Archive for the ‘Strategy’ Category

2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 21

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 12th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 21 of the major league baseball season, covering August 14 – August 20.

2 start pitchers week 21: the list below is focused on mixed leagues since in AL or NL only leagues in most cases you do not have the option to rotate starting pitchers with the smaller player pool. The pitchers below are listed in alphabetical order by team name per category.

American League:

Start them:

Alexi Ogando (TEX) ~ @LAA (Richards), @CWS (Peavy)

Roll the Dice:

Erik Bedard (BOS) ~ TB (Davis), @KC (Paulino)
Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE) ~ @CWS (Floyd), @DET (Porcello)
Rick Porcello (DET) ~ MIN (Liriano), CLE (Jimenez)
Gio Gonzalez (OAK) ~ BAL (Hunter), TOR (Alvarez)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) ~ : BAL (TBD), TOR (Mills)
Michael Pineda (SEA) ~ TOR (Alvarez), @TB (Davis)
Wade Davis (TB) ~ @BOS (Bedard), SEA (Pineda)
Derek Holland (TEX) ~ @LAA (Chatwood), @CWS (Danks)
Henderson Alvarez (TOR) ~ @SEA (Pineda), @OAK (Gonzalez)

Alavrez was just okay in his major league debut against Oakland, allowing three runs in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. He gets them again in his second start next week. Holland can be hit or miss at times, but he has been much better on the road this season where he has two starts next week. On the road, he has a 3.42 ERA and 1.23 WHIP vs. 5.32 and 1.63 at home. Davis has gotten off to a slow start after the All-Star break with a 6.04 ERA in four starts and has two tough matchups next week so it could be a sit week for him if you have other alternatives. Moscoso has been slightly better at the Oakland Coliseum where he gets two starts next week where he owns a 3.18 ERA and 1.18 WHIP vs. 3.80 and 1.31 on the road. Gonzalez has not looked like the same pitcher the second half of the season with four straight losses and a 6.35 ERA and 1.80 WHIP after the break. He gets two home starts next week where he has a 2.21 ERA and 1.19 WHIP on the season. Porcello had been on a five-game win streak before taking a no decision and loss in his last two starts. He bombed in his last start against Cleveland, allowing eight runs in 3 2/3 innings so he is a possible sit candidate for next week.

Sit Them:

Tommy Hunter (BAL) ~ @OAK (Gonzalez), @LAA (Chatwood)
Felipe Paulino (KC) ~ NYY (Burnett), BOS (Bedard)
Garrett Richards (LAA) ~ TEX (Ogando), BAL (Reyes)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) ~ TEX (Holland), BAL (Hunter)
Francisco Liriano (MIN) ~ @DET (Porcello), NYY (Hughes)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) ~ @DET (Verlander), NYY (Burnett)
A.J. Burnett (NYY) ~ @KC (Paulino), @MIN (Blackburn)
Brad Mills (TOR) ~ @SEA (Vargas), @OAK (Moscoso)

Burnett has struggled on the road this season with a 5.19 ERA and 1.56 WHIP and has not collected a win since June 29th. Hunter hos not done much since moving into the starting rotation, allowing four runs in both of his starts and he no longer has the powerful Texas offense behind him. Blackburn has not won since July 8th and has seen his ERA rise a full run over his last 10 starts. Liriano has walked eight more hitters than last season in 74 less innings which is a good reason to keep him reserved until he can get his control issues fixed. Paulino has pitched better since coming to the American League but has a tough schedule next week facing the Yankees and the Red Sox.

National League:

Start them:

Tim Hudson (ATL) ~ SF (Bumgarner), ARI (Marquis)
Tommy Hanson (ATL) ~ SF (Sanchez), ARI (Collmenter)
Yovani Gallardo (MIL) ~ LAD (Billingsley), @NYM (Dickey)
Cliff Lee (PHI) ~ ARI (Collmenter), @WAS (Detwiler)
Cory Luebke (SD) ~ NYM (Niese), FLA (Sanchez)
Madison Bumgarner (SF) ~ @ATL (Hudson), @HOU (Lyles)

Roll the Dice:

Josh Collmenter (ARI) ~ @PHI (Lee), @ATL (Hanson)
Mike Leake (CIN) ~ @WAS (Detwiler), @PIT (McDonald)
Anibal Sanchez (FLA) ~ @COL (Chacin), @SD (Luebke)
Ted Lilly (LAD) ~ @MIL (Wolf), @COL (Rogers)
Chad Billingsley (LAD) ~ @MIL (Gallardo), @COL (Millwood)
Randy Wolf (MIL) ~ LAD (Lilly), @NYM (Capuano)
R.A. Dickey (NYM) ~ @SD (Harang), MIL (Gallardo)
James McDonald (PIT) ~ STL (Westbrook), CIN (Leake)
Aaron Harang (SD) ~ NYM (Dickey), FLA (Hensley)
Jake Westbrook (STL) ~ @PIT (McDonald), @CHC (Lopez)

Westbrook has allowed three runs or less in five of his last six starts and has an ERA a full two runs lower when pitching on the road. Leake has allowed two runs or less in four of his last five starts while going six innings or more in each of those outings. McDonald’s ratios have been much better the second half of the season with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.28. Now if could just cure that second-half gopheritis of seven home runs in 29 2/3 innings. Dickey deserves to have a few more wins with the way he has pitched, but the Mets have scored three runs or less for him in five of his last 10 starts. Wolf is on a three game win streak and has allowed three runs or less in five of his last six appearances. Sanchez has gone 11 starts without a win so he should be due for one soon, though going to Coors Field will not help the ratios.

Sit Them:

Rodrigo Lopez (CHC) ~ @HOU (Sosa), STL (Westbrook)
Kevin Millwood (COL) ~ FLA (Hensley), LAD (Billingsley)
Henry Sosa (HOU) ~ CHC (Lopez), SF (Sanchez)
Clay Hensley (FLA) ~ @COL (Millwood), @SD (Harang)
Jonathan Sanchez (SF) ~ @ATL (Hanson), @HOU (Sosa)
Ross Detwiler (WAS) ~ CIN (Leake), PHI (Lee)

Detwiler’s numbers have been okay in a small sample size, but factor in from three starts he has five walks and seven strikeouts and he faces two strong offenses next week. There is enough options out there that you should not have to use reliever turned starter Hensley in your rotation, especially with a trip to Coors Field coming up. Sanchez has not made it to the fifth inning in his last four starts.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 20

Posted by Tony Mancini on August 10th, 2011

Now that all is quiet on the major league baseball front and likely in your fantasy baseball leagues after the trade deadline has past, we can now look at some familiar names that have been hot since the trade deadline to help their teams and hopefully yours.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

OF - Rick Ankiel (WAS) – With all of the Washington Nationals injuries, Ankiel has been forced into regular playing time and has thrived. In 12 games hitting leadoff, Ankiel has posted a .300 average, with two doubles, four homers, eight runs and 11 RBI.

SS - Marco Scutaro (BOS) – Scutaro has been on fire over his last three games for the Boston Red Sox going 8 for his last 11. With Jed Lowrie coming off the disabled list, Scutaro is going to need to keep up this pace to get regular playing time.

SP - Brett Cecil (TOR) – After struggling and being demoted to Triple-A, Cecil has responded since being recalled by the Toronto Blue Jays, posting a 2.70 ERA over his last seven outings to lower his ERA to 4.31 to go along with a 1.31 WHIP.

American League:

OF – Alejandro De Aza (CHW) – With Alex Rios struggling, De Aza was called up from the minors last week. De Aza is currently hitting .296 and is a good source for stolen bases while he is playing regularly.

SP – Kevin Slowey (MIN) – With Scott Baker going on the disabled list, the Twins are planning to call up Slowey from Triple-A to start Sunday. Slowey was 13 – 6 last year and has allowed three earned runs in his three starts at Triple-A this season.

National League:

3B – James Darnell (SD) – Darnell was hitting .272 with six homers and 13 RBI in 26 games since being promoted to Triple-A. He is a top prospect within the San Diego organization and can hit for power and average (he hit .333 in 76 games at Double-A). He will play third base for the Padres while Chase Headley is on the disabled list.

OF – JD Martinez (HOU) – Martinez was called up after the Astros traded Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. In 10 games since being recalled, Martinez is hitting .306 with four home rums and 12 RBI. Martinez will likely man right field for the Astros for the remainder of the season.

2B/OF – Eric Young (COL) – Young has played in the outfield in 12 of the last 13 games for the Rockies. During this stretch, Young is hitting over .290. Though he is only hitting .232 on the season, he is a good source for stolen bases and runs.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 20

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 8th, 2011

Jon Rauch is still collecting saves for the Toronto Blue Jays but he has not looked pretty doing it. Rauch has allowed runs in four of his last five outings and surrendered 10 hits over his last 5 1/3 innings of work. Frank Francisco could see the next save opportunity with seven straight scoreless outings in the books.

Chris Perez has been struggling of late for the Cleveland Indians, collecting only one save since July 15th while blowing two chances and he has also been scored upon in six of his last seven appearances. Combining his numbers from July and August, Perez has walked five and struck out six in 10 1/3 innings with eight earned runs allowed.

After a disastrous July that saw Carlos Marmol of the Chicago Cubs post a 9.90 ERA with a 2.30, the right-hander has gotten out of the gates quickly in August by converting all four save chances while walking only one batter in four innings. His seven blown saves for the season are two more than he had all of 2010.

Fantasy baseball owners that pounced on Javy Guerra when he was a free agent have to be smiling to themselves now that Guerra has converted all 10 save chances, while posting a 1.69 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP for the season. Guerra has not allowed a run since July 6th and has yet to yield a home run this year.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Lineup Planner – Week 20

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 7th, 2011

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around major league baseball to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 20 (August 8 – August 14)  of the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

American League:

Lost in the news that the Toronto Blue Jays called up top prospect Brett Lawrie this week was that the Kansas City Royals promoted second basemen Johnny Giavotella from Triple-A. Giavotella was hitting .338 for the Omaha Storm Chasers with nine home runs, 72 RBI and nine stolen bases. If you are looking for middle infield help in the American League, he can help your team next week.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed starting pitcher Alex Cobb on the disabled list and the team will now go back to the more traditional five-man rotation. Jeremy Hellickson and James Shields will both get two starts next week for the Rays with one less man in the rotation.

National League:

Starting pitcher Roy Oswalt of the Philadelphia Phillies returned from the disabled and struggled against the San Francisco Giants, allowing 12 hits and two walks in six innings while striking out four. It was Oswalt’s first start since pitching back on June 23 and he will face the Washington Nationals in his next start.

Jair Jurrjens was placed on the disabled list by the Atlanta Braves and replaced in the rotation by Mike Minor who got the start on Sunday against the Mets. Minor allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. Minor’s next start will come at home against the Chicago Cubs.

Daniel Murphy of the New York Mets is going to miss some time after inuring his knee Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Ruben Tejada has been recalled to take his place and Muprhy will likely be headed to the disabled list next week. The Mets also suffered another blow in the game as Jose Reyes suffered a pulled left hamstring and could miss time as well next week.

With Carlos Gonzalez activated from the disabled list by the Colorado Rockies, it means Seth Smith is in for a reduction in playing time with the Rockies offense performing well with Eric Young Jr. at the top of the batting order. if Young is still on the waiver wire in your league, he can give your team a big boost in stolen bases.

Outfielder Chris Heisey was placed on the disabled list by the Cincinnati Reds and was replaced on the roster by outfielder Dave Sappelt. Sappelt was hitting .313 with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 297 at bats in AAA.

To help set your pitching rotation for next week, check out the week 20, two start pitchers.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 20

Posted by Todd Lammi on August 6th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 20 of the major league baseball season, covering August 7 – August 13.

2 start pitchers week 20: the list below is focused on mixed leagues since in AL or NL only leagues in most cases you do not have the option to rotate starting pitchers with the smaller player pool. The pitchers below are listed in alphabetical order by team name per category.

American League:

Start them:

Justin Masterson (CLE) ~ DET (Fister), MIN (Baker)
Doug Fister (DET) ~ @CLE (Masterson), @BAL (TBD)
Dan Haren (LAA) ~ @NYY (Nova), @TOR (Cecil)
Scott Baker (MIN) ~ BOS (Wakefield), @CLE (Masterson)
James Shields (TB) ~ KC (Francis), @NYY (Nova)
Jeremy Hellickson (TB) ~ KC (Hochevar), @NYY (Garcia)

Roll the Dice:

Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) ~ CWS (Floyd), DET (Scherzer)
Philip Humber (CHW) ~ @BAL (TBD), KC (Hochevar)
Gavin Floyd (CHW) ~ @BAL (Guthrie), KC (Duffy)
Luke Hochevar (KC) ~ @TB (Hellickson), @CWS (Humber)
Ivan Nova (NYY) ~ LAA (Haren), TB (Shields)
Rich Harden (OAK) ~ @TOR (Cecil), TEX (Harrison)
Matt Harrison (TEX) ~ SEA (Furbush), @OAK (Harden)
Brett Cecil (TOR) ~ OAK (Harden), LAA (Haren)

Harden has allowed a home run in all six starts this season which has contributed to his high ERA. He has a couple of tough starts next week though if you are in need of strikeouts, he can definitely help in that category. Hughes has been better since returning to the Yankees rotation than he was earlier in the season, but his 4.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP since the All-Star break is mediocre at best. Humber has lost four straight, allowing four runs or more in each outing.
Floyd has been inconsistent all season long. After winning three straight games with two runs allowed in 22 1/3 innings, he then got bombed in his last start for 10 runs. Guthrie has alternated wins and losses in his last four outings and has not performed as well at home this season vs. the road where he has a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Hochevar has won three straight starts and has been solid since the All-Star break with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Cecil is 3-0 in his last five starts and has a 2.79 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP since the All-Star break. Harrison’s ratio’s the second half of the season have been similar to the first half, though he has been easier to hit of late with a 2.86 batting average against after the break compared to .249 prior.

Sit Them:

Tim Wakefield (BOS) ~ @MIN (Baker), @SEA (Furbush)
Charlie Furbush (SEA) ~ @TEX (Harrison), BOS (Wakefield)

Furbush was solid in his first start, picking up a win with one run allowed in five innings, but facing Texas and Boston makes him a good candidate to reserve for next week.

National League:

Start them:

Daniel Hudson (ARI) ~ HOU (Rodriguez), NYM (Pelfrey)
Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) ~ PHI (Halladay), HOU (Lyles)
Shaun Marcum (MIL) ~ @STL (Jackson), PIT (Morton)
Roy Halladay (PHI) ~ @LAD (Kuroda), WAS (Wang)
Tim Stauffer (SD) ~ @NYM (Pelfrey), @CIN (Bailey)
Ryan Vogelsong (SF) ~ PIT (Morton), @FLA (Hand)

Roll the Dice:

Matt Garza (CHC) ~ WAS (Wang), @ATL (Lowe)
Homer Bailey (CIN) ~ COL (Hammel), SD (Stauffer)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) ~ @ARI (Marquis), @LAD (Kuroda)
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) ~ @ARI (Hudson), @LAD (Lilly)
Mike Pelfrey (NYM) ~ SD (Stauffer), @ARI (Hudson)
Chris Capuano (NYM) ~ SD (TBD), @ARI (Marquis)
Edwin Jackson (STL) ~ MIL (Marcum), COL (Rogers)

Jackson has struggled in his move back to the National League with a 5.79 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP through two starts.
Capuano and Pelfrey have similar numbers in terms of a mid four ERA and a WHIP in the 1.3′s. In you are looking to make up ground in wins, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Lyles is going to struggle for wins with just 1 in 12 starts. His last outing was the first time the Astros scored more than four runs for him. Bailey has won three of his last four starts, though in the one loss he gave up nine runs in four innings.

Sit Them:

Jason Marquis (ARI) ~HOU (Lyles), NYM (Capuano)
Derek Lowe (ATL) ~ @FLA (Hand), CHC (Garza)
Dontrelle Willis (CIN) ~ COL (Rogers), SD (LeBlanc)
Esmil Rogers (COL) ~ @CIN (Willis), @STL (Jackson)
Jason Hammel (COL) ~ @CIN (Bailey), @STL (Garcia)
Brad Hand (FLA) ~ ATL (Lowe), SF (Vogelsong)
Charlie Morton (PIT) ~ @SF (Vogelsong), @MIL (Marcum)
Chieng-Ming Wang (WAS) ~ @CHC (Garza), @PHI (Halladay)

Morton’s ERA has been okay at 3.80 since the All-Star break because he has shown the abiltiy to limit walks this season but his 1.69 ERA due to a lack of control is a killer. Hand’s ratios look okay at first glance but with more walks than strikeouts, that is not likely to last long. Lowe has lost four of his last five starts and has a 7.97 ERA and 2.02 WHIP since the All-Star break.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 19

Posted by Tony Mancini on August 3rd, 2011

With the major league baseball trade deadline now over, many players have now gained tremendous value and should be picked up immediately if they are available in your league(s).

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

1B - Paul Goldschmidt (ARI) – The Arizona Diamondbacks also did not hesitate to call up their best first base prospect from Double-A after the trade deadline. Goldschmidt had 30 home runs and 94 RBI prior to being recalled on Monday and hit his first home run in the majors last night. Grab him if he’s still available.

1B - Chris Davis (BAL) – Davis was traded from the Texas Rangers where he was a bench player to the Baltimore Orioles where he will be their everyday first baseman. With no first base prospects in the Baltimore system, Davis will not have any pressure to perform. Davis has always been a great source for power in the minors. This is the chance Davis has been waiting for and he knows this may be his last chance to show his potential.

SS - Dee Gordon (LAD) – Once Rafael Furcal was traded, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not hesitate to recall their shortstop of the future. Gordon struggled in his first go around with the Dodgers but again, there is no additional pressure for him to out perform any competition. Gordon is a great source for runs and stolen bases.

American League:

OF – Casper Wells (SEA) – Wells was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Seattle Mariners and has played in all three games since the trade. Wells has always been able to hit lefties, but if he is given regular at-bats, he could provide some decent power numbers for your team.

SP – Brad Mills (TOR) – Mills has been told he can keep his rotation spot if he continues to pitch well for the Toronto Blue Jays. In his first start, Mills threw seven innings giving up six hits and two walks while striking out five.  He pitches against the Orioles next and is worth a spot in your rotation.

National League:

SS – Yuniesky Betancourt (MIL) – It looks like the trade rumors about the Milwaukee Brewers needing a better SS in order the make the playoffs really woke Betancourt up as he is hitting .355 with three home runs in 62 at bats since the All Star break.

OF – Lucas Duda (NYM) – Duda is seeing regular time in the outfield since Carlos Beltran was traded to San Francisco. Duda was the New York Mets minor league player of the year in 2010 and hit for power in the minors even though he only has three home runs so far this season with a .268 batting average.

C – David Ross (ATL) – With Brian McCann going on the disabled list, Ross is now the primary catcher for the Atlanta Braves. Ross has always done well as a back-up hitting for power in limited duty. On the season, Ross has five home runs with 19 RBI and a .267 batting average over 100 at bats.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 18

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 28th, 2011

The big winner so far of the trades leading up to the Sunday deadline from a fantasy baseball perspective looks to be outfielder Jon Jay of the St. Louis Cardinals. With Colby Rasmus shipped to the Toronto Blue Jays, Jay should see the majority of at bats in the outfield the rest of the way where his .300 plus batting average is going to pay big dividends for his fantasy baseball owners the second half of the season.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

RP – Jason Isringhausen (NYM) – What looked like a closer by committee bullpen for the New York Mets with the trade of Francisco Rodriguez has been Isringhausen by himself so far. With him now just three saves away from 300 for his career, look for him to stay at closer unless he is traded at the deadline.

American League:

OF – Colby Rasmus (TOR) – a great trade by the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire Rasmus without surrendering anything of real value. St. Louis Cardinal fans are going to be kicking themselves for this trade over the next five to seven years.

OF - Kosuke Fukudome (CLE) – Acquired today by the Cleveland Indians for two minor league prospects, Fukudome doesn’t offer much help for AL-only owners unless you need some help in batting average.

National League:

OF - Tyler Colvin / Tony Campana (CHC) – Colvin was recalled from Triple-A today with the trade of Kosuke Fukudome to the Cleveland Indians. Colvin plus Campana should both see time in the Chicago Cubs outfield going forward.

OF – Corey Patterson (STL) – becomes a fourth outfielder in St. Louis coming over in the trade from Toronto, but should see more at bats with Lance Berkman an injury risk. Worth a pickup for NL-owners looking for stolen bases.

SP – Edwin Jackson (STL) – another pitcher for Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan to try to work his magic on. Jackson struggled in the National League last season with Arizona but should do better this time around.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 17

Posted by Tony Mancini on July 22nd, 2011

Is there anything more exciting than the MLB trade deadline? Action has already begun with trades of Jeff Keppinger and Wilson Betemit this week. Rumors will be flying around over the next week and a half so pay careful attention to the waiver wire in your league for some possible gems.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

OF – Josh Reddick (BOS) – Reddick has been seeing more playing time over the last week with J.D. Drew and Darnell McDonald riding the pine. Reddick is hitting .367 with four home runs and 18 RBI over 79 at-bats. Reddick is going to be a key factor for the Red Sox now and for years to come since Drew will be a free agent after the season.

American League:

2B - Mike Aviles (KC) – With Wilson Betemit traded to the Detroit Tigers, the Royals recalled Aviles to fill his roster spot. Aviles was awful hitting .213 before being sent now, but was tearing up Triple A with nine home run and a .307 batting average.

National League:

2B - Jeff Keppinger (SF) – Keppinger was sent to the Giants to help fill in the second base void. Keppinger only played in 43 games for the Astros this year and was hitting .307 over 163 at-bats with four home runs and 20 RBI.

2B - Jose Altuve (HOU) – The top prospect in the Houston Astros farm system this year, Altuve was called up from Double-A to play second base. Altuve was recently ranked in the top 50 for baseball prospects and was hitting .389 in the minors this season.

1B – Steve Pearce (PIT) – Pearce is also about to come off the disabled list in Pittsburgh. Rumors are out there that Lyle Overbay is going to be sitting more than playing going forward. Pearce was hitting .291 over 55 at-bats before his injury.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 16

Posted by Tony Mancini on July 14th, 2011

Congratulations to Robinson Cano for winning the Home Run Derby and to the National League for winning the All-Star game. After a few days off from fantasy baseball, hopefully your batteries are recharged to make a strong push the second half of the season to win your fantasy baseball league. Here is a look at some players to be targeting on the waiver wire this week.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

OF - Mike Trout (LAA) – The Los Angeles Angels called up their top ranked prospect last week due to all the injuries in the Angels outfield. Although his stay may be short, Trout is definitely worth picking up and keeping as a reserve after he is sent back down if he is still available in your league.

OF – Nate Schierholtz (SF) – Schierholtz seems to have convinced the San Francisco Giants to give him an everyday role in their outfield and he has shown some power and even batted clean-up a couple of times since then. Schierholtz is hitting .293 on the season with seven home runs and 31 RBI.

American League:

OF – Travis Buck (CLE) – With Shin-Soo Choo on the disabled list, Buck has been seeing the most time in right field. Over Buck’s last seven games, he is hitting over .370 with eight RBI. Buck is a decent fill in outfielder while he is playing and hitting.

3B – Kyle Seager (SEA) – I believe Seager may be in over his head right now since he only played 12 games at Triple-A before being recalled, but he obviously can’t be any worse than Chone Figgins at the hot corner. Seager has hit .336 between two levels with six home runs and 49 RBI.

National League:

RP – Brad Lidge (PHI) – Lidge has had some successful minor league rehab appearances and will likely make another six to nine additional rehab appearances which could put him back in the major leagues in three weeks. If you have a bench spot available and are locked in a closer battle for saves, he is worth picking up now with the hopes that he will see some save opportunities down the stretch.

SS – Zack Cozart (CIN) – With Edgar Renteria and Paul Janish struggling, the Cincinnati Reds called up Cozart four days prior to the All-Star break and he saw action in all four games. Cozart was hitting .310 in Triple-A prior to being recalled and is hitting .312 in four games with the Reds. Cozart has shown power and speed in the minors hitting 17 home runs and stealing 30 bases in 2010.

By now we’ve all heard that closer Francisco Rodriguez was traded from the New York Mets to the Milwaukee Brewers where he will share closer duties with John Axford. The big question is who is going to close games out of the Mets. This is likely going to be a committee situation to begin with but the two most likely to get the first shot at closer duties will be Bobby Parnell and Jason Isringhausen.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 15

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 6th, 2011

Here is a look at some players to target in your fantasy baseball league in the week 15 waiver wire including two new closer options and several players heading over to the National League.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

RP – Joe Nathan (MIN) – Current closer Matt Capps has been struggling in Minnesota and has been removed from his two previous save opportunities. Glen Perkins picked up saves in both of those instances, but they were the first two saves of his career and Nathan has been throwing better or late and has closing experience which gives him the upper hand.

RP -David Hernandez (ARI) – With J.J. Putz sidelined, Hernandez could grab you a couple of saves in a week. Given Putz’s injury history, having Hernandez on your squad is a good hedge if you are still looking to find saves on the waiver wire.

American League:

SP – Zach McAllister (CLE) – McAllister was promoted from Triple-A to take the place of Fausto Carmona (disabled list) in the Indians rotation. McAllister was acquired from the New York Yankees last season in a deal for Austin Kearns. McAllister was 8-3 for the Columbus Clippers with a 2.97 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 97 innings and a .241 batting average against.

National League:

2B – Mark Ellis (COL) – Depending on when your league assigns free agents, there is a chance that Ellis could hit the free agent pool in your league this week. Ellis has four multi-hit games since coming to the Rockies with two home runs, seven RBI and a stolen base.

OF – Mike Cameron (FLA) – Cameron was acquired by the Florida Marlins from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later and should take hold of the job in center field. He was hitting a paltry .149 for the Red Sox in 94 at bats with three home runs and nine RBI. If your team can take the batting average hit, he should help out in three other categories.

 

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 15

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 5th, 2011

Hopefully if you read the column last week you had the chance to grab David Hernandez from the waiver wire if he was out there to cover for any potential loss of job or injury to J.J. Putz which did indeed happen. Putz is currently on the disabled list with a bad right elbow and the Arizona Diamondbacks hope he can return after the All-Star break though that may be a little too optimistic given Putz’s injury history and age.

Matt Capps had a rough start to the month of July with a disastrous blown save on July 2, allowing four runs in 2/3 of an inning and then was pulled the following night from a save chance when he allowed two runners while recording only one out. Tonight he was removed again from a save chance allowing a run and three baserunners before Glen Perkins bailed him out for his second save of the season. Perkins is having a career year this season with a 1.80 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Perkins looks to be next in line for saves if Capps is removed from the role with Joe Nathan possibly figuring into the mix as well.

Mark Melancon seems to be fading in Houston as he has allowed runs to score in four of his last five outings, taking on a full 1.5 runs to his ERA on the season. He has not collected a save since June 8th and could be looking at a return to the set up role if he does not turn things around quickly. Wilton Lopez would likely be next in line for save chances if the Astros decide to make a move.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 15

Posted by Todd Lammi on July 2nd, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 14 of the major league baseball season, covering July 4 – July 10.

2 start pitchers week 15: the list below is focused on mixed leagues since in AL or NL only leagues in most cases you do not have the option to rotate starting pitchers with the smaller player pool. The pitchers below are listed in alphabetical order by team name per category.

American League:

Start them:

Justin Verlander (DET) ~ @LAA (Haren), @KC (Francis)
Dan Haren (LAA) ~ DET (Verlander), SEA (Hernandez)
Scott Baker (MIN) ~ TB (TBD), @CWS (Peavy)
CC Sabathia (NYY) ~ @CLE (Carrasco), TB (Shields)
Michael Pineda (SEA) ~ @OAK (Moscoso), @LAA (Pineiro)
Felix Hernandez (SEA) ~ @OAK (Cahill), @LAA (Haren)
James Shields (TB) ~ @MIN (Baker), @NYY (Sabathia)

Roll the Dice:

Mark Buehrle (CHW) ~ KC (Paulino), MIN (Duensing)
Jake Peavy (CHW) ~ KC (Francis), MIN (Baker)
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) ~ NYY (Sabathia), TOR (Cecil)
Charlie Furbush (DET) ~ @LAA (Pineiro), @KC (Paulino)
Brian Duensing (MIN) ~ TB (Shields), @CWS (Buehrle)
A.J. Burnett (NYY) ~ @CLE (Tomlin), TB (Price)
Trevor Cahill (OAK) ~ SEA (Hernandez), @TEX (Harrison)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) ~ SEA (Pineda), @TEX (Lewis)
Brandon Morrow (TOR) ~ @BOS (Lackey), @CLE (Tomlin)
Colby Lewis (TEX) ~ BAL (Jakubauskas), OAK (Moscoso)
Matt Harrison (TEX) ~ BAL (TBD), OAK (Cahill)

Harrison had three straight outing in which he allowed one earned run before allowing five runs in his last start against the Houston Astros. Lewis has turned things around since back-to-back shellackings in early June, allowing four runs over his last 20 1/3 innings. Burnett has allowed two runs or less in three of his last four starts with 25 strikeouts. Buehrle has quietly not allowed more than three runs in a start since April 22 against the Detroit Tigers, going 5-3 since that start. Morrow faces two teams he struggled against in his last start, allowing nine runs vs. Boston and six runs vs. Cleveland, so I would be fine with benching him if you have other alternatives. Duensing was much better in June, posting a 3.25 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP in five starts for the Twins. Furbush replaces Phil Coke in the Tigers rotation, and posted a 2.91 ERA in AAA with 55 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings before moving to a relief role with Detroit. Carrasco has allowed four runs in his last 36 2/3 innings, going 4-1 in that stretch.

Sit Them:

Chris Jakubauskas (BAL) ~ @TEX (Lewis), @BOS (Beckett)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) ~ NYY (Burnett), TOR (Morrow)
Felipe Paulino (KC) ~ @CWS (Buehrle), DET (Furbush)
Jeff Francis (KC) ~ @CWS (Peavy), DET (Verlander)
Joel Pineiro (LAA) ~ DET (Furbush), SEA (Pineda)
Brett Cecil (TOR) ~ @BOS (Lester), @CLE (Carrasco)

Pineiro has struggled at home where he has two starts next week with a 4.97 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP and he has allowed four earned runs in six of his last eight outings. Paulino has been better as a starter, posting a 3.58 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in June with 33 strikeouts in 37 2/3, not sure I am ready to trsut him in mixed league formats just yet. Cecil did not fare well in his first start back from Triple-A, allowing six runs in 6 1/3 innings. Tomlin allowed six runs in each of his last starts against the Yankees and the Blue Jays.

National League:

Start them:

Daniel Hudson (ARI) ~ @MIL (Marcum), @STL (Carpenter)
Tommy Hanson (ATL) ~ COL (Jimenez), @PHI (Lee)
Johnny Cueto (CIN) ~ @STL (Carpenter), @MIL (Marcum)
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) ~ @PIT (Karstens), @FLA (Volstad)
Shaun Marcum (MIL) ~ ARI (Hudson), CIN (Cueto)
Tim Stauffer (SD) ~ @SF (Lincecum), @LAD (de la Rosa)
Tim Lincecum (SF) ~ SD (Stauffer), NYM (Pelfrey)
Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) ~ CHC (Dempster), COL (Jimenez)

Roll the Dice:

Derek Lowe (ATL) ~ COL (Cook), @PHI (Worley)
Ryan Dempster (CHC) ~ @WAS (Zimmerman), @PIT (Correia)
Edinson Volquez (CIN) ~ @STL (Westbrook), @MIL (Wolf)
Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) ~ @ATL (Hanson), @WAS (Zimmermann)
Ricky Nolasco (FLA) ~ PHI (Worley), HOU (Myers)
Brett Myers (HOU) ~ @PIT (Maholm), @FLA (Nolasco)
Ted Lilly (LAD) ~ NYM (Capuano), SD (Richard)
Chris Capuano (NYM) ~ @LAD (Lilly), @SF (Zito)
Randy Wolf (MIL) ~ ARI (Duke), CIN (Volquez)
Vance Worley (PHI) ~ @FLA (Nolasco), ATL (Lowe)
Paul Maholm (PIT) ~ HOU (Myers), CHC
Barry Zito (SF) ~ SD (Richard), NYM (Capuano)
Chris Carpenter (STL) ~ CIN (Cueto), ARI (Hudson)
Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) ~ CHC (Ortiz), COL (Cook)

Carpenter picked up wins in his last two starts which were his first wins since May 10th. Gorzelanny has allowed one run over his last two starts but has yet to win since May 7th. Worley has allowed two runs in 18 innings since moving back into the Phillies rotation. Capuano is 4-1 over his last five starts with 28 strikeouts. Myers has been a little better of late with three runs or less allowed in three consecutive starts, though he has allowed a home run in eight straight starts. Nolasco has struggled since starting out strong in April, thoguh he finished strong in June with a complete game shutout.

Sit Them:

Zach Duke (ARI) ~ @MIL (Wolf), @STL (Westbrook)
Aaron Cook (COL) ~ @ATL (Lowe), @WAS (Gorzelanny)
Chris Volstad (FLA) ~ PHI (Hamels), HOU (Rodriguez)
Rubby de la Rosa (LAD) ~ NYM (Pelfrey), SD (Stauffer)
Mike Pelfrey (NYM) ~ @LAD (de la Rosa), @SF (Lincecum)
Clayton Richard (SD) ~ @SF (Zito), @LAD (Lilly)
Jake Westbrook (STL) ~ CIN (Volquez), ARI (Duke)

Richard away from PETCO Park, 5.85 ERA with a 1.78 WHIP. Pelfrey at home: 2.96 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP, Pelfrey on the road where he has two starts next week, 6.75 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. Volstad has been trending in the right direction of late but two tough starts next week and a lack of strikeouts makes him one to bench except in the deepest of mixed leagues.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 14

Posted by Tony Mancini on June 29th, 2011

Many players have been recently activated from the disabled but as one comes off another one goes on.  This revolving door has created openings for players who may be available in your league to give you an advantage in head-to-head leagues, gain extra points in a standard rotisserie league or fill holes on your roster

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

RP – Antonio Bastardo (PHI) – With Ryan Madson landing on the disabled list, Bastardo is now the temporary closer for the next two weeks for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bastardo has pitched well this year with an ERA under one over 28 innings this season with 33 strikeouts.

3B -Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE) – The Cleveland Indians finally have given the reigns to one of their top prospects and will give limited playing time to Jack Hannahan at third base. Chisenhall was batting .265 with seven home runs and 44 RBI before his call up from Triple-A. Jason Kipnis could be the next top prospect to be recalled by the Indians at some point this season to help them out at second base.

American League:

OF/1B Conor Jackson - Jackson has been filling in at first base since the Oakland A’s sent Daric Barton down to Triple-A. Jackson has played 16 games at first and 35 in the outfield and is a nice stop gap if you have an injury to a regular player. Jackson is batting .261 with one home run and 20 RBI on the season.

OF – Jason Repko (MN) – With Denard Span, Jason Kubel and now Delmon Young on the disabled list, Repko is going to play most days. If you are looking for some stolen bases, Repko could help in that category.

SP -Scott Feldman (TEX) – With Alexi Ogando’s recent struggles and rumors of him being sent down to the minors Feldman who has been pitching well on his rehab assignment could be called up by the end of the weekend to replace Ogando in the rotation. Feldman has a 2.93 ERA in seven rehab starts.

National League:

SP – Barry Zito (SF) – Zito came off the disabled list last night and threw seven innings giving up four hits walking two and striking out three for a win. With Jonathan Sanchez on the disabled list, Zito will get a few starts for the Giants until they have to make a rotation decision. Zito faces two weak hitting teams in the San Diego Padres and New York Mets next week.

OF - Reed Johnson (CHI) – Johnson has played nearly everyday since being activated from the disabled list on June 14th. Johnson is a career .270 hitter, but is currently over .330 with four home runs and 22 RBI. Since he is playing everyday, Johnson is a good 4th or 5th outfielder right now.

OF/1B – Wily Mo Pena (ARI) – Pena will have some short term value and will likely DH when the Arizona Diamondbacks are playing at Oakland this weekend. Pena has opened up some eyes hitting three home run in 25 at-bats since being called up without having played in a major league game in over two years.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 14

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 28th, 2011

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo should be a popular waiver claim this week as he takes over as closer with Ryan Madson going on the disabled list. Bastardo has a .96 ERA and a .86 WHIP for the season with 33 strikeouts in 28 innings.

Not a good start to the week for Los Angeles Angels closer Jordan Walden who blew his third consecutive save, giving him six blown saves for the season. Walden had been perfect in saves through the month of June until his in his last three outings in which he also recorded no strikeouts. Despite the three blown saves, Walden has not gotten pounded so he is lucky to keep the job for now. Veteran left-hander Scott Downs could see some save chances if the Angels decide to make a switch. Downs has five wins on the season with a 1.69 ERA and a .90 WHIP.

June has been a much different month for J.J. Putz of the Arizona Diamondbacks as he has blwon three saves and took a loss last night. For the month of June, Putz has a 4.91 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He has held up so far this season but if I owned Putz, I would want to be sure I had David Hernandez on reserve just in case.

Neftali Feliz has been struggling a little bit for the Texas Rangers as he allowed four runs on 6-22 after pitching two innings the previous night, leaving him with a 6.52 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP for the month. This comes on the heels of his control issues in May when he walked nine in 10 1/3 innings. Despite his struggles, Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan said that reports of the team’s interest in New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was not true because Rodriguez does not offer improvement to the bullpen. A few more rough outings from Feliz in July and that may soon change though.

Just when it looked like Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton was close to returning, he has now been shut down for three weeks after undergoing an MRI yesterday. If there other closer options on your league’s waiver wire, I would claim someone and dump Broxton as there is a chance he could be out for a much longer period.

 

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Lineup Planner – Week 14

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 25th, 2011

Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around major league baseball to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 14 (June 26 – July 3)  of the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

American League:

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks left his start on Saturday after just 1 2/3 innings  with a strained oblique. Watch for updates tonight or tomorrow from the team as there is a good chance he could be headed for the disabled list.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo was placed on the disabled list with a fractured thumb and will miss at the minimum six weeks of action. The Indians called up Travis Buck from Triple-A to replace Choo on the roster. Buck was hitting .323 over his last 10 games with two home runs and 11 RBI with a stolen base and will share time in the outfield with Austin Kearns.

With top prospect Dustin Ackley now in the major leagues and Adam Kennedy shifted to third base and performing well, Chone Figgins is going to see a reduction in playing time. Figgins is hitting .190 for the season and has stolen eight bases in 14 attempts, including just one stolen base since May 11th. Kennedy meanwhile is hitting .276 for the year with five home runs, 23 RBI and six steals.

Jim Thome was activated from the disabled list by the Minnesota Twins and should see action with home games next week against National League teams. Thome is hitting .237 for the season with four home runs and 12 RBI in 76 at bats.

National League:

Starting pitcher Roy Oswalt of the Philadelphia Phillies was placed on the disabled list this week which gvies Vance Worley value again in NL-only leagues and deeper mixed league formats. Worley tossed six shutout innings last night allowing one hit with four strikeouts and will start next Wednesday against Boston and John Lackey.

Starting pitcher Barry Zito returned from the disabled list for the San Francisco Giants and was replaced on the DL by Jonathan Sanchez. Zito had four rehab starts, working a total of 28 2/3 innings with a .161 batting average against and 25 strikeouts. Zito will start on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.

Starting pitcher Homer Bailey is expected to return from the disabled list tomorrow and get the start against the Baltimore Orioles. He was not that great in three rehab starts at Triple-A alllowing nine runs in 13 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts.

To help set your pitching rotation for next week, check out the week 14, two start pitchers.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 14

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 25th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 14 of the major league baseball season, covering June 26 – July 3.

2 start pitchers week 14: the list below is focused on mixed leagues since in AL or NL only leagues in most cases you do not have the option to rotate starting pitchers with the smaller player pool. The pitchers below are listed in alphabetical order by team name per category.

American League:

Start them:

Josh Beckett (BOS) ~ @PHI (Lee), @HOU (Lyles)
Gio Gonzalez (OAK) ~ FLA (Vazquez), ARI (Kennedy)
Jeremy Hellickson (TB) ~ CIN (Leake), STL (Lohse)
C.J. Wilson (TEX) ~ @HOU (Lyles), FLA (Vazquez)

Roll the Dice:

Jake Arrieta (BAL) ~ STL (Lohse), @ATL
Max Scherzer (DET) ~ TOR (Stewart), SF (Bumgarner)
Ervin Santana (LAA) ~ WAS (Lannan), LAD (Billingsley)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) ~ LAD (Billingsley), MIL (Greinke)
Freddy Garcia (NYY) ~ MIL (Greinke), @NYM (Dickey)
Erik Bedard (SEA) ~ ATL (Beachy), SD (Latos)
Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR) ~ PIT (Correia), PHI (Lee)

Santana has taken four straight losses but deserved a better fate as the Angels scored only seven runs in those outings.
Reyes is 3-2 over his last five starts and has a slightly better WHIP at home for the season at 1.36 vs. 1.54 on the road.
Garcia has been one of the bigger surprises this season and has allowed three runs or less in six of his last seven starts.
Blackburn gets two home starts next week where he has a 2.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP vs. 3.72 and 1.31 on the road.
Scherzer has struggled over the last month and a half, allowing five runs or more in four of his six starts. Two starts at home will hopefully cures what ails him where he has a 3.20 ERA and 1.26 WHIP vs. 6.64 and 1.70 on the road. Arrieta is 3-1 over his last four starts and has allowed three runs or less in each of them.

Sit Them:

Mitch Talbot (CLE) ~ @ARI (Kennedy), @CIN (Leake)
Jeff Francis (KC) ~ @SD (Latos), @COL (Hammel)
Zach Stewart (TOR) ~  @DET (Scherzer), PHI (Halladay)

Average numbers a lack of strikeouts and a road start at Colorado are a good reason to avoid Francis in mixed league formats. Talbot has allowed seven home runs over his last four starts which has pushed his ERA three quarters of a run higher.

National League:

Start them:

Ian Kennedy (ARI) ~ CLE (Talbot), @OAK (Gonzalez)
Brandon Beachy (ATL) ~ @SEA (Bedard), BAL
Jhoulys Chacin (COL) ~ @CHC (Garza), KC (Hochevar)
Zack Greinke (MIL) ~ @NYY (Garcia), @MIN (Blackburn)
Cliff Lee (PHI) ~ BOS (Beckett), @TOR (Reyes)
Ryan Vogelsong (SF) ~ @CHC (Davis), @SEA (Bedard)
Kyle Lohse (STL) ~ @BAL (Arrieta), @TB (Hellickson)

Roll the Dice:

Matt Garza (CHC) ~ COL (Chacin), CWS (Danks)
Mike Leake (CIN) ~ @TB (Hellickson), CLE (Talbot)
Jason Hammel (COL) ~ CWS (Floyd), KC (Francis)
R.A. Dickey (NYM) ~ @DET (Porcello), NYY (Garcia)
Kevin Correia (PIT) ~ @TOR (Reyes), @WAS (Marquis)
Mat Latos (SD) ~ KC (Francis), @SEA (Bedard)
John Lannan (WAS) ~ @LAA (Santana), PIT

Latos had some trouble in his last two road starts allowing four runs in each outing at Boston and Colorado. Before those appearances, he had allowed seven runs in his previous four starts. Leake is 3-2 since returning to the Reds rotation on May 27th, allowing three runs or less in five of six starts. Garza gets two starts at Wrigley Field next week where he has a 3.75 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Correia should be happy getting back on the road next week where he has performed significantly better this season with a 2.34 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP vs. 5.61 and 1.45 at home. Dickey has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last five starts but only has one win to show for it.

Sit Them:

Doug Davis (CHC) ~ SF (Vogelsong), CWS (Humber)
Javier Vazquez (FLA) ~ @OAK (Gonzalez), @TEX (Wilson)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) ~ TEX (Wilson), BOS (Beckett)
Chad Billingsley (LAD) ~ @MIN (Blackburn), @LAA (Santana)

Tough to consider benching Billingsley as he was likely the first or second fantasy baseball start for some owners, but with a 8.53 ERA and 2.42 WHIP in June plus a 6.49 ERA and 1.84 WHIP on the road for the season, there is good reason to consider it. Two tough matchups for Lyles this week so if you have better or similar options I would reserve him.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 13

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 20th, 2011

Houston Astros relief pitcher Brandon Lyon will miss the rest of the season with an injury to his pitching arm that will require surgery. Mark Melancon figures to remain as closer for the rest of the season which gives him a nice bump in value for his owners. Melancon has picked up three saves in June giving him six for the season to go with a 1.62 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP ratio.

J.J. Putz has struggled in June for the Arizona Diamondbacks with three blown saves and opposing hitters are batting .310 against him, leading to a 6.43 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Whether you own Putz or not, I would be grabbing David Hernandez on your reserve if you are in need of saves.

Fernando Salas hit a bump in the road for the St. Louis Cardinals this past week blowing a save and taking a loss. Salas has a 5.79 ERA (thanks to two home runs this month) and a 1.07 WHIP in June. With Eduardo Sanchez on the disabled list, Mitchell Boggs could be back in the mix for some save chances if Salas struggles. Boggs has worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings since coming back from the minor leagues.

No issues so far for closer Andrew Bailey of the Oakland Athletics in his return from injury as he has been a perfect 4-for-4 in save chances. Bailey’s numbers for 2011 have been right in line with previous seasons.

Week 12 Closer Stats – American League Saves:

Matt Capps – 3
Andrew Bailey – 3
Jordan Walden – 2
Chris Perez – 2
Joakim Soria – 2

Week 12 Closer Stats – National League Saves:

Joel Hanrahan – 3
Francisco Cordero  – 3
Carlos Marmol – 2
Drew Storen – 2
Brian Wilson – 2

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 13

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 19th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 13 of the major league baseball season, covering June 20 – June 26. This looks like a trap week to me with so few quality pitching options for two start pitchers that some fantasy baseball owners might be tempted to start less quality options just in order to get an extra couple of starts. That is the quickest way to drop 6-10 points in pitching by going into the week with that kind of mindset.

2 start pitchers week 13: the list below is focused on mixed leagues since in AL or NL only leagues in most cases you do not have the option to rotate starting pitchers with the smaller player pool. The pitchers below are listed in alphabetical order by team name per category.

American League:

Start them:

Jered Weaver (LAA) ~ @FLA (Sanchez), @LAD (Kershaw)
Ricky Romero (TOR) ~ @ATL (Hudson), @STL (McClellan)

Roll the Dice:

Jake Arrieta (BAL) ~ @PIT (Morton), CIN (Cueto)
Gavin Floyd (CHW) ~ CHC (Zambrano), WAS (Hernandez)
Carl Pavano (MIN) ~ @SF (Bumgarner), @MIL (Narveson)
Josh Outman (OAK) ~ @NYM (Gee), @PHI (Halladay)
Doug Fister (SEA) ~ @WAS (Hernandez), @FLA (Sanchez)

Fister is 1-4 in his last five starts but has not pitched that badly, going at least 6 2/3 innings in each outing. Outman has been solid in four of his five starts though he gets two tough road starts next week. Pavano has allowed four runs over his last three starts, but has not fared well on the road this season with a 5,58 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Arrieta has won two of three starts in June, posting a 2.75 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP.

Sit Them:

Andrew Miller (BOS) ~ SD (LeBlanc), @PIT (Morton)
Luke Hochevar (KC) ~ ARI (Saunders), CHC (Zambrano)
Brad Penny (DET) ~ @LAD (Kershaw), ARI (Saunders)
Fausto Carmona (CLE) ~ COL (Nicasio), @SF (Bumgarner)
Ivan Nova (NYY) ~ @CIN (Cueto), COL (Nicasio)
Jeff Niemann (TB) ~ @MIL (Narveson), @HOU (Happ)
Derek Holland (TEX) ~ HOU (Happ), NYM (Gee)

Holland has been dreadful at home with a 6.68 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP vs. 3.72 and 1.33 on the road. He has also allowed four or more runs in four of his last five starts. Niemann is just coming back from the disabled list and was not pitching well before he was hurt so I woul dleave him reserved until he gets a few good starts under his belt. Yes, Nova has won two starts in a row but he always seems to have a blow up start every three to four outings and he has not had one in a while which means he is due to have one next week. Andrew Miller has been pitching well in Triple-A for the Red Sox, but there is no way I want two starts from him in a mixed league format. In an AL only league, I might be slightly tempted depending on the makeup of my staff.

National League:

Start them:

Johnny Cueto (CIN) ~ NYY (Nova), @BAL (Arrieta)
Anibal Sanchez (FLA) ~ LAA (Weaver), SEA (Fister)
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) ~ DET (Penny), LAA (Weaver)
Dillon Gee (NYM) ~ OAK (Outman), @TEX (Holland)
Roy Halladay (PHI) ~ @STL (McClellan), OAK (Outman)
Madison Bumgarner (SF) ~ MIN (Pavano), CLE (Carmona)

Roll the Dice:

Tim Hudson (ATL) ~ TOR (Romero), @SD (LeBlanc)
Carlos Zambrano (CHC) ~ @CWS (Floyd), @KC (Hochevar)
Juan Nicasio (COL) ~ @CLE (Carmona), @NYY (Nova)
Chris Narveson (MIL) ~ TB (Niemann), MIN (Pavano)
Charlie Morton (PIT) ~ BAL (Arrieta), BOS (Miller)
Wade LeBlanc (SD) ~ @BOS (Beckett), ATL (Hudson)
Kyle McClellan (STL) ~ PHI (Halladay), TOR (Romero)
Livan Hernandez (WAS) ~ SEA (Fister), @CWS (Floyd)

McClellan’s ERA has been trending the wrong direction since April and he gets two tough starts at home next week. He has not done as well at Busch Stadium where he has a 4.38 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP vs. 3.53 and 1.29 on the road. Hernandez’s win in his last outing was his first in his last nine starts, thanks to a lack of run supports as the team was shutout in four of his starts and in another the Nationals scored only one run. Zambrano has run hot and cold this season. He is winless in his last four starts but had been pitching well before allowing 12 runs in his last 12 1/3 innings.

Sit Them:

Joe Saunders (ARI) ~ @KC (Hochevar), @DET (Penny)
J.A. Happ (HOU) ~ @TEX (Holland), TB (Niemann)

Happ is winless since May 14th, in large part due to control issues and a lack of run support. Happ has not gone seven innings in an outing since April 15th of this year.

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Fantasy Baseball Trends – Week 12

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 16th, 2011

If you are a stat junkie in fantasy baseball, then you know that digging a little deeper inside the numbers can often lead to making better decisions when it comes to managing your roster on a weekly basis. Far too often fantasy baseball owners look only at the numbers for year to date or the standings for the year and never spend any time looking at recent performance or forecasting numbers for the rest of the season. With that in mind, here is a look at some interesting stats from the last 30 days.

At bats: Corey Patterson (TOR)  – 121

Patterson looks like he is going to be sticking around in the Blue Jays lineup for awhile this season. He is hitting .281 over his last 28 games with three home runs, 10 RBI and four stolen bases. Projecting him out for the entire season, he is looking at roughly 10-12 home runs and 20-25 steals which is not bad for a guy that was claimed from waivers in most leagues.

Runs: Curtis Granderson (NYY) – 30

Granderson has been averaging more than a run scored per game over the last month, thanks to his batting average which is currently 40 points higher than last season plus he has seven home runs during that stretch. Granderson is already only three home runs behind his total from last season in 206 less at bats, plus it looks like he is headed for 20 steals in 2011.

Home runs: Matt Kemp (LAD), Mark Teixeira (NYY) – 12

Kemp is hitting .358 over his last 27 games with 12 home runs and 28 RBI plus four steals. Add in six doubles and a triple and he is slugging 200 points higher than Teixeira despite the same number of home runs. Kemp is currently on pace for a 40+ home run, 30+ steal season, despite already setting a career-high with nine intentional walks. Teixeira is mired in the .250s for batting average again but has boosted his home run output with 21 for the season and looks to be headed for another 120+ RBI year.

RBI: Teixeira 31, Kemp 28, Michael Morse 26.

The interesting name at the top of the list is Michael Morse who has taken off since taking over at first base for the Washington Nationals with Adam LaRoche sidelined due to injury. Morse has eight home runs and 26 RBI in his last 96 at bats while hitting .354.

Steals: Michael Bourn (HOU) – 15

Bourn has stolen 15 bases in 17 attempts in his last 28 games while hitting .304. He should be right between 55-60 steals by the end of the season which is impressive. His nine stolen bases halfway through June is the same amount he had for the entire month of May.

Walks: Jose Bautista (TOR) – 27

For those that doubted the power of Jose Bautista in 2011, opposing pitchers seem to be buying into the theory as he leads the league in walks over the last 30 days. Bautista has a ridiculous .486 on base percentage for the season thanks to 62 walks, including 10 intentionally.

Batting Average (min 75 at bats): Jose Reyes (NYM) – .405, Hunter Pence (HOU) – .386, Andrew McCutchen (PIT) – .379, Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) – .376, Matt Kemo (LAD) – .358

On the flip side of some of the guys that are crushing the ball are those players that are struggling to get base hits. Again these numbers are based on a minimum of 75 at bats over the last 30 days.

Dan Uggla (ATL) – .133, 22 strikeouts in 90 at bats
Chone Figgins (SEA) – .157, one stolen base
B.J. Upton (TB) – .161, 28 strikeouts in 87 at bats
Adam Dunn (CHW) – .167, 36 strikeouts in 78 at bats
Casey McGehee (MIL) – .170, one home run, eight RBI in 100 at bats

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 12

Posted by Tony Mancini on June 15th, 2011

The waiver wire for week 12 contains a few surprising names including some throw back names you may recognize if you have been playing fantasy baseball for a few years.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

SP - Jeff Karstens (PIT) Karstens has quietly had a very good season so far with a 4-4 record, a 2.66 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He is a good starting option against the right opponent and with his next start against the Cleveland Indians this weekend, he looks like a good play.

American League:

SP – Carlos Villanueva (TOR) – Villanueva has been a great surprise for the Toronto Blue Jays since moving into the starting rotation. In five starts, Villanueva has picked up four wins and has a 3.25 ERA and 1.04 WHIP for the season.

OF – Andy Dirks (DET) – I’ve been hesitant to mention Dirks for a few weeks since I felt he was going to only be up with the Detroit Tigers until Magglio Ordonez was activated from the disabled list. Detroit now has a platoon situation with Dirks, Ordonez and Casper Wells in the outfield. Dirks is hitting .258 with three home runs and nine RBI andcan be a nice fifth outfielder on your AL-only squad.

SP – Andrew Miller (BOS) – Rumors are circulating that Miller will be called up next week to join the Boston Red Sox rotation. Miller has an opt out clause in his minor league contract as of today and seems to be willing to give the Red Sox until next week to make a decision on his future services. Miller has pitched well in Triple-A with a 2.47 ERA and struck out 10 batters in just over five innings in his last start.

SP – Brian Gordon (NYY) – This is a true flier. Gordon is a converted outfielder and with the New York Yankees desperate for starting pitching help, Gordon is going to get the start on Thursday. Gordon was with the Phillies Triple-A affiliate earlier this year throwing 55 1/3  innings with 56 strikeouts and a 1.14 ERA.

National League:

OF – Charlie Blackmon (COL) – Blackmon is filling in while Dexter Fowler is on the disabled list. With the way Fowler was hitting over the last six weeks, Blackmon has a real chance to show what he can do and stick around even when Fowler is ready to be activated. In eight games with the Colorado Rockies, Blackmon is hitting .290 with three RBI and four stolen bases. Prior to getting called up, Blackmon was hitting .342 with 10 home runs, 49 RBI and 12 steals.

SP - Juan Nicasio (COL) – Nicasio has pitched well for the Rockies since being recalled from Double-A.  In four starts, he is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA with 15 strikeouts. He is a good situational match-up player to have and with the Indians coming up, I would use him.

2B/SS - Ruben Tejada (NYM) – Tejada is a great stop gap to fill your roster if you have a hurt middle infielder on your team. Tejada is hitting .312 with nine RBI in 84 at-bats. There isn’t much upside but he’s not going to hurt your team either. Tejada played 28 games at short and 50 at second last year, so he qualifies at several spots in the infield.

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