Starting pitcher rankings for Monday

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for Monday

<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Rk</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center>Team</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;">Name</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>T</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 35px;"><center>W-L</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>OPSA</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>Opp</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>OPS</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center>CT%</center></th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Matt Cain</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.48</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.29</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.671</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">FLA</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.729</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.0%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Cole Hamels</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.98</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.47</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.836</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CIN</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.717</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.8%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Ricky Romero</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.85</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.56</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.724</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@NYY</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.823</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.0%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Johnny Cueto</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.69</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.77</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.667</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@PHI</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.781</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.9%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jarrod Washburn</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.36</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.687</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">BAL</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.754</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.2%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jair Jurrjens</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.73</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.51</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.660</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@CHC</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.720</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.7%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jason Marquis</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.87</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.31</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.683</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">WAS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.744</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.2%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Mike Hampton</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.04</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.773</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">PIT</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.734</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.0%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">John Smoltz</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.33</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.722</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">OAK</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.676</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.5%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Randy Wells</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.08</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.614</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">ATL</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.727</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.4%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Andy Pettitte</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.50</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.784</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TOR</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.777</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.5%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jered Weaver</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.13</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.654</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TEX</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.778</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.8%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">13</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Brad Bergesen</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.52</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.676</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SEA</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.720</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.2%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">14</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Kevin Millwood</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.80</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.60</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.706</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">2LAA</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.777</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.7%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jon Garland</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.81</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.801</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">SD</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.690</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">78.9%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Gil Meche</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.45</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.93</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.727</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@DET</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.748</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.1%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Sean West</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.06</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.38</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.28</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.715</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SF</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.708</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">78.5%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">18</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Armando Galarraga</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.34</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.58</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.76</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.877</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">KC</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.708</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.5%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Virgil Vasquez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.33</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.872</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@HOU</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.722</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.9%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Craig Stammen</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.749</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@COL</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.774</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.2%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Walter Silva</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.86</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.92</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.883</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@ARI</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.723</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.9%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Brett Anderson</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.45</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.51</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.835</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BOS</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">.796</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.7%</td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning. K/9: Pitcher's average number of strikeouts per nine innings. OPSA: Pitcher's on-base plus slugging percentage surrendered to opponents. OPS: Pitcher's opponent's composite team on-base plus slugging percentage. CT%: Pitcher's opponent's success rate putting the ball in play (versus striking out).

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

Selected notes: Romero has been phenomenal lately, striking out 35 batters in his past 35 1/3 innings, and is coming off an eight-inning shutout of the Rays, who have the second-best offense in the majors. Still, the Yankees' OPS against left-handers is well ahead -- 23 points to be exact -- of any other team. It's a tough call, but Romero has been dominant the past month, and as the saying goes, great pitching beats great hitting. … In 10 of Jarrod Washburn's 15 starts, he has allowed two runs or less, mostly against the weaker offenses in the league, including a start versus the Orioles earlier in the season. In the other five, he's allowed at least four runs, all against the upper echelon of offenses. So against mediocre offenses, he has quite a bit of fantasy viability, but you wouldn't want to go near him when he's facing a potent opponent. Fortunately, the Orioles fall into the former category, against left-handers at least. Their .712 OPS versus southpaws is third-worst in the AL. … Gil Meche has been pitching poorly recently, with 15 earned runs in his past 14 1/3 innings while allowing five home runs and walking more batters (10) than he's struck out (nine). His poor pitching has been attributed to a dead arm in the past, and after logging a quality start versus the Twins, he hasn't pitched significantly better since, walking five hitters and allowing a home run to Michael Cuddyer. His matchup against the Tigers Monday is going to be a tough one. They hit much better at home, lit Meche up earlier in the season and Magglio Ordonez, Brandon Inge, Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera have hit a combined .316 off him in 117 at-bats. … The Angels have hit .300 against Kevin Millwood in 330 at-bats, so it's not surprising that he's allowed 17 hits in 12 1/3 innings in his two past starts against the team. Combine that with the Angels' recent hot hitting -- their .813 team OPS ranked third in June, and they're off to a similar start in July, hitting .336 -- and Millwood should remain firmly planted on your bench. … Oddly enough, this will be the third time in his past five starts that Mike Hampton has faced the Pirates. In the first two, he went seven innings each outing while allowing one run. He has allowed one run in three of his past four starts, capitalizing on a weak schedule (the Padres in Petco Park). Things are working for Hampton, and they can work for you, too.
Now batting

Hitters' count
• Vernon Wells, OF, Blue Jays: Although Wells is hitting only .195 against lefties this season, he has hit .312 off of them for his career, and in 38 at-bats versus Andy Pettitte, he's hit a robust .395. He has hit .300 over his past 17 games, with 10 of his 32 extra-base hits coming in that span.
• Brandon Inge, C/3B, Tigers: It's rare to see Inge bat better than .300 against any pitcher -- he is a career .239 hitter, after all -- but he's had a lot of success versus Meche, going 10-for-31 (.323) with half of those hits going for extra bases, including a homer.
• Mark Teahen, 3B/OF, Royals: Even during his surprise season last year, lefties did well against Armando Galarraga. For his career, left-handers have hit a robust .283 AVG/.355 OBP/.522 SLG against him. Teahen has been solid enough against right-handers (.299 average, seven homers) to take advantage of the matchup.
• Chase Headley, OF, Padres: Headley has turned into a useful spare part on the road, hitting .298 in his career away from Petco Park versus a .193 average at home. He doesn't have much power, but he's worth starting Monday simply because it's an off day for eight teams, so there's likely some space in your starting lineup.
• Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels: It looks like Guerrero is finally getting into a groove. In his past seven starts, he's 11-for-31 (.354) with five extra-base hits (two homers). He has killed Millwood in his career, hitting .359 with four dingers in 78 at-bats.
• Hank Blalock, 3B, Rangers: Blalock was 7-for-17 with a home run against Jered Weaver entering the season, and he has added to those gaudy numbers this season, chipping in three more hits -- including another home run and two doubles -- in seven at-bats this season. For his career, Blalock is hitting .417 with a .875 slugging percentage versus Weaver.
Pitchers' count
• Jay Bruce, OF, Reds: Cole Hamels may be getting pounded by right-handed batters (.335 average), but at least lefties are batting only .247. It also helps that Bruce is perpetually useless against southpaws, with just one home run accompanying a .195 average in 87 at-bats.
• Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers: Weaver has reduced Kinsler to a .208 hitter in 24 at-bats, with just one extra-base hit resulting in a mediocre .519 OPS. It's also worth noting that this season, Kinsler's stats have been particularly reliant on Rangers Ballpark, as he's hitting below the Mendoza Line on the road.
• Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers: Cruz has more strikeouts (five) than hits (four) against Weaver, and none of those hits went for extra bases.
• Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles: With twice as many strikeouts (eight) as hits (four), Roberts struggles against Washburn, although he has worked six walks in his 27 at-bats. Unfortunately, those walks haven't resulted in many steals either, with a 50 percent success rate on just two attempts.
• Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins: It's probably not surprising that Uggla, a .246 hitter over the past three seasons, with 406 strikeouts in 384 games, has struggled to make contact against Matt Cain. He's 1-for-8 with three strikeouts against one single. While it's not much of a sample size, it is in line with both players' skills. And Cain doesn't allow many home runs -- Uggla's primary value -- anyway, with a career home run rate of just 0.77 per nine innings.
If you're hardcore

• Garret Anderson, OF, Braves: Since June 8, Anderson is hitting .359, and he has even chipped in some power recently with four extra-base hits (two home runs) in his past six games.
• Martin Prado, 1B/2B/3B, Braves: With seven extra-base hits (one homer) in five consecutive games, compiling seven, Prado was one of the hottest hitters in the majors over the past week, and because he's hitting second in the lineup, he also has eight runs scored in that span.
• Ian Stewart, 2B/3B, Rockies: Stewart has been relatively quiet since an early June home run barrage, but is off to a nice start in July, going 4-for-12 with three extra-base hits, including a homer and a steal. The Rockies also play in Coors Field for their next seven games, which is often conducive to a hot streak or two.
• Josh Willingham, OF, Nationals: Since being activated from the bereavement list on June 20, Willingham has reached based in 13 straight games. He has hit well all season, plays every day and has a solid track record of production, so he's easy to include in this space until his ownership rises to more than 2.9 percent.
• Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Mariners: Gutierrez has reached base in 17 consecutive games, including two separate seven-game hitting streaks, one of which is still active. In other words, he's scorching hot, and he has always been a good hitter against lefties, with a .287 average that's 33 points higher against left-handers in his career.
• Nolan Reimold, OF, Orioles: He's only 1-for-12 in his past three games, but all of those at-bats were against right-handers, which he is now hitting .247 against. Reimold is much more successful against southpaws, hitting .340 with three homers in 50 at-bats, and for what it's worth, he was 2-for-3 versus Washburn in a start earlier in the season.
Triage

Injury list: Out
• Kelly Johnson, 2B, Braves (15-day DL, wrist)
• Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox (15-day DL, hip)
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers: Hamilton's rehab game on Saturday was rained out, so his return has been pushed to Monday, most likely. He's only 1-for-11 so far in the minors, so he may struggle initially upon his return.
• Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs (15-day DL, shoulder): Sidelined since May 8 with a dislocated shoulder, Ramirez is expected to return from the disabled list Monday.
• Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Pirates (back)
Weather concerns

• The Pirates-Astros, Padres-Diamondbacks and Orioles-Mariners are all weatherproof. And with clear skies expected throughout other major league cities, the entire slate of games is essentially weatherproof.

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

On tap: Baseball's traditional "first half" comes to a close at the conclusion of Week 14, as this is the final week before the three-day All-Star break July 13-15. The break often means shuffling of rotations during the preceding weekend, or starters occasionally being called upon for an inning or two of relief Saturday or Sunday. But the big stories of the week are the anticipated returns of Josh Hamilton, Aramis Ramirez and Erik Bedard from the disabled list. Hamilton and Ramirez might return to their respective lineups on Monday, with Bedard returning to the Mariners' rotation on Tuesday, giving him a two-start week.The Astros and Nationals will resume their May 5 game that was suspended with the score 10-10 in the 10th inning, picking up that game in Houston on Thursday with the Nationals still the home team. They'll then play the first of their four-game series with the Astros as the home team. Also, the Cardinals and Cubs will polish off the season's first half with a day-night doubleheader in Chicago on Sunday. Game 2 will be on "Sunday Night Baseball."

Team advantages

The chart below lists each of the 30 MLB teams' number of games scheduled ("Gm"), home games ("Hm"), games versus right- and left-handed pitchers ("vs. RHP" and "vs. LHP") and games at either hitter- or pitcher-friendly ballparks.
* Note: Some teams' totals versus right- and left-handed pitchers exclude games against teams with unclear starters. They include: Cubs (Sunday, STL, Game 2) and Twins (Thursday, NYY).
<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style>
<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center>Team</center></th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 10px;"><center>Gm</center></th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 10px;"><center>Hm</center></th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 10px;"><center>vs. RHP</center></th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 10px;"><center>vs. LHP</center></th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 40%;">Hitters' Parks?</th> <th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 40%;">Pitchers' Parks?</th> </tr></thead> <tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Camden Yards (TOR-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Safeco Field (@SEA-3)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">U.S. Cellular Field (CLE-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Metrodome (@MIN-3)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">U.S. Cellular Field (@CHW-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2*</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3*</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Metrodome (NYY-3, CHW-3)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Yankee Stadium (TOR-1)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Metrodome (@MIN-3)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Safeco Field (BAL-3, TEX-4)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

$tex.gif$

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Safeco Field (@SEA-4)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Yankee Stadium (@NYY-1); Camden Yards (@BAL-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wrigley Field (@CHC-3); Coors Field (@COL-4)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6*</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0*</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wrigley Field (ATL-3, STL-2, STL-2-)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Citizens Bank Park (@PHI-4)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Coors Field (WAS-3, ATL-4)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Citizens Bank Park (CIN-4, PIT-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Citizens Bank Park (@PHI-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Wrigley Field (@CHC-2)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Coors Field (@COL-3)</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">
</td></tr> </tbody></table>

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

The teams listed below have the most favorable overall hitting matchups, accounting for recent performance, strength of opponents and ballpark factors.

Astros (PIT-3, WAS-4): It's all about the matchups, as neither the Pirates nor Nationals have experienced much in the way of pitching success in road games this season. Pittsburgh is 14-26 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.51 WHIP and Washington is 9-29 with a 5.91 ERA and 1.77 WHIP, both of those staffs ranking among the game's bottom 10 in road winning percentage, ERA and WHIP. Carlos Lee (.319 BA, .897 OPS at home), Hunter Pence (.313/.930) and Miguel Tejada (.361/.919) have all performed noticeably better at home than on the road, and even Geoff Blum is a low-level sleeper at Minute Maid Park, where he's a .301 hitter in 31 games this season.

Giants (FLA-3, SD-4): To think, this offense, which was one of the game's worst in 2008, has actually improved its performance to a level of respectability, and more, to the point of being matchup-worthy at times. Week 14 presents one of those times, as the Marlins have a so-so 4.59 team ERA in their past 20 games, while the Padres, in spite of inspired pitching performances from Kevin Correia and Chad Gaudin of late, sport a bloated 5.88 team ERA on the road. Your sleeper: Nate Schierholtz, who has batted .441 (15-for-34) with two homers in his past nine games.

Tigers (KC-3, CLE-3): The Tigers might be returning home from a rough road trip to Houston and Oakland, but it shouldn't be forgotten that they swept a six-game homestand before that, during which they batted .332 with 13 home runs and a .992 OPS against two talented pitching staffs (Brewers and Cubs). As a team the Tigers have an .808 OPS at home, eighth-best in baseball, and their premier slugger, Miguel Cabrera, is a .412 hitter with a 1.176 OPS at Comerica Park. Something to think about: Brandon Inge has batted .333 with an .867 OPS in six games against the Royals and .300 with an .891 OPS in six games against the Indians this season.

White Sox (CLE-3, @MIN-3): Cleveland's rotation -- outside of ace Cliff Lee -- has been in complete disarray all season, and that the White Sox are slated to face three left-handed starters this week plays very much in their favor. They're seventh in the majors in team OPS against that side (.813), not to mention they rate one of the hotter offenses in the game, batting .290 with 29 home runs and 101 runs scored in their past 17 games. In fact, in the White Sox's recent three-game series at Cleveland, in which they faced two of the three starters they will see again this week (Carl Pavano and Jeremy Sowers), they batted .359 and totaled 23 runs.
Tristan's sleeper hitters

Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays: .371 BA, .961 OPS in 25 home games in 2009; .368 BA, 1.004 OPS versus left-handers in 2009
Russell Branyan, 1B/3B, Mariners: .314 BA, 1.110 OPS in 30 home games in 2009; .310 BA, 1.029 OPS versus right-handers in 2009
Adam Dunn, OF, Nationals: .300 BA, 7 HRs, 1.035 OPS in 22 career games at Coors Field; .262 BA, 1.004 OPS versus right-handers in 2009
Brad Hawpe, OF, Rockies: .352 BA, 1.053 OPS versus right-handers in 2009; .404 BA, 1.165 OPS at Coors Field in 2009
Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies: .318 BA, 1.010 OPS versus right-handers in 2009; .312 BA, .920 OPS at Coors Field in 2009
Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates: .359 BA, 1.098 OPS in 25 career games at Citizens Bank Park; .337 BA, .981 OPS in 28 games since June 1
Brian McCann, C, Braves: .368 BA, 1.069 OPS in 10 career games at Coors Field; .340 BA, 1.007 OPS versus right-handers in 2009
Nolan Reimold, OF, Orioles: .340 BA, 1.001 OPS versus left-handers in 2009; .297 BA, .895 OPS in his past 24 games
Ben Zobrist, 2B/SS/OF, Rays: .280 BA, 1.079 OPS in 35 home games in 2009; .348 BA, 1.192 OPS versus left-handers in 2009
Load up: Stolen bases

Favorable matchups listed below are selected based upon opponents' catchers allowing a high rate of steals attempts and/or having low caught-stealing percentages.

Astros (PIT-3, WAS-4): The Astros might not have swiped a single base and were caught stealing twice during their two-game trip to Washington May 4-5, but things are very different for the Nationals today than they were back then. Since Jesus Flores' last appearance in a game the Nationals have surrendered 39 steals in 51 chances in 48 games (76.5 percent success rate, 1.06 average attempts per game). Michael Bourn is Houston's most obvious speedster, but Kazuo Matsui (6 steals) is finally healthy and capable of better performance and Lance Berkman (5) and Hunter Pence (8) can each swipe a bag when the matchups play in their favor.

Mariners (BAL-3, TEX-4): These Mariners showed what they can do when battling weak-armed catchers in stealing five bases in three games against the Yankees this past week, three of them alone amassed by Ichiro Suzuki in one game. With Adrian Beltre out, Seattle needs to manufacture runs more than before, which helps explain why players like Franklin Gutierrez (2 stolen bases in his past 6 games) and Jose Lopez (2 steals in his past 3) have been taking more chances on the basepaths. Plus, neither of these opponents has been especially skilled at gunning down opposing baserunners.

Rockies (WAS-3, ATL-4): Again, the Nationals shape up as an easy team to run against, and the Braves' Brian McCann qualifies as that, too, having caught only 22.6 percent of opposing base stealers and allowed 0.73 attempted steals per game for his career. The Rockies under Jim Tracy have actually been more apt to run than under Clint Hurdle, averaging 1.06 attempts per game under Tracy compared with 0.98 under Hurdle, and remember that Hurdle number is skewed a bit by that absurd April 28 game against the Padres in which Dexter Fowler swiped five bags. Fowler remains this team's most lethal threat on the basepaths, but Troy Tulowitzki has been red hot in the category, too, with seven steals in his past 21 games.

Angels (TEX-3, NYY-3): Picking matchups versus the Yankees and aging catcher Jorge Posada is a no-brainer, but it's the Texas matchups that help make this week so favorable for the Angels. As a team they've swiped seven bases in six meetings this year, and Chone Figgins has been a one-man wrecking crew versus Texas, with 11 stolen bases in 18 games against them in the past calendar year. Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter are also in double digits in steals for the season and Erick Aybar and Maicer Izturis are more than capable of swiping a bag.
Load up: Pitchers

The teams listed below have the most favorable overall pitching matchups, accounting for recent performance, strength of opponents and ballpark factors.

Cubs (ATL-3, STL-4): The Cubs' staff continues to chug along in spite of a lack of offensive support, with a 2.97 ERA and 1.31 ERA in its past 33 games. But with the anticipated return of Aramis Ramirez and the team scheduled to play entirely at home this week, Cubs starters should stand a better chance for wins than at any point in the past month. Keep in mind the Cubs have won 77 of 116 home games with a 3.81 ERA and 1.28 WHIP between this and last season, those ratios exceptional if you account for the hitting-friendly nature of Wrigley Field. This season alone Ted Lilly is 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in seven starts at Wrigley, and Ryan Dempster is 18-4 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 27 starts there between this and last season.

Red Sox (OAK-3, KC-4): Though the memory of that 11-10 Orioles comeback this past Tuesday might remains fresh in your mind, you need to put it aside for now, because Boston's schedule is about as favorable for pitchers as anyone's in baseball in Week 14. Since June 1 this staff has won 19 of 27 games with a 3.47 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, and be aware that the Red Sox's current five starters are 17-4 with a 3.72 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 28 starts at Fenway Park this season. Oakland and Kansas City, incidentally, rank 30th and 29th in team OPS on the road, at .653 and .655.

Giants (FLA-3, SD-4): The Giants match up nicely both hitting- and pitching-wise this week, as the Marlins have a sub-.700 team OPS in road games and the Padres, well, they rank 29th in terms of overall OPS for the season (.693). Incidentally, San Francisco limited San Diego to 10 runs on 37 hits in 43 2/3 innings in their past five meetings, the Padres batting .227 in those games. This staff has been in large part the reason the Giants have remained in the thick of the National League pennant race, and with a 24-12 record and 3.24 ERA at home, they should keep up their good work.

Rays (TOR-3, OAK-3): Maybe David Price has yet to realize his full potential, but interestingly, this staff seemed to turn things around right about the time he made his 2009 debut. Since that game on May 25, Tampa Bay pitching has combined for a 3.40 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, holding opposing hitters to a .231 average. So what made the difference? Might it be the stellar pitching of new closer J.P. Howell, who has four wins, five saves, a 0.00 ERA and a .121 batting average allowed in 17 appearances since that day? Or how about the healthy return of Scott Kazmir, who tossed five innings of two-run, four-hit baseball in his first start back from the disabled list this past Monday? Whatever the reason, the Rays always play well at home, and one of these two opponents, the Athletics, has the game's worst road OPS (.653).
Note: The Yankees might promote Sergio Mitre to take Chien-Ming Wang's turn in the rotation on Thursday. Kyle Lohse is a candidate to start one of the two doubleheader games for the Cardinals on Sunday.

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

Note: The Yankees might promote Sergio Mitre to take Chien-Ming Wang's turn in the rotation on Thursday. Kyle Lohse is a candidate to start one of the two doubleheader games for the Cardinals on Sunday.
Projected starting pitchers

The chart below lists each of the 30 MLB teams' schedules and projected starting pitchers. Those pitchers scheduled to pitch twice this week are color-coded.
<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style>
<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center>Team</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Mon 7/6</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Tue 7/7</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Wed 7/8</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Thu 7/9</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Fri 7/10</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Sat 7/11</center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 14%;"><center>Sun 7/12</center></th></tr></thead> <tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SEA
Bergesen
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Guthrie
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Hernandez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Berken
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Hill
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TOR
Bergesen
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">OAK
Smoltz
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">OAK
Beckett
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Wakefield
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Penny
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Lester
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">KC
Smoltz
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">KC
Beckett
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CLE
Buehrle
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Contreras
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Danks
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Floyd
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Richard
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@MIN
Buehrle
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@CHW
Sowers
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Huff
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHW
Pavano
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Lee
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Ohka
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@DET
Sowers
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">KC
Galarraga
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
Verlander
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">KC
French
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Jackson
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CLE
Porcello
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CLE
Galarraga
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@DET
Meche
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@DET
Chen
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@DET
Greinke
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Hochevar
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Bannister
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BOS
Meche
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BOS
Chen
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TEX
Weaver
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TEX
Lackey
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Santana
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Saunders
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">NYY
Weaver
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">NYY
Lackey
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">NYY
Baker
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Perkins
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">NYY
Swarzak
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Liriano
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CHW
Blackburn
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CHW
Baker
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TOR
Pettitte
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@MIN
Sabathia
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
Burnett
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIN
TBD</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Chamberln
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@LAA
Pettitte
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@LAA
Sabathia
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BOS
Anderson
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Braden
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BOS
Cahill
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Mazzaro
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
G. Gonzlz
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@TB
Anderson
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">BAL
Washburn
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">BAL
Bedard
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">BAL
Vargas
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Hernandez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TEX
Morrow
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TEX
Washburn
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TEX
Bedard
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">TOR
Shields
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Kazmir
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">TOR
Price
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Garza
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">OAK
Niemann
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">OAK
Shields
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

$tex.gif$

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@LAA
Millwood
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@LAA
Padilla
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@LAA
Hunter
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Holland
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SEA
Feldman
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SEA
Millwood
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SEA
Padilla
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@NYY
Romero
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@TB
Mills
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Tallet
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@TB
Halladay
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@BAL
Cecil
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BAL
Romero
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@BAL
Mills
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">SD
Garland
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">SD
Davis
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Scherzer
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">FLA
Petit
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">FLA
Haren
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">FLA
Garland
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">FLA
Davis
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@CHC
Jurrjens
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@CHC
Vazquez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Kawakami
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Hanson
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Lowe
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@COL
Jurrjens
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@COL
Vazquez
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">ATL
Wells
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">ATL
Dempster
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Zambrano
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Harden
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Lilly
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">STL-2
Wells
(RHP)
Dempster
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@PHI
Cueto
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@PHI
Harang
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Bailey
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Owings
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Arroyo
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@NYM
Cueto
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@NYM
Harang
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">WAS
Marquis
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">WAS
Hammel
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
DeLaRosa
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Cook
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">ATL
Jimenez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">ATL
Marquis
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">ATL
Hammel
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SF
West
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SF
Johnson
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Volstad
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Miller
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Nolasco
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@ARI
West
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@ARI
Johnson
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">PIT
Hampton
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Moehler
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Rodriguez
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Paulino
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Ortiz
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">WAS
Oswalt
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">WAS
Hampton
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@NYM
Kershaw
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Kuroda
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@NYM
Wolf
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Billingsley
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Milton
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@MIL
Kershaw
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">STL
Gallardo
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
McClung
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">STL
Suppan
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Looper
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Burns
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">LAD
Gallardo
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">LAD
Pelfrey
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Perez
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">LAD
Hernandez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Nieve
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Santana
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CIN
Pelfrey
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CIN
Hamels
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">CIN
Happ
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Lopez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">CIN
Moyer
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">PIT
Blanton
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">PIT
Hamels
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">PIT
Happ
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@HOU
Vasquez
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Maholm
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Morton
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Duke
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@PHI
Ohlendorf
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@PHI
Vasquez
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@MIL
Wainwrght
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Wellemeyr
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@MIL
Pineiro
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Thompson
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@CHC
Carpenter
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@CHC-2
Wainwrght
(RHP)
TBD</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@ARI
Silva
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@ARI
Correia
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@ARI
Gaudin
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Geer
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@SF
Banks
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SF
Silva
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@SF
Correia
(RHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">FLA
Cain
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">FLA
Zito
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">FLA
Sadowski
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Lincecum
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">SD
Johnson
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">SD
Cain
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">SD
Zito
(LHP)</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@COL
Stammen
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@COL
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@COL
Detwiler
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Lannan
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top;" align="center">@HOU
Olsen
(LHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@HOU
Stammen
(RHP)</td><td style="vertical-align: top; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">@HOU
Zimmrmnn
(RHP)</td></tr> </tbody></table>

Rankings: Tristan's two-starts

Recommended cut-off point for elite one-starts: No. 20 (Baker)
Recommended cut-off point for "under-50" bargains: No. 28 (Bergesen)
Five must-starts: Josh Beckett, Matt Cain, Yovani Gallardo, CC Sabathia, Javier Vazquez.
6. Josh Johnson (FLA) -- Tue-@SF (Zito), Sun-@ARI (Davis)
7. James Shields (TB) -- Tue-TOR (Mills), Sun-OAK (Anderson)
8. Kevin Millwood (TEX) -- Mon-@LAA (Weaver), Sat-@SEA (Washburn)
9. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Mon-TEX (Millwood), Sat-NYY (Pettitte)
10. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Tue-@MIL (Gallardo), Sun-@CHC, Game 1 (Wells)
11. Mark Buehrle (CHW) -- Tue-CLE (Sowers), Sun-@MIN (Baker)
12. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Tue-@NYM (Pelfrey), Sun-@MIL (Gallardo)
13. Ryan Dempster (CHC) -- Tue-ATL (Vazquez), Sun-STL, Game 2 (TBD): 18-4, 3.18 ERA, 1.25 WHIP in 27 home starts 2008-09
14. Johnny Cueto (CIN) -- Mon-@PHI (Hamels), Sat-@NYM (Santana)
15. Kevin Correia (SD) -- Tue-@ARI (Davis), Sun-@SF (Zito)
16. John Lackey (LAA) -- Tue-TEX (Padilla), Sun-NYY (Sabathia)
17. Aaron Harang (CIN) -- Tue-@PHI (Happ), Sun-@NYM (Pelfrey)
18. Jair Jurrjens (ATL) -- Mon-@CHC (Wells), Sat-@COL (Marquis): 3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.34 WHIP in four career starts at Coors Field
19. Cole Hamels (PHI) -- Mon-CIN (Cueto), Sat-PIT (Ohlendorf): 4-0, 1.25 ERA, 0.94 WHIP in five career starts versus Reds
20. Scott Baker (MIN) -- Tue-NYY (Sabathia), Sun-CHW (Buehrle): 2-0, 1.50 ERA, 0.75 WHIP in two career starts versus Yankees
21. John Smoltz (BOS) -- Mon-OAK (Anderson), Sat-KC (Meche)
22. Mike Pelfrey (NYM) -- Tue-LAD (Kershaw), Sun-CIN (Harang)
23. Jason Marquis (COL) -- Mon-WAS (Stammen), Sat-ATL (Jurrjens)
24. Vicente Padilla (TEX) -- Tue-@LAA (Lackey), Sun-@SEA (Bedard)
25. Doug Davis (ARI) -- Tue-SD (Correia), Sun-FLA (Johnson): 9-3, 2.82 ERA, 1.22 WHIP in 15 career starts versus Padres
26. Jarrod Washburn (SEA) -- Mon-BAL (Bergesen), Sat-TEX (Millwood)
27. Jason Hammel (COL) -- Tue-WAS (Zimmermann), Sun-ATL (Vazquez)
28. Brad Bergesen (BAL) -- Mon-@SEA (Washburn), Sun-TOR (Mills): 1-0, 1.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP in two career starts versus Mariners
29. Andy Pettitte (NYY) -- Mon-TOR (Romero), Sat-@LAA (Weaver)
30. Ricky Romero (TOR) -- Mon-@NYY (Pettitte), Sat-@BAL (Hill)
31. Randy Wells (CHC) -- Mon-ATL (Jurrjens), Sun-STL, Game 1 (Wainwright): 7 IP, 2 H's, 1 ER, 4 K's versus Braves 6/2/09
32. Jon Garland (ARI) -- Mon-SD (Silva), Sat-FLA (West): 2-2, 2.51 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in four career starts versus Padres
33. J.A. Happ (PHI) -- Tue-CIN (Harang), Sun-PIT (Vasquez)
34. Erik Bedard (SEA) -- Tue-BAL (Guthrie), Sun-TEX (Padilla)
35. Barry Zito (SF) -- Tue-FLA (Johnson), Sun-SD (Correia): 3-0, 3.22 ERA, 1.30 WHIP in four career starts versus Marlins
36. Armando Galarraga (DET) -- Mon-KC (Meche), Sun-CLE (Sowers): 2-0, 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP in three career starts versus Royals
37. Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) -- Tue-@COL (Hammel), Sun-@HOU (Hampton)
38. Gil Meche (KC) -- Mon-@DET (Galarraga), Sat-@BOS (Smoltz)
39. Brian Moehler (HOU) -- Mon-PIT (Vasquez), Sun-WAS (Zimmermann)
40. Sean West (FLA) -- Mon-@SF (Cain), Sat-@ARI (Garland): Win, 8 IP, 2 H's, 0 ER, 6 K's versus Giants 6/8/09
Seven "no thank yous": Brett Anderson, Bruce Chen, Brad Mills, Walter Silva, Jeremy Sowers, Craig Stammen, Virgil Vasquez.
Tristan's one-start bargains

The 50-to-90 group (owned in 50 to 90 percent of ESPN.com leagues)
John Danks (CHW) -- Thu-CLE (Pavano): 1.91 ERA, 0.88 WHIP in his past four starts
Randy Johnson (SF) -- Fri-SD (Banks): 3.24 ERA, 0.92 WHIP in four starts versus Padres in 2008
Rick Porcello (DET) -- Sat-CLE (Ohka): Win, 5 IP, 5 H's, 1 ER, 5 K's versus Indians 5/10/09
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Wed-PIT (Morton): 2.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP in eight home starts in 2009
The under-50 group (available in at least 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) -- Sat-CHW (Richard): 2.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP in two starts versus White Sox in 2009
Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) -- Tue-@SEA (Bedard): 2-1, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP in three career starts at Safeco Field
Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) -- Fri-ATL (Lowe): 14-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in 32 career home games (31 starts)
John Lannan (WAS) -- Thu-@HOU (Paulino): 2-0, 3.27 ERA in two career starts at Minute Maid Park
Andrew Miller (FLA) -- Thu-@ARI (Petit): 2.29 ERA, 1.02 WHIP in three career starts versus Diamondbacks
Brad Penny (BOS) -- Thu-KC (Hochevar): 1.99 ERA, 1.28 WHIP in his past four starts
Tim Wakefield (BOS) -- Wed-OAK (Cahill): 6-0, 3.55 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in seven home starts in 2009

punter · Jul 5, 2009

BadCo, you are one really nice guy. Thanks.

fugazi · Jul 5, 2009

priceless info here, thanks for your efforts.

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

It's all right here

http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/baseball

I am an Insider but think this is available for all?

fugazi · Jul 5, 2009

yeah but the fact that you post it for us thus making it easier and more convient is commendable.

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

That's kinda why I post it,easier to read.

Wish I didn't have to work and just handicap in the mornings,go to the gym then a bite to eat come back home and tidy up the capping and then watch the games.

Fuck I don't want to go to work 2mrw.

BadCo · Jul 5, 2009

MLB Rumor Central: TRADES: Sox deal hinges on Lowell

More Rumors: MLB | NBA | NFL | NHL

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</td></tr></tbody></table>Sunday, July 5

TRADES: Sox deal hinges on Lowell

Mike Lowell | Red Sox
The Red Sox may not make a deal until they see how the oft-injured Mike Lowell performs when he comes off the disabled list. The Boston Globe says the Red Sox are not likely to make a deal over the next three weeks and adds that Boston is reluctant to deal Mark Kotsay.

TRADES: Giants pursue Sanchez

Freddy Sanchez | Pirates | Interested: Twins? Giants?
Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez has drawn the interest of the Giants. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the two teams are talking trade and that the Giants, who have been looking to add a quality bat to their lineup for weeks, have had a scout following Sanchez. The newspaper added that the teams also have discussed Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche, but those talks have not progressed as far. Sanchez and LaRoche both are eligible for free agency after the season. FoxSports.com reported that the Twins are interested in Sanchez as well as relievers Matt Capps and John Grabow.

TRADES: Royals shopping Guillen

Jose Guillen | Royals
The Royals have tried to deal veteran outfielder Jose Guillen and the Braves are a possibile destination, according to the Boston Globe. The newspaper points to the ties Dayton Moore has with the Braves organization and notes that Jeff Francoeur is a favorite of the Royals' general manager.

DEPTH CHART: Replacement for Wang?

Chien-Ming Wang | Yankees
The Yankees now have some decisions to make with their pitching staff after Chien-Ming Wang was forced to leave Saturday's start against Toronto with a shoulder injury that could land him him on the disabled list. The New York Daily News says the right move will be to keep Phil Hughes in the bullpen because he has emerged as too valuable a set-up man for Mariano Rivera. "He's one of the options we have," manager Joe Girardi said, "but he's been really, really important to us in the bullpen." The most likely scenario would likely see the Yankees call up Sergio Mitre from Triple-A, but could they now look outside the organization?

TRADES: Johnson not being shopped

Nick Johnson | Nationals
Acting general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post that the Nationals are not actively shopping first baseman Nick Johnson, the subject of numerous trade rumors. "Nick is probably the one with the most trade rumors, but we're not looking to move him," Rizzo said. "We'll only move him if we have the right opportunity. I don't want to put names as to who's most likely [to be traded], because we don't really know." Johnson also insisted there would be no fire sale simply because the Nats own baseball's worst record. Could that mean he is waiting for better offers?

TRADES: Suitors for the Braves

ESPN's Buster Olney wrote last week that the Braves were willing to trade Yunel Escobar for a bat. The Atlanta Journal Constitution added that the Braves were trying to make a move for the shortstop while also raising the possibility that Atlanta would consider trading Javier Vazquez. Buster's blog details six possible suitors for the Braves: Red Sox, Royals, Brewers, Twins, Dodgers and Athletics.

DEPTH CHART: Gamel pushed out?

The emergence of Casey McGehee could prompt the Brewers to send prized third base prospect Mat Gamel back to the minor leagues. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said the Brewers have held discussions on what best to do with Gamel, who has started just three games since June 21. "It's a tough call. I don't want to bury him. Yet, you're trying to contend for a pennant," manager Ken Macha said.

Saturday, July 4

TRADES: Can Rangers still deal?

The financial health of the Texas Rangers has been called into question amid reports that the club has borrowed $15 million from Major League Baseball's central fund in order to pay its players. Rangers team president Nolan Ryan insisted that the club was not in dire straits, and that it was business as usual under owner Tom Hicks. "If we have something that would be beneficial, we would bring it to Tom," Ryan said of trade offers. "There haven't been any restrictions put on us." A columnist in the Dallas Morning News did not agree, saying the Rangers would be unable to take on any notable contracts for the rest of the season.

TRADES: Price for Holliday

Matt Holliday | Athletics | Interested: Cardinals?
ESPN's Jayson Stark writes in his last edition of Rumblings & Grumblings that the Athletics are not quite ready to deal Matt Holliday just yet and that the asking price will be a steep one. The cost will be two prospects "with tremendous upside." One of those prospects must be able to contribute immediately and the other must be able to contribute next season. Stark says one thing that remains unclear is how much of the approximately $6.75 million left on Holliday's contract the A's are willing to pick up.

TRADES: Tribe dealing Betancourt?

Rafael Betancourt | Indians
Talk of a possible Indians' fire sale has circulated for weeks, and ESPN's Jayson Stark says that the name of reliever Rafael Betancourt can be added to that list. In the latest edition of Rumblings & Grumblings, Stark writes that the Tribe is interested in moving Betancourt if he gets his act together after he comes off the disabled list. While the Indians might be interested in trading Kerry Wood, his two-year, $20 million contract makes him unmovable anyway.

MORE RUMBLINGS FROM STARK
Teams have asked Royals about Gil Meche

NEGOTIATIONS: Sox talking with SS Iglesias

According to SI.com, the Red Sox are in discussions with Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias and the deal, if finalized, could be for about $8 million. Iglesias, listed at 19 years old, defected in Canada during last year's World Junior Championships.

TRADES: Yanks have eyes on Grabow

John Grabow | Pirates | Interested: Yankees?
The Yankees could be interested in Pirates pitcher John Grabow. The New York Post reported that the Pirates had two scouts at Thursday's game between the Yankees and the Mariners. Their presence only adds to speculation the Yankees have an interest in the 30-year-old Grabow as a second lefthander for their bullpen.

thekeyman · Jul 5, 2009

some great stuff here bad co,..thanks a bunch buddy

if the PIRATES trade SANCHEZ ill be really pissed,he is all we have left and im sick and tired of the PIRATES trading away all their good players cause they don't want to pay them,..they are a discrace to call themselves a MLB team

zeketaylor · Jul 5, 2009

thekeyman said:
some great stuff here bad co,..thanks a bunch buddy

if the PIRATES trade SANCHEZ ill be really pissed,he is all we have left and im sick and tired of the PIRATES trading away all their good players cause they don't want to pay them,..they are a discrace to call themselves a MLB team

id say mcutcheon, both laroches, and zack duke are all still assets...hes not all u have left

thekeyman · Jul 5, 2009

zeke taylor said:
id say mcutcheon, both laroches, and zack duke are all still assets...hes not all u have left

McCUTCHEON maybe but the other no,...ANDY LAROCHE is a good utility player but no stand out,ADAM just is not there when you need him and DUKE is just a so-so pitcher,i thought two years ago that he was going to be something special but it did not turn out that way

gabbana · Jul 6, 2009

great info here man.

RonMexico · Jul 6, 2009

thekeyman said:
some great stuff here bad co,..thanks a bunch buddy

if the PIRATES trade SANCHEZ ill be really pissed,he is all we have left and im sick and tired of the PIRATES trading away all their good players cause they don't want to pay them,..they are a discrace to call themselves a MLB team

I don't mean to be a jerk but I don't know how you could root for that team with what they have done over the last couple years I used to root for the BIlls(NFL) and over the last 5 years realize they don't want to win and just can't root for them anymore.................I actually love watching them lose now just as much fun if not more

1968 · Jul 6, 2009

BadCo said:
That's kinda why I post it,easier to read.

Wish I didn't have to work and just handicap in the mornings,go to the gym then a bite to eat come back home and tidy up the capping and then watch the games.

Fuck I don't want to go to work 2mrw.

thats what im doing, burning a vac day.

rolltide · Jul 9, 2009

thekeyman said:
some great stuff here bad co,..thanks a bunch buddy

if the PIRATES trade SANCHEZ ill be really pissed,he is all we have left and im sick and tired of the PIRATES trading away all their good players cause they don't want to pay them,..they are a discrace to call themselves a MLB team

they really dont have a choice at this point. they stupidly put a contract together that, with incentives, would mean they're paying a slap hitting 2B 9M/year. of course, sanchez is well on pace to hitting these milestones
@)

so the Bucs tried to save money on salary by laying all sorts of incentives in front of him and now they'll have to trade his ass to save themselves paying him 9M

I've also heard Capps soon to be on his way to the Marlins

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