Starting pitcher rankings for Sunday, August 30

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for Sunday, August 30

<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;"> Dan Haren </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 0.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .607 </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"> .731 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.7% </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;"> Roy Halladay </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .678 </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"> .802 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.6% </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;"> Justin Verlander </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .664 </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"> .801 </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Zack Greinke </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .646 </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"> .719 </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"> 5 </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"> 15-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .647 </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"> .760 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.2% </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;"> Matt Cain </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .647 </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"> .785 </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;"> Jon Lester </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .666 </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"> .765 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.6% </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;"> Scott Baker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .704 </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"> 9 </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"> 10-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .687 </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"> .787 </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"> 10 </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"> 2.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .603 </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"> .691 </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"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Blanton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .762 </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"> 81.5% </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;"> 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"> 3.87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .722 </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"> .746 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </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"> 10-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.53 </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"> .771 </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;"> 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"> 4.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .780 </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"> .760 </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"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ross Ohlendorf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.06 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .791 </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"> .771 </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"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Lackey </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"> 4.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .734 </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"> 81.7% </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;"> Brett Anderson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .717 </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"> .802 </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"> 18 </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"> 7-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .699 </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"> .732 </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"> 19 </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"> 4.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .813 </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"> .698 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.2% </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;"> 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"> 4.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .780 </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"> .756 </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"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">

</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mat Latos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.06 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .683 </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"> 22 </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"> 5-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .913 </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"> .714 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.4% </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"> 5-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .762 </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"> .698 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.4% </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;"> Justin Masterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .722 </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"> .751 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.3% </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;"> Garrett Mock </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .864 </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"> .745 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.3% </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;"> Ryan Rowland-Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .683 </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"> .715 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.6% </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;"> Nelson Figueroa </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"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .943 </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"> .745 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.0% </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;"> Brian Matusz </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"> 6.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.027 </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"> 78.2% </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;"> Freddy Garcia </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"> 6.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .809 </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"> .837 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.3% </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;"> Felipe Paulino </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .934 </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"> .745 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.4% </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 · Aug 30, 2009

Selected notes for Sunday:
In stark contrast to Saturday's action, there's an embarrassment of riches to be found on Sunday. After Dan Haren, we've got several legitimate Cy Young candidates in Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, Adam Wainwright and Matt Cain. Really, we're splitting hairs with those guys. All are must-starts regardless of the foe. … After that, we like Jon Lester against the Blue Jays, whom he's already beaten three times this season, with a 1.98 ERA. … Scott Baker also has had prior success against his opponent, with two wins under his 2009 belt facing the Texas Rangers. Plus, he's hot, with three wins and a 2.11 ERA in his past three starts. … Jair Jurrjens has owned the Phillies, with a 2-0 record and a 0.92 ERA against them in 2009, but with the game at Citizens Bank Park, we lowered him a bit. … Clayton Kershaw has good overall numbers, but the recent run of starts with a 5.02 ERA in his past three drops him to the bottom of the top 10. … Joe Blanton has been solid of late, with a 3.00 ERA in his past three starts, so we place him just ahead of double-digit winners Jeff Niemann (5.00 ERA in his past three) and Kevin Millwood (5.82 ERA in his past three). … Bronson Arroyo is always a hit-or-miss option, and we expect "miss" against the Dodgers, who he is 1-4 lifetime against, including a 7.88 ERA his past three times facing Los Angeles. … Ross Ohlendorf has been a surprise of late and is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA against the Brewers this season. Plus, he faces a shaky Jeff Suppan, still not fully in rhythm after a lengthy DL stay. … John Lackey is 1-3 in August but should have a chance to register a victory over Brett Anderson, who has been equally as generous with hitters of late. Both pitchers have a plus-five ERA in their past three outings. … With Carlos Zambrano, it's a case of us simply not trusting him yet. Allowing eight runs to the Nationals in 4 1/3 innings doesn't make us want to throw him back into our rotation anytime soon, even against the Mets. … With Joba Chamberlain, there's equal trepidation, as you never know which Joba you're going to get. We like the Yankees to give him run support against the not-so-great Freddy Garcia, but whether it will enough is a big question mark with that 9.00 ERA and two losses in his past three. … Mat Latos versus Sean West may end up being a feature matchup in 2011, but for now, it's probably best to sit tight with these two youngsters. Ditto for the Justin Masterson-Brian Matusz showdown. … Nelson Figueroa has never won at Wrigley Field, but at least his ERA of 3.45 is respectable. He should be able to do better than Felipe Paulino, who is expected to get a spot-start for Houston against the Diamondbacks. The Astros want to save Wandy Rodriguez for the Chicago series starting on Monday.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Now batting (Sunday)

Hitters' count:
• Paul Konerko, OF, White Sox: Konerko has enjoyed lots of success against the pinstripes this season, with a .429 batting average on his résumé.
• James Loney, 1B, Dodgers: Loney has pummeled Bronson Arroyo, with five RBIs and eight hits in 14 career at-bats, plus a 1.671 OPS.
• Marco Scutaro, 2B, Blue Jays: Scutaro has a .318 career batting average against Jon Lester, and has scored in five of the past seven Blue Jays games.
• Adam Dunn, 1B, Nationals: The home runs keep on coming (34 so far in 2009) and his .320 batting average in August is off the charts. Did we mention he's a .467 career hitter against Adam Wainwright, to boot?
• Torii Hunter, OF, Angels: He's rocking a nine-game hitting streak since returning from the disabled list, with a .405 average.
• Billy Butler, DH, Royals: Ryan Rowland-Smith is not likely to slow down Butler, who is sporting a .330 average this month. His .479 batting average against the current Mariners' staff is pretty scary.
• Pat Burrell, DH, Rays: Have you noticed the recent surge from "The Bat" -- .400 over his past nine games? We'll be starting him on Sunday, even against Justin Verlander.
• Brian McCann, C, Braves: He has hits in nine of his past 10 games, and should make it 10-of-11 against Joe Blanton, against whom he has posted a .462 batting average.
Pitchers' count:
• Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox: Neck problems are one reason to sit him. The other? How about a .213 batting average in 75 career at-bats against Roy Halladay?
• Joe Crede, 3B, Twins: Assuming the Twins haven't placed him on the DL, with his back being so darn balky, you'd still want to sit him against Kevin Millwood. Crede's average versus the Ranger pitcher is only .217.
• Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs: Nelson Figueroa might not send shivers down the spine of most hitters, but he's clearly in the nightmares of Lee, who has hit a mere .083 against Figueroa for his career.
• Raul Ibanez, OF, Phillies: April seems so long ago for Ibanez, who has hit only .213 this month. The 1-for-8 against Jair Jurrjens doesn't inspire us to remember the springtime with Raul, either.
• Hunter Pence, OF, Astros: Where'd that .320 average go? Pence is a .212 hitter since July turned into August and he's never had a hit off Dan Haren.
• Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks: He's back in action, that's the good news. Unfortunately, the bad news is he's facing the Astros, against whom he's hit only .182 for his career.
• Jose Lopez, 2B, Mariners: Lopez has had six 0-for-4 days so far this month, and the seventh might well be on the horizon with a scheduled faceoff with Zack Greinke, who has retired the Seattle second baseman in 10 of 11 at-bats.
If you're hardcore

• Nolan Reimold, OF, Orioles: He may not get a lot of press playing in Baltimore. Heck, even in Baltimore he's not the lead story. However he has hit safely in 17 of his past 18 starts.
• Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates: He's hitting .313 in August and is working on a nine-game hitting streak. He's a star in the making.
• Brendan Ryan, SS, Cardinals: Ryan is batting .367 in August and also working on a nine-game hitting streak. If you like the McCutchen pick, then this one's right up your alley.
• Cory Sullivan, OF, Mets: Sullivan is hitting .400 against the Cubs' current staff, and let's face it … he's healthy. That's the only requirement to get into the Mets' lineup these days.
• Fred Lewis, OF, Giants: Considering his playing time has been spotty at best, you have to admire his ability to post a .394 batting average this month. He's 5-for-6 lifetime against Jason Hammel, so it might be "one of those days."
• Nomar Garciaparra, 1B, Athletics: Yes, the career is headed toward its final days, and starting Nomar is now an act of the hardcore. But with a .313 average against John Lackey, perhaps there's room for one more curtain call.
• Ryan Spilborghs, OF, Rockies: He still loses that staring contest with Dinger every time … but he's staring down opposing pitching of late, with a .300 average this month. A .444 batting average and two homers off Matt Cain make us keep staring at his name.

Triage

Injury list: Out
• Nyjer Morgan, OF, Nationals (broken hand): Morgan slid headfirst into third base on Thursday and broke a bone in his left hand. Consider him done for the season, so if you're not in a keeper league, get thee to a waiver wire.
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Bengie Molina, C, Giants (quad): MRI results showed a mild strain, but Molina is trying to take things slow so he'll be able to play the entire month of September. Expect him to make only one start in the series against the Rockies.
• Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants (calf): Since he's not crouching behind the plate, he's far more optimistic about getting back into the lineup in the series against Colorado after being MIA since Monday.
• Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox (ankle): Ellsbury tweaked the ankle when he slid into home plate and made contact with A.J. Pierzynski. While the injury doesn't appear to be serious, for a guy who relies on his speed for success, he might need to sit out a few days.
• Adam Jones, OF, Orioles (back): He appears ready to take the field again after back spasms caused him to leave last Sunday's game in the first inning, but with nothing to play for, the Orioles are being extremely cautious.
• Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies (thumb): First he cuts his hand, then he gets back into the lineup and immediately bruises his thumb diving in the outfield. As soon as he can grip the bat again, he's going to play, but that might be a few days off.
Weather concerns

• The weekend's weatherproof games: Astros-Diamondbacks, Pirates-Brewers, Rangers-Twins, and Royals-Mariners.
• With tropical storm Danny on its way toward the East Coast, expect rain to be the order of the weekend for scheduled contests in New York, Boston, Florida, Philadelphia and Baltimore. These storms can be unpredictable, so if it strengthens a bit or changes its trajectory, there could well be some cancellations. Check with your local weatherman for more informatio

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Yankee Stadium | 1:05 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%"> Freddy Garcia, RHP (0-1, 6.75)
White Sox (64-66) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joba Chamberlain, RHP (8-4, 4.34)
Yankees (81-48) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
White Sox: Garcia turned in his first quality start since May 28, 2007, on Tuesday against the Red Sox. The 33-year-old right-hander scattered five hits over 6 1/3 innings of three-run ball in a no-decision at Fenway Park, his first quality start as a member of the White Sox since Sept. 29, 2006. In lifetime starts against the Yankees, Garcia is 4-3 with a 4.19 ERA.Yankees: Chamberlain will start on regular rest as he tries to bounce back from a rocky effort with eight days between starts on Tuesday against Texas. Handed a 4-0 lead, Chamberlain gave it all back plus some, allowing seven earned runs in four innings pitched. He allowed nine hits, walking three and striking out five. Chamberlain has allowed at least four runs in each of his last four starts, going 1-2 with a 8.55 ERA (19 earned runs in 20 innings) over that span. He has not faced the White Sox in 2009 and will be making his first career start against them after four relief appearances.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Comerica Park | 1:05 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%"> Jeff Niemann, RHP (12-5, 3.87)
Rays (70-58) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Verlander, RHP (14-7, 3.38)
Tigers (68-60) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rays: Niemann pitched a flawed masterpiece at Toronto on Monday night, when he survived a five-run second inning to pitch 6 1/3 innings, besting Roy Halladay in the process to pick up his team-leading 12th win of the season. Niemann allowed a grand slam to Rod Barajas and appeared ready for an early shower against the Blue Jays, but he managed to find some reserve of toughness to get him through the rest of the outing. Niemann stands 6-foot-9, which creates a difficult downward angle for opposing hitters. He is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in one career appearance against the Tigers.Tigers: Verlander will make his first start since his much-replayed argument with catcher Gerald Laird in the visiting dugout at Angel Stadium following a four-run sixth inning that saw him knocked out of the game. He got the win anyway, considering he had a 10-run lead entering the inning, but manager Jim Leyland called it a lesson for his young ace on how to approach a game in which he's comfortably ahead. Verlander beat the Rays in his only meeting with the eventual AL champs last year in his season finale.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Great American Ball Park | 1:10 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%"> Clayton Kershaw, LHP (8-7, 2.96)
Dodgers (77-53) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Bronson Arroyo, RHP (11-12, 4.43)
Reds (56-72) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw bounced back after a pair of disappointing starts to limit the Rockies to two runs on four hits before reaching his pitch limit after 6 1/3 innings. Kershaw struck out six and walked one, stung by a two-run homer by Brad Hawpe. He's winless in his last seven starts. Kershaw has never faced the Reds. The Dodgers have scored only eight runs in his last 40 innings on the mound.Reds: Arroyo has a 1.89 ERA in five August starts and a streak of six-straight quality starts but is getting the short end of the deal on victories. He has just one win over his last seven starts. During an 8-6 Reds win in 13 innings, the bullpen blew a 6-1 lead in the ninth inning. Arroyo seemed headed for a win after he pitched seven innings and allowed one earned run and six hits with one walk and four strikeouts. He has allowed two runs over his last 24 innings.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Land Shark Stadium | 1:10 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%"> Mat Latos, RHP (4-3, 4.06)
Padres (56-75) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Sean West, LHP (5-5, 4.44)
Marlins (67-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Padres: The Padres have been keeping a close eye on the number of innings Latos has pitched and may shut him down in September. Against the Braves on Tuesday, he showed that his arm might be a little fresher than some would expect. He tossed seven innings of two-hit shutout baseball on his way to a no-decision. He didn't walk a batter and struck out four while throwing just 89 pitches before exiting.Marlins: West picked up his fifth win of the season after throwing six strong innings for the Marlins. The left-hander held the Mets to one run on six hits while striking out two and walking three. The 23-year-old showed poise and determination throughout his outing by pitching himself out of jams that he got himself into. While West struggled to find the strike zone at times late in his start, he was able to make pitches when he needed to and avoid any damage.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 1:35 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 Masterson, RHP (4-5, 4.47)
Indians (58-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Matusz, LHP (2-2, 6.46)
Orioles (53-77) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Indians: Masterson had an uneven outing against the Royals in a loss Tuesday, giving up four runs on seven hits with no walks and no strikeouts in six innings of work. While Masterson has been strong against right-handers (.125 average against), he struggles against lefties (.354). Until Masterson proves he can tame the left-handed opposition, he'll have trouble posting consistent starts. In his four starts with the Tribe, he's had two outstanding ones and two that were subpar. His first start of the season came against the Orioles when he was still with the Red Sox, and he earned the win by holding the O's to a run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings.Orioles: Matusz worked five innings in his last start and left with a three-run lead, only to wind up with a no-decision. The southpaw has completed five innings in all but one of his five starts, but he's also allowed at least three earned runs in four of them. Matusz has allowed five home runs in his brief big league tenure, and he's racked up 23 strikeouts against just 10 walks in his first 23 2/3 innings.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Fenway Park | 1:35 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%"> Roy Halladay, RHP (13-7, 3.03)
Blue Jays (58-69) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Paul Byrd, RHP (0-0, -.--)
Red Sox (75-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: Halladay allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- in a 12-7 loss to the Rays on Monday at Rogers Centre. That snapped a streak of 78 consecutive (non-injured) starts in which Halladay did not give up more than five earned runs, dating back to June 5, 2007, when he gave up seven earned runs, also against the Rays. He allowed 12 hits, which tied a career high, and walked two batters, striking out eight. He has now allowed 11 earned runs over his last two starts -- the highest total over a two-run span since he gave up 16 between May 5 and 10, 2007. Halladay is 1-1 in two starts -- one a complete game -- against Boston this season with an ERA of 3.21.Red Sox: Lester was originally scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, but he was pushed to Tuesday due to right-hander Tim Wakefield's recurring back issues. As a result, Paul Byrd will make his first start of the season against Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. Byrd, who has a 4.38 ERA in parts of 14 Major League seasons, logged a 3.27 ERA during two rehab starts for Triple-A Pawtucket.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Miller Park | 2:05 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%"> Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (11-8, 4.10)
Pirates (53-74) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Suppan, RHP (5-8, 5.38)
Brewers (63-66) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Pirates: Ohlendorf left in line for his fourth straight win, only to have the bullpen blow the lead late in his last start. Pitching against a tough left-handed-heavy Phillies lineup, Ohlendorf allowed just two solo homers in 6 1/3 innings. Not usual for the righty, most of his outs were recorded via fly ball, a result of the Phillies not biting at his sinker all that much. Ohlendorf has beaten the Brewers in each of his two career starts against them. In 12 innings against Milwaukee, Ohlendorf has allowed just three earned runs.Brewers: In his return from the disabled list, Suppan slogged through 4 1/3 innings against the Reds on Tuesday with 90 pitches and was charged with four runs on nine hits and five walks, though one of the walks was intentional. The good news was that the rib-cage injury that sidelined him nearly a month was a non-issue. The bad news was that Suppan remained winless in the Majors since June 12. He pitched at least six innings in three of his nine starts since then, but in the other six he's allowed 32 earned runs and 50 hits in 29 1/3 innings.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 2:10 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%"> Kevin Millwood, RHP (10-8, 3.63)
Rangers (72-56) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Scott Baker, RHP (12-7, 4.47)
Twins (64-65) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rangers: Millwood, despite giving up four runs in the first, made it through 5 2/3 innings against the Yankees on Tuesday to get his first victory since July 20 and only his second in his last nine starts. Millwood was 4-1 with a 1.30 ERA in June but is 2-3 with a 5.96 ERA since then. He is 3-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts on the road. Millwood started against the Twins on Aug. 19 and had a 4-0 lead before giving up one in the fifth and four in the sixth. He lost 5-4 and is now 0-7 with a 6.18 ERA in 11 career starts against the Twins.Twins: Baker put together his third win in as many starts with a seven-inning, one-run performance in Minnesota's 2-1 victory over Baltimore on Monday. Baker gave up just four hits while striking out five. His only troublesome inning came in the third, when the Orioles strung together a pair of hits to jump out to a 1-0 lead. Following his latest victory, Baker continues to be the Twins' most consistent starter, having now gone 10-1 since the beginning of June. He's 2-0 against Texas this year, earning the win last Wednesday in Arlington with a 5 1/3-inning performance.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Busch Stadium | 2:15 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%"> Garrett Mock, RHP (3-5, 5.23)
Nationals (46-84) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Adam Wainwright, RHP (15-7, 2.50)
Cardinals (76-55) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Nationals: The Nationals gave Mock a lot of runs support in a 15-6 victory over the Cubs on Tuesday night. Mock pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on seven hits. Riggleman still felt that Mock had an impressive outing because he cruised through the first five innings. Cardinals: Wainwright is strengthening his case for his first Cy Young Award with each passing start as he became the NL's first 15-game winner on Tuesday, throwing eight shutout innings against the Astros while allowing only three hits. Wainwright hasn't walked a batter in four of his past five starts and has gone 12 straight without allowing more than two runs. The Cardinals are 12-4 in Wainwright's last 16 starts, and he has a 1.98 ERA in his last 18 trips to the hill. Wainwright had all of his pitches working on Tuesday, striking out Jason Michaels on pitch number 114 with the tying run at third and two outs in the eighth to keep Houston scoreless.
</td></tr></tbody></table>

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Wrigley Field | 2:20 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%"> Nelson Figueroa, RHP (1-3, 5.40)
Mets (58-72) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Carlos Zambrano, RHP (7-5, 3.80)
Cubs (65-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Mets: Based more on the lack of available options than his five-inning performance Tuesday in Miami, Figueroa will start again for the Mets on Sunday against the Cubs. He allowed just two runs in his last outing, one of them earned, and afterward cited the Marlins unfamiliarity with his five-pitch array as the reason. If that is indeed why, he may face trouble at Wrigley. Only four big league teams have faced Figueroa more often in his career than the Cubs, who have tagged him for a 4.40 ERA and hit him at a .266 clip. Lifetime, Figueroa is 0-4 against them. Cubs: In his first start since Aug. 1, Zambrano gave up a season-high eight runs on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings on Aug. 25 against the Nationals and took the loss. Zambrano did show that his back is OK when he hit his fourth homer of the season with one out in the third. He fell behind in the count often and wasn't sharp. The eight runs were the most Big Z has served up since giving up eight last Sept. 19 against St. Louis.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Angel Stadium of Anaheim | 3:35 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%"> Brett Anderson, LHP (7-9, 4.35)
Athletics (57-72) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Lackey, RHP (8-7, 4.16)
Angels (76-52) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Athletics: A 21-year-old rookie who has been Oakland's most consistent pitcher in the second half, Anderson was brilliant during his seven-inning stint in Seattle on Tuesday, scattering six hits and a walk while striking out eight on the way to a no-decision. A late infield error cost him the victory but he lowered his ERA to 3.01 ERA over his past 11 starts. Anderson, who relied heavily on his fastball against the Mariners, has faced the Angels twice this season, both times in Oakland. On May 4 he gave up five runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings. On July 19 he gave up two hits over eight shutout innings. Angels: Lackey was denied career win No. 100 when he struggled against the Tigers on Tuesday at Angel Stadium. Lackey was effective early but lost his effectiveness as the game went on, allowing two solo homers in the fifth and back-to-back triples in the seventh on his 116th and 117th pitches of the game. In all, Lackey allowed five runs on 11 hits over six-plus innings in the Angels' 5-3 loss. Lackey has dominated the A's, historically, going 15-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 27 career starts against Oakland.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

AT&T Park | 4:05 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%"> Jason Hammel, RHP (8-7, 4.43)
Rockies (72-58) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Matt Cain, RHP (12-4, 2.39)
Giants (71-59) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rockies: Hammel has been on a roll his last two times out, pitching seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball in Washington and another seven innings of two-run ball in the Rockies extra-inning win against the Dodgers Tuesday. It was his longest outing of the year at Coors Field, where he has made significant improvements his last three starts. He has consistently performed better on the road this year, posting a 6-4 record and a 2.88 ERA away from Colorado. He has one previous start in San Francisco this season, pitching six innings of shutout ball in a game the Rockies went on to lose 1-0 in May. He has been aggressive in his approach to hitters in his recent starts, leaning on his four-seamer and mixing in his curve and cutter to good effect.Giants: Cain has gone winless in his last six starts, but don't let that fool you. He has a 2.72 ERA in this span, walking nine and allowing 36 hits in 46 1/3 innings. He's also 6-2 with a 2.28 ERA at home this season. Cain has pitched at least seven innings in all eight of his starts since the All-Star Game, hiking his season total to 177 1/3 innings and putting him just a few outings away from reaching the 200-inning level he covets so much. Cain's 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in three starts against Colorado this year.
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BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Chase Field | 4:10 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%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (12-8, 2.82)
Astros (62-67) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Dan Haren, RHP (12-8, 2.73)
Diamondbacks (58-72) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Astros: Rodriguez is coming off one of his best starts of the season, even if in a losing cause. Against the Cardinals on Tuesday in St. Louis, he gave up three hits, one run and one walk in seven innings. He gave up a run in the walk and retired 18 of 19 batters during one stretch. He's 7-2 with a 2.34 ERA in his past 12 starts and has held the opponent to one run or fewer in nine of his past 10 starts. He's 0-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts this year against the Cubs, allowing 15 hits and striking out 17 batters in 20 innings. For his career, he's 4-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 13 starts.Diamondbacks: Haren pitched well enough to win but didn't get much offensive support in his last outing. The right-hander held the Giants to two runs on six hits over seven innings at AT&T Park. One of the runs came on a Juan Uribe homer while the other scored when Haren uncorked a wild pitch. Reliever Jon Rauch gave up a game-deciding three-run homer in the eighth. It was a good bounce-back game for Haren, who allowed six runs on nine hits in five innings against the Phillies. In the first half of the season, Haren was 9-5 with a 2.01 ERA in 18 starts. Through eight starts in the second half, Haren is 3-3 with a 4.59 ERA. In one start against the Astros this year, on June 12, Haren tossed a complete game, allowing one run on two hits.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Safeco Field | 4:10 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%"> Zack Greinke, RHP (12-8, 2.43)
Royals (49-80) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Ryan Rowland-Smith, LHP (2-1, 4.05)
Mariners (68-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Royals: Greinke returned to his old dominant self with a 15-strikeout performance against the Indians in his last start. His 15 strikeouts broke the Royals' franchise record and set a personal career high. He allowed just two earned runs in eight innings of work and lowered his league-leading ERA by a hair. And believe it or not, the victory was just Greinke's second since the beginning of July. More often than not, Greinke has been the victim of minimal run support from the Royals' offense. Greinke hasn't faced the Mariners this season, but he was 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA against Seattle in two starts in 2008.Mariners: Lack of run support continues to haunt the pitching staff, and Rowland-Smith experienced the feeling in his last outing. He held the Athletics to two runs over 6 1/3 innings but received only one run along the way and was denied a victory. Six of the first seven outs were recorded by outfielders, but he started getting his pitches down in the fourth inning and his last nine outs were made by infielders. Rowland-Smith had his second walk-free game of the season, the other coming in a victory over the Blue Jays. This will be his second start of the season against the Royals. The lefty settled for a no-decision in a 7-6 Seattle win on August 4 in Kansas City. He was charged with five runs (four earned) in four innings.

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca">

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

Citizens Bank 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%"> Jair Jurrjens, RHP (10-8, 2.91)
Braves (68-61) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38">

</td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joe Blanton, RHP (8-6, 3.88)
Phillies (74-53) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td>

</td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Braves: Jurrjens has allowed two or fewer runs in 19 of his 27 starts this year and has gone winless in 11 of those outings. He experienced this bad luck again on Tuesday, when he was damaged only by Adrian Gonzalez's solo homer during a seven-inning effort. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed four runs during his first two starts of this month against the Dodgers but has rebounded by allowing a total of five runs over his last 20 2/3 innings. Jurrjens has allowed just two earned runs in 19 2/3 innings against the Phillies this year. Phillies: Blanton pitched out of numerous jams Tuesday in a 6-4 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. His biggest crime? A slider he hung over the plate to Steve Pearce, who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Pirates a one-run lead. Blanton allowed six hits, three runs and two runs and struck out seven in six innings. He kept the Phillies in the game, which he has been doing for a few months. The Phillies actually took the lead in the ninth before Brad Lidge blew the game in the ninth.
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BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

<table class="datatable" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th class="headergrey" colspan="15"> Projected Umpires for 8/30/2009</th> </tr><tr><th class="header2" colspan="3">Home Plate Umpire</th> <th class="header2" colspan="2">Scoring</th> <th class="header2" colspan="5">Home Team Record</th> <th class="header2" colspan="5">Average Game Stats</th> </tr><tr><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="80">Game</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">OU</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="80">Umpire</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="35">Home</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="35">Road</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">W/L</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="40">Units</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="40">Ov/Un</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="40">Ov %</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="40">Un %</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">AVG</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">ERA</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">WHIP</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">BB</th><th class="header1" align="center" nowrap="nowrap" width="30">SO</th></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>SDG at FLO</td><td align="right">9</td><td>D DEMUTH</td><td align="right">4.8</td><td align="right">4.6</td><td align="right">15-12</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">-1.0</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 11-15</td> <td align="right"> 42.3%</td> <td align="right"> 57.7%</td> <td align="right"> 0.259</td> <td align="right"> 4.4</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 6.5</td> <td align="right"> 13.4</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>LA at CIN</td><td align="right">8.5</td><td>E COOPER</td><td align="right">5.1</td><td align="right">5.0</td><td align="right">14-10</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">+1.3</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 14-10</td> <td align="right"> 58.3%</td> <td align="right"> 41.7%</td> <td align="right"> 0.265</td> <td align="right"> 4.6</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 6.3</td> <td align="right"> 14.1</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>PIT at MIL</td><td align="right">9.5</td><td>D BEAL</td><td align="right">4.8</td><td align="right">4.6</td><td align="right">3-2</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">+0.8</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 2-3</td> <td align="right"> 40.0%</td> <td align="right"> 60.0%</td> <td align="right"> 0.265</td> <td align="right"> 4.7</td> <td align="right"> 1.3</td> <td align="right"> 5.6</td> <td align="right"> 13.8</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>ATL at PHI</td><td align="right">9.5</td><td>L BARKSDALE</td><td align="right">4.7</td><td align="right">4.7</td><td align="right">17-11</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">+3.1</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 13-14</td> <td align="right"> 48.1%</td> <td align="right"> 51.9%</td> <td align="right"> 0.258</td> <td align="right"> 4.5</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 7.5</td> <td align="right"> 12.4</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>WAS at STL</td><td align="right">8</td><td>S BARRY</td><td align="right">4.1</td><td align="right">4.4</td><td align="right">14-16</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">-6.6</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 12-17</td> <td align="right"> 41.4%</td> <td align="right"> 58.6%</td> <td align="right"> 0.256</td> <td align="right"> 4.2</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 7.2</td> <td align="right"> 12.2</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>NYM at CHC</td><td align="right">
</td><td>J REYNOLDS</td><td align="right">5.1</td><td align="right">4.6</td><td align="right">14-8</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">+4.2</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 14-8</td> <td align="right"> 63.6%</td> <td align="right"> 36.4%</td> <td align="right"> 0.280</td> <td align="right"> 4.8</td> <td align="right"> 1.5</td> <td align="right"> 7.1</td> <td align="right"> 15.1</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>COL at SFO</td><td align="right">7.5</td><td>C FAIRCHILD</td><td align="right">4.2</td><td align="right">4.0</td><td align="right">16-11</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">+2.3</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 10-17</td> <td align="right"> 37.0%</td> <td align="right"> 63.0%</td> <td align="right"> 0.246</td> <td align="right"> 3.6</td> <td align="right"> 1.3</td> <td align="right"> 6.5</td> <td align="right"> 14.2</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>HOU at ARI</td><td align="right">7.5</td><td>M DIMURO</td><td align="right">4.8</td><td align="right">4.1</td><td align="right">14-13</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">-2.2</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 12-14</td> <td align="right"> 46.2%</td> <td align="right"> 53.8%</td> <td align="right"> 0.256</td> <td align="right"> 4.1</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 6.7</td> <td align="right"> 14.3</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>CHW at NYY</td><td align="right">10.5</td><td>T TIMMONS</td><td align="right">4.2</td><td align="right">6.3</td><td align="right">11-16</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">-8.5</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 13-12</td> <td align="right"> 52.0%</td> <td align="right"> 48.0%</td> <td align="right"> 0.281</td> <td align="right"> 4.9</td> <td align="right"> 1.5</td> <td align="right"> 7.6</td> <td align="right"> 13.8</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>TAM at DET</td><td align="right">8</td><td>M EVERITT</td><td align="right">6.1</td><td align="right">4.2</td><td align="right">18-10</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">+5.4</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 16-11</td> <td align="right"> 59.3%</td> <td align="right"> 40.7%</td> <td align="right"> 0.274</td> <td align="right"> 4.8</td> <td align="right"> 1.5</td> <td align="right"> 7.5</td> <td align="right"> 14.1</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>TOR at BOS</td><td align="right">8</td><td>J WOLF</td><td align="right">6.1</td><td align="right">4.3</td><td align="right">17-10</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">+5.8</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 16-10</td> <td align="right"> 61.5%</td> <td align="right"> 38.5%</td> <td align="right"> 0.275</td> <td align="right"> 5.0</td> <td align="right"> 1.5</td> <td align="right"> 7.0</td> <td align="right"> 12.7</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>CLE at BAL</td><td align="right">10</td><td>A CAMPOS</td><td align="right">4.3</td><td align="right">4.9</td><td align="right">11-11</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">-3.2</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 10-11</td> <td align="right"> 47.6%</td> <td align="right"> 52.4%</td> <td align="right"> 0.268</td> <td align="right"> 4.3</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 6.5</td> <td align="right"> 14.5</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>TEX at MIN</td><td align="right">8.5</td><td>B MILLER</td><td align="right">4.7</td><td align="right">4.8</td><td align="right">12-16</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">-6.8</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 9-18</td> <td align="right"> 33.3%</td> <td align="right"> 66.7%</td> <td align="right"> 0.271</td> <td align="right"> 4.3</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 6.2</td> <td align="right"> 14.8</td></tr><tr class="cell2"> <td>OAK at LA </td><td align="right">8.5</td><td>T BARRETT</td><td align="right">4.5</td><td align="right">3.6</td><td align="right">18-8</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="green"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell2" align="center">+9.1</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 7-18</td> <td align="right"> 28.0%</td> <td align="right"> 72.0%</td> <td align="right"> 0.250</td> <td align="right"> 3.7</td> <td align="right"> 1.3</td> <td align="right"> 6.3</td> <td align="right"> 12.7</td></tr><tr class="cell1"> <td>KAN at SEA</td><td align="right">7.5</td><td>T TICHENOR</td><td align="right">4.0</td><td align="right">4.7</td><td align="right">9-18</td><td align="right"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#dc1414"><td><table border="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="cell1" align="center">-12.0</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td align="right"> 10-17</td> <td align="right"> 37.0%</td> <td align="right"> 63.0%</td> <td align="right"> 0.260</td> <td align="right"> 3.9</td> <td align="right"> 1.4</td> <td align="right"> 7.6</td> <td align="right"> 13.5</td></tr></tbody></table>

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Jeff Niemann improved to 12-5 Monday night, despite letting in five earned runs on eight hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays.
Life is good when you're a Rays starter whose offense provides eight runs of support against Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. The truth is that Niemann was lucky to escape without his ERA climbing any higher than 3.87. The big righty does deserve credit for lasting six innings or more in eight straight outings, but he'll have his work cut out for him taking on Justin Verlander and the Tigers next time out.

Justin Verlander picked up his 14th win Monday despite surrendering four earned runs on five hits and two walks against the Angels.
The bad news is Verlander has surrendered four earned runs or more three times this month. The good news is that his 3.38 ERA remains AL's Top 10 leaders and, with seven strikeouts Monday, his 211 Ks rank second in the Majors behind Tim Lincecum. It takes a lot to bench a guy carrying around those numbers, so don't hesitate to throw him back out there against the Rays next time out.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Freddy Garcia was sharp in his second start of 2009, limiting the Red Sox to three earned runs on five hits and one walk over 6 1/3 innings of five-strikeout ball en route to the no-decision.
Garcia first emerged as a frontline pitcher with the White Sox, and Tuesday's outing puts him right back on the fantasy radar. Wait to see how he fares against Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees next time out before giving him a whirl.

Chamberlain moved back to regular rest: The Yankees have scrapped their plans for Joba Chamberlain once again. Manager Joe Girardi says Chamberlain will start on normal rest for the remainder of the season beginning with Sunday's game against the White Sox. Girardi says the Yankees still plan to hold down the right-hander's innings by taking him out of some starts earlier than usual.

Chamberlain has been getting extended rest between some starts since the All-Star break because the Yankees are so concerned about the 23-year-old's workload in his second full season in the majors. Girardi made the announcement before the Yankees' game against Chicago on Friday night. Chamberlain says he's excited about the change. This is good news for Fantasy owners as it means Chamberlain will start more often than expected down the stretch. However, it will be harder for him to get wins when he does start as he won't be working as deep into ball games.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Clayton Kershaw took a no-decision on Tuesday after yielding two earned runs on four hits and a walk with six punchouts in 6 1/3 frames to the Rockies.
Kershaw broke a two-start slump by recording his first quality outing since Aug. 8. Among the positive aspects of the lefty's start was that he issued just one walk after handing out four of them in each of his prior two outings. That's quite an accomplishment considering the Rockies lead the Majors in walks drawn. Kershaw is a must-start Aug. 30 vs. the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Arroyo has another quality start: Reds SP Bronson Arroyo pitched his sixth straight quality start Tuesday at Milwaukee, allowing one run on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts in seven innings. He didn't factor in the decision with the game going into extra innings.

Arroyo typically performs better in the second half, and the pattern is holding this year. He has a 2.23 ERA in those six quality starts and is looking like a worthwhile back-end option in mixed leagues again. Just remember the Reds as a team have been going nowhere but down over the last couple months.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Mat Latos was brilliant Tuesday, tossing seven scoreless innings of two-hit, four-strikeout ball against the Braves, but came away empty handed with a no-decision.
The outing comes on the heels of rough back-to-back outings from Latos, who chopped his ERA down from 4.82 to 4.06. The Padres have spoken about the possibility of shutting the rookie righty down sometime in September to save his arm for next season, but that prospect didn't appear to be anywhere on his mind when he was on the mound. "He's hanging in there," said Padres manager Bud Black. "I know we've talked about what we want to do with him in September. We're taking it day-to-day. Tonight at critical times, I saw the velocity get there. The slider and the changeup were much more effective [tonight] than the last two outings." As things stand, Latos is slated to take on the Marlins in Miami next time out.

West defeats Mets Tuesday: Florida SP Sean West had a superb outing on Tuesday as he was able to defeat the New York Mets. West was asked to face Nelson Figueroa instead of Johan Santana but could have beaten the former Cy Young winner with the way he pitched. West gave up just one run on six hits over six solid innings. He walked three and had two K's. His ERA is at 4.44 on the season.

West couldn't go more than four innings the last time he took the mound at Houston but was much better on Tuesday to improve to 5-5 on the season. Since he doesn't really strike out a lot of batters or go deep in games, he's just an NL-only Fantasy option. His next start comes Sunday against the Padres.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Justin Masterson yielded four earned runs on seven hits and two walks with four punchouts in six innings vs. the Royals on Tuesday as he fell to 4-5.
It's not good news that Masterson struggled against one of the AL's weakest batting orders, so hold off before considering Masterson a spot starter in mixed formats. He began to get his command under control by issuing just two free passes -- he walked nine in his previous two appearances -- but he'll have to show a greater overall command of the game Aug. 30 vs. the Orioles before becoming a viable spot starter.

Brian Matusz surrendered three earned runs on seven hits and two walks with three K's in five frames against the Twins in a no-decision on Tuesday.
Matusz received his first career no-decision after splitting wins and losses in his first four starts. He also saw a decrease in whiffs after fanning seven batters in his two previous outings. That's not terribly surprising considering the Twins rank in the bottom half of the Majors in punchouts. Matusz's strikeout total should increase in his next outing, Aug. 30, when he goes against a strikeout-prone Indians batting order in Baltimore.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Roy Halladay was tagged for seven earned runs and 12 hits over six innings Monday against the Rays to fall to 13-7.
The last couple of starts have been particularly rough on Halladay, who has surrendered 11 earned runs on 20 hits over just 11 innings. The 12 hits allowed Monday match the most of his career, and Monday also marked the first time since July 6-12, 2007, that Halladay turned in fewer than seven innings in back-to-back starts not shortened by injury. On the flipside, the Blue Jays ace struck out eight and walked one, giving owners enough reason to send him and his 3.03 ERA back out there against the Red Sox next time out.

Byrd will make start on Sunday: Boston manager Terry Francona said after Saturday's game against Toronto that RHP Paul Byrd will be recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and start Sunday. RHP Marcus McBeth, recalled before the game, was sent back.

Byrd has gone 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two starts in Triple-A since being signed by Boston earlier this month. He's worth a look in AL-only formats, but not muc

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Millwood struggles and still wins: Texas SP Kevin Millwood allowed four runs in the 1st inning on Tuesday against the New York Yankees. New York also scored four times in the bottom of the 9th yet, miraculously, Millwood still earned the victory to improve to 10-8 on the season. Millwood gave up five earned runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings and really settled down after the 1st. He walked five and struck out two. His ERA is now at 3.63.

Millwood actually had the identical line in his previous start against Minnesota and lost that contests. Pitchers usually lose games like Tuesday's. Millwood earned his first win since July 20 against Boston. He's been a bit of an enigma of late with some good and some not-so-good performances but largely remains a solid mixed-league Fantasy starter. His next outing comes Sunday at Minnesota

Baker sharp for 12th victory: Minnesota SP Scott Baker improved to 12-7 on the season as he won a pitcher's duel over Baltimore rookie Chris Tillman on Monday night. Baker gave up just one run on four hits over seven strong innings in the win. He walked one and had five strikeouts. Baker has a 4.47 ERA on the year.
Baker has won six straight starts and last lost back on July 7 against the Yankees. He continues to put together quality outings almost every time he takes the hill and can be utilized in all Fantasy leagues at the moment. Baker's next start comes Sunday against the Texas Rangers.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Garrett Mock vaulted to 3-5 after he allowed four earned runs on seven hits and a pair of walks with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings vs. the Cubs on Tuesday.
Despite the rocky outing, Mock has settled in as a reliable source for punchouts in his last four starts. The righty has K'd 27 batters in 22 2/3 frames over that time frame, so mixed-leaguers should snatch him up if they need a boost in the category. He'll take the hill again Aug. 30 against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Wainwright goes eight to win 15th: Cardinals SP Adam Wainwright became a 15-game winner for the first time his career Tuesday against the Astros, blanking the competition on three hits through eight innings. He recorded five strikeouts without issuing a walk and hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a game since June 21, a span of 12 starts.

Wainwright has a 1.31 ERA over that 12-start stretch, solidifying himself as a No. 1 Fantasy SP. He always had ace potential, but injuries held him back each of the last two years. Don't even think about benching him for his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday against the Nationals.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Figueroa solid in loss : Mets SP Nelson Figueroa pitched well on Tuesday night against the Florida Marlins but it wasn't well enough to win. Figueroa dropped the decision to fall to 1-3 on the season but only allowed two runs -- one earned -- in the game. He gave up four hits in five innings and did not walk a batter. Figueroa struck out two and his ERA is now at 5.40 on the year.

Figueroa fell victim to Sean West's superb outing and his teammates' poor hitting on Tuesday to drop the decision. He had been pitching in relief for the Mets -- and not doing so well at the job -- and was hit hard the last time he started games. He's clearly just an NL-only Fantasy option when he takes the hill. He was starting for Johan Santana, who is now done for the year. It is not yet decided if he'll get another turn.

Zambrano rocked in return off DL: Elijah Dukes hit a grand slam in a six-run fifth inning, Josh Willingham had two homers and six RBI and the Washington Nationals rocked Carlos Zambrano in his return from the disabled list, routing the Chicago Cubs 15-6 on Tuesday night. Zambrano (7-5), bothered by a bad back, hadn't pitched since going three innings Aug. 1. Activated off the disabled list before the game, he lasted only 4 1/3 innings, gave up seven hits and was charged with eight runs. He walked three and struck out four and his ERA is now at 3.80.

Zambrano was pitching fine before getting injured so lets just chalk this outing up to being rusty. If he pitches badly again on Sunday in his next start against Houston, then we will worry about him being cold. He remains a solid mixed-league Fantasy starter. Let's hope the Astros help him turn things around after Tuesday's porous outing.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Anderson gets no-decision in gem: Athletics SP Brett Anderson had one of the best starts of his young career Tuesday at Seattle, allowing one run on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts in seven innings. He didn't factor in the decision, however, and is 0-1 in his last three starts.

Anderson has pitched pretty well lately -- well enough to look like he could become a special pitcher in Fantasy as soon as next year -- but you can't expect the A's to give him much run support. He's just a low-end option in mixed leagues. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 24-30) is scheduled for Sunday at the Angels.

Lackey loses his third in last four: Angels SP John Lackey, who ended a string of seven straight quality starts by allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start, allowed five in six Tuesday against the Tigers. He gave up 11 hits and one walk, recording six strikeouts. The loss dropped him to 1-3 over his last four starts.

Lackey had been one of the hottest pitchers in baseball before this two-start stretch, reemerging as a Fantasy ace after beginning on the DL for a second straight year. He struggled down the stretch last season, which makes these last two starts somewhat of a concern, but he's too valuable when right for you to consider benching him now. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 24-30) is scheduled for Sunday against the Athletics.

BadCo · Aug 30, 2009

Greinke K's career-high 15 in win: Kansas City SP Zack Greinke pitched well on Tuesday and used 15 strikeouts to defeat the Cleveland Indians. Greinke improved to 12-8 on the season as he allowed two runs on five hits over eight strong innings pitched. His ERA is 2.43.

Greinke reached 10 strikeouts four times this season but 15 was definitely a new career high for the Royals ace. He hasn't been the same dominant pitcher in the second half that he was in the first but he continues to put up solid numbers worth using at all times in mixed Fantasy leagues. The Royals aren't very good and that is a huge part of the reason he's just 2-5 since July began.

Rowland-Smith gets back to quality: Mariners SP Ryan Rowland-Smith, coming off a poor start at Detroit, recorded his third quality start in his last four Tuesday against the Mariners. He allowed two runs on nine hits with zero walks and a strikeout in 6 1/3 innings. He didn't factor in the decision, however, and is only 2-1 in eight starts.

Rowland-Smith pitched well down the stretch last season and is proving it wasn't a fluke this season, even after missing most of the year due to injury. He won't rack up tons of strikeouts or get much run support with the Mariners, but he's a must-have in AL-only leagues. His next start and second of Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 24-30) is scheduled for Sunday against the Royals.