Starting pitcher rankings for Sept. 4, 2009

[BadCo]

Starting pitcher rankings for Sept. 4, 2009

<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;"> Clayton Kershaw </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .600 </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"> .703 </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"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adam Wainwright </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .640 </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"> .716 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.3% </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;"> Cliff Lee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .669 </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"> .725 </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .695 </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"> .784 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.1% </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;"> Dan Haren </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .604 </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"> .788 </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Verlander </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .668 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .799 </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Halladay </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .684 </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"> .844 </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Lowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .759 </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"> .701 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.8% </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;"> Jered Weaver </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .714 </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"> .713 </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"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Niemann </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .711 </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"> .747 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.7% </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;"> Clay Buchholz </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"> 4.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .754 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CHW </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"> 80.9% </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;"> Carlos Zambrano </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .718 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.1% </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;"> Bronson Arroyo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .775 </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"> .751 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Barry Zito </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .708 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .772 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.9% </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;"> Joba Chamberlain </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"> 4.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .781 </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"> .763 </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"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Hammel </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .808 </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"> .748 </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"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Suppan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .917 </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"> .699 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.1% </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;"> Vin Mazzaro </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .873 </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"> .711 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.4% </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;"> Kevin Millwood </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .746 </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"> .752 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.1% </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;"> Gil Meche </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .886 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .801 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </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;"> Chris Tillman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .886 </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"> .777 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.6% </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;"> Ryan Rowland-Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .648 </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"> .709 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </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"> 6-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .759 </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"> .751 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Garrett Mock </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .824 </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"> .750 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carl Pavano </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .790 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .773 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Hart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .834 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> STL </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"> 81.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Sowers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .741 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .768 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bobby Parnell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .773 </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"> .743 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wade LeBlanc </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .993 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .759 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Freddy Garcia </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"> 5.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .784 </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"> .804 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.5% </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]

Selected notes: Roy Halladay has been subject to a brutal schedule recently, facing an offense ranked at least sixth in OPS against right-handers in all six of his starts in August. As a result, his 4.71 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in the past month isn't ace-like, and things don't get any easier versus the Yankees. In three prior starts facing New York, however, Halladay has done well, with a 3.60 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in three starts, and is one of the few pitchers who can be trusted even against great offenses. … Although Derek Lowe hasn't logged a quality start in three consecutive outings, he's coming off a pretty good performance against a tough Phillies offense, and faces what has been the worst offense in baseball (judging by team OPS) since the All-Star break. Lowe seems to have gotten over a brief hiccup against the Mets and could be in line for one of his best starts all season. … Since a 7 1/3-inning, 11-strikeout performance versus the Rangers on Aug. 8, Jered Weaver has combined for 11 punchouts in his past four starts. With a 5.43 ERA since the All-Star break, Weaver is no longer a must-start, but he is coming off six shutout innings of the A's, a sign that, if nothing else, he still is probably worth keeping active against the weaker offenses in the league, and the Royals certainly fall in that camp. … It was refreshing to see Clay Buchholz bounce back from an awful performance versus the White Sox, limiting the Blue Jays to one run over 8 1/3 innings while fanning nine. Now he gets to face those White Sox again, and Buchholz should pitch better this time around -- he has allowed just two runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. The White Sox's trade of Jim Thome (.897 OPS against right-handers) also substantially weakens an offense that already ranked 21st in OPS against righties, so it's worth showing some faith in Buchholz. … The Cubs are blaming Carlos Zambrano's struggles since returning from the disabled list on poor mechanics, as he's allowed 18 hits in his past 7 2/3 innings. Whatever the reason, wait for Zambrano to prove his effectiveness before gambling on him in a rematch against the Mets, who slapped him around for 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings in his last start. … Bronson Arroyo quietly finished with a sub-2.00 ERA in August, pitching at least seven innings while allowing three runs or fewer in all six of his starts. With quality starts in nine of his past 10 outings, Arroyo's worth a look against the Braves. … Like Arroyo, Barry Zito is another former mediocrity now on an extended roll, with two or fewer runs allowed in eight of his past nine starts. That's left him with a 1.92 ERA with a respectable strikeout rate over seven per nine innings, and is backed by one of the best defenses in the National League. As long as he's pitching this well, you have to pick him up (or keep him active) against the Brewers. … Joba Chamberlain lasted only three innings in his last start, and it was apparently intentional by the Yankees. Chamberlain rarely pitches deep into ballgames anyway (he's failed to pitch six innings in four of his past five starts), and the Yankees may get creative with his use in September, as they do have the playoffs to think about as well. He's been ineffective recently anyway, allowing four runs or more in four of his past five outings, so he's an unappealing play against the Blue Jays.

 

[BadCo]

Now batting

Hitters' count:
• Chris Coghlan, OF, Marlins: Boasting a 10-game hitting streak, Coghlan shows no signs of slowing down, and shouldn't have a problem getting on base versus Garrett Mock, as left-handed hitters are batting .355 against him.
• Adam Lind, OF, Blue Jays: With three home runs and five doubles over the past week, Lind is hitting the cover off the ball, and prior matchups with Joba Chamberlain have served him well: He's 5-for-10 with a double and a homer versus Joba in his career, including a 3-for-5 mark this season.
• Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees: In the midst of a nine-game hitting streak, Damon is a rare hitter who can say he's looking forward to facing Roy Halladay again: He's already taken him deep twice this season, going 5-for-10 overall. That brings his lifetime average to .356 in 90 at-bats, suggesting Damon's quite comfortable against the ace.
• Milton Bradley, OF, Cubs: Might Bradley have finally tapped into his power? He put up three home runs and seven doubles in August, and has six extra-base hits -- three home runs and three doubles -- in his past nine games. His opponent, Bobby Parnell, has been getting bombed recently too, with 22 earned runs and four home runs allowed in his past three starts (12 2/3 innings).
• Juan Rivera, OF, Angels: He's 6-for-13 (.462) versus Gil Meche in his career, picking up a double and a home run along the way. Rivera is also 5-for-16 in his past four games, with four runs scored and a home run, so he may be heating up again, too, and there are always plenty of Angels to drive in.
Pitchers' count:
• Jason Kubel, OF, Twins: Kubel is known to have trouble against southpaws, and, not surprisingly, is 0-for-8 versus Jeremy Sowers, striking out three times.
• Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees: Roy Halladay has owned Jeter for a long time, as the captain is hitting a paltry .230 with just four extra-base hits in 87 career at-bats versus Halladay. He has more strikeouts (24) than hits (20), a trend that has continued this year, as he's gone 1-for-8 with three K's against him.
• Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds: He may be off to a quick start in September (5-for-8 with a home run and a double), but don't forget that Phillips is just a .259 hitter versus right-handers. He's 0-for-3 against Derek Lowe this season, bringing him to 0-for-9 in his career, so it may be for the best to leave him inactive.
• Ben Zobrist, 2B/SS/OF, Rays: With an average that drops 53 points versus right-handers, you may want to think twice about playing Zobrist versus Justin Verlander. Righties are hitting .221 and slugging .338 against the Tigers' ace, and Zobrist is just 1-for-9 against him.
• Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres: Keep Gonzalez far away from Clayton Kershaw, who mows down left-handed hitters, who are batting .182 off him with just one home run in 121 at-bats. Gonzalez himself is only 2-for-13 lifetime versus Kershaw, striking out a whopping six times, so don't expect much from the slugger when they meet again on Friday.

If you're hardcore

• Andy Marte, 1B/3B, Indians: Don't look now, but the former top prospect is hitting .340 since Aug. 20 and even has four home runs in his past eight games. Carl Pavano has been a sieve when facing right-handers, allowing them to hit .312 and slug .517, so Marte is probably looking forward to facing his former teammate.
• Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals: The streaky Rasmus appears to be heating up, with three multihit performances in his past four contests. He's remained solid against right-handers (.293 average, 12 home runs in 294 at-bats) and he'll step into the batters' box against Kevin Hart, who has allowed southpaws to hit .333 against him.
• Felix Pie, OF, Orioles: With Adam Jones potentially out for the season, Pie looks like a great pickup after he hit .333 with five home runs in August. On the season, he's hitting .287 with seven home runs in 167 at-bats versus right-handers, and deserves a look against Kevin Millwood.
• Ryan Church, OF, Braves: Lefties tend to kill Bronson Arroyo (.479 slugging percentage allowed) and Church is already 3-for-7 with two doubles against him. Church is hitting nearly .300 against right-handers this season, so he doesn't make a bad utility play.
• Seth Smith, OF, Rockies: A .348 hitter in the confines of Coors Field, Smith is a must-play at home, where he also has five home runs in 115 at-bats. He's 14-for-37 (.378) with eight extra-base hits (three home runs) in his past 13 home games, and with Dexter Fowler out, Smith is getting extra at-bats too.

Triage

Injury list: Out
• Adam Jones, OF, Orioles (ankle): Jones sprained his left ankle is out for at least two weeks, and possibly the rest of the season.
• Chad Qualls, RP, Diamondbacks (60-day disabled list; knee)
• Huston Street, RP, Rockies (biceps): Street likely will miss the rest of the week and is scheduled to play toss this weekend. He could return soon after that.
• Michael Young, 3B/SS, Rangers (hamstring; out for two weeks)
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Mariners (knee)
• Jose Guillen, OF, Royals (hamstring)
• Cristian Guzman, SS, Nationals (foot; available to pinch hit)
• Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (back): Hamilton will attempt to return on Friday.
• Bengie Molina, C, Giants (quadriceps; available to pinch hit)
• Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins (hamstring)
• Gary Sheffield, OF, Mets (back; available to pinch hit)
Weather concerns

• Friday will feature four weatherproof games: Yankees-Blue Jays, Tigers-Rays, Phillies-Astros and Giants-Brewers.
• Only the Angels-Royals has even a minor threat of rain, with a 30 percent chance of storms in Kansas City.

 

[BadCo]

 

[BadCo]

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Nationals Park | 7:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Sean West, LHP (6-5, 4.22)
Marlins (70-64) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Garrett Mock, RHP (3-6, 5.01)
Nationals (46-88) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

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Scouting Report:
Marlins: The 23-year-old West has put together a nice stretch of starts. Four of his past six outings have been quality starts, including his past two, both wins. The left-hander beat the Padres on Aug. 30, giving up three runs (two earned) in six innings. He struck out seven, which matched a season high. West has one previous appearance against the Nationals. On June 30, he worked 4 1/3 innings, giving up five runs in a no-decision.Nationals: Mock pitched well against the first-place Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, allowing two runs in six innings and striking out five. But he made one big mistake, serving up an RBI hit by Albert Pujols in the sixth inning with first base open to allow the Cardinals to break a 1-1 tie and slip past Washington, 2-1. Mock has won three of his past five starts and has looked impressive since returning to the starting rotation on July 19. He made 13 relief appearances in April before being sent to Triple-A Syracuse to become a starter. "Whoever decided to put Mock in the rotation, it was a good decision," said Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. "Boy, he was very good."


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Progressive Field | 7:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Carl Pavano, RHP (11-10, 5.11)
Twins (67-66) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Sowers, LHP (5-9, 4.88)
Indians (58-75) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

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Scouting Report:
Twins: Pavano will be making his first start against the Indians since being traded to the Twins from Cleveland. Pavano is coming off a solid performance in which he gave up just two runs through six innings, but received no run support as the Twins fell, 3-0, to the Rangers. He struck out seven against Texas, the most since he struck out eight against Kansas City on May 21. He's 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA lifetime against the Indians, making just one start. Indians: The left-hander ran into some bad luck in his last start, a 5-3 victory over the Orioles in Baltimore last Saturday. He gave up two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings and had to leave the game thanks to a long rain delay that flooded the dugouts. The storms that night lasted only about 20 minutes, but they were so intense that it took 97 minutes to clean up and restart the game, and that was too long for Sowers to wait. He's pitched much better in the past month.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> PNC Park | 7:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Adam Wainwright, RHP (16-7, 2.47)
Cardinals (79-56) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kevin Hart, RHP (4-4, 4.34)
Pirates (53-79) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

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Scouting Report:
Cardinals: Wainwright has been all but automatic lately, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He has lasted at least six innings in 26 straight starts, and he's allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last 13. He's emerged as a very real candidate for National League Cy Young honors, and he's been a critical part of the Redbirds' run to a huge lead in the NL Central. Pittsburgh hasn't always been a friendly park for him, but the way he's rolling lately, it's hard to see him being tripped up.Pirates: Hart certainly wasn't helped by his defense in his last start, though that's not to say he still didn't labor. The right-hander needed 118 pitches to get through six innings and is now 1-3 since being traded to the Pirates. In fact, he's been hardly the same pitcher for Pittsburgh as he was with the Cubs. After going 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA in four starts with Chicago, Hart's ERA with the Pirates sits at 6.04. This will be Hart's first career start against the Cardinals. In two relief appearances, Hart has allowed one run in four innings.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Scott Feldman, RHP (14-4, 3.72)
Rangers (75-58) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chris Tillman, RHP (1-2, 4.24)
Orioles (54-80) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rangers: Feldman will be going for his sixth straight victory. He was 5-0 with a 2.89 ERA in six starts in August. He is also going for his seventh consecutive victory on the road. Feldman is 10-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 13 games, including 12 starts, on the road this season. Only two other Rangers pitchers have won 11 games on a road in a single season. Feldman is 2-0 with a 3.93 ERA in six games, including two starts, against the Orioles in his career.Orioles: Tillman, one of the Orioles' top pitching prospects when he was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk in July, has little to show for his seven Major League starts, posting only one victory and four no-decisions. However, the rookie right-hander is slowly showing he's getting acclimated to his new surroundings -- in each of his last four starts, he's allowed one fewer earned run, capping off the impressive string by surrendering only one run in a rain-shortened, five-inning outing against the Indians on Saturday. Walks aren't hurting Tillman, who has issued only 14 free passes in 40 1/3 innings, but he could cut down on the 10 homers he's coughed up.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Rogers Centre | 7:07 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joba Chamberlain, RHP (8-4, 4.38)
Yankees (86-48) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Roy Halladay, RHP (13-8, 3.13)
Blue Jays (59-74) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Yankees: Though the Yankees won't reveal how many innings he'll pitch, they have confirmed that Chamberlain will remain on a five-day schedule for the rest of the season. He threw just three innings and 35 pitches last time out, against the White Sox, in the first test of the revamped "Joba Rules." Considering those rules, it is unlikely that the Yankees will allow him to pitch six innings on Friday, as they did in his last start against the Blue Jays, on Aug. 11. For his career, Chamberlain has a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings at Rogers Centre.Blue Jays: Halladay lost his second straight decision to the Red Sox -- and third overall -- on Sunday at Fenway Park, scattering seven hits and fanning six over six innings of four-run ball. The Toronto right-hander has lost three consecutive starts only twice before in his career, with the most recent stretch from April 17-29, 2008. In three outings against the Yanke
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[BadCo]

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">
</td> <td align="right"> Citi Field | 7:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Carlos Zambrano, RHP (7-6, 3.91)
Cubs (67-65) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bobby Parnell, RHP (3-7, 5.81)
Mets (60-74) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cubs: Zambrano faced the Mets on Sunday, and the results were not pretty. New York pounded the righty for 11 hits and four runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings in a 4-1 Cubs loss. Zambrano has not been himself since he came off the disabled list, giving up 12 runs on 18 hits in 7 2/3 innings over two games. The back spasms that sidelined the righty do not appear to be an issue, but he is having mechanical difficulties with his delivery. After Zambrano's last start, manager Lou Piniella said the righty was opening up his front shoulder too much and dragging his arm, which gave hitters too long of a look at the ball. When this happens, Zambrano does not generate the number of swings and misses that he typically does.Mets: Afforded leads of 2-0 and 4-3 against the Cubs on Saturday, Parnell allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 innings, the last coming on a grand slam by Jake Fox on an 0-2 slider. His record as a starter after five starts is 1-4. His ERA in those games increased Saturday even though it stood at 8.82 before the game. It's 10.29 now. The slam wasn't the only problem. Parnell surrendered eight other hits and two walks, one a leadoff walk to the opposing pitcher. He needed 109 pitches to achieve 14 outs. Jerry Manuel didn't commit to Parnell as a member of the rotation beyond this start against the Cubs. But the manager has few alternatives.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Turner Field | 7:30 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bronson Arroyo, RHP (11-12, 4.35)
Reds (60-73) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Derek Lowe, RHP (13-8, 4.38)
Braves (70-64) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Reds: Arroyo missed out on a win again despite working his seventh-straight quality start. In a 3-2 Reds loss in 12 innings, Arroyo pitched 7 1/3 innings and allowed two earned runs and six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. In nine second half starts, Arroyo is 2-4 with a 2.53 ERA. He is riding a streak of seven quality starts but has just one win to show for it.Braves: Lowe gained a much-needed victory on Saturday, when he limited the Phillies to one run and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The veteran sinkerballer had combined to allow 20 hits and 11 earned runs in the 8 2/3 innings he had worked in his previous two starts. Lowe is 4-0 with 1.16 ERA in his past four appearances against the Reds. During his only previous start against them this year, he allowed two runs over seven innings.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Tropicana Field | 7:38 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Verlander, RHP (15-7, 3.38)
Tigers (72-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Niemann, RHP (12-5, 3.80)
Rays (72-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Tigers: Verlander moved into a tie for the American League lead in wins by overcoming a three-run Rays rally to last eight innings Sunday at Comerica Park. Now Tampa Bay gets a rematch at Tropicana Field, giving Verlander back-to-back starts against the same opponent for just the second time this season. The other occasion was came early May against Cleveland, whom he held to one run over seven innings at Comerica Park before he tossed a two-hit shutout five days later. He's 7-6 with a 4.73 ERA over 16 career regular-season starts in September and October.Rays: Niemann looked dominant against the Tigers on Sunday, holding them to two runs on five hits in seven innings, but received a no-decision when Detroit came from behind against the Rays' bullpen to win. The right-hander's fastball command -- which included a nasty two-seamer -- set up his breaking pitches nicely against the Tigers. Because Niemann stands 6-foot-9, his arm action creates a difficult downward angle for opposing hitters.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Cliff Lee, LHP (12-10, 2.83)
Phillies (77-54) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (12-9, 2.93)
Astros (63-70) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Phillies: Lee suffered his worst start with the Phillies on Saturday against the Braves when he allowed 10 hits and six runs in just five innings. It was Lee's shortest start and most runs allowed since June 30, when he lasted just three innings and allowed seven runs against the White Sox. It was the first time he had allowed three home runs since June 8, 2007, against Cincinnati, and just the seventh time in his career it happened. That said, he is 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA.Astros: After going 4-0 with a 0.75 ERA in July and being named the Pitcher of the Month for the National League, the left-hander went 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in August. Those numbers were skewed by his Aug. 14 start against the Brewers in which he gave up 10 hits and 10 runs in four innings. In his previous start on Sunday in Arizona, he allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings. Rodriguez has appeared in three games against the Phillies (one start) in his career and is 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA.
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[BadCo]

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Citi Field | 7:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Carlos Zambrano, RHP (7-6, 3.91)
Cubs (67-65) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bobby Parnell, RHP (3-7, 5.81)
Mets (60-74) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cubs: Zambrano faced the Mets on Sunday, and the results were not pretty. New York pounded the righty for 11 hits and four runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings in a 4-1 Cubs loss. Zambrano has not been himself since he came off the disabled list, giving up 12 runs on 18 hits in 7 2/3 innings over two games. The back spasms that sidelined the righty do not appear to be an issue, but he is having mechanical difficulties with his delivery. After Zambrano's last start, manager Lou Piniella said the righty was opening up his front shoulder too much and dragging his arm, which gave hitters too long of a look at the ball. When this happens, Zambrano does not generate the number of swings and misses that he typically does.Mets: Afforded leads of 2-0 and 4-3 against the Cubs on Saturday, Parnell allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 innings, the last coming on a grand slam by Jake Fox on an 0-2 slider. His record as a starter after five starts is 1-4. His ERA in those games increased Saturday even though it stood at 8.82 before the game. It's 10.29 now. The slam wasn't the only problem. Parnell surrendered eight other hits and two walks, one a leadoff walk to the opposing pitcher. He needed 109 pitches to achieve 14 outs. Jerry Manuel didn't commit to Parnell as a member of the rotation beyond this start against the Cubs. But the manager has few alternatives.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Turner Field | 7:30 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bronson Arroyo, RHP (11-12, 4.35)
Reds (60-73) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Derek Lowe, RHP (13-8, 4.38)
Braves (70-64) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Reds: Arroyo missed out on a win again despite working his seventh-straight quality start. In a 3-2 Reds loss in 12 innings, Arroyo pitched 7 1/3 innings and allowed two earned runs and six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. In nine second half starts, Arroyo is 2-4 with a 2.53 ERA. He is riding a streak of seven quality starts but has just one win to show for it.Braves: Lowe gained a much-needed victory on Saturday, when he limited the Phillies to one run and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The veteran sinkerballer had combined to allow 20 hits and 11 earned runs in the 8 2/3 innings he had worked in his previous two starts. Lowe is 4-0 with 1.16 ERA in his past four appearances against the Reds. During his only previous start against them this year, he allowed two runs over seven innings.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Tropicana Field | 7:38 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Verlander, RHP (15-7, 3.38)
Tigers (72-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Niemann, RHP (12-5, 3.80)
Rays (72-61) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Tigers: Verlander moved into a tie for the American League lead in wins by overcoming a three-run Rays rally to last eight innings Sunday at Comerica Park. Now Tampa Bay gets a rematch at Tropicana Field, giving Verlander back-to-back starts against the same opponent for just the second time this season. The other occasion was came early May against Cleveland, whom he held to one run over seven innings at Comerica Park before he tossed a two-hit shutout five days later. He's 7-6 with a 4.73 ERA over 16 career regular-season starts in September and October.Rays: Niemann looked dominant against the Tigers on Sunday, holding them to two runs on five hits in seven innings, but received a no-decision when Detroit came from behind against the Rays' bullpen to win. The right-hander's fastball command -- which included a nasty two-seamer -- set up his breaking pitches nicely against the Tigers. Because Niemann stands 6-foot-9, his arm action creates a difficult downward angle for opposing hitters.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Cliff Lee, LHP (12-10, 2.83)
Phillies (77-54) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (12-9, 2.93)
Astros (63-70) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Phillies: Lee suffered his worst start with the Phillies on Saturday against the Braves when he allowed 10 hits and six runs in just five innings. It was Lee's shortest start and most runs allowed since June 30, when he lasted just three innings and allowed seven runs against the White Sox. It was the first time he had allowed three home runs since June 8, 2007, against Cincinnati, and just the seventh time in his career it happened. That said, he is 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA.Astros: After going 4-0 with a 0.75 ERA in July and being named the Pitcher of the Month for the National League, the left-hander went 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in August. Those numbers were skewed by his Aug. 14 start against the Brewers in which he gave up 10 hits and 10 runs in four innings. In his previous start on Sunday in Arizona, he allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings. Rodriguez
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[BadCo]

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right">
</td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Barry Zito, LHP (9-11, 3.94)
Giants (73-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Suppan, RHP (6-8, 5.20)
Brewers (65-68) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Giants: Barry Zito continued his second-half dominance in his last start against the Rockies, giving up just one run -- a solo homer -- through eight-plus innings. He threw up zeroes up to that point, extending his scoreless streak to 20 innings before the ninth-inning blast. The lefty scattered just seven hits and one walk while striking out seven to earn his ninth win of the season. He has posted a 4-2 record with a 1.92 ERA since the All-Star break and has yet to allow more than three runs since that time. Zito is 1-0 against the Phillies this year, his last outing coming Aug. 2, when he gave up two earned runs through six innings.Brewers: Suppan was pretty good in his second start off the disabled list, holding the Pirates to a run despite eight hits in six quality innings. He benefited from four double plays, a season high for the Brewers, and got by despite still feeling some effects from the rib-cage strain that cost him nearly a month to the disabled list. "With the injury, I had been sort of modifying my mechanics subconsciously," Suppan said. "[On Sunday] I wasn't really thinking mechanically. I was just going out and making pitches, and that was a big difference." He was the Brewers' Opening Day starter in San Francisco, and was touched for six runs in four innings of a 10-6 loss.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Kauffman Stadium | 8:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jered Weaver, RHP (13-5, 3.89)
Angels (78-54) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gil Meche, RHP (6-10, 5.09)
Royals (51-82) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Angels: Weaver, bidding for his 14th win on Saturday, kept the A's off balance and off the scoreboard for six innings, yielding four hits and two walks while striking out three. However, the bullpen couldn't hold on to a lead, costing Weaver the victory. Weaver has taken a leap in both effectiveness and durability this season, leading the staff in innings with 173 1/3.Royals: Meche had the worst outing in the four starts he's made since coming off the disabled list with a back strain. Facing the Mariners at Seattle, he was dinged for seven runs on eight hits in just four innings and he was hit hard -- for two homers and three doubles. Meche insists his back feels fine, it's just his arm that doesn't have the old snap after his month-long layoff. In his four post-DL outings, he's 2-1 with a no-decision but his ERA is 8.14. Meche faced the Angels on May 8 and lost, 4-1. But his career mark against them is 8-3 in 19 starts.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> U.S. Cellular Field | 8:11 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Paul Byrd, RHP (1-0, 0.00)
Red Sox (78-55) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Freddy Garcia, RHP (0-2, 5.94)
White Sox (66-69) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Red Sox: The crafty right-hander made a sparkling return to the Major Leagues on Sunday, spinning six shutout innings against the Blue Jays. The 38-year-old Byrd gave up three hits while walking three and striking out one. After deciding to sit out the first half of the season, Byrd looked for work around the All-Star break but didn't find any takers. The Red Sox signed him to a Minor League deal at the beginning of August.White Sox: Garcia certainly was not the problem during the Yankees' 8-3 victory on Sunday, as he exited the game trailing by just a 3-2 margin. Garcia gave up three runs on four hits over six innings, striking out five and walking three. The big blow was a two-run home run from Johnny Damon in the third to give the Yankees a lead they would not relinquish. In two starts this past week against the Yankees and Red Sox, Garcia allowed six runs in 12 1/3 innings and struck out 10. He has a career record of 19-13 at U.S. Cellular Field and a 6-2 record against Boston.
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[BadCo]

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">
</td> <td align="right"> Coors Field | 9:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Dan Haren, RHP (13-8, 2.78)
Diamondbacks (61-74) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jason Hammel, RHP (8-7, 4.40)
Rockies (74-60) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Haren picked up the win in his last start against the Astros last Sunday at Chase Field. The right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings. In his last two starts, he has allowed five earned runs in 14 innings. Haren was dominant in the season's first half, compiling a 2.01 ERA in 18 starts. The second half has been a different story as he has a 4.50 ERA in nine starts. In three starts against the Rockies this year, he is 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA, and in those 20 innings, he has fanned 24 and walked just two.Rockies: Hammel was effective in his last outing, when he held the Giants to four hits and two runs in five innings. Manager Jim Tracy pulled him for Franklin Morales at the first sign of trouble, but Hammel has proved more often than not he's capable of beating such problems. Still he has to be better at home, where he is 2-3 with a 6.47 ERA in 12 games, 11 starts.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Oakland Coliseum | 10:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Ryan Rowland-Smith, LHP (2-2, 3.95)
Mariners (71-64) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Clayton Mortensen, RHP (0-1, 12.86)
Athletics (59-75) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Mariners: A lack of run support continues to haunt Rowland-Smith, who has experienced the feeling in his past two outings. The lefty held the Athletics to two runs over 6 1/3 innings on Aug. 25 but settled for a no-decision, and in his last start, a misplayed line drive led to three runs and a loss to the Royals and Zack Greinke, who pitched a one-hit shutout. Rowland-Smith threw 113 pitches -- 80 for strikes -- in a stellar, but losing, effort. Rowland-Smith is holding opponents to .212 (7-for-33) average in the first inning. This will be the lefty's third start against the Athletics this season, and he has yet to record a decision.Athletics: Acquired in the July trade that sent Matt Holliday to the Cardinals, Mortensen is making a spot start in place of rookie right-hander Vin Mazzaro, who has been temporarily shut down with shoulder tendinitis. Mortensen, a 24-year-old who has a 9-8 record with a 4.39 ERA in 23 starts at Triple-A this season, made his A's debut on Aug. 8 against the Royals and allowed eight runs on eight hits and three walks over four innings. He was sent back down after the outing.


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</td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Dodger Stadium | 10:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Wade LeBlanc, LHP (0-1, 9.58)
Padres (59-76) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Clayton Kershaw, LHP (8-7, 2.94)
Dodgers (80-55) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Padres: LeBlanc took a no-decision in his third start of the season, allowing four runs on four hits over six innings while striking out two and walking two. The left-hander found trouble in the second and sixth innings but limited the Marlins to two runs in each frame. LeBlanc's next start comes against the Dodgers who are batting .364 (12-for-33)against the 25-year-old.Dodgers: Kershaw made only one mistake in his last start, against the Reds, allowing a two-run homer to Darnell McDonald that gave Cincinnati an early 2-0 lead. Yet Kershaw settled down and struck out 11 Reds batters in all, giving up only four hits in a no-decision. Kershaw has allowed three runs or fewer in 23 of 27 starts this season. The left-hander will look to earn his first win since July 18 against the Padres.
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[BadCo]

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

1. The Yankees lead the season series against the Blue Jays, 9-3, and have won four straight games against them in Toronto.
2. The Blue Jays have just four wins in their last 18 games and at 15-27 they have the fourth-worst record in the majors since the All-Star break.
3. The Yankees have outscored their opponents 47-14 during their current six-game win streak and are 33-20 against AL East foes overall this season.
4. Ricky Romero has just one win in his last five starts and is 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season. Romero has 11 wins this season which is just one behind both Jeff Niemann and Rick Porcello for the rookie lead.
5. Chad Gaudin will be making his second start since joining the Yankees from the Padres. Gaudin is 1-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 12 career games (3 starts) against Toronto.
6. Alex Rodriguez is hitting .419 with 11 RBI over his last 11 games. However, he is hitting just .167 (3-for-18) in his five trips to Toronto this season.

Notes Applicable For Series Dates: 9/3/2009 thru 9/6/2009

 

[BadCo]

Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics

1. The Mariners have won nine of the 12 meetings between these clubs this season and will be looking to extend their current win streak against Oakland to five in a row.
2. Seattle has just two wins in its last seven road games and has dropped two in a row. Oakland has won four of its last five at home.
3. Brett Tomko is 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in his three starts for Oakland this season. Tomko, who will be facing the Mariners for the first time in 2009, is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in two career games against them (one start).
4. Ian Snell is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his last three starts after going 0-1 with an 8.78 ERA in his previous three. In his only career start against the A's on August 24, Snell allowed just one run and four hits in six innings of a win.
5. Dating back to last season, Ichiro Suzuki has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 13 games against Oakland and is hitting .448 in six games against them this season.
6. The Mariners are hitting just .063 (1-for-16) with runners in scoring position over their last four games and has the lowest batting average with runners in scoring position in the majors overall this season (.238).

Notes Applicable For Series Dates: 9/3/2009 thru 9/6/2009

 

[BadCo]

Feldman continues shutout streak: Rangers SP Scott Feldman (14-4) blanked the Twins over 5 2/3 innings Saturday night in a 3-0 victory. Feldman, who hasn't been scored on in his last 12 2/3 innings, allowed four hits, four walks and struck out two.

Feldman has now won five straight decisions and has emerged as one of the best early-season waiver-wire pickups in 2009. In Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), Feldman will get one start vs. Toronto. He is 0-1 with a 7.04 ERA in two starts against the Jays this season, but while that's a tough matchup, it's hard to bench a guy this hot in most mixed leagues




Tillman, Matusz to be shut down soon: The Baltimore Sun reports that young Orioles SPs Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz will make only two or three more starts before being shut down for the season. "How exactly it is going to map out I couldn't tell you that because it's dependent on how their starts go between now and then," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "But, in general, I could see them going a couple of weeks in September, and that's about it."

Both of these guys are superb young prospects and should be used in most AL-only leagues for the next couple of weeks. After that though, you'll have to look elsewhere. Keeper league owners should, of course, hold on to these studs.

 

[BadCo]

Pavano good Sat., but not good enough: Twins SP Carl Pavano (11-10) allowed just two runs on six hits over six innings Saturday, but got no offensive help as Minnesota fell 3-0 to the Rangers. Pavano struck out seven and walked one.

Pavano has a decent 3.46 ERA in August, but just a 3-2 record during the month. He's been a little inconsistent this season, but what else would you expect from a guy like Pavano? In Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), Pavano will get one start at his former team, the Indians. Feel free to use him in deeper mixed leagues with that decent matchup.





Though the Yankees won't reveal how many innings Joba Chamberlain will pitch in Friday's start vs. the Blue Jays, they confirmed that he will remain on a five-day schedule for the rest of the season.
Chamberlain threw just three innings and 35 pitches last time out, against the White Sox on Sept. 1, in the first test of the revamped "Joba Rules." Considering those rules, it is unlikely that the Yankees will allow him to pitch six innings on Friday, as they did in his last start against the Blue Jays, on Aug. 11. The announcement lands a significant blow to his value, minimizing his ability to make an impact down the stretch.

 

[BadCo]

Solid West wins third start in last four: Marlins SP Sean West (6-5) won for the third time in his last four starts Sunday as he held the Padres to three runs -- one of them earned -- on seven hits over six innings. West struck out seven and walked two.

It's fair to say that, behind Josh Johnson and Rick Nolasco, West has been the third most effective starter recently for the Fish. He has allowed just eight earned runs over his four August starts (22 innings). In Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), West will get one start at Washington. That's a nice matchup, so owners in deeper mixed leagues might want to think about taking him as a low-end flier option.



Mock solid, but can't beat Cardinals: Nationals SP Garrett Mock (3-6) allowed only two runs on four hits over six innings but was out-pitched by Adam Wainwright as Washington fell 2-1 to the Cardinals on Sunday. Mock struck out five and walked one.
).

Mock pitched very well in August with an ERA below 3.50 for the month and a 3-2 record. Just like with all Washington pitchers, you just never know how much run support Mock is going to get on any given day

 

[BadCo]

Wainwright only goes six for 16th win: Cardinals SP Adam Wainwright (16-7) failed to get into the seventh inning for the first time in over a month Sunday, but managed to limit the Nationals to one run on three hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in a 2-1 victory.


Wainwright lowered his ERA to 2.47 in Sunday's win and continues to pitch well week after week, especially over the past couple of months Wainwright remains on a huge roll, having walked just one batter in his last 35.2 innings.




Hart loses to Brewers on Saturday: Pirates SP Kevin Hart (4-4) allowed five runs -- four of them earned -- on six hits over six innings Saturday as Pittsburgh fell 7-3 to the Brewers. Hart struck out four and walked two.

Hart was winning his decisions back in July, but now the wins have dried up a bit as he's been victorious in just one of his last five outings. In Fantasy week 15 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), Hart will get one start vs. St. Louis. That's not a great matchup

 

[BadCo]

Big Z takes another porous loss: Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano lost again on Sunday, his second straight, and fell to 7-6 as he was defeated by the New York Mets and their make-shift lineup. Zambrano allowed four runs -- three earned -- on 11 hits and couldn't get more than one out in the 4th inning before being removed. He did not walk a batter and struck out three. His ERA is now 3.91 on the year.
.

Big Z has simply stunk in his two starts since coming off the disabled list. In those two starts, Zambrano has allowed 11 earned runs on 18 hits and lasted just 7 2/3 innings. He's making it very hard to trust the usual must-start Fantasy ace at the moment. His next start is scheduled for Friday at the Mets again. Let's hope he can turn things around in the rematch.



Parnell will get at least one more start: Mets SP Bobby Parnell will get at least one more start with the Mets, but manager Jerry Manuel says his rotation spot is not guaranteed.

Parnell has lost four of his last five starts, and his ERA jumped from 5.08 to 5.81 after getting beat up by the Cubs on Saturday. Unfortunately, Parnell will face the Cubs again in Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), so you will want to avoid him in all but the deepest of NL-only leagues.

 

[BadCo]

Arroyo solid in no decision: Reds SP Bronson Arroyo gave up two runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings on Sunday against the Dodgers but couldn’t overcome Clayton Kershaw’s strong performance as both finished without a decision in the game. Arroyo walked two and struck out three. His ERA is now at 4.35 on the year.

Arroyo is now the elder statesman for the Reds with Aaron Harang getting injured. Arroyo is just 1-1 over his last four starts but he’s allowed a total of four runs covering 31 1/3 innings over that span. He’s certainly worth starting in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues as his next start comes Friday at Atlanta.



Lowe goes five-plus innings for win: Braves SP Derek Lowe (13-9) scattered eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out five, to improve to 6-1 lifetime against the Phillies and 4-0 at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, beating Philadelphia 9-1. He lowered his ERA to 4.38 with the performance.

Lowe has not gone too deep into the game in his past three starts, throwing a combined 12 1/3 innings over that span. He is 1-1 during the stretch and has seen his ERA go up from 4.08 to 4.38 during that span.

 

[BadCo]

Verlander outlasts Rays Sunday: Detroit SP Justin Verlander defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday with the help of his offense as they scored three times in the bottom of the 8th inning to take a lead for the first time since the 3rd inning. Verlander, now 15-7 on the year, went eight innings and allowed three runs on six hits. All three runs came on homers as Evan Longoria hit a two-run shot off him and Akinori Iwamura added a solo shot. Verlander walked three and struck out four. His ERA is at 3.38 for the season.

Verlander has won consecutive starts and continues to post high strikeout totals. Every now and then he'll give you a poor performance but his upside comes out quite often



Niemann struck out three and did not walk a batter, while giving up two runs on five hits over seven innings on Sunday.
With an ERA on the road that's nearly two runs higher than it has been at home, Niemann impressed and kept the Rays in a position to win on Sunday until he left with a runner on base and Placido Polanco went on to hit a three-run homer. As long as his command holds up, Niemann should be able to maintain his success in the back of the Tampa Bay rotation. He now has a 47:12 K:BB ratio in 67 innings since July 1.

 

[BadCo]

Weaver let down by bullpen Saturday: Angels SP Jered Weaver shut out the A's over six innings Saturday but had to settle for a no-decision as his bullpen blew the victory for him in a 4-3 loss. Weaver allowed
Weaver's owners won't be happy with RPs Jose Arrendondo and Rafael Rodriguez after they blew Weaver's shot at a victory, but nothing you can do about things like that. Weaver did his job and looked like the must-start


Meche fell to 6-10 on the season after allowing seven runs on eight hits in four innings.
Meche did not walk a batter, but he allowed seven runs on eight hits to a Mariners lineup that lacked Ichiro Suzuki, Russell Branyan and Adrian Beltre. He allowed home runs to Jack Hannahan and Rob Johnson, pushing Meche's monthly HR total to six.

 

[BadCo]

Byrd held the Blue Jays to three hits over six shutout innings on Sunday for his first win of the season.
Byrd walked three and only struck out one, so keep that in mind before you pull a hammy racing to the computer to try and pick him up. He pitches heavily to contact, but Sunday was just a day where the ball found his defenders more often than not.




Garcia decent in loss to Yankees: White Sox SP Freddy An. Garcia (0-2) allowed three runs on four hits over six innings Sunday as Chicago fell 8-3 to the Yankees. Garcia struck out five and walked three.

Garcia now has back-to-back quality starts for the White Sox against two tough opponents (Boston, New York), but he just hasn't got much help from his offense or his bullpen. In Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), Garcia will get one start vs. Boston again. Even though he did well against the Red Sox earlier this week, that's still an unfavorable matchup. U