outfield spots due to injuries to Michael Cuddyer and Todd Helton, Young went 8-for-14 with an inside-the-park home run and five runs scored during a three-game series against the Dodgers this week. The 27-year-old speedster batted leadoff in all three games, so Rockies manager Jim Tracy could be tempted to keep him there in the short-term. Young has excellent wheels and eligibility at second base in many leagues, so he's a sneaky pickup in deeper formats. <!--RW-->

NL ONLY

Kurt Suzuki C, Nationals (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 5.8 percent)

In the midst of his worst season in the big leagues, Suzuki was traded to the Nationals last week. While the A's were ready to turn the page, Suzuki is expected to take over the starting catcher gig from Jesus Flores, who has really struggled filling in for Wilson Ramos. The 28-year-old backstop isn't too far removed from being a productive fantasy catcher, so he's worth an automatic flier in NL-only leagues, especially if you're missing Carlos Ruiz or Yasmani Grandal right now.

Erik Kratz C, Phillies (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.5 percent)

Carlos Ruiz hoped to play through the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, but the rest of his season is now in jeopardy after an MRI over the weekend revealed a partial tear. With 35-year-old Brian Schneider poised to hit free agency following the season, this would be a good time for the Phillies to give Kratz a long look behind the plate. The 32-year-old journeyman has shown decent pop in the minors and is hitting .371 (13-for-35) with four home runs, five doubles and nine RBI in sporadic playing time with the Fightins this year. He should be on your radar in two-catcher leagues.

Jacob Turner SP, Marlins (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.2 percent)

The centerpiece of the deal that sent Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Tigers last month, Turner has a 2.65 ERA over his first three starts with Triple-A New Orleans and is knocking on the door for a call-up to the big leagues. The 2009 first-round pick has an 8.28 ERA over his first six big league starts and hasn't missed many bats in the minors this year, but it's easy to forget that he's just 21 years old. He's worth stashing away on potential alone and will surely show up on many sleeper lists next spring.

AL ONLY

Ezequiel Carrera OF, Indians (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Called up from Triple-A Columbus last Friday after Johnny Damon was designated for assignment, Carrera is expected to get the majority of the playing time in left field for the Indians moving forward. The 25-year-old batted .243 with a .613 OPS over 68 games in his first taste of the big leagues last year, so my expectations aren't particularly high, but he's off to a nice start this time around and has the speed to get to double-digit stolen bases down the stretch.

Corey Kluber SP/RP, Indians (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Kluber was knocked around pretty good in his first major league start last Thursday against the Royals, but he was much better Tuesday against the Twins, allowing three runs (one earned) over six innings as part of a no-decision. I'm not convinced that the 26-year-old right-hander is a long-term piece for the Indians, but he has averaged 93.5 mph on his fastball through two starts and had a solid 3.59 ERA and 128 strikeouts over 125 1/3 innings this season with Triple-A Columbus. It looks like he'll keep a rotation spot for the short-term, so he's worth a look if you're hurting for starters.

Jeff Baker 1B/2B/3B/OF, Tigers (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 1 percent)

Acquired from the Cubs over the weekend, Baker made his Tigers' debut on Wednesday night against Yankees' left-hander CC Sabathia and went 2-for-3 with a two-run single and a double. The 31-year-old has an .873 career OPS against left-handed pitching, so he could be a nice little weapon for Tigers manager Jim Leyland down the stretch. Of course, playing strictly against lefties will limit Baker's fantasy value, but his multi-position eligibility could come in handy in leagues where you can make daily lineup changes.

 

[HacheMan]

Knuckle Up
Some speculated that R.A. Dickey's magical season was ready to go up in smoke after he stumbled through most of July. Well, hopefully some fantasy owners were able to take advantage of the brief window to buy low.

Dickey bolstered his Cy Young case Thursday afternoon by going the distance in a 6-1 victory over the Marlins. The knuckleballer struck out 10 and walked none and has allowed two earned runs or less while going at least seven innings in each of his last three starts.

We still have over seven weeks left in the season, so there's plenty of time for other candidates to emerge as a front-runner, but Dickey's case for the hardware is pretty solid at the moment. The 37-year-old currently ranks fourth in the National League in ERA (2.72) and first in wins (15), strikeouts (166), WHIP (1.00), innings pitched (162 1/3 innings), complete games (three) and shutouts (two-tied).

We could actually see Dickey pitch more often down the stretch, as Mets manager Terry Collins hinted Thursday that he hasn't ruled out using him on short rest in September if it will help boost his Cy Young chances.

Meeting Machado

There was a considerable buzz in the air at Camden Yards on Thursday evening for Manny Machado's major league debut. While the Royals spoiled it by knocking Wei-Yin Chen around for seven runs over 4 2/3 innings, Machado showed flashes of what makes him one of the most highly-regarded position prospects in the game.

Machado, who started at third base and batted ninth, went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored. The 20-year-old grounded out to shortstop in his first at-bat before collecting his first major league hit with an opposite-field triple and scoring on a sacrifice fly by Nick Markakis. He later beat out a slow roller to second base for an infield hit.

Machado is a shortstop by trade, but he looked pretty comfortable at third base on Thursday after making just two starts there in the minors. He's expected to play nearly every day at the hot corner while Wilson Betemit, Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis shuffle between first base and designated hitter.

My expectations from a fantasy perspective are pretty modest in the short-term, as Machado was hitting .266/.352/.438 with 11 homers, 59 RBI, 13 stolen bases and a .789 OPS through 109 games with Double-A Bowie this year. Those are solid numbers for someone in their age-19 season, but growing pains are to be expected in his first exposure to the majors. Machado is shortstop-eligible, which makes him interesting if you're hurting for options in deeper mixed formats, but just keep expectations in check.

Fiers Headed for Shutdown?

My colleague Drew Silva wrote about Michael Fiers' surprising rookie campaign in Wednesday's Daily Dose, but it turns out he may not be there for crunch time in many fantasy leagues. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke confirmed to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on Thursday that the club is currently monitoring Fiers' workload for a possible shutdown.

Fiers has an outstanding 1.80 ERA and 80/16 K/BB ratio through 12 starts and one relief appearance since being called up from the minors at the end of May. However, the 27-year-old right-hander has already logged 135 innings this season between the majors and minors, more than his previous career-high of 126 innings last season between Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville.

Haudricourt writes that the Brewers are reluctant to have their developing starters pitch more than 20-30 percent above their total from the previous season. If Fiers is allowed to reach the high-end of that estimate, that would put him in the range of 35 additional innings this season. He has averaged just under seven innings in his 12 starts, so we could be looking at about five more starts and a shutdown in the early part of September. Enjoy him while you still can. Or better yet, find a trading partner.

NL Quick Hits: Pablo Sandoval (hamstring) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with High-A San Jose … Adam Wainwright tossed seven innings of one-run ball in Thursday's win over the Giants … Jordan Zimmermann notched a season-high 11 strikeouts over six scoreless innings Thursday in a win over the Astros … Jason Kubel clubbed his 24th and 25th homers in Thursday's win over the Pirates … Mike Morse homered twice and knocked in three runs Thursday … Matt Garza (elbow) is still hopeful of returning this season … Jaime Garcia allowed five runs over six innings Thursday in his latest rehab start with Double-A Springfield … Shaun Marcum (elbow) will make his first minor league rehab start Friday with Class A Wisconsin after Thursday's game was rained out … Carlos Lee is interested in returning to the Marlins next season … Alfonso Soriano clubbed a go-ahead two-run homer in Thursday's win over the Reds … The Astros acquired infielder Tyler Greene from the Cardinals on Thursday and optioned struggling outfielder J.D. Martinez to Triple-A Oklahoma City … Bobby Abreu has accepted a minor league assignment with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate …

AL Quick Hits: Brett Lawrie was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a strained oblique … Evan Longoria started his third straight game Thursday and went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI … Jason Kipnis was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to neck stiffness … Billy Butler finished a single short of the cycle in Thursday's win over the Orioles … Andrew Bailey (thumb) pitched a scoreless inning of relief Thursday in his latest rehab game with Triple-A Pawtucket … Ubaldo Jimenez struck out a season-high 10 while allowing three runs over six innings Thursday in a win over the Red Sox … Luke Scott (oblique) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with High-A Port Charlotte … Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list Thursday with lower back stiffness … Matt Moore gave up one run over six innings in a win over the Blue Jays on Thursday and has a 2.92 since the end of May … The Indians released Johnny Damon and Jeremy Accardo on Thursday … The Red Sox have reportedly signed Scott Podsednik to a major league deal and plan to send Ryan Kalish to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for him on the active roster …

 

[HacheMan]

New Faces, New Places Looking over the list of two-start pitchers in the upcoming week, you'll find a number of pitchers who were playing for different teams just a couple weeks ago, including Ryan Dempster, Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez. How will these hurlers fare while making two starts in new uniforms?

The three have all had some hiccups in transitioning from the National League the less pitcher-friendly American League. Sanchez gave up three homers to Toronto in his first start for Detroit, and coughed up seven runs against the Yankees in his latest tilt. Dempster was plastered by the Angels for eight runs in his Ranger debut. Greinke is 0-2 with a 5.86 ERA in three starts for the Halos.

Fortunately, two of these pitchers will look ahead to some cozy match-ups in The Week Ahead. Sanchez throws against the Twins at Target Field and then gets the Orioles at home. Greinke is slated for home tilts against the Rays and the woeful Indians.

Dempster, meanwhile, will hit the road to face the Yankees and Jays. Ouch.

Going Twice…

American League

Strong Plays

Matt Moore: @SEA (Millwood), @LAA (Greinke)
Bartolo Colon: @KC (Guthrie), CLE (Masterson)
CC Sabathia: TEX (Dempster), BOS (Morales)
Hiroki Kuroda: TEX (Harrison), BOS (Lester)
C.J. Wilson: CLE (Masterson), TB (Cobb)
Zack Greinke: CLE (Jimenez), TB (Moore)
Anibal Sanchez: @MIN (Deduno), BAL (Hunter)
Jake Peavy: @TOR (Villanueva), @KC (Chen)

Decent Plays

Henderson Alvarez: CWS (Quintana), TEX (Harrison)
Carlos Villanueva: CWS (Peavy), TEX (Dempster)
Matt Harrison: @NYY (Kuroda), @TOR (Alvarez)
Ryan Dempster: @NYY (Sabathia), @TOR (Villanueva)
Alex Cobb: @SEA (Beavan), @LAA (Wilson)
Blake Beavan: TB (Cobb), MIN (Deduno)
Jose Quintana: @TOR (Alvarez), @KC (Guthrie)
Justin Masterson: @LAA (Wilson), @OAK (Colon)

At Your Own Risk

Samuel Deduno: DET (Sanchez), @SEA (Beavan)
Jeremy Guthrie: OAK (Colon), CWS (Quintana)
Tommy Hunter: BOS (Beckett), @DET (Sanchez)

National League

Strong Plays

Gio Gonzalez: @SF (Vogelsong), NYM (Young)
Ryan Vogelsong: WAS (Gonzalez), @SD (Richard)
Clayton Richard: @ATL (Hudson), SF (Vogelsong)
Cole Hamels: @MIA (Eovaldi), @MIL (Fiers)
Mike Fiers: @COL (Francis), PHI (Hamels)
Josh Johnson: PHI (Kendrick), @COL (Pomeranz)
Chad Billingsley: @PIT (Rodriguez), @ATL (Hudson)
Mat Latos: NYM (Young), CHC (Volstad)
Tim Hudson: SD (Richard), LAD (Billingsley)
Mike Minor: SD (Ohlendorf), LAD (Harang)

Decent Plays

Joe Kelly: ARI (Kennedy), PIT (Rodriguez)
Kevin Correia: LAD (Billingsley), @STL (Kelly)
Jeff Karstens: LAD (Harang), @STL (Lynn)
Nathan Eovaldi: PHI (Hamels), @COL (Chatwood)
Aaron Harang: @PIT (Karstens), @ATL (Minor)
Jeff Samardzija: HOU (Galarraga), @CIN
Ian Kennedy: @STL (Kelly), @HOU (Galarraga)

At Your Own Risk

Ross Ohlendorf: @ATL (Minor), SF (Zito)
Kyle Kendrick: @MIA (Johnson), @MIL (Wolf)
Chris Young: @CIN (Latos), @WAS (Gonzalez)
Randy Wolf: @COL (Chatwood), PHI (Kendrick)
Armando Galarraga: @CHC (Samardzija), ARI (Kennedy)
Jeff Francis: MIL (Fiers), MIA (LeBlanc)
Tyler Chatwood: MIL (Wolf), MIA (Eovaldi)
Drew Pomeranz: MIL (Rogers), MIA (Johnson)
Chris Volstad: HOU (Harrell), @CIN (Latos)
<!--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, 8/15: Dan Straily @ KC
The rookie strikeout machine should be able to slice and dice Kansas City's lineup.

Thursday, 8/16: Luke Hochevar vs. OAK
It's tough to count on the wildly inconsistent right-hander, but he does have a 2.18 ERA in his last five starts at home.

Thursday, 8/16: Miguel Gonzalez vs. BOS
Gonzalez has been shockingly effective this year for the most part, with a 3.80 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

National League

Wednesday, 8/15: Paul Maholm vs. SD
The lefty was quality against the Astros in his debut for Atlanta. Look for similarly strong results against the Padres.

Wednesday, 8/15: Justin Germano vs. HOU
Germano has proven tough to solve since joining the Cubs rotation, allowing only four runs on seven hits in two starts.

Thursday, 8/16: Kris Medlen vs. SD
He's looked sharp in his first two turns since rejoining the Braves' rotation. Let him loose in this favorable match-up against Jason Marquis.

Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdowns

American League

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

National League

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

The Infirmary

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

Matt Garza: Out until September (elbow)
Travis Hafner: Out indefinitely (groin)
Todd Helton: Out for the season (hip)
Michael Cuddyer: Out until late August (ribs)
Ryan Raburn: Out until late August (thumb)
Jordan Schafer: Out indefinitely (shoulder)
A.J. Griffin: Out until late August (shoulder)
Brett Lawrie: Out until late August (ribs)

 

[HacheMan]

Top 12 prospects: Skaggs back in

By Kevin Goldstein | Baseball Prospectus

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



The Top 12 for '12 lost two more in the past week, with Josh Vitters joining the Chicago Cubs and Adeiny Hechavarria heading to the Toronto Blue Jays. The big miss was the surprising move by the Baltimore Orioles to bring up top prospect Manny Machado, who I profiled Thursday. At this point of the season, we're in long-shot mode, but let's shake up the list a bit by including some potential September call-ups.



<offer></offer>1. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals (Last week's rank: 1)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 8-for-23 (.348), 1 RBI
Season totals: .309-33-93, 6 SB in 110 games
Update: When will Myers get the call? At this point, it's hard to see it happening before September, and Myers isn't helping himself by continuing to post a high strikeout rate.
What he can do: Even with all the strikeouts, Myers should produce immediately in the big leagues thanks to a plus approach and plenty of power. He is a must-have in keeper leagues, but he is running out of time to help non-keeper league owners.



2. Tyler Skaggs, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Reno): 13 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 4 BBs, 15 K's
Season totals: 9-5, 2.38 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 117 1/3 IP, 112 K's
Update: In his first Triple-A start following his July promotion, Skaggs allowed five earned runs. In seven starts since, he has allowed a total of four. That has put the 21-year-old in position for a big league look this season, as the D-backs have begun to surge into semi-contention in the National League West.
What he can do: With a plus fastball and one of the best curveballs in the minors, Skaggs is among the top left-handed pitching prospects. Thanks to plus command and control, he is likely to need less adjustment time, and scouts are quick to point out that he is more efficient than fellow prospect Trevor Bauer.



3. Rob Brantly, C, Miami Marlins (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A New Orleans): 10-for-21 (.476), 1 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .299-5-41 in 95 games
Update: The Marlins' playoff chances? Little to none. Starting catcher John Buck's production? He's doing nothing, and I mean nothing. The shiny new toy at Triple-A acquired in the Anibal Sanchez deal? Raking. It all adds up as good news for Brantly, but trying to make sense of what's going on in Miami can be a foolhardy task.
What he can do: Getting anything offensively out of a catcher is a good thing, but let's be clear: Brantly won't be a multicategory contributor. His only fantasy value comes from his ability to hit for average, as there's little power or speed to his game.



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




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Tucson): 4-for-19 (.211), 3 RBIs
Season totals: .312-23-82, 5 SB in 108 games
Update: Gyorko is still stuck at Triple-A due to the combination of Chase Headley not being traded and the fact that he is not playing second base regularly. All Gyorko can do is keep hitting, which at some point could force the Padres' hand.
What he can do: Despite big numbers at Triple-A and a constant presence on this list, Gyorko is not a future star as much as he is a solid future big league starter who can post a good batting average and display a bit of power. He should get his first look at big league pitching next month, if not before then.



5. Jacob Turner, SP, Marlins (Last week's rank: 5)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A New Orleans): 6 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 2 BBs, 2 K's
Season totals: 6-4, 2.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 101 1/3 IP, 65 K's
Update: Since moving to the Marlins' system, Turner has kept runs off the board, but he is not missing many bats, which is becoming a minor concern. Still, it's runs (or the ability to prevent them), not strikeouts, that win games, and Turner could be part of a late-season game plan in Miami that focuses on restoring the team's reputation among the fan base.
What he can do: Turner doesn't have a monster offering, but he throws a good three-pitch mix for strikes. His game is mature enough for what is becoming an expected September debut.



6. Johnny Giavotella, 2B, Royals (Last week's rank: 4)




Last week's stats (at Triple-A Omaha): 6-for-25 (.240), 5 RBIs
Season totals: .327-10-65, 6 SB in 82 games
Update: Giavotella couldn't stay red-hot forever, but he still has the numbers to deserve a look, especially in Kansas City. For a team trying to figure out their future, the Royals keeping Giavotella at Triple-A doesn't make much sense.
What he can do: Giavotella is an easy plus hitter who should provide a good batting average, but he is not a base stealer and has only a little power. His poor defense is an issue, but his bat should be able to make up for it.



7. Shelby Miller, SP, St. Louis Cardinals (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Memphis): 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BBs, 8 K's
Season totals: 7-9, 5.25 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 106 1/3 IP, 115 K's
Update: Well look who's back! After one of the most disappointing first halves in prospect land, Miller is back to his old self, with a 2.79 ERA in his past five starts and just three walks in 29 innings. He was never a lost cause, but now he is a potential September contributor.
What he can do: Miller's plus fastball/curve combination has future No. 2 starter written all over it, and now that he is pounding the strike zone again, he is back on track for a possible big league look this season.



8. Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals (Last week's rank: 6)





Last week's stats (at Double-A Springfield): 8-for-22 (.364), 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 2 SB
Season totals: .323-20-80, 8 SB in 107 games
Update: Taveras slides two rankings spots this week, but not because he has stopped hitting. Instead, he drops because the man playing in front of him, Jon Jay, has started hitting again in a big way, going 10-for-15 in his past four games to raise his batting average 24 points. For now, Taveras is looking like nothing more than a September call-up.
What he can do: Taveras has the rare combination of a violent, powerful swing with incredible bat control. Scouts think he could hit right away in the big leagues, and he is going to create a difficult decision for the Cardinals at some point in 2013, if not before.



9. Trevor Bauer, SP, Diamondbacks (Last week: unranked)

Last week's stats (at Triple-A Reno): 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BBs, 5 K's
Season totals: 11-1, 2.16 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 104 IP, 125 K's
Update: Bauer delivered an efficient Triple-A start his last time out, which addressed his biggest issue, both in the minors and during his brief, shaky big league stint. One start does not equal a turnaround, but it's a step in the right direction. For now, he is behind Skaggs in the pecking order.
What he can do: Bauer has the stuff to blow away hitters at any level, but he gets too cute with his stuff instead of being aggressive within the strike zone. His last few starts of the year will be watched closely to see if he has begun a new trend.



10. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at Double-A Tulsa): 13-for-26 (.500), 1 HR, 3 RBIs
Season totals: .279-9-46 in 112 games
Update: Arenado was a regular in the Top 12 for '12 earlier this season, as he began the year with a shot at breaking camp in the big leagues and was close to getting an early call when he didn't. That all changed when he started posting mediocre numbers in the Texas League. He is in the midst of his hottest streak of the season, which has him on the radar for a September look.
What he can do: Arenado is a contact machine, but his ability to make contact has led to him swinging at bad pitches and thus making bad contact. Questions about his power and patience remain, but he is going to hit for a high average.



11. Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds (Last week's rank: 10)





Last week's stats (at Triple-A Louisville): 8-for-29 (.276), 1 RBI, 14 SB
Season totals: .312-2-38, 133 SB in 103 games
Update: Look at those numbers again. That's 14 stolen bases in a week. Fourteen. His offensive production has slowed a bit at Double-A, but we haven't seen impact speed like this in a long time. There remains a decent shot for him to come up in September as a pinch runner deluxe.
What he can do: Hamilton has 80-plus steals potential, and even that might be a bit conservative. Who cares about his lack of power; we're talking about a guy who can steal 80-100 bases, maybe more. Think about what that does for your fantasy team.



12. Dylan Bundy, SP, Baltimore Orioles (Last week: unranked)





Last week's stats (at High-A Frederick): 5 1/3 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BBs, 7 K's
Season totals: 7-3, 1.92 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 84 1/3 IP, 103 K's
Update: Bundy was just moved up to Double-A Bowie, and the 19-year-old will make his Eastern League debut Tuesday. While it might be crazy to think of him being in the big leagues this year, it seemed that way about his organization-mate Machado as well. Remember when David Price came up in 2008 as a late-inning reliever down the stretch? There's an outside chance that happens with Bundy in 2012.
What he can do: Seen by many as the best pitching prospect in the game, Bundy has monster stuff, with mid-to-upper-90s heat, a nasty power curveball and an outstanding cutter. Despite his youth and inexperience, he probably could hold his own right away in short stints.

 

[HacheMan]

Deeper stats boost values

Some pitchers' worth goes beyond subpar win-loss percentage or ERA

By AJ Mass | ESPN.com

Back when I was a teenager, summer meant camping. The local day camp operated out of a high school building, but every Wednesday a dozen or so of us intrepid individuals would board a barely operating mini-bus and our counselor would drive us to whatever no-frills campground happened to be close to a main attraction such as Hershey Park or Mystic Seaport.

We'd unpack our tents and sleeping bags and stay there until the drive home on Friday. Sometimes, we'd get lucky and there would be an onsite pool or an air-conditioned arcade. Other times, the accommodations were little more than an area "slightly less rocky" than the general surrounding area. We never knew what we would encounter until we were there.


One particular week, I remember the bus pulled into the campground and suddenly Barbara Tocker exclaimed in excitement, "Monkey bars! Excellent!" Apparently, when the pickings are slim, you look for anything to give you hope that the next few nights will not be the worst of your life.


Now that the trade deadline has passed in ESPN standard fantasy leagues, to improve your pitching staff you're going to have to board that mini-bus to the waiver wire in hopes that you might discover something there that gives you the slightest reason for hope. Unfortunately, most of the pitchers not on rosters at this point are of the Erik Bedard variety; losing records and high ERAs abound.


Still, amid the rubble, if you look past the win-loss record and ERA to quality starts and strikeouts-per-nine-innings rates, there are a few sets of monkey bars that stand there, towering above the rest of the pack, just begging you to delight in their excellence, or at least the promise of something a little bit better than sharp rocks digging into your spine as you struggle to make it through the rest of the night.


Here are a few names to consider adding to your pitching staff from those owned in less than 75 percent of ESPN standard leagues, along with Tim Lincecum (who we include here to inspire optimism in his owners). These are the pitchers with losing records and ERAs above 4.00 who have the most quality starts on the season with a K/9 rate above 8.0:


<table><thead><tr><th> Pitcher </th><th> Team </th><th> QS </th><th> Win Pct </th><th> ERA </th><th> K/9 </th><th> Owned </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Edinson Volquez </td><td> SD </td><td> 13 </td><td> .467 </td><td> 4.03 </td><td> 8.3 </td><td> 21.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Bud Norris </td><td> HOU </td><td> 12 </td><td> .357 </td><td> 4.93 </td><td> 9.2 </td><td> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> J.A. Happ </td><td> TOR </td><td> 12 </td><td> .444 </td><td> 5.04 </td><td> 8.5 </td><td> 1.4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jeff Samardzija </td><td> CHC </td><td> 12 </td><td> .412 </td><td> 4.21 </td><td> 8.8 </td><td> 51.7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Johan Santana </td><td> NYM </td><td> 10 </td><td> .429 </td><td> 4.58 </td><td> 8.6 </td><td> 63.2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Tim Lincecum </td><td> SF </td><td> 9 </td><td> .333 </td><td> 5.35 </td><td> 9.4 </td><td> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Francisco Liriano </td><td> CHW </td><td> 9 </td><td> .231 </td><td> 5.35 </td><td> 9.9 </td><td> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Erik Bedard </td><td> PIT </td><td> 8 </td><td> .368 </td><td> 4.56 </td><td> 8.6 </td><td> 24.3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Marco Estrada </td><td> MIL </td><td> 6 </td><td> .000 </td><td> 4.36 </td><td> 9.1 </td><td> 4.1 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Pointing Up



Nelson Cruz, OF, Texas Rangers: Since Aug. 1, Cruz has hit .325 with three home runs and an OPS of 1.004. More impressively, he's kept his strikeouts-to-walks ratio at a very palatable 1.2, far better than his season-to-date rate of 2.86. He even stole a base on Sunday, indicating that the sore back that forced him to leave Friday's game is no longer of consequence.


Allen Craig, OF/1B, St. Louis Cardinals: Even with sore ribs keeping him out for a game last week and slowing him down in the next, Craig still put up 25 fantasy points for the scoring period. He's batting .318 for the month, with eight of his 14 hits going for extra bases. With an RBI every 4.73 at-bats this season (fourth among all hitters with at least 300 plate appearances) it's hard to deny his value.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks: He's hit .370 with 14 RBIs over his past 14 games, and even with an 0-for-13 funk in the middle of this past week he still ended up with 18 fantasy points. Maybe he hasn't walked all month, but he has made the most of his time on base with two steals and five runs scored. If he was able to survive this past week's mini-slump, the next few weeks should be stellar.


Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox: Not only has Sale won three straight starts, but he has been mowing down opposing hitters in the process, recording 24 strikeouts in his past 21 innings. Believe it or not, Sale is tied for third in all of baseball in terms of OBP against (.268), which for a points league pitcher elevates his value into the same neighborhood as Jered Weaver and Justin Verlander.


Eric Chavez, 3B, New York Yankees: Playing time is the only concern here as manager Joe Girardi insists on giving Casey McGehee some starts at third base. All Chavez did in his four games in Detroit this past week was to hit two home runs and score six runs and drive in five. Even from a platoon situation that kind of production makes you stand up and take notice, so as long as the southpaws stay away, Chavez has incredible per-at-bat bang for the buck.


Manny Machado, SS, Baltimore Orioles: Four games, against the Kansas City Royals no less, do not a career make. However, the initial impact of Machado's call-up cannot be denied. Five runs scored and seven RBIs to go along with three home runs ranked the rookie No. 13 overall for the week and first at his position after one series. The sky's the limit!


Pointing Down



Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Bruce is hitting just .223 in the second half of the season, and after a 2-for-20 week that included a two-day "hiatus" to get his head on straight we're not jumping for joy simply because he managed to hit one out of the park on Sunday against Brooks Raley. Since May 28, only one scoring period has seen Bruce post more than 20 fantasy points. He has a long way to go to earn back our trust.


Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels: Every hitter has an off week, but after hitting .424 with six home runs and 13 RBIs two weeks ago, the 1-for-23 (.043) week that followed was a huge surprise. His next six games are against two teams he's struggled against this season: Cleveland (.238 in 2012) and Tampa Bay (.182). Nobody is saying that Pujols has to be benched, but this season has proved that even The Machine needs to be turned off for a bit to recharge his batteries.

Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs: For every Manny Machado, there's a Brett Jackson. After going 2-for-4 in his debut on Aug. 5, Jackson spent the next five games suffering through a 1-for-16 fiasco of a week that included 11 strikeouts. It's just another reason why you shouldn't always rush to the waiver wire after one game from a "can't-miss prospect." Often times there are a lot of misses before everything clicks.


Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets: Santana returned from the disabled list and immediately served up eight earned runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves, marking his fourth straight negative-point outing. The Mets are almost obligated to continue to throw him out there to increase his offseason trade value, so in addition to his status as a "monkey bars" pitcher there's reason to believe he still might turn his bus around.


Adam Dunn, 1B, Chicago White Sox: With Paul Konerko sidelined because of a concussion, Dunn will have to play first base on a regular basis until Konerko returns. That's not a good thing as his 2012 numbers actually get worse when he has to field grounders as well as swing the bat. Dunn is batting .197 with only 0.5 RBIs per game as a first baseman this season. Plus, he now has gone 13 games without a home run.


Anibal Sanchez, SP, Detroit Tigers: Do you think Sanchez is regretting this whole "changing leagues" thing? In his last three starts with Miami, he had 43 fantasy points. In his first three starts with Detroit, he's now at minus-6, thanks to a 7.80 ERA and a puny 1.43 K/BB rate. The DH has gone 4-for-7 with four RBIs in his three AL starts. Think he's missing the pitcher's spot in the order?



TOP 100 OVERALL PLAYERS

Note: AJ Mass' top 100 overall players are ranked based on statistics that have already been accrued in ESPN standard points formats and should be used as a supplement to the ESPN Player Rater.
<table><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rnk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player, Team </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev
Rnk </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miguel Cabrera, 1B/3B, 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;"> Edwin Encarnacion, 3B/1B, TOR </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;"> Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Trout, OF, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Melky Cabrera, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander, SP, DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aroldis Chapman, RP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> R.A. Dickey, SP, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wright, 3B, NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Prince Fielder, 1B, DET </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;"> Ryan Braun, OF, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Albert Pujols, 1B, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Holliday, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jered Weaver, SP, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price, SP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fernando Rodney, RP, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Sale, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Rios, OF, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Ortiz, DH, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Beltran, OF, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Hernandez, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Craig Kimbrel, RP, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Jones, OF, BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aramis Ramirez, 3B, MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Willingham, OF, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Reyes, SS, MIA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cole Hamels, SP, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buster Posey, C/1B, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Johnny Cueto, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Mauer, C/1B, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Hanrahan, RP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Madison Bumgarner, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Beltre, 3B, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Billy Butler, 1B, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Gonzalez, 1B/OF, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joey Votto, 1B, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenley Jansen, RP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Phillips, 2B, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martin Prado, 3B/OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> CC Sabathia, SP, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bourn, OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Trumbo, 1B/OF, LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Peavy, SP, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Vogelsong, SP, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hill, 2B, ARI </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;"> Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Lohse, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Austin Jackson, OF, DET </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;"> Yadier Molina, C, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Curtis Granderson, OF, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Pierzynski, C, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordan Zimmermann, SP, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chase Headley, OF, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Reddick, OF, OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Burnett, SP, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kubel, OF, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hanley Ramirez, SS/3B, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Motte, RP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Gordon, OF, KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Jeter, SS, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Kipnis, 2B, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Victorino, OF, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Brantley, OF, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jose Altuve, 2B, HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Neil Walker, 2B, PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Bruce, OF, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Capuano, SP, LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hunter Pence, OF, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rafael Soriano, RP, NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Huston Street, RP, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Heyward, OF, ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Vargas, SP, SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos, SP, CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Denard Span, OF, MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nelson Cruz, OF, TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alejandro De Aza, OF, CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Lynn, SP, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Allen Craig, OF/1B, STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> N/R </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ian Desmond, SS, WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr></tbody></table>