MLB Fantasy News 2011

[HacheMan]

Morneau Awakening? Yes, Please SURGING

Justin Morneau, 1B, MIN

Stats: 4-for-8, four RBI on Saturday and Sunday combined.

Bottom line: Streaks have to start somewhere, right? And if you're a Morneau owner, even small positive developments are happy ones at this point. He still doesn't have a homer yet and is sporting just a 637 OPS, but the power production should be coming soon – Morneau's two-run double on Sunday was a one-hop rocket off the center field wall in Minnesota.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, BOS

Stats: 15.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 12 K's in his last two starts.

Bottom line: I'm certainly somewhat wary given his issues with inconsistency, but any pitcher who can rip off a two-start run like this needs to be owned in more than 17 percent of Yahoo leagues. Daisuke's current 1.14 WHIP won't hold up, but he's worth considering in any format right now if you're not averse to some risk.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

John Lackey, SP, BOS

Stats: 14.0 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's in his last two starts.

Bottom line: There was nothing visually dazzling about Lackey's performance against Los Angeles on Sunday, and I'm still not fully convinced he's on the verge of returning to the form he showed during his Angels heyday. But there's no ignoring the fact that his last two starts have been very good after two ugly ones to start the season, and I can see the logic behind acquiring Lackey (43 percent owned in Yahoo leagues) in hopes that he continues to look more like his 2005-2009 incarnation (3.49 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) than his 4.40, 1.42 hiccup in 2010.

Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL

Stats: .300 avg (9-for-30), three homers, six RBI in his last 10 games entering a Monday night matchup with San Diego.

Bottom line: He should have already been noticed in deeper mixed leagues, but if Freeman is out there in shallower formats and you need a corner infielder, don't hesitate to make the move. Though just 21 years old, the rookie has a very good approach at the plate (10/12 BB/K ratio), and his power is not a joke – Freeman took Clayton Kershaw deep last week and has the look of a 20-25 home run-hitter already.

Juan Uribe, 2B/3B/SS, LAD

Stats: .450 avg (9-for-20), two homers, nine RBI in his last three games entering a Monday night matchup with the Marlins.

Bottom line: He's been sidelined the past couple of days with a thigh injury, but the streaky Uribe has already begun a hitting binge and needs to be in all lineups as soon as the leg injury will allow him to play (which will hopefully be Monday).

Michael Morse, 1B/OF, WAS

Stats: 5-for-8 with a homer and four RBI entering a matchup with Pittsburgh on Monday night.

Bottom line: Morse finally broke out with his first homer on Sunday, and may be ready to start hitting for more power after hitting 15 dingers in 266 at-bats last season and nine in spring training. He's far from a must-add, but if you're in a deeper mixed league where there aren't a lot of good options on the waiver wire, you could do worse.

STRUGGLING

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL

Stats: .228 avg, 588 OPS, one homer, 13 RBI and three steals on the season entering a matchup against the Cubs on Monday night.

Bottom line: It's the second consecutive week CarGo has landed in this section, and he legitimately earned it by going 1-for-20 with one RBI over the last week. Am I frustrated as an owner of CarGo in multiple league? Yes, quite. But I still see no reason to panic. Things can click rather quickly for a player with Gonzalez's ability, so let's all agree to be patient and reconvene here if he somehow manages to struggle for another week. My hunch is he won't.

Editor's Note: For exclusive columns, rankings, projections and more, check out Rotoworld's MLB Season Pass.

Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA

Stats: 541 OPS with no homers on the season, including a 2-for-27 slump entering a Monday night matchup with the Dodgers.

Bottom line: Like the aforementioned Gonzalez, there's little reason to be concerned that Ramirez's slump will be a long-term issue. You're obviously not pleased at the moment if you made him a first-round pick, but Ramirez's 11-11 BB/K ratio is as good a sign as any that he'll start posting strong numbers soon. Stay patient if you drafted him, and buy low if the opportunity is there.

Gordon Beckham, 2B, CWS

Stats: 3-for-38 with no walks and two RBI in his last 11 games entering a Monday night matchup with the Yankees.

Bottom line: The important thing for Beckham's fantasy owners to remember is that it was only a couple of weeks ago that things were looking quite rosy (a .333 average, two homers, six RBI and 10 runs scored through his first nine games). You obviously shouldn't be starting him at the moment, but you also shouldn't be giving up on him as a long-term option just yet, either.

Jerry Sands, OF, LAD

Stats: .154 avg (4-for-26), four RBI through his first seven games entering a Monday night matchup with the Dodgers.

Bottom line: It's been a disappointing start for the power-hitting prospect, but if you acquired him in a fantasy league last week, wait it out a bit longer. Sands has hits in each of his last two games (including a line drive RBI double off Carlos Zambrano on Sunday), and drew a walk in each of the Dodgers' last three games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – his first three walks of the season.

Daniel Hudson, SP, ARI

Stats: 11 ER in 11.1 IP in his last two starts, including 7 ER in 5.1 IP against the Reds last week.

Bottom line: Hudson's 0-4 record, 5.92 ERA and 1.32 WHIP for the season don't look at all pretty, but I actually like him as a buy-low candidate right now. His stuff still looks quite impressive (including a fastball in the mid-90's with a good change-up), and there's nothing wrong with his 26/12 K/BB in 24.1 innings on the season. Hudson's ERA and WHIP should be dropping soon.

Yovani Gallardo, SP, MIL

Stats: 8.27 ERA, 1.84 WHIP in his last three starts (16.1 IP).

Bottom line: It's been an ugly run for Gallardo since he shut out the Braves on April 5, but because we're in an optimistic mood today (as evidenced by the relatively positive viewpoints on Gonzalez, Ramirez, Beckham, Sands and Hudson above), there's reason to remain calm about Yovani as well. Despite the fact that he's been hit hard lately (15 earned runs in his last 16.1 innings), his last two starts have featured a 12/1 K/BB ratio, including a season-high seven K's on Friday. Things should get a lot better for Gallardo soon.

Miguel Tejada, 3B/SS, SF

Stats: .205 avg, one homer, nine RBI on the season, including a 2-for-24 slump in his last seven games.

Bottom line: Even though I realize that there are plenty of fantasy leagues out there in which owners aren't paying attention to their rosters, I find it mildly shocking that Tejada remains owned in 34 percent of Yahoo leagues. If you're an owner who is paying attention and Tejada is on your roster, don't hesitate to cut him loose for someone with a statistical pulse. At age 36 (and approaching 37 next month), he simply has no upside left.

In closing, today's trend-related proverb can only be described as "Golden":

 

[HacheMan]

Setback For Phil Hughes
Phil Hughes continues to be a mystery.

The Yankees placed Hughes on the disabled list with arm fatigue earlier this month after he showed diminished velocity over his first three starts of the season. The 24-year-old right-hander was put on a strengthening program for about 10 days, so the Yankees were hoping to see some real progress during a bullpen session on Monday. It didn't happen.

Hughes cut the bullpen session short because his arm felt too dead to continue. There was talk of sending him out on a minor league rehab assignment this week, but those plans have been shelved indefinitely. Doctors haven't found any physical problems with Hughes until now, but Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters that they are sending him for an MRI on Tuesday "just to see what's going on."

Hughes will likely remain sidelined for at least the next few weeks, even if everything checks out fine on Tuesday, so fantasy owners will need to ask themselves how long they are willing to wait. This is obviously an easier question to answer depending upon how many DL spots are in your league, but don't let him waste a precious bench spot in standard mixed leagues. He's no lock to contribute anytime soon.

- And now we move from someone who was selected 23rd overall in 2004 to the No. 3 overall pick. Phil Humber, a former Mets farmhand, pitched a doozy of a game Monday night against the Yankees. In his sixth career start, the 28-year-old right-hander allowed one hit and two walks over seven shutout innings. He didn't allow his first hit until Alex Rodriguez singled up the middle with one out in the seventh inning.

Humber has been respectable as a fill-in for Jake Peavy in the back of Chicago's rotation, going at least five innings in all four of his starts and allowing two earned runs or less in three of them. Peavy had a setback last week and is still at least a couple of weeks away, so go ahead and give the former top prospect a chance in AL-only leagues. Just don't look for any miracles.

- Perhaps the most interesting angle of Monday's White Sox-Yankees game, at least from a fantasy baseball perspective, was after Humber had left the game. Sergio Santos was called upon for a four-out save, which included one strikeout and a crucial double play grounder by Mark Teixeira.

Santos has not allowed a run over his first 11 innings this season, so he certainly looks like the most trustworthy option in the bullpen at the moment. Ozzie Guillen wasn't exactly ready to name him the permanent closer following the game, but plans to at least give him the next opportunity. And that's your cue to pick him up in all formats.

This isn't to say that Santos is perfect. While he sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and has a nasty slider to boot, he has averaged 4.55 BB/9 over his first 64 major league appearances. There could be some bumps in the road. I wouldn't be surprised to see Chris Sale or Matt Thornton jump back into the mix before the season is through, but it's hard to blame Guillen for riding the hot hand.

- Jered Weaver is on a different stratosphere right now. He threw his sixth career complete game shutout (and second in a row) Monday night against the Athletics, improving to 6-0 with a microscopic 0.99 ERA over his first six starts. Weaver is the sixth pitcher since 1900 to have six wins before the end of April, joining Vida Blue (1971), Dave Stewart (1988), Randy Johnson (2000, 2002) and Brandon Webb (2008).

Weaver was overlooked in some circles last season because he only won 13 games, but his early season success hasn't exactly come out of nowhere. He led the league with 233 strikeouts over 224 1/3 innings, a massive and surprising jump from his previous career numbers. The 28-year-old right-hander has evolved into a true fantasy ace.

National League Quick Hits: Andre Ethier extended his career-best hitting streak to 22 games in Monday's loss to the Marlins … Albert Pujols remains day-to-day with a left hamstring injury … Ryan Braun hit his league-leading eighth home run in Monday's loss to the Reds … Ryan Zimmerman (abdominal strain) has been cleared to resume some baseball activities … Corey Hart (oblique) went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Monday in a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Nashville, but the Brewers haven't decided whether he will return from the disabled list Tuesday … Casey McGehee suffered a sprained left thumb on the final play of Monday's loss to the Reds and is scheduled to be reevaluated Tuesday … Jonathan Broxton blew his first save of the season in Monday's loss to the Marlins … Jose Contreras (elbow) is scheduled to undergo an MRI Tuesday … Logan Morrison had the cast removed from his sprained left foot Monday … Ian Kennedy struck out 10 in a complete game shutout Monday night and the Phillies … Chris Coghlan went 3-for-4 with a pair of homers Monday and is now batting .301 on the year … Starlin Castro committed three errors in one inning during Monday's game against the Rockies, which made a tough-luck loser out of Matt Garza, who is winless over his first five starts as a Cub … Ryan Ludwick homered twice in an extra-inning win over the Braves … Kosuke Fukudome had his first career five-hit game in Monday's loss to the Rockies … Homer Bailey (shoulder) is scheduled to make another minor league rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Louisville … The Diamondbacks placed Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring … Chris Iannetta (back) went 0-for-4 in his return to the lineup Monday … Clint Barmes (hand) went 1-for-2 with a walk Monday in his first minor league rehab game with Triple-A Oklahoma City and could return from the DL as soon as Friday … Brandon Wood started at third base in his Pirates' debut Monday and clubbed a two-run double … Takashi Saito (hamstring) threw 20 pitches in a bullpen session Monday and declared himself ready to go … Ronny Paulino went 1-for-4 and caught nine innings Monday in a minor league rehab game with Triple-A Buffalo … The Dodgers activated Dioner Navarro from the disabled list and sent A.J. Ellis to Triple-A Albuquerque … Last year's No. 2 pick Jameson Taillon will face No. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper on Wednesday when he makes his pro debut for the Pirates …

American League Quick Hits: A.J. Burnett tossed eight innings of one-run ball Monday in a tough-luck loss to the White Sox … Jose Bautista homered and walked twice in Monday's win over the Rangers and is now batting .364 (24-for-66) with eight homers and a .521 on-base percentage this season … Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that Kendrys Morales (ankle, foot) is having problems getting "full explosion" when he runs … Adam Dunn and Alex Rios snapped hitless streaks (0-for-13 and 0-for-22, respectively) Monday against the Yankees … Kyle Drabek yielded three runs over six innings in Monday's win over the Rangers and now has a 3.30 ERA and 21/17 K/BB ratio through five starts … Josh Willingham left Monday's game against the Athletics in the sixth inning with back stiffness … Rajai Davis left a minor league rehab game with Double-A New Hampshire on Monday after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch, but is expected to be OK … Corey Patterson, Davis' primary replacement in center field, went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI in Monday's win over the Rangers … The Mariners activated Justin Smoak from the bereavement list Monday … David Aardsma (hip) is set to make his fourth minor league rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday … Tsuyoshi Nishioka (leg) played long toss Monday morning at Target Field … Joel Pineiro (shoulder) allowed three unearned runs over 5 2/3 innings Monday in his latest minor league rehab assignment with High-A Inland Empire and could be activated from the disabled list Monday… Brandon Webb (shoulder) tossed two scoreless innings Monday in an extended spring training game … The Indians are expected to provide an update on Carlos Carrasco (elbow) on Tuesday … The Athletics activated Michael Wuertz from the 15-day disabled list … Yankees prospect catcher Jesus Montero is being sent for an MRI of his groin area … Tommy Hunter (groin) threw between 40-45 pitches in live batting practice Monday … Alexi Amarista was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake to give the Angels another option while Maicer Izturis recovers from a hamstring injury … Darren O'Day was unavailable over the weekend due to left hip stiffness …

 

[HacheMan]

Signs point to success for Matt Garza

Tristan H. Cockcroft


Things change, and that doesn't mean simply the numbers.

Oh, sure, many numbers themselves have changed since last season. For instance, A.J. Burnett, who had the third-worst qualified ERA (5.26) in 2010, has a palatable 3-1 record and 3.52 ERA so far this year. Meanwhile, R.A. Dickey, whose 2.84 ERA ranked 10th last season, has a 4.10 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in five games in 2011.


It happens. "Small sample size," "regression to the mean," "luck" or whatever casual rationale you prefer for random statistical fluctuations, numbers will always change. That's baseball. For every player who has experienced a numbers bump (or drop), there's always the possibility it's mere random, short-term fluctuation.


But it's the players whose statistics have changed for an identifiable reason that warrant our attention. These are your burgeoning buy-highs and sell-lows, your exploitable trends, your questions with an actionable answer. To put that another way, we get hundreds of questions about specific hot- or slow-starting players. Some of them deserve a pithy explanation like, "It's early," because there's no underlying evidence to alter our preseason opinion. For others, much has changed; there's a lot more to the story than mere statistics.


These are the players to latch on to (or, conversely, let go of).



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 <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev
Rnk </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Halladay, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Lincecum, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Hernandez, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Haren, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Verlander, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">CC Sabathia, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tommy Hanson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Anderson, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Sanchez, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Myers, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jorge De La Rosa, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Lowe, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bronson Arroyo, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clay Buchholz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Liriano, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Harang, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle McClellan, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edinson Volquez, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Harrison, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Baker, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Jackson, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Guthrie, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Duensing, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wade Davis, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carl Pavano, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Zambrano, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Burnett, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Drabek, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wolf, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Lohse, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon McCarthy, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Lackey, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Hammel, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fausto Carmona, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Braden, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Travis Wood, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Richard, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Peavy, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johan Santana, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Francis, KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Narveson, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Correia, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Stauffer, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Matusz, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Young, NYM </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Garland, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jesse Litsch, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




If you look at my top 100 starting pitcher rankings (at right) this week, one such example might stand out: Matt Garza, who is the only member of my top 30 to have scored a negative value on our Player Rater, or at least one that wasn't influenced by a smaller sample due to a disabled-list stint (Ubaldo Jimenez, Zack Greinke and Mat Latos, of course, have spent time on the DL). Garza's zero wins, 4.11 ERA and 1.47 WHIP might have soured some of his fantasy owners, especially those who play in rotisserie 4x4 formats (which was the original roto format).


Everything else about Garza's game, however, signals positive things ahead. Compare his 2011 peripherals to 2010's and you'll see why:


K's per nine: 6.60 in 2010 (and 7.30 career), 12.03 in 2011
Walks per nine: 2.77 in 2010 (3.15 career), 2.64 in 2011
Ground ball rate: 35.8 percent in 2010 (40.1 career), 50.6 in 2011
FIP: 4.42 in 2010 (4.14 career), 1.25 in 2011
xFIP: 4.31 in 2010 (4.25 career), 1.93 in 2011
Swinging-strike rate: 7.5 percent in 2010 (8.0 career), 10.0 in 2011


One possible rationale for Garza's increased strikeout rate is more reliance on his slider; among pitchers who have thrown a slider 60 or more times, per Inside Edge, he has the highest rate of strikeouts per plate appearance (59 percent), and opponents have batted .103 BA/.125 OBP/.154 SLG against that particular offering. Garza has also thrown his slider almost twice as often this season as he did in any of his three years in Tampa Bay, 22.7 percent of the time, compared to 13.0, 13.1 and 14.0 from 2008 to 2010, per FanGraphs.


And with those facts, you've got a reasonable explanation for why Garza's 2011 performance appears so radically different, statistically speaking, from his 2010 performance. This is no "random fluctuation;" this might be new growth for the right-hander, who at age 27 is in his prime, an understandable time for it to happen. The league switch only fuels such momentum. It's for that reason I keep Garza high in my rankings, and why he's a smart buy-low right now.


Let's take a look at a few more "changed" pitchers:


Trevor Cahill (increased use of his curveball): Everyone is asking about his boosted strikeout rate, his 8.33 K/9 almost three higher than his 2010 number (5.40). There's the simple explanation -- "He's maturing" -- but more specifically, he's relying more heavily on a curveball that always tantalized scouts during his minor league career. Back then, it was described as a legitimate strikeout offering, and so far in 2011, per Inside Edge, he has thrown 99 of them, limited opponents to .240/.240/.480 rates and generated swings and misses 28 percent of the time with them. Those aren't eye-popping numbers, and Cahill has thrown the curve only 18.7 percent of the time (albeit up from 2.7 as a rookie and 13.1 as a sophomore), but the increased diversity of his arsenal has made a difference. His fastball, for instance, has limited foes to .203/.276/.246 rates (307 thrown), and his changeup (98 thrown) .190/.227/.238 rates plus a 33 percent swing-and-miss rate. Cahill might yet keep this up.


Alexi Ogando (decreased fastball velocity): First, let's point out that you should expect a decrease in fastball velocity, because a short reliever-turned-starter isn't going to last long in the rotation dialing up his pitches for 6-7 innings per night. That's why it's no surprise to see that Ogando's average fastball velocity has dropped from 96.3 to 94.3 mph, and his slider from 81.9 to 79.5 mph, per FanGraphs, since last season. But there are two warning signs that have resulted: His swinging-strike rate has dropped, from 10.8 percent to a more pedestrian 8.5 percent, and his batted-ball rates have gone from 43.8 percent grounders/38.4 percent flies in 2010 to 30.7 and 45.3 this year. If Ogando the starter is a true extreme fly baller who is less overpowering, he's going to be in for some rougher spells during that midsummer Texas heat. Throw in the fact he logged only 72⅓ innings between the majors and minors last season, causing late-season workload concerns, and you might want to sell, sell, sell while the going is still this good.


Brett Anderson (sharper command, more grounders): The other big change in Anderson's game so far is that he's healthy; he has always shaped up as the burgeoning star during his healthy days at the big league level. The health risk might have scared off some owners, but so far that move appears to be a mistake. Anderson's walk rate has dipped to a miniscule 1.04 per nine (compared to 1.98 career) and his ground ball rate has soared to 68.4 percent (up from 54.0 career). One thing that has helped has been improved command of his off-speed pitches; his 70 percent strikes on off-speed pitches ranks third (among pitchers with 400-plus total pitches thrown) and .050 well-hit average of off-speed strikes ranks 24th. The health risk might be worth overlooking with this potential breakout candidate.


Jesse Litsch (increased reliance on his slider): Good thing the Toronto Blue Jays found a way to get him back into their rotation -- he got the early recall when Aaron Hill landed on the disabled list -- because frankly it's shocking that Litsch was demoted in the first place. All he did was tear through spring training with a sparkling 6.67 K's per walk (and 8.18 K/9), then post 2.29 K/BB (and 8.31 K/9) in his first three regular-season starts. Litsch's swinging-strike rate has soared to 10.7 percent -- up from 6.8 in 2008, his last full season before Tommy John surgery, and 7.0 career -- and opponents have made contact with only 73.8 percent of his total offerings, down from 84.6 percent in 2008 and 83.8 career. Small sample size (three starts), yes, but a sleeper nonetheless.


Anibal Sanchez (strikeout rate increase): Many young pitchers at first appear to be strikeout artists in the minors, but in their early days at the big league level seem to hint they prefer to pitch to contact, their K rates plummeting. Sanchez sure looked like one early on; he averaged 6.87 K/9 in his first five seasons in the big leagues. This year has been different, however, as his strikeout rate has soared to 9.24 per nine, swinging-strike rate to 11.8 percent and contact rate on all swings has dropped to 74.1 percent, each of those easily a career best. Two things have made the difference: The first is his slider; per Inside Edge, he has limited opponents to .167/.242/.200 rates and generated swings and misses 41 percent of the time with it (albeit with only 97 thrown). In his past two starts, in fact, Sanchez has notched eight of his 17 strikeouts with his slider. The second is increased fastball velocity; he's averaging a career-high 91.6 mph with the pitch and, per ESPN Stats & Information, generated eight misses on 26 swings at his fastball (30.8 percent) in his brilliant outing against the Colorado Rockies this past Friday alone. Now 27, Sanchez has the skills to be a true breakout candidate in 2011.


Three up



Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals: His year-to-date statistics would be even more eye-popping if you added his spring training numbers; between the exhibition and regular season so far, Lohse has made 10 starts and registered a 1.95 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 9.25 K/9. What's more, the one-time matchups specialist -- start at Busch Stadium, avoid on the road -- has been every bit as successful so far on the road (2-0, 1.76 ERA in two starts) as at Busch (1-1, 2.25 ERA in two starts). The matchups have been light, yes (PIT, @SF, @LAD, WAS), but counting the spring there's enough of a sample here to suggest Lohse can be helpful in all NL-only and even deep-mixed formats for an extended period. Be picky, of course, with a pitcher who has a 4.49 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in his Cardinals career, but for the short term at least, this is a perfect hot streak to ride.


Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays: It was only one start, but Morrow's 2011 debut offered every bit as many hints at greatness as his 2010 stat line did. He whiffed 10 Tampa Bay Rays in 5⅓ innings, limited Rays hitters to contact on only 65.9 percent of their swings and generated swings and misses 12.9 percent of the time. The elbow inflammation that sent him to the DL to begin the season appears a distant memory, and with each successive start he should edge closer to potential top-25 starter status. Morrow isn't the most efficient pitcher -- he averaged only 5.63 innings per start in 2010 -- but if he can merely stay healthy the remainder of the year, he's got legitimate 180-K potential (from today forward).

Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners: Speaking of strikeout potential, Pineda sure possesses it. Thanks to a mid-to-high 90s fastball (95.9 mph average fastball velocity, per FanGraphs), he has whiffed 21 batters in 25⅓ innings, generating swings and misses 12.9 percent of the time, second best in baseball. Soft matchups his past two times out (@KC, OAK) have helped, but remember those were preceded by much tougher assignments (@TEX, TOR) to kick off his big league career. It'll be interesting to see how Pineda fares the second time around the league -- a topic to be addressed in a future "60 Feet 6 Inches" -- but certainly his first time around will be fantasy-worthy, at least until opponents develop a book on him.


Three down



Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs: You can claim that bad luck is mostly responsible for his poor start, as his home run/fly ball percentage is a bloated 22.2 percent, but the truth is that Dempster's pitches have lacked their usual zip so far. Two stats to consider: His average fastball velocity has dipped to a career-low 90.3 mph, down from 91.0 a year ago, and his slider hasn't been nearly as effective as it has been in the past. Surely Dempster's ERA and WHIP should improve, but he has never been one of the game's better WHIP performers, and Wrigley Field will offer him little comfort if his stuff has truly taken a step backward. Tread carefully.


Ted Lilly, Los Angeles Dodgers: I've said on multiple occasions this calendar year that Lilly is probably one of the most underrated players in fantasy baseball, and through five starts, Lilly has done little to back me up. Only one of his five starts so far was a quality start -- seven shutout innings versus the Atlanta Braves on April 18 -- and his strikeout rate has dropped to 5.81 per nine, down by almost two from his 7.69 career number. As consistently productive as he has been the past half-decade, Lilly deserves a longer leash than his owners are giving him, but as he has a soft schedule ahead, he's going to need to pick up the pace soon. Check out his next four probable assignments: SD, CHC, @PIT, ARI.


James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates: A favorite preseason sleeper of mine, McDonald has been an out-and-out bust so far, and one can only wonder whether the discomfort in his side that bothered him late in the spring might be partly responsible. His mechanics have been reportedly out of whack and his command spotty at best; he has averaged 5.79 BB/9, and has as many walks (12) as strikeouts (12). Not that the Pirates are stocked with tremendous alternatives, but even they can't be patient with an unproven youngster like McDonald. If he doesn't turn it around soon, he might be facing a demotion.

 

[HacheMan]

It's been more than two years since the Texas Rangers' Brandon Webb pitched in a major league game (Opening Day 2009), and we're coming up on 21 months since he had shoulder surgery that August. Webb threw two innings at extended spring training in his first game action since some work at instructional league last year.


Let me cut to the chase: Even for a first outing in a long time, I expected more. Quite a bit more.


As I tweeted yesterday, the good news was that Webb needed just 16 pitches to work two clean innings against the Seattle Mariners' extended spring training team, throwing strikes on 13 of them. The bad news is in the following pitch chart of his outing.
<NOTE>First inning, Batter 1: 78 (mph) fastball (called strike), 80 fastball (broken-bat groundout to third)
First inning, Batter 2: 80 fastball (ball), 81 fastball (fly out to left)
First inning, Batter 3: 81 fastball (ball), 84 fastball (called), 69 curveball (swinging strike), 71 changeup (swinging strikeout)


Second inning, Batter 1: 79 fastball (ball), 80 fastball (foul), 80 fastball (groundout to short)
Second inning, Batter 2: 80 fastball (groundout to second)
Second inning, Batter 3: 79 fastball (called strike), 65 curveball (called strike), 82 fastball (foul), 71 changeup (groundout to the pitcher)


The area of concern is obvious: 12 fastballs -- one 84 mph, one 82, the rest 78-81. The Rangers' gun corroborated my gun readings in the first inning, and the Rangers used my numbers in the second when their gun malfunctioned. Like I said, I expected more this far removed from his surgery, even at this stage of his season. The sink was there on the fastball, but the velocity was not.


How did Webb feel the outing went?


"Better than expected actually," Webb said. "In the bullpen, I was all over the place, but I was throwing strikes, the movement was good, and two quick innings. Overall, I was real happy. I haven't been able to get up and down and pitch innings. I've been more about mass quantities [of pitches], like 60 pitches in one session. The up and down will be good."


After the outing, Webb was seen talking about his arm slot and release point with Rangers rehab pitching coordinator Keith Comstock. I asked Webb if he was concerned about his velocity at this stage.


"No, not right now," Webb said. "[Comstock] feels like there's more clicks in there, and I do too. I feel like there's definitely some more in there. I'm not too far off. 84 is a little low. When I was good I was probably 86-89, topping at 90 or so. If I can get back to 86-88 I think I'll be all right."


But can he get back there? At the very least that appears to be a serious question mark right now. I thought Webb's arm action looked stiff and restricted during the outing. Maybe there's a little more velocity in subsequent outings, as his arm gets a little looser, if it gets a little looser. Maybe.


Did Webb feel like he was going all out?


"Yeah, I felt like I was letting it go," Webb said. "Sometimes I don't let it go all the way fully for some reason, but for the most part I did."


The last game velocity we had for Webb were his instructional league outings at the end of 2010. At that time, he was at 78-82 mph in his first game, bumping up to 81-83 mph in subsequent outings. After the first one, another scout who was there told me he considered that velocity "scary" even at that stage of his rehab.


You really try to not to read too much into two innings of an extended spring training outing. However, it's been a long time since the surgery, and it's not just about what his radar readings are, but the lack of improvement in those readings since our last information seven months ago. Sitting 78-82 and topping at 84 may not seem like a long way from sitting in the high 80s and touching 90, but it is. Pitching is obviously not all about lighting up the gun, but Webb needs that velocity to make that sinker work the way we've come to expect. Webb's curve and changeup are also down by about the same amount in terms of his velocity, and his lazy curve was not a good pitch. The changeup action was solid.


Webb will throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, and then try to stretch out to three innings in a Saturday start. He's been very much an optimist throughout all of his rehab the past couple of years, but we still need to see a lot more here before we can get optimistic, as well. At the very least, Webb still appears to be a very long way off. The Rangers will give him all the time he needs and say there's no rush, but I have to call it like I see it. Although I'm pulling for him and wishing him the best, I think serious questions remain about his ability to make it back. Substantial velocity improvement in his next couple of outings would be a good place to start.

Other notes:
• Chicago White Sox starter Philip Humber is likely going to get some attention this morning after flirting with a no-hitter against the Yankees. He's basically tried to reinvent himself as a pitcher over the past year or so, throwing more changeups and adding a little bit of a cut fastball to his repertoire. He had a good changeup and two-seamer working against the Yanks, but despite his success, I'm still skeptical about his prospects for the balance of the season. I don't project the consistency to be there, especially with his command. I saw him twice late in spring training and didn't see anything noteworthy to predict any kind of breakout. I'm chalking it up as everything clicking for one start, not necessarily a new level of performance. That doesn't make him a consideration in mixed leagues.


• Owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN standard leagues, Colorado Rockies outfielder Seth Smith has more value to a squad than many think, especially against right-handed pitching. Over the past three seasons, Smith has put up a combined .869 OPS against righties, and a .939 mark thus far this season in a small sample size. If you adjust his output against right-handers since 2008 to a 550 at-bat stat line you come up with a player who hits .282 with 26 homers, 86 RBIs, 95 runs scored and six steals. Yes, you need to sit him against lefties if you can, but Smith can definitely still be an asset in mixed-league play, even more so if your league uses daily transactions that allow you to bench him when the Rockies are due to face a southpaw.


• As I mentioned on the podcast last week, I don't have any concerns about Daniel Hudson's slow start in the Diamondbacks' rotation. He's had some bumps in the road in his first four starts, but watching him pitch, I think he's going to be just fine for the long haul. For some reason he's struggled in the first inning of his outings, with more than half his earned runs allowed coming in the opening frame. Both his changeup and slider have their usual movement and look good, but he's having problems with fastball command right now, which has not normally been the case for him. The 92-95 mph velocity is right there, and while the 12 walks are somewhat surprising, the 26 strikeouts in 24⅓ innings show that Hudson is still having stretches of dominance when he gets past the early bumps. He has the capability of having much better fastball command and control, and we should start seeing that going forward, with better results coming with it.


Although he faces a tough assignment against the Phillies on Tuesday night, Hudson is a good "buy low" candidate in a trade or someone to scoop up quickly if he's been dropped. (For what it's worth, I was going to have an addendum here saying that goes for his rotation-mate Ian Kennedy as well, but I don't think his owners are worried anymore after he outdueled Cliff Lee on Monday night.)

 

[HacheMan]

Who has gained position eligibility in '11?

Eric Karabell

Since I apparently have some kind of odd fascination with New York Mets second basemen, it's no surprise I've been keeping an eye on what Daniel Murphy had been doing throughout the failed Brad Emaus experiment. Murphy can hit a little, and while nobody thinks he's really a viable second baseman -- oh wait, the Mets do! -- the fact is they've been playing him there and batting him second and things have gone reasonably well. From a fantasy aspect, I added Murphy in a league to my bench and waited for Sunday, when he played his 10th game at second base.


Now he's a second baseman for us, too.
That changes everything. I moved him to an active middle-infield slot in that league to replace injured Aaron Hill. (Hey, it's a deep league!) As a first baseman, which is all Murphy was, according to ESPN eligibility, coming into the season, there was little value. Heck, he's not even close to a top-20 first baseman. At second base, he's potentially a top-20 option. Murphy is an interesting eligibility case, actually. He qualifies at first base because that's the position he played the most his last season in the big leagues (2009). He did not play in 2010 after tearing the ACL in his right knee. With modest power and little to offer in terms of stolen bases, fantasy owners need him to play a scarce defensive position to have value, and now he is.
With a .271 batting average, one home run and one stolen base, Murphy isn't exactly Brandon Phillips, Rickie Weeks or Howard Kendrick, the current top three at second base on the ESPN Player Rater, but I do see him pushing his way into the top 20, and in deep leagues, that means something. Because I think Murphy can deliver double-digit home runs and a .280 batting average, and perhaps score 65 runs if he stays healthy and others hit -- he was essentially this type of player in 2009 -- I'd choose him over Alexi Casilla, Bill Hall, Reid Brignac, Jamey Carroll and Jayson Nix, all of whom are owned in more leagues. It might not seem like much, but in a 16-team-mixed or NL-only league, it matters.
Of course, with more than three weeks of the season complete, others have added eligibility to their ledgers. In ESPN leagues, the rule is 20 games at a position last season, or 10 games there in-season, so that's essentially what I'm discussing here. I'm aware that in other leagues the threshold is 20 games in-season (or something altogether different, such as one or five games). We knew before the Super Bowl that Kevin Youkilis and Chone Figgins would be re-adding third base eligibility, and they already have. (If only Figgins could hit enough for it to matter.) In addition, the following players became eligible at new, enticing spots; some were expected, some were not. I've ranked them in order of fantasy viability:


Lance Berkman, OF/1B, St. Louis Cardinals: He entered Tuesday as the No. 10 option overall on the Player Rater. I liked Berkman coming into the season -- I felt he could play a capable enough right field and stay healthy -- but this offensive explosion is a bit unexpected even to me.
Sean Rodriguez, 3B/2B/OF, Rays: He's not doing much hitting, but I think he will. And he can run. Evan Longoria's DL stint created the opportunity for third base eligibility, but he's running out of time to nail down the starting job at second base once Longoria returns.
Luke Scott, OF/DH, Baltimore Orioles: We can thank the team's offseason signing of Vladimir Guerrero for pushing Scott back into the outfield. Scott has averaged 25 home runs the past three seasons, so be patient with him. He's a proven commodity.
Adam Lind, 1B/DH, Toronto Blue Jays: We knew he'd be moving to first base full-time, but there were more questions about his bat. So far his numbers are actually worse than last year's, making him easy to ignore.
Ryan Roberts, 3B/OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: With Mark Reynolds gone, there was opportunity for someone to step up and claim the third base job in Arizona, and Melvin Mora didn't do it. Roberts, meanwhile, is sixth among third basemen on the Player Rater, having earned qualification there over the weekend. I think he can finish in the 15-20 region, perhaps reaching 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases.
Darwin Barney, 2B/SS, Chicago Cubs: He was only a shortstop last season -- and a complete unknown. Don't go overboard to get him, but so far, so good.
Mike Aviles, 3B/2B, Kansas City Royals: He's a potential 15-homer/15-steal infielder, but he's so streaky when it comes to batting average.
Orlando Cabrera, 2B/SS, Cleveland Indians: He's hitting enough to warrant attention, though his native position (shortstop) is a weaker fantasy position this season anyway.
Dan Johnson, 1B/DH, Tampa Bay Rays: Hasn't mattered much since he's hitting .131, but at least he can clog first base and corner infield on your team now.
Brad Hawpe, 1B/OF, San Diego Padres: If you want Hawpe on your fantasy team, you need more help than this blog can provide. And here are some other players I'm watching to see which positions they play:


Michael Young, 3B, Texas Rangers: He's worth it this season regardless, but for 2012 it's looking like second base and perhaps first base eligibility for him.
Ryan Raburn, OF, Detroit Tigers: One of my sleeper favorites, Raburn is hitting now and could be second base-eligible in a week's time.
Michael Cuddyer, 1B/OF, Minnesota Twins: I yawn about using him at his current spots, but it looks like he'll add second base eligibility soon. The potential for 15 home runs and 80 RBIs looks considerably better there.
Jerry Hairston Jr., 3B/2B/SS, Washington Nationals: Barely hitting, but he's a threat for double-digit stolen bases, at least in theory.
Juan Miranda, DH, Diamondbacks: Will be a first baseman soon, but he hasn't pushed Russell Branyan completely aside yet, and he must do so to have mixed value.
Andy LaRoche, 3B, Oakland Athletics: Can't really hit, but if he becomes a shortstop, I can make a case for him in AL-only formats. Jack Wilson, 2B/SS, Seattle Mariners: Hey, I'm just trying to be thorough here

 

[HacheMan]

Should you rush to get Philip Humber?

Eric Karabell

Once upon a time I owned Chicago White Sox right-hander Philip Humber in a dynasty league, when I thought he'd be a future No. 3 starter for the New York Mets. Then he was included in the memorable Johan Santana trade of February 2008, didn't pitch well at all in the Minnesota Twins' organization, was waived this offseason by both the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics and seemed a White Sox afterthought this spring, the last guy to make the team, and only because of someone else's injury.

Of course, on Monday night Humber surprisingly held the New York Yankees hitless into the seventh inning, ultimately allowing one hit over seven innings and earning his second win of the season and fourth of his career. He's 28. Yeah, as colleague David Schoenfield noted in his overnight SweetSpot blog, things haven't quite worked out for Humber. But here he is taking the Jake Peavy rotation spot and in his four starts (he's appeared in relief twice) he's posted a 2.70 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.
"We said when Peavy went down, Phil has great stuff," catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "There's a reason he was the overall third pick, and he can do it. He's just got to throw strikes and believe in himself. Every start he's been good. Last start he kind of got wild. We just focused on throwing strikes and he did with all four pitches, and keeping them off-balanced, getting ground balls and changing speeds. To navigate this lineup and to throw a shutout against this lineup is pretty impressive."
<OFFER>Impressive as it was, I wouldn't call Humber close to standard mixed league worthy at this point, not after four starts. While he does give off a bit of a Tim Stauffer vibe, that of a former high first round pick (Humber was the No. 3 pick in the 2004 draft) and it should never be a surprise when an arm like his shows us something, it's way too small of a sample size. I can't help but notice Humber has really controlled right-handed hitters so far, holding them to a .107 batting average in 28 at-bats. That will go up, despite the fact Yankees hitters looked off-balance all game Monday. Against lefties, he's permitted six doubles and a home run among the 17 hits he's allowed (.246 batting average against), and I fear those numbers will get far worse if Ozzie Guillen uses him regularly. Frankly, not to be negative, I didn't expect him to fan Robinson Cano with two men on and one out in the seventh inning Monday. I was a bit surprised Guillen even let him face Cano.
Still, I expect Humber to see a rise in ownership before his next outing, scheduled for Saturday against the struggling Baltimore Orioles offense. I wouldn't be surprised if Humber keeps pitching well, but be wary, because I have to think opposing offenses will scout him better and change their approach.
The White Sox rotation is actually an interesting story, because it's one of the few in which all five members -- prior to Humber -- were standard-league worthy. These guys are struggling, but I see buy low possibilities with a few of them. Let's investigate.



John Danks: He's the only member of this rotation owned in more than half of ESPN's leagues, which is odd since four of the pitchers were selected in most live drafts. Danks is 0-3 so far, but with a 3.27 ERA and 33 strikeouts in as many innings, there's no need for worry. I'm surprised, yet pleased, he hasn't been dropped in leagues and expect numbers similar to 2010, when he was a top-35 starting pitcher on the Player Rater. Edwin Jackson: Not a big fan, to be honest. Sure, he's got no-hit stuff, but inconsistency is a concern, especially for a fly ball pitcher in a home run ballpark. Jackson has allowed 23 hits in his past two starts. I'd drop him, too. I'd rather own the guy he was dealt for, Daniel Hudson, and he's 0-4 so far.
Gavin Floyd: He's actually off to decent start when one considers his career trends in the first half. Floyd's career ERA in the first half is 4.87, and afterward it's 4.06. OK, so he's not Pedro Martinez in August/September, but he does get better. I'd keep him owned in standard leagues.
Mark Buehrle: The soft-tossing lefty is often used as a fantasy spot starter, but good luck trying to predict his future performance from outing to outing. He dominated the Oakland Athletics over eight innings recently, allowing two hits in a no-decision, and that was no surprise. But his ERA in his other four starts, against the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians, is 7.25. He will get better; his ERA over the past four seasons, when most think he's declining, is 3.71, with a 1.29 WHIP.
Jake Peavy: Well, I am rooting for him. That was a nasty, unfortunate shoulder injury he suffered last season. I'm thinking he could return to the White Sox in mid-May, and I have no reason to believe his mechanics will be compromised, or that he'll struggle. Last season's ERA seemed inflated; I could see an ERA on the good side of 4, and his WHIP is always good. I'd definitely stash Peavy away if you can.

 

[HacheMan]

Broxton, Padilla or Kuo?

Looks like we have a bit of confusion with regard to the Dodgers' closing situation. On Tuesday, L.A. GM Ned Colletti suggested on the radio that Jonathan Broxton – after blowing his first save on Monday – would be sharing save chances with Vicente Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo (once healthy).

This naturally prompted a run to the waiver wire to add Padilla and Kuo in fantasy leagues, but things became slightly more complicated when Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times subsequently reported that Broxton was told by Don Mattingly that he's still the team's closer.

So what to do in fantasy leagues? If you added Padilla or Kuo, keeping them on your roster would be a wise move for the moment while we see how this plays out. Because even if Broxton is still the team's closer in Mattingly's eyes, his 1.84 WHIP and 8/7 K/BB ratio in 10 1/3 innings suggest that Broxton ceding some save opportunities to Padilla or Kuo could become inevitable sooner rather than later.

Jose Contreras has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his right flexor pronator and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, with Ryan Madson slated to close in his absence. There's nothing wrong with stashing Contreras on a DL spot in fantasy leagues, but there's also nothing wrong with cutting him loose if you need the roster space.

Albert Pujols (hamstring) drew a walk as a pinch-hitter and stayed in the game to play first base on Tuesday night, making it likely that he'll be ready to return to the lineup on Wednesday. After homering one time in his first 12 games, Pujols has six homers in his last 11 games.

Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen said that Johan Santana (shoulder) is making "firm" throws from 120 feet on flat ground. The Mets haven't announced a new timetable for Santana, but indicated during spring training that he could be back in late June or early July.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that Josh Hamilton (humerus) is "still more than a month away from returning," which sounds scary but basically puts Hamilton on track to return when expected. Look for the Rangers outfielder to return to action sometime in early June.

Evan Longoria (oblique) is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Thursday in hopes of being back with the Rays as early as next Tuesday.

Phil Hughes underwent four hours of tests on his fatigued throwing arm on Tuesday. As of this writing the results were not known, but the Yankees were hoping to have a diagnosis by Wednesday morning. Stay tuned.

NL Quick Hits (pitchers): New St. Louis closer Mitchell Boggs blew his first save of the season … Johnny Cueto (triceps) threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings at Triple-A, but may need at least one more rehab start before being activated … Andrew Cashner (shoulder) and Randy Wells (forearm) both threw off flat ground Tuesday, but there's no timetable for their return … Barry Zito (foot) will be examined by a specialist on Wednesday … Takashi Saito (hamstring) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday … Jair Jurrjens picked up his first career complete game in a win over the Padres, out-dueling Aaron Harang, who was hit hard for the first time all season (eight runs in six innings) … Daniel Hudson was far from flawless (10 hits and three runs in six innings against Philadelphia), but did pick up his first win of 2011 … Jorge De La Rosa moved to 4-0 with seven strong innings against the Cubs … Roy Oswalt labored through three innings against Arizona … John Axford converted his fifth save and has now allowed just one hit with five strikeouts in his last three appearances … Chris Young gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings in his return from the DL.

NL Quick Hits (position players): Ryan Zimmerman (abdominal) played catch and did some running on Tuesday, but is expected to need a rehab assignment before he can return … Corey Hart was activated from the DL a day early and appeared as a pinch-hitter ... Ryan Roberts hit his fifth homer … Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos hit his first two homers of 2011, upping his average to .378 in 45 at-bats … Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 after ESPN's Buster Olney reported that he's working to correct a hitch in his swing … Todd Helton recorded his first two-homer game since 2007… Chase Utley (knee) ran, hit and took grounders on Monday, but remains a few weeks from beginning a rehab stint … Juan Uribe (thigh) appeared as a pinch-hitter … Ian Desmond is away from the Nats for a few days while on paternity leave … Ryan Theriot was a late scratch due to ribcage soreness … Dominic Brown (hand) will begin his rehab assignment at Single-A on Wednesday and appears to be on course for a mid-May return … Nyjer Morgan (thigh) will begin minor league rehab on Friday in hopes of being activated next Tuesday … Casey McGehee sat out with a sprained thumb … Carlos Gonzalez got the day off against left-hander James Russell in the midst of an 0-for-21 slump … The Padres activated Kyle Blanks and optioned him to Double-A as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery.

AL Quick Hits (pitchers): Sergio Santos picked up his second save in two days and obviously qualifies as a must-add in all formats … Joel Pineiro (shoulder) will throw a bullpen on Wednesday and is slated for a start on Saturday against the Rays … Brian Matusz (intercostal strain) threw 30-35 pitches in a bullpen session and is on course for a return in mid-May … Carlos Carrasco said that an MRI on his elbow came back "perfect," and he's scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday … Zach Britton moved to 4-1 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.17 WHIP by holding the Red Sox to one run in six innings … Matt Harrison got hit hard for the first time this season, surrendering seven earned runs in three innings … Brandon McCarthy has his first ugly start of the season, giving up 14 hits and seven earned runs in 5 1/3 innings … Gavin Floyd struck out 10 Yankees hitters in eight innings … Scott Downs (gastrointestinal) should be activated Friday.

Editor's Note: For exclusive columns, rankings, projections and more, check out Rotoworld's MLB Season Pass.

AL Quick Hits (position players): Oft-injured Coco Crisp left early with quad tightness … Victor Martinez (groin) told MLB.com that he's "feeling great" and thinks he'll be ready when eligible next Wednesday … As expected, Joe Mauer (viral infection) isn't likely to come off the DL when eligible Thursday … Kurt Suzuki will miss Wednesday's game due to the birth of his daughter … Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) is hoping to return on Wednesday … Maicer Izturis (hamstring) missed another game Tuesday … Josh Willingham sat out due to back soreness, but it's not thought to be anything serious … Brett Gardner hit his second homer of the season after Jon Heyman of SI.com reported that the Yankees appear to have "deep" concerns about Gardner's .136 batting average … Twins GM Bill Smith said that Tsuyoshi Nishioka (leg) "is on schedule, if not ahead of schedule," putting his return somewhere around early- to mid-May … J.J. Hardy (oblique) swung a bat with no discomfort on Monday and could return in mid-May … Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero (groin) underwent an MRI, which came back negative … Shin-Soo Choo broke out of a 5-for-29 slump with a homer and four RBI … Grady Sizemore hit his third homer to go along with two doubles … Carrying a 609 OPS into Tuesday, Adam Lind broke out with two homers and five RBI … Justin Smoak homered in his first game back from the bereavement list.

 

[HacheMan]

Calamity for Your Closers

Fashion is a fickle beast. A brand successfully launches their look into our culture, that look becomes ubiquitous, and then, suddenly, it goes too far. And then those clothes are on your nearest discount rack or in your basement corner. Here today, gone tomorrow.

I'm no fashion expert, but that may be happening with uggs. Sure, they're probably comfy. And, with all the crap that women have to deal with to look good for men, women should be allowed some ugly comfy clothes. But men? We can rock the jeans and the t-shirt to half the social crap we go to. I just don't see this "uggs for men" idea working out very well.

In their honor, we'll rank this week's closers in tiers named after the worst fashion ideas for men in recent history. The worse the idea was, the better the closers.

Because perhaps nothing in your personal life will make you feel as silly as facing Heath Bell as wearing big ugly fuzzy boot-moccasins last seen on your girlfriend's feet. (P.S.: Before you get too angry, know that I have personally rocked three of the looks below.) (P.P.S.: If you want visual evidence that these are bad ideas, check em out here.)


Tier 1: Elite (4) (AKA: The "uggs for men" Tier.)


Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Jonathan Papelbon has recovered his lost velocity and control for the most part. That was all that was standing between him and his former elite self, so here you go - he's the newest member of the top group. He's making plenty of batters look like they are standing in a sea of uggs with his double-digit strikeout rate and minuscule walk rake. It's like last year never happened.
Mariano Rivera has only pitched once in the past week and he blew the save. That even makes two blown saves in a row. We're still not worried, not really. He's walked two batters all year and his defense hasn't always been his best friend. He'll be fine.


Tier 2: Rock Steady (5) (AKA: The "zubaz Hammer pants" Tier.)


Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks

Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

Yeah, Craig Kimbrel blew a save last week. But he also pitched in three straight games and had four strikeouts in fewer than four innings - that's what he can do for you. So far this season he has 14 strikeouts against a mere two walks, and control was supposed to be his problem. Batters flail at his electric fastball like they were wearing Hammer pants, and there's not really a reason to think he's getting lucky.
If you like control, though, J.J. Putz is your man. No walks on the year! Jose Valverde's strikeout rate isn't quite the same as it used to be, but he's only giving up two walks of his own, and his split-finger has given him a great groundball rate over the past two years. As long as he's healthy, he's rock steady.
Unfortunately, just when we thought Brian Wilson might join the elite tier and put some uggs on (that would be a sight), he completely imploded and gave up the deciding three runs against Atlanta on Sunday. He needs to find his control, stat. Carlos Marmol has never really had any control of where the ball is going, but his entire package seems much more risky now that he's 'only' striking out about 12 batters per nine innings. The 'golden' ratio for strikeouts-to-walks is three, and he's much closer to two right now. He's great, but he's also risky.


Tier 3: OK options (6) (AKA: The "sandals and socks" Tier.)


Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
Huston Street, Colorado Rockies
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels
Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds

Comment:
If it's too cold to wear sandals, don't wear em. No half-measures. I mean, I've worn socks in my flip-flops if I'm running outside to take the trash out, but that's not quite 'in public.' Francisco Rodriguez is making batters look socks-and-sandals silly at the plate this year with 13 strikeouts in in a mere 8 2/3 innings, but he also has six walks… and a volatile team situation. That counts against him.
Huston Street shook off some struggles from a few weeks ago by not walking a batter in five straight appearances. He has 15 strikeouts against four walks all year, and that is an elite ratio. Health will seemingly always be a question with him, but it's not stuff. Chris Prez, on the other hand, has been healthy, but has a mere four strikeouts in eight innings so far - against three walks. That's walking a tightrope. He's had a better strikeout rate in the past, though, so he's not falling just because he blew his first save of the year last week.
Jordan Walden doesn't quite have the outerworldly strikeout rate that he showed when he first debuted, but he still has 97 MPH gas. Along with his clean slate so far, that's enough to move him into this tier.


Tier 4: Question marks (6) (AKA: The "double popped collar" Tier.)


Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays

Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins

Comment:
Not everything that is okay is better if you do it twice. Like a couple of weeks ago, John Axford walked two guys, gave up a run and it was okay. The team still won. Then he tried the same feat a couple days later and it wasn't okay - the team lost. Obviously, he's dealing with some of his old control issues, and he's a blown save or two away from joining the bottom tier. At least he's been better over the past week - three appearances, five strikeouts, no walks.
Kevin Gregg has only blown one save all year, but then again, he's only successfully converted three. He has eight strikeouts against five walks and has never had great control. In fact, he's been a very borderline closer his whole career. Behind him lurks Koji Uehara, who has seven strikeouts against three walks, has only given up one run all year, and has been generally excellent since joining the pen.
And you know what, let's go ahead and call it. They haven't announced anything definitive yet, but Sean Burnett pitched in a loss the other day and Drew Storen has generally been pitching better and later in games. Burnett is droppable these days.
Matt Capps? Still mediocre. But for now, he's the man. But remember, we once said pretty much this exact same thing about Ryan Franklin. If you can use his mediocrity to upgrade somewhere, this might be the time.


<!--RW-->

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (9) (AKA: The "man jeggings" Tier.)


Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros

Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox

Mitchell Boggs, St. Louis Cardinals

Darren Oliver / Darren O'Day, Texas Rangers

Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies
Frank Francisco / Jon Rauch, Toronto Blue Jays
Brian Fuentes, Oakland Athletics
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners

Jonathan Broxton / Vincente Padilla / Hong-Chih Kuo, Los Angeles Dodgers

Comment:
Look, we know the world's jeans have gotten tighter. And that's fine. But when they get so tight that they are just leggings that look like jeans, then you're doing it wrong. And in this tier, it's the closers wearing the jeggings and looking silly.
Mitchell Boggs might be the guy that holds his job all year, at least it looked that way until Tuesday night's blowup. And really, Tuesday night was a comedy of errors, where passed balls, wild pitches, muffed grounders and a bunch of singles did him in - it could have just been one of those days. We did say that Tony LaRussa could easily return to his veteran Ryan Franklin, but Boggs has shown plus velocity this year, and it's possible he's finally figured out relieving. He only switched to the pen full-time last year, so maybe the work he's doing now is sustainable. Don't drop Ryan Franklin just yet, but another couple of bad appearances in middle relief will cement his doom.
Sergio Santos got the first White Sox save in what seemed like forever, and who knows if he'll keep the job past the second opportunity that he converted Tuesday (thanks in no small part to Brent Lillibridge and his two amazing catches). He does have electric stuff, but he's basically in his second year of pitching - ever. The converted shortstop may or may not hold on, so don't drop Matt Thornton just yet, unless you really face a roster crunch.
Jonathan Broxton is in much hotter water if it can be believed. He's lost his velocity, and therewith his elite strikeout rate. Now his control is gone, too. He blew a save on Monday and was relieved of his role Tuesday, at least according to some sources - his GM and manager now disagree about his role, publicly. Hong-Chih Kuo is due back this weekend and it might be Vincente Padilla taking save opportunities for now. We still love Kenley Jansen long term because of his strikeouts (20 in 12 1/3 innings) but his control problems lurk (seven walks). He could be the closer long-term, with Kuo taking over from Padilla until the lefty gets hurt again. Anything could happen in this pen, including Broxton figuring it out. Don't drop the big guy just yet.
P.S.: Brandon Lyon is still a mediocre pitcher. Mark Melancon is a great speculative play.

<CENTER>* * * * * * * * * *</CENTER>


Injured

Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers (shoulder)
Jose Contreras, Philadelphia Phillies (elbow)
David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners (hip surgery)
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics (forearm tightness)
Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies (shoulder)

Comment:
The Rangers are hopeful that Neftali Feliz will miss the minimum, but shoulder soreness is not good. Jose Contreras' injury is worse, though, because there's an actual strain in his elbow. A strain is a tear, just a mild one, so this one could take up to a month and Ryan Madson, who Philly fans swear cannot close and has been ridiculed in public by his manager and GM, is now the closer.

On the good news side of this ledger is David Aardsma, who is already rehabbing and due back any day. Andrew Bailey is throwing, and looking good, but the team hasn't announced a schedule yet.

The Deposed:
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles
Joe Nathan, Minnesota
Ryan Franklin, St. Louis

Of all the pitchers on this list, I like Joe Nathan's chances of rejoining the land of the living closers. I think he's just getting some cobwebs out of his elbow. Jonathan Broxton is probably the next one on this list (he may already be here), and HIS velocity drop is more worrisome because there's no ready explanation.

<CENTER>* * * * * * * * * *</CENTER>

The Steals Department

He's still around in shallower leagues, but Chris Coghlan is disappearing off of waiver wires because of his two-home-run game on Monday. He does have some power, but he's more interesting for batting average and steals help. He's striking out a little too much right now - he never once struck out close to 20% of the time in the minors and is now at nearly 23% - but even at this rate, his batting average is relatively safe. He's not a speed demon, but he once stole 34 bases in 565 Double-A plate appearances. There are some "buts" here, but you could pencil him in for double-digit home runs and as many as twenty steals going forward. He's a great fourth outfielder in most leagues.

Just like with Jarrod Dyson last week, this week's deep league recommendation is flawed. Heck, anyone on a deep league waiver wire is most likely flawed. So we come to Emilio Bonifacio, who has many many flaws. One, he strikes out way too much for a guy with absolutely no power. That's one home run, career, in close to 1000 plate appearances, and almost 200 strikeouts. As with any player with these flaws, he needs to get on base in order to flash his wheels, but he walks at a below-average rate, too. But you know what? The Marlins have no choice but to turn to Bonifacio regularly. Their third basemen are just as flawed, if not worse, and half of them are hurt right now anyway. And Bonifacio is also the primary outfield backup. Given four hundred plate appearances - reasonable given the circumstances on the team - he could hit .270 with 20+ steals going forward. Not so bad for a free pickup.

 

[HacheMan]

He Was No Bumgarner
Pitching, pitching, pitching. We have to wait five days between each start, and it seems like we spend that time wondering if our fringe pitcher is worth hanging on to. It's maddening.

For example, what to do with Madison Bumgarner? He'd shown promise last year but lost control of his stuff this year, walking more than he'd struck out so far. He reversed course Wednesday night against the Pirates with seven strikeouts and one walk in six innings. If someone dropped him, make sure to pick him up. Mat Latos has similarly failed to follow up on his freshman effort. He struck out five and only walked one; his defense did him in, though, and he's an excellent buy-low. Yovani Gallardo? He's anyone's guess. he allowed six runs over five innings against the Reds, but there's not really any underlying cause that's obvious. His strikeout rate (and swinging strike rate) are both down, but his velocity is still there and he's showing good control. He's probably a buy-low, but not as safe as Latos.

Though Wade Davis pitched well opposite an alarming Francisco Liriano, he's a little risky going forward. He did get five strikeouts in his 6 2/3 innings Wednesday, but he's not really getting them in general. He's exhibiting great control, but has a poor groundball rate. It's not all systems go for Davis. It is, however, looking like all systems reverse for his opponent. Liriano has lost his velocity and is now getting battered around the park. He's a poison pill right now - not a buy-low, he's got no trade value and yet his upside is too great to drop him on the wire in all but the shallowest leagues. Jeremy Guthrie doesn't strike people out and is a flyballer in a tough division, but has a knack for games like his six scoreless innings against Boston. He seems like a fringe guy, but while he's going well maybe he should be owned in most leagues.

Erik Bedard plays in a great park, and has been showing a decent strikeout rate even through a poor beginning to the season. Wednesday night, he won his matchup against Justin Verlander by striking out three and walking none. If he's truly finding his control, he might at least be a pitcher you can start in Seattle and against poorer offenses. Another blast from the past, Bartolo Colon, now has 20 strikeouts in 18 innings and looks rejuvenated. Still, his swinging strike rate is unchanged, and per-pitch values are more reliable right now than per-at-bat numbers. He's most likely a pumpkin and midnight is approaching.

* It's a tough position, but second base got a little better off Wednesday. Ben Zobrist is heating up - he tripled off of Liriano - but the best sign is that his power seems to be back. He has five home runs on the year, and the extra base hits are there too. If the power is really there, then expect his batting average to fall somewhere between his 2008 and 2009 seasons. He doesn't strike out enough, generally, to finish up below .240 again. He's a great buy-low right now. Daniel Murphy homered in the eighth and doubled home two more in the ninth, and is looking pretty good. He doesn't quite play every day, and entered the game as a pinch-hitter, but he plays regularly enough to help in deep leagues.

* Even though a couple of pitchers garnered their first saves Wednesday night, it's unclear if they really represent a changing of the guard. Eduardo Sanchez gave up three hits and two runs before recording his first save, and he did keep his beautiful 14/1 K/BB ratio intact, but he might have only been in the game because Mitchell Boggs tired himself out blowing the save Tuesday night. And yes, Vincente Padilla sweated his way through a save in Florida, but after the game Don Mattingly said that Jonathan Broxton merely had a sore elbow. Hong-Chih Kuo is on the way back but didn't perform well in his first rehab stint. Don't drop the incumbents just yet. Darren Oliver got the save in Texas - it wasn't quite smooth sailing with two hits allowed - but Neftali Feliz also threw without discomfort.

* Normally you want power from your first baseman, but you also have a utility spot, and there are some hitters that might help there. Mitch Moreland hit a game-breaking home run Wednesday night and is a great bench pickup in most leagues, even if he's better against righties than lefties. Justin Smoak may not have all the power he's showing so far this season (he hit his fourth home run Wednesday) but he's looking great at the plate, walking almost as much as he's striking out. That should bode well for his batting average. Brett Wallace is finally showing the plate discipline he had in the minor leagues, and he collected three hits Wednesday night, but he's got the least power of this group. As always, I'll answer any questions on twitter any time!

National League Quick Hits: Cole Hamels held the Diamondbacks to three runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts, but you knew he was good … Roy Oswalt left the team to care for his home and family in storm-torn Mississippi … Corey Hart (sunglasses at night) is back - he started Wednesday … R.A. Dickey pitched well (eight hits, two runs in 6 2/3) but knuckleballers are risky … Tom Gorzelanny gave up one run opposite him, his control is what makes him risky … Anibal Sanchez allowed three runs in five innings but his peripherals are the best so far of his young career … Aroldis Chapman pitched 1 2/3 innings, struck out two, and got the win; he's a sneaky play for strikeouts and vulture wins at the very least … James McDonald struck out three in six scoreless against the Giants but he's got fewer strikeouts then walks and is best left on the wire for now … Johan Santana (shoulder) might not be back until August hears Buster Olney … Chris Coghlan, a decent pickup because he's been getting hot at the plate, left Wednesday's game with shoulder soreness … Domonic Brown (hand) hit a home run in Single-A and could be back in mid-May … Raul Ibanez sat Wednesday and John Mayberry Jr. may start stealing more at-bats against lefties … Old man Casey Blake (elbow) should be out four weeks … Ian Desmond will be back Thursday after the birth of his child … Ryan Theriot (ribcage) is day-to-day … Carlos Ruiz (back) is worried about his injury and may be headed to the DL … Jon Lucroy had two hits Wednesday and is actually a pretty good catcher if you're in a two-catcher league or hurting at the position … Wilson Ramos got a hit Wednesday night, but more remarkable was the fact that he was starting his third-straight game … Joe Saunders gave up six runs and ten hits to the Phillies Wednesday and is really un-ownable in all leagues … Melvin Mora got a start and collected two doubles, but Ryan Roberts is too hot to sit (he played left field) … Will Venable is striking out too often to have a nice batting average, but he stole two bases Wednesday, has plenty of tools, and is an okay play on the road against right-handers … Mark DeRosa (wrist) hit the DL but wasn't playing enough to really matter.

American League Quick Hits: Josh Beckett got tagged for two home runs in six innings of a loss against the Orioles, but he's still an excellent play this year … Mark Teixeira left the game after hurting his right shoulder, but his manager said that no tests were planned … Adam Jones collected a hit and a home run and is heating up … Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run homer off Koji Uehara and looks healthy; your time to buy-low may be up … Delmon Young (ribcage) is on the DL and Rene Tosoni is up, but Jason Kubel will get the time … Juan Rivera collected three hits against the Rangers but his path to playing time is littered with obstacles … For example, Rajai Davis (ankle) should rejoin the Jays Friday … Too bad, but Phil Hughes might have a circulatory problem, but his doctors are still searching … Don't worry holds-leaguers, manager Joe Girardi said that he won't take Rafael Soriano out of the setup role yet … Joel Pineiro (shoulder) will be activated Saturday … Derek Holland has plenty of promise, but he got roughed up by the Blue Jays Wednesday night (11 hits, five runs, three strikeouts in five innings) … J.J. Hardy (oblique) is still a week away … Carlos Carrasco hit the DL with his elbow issue … Josh Willingham (back) and Coco Crisp (quad) were both day-to-day scratches against the Angels; It looks like Conor Jackson and Ryan Sweeney will get some at-bats here and there … Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) returned and collected a hit in five at-bats … Josh Tomlin pitched well against the Royals (two runs on five hits in six innings) but doesn't have the underlying skills to deserve his pristine ERA … Jeff Francis showed why he shouldn't be owned in mixed leagues b giving up five earned in three innings against the Indians … Fellow Jeff, Jeff Francouer, is raking (a double and a homer Wednesday) but is still the same guy he always was; he'll be dropped by most shortly.

 

[HacheMan]

Smoak Gets In Your Eyes
I'm loyal to a fault. In turn, I usually don't do much tinkering with my roster over the first month of the season. Sure, injuries may force my hand and closers can change on the spin of a dime, but I usually draft a player for a reason.

Still, it's always interesting to see the threshold fantasy owners have for struggling players. One significant example is Madison Bumgarner, who was drafted in most mixed leagues. The young left-hander was dropped by many after posting a 7.79 ERA over his first four starts, but what do we do now that he struck out seven over six innings of one-run ball against the Pirates on Wednesday night? For your sake, I hope you didn't give up too soon. He's probably already gone.

Let's move on to the good stuff.

MIXED LEAGUES

Darren Oliver RP, Rangers (Yahoo: 19 percent owned, ESPN: 19.6 percent)

Oliver is 2-for-2 in save chances since Neftali Feliz was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Feliz has already been cleared to begin a throwing program and likely shouldn't miss much more time than the minimum, but those hungry for saves could do much worse than the 40-year-old left-hander as a short-term option. Oliver has a 1.74 ERA and 7/0 K/BB ratio over his first 10 1/3 innings this season.

Mike Aviles 2B/3B/SS, Royals (Yahoo: 50 percent owned, ESPN: 18.7 percent)

Chris Getz began the season red-hot, but has begun to lose his grip on the starting second base job by batting .143 (4-for-28) over his last nine games. Meanwhile, Aviles played second base Wednesday night against the Indians and has hit safely in each of his last eight games started. See a trend here? There's little doubt that the Royals best infield alignment has Wilson Betemit at third base and Aviles at second, so it's likely just a matter of time before talent wins out. With multi-position eligibility and the potential for double-digit homers and steals, Aviles can be plenty useful in mixed leagues.

Sergio Santos RP, White Sox (Yahoo: 38 percent owned, ESPN: 33.6 percent)

Santos probably owes a steak dinner to Brent Lillibridge, but the 27-year-old right-hander has successfully converted each of his first two save opportunities this season. Not only that, he hasn't allowed a run over his first 11 2/3 innings of work. Santos has what you like to see from a closer -- mid-90s heat and an electric slider -- but he has also allowed 31 walks over 63 1/3 innings in the big leagues. I doubt he keeps the job for the whole season -- remember, Chris Sale, Matt Thornton and Jesse Crain linger -- but Ozzie Guillen should continue to go with the hot hand for now.

Logan Morrison OF, Marlins (Yahoo: 50 percent owned, ESPN: 67 percent)

OK, so maybe I'm cheating a little bit here. Morrison is currently owned in more than 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues, which would usually disqualify him from consideration for Waiver Wired, but I'm intrigued only because his ownership numbers are still so darn low. Sure, he's currently on the disabled list, but the 23-year-old outfielder was batting .327/.424/.636 with four homers and 11 RBI over his first 66 plate appearances prior to the injury. He's expected to be back in the early part of May, so why not stash him on the DL if you have the room? It could prove to be a wise move if his excellent April is a sign of a larger breakout.

Justin Smoak 1B, Mariners (Yahoo: 19 percent owned, ESPN: 17.4 percent)

The general consensus was that Smoak's potential fantasy value would take a hit by virtue of playing half of his games in Safeco Field, which is considered one of the most pitcher-friendly stadiums in baseball. That may ultimately be the case, but it's awful hard to tell so far. The 24-year-old first baseman is batting .302/.408/.571 with four homers, five doubles, 14 RBI and a 14/12 K/BB ratio over his first 76 plate appearances this season. He probably won't get a ton of RBI chances with this pathetic Mariners' offense, but I expect him to hit 20-plus homers and a post a high on-base percentage.

Brian Matusz SP, Orioles (Yahoo: 46 percent owned, ESPN: 42.9 percent)

Are people forgetting about this guy? It seems so. Matusz is currently on the disabled list with an intercostal strain, but is nearly ready to throw from a mound. While he'll almost certainly need a few minor league rehab starts in order to build up his workload, a return in mid-May sounds pretty reasonable. The AL East is tough sledding for any pitcher, let alone a 24-year-old, but Matusz actually handled himself pretty well against his divisional foes last season, namely the Red Sox and Yankees. Get him now before his ownership skyrockets.

Luke Scott 1B/OF, Orioles (Yahoo: 31 percent owned, ESPN: 30.2 percent)

While the past few months may have changed the way some feel about the outspoken Scott off the field, he has always carried the reputation as one of the streakiest hitters in the game. The 32-year-old is off to something of a rough start this season, but has hit safely in each of his last three games, including a two-run homer in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox. Could this be the start of something big? Don't wait too long to find out.

Tim Stauffer SP, Padres (Yahoo: 35 percent owned, ESPN: 3.3 percent)

Stauffer had a lot of buzz as a preseason sleeper and has mostly delivered so far, posting a 3.21 ERA and 18/7 K/BB ratio over his first five starts this season. Oddly, he has pitched better on the road than he has at PETCO Park, though we're only talking about a handful of starts right now. Stauffer isn't a big strikeout guy and he's unlikely to get much run support from the Padres' offense, but the important part is that he throws strikes and induces plenty of ground balls. He's rosterable in deeper mixed leagues or as a streaming option in shallow leagues.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Vicente Padilla RP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 6 percent owned, ESPN: 1.2 percent)

Is there anything more confusing in the fantasy baseball world than the Dodgers' current ninth-inning situation? After some to-and-fro about Jonathan Broxton's job security on Tuesday, Padilla locked down the save in Wednesday's game against the Marlins. It's difficult to say where this is all headed, but Broxton acknowledged Wednesday that he is currently dealing with a sore elbow. Hong-Chih Kuo had a setback in his minor league rehab appearance Tuesday, so he's unlikely to return anytime soon. That leaves Padilla as the best option, almost by default. Pick him up until there's some degree of clarity.

Wilson Ramos C, Nationals (Yahoo: 7 percent owned, ESPN: 0.7 percent)

Mr. Ramos is nearly ready for his closeup. The 23-year-old backstop is in a timeshare with Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate, but has started each of the last three games. And it's pretty easy to understand why. Ramos is batting .375/.426/.563 over his first 54 plate appearances this season and homered twice in Tuesday's game against the Mets. He should be owned in two-catcher leagues and will likely be worth consideration in deeper mixed formats once he becomes the primary catcher for Jim Riggleman's club.

Joel Pineiro SP, Angels (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 9.4 percent)

Here's another one you may have forgotten about. Pineiro was forced to begin the season on the disabled list due to right shoulder tightness, but the Angels are ready to bring him back after only one minor league rehab start. He might not be a strong play in his first start this weekend against the Rays, but with his excellent command and ground ball tendencies, he should be mixed league worthy in subsequent outings as long as he can stay healthy.

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AL ONLY

John McDonald 2B/3B/SS, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

McDonald didn't start Wednesday's game, but has seen most of the time at second and third base since Jayson Nix and Aaron Hill were placed on the disabled list. The 36-year-old is a .240 career hitter, so don't expect anything special with the bat, but he does offer a little bit of pop and some speed. His multi-position eligibility makes him pretty useful right now.

Jesse Litsch SP, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Litsch was merely the victim of a numbers game when he was sent to the minors earlier this month, but he continues to prove worthy of the sleeper tag. The 26-year-old right-hander owns a 3.86 ERA and 17/9 K/BB ratio over his first four starts this season and has delivered quality starts in three of them. He's getting more swings and misses than we're used to, which could be traced to increased reliance on his slider. I wouldn't blame you if you sat him for Sunday's start against the Yankees, but it is worth noting that the Bombers are batting just .240 against right-handed pitching so far this season.

Brad Penny SP, Tigers (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

I'll be honest, I'm basing this pick purely off Penny tossing seven innings of one-hit ball against the White Sox last Saturday. Granted, he entered the start with an 8.44 ERA over his first four starts, but he can't possibly be that bad, right? Penny was a worthwhile gamble for the Tigers this winter, but the biggest concern moving forward should be his durability. The 33-year-old right-hander hasn't thrown 200 innings in a season since 2007. Still, he should be worth an immediate flier in AL-only leagues.

Juan Rivera 1B/OF, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Another Blue Jay? Another Blue Jay. Rivera is finally showing signs of life north of the border, hitting safely in six straight games, including home runs in two out of his last three. Edwin Encarnacion returned from a wrist injury on Wednesday, but John Farrell could continue to use him at third base to cover for Jayson Nix, who is currently on the disabled list with a shin injury. Rivera is unlikely to hit .300 or pop 25 homers again, but a modest rebound is possible.

NL ONLY

Brandon Wood 3B/SS, Pirates (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

The Angels finally cut ties with Wood last week, but the former top prospect quickly found a new home with the Pirates. Roger Cedeno isn't doing much at shortstop, so he has a legitimate chance at regular playing time should he get off to a hot start. Of course, Wood has a measly .169/.201/.261 batting line over 504 major league plate appearances, so don't expect any miracles, but the power potential is still there.

Roger Bernadina OF, Nationals (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

Ian Desmond was placed on the paternity leave list this week, clearing the way for Bernadina to get the call from Triple-A Syracuse. Desmond should return to the team Thursday, but Nationals manager Jim Riggleman indicated Wednesday that Bernadina could stick around. We hope so. Rick Ankiel has been absolutely brutal offensively, batting just .212 over his first 85 at-bats, so Bernadina could be an immediate improvement in center field.

James McDonald SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 1 percent)

An early candidate for draft day bust, McDonald has a 7.66 ERA over his first five starts. The good news is that he's coming off six shutout innings against the Giants on Wednesday night. Granted, he did walk four batters and now has an ugly 15/16 K/BB ratio over 24 2/3 innings, but it certainly qualifies as a step in the right direction. The hard-throwing right-hander needs to walk fewer batters and have better luck with the home run ball moving forward, but that's a chance every NL-only should be willing to take.

Clint Barmes 2B/SS, Astros (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Barmes is just about ready to wrap up a minor league rehab assignment and is expected to be activated from the disabled list for Friday's series opener against the Brewers. It looked like Angel Sanchez was going to make things difficult for Astros manager Brad Mills, but he has cooled down significantly following a fast start with the bat. Barmes is a poor bet for a high batting average and he'll likely miss Coors Field, but he still has the potential for double-digit homers and steals.

 

[HacheMan]

Slump Sinks Travis Snider
For Blue Jays outfielder Travis Snider, the 2011 season was supposed to be a breakout. He was supposed to start in left field all year for Toronto and produce big time numbers across the board. Everything was supposed to come together for the talented 23-year-old.

But it hasn't happened that way. Not at all.

Snider was optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon after opening the season with a brutal .184 batting average and .540 OPS. He hit just one home run and four doubles in 95 plate appearances.

The Jays will hope that Snider begins seeing the ball better down in the minors and returns with more confidence in a couple of weeks. For now, starts in left field will go to Juan Rivera and Corey Patterson.

Let's get on with Friday's edition of the Daily Dose...

* The Cardinals signed Lance Berkman to a highly-criticized one-year, $8 million contract this offseason. The money wasn't bad and the length is just fine, but baseball people were worried about Berkman's ability to remain healthy while playing right field on an everyday basis. So far, the experiment has been stellar. The risk has been rewarded.

Berkman drove in four runs in a single inning on Thursday night against his old team, the Astros, and finished up 4-for-5 with three runs scored, a home run from each side of the plate, and five total RBI. It was the 28th multiple-homer game of his career and already his third with the Cardinals. Berkman's defense hasn't been sparkling, but a 1.263 OPS can make up for a thing like that quite easily.

The 2011 version of the "Big Puma" is for real, and hitting in the midst of a lineup that features Colby Rasmus, Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday should keep his numbers soaring.

As of April 29, Berkman has proven himself as the biggest steal in fantasy drafts this year.

* Baseball's other league also saw a monumental offensive performance on Thursday as Ben Zobrist drove in ten runs in Tampa Bay's doubleheader sweep at Minnesota's Target Field. Zobrist went 4-for-6 with a home run and eight RBI in the first game and 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored in the second. The 29-year-old got off to a slow start this season, but he's now sporting a strong .916 OPS and is working on a five-game hitting streak.

Zobrist took a step back offensively last season after batting .297/.405/.543 with 27 homers in 2009, but he's looking locked in right now and is eligible at a range of fantasy positions. Patient owners were rewarded this week.

National League Quick Hits:: Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington opined Thursday that Ryan Zimmerman (abdominal strain) will be sidelined for "a while" longer … Astros designated utilityman Joe Inglett for assignment … Mike Pelfrey has been cleared to make his scheduled Friday start despite losing 11 pounds to a flu-like illness … The Phillies placed Joe Blanton on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with an elbow injury … Vance Worley will start for the Phillies on Friday night against the Mets … The Braves have recalled Joe Mather from Triple-A to provide depth around the field … Ian Stewart has been raking at Triple-A Colorado Springs since his demotion … Mets catcher Ronny Paulino is likely to rejoin the team Friday … The Nationals activated Ian Desmond from the paternity leave list before Thursday's game and he rewarded them with a solo home run … The Pirates have discussed temporarily removing Evan Meek from a set-up role.

American League Quick Hits: Indians DH Travis Hafner was a late scratch from Thursday's game due to ankle inflammation and is going for an MRI on Friday … Kevin Youkilis was pulled from Thursday's game after tweaking his hip but is only day-to-day … Mark Teixeira remains day-to-day with a banged up right shoulder … The Twins acknowledged Thursday that Joe Mauer wasn't physically prepared to serve as the club's everyday catcher when the regular season opened … Francisco Cervelli will be brought back from the disabled list Friday to serve as the Yankees' backup catcher … Justin Duchscherer will throw live batting practice Saturday in an effort to prove that he is ready for a rehab assignment … The Indians have placed promising young starter Carlos Carrasco on the disabled list with a sore right elbow … Kendrys Morales isn't making sufficient progress and will have his once-fractured leg examined by a specialist … The Yankees are worried that promising right-hander Phil Hughes has Thoracic Outlet Syndrome … Grady Sizemore is now batting .390 with a surprising four home runs in 10 games … Tony Pena was lifted from Thursday's game with elbow discomfort … The Yankees may cut Kevin Millwood, who was rocked on Thursday at Triple-A … Brian Matusz threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Thursday … The Blue Jays will call up prospect David Cooper before Friday's game … Jack Wilson is day-to-day with an eye irritation … Austin Jackson remains in a massive slump.

 

[HacheMan]

Quick Starters

Alexi Ogando established himself as a dominant back-end reliever for the Rangers in 2010. This year, he's taken on a new challenge, moving into a starting role after pitching in relief for almost his entire pro career.

Thus far, the 27-year-old right-hander has proven up to the challenge, jumping out to a 3-0 start with a 2.30 ERA over his first five outings. In the upcoming week, he ranks among the strongest two-start options in the American League, as he'll look to continue his impressive season-opening run and further solidify his spot in the Texas rotation.

Ogando's first start of the week comes against the Mariners, a team he shut out over six innings in his season debut. His second turn will come against the Yankees, a team that roughed him up for five runs over six frames on April 17 -- his worst outing thus far. How will he fare? Should be a good test.

Ogando heads an AL two-start list that includes fellow fast starters Jon Lester and Dan Haren. You'll them, along with all the other options, below. Note that Roy Oswalt, currently listed as a two-start guy for the National League, is currently away from the Phillies and visiting his home state of Mississippi, which has been ravaged by storms. His status for Tuesday's start is uncertain.

Going Twice...



American League

Strong Plays
Alexi Ogando: @SEA (Bedard), NYY (Sabathia)
CC Sabathia: @DET (Penny), @TEX (Ogando)
Dan Haren: @BOS (Lester), CLE (Tomlin)
Justin Verlander: NYY (Colon), @TOR (Litsch)
Mark Buehrle: BAL (Guthrie), @SEA (Bedard)
Jon Lester: LAA (Haren), MIN (Pavano)
Josh Beckett: LAA (Chatwood), MIN (Duensing)

Decent Plays
Tyson Ross: CLE (Tomlin), @KC (Francis)
Brandon McCarthy: TEX (Holland), @KC (Hochevar)
Jeff Francis: BAL (Bergesen), OAK (Ross)
Josh Tomlin: @OAK (Ross), @LAA (Haren)
Jeremy Guthrie: @CWS (Buehrle), TB (Shields)
Brad Bergesen: @KC (Francis), TB

At Your Own Risk
Jo-Jo Reyes: @TB (Davis), DET (Penny)
Derek Holland: @OAK (McCarthy), NYY (Colon)
Erik Bedard: TEX (Ogando), CWS (Buehrle)
Bartolo Colon: @DET (Verlander), @TEX (Holland)
Tyler Chatwood: @BOS (Beckett), CLE (Masterson)
Brad Penny: NYY (Sabathia), @TOR (Reyes)

National League

Strong Plays
Kyle Lohse: FLA (Volstad), MIL (Narveson)
Aaron Harang: PIT (McDonald), ARI (Saunders)
Roy Oswalt: WAS (Hernandez), ATL (Hanson)
Clayton Kershaw: CHC (Coleman), @NYM (Dickey)
Anibal Sanchez: @STL (McClellan), WAS (Hernandez)
Tommy Hanson: MIL (Estrada), @PHI (Oswalt)
Jair Jurrjens: MIL (Estrada), @PHI (Lee)

Decent Plays
Tom Gorzelanny: SF (Bumgarner), @FLA (Volstad)
Livan Hernandez: @PHI (Oswalt), @FLA (Sanchez)
Kyle McClellan: FLA (Sanchez), MIL (Estrada)
Ryan Vogelsong: @NYM (Dickey), COL (Chacin)
Madison Bumgarner: @WAS (Gorzelanny), COL (Rogers)
James McDonald: @SD (Harang), HOU (Happ)
R.A. Dickey: SF (Vogelsong), LAD (Kershaw)
Marco Estrada: @ATL (Jurrjens), @STL (McClellan)
Jhoulys Chacin: @ARI (Saunders), @SF (Vogelsong)
Chris Volstad: @STL (Lohse), WAS (Gorzelanny)
Mike Leake: HOU (Happ), @CHC (Coleman)

At Your Own Risk
J.A. Happ: @CIN (Leake), @PIT (McDonald)
Casey Coleman: @LAD (Kershaw), CIN (Leake)
Joe Saunders: COL (Chacin), @SD (Harang)


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, 5/4: Jake Arrieta @ KC
The young righty has been sharp in recent outings, with a string of three consecutive quality starts.

Friday, 5/6: Philip Humber @ SEA
Humber has been solid over his first four starts, with a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. It won't last forever, but he should be able to keep it up against the Mariners.

National League

Wednesday, 5/4: Travis Wood vs. HOU
Wood has struggled in recent outings, but he's worth grabbing off waivers for this start against the Astros.

Thursday, 5/5: Brandon Beachy vs. MIL
The Braves rookie has been outstanding in early action. Give him a look at home against Milwaukee this week.

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Total Games



American League

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

National League

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


Lefty/Righty Breakdown



American League

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

National League

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


The Infirmary



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

Scott Rolen: Out until mid-May
Mitch Talbot: Out until mid-May
Casey Blake: Out until late May
Delmon Young: Out until early May
Angel Pagan: Out until early May
Joe Blanton: Out until mid-May
Jose Contreras: Out until late May

 

[HacheMan]

Time to sell high on Zobrist? Sell Zo high, buy Swish low is the advice in this week's Week That Was.

Ben Zobrist: Ben Zobrist had a day to remember Thursday, going 4-6 with a dinger and 8 RBI. Overall, the good news is that he has 23 RBI but the bad news is that despite the incredible hot streak, he is still just at .260 (which will fall with the eventual cool off as no one stays THIS hot) and has struck out more than 2x for every walk. So, I think you can already tell what I am going to say. Yup, sell! Is Ben a good player? Yes. Is he a worthy MI in roto? Yes. Is his value ever going to be higher? No. Don't forget that Zobrist hit .238 last year and .252 in 2008. Also, it is worth remembering that he never hit for power in the minors, so the 27 HR from 2009 could well be an outlier. Again, he is a good player and can help your team. I just think you can trade up now but will not be able to if you wait too long. You are so advised.


Nick Swisher: Nick Swisher smacked his first dinger Thursday and finally had a reason to smile – something he would not do if he looked at the year long stats thus far. As of today he is hitting just .225 with that one homer. However, all is not lost. He still has 14 runs and 12 RBI despite being ice cold. He has also walked as many times as he has struck out. He will get going, the Yankees will get going and Swish will end up with 20+ HR, 90 runs and RBI and a batting average that will be fine. This is a serious buy low opportunity. (Yeah, I know, I am a homer, but Swish is in his prime and will make you glad you grabbed him).


Travis Snider: The Jays sent struggling Travis Snider back to the minors to try and get on track. A season that started with so much hope has been a huge bust thus far. Snider posted a paltry .181 average with just one jack this month. In a word: Ugly. However, here are some truths to keep in mind. One, the Jays will not make the playoffs so they will hit that point in the season where it makes sense to bring Travis back. Two, Travis is still just 23 years old – way, way too early for anyone to give up on him. Three, at age 22, Snider hit 14 HR in approx 300 big league ABs with a decent .255 average. His mechanics are off now, but his contact percentage was trending up last year. Buy now if you can stash him on reserve. There is value there for the second half.


Casey Kotchman: Don't look now, but Casey Kotchman is 6 for his last 13 and hitting a cool .350. This makes for a very interesting situation. First, Casey is easily the best fielding 1B the Rays have, so he has a good argument to be on the field. Second, Dan Johnson has really never been a productive and consistent major league hitter (shame on those who fell for that). Third, Casey has bounced around so much (and had various maladies) such that people forget that he is only 28 and made the majors at the tender age of 21. Casey will never become Albert Pujols or even Ryan Howard, but he could easily be a productive Mark Grace type hitter. He makes a good flyer in deep leagues.


Austin Jackson: Despite two hits last night, Austin Jackson still cannot see the Mendoza line without a telescope (he is sitting at a sorry .178). To make matters worse, he has struck out more than 4x for each walk (and he is a leadoff hitter!). There is a serious risk that Jackson will be sent down if he does not start to hit in the next couple of weeks. If that happens, Casper Wells, the 26 year old with power but a low average, could make a speculative buy. As to Jackson, this faltering in the soph season was completely foreseeable. He had extreme luck last year with a .399 BABIP (batting average balls in play) that explained his .292 average despite a whopping 170 strikeouts. Austin Jackson will be a good player. In a keeper league, keep him. However, if you are in a one year league, wait for the next hot streak and then sell. He will end up being the poster boy for sophomore slump.


Andrew McCutchen: Andrew McCutchen is not Austin Jackson. Yes, McCutchen went hitless again Thursday and hitless for the entire Giants series. Yes, he is striking out like he is Austin Jackson. However, last year, Andy M k'd just 89 times in 154 games, so there is reason to think this is just a slump rather than a predictable pattern. The 24 year old McCutchen had about 1 2/3 seasons under his belt coming into the year. In that time, he had annualized totals of 15 HR and 30 SB to go with a .286 avg in each year. Have no fear, this kid is for real and will bounce back. If there is an impatient owner in your league, lick your chops and go in for the kill.


John Danks: Sticking with the buy low candidates, while John Danks has pitched like his name sounds and was pretty darn bad last night (five runs on eight hits in six innings) and stands at an ugly 0-4 on the season, all is not lost. First, his ratios are holding up pretty well for a pitcher in a slump (3.92 ERA and 1.33 WHIP). Second, his record of consistency and success is clear – a three year average of 185k per season, 1.24 WHIP and 3.60 ERA. When you add in that he achieved that success in the ultimate hitter's park at the ages of 23-25, you can see why I am not worried. Buy if you can.


Mike Pelfrey: From not worried to very worried -- Mike Pelfrey. Last night, Pelf was atrocious giving up four runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. [Warning, those with queasy stomachs should shield their eyes now]. On the season, Pelf sports a hideous 7.39 ERA and 16/13 K/BB ratio. For a big kid (6'7", 250lbs), he strikes out precious few hitters (barely 5 per 9inn). The inability to put hitters away gets him in trouble. Playing for a weak team hurts him further, and finally, he has a tendency to come apart at the seams in big innings. Overall, this is just not a guy to own in fantasy baseball – limited if any upside and huge downside.


Ted Lilly: Back to positive thinking brings us to Ted Lilly. The well traveled lefty tossed six innings of one run ball in the Dodgers win over the Padres on Friday. Buy yourself a May present and grab Lilly while he is still cheap. Lilly has been a consistent lefty for many years (167 K per year, 1.13 WHIP, 3.62 ERA as an average over last three years). Add in the fact that he pitches in a pitcher's park, gets to play in other pitcher's parks in SD and SF, and gets the DBacks 18 times and you have all the reason to be optimistic. While he sits at 4.45 and 1.45 go get him. Time is running out.


Conor Jackson: Conor Jackson doubled twice Friday night to help the A's beat the Rangers. CoJack represents yet another buying opportunity. He lost almost two years to Valley fever. However, before that, he was a hitter on the rise in Arizona. Now, at 28, the path is there for him to return to the .290, 15 HR, 80+ RBI guy he was in his early to mid-20's in Arizona. Plus, the A's do not sport superstars anywhere in the OF, 1B or DH that will block him if he continues to hit. Buy.


And last, but not least, Schultz says: "Sherman, for today's lesson, we're going to jump into the WABAC machine and go back in time to the heady and innocent times that were the beginnings of the 2008 baseball season. Oh it was a glorious time with many pundits making hundreds of glorious predictions with the certainty of a Gray's Sports Almanac owner. All prognosticators managed to find unanimity on one issue, to a person, they all overlooked, discounted and completely ignored the pitcher that would win that year's AL Cy Young award, Cliff Lee. In fact, if you had suggested to any of these so-called experts that within 3 years, Lee would be one of the most coveted pitchers in baseball (both in real life and fantasyland), they would have mocked you in Klingon.

Now, Sherman, you ask yourself, how could something like this happen? Well, you see. Cliff Lee didn't have a good year in 2007. He was so bad that the Indians (who are presently in first place in the Central Division) had to send him to the minor leagues and keep him off the playoff roster. No matter that he went 18-5 and finished 4th in the Cy Young voting in 2005, he didn't play well in 2007, so he was written off. It's a common mistake and we all make it. While I am a huge proponent on remembering your history, it's often not a good idea to let the immediate past dominate that recollection. After all, no one ever won their league with last year's statistics.

How is this relevant today? Chris Coghlan, the 2009 Rookie of the Year, had fallen off of everyone's radar after an injury plagued 2010. Until he jammed his shoulder earlier this week, the Marlins outfielder was not only displaying the bat discipline that made him the North American Ichiro, but hitting for power as well. After three subpar seasons in Cincinnati, Aaron Harang has remembered how to pitch effectively - well against everyone but Atlanta - and seems to be enjoying a renaissance of relevance in Petco Park. For the first time in 5 years, Travis Hafner resembles the Pronk that hit 42 home runs, drove in 117 while hitting .308. Even Daisuke Matsuzaka seems to think its a good idea to earn his salary, rebounding from a horrendous start to dominate the Blue Jays and Angels (on this last one, I'm not entirely convinced a corner's been turned).

Patti Smith once said that she doesn't mess much with the past but she'll mess plenty with the future. (This isn't quite what she said but the actual quote would get censored quicker than making a joke about Adam Dunn being no Matt Holliday). It's good rotisserie baseball strategy though, remember your history but also remember that it's what happens in the future that determines who wins today."


Response: And they call me a homer? Anyway, the advice is of course correct – there are no trophies for correctly predicting what happened last year. As to whether Coghlan or Dice K will be really good – I am not sold. As to Harang – yup, he is a buy.

 

[HacheMan]

Evan Longoria set to return soon
Tristan H. Cockcroft


On tap: Those slow-starting Boston Red Sox seem to have picked up the pace, following up their 2-10 (not to mention 0-6) start with a 9-3 performance since April 16. Dismiss it as regression to the mean if you wish, but it's impossible to overlook that it was a four-game road sweep of the Los Angeles Angels from April 21-24 that truly garnered the Red Sox momentum. The Red Sox have exhibited mastery of the Angels in the past year-plus; since the Angels swept them in the 2009 Division Series, the Red Sox have won 13 of 14 meetings and outscored the Angels 88-41. That's why the Angels' four-game rematch with the Red Sox from Monday to Thursday, albeit this time in Boston, probably has Red Sox's fantasy owners (not to mention their fans) salivating. Can the Red Sox repeat their dominance? Perhaps. They have, after all, won 53 of 89 meetings (.596 winning percentage), postseason included, against the Angels since 2003.

Intradivisional battles are the story over in the National League, as projected playoff contenders meet up in each of the three divisions during the Friday-Sunday weekend series: In the East, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves, in the Central the St. Louis Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers, and in the West the San Francisco Giants host the Colorado Rockies. It's that Cardinals-Brewers series that is particularly intriguing, as the Cardinals will be starting three of the top 53 starting pitchers on our Player Rater -- Jaime Garcia (No. 18) on Friday, Kyle Lohse (No. 4) on Saturday and Kyle McClellan (No. 53) on Sunday -- as they take on a Brewers offense that ranks second in the NL in OPS (.773) and second in homers (27).


Just as in Week 4, this is a week of injured players on the comeback trail, though unlike last week, this is the week Evan Longoria actually should -- as opposed to might -- be back from the disabled list. Longoria (oblique) is currently on a minor league rehabilitation assignment and is due back on Tuesday. Brewers ace Zack Greinke (ribs) is also on a rehab schedule that could have him back in their rotation as early as Wednesday against the Braves. (Note: He's currently not in the projected rotation below, as no official announcement has been made.) Among the other recovering players we might see before week's end: David Aardsma (hip), Homer Bailey (shoulder), Johnny Cueto (triceps), Neftali Feliz (shoulder), Victor Martinez (groin) and Logan Morrison (foot).


Reminder: Those of you in leagues with weekly transactions and lock times at the first pitch of the week, there is a 3:35 p.m. ET game (Rangers-Athletics) on Monday. Here are this week's scheduled first pitches for each day: Monday 3:35 p.m. ET, Tuesday 6:40 p.m. ET, Wednesday 12:35 p.m. ET, Thursday 1:05 p.m. ET, Friday 2:20 p.m. ET, Saturday 1:10 p.m. ET, Sunday 1:07 p.m. ET.


Quick click by section, if you're seeking advice in a specific area:
Projected starting pitchers | Pitching strategies
Team advantages | Hitting strategies
Weather report | Week 5 pitcher rankings


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 twice this week are in color-coded boxes.


<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Mon
5/2</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
5/3</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
5/4</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
5/5</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
5/6</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
5/7</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
5/8</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Bergesen
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Britton
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Bergesen
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Lester
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Matsuzaka
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Lackey
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Lester
(LHP)
P: 10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
Danks
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Humber
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Gomez
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
White
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Penny
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Coke
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Penny
(RHP)
P: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Francis
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Davies
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Chen
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
O'Sullivan
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Francis
(LHP)
P: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Haren
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Santana
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Pineiro
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Haren
(RHP)
P: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Baker
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Colon
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Nova
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Colon
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Ross
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Anderson
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
Ross
(RHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Fister
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Davis
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Niemann
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Price
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Shields
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Davis
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Holland
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Holland
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Romero
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Litsch
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Enright
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Galarraga
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Beachy
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Russell
(LHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Garza
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Coleman
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Leake
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
LeCure
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Wood
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Leake
(RHP)
P: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
DeLaRosa
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Rogers
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
DeLaRosa
(LHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Happ
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Figueroa
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
Myers
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Norris
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Happ
(LHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Garland
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Estrada
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Niese
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Young
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Worley
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Lee
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Correia
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Maholm
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
Morton
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Harang
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Latos
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Richard
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Moseley
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Harang
(RHP)
P: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Cain
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Gorzelanny
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Gorzelanny
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>P: The starting pitcher's matchup rating, which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.





Tristan's pitching strategies




• Let's tackle the Red Sox topic first, as Red Sox starters managed three wins, four quality starts, a 0.60 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 8.40 strikeouts per nine innings against the Angels during their four-game trip to L.A. earlier this season, and it's the same four starters who are slated to battle the Angels in the rematch: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey. For Lackey -- Thursday's starter -- in particular, the revenge factor is stark: He's a perfect 4-0 with three quality starts, a 2.45 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in four career starts against his former mates. Toss in that weekend series versus the Joe Mauer-less Minnesota Twins, who rank dead last in the American League in runs (77), home runs (10) and team OPS (.614), and it could be a week of great things for the Red Sox. Beckett and Lester, two of the top 12 starting pitchers on our Player Rater (12th and ninth, respectively), are the team's two-start pitchers and must-starts.


• Knock the Chicago White Sox's offensive doldrums or their completely unpredictable bullpen if you wish, but their starting pitching -- with the exception of recently struggling Edwin Jackson -- has been perfectly fine in fantasy so far. Excluding Jackson, the White Sox's other four starters have a combined 3.81 ERA and 1.20 WHIP and have 11 quality starts in 20 tries … and two of those (in four starts) have come from a most unexpected source in Philip Humber! Humber gets a cozy Friday assignment in spacious Safeco Field on Friday, and the team's two-start pitcher is Mark Buehrle, who by the way has a 2.97 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 16 career games (14 starts) against the Baltimore Orioles, his Monday opponent.


• He failed to crack my top 75 starting pitcher rankings below, instead landing in the "Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues," but Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander James McDonald could be of help if you're mixing and matching. His command has been atrocious, yes -- he has failed to strike out more batters than he has walked in a single start all year and has one more walk (16) than strikeouts (15) overall -- but he also did just toss six shutout innings against the Giants this past Wednesday, and has easy-as-pie two-start matchups. Heck, that Petco Park assignment on Monday is appealing enough on its own; besides the park factor, the San Diego Padres rank dead last in baseball in runs scored (70), team OPS (.599) and team batting average (.208), and have struck out more often than anyone (213, or 25.2 percent of their at-bats). Ex-Padre Kevin Correia should be plenty motivated in his old stomping ground on Wednesday, while Charlie Morton, who has four quality starts in five tries, is worth a look Saturday versus the Houston Astros.


• Here's a stat for you: The New York Mets as a team have a 3.59 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and .531 winning percentage since Citi Field opened in 2009. Maybe that won't overwhelm you, but if you consider the quality of starting pitchers -- and frankly, their middle relief -- the Mets have thrown out there since they moved into their new digs, it should at least a little. Sure, Johan Santana is responsible for 27 of those starts, but among the others who have started at least 10 and been remarkably successful there: Mike Pelfrey (38, 17-8 record, 3.22 ERA), R.A. Dickey (14, 2.68 ERA) and John Maine (11, 7-2 record, 2.63 ERA). Maine is now gone and Santana hurt, but Dickey and Pelfrey remain, and the Mets also got a strong effort from Chris Young in his Citi Field debut (7 IP, 1 H, 1 ER). All three of them warrant your attention this week -- Dickey and Pelfrey versus the Giants, Young and Dickey versus the Los Angeles Dodgers -- especially since both of those opponents rank in the bottom half of the NL in team OPS (Giants .684, 12th; Dodgers .705, 11th).

For more insight into Week 5 pitching matchups, see my rankings for the top 75 starting pitchers, as well as every two-start pitcher, at column's end.



Team advantages




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: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; 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
5/2</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
5/3</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
5/4</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
5/5</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
5/6</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
5/7</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
5/8</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
4 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 7
R: 9
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 6
L: 8
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 10
L: 5
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 7
L: 3
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 5
L: 5
R: 4
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 5
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 8
L: 5
R: 10
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 5
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 3
L: 1
R: 6
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 6
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 7
L: 1
R: 9
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIN
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 1
L: 2
R: 2
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 1
L: 5
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 7
L: 4
R: 9
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 6
L: 7
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 10
L: 7
R: 10
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 4
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 total
0 home
2 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHW
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BOS
H: 2
L: 1
R: 2
S: 9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 10
L: 7
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 10
L: 8
R: 10
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 9
L: 6
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 4
L: 2
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 7
L: 4
R: 10
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@KC
H: 10
L: 5
R: 10
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TEX
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 3
L: 5
R: 2
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 10
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 10
L: 9
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 5
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 6
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 4
L: 1
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>DET
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 10
L: 10
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 4
L: 8
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
4 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 3
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 3
L: 1
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 4
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 7
R: 3
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 4
L: 9
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 5
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 10
R: 3
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 6
L: 2
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 9
L: 10
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 7
L: 8
R: 6
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 6
R: 7
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 10
L: 10
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ARI
H: 10
L: 10
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 7
L: 3
R: 8
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 4
R: 8
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
0 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 6
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CIN
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 7
L: 10
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 8
L: 5
R: 10
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 10
L: 8
R: 10
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHC
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
0 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 1
L: 3
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 5
L: 9
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@STL
H: 4
L: 1
R: 6
S: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 4
L: 7
R: 2
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 5
L: 1
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 7
L: 10
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>HOU
H: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
7 home
1 vs. L
6 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 10
R: 3
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 4
L: 4
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 7
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 6
L: 4
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>MIL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 total
6 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 8
L: 4
R: 10
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 2
L: 5
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 2
R: 10
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
3 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 5
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 8
L: 4
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>COL
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 total
1 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 7
L: 3
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 3
L: 5
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 7
L: 10
R: 4
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@FLA
H: 5
L: 4
R: 5
S: 7</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.




Tristan's hitting strategies



• The AL's second-worst offensive team finally catches a break this week, as the Oakland Athletics earn the lone perfect-10 rating. Consider this: Six of the Athletics' first 25 games have come against starting pitchers ranked in the top 25 on our Player Rater; they've had to face No. 23 Felix Hernandez twice! But this week, there isn't nearly as challenging a set of opposing starters on the radar. Argue your case for 11th-ranked Josh Tomlin (Tuesday's foe) if you wish, but outside of him, the next highest-ranked starter slated to face the Athletics is Derek Holland (Monday), who placed 83rd. Not that there are a lot of exciting fantasy picks on the Athletics' side, but red-hot Coco Crisp is a must, and what about the prospects of David DeJesus' return trip to Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium during the weekend? Motivation could help kick-start his season, as he's a lifetime .301/.374/.435 hitter there. The Royals' other seven regulars -- by most played by position -- also have .288/.369/.461 lifetime numbers (90 games) at Kauffman Stadium. Hmmm …

• There is no need to temper your expectations from Rockies hitters despite their six games all being played on the road -- three apiece at Arizona's Chase Field and San Francisco's AT&T Park -- for a few reasons. One is that Chase Field has historically been friendly to Rockies hitters, like a "Coors away from home"; their eight usual starters (including both Jose Lopez and Ty Wigginton at third base) have combined for .267/.368/.463 lifetime rates there. The other is that the Giants will be throwing Madison Bumgarner, 0-2 with a 4.24 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in three career starts versus the Rockies, and temporary No. 5 starter Ryan Vogelsong, in two of their three games. (The Giants also lack a day off during Week 5, so they'd need a rainout in prior series in Washington or New York to shuffle their rotation.) Hot-starting Jonathan Herrera has been a true road warrior so far this season, with .381/.500/.548 rates in 11 road contests.


• A caveat regarding the Baltimore Orioles' "9" rating in the above chart: They'll battle four left-handed starters in their seven games, and are arguably the worst team against lefties in baseball so far, with a 1-5 record against lefty starters and .188/.261/.319 team rates against that side. On paper, the matchups say this week presents a bounce-back opportunity for terribly slow-starting righty mashers like Derrek Lee and Mark Reynolds. But there's a reason Mark Buehrle got a positive note in the pitching section, so understand it's a risk-taking venture.


• Conversely, the Cardinals' "6" rating doesn't do quite enough justice to the strength of their matchups, and is largely driven by the fact all seven of their games are at Busch Stadium, which is a pitchers' park. That means home games, however, so a home-field advantage, and if you look at the 2011 Busch Stadium numbers of a Lance Berkman or Matt Holliday, you can see there's little cause for concern. This is a week chock full of right-handed opposing starters, and the Cardinals are mashing righties (.308/.364/.465 team rates so far). And the man who could stand out with an exceptional Week 5 is, naturally, left-handed: Colby Rasmus, .313/.395/.537 against righties and .275/.388/.400 at home.



Weather report




Weatherproof games: Tigers at Blue Jays (3, Fri-Sun); Rockies at Diamondbacks (3, Tue-Thu); Rangers at Mariners (3, Tue-Thu); White Sox at Mariners (3, Fri-Sun); Blue Jays at Rays (3, Tue-Thu).



Tristan's Week 5 pitcher rankings: Top 75



Rankings take into account several factors: The pitcher's raw talent, historical and recent performance; number of starts; strength of opponent(s); and ballpark factors. Be aware that different leagues might emphasize different pitching statistics that could change these rankings slightly. These are based upon a fairly standard Rotisserie scoring system, like ESPN's.
1. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Tue-LAA (Haren), Sun-MIN (Pavano)
2. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Tue-MIL (Gallardo), Sun-@PHI (Oswalt)
3. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Tue-@BOS (Lester), Sun-CLE (Tomlin)
4. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Mon-NYY (Colon), Sat-@TOR (Litsch)
5. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Fri-ATL (Lowe)
6. Roy Oswalt (PHI) -- Tue-WAS (Hernandez), Sun-ATL (Hanson)
7. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Fri-CLE (White)
8. Josh Johnson (FLA) -- Thu-@STL (Westbrook)
9. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-@DET (Penny), Sun-@TEX (Ogando)
10. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Mon-CHC (Russell), Sun-@NYM (Dickey)
11. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Wed-@NYM (Capuano)
12. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Fri-CHW (Humber)
13. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Sat-ATL (Jurrjens)
14. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Tue-@STL (McClellan), Sun-WAS (Hernandez)
15. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Wed-FLA (Vazquez)
16. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Mon-LAA (Chatwood), Sat-MIN (Duensing)
17. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Wed-WAS (Marquis)
18. Brett Anderson (OAK) -- Thu-CLE (Gomez)
19. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Mon-FLA (Volstad), Sat-MIL (Estrada)
20. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Wed-@ATL (Hudson)
21. David Price (TB) -- Fri-@BAL (Britton)
22. Trevor Cahill (OAK) -- Wed-CLE (Carmona)
23. Kyle McClellan (STL) -- Tue-FLA (Sanchez), Sun-MIL (Gallardo)
24. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Tue-CHC (Dempster)
25. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Mon-MIL (Estrada), Sat-@PHI (Lee)
26. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Tue-@SEA (Bedard), Sun-NYY (Sabathia)
27. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Sat-@SF (Bumgarner)
28. Mat Latos (SD) -- Tue-PIT (Karstens)
29. Wade Davis (TB) -- Tue-TOR (Reyes), Sun-@BAL (Bergesen)
30. John Danks (CHW) -- Wed-MIN (Blackburn)
31. Matt Cain (SF) -- Fri-COL (Hammel)
32. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Wed-MIL (Marcum)
33. Jonathan Sanchez (SF) -- Thu-@NYM (Pelfrey)
34. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Fri-MIL (Narveson)
35. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Sat-@SD (Moseley)
36. Jorge De La Rosa (COL) -- Tue-@ARI (Saunders), Sun-@SF (Vogelsong)
37. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Wed-NYY (Garcia)
38. Ricky Nolasco (FLA) -- Fri-WAS (Zimmermann)
39. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Wed-@SEA (Pineda)
40. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Fri-@NYM (Niese)
41. Gavin Floyd (CHW) -- Sat-@SEA (Fister)
42. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Fri-@SD (Stauffer)
43. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Fri-ARI (Kennedy)
44. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Fri-CIN (Volquez)
45. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Wed-@TB (Hellickson)
46. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Thu-@ARI (Galarraga)
47. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Wed-TEX (Wilson)
48. Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) -- Mon-@CHW (Buehrle), Sat-TB (Shields)
49. Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Thu-@ATL (Beachy)
50. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Fri-@PIT (Maholm)
51. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Tue-@ATL (Hanson), Sun-@STL (McClellan)
52. Carlos Zambrano (CHC) -- Wed-@LAD (Lilly)
53. Bartolo Colon (NYY) -- Mon-@DET (Verlander), Sat-@TEX (Holland)
54. Brian Duensing (MIN) -- Sat-@BOS (Beckett)
55. Scott Baker (MIN) -- Fri-@BOS (Buchholz)
56. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Sat-@LAA (Chatwood)
57. Mark Buehrle (CHW) -- Mon-BAL (Guthrie), Sun-@SEA (Bedard)
58. James Shields (TB) -- Sat-@BAL (Guthrie)
59. John Lackey (BOS) -- Thu-LAA (Pineiro)
60. Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) -- Mon-SF (Bumgarner), Sat-@FLA (Volstad)
61. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Wed-CHC (Zambrano)
62. Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) -- Wed-LAA (Santana)
63. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-@LAD (Billingsley), Sun-CIN (Leake)
64. Brandon McCarthy (OAK) -- Mon-TEX (Holland), Sat-@KC (Hochevar)
65. Zach Britton (BAL) -- Fri-TB (Price)
66. Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Tue-@OAK (Ross), Sun-@LAA (Haren)
67. Edinson Volquez (CIN) -- Fri-@CHC (Garza)
68. Aaron Harang (SD) -- Mon-PIT (McDonald), Sun-ARI (Saunders)
69. Brandon Beachy (ATL) -- Thu-MIL (Wolf)
70. Derek Holland (TEX) -- Mon-@OAK (McCarthy), Sat-NYY (Colon)
71. Philip Humber (CHW) -- Fri-@SEA (Hernandez)
72. Derek Lowe (ATL) -- Fri-@PHI (Halladay)
73. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Fri-@KC (O'Sullivan)
74. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Thu-@TB (Niemann)
75. Fausto Carmona (CLE) -- Wed-@OAK (Cahill)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Erik Bedard (SEA) -- Tue-TEX (Ogando), Sun-CHW (Buehrle)
Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Mon-@WAS (Gorzelanny), Sat-COL (Jimenez)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) -- Mon-@BOS (Beckett), Sat-CLE (Masterson)
R.A. Dickey (NYM) -- Tue-SF (Vogelsong), Sun-LAD (Kershaw)
Jeff Francis (KC) -- Tue-BAL (Bergesen), Sun-OAK (Ross)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Mon-@CIN (Leake), Sun-@PIT (McDonald)
Mike Leake (CIN) -- Mon-HOU (Happ), Sun-@CHC (Dempster)
James McDonald (PIT) -- Mon-@SD (Harang), Sun-HOU (Happ)
Brad Penny (DET) -- Tue-NYY (Sabathia), Sun-@TOR (Reyes)
Tyson Ross (OAK) -- Tue-CLE (Tomlin), Sun-@KC (Francis)
Chris Volstad (FLA) -- Mon-@STL (Lohse), Sat-WAS (Gorzelanny)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Brad Bergesen (BAL) -- Tue-@KC (Francis), Sun-TB (Davis)
Marco Estrada (MIL) -- Mon-@ATL (Jurrjens), Sat-@STL (Lohse)
Livan Hernandez (WAS) -- Tue-@PHI (Oswalt), Sun-@FLA (Sanchez)
Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR) -- Tue-@TB (Davis), Sun-DET (Penny)
Joe Saunders (ARI) -- Tue-COL (De La Rosa), Sun-@SD (Harang)
Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Tue-@NYM (Dickey), Sun-COL (De La Rosa)

One-start sleepers:
Jake Arrieta (BAL) -- Wed-@KC (Davies)
Kevin Correia (PIT) -- Wed-@SD (Richard)
Doug Fister (SEA) -- Sat-CHW (Floyd)
Jon Garland (LAD) -- Sat-@NYM (Young)
Jason Hammel (COL) -- Fri-@SF (Cain)
Jesse Litsch (TOR) -- Sat-DET (Verlander)
Charlie Morton (PIT) -- Sat-HOU (Norris)
Bud Norris (HOU) -- Sat-@PIT (Morton)
Clayton Richard (SD) -- Wed-PIT (Correia)
Chris Young (NYM) -- Sat-LAD (Garland)

 

[HacheMan]

May Overall Top 250 Rankings
Welcome to the May rankings. Players are ranked based on how much value I believe they'll provide in 5x5 leagues over the rest of the season. Along with the position rankings, you'll find a fully updated top 250 list.

Click to see other May rankings:
Top 250 | SP | [URL="http://rotoworld.com/articles/mlb/37868/2/may-relief-pitcher-rankings"]RP | OF | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | C | DH

Top 250

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Team</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1 </TD><TD>Albert Pujols </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>2 </TD><TD>Roy Halladay </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3 </TD><TD>Ryan Braun[/URL] </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>4 </TD><TD>Miguel Cabrera </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5 </TD><TD>Troy Tulowitzki </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>6 </TD><TD>Robinson Cano </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7 </TD><TD>Hanley Ramirez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8 </TD><TD>Felix Hernandez </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9 </TD><TD>Alex Rodriguez </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10 </TD><TD>Joey Votto </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11 </TD><TD>Carlos Gonzalez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12 </TD><TD>Jose Bautista </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13 </TD><TD>Matt Kemp </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14 </TD><TD>Evan Longoria </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15 </TD><TD>Adrian Gonzalez </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16 </TD><TD>Carl Crawford </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17 </TD><TD>David Wright </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18 </TD><TD>Tim Lincecum </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19 </TD><TD>Matt Holliday </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20 </TD><TD>Mark Teixeira </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21 </TD><TD>Cliff Lee </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22 </TD><TD>Jose Reyes </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23 </TD><TD>Jon Lester </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>24 </TD><TD>Buster Posey </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25 </TD><TD>Prince Fielder </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>26 </TD><TD>Jered Weaver </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27 </TD><TD>Ian Kinsler </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>28 </TD><TD>Ryan Howard </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29 </TD><TD>CC Sabathia </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>30 </TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31 </TD><TD>Nelson Cruz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>32 </TD><TD>Tommy Hanson </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33 </TD><TD>Shin-Soo Choo </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34 </TD><TD>Dustin Pedroia </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35 </TD><TD>Josh Johnson </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36 </TD><TD>Justin Upton </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37 </TD><TD>Cole Hamels </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>38 </TD><TD>Clayton Kershaw </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39 </TD><TD>Andrew McCutchen </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>40 </TD><TD>Brandon Phillips </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41 </TD><TD>Zack Greinke </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42 </TD><TD>David Price </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43 </TD><TD>Victor Martinez </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44 </TD><TD>Elvis Andrus </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45 </TD><TD>Justin Verlander </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46 </TD><TD>Mariano Rivera </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47 </TD><TD>Ichiro Suzuki </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48 </TD><TD>Matt Cain </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49 </TD><TD>Adrian Beltre </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50 </TD><TD>Brian Wilson </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51 </TD><TD>Jonathan Papelbon </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52 </TD><TD>Kevin Youkilis </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53 </TD><TD>Dan Haren </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54 </TD><TD>Hunter Pence </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55 </TD><TD>Neftali Feliz </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56 </TD><TD>Jason Heyward </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57 </TD><TD>Rickie Weeks </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>58 </TD><TD>Curtis Granderson </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59 </TD><TD>Trevor Cahill </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>60 </TD><TD>Jimmy Rollins </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61 </TD><TD>Joe Mauer </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>62 </TD><TD>Shaun Marcum </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63 </TD><TD>Joakim Soria </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>64 </TD><TD>Chase Utley </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>65 </TD><TD>Alex Rios </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>66 </TD><TD>Carlos Marmol </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>67 </TD><TD>Adam Dunn </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>68 </TD><TD>Ubaldo Jimenez </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>69 </TD><TD>B.J. Upton </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>70 </TD><TD>Heath Bell </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>71 </TD><TD>Starlin Castro </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>72 </TD><TD>Howie Kendrick </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>73 </TD><TD>Josh Beckett </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>74 </TD><TD>Carlos Santana </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>75 </TD><TD>Josh Hamilton </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>76 </TD><TD>Francisco Rodriguez </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>77 </TD><TD>Drew Stubbs </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>78 </TD><TD>Brian McCann </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>79 </TD><TD>Mat Latos </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>80 </TD><TD>Dan Uggla </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>81 </TD><TD>Andre Ethier </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>82 </TD><TD>Chris Carpenter </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>83 </TD><TD>Roy Oswalt </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>84 </TD><TD>Shane Victorino </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>85 </TD><TD>Chris Perez </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>86 </TD><TD>Alexei Ramirez </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>87 </TD><TD>Colby Rasmus </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>88 </TD><TD>Max Scherzer </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>89 </TD><TD>Huston Street </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>90 </TD><TD>Ben Zobrist </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>91 </TD><TD>Chris Young </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>92 </TD><TD>Yovani Gallardo </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>93 </TD><TD>Billy Butler </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>94 </TD><TD>Rajai Davis </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>95 </TD><TD>Brian Roberts </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>96 </TD><TD>Ricky Nolasco </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>97 </TD><TD>Derek Jeter </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>98 </TD><TD>Paul Konerko </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>99 </TD><TD>Craig Kimbrel </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>100 </TD><TD>Jose Valverde </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>101 </TD><TD>Michael Bourn </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>102 </TD><TD>Jayson Werth </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>103 </TD><TD>Chad Billingsley </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>104 </TD><TD>Asdrubal Cabrera </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>105 </TD><TD>Brett Anderson </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>106 </TD><TD>Justin Morneau </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>107 </TD><TD>Francisco Cordero </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>108 </TD><TD>Tim Hudson </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>109 </TD><TD>Adam Lind </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>110 </TD><TD>Mike Stanton </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>111 </TD><TD>Stephen Drew </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>112 </TD><TD>Nick Markakis </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>113 </TD><TD>Jay Bruce </TD><TD>Reds </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>114 </TD><TD>Clay Buchholz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>115 </TD><TD>Matt Garza </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>116 </TD><TD>Mark Reynolds </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>117 </TD><TD>Jhoulys Chacin </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>118 </TD><TD>Juan Pierre </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>119 </TD><TD>Michael Young </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>120 </TD><TD>Brett Gardner </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>121 </TD><TD>Andrew Bailey </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>122 </TD><TD>Russell Martin </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>123 </TD><TD>Alfonso Soriano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>124 </TD><TD>Gio Gonzalez </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>125 </TD><TD>Aramis Ramirez </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>126 </TD><TD>James Shields </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>127 </TD><TD>Corey Hart </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>128 </TD><TD>Jason Bay </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>129 </TD><TD>Ricky Romero </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>130 </TD><TD>Grady Sizemore </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>131 </TD><TD>Torii Hunter </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>132 </TD><TD>Ryan Zimmerman </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>133 </TD><TD>John Axford </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>134 </TD><TD>Madison Bumgarner </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>135 </TD><TD>Vladimir Guerrero </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>136 </TD><TD>Delmon Young </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>137 </TD><TD>Kelly Johnson </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>138 </TD><TD>Ted Lilly </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>139 </TD><TD>Jose Tabata </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>140 </TD><TD>J.J. Putz </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>141 </TD><TD>Bobby Abreu </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>142 </TD><TD>John Danks </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>143 </TD><TD>Adam Jones </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>144 </TD><TD>Chipper Jones </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>145 </TD><TD>Hiroki Kuroda </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>146 </TD><TD>Jorge Posada </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>147 </TD><TD>Leo Nunez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>148 </TD><TD>Angel Pagan </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>149 </TD><TD>Wandy Rodriguez </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>150 </TD><TD>Martin Prado </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>151 </TD><TD>Alex Gordon </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>152 </TD><TD>Jonathan Sanchez </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>153 </TD><TD>Jeremy Hellickson </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>154 </TD><TD>Carlos Beltran </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>155 </TD><TD>Matt Wieters </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>156 </TD><TD>Chris Coghlan </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>157 </TD><TD>Jaime Garcia </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>158 </TD><TD>Jonathan Broxton </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>159 </TD><TD>Pedro Alvarez </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>160 </TD><TD>Nick Swisher </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>161 </TD><TD>Gordon Beckham </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>162 </TD><TD>Brandon Lyon </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>163 </TD><TD>Carlos Quentin </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>164 </TD><TD>Francisco Liriano </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>165 </TD><TD>Neil Walker </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>166 </TD><TD>Coco Crisp </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>167 </TD><TD>Gavin Floyd </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>168 </TD><TD>Denard Span </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>169 </TD><TD>Joel Hanrahan </TD><TD>Pirates </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>170 </TD><TD>Vernon Wells </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>171 </TD><TD>C.J. Wilson </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>172 </TD><TD>David Ortiz </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>173 </TD><TD>Miguel Montero </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>174 </TD><TD>Jordan Zimmermann </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>175 </TD><TD>Ian Desmond </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>176 </TD><TD>Drew Storen </TD><TD>Nationals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>177 </TD><TD>Ike Davis </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>178 </TD><TD>Brandon Morrow </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>179 </TD><TD>Chone Figgins </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>180 </TD><TD>Andres Torres </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>181 </TD><TD>Ian Kennedy </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>182 </TD><TD>Pablo Sandoval </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>183 </TD><TD>David Aardsma </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>184 </TD><TD>Yunel Escobar </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>185 </TD><TD>Jason Kubel </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>186 </TD><TD>Daniel Hudson </TD><TD>D-Backs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>187 </TD><TD>Dexter Fowler </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>188 </TD><TD>Rafael Furcal </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>189 </TD><TD>Kyle Farnsworth </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>190 </TD><TD>Scott Baker </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>191 </TD><TD>Austin Jackson </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>192 </TD><TD>Mike Napoli </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>193 </TD><TD>Placido Polanco </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>194 </TD><TD>Jorge De La Rosa </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>195 </TD><TD>Johnny Damon </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>196 </TD><TD>A.J. Burnett </TD><TD>Yankees </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>197 </TD><TD>Edwin Jackson </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>198 </TD><TD>Geovany Soto </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>199 </TD><TD>Jordan Walden </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>200 </TD><TD>Kendry Morales </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>201 </TD><TD>Jed Lowrie </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>202 </TD><TD>Lance Berkman </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>203 </TD><TD>John Lackey </TD><TD>Red Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>204 </TD><TD>Mitchell Boggs </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>205 </TD><TD>Kurt Suzuki </TD><TD>Athletics </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>206 </TD><TD>Seth Smith </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>207 </TD><TD>Sam Fuld </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>208 </TD><TD>Colby Lewis </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>209 </TD><TD>Derrek Lee </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>210 </TD><TD>Kevin Gregg </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>211 </TD><TD>R.A. Dickey </TD><TD>Mets </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>212 </TD><TD>Aubrey Huff </TD><TD>Giants </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>213 </TD><TD>Erick Aybar </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>214 </TD><TD>Matt Capps </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>215 </TD><TD>Brian Duensing </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>216 </TD><TD>Michael Pineda </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>217 </TD><TD>Ben Francisco </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>218 </TD><TD>Carlos Zambrano </TD><TD>Cubs </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>219 </TD><TD>Chris Iannetta </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>220 </TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>221 </TD><TD>Magglio Ordonez </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>222 </TD><TD>Gaby Sanchez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>223 </TD><TD>Wade Davis </TD><TD>Rays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>224 </TD><TD>Matt Thornton </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>225 </TD><TD>Casey McGehee </TD><TD>Brewers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>226 </TD><TD>Cameron Maybin </TD><TD>Padres </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>227 </TD><TD>Derek Lowe </TD><TD>Braves </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>228 </TD><TD>Justin Smoak </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>229 </TD><TD>Jon Rauch </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>230 </TD><TD>Juan Uribe </TD><TD>Dodgers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>231 </TD><TD>Brian Matusz </TD><TD>Orioles </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>232 </TD><TD>Alexi Ogando </TD><TD>Rangers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>233 </TD><TD>Miguel Olivo </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>234 </TD><TD>Brad Lidge </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>235 </TD><TD>Anibal Sanchez </TD><TD>Marlins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>236 </TD><TD>Michael Cuddyer </TD><TD>Twins </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>237 </TD><TD>Frank Francisco </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>238 </TD><TD>Ryan Madson </TD><TD>Phillies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>239 </TD><TD>Todd Helton </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>240 </TD><TD>Jeff Francoeur </TD><TD>Royals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>241 </TD><TD>Jake Peavy </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>242 </TD><TD>Maicer Izturis </TD><TD>Angels </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>243 </TD><TD>Sergio Santos </TD><TD>White Sox </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>244 </TD><TD>Michael Brantley </TD><TD>Indians </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>245 </TD><TD>Ian Stewart </TD><TD>Rockies </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>246 </TD><TD>Kyle Lohse </TD><TD>Cardinals </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>247 </TD><TD>Carlos Lee </TD><TD>Astros </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>248 </TD><TD>Alex Avila </TD><TD>Tigers </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>249 </TD><TD>Aaron Hill </TD><TD>Blue Jays </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>250 </TD><TD>Erik Bedard </TD><TD>Mariners </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Injuries Hurting Fantasy Teams
Injuries level the playing field. They reduce even the best-laid plans to rubble, and they are virtually impossible to predict.

Sure, you can say that the average veteran starter has about a one in three chance of hitting the DL, and that he'll likely stay on the DL longer than the average position player. You can draft for youth to avoid the nagging injuries of old age. You can do these things, but then you'll still get stung when that ball hits the infield dirt just wrong, or that cleat catches in just the perfectly imperfect way.

This weekend, Ryan Zimmerman turned the needle from bad to worse when it turned out he needed surgery for his abdomen and will miss six weeks. Jerry Hairston is replacing him, but not well. Jose Bautista caused some owners to reach for antacids, but the team said that they removed him from the game as a precautionary move designed to keep his stiff neck limber. He might not miss much time. Kevin Youkilis had a hip injury, returned to soon on Saturday, and was out of the lineup Sunday - the kind of here-again, gone-again stuff that can make a daily manager crazy. Third base took a serious hit in some leagues, as Pablo Sandoval also went down with a broken hamate bone. He'll need surgery and will miss four to six. Mike Fontenot will get some at-bats while he's out, so there's that. The recovering Scott Rolen (shoulder) could provide some relief, ironically, but he's not likely to return Friday when he's eligible. The Legend of Sam Fuld fouled a bunt off his own left eye Saturday, shook it off, and was back in the lineup Sunday. Chris Coghlan (shoulder) is back in the lineup, but his joint will need surgery at some point and may bother him all year.

Some deeper leagues lost some starters too. Carlos Lee was carted off the field after running into Angel Sanchez, but it's only a contusion and he'll be back to continue his mediocrity soon enough. Jason Bourgeois will see more time. David Freese has been a deep league option at third base, but now he's had his hand broken by a Scott Linebrink pitch and the recently healthy Allen Craig will probably replace him for the time being. Except Allen Craig won't be ready Monday so that the team can make sure his groin is okay.

And some good health news? Evan Longoria returns Tuesday! Zack Greinke returns Wednesday! Carlos Beltran played his 16th straight game Sunday and is starting to look like he's playable in most leagues. Kevin Slowey (shoulder) is also on the way back - he's being stretched out to possibly take Francisco Liriano's place in the rotation. The clock is ticking on Liriano it seems, whose reduced velocity and effectiveness are causing many to jump ship. He could still be a buy-low (he was so excellent last year), but only at waiver-wire-like prices.

* Pitching well in the face of tough circumstances is impressive. We've been waiting for this season from Ricky Nolasco, but striking out five and walking one while keeping the Reds to three earned runs is more impressive since he did it in their house. He might be an every-start soon. Dan Hudson has been getting strikeouts and limiting walks - and he struck out five and walked one in seven three-run Sunday innings against the Cubs - so he's a good pickup in most leagues despite being a flyball pitcher in Arizona. Matt Garza has been striking out everyone (10 in eight innings Saturday against the Marlins), and yet his defense has been letting him down. He's still an excellent buy-low if you can pay less than retail. Brandon Beachy is a rookie without pedigree, but he continues to do everything right (five strikeouts, one walk, three hits and two runs in seven Saturday innings). Pick him up if you can. Gio Gonzalez was home, but he also limited the potent Rangers to two runs in 6 2/3 innings and should be on benches in mixed leagues and deeper by now. Gavin Floyd continues to strike batters out (five in six innings Sunday), limit the walks (two Sunday), and get about half his contact on the ground - and yet he also continues to give up home runs (two Sunday). He just seems riskier than he should be, despite doing decently despite a tough home park.

Some pitchers have had had to pitch in risk because of their traits as pitchers. Wandy Rodriguez is an older flyballer with fastball that doesn't crack 90, so it was nice to see him hold the Brewers scoreless in eight innings with six strikeouts on Saturday. Bud Norris was always risky as a flyball pitcher with wonky control in a hitter's park, but this year he's shown control that proves he is ownable in most leagues. Sunday he struck out eleven against three walks in 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Brewers at home. Well done in the lion's den. Justin Masterson has had issues against lefties in the past, but has been good against southpaws in the young season. He struck out seven and walked two in seven two-run innings against the Tigers. Edinson Volquez can get whiffs, and got four strikeouts in five one-run innings Saturday against the Marlins, but the walks are concerning, and he got five of those in the same game. Same with Jonathan Sanchez, who walked six against seven strikeouts Saturday - own him, but know the risk. Owning any Cardinal reliever is risky these days, as even Tony La Russa has admitted that anyone in the pen can get the next opportunity. Fernando Salas (who got his second save Saturday) and Mitchell Boggs still have to be considered the fore-runners. Brandon Lyon is a walking risk - he blew another save Saturday, making Mark Melancon more interesting by the day.

* Other starters seem to prove why they should only be used as spot starters with certain results. Bronson Arroyo is a flyball pitcher pitching in a hitter's park - it might make sense not to play him at home after three home runs in his loss to the Marlins at home Sunday. Matt Harrison is not a great pitcher - he gave up four runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Athletics in Oakland - and since he couldn't do well in what should have been a good spot start, he's a dropper in most leagues. Zach Britton continues to get groundballs, but three walks against one strikeout (and 20 against 15 through 37 2/3 innings) against the White Sox is less exciting. He also had a callous removed from his middle finger after the game. Chris Young surprisingly shut the Phillies down in Philadelphia, and even struck out seven, but he's a better spot start than every-starter because of his extreme fly-ball ways.

* Some starts are hard to believe despite continued breakout work. Ryan Roberts got two hits - one a home run - and is showing power that he's never shown before. Don't drop anyone great for him, but because his plate discipline is better than average, he'll make a decent stand-in for people dealing with injuries. Gerardo Parra is proving he deserves at-bats in left field, though, so Melvin Mora makes the situation an open question. Matt Joyce has power, and Matt Joyce has patience. Matt Joyce will be a good hitter, but Matt Joyce will also have a batting average much lower than the .346 he's now sporting after collecting three hits in three at-bats against the Angels. Yes, Charlie Morton has found a way to get groundballs (he gave up ten against five flyballs Sunday), but his control is terrible (five walks against one strikeout), so he's not really a good option in any league. Philip Humber kept the Orioles to two runs in seven innings Saturday, but he doesn't have any elite skills that make him a must-own in any league. I'll answer any additional questions on twitter any time!

National League Quick Hits: Drew Storen is supposedly not the main closer according to comments by his manager, but Sean Burnett is droppable in mixed leagues by now no matter what he says … Ubaldo Jimenez is probably still a buy-low, but his wildness continued as he threw three wild pitches and gave up four walks in four innings Sunday against the Pirates … Craig Kimbrel blew two saves over the weekend but should be fine … Chase Utley (knee) participated in a simulated game Sunday but still doesn't have a timetable … He might be fine, but Jose Tabata (hamstring) left Saturdays' game early and didn't return to the lineup Sunday … Once teammate Domonic Brown (hand surgery) was activated from the DL but returned to Triple-A for now (he'll still be relevant eventually) … Nyjer Morgan (thigh) is back and should begin stealing time from Carlos Gomez shortly … Jordan Zimmermann kept the Giants to two runs with four strikeout against two walks in six innings; the more strikeouts he racks up the more sturdy his relevance in the shallower leagues … Kenley Jansen was optioned to Triple-A (to make room for the returning Hong-Chih Kuo (back)) despite striking out 22 in 13 1/3 innings; That rate alone seems to suggest he will be back quickly … Carlos Pena got two days off over the weekend to think about how poorly he's been playing … Dustin Moseley kept the Dodgers scoreless through seven but don't expect the sis strikeouts again and spot-start him mostly at home … Same story - start Jon Garland, who kept the Padres to three runs on three hits in six innings (with eight strikeouts), against weak offenses or at home … Johnny Cueto (triceps) allowed one earned run in his final rehab start … Fellow Red Home Bailey (shoulder) may have had his final rehab start on Saturday … Omar Infante (leg cramps) missed a few innings, but returned to the lineup Sunday … Will Venable has tools (two hits Sunday, eight steals on the year), but his strikeout rate is keeping him (and his batting average) down … John Mayberry is playing against lefties some, but his manager claims that Raul Ibanez has not yet dropped into a platoon role with him … Ian Stewart is raking in Triple-A but the Rockies do not have a set plan for bringing him back … Ronny Paulino got the go-ahead RBI with his fifth hit in the top of the 14th Sunday night and will play and hit against lefties if that's enough for your league.

American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver was scratched from Sunday's start with a stomach virus, but is now a two-start pitcher this week as he'll start Monday … Robinson Cano left Sunday's game with a bruised hand and is day-to-day … Rajai Davis stole three bases Sunday, and with Travis Snider demoted, he should not be on any waiver wire … Blue Jays Manager John Farrell said he felt more comfortable with Jon Rauch on the mound than Frank Francisco, even if he does call it a 'dual closer' situation … Colby Lewis is having some velocity issues, but the Athletics cure all - he gave up two runs in eight innings with six strikeouts and the Mariners are next … David Aardsma (hip) will need a few more rehab appearances, it looks like, so don't drop Brandon League yet … Kyle Drabek gave up five runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Yankees Saturday, but is still interesting in deeper leagues and keeper leagues, it's just a tough division … Zach Britton kept the White Sox down to just one run and had a callous removed after the game … Mike Aviles collected three hits (one a home run) and is hot enough to play in deeper leagues for now …Matt LaPorta drove in the game-winner and had two doubles - he's a deep leaguer for now, but worth watching in most leagues … Travis Hafner (foot) will be in a walking boot until Monday … Chone Figgins is still the player with mixed-league upside of the two, but games like Sunday's oh-for-four with a caught stealing make it harder and harder to believe … Jake McGee has been option to Triple-A to get some work in, he could still be a future closer … Fellow second baseman Aaron Hill (hamstring) wants to be back May fifth … Orlando Cabrera hit a walkoff single Saturday night and could provide some MI relief in the short term … J.P. Howell (shoulder) pitched an inning of rehab for Single-A Charlotte and should be back soon for the end of that Rays pen … Alex Cobb is a nice prospect, but will be back down in the minors after allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings Sunday against the Angels … He can get some grounders, too, but Tyler Chatwood - who gave up five runs to the Rays on Sunday - doesn't have the same upside as Cobb …. Kevin Millwood opted out of his minor league contract with the Yankees and is a free agent … Brandon Webb (shoulder) allowed two unearned runs in three innings in an extended spring training game, but he topped out at 81 is going to be a long-shot for any value this year, anywhere.

 

[HacheMan]

Trends: Let's Re-Joyce SURGING

Matt Joyce, OF, TB

Stats: .556 avg (10-for-18), two homers, six RBI, seven runs and a steal in his last five games.

Bottom line: Joyce is just 2-for-13 on the season against left-handers, but is locked in as the cleanup hitter against right-handers at the moment. That and his recent productivity make him well worth an add right now, especially in daily leagues, where you can leave him on the bench when the Rays are facing a lefty. For the season, the 26-year-old is hitting .382 with a 1.021 OPS against right-handers after posting a 910 OPS with 10 homers and 37 RBI in 191 at-bats against righties in 2010.

Bartolo Colon, SP, NYY

Stats: 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 21/5 K/BB ratio in his last four appearances (two starts), spanning 22.0 IP.

Bottom line: Yes, he's three weeks from his 38th birthday and is currently at least one stratosphere away from the pinnacle of physical fitness, but there's no overlooking what Colon has done in his first two starts for the Yankees this year. He dominated the White Sox last week with an array of fastballs, spending plenty of time in the 91-94 mph range but also reaching back for 95-96 when needed. Colon is slated for a Monday evening start against Detroit, and I wouldn't hesitate to deploy him in mixed leagues at the moment.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Michael Brantley, OF, CLE

Stats: 5-for-9 with a homer, a steal and three runs scored in his last two games.

Bottom line: He's not a wildly exciting option, but with a little bit of pop (seven homers between Triple-A and the big leagues last year), the potential for 25-30 steals and good plate discipline (13/11 K/BB ratio in 94 at-bats), Brantley is a solid utility option who's owned in just nine percent of Yahoo leagues. Additionally, there's a lot to like about his OBP (.394) if your league uses that category.

Matt LaPorta, 1B/OF, CLE

Stats: .417 avg (5-for-12) with a homer, three doubles and four RBI in his last three games.

Bottom line: There's no need to sprint to add him off waivers, but you could do far worse if you're in need of power in a slightly deeper mixed league. LaPorta may not become the monster he was once projected to be, but the 26-year-old has a solid 857 OPS through 80 at-bats this year.

Dustin Moseley, SP, SD

Stats: 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 12/3 K/BB ratio in his last three starts (19.0 IP).

Bottom line: The sinker specialist picked up his first win of the season on Sunday, and now that he's finally recording a few strikeouts (12 in his last 19 innings after registering just four in his first 19.2 innings), I can certainly see the logic behind adding him in deeper mixed leagues. Moseley is far from overpowering and his season ERA/WHIP of 1.63/1.03 will inevitably rise, but he has looked impressive on the numerous occasions I've watched him pitch this season.

Jack Hannahan, 3B, CLE

Stats: .355 avg (11-for-31) with two homers and seven RBI in his last nine games.

Bottom line: It's hard to get too excited about a random hot streak from a 31-year-old with a 672 career OPS, especially when he has shown signs of that hot streak ending by going 1-for-8 with five strikeouts in his last two games. I can understand targeting Hannahan in deeper mixed leagues, but I still wouldn't expect anything remotely dynamic going forward.

STRUGGLING

Jonathan Herrera, 2B/3B, COL

Stats: .200 avg (7-for-35) with no runs, no steals and one RBI in his last 11 games.

Bottom line: It has been an ugly drought for Herrera, who still owns an appealing .300/.430/.400 slash line on the season but is droppable if you're feeling like looking in another direction in mixed leagues. And if you're searching for another reason to cut Herrera loose, consider the fact that he has posted a 711 OPS over more than 700 career games in the minor leagues.

Jonny Gomes, OF, CIN

Stats: .105 avg (4-for-38) with no homers, three RBI and 15 strikeouts in his last 12 games prior to a Monday night matchup against the Astros.

Bottom line: The wheels have fallen entirely off the carriage for Gomes after he slugged his sixth homer of the season (and fifth in his last seven games) back on April 17. He's a better hitter than his current .190 average shows, and he's streaky enough to reestablish value pretty quickly, but Gomes needs to be benched or cut in mixed leagues if you haven't done so already.

Raul Ibanez, OF, PHI

Stats: 1-for-36 with one run and no RBI in his last 11 games.

Bottom line: Some streaks are so ugly that you don't need to show the recent batting average to convey them, and 1-for-36 is one of those that pretty effectively speaks for itself. Given Ibanez's age (he'll be 39 in May) and altogether mediocre production last year (.275 average, 16 homers, 83 RBI, 75 runs), I'm fully in support of jettisoning him to waivers, even in a slightly deeper mixed league.

Carlos Pena, 1B, CHC

Stats: 3-for-31 in his last 12 games; .167 avg (11-for-66) with no homers on the season entering a Monday night matchup with the Dodgers.

Bottom line: The power should eventually surface, and those in search of small victories can point out that Pena had a hit and an RBI (just his sixth of the season) to open the month of May on Sunday. And make no mistake, he does have a history of being streaky – last year, after hitting .120 in 100 at-bats in May, he proceeded to hit 15 homers while hitting a respectable (for him, at least) .249 in June and July. With that said, Pena threatens to completely ruin you in batting average, and in my opinion it's not worth taking the gamble on his power unless you're playing in an OBP league.

Kyle Drabek, SP, TOR

Stats: 7.90 ERA, 2.05 WHIP, 8/10 K/BB ratio in his last three starts (13.2 IP).

Bottom line: Since his stellar season debut against the miserable Twins offense (7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's), Drabek has a scary 18/18 K/BB ratio in his last five starts, suggesting that his current 4.45 ERA could actually be set to go on the rise. Aside from name recognition, there's simply no reason that Drabek should be owned in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues, and his 1.61 WHIP and 25/21 K/BB ratio for the season are red flags to stay away altogether.

Editor's Note: For exclusive columns, rankings, projections and more, check out Rotoworld's MLB Season Pass.

Edwin Jackson, SP, CHW

Stats: 8.44 ERA, 2.16 WHIP, 12/12 K/BB ratio in his last four starts (21.1 IP).

Bottom line: Jackson has simply gotten annihilated since throwing 120 pitches in a 13-K gem against the Rays on April 7, and this would be an important time to recall that the 27-year-old was extremely erratic last year. Let's take a quick look at his monthly splits in terms of ERA, WHIP and K/BB ratio from 2010:

April: 6.67 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 17/9 K/BB ratio
May: 5.58 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 43/16 K/BB ratio
June: 2.11 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 25/20 K/BB ratio
July: 7.24 ERA, 1.94 WHIP, 19/15 K/BB ratio
August: 1.47 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 45/8 K/BB ratio
September/October: 4.93 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 32/10 K/BB ratio

In other words, aside from a brilliant month of August and strong (if somewhat lucky) month of June, the help that Jackson provided in strikeouts simply wasn't worth the overall punishment he gave your ERA and WHIP. And despite what may be an excellent month or two somewhere ahead of him in 2011, the overall forecast on this season looks like it will be no different.

 

[HacheMan]

Clipboard: How good is David Cooper?
Jason Grey


At the beginning of the 2011 season, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman David Cooper was not on our radar screen for a quick call-up, and there was a significant chance he wouldn't get one at all. However, when the team reached into its system last week to grab another bat, Cooper got the call over Brett Lawrie and Eric Thames, both of whom still have things to work on in their development at Triple-A despite their good numbers thus far.


Cooper, who is 24, had a good spring training and was putting up good numbers in Triple-A, as well, hitting .395 in 20 games, with almost half of his hits going for extra bases, and walking more times than struck out. Also, the lefty slugger had hit lefty and righty pitchers well since coming to camp. Just as encouraging: It appears Cooper will get the chance to play regularly. "We wouldn't bring him here to sit on the bench," Blue Jays manager John Farrell told the team website.
The 6-foot-1 first baseman has the pedigree to succeed. He was a first-round pick in the 2008 draft, selected 17th out of Cal, and was viewed as one of the top college hitters in the draft at a position that was deep with them.
After a good pro debut in 2008, Cooper's ascent had stalled in recent seasons; despite handling the strike zone well, he had two rough years in Double-A in 2009 and 2010, hitting .258 and .257, respectively, with OPS numbers under .770. I saw him extensively in the Arizona Fall League at the end of the '09 season, then again in spring training of 2010, and basically saw a non-prospect who was struggling to hit the ball with authority.
According to the Toronto Sun, though, after going homerless in the month of April last season, Cooper went back and examined video of his college swing and realized he had gotten away from what had made him successful. He bounced back to hit 20 homers the rest of the way, with a lot of quality contact despite the (aforementioned) low batting average.
"I was able to shorten my swing a bit, and now my swing has less movement," he told the Sun. "I'm seeing the ball better, which has led to better results."
Still, I have concerns. Although raw power was expected to be one of Cooper's calling cards as an amateur, and he did hit some jacks last year, when Cooper is going right, he has a flat stroke geared more to hitting line drives to all fields, limiting his power upside. And despite his solid approach in the box, his potential to hit for average against advanced pitching remains in question. The reason for that is his lack of great bat speed, something that can be exploited in the majors. Although he does have a smooth swing and has managed to shorten it a bit, he still will go through spurts in which he overswings, trying to hit the ball for power and do too much.
I saw some pretty hefty FAAB (free-agent acquisition budget) bids this weekend on Cooper in multiple AL-only leagues, but I'm not on board with that. In fact, I'm still skeptical there is much fantasy utility here. Cooper is a below-average first baseman defensively and is going to see a lot of time as the Jays' DH, so his bat is going to have to carry him, and I don't see that happening. My initial impressions weren't favorable, and although I admit he has made some encouraging adjustments, it's not enough for me to project consistent success, not to mention that his window of opportunity might be short-lived. I don't see him sticking as a regular.

Other notes



[+] Enlarge

<CITE>Troy Taormina/US Presswire</CITE>Carlos Lee is hitting just .207 this season, with a .248 OBP.



• Carlos Lee was carted off the field Sunday after colliding with shortstop Angel Sanchez. An X-ray showed no fractures, so it appears he might have avoided something major, even if he did spend the night in the hospital for observation. Lee did at least homer for his fantasy owners before departing the game.
The bigger issue is whether he can improve on his slow start to the season or whether it's a continuation of the decline that seemed to begin last season. Right now, my money is on the latter. Over the past two seasons, Lee has seen a dramatic decrease in his bat speed, the one area of hitting that has been the key to his success over the years. His poor conditioning, which quite frankly has been an issue for years, hasn't exactly helped him stave off the aging process. Now, in his mid-30s, his athletic ability is eroding fast. Although Lee continues to make the consistent contact we've come to expect, thanks to his good hand-eye coordination, the rest of the skill set is in obvious decline, and I'm not optimistic about his production for the balance of this season, healthy or not.
• As I tweeted Saturday, I followed up my Brandon Webb piece from Tuesday by checking out his second start in extended spring training to see whether there was any velocity improvement.
Unfortunately, Webb didn't throw a single pitch harder than 81 mph in his three innings of work, and a lot of them were in the 78-79 mph range. If Webb really is "letting it go," as he indicated he was last Monday, then the thought that he is done completely as a potentially viable major league starter is quite valid. Some have speculated that perhaps Webb really hasn't let it all air out yet, and although that would seem to offer a glimmer of hope, the possibility that he hasn't done so 21 months after his surgery is a different concern that perhaps leads to the same conclusion.

 

[HacheMan]

Bad weekend for injured third basemen
Eric Karabell

The weekend was not kind to third basemen around the fantasy baseball world, as bad news was delivered to those who own Ryan Zimmerman, Pablo Sandoval and David Freese, among others. Let's take a look at each of these situations and how fantasy owners should react.

Zimmerman: When the Washington Nationals slugger hit the DL three weeks ago I blogged that a short DL stint for an abdominal strain was no big deal, and I controversially compared him to Scott Rolen in terms of a lack of durability. That feedback was interesting! Now we hear that Zimmerman's abdominal strain needs sports hernia surgery. The team says he'll miss at least another six weeks, with some reports pushing his return past the All-Star break. Look, this update doesn't exactly endear Zimmerman to fantasy owners more than the original injury. However, as a top 25-overall draft selection, someone regarded at the same level of Alex Rodriguez, you can't cut Zimmerman. Now we must hope for a 15-home run second half.
According to the Washington Post, the Nationals could move Michael Morse to third base in an effort to give outfielder Laynce Nix more playing time, but unless Morse hits that really doesn't matter much to fantasy owners. Morse has been a huge disappointment. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora can handle third base, but they can't hit much. At this point it's difficult to call Morse, Nix or Hairston even close to fantasy relevant.
<OFFER>Sandoval: It's a shame, because Kung Fu Panda ranks ninth on the ESPN Player Rater among third basemen, as he was hitting .313 with five home runs and 14 RBIs before breaking the hamate bone in his right hand. Surgery will be required and Sandoval is expected to miss four to six weeks. Like Zimmerman, I think Sandoval is good enough to remain 100 percent owned in ESPN leagues, though he's already down to 98 percent the day after the announcement. He was certainly hitting like this was his 2009 breakout season all over again. There is the risk that Sandoval's power doesn't immediately return, but because this position is weak statistically, you likely would not be able to get him back.
Early rumors on how the San Francisco Giants would replace Sandoval, one of the few productive hitters in the Giants' lineup, centered on hotshot prospect Brandon Belt. No, he cannot play third base, but Aubrey Huff does have experience there, though he's not very good defensively. Belt is hitting well at Triple-A Fresno since his demotion and might get called up regardless of the Sandoval injury, so keep an eye on that. He would be mixed-league ownable right away. The Giants moved Miguel Tejada to third base and Mike Fontenot handled shortstop Sunday. Fontenot hit a pair of doubles and is hitting .265, but there's not much to see here. The Giants called up Ryan Rohlinger, but he's more utility guy than feared hitter. Basically, the Giants can't really replace Sandoval's bat unless the struggling Huff moves to third base and Belt comes up.

Freese: This poor guy just can't stay healthy. Now 28, perhaps we'll never see Freese play a full season and reach his potential. He was hitting .356 with 14 RBIs when a Scott Linebrink pitch broke a bone in his left hand Sunday, and he might require surgery. Unlike Zimmerman and Sandoval, Freese wasn't owned in 100 percent of leagues, but he was close; since the injury, he has dropped to 84.7 percent owned, and that number will continue to fall. I'd drop Freese, too. Maybe he returns in a month, but considering he played in only 70 games a year ago, and was mainly a factor in batting average and RBIs only, he's droppable. The Cardinals say Freese will miss at least a month, and perhaps significantly more.
Those who play in leagues in which one game in the field defines eligibility had to be overjoyed to see Albert Pujols moving over to third base Sunday, the first time he had played the hot corner since 2002 (in ESPN leagues the threshold to add eligibility is 10 games). Don't look for Pujols to move to third base regularly, though that would seem enticing to get Lance Berkman out of the outfield to first base, and the Cardinals have more outfield depth than third-base depth.
Manager Tony La Russa likely will give Daniel Descalso a shot, and he is somewhat interesting. The lefty hitter possesses good plate discipline and could probably hit double digits in home runs and perhaps stolen bases with regular playing time and 450 at-bats, but he hasn't shown he can hit major league pitching yet. Tyler Greene and Nick Punto aren't exciting offensively, though Allen Craig is. Whether the Cardinals would use Craig at third base is problematic, but the bat is legit and he should come off the DL on Monday from a groin injury. The team could also promote prospect Matt Carpenter. He is hitting .270 at Triple-A Memphis with two home runs but more walks than strikeouts, and while spring training numbers don't mean much, Carpenter represented himself well with a .924 OPS.
As for available third basemen in more than half of ESPN's leagues, the list isn't strong. Juan Uribe, Chase Headley, Omar Infante and Jhonny Peralta don't seem like difference-makers. Mike Aviles just passed the 50 percent owned threshold over the weekend. Wilson Betemit and, gulp, Jack Hannahan and Greg Dobbs are hitting, but that's about it. I still think Ty Wigginton will hit, and he is eligible at three infield spots.

 

[HacheMan]

Zimmerman, Freese, Sandoval face surgery

Suffice it to say it's been a tough few days for third basemen, and for fantasy owners trying to fill that gap in their lineup. Just when one comes back (Evan Longoria is set to return to the Tampa Bay Rays lineup Tuesday), several more are lost to injury. Like Longoria, fellow third basemen Ryan Zimmerman, Pablo Sandoval and David Freese are all expected to miss extensive time. Here's what we're hearing about the recent trifecta of hot corner injuries as we roll into May.

• Of the three, perhaps the bad news on Zimmerman's injury status was the easiest to see coming. After all, Zimmerman was already on the DL with an abdominal strain and was clearly not near ready to come off it when eligible last week. After seeking a second opinion from Dr. Bill Meyers, one of the true pioneers when it comes to this cluster of abdominal/pelvic injuries and surgical repair, Zimmerman learned that his condition would require surgery and an absence of at least another six weeks.


Zimmerman will have surgery Tuesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle. According to the Washington Post, Zimmerman has a rectus abdominis tear. The rectus, as it is often referred to, is the muscle group which forms the dramatic "six-pack" on folks who are in impressive shape. The tendon of the rectus attaches at the pubic bone (located at the center of the pelvis where the abdomen meets the groin). Tearing of this tissue near its attachment point makes any attempt at power movement from the pelvis or the trunk weak and painful. This explains why Zimmerman could not throw or run effectively as he tried to work his way back from the initial injury.


To recap, Zimmerman initially suffered a minor strain during spring training. Just over a week into the start of the season Zimmerman severely aggravated the injury on a headfirst slide into second base. Days later he was placed on the DL and he has been there since. The severity of these injuries is often difficult to determine at the outset. Failure to recover with conservative treatment often ends up being one of the best indicators for surgery. Imaging tests are useful for ruling out more sinister problems such as tumors or fractures but are often not definitive when it comes to determining the need for soft tissue surgical repairs. As Zimmerman acknowledged, despite the disappointment of now finding he will miss even more time, he has not second guessed the process. According to the Post, Zimmerman said, "Surgery is always the last thing. It's the last resort every time. You want to rehab it, and we gave it that chance."


The success rate following this type of surgery is high. The key initially is to allow scar tissue to form, which stabilizes the area, and the athlete is then brought along gradually as comfort allows to regain strength and power. The average timetable is six weeks but can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual athlete's healing process. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Post they hope to have Zimmerman back in six weeks, "if all goes well." For what it's worth, St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nick Punto underwent a similar procedure in late February and was recently activated at just under eight weeks post-surgery. No one should mark the return date for Zimmerman in stone just yet.


• Speaking of the Cardinals, they also saw their third baseman David Freese go down this weekend after he was hit on the left hand Sunday by an inside fastball. It now appears that Freese's absence will be lengthy. FoxSportsMidwest.com writer B.J. Rains reported via Twitter that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has indicated that Freese will be out 9-12 weeks. While disappointing, the news that Freese will undergo surgery is not a huge surprise. Freese's immediate pain upon being struck conveyed the seriousness of the injury, and X-rays onsite confirmed the presence of a fracture. Surgery with hardware implantation is often required to ensure proper alignment and help facilitate the healing of the bone. The fracture can take up to six weeks to heal and then there is the issue of restoring full mobility and grip strength. Delivering power through the bat swing often takes longer still. Much will depend on how Freese's healing progresses post-surgery, but plan on two months absence at a minimum.

• As we move further west, we find yet another third baseman out with a hand injury. Pablo Sandoval has a fractured hamate bone and the San Francisco Giants have projected his absence at four to six weeks. We discussed this specific injury when the Philadelphia Phillies lost outfielder Domonic Brown during spring training. Brown underwent surgery in early March and was just removed from the disabled list, and subsequently optioned to Triple-A.


In an interesting twist, Brown's teammate Ben Francisco, who has benefited in terms of playing time during Brown's absence, has experienced this very injury. When I talked with Francisco about the injury during my spring training visit with the Phillies, he noted that the surgical area remained sore for some time afterward. Francisco pointed out that the athletic training staff did a great job of padding his bat, but even after he had technically healed, it took a few additional weeks to regain his power. Certainly, Sandoval was delivering some power for the Giants at the time of his injury and his loss will be apparent. The hope has to be that neither the interruption of play nor the surgery itself will impact him beyond his DL stay.


• Third basemen weren't the only ones who suffered over the weekend. Perhaps the most dramatic injury was the result of an outfield collision between the Houston Astros' Angel Sanchez and Carlos Lee. As Lee went to the ground to try to make a play, his ribs absorbed the blunt force from the knee of a sliding Sanchez. Lee had to be carted from the field and spent the night in the hospital. The good news was that no fracture was observed, but the Astros website reported that a CT scan revealed a left rib contusion for Lee. Make no mistake; a contusion (or deep bruise) can be just as uncomfortable as a break in the early stages. Lee will have difficulty with deep breaths, reaching, twisting and lying on that side for a while. Although the team is calling him day-to-day, it would not be surprising for Lee to become a DL addition if the pain proves to be lingering