MLB Fantasy News 2011

HacheMan · May 19, 2011

The Hurt and the Young
It sure seems like the Cardinals are snake-bit this season, doesn't it? There's that Adam Wainwright thing, and then David Freese going down, and even Nick Punto (who is now down again after returning). Well, it gets worse.

Try losing their two remaining Albert Pujols protectors in the same game on Wednesday night. Matt Holliday was removed from the game with a quad injury, but he should be fine. More worrisome might be Lance Berkman leaving the game with a strained wrist. He might have injured it diving for a nice catch in the outfield, but that just underlines the risk he undertook by taking on his old position. He might miss some time, but that was the risk all along. Oh, yeah, and Colby Rasmus is still dealing with his abdominal injury, but the team says they are just playing it safe.

On the other side of the coin, Jake Peavy came roaring back from injury the same night. After a legendary surgery and a long rehab, Peavy held the American League leader in runs scoreless for a complete-game shutout with eight strikeouts. Sure, Justin Masterson's one-run in eight innings (with eight strikeouts) was also impressive, but Masterson doesn't quite have the same history going for him. The question with Peavy is how long he can stay healthy. The question with Masterson is how long he can fool lefties. Both questions are up in the air.

* The night of the young pitcher proves just how hard it is to be a young pitcher. Danny Duffy was the big debut of the night. The young lefty has a lot of promise, but his six walks against four strikeouts in four innings also show how much he has left to learn. There was a lot to like in his debut, though, and if he remains in the majors he makes for a good pickup in deeper leagues. Julio Teheran, similarly, has great promise despite giving up two runs in four innings to the Diamondbacks Wednesday night. Bud Norris had a tough start against the Cardinals - five runs in five innings with four strikeouts and three walks - but he still didn't show the terrible lack of command that he's had in the past. The game was not a droppable offense. Jeremy Hellickson has the swinging strike rate of a future ace, but he gave up three earned and three walks in 5 2/3 innings in a win over the Jays. Well, he did strike out six, and he still is very exciting. Yovani Gallardo may not be as young any more, but he struck out nine Padres and held the team to two runs in six innings. He makes for a decent buy-low.

Then again, Zach Britton held the Yankees to one unearned in seven innings with four strikeouts and 13 ground balls against five fly balls. The lack of strikeouts is a problem, but the ground balls will make him ownable for the forseeable future despite his youth. Alexi Ogando, who might as well be a rookie starter, was also solid. He allowed only two runs to the Royals in seven innings. He's getting lucky against lefties, and on balls in play in general, though. He makes for a decent sell-high.

* Maybe young hitters are a little further ahead of young pitchers. At least, it seemed so with Eric Hosmer Tuesday night. His game-tying solo home run off of Neftali Feliz was his only hit of the night, but it was exciting and showed his promise. He's ownable in most leagues still. Matt Joyce hit a home run and walked twice against the Jays - with his strikeout rate, he's not going to continue hitting for such a gaudy average, but his power is legit. Domonic Brown is killing it in the minor leagues (.361/.444/.583), but the team needs to find some major-league at-bats in order to call him up, it seems.

Young hitters have problems, too, though. Pedro Alvarez hit a home run! That was nice, but he still struck out and has been whiffing entirely too much. He probably won't ever have a nice batting average. Drew Stubbs has a similar problem, in that he strikes out too much, but he got another hit Wednesday night and remains a good sell-high if other owners buy his nice batting average.

* Just because a pitcher has been around a while doesn't mean they're more reliable. Charlie Morton did throw a five-hit shutout against the Reds Tuesday night, but he's changed so many things this year that it's hard to get a handle on what kind of pitcher he is, exactly. Carl Pavano limited the Athletics to one run in seven innings, but it was the Athletics, and he's not getting strikeouts or groundballs. Pass. Bartolo Colon held the Orioles scoreless over eight innings with seven strikeouts and one walk, but he's all fastball, isn't really getting the swinging strikes that his strikeout rate suggests, and his age alone (38) suggests that this won't last forever. Ryan Dempster allowed five runs to the Marlins with only three strikeouts in five innings. He's been unlucky on home runs, but he only gave up one Wednesday night and had other problems. He's still useful in deeper leagues. Joe Saunders held the Braves to one run in six innings, but he doesn't strike batters out or keep the ball on the ground. Another pass.

* Bullpen update! Craig Kimbrel has a bit of a control problem, but his fourth blown save, achieved Wednesday night, was all hits. Four straight singles don't mean that it's time to change closers, though, especially when your closer has struck out as many batters in as few innings as Kimbrel. Brandon League had a tough weekend, but a hitless inning Wednesday (for a save) should give his owners a sigh of relief. That, and the fact that there is no-one behind him in that pen. Brad Lidge could throw off a mound this Thursday. He might not make it back before Jose Contreras, but the returns may be so close together that they render Contreras droppable. Then again, Jose Contreras made his first rehab outing (and was knocked around). Vicente Padilla is having some issues with his forearm and may be behind both Matt Guerrier and Kenley Jansen in that pen, suddenly. Andrew Bailey expects to start his rehab assignment Friday - finally.

National League Quick Hits: Looks like Bryce Harper won't come up this year, says his GM … Chase Utley (knee) may be back as soon as May 26th, so make sure he's owned in your league … Jay Bruce only missed the game due to illness, don't panic … It was the worst start of the season, but Ricky Nolasco only gave up four runs in six innings with five strikeouts - this could be the year that he has good luck with his strong peripherals … Hanley Ramirez homered, singled and stole a base, and if you can get him cheap, do it - he may look disinterested, but that's always been his style … Shane Victorino (hamstring) will get an MRI Thursday … Angel Pagan (oblique) will begin his rehab assignment any day … Kyle Lohse held the Astros to one run in eight innings, but it was the Astros and he only struck out three, so don't hold on to him too tightly … Jon Niese struck out seven and only walked one - the swinging strikes are the key to his future … Tom Gorzelanny, on the other hand, also struck out seven, but his five walks and history of control problems make him very avoidable … He may only be in while David Wright (back) is sidelined, but Justin Turner collected two hits and looks comfortable for now … Jorge De La Rosa and Cole Hamels each gave up one run in eight innings, but Hamels struck out eight Rockies and deserved the win more … Armando Galarraga was designated for assignment but he'll always have that near-perfect game … Ryan Ludwick had two hits and a home run and is enjoying an eight-game hitting streak … Will Venable (hand) and Cameron Maybin (knee) missed aother game, and Chris Denorfia and Eric Patterson filled in; both starters should be back soon …. Chien Ming Wang (shoulder) is pitching in extended spring training … Mark DeRosa (wrist) is day-to-day.

American League Quick Hits: Josh Hamilton (fractured right humerus) will begin a rehab assignment shortly … Alex Rodriguez will get a checkup on his hip this weekend, which should only remind you that he's an old man and the steals aren't coming back … Brian Roberts missed Wednesday's game due to headaches … Clay Buchholz struck out seven against one walk with no runs allowed in seven innings against the Tigers Wednesday night and the time to buy low is passing … Phil Coke matched Buchholz in scoreless innings, but he only had four strikeouts and is not great against right-handers … Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled home the only run of the game, but he only has another couple of weeks to save his job by most accounts … In more Boston news, Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) will get a second opinion in order to try and avoid surgery … The Sox called Kevin Millwood to see if he might consider joining their organization … Mitch Moreland (hamstring) returned to action … Coco Crisp missed Wednesday's game for a family matter … Franklin Gutierrez (IBS) is back and could give most deep league owners a steals boost … Travis Hafner was a late scratch with soreness in his right side, but as long as that doesn't read 'shoulder,' it's good news … Derrek Lee (oblique) felt better and will probably avoid the DL … The Twins expect to activate Jim Thome (oblique) and Jason Repko (quad) by next Monday … Cesar Izturis needs elbow surgery and will be out two months, so as long as J.J. Hardy is healthy, he's the dude … In other Oriole news, Alfredo Simon will be activated next week despite learning that his trial will commence this year as well … Trevor Plouffe had a two-run single and a sacrifice fly in a 4-3 Twins victory and seems safe until Tsuyoshi Nishioka returns … Justin Duchscherer (hip) was unable to make his extended spring training start Wednesday.

HacheMan · May 19, 2011

Believe in Bedard?
Not sure how you feel about this, but I had no regrets leaving Jake Peavy on my bench last night. While it was a no-brainer to stash him as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I really wanted to see how he fared over his first couple of outings before activating him. Sure, the complete game shutout would have been nice this week, but I'm more excited about what he could potentially provide moving forward.

Peavy's ownership numbers will obviously look much different by the end of the day, but as of Thursday morning, he is owned in just 57 percent of Y! leagues and 57.6 percent of ESPN.com leagues. Granted, Peavy's upside is a bit limited by the team's current six-man rotation, as he may not have many two-start weeks in his future, but he's a must-own in mixed leagues as long as he's healthy. So far, so good on that end.

Let's move on to the good stuff.

MIXED LEAGUES

Koji Uehara RP, Orioles (Yahoo: 20 percent owned, ESPN: 2.6 percent)

This one is pretty simple to understand. Kevin Gregg has blown two out of his last three save opportunities and has a shaky 14/12 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Uehara has a 2.50 ERA and a very efficient 22/5 K/BB ratio over 18 innings. It may not happen today. It may not happen tomorrow. But I'd be surprised if Uehara wasn't closing games for the Orioles at some point this season.

Jake Arrieta SP, Orioles (Yahoo: 24 percent owned, ESPN: 30.3 percent)

This fellow may just be for real. Arrieta has an impressive 4.03 ERA and 46/21 K/BB ratio over his first nine starts this season. Including his victory over the Rays last Sunday, the 25-year-old right-hander has completed at least six innings seven times already. I'm confident he'll have some value in mixed leagues throughout the season, but he's an ideal streaming option with the Nationals on tap this weekend.

Ryan Ludwick OF, Padres (Yahoo: 12 percent owned, ESPN: 12 percent)

Now this is what the Padres thought they were getting at the trade deadline last July. After a slow start to the season, Ludwick has collected four home runs and 13 RBI over his last seven games. Calling PETCO Park home hasn't helped him offensively, but his current .227 batting average can be partially attributed to some bad luck with his batting average on balls in play. No, he's not a must-have in shallow mixed leagues, but I like him in deeper formats.

Scott Rolen 3B, Reds (Yahoo: 39 percent owned, ESPN: 37.5 percent)

Rolen hasn't missed a beat since returning from the disabled list, batting .435 (10-for-23) with three doubles, one triple and three RBI while reaching base safely in eight consecutive games. Third base is a mess right now with David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, Pablo Sandoval and David Freese all on the disabled list and Pedro Alvarez struggling, so Rolen is absolutely worth a shot in most mixed leagues.

Rafael Furcal SS, Dodgers (Yahoo: 45 percent owned, ESPN: 32.8 percent)

Furcal's ownership numbers predictably went south following his broken thumb, but he's currently nearing the end of a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque. The veteran shortstop wasn't doing much prior to being placed on the disabled list, but remember that he's coming off a season where he batted .300 with 22 stolen bases over just 97 games. You don't find that sort of value often on the waiver wire, especially at the shortstop position. Stash away.

Tyson Ross RP/SP, Athletics (Yahoo: 11 percent owned, ESPN: 7.8 percent)

I included Ross in my AL-only recommendations a few weeks back, but he has quickly become relevant in mixed leagues by posting a 2.32 ERA and 18/9 K/BB ratio over his first five starts. While there's a little luck involved here -- he's allowed just one home run in 36 innings -- he also gets plenty of ground balls with his low-to-mid 90's sink. It might be too late to grab him for an enticing matchup against the light-hitting Twins on Thursday, but the 24-year-old right-hander is worth trying in upcoming starts against the Angels and Orioles.

J.J. Hardy SS, Orioles (Yahoo: 14 percent owned, ESPN: 25.5 percent)

Fair warning, the last time I recommended Hardy, he went on the disabled list with an oblique injury just a couple days later. Not saying I'm a jinx, but let this be a reminder that Hardy hasn't exactly been durable lately. As long as you're aware of the risk, it's worth noting that he's batting .294 (10-for-34) with two homers and eight RBI since coming off the DL. For the shortstop position, that'll do just fine.

Erik Bedard SP, Mariners (Yahoo: 13 percent owned, ESPN: 8.8 percent)

No, your eyes aren't fooling you. Bedard was a little shaky to begin the season, but he has compiled a 1.89 ERA and 15/4 K/BB ratio over his last three starts. Equally encouraging, the 32-year-old southpaw has completed seven innings in two of them. There's always the potential for injury with Bedard, so it would be silly to count on him in the long-term, but I love him as a streaming option this weekend against the Padres in PETCO Park. Bedard has his last start cut short due to rain, so he should be well rested.

Jonathan Lucroy C, Brewers (Yahoo: 14 percent owned, ESPN: 13.6 percent)

Lucroy has barely cracked 100 plate appearances this season, but he's already done enough to be a top-12 catcher in mixed leagues. That isn't saying much, of course, but the 24-year-old backstop is batting .315/.373/.467 with three homers, 16 RBI and an .840 OPS. The high batting average is partially fueled by an unsustainable batting average on balls in play, but he's taking more pitches than ever before and making contact more often, at least in this early season small sample. I like him if you're waiting for Joe Mauer or Geovany Soto to return.

Shopping at the five-and-dime:

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

Kenley Jansen RP, Dodgers (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 6.4 percent)

Vicente Padilla is currently sidelined with some stiffness in his surgically-repaired forearm, so the Dodgers will go with a closer-by-committee approach for the time being. Matt Guerrier earned the save in Tuesday's win over the Brewers, but I'm more intrigued by Jansen. The 23-year-old right-hander has 29 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings this season. And while his 5.71 ERA isn't overly impressive, he hasn't allowed an earned run over his last nine appearances. There's no telling where Don Mattingly will turn in the ninth inning, but you'll get strikeouts with Jansen no matter what.

Eric Hinske 1B/OF, Braves (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 7.4 percent)

Jason Heyward and Chipper Jones are back in the lineup, but Hinske is still relevant in mixed leagues because the Braves will use the DH against the Angels this weekend. Normally I would say David Ross would find his way into the lineup, but the Braves are scheduled to face three right-handed starters. By the way, Hinske is batting .358 (19-for-53) with three homers and 10 RBI against righties so far this season.



AL ONLY

Elliot Johnson SS/OF, Rays (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Reid Brignac has an ugly .179/.212/.189 batting line over his first 100 plate appearances this season, which has opened the door for Johnson to get more playing time at shortstop. The 27-year-old is batting .283/.339/.472 over his first 62 plate appearances this season, including two homers in his last three games. Who knows how long his initial success will last, especially with his penchant for the strikeout, but he at least has the potential for double-digit stolen bases if given regular playing time.

Felix Pie OF, Orioles (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, 0 percent)

The Orioles have yet to place Derrek Lee on the disabled list, but Pie figures to benefit the most should he require an extended absence. Luke Scott would likely log most of the time at first base in order to rest his right shoulder, which clears the way for Pie in left field. The 26-year-old outfielder hasn't done much across his first 50 at-bats this season, but still has an intriguing power-speed combo.

Eric Thames OF, Blue Jays (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0.1 percent)

The Blue Jays finally placed Adam Lind on the disabled list earlier this week and called up Thames in a corresponding roster move. The 24-year-old outfielder slugged 27 homers with Double-A New Hampshire last season and was batting .342/.419/.610 with six homers and 30 RBI over his first 167 plate appearances this season with Triple-A Las Vegas. His numbers were likely inflated by playing in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but Thames has plus-power from the left side of the plate. Let's hope the Jays are smart enough to give him more playing time than Juan Rivera, even after Lind returns from the DL.

Danny Duffy SP, Royals (Yahoo: N/A, ESPN: 2.1 percent)

Duffy was uncharacteristically wild in his first major league start Wednesday night against the Rangers, walking six and throwing a wild pitch while allowing two runs over four-plus innings. It was pretty out of whack from what we've seen in the minors, as the 22-year-old southpaw averaged 10.5 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9. You can imagine how much adrenaline was probably running through his body during his MLB debut, so don't give up on him after one shaky start. He's only going to get better from here.

NL ONLY

Tony Gwynn, Jr. OF, Dodgers (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

This one is all about interleague play, folks. The Dodgers will have the use of the designated hitter this weekend against the White Sox, which will in all likelihood will allow them to rest either Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier or Jay Gibbons. Gwynn is probably their best defensive outfielder, so he should be in the lineup for at least two games. Sure, he's nothing special at the plate, but he has a career walk rate of around 10 percent and possesses good speed. Worth a short-term play if you need help in your outfield.

Justin Turner 2B, Mets (Yahoo: 3 percent owned, ESPN: 2.3 percent)

Turner was already playing some second base with Ike Davis out of the lineup, but now he'll be the primary third baseman while David Wright is sidelined with a stress fracture in his lower back. The 26-year-old was something of a forgotten man in the team's second base battle during spring training, but is batting .333/.385/.500 with one homer, five doubles and 12 RBI over his first 52 plate appearances this season. He's been a little fortunate with his batting average in balls in play, but he's safe to own in most NL-only leagues, especially with pending multi-position eligibility.

Jeff Karstens RP/SP, Pirates (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.4 percent)

Where the heck did this come from? Somehow, Karstens has managed a 3.62 ERA and 29/11 K/BB ratio over his first 37 1/3 innings this season. The Pirates have been very careful with his workload, so he hasn't exceeded seven innings or 100 pitches over his first six starts. Still, the 28-year-old right-hander has shown solid control and career-highs with his ground ball and strike out rate. It may all be an early season mirage, but I like him in you're in the mood to speculate.

Fernando Martinez OF, Mets (Yahoo: 0 percent owned, ESPN: 0 percent)

Martinez has just seven plate appearances since being recalled from the minors last week, which is mostly a result of a crowded outfield and his inability to play center field. However, he should finally get a chance to play this weekend when the Mets play the Yankees under American League rules. Look for Carlos Beltran to be the designated hitter at least twice, which paves the way for F-Mart in right field. The Mets will be facing all right-handed starters, so Nick Evans or Scott Hairston are unlikely to make a start. The 22-year-old outfielder makes for a fine strategic play.

HacheMan · May 19, 2011

Mid-May fantasy baseball rankings
Fantasy staff

If there's one sure thing about player rankings done after watching six weeks of action, it's that they'll look nothing like they did in the preseason. Injuries strike, jobs won in spring training are lost, players get called up and, as it turns out, some players are just better or worse at baseball than we anticipated. With that in mind, we asked nine of the original fantasy baseball preseason rankings voters to recast their ballots. Each one was asked to rank their top 250 players for an ESPN standard 10-team rotisserie league. The results are below.
The rankers: Fantasy analysts Matthew Berry (MB), Eric Karabell (EK), Nate Ravitz (NR), Jason Grey (JG) Tristan H. Cockcroft (TC), AJ Mass (AJM), fantasy editor Brendan Roberts (BR), and the Answer Guys' Dave Hunter (DH) and Shawn Cwalinski (SC). Sort the rankings by any of their ranks to see each individual's complete top 250.
Overall rank and preseason rank (in parentheses, as of April 1) appear on the left. Positional eligibility is determined by ESPN standard game rules.

Mid-May top 250

Sort by ranker: Overall | Matthew Berry | Eric Karabell | Nate Ravitz | Jason Grey
Tristan H. Cockcroft | Brendan Roberts | AJ Mass | Dave Hunter | Shawn Cwalinski | En Español
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Player </TH><TH>MB </TH><TH>EK </TH><TH>NR </TH><TH>JG </TH><TH>TC </TH><TH>BR </TH><TH>AJM </TH><TH>DH </TH><TH>SC </TH></TR><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>1. (1) Albert Pujols, 1B, StL </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2. (5) Ryan Braun, OF, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>3. (7) Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Det </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>4. (8) Joey Votto, 1B, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>5. (19) Matt Kemp, OF, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>6. (12) Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Col </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>7. (6) Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>8. (35) Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>1 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>9. (4) Evan Longoria, 3B, TB </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>10. (2) Hanley Ramirez, SS, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>3 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>8 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>6 </TD><TD align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>11. (10) Roy Halladay, SP, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>4 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>2 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>12. (13) Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>13. (20) Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>14. (75) Matt Holliday, OF, StL </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>15. (34) Jose Reyes, SS, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>16. (24) Prince Fielder, 1B, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>17. (9) Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Col </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>18. (3) Carl Crawford, OF, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>19. (15) Tim Lincecum, SP, SF </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>20. (14) Felix Hernandez, SP, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>12 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>10 </TD><TD align=middle>15 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>21. (21) Cliff Lee, SP, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>11 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>22. (30) Justin Upton, OF, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>14 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>23. (18) Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>24. (28) Ryan Howard, 1B, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>25. (51) Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>26. (25) Jon Lester, SP, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>17 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>27. (65) Jered Weaver, SP, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>28. (22) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>29. (27) Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>30. (32) Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>31. (40) Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>20 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>32. (58) Dan Haren, SP, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>33. (26) Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>34. (46) Justin Verlander, SP, Det </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>35. (33) Adrian Beltre, 3B, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>36. (71) Josh Johnson, SP, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>19 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>16 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>37. (11) David Wright, 3B, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>9 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>25 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>38. (37) Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>39. (101) Drew Stubbs, OF, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>24 </TD><TD align=middle>26 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>40. (94) Curtis Granderson, OF, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>41. (23) Nelson Cruz, OF, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>23 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>42. (44) Ian Kinsler, 2B, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>27 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>22 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>43. (64) B.J. Upton, OF, TB </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>44. (96) Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, TB </TD><TD align=middle>29 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>45. (31) CC Sabathia, SP, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>36 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>46. (42) Tommy Hanson, SP, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>31 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>47. (57) Andre Ethier, OF, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>48. (50) Brandon Phillips, 2B, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>49. (81) Paul Konerko, 1B, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>18 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>50. (47) Hunter Pence, OF, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>32 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>51. (59) Rickie Weeks, 2B, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>52. (70) Shane Victorino, OF, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>53. (68) Cole Hamels, SP, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>54. (16) Josh Hamilton, OF, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>21 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>33 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>55. (43) Victor Martinez, C, Det </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>43 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>56. (95) Colby Rasmus, OF, StL </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>37 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>57. (73) Jay Bruce, OF, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>47 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>58. (55) Michael Young, 3B, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>30 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>59. (39) Jayson Werth, OF, Was </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>50 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>60. (36) Adam Dunn, 1B, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>42 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>61. (180) L. Berkman, 1B/OF, StL </TD><TD align=middle>13 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>41 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>62. (83) David Price, SP, TB </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>35 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>63. (41) Jason Heyward, OF, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>38 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>64. (77) Chris Young, OF, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>65. (52) Buster Posey, C/1B, SF </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>34 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>66. (136) H. Kendrick, 1B/2B, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>44 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>67. (38) Dan Uggla, 2B, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>68. (60) Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>69. (79) Elvis Andrus, SS, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>70. (67) Mike Stanton, OF, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>55 </TD><TD align=middle>53 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>71. (45) Alex Rios, OF, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>48 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>72. (72) Matt Cain, SP, SF </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>49 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>73. (112) Adam Lind, 1B, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>60 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>40 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>74. (49) Brian McCann, C, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>65 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>75. (80) Mariano Rivera, RP, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>63 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>76. (111) Shaun Marcum, SP, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>58 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>77. (78) Martin Prado, 2B/3B/OF, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>78. (82) Brian Wilson, RP, SF </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>51 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>79. (97) Max Scherzer, SP, Det </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>80. (89) Michael Bourn, OF, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>81. (74) Heath Bell, RP, SD </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>82. (100) Carlos Marmol, RP, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>83. (66) Zack Greinke, SP, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>45 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>62 </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>84. (120) Tim Hudson, SP, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>64 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>85. (87) Billy Butler, 1B, KC </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>86. (185) Trevor Cahill, SP, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>59 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>54 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>87. (90) Carlos Santana, C, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>88. (106) Stephen Drew, SS, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>89. (76) Roy Oswalt, SP, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>90. (223) James Shields, SP, TB </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>67 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>91. (63) Aramis Ramirez, 3B, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>92. (93) Neftali Feliz, RP, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>70 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>93. (163) Gaby Sanchez, 1B, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>94. (91) Alexei Ramirez, SS, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>95. (116) Carlos Quentin, OF, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>96. (188) Jaime Garcia, SP, StL </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>71 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>97. (86) Yovani Gallardo, SP, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>98. (124) Brett Anderson, SP, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>99. (115) Matt Garza, SP, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>100. (126) Adam Jones, OF, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>101. (103) Chad Billingsley, SP, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>94 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>102. (56) Derek Jeter, SS, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>73 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>103. (161) Neil Walker, 2B, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>104. (48) Chris Carpenter, SP, StL </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>105. (202) Josh Beckett, SP, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>76 </TD><TD align=middle>61 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>106. (121) David Ortiz, DH, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>107. (84) Joakim Soria, RP, KC </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>78 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>108. (134) Ian Desmond, SS, Was </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>88 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>109. (108) F. Rodriguez, RP, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>87 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>110. (153) Starlin Castro, SS, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>111. (61) Justin Morneau, 1B, Min </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>84 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>112. (113) J. Papelbon, RP, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>113. (17) R. Zimmerman, 3B, Was </TD><TD align=middle>57 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>246 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>69 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>114. (104) Brett Gardner, OF, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>115. (54) Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Col </TD><TD align=middle>72 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>226 </TD><TD align=middle>66 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>116. (184) Placido Polanco, 3B, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>117. (162) Ricky Nolasco, SP, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>101 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>90 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>118. (201) Carlos Beltran, OF, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>119. (62) Mat Latos, SP, SD </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>120. (147) Chris Perez, RP, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>121. (109) Torii Hunter, OF, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>122. (129) Hiroki Kuroda, SP, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>123. (198) Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>124. (160) Jhoulys Chacin, SP, Col </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>74 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>125. (137) Jonathan Sanchez, SP, SF </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>126. (144) Daniel Hudson, SP, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>127. (29) Joe Mauer, C, Min </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>81 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>250 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>86 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>77 </TD><TD align=middle>102 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>128. (99) Wandy Rodriguez, SP, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>103 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>129. (157) Jose Valverde, RP, Det </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>91 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>130. (53) Chase Utley, 2B, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>52 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>131. (98) Casey McGehee, 3B, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>100 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>132. (122) Bobby Abreu, OF, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>89 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>133. (194) Ike Davis, 1B, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>83 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>134. (208) Craig Kimbrel, RP, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>135. (110) Juan Pierre, OF, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>95 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>99 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>136. (92) Corey Hart, OF, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>85 </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>137. (154) Huston Street, RP, Col </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>80 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>138. (204) Gio Gonzalez, SP, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>139. (256) Michael Pineda, SP, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>122 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>140. (135) Rajai Davis, OF, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>97 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>238 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>141. (210) Ian Kennedy, SP, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>126 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>142. (332) Alex Gordon, OF, KC </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>93 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>143. (170) M. Moreland, 1B/OF, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>247 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>144. (155) Brandon Morrow, SP, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>75 </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>215 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>145. (102) Kelly Johnson, 2B, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>227 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>129 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>146. (85) Delmon Young, OF, Min </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>92 </TD><TD align=middle>104 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>147. (280) Alfonso Soriano, OF, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>111 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>148. (200) Jose Tabata, OF, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>134 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>149. (592) Eric Hosmer, 1B, KC </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>96 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>250 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>150. (209) C.J. Wilson, SP, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>151. (263) Justin Smoak, 1B, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>130 </TD><TD align=middle>112 </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>152. (168) Erick Aybar, SS, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>153. (267) Logan Morrison, OF, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>113 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>154. (114) Aubrey Huff, 1B/OF, SF </TD><TD align=middle>117 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>155. (152) Jeremy Hellickson, SP, TB </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>224 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>156. (138) Nick Markakis, OF, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>157. (133) John Danks, SP, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>121 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>239 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>158. (165) F. Cordero, RP, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>114 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>159. (253) Mike Aviles, 2B/3B, KC </TD><TD align=middle>125 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>160. (158) Grady Sizemore, OF, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>224 </TD><TD align=middle>98 </TD><TD align=middle>110 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>161. (197) Drew Storen, RP, Was </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>105 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>120 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>249 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>109 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>162. (143) Brian Roberts, 2B, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>107 </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>163. (142) Miguel Montero, C, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>164. (224) Leo Nunez, RP, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>226 </TD><TD align=middle>118 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>242 </TD><TD align=middle>123 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>165. (245) Gavin Floyd, SP, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>146 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>115 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>166. (107) Ted Lilly, SP, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD><TD align=middle>160 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>167. (215) Chris Coghlan, OF, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>168. (167) J.J. Putz, RP, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>133 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>169. (146) V. Guerrero, DH, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>157 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>227 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>170. (246) Anibal Sanchez, SP, Fla </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>171. (250) Jason Kubel, OF, Min </TD><TD align=middle>226 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>140 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>172. (139) Clay Buchholz, SP, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>233 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>145 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>173. (243) Joel Hanrahan, RP, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>162 </TD><TD align=middle>127 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>174. (264) J. De La Rosa, SP, Col </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>175. (105) Aaron Hill, 2B, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>249 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>106 </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>176. (189) Ricky Romero, SP, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>238 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>108 </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>177. (233) Jair Jurrjens, SP, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>178. (117) Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF </TD><TD align=middle>128 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>248 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>179. (349) Jeff Francoeur, OF, KC </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>203 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>180. (231) Coco Crisp, OF, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>136 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>247 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>181. (226) Johnny Damon, OF, TB </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>182. (128) C. Figgins, 2B/3B, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>132 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>119 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>183. (237) Matt Joyce, OF, TB </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>138 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>161 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>184. (130) Adam LaRoche, 1B, Was </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>185. (166) Nick Swisher, OF, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>215 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>186. (151) John Axford, RP, Mil </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>248 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>151 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>187. (118) G. Beckham, 2B, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>141 </TD><TD align=middle>147 </TD><TD align=middle>233 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>188. (206) Johnny Cueto, SP, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>189. (586) Zach Britton, SP, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>215 </TD><TD align=middle>131 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>239 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>190. (149) Colby Lewis, SP, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>144 </TD><TD align=middle>246 </TD><TD align=middle>148 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>191. (141) Carlos Lee, 1B/OF, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>244 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD><TD align=middle>124 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>192. (403) Alex Avila, C, Det </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>193. (186) Denard Span, OF, Min </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>194. (451) Kyle Farnsworth, RP, TB </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>195. (88) Francisco Liriano, SP, Min </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>196. (270) A. Ogando, SP/RP, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>197. (458) Bud Norris, SP, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>229 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>198. (769) Justin Masterson, SP, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>154 </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>226 </TD><TD align=middle>242 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>199. (387) Mark Trumbo, 1B, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>249 </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>155 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>200. (159) Andrew Bailey, RP, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>165 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>201. (182) Luke Scott, OF, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>143 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>202. (325) Brett Wallace, 1B, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>230 </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>203. (411) Jordan Walden, RP, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>166 </TD><TD align=middle>233 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>244 </TD><TD align=middle>172 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>204. (254) Cameron Maybin, OF, SD </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>244 </TD><TD align=middle>175 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>180 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>205. (285) Peter Bourjos, OF, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>169 </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>224 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>206. (259) Scott Baker, SP, Min </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>178 </TD><TD align=middle>149 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>207. (207) Matt Wieters, C, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>208. (140) Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD </TD><TD align=middle>250 </TD><TD align=middle>215 </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>135 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>209. (386) Russell Martin, C, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>232 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>186 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>227 </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>192 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>210. (447) A.J. Burnett, SP, NYY </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>245 </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>211. (164) Mike Napoli, C/1B, Tex </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>203 </TD><TD align=middle>229 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>150 </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD><TD align=middle>229 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>212. (707) Kyle Lohse, SP, StL </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>213. (131) Geovany Soto, C, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>214. (380) Derek Lowe, SP, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>203 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>230 </TD><TD align=middle>159 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>233 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>215. (148) Carlos Pena, 1B, ChC </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>158 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>247 </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>216. (212) J. Zimmermann, SP, Was </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>139 </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>230 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>239 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>217. (527) Sergio Santos, RP, CWS </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>246 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>224 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>218. (469) J. Lowrie, 2B/3B/SS, Bos </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>142 </TD><TD align=middle>215 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>219. (391) Melky Cabrera, OF, KC </TD><TD align=middle>245 </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>164 </TD><TD align=middle>201 </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>220. (125) Vernon Wells, OF, LAA </TD><TD align=middle>230 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>191 </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>244 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>221. (127) Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>116 </TD><TD align=middle>197 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>170 </TD><TD align=middle>249 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>222. (365) Travis Hafner, DH, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>241 </TD><TD align=middle>137 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>232 </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>223. (172) Derrek Lee, 1B, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>181 </TD><TD align=middle>227 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>184 </TD><TD align=middle>152 </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD><TD align=middle>250 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>224. (175) M. Bumgarner, SP, SF </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>247 </TD><TD align=middle>182 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>216 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>225. (241) Seth Smith, OF, Col </TD><TD align=middle>208 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>203 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>179 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>226. (294) Michael Brantley, OF, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>244 </TD><TD align=middle>232 </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>227. (183) Andres Torres, OF, SF </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>250 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>228. (229) Kevin Gregg, RP, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>171 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>229. (257) Ryan Madson, RP, Phi </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD><TD align=middle>239 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>167 </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>230. (216) Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>239 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>174 </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>231. (192) Brian Matusz, SP, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>227 </TD><TD align=middle>209 </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>238 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD><TD align=middle>245 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>232. (173) Jason Bay, OF, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>229 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>156 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>233. (235) Wade Davis, SP, TB </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>222 </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>234. (132) Angel Pagan, OF, NYM </TD><TD align=middle>247 </TD><TD align=middle>203 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>206 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>214 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>238 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>235. (287) Danny Espinosa, 2B, Was </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>204 </TD><TD align=middle>223 </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>232 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>236. (291) J. Willingham, OF, Oak </TD><TD align=middle>185 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>220 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>237. (619) Ryan Roberts, 3B/OF, Ari </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD><TD align=middle>233 </TD><TD align=middle>234 </TD><TD align=middle>210 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>230 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>238. (381) Matt Capps, RP, Min </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>176 </TD><TD align=middle>248 </TD><TD align=middle>248 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>239. (234) Brandon League, RP, Sea </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>193 </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD><TD align=middle>202 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>187 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>240. (156) Mark Reynolds, 3B, Bal </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>211 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>168 </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>242 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>241. (329) Chipper Jones, 3B, Atl </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>205 </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>173 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>242. (220) Bronson Arroyo, SP, Cin </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>199 </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD><TD align=middle>188 </TD><TD align=middle>243 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>243. (227) Dexter Fowler, OF, Col </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>218 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>177 </TD><TD align=middle>245 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>244. (238) Garrett Jones, 1B/OF, Pit </TD><TD align=middle>232 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>229 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>219 </TD><TD align=middle>195 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>217 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>245. (203) Yunel Escobar, SS, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>225 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>190 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>163 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>246. (181) Chase Headley, 3B, SD </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>200 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>153 </TD><TD align=middle>235 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>247. (379) Todd Helton, 1B, Col </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>224 </TD><TD align=middle>189 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>198 </TD><TD align=middle>246 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>248. (150) Brett Myers, SP, Hou </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>221 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>207 </TD><TD align=middle>194 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>237 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>249. (211) Frank Francisco, RP, Tor </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>196 </TD><TD align=middle>231 </TD><TD align=middle>213 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>228 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>250. (353) O. Cabrera, 2B/SS, Cle </TD><TD align=middle>236 </TD><TD align=middle>240 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>212 </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>-- </TD><TD align=middle>183 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · May 19, 2011

Minors: Eric Thames profile, Top 11 for '11

Jason Grey

Earlier this week, the Toronto Blue Jays reached down to the minor leagues yet again in search of a little offensive punch after David Cooper didn't quite pan out. The team wasn't quite ready to call up highly touted prospect Brett Lawrie, so hot-hitting left fielder Eric Thames got the call.

With the club in search of a viable left-handed bat, Thames is expected to get a chance to play regularly against right-handed pitching, and I like Thames' chances to stick much more than Cooper's.
Thames was a seventh-round pick in the 2008 draft out of Pepperdine; he would have gone higher had he not torn a quad muscle before the draft. He had his breakout season last year at Double-A, hitting 27 homers and driving in 104 runs in just under 500 at-bats while also posting a .370 on-base percentage. He began this season at Triple-A and was hitting .342 with six homers in his first 36 contests before Monday's call-up.

The 24-year-old lefty hitter's calling card is his power, and he's not just a pull hitter; he can drive the ball to the opposite field and has a willingness to go that way as needed. He has a short, compact stroke with not a lot of a load for a power hitter, relying on solid bat speed and his upper-body strength to get the job done. Thames does a solid job of keeping his hands inside the ball and gets a good extension and finish to his swing, staying on the ball well. He is fairly patient at the plate, but as is the case with most young power hitters, he must be careful about expanding the zone, especially against lefty breaking balls, and not let his swing get too big or too long.
I got to see a lot of Thames at last year's Arizona Fall League, and though I was a bit skeptical at first, I did eventually conclude that he could be at least a solid platoon bat against right-handed pitching, if not a solid regular left fielder. He was a better left fielder than I expected, tracking balls well, and he's athletic enough that he should be fine there.
That said, even with extended playing time, Thames isn't really a consideration in mixed leagues, although he should have some short-term value in single-league formats. Just be aware that a cold start could get him sent back down, and the club does have other options (Adam Lind and Travis Snider's eventual returns and Lawrie's eventual promotion). Thames needs to hit and stay hitting to remain in the lineup. He has the capability to hit at the big league level -- he had a walk and an RBI single in his major league debut -- but he's going to have to overcome that rookie adjustment period quickly.

Top 11 for '11

The now-standard caveats: There's a certain throwing-darts-at-the-wall nature to determining a list such as this because there's no telling when a player will actually arrive on the scene. Who will get the summons obviously depends on a variety of factors, such as team needs, injuries and performance.
Thus, for the purpose of this list, I try to balance a prospect's upside with who is likely to get an opportunity in the near future. I look for potential paths to big league playing time, factor in service-time concerns and rank only players who: 1) are still rookie-eligible and 2) are not already in the major leagues. To highlight some different names, I'm also not including players such as Brandon Belt and Mike Minor, who have already been in the big leagues this year but have been sent back down, even though both certainly belong in the top half of the list.
Please note that this list is for 2011 fantasy value only, not for the long haul, so you won't see names such as Bryce Harper on it. Not yet, anyway. It spotlights players who could help fantasy teams this season, with no regard for 2012 and beyond. Season the list to your particular taste and your fantasy team's needs.
Without further ado, let's see how the list shakes out this week. Royals pitching prospect Danny Duffy (No. 7 in last week's Top 11) was promoted this week, so Dustin Ackley slides back into the rankings.
1. Desmond Jennings, OF, Tampa Bay Rays: Jennings has posted a .398 on-base percentage in his first 38 games at Triple-A and has gone a perfect 8-for-8 in steal attempts while also showing more power this year (he has five homers). Jennings could rack up thefts in a hurry once he's eventually recalled. That might not be until sometime in mid-to-late June, but he still could have a big impact in the steals category in a short period of time, if you have a need for speed.
2. Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia Phillies: Brown has homered in four of his first 16 games in the minors, returning from a broken bone in his wrist. He missed some time last week as well after spraining his thumb, but Phillies manager Charlie Manuel isn't discouraged. "The way he's playing, he'll earn his way into the big leagues," Manuel told the Wilmington News Journal last week. "I want him knocking the cover off the ball up here. That's how I review it. What he does down there isn't helping me here."
3. Brett Lawrie, 3B, Blue Jays: Even with all the injuries in the Jays' infield, the team hasn't rushed this 21-year-old. Lawrie's transition to the hot corner is still very much a work in progress defensively (though he reportedly has been better recently), and after turning heads with the bat in spring training, he's not far from making a big league impact. In fact, his offense could force the issue. For now, he'll work on his defense and not expanding the strike zone at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he's hitting .337 with nine homers (albeit in a good hitting environment) and has gone 9-for-10 on the basepaths.
4. Mike Moustakas, 3B, Kansas City Royals: Eric Hosmer is up. Duffy is up. Is Moustakas next? He got off to a slow start at Triple-A as he dealt with some mechanical issues in his swing, but he has started to heat up lately, handling the strike zone well and homering four times in his past 10 games. Once the former No. 2 overall draft pick is ready, which should by the second half of the season, he'll be the Royals' starting third baseman.
5. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, San Diego Padres: Brad Hawpe has been on a hot streak lately, lessening the talk about calling up Rizzo. But I do think Rizzo could hit right-handed pitching in the big leagues right now (he'd probably struggle against lefties), and he's hitting .374 with 12 homers in his first 37 games at Triple-A.
6. Trayvon Robinson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers: The switch-hitter is batting .309 with eight homers in his first 36 games, although he hasn't been running as much as he should, given his speed; he has just four steals. Jerry Sands hasn't exactly roared out of the box (though I do think he will hit if they keep putting him in the lineup), and James Loney isn't hitting, either (which could give Sands more time at first base), so Robinson's great start at Triple-A has put him into the short-term mix, especially with the club lacking a true leadoff hitter at the moment.

7. Dustin Ackley, 2B, Seattle Mariners: Just like last year, Ackley has gotten off to a slow start to the season offensively, but he has begun to heat up. He has hit .377 this month and .463 over his past 10 games to raise his average to .280. He also has hit six homers, stolen six bases and walked more than he has struck out. He's likely to be called up in the next few weeks.
8. Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs: The Cubs are still trying to find playing time for Tyler Colvin, but if their offense continues to flounder or if there's an injury or two, Jackson could get the call. The 22-year-old is hitting .295 with a .420 on-base percentage, four homers and 13 steals at Double-A, and the Cubs have never been shy about promoting prospects aggressively. That said, Jackson has been on the shelf for the past week because of a strained ligament in his pinkie suffered on a stolen base attempt, so things are temporarily on hold, even though the injury doesn't appear to be serious.
9. Andrew Oliver, SP, Detroit Tigers: Oliver has fanned a batter per inning in his first seven Triple-A starts with a 2.89 ERA and is likely next in line if/when the Tigers need to fill a spot in their rotation. Southpaw Charlie Furbush is also pitching well, and sometimes these things do come down to how the rotation is lined up, but Oliver has the bigger short- and long-term upside.
10. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Cleveland Indians: Chisenhall is expected to become the team's starting third baseman at some point this season, but there are still questions about the lefty slugger's ability to hit southpaws (he's just 9-for-46 against them thus far at Triple-A). We also need to track his teammate, second baseman Jason Kipnis, as a potential call-up.
11. Jesus Montero, C, New York Yankees: Following the recent controversy regarding Jorge Posada and the DH slot, there's more of a spotlight on Montero, who is hitting .318 in 32 Triple-A games (albeit with little power). We also must monitor his teammate, Jorge Vazquez, a 31-year-old first baseman signed out of the Mexican League. He swings at about everything but has hit 16 homers and batted .308 thus far. Vazquez has seven homers in his past 10 games, and has three multihomer contests. Vazquez would strike out a ton, but it's possible he'll be used as trade bait or even for some DH at-bats. Either player could get a look in the near future.

HacheMan · May 20, 2011

CarGo Leaves, Giambi Heaves
Veteran Jason Giambi shouldn't have been in the Rockies' starting lineup Thursday night against the Phillies, but hot-hitting first baseman Todd Helton came up with a sore back after sliding into home plate on Wednesday and was unable to go when the lineup was filled out on a rainy Thursday afternoon in the Philadelphia area. And thus began The Night of the Giambino.

Giambi slugged a three-run homer to deep right field in the first inning, a two-run shot in the third, and then added another two-run bomb in the fifth inning. The 35-year-old tied his career-high with seven RBI and became the second-oldest player to launch three home runs in a single game. He entered the game having not managed a hit since April 10.

Friday should bring the return of Helton and Giambi will go back to making rare pinch-hitting appearances. But he was an All-World slugger again for one night and the Rockies inched a little closer to first place because of it.

This is the Friday edition of the Daily Dose...

* The Dodgers grew tired of playing games with a short bullpen and finally placed reliever Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with forearm discomfort. He's not seriously injured and should return as soon as he's eligible, but the right-hander leaves behind a vacant ninth inning gig and that's something that always perks the ears of good fantasy owners.

Enter Matt Guerrier. The long-time Minnesota setup man has posted a respectable 3.22 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 22-plus innings this season as a first-year member of the Dodgers' bullpen. He has barely any experience closing games, but the 32-year-old Guerrier boasts a low-90s fastball, a hard-breaking slider and a decent curve. He has the ability to get batters out in the ninth inning as well as he's done in the eighth and needs to be owned in every eligible fantasy league.

* The Rockies got a jolt of excitement Thursday courtesy of the Giambino, but not everything went according to plan in Philadelphia. Do-everything outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was lifted from Colorado's eventual 7-2 victory after tweaking a muscle in his left groin while running down a fly ball. Ryan Spilborghs finished out the game in left field and could see a couple starts there this weekend if CarGo is ruled out for precautionary reasons.

Gonzalez is off to a slow start this season, batting just 245/.324/.404 with five home runs through his first 42 games. He posted a remarkable .336/.376/.598 slash line with 34 homers, 117 RBI and 26 stolen bases last year, earning a third-place standing in the National League MVP voting and a big contract extension this winter.

National League Quick Hits: The Phillies scratched Joe Blanton just before his scheduled Thursday start due to lingering elbow discomfort … Shane Victorino is expected to land on the disabled list Friday with hamstring soreness … Mets outfielder Angel Pagan played a second rehab game Thursday at Single-A Port St. Lucie … Matt Holliday is scheduled to return to the Cardinals' lineup Friday … The Cardinals have activated left-handed reliever Brian Tallet … Mark DeRosa is back on the disabled list with yet another wrist injury … Todd Helton is day-to-day with a sore lower back … Colby Rasmus returned to the St. Louis starting lineup Thursday after battling a strained abdomen for four games … The Mets signed Jason Botts to a minor league contract … Fernando Salas earned his fifth save Thursday against the Astros … Dillon Gee took a no-hitter into the sixth inning Thursday against the Nationals … Orlando Hudson has been activated from the disabled list … Marlins setup man Clay Hensley tossed three scoreless innings Thursday in a Single-A rehab outing … Lance Berkman is likely to miss the Cardinals' weekend series against the Royals due to a sprained right wrist … Aaron Rowand remains day-to-day with a back injury … Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez has been benched three games for using Twitter to criticize minor league umpires.

American League Quick Hits: The Red Sox pulled Josh Beckett from his Thursday evening start against the Tigers due to neck stiffness … Tyson Ross was lifted from his Thursday start after just seven pitches due to a left oblique strain … Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has been placed on the 7-day disabled list with concussion-related headaches … Nelson Cruz will remain on his minor league rehab assignment through Sunday … Adam Lind is about 10 days from returning to the Blue Jays' starting lineup … The Indians will take an MRI of Travis Hafner's sore rib cage on Friday … Josh Hamilton could be activated from the disabled list as early as Monday … Mitch Talbot is aiming to return from the disabled list early next week … Frank Francisco has converted three straight saves as the Blue Jays' closer … Rangers outfielder Endy Chavez is day-to-day with hamstring tightness … Jeff Niemann remains on the disabled list with a back injury and has not begun a throwing program … The Red Sox have signed veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood to a minor league contract … Travis Buck is day-to-day with turf toe … The Indians designated right-hander Justin Germano for assignment … Derrek Lee has been placed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique … Justin Morneau hit his second home run of the season Thursday against the A's … Chris Dickerson has been diagnosed with a concussion and could need a stay on the 7-day disabled list … Michael Young was given his first day off of the 2011 regular season on Thursday … Cesar Izturis will undergo surgery on his right elbow Tuesday.

HacheMan · May 20, 2011

The Buch Stops Here

Next week's batch of two-start pitchers looks decidedly thin in comparison to last week's smorgasbord, but there are a number of compelling options to be found in both the AL and the NL. Among the most enticing names is Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox, who has rebounded nicely from a slow start with a lights-out month of May thus far. In the Senior Circuit, Bud Norris will get a pair of starts at home; he's still available in a lot of leagues so I'd recommend giving him a look, especially if you need strikeouts. Also, give some consideration to Tom Gorzelanny -- he's been pitching quite well and is unowned in about 90 percent of leagues.

Going Twice...

American League

Strong Plays
Ricky Romero: @NYY (Sabathia), CWS (Danks)
Alexi Ogando: CWS (Danks), KC (Duffy)
Jeremy Hellickson: @DET (Coke), CLE (Masterson)
Brandon McCarthy: @LAA (Weaver), BAL (Tillman)
Dan Haren: OAK (Ross), @MIN (Pavano)
Jered Weaver: OAK (McCarthy), @MIN (Liriano)
Justin Verlander: TB (Davis), BOS (Beckett)
Justin Masterson: BOS (Buchholz), @TB (Hellickson)
Josh Beckett: @CLE (Carmona), @DET (Verlander)
Clay Buchholz: @CLE (Masterson), @DET (Coke)

Decent Plays
Jesse Litsch: @NYY (Colon), CWS (Jackson)
Jason Vargas: @MIN (Pavano), NYY (Colon)
Tyson Ross: @LAA (Haren), BAL (Britton)
Bartolo Colon: TOR (Litsch), @SEA (Vargas)
Carl Pavano: SEA (Vargas), LAA (Haren)
Phil Coke: TB (Hellickson), BOS (Buchholz)
John Danks: @TEX (Ogando), @TOR (Romero)
Zach Britton: KC (Duffy), @OAK (Ross)

At Your Own Risk
Danny Duffy: @BAL (Britton), @TEX (Ogando)

National League

Strong Plays
Matt Cain: FLA (Nolasco), @MIL (Gallardo)
Tom Gorzelanny: @MIL (Gallardo), SD (Moseley)
Cole Hamels: CIN (Arroyo), @NYM (Pelfrey)
Clayton Kershaw: @HOU (Norris), FLA (Nolasco)
Yovani Gallardo: WAS (Gorzelanny), SF (Cain)
Bud Norris: LAD (Kershaw), ARI (Saunders)
Ricky Nolasco: @SF (Cain), @LAD (Kershaw)
Jorge De La Rosa: ARI (Saunders), STL (Lohse)

Decent Plays
Kyle Lohse: @SD (Moseley), @COL (Da La Rosa)
Dustin Moseley: STL (Lohse), @WAS (Gorzelanny)
Jonathon Niese: @CHC (Dempster), PHI
Johnny Cueto: @PHI, @ATL (Lowe)
Bronson Arroyo: @PHI (Hamels), @ATL (Hanson)

At Your Own Risk
Joe Saunders: @COL (De La Rosa), @HOU (Norris)
Ryan Dempster: NYM (Niese), PIT (Maholm)

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, 5/25: Luke Hochevar @ BAL
Hochevar opened the month of May with three straight quality starts, and will look to carry the success forward against the last-place Orioles.

Wednesday, 5/25: Brian Duensing vs. SEA
The Duenslinger has been very consistent for the Twins this year, and couldn't ask for a better match-up than the M's at Target Field.

Thursday, 5/26: Joel Pineiro vs. OAK
Pineiro has been outstanding. If he's available in your league, snag him for this home tilt against the punchless A's.

National League

Tuesday, 5/24: Chris Narveson vs. WAS
The lefty has been very sharp this year, with a 4.00 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 45 innings of work.

Tuesday, 5/24: Kyle McClellan @ SD
He's no Adam Wainwright, but McClellan has proven a solid replacement and will take a 6-1 record into this favorable match-up.



Total Games

American League

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

National League

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

Lefty/Righty Breakdown

American League

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

National League

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

Brian Roberts: Out until late May
Derrek Lee: Out until late June
Cesar Izturis: Out until July
Daisuke Matsuzaka: Out indefinitely
John Lackey: Out until June
Aroldis Chapman: Out until early June
Grady Sizemore: Out until June
Kyle Davies: Out indefinitely
Vicente Padilla: Out until June
David Wright: Out until June
Rafael Soriano: Out indefinitely
Dallas Braden: Out for the season
Mark DeRosa: Out indefinitely
Nick Punto: Out until June
Adam Lind: Out until late May

HacheMan · May 20, 2011

Hamilton, Cruz could be back for Week 8

Tristan H. Cockcroft

On tap: Intraleague play resumes on Monday after the brief interleague weekend, and with it comes a somewhat lighter week than the one before it. Whereas all 30 teams were scheduled for seven games in Week 7, only 10 are scheduled for that many in Week 8, and two teams -- the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates -- are scheduled for only five. Each of those teams also plays a stout opponent for one of its two series -- the Braves host the Cincinnati Reds from Friday-Sunday and the Pirates visit Atlanta on Tuesday-Wednesday -- so in weekly leagues you might want to look elsewhere for fantasy production.

The Texas Rangers have floundered offensively in May, averaging 3.59 runs per game with a .645 OPS after beginning the season with outstanding 5.19/.806 numbers in those categories in April, but there's plenty of reason to be hopeful this week. They might have both of their slugging outfielders, Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton, back in their lineup on Monday, and they'll play all six of their games at home, including three against the pitching-starved Kansas City Royals.

For those of you in daily leagues, there is a scheduled doubleheader on Tuesday: Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies. The Diamondbacks will pitch Joe Saunders and Josh Collmenter, who average 5.17 and 4.20 K's per nine innings respectively, so fireworks might be in order at Coors Field.

Reminder: For those of you in weekly-transactions leagues, first pitch of Week 8 is 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday. Here are this week's other scheduled first pitches by day: Tuesday 3:10 p.m. ET, Wednesday 12:05 p.m. ET, Thursday 12:35 p.m. ET, Friday 2:20 p.m. ET, Saturday 1:05 p.m. ET, Sunday 1:05 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 8 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 gray/beige 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
5/23 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
5/24 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
5/25</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
5/26 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
5/27 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
5/28</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 14%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
5/29 </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><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>KC
Britton
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Bergesen
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Arrieta
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Guthrie
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Tillman
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
Britton
(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>@CLE
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Beckett
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
Lester
(LHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Aceves
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Wakefield
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Buchholz
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Beckett
(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>@TEX
Danks
(LHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Peavy
(RHP)
P: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Floyd
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Humber
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Buehrle
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Jackson
(RHP)
P: 4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
Danks
(LHP)
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>BOS
Masterson
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Carmona
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
White
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Tomlin
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Carrasco
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
Masterson
(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>TB
Coke
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Verlander
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
Penny
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Scherzer
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Porcello
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Coke
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
Verlander
(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="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Duffy
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Hochevar
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
Francis
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Adcock
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
O'Sullivan
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
Duffy
(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>OAK
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Haren
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Santana
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
Pineiro
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Chatwood
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Weaver
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Haren
(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>SEA
Pavano
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Blackburn
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
Duensing
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Baker
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Liriano
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
Pavano
(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>TOR
Colon
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Sabathia
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
Garcia
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Burnett
(RHP)
P: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Nova
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
Colon
(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>@LAA
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Cahill
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
Anderson
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
Gonzalez
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
McCarthy
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
TBD

P: 1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Vargas
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Fister
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
Bedard
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Pineda
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
Vargas
(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>@DET
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Davis
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
Sonnnstne
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Price
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Shields
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
Hellickson
(RHP)
P: 8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

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</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Ogando
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Holland
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Wilson
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Lewis
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Harrison
(LHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
Ogando
(RHP)
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>@NYY
Litsch
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Romero
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
Reyes
(LHP)
P: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Morrow
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Drabek
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Litsch
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
Romero
(LHP)
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>@COL-2
Saunders
(LHP)
P: 2
Collmenter
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Kennedy
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Owings
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Saunders
(LHP)
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>@PIT
Jurrjens
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
Hudson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Hanson
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Lowe
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Jurrjens
(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>NYM
Dempster
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Coleman
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
Davis
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Zambrano
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Garza
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
Dempster
(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>@PHI
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Cueto
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Wood
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
Bailey
(RHP)
P: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Volquez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Arroyo
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
Cueto
(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>ARI-2
DeLaRosa
(LHP)
P: 5
Chacin
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Hammel
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Mortensen
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Jimenez
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
TBD

P: 1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
DeLaRosa
(LHP)
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
Nolasco
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Volstad
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
Sanchez
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Vazquez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Johnson
(RHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
Nolasco
(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>LAD
Norris
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
Happ
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
A.Rdrguez
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Myers
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
W.Rdrguez
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
Norris
(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>@HOU
Kershaw
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Billingsley
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
Lilly
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Garland
(RHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Kuroda
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Kershaw
(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>WAS
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Narveson
(LHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
Greinke
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Marcum
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Wolf
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
Gallardo
(RHP)
P: 8</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>@CHC
Niese
(LHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Gee
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Dickey
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Capuano
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Pelfrey
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
Niese
(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>CIN
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Blanton
(RHP)
P: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Halladay
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
Lee
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Oswalt
(RHP)
P: 8 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Hamels
(LHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
Blanton
(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="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
Morton
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
McDonald
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Karstens
(RHP)
P: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Correia
(RHP)
P: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
Maholm
(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>@SD
Lohse
(RHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
McClellan
(RHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
Carpenter
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Westbrook
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Garcia
(LHP)
P: 10</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
Lohse
(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>STL
Moseley
(RHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Harang
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
Latos
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Richard
(LHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Stauffer
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
Moseley
(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>FLA
Cain
(RHP)
P: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Bumgarner
(LHP)
P: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
Vogelsong
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Lincecum
(RHP)
P: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Sanchez
(LHP)
P: 6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Cain
(RHP)
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>@MIL
Gorzelanny
(LHP)
P: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Hernandez
(RHP)
P: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
Marquis
(RHP)
P: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Lannan
(LHP)
P: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)
P: 7</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
Gorzelanny
(LHP)
P: 5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>P: The starting pitcher's matchup rating, which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.

Tristan's pitching strategies

• If you've been waiting for the week for Jered Weaver to "turn it around" -- he began the year with six consecutive wins and quality starts, but has since lost four straight starts with a 5.25 ERA -- this might be it. He'll face the Oakland Athletics, a team he shut out at home on April 25, again at home, then travel to Minnesota to take on the game's worst offense, the Minnesota Twins, who have averaged 3.29 runs per game and managed a .616 team OPS. It's the same arrangement fellow two-start pitcher Dan Haren will enjoy; but he by comparison has nine quality starts in 10 tries plus a 1.23 ERA this season.

And what of the less obvious choices? Ervin Santana, Wednesday's starter, is 12-3 with a 1.99 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 21 career games (19 starts) versus the Athletics, while Joel Pineiro, Thursday's starter, is 4-for-4 in terms of quality starts with a 2.10 ERA and 0.97 WHIP against the A's since joining the Angels last season. Tyler Chatwood, coming off a disappointing start in Oakland, could even warrant an AL-only look. The matchup is favorable and it's an opponent who has yet to face him. Closer Jordan Walden, meanwhile, has a set of matchups that could help him snap his funk; he has blown three of his past five save chances.

• Not that the Twins' rotation lacks fantasy appeal simply because they have that three-game weekend series versus the aforementioned Angels. Ever hear of a weekend populated entirely by pitchers' duels? Besides, the Twins' week-opening series against the Seattle Mariners is the true standout set of matchups. The Mariners rank next-to-last in both runs per game (3.47) and team OPS (.625), and have scored three runs or fewer in 12 of their past 16 contests. Two-start pitcher Carl Pavano has a 3.67 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in four career starts versus the Mariners, while Nick Blackburn (Tuesday) has a 3.13 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in six career starts against them. Another advantage: It's a full week of games at pitching-friendly Target Field, and the Twins' current five starters are a combined 39-24 with a 3.72 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 102 career games (78 starts) there.

Yovani Gallardo appears to have straightened himself out, with three consecutive quality starts, though a soft schedule (@STL, PIT, @SD) could be one explanation. No matter; he pitches at home against the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants, so it's not like his Week 8 matchups are that much tougher. The Nationals have averaged 3.47 runs per game and the Giants 3.29 in May, both of those bottom-10 numbers, and have .608 and .678 OPS in the month, and Gallardo has a 23-13 record, 3.45 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in his career at home. Feel free to load up on Milwaukee Brewers pitching as a whole, even the often-scary Randy Wolf. A point in his favor: He's 9-5 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 18 career starts versus the Giants, his Saturday opponent.

• If you listened to Friday's podcast

, you heard Nate Ravitz and I discuss the merits of Kyle Lohse at Coors Field; the St. Louis Cardinals finish their week there with a three-game series, with Lohse scheduled to pitch on Sunday. Here are the facts: Lohse has lost all three of his career starts at Coors, with a 7.80 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. He also has seven quality starts in his past nine tries overall, including quality starts during some more challenging assignments at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park (May 13) and versus the Brewers (May 7). So what to do? "Ride the streak," I say, especially as Lohse has a 2.77 K-to-walk ratio and 45.5 percent ground-ball rate, numbers as good as any others during his 11-year career. And that's in spite of the fact he has also lost his only two career starts at San Diego's Petro Park, where he'll pitch on Monday, with a 6.10 ERA. There's a first time for everything!

The Cardinals as a whole should experience pitching success, what with that three-game, week-opening set at Petco. Lohse and Kyle McClellan are red hot, while Wednesday starter Chris Carpenter has a 2-0 record and 1.29 ERA in three career starts at Petco. Jake Westbrook, who pitches Friday at Coors, is the one question mark. But even he has four quality starts in his past five tries.

For more insight into Week 8 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
5/23</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Tue
5/24 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Wed
5/25 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Thu
5/26 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Fri
5/27 </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sat
5/28</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 11%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Sun
5/29</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>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
2 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 9
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 9 </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: 7
L: 5
R: 8
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 7
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@OAK
H: 5
L: 5
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
0 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>@CLE
H: 4
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CLE
H: 7
L: 5
R: 9
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 6
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
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
0 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 4
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 8
L: 10
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 8
L: 10
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TOR
H: 4
L: 8
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 4
R: 1
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TB
H: 2
L: 6
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
7 home
0 vs. L
7 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TB
H: 9
L: 8
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 1
R: 4
S: 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BOS
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 10</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: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 8
L: 10
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@BAL
H: 5
L: 8
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 2
L: 6
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 9
L: 8
R: 9
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@TEX
H: 1
L: 4
R: 1
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
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 3
L: 8
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>OAK
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 6
L: 7
R: 4
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 3
L: 1
R: 5
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
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
6 home
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 3
L: 2
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 6
L: 5
R: 6
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SEA
H: 2
L: 1
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAA
H: 2
L: 2
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>6 total
3 home
3 vs. L
3 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 8
L: 10
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 5
L: 8
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>TOR
H: 10
L: 3
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 3
L: 7
R: 1
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SEA
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
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: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 2
L: 3
R: 2
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 2
L: 2
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 6
L: 6
R: 5
S: 9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAA
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 6
L: 8
R: 5
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 8
L: 7
R: 10
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>BAL
H: 1
L: 2
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
3 home
1 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 9
R: 6
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 7
L: 8
R: 5
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIN
H: 6
L: 1
R: 9
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 6
L: 10
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYY
H: 6
L: 10
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
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: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 2
L: 1
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@DET
H: 6
L: 4
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 8
L: 8
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CLE
H: 4
L: 9
R: 1
S: 5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

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</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: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 7
L: 6
R: 7
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>KC
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
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
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 10
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 7
L: 10
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYY
H: 9
L: 8
R: 9
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 6
L: 7
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CHW
H: 5
L: 6
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
0 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL-2
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 4
L: 1
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
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>5 total
3 home
0 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 2
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 6
L: 10
R: 1
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PIT
H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 10
R: 1
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 2 </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: 10
L: 8
R: 10
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 8
L: 7
R: 8
S: 2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 5
L: 6
R: 4
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>NYM
H: 8
L: 9
R: 7
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 10
L: 10
R: 6
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 8
L: 6
R: 9
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PIT
H: 7
L: 1
R: 8
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
0 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: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@PHI
H: 8
L: 7
R: 9
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: 1
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 1
L: 2
R: 1
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 4
L: 4
R: 3
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@ATL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
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
7 home
2 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 8
L: 5
R: 9
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI-2
H: 9
L: 4
R: 10
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 6
L: 5
R: 7
S: 2</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></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: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 1
L: 1
R: 3
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SF
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@LAD
H: 2
L: 4
R: 1
S: 5</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
3 vs. L
2 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 2
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>LAD
H: 5
L: 10
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 6
L: 6
R: 6
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ARI
H: 8
L: 3
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>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>@HOU
H: 6
L: 8
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 4
L: 5
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@HOU
H: 7
L: 3
R: 9
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 6
L: 10
R: 2
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
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: 5
L: 2
R: 6
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 7
L: 1
R: 9
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 9
L: 10
R: 8
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>WAS
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></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: 4
L: 2
R: 5
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SF
H: 2
L: 2
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 6
R: 7
S: 5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 8
L: 8
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 2
L: 2
R: 2
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 3
L: 4
R: 3
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>PHI
H: 7
L: 6
R: 8
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
4 home
3 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 9
L: 7
R: 9
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 10
R: 2
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 7
R: 5
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
S: 2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>CIN
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 6
L: 2
R: 8
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@NYM
H: 7
L: 5
R: 7
S: 2</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
2 home
0 vs. L
5 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 2
L: 3
R: 1
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>ATL
H: 4
L: 6
R: 2
S: 6 </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></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 4
L: 5
R: 3
S: 4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@CHC
H: 5
L: 7
R: 4
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
0 home
1 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 6
L: 4
R: 6
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 5
L: 6
R: 5
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 8
L: 9
R: 8
S: 8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@SD
H: 1
L: 1
R: 1
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 3
L: 5
R: 1
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 7
L: 7
R: 7
S: 7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@COL
H: 6
L: 1
R: 8
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: 5
L: 2
R: 7
S: 1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 5
L: 4
R: 6
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 1
L: 1
R: 5
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>STL
H: 3
L: 2
R: 3
S: 1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 8
R: 7
S: 3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 4
L: 6
R: 3
S: 3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@WAS
H: 7
L: 1
R: 9
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: 5
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 5
L: 5
R: 5
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 7
L: 9
R: 6
S: 8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>FLA
H: 3
L: 3
R: 3
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 2
L: 2
R: 3
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 6
L: 3
R: 7
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
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
2 vs. L
4 vs. R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>H: 5
L: 3
R: 6
S: 6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 4
L: 3
R: 4
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 4
L: 3
R: 5
S: 6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>@MIL
H: 3
L: 6
R: 1
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 7
L: 1
R: 10
S: 7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 4
L: 4
R: 4
S: 5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" align=middle>SD
H: 7
L: 7
R: 6
S: 8</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

• Returning to the Rangers, Cruz and Hamilton are well worth immediate insertion into your fantasy lineup. Cruz is a .319/.386/.613 hitter with 36 home runs in 137 games at Rangers Ballpark since 2009, his slugging percentage and homers team bests, while Hamilton is a .320/.369/.593 hitter with 23 homers in 123 games there during that span. Their return should also create a ripple effect in the lineup; this team has .240/.314/.349 rates in the 14 games since Cruz's last appearance, while Rangers hitters not named Cruz or Hamilton combined for .260/.321/.491 rates in the 11 games in which both outfielders were simultaneously healthy. Their return hurts Endy Chavez and Craig Gentry, who had been filling in lately. However, it helps almost everyone else in a Rangers uniform.

• They might not have the majors' best hitting rating -- they're rated a "7" -- but the Detroit Tigers get my pick this week. As a team they've batted .259/.341/.417 with 14 home runs in 14 games since a 4-2 victory against the New York Yankees on May 3. They'll also battle nothing but right-handed starters in their seven-game week, a plus for left-handed Tigers hitters like Alex Avila, Brennan Boesch and Victor Martinez. Finally, that "10" rating for steals even makes the slow-starting Austin Jackson a strong fantasy option. Jackson, incidentally, is a .328/.368/.531 hitter in 16 games in May, so get him back in there … at least for this week.

• The Chicago Cubs' offense is beginning to pick up, the team ranking 11th in terms of runs per game (4.31) in May, but third in team OPS (.756) during the month. Slow-starting Carlos Pena is a big reason for that; he has .333/.470/.667 rates, five home runs and 12 RBIs in 16 games in May. Darwin Barney (.317/.343/.333 in 15 games) and Marlon Byrd (.355/.394/.532 in 16 games) have also been two recent standouts. Aramis Ramirez (.273/.322/.309 in 14 games) and Alfonso Soriano (.260/.315/.360 in 14 games) haven't, by comparison, but there's historically been no better cure for either than a series against the Pirates, the Cubs' weekend opponent. Ramirez is a lifetime .289/.373/.534 hitter with 22 home runs in 103 games against his former team, while Soriano is a .330/.380/.644 hitter with 21 home runs in 64 games against the Pirates.

• Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets is typically an intense rivalry, and so far this season, the Phillies have had the Mets' number; they've won four of six meetings, all at Citizens Bank Park, three of those scoring 10 or more runs. That said, the Mets actually have the higher team OPS during their all-time meetings at Citi Field, .721-.658, though the Phillies have scored more runs (63-61) and hit more home runs (17-13). Among the Phillies' Citi standouts: Ryan Howard has five homers and 13 RBIs in 15 games, while Raul Ibanez has three homers in 18 games. Also look to freshly promoted Domonic Brown as a deeper-league option; he was a .350/.431/.600 hitter in the minors and could provide a spark.

Weather report

Weatherproof games: Dodgers at Astros (3, Mon-Wed); Diamondbacks at Astros (3, Fri-Sun); White Sox at Blue Jays (4, Thu-Sun); Nationals at Brewers (3, Mon-Wed); Giants at Brewers (3, Fri-Sun); Yankees at Mariners (3, Fri-Sun); Indians at Rays (3, Fri-Sun).

Tristan's Week 8 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. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Tue-TB (Davis), Sun-BOS (Beckett)
2. Dan Haren (LAA) -- Tue-OAK (TBD), Sun-@MIN (Pavano)
3. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Mon-OAK (McCarthy), Sat-@MIN (Liriano)
4. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Mon-@HOU (Norris), Sun-FLA (Nolasco)
5. Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -- Mon-WAS (Gorzelanny), Sun-SF (Cain)
6. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Mon-CIN (Arroyo), Sat-@NYM (Pelfrey)
7. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Sat-NYY (Nova)
8. Matt Cain (SF) -- Tue-FLA (Nolasco), Sun-@MIL (Gallardo)
9. Roy Halladay (PHI) -- Wed-CIN (Wood)
10. Josh Beckett (BOS) -- Tue-@CLE (Carmona), Sun-@DET (Verlander)
11. Josh Johnson (FLA) -- Sat-@LAD (Kuroda)
12. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Tue-@PIT (Morton), Sun-CIN (Cueto)
13. Tommy Hanson (ATL) -- Fri-CIN (Volquez)
14. Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Fri-@MIL (Marcum)
15. David Price (TB) -- Fri-CLE (Tomlin)
16. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Mon-@CLE (Masterson), Sat-@DET (Coke)
17. Cliff Lee (PHI) -- Thu-CIN (Bailey)
18. Jon Lester (BOS) -- Wed-@CLE (White)
19. Shaun Marcum (MIL) -- Fri-SF (Lincecum)
20. Ricky Nolasco (FLA) -- Tue-@SF (Cain), Sun-@LAD (Kershaw)
21. Zack Greinke (MIL) -- Wed-WAS (Marquis)
22. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Tue-TOR (Romero)
23. Anibal Sanchez (FLA) -- Thu-@SF (Vogelsong)
24. Jeremy Hellickson (TB) -- Mon-@DET (Coke), Sun-CLE (Masterson)
25. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) -- Tue-ARI, Gm. 2 (Collmenter)
26. Zach Britton (BAL) -- Tue-KC (Duffy), Sun-@OAK (TBD)
27. Tim Hudson (ATL) -- Wed-@PIT (McDonald)
28. Jaime Garcia (STL) -- Sat-@COL (TBD)
29. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Tue-@PHI (Blanton), Sun-@ATL (Jurrjens)
30. Chad Billingsley (LAD) -- Tue-@HOU (Happ)
31. Michael Pineda (SEA) -- Fri-NYY (Burnett)
32. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Tue-@NYY (Sabathia), Sun-CHW (Danks)
33. Daniel Hudson (ARI) -- Fri-@HOU (Myers)
34. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-NYM (Niese), Sun-PIT (Maholm)
35. Gio Gonzalez (OAK) -- Fri-BAL (Guthrie)
36. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Fri-KC (Adcock)
37. Alexi Ogando (TEX) -- Mon-CHW (Danks), Sun-KC (Duffy)
38. Trevor Cahill (OAK) -- Wed-@LAA (Santana)
39. Matt Garza (CHC) -- Sat-PIT (Correia)
40. Max Scherzer (DET) -- Thu-BOS (Aceves)
41. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Wed-FLA (Volstad)
42. James Shields (TB) -- Sat-CLE (Carrasco)
43. Kyle McClellan (STL) -- Tue-@SD (Harang)
44. Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) -- Sat-FLA (Johnson)
45. Bud Norris (HOU) -- Mon-LAD (Kershaw), Sun-ARI (Saunders)
46. Mat Latos (SD) -- Wed-STL (Carpenter)
47. Roy Oswalt (PHI) -- Fri-@NYM (Capuano)
48. Ian Kennedy (ARI) -- Wed-@COL (Hammel)
49. Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Sat-ARI (TBD)
50. Brandon Morrow (TOR) -- Thu-CHW (Humber)
51. Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Fri-STL (Westbrook)
52. Jorge De La Rosa (COL) -- Tue-ARI, Gm. 1 (Saunders), Sun-STL (Lohse)
53. Homer Bailey (CIN) -- Thu-@PHI (Lee)
54. Bartolo Colon (NYY) -- Mon-TOR (Litsch), Sun-@SEA (Vargas)
55. A.J. Burnett (NYY) -- Fri-@SEA (Pineda)
56. Kyle Lohse (STL) -- Mon-@SD (Moseley), Sun-@COL (De La Rosa)
57. Chris Carpenter (STL) -- Wed-@SD (Latos)
58. Justin Masterson (CLE) -- Mon-BOS (Buchholz), Sun-@TB (Hellickson)
59. Brett Anderson (OAK) -- Thu-@LAA (Pineiro)
60. Ted Lilly (LAD) -- Wed-@HOU (Rodriguez)
61. Jonathan Sanchez (SF) -- Sat-@MIL (Wolf)
62. John Danks (CHW) -- Mon-@TEX (Ogando), Sun-@TOR (Romero)
63. Jake Peavy (CHW) -- Tue-@TEX (Holland)
64. Jason Vargas (SEA) -- Mon-@MIN (Pavano), Sun-NYY (Colon)
65. C.J. Wilson (TEX) -- Wed-CHW (Floyd)
66. Francisco Liriano (MIN) -- Sat-LAA (Weaver)
67. Brandon McCarthy (OAK) -- Mon-@LAA (Weaver), Sat-BAL (Tillman)
68. Joel Pineiro (LAA) -- Thu-OAK (Anderson)
69. Tim Stauffer (SD) -- Sat-@WAS (Zimmermann)
70. Derek Lowe (ATL) -- Sat-CIN (Arroyo)
71. Erik Bedard (SEA) -- Wed-@MIN (Duensing)
72. Ervin Santana (LAA) -- Wed-OAK (Cahill)
73. Scott Baker (MIN) -- Fri-LAA (Chatwood)
74. Carlos Zambrano (CHC) -- Fri-PIT (Karstens)
75. Chris Narveson (MIL) -- Tue-WAS (Hernandez)

Two-start options for AL-/NL-only leagues:
Bronson Arroyo (CIN) -- Mon-@PHI (Hamels), Sat-@ATL (Lowe)
Phil Coke (DET) -- Mon-TB (Hellickson), Sat-BOS (Buchholz)
Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) -- Mon-@MIL (Gallardo), Sun-SD (Moseley)
Dustin Moseley (SD) -- Mon-STL (Lohse), Sun-@WAS (Gorzelanny)
Jonathon Niese (NYM) -- Tue-@CHC (Dempster), Sun-PHI (Blanton)
Carl Pavano (MIN) -- Mon-SEA (Vargas), Sun-LAA (Haren)

No-thank-yous, among two-starts:
Joe Blanton (PHI) -- Tue-CIN (Cueto), Sun-@NYM (Niese)
Danny Duffy (KC) -- Tue-@BAL (Britton), Sun-@TEX (Ogando)
Jesse Litsch (TOR) -- Mon-@NYY (Colon), Sat-CHW (Jackson)
Joe Saunders (ARI) -- Tue-@COL, Gm. 1 (De La Rosa), Sun-@HOU (Norris)

One-start sleepers:
Jake Arrieta (BAL) -- Thu-KC (Francis)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Tue-SEA (Fister)
Brian Duensing (MIN) -- Wed-SEA (Bedard)
Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) -- Fri-@OAK (Gonzalez)
J.A. Happ (HOU) -- Tue-LAD (Billingsley)
Charlie Morton (PIT) -- Tue-ATL (Jurrjens)
James McDonald (PIT) -- Wed-ATL (Hudson)
Ivan Nova (NYY) -- Sat-@SEA (Hernandez)
Brad Penny (DET) -- Wed-TB (Sonnanstine)
Ryan Vogelsong (SF) -- Thu-FLA (Sanchez)
Randy Wolf (MIL) -- Sat-SF (Sanchez)
Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Sat-SD (Stauffer)

HacheMan · May 20, 2011

How productive will Domonic Brown be?

Eric Karabell

Early Friday afternoon, I replied to a tweet (I'm @karabellespn) about the viability of Philadelphia Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. With Shane Victorino hitting the disabled list, Jayson Werth now hitting for the Washington Nationals (though not as well as most thought), Ben Francisco hitting the bench and Raul Ibanez seemingly hitting for, well, the local nursing-home team, I tweeted that Mayberry was actually the team's top active outfielder, and thought about how scary that was. Then I went out for a nice, leisurely jog.

By the time I returned a few hours later, the situation had changed.
A year ago, Domonic Brown was viewed in both the fantasy and real baseball communities as a can't-miss prospect, someone capable of hitting for power, stealing bases and thriving defensively, a true five-tool star in the making. And then the Phillies, in the midst of the 2010 pennant race, called him up from Triple-A, generally let him languish on the bench, and of course he didn't hit. Then he struggled in winter ball. Then he broke the hamate bone in his hand in spring training and didn't make the Phillies.

Well, he has made the Phillies now; on Friday, the team promoted him from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he was hitting .341 with a .968 OPS, with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 11 games. Sure, this could be read as a panic move by the team with the National League's best record, as Brown is unproven at this level. But the team doesn't have strong options in the outfield right now, and the once-feared offensive team ranks 21st in runs scored. Why not give the kid a chance and see what happens? Victorino is out a few weeks, Francisco has had his chance and it's a good bet Mayberry and fill-in center fielder Michael Martinez will be overwhelmed as everyday players.
Granted, Brown might be overwhelmed, as well. It's something all prospects need to deal with, and some overcome it. We just don't know whether Brown can handle this. I have concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at this level, especially against left-handed pitching, and stay healthy, which has clearly been an issue. However, as excited as most people seemed to be about Brown a year ago, people might be assuming he's not a special prospect now because of what happened after his 2010 promotion. Don't go there; this guy is going to be good, really good, but like all 23-year-olds, there will be an adjustment period. For Eric Hosmer it lasted all of one at-bat. For Matt LaPorta, it took years. Brown is currently owned in 3 percent of ESPN standard leagues. Don't wait on him, because by Monday that number could be more than 50 percent.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel should play Brown regularly, at least against right-handed pitching, in right field and see what happens. I suspect he'll bat him sixth, at best, after first baseman Ryan Howard and Ibanez, and perhaps after Mayberry. Brown could also bat second; he takes pitches and has base-stealing speed. Make no mistake, though, the pressure is on. Manuel could platoon him against southpaw pitchers with right-hander Francisco, but Francisco is hitting .216, and .189 with a .512 OPS against lefties. I think Manuel really likes switch-hitting, Rule 5 pick Martinez in center field, and Mayberry will play right field against the likes of Friday's opposing starter, Texas Rangers lefty C.J. Wilson.
In terms of 2011 statistical projections, ESPN Fantasy gave Brown 297 at-bats this season (roughly half a season), and expected 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, eight stolen bases and a .259 batting average. Those numbers look really good, perhaps a bit optimistic, actually. They would make Brown an easy top-50 outfielder even in standard (10-team) leagues, and obviously there's the lure of considerable upside. That projection was low on at-bats only because Brown had broken his hamate bone before the season; I think a reasonable full-season projection would have been 22 home runs, 75 RBIs and a similar batting average. And that's on the low end. If you're putting up with the likes of Ibanez, Francisco, Jonny Gomes, Nate McLouth, Peter Bourjos, Brad Hawpe, Cody Ross and J.D. Drew, all of whom are owned in more leagues, replace them with Brown immediately. I'd also consider cutting underachievers Denard Span, Jason Bay, Michael Cuddyer, Luke Scott, Aubrey Huff, Garrett Jones, Ryan Ludwick, Omar Infante and Ryan Raburn. Regardless, find a bench spot for Brown. Just one day ago, colleague Jason Grey ranked Brown as his No. 2 prospect for the rest of the 2011 season. I buy that, and so should you.

HacheMan · May 22, 2011

Marquis, Karstens Not Devine
A look at pitching injuries, pitchers to ignore and more in this week's Week That Was.

Jason Marquis: Jason Marquis was, well, Jason Marquis last night. The Nat righty allowed five runs and 11 baserunners in just four innings. To jump right to the end: Sell! Sell while Marquis has a pretty 5-1 record. Sell while his ERA is 4.08 not 5+ (which wouldn't surprise this writer). Just do it. What, you want more than my say so. Odd, but ok, here goes. He has never struck out more than 138 in a season (and has topped 100 in only 3 of 12 major league seasons), has posted an ERA under 4.50 only once in the last 5 years, and has only posted a WHIP under 1.40 once in the last 5 years. The bottom line is that Jason is a guy to own only in bottom of the ocean deep NL leagues. That the Nats paid big bucks is no reason for you to do so too.

Jeff Karstens: Sticking with pitchers to avoid, Jeff Karstens tossed six innings of one-run, three hit ball Friday giving owners the perfect opportunity to sell high. Yes, Karstens has a 3.32 ERA and 33/11 K/BB over 43 1/3 innings thus far. However, he is 28 and has provided no reason to believe this is going to hold. His three year averages for 08-10 were 4.98 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and a strikeout rate under 5 per 9. Yes, my view is colored by watching him soft toss for the Yankees and getting batted around but the last three years hardly provide reason for optimism. You have been warned.

Mark Trumbo: Ok, some good news. Angel 1B Mark Trumbo went 3-4 with his 7th tater of the year last night. With Kendrys Morales out for the year, Trumbo is here to stay. Last year in AAA, he hit .301 with 36 jacks. Yes, it was the hitter friendly PCL, but those are some gaudy stats. This year in the show, he is hitting a respectable .262 with 21 RBI and 3 SB to go with those 7 HR. Hold on to Mark and by the end of the year, you should have 22-25 HR, 80 RBI and 8-10 SB. Not too shabby for the buck or two he should have cost in March. Hold.

Vladimir Guerrero: Vladimir Guerrero continues to hit. Last night VGu went 2-5, raising his average to .306. Yes, I know he never walks and has not even seen a pitchout he doesn't like. However, there are some guys who can produce without walking. Over the last three years, Vlad has averaged only 35 BB a season (or less than 6 per month), yet he has also averaged 24 HR, 85 RBI and a .300 batting average. So, the moral of the story is simple. If there is a Vlad owner in your league reading the "he can't walk" stuff, stoke that fear and get a solid bat at a cheap price.

Anibal Sanchez: Anibal Sanchez continues to pitch well. Last night the Fish hurler struck out six over seven innings in win over the f/k/a Devil Rays. Thus far this year, Sanchez has posted a 3.02 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Yes, he can throw the occasional stinker, but all signs point to his arrival as a rotation stalwart. He has had an ERA under 4.00 each of the last two years and looks to be headed toward gaudy 3.50 or lower territory. At 27, Anibal is here to stay. Buy now if you still can.

Travis Hafner: The oblique epidemic has claimed Travis Hafner, who will be out at least 3-4 weeks. Tough break for the Tribe, for Pronk and for the Pronk owners. Yes, he is always hurt, but he seemed to be back on track this year, with his.345 average. If you own Hafner, you had to expect DL time, so do not whine. If you are thinking that you should go out and grab Shelly Duncan, well that is a great idea if your team needs a hitter who cannot hit righties. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

Joey Devine: From hurt to surprisingly not hurt. The Athletics called up Joey Devine to help fortify their beleaguered staff (see below). Devine is a great buying opportunity for those in deep AL leagues. So far in AAA, he has been lights out, throwing 12+ scoreless innings with 17 K and only 1 BB. At just 27 with major league success under his belt and nasty stuff when healthy, Devine could be just that.

Brandon McCarthy: Brandon McCarthy landed on the DL with right shoulder woes. Tough break for Brandon and the A's as he was finally showing why he was so highly touted. Thus far this year, McCarthy was taking advantage of the A's cavernous home park with a 3.39 ERA and 37/10 K/BB ratio over his first nine starts. Replacement options discussed below.

Tyson Ross: Joining McCarthy on the shelf will be teammate Tyson Ross, who succumbed to the dreaded oblique strain. The A's have to feel snake bit. Ross was also humming this year, by posting a 2.75 ERA over his first 36 innings this season. So, what to do now? The three names being bandied about are Josh Outman, Bobby Cramer and Guillermo Moscoso. Outman has been bad this year in AAA (4.78 ERA). However, Outman did post a 3.49 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 67 innings with the A's last year, so there are hopeful signs. Cramer is already 31 and has only 27 major league innings under his belt. That does not speak to hidden talent. Finally, Moscoso has struggled in the minors over the last couple of years. Bottom line, there is not much gold to mine in the replacements for McCarthy, Braden and Ross other than a flyer on Outman (though I would reserve him first if I could).

Domonic Brown: Domonic Brown has finally made the show in 2011. Brown returned from the DL just in time to swap places with Shane Victorino. DBrown was on fire in AAA, hitting .341. With Ibanez struggling and nearing 40, Victorino on the shelf and Ben Francisco skating toward the Mendoza line, there is huge opportunity for Brown. Buy.

And last, but not least, Schultz says: "With Interleague play upon us and Memorial Day around the corner, there's enough evidence to start a discussion on which sleepers have awakened and which others have remained in hibernation.

If someone were to tell you that at this time of the year, the Marlins leading hitter had 7 HR, 27 RBIs and was hitting .311, you would probably ask why they weren't telling you how many stolen bases Hanley Ramirez has. On a team where the breakout star of 2011 was supposed to be either Mike Stanton or Logan Morrison, first baseman Gaby Sanchez has emerged as the Marlins most dependable and productive hitter. In his rookie campaign, Sanchez put up solid numbers, getting his name thrown in the hat for Rookie of the Year, and in his sophomore season he seems to be avoiding the slump that besets many second year stars. With the mighty talent at 1B, Sanchez doesn't get discussed much. For that reason, he comes cheap and delivers well above his cost.

Does anyone remember that Cliff Lee spent the first half of last year in a Mariners' uniform? With all the Texas Rangers post-season hoopla, his spurning of the Yankees and becoming one of the Phillies' Four Horsemen, Lee's Seattle stay is but a distant memory. His time there is reaping benefits for the Mariners in form of Justin Smoak. Time and time again, I remind people to keep an eye on the centerpieces of high-profile trading deadline deals as they tend to be talented prospects. In Cleveland, the first place Indians are receiving substantial contributions from Michael Brantley, Matt LaPorta and Justin Masterson who were part of the return for CC Sabathia and Victor Martinez. In Seattle, after a year or so of struggling, Justin Smoak seems to be ready to break out as the switch-hitting Smoak monster no longer seems lost at the plate. His overall numbers aren't overly impressive right now but they should soon be on the rise. Temper expectations due to the lineup he's hitting amidst and like Cheech & Chong, be up with Smoak.

Another sleeper may be starting to stir in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen. With Jonathan Broxton out, Hong Chih-Kuo on a psychiatrist's coach and Vicente Padilla nursing a surgically repaired forearm, the stage is set for Kenley Jansen to emerge for these ashes and claim his rightful role as the Dodgers once and future closer. Ignore Jansen's ugly ERA and WHIP numbers for the time being as they are inflated by a couple poor outings at the beginning of the season. In his last 9 innings, Jansen has given up 3 hits and struck out 14. The only thing holding Jansen back are the number of walks he's issued but those haven't killed him. Over those last 9 innings, he hasn't let in a run and has notched up a win and a save. The future may be here soon for Jansen.

Swinging the pendulum in the other direction, I've never owned a pet but I'm imagining that having Chipper Jones on your rotisserie baseball team is analogous to having an aging dog on its last legs. When healthy, Jones is a solid source of production at 3B, he's frisky, playful, loyal and dependable. However, as anyone who has played this game with any seriousness knows, time with Chipper is usually short and you should enjoy the remaining time you have together. If you own Jones, his recent knee problems should not have come as any surprise to you and had you engaged in proper roto-fiscal planning, you should already have a substitute waiting in the wings. The main problem with Jones isn't his propensity for injury, its that they are usually minor issues that place him in the day-to-day category. For leagues with daily transactions, this ties to you to the computer every afternoon to ascertain whether he's active. For weekly leagues, you have to wager whether he can play a full week. With Chipper Jones, comes great responsibility . . . and you can't flush him down the toilet when you're done with him."

Response: Great points about the prospects at the center of trades but the "smoak monster" and chipper as old dog are a little odd. I agree that Jansen is the closer of the future but I think that there will be 5 Dodgers who get saves from now until October.

Final thought: I hear a lot about my Yankee fandom. Well, you are what you are. However, I have to say here and now, to be heard far and wide, that the Yankees need a real leadoff hitter. Someone who can get on base, steal a base and who will allow DJ to hit 2, Grandy to hit 6 or 7 and drive in runs and who will keep Gardner at 9. One cannot wait for the three run homer all the time! Brian – go get one!

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Mixed Notes: Waiting On Lawrie
I'm combining the two notes columns this week. AL first, followed by the NL.

The Blue Jays and Mariners are among the teams that appear to be looking forward to the soft June 1 "deadline" for calling up prospects and ensuring that they won't be super-two arbitration eligible.

Brett Lawrie is currently hitting .337/.395/.607 with nine homers and 32 RBI for Triple-A Las Vegas. And while Las Vegas is a hitter's paradise, he's actually doing even better in road games, having hit .372/.430/.615. Defense is definitely an issue, as Lawrie is still working on making the transition from second base to third, but after an early binge of errors, he's committed just two over the last month. He won't be John McDonald at the hot corner, but he's probably already an upgrade over Edwin Encarnacion.

Dustin Ackley struggled in April, but he's batting .342/.442/.570 with four homers and an 8/15 K/BB ratio in 19 games this month. His hot streak led to speculation that he could get the call last week, but the Mariners decided to hold off. The Mariners will take quite a hit defensively when they make the switch from Jack Wilson to Ackley at second base and there's reason to believe Ackley won't last at second for the long haul. Still, the Mariners offense badly needs a lift and Ackley should provide it. He's showing 15-homer power, he's hitting lefties well and he possesses the on-base skills to be an asset in between Ichiro Suzuki and Justin Smoak in the lineup.

My guess is that both will debut in a couple of weeks. I'm skeptical that Ackley will be an asset in mixed leagues right away -- playing for the Mariners doesn't make for good run and RBI numbers -- but Lawrie will be worth taking a chance on in shallow formats, especially in those leagues in which he still has second base eligibility.

American League Notes

- There's no June 1 deadline for the Rays and Desmond Jennings. Since Jennings spent last September in the majors, the Rays would have to wait until July to recall him if they want to prevent him from becoming super-two eligible. I think they'll make the switch earlier unless he goes into a slump. Jennings is batting .333/.417/.619 with four homers in May. He's at .289/.398/.487 for the year, and he's 9-for-9 stealing bases. Sam Fuld's days as a starter should be winding down.

- Danny Duffy was too wild to pick up a win in his major league debut, but there's an awful lot to like here. The 22-year-old is one of the game's hardest throwing lefties, and his curve is a strikeout pitch against lefties and righties alike. While he walked six in four innings in his start against Texas, he totaled just 10 free passes in 36 innings for Triple-A Omaha prior to his callup. There's a real chance he'll be the Royals' best pitcher right away. I don't know whether that will give him value in mixed leagues -- it's best to take a wait-and-see approach -- but he's well worth grabbing in AL-only leagues.

- It appears that the Rangers will activate both Josh Hamilton (arm) and Nelson Cruz (quad) from the DL on Monday. Outfielder Craig Gentry and catcher Taylor Teagarden likely will be demoted to make room. With Hamilton in particular expected to get some DH time initially, the Rangers are giving Michael Young a crash course in the outfield. Mike Napoli and David Murphy are due to lose some playing time.

- Frank Francisco is struggling, and with Jon Rauch in the midst of a second straight bad outing, the Blue Jays turned to Octavio Dotel to close out Saturday's win over the Astros. The Jays clearly prefer Francisco in the closer's role, but he gave up three runs in a loss Friday, leaving him with a 5.56 ERA in 11 1/3 innings since he came off the DL. I wouldn't count on Dotel picking up any additional saves. Jason Frasor actually looks like the Jays' best reliever right now, but at the moment, Francisco and Rauch are the relievers worth owning in mixed leagues. Maybe it will be time to give Frasor a try if Francisco blows another opportunity this week.

- When I wrote last week about Jordan Danks and Dayan Viciedo being possibilities to take over for Juan Pierre, I neglected to even mention Brent Lillibridge's name. Lillibridge was a horrible hitter in parts of three major league seasons entering 2011 (.194/.254/.297 with 85 strikeouts in 273 at-bats), but he's at .325/.417/.650 in 40 at-bats this season. I think it's pretty obviously a fluke, but if the White Sox do decide to sit Pierre -- and they most certainly should -- then Lillibridge is just as worthy of a shot as the other candidates.

- The Angels aren't expecting Vernon Wells back from his strained groin this week. Howie Kendrick will continue to play left field. I still don't imagine we'll see Mike Trout at any point before September.

- Jordan Walden blew his fourth save last week, but he's bounced back with a couple of scoreless innings in non-save situations since. If the Angels are forced to make a switch in the closer's role, it will be to Scott Downs. As well as Downs has pitched, he makes for a pretty good pickup in mixed leagues.

- It doesn't look like Brian Roberts will return from his concussion Tuesday, leaving the Orioles without their left side of the infield. Robert Andino will continue to fill in at second base. With Luke Scott having shifted to first in place of Derrek Lee (oblique) Felix Pie should prove to be a solid option in AL-only leagues for the next couple of weeks. The newly recalled Brandon Snyder doesn't figure to have any fantasy value while getting the occasional start against lefties. Nolan Reimold will also play against southpaws.

- Even though Brian Matusz (back) pitched six scoreless innings for Double-A Bowie on Saturday, the Orioles are leaning towards having him make one more rehab start rather than activating him to face the Royals on Thursday.

- Both Alfredo Aceves and Tim Wakefield should have value in AL-only leagues while filling in for John Lackey (elbow) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) in the Boston rotation. I like Aceves as the better option. It's possible the Red Sox will return him to the bullpen in a few weeks and give Kevin Millwood a try, but that's hardly worth worrying about at the moment.

- Grady Sizemore (knee) is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, and now that the Indians have the DH spot available for him, it's more likely that he will return then. AL-only leaguers can take a chance and activate him.

- The DH spot is open because Travis Hafner figures to miss at least three weeks with a strained oblique. Shelley Duncan would be the obvious choice to take over there, but he's been slumping badly this month. The Indians just have to hope someone gets hot from the group of Duncan, Austin Kearns and Travis Buck. Buck played the hero Saturday, hitting a two-run homer to give the Indians all of their runs in a win over the Reds, but going into the day, the trio has combined for one homer in 155 at-bats. I'd give Buck the current edge in AL-only leagues, largely because he's the left-handed hitter.

- Alex White's finger injury was another blow, but he was expected to be replaced by the returning Mitch Talbot in Cleveland's rotation anyway. Talbot, who missed a month with a strained elbow, allowed three runs over nine innings in two starts with Triple-A Columbus. He's not recommended in AL-only leagues.

- The Twins will activate both Jim Thome (oblique) and Jason Repko (quad) prior to Monday's game. Some may call for them to start DHing Thome regularly and put Jason Kubel in left field, but I doubt they'll go that route. As frustrating as the Delmon Young experience has been lately, the Twins badly need to get him going.

- The A's had to one-up me. Last week I looked at who they'd go to if they lost another starting pitcher. So, of course, they put two on the disabled list. Guillermo Moscoso figures to step in to one of the openings created by the injuries to Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) and Tyson Ross (oblique). He has a 4.02 ERA for Sacramento, but he also has a 43/13 K/BB ratio and he's allowed just one homer in 40 1/3 innings. With Bobby Cramer nursing an oblique strain of his own, the other pick could come from a group that includes Graham Godfrey, Josh Outman and Travis Banwart. Outman has been struggling with his command since returning from Tommy John surgery, and I think Godfrey will probably be the choice. Alternatively, they could try moving reliever David Purcey back to the rotation. Right now, I think Moscoso is the only one worth picking up in AL-only leagues.

- Andrew Bailey (forearm) made his first rehab appearance Friday, pitching a perfect inning for Triple-A Sacramento. He should be back in a week.

- With Reid Brignac on the bereavement list, the speedy Elliot Johnson should be worth playing in AL-only leagues this week.

National League Notes

- After going four weeks without a homer, Albert Pujols might be a viable buy-low candidate. I'm not sure that I'll have him No. 1 overall again when the June rankings come out, but he'll definitely be in the top five, even with the power outage. I think there's probably some truth to the idea that Pujols has his contract on his mind. Still, it's hard to imagine such a massive talent struggling for six months or even three. He's not striking out any more than usual, and while he is hitting more grounders -- as the league-leading 13 double-play balls attest -- it's not an overwhelming spike. I'd trust him to hit 25 homers and drive in 80 runs over the rest of the season.

- The closer's role in St. Louis now belongs to Fernando Salas after he saved three games and won another last week. Salas can't match the fastballs of Mitchell Boggs, Eduardo Sanchez or Jason Motte, but he has good command and a quality slider, plus his vulnerability to the home run ball is a lesser issue in a big ballpark like Busch Stadium. Don't pencil him in for 25 saves just yet, but I do like him and he might well be the most trustworthy of the Cardinals relievers.

- What makes Bud Norris' strong start all the more encouraging is that he's actually giving up more hits and homers than one would expect given his other numbers (most notably, his strikeout rate of 10.5 per nine innings). Still, I remain somewhat skeptical, mostly because he's a two-pitch pitcher with an unexceptional fastball. Norris still hasn't come up with a decent change, and his 91-95 mph heater doesn't have a lot of movement. His slider has always been great and his command has improved considerably, but I don't think he'll remain useful in mixed leagues all season long.

- With Shane Victorino (quad) on the DL, the Phillies brought Domonic Brown back to the majors. Brown should be up to stay if he hits, and he could steal the right-field job away from Ben Francisco. It's probably time to drop Francisco in mixed leagues. Brown isn't a great add in shallow formats yet, but the power is there for him to hit 15-18 homers over the rest of the season.

- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel confirmed that Ryan Madson would remain in the closer's role following the return of Jose Contreras this week. No surprise there.

- Chase Utley is expected to be activated Monday. He'll probably do a lot of sitting against left-handers initially, but mixed leaguers will certainly want him active right away. Wilson Valdez will lose most of his at-bats.

- Rafael Furcal (thumb) is back as the Dodgers' starting shortstop, and Casey Blake (elbow) could return Friday. That was supposed to force the team to decide whether it's worth sticking with Juan Uribe as an everyday player or if it's time to turn him into a utilityman, but Uribe was placed on the DL with an abdominal strain, making room for Furcal. Uribe is hitting just .220/.293/.333, while Jamey Carroll is at .318/.373/.382 and is the closest thing the Dodgers have to a No. 2 hitter. Carroll should get most of the starts at second base for now. I don't really expect manager Don Mattingly to bench Uribe in the first year of a three-year, $21 million deal, but it'd be the right move.

- With Vicente Padilla on the DL due to a strained forearm, the Dodgers are looking at Matt Guerrier, Mike MacDougal and Kenley Jansen as save candidates. Guerrier and MacDougal both picked up single saves last week, but Jansen is the one that could run away with the job and it'd be best for the Dodgers if he does. He hasn't allowed a run in six innings since returning to the majors, and while his command is spotty, he's certainly no worse there than MacDougal. I think Guerrier is probably the slight favorite for saves at the moment, but Jansen is the one I'd rather own.

- Jordan Zimmermann is still floating around unowned in some mixed leagues, and I don't like it. He's throwing 91-95 mph, the bite on his slider is back and he could easily have a 3.00 ERA right now instead of one slightly over 4.00. In fact, his FIP is 2.68. It's doubtful that Zimmermann will suddenly start racking up a bunch of wins, but I see him being a nice asset in the other categories.

- The Braves' Craig Kimbrel bought himself some more time by picking up a save in a 12-inning game Saturday against the Angels. Manager Fredi Gonzalez is a big fan of set roles, and he pretty obviously doesn't want to make the switch to Jonny Venters unless he has no other choice. Besides, Venters has been extremely valuable as a setup man so far. The Braves likely are better off with Venters occasionally pitching two innings in tight games and Kimbrel handling the leads in the ninth.

- Zack Greinke has had just one quality start in four tries since coming off the DL, but look at the outstanding 29/2 K/BB ratio in 21 innings and not the 6.43 ERA. He makes for a fine trade target.

- It looks like Reds manager Dusty Baker is finally coming around to the fact that Jonny Gomes isn't a great option as an everyday left fielder. Unfortunately, that's still not necessarily great news for Chris Heisey owners. Gomes is an asset against left-handed pitching, and Heisey, a right-handed hitter, might be a weaker complement for him than the lefty swinging Fred Lewis. Lewis is worth grabbing in any NL-only leagues in which he's unowned.

- I'm not expecting anything to come of the FOXSports.com report regarding the Rangers asking the Pirates about Joel Hanrahan. In need of the fan support, the Pirates need to hang around the .500 range for as long as they can. They're certainly not going to trade him now, and if he's still succeeding in the closer's role, I doubt they'll move him in July. Perhaps that would change if Evan Meek recovers from his shoulder problems and resumes throwing like he did last year. He's expected back from the DL this week. As is, the Pirates' fallback in the closer's role is Jose Veras.

- The Pirates did the right thing this time and put Pedro Alvarez on the DL with his quad injury. They need to leave him in Triple-A for at least 10 days before they consider bringing him back. Alvarez wasn't hitting at all anyway, so Brandon Wood should be an upgrade at third base for the club. Even if he's just as bad offensively, he is the better defender.

- The Diamondbacks brought back Micah Owings to replace Armando Galarraga in the rotation last week, but that's going to be a short-term situation. Zach Duke (hand) could step in after making one more rehab start Monday.

- There's enough concern about Jason Heyward's shoulder that mixed leaguers might want to sit him down this week. The Braves would have been better off placing him on the DL in the first place.

- If Marlon Byrd goes on the DL after being hit in the face by a pitch Friday, the Cubs could bring Tyler Colvin right back to the majors. That's not an ideal option, but there aren't a lot of alternatives. Fernando Perez has struggled in Triple-A, and Lou Montanez isn't a center fielder. I'd love to see what Brett Jackson could do, but the top prospect has been out the last 10 days with a finger injury.

- Randy Wells (elbow) is expected to return to the rotation against the Pirates next weekend. NL-only leaguers will want him active.

- The Marlins are turning to converted reliever Jay Buente to replace Josh Johnson (shoulder) in the rotation. I wrote about Buente last week as the top candidate to replace Javier Vazquez, and he still might claim Vazquez's spot if he pitches well while Johnson is out. He's not worthy of an immediate pickup, but NL-only leagues should keep an eye on him.

- Angel Pagan (oblique) is expected to rejoin the Mets next weekend, but Ike Davis (ankle) no longer appears likely to return when eligible.

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Chase Utley's Big Return
The door in the doctor's office lets people in, and it lets people out. Sometimes you're on your way in for surgery, and sometimes your on your way out, cleared for action. Watching those comings and goings is one of our tasks if we are going to dominate our fantasy leagues.

This weekend saw some news about potentially big returns from the disabled list. Chase Utley, one of the bigger injury losses of the young year, is already back on the Phillies' official roster. He played well enough on his rehab stint that he should go directly into your starting lineup. Joe Mauer is going to test his legs and play his first live baseball early this week - extended spring training. The Rangers are on track to get both Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz back from their respective ailments Monday, and not a moment too soon for many owners. Aroldis Chapman may have spotted some mechanical issue while he was out and will begin a rehab appearance Monday. Lance Berkman may be destined for more ouchies while running around in that St. Louis outfield, but he returned Saturday from his latest (a strained wrist from a diving catch). Jim Thome (back) also returned to give his owners the strikeouts and power they were missing. Franklin Gutierrez may not feel like a big return, but his pinch-hit single Sunday shows that he's on his way back. He can provide some speed in deeper leagues. Oh, and Rafael Furcal is back!

Baseball did lose a couple stars to injury this weekend. Matt Holliday re-aggravated his quad injury Sunday - so far he's out for precautionary reasons. The Braves finally gave up on precautionary missed games and sent Jason Heyward to the DL with shoulder soreness. It's just rotator cuff inflammation right now, but it's sad to see such a great player struggle with nagging injuries so far in his young career. Nate McLouth also left Sunday's game with a possible oblique injury, so it's about to get ugly in the Atlanta outfield. (Eric Hinske! Joe Mather!) Marlon Byrd was hit in the head by an Alfredo Aceves pitch Saturday and is dealing with multiple facial fractures. Being beaned in the face is no laughing matter. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Josh Johnson went on the DL with shoulder inflammation but might not be out too long. Matt Garza will see a doctor about elbow tightness. Uh-oh. Pedro Alvarez hit the DL with quad tightness. And, finally, how about Andre Ethier, who left Sunday's game for injuries to his right elbow, lower back, and left big toe after crashing into the outfield wall. None of the injuries should keep him out a long time, but a collection of problems that impressive probably will mean a missed game or two.

* We've got to watch that bullpen door, too. For every new closer that emerges, a struggling reliever returns to contemplate his failures. Brian Fuentes didn't allow many hits - just two singles to the shallow outfield hit by two seldom-used Giants' reserves - but he did blow the game and garner his third loss of the month. With Andrew Bailey making his second rehab appearance on Monday, Fuentes' run of usefulness is almost up. Joel Hanrahan has been dominant this year, and the Rangers noticed, making inquiries with the Pirates. Still, he's under team control until 2013 so he might cost too much. Everyone screwed up in Arizona Saturday as the Twins bullpen fell apart. Joe Nathan put a guy on, so did Glen Perkins, and then Matt Capps let em all in with a two singles, a double and a gram slam to Kelly Johnson. Joe Nathan might be creeping back in the race, but nothing changed over the weekend.

Fernando Salas, on the other hand, finished a four-save week with a save against the Royals on Sunday. His stuff isn't as exciting as some of the other Cardinals' relievers, but it's working now and he's the closer. Craig Kimbrel has nasty nasty stuff and his 12th-inning save against the Angels Saturday shows he has rope left. Ryan Madson, a month after being mocked by his manager and GM, is now being talked about as keeping the closer role even after the currently injured Brad Lidge and Jose Contreras return. Well, Madson was hit on the hand by a liner on Friday and was unavailable through the weekend. That's a small uh-oh. Jordan Walden had a poor stretch last week as he blew two save chances and made his owners worried, but after shutting the door on the Braves Sunday, he suddenly looks safe again.

* Young pitching is always so exciting, but owners have to be careful because adjustment periods are always uncomfortable. Gio Gonzalez held the Giants to one earned over 6 2/3 innings, and his eight strikeouts are the reason he's so exciting. But the Giants offense is only so-so, and though Gonzalez walked only two, it's the control that bears watching. If he can continue to limit the walks, he'll have a great year. Dan Hudson had some early-season struggles - his adjustment period - but his velocity is up and after limiting the twins to two earned over eight innings (with six strikeouts and no walks), it's clear that he's around to stay. Michael Pineda has been dominant all year, so of course he shut down the Padres. He amassed nine strikeouts in seven scoreless innings. Josh Tomlin, who kept the Reds to one run in seven innings Saturday, has an ERA that seems to belong in this group. He doesn't really have the underlying skills to support the number, though. Homer Bailey, the loser in the game Saturday, has more strikeout upside and is showing great control right now. He is more ownable.

With only 30 starts per year, though, it seems like a pitcher has to be around a while before we truly know them. Francisco Liriano had a great year last year, and at 27 he might be considered young, but this year has not been kind, no-hitter aside. On Sunday, he kept Arizona down (two runs in six innings), but only struck out four against four walks. The swinging strikes are still there, but the control and effectiveness are not. He might be a decent sell with a couple superficially good starts under his belt now. Ubaldo Jimenez was lights-out last year and can't find the plate this year. He's never had elite control, but he's back to walking more than one every two innings, which is unacceptable. Jimenez followed up last week's great start against the Giants with a complete-game loss to the Brewers on Sunday. Or, rather, two earned in eight innings sounds great, but four strikeouts against five free passes is not actually sweet. Add in the velocity Jimenez has lost, and you wonder if he's even a great buy-low. Watch the gun and the walks in his next few starts.

If we aren't sure what Liriano and Jimenez are, then we're definitely not sure what Tim Stauffer is. He hasn't won a game on the season, but the Padres' offense surely has something to do with that. Sunday, he struck out three and walked one and got 15 of his 17 balls in play on the ground, but also gave up ten hits and looked hittable in his third straight start. He's a cautious play in deeper leagues until we know more. Chris Tillman (five innings, two walks, four strikeouts and one run) had a good game against an NL team (Washington) playing both of their catchers in the lineup. His opponent, Jordan Zimmermann, struck out five and walked one. Though he gave up more runs than Tillman, Zimmermann (because of his strikeout-to-walk ratio) is the one that should be owned in all leagues. Rick Porcello may never be Justin Verlander, but his groundballs and improved control led him to eight scoreless innings against the Pirates. Also, Pittsburgh featured Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce at the corner infield spots. Mike Minor, who is up to make a start for Tim Hudson (back), is an exciting young left-handed prospect that has shown that he can strike out major league hitters and has strong control. Maybe Minor can begin to correct his 6.40 career major league ERA on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, when he makes a decent spot start in deeper leagues. Tyler Chatwood only allowed one earned run to the Braves Sunday night, but he doesn't get strikeouts (25 in 51 innings) and despite his reputation as a groundballer, he's been average in that category as well. He's not a great add in any league.

* Can some veterans turn it around? Torii Hunter hit a home run Sunday against the Braves but he's hitting so many balls on the ground that his power doesn't look like it's coming back. Since his speed is already on the wane, he's not a great play in mixed leagues. Dan Uggla went hitless in the same game and is mostly just having terrible luck on batted balls. He's also hitting fewer fly balls, though, so perhaps this won't turn out to be a normal power year for him either. Josh Willingham hit a home run and drew three walks against the Giants. Maybe that will get The Hammer going. Kelly Johnson had four hits over the weekend, but more importantly he only struck out once. A little more contact will do him well. Colby Lewis has used starts against Oakland and Philadelphia (six strikeouts and two runs in 6 2/3 innings) to get back on track. Javier Vazquez threw seven shutout innings against the Rays Saturday and even averaged over 90 on the gun. He might make for a good streaming in the future.

National League Quick Hits: Andrew McCutchen got two walks and stole a base and those two things are linked … Jonathan Sanchez gave up one run over six, but it was the two walks that were most exciting about his effort against the Athletics … Domonic Brown looks like he'll be playing against most right-handers and has the tools to be a pickup in most deeper leagues … Wandy Rodriguez gets bonus points for taking Toronto down in Toronto (six strikeouts, three walks, two runs in six innings), but then again, Edwin Encarnacion is their DH … Angel Pagan (oblique) should be back Sunday since he's still trying to get it going at Triple-A … Chipper Jones missed Sunday's game with mild hamstring tightness (or feeling his age) … Hiroki Kuroda was roughed up by the White Sox (four earned in 5 2/3 innings), but he's fine in the weaker National League … Nyjer Morgan (broken finger) is ready according to him and a week out according to his team … Jason Bourgeois (oblique) will swing a bat Monday, and Jeff Keppinger (foot) will be back some time this week … Jerry Sands went four-for-four Sunday and hit his first home run Saturday, but isn't making enough contact or showing enough power to be rostered in mixed leagues yet … Juan Miranda got hit on the wrist, but if it's minor he's a decent pickup in NL-only leagues as he's playing (decently) against right-handers … The Phillies signed Scott Podsednik to a minor league contract, but things shouldn't get that dire in that outfield …Evan Meek (shoulder) returned from the DL … Gerald Laird has a broken bone in his hand and is headed to the DL … Will Venable (hand) returned to the Padres lineup Friday, and he's playable in some leagues against righties and away from home … The Diamondbacks outrighted Armando Galarraga, who wasn't really ownable anyway.

American League Quick Hits: Curtis Granderson hit three home runs over the weekend and should hit a new career high this year … Grady Sizemore (knee) may not be activated Friday when he's eligible … Asdrubal Cabrera is a madman; He extended his career-high in home runs by two on Sunday … Howie Kendrick (hamstring) might be headed to the DL after missing his third straight game Sunday and receiving a cortisone shot … Brian Roberts (concussion) won't be back Tuesday and that could be bad news … Brian Matusz should be back this week … Matt Harrison kept the slumping Phillies offense down (eight scoreless) but his strikeout-to-walk ratio (three to three Sunday) is not good … John Lackey is responding well to a cortisone shot but does not yet have a timetable … Edwin Jackson struck out seven Dodgers in 5 2/3 innings Sunday, but if that's what he does in such a tasty spot start, then he's risky in the American League going forward … Kyle Drabek still has promise, but if he's going to be a groundballer he has to show better control - he walked three, struck out three and allowed three in six innings Sunday against the Astros … J.P. Arencibia hit a home run Sunday and is a fine mixed-league option despite a batting average that won't get a ton better … Mitch Moreland should be owned in most leagues, if only for his good splits (righties, at home); He hit an RBI double off of Roy Oswalt … Carlos Carrasco is mostly a spot-start in every league, but he did his job (four runs, three strikeouts and one walk) against Cincinnati … Reid Brignac will miss four games due to the death of his grandfather … Ben Revere was returned to Triple-A by the Twins but remains an AL-only speed sleeper … Josh Outman will take over for Brandon McCarthy (shoulder), but he's been wild in Triple-A so be cautious even if you're in a deep enough league to consider him … He is one of the better pitching prospects on the Indians, but Alex White will now miss 8-12 weeks with a strained ligament in his finger … Mike Wilson is

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Trends: Here Comes Guerrero SURGING

Vladimir Guerrero, OF, BAL

Stats: .444 avg (16-for-36) with a homer and six RBI in his last eight games.

Bottom line: Guerrero's fantasy owners are probably well aware that he's heating up given the fact that he has seven multi-hit games in his last eight, but there may still be a small window to buy low due to a recent lack of power (Guerrero's homer on Sunday was first of the month). All told, his current power numbers (five homers, 19 RBI) look pretty modest, but I would expect those to be going on the rise soon.

Jerry Sands, OF, LAD

Stats: 5-for-7 with a homer and a steal in his last two games entering a Monday night matchup with the Astros.

Bottom line: Sands warranted some mixed league consideration upon his initial call-up, but the excitement gradually faded while his average spent much of this month hovering at or below the .200 mark, prompting him to recently lose at-bats against righties as he fell into a platoon with the esteemed Jay Gibbons.

That was the low point. But as you can imagine, this story turns itself around. After hitting his first career homer off Mark Buehrle on Saturday, Sands started against right-hander Edwin Jackson on Sunday and picked up four hits (and his third steal of the year). I'll personally be watching him closely over the next few games to see if he continues starting against right-handers and is able to sustain the production. If all goes well in the near future, there's a chance he becomes relevant in mixed leagues pretty quickly.

Chris Johnson, 3B, HOU

Stats: .407 avg (11-for-27) with a homer and nine RBI in his last eight games.

Bottom line: Johnson is very far from a special hitter (his 5/39 K/BB ratio is one clear indicator of that), but he has been providing offense lately from a position that has been starved for it this season. I don't see him as a long-term answer in mixed leagues, but it's not the worst thing ever to happen if you're forced to play him for a couple weeks due to injuries.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Cody Ross, OF, SF

Stats: .308 avg (12-for-39) with three homers and 10 RBI in his last 13 games.

Bottom line: Ross is, as you probably know, a streaky individual, and lately he has been trending upward after a slow start. He's far from a must-add, but not a bad option if you're desperate for some mixed league outfield production.

Juan Pierre, OF, CWS

Stats: .391 avg (9-for-23) in his last five games entering a Monday night matchup with Texas.

Bottom line: Apparently somewhat gun shy after being caught on eight of his first 14 steal attempts this season, Pierre hasn't attempted a single steal since being successful on one back on May 3. With his bat showing signs of life (a relative term when we're talking about a player with Pierre's lack of pop), I expect him to get back in a base-stealing groove sooner rather than later.

Danny Espinosa, 2B, WAS

Stats: .300 avg (6-for-20) with two homers and seven RBI in his last six games entering a Monday night matchup with the Brewers.

Bottom line: The bad season batting average aside (.206), I'm still surprised that Espinosa – on pace for 21 homers, 95 RBI and 81 runs – isn't owned in more than 17 percent of Yahoo leagues. Yes, the batting average is frustrating, but this kind of power production is just not normally that easy to find from a middle infielder.

Erik Bedard, SP, SEA

Stats: 1.33 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 24/6 K/BB ratio in his last four starts (27.0 IP).

Bottom line: Many of us already know about Bedard's recent run, but he gets mentioned here again because he's still only owned in 22 percent of Yahoo leagues. The lack of wins is frustrating – and will likely continue to be frustrating given Seattle's hitting – but Bedard otherwise has the look of a must-own player as long as his pitching arm remains attached.

Joe Mather, OF, ATL

Stats: .583 avg (7-for-12) with a homer and five RBI in his last three games.

Bottom line: "8 Mile" (as Mr. Mather has come to be known among a handful of rabid Braves fans I happen to call friends) looked very impressive in a three-game series against the Angels over the weekend, and should be in line for extended playing time with Jason Heyward (shoulder) recently hitting the DL (not to mention the possibility that Nate McLouth (oblique) could be headed that way as well). There's no need to add Mather in shallow mixed leagues, but his power is legit (nine homers in 226 big league at-bats), he's swinging well and is worth a look in most NL-Only leagues right now.

STRUGGLING

Mike Aviles, 2B/3B, KC

Stats: .167 avg (7-for-42) in his last 12 games.

Bottom line: It has been an ugly run for Aviles, whose OPS has dropped from 883 on May 6 to 722 as of Monday. However, the good news is that he does have four hits in his last three games, so he may be ready to emerge from this brutal two-week slump.

Alex Gordon, 3B/OF, KC

Stats: .184 avg (9-for-49) with a homer and two RBI in his last 13 games.

Bottom line: Like Aviles, Gordon has endured a rough stretch in May only to show signs of emerging in recent days, most notably with a homer, a double and two RBI on Sunday. It would be nice to see Gordon driving a few more balls over the fence (his homer on Sunday was just his fourth), but the runs (27), RBI (25), steals (four) and still-solid OPS (805) are positive indicators that he can continue to be a worthwhile option in mixed leagues.

Adam LaRoche, 1B, WAS

Stats: 1-for-29 in his last six games; no extra-base hits since May 5.

Bottom line: If you're holding onto LaRoche based on name recognition and past production, I don't see much reason to stay loyal right now. LaRoche was headed for a second opinion on the partially torn labrum in his shoulder on Monday, and neither of the potential outcomes – him hitting the DL or him continuing to struggle through his injury – looks remotely appealing.

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

Edinson Volquez, SP, CIN

Stats: 6.35 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 53/38 K/BB ratio on the season.

Bottom line: One start after recording a season-high nine strikeouts (and a season-low one walk), Volquez recorded his most hideous start of a very hideous first couple months on Sunday, giving up six earned runs (on seven hits and four walks) in 2 2/3 innings against the Indians. He still has the potential to record some electric outings over the course of the season, but the risk of continued annihilation of your ERA and WHIP just isn't worth it. Personally, I would give strong consideration to cutting Volquez loose even in NL-Only leagues.

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Proven players with proven problems
AJ Mass

There's a tendency in fantasy baseball to give veterans the benefit of the doubt. Especially when a player has an extensive track record of success -- like Albert Pujols and his hitting .329 for the past decade, for example -- we're more likely to dismiss a .267 batting average to start the season and expect that, eventually, he'll turn it around.

However, even the greatest players can have a bad year, either as an isolated season of inferior production that they rebound from in the following campaign (such as Mike Schmidt's 1978) or as the first sign that age has finally caught up with them (see: Willie Mays in 1967).

Here are several cases where I think the slow starts to the 2011 season shouldn't necessarily be laughed off as "bad luck" or "just a cold streak." Sometimes, even the best in the business can't figure out how to get their previously stellar records back on track after they go off the rails for a bit.

Joakim Soria, P, Kansas City Royals: He has allowed runners to reach base in 13 of his first 19 appearances this season. His WHIP (1.39) and ERA (3.86) are both well above his career averages, and opponents are hitting .242 against him -- 45 points higher than his pre-2011 .197 mark.

What's the difference? For one, Soria isn't fooling anyone with his pitches. Opposing batters are swinging at only 17.6 percent of pitches outside the strike zone (as compared with higher than 30 percent the past two seasons) and are making more contact with what they are swinging at (up to 85.6 percent).

Soria has fallen in love with the cutter, and, as a result, he not only has lost a little velocity on his regular fastball but also has altered his delivery on his other pitches, possibly enough to tip off hitters as to what pitch is headed homeward.

The Kansas City Star reported earlier this month that pitching coach Bob McClure had said he had discovered a flaw in Soria's delivery and had outlined a plan to fix the issue once and for all. On the one hand, that seems to indicate that Soria's woes are not the result of anything physically wrong with the closer, but on the other hand, a mental block of sorts might take much longer to fall back into place.

After all, if it were such an easy and obvious problem to correct, shouldn't it have been taken care of long before it became necessary to make the problem a matter of public record?

Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins: Where's the pop? Ramirez's slugging percentage is at a career-low .325 so far this season, a good 150 points below his lifetime mark. The culprit is clearly the fact that Han-Ram has remained grounded in 2011 -- as in a 56.9 percent ground ball rate, far and away the highest of his career.

Opposing pitchers are not throwing Ramirez fastballs with as much frequency as they have in previous years (55.2 percent this year, down from 59.6 lifetime, according to FanGraphs) and have loaded up on the breaking balls (particularly sliders, 20.1 percent compared with 17.6 per FanGraphs). As a result, the shortstop's timing has never gotten on track and his batting average on fastballs has fallen from .327 in 2010 to a sad .218 in 2011.

Ramirez needs to get a steady diet of heaters to return to his All-Star form, which is probably a huge reason manager Edwin Rodriguez recently moved him to the No. 2 spot in the lineup. With Chris Coghlan on base ahead of him and Logan Morrison back from the DL to provide protection behind, opposing pitchers could be more inclined to confront Ramirez head on.

It's a small sample size with Han-Ram in the 2-hole behind Coghlan, but so far Ramirez is just 2-for-15 in games in which Coghlan fails to get a hit. For the season, Ramirez is batting .170 with nobody on base and .280 with men on. So, it seems as though, at least until Hanley gets his groove back, he's going to need a lot of help from his friends to get him out of this .219 hole.

Adam Dunn, 1B, Chicago White Sox: From 2004 through 2010, Dunn averaged more than 40 home runs per season. At his 2011 pace, getting even 15 looks as if it might be a reach, even with Dunn playing at U.S. Cellular Field, which so far this season has been the fourth-easiest park in which to hit one over the wall.

Opposing pitchers should be afraid of Dunn, yet they are not. According to FanGraphs, more than two out of every three pitches he sees is a fastball, far and away the highest percentage of these pitches he has seen at any stage of his career. Because he's putting only 32 percent of these pitches into play (according to Inside Edge) -- 12 percent below the league average -- the steady diet of speed is unlikely to change.

Some have suggested that the power outage is temporary, and they point to Dunn's 50 percent fly ball rate and the time he missed early in the season as a result of the emergency appendectomy as reasons for optimism. That might explain a slow April, but since May 7, Dunn has only one home run and has at least one strikeout in all 15 games, 25 whiffs in all.

Part of the problem is that Dunn has lacked patience at the plate and seemingly is trying to hit every pitch over the wall to break out of his funk. Until he gets a little bit more selective in the pitches he tries to crush, his fantasy owners will continue to have their hopes crushed instead. Only then can we start to address the other glaring holes in his game, such as a .128 batting average against off-speed pitches (per Inside Edge) and an 0-for-2011 against left-handed pitching (30 at-bats).

Carl Crawford, OF, Boston Red Sox: What's wrong with Carl? Where's the .300 hitter we all expected to arrive at Fenway Park? How can this guy be batting only .209 for the season? In Crawford's case, it's not a function of adjustments that pitchers have made. This mess is one of his own making.

Most of the splits so far in 2011 look exactly the same as they did last season: 60 percent fastballs faced, 13 percent sliders faced, swinging at 36 percent of pitches outside the strike zone, an 83 percent contact rate and so on. Crawford's problem is not about the pitches he is seeing or swinging at but rather what he is trying to do with them.

In the past, Crawford has always been a pull hitter. For his career, according to FanGraphs, he's batting .329 on balls hit to right field. This season, his average has plummeted to .133, while at the same time he has hit just as many balls the opposite way, with a .293 average.

The reason may well be that darned Green Monster. In the past two seasons, Crawford hit .333 in 18 games at Fenway Park. Although a player can try to alter his swing to take advantage of the quirks of a particular ballpark for a day or so without any long-term impact, the way Crawford is flailing away at outside pitches that he used to avoid seems to indicate that his whole approach at the plate has changed for 2011 -- and clearly for the worse.

If Crawford doesn't start pulling the ball to right field -- and quickly -- it might be time to pull him from your lineup.

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Time to buy low on DL'd Jason Heyward

Jason Grey

After a big rookie season in which he hit .277 with 18 homers, 11 steals and 91 walks, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was highly coveted in fantasy leagues this season. He was drafted, on average, with the 43rd pick in ESPN standard leagues, making him the 11th outfielder off the board. Given his physical tools and abilities, I had no problem with that lofty status.
Obviously, the results have been a little underwhelming thus far with a .214 batting average, although Heyward has at least chipped in seven homers and three steals. The news got worse late Sunday when he was placed on the disabled list due to rotator cuff inflammation, a diagnosis confirmed by a second medical opinion.

I had the idea to write about Heyward and his injury-based struggles even before the DL announcement (it had been rumored to be a possibility all weekend), simply because I viewed it as a good opportunity to buy low on him, and even with his stint on the shelf I still do.

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I said injury-based struggles for a reason, because I don't think Heyward has been operating at full capacity since the season started. He had back problems that sidelined him for a few games during spring training and lingered a little bit into the season. Meanwhile, shoulder issues surfaced toward the end of spring, and they have progressively gotten worse without adequate rest. Heyward has been dealing with numbness in his hand and forearm because of it, as the inflammation appears to be affecting a nerve, and he missed six starts after leaving a game on May 10, receiving a cortisone injection a couple of days later.

Heyward managed to play three games this past week, but the problem flared up again during batting practice Friday, something Heyward described as "not as painful, but still sore," and he was unable to get the shoulder loose, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Although the 21-year-old is not the type to make excuses, he confirmed to me Thursday that he's been dealing with stuff all year.

"Unfortunately, no, I haven't been 100 percent yet [this year]," Heyward said. "Early in your career you learn how to work through it. I try and play through everything possible, but at the same time you need to be healthy and look out for yourself and for the team. Playing through injuries is part of the game, but you need to be able to produce."

In the at-bats I've seen this season, I haven't seen Heyward crush fastballs as consistently as he did last year, often appearing a touch late. I would suspect that the shoulder problem is affecting his timing at the plate, and isn't allowing his swing to "fire" as usual and get through the zone with that great bat speed as consistently. Discussing it with Heyward, he expressed some similar concerns.

"I think my swing is a good swing," Heyward said. "I feel like a lot of guys get here with good swings, that's how we do it. Injuries get you away from where you need to be with your tempo, and I need to get back to that. This isn't normally where I would be in May, but it's a work in progress."

Even while battling health issues, there are still positives in Heyward's statistical indicators. Subjectively, it seems he's had his share of hard-hit balls right at people, which appears to be confirmed by a .232 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), more than 100 points off his number from last season. Heyward's walk and strikeout rates are also pretty much the same as his rookie campaign, and as I already mentioned, he's at least provided some power and speed thus far.

I'm not our esteemed injury analyst, Stephania Bell, but as best as I can tell, I don't see Heyward's problem being a long-term or major issue. I expect he just needs a sustained period of rest to let it calm down a bit and make the nerve issue go away. Savvy fantasy players plan ahead and for what their lineup is going to look like for the long haul, and not just what it looks like for the next week or two. There are still more than four months to go in the season, so we can make moves that aim to pay off down the road. I expect Heyward to return and start hitting the cover off the ball a bit more. If ever there was a time to acquire Heyward from another owner at a potential discount in non-keeper leagues, it's when he's hitting .214 and is on the disabled list.

HacheMan · May 23, 2011

Can we rely on Utley, Hamilton and Cruz?

Eric Karabell

The Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies might have set offensive baseball back about 30 years in Philly this past weekend, combining for nine runs between them in three games. Yet there is good news: Both teams welcome back arguably their best offensive players Monday. The Rangers are scheduled to activate outfielders Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz from the disabled list, while the Phillies finally get to see second baseman Chase Utley make his season debut after he missed 46 games.

Not to take anything away from the terrific pitching this weekend, as Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Matt Harrison were borderline dominant and the closers did their job as well. But these pitchers also got to face the likes of Endy Chavez, Craig Gentry and Wilson Valdez. Hamilton, Cruz and Utley are obvious upgrades. Concerned about run support for your Rangers and Phillies pitchers? Well, it's about to get better. That's especially notable for the Phillies, who haven't scored more than three runs in a game in 10 contests yet have the best record in the National League.

I'm more optimistic about Hamilton and Cruz playing up to the same lofty standards we have enjoyed in the past than with Utley, who is dealing with a degenerative knee condition. Hamilton broke his right shoulder blade on an ill-advised headfirst slide at home plate April 12. His rehabilitation has gone so well that he's returning quicker than expected, and the defending AL MVP even homered for Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday. He says he's ready, and I have no concerns about him being able to hit. His durability is another matter, but you knew that when you drafted him in the second round. Cruz also homered in the minors Saturday. He also has seen his share of trips to the disabled list, but he has proclaimed his strained right quad muscle ready for action. I have little doubt Hamilton and Cruz will hit, run and produce big numbers, and fantasy owners shouldn't hesitate to activate them this week. They were top-10 outfielders on draft day, and they remain so. Chavez, Gentry and Chris Davis are the Rangers likely to lose playing time, though none of them were fantasy fixtures anyway. The team says Hamilton will man the designated hitter spot for a few days, but after that he and Cruz will play regularly in the outfield, probably playing alongside useful but avoidable (in mixed leagues) David Murphy, while Mitch Moreland moves back to first base, with the occasional start in the outfield. Center fielder Julio Borbon (hamstring) is eligible to return from the DL next week, but I still like Murphy more in deeper leagues.
With Utley, there naturally should be more trepidation. Phillies fans have eagerly awaited his return, which is perhaps sooner than expected, but there's a difference here because he's replacing the likes of Valdez, Michael Martinez and Pete Orr. Presumably fantasy owners, even in deep leagues or NL-only formats, haven't been as strapped (as the Phils) for options. Even in his current form, and nobody really knows how close to 100 percent Utley is, I'd call him a top-10 second baseman. In our mid-May staff rankings, I placed Utley right at No. 100, behind nine second basemen. But I ranked him that low only because I wasn't convinced he'd return so quickly (or remain healthy for four months, for that matter). As of right now, I'd call him No. 8, ahead of Howard Kendrick and Martin Prado. For the record, the group ranking for Utley was No. 130. Utley was 63rd in ESPN average live drafts.

I watched Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore for the three weeks he was active recently -- he's back on the DL -- and what I saw was a left-handed power hitter with a bit less mobility than normal swinging for the fences, and he also seemed less aggressive. It's only natural that Utley, dealing with patellar tendinitis, bone inflammation and chondromalacia, would be tentative, not willing/able to steal bases like his former self, etc. One would think he'll bring much-needed plate discipline to the lineup -- he generally does, but so does Sizemore, and he didn't -- and I'd expect Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to occasionally rest Utley. Still, four or five games per week of Utley likely will be more productive than whomever the Utley fantasy owner has had filling in. Look for Utley to hit in the No. 3 spot for the Phillies, after Jimmy Rollins and Placido Polanco and ahead of Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez. It might take Utley a few weeks to regain his stroke against big league pitching -- he never did have spring training -- so keep early expectations in check. Also, those in daily leagues might want to keep a middle infielder on call, because Utley will have his share of days off. But let's not forget this is a player who averaged 29 home runs, 101 RBIs, 111 runs, 15 stolen bases and a .301 batting average from 2005-09, and last season, while truncated to 115 games, he was showing his best walk rate of his career; was on pace for 25 home runs and 20 stolen bases; and hit .275. Don't expect the steals, but Utley could hit 15-20 home runs, knock in 60 and score a lot of runs in the final four-plus months. Or his knee could really hold him back. I admit, I'd be leery about trading for him, because it would probably take a top player to do so. We can't presume Utley is a top-25 player anymore. He is and should be owned in all leagues, but as Utley likely will act in his approach, proceed with caution. For him and the Phillies, it's about October. With you, not so much.

HacheMan · May 24, 2011

Eat Your Hart Out

For someone who established new career-highs with 31 homers and 102 RBI last season, 2011 hasn't exactly gone as planned for Corey Hart.

Hart missed nearly the entire month of April with an oblique injury and entered Monday's action with zero homers and one RBI over his first 76 at-bats this season. However, with the help of some last minute tweaks to his batting stance with Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum, the 29-year-old outfielder homered three times and drove in seven runs in Monday's 11-3 win over the Nationals.

Hart becomes the fourth player with three home runs in a game this season, joining Carlos Beltran, Jason Giambi and Jose Bautista. His three homers and seven RBI both tied franchise records. The last Brewer to go deep three times in a game was Geoff Jenkins during the 2003 season.

Hart admits he likely rushed himself back from the oblique injury, but the good news is that he's batting .273/.324/.515 over his first 66 at-bats this month and has found himself back in the No. 2 spot in recent days, a place where he enjoyed most of his success last season. It's been tough sledding for Hart owners in the early going, but hopefully Monday night is a sign of things to come.

While Hart reminds us to never surrender, here are some more news and notes from a busy day around baseball.

- Monday was the night of the returning slugger, as Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and Jim Thome all played their first games back from the disabled list.

Of course, Utley's return was the most anticipated of them all since it was his season debut. Oddly, he was the only member of the starting lineup without a hit as the Phillies trounced the Reds 10-3. All I have to say is, bring back Wilson Valdez! Who am I kidding? I can't even make up problems for the Phillies. Everything's coming up roses.

As for Hamilton and Cruz, they both went deep in their first games off the disabled list. It was the first time they've homered in the same game since August 13 of last season. Hamilton was used out of the DH spot Monday night and it looks like he'll stay there for the next few days. Michael Young will continue to play first base and bat cleanup while Ian Kinsler has been moved back to his customary leadoff spot. Yep, that lineup just got a lot more potent.

And Thome, well, he continues to make history. The 40-year-old slugger returned from his recent back/oblique injury and launched two home runs in Monday's extra-inning loss to the Mariners. His 47th career multi-homer game moves him to 593 lifetime home runs. Not only is he seven home runs away from 600, but he's also 16 away from Sammy Sosa, who ranks seventh all-time with 609 career home runs.

- Edinson Volquez, who started Opening Day for the Reds, was sent to the minors Monday, one day after giving up seven runs (six earned) over 2 2/3 innings and throwing his teammates under the bus in the process. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 6.35 ERA over his first 10 starts this season and leads major league starters with 6.71 BB/9, so the Reds want him to work on his fastball command in the minor leagues. Volquez was never much of a control specialist to begin with, but keep in mind that he's not even two years removed from Tommy John surgery.

The Reds haven't announced who will take Volquez's spot in the starting rotation Friday against the Braves, but Mike Leake's scheduled start with Triple-A Louisville on Monday was shortened to two innings. He's worth stashing if you need help in NL-only leagues.

National League Quick Hits: Andre Ethier (elbow, back, toe) had a pinch-hit RBI single in Monday's loss to the Astros … Albert Pujols snapped a career-long 106 at-bat homeless streak Monday night against the Padres … The Braves placed Nate McLouth on the disabled list Monday with a left oblique strain and recalled Jordan Schafer from the minors … Adam LaRoche was placed on the disabled list Monday in order to rest the torn labrum in his left shoulder … Stephen Strasburg threw off the mound Monday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery … Johan Santana (shoulder) is expected to throw from a mound this week … Matt Kemp has 11 homers and 13 stolen bases over his first 49 games … Yovani Gallardo tossed seven innings of one-run ball Monday against the Nationals and has a 1.66 ERA over his last four starts … Danny Espinosa was hit in the right knee with a pitch in the ninth inning of Monday's loss to the Brewers … Kenley Jansen blew his first save in Monday's loss to the Astros … Brandon Beachy (oblique) was cleared to play catch Monday, but is unlikely to return until mid-June … Casey Blake (elbow) went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts Monday in his first minor league rehab game with Triple-A Albuquerque … Joe Blanton will receive a second opinion on his right elbow Wednesday from Dr. James Andrews … Brandon Lyon (rotator cuff) threw off flat ground for about 10 minutes on Monday, but is not close to returning from the disabled list … Jose Contreras' (elbow) scheduled minor league rehab appearance Monday was rained out, which could push his return to later in the week … The Padres demoted Opening Day right fielder Will Venable to the minors Monday … The Cardinals activated Skip Schumaker from the disabled list Monday and optioned Mitchell Boggs to Triple-A Memphis, where he is expected to work as a starting pitcher … The Braves signed Julio Lugo to a minor league contract … Erick Almonte (concussion) was struck in the face by a thrown ball during batting practice Monday for the second time this season … The Brewers claimed left-hander Daniel Ray Herrera off waivers from the Reds and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville … Gerald Laird was placed on the disabled list Monday with a fractured right index finger … Zach Duke (hand) gave up five runs over five innings Monday with Triple-A Reno and could be activated from the disabled list over the weekend …

American League Quick Hits: Alexi Ogando struck out six in his first career complete game shutout Monday against the White Sox … Dustin Pedroia jammed his left ankle in Monday's loss to the Indians and is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday … Jose Bautista hit his 19th home run of the season in Monday's win over the Yankees … Daisuke Matsuzaka will soon meet with Dr. Lewis Yocum to get a second opinion on his ailing right elbow … Howie Kendrick (hamstring) missed his fourth consecutive game Monday, but the Angels aren't ready to place him on the disabled list … Carl Crawford hit his second home run of the season Monday against the Indians … Asdrubal Cabrera went 3-for-4 with a home run and a go-ahead RBI double in a win over the Red Sox on Monday night … Joe Mauer (bilateral leg weakness) threw from a distance of 120 feet Monday, but isn't ready to play in extended spring training games … Matt Capps blew his fourth save in 11 chances Monday ... Adam Lind (back) could DH in an extended spring training game Wednesday … John Danks dropped to 0-7 with Monday's loss to the Rangers, but remains a prime buy-low candidate … Delmon Young exited Monday's contest against the Mariners with a left leg contusion … The struggling Nick Swisher was given a second straight day off Monday … Carlos Quentin (knee) was 0-for-3 with a walk in his return to the starting lineup Monday … Tsuyoshi Nishioka (fractured fibula) could begin playing in rehab games later this week … Brian Fuentes suffered his seventh loss late Monday night and criticized Athletics manager Bob Geren following the game … Chris Davis was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday as the Rangers welcomed Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz back from the disabled list … Magglio Ordonez (ankle) will rejoin the Tigers on Friday in order to participate in pregame workouts … John Lackey (elbow) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Tuesday … Conor Jackson made his first major league start at third base Monday as Kevin Kouzmanoff was unavailable with a right groin strain … Bartolo Colon was smoked for six runs on seven hits and four walks over six innings in Monday's loss to the Blue Jays … Jack Cust hit his first home run of the season in Monday's extra-inning win over the Twins … Michael Cuddyer left Monday's game against the Mariners after seven innings with right hip tightness … Bobby Jenks (biceps) threw 25 pitches Monday in a bullpen session … An MRI on Kevin Slowey's abdominal area came back clean, but the Twins are considering sending him to Triple-A Rochester to work as a starting pitcher … Marco Scutaro (oblique) has not been cleared to begin taking batting practice …. Phil Coke suffered a right ankle injury in Monday's start against the Rays … Elliot Johnson is expected to miss a few days with a sprained left knee … Guillermo Moscoso will take the place of the injured Tyson Ross in the starting rotation Tuesday against the Angels …

Rotoworld's Hall of Famer
This morning the Fantasy Sports Trade Association announced its three newest Hall of Fame members which included Rotoworld's Rick Wolf.

Wolf's bio: Wolf's impact on the fantasy sports industry has been felt over four different decades, beginning with his time at Prodigy helping to produce the first online fantasy sports game to his work today at NBC Sports Digital where he heads business development, creating partnerships for NBC-owned business including Rotoworld.com. In between, Wolf was the first Fantasy Sports GM at Sportsline.com. It was there that he created the partnership with Commissioner.com that led to the building of the CBS Sportsline fantasy suite and paved the way for relationships with the NFL and MLB. Wolf later served as an Executive VP at AllStar Stats, Inc., which was purchased by NBC Universal. He is a founding FSTA board member, serving as chairman from 2002-06, as well as a former chairman of the FSA.

Wolf will enter the Hall of Fame along with Peter Schoenke and Bill Winkenbach. Rotoworld wouldn't be where it is today without the tireless efforts of Wolf as he continues to work to help grow and improve the site on a daily basis.

HacheMan · May 24, 2011

What defines a 'good' starting pitcher?

As statistical standards improve, perceived benchmarks should change

Tristan H. Cockcroft

Baseball is a game deeply rooted in statistics, and as the years progress, those roots grow deeper with more and more advanced metrics. Each season, we seem to become a bit smarter about numbers.

We also become a little bit lazier.

Perhaps it's the lure of history -- many of us have played fantasy baseball through the entire decade-plus of the steroids era -- or something deeply ingrained from our fandom's infancy, but so many of us cling to specific pitching benchmarks and won't let go, no matter how much baseball's trends try to persuade us to.

An informal poll of friends and colleagues revealed the consensus opinion that a "good" performance is an ERA beneath 3.50, WHIP beneath 1.20 and strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio of 7.50 or higher. (Although that one varied, signaling that there may be no accepted "benchmark.") Keeping in mind, of course, that there is varied definition of the word "good"; some had different benchmarks for "excellent" or simply "OK."

For me, "good" always meant "worth having in a standard mixed-league lineup" or, from a real-game angle, "worth bringing up in conversation." And those benchmarks sounded about right, although I tended to desire better in ERA (around 3.25).

This year, we're all apparently wrong.

The following chart shows how many qualified major league pitchers have reached those specific benchmarks as well as certain more demanding numbers in each of the past three seasons. To tackle the sample-size problem -- that 53 days of season hardly equals 180-plus of 2009 or 2010 -- these statistics are only through the games of May 22 each year, balancing the samples.

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=2><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>No.</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>2.50</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>3.00</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>3.50</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>1.00</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>1.10</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>1.20</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>9.00</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>8.00</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>7.50</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2011</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2010</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2009</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Apparently, it's no longer so special to achieve a 3.50 ERA, with a 3.00 ERA in 2010-11 looking like a comparably impressive feat to a 3.50 in 2009 or earlier. WHIP standards also have elevated; the value of a 1.20 WHIP in 2009 or earlier might now be equivalent to a 1.10. Strangely enough, there has scarcely been any movement in the strikeout department; it's odd considering the presence of such strikeout-prone sluggers as Mark Reynolds, Adam Dunn and Ryan Howard.

But perhaps that's no surprise to you. After all, 2010 has been described the year of the pitcher, and looking at leaguewide averages, the 2011 ERA is 3.90, WHIP 1.30 and K's per nine 6.78, all of those even better than their 2010 counterparts. In fact, that 3.90 ERA represents a 6.3 percent drop from last year and 12.6 percent from the 4.46 league-average ERAs of 2008 and 2009.

What this pitching-rich landscape has done to our definitions of an elite fantasy starter is what's most notable. Collecting data of the top 10, 25, 50 and 100 starting pitcher-eligibles on our Player Rater from 2009, 2010 and 2011, the chart below shows how much the standards for those groups has changed:

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>2011</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>2010</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>2009</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>ERA</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>WHIP</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>K/9</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Top 10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.98</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.59</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.81</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.09</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.77</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.74</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Top 25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.01</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.96</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.93</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.14</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.04</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.01</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.15</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.15</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Top 50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.77</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.74</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.66</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.41</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.75</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Top 100</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.71</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.17</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Granted, sample sizes come into play here -- the 2009 and 2010 numbers are indeed full-year rankings and statistics -- but that's still considerable movement of those bars. A top-50 starting pitcher probably would reside on most fantasy rosters much of the year, and look at how those pitchers' average ERAs and WHIPs have trended: From 3.41 and 1.21, nearly our perceived benchmarks, to 3.25 and 1.18, to 2.77 and 1.10. It seems that this year, you want a sub-3 ERA and sub-1.1 WHIP from your starters.

And that top-25 group is most exclusive: That group has gone from a 3.01 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 2009, to 2.93 and 1.14, down to a sparkling 2.34 and 1.01 this year.

Suddenly, it's a lot more understandable why my top-25 rankings each week are incredibly difficult to crack and why even the hottest of streaks often doesn't amount to a significant movement in the ranks.

Let's take a look at a specific member of that group, CC Sabathia (3.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 7.85 K/9), whom I've ranked 11th. When you think CC Sabathia, you think surefire top-10 starter, right? Not so fast. During his Yankees career, he has been remarkably consistent -- his ERAs have gone 3.37-3.18-3.06, WHIPs 1.15-1.19-1.30 and K's per nine 7.71-7.46-7.85 -- but those numbers meant a lot more in 2009 than they do in 2011. That 3.06 ERA would've ranked him 14th in 2009; it ranks him 29th this year. Yankee Stadium probably keeps his ERA in over-3 territory and therefore him out of my top 10. His two saving graces are that he's as good a bet for 20 wins as there is in baseball and has a strong second-half history (2.64 ERA the past five seasons).

Chad Billingsley (3.47 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 7.80 K/9), meanwhile, narrowly made the top 25 partly because of the ballpark but also because his strikeout potential is greater than this. He has averaged 8.41 K's per nine since 2007, seventh-best among qualified starters. Without that ratio, he'd be a lot more ordinary.

Beneath the top 25, things get a bit hazier, and the demands for a higher rank are greater. Let's take a look at three such pitchers I'm often accused of "disliking":

Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics (36th; 3.18 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 7.20 K/9): I'm a fan, and those numbers feel nearly elite, but they're not. Consider this: Only nine pitchers had a qualified ERA lower than 3.18 in 2001, 10 seasons ago; 35 qualified pitchers have a lower ERA this season. Anderson's two wins don't help matters, and his elbow problems from 2010 -- two trips to the disabled list totaling 75 days -- are what keep him outside the top 25.

Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros (38th; 3.41 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 7.23 K/9): The man for whom the "Wandy Line" was named, Rodriguez fits said boundary because his ratios are "just better than league-average." I've always felt that only about 40 starting pitchers regularly belonged on ESPN standard rosters.

Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays (52nd; 3.14 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 6.28 K/9): Two things keep him a rung beneath guys like Anderson and Rodriguez: One is the lower strikeout rate, and the other is the prospect of an innings cap, as his 155 2/3 innings of 2010 might mean 185 is about his 2011 limit. In the short term, he's really no less attractive a fantasy option than that lefty duo.

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">Cliff Lee, PHI </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">Jon Lester, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver, LAA </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">Justin Verlander, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </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">Tommy Hanson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </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>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </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">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Sanchez, SF </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">Matt Garza, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </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">Mat Latos, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Anderson, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jorge De La Rosa, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clay Buchholz, BOS </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">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>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Baker, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Liriano, MIN </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">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Lowe, ATL </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">Jake Peavy, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Burnett, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bronson Arroyo, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </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>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wade Davis, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Lohse, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Homer Bailey, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Travis Wood, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </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>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Myers, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle McClellan, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fausto Carmona, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Hammel, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Stauffer, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erik Bedard, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Gorzelanny, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Arrieta, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Matusz, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bartolo Colon, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Pineiro, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Guthrie, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Tomlin, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wolf, MIL </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">Jason Vargas, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James McDonald, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy Wells, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rick Porcello, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Javier Vazquez, FLA </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">Aaron Harang, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Correia, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brad Penny, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Narveson, MIL </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">Charlie Morton, PIT </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">Mike Minor, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Finally, what of Francisco Liriano (5.73 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 6.29 K/9), the hot preseason breakout pick who has struggled so far this year (despite a no-hitter under his belt)? In a season when even pitchers like Doug Fister, Charlie Morton and Josh Tomlin have sub-3 ERAs, Liriano's 5.73 ERA looks especially ugly. It's the fourth-worst mark among qualified starters, and although his May ERA is 2.52 (thanks in part to his May 3 no-hitter), his peripherals haven't exactly backed up his recent resurgence. His strikeout rate has dropped in May to 5.76 per nine, and his .154 BABIP speaks to a great deal of good fortune. Liriano's recent hot spell might be mostly smoke and mirrors and should provide a short-term selling opportunity more than restore his owners' faith. (For more on Liriano's potential going forward, check out Jason Grey's latest scouting report.)

Three up

Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers: That 6 2/3-inning, seven-hit, two run performance at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, albeit in a 2-0 losing effort, was an important one. With it, Lewis dropped his ERA to 3.69, beneath 2010's 3.72, and kept his WHIP (1.16) beneath his 2010 number (1.19). Quite a turnaround for a pitcher who had a 6.95 ERA through his first four starts of the season, right? A somewhat favorable schedule (@OAK, @SEA, OAK, @CHW, @PHI) has helped, but Lewis nevertheless has quality starts in all five of those outings plus a 1.85 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and 6.92 K's-per-nine and 5.00 K's-per-walk ratios, the latter two particularly remarkable when you consider he went 7 1/3 innings without a strikeout during his May 10 win over the Oakland Athletics. Lewis' slider/cutter (it has been classified as either depending upon the source) has been every bit as effective in 2011 as it was in 2010 or before that in Japan, and it's that reinvention that has made him so much safer a long-term fantasy asset. In 2010, he was our No. 29 starting pitcher on the Player Rater. A repeat isn't unthinkable.

Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners: In two outings last week, he amassed a .104 batting average allowed, 10.29 K's-per-nine ratio and 14.6 percent swing-and-miss rate. Given that those two starts came against the Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres, arguably the worst offenses in the American and National Leagues, respectively, the stats might not necessarily be eye-popping, but at the same time, let's not discredit Pineda for the efforts. Elite talents must feast upon the softest matchups, and feast the rookie did, and with those outings he now has eight quality starts in nine tries to begin his career. Two things continue his climb in my rankings in spite of his limited big-league experience: One is his pinpoint command, throwing strikes on 70.4 percent of his pitches, tops in the majors. The other is my diminished fear of his "second time around the league," a topic previously discussed in the May 3 "60 Feet 6 Inches" and a concern alleviated by his acceptable second outing against the Texas Rangers on May 4 (7 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 9 K). If Pineda can hang in there after scouts get a firmer read on him, he might even be underranked here.

Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox: There were days during the spring when, had someone said to you, "On May 18, Jake Peavy is going to shut out the Cleveland Indians on three hits," you'd probably reply, "Snore, result of a super-soft matchup, nothing big." Flash forward and, with Peavy having suffered some injury setbacks in March and April plus the Indians boasting by far the American League's best record -- you read that right -- it's actually an impressive feat. Peavy's success in two starts since recovering from shoulder problems -- a detached latissimus dorsi muscle in 2010 and inflammation in 2011 -- can be attributed to his command (zero walks in 15 innings) and diversity of his arsenal. (His fastball, slider and changeup have all been successful.) A healthy Peavy is certainly capable of a sub-4 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning, the limitation that U.S. Cellular Field's cozy confines mix poorly with his fly-ball tendencies, and could be a bit more than that. Tuesday's outing in Texas proves an interesting test.

Three down

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves: I'm a Hudson fan, but as he's a low-strikeout, extreme ground baller, everything has to be going right for him to be consistently successful. That's why whispers of back stiffness, which led to a disastrous 3 2/3-inning, eight-run outing this past Friday, the worst start of his career, are troublesome. Hudson looked fine for two innings but beginning in the third afforded opponents five hits -- including two doubles and a home run -- in nine at-bats, two walks and three hit batsmen before exiting. He'll miss his next scheduled start on Wednesday and could be a disabled list candidate. Claim "we should've known" about something like this, but I'd reply, how could we? Hudson had been so good, so reliable, since Opening Day 2010; he had a 2.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 31 quality starts in his previous 43 tries and never went more than two straight outings during that span without a quality start. It's unfortunate luck, and the injury might be enough to derail that absurd hot streak.

Carl Pavano, Minnesota Twins: He spent all of 2010 earning fantasy owners' trust with the best control (1.51 walks per nine) and highest ground-ball rate (51.2 percent) of his entire career, and so far in 2011, he has done everything to fritter it away. Pavano's command -- specifically his 1.44 K's-per-walk ratio -- represents a career worst, his ground-ball rate (47.2 percent) has returned to his career norm (45.8, per FanGraphs) and his .295 BABIP shows that his bloated ERA and WHIP are no mirage. On a game-to-game basis, he has been both great and awful; he's the only pitcher in baseball to have at least two outings of a 70-plus game score and two of a game score beneath 20 (three of those). Target Field should help Pavano to some matchups-based usefulness, but the magic he displayed in 2010 isn't evident on a long-term basis.

Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds: If he's going to fix his first-inning woes -- he allowed 20 earned runs and .432/.556/.886 rates in the opening frame in his 10 starts -- he'll do it in Triple-A, as the Reds tired of the right-hander's struggles on Monday. Some have speculated that Volquez's criticism of the Reds' offense after his Sunday meltdown might be responsible: "I think everybody has to step up and start getting some runs," he told the team's official website. "The last five games, we've scored how many runs? Thirteen in five games? It's not the way we were playing last year. We're better than that." How about that Volquez's miserable year-to-date performance was mostly behind the move? His walk rate had soared to 6.71 per nine, and he had served up nine homers in 51 innings. At this point, you can safely cut Volquez in all but NL-only leagues with deep benches.

HacheMan · May 24, 2011

The tale of two Francisco Lirianos

Jason Grey

It's safe to say it has been a very up-and-down season for Francisco Liriano thus far, with rough outings mixed in with flashes of the brilliant pitcher he was last season, and a six-walk no-hitter thrown in to boot.

As Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told our ESPN radio affiliate in Minnesota after his third start of the season, "We understand that he can strike people out, but if he really wants to become a pitcher, pitch to contact."
Liriano tried to comply with the club's wishes, but admitted recently it wasn't working for him, and of late he has tried to get back more into "attack" mode.
"The first couple games I was pitching different from the way I used to pitch, pitching to contact," Liriano told the St. Paul Pioneer Press early last week. "That's not the way I know how to pitch, and I wasn't feeling that good pitching like that."
I followed up with him later that week. "I've always been an aggressive pitcher, and generally going to have a high pitch count," Liriano told me. "I'm trying to get back to being myself and pitching like I was last year."
This includes abandoning a two-seamer he was toying with earlier in the year, and getting back to working the edges of the plate, as opposed to the contact-oriented approach, and "not throwing as many fastballs as I did in my first few starts," as Liriano put it.

On top of that, Liriano has had issues with the flu, and he admitted his spring-training shoulder problems have carried into the season, noting that his shoulder has tightened up on him at times. However, he feels he has turned a corner:
"Physically I'm fine now," Liriano said. "Nothing's bothering me right now. I just need to throw more strikes, make more good pitches."
Thus far, whether it's because of his early-season pitching style or not, Liriano has the lowest strikeout rate of his career (6.3 strikeouts per nine innings), but the bigger issue is his walk rate (5.9 walks per nine innings). If he was supposed to be "pitching to contact," that walk rate shows he wasn't doing a very good job of it.
Liriano's fastball velocity has been down about 1-2 mph for much of the season, but I'm not too concerned about that, considering he likely was not 100 percent at the start of the season. Plus, he was still able to touch 95 mph in his most recent outing.
We know by now that Liriano goes as far as his secondary stuff, especially his slider, will take him. He uses his fastball to "get" to his other two pitches and set them up, as the heater is not normally his key pitch. His control problems have not allowed him to do that as well; when he's working behind in the count so often, it makes those chase pitches less effective.
I saw flashes of the 2010 version of Liriano in his last start, but I also saw a pitcher who was struggling to find a consistent arm slot and was prone to overthrowing. Liriano needs to stay tall in his delivery, but sometimes he gets a little too low and opens up his front side, allowing the ball to sail, and his control problems are rooted in mechanical issues that are hopefully easier to fix now that he's healthy again.
I'm cautiously optimistic that Liriano is past his early-season bumps. With improved health and a return to his comfortable pitching style, he's getting closer to where he needs to be as he irons out his delivery and works to get that wicked slider back. Though his walk rate is still a concern, if you own him, I'd stay the course, at least for now.

Other notes

Many owners are scrambling to find productive corner-infield options right now, which makes the Diamondbacks' Juan Miranda a player to keep an eye on, especially following the club's recent release of Russell Branyan, which cleared up a logjam at the position. I've seen Miranda put quite a few good swings on the ball over the past week, and it showed up in the stat sheet, with five of his past eight hits going for extra bases. He has posted a .310 AVG/.431 OBP/.595 SLG mark this month (albeit in a small 42 at-bat sample size), and he has been having good at-bats, with his approach leading to a .392 OBP overall on the season. He still will likely sit in favor of Xavier Nady against southpaws for the near future, but he has at least put himself on our radar screen in deeper mixed leagues given the sudden lack of depth at the corner position. He did take a pitch off his wrist Sunday, but X-rays were negative, and hopefully it won't slow down his hot bat.
• One first baseman that is worrying me right now is Justin Morneau. I don't think anyone questions what he can do when his health is even in the vicinity of 100 percent, and he has been stringing together some base hits lately, but the power just isn't there right now. Simply put, I'm not as high on him going forward as others might be. Consider that Morneau is still taking medication to deal with the effects of the concussion that ended his 2010 season, and he also had a major bout with the flu in April that caused him to lose at least 10 pounds. On top of that, he has had two cortisone shots already -- the most recent was two weeks ago -- to deal with neck and shoulder problems. That's a lot of things adding up.
The optimistic view is that all of these maladies are the reason for his slow start, and he's due to pick things up as his health improves. But that doesn't change the fact that, from what I can see, Morneau is pulling off a ton of balls lately instead of staying closed in his swing and driving the ball. I don't know how much the neck/shoulder issues have to do with that, if anything. It's a mechanical issue that can be fixed if it's not something that he's doing to compensate for discomfort, but again, it's just another thing to add to an already-long list. Morneau's proven upside might warrant taking a chance on him if you can buy low in a deal, but suffice to say, I'd want a really good value price before acquiring him.
• Brett Myers' ownership is only 40 percent in ESPN standard leagues -- and I think that's too high. He's not someone I would have on my mixed-league roster right now. Myers showed a much better slider last year, which he used to significantly drop his home run rate, and that was the key to him posting a solid 2010 campaign. With his velocity down even further this year (to the 87-88 mph range), Myers needs both his slider and curve to be crisp to succeed, and neither pitch has been effective this season. Myers appears to be fighting his delivery, at times slipping into "cross-firing" (throwing across his body), which doesn't allow his breaking pitches to have the same bite or command, and he doesn't have the fastball to fall back on. As such, Myers' homer rate has doubled from last year, taking his ERA upward with it. He's a pitcher I'm avoiding for now, as there's just too little margin for error at the moment.

HacheMan · May 24, 2011

Utley, Hamilton, Cruz, Thome back from DL

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Look who's back! In the spirit of enthusiasm that several players returning from the disabled list brought to their clubs, we focus on only the positive today. Amid the departure of numerous players this spring because of injury or ineffectiveness, it's a welcome sight to see some who are actually making their way back into the lineup.
And their collective entrance was nothing short of dramatic.

Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies

The injury: Patellar tendinitis and chondromalacia (in short, inflammation of the patellar tendon (the broad, flat tendon that anchors the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh to the shinbone) and weakening of cartilage
Date of injury: There is no specific date one can pinpoint as to when Utley's knee troubles began, but he was bothered by the knee early in spring training and was forced to start the season on the disabled list. He sat out the first 46 games of the season before making his much-anticipated return Monday.
How he fared in his return: Utley went 0-for-5, but that might not have been the takeaway message from the evening. Clearly, he provided an inspirational spark for his team -- which scored 10 runs even as he went hitless -- and for the fans, who greeted him with a standing ovation. Everyone seemed to understand just how hard he has toiled to even be able to get back on a big league field. Utley acknowledged as much, telling reporters, "I put in a lot of hard work to get to this point," adding, "I'm just happy to be out there."
Expectations/concerns going forward: The most obvious concern is how Utley's knee will hold up to the rigors of regular play. When Utley first began his rehab assignment, we outlined the challenges he would face as he deals with a chronic condition. Management, not only of his condition but also of his playing time, will be a factor. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, general manager Ruben Amaro and manager Charlie Manuel have come to an agreement about not overworking Utley now that he is back in the mix. "He gets it," Amaro said of Manuel. "He understands that. Shoot, I'd like to have Chase playing every minute of every game, too. But at the same time, I'd rather have Chase at 100 percent for 80 percent of the games than 60 percent for 100 percent of the games. So I think Charlie understands that." That's the thing with chronic conditions; the symptoms can subside but the source of the symptoms doesn't disappear. Staying a step ahead of a flare-up is critical. Utley's return to the playing field was a big accomplishment. If Utley lasts through the season, it will dwarf what he has already done.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers

The injury: Fractured right humerus (arm bone which runs from shoulder to elbow); the injury was to Hamilton's nondominant (non-throwing) arm
Date of injury: April 12, in what was to become a much-discussed headfirst slide into home plate.
How he fared in his return: Most would agree that hitting a home run in one's first at-bat after a six-week stint on the DL could be deemed successful. The smile on Hamilton's face as he rounded the bases and the greeting he got from his teammates when he arrived home confirmed it.
Expectations/Concerns going forward: The primary issue after a fracture is ensuring proper bone repair. Hamilton originally was projected to be out six to eight weeks, but the healing in his arm progressed quickly. When a CT scan at five weeks post-injury confirmed the bone showed "significant healing," Hamilton was given the green light to progress to a rehab assignment. The secondary issue after this type of injury is regaining the strength of the muscles around the shoulder, as well as the coordination, timing and power involved in swinging the bat. Hamilton's quicker healing progression and shortened downtime translated into less deconditioning. Hamilton did acknowledge being a little anxious in his early rehab at-bats. After his first rehab outing, Hamilton told ESPN Dallas, "My first at-bat [a groundout], I was a little jumpy. I was a little nervous because I haven't hit in so long." His timing, however, was better than expected, and his arm didn't bother him at all. According to Hamilton, the most soreness he experienced upon his return was, "more in my lower back and foot from standing in cleats for four hours." From the perspective of the fracture itself, the injury appears to be behind him and the delay it sometimes takes to return to power appears to be a non-issue. Now, fans will simply have to hope that the hard-driving outfielder manages to avoid suffering yet another injury, something that has proved challenging for him in the past.

Nelson Cruz, OF, Texas Rangers

The injury: Strained right quadriceps (front of the thigh)
Date of injury: May 3. Initially, Cruz said he did not think a trip to the DL would be necessary, but, within four days of the injury, the (wise) decision was made to make the move.
How he fared in his return: Keeping up with his teammate Josh Hamilton on Monday, Cruz also delivered a home run in his first game back.
Expectations/Concerns going forward: The worry with Cruz -- and it was a concern heading into this season -- is his history of leg injuries. For instance, Cruz made three trips to the DL in 2010 because of hamstring injuries. This was not likely his last muscle strain, but the Rangers have to hope that it was his last for a while.
Jim Thome, DH, Minnesota Twins:

The injury: Left oblique/low back strain
Date of injury: Late April. Thome appeared as if he would try to play through the injury early on but ultimately could not, and he was moved to the DL.
How he fared in his return: Apparently, "home runs for returning players" was trending Monday night, and Thome decided he would deliver two.
Expectations/Concerns going forward: At 40 years old, Thome's day-to-day durability might be the biggest concern, but limiting him to DH duties goes a long way toward maintaining his health. When a slugger returns from an oblique injury, the concern often is whether he'll be able to hit for power immediately. Thome's two long balls ought to have answered that question.
Rafael Furcal, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

The injury: Broken left thumb
Date of injury: April 11, another victim of the headfirst slide.
How he fared in his return: Furcal struggled in Sunday's return, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. He was able to improve to 1-for-4 on Monday.
Expectations/Concerns going forward: The thumb fracture has healed, but it might take additional time for Furcal to get his rhythm back swinging from both sides of the plate. The good news is that the downtime allowed him to work extensively on his conditioning. Because Furcal has a significant history of back problems, all the legwork is a bonus, and he noted how good the rest of his body is feeling now. Give him a little time to get back in the groove, and his numbers should pick up within the next couple of weeks.

HacheMan · May 25, 2011

Dose: De La Rosa Done

An asset in strikeouts but a liability in ERA and WHIP in recent years, Jorge De La Rosa was on course for his best season to date in 2011, posting a career-best 3.51 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 52/22 K/BB ratio through his first 59.0 innings this season.

That, however, was before he walked off the field in the third inning of Tuesday's start with what turned out to be a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, putting an end to his season as Tommy John surgery sits in his near future.

From a fantasy perspective, there unfortunately isn't a legitimate De La Rosa replacement to be found in Colorado. Greg Reynolds is slated to take the mound on Saturday, and Aaron Cook is likely to take over the rotation spot after that, but isn't a mixed league consideration after posting a 5.08 ERA and 1.56 WHIP last year.

On a more positive note, Joe Mauer (bilateral leg weakness) will be the DH in an extended spring training game on Wednesday. It remains unclear when Mauer will be ready to catch, but it's beginning to sound like he could be back with the Twins during the early part of June.

It's officially time to be quite concerned about Blue Jays' closer Frank Francisco, who blew his second save of the season and saw his ERA rise to 6.23. John Farrell hadn't announced any changes as of early Wednesday morning, but I would be giving a long look at Octavio Dotel and Jason Frasor in mixed leagues. (Jon Rauch could also be in the mix for saves if the Jays make a change, but at the moment Farrell prefers him in the eighth inning.)

Meanwhile, the Dodgers' bullpen situation surfaced a new name on Tuesday, as little-known Javy Guerra picked up a save with a scoreless ninth (after call-up Rubby De La Rosa threw a perfect eighth). It's unclear whether or not this makes Guerra Don Mattingly's closer, but the manager told the Associated Press that Guerra's stuff is "electric," and for the moment, the rookie looks like an intriguing add for those in need of saves.

Brian Fuentes and manager Bob Geren cleared things up after Fuentes called out Geren Monday night, but the struggling lefty has still been removed from the closer's role and replaced by Grant Balfour. Balfour's run, however, isn't likely to last long with Andrew Bailey expected to return this weekend.

Grady Sizemore (knee) ran sprints at almost full speed prior to Tuesday's game, and "looked good," according to trainer Lonnie Soloff. The Indians are planning to have Sizemore run the bases on Wednesday, and if all goes as planned, he should be back by Friday.

After initially hoping that he would only miss one start, the Cubs placed Matt Garza (elbow) on the 15-day DL Tuesday. The good news is that they backdated his DL stint to May 18, so it would appear he'll be ready to return in early June.

Brian Roberts (concussion) has been told to rest for two more weeks, meaning that he won't be ready to return to the Orioles for at least three more weeks. Robert Andino continues to start in his absence, but isn't a consideration in mixed leagues.

Terry Francona adamantly denied a report from Jon Heyman of SI.com which said that Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) will need Tommy John surgery, telling the Providence Journal that "Some reports aren't very professional." The timetable for Matsuzaka's return remains uncertain, as he will receive a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum before May is over.

Carlos Quentin clubbed three homers and drove in five runs in an 8-6 win over the Rangers. The three-homer game – the first of Quentin's career – gives him 12 homers and 31 RBI on the season.

Danny Duffy's second major league start was considerably sharper than his first, as the lefty allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. The fact that Duffy already has nine walks in his first 9 1/3 innings is a cause for concern, but Tuesday night was a positive development for his chances of becoming a factor in mixed leagues.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

NL Quick Hits (pitchers): Bronson Arroyo underwent an MRI on his injured back, but it appears that he won't have to miss a start … Josh Johnson reports significant improvement in his shoulder and hopes to throw Wednesday … Jose Contreras (elbow) is expected to be activated Wednesday, but returns as a setup man for Ryan Madson (who incidentally struggled in a non-save situation Tuesday) … Ricky Nolasco held the Giants to one run in 8 1/3 innings … Jair Jurrjens threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up win No. 6 … Ryan Dempster beat the Mets with seven innings of one-run ball … The Braves recalled Mike Minor to start in place of Tim Hudson Wednesday … Eduardo Sanchez picked up a save with Fernando Salas getting a day off … Johan Santana (shoulder) threw 25 pitches off a mound as he continues to target a potential July return … Barry Zito threw 50 pitches in a simulated game, but is still a few weeks from returning, according to Bruce Bochy.

NL Quick Hits (position players): Jerry Sands belted his first career grand slam and is now 6-for-12 with two homers in his last four games … Matt Holliday (quad) could sit out until Friday … Marlon Byrd (facial fractures) will reportedly be limited to walking for the next 1-2 weeks, and there remains no timetable for his return … Adam LaRoche (shoulder) won't swing or throw for the next 2-3 weeks before being reevaluated … Geovany Soto (groin) could be back as soon as Saturday … Pablo Sandoval (hand) is making progress and could be back in about two weeks … Andre Ethier (elbow, back, toe) is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday … Angel Pagan (oblique) should be activated Friday … Carlos Gonzalez hit his sixth and seventh homers this month … Stephen Drew (groin) returned to the lineup, going 2-for-4 in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader … Any optimism over Reds call-up Todd Frazier was spoiled when the outfielder was sent back to the minors after one day … Jason Bay left Tuesday's game early with calf trouble, but told ESPNNewYork.com that it was "very, very, very minor" … Corey Hart hit his fourth homer in two days … Kelly Johnson homered and doubled and has now driven in eight runs in his last five games … Shane Victorino (hamstring) could be ready for activation when eligible on June 3.

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

AL Quick Hits (pitchers): Brian Matusz (intercostal strain) will make his final rehab start on Friday and could return June 1 … The Tigers placed Phil Coke on the 15-day DL with a bone bruise in his left ankle … Rafael Soriano (elbow) has been shut down indefinitely and is headed for a visit with Dr. James Andrews Wednesday … Joakim Soria blew his third save of the year in his first truly ugly outing since early April … John Lackey (elbow) threw a 40-pitch bullpen and is tentatively targeting a June 5 return … Kevin Slowey is headed for a second opinion on his injured abdomen … Brandon Webb (shoulder) gave up four runs (one earned) in seven innings at extended spring training, but only hit around 84 mph … Nick Blackburn allowed two runs in a complete-game win over the light-hitting Mariners … Guillermo Moscoso picked up his first big league win with six scoreless innings against the Angels and could be worth a look in AL-Only leagues … Phil Hughes (dead arm) had a successful 10-minute throwing session on flat ground, but it's unclear when he'll throw off a mound.

AL Quick Hits (position players): Howie Kendrick (hamstring) reportedly ran at 80 percent and could return this weekend … Michael Cuddyer is day-to-day with right hip inflammation … David DeJesus homered twice against the Angels … Also homering twice was Tigers' catcher Alex Avila, now up to eight homers and 27 RBI on the season … The Red Sox are hoping that Marco Scutaro (oblique) will be ready for batting practice this week, but there remains no timetable for his return … Magglio Ordonez (ankle) is hoping to return this weekend … Tsuyoshi Nishioka (fibula) is expected to play the first of 10 rehab games on Friday, putting him on course for a potential return in early June … Delmon Young (leg) returned to Tuesday's lineup (and went 0-for-4) after leaving Monday's game early … Joe Maddon said that there's a "better than 50-50 chane" that Elliot Johnson (knee) is headed for the DL.